Kids Furniture Ideas

When investing in furniture for your kids, there are a few things to keep in mind: durability, adaptability and fun. Kids' interests change quickly and they grow just about as fast, so it's important to shop smart. Most kids only need a bed, dresser and a desk with a chair.

When shopping for kids' furniture, durability is very important. Kids play rough, and it's best to buy sturdy furniture, even if you have girls. You want something that's going to last. Even if your children don't share a room, a bunk bed is nice, because it gives them a place for friends when they spend the night. It can also make a great place to store things. Bunk beds are usually built better, as they are meant to hold up to years of climbing in and out of them.

Adaptability is also a good thing to keep in mind when buying furniture. Will it grow with your child? There are many convertible cribs that can be made into toddler beds, day beds and a twin bed, with a couple support braces and a mattress. This is something your child could use for years.

Dressers are pretty basic, but to add fun to the room, buy a used dresser at a yard sale, strip it, and paint it solid color. Then you can get stencils, decals or stickers and let your child decorate it to fit their taste. It can be a fun project. When their taste changes, strip it again, and start over. It can even be stained when they are older, and prefer a more grown-up style.

Fun is important to kids. There are many imaginative furniture styles, such as beds shaped like cars or other things. The problem with these is that the child outgrows them quickly. There are other ways to incorporate fun, by getting bright bedding and other accessories that are less expensive and easily changed.

Borrow an idea from college students that is also a space saver: build a loft. This gives more room for a play area and a desk, which can be built into one end of the bed. Shelves can also be added easily, using brackets and boards, creating more storage space.

Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. If you are looking for Bedroom Decorating Ideas, or need to Baby Nursery Ideas make sure you visit http://www.busy-moms-online.comAlisun Blog48559
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Auto Repair Insurance: Extended Warranties Myths And Facts

How much insurance does one need? You have the big four: home, health, life, and car insurance. Then theres a second category, which starts getting a little hazy with credit card insurance, purchase protection plans, fraud insurance and more. Extended warranties, also called extended service contracts, or extended service policies fall into the mist of this second category.

Extended warranties are supposed to pay (in full or in part) for specified repairs for a specific period of time after the expiration of the factory warranty. They can be a great value. They can also be a significant waste of money. It gets quite foggy in the details. What exactly is covered? How long? How much? Are there hidden charges?

There are numerous extended warranty companies and an even wider variety of warranty packages available: silver, gold, platinum, platinum-plus, and a host of other confidence-building words. Whats the best plan, and are extended service contracts worth the money? Extended warranties, like life insurance policies, are a numbers game. Theyre a gamble. You pay $2500-$4500 for a 2 year, 100,000-mile protection plan and hope that you get at least that back in warranty repairs. The provider on the other hand, hopes to pay out less than it insured.

There are three major types of plan providers: The manufacturer, the dealership/third party, and third party providers. Each one has its assets and liabilities (discussed ahead).

What exactly is covered in an extended service plan? As mentioned above, whats covered depends on the package purchased. Some plans only cover the power train: the mechanical components of the engine, transmission, and rear-end. Others cover the power train plus some electrical components. Still others cover electrical, advanced electrical, and computer components. Some only cover whats listed in the contract. This is called a Stated or Named contract. This means that if its not stated, its not covered. Some cover bumper-to-bumper, similar to a manufacturer warranty, except trim pieces, upholstery, exterior components, cosmetic items, and a number of other exclusions.

Never before has the adage, The devils in the details, been so applicable.

Manufacturer Extended Plans:
Extended service plans from the manufacturer are the best in terms of coverage, convenience, and quality. Coverage is similar to the warranty while the vehicle was under its original factory warrantywith similar exclusions stated above. The billing is direct, meaning you dont have to pay out-of-pocket, except for a deductible, if applicable. Quality is great too, as an extended warranty from the manufacturer will only use factory parts. They also have money, so theres less risk of bankruptcy.

The down side of manufacturer extended service plans is that they are not cheap. These plans are generally the most expensive, require low mileage standards, and necessitate servicing your vehicle at a dealer for coverage.

Dealership/Third Party Plans:
Extended warranties from a dealership are actually from a third party insurer. These providers are generally reputable, but not always. However, if there is an issue (such as the warranty provider filing chapter 11, which is quite frequent in the extended service contract business), the dealer may step in to cover any repairs that would have been covered under the defunct plan. Also, claims are easier: billing is direct because the dealership has a working relationship with the provider, and there is usually agreement on price.

Some dealers set up their own internal extended warranty, which is honored by the selling dealer. This is rare, and should not be confused with a manufacturer warranty. Important: extended warranties are often passed off as manufacturer warranties. Theyre not. This is a sales trick. Also be aware that there is a significant mark up, as the dealership is merely acting as the middle man. Lastly, extended warranty companies often go bankrupt without warning.

Third Party Plans:
These plans are called third party plans because they are outside the responsibility of the manufacturer and the service center performing the repairs (unless theres a working relationship with a repair shop as stated above).

There are hundreds of extended service contract companies. Some have good reputations, some dont. Third party plans are frequently sold by used car dealers. You may also receive an official looking notification in the mail stating that your warranty is expiring, and directing you to call an 800 number ASAP. This is a marketing tactic by an independent warranty provider. Despite the official appearance of the postcard or envelope, its not from the manufacturer. Manufacturers do not send out reminders about warranty expirations.

Given the wide-variety of third party plans there are numerous red flags.

1) Claims: Extended warranty companies will be quick to tell you that filing claims is easy, and that the service center gets paid immediately via a credit card. Thus, theres no out-of-pocket expense for you. However, the warranty company cant dictate a service centers policies. Some service centers will only accept payment from the repair customer. Thus the burden is on the repair customer to fill out the forms, contact their warranty company, and await reimbursement via check, which can take 2-8 weeks.

It is the service centers responsibility to contact the extended warranty company to let them know whats wrong with the vehicle and to check coverage. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 days, sometimes more, depending on the degree of repairs and especially the amount. (See $1000 and Adjusters ahead)

Service centers and extended warranty companies frequently battle over the fair price of repairs. Many repair shops no longer negotiate, and just state the price, leaving the contract holder (i.e., the service customer) responsible for the difference.

2) Rentals: Rental coverage is a great benefit. However, there are fixed rates and time limits. In other words, the warranty company is not going to pay to have you drive a Mercedes-Benz, even if you drive a Benz. Rental allowances range from $25 to $35 per day. Also, rental coverage is based on the number of hours it takes to repair the vehicle, NOT how long your car has been at the shop.

3) $1000 and Adjusters: Repairs that approach $1000, or that require a significant amount of work, will be cause for the warranty company to call in an adjuster to confirm the diagnosis. This will delay the repairs by a minimum of 24-48 hours. It may cost you additional money when an adjuster is involved. You may be charged to have your vehicle pulled back into the shop for inspection, as well as for the time spent with the adjuster.

4) Tear-down Charges: In many cases, an extended warranty company will require that a particular component be taken apart for inspection to determine if the repair is indeed needed and covered. This puts the service customer in a very awkward position. The customer will have to authorize potentially hundreds of dollars of tear-down expense in the hopes that the repair is covered. If its not, the customer is out the hundreds in tear-down PLUS the actual repair. This does happen!

Common Myths:

1) "Extended warranties cover maintenance services and brake work."

No. Extended warranty plans do not cover maintenance or wearable items. Brake pads and rotors are wearable parts. Maintenance such as coolant, brake and transmission flushes, tune-ups, services, oil changes, bulbs, wipers, and more are not covered.

2) "They told me its bumper-to-bumper, so it covers everything right?"

Wrong. Not even a factory warranty covers everything. When pitching the sale for the extended warranty, one is very often lead to believe that he or she will have nothing to worry about. This is just not true on so many levels. For example, if your bumper falls off its not covered.

3) "I dont have to pay anything, right?"

Wrong. Despite the claims of 100% coverage, there are many factors involved. The labor rates, labor hours, diagnostic times, parts prices, and machine work are just a few items that often conflict with a service centers policies. Some extended contracts only pay a maximum of $55 per hour, and only allow one half hour for diagnostic time. This is generally unacceptable to the service center, as labor rates have skyrocketed to over $100 per hour at many dealerships, and average $75 at local shops. Moreover, with the complexity of todays vehicles, diagnostic time is at a premium. The customer pays the difference.

4) "If I have an expensive problem, I can just purchase an extended service contract."

Its unethical, but its an option many attempt. However, most service contracts have a minimum time requirement before the first claim can be filed: usually three months. Also, many contracts require that your vehicle be inspected by a service center to check for pre-existing conditionsjust like life insurance.

5) "My contract lasts up to 100,000 miles."

Only if the time limit doesnt run out first. All extended warranty plans have a time limit. For example, a typical contract will state that the vehicle is covered for two years or 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. During the sales pitch, however, the emphasis will be on the 100,000 miles, not the time.

