China on the Go! Lets Take A Tour To Beijing

So you have decided to take a tour to China? As China brags of many cities and towns filled with history of ancient civilizations, you probably would be wondering where to go in China. Well, it should not be a very hard decision to make; Beijing should definitely be the first stop over on a planned tour in China.

Beijing, one of the first attractions and most exciting places to visit is located in the North of China. It is the countrys capital which demonstrates most of the countrys cultural heritage. The natives are preparing the beautiful city in anticipation for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. So, the upcoming years will be a perfect time to take a tour to Beijing. Beijing is the home of history in China. It has always represented the place of three important Chinese dynasties over the past 1000 years. Peking duck is one of the most famous dishes in Beijing which many tourists enjoy having as a special cuisine.

A typical tour in Beijing comprises of places like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs as well as the Lama Temple. There are lots of hotels around these cities due to the large number of tourists who visit China. The Beijing Grand Hotel is completely decorated in Chinese style with rooms well furnished with Chinese calligraphies and paintings. As a tourist, you feel more at ease and welcomed into the Chinese culture.

The Forbidden City boasts of the worlds largest public square which is the Tiananmen Square. The Tiananmen Square is synonymously linked to the Chinese cultural revolutions where thousands of Chinese supporters crowded the square during Maos reign.

Not forgetting the Summer Palace, a major tourist destination spot located on the outskirts of Beijing, although, much of it is covered by the Kunming Lake. This palace completely demonstrates Chinese architecture, history and garden design. Taking a tour to the Summer Palace, you will see the Long Corridor of the lake which runs for about 2500 feet and ends at the marble boat.

One of Chinas ost cherished and greatest treasures is the Great Wall which makes the people proud of. This wall was built over 2 millennia by the old Chinese dynasties. It started in 221 BC and was continuously built until the 17th century. The Great Wall of China stretches from almost the center of Asia to the East China Sea. Visiting a part of the Great Wall is a must for any tourist who tours China as it is truly one of the great wonders of the ancient world.

Dont get too tired as the Ming Tombs is still one of the nicest places to visit in Beijing. These tombs represent the burial grounds of some of the 16 Ming dynasty emperors of China. It has a 7km quiet walkway known as the Spirit Way which leads to the tombs.

As a tourist in Beijing, theres still so much to see and even after taking a tour in Beijing, places to tour in China includes Tibet, Huangshan commonly known as the Yellow Mountains, Shanghai, Xian and many of the traditional local places. A short tour in China will not be enough to tour all these places, but the experience and adventure

would definitely be worth it.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.passport-to-china.com/.

Lola Adewoyin writes for Passport to China. An inbound tour operating company serving as your gateway to http://www.passport-to-china.com/.Allison Blog27184
Alexa Blog76209

Go Online for a Terrific One-Stop Shopping Experience

Online shopping isn't new, but it continues to grow. An increasing number of people are letting their fingers do the clicking rather than head out to the mall or to a specialty store. Moreover, online shoppers are choosing boutique one-stop shopping sites over the Web's traditional e-commerce giants. Why? Because, in doing so, they can support entrepreneurs while taking advantage of wholesale prices and dropship bargains.

What can you find at these one-stop shopping online stores? Just about everything. These sites typically have everything from jewelry, electronics, and leather goods to automotive parts, supplies for pets, and toys. And, just like the mega sites, they have brand names in virtually every category imaginable.

You might, for example, find a Magnavox widescreen LCD TV with an integrated DVD player as well as Britney Spears' latest fragrance. You could find novelty items from your favorite sports team along with Olympus digital cameras. Or, you could shop for the latest Xbox 360 game along with a gorgeous pair of designer earrings.

Online Buying Tips

How do you choose which online store to patronize? When I'm looking for a site, I first look for selection and brand names. Unless I'm looking for a rare item, I always go for the online store that has at least 5,000 items in stock. Next, I look for organization. I like to shop at sites that organize their items by easy-to-find categories. I don't want pet supplies to pop up when I'm looking for jewelry, or to search for personal electronics and have outdoor furniture appear in my search results.

I'm also a big fan of sites that dropship. When my items come directly from the manufacturer, I find that they arrive faster and in better condition. Plus, since the site doesn't have to worry about stocking inventory, the owners tend to pay more attention to customer service.

Since I'm somewhat of a privacy nut, I prefer to shop on sites that don't sell or disclose my personal information to third parties (other than the shipper) without first giving me the opportunity to prevent my information from being shared.

Security is also extremely important to me, especially since I'm sharing sensitive information like my credit card number. So, before I click, I always make sure the site uses a secure server with encryption technology. If a site accepts PayPal, that's even better.

If you've been stuck in the online mega-store rut, I encourage you to give the smaller one-stop shopping sites a try. You'll likely receive better service, and have an overall better shopping experience.

Carmen Blog29660
Agretha Blog99576

World Bowls A History

Bowls is a sport that is played and followed by millions throughout the world. It is a game of skill and precision rather than physical fitness and has therefore often been associated as a game for the older generation. However, many of the upcoming champions are becoming increasingly younger and the sport has spent recent years making its competitions quicker and more colourful to encourage followers.

Bowls can be played indoors or outdoors, and the rules are the same for both. Put simply, the aim of the game is to get your bowls as close as possible to a small white ball called the 'jack'.

In the singles competition, one of the two opponents flips a coin and begins a segment of the competition by placing the mat and rolling the jack to the other end of the green to serve as a target. Once it has come to rest, the jack is aligned to the canter of the rink and the players take turns to roll their bowls from the mat towards the jack.

When all the bowls have been played, a competitor or team gets one point for each of their bowls that is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest bowl.

After all the bowls have been played, the direction is reversed which signals the end of an end.

In group games, the team captain always plays last and has a key role in directing the team's shots and tactics.

Although it sounds easy, the fact that the bowls are not completely round and do not therefore travel in a straight line, means there is a great level of skill and tactics involved to win a match.

The game of Bowls has a distinctive history, dating all the way back to the Egyptians. Based on artefacts found in tombs dating circa 5,000 B.C, it appears that the Egyptians used to enjoy playing a version of skittles using round stones.

Different versions of this form of game then spread throughout the world and can be seen in the many types of bowls games played today. In Italy the game Bocce developed, which is a precision sport closely related to bowls with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire. In France the famous game of Boules arose from Bowls. This is a game that is played using metal balls, often on unusual and challenging terrain such as sand. The aim of the game is to get your large, heavy balls as close as possible to the small, white 'jack'.

The traditional game of bowls, also known as lawn bowls or lawn bowling, has particularly developed popularity throughout England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and more recently, Denmark. The oldest recorded bowls green is in Southampton, England, which dates back to 1299.

There are also many famous bowling fans throughout English history. Perhaps one of the most infamous in bowls folklore is Sir Francis Drake who, according to legend, insisted on completing his game of bowls in Plymouth before setting sail to confront the Spanish Armada in 1588.

King Henry VIII and King James I were also said to be keen lawn bowlers and even introduced bowling legislation for their subjects!

In 1903, the English Bowling Association was officially founded and began to organise and direct clubs and competitions. Previously competitions had always taken place but for the first time an extensive league and organised contests sprang up.

Indoor variations of the bowls game also appeared, largely due to the problem of the English winter stopping outdoor play. Indoor Bowls is simply the indoor version of Lawn Bowls, which is played on strips of artificial green a similar length to Lawn Bowls rinks.

All versions of the sport have now grown enormously and there is a wealth of leagues, clubs, amateur and professional bowling leagues and competitions throughout the world.

World Bowls grew out of the Commonwealth Games when it was first held 70 years ago (then known as the Empire Games). It was originally intended that only athletics would form part of the games but bowlers successfully convinced the organisers to have bowling included and it has been played at the games ever since. Top stars from both indoor and outdoor formats now come together to play lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games.

One of the largest bowling event organisers today, is the World Bowls Tour (WBT) - a limited company formed in September 1996 by the Professional Bowls Association, and the two major governing bodies for world flat green bowls, World Bowls Ltd and the World Indoor Bowls Council (WIBC).

The primary object of WBT is to set up a series of premier bowls events at which the top players in the world can play.

One of the most exciting competitions in the UK World Bowls Tour calendar is the World Indoor Bowls Championships that take place at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton, Norfolk. The event has been hosted at Potters for the last eight years (since 1999) and 2007 will see the event take place there once again for the ninth year running.

