Building a deck can be a major home improvement project. It can also be extremely expensive. If you want a large deck then materials such as decking, supports and even hardware can rapidly add up. If you know when and where to look however, you may be able to shop smart and get the deck of your dreams without breaking the bank.
You will need to consider a number of different items when building your deck. They include all of the materials used to build the surface of the deck, the support structure materials, the hardware you will use, railings and any accessories that you want to incorporate into your design.
The surface of the deck can be made out of natural wood or out of composite materials. Composite materials are new and exciting but natural wood has a number of excellent qualities as well. There are a few different shop smart techniques you can use in order to purchase any of your needed decking materials.
A wooden deck can be lovely and as it is the traditional decking material it can be easy to find what you need to build one. Of the two main types of wood used to build a deck, pressure treated lumber is more reasonably priced and very long lasting. The other type of wood used to build a deck is Western Red Cedar. It is beautiful and durable but very expensive. Both types of wood will give off slivers and will require some care from time to time. This could mean replacing or sanding broken boards or pressure cleaning it once or twice yearly. Because it can be so expensive to ship heavy items, you are farther ahead to purchase the lumber from a store, but order plans and how-to-books online.
There is also composite decking material. This is synthetic material but it does contain wood pulp. There is also synthetic resin decking material. Composite decking is more expensive than wood but can be completely maintenance free. You should check out websites to find a list of dealers where you can purchase decking. Good ways to save money are to wait until the seasons change and stores want to get rid of their decking supplies over the winter.
If budgeting is a concern you need to make sure that you are not putting in a huge deck if you will only use a small one. You can always add more panels of decking later to expand the deck at a later date. A carefully designed deck plan will keep you from wasting building materials.
You might want to consider some of the different accessories that you can get for your deck. Consider finding ways to economize on the amount of space you will need by building seating into the railings. There are also storage bins and flower boxes which can earn their keep by doing double duty as storage for tools, toys or even food. High end decks could have a BBQ which is connected to a house's natural gas line and incorporates refrigerated storage to keep food and drinks cold.
Building a deck does not have to cost a massive amount of money. If you take the time and decide what you will use the deck for, use a well planned design and choose only those options which will be used most, you can find a way to get a wonderful space suitable for entertaining, dining or simply relaxing.
12/26/2009
12/14/2009
Backyard Fun - Ways to Entertain Toddlers
When summer rolls around, finding new and entertaining ways to keep toddlers outdoors can be a challenge. Supervision is a must for young children but finding ways to encourage children to learn to play on their own is important too. Whether you choose the right toy or just come up with the needed techniques to inspire your little one, the backyard can become their favorite spot this summer. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:
•The Bilibo. Use it at the sandbox to fill it with sand and/or water or as a space helmet. Save it to use as a sled in the winter! This bowl shaped plastic toy was designed to unlock imaginations of children ages 2 to 7. The beauty of it is its versatility. When they get tired of using the Bilibo for one thing, they can switch and use it for something completely different.
•Inflatables. These toys have become extremely popular in the last couple of years and they are available in all sizes and with a variety of games built right in. You can get one that has a jumping ring and provide them with a safer play area than that of a trampoline. Some of them have a ball pit and others have slides. Bigger toys may have several features combined and can be a little more expensive, but the smaller versions are ideal for toddlers and offer only one or two features at a lower price.
•Playhouses. You can find relatively inexpensive playhouses that are designed with the toddler in mind. In addition to offering children their very own place to spend time, these playhouses come with slides, swing sets, and different types of climbing access. Plus, you can stock your house with all types of furniture, dishes, and activities to occupy their time and spark their imaginations while they play. Playhouses aren’t just for girls anymore, either. Little boys will love having their own special “clubhouse” to share with their friends!
•Sand and activity tables. Not only do these offer hours of entertainment for little ones, it is also an educational form of play. They learn about textures and, depending on the built-in activities, and the behavior of different substances. There are many brands on the market but make sure you get one with a cover to keep pets and pests out while it isn’t in use.
There are lots of activities that are designed for toddlers to enjoy outdoors. The best toys are those that offer versatility of play rather than allowing for a limited range of thought or action. For instance, corn hole games are great fun for a little while, but you can’t count on a toddler to want to throw bags at a board with a hole in it all summer long. Anything that requires a child to use his imagination will help develop important skills and provide them with the entertainment they need to thrive outside.
•The Bilibo. Use it at the sandbox to fill it with sand and/or water or as a space helmet. Save it to use as a sled in the winter! This bowl shaped plastic toy was designed to unlock imaginations of children ages 2 to 7. The beauty of it is its versatility. When they get tired of using the Bilibo for one thing, they can switch and use it for something completely different.
•Inflatables. These toys have become extremely popular in the last couple of years and they are available in all sizes and with a variety of games built right in. You can get one that has a jumping ring and provide them with a safer play area than that of a trampoline. Some of them have a ball pit and others have slides. Bigger toys may have several features combined and can be a little more expensive, but the smaller versions are ideal for toddlers and offer only one or two features at a lower price.
•Playhouses. You can find relatively inexpensive playhouses that are designed with the toddler in mind. In addition to offering children their very own place to spend time, these playhouses come with slides, swing sets, and different types of climbing access. Plus, you can stock your house with all types of furniture, dishes, and activities to occupy their time and spark their imaginations while they play. Playhouses aren’t just for girls anymore, either. Little boys will love having their own special “clubhouse” to share with their friends!
•Sand and activity tables. Not only do these offer hours of entertainment for little ones, it is also an educational form of play. They learn about textures and, depending on the built-in activities, and the behavior of different substances. There are many brands on the market but make sure you get one with a cover to keep pets and pests out while it isn’t in use.
There are lots of activities that are designed for toddlers to enjoy outdoors. The best toys are those that offer versatility of play rather than allowing for a limited range of thought or action. For instance, corn hole games are great fun for a little while, but you can’t count on a toddler to want to throw bags at a board with a hole in it all summer long. Anything that requires a child to use his imagination will help develop important skills and provide them with the entertainment they need to thrive outside.
How to Buy New Window Blinds
Window blinds are an extremely popular covering because of their appearance, durability and their affordable price. Since window blinds come in so many different styles and materials the prospect of buying the right set for your home may at first seem a little bit overwhelming. Nothing could be further from the truth as buying blinds is in fact quite simple, however it does require a some knowledge of the product as well as a bit of careful planning. Here are a few pointers that will make your shopping a whole lot easier.
First you need to decide whether you are going to purchase some horizontal or vertical window blinds. Which style you choose to go for depends on factors such as the size of the windows themselves, their position in the room as well your own personal taste. Horizontal blinds are the more traditional choice for bedrooms as they are able to block out more light. You tend to find vertical blinds fitted to oversized windows as it is possible to get them custom fitted and ordered to almost any size. In addition to this you may find that horizontal blinds can be heavy and harder to operate on longer windows so vertical blinds will be the more practical option in this case too.
As with any important purchase you should predetermine your budget. The cost of installing window blinds throughout the home can quickly add up. The total will of course depend on your personal taste. Even the most expensive blinds on the market are generally much less expensive than curtains or drapes. Aluminum mini-blinds are commonly the cheapest and wood blinds the most expensive.
Decide what material you want your blinds to be made out of. Vertical blinds are made from either PVC vinyl or fabric. Some fabric blinds are sheer and allow some light through when partially open. Horizontal (venetian) blinds come in materials such as aluminum, wood and faux wood. faux wood window blinds look like the real thing however they are a little bit heavier and considerably cheaper. The most important thing is that you should buy the blinds which come in a material that will complement the decor of the room.
Make sure that you measure your windows as it is vital that you take accurate measurements, especially if you are paying extra money to get some custom made blinds that are non-refundable. When measuring always use a metal measuring tape and note down each measurement twice. How you go about measuring depends on whether you'll be mounting the blinds inside or outside the window and of course it will also depend on the type of blinds you are buying.
Finish of the look buy buying some accessories for your blinds. A valance can add quite a classy, finished look to vertical and venetian blinds and they come standard with some models. Motorized blinds are much easier to operate via remote control and have the additional benefit of eliminating the child safety risks that are often associated with cord operated blinds.
First you need to decide whether you are going to purchase some horizontal or vertical window blinds. Which style you choose to go for depends on factors such as the size of the windows themselves, their position in the room as well your own personal taste. Horizontal blinds are the more traditional choice for bedrooms as they are able to block out more light. You tend to find vertical blinds fitted to oversized windows as it is possible to get them custom fitted and ordered to almost any size. In addition to this you may find that horizontal blinds can be heavy and harder to operate on longer windows so vertical blinds will be the more practical option in this case too.
As with any important purchase you should predetermine your budget. The cost of installing window blinds throughout the home can quickly add up. The total will of course depend on your personal taste. Even the most expensive blinds on the market are generally much less expensive than curtains or drapes. Aluminum mini-blinds are commonly the cheapest and wood blinds the most expensive.
Decide what material you want your blinds to be made out of. Vertical blinds are made from either PVC vinyl or fabric. Some fabric blinds are sheer and allow some light through when partially open. Horizontal (venetian) blinds come in materials such as aluminum, wood and faux wood. faux wood window blinds look like the real thing however they are a little bit heavier and considerably cheaper. The most important thing is that you should buy the blinds which come in a material that will complement the decor of the room.
Make sure that you measure your windows as it is vital that you take accurate measurements, especially if you are paying extra money to get some custom made blinds that are non-refundable. When measuring always use a metal measuring tape and note down each measurement twice. How you go about measuring depends on whether you'll be mounting the blinds inside or outside the window and of course it will also depend on the type of blinds you are buying.
Finish of the look buy buying some accessories for your blinds. A valance can add quite a classy, finished look to vertical and venetian blinds and they come standard with some models. Motorized blinds are much easier to operate via remote control and have the additional benefit of eliminating the child safety risks that are often associated with cord operated blinds.
When to Trade Your Car In
I would love nothing more than to be able to trade my car in. On top of that, I would even take it a step further to say that I would not only love to trade my car in, but I would love to trade it in and actually get something back for it that I could then take and apply to whatever next vehicle I was going to purchase. But, alas, this is not going to be a possibility for me because we are currently living in an economic climate that is not really conducive to anyone with a sport utility vehicle trading their car in (unless you count the 'Cash for Clunkers' program).
People trade in their vehicles for all sorts of reasons. For some of us, we trade in our vehicles because we have just finished making our last payment and cannot wait to jump into a newer car and an even newer car payment (note the sarcasm here). For others of us, perhaps we work for a corporation or some other company in which we get the pick of the litter when it comes to company cars. A great example of this is my father.
When I was younger (and even up until a few years ago), my father worked in upper management at Avis Rent-A-Car. When he first started working for Avis, they used to allow a large number of their employees to have company cars as long as they worked there. Over time, they changed this policy to only include upper management staff members, but for as long as my father worked for Avis (20+years), he was always afforded a company car. At first, I never thought anything of it, and for a while I can remember being annoyed that just as I was getting used to “one of daddy's cars,” all of a sudden he would have a different one the next day it seemed. Truth be told, he was allowed to switch out cars every year, and for a while there, he did. Whatever new cars came on the market and were being rented out by Avis, my father had one. I didn't realize what was going on until some of my friends in grade school pointed out the fact that my dad always had a new car.
In reality, most people aren't this lucky. My father has since retired from Avis and is now a lawyer, thus he no longer has a company car. I am only too sure, however, that it must have been nice to have that privilege. Imagine that: no car payment ever, no vehicle tax to pay, no gasoline or payment for any of the maintenance or upkeep! Those are the sorts of things that put people in the hole financially! If you do own a car, you should make it a point to occasionally check the blue book value of it, this way you'll be sure to stay up with what is currently going on in the market. Knowing how much your car is worth is great information to have and to arm yourself with as well when you are going to a dealership where they assume that you don't know as much as they do.
People trade in their vehicles for all sorts of reasons. For some of us, we trade in our vehicles because we have just finished making our last payment and cannot wait to jump into a newer car and an even newer car payment (note the sarcasm here). For others of us, perhaps we work for a corporation or some other company in which we get the pick of the litter when it comes to company cars. A great example of this is my father.
When I was younger (and even up until a few years ago), my father worked in upper management at Avis Rent-A-Car. When he first started working for Avis, they used to allow a large number of their employees to have company cars as long as they worked there. Over time, they changed this policy to only include upper management staff members, but for as long as my father worked for Avis (20+years), he was always afforded a company car. At first, I never thought anything of it, and for a while I can remember being annoyed that just as I was getting used to “one of daddy's cars,” all of a sudden he would have a different one the next day it seemed. Truth be told, he was allowed to switch out cars every year, and for a while there, he did. Whatever new cars came on the market and were being rented out by Avis, my father had one. I didn't realize what was going on until some of my friends in grade school pointed out the fact that my dad always had a new car.
In reality, most people aren't this lucky. My father has since retired from Avis and is now a lawyer, thus he no longer has a company car. I am only too sure, however, that it must have been nice to have that privilege. Imagine that: no car payment ever, no vehicle tax to pay, no gasoline or payment for any of the maintenance or upkeep! Those are the sorts of things that put people in the hole financially! If you do own a car, you should make it a point to occasionally check the blue book value of it, this way you'll be sure to stay up with what is currently going on in the market. Knowing how much your car is worth is great information to have and to arm yourself with as well when you are going to a dealership where they assume that you don't know as much as they do.
11/05/2009
Furniture Suitcases Are Living Rooms to Go
This is not a sofa. This is luggage. From Erik De Nijs—the designer who once bastardized these pants—I present you with your new airport/train station living room-to-go: The Suited Case. One by one, the suitcases are quite charming.
11/04/2009
The Michael Jackon Movie Is Kinda Good
I'm not going to admit I teared up a bit when Michael Jackson sung The Way You Make Me Feel in this movie. Let's talk about the tech for a bit.
I didn't know this, because I live in a bubble, but Michael Jackson was only 8 days away from doing a 50 show tour, the first in a decade, when he died. This movie, "This is It" is a cool documentary behind the scenes of the prep ahead of that tour. Since it never happened, it's all we have left of the performer. MJ has always been experimental. This documentary isn't the greatest but it's quite moving to watch the production occur in rough with rough and often amazing performances by the late star. And yes, there was enough tech to keep the Gizmodo sector of my brain engaged.
There were some big pyrotechnics, but I'm not sure they were bigger than the ones that burn down theaters or those used at hair rock band shows that play in football stadiums. There was a cherrypicker that seemed pretty nice, but no big. Same for the toaster-like human poppers that sent people flying into the air like some weird contraption you'd find in a Mario Brothers game in an alternate reality. There was even a display wrapped robot that Michael would emerge from and some light-laced costumes for when Michael sung Billy Jean. All ok, and interesting but my favorite was seeing the refilmed videos, which were to be played in the background while they were being sung. Thriller was redone in a faux cemetery and in 3D (like Captain EOS). And Smooth Criminal green screened Michael into an old mobster flick. The Way You Make Me Feel didn't have a filmed segment but a sunset gotham-like skyline as seen through a lattice of iron girders with workers snapping slowly to tempo and climbing down when the song begins. The entire difference between the live and the recorded numbers are that Michael would improvise ever so slightly on catchphrases, and play with the melody, teasing out the pieces by not giving us the exact songs we remember, which at the same time would keep them fresh. He also goes through some old Jackson 5 songs, and it cannot be overstated that the musical numbers are all lifted from live rehearsal, so really fresh. You see Michael Jackson calling the shots on music composition, sets, dances, performance and as he relates to his coworkers the same as any boss, you are reminded of his talent, and in reflection, of our loss that came with his early death. Especially when he dances.
