Factors To Think About When Choosing A Broadband Internet Service

Undoubtedly, broadband is the future of internet, but there are other ways of getting onto the internet. If speed isn't something that you need to have, you may want to look for a company that offers dial up service. It is much slower than the broadband but it can be much cheaper. It isn't good enough if you need to download large files or watch videos, but if you just need to write email or get information from the internet, it can work just fine. Broadband internet providers, especially some of the smaller ones will more often than not offer dial up as well. The idea is that you don't have to pay for a service that you don't need. As a person deciding on a service provider, consider what the service will be used for and then make a decision to use broadband or dial up services.

However, if you decide to change from dial-up to broadband internet either because of business needs or for faster surfing speed at home. By and large, broadband internet refers to permanent connection at 256 Kbps or any transmission that is higher than that.

There are two significant benefits that a broadband internet can offer you. You are automatically connected to the internet by once you turn on your computer. Broadband providers usually offer unlimited surfing package, which means you can surf as long as you want for one flat price.

Hundreds of service providers offer broadband internet promising clients of "super fast" access to the internet. This can be misleading because some service providers do not meet these promises. That's why it is imperative to consider a few things before getting a package for your broadband connection.

How Broadband Speed Affects Your Internet Experience

When you acquire a broadband service, one of the things you often need to think about is the speed of broadband service being offered to you. Although your broadband provider may attempt to make it appear as if it's vital to have the fastest speed, you need to think about your needs for what you want to do with your Internet connection. Understanding your personal needs in broadband speeds will prevent you from buying too much or too little. Certainly, what most savings-minded people are interested in knowing is when broadband speed enters the realm of being too much. Generally speaking, if you're simply browsing the Internet, then you will enjoy the speed of broadband, but don't need to purchase the fastest connection possible. Most text-based documents such as e-mail, news sites, and similar sites, simply don't need connections that are superbly fast.

If you begin doing other activities, such as downloading music and watching online videos, then you might want to get something slightly faster than the basic broadband speed. Remember, a little goes a long way. But generally speaking, the amount of data any single web page will transfer information to you at will be at a slower speed than your broadband connection, so there's potential for wasted bandwidth.

In some situations, you may realize that you don't have enough broadband speed to support your activity. However, these are the extreme cases. If you have many Internet users who like to use the Internet at the same time, such as having high school students who regularly enjoy playing video games over the Internet, you will absolutely desire a faster connection. If you make many peer-to-peer downloads, download a lot of videos and music, or browse numerous pages at one time, you also may need a faster connection.

Last but not least, another thing to think about when deciding on what bandwidth speed is your upload speed. This will have an effect on any data you send out to the Internet, including sending e-mail, transferring files to remote servers, and hosting web pages. Generally speaking, if you plan to run your own website, get broadband with fast speeds for uploads. Or, better yet, have a remote hosting company host your website at fast speeds without increasing the price for your home connection. On the whole, for both uploads and downloads, you should cautiously assess how heavily you intend to use the Internet and purchase accordingly, and you'll end up getting what's just right for you.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about how to choose the right broadband provider, please visit http://www.internetbroadbandprovider.com.Alexandra Blog25306
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4 Good Reasons Why Woodworkers Should Use Diamond Sharpeners - From a South African Perspective

For years, woodworkers have lived with the problems of sharpening their tools on oil stones, water stones and ceramics. Unless they are careful, their sharpeners do not stay flat. This in turn makes sharpening more difficult. These sharpening stones can be slow and it can take 30 minutes to properly sharpen a chisel.

There are 4 reasons why diamond sharpeners have been growing in popularity:

The first reason is their ability to stay flat and not to groove like other conventional sharpeners ( oil stones, Japanese water stones and ceramics). Woodworkers find this feature invaluable. Woodworkers can then focus on sharpening their tools, not the additional task of maintaining a flat surface on their sharpening stones. A consistent flat surface means the task of flattening the back of plane irons and chisels now becomes both fast and accurate.

Secondly, diamond sharpeners dramatically speed sharpening to save time and labour costs. The harder the material being sharpened, the more time saved. It is a well known fact in abrasive technology that the removal of chip clearance and clearing of abrasive particles speed stock removal. Maintaining a constant angle of the tool to the sharpening surface is the key to producing a sharp edge. The much faster sharpening speed of diamond sharpeners, compared to conventional methods makes it easier to keep and unchanging wrist angle. The constant flatness of diamond sharpeners also help maintain the tool angle to the sharpener.

The third reason is their economical benefit in providing optimum control of carbide removal to extend the life of carbide tooling compared to sharpening services with diamond wheels. Diamonds are the hardest material known. They are four times harder than tungsten carbide and so can quickly sharpen carbide router bits and other tooling. Only a little carbide is removed at a time with the diamond sharpener. Because of this, carbide tooling life can be extended 5 to 7 times when sharpened on diamond sharpeners.

The fourth benefit of diamond sharpening stones is the cleanliness. You only need water as a lubricant, no need for the higher viscosity of a honing oil to suspend swarf and keep the abrasive surface clean. There is no chance of oil, carried by a tool that is sharpened, staining or contaminating the work piece.

Diamond sharpeners come in a spectrum of diamond sizes. Typical of most manufactures are the following ranges: 220 grit/9 micron (x-course), 325 grit/45 micron (course), 600 grit/25 micron (fine) and 1200 grit/9 micron (extra fine). Sizes are measured primarily by mesh. Mesh refers to the count of wires per inch in the weave of a sieve for sorting particles. Hence, a larger mesh number designates a smaller particle. Today, high quality diamond abrasive is sized with a more sophisticated technology than the old sieve method by using the particle of Stokes Law settling action. Crystal sizes are also measured in microns.

The micro size used depends primarily on the tool to be sharpened. The 220 grit (x-course) rapidly removes metal and is appropriate for dressing nicked or damaged knives and chisels or for flattening the soles of plane irons. For rapid sharpening the 325 grit (course) is recommended. The 600 (fine) efficiently hones precision tools and refines the edges honed by the 220 (x-course) and 325 (course) grits. Sharpeners with 1200 mesh (extra fine) are used to polish and refine cutting surfaces and cabinet making and machinist tools after stock has been removed by the coarser grits. Good quality diamond sharpeners use uniform diamond sizes to produce a superior finish to woodworkers tools.

Andrew SmitArleta Blog33676
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Using Your Health Savings Account to Pay for International Travel

Thousands of U.S. citizens are taking advantage of the low cost and high quality of foreign hospitals by traveling abroad for medical treatment. The savings are often 75 percent or more, and the entire cost of treatment may even be payable with tax-free money from a Health Savings Account.

Medical tourism first began to get popular in the 1990's, when people began traveling in large numbers to Brazil for cosmetic surgery. But as costs have continued to rise, thousands of Americans have been traveling overseas for real medical conditions, such as knee replacements, by-pass operations, heart valve replacements, and other serious issues. Many countries are seeing medical tourism as a good way to bring in foreign money.

In many cases the quality of medicine available overseas is equal to the top hospitals in the U.S. Patients are showing up at places like the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, India, part of a 36-hospital chain founded by a cardiologist from Massachusetts General. A heart valve replacement may cost $50,000 to $100,000 in the U.S., and only $12,000 in India, including travel costs.

Escorts Heart Institute and Research Center, in Delhi, India, is another popular medical tourist destination. It was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan, an authority on robotic cardiac surgery formerly based at New York University.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has just announced that they will pay for treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand for individuals from South Carolina. Over 80,000 Americans received treatment there last year. The hospital boasts that over 200 of its doctors are board-certified in the U.S, and will perform a knee replacement operation for 20 percent of what it would cost in the U.S.

Who Does This?

Dodie Gilmore is a 60 year-old rodeo barrel-racing champ from Oklahoma. She runs a 180 acre ranch, but could no longer ride a horse because she needed a hip replacement. Her health insurance plan had an exclusion that wouldn't cover her operation, and she really didn't feel like paying the $35,000 it would cost her. Instead she and her partner flew to India where she had the surgery at the Max Institute of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement.

Her physician was Dr. S.K.S. Marya, who averages one American hip-replacement patient every week. Dodie's total coast, including travel, was only $11,000. She even managed to take in a tour of the Taj Mahal.

Forty to Sixty percent of those surveyed say they would consider surgery abroad if it could save them $5,000 or more. Going out of the U.S. (perhaps even just to Mexico), could be a worthwhile strategy if you have an exclusionary waiver on your policy, if you'll be having elective surgery not covered by your health insurance policy, or if you have a high deductible plan.

What is the Risk?

According to the Institute of Medicine, over 100,000 accidental deaths occur in hospitals every year. And that's here in the U.S. Hospitals are a dangerous place to be, and you want to spend as little of your life in one as possible. So there are risks everywhere, and probably greater risks outside the U.S.

