What are the Benefits of FAFSA?

In the present day, it can quite expensive to attend a college in the United States, and the rate at which the tuition fee is escalating, college education is bound to get even more expensive. Five years ago the cost of education at a private college or university was $15,000 per year. Now, it has risen to $21,235 a year, that is, an increase of 40 percent. On the other hand, the average American household income rose by just four percent during the same period.

The picture is no different for state-run colleges and universities. Although they are less expensive when compared to private colleges, but they have also been compelled to increase their tuition fees. According to Patrick Callen, president for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, Public institutions have had their budgets cut by states, and they've been raising tuition fees to replace public money that's been taken out of their budgets.

In such a bleak scenario, federal student financial aid appears to be the only feasible way to abbreviate the gap in the cost of education. However, you cannot apply for federal financial aid directly. The federal government will first determine your eligibility for the aid, and for this you would have to fill out the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In addition to the federal government, the state governments, schools and other financial institutions will also use the information from FAFSA to ascertain your eligibility for non-federal student aid programs.

The 102 questions in FAFSA are framed to retrieve your academic, personal, financial and identification information. After meticulous scrutinization of your FAFSA, the federal government will send you as well as the colleges, which you had enlisted in your form, a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR contains EFC (Expected Family Contribution) that is calculated on the basis of facts that you had divulged through the FAFSA. The federal government and other funding agencies use EFC to determine your eligibility for various kinds student financial assistance programs.

In nutshell, unless you fill out and submit FAFSA, federal as well as non-federal financial aids will remain inaccessible for you.

Anubha Shyam is studying computers, and also works as a part-time freelance copywriter. She writes regularly for http://www.blogcharm.com/BollywoodSizzlersGayle Blog35353
Hetti Blog63784

Sanibel Island Shells

Sanibel Island, located off the southwest coast of Florida, is known for being the best shelling destination in the world. Those who come to Sanibel Island, enjoy the white sandy beaches, but also keep an eye out for the most beautiful shells they can find.

Why is it good for Shelling?

There are over four hundred species of shells that end up on the Sanibel island because unlike most barrier islands that run from North to South the Sanibel islands runs on a perpendicular scale, East to West.

In addition, the Sanibel Island is like a shelf for the seashells. The island is part of a plateau that reaches out in the Gulf of Mexico. If winds start or tides pick up the shells resting on this plateau are agitated and disrupted.

The Best Time To Go Shelling

The best time to go looking for shells is in the winter when the storm season has pushed the shells onto the shallow part of the plateau and left them onto the beaches. It is also best to look for shells during low tide.

This is when there is more beach to explore. It allows you to go onto the sandbar and it is a time when sediment from various levels are piled on to the beach, giving you more variety of shells to pick up.

The best location for shelling

The best location for the smaller shells is near the lighthouse at the tip of the island. If you are looking for the larger shells try the Captiva side. Here are two of the best places to start your search.

*Causeway Beaches-You can enjoy fishing windsurfing, picnicking and swimming as well as shelling. There are hundreds of species located in this area and there is no fee for parking on the beach

*Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier-Located at the eastern part of Sanibel and round the bay side, this is the place you will find the biggest and the smallest shells on the island.

Anne Morris writes articles about travel. Discover more information about travel at http://www.sanibeltoday.com and http://www.todaybahamas.com.Frederica Blog57399
Hyacinth Blog71738

Survey Of Energy Efficient Building Methods

When we talk about energy efficiency, we first have to understand some basic definitions Energy efficiency of building materials is determined by how it handles heat, how heat transfers through materials and how well materials hold or store heat. Remember, heat always moves from warm to cold, so during the summer, if the outside temperature is warmer than the inside temperature of a home, heat transfers through the walls from the outside in. Conversely during winter, if the inside air temperature is warmer than the outside, heat transfers from inside the home out.

Clear Wall R-Values

Clear-wall R-Value calculations do not take into consideration the effects of additional construction like windows, doors, exterior wall corners and how the roof joins the walls. When factored in, R-Values typically drop from those stated as Clear-wall R-Values. Clear-wall R-Values and their thermal performance are determined by testing a solid wall (complete with its insulation system), usually a section 8 ft. x 8 ft., with no openings for doors and windows.

Whole Wall R-Values

Clearly more accurate is the Whole-wall R-Value rating system. In this system, not only is the thermal performance of the wall tested, so is the typical envelope interface details. These include wall-to-wall corners, wall-to-roof, wall-to-floor, wall-to-doors and wall-to-window connections. Why include these details? Because energy efficiency is lost at these points of construction and including these elements provides a more accurate R-Value rating system. (Although taking the time to tape these joints during the construction helps reduce some of hte heat loss significantly.)

Thermal Mass

To add to the confusion we have to consider thermal mass, perhaps the most confusing energy issue facing engineers, contractors and homebuyers today. Thermal mass ratings are determined by measuring the building materials/wall unit energy efficiency in conjunction with other layers of materials attached to the wall, i.e.; particle boards, drywall, stucco. The measurement of the energy performance of a "stated R-value" material, combined with the layering of other materials to enhance the energy value, is often referred to as "mass-enhanced R-value." There are a number of combinations of materials used in construction and their thermal mass and R-value efficiencies vary depending on how they are used in the region of the country (climate considerations). How efficient a system is and how much energy consumption is reduced depends on how fast heat transfers through materials, how well materials hold the heat and the fluctuation of outside temperature. Attention to details like the windows you select, like low e-thermal, dual pane windows that are tinted, is just as important as the R-value in the walls. In fact, much heat loss or gain, up to 48%, is through windows, not walls!

http://www.masonryforlife.com/Energy.htm

Additionally, according to the US Department of Energy, for energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. This includes the following areas:

Attic spaces
Attic access doors to unfinished attics
Knee walls in finished attics
Ducts in unconditioned spaces
Cathedral ceilings
Exterior walls
Floors above unheated garages
Foundations
Basements
Crawl spaces
Slab-on-grade floors.

Let us look at some of the current choices in construction of today ...

Block Masonry and Poured-Concrete for residential construction There are numerous insulation methods and new insulated block systems on the market with varying R-values. Standard 8" hollow block's R-value is 1.75, which by itself, is not enough R-value to achieve energy efficiency. The addition of outside insulation, integral insulation or interior insulation can be added to standard block to make it very energy efficient. There are several ways to incorporate foam insulationsuch as polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyiso, and polyurethaneinto concrete blocks. The hollow cores of concrete blocks can be filled by pouring and/or injecting loose foam beads or liquid foam. Some manufacturers make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts.

Stud Wall Construction using wood or metal studs ... The exterior wall constitutes a large part of the total insulated package. In exterior walls, a 2x6 wall offers upto 5.5" of insulation. With the use of 2x6 studs spaced a 24" c/c , not only is the depth of the wall cavity increased but the width of the cavity is also increased. Studs conduct more heat than the insulation since it extends through the wall cavity and has a smaller R-value. So, in 2x6 construction there are fewer studs in the exterior wall and less heat is conducted through the wall. The following website has a good table describing R-Values of various stud-construction methods http://www.homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/99/991110.html

Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Construction ICF uses reinforced concrete as structure and where insulation does double duty also as permanent stay-in-place formwork for concrete during placement is a very attractive choice for walls of energy efficient buildings. The insulating material, typically expanded polystyrene (EPS) affords a variety of state-of-the-art exterior finishes, such as siding, brick, cultured stone, stucco, and so on. Constructed from expanded polystyrene and stacked like building blocks to form the exterior walls of a home, the forms are reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. The forms interlock and fasten one to the other to provide seamless "foundation to rafter" fully insulated, reinforced concrete walls. Window and door openings of any size are possible. Because of the triple insulative nature of these forms, ICFs are extremely energy efficient. The R-value of the insulation, coupled with the thermal mass of the concrete, and the elimination of air leakage, makes for an R-40 energy rating or higher.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) SIPsconsist of two outer skins and an inner insulation core. Most structural panels today use either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) as skins. OSB is most commoly used because it is available in large size upto 12 ft by 36 ft. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the most commonly used insulation core material. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) commonly known as styrofoam, polyurethane foam and isocyanurate are also used as the inner core but predominantly EPS is the used as the inner core. As you can see in the table below, EPS has an R-value of 5.00 per inch. Many SIP manufacturers allow you to select the thickness of the panels for your home ranging from 4" to 12". SIPs are becoming increasingly common in modular home building as they have shown extreme energy efficiency, are much stronger than wood-framed homes and the outer envelope can often be constructed in under one week! If you are a contractor or engineer who wants more information about SIP's see http://www.sipweb.com/monitor/bc_main.asp. Some manufacturers choose to use polyurethane and isocyanurate as the insulating material. Aged polyurethane and isocyanurate SIPs have a nominal R-value of around R-6 to R-7 per inch (2.5 cm) of thickness. Polyurethane/isocyanurate panels, although more expensive, are more fire and water vapor-diffusion resistant than EPS, and insulates some 30% to 40% better than EPS or XPS, per given thickness.

