Outsource cpas big decision for tax season

Outsourcing has been maligned for political reasons. The tremendous benefits of outsourcing to all, have been lost among the debates related to its so-called damage to the nation’s economy. Outsourcing has suffered because of its close association, in today’s world of internet, to offshoring. However, outsourcing has been a normal business practice for a long-time in the U. S. and has been the major contributor to the growth of many business organizations. Outsourcing has been used very frequently in the manufacturing industry for a long time very successfully. Manufacturers have been able to reduce their overall costs, improve manufacturing processes, improve product quality and grow their business with the help of outsourcing. Even in the service sector, outsourcing has been used quite well for many years. Even in the 1980s CPA firms would hire tax filing firms to enter data into tax software and provide tax return printouts to reduce the load on the firm staff. With the arrival of tax software that could be used by accountants in their own offices to prepare tax returns, somehow a trend of bringing back all work in house took hold. For the last few years, small and medium-sized CPA firms have developed a habit of handling all the work in-house and taking pride in it. This trend, that took hold in the last few years, and the negative publicity associated with outsourcing is to the disadvantage of the accounting industry. Outsourcing is a fact of life in the 21st century. From our domestic lives to every aspects of our professional lives, we outsource. In this age of specialization, it is extremely crucial for the accounting industry to pay attention to the benefits of outsourcing and catch up with it as soon as possible. There are some very definite benefits in outsourcing, for CPAs. CPAs who own and manage small or medium-sized practices spend a tremendous amount of time manage their practices, including staff management, work flow management, and handling usual problems associated with managing a small business. However, the actual strength of CPAs is in their ability to decipher tax laws and advice and help their clients optimize their tax situations. They also have a strong understanding of the issues related to efficient financial management of businesses and personal financial management. They can help with business valuation and help clients develop systems and procedures for effective management of their businesses. All of these services require CPAs to have the time to continuously develop professionally to stay current with the new developments in each of those fields. They also need to have the time to dedicate to their clients in these areas. If they are too busy managing their practices, supervising their staff’s work, entering data into tax software and compiling tax returns, then they are too busy doing the work that could be easily done by someone else, under their supervision. They get themselves too busy competing with the “other” tax preparation services, franchised or independently owned, and do not get the time to provide the much-needed high-value services to their clients. Outsourcing their tax and regular accounting work provides a great opportunity to CPAs to release themselves to provide high-value services to their clients. Many clients get an opportunity only once in a year to interact in detail with their CPA at tax time. Many CPAs lose this opportunity as they are too busy with the “tax season” and don’t have the time to look at anything else. That is surely a lost opportunity, year after year. If CPAs organize their time, during tax season, in such a way that they get to interact with their clients and look at their matters in detail, they could grow their business significantly. Clients like CPAs who take interest in their matters and provide personal attention to them. Most clients, that are of value to your practice, do not mind paying for such premium services. Tax season this year offers an opportunity, once again, to CPAs to consider outsourcing some of their tax return work. By doing so they could have some extra time to provide higher-value services to their clients and differentiate their practice from the other tax preparation services. It is now time for CPAs to differentiate themselves from the regular bookkeeping and tax preparation services and outsourcing provides a great opportunity for them to do so this tax season.

Some food for thought is your diet killing you

I must admit that I don't usually write articles with such a chilling headline, so I feel that I should give a little background on a relatively innocent experience which prompted me to write this piece. I would also say quite candidly that there is nothing really new in the main context of it, in fact most probably, everyone is concious of these facts in some way or another. What I really do wonder though, is just exactly how many of us are actually making any real attempt to seriously look after ourselves, healthwise that is! I live in Central Scotland in the UK, and according to statistics, we have one of the highest mortality rates from such things as coronary heart disease, strokes, obesity, etc, etc, and I often wonder why this should be the case! Of course many things are contributory factors to this, and I am no medical expert, but there is one very important factor involved which I have studied extensively, and that is diet! In Scotland we are renowned for our love of deep-fried foods such as fish and chips, pies, takeaway meals, our alcohol consumption, and so on. Every region of the Western world has its favourite "goodies" I suspect, so I am sure that you get the picture. I must hand it to our Health Authorities however, because for some considerable time now there has been an extensive and on-going campaign of Health Education, including some excellent TV and Radio ads, outdoor billboards, and similar such things. It was one of the latter that really caught my eye recently, so much so, that I can't quite get the image out of my mind. It is a large billboard, which contains a graphic picture of a human heart with two giant grey hands sueezing the life out of it. Very very effective,(at least I thought so),my congratulations go to the person who devised it! This was the spur that prompted this article, and as I said at the beginning, there is nothing really new in it, but I think it bears repeating nonetheless. Life is a precious gift, and although we are not immortal, there are many many things that we can do to prolong it, and preserve our health. As far as diet is concerned therefore, here are some of the important ones again:- Cut down on the fat, and cut down on the carbs. You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut thefat! Cut the carbs! Cut the calories! Eat a balanced diet! But how can you cut though all of the confusion, and eat a diet that is balanced and healthy. Not always easy is it! Here is some advice from nutritional science, which might help. Cut down on the junk fats. Most people do not need an ultra low fat diet, but most of us could improve our diet by cutting out the junk fats. These are processed fats, hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated oils that have been heated, and fats that are combined with junk carbohydrates. Processed fats are those fats most likely to put on flab and clog your arteries. We do all know this don't we! Cut down on the junk carbohydrates The majority of people do not need an ultra low carb diet, but unfortunately, many people who do go on a low fat diet continue to eat highly processed foods. They switch from processed high-fat foods to processed low-fat foods, and then when the food manufacturers create low fat foods, they tend to replace the fat with junk carbs. These can actually pile on the pounds, because basically junk carbs are low-fiber carbs, like sugar, fructose (and all the other *oses), flour, cornstarch, fruit juice, and such. Yes, fruit juice is a junk carb too you know! After all, how much fiber is there in fruit juice. Virtually none, simply because it's yet another junk carb. You would be better to eat the whole fruit instead, with its fiber intact. Cut down on the junk calories. Most people do not need an ultra low calorie diet, but just think what your diet could be like if you dropped the processed fats and the low-fiber carbs. You would then be eating mainly natural proteins, with lots of vegetables plus whole fruits, and the odds would be that you would be eating far fewer calories as well. That's the kind of calorie cutting most of us should be doing! Make every attempt to eat a balanced natural foods diet. By natural foods, we mean those kinds of foods that would have been eaten by our hunter-gatherer ancestors. They would have had lots of whole vegetable foods giving them vitamins and fiber for instance, and also moderate to small portions of meats, fish, seafood, and other animal and protein foods. These they would have grilled, stewed or baked, not deep fried! They would also have eaten small portions of fresh whole fruit in season, which is the diet on which the human race evolved! So the next time you're about to order a meal with fries and a sugary soda, stop and think about how it could be improved. Replace the fries with a salad for example, and the soda with a mineral water say. It would probably surprise you, how much significant progress you have already made towards a healthier balanced meal. Just simple sensible changes can work wonders! When you are at home, look for recipes that use whole fresh foods, with a minimum of processing. Try and make sure that your meals include natural unprocessed foods, with lots of healthy vegetables, both cooked, and raw when in salads. Avoid processed fats and processed low-fiber foods. Here is a little simple menu that I often use and enjoy. Grilled fish with steamed green beans and peppers. Large mixed salad, dressed with small amounts of olive oil and, vinegar or lemon juice. Then a fresh fruit platter to finish off! A healthy balanced diet can actually be that simple you know! Life is there to be enjoyed, but moderation in all things is the watchword in my opinion. I do hope this article has given you some food for thought however!