I didn't know this, because I live in a bubble, but Michael Jackson was only 8 days away from doing a 50 show tour, the first in a decade, when he died. This movie, "This is It" is a cool documentary behind the scenes of the prep ahead of that tour. Since it never happened, it's all we have left of the performer. MJ has always been experimental. This documentary isn't the greatest but it's quite moving to watch the production occur in rough with rough and often amazing performances by the late star. And yes, there was enough tech to keep the Gizmodo sector of my brain engaged.
There were some big pyrotechnics, but I'm not sure they were bigger than the ones that burn down theaters or those used at hair rock band shows that play in football stadiums. There was a cherrypicker that seemed pretty nice, but no big. Same for the toaster-like human poppers that sent people flying into the air like some weird contraption you'd find in a Mario Brothers game in an alternate reality. There was even a display wrapped robot that Michael would emerge from and some light-laced costumes for when Michael sung Billy Jean. All ok, and interesting but my favorite was seeing the refilmed videos, which were to be played in the background while they were being sung. Thriller was redone in a faux cemetery and in 3D (like Captain EOS). And Smooth Criminal green screened Michael into an old mobster flick. The Way You Make Me Feel didn't have a filmed segment but a sunset gotham-like skyline as seen through a lattice of iron girders with workers snapping slowly to tempo and climbing down when the song begins. The entire difference between the live and the recorded numbers are that Michael would improvise ever so slightly on catchphrases, and play with the melody, teasing out the pieces by not giving us the exact songs we remember, which at the same time would keep them fresh. He also goes through some old Jackson 5 songs, and it cannot be overstated that the musical numbers are all lifted from live rehearsal, so really fresh. You see Michael Jackson calling the shots on music composition, sets, dances, performance and as he relates to his coworkers the same as any boss, you are reminded of his talent, and in reflection, of our loss that came with his early death. Especially when he dances.
Georgetown Hoyas Tickets - Playing For Prestige
Georgetown University is playing intercollegiate basketball from the 1906-1907 seasons. The Georgetown University Men's Basketball team is a sports teams at Georgetown University, is named the Georgetown Hoyas is a famous basketball program in the NCAA Big East. Georgetown's first intercollegiate men's basketball team was found in 1907. The Hoyas have been well concerned not only for their team success, but also for their aptitude to originate players that after the graduation succeed on the court.
The team was gone to the NCAA Tournament Final Four 5 times and has won the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament 7 times, also won the Big East regular season title 4 times. In 2007 they have a beautiful trip to the Final tournament championship. The Hoya is the most critical plant on the basketball court. But it wasn't ling in the same way. They won their first game over The University of Virginia 22-11, but afterwards they enjoyed very sporadic success.
That was continuing till the 1943 season, when they found the NCAA Championship game. Unfortunately for the Hoya program, however, any momentum they make up to this point was for a moment halted by the start of World War II, causing the seasons to be cancelled. Then the next resurgence of the Hoya came, and that was permanent. In the 1974-1975 seasons, Georgetown has got to the NCAA Tournament, and has made the changeable success all along the way, including a 1984 National Title Championship win. They have time after time posted above 500% records and top out with a 30-7 record in 2007. They've got one thought on their collective mind: Championship. There are so many men's basketball players in Georgetown Hoyas. The list was constitute of student-athletes who, based on last year's individual performance and team records, are the early frontrunners for college basketball's most prestigious honor. For the different season there are different events or game that is held.
The Hoyas have brilliant olden times of preparing players for the NBA. The National Basketball Association of the United States and Canada, normally known as the NBA, is the ruler professional basketball league in North America. Basketball has become a ravenous American passion. Whether it is in a back yard, a blacktop urban playground, or an indoor stadium, they love playing as well as watching this game. As one of the largest viewer sports, its fascination is unstoppable because of its high score, fast speed and employing of some of the worlds best athletes.
The game was in the beginning played with a soccer ball and a closed bottom basket during the early 1890's, a sport that would offer a plane of physical activity that would keep his students in outline during the winter months at the university. With in the one year later, in 1892, women started playing basketball at Smith College, and that similar year, the first official basketball game begins on January 20th. Soon, the game became much more physical and the crowded a bit more cruel so that the YMCA soon denounced it. But the rest of the country cherished it. In these days the National Basketball Association NBA governs specialized basketball in North America.
The team was gone to the NCAA Tournament Final Four 5 times and has won the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament 7 times, also won the Big East regular season title 4 times. In 2007 they have a beautiful trip to the Final tournament championship. The Hoya is the most critical plant on the basketball court. But it wasn't ling in the same way. They won their first game over The University of Virginia 22-11, but afterwards they enjoyed very sporadic success.
That was continuing till the 1943 season, when they found the NCAA Championship game. Unfortunately for the Hoya program, however, any momentum they make up to this point was for a moment halted by the start of World War II, causing the seasons to be cancelled. Then the next resurgence of the Hoya came, and that was permanent. In the 1974-1975 seasons, Georgetown has got to the NCAA Tournament, and has made the changeable success all along the way, including a 1984 National Title Championship win. They have time after time posted above 500% records and top out with a 30-7 record in 2007. They've got one thought on their collective mind: Championship. There are so many men's basketball players in Georgetown Hoyas. The list was constitute of student-athletes who, based on last year's individual performance and team records, are the early frontrunners for college basketball's most prestigious honor. For the different season there are different events or game that is held.
The Hoyas have brilliant olden times of preparing players for the NBA. The National Basketball Association of the United States and Canada, normally known as the NBA, is the ruler professional basketball league in North America. Basketball has become a ravenous American passion. Whether it is in a back yard, a blacktop urban playground, or an indoor stadium, they love playing as well as watching this game. As one of the largest viewer sports, its fascination is unstoppable because of its high score, fast speed and employing of some of the worlds best athletes.
The game was in the beginning played with a soccer ball and a closed bottom basket during the early 1890's, a sport that would offer a plane of physical activity that would keep his students in outline during the winter months at the university. With in the one year later, in 1892, women started playing basketball at Smith College, and that similar year, the first official basketball game begins on January 20th. Soon, the game became much more physical and the crowded a bit more cruel so that the YMCA soon denounced it. But the rest of the country cherished it. In these days the National Basketball Association NBA governs specialized basketball in North America.
A La Jolla Exercise Program
When you look into a way to start a La Jolla exercise program you're going to have many choices. Not only can you start a program at home, but you have gyms or fitness centers you can look into joining. Plus the health clubs and boot camps you can also look into out there. As well as the option of hiring a personal trainer who can help you set up your own La Jolla exercise program.
They are all fantastic ways in which you will be able to get into shape. But you should consider the different benefits you can find with each separate option. Decide if a monthly fee will be the final decision maker or not as well, and focus on amounts that you will be able to afford.
With a program that you do from home you will not spend much money if anything. Depending on what you have at home already. But for a good cardio workout you can walk each night, or do a DVD workout program on the TV. However, at times home exercise will be hard to continue due to lack of motivation and other distractions around you.
A gym would be a fantastic way to start a La Jolla exercise program. But at times if you only join a gym, you may not have the motivation after a while to continue going. Or at least not as often as you did when you first joined. That's when you may want to think of adding in a personal trainer for more motivation and help in your La Jolla exercise program.
A fitness center will be another choice that you will be able to consider. With more programs offered than a gym can. You may have camps that are even run out of these fitness centers that you will be able to join as being a member already. They will have certified personal trainers who will be able to help set up a great La Jolla exercise program for you here as well.
With a health club you're looking at not only having a fitness center, but many more options. Normally they will also have pools, saunas, tennis courts, basketball, and so much more. All will be included in your membership, and even the use of a personal trainer as well. Pools will normally be separated according to adults, family, and children as well to help if you don't want to be around children.
A boot camp may be offered as a separate program or through a fitness center. A boot camp will offer you a highly intense workout, with results in as little as four to six weeks. Anyone who's used this La Jolla exercise program will tell you the results are out of this world. The program they use will teach your body how it can burn the fat off not store it. Most people will see results that include increased flexibility and energy.
They are all fantastic ways in which you will be able to get into shape. But you should consider the different benefits you can find with each separate option. Decide if a monthly fee will be the final decision maker or not as well, and focus on amounts that you will be able to afford.
With a program that you do from home you will not spend much money if anything. Depending on what you have at home already. But for a good cardio workout you can walk each night, or do a DVD workout program on the TV. However, at times home exercise will be hard to continue due to lack of motivation and other distractions around you.
A gym would be a fantastic way to start a La Jolla exercise program. But at times if you only join a gym, you may not have the motivation after a while to continue going. Or at least not as often as you did when you first joined. That's when you may want to think of adding in a personal trainer for more motivation and help in your La Jolla exercise program.
A fitness center will be another choice that you will be able to consider. With more programs offered than a gym can. You may have camps that are even run out of these fitness centers that you will be able to join as being a member already. They will have certified personal trainers who will be able to help set up a great La Jolla exercise program for you here as well.
With a health club you're looking at not only having a fitness center, but many more options. Normally they will also have pools, saunas, tennis courts, basketball, and so much more. All will be included in your membership, and even the use of a personal trainer as well. Pools will normally be separated according to adults, family, and children as well to help if you don't want to be around children.
A boot camp may be offered as a separate program or through a fitness center. A boot camp will offer you a highly intense workout, with results in as little as four to six weeks. Anyone who's used this La Jolla exercise program will tell you the results are out of this world. The program they use will teach your body how it can burn the fat off not store it. Most people will see results that include increased flexibility and energy.
What Are Realtors Duties to Clients?
When you choose a realtor, please make sure you know what your agent can and cannot do for you. There are federal and state regulations that govern or affect a realtor’s actions.
The Federal Fair Housing was designed to prevent discrimination. The Fair Housing Act was created was contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and changed by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. There are seven classes protected by the Fair Housing Act. They are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap and familial status.
Realtors cannot address some requests from their clients because that is against the law. For example, if a Muslim person asks a realtor to find a home close to a mosque in a certain community, the realtor cannot accommodate the request. The realtor also can’t take into consideration the request to be located near a mosque. The realtor can’t even advertise that a listing is around the corner from a mosque.
Realtors must not answer questions about the ethnic make-up of a neighborhood. For example, don’t expect your realtor to show you homes in neighborhoods comprised primarily of African-Americans, Caucasians, Latino’s, American Indians or any other ethnicity or race. You must present these requests to your realtor.
In advertising a realtor must refrain from using words used to represent any protected classes. The following words are inappropriate and could violate Fair Housing laws. Do not ask your realtor to use these words:
• Section eight
• Couples
• Mothers
• Singles only
• Handicapped
• Bachelor apartment
• Seniors
• Married
• Mature
• Integrated
These are just a couple of the many words that are used. If you feel that what you are asking your realtor is at all discriminating, don’t even bother to ask.
Lastly, do not ask your realtor for crime statistics of an area. Smart realtors will direct you to the police department or other sources of information. Your realtor should never disclose crime statistics or say a neighborhood is a relatively safe place to live, even if the realtor believes this to be true.
What Are Realtor Designations?
Now you have a realtor. That realtor has probably mentioned belonging to certain realtor designations. You’re probably thinking, what does all this mean? Well, let’s examine what type of designations your realtor might belong to and what they mean.
GRI Graduate Realtor Institute
This designation is approved by approved by the National Association of Realtors and offered through state realtor associations, agents who desire a GRI designation must complete a minimum of 90 to 95 hours of coursework pertaining to the state that licenses them, and pass the exams. Education covers law, practice, finance, taxes, exchanges and more.
Other qualifications to obtain this designation include:
• Membership of the National Association of Realtors
• Membership of the state association of realtors
• Membership of the local board of realtors
E-PRO Certified Internet Professional
This is sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. E-PRO is an online course about using e-mal, navigating the Internet and incorporating digital services into the workplace. Realtors must pass an online exam.
ABR Accredited Buyer Representative
This is an online self-pace course for real estate agents who represent buyers as a buyer’s agent. Unlike exclusive buyer’s agents who never represent sellers, an agent who has earned this designation may elect to work as a listing agent or a buyer’s agent.
ACRE Accredited Consultant in Real Estate
This designation is offered through a private company formed by realtors, Accredited Consultant in Real Estate. Agents download the course book, read and take the exam online. This course teaches agents how to use a consulting approach versus a sales approach.
ACR Accredited Seller Representative
Offered through Realty U Online, this course is designed to improve a listing agent’s professionalism and refine the dimension of service to sellers. Agents can choose between online or in-class courses and must pass the exam.
The Federal Fair Housing was designed to prevent discrimination. The Fair Housing Act was created was contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and changed by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. There are seven classes protected by the Fair Housing Act. They are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap and familial status.
Realtors cannot address some requests from their clients because that is against the law. For example, if a Muslim person asks a realtor to find a home close to a mosque in a certain community, the realtor cannot accommodate the request. The realtor also can’t take into consideration the request to be located near a mosque. The realtor can’t even advertise that a listing is around the corner from a mosque.
Realtors must not answer questions about the ethnic make-up of a neighborhood. For example, don’t expect your realtor to show you homes in neighborhoods comprised primarily of African-Americans, Caucasians, Latino’s, American Indians or any other ethnicity or race. You must present these requests to your realtor.
In advertising a realtor must refrain from using words used to represent any protected classes. The following words are inappropriate and could violate Fair Housing laws. Do not ask your realtor to use these words:
• Section eight
• Couples
• Mothers
• Singles only
• Handicapped
• Bachelor apartment
• Seniors
• Married
• Mature
• Integrated
These are just a couple of the many words that are used. If you feel that what you are asking your realtor is at all discriminating, don’t even bother to ask.
Lastly, do not ask your realtor for crime statistics of an area. Smart realtors will direct you to the police department or other sources of information. Your realtor should never disclose crime statistics or say a neighborhood is a relatively safe place to live, even if the realtor believes this to be true.
What Are Realtor Designations?
Now you have a realtor. That realtor has probably mentioned belonging to certain realtor designations. You’re probably thinking, what does all this mean? Well, let’s examine what type of designations your realtor might belong to and what they mean.
GRI Graduate Realtor Institute
This designation is approved by approved by the National Association of Realtors and offered through state realtor associations, agents who desire a GRI designation must complete a minimum of 90 to 95 hours of coursework pertaining to the state that licenses them, and pass the exams. Education covers law, practice, finance, taxes, exchanges and more.
Other qualifications to obtain this designation include:
• Membership of the National Association of Realtors
• Membership of the state association of realtors
• Membership of the local board of realtors
E-PRO Certified Internet Professional
This is sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. E-PRO is an online course about using e-mal, navigating the Internet and incorporating digital services into the workplace. Realtors must pass an online exam.
ABR Accredited Buyer Representative
This is an online self-pace course for real estate agents who represent buyers as a buyer’s agent. Unlike exclusive buyer’s agents who never represent sellers, an agent who has earned this designation may elect to work as a listing agent or a buyer’s agent.
ACRE Accredited Consultant in Real Estate
This designation is offered through a private company formed by realtors, Accredited Consultant in Real Estate. Agents download the course book, read and take the exam online. This course teaches agents how to use a consulting approach versus a sales approach.
ACR Accredited Seller Representative
Offered through Realty U Online, this course is designed to improve a listing agent’s professionalism and refine the dimension of service to sellers. Agents can choose between online or in-class courses and must pass the exam.
Search Engine Optimization Tips for the Small Business Owner
At the very start when you're planning your website, you need to think about search engine optimization. This is important because sooner or later, you would want your web pages to be shown on the first page of search results for your keywords so that you can get free targeted traffic. Here are some essential SEO tips for the small online business owners.
1. Your URL
Your website's domain name is important for ranking in the search engines. If you want to target for the words "coffee mugs" then it would be ideal if your domain contains these words.
