How to convert avi to wmw

With so many different video files available today, there is going to be an instance when you need to convert one format to another in order to enjoy the presentation. AVI has been around for some time, while WMW is newer and not as well known. Here is some information you need to know.

What is AVI and WMW?

Both AVI and WMW are Microsoft formats. They are used to save audio and video clips into a specified format that can be shared and played. AVI is a format that will work on the Windows Media Player and many of the more popular plug-in media players on the market today.

By contrast, WMW is not used as often and tends to work only on newer versions of the Windows Media Player. This means someone who is using a multimedia player that does not support WMW or has an older version of WMP will not be able to make use of a WMW file.

Why Would I Want To Convert an AVI file to WMW?

The main reason may be that your player seems to like a WMW file better than other formats. Perhaps you just prefer to keep all your video clips in one format, and WMW is your format of choice. However, unless there are some sort of technological restraints, there is really no value to using one format over the other, in terms of quality.

How Do I Go About Converting a File From AVI To WMW?

The easiest method for the novice is to purchase conversion software that will convert one multimedia format into a different one. As with all software, make sure that the product is compatible with the resources on your hard drive, and the operating system you use. Also double check to make sure your media player will support viewing of a WMW file before you do anything else.

Does Conversion Software Cost A Lot?

Actually, no. In fact, a quick look around the Internet may provide you with some basic downloadable software that will convert one media format to a different one. Make sure that the software will manage the conversion you have in mind before downloading. If you can't find free software that will convert AVI to WMW, then a trip to the local computer store will provide you with several options.

Free spyware2

Free Spyware 2

Knowing the Symptoms: How to ensure that your system is spyware free

More people today are becoming aware of the menace of spyware. In fact, mopre and more people are going online and searching for free spyware prevention tools. These people believe that a system which is spyware free is definitely something worth working for.

Unfortunately, although people are aware of the potential problems caused by spyware, most do not really know how to recognize the early symptoms of spyware infection. This means that most people today are unable to stop spyware from initially damaging their system.

Here are some things you should watch out for in order to ensure that your system is spyware free:

1) Sudden change of home page – Spyware is often designed to redirect your home page to the website of the creator. This is done to accomplish different purposes:

a) Advertisement - some companies make use of spyware in order to promote their business. Often, spyware is used to change a user's home page in order to introduce that user to the concept of the creator's business.

There are also websites which profit a lot from every "hit" on their website. Spyware is often used to make sure that users do access their site. By infecting a certain network, they get a lot of people to visit their website. By showing the number of "hits" on their websites, companies would be able to encourage investors and advertisers.

b) Malice – some creators of spyware just divert home pages for fun. Sometimes, the page where users are redirected to may even contain computer viruses. This means that the spyware infection will lead to a virus infection and you could end up having your system destroyed.

Whenever you start your browser, make sure that the first webpage you see is the one that you initially set. One big sign of spyware infection is a sudden change in your home page.

2) Slow typing of passwords – whenever you visit a webpage requiring you for a password, take notice if the appearance of the characters you type seems unusually slow. This could mean that a spyware is taking note of your keystrokes. It means that the spyware is taking note of personal information.

Passwords are not the only information that spyware take note of. Spyware can also record credit card numbers, names, dates and other types of information which could be used to steal your identity.

3) Non-working keys – this also occurs in the case of password prompts. Whenever you type a password, check if all the keys are working properly. Sometimes, spyware disable keys such as delete and backspace. This is done so that the spyware can track every character that you type in such prompts.

4) Emails related to something you researched about – many people have experienced receiving emails advertising certain products which they did some research about earlier. A situation like this could only mean that spyware is taking note of the sites you visit and is sending that information along with your e-mail address to its parent company.

5) Pop-ups – windows that suddenly appear while you are surfing the web would also indicate spyware infection. Whenever a pop-up from an unknown website appears during your search for some sort of information, it could only mean that spyware have infected your system and are monitoring your internet activities.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. By watching out for these symptoms of spyware, you would be able to ensure that your system is spyware free.

A student loan consolidation rate means lower monthly payments

After you have graduated from college or university, it will be time to start paying off your student loans. Since federal student loans are applied for each year, by the time you graduate, you will have several loans at various interest rates. A student loan consolidation makes perfect sense in this case.

By making a choice to apply for a student loan consolidation, a better rate of interest on the outstanding loan can be locked. The former student will also benefit from lower payments each month. This is important for individuals who are just starting their careers.

In addition to the benefits of a lower interest rate, a student loan consolidation makes sense from the point of view of the individual’s credit rating. When you choose to sign the documentation for a student loan consolidation (at any rate), your credit report will show that you have paid off all those outstanding student loans.

When your credit report shows that you have fewer outstanding loans (multiple student loans are replaced by one loan), the number of your credit score will go up. For future loans, a good credit score is vital to getting a better interest rate. Consider a student loan consolidation for this reason.

How to Apply for a Consolidation Loan

The first step in applying for a student loan consolidation is to fill out and submit the required application form. The application can be filled out either online or in a paper format. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the lender will request payoff statements for each loan to be consolidated.

It can take some time for the consolidation lender to receive these payoff statements, so it is important that the former student continue to make the regular monthly payments on all student loans until the consolidation loan can be processed.

Once the interest rate and the student loan consolidation have been approved, a new federal loan will be taken out in the borrower’s name.

All of the previous student loans will be paid off completely. The former student will have the advantage of making one payment each month. The new payment will be lower, which will free up some cash in the monthly budget for other things.

If the borrower chooses to make these new monthly payments by way of an automatic withdrawal from his or her checking account, it is possible that he or she may be eligible for a lower interest rate on the student loan consolidation.

Three things to consider while researching a home business opportunity

There are many people out there that have dreams of becoming their own boss. Now more than ever, it is easier for us to take that plunge because there are so many products we can sell. Some companies present their opportunity so well that we make an emotional decision to jump into business before we consider it.

Owning your own home business can be very rewarding. However, we must proceed with care to get the business up and running. The next time you are presented with a great opportunity, consider the following three things. Please note this is not something we should look at in a negative light. However, they are simply a few items that we should address in order to try and sustain our business as long as possible.

Research the Product and the Company.

This is probably the single most important question you can answer. Let me explain. The product and the company is what you’re selling to your prospects. You will be required to display expertise on the product. The product is something you will live and work with for a long time. Gaining product knowledge and learning about the company that sells it is the central point of any home business.

Be honest with your self. Is this a product you would use and enjoy on a daily basis? People buy from others based on trust and body language during a product demo. The way to gain that trust is to be an expert on the product. This way you sound confident talking about the product.

You will also need a good company that can provide you the backing and sales materials you desire to help you get clients. The company you are dealing with needs to be responsive enough to meet you and your clients’ needs.

Identify How You Make Money Selling the Product.

To be honest, you are in business to enjoy what you are doing and to make money. Most specifically, how do you earn that money? Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. If you don’t know how you make money then you may set yourself up for disappointment.

You should learn and embrace the successful methods of selling the product. Find out if you can sell the products to individuals and businesses. See if you can make money off of others selling the product. You may have the opportunity increase earning power to build your own down line of sales people. In my opinion these are the best types of opportunities.

Look at Business Start Up Costs and Monthly Fees for The Business.

With many businesses there is always some type of start up costs. You may not have to buy the product yourself. However, there may be other costs involved. For example, you may need a home computer or a mobile phone. Ask as many questions as you can. Try to think about what steps you need to take in order to sell the product to someone. Then identify and create a list the equipment you will need. The list should be part of your start up costs.

When I started my Arbonne business, I could not predict all the costs that were involved initially. I needed to focus in other areas of the business that I never considered. I suggest you take the time think through all the process from selling the product to creating orders for your clients.

A lot of businesses fail on insufficient funds and bad budgeting. Take the time to seek advisement from other home business owners. You can probably find some advice on a popular forum. Try to learn as many costs that may be related to your business.

In conclusion, starting a business is very exciting and liberating. Try to keep in mind of what you need to accomplish. You should love the product you sell so you can show that passion to your prospects. Then take the time to identify how you make money so you can set goals and expectations of yourself. Finally, we must be very cautious and figure out as many costs as possible in order to sustain the business. Always seek as much advisement as you can and use the good advice to your advantage. After all, it is your business.