Pink sheets discover disclosure

Once upon a time in the world of finance there were three kingdoms the most widely recognized was also the most snobbish and wealthiest its subjects were affluent and known worldwide. Its king was NYSE (New York Stock exchange) the king ruled proudly over his subjects. Every brokerage firm had a stock ticker to provide their customer with trade information on NYSE listed stocks. The second kingdom was not so well off, it had less subjects and the inhabitants were much poorer than those ruled by NYSE, the king was named AMEX (American Stock Exchange). They could be classified as low middle class. Now the third kingdom was the largest of all, it’s subjects range from middle class to very poor, this kingdom was ruled by OTC (Over The Counter Market). Some of the subjects of OTC were always looking to migrate to NYSE or Amex to escape the stigma attached to being a resident of OTC. Some of the stock that at one time traded in the Pink Sheets are well known today such as EDS and many new IPO, as well as bank and insurance companies, but you also had stocks trading for a fraction of a penny. If you wanted a price on a OTC stock you would call your broker who looked in the pink sheets to see who the market makers were, he would get on the phone to a market maker and ask the person answering the phone for a quote, the person answering the phone then gets the price from a blackboard in the front of the room and give it to the broker making the inquiry, this would take some time. Market makers had a quote boy in the front of the trading room changing the blackboard every time a trader yelled a different price, this markets were good for 100 shares, In those days it was possible to buy from one market maker at a price and turn around and sell to another market maker at higher price because the one market maker had no idea what the market was unless he made a phone call. So you always found disparities in the price of a stock. Along came a knight in shining armor named NASDAQ the NASD Automatic Quotation System, which allow brokers to see the price by computer, it gave the mean market (average market) not the best price, but it was a giant step forward. These NASDAQ machine did not provide live quotes you had to keep on pressing the enter key in order to see the updated quote. And eventually all the better stocks were gradually included on the NASDAQ systems leaving the more obscure and unprofitable companies to trade on the pink sheet. And again the NASD decided to sink the pink sheets even further into the land of obscurity by creating the OTC Bulletin Board. The OTC Bulletin Board started out not requiring much information from the issuer but gradually started requesting more information and now they must have audited financial and must be reporting. All this left the pink as the only market in total disclosure darkness being the only ones not requiring the issuer to disclose its financial reports. But on February 15, 2005 a little daylight came into the pinks, on this day a new policy was implemented, this policy requires issuers of newly traded securities to disclose adequate current information to the investing public. This is only required of those companies which have securities quoted on an unsolicited basis on the pink sheets, and have never been listed on an exchange or quoted on the OTCBB. If an issuer is quoted on an unsolicited basis, this means that the NASD has not cleared a market maker to enter a quote in the security pursuant to SEC Rule 15c2-11. Instead, a broker is relying on an exemption to the rule in order to display a quotation representing an unsolicited customer order. This exception has been used to trade securities of new issuers without any disclosure to the investing public. To address this situation, in October 2004, Pink Sheets revised their policy for brokers entering unsolicited quotes in a new security that has never been listed on an exchange or quoted on the OTCBB. They now require that prior to publication of an unsolicited quote in the Pink Sheets for such securities the broker must ascertain that the issuer has made adequate current information publicly available on the pink sheets website. The disclosure policy has been a good attempt at creating transparency of the basic information that investors trading in public markets deserve. Pink Sheets is now extending this requirement to companies that were previously quoted on an unsolicited basis. If the companies did not make the required disclosure by February 15, 2005, they removed their displayed quotation from the website. This new policy is a big step forward for the Pink Sheets and they should be applauded for it, but I Personally would like to see all companies being required to make complete disclosure. If a company is unable for whatever reason to disclose their finances and corporate updates to the investing public then they should not be allow to trade on any public market. These companies operating in total darkness are the vehicles being used by stock manipulators to scam the investing public, even though the Pink Sheets have taken this giant step they must remove all non-disclosing companies from the public market place. I am not sure the pink Sheets have the authority to do so but SEC does, and the SEC is the agency responsible for protecting the investing public. Lets congratulate the Pink sheet for this change in policy and hope that they will continue to upgrade their standards, as a direct result of this policy we at Genesis Corporate Advisors are changing our policy of not bringing any company public to the Pink sheets. Effective immediately we will begin considering candidate for the Pink sheets but our preference will continue to be The OTC Bulletin Board because we want as much transparency as possible. In order to have viable healthy market you must have willing investors with access to current and accurate information. For additional information visit: genesiscorporateadvisors

Mandatory seat belt laws save lives absolutely

Despite statistics to support the seat belt case, there is still plenty of controversy surrounding the claim that mandatory seat belt laws save lives. Many of us have been around long enough to remember when seat belts were not even installed in vehicles. In the rare event that seat belts were installed, they were often regarded as a nuisance and pushed aside. Drivers in their fifties and sixties cannot recall wearing seat belts as a child – back then, adults usually didn't wear seat belts and neither did children. There is plenty of recognized research to show that many lives could have been saved had the occupants in motor vehicle accidents been wearing seat belts. People turn into deadly projectiles during a high speed vehicle impact, smashing into windscreens, steering wheels, other occupants and being hurtled outside the car. Even a minor accident can kill someone if they are not wearing a seat belt. One blow to a vulnerable part of the head is all it takes. As an Australian resident, I have lived for many years with a seat belt law that helps protect and save lives. I never get into a vehicle without wearing a seat belt and will not allow passengers into my vehicle without wearing one. I also remind drivers to wear their seat belts when I am their passenger. Why? Because “buckling-up” a seat belt saves lives – and it only takes a few seconds prior to driving off. It is sometimes difficult to understand why people get offended when the government passes laws that make sense. Speeding laws are a good example of this. People don’t always abide by speeding laws. They know they run a risk of serious accident or a traffic citation, but they do it anyway. Those who disagree with the claim that mandatory seat belt laws save lives believe “buckling up” is a nuisance and serves no useful purpose. In fact there are many who feel it is a gross invasion of privacy, and want to be able make their own decisions about wearing seat belts. People will always break driving laws, but it doesn't mean those laws are wrong and should not exist. The mandatory seat belt laws save lives. That’s the fact, Jack! Driving laws are basically good decisions which are intended to help us stay safe on the roads. The mandatory seat belt laws just make too much sense to argue with them. Children "do as we do, not as we say" much of the time. Statistics reveal that if parents don’t “buckle-up”, children's seat belt usage drops by 36 percent When it comes to seat belts, it’s time to let the government interfere. When they do get something right, let’s not complain but instead give them some accolades. Speeding and seat belt laws are not punishment, they are mechanisms which could save our lives. Hard facts and research data supporting the fact that mandatory seat belt laws saves lives is readily available on the web. For example, check out the statistics on driving laws at nhtsa. dot. gov – they speak for themselves. After a good read, I’m sure you will agree that mandatory seat belt laws save lives!

Type at home for money

I'm sure you've seen the ads. Typing for cash, Type Simple Data Entry from home, Home Based Typing Income and more. Can Type At Home programs work for you? If you are comfortable typing on a computer then Type At Home Jobs may be for you. There are misconceptions about Type At Home that you will be typing endlessly to earn nothing. I believe that Type At Home is an easy work at home job if you feel comfortable on the computer If you can type at a good speed and be accurate. Of course today with the tools available like spell check, grammar check etc, it makes it a lot easier. In fact it's possible to earn good money doing Type At Home jobs on line. Another misconception is that Type At Home jobs are scams. This is probably the "too good to be true" adverts with promises of overnight riches working from home. Some people will join a Type At Home program and think that the money will start flowing in. If it doesn't then they call the program a failure. You won't get something for nothing. Type At Home is the definitely the most popular Home Data Typers program available. Many people have seen very good profits using this program. Some of these programs utilizes Google Adwords as its cash engine, and by following their techniques they provide, there is an opportunity to make some nice earnings. This strategy works great for people starting out, and if you want to make some quick cash, this might just be the program for you. There are legitimate Type At Home work programs available. In fact I have a separate Type At Home web page whereby I highlight what in my opinion are the best and most popular Type At Home programs. I also like to emphasize making sure that whichever Type At Home company you decide to join has a money back guarantee for your protection. I believe any good company should offer this if they are worth their salt. Type At Home is one of the more popular home based business opportunities as it is very low-cost to get started. I have included a list of equipment that you will need to start below: Computer Access to Internet Printer I would also suggest that you use a unique email address. This is merely a suggestion not a requirement. The potential in the Type At Home business is great. There are many small and large companies that outsource Type At Home. Many people are making $1000 - $3000 a month additional income. In order to get to this level of income it is important that you understand the skills that you'll need and where to look for Type At Home programs. Please feel free to visit my web page for Type At Home product reviews. If you decide to try one of our programs, please let me know your opinion of the whole process. Your opinion is important to me. I also have a FREE Email Newsletter series, which gives you the 2007 Top Rated Data Entry Programs.

