Reverse mortgage explained

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

What exactly is a reverse mortgage?

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

Do you qualify for a Reverse Mortgage?

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

What type of properties are considered eligible?

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

How does a reverse mortgage differ from second mortgages?

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

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

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

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

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

How much can I expect to have from my house?

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

What are methods of payment?

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

1 All at once in a lump sum,

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

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

Power golf exercises that are proven to add distance

Power golf exercises are a unique set of exercises that you do not do in a gym on machines, nor do you lift heavy weights. For that matter, you can do simple power golf exercises right in your home with minimal equipment.

You see…to improve the power in your golf swing, you need to look at the mechanics that create the power.

It’s not your arms swinging the club as hard as you can! It’s not your legs driving your body through the swing! And it’s not swinging some funky 50 inch shaft with a 600cc titanium head either.

It’s quite simple!

The power in your golf swing is your CORE!

Your core is the engine to your swing. If your core is weak or inflexible, you will never be able to hit a powerful tee shot. This is harsh…but very true!

The modern power golf swing is one of being “connected” with your upper body. Not letting your letting your arms get separated from your body. Rotating your upper body as a whole, over a somewhat stable lower body will produce maximum power at impact.

So the perfect power golf exercises involve rotational movements with resistance in your core area. The are many exercises you can do that will dramatically improve your driving distance and power…and no gym required!

A simple power golf exercise for your core is my Seated Twist w/Dumbbell:

• Sit upright in your chair.

• Hold single dumbbell straight out from chest with arms fully extended.

• While keeping your head focused straight ahead, rotate your arms to the right, then to the left as far as you can go both ways.

• Do this non-stop for 20 total rotations.

• Pause for 15 seconds and repeat 2 more times.

At first you will feel very restricted in your midsection. That’s a sign of how limited your rotational flexibility really is. But do this exercise daily and you will see improvement quickly.

The next time you step out onto the course, you’ll blast your drives up to 20 yards further!

As you can see above…the key is ROTATIONAL exercises with resistance, whether it be a single dumbbell, exercise tubing or even a weighted golf club.

Doesn’t matter what you use, as long as it is up to 5 pounds in weight and you can handle it easily in both hands. If you’re already in good shape go for 10-15 pounds and increase your rate of speed. This will both improve your “fast-twitch” core muscles and also your range of motion for a bigger backswing and a complete follow through.

So you see…I wasn’t fibbing! It doesn’t take a gym or fancy equipment to do effective and proven power golf exercises!

Necessity of search engine optimization

Search engine optimization has evolved over years. In good old days, tweaking on-page parameters like meta tags, headlines, alt tags, keyword shoving and anchor texts used to fetch good results. This is less likely these days since the techniques are simple to implement. As a result there is no dearth of optimized websites.

Be that as it may, for new websites it is always a good idea to start doing all that before exploring other avenues. In this article I will look at why search engine optimization is necessary, proceeding to unravel basic issues in this game before touching on aging factor which I believe is the cornerstone of success on the web.

Why search engine optimization?

When you are looking for information on a topic on the web, you usually query your favorite search engine for search terms relevant to your topic. The search engine on its part displays a list of web-pages which it thinks are closely related to your search term. The web-pages that appear at top are considered more important than the ones that appear successively below. Question arises as to how search engines must know which pages are more important for the search query.

This is where you step into the realm of search engine optimization. For all your painstaking effort, if your webpage is not considered important by search engines, you will remain undiscovered forever. Remember, search engines are not humans. They are machines. Which is why you need to let your webpage talk to them to achieve top ranking.

The mental block – do I need it?

If search engine optimization is important, why is it that many website owners still do not feel any need for it? One may say they are naпve, so they are. I have come across many of them who strongly feel that after a website is launched, nothing more needs to be done. There is a perception that once a website is there in world-wide-web, it is bound to be ‘known’ soon. Known to whom? ‘Why, Google will know me’ is a common refrain. It is only much later that one discovers that nobody, not even Google knows his site.

To be true, Google’s knowing your website is not a big deal. Just have an already-indexed website point a link to your main page. Google will shortly find out your main page and from there your other pages as well. This is exactly the way Google is indexing billions of new webpages everyday.

On the flip side, suppose your webpage has nice description of trekking in Himalayas. You have provided good information and pictures on the subject in the page. Yet if I am to search for the term ‘trekking in Himalayas’ in Google, will I get to see your webpage in the first 20 or 30 results? Perhaps not. Because, even though your website is indexed by Google, it still does not know that your webpage on ‘trekking in Himalayas’ is important enough to be listed high for the term.

On to optimizing web content

If indeed optimizing your web content is necessary, how do you proceed? As mentioned in the beginning, search engine optimization is an exercise of dressing up your webpage based on a chosen set of keyword phrases. This is to be done in such a way that the content appeals to human visitors as much as it does to search engine robots.

In a previous article [ prioriti. in/blogs/?p=48], I have dealt on how to include keyword phrases to write an optimized content. To be sure, other than optimization you will need quality incoming links as well. But that is a different story.

The basic issues

If we have understood the inevitability of search engine optimization, let us briefly touch upon some basic issues.

1 Search engines list a webpage, not a website. This means one has to optimize individual web-pages (except those that are public disclosures) while maintaining overall aim and balance of the website.

2 Optimization of a webpage, in its primitive, centers around strategically locating one or more keyword phrases in that webpage. Number of keyword phrases to be used and frequency of each will depend on total number of content-words in that page.

3 Optimization for search engines is not an one-off exercise. Rather it has to be an ongoing effort to create web-pages. Websites that are veterans of many years have thousands of web-pages in their database.

4 Search engine optimization usually does not fetch immediate result. For new websites, specially in case of Google, it can be a long wait, sometimes several months.

5 If your website generates lot of traffic by itself, it has a fair chance to rank high in SERPs’ (search engine result pages), even if you have not done much of an optimization (for example, xe. com’s real-time currency conversion service). This means that your product or service is so unique that simple word-of-mouth publicity is enough to bring in torrents of visitors, while also ensuring prominent rank in search results.

6 Search engine optimization is not merely an exercise of shuffling keyword phrases. The content has to make sense to readers. In other words, ensure that your content passes usability test.

7 Apart from keyword-enriched content, there are more factors responsible for achieving top rank, specially building quality links that point to your website. To search engines, incoming links are like ‘votes’ in favor of your website. A good quality link carries considerable weight in the eyes of search engines.

8 Finally, lest one forgets, optimizing for search engines is only one part of the game. The other equally important necessity is to retain and satisfy your visitors.

Summing up – the aging factor

In Bengali, my mother tongue, there is a saying, which when roughly translated, means ‘seasoned paddy-grains make more rice’. In SEO parlance, nothing beats if you are at it for years. Search engines love the aging factor. Create good content. Allow it to settle. Revisit it to update occasionally. Repeat the cycle.

In other words, search engine optimization is all about letting it known that your website is a treasure-hub of great relevant content that only gets better as time passes.

Fishponds and fountains in english pleasure gardens

As the cultivated ground of estates grew in size, it gradually came to be divided into compartments. These subdivisions were usually formed of latticework with square or diamond-shaped apertures, more or less ornamental as during the classic era. There were beds for plants raised several inches above the level of the path, retained by a stone coping, and fenced in with wattles, latticework, or open wooden railings. Fruit trees and herbs predominated, for as yet flowers were given no especial prominence in the garden. The main paths or alleys were covered with sand, and usually broad enough for two or three people to pace abreast. Narrower paths were intended to facilitate the weeding of the beds.

Resting-places were provided for those who found walking or standing tiresome. Simple benches cushioned with turf were built into embrasures or against the wall. Earth banked up around the trunk of a tree, grassed over and held in place by wattled osiers, formed a circular seat. In the center of the garden a three-sided exedra constructed of stone or brick, covered with grass and flowers, often formed the most important feature. Arbors or bowers were wooden structures covered by shrubs and vines and usually shading a comfortable seat.