Precast Concrete Wall Construction ... Precast concrete walls use use high-strength concrete, typically 5,000 psi with reinforcing steel and fibers. Priced in the $55 - $65 range per linear foot of wall, precast systems are competitive with other foundation walls, particularly when costs are examined as an assembly that includes footings and sub-slab drainage. The precast concrete walls have full-length insulation built in to increase energy efficiency. They are smart, with convenient features like built-in accesses for wiring and treated wood nailers for drywall. The walls have a built in footing to be placed on a base of stone. The average R-Rating I found doing a search was about 12.5.

Overall, there are a lot of choices you have to make...Do you want to spend more money at the front end to make an energy efficient home, or foot the increasing power bills. Many of the new construction methods dramatically improve the speed at which homes can be built. Discuss these options with your contractor and or engineer to find out what is best for your specific purpose and area where you live.

At the following website, you will find a table of the typical R-Values for construction materials. http://www.coloradoenergy.org/procorner/stuff/r-values.htm

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes received her PhD in Counseling and Education from the University of Florida. She has worked for 10 years in community mental health. Currently she runs a small internet-based church http://www.stlukesfamilychurch.info and two online continuing education sites http://www.allceus.com and http://www.engineeringceus.comGiulietta Blog3092
Gerianna Blog4564

Real Estate Investments and How to Make Them

Mistake # 1. Spending thousands of dollars buying books, tapes and attending seminars and then putting all of that information on a bookshelf and never looking at (or using) it.

Comment: Im continually amazed at the number of would be investors who have spent a bundle of money attending seminars, getting an education and then never using it to start

their investment program. Not only is it a waste of thousand of dollars but it could be the

biggest financial mistake you can make.

Mistake # 2. Failure to learn the basics of real estate investing.

Comment: The other extreme to Number 1 above, are potential investors who realize real estate is the best way to accumulate wealth and venture into the purchase of properties without knowing the basics of real estate investing. Those investors are almost certain to get into financial trouble.

Mistake # 3. Fear of making a huge financial mistake

Comment: We all fear making mistakes, especially a large financial one. If you follow the advice in Number 2 above, you wont have to worry about making a financial mistake.

Mistake # 4. Not looking at enough properties

Comment: Dont fall in love with the first property you look at. Too many investors buy properties because they look nice or they are just to lazy to see what else is currently on the market that may be better. Part of sound real estate investing is in giving yourself a choice so you can select the best one, financially.

Mistake # 5. A better deal may be just around the corner syndrome

Comment: This is the opposite mistake of Number 4. This investor never starts his or her real estate investment program because they always hope a better deal may be out there somewhere

if they just wait...and wait...and wait.

Mistake # 6. Thinking that real estate investing is strictly a complicated game that only the wealthy can play.

Comment: First of all real estate is NOT complicated if you learn how to do it first.

Did you know that even professional investors use a simple nine step process to analyze the financial feasibility of an investment property?

Here's a brief idea of the nine simple steps they use in analyzing any type or size investment property.

A Basic Financial Property Analysis

1. Scheduled Gross Income (Income if 100% leased) = $ 26,000

2. Less: Allowance for vacancies (5% of Gross Income) -1,300

3. Operating Income before expense & Mtg. Pmts. $ 24,700

4. Less Operating Expenses (Taxes, insurance, utilities,

repairs and maintenance etc.) 40% - 9,846

5. Equals: Operating Income (Income before Mtg. Pmts.) $ 14,854

6. Minus: Mortgage Payments: -12,863

7. Equals Cash Flow 1,991 = 6%

8. Plus: Mortgage Principle Payment +1,697

9. Total Return: $ 3,688 = 10%

There's a lot more to it than that, but you just read the basic nine step procedure most professional investors use when analyzing any income producing investment property.

Mistake # 7. Falling in love with a property

Comment: Once you get your feet wet and become a real estate investor, youll wonder why you waited so long to begin. Now youll face another problem. Many investors fall in love with their property. They have seen how well it is doing, cash flow has been going up each year, and they have fallen in love with their tenants (not literally). Two big mistakes are made here.

First, never fool yourself into thinking your property is doing too well to sell or trade up because your cash flow is considerably higher than when you purchased the property.

The second part of mistake number 7 is getting so friendly with your tenants that you fail to maintain rental standards based on what the market will bear. This greatly hinders your growth potential. .

Mistake # 8. Failure to plan your financial goals

Comment: Before you purchase that first property, which, of course, you financially analyzed, determine what you expect from your investmentsyour financial goals.

It's known as "The 'time vs. money" concept. The more you have of one the less you need of the other in order to reach your financial goals.

Mistake # 9. Trying to purchase properties that the seller is not motivated to sell

Comment: Ive seen potential buyers continually try to purchase investment properties that

are not really on the market. This includes property owners with the attitude that Sure, its for sale for a price. Unfortunately the for a price part usually means it will make no financial sense for a buyer.

Mistake # 10. Believing you can get rich quick overnight with no money invested of your own.

Comment:. Getting rich overnight will not happen . . . (regardless of what some of the so

called "experts" tell you). It takes some time, effort and knowledge of real estate investing to do

it with minimum financial risk.

The important thing to remember is that YOU can do it, too. You can join the millions of investors who create sizable incomes by investing in real estate.

Mistake # 11. No money down investing usually isnt.

Comment: Somewhere, somehow there will be some money required to put a transaction together and make it profitable.

It may be closing costs, repairs or upgrading, whatever. But somewhere, some money will be needed. There are ways around this problem without getting into a high risk situation. You may be able to finance every dollar you need, but it can come back to haunt you in the form

of mortgage payments you cannot afford to make. Again, learn what you are doing first.

Mistake # 12. Not financially analyzing a potential investment property.

Comment: This is the most serious mistake an investor, or potential investor, can make. I've seen a few pros in the business rely on a "worthless and inaccurate" rule of thumb to make a huge financial decision to purchase, with total disregard for how well the property will perform.

Oh, yes, there is one more major mistake many investor make:

Mistake # 13. Thinking it's important to pay off your mortgage as soon as you can

because mortgages are a 'necessary evil'.

Comment: First of all as a real estate investor, mortgages are good and not a necessary evil. You must learn why this is true. You must learn how, in the right situation, a second or third mortgage can be a good thing.

Second: mortgages are one of the keys to creating wealth in real estate. You must learn how to use financing as one of the keys to creating your own financial estate, without concern for it being "risky".

Milt Tanzer
http://www.investmentre.com
http://www.realestate-supermarket.com

Milt Tanzer has been a Commercial/Investment real estate broker and investor for over 25 years. Author of 7 books on real estate investing. Gave seminars to both the general public plus Realtor Association meetings for several years. Published by Prentice Hall division of Penguin Putnam. Ilsa Blog7342
Gwynne Blog29069

How to Give Personalized Gifts to Women and Children

Are you one of those people who becomes ecstatic when you receive any gift no matter what it is? All of us are like this! Why do we get so happy? It's because we know that the buyer has gone through great lengths to search for a suitable present they know will please us.

Gift certificates, pre-paid gift cards, and even cash are given more often as gifts these days. This is because our busy lifestyles, work and family schedules, and driving the kids all over town leave little time for in-store gift shopping. As a result, many of us to turn the Internet, but still feel that online shopping lacks that personal touch.

In reality, you don't have to that way. It might take a little more work, but shopping online enables you to not only find the perfect gift, but also get it personalized for your friend or loved one.

Here are ideas for personalized gifts for both children and women.

Personalized Gifts for Children

Kids love gifts! They have a way of bringing smiles and laughter from any child. Children will tear open any package, even if it is not for them. Although children rarely appreciate the gifts they receive, their parents do. Furthermore, gifts bearing the child's own name make treasured keepsakes.

Many online bookstores sell children's books that can be personalized. Gift book categories include books for babies, toddlers, and older children. Holiday books and special books can also be found. Simply choose a story that matches the interest of the child. On the order form, fill in the personalization information.

Most books can be personalized with the following information: age, boy or girl, date of occasion, first name, nickname, last name, home town, state, name of older child (brother, sister, friend, or sometimes a pet), names of other friends, a dedication, and whom the book is from.

Once the book order is received, the book printer replaces all the names and places in your chosen story with those of the child! The recipient becomes the star of the story. The action takes place in the child's town, with his or her friends as the co-stars. The book is then hardbound and shipped.

To find a store online, search for "personalized children's books."

Personalized Gifts for Women

Women love gifts as much as kids. This is especially true when lots of thought and consideration have been put into a gift. Men who are tired of buying the same chocolate, wine and flowers gifts should consider a personalized gift for their special woman. Imagine a completely personalized romance novel, with your sweetheart as the star! Much like the children's books described above, her personal information is inserted into a mainstream romance novel. However, the degree of personalization is much more detailed.

In addition to the basic information such as name, town, kids, pets, etc., you can include your name as the main male character (if you are the giver), her favorite music, perfume, physical characteristics, her car, where she works, and much more. Several sites also offer the romance stories in "mild" or "wild" flavors, depending on your (and her) tastes. If you thought roses made her grateful, wait until you make her the star of her very own romance novel.

To find a store online that offers this service, search for "personalized romance novels" or "personalized romance stories."

Most of us are just happy to get some attention not only on a special occasion, but also at any time! You can bring a smile to a friend or loved one's face all through the year when you surprise them with a personalized gift they will never forget. This will bring special memories that will last forever.

