A few of the best fly fishing spots in the united states

All across the United States there are many beautiful, exciting places that are excellent or fly fishing. The following article just highlights a few of them.

Sitka, Alaska is a major stopover for salmon heading to British Columbia, Washington, and other Alaskan waters. Fly fishermen at Sitka, have a higher fishing catch rate than any other marine area in Southeast Alaska. June is the best month for fishing this area.

The Colorado River at Lees Ferry, Arizona, is one of the best fly fishing spots for rainbow trout. The fish are comfortable all year round in a 15-mile stretch of cold water that flows from the depths of Lake Powell between Glen Canyon Dam and the upper end of the Grand Canyon. Fly fishermen can also book a guide and go flats fishing for 25 pound carp.

Saltwater fly fishing is at its best at Montauk Point, New York. Montauk Point is the easternmost point of Long Island and is best known for striper fishing. Fly fishermen have miles of beautiful shoreline in which they can cast their fly.

Gunpowder Falls, Maryland, is an excellent place to catch cold water trout. A deal was struck by the Maryland state authorities and Trout Unlimited to start cold water releases from Pretty Boy Dam. This has resulted in a combination of wild and stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Most of the fly fishing is in Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Fishing Creek, Pennsylvania, is one of the states top wild trout streams. It generally stays cool throughout the summer. There is a five-mile stretch called the Narrows, near Lamar, that is a very popular area for fly fishing.

Driftless Area, Wisconsin, has many excellent fly fishing streams loaded with brown trout. There is excellent access to all of southwestern Wisconsin's eight counties. There are 68 streams in Vernon County alone, including Kickapoo River and Timber Coulee Creek. Most fly fishermen in this area use mayfly and caddis imitations.

Laguna Madre, Texas, is full of rivers and lakes that are excellent fly fishing locations. Texas also has its southern coast, which is among the world's greatest saltwater fly fishing areas. The saltwater flats of Laguna Madre, next to Padre Island, are full of all different kinds of fish that make for a great fly fishing experience.

Henry's Fork, Idaho, is a great destination for rainbow trout. If you are fishing the Island Park area, it is better to fish in runoff conditions.

Lake C. W. McConaughy, Nebraska, is the largest lake in the state and also has some of the best fly fishing. Another excellent fly fishing spot in Nebraska is the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, which is a series of twenty sandpit lakes that have been carved into the Platte River basin. Red Willow reservoir is also a favorite of fly fishermen in this area of the country.

Kauai, Hawaii, is a great spot for fly fishing largemouth, smallmouth, and peacock bass. This Garden Isle also has excellent saltwater fly fishing.

Whether you like fresh or salt water fly fishing, there are thousands of places to fish across the country that offer the fly fisherman endless opportunities and experiences.

A quick education on actual cash value and replacement cost

It’s sad but true – many people only purchase homeowner’s insurance because they’ve borrowed the money to pay for their home and their lenders require them to purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy until the home is completely paid for. Therefore, not everyone who purchases a homeowner’s insurance policy puts much thought into the ins and outs of the homeowner’s insurance policy they purchase.

If you’re one of these people, you may not be familiar with the actual cash value coverage and replacement cost coverage offered by homeowner’s insurance policies; therefore, you might want to take the following information as a quick education on actual cash value coverage and replacement cost coverage.

There are two basic ways you can be compensated by your homeowner’s insurance policy. You may be compensated by the actual cash value or on a replacement cost basis.

If your home or any of its contents are damaged or lost due to a factor covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, you may choose to be compensated by actual cash value coverage. This means you’ll be paid the depreciated value of your damaged property. One reason people opt for actual cash value coverage because they can’t, or don’t want to, replace the property that has been damaged.

On the other hand, if your home or any of its contents are damaged or lost due to a factor covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, you may choose to be compensated by replacement cost coverage. This means you’ll be compensated the amount of money it will take to replace the property that has been damaged or lost. The amount you’re given is usually the amount it will cost to replace the damaged or lost property at its current price. You will be given the amount it will take to replace the damaged or lost property with another that is similar in type and quality of the one that was damaged or lost.

Great barrier reef hotels

Why not go to the Great Barrier Reef this year, find a great Barrier Reef Hotel, and have a Great Barrier Reef Vacation?

As one of the many thousands of visitors to Australia you are inevitably drawn to the Great Barrier Reef without necessarily really knowing what it is, where it is, and where is the best Barrier Reef Hotel to take the best advantage of it. So think on this:

The Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia is the only living organic thing visible from Space. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia, is one of the wonders of the natural world - it is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.

The reef is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays and covers more than 300,000 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef system consists of more than 3000 reefs which range in size from 1 hectare to over 10,000 hectares in area. There are more than 600 islands of the Great Barrier Reef, some of which contain great hotels for you to stay at.

The real question is what Great Barrier Reef Hotel would suit you the best?

The Top 10 Rated Hotels in a recent poll were as follows:

1. South Long Island Nature Lodge, Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef

2. Voyages Wilson Island, Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef

3. Lizard Island Resort, Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

4. Beach Club Resort, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef

5. Voyages Heron Island Resort, Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef

6. Voyages Bedarra Island Resort, Bedarra Island, Great Barrier Reef

7. Voyages Dunk Island, Dunk Island, Great Barrier Reef

8. Peppers Palm Bay, Long Island, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef

9. Hayman Island Resort, Hayman Island, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef

10. Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island, Great Barrier Reef

There are all types of accommodation at all prices, with activities to match the budgets for your Great Barrier Reef vacation. They range from very sophisticated resorts like Hayman Island and the beach club on Hamilton Island, a secluded adult hideaway at Peppers Palm Bay.

Then you can go to family orientated island getaways like Hamilton Island, South Molle Island, and Daydream Island.. Finally you have Long Island a budget party island.

You must make extensive enquiries about each hotel, because there are many more than can be mentioned here.

Both Whitsunday’s Great Barrier Reef islands and Queensland's Great Barrier Reef islands are ideally suited for honeymooners, families, divers, beachcombers or nature lovers - in fact anyone looking for an idyllic, exotic, sun kissed and pristine holiday destination that is a rare escape from a stressful world.

If diving or fishing are more your thing for your Great Barrier Reef vacation then Heron, Wilson, Lizard or Lady Elliot are the places to go.

Here we have nature at its best with turtle hatching, bird rookeries and whale watching, (all seasonal) Lady Elliot Island is an ecological wonderland.

If you are looking for total and complete luxury, then Hayman, Green Island, Orpheus, Bedarra, Peppers Palm Bay and Lizard are top of the list

If it’s a family type vacation then the prices and facilities of South Molle Island, Dunk, Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream or Fitzroy make perfect sense for that tropical family holiday.

If you are looking for something in between, then Hamilton Island, South Molle Island, Daydream Island Resort & Spa, or Long Island Resort, are worth investigating.

Other Island resorts closer to Queensland's vibrant capital, Brisbane, are also world famous and easily accessible by vehicle and ferry, with all resorts operating their own transfer services.

The superb Kingfisher Bay Resort on World Heritage Fraser Island, and the health and activity focussed first class Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island off the coast from the Gold Coast should both be checked out.

I hope this has given you something to think about in terms of a suitable Great Barrier Reef Hotel for your next Great Barrier Reef vacation

Check out Hotels in Australia at worldwidevacationspots. com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

Loan insurance can give peace of mind

The Loan insurance is taken out mostly to safeguard against the fact that if by chance you were to lose your income then your loan repayments would still be able to be paid each month without worrying about from where you would be able to find the money to pay the loan repayment.

When bought with keeping your circumstances in mind it could give you a replacement income each month which was determined at the outset when you got the quote for the cover and this would be determined by the sum of money you payout each month for your loan repayments. Once you had been out of work for a pre-defined period of time which is usually between 31 and 90 days then you would receive a tax free lump sum payout for up to 12 months and with some providers for up to 24 months. You do have to be aware that there are lot of factors involved which can make you ineligible to claim against a policy and you have to make sure that you read the small print and the key facts of a policy before taking it out. Some of the most common facts include if you are self-employed, if you are of a retirement age, if you only work in a part time position or if you have an ongoing illness at the time of taking out the policy.

Loan insurance in the past has caused a great deal of controversy when the sector was investigated in 2005 by the Financial Services Authority after the Office of Fair Trading received a super complaint from the Citizens Advice which revealed mis-selling was widespread. Many high street lenders were fined and the sector was then referred to the Competition Commission for a review which is expected to reach conclusion in early 2009. While some changes for the better have already arose the Financial Services Authority have revealed that very little progress has been made when it comes to the selling techniques, many firms are still not giving enough information and making the product easy to understand at the time the policy is taken out.

The specialist standalone provider will always offer the consumer the information needed so that they can ensure they have a policy that is suitable for their circumstances by giving them the key facts of the policy along with the exclusions. Loan insurance can give great peace of mind and security of an income but only if you are eligible to claim the loan insurance.