As on other previous years, 2007 will see professional players come together from throughout the world, to take part in televised matches including singles, pairs and mixed pairs.

The World Indoor Bowls championships take place at Potters Leisure Resort (more details can be found at pottersholidays.com)

Peter Joyner who regularly writes for http://www.pottersholidays.comAnnalee Blog45700
Catriona Blog12718

Bodyweight Fitness: 5 New Turbulence Training Exercises to Help Busy Dads Burn Belly Fat Now

Gone are the days when you could spend an hour in the weight room and another 30 minutes doing cardio. With kids, there's just no time to even drive to the gym, let alone workout for more than 20 minutes. But by using the most convenient exercise equipment available your own bodyweight you can burn belly fat fast. And you can get your muscle definition back with simple bodyweight exercises.

So, you can forget the fancy machines, expensive gym memberships, or sharing equipment with sweaty strangers. You can forget about not spending enough time with your wife or kids. You can do this workout when you wake up or before you go to sleep. You can do this bodyweight training circuit at home before or after work. You can even close your office door and do this entire workout while everyone else is out for lunch.

5 Bodyweight Training Exercises to Help the Busiest Executives Reduce Stress & Lose Fat Fast:

1. The Prisoner Squat

This turbulence training bodyweight exercise stretches your chest and works your entire body, including your upper back (an area of stress for many busy dads).

To perform this exercise, start with your hands behind your head, and elbows back. Pull your shoulder blades together to exercise your upper back and relieve your stress. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, and push your hips back and squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Sit back as if you were sitting into a chair. Pause briefly at the bottom and stand back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times.

2. The Decline Pushup

This turbulence training body weight exercise is a harder variation of the regular pushup. To effectively perform this exercise, place your feet on a bench, chair, or step, so your feet are at least 6 inches off the ground. Start with your hands just wider than shoulder width apart. Brace your abs, and bend your arms to lower your chest to the floor. Stop one inch above the ground and press back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times. Feel the burn and see how ready you are for the busy day or night ahead of you.

3. Split Squats

Follow the pushup with a set of split squats. To complete this turbulence training bodyweight exercise, step one leg forward. Move your other leg back so it looks like you are making a slightly larger than normal step. Do this close to a wall so you can use your hands for balance if necessary.

Now, balance on your front foot and on the ball of your back foot. Your back heel will be off the ground for the entire exercise. Bend your back knee. Start the movement by dropping your hips straight down until your back knee is two inches above the ground. Press through your front leg to stand back up. Do eight repetitions for one leg and then switch sides and repeat.

4. Mountain Climbers

This turbulence training bodyweight exercise works your abs, your chest, and your legs. Get into the pushup position. Brace your abs. Now lift one foot and bring your knee to your chest. Touch the foot down, and then return it to the start position. Alternate sides and complete ten repetitions for each side.

5. Stick Ups

To finish the circuit, you will do a turbulence training bodyweight exercise called "Stick-ups". Stand with your feet six inches from the wall. Now place your back, butt and head flat against the wall. Put your arms overhead as if someone told you to "Stick-em up!"

Keep your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders against the wall. Now slowly slide your arms down the wall and tuck your elbows into your sides. Again, keep your arms and back against the wall. No cheating! Do this exercise twelve times.

Do these five exercises in a circuit, without resting between exercises. When you've completed the circuit once, rest one or two minutes and repeat the circuit two more times. You'll feel great, boost your metabolism, and sculpt your body without spending a penny.

Creator of the Revolutionary Turbulence Training System, Craig Ballantyne has helped millions of busy dads worldwide lose fat while gaining muscle at the same time with just 3 short but intense workouts a week. For a FREE, Immediate Controversial Fat Loss Report and FREE Turbulence Training Newsletter containing free tips to help you maximize metabolism, build muscle and gain workout success go to http://www.turbulencetraining.comCassaundra Blog25142
Ardis Blog87870

SEO Explained

Search engine optimization is part science and part art. How well it is done has a lot to do with the experience of the company you've hired. Remember that search engine optimization is a relatively new science and requires both client interaction and constant monitoring to be successful. It is just one part of an online marketing strategy, but it is the fundamental part. Search Engine Optimization is the process of optimizing a website for high search engine rankings for a particular search term or set of search terms.

Search engine optimization is the single most effective thing one can do to market a website on the internet. SEO is the single most effective way to drive more qualified traffic to your site and works better than any other free traffic method. Search engine optimization is not about "fooling" search engines. Its about making it easier for the search engines to rate and rank your website amongst other things.

It is a highly specialized technology, and requires a deep understanding regarding various aspects of search engine optimization. Let's Face It: Search Engine Optimization Is Vital. Its not only about back links. Its the best way to pull massive amounts of free traffic. SEO is a long, carefully planned and executed method for generating more visits to a website.

Keyword research is vital for search engine positioning improvement. Search engine positioning changes daily and their algorithms change quite often too. Proper search engine positioning can increase your rankings dramatically. Search engine positioning, also known as SEP, means search engine positing. A detailed analysis of search engine positioning prior to submission or resubmission is a must. Marketing and promotion services include web development, search engine positioning, search engine optimization and web-site design.

You should fine-tune your site for higher ranking and more search engine traffic. Best of all, organic search engine traffic is free and generates more traffic and thats the key to success for any website. Optimizing your website is a fantastic way to steer search engine traffic to your site. Search engine traffic is mush more targeted than any other traffic you can get. The importance of search engine traffic cannot be overemphasized.

Statistically 86% of search engine traffic is driven from first page results. Web pages with good, quality, unique content will help with gaining more search engine traffic. Did you know that 89% of search engine traffic goes through Google? Search Engine traffic is the by far the most effective form of prospecting new customers. Besides SEO, writing articles can be an extremely powerful way to drive targeted traffic too.

SERPs is an acronym for Search Engine Results Pages. You can influence search engine results and bring targeted traffic to your website with an hour a day of search engine optimization (SEO). The science behind making your website appear on the search engine results pages is called "search engine optimization" (SEO). The best way to illustrate this is through SERPS (Search Engine Results Pages). Being well-placed in the search engine results can make a tremendous difference in the number of visitors you get. I have seen pages and websites appear higher in the search engine results (as a result of search engine optimization) in days, while others have taken weeks or months. Most search engine results pages (SERPs) use page titles as links to your web site. Top search engine results can contribute to the success of an organization. The goal is to ensure top places in the search engine results for a specific query by providing unique, quality information.

As we all know today, the term search engine optimization is still in use and here to stay for a while longer. No quick fixes where search engine optimization is concerned. How well it is done has a lot to do with the experience of the company you've hired. Remember that it is a relatively new science and requires both client interaction and constant monitoring to be successful.

Search engine optimization is just one part of an online marketing strategy, but it is the fundamental part. Its a good strategy to get higher rankings on search engines. Affordable search engine optimization is the single most effective way to drive more qualified traffic to your site and works better than any other method. Its a long term and permanent answer to your traffic woes. Its an interesting project because search engine optimization is a multi disciplinary and sometimes very labor intensive process. As previously mentioned, search engine optimization is an ongoing process, rather than a one time "quick fix". Visit http://www.seoarticlesonline.com for more great information and products.

Patricia J Tuley is a technology research Analysis. You can find more great seo information and products at http://www.seoarticlesonline.com. Celene Blog64052
Astrix Blog50079

Denver's Three Top Rated Hotels, The Monaco, The Brown Palace and Loews

No matter where you want to stay in this great city, Denver hotels are there. Downtown Denver hotels are being built at a furious pace to host visitors to the lovely Convention Center. The majority of Denver hotels are clustered in the Downtown, Cherry Creek, and Tech Center areas.

The Monaco Hotel is a good choice for people who like staying in unique properties. The Hotel Monaco is a stylish hotel. This hotel is really lovely and we found the staff to be GREAT. They had a jack-of-all-trades employee to park your car, deliver your bags, and even make wonderful paninis for us within a half hour. Yes, the staff is young and "hip," but we found them to be very helpful and courteous.

As far as amenities in your room, they have aveda bath products, Starbucks coffee for the in-room coffee maker, complimentary wireless and high speed internet access, and a basket of convenient items for purchase that you may have forgotten: nail polish, sun screen, tweezers and much more.