With every web page you create, put the keywords as the file name for your web page. For example, /coffeemugs.html, /coffeemugsandcups.html
You will see that the names of your web pages helps your search engine rankings.
2. Title Tags
Title tags are what appears in your browser's window title right at the top. Don't put your company name in the title tag. Instead put your keywords and try to make sense of them. e.g. Coffee Mugs Coffee Cups
The keywords in the title tags will be seen as important by the search engines to rank your web page.
3. Links
Have links to other quality websites on your web pages. These help because they tell Google that you are providing good information to visitors and not just promoting your own website.
4. Quality Content (Text)
Have good content on your web pages that are focused with your keywords. The more text you have, the better it will do in the search results.
The internet is about information. People search for content that they are interested in. This is why in order for search engine optimization to be effective, your website must have a lot of content and targeted to your niche.
5. Images
If you have images on your website, you can turn them into keywords that will be noticed by the search engines. You do this by assigning tags to them. Basically you describe what the images are about.
So don't just put pretty pictures on your website. Make them help with your search engine optimization.
6. Anchor Text
The search engines will love your website if you have many other related websites linking to you.
To get ranked high for your keywords, you need other websites to link to yours with an anchor text. The anchor text will contain your keywords.
The more anchor text you have linked to your website, the more credit you will get from the search engines. At the end of the day, it is the number of links you get to your website which will make you win the search engine war.
With these search engine optimization tips, you should use them as soon as you start building your website. The reason is because search engine optimization takes a long time. You can't expect instant results.
The website that will rank at the top, is the one with the most quality content and the most amount of links from other authority websites. If you do get to rank as the top 3 for a competitive keyword, you will get an avalanche of free targeted traffic.
There are other techniques that will help you with your SEO such as writing press releases and articles. You need to do some further reading to understand them. For now, the 6 SEO tips mentioned in this article will help you get off to a good start.
1. Your URL
Your website's domain name is important for ranking in the search engines. If you want to target for the words "coffee mugs" then it would be ideal if your domain contains these words.
With every web page you create, put the keywords as the file name for your web page. For example, /coffeemugs.html, /coffeemugsandcups.html
You will see that the names of your web pages helps your search engine rankings.
2. Title Tags
Title tags are what appears in your browser's window title right at the top. Don't put your company name in the title tag. Instead put your keywords and try to make sense of them. e.g. Coffee Mugs Coffee Cups
The keywords in the title tags will be seen as important by the search engines to rank your web page.
3. Links
Have links to other quality websites on your web pages. These help because they tell Google that you are providing good information to visitors and not just promoting your own website.
4. Quality Content (Text)
Have good content on your web pages that are focused with your keywords. The more text you have, the better it will do in the search results.
The internet is about information. People search for content that they are interested in. This is why in order for search engine optimization to be effective, your website must have a lot of content and targeted to your niche.
5. Images
If you have images on your website, you can turn them into keywords that will be noticed by the search engines. You do this by assigning tags to them. Basically you describe what the images are about.
So don't just put pretty pictures on your website. Make them help with your search engine optimization.
6. Anchor Text
The search engines will love your website if you have many other related websites linking to you.
To get ranked high for your keywords, you need other websites to link to yours with an anchor text. The anchor text will contain your keywords.
The more anchor text you have linked to your website, the more credit you will get from the search engines. At the end of the day, it is the number of links you get to your website which will make you win the search engine war.
With these search engine optimization tips, you should use them as soon as you start building your website. The reason is because search engine optimization takes a long time. You can't expect instant results.
The website that will rank at the top, is the one with the most quality content and the most amount of links from other authority websites. If you do get to rank as the top 3 for a competitive keyword, you will get an avalanche of free targeted traffic.
There are other techniques that will help you with your SEO such as writing press releases and articles. You need to do some further reading to understand them. For now, the 6 SEO tips mentioned in this article will help you get off to a good start.
10/30/2009
A Certificates Of Deposits
Many consumers have found that putting money into CD's (certificate of deposit) accounts is a good way to earn additional interest over regular savings accounts. Just like the regular savings account that most of us are familiar with, money that you put into a CD will earn interest, and usually it will earn more interest than a simple savings account. One major difference between a regular savings account and a CD is that the money that you put into a CD has to remain in the bank or credit union for a specified amount of time in order to earn the full amount of interest. You can take the money out of a CD but you will have to pay a penalty. The basic rule of thumb for CD's is to not use money that you believe you will need to use before the maturity date. In other words, you should only buy into a CD if you can afford to leave the money alone for the amount of time required. All certificates of deposit will have a maturity date.
This is the date when you can withdraw the money without having to pay a penalty. The length of time for CD's varies, so make sure you understand what you are buying. In the event you should need to cash out the CD before it matures, most banks will charge an early-withdrawal fee. These fees are usually equal to about three to six month's of interest but, again, this can vary, so check with the bank. Generally, most CD's mature in three months to five years, although 10- and 20-year CD's are also available. The amount of interest offered will vary depending on the length of time of the CD. Consumers should know that CD's are protected under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as long as they were issued through a bank.
This protects consumers from loss should the bank go out of business. Most certificates of deposit will earn compounded interest. Compounded interest means that the interest your money earns is added to the total amount of the CD so that the next time interest is calculated and added, you will earn even more. For those who have extra cash and can afford to invest it and leave it alone until maturity date arrives, certificates of deposit are a good idea. They are a safe and effective means of earning interest on your money. They may not be as exciting as some other forms of investments, but they allow the owner to sleep at night, knowing their investment is not going to vanish overnight. CD's can be great gift ideas for grandchildren and other members of the family. If they are bought early enough, they can be used to help fund future education needs as well.
Because they can be purchased for relatively small amounts of cash, they are often affordable to many families that otherwise might not be able to invest. Most banks and credit unions will have literature that you can read to learn much more about CD's and how they work.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
This is the date when you can withdraw the money without having to pay a penalty. The length of time for CD's varies, so make sure you understand what you are buying. In the event you should need to cash out the CD before it matures, most banks will charge an early-withdrawal fee. These fees are usually equal to about three to six month's of interest but, again, this can vary, so check with the bank. Generally, most CD's mature in three months to five years, although 10- and 20-year CD's are also available. The amount of interest offered will vary depending on the length of time of the CD. Consumers should know that CD's are protected under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as long as they were issued through a bank.
This protects consumers from loss should the bank go out of business. Most certificates of deposit will earn compounded interest. Compounded interest means that the interest your money earns is added to the total amount of the CD so that the next time interest is calculated and added, you will earn even more. For those who have extra cash and can afford to invest it and leave it alone until maturity date arrives, certificates of deposit are a good idea. They are a safe and effective means of earning interest on your money. They may not be as exciting as some other forms of investments, but they allow the owner to sleep at night, knowing their investment is not going to vanish overnight. CD's can be great gift ideas for grandchildren and other members of the family. If they are bought early enough, they can be used to help fund future education needs as well.
Because they can be purchased for relatively small amounts of cash, they are often affordable to many families that otherwise might not be able to invest. Most banks and credit unions will have literature that you can read to learn much more about CD's and how they work.
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
10/13/2009
A Toast to the Happy Couple!
If you are the maid of honor, best man, or father of the bride chances are you have been asked to give a toast at the wedding reception. If you haven’t been formally asked, you should know that traditionally these three people give the formal toasts, so you should prepare one just in case. If your suffering from a little stage fright, here are some helpful tips to help you compose a memorable speech for your happy couple.
1.)The best way to start is by jotting down notes to help you as you write your toast. You could jot down how you know the couple, which one you know the best, and any funny memories you have about them together or separate. If you are married you could jot down some advice or some things you wish people would of told you before you took the leap. After you have some great material the best thing you can do is work with it.
2.)At the beginning of your toast, you should plan on introducing yourself. Not every one at the reception will know you or how you came to know the happy couple, so be sure to take a minute and let every know whose addressing them.
3.)After the introduction, you could lead into a great story. If you are the best man who has know the groom since his college days, maybe you could tell a great dorm room story that will have everyone laughing. Or if you’re the maid of honor, a friend of the bride since childhood, maybe you could tell a touching childhood story about your best friend. You should make sure the story is appropriate and not crude, since there will probably be children present. The point of your story should point to how great your friend is and how much fun you’ve had with them since you’ve known them.
4.)The end of your speech should be when you give advice and well wishes to the happy couple. Maybe you could include a poem that appropriately reflects your well wishes, or you could give one or two sentences of advice. Like, “Be sure to never go to bed angry and kiss each other goodnight” or “you should always remember what brought you to this day, because it is what will carry you through the tough times”. By ending on a sentimental note, you will be able to send the couple off in a memorable way.
Giving a wedding toast is nothing to worry about and by following these simple tips you will be on your way to giving a truly wonderful toast. You should choose to say what you feel in a well written and well rehearsed way, but be sure to keep it no more than two minutes in length so as not to allow yourself to be long winded. Remember these are your well wishes to the happy couple, and it’s not about you. You are, in a way, representing all the other guests with your toast, and saying some of the things that may be on the minds of those who won’t be able to give a toast. You should do everything in your power to take your job seriously and present your friends’ guests with a touching and memorable send off.
1.)The best way to start is by jotting down notes to help you as you write your toast. You could jot down how you know the couple, which one you know the best, and any funny memories you have about them together or separate. If you are married you could jot down some advice or some things you wish people would of told you before you took the leap. After you have some great material the best thing you can do is work with it.
2.)At the beginning of your toast, you should plan on introducing yourself. Not every one at the reception will know you or how you came to know the happy couple, so be sure to take a minute and let every know whose addressing them.
3.)After the introduction, you could lead into a great story. If you are the best man who has know the groom since his college days, maybe you could tell a great dorm room story that will have everyone laughing. Or if you’re the maid of honor, a friend of the bride since childhood, maybe you could tell a touching childhood story about your best friend. You should make sure the story is appropriate and not crude, since there will probably be children present. The point of your story should point to how great your friend is and how much fun you’ve had with them since you’ve known them.
4.)The end of your speech should be when you give advice and well wishes to the happy couple. Maybe you could include a poem that appropriately reflects your well wishes, or you could give one or two sentences of advice. Like, “Be sure to never go to bed angry and kiss each other goodnight” or “you should always remember what brought you to this day, because it is what will carry you through the tough times”. By ending on a sentimental note, you will be able to send the couple off in a memorable way.
Giving a wedding toast is nothing to worry about and by following these simple tips you will be on your way to giving a truly wonderful toast. You should choose to say what you feel in a well written and well rehearsed way, but be sure to keep it no more than two minutes in length so as not to allow yourself to be long winded. Remember these are your well wishes to the happy couple, and it’s not about you. You are, in a way, representing all the other guests with your toast, and saying some of the things that may be on the minds of those who won’t be able to give a toast. You should do everything in your power to take your job seriously and present your friends’ guests with a touching and memorable send off.
Ghostwriting Services - 7 Big Mistakes When Hiring a Ghostwriter
Using ghostwriting services can be a pain. You're gambling with time and money on whether the ghostwriter will deliver for you, as promised. Here are 7 mistakes which entrepreneurs make when they hire a ghostwriter. Take note of these every time you use a company's ghostwriting services.
1. How Did You Find Them?
Whenever you give a project to a ghostwriting company, ask yourself where did you find them. This is very important.
If they were referred to you by a friend then you're pretty safe that the writing will be good. If you found the company via a forum or email spam, then you have to be extra careful. Do your investigation first.
If you've read a good article by them or you found them by using the search engines, then that's fine too. If they take the time to write articles to promote themselves and do search engine optimization, it means they take their business seriously.
2. What is their selling point?
When you look at the ghostwriting services listed out on the website, ask yourself "what is their selling point?". Do they specialize in writing ebooks only? Do they write technical articles only?
Make sure their selling point matches what you want.
3. What additional services do they provide?
If you are having an information product created such as an ebook, does the ghostwriting company provide services such as writing a sales letter or press release? It would make your management of the project much easier if you only have to deal with one party.
4. Samples of writing
Before making your decision to hire the ghostwriter, take a look at their samples. Does the tone of voice and the depth of information suit your project?
The worst mistake you can make is using ghostwriting services which is not for your market. For example, choosing a ghostwriter who writes for children while you want a medical ebook written.
5. Quality Of Website
Take a good look at the ghostwriting company's website. Does it give you an impression that they're a professional company and that they mean business?
The ghostwriting services that you will receive will be reflected by the look of the website. If they are not serious with their company's image, they won't be serious with the work they deliver to you.
6. Communication
Contact the ghostwriting company and make a note on whether they respond in a timely manner. Look at the way they answer your questions. Do they know what they are talking about and do they seem confident in delivering what you need?
Lack of communication at the start is not a good sign. You can expect to chase up for their progress after the promised delivery date.
7. Online Reputation
Search for the ghostwriting company's reputation online in forums and in blogs. See what other people are saying about them. If you see some bad experiences with the company being posted online, think twice before deciding to go ahead with using their ghostwriting services.
Disasters happen because of the lack of due diligence when a company decides to use ghostwriting services. If you manage to avoid these 7 mistakes, you should be fine. It is advisable that you choose a ghostwriting company that delivers a line of services such as writing an ebook, creating the website, writing the sales letter and creating the marketing material. It will save you a lot of trouble when you create your information product
1. How Did You Find Them?
Whenever you give a project to a ghostwriting company, ask yourself where did you find them. This is very important.
If they were referred to you by a friend then you're pretty safe that the writing will be good. If you found the company via a forum or email spam, then you have to be extra careful. Do your investigation first.
If you've read a good article by them or you found them by using the search engines, then that's fine too. If they take the time to write articles to promote themselves and do search engine optimization, it means they take their business seriously.
2. What is their selling point?
When you look at the ghostwriting services listed out on the website, ask yourself "what is their selling point?". Do they specialize in writing ebooks only? Do they write technical articles only?
Make sure their selling point matches what you want.
3. What additional services do they provide?
If you are having an information product created such as an ebook, does the ghostwriting company provide services such as writing a sales letter or press release? It would make your management of the project much easier if you only have to deal with one party.
4. Samples of writing
Before making your decision to hire the ghostwriter, take a look at their samples. Does the tone of voice and the depth of information suit your project?
The worst mistake you can make is using ghostwriting services which is not for your market. For example, choosing a ghostwriter who writes for children while you want a medical ebook written.
5. Quality Of Website
Take a good look at the ghostwriting company's website. Does it give you an impression that they're a professional company and that they mean business?
The ghostwriting services that you will receive will be reflected by the look of the website. If they are not serious with their company's image, they won't be serious with the work they deliver to you.
6. Communication
Contact the ghostwriting company and make a note on whether they respond in a timely manner. Look at the way they answer your questions. Do they know what they are talking about and do they seem confident in delivering what you need?
Lack of communication at the start is not a good sign. You can expect to chase up for their progress after the promised delivery date.
7. Online Reputation
Search for the ghostwriting company's reputation online in forums and in blogs. See what other people are saying about them. If you see some bad experiences with the company being posted online, think twice before deciding to go ahead with using their ghostwriting services.