One change for the better which will occur in March 2008 is the introduction of comparison tables which will allow the consumer to answer questions which will then lead to them knowing which type of policy is suitable for their needs and how much they will pay along with outlining the exclusions. Until this happens the specialist provider is your best option and will always be able to offer you the cheapest premiums for the monthly premium along with excellent advice on all aspects of a loan insurance policy.

New furniture can be comfy too

You’ve just moved into a new house and suddenly the comfy old furniture you’ve cherished for years—okay, decades – just doesn’t seem to work any more. Do you give up the comfy old stuff for new furniture? The truth is that you don’t have to choose. You can buy new furniture that is comfortable if you know how to shop.

Start with the living room. If you’ve had your couch, loveseat, or sectional for more than 10 years, chances are you need to rethink your furniture needs. Do you have a small child now who has trouble getting on or off of a couch that didn’t seem too wide when you bought it? Is your sofa apartment-sized to fit into your first place, but it seems out of proportion now in your new home? Take size and width of seating into consideration when buying. And the only way to know if it’s comfortable is to sit on it. If you plan to nap on your couch, lay on it right in the furniture showroom. Don’t be afraid to test the level of comfort.

Looking for a chair or recliner? Take your shoes off and sit in it like you would at home. If you usually tuck your feet under you, that’s how you should sit when you try out the furniture. See just how far back that recliner will lean back or just how hard the rocker can rock. While you’re trying out the potential new furniture, note whether it’s comfortable or not. If it’s not, don’t buy it. Move on. Furniture is not like shoes or jeans. You shouldn’t buy them with the hope of breaking them in for comfort over a period of time. The new furniture should be comfortable as well as functional upon purchase.

Moving to the dining area you’ll need to take into consideration your table and seating needs. A family of five probably won’t be comfortable squeezing around a breakfast style bar built for two. Likewise, a couple who seldom entertains and is years away from planning a family might not want to take up space with a table that accommodates eight. Know your needs. Know your likes as far as colors and styles. Then, have a seat. Again, it’s the only way to know if your new furniture is going to be comfortable.

No one really likes to lie on a bed in a furniture showroom, but if you are going to buy one it’s a must. Do you usually sleep on your belly? Crawl up on the bed and lie as you would if you were asleep. Roll around. How does it feel? Don’t buy the first one just because it felt okay. The next one might feel better and still the third might feel great!

If you are furnishing a home office, the same tips apply. Sit in the chair. Pull up under the desk. Pull out all the drawers and compartments you can find. Will the printer be within comfortable reach?

Keeping your house comfortable furnished doesn’t mean giving up style. And giving in to style, doesn’t mean that you can’t have comfortable new furniture!

Homeschooling while you shop

Yes, It can be done! We are all busy juggling multiple tasks at once, and it does not get any easier when you are homeschooling. Here is an idea to get your children to help out with a chore and provide them with a learning opportunity at the same time.

Before going to the grocery store, ask your children to help you with a shopping list. You can go around the house - the fridge, pantry, and the bathroom cabinet, etc.- and categorise the list. You can also go through the flyer and see what's on sale and check on the price differences from one store to the another. (You can also discuss distribution channel and marketing for older kids.) Bring a calculator (if your kids prefer doing math that way) for your shopping trip.

Once you are at the grocery store, let the children do the shopping while you supervise. Show them how to select items based on the quality and/or price. While you are comparing the price, do a quick math lesson, or if you buy multiple of one item, what the total price differences would be. In the produce section, discuss where fruits and vegetables are from, and why you find thing from that particular climate. You can also talk about environment and organic produce. Have children weight vegitables and ask them how much a pound and a half of grapes would be.

In the meat and seafood section, discuss where they come from, how they keep them fresh, and what would happen if they are not kept cold. Many seafood items are imported, so you may discuss geography. If you are cooking a roast that day, you may have the children use the meat themometer and determine how cooked it is, and if it is safe to eat.

While you are in line at the check out counter, take out your coupons and ask them how much you can save if you use the double coupons. If you buy 3 Klenex tissue boxes on sale for $3, and have $.75 off coupon, how much would each box costs? How about if you get "buy one get one free" can of soup for $2.50 and have $.50 off coupon?

Don't forget to recycle those soda cans and talk about aluminum, recycling, and environment! On the way home, talk about how much gas you used for what distance, and how you can save money and environment by reducing the number of trips you take each month. Why is the gas so expensive? Where does the oil come from? How about the new hybrid cars? If the kids are done talking, you can listen to a CD and complete you day with a music lesson!

Changing pizza trends

For years, pizza has been a favorite food of American culture. Pizza, holding its own against all time greats such as hamburgers and hotdogs, has become somewhat of a staple on the American menu and on its table. However, since its comeuppance in the category of favorite foods in the U. S., pizza has come a long way as far as what is termed as great toppings and what is termed as just plain weird. Some new trends in the way that pizza is made and topped have come to the forefront. Foods that are used for toppings today and are popular, in the 1960’s would have been turned away as ridiculous.

Over the past few decades, tastes have changed in America. While many pizza lovers prefer traditional pizza styles and toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives, pizza connoisseurs that are new to the scene are fond of trying the non-traditional in order to find pizza topping greatness. Some newer toppings that are not so radical that the traditional pizza fan can not get past them are toppings such as chicken, ham and pineapple, and ground beef, to name a few. However, there have been toppings that have totally offended the sensibilities of that traditional pizza enthusiast.

One of the things that has completely affected the new wave of pizza traditions in this industry is the fact that the great people of the gourmet foods industry have begun to take a part in the pizza industry, helping to make it their own. Suddenly, pizza is no longer only for the superbowl party, or the kids’ birthday party, or a late night fix when the busy career woman comes home tired from work and doesn’t want to cook. It has become the object of attention for society’s elite in the gourmet foods circuit.

More and more these days, fine dining and gourmet restaurants are beginning to offer their unique take on the creation of pizza. The gourmet food industry brings flair to pizza by offering daring topping choices and letting creativity and taste come to the forefront. While some might say the toppings they choose are ridiculous, which some of the more daring topping ideas may be, some of the new trends in pizza are really beginning to take off with the more elite crowd. Some new toppings include seafood such as oysters and crayfish. Other new toppings that have been tried are game meats like venison and duck. Even wackier are toppings such as peanut butter and jelly and bacon and eggs.

While you won’t find most pizza lovers willing to try mashed potato pizza, many are stepping out on a limb and trying the new toppings the renovated pizza industry has to offer. Whatever your favorite toppings are, America is in agreement of one thing about pizza: it’s impossible to live without.

Tax laws the irs doesn t want you to know about

Most People Are Not Aware That We Have Two Tax Systems.

One is for employees, which was created to take your wealth, and one is for small businesses that was designed to create economic growth. The reason is that small businesses generate over 70% of the job growth in this country. This is why Congress passes "good" tax laws (Yes, you heard me right, there are "good" tax laws) for small businesses. However, you must have a business to take advantage of these "good" laws.

If you have a side business and have the right knowledge, you can deduct part of your house, your kid's education (no kidding), some of your vacation costs almost anywhere in the world, set up a pension plan that makes any government plan paltry by comparison and much more. Even better, if your business generates a loss, you can use that loss against any form of income such as your wages, pensions, rents etc.

There Is Catch However

The first catch is you must properly document your deductions.

The second catch is that you must run your business as a business and not as a hobby.

The following are some of the criteria that IRS and the courts look for:

How To Distinguish Between A Business And A Hobby

The IRS seems to love the "loss rule." A person must have a profit two out of five years. In one of my tax law classes, the professor was determined to show that any business that did not show a profit in two out of every five years would lose all of the tax-deductions. I remember distinctively showing that this is only a misconception of the tax rules.

(From IRS Publication 535)

Generally, a hobby is an activity that is carried on for personal pleasure or recreation. It is not an activity entered into with the intention of making a profit. In determining whether you are carrying on an activity for profit, all the facts are taken into account. No one factor alone is decisive. Among the factors to consider are whether:

You carry on the activity in a businesslike manner

The time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable

You depend on income from the activity for your livelihood

Your losses are due to circumstances beyond your control (or are normal in the startup phase of your type of business)

You change your methods of operation in an attempt to improve profitability

You, or your advisors, have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business

You were successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past

The activity makes a profit in some years, and how much profit it makes

You can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity

Killer Secret: To qualify as a business, you have to prove your intent to produce a profit.

We have all heard of Internet companies that have lost millions for years, Amazon. com being the best example we all know. If your goal is to take a loss, you have a hobby. If your intent is to create profit, then you have a business.

What You Can Deduct

The Internal Revenue Code allows you to deduct all "ordinary and necessary" expenses of operating your business -- these can vary depending on the type of business. Understanding some of the terminology of the tax code will be crucial and the creating and keeping records related to reducing your tax liability.

President Clinton in one of his famous hearings made the following remark, which many of us deemed to be ridiculous, "It depends upon what the meaning of the word is "is". What you "name" your deduction will often determine whether or not it is deductible.