Glasgow city guide including glasgow hotels

Glasgow is already a top tourist destination for many travellers in Europe. If you were thinking about going on holiday to Glasgow, you may be excited to learn about Glasgow’s world famous art collections. Glasgow has some of the best shopping in Europe. There is a Lighthouse, the Gallery of Modern Art of Glasgow and plenty of museums and interesting entertainments. If you were thinking of taking a holiday in the UK, try visiting Glasgow. Places of Interest in Glasgow To get started, let’s look at some places of interest that are popular with Glasgow tourists. Glasgow Cathedral - Glasgow Cathedral was built around the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. During the Reformation period in 1560, it survived the threat of being torn down and is considered to be the only still standing authentic cathedral from that era. Its gothic style structure makes for a wonderful architectural gem to discover on your travels. It is open for viewing through almost any time of the year. The Lighthouse - The Lighthouse in Glasgow is a national centre for architecture and design. It was once a newspaper office for the Glasgow Herald. Over 700,000 people have already visited it since it opened its door. It now contains galleries, shopping, a couple of cafes and a miniaturized version of “Wee People’s City”. The Gallery of Modern Art - The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow is one of the most popular modern art galleries in the UK. It houses contemporary artwork, most with the theme of addressing social issues. It is open nearly all year long and children are welcome. Ask for a free-guided tour. Glasgow Tower - For a unique architectural gem, try visiting the Glasgow Tower. It is the first tower ever created that revolved full circle, and not just the top. The entire tower can circle around from the base. There are displays inside about Glasgow’s past and displays plans for future developments. From the viewing platform at the top, visitors can see out as far as forty miles. Things to Do in Glasgow Shopping and activities in Glasgow make for an enjoyable time while visiting the city. Check out these can’t miss features. Merchant City Area - The area called Merchant City contains all sorts of shops from clothing to books and antiques and more. Not to mention the various restaurants and cafes to stop by for a cuppa. Clubs in Glasgow - If you are looking for a club for dancing or meeting the locals, try some of the more popular ones. Sub Club is located on Jamaica Street. The Arches is on Argyle Street. The Garage is on Sauchiehall Street. Each one of these clubs offers up unique fun and can be easily found. Pubs in Glasgow - For a collection of authentic United Kingdom pubs, Glasgow offers a variety of them. Looking for real ale or live music? There are a variety of pubs to fit every preference. For example, if you want a more fashionable crowd, head for Bar Soba on Mitchell Lane. Where to Eat in Glasgow A holiday in Glasgow isn’t complete until you have a meal at one of the more famous restaurants. Try a few of these suggestions. Aurora Restaurant - For food fashioned after Scottish cuisine, try Aurora Glasgow Restaurant on 2 Port Dundas Place. All dishes are cooked to order, including delectable delights like roast salsify with shellfish vinaigrette or Gressingham Duck breast. Dinner may cost only Ј30 per person. 16 Bryres Road - For a Brasseire menu, you will want to try out 16 Bryres Road. You won’t have any trouble finding it, though it is a small restaurant. It is a favourite for locals in Glasgow and for good reason. It was listed as one of the best restaurants in Glasgow in a number of magazines. You can find Confit lamb shoulder, grilled fillet of halibut along with prune and almond chocolate brownies with clotted cream listed on the menu. Bluu - Bluu in Glasgow offers a European menu for its patrons. Located on 60 Trongate Albion Street, Bluu’s menu consists of ravioli with spicy pineapple salsa and delicious Iced Malteser parfait with white chocolate sauce. Bluu’s tasty meals will range from Ј20 - Ј40. Hotels and Accommodation in Glasgow After shopping and visiting museums and a nice meal, you’ll want to relax in a hotel that continues the Glasgow experience. Try these highly recommended Glasgow hotels. Carlton George Hotel Dreamhouse Serviced Apartments Express by Holiday Inn Glasgow City - Riverside Alexander Thomson Best Western Fenwick Hotel Glasgow City Charing Cross Premier Travel Inn Rennie Mackintosh Hotel (Central Station) Quality Hotel Central Glasgow City Inn Glasgow Ramada Glasgow City Crowne Plaza Glasgow Victorian House Charing Cross House McLays Guest House Hampton Court Hotel Millennium Hotel Glasgow Buchanan Hotel Atlantic Hotel Townhouse Hotel Argyll Hotel Manor Park Hotel The Belhaven Hotel Albion Hotel Erskine Bridge Hotel Swallow Hotel Glasgow Brunswick Merchant City Hotel Merchant lodge Hotel Busby Hotel Dean Park Hotel The Normandy Hotel Glynhill Hotel and Leisure Club Devoncove Hotel Glasgow Express By Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport Ambassador Hotel Menzies Glasgow Hotel Tulip Inn Glasgow Malmaison Glasgow Corus hotel Glasgow Campanile Hotel Glasgow Thistle Glasgow The Spires Serviced Suites Novotel Glasgow Centre Jurys Glasgow Hotel Jurys Inn Glasgow Radisson SAS Hotel Glasgow Fraser Suites Glasgow Best Western Ewington Hotel Dreamhouse City Centre Artto Hotel The A-List Apartments, Glasgow Euro Hostel Ltd Crowwood House Hotel City Serviced Apartments and Lodges Rennie Mackintosh City Hotel City Apartments Express by Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland City Apartments Glasgow Entertainment in Glasgow There is no lack of entertainment for visitors to Glasgow. Check out these can’t miss events. IMAXв Theatre - Located on 50 Pacific Quay in the Glasgow Science Centre, IMAXв Theatre offers entertainment for the entire family. Watch films that explore the world around you. With a huge screen and top of the line technology, the IMAXв theatre is open nearly all year. The King’s Theatre - Located on Bath Street in Glasgow, the King’s Theatre opened in 1904. With its most clever design, the theatre plays host to professional and amateur play alike. Find musicals and pantomime and drama performances by visiting the King’s theatre. Glasgow plays host to thousands of visitors on holiday each and every yeare join in the fun, food and flair that can be found in Glasgow.

How to survive a bad performance review and move to your dream career

Q. “I wasn’t happy with my last performance review. Should I dispute the review? Write a letter for my file? Talk to a lawyer? Or just let it go?” A. Most professionals feel you should offer some kind of response. But whether to respond, and the way to respond, will depend on your company’s culture, the unwritten message and your own career goals. 1. Assess your report in light of the company’s culture. In some cultures, anything but glowing praise will be viewed as negative. In others, tough reviews are the norm. Often your boss will be expected to come up with at least one point of constructive criticism. After all, nobody walks on water. But if you’re being attacked or unfairly criticized, you must explore further. Sometimes you’ll win more points by taking the review in stride than by fighting. But in some cultures, a single negative review means you need to start job-hunting right away. 2. Calculate your boss’s strategy. Sometimes your performance report has nothing to do with you or your performance. Your boss might honestly want to see you leave the company or make sure the next promotion goes to someone else. Your boss may be a new hire who is still learning your company’s culture. She may combine good intentions with weak implementation. Or maybe your boss wants to get your attention: he’s dropped hints and you’ve ignored them. Or he wants to help you progress but doesn’t know how to communicate tactfully. 3. Listen for unwritten messages. Does your company have a category where a low score means you’re headed for disaster? Does your boss try to tell you, “It’s a great review!” when you know otherwise? Suppose you’ve been getting terrific reviews – and now you get slammed with a truckload of criticism. Maybe you really did have a bad year. Or maybe there’s an agenda you need to understand. 4. Get the facts without getting defensive. Ask your boss to explain each criticism. For example, if your boss said your project was delivered late, get dates and times. If you’re criticized for interpersonal skills, ask for specific instances. But give your boss a chance to save face. Anyone can make mistakes. An overworked, harried boss can skimp on her own data collection. You can say, without confrontation, “My records show I managed six projects, not four. Can we go over this point?” 5. Delay your response. Ask for a second meeting, explaining calmly that you need time to think. Use the time to collect your backup file. Consider a consultation with an outsider: career coach, consultant, human resources professor – even a lawyer if the situation warrants. Do not discuss your report or your decision to seek help with your peers. Ever. 6. Back up a rebuttal with facts, not emotion. Assemble your own evidence of performance. Collect letters of appreciation, dates and times of project completion, statistics showing how you helped the company. Often simply placing a rebuttal letter in your own file will defuse the impact of a negative evaluation. When you’ve had a strong track record, your company will ignore an occasional negative, unless someone has introducedе a new agenda. Your boss may be ordered to grade on the curve, i. e., assign some employees the “low” category even if everyone’s doing great. And, being human, he may assign those ratings to those who are least likely to speak up. A strong, carefully written rebuttal will clarify your strength of purpose. 7. Avoid jumping to conclusions – or to a new job. When clients ask, “Should I look for a new job?” my answer will be, “When you work for any organization, keep yourself marketable. Maintain your network. Identify reputable recruiters and build ties with them.” It’s rarely a good idea to share your career change plans with your colleagues or boss until you have a written offer in hand. And it’s rarely a good idea to accept a counter-offer from your present company. (Over half of all workers who accept a counter-offer are gone within six months, one way or another.) But if your company wants to send a “Go Away!” message, they may be happy to give you a good reference that reflects your real contribution.

Christmas holiday shopping online 5 tips to get the most out of your online shopping experience

Christmas is just around the corner and many people are turning to the internet for their Christmas Holiday Shopping to save time, money, gas, and avoid the crowds. Can a good deal really be found online? Is it safe to purchase online? Where are the best places to shop online? Keep reading for some tips to make your holiday shopping online a little easier. Great deals on the net… Can a good deal be found online? Most definitely yes! Most large retailers have an online store and many run internet only specials, that translates into savings for you. Many stores are only found online as the cost to run an online store is less expensive than a brick and mortar store. Since these stores don't have the high overhead they can provide some great deals that will only be found online. Price isn't the only factor to consider when shopping for an item though. When searching for that special gift you will have a greater selection online and you won't have to travel or beat the crowds. Instead of the local mall you can shop the world, all from the comfort of your own home. You are bound to find unique gifts online! Shopping online is not only convenient it is safe when you follow a few simple rules. 5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Doing Your Christmas Holiday Shopping Online 1)parison shopping is a must, just like in regular stores. Don't just think you are getting a good deal - know you are! 2). Know the shipping and handling costs before you make your purchase. Some stores may offer a great price only to make up for it with the shipping and handling charges. On the other hand, many stores offer free shipping! 3). Make sure the online store is reputable. Do they have a return policy and a privacy statement that you can live with? Do they offer secure purchases? You should only make online purchases through a site that offers secure purchases. Most sites that offer secure purchases will display it. For those that do not, look for the http: in the address bar to change to https: on the store's shopping cart or the page where you put in your credit card number. 4). Make sure the online store includes complete contact information, including a phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. 5). It's best to make your online purchases with a credit card. A credit card offers you an extra level of protection in case something goes awry and the online store is not handling the situation to your satisfaction. Most credit card companies will reverse a charge if you dispute it for good reason and have tried to resolve the problem to no avail. Holiday shopping can be stressful but by doing your Christmas holiday shopping online you can have an easier time of it. The World Wide Web offers many benefits to online Christmas shoppers such as, no lines, great deals and the widest variety of products. Go ahead, give it a try you may just be pleasantly surprised at how stress free your holiday shopping can be.