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

Established in May of 2005, http://www.My-Music-Box.com is a music box gift store specializing in music box products such as inlaid ballerina music boxes for ballerina rooms dcor, whimsical carousel music boxes, and musical jewelry boxes. The company provides interesting information for music lovers of all ages. Owner Monique Hawkins is also the author of the blog "What You Never Knew About Music" http://whatyouneverknewaboutmusic.blogspot.com , and owner of the eBay store "Monique's Music Box" at: http://stores.ebay.com/Moniques-Music-Box Monique can be contacted at (540) 858-2885.Ines Blog11277
Helene Blog24830

Soundproofing Your Basement

In todays world, basements are no longer simply places to store things like a glorified garage. With the price of housing ever on the rise, many people are converting their basements into rental spaces where they can make a little extra income each month. There are also a lot of folks who want to create a refuge space for reading or meditation or even a home theater in their basements. In this article I am going to talk about soundproofing your basement from the tenants below or from the noise transmitted by a home theater.

The first order of business is to talk about the ceiling. Many times pipes and conduits as well as electrical and cable lines run between the joist cavities in a basement ceiling. A lot of people feel that need to have access to these components, but in order to achieve great soundproofing, there devices need to be sealed up by constructing a sealed drywall ceiling below. If you are concerned about the plumbing and wiring, have a professional come in before your drywall in your new ceiling. Remember that 90% of your plumbing and wiring is behind drywall and if there are problems with them then naturally the drywall will need to be removed. My point here is that if the plumbing and wiring has been inspected and given a clean bill of health, then go ahead and seal up the ceiling below.

Generally most basement areas have low ceilings which prevents us from installing a fully floated ceiling, however there is always room for materials like mass loaded vinyl that can be stapled or nailed directly to the bottom of the joists like a membrane. You will caulk all of the seams as well as around the entire perimeter of the MLV using a good quality acoustical caulk, stay away from cheap silicone caulks, they do not work as well.

Once the MLV membrane is caulked and sealed properly, it is advised that you also tape the seams with a lead tape or a mass loaded vinyl sealer tape. You will tape directly over the dried caulk. Now it is time for a layer of drywall. I would recommend a layer of 5/8 fire code drywall. This application will stop most of the airborne sound transmission and some of the impact noise from above, but the best way to alleviate the majority of the footfall or impact noise is to float your ceiling using sound clips and metal furring channels. I will talk more bout them in subsequent articles.

There is one other method for soundproofing a basement ceiling that I will briefly discuss. Instead of using the mass loaded vinyl, consider installing 2 layers of sheetrock with a layer of Green Glue applied between the 2 layers. Heres how it works. First you make sure you have your batt insulation in place between the joist cavities, this is only necessary if your need the thermal protection of the insulation. Next you would screw in a layer of 5/8 drywall. Always screw in your drywall; never nail it in especially in a ceiling application. Then you will lay out your second layer of 5/8 drywall on saw horses, but on this layer you will apply 3 tubes of a product called Green Glue top the backside of the drywall. Green Glue is a visco elastic damping compound that is used to deaden or dampen the existing drywall and the newer layer that is being installed. You could apply only 2 tubes of Green Glue per 4 X 8 sheet of drywall, however using 3 tubes per sheet of drywall is much better for soundproofing. Once you have applied the Green Glue to the backside of the second layer of drywall, you will simply screw in the second layer directly over top of the first layer. A little hint here is to screw the second layer of drywall down as tightly as possible without pulling the screw through the drywall, this will insure the best dampening possible of both pieces of drywall.

After that second layer of drywall and Green Glue are installed, you will simply tape mud and texture the ceiling as you would a normal ceiling. Well, thats all there is to soundproofing a basement ceiling. For more information about soundproofing a ceiling, walls or floors, read my subsequent articles or simply call a reputable soundproofing company, they will be glad to help you. Until next time, this is Dr. BobOut!

Dr. Bob is the Senior Technical Advisor at Soundproofing America Inc, the leading authority in Soundproofing and Acoustical treatment technology.Harri Blog23284
Henrie Blog43551

Query: Opening The Lock On Magazine Publishing

Every time you pick up your favorite magazine you pour over it, looking through every article. By the time you are finished many of the pages are dog-eared and youve discovered that so many of the articles are in line with your own personal interests and writing style.

As a writer you find yourself considering the possibility of submitting something for the magazine to consider. You have even written an article or two, but never had the courage to send them on. You have dozens of ideas, but they never go any further than the dream you have every time you look at the publisher information and see the word Submission.

Most magazines have a certain amount of freelance material they accept for publishing. These freelance positions can be a one-time shot at publishing; however there have been many instances where a dependable freelance writer may be called upon to write for the magazine on a regular basis. Should this happen you will likely receive greater compensation for your articles.

Typically magazines pay either by the word or by the article. Predictably, publishers do not generally accept fully written articles unless they ask you for them.

The method most magazine publishers use to select freelance work is to read through queries provided by freelance writers. In its simplest form a query is an outline of the article you are interested in writing. A query actually serves a duel purposes, the first is to allow the publisher the opportunity to consider many different article possibilities and, secondly you are not required to actually write the article unless the publisher specifically asks you to follow-up your query with an actual manuscript.

A query for magazine publishing should include the following:

A brief introduction.

An outline of the subject you with to write about and the angle you wish to take with the story.

A succinct list of writing credentials that may relate to your interest to write for the publication.

A sense of appreciation to the publisher for taking time to review your query.

Your query letter should take no more than two pages and should convey the idea that your story would be unique and compelling.

Because magazine writing is most often speculative (no guarantee the work will be published) a query is a timesaving and door-opening method in gaining the attention of a publisher.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.comHalette Blog1653
Gusta Blog30702

Finding Profitable Keywords For Your Google Adsense Campaign

No doubt that Google Adsense has become the number one player in making money on the internet. The latest claim that I saw advertised was an internet marketer that made over $19,000 in one month. What is their secret? It is simply writing articles and building adsense webpages that use high traffic, or even some traffic, that use profitable keywords. Not just any keywords, profitable keywords. You have to find keywords that your customers use and that your competitors do not use. Their are many tools available and this article will cover just a few of them.

WordTracker is the leading keyword research tool. SEO professionals worldwide use this tool to find profitable keywords. Wordtracker's suggestions are based on over 300 million keywords and phrases that people have used over the previous 90 days. (In other words, there is no "guessing" when you use Wordtracker. Everything is based on the keywords millions of people have actually typed into search engines.)

KeywordDiscovery is also a very popular keyword research tool and is a major competitor to Wordtracker. KeywordDiscovery compiles keyword search statistics from over 180 search engines world wide, to create what they call "the most powerful keyword research tool". It has been noted in a number of reviews that Keyword Discovery returns more words that are relevant than Wordtracker, Yahoo's or Google's suggestion tools.

There are many other tools on the internet that are worth mentioning. They can be used to supplement and verify the profitable keywords that you find using the major keyword tools. They include, the Google search tool, Yahoo Overture, SEO20/20, webconfs website keyword suggestions (you put your competitor's website URL in this one to determine the profitable keywords they are using), and many more.

The SEO20/20 search tool is the most valuable for determining monthly traffic for profitable keywords by search engine. It includes information on the Overture bid prices, total monthly search volume, estimated search volume for Google, Yahoo, MSN, Digital Point (WordTracker), and Nichebot, Google trends, Google Traffic Estimator, Google Suggest, Google Sysnonyms, and Adwords Keyword Tool. It also provides you with links to news searches, directories, blog searches, tag searches, thesaurus, dictionary & encyclopedia, classifieds, products & revies, and local results for your search term. All in all, not a bad tool.

Finding profitable keywords that are often searched for will help you meet your goals of bringing more targeted traffic to your web site and reaching that top ranking that sometimes seems next to impossible. Reach these goals and your profitable keywords will equal Google Adsense Campaign income.

Leonard Bartholomew, Is An Authority On Developing Home Based Internet Businesses Part Time. Find out more about how to make more money with Google Adsense by finding profitable keywords at http://www.ideas-from.us/advertising/profitable-keywords.htmlHyacinthia Blog99510
Haleigh Blog83293

Fix Computer Problems In A Jiffy With Rollback Rx

Rollback Rx system restore software is mandatory for every computer user to ensure system security and data loss prevention. More so in educational institutions dependent on PCs for their routine work, where a rollback tool is essential since most are multi user systems. PC restore is a regular operation that has to be done, to preserve data and to repair computer problems that might arise from misuse of computers. This can happen in many ways, but can be totally avoided with a disaster recovery solution like Rollback Rx.

Areas Where Rollback Rx Can Repair Computer Issues

In colleges and universities where several people use the same computer, students store their academic work in the form of reports, software programs, etc in various folders. Because many people use the same system, the necessity to fix computer problems arises when certain files or folders become deleted or moved. This could very well cause problems. With Rollback Rx, PC restore can be done easily to a secure state, to keep the operating system and other data intact.