(From the IRS Publication 535)

You can deduct business expenses on your income tax return. These are the current operating costs of running your business. To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business, trade, or profession. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business, trade, or profession. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary.

Killer Secret: Find ways to deduct expenses that occur every day for you!

Anti-aging theories part ii

Waste Accumulation Theory

The waste accumulation theory of aging states that in the course of a life span cells produce more waste than they can properly eliminate. The waste includes various toxins that when accumulated to a certain level they can interfere with normal cell function and ultimately kill the cell.

Limited Number of Cell Divisions Theory

This theory is concerned with the number of cell divisions directly affected by the accumulations of the cell’s waster products. As more wastes accumulate over time the cells quickly degenerate thus causing aging and ultimately death.

Hayflick Limit Theory

Dr. Hayflick theorized that the aging process was controlled by a biological clock contained within each living cell. Studies done in 1961 concluded that human fibroblast cells (lung, skin, muscle, heart) have a limited life span. They divide approximately 50 times over a period of years and then suddenly stop. They also concluded nutrition seemed to have an effect on the rate of cell division. Final conclusion of this theory states that improper functioning of cells and loss of cells in organs and tissues may be responsible for the effects of aging.

Death Hormone Theory (DECO)

Brain cells or neurons are unlike other cells in that they do not replicate. At birth we have roughly 12 billion of them and over a life time about 10 percent die out. Dr. Donner Denckle speculated that as we age the pituitary begins to release DECO which inhibits the ability of cells to use thyroxine. Thyrozine is a hormone produced by the thyroid-governing basal metabolism, which is the rate at which cells convert food to energy. The metabolic rate brings on and accelerates the process of aging.

Thymic-Stimulating Theory

Dr. Alan Goldstein says “the thymus is the master gland of the immune systems.” The size of the gland continues to reduce and shrink to round three grams by age 60. Scientists are investigating the possibility that the disappearance of the thymus contributes to the aging process by weakening the body’s immune system.

Mitochondrial Theory

This is the free radical theory is supported by directed experimental observations of Mitochondrial aging. Our primary source of energy comes from ATP. Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in the cells that produce ATP. They produce cell energy by a process that leads to forming potentially damaging free radicals. Evidence seems to tell us that various kinds of accumulated DNA damage over time contribute to disease. New research in mitochondrial repair could play an important role in the fight against aging.

Errors and Repairs Theory

Dr. Leslie Orgel suggested in 1963 that because the “machinery for making protein in cells is so essential, an error in that machinery could be catastrophic.” Since the system is incapable of always making perfect repairs on these molecules, the accumulation of flawed molecules can cause disease and other age changes to occur.

Redundant DNA Theory

This theory is similar to the error-and-repairs theory in that it also blames errors accumulating in genes for age changes. A difference is that as these errors accumulate the reserve genetic sequences of identical DNA that take over until the system is work out.

Source: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved

Hostels for cheap and interesting travel

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Hostels are a cheap travel secret of budget travelers. They have been around in one form or another for a long time, and are oriented towards young travelers and anyone else seeking inexpensive accommodations. The U. S. version used to be more complicated, with guests helping with chores. They are simpler now. You rent a bed instead of a room, sharing the bathroom, living room and kitchen. Less privacy, but cheaper accommodations, and you get to socialize.

My first time in Quito, Ecuador I stayed at Centro Del Mundo, a hostel near the center of the area they call "Gringolandia." $4 per night included breakfast. I shared a room and bathroom with 4 others, and a T. V. room with guests from 14 countries, and channels in three languages. It was clean and comfortable, with a locking trunk next to each bed for valuables.

For 80 cents I could have a rum-and-coke brought to me while I played chess with a flower-buyer from Holland. The manager could arrange anything from $15-tours of the snow-covered volcano Cotapaxi, to $2-per-hour Spanish lessons. Friday nights the rum was bought by the manager, and there was a party out in the patio.

Is A Hostel For You?

Not all hostels are as much fun as the one I stayed at in Quito, nor would all travelers want that kind of place. I happen to love hostels, but most travelers won't. I like mingling with travelers from around the world. "Mingling," of course, could mean sleeping next to a snorer.

In a hotel you are more isolated than in a hostel, but a private room has its advantages. I'm sure the idea of sharing a room is too much for some people, as is waiting to use the shower. A hostel is definitely a different experience from staying in a hotel.

Even if they were the same price, I'd prefer a hostel to a hotel, but one of the biggest reasons people stay in hostels is to save money. For this, they're a good option when you're traveling alone. Since my wife and I travel together now, we don't stay in hostels often. You pay for two beds, after all, which makes hotels more competitive.

Some hostels do have private rooms. If you are not sure you like the idea of sharing a room, but you like the idea of a more social environment, ask about this. Sometimes you can even get a private room with a bathroom.

Hostels are not as common in the U. S. as in other countries, unless you include "bed-and-breakfast" places. These are somewhat like high-priced hostels, but with private rooms. Fortunately, there are still a few regular hostels in almost every state, and they are still a great alternative when you want alternative (and cheap) travel.

Fear of driving tests

Fear of driving tests is a normal thing that affects different people in different ways. Anybody who has come through young life has had to deal with the stresses of learning to drive. It is one of those rights of passage that each person must go through in order to have a successful life. Some folks just can’t get past their fear of driving tests, though. This is a mental problem that deals with issues of self confidence within a person’s subconscious. If you don’t do something about it, it could impact your ability to gain a driver’s license.

Even if a person is a great driver who would have no problem passing a driver’s test, they can still fear the driving tests. Even if they have been schooled on some of the skills that will be tested during the driving test, they might still hold a sort of apprehension when it comes to actually performing in the test. This is not unusual in any way. When people have a healthy fear of the driving test, it can affect their ability to perform during that test, though. Like with any other sort of fear, this fear is somewhat crippling in the way that it can limit a person’s ability.

Psychological issues and subconscious thoughts have a lot to do with why a person might fear a driving test. Perhaps that person has thoughts that won’t leave their head about their ability to perform. Maybe the person just doesn’t have the ability to stand up to the stress associated with a driving test. Whatever the case, it’s essential to get over this most basic fear and conquer the driving test. One way to do this is through hypnosis.

I have been a hypnotherapist for many years and I’ve seen lots of people come through my clinic looking for help. Some of them come for more serious issues like smoking or addiction issues. Still, others come because they want help getting over their fear of the driving test. They realize that hypnosis is not just something found in magic shows. After going through hypnotherapy treatment, they understand that sometimes, the most important thing is just changing your mindset.

If you are suffering from fear of the driving test, then get some information about hypnosis and find out what it can do for you. You might discover that it’s just the boost you need to help you conquer your fear of a driving test.

Operating your own membership site

The purpose of membership websites are many and varied. Whilst the majority tend to be related to Internet marketing, membership websites are starting to diversify. In recent times I've seen sites that are related to cooking, self improvement and other topics that are of interest to a broader audience. It's only common sense that this new trend to choose non-internet niches will continue. Why compete in a fairly saturated market like Internet marketing when the membership world is literally your oyster?

More and more people are discovering that setting up and running a membership site isn't the gargantuan task they may have thought it would be. Granted, it does take some work, research and study, but there are very few businesses that don't require at least some effort on your part.

Let's look at some things that are required to run a successful membership site.

1. Passion and Dedication - It's always easier to provide information, services and products to others if you have a keen interest in the product you are selling. If your only motivation for wanting to run a membership site is because you see others making money with them, then don't waste your time. Unless you are willing to put the time in to maintain and develop your site you will end up with a poor reputation and a lot of disgruntled members.

2. A Good Domain - If you've ever looked around at other membership sites you'll see that they nearly always have a relevant domain name. This is important as it is part of your branding. There are plenty of good examples of well thought out, branded membership sites. Names like Mr. Overdeliver and SureFireWealth are good names that enhance the overall concept of the membership site and are easy to remember.

3. Starting Content - You usually can't start a membership site if you don't have any content. This could be information, scripts, e-books and/or your own products. When most people join a membership site they expect to see something that they can use straight away. If you have a large amount of content you don't necessarily have to offer it all up straight away. Keep in mind that your members will expect regular updates, so it's best to try to always overdeliver. You can't do that if you've given everything out on day 1.

4. A Good Script - This is a topic in itself, but basically you need to work out your membership fees and structure first. You also need to be sure of how you are going to present your products and which payment methods and processors you will use. Once you know the answer to these questions you can look for a script that has the appropriate membership structures, can deliver your products in a way that suits your site and supports your payment processor(s).

5. Commitment - This is one of the most essential 'ingredients'. Whilst membership sites will, for the most part, run on autopilot, you still need to maintain and update them regularly. Provide a helpdesk and a forum where members can get in touch with you and interact with each other. Some of the best membership sites are thriving communities because they provide these features to their members.