But the magic of the free-market does give you some protection. There is a lot of money flowing to countries and international hospitals that practice high-quality medicine. If a hospital does not provide quality service, you can bet its customers will go elsewhere, particularly if they are choosing among anywhere in the world.

The influx of foreign patients (and money) is enticing more western-trained doctors to return home, so the choices are actually increasing, and the quality and prices continue to improve. I believe that if you use care in choosing your provider and structuring your treatment, the risks are no greater than having surgery here in the U.S.

How to Research Your Options

Keep in mind that most health insurance plans still will not cover for treatment outside the U.S., particularly if you are traveling specifically to receive medical care. So check with your insurer if the cost of the treatment is going to exceed your deductible.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations certifies hospitals here in the U.S. Their international division, Joint Commission International, certifies hospitals throughout the rest of the world. Make sure the facility that you are considering has been certified by them.

Then check out your doctor. Confirm that he or she is English speaking, and was trained in the U.S., U.K., Australia, or Germany.

Finally, consider hiring a consultant to help you choose the best hospital and surgeon for your needs. A good service will not only set up the treatment, but can also arrange all travel plans, meet you at the airport, and act as your liaison while you are being treated.

If you spend money from your Health Savings Account to pay for international medical care, the amount you withdraw is tax-free. Health Savings Account regulations also allow you to cover the cost of your travel if the reason you are traveling to get medical care is not "for purely personal reasons."

When choosing how to manage your health, you should carefully consider all your options. International travel is a great option for people with Health Savings Accounts.

Wiley Long - President, HSA for America (http://www.health--savings--accounts.com) - The nation's leading independent health insurance firm specializing in individual and family coverage that work with Health Savings Accounts.Auberta Blog87458
Bellanca Blog63466

The Importance Of An IT Degree

The explosion of the information technology world has created a need for highly skilled workers able to handle heavy programming and tight network security. Every end of the spectrum in the computer world now requires in depth training and knowledge to be able to meet the demands of a computerized civilization. Communications, databases and the number of computer networks mean that anyone breaking into the job market with the hopes of working with technology needs certified qualifications and solid skills to be a contender. Competition for employment is stiff and only those with proper knowledge will get into massive corporations or important jobs. Of course, basic training in PC repair will solidify a long term job for you in a computer store, but with the opportunity to expand your skills into something far more valuable, why limit yourself rather than specializing in programming, video game design or software development?

Working in the technological industry can be very good, as employment conditions are favourable. Most working hours are set at 40 hours per week, geared to when the maximum number of employees are using the networking system or tapping into the administrative database. Also, thanks to that same technology you would be studying, someone with an IT degree can easily work from home and provide the same service to their employer as they would on site. There are, however, some drawbacks to working in an IT environment: emergency situations such as viruses, massive backups or network repairs, or meeting a certain deadline can mean longer hours in the evening or on weekends, though usually not on a regular basis.

Technology changes rapidly and pressure to excel at skills does mean that those who work in the industry must always be continually updating their skills or learning new ones as developments occur. Of course, a secure, long term job position can mean that recycling skills may not be necessary, but should your IT employment with one company come to an end, you may find that you no longer have the qualifications to be competitive in the job market when searching for a new employer. For sure, businesses today nearly always only hire people with IT degrees and anyone lacking that certification won't be able to find a job, no matter how skilled or talented they are.

There's more reason to invest in achieving an IT degree. The job prospectus for someone with high skills and abilities is very good, and the public's desire for bigger, better, and more will continue to push companies to develop new software and find solutions to make individual's lives easier or more productive. Computer scientists and database administrators are predicted to be the fastest growing market for those with an IT degree, so specialization in those areas will ensure that you'll be quickly employed at a good salary. However, even without specialization, most people with an IT degree will land jobs, as companies are also looking for people with a wide range of knowledge, including interpersonal and business skills. Spreading out can make you just as valuable as specialization.

An IT degree provides you with the training so that you'll become a valuable asset to any company. Indeed, most businesses today seek out top students and professionals with certification from the best educational institutions to help them protect their valuable data and keep their computer network functioning at its optimal potential. The starting salary for someone with solid skills and certification begins somewhere around $60,000 and only goes upwards from there. Your investment in an IT degree will certainly pay itself back many times, and you'll be able to break into a rising area of employment opportunities that will have you set for life.

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College offers many Information Technology Degree programs. Please visit Virginia College at http://www.vc.edu/site/department.cfm?deptID=2 to select the IT program that is right for you.Alidia Blog87545
Beth Blog15571

How To Locate Cheap Health Insurance Quotes

There are a number of companies that will provide online health insurance quotes at no cost. This is an excellent way to compare plans and find the best deal on rates. If the monthly premium is a concern, this is a good way to determine if you can pay less monthly.

In most cases, there are affordable health insurance family plan that can cover you and ensure your financial security in case of an emergency. No one ever plans to get hurt or be out of work due to an illness. Not only does this cost you with your paycheck it can also leave you straddled with thousands in medical bills. That is the reason that health insurance is so important.

Cheap family health insurance is not easy to come by, but you should be able to find a reasonably priced rate. The monthly premium is hard to come by every month, but the alternative can prove detrimental. One doctor's visit or day in the hospital can devastate even wealthy resources.

If you own a business, you may qualify for small business health insurance plans. This could be an incentive and attractive package to potential employees, as well as save you thousands every year. You can cover your family as well as offer the coverage to employees at a discounted rate. Group insurance policies allow for lower deductibles, affordable premiums and a few add on that individual policies may not have. Any time that a group can come together the prices will be reduced.

If you are looking for affordable health insurance quote for individual and family start on the Internet to find the best deal possible.

Joe Stewart is a former life and health insurance agent that now enjoys helping others. Visit our website for more tips on health insurance at http://www.TheHealthInsuranceGuys.org right now.Alisa Blog22877
Anabelle Blog99203

Great Food With Highest Calcium Content

There are several kinds of foods that are believed to be ideal source of calcium. However, some are rich in fats that seem unhelpful and can cause negative effects for those people who want to diminish the amount of fats in their body. The most common dairy product that provides a good source of calcium is milk and all its by products such as yogurt and cheese. Typical sources of milk are cow, carabao and goat.

Fruits and vegetables are also perfect for your calcium needs. In fact, most of the doctors are recommending habitual eating of the said foods because these are rich in fibers that help cleanse the human body from other components that are not necessary for the processes. Sour fruits that have tolerable acid component are also rich in calcium. For the kids, these are usually given to them in order to maintain stronger bones and teeth.

Resources of calcium that can be purchased in the market are also available. Fish such as salmon is not only known for containing calcium but protein as well. The fresh one is better than the canned or processed salmon. On the other hand, if your problem is all about your diet you can try eating foods like grain products.

Necessary procedure must always be followed regarding the proper and the right amount of calcium we need to take in our system everyday. Doctors who had previous problems with patients encountering zinc deficiency, assessed that too much intake of calcium can be a major cause for some health problems. The reason behind this is that excessive calcium may hold or obstruct the absorption of iron and zinc into our system. Thus, blockage can be a result of this deficiency.

Taking a healthy and balance diet is the best remedy for us to have the sufficient calcium intake everyday. A small amount of foods that have calcium at least found in your three main meals for the day can ensure that you will be free from zinc deficiency.

Dietitian and physicians are preparing their versions of diet plan that you can follow in your meal routine per day. In most cases, they determine the kind of foods depending on a certain level or percentage of calcium content.

Choose the right kinds of foods for your calcium needs so that you can get rid of the possible deficiency that you will encounter in the future.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on calcium, please visit http://calcium.articlekeep.comAngelique Blog7258
Anjanette Blog84074

A Guide to Banking for Students

A bank serves as a financial institution, providing complex financial services, right from the maintenance of deposits to extending credit. A little guidance and initiative help students to improve their personal credit record.

Banking offers the convenience of not having to handle large sums of money, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. Moreover, most of the financial institutions enable you to earn interest on your money deposited in a particular account.

There are a number of bank accounts and financial plans that are specifically designed for students. Today, students handle allowances that take care of all their financial requirements and if judiciously saved, could save them from debt in the future too. It is essential for students to select the right bank.

Tips to select the right bank for students:

The following tips would help students in selecting the best bank for themselves:

- Services offered: It is essential to opt for a bank that meets your specific requirements and serves you efficiently.
- Convenience: Before selecting a bank, you should check the location, working hours and your accessibility.
- Insured federally: Always look for a bank that is insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDCI insures most banks. It indicates that even if the bank goes bankrupt, you would get your money back, up to $100,000.
- Bank fees: There are bank fees associated with the bank accounts. They charge fees on dropping below the minimum balance, overdraft protection, issue of checks and many more.