Unauthorized Downloads Can Be Fixed With Rollback Rx

There is a tendency to download free programs that appear useful, little knowing that it can lead to security issues and computer repair. Viruses and spyware get into the system and crash the entire network. In such situations, Rollback Rx helps retrieve important data while removing all these unwanted elements from the pc network when a system restore is performed, preventing permanent damage and exorbitant costs.

Just imagine having the hard drive being deleted by a click of the mouse. When students handle computers, they are usually curious and tend to tinker around with settings and end up, sometimes unintentionally creating computer repair, putting the computers security at risk. When Rollback Rx is installed on the pc, it can be scheduled to take snapshots at specific intervals so that fixing computer problems becomes a quick task instead of creating several hours of downtime and data loss. This would avoid serious issues like certain scheduled activities being deactivated, antivirus programs being over-ridden or firewalls turned off, exposing the network to sabotage and other malware. With Rollback Rx, this sort of problem can be avoided and rectified easily, because it helps rollback the systems to a configuration that is suitable.

Rollback Rx system restore software is like a guardian for the PC network, avoiding computer repair and disaster through program failure or operating system malfunction. It keeps the system healthy and the user happy. While very simple to use, Rollback Rx has the options of selectively allowing only certain people to access it, thereby making it ideal where multi-user systems exist.

Jacob Henderson is the technical head of Horizon Data Systems and leading software development firm in the business of Desktop Security and PC performance enhancement software. During his more than 10 years of software development experience in various positions, Jacob Henderson has developed a large number of state of the art software and written numerous articles and reports. Jacob Henderson was one of the core team leaders, that is responsible for the development of user integration features of the flagship product of the Company-Rollback Rx Software.Gerianna Blog89881
Honor Blog86192

Going Online- Why Accountants And Cpas Should Have Websites

The Tax Software Revolution

The most common service that accountants and CPAs provide to the public at large is tax preparation. That tradition has had a large hole blown in it by the arrival of software packages that allow individuals to prepare their own tax returns with an on-screen guide walking them through the process. The states and the federal government have cooperated by making online filing available and, furthermore, an attractive option because it will get you your tax refund quicker than a traditional paper filing.

Millions of Americans have opted for this method, and for many of them it's a good choice. Large numbers of them did not use accounting services in the first place, as they had simple tax returns. However there is also a large class of people who are utilizing the yearly software option when perhaps they would do better with professional service. A good accountant can find tax breaks or prepare itemized lists that help your tax situation where you may not see the opportunity or may not be willing to dedicate the time to itemizing.

Why Professionals are Better than Software

The individuals that are caught between the "simple return" pool and the group of people who have to use professional help every year because of complicated personal financial situations are the group that accountants and CPAs need to recapture. The best way to convince someone that paying for professional services will save them money in the long run is to spell it out for them, and the best tool for that is the internet.

Large firms like H&R Block have expanded beyond the tax return business into financial planning. Many accounting firms or even CPAs working on their own are in a position to provide at least some financial counseling that extends beyond annual tax returns. An internet site is a compelling tool for explaining the goals and advantages of long term financial planning. It's a method of explaining the multiple advantages of working with an accounting professional rather than a $40 software package.

Full Service Business Explained on a Full Service Website

An accountant's website can speak also to the value of a one-to-one relationship as opposed to the services of a large firm such as H&R Block. Creative packaging is a tool used by many small accounting firms. Use their tax preparation services and receive an outline for an initial five year financial plan, gratis. It's a method of leveraging the tax return process in order to introduce other potential services.

An internet site can also offer valuable advice to the increasing number of people who are working at home or on a contract basis for large employers. Many who take this professional path do not understand the different requirements for federal tax payments that are involved. A friendly - and partial - explanation on a CPA's professional website will serve as an invitation to call and arrange a visit.

The usual collections of FAQs and recommendations, suggested links and biographical information can serve to introduce an accountant and develop a sense of professionalism before the customer and the service provider have their first conversation. An internet site is a better advertising tool and introductory method than direct mail, a yellow pages ad, even radio or TV... better than anything but a personal recommendation.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.Flossy Blog90957
Ingeborg Blog70381

Life as a Child in Germany During World War II

This may be a touchy subject for many to read, but some of the things I'm about to tell you is real and a part of life many of us don't want to hear.

Although there are many articles published about World War II in Germany, not too many touch on the personal aspect of what it was like growing up as a child during the war. For those of you that are interested, this article may be for you.

My parents were raised in Germany during World War II. When the war first started, my mother was only three and my father was eight. My parents left Germany as soon as they could after the war to start a better life in the States.

My mother, who is now 70 years old doesn't talk much about the war as it brings tears to her eyes. Its a part of her life I think she would like to forget all together.

My mother was one of five children and initially lived on the Western edge of Poland. When Germany and Russia invaded Poland they were forced to move taking only the few possessions they could carry on their backs. Her father who was at that time in the military was unfortunately killed in the war. She never got the opportunity to know who her father was. Her mother was left alone with five children to feed and no home of their own.

They moved from home to home, shelter to shelter, whoever would take them in. There was no money so my grandmother sewed clothing to sell to others in need. This little bit of money she earned was sometimes enough to get food for the family. Other times it was not and they were lucky enough to find other people that were willing to help them out with a meal.

Their food consisted of mostly cabbage and bread. Sometimes my grandmother would stand in line for a whole day for just one loaf of bread only to find out they were all gone when it was her turn to get some.

During this time, many families would take their children out of school at a young age 12 years old for many so that they could go work and help the family survive. My grandmother despite the temptation would not allow this. Having her children get an education was too important to her, so as her children slept she sewed and sewed to make what little money she could. For the children that did leave school to work, the most popular places to work at were bakeries and any place that made food. This way at least you could bring some leftover food home to your family at the end of the day.

As they were continually pushed out of areas and constantly on the move, they lived in many shared rooms with other homeless families. It was always a constant search to find a family that would take you in. The rooms were usually divided by sheets and about the half the size of a garage. They slept on the floor many times on hay to cushion themselves from the hard floors. If they were fortunate enough, they got potato sacks to use as blankets and often had to share them. Other times they would find shelters which would be one big room filled with other families. It was never a happy place you were surrounded by sadness from the people that lost loved ones. You heard constant crying and had to keep a close eye on your personal belongings so that they wouldn't be stolen. There were no toys to play with so the children learned to use their imagination to keep themselves occupied.

The children played outside very close to home in the streets among the ruins. Seeing dead horses and people in the streets was just accepted. They grew used to the sound of the sirens going off and running for shelter where they would hide until it was over. Afterwards, it was off to playing again outside.

I remember my mother telling me how on one instance they were forced to evacuate quickly because of bombers coming in. Everybody flooded to the streets with their families carrying what they could of their belongings on their backs. Some people had horses and other carriages, but the majority of them just had suitcases and bags of their most prized belongings as you never had enough time to get everything together. Surviving was the only important thing. As they joined the crowds on the streets to move out suddenly the bombers came and started bombing the streets. The children were screaming and the parents would run for shelter dragging their children behind them. I don't want to get too graphic here, but imagine being a small child of 5 to 7 years old watching people hit by bombs right before your very eyes or watching another child you played with that day suddenly die.

The war was a terrible time for everyone including the German civilians. You were forced to obey Hitler's rules whether you liked it or not. Even after it was announced the war was over, on one occasion my father watched a woman die before his eyes by the hands of a soldier because she happened to say "Thank god" and made a bad comment about Hitler. Her throat was slit instantly. She was then strung up by a rope as an example so everyone could see what happens when you say something bad about Hitler.

It's sad, I know. But this is the reality of what it was like for many German civilians during World War II. Its no wonder so many of them wanted to come to America.

Evelyn Whitaker writes articles for http://www.deutscheshaus.cc which is located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Deutsches Haus offers German collectibles, souvenirs, gifts and foods.Goldie Blog41255
Francisca Blog68177

ADXDirect.coms Performance Driven Advertising Network Expands Its Benefits For Web Publishing

There is a greater opportunity for Web Publishers to monetize traffic than ever before www.ADXDirect.com network uses a comprehensive platform to cater to the needs of its partnering publishers.

Baltimore, MD (July 2nd, 2007) - Its a good time to be a web publisher; at least it is when a company like ADXDirect.com is availing its traffic monetizing services. Todays online environment is inducing record levels of advertising spending, largely because its a measurable medium where technological innovations are almost instantaneously implemented by both end-users and institutions. Its no longer a question of how to monetize the traffic of a website, but rather how best to. With the many choices web publishers have, ADXDirect.com makes perhaps the most compelling option of any advertising network found online today.

ADXDirect.com is finding itself at the crest of a seismic shift in advertising that is translating into more compensation for the traffic of websites. Across every vertical, advertising spending is being pumped into the interactive arena. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, the first quarter advertising of 2007 brought in $4.9 billion this is up from $3.8 billion just a year ago. For ADXDirect.com, this means bigger roster of brand name advertisers, including Coca-Cola, Warner Brothers, and Chrysler. In turn, this translates to brighter prospects for the web publishers who partner with ADXDirect.com.

The benefits offered to publishers are in many folds. To start, ADXDirect.com is a renowned partner service. The Baltimore-based dedicated media-buying specialists of www.ADXDirect.com will generate a competitive revenue share for publishers. Additionally, the monetization of traffic is optimized with premium rates for banners and pops.