6) "If my car breaks, it gets fixed like new."
Actually, depending on the contract, an extended warranty company can insist on installing remanufactured or even used parts.

Items commonly not covered by extended warranties:
Any component with a pre-existing condition
Any component related to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
Many components that has been updated by the manufacturer
Extra components necessary due to manufacturer updates to complete the repair
Trim pieces: molding, cup holders, dashboard, console, body parts, glass
Many accessories: radios, DVD players, TVs
Many expensive electronics: climate control units, navigation assemblies

Service contract positives:
Some service contracts are transferable, and may thus increase the resale value of a vehicle. Many come with trip interruption reimbursement, towing and 24-hour road side. Some plans can also be financed, or have E-Z Pay Plans. Others offer a money-back guarantee.

What should you do?
Youll get lots of advice about doing the research, comparing plans, and reading the fine print. This is all sound advice. But what about doing the math?

Lets say a plan costs $2500 for 2 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. To break even youll need a minimum of $1250 per year in covered repairs, excluding regular maintenance. Remember covered is the vital word here.

Another way to break it down is to anticipate having to pay $104.17 per month over the next two years in covered repairs. Do you want to take that bet?

What could happen?
You could double your money or more in repair work. You could conceivably get a new engine and transmission (or used ones anyway). You could also easily spend $2500 for a service contract, and still have to pay another $2500 for repairs, which for a variety of reasons, were not covered under your plan. Now youre out $5000.

Alternatively, you could keep the initial $2500. In many ways all an extended warranty does is prepay for repairs. You could stick the money in the bank and collect interest. Then you could withdraw the money for repairs as needed.

Another consideration thats rarely discussed is the cause of the problems. Many car repairs problems are the result of wear and tear, neglected maintenance, physical damage, or acts of Godsuch as flood damage. None of this is covered. The gamble only covers failed components.

If the vehicle youre driving does cost $2500 to $4500 in repairs due to outright failed components, is it a vehicle you even want to consider keeping? A vehicle that needs this kind of repair work due to mechanical, electrical, or computer failures may not be worth it. The $2500-$4500 would be better spent on an upgrade to a quality vehicle rather than insuring a lemon.

Theres no question that auto repair is expensive, and even quality cars break from time to time. But do they breakdown to the tune of $2500-$4500? Thats a hefty bet on a possibility.

Terence OHara from the Washington Post makes an excellent assessment about extended warranties in general. He writes:

extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gainthe gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

Whats the best plan?
Money in your bank account!

Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry. RepairTrust Fair http://www.repairtrust.com/Bridie Blog68772
Beatrix Blog2626

Who On Earth Needs Life Insurance On Their Children?

Many people have asked me lately about life insurance for their children or grandchildren.

Let me PREFACE this message by stating that kids DON'T NEED life insurance SINCE nobody is depending upon their income to make ends meet, unless perhaps they are a child TV or movie star. And this is certainly not a subject to dwell on...

But here are a couple of reasons why many parents like to have life insurance on their children that may be worth considering.

I'll also give you some general QUOTES HERE on various children's policies and different ideas to consider.

One reason some parents are interested in insuring the lives of their children is to protect against the HIGH cost of final expenses. Many couples, especially those just starting out, could not afford to pay these costs from savings.

But more importantly, most parents couldn't afford to take the weeks off from work for a natural grieving period. Insurance could allow time for this from a financial perspective. As a parent myself, I couldn't imagine going right back to work, but without life insurance proceeds, one may have to.

Another reason many parents and especially grandparents insure children, is to guarantee at least some future insurability if there is ever an adverse change of health.

Since life insurance on children isn't exactly necessary, you have to admit it is PRICED right. Here are a few painless ways to handle it.

One plan is available for children ages 1 month through 20 years old. It is a fixed $20,000 death benefit (no more or less).

The cost for a policy like this might be just $72 per year per child (or $6/month) and covers them through no older than age 25.

IF DESIRED, the policy can be continued for the rest of the child's life at a cost of $232/year ($21/month) and the policy will begin to accumulate cash value.

Another idea: there are some term insurance policies that a parent can buy on themselves ALONG with a RIDER which can insure ALL children in the household (15 days to age 19).

A "rider" is just an optional add-on to a policy. Most life insurance policies have at least one or more riders that are available that make the life insurance policy better in some way.

Once bought, the kid's rider (coverage) will terminate at age 25 or date of marriage -- whichever occurs first. So the children would be covered through that time.

The price of this rider for ALL kids COMBINED (again as part of a parents policy) costs about $6 per year for each $1,000 of coverage. For example, if you wanted $10,000 on each of your kids and you had two children, the total cost would be $60 per year (10 times $6). It would cost exactly the same if you had six children.

The parent must buy a policy on themselves covering as little as $5,000 with a whole life policy, or $100,000 on a term policy, in order to get the kid's rider. Each insurance company may have a similar option -- or may not.

The children's rider cost (above) is simply added to the parent's policy.

A third alternative is just buying a permanent (cash value) life policy on the child. Policies can be issued from age 1 month through 25 for as little as $5,000 coverage up to $100,000.

For example, a $50,000 policy on 10 year old might cost $279/ year to guarantee that death benefit to age 100 and build an equal cash value at that time.

However, one could also "turbo-charge" that idea.

When properly set up, a cash value insurance policy could act as a "bank" for the child as they grow up.

When structured to build cash value, instead of providing a death benefit, a properly designed life insurance policy can be a great place for tax-free savings.

The growing cash inside of the policy could be "borrowed" to pay for college, provide a down payment for a first home. In effect the child would be "borrowing" from themselves.

Or the right policy design could even give the child a source of tax-free retirement income. That's right. Think of it as a ROTH IRA on steroids.

But that is a topic for another article.

By the way, all of the quotes above are from A+ carriers (rated by AM Best where A++ is the only higher rating attainable) and are only included to serve as a guideline. Life insurance quotes are based on many factors, so help from a professional independent agent is important.

So in summation, I hope that the idea of insuring a child's life is no longer repulsive. There ARE valid reasons to do so. although it would hardly be a financial planning priority.

Since 1997, Mark J. Orr, a Certified Financial Planner, has helped hundreds plan for more financial success through powerful strategies and advice. To get 101 FREE Financial Planning Tips and to Register for his complementary e-newsletter, simply go to: http://www.SmartFinancialTips.comAnnnora Blog65551
Aurie Blog89741

Proper Ways to Clean Jewelry

Remember the dazzling, sparkling look of your favorite piece of jewelry when it was first purchased? Keeping that beautiful look is very easy with a little loving care and proper cleaning.

There are several ways to clean your jewelry. Gentle jewelry soap is marketed for regular cleaning and should probably be the first choice for lightly soiled jewelry. After soaking the jewelry a few minutes in the soap, rinse and pat dry. A gentle rub with a Jewelry Polishing Cloth will complete the Beauty Treatment.

Sonic wave machines are widely used by jewelry stores and are available in commercial sizes as well as small, compact units for home use. The process uses sonic wave action in appropriate liquid cleaner to professionally clean gold, diamonds and other jewelry items. A very small battery operated model is also available. It can sit on a bathroom counter, barely noticeable, for convenient and frequent use.

Small jars of liquid cleaner are available for every type of jewelry including gold, silver, diamonds and gemstones as well as a very delicate formula for pearls. The jars come with a little basket inside to soak the jewelry pieces. Some of them even have a soft brush to clean heavily soiled areas. The correct formula should be used for the type jewelry being cleaned.

A new product on the market, a moist wipe, is excellent for pearls. It can be used to wipe pearls to remove body oil after every wearing. This is highly recommended to protect valuable pearls.

Ammonia, caustics or abrasives should never be used on any jewelry. When a brush is used, it should be especially made for that purpose. Drains should be closed or covered when rinsing jewelry under a faucet. Failure to use special care can seriously damage jewelry.

Jewelry is an excellent and often expensive investment. With proper care, it will be beautiful for many years to come and most likely increase in value.

When shopping for gold and diamonds, the name to remember is www.normasfinejewelry.com. Normas has many beautiful jewelry items at 40% to 60% less than the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price every day. If you are shopping for jewelry, be sure to see the 100s of choices at Normas. There is no need to wait for a sale or fight the Mall traffic. Norma welcomes you and every order will receive her personal attention.

Norma Stefanik is writer and Senior Administrator for Norma's Fine Jewelry. You may see her beautiful collection by visiting http://www.normasfinejewelry.com.Cathrine Blog81780
Barbie Blog33577

Domain Name Portfolio Announced For Sale

A powerful real estate domain name portfolio composed of all 50 U.S. state names is for sale. The announcement of the portfolio was made by the developer of Housing Predictor.com, an information driven web site, which provides more than 250 local housing market forecasts in all 50 states.

