Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Right Car Seat

One of the most important and reliable purchases one can make for a newborn is a car seat. Every parent will be taking the baby out and around town on errands and even trips. It is very important that until your child is old enough to use the car seat belts, he/she must be properly seated and safe while traveling in a vehicle. Everyone is in a rush and preoccupied these days. Unfortunately, that rush and preoccupation takes its toll on the road. You can never be too safe when you?re on the road and traveling with your children.

Shopping for the right car seat could be challenging, or it could simply mean buying something that will function safely and practically until your child is able to use the car safety belts. One might be surprised by both the affordability and expense of some car seats. Spending more doesn?t necessarily mean that your child will be extra safe. Some car seats like some strollers come with more features than are necessary for the safety of your child. One amenity that you are likely to buy is a car seat cover. Most car seat covers are sold separately and come in a variety of designs, colors, and materials. Some are meant only for infants and made of softer more cushiony material. Plan on spending at least forty dollars on a car seat cover and one hundred dollars (typically sale price) on the seat itself. On average, many car seats start around one hundred fifty dollars. Some car seat covers can cost as much as the car seat.

Safety and reliability can go hand in hand if you can?t help but be really practical. Cosco has a convertible car seat, Touriva, selling very reasonably for seventy dollars and may be exactly what you need for your vehicle. Currently, brand names such as Britax, Eddie Bauer, Graco, Evenflo and Safety First are at the top of the line. Obviously, you don?t want something that is a hassle for you every time you take your child out and put him back into the car seat. Easier may not mean safer. Typically, a convertible car seat (one that is appropriate for both infants and toddlers one year or older) may feature a five-point harness, overhead shield, or a t-shield. One has to carefully consider a variety of models, all safety features and reliability of the product once your child is in the seat and you?re ready to take him out onto the highway.

Right now one of the most popular brands of car seats is the Britax car seat. Currently, online at babyage.com you can choose from a variety of Britax car seats as well as other popular models. The most recent Britax Decathalon Convertible Car Seat is in high demand. Britax car seats tend to be expensive, but they are not lacking in car safety and durability. They come with most anything or everything you would expect to need at each stage of your child?s development. Anything you no longer need can be removed and stored away. Most of the amenities that I?ve seen with Britax car seats are meant to further the safety of your child. I?ve not seen anything hazardous. You must be the judge of what your child needs while traveling in a vehicle.

If you find a car seat temporarily unavailable or at a closeout because of demand, don?t rule out other options like Eddie Bauer?s Alpha Omega Deluxe, Evenflo?s Triumph Comfort Touch, Graco?s Snugride, or Safety First?s Intera 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat model. There are a number of reliable car seats. And, most popular name brands offer more than one choice of car seats. Think of shopping for a car seat like you would shop for a car. The one you choose will depend upon the safety features, practicality, and how it suits your child personally.

Today, car seats come with lower anchors and tethers unlike their older models, which fastened by using the safety belts. If you?re confused about how to go about buying the right car seat, you can check safety guidelines on the American Academy of Pediatrics website at www.aap.org. After reading the guidelines you should have a better knowledge of car seats and what to purchase for your child.

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Car Seats with a wide variety of Car Seat Accessories for you to choose from.


Monday, December 29, 2008

Mazda Kabura Concept: Fun and Dynamic


Mazda Australia will showcase its much-admired Kabura concept car in Sydney. The magnificent lineup includes the new CX-7 crossover, BT-50 truck range, and Mazda6. These vehicles will astound the crowd of this year's Australian International Motor Show.


This year's Australian International Motor Show will be very important for Mazda Australia, says Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia's managing director. Not only will we be able to showcase two new cars, but we are very proud to have the Kabura concept car in the country. Kabura signals Mazda's future design direction and we are very excited with the result.


The Kabura concept features a compact sports vehicle that uses 2.0-litre MZR engine to combine fun and functionality to driving pleasure. It is especially designed to cater to drivers who appreciate dynamic and sport driving without sacrificing comfort and functionality. Kabura concept car is not a traditional car - that is the edge of incorporated to it.


With Mazda6 Diesel on sale in October, the CX-7 on sale in November and the BT-50 range in December, this motor show will provide an excellent forum for us to talk to our customers and introduce these new Zoom-Zoom models, Dickson added.


Kabura, which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, shows striking themes and technologies. It is equipped with 3+1 seating arrangement to provide greater passenger comfort without escalating size or weight. Kabura uses powerful Mazda mechanical parts and accessories to boost its overall appeal. It incorporates some of the remarkable Mazda MX-3 parts. Additionally, the concept car also uses rear-drive layout identical to that of Miata.


Mazda CX-7 is the automaker's latest SUV addition. It is said to embrace the 'soul of a sportscar' philosophy of Mazda which means excellent driving dynamics coupled with practical function. It is also equipped with Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. The latter includes dynamic fuel injection parts Mazda injectors, which are incorporated to Mazda6 MPS.


Mazda Atenza or Mazda6, on one hand, replaced Capella. So far, the diesel-powered vehicle is the first generation of Mazda's stylish, youthful and spirited range. The new BT-50 truck range was given an exciting blend of sophistication and functionality to come up with outstanding and versatile trucks.
About the Author


Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Real Estate Closing A Short Course for Home Buyers

Real estate closings are what folklore is all about.

You have probably heard stories, both good and bad, about the real estate closing (or settlement). You have probably heard about the closing that lasted for days, or the one that blew up over something as trivial as a doorknob.

Or perhaps you have heard stories of closings where the sellers are getting a divorce and could not even sit in the room together.

Though it can be fun to hear these stories, keep in mind they are usually 10% fact and 90% fiction. Sure, it's true that not all closings go smoothly. But in reality the overwhelming majority of closings go quite smoothly.

Keep in mind that everyone present at the real estate closing is there for the same reason. They want to complete the transaction so you can buy your new home, or sell your existing home. Despite what you may wonder at times, it's highly unlikely that anyone at the closing has ulterior motives.

At closing, you can expect a substantial number of documents will be signed by the home buyers. Mortgage documentation varies from lender to lender, though they all basically contain the same general documents including the mortgage, the note, HUD Settlement Statement, and a variety of other documents that are signed to protect your interests and the bank's interests.

There will be a title insurance report and policy at the closing, which is further assurance that no one has a claim to the home you are about to buy. The title insurance offers important protection for the home buyers and their lender. Every lender will require title insurance, though the specifics of the policy and the searches will differ from state to state.

Bring photo identification to your real estate closing, and make sure you have a checkbook with plenty of checks. Though you may not have to write one check, there is the possibility that you may have to write several. Last minute adjustments may require you to rewrite those same batch of checks again.

Also during the closing, you will confirm that the mortgage application you filled out contains accurate information, and that your circumstances have not substantially changed since you completed the application (e.g. you changed jobs, etc). Keep in mind, it's always better to advise your mortgage lender about changes in your circumstances before the day of closing.

You should feel comfortable asking questions at closing. Also, take your time to read each document before signing it. Sometimes, you can request that the lender let you come to the closing early to review documents (so the rest of the people in the transaction are not waiting for you to do so).

Remember, as the home buyer you control the closing. Do it at your pace, and only sign when you are comfortable signing the documents. Ask your questions, and remember that everyone in the room wants to see the loan close. Work as a team, and you will be impressed with how smooth the transaction will go.

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article if you keep the byline and author's note, and also leave the hyperlinks active.

Learn more!
You can learn more about the real estate closing by visiting HomeBuyingInstitute.com, the Internet's largest library of home buying advice. Online at: http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Alicante Car Rental Made Easy

The most popular and convenient way to get around in Alicante, Spain is to rent a car. Whether you?re traveling up the Costa Blanca to Benidorm, or staying in Alicante to sightsee, it?s great to have a car at your disposal. Renting is simple to do, and depending on your itinerary, it will generally be more cost-effective than any other mode of transportation. There are several key things to take note of before you go.

Alicante Car Rental

When you land at the airport in Alicante, you?ll find several different car rental companies to choose from, including worldwide names such as Avis and Hertz, and regional companies like Auriga and Centuaro. They?re easily accessible from the arrival area.