So there you have it in a nutshell. You'll notice that I didn't mention anything technical. That's because with the range of membership scripts and information that is available the technical aspects and requirements have become quite a minor issue.

Yes, you really can run a membership site but to be successful it will take some time, dedication and work. The rewards for a well run membership site can be quite extraordinary though.

Effective keyword use for seo

In SEO, keywords are of supreme importance. Keywords are words or phrases that search engines use in order to match web pages with search queries. It's important to optimize your website with strategic keywords in order to maximize targeted traffic. You will use keywords in both your on-page and off-page optimization.

First of all, choose a domain name that includes your best keywords. For example, if your best keyword phrase is "satellite affilaite", you'd want to choose a domain name that includes this phrase. You might therefore choose a domain such as "SatelliteAffiliateTips. com".

Use your keywords in the title tag and description tag. The description tag should make sense and entice users to visit your site when they view the description on a search engine.

Your keywords should also be used in your H1 tag. Scatter keywords throughout the content of your page to a keyword density of between 3%-7%. Avoid overuse of a keyword. Most SEO experts believe that using a keyword too frequently can trigger a search engine's "keyword stuffing" filter. It is believed that the search engines use such a filter in an effort to prevent search engine spam from appearing in the top results. It is also helpful to add common misspellings of a word as well as both the singular and plural forms of the word or phrase.

You'll want to use your keywords within the anchor text of the links. Assuming our best keyword phrase is "satellite affiliate", you'd want to link to your home page using that keyword phrase. A good link to your home page might therefore look something like "satellite affiliate tips". Apply this linking method to all of the pages within your site. Furthermore, request that other sites link to you using a similar anchor text containing your best keywords.

Keywords are one of the primary components in search engine optimization. They are the means by which search engines identify relevant pages for given searches. Using keywords effectively is one of the keys to achieving maximum traffic from the search engines.

How to become a vegas showgirl

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All of the big Las Vegas casinos put on shows to attract crowds to the casino, and instead of hiring new dancers every time the change the show, they hire full time dancers and these girls are called Showgirls.

If you have ever thought about putting elaborate costumes and dancing in front of crowds every night, then becoming a Vegas Showgirl may be the job for you.

Being a Vegas Showgirl is not an easy job. You must be in top physical condition if you expect to be a professional dancer, and it is important to remember that not everyone will make it, becoming a professional dancer is a roll of the dice, you have better odds of winning an
Online Craps game then making it as a dancer.

There are several things you can do to help improve your chances of getting your carrier as a Las Vegas Casino dancer started:

Dance lessons, if you want to be a professional dancer you have to learn several different styles of dance, and dance them all well. This may be the hardest part to becoming a dancer. This part will take many years and require you to spend several hours a day every day taking dancing lessons.

Physical Conditioning, dancing requires lots of endurance and stamina. Besides the workouts you will get from all the dancing lessons you will take you will also need to work out on your own regularly. These workouts should include aerobic and some weight training.

Weight training should not be done to build muscle mass only for building strength and muscle toning. The best way to do this is by doing high repetition counts of low weights. This method will make the existing muscles stronger but will not bulk you up.

To pursue a carrier in dancing in a Vegas Casinos it is important to target the leg, stomach and back muscle groups. It is from these muscle groups that a dancer moves.

Diet, Dancers are required to be tossed around and lifted into the air, not to mention the fact that most dancers are skin tight and for these reasons dancers must always watch their weight.

Many Las Vegas Showgirls have to get on the scale every week and if they gain weight they could get thrown out of the show. Always remember there are many people that dream of dancing professionally, and the casinos will not hesitate to throw a girl out and replace her for the slightest reason.

Once you feel you are good enough you can start sending in resumes. A resume should include each different style of dance that you know and how long you have been doing it, and it should also include all prior dance experience.

A good way to get experience is to get yourself in as many different things you can. Local theater groups are a great way to gain experience. Getting a job as a dance instructor Is also a good way to gain experience and practice at the same time.

By sending your resume to all the different casinos you can greatly increase your chances of getting at least one audition. Do not expect to get hired at the more popular casinos on your first audition. The bigger Las Vegas casinos usually like to hire girls with more experience, so you will probably have to work as a showgirl at a smaller casino first.

Overcoming writer s block

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Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending project you are putting off because you lack the inspiration to even get it started? You certainly are not alone. At various times you will go through extended periods of energetic writing as well as lengthy dry spells. Here are some tips you may want to consider to help you keep those slow times to a minimum.

Idea Mining If you do not have a specific topic in mind, start brainstorming to come up with a variety of topics. I get plenty of my ideas when I take a thirty minute brisk walk through my neighborhood. Watching rabbits eating clover, observing colorful roses, and listening to the sweet conversation of cardinals puts me at ease. When I am relaxed, I can think much more clearly. It sure beats sitting in front of my computer fretting about my work! Find something that brings out the inspiration in you.

Get Interested Writing on a topic that interests you is much easier to do than when you must write about a topic that you either: a) do not find interesting, or b) you are not particularly knowledgeable about. You can raise your interest by researching the topic. Read other online articles, go to the library and read a chapter or two in a related book, or contact someone familiar with the subject at hand [an enthusiatic expert is best]. After a certain amount of research your curiosity should be piqued which will help fuel your interest in the topic.

Make an Outline Write a topic sentence and then "bullet" three or four key points that you want to make. Expand each point into one paragraph each; collectively these points will comprise the body of your article. A brief conclusion [summation] tying all the points together at the end of the article will bring things "to a wrap."

Sit on it No, I am not being obscene. Rather, once you have written your article put it aside for a day or two and then come back to it. A fresh perspective has a way in helping you craft a better article. More than likely you will catch grammatical errors, locate incomplete or unclear thoughts, or find errors in punctuation by stepping back for a period of time.

You can overcome writer's block by following the above steps. If you find yourself hindered by the "paralysis of analysis" when it comes to selecting a winning topic, then you must step away, regroup, and come back only when sufficiently inspired. Writing with clear purpose and enthusiasm will happen once you put your writer's block beyond you.

(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan, LLC

Empire furniture for home decorating

Choosing up the hardwood floor or the home decorating plan or idea that better fits in with Empire furniture can be a little bit difficult. There are some very good books of designs to base your decor idea. You can then get from them interesting complements and ornaments for all the corners of your house, of course based on the colonial style. One the most famous books at the date was the - Illustrated history of furniture, by Frederick Litchfield. You can read some tips from that book along the following paragraphs. We want to encourage the readers to follow its ideas because they can help you to find your own style.

Materials And Ornaments For Careful Finishes

On secretaries and tables, a common ornament of this description of furniture, is a column of mahogany, with a capital and base of bronze (either gilt, part gilt, or green), in the form of the head of a sphinx with the foot of an animal; console tables are supported by sphinxes and griffins; and candelabra and wall brackets for candles have winged figures of females, stiff in modeling and constrained in attitude, but almost invariably of good material with careful finish.

The bas-reliefs in metal which ornament the panels of the friezes of cabinets, or the marble bases of clocks, are either reproductions of mythological subjects from old Italian gems and seals, or represent the battles of the Emperor, in which Napoleon is portrayed as a Roman general. There was plenty of room to replace so much that had disappeared during the Revolution, and a vast quantity of decorative furniture was made during the few years which elapsed before the disaster of Waterloo caused the disappearance of a power which had been almost meteoric in its career.

What Books To Consult

The best authority on Empire Furniture is the book of designs, published in 1809 by the architects Percier and Fontaine, which is the more valuable as a work of reference, from the fact that every design represented was actually carried out, and is not a mere exercise of fancy, as is the case with many such books. In the preface the authors modestly state that they are entirely indebted to the antique for the reproduction of the different ornaments; and the originals, from which some of the designs were taken, are still preserved in a fragmentary form in the Museum of the Vatican.

Classic Designs And Ideas

An arm chair and a stool, together with that of the tripod table which are favorable examples of the richly-mounted and more decorative furniture of this style. While they are not free from the stiffness and constraint which are inseparable from classic designs as applied to furniture, the rich color of the mahogany, the high finish and good gilding of the bronze mounts, and the costly silk with which they are covered, render them attractive and give them a value of their own. By reading the books proposed above you definitely can break the look of the interior design of your house, and will learn how to include empire furniture into home decorating ideas and plans.

Effectively managing morning sickness

Many pregnant women suffering from morning sickness may be wondering why it happens and whether it serves a purpose. When nausea and vomiting occur, they are often an indication of elevated hormonal levels, which is a sign that the pregnancy is in progress. However, it doesn’t mean that pregnant women who do not experience morning sickness are more likely to have a miscarriage.

This condition, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is a result of toxins that overburden the liver, hindering its ability to process the high levels of pregnancy hormones. Imbalance in the liver can cause nausea and vomiting.

Whatever the reasons may be, the odds of having morning sickness are greater if you:

experience nausea as a side effect of birth control

suffer from motion sickness

have female relatives who also experienced morning sickness

are pregnant with twins

Morning sickness usually lasts throughout the first trimester. To be relieved from its hassle and inconvenience, a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes as well as some alternative approaches should be tried by the expecting woman.