Disasters happen because of the lack of due diligence when a company decides to use ghostwriting services. If you manage to avoid these 7 mistakes, you should be fine. It is advisable that you choose a ghostwriting company that delivers a line of services such as writing an ebook, creating the website, writing the sales letter and creating the marketing material. It will save you a lot of trouble when you create your information product
3/15/2009
Using Worksheets as a Way to Teach Kids
Worksheets have been used in our day to day lives. More and more people use these to help in teaching and learning a certain task. There are many kinds or worksheets often used in schools nowadays. The common worksheets used in schools are for writing letters and numbers, and connect the dots activities. These are used to teach the students under kindergarten. The letter writing involves alphabets and words. These worksheets illustrate the different strokes that must be used to create a certain letter or number. Aside from this, such worksheets can also illustrate how to draw shapes, and distinguish them from one another. Teachers use printable writing paper sheets. They let their students trace the numbers, letters, words or dots as this is the perfect way for a child to practice the controlled movements of his fingers and wrist. With continued practice or tracing, he will soon be able to write more legibly and clearly. Schools use worksheet from printing to cursive writing of letters to writing of words. There are also online help to show the children how to exactly form a letter or word. After showing the students or children the way of writing, you can print the worksheets and give them practices on how to write exactly the right way. Children will be interested to do the activity because they had fun watching the software that you showed them. Worksheet is not just for practice. Teachers can also let their students do a group activity through worksheets. Through this, student
s will learn how to bond and work with their classmates as one team. Teachers may also make worksheet activities as a contest. The prizes at hand will inspire and motivate students to perform well and learn their lessons. It is important to learn letter first. The children must need to know how to write letters in printable form. After that, they can be taught how to write cursive. Writing cursives is not as easy as writing letters in printable form. Remember that kids put more attention on animation. They are more interested on having fun so it is best for a teacher to teach them write letters in a fun way. Teachers may have noticed that when children are just being told on what to do, they may not do it right out of lack of interest. Remember that with the so many worksheets available, choose one that is best suited for a certain lesson. Plan ahead what type of worksheet to use for a given day, depending on what you plan to teach. There are many free worksheets available, especially online, but still the best worksheet is one that you personally draft. This way, you are able to match the level of difficulty of the activity in accordance to the performance level of your own students. It is not bad to reuse worksheets for another batch of students, but once in a while it is also better to vary the activities you give to kids. Worksheets can be made for fun if it is attuned to the current interests of kids. The kids will respond better to activities close to their own interests
s will learn how to bond and work with their classmates as one team. Teachers may also make worksheet activities as a contest. The prizes at hand will inspire and motivate students to perform well and learn their lessons. It is important to learn letter first. The children must need to know how to write letters in printable form. After that, they can be taught how to write cursive. Writing cursives is not as easy as writing letters in printable form. Remember that kids put more attention on animation. They are more interested on having fun so it is best for a teacher to teach them write letters in a fun way. Teachers may have noticed that when children are just being told on what to do, they may not do it right out of lack of interest. Remember that with the so many worksheets available, choose one that is best suited for a certain lesson. Plan ahead what type of worksheet to use for a given day, depending on what you plan to teach. There are many free worksheets available, especially online, but still the best worksheet is one that you personally draft. This way, you are able to match the level of difficulty of the activity in accordance to the performance level of your own students. It is not bad to reuse worksheets for another batch of students, but once in a while it is also better to vary the activities you give to kids. Worksheets can be made for fun if it is attuned to the current interests of kids. The kids will respond better to activities close to their own interests
Recruitment Tools - Staffing for Skills
Staffing is an important concept in any business. Staffing provides the company with a base of skills that will either make it or break it. Most successful companies plan for their success. This planning requires staffing based on company needed skills. If your selection process begins with quality people, your staff will reflect quality standard. Staffing involves planning for the future. In order to properly staff your business, you first need to determine your future business needs. These business needs will determine the skills for which you should be hiring. Hiring for certain skills will increase the potential of your company and aid in achieving the company’s goals. The following steps should help you in your staffing endeavors. Before you know who to hire, you must first know what need you are filling. Successful companies plan for future needs, which means that they look ahead at the changing market to determine what skills they will need to remain successful. Determining your ideal job candidate requires writing an accurate job description. The description portrays the expectations and requirements that the job entails. However, even more important than the description is the process by which the description is written. Assemble a team that includes people in the same or similar positions who rep
resent the best qualities of that position. The hiring manager should be included on this team. This team will develop an accurate job description. First the team should determine the key responsibilities and the required outputs of the position. Then, the team must define the behavioral characteristics necessary to be successful in the position. These will be the best traits represented by the group of people already in the same or similar positions. Use the key responsibilities and characteristics to determine the criteria that will be used for screening. After screening is completed, compile a list of questions to use in the interview process. An important process in the recruiting and hiring process is using your employee network. Your employees know the type of worker for which you are looking. They work side by side with people everyday who are either fully capable of handling the position or completely incompetent in a position. Listen to your quality employees. Quality attracts quality. Current technology advancements have made recruiting much easier. The internet provides access to more quality employees than ever before. Use your company’s website to recruit potential employees. Also you can search databases like FaceBook and MySpace to find quality individuals who are not actually seeking positions.
resent the best qualities of that position. The hiring manager should be included on this team. This team will develop an accurate job description. First the team should determine the key responsibilities and the required outputs of the position. Then, the team must define the behavioral characteristics necessary to be successful in the position. These will be the best traits represented by the group of people already in the same or similar positions. Use the key responsibilities and characteristics to determine the criteria that will be used for screening. After screening is completed, compile a list of questions to use in the interview process. An important process in the recruiting and hiring process is using your employee network. Your employees know the type of worker for which you are looking. They work side by side with people everyday who are either fully capable of handling the position or completely incompetent in a position. Listen to your quality employees. Quality attracts quality. Current technology advancements have made recruiting much easier. The internet provides access to more quality employees than ever before. Use your company’s website to recruit potential employees. Also you can search databases like FaceBook and MySpace to find quality individuals who are not actually seeking positions.
2/15/2009
How to Save Money in a Recession?
It's no doubt that we're in a recession - prices are up, spending is down; people are being laid off left and right. It's a pretty scary situation for everyone and can leave you needing emergency cash when you never thought you would. Now is the time to get pro-active and start saving as much money as you can. This way, you can create an emergency fund to cushion you and your family during difficult times. Here are 7 simple ways to save money in a recession.
1. Do all of your errands on one day - If possible, save your errands (shopping, paying bills, visiting the post office, etc) in one day. This will help you save gas by getting everything accomplished while you're out rather than making several trips a week to the same area for different things!
2. Rather than going to the movies, order a Pay-Per-View movie through your cable or satellite company. You'll be at home, so you'll have your own snacks already, you'll avoid paying $5 for a small drink and you'll save gas by staying home.
3. Purchase of brand items at the grocery store. Most of the time, the products are exactly the same and when you buy the more expensive brand, you're paying for the name only. You can literally save hundreds of dollars each year by purchasing off brand products.
4. Search for clothing at local thrift stores and garage sales. This is an especially great idea if you have young children. They grow so quickly that there's not much sense in
purchasing expensive clothing that they will only be able to wear for a few months. You can often find brand new or gently used and brand name clothing at thrift stores and garage sales.
5. Pay your bills online to save stamps and money on envelopes. While this doesn't seem like a lot of money saved, it definitely adds up.Another advantage of paying your bills online is that it's eco-friendly. It's also secure, so you don't have to worry about your personal information getting out.
6. If you're expecting a new baby (or already have a small child), try to get items for your baby through friends and family members. Most people know someone who has a child quickly outgrowing clothing, shoes, baby bathtubs, toys, etc. If you can't get the items free, offer to pay a fair amount - you can still save a lot of money by doing it this way rather than buying the items brand new.
7. Use coupons. A lot of people think that clipping coupons is really irritating and time consuming, but you can save thousands of dollars each year by using coupons. Another tip is to save your coupons for double or triple coupon day at your local grocery store. You can really save a lot of money with this trick.
If you follow these tips, you can really save a lot of money. The pennies, nickels and dimes will really add up over time. With the economy and jobs being the way they are, you never know when you will need your emergency fund!
1. Do all of your errands on one day - If possible, save your errands (shopping, paying bills, visiting the post office, etc) in one day. This will help you save gas by getting everything accomplished while you're out rather than making several trips a week to the same area for different things!
2. Rather than going to the movies, order a Pay-Per-View movie through your cable or satellite company. You'll be at home, so you'll have your own snacks already, you'll avoid paying $5 for a small drink and you'll save gas by staying home.
3. Purchase of brand items at the grocery store. Most of the time, the products are exactly the same and when you buy the more expensive brand, you're paying for the name only. You can literally save hundreds of dollars each year by purchasing off brand products.
4. Search for clothing at local thrift stores and garage sales. This is an especially great idea if you have young children. They grow so quickly that there's not much sense in
purchasing expensive clothing that they will only be able to wear for a few months. You can often find brand new or gently used and brand name clothing at thrift stores and garage sales.
5. Pay your bills online to save stamps and money on envelopes. While this doesn't seem like a lot of money saved, it definitely adds up.Another advantage of paying your bills online is that it's eco-friendly. It's also secure, so you don't have to worry about your personal information getting out.
6. If you're expecting a new baby (or already have a small child), try to get items for your baby through friends and family members. Most people know someone who has a child quickly outgrowing clothing, shoes, baby bathtubs, toys, etc. If you can't get the items free, offer to pay a fair amount - you can still save a lot of money by doing it this way rather than buying the items brand new.
7. Use coupons. A lot of people think that clipping coupons is really irritating and time consuming, but you can save thousands of dollars each year by using coupons. Another tip is to save your coupons for double or triple coupon day at your local grocery store. You can really save a lot of money with this trick.
If you follow these tips, you can really save a lot of money. The pennies, nickels and dimes will really add up over time. With the economy and jobs being the way they are, you never know when you will need your emergency fund!
How Do I Know If She Is Lesbian?
The girl with whom you are dating for the last few days, might not be just a straight person like you. Or if you are a girl, your best friend could have different sexual preference, which is not similar to yours. But how do you know that? Being gay or lesbian is totally a physical attribute which they can not ignore. Even if they try to, one day or the other, these attributes are bound to come out. You might feel depressed if you get to know that out of the blue. It is always better to be confirmed about the girl, before you get involved with her for any kind of relationship. You can follow certain behavioral patterns of the girl to confirm about her sexual orientation.
1. You will certainly feel something different in her look. Her body language will often give you a clear hint about her orientation. She might try to be much closer to the girls around her physically. But, be very careful while judging her attitude towards you or other girls. She might turn to be just a straight person, who just loves to be accompanied by girls, rather than boys.
2. Find out if she has any rainbow signs, often with six colors, on any of her accessories. Actually, this is the symbol for gay or lesbian people. She might wear a rainbow bracelet, anklet or use a rainbow sticker on clothing or as tattoo. But, again do not draw any final conclusion from this. A straight girl also can use rainbow stickers unknowingly.
3. Just have a simple conversation with her on the topic of lesbians, and check out her reactions. She might support the movement or feel disgusted about them. This discussion might give you some hint about her sexuality.
4. Look for, whether she is wearing any upside down pink triangle. Long days back, this symbol became a sign for homosexual people. Also, lesbians or feminists are quite used to wearing a labrys symbol.
5. Every year in the last weekend of June, the gays celebrate a parade in most of the major cities. This is to strengthen their liberation movement. You might check whether your friend attends that or not.
6. But again you can not reach into any final conclusion, even if you feel positive indications from the above behavioral patterns. You can learn more about lesbians - their characteristics, their social attitude etc over the internet.
7. The best way to have confirmed answer is obviously to ask her verbally. Try to maintain a friendly relation with her so that she can confide in you. But she will share her most personal affair with you only if she feels that you are the most dependable person to confess. Never ever jump to any conclusion by yourself, as this might ruin the relationship
1. You will certainly feel something different in her look. Her body language will often give you a clear hint about her orientation. She might try to be much closer to the girls around her physically. But, be very careful while judging her attitude towards you or other girls. She might turn to be just a straight person, who just loves to be accompanied by girls, rather than boys.
2. Find out if she has any rainbow signs, often with six colors, on any of her accessories. Actually, this is the symbol for gay or lesbian people. She might wear a rainbow bracelet, anklet or use a rainbow sticker on clothing or as tattoo. But, again do not draw any final conclusion from this. A straight girl also can use rainbow stickers unknowingly.
3. Just have a simple conversation with her on the topic of lesbians, and check out her reactions. She might support the movement or feel disgusted about them. This discussion might give you some hint about her sexuality.
4. Look for, whether she is wearing any upside down pink triangle. Long days back, this symbol became a sign for homosexual people. Also, lesbians or feminists are quite used to wearing a labrys symbol.
5. Every year in the last weekend of June, the gays celebrate a parade in most of the major cities. This is to strengthen their liberation movement. You might check whether your friend attends that or not.
6. But again you can not reach into any final conclusion, even if you feel positive indications from the above behavioral patterns. You can learn more about lesbians - their characteristics, their social attitude etc over the internet.
7. The best way to have confirmed answer is obviously to ask her verbally. Try to maintain a friendly relation with her so that she can confide in you. But she will share her most personal affair with you only if she feels that you are the most dependable person to confess. Never ever jump to any conclusion by yourself, as this might ruin the relationship
Most Effective Way To Build Chest Muscles
The main area of the body most people say they would like to improve is the chest. The chest is the most prominent element of the upper body and it contains the largest muscle. Building muscle mass in your chest will boost your confidence and help stabilize your shoulders. For these reasons, it is the subsection of the body that lifters generally spend the most time working on.
Here are some fundamental exercises to help increase muscle mass in the chest.
Bench Press
Body Position – Good location is the most vital part of your bench press routine. Lie flat on the bench so there is continuous contact from buttock to back. The soles of your shoes should be in contact with the floor at all times. Your bar should be resting parallel to your eyes.
Movement – Continuously inhale deeply throughout the lifting phase to supply more oxygen to your body. Carefully lift the bar from its resting position and lower it to its destination - a few inches above your chest. Ensure the bar does not sharply fall on your chest, as a serious injury may occur.
Completion – Using a carefully controlled motion, press the weight back to its starting point. Lock both elbows and use the full extension of your arms to effectively build the entire muscle.
Cable Crossovers
Body Position – Stand equidistant from two different cable machines. Grab the cable from each using the nearest hand to it. The handles should be level with your shoulders and your elbows should be maximally bent. Provide a stable base for this exercise by placing one foot slightly in front of the other.
Movement – Push forwards and downwards in a cross shape until the cables become level with your waist. Exhale continuously throughout your movement, and avoid injury by ensuring your hands do not smash together.
Completion – In a careful and controlled motion, return the cables to the starting position. If you let the weights snap back quickly, you could risk potentially injure your arms.
Incline Press
Body Position – There are several different styles of press, either with fixed or adjustable chairs. With either, you will need to sit all the way back on the reclined seat, and the soles of your feet should be in contact with the floor.
Movement – Lift the bar from its resting position and begin carefully lowering it towards your chest. Take care not to drop the bar, as this could cause serious injury.
Completion – Extend your arms and lock your elbows to press the weight straight back up. This upper chest exercise should be a fluid, continuous motion. Careful control is of paramount importance.
Decline Press
Body Position – You will lie on the bench with your head lower down than the rest of your body. Your feet will be strapped onto the foot pads securely, and there will be continuous contact between your back and the bench.
Movement - Lift the bar from its resting position and begin carefully lowering it towards your chest. Take care not to drop the bar, as this could cause serious injury.
Completion - Extend your arms and lock your elbows to press the weight straight back up. It is sometimes difficult to gauge whether the bar is perpendicular to the floor, because your head is at an awkward angle, but the perpendicular motion is what builds muscle mass in your lower chest area and the inner portion of the chest.
Butterfly Press
Body Position – If you are using a machine, you will use the seat provided and position your arms on the bar. If you are using dumbbells, you will lie flat on your back on the bench with one in each of your hands. You will raise the dumbbells to the face- level starting point with your arms fully bent.
Movement – If you are using the machine, you will use your inner forearms to move the weights in a preset arc-like motion. If you are using dumbbells, you will use a fluid movement to carefully move them toward each other. They will meet slightly above your nose.
Completion - If you are using a machine you will move the weights back to their resting position using the padded arms. The machine will provide enough resistance to allow you to build muscle mass. For maximal muscle growth using free weights, you need to ensure the dumbbell travels down the exact same arc it went up. The continuous resistance throughout the exercise will be a priority if you are serious about building muscle.