Its been said to be one of the richest domain name portfolios to ever come along, and it even includes Washington D.C. as a bonus. Every name in this premium collection starts with the word Find, followed by each state name, and ends in Houses.com like FindFloridaHouses.com. All of the domains are currently in use on the web and may be accessed online.

Real estate is one of the top five topics visitors search for on the Internet, and the purchaser of this real estate domain name portfolio will be able to write their own ticket.

A prototype program to market real estate in the next generation is already quietly underway in Florida. Crews are out collecting video of each and every major city in Florida to show the exterior of homes. Eventually its clearly the way real estate will be marketed and sold almost without a need to visit a home. Studies show 80% of all buyers and sellers of real estate now go to the Internet first to conduct research and view listings.

This real estate domain name portfolio, which is composed of all 50 U.S. state names, could be used to explode innovative real estate marketing on the net like never before.

Names like this dont come along every day and they offer endless possibilities. They will provide the new owner the competitive edge in today's new world of marketing. Netscape now estimates there are more than100 million web sites on the Internet, and the web is growing like never before.

This domain name portfolio could be a network of sites providing the search for real estate listings in every state of the nation. It might be developed into a video streaming network, providing high tech tours outside in the neighborhoods and provide a virtual tour of the inside of the home with a sound track narrated by a broadcast professional.

As web 2.0 becomes more and more a part of the Internet the possibilities are countless. For more information on this domain name portfolio visit http://www.EzRealEstateReferrals.com

Mike Colpitts is the Editor of Housing Predictor, which forecasts local housing markets in all 50 U.S. states. To check on your market visit http://www.HousingPredictor.comCacilie Blog68589
Celestia Blog32716

Jewelry Basics: Getting The Best Fit Possible

When you shop for jewelry, its important to look for more than just the latest trend or the piece with the smallest price tag. While both style and price are important, its also essential that you choose the best fit for your body. This article is designed to show you how.

Determining Your Ring Size

If you dont already know your ring size, dont fret. The process is simple and, best of all, it will only take a few moments of your time. Your first step is to cut a strip of paper thats approximately 5" in length and 1" in width. Next, take the strip of paper and wrap it around the finger that you want to size. Using a pen, mark the point on the paper where the ends meet. Next, take a ruler and measure the distance from the edge of the paper to your pen mark and compare it to the list below:

* If your finger measures 1-7/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 4
* If your finger measures 2" in circumference, you should wear a size 5
* If your finger measures 2-1/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 6
* If your finger measures 2-1/4" in circumference, you should wear a size 7
* If your finger measures 2-3/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 8
* If your finger measures 2-1/2" in circumference, you should wear a size 9

As a general rule, each 1/8" in circumference translates into one full ring size. Using this simple method, you can easily discover the size for any finger on your hand.

Choosing The Perfect Clasp

There are many different types of clasps, including lobster claw, spring ring, toggle, slide insert safety, magnetic, etc. Whether you are choosing a necklace, bracelet or even an anklet, its important to know which clasp will work best for you.

A spring ring clasp is the smallest of all clasps and is typically reserved for fine link chains. This type of clasp is not recommended for heavier weight jewelry, unless it is an oversized spring ring thats capable of supporting the chains weight.

A lobster claw clasp is one of the more popular clasps for use on jewelry of substance. Its fairly easy to open and is a stronger variation of the spring ring clasp. A lobster claw clasp may cost a little more than a spring ring clasp, but you will have the benefit of added peace of mind for your heavier jewelry.

A magnetic clasp is just as it sounds - a clasp that attaches with the help of a magnet. This is one of the easiest and most popular designs in jewelry today. Its simple, effortless design is ideal for anyone whose in a hurry and doesnt have time to fuss with a clasp, or for anyone who has trouble with traditional clasps. Even if your jewelry doesnt already have a magnetic clasp, many manufacturers offer extenders that attach to either a spring ring or lobster claw in order to convert your otherwise traditional clasp into a magnetic clasp.

Necklace Knowhow

When shopping for a necklace, its important to choose the right length for your intended wear. For instance, a shorter 16" of 17" necklace is ideal for a blouse or dress with a lower neckline. This allows for your jewelry to be showcased without getting tangled up in your outfit. If you are wearing a turtleneck, an 18" to 24" necklace will be perfect for showcasing your favorite pendants without getting lost in the fold of your sweater.

If you find yourself in a situation where you simply dont have the right length for your outfit, consider purchasing an extender to add some length to your necklace. If what you need, on the other hand, is a shorter length, it may be possible depending on your style of necklace. A rolo chain, for instance, can easily be shortened by simply fastening the clasp into one of the links to make the necklace shorter.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal thats designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.

Melanie SparkCandace Blog15085
Celene Blog64052

Advantages of Online Card Games

Even though I am a huge fan of playing cards, I cannot set aside an evening to play poker with my friends and family because we all have very busy schedules. I miss those evenings when we played poker for hours. Nothing can be compared with sitting down with your friends for a lovely evening of cards, remembering old times and funny memories, drinking a few beers and having some snacks. Personally I find this the best way to enjoy my friends. However, when this is not possible, then I turn to playing online card games, my second favorite activity.

Playing online card game is really easy, you don't have to call your friends and try to arrange a convenient time and place for everyone to get together and play poker. When playing online, you sign in and then you just get started, everyone is already there, you have virtual cards and a virtual table, as well. Everything is redistributed, cheating is impossible and all you have to do is sit down and play the hand. When you get bored, you are free to go or you could change the table. There are even people who can play two or three online card games at the same time. I can only admire such dedication.

When playing online, you can still make some new friends. Online card games have the opportunity for text conversation, so you can talk to the people you are playing with. Using this chat is great because you are not face to face and you don't get nervous about meeting strangers. Moreover, you can pretend to be someone you are not and no one will question you. If you start feeling uncomfortable or you get bored with the game, you can leave whenever you want. Playing online card games has the advantages of face-to-face card playing without the disadvantage of commitment and effort. However, no matter how good online card games might be, nothing is better than a nice poker night with your old friends sharing memories and having a few drinks.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning computer software. Learn more at http://www.computersoftwareinfosite.com/computer-software/computer-software-information/advantages-of-online-card-games.htmlBarbabra Blog29307
Alfie Blog28114

Remarrying Your Ex

Most of the divorced individuals would hesitate even to think of it for a while. They straightaway reject the option by saying that they do not have that much kindness to forgive the past. They feel it as a waste of time and that their energy could be spent on creating a new relationship and new love with someone else. However, some other people would feel the affection for their partner only in their absence. They might not have realised what they had so far, till it vanished. Divorce might not be an obstacle for them to get together. Rather than dwelling on the past, they will focus on the future with expectations by forgetting the past bitterness. Society accepts either way. Let us analyse the pros and cons involved in remarrying the former partner.

Before persons are proceeding ahead for a rematch with the same player, they should be capable of removing all blots of distresses and hatred caused by them earlier. The persons should have the feeling that they cannot get on with life without the other person. If they love their former partners even after the trauma caused by them and if they feel that they miss them, then trust and forgiveness should be rebuilt on both the sides. Period of separation would definitely have a strong influence on both the parties. That period would allow them to rethink of each other. When the person is no more with them, the loneliness might kindle the thoughts about their ex. They might regret their decision of seeking divorce. In those cases, especially when both the persons are in the same wavelength, then, remarriage can be thought of.

There are ample precedents for the cases of people who had divorced and decided to get back together again. There might be a variety of reasons such as having children, traditional or religious compulsions, taxes or handling property and bills for their remarriage. It is not difficult to restore the marital life after a divorce. As a matter of fact, it can be done any number of times. However, one should be very much sure that the rejoining will definitely help them in a positive way and their relationship will continue for a long time. They both should sit down and discuss the reasons which caused the divorce between them. They should figure out solutions for those problems. They both should be sure that they are now compatible and manageable.

One of the major mistakes which most of the remarried couples commit is that they would forget why they had divorced. Owing to emotional disturbances and loneliness they would like to get together again. Unfortunately, very soon they will rediscover that nothing has changed between them. A mistake should not be committed twice. Wise people always learn from others mistakes and ordinary people too should have the capacity to learn from their mistakes rather than repeating the same.

We can quote many precedents even from a list of celebrities who had remarried and redivorced. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met on the sets of Cleopatra and they got married in 1964. They both were together for nearly 10 years and the most popular duo that travelled all over the world was the cynosure of all the eyes. They were the worlds best-known celebrity couple. Though their separation hit the headlines all over the world, they remarried and also redivorced in 1976.

Melanie Griffith, a veteran actress, was married to Don Johnson in 1976 and, after thirteen years of gap, she got remarried to Johnson, but divorced again in 1996.