Requirements in setting up your banking services:

Financial institutions require you to submit certain important documents, for opening a bank account. They are as follows:

- Your social security number
- A photo ID, like a drivers license, passport or student ID
- Proof of address
- Your signature on a card or form that is maintained by the bank

Essential banking services for students are as follows:

There are student and graduate accounts, with a number of attractive fringe benefits, designed especially for students. Students struggling to excel in their chosen fields usually cannot afford to pay back the money they borrow, within the expected time frame. Banks offer them the facility of special accounts, designed to increase their loyalty to the financial institution in good time.

Some of the essential considerations to be made, before opting for banking services are:

- Student accounts: A student account offers advantages like vouchers and discounts on branded articles and department stores.

- Overdrafts: Overdrafts enable you to pay your university fees without carrying liquid money. Therefore, it is essential to pick an account with an interest- free overdraft limit.

- Overall package: Though, the overdraft limit is necessary, you need to study the overall bank account package offered. You need to check the fees and charges applicable for certain services.

- Support: Before opening a students account, you need to ensure that your account provides you with dedicated support at time of crisis.

You should select a banking service only after conducting substantial research and analyzing the banks credentials.

Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store visit for the best UK loans and offer more information on debt consolidation loans and other loan topics available on site.Bess Blog91982
Aliza Blog30325

Wintergreen Resort Ski Vacation

Known as the single best ski resort in the South, Wintergreen Resort in Virginia has quite a bit to offer skiers. Featuring 11,000 acres with 19 trails, Wintergreen has a top elevation of 3516 feet, with a 1003 foot vertical drop. Beginners, intermediates, and experts will all find suitable trails at Wintergreen Resort.

To accommodate skiers, there are six lifts, including five chair lifts and one surface lift. There is also a dedicated terrain park for snowboarding. The resort is located near Charlottesville, Virginia, and you will experience breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, and be surrounded by luxury that most people only dream of. There is also a world class golf course located near the resort.

Other activities include tubing, snowmobiling, tennis, hiking, and horseback riding. The Out of Bounds Adventure Center is a very popular attraction at the resort with rock climbing and bungee trampolines. The Outdoor Wilderness Leadership school offers corporate retreats, real rock climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking.

This is an ideal spot for a family vacation. You and your children can participate in a variety of craft workshops, enjoy campfires and storytelling, go on hay rides, and enjoy many more community events that are scheduled throughout the year. There are many planned activities for families, including winter hiking, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and swimming in a cozy indoor pool.

While vacationing at Wintergreen Resort, make time to see the civil war history attractions, and visit the local wineries as well. Also take time to enjoy the Wintergreen Spa. At the spa, you can be pampered with massages, body wraps, skin treatments, and nail care. You can also visit the Mountaintop Aquatic and Fitness Center which features the latest in cardiovascular equipment, strength equipment, heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.

The Wintergreen Performing Arts has many musical performances throughout the year that are sure to delight you and your family. If you are less interested in culture, and more interested in nature, the Wintergreen Nature Foundation is for you. This foundation promotes the understanding and conservation of natural resources that the Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for.

No matter what your interests are, if getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life is what you want, this is the number one spot in the South for fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The Wintergreen Resort is open all year long, with activities that are suitable for every season.

Burt Cotton http://www.myskiholiday.comBarry Blog65485
Amalie Blog78893

Learning in the 21rst Century: The Educational Playing Field Is Leveled

I never try to teach my students anything, I only try to create an environment in which they can learn.
--- Albert Einstein

The 21rst century is going to change how people learn and earn their degrees of choice. Many of the worlds top universities are studying distance learnings many trends, so theyll be ready for an entirely new type of student emerging today distance learners. It is projected by both International Data Corporation and Gartner Group that the majority of students in colleges and universities throughout the world.

Consider the factors that the top universities around the world are looking at, and be encouraged that the future of advanced education is coming to a personal computer near you. The educational playing field is getting leveled; and its making it much more affordable and available for anyone looking to improve themselves:

Women have outnumbered men on college campuses since 1979, and are 60% of distance or online learning students who are over 25. For many women who are already committed to their families, communities and friends, interrupting their lives especially those who are mothers is very tough. Distance learning is going to give more women than ever before a chance to improve themselves, than has ever been possible in the past. Whats so exciting about this is the chance for women to achieve their potentials while caring for their family, friends and community.

Foreign students no longer hindered by visas or green cards. For literally millions of students who want to attend universities in nations other than their native one, the hassles of getting even a visa to stay for a semester or year at a time are over. International Data Corporation predicts that 500,000+ foreign students, or 3.5% of total postsecondary enrollees, study online and spend over $13 billion over the time of their degrees.

Gartner Group sees the potential of 1.6 million international distance-learning candidates by 2005. With the pervasive adoption of Internet access on virtually every continent, Gartner Group sees major growth globally for distance learning in highly developed and emerging nations as well.

International Data Corporation predicts that by 2005 there will be 45 million users online in higher education alone. At the heart of why so many universities are focused on distance learning is that by 2005, the online education market will be $215B in revenue. Given the escalating costs of in-class courses and tuition fees, the worlds universities have no choice but to embrace distance learning and reach students where they are, with new programs that are affordable for those students on a global scale.

Summary

Its a very bright future for anyone interested in getting to their educational goals with online learning programs. The worlds universities continue to see their costs escalate up for their traditional programs; online and distance learning is a low-cost approach for them to reach double or even triple the students they teach today. The bottom line is that the playing field for anyone in the world looking to better themselves through distance learning is getting leveled daily a quality education is as close as a personal computer with an internet connection.

Rose Musyoka is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/distance-learning-colleges.html and http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/college-accreditation.html.Allix Blog492
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How To Find The Best Desktop Computer Deal

If you are unable to find desktop computer deals that truly strikes your fancy, the best advice is to simply to wait for five minutes. After all, computers are consistently getting more and more powerful, not to mention cheaper, and nowadays it is no longer that hard to find a decent enough, mid-range box for less than 400 dollars, which is a pretty good deal if you ask me. There are two important aspects of sourcing for good desktop computer deals. One of them is of course patience, and the other one is research. If you can combine both of these, you are virtually guaranteed to find a very decent machine at a great price.

The best thing is to start with researching desktop computer deals. What is it that you want inside your computer? Do you need the latest, high-powered engine, or would a relatively dated computer (up to 18 months) be good enough to start with? Before you start looking for desktop computer deals on the latest, most powerful machines, take a brief moment and think if you really need them. Honestly, for all intents and purposes, you can find a better desktop computer deal on a slightly older machine which will work just as well for you. Again that would depend on how you use it.

The simple fact is that the latest models are always going to be more expensive. If you need one, wait six months until it goes down. Unless you are a really serious gamer, or a researcher involved in complex analytical work, look for middle of the line desktop computer deals instead. Most other types of work will rarely require these kinds of advanced electronics.

The other thing that you have to do some research in is quality of product. What desktop computers will last, and which ones would not? What are the highest quality components? Does the company offering you desktop computer deals provide good warranties? Finding a cheap computer is less exciting when you find out that that computer is a lemon. The fact is that desktop computer deals are not real deals if you get a crappy machine out of them.

Just as important as doing your research is being patient. Once you find out the specific type of computer you want, don't just go out and buy the first machine you set your eyes on. Look for deals on a desktop computer for a while. Compare prices and wait to see which one is coming down. Think about how long you are willing to wait. The important thing to realize about desktop computer deals is that the longer you wait, the sweeter (i.e. cheaper) they become, so if you are able to put off buying your computer for just a wee bit longer, by all means you should.

Paul I. Etkin is a writer for http://www.articledirectoryzone.com Zone. The site provides readers with the latest insights and write-ups on all things http://www.computingguidezone.com and business.Cairistiona Blog74204
Augustina Blog83130

Discover How You Can Beat Michael Jordan In Athletics!

As each day passes by, my daily routine takes its toll on me. I go to work, come back home, see my family and everything i do seems to choke my private time out since i had very limited few hours to myself each day. However, i have learned to buy out time inspite of my pressed schedule. Do you find time for exercising?

What is your schedule like, are you busy like me? I have dozens of people from different walks of life. I watch people who work in different places and who are engaged in different activities. Some work in offices, construction firms, dentists and so on. My interaction with these people have shown me that the issues of Fitness, dieting and exercise are things you do only when recommended by a professional. To these people, issues of becoming an ace athlete is left for those who are born to win, those who are athlete right from birth. But there is no such thing. Each person determines what he becomes after due diligence on any sports or activity. Besides, the issues of dieting and fitness is an issue that should be common to all and sundry. This is because this fact determines how long or short your existence is.