It?s best to book your car rental before your vacation to ensure you get the best price. Also, depending on when you?re traveling, it?s a good idea to pre-arrange a car in advance to be sure that you?ll have one when you arrive. Particularly in the summer, which is peak season in Alicante, you?ll find that rental inventory goes quickly.

You can use several different ways to reserve your car. You can book online, through a travel agent, or directly with the company you select. Many times you can find a great deal on a car rental as part of a vacation package. Be sure to shop several companies for the best rates. When shopping, include any additional charges, such as insurance, as well as any restrictions that will apply, to get a clear picture when comparing prices.

The car doesn?t always have to be picked up at the airport, though for some, that?s most convenient. Sometimes you?ll find that renting in town is more affordable than renting at the airport. Think about where you?ll be picking up and dropping off to ensure that you?ll have transportation to and from the rental location. If you?re renting from a location other than the airport, most companies offer complimentary transportation to the rental company.

Don?t Forget the Extras

Consider any extra features or charges when renting. Find out what?s included in the price. Some rental companies may include insurance in their cost, some may not.

One important issue to address is whether or not you?ll need to bring a child safety seat. You may have already brought it for the flight, and it?s a simple procedure to get it into the rental car. Or you may have planned to rent one once you arrived. Either way, if you have an infant or child in the car, Spanish law states that he or she must be secured in a safety seat. If a rental company provides it, there?s an additional charge.

Be sure to get a car with air conditioning. It might be an obvious feature, but one you may not realize you need until you?re in the sweltering heat of Alicante without it.

Careful planning and review of all of your options will ensure you have the best possible car rental experience.

Peter Wilson's detailed articles are found on lots of websites linked to Benidorm. You might find out more about his articles on Alicante car rental over at http://www.alicante-spain.com/alicantecarrental.html and different sources for Alicante car rental news.


Friday, December 26, 2008

San Diego Real Estate Agencies

Given the good performance of the real estate market in San Diego, you can expect that there would be a large number of agents and brokers who would want to actively participate in the market. However, this phenomenon can make choosing a realtor to help you in buying property in San Diego more difficult because choosing from too many choices can make picking the right realtor too time consuming. Here are a few tips that can help you find the right broker in San Diego.

Where to look

One place where you can start your search is on the Internet; there are a number of websites that offer listing on realtors based in San Diego. These websites also allow you to compare the services and charges that the realtors have, which can help you narrow your choices based on your needs and your budget. Some websites of the realtors themselves already have the listings of available properties, which can also save you time and effort. However, having a Web site is not a guarantee that the broker or the agent is reputable; this is why it is always a good idea to do a background check on the firms you are considering.

Realtor competencies you should look for

Apart from having large listings of available properties that are up for sale, there are a number of traits and competencies that you should look for in looking for a realtor. One of the first things you should make sure of is that the realtor you are talking with should have the proper license to engage in real estate transactions in San Diego. This can ensure that the transactions you will enter into are above board. Another thing you should look for is a deep knowledge of the San Diego real estate market because if a realtor has this, he can easily help you find a property in San Diego that fits your requirements.

Getting a realtor to help you in your real estate purchases can make looking for a property much easier. However, given the real estate boom that some areas like San Diego are experiencing, finding the right realtor can be a difficult task. It is then a good idea to have the right information on the realtors that you are considering, which includes checking out their reputations, their performance and certifications.

San Diego Real Estate provides detailed information on San Diego Real Estate, Buying Real Estate In San Diego, Downtown San Diego Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate Agencies and more. San Diego Real Estate is affiliated with Miami Beach Real Estate.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Plane Trip with Kids

Though you can cover even very long distances by car if you have the guts to, as soon as it comes to crossing water, you'll have to stick to a plane. The equation is the same as usual: limited space + long time of inactivity = whiny, annoying children.

The big difference towards a car is that when you're on a plane, you can't just stop and let your children run around a bit, and you even have to share it with a lot of other people (who probably want to have a rest). So how to keep the little ones calm?

Entertainment electronics cut in again. Modern airlines provide a small tv in the back of the seat even for economy class, or at least one hanging from the ceiling, which might be difficult for your kids to see if they're not sitting on the corridor side. If you don't have that kind of luxury, a camcorder with headphones will do the trick. Modern camcorders have a little flatscreen, so you can use it as a mobile tv/vcr combination. For older children, a laptop with a DVD-player can do the job as well. But keep in mind to charge the batteries before!

Airplane food is generally not very tasty. The free drinks, though, are acceptable, and if you're in with a baby or toddler, the cabin crew will surely help you warming up some milk. Still, you should bring some snacks in case your kid's don't like the food.

Even for adults, the pain in the ear from the pressurizing during liftoff and landing can be quite annoying, so how much more for children. If they're too young for chewing gum, a drink (best with a straw) also helps.

Be careful with your choice of toys. The playground size is very limited, and things easily get lost under the seat, or worse, under someone else's seat. You normally have a tray built in there, so you can set it as a limit. The temperature in airplanes tends to be slightly too cold, especially when your flight is ongoing for some time already and you haven't moved much. So it's useful to dress your kids in layers, that makes it easier to adjust. For yourself, avoid white clothes and have a spare shirt in your handluggage when you're dealing with babies.

About The Author

Brigitte Meier is an occassional author for http://www.e-nterests.com - visit the site for more interesting articles.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Agent Marketing Minute: Email Signatures

Maximize your signature. Add a timely or seasonal message to your signature. Time to spring ahead, change your clocks on April 10th, Be extra alert it's back to school. Add a testimonial from a client, Thank-you for all your help in the purchase of our new house,your experience and patience was invaluable. The Smiths, 123 Main Street, Anytown USA. Congratulate local sports teams on winning, go Wildcats on another winning the championship! Promote an upcoming non-profit benefit, Breast cancer walk on October 1st, if you want to donate or walk, contact me.

Or think about including a definition of the week, utilize real estate terms and designations, earnest money deposit: The money given to the seller at the time the offer is made as a sign of the buyer?s good faith. Do a fast real estate fact from local, state or national real estate associations, such as the average homeowner stays in their home 5.7 years according to the The National Association of Realtors(R) 2005 profile of home buyers and sellers. Add value to all your email correspondence, and always take the time to spell check your signature, it is worth the time to make sure you send the right impression.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today.

View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Make Sure You Have the Best Children's Car Seat With Car Seat Safety Ratings

All seats available in the market are approved by federal regulations, meaning they are all basically safe for use... and yet, not all seats are equal! In some respects, certain seat models are superior to others, and then again, some seat models are superior to others of its type overall.

Car seat reviews will help you determine which seats have higher rankings, compared to other seats that suit the same age and weight of your child, as well as the size of your car and your wallet.Infant car seats have ease of use ratings, as defined by the National Health and Traffic Safety Administration (MHTSA) on their website at nhtsa.gov. The Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Rating is the virtual authority on the caliber of seats, as well as the usability of each standard seat feature. As of 2005 the NHTSA has five criteria for determining the Overall Ease of Use rating, all of which contribute to the total security of the seat: Assembly, Evaluation of Labels, Evaluation of Instructions, Installing Features, and Securing the Child.

Car seat safety ratings may also be defined by buyers - the people who have had the opportunity to use those seats. Online stores like Amazon.com come with extensive user reviews not only for books or movies, but also for everyday baby things like strollers, playpens and car seats! User reviews of a child safety seat could range from one-liners to a comprehensive breakdown of how well each function of the seat performs. But best of all, online stores like Amazon.com allow a graphical rating system that gives the opinion of the buyer in a nutshell. Amazon currently uses the 5-star system, which posits that 5 stars is the absolute best review a person could give to a product, while half a star is the absolute worst. And when you want to know how well a product works for a consumer, no input is better than the one provided by a fellow buyer!

While user feedback like on Amazon is an invaluable tool to measure the effectiveness and safety of the car seat, it usually doe not tell you all there is to know and that makes it worthwhile to shop around. Don't take Amazon as your universal truth, but use it as an indicator of the quality of the product.

Car seat safety ratings can identify the right seat for you, your car, and your baby. Remember there is no such thing as he best car seat for everyone - only he best car seat for YOU.