Publishers can contact these experienced online advertising pros around the clock, 24/7 via phone, email, and IM (ADXDirect on Skype, AIM, and MSN). A satisfied marketing rep at BetterLeadsOnline.com commented, Your reps always answer my questions quickly and politely. I am very happy with the dependable service!

To date, web publishers have been thrilled with the offerings by ADXDirect.com, which is only one year in the making. Another value added benefit of ADXDirect.com is the matching of domestic and international traffic with relevant advertising. Therefore international traffic, a potential revenue source that is all too often filtered and wasted, can be effectively and easily monetized with ADXDirect.coms advertising platform. This feature alone could make partnering with ADXDirect.com a wise move for publishers.

A partnership with www.ADXDirect.com will help a publisher realize what separates this interactive advertising network from its peers. The reliable customer service and prompt payment scheduling; the brand name with big-money advertisers whose presence helps ADXDirect.com pay premium rates; and the contextual control offered to web publishers all create an extremely successful venture. ADXDirect.com values its in-network publishers and forces zero unwanted advertising upon its partners. Partnership implies co-operation and, for ADXDirect.com, partnership means a strong degree of contextual ad control for publishers.

Contact:
ADXDirect.com Network
1st Floor
1414 Reisterstown Rd.
Baltimore, MD
Email: PR@ADXDirect.com
Phone: (347) 268-5818
IM: ADXDirect on Skype, AIM, MSN and ICQ
Visit: http://www.ADXDirect.com - Performance Driven Ad Network

Andrew WellsHerminia Blog9476
Haily Blog62274

Computer Games

Remember your old Commodore Vic 20? You were free to spend a Saturday afternoon doing nothing but playing video games--as soon as you found the game cartridge and typed in that lengthy run code. But man, it was fun!

Computer game plays have come a long way since those days in the 1980's. From pinging a white dot from paddle to paddle, to simple static non-scrolling games, to today's mind blowing sound and graphics, computer games have evolved into game categories that are played on super consoles.

Playing computer games is part of our everyday popular culture. The entertainment genre that was once reserved for idle teenagers has grown to be the favorite pastime of the average thirty year-old. The computer games marketed today are so varied in style; anyone choosing from a selection of computer game software can easily be overwhelmed by the available choices.

The latest development to boost computer game playing was the development of broadband. With this technology, two players can play games from different parts of the world. As long as the broadband connection is good, the game is played simultaneously in real time, with no lag. Because of the universal appeal, computer games have made it possible to interact with other players anywhere, despite the cultural, time or language barriers. Even toddlers can now enjoy software with games and software designed for their education and amusement.

Computer game playing has enjoyed such worldwide popularity with people of all ages, studies are now being conducted on the effects it has on players. The seemingly innocent invention has created so much attention that international assessments are underway to track the impact of these products on user's behavior and thinking. Initial studies hint that computer game "bestsellers" tend to be violent or ugly game styles, but the results may be leaning to a more optimistic side.

Choosing which computer games to play is a personal choice affected by a number of factors. Taste and preference of the player are the biggest determining factors. When choosing a computer game, consider these factors to find the style that suits you:

* Challenge: What are your strong points? Logic, speed, verbalizing or coordination? Find a game that challenges you and builds your skills.

* Number of Players: Do you play well with others? Team play or opposition involves organization, multi-player strategies and building coalitions.

* Luck: If you're just plain lucky, try cards or games of chance.

* Strategies: Strategic games are great for your brain. Choose titles with deeply strategic game play.

* Ease of use: Some games are so complicated they're just not fun to play. Kids, especially, should choose games appropriate to their age and skill.

* Reality: Does the game attempt to simulate real life, or is it an abstract game designed purely for entertainment.

* Objectives: What is the objective of the game? Do players get eliminated, or can everyone stay to the end?

* Style: There is an incredible range of themes and styles of computer games, from comical to downright violent.

Depending on your interests, you can shoot, race, fight or role-play on your computer. There are real time games, and simulation games.

Computer games have come a long, long way since those early blips and bleeps of the 1980's. Our screens are now graced with full-colour 3D graphics (although many still prefer two-dimensional games). Anytime you're ready to take a break, you can just turn on your computer and instantly disappear with the computer game of your choice.

Robert Jones contributes articles to several web sites, including http://easy-recreation.com and http://kemop.com.Harriett Blog88884
Gale Blog4866

Sex Secrets of an American Geisha: Myths and Truths

I have opinion, belief, advice, or information about the book, "Sex Secrets of an American Geisha: How to Attract, Satisfy, and Keep Your Man" which is "counter-intuitive" for most people. There are common myths people believe that I want to debunk:

Myth 1: Being very feminine is weak and submissive. Truth: It empowers a woman.

Myth 2: It's what's inside that counts. Truth: Because men are visual, you need to be beautiful, feminine, and sexy to attract men.

Myth 3: Feminists can't attract, satisfy, and keep a man. Truth: You can be both a feminist and a feminine-ist, a woman who values, loves, and wants to operate out of her femininity.

Myth 4: The G-spot for female ejaculation is no big deal. Truth: Learn to female ejaculate and become a "shooter"; expand your sexual satisfaction/options.

Myth 5: Dieting is about food. Truth: A plan (not a diet) is about two things: awareness of your weight and exercise, not food.

Myth 6: Men and women are pretty much the same. Truth: Men and women are very different psychologically.

Myth 7: I should wait until he asked me to marry him. Truth: Sooner-rather-than-later, you need to set deadlines.

Myth 8: Eventually, Ill get married. Truth: To marry a Good Man you need to make love and marriage your high priority, and a plan.

Myth 9: Men are generally very confident sexually. Truth: Men are extremely vulnerable and fragile regarding their sex lives.

Myth 10: Men aren't comfortable with vibrators. Truth: He can love your vibrator, since you'll never give credit for your orgasm to the vibrator.

Myth 11: I have to say "no" to my husband to sex sometimes. Truth: Never say "no" to sex to your husband. You need to arrange a date in the near future.

Myth 12: You want to get married. Truth: You want to have a great marriage, not a great wedding.

Py Kim Conant, the author of Sex Secrets of an American Geisha: How to Attract, Satisfy, and Keep Your Man, Hunter House Publishers. Looking for relationship, dating and sex tips? Visit Pys website at http://www.AmericanGeishaHouse.com.Fifi Blog34811
Honoria Blog87041

Oops! I Registered a Domain In Error - Can I Get a Refund?

Typing mistakes happen to all of us. The typo is with me every day. Even now as I'm typing - oops - typing this. But when it comes to registering a domain name it's important to carefully double check before hitting the "Go" button, because most registrars' conditions make it clear they will NOT refund domains registered in error.

But I've found that that's just not true.

ICANN accredited domain name registrars DO have a few days after registration (usually 3 days), during which they can reverse the transaction. They can't change the domain that was registered, but they CAN simply have it deleted altogether and refund your credit card the amount you paid.

So why don't they do it?

Well, let's face it, some registrars understandably feel that dealing with claims for domain registration refunds caused by typing errors is a waste of their human resources because the claims can't usually be automated.

Also, many registrars aren't properly organized to cope with these mistaken domain registration requests because they obviously need quick attention and their staff may not be trained to handle these requests efficiently. Plus some feel that if they openly state they are willing to provide refunds, it will be an open invitation to carelessness as domain name customers will know they can get a refund anyway.

So most registrars take the easy way out and publish conditions effectively saying "no refunds for domain registrations!".

But in practice it works out differently because of one fact...Registrars don't want to be faced with expensive chargebacks.

What's a chargeback?

Well, it's a fee, usually $40 to $50, charged by the credit card company against the merchant (the registrar), when a sale is not paid by the client.

For example, say the domain name costs $12 and if the customer refuses to pay, not only the registrar doesn't get that money, he additionally gets charged $40 to $50 by the credit card company. Ouch! And as the registrar passes on the charge to the affiliate partner, i.e. the domain registration service, obviously a chargeback is something to be avoided at all costs. So am I suggesting you threaten your domain registrar with a chargeback if you make a spelling mistake registering your next domain name?

Definitely not! If you do, your registrar will likely black-list your credit card and you'll need to look for another registrar or get another credit card.

So what is the best way?

First of all you need to act quickly. Email your registrar IMMEDIATELY you have registered a domain name in error, but anyway not later than 24 hours after registration. Tell him the exact name of the domain you registered and inform him politely that you made an error and request the transaction be canceled and you will then register the correct domain name.

You'll usually get a prompt response but if you don't, you should call your registrar 24 hours later to resolve the issue. Not all registrars will respond positively but most will.

And if you want to be sure you are dealing with registrars who do respond positively, here is the name of a company who WILL give refunds if you made a genuine mistake registering your domain name.

How do I know?

Well, I own this site and I'm your first line of support. I'll make sure you get a refund provided you've followed the guidelines in this article.

For more information about Fred Bunzl's domain name services, visit http://CheapToRegister.Info.Hermine Blog29659
Grethel Blog88369

What Are Architectural Landscape Photos?