Most people who aspire to be top athletes hardly dream about doing better than sports legends who have been. They believe these people have the monopoly of being a legend. But in reality this is not the case. These legends made themselves and they are not even better than you, infact in many ways you can excel more than them. If you seriously apply hardwork, you too can be a better ace athlete.

Let's use Michael Jordan as a case study. Michael is a sport legend of our time. He had achieved so many feats that very many people think is impossible to achieve. However, he slowed down when he discovered he had the deadly disease called AIDS. The Media came and the whole world have this information at their fingertips. Then there was a pause in his achievement and it seems everyone stopped hearing about him, including you reading this article.

But the truth of the matter is while it may seem that he is no longer as good as he used to be prior to his infection, he is waxing stronger and defying death, in that he keeps applying himself in ways to improve his health and continue in what he has always excelled in - Basket balling, even though he was at the risk of dying.

Thus he has become one of the most courageous and inspiring star in his field and his legend will live on many centuries after his demise. So he will never quit as quiting may even be more riskier for him.

My point is when you start to exercise - as you should - it is preparing you to be an ace athlete. And What is more, you can even outperform Michael if you come to learn his secrets, which are no longer secrets any way. All you need to do is remodify his system, do better in all his activities by exerting yourself vigourously. Work towards endurance, stamina, intensity, muscle, and the like, while still maintaining a balance in your regular daily life.

Even if you are not considering a career in sports, it is important that you apply yourself to regular exercise because studies have shown that those who do this out-live the majority of people who dont.

So if you dont have a regular routine of exercise in your daily activity, you may be at risk and you can pay for this with sudden and untimely death. Get started now to avoid this.

Joe Okoro writes about how to become an Ace Athletes in his free reports. You can sign up for his courses and get additional information by visiting http://www.coolcashjackpot.com/aceform.htm.Ali Blog65064
Catherina Blog58284

How to Review Your Home Security Needs & Choose a Home Security Company

Before you choose a home security system, it is important to take the time to review your needs. There are three primary areas that should be assessed: your security needs, credibility of the security company, and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, undoubtedly, you will be the best judge of what your actual needs are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself. An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the most vulnerable spots, such as a window facing an open field or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all the problem spots and can recommend the best type of equipment to protect them. He/she will also be able to tell you exactly how many contact sensors, motion sensors, video cameras, etc. you'll need to protect your home effectively.

Next, youll need to consider if it would be favourable to install a stand-alone security system or one that comes with central monitoring. If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is advisable. Credibility and reputation of the security company are important factors to consider, especially if youre planning to go with the latter choice. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You'll obviously need to make a choice that covers your security needs reasonably and fits within your budget. Keep in mind, however, that many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed; this may help to offset a part of the cost of the security system.

Choosing a Home Security Company

When you're looking for a home security company, you will find both large companies (like Brinks and ADT) to smaller companies that are authorised installers for the bigger companies. In between these two lie medium sized firms that offer affordable prices for their security services.

Most companies provide multiple services such as assessing your security needs, installing the equipment and central monitoring. You should check if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, has power backups in case of a power outage, a good staff training program and a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

When you're ready to invest in a home security system, talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. They will conduct risk assessments to ascertain your home security challenges and how to address them.

Reputable home alarm companies will meet you in person at your homenever exclusively by phone. They will look around, discuss your needs and possible limitations, and recommend solutions that have worked for other customers.

Experts recommend getting quotes from three to four different installers. Ensure that you get all pricing quotes in writingincluding set up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties. The first company you speak to may seem to have a fantastic deal, but don't sign anything immediately. Take your time and meet with a few other companies and find out who offers the best balance of price and security. Some security companies require you to sign a contract for a certain length of time, which can easily extend to a period more than a year. Once you sign the contract, it can be difficult (and expensive) to get out of the contract.

Once you receive quotes and narrow down your search of home security companies, get references from each providerprevious clients who gave permission to be contacted about that dealer's service. Find out why they chose that particular company and ask questions about the companys quality of service:

Did they install the system quickly, within the timeframe they guaranteed?

Are they readily available if you encounter any problems?

Did the representative explain to everyone in your household how the system works?

Were the contracts unambiguous and straightforward?

If you ever experienced an intrusion, did the central station speedily dispatch authorities?

Will you receive a reasonable notice period if the alarm company sells your contract off to another central station?

In addition, some of the questions you should ask when talking to different security companies include:

- How long have they been in business?

- Do they have the relevant licenses and certifications?

- Are they insured against damages during the alarm installation?

You could also talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations.

Anthony Neary represents online Safe retailer http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk. For more information and a wide range of security safes visit the online Safe Shop store at http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk.Carlyn Blog71758
Catha Blog65439

The Hidden Meaning of Their Summer Vacation

Everyones big on emotional intelligence now, because weve learned the hard way that a persons people skills can make or break them in the workplace. If the person is highly exceptional in their field, it can be a close call, but all things being equal, we prefer to work and socialize with people who are pleasant and know how to get along.

The person with high EQ always tunes in to how the other person thinks and feels, in order to smooth the road for communication, instruction, sales, influence, leadership, or just plain congenial interface in the workplace. However, others tend to wear masks and not reveal too much, for protection, because theyre naturally reticent, because theyve been taken advantage of, because they think its professional, or because their culture dictates blending in. Also from fear or ignorance.

So how can you find out more about someone in a non-invasive manner? Ask them about their vacation. Most people will let down their guard in this area. You might assume its a topic most people are excited about, but and here begins the EQ lesson that isnt the case. We do everything like we do everything else, so listen and learn. Here are some things to listen for and process:

ATTITUDE

Not everyones enthusiastic about their vacation. Some will whine and complain because:

1. Once I take it, its gone for the year

2. It isnt worth it. You have to do so much before you leave.

3. Two weeks isnt nearly enough for what I have to go through here

4. US workers are cheated. The French get 6 weeks off.

5. The reservations always get screwed up, the hotel will be lousy, it always happens to me

6. I know Im going to hate Montreal. We always end up going where she wants to go.

7. I cant stand my brother-in-law/mother/his kids

Optimists will be gung-ho about every aspect. You can expect the person to approach work tasks or requests in the same manner optimistic, pessimistic, or as the victim.

CONFIDENCE

In telling their plans, the worriers will say:

1. I dont know if Ive got the right clothes

2. It sounds like a good hotel, but Im not sure its the best one

3. I hope my wife likes Cozumel

4. I hate to leave my car at the airport, but if you call a cab theres no guarantee it will show up

5. I dont know how Ill get everything done booking the kennel for the dog, getting a house-sitter, stopping the newspaper

6. What if theres one of those virus outbreaks on the cruiseship?

If you have a worrier on your hands, theyll need much reassurance before taking on an assignment, and hand-holding in the process. Its their natural style to worry. On the StrengthsFinder they would have deliberativeness for a strength. You can discount by 50% their concerns about a work project and use them to outline the worst-case scenario and ferret out the loopholes for you.

INTROVERT/EXTRAVERT

In talking about their vacation, the introvert will say:

1. A 10-hour plane flight. Like I want to sit next to some insurance salesman and listen to his life story for 10 hours

2. The cabins are isolated. We like it that way.

3. It sounded great until I found out my girl-friend had invited her whole family

4. Its a River cruise. Few people, no bar or gambling. You dont have to sit with other people for meals.

5. I plan to read a lot

6. We get a balcony suite and watch the sunset, just the two of us

The extravert will say:

1. ClubMed! Think of all the other singles Ill meet!

2. On the strip where all the action is. We love to mix and mingle.

3. Its gonna be great. His whole familys going to be there.

4. We like cruises, the bigger the ship the better. Theres always someone to talk to!

5. Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square! Total tourist trap, street shows and vendors, cheap souvenirs, everyones drinking, dancing, noisy! I love it!

You can use this information in planning committees, office space, work groups, and general interface with this person.

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

Here are some replies to Are you ready for your vacation?

1. Sure am. Ive got my books chosen.

2. I still need some dresses. Im sure there will be people there in jeans, but I like to dress.

3. Yes. We were lucky enough to get orchestra seats for the opera.

4. This time Ive convinced him to just get a tent and camp out.

5. Yes but Im dreading it (hiking). My idea of a vacation is room-service in a 5-star resort.

6. A bathing suit and some shorts. I love these barefoot cruises. Very physical.

7. High and low. Gowns for the opera, and no bathing suits required for the hot tub at the spa.

8. Im finally going to see the Louvre!

9. I love cruises. No car to hassle. Room-service. Food 24/7.

Someone who chooses to go camping or hiking for their vacation is likely more physical and casual than a person who wants to wear a tux and attend the opera. You can check out the assumption that the hikers and campers will prefer to be treated more casually and are more group-oriented and active than the culture and spa hounds, who may be more reserved, and either sensual (always concerned about the thermostat and the ergonomic chairs) or sedentary (ask someone else to run the errands).