Investing in bankruptcy

Investing in Bankruptcies

Investing in bankruptcies can be a big money maker for the real estate investor. Investing in bankruptcies can result in a substantial income when you choose the right property. There are several laws that can change from area to area that govern bankruptcies. This means that there are risks involved to the investor, and being aware of these risks can help your investing tremendously.

A large risk that you face with bankruptcies is that the owner can come back and lay claim to their property. Some states even have laws stating the bankruptcies are not complete for a certain amount of time. You will have to determine if your region has this type of law protecting the homeowners when they file bankruptcy. If this is the case you may want to make sure the home is vacant before making an offer on the property. You do not want to put your money into something only to lose it when the homeowners get back on their feet.

When the owner defaults on the mortgage a bankruptcy order is then put in place. The bank will start the proceedings necessary to regain possession of the property. These bankruptcy properties are usually listed in the local paper under the sheriff’s sale heading. The opening bid usually start at approximately two thirds of the appraised value of the home. The highest bidder is awarded the property. Investing in bankruptcies can greatly increase an investor's portfolio.

Having a plan of action when you are investing in bankruptcies is a crucial part. The first thing you must do is determine what your plans for the property are. Is it going to be a rental property or do you plan to flip the house? Determining what you want to do with your properties beforehand is important so that you know what area to look in, and how you can make a profit from your new property.

Choosing the bankruptcies carefully is a high priority. You do not want to find bankruptcies which will be depreciating, instead look for high growth potential that will increase in value. Just because the price seems to be right does not mean the property is the one for you. Determine what the average selling time was of the houses which have been sold. This will give you a good indication as to what you can get for the property you are looking at.

When investing in bankruptcies you should always look at the bottom line. If you can not make a 10% or greater return on the investment then it is not a good property to purchase. You must know your market. Looking at past sales in the area is key. Determining whether the area is growing or declining is an important factor in the bankruptcy. Knowing how long each house that sold stayed on the market is also significant. You may find bankruptcies which have been on the market for six months or more, this is a good indication that it is probably a bad investment. With all the other investors out there, if one of them did not want it, you probably do not want it either.

Once you become more familiar with investing in bankruptcies you will learn what to buy and what to avoid. You will understand which areas are good investments and which ones are not worth your time. You will also be able to understand more of the real estate market and the lending red tape. This will help when you are investing in bankruptcies.

Elgin mental health center

Elgin Mental Health Center – More Than Just a Psychiatric Facility

If a friend or someone in the family is to be treated in a mental facility, we try to find the best facility for them. After all, the goal is for them to get well, and we believe that our choice of hospital is vital for the person’s recovery. In Illinois, when we speak of psychiatric facilities, one hospital easily comes to mind. That is Elgin Mental Health Center or EMHC.

As the second oldest state hospital in Illinois, this facility opened in 1872 under its former name, Northern Illinois Hospital and Asylum for the Insane. The first-ever physiological measurements of mental patients were recorded by the Elgin Papers back in the 1890s. By 1997, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations gave EMHC its commendation for two years in a row.

How the hospital was developed can be broken down into five phases. The first phase ended in 1893. A stable leadership was responsible for the gradual growth during this period.

After this phase, the hospital immensely grew to more than twice its size. This second phase, which ended by 1920, was characterized by a lot of politicking, leadership changes and power struggles in the system.

For the third period, growth was more rapid. Hospital population, which reached its peak by the 1950s, increased for both geriatric and veterans. This is because the period was post World War I and World War II.

By the time the third phase ended, hospital population declined. During this phase, psychotropic medications were introduced. Other milestones for this period include the development of community health facilities, deinstitutionalization, until the decentralization of decision-making and authority. This fourth phase ended until the 1980s.

The last phase is what some call the “rebirth.” It began in 1983, when hospital census was at its lowest. Because of this, the hospital was on the verge of closure. However, the state decided to close Manteno Mental Health Center instead.

During this time, the hospital was practically rebuilt. While the old buildings used a congregate model called the Kirkbride plan, new physical facilities were added such as cottages in order to adhere to a segregate plan. There are two divisions, civil and forensic. Each division has an acute treatment center, office and conference rooms which faculty and trainees can use.

Forensic programs were further developed, and new affiliations with medical schools were also made. Affiliations include that with The Chicago Medical School, among others. An increase in educational activities showed that EMHC is also concerned with the education of future doctors and medical graduates.

Hospital system operations were also modified. Activities of community mental health centers are integrated in the system operations. Community mental health centers refer their patients to EMHC. These community mental facilities include DuPage County Health Department, Lake County Mental Health Center, Ecker Center for Mental Health, and Kenneth Young Center.

At present, admissions are close to 1300 annually. Patients are usually African-American, Euro-American and Hispanic. The hospital holds 582 to 600 beds and about 40 full-time physicians.

Just like any health facility, EMHC is harassed with problems and controversies with respect to their policies and programs. Nevertheless, Elgin Mental Health Center continues to do what it is supposed to do, and that is to provide the best treatment for their patients.

Massage information for consumers

What should someone expect during a massage?

- The massage therapist will ask questions about what prompted you to get a massage.

- The massage therapist will want background information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels and any painful areas.

- The massage therapist will ask what your health goals are and will discuss how massage may help you achieve those goals.

- During a one-on-one massage, you will be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort. Clothing is not removed during “chair” massages.

Consumers also should consider the following tips to help them find a massage therapist who is trained and qualified.

- Are you licensed to practice massage? (35 states have passed legislation to regulate massage therapy)

- Are you a member of the American Massage Therapy Association?

- Are you Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?

Massage May Help Ease Your Pain

Millions of Americans are all too familiar with pain. There can be countless trips to the doctor or chiropractor, pain medications, sleepless nights and the burden of making it through the day while enduring pain.

Have you tried massage?

A recent survey by the American Hospital Association shows that nearly 82 percent of hospitals that use some form of complementary or alternative care use massage therapy, with 70 percent of those hospitals using massage for pain management and pain relief.

A consumer survey commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association? (AMTA) reveals that more people than ever are seeking massage to manage and relieve pain. The survey shows that nearly half, 47 percent, of those polled have had a massage specifically for pain relief.

A 2003 survey of 1,998 massage clients showed that 63 percent believed massage therapy provided them greater pain relief than chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy or other bodywork.

Clinical research has shown massage therapy can:

- Be more effective for chronic back pain than other complementary therapies.

- Promote relaxation and alleviate the perception of pain and anxiety in cancer patients.

- Reduce post-traumatic headaches better than cold pack treatments.

- Lessen pain and muscle spasms in patients who have undergone heart bypass surgery when part of hospital-based surgery treatment.

- Stimulate the brain to produce endorphins.

- Improve confidence by encouraging patients to effectively cope with their pain.

If you have chronic pain, talk to your doctor about adding massage by a qualified massage therapist to your pain management program. Finding a trained and qualified massage therapist is important, so look for a member of AMTA.

The 4 secrets to success wealth

Success means different things to different people. Success can involve personal development or achieving financial security. To others, success can be getting that 'dream job'. To others, an achievement can be related to personal life or family. Success basically means the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted, and this may be in any aspect of one's life.

In spite of the various ways through which success is defined, there are some common traits which successful people tend to have. Being successful requires a lot of discipline and commitment to work towards the attainment of the desired goals.

There are four specific factors which anyone will need to become successful.

1. Goals and plans. Successful people have clearly laid out goals which guide them along. These goals are broken down into measurable and achievable components, with the necessary actions for achieving these goals also stated. What do you want to achieve in one year, in two years? What exactly do you want to have? What will you need to do on a daily basis so that you can achieve those goals? If you want to become financially secure, maybe you need to start a home based business. What level of profits do you want to make with this business? What are you going to need to do to make this business a success and earn the money you want? All these questions must help you have clear goals and plans on what you want to achieve.

2. Optimism. Maintaining a positive attitude is very important because it will keep you motivated to work towards your goal. With a positive attitude, one can remain committed to the goals. Additionally, no temporary setbacks can discourage you; and you will not procrastinate doing what you must do to achieve your goals. A famous quote says "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." A positive attitude also builds up courage and determination to go ahead and achieve your goals, whether it's personal development or financial freedom. "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

3. Focus. In order to be successful, you must have undivided attention towards your goals. Successful people pursue their goals with complete dedication and commitment, and all their energy is focused on their goals. If you want to achieve your goals and become successful, you must be focused on your vision and goals. Do not lose that vision. Being focused will also help you constantly assess your progress, and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

4. Perseverance. This means persistence in any thing undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business or enterprise begun. In order to be successful, you will need to be determined to achieve your goals. Your success will not happen overnight. Also, you will face some discouragement, and these must not stop you from working towards your goals.