Here are some fundamental exercises to help increase muscle mass in the chest.
Bench Press
Body Position – Good location is the most vital part of your bench press routine. Lie flat on the bench so there is continuous contact from buttock to back. The soles of your shoes should be in contact with the floor at all times. Your bar should be resting parallel to your eyes.
Movement – Continuously inhale deeply throughout the lifting phase to supply more oxygen to your body. Carefully lift the bar from its resting position and lower it to its destination - a few inches above your chest. Ensure the bar does not sharply fall on your chest, as a serious injury may occur.
Completion – Using a carefully controlled motion, press the weight back to its starting point. Lock both elbows and use the full extension of your arms to effectively build the entire muscle.
Cable Crossovers
Body Position – Stand equidistant from two different cable machines. Grab the cable from each using the nearest hand to it. The handles should be level with your shoulders and your elbows should be maximally bent. Provide a stable base for this exercise by placing one foot slightly in front of the other.
Movement – Push forwards and downwards in a cross shape until the cables become level with your waist. Exhale continuously throughout your movement, and avoid injury by ensuring your hands do not smash together.
Completion – In a careful and controlled motion, return the cables to the starting position. If you let the weights snap back quickly, you could risk potentially injure your arms.
Incline Press
Body Position – There are several different styles of press, either with fixed or adjustable chairs. With either, you will need to sit all the way back on the reclined seat, and the soles of your feet should be in contact with the floor.
Movement – Lift the bar from its resting position and begin carefully lowering it towards your chest. Take care not to drop the bar, as this could cause serious injury.
Completion – Extend your arms and lock your elbows to press the weight straight back up. This upper chest exercise should be a fluid, continuous motion. Careful control is of paramount importance.
Decline Press
Body Position – You will lie on the bench with your head lower down than the rest of your body. Your feet will be strapped onto the foot pads securely, and there will be continuous contact between your back and the bench.
Movement - Lift the bar from its resting position and begin carefully lowering it towards your chest. Take care not to drop the bar, as this could cause serious injury.
Completion - Extend your arms and lock your elbows to press the weight straight back up. It is sometimes difficult to gauge whether the bar is perpendicular to the floor, because your head is at an awkward angle, but the perpendicular motion is what builds muscle mass in your lower chest area and the inner portion of the chest.
Butterfly Press
Body Position – If you are using a machine, you will use the seat provided and position your arms on the bar. If you are using dumbbells, you will lie flat on your back on the bench with one in each of your hands. You will raise the dumbbells to the face- level starting point with your arms fully bent.
Movement – If you are using the machine, you will use your inner forearms to move the weights in a preset arc-like motion. If you are using dumbbells, you will use a fluid movement to carefully move them toward each other. They will meet slightly above your nose.
Completion - If you are using a machine you will move the weights back to their resting position using the padded arms. The machine will provide enough resistance to allow you to build muscle mass. For maximal muscle growth using free weights, you need to ensure the dumbbell travels down the exact same arc it went up. The continuous resistance throughout the exercise will be a priority if you are serious about building muscle.
2/08/2009
Booking Travel Online - 5 Tips You Must Know
Booking travel online is big business these days and on the plus side puts a lot of power in the hands of the consumer to reserve their own travel arrangements. But it’s critical you know 5 things to get the best deal and discount available. So before you begin your travel research and booking online read this article.
ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
When booking travel online they’re two types you can use: the traditional travel web sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, and what are being called these days Travel Search Engines, which include SideStep and Kayak.
The main difference is in the search capability. A travel web site like Orbitz only searches its own database of available flights, hotel rooms, and car rentals. So the search is restrictive. But you’ll get more search features and booking travel services offered at these sites.
At travel search engines such as SideStep, the results will include selections from airline sites, travel web sites, and other databases containing flight, room and car rental availability. The drawback is a more "spartan" search capability, and you won’t get many of the cool features you’ll find at a travel web site.
IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AND AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN
If you want the cheapest fare or room, always check out multiple sites before booking travel online. Many travel web sites negotiate and purchase large blocks of fares and rooms directly from airlines and hotels, and then pass the savings onto consumers. But because the reduction varies between sites, the quoted rate for the same seat on a flight, or room in a hotel, can vary dramatically... and many times from day-to-day. So it not only pays to check and compare other sites, but if you’ve the time, to do it often.
TRAVEL WEB SITES DON’T ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL
Because of the competitiveness of the travel industry these days here’s another worthwhile step to take before you press that "submit" button at your chosen online booking site... hop over for a final check at the airline, hotel, or car rental company web site for any special offers or lower rates you may get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for their own online customers or preferred clients, and you’ll even avoid fees.
BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES
Booking travel online at travel web sites usually involves a service fee. In most instances it’s not outrageous and is usually around $5 per ticket or booking. Recently, I’ve seen some fees nudging up around $20 and there’s no need to pay that much. But the fees to be aware of are transfer fees when you change itinerary or cancel. It can cost you $100 or more to change after you’ve booked a flight. And if you want a refund, then it can be very frustrating, as you’ll likely spend hours on the phone to get to somebody who can authorize it.
The travel search engines make money from paid advertising and a referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you don’t pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so always check for fee disclosure before booking.
Generally, the fees should never be hidden from you, but in a rush to book you may easily overlook a charge that wasn’t obvious before. The profit margins for online travel sites are low, and they can be very creative in their fee structure if you don’t pay close attention.
THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that allows you to become part of their affiliate program for no cost. It’s usually at the bottom and not obvious. By becoming an affiliate you can earn a small commission for everybody you refer to them that purchases a ticket, reserves a room, or rents a car.
But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself up as a home-based travel agent, be aware you’ll have to send thousands of people to make any decent money. But there’s an even better reason to become an affiliate. As an affiliate most sites will allow you to purchase your own tickets and still get paid the commission. It’s effectively a discount. Be sure to check the fine print on the agreement just so you’re familiar with the restrictions if any, and how they’ll pay you. But if you do a lot of booking travel online then check it out to see if it’ll work for you.
The travel industry continues to adjust to the advantages of the Internet. Billions of dollars have been invested in online travel booking systems, and new players continue to enter the market every year. Armed with these tips you’ll be better prepared to navigate through the maze to the very best deal for you. And there’s still that travel agent in the mall if you just can’t be bothered with the whole game of booking travel online.
ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
When booking travel online they’re two types you can use: the traditional travel web sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, and what are being called these days Travel Search Engines, which include SideStep and Kayak.
The main difference is in the search capability. A travel web site like Orbitz only searches its own database of available flights, hotel rooms, and car rentals. So the search is restrictive. But you’ll get more search features and booking travel services offered at these sites.
At travel search engines such as SideStep, the results will include selections from airline sites, travel web sites, and other databases containing flight, room and car rental availability. The drawback is a more "spartan" search capability, and you won’t get many of the cool features you’ll find at a travel web site.
IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AND AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN
If you want the cheapest fare or room, always check out multiple sites before booking travel online. Many travel web sites negotiate and purchase large blocks of fares and rooms directly from airlines and hotels, and then pass the savings onto consumers. But because the reduction varies between sites, the quoted rate for the same seat on a flight, or room in a hotel, can vary dramatically... and many times from day-to-day. So it not only pays to check and compare other sites, but if you’ve the time, to do it often.
TRAVEL WEB SITES DON’T ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL
Because of the competitiveness of the travel industry these days here’s another worthwhile step to take before you press that "submit" button at your chosen online booking site... hop over for a final check at the airline, hotel, or car rental company web site for any special offers or lower rates you may get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for their own online customers or preferred clients, and you’ll even avoid fees.
BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES
Booking travel online at travel web sites usually involves a service fee. In most instances it’s not outrageous and is usually around $5 per ticket or booking. Recently, I’ve seen some fees nudging up around $20 and there’s no need to pay that much. But the fees to be aware of are transfer fees when you change itinerary or cancel. It can cost you $100 or more to change after you’ve booked a flight. And if you want a refund, then it can be very frustrating, as you’ll likely spend hours on the phone to get to somebody who can authorize it.
The travel search engines make money from paid advertising and a referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you don’t pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so always check for fee disclosure before booking.
Generally, the fees should never be hidden from you, but in a rush to book you may easily overlook a charge that wasn’t obvious before. The profit margins for online travel sites are low, and they can be very creative in their fee structure if you don’t pay close attention.
THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that allows you to become part of their affiliate program for no cost. It’s usually at the bottom and not obvious. By becoming an affiliate you can earn a small commission for everybody you refer to them that purchases a ticket, reserves a room, or rents a car.
But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself up as a home-based travel agent, be aware you’ll have to send thousands of people to make any decent money. But there’s an even better reason to become an affiliate. As an affiliate most sites will allow you to purchase your own tickets and still get paid the commission. It’s effectively a discount. Be sure to check the fine print on the agreement just so you’re familiar with the restrictions if any, and how they’ll pay you. But if you do a lot of booking travel online then check it out to see if it’ll work for you.
The travel industry continues to adjust to the advantages of the Internet. Billions of dollars have been invested in online travel booking systems, and new players continue to enter the market every year. Armed with these tips you’ll be better prepared to navigate through the maze to the very best deal for you. And there’s still that travel agent in the mall if you just can’t be bothered with the whole game of booking travel online.
Enjoy a Luxury Ride With Denver’s Airport Services
It is inevitable for us to travel especially if we have important business travel, out-of-town, and vacation spree. In this case, many people opt to leave their cars at home and hire Denver airport car services to and from the airport. Taking an airport car service in Denver helps save budget because you don’t need to fill up your gas and pay for the parking. You don’t need to drive to and fro the airport and your destination; so, you save more on time and money!
How do you look for Denver airport transportation? Are you sure that the one you hired pick you up on time and give the best transportation service? What are your standards in choosing the right airport service?
The first thing you should do is to arrange an airport service, be it a Denver airport taxi service or Denver shuttle service. Check out the Yellow Pages and the internet to make your search a lot easier. Take time to read the company’s profile and terms of services. Careful background check involves scrupulous search on the company’s credentials and safety record. Safety has always been an issue when choosing an airport service because no one wouldn’t want to risk his or her life in the hands of a company who has records of road accidents and fatalities.
Before you arrange or agree to their terms of service, it is important to carefully explore information or documents about the company. Look at court records and the airline where they are affiliated at. Take note, although the internet is the fastest access to information, the information included to it is not always reliable and true. They can always cloak their identity using persuasive advertising tools, so be wise enough in choosing the right one!
Ask the points of service and the distance they travel to pick you up. This will serve as your guide to know if the company will do well and will pick you on up on time. Don’t just rely on the ads you see but it is better to ask them the terms of services. It would be much convenient to hire a company that provides door-to-door service to and from the hotel and airport.
Other considerations include are the safety of you luggage, bond, and the route available. Some airport limo services picked up other passengers so you should be ensure that your luggage is safeguarded against theft or damage. In case of accident, you should be guaranteed with full insurance that covers the hospitalization and medicines.
Also, some airlines are always late and cancel flights unexpectedly. This circumstance should be taken into consideration, ask the company beforehand on how they handle delayed and cancelled flights. How long will you be waiting for the chauffeurs if the flight is late? Will they just leave you alone if the flight is cancelled?
Make sure the vehicles are well-maintained, clean and comfortable, and the drivers are prompt and courteous. The rule of thumb here is never rush on things; everything should be well-planned and the company you’ve hired will give the best service you deserve!
How do you look for Denver airport transportation? Are you sure that the one you hired pick you up on time and give the best transportation service? What are your standards in choosing the right airport service?
The first thing you should do is to arrange an airport service, be it a Denver airport taxi service or Denver shuttle service. Check out the Yellow Pages and the internet to make your search a lot easier. Take time to read the company’s profile and terms of services. Careful background check involves scrupulous search on the company’s credentials and safety record. Safety has always been an issue when choosing an airport service because no one wouldn’t want to risk his or her life in the hands of a company who has records of road accidents and fatalities.
Before you arrange or agree to their terms of service, it is important to carefully explore information or documents about the company. Look at court records and the airline where they are affiliated at. Take note, although the internet is the fastest access to information, the information included to it is not always reliable and true. They can always cloak their identity using persuasive advertising tools, so be wise enough in choosing the right one!
Ask the points of service and the distance they travel to pick you up. This will serve as your guide to know if the company will do well and will pick you on up on time. Don’t just rely on the ads you see but it is better to ask them the terms of services. It would be much convenient to hire a company that provides door-to-door service to and from the hotel and airport.
Other considerations include are the safety of you luggage, bond, and the route available. Some airport limo services picked up other passengers so you should be ensure that your luggage is safeguarded against theft or damage. In case of accident, you should be guaranteed with full insurance that covers the hospitalization and medicines.
Also, some airlines are always late and cancel flights unexpectedly. This circumstance should be taken into consideration, ask the company beforehand on how they handle delayed and cancelled flights. How long will you be waiting for the chauffeurs if the flight is late? Will they just leave you alone if the flight is cancelled?
Make sure the vehicles are well-maintained, clean and comfortable, and the drivers are prompt and courteous. The rule of thumb here is never rush on things; everything should be well-planned and the company you’ve hired will give the best service you deserve!
The Benefits Of Student Loan Consolidation
Are you tired of paying interest on student loans every month? Do you have increasing anxiety about your looming deadline to pay back your loans? There is an easier way that will ease your worries. Get your student loan(s) consolidated. One simple operation turns many headaches into one manageable situation.
There are many financial institutions offering school loans to college students. The problem is their interest rates are generally quite high. Students paying interest monthly on their loans often find it financially impossible to keep up. Then when the loans come due, it can be a huge burden and a disruption to building a career.
Student loan consolidation offers the best deal. Not only are the interest rates low, but also there is a 6 to 9-month grace period, only one monthly payment, and peace of mind.
Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy:
1. Make only one monthly payment, rather than paying several separately.
2. Make an overall lower monthly payment.
3. Applications don't require a credit card check or processing fees.
4. Have a very low, fixed interest rate that cannot exceed more than 8.25% at any time. National interest rates are now at a 40-year low.
5. Terms and payment plans that are very flexible. Providers can design your consolidation loan to meet your financial situation.
6. Ability to prepay your loan at any time without incurring a penalty.
7. Save an additional quarter-percent on your interest rate by paying electronically. Electronic debit option saves money and eliminates the chance that you'll forget to make on-time payments.
The government program is competitive with the private institutions. Student loan consolidation rates are fixed and can't be modified after the contracts are approved and signed. Whenever you graduate or cease to be a full time student, you can also enjoy the grace period that allows you time to become employed and repay your loans easily.
Students who are within their grace period, those who can't repay what they still owe on their student loans, as well as those who are still in school, may take advantage of consolidating their government-guaranteed loans.
There are many financial institutions offering school loans to college students. The problem is their interest rates are generally quite high. Students paying interest monthly on their loans often find it financially impossible to keep up. Then when the loans come due, it can be a huge burden and a disruption to building a career.
Student loan consolidation offers the best deal. Not only are the interest rates low, but also there is a 6 to 9-month grace period, only one monthly payment, and peace of mind.
Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy:
1. Make only one monthly payment, rather than paying several separately.
2. Make an overall lower monthly payment.
3. Applications don't require a credit card check or processing fees.
4. Have a very low, fixed interest rate that cannot exceed more than 8.25% at any time. National interest rates are now at a 40-year low.
5. Terms and payment plans that are very flexible. Providers can design your consolidation loan to meet your financial situation.
6. Ability to prepay your loan at any time without incurring a penalty.
7. Save an additional quarter-percent on your interest rate by paying electronically. Electronic debit option saves money and eliminates the chance that you'll forget to make on-time payments.