Simply follow the “slow, steady” rule when eating. It is better to eat six small meals spread throughout the day than consume three large meals. Don’t let yourself get hungry because the rise and fall in blood sugar can only add to your queasiness. Having gone without food for quite a while is the reason why many women feel nauseated in the morning. To avoid having an empty stomach, nibble on bland foods such as dry toast and saltine crackers. It is advisable if you can keep a box of crackers at your bedside to munch on before getting up in the morning.

Passing up foods that have strong odors and refraining from eating greasy or spicy foods help prevent morning sickness. It is also important for the pregnant woman to drink lots of water and to take prenatal vitamins.

If you still experience nausea after giving your best efforts to avoid it, try cold foods which can be soothing, especially water-rich choices such as melons, grapes, berries, fruit smoothies, cucumbers and oranges. Eating any form of citrus alleviates nausea. Sniffing on a slice of lemon can help also relieve morning sickness. Another great antidote for morning sickness is ginger which comes in different forms such as fresh ginger, ginger powder, dried ginger tablet or capsules, ginger ale, ginger snaps, and ginger tea.

Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness should always remember that staying hydrated is essential to replenish lost electrolytes, the minerals such as sodium and potassium that regulate the fluid balance in the body. Take slow, steady sips when you drink anything. Taking in more than 2 ounces at a time tend to bypass the tissues and fluids travel directly to kidneys and bladder.

When morning sickness starts to interfere with a woman’s quality of life, doctors may recommend vitamin B6 supplements which are easily depleted and absorbed by the body when pregnant. That’s why it is important to take a supplement or to load up on food sources that contain B6 such as egg yolks, yoghurt and whole grains to help alleviate morning sickness.

How to determine the origin of spam

Spam will continue spreading as far as it makes profit. If nobody buys from spammers or acts upon their scams, spam will end. This is the obvious and easiest way to fight spam. You can ignore and delete spam emails you receive. But you can also take vengeance on the spammer by complaining to the spammer's Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP will block their connection and maybe impose a fine (depending on the ISP's acceptable usage policy). Spammers beware of such complaints and try to disguise their messages. That's why finding the right ISP is not always easy.

Let’s look inside a spam message. Every email message includes two parts, the body and the header. The body is the actual message text and attachments. The header is a kind of the envelope of the message. The header shows the address of the message sender, the address of the message recipient, the message subject and other information. Email programs usually display these header fields:

From: shows the sender's name and email address.

To: shows the recipient's name and email address.

Date: shows the date when the message was sent.

Subject: shows the message subject.

The From: field usually contains the sender's email address. This lets you know who sent the message and allows you easily reply. Spammers, of course, don’t want you to reply and don’t want you to know who they are. Therefore, they put forged email addresses into the From: lines of their emails. So the From: field won’t help you if you want to determine where the spam email comes from.

Tip! With G-Lock SpamCombat you can easily preview not only the message text but also all the fields of the message header . You can choose the preview format by yourself. You can view the message as HTML, decoded message, or message source. There are also several Received: fields in the header of every message. Email programs don’t usually display the Received: lines but the Received: lines can be very helpful in tracing the spam origin.

Just like a postal letter goes through a number of post offices before it’s delivered to the recipient, an email message is processed by several mail servers. Each mail server adds a line to the message header – a Received: line – which contains

- the server name and IP address of the machine the server received the message from and

- the name of the mail server itself.

Each Received: line is inserted at the top of the message header. If we want to reproduce the message’s path from sender to recipient, we start from the topmost Received: line and walk down until the last one, which is where the email originated.

Just like the From: field the Received: lines may contain forged information to fool those who would want to trace the spammer. Because every mail server inserts the Received: line at the top of the header, we start the analysis from the top.

The Received: lines forged by spammers usually look like normal Received: fields. We can hardly tell whether the Received: line is forged or not at first sight. We should analyze all the Received: lines chain to find out a forged Received: field.

As we mentioned above, every mail server registers not only its name but also the IP address of the machine it got the message from. We simply need to look what name a server puts and what the next server in the chain says. If the servers don’t match, the earlier Received: line is forged.

The origin of the email is what the server immediately after the forged Received: line says about where it received the message from.

Let's see how determining of the spam email origin works in real life. Here is the header of a spam message we’ve recently received:

**************************************************

Return-Path:

Delivered-To: press@mydomain. com

Received: from unknown (HELO 60.17.139.96) (221.200.13.158) by mail1.myserver. xx with

SMTP; 7 Nov 2006 10:54:16 -0000

Received: from 164.145.240.209 by 60.17.139.96; Tue, 07 Nov 2006 05:53:35 -0500

Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:48:35 +0200

From: Pharmacy

Reply-To: umceqhzjmndfy

X-Priority: 3 (Normal)

Message-ID:

To: press@mydomain. com

Subject: Cheap Med*s V! agra Many Med_s QnNXpRy9

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii

Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

**************************************************

At first, look at the forged From: field. The email address in the From: and Reply-To: lines doesn’t exist. So, the spammer took care about directing bounced messages and all the indignant replies people may send to a non-existing email account.

Secondly, the Subject: line. It contains the variations of the “Meds” and “Viagra” words that are known to be met in spam messages. Plus, the subject contains a range of random characters. It’s obvious that the subject line is skillfully tailored to fool anti-spam filters.

Lastly, let’s analyze the Received: lines. We start from the oldest one - Received: from 164.145.240.209 by 60.17.139.96; Tue, 07 Nov 2006 05:53:35 -0500. There are two IP addresses in it: 60.17.139.96 says it received the message from 164.145.240.209.

We check if the next (and last in this case) mail server in the chain confirms the state of the first Received: line. In the second Received: field we have: Received: from unknown (HELO 60.17.139.96) (221.200.13.158) by mail1.myserver. xx with SMTP; 7 Nov 2006 10:54:16 -0000.

mail1.myserver. xx is our server and we can trust it. It received the message from an "unknown" host, which says it has the IP address 60.17.139.96. Yes, this confirms what the previous Received: line says.

Now let’s find out where our mail server got the message from. For this purpose, we look at the IP address in brackets before the server name mail1.myserver. xx. It is 221.200.13.15. This is the IP address the connection was established from, and it is not 60.17.139.96. The spam message originates from 221.200.13.15. It’s important to note that it’s not necessarily that the spammer is sitting at the computer 221.200.13.15 and sending spam over the world. It may happen the computer’s owner doesn’t even suspect of being sending spam. The computer may be hijacked by a Trojan, which is spreading spam without the machine’s owner knowing it.

We hope this information will help you identify the spammer's ISP and report them about spam so they can take proper measures.

Discounted deals for your golf equipment

Purchase of new golf equipment can sometimes be unaffordable for most people. Golf equipment is very expensive and you might have to dig through your bank account to get a new kit. Most people however are not in a position to do this. People who have just taken up golf or are pursuing it as a hobby might want low cost or discounted equipment to make do for the time being. But the fact is that if you know where to look for the right equipment that you need, you will be able to get good to moderate quality equipment at lesser prices.

Discounted deals for golf equipment can be found in a number of ways. The first idea is to search through the golf equipment selling websites on the internet. With the increase in use of internet, a large number of websites selling golf equipment have come up today. All types of equipment like clubs, balls, bags, etc. can be found on these sites easily. They give you detailed information on each type of equipment and also provide you a number of discount offers at the end to make you purchase from their website. The best thing to do is to go through a number of websites and find out which golf equipment selling website is offering the best deal for you.

Another option is to look for good deals at your local golf equipment specialty store. These stores are known to offer huge discounts when the golf season is nearing the end. These sales are termed as the closeout sales. You can also get a good idea about the genuine prices of the golf equipment by making a visit to the golf specialty store. Also look at the nearest retail outlets to know the bargains that they are offering. If you choose this type of search, you will have to visit a number of shops to find out which seller is offering you the best bargain. Hence, this is a time consuming method.

The third option would be to go through the advertisements in your local classified regarding the sale of old golf equipment. You will have to make additional enquiries with the owner regarding the quality and present condition of the golf equipment to ascertain its real value. You can also go to the nearest golf course before the start of the golfing season and find out if they have any used golf equipment for sale.

Cannabis culture

During the 70s, smoking pot or cannabis was very popular. Since cannabis is a natural herb, people believed that it could not pose any ill effects on their health. People who smoke cannabis exhibit different physiological and behavioral effects. Most feel drowsy but generally happy, making this herb a favorite among teens. But of course, anything that is consumed in huge amounts is not good for you. Since there are evidences of cannabis abuse, many countries have considered the herb illegal.

Cannabis addiction, like any other addiction, causes changes in a person’s behavior. Majority of the people who become addicted to cannabis have issues of depression and low self-esteem. By smoking cannabis, they feel more uninhibited and their moods are also improved. Because of the wonderful feelings associated with smoking cannabis, these people end up addicted to it.