These 4 qualities set apart those who succeed in reaching their goals and those who fail. If you want to become successful or wealthy, you must have these qualities. It is worth it to make all the necessary adjustments in your mindset and personality so that you will have what it takes to become successful. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be successful. These qualities will help you achieve your goals, be they starting your own business, financial security or personal development.

Same day loans does not let you wait for the cash you need

People find ways to secure the money required for their day-to-day purposes. It becomes burdensome due to managing the unexpected expenses along with their other expenditures. Giving a cushioning effect on the borrowers’ financial fuss, Same Day Loans have solved the knot of short-term monetary complexities. With the loans, you will able to range out a sum anywhere from

Stir bake and mix up memorable moments in the kitchen

No matter the cooking task at hand-whether it's rolling dough or mixing ingredients-getting children more involved in the kitchen is a great way to begin new traditions and spend good, quality time as a family.

From baking cookies to stirring up pudding, introducing children to the joys of cooking begins with exciting, simple recipes.

"As a mother of triplets, simplicity is key," said Christine Garboski, Manager at the Nestlй Culinary Center. "Fun, easy recipes teach cooking basics and inspire creativity."

In addition to using trouble-free recipes, here are a few more tips for getting children more involved in the kitchen.

• Unveil the inner chef. Teach the basic cooking fundamentals by allowing kids to measure ingredients, season recipes or brush marinade on pork chops or chicken before grilling, baking or sautйing.

• Sticky, drippy and just plain icky. Avoid unnecessary messes and spills by rinsing and stacking used dishes in the sink as you cook, and storing ingredients away after using.

• No boo-boos. Ensure safety by using blunt scissors, plastic knives or serrated dinner knives when slicing meats, fruits and vegetables.

• Keep it simple. Remember that kids have short attention spans and lose interest quickly. Prepare easy recipes such as the one that follows for Alphabet Cookies.

Kids will love using the cookie cutters, as well as frosting and decorating each letter with tube icing and colorful candy sprinkles.

Look for more kid-friendly recipes and cooking tips on VeryBestKids. com.

Alphabet Cookies

(Makes about 2 dozen cookies)

All-purpose flour

1 package (18 ounces) Nestlй® Toll House® Refrigerated Mini Sugar Cookie Bar Dough

3-inch alphabet cookie cutters

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Strawberry Flavor Nestlй® Nesquik® Syrup

1 to 2 tablespoons water

Small tubes decorator icing

Decorator candies

Preheat oven to 325° F. Sprinkle flour over cutting board or kitchen work surface. Break off two rows of cookie dough. Roll out dough to about 1/8-inch thickness, using additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Press cookie cutters into dough and transfer letters to ungreased baking sheets with spatula.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Combine sugar, Nesquik and water in medium bowl; beat with whisk or hand-held mixer until smooth. Spread icing over cookies. Allow icing to dry before adding any additional decorations.

Making cookies together is a recipe for family fun.

Per CB - only recipe title bold. Recipe is flush left

Digital photo frame 16

One of the hottest items to hit the market is the digital photo frame. This handy personal product is nothing short of genius. Anyone who loves the idea of sharing more than one special photo in a framed display but doesn’t want to clutter the space with a ton of frames will appreciate a digital photo frame.

The best way to describe this product is to just call it fun. The digital photo frame is a pure joy because you have many options available when you select digital pictures to display. You can display a number of excellent quality images in one convenient frame. This is such a fun prospect that you may find just as much enjoyment from choosing your pictures as you will looking at them.

There are some features to look for when shopping for a digital photo frame. You can opt for a basic unit that simply runs a pattern of pictures that change every minute or so. However, you can also find products that offer random ‘

While some prefer the pictures to be displayed in a random order, others are quite happy with a set pattern for the images. Then there are those who are just happy having a variety available in the digital photo frame. All in all, the basic benefit of seeing a myriad of different pictures is a great feature in and of itself.

Another feature you want is convenient setup. Try to find a digital photo frame that allows you to download images directly from a memory card. You will find this to be a very nice feature that is well appreciated when it is time to revamp your images on the display. It doesn’t get any easier than working from a memory card.

Once you have your images in order, you will quickly see why the digital photo frame is such a great value. It saves room. It is beautiful and it is quite sentimental. This product makes an ideal gift for parents and grandparents. The digital photo frame is perfect for the home or office or even a dorm room.

Anyone who has a collection of images that needs to be displayed will benefit from a digital photo frame. This product is simply a must for today’s picture collector. Never before has there been a product like the digital photo frame. It is certain to be a common item found in every home.

What is identity theft and can it happen to you

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.

The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

How do thieves steal an identity?

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this information is as good as gold.

Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:

1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.

2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.

5. Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.

6. Pretexting. They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.

What do thieves do with a stolen identity?

Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a variety of ways.

Credit card fraud:

• They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report.

• They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem.

Phone or utilities fraud:

• They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run up charges on your existing account.

• They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV.

Bank/finance fraud:

• They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number.

• They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks.

• They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts.

• They may take out a loan in your name.

Government documents fraud:

• They may get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your name but with their picture.

• They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits.

• They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.

Other fraud:

• They may get a job using your Social Security number.

• They may rent a house or get medical services using your name.

• They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don't show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.

How can you find out if your identity was stolen?

The best way to find out is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft. For more information, visit the Detect Identity Theft section.

Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.

• You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts you never incurred.

• You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan.

• You may find out when you get something in the mail about an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never held.

European style chinese muscle

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The Great Wall of China is not working. Built in 200 BC to protect the land from Mongols hoards, the Great Wall is a symbol of the vast breadth and scope of the economic development of the Chinese nation. International corporations have taken the place of invading Mongols, as they have occupied the Chinese worker in factories across the country. With the approval of the Chinese government, businesses around the globe have made China their main industrial source for all things manufactured. The silver jewelry industry is one such example.

The latest in silver jewelry designs come primarily from Europe, mostly from Italy. Annually, Europeans hold highly anticipated fairs and conventions featuring the newest styles in jewelry. From clothing fashion to jewelry design, Europeans have always been at the forefront of inspired modern style. Yet due to the rise in cost of production as influenced by higher wages for workers and regulatory restrictions in the production process, Europe, as a whole, finds itself unable to compete with Asia from a manufacturing standpoint.

European countries tend to feature the rights of individual workers in terms of reasonable compensation for services rendered, as well as protection from discrimination and an expectation of fair treatment. There are also restrictions concerning environmental standards for production, waste and materials that may be generally harmful. Most countries in the west adhere to these seemingly righteous societal constructs. As a result, the hands of the factory owners in Europe are tied, rightfully so. China, however, has a different perspective.

Workers in China don’t have the benefits of their counterparts in Europe. The government, as a non-elected body has allowed for the purest form of capitalism with market forces dictating all, without concern to the well being of the people and the environment. There are no restrictions concerning the individuals rights of worker to receive proper compensation and fair treatment, rather it depends on what depths the workers are willing to go. There are no regulations concerning the environmental impact of manufacturing, allowing for the cheaper production of goods. As a result, Chinese labor is the most cost efficient and productive in the world. Enter, silver jewelry.

The only advantage Europeans have is traditionally, they have set the trends when it comes to silver jewelry, including a high standard of craftsmanship. European retailers have remained loyal to their industrial core but more and more they are viewing China as a formidable opportunity. Other types of jewelry markets such as gold and gemstones have long since been penetrated by Chinese manufacturers. Silver has been the least affected industry as the Chinese manufacturing machine was busy in other more ostensibly profitable jewelry markets. It is within the last 10 years that Silver has been recognized as a viable industry with a great potential. So what was China to do match the quality and style of the Europeans?

China has had to compensate by introducing products based on European designs, in effect duplicating the look of the European style. They have also maintained a high level of quality craftsmanship including the use of .925 sterling silver and cubic zirconia imported from Russia. All is not lost for the Europeans, however, as they have maintained a strong hold on the production of sterling silver chains and necklaces, known worldwide for their distinctive perennial designs.