The Brown Palace Hotel has set the standard for downtown Denver hotels for more than a century. The Brown Palace has long stood as the pride of downtown Denver hotels, embraced by the city as its own. This hotel is a AAA four-diamond and Mobil four-star service hotel. The Brown Palace Hotel is located at 321 17th Street Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 297-3111. The Hotel is a Gilded Age landmark and a point of special pride for Denver residents. The Brown Palace has been operating since 1892 with a unique triangular shape to catch the Colorado sun. The Brown Palace is the pride of downtown Denver. The Hotel is a historical landmark in the town of Denver. Ever since Ike, Churchill, and other esteemed people have slept here the Brown Palace has been attracting the cities most prominent elite.

Denver's Mobil Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond hotel, The Brown Palace is a national treasure. Experience the peak of high-end luxury from our select location in the heart of the Mile High City.

Another charming and upscale Hotel is the Loews at 41500 East Mississippi Avenue, 303-782-9300. All the rooms have minibars, high end phone with voice mail and speaker. There is modem access with dataports and high speed internet. They feature on command movies, a hairdryer, bathrobe, iron and ironing board, a safe and coffeemaker. They have a business center and butler and a well equipped gym. They even have pet sitting and walking services. It also is a four diamond hotel.

All three of these hotels are conveniently located in downtown Denver with easy access to the famed cities restaurants, spas, and boutiques, even skiing. You really couldn't go wrong with any of these fine hotels. So if you are visiting Denver Colorado check these places out, you'll be glad you did.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net.Bobine Blog17327
Alexina Blog12181

The Basics To Your Home Business

This article is basically a list of things to do when getting started in multilevel marketing or direct sales as well as things some might forget about once theyve been around for a while. It is a compilation of things Ive learned from leaders from every company you can think of. Incorporate these things into your business and never give up. Of course this list is just a guideline and you ultimately have to decide how you will work your business. Learn, apply and share.

Basic things to keep in mind when getting started in your home business:

Write down your short-term and long-term goals, this would be your why you are doing the business.

Set up an action plan as far as how you will do the business.

Write down the days and hours you will do the business and stick to that schedule. If you fail to plan you plan to fail.

Order business cards if your business will be belly to belly. It is vary rare to find a business that is strictly on the Internet so youll most likely want to order them. Leave your business cards everywhere you go!

Make sure you have high-speed Internet and unlimited long-distance, remember you are in business.

Stay plugged into your companys live training calls, opportunity calls, meetings and conventions. You never know which one will be life-changing. This is also where you will learn how to successfully do your business.

Use your product/service. Become a product of the product; it will build your belief! Do you think Ronald McDonald eats at Wendys? I think not!

Make your list of contacts, every single person you know that is breathing. Do not pre-judge.

Approach your contacts with common sense and find out how they are doing and decide if the timing is right to mention your business. If they have a need that your business can fill then go for it. If no need, dont mention your business.

Do something every day to move your business forward, talk to anyone and everyone.

Familiarize yourself with your companys web site but dont spend too much time on this. You will learn, as you go; do not get into analysis paralysis!

Avoid negative people and do not let anyone steal your dream. Those negative people will infect you faster than you can affect them.

Keep in close contact with your sponsor and cross-line teammates; this will keep you in the game.

Invite everyone you talk to attend your company conference calls and business meetings as a favor. Just so they can see what you are doing in case they ever think of someone who would need what you have.

Use your sponsor to do 3 way calls and edify your sponsor to your prospect before you call them. They will do the same to you when you get them on the phone. This helps the prospect respect what you have to say.

If you attend meetings or calls, always introduce your guests to the leaders. This is another chance to build respect and create that feel good atmosphere. Let your sponsor do the talking, do not interrupt

Build a Relationship with your people over the phone and in person and take yourself out of the picture.

Use the training calls, web sites & meetings already in place to plug your new people into. You make money on prospecting, not training. Use the tools to leverage yourself and maximize your time.

Always set goals keep an eye on how you are doing with them and shoot to have your goals accomplished by the timeline you assigned. If you miss one or two no big deal BUT write them down, no matter how small you make think they are i.e. I will make 10 calls a day, I will do one piece of business a week, etc. Keep aiming for your goals.

Work harder on YOURSELF than you do on your job; constantly work on your personal growth/personal development (books, CDs, seminars, training calls, and major events). As the great Jim Rohn says, Study, practice and teach!

Help your teams have success by doing the same thing I did with you and share this checklist!

Frank Salinas is a professional home-based business owner through MLM and affiliate marketing. He has a passion for personal growth and helping others, especially those that are new to the industry. Visit his web site to view valuable tools and resources and also some of the top home-based businesses: http://franksalinas.com.Catrina Blog83352
Annnora Blog28140

Travel Safety Tips For Your Baby

Following Britneys recent faux pas with her new baby, whom she was carrying on her lap while driving a car, travel safety for your babies has again become an issue again. Hundreds of babies are hurt or even killed in car accidents every single day due to parental negligence. On most occasions these unfortunate events could have easily been avoided if only the babys parents had used safety car seats. The baby safety car seats are specially designed to protect your child from car accidents etc., your babys head and neck and other muscles tend to be soft and hurt easily in case of a sudden jerk or fall. The baby safety car seat makes sure that such sudden jerks and falls do not affect your child in any way.

Following is a list of the common types of baby car seats available in the market:

(1) Baby Car seats These face the end of the car and can support about 20lb of weight.

(2) Convertible (Infant/toddler) car seats- can function as both a rear facing seat as well as a forward facing seat and are meant for babies between 30-35 lb. For better safety purposes keep your baby facing the rear as long as possible (most kids cant seem to bear facing the rear for too long due to the motion sickness it induces.)

(3) Belt Positioning booster seats for slightly older kids, say around 2 - 3 years, go for the Belt-positioning booster seats. These can take up to 40 pounds of weight and use the standard in-car shoulder belt to keep your kid safe.

As a parent not only do you need to take safety precautions in order to protect your child from accidents, but also know how to use the safety precautions correctly. Thus buying a baby car seat isnt enough you must also learn to install it properly. Most parents thread the belts of the seat through the wrong slots or forget to use a locking clip or to buckle up the child without realizing what grave consequences these tiny mistakes might have. If you have fixed the car seat accurately it will not budge more than an inch on either side, so check to see if the seat is moving once you have installed it.

Tips for traveling with your baby

Here are a few simple rules you must follow while traveling with your baby,

Make sure you follow the directions given in the manual that comes with the car seat while putting your baby in the crib.

Make sure your babys weight is not more than that permitted by the seat company.

Remember to carefully fasten all the loops and buckles so that your baby is tightly secured.

Make sure to carry a lot of water, a well-equipped first aid kit and your mobile phone. All these will come handy in case of an emergency

In case your baby seat starts getting worn out, replace it immediately. Using a car seat that is excessively worn out will not serve its purpose.

When purchasing a car seat for your baby make sure you buy one that fits into your car perfectly. Price really doesnt matter; even the cheapest car seat will have passed the crash test. Also keep in mind your childs height and weight, purchase the car seat according to these.

Frank ShowalterAnna Blog3357
Cal Blog68320

Dont Sell Yourself Short

Freelance job sites are filled with work. If you want to work for pay today, it is possible that you can do so. You might even be able to write as many articles as you want to write.

"$1.00 Per Article - As Much Work As You Want"

Yes, you too could be on the road to a very lucrative career if you could write a few hundred articles a day.

Let's see, if it takes me 45 minutes to write an article because I know something about the subject already then I could do 32 articles in a day - if I don't sleep. It just might work if I can be guaranteed no interruption.

And at the end of a marathon day of writing I might have earned $1.33 per hour, which is well below the poverty level.

You many wonder who would possibly agree to work for these wages.

Most of these jobs go to either new freelance writers who don't know any better or to writers from developing countries who find this wage to be better than what they may be capable of earning in their own country.

Many webmasters are willing to accept this work and either retool it or use it as is.

The problem for many website visitors is that the English often used is not "Americanized" English and is often filled with mistakes.

Reputable websites refuse to cut corners and are anxious to find qualified and dependable writers who can take care of their writing needs. In most cases websites are willing to pay well for a writer who can provide a good fit for their needs.

Some of the most experiences freelance writers can earn $250 or more per hour. However, in these cases it is important to note that they are full-time and have factored what they believe to be the actual number of hours per year they will actually be able to bill clients for their work and set their hourly fee accordingly.