Bwpb paintball games

Tips on How to Play the Paintball Sport Playing paintball is so much fun. The main goal of the game is to capture the opponent’s flag and make them surrender by aggressively attacking their defenses. What excites many people is the fast pace and action-packed scenery that a person will experience. Most paintball games are played in a place where players can move freely. Outdoor venues like fields or improvised camps provide complete facilities for everyone who wants to experience this sport. There are also indoor venues that are available during various seasons when people are unable to go outside because of the cold weather or rainy seasons. A person is provided with a paintball gun that is primarily air pressured. The group is generally composed of ten or more persons divided into two teams. Each team must have an equal number of persons and they will battle like two opposing armed groups on a battlefield. Each group will be provided colored armbands to mark each member so that their teammates are and opponents are not confused. The main goal is to reach the opponents’ flag and hit every opponent – when doing so - using their paintball guns. The team that captures the flag will bring it to their base to ensure they have won the game. A person will know that he is eliminated when he is hit by the paintball. It is determined by the splat of a paintball that will break and mark the gear. A referee will determine if he may continue or to be eliminated from the game. The paintballs are about the size of marbles; but they are spherical in shape with hard shell layers that enables the paintball to go a long distance and speed up the launch when fired at the target. Paintball guns appear similar to a real gun but it has a barrel container that stores and launch the paintball. It has a trigger that will activate the release and a reservoir that will store more paintballs. The propulsion is powered by pressurized gas. The execution will depend on the style the player thinks will be effective for defense. The thrill and excitement is what really makes people love this sport. Others consider it an activity that can be enjoyed with their friends and families. It will give a person a worthwhile experience with the adventure-like setting and the excitement of the game.

Resellerspanel launches version 2.0 of its control panel and a new web hosting plan

ResellersPanel, the free web hosting reseller program, announces that the new version of its Resellers Control Panel, simply named Resellers Panel v2, has been built, tested and launched. Some of the upgrades include better client management tools, a new Invoice Manager section, an improved statistics section with more details and an easier to work with main navigation menu with modified titles and descriptions of the different sections. Resellers Panel v2 now offers technical support through a new trouble ticket system, where the resellers can request help by opening a ticket or themselves provide direct support to their existing hosting customers. New updates to the clients’ hosting control panel, which is now available also in Dutch, have been made as well. They include multi-year bulk domain registration and multi-domain registration/transfer options, PHP5 support, new Registrar-Lock Status/Obtain EPP Key/Invite a Friend options, an RSS news generator, which allows the hosting clients to add free news content onto their websites, and an SPF protection section where they can specify which computers are authorized to send email from a specific domain and thus ensure their internet privacy. Easy-to-understand help tooltips have been added as well so that if a given hosting client is not sure what a certain section of the control panel does, they can simply point the mouse over the respective icon and learn more. ResellersPanel has also launched a new web hosting plan – the Enterprise plan, which is suitable for medium and large enterprises, as well as for web designers, webmasters and advanced internet users, and which offers 40 GB of Disk Space, 500 GB of Bandwidth, the ability to host unlimited domains, sub-domains, e-mails, databases and more. The Business and the Corporate plans have been improved as well so that the resellers and their clients can now host several domain names in a single account. Nick Blaskov, CFO of ResellersPanel, said that the new version of the control panel offers a large selection of new options, which will help the reseller hosting entrepreneurs to more easily and successfully run their online businesses, that from now on their clients will be able to register up to 50 domain names at once and modify their MX records, and that ResellersPanel will continue the development of its hosting platform by introducing a server load balancing cluster technology for all hosting accounts, multi-currency pricing and payments support, and a new kind of parked domains management.

How to set goals the easy way

Setting goals is extremely easy, although it can take some time to decide exactly what goals you should set for yourself. An easy way to begin is to first create a list of everything you would like to do in life. It doesn’t matter what you write, and the more things you can think of the better. When writing the list, try not to think of whether something will be possible or impossible to do, but instead write as though you were writing a wish list where you could have anything you wanted. By doing this you take one step closer to achieving your goals, as often many of our goals are simply left in the mind and forgotten about because we believe that we are incapable of achieving them. However you would be surprised at how many things you thought were impossible, were actually possible if you just took the time, and made the effort to go after them. Once you have created your wish list you should now choose 5 goals that you want to start working on immediately. These goals can be anything you like, although to give your life balance it is a good idea to choose 1 goal for each area of your life. For example, a goal for financial, romantic, personal, spiritual and health are good areas to begin with. Although do what you feel is best, so if you want 3 financial goals and 2 health goals that would be ok. However avoid concentrating your goals on one single area, as this will unbalance your life. Whilst it may be tempting to choose more than 5 goals, 5 is a good number to begin with as it allows you to focus your mind on a few specific goals, and devote more of your energy to accomplishing them. If you choose too many goals to begin with, you may feel overwhelmed and give up before you even begin. Once you get the hang of goal setting, you can then begin to add more goals later. In fact it’s a good idea to have as many goals as you can, but only when you feel comfortable with the process of setting goals. With the 5 goals that you have chosen, your next step is to write them in a goal format. This simply involves writing your goals in the present, positive tense. For example, I have or I am. This is extremely important as it tells the mind this is what you should have, rather than what you want or will have. So writing I Will or I have should be avoided. Now that you have your goals written in goal format look at them daily, and rewrite your goals in the morning and night to burn them into your mind. The more you focus on your goals, the stronger the desire will be to accomplish them. If you need more detail on goal setting please visit my website for more tips on how to set goals, and how to choose the goals that are right for you.

Grandfather clocks recapture the magic build your own

Every child in high school learns that a pendulum's rate of swing (its period) is proportional to its length. This is the only factor that affects the period. Galileo discovered this in 1582. Today's grandfather clocks are descendents of William Clement's clock from 1670. He had discovered that a longer pendulum meant more accurate time-keeping. The long pendulum had to be enclosed to prevent children (and adults) playing with it. Hence the long-case clock was invented. The name Grandfather Clock comes from Henry Work's 1875 song, "My Grandfather's Clock." If your parents or grandparents had a grandfather clock you are certain to remember it well. Its sounding of every hour with a tremendously resonant goooooonnnngg, the way it kept you awake all night until you were used to it, the daily winding ritual, its sheer presence. How many times did you stand and watch the pendulum swinging in front of your face, safely enclosed behind a glass panel? How many times did you ask to be allowed to pull on the chains that wound it up? These fantastic historical clocks are held in the memories of more than one generation. Modern homes are generally too small to accommodate a grandfather clock easily. Some people buy one to remind them of their youth, or perhaps, to give their children similar fantastic memories of the sight, sound and presence of this amazing timepiece. You can now buy plans or kits to make your own grandfather, or long case, clock. These clocks will obviously come at a lower cost than an antique, or any other ready made grandfather clock. The kits come in a variety of finishes, from palest pine to darkest rosewood. The most important thing to check out before you buy is the sound of the chime. You are going to live with this for a long time; you have to like the sound of your clock.

What is electronic data interchange

Electronic-Data-Interchange, or EDI is a method of computer to computer exchange of various types of information. While many people know of the internet and the World Wide Web as communication methods, the electronic-data-interchange is much similar. It allows the transfer of data from one place to the next with very minimal need for people to get involved. Today, the Electronic-Data-Interchange is regulated. It offers specific interchange methods that transpire overseas and nationally as standard bodies when it comes to moving information and business transactions from one place to the next. For example, this is the most common form of communication in the process of purchasing goods and servicesmunication for the location to the financial institution to deliver a message of the amount of funds required, in this case, is what data will be transferred. In most cases, the information that is transmitted in an electronic data interchange is done so that companies can communicate. They can provide information to allow business transactions or the passage of very important information. For example, in the healthcare industry they can be used to help communicate through the network about a patient allowing for a faster method of receiving information. This technology is still being developed in many areas, though. In fact, more and more so, people are turning to Electronic-Data-Interchange as their means of communication especially with more people turning to the Internet. The Electronic-Data-Interchange allows for networks of all sorts to communicate and this is helping ecommerce as a great way for companies to buy, sell or trade information and services. In fact, ANSI has just approved a set of Electronic-Data-Interchange standards. They are known as the X12 standards. Nonetheless, you will see more and more people using them because more and more people are getting online to do just these things.