Water in various forms was always, if possible, introduced into the garden. Fishponds, bathing pools, and fountains were common. Usually the central and most ornamental architectural feature of the pleasure garden was a fountain. The earliest

of an ornamental appearance were apparently of Oriental design.

A maze or labyrinth was frequently laid out in or near the garden. An early form seems to have consisted of a network of underground passages, making the approach to a hidden bower almost impossible to the uninitiated. Several of these mysterious subterranean labyrinths existed in England, the most celebrated one being that constructed by Henry II to conceal fair Rosamond's bower at Woodstock. The bower, in her case, was a small stone building enclosing a well, a large enough dwelling-place for one or two people.

Other features of the garden, also constructed at a later date, were menageries, aviaries, apiaries, and dovecotes. Birds and bees everywhere added much to the charm of the garden. Swans swam in the basins and moat, peacocks strutted along the alleys and perched on top of the walls, and doves flew to and from their spacious homes. All these were served up as delicacies at meals.

Choosing cool sunglasses

There is something about a pair of sunglasses that makes them arguably one of the most quintessential 'must-have' items of all time. Not only are they immensely practical, offering protection from the dangers of the sun, they are an enormously versatile fashion accessory, available in a huge range of styles, colors and prices to suit every pocket. Given their worldwide popularity, sunglass manufacturing has become a very lucrative, but highly competitive industry and while some manufacturers rise and wane in the public affections, there is one company that remains forever synonymous with the eyeglasses that protect our eyes from the rays of the sun: Ray-Ban

Although Us President, Benjamin Franklin, is often credited with inventing eyeglasses (he was the one who developed the first bifocal lens in the 1780's), the first reading glasses were developed in Italy, as early as 1260. People continued to be fascinated by all things optical throughout the centuries that followed, then, in the mid-eighteen hundreds British scientist James Ayscough began to research tinted glass, and the possibility that such technology may be used to improve vision impaired eyesight. As successful as he was, it was not until 1929 that the idea that glasses could filter the sun's rays was given any serious consideration. At that time, U. S. optical company, Foster Grant, began to develop the idea further, until finally, later that same year, the first ever pair of sunglasses were sold from a Woolworth's store on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

Recognizing that the new technology could be beneficial to their pilots, the U. S. Army Air Corps asked another prominent American company, Bausch & Lomb, to develop eyeglasses that would protect the eyes from the dangers of the glaring sun, when flying.

It was U. S. eyeglass company, Ray-Ban, who really ran with the concept. In 1936, using the newly available polarized lenses, and a wide frame that offered maximum protection from the sheen of an instrument panel, Ray-Ban began to produce a lens that banned the sun's rays. Some three years later, this model of sunglass so popular with pilots, became readily available to the American public. Ray-Ban 'aviators' were born.

As Americans came of age, so too did their eyewear. Throughout the war years Ray-Ban continued its working partnership with the Air Force, creating Gradient mirror lenses that managed to be both highly practical and fashionable at the same time. There was something about that American flyer in his tough brown leather flight jacket, whose sunglasses hid his eyes. Ray-Ban had just made sunglasses sexy.

Ubiquitous in the 1950's, sunglasses became more than just eye protection. Worn by A-list celebrities in Vegas and Hollywood - stars whose every move was scrutinized and emulated all over the country - sunglasses became a fashion accessory, and Ray-Ban was quick to accommodate the growing trend for new designs and colorful frames, which they marketed to women in particular.

Keeping abreast of space-age technology, the company developed shatterproof lenses in the 1960's and the popularity of sunglasses continued to rise when fashion icon Jackie Kennedy was often seen with her trademark, oversized frames. On the silver screen, sunglasses were becoming an essential part of any actor's costume, with movie stars like Peter Fonda and Audrey Hepburn, playing stylish, sunglass-wearing, characters who were able to hide their eyes from the audience and remain convincing.

Ray-Ban continued to develop new styles and designs in the 1970's and 1980's: their 'Wings' model was indeed a forerunner to the very modern, half-frame, lens of today. In the era of American TV cop shows, like Starsky & Hutch, and Chips, the mirrored lenses once so popular in the 1940's, began to reappear. Ray-Ban was retro.

Stylish and modern, funky and retro, Ray-Ban remains at the forefront of sunglass manufacturing to this day, no mean feat when one considers the competition out there. Undoubtedly, the company will continue to have staying power in the industry, because throughout the decades it has evolved with the nation to give people exactly what they want for their eyes: the reliable protection of a hi-tech pair of sunglasses, and the serious 'cool' of a damn sexy pair of shades.

Boy scouts honor ford

June 15th this year would be the day when the Boy Scouts of America’s Cascade Pacific Council would be honoring the Ford Motor Company. The company would be given by the mentioned council as the Motorsports Company of the Year. Such an event would take place during the council’s 17th annual Motorsports Breakfast which would be held in Portland, Oregon. In fact, this breakfast is actually done as part of the activities and events of the Grand Prix of Portland which is an annual stop of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

It was Ron Bennett who presented and gave the Motorsports Company of the Year award to the Ford Motor Company. Ron Bennett is one of the members of the Motorsports Breakfast Steering Committee. While honoring the company, he declares, “There are many similarities between the Ford Motor Company and the Boy Scouts. The perfect example is the Pinewood Derby. We both exercise imaginations and learn about the trials and tribulations of building the perfect race car. From designing the vehicle, placing the weights and even developing paint schemes, the Scouts prepare for their races in much the same way our engineers test and develop our race cars.”

This award is an honor that is recognized well enough by the company. In fact, Jamie Allison, the manager for the Ford Racing Performance Group, had something to say about this. He states, “It is an honor to be recognized by the Cascade Pacific Council, Boy Scouts of America. I am privileged to accept this award on behalf of Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology and Ford Racing. It is a great honor for us to be recognized by an organization that has such an impact on the young people of the Portland area and across the country.” With the various kinds of awards and accolades that the company has received through the years, this award would be another one that would be part of the company’s treasure.

Outdoor patio furniture

It’s time again to spruce up the outdoors. When purchasing patio furniture there are several important factors to consider that will determine the type and the cost of patio furniture you choose.

First, it is important to consider the cost. There are so many options to choose from, ranging from very cost effective, to very high end furniture. An important option to consider is buying bulk. If you have a large outdoor patio, buying in bulk will ensure across the board coordination of your patio set. You will always have extra seating for entertaining, without having to pull out the old mismatch patio chairs that get packed away in a shed.

Second, determine the size of the area you plan to furnish. Are you just looking for a small patio set, or do you want to furnish all 3 decks and the pool side area? Ordering in bulk, you can have a variety of furniture that coordinates throughout your outdoor patio. Do you frequently entertain outdoors? If so, a large variety of outdoor patio furniture will ensure that your guests will be comfortable, and notice your beautiful outdoor space.

Lastly, consider your location. Some types of furniture, such as resin patio furniture, hold up better in sunny and windy conditions, such as the beach. Other types of furniture are more resilient to winterizing, such as melamine furniture, and if you live in colder climates, this will be important when the patio furniture gets put up for the season.

So, whatever your budget, size, or location, visit PatioStuff for some great ideas and styles in patio furniture.

Symptoms of depression how to know if you are depressed

Studies have shown that about 20 million Americans receive some form of depression treatment on an annual basis. Twenty Million Americans! Considering how grave an illness depression is, this is a rather worrisome number. As a result recognizing the symptoms of depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make.

Like any other illness, depression, characterized by insomnia, mood swings, frustration and loss of appetite amongst other things, is a disorder that starts little but left unattended to can increase in intensity. Thus all efforts should be made to attend to the symptoms of depression and for best results; this should be in its beginning stages.

Now, the symptoms of depression may be caused or aggravated by other diseases (for example, in my case it was years and years of acne and asthma as a teen and adult), stress, use of drugs, Improper diet, Loss of a job or loved ones. The list is endless friends. However, as a famous writer once said, in regards to depression here is one helpful thing to remember: "Life's problems are like knives, which either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle: Grasp a difficulty or problem by the blade and it cuts; grasp it by the handle and you can use it constructively"

In order to not allow depression to take over your present situation and consequently hinder you from overcoming it, below are its symptoms in no specific order.