The government program is competitive with the private institutions. Student loan consolidation rates are fixed and can't be modified after the contracts are approved and signed. Whenever you graduate or cease to be a full time student, you can also enjoy the grace period that allows you time to become employed and repay your loans easily.
Students who are within their grace period, those who can't repay what they still owe on their student loans, as well as those who are still in school, may take advantage of consolidating their government-guaranteed loans.
Assisted Living Is Seniors' Top Long-term Housing Choice
Assisted living facilities are a good option for seniors who need ongoing help with personal care and typical daily activities, yet who wish to retain their independence to the maximum extent. Here's more:
As Baby Boomers enter their retirement years, it's inevitable that some might start to need assistance with day-to-day activities. But they're understandably reluctant to forfeit their independence. If they have been accustomed to managing a business--or a family--they could have a difficult time acknowledging that they occasionally forget to take their medications, or even need help getting bathed and dressed. Because they don't need daily medical care at this point, assisted living might be a good housing option.
What is an assisted living facility? These facilities provide care for seniors who need some help with activities of daily living yet wish to remain as independent as possible. They essentially serve as a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes.
Assisted living facilities aim to foster as much autonomy as the resident is capable of. Most of them offer 24-hour supervision and an array of support services, with more privacy, space, and dignity than many nursing homes—at a lower cost.
There are approximately 33,000 of these facilities operating in the U.S. today. The number of residents living in a facility can range from several to 300, with the most common size being between 25 and 120 individuals.
An assisted living facility helps seniors with personal care, such as:
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Eating
• Grooming
• Getting around
Daily contact with supervisory staff is the defining characteristic of an assisted living facility. Medical care is limited, but it is often possible to contract for some medical needs.
Here are the key characteristics of assisted living facilities:
Activities of daily living (dressing, personal care): Comprehensive assistance provided.
Community activities (social events, outings, golf, etc.): Some activities offered.
Community services (laundry, cleaning, etc.): Many / most services provided.
Health dervices (medications, nursing care): Some services provided; not skilled nursing, however.
Environment (personal freedom):Residents are somewhat independent.
Overall health (physical, emotional): Residents have average health problems.
A recent Prudential Insurance report found that the average daily cost for an assisted living facility is now more than $100, or $3,241/month.
Although the report examined both assisted living and nursing home costs, it found the largest increase in cost of care in assisted living, spiking about 13 percent since 2006.
By the year 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to reach more than 71 million, or almost 20 percent of the entire U.S. population.
As the population ages, of course, the need for care is projected to grow correspondingly. Not surprisingly, recent studies continue to show increases in the cost of long-term care throughout the country.
The Prudential findings are similar to those from this year’s Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, which can be found at http://www.communityed.com/blog/administrative-concerns/do-you-measure-up_05-12-2008.
The Genworth survey found that the national average monthly rate for assisted living housing is $3,008/month.
As Baby Boomers enter their retirement years, it's inevitable that some might start to need assistance with day-to-day activities. But they're understandably reluctant to forfeit their independence. If they have been accustomed to managing a business--or a family--they could have a difficult time acknowledging that they occasionally forget to take their medications, or even need help getting bathed and dressed. Because they don't need daily medical care at this point, assisted living might be a good housing option.
What is an assisted living facility? These facilities provide care for seniors who need some help with activities of daily living yet wish to remain as independent as possible. They essentially serve as a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes.
Assisted living facilities aim to foster as much autonomy as the resident is capable of. Most of them offer 24-hour supervision and an array of support services, with more privacy, space, and dignity than many nursing homes—at a lower cost.
There are approximately 33,000 of these facilities operating in the U.S. today. The number of residents living in a facility can range from several to 300, with the most common size being between 25 and 120 individuals.
An assisted living facility helps seniors with personal care, such as:
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Eating
• Grooming
• Getting around
Daily contact with supervisory staff is the defining characteristic of an assisted living facility. Medical care is limited, but it is often possible to contract for some medical needs.
Here are the key characteristics of assisted living facilities:
Activities of daily living (dressing, personal care): Comprehensive assistance provided.
Community activities (social events, outings, golf, etc.): Some activities offered.
Community services (laundry, cleaning, etc.): Many / most services provided.
Health dervices (medications, nursing care): Some services provided; not skilled nursing, however.
Environment (personal freedom):Residents are somewhat independent.
Overall health (physical, emotional): Residents have average health problems.
A recent Prudential Insurance report found that the average daily cost for an assisted living facility is now more than $100, or $3,241/month.
Although the report examined both assisted living and nursing home costs, it found the largest increase in cost of care in assisted living, spiking about 13 percent since 2006.
By the year 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to reach more than 71 million, or almost 20 percent of the entire U.S. population.
As the population ages, of course, the need for care is projected to grow correspondingly. Not surprisingly, recent studies continue to show increases in the cost of long-term care throughout the country.
The Prudential findings are similar to those from this year’s Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, which can be found at http://www.communityed.com/blog/administrative-concerns/do-you-measure-up_05-12-2008.
The Genworth survey found that the national average monthly rate for assisted living housing is $3,008/month.
2/05/2009
The Race To Get To The Top Of Google’s Listings
Most webmasters know that faring well on the search engines is crucial if you are going to get your share of the customers. But do you really need to be on page one? Google is probably the most well known search engine online, and websites are constantly jostling for position to get that number one spot on the first page. There’s no doubt that being on page two or three is going to be better than being on page two hundred, but is it enough to grab some sales? Google is split into two basic groups. Firstly there are the organic search results.
Most webmasters know that faring well on the search engines is crucial if you are going to get your share of the customers. But do you really need to be on page one?
Google is probably the most well known search engine online, and websites are constantly jostling for position to get that number one spot on the first page. There’s no doubt that being on page two or three is going to be better than being on page two hundred, but is it enough to grab some sales?
Google is split into two basic groups. Firstly there are the organic search results, which are achieved with good old fashioned hard work in the search engine optimization department. And secondly there are the search results that you can pay to appear in. Both of these are equally competitive, but there is an essential difference. You could say the first method is competitive in terms of knowledge, whereas the second is competitive more in terms of money. The biggest budget generally gets the top keywords. Although of course, you need to know which keywords to bid on in the first place.
They say hard work reaps rewards and this is certainly the case when you are trying to get to the top of the listings. Being on the first page of Google will get you better results than being on page two. But if you can get in one of the top five positions the results will be better still.
The problem though is that it’s not just a case of getting there. Inexperienced webmasters will sit back and celebrate at reaching that coveted number one spot. And very soon after they will find they have slipped back down again.
This is because the world of search engine optimization is highly competitive. You could expend all that effort to get there, but you still need to keep working in order to stay there. There will always be other websites that are clamouring to take that spot away from you – and with it will go a percentage of your business.
There’s no doubt that all websites need to focus on featuring in the organic search listings. This costs you nothing but time to do yourself – although you can often get better results if you can afford to hire an expert to find the right keywords and phrases to focus on. But if you have a budget to work with, then it will definitely pay off to invest it in pay per click positioning as well.
In short, the more knowledge you have and the more you focus on SEO, the more likely it will be that you’ll get closer to those coveted spots on page one of Google. It does take work and dedication, but it is work that will bring you fresh orders and new customers, and that is what you are aiming for in the end anyway.
Most webmasters know that faring well on the search engines is crucial if you are going to get your share of the customers. But do you really need to be on page one?
Google is probably the most well known search engine online, and websites are constantly jostling for position to get that number one spot on the first page. There’s no doubt that being on page two or three is going to be better than being on page two hundred, but is it enough to grab some sales?
Google is split into two basic groups. Firstly there are the organic search results, which are achieved with good old fashioned hard work in the search engine optimization department. And secondly there are the search results that you can pay to appear in. Both of these are equally competitive, but there is an essential difference. You could say the first method is competitive in terms of knowledge, whereas the second is competitive more in terms of money. The biggest budget generally gets the top keywords. Although of course, you need to know which keywords to bid on in the first place.
They say hard work reaps rewards and this is certainly the case when you are trying to get to the top of the listings. Being on the first page of Google will get you better results than being on page two. But if you can get in one of the top five positions the results will be better still.
The problem though is that it’s not just a case of getting there. Inexperienced webmasters will sit back and celebrate at reaching that coveted number one spot. And very soon after they will find they have slipped back down again.
This is because the world of search engine optimization is highly competitive. You could expend all that effort to get there, but you still need to keep working in order to stay there. There will always be other websites that are clamouring to take that spot away from you – and with it will go a percentage of your business.
There’s no doubt that all websites need to focus on featuring in the organic search listings. This costs you nothing but time to do yourself – although you can often get better results if you can afford to hire an expert to find the right keywords and phrases to focus on. But if you have a budget to work with, then it will definitely pay off to invest it in pay per click positioning as well.
In short, the more knowledge you have and the more you focus on SEO, the more likely it will be that you’ll get closer to those coveted spots on page one of Google. It does take work and dedication, but it is work that will bring you fresh orders and new customers, and that is what you are aiming for in the end anyway.
2/04/2009
How To Plan Your Web Site to Maximize Online Sales and Profits
Most businesses fail to plan for online success. Knowing your purpose, audience, and uniqueness are the first steps to developing a successful web site. Follow these three steps to position your web site for Internet profits. Step 1: Determine Your Purpose The first step in planning a web site is to determine what you want to accomplish. Do you want to sell products and services, find new customers, establish credibility, or improve customer service? The purpose of your web site will influence its content and design. Depending on your goal, you may want to provide articles to establish trust, provide a compelling sales letter, a catalog, product information, a secure online order form, and a shopping cart. Step 2: Define Your Ideal Customers, Their Needs and Concerns Many web sites are trying to attract everybody. Don’t make this mistake. Your web site will be more profitable if you focus on the ideal prospects who are most likely to buy your products or services. Ask the following questions to find out who your ideal customers are: - Who wants or needs your products or services? - What is the age range, gender, profession, industry, income level, and education of your ideal customers? - What are your customers’ needs, wants, and concerns? - What problems can you solve for your customers? What problems do your products or services solve for them? - Who will be visiting your web site? - What is the common denominator of your visitors? - Why will they come to your site? - What information do they want? - Are most of your customers computer literate? What computer monitor and screen resolution do they have? What browsers do they use? Do your visitors connect to the Internet with a slow modem or a fast connection such as cable or DSL? Target your web site’s content and design directly to your ideal customers. Attract your target audience with a benefit-oriented headline. Tell right away what your web site is about and what’s in it for them. If they don’t read further, they were not prospects. Make your text large for seniors. Use a conservative design for accountants. Make your design colorful for children. Avoid movies, sounds, and Flash animations if your clients have slow computers and Internet connections. You can dramatically increase your web profits by focusing on your customers, providing information they want, and solving some of their problems. Step 3: Demonstrate Your Uniqueness To be successful with your web site, you must stand out from your competi
tion. The competition is tremendous on the Internet. How many web sites are you competing with? How do you make your site stand out from those other web sites? And more importantly, how can you get your prospects to buy from you instead of one of your competitors? You do that by emphasizing how you’re different and better. Marketers call it "USP" or "Unique Selling Proposition." Instead of copying everyone else, separate yourself from your competition and develop a web site that distinguishes you from all the others. Focus on what makes you unique; attract your audience with a benefit that is different from everyone else’s and provide a distinct advantage or offer. But first, determine what makes your business unique. Here are some questions to help you establish what sets you apart: - Why should prospects buy from you instead of your competitors? - What are the most important benefits or results your customers will get from your products or services? - What do you do better than anyone else? Do you possess hard-to-find or specialized expertise? - Do you offer a free consultation, initial visit, analysis, or better advice? - What makes your services better, more unique, or more desirable than your competitors? - Do you have the lowest prices or the highest quality products in your industry? - Do you provide the fastest service, the strongest guarantee, longest hours, or better follow up? - Do you keep customers informed with newsletters? - Do you target a specific audience? After determining what’s unique about your products and services, you can emphasize this uniqueness on your web site and set yourself apart from your competition. Here are some ways to accomplish that: - Provide your USP, benefits, and site description at the top of the page. - Use words and images to make your site unique. - Target your audience in your headline and first paragraph. - Use benefits that appeal to your audience. Talk their language. - Create a unique design. Design a custom web header and product images, such as an ebook cover or CD cover. Give your prospects a reason to buy from you instead of a competitor’s web site. Study your competition and then be different, look different, and give them benefits the others don’t. Plan your web site for profits. Determine what you want to accomplish with your web site, who your ideal audience is, and what makes your online business unique. Only after implementing these steps are you ready to start developing your web content.
tion. The competition is tremendous on the Internet. How many web sites are you competing with? How do you make your site stand out from those other web sites? And more importantly, how can you get your prospects to buy from you instead of one of your competitors? You do that by emphasizing how you’re different and better. Marketers call it "USP" or "Unique Selling Proposition." Instead of copying everyone else, separate yourself from your competition and develop a web site that distinguishes you from all the others. Focus on what makes you unique; attract your audience with a benefit that is different from everyone else’s and provide a distinct advantage or offer. But first, determine what makes your business unique. Here are some questions to help you establish what sets you apart: - Why should prospects buy from you instead of your competitors? - What are the most important benefits or results your customers will get from your products or services? - What do you do better than anyone else? Do you possess hard-to-find or specialized expertise? - Do you offer a free consultation, initial visit, analysis, or better advice? - What makes your services better, more unique, or more desirable than your competitors? - Do you have the lowest prices or the highest quality products in your industry? - Do you provide the fastest service, the strongest guarantee, longest hours, or better follow up? - Do you keep customers informed with newsletters? - Do you target a specific audience? After determining what’s unique about your products and services, you can emphasize this uniqueness on your web site and set yourself apart from your competition. Here are some ways to accomplish that: - Provide your USP, benefits, and site description at the top of the page. - Use words and images to make your site unique. - Target your audience in your headline and first paragraph. - Use benefits that appeal to your audience. Talk their language. - Create a unique design. Design a custom web header and product images, such as an ebook cover or CD cover. Give your prospects a reason to buy from you instead of a competitor’s web site. Study your competition and then be different, look different, and give them benefits the others don’t. Plan your web site for profits. Determine what you want to accomplish with your web site, who your ideal audience is, and what makes your online business unique. Only after implementing these steps are you ready to start developing your web content.
2/03/2009
What Are the Benefits to Refinancing Your Home Loan Online?
Everything seems to happen quicker – “On-line”. When you want a mortgage loan you can search around, fill out an application and shortly afterwards, you can be in receipt of a pre-approval letter via email. There was no telephone call, no waiting on hold for an answer and certainly no driving involved. No Traipsing up and down your high street to visit into each lender, then waiting for an appointment to be seen. It is easy to carry out your home loan refinance by searching here on the internet. The mortgage company will typically contact you quickly and provide you with all the information you need to make progress on your home loan refinance.
Careful research of your home loan refinance means you will be more well- informed and make better decisions. If you are sitting at home on the sofa with your phone book dialling every mortgage company listed, you won’t to know what the current interest rate is. You won’t know what your current lender or its competitors can offer you for your home loan refinance.
Online, you can access a lot of information quickly. - After looking at even a few mortgage loan websites, you will soon realise that when you obtain money with a home loan refinance there are many options. If you are a homeowner, you could raise cash by getting a secured loan, using your house as collateral. This could get you a better interest rate and lower payments. You may decide to change the type of mortgage you have, the choice is yours. There are lots of different types of home loan refinance loans. You can learn about all of them after just a few minutes of searching online.
When applying online, you should soon be able to identify the larger, more reputable mortgage companies who are only too happy to provide you with assistance on your home loan refinance.