Infant-carseat.com provides you with information on baby car seats, booster seats, infant car seat cover, car seat reviews and car seat safety ratings. Go to http://www.infant-carseat.com/

By Trevor Mulholland

Monday, December 22, 2008

Get Your MBA in Real Estate Investing In Less Than 12 Months: Your Mega Bank Account

I used to be one of the many people who think that you have to have a lot of money to get started in real estate investing. But it's just not true!

But on the other side we've all heard the gurus talk about how easy it is to invest in real estate with Other People's Money (OPM). But that's not entirely true either.

What is true is that there are many ways to accumulate lots of money through real estate if you have the right team and are using the right strategies at the right time.

The team is such an important piece of the puzzle - these are the people that are going to make each deal happen. Real Estate is a networking business, and I didn't say a NOT-work business. The more people you know, the easier it is to run your business. Period.

When your team is in place is when your MBA starts accelerating. I have a lot of people on my team, and yes, that means I have to share the profits. But I can do more deals in less time with fewer headaches. Makes sense to me.

This is one of the most important concepts for building wealth quickly. One that almost every type of guru out there tells us to do. But one that seems to get the most resistance. Many people want to do it themselves because they don't want to split the profits, or pay for the help.

I'm telling you from experience that you need to do whatever you need to do to build your team. Contractors, lawyers, mentors, coaches, project managers, assistants, bookkeepers, CPAs, and the list goes on.

I've paid for many coaches. I'm grateful that I have a mentor who is congruent with my own dreams. I've also created many joint ventures with other team players that have cost me nothing but my time or my experience, and made me lots of money. But it's because I built my team that I was able to do that.

Now let's talk about the strategies. There are many ways to do real estate deals with OPM, but if you're in a hurry to make some money, the fastest way that I have found to work is the Assignment of Contract method.

Here's what this means: you find and negotiate a deal with the seller, for a certain price with certain conditions, giving you so many days to find a buyer. Whether it's you or somebody else. When you're assigning the contract you're entering into with the same exact terms as you got into.

This contract is where all the details are: How much you'll pay for the house (even though you're not going to pay for it personally), how long you have to come up with the money (This gives you the time to find the end buyer for the deal - another reason to build your team).

Then when you find the buyer - you sell this contract to the buyer - with the same specified terms. So if you say that you'd close in 30 days, and it takes you 15 days to line up a buyer, you have 15 days to close. Or whatever other terms you stipulated in the contract.

Preferably you're working with great deals, properties you can get for 70 or 80 cents on the dollar. And that's because you will ALWAYS find buyers for these deals.

Once you have the seller under contract, you start promoting the deal through your network, list with a realtor, put an ad in the paper, whatever works. Then you have the seller, you have the buyer - you simply sell the contract.

Once you get started and get your feet wet, you can do 3 or 4 or 5 of these a month - or as much as your team can handle. I've done many projects where I've sold the contracts for a flat fee to another investor or rehabber. It's a great way to build your bank account when you don't have a lot to start with.

Like I said: Get Your MBA (Mega Bank Account) in Less Than 12 Months!

Raul Luna officially became a millionaire before he turned 21! This successful speaker and educator is turning ordinary people into millionaires. Discover his secrets: http://www.moonvesting.com

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Services Offered by Los Angeles Discount Real Estate Brokers

Are you interested in selling your current home? If you are, have you already started the listing process? If have recently decided to sell your home and have yet to take action, you are encouraged to fully examine all of your options before making a final decision.

If you live in or around the Los Angeles area, you can seek assistance from a real estate broker or a real estate agent. Real estate brokers and agents offer the same types of services. Generally, the only difference between the two is their name. Both offer services to individuals and families who are looking to purchasing a new home or to those that are looking to sell their home.

If you are like many other Los Angeles area residents, you may be concerned with the price of using a real estate agent or broker. There are a large number of brokers that charge a high fee for their services, but not all do. It is possible to find a discount real estate broker. Los Angeles has a large number of both types of brokers. To find a discount broker in the area, you may be required to do a little bit of research.

The research you do, to find a discount real estate broker, will include a number of different things. The first step in finding a discount real estate broker is to familiarize yourself with local brokers. This can often be done by using the internet or your local phone book. If you choose to use your local phone book, real estate brokers are often found under the business listing of real estate. Since phone books only provide a limited amount of information, you may be required to contact each broker individually.

Directly speaking to a number of discount brokers is a great way to determine how much each individual charges for their services; however, this process can be time consuming. If you want to find a discount real estate broker, but you do not have the time to spend hours or even day searching, you are encouraged to use the internet.

There are a large number of online broker websites. These websites should allow you to immediately determine whether or not you want to use the services of a particular discount real estate broker. Los Angeles resident have successfully been using the internet, for years now, to find qualified brokers.

No matter which search method you choose, you are sure to find at least one discount real estate broker. Los Angeles has a number of these discounted brokers. By taking the time to find them, you could retain valuable money from the sale of your home. This is because the fewer fees that you have to pay a real estate agent, the more you will profit from the sale of your home.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great resource for information regarding a Los Angeles Discount Real Estate Broker

Saturday, December 20, 2008

The Top Four Herbs The Four Gs For Ultimate Health

It?s true; the top four herbs in the world are all begin with the letter G.

They are ginger, ginkgo biloba, garlic and ginseng. These mighty four herbs cure and prevent literally hundreds of ailments.

Here is what each of them can do for you!

Ginger. Although widely used in cooking, but is a very powerful anti-oxidant Ginger is more than just a spice and is widely used as a digestive aid used in the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain.

Ginger is also used to alleviate menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and postoperative sickness. In addition, ginger is effective in maintaining a clean and healthy colon.

Ginger helps relief the symptoms of colds, flu, and coughs, acts as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis, acts to relieve both high cholesterol levels and blood pressure, relieves headaches and toothaches.

Eating ginger regularly is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Ginkgo Biloba.

The Ginkgo tree is considered a living fossil. It is the oldest living tree, and has been around for more than 200 million years.

The Chinese have passed it down to our current generations, and considered a vital herb for health and longevity. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body.

It aids metabolism, increases the oxygen flow to the brain, the boosts the nervous system.

It will aid memory and act to keep the mind active.

Ginkgo is a powerful anti-oxidant, and will also keep cholesterol levels in the body to normal levels. Ginkgo comes close to being a panacea.

Garlic.

Garlic has gained recognition as a medicinal remedy in both Chinese and Western cultures. Considered as a panacea, garlic and has often been referred to as a wonder drug.

Garlic's active ingredient allicin, aggressively destroys, and inhibits various bacteria and fungi.

Garlic is effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, has anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and enhances the resistance of the immune system.

Additionally, garlic is said to protect the liver from damage induced by pollutants i.e. synthetic drugs.

Eating garlic regularly will help in the treatment of digestive disorders, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Additionally, garlic helps in the treatment of high blood pressure, bladder infection, flu, liver and gallbladder problems, sinusitis,

Ginseng.

Ginseng is one of the most popular healing herbs ever used. It is ancient, and as is important today as it was thousands of years ago.

Ginseng is an effective general rejuvenator and tonic.

Additionally ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral zinc, which promotes the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the immune system and is often prescribed to ward of colds and minor illnesses.

Ginseng helps the body to manage stress. Ginseng increases estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.

Chinese medicine uses ginseng in the treatment of diabetes, as it helps lower blood sugar. It acts as an appetite stimulant, and is believed to possess anti-cancer properties.

Ginseng aids in promoting sleep, it enhances endurance, stamina, performance and general wellbeing.

It stimulates the immune system and the ability of body to ward off common aliments. Ginseng relieves tension and anxiety and improves mental alertness.

It is used to normalize blood pressure and increase blood circulation. The Chinese use it as a sexual stimulator. Ginseng reduces the risk of heart disease; it improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities.

So these are the mighty 4 ?G? herbs, and can be taken daily in combination without fear. Enhance your life, your lifestyle, and be healthy.

MORE FREE INFO

On all aspects of health and more on supplements visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html.