Symptoms of Depression:

1. Irritability and mood swings.

2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)

3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.

4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.

5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.

6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)

7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.

8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.

Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones. If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?

If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.

You will notice that I have made little or no mention of drugs or members of the medical fraternity. That is simply because I believe a drug-free alternative of treating depression and its symptoms will be the safest route to go. What with all the side effects of popular depression medications, why aggravate an already disturbed health with such unwanted side effects as nausea, weight gain and even sexual dysfunctions as reported in some cases.

With a drug-free approach of Positive Thinking, a carefully selected diet (yes, it matters friend) and some form of physical exercise-my personal recommendation being Yoga-you can tackle the symptoms of depression at any stage and empower yourself to lead a healthier and happier life.

Other things you can add to these three limbs are to take time to relax more, enjoy your favorite music (remember David playing for Saul in the Bible, yes music is soothing for depression friend), seek uplifting entertainment, read more self-help books, Heck, if you’re of a Christian background go to Psalms 23 or 91…they help. Seek out the company of those you know make you laugh. Or if need be, let out a good cry (don’t abuse it and you are not weak if you do, it’s part of being human.), clear the mind and empower yourself (if need be with positive affirmations repeated mentally or aloud) and tackle your problems because YOU CAN DO IT!

May Happiness be yours.

Beat the Symptoms of Your depression starting today.

Some helpful tips on abs

In the fitness world today, there is not a body part with more attention paid to it than the abdominal muscles. With our obsession with abs, many aspiring entrepreneurs set out to market their device, diet, video or program which will give you “washboard abs,” a “six-pack,” “ripped abs,” or any other adjective to describe a well defined mid section. The problem is that the public, desperate for a quick fix, buys into these products, which at the end of the day, will not do much of anything. The following article provides a few pointers for anyone interested in learning more about the proper way to work on your abs.

First of all, spot reduction is impossible so no matter how many crunches, sit-ups or bicycle kicks you do, you will not get rid of any excess fat around your mid section. If you need to lose excess belly fat, your best bet is to go on a healthy diet and get the right combination of strength and cardiovascular training to maximize fat loss while increasing your metabolism.

If you already have a relatively flat stomach and are looking to develop your abs, there are a few things you should know. The abs are just like any other muscle in the body and should be trained as such. Like any other muscle, you should not train your abdominals every day and should wait at least 48 hours in between training sessions of that muscle. Also, in order for a muscle to hypertrophy, significant external resistance is needed with a rep range of about 8-15 so if you’re able to do hundreds of crunches, you’re better off either finding a new exercise or to find a way to add resistance.

In the world of abdominal training, there seem to be thousands of new claims being made every day. The best advice in sifting through everything if that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Energy crisis

If we look at the current “energy” crisis from a different perspective - there is valuable information available for us to access and apply to our lives. What could soaring gas/oil prices, limited production and increased demand represent on a “metaphysical” level? What is the deeper meaning to the political and corporate power struggles taking place? Why is there so much conflict and strife around the topic of “energy?”

The intelligence that created and guides this Universe is speaking to us. There is an abundance of wisdom calling for our attention.

What does “fuel” represent? It is what we need to move. It powers our cars, homes and airplanes. It is an essential ingredient to our lives at this moment. It is “energy”. Just as the world requires energy – so do we. We are complex energy systems that require fuel to exist. However, it is not gas/oil that we require - it is energy of a different type. Our existence is animated by an unseen and powerful energy. We do not know exactly what it is - but we know it exist.

Are we not experiencing a similar “energy crisis” within our own lives? There is so much going on around us in the outer “world” that our own personal and spiritual energy has become precious and scarce. Our attention is constantly being drawn “outward” and we expend vast amounts of energy just to get through the day. Our own energy has become compromised by stress, worry, anxiety and fear. The cost of continuing along this path is exorbitant. It is costing us our health, well-being and happiness. We are caught up in our own “power struggles” and regardless of how it is manifesting in our individual circumstances – it is a struggle for our own energy. We feel empty and depleted so we desperately try to control the world around us, hoping this will fill our emptiness. We allow fear to drive us around in circles - wasting more and more energy. The ways in which we do this are endless and the “world” will constantly remind you of the “lie” that you are powerless.

We are constantly bombarded with images of fear, lack and inadequacy. Turn on the television and you will hear such uplifting messages such as; you are too old and/or too fat and your teeth are not white enough. You will probably have a heart attack or get cancer or some other dreadful disease. You are probably depressed and both you and your house need a makeover. If you are having financial problems, you can pay only $39.99 to purchase a “system” that will make you a millionaire in a few short months. If your husband and/or boyfriend does not buy you a 5-carat diamond ring, then he does not love you. The “Christian” stations are selling redemption and salvation; by becoming a prayer partner for $57.00 a month you are assured of God’s blessings. Oh yeah, just in case you don’t have enough to worry about - the devil is out to get you. Take a moment and understand that companies pay big money for airtime and their only objective is to sell you something. If you enjoy watching television, then by all means watch it - but do not base who you are or how you feel about yourself by what you see and hear.

We are constantly picking on others and ourselves. Our attention is drawn outward and focused on what is “wrong”. No wonder there is an energy shortage. What is happening in the world is a manifestation of what is happening in our spirits. The wisdom of the Universe is trying to tell you something.

You are not powerless, alone or empty. There is always an unlimited supply of energy available to you at any time. Fighting with your spouse, friends, family, co-workers or business partner will not “fill you up”. Telling someone what is wrong with him or her or his or her behavior will not bring you peace. Beating up on yourself or dwelling on past “mistakes” will not recharge your energy. Your attempt to control situations out of anger and a quest for “control” will only create further conflict.

Call upon the awesome and incredible power and love of God (by whichever terminology you choose). The wisdom that created you, did not forget about you. Perhaps you have separated yourself? There is an abundance of “fuel” available, all you have to do is recognize this truth and ask. It is really that simple. The energy crisis in the world is only a mirror of the crisis within us. Recharge your energy by calling on the endless supply that is available to fill your life with peace, love and blessings. If there are situations in your life that you wish to change or create, then do so with a peaceful heart and spirit. By handling situations from a place of love, you do not deplete the energy of others or yourself.

Dear God (Universe, Goddess, Father/Mother God, All that is)

Fill me with love, peace and wisdom.

Pour your light into my life so my eyes will be opened to the truth.

Help me to see my own power, beauty and uniqueness.

Fuel my spirit to stay connected to the unlimited supply of creative energy that is always pouring forth.

Give me the knowing, that by partnering with the Divine - I am strong and powerful.

Fill my mind with your thoughts.

Help me to release guilt, anger, worry and fear.

As my heart opens - so do my spiritual eyes and I release all judgments about others and myself.

As my connection to the Divine grows - I am an observer of the world around me.

I have the power to choose how to use my energy for the highest good of all concerned.

I am no longer afraid of the false projections shown to me.

Amen (so it is)

Paula Picard, Psychic and Spiritual Teacher

paulapicard. com

314.308.2053

Finding cheap auto insurance in california

The state of California is known for its high prices. The cost of living in general is much higher than the cost of living in many other locations. California also requires relatively high levels of auto insurance coverage to be carried, resulting in extremely high insurance premiums. While car insurance rates will always be higher in California than in many other areas, a bit of persistence can result in a significant savings.

If you are looking for car insurance in California, be sure to look for and follow general money-saving suggestions on the internet and in consumer magazines. Be sure to shop around carefully as well, as insurance rates may vary immensely from one provider to the next. California insurance companies are permitted to charge based on how much they have paid out in general. Therefore, you may find yourself penalized for someone else’s accidents.

Make sure that you are aware of the current California state minimum requirements for insurance coverage levels. Many companies have their own in-house minimums which may be much higher. If you are insuring an old low-value car, you may not need insurance beyond the state requirements, so insist that the company give you this quote. Additional coverage may be necessary depending on your financial resources and whether your car is financed.

Discounts are available for groups ranging from retirees to full time students. The best bonuses go to Safe Drivers. Maintaining a clean driving record is the number one thing that you can do to keep your rates as low as possible. Ask your insurance agent whether you qualify for any additional bonuses.