Becoming addicted to cannabis can also be as destructive as other addictions. When the effects of the herb wears off, the person experiences this uncontrollable urge to smoke pot again to regain the lost feeling. Soon, you will feel like you are unable to accomplish anything if you are not under the cannabis’ influence. You will begin having mood swings, feeling euphoric one moment and depressed the next. Aside from these, cannabis addicts also display behavior like disappearing for hours, lying about where they have been and stealing money to buy cannabis.

Treating cannabis addiction requires intervention. In most cases, a family member or a close friend would be the one who will arrange for the person to go to rehabilitation centers. It is very seldom that these cannabis addicts would volunteer to undergo treatment. At the rehabilitation center, cannabis addiction is treated thru counseling and medication, if necessary. The withdrawal stage is the most difficult part since it is the time when your body returns to its normal functions.

People who have completed treatment in rehabilitation centers for cannabis addiction are most likely to relapse because their personality shows a weakness to the herbal substance. Unless the behavior is changed, you can expect most of these people to pick up the cannabis addiction once again as soon as they get out of rehab.

If you have a friend who is visibly becoming addicted to cannabis, you could try hypnotherapy before resorting to rehab centers. There have been evidences that hypnotherapy is effective in treating addiction, fears and phobias by targeting the subconscious.

What to consider when buying a wooden bar stool

Wooden bar stools offer quality what ever location they are in, either in the bar or home. A good bar stool design is one that has a padded seat or removable cushion, as comfort is the name of the game and of course a bar stool that can blend into any back ground or interior.

Most items of furniture manufactured from wood in many instances will complement almost any room. Think about the dйcor or themes you have employed in the past. Whether it’s traditional, country, uptown apartment, wooden bar stools really can fit in to most places.

In traditionally designed rooms, darker woods or more complex design on bar stool legs or back rests will supply the affluent, yet comfortable design most at home in traditional styles. Padded seats or detachable cushions in deep vibrant colours will set nicely with most decors.

With modern dйcor, bright or darkened wooden bar stools work well together in their respective light and dark back grounds. Some wooden bar stools also use metal trims in their fabrics, this has the advantage of making the bar stools very modern looking.

If you want to incorporate wooden bar stools into a country styled dйcor, a 2 tone designed stool is what you are looking for and has stood the test of time and looks like it will continue for the foreseeable future. You can buy wooden bar stools with 2 coats of paint or just have the 1 coat to improve and harmonize the innate wood finish. Light woods and white or hunter green are the most popular. A deeper colour or rosewood finish can make an off-white colour finish fit in to the sheikest of interiors.

Wooden bar stools are strong and can endure a lot of what gets thrown at them and will adapt to many decors. Wooden bar stools are the most versatile of all the different varieties of bar stool designs. Metal bar stools can’t really fit in to any dйcor that isn’t up market or post modern. When buying your bar stools don’t presume that you will have the same house or keep to the decoration plan so choose the style carefully. It's much more logical to invest in furniture that will last for ages. Wooden bar stools will be around no matter what trends hit your home. A simple change of upholstery or change of chair pad, and your wooden stools have had a makeover!

Barter systems trading what you have for what you want

Bartering has been around literally forever or nearly so. In fact, bartering predates the use of formal currency as a measure of exchange for labor or goods.

What is bartering? Simply put, it’s the exchange of goods or services without the use or exchange of formal currency. You may, for example, barter with a friend to mow your lawn in exchange for babysitting her children for two hours. Or, in a more formal arrangement, you may barter with your landlord to do maintenance or repairs for other tenants in exchange for a reduction in rent. It remains a useful way to exchange goods or services without having to bring money into the equation.

Now, bartering has a new twist. With the advent of the Internet, online barter sites are showing up everywhere. Some sites are local, while others have a reach that’s literally worldwide.

In general, these sites allow users to post ads on what they have to offer and what they would like in return. Some sites are free, while others charge a user’s fee. Care to Trade, at Caretotrade. com, is one example of a goods-exchange site. With Care to Trade, you can also have items shipped from anywhere, whereas other sites offer local trading. NOCO Hours ( nocohours. org) focuses on Northern Colorado, for example.

To find a site local to you, go to your local newspaper or newspaper's online site(s) and type in "barter." In many cases, one will already be established. If not, do a bit of research if you like and start your own.

U-Exchange. com also offers tips on getting started with bartering online and not only offers listings by country, but also specific to individual states in the United States.

Google Groups offers specialized Usenet groups (many local) offering the barter of a variety of goods and services. Yahoo. com has over 600 mailing lists available offering a variety of locations, goods, services and bartering options. If these are not local to you, and this is what you would prefer, you can start your own.

Bartering has also made a comeback in the world of business with Internet trading. With "direct bartering", business owners swap their product(s) or service(s) directly with their vendors in exchange for the vendor’s product(s) or service(s).

"Exchange bartering" means each bartering partner will use his extra time, goods or services to get "trade dollars" instead of direct goods or services from the other. These trade dollars can then be used to purchase goods or services from the other vendors. This works well when exchanges aren’t quite equal or need to be measured or kept careful track of. Barter Systems, Inc. is one online barter site that utilizes trade dollars as a measure of exchange for its members and is at: bartersys. com.

For more information on bartering and its history, visit: en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Barter_(economics).

Adjustable beds are stress busters

Adjustable beds are stress busting wonder machines. Quite a statement to make until you sit back and examine precisely what stress is and how an adjustable bed can help you cope with it. The first thing to keep in mind is that there are millions of people who have absolutely no stress at all and have no need whatsoever for an adjustable bed. You can find many of them by visiting any cemetery. These people do not suffer from stress because they are all dead. You see, life and stress go hand in hand and the amount of stress you are under is a great indicator of exactly how alive you actually are.

We all need a certain amount of stress in our lives in order to function normally. Stress is a form of natural conditioning from way back in the days of old when an adjustable bed meant moving rocks and boulders around and our primary daily concern was evading predators that wanted to eat us. There is little that I can think of that would elicit the natural fight or flight reaction than coming face to face with a hungry pack of lions. Like our ancestors, today’s stress factors make our heartbeat speed up, our blood pressure increase and our breathing quicken.

Most modern day stresses, however, do not call for either fight or flight. In the world of today, the scariest thing we will probably ever come across will be an angry, demanding boss or an overzealous tax collector. Our experience of stress is generally related to how we respond to an event, not to the event itself. When you feel out of control or under intense pressure, you may experience the physical, emotional, or relational symptoms brought on by negative stress. Anything we can do to alleviate negative stress will greatly improve our lives.

Adjustable beds are crafted in such a way as to lighten the aftermath of stressful, everyday situations. After a hard day, all you need to do is just lie down in an adjustable bed let the built in features pamper your body and mind back to normal. Adjust the head and foot levels using the remote control to the most comfortable position for your body. If you have no other feature on your adjustable bed, the sense of comfort you will experience by doing this alone should make you feel like a different person.

If your adjustable bed is equipped with heat and massage units, you are fortunate enough to be in a position to blow your stress back to the Stone Age. Turn on the vibrating feature on your adjustable bed and you have thousands of tiny, invisible fingers kneading away any tension built up over the day. Many adjustable beds have auto shut off motors that will turn off the vibrations after a set time, just in case you get too comfortable and fall asleep before you really wanted to. However, if your day was especially stressful, and you need a little more help to unwind, turn on your heat unit on the adjustable bed to add an additional level of mind-numbing comfort.

The massage unit on adjustable beds, or perhaps I should use the term electric adjustable beds, can also save you a lot of money over the course of the year. It could get rather expensive if you were the type of person who would go to the local spa for a full body massage whenever you needed to unwind. With an electric adjustable bed, you never have to book an appointment and it is always ready to administer that massage you need, whenever you need it. Sorry Inga, I really don’t want to take business away from you. I am just telling it as I see it.

The best thing we can do to help us cope and prepare for the stresses of modern times is to get good nights sleep. Once again an electric adjustable bed is the perfect instrument for providing an environment conducive to safe, long lasting, re-energizing, stress relieving sleep. An adjustable bed is the perfect antidote to that poor sleep robbing excuse for a bed many people spend one third of their lives in at night. After a good night sleep on an adjustable bed you will feel sharper both mentally and physically providing you with the ammunition you will need to get you through the day.

In conclusion, I would like to re-iterate that stress is an everyday sign that we are alive and doing the best we can. The only thing that I can recommend is not carrying harmful stress levels with us longer than we have to. Get the best adjustable bed you can afford and boot your stress levels as far away from you as possible. If you need an added giggle to help, just imagine our cave man ancestor adjusting the boulders and rocks for the first adjustable bed in history. We have come a long way.

Finding cheap online auto insurance

Automobile car insurance is something that we all need and should command careful consideration. When in the market for auto insurance coverage, and with so many car insurance companies to choose from, it can be a bit confusing when trying to decide on the best and most affordable coverage for your vehicle. With the convenience of the internet, finding all the information required to get the best deals and rates can easily be accomplished online.