You can save money by choosing to go with an online home loan refinance companies because they cut out fees like a valuation or solicitors fee which they often include as part of the loan package. When you are in the enviable position of receiving multiple offers, you will know that you are opting for the loan with the lowest interest rate possible but also the best terms you can possibly qualify for with your home loan refinance. In this way you can really make the most of your options and secure the best deal for you.
You could search around online and submit applications to two, three or even more different lenders without feeling guilty about researching the best deals from more than one company. That way you make can ensure that you are getting the best available quote on your home loan refinance. Often when you start liaising with a mortgage broker in person, you start to feel obliged to continue working with them, even if they aren’t giving you the best service or coming up with the best product for you. . This is not so online. If you aren’t receiving the information that you want, you are able to change to another provider without feeling guilty. Whichever way you want to look at it, the ideal place to choose your home loan refinance is right here where you are, on line
Careful research of your home loan refinance means you will be more well- informed and make better decisions. If you are sitting at home on the sofa with your phone book dialling every mortgage company listed, you won’t to know what the current interest rate is. You won’t know what your current lender or its competitors can offer you for your home loan refinance.
Online, you can access a lot of information quickly. - After looking at even a few mortgage loan websites, you will soon realise that when you obtain money with a home loan refinance there are many options. If you are a homeowner, you could raise cash by getting a secured loan, using your house as collateral. This could get you a better interest rate and lower payments. You may decide to change the type of mortgage you have, the choice is yours. There are lots of different types of home loan refinance loans. You can learn about all of them after just a few minutes of searching online.
When applying online, you should soon be able to identify the larger, more reputable mortgage companies who are only too happy to provide you with assistance on your home loan refinance.
You can save money by choosing to go with an online home loan refinance companies because they cut out fees like a valuation or solicitors fee which they often include as part of the loan package. When you are in the enviable position of receiving multiple offers, you will know that you are opting for the loan with the lowest interest rate possible but also the best terms you can possibly qualify for with your home loan refinance. In this way you can really make the most of your options and secure the best deal for you.
You could search around online and submit applications to two, three or even more different lenders without feeling guilty about researching the best deals from more than one company. That way you make can ensure that you are getting the best available quote on your home loan refinance. Often when you start liaising with a mortgage broker in person, you start to feel obliged to continue working with them, even if they aren’t giving you the best service or coming up with the best product for you. . This is not so online. If you aren’t receiving the information that you want, you are able to change to another provider without feeling guilty. Whichever way you want to look at it, the ideal place to choose your home loan refinance is right here where you are, on line
2/02/2009
How to Create a Bibliography in Chicago (Turabian) Style
With Chicago (Turabian) Style, the bibliography page is where you list all of the sources you used to create your paper. You need to follow a variety of formatting rules when listing the sources. The type of source that you're listing determines the formatting configuration that you'll use, but there are a few formatting rules that work for every listing.
A) ALPHABETIZING. When creating the alphabetical list of the bibliography, sort the list of sources based on the last name of the author. When sorting the list, ignore any spaces in the last name. If you have more than one source from an author, sort them by either the dates in which they were created or by placing the titles of the sources in alphabetical order. Just be certain that once you've chosen a sorting preference for multiple sources from one author, you stick with it.
B) AUTHORS. List the author's last name, followed by the first name and middle name, if the author commonly uses it. If you have more than one author for a source, list each one individually. The first author should be listed by last name, then first name. Subsequent authors should be listed by first name, then last name. When listing more than one author, separate them by commas, with the word “and” ahead of the final author in the list.
C) CAPITALIZATION. Use headline-style capitalization with all titles in your bibliography.
D) INDENTION. After the first line of each source, indent each subsequent line about one-half inch, creating a hanging indention for each source.
E) SPACING. You may single-space each entry in the bibliography, leaving a blank space between entries.
I. BIBLIOGRAPHY EXAMPLES
Here are some examples for listing various sources in Chicago (Turabian) Style. (These examples do not follow the indention rules.)
ARTICLES. When using a newspaper or a magazine as a source, list the author, title of the article (in quotations), name of the periodical (in italics), date of publication, and page numbers used.
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Governments Invest in Technology." New York Times, 29 November 2007, B1.
A journal article requires slightly different formatting. Be sure to include the issue number and the issue date ahead of the page number(s).
* Johnson, Thomas J. "The Economic Impact of Technology." Journal of Economic Growth 6 (June 2005): 110-2.
BOOKS. Include the author's name, the book title (italicized), the publisher's location and name, and the date of publication. Do not use the page numbers used as a source in the bibliography.
* Johnson, Thomas J. and Xavier Quincy Smith. Economic Growth in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2003.
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT. Because such a document usually doesn't include an author, list the governmental division in the alphabetical list and italicize the title.
* U.S. Department of the Treasury. Economic Growth Forecast, 2006-2010. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 2005.
INTERNET SITE. List the author's name, if known; title of the online article or Web page (in quotations); Web site name; date of publication, if known; Internet address; and date of retrieval (in parentheses).
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Determining Technology's Role in Economic Growth." Economic Growth, August 20, 2006, http://www.economicgrowth.com/johnson/techrole.html (accessed July 20, 2007).
SCHOLARLY WORK. If using a thesis or dissertation as a source, list the author's name, the title (in quotations), the type of paper, the educational institution, and the year of publication.
* Jones, Steven. "Hydrogen Bonding and Water Molecules." Ph.D. diss., State University, 2000.
II. ODD SITUATIONS
Same author, multiple sources. If you end up with several sources from the same author, you may skip repeating the author's name. Instead, use a solid horizontal line to replace the author's name. The horizontal line should be noticeably longer than the hanging indention of the source, probably three-quarters inch to one inch in length. If you have an additional source that lists multiple authors, you will have to enter the original author's name again. The only time you may use the horizontal line is when all of the authors are the same as the previous work in the list. In the four examples below, the first two have the same single author, and the last two have the same pair of authors.
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Governments Invest in Technology." New York Times, 29 November 2007, B1.
* _________. "The Economic Impact of Technology." Journal of Economic Growth 6 (June 2005): 110-2.
* Johnson, Thomas J. and Xavier Quincy Smith. Economic Growth in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2003.
* _________. Economic Decline in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2006.
III. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Finally, for additional information on formatting sources in a reference list, look at either The Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian's A Manual for Writers. Both books cover a large number of situations for listing sources within a bibliography. The chicagomanualofstyle(dot)org Web site also has a large number of helpful resourc
A) ALPHABETIZING. When creating the alphabetical list of the bibliography, sort the list of sources based on the last name of the author. When sorting the list, ignore any spaces in the last name. If you have more than one source from an author, sort them by either the dates in which they were created or by placing the titles of the sources in alphabetical order. Just be certain that once you've chosen a sorting preference for multiple sources from one author, you stick with it.
B) AUTHORS. List the author's last name, followed by the first name and middle name, if the author commonly uses it. If you have more than one author for a source, list each one individually. The first author should be listed by last name, then first name. Subsequent authors should be listed by first name, then last name. When listing more than one author, separate them by commas, with the word “and” ahead of the final author in the list.
C) CAPITALIZATION. Use headline-style capitalization with all titles in your bibliography.
D) INDENTION. After the first line of each source, indent each subsequent line about one-half inch, creating a hanging indention for each source.
E) SPACING. You may single-space each entry in the bibliography, leaving a blank space between entries.
I. BIBLIOGRAPHY EXAMPLES
Here are some examples for listing various sources in Chicago (Turabian) Style. (These examples do not follow the indention rules.)
ARTICLES. When using a newspaper or a magazine as a source, list the author, title of the article (in quotations), name of the periodical (in italics), date of publication, and page numbers used.
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Governments Invest in Technology." New York Times, 29 November 2007, B1.
A journal article requires slightly different formatting. Be sure to include the issue number and the issue date ahead of the page number(s).
* Johnson, Thomas J. "The Economic Impact of Technology." Journal of Economic Growth 6 (June 2005): 110-2.
BOOKS. Include the author's name, the book title (italicized), the publisher's location and name, and the date of publication. Do not use the page numbers used as a source in the bibliography.
* Johnson, Thomas J. and Xavier Quincy Smith. Economic Growth in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2003.
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT. Because such a document usually doesn't include an author, list the governmental division in the alphabetical list and italicize the title.
* U.S. Department of the Treasury. Economic Growth Forecast, 2006-2010. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 2005.
INTERNET SITE. List the author's name, if known; title of the online article or Web page (in quotations); Web site name; date of publication, if known; Internet address; and date of retrieval (in parentheses).
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Determining Technology's Role in Economic Growth." Economic Growth, August 20, 2006, http://www.economicgrowth.com/johnson/techrole.html (accessed July 20, 2007).
SCHOLARLY WORK. If using a thesis or dissertation as a source, list the author's name, the title (in quotations), the type of paper, the educational institution, and the year of publication.
* Jones, Steven. "Hydrogen Bonding and Water Molecules." Ph.D. diss., State University, 2000.
II. ODD SITUATIONS
Same author, multiple sources. If you end up with several sources from the same author, you may skip repeating the author's name. Instead, use a solid horizontal line to replace the author's name. The horizontal line should be noticeably longer than the hanging indention of the source, probably three-quarters inch to one inch in length. If you have an additional source that lists multiple authors, you will have to enter the original author's name again. The only time you may use the horizontal line is when all of the authors are the same as the previous work in the list. In the four examples below, the first two have the same single author, and the last two have the same pair of authors.
* Johnson, Thomas J. "Governments Invest in Technology." New York Times, 29 November 2007, B1.
* _________. "The Economic Impact of Technology." Journal of Economic Growth 6 (June 2005): 110-2.
* Johnson, Thomas J. and Xavier Quincy Smith. Economic Growth in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2003.
* _________. Economic Decline in Africa. New York: Jones Brothers Publishers, 2006.
III. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Finally, for additional information on formatting sources in a reference list, look at either The Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian's A Manual for Writers. Both books cover a large number of situations for listing sources within a bibliography. The chicagomanualofstyle(dot)org Web site also has a large number of helpful resourc
The Power Of A Co-Creator Pt.1: No Stumbling Blocks For Success
Once we begin to experience the transformation process on the path of enlightenment, we become co-creators with the universe. Before the transformation process, we created out of default, but now as a co-creator, we create with the universe. Ultimately, this means that we have caught the vision of God or Source Energy. What is the vision? The vision is God or Source Energy as you. With this realization, you get the answer to...who am I, what is my purpose, and why am I here?
Experiencing the power of a co-creator brings magnificence to life. One of the most enriching experiences of the co-creator is discovering there are no stumbling blocks for success. Once we have gotten out of our own way—meaning once we have diminished the power of the ego—the illusions of stumbling blocks, hindrances, scarcity, and lack diminish as well. Yes, we realize stumbling blocks are all illusions.
So, what is the first step to experience the power of a co-creator? The first step is overcoming the emotion of fear projected on to us by the ego. Yes, the first step is to get out of our own way. Then, we will discover that success is not fleeting, wealth is not fleeting, and abundance is not fleeting. We will discover that wealth and success are not just for some, we all have a divine right to live in abundance.
As a matter of fact, Wallace D. Wattles, one of the greatest and most prolific New Thought teachers of his time, says in the Science of Getting Rich...Talented people get rich, and blockheads get rich; intellectually brilliant people get rich, and very stupid people get rich; physically strong people get rich, and weak and sickly people get rich.
With this rather colorful knowledge, we understand there is no environment that can prevent our success; the only thing that can prevent our success is getting in our own way.
So how do we get in our own way? We get in our own way through our inability to envision our true desires because we are not allowing our true self in the driver’s seat. When an individual allows the ego in the driver’s seat, illusions about lack and scarcity prevent the attainment of one’s true desires. Only the true and authentic self understands and knows our true desires. Otherwise, the ego hinders our own advances and subconsciously puts stumbling blocks in our way because of fear and complacency.
The truth is fear will cause us to stop in our tracks. This is dangerous for our growth and evolution. Why? It is dangerous for our growth and evolution because we live in a moving, growing, and expanding universe. If we refuse to move forward, then we have no other option than to move backwards. If we refuse to grow, then we die.
The advancement of our soul development requires that we expand and grow spiritually. Allowing the illusions of stumbling blocks to hinder our growth is not living in abundance, it is living in lack. And that’s a place where one can truly lose their soul.
Experiencing the power of a co-creator brings magnificence to life. One of the most enriching experiences of the co-creator is discovering there are no stumbling blocks for success. Once we have gotten out of our own way—meaning once we have diminished the power of the ego—the illusions of stumbling blocks, hindrances, scarcity, and lack diminish as well. Yes, we realize stumbling blocks are all illusions.
So, what is the first step to experience the power of a co-creator? The first step is overcoming the emotion of fear projected on to us by the ego. Yes, the first step is to get out of our own way. Then, we will discover that success is not fleeting, wealth is not fleeting, and abundance is not fleeting. We will discover that wealth and success are not just for some, we all have a divine right to live in abundance.
As a matter of fact, Wallace D. Wattles, one of the greatest and most prolific New Thought teachers of his time, says in the Science of Getting Rich...Talented people get rich, and blockheads get rich; intellectually brilliant people get rich, and very stupid people get rich; physically strong people get rich, and weak and sickly people get rich.
With this rather colorful knowledge, we understand there is no environment that can prevent our success; the only thing that can prevent our success is getting in our own way.
So how do we get in our own way? We get in our own way through our inability to envision our true desires because we are not allowing our true self in the driver’s seat. When an individual allows the ego in the driver’s seat, illusions about lack and scarcity prevent the attainment of one’s true desires. Only the true and authentic self understands and knows our true desires. Otherwise, the ego hinders our own advances and subconsciously puts stumbling blocks in our way because of fear and complacency.
The truth is fear will cause us to stop in our tracks. This is dangerous for our growth and evolution. Why? It is dangerous for our growth and evolution because we live in a moving, growing, and expanding universe. If we refuse to move forward, then we have no other option than to move backwards. If we refuse to grow, then we die.
The advancement of our soul development requires that we expand and grow spiritually. Allowing the illusions of stumbling blocks to hinder our growth is not living in abundance, it is living in lack. And that’s a place where one can truly lose their soul.
1/18/2009
Wedding Favor Ideas - Express Your Personality
When you are thinking about your wedding favor ideas, you may think that you will not be able to get something good and perfect if you are planning a wedding on a budget. In fact, this is not always true, you can make it elegant yet inexpensive. You will be able to make it special by add some personal touches to it. First of all, do you have a wedding theme. If you have one, your wedding favor ideas can be following your theme. For example, if you are going to have a Japanese theme, using some paper fans can be an excellent idea. On the other hand, if you are going to have a beach theme, you can prepare something that is related to the sea and the beach. Miniatures of seashells and starfishes can be some perfect examples. Let us take about the notion of personalization. In fact, it can certainly be good wedding favor ideas. Yet, you do not need to personalize the gift itself. You can try to personalize it by creating some packages. For example, you can print your names on the package box and this will make your wedding favors different. A gift tag is also something very common when you are trying to personalize your gift. In fact, this idea will be perfect if you are planning a wedding on a budget since you do not need to spend a lot of money in order to create the boxes. As a matter of fact, one of the most popular wedding favor ideas will be edible items. The notion of personalizing the package box and gift tag
will just be perfect if this is your choice. A lot of brides and grooms will find it not easy to pack the chocolates or cookies they have prepared. In fact, you will need to prepare a package box for them yourself. You can purchase some beautiful box from some shops. You may also design your own package box and use it for your wedding. When you are trying to create the package box, one of the things you will do is probably creating a logo for your wedding. When we are talking about personalization, it does not necessarily mean that you have to put your names of logos on the items. Your wedding favor ideas can be creating something that can express you and your spouse to be. Do you love play golf? If this is the case, there are a lot of golf favors you can choose from. If you are a wine lover, wine wedding favors can be a perfect choice. Again, there will be tons of choices from the shops. No matter what your wedding favors are, it is very important that you take care about your budget when you are making the decisions. There are a lot of couples who are planning a wedding on a budget. In this case you will need to go for some discount item. Yet, planning a wedding on a budget does not mean that you cannot get some beautiful items. You will be able to get something elegant if you can be creative about it. Creating the wedding favors yourself instead of purchasing from the shops will certainly be one of your options!
will just be perfect if this is your choice. A lot of brides and grooms will find it not easy to pack the chocolates or cookies they have prepared. In fact, you will need to prepare a package box for them yourself. You can purchase some beautiful box from some shops. You may also design your own package box and use it for your wedding. When you are trying to create the package box, one of the things you will do is probably creating a logo for your wedding. When we are talking about personalization, it does not necessarily mean that you have to put your names of logos on the items. Your wedding favor ideas can be creating something that can express you and your spouse to be. Do you love play golf? If this is the case, there are a lot of golf favors you can choose from. If you are a wine lover, wine wedding favors can be a perfect choice. Again, there will be tons of choices from the shops. No matter what your wedding favors are, it is very important that you take care about your budget when you are making the decisions. There are a lot of couples who are planning a wedding on a budget. In this case you will need to go for some discount item. Yet, planning a wedding on a budget does not mean that you cannot get some beautiful items. You will be able to get something elegant if you can be creative about it. Creating the wedding favors yourself instead of purchasing from the shops will certainly be one of your options!