Buy your insurance online. Companies such as esurance. com offer comparison shopping between many different policies. Their rates are often lower because there is no middleman insurance agent drawing a commission. Be sure that you are comparing identical plans in terms of deductible, coverage and added insurance products.

If you have the financial resources, consider raising your deductible. Good drivers who are unlikely to have an accident can save significantly on their monthly payments simply by raising their deductibles. Just keep in mind that you will need to be able to afford the deductible if something does happen.

Remember that cars are classified into groups, and certain groups are more expensive to insure. Your driving record will also play a part. Young drivers will pay more to insure sports cars than other types of cars and more to insure sports cars than will older drivers with good records. Check into insurance rates for a car you are considering.

While car insurance rates remain high in California and truly cheap car insurance may not exist, it is possible to find insurance that is not outlandishly expensive. Shop around, look for discounts, raise your deductible and drop unneeded coverages. In this way you can find insurance that will cover your needs without breaking your monthly budget.

The green card rush has started

The U. S. Government has issued 65,000 green cards this year for the purpose of allowing people of foreign birth to live and work in the United States. But what is a green card? How does it work and what is the application process?

A green card is usually issued to people who are normally permanently resident in the United States and who wish to become a US citizen. After five years that person is usually eligible to apply for citizenship and naturalization.

In practice there are two broad ways of getting a green card. These are through employment in the United States and through their immediate family.

The correct term for the former type of green card is the H1B Work Visa. This is issued by the U. S. Government and allows foreign professionals from all over the world the opportunity to live and work in the United States.

As one Fortune 500 company recently told our H1B Research Group, "International job seekers who do not take action now, will miss this narrowing opportunity to work in the US. It is crucial to find an H1B Job within the next few months, to even stand a chance of being counted towards the quota."

These are common feelings and sentiments from many of the H1B sponsor companies.

Many of the top US sponsor companies who were shut out in the cold, due to this year's H1B Cap being reached very early, are doing everything in their power to ensure they get their fair share of new H1B visa employees as fast as possible.

People wishing to work in the USA will:

1. Need to find a job within a company who will 'sponsor' and H1B visa for the employee.

2. Ensure the new employer (known as the sponsor company) then files the H1B application on behalf of the employee.

3. Wait until the visa application is approved by the US Immigration Bureau.

Two special categories involving work are Labor and National Interest. In the case of Labor, an applicant may obtain a green card who shows the ability and willingness to perform a specific job in a specifically assigned region, according to a specific set of skills.

Employer sponsorship may be waived in the case of an applicant who can demonstrate that he or she has professional skills to be of national interest to the United States.

In extraordinary cases, if individuals can demonstrate skills or knowledge that are so specialized that they put them at the top of their field, those individuals can usually be granted a green card without the usual official procedures on the grounds of justified exemption.

A similar arrangement would exist for academics and researchers who are recognised internationally as being at the top of their field.

In the case of applications for a green card because of family connections, it must be through an immediate family relationship. A person may apply for a green card if a child, parent or sibling is already an American Citizen. If the parent of a child (who is a minor) is already an American citizen then the child is automatically eligible for a green card.

Also within the broad category of family relationships falls marriage to an existing American citizen. The American citizen must also reside in the United States and there must be sufficient proof to show that the marriage is legitimate.

However, in the case of the former example, through a sponsor employer, the limit this year is 65,000 applicants. Those who believe they are eligible should seek advice right away.

Criminal court records

There are courts at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, each with its own set of criminal records. A county may be considered as a province or a specific region, and there are almost 3000 counties in the United States. Each and every county court maintains its own set of criminal records. Normally the cases held at the county level include misdemeanors and felonies that are not reported at the federal level.

Accessibility to county criminal records is relatively fast when compared to the records of state and federal courts. A person called a court record retriever takes 72 hours to retrieve information and search most of these records manually.

Federal court criminal records include the data relating to drug crimes, immigration crimes, and crimes relating to weapons. It is highly difficult to have the accessibility of these records online. Even if a person has the accessibility, he can have the data only to a limited extent not covering the personal information of the accused and the witnesses. In the USA, federal court criminal records are compiled by a very popular agency called National Crime Information Centre (NCIC), which maintains computerized index of the criminal records prepared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Employers routinely conduct federal criminal checks before employing potential candidates for some of positions.

State court criminal records, on the other hand, have high accessibility via the Internet. Some state courts prescribe a range of fees for accessing their records online and some state courts do not. These records contain the data given by county indexes. These records also exclude the sensitive personal information of defendants like federal court criminal records. The best option in the hands of a searcher is to make countywide and statewide index search combined to have the full spectrum of the criminal record.

Hong kong travel not for the faint of heart

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If tranquility and serenity are adjectives you would use to describe the perfect trip, leave Hong Kong out of your itinerary. The boisterous energy of 14 million inhabitants leaves the visitor wondering if insomnia is contagious in this city. Hong Kong is the quintessential representation of east meets west, boasting its own Times Square along with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age. The far-reaching history and booming capitalist economy has propelled Hong Kong to the forefront of modern technology and commerce. The best way to navigate this urban jungle is to allow extraordinary diversions to lead where they may, while visiting a few key sites when you travel to Hong Kong.

From Opium Wars to Opulence: Hong Kong History

Since the Stone Age, the island of Hong Kong has supported a society rich with influences from Europeans and the Portuguese through steady and moderate trade. During the 1700s, increased commercial value of Asian luxury goods sparked heightened global interest in this once-neglected corner of China. Following the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century between the British and Chinese, Hong Kong was officially ceded to the British Empire as a Crown Colony beginning in 1898 for a term of 99 years. During that term, Hong Kong’s economy blossomed onto the international stage to become one of the most prosperous free markets of today. After 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region under the conditions that the market and government would remain free and democratic (non-Communist) while Beijing would only handle national security and foreign diplomacy (“one country, two systems”).

Today, Hong Kong has maintained a majority of its autonomy and travel to Hong Kong has remained relatively easy for Western nationals. At this time a visa is still not required unless traveling through China as well. English is still an official language along with Chinese.

The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong Travel

The constant buzz of modern life and the ghostly prevalence of ancient life on the island will keep any traveler occupied without a moment to spare. A unique attraction that pays homage to the Chinese fixation with caged song birds is the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where 70 different bird stalls, each elaborately decorated, fill the air with their own harmony. From anywhere in the city it is impossible to miss the looming Bank of China Tower, now Hong Kong’s national monument and a modern declaration of China’s mounting role in the global economy. In the center of the city is Times Square, a monumental 9-story shopping complex that dwarfs Western commercialism. Hong Kong museums do not skip a beat, ranging from science and space to history and art.

When the sensory overload of the city center begins to take a numbing effect it is easy to escape to one of Hong Kong’s many parks and monasteries. Victoria Peak is by far the most popular asylum, standing 1,810 feet above the city lights – only to offer more distractions of a smaller commercial district. The famous Man Mo Temple and the Miu Fat Monastery provide a mind-calming sanctuary while Kowloon Walled City Park, which once protected a private Chinese enclave during British rule, is a true natural refuge from Hong Kong’s concrete.

Once in Hong Kong, the city will guide you along its commercial corridors and through its ancient alleys. Tradition and history are alive in every corner of this modern municipality, as long as you can turn away from the neon distractions.

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Hong Kong, visit cfares. com.

Types of web hosting explained

For would be website owners and authors, uploading your files to the server maybe as simple as it sounds but it goes beyond that. The time spent in uploading files is the tip of the ice berg. Choosing an efficient web hosting company can make or break your website. The web hosting company is the backbone of the data that you are asking them to keep. This data needs to be available all the time at break neck speed connections. Mistakenly chose a web host that is not capable of doing the job and the site is bound for the graves. Even if it has the best content and graphics if the web host cannot deliver the demands of the site, it will all be at lost.