Finding a reputable auto car insurance company is a job within itself, and like buying a home, it is imperative you clearly understand what you are getting. When in search of cheaper car insurance rates you should take into account all the factors that can affect your car insurance premiums. So before you sign on the dotted line, read the fine print of Automobile Insurance Policy to insure you are getting the necessary coverage to protect yourself. It happens time and time again, when the car owner gets into an accident or fender bender, the coverage they thought they were paying for is not part of their policy which can lead to out-of-pocket expenses.

Get several car insurance quotes

Some key factors when shopping for cheap car insurance is to first make sure you get at least three or four quotes since the price you pay for your car insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars. Finding cheaper insurance rates depends on your previous driving records, to include any type of infraction such as speeding, seat belt and auto accidents. Age, gender and the type of car you are seeking auto insurance coverage on including the age of the vehicle, will clearly be critical factors in determining your annual car premiums.

It is equally important to find a car insurance company that can answer any questions you may have and how quickly they handle claims fairly and efficiently. Once you decide on a quote you are satisfied with, before agreeing to anything check with your state insurance department about the company’s history. Finding out the financial well-being of an insurable institution and the number ratio of consumer complaints, could avoid headaches or any future regrets.

Learn the facts about car insurance

Some other ways of saving money is to ask your insurance broker or agent for a higher deductible. The deductive is the amount of money you pay before the insurance company pays out on your claim. The purpose of requesting a higher deductible can lower your auto rates substantially. When you increase the deductible from $500 to $1,000 you can potentially save you over 40% on your car insurance rates simply because the insurance company will pay out less for your claim. However, if you know that you can not pay out the higher deductible should something happen to your car in the instance of an accident, and then it is best to remain at a lower deductible.

When figuring out the appropriate insurance coverage for your car, take into account the age of the car. This could also influence your auto premium, for example you may want to consider excluding the collision or comprehensive coverage on an older car. It is not cost saving to yourself when you continue to pay full coverage on a car worth less than amount you pay for your insurance coverage. If the car has a market value of $2,000 or less, you would not want to pay more in premiums since you will never get back what you are paying out.

You can easily find out the current market value of your car in order to find out what coverage you will require from a number of valued sources such as banks, auto dealerships, or go online and use the search term, “finding the value of your vehicle”. You can find several reputable services such as, kbb. com or nadaguides. com where all you have to do is type in the applicable information about your car and instantly you will have the market value. As the saying goes, an educated consumer is a smart consumer, the more you understand prior to purchasing auto insurance, you will be able to make an informed and valued decision.

Written on behalf of insurancequote4you. com/ your premium source for finding the best online car insurance rates.

Pc to tv scan converter

The point to using a PC to TV scan converter is to be able to source PC video output from the desktop computer itself then deliver it via the PC to TV scan converter to a functional television set. Usually, before you opt for a PC to TV scan converter, you would opt for a basic PC to TV cable first to do the same thing as the PC to TV scan converter does (which is deliver that valuable PC video output to be displayed on the functional television set.)

You should always bear in mind that, regardless of which of these two options you choose, you shouldn't expect that your TV set will display the same type of image clarity and resolution that you have come to expect from computer monitors. Yes, the TV set is bigger than your basic desktop computer monitor but the technology behind them is rather different – which basically boils down to the fact that your TV set has less advanced image display technology than a computer monitor. Once you can accept this fact, you may be satisfied anyway with the fact that your TV can still be a pretty good alternative type of computer monitor and can show you video images like those from movies and PC games anyway.

Now when do you use a PC to TV scan converter and when do you use a basic PC to TV cable? The advantage with the latter (which is the more common choice of people – techies and consumers alike) is that it is a fairly simple piece of electronic equipment. It falls under the term Plug and Play - which means you look for the video VGA port of the desktop PC and plug in your basic PC to TV cable. The other end of the PC to TV cable should then be linked to your functional TV set. With a few minor tweaking, you then have a fully functional PC to TV video display system and can start watching DVDs or playing video games using your TV set as a monitor. It’s simple right?

A PC to TV scan converter, on the other hand, can be a bit more expensive than the above option, but you might be able to get a great deal for them at online direct merchants than real-world retailers. If you are relying on an external scan converter, this too is a Plug and Play option and will not require that you probe into the internal workings of your desktop PC (especially not the CPU which hold the brains and internal organs of your PC system.) This too requires just looking for that VGA cable that should be attached at one end to the PC and at the other end to the converter itself. You then link the converter to the TV unit.

A last bit of advice about PC to TV scan converters – there are now wireless PC to TV scan converters which allow you to place your PC in your den maybe then the TV in the adjacent room. Once you start up the whole convoluted system, you find the wireless system gives you a bit more freedom than the Plug and Play version. But both are acceptable options for you.

Flexibility and strength in martial arts

Flexibility is the range of movement that you have in your joints. Some say that this definition should only apply if there is no exterior help to move the joint, but this is not correct. If your joints have a greater degree of movement when aided by an external force, then that degree of movement defines the flexibility.

Hence, if you strengthen you muscles, and these act as the external force, then the flexibility of your joints will allow a greater range of movement than were your muscles unable to exert that degree of force.

To put it simply, if you have a great degree of flexibility in your joints, then the stronger you are, the more you will be able to put that flexibility to use in the range of movement you have at your disposal. It goes without saying that the more flexibility you have in a martial art the better.

However, people do not have the same range of flexibility throughout their bodies. Even more specifically, flexibility in one range or direction of motion at a specific joint does not imply flexibility in another. Hence that fact that you have complete ability to complete perfect front splits does not infer that you have the same control over side splits, even though it is the same hip joint that is involved. The two are not connected. A suitable flexibility exercise program, therefore, should be designed to provide good flexibility in all joints in all directions of movement, relevant to the martial art studied.

Flexibility training should be carried out in conjunction with strength training in order that the range of flexibility achieved can be used to its full potential by the muscles that move the bones in the joints. There is no truth in the belief that you must trade flexibility and strength. Supreme strength simply means supreme use of the flexibility gained through training.

However there is more than this in a martial art. Tension and relaxation are of supreme importance. Tension is equated with power and strength while relaxation is equated with speed and flexibility. Russian Cossacks used to train with their sabres by standing waist deep in water and slicing into the water with their blades. As they became weary they would learn to relax on the downstroke and tense and use their power on at the moment of strike.

The results were incredible and awesome. A Cossack could slice a man from shoulder down to saddle with one strike with only a light sabre. All due to using relaxation and power at the correct times. This can be simulated by using a large rubber eraser. About three inches by an inch square is about right. Hold it in the fist and explosively compress it. Do this using your core power. Compress hard with maximum explosion, just as if you were punching. Then relax just as quickly. Repeat this during the day – explosive compression and quick relaxation. Eventually you be able to carry out this rapid-fire tight-loose-tight sequence without thought.

This is a relaxation technique, but cannot replace the experience of the fight since fear of being hit cannot help tighten you up. However, if you do this for a few hours every day (easier than you think since the eraser can be carried in your pocket) you will find that you can relax your fist until the moment of the strike when you require maximum power.

Whether in boxing or karate, this will improve your performance and strength. Combine this with your flexibility training and you will be on the first rung of achieving greatness in karate or any other explosive martial art. Russian training methods help you to develop this total control over relaxation and explosive power in the use of your strength and flexibility.

Low interest rate credit cards understanding the apr

When shopping for a credit card, it is important to understand the annual percentage rate (APR) to find the best deal for your situation. If you pay off your bill every month, a no fee and moderate APR plan may be best. However, if you take out cash advances, you will want a low APR on that feature.

Various APRs

Each credit card has several different APRs. At the minimum they will have a rate for purchases, cash advances, and transfers. Typically, cash advances will carry a higher rate than for purchases or transfers. Transfers usually carry low rates. Sometimes you can even find an APR of 0% for an introductory period.

To entice you to open an account, credit card companies offer introductory and delayed APRs. An introductory rate lasts for a certain period, usually six months to a year. Delayed APRs charge no interest until a certain month.

Some cards also offer tiered rates, which keeps rates low for those that carry a small balance. For example, a card might offer 15% on balances between $1 - $1000 and 18% on balances over $1000.

Credit card companies also have penalty APRs. These apply when a payment is late, as outlined by the card’s terms.

Fixed Versus Variable APRs

A fixed rate APR doesn’t change. Usually these types of cards have an annual fee with them. But they usually offer lower rates with some security, making them attractive to those who carry large balances. It is important to remember that even fixed rates can change, but the credit card company has to give you notice.

A variable rate APR flexes with the index they are tied to, typically the prime or T-bill rate. Variable rate APRs are not the same as an introductory or delayed APR.

Picking The Right Card

Research all the APRs when you are looking for a good credit card. Know your credit habits, and pick the card with the rates that will give you the best deal.