Rap star Eminem and Kimberly Mathers were first married in 1999 and, after two years of married life, they got divorced. At the time of their split there was a huge battle over the custodial issue of their daughter Hailie. However, after seven years, they got remarried but, as a sudden twist, they got divorced, but the only difference is that, for the second time, their married life lasted just three months.

These precedents have proved that remarriages are not worth attempting without analysing the past mistakes and rectifying them. The remarriage would not be considered a new marriage; rather it is like resuming the old marriage. Not many people are favouring the remarriage as per statistics provided by various research institutes, but a very few never fail to attempt it. The sincere advice to those couples is- do not rush into the relationship. Be patient and only if you have cent percent confidence, resume the relationship; otherwise you might regret the decisions taken in the sway of emotions.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on getting a Divorce see http://www.quickie-divorce.comCarmen Blog62201
Ardyce Blog22234

Ecommerce: Have Cart - Will Shop

In order for you to sell products or services online you will need a shopping cart application to facilitate ecommerce. While your customers simply want a way to make a purchase if they are interested in your product you will have already considered tough choices.

For Instance...

If you want a full solution for invoicing, statements, receipts and company financial history there are solutions that cover all of this with an application for a shopping cart that is tied to company financial data. One such company is COREsense based in New York. This service requires less redundant work because data entry on sales to a separate accounting software application is not required due to the full integration of financial data. For most companies this solution will fall outside normal budget constraints.

If you have no budget for a shopping cart, you have a couple of solutions that might work depending on your technical expertise. OSCommerce is available at no cost. This product is a fully customizable solution for a shopping cart, but it does require personal programming. In many cases netrepreneurs will hire a programmer to set this shopping cart up for them.

If you have no up front budget for a shopping cart PayPal makes one available at no cost, but they do retain a fee as well as a small commission on each sale. The power of PayPal may make this a trusted source for online transactions for your customers.

Yahoo and eBay provide shopping cart services at $30-40 per month and offers a few features unavailable with the low cost or no-cost checkout solutions.

There are other online solutions for cyber transactions with the tipping point based entirely on the size and needs of your online business. If you are a large company with thousands of online transactions, it may ultimately be less expensive to purchase a shopping cart system that requires a monthly fee. In the end, the fees and commissions associated with no cost carts could outpace a standard monthly fee from other ecommerce transaction solutions.

Your customers have a choice in where they shop online and you have a choice in how you manage online transactions. Spend some time checking out the services offered and how the fees will affect your bottom line both now and as your company grows.

As with all ecommerce sites, your business will not do well if it is difficult to checkout. Make sure the transaction solution you choose allow your clients to make a purchase easily. If the process if too difficult the prospect may bow out before the sale is complete.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with http://HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.comCathrine Blog81780
Astrix Blog50079

Feeding the Hungry Investor: Alternatives Top the Menu of Attractive Investment Options

Individual investors are hungry. Theyve got an appetite for strong returns and money to put where their mouths are. But, until recently, the new markets for alternative investing were as exclusive as Almas caviar, catering only to the tastes of high net worth and large institutional investors.

Fortunately, demand breeds action and fund management firms have responded. They have begun to adopt public structures to allow individual investors access to alternative investment opportunities.

Alternative Investments Defined

Alternative investments cut a broad swathe across a number of nonpublic categories, such as private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, commodities fund and so on. Typically open only to accredited investors who have a minimum of $1 million in net financial assets, over the past several years, alternatives have earned higher returns than public equity markets. That kind of outcome has understandably raised alternatives profile as an attractive investment option.

Its not surprising then, that large institutional investors and high net worth individuals have significantly increased their allocations into alternative investments. And, for the most part, they havent been disappointed. The evidence of public equity fund outperformance by alternatives, particularly in the private equity category, is impressive. According to the Greenwich-Van U.S. Hedge Fund Index and the Cambridge Associates Private Equity Index 3 Year Returns, U.S. Private Equity funds showed a 25% return, as compared to the nest highest Dow Jones Commodities Index with a slightly less than 15% return.

Reaping Returns, Driving Desires

Backed by clear evidence of strong overall returns, where the investment community once viewed alternatives with a good measure of skepticism, over the past decade, alternatives have gained favor as a viable investment option. According to the World Wealth Report 1997 2006, high net worth investors have more than doubled their allocations to alternatives over the past five years, which has further fueled the popularity of such investments, causing the average individual investor to clamor for their opportunity to get a seat at the table.

Whats more? Institutional investors have also seen equally dramatic results. According to Cambridge Consultants, the leading investment advisor to foundations, its clients allocations to alternative investments have increased from only five percent in 1991 to 25 percent in 2005. The significant increase has been driven by return performance. As foundations have discovered a boost in overall returns, it has buoyed their confidence in selecting alternatives as a viable piece of their investment mix.

In fact, in June 2006 The Chronicle of Endowments reported that as a result of higher allocations, larger foundations in particular earned returns that were more than 50 percent higher than those earned by small endowments Moreover, out of 130 endowments monitored, the highest returns were earned by those Yale, Amherst, Harvard and University of Michigan that had more than 40 percent of their assets in alternative investments.

Obstacles to Overcome

Sitting on the sidelines is not an enviable position for individual investors who must watch their high net worth brothers and sisters and high profile foundations reap the lip-smacking returns that alternatives offer. Yet, the restrictions are clear: the SEC prohibits individuals who do not qualify as accredited investors from investing in private opportunities.

Further, even those individuals who do qualify as accredited investors still face a few daunting obstacles:

High minimum investment amounts. Minimum investment amounts for established funds run anywhere from $5 million to $25 million and up. Such a substantial investment is typically too large for many high net worth investors.

Long tie-up periods and lack of liquidity. It is common for private equity and venture capital fund commitment periods to be as long as five to 10 years. Because individual investors often prefer to have access to their funds for instance to buy a house or pay for a college education they are generally reluctant to tie up capital for such long periods of time.

Fortunately, there is good news on the horizon. To address hurdles and restrictions that face both accredited and non-accredited individual investors, fund management firms have begun to adopt public structures that improve fund accessibility for more of the potential investor population.

New Strategies, New Options

Top among the emerging strategies, fund managers are pioneering new public structures that modify fund terms and conditions to improve accessibility for potential investors.

The most common strategy to date is to obtain a public listing through the formation of a business development company (BDC). In 1980, the U.S. Congress created the BDC structure to encourage the flow of public capital to private businesses. Of course, for governance and ethical oversight, BDCs must follow special rules, which include deriving more than 90 percent of their income from investment gains and loans, and then annually distributing at least that same percentage of income to shareholders.

By adopting the public structure, BDCs can sell their shares to the general public. Just as in buying shares in GE or IBM, there are no minimum net-worth or tie-up period requirements for investors. A testament to the effectiveness of the BDC model over the past decade alone, can be witnessed in the success of several mezzanine and debt BDCs, including American Capital, Gladstone Capital and Allied Capital. Through greater accessibility for individual investors and in turn boosting investor confidence these organizations experienced significant growth, reporting market capitalizations of several billion dollars each.

While the strategy has its proponents and has demonstrated success in the public equity arena the BDC model also has its drawbacks on the private equity side. In April 2004, based on foundation of $900 million, Apollo Investment became the first U.S. private equity fund to list a BDC. That move, triggered several additional private equity firms to file BCD formation requests with the SEC. The surge in interest however, quickly waned, and due to lack of investor demand, did not move forward. In response to the troubles facing private equity BDCs, Edwin Pease, a partner with the Boston law firm of Brown Rudnick noted, They became unmarketable because the initial investors in the offering had to shoulder the costs of the underwriting. It was flavor of the month, and it didnt catch on. (The New York Times, May 4, 2006).

Undaunted, firms have continued to seek means to allow individual investors to get into the high return investment game.

Consider the approach Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) took with its private equity fund. Rather than form a BDC, it took its fund public in May 2006, raising $5 billion (three times the original offering amount) on the Amsterdam exchange. Mark OHare, managing director for the London-based research firm Private Equity Intelligence, summed up the advantage for individual investors, [Previously], if you want[ed] to get into KKR, you [had to] to have $25 million, and [it was] locked in for 10 years. But, [now] to get into one of [KKRs] listed vehicles, you can buy shares tomorrow. It opens private equity up to a whole new group of investors. (The New York Times, May 4, 2006)

A third private equity option attractive to individual investors is the open-end structure model. Rather than creating a public fund, fund management firms marry the high returns from private equity investments with the more flexible terms of an open-end fund After much shorter tie-up periods (one to four years versus five to 10 years for a closed-end fund), investors have the ability to liquidate their holdings by selling their interests back to the fund. This option is gaining strength and visibility in the investment community. For example, Ospraie Management recently launched a $750 million hybrid fund that will make private equity investments with an open-end structure, and many others are following suit with investors responding very positively.

A Place at the Table

Clearly, individual investors are just as interested in earning higher returns as are institutional and high net worth investors. In fact, as the pool of potential investors deepens, it will behoove fund management firms to seek new means to involve individuals at a variety of levels.