Learning how to drive

I grew up in the era of moms and dads teaching us to drive. Yes we had Driver’s Ed, however, Driver’s Ed classes didn’t start until our senior year, by then most of us already knew how to drive. After all, at 16 we all wanted the coveted “learners permit!” My father taught me to drive. First we went over the basics, starting, stopping, the gauges, how the car worked, what to do on wet, dry roads, turns, and anything else my father could think of to have me prepared for any situation. Things you weren’t going to get from Drivers Ed. My dad shared his many years of experience, and it made me a better driver than most of my female and many of my male counterparts. Then, he took me into mid-Manhattan and told me to drive. For those of you who don’t know about NY traffic or mid Manhattan, it is absolute chaos. In amongst this chaos is the heralded NY taxi driver. “Believe me”, my father said, “if you can drive with the taxis, you can drive anywhere and will be ready for anything.” And he was right. Plus, in New York you had better know how to parallel park and to do it quickly, because if you took too long someone else was in there. My father actually had a stop watch and we practiced out on Long Island for several weekends and then back to the city we went. My father also insisted that I learn to drive and maneuver going backwards. I didn’t ask why, I just did it. We lived by a high school and we went into the back parking lot and I have to drive backwards around the lot more times than I want to even think about. Believe me when I say I could drive backwards as well as I did going forward. We also practiced around the cones, moving in and out of them, without knocking them over. If I knocked it over, I had to put it back up and then do it again until I could do it without knocking any over, going faster and faster each time. Very helpful when I had to make quick maneuvers on the Long Island Expressway. Also turned out to be very helpful in Funkanas and other events entered during the years. So, who taught you how to drive? Drop us a line and let us know. DeFiore Enterprises, Copyright 2005

Etiqueta de poquer

Si eres un principiante en el juego, o mas bien un experto que se ha dedicado toda la vida a apuestas y partidos de Pуquer, aprender las normas de conducta nunca esta de mas. Aquн te presentamos algunas reglas no tan estrictas pero importantes a la hora de demostrar tu estilo y profesionalismo. En el Pуquer: 1) No debes mirar ni intentar leer las cartas de los demбs jugadores antes de que ellos mismos expongan las cartas en la mesa. No es considerado apropiado. 2) No debes revelar el contenido de tus cartas antes de terminar ese partido o mano. Si lo haces los demбs jugadores sabrбn si has mentido o como es tu situaciуn. Tambiйn podrбn saber que otras cartas quedan en las manos de los demбs jugadores. 3) No debes comenzar la jugada si todavнa no llego tu turno. No lo hagas ni en broma, y si lo haces por error, pide disculpas a los demбs jugadores ya que es un acto que no es aceptado en el poquer. 4) No debes amontonar las fichas del partido apiсadamente o desordenadamente. Probablemente va a molestar en la mesa a los demбs jugadores, e interferir en el reparto de las cartas. 5) No debes ayudar a demбs jugadores ni decir cosas que influyan sus a sus decisiones en el partido. Puede causar problemas entre todos los jugadores. Cada uno deberб tomar sus propias decisiones y equivocarse es parte del juego. 6) No debes usar el telйfono celular en el casino. Si estas en medio del partido y debes recibir una llamada urgente pide disculpas a los demбs jugadores y retнrate del partido hasta que termines de hablar. 7) No debes hacer trampa ni estafar. Pretender que tienes mejores cartas de las que tienes es parte del juego, pero la trapa y la estafa estбn prohibidos. 8) No debes maldecir o usar lenguaje obsceno en el partido de Pуquer. Tampoco debes amenazar al repartidor del juego ni a cualquiera de los jugadores. Es importante mantener la calma a pesar de los resultados del juego. 9) Es importante respetar el partido sin quebrar, llorar, estropear las cartas a la mesa o a las fichas. 10) Finalmente, no traigas objetos electrуnicos como cбmara fotogrбfica o filmadora, radio, etc. Son artнculos inapropiados para mantener el estado neutral en un partido de Pуquer. 11) No debes fumar deliberadamente en medio del partido. En muchos casinos esta prohibido, y si juegas con amigos asegurate que no moleste a ninguno. Todas estas normas, como mencione previamente, no estбn escritas en ningъn reglamento del Pуquer pero si son importantes de respetar y recordar a la hora que te propongas jugar. Disfruta tu juego y buena suerte!

International adoption is it for you

International adoption is a very positive alternative for couples who've endured disappointing fertility results and failed domestic adoption attempts. International adoption differs from domestic adoption because of the sheer number of orphans available for adoption from around the world. The availability of orphans means that you generally get to exert more control over the process of adoption. Things also happen much quicker, and tend to be more final once a decision has been made. With international adoption you also have more choice in terms of selecting a child based on your specific preference of age, gender, race, and health. In many cases, children have already been abandoned by their birthparents, which means that international adoption procedures usually have minimal input from the birthparents. In most cases, this will be a plus. As an adoptive parent you really want to get on with your life and your new child with as little interference as possible. But in some cases, you'll want to make contact with the birthparents even if for information, and it won't be available. With international adoption, you need to be deemed a qualified parent, which simply means that you will need to meet the requirements of the foreign government. Your privacy is always protected in such cases, but international adoption is never something to be taken lightly. Some of the difficulties you will meet when deciding on international adoption are based on the difficulty of communication and the scarcity of information, which you will need to make decisions about the health and developmental status of your child. Do always consult an expert for advice on international adoption agencies and orphanages. Locate an expert pediatrician who has experience in international adoption. Many of these experts have screened international adoption organizations and can help you stay informed of risks and other dangers. By staying informed you keep your options open. By staying informed, your international adoption experience will result in a positive addition to your home and family life.

The ugly truth about exercise equipment

: You have probably all seen the various fitness equipment commercials. The claims made in these commercials tend to stretch credibility to the limit. You are invited to "Get the perfect abs in 10 minutes a day" or even " Have a sculpted body in no time." Each machine claims to use cutting edge technology with the express purpose to get you in shape and lose pounds with a minimal effort. Oh boy! If it was only that simple. We all desire to look great and feel healthy but you have to put some work in. This usually takes the form of a vigorous exercise schedule combined with a properly balanced diet. In order to lose weight and achieve a well toned body you will have to burn calories on a regularly basis. You don't have to be a genius to figure that out. There is a plethora of fitness equipment on the market and most are just fads which are fashionable for a few months then disappear never to see the light of day again. There is, however, one that is still a major player, and that is the treadmill. Torso Track, Total Gym 1000/2000, Ab Sculptor, Ab Rockers, Ab Doers, Slam Man, Thighmasters, Toning System, Door Gym, Orbitrek are the latest thing one day and then forgotten the next. You may ask yourself why you never see treadmills sold on infomercials? The reason is simple. It is because it is not a high profit, hyped up, exercise gadget, which is more the product of clever marketing than a serious piece of exercise equipment. Most infomercial equipment is designed for just one purpose, to make as much money as soon as possible before people discover that they don't work. Most of the price of this equipment is used in order to market it. So who would possibly want to buy this stuff? Usually it is people who mistakenly believe that there are shortcuts to weight loss and getting in shape. Achieving your fitness goals requires that you put in some work and the results will not happen over night. No machine is going to produce the results you desire without commitment from yourself. Have you ever seen any infomercial equipment at a health club? No, because they don't work and they're not built to last. What you will see, however, are a number of treadmills, often with people waiting their turn to use them. It really boils down to this. Getting fit is really the prodcut of two things - time and effort. The more time and effort you put into exercising the more calories you are going to burn and the more weight you will lose. If you are looking for fitness equipment that will maximize your efforts, then a Treadmill is the obvious choice.

How to train for a marathon

Training for a marathon is a process that takes a lot of time. To get yourself into peak condition for a long distance run, you will need to gradually ease your body into the kind of intense endurance challenge that a marathon provides. It is a good idea to set up a running plan at least a few months ahead of your chosen marathon event so that you can safely progress to the kinds of lengths and speeds you need to reach while staying safe and protecting your muscles from damage. You should plan on running at least five or six days per week throughout the training process. It is much better for your muscles to run shorter distances often than to overdo it with one or two very intense days of exercise per week. By pushing yourself a little bit farther each day, you are giving your muscles time to recuperate every night from the small amount of muscle trauma that is a necessary part of gaining power. This allows you to go into every workout with more strength than you had when you started the day before. It is a good idea to start with six short runs per week, and then gradually lengthen your route on a few days so that you are eventually running two long distances and four shorter ones each week. Your longer runs should be spaced equally through the week, so that you are running long distances on, say, Sunday and Wednesday. This kind of schedule will give you ample time to recover from the exertion of your long runs so that you don’t injure yourself. Your short runs don’t need to be very long, as merely three to six miles will be enough to keep you fit between endurance runs. Work your way up to your goals over the course of a few months, and by two or three weeks before your event, you should be able to start concentrating on speed rather than distance. This kind of rigorous training schedule can seem like a lot more hard work than it is fun. To stay motivated, it is often a good idea to take the time to appreciate how much progress you are making. If you are training with a big goal in sight, it can sometimes feel like you will never get there. However, it is crucial that you don’t try to rush your training process, as a large number of running injuries are likely to happen in precisely that kind of scenario. It is important to be good to your body by taking your time, but it is also important to be good to your mind by appreciating how far you have come. As a part of your training schedule, plan to reward yourself at several points along the way with a massage, or with a lovely and healthful meal in a nice restaurant. This will help you continue to feel enthusiastic about your training process, even when the going gets tough.