It is hard to predict how this awkward relationship of style and substance between the Europeans and the Chinese will play out. Will China gain the ability to create inspired original design? Or will the Europeans find a means by which to produce their ideas more efficiently, perhaps through the onset of industrial and technological advances? Regardless of how this competition may develop, businesses in Europe and America will gladly benefit with lower prices and high quality merchandise for their customers, ensuring more silver jewelry will be bought and sold than ever before.

Author: Derek Belay holds a BA in English Literature from Cal State Pomona. He writes part time primarily as a hobby. He currently works for Jewelry Payless. com as a marketing manager.

Man dress shoes how to choose

Which man dress shoes you pick may at first seem like a simple choice. You might shop around, see something that looks nice, and then pick your favorite color. While this might work, there are many things to consider that might not even cross your mind.

The first thing to consider is what else you are wearing. I know, seems simple, but knowing if this is going to be worn with business casual dress (slacks/dress shirt) as opposed to a full suit does make a difference. With a full suit, you want the nice, traditional polish shoes to compliment the suit, as that is the look you are putting forward with wearing a suit. If you are are dressing more casual, as most places are in recent times, you might consider a comfortable pair of oxfords or rockports. After all, if you don't have to wear full dress shoes, why not just wear a comfortable shoe.

The average person steps 4,000 - 5,000 times a day. That's roughly 3 miles. This can heavily impact which style of man dress shoes you wear, as well as how the padding and insole are manufactured. Quality speaks for itself, as the saying goes. How well the shoes will hold up is a definite thing to consider.

The above are just some items to consider when you're shopping for man dress shoes, and things normal men don't think about when they're out and decide to grab a new pair of shoes. Shopping online can make it drastically easier to find precisely what you want at the price you want.

Trastorno bipolar

Trastorno Bipolar: You and Your Mental Health

Your mental health is an important factor that affects the way you live your daily life. You have to realize that the brain is one of the most important organs of the human body and it is needed in order to live a normal and productive life. However, there are some cases where the brain suffers from disorders and in turn, it can affect some aspects of your daily activity, such as your motor skills.

One kind of brain disorder is called Trastorno bipolar or bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can affect your way of thinking, your emotions and your different moods. What bipolar disorder does is it cycles your manic and depressive moods. Normally people experience moments of mania and depression because of their environment. It is a normal body behavior and reaction to their environment. However, bipolar disorder is a form of mental illness that will render your moods out of control. A person suffering from bipolar disorder will experience excessive mania where they feel that they are very powerful and energetic and they will also feel excessive depression, where in some cases, some thinks about death and suicide.

The manic and depressive cycles occur at intervals and one affected will feel energetic or depressed for no reason at all. During the manic episodes of bipolar disorder, the person affected will feel as if they are on top of the world, they have ideas popping out of their head and they will often experience racing thoughts. The racing thoughts is not just all about thinking very fast, but it is also comprised of not stopping to think. You will your own voice repeating something you said in the past, you will hear fragments of music, see fragments of movies you saw, and you will also hear conversations you had over and over again.

One will also feel very energetic and thinks that they don’t need sleep at all.

When the depressive episode occurs in bipolar disorder, the person affected will experience a depressive mood. They will feel excessively sad, and they will also feel loneliness and hopelessness. They will also feel tired and constantly in need of sleep and in severe cases of bipolar disorder, some people will even think about death and suicide and often attempts the latter.

Because of the symptoms associated with this mental disorder, the person affected cannot concentrate on their daily activities. It can negatively affect performance at work or at school and can cause relationship problems. People with bipolar disorder find it hard to make and keep friends and relationships because of their unusual behavior.

As you can see, bipolar disorder is a very serious illness that needs to be carefully managed and treated. You have to consider that there is no known cure for this disorder and the theories regarding the causes of bipolar disorder are not entirely solid. Some theories suggest that bipolar disorder is genetic while others have claimed that it is caused by drug and alcohol abuse. This is a lifetime illness that needs long term treatment.

The treatment will include psychotherapy combined with special medications that can reduce the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. During therapy, the psychiatrist will teach the person affected with the disorder ways to control their emotions and moods. The family members of the affected individual will also be informed about the disorder and will be taught on how to cope with it. Usually, there are certain drugs prescribed that can help in reducing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.

As you can see, the treatment for bipolar disorder will also require the family members of the affected individual to participate. They will be able to contribute a lot on the treatment process and family support is often the key to controlling the illness.

In time, with the patient as well as the family actively participating in the treatment process, the individual affected with bipolar disorder can cope with the illness effectively. They will be able to lead a normal and productive life where they can control their emotions and moods effectively.

Always remember that treatment for bipolar disorder is not often easy. It requires patience and dedication in order for the person affected to effectively manage their mental disorder.

In between hair out growing a bad haircut

In-between hair -- when you are waiting for that bad haircut to grow out -- is a frustrating hair problem. Fortunately there are ways to get through this difficult time with a minimum of stress.

Acceptance

The first thing to do is to accept your hair as it is. Admit that there is only so much you can do at this stage. Once you accept your fate, then you can begin to focus on finding styles that are possible.

Look at fashion magazines for models with hair similar to yours. Then take an evening and experiment with these different styles. You may be surprised at the results.

Accessorize

Accessories can be your best friend when styling in-between hair. Your hair might be too short to pull into a ponytail, but there are other hair accessories that can work wonders on short hair.

One of the best accessories is the basic bobby-pin. These come in many stylish varieties. For example, you can find them with attachments such as sparkly butterflies or in a variety of colors. The traditional bobby-pins are still available if you want a more natural approach. You can use these pins to tuck hair up at the sides or in the back. Use the smaller bobby-pins to sweep short hair up completely.

The butterfly clip, which is available in many different sizes, is another option. The shorter your hair, the smaller the clip. Use these clips to sweep hair off your face. They too are found in a variety of colors and styles. They are easy to use and won't break your hair.

Cover Up

Also consider using a cover-up -- hats or scarves. You can throw on any kind of hat with an outfit and hide your hair completely. You can do the same with scarves. Try different techniques with your scarf to get the best look possible.

Appliances

Appliances are also useful when trying to style in-between hair. If you are trying to let your layers grow out, try curling your hair. This will hide your layers a bit since curly hair shows layer growth much less than straight hair. Use hot rollers or a curling iron for best results. If you like the curls you might want a perm until your hair grows to the desired length. Flat irons are great for shorter hair as well. Some short pixie style hair tends to get a bit frizzy. Narrow flat irons are perfect for styling short hair.

Products

Using the right products is also key to getting a great style from in-between hair. If your hair gets frizzy, try using a straightening gel as soon as you get out of the shower. You can also use a deep conditioner to avoid frizz. To help stimulate hair growth, massage your head for at least 2 minutes while you shampoo.

The in-between hair stage doesn't have to be painful. Follow these tips and you might even enjoy your new 'do.

Coping under pressure

The phone is constantly engaged. The taxi ignores you. Your train is late. Why do minor hassles like these have the potential to make us uptight? Maybe it's because we're tightly wound already and can't find the pressure relief valve. Balancing the pressures of home life and work life are vital so that we get optimum amounts of the adrenaline buzz to stay healthy and enjoy the whole life! So here are the top ten tips for when the going gets tough:

1. If you only have a hammer you will tend to see everything as a nail. Learn new techniques to deal with your workload, and life's pressures.

2. Work out what is actually inside or outside your control. And don't tell yourself "I cannot deal with this" when you mean "I will not deal with this".

3. Stop driving yourself with inner messages that say "I must please" or "I must hurry up" or "I must be perfect" or "I must be strong". Instead, ask yourself "What's the worst that can happen?"

4. Learn when to say "no" and when to say "yes". Be consistent so that people know where they stand with you.

5. Focus and lock in to one thing at a time. Take jobs in order and plan ahead. You will soon find that instead of doing five things at the same time, or everything at the last minute, you can get them all done at a relaxed pace and still achieve deadlines.

6. Find the light at the end of the tunnel. We can more happily accept a 14 hour working day, screaming children, or a nagging boss if we know when the end will be! Talk to people; share your situation; and find out what the possibilities are. Then act on them.

7. Being bored or under-used is also very stressful so make sure you're doing things that give you a buzz, to keep you on top of the performance curve.