The trend toward democratization in investing is a welcome one for individual investors. The recent moves to create public structures that allow investment into private companies have already proven their success and will be the impetus for yet more innovations in the fund markets. Indeed, it may not be long before we will need to coin a new phrase to describe the phenomenon that broadens investment opportunities perhaps most appropriately it shall be known as public-private equity. While seemingly contradictory on the surface, it is the entre that will feed hungry investors, creating the potential to allow them to take their place at the table of high returns.

Charles Mautz, is a senior managing director of fund management at Aequitas Capital Management, Inc. a private equity investment firm based in Portland, Oregon. A graduate of Harvard University, he has more than a decade of experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and business development for domestic and international firms. Aequitas provides integrated corporate advisory and commercial finance products and services to the middle market, energy, and healthcare sectors. Since 1993, it has structured and invested more than $1.5 billion in customized transactions. For more information about Aequitas, visit http://www.aequitascapital.com or call (503) 419-3500.Aura Blog7362
Bell Blog2308

SEO Best Practices: How Blogs Can Break Or Make Your Search Engine Optimization Strategy

Blogs - Structure and Layout

I work in the field of Search Engine Optimization. It has a wide range of options, from the technical to the more strategic. Tons of discussions are found on off-page and on-page factors, latent semantic analysis, content scope, quality, HTML/CSS development, site navigational structure, spamdexing, 301 redirects, plagiarism, link strategies, directories, blogs, search engine news, email marketing tips & online (internet) marketing. Most all of the top 10 SEO firms out there agree that blogs are a "must" for driving traffic and get established in the Internet community.

There is a right way, and a wrong way. We'll discuss these below.

Be warned - too many folks out there are thinking about "how to outbeat the search engines" and use the latest-and-greatest (blogs) to elevate their rankings, essentially via content and blog spam. Blogs are a powerful way to get seen by the search bots. Blogger (Google's own) is an important key to the puzzle, but there are many.

THE UN-OFFICIAL TOP 7 BLOGGING BEST PRACTICES FOR SEO

Start here, begin a quick review of the world's top blogs:
http://www.technorati.com/pop/blogs (the gorilla blog listings - updated daily)
http://www.problogger.net (this guy makes 16,000 USD / monthly)
http://microsaw.stikipad.com (web 2.0 blogs and news)

Get an account - it's free. log in - and - don't start!What? No, you must first continue by scanning the list above and get a sense for what people are writing about. This could be more generic at first, but start looking to yourself. What do you know? What do people come to you for? Anything that you specialize in? (Hint: don't think "how can I sell this" - but "how can I share this?") You'll also learn how to use trackback functions to allow other people to be notified. Permalinks are great for SEO and should be used where appropriate. So, now you learned something big: be yourself!

Think about an interesting headline. You don't need to be copywriter, but you should think about your headline and the topic at hand. More importantly, is it something that you are passionate about, or can contribute something to? It's ok to spend some time here, writer's block can come up. Think about other sites, can you re-write their UVP (unique value proposition)? How would you write yours (thinking theme here). What I've found to work is simply sit back and start talking as if you were discussing a (hot) topic with a friend, and then breaking it out into sub-groups from there.

Writing tips: casual, friendly and interesting (meaning you have something to write and you don't copy others) works well in blogs. Make sure you stay on topic and that you are truthful. Would you lie to your mother? Of course not - then think about this when you are writing online (and she will not come after you). Yahoo's blogging policy is a good one: "Be respectful of your colleagues, get your facts straight, provide context to your argument, and engage in private feedback."Also, make sure to include images (flickr) and video (youtube, google video) where you can. Make the images rich and colorful, don't worry about sizing too much.

Committment, persistence and disciplin. Sound like an extract from Jim Rohn or Anthony Robbins? Well, they probably are - but it applies to most of the things you do in life. So be it with blogging. Carve out 1/2-1 hour every day to nurture to your blog business. Think of it as your morning ritual - right after you have attended to your family and other duties. Plus, often you are not going to be in writing mode - but rather, maintenance mode - reviewing and responding to other blogger's input.

Search engines start picking up your blog, and traffic increases. Be prepared and if it gets out of hand, be able to manage that too. I'm not simply talking about traffic, but as others join and comment, you may need to defend your stance, including admitting mistakes if / when you make them. Folks appreciate other folks who are big enough to admit mistakes if it gets there.For example, you may have folks who don't like you - even if you're Bill Gates. This guy created a Corporate Weblog Manifesto that I found interesting.

Run and host your own blog service. More expensive, but this could have a large impact on your ability to control not only the content, but custom HTML layouts, code and information architecture that are important to search engines. You can offer this as a service to others in your niche market. http://businesslogs.com/ is a great resource to use for starting this process, and more hands-on development companies like http://www.leveltendesign.com/ can be an option for you. Keep in mind that the market has developed niche-companies, from real-estate to healthcare, and you should research those specifically.

If you have writer's block - make sure to read the next section, content is important for Search Engine Optimization - be on top of it.

How To Be Creative RE: Blogs (and SEO)

Here are some tips about being creative with blogs. Funny, but poignant.
(Taken from http://www.gapingvoid.com/)

Ignore everybody.

The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to change the world.

Put the hours in.

If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.

You are responsible for your own experience.

Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.

Keep your day job.

Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity.

Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.

The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.

Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.

If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.

Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.

Dying young is overrated.

The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.

The world is changing.

Merit can be bought. Passion can't.

Avoid the Watercooler Gang.

Sing in your own voice.

The choice of media is irrelevant.

Selling out is harder than it looks.

Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.

Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.

Don?t worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.

You have to find your own schtick.

Write from the heart.

The best way to get approval is not to need it.

Power is never given. Power is taken.

Whatever choice you make, The Devil gets his due eventually.

The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.

Remain frugal.

Voila - that's it, there you have it. Watch how the search engines will start picking up your content. You can run tools to see how you are ranking, how often you are showing up in the search engines. We like www.UrlTrends.com as a simple beginner starting point. However, it's not 100% accurate, other SEO tools can provide more detail.

Keep your content fresh, updates daily is preferred - and definitely once a week and your search engine marketing (which includes search engine optimization) will become more visible than it was just last week. Then, use http://pingomatic.com/ to alert search engines that you have made updates. It's a free service, and will help your visibility.

Jon Rognerud is a recognized authority on the subject of SEO, and has spent over 10 years developing websites and marketing solutions at companies like Overture and Yahoo. His Web 2.0 site, Los Angeles Search Marketing (http://www.microsaw.com), provides a wealth of informative articles, resources and complimentary email courses on everything you will ever need to know about SEO and Search Marketing. He lives with his family in Southern California.Caitlin Blog43751
Alexi Blog40950

Online Instructor - Is it for You?

The computer and internet age has pushed the envelope of traditional educational formats. Just a few years ago, Online education was a second thought, maybe not a thought at all, in the minds of traditional brick and mortar schools. Today, if an educational institution does not have online programs they are missing thousands of opportunities and dollars from traditional and non-traditional students.

With some extra time on my hands, I thought I would explore the world of online educators some easy extra money Right?

Wrong! Boy, did I have a lot to learn.

Let me share my journey to becoming an Online Instructor.

To begin the journey, I set criteria for selection 1. Must be an accredited school, regionally and national accreditation no diploma mills! 2. Offer degrees that match my skill and experience areas. 3. User friendly online education format. 4. Good record of accomplishment in online education good reviews from students/peers. 5. A quality training and/or orientation program for new instructors.

From these starting points, I performed web searches and identified six potential schools. By visiting their web sites, I discovered a wealth of information regarding the schools, accreditation and online degrees offered. Next, searches included using the schools name and various criteria e.g. satisfaction, alumni, etc. These queries revealed web sites and blogs dedicated to specific topics on the subject of the school. Some were positive sites; others were dissatisfied students with an axe to grind.

The next step involved telephone contacts. Making contact with the schools online experts was a challenge most referrals were to a website or email account. At two schools, I actually spoke to a live person! (This added some points to their score!)

With information assembled I was now ready to move forward to the application process. The information packages requested were very similar in nature for each school. They included, a detailed educational history, including submission of college and graduate school transcripts, detailed work history resume and any experiences in teaching/training of adult learners. Three references, preferably from academics were the expected norm. (Its been so long for me, most of my professors are retired or no longer with us!)

Two schools rejected me off-hand. Their criteria for online instructors included an earned doctorate. My MBA did not fit with their instructional criteria, for graduate or undergrad instruction. Two schools requested that I develop a course prior to any reimbursement. They required their instructors to select a textbook from their lists, develop a curriculum and all instructional supports for an online course. These schools failed my selection criteria both in terms of instructor support and remuneration. The final two schools both had good records of accomplishment in online instruction, user-friendly learning environments and good matches for my skill areas.