The fee these writers receive from clients help offset those hours when they have no writing work.

Most freelance writers do have a day job and any writing they do for clients provides a supplemental income. In these cases clients find a lower price for the work, but may not find a delivery time that is as quick as a full-time freelancer.

For a client that plans well, this is rarely an issue. Most qualified freelancers find they have plenty of work and at a price that they set and can live with.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com.Brynn Blog43851
Allene Blog60789

The Quickest Recovery With Rollback Rx

Rollback Rx has an important role to play as a security system for your computer. Rollback Rx allows you to rollback to the point where your system did not have any operating problems. When you have problems with your PC, you can do a pc restore to a snapshot. It is possible to protect you data by restoring a snapshot in Windows or below Windows when it crashed. Rollback Rx system restore software gives you the flexibility to rollback and roll forward between system snapshots. Restoring computers to a snapshot takes about ten seconds or less. Each snapshot you take is the complete system, programs, wallpaper and settings, data, registry, etc. You can take snapshots as per the schedule you set, from the options provided by Rollback Rx.

Activating Rollback Rx On Your Computer

RollBack Rx system restore software has software-based product activation technology. This means that when you install Rollback Rx, you have to activate it to use it, so that you can fix computer problems and restore computer settings whenever you need. This activation can be done either over the Internet or without one.

If Rollback Rx is installed in a computer that is connected to the Internet, then activation can be over the Internet with the authorized product ID that comes with the product, whether youve bought a copy of it or downloaded the demo version. The number of computers authorized by the product ID is the number of computers that can be activated. Once you restart your computer after activation, you will have your disaster recovery solution firmly in place!

Manual activation of Rollback Rx is possible without an Internet connection. All you need to do is send your Product ID and registration ID to Horizon DataSys Tech Support via email or Fax, who will send you a registration code. You can use this to activate your Rollback Rx and get started with using it to fix computer problems. Your user guide will help you in showing you how to take snapshots and schedule them, how to configure your Rollback Rx so you can repair computer problems quickly and so on.

System Restore With Rollback Rx Is Easy

System restore is very easy with Rollback Rx. You have different options to do this. It can be done through the application console in Windows, or the subsystem console, which loads before Windows boots your system. This means you can repair computer problems even if Windows does not load, since Rollback Rx operates below the Windows platform. You can also automatically set your Rollback Rx to restore on every reboot, log off or shut down at various time intervals.

Jacob Henderson is the technical head of Horizon Data Systems and leading software development firm in the business of Desktop Security and PC performance enhancement software. During his more than 10 years of software development experience in various positions, Jacob Henderson has developed a large number of state of the art software and written numerous articles and reports. Jacob Henderson was one of the core team leaders, that is responsible for the development of user integration features of the flagship product of the Company-Rollback Rx Software.Betsy Blog8383
Ariana Blog2434

How To Host The Perfect Cocktail Party

A popular thing to do nowadays is to host cocktail parties. These are a great way for people to get together and talk while having a nice formal atmosphere. The following will explain how to host a cocktail party that will be talked about around the office for weeks.

The most important thing for any cocktail party is the drinks. These should range from alcoholic drinks to non-alcoholic and mixers drinks. Consider stocking the following drink types:

- Good white and red wines with some champagne.

- Gin, scotch, whiskey, vodka, bourbon, and sometime rum (depending on climate conditions).

- Draft beer and some foreign beer are always appreciated.

- Mixers such as juices, coke, ginger ale, and club soda. Also, serve some bottled water and sparkling water.

Make sure you have all the correct glasses for the different drinks. Being able to present each drink in the right setting and glass is very important for a successful cocktail party.

Another important thing to consider is keeping some fresh fruit around for the drinks. A lot of people enjoy having a lemon or lime wedge with their drinks and will greatly appreciate it if its provided.

Hors d'oeuvres are good to have with any party. Besides the specialized dishes you should consider some general plates. These include:

- A good fruit plate with fresh fruit is great to have on the table. When you do these go ahead and cut up apples, pears, and those types of fruits so that people wont have to do it themselves.

- Crackers, cheese, and meat can be put together on one plate. Be sure to stock a few different brands of meats and cheeses to provide some flavor and character to the plate.

- A vegetable plate with ranch dip is a cheap and great addition to any Hors d'oeuvres table.

While you can host a cocktail party on the spur of the moment its recommended that you send people a hand written invitation. This makes them feel good about being invited and will help entice them to come. Remember, make sure to add a RSVP on the note so that you can figure out who is coming and who isnt.

Gabriel AdamsCari Blog24986
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Gigabytes and Bandwidth Are Not Measurements for the Best Web Host

When evaluating the best web host, dont get bogged down in evaluating the gigabytes and bandwidth of the various hosts. That is not what really matters in your decision about which is the best web host. Do you know what really matters?

All over the Internet, you read ads for web hosting that tout the number of gigabytes of storage and the bandwidth that the particular web host will supply to you. Do you think this is the real measure of what make the best web host?

These are measurements of hardware capacity and can be provided by any web host, good or bad. Web hosts that advertise in this manner are a dime a dozen. Many of them come and go in the Internet business.

Some of these are resellers of web hosting that do not own their own hardware, but resell space on the server of another web host and you do not even know it. You sign on with them, they go out of business, and you are faced with a problem.

Any web host can provide gigabytes and bandwidth since these are necessary for a web site to function on the Internet. However, there are many other services that the best web host should provide.

The best web site host should offer the following services:

1. Fast, reliable hosting
2. Reasonable cost for services provided
3. No initial set up fee
4. Domain registration included in hosting charge
5. Unlimited data transfer
6. Email customer support
7. Telephone customer support
8. Point and click page building
9. Unlimited web pages
10. Tools for brainstorming key words for your site theme
11. Tools for evaluating the supply and demand for your keywords
12. Assistance in building your web pages to make them search engine friendly
13. Uploading your own web pages if desired
14. Automatic submission of each new page or each updated page to the search engines
15. Page templates for your site
16. Customized 404 error pages
17. Automatic creation of Google and Yahoo site maps.
18. Inclusion of a blog site
19. Unlimited email accounts
20. Email forwarding
21. Email domain forwarding
22. Support forum of other users
23. Point and click custom input form creation tool
24. Unlimited autoresponders
25. Ability to upload XML code for RSS pages
26. Link exchange and link builder
27. eZine publishing tool
28. Email marketing list builder/distribution
29. Reports
a. Search engine ranking report
b. Traffic statistics and analysis
c. Click tracking and analysis
d. Keyword search report for search engines
e. Tracking of search engine spiders
30. Any other additional services

You should not expect to receive this level of service for the cheap hosting prices that are advertised on the Net. The low prices are lost leader prices to hook you and get you signed up. After you have wasted a year trying to build a successful web site and failed, then you will start looking for the best web host to help you build a successful web site.

Dont waste that year. Spend the time to find the best web host before you start building your web site.

The-Best-Web-Host.com can help you make the important decision about which web host is the best web host for your new web site.

Good luck on finding the best web host.

Copyright 2007 John Howe, Inc.

John V. W. Howe is an entrepreneur, author, inventor, patent holder, husband, father, and grandfather. He has worked with computers for over 44 years. He is an expert in website creation and web hosting. He has published over 60 articles on the Internet covering diverse topics. His website http://www.the-best-web-host.com helps people analyze their needs and match those needs to the best web host. He also publishes http://www.boomer-ezine.com an ezine for Internet entrepreneurs.Carmela Blog29263
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8 Keys to a Successful Church Building Program

Eight Considerations for Leading a Successful Church Building Program

There are many reasons for a church to decide to enter into a building program. It may be that the community is growing, the church is growing, or church space is saturated. Whatever the reason, the following considerations will help you develop and conduct a successful church building program.

1. Write A Statement Of Mission

Writing a statement of mission is a very important first step in the process of planning your new facility. The purchase of land, the master planning, and the design of the facility are all related to, and dependent upon, the mission of your church. The church should plan what its going to do in the building as an expression of faith in obedience to Gods call and the mission He has given. The church must know why they are here as a congregation, what they are going to do, and how they do it. When this is understood, then the church can plan adequately for the space and equipment needed to do their work and express their faith. Your statement of mission should include present ministry and outreach, as well as plans for the future.