8. Reserve "me" time (e. g. sport, hobbies, long bubble baths, light reading) as well as time for all the other roles in your life (e. g. spouse, parent, mentor, lover).

9. Stomp round the block! Exercise is a great way to use up excess adrenaline; it keeps you in condition; and can be a source of thinking time.

10. Have a laugh! Laughter is such a great way to relieve pressure, so find more ways to enjoy yourself with the people who make you feel great!

High tech home appliances and heart in the 21st century kitchen

The kitchen is where life happens. The kitchen is not just where food is being prepared and eaten, it is the heart of the home where conversations take place, where memories are made and shared, where the party inevitably ends up, and where people and families connect.

As we can see through the eyes of our experts, the kitchen has come a long way…and it is going to go even further. By looking back at where the kitchen has come from and where it is headed, this report demonstrates how the kitchen has grown with the times to become one of the most evolutionary rooms in the home. It serves as an entertainment centre, a dining room, and a workspace. And this list will only expand as the kitchen continues its constant evolution.

As technology continues to advance, we see how it enhances the cooking experience, providing leading-edge, hard-working tools all creative home chefs will continue to value so they can express their own personal flare in their gourmet creations. Touch-activated controls, conversion systems and induction technology will bring premium performance and high-technology items straight into the hands of home enthusiasts. Steam assist technology in convection ranges will enable home enthusiasts to enjoy the same beautiful results as that of a professional chef. Cleaning up will be a breeze with the addition of steam assist technology to dishwashers – making dishes not just clean, but also sanitized.

The environment promises to maintain its position as a top priority for Canadians, and the kitchen will continue to reflect this prevalent issue through its evolution. Energy-saving home appliances and advanced technologies will help environmentally-aware consumers decrease their impact on the environment. And as awareness and demand build from the savvy home enthusiast, more changes are no doubt to come. Not only will kitchen appliances reflect this green trend by offering increased energy efficiency, but kitchen design materials will also reflect the desire for environmental sustainability. Additionally, the kitchen will be a place where home enthusiasts will exercise their desire to get back to nature, sampling organic foods, local, market-fresh produce and new ingredients.

Our experts have demonstrated that the social hub and heart of the home will continue to change with the times, leaving us with an interesting thought to ponder: how will those changes affect us, and what will our own evolution look like?

More parenting tidbits rewrite

More Tips For Parenting

* Diapers: Most babies that are fed using the PDF method usually need a diaper change at each feeding time. This means that your baby will need about 6-8 diapers a day or more. Many new parents time the diaper changes with the after dinner bowel movement, but if you miss it, you will just have a few more diapers to change during the day.

* Diaper rash: Sensitive skin is a common problem for some babies and they may get a diaper rash due to a food allergy, yeast infection, sitting too long in a wet or messy diaper, or teething. If you notice your baby beginning to get a diaper rash, talk to your pediatrician about which diaper rash medicine will work for your baby.

* Growth spurts: Growth spurts can start as early as 10 days after your baby’s birth. Growth spurts usually are preceded by a sleepy, lethargic day and a big jump in appetite. Growth spurts may happen again at 3, 6, and 12 weeks and again at 4 and 6 months. If you begin to notice that your child is not as satisfied with the amount that you have been feeding her previously, then she may be beginning a growth spurt period. If you are breastfeeding, you may want to add a feeding or two to satiate your baby’s appetite and to help increase milk production.

* Immunizations: With all of the conflicting reports on immunizations, you may be unsure about whether or not you want your child to receive immunizations. I think that there are simply too many fatal diseases that can be prevented by immunizing your baby to take the chance. If you are unsure, then you need to talk with your pediatrician, but understand that the reason that the infant mortality rate is so low in this country is because immunizations are routinely done.

* Pacifiers & thumb sucking: If you breastfeed, do not allow your child to use you as their pacifier. If your baby seems to have a need to suck beyond eating, then you need to give them a pacifier. There is no “nipple confusion” between a breast nipple and a pacifier as they are very different in feel and taste. Babies will know the difference between the two. Some children do not want a pacifier but will suck on their thumb. If you don’t have a problem with it, then let them.

* Spitting up: It is very common for babies to spit up, but some babies do it more than others. If your baby is growing normally, then there is no need to worry about it. Projectile throwing up is not the same as spitting up. Projectile throwing up is a violent reaction to reject the contents of the stomach and not just “burping” up a little milk. If your baby does this frequently, consult your pediatrician.

Credit score improves by paying on time

These days, everyone seems to be concerned about his or her credit score. Lenders and credit bureaus have made it clear that the credit score, whether the new VantageScore model or the FICO score model, is a vital part of determining whether or not to extend credit to a consumer. The score is a distillation of a number of factors that make up a consumer's credit history and it allows a lender to see, at a glance if the would-be borrower is worthy of the loan.

Not only will a high credit score make it more likely that a consumer will get a loan, but the score will also help determine whether that loan will be granted at a favorable interest rate. The best interest rates are given to those with the best scores, and those with lower scores will have to pay higher interest rates and fees. Because of this, many consumers are interested in knowing how to improve their scores, and there is not shortage of companies that are willing to provide advice on that topic for a fee.

But the one thing that every consumer can do to increase his or her credit score is easy to do and costs nothing - pay bills on time. It may seem both simple and obvious, but a history of paying bills on time is important to creditors. After all, the decision regarding whether or not to grant a loan is based in part upon whether or not the lender expects to be repaid. The more likely the consumer is to repay, the less likely he or she will be to default.

How a consumer has historically paid bills makes up 35% of the credit score. More than one third of the score is devoted to whether the bills were paid on time or paid at all. No other component makes up as large a portion of the score, and for good reason - lenders want to be repaid! That said, the easiest and cheapest way to start improving a credit score is to make a concerted effort to pay bills on time. It is better to make even a minimum payment on time than it is to pay late and in full. With online bill paying becoming more and more common, it is not possible to schedule bills to be paid automatically, which can be of tremendous benefit to those consumers who aren't too organized and sometimes just forget to pay.

This is one of those cases where the most effective solution also happens to be the cheapest, and this solution is free. If you want to see your credit score increase, make sure that your bills are paid on time.

Computers may be slowing down

In 1965 Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel, wrote a paper that made the observation that computers will double in speed every two years. This maxim, now called Moore’s Law, has held true for decades. It would appear now however that within the next ten years Moore’s Law may no longer be valid.

Moore’s Law specifically refers to the number of transistors that can be placed on a computer chip, and how that number could easily be doubled by manufacturers every two years. Manufactures have readily met the requirements of this law since its inception, and as of 2008 the transistors that are applied to computer chips will be so small that over 3.9 million of them would fit on the head of a pin.

Gordon Moore now says that by 2020 the laws of physics will catch up to computer chip manufacturers and Moore’s Law will no longer be a valid measuring tool. Mr. Moore revealed this information while speaking about the new Intel chip being marketed as the Penryn Processor. This new chip will not be widely available till 2009, and its circuitry is 45 nanometers wide (1 billionth of a meter wide) and contains over 800 million transistors.

The fact that Moore’s Law specifically refers to number of transistors and not computing speed has now become important. The two have been used interchangeably for decades, but it would seem that can no longer be the case. Many experts believe that although the laws of physics will break down Moore’s Law, computing speed will continue to increase at the same rate or possible even faster. This will be done through alternative methods of chip manufacturing. One type of alternative manufacturing is called nanotechnology which would focus on putting chips together a single molecule at a time. Jim Tully at Gartner group said, “You might refer to this new breed of chips as ‘molecular devices’”. Science fiction may become science fact over the next decade as these molecular devices are even now in development.

While faster chips are a concern for the manufactures, utilizing this speed is the concern of the end user. Chips that contain billions of transistors are irrelevant if the software the computer is running cannot take advantage of the speed. This has been the case with Windows XP of late, and one of the reasons Microsoft released Vista. The new software is designed to take better advantage of newer and faster chips as well as higher degrees of computer memory. “Although the Vista 32 bit version only uses up to 4 gig of RAM (same as XP), the Vista 64 bit version can support 128 gig of RAM or more”, says Dan Crawford, former Microsoft employee and software enthusiast. There are no PCs currently capable of actually accepting 128 gig of RAM so this issue should be moot for a long time.

Once software producers catch up to the chips available even now, the speed in which users enjoy on there computers will be greatly increased. Chip speed is still an important concern, but perhaps not more so than the ability to actually utilize that speed on a regular basis.