Horoscope

Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines Horoscope as a diagram of heavens, showing the relative position of planets and the signs of the zodiac, for use in calculating births, foretelling events in a person’s life etc. The dictionary further defines Horoscope as a prediction of future events or advice for future behavior based on such a diagram. American Heritage Dictionary defines Horoscope as an astrological forecast, as of a person’s future, based on a diagram of the aspect of the planets and stars at a given moment. The term Horoscope is derived from a Greek name meaning “a look at the hours. Horoscope is also called as astrological chart, birth chart, astro-chart, celestial map, sky-map, star-chart, cosmogram, vitasphere, radical chart, radix, or simply chart. Horoscope forms the basis of horoscope traditions of astrology. In layman’s terminology, horoscope means an astrologer’s interpretations of the chart through a system known as sun sign astrology. Now-a-days, many news papers and magazines carry daily horoscopes depending on the zodiac signs. It is becoming increasingly popular among the masses as it provides them some insights into their lives and they can take a peek into their immediate future. But most astrologers regard these as worthless as horoscopes are highly personalized and their interpretations cannot be generalized to thousands of readers just through one planetary placement. Astrological interpretations are derived from a horoscope diagram. In the diagram, the earth is placed in the centre and it is surrounded by the planets. To construct a horoscope, an astrologer has to the exact time and place of the subject’s birth, or the initiation of an event. The time is then translated into GMT. The astrologer uses the time difference between the GMT and local time at the place of birth to show where the planets will be visible above the horizon at the time and place in question. Then, a table of houses is used to divide the horoscope into 12 divisions around the circle of the ecliptic. Apart from these houses, the astrologers also have to take into account the aspects or relative angles between planets to construct a horoscope. Indian and Chinese zodiac signs are quite different from the accepted western astrological signs. Western astrological signs have been divided into 12 zodiac signs such as Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. This division is done depending on the date of births of the subjects. For example, persons born between the dates of July 24 and August 23 are given the Leo zodiac sign. The horoscopes available in the newspapers and magazines are not that reliable. Still, people from all walks of life and all ages seem to be obsessed with it. It has become a part of the daily morning rituals of many. In a country like India, astrological consultations to analyze the horoscope are a must for many important occasions. It is applicable to all the major events of day to day life, like the birth of a child, starting a new business, getting married, choosing a profession etc. Indians believe that one’s horoscope can affect one’s business or personal life. So, horoscope consultations are a must before any such important events. Any defects can be rectified with the help of certain rituals. Horoscopes are also important in choosing the correct match for a man or woman. If the horoscopes of the bride and the groom match, it is believed that the couple will have a happy married life. For matrimonial matching, a few documents are essential. Horoscopes of both the bride and the bridegroom, Date of birth, and time of birth, and place of birth of both. If horoscope is not available, then names of the bride and the bridegroom should be taken. Horoscopes can be used for predictions, longevity, health, marriage, business, education, job, children, divorce, court cases, and partnership in business etc.

Porch railing materials

Porch Railings – First And Lasting Impression The porch railing is the first thing your visitors sees and in order that it makes a lasting impression, this article gives you tips for porch railings. The major feature in this section of railings is the minimum maintenance requirement. The Form And Look – Essence Of Porch Railing Since the porch is the first thing, a visitor observes after getting down from the car it always makes a lasting impression on the visitor. Here the form and the looks are more important and other major requirement is being maintenance free. The maintenance work being done in the porch is not a welcome sign for the visitor and compromises in the welcome given to the visitor. Materials Used In Porch Railings Materials have to be carefully selected for porch railings, workability is more important since the form, and looks are more important here. Flowing lines and absence of corners is the design criterion in modern porch railings and the materials have to be suitable for such designs. Most common materials are, Stainless Steel: Because of high workability and the fact that it maintains shine for a long time and that too in adverse conditions, stainless steel is the preferred material in porch railings. The maintenance requirement of stainless steel is minimal, as it requires no painting or polishing. PVC coated steel: The steel can be coated with PVC in multiple colors. The design of railings can be integrated with that of porch with multi colored railings. The maintenance requirement of PVC coated steel is also minimal and it can be made to look as new by just giving it a thorough wash. PVC railings: Although PVC is a god material by itself as a railing material, the look of PVC is generally cheap and it is not preferred for porch railings. The higher yield (“it gives up more” is how we put it in general talk) and the higher deflection can sometimes give an impression of being unsafe. Therefore, it is not used as material for porch railing. Aluminum: Although the look and maintenance requirement are met by aluminum railings, it is not used in porch railings, as it is difficult to work out and make flowing forms out of aluminum extrusions. Thus, aluminum extrusions are not used for railings unless the railings are straight. Make your choice of material porch railings and make a good first impression on your visitor and it sure will last for a long time.

Great beans for the perfect espresso

The popularity of coffee is ever growing with coffee chains like Starbucks on every high street, espresso machines in every restaurant and a coffee vending machine in every office. Considering the number of countries that now produce coffee beans; over seventy around the globe, the conditions necessary for coffee growing are highly specific and the overall output is not that high. Although we always refer to coffee beans, the term is actually misleading as the green or red object that is roasted to make coffee is in fact a seed. It is found at the center of fruits that grow on trees, often about twenty feet tall but often reaching up to forty feet. The fruit looks a little like a cranberry and has a soft sweet flesh covered by a silver skin membrane. Usually seeds within these fruits are in pairs, although certain types such as the Peaberry only have one seed. Ideal conditions for growing coffee are moderate temperatures of consistently between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Coffee requires a high level of rainfall and humidity, over six inches of rain monthly is the required amount. These conditions are generally found near the equator, roughly twenty five degrees to the north and south, where most of the world’s coffee is produced. Coffee growing also requires good drainage, and mist and cloud to provide the aforementioned humidity. The highest quality coffees are grown at high altitude, preferably over three thousand feet, as the lack of oxygen at this level ensures that the coffee trees and fruits mature at a slower pace. Robusta coffee can be grown at lower altitudes and is often used because it is resistant to a lot of common diseases, but it has higher caffeine content than its better quality partner, Arabica, which is used for superior roasts. The initial investment in coffee farming takes some time to pay off. Once a tree is planted it can take at least five years to come to maturity and its first harvest will only yield enough beans to produce two pounds of coffee. To make those two pounds of coffee takes roughly two thousand beans, hand picked and sorted by plantation laborers. Along the equator, in Kenya for example, mature beans can be found on the same tree as still ripening ones, which makes picking a real skill. You can begin to see why coffee is an expensive commodity. Coffee trees have wide, dark green leaves, and as well as the fruit, the produce a flower similar to Jasmine. The blossom period varies greatly by country, the trees in Brazil and Mexico flower for between six and eight weeks. From the time of blossoming, the crop will be ready to pick at about nine months, although this is determined by the climate. Trees will bear fruit for about twenty five years, after which the tree is no longer good for producing coffee beans. Depending on the success of the harvest, a good crop will yield between six and nine thousand pounds of coffee per hectare. So next time you complain about the cost of that after dinner espresso, think about the effort that has been put into producing it and you may be a little softened.

Digital electronics and renewable energy go hand in hand

Someone once said "It takes money to make money," and that is mostly true. Today, we might add, "It takes energy to make money," with reference to all the wondrous digital electronics we use every day to conduct business and create things. Problem is that it can take quite a lot of energy to run all the computers, peripherals, big screen display and multimedia installations in our homes and offices. And a bunch more to keep all those cell phones, digital cameras, GPS systems, iPods and handheld gaming systems charged and ready to go. So while the cost of energy keeps rising, and more and more people realize that climate changes, pollution and diminishing oil reserves demand a move towards renewable energy sources, we consume more and more with all of our beloved electronics. Does that mean that the very progress that brought us the wonderful world of digital electronics is also digging us into a deeper and deeper hole of energy dependence and spiraling monetary and environmental costs? It doesn't have to be that way. Business and the environment do not have to be at odds. There is, in fact, a green electronics movement that seeks to make our beloved electronics more energy efficient and environmentally friendlier. The movement covers the entire spectrum from huge international conglomerates pledging to recycle, reuse and conserve, all the way to electronics being more energy-efficient and either bio-degradable or easier to recycle, thus reducing what is now called "e-waste" from millions of tons of landfill to reused and recycled resources. Saving energy and recycling makes perfect sense, and it's no surprise that there are now companies devoting themselves to green electronics and energy sustainability. After all, it's good PR and makes economic sense. But it goes farther than that. There are now even companies that sell both digital electronics AND renewable energy products. It's easy to see how a firm belief in renewable energy, conservation and sound energy policies may drive an environmentally conscious business owner to sell items like solar and wind energy products as well as digital electronics made by companies that have realized that business and society are interdependent and thus embraced green technology. What is "green technology?" It can be products certified for low emissions, products certified to be more energy-efficient (like the Energy Star pledge and standard), or products using solar chargers or other energy saving technologies. It can also mean support of companies that are actively "going green" by increasing recyclable content, removing environmentally harmful substances, using renewable energy in the production cycle, and supporting environmental conservation causes and projects. Why would companies go green? Because it's not only the right thing to do, but also because it's an increasing competitive advantage to be seen as a green company that cares about the environment. Just like a lot of consumers reject pesticides and insist on organically grown food products, more and more consumers insist on buying green, energy-efficient technology from companies that care. It's good to know that megahits like iPhones and Wii gaming consoles are made by such companies. What we're seeing here is really an inevitable, accelerating trend towards smarter, greener and more efficient and conscientious consumption. We all must fight waste and embrace clean, sustainable, renewable energy.