2. Timing

When is the best time to build? Conventional wisdom says its time to build when the church reaches 80-85% of its worship capacity for the first time. While the 85% capacity rule of thumb is sound and proven, the more important thing is for the church to reach it that first time!

Growth patterns, whether positive or negative, tend to feed on themselves. If you enlarge your facilities as you approach saturation, you permit growth to continue. If you dont, you then impose an upper limit on growth and upon reaching your facility saturation point the growth rate slows, eventually stops and often reverses itself to a less saturated plateau. If the space situation is not properly addressed, churches frequently find a decline sets in and the church begins a roller coaster ride of growth and decline, repeatedly bumping up against the saturation point.

3. Understanding building as part of a process

A church building project is a major experience in the life of an individual and of a congregation. For a great many people this experience has opened new spiritual horizons and led to a deeper and closer walk with God. For some, it has been a source of bitter disappointment, frustration, and deteriorated spiritual life. The difference in outcome is not just happenstance; it happens because of the attitude, concept, and administration of the entire project. You should view the building effort as a process in the continuing life of your church. A new building is a milestone in your growth, and that growth is intended to continue onward until Christ returns. So, while doing the necessary thinking and planning for the building, you must allocate time and resources not only for current responsibilities, but also for the future growth opportunities for your ministry.

4. Develop a work calendar

A key step towards a successful church building project is to insure that the work of each committee or study group is clearly defined and understood. It is imperative that they see their particular work in relationship to other groups and the building program as a whole. Organize your meetings, specifying the results you hope to achieve in a certain time frame. This calendar should be specific and written down. This task is necessary so as to establish benchmarks to know where you are in each phase of your building goals and to insure that all of the requisite parts come together in a timely and seamless fashion.

5. Base your Master Plan on your philosophy of ministry

Before an architect is authorized to begin work on building design or plans, it is imperative the congregation produce a written church building program. This program should include: What they believe; how the church carries out those beliefs in worship, education, fellowship, evangelism, recreation, community involvement, etc.; how they conduct worship service; what constitutes their program of Christian education, including the space needs of all age groups; how the church plans for fellowship experiences and the equipment needed; what work areas are needed for the pastor, church staff and teachers; needs for sanitary facilities, and other space to insure the comfort and safety of those who will use the building.

By thinking through all these matters, the major aspects of a building project are established well before the building itself is designed. Your major goals will be established, while allowing flexibility in creating the details of your church design.

6. A building that reflects its people

The building must be an expression of the whole congregation (within reason) and not the vision of one person, or a small group. To accomplish this, it is necessary to involve as many people as possible in the study groups and in writing the church building program. The design of your building should reflect your churches personality, goals, age, income, beliefs, hopes, wishes and desires. What the members of a congregation believe, and how they practice those beliefs in worship, fellowship, education, evangelism, recreation, community involvement, etc. really should determine the shape, size and style of building they build. Being able to communicate this to your architect will help make the design of the building welcoming to both members and seekers as well as more effective as a ministry tool.

7. A building that says welcome

Let the building say to your neighbors This is a friendly place. We want you to come in and join our fellowship. Let us help meet your needs. We care about you. If parking is readily accessible and well lit, the entrance is easily seen, there are few steps to climb, and the building is warm and friendly; then a new person sees the welcome signs they are looking for. You must make a conscious effort to make it easy for new people to visit your church.

8. Spend your money wisely

Dont overspend on your building program. It is very easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm of building and leave the budget behind. Staying focused on your goals and within your budget are key ingredients to insure a successful building program. There are a variety of legitimate ways to save money in a building program, including using off the shelf church plans. Through the practical application of their experience, a church building consultant can help your church reduce the cost and the effort in building. It is often a good idea to get an outside consultant involved as they have both the experience and objective viewpoint to help maximize the results of a building effort.

The general rule of thumb for how much financing you can safely afford is three times your annual income minus less any debt you already have. This will vary depending on circumstances, but it is a good place to begin. One important thing to remember is not to start construction until you have secured your all of your financing. Nothing will kill enthusiasm in a building program faster than running out of money before the job is done.

While it is assumed that the church will seek Gods wise counsel through His Word, do not underestimate the power of prayer and meditation. We like to say that the devil will show up in every building project, as he hates when Gods Kingdom and Gods people are growing. A solemn responsibility rests on the pastor and church leaders to use the occasion of a church building project to inspire, uplift, and solidify the congregation and to make it a more vital and useful force for God.

Glen Trematore is a Principal at Church Development Services Inc., which provides off the shelf church building plans, consultants for church building and church capital stewardship campaigns. Mr. Trematore may be reached via email at glentrematore@yahoo.com or via the web at http://www.churchdevelopment.comBeverlie Blog31768
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Bakers Racks And The Dorm Room

Furniture options are very limited when a young man or woman first heads off to the great unknown otherwise known as college. Dining tables, chairs, and even a simple sofa are all luxury items in a dorm room and most often impractical furniture choices. Of course, there are companies that recognize the cramped confines of the dorm room which is why there are specially designed pieces of furniture that cater to the college student. A very common theme of this specialty dorm room furniture genre is storage, storage, and more storage. While quite unconventional for a dorm room, quality-made bakers racks may actually be the perfect purchase for this particular time in a young persons life.

Yes, premium bakers racks are traditional furniture choices for the kitchen or dining area in a home. However, one of the specific design features of the bakers rack is storage space and this is precisely what the prospective college student needs most in their dorm room. In many cases, the rack will come in a box and require assembly which is actually a great thing because it cuts down on the room needed to transport the piece to campus.

Once the bakers rack is assembled (if necessary), there are a number of very practical possibilities the student has with respect to potential use. One such potential use is for the storage of cooking utensils, foodstuffs, and other related supplies. While most dorm rooms do not come equipped with a kitchenette of any kind, there is typically a floor kitchen. This universal kitchen space is usually found on every floor of a dormitory and generally includes a stove, sink, and perhaps a large refrigerator. It is not typical for pots, pans, or other related cooking supplies to be found in this common kitchen area so a student must bring their own if the space is to be used.

Bakers racks allow the student to bring along the necessary cooking utensils so that they can cook their own meals if desired. Other potential uses for quality-made bakers racks include storing extra reference materials, school supplies, or just about anything that does not have a spot in the tight and cramped confines of the typical college dorm room. The best part about bringing quality-made bakers racks along for the college experience is that they can easily be transferred to a small apartment or home once studies are over and thus continue to be useful for years and years to come.

Jesse Akre, owner of numerous sites specializing in Pot Racks and Bakers Racks, gives the consumer a chance to find the perfect Bakers Rack or Copper Pot Racks. Learn how to decorate your kitchen and home in style-Click today: http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com/.Adriaens Blog12371
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End Your Financial Woes with Unsecured Debt Consolidation

Today majority of the people uses credit cards, store cards etc and forgets its aspect of high interest rate. Not only the high rate of interest but it also results in accumulation of number of debts of a person, which he finds difficult in repaying them back may be due to lack of time or money. No matter what is the reason for accumulation of debts but it affects the credit score adversely, which emerges as hurdle in future for procuring funds. So, its better for a person to avail unsecured debt consolidation.

Unsecured debt consolidation has been designed for people facing debt problem. As the name suggest unsecured debt consolidation doesnt asks for any collateral which implies it can be availed by either tenant or homeowner who is not willing to place collateral.

Unsecured debt consolidation provides a great help to the person finding difficulty in managing his debts. Unsecured debt consolidation simplifies the procedure of paying off the debts as it combines all the debts of a person and let him pay a single monthly instalment rather than number of bills. It let the person to deal with the single lender rather than dealing with number of creditors. Unsecured debt consolidation brings an end to harassing call of the creditors.

The financial institutions offering unsecured debt consolidation have a panel of credit experts who listens to the problem of people and suggests them a way to overcome debt problem. Taking an advice is necessary because if we avail without consulting and the way we choose doesnt suit our financial problem then it can worsen the position of a person.

Unsecured debt consolidation is also very helpful in reducing the monthly outgoing of money. The agency or company engaged in providing such services negotiates with the creditors of person and appeal them to reduce the rate of interest and penalties (if any).

Financial market has abundant lenders offering unsecured debt consolidation which also make the rate of interest on them more competitive. This is available to all the people with different level of incomes. Only the person is required to do enquiry and shopping in the financial market which will help the person to avail the best and competitive unsecured debt consolidation deal which suits his needs and requirements.