You can even open multiple accounts, using them for different credit purposes. For example, you can use one card for cash advances but another for purchases.

Tips on buying baby slings and baby carriers

The baby sling has been used for centuries, and has recently gained great favor among modern mothers. It's felt that a small infant has more privacy with a sling (Actress Keri Russell says her sling is her baby's "paparazzi shield"!), and it's especially useful for nursing mothers.

There are several important things to consider when choosing a sling or front carrier. First, check the sling to see what size / weight it is rated for. Is the sling padded? Padding is excellent for protecting toddler's sensitive legs. When debating between baby carriers and baby slings, keep in mind that front carriers are designed for infants from 8 to 25 pounds, while baby slings can be used for preemies all the way up to toddlers at 35 pounds.

For soft carriers, make sure that it's washable and has adjustable straps. This allows you to keep the same great fit as your baby grows. Your baby should fit snugly, and have good head support, and their weight should be evenly distributed. Only use a carrier to move the baby about when you are walking. Never use it to transport the baby on a bike, in a car, or any other means of transportation. Check the carrier from time to time for any damage: things like a ripped seam, a missing or loose snap or strap, or a place where the fabric has worn through and a sharp edge is protruding.

Some car seats convert to lift-out-and-carry baby carriers. While these can be heavy and bulky, some mothers prefer them to traditional carriers. Many are designed to snap into a car seat base, or into a stroller. Only use those types of models together. Never take a base from one model (maybe that someone has given you) and try to rig up something to hold your carrier in it. In an accident, the carrier will break free, and your baby will become a projectile! If you own a new car, never put your baby's carrier / car seat in the front. In the event of an accident, the airbags could cause serious injury to your child.

In the case of a backpack carrier, consider getting one that can be worn on your back, side or front. It gives you more options depending on the age and temperament of your child. Some carriers provide a sun shield (which doubles as a rain guard) as an added bonus. Remember, the heat of the sun is much more damaging to an infant's head than an adult's. You want your baby's weight evenly distributed, so get a backpack carrier that's adjustable. Make sure the fabric is washable, and easy to remove; filthy cloth is a breeding ground for germs. Follow these tips, and your baby will stay safe and healthy and so will you.

A study of boat covers

A lot of people aspire to own their very own boat and sail up and down the coasts of the world in brilliant sunshine. It is a great activity, and it is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. Simply owning your own boat with many accessories is not the end though. The proper maintenance is what will keep your boat running for a long while. Take care of your boat at all times, as well as the accessories that go with it.

Although boats are not living organisms like human beings, they are though also subject to natural deterioration from the elements. If you do not pamper your loved possession, then with time, it will become worthless to you and not perform the way you need it to.

Providing added attention to a cover for your boat is required to keep your boat in pristine condition at all times. They keep dust, snow, harsh rain, and other elemental factors away from your boat. If you do not protect your boat from these harsh elements, then the lovely friend called corrosion will show up and immediately devalue this prized possession.

There are many options when it comes to boat covers. The best options are custom boat covers. They are created to satisfy the customer’s needs, and come in many different styles. You might want to bear in mind a few things before buying a boat cover. It is up to you to make sure that you measure your boat’s dimensions accurately. Conduct some online research, as to the various types of covers there are, the fabrics they are made of, and the customer reviews for that product. All soft fabrics are ideal for custom boat covers. A fabric that is strong and flexible at the same time is an important part as well. Covers made of such fabric keeps the boat protected from the far reaching effects of direct sunlight and the elements at large. These can include rust and corrosion.

There are many online retailers that you can have to build your custom boat cover for you. It does not matter where or how you buy your cover, always do the research before buying. Whether you buy online or offline, do not buy before doing some research. Custom boat covers come in many different colors and various fabrics and in just about any price range. So you have a wide array of choice to choose from for all your boat cover needs. Do not rush into anything; take your time in researching the proper cover, and then you are ready to protect your investment.

A sudoku strategy or just a puzzle

I never realized that I had a Sudoku Strategy until I looked around the Internet. It is surprising to think how such a simple game has built up such a huge following and is taken so seriously. Just a 9 square grid, where you place the numbers 1-9 without repeating them horizontally, vertically or in any of the 9 squares. It sounds easy but the puzzles come with varying difficulties.

Apparently I use more than one Sudoku Strategy. I start out by looking for the 3 x 3 grids or lines with the most numbers already entered and then find the missing numbers by a process of elimination across the grids or lines. That is called 'scanning' and works well for the easier Sudoku puzzles. When I reach a dead end with the more difficult games I use a strategy called 'marking up'. If I have a choice of more than one number I pencil in the numbers in a corner and delete them as used. That works well for the easier and medium difficulty Sudoku puzzles. The hard ones I do not attempt unless I am feeling particularly masochistic.

Howard Gamms from the US who sold the rights to Dell Publishing in 1979 developed the modern Sudoku puzzle. Howard Gamms called the puzzle 'Number Game' and the 'Sudoku' title came about because it became popular in Japan before it rose in popularity worldwide. If you go back further into history you find that 'Magical Squares' were around in the eighth century and figured to be a strong medical talisman. As with modern day Sudoku diagonals, rows and columns all have to add up to the same amount and no single number can be repeated.

If you do puzzles on or offline it is said to help with anti-aging. The theory is that games and puzzles exercise your brain and help to slow down the normal aging process of loss of memory and other age associated declines. The theory is not scientifically backed but I can see the reasoning behind it. I know that I have always felt sharper after doing any type of puzzle and as I am now into middle age I would like to think that I can do something to help myself to stay sharp and it has got to be a good thing if you enjoy doing it.

There is even lots of money to be made from Sudoku. Our newsagents now carry several different publications for Sudoku puzzlers, and unlike most magazines and newspapers they are not funded to any great extent by paid advertising. There are Sudoku products including electronic games and you can win money in contests on and offline.

Recently the first ever US National Sudoku championship was held in Philadelphia. The winner of the most difficult level Dr. Thomas Snyder from California won $10,000 and will represent the US in the 3rd annual world championship in India next year. $10,000 seems an awful lot to win for such a simple game but I doubt I would have a chance. Dr. Snyder completed the advanced number puzzle in just 7 minutes 9 seconds. I think that I would have to practice an awful lot to get anywhere near that speed for an easy puzzle never mind an advanced one.

You can now get Sudoku games for your iphone, Palm Smartphones and handheld PDAs. Online games are plentiful, ranging from basic puzzles of ranging difficulty to flash games. I have come across different variations such as Top Hat Sudoku, Magic, Sumdoku, Addoku, Kakuro, Samurai, Wordoku and Killer. The last one was self explanatory and I doubt I would be up to it.

My Sudoku Strategy techniques would be severely tested if I attempted all of the possible 5,472,730,538 uniquely different Sudoku puzzle grids mathematicians Frazer Jarvis and Ed Russell have counted. It does not seem much but if you just do one puzzle a day it would take you just over 14,993,782 years to complete all of them. Not possible of course, but I wonder if the huge amount of variations has something to do with the growing popularity of Sudoku.

Down comforters

A down comforter is a form of bedding that consists of a bag which is used to cover beds. It will often be filled with natural materials such as feathers. A down comforter could be described as a soft, thick blanket that is placed on a bed to make it more comfortable. The down is the fine feathers that can be found under the harder feathers of birds. Down is an excellent insulator, and has a number of thermal attributes. The down will capture batches of air, and this air will be used as thermal cover. While it is excellent when it is kept dry, it will lose many of its properties when it becomes wet.

The down will keep the body warm. A single down group will be composed of thousands of fibers, and these down groups will not have a quill shaft. Lofting is the process in which air is trapped, and this will allow the body to stay warm. At the same time, moisture is released while heat is contained. Because of these properties, down comforters provide a superior level of comfort that is not seen with standard comforters. Down comforters are much more expensive than other forms of bedding, and can cost as much as $600 for a Queen sized bed. Many down comforters will also be made with silk. A number of advanced models have even been designed to fight bacteria, and are hypo-allergenic as well.

When you decide to purchase a down comforter, there are a number of things you will want to be familiar with. The fill power is the measurement of space that one ounce of down can fill. The amount of space that a down can fill will vary based on the product. The thread count is the number of threads that will be present in a square inch, and the baffle wall construction is the wall in the fabric that will allow the down to expand. To care for the down comforter, you will want to fluff it each day. When you shake it a few times, it will loft back up again. It is also important to make sure the down comforter is consistently aired.

Even though it is possible for down comforters to be cleaned, it is best to protect it with what is called a duvet cover. If you decide to wash the down comforter, you will always want to have it dry cleaned. There are some models that can be cleaned in a standard washing machine, but you will want to follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Because of the cost involved with these products, down comforters will often come with warranty that may last for a number of years. A down comforter can also be purchased in a wide variety of different designs, and you can purchase a style which matches the look of your bedroom. Not only will they look beautiful on your bed, but they will be comfortable to sleep under, and they will keep you warm on cold nights.