Different Types of Web Hosting

Shared Web Hosting

By the word shared this means there is a sharing of website on a single server. This type of package is most common amongst less demanding websites that are more on text and little on graphics. This web hosting package shares the hardware and the connections to the other websites being hosted on the server. This website can range from a couple of hundreds to the tens of thousands that will be sharing for the hardware. The website that is being hosted at this type of web hosting is bounded by a quota of hard disk space and bandwidth. Since there are many websites that are hosted in the server, a client should expect that the website could lag due to the server's slower response time.

Virtual Private Server Hosting

This type of web hosting is just like the shared hosting package that shares the hardware resources of the web server but this provides the clients more control of the website. The data are still stored on the same computer but with lesser hosted websites since the hard disk of the host server is partitioned to each website. This process in turn can dedicate an individual Internet Protocol or IP address to each partition.

Reseller Web Hosting

Commonly a reseller web hosting package is similar to shared web hosting. They are just called reseller since this goes through a third party booking and not the web host company itself. There are web hosting companies that offer discounts to resellers who are typically website designers and authors that include web hosting as part of their services.

Dedicated Web Hosting

This type of web hosting is the most expensive type of web hosting package. Since dedicated hosting handles only one website per server, the website owner absorbs all the cost in maintaining the website such as power, hardware, line connection and technical personnel - unlike in Shared and Virtual Private Server Hosting wherein the cost can spread out to the websites that are leasing the server. This package is advisable for demanding website parameters such as e-commerce and customer relations management sites that are data intensive and a slow connection would mean loss sales.

The best business schools in america

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of The Best Business Schools in America is certainly no exception.

If you’re looking to go far in the world of business, few things will help you achive your goals like an MBA degree. There are thousands of universities where you can get said degree, but if your have the funds and the grades, you might want to think about going to one of the top schools in the country. Here, we’ll take a look at a few of these top business schools and see why any graduate of their program is going to find the road to success just a little less bumpy.

One of the top ranked business schools in the country, consistently, is Harvard. It’s not an easy school to get into by any means, but neither are any of the schools that constantly rank high in any of the surveys that count. They have a very stringent admission policy, and you won’t be getting in with a C average, no matter who your father is. With a degree from Harvard you can practically write your own ticket, and from anecdotal data, graduates seem to know this. Chief complaints from recruiters seem to intimate that Harvard MBA grads are cocky and have a sense of entitlement, which may be off-putting to some companies.

The best time to learn about The Best Business Schools in America is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable The Best Business Schools in America experience while it's still free.

Located in New York City, Columbia Business School is another of the top business universities in the country. If Harvard’s admission policies are stringent, Columbia’s are nearly impossible, and they have one of the lowest admission rates in the United States among business schools. Among others, Warren Buffet obtained his MBA from Columbia, and went on to become the second richest man in the world. Your like success is not guaranteed.

The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business is also one of the most successful and prominent schools in the country. Unlike the other schools of its caliber, the school’s business program is somewhat flexible, allowing the student to create their own program within a broad set of requirements. This separates Chicago from Columbia and Harvard, in that these schools require that the student traverse a stringent path towards graduation, with little wiggle room. It has been the number one ranked business school by BusinessWeek for two years running.

To maximize your success in the business world, you need to have an MBA degree. With a higher percentage of students than ever going on to complete graduate school, the competition is too tough in today’s American to leave yourself at such a stunning disadvantage. While the above schools (and there are others) will give you a decided leg up, just about any MBA degree will help make your career course a little brighter, and raise the glass ceiling a little higher.

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

Try to consolidate debt before bankruptcy

People who have debt problems very often give in to unsupported myths and hearsay without ever taking the time to truly understand the law, and the implications of bankruptcy. So those people who have huge debt need to be aware of a couple major factors before running off to file bankruptcy on a whim.

It’s common to hear that bankruptcy will affect your chances of getting a line of credit. In this market, many lenders are willing to take just about any chance due to the fact that the market has become so competitive. Naturally, the interest will probably be much higher, and the amount of credit much lower, but regardless, it is possible.

As for the chance at owning a home, it’s been known for lenders to approve a mortgage in as little as 18 months after a person has filed for bankruptcy.

Here’s how your bankruptcy can affect you and your money. Most of the savings and pensions are exempt in bankruptcy from your estate. Therefore these accounts are safe and will not be liquidated. If you have tax liens that are not paid, those are usually not forgiven. This is something that you should think about before filing for bankruptcy.

You should look for a a good financial adviser or credit counselor to help you form a financial planning strategy.

It’s not easy to decide to file for bankruptcy. You’ve probably gone through a lot just trying to avoid it at all costs if you’re like most people, but there comes a time when even trying to consolidate debt does not work. After every other option seems to be exhausted, it may be time then to find a good bankruptcy lawyer.

The best way to find a bankruptcy lawyer is through a referral. Perhaps from family members or friends who have done the same. They should be able to give you a good recommendation since they’ve gone through it themselves. If you have seen first hand through these people how the lawyer has conducted himself competently, then you can probably feel good about obtaining him for his services.

If there is nobody that you know to recommend a lawyer, or if you just don’t to go asking around, then the local yellow pages under ‘attorney’ should help you find someone in your area rather easily. Be sure that the lawyer you choose can handle your case without the burden of an already tight schedule and heavy case load.

Once you schedule a consultation don’t be afraid to ask him questions. He’s there to help you, not scold you as it sometimes feels. Give he or she the details of your case, let him address the questions you might have, and find out what his fees are.

Now you’re on the road to fixing your financial situation.

If you don’t have a bankruptcy lawyer in mind, you may want to consult the yellow pages in your phone book. Bankruptcy lawyers are listed in a special section under “attorneys”. When choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, you need to keep a few things in mind. You want to choose an attorney who does not have such a heavy case load that he can not handle your case. Try scheduling an initial consultation. When you meet with your potential bankruptcy lawyer, make sure to ask questions. Take time to discuss your case, address any questions you might have, and discuss his rates and fees.

You must buy steroids if you ve reason to buy these drugs

You must buy steroids, if you’ve reason to buy these drugs. You have strong reasons to buy steroids, if you are working a lot in gyms, but you are not getting desired results. You have every reason to buy steroids, if you haven’t been able to bulk up your body, even after having strongest of diets.

Anabolic steroids certainly are wonderful drugs. These amazing drugs can help to improve you strength & stamina and power and performance unbelievably. These drugs can really do wonders for you, particularly if you are a bodybuilder. The use of anabolic steroids along with your daily workout programs can really give you miraculous results.

Actually, anabolic steroids are the synthetic endocrines in form of drugs. These are wonderful in pushing up your cell growth and cell division, which consequently results in the growth of your tissues and muscles. Anabolic steroids are medically used to treat the physical disorders occurring due to the low production of testosterone in your body.

Definitely, anabolic steroids are terrific drugs, if they are used rightly, at right time, in right manner. However, anabolic steroids are often dreaded because of the side effects associated with these drugs. Of course, these drugs cause a lot of side effects, if these drugs are used foolishly and excessively. These drugs do not cause any severe side effects, if they are used rightly, in right quantities, for a limited period of time.

I’m a former bodybuilder, and I had been on juices, but I never used them excessively and for longer periods. Definitely, they helped me a lot in building up my body, and I must tell you that I didn’t experience any severe side effects. The only reason was that I used them rightly, in right quantities. I must admit that I’d minor occasional headaches, but they were not sever and vanished away easily. I must tell you that I’m hale and hearty even at my sixties.

Moreover, there a lot of medicines that can help forestalling and mitigating the side effects of anabolic steroids. Certainly, I don’t intend to promote steroid use among you people. I just want to tell you that you should not feel scared to buy steroids. You must buy steroids to use them rightly and properly, but you must know, the right way of using & stacking anabolic steroids, before you buy steroids. I also do wanna tell that these drugs are not meant for the normally healthy young people.

Ezines can still pack a punch

In the 1980’s many newspapers were developing their copy using a cut and paste technique. Obviously this was an improvement over typeset, but still time consuming. As desktop publishing came to prominence newspapers began to be developed on a computer and sent electronically to have a film made of the copy for print.