LIFESTYLE & VALUES

Sometimes just a sentence or two will reveal things about their lifestyle and values you didnt know. For example:

1. Were just hanging out at home. I never get to see enough of my family. Besides, moneys tight right now.

2. Santa Fe. Love the art, the spas, the opera. Just having trouble getting a room for less than $350 a night.

3. Weve booked an affordable resort in Iowa. All the kids and grandkids will be there.

4. Its our annual family holiday. Marys rich brother has a condo at the beach. We all bring food and take turns cooking.

5. Going to see Annes mother. She probably wont live another 6 months.

6. He always takes me to Paris for my birthday. It costs a fortune, but he can afford it.

7. Jim wanted to take that Mexican train trip. I always let him choose.

8. Missionary trip to Belize. Ive organized a group from church.

9. Seattle. And man I hope we get along this time.

In inquiring about a vacation, you can find out whos a leader and whos a follower, and idea of their financial situation, who the person chooses to be with, whos an introvert and whos an extravert, who might be having marital problems, what their interests are a whole range of information.

And remember, while youre observing, youre being observed. Ive sat with work groups where the top brass quizzed one another about vacations, and acted as if the support staff didnt have a life. Remember that the person who isnt nice to the waiter, isnt a nice person and respeto means having respect for all people, regardless of their fit in the workplace hierarchy. Its a team, isnt it?

Whether its two weeks on their own yacht, day trips to the lake and public parks, babysitting the grandchildren, staying home and painting the house, or catching all the art museums in NYC, the person with character, manners and high EQ is inclusive, and listens and responds positively.

©Susan Dunn, Personal Life Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc, mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc . Susan offers individual coaching, Internet courses and ebooks for your personal and professional development. Career, retirement, relationships, emotional intelligence, wellness, stress management. Email for fr*e ezine. Susan is a regular speaker for cruise lines and the author of Speak on a Cruise and Travel the World for Pennies, available at http://www.webstrategies.cc/acruise.html . She trains and certifies coaches worldwide.Annissa Blog86030
Bertie Blog10408

Debt Consolidation With Unsecured Personal Loans

Everyone knows how quickly monthly credit payments can add up. Between credit cards, auto loans and medical bills, it can be very overwhelming. Add high interest rates to the equation and it can be virtually impossible to get out from under the burden of all that debt. It truly is a vicious cycle a cycle that enriches the profits of many creditors. Take, for instance, a credit card with a 5000 balance that carries a 22% interest rate and has a minimum payment of 130. At this rate, it will take seven years to pay off the credit card at a cost of about 10,000. Thats twice the principal balance on the credit card! Add one or two more credit cards, an auto loan and a hospital bill and its no wonder that consumers are becoming prisoners to their creditors.

Many people today have found a way to manage their debt through unsecured personal loans. This type of debt consolidation is really geared toward those who do not meet the normal lending criteria, meaning those with lower credit scores and/or those considered sub prime or high risk by traditional lenders. Many things can contribute to a less than desirable credit rating, the worst, obviously, being things like bankruptcy and foreclosure. More commonly however, credit scores are tarnished by late payments and an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio. Unfortunately, once the damage is done and it can be done rather quickly it can take years to repair. Whats a person to do in the meantime?

In the past, there was not much that a person could do except wait until enough time passed and all the blemishes were erased off. Creditors viewed those with low credit scores as abusers of the credit system. When so many consumers today are living paycheck to paycheck, it is virtually impossible to not have some kind of derogatory mark on your credit report. A 30-day late payment can lower a credit score by 30 - 75 points. Imagine what a month or two of unemployment can do to a credit score. In a matter of weeks, someone with great credit can fall into the abyss of the sub prime - a hole from which it will take years to emerge. However, a new trend is developing as many lenders have found that a low credit score does not equate to a deadbeat, non-paying borrower. In fact, many lenders are specializing in working with those with problem credit to help them get back on track.

There are several companies out there who specialize in making unsecured personal loans to individuals with sub prime lending criteria. Most will grant loans for amounts as little as 250 and as much as 25,000. Loans are available with same-day approval and no upfront fees. To ensure a loan company is reputable, be sure to look for one that is regulated and registered as a finance broker. Borrowers may also want to look for a lender that offers comprehensive insurance in case of an illness or unemployment.

An unsecured personal loan helps a persons financial position by consolidating all debt into one manageable monthly payment. Instead of writing, for example, five different checks to five different creditors, the five accounts are consolidated into one with a single lender; therefore, only one check is issued. Most often, the interest rate on the personal loan is lower than that on the credit cards and the single monthly payment is generally less than the sum of the five individual payments. Homeowners would generally use a home equity line of credit to accomplish this, but since an unsecured personal loan requires no collateral, it is ideal for UK Council Tenants, Housing Association Tenants, Private Tenants, MOD Tenants. In fact, individuals with any residential status can take advantage of this type of credit.

While approximately half of these types of loans fall into the debt consolidation category, about 20% are requests for new car loans. Borrowers are also looking to fund such things as holidays, weddings, even cosmetic surgery. The loans offer an opportunity for someone to splurge on something that is important to him or her.

It is important to borrow only as much money as you can afford to repay. Thats why its a good idea to do an income and expenditure exercise before applying. Income should always outweigh expenses and money for savings and emergencies should be included in that budget. It is also important to remember non-regular expenditures such as gifts, vacations, entertainment and clothing. If it turns out that there is more money going out than coming in each month, debt consolidation can still help, but it may be necessary to give up some of the non-necessities. To assist with preparing a budget, The Office of Fair Trade website offers a free budget tool. The site also provides information about credit, finance, and loans. It prompts certain questions to ensure that the consumer has shopped around for the best deal and that he or she is making a wise financial decision.

An unsecured personal loan can mean different things to different people. Whether its used for debt consolidation or otherwise, here are some of the benefits:

Lower monthly payments
Pay off debt more quickly
Increased monthly disposable income
Rebuild credit
Enjoy that dream vacation, car, body, stereo system, etc.

Choosing a lender can be tricky. Borrowers should look for a company that:

Is regulated
Is registered as a financial broker
Charges no fees upfront or otherwise
Offers insurance policies to cover illnesses or unemployment

When done correctly, debt consolidation with unsecured personal loans can mean a better financial position for many.
By PA Davis sponsored by http://www.tenantloansuk.com/ who provides Unsecured Personal Loans: http://www.tenantloansuk.com/ from 250 to 25,000 for any purpose for non home owners. Please link to this site when using this article.Alyson Blog60501
Aggy Blog50436

Fire Your Web Design Agency ... A Story From A Dallas Web Design Company

The headline could have been a slight over reaction on my part. You are not going to fire your Web agency entirely. However, you can reduce your monthly maintenance costs by performing Web updates in-house. MAC Advertising and Design offers various Web support and maintenance packages at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full time employee to perform similar activities with the Content Management Tool.

Todays web sites are no longer a one time build. Successful web sites and web campaigns require ongoing support, updates, case studies, Blogs, RSS Feeds, new looks, product launches & updates, forums, events, company news and much more.

Our Content Management Solution allows any admin the ability to log in and make changes and updates to their web site through an easy to use module, similar to editing a WORD doc. This requires about 2-3 hours of initial training, and then subsequent changes can be made easily, whenever you need them and as often as you please for a fixed cost.

MAC Advertising and Design has been in business since 2003 and has produced countless quality Web sites. From lawyer web site design to realtor web site design, we have an in-depth portfolio. Although located in the Dallas area, we are able to offer professional Web site design services anywhere in the United States. MAC is a professional, affordable Web site design Web site design company that offers Web services to businesses nationwide. We are a Web design firm specializing in flash Web design, ecommerce Web site design and HTML Web site designs that are SEO friendly. We are the Dallas Web site company that other Web firm professionals come to. We work with your company to define objectives and develop graphic design objectives for their Web sites and interactive tools to achieve them including bilingual Web site design to reach a broader customer base for your business. Our clients range from realtors to law firms; from construction companies to personal trainers.

MAC Advertising and Design is a premier Web site design company in Dallas offering Web site design and development. We service both small and large companies with custom Web site designs that are affordable for every budget. Web site design and development: Dallas area and nationwide.

We take pride in offering the following Web site design services:
Fast-Loading Web sites
Clear and Clean Navigation throughout
Professional and Custom Web site Design
Excellent Web design satisfaction

Visit and see why MAC Advertising and Design should be your choice for Web site design and development, as well as your other advertising needs.