The final decision key- training and orientation for new instructors. School 1 presented an online manual for instructors preparation. Study the manual, take an online test, pass, and you were ready to go. School 2 presented a different approach one that set it apart from all the others.

For School 2 , I was enrolled in an online instructors training course. A month long course in which I became the student/learner. All of the requirements expected of students applied to the potential instructors. Weekly assignments were graded, participation and discussion expectations were set, and methods of instruction were tested. The course was facilitated by an experienced online faculty member one who was dedicated to quality education and setting the bar for future expectations.

A few of the class members washed out after a week they did not realize the instructor commitments of 16-20 hours per week were the norm not the exception.

After passing the instructors training course, I was offered the opportunity to team teach a course. This process involved working with a mentor an experienced online facilitator. The facilitator provided a systematic process for setting up the class. The then reviewed each instructional component prior to my posting in the classroom environment. Constructive feedback on work products was frequent and appreciated. The mentor monitored all components of instruction; feedback to students, individual and team work assignments, grading of assignments and instructor online interactions.

Weekly performance evaluations were provided by the mentor. These documents provided feedback for needed improvement areas or kudos for a job well done. The students provided formal evaluations of the instructor/mentee at week three and the conclusion of the course during week six. These anonymous evaluations shared some excellent insight into my performance as an instructor. Since the majority of the students are practicing professionals they are experienced in providing feedback for performance appraisals.

The final step included an evaluation by the Universities online faculty committee. This evaluation included all the steps in preparation for the course work, mentor evaluations and student feedback. Having successfully passed all the requirements, I was promptly offered a position to provide instruction for future classes.

The Online instruction format is not for everyone. Students must be dedicated to a level of professionalism that has not been expected in the typical classroom. Time management is crucial for success in the online environment. Both individual and teamwork skills are tested the experience is not just an individual effort. Working in teams to solve challenges in todays work world is critical for the success of the organization.

For instructors, the same criteria hold true. To approach this instructional methodology is not an easy task. It requires dedication to the model and a true enthusiasm for sharing your acquired skills and experience. Personally, I have found my online instructional experience both rewarding and challenging. A vocation I look forward to enjoying for many years to come.

Online Instruction Is It For You?

Mark Stricklett, MBACecile Blog60371
Aleece Blog78208

How to Review Your Home Security Needs & Choose a Home Security Company

Before you choose a home security system, it is important to take the time to review your needs. There are three primary areas that should be assessed: your security needs, credibility of the security company, and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, undoubtedly, you will be the best judge of what your actual needs are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself. An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the most vulnerable spots, such as a window facing an open field or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all the problem spots and can recommend the best type of equipment to protect them. He/she will also be able to tell you exactly how many contact sensors, motion sensors, video cameras, etc. you'll need to protect your home effectively.

Next, youll need to consider if it would be favourable to install a stand-alone security system or one that comes with central monitoring. If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is advisable. Credibility and reputation of the security company are important factors to consider, especially if youre planning to go with the latter choice. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You'll obviously need to make a choice that covers your security needs reasonably and fits within your budget. Keep in mind, however, that many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed; this may help to offset a part of the cost of the security system.

Choosing a Home Security Company

When you're looking for a home security company, you will find both large companies (like Brinks and ADT) to smaller companies that are authorised installers for the bigger companies. In between these two lie medium sized firms that offer affordable prices for their security services.

Most companies provide multiple services such as assessing your security needs, installing the equipment and central monitoring. You should check if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, has power backups in case of a power outage, a good staff training program and a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

When you're ready to invest in a home security system, talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. They will conduct risk assessments to ascertain your home security challenges and how to address them.

Reputable home alarm companies will meet you in person at your homenever exclusively by phone. They will look around, discuss your needs and possible limitations, and recommend solutions that have worked for other customers.

Experts recommend getting quotes from three to four different installers. Ensure that you get all pricing quotes in writingincluding set up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties. The first company you speak to may seem to have a fantastic deal, but don't sign anything immediately. Take your time and meet with a few other companies and find out who offers the best balance of price and security. Some security companies require you to sign a contract for a certain length of time, which can easily extend to a period more than a year. Once you sign the contract, it can be difficult (and expensive) to get out of the contract.

Once you receive quotes and narrow down your search of home security companies, get references from each providerprevious clients who gave permission to be contacted about that dealer's service. Find out why they chose that particular company and ask questions about the companys quality of service:

Did they install the system quickly, within the timeframe they guaranteed?

Are they readily available if you encounter any problems?

Did the representative explain to everyone in your household how the system works?

Were the contracts unambiguous and straightforward?

If you ever experienced an intrusion, did the central station speedily dispatch authorities?

Will you receive a reasonable notice period if the alarm company sells your contract off to another central station?

In addition, some of the questions you should ask when talking to different security companies include:

- How long have they been in business?

- Do they have the relevant licenses and certifications?

- Are they insured against damages during the alarm installation?

You could also talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations.

Anthony Neary represents online Safe retailer http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk. For more information and a wide range of security safes visit the online Safe Shop store at http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk.Aleece Blog25408
Bellanca Blog52355

Degree in Education Online

Are you a college student? Its true, heading off to a four year University can be a blast and a wonderful break from that high school drama. Finally, you can get that privacy from your over-bearing folks, and enjoy your very own apartment or dorm. Its all about parties and staying out late, right? Okay, well maybe not so much. I mean you did come to college for an actual education. Didnt you? Regardless of its highlights, college life can nevertheless be a great deal of work. Once youve delved into your first semester, youll certainly know what I mean. In this day and age, the concept of higher education has been taken to a whole new level. Not everyone wants the campus and party life of a young college student. Not everyone wants to search for parking places daily in order to attend classes. This is why people can now acquire a degree in education online. Yes indeed, I did say via the Internet. You have a PC or Mac, dont you?

Have you ever come across the topic degree in education online? Its actually still a fairly new one. Although many people dont know and fully understand it yet, they can achieve a valid degree in education online; completely from the comfort of your own home. Wouldnt that be choice? Lets say you are a parent that works. Now, you may or may not have the time to attend a University the old fashioned way. This is where a degree in education online comes into play. You find the college you wish to attend, and read about the degree requirements. Then its time to inquire about their degree in education online abilities. They may have that exact degree youre looking for, but with online courses. This allows you to continue casually with your daily regime. You can get online at will and deal with your course work. So many Universities across the nation are expanding on this innovative topic. Wow, is the world becoming convenient!

If you are striving to get a college education, but dont have the time to live the college lifestyle, then maybe its time to explore the concept of degree in education online. Once youve acquired your books and consulted with the professor, youll simply deal with the course from the comfort of your living room. Dont let life stop you from getting that education youve always wanted.

David Jones is a contributing writer at http://Searchsavers.com, the BEST site for finding information on degree in education online.Arabela Blog69345
Ailee Blog45711

Tips for Creating an Information Product

Information products are one of the hottest selling items on the Internet. And for good reason. Where else can you get timely, relevant information that is exactly what you want...even at 2 am in the morning?

The problem with information in books at the bookstore is that many times it is not specific enough. I don't want to know everything there is to know about audio engineering, I just want to know how to record a talk, edit it and burn it to a CD to sell on my web site. Try finding that at your local Barnes and Noble! But it is relatively easy to find an ebook about that topic on the Internet. Even better, a video!

Another problem with buying information at the book store is that any information is at least one year old. That's how long it takes to edit a book, send it to a publisher, get it printed and finally placed on the shelves in your local book store. By contrast, an ebook or other information product will usually have the latest, cutting edge info on your topic because they are so easily updated.

Information products can include anything from ebooks, videos and special reports to complete home study courses that go "thud" when the mail man drops it on your customer's front porch. But information products can also include teleseminars, membership sites and paid newsletter subscriptions.

Tip 1: Ask your prospective customers what they want.

I know this sounds obvious, but what you think your customers want and what they really want can be two different things. You have a lot of knowledge about your topic...that's why you are creating an information product. But your customers do not have your level of knowledge and are probably asking different questions than you are.

So, while you are collecting their first name and email, add a custom field that asks their biggest question about your topic. After about 100 email subscribers, you will have a really good idea what it is they are looking for! And you can use that information to write your sales letter as well.

Tip 2: Think of the trade your customers are making.

When purchasing your information product, your customer is trading his dollars for your information. Therefore, make it an easy trade for him. I will trade $47 for information that makes me $4700 every day of the week! That is why "how to make money" ebooks sell so well.

I will also trade $47 for information that saves me 2 days learning how to do something. That is a no-brainer! I am less likely to trade $47 for cute stories, recipes or how to sew my own clothes. Get the picture? Make the trade very easy for your customer!

Tip 3: Try to include one or more of these angles in any information product. Will the information in your product:

- make people money?
- save people money?
- save people time?
- save people pain (physical, emotional or financial)?