Darkrooms were replaced as digital cameras gained wide acceptance. Now virtually all the functions of a newspaper (except for some of the interviews and photos) can be accomplished while sitting in front of a computer.

This change in function also allowed thousands of home-based publishing businesses to develop using the same software and contracting with the local or regional newspaper to print their publication.

In this story of falling dominos some home-based publishers opted for either an online ezine that operated in tandem with the print version or in other cases it was established in place of a print edition.

These early endeavors into online print helped establish the marketing form of ezine publications. These online electronic magazines generally provide a topic specific magazine that draws from multiple sources to complete a publication that can be of great interest to a niche market.

This method of marketing draws on list building activities as well as trust marketing. Beyond getting individuals to visit the business site ezines are also designed to be so informative that visitors find a growing sense of trust in the information and products that you supply.

Ezines can be archived and indexed for easy referral when new members sign up. This means that they can then access any of the topic specific ezines you have published in the past to gain even further value from their membership.

Businesses can subscribe to services that provide essential statistics on their ezine. They can learn the number of visitors; track how many visitors drop by on an hour-by-hour basis and other valuable data that can help them gauge the success of the ezine.

Ezines can provide a boost to traditional online business as well as affiliate revenue programs. If you can keep the idea that visitors to your ezine are interested in a specific topic, and then keep the ezine focused on that topic, you are more likely to not only develop an ezine that will be read, but also one that will be referred to and shared over and over again.

The growth of ezines has been offset a bit by the introduction of business blogs, but the core idea remains. In both scenarios it is the goal to develop material that is aimed at helping customers understand your product, it’s uses and how the product may best fit their needs.

Ezines generally appeal to those who like a news format while business blogs appeal to those who want something a bit less formal, updated more often and only deals with a single subject at a time.

The ultimate goal in marketing is information sharing. Ezines makes the sharing of information a bit easier simply because it can be made available quickly and to a list that has already expressed an interest in the information you want to share.

Why air cooler hire is so important when you take management decisions

This article describes how you can take advantage of alternatives available when you start something new and how substitutes are used when you cannot get what you really would like to have. It also tells you how to take management decision considering a hypothetical decision of taking air coolers on hire.

Air Conditioners Are Required During Hot Climate

Air conditioners are required at each office in USA not just to keep a good relation with employees but also to increase productivity. Out side US when you start the project, you do not have electricity and the portable generators provided at start would not be able to provide electricity required for air conditioners, as they require large power to operate it. Certain places outside USA the air conditioners may not be available from market on demand.

Air Coolers Or Heaters Are Good Substitute

The air coolers are good substitute for air conditioners during hot climate and air coolers would reduce the temperature by up to 30Deg F on a favorable day. The Air heaters may used when the work is on in the cold countries. You would rather require air conditioner than air heaters in most countries of world.

When Air Coolers Are Not Available Easily

The situation we are discussing may not be directly connected to us in USA, but you might be in situation of a manager who has to take decision and answer tough questions. Some of them may be as follows. When even the air coolers are not available, and the requirements are urgent, what is the solution? The solution is of course to hire them. But hire at what cost? Consider the alternatives

- Will it be safe to work without it?

- Will it affect productivity? If yes, in what way and to what extent

- How will it affect production?

- What are costs of reduction of production

- Will just the fans do if the aim is to reduce temperature?

Consider The Cost Of Hot Hiring The Air Coolers

In management parlance, this is called opportunity cost. What are the costs of not providing air coolers? Will the worker’s productivity reduce? If so, by how much? If the immediate costs of hiring of air coolers are equal to or more than the cost of loss of productivity, then it is worth hiring the air coolers. The side benefit of providing the air coolers may be an increase cost of productivity of air coolers.

The marginal higher cost of providing may even be offset by increased production levels. It is a management decision really. It is not a decision of cost of hiring the air coolers. It is about alternative, and about how to take management decisions.

Tax records - what you should keep and for how long

Many taxpayers are confused about how long they should keep tax records. The term "tax records" refers to your tax returns and the documents that support the information in the returns. These documents can include receipts, bank statements, 1099s, etc. If you are one of the unlucky few to be audited, these records will be vital to fending off the IRS.

Tax Returns

To protect yourself from a nasty audit, you should keep all of your tax returns indefinitely. The IRS has been known to lose or misplace tax returns. While conspiracy advocates argue that this is evidence of a nefarious scheme, the simple fact is that the IRS receives millions of returns over a three-month period and lost returns are inevitable. So how do you protect yourself? You keep copies of every single tax return.

A quick word on the IRS e-file program. If you file your returns electronically, make sure you get copies from the company that filed your return. All such entities are required by law to provide you with paper copies.

Records Supporting Tax Returns

You should keep supporting tax records for a period of six years from the date the returns were actually filed. In general the IRS only has three years to audit you from the filing date. For example, if you filed your 2000 tax return on April 15, 2001, the IRS would have to start an audit by April 15, 2004. Keep in mind that if you filed an extension, the IRS will have three years from the date you submitted the return. As is always case with taxes, there are exceptions to this general time period.

If your tax return looks like the great American novel, the running of the three-year audit period may not save you. Failure to report more than 25% of your gross income gives the IRS an additional three years to pursue you. Using the previous example, the IRS would have until April 15, 2007 to audit your 2000 tax return.

Property Records - Get A Filing Cabinet

You may need to get a filing cabinet if you hold property for an extended period of time. For example, assume that you purchased a home in 1980 for $100,000 and made $50,000 in improvements over the years. You need to keep the purchase records, mortgage statements and receipts that relate to the improvements. When you sell the home, you will need the records to determine the tax consequences of the sale, to wit, your basis (original cost plus improvements) and profit. If the IRS decides to take a closer look at the reported profit, you will need to provide your tax records to support your claims. Once you actually sell the property, it is recommended that you keep all of the tax records for an additional six years.

Divorce

Make sure you keep copies of all of your financial documents, tax returns and supporting documents if you get divorced. You should also keep copies of all divorce agreements and court orders that cover property and financial issues. When couples divorce, the tax and credit consequences can be nightmarish. If you don’t keep records, you will have to ask your ex-spouse for them. Get the records now to avoid doubling your misery!

Hopefully, you will never need to show your tax records to the IRS. If you are one of the unlucky few that is audited, your tax records should keep your feet out of the fire.

Writing japanese what is kanji hiragana and katakana

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The Japanese language is so fascinating. The tonal qualities of the language is quite unique and the inherent politeness of the Japanese people is translated well into its language which is in turns elegant and stylish and drips with respect.

Japanese writing is also a very elegant script and it has evolved from its original Chinese script beginnings to become something that is intrinsically Japanese. There are actually different types or ways of writing Japanese characters and it has been a source of confusion for people who are not familiar with Japanese culture or for students of Japanese culture who have not yet fully researched the intricacies of the Japanese written language.

The three ways of writing Japanese characters are Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana, with another version called Romaji being used for special purposed.

Kanji

The word kanji is a Japanese derivative of the Chinese word hanzi, which translates to “Han characters”. The word Han pertains to the Han Dynasty and is also the name that the Chinese use to refer to themselves.

Using Kanji would mean employing between 5000 to 10000 Chinese characters. This meant that writing in this form was very difficult. In 1981, the Japanese government, as a measure to simplify how Japanese is written and read, intrduced the j? y? kanji hy? or List of Chinese Characters for General Use. The list includes 1945 regular characters and 166 special characters that has a use only for writing people’s names. All official documents, as well as newspapers, textbooks as well as other publications only use this form.

Hiragana

Chinese characters are considered as the source for Hiragana syllables. Hiragana – which means “ordinary syllabic script” -- was referred to originally as onnade or “women’s hand” because women used this form the most. Men are known to write in Kanji and Katakana. But usage of Hiragana evolved through the centuries, and by the 10th century, it was being used by both men and women.

The earliest versions of hiragana had diverse characters that represent the same syllable. The whole system was simplified however in order to make it easier to use by establishing a one to one correspondence between the written and spoken syllables.