Friday, December 19, 2008

Parenting Teens A Guide To Connecting Relationally With Your Teen


What every teenager would like to have is a credit card without limits, a new car, the newest look, and an iPod that can hold 50 million songs. Of course, we grown-ups have been around long enough to know that you don't always get what you want. There is a need however, that stirs in the heart of every young person. That need is a relationship with you the parent. It is true, they may not want it, but it still remains one their most important needs.


We've all heard about the generational gap thing, and too often have used that as an excuse to not bother trying to connect with today's teenager. Don't get me wrong there is a gap. A big one. They have their little world and we have ours. And so many times, we aren't welcome in theirs and they aren't welcome in ours. They listen to music we can't stand, and we listen to music they can't stand. They wear clothes we would never wear and we wear clothes they would never wear. They have a language with terms we don't understand and we say things that to them, seem so outdated. The differences go on and on and on and le'ts face it, it is so much easier to just not understand each other than it is to put forth an effort to try and understand.


I assure you, the effort is worth it. Your teenager is worth it! Connecting with your teen will take some work, but the rewards are priceless. It my require you to make some major adjustments to your routine. It may take some radical changes in the culture of your home. Don't be afraid to initiate the changes necessary to connect relationally with your teen.


Ok, so you're thinking what changes need to be made. Let me give you some helpful tips. Are you a family that seldom sits down for dinner together? If so, try to make it a point to eat one meal a day together. Use this as a time to talk. Sure it may be awkward if you haven't made this a practice in several years, but fight through the awkwardness. If you just can not make it happen every night, set aside at least one night a week where you eat together as a family. Set it in stone and make it happen. If you had a meeting set with someone very important you would do everything you could to keep that appointment. Treat your family no different.


Perhaps you are like the typical family that has a tv in every room and in the evening everyone retreats to his or her own room. Learn to utilize your family room together as a family. Pick a night or two and turn off the tv. Instead, spend an hour or so together as a family. Play games, go through a Bible study together, or just sit around and talk. I know what you're thinking. Play games? Bible study? Sitting around talking? Are you crazy?


What is so crazy, is that because of our great American culture, these suggestions seem so lame. Our culture, opposes the family in almost every way. It blows me away to see a family out at a restaurant and their teenager sitting there with his iPod listening to music while they eat. Video games, iPods, internet, and cell phones are tools that really cause us to isolate ourselves from other members of our family. Now, don't go overboard and take everything away from your teen. You just have to make a decision to fight against a culture that opposes the family. Don't allow this culture to dictate how your family is going to operate. As a parent, you set the agenda for the family. You decide how your household is going to run.


Plan some family outings. Do it once a week, once a month, once a quarter. It really doesn't matter how often, just make it happen. Go camping over the weekend. Go to a ball game. Go to the lake. The list is endless. Get input from everyone and be creative. If you live in the city, take a trip to the country. If you live in the country, take a trip to the city. It doesn't have to be expensive, just make it fun. Don't be in a hurry. The key is to connect relationally, nothing else. Don't set an agenda that's going to stress everyone out. Just have a good time as a family.


How about doing some volunteer work together as a family? There are countless numbers of opportunities to serve in and around your community. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, at the hospital, or at a senior citizens home. Or, how about as a family, adopting an elderly couple and helping them around the home with yard work, house cleaning etc. Again, the list is endless, and one of the most important things you can teach your young person is to live life outside of themselves.


If you have more than one child, make sure you as a parent spend some quality one-on-one time with each of them. Dad's take your daughter's on dates and treat them like a princess. I mean, treat them as though they are the most beautiful, most precious young lady on the planet. Give them an example of what they are to look for someday in the man they are going to marry. Help them to set that standard so high, that no loser will ever catch their eye. As for your sons, hang with them. Go fishing or hunting. Go play paintball together. Play video games with them. Do guy stuff together and talk about guy stuff.


Mom's plan a day to go shopping with your daughters or plan a day to bake together. Don't like to bake or shop? Then, find something that you enjoy doing together and do it. I'm not a mom, or a daughter so, to be honest, I don't have a clue. Maybe just go to lunch and have intimate conversation with one another. How about getting a manicure and pedicure? Whatever you do, make sure you connect with one another. And when it comes to connecting with your son, try to keep in mind that most teenage boys are at a stage where being a momma's boy is not a cool thing. As they get closer and closer to manhood, they become more and more independent. So, don't feel rejected when they seem to be pulling away. That being said, you can still connect with them and you need to. You may think this is absolutely crazy, but if your son is big into video games, instead of always hammering him to quit spending so much time playing, sit down for a few minutes and play with him. So what if you have no idea how to play, let him teach you. Trust me, it will blow him away.


Whatever you do, remember, connecting with your teenager is the primary goal. The sky is the limit. As a youth pastor for 15 years, I have consistently scheduled events for teens with the primary purpose of connecting with them relationally. Trust me, I have never had a huge budget, so planning events that are inexpensive while at the same time fun, simply takes a little effort and creativity. You may think that your young person will never desire to connect with you, and that may be true. However, in my experience with teens, I have discovered that I generally connect with those I determine to connect with. I believe the same is true about you. In all that you do, please keep in mind that the two biggest keys to connecting with teenagers is time and the ability to listen. So, make the time and work on your listening skills.


? 2006 Tim Stone All Rights Reserved Worldwide



About the Author

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Overseas Property Investment Tips For Maximizing Your Profits

Overseas property investment is more popular than ever. You can make triple digit gains and many investors do, but many lose heavily, so what seperates winners from losers?

Here we are going to give you tips for overseas property investment that will help you enter the small minority who make the big profits and make your overseas property investment a success.

Here are your 4 tips for overseas property investment success

1. Look for best price in terms of risk ? reward

Many people when trying overseas property investment simply look for the cheapest price they can find and assume that prices will go up in value and they make all sorts of projections but thats all they are projections and not based on reality.

In most instances the cheapest properties do have high profit potential if the market takes off, but in most instances they don?t.

Many investors find their overseas property investment was cheap when they bought it but gets cheaper!

The way to avoid this sceario is to buy property that may not be the cheapest but has the best potential for reward in relation to risk.

This means buying a market that has taken off is attracting investment and has a track record.

2. Buy a trend in motion

Investors in any market to do with money know that ?a trend in motion should be bought? and this applies to overseas property investment.

Regardless, of whether you are buying a villa, a vacation home, or a condo, you want the location you buy to be rising in value.

It?s a fact that if you have a property trend in motion its likely to last for decades, as steady and rising investment attracts more investment.

For example, in Central America Costa Rica has been the leader for years and many investors have made 30 ? 100% profits annually.

Many investors however have decided there is more potential in ?newer markets? such as Honduras, Belize or Nicaragua, but the risk is higher and a long term trend is NOT Established.

Costa Rica has huge established expat community and record investment and the fact that a huge community exists means it?s popular and will grow.

Will potentially unstable and poorer countries come to rival it? Maybe, but you are buying potential and NOT a long established trend.

It?s for each investor to decide how much risk they want to take in their overseas property investments ? A proven market with solid gains and an emerging market with higher risk reward.

Keep in mind that with most new overseas property investment hot spots they remain hot for a while and quietly die.

3. Be careful with location

No matter what country you make your overseas property investment in, don?t buy unless you are buying near developments or infrastructure that will see real estate values rise in price.

Don?t buy in an area you think will become popular. Buy in an area you know WILL become popular as it?s either near new infrastructure such as roads, marina?s etc, or near resorts that are likely to expand.

4. Make sure you know the country

Is it stable, how popular is it, what are your rights?

When buying you need to do a complete review and make sure it?s a safe and stable market for you to invest in.

Get a good realtor with solid track record to help you and don?t try and save by doing your own legal work!

Get an attorney who knows the law and make sure your overseas property investment is done correctly.

Tips to maximize rewards

The 4 tips above for overseas property investment will allow you maximise your rewards and minimize your risks.

You can make more by not following these tips!

The above tips in overseas property investment are ONLY for investors who want solid rewards with low risk ? not pioneers who want to take chances.

Be a pioneer if you wish, many made huge gains but remember most took arrows!

FREE Report!

On How to target large gains with low risk in overseas property investment as well as a focus on Costa Rica one of the most popular overseas property investment destinations with a solid track record of growth visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Do You Want To Meet the Seller?