Nathaniel McLaughlin
MAC Advertising and Design, Dallas Web design
http://www.macadv.com

Nathaniel McLaughlin is Creative Director for MAC Advertising and Design, a Web and graphic design firm in Dallas. MAC Advertising and Design is a premier Web site design company in Dallas offering Web site design and development. We service both small and large companies with custom Web site designs that are affordable for every budget. Web site design and development: Dallas area and nationwide.

Akilah McLaughlin is President of MAC Advertising and Design, a Web and graphic design firm in Dallas. MAC Advertising and Design is a premier Web site design company in Dallas offering Web site design and development. We service both small and large companies with custom Web site designs that are affordable for every budget. Web site design and development: Dallas area and nationwide.Bathsheba Blog24769
Cammie Blog69726

Home Equity Lines Of Credit For Starting Your Own Business

All the initial steps for starting your own business can easily be financed with the funds obtained from a home equity line of credit and the flexibility for repayment will provide you with the ease you need to concentrate specifically on your business instead on repaying the loan.

The characteristics of home equity lines of credit are perfect for this purpose.

In this article we will analyze the concepts of home equity and home equity lines of credit and explain why these particular lines of credit are perfect tools for starting new businesses and what the benefits that these financial products provide are.

Defining Equity

Equity is the difference between the current value of your property and any pecuniary obligations that it is guaranteeing. These obligations can be liens, mortgages, etc. The amount of available equity is obtained by subtracting the amount of the outstanding obligations to the valuation price of the property.

Thus, if you own a property that is worth $120,000 and your current mortgage balance is around $70,000 that means that you still have $50,000 of available equity on your home that you can use for obtaining a loan or line of credit and use it for any purpose you can think of. Following we will analyze home equity lines of credit for starting businesses.

Lines Of Credit for Businesses

Lines of credit are revolving sources of funds that can provide you with all the finance you need for starting a business if they are based on sufficient equity. The idea is that you are granted credit up to a certain amount limit which is guaranteed with your home equity. In the above example you would count with up to $50,000 on your line of credit to start your own business.

There is no need for you to withdraw the whole amount and as long as you dont request money, the line of credit wont generate interests. Youll only have to pay a small maintenance fee.

Moreover, say you withdraw $10,000, the interest rate will only be charged over that $10,000. Once you repay the amount, it will stop generating interests and you can withdraw that amount or any amount up to the credit limit whenever you want.

As regards repayment, it is also very simple. You will only be required to repay a minimum amount every month, just like with credit cards. This minimum almost always consists on the interests and sometimes a small portion of the principal. This provides you with a lot of flexibility.

When starting a business you cant be suffering pressure from lenders because you need to concentrate on generating income rather than repaying a loan. Thus, home equity lines of credit provide you with all the finance you need and dont asphyxiate your business with high monthly payments.

Once your running business generates enough income for you to cope with higher payments, you can start repaying the principal at your best convenience. Moreover, you can easily fix the interest rate (that is otherwise always variable) and turn the home equity line of credit into a home equity loan.

Jessica Peterson writes financial articles for http://www.Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.Beth Blog23055
Bonni Blog19665

San Antonio Schools Celebrate Successes and Create New Programs to Further Achievement

San Antonio Schools Creates Program to Prepare Freshman for Future Success

Beginning this school year, Ninth grade students in San Antonio Schools will have more resources in helping them gain success in academic studies, college, and future careers. In addition to their regular classes ninth grade students will be required to take Freshman Prep class. San Antonio Schools Freshman Prep class helps students create a plan for the next four years and their future. The Freshman Prep class is intended to have students be prepared for college upon graduating from high school. The Freshman Prep class follows guidelines set by San Antonio Schools and the Texas High School Project District Initiative. Students will be expected to create and follow a standardized plan that features four core subjects each year and construct supplementary areas of interest or conduits from which students can select. The San Antonio Schools Freshman Prep class includes instruction on note-taking, time management and teaches how to develop good study habits that students can use throughout their high school and college studies. The main goals that San Antonio Schools have for the program are: to increase the number of students who complete 9th grade, provide a more rigorous and balanced four year high school graduation, ensure that all graduates are college ready, offer students opportunities for individualized guidance from their counselors, encourage increased parental involvement, and aid 12th-graders obtain career-related scholarships. After the ninth grade the Freshman Prep class becomes the Career Pathways program that gives students guidance to graduation, college and careers.

San Antonio Schools Celebrate a Decade of Science and Mathematics Reform

San Antonio Schools San Antonio Urban Systemic Program is the main organization the has engaged in systemic reform within San Antonio Schools that has helped thousands of students achieve higher science and math scores. San Antonio Schools will recognize teachers that have worked in the San Antonio Urban Systemic Program. The San Antonio School districts included in the program are Alamo Heights, East Central, Edgewood, Harlandale, Judson, North East, Northside, San Antonio, and South San Antonio. Other participants in the San Antonio Urban Systemic Program are the University of Texas at San Antonio and the City of San Antonio.

San Antonio Urban Systemic Program has worked with the National Science Foundation to create more engaging and better quality student instruction over the last ten years. The San Antonio Urban Systemic Program has increased the use of math and science across the curriculum by improving students access to math and science resources, having better integration of technology, and professional development that gives the teachers the skills they need in order to bring science and mathematics into all classroom environments.

San Antonio Urban Systemic Programs goal for the San Antonio Schools to improve student achievement in mathematics, science, and the integration of instructional technology has succeeded. When San Antonio Schools students are compared to students in Texas, they score higher. The National Science Foundation has assisted the San Antonio Urban Systemic Program, not only, with financial funding but with and mathematics materials, teacher training, and technical assistance from mentor teachers and campus coaches. The San Antonio Urban Systemic Program has created a demanding curriculum using real-world applications of math and science that involves hands-on explorations.

Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, Which provides free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Stacy has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues.Becca Blog61336
Arleta Blog84379

Education In Third World

With the daily challenges posed by economic difficulty and other threats, governments in developing countries are working very hard to ensure that their educational institutions continue to provide a standard of education that can make its citizens at part with the educated people in more economically sound countries. To a certain extent, these Third World countries have succeeded in their crusade for quality education. The problem is that a good education comes with a price and it is often a price that many people in Third World countries are not able to pay. So, although quality education is available, it is still unreachable for a large segment of a developing countrys population.

Certainly, it is impressive to see that developing countries have educational institutions that are world-class and which offer education that can rival that provided by wealthier nations around the world. There is a clear recognition of the role that education plays in overcoming hardship and poverty. However elusive it may be, a good education is still viewed as the best way to a better life.

Among the developing countries that have superb educational systems are such emerging markets as Mexico, India, Brazil, Turkey, the Philippines, Egypt, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, much of South America and several of the Persian Gulf Arab States.

Obviously, the poorest of the poor in these countries will have a hard time getting into the best schools in their vicinity. Of course, there are always scholarship programs available but these are few. Besides, people at the lowest spectrum of the economic scale are more concerned with more pressing issues related to their mere survival such as where to find food and money for clothing and shelter. After these basic needs are met, that is the only time that parents can really focus on their childrens schooling. In fact, studies indicate that once their basic economic needs are met, the first priority of most poor families is how to send their children to a good school.

India recently launched EDUSAT, an educational program aimed at giving quality education to even its poorest citizens. Among the groups first initiatives is the development of a $100 laptop which the government hopes to distribute by 2007 to public schools all over the country.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://4educationinformation.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://4kidsandteens.com/ and http://iweatherworld.com/.Catlee Blog21808
Bev Blog59782

French Architect Solves 4,500-Year-Old Pyramid Mystery; Awaits Answer

A French architect has surprised the archeological world by claiming that the Great Pyramid, in which the Pharaoh Cheops resided for an unexpectedly long time, was built from the inside out and the innovative Parisian has presented 3-D, computer-generated images to back his theory. He is now awaiting an answer from Egypts Supreme Council On Antiquities.

Consider the riddle has challenged the minds of people who have nothing more important to think about for some 4,500 years, it seems expected that the response might take some time.

Prior to his pointedly different proposal, the theories were that it was assembled with an enormous ramp in the front or a corkscrew affair around the outside. But Jean-Pierre Houdin has the images to show that the main ramp was thirty to fifty feet under the outside, outlining, if you can believe it, a pyramid within a pyramid.

His computer model shows that the resourceful builders only used an exterior ramp for the first 140 feet of laborious and idiotic construction and then switched to a corkscrew-shaped inner ramp for the remainder of the 450-foot blockbuster tomb.

Houdin maintains hes right for the most obvious of reasons, stating, This is better than the other theories, because it is the only theory that works.