Katakana

The Katakana “alphabets” have a very storied history. It was taken from abbreviated Chinese characters that were used by Buddhist monks. They used Katakana in order to illustrate the correct pronunciations of Chinese text back in the 9th century. Initially, there were so many different symbols used just to represent one syllable that it became quite confusing. But through time, it became more streamlined. Katakana was initially thought of as “men’s writing” but over the centuries it has been used to write onomatopoeic words, foreign names, telegrams, and non-Chinese loan words. Katakana contains about 48 syllables.

There is also another script used in the Japanese language called Romaji. It is basically used to write the Latin alphabet into Japanese characters, especially for English or Latin alphabet-spelled words that do not have a direct Japanese translation.

5 steps to explode your business

Here’s a great strategy that can dramatically change your business. It works best for professional service providers but it can work well for others as well. If you haven’t started down this road before, it can involve a lot of work but you only have to do it once. As soon as you’ve gone through the process once, you can use the same strategy over and over again. And you’ll be positioning yourself as an expert along the way.

First things first. You have to ensure you’re an expert in the field. Does that mean you have to be a PhD in the topic? No, it doesn’t. It just means you have to know enough about the topic to be authoritative. Keep in mind that most people know very little about any one fields and a recent study found that if you read just three books on a particular subject, you’ll effectively become an expert on that topic relative to everyone else.

The next thing you have to do is write a short handbook on the topic. This can be as easy as summarizing the content in the three books you read and putting the same content in your own words and in a condenses document. By doing this, you can forever more refer to yourself as an author and other people will treat you with more respect as a result. I have written two handbooks in the past. One was 28 pages and the other was 34. So these don’t need to be long novels. They just need to demonstrate your expertise.

The process of writing a short handbook does something else too. It structures your thoughts and your understanding of the topic. By being forced to explain the topic to an uneducated reader, you will end up knowing the subject better yourself. And with that understanding in place, you need to massage that content into a 2-hour workshop. Think about the most important points and organize them into a logical order for an audience to hear.

Next up, schedule the event and market it to get a few people in attendance. There are a lot of different ways to market an event like this and it doesn’t need to cost you a lot of money. The important thing is to get 10 or 15 people in attendance. That will give you a sufficient audience to practice delivering the information and getting the questions that naturally come up.

When you’re comfortable with the process, bring a microphone and record an event live. You can download Audacity for free and the microphone will cost $50 or less. Then, you’ll get the exposure from the workshop as usual but you’ll get an information product to boot. The importance of this is significant. A lot of speaking engagements require the speaker to have an information product to sell. It also builds more credibility. And it allows you to make some money even though you’re providing the workshops for free.

This 5-step strategy is a great way to position yourself as an expert within your field and leverage that position to gain new clients or partners. And once you’ve gone through the process once, you’ll have the tools forever more and can use them as often as possible without further efforts.

Tactical Execution has made a business out of helping others achieve their goals. The information in this article is just the tip of the iceberg and I encourage you to visit the website to take advantage of the resources available there.

Choosing bedding for cribs part 2 - furnishing the nursery

When it comes to furnishing nurseries, the easiest bit has got to be getting pregnant in the first place! As a first time mum some 26 years ago, the choice was very limited in what you could buy or make. It was all very practical, but not really attractive. Co-ordination meant having more than two items that matched! In those days, in the UK, everything a new mum needed came from one shop - Mothercare, unless you had the income to allow shopping at the more select department stores. Comparing prices, styles and availability on the Internet was not an option because the Internet did not exist.

When a very close friend found she was pregnant recently, I took time to have a look at what was available. A fan of all things New England (the family will be emigrating from the UK when all the paperwork is agreed), I wanted to see if I could find something special for her.

Looking now at the websites offering bedding for cribs, my first problem was to understand some of the different terms. It wasn't until I saw some pictures that I realised that in the US a 'crib' is a 'cot'. In the UK a 'bassinet' is not a baby bath but a 'moses basket' and a 'cradle' is a 'crib'. Confusing, isn't it? I've made a little table to try and make it clearer.

(US) Crib = (UK) Cot

(US) Bassinet = (UK) Moses Basket

(US) Cradle = (UK) Crib

The American sites have so much more to offer than the UK ones. That's not to say that all the goodies available in the US aren't available here because they are. However, the choice of design, colour etc. is very limited in the UK. Enter 'bedding for cribs' into the search engine and you will find several very good sites in the US offering literally hundreds of different designs, with a good variety of price and quality. No longer is it a matter of just finding matching crib bumpers and quilts, with possibly matching curtains and perhaps a wallpaper border, the whole nursery can be styled in both furniture and material to suit whatever your particular dream might be. I even found a black and white gingham (check) set that looked stunning in the accompanying photograph.

I found some lovely bedding for my friend's nursery, but in the end I didn't buy a quilt to match. In New England style, I had one made for her to go with the rest of the linen, with the baby's name on it too. Hopefully the complete set will be something that will remain in the family for many years to come.

No discussion on bedding for cribs would be complete without considering some important basic safety issues. You will find some good tips on safety by following the link at the end of this article; I strongly suggest that you take a look at the tips on safety before you buy any bedding for your crib.

How to promote your web site

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization, which is a craft of modifying a web site to rank highly in search engines, has been around since the first index-based search engines were launched, which is around the mid-90's.

In the early days, you added popular words to the header tags of each page, and whenever someone searched for those keywords, they showed up in the search engines.

However, search engines have advanced, as well as the search engine optimization (SEO) industry. In order to compete with Google's army of Ph. D researchers, search engine optimizers struggle to keep up with the latest theories and conjecture about how the carefully-guarded and always ever-changing search engine algorithms work.

Below are some examples of factors that can affect your search engine ranking:

Number of links to your web site from related web sites

Number of years for which your web site's domain name is registered.

Age of a specific page on the page

Quality of writing on the page

Use of headings within the text

Number and frequency of updates to a page

Use of keywords in the URL

Amount of text on a page

Rate of external linking to your web site

Number of pages on the web site

Domain extension (.com,.net, etc.)

Use of frames, Flash, or PDF's

Downtime of your web server

Geographic location of your web server

Because it is so easy to cross the line from optimization to exploitation, search engine optimization is one of the most ethically charged branches of the web industry.

The terms white hat and black hat are often used to describe the ethical spectrum of search engine optimization. The terms are derived from old cowboy movies, where the hero and villian could often be identified by the colors of their hats.

Black Hat SEO

Black Hat search engine optimization seeks to expoit the weaknesses of search engines in order to boost a website's ranking on results pages.

These techniques often rely on artificial means to generate results; such as, deception and redirection. For example, a black hat SEO specialist might create hundreds of pages filled with keyword-rich gibberish for search engines to find and parse, or they might post meaningless comments on hundreds of blogs, all linking back to the main website.

It can be very tempting to employ black hat techniques because they can produce dramatic short-term results to promote your website. However, you should keep in mind, the results are short ter; search engines are always trying to out-think the black hat SEO's.

In fact, using deceptive techniques can even get you banned from search engines, or at least permanently damage your ranking.

White Hat SEO

White Hat search engine optimization seeks to work with the search engine's strengths, rather than their weaknesses. This is accomplished by creating valid HTML code, well-written, keyword-rich content, and a carefully organized website. White hat SEO specialists seek to create the kind of website that search engines are looking for.

The strongest beneits of white hat SEO is that it's always in fashion. It will not damage your rankings like black hat SEO will. It also doesn't require constant monitoring in order to perform well.

However, because it relies on many soft factors; such as, high quality content, effective website organization, building strong link relationships, blogging, etc. white hat SEO can be more difficult to pursue.

In general, white hat search engine optimization can perform better with less maintenance and reduced risk. it usually makes more business sense.

Inbound Links

One of the most critical and most difficult factors in promoting your website is encouraging other websites to link to yours. If your website has similar or related content to other websites and the more websites link to yours, the more of an authority you become in the eyes of the search engines.

However, because you have little control over other websites, it often takes a lot of person-to-person communication to make these links happen. It's highly unlikely that strangers will link to you because you ask them to. You need to take the time to establish relationships with other website owners.