Law of attraction the power of gratitude

Before the law of attraction can work, you need to be grateful of your present condition. Whatever your current situation is, be grateful for that. Do not resent your life situation no matter what state of condition you are currently in. There are people who are far less fortunate then you are and they are not feeling resentful. Before the universe can address your desires, you need to show gratefulness. Being born into this world is already a privilege. Life is a privilege and you must keep on blessing your life and show a lot of appreciation. Just accept your present condition with gratitude. And when you go into deep meditation, which should be a daily ritual, thank the universe for it. You see, the universe was the one who gave you your present condition in the first place based on your previous thoughts, and resenting that is like telling the universe you are not grateful to it. Bless your condition every morning when you wake up and every night before your go to sleep. Being grateful with your present condition is like starting over on a clean plate. Like in a bad marriage, you start over by forgiving what you had done in the past and forgiving each other, and promising to forget what happened before and start something new. Well, this works in the same way. Forget the past, appreciate your present condition and work on changing for the better. Being grateful takes no more energy than feeling ungrateful. So why feel ungrateful? You get a far better result, because the universe is going to give you whatever your desires are and life will be wonderful. Once you accept your present condition and each time you go into meditation, you are taking yourself to a higher plane or dimension. Each time you feel grateful and tell the universe that, you are on your way to becoming a fourth dimensional person. When this happens, you can attract what you desire quickly and elegantly. The sooner the universe knows that you want to change, the sooner that your requests will manifest. People who are already successful using the power of law of attraction, are seldom negative, temperamental or resentful. In fact they are the complete opposite and always want to share their successes and guide you through the same path. They are not selfish or arrogant because they know the law resent that in them. You can see them on television today. These successful people promote the value of the law of attraction to help people all around the world because they know that by helping and sharing, they also get abundance. What a wonderful way to live when all you do is being grateful and help people. Should not everyone be like this? If everyone knows this law and practices it, we can eliminate war, hunger and poverty, and this world will be a great place to live, much like what is was intended to be when it was first created.

Paying off your credit card balances running the numbers

Ever thought about paying off your credit card balances? Maybe you would like to be debt free just to reduce your stress. Or perhaps you need to be debt free to retire. If you have Microsoft Excel running on your computer at home or work, you can use Excel’s NPER function to calculate how quickly you can pay off a debt such as a credit card balance. The NPER function calculates the term, or number of regular payments, needed to pay off a debt given its interest rate, payment amount, oustanding balance, balloon payment (if any), and, optionally, the type-of-annuity switch. The type-of-annuity switch is a little complicated, but here's how it works. If you set the type-of-annuity switch to 1, Excel assumes payments occur at the beginning of the month, following the annuity due convention. If you set the annuity switch to 0 or you omit the argument, Excel assumes payments occur at the end of the month following the ordinary annuity convention. But let me show you how the function works in theory and in practice. All of this will become quite clear, I'm sure. The function uses the following syntax: =NPER(rate, pmt, pv, fv, type) For example, to calculate the number of $100 monthly payments required to pay off a 9% credit card that has a $10,000 balance, you enter the following formula into an Excel worksheet cell: =NPER(.09/12,-100,10000,0,0) The function returns the value 185.53, representing roughly 185 payments and then another roughly half payment. Notice that to convert the 9% annual interest to a period interest, the formula divides the annual interest rate by 12. Notice, too, that the payment amount, as a cash outflow, shows as a negative value while the loan balance, as an implicit cash inflow, shows as a positive value. One final note: The NPER function rarely returns an integer, or whole-number result. As in the preceding example, it commonly returns a fractional value, indicating that after the last regular payment, an additional fractional payment will also need to be made.

Hair loss in women

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women In the past few decades, hair loss in women has become a growing problem. More and more women are complaining of thinning hair. There are a number of reasons for this hair loss. Most often it is because of a hormonal imbalance, other times, hair loss is an after effect of surgery or pregnancy. Taking specific medications such as the birth control pill, blood thinners, or anti fungal medication can also cause hair loss in women. Women who have had chemotherapy treatment have also experienced hair loss. And these are just a few of the many causes out there. Diseases and Hair Loss In Women There are also certain diseases that can cause hair loss in men and women. One of the warning signs of diabetes is hair loss for example. Specific tests need to be done to rule this or any other disease out as a cause of hair loss before you take any further action. When Is Hair Loss In Women Normal? At any given point in time, hair experts predict that about seven to ten percent of a woman's hair is in a resting period. This resting period can last approximate two to three months. When the resting period is done, the hair falls out. New hair immediately starts to grow back, and could take up to 6 years to grow out. Hair expert theorize that approximately ninety percent of all hair is growing at one time. It is the normal to experience hair loss on a daily basis. Treat Your Hair With Care The way hair is treated can affect hair loss. When hair is always tied back, either in pigtails or ponytails, it can cause a condition called Alopecia. This condition results in scarring on the scalp and new hair growth is prohibited. Often, women will have their hair permed or colored, to make it look better, but this can damage the hair beyond repair and actually cause Alopecia as well. Can Doctor Help With Hair Loss In Women? A medical doctor may be of assistance in the diagnosis of hair loss in women. A doctor will perform an exam and ask a series of questions to help with the diagnosis. It is important to answer all questions honestly. If it is needed, a biopsy will be ordered to rule out any type of cancer. Treatment Options For Hair Loss In Women There are treatment options for hair loss. It can be very simple. If the hair loss is due to medication, then a different medication can be prescribed. If the hair loss is due to infection or hormones, again medication can be prescribed. In the past decade, hair loss drugs such as Rogaine have been developed for hair loss for women. This medicine can be found in over the counter pharmacies everywhere. There are special doctors who can offer hair transplants to women, however, it is quite expensive, and virtually all insurance companies deem this elective cosmetic surgery and do not cover it. When All Else Fails When all else fails, there are specialty shops that offer custom made wigs, weaves, and hairpieces to accommodate any woman who wishes to have luxurious hair.

Real estate is your friend invest in it

Here the term "Real Estate Investing" and the typical person probably imagines some Herculean figure who has tons of cash, guts, or both. The truth is real estate is blown way out of proportion for some in terms of its sheer mystique. The bottom line is real estate is the number 1 way for the average Joe and Jane to add to their bottom line in a big way. The first thing you should do is think differently. Instead of looking at someone like Donald Trump and say, "Wow, I can never be as smart as that guy." Transform your mind to say "What do I need to learn and do to achieve the levels of success in real estate that I deserve!" Don’t be a lemming (that’s what got you in the financial rut in the first place!) by using the same exact words. Feel free to carve your own personality from that same bold statement. Oh man, do I really have to go to the library as well as go meet people. Yes! Real estate is a people business. And knowledge will help make you more effective in working with people in the context of the business you select. You can start by joining a real estate club with like minded individuals. Look around, what are they investing in? Chances are, it’s in residential properties. And if you speak with some of them, you will realize not all of them were millionaires to start off with. Owning a residential property can be a good first step because it allows you to gain appreciation in value over time, which thereby increases your net worth as well. Your ability to leverage that value increases as well via methods such as refinancing which can provide additional investment capital for you. Overcoming the mindset of negativity or impossibility in investing in real estate is the first step. If you decide you want to build long term wealth, and feel real estate is a good place to invest in, and then keep at it, and it’s only a matter of time and effort before you become one of those Herculean figures that everyone feels daunted by. Perhaps you can educate them on the reality then.

Bushnell telescopes why they are the best

With a growing obsession in the skies, many people are gazing upwards to the stars and planets, and with the number of meteor showers increasing people are turning to the 50 years of experience that a quality telescope can bring to the viewing table. Quality optics and precision engineering make Bushnell a well regarded name in viewing enhancement. When deciding to obtain a telescope, you will need to first decide the main purpose for which you will use it. For night viewing of the stars you will want a telescope with as big an aperture you can afford and still carry around with you. If portability is an issue you will want toe select one of the Bushnell telescope models that will not be too heavy to carry around with you and is easy to set up so you are not wasting time on getting it ready to use that could be spent on viewing the skies. Refractor telescopes are ideal for beginners as they are easy to assemble, portable and do not weigh much. If you plan to look at both the night sky and day time ground-based objects, a refractor-type Bushnell telescope is great for both uses. Reflector telescopes are usually heavier and bigger, but are good for night viewing for finer detail. Their large aperture opening allows you to view distant night skies. Another very important feature when considering the purchase of your Bushnell telescope is to ensure that it has a solid base. Generally, these bases or mounts are tripods. Mount Bushnell Telescope for More Stable Viewing It is worth remembering that when the telescope is mounted on a base that the telescope can not vibrate or move. Obviously, any movement by the telescope, when peering into space, will distort the image being viewed and may ruin your experience. If you decide it is time to get serious about your astronomy hobby then you will need to consider a computerized Bushnell telescope. With these you simply enter your coordinates and the time of day from a menu and the telescope will try to automatically find your target. The other use for a Bushnell telescope is to use a computerised mount which will keep the telescope static on one piece of the night sky.