There are many little lines drawn within the real estate business. Realtors understand these lines and often are the best way to contact a buyer or seller about a certain property.

Many homes sell without the buyer meeting the seller until the closing. But it isn't uncommon for buyers and sellerst ot meet each other. This is especially true in areas where there is a high volume of for sale by owners. They become acquaintances. It is often nice to know the person purchasing your beloved home.

The key to the meeting, whether you are a buyer or seller, is to keep everything flattering and lovely. Talk only about the things you adore about the property. If you are planning on remodeling, don't tell the current owner, it may offend him or her.

In fact, being personal can often get your offer accepted when mulitple offers are on the table. For example, one set of buyers wrote the sellers a letter about their love of the decor of the living room. They then sent flowers that matched the decor of the room perfectly. The sellers saw that the buyers wanted the house, appreciated the efforts made to the home and that the buyers demonstrated the desire to continue to make it a lovely home.

But being too open and friendly can blow a deal. For example, one couple went over to the home and introduced themselves to the owners about a week before the closing on the transaction. They chatted and spoke for a while about the area and the home. The sellers asked what the buyers were going to do when they moved in. The buyers answered that they were going to tear out the stair railing, fireplace surround and wainscotting from the house and replace it with something more modern.

Little did they know that the sellers had hand restored the home to its original condition using old photographs and research materials.

The buyers called their agent and backed out of the deal immediately.

The moral of the story -- if you meet the seller, keep the things you don't like to yourself. You should ask questions, but don't offer any answers. Talk about what you love about the house and don't try to offend the seller.

After all, there has to be a reason you are buying the house. Find it.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Consumer Reports Walkers


A walker is a mobile seat and frame that lets babies propel themselves across floors and other level surfaces. The typical age range for walkers is 6 to 15 months--after the baby can sit up unassisted but before the baby is walking.


Some researchers claim that despite their name, walker don't help babies acquire walking skills any faster than babies who don't use them. And many experts have expressed concerns about the safety of walkers: They can fall down stairways; flip over if wheels get snagged; and roll your baby into stoves, heaters, or other indoor dangers. Outdoors, walker can fall over curbs or into swimming pools. Safety gates may help prevent such accidents, but they're no guarantee. Many accidents involving walkers occur despite the presence of safety gates--either because the gates were latched incorrectly or they didn't hold up to the impact of the walker.


A voluntary safety standard was created for walkers in 1997. To comply, a walker must either be too wide to fit through a standard doorway or have safety features such as a rubberized friction strip on the bottom that stops the walker if its wheels drop away at the edge of a step. The number of walker accidents has declined considerably since the safety standard took effect. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to urge banning their manufacture and sale. If you just have to have a walker for your child, the physician group recommends that you choose one that meets the voluntary standard, which was last updated in 2000.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE


The major brands are Baby Trend, Chicco USA, Delta Enterprise, Graco, and Kolcraft. Also called mobile entertainers, walkers come in various shapes--circular, rectangular, square, and even styled like a car. They typically have four to eight wheels. Price range: $30 to $70.


HOW TO CHOOSE


Key differences. Most of the manufacturers that meet the voluntary standard have opted for the friction strip on the base. But this is not a failsafe design. Even a certified model may still pose a safety risk.


Recommendations. Consider safer alternatives such as a stationary activity center. It offers equal or better play value than a walker, and it is far safer. What it lacks, of course, is mobility--a walker's main attraction. If you decide to buy a walker, consider the layout of your home. If you're concerned about keeping your baby in a room with standard doorways, choose a model with an extra-wide base. Even if a walker has a friction strip, consider using it only in a room with no access to stairs leading down.


A walker should be used only on flat, horizontal surfaces. Make sure the area is free of dangling cords and other objects that could cause the walker to tip over. And don't use walkers near sources of heat, such as a stove, or near swimming pools. For proper fit, both of your baby's feet should touch the floor or ground when in the walker. Never let a baby in a walker out of your sight. Examine any toys attached to the walker. Rule of thumb: The toys should be too large to fit through the tube of a toilet-paper roll (about 1 3/4 inches in diameter). Also check for small parts that could break off, and make sure all screws are properly tightened.


Finally, limit the time your baby spends in the walker to about a half-hour at a time. This should give your baby plenty of opportunities to crawl and engage in other physical activities.



Certification. A certification sticker on the walker's frame or packaging indicates that the walker meets the minimum requirements for the voluntary standard of the American Society for Testing and Materials and that its manufacturer participates in the pass/fail certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Some walkers also are labeled as meeting new ASTM safety standards for steps and stairs, or as meeting new ASTM standards for walkers.


Copyright ? 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.


For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.


Find More
Walkers with Easy Deal at
ShopNdeal.com
.
About the Author

Monday, December 15, 2008

Mortgage Applications Down

Mortgage applications fell for the first time in four weeks as demand hit the lowest level in almost three years.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association weekly report, the seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity for the week ended August 25 decreased 0.9%, landing nearly 23% below last year's level for the same week.

The decline remained consistent with the slowdown being seen in the housing market.

We're still in the soft landing camp for the housing market, explained John Shin, senior economist for Lehman Brothers. We do see a sizable impact on the economy and expect that the slowing housing market is going to trim roughly one percentage point off of growth over the rest of this year and the next year as well.

For the sixth straight week, home refinancing demand increased as a result of decreasing mortgage rates.

Last week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate averaged 6.39%, well below June's four-year high of 6.86%. However, they were well above last year's level of 5.73%.

Seasonally adjusted index of refinancing applications increased slightly for the week, up to 1,609.2 from 1,608.5.

The refinancing share of total applications increased to 41.5%, up from 40.6% the week prior. This marks the highest level since February.

Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged a rate of 6.06%, up from 6.04% the week prior. The one-year adjustable-rate mortgage also saw an increase, up to 5.97% from 5.91%.

ARMs made up 26.8% of total loan applications, an increase from 26.4% the week prior.

The MBA's survey covers 50% of all US retail residential mortgage loans. Respondents include mortgage bankers, commercial banks and thrifts.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Little Ideas To Increase Your Rents And Keep Your Tenants

Your tenant living in your investment property is really a business partner for you. The best way to ensure you have a good relationship with your tenant is look after them. Basically they are happy paying their rent and getting on living and enjoying their life. Most of the renters I have come across live from week to week. They have a mind set generally that locks them into long term renting. This is a benefit to you that you need to take full advantage of.

So what I find to be the best scenario is to keep them happy and make their life as comfortable as possible. When they are in this comfort zone they typically always pay their rent and just as importantly they will look after your real estate investment. These two keys are critical to putting each property on auto pilot. This makes your life easier and also your property manager?s job easier as well.

There are small repairs and fix ups you can do to the property that will make your tenant happier. A good example is installing a light, heater and fan unit to the bathroom. This will keep the people warm when using the bathroom. Also it will stop the room fogging up in winter time, which will stop the build up of mould on the walls and ceilings. The tenant is happy and you are looking after your investment property and by adding a time and labour saving piece of equipment. This also adds value to the property. And the tenant will be happy to pay you five dollars a week extra in rent when you explain the benefits to them.

Another good add on I like to use is, a garden shed. The men these days love to tinker around in their sheds. This is becoming popular with the ladies as well. With this one you are adding a lot of value to your investment property and you will have no trouble at all getting an increase in the rent. The tenants will love you. It gives better storage space and helps keep the place look neat and tidier. Another added bonus to both you and your tenant.

By using creative strategies like these, you are able to leverage yourself. It will only be a little bit on each example but every little bit helps. When you have multiple real estate investment properties, then you start to see the benefits of leveraging. It works the same as compounding interest.

To your investing success
Leo Love
www.therealestateinvester.com
PS If any of your family or friends is interested please pass this on to them.

http://www.therealestateinvester.com

I am an experienced and passionate investor. I buy typical mum and dad type houses that give me cash flow and capital growth. My website offers helpful tips and ideas for any type of investor to help you with your wealth creation. Using my site will help to prevent you falling into the traps the inexperienced investors do.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

 by: Patricia Gatto

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.

Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?

If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.

Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.

Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.

Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.

How do you prepare your child for the school bully?

Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.

Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.

Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a person.

Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.

Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.

Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.

Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.

If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.

Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.

But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.

About The Author

Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com


pgatto@ptd.net


Friday, December 12, 2008

Kentucky Home Buying

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Kentucky, or perhaps you?re relocating to Kentucky from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Kentucky home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Kentucky:

The price of homes in Kentucky varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Louisville, Kentucky, the median price of a home in 2005 was $225,000; however, in Lexington, Kentucky, the median price of a home was $156,000. In 2004, the median home cost was for the entire state of Kentucky was $179,000. Additionally, in the last few years, average interest rates on home loans in Kentucky have been higher than the national average.

The rate of job growth in Kentucky is lower than the national rate, and the number of bankruptcies and foreclosures is higher than the national average. The rate of home appreciation in Kentucky is also lower than that of the nation. Homes in Kentucky appreciate at less than half of the rate of average national appreciation.

Kentucky is one of the many states that have enacted laws in order to counteract the rate of predatory lending. Kentucky?s high-cost home loan law subjects loans that are considered high-cost to certain regulations. High-cost loans include mortgages in which the total points and fees required to be paid by the borrower at closing exceed eight percent of the total loan amount and residential mortgages in which the APR exceeds the Treasuries securities rate by eight percent on first mortgages and ten percent on second mortgages.

Kentucky high-cost loan laws apply to purchase, refinancing, and second mortgages. Lenders may make high-cost home loans, but they must abide by certain restrictions. For example, lenders may not collect repayment penalties after the borrower has owned the home for three years, they may not create a repayment schedule that results in an increase in the principal amount owed, and they must reasonably believe that a borrower will be able to make the payments on their mortgage.

Because Kentucky officials are attempting to counteract predatory lending practices, the penalties of not abiding by Kentucky high-cost home loan laws are very strict.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Kentucky Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Displacement of Family Farms Eminent Domain and Fair Market Values Discussed

When important infrastructure in our nation must be built to ensure economic vitality, proper distribution or the basic needs of our civilization we must also be cognizant of the Displacement of Family Farms, Fair Market Values and the reality of the importance of the project too. Taking family farms even if you pay fair market value often causes chaos and conflicts.

Look at the depression, manipulation of the stock markets set up to capitalize American business and artificial money controls costs millions of families their land in foreclosures. You see, I do not disagree that displacement of family farms must be considered and those families be kept whole. So be it. That is fair. It is only fair that we replace the land in an area with similar soil, water availability and add to the land acreage to sweeten the pot.

We must consider this when building the thing whatever it is. Lets say it is expansion of a Freeway or Highway, indeed then make the road as straight as possible using a computer and looking at terrain and structures, like routing software can do, that keeps it fair. Some folks might have a greater burden, have a sliding scale to fairly compensate them.

If eminent domain is done correctly and for the right reasons then indeed, Folks will be begging to put it thru on their chunk of land so they can get paid and sell at a fair or above fair price during a downturn in real-estate. The increase to our civilization will more than pay the costs in the efficiency, increase in jobs, better standard of living, lower prices and quality of life. Efficiency has a way of doing that. The longer we wait the worse the issue.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Sicily Italy: Choosing the Right Location to Buy your Second Home

You may have made the definite decision to buy a second home abroad and you may have made the decision on what country. If you have chosen Italy and selected Sicily, then you still need to carefully consider where in Sicily you will buy. Living in a rural area and finding yourself bored senseless, or finding yourself in a busy, slightly wild city such as Palermo may equally be incorrect for your needs. So where in Sicily should you buy real estate or property. Where is the ideal place to buy a villa or apartment?

There are several factors you might want to consider when choosing a location especially:
- Your reason for buying (i.e. investment or for personal use)
- What transportation you will have at your disposal. Getting to and from your country of residence to the holiday/investment home
- Your hobbies/interest
- Language

YOUR REASON FOR BUYING YOUR VILLA/HOME
In Sicily, you may be buying real estate as an investment opportunity or you may be buying as a holiday home. If buying as an investment opportunity, both rental opportunities and capital growth will likely be of concern to you. An area such as the stunning seaside town of Taormina, despite being expensive, can offer a very reasonable yield on a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. For investment parts of Catania might also be worth considering. If buying for a holiday home then the ideas below wil become more important.

TRANSPORTATION
Getting from your country of residence to the door of your property is a very important consideration. You may have do a trip to your property for some unexpected reason, in addition to the regular trips to sort out the buying process and for visiting your property. Public transportation is not the best in Sicily hence this is an important consideration. The main airports into Sicily are Catania and Palermo airports and car hire is reasonably easy to sort out in these airports. Consider though that the Italian and even more so, the Sicilian way of driving can be very stressful for someone not used to it. To get to Sicily with your own car can be difficult thus buying with reach of Catania or Palermo may be worth considering.

YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
If you are planning to spend time in your Sicily property yourself, think carefully about how your own interests and hobbies match the place you buy. If you enjoy beach life, eating fresh sea-food every night and also having enough to do in the evenings i.e. theatre, then consider a main city such as Catania. If you enjoy tranquillity and wish to write or paint but still enjoy the sea life, then maybe somewhere such as Messina or Noto. Do your research carefully.

LANGUAGE
In terms of language, Sicily I think it fair to say, is further behind compared to many other places in Europe. People tend NOT to speak English and if they do it will be in the main cities. If moving and buying an apartment, villa or casa in rural Sicily, ENSURE you learn Italian.

http://www.investsicily.com

Monday, December 8, 2008

When Oncologists Said Elevated Platelets Count After chemotherapy Was Good!

Jenny (not real name), 53 years old, was diagnosed with left breast cancer in January 2006. A mastectomy was done followed by chemotherapy. After her first chemotherapy on 22 February 2006, Jenny felt weak with a heavy head. She vomited for three days. Jenny was supposed to have 8 cycles of chemotherapy but after her fourth chemotherapy, she decided to stop chemotherapy totally. This was because of the severe side effects.

On 29 November 2006, we interviewed Jenny. Below is the transcript of our conversation.

Question: Okay, when you did your second, third and fourth chemo, did the doctor know you were on herbs?

Jenny: No. I hinted about taking herbs during my consultation. They said: ?No, no, no. Don?t take herbs.? But I took it quietly without their knowledge. After the fourth chemo and it was time for the fifth chemo, I called and informed them that I intended to stop the treatment. I told them that I am a Christian and I believe in God?s healing. I heard from God to stop the chemo. And I said I wanted to go for herbs. Initially the oncologist said, ?Okay, it?s your choice. Do whatever you want. If you have any problems you can come back here.? I accepted that.

Jenny?s Platelet Count Went Up

Jenny: Every few weeks I had my blood test done before this. Every blood test, the blood platelets kept going up. My friends told me through their experiences the blood platelets usually go ?down? not ?up?. If it is ?up? it is not good. Also the red blood cells must go up, white blood cells must go up but the blood platelets must come down. When I saw my blood platelets went up, I asked the oncologist. He told me, ?No, it is okay. All must go up. Then your body is responding to the chemo.? So, I was very happy and continued with my second, third and fourth chemo. The platelets went up higher and higher until it exceeded the range. So, for the third and fourth chemo, the platelets already exceeded the range. I asked the oncologist: ?The platelet had already exceeded the range! Is it dangerous?? The doctor replied, ?No, it?s good! It must go up?.

One month after I stopped the chemotherapy, I went back to him again for a check up. They did a blood test and found that the platelets count was dropping. The red blood cells and the white blood cells were up, but the platelets came down. Seeing this I panicked because the oncologist said the platelet count must go up. Initially, when I entered the room, the oncologist said: ?You are doing very well. You are okay.? But as we went through the readings of the blood and came to the part on platelets count, from 600+ it dropped to 300, I asked him, ?How? Why it dropped so much? Last time you said 600+ is good. Now, it has dropped to 300+. What is wrong with this? Is it okay?? Then he said, ?Well, you go for herbs. That is why it is like this. You go for organic food, you believe in God?s healing ? that is why it is like that! What organic food you are talking about. What is organic food?? I was very confused. I felt like crying. I had no one to consult.