Tips for building inbound links:

Ensure that you have a high quality website to which other website owners can feel comfortable sending their visitors to

Create content worth linking to (articles, how-to's, games, lists, etc.)

Focus on acquiring links from websites with related content

Avoid the black hat SEO technique of artificial link building

Try to get listed in industry directories, association websites, etc

Create your own side project websites that can link to your main business website

Blogging for Business

A blog is a website, or part of a website, that is regularly updated with articles, thoughts, opinions, etc

In recent years, many businesses have found that blogs have provided a significant boost to their website, thereby, often becoming a primary source of traffic for them.

The reasons that blogging can be a powerful marketing tool:

People love fresh, interesting, and useful content

It's unlikely that anyone will link to your About Us page, but if you write an insightful top ten list about your industry, hundreds or thousands of people may link to your within a matter of days.

Journalists, increasingly, look to blogs to get a sense of what's hot, and regularly posting industry-related blog articles can help you generate free media coverage.

The constant infusion of fresh, keyword-rich content will give your website a boost in the search engines.

It keeps people coming back to your website

Poor blogging is easy to do. Before you start, spend some time reading existing blogs particularly within your own industry. Think about what you like and dislike about them.

Visit gold reef city

If you ever plan a trip to my home country, South Africa, make sure you have plenty of time to see everything! If you don’t have that much time, make sure to visit more than once, planning your trip around all of the provinces.

South Africa covers around 4% of the continent’s land mass, but getting around is very easy. You have two great options available: either hire a car and drive around yourself (which might take some time!) or make use of one of the 10 airports in the country. Three of them are international and the others fly domestic, covering al the provinces in the country.

South Africa is divided into 9 provinces. The first one I am going to write about is Gauteng, the smallest of them all, but don’t be fooled by this fact! It is a big place to see and LOTS to do. The first attraction of interest (according to myself) is Gold Reef City. It is located in the heart of Jo’burg, the heart beat city of sunny South Africa.

In the 1890’s, gold was discovered in Johannesburg and this led to a gold rush from prospectors all over the world. Gold Reef City was built on a former gold mine, centred around shaft number 14 which was started in 1887. This mine was once the richest gold mine in the world, holding a record of 1.4 million kilograms of gold as late as 1978! Today it is a combination of a theme park, a living museum and houses, replicas of the homes during the gold rush. Staff that work here wear clothes representative of that era

When visiting the theme park, one of the rides you have to take is the Anaconda (or a rollercoaster). The miner’s revenge is also worth trying out, my favourite, but if you don’t feel up to this, maybe you would like to take a ride on an old steam train or a historic coach. You can also go down the old mine into the darkness, exploring the remaining underground passages and experience what it feels like in a mine. After this you can visit the small museum where you can witness how real gold is poured into barrels (original arc furnace) every hour.

Gold Reef City also has their own group of mine dancers performing their routines of high kicking and stamping twice a day. After an eventful day, you can visit the great Gold Reef City Casino, eat in one of the beautiful restaurants and sleep over at the hotel (all rooms in classic Victorian dйcor).

Gold Reef City is one of my favourite places to go and relax, have fun and a great time with friends or family! Join me very soon for another exciting destination in the Gauteng province!

Taking online paralegal courses to new heights

A paralegal is an assistant to an attorney. This person participates in a number of activities that involve legal cases including researching case law, prepare pleadings, and assist in arguments. Becoming a paralegal is a highly lucrative position. Most paralegals work in law firms and are very well paid. It is also a great stepping stone if you are interested in becoming a lawyer. In order to be a paralegal, you must have an associated degree in paralegal studies. Online paralegal courses can help you attain that degree.

Many people who are already in the work force can not afford the time it takes to go to traditional colleges. Opting for online paralegal courses, though, will help resolve that problem by allowing you to work from the comfort of your own home and set your own schedule. This is a very convenient option for working parents or those who already have professional obligations. Anyone who has time restrictions will benefit from this.

Online paralegal courses will give a basis in understanding the law and the functions of a law office. Courses may include contract law, litigation, real estate law, research and criminal law. These courses will give the student the basis to be able to successfully work in and participate in a law firm or legal division within a company. Paralegals are highly valued employees who do a lot of the legal work in a case. With today’s increasingly litigious society, the need for paralegals is on the rise. As cases increase, so does the need for attorneys and assistants. Paralegals earn on average, $40,000 per year and can increase with experience. Therefore, getting a paralegal degree is a valuable investment into your future.

Taking online paralegal courses does not need to be expensive. Generally, you only pay for the classes as you take them. Online paralegal courses are also less expensive than traditional courses because there is no need for a formal classroom setting or dedicated teacher with student to teacher ratio restrictions. The savings for this is passed through to the student. Also, because it is only necessary to have an associate’s degree to become a paralegal, the degree can be obtained faster and cheaper than a bachelor’s degree. If you still have budget concerns, most programs will offer financial aid. This can be in the form of student loans that do not have to be paid until the degree is completed or grants that never need to be paid off. Check with your school’s financial assistance department for options.

The need for paralegals is on the rise. It is a great time to get into this field as there are many available jobs that pay well. The average salary of a paralegal is high and the additional earning potential is also high. It is estimated that this particular filed will grow at an above average rate over the next several years. Getting a degree will give you an advantage over the competition and help you land a very lucrative job. The convenience of online paralegal courses will help you attain your goal quickly and affordably.

Cutter and buck golf clothing

When choosing what to wear when going to play golf you should take into account the dress code of the golf club you'll be playing at, the weather conditions and your own personal comfort. Golf clothes should be light and comfortable to allow freedom to move whilst playing. You should choose golf clothes that look good, because if you look good you feel good and feeling good increases your confidence.

Cutter and Buck have been manufacturing practical and comfortable golf clothing for nearly 20 years and Golf Buy It Online have a fantastic range of Cutter and Buck Golf Clothes. One common rule for golfers is that they must wear a collared shirt. You’ll be able to find Cutter and Buck collard polo shirts, Cutter and Buck sweaters and Cutter and Buck knitwear at some of the best prices around.

You should wear golf clothing you feel comfortable in. You’re going to be out there playing golf for two and a half to five hours, bending and twisting your body so golf clothing that is not too constricting is advised. Similarly you will not want your golf clothes to be too loose either as you may catch your club on your shirt sleeve.

Cutter and Buck produce collared polo shirts in the widest range of colours around such as Cutter & Buck Organic Range Pennant Pink Pique Shirt, Cutter & Buck Organic Range Pennant Orange Pique Shirt, Cutter & Buck Organic Range Pennant Green Pique Shirt and Cutter & Buck Organic Range Pennant Light Blue Pique Shirt as well as many others, so you’ll be able to find a polo shirt that suits you as well as adhering to the rules of the club house.

With over 30 years in golf retail you’ll be able to get the best advice on any golfing query from golf shirts to golf shoes and drivers to putters.

6 great tips for getting your dog toilet trained

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.

The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don't Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.

Finding e-zine publishers

Networking with e-zine publishers in your field is a good business strategy. These publishers are one of the most important parts of your marketing and it is suggested you start building a list of appropriate e-zines now.

There are ezine directories that can direct you to appropriate places. Vist them and subscribe to several e-zines in your chosen area. Don't try submitting articles until you get a feel for the e-zine by reading a couple of issues. The Directory of Ezines at directoryofezines. com , along with several others, even tell you information if article submissions are accepted, where to send them, and what rules tofollow. This information is priceless.

Contact the ezine publisher directly if you decide to submit an article. Most e-zine owners like to know the person who is sending them an article for publication. Not contacting the publisher first does not create a good raport.

Send a personal note telling the publisher how much you like their publication. List something specific you especially like about the ezine. Next, tell the publisher you believe readers would like your articles and ask if you might submit one or more. Finding one specialized point within the general interest area will increase your chances of being positively received.

Don't send tons of articles all at once and overload the publisher's already full mailbox. Limit yourself to sending only one article weekly, and sometimes even one a month. Make the e-zine publisher feel important by providing short articles once a week that you wrote just for that e-zine. E-zine publishers like knowing they are the only place a person can find a particular article.