A well-known Egyptologist commented, "This goes against both main existing theories. Ive been teaching them myself for 20 years, but deep down I know theyre wrong. He went on to say, Houdins vision is credible, but right now this is just a theory. Everybody thinks it has got to be taken seriously.

Egypts Supreme Council of Antiquities is still deliberating.

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."Aleece Blog25408
Cassaundra Blog84628

The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa

When you hear Bora Bora, you immediately think of wonderful, native huts over a crystal clear lagoon and some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world. Bora Bora has been called the most romantic island in the world, and for good reason. With two black rock peaks that dominate the skyline on one side and some of the most beautiful ocean views on the other, who wouldn't feel like the only two people on Earth while staying in your own private lagoon hut?

But, where do you stay on Bora Bora to find the best possible accommodations for you and your family? The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is the place to stay on the beautiful island. No matter what kind of room you want, you'll find it here. From over the water bungalows to beautiful rooms in the resort itself, there are the perfect accommodations for everyone here. There are over 40 bungalows that sit over the warm, tropical waters of the lagoon on Bora Bora, each with a private deck to enjoy the scenery or the sun, and each bungalow comes with a unique back-lit, glass coffee table where you can watch or feed the marine life that live below you. The rooms in the resort are nothing short of relaxing and wonderful either. There are guest rooms and suites that you can choose from when you stay at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, and each room offers guests a private balcony, housekeeping service, telephones, satellite TV, radios, and many other amenities. You can also inquire about the private, two-bedroom villa that sits right on the beach.

The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa offers guest some of the most beautiful rooms anywhere in the world, and it also offers some of the best activities in the world as well. You can take a swim in the beautiful tropical lagoon right outside your door, or you can take a dip in the freshwater pool that sits in the middle of the lush gardens. The pool is designed to help those who are learning to dive and snorkel before the hit the warm lagoon waters. You will also find diving and snorkeling lessons as well right at the resort. You can also find guided tours of the ocean waters in glass bottom boats, guided deep sea fishing, water skiing, boating, and many other water activities for the whole family to enjoy.

But water sports aren't the only things to do here at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa. You can enjoy their fitness center, which has the top of the line fitness and cardio equipment, from 6 am to 11 pm. You can also book a session with one of the personal trainers on staff to help you with their equipment or help you create a workout while you are staying at the resort. The resort also has tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, as well as other sports that are offered at different times throughout the year. Be sure to check with the resort to see which sports are available when you book your stay.

Of course, no resort is complete without great food, and the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa doesn't lack here either. You can enjoy meals from any of the three restaurants while staying here. There is formal dining, deck-side dining, indoor or outdoor dining, and a more laid-back atmosphere at the bar, where you can eat, drink, and dance the night away. There are also wonderful traditional Tahitian shows that you can enjoy with your dining experience each evening, so be sure to enjoy this treat while you are here.

There are also several activities that the resort can help you book with tours and guides around the island, such as circle island tours, rainforest tours, mountain safaris, and many others! Bora Bora has many wonderful cities and villages for you to visit, enjoy, and shop while you are staying here as well, so don't forget to enjoy some of the local flair. Bora Bora has it all, and when you book your stay at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, you will never want to head back home!

WarmIslands.com provides information on all types of tropical vacations and Caribbean cruises. Reviews include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Southern Pacific, and many more travel destinations. Enroll for a free membership at their cruise forums and participate with other cruise vacation lovers. Whether you want a tropical vacation on a cruise or are looking for a secluded stay in a villa or resort on the island of your choice, we can help you. Just imagine yourself on a warm and sandy beach enjoying your favorite tropical drink.Arlette Blog76454
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Dental Care For Your Dog

Did you know that dental care is just as important for your dog as it is for us human beings? Just like with our teeth, your dogs teeth can gather plaque during eating. This plaque can then build up and harden which then becomes known as a brown substance called tartar.

Then as this tartar accumulates it will work its way beneath the dogs gums and become the reason behind painful infections and gum disease. This process occurs in the mouths of dogs, and is no different to what occurs in people. You no doubt brush your teeth on a regular basis, but think about your poor dog for a moment. What can he/she do?

The Veterinary world says that dog owners should brush their dogs teeth twice a week to stop the accumulation of tartar. Well, I honestly dont know any owners who take the trouble to do this. Hopefully you do. A lot of pet shops stock toothbrushes and toothpaste especially for dogs. You need to know that a dogs sense of taste is a lot more sensitive than that of us humans and the minty, tingly, sort of toothpastes that we use will be pretty unpleasant to a dog. So just make sure you use the proper doggie toothpaste.

It is fortunate that dogs have a natural tendency to chew and this acts as a dental care mechanism. Dogs crunch biscuits into small pieces when chewing and these rub against their teeth, providing a cleaning function. This is no substitute for brushing, but if you cant manage that, just try to ensure he/she regularly gets some type of crunchy dog biscuit.

Any dogs that do not get the correct dental care and do not have access to good teeth cleaning foods run the risk of different types of mouth disease. These can be mild like gingivitis or a rather more serious type of infection that can get into the dogs bloodstream and damage vital organs.

Dental services are readily available for dogs. A dogs teeth can be capped, filled, and extracted if required, just like a human beings. Of course the best way is to avoid the need for these services by looking after your dogs teeth. Preventative dental care for your dog can save you money as well. Dog dental care can unfortunately be quite costly, but then its less painful than toothache.

James Hunaban is the owner of - http://dog-health.jims-info.com/ and http://dogs-care.jims-info.com/ - sites dedicated to Dogs.Anitra Blog52247
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12 Reasons Your Website Is Failing

Most Saturdays, I conduct a free networking and brainstorming call, where we critique and give makeovers to 2-3 websites. On the weeks that we don't review websites, the calls are generally open discussion of Internet marketing issues.

These calls are just another tool in my very effective marketing arsenal, and you can join them by registering at: http://WillieCrawford.com/free-brainstorming-calls.html

During most weeks, I get dozens of joint venture proposals, and several potential new clients who want me to evaluate the potential of a project that theyre working on.

Many of the joint ventures that I turn down, and many of the clients that I reject, are for the same reason. Their websites are so poorly written that I know that the websites won't convert. I rarely do outside copywriting, but I often suggest revamping their websites before they move forward.

With the sites reviewed on my calls, and with the sites I look at for other reasons, I notice many of the same mistakes. Here are 12 of the most common:

1) The site has no focus. A website should be designed with its primary purpose in mind. You should have ONE thing that you'd really like most visitors to your page to do. Almost everything on that page should lead the visitors toward deciding to take that primary action. Nothing on the page should distract them and "lead them off down other trails."

Common primary actions that you'll want your visitor to take are to join your list, buy your product, download a free trial version, or join an online community. Make sure that you know what you want your visitors to focus on, and get rid of the other distractions. It's been proven that if you give your visitors too many choices, or confuse them, they will simply choose to leave!

2) The site has no email capture mechanism. Most honest copywriters will tell you that in most Internet marketing type niches, a 1-2% response rate to a sales letter is VERY respectable. You've worked very hard to get visitors to your site, and if you completely ignore the 98% who don't buy you're not going to be in business very long.

Incorporate a form into your website that gets them into an autoresponder so that you can follow-up with them. Offer them a free report, access to an MP3 on the topic, or access to an exclusive community. Get them to opt-in, and then you can follow up with them on their topic of interest.

Your opt-in form can be set up "in-line" as a part of the webpage, and even take them back to the point on the webpage where they were reading before they stopped to opt-in. You can also have an exit popup, or pop-under, that offers them a freebie as they're leaving your site. Once they've decided to leave, you'll probably NEVER see them again unless you have a way to invite them back. An autoresponder is the perfect way to do this automatically.

3) The owner is "hiding behind the website." Web surfers are skeptical and distrusting. You need to let them know that there is a real person behind the site. Give them contact information, show them your photo, and even let them hear you. You can easily add audio or video to your website, and allow it to "touch" your visitor on such a deeper level. When people hear your voice or see you talking, and get to watch your body language, you communicate so much more effectively than just the written word.

To add audio to your website, all you need is a microphone plugged into your computer. To add video to your website, all you really need is a webcam plugged into your computer. There are services that will take this audio or video, allow you to edit it with a few clicks of your mouse, and then stream it from their servers or upload it to your server.

A totally amazing service that I use is called Audio Acrobat. I use it to have customers, subscribers, etc., call in and leave testimonials. I use it to record some teleseminars, interviews, product recommendations, and for dozens of other purposes. I do record video from my webcam to this service too. You can also upload video recorded on a regular video camera to this service, and then stream it from their website.