If you can include one or more of these angles in an information product, you will have a real winner on your hands!

Tip 4: Break your long ebook into parts.

If you have a 150 page ebook, consider breaking it up into three 50 page ebooks. Everyone likes to get more value and it feels more satisfying to get three different ebooks rather than one fat one. It feels like you are getting more for your money.

Tip 5: Add enough bonuses to make the purchase a "no-brainer"!

After you create an information product, go out an find about 5 to 6 related products that you can offer as bonuses. If I am buying a $47 ebook and you offer me $500 in downloadable bonuses, it makes the buying decision very easy. I recommend downloadable bonuses because they are easy to deliver and don't cost you anything. This is also a good excuse to get their email for your owner's list - you need their email to deliver their bonuses.

Tip 6: Sell first to those who have already bought from you.

Online business owners are like cows many times. We always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. We are always looking for NEW customers when our best customers are the ones that have already demonstrated their loyalty by buying our product!

We need to ask them what else they want. Another great way to monetize existing customers is a membership site. So much per month for access to special info, a monthly conference call or even a private newsletter. Can you say residual income?

So, start with a niche. Ask that niche what they want. And then start creating information products that satisfy the itch they are ALREADY telling you they have. It is a blast and you will achieve expert status in your niche in no time at all!

Stephen Beck is an expert on teaching non-techies how to start a home business on the Internet. He has an amazing CD called, "The 7 Simple Steps to Starting an Online Business!" For a FREE copy, visit: http://www.FamilyEbizTips.com/FreeCD.htmBeth Blog15571
Allianora Blog83063

Edible Bouquets - People Just Eat Them Up

Have you ever been faced with the dilemma that you have to buy a gift for someone who has everything, needs nothing, and has strange tastes? The dilemma gets even worse when you add that you cannot spend much money. Nevertheless, the present has to represent all the devotion and respect you have to this person. Are you impatient to find the perfect gift for this person? So listen up - isnt it a great gift idea to buy an edible bouquet.

I heard about this gift idea recently but I realized that it was not new at all. I remembered some sweet memories. When I was a child, my grandmother used to buy a bag of pops and a large pumpkin. Then, she would push the pops into and all over the pumpkin in order to make a jack-o-lantern with sweet hair.

Another great idea of edible bouquets usage is as a reward for some deserving action. For example:

EDIBLE BOUQUETS for THE MAN or WOMAN (WHO HAS GIVEN UP SMOKING)

Imagine that the person you may want to reward has everything. Imagine that this person has just quit smoking. Because of this now, he or she is always with a lollypop in her/his mouth. Dont you want to reward this person for his/her action? Will he or she be pleased with a bouquet of freshly cut flowers?

Here are the steps, which will help you to make an edible bouquet:

1. Get out and go to a store where you can buy a lovely glass vase for a couple of dollars. (I even managed to find a hand blown vase for $4.50.). You are going to arrange the edible bouquet into a vase.

2. Take a bag of the lollipops that your friend adores for example Tootsie Pops, Dum Dums, etc. (This will not cost more than a few dollars.). The edible bouquet will consist of lollypops.

3. Try to find and buy cheap but fancy bow or ribbons. (May be this will cost less than a dollar.) They will make the edible bouquet look lovely.

4. Go to the Florists and ask for a green, malleable foam block used by florists to arrange flowers with. You can also find this foam in some grocery stores. (One block probably costs around $1.00. take a couple in case you need more.)

5. When you get back home, try to fill one half of the vase with one half of the lollipops.

6. The next step is to cut the green foam so that it fits tightly in the vase's neck. It must look like a bed of green grass.

7. Then, arrange the other half of the lollypops. Insert them into the green foam starting in the center and circling outward with varying colors/flavors to make it more colored.

8. Wrap the ribbon around the neck of the vase, adding a big bow and this will make the edible bouquets look finished. It has just left to present the unique and edible bouquet to its recipient!

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning gifts. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.giftsandgreatinfo.com/great-gifts/great-gifts/edible-bouquets---people-just-eat-them-up.html.Caye Blog79620
Celesta Blog24055

Buying And Selling On Ebay: Tips

Auctions have always been popular ways to buy and sell merchandise, from small community fundraising sales to gala events hosted by famous auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's. Traditional auctions bring to mind images of fast-talking auctioneers banging mallets to close a deal, or lavish rooms filled with wealthy buyers, ready to bid on rare antiquities and works of art.

But these days, the word "auction" conjures up an entirely different picture: buyers impatiently refreshing the online auction pages on their computer screens, as the minutes tick down to the final bid.

The Internet has changed the way people do practically everything, including the way we buy and sell. Internet auctions have gained incredible worldwide popularity, with the eBay as the undisputed leader. Today, anyone with Internet access can buy or sell online. Bidders don't even need to be in the same time zone, let alone in the same room. Virtually everything is bought and sold on eBay auctions, from expensive antiques and works by master artists, to everyday household items and personal creations.

It's easy to get acquainted with buying and selling on eBay:

* All participants need to sign on to establish an eBay before buying or selling. Every participant receives his or her own unique user-designated screen name like, for instance, Catgirl99. If the user consistently violates eBay rules, the website can discontinue the account as sanctions against the user.

* Anything can be put up for bid on eBay, with the exception of pornography, drugs and illegal items. The seller sets a reserve price, which will act as the minimum bid and starting point for online offers. For example, Catgirl99 is selling a kitty collar with bells on it. She won't take less than five dollars, so she sets the reserve at a five-dollar minimum bid.

* The seller places the item on his or her eBay page, along with a product description, photograph and a sales pitch. Catgirl99 writes, "Never lose your cat again!" The seller sets a bidding period for the term of the auction, usually around two weeks.

* Buyers search the eBay site for items they are interested in. When the item is found, potential buyers will place bids. The initial bid must be higher than the reserve, and higher than any previous bids.

* As more bidders begin to take action, the price of the item up for bid continually rises.

* After the predetermined period has passed, the bidding will close. At this point, the auction is ended and the product is considered sold to the highest bidder. The sale is confirmed with both parties, and the buyer contacts the seller to arrange payment and delivery terms.

Buying and selling on eBay really is a very simple process. With items offered for sale from literally every part of the world, it's easy to see why this method of buying and selling has become so hugely popular. ebay auctions make it simple for buyers to locate hard-to-find and collectible items, and sellers can easily find interested buyers to purchase their items. With strict rules in place, eBay also helps to protect both parties by promoting fair deals.

However, that is not to say that online auctions are free of fraudulent cases. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over the past three years Internet auction fraud has ranked consistently as one of the most filed consumer fraud complaints. Both buyers and sellers have filed cases where deceitful parties have scammed them.

The key to security when buying and selling on eBay, is to understand what the scams are, and recognize the setup before it's too late.

Bid Siphoning

You've located the item you've been searching for, and the seller emails you directly to tell you that there is an alternate auction site where you can buy his or her product at less than the eBay price. Don't follow up on this offer. Legitimate auction sites like eBay offer buyer protection in the form of insurance. If a seller fails to deliver an item you've paid for, eBay may be able to replace the money you've lost. In turn, they will pursue the seller and charge him or her accordingly. However, if your purchase was made outside of eBay, that protection may not be available to you.

Bid Shielding

This is a scam perpetrated by buyers. An item is shielded from fair bidding when a buyer places a high starting bid. Other bidders don't want to compete with the high price, so they leave the auction. Just before the bid closes, the scammer withdraws his or her bid and begins bidding under another name. Since the auction is about to end, the second lowball bid becomes the final selling price.

Shill Bidding

A shill is a swindler's accomplice. Shills drive up the online bids, forcing legitimate bidders to raise their offers. You'll be able to spot a shill if the item doesn't seem to carry the value of the price it commands. Shills place high bids to lure others to raise their own bids. In the end, the highest bidder has paid much more than they normally would have, often for an item of compromised value. Stolen items, counterfeit or knock-off products and refurbished pieces can be sold this way.

These are the most common cases of Internet auction fraud. Being aware of these situations, and being cautious in general, can help you avoid the unpleasant experience of being scammed of your goods or money. Nevertheless, buying and selling on eBay still proves to be a fair and reliable way of marketing merchandise.

Internet auctions like eBay have created a true global market--connecting buyers with sellers and helping the world to connect through fair and responsible trade.

William Davis writes articles for several web sites, most recently http://fidew.com and http://tasup.com.Celeste Blog52321
Bernete Blog15026

100% Shared Ownership Mortgages

As UK house prices have escalated out of the reach of the first time buyer many people have had to resort to moving into rented accommodation to get a roof over their heads. An Englishman's home is his castle and with the average UK mortgage now being in excess of 197,000, it is now an extremely expensive commodity and the dream of owning your home is looking bleak for the first time buyer.