I went to have another test done at the Wellness Laboratory. Yes, the platelets dropped to half the amount! I enquired from the technician about this drop in platelet count. He told me it was good for me. Eh? I was dumbfounded. There were two opposing views and I didn?t know whom to believe. Then I waited until you (Dr. Teo) came and spoke to you. Then, you clarified that it was good that the platelet count went down.

Question: Your impression was that you were doing badly after the blood test showed a drop in the platelet reading?

Jenny: Yes.

Comment:

With regards to the platelet count, when the oncologist said: It is good. It must go up! The body is responding to the chemo, he was both deadly wrong and also right. He was deadly wrong because a rise in platelet count or thrombocythemia, may cause clotting in blood vessels and abnormal bleeding. Abnormal clotting of the blood is a more common complication than abnormal bleeding. A blood clot can occur in either an artery or less frequently, in a vein. This complication can be very serious if the clot blocks blood flow to an organ, such as the brain (causing a stroke) or heart (causing a heart attack). The oncologist was absolutely right when he said abnormal elevation of platelets was the body?s response to chemotherapy except that it is NOT for good, it could be deadly!

What is real sad about this case is that the oncologist did not tell his patient the truth! He misled her ? either deliberately or through sheer ignorance!

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.NaturalHealingForYou.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com


Sunday, December 7, 2008

Put That Kid in a Car Seat!


Copyright 2006 Mike Patrick Jr, MD


I don't currently advocate road rage. Laying on the horn, swearing like a sailor, and swerving around the slow guy in the passing lane is not my style. Of course, tastes change over time, so I'd like to reserve the right to practice road rage in the future. But understand this: It won't be the slow guy in the passing lane that sets me off. Instead, it will be stupid parents.


You know the ones I'm talking about. You see them on interstate highways and city streets and country roads. You point them out to your spouse, and explain their poor judgment to your children. At least I hope you do. These are the parents who drive with unrestrained kids in the car, ones who let Little Bobby climb over the headrest and crouch on the floorboard and roam from window to window, pausing only to stick his tongue out at cars in the cruising lane.


Why do some parents allow their children such freedom? I think it boils down to convenience. Dad doesn't want to wear a seatbelt and he doesn't want to hear Little Bobby screaming to get out of his. So Dad lets him roam.


In every state, they're breaking the law. Not that it matters. Most states have secondary seatbelt laws, even for kids. This means police can only write a citation for an unrestrained occupant in the course of pulling a car over for another violation. But let's face it, toughening seatbelt laws into primary violations would do little to reduce the thousands of unrestrained children killed and injured in the United States each year. Why? Because you can't force common sense through legislation. Don't forget, these parents are stupid.


If you are still reading, I suspect you are either not a stupid parent or you are motivated to rise above your stupidity. And since smart parents ask lots of good questions about the appropriate use of car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts, I will review the basics for you.


The rules are pretty simple really. Until your child is a year old AND twenty pounds, use a rear-facing infant carrier in the back seat of your car. The middle of the seat is safest. Once your child is twenty pounds AND one year of age, it's safe to use a forward-facing car seat. Again, keep it in the back, and if possible, put it in the middle.


When do you graduate to a booster seat? For most kids, you can make the move when they weigh forty pounds. Start with the type that has its own restraining harness. When your child outgrows the harness (usually between 50 and 65 pounds), advance to a booster that incorporates the car's safety belt. The important thing here is to make certain the belt fits properly. The lap belt should fit over the pelvic bones and not slip up to the belly. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the upper shoulder and not the neck. Many of these boosters feature an adjustable clip to keep the shoulder belt in a good position. Never forsake the shoulder belt. Serious injury is common among children in booster seats who only use a lap belt.


For all car seats and boosters, be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines for proper positioning and securing. You'll have to pay close attention here. Some seats are rear-facing only, some only face forward, others are reversible. Also pay attention to minimum and maximum length and weight for a given seat. If your child outgrows the length recommendation of a rear-facing infant seat, but is not yet a year old AND twenty pounds, you'll need a bigger reversible seat. Keep it rear-facing until he is big enough and old enough to face forward.


When are kids ready for seat belts without a booster? When their feet reach the floor while their back is against the seat. The lap belt must fit snuggly across the pelvic bones (not the stomach), and the shoulder belt must fit snugly across the chest (not the upper shoulder or neck). The exact age varies from kid to kid. If your son or daughter is petite, he or she might be 10 or 11 years old before meeting this criteria. I realize this is much older than most people (especially children) want to believe. But I bring you the facts. Please, don't shoot the messenger.


There's much more to say about car safety. When can kids ride up front? What about air bags? How do you secure premature babies and disabled children? The American Academy of Pediatrics has an excellent resource answering these and other questions at http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm


So what do we do with the dad who won't buckle Little Bobby? It's a tough call. This is America. Parents have rights. Does Little Bobby have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Is Dad interfering with that right? Maybe. Until we sort that out, you'll do well to avoid Dad's mistake. Be a good example to your children and always wear your seat belt. Insist on your children being properly secured from day one. Always use a car seat. Make no exceptions. Little Bobby figured out that if he screams loud enough and long enough, he gets to roam the car and stick his tongue out at passing cars. If you have a Little Bobby in your car, it's not too late. Let him scream. It won't last long. Will you be interfering with his life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Maybe. But I know which choice I'd make. How about you?

About the Author

Mike is an American pediatrician. Read more at http://www.pediascribe.com
COPYRIGHT 2006 Mike Patrick Jr, MD

Saturday, December 6, 2008

The Contact Dermatitis and Clothing Connection

Copyright 2005 Herbal Luxuries

Persons who suffer with dermatitis or sensitive skin have a difficult time living day to day avoiding allergens and the dreaded rash, itching and discomfort that comes with it. I have sensitive skin and prone to develop contact dermatitis at any time often reacting to something next to my skin that I have used for long periods of time. I recently had to discard my favorite pair of pants after months of developing a rash on my stomach and side whenever I wore them. How could this be I said to myself, of all the things in the world to have, why did I inherit this strange skin?

While researching the matter I came across some interesting information regarding contact dermatitis and clothing. It seems there are quite a few people who develop contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins which are used for textile finishes. Apparently its pretty common in women but men can also develop the condition if they have sensitive skin. I was amazed and had no idea that formaldehyde was used on fabrics. Can you imagine being allergic to your clothes? If you are experiencing a chronic recurring rash on various part of your body, particularly where clothes fit tightly you may want to contact your Dermatologist and request testing for this sensitivity. The rash can get particularly irritated from perspiration and in areas where the friction of the fabric rubs against the skin.

According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society common eruption sites include the posterior neck, upper back, lateral thorax (part of the body between the head or neck and abdomen), waistband and flexor (fingers) surfaces. It can however appear in other areas like the forehead if you wear a cap that's been treated with formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is used to make clothing that is wrinkle resistant (permanent press) and these can release significant amounts of the substance. The American Contact Dermatitis Society states that rayon, blended cotton, corduroy, wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton, and any synthetic blended polymer are likely to have been treated with formaldehyde resins. Women's clothing also includes lingerie and undergarments.

Many individuals are allergic to formaldehyde and know to avoid personal care products that contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Keep in mind that many pharmaceuticals including OTC drugs also use these same preservatives so it's not limited to skin care products. For those sensitive to formaldehyde clothing can also be a stong source of irritation.

Each country has its own manufacturing standards for acceptable levels for formaldehyde resins. A low indicator of formaldehyde releasing resin would be 75 ppm which is the Japanese standard, the US standard is somewhere near 300ppm, quite a difference.

Fabrics safe to wear:
100% silk, 100% linen (if it wrinkles easy), 100% polyester, 100% acrylic, 100% nylon, spandex, flannel (soft), wool (may cause irritation) and denim.

Do not wear these fabrics:
Permanent press, wrinkle resistant, color-fast, stain-resistant, blends (including rayon, polyester-cotton), corduroy or shrink-proof wool.

It is suggested that you read the labels in your existing clothing and separate them in your closet so you will know what's safe to wear. Always opt for loose fitting clothing since friction and perspiration can cause the condition to flare. Read the labels in any new clothing before you purchase. Clothes made in Japan are the safest and companies that sell clothes in Japan also have to meet the Japanese standard.