Why i love a good apple

There are many great foods in the world. As a professional chef, of course I love food. I love cooking it just as much as I love eating it. Nothing gives me as much of a thrill as preparing a great meal for the people I love. I've heard it said many times that chefs must have a hard time choosing a favorite meal. For me, that has never been the case. From the time I was a young girl up until now I have loved a good apple more than any other food.

I guess one of the biggest reasons that I love an apple is because of all of the childhood memories I have that include apples. My grandparents lived on a large apple orchard farm, so every summer my siblings and I would spend a few weeks with them and enjoy endless hours of wandering through the apple orchards. We would play hide and go seek until we couldn't stand it any longer and we would sit underneath apple trees for hours and tell stories and laugh as only children can laugh.

When we visited our grandma during apple harvest we would get to pick our own apples for apple pies. This was the best. After a long days work of picking we would roll up our sleeves in the kitchen and work alongside grandma to make her special apple pies. My love for cooking started in that kitchen with my grandmother right along with my taste for a good apple. She taught us from the beginning how to tell when an apple was just right for picking and then again when it was just right for eating. Unlike many families, we always ate our apples cold out of the refrigerator. Grandma always said that there was nothing as good as a cold apple and I've grown up to agree.

Sometimes, when grandma was feeling especially generous, she would allow us to toss a dash of cinnamon and sugar onto our apple slices. We loved this treat. Apples were not only healthy for us (as she reminded us constantly) but they also tasted as good as most desserts.

As a chef, and now that I'm raising my own children, I remain convinced that there is no food quite like the apple. It seems to be the perfect fruit and frankly I'd say it is the perfect food all together. I try to eat an apple a day no matter what, and I've been encouraging my kids to start doing the same. I even took them to a local apple orchard to let them pick their own apples.

Listing a hobby on your cv or resume

It is becoming more common for people to be asked what their favourite hobby or pastime is on a job application form. It is therefore advisable to include a section on your interests and any hobby that you are actively engaged in on your CV or Resume too. This helps to differentiate your application from all others that have similar experience and qualifications as you do. A hobby can be used as a great ice-breaker at interviews too and you may find yourself discussing your skydiving exploits more than your previous job. Obviously the more unusual the hobby the better as it is likely to make an impact on anyone reading your CV and be a point of interest that helps the reader remember your application over another.

It is important, wherever possible, to list hobbies or interests that clearly demonstrate relevant skills and accomplishments that are appropriate for the job your resume is being considered for. Obviously, if you are applying to be a cook for a company you would want to list cooking as one of your hobbies. This may seem an obvious point but you could also highlight other areas of the same hobby such as researching recipes or jam making for example.

It is advisable to be selective about the number of hobbies you list. If it seems that your time is taken up with a myriad of different activities a potential employer may reject your application for fear that you may never be available for overtime work if necessary.

Another possible impact of your choice of hobby may be if it involves a lot of travel or long hours. The potential employer may feel that your hobby would have an adverse effect on your ability to hold down a long term position and may think you are just trying to fit in work around your hobby and not the other way round.

Whatever you do, don’t make up a hobby purely to get a job. If you say you are a chess player, to indicate that you are a logical thinker and forward planner that is great if it’s true but beware, you may find that you are challenged to a game by your boss and be rumbled on the first day!

Membership sites produce more

Membership Sites Produce More $$$

Membership sites are very profitable and are becoming hugely successful, but many people still do not fully understand them nor understand how money is made from them. The reason is because most membership sites promote, or sell intangible items, meaning information of one kind or another. In fact, most business studies show that the marketing of intangible items can be much more profitable than that of tangible items. After all you don’t carry inventory, you don’t have to buy supplies, etc. What you are promoting or selling is knowledge and that is where the money lies.

Think about this for a second. Think about different high profile companies and which ones are more successful. If we only compare Google (intangible) with Microsoft (tangible), you might truly be surprised at what you come up with. In fact it is said that Google has bested Microsoft in both profits and in Internet web users, at least that is according to what Marissa Mayer of Googles consumer products says.

Although it is true that the Web is considered a global market place with millions of products that are bought and sold everyday, it is more than that. People look to the internet to access information and they want quality information.

Information is what provides revenue on the Internet and it is the most stable way of earning money there. This is where membership sites come in and where owning a membership site can be profitable.

What specifically are Membership Sites?

Membership sites focus on a specific group of people or niche, and offer important information that these people want, need and in some cases are willing to pay for.

The best way to find this niche is to start researching what people are looking for and how you can help solve and give them information on a particular topic. The best place to start is by doing keyword searches and finding out what exactly people are looking for.

Why do people prefer Membership Sites?

Membership sites are both beneficial to the owner and to the members. Obviously because it produces money for the owner in one way or another, but for the consumer it offers an easy way to access information that they need without having to spend hours on the internet looking for something in particular. Membership sites offer specifics and data that has been evaluated and scrutinized for its members.

Types of Membership Sites

There are two types of membership sites, those that are a paid membership and those that are free, and both produce revenue in different ways, the first because there is a residual income from membership fees and the second because the owner makes money through affiliate marketing.

Both paid and free membership sites can produce money in a variety of ways, but paid memberships have a limited number of members and free sites have an unlimited number of members.

How do Membership Sites Make Their Money?

Both paid and free membership sites offer quality content for their viewers and soon a relationship evolves between the owner and viewer. This relationship builds trust which is what every internet marketer wants. When your reader begins to see you as the expert in your field, he is more willing to buy other products from you.

This is when you can begin affiliate marketing programs, which is where you offer products from other companies that relate to your site and in return get commissions. There are other ways you can take advantage of your membership site as well. You can market ebooks, audio files, movie clips, etc. in the field that relates to your site.

Membership sites are the biggest growing trend on the internet today, and are a great way for you to begin your home business, and produce revenue from the Internet. Used in the right way there is an unending list of ways to make a profit from a membership site, and membership sites take on all forms from dog lover sites, to teacher information related sites.

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What to expect at a foreclosure auction

Whether you are an investor that would like to get into buying foreclosed homes for your personal use or to flip the property or if you are having your home foreclosed on, you should know what to expect at a foreclosure auction. Of course, the actual steps that will be taken can vary a bit from state to state and from house to house, but it’s good to know what you will be getting into when you go to a foreclosure auction. Foreclosure auctions can be exciting, even fun, but knowing what to expect will help you make the most of the experience, whether you are an investor or a homeowner that is trying to get your house back.

Before the Auction

You’ll likely find out about the foreclosure auction in a local newspaper and on the flier may be information to pre-qualify for bidding. This will allow you to put down a deposit so that the auctioneer knows that you are a serious bidder and can fulfill your bid if you are the winning bidder. Being pre-qualified just sort of speeds up the process so that you don’t have to mess around with the deposit on the day of the auction. During this time you should also do some research on the house by looking into any liens that may be against the property, how much the property is worth, how much it has appreciated in the last few years, as well as property values in the area. If the home looks as though it will need some repairs, you should consider this as well when trying to come up with how much you will be willing to pay for the house. Without this research, no amount of knowledge about what goes on at a foreclosure option will help you because you won’t know where to start when it comes to actually making a good bid.

What Happens At the Auction

The auction will typically start with the auctioneer reading legal notices as well as a legal description of the property. The auctioneer will usually then begin taking bids on the property. If the auctioneer has pre-qualified bidders the process is more streamlined, if not, each time a bid is made the auctioneer will then ask for the bidders deposit check, which is typically right around $5,000 for residential auctions. After each bid the auctioneer will attempt to solicit bids for higher amounts. Each auction is different, but the auction increments usually are set by the auctioneer and may be by $100, $500, or $1,000 per bid. The auctioneer will continue to solicit bids by this increment until it is clear that the highest bid has been reached. Then, the auctioneer will announce, “Going once, going twice, three times, sold!” indicating that the auction is over and the property has been sold to the highest bidder.

Once the bidding has ended a foreclosure deed and purchase papers will be drawn up and validated by the new owner or purchaser and the mortgage holder. A grace will likely be given to allow the purchaser to find financing or to come up with the funds to cover the full amount of the bid. This grace period is usually 30 days unless the purchaser and the mortgage holder agree to other terms. After the grace period a closing will take place, so that the new owner can formally take the title to the property.

What Happens, Now?