The truth is that house prices have outstripped incomes and as a result affordability has become a big, big problem. All is not lost, so, what are the alternatives and how could you become that homeowner?

Let us look at some alternatives that could be considered: -

* Shared ownership
* Parent guarantee schemes
* Buying with friends
* Shared equity schemes

Shared Ownership

If you are unable to buy a property outright on the open market, then shared ownership is the ideal solution for you. Shared Ownership is a part buy, part rent scheme, which enables purchasers to buy a home in stages. Purchasers can buy an initial share between 25% and 75% of the value of the property and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining value of the property. Shared ownership properties can be provided by housing associations, housing trusts and local authorities. These organisations try be as flexible as possible with regards to the initial share purchased, but this may be as much as 50% of the market value at some of their developments.

A service charge will normally be payable to cover the cost of communal maintenance. The service charges payable can remain the same whatever percentage you own of your home and continues to be payable should you purchase your home outright where possible. You will need to have sufficient savings to cover the initial cost of home ownership: legal fees and stamp duty for example. You will need to be able to meet the costs of rent, mortgage, service charges and other associated outgoings.

As your income increases, you can buy further shares of your home until you could own 100% of the value and no longer share the ownership with the housing association or trust. The greater the percentage you own, the lower the percentage on which you pay rent. However, if you do not wish to buy more shares in the property, you do not have to. Obviously, the more you own, the less you pay in rent. And, if you can buy your home outright in the future, then no rent will be payable.

100% Shared Ownership Mortgages

Having found the shared ownership house of your dreams a good whole of market mortgage broker should then be employed to find the best and cheapest mortgage. Careful searches can reveal 100% shared ownership mortgages that will not require a deposit, even if you have an adverse credit history.

Finding the right mortgage is a very important financial decision in life as it is more often than not the largest single expenditure in people's lives! People will often search the supermarkets shelves for bargains choosing products for the sake of a 1p or 2p saving per item and there's nothing wrong with that; I do it all the time.

Our parents teach us to be frugal with money in our up bringing and we sometimes become animals of habit throughout our lives. Through the generations, inflation has seen prices increase ten fold and who would have thought years ago that the price of a loaf would touch the 1 figure.

The same can be said about UK property, as the housing market has exploded and the average mortgage has gone way above the 197,000 figure. This is before we align our currency and interest rate with the euro. Ireland has seen a massive explosion in property prices in the post years of joining the euro and it is now an extremely expensive place to buy property.

Consider this as a normal mathematical comparison. A 2% saving on a 100,000 mortgage works out at 2,000 per year and assuming that this saving can be made every year by remortgaging and moving the mortgage to another lender, it equates to an astronomical 50,000 saving over the normal mortgage term of 25 years. It just doesn't make sense to be putting an extra 40 per week into a lenders pockets when they already make billions of 's net profit per year.

Most of us have all experienced hard times at some stage in our lives and received letters from banks telling us that they are going to charge us 27 for bouncing a cheque or non payment of a direct debit or standing order. Now is the time to hit back and take some of that money back from them by taking advantage of the discounts that they have to offer to borrowers.

So, if there is massive saving around like that, why do people not remortgage more often?

Surveys conducted by lenders have identified that some people are just not aware, whilst others have said that they just could not be bothered. Some people have stated that the mortgage market is just too complicated.

Well, the range of UK mortgages has increased dramatically over the past few years. Although this increase in mortgage types has added complexity, it has also introduced fierce competition, which has in turn resulted in the availability of some very attractive mortgage products for the customer. With over 10,000 mortgage products to choose from, how do we ensure that we get the best mortgage and remortgage rates?

Employing the services of a whole of market mortgage broker (the equivalent of a supermarket) can pay dividends here, as they have sophisticated computer software to narrow down the best rates for buying with friends, shared equity schemes, parent guarantee schemes and 100% shared ownership mortgages.

Joe Kocsis has over twenty years of experience in the UK Financial Services Industry. Follow this link http://www.mortgages2.co.uk for further information.Brigitta Blog24472
Beth Blog15571

UK Credit Card Tips & General Advice

As Christmas approaches, many of us in the UK will be considering taking out a new credit card to purchases those all essential gifts. With a plethora of card offers out there, deciding which card,if any, is best for you can seem a little daunting

What follows are some useful tips and advice that hopefully will help make your decision a little easier and clearer.

Loyalty/Bonus Cards

As people's circumstances vary so do the credit card deals on offer. If you intend to clear your bill each month, the interest rate on your card becomes irrelevant as you won't have to pay it. Therefore you should consider going for a card that offers some form of loyalty bonus such as redeemable points, cashback or air miles.

Interest-Free Offers

These cards are particularly useful for those don't clear their balance each month. Shop around for cards that offer 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases. The length of these offers tend to vary, so choose one that is appropriate to you needs i.e whether you intend to use the card mainly for purchases or a balance transfer.

Some cards allow you up to 59 days to pay for purchases before being charged interest on them, thus giving you some breathing space to pay for your goods or/and services.

Special Offers

One way to save money on your card debt is to take advantage of the many debt-transfer offers available from most banks. These offers are usually exclusive to new customers and allow you to pay off your debt from a more expensive card at a lower rate for a limited period.

Cash

Although you can withdraw cash from ATM's with your credit card, it is best left as a last resort as, although convenient, you will pay for the privillage through a steep interest rate.

Plus Points

Using the plastic to pay for expensive items such as jewellery, electrical goods or goods bought online, gives you the piece of mind of consumer protection i.e under the Consumer Credit Act, the card company are liable ( as is the seller of said goods or services) if there is a breach of contract.

This is especially handy if the goods either arrive faulty/damaged or don't arrive at all due to the supplier, for example, going bust. If any of these scenarios were to arise, you should have the money spent redeemed to your credit card.

Charges

Most cards will levvy a charge against you if you fail to pay your monthly repayment on time, with penalties usually around 20. You will also incurr a charge if you go over your set credit limit. Setting up a direct debit to make your monthly payment will eliminate the possibility of being late with your monthly payment and thus avoid that nasty charge.

What Card Then?

Deciding what credit card to apply for really depends on your personal circumstances and requirements.

If, for example, you intend to do some serious short-term shopping, a card that offers, say six month interest free on purchases, would be more suitable.

If you know in advance you wil be unable to clear the balance in the short term, then a card that offers a low rate for the lifetime of the balance, would be suitable as you will save a graet deal in interest paymnets compared with a card that resorts to a higher rate after any offers expire.

If you are able to clear your balance each month, then going for a card that offers rewards, such as cashback on purchases, would be most prudent.

Joe Kenny writes for the Loans Store offering secured loans and offer more information on car loans and other loan topics available on site.Ashla Blog50406
Agna Blog22437

Science Fiction DVDs

Can there anyone who truly doesnt love movies? I am a big fan of silver screen, which is assisted with mystic surround sound and an ambience of something big and worthy. Movie Theater going is a special something experience. As you lax and sit back in a sofa like seat with handful of popcorn and a big bottle of coke, you are putting aside the worries of office time and moving into a special world. If there is a good storyline and nice presentation, all our attention will be focused on the story and we cant take our eyes off the screen. For me that means Science Fiction DVDs.

Gradual changes take place in the way we are used to see movies. For good or bad, we dont have to care about buying a movie ticket and watching the films according to predetermined schedules that are beyond our control. We can enjoy the film we like anytime, without stepping out of the comfort zone of our living room. Yeah, I am talking about watching DVD movies. When it comes to DVD movies, my vote goes to science fiction DVDs. Who wants reality? We have seen enough of real world. Our entertainment needs to touch new levels of fantasy and entertainment.

Which science fiction DVDs do you consider worth the watching? My first preference is The Matrix Trilogy. It has changes the concept of science fiction movies altogether. It appeals to the broadest class of audience. It is so special that the movie encompasses different genre to a single film. Here again, it is the appeal that a movie has maximum number of people irrespective of their genre preferences holds the key in making a movie something special. Though you can put the movies like Star Wars in to the basket of Science Fiction DVDs, I think they have something more to do to reach the levels of a Sci-Fi entertainer. I pick The Thing by John Carpenter as the classic example of sci-fi movies. Though it is a little movie, it encompasses different elements to attract a whole generation of movie buffs.

There are a number of places out there, where you can find the latest science fiction DVDs. You may be moving to your local DVD/movie library, or to places like Wal-Mart. High end DVD stores usually have a rich collection of science fiction DVDs. You may also compare prices to find the DVD you like for the lowest price. Comparing prices is quite easy when I go online. Amazon.com is the first place I go. I also try ebay.com and froogle.com. I was never disappointed while I searched for a science fiction DVD title that would meet my expectations of sci-fi entertainment.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning online arts. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.onlineartsinfo.com/all-about-the-arts/arts/science-fiction-dvds.htmlBeret Blog27985
Brittaney Blog23235