It is absolutely true that the unsecured debt consolidations carries high rate of interest as compared to secured debt consolidation. But, it doesnt mean that they are expensive rather they are good in their own way as it involves no risk on the asset.

Maria Smith has not been writing articles from the beginning. But the increase in perplexing loans information has urged her to write on different loans types. So she writes in a way that is logical, comprehensive and understandably meant to cater to the need of general public who is left breathless while searching for loans. To find a Unsecured debt consolidation, unsecured loan uk, bad debt unsecured loan, unsecured home improvement loans in uk at low interest that best suits your needs visit http://www.loansfiesta.co.ukAleece Blog25408
Andra Blog57167

Use Your IRA or 401K to Purchase Investment Real Estate

Did you know that you can use your IRA or 401K to purchase real estate and have those assets grow in your retirement plan? Most people dont. This is a great way to increase the value of your retirement plan. Adding real estate to your IRA means these assets will increase in value tax-deferred until you begin pulling money out of your IRA or 401K. Thats right, you can buy real estate, let it appreciate, and not have to pay the IRS any income taxes on your income or gains from it until you retire!

Now, there are some rules, but they are, for the most part fairly simple and straightforward. There are several types of real estate investments that are eligible for including in your IRA. Rental homes or condos, raw land, timberland, commercial real estate or office buildings rented or leased to a business are all eligible. You could also add discounted real estate paper (where you purchase mortgages from someone at a discount) and even tax certificates. You can even purchase your future retirement home with your IRA. You just have to rent it out to someone else until you are ready to retire. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should give you some good ideas.

One rule concerning IRAs & real estate is that you cannot use it buy your own home or any property you live in, like a second vacation home for example. And I have also read it is not a good idea to rent out property you have purchased with your IRA to close relatives.

In order to use your IRA to purchase real estate, you must set up what is called a self directed IRA. This means you can direct your own investments. To do this, you will need the services of an approved IRA trustee or custodian or independent administrator. In order to fulfill their legal obligations, the trustee will most likely require that you hire a property manager to manage any rental property. This is to ensure that the property taxes are paid on time, to collect rents and maintain the property to local building codes. This can be an advantage for you, to let someone else deal with the day to day headaches of managing property.

There are many companies and individuals that offer IRA trustee services.

You can use a Roth IRA or a SEP IRA, for small companies and self-employed people. According to David Gass, president of Business Credit Services, the Roth IRA is his best choice for using an IRA to buy real estate for long term investments.

When you purchase real estate using your IRA, the trustee will most likely require that you purchase the property outright and not use any debt financing (a mortgage or trust deed). This is to protect your IRA from defaults on loans and other problems with long term contracts. If you are thinking, well, I cant afford to buy a $150,000 or a$200,000 property for my IRA, dont be put off. I have seen many properties in several parts of the country that can be purchased for under $50,000. You can even buy a mobile home and rent it out.

You need to think of your real estate investments like a business. All the income must be deposited into the IRA. And all expenses related to your property must be paid from the IRA. This will keep you out of hot water with the IRS. And when you sell the property, all of the gains will be added to your IRA, tax deferred.

This short article is just meant to introduce you to the idea that you can increase your wealth by adding real estate to your IRA. You will need to find and work with experts and professionals in this area. Your real estate agent can probably introduce you to several qualified people and companies that deal with this.

Written by Steven Currie
Copyright 2007

Steven Currie a financial consultant who helps people save tens of thousands of dollars by paying off their mortgage in less than half of the time.Buffy Blog50469
Catharina Blog44589

I Think My Child Is Using Drugs

What is a parent to think? I see behavior changes in my child. They used to be social, outgoing and communicated with the family. Now my child is secretive, isolated & uncommunicative. Is it possible that my worst nightmare has come true? My child is using drugs?

In todays world, pressure to use drugs is quite significant. When we were children, back in the 60s, 70sand 80s; the drugs of choice were marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Todays world is much different. The children of today are exposed to numerous other rave drugs. They include ecstasy, (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Khat, Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) this is the date rape drug.

Is my child going through normal adolescence, where they begin to separate from their parents, or using drugs? There are very important signs that you will see when your child is using drugs. Some of the most important signs are:

Less attention paid to grooming. My child used to take care of themselves, brush their hair, brush their teeth, now they seem indifferent.

Loss of appetite or an increased appetite, loss of weight or increased weight, without current medical issues. My child has lost/gained 5-20lbs over the last few months and I dont know what is going on. My PCP reports all blood-work and physical examination appeared fine.

Red and glassy eyes and frequent use of eye drops. My child is using Visine on a regular basis. I smell breath mints when they walk in the door. Is it possible that they are drinking/smoking pot?

Decreased attendance and performance at school. I have received phone calls from the school stating my child is tardy/late to some/all classes.

Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities. My child used to be involved in baseball, basketball etc. Now it seems they just want to sit and watch TV all day.

Newly developed secrecy; deceptive or sneaky behavior. My child locks his bedroom door, appears uneasy when I am within earshot of their phone calls. My child is telling me that they are at the mall with their friends, but I find out that they were at a friends house instead.

Withdrawal from family and friends. My child used to be very athletic, had at least 5 10 good friends. Now I am seeing other friends that I do not know. My child is no longer hanging out with their old friends and my child is reluctant to introduce me to their new friends.

Lying and stealing. I have caught my child stealing and lying from me on several occasions during the past year.

Disrespectful behavior. My child was always brought up to respect other people, but is now very disrespectful to others.

Changes in mood. My childs mood is very liable. One minute they are happy, the next minute they are sad and the next minute they are angry. I feel like Im walking on eggshells every time I speak with my child.

Goals for the future. My child used to have dreams and goals for the future. They used to talk about going to college or a trade school or entering a specific market field. Now they are consumed with nothing.

These are all prominent signs that your child may be using drugs. There are various ways to deal with this problem. The most important is to begin counseling, specifically with a drug and alcohol counselor whom is up to date with the current drugs of abuse and is able to test for drugs of abuse, via urine screens. If you determine via urine screens that your child continues to use drugs, then you may be best served by enrolling your child into an Intensive Outpatient Program, specifically for drug use. If your child has continued drug use, even with the Intensive Outpatient Program, then a residential drug and alcohol treatment program is suggested.

Your childs future is at stake. I have seen some children do extremely well with counseling and others that ended up in the prison system or worse (accidental overdose). The most successful cases however, had very prominent parental involvement in their childs treatment, even though the child did not want treatment or parental involvement.

Wendy McLellan is a licensed mental health and substance abuse counselor, with more than sixteen years of experience. She has recently devoted time to the efforts of http://www.safecomputerkids.com in their goal to provide parental internet safety tools and resources to the public.Anstice Blog42430
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Vocational Schools That Specialize In Nursing In California

Research has shown there is a shortage of nurses in the United States. This is because there are a lot of people who are getting older and many graduates would prefer to work elsewhere.

Given the situation, a lot of vocational schools in California have invested a lot of money into advertising in the hopes that many will answer this call.

Here are a few schools worth checking out.

If the person lives near Disneyland, a great vocational school that will teach everything there is to know about being a nurse is Bryman College located in Anaheim.

The school has a program called Vocational Nursing Certificate or LVN that can be finished in 18 to 24 months depending on the progress of the student. Those who graduate will have the tools to work in an entry-level position in hospital or clinic.

West Coast University in Los Angeles, California offers students an Associate of Science in Nursing. Some consider this to be better than earning a Bachelors of Science in Nursing that takes 4 years because people who take the 2-year course are able to finish the program faster and earn more money.

The California State University in San Bernardino offers advanced training for people who took up the basics in nursing. The student can upgrade to get bachelors or a masters degree in nursing that will prepare the individual to handle a ward or a wing in a big hospital or in a small clinic.

The vocational nursing schools mentioned are just three of more than 20 campuses stretching from San Francisco all the way down to San Diego. The person should check these places in the Internet to find the most convenient place to go and learn about nursing.

Shifting to another career is an option for many Americans. This is because many people have realized that nurses get paid more that the salary offered in the current job.

If the individual is thinking of leaving, it will be a good idea to check which school will offer the best program. Should the person not have enough money to hit the books again, the school can accommodate this by allowing the student to work and study part time.