The purchaser can do what he or she intended to do with the property, whether it is to move into the home or to sell it for full market value. The money paid by the purchaser will be distributed in order of priority, first of which would be taxes. After taxes money will be paid to the mortgage, then the second and third mortgage if applicable. If there is still money after paying these debts, remaining money will be paid to lien holders and creditors. There is a very slim chance that there will be money left over after all of the debts are paid, if this is the case then the monies will be paid to the former home owner.

What about the Original Owner?

The original owner will often be at the auction so that they can bid on their home, and this is legal as long as they have the deposit required. If the owner of the home that has been foreclosed does bid on the home they must remember that the deposit is not refundable and the deposit assumes that they will be able to finance the home within the grace period. Owners must also remember that if they buy the property back old debts may merge and become reinstated such as second and third mortgages that became void when the first mortgage foreclosed on the property unless one has filed bankruptcy and is truly free and clear of these debts. Owners will often drum up the funds to make the deposit so that they can have another 30 days to try to save their home. Owners may or may not be successful in their attempts to save their home at a foreclosure auction.

As you can see, there are a lot of things that go into a foreclosure auction, but none of them are all that difficult to understand, but knowing about them makes the auction more enjoyable. The auction itself is not all that complicated, but it can be very fast paced. At some foreclosure auctions there are a lot of people, at others there are only a few because of the location or just the debts attached to the property, or even the state of the property. If you are serious about the property you should pay close attention when bidding starts so that you are sure that you can get your bid in when you feel it’s time so that you have the best chance of being the top bidder.

Creating online business idea

Creating Online Business Idea

If you want to look at creating online business ideas, first take a look at what is out there. Within this article today on creating online business ideas, we will help you figure out if your business idea can work and how you can come up with other ways to make money.

If you are having trouble creating online business ideas on the Internet that will work, do not despair. That is what this article will be looking at today. When you think of creating online business ideas, these normally can fall under a few broad categories. You can sell through online auctions such as eBay, you can sell tangible goods on the Internet, or you may sell a service to customers. You could also serve as a business to business product or service provider, otherwise known as B2B, and this might be another route you would like to take.

If you are having trouble thinking about what you would like to do on the Internet, take a look at a couple of these different websites to help you decide what might work for you. The first website that we would like to direct you to visit would be www. clickbank. com. This website has many different products that you can buy or choose to promote on a website. When you are thinking about the different ideas that you would like to promote, you should take a look at this website. You can see what the hot products are currently and it may give you some ideas as to where you could improve on a product potentially. One internet marketing expert has said that if you can take an existing product and put a twist on it, this can allow you to be very successful. If you find that a product is very good, you are able to promote that product as an affiliate. You will have to worry about driving traffic to your website and sending leads to your particular affiliate page and everything else related to the sale of the product is handled by the creator of the product. If you decide to put up a website, this can be crucial because you do not have to worry about developing a product but just developing a market for the product. If doing this, think of a way to trump current marketing out there for the product and the twist on the current product could potentially come back into play. If you offered the affiliate product with a service, this gives you a couple of ways to hook your customers.

The next website that we would like you to visit in this article on creating online business ideas is http://www. homebiz-direct. com/businessOpportunities. html. This website can prove to be very helpful to you because it lists different opportunities available to those of you who may not have an idea what you want out of the Internet. If you are new to Internet marketing, this might be a good area for you to visit.

Hopefully this article on creating online business ideas has given you some food for thought. Remember that your business idea doesn't necessarily have to be revolutionary. You can either improve on an existing idea or if you can figure out how to market an existing product better, this may allow you to share profits with the creator of the product. Remember that you do not necessarily create the product but if you can create a market, you will have the opportunity to make a great deal of money.

Help i m in debts. can i consolidate them on my own

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You are in debts and know you need help. You hate the idea of borrowing from friends and families and decided to pick yourself up on your own even if it is going to be harder.

After much research, you find tons of debt consolidation companies, services and programs. The question is - can you consolidate your debt yourself??

The answer is an emphatic “Yes!”

It is possible for every debtor to consolidate their debts. It is simply a process whereby you ask your creditors for better repayment terms including wavier of late fees penalty and lower interest rates.

Most creditors would also accept to give you better terms if you go into a debt consolidation negotiation with them. The main reason being if you file for bankruptcy, unsecured creditors - like your credit card companies will receive nothing for their loan.
Thus most are willing to give you better repayment rates to make sure they collect back their loans.

On principle, most creditors are willing to offer better repayment terms for people in cycle of debts. But the actual negotiation process might not be that simple. Because you are dealing with a group of debt collectors that are highly experience in debt collection and are trained to squeeze the maximum out of you.

Often easier to say than done - Debt consolidation negotiation requires you to have good or excellent negotiating skills to get the most out of your debt consolidation. It is also very important to know your bottom line and your bargaining chips.

It is therefore not surprising to find that third party debt consolidation companies often manage to get better terms and rates for debt consolidators. Reason being these companies are more familiar with your creditors’ debt settlement policies and know how to use them to your advantage.

Conclusion
You can consolidate your debts yourself and save on the debt consolidation fees. But most often than not, you will not be able to get the best repayment terms and rates than if you engage the service of debt consolidation companies.

Los angeles nightlife

When the night comes, life gets a little wilder in this place. Here in Los Angeles, the setting of the sun paves way for the lighting of billboards and club signs.

The morning business streets become havens of partying and recreation. And the people… simply perfect for such magnificent celebrations! You guessed it right. We are talking about the astounding, the amazing and the ultimately exciting city of Los Angeles and its nightlife.

Los Angeles, as most people already know, is home to all things nice and beautiful. From the glitzy A-list stars that call it home to its fair share of party areas and restaurants… there’s just nothing in Los Angeles to call boring or drab. All you’ve got to do is discover all of them and start enjoying them at once. So if you have no idea what we are talking about, just keep on reading. This will be your party 101 for the best LA parties in town.

Start you night with a little dining. Of course, its always better to go to the parties after being energized with the finest foods this place has the offer. From one star to five star, fast food to diner… this place has the right food places to keep you full forever. Many restaurants in this town have perfect dinners cooked by renowned chefs such as Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck and others. There are also certain local diners for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want English, Asian or Vegetarian delights… this melting pot of culinary treasures has surely got something to serve you. Some of these are Danny’s Kosher Pickle, Nathan’s Famous, Residuals and others. Have a nice meal in these places and others when you drop by.

After that, let the party get started. There are various music lounges wherein you can chill out and relax. From glasses of fine wine to the most alluring of jazz… get ready to enjoy everything you have asked for. Here, you can have a few relaxing drinks while being entertained by top pop stars, bands and others.

If chilling out isn’t enough for you, then you better hang out at the snazziest nightclubs. Here, you’ll be able to dance to the most rhythmic tunes in the funkiest places you have ever laid your eyes on. Hang out ala Britney Spears or Paris Hilton in places such as Boulevard 3, Blackout, Privilege, Cabana Club and others. Here, you may have wild parties and of course, probably meet all celebrities from A-Z. Who knows, you might end up cutting rugs on the dance floors with Lindsay Lohan or Usher! The possibilities are just endless.

So hurry and enjoy the nightlife in Los Angeles at once!

Car insurance. involved in an accident with an uninsured driver

Uninsured drivers are ten times more likely to drink and drive and three times more likely to be convicted of driving without due care and attention. They also cause one accident every six months. In fact one in twenty motorists regularly drive without insurance. It's therefore not perhaps surprising that, one in ten of all motorists have been involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. The question is what to do if you're involved in an accident with one?

At the time of the accident you're unlikely to realise that the other driver is uninsured so you'll have to react in the normal way. Take a note of the other car's make, model and registration number. Also note the other driver's name and address – but whether he'll give you his correct details is perhaps unlikely! Nevertheless, always record what the other driver says. Unless you have this information you'll have no leg to stand on when it comes to getting some of your money back.

Also take notes about the damage to the other car and the accident scene. Remember to note road markings, road signs, light and weather conditions and whether the other car had its lights on – in fact as much detail as possible. Then if you're lucky enough to have an independent witness get their full contact details. And if you happen to have a camera in the car, take lots of pictures - and try and get one with the other driver clearly in the picture. The police might like that one!