Cheating spouse infidelity investigations

The idea that a loved one may be breaking sacred promises and engaging in an outside relationship is accompanied by a myriad of emotions. You feel betrayed, you feel abandoned and left alone to survive in a world that has been utterly unfair to you. Yet the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with not knowing the truth may be even worse than the abandonment itself. It disrupts your life and prevents you from moving on. It deprives you of peace, sleep, and is emotionally and physically taxing. We at Lakeside Investigations understand this, and are here to prove to you that you are not alone. You can fight back and take control of your life again, and we have all the state-of-the-art tools ready to put to good use--to get you the truth once and for all. We are experts and professionals. We work with clients like you every day to get them the proof they need to improve their lives. Confidentiality and results are our highest priorities—and the initial consultation is always free to you. In fact, we realize that you may be uncomfortable about revealing your own identity, so we are willing at first to consult with you anonymously until you feel confident enough in our professionalism to reveal yourself to us. The reality in life is that infidelity happens a lot, and while it is difficult and painful to think it might happen to you, it is also immensely important for the truth to come to light. Not only does infidelity hurt emotions and disrupt lives, it may also be extremely dangerous for health reasons. So if you suspect your spouse or significant other of infidelity, it’s very important that you do NOT confront them. This will only cause them to change their habits and deprive you of the certainty you require for good health and peace of mind. The first thing you should do is call us, the experts at Lakeside Investigations. If you believe your spouse might be cheating, then never forget that you have a right to know—and statistics are on your side proving that 85% of all women who suspect their men are cheating are correct. And the same is alarmingly true for 50% of men who suspect their wives or girlfriends might be cheating. Yet you still need the proof that will get you not only the peace of mind you deserve, but the moral and legal vindication that you need. We have the capacity to bring all that actionable proof right to you. At Lakeside Investigations, it all begins with very detailed background work, which includes planning and investigation that is tailored to the lifestyle of your spouse or significant other. Many of our competitors waste your time and theirs performing shallow investigations based on their own schedules. Next to nothing gets accomplished in this way, and you end up wasting money on circumstantial evidence—or worse, on no evidence at all! Our investigators are committed to finding proof of what your spouse is really up to, and this will mean you must provide very detailed and specific information to us that will put us on the right track. The difficulty that this situation may present to you is understandable, and our consultants are compassionate toward this. At the same time, it is necessary for you to be candid about all the areas of your spouse’s personal life that might be relevant to the investigation. The thoroughness with which we question you will give you an idea of just how far we will go in the actual investigation to get you the truth you need. We know that you are desperate now to find out the true activities of your spouse, and we are committed to match that desperation with our meticulous attention to all the details that will uncover the most discreet activities of your mate. Our experts are highly trained in the systematic methods of cheating spouse investigations that are guaranteed to produce the most accurate results. However, let us also assure you that all actions we perform will be carried out with the utmost discretion and the strictest attention to propriety and good taste. Our goal is not to embarrass you or create an unnecessary scandal. We simply recognize your need and right to know the details of relationships in which your mate is engaged, and we are committed to providing you (and no one else) with that information. We are careful to provide the most thorough investigation so that you are free and able to use it in legal proceedings, or simply to confront the cheating spouse and get your life back on track—but we leave that decision up to you. Call us now for a free and confidential evaluation. The profile we’ve provided above is made up of a list of behaviors that point toward a cheating spouse or significant other. While no single one of these behaviors should be considered evidence of a cheating spouse, if a few of these are present in your spouse’s behavior then your alarm is understandable. Life is too short and yours too important to continue living in misery and doubt. We’re here to help you ease the pain by winning back your happiness, security, and freedom. We guarantee exceptional service at affordable prices—and our level of service you won’t get anywhere else! Call now.

The power of backlinks

As an Internet Marketer you want to collect as many links as you can to your website so that it appears to be an authority on the subject for the search engines. Search engine traffic is considered by many to be “free” traffic. It’s not like pay per click (PPC) or other types of traffic where you are paying for people to visit your site. Anyone that finds you through a search engine is really a free visitor! And if they buy from you, then that means they are free money too! Getting a high ranking in the search engines is considered by many to be a black art, with the search engine geeks trying to keep one step ahead of the search engine optimization gurus. With the continual changes in search engine technology it is very difficult to keep up to date with them and to keep your site optimized and ranking high. This is why backlinks actually work out to be one of the most effective search engine optimization techniques on the market. They are cheap, quick to develop, and long lasting. They are also not likely to ever be completely penalised by the search engines. Yes, certain types of links or links to certain sites may detract from your search engine ranking, but quality backlinks will always be good for your website and your business. A backlink is effectively a link from another site to your own. Here we are talking about one way links, i. e. they link to your site, but you do not reciprocate. This holds more value in the eyes of the search engine and benefits you much more. There are a lot of different ways to get backlinks to your website, including: Articles – submit articles to the article directory and the resource box will contain a link to your website – a free backlink! Directory entries – every niche will have at least several hundred directories of sites that are relevant to that niche. Get yourself listed in all of these, and you have lots of free backlinks! 3 way link exchange – unlike traditional reciprocal link exchanges where two sites point to each other, this is a slightly more cunning way which is meant to fool the search engines. It does mean one of the link partners needs two websites though. Website A links to Website B which links to Website C. Person A owns Websites A and C and Person B owns Website B. To the search engines, these appear as one way links (at the moment! There is talk of the search engines wising up to this). Forums – posting in forums is yet another method of getting your link seen. If you participate in the forum discussion then usually you can have a link to your site in your signature file. Remember though that you must add value and not just blatantly promote your website or post to get your signature file shown as this will result in bad will towards you and eventual blacklisting and banning Blogs – putting comments on blogs is another way to get backlinks. However, be aware that if you are not adding value with your comment it may well be considered spam and then deleted and blacklisted. So don’t just post “great entry”, writing something that is useful and appropriate. Backlinks are surprisingly easy for you to acquire with a little bit of work. If you don’t want to do the work yourself then you can very easily hire someone who will do it on your behalf, though make sure they will be ethical about it! With backlinks you can boost your search engine rankings and get yourself free traffic, which means free money when they buy your product!

Expired domains targeted website traffic

An average of 19,260 domain names expire every day. This number has increased tremendously since the same time last year when expired domain name figures were more like 1,200 daily. The expired domain name market is becoming increasingly popular with webmasters, who are locked in a fierce competition to stay one step ahead and get all the best domain names. The question is why do webmasters find someone else's old domain name so interesting? What happens a lot of the time is people register a domain name, or purchase it for a year, they develop a web site and advertise it, to get targeted traffic. This takes a lot of time, money and effort, then due to unfortunate circumstances they may forget to re-register their domain, either they have lost interest, over looked a reminder that domain renewal was due or changed their e-mail address during the year that they used to register. Then just like that the domain name is up for sale. Because of this, the domain, or address that they have created and all targeted traffic with the domain name becomes available for purchase. Thousands of these expired domain names are available every day. There are several tricks to knowing how to find these domain names, and how to know which domain names are valuable and which are not, and, most importantly, how to get to them first. There are many benefits for picking up an expired domain name, unlike a new domain name, the expired name already has traffic that can come from search engine promotion, directories, forums, back links and a whole host of other promotion methods. Webmasters are using this to their advantage, either selling the domains for a profit, selling a web site with traffic already entering the site, or use as valuable sub domains for their own enterprise, thus increasing traffic to their own sites. Quite often webmasters will register with an online service that notifies them daily of pending expiry of domain names, that will soon be up for purchase. This can keep a web master that desired extra step ahead of competitorspetition for expired domain names, especially one word, catchy names is fierce, as they are in high demand and easy to remember, having most likely been around for a long time. So it is not surprising that some of them can be very valuable, for instance, a domain name could sell for $1M, yet it only costs $10 to re-register. Benefits for acquiring an expired domain name are numerous, depending on what you want to do with it. For a small sum of around $10-$15 you have the potential of increasing traffic to your web site instantly, saving you a considerable amount of time, money and bother. It could be the cheapest targeted web site traffic around.

Law of attraction they are all making you poor

There is one very important step that is often overlooked by most people who are working hard to apply the law of attraction. That step requires that you surround yourself with the sort of people who already have what you are trying to manifest in your life. Have you ever heard stories or witness people who change dramatically because of the new crowd they were associating with? Perhaps you have noticed yourself developing certain habits after having the company of certain friends. If all your friends complain about money every day you may begin to realize that you have several complaints about money that you previously did not have before. We become like the people we surround our selves with. I knew a man who was working tirelessly to create financial freedom in his life. He worked diligently with the law of attraction in keeping his thoughts clear and positive as well as to maintain a deep focus on his goals. Each day he was able to see great success until one day he came in contact with an old friend. Within a few short weeks he realized that his new found joy and personal power began to head south and he was feeling very discouraged about life. All his business ventures began to suffer and it seemed every thing around him was about to crash. After taking sometime to reflect on what had suddenly gone wildly wrong with his life he realize the source of his failing business and personal life. His new friend, although a source of fun was a complete pessimist. Every single time they met his friend complained excessively about everything and doubted everything which seemed to be good. He complained about the economy and he complained about those who had acquired any sort of wealthy. These conversations began to creep slowly into the mind of the first man and slowly his outlook became tainted by the dim view of reality that his friend was drilling into his head. Although he tried to maintain a brighter outlook his own thoughts were in conflict with the thoughts that his friend was presenting to him. With law of attraction you manifest what you speak about or focus on with great passion. Often times people do not realize how much time they give to listening to others whose outlook is quite dismal and just how much those dismal thoughts do influence your ability to successfully apply the law of attraction to your success..