There aren't many but some of us take an interest in architectural landscape photos. With a view to giving some insight on this subject I have created this article to give a basic understanding and supply some facts about its origins. Some of us become interested in architectural landscape photos later in life, it doesn't matter when you take an interest but when you do you'll be hooked.

If taking architectural landscape photos is one of your hobbies, it might be interesting for you to read a brief history of architectural photography. Commercial portraiture was the main area of interest in the early years of photography. The ones who made architectural landscape photos were generally travelers, for different business reasons, not only especially for photography. At that time (the middle of the 19th century), photographers usually worked from a convenient window rather than at street level, as they do now.

WHF Talbot, one of the first photographers, used to take architectural landscape photos from his hotel window, in the cities he visited. Roger Fenton, the first war photographer was the first one to take fine architectural studies, using calotypes, both in Britain, his home country, and in Russia (in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg). He learnt the waxed paper calotype process from Gustave Le Grey, its inventor, in his journeys to Paris.

Francis Frith was the first one to make the Middle East familiar to the civilized world, by the architectural landscape photos he took in his journeys. He beard with him very large cameras and used the collodion process, as he had to work in hot and dusty conditions.

Samuel Bourne is another British photographer that became famous for his work in India.

Most of the early architectural landscape photos give the subjects the impression of import and grandeur. The lenses needed for architecture were quite different from the ones used in portraiture. They had to give sharpness and linear drawing, but there was no need for high speed, as buildings sit still.

In the late 19th century, photographers were advised to keep the camera back vertical and to photograph buildings from the normal eye level, instead of using elevated viewpoints, in order to suggest the normal impression of height. The frontage and a side of the building had to be both included in the architectural landscape photo. Camera movements were also considered essential, and the most important movement was the rising front.

Frederick H. Evans is regarded as the finest architectural photographer of his era. He is famous for his images of the exteriors and interiors of English and French medieval cathedrals. He adopted the platinotype technique, which best suited his subject matter. His ideal regarding architectural landscape photos was the perfect photographic representation, unretouched and not modified at all.

The city growth at the end of the 19th century lead to the development of commercial architectural landscape photography. The most important companies that took advantage on this new opportunity, in New York, were the Byron Company and the company founded by Norman and Lionel Wurts.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the modern movement brought new standards, both in architecture and photography. Some of the new modernist photographers in 1920s were Berenice Abbott in New York, Ilse Bing in Frankfurt and Margaret Bourke-White, best known as a photojournalist. One of the best-regarded companies that made architectural landscape photos was Hedrich-Blessing. It was founded in Chicago in 1929 by Ken Hedrich and Henry Blessing. Today, Jim Hedrich, Kens son still runs the firm. The founders well-known quote Dont make photographs, think them. suggests that their photos had something to say about the building, not only record an image of it.

Although he was an architect by profession, Ezra Stoller established himself as a leading architectural photographer. Some of his most important works are the architectural landscape photos of Le Corbusiers Chapel Notre-Dame-du-Haut at Ronchamp. The key elements in Stollers work are light and space. Esto, the company founded by Stoller still makes some of the best work in the field.

Julius Shulman took a revolutionary approach upon modernism, turning the modernist principle upside down. He was the first one to introduce people in the frame of the camera. He did not want to show abstract images of wall details or empty rooms. In his architectural landscape photos, he humanized the houses designed by architects such as Richard Neutra, Pierre Koenig or Rudolf Schindler. Shulman is best known for his photograph Case Study House #22, Los Angeles, 1960. Pierre Koenig, Architect. The end of modernism also represented the end of Shulmans career, as his ideas of composition, the sensitive images and his ways of working were deeply modernistic.

Some of the most important contemporary architectural photographs are Gerald Zugmann, Mark Citret and Richard Margolis. You can take a look at their architectural landscape photos on their web sites.

This article has been supplied courtesy of Roy Barker. Roy often works closely with Photography Business and is dedicated to coaching on how to start your own photography business but places strong emphasis on profitability issues & guidelines. You can also gain photography insights, help (mostly free) or even a Digital Photography Tip or two. For brief reviews on services or equipment see http://www.profitable-photography.com/resources.php.Halette Blog1653
Geraldine Blog98923

User Friendly And Search Engine Friendly Website Design

Designing a website is much more important than creating an attractive image of a web page. Of course your website is an important part of your online business. The homepage on your web site is very important. A professionally designed website is the key to successful converse to your prospective clients about your products or services. Launching a quality web site is an absolute must for an online business web site. Web Site Design specifically for the business people from small to large business, and acts as a key to develop a website to meet their business objectives. Web designing in a website attracts buyers, also creates interests and alters the internet browsers as consumers. Website owners should also ensure that the web designing is a most common way that charms and creates interest in viewers to view and move through your website. Web Designing is also plays an essential roll in a marketing campaign to bring your business into the general public notice and into a new productive business environment.

In online business, if a businessman wants his website to stand out to the visitors; one can make this happen by utilizing a web design to his website which is unique and different from all others. Mainly he has to choose the precise web designing and the web design options carefully. Choosing a web design also provides a valuable introduction to the design fundamentals at work in all well-designed Web sites. Web designing is also said to be known as a navigating tool to a website.Web designing focus on creating attractive, welcoming and with cutting edge designs to create the right image for a business can be formed to a website.

Choosing a color to your website should be one of your first concerns when it comes time to start your web site designing. The color which you are choosing for your website design should be selected after a careful consideration. Excellently web designed websites must have good color, graphics, animation and sound. Graphic is a key tool in web designing, graphically designed website or a webpage will be a glowing and pleasing sight to the consumers. Animation and sound when united with the web designing acquires a well-liked and accessible place to a website.

Choosing a Good Web designing company is a key factor in designing a user friendly and search engine friendly website.

5FISH is a well-known web design company in Muskoka It also offers services like web development, Search engine optimization and website hosting in Canada.Gloria Blog85881
Gabrielle Blog9852

Important Facts About Mp3 And Mp4 Players

Mpeg-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as mp3, is a popular digital audio encoding format. A device that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, by retaining the sound from the original uncompressed state. Mp3 is an audio-specific compression format. By compressing, certain sounds that cannot be heard by the listener outside the normal human hearing range, are removed. This makes the sound clearly audible to the listener.

The mp3 players have changed the evolution of music. The good old records, eight-track tapes, cassette tapes and CDs no doubt gave the music lovers a good time but none of these earlier music formats provided the convenience and control that mp3 players provide. It is as convenient as keeping it in your hand or pocketing it. You can create personalized music lists and carry thousands of songs wherever you go. Mp3 players are offered in different shapes and sizes.

For those who want to be with the time by possessing the latest gadgets or be the first ones to have them, here is a list of some popular mp3 player brands: Apple, Archos, Creative, Olympus, RCA, Rio, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony and iRiver. Most of these have good amount of storage capacity, screen size, compatable to Apple MacOS X 10.3.4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later.

Mpeg-4 Part 14, a multimedia container format commonly known as Mpeg-4. It is a device that stores digital audio and digital video streams, especially those defined by mpeg. Subtitles and still images are also stored. Mpeg-4 Part 14 allows streaming over the Internet. The filename extension for Mpeg-4 Part 14 files is .mp4, thus the name mp4. Devices that play .mp4 files are referred to as mp4 players.

The evolution of mp4 player devices has lead to providing more features such as fm tuner, voice recorder, email, and Internet browser capability. As it is capable of delivering audio and video at the same time, mp4 devices can offer a wide range of interesting features, such as web browsing, email, instant messaging, video and music download, Bluetooth wireless technology, digital camera and others. Not to forget the game capability, voice recording and multiple language options. The storage capacity is amazing which can start from 256 mega bites up to 40, 60 and up giga bites.

Mp4 is the next step in the evolution of music after mp3. The difference between mp4 and mp3 formats is that, mp4 devices hold both audio and video files. As for the mp3 it only holds the audio type file.

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple. The iPod name has become synonymous with mp3 or mp4 players as it is the most popular brand and holds the biggest share of the market. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players. These devices can be used to store an entire music library. This is not all, it can also be used to view and transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them.

With PDA-like functionality, text files can be displayed, while contacts and schedules can be viewed and synchronized with the host computer. It comes with built-in games like Brick, Parachute, Solitaire, and Music Quiz. It is condensed, brawny and frivolous, and is easy enough to carry along in your palm, in your pocket, or purse.

The storage capacity varies from 512 mb to 80+ gb. It has a powerful 60 mw amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 MZ to 20 khz frequency responses. This means, you can hear distortion free music at the least pitches. iPod is a very handy mp3 mp4 player indeed!

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.brGerrilee Blog21688
Fredelia Blog47698

Beads. Let Me Tell You Their Life Story.

It is thought that the earliest recorded use of beads was by the Egyptians and there are certainly lots of items from the Egyptian period, but bead work has also been found dating back as far as the Stone Age. Many beads were added to their clothing and were made from shells and ivory and although they were not as finely crafted as beads of a later date, they were still in fact beads. So you can say that even at the time of the caveman and woman they were interested in making improvements to their clothing and appearance with beads.

The beads which are traditionally used in beadwork are called seed beads because they are small and resemble a seed. These types of beads were used by the Egyptians in their beadwork and were called Faience beads.