If your policy is comprehensive, your insurer pay for your car to be repaired but you could lose your no claims discount unless you've paid to protect it. But then there's the issue of your excess payment – that's the first part of the repair cost you have to pay for. You'll have to pay that unless you're lucky enough to have a policy that waives the excess payment if you're hit by an uninsured driver.

For those of you with third party car insurance, you're in for a hard time. Your insurer won't pay for your repairs and, as the other driver is uninsured, you're not going to get any money off him unless you can trace him and succeed in a court action. Even then there's no guarantee that he'll pay up! Your only guaranteed solution is to make a compensation claim to the Motor Insurers' Bureau - but you'll still have to pay the first Ј300 of the claim.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau insists that have the other drivers' car registration number and you must first report the accident to the police. Always ask the police for a copy of their accident report as the Bureau's likely to ask to see it. The Bureau's telephone number is 01908 671681 or you can e-mail them on enquiries@mib. org. uk.

At the moment The UK' Law is being amended to crackdown on uninsured drivers. Not before time. Anyone keeping, not just driving, an uninsured vehicle now faces a fixed Ј100 fine and can also have their car seized and crushed. Currently the average fine for driving without insurance is just Ј170 and that's hardly a punishment when car insurance costs many times more. Losing the car plus a fine of Ј100 is much more realistic. Let's hope that the courts fully implement the crushing sanction!

A police spokesman said recently, “ Uninsured drivers are often guilty of many other driving related offences, such as having no driving licence or MOT certificate. We're doing everything in our power to get these dangerous and illegal drivers off our roads”.

We say, go to it blues and two's!

Reverse mortgage explained

Reverse Mortgages are fast becoming all the rage here in the USA. As with everything else to do with your financial security, you should always exercise caution and seek as much information as you can from multiple sources. If a Reverse Mortgage appeals to you then you may find the following questions and answers useful.

What exactly is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is specialized home loan that allows the home owner to exchange a bit of the equity in their house into hard cash. However unlike a conventional home equity loan or even a second mortgage for that matter, there are no repayments to make until the borrower stops using the home as their primary place of residence.

Do you qualify for a Reverse Mortgage?

In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage you must be at least 62 years old, living in the a home that you own, with no outstanding mortgage, or in some cases with a small amount of mortgage remaining that can be settled with the monies received from the reverse loan.

What type of properties are considered eligible?

Most types of property are eligible including. Units, detached houses, Town houses and various manufactured houses.

How does a reverse mortgage differ from second mortgages?

With conventional second mortgages, you must make monthly repayments and therefore you will be expected to have adequate income to meet such terms. However a reverse mortgage differs in so much as it pays you the money and does not require you to have any income.

Will the lender repossess my house if I live longer than the loan?

Absolutely not, you will not be required to repay any of the loan providing you continue to live in the home and that you continue to keep any current insurance and taxes on the home up to date.

What about my estate, will I have any to leave to my family?

Should you sell your house or if you no longer continue to use it for your main residence, then your estate will pay back to your lender the money you acquired from the reverse mortgage, in addition to any other fees and interest. All of the remaining equity in your house, will become the property of your inheritors.

How much can I expect to have from my house?

This will depend upon your age, current interest rates, and an appraised assessment of your property or the F. H.A. mortgage limits for your region, whichever is the smaller amount. by and large, the more expensive your house and the elder you are, the more you can lend.

What are methods of payment?

You have a choice of options on how you would like to receive your money from a reverse mortgage, you might want to have it as a line of credit, or from one of the following options;

1 All at once in a lump sum,

2 Fixed monthly payments for a set period or for the duration of you stay in the house.

Usually the most popular option chosen by more than 55 per cent of borrowers is to take the line of credit, which will allow you to withdraw money on the loan proceeds at any given time.

Online mlm business

Handling the stress of online MLM business

Are you looking online for a possible MLM business avenue of creating income and relieving you of your present burdens?

You are not alone. Many individuals see the potential for building their own business from wherever they are on this globe by means of the Internet. The online MLM business provides a level playing field and appeals to men and women of all ages as a prospective means of conducting business from the comfort of home.

However, despite the fact that running a business through the Internet can often be less expensive than a traditional business and allows you access to a worldwide market at any time of the day, the truth behind starting an MLM business online is that it can be as stressful as any other business. How can you prepare yourself for this obstacle?

Always wear your “game face”.

It is a tough game to start an online MLM business. You are guaranteed to experience times when your self-confidence is shaken, you feel the task is beyond your abilities and you beat yourself up for making mistakes.

Move on. It is part of creating business and you will have to face these issues whether it is your first attempt or even if you have been in the MLM business online for years. Changes happen fast on the Internet and that includes changes to businesses. One day you will be amazing yourself and the next day you will think you've been beat.

The best solution to this is to expect it and plan to move on despite those feelings.

Forget the hype.

Nearly every business can benefit from online MLM business exposure.

Are you inspired by the many programs that claim "instant wealth - easy to learn!"? Do not believe it. Regardless of if you have been in business for a long time or this is your first attempt, online MLM business done through the Internet has it's own methods and you better be ready to learn them if you want to make money.

The learning curve can be steep and some individuals find it daunting. The good thing to remember is that it is possible for nearly anyone to operate an MLM business online no matter what their previous experience. Just be prepared to learn and have patience with your attempts.

Do not use all your money.

It is easy to forget the need for a budget when you can spend money so easily online. Do not buy into every MLM business opportunity online or training program. Visit online forums to acquire a feel for the best systems available. Make friends on these forums that will support you when you are overwhelmed or needing advice.

The only thing worse than finding out you made a mistake is finding out that it cost you money. Remember that every experience is a learning experience. Try to stick to a budget but do not permit yourself to dwell on mistakes when they happen. Learn and move on.

Taking the necessary steps to prepare you for the stress and rejection that all new MLM business owners’ online face will enable you to build on that knowledge and create a successful business.

Fortunately, there are many who do not make it that far in the online MLM business. So that leaves the wide open for you.

Careers in accountancy

Careers in Accountancy

There are a lot of different careers in the accountancy field. It ranges from bookkeeping, auditing, until you reach the position of financial officer. As the position title goes higher, you can expect higher salaries. However, in order to achieve these positions and professional designations, you need to get an accountancy degree.

One of the very important milestones in the life of an accountancy graduate is becoming a CPA or Certified Public Accountant. How can you be a CPA? Firstly, you need to finish college, majoring in accountancy. A CPA exam is conducted and you have to pass it. If you want to be part of CPA firms, you need to comply with certain employment experience and requirements which could take about 2 years. after completion of the requirements, you will given a certification as proof that you’re already a CPA. Now, you can offer accounting services to people.

Being a CPA is merely a stepping stone to an accountancy career. Controllers are the chief accountants of certain companies and offices. They are in charge of supervising the accounting system of the business. Controllers see to it that the business follows tax laws to maintain its legality and they are also responsible in preparing the business’ financial statements.

Aside from the tasks mentioned earlier, controllers also take charge in budgeting and financial planning. Businesses, big or small, need accountants. However, in the case of very small businesses, owners can do the accounting tasks. Bigger or larger businesses need accounting personnel to handle all the accounting works. As the business expands, it needs to hire additional employees. It is also the task of the accountant to determine if the company can afford to hire additional employees without negatively affecting the growth of profits.

Accounting involves a lot of paper work. Professional accountants need to prepare tax returns which are very much complicated than income tax returns of individuals. The chief accountant of the company is also responsible for setting broad objectives for the company’s growth and development. Their aim is to gain more profits because this will be the proof for the success of the business.

Being a CPA, a professional accountant, or a chief accountant are just few of the many careers in accountancy. There are still other careers out there that you can pursue for as long as you’re a graduate of accountancy. How can you find the many careers in accountancy?

That’s very simple. You can start by logging on to the internet. There are specialized websites that offers job opportunities in accountancy. You can search these sites and find a job opening that you can qualify for. Make sure that you send your complete resume to the employer or the employment agency. If you do qualify for the job, you will be notified or informed.

In choosing among the careers in accountancy, you have to know your strong points and weak points. That way, you can choose a career that best suits your capability. You must always remember to choose a career that you like. If you love your career, you will not ask for anything else; you will be contented.

Start now and look and look for a career in accountancy while you’re still young. New accountancy graduates are produced every year and so you mustn’t lose hope if you still don’t have a career right now. Exert some effort and time and soon you will have a rewarding career.