The person can never be too old to get a vocational certificate. This is because there are students who are in the late 30s and up who have joined the ranks of nurses working in some of the most prestigious hospitals and clinics in the country.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Vocational Schools & other useful information, please visit http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.Angelle Blog3547
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Learn About Equity Index Annuities

Save for a rainy day is a wise old saying and there are many ways you can prepare for the sunset of your life. Investing in an annuity is one way. An annuity is a long-term, interest-paying contract offered through an insurance company or financial institution. An equity indexed annuity is an annuity that earns interest that is linked to a stock or other equity index. Depending on how those stocks fare will determine what you gain. The equity index annuities, as in any kind of investments, have to be kept untouched for a long period. The typical time is a minimum of 7 years. This will ensure that you get the full benefit of having invested in an equity index annuity.

The equity index annuities are basically an option of investment that is offered by insurance companies. They actually provide you with the benefit of investing in the stock market without the associated risks of losing your money. So, in an equity index annuity, your principal is never lost and even in a worst case you may take some interest back home. The flip side of this however is that even if the stocks that the equity index annuity is invested in gives high returns, you will not receive the full returns but just a percentage. So you do not get the maximum returns for your equity index annuity but just a part.

This is however the compensation that the insurance companies who offer you the equity index annuities receive, for providing you with a safety net throughout the term of the annuity. The percentage of returns (i.e. the gain of the index) that your equity index annuity brings you is determined by the participation rate. This rate is pre-decided and varies and to know this you have to read the fine print prior to signing on the documents. The general participation rate offered for most equity index annuities is between 70 to 90 percent.

The equity index annuities are therefore seen as a conservative and prudent investment.

They became quite popular during the previous bullish run in the market and insurance companies saw them as an excellent means of combining the security of a guaranteed return with the boom of the stock market. All equity index annuities offer a minimum interest rate and its value also does not fall below the guaranteed minimum percentage of the premium paid i.e. 90 percent at least.

However to achieve maximum benefits, your equity index annuities should not be withdrawn before the term. If you do even a partial withdrawal it will definitely affect the interest you receive. Like all investments, this is best kept for a long term. This will also help your equity index annuities even out and recover if the index plunges. As we know the stock market is volatile and this needs to be kept in mind when investing. Also there are definite withdrawal penalties that you would have to pay as well.

How then do the insurance agencies benefit from offering equity index annuities? The insurance companies reinvest the premium amounts that you pay and this is usually invested into bonds. Since the participation rate is fixed, they have to pay only those set rates of interest to the investors of the equity index annuities and the insurance companies profit the balance.

Equity index annuities are generally affiliated to a particular stock market index such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. However as the equity index annuities combine features of a typical insurance product with the traditional security they do completely fall into each of those specific categories.

As a typical insurance product you are guaranteed minimum return and in terms of securities your investment is linked to the equity market. However it all depends on the features that your equity index annuity provides and it may or may not be a security. The typical equity-indexed annuity is not registered with the SEC.

So then how does one know which equity index annuity is best for oneself? The only way is to find out as much as you can about the equity index annuity before you decide.

Ask a lot of questions like which stock market index does the equity index annuity use? What participation rate is being offered to you? Are there any hidden charges in terms of any fees or deductions payable? You have to run through a number of equity index annuity offerings before making your decision.

So save for a rainy day and do it the equity index annuity way!

Scott is a consultant at Equity Index Annuities, a directory listing site with all your annuity and finance needs. If you have any other annuity questions please visit http://www.vietnambiology.com/equity_index_annuities.html.Bernardine Blog69586
Camala Blog24262

How A Home Equity Line Of Credit Can Help Your Finances

A home equity line of credit unlocks your homes value so it can work for you. Owning your home can provide you with a financial resource that can help you with your financial needs.

Since equity is the value of your home minus the remaining mortgage outstanding, you may be sitting on the cash that you can use to improve your financial situation, renovate your home or go on that vacation youve always dreamed of.

Why Would You Want a Home Equity Line of Credit?

A line of credit is not like a typical loan which provides a lump sum of money to you and then begins charging you interest at a fixed rate until repaid. Instead, it acts like revolving credit (much like your credit card). You only use as much or as little as you want and you only pay interest on the amount you have used. Also, like a credit card, when the debt is repaid you still have access to the credit. In contrast, with a typical loan, you would be paying interest on the full amount of the loan. And when a loan is paid off, you no longer have that credit available to you you would have to reapply for a new loan.

The main feature of a home equity line of credit is providing you greater flexibility at accessing credit with the least cost. Not only can you access the credit only as you need it, but your monthly payments reflect only the balance you used. So the less you use of it, the lower your payment. Some lines of credit require you to only the interest as the minimum payment. This feature can be helpful when finances are tight. (Be careful, it takes discipline not to use this feature to fuel spending habits).

A home equity line of credit is great when you don't have a large fixed amount to spend in one place. While you can find many uses for your line of credit, here are some more common reasons for obtaining a home equity line of credit.

Consolidate Debt

One of the more important uses for your home equity line of credit is to consolidate debt. You can eliminate the stress of multiple bills and also receive a more favorable interest rate or tax benefit.

Second Mortgage

You may come across a time when you find your mortgage interest rate higher than your home equity line of credits interest rate. If that is the case, then using your line of credit to pay off the existing mortgage for better interest rates makes sense.

Home Renovations, Additions

You may use your line of credit for renovating or building that new addition to your home. You pay less interest than you would if you used a credit card and that makes it a wise financial choice.

When Should You Not Use a Home Equity Line of Credit?

Before making hasty decisions with your new found money source, its important to evaluate the additional risk.

Some debts have features that you may not be entitled to if you switch them to an equity line of credit. A perfect example is your student loans. They are subject to special conditions that if changed by you, can cost you. You need to check into your student loan terms and conditions before considering moving them.

With the feature to pay only the interest you may lack the motivation to pay off the debt and end up paying only the interest for a long time. When this happens, you end up owing for items that have lost their value over time. It makes more financial sense to avoid using your line of credit to buy items that depreciate and focus on items that will increase in value overt time. Also, make plans to pay off the debt quickly for the most advantage.

Lines of credit take advantage of current low interest rates which means they are subject to fluctuating interest rates. If you need larger financing that will take a long time to pay off, you may find that regular loans protect you better. A fixed rate loan can provide piece of mind knowing that your monthly payments are not going to increase as interest rates go up.

Using your finances wisely can give you great relief and freedom. Before taking on any financial obligations it is important to understand the risks as well as the benefits.

Thomas Erikson is co-founder of http://www.your-debt-consolidation-loan.com which provides http://www.your-debt-consolidation-loan.com/home-equity-line-of-credit.html information and solutions.Ashien Blog34998
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Casual Living Room Design Tips

When creating a design for your living room, keep in mind how the living room will be used. A living room with surround sound, for example, will require a particular design in order to get the full effect of that sound. Whether there is surround sound or no sound, a living room should be a room that creates a relaxing atmosphere in which one can read quietly, visit with friends, or any number of things in a comfortable manner.

Consideration of furniture is important. A casual living room will not have stiff furniture that provides no comfort when sitting. That type of furniture should be reserved for waiting rooms at a doctor's office or school rooms. A comfortable living room's couches and chairs will be made out of soft, perhaps plush fabrics that invite a person to relax on them. Their comfort will be further enhanced by soft, plush pillows of the same fabric. Some will even add pillows that contrast with the colors of the couches or chairs. This furniture is something that can be relaxed and socialized on in complete comfort.

Flooring is another important consideration for this room. Hardwood floors are very popular right now, yet they do not have to be the only choice. Hardwood is pretty and easy to clean, yet it's cold. If your home is often cold and you're looking for economical ways to keep it warmer, carpeting is one way to do that. Carpeting will hold the heat in the room better than hardwood flooring which will make the room warmer longer. This will in turn use your furnace less and your money will be saved. However, if you have allergies to dust or other airborne particles, carpeting may not be a good choice. No matter how often you vacuum, it can be very difficult to get those allergens out of the air. For this type of person, a hardwood floor would probably be the better choice because there will be less fibers in the room to hold in those allergens.

Television and sound system would also be a consideration into your design. If your television is large, it will take a large portion of area in the living room. Alternately, if it is small it won't take up as much room. Either way, the seating and sound should be surrounding the viewing area at a reasonable distance for both sight and sound. If you have surround sound, you have the advantage of bringing the sound to the seating area. Otherwise, the seating should surround the television at a distance that makes listening happen easily.