1/17/2009
The Most Overlooked Piece of the Weight Loss Puzzle
When it comes to losing weight most people can tell you the basics of the ways to burn fat. Everyone knows that eating healthy is a must. It is also not uncommon knowledge that you have to get in some sort of exercise. Weight and resistance training is also a common theme. But there is one piece of the weightloss puzzle that keeps getting overlooked. Especially in today's age of nonstop schedules and constantly beeping communication devices. The most overlooked area of losing weight is quite simply rest. A lot of people just do not really understand the importance of getting the proper amount of sleep. In addition stress and getting rest throughout the day can play a hand in weightloss as well.
Not getting enough sleep can play havoc on your body. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can contribute highly to overeating. One of the main reasons is that a lot of the bodies hormones are regulated by our sleep cycle.
Hormones are the chemicals that tell our brains how much we need to eat and when we are full. When our sleep cycle gets out of whack or we are not getting enough rest, these hormones get of course which can tend to cause us to overeat. Add in the fact that when we do not get enough sleep we can tend to be more cranky which can cause us to get frustrated and choose worse things to eat and we have a bad combination for weight loss.
Another issue that can come from not getting enough sleep is the fact that our bodies need rest to repair any hard work we have done in the gym. Weight training and other forms of exercise work by tearing our body down. Tearing the body down is only half of the equation in fitness. Once it is torn down by the workout we need sleep to repair that work and bring our body back to a more fit level before the work was done. If we only do the tearing down part (the workout) we are not doing what needs to be done to get in shape. The body can only take so much tearing down before we have to stop.
Another side to the rest issue is the amount of relaxation you afford yourself throughout the day. Stress is a roadblock to weight loss due to the hormones it can produce. You should try to balance that by taking time out to just unwind and relax. Turning off the cell phone and checking email is a great way to dial the stress back a notch. It will still be there when you return. Also, make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Some people need more and some people need less so you will have to pay attention to your personal needs. But one thing is for sure, the more rest you get to balance the work you do the more success you will see in any workout or fitness program.
Not getting enough sleep can play havoc on your body. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can contribute highly to overeating. One of the main reasons is that a lot of the bodies hormones are regulated by our sleep cycle.
Hormones are the chemicals that tell our brains how much we need to eat and when we are full. When our sleep cycle gets out of whack or we are not getting enough rest, these hormones get of course which can tend to cause us to overeat. Add in the fact that when we do not get enough sleep we can tend to be more cranky which can cause us to get frustrated and choose worse things to eat and we have a bad combination for weight loss.
Another issue that can come from not getting enough sleep is the fact that our bodies need rest to repair any hard work we have done in the gym. Weight training and other forms of exercise work by tearing our body down. Tearing the body down is only half of the equation in fitness. Once it is torn down by the workout we need sleep to repair that work and bring our body back to a more fit level before the work was done. If we only do the tearing down part (the workout) we are not doing what needs to be done to get in shape. The body can only take so much tearing down before we have to stop.
Another side to the rest issue is the amount of relaxation you afford yourself throughout the day. Stress is a roadblock to weight loss due to the hormones it can produce. You should try to balance that by taking time out to just unwind and relax. Turning off the cell phone and checking email is a great way to dial the stress back a notch. It will still be there when you return. Also, make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Some people need more and some people need less so you will have to pay attention to your personal needs. But one thing is for sure, the more rest you get to balance the work you do the more success you will see in any workout or fitness program.
1/16/2009
Losing Weight Stories - Brotherhood of the Stay at Home Pants
Stay-at-home pants. I've got a closet full of them. It's not like they really don't want to get out and see the world. They haven't developed a fear of strangers, or open places, or fresh air. It's just that they really like going out with a buddy, that buddy is me, and well, I just haven't been able to work it out for awhile. Not that I don't want too. I really would like to show my stay-at-home pants what's happening out there lately. But, I can't, and I don't know how to tell them without hurting their feelings. You see, they've shrunk. How do I know? Simple. They don't fit anymore.
Why don't I set them free so they can go out and see the world with someone else? That's simple too. They're my buddies. I like them. I look forward to when we can do things together again. All they have to do is stretch a little. I know they can work it out if they really put their minds to it. All they need is the right motivation, the right plan, the right reinforcement, and I'm sure that it won't be long before we're buying our tickets for that round-the-world cruise.
Yes, I know, it's not really the pants that need to change. It's me. And since I really do like them, and I truly don't want to hold them prisoner in my closet, I'm going to resign my membership in the Brotherhood of The Stay-At-Home Pants. I'm going to do it for them.
Well, not really for them. I know I need to change my behavior in order to lose weight and to keep it off, and this silly little story helps me to get motivated. When I think of all the clothes in my closet that are perfectly good clothes except for that one little thing, I think to myself, OK that is really a waste, and it's time to do something about it. What's that one little thing? Yep, they don't fit. They *Used to Fit*. They just don't anymore. And I just can't see throwing them out.
I know I can lose weight with the right kind of help, motivation and hard work. I've already started watching what I eat and getting more exercise, and I've starting losing some of those extra pounds. I'm looking forward to the day when my Stay At Home Pants are set free.
What do you have in your closet that you'd really like to be able to take out for a spin? Do you have some Stay At Home Pants, or Skirts, or Dresses? Wouldn't you like for them to get out and see the world with you? It's so hard to lose a good friend, but I know you can get them back.
Tomorrow morning when I get ready to get dressed I'm moving all my Stay At Home Pants to the front of the closet, one step closer to Freedom. When I see the sun shining in on them, it's going to remind me, I can lose weight, I will lose weight, and when I lose enough, they're coming with me!
Why don't I set them free so they can go out and see the world with someone else? That's simple too. They're my buddies. I like them. I look forward to when we can do things together again. All they have to do is stretch a little. I know they can work it out if they really put their minds to it. All they need is the right motivation, the right plan, the right reinforcement, and I'm sure that it won't be long before we're buying our tickets for that round-the-world cruise.
Yes, I know, it's not really the pants that need to change. It's me. And since I really do like them, and I truly don't want to hold them prisoner in my closet, I'm going to resign my membership in the Brotherhood of The Stay-At-Home Pants. I'm going to do it for them.
Well, not really for them. I know I need to change my behavior in order to lose weight and to keep it off, and this silly little story helps me to get motivated. When I think of all the clothes in my closet that are perfectly good clothes except for that one little thing, I think to myself, OK that is really a waste, and it's time to do something about it. What's that one little thing? Yep, they don't fit. They *Used to Fit*. They just don't anymore. And I just can't see throwing them out.
I know I can lose weight with the right kind of help, motivation and hard work. I've already started watching what I eat and getting more exercise, and I've starting losing some of those extra pounds. I'm looking forward to the day when my Stay At Home Pants are set free.
What do you have in your closet that you'd really like to be able to take out for a spin? Do you have some Stay At Home Pants, or Skirts, or Dresses? Wouldn't you like for them to get out and see the world with you? It's so hard to lose a good friend, but I know you can get them back.
Tomorrow morning when I get ready to get dressed I'm moving all my Stay At Home Pants to the front of the closet, one step closer to Freedom. When I see the sun shining in on them, it's going to remind me, I can lose weight, I will lose weight, and when I lose enough, they're coming with me!
1/15/2009
How to Shop for a Handbag that’s Just Right
Handbags are the ultimate style statement and not carried merely for its functionality. Selecting the right handbag will not only accentuate your dress but it will highlight your physical assets and take attention away from the less flattering physical attributes. Our article discusses simple tricks and important points for the judicious selection of stylish and useful handbags. Some important points, you need to consider are:
Size: Handbag comes in various sizes like big, small and medium. The size of the handbag must be inversely proportional to the body frame. For example, if you have a large body-frame, then it is advisable not to wear a small handbag with thin-straps. You can select a medium size handbag whose length is somewhere around the waist. The straps should also be broader in size. For taller females, it would be ideal to carry a medium size handbag with bold patterns.
Color: Color is an important consideration while selecting a handbag. If you are choosing a handbag for everyday needs, then it would be good to select a handbag in popular colors like beige, white, black or brown, so that they go with most of your dresses.
Style: Handbags are available in many different style including evening bag, daytime bag and weekend handbag. For everyday use, daytime handbags are the best choic
e. They are made up of leather and have lots of pockets to store your valuables. Glitzy evening bags are smaller in size and are suitable to carry at parties. If you have small kids, then you can select big weekend bag with lots of space or diaper bag.
Price: Price is also an important consideration as everyone is not very keen on spending large amount of money on handbags. Designer handbags are for those who don’t bother much about the price factor. For others who do bother about the price tag, replica handbags with similar quality and design as designer handbags at a very affordable price are perfect.
Customer Service: Lastly, it is important to buy from a reputed and renowned online handbag stores. Make sure that handbag store has a return policy to exchange the handbags if they are not up to the mark. It is also beneficial to evaluate if the online store offers a reliable shipping service and guarantee to offer replacement if a package is lost.
Size: Handbag comes in various sizes like big, small and medium. The size of the handbag must be inversely proportional to the body frame. For example, if you have a large body-frame, then it is advisable not to wear a small handbag with thin-straps. You can select a medium size handbag whose length is somewhere around the waist. The straps should also be broader in size. For taller females, it would be ideal to carry a medium size handbag with bold patterns.
Color: Color is an important consideration while selecting a handbag. If you are choosing a handbag for everyday needs, then it would be good to select a handbag in popular colors like beige, white, black or brown, so that they go with most of your dresses.
Style: Handbags are available in many different style including evening bag, daytime bag and weekend handbag. For everyday use, daytime handbags are the best choic
e. They are made up of leather and have lots of pockets to store your valuables. Glitzy evening bags are smaller in size and are suitable to carry at parties. If you have small kids, then you can select big weekend bag with lots of space or diaper bag.
Price: Price is also an important consideration as everyone is not very keen on spending large amount of money on handbags. Designer handbags are for those who don’t bother much about the price factor. For others who do bother about the price tag, replica handbags with similar quality and design as designer handbags at a very affordable price are perfect.
Customer Service: Lastly, it is important to buy from a reputed and renowned online handbag stores. Make sure that handbag store has a return policy to exchange the handbags if they are not up to the mark. It is also beneficial to evaluate if the online store offers a reliable shipping service and guarantee to offer replacement if a package is lost.
1/14/2009
Using The Right Tradeshow Giveaways
When making a final decision about products for placement with any branding agenda your company is planning to implement, it can be easy to forget about pure logistics. The size and shape of the products you are considering should be a fundamental component in the decision making process, though. If your plan is to hand out corporate gifts to thousands of attendees at a show and you think a squishy ball is a great idea, you might want to reconsider! Something like a football might be fun or goofy, but can take up a lot of room, and bulk is bad on the tradeshow floor. The best choice is one that is easy to ship and move around but will still make an impact.
If you are an event planner, sleep masks are one of the items that we have sold the most of recently. They lend themselves to clever event tie-ins, especially when attendees have to take a trip to the event. At the booth they will attract attention because most people probably do not have a bunch of them in their tote bag already and they are light enough to be sent in the mail.
Desktop calendars are also great because they print them twice a year so you have the option of a full or split year calendar. If you have a convention in September, it might be a little too early to give away 2008 calendars. With this item, though, you can give away a calendar that begins with mid 2007 and goes through mid 2008.These calendars are small and they will sit in front of your clients all year long. Think of it like "beach front property" to get an idea why these things are so useful. These calendars let you achieve the sometimes contradictory goals of advertising: remain unobtrusive and still be in front of someone’s face.
Quite often we’ll suggest a client take a close look at the customer base in the city they are exhibiting in, send out postcards to them a couple weeks before the event, and request participants bring the card to the booth to claim special gifts. You might not expect it, but a stylish bag can draw a lot of attention. Make sure you stand back, because people will be waving cards around as soon as the booth opens to get some freebies! A second tier of gifts can be for everyone else, and cost a lot less. Your main objective is to introduce your company by giving them something that they will use and that you can easily ship and move around.
Products that are tradeshow oriented, like bath beads to soak in or relaxing foot lotion, will put a smile on anyone’s face when you hand them out at a tradeshow. Particularly in the context of a tradeshow, where attendees will be standing or walking all day. Thinking of someone’s well being almost always goes over great. In the promotional industry the personal care/spa products have really improved in their quality, presentation and price points.
All of these suggestions have size in common. Thinking big is certainly important when it comes to your company, but when it comes to a tradeshow you need to keep your giveaways small and lightweight. Logistics is king! Take these considerations to heart and you'll really make an impression at your next tradeshow!
If you are an event planner, sleep masks are one of the items that we have sold the most of recently. They lend themselves to clever event tie-ins, especially when attendees have to take a trip to the event. At the booth they will attract attention because most people probably do not have a bunch of them in their tote bag already and they are light enough to be sent in the mail.
Desktop calendars are also great because they print them twice a year so you have the option of a full or split year calendar. If you have a convention in September, it might be a little too early to give away 2008 calendars. With this item, though, you can give away a calendar that begins with mid 2007 and goes through mid 2008.These calendars are small and they will sit in front of your clients all year long. Think of it like "beach front property" to get an idea why these things are so useful. These calendars let you achieve the sometimes contradictory goals of advertising: remain unobtrusive and still be in front of someone’s face.
Quite often we’ll suggest a client take a close look at the customer base in the city they are exhibiting in, send out postcards to them a couple weeks before the event, and request participants bring the card to the booth to claim special gifts. You might not expect it, but a stylish bag can draw a lot of attention. Make sure you stand back, because people will be waving cards around as soon as the booth opens to get some freebies! A second tier of gifts can be for everyone else, and cost a lot less. Your main objective is to introduce your company by giving them something that they will use and that you can easily ship and move around.
Products that are tradeshow oriented, like bath beads to soak in or relaxing foot lotion, will put a smile on anyone’s face when you hand them out at a tradeshow. Particularly in the context of a tradeshow, where attendees will be standing or walking all day. Thinking of someone’s well being almost always goes over great. In the promotional industry the personal care/spa products have really improved in their quality, presentation and price points.
All of these suggestions have size in common. Thinking big is certainly important when it comes to your company, but when it comes to a tradeshow you need to keep your giveaways small and lightweight. Logistics is king! Take these considerations to heart and you'll really make an impression at your next tradeshow!
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