The faience bead was often made from quartz particles fused together compared to the beads of today which are made from glass. A glaze would then be applied over the quartz and they would then be woven or strung together either as jewelry or adornments on clothing.

During the excavation of King Tuts tomb beaded necklaces were found along with other beaded items which included a pair of slippers he wore as a childe and a hassock. It is most unusual for this sort of beadwork to survive as they were often strung on cords made from leather or cloth which often disintegrate as time goes by, yet it is fortunate that we have a few examples which give us an idea on the history of Egyptian beading.

In some religious texts from India there is reference to beads having been woven into hair and horses tails from around the 9th Century BC. Also there is evidence that beads were being widely used throughout Asia in ancient times and some beaded items have been found in temples in Japan that date as far back as 800 AD.

Most early beads were produced using shells, ivory and stone and the early Egyptians valued the beads according to the kind of stone that was used, in fact it was thought that different stones had different properties. For example, Lapis Lazuli (a gorgeous blue stone) was thought to protect the wearers health and would often be fashioned into beads along with Carnelian, Feldspar, Amethyst, Turquoise and Jasper, and which are still used today.

In about 1480 glass was introduced to produce beads when the Venetians began drawing glass tubes and turning them into beads. Certainly once the technology for pulling glass tubes had been invented and perfected it became easy to produce thousands of beads which were not just uniform in size but also in colour and shape.

Certainly you will find that modern jewelry and beading benefits from the advances which were made in the production of beads in the early centuries and even today a bead which has been individually handcrafted can become the star attraction in any beading item.

Kerris Samson, has set up this site providing information on all aspects of beads and beading and how they are used both in today's modern society and in the past. If you would like to learn more about this versatile item, please visit http://www.beads.wiki101.info.Gertrude Blog29282
Hadria Blog40778

DIY, Holiday Creative Project, Beautiful Baubles , Elegant Ornaments

Elegant ornaments
http://www.maddylane.com/project9.html

Beautiful baubles

Hands-on time: Less than two hours per dozen.
Total time: Plus 48 hours for paint to cure.
Skill: Easy to moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $10.00 for a dozen.

Materials & tools:

Clear or frosted glass balls in assorted shapes and sizes
Vitrail and Porcelaine 150 paints by Pbo
Copper leafing and adhesive size by Renaissance Foil, Detla
Micro beads
Assorted beads
Decorative wire in 22 to 25 gauge
Assorted colourful and white rice papers
Mod Podge by Plaid
Sparkle Glaze by Delta
Iridescent flakes, rhinestones, tassels, gold string and Fun wool for decorative accents
Applicator bottles (small plastic bottles with a nozzle tips)
Basic tools needed; wire cutter, scissors, painters tape, a sea sponge and assorted paintbrushes, and metal glue
*(all above items are available at arts and craft supply stores)

This year, deck the halls with beautiful ball creations in medleys of rich colours and styles. Make your own holiday ornaments to add among your cherished oldies and to treasure for years to come. Decorating the home with impressive ornaments has never been easier to achieve, utilizing only a handful of basic craft supplies. Glass ball ornaments with sophistication from eclectic to elegant designs are painted with brilliant colours and magnificently decorated with copper leafing, rice paper, beads, tassels and ritzed up with glitz.

Aside from decorating a traditional Christmas tree, ball ornaments make distinguished decorations to beautify an entrance, a hallway, or to grace a mantel. Mixtures of solid colours or striped balls are simply splendid displayed in tall vases, large bowls or incorporated into a spectacular centerpiece.

If you live in a small space, decorating with ornaments is a fantastic way to add wonderment to your dcor without incorporating a huge tree. Smaller glass versions are perfect to jazz up tabletop trees and to create stylist floral arrangements.

Preparing the base of the glass ornaments:

Prepare the glass surface for painting by washing the balls thoroughly with soap and water and wipe dry.

Attach a decorative string to the metal cap tips that come with the glass balls. It makes it easier to handle the balls while painting and practical to hang them for drying on an ornament stand or a coat rack with pegs.
Paint the surfaces of the glass balls with a soft bristle paintbrush using Vitrail paints in your choice of colours from emerald, red violet to turquoise blues. I used a rich palette of crimson, brown, and burnt amber. Since these are decorative items only, I used Vitrail solvent based paints because the colours are brilliant and they dont need to be heat set. Once painted hang the balls to air-dry. They will dry within hours and be ready to decorate within a 48 hour period. Use a solvent base cleaner to clean your brushes well.

Eclectic paper collage; Painted glass balls are garlanded with assorted scraps of colourful and white rice papers. Use paper bits and pieces leftover from other holiday projects. Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the ball. Randomly apply and layer tiny paper pieces around the ball, leaving some areas exposed in order to see its colour. To secure the paper composition into place, apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry apply a coat of sparkle glaze to make them glitter and glow.

Renaissance: Apply vertical stripes evenly spaced all around the ball with a fine point paintbrush using Porcelaine 150, Vermeil gold. For a majestic look apply rhinestones garnishes over the dried gold stripes using metal glue.

Baroque: Apply narrow painters tape to create two stripes on the bottom half of a glass ball. Apply adhesive sizing with soft paintbrush to the area between the tape stripes. Set the ball a side to allow the adhesive to become dry and tacky to the touch (15-60 minutes). Place and press copper leaf over the adhesive medium to adhere to the ball. Use a clean soft brush to secure the leafing into place and to remove excess pieces. Top off with a wire length fastened around the cap, bead the ends and add a tassel.

Old world: Apply adhesive sizing randomly around the ball and follow the leafing steps as above. The leafing will only stick to the areas where the medium was applied. Apply a length of Terrifically Tacky Tape around the center of the ball. For a gleaming touch, sprinkle iridescent flakes over the tape and gently pat it.

Glistening swirl: Simply dab a colour of Vitrail paint around a glass ball using a sea sponge. Once dry, apply a band of rice paper with a swirl pattern at the center of the ball with Mod Podge. Apply glitter glaze around the ball. Wrap a piece of coloured wire around the cap of the ball and decorate the ends with beads.

Beaded Rococo: Pour assorted metallic Porcelaine 150 paints into applicator bottles, one for each different colour. Using one colour at a time, squeeze the bottle to release paint along the sides of the ball, letting some of the colours overlap and some areas free of drippings. Let it dry and set for 48 hours. Garnish the ball with a band of colourful micro beads using Terrifically Tacky Tape. For an elaborate cap finish use fuzzy wool and bead accents.

Give older ornaments a renewed look by sprucing them up using the same supplies in order to blend in with your new ornaments. Each year make and add new styles of ornaments to your collection. Make extra ornaments to give as gifts to friends, teachers and relatives.

Variations;

Ribbons and fabric remnants make fabulous ornament embellishments. For a dazzling look use sequins, glitter glues, and old jewellery odds and ends. Modern and minimalist styles of ornaments can be made utilizing materials such as clay, foils, tinsel, wire, and mesh. For special effects make basic geometric shapes using textured or snow paints. For fine details or to inscribe your dinner guests names onto a personalized ornament use Porcelaine liners or markers by Pbo.

Copyright MaddyLane Designs © 2006
maddy@maddylane.com
http://www.maddylane.com

Madeleine LangloisHalette Blog24331
Ines Blog54779

What You Can Benefit From Parenting Classes Focusing On Money Matters

Finally, your children have grown old enough and are off to college, now you can relax a little but you will still worry about the general things such as grades and drug usage. Several months later your daughter calls crying and hysterical about a "major problem", your parenting mode kicks in and you try to calm her down and find out what the heck is going on. After a few minutes you shockingly discover she got a credit card by herself and is already 5 grand in debt. This is a common occurrence happening around America right now, and it is your fault because you did not teach them proper money management.

Securing Your Childs Future

As a parent it is our responsibility to teach, guide and comfort children. We would not want our children to be thousands of dollars in debt and living in wooden shacks, therefore we need to coach them in money matters. Parenting classes focus on reasons why this is an important lesson for your child to learn. The teachers of such classes are Financial Experts themselves, and know what they are talking about; they recommend you train your children to split up their money that they have made, whether its allowance or contributions, but only you as their parent can teach them this.

For the younger children, having 3 piggy banks with labels 'Spend', 'Save' and 'Donate' on them is a creative idea to use. They can decide how much they want to put in each piggy, some may put it all in the spending piggy bank but do not worry, the lesson they will learn about this issue comes later on.

When the time comes, you will be at Wal-Mart shopping, and your child will ask you for a candy bar. What to say, how to handle it, think, think, think. Now you wish you went to Parenting Class don't you? They would have taught you the appropriate things to say in this situation, for example; "Sorry, honey, but I do not have any extra money today" or perhaps "Maybe Santa will bring it for you this year", you can test trail each thing they recommend and see which your child is most responsive to. Children know how to pull your strings and get their way, do not give in and teach them the lesson that they need to be taught.

Another important lesson is teaching your child to treat others the way they want to be treated, or in other words, if they want a gift they need to buy them a gift too. Allow them to go shopping with you and pick out the gift for their friend, let him pay for it (with or without your money). This also teaches him another valuable lesson, responsibility.