Living rooms should be places of comfort. They should be conducive to visiting and mingling with guests as well as watching television. With the listed tips above, your living room will bring comfort and joy to all of its inhabitants.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.decor8ting.com where you can get more tips for decorating your home as well as learn about different styles for living room design.Celestia Blog51825
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Cleveland Schools Career Fields Program

Cleveland Schools Aims to Help Students Prepare for Life After High School

All Cleveland Schools high schools have developed the Career Fields path of study to help students choose and succeed in higher education, work, and life after high school. The Career Fields places occupations into paths that share common skills. This allows teachers and students to combine educational study with more technical instruction. The six career paths chosen by Cleveland Schools are: Arts and Communications, Business and Management & Information Technology, Environmental and Agricultural Systems, Health Services, Human Resources/ Services, and Industrial and Engineering Systems. Following an educational path allows students to plan for a career after high school or a two-year technical or associate degree, or a four-year college degree. Cleveland Schools Career Fields provides the elective courses, in addition to the core requirements that will prepare them for the career of their choice.

Each Career Field is a part of a Career Pathway Certificate Programs, the only difference between these and the regular high school curriculum is that Career Pathway students may enter the workforce immediately after graduation from high school. When entering the ninth grade in the Cleveland Schools students can choose to enter the Individual Career Plan. This allows students in the Cleveland Schools to have a greater understanding of who they are, have a potential career path that is grounded in their personal skills and interests, and put together an educational plan in high school that will help them achieve their dream of a successful career.

The Six Career Pathways in the Cleveland Schools Career Fields Program

The Arts and Communications Career Field focuses on those careers that pertain to the arts in some way. Such job opportunities in the path include: vocal & instrumental music; visual and media arts; theater and film; journalism and literature; mass media, TV/radio and broadcasting; advertising, public relations, graphic design, printing/publishing, telecommunications and technical writing.

The Business, Management & Information Technology Field pathway provides training in high skilled world of business, management and administration as well as marketing, finance accounting, and data processing. Students who follow this path usually have a strong background in math, science and technical skills.

The Environmental and Agricultural Systems Career Field trains students for opportunities in agriculture, the environment and natural resources. It includes agricultural science, earth sciences, environmental sciences as well as service, research, education and production. Some careers to consider are agriculture, earth sciences, environmental studies, fisheries management, animal care, forestry, lawn care, plant care, floral work, horticulture, and wildlife management.

The Health Services Career Field path offers students education in health and treatment of injuries and disease and includes service, research, education and manufacturing areas of the health industry. There are a variety of jobs in the health services field including: working in medicine, dentistry, nursing, therapy and rehabilitation, nutrition, fitness and hygiene.

The Human Resources/Services Career Field trains students in possible pursuits in economic, political and social systems and include personal, protective, legal, educational and childrens and family services. Students will have the future opportunity to work in the law and legal services, community support areas such as fire and city services, education and personal services such as cosmetology and home health aide.

The Industrial and Engineering Systems Career Field pathway educates students in the careers that related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install and maintain physical systems for transportation, construction and manufacturing areas. The jobs in which students could pursue might include engineering and related technologies; mechanics and repair; transportation; manufacturing technology; and precision production and construction.

Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing 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. For more on Cleveland schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Ohio/Cleveland/index.htmlBrynn Blog32573
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ADD/ADHD - Developing Confidence In School

Do you know why you have ADD/ADHD? Because you are extremely intelligent! No, I am not being sarcastic. In fact, I could not be more sincere. Most people with ADD/ADHD (herein called ADHD) have such a strong interest in a great variety of things, they have a hard time maintaining focus on one thing at a time. Of course, there are additional reasons too, but I am here to tell you that every person I know with ADHD (friends, relatives, and students) have an extraordinary number of talents and are all extremely bright. So, why do so many students with ADHD struggle in school?

The traditional school environment is not very exciting for most students, but especially students with ADHD. What they (and some of their teachers) fail to realize is that school is not boring because the information is too complex. On the contraryschool is boring because there is often not enough activity to keep their active minds engaged.

One common characteristic of people with ADHD is that they learn best by doing; they prefer to get their hands on something and figure out how it works rather than read about how it works. They typically represent the epitome of hands on, minds on learners. However, in most school situations, there is way too much idle time sitting at desks.

Many parents of students with ADHD say that their children do best when they can be involved in class by helping the teacher or having some type of leadership role. They thrive on projects and the opportunity to investigate the answer to a problem.

Is ADHD Really a Disorder?

I have always hated the term Attention Deficit Disorder! My observations, from knowing and working with many friends, relatives, and students who have ADHD are that they just have to make some additional accommodations to function in our modern society.

For example, I am left-handed and the whole world is backwards for me. I can never use scissors without looking like I have a physical disability. I always get ink smears on my hand when I write because my hand glides right over the freshly written words. When I have to sign my name on a credit card machine, the stylus is always on the wrong side of the machine and my signature looks like that of a kindergartner. The desks in college were all backwards for me so I had to learn how to write on my lap and looked like I was hunchback.

Does this mean I have a disorder? Of course not! It just means that I need to make some accommodations and accept the fact that people will make fun of me when I use scissors or try to pay for my groceries. Technically, ADHD is a disorder because it is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and can be treated medically, but the word disorder makes it sound as if there is something wrong with people who have ADHD. On the contrary. For most people, it is simply a process of making some adjustments.

What Are Those Adjustments?

There are an infinite number of strategies and tricks that may be helpful for people who have ADHD and most will be a matter of what works best for each individual. However, there are three factors that are key to making any strategy successful:

Develop healthy routines. People with ADHD have a hard time creating structure within their own minds, so they must rely on structure from outside sources and develop habitual routines to help them keep track of their responsibilities and belongings. For example, one man I know with ADHD explained, I was always leaving things behind in restaurants and stores; my wallet, keys, jacket, briefcase, diaper bag, etc. So I started getting in the habit of looking back every time I left a table, seat, or check-out counter to make sure I didnt leave anything. It works well. I havent left anything behind in years!

Good routines to develop for school include using a planner, taking a few minutes at the end of every day to clean garbage out of your book bag and put papers in your folders, and gather everything you need for school the night before so you dont forget anything in the chaos of the morning.

Find a mentor. When you are trying to develop routines and change habits to be successful in school, it is always helpful to have someone who can be your sounding board, who can help motivate you, and keep you focused. A good mentor should be a responsible and trusted adult or older student whom you trust; perhaps a neighbor, aunt/uncle, tutor, personal coach, community volunteer, peer counselor or student from a local high school or college. Try to avoid having your parent fill this role because you are likely to quickly perceive your parents as nagging you rather than encouraging you. A mentor may sometimes nag, but is often easier to take it from someone other than a parent.

Your mentor will help you identify some goals and check in with you every other day or two-three times per week to see what you are doing to reach those goals and offer you encouragement. They should be available to listen to you vent when you are frustrated and may have some suggestions to help you. Of course, your mentor will also be on hand to help you celebrate each of your accomplishments along the way, even the small ones.

Take it one step at a time. Try to figure out the one area that is causing you the greatest problem and work on this first. You may want to talk to your parents, teachers, and even your mentor to determine where to start. For example, if your teachers tell you that the main reason that your grades are falling is because you are not turning in your assignments, then you know that this is what you should try to improve first. Get help from your teachers, guidance counselors, parents, your mentor, and the free Homework Rx Toolkit at our website to help you determine strategies that will help you with this one problem. Give it one or two months and then identify the next problem.

Do not give up! Everyone has moments when they fall backwards as they try to reach their goals; everyone from straight-A students to the CEO of a major company. This is a natural part of life. The key for anyone to be successful, however, is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving. Youll see positive results very soon!

© 2006 Susan Kruger, All rights reserved.

Find more resources for homework help, including a free Homework Rx Toolkit, at http://soarstudyskills.com/. Susan Kruger, M.Ed. is a certified teacher and learning specialist. She combined her personal struggles as a student with her professional expertise to create a powerful, student-friendly system. She has taught her SOAR Study Skills workshops to hundreds of students with great success!Catharine Blog74674
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Computer Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Jones contributes articles to several web sites, including http://easy-recreation.com and http://kemop.com.Aeriell Blog38641
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