As I said, I LOVE Audio Acrobat. If you want to check it out, you can get a free 30-day trial from here: http://williec.audioacrobat.com/ Its where I have dozens of testimonial lines, dozens of audios, and a few videos. It's also how I save on my web hosting bandwidth ;-)

4) The owner of the site offers no credentials The very first question I ask when reading a magazine article, watching a television show, or reading a web page, is "What makes this person qualified to teach ME this topic." Most web surfers don't trust you, and believe that most Internet sites are out to rip them off. You need to show them that your experience and training makes you qualified to teach them the topic. In addition to formal credentials a professional looking website also shows that you are a serious business person. Don't skimp on your websites design!

5) Not offering proof of statements. It's natural for you to say how great you and your product are. Therefore, that means nothing to potential customers. Get other to share how your product improved their lives. Use media interviews, and statements by officials in professional organizations, to provide third-party validation.

Testimonials with photos, audio, or video, are very powerful. Testimonials with just a set of initials, or a with just a first name, have NO credibility.

6) Offering the wrong payment options. The majority of Internet users prefer to pay via credit card. If your product allows you to do it, and still make a satisfactory profit, consider taking orders through an answering service or call center, via fax, via snail mail, and through third party processors such as Paypal as well. Evaluate each of these options and decide which of these make sense for you.

As an aside, I once considered even offering my customers the option to order C.O.D (cash on delivery). My local postmaster strongly suggested that I NOT do that and also pointed out that it's almost never done these days. He convinced me that it was more trouble than it was worth :-)

7) Using the wrong or too many fonts. When you use different sizes and colors of letters on your webpage you need to have a real reason. When you highlight or underline text on your webpage you need to have a logical reason.

As your site visitor reads your webpage, he will subconsciously ask himself why you emphasized a certain word or sentence on the page. If you had no logic reason, you pull him out of your message as his mind wrestles with the why."

You page should be structured such that a skimmer could just read the headlines and sub headlines and get the message. He should be able to read just the highlighted text and get the gist of your webpage. He should be able to just go to the bottom of the page, read the "P.S." where you've restated your offer, and order without being forced to read the rest of the page... if he's in a hurry. 8) Using header graphics that distract from the message. Your header graphic should spell out or emphasize the main benefit of your product. It should be simple enough that the visitor is not forced to waste time trying to decipher its meaning.

Sometimes, it's better not to even have a header graphic. This is something you should test. You want to get your visitor reading the text on your page, and discovering how your product can help him, as soon as practical. This is what will sell him... not cute or fancy graphics.

9) Not focusing on benefits rather than features. Don't tell your visitor how great the product is, tell him how it will improve his life. Your testimonials should also provide concrete, and very specific, examples of how it improved someone else's life.

10) Focusing on "I" rather than "you!" Look at your webpage and make sure that it talks about the customer and his problem more than it talks about you, your company, and your products. Your customers don't really care about you. They care about how you can help them! Read through you copy and make sure that it answers that question. Make sure that you're not talking about yourself too much, and that when you do talk about yourself, it's answering the question of how you can help the reader.

11) Not emphasizing the guarantee. When a customer purchases with a credit card, or through certain third-party processors, the guarantee is implied anyway. So, why not make your guarantee a selling point? If a customer goes to Visa or MasterCard and states that they are unhappy with their purchase from you, they will get their money back in most cases... and you'll pay an extra fee for the "chargeback." If a customer goes to Clickbank or Paypal with a complaint, they will end up issuing a refund in many cases.

Make it easy on yourself by offering and honoring a guarantee. It will increase your conversion rate, and unless your product is total JUNK, it won't increase your refund rate.

12) Not using a P.S. Many busy surfers will jump right to the end of your webpage and read the P.S.(s). If they were somewhat pre-sold before they arrived at your page, many will go ahead and purchase at that time. Use the P.S.(s) to restate your offer, emphasize the guarantee, showcase your bonuses, and to emphasize any scarcity factor in the offer.

The bottom line is that, if your sales page is horrific, it's pointless to drive traffic to the site. Fix the page before you do anything else, or you're just wasting time and frustrating yourself.

A well-written webpage is so pivotal to the sales process, that many professional copywriters will often rewrite bad sales letters. When they discover great products that they KNOW would sell if the products owners just had better copy, they will often rewrite bad sales letters, pre-sell the products, and then send the "ready-to-buy" customers directly to the order form.

My friend and colleague, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, recognized the value in revamping bad sales letters so much that he went as far as to set up a membership site, offering members rewritten sales letters for Clickbank products in hot niches. You can check out what Dr. Mike has done, and join his site, if he hasn't already closed memberships, at: http://FixingTerribleWebpages.com Tell him that I sent you.

Fix the 12 common errors covered above, and your website will be more effective than 99% of direct sales websites out there. Don't fix these mistakes, and your sales won't increase, but at-least now you will understand why.

Copyright 2006 Willie Crawford

Willie Crawford has been teaching Internet marketing for over 9 years. Take advantage of his uncanny insights and unusual candor by subscribing to his free, information-packed newsletter. Also visit his top-rated blog. Do both at: http://WillieCrawford.com/blog/Buffy Blog58273
Audie Blog44809

Obesity and Diet

Due to the dramatic increases in obesity over the past 20 years, it has now reached epidemic proportions. Thirty percent of adults over the age of 20 are obese in the United States, or 60 million people. This epidemic includes not only adults, but children as well. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the last 20 years. There are now 9 million children between the ages of 6 -19 who are considered overweight.

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity is defined simply as too much body fat. Your body is made up of 70% water. The other 30% consists of fat, protein, carbohydrate and an assortment of vitamins and minerals. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

* Hypertension
* High total cholesterol
* Type 2-diabetes
* Coronary heart disease
* Stroke
* Gallbladder disease
* Osteo-arthritis
* Respiratory problems
* Certain types of cancers

CAUSES OF OBESITY:

The epidemic of obesity did not crop up overnight. Obesity is a chronic condition caused by an assortment of factors. Because there are so many factors involved (genetics, environment, metabolism, overeating, etc.), it is very difficult to treat the problem.

For instance, a persons genetics and environment can increase their risk of obesity, but their behavior also influences their risk. It is easy for someone to blame heredity for their obesity, but the choices a person makes can increase or decrease their risk significantly.

The choice to be physically inactive and practice unhealthy eating habits not only greatly increases the risk of obesity, but it leads to other diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. On the other hand, people who avoid the behaviors that increase their risk can expect to live healthier and longer lives.

ADDING TO THE PROBLEM:

In the United States, our food options and eating habits have changed dramatically over the course of the past 20 years. We are faced with an astounding array of choices in the grocery stores, many that are not healthy.

Shelves are packed with foods that are pre-packaged and high in fat, sugar and calories. Even foods that are marked as healthy or low-fat may contain more calories than the high-fat food they are supposed to replace. It is important to always read food labels for nutritional information.

Fast food restaurants, while convenient, tend to be high in trans fats, carbohydrates and sugar. Portion size in restaurants has increased dramatically resulting in increased calorie consumption. If the body does not burn off the calories from eating the larger portions and drinking the sugar-laden soft drinks, unhealthy weight gain takes place.

Technology has created many labor saving products that reduce the amount of energy we expend in our daily lives. Instead of people walking or riding a bicycle for short distances, cars are used. Instead of children playing outside, they are in the house watching television.

SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM:

Promoting regular physical activity and a healthy and nutritious diet are essential building blocks for creating a healthy body. In order to accomplish this, you must create an environment that supports this way of life or the obesity epidemic will continue to grow.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Adding regular physical activity contributes to an amazing array of benefits for your body. It reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and cancer. It reduces weight, alleviates the pain of arthritis, relieves depression symptoms, and reduces the need for medications.

Whatever physical activity you participate in does not have to be exhausting to be valuable. Remember, any movement is better than none! Taking a brisk walk every day for 20-30 minutes will significantly benefit your body, physically and mentally.

HEALTHY DIET: Good nutrition, like physical activity, lowers the risk for obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat builds a healthy, strong body. Although most Americans know that a healthy diet is necessary, they are slow in changing their poor eating habits.

These poor eating habits usually begin during childhood and are difficult to change later in life. Children and teenagers eat a diet consisting of too much fat and not enough fruit and vegetables. This results in a generation of overweight, unhealthy children who grow into overweight, unhealthy adults.

Proper diet and nutrition and physical activity are the cornerstones for a healthy body, a body that will not be at risk for obesity or any of the other health-related diseases. However, many diet and exercise plans fail because people jump into things headfirst and make too many changes into their routine too quickly. Making small changes slowly over the course of many months is the key to teaching your body to accept these changes and be successful.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE (http://mysiteinc.com/djtrevayne/guide.html), writes articles pertaining to nutrition, health issues, and household budgeting.Catlaina Blog97178
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