Some more advice that parenting experts who teaches parenting classes offer are quite simple and make a lot of sense. You want to avoid teaching your child that your importance is established on the name brand of items you own. Take great care in your comments to children such as "Julie, Where's your Old Navy Sweater?" it is better to say it like "Julie, Where is that pretty Blue Sweater?" Another large issue we face is the television teaching our kids what it is popular to own. When they watch SpongeBob all day, you find them begging you for the new SpongeBob cereal or that they must have the new SpongeBob action figure when they have millions already. If you avoid allowing them to do this in the early stages of their life then they will retain that knowledge and remember it later on.

Sign up today for a parenting class to avoid serious financial issues later on both you and your child's behalf, of course if they go on debt in college, who ends up paying for most of it, YOU!

Clive Jenkins recommends The Parenting Tips Website. You can check out the site here: http://www.parentingtipssite.com. This site offers info on all aspects of parenting. View this site in Spanish or Italian if you wish. Please visit Extremidades de Parenting at http://parentingtipssite.com/blog.Filide Blog28326
Gerda Blog73713

Success University - The New Wave Of Online Education

Many of us have spent our lives and fortunes chasing after the dream. That dream seems elusive at times and we wonder if we made the right decisions and are we meeting our goals. We dream of not having to worry about money. That is the bottom line. We are taught at a very young age that to reach that dream we need a good education. We choose a career and go into debt to get it if we are not so fortunate as some. We gauge our success by the amount of our paycheck, noticing that a lot of it goes back out in the form of benefits, retirement, and taxes. The rest goes into paying for housing, food, cars, and family expenses if you have one. Not a lot left over, huh? Having spent thirty years climbing the mountain of dreams, you realize that your dream has turned into a dud. Something is missing and you are not sure what it is. If you do not have the time or the resources to investigate this problem, go online to Success University where you can find the answers to life, money and love in your spare time.

The news is out, Stone Evans from the Plug In Profit Site is telling everyone that joining Success University is going to be part of his program in the near future. That means that either he is going to lose quite a few affiliates because of the extra expense, or he is going to make a wind-fall profit because everyone joining this program. His history would suggest the second option. With a two dollar entry fee, anyone would join in a cause that they believe in. Where does this belief come from and where can you find it? Have you ever been to a motivational seminar where either you or your company spent over a thousand dollars for you to attend?

Success University offers the chance to view online seminars for a fraction of the cost. You no longer have to stay in a hotel or travel to enjoy the benefits of this kind of training. The only disadvantage is that you miss out on the interactive aspects of going to a seminar. You don't get to ask any questions. That is ok, there is plenty more to benefit from.

The online education courses Success University Offers are quick and easy to complete. The program is achievement based and requires fifty one credits for scholar certification. Fifty percent of these credits need to be in the form of achievement courses, the other fifty percent can come in the form of electives. It is designed to suit your personality and needs. Each module has a quiz at the end of it, so paying attention is important.

The ciriculum is varied and includes topics on health, leadership, salesmanship, network marketing, and motivation. Wait a minute, no math, history, english, or social studies? Success University is not a traditional educational institution. It is the new wave of online education that teaches you how to think positively, how to live well, and yes how to make money online while you learn. It is an affiliate program.

It is an affiliate program with some big gun instructors and with multiple years of experience in the practice of success skills in their fields. You do not see these kinds of instructors in the traditional college or university classroom. They are internet pioneers. For one of the greatest examples of the kind of resources available at Success University, look up Brian Tracy in Google. He is legitamate, powerful and all over the internet.

Success University is affordable considering what it would cost to see these professionals by going to their seminars. The training you will receive will be unlike anything you have experienced in the traditional classroom. What you will learn can be applied to almost any job, career or even life's situations. It is the missing aspect in anyone's educational dream, The spark that says "I have a future".

Leonard Bartholomew, B.S. Computer Science, Put the spark back into your education online at http://www.moxie-drive.com/successuniversity/.Flss Blog63488
Idalina Blog28067

Diesels Challenge Gasoline Engines

DIESELS are still gaining popularity in Europe, thanks to low gas mileage and good performance. The latest diesel cars can take on gasoline engined cars and come out on top!

All turbocharged diesels generate much more torque than gasoline engines, so you get better mid-range acceleration. In other words, from, say, 40-80 mph, a good diesel will see off a good gasoline engine car of the same apparent performance.

Jaguar has introduced a special version of a V-6 2.7 liter diesel that has been developed in Europe jointly by Ford and Peugeot. This is the most advanced diesel around at present, with the brand-new piezo-electric injector operation, the latest common rail injection system and twin turbochargers.

PIEZO-ELECTRIC INJECTORS

What are piezo-electric injectors? Cunning little ceramic devices, and when an electric current is applied they produce a pressure, and so can be used to force fuel into the cylinders. The thing is that they can be operated four times faster than other electro-mechanical injectors so the injector can be opened and closed incredibly quickly. Also, the amount of movement is very small, and you get less noise that you get from mechanical injectors.

Like I said, very cunning, and they all go with high pressure injection to give high power, low noise, emissions and gas mileage. It's developments like these that mean we'll have some diesels in Fast-Autos soon - but not a lot!

As a result, the fuel is injected at horrendously high pressures with incredible accuracy. The result? Masses of power, and almost no smoke, the weakness of old-fashioned oil burners, like the dreadful engines GM introduced about 20 years ago.

This new Jaguar S-Type diesel, develops 206 bhp so it lives up to the Jaguar tradition of high performance. Maximum torque is 320 lb ft (430 Nm) which is more than the 4.2 liter gasoline engine can manage without a turbocharger. Although performance is not sensational, it is definitely not what you'd expect from a diesel.

The Jag diesel will push the S-Type automatic up to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, and top speed is 140 mph. You'll get the idea that Jag regards this as a sporty engine from the fact that it has a six-speed manual or automatic box - both are supplied by ZF. Of course, the most powerful S-Type is the S-Type R [ http://www.fast-autos.com/jaguar_s-type_r.html ].

BMW HAS AN EVEN MORE POWERFUL DIESEL

BMW is also ready with a very powerful 3.0 liter diesel engine which turns out 272 bhp, which would be considered very nice thank you from most makers of 3.0 liter gasoline engines - Ford's top version of its nice 3.0 liter V-6 develops 225 bhp. BMW uses twin-stage turbocharging to get this much power. In this system, one small turbocharger provides power at low speeds, and a bigger turbo is matched to high speed requirement. It is switched in when the speed and load increase sufficiently, and so can generate as much power as a gasoline engine of the same size.

If that is not enough power consider the latest news. Audi is racing diesel-powered cars at the Le Mans 24-hour race! These V-12 engines develop more than 600 bhp, and will challenge the best gasoline engined sports-racing cars.

John Hartley is editor of http://www.fast-autos.com, an online magazine devoted to fast cars and supercars. He has written from many of the world's top auto magazines, and has written about 10 books about cars and the auto industry, including 'Suspension and Steering Q&A' and 'The Electronics Revolution in the Motor Industry'. He has been writing about fast cars and testing them for over 20 years, and has been involved in race car design, and has also raced small sports cars and sedans. Flo Blog39785
Fran Blog66863

Magnets For Pain Relief: Do Magnets Provide Pain Relief?

Magnets have been used for pain relief for hundreds of years, and although there's no scientific evidence that they work, thousands of people swear by them. People all over the world use them for aches and pains stemming from medical problems like arthritis and migraine headaches.

Will magnets provide pain relief for you? That's impossible to say. Be guided by your doctor, and follow his instructions. However, if you're sick of taking painkillers, give magnets a try.

Magnets For Pain Relief: Static And Pulsed Electromagnets

Magnet come in two types: static, and pulsed.

Static magnets are widely available in many forms, including: bracelets, necklaces, mattress inserts, shoe insoles, and cushions. The magnetic fields are said to help common aches and pains, and to enhance quality of life.

When you start wearing or using magnets you should feel the effects immediately. For example, if you have arthritis, and sleep on a mattress with magnetic inserts, you should have less pain and more freedom of movement the very next day.

Pulsed electromagnets are available with machines and pads designed to improve circulation and allegedly provide many many benefits, like assisting in cell regeneration.

Why Do Magnets Provide Pain Relief?

There's no conclusive evidence that magnetic therapy gives pain relief, but there's a lot of anecdotal evidence.

Anecdotally magnets provide pain relief because they improve cell regeneration and blood and lymph flow throughout the body. The improved blood flow assists in providing oxygen and nutrients to cells.

It's thought that electromagnets may affect how the brain perceives pain, and increase the production of white cells to fight inflammation and infection.

Will magnets provide you with pain relief? That's impossible to say. However, since most manufacturers provide a money-back guarantee, there's no harm in trying magnets, and they may indeed provide you with considerable benefits.

A caution: if you have a pacemaker, or are pregnant, you should never used magnets. Always ask your doctor before you start using magnets for pain relief.

Do you suffer from chronic or other pain? Visit i Fix Pain Now at http://www.ifixpainnow.com/ to discover how to get pain relief. There's no need to suffer in silence. Julia Denham writes on health topics. If you're overweight, visit her weight loss site 30 Day Slimmer at http://www.30dayslimmer.comFrankie Blog70923
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