Companies that meet the Japanese standard:
GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, Eddie Bauer, Cuddle Duds and Levi Strauss. There may be others but these were on the list from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have this sensitivity please contact your dermatologist to be tested. Also visit the website of The American Contact Dermatitis Society for more detailed information.
About the author:

Yvonne Walker of Herbal Luxuries Natural Skin Care Inc. For information regarding skin health visit http://www.herballuxuries.com




Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Local Community

Whether you?re buying a residential house for investment purposes or as your home, the local neighborhood and community where it is located will make a big difference in your enjoyment of that property and in your prospects for the future. Here are some of the basic things to look for:

1. Essential Shops and Services

Are all the essential shops and services in the area and are they you?re your house? Drive around and look for the local grocery, convenience stores, church, gas stations, dry cleaners and the like. While you?re at it, take a good look at the community?s leading shopping center. Oftentimes, if the local shopping center is in decline, chances are that the neighborhood is in decline as well. In addition, if there are a lot of vacant storefronts along that neighborhood, it might be a good idea to explore other options, perhaps go down a street or two for your house hunting.

2. Proximity to neighborhood center You want your home to be neatly tucked away at the center of the residential neighborhood or as close to it as possible. You do not want to purchase a house on the edge of town or close to its outskirts. And neither do you want a house that is at the back or side of a busy thoroughfare either. If it?s a single family residence you are eyeing, try to avoid purchasing property that borders a bustling business enterprise, condominium, apartment complex or school because these places are naturally bustling with activity which can be a distraction.

3. Access to major thoroughfares The ideal property provides easy access to local highways, major traffic routes and major thoroughfares as well as to mass transit. Try to avoid purchasing a house located on a street that is a favorite shortcut of motorists between two busier streets. If it?s a residential home you?re thinking of buying, also avoid a house located at a corner lot since these tend to attract more street traffic and may not be that safe for children. Instead, try to find a house that is in the middle of the block or on a cul de sac. Now if it?s a business or commercial property you are eyeing, a corner lot would be more desirable.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Investing, and Finance

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Top Ten Gift Ideas for Boardgame Lovers

While many people enjoy playing computer games, there are others who enjoy board games, which are still quite popular. It is a nice way to spend some time with your family and friends. Here are ten gift ideas for board game lovers.

Adult Board Games- yes, there is such a thing as board games for adults. You can play with your spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend or a group of friends. Here are a few: Nooki, which takes a playful look at romance. Gamers can play in three categories, Mmm, Ooh, and Ash. Dirty Minds is a game of innuendo, and can be played by 2 or more players. The game comes with 906 naughty clues, 302 clean answers, 100 game cards, and plus plenty of other features. Worst Case Scenario: Dating and Sex, and can be played by 2 or more players. This game is based on a best-selling book where each player is given three possible answers to a given scenario. Monogamy Adult Board game, this game include 400 fun ideas and comes with one playing board, 65 intimate card, 65 passionate cards, and 65 steamy card, plus much more. Price range for all these games are between $5.00 to $40.00

Mystery Board Games-who does not love a good mystery? Most of these board games are for players ages 8 and up. Here are a few: 3 Second Mysteries, where a continual line of people enters Butchs place of business and remove its highly valued treasures. What type of business employs Butch and what are people stealing? 22 B Baker Street board game, is the address of one of the most famous detectives in history Sherlock Holmes. Players assume the role of Holmes and matches wit with other players to determine who possess the most skillful deductive powers. Top Secret Spies, where players become spies and can score points for their spying . Players also score points if they figure out the spy identity of their opponents. Simpson Clue, players assume the identity of one of the Simpsons character and try to figure out who killed Mr.Burns.

Strategic Games- playing a strategic game takes time and deliberation. Chess is an old but still one of the best strategic games around. If you dont know how to play chess there are plenty of books that will teach you. Goblet is more of a abstract strategic game, where gamers play with hollow out wooden pieces, then must play them over their opponent (goblet) smaller pieces. Tantrix Strategy Game is where players compete to see who can form the longest line or loop. Zertz, where gamers play with black, grey, and white marbles and 37 round tiles. The object of the game is to move your marbles across the board and in the next move, they must remove a tile.

TV/Film Board Games- everybody has watch or seen a movie. Why not get a board game that replicates your favorite television game show, or test your knowledge of movies/TV? Here are a few board games for your consideration: Deal or NoDeal, Jeopardy board game, Family Feud, Can You Beat Ken? Named after Jeopardys most successful contestant, Movies Quote Craze, and their are a host of Pirates of the Caribbean board games on the market like Pirates oft the Caribbean DiceGame, where the most deceitful player wins.

Family Board Games- a wholesome way to spend time with your family. Here are a few games: Anti-Monopoly Game, a new twist on an old favorite. Players choose free enterprise or monopoly, and they play under different rules? Best of Chronologygame, where players who put ten cards in the correct chronological order first wins. Othello board game is played with only 2 players. The winner of the game must finished with more of their colored disk facing up, when the last disk is played then their opponent.

War Board Games- are varied. There are war board games dealing with War World I, War World II, American Wars, Ancient Wars, European Wars, and Civil War. It can be an interesting way to teach a child about history. Most of these games can be played by children 12 and up. Some of these games include: Nero board game, where the strategy is to become Emperor, and stay Emperor. A House Divided, the game simulates many battles during the American Civil War. Road to Berlin, where players deal with the last days of War World II in Europe. War Board Games are often priced higher then other types of board games, so dont be surprised at paying close to $100.00 dollars or higher for one.

Biblical Board Games- there are plenty of board games on the market that has Christian themes, with such titles like Bible Raffle, Solomons Temple, Bibleopoly and Ark of the Convenant

There are plenty of other types of board games out there that has not been mentioned in this article: Art and Geography board games are two of them, rest assured there is a board game out there for you.

By Avis Yarbrough, www.associatedcontent.com

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Should You Buy A Home?

It's the American dream -- a home of your own. Too bad the American reality is much different -- a mortgage, repairs, insurance and added responsibilities weigh on every homeowner.

It is a big step to take. Whether you are a renter looking for your first home, a growing family needing a bigger space or a retired couple looking for a peaceful retirement, buying a home is a daunting task. There are signs to let you know that you are ready to buy.

Sign #1: Finding money isn't an issue

Sounds funny, doesn't it. Most consumers have a lot of trouble finding extra money. But if you have the money for a down payment and closing costs, then you are ready to buy. The down payment will range anywhere between 3% and 20% of the property value. You should aim for 20% down for several reasons. First, you will owe less, have less of a payment and pay back less in interest. Second, you won't have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI). If you pay less than 20% down, you will be required to pay for PMI until you pay down your mortgage principal under the 80% mark.

A lot of people forget to factor in their closing costs. You will have to have cash on hand to pay for points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs and other prepaid or escrowed items. You can expect closing costs to hit anywhere between 2% and 7% of the property value. I suggest being on the safe side and making sure that you have the 7%, just in case. You should receive an estimate of the closing costs (a good-faith estimate) from your lender within three days of applying for a mortgage. But be aware that cloudy titles and other circumstances can cause your closing costs to be higher than expected. The estimate is based on a simple, pain-free closing.

Sign #2: Knowing your finances

Do you know your finances front and back by memory? You should. It's part of financial management that comes with successful habits that you practice regularly. Budgeting, debt reduction and savings are a part of your management. For example, proper management results in a person who can, within five minutes, tell you their net worth, how much they owe, who they owe and how much they have in savings. Someone really on their toes can tell you their recent credit score as well.

If you know how much you can afford, you are ready to buy. Freddie Mac suggests that your monthly payments be less than or equal to 25% of your gross income. But you should look at your debt and other expenses when deciding how much of a home to purchase.

Sign #3: No curves in your credit

If your credit report is a straight and narrow line to a great credit score, then you are in good shape. One of the most important things a lender will look at is your credit report and score. This is affected by how much debt you have, how much credit you have available and whether you pay things on time.

Well in advance of starting to consider buying a home, check out your credit. Get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), because they each can contain different information. Take your score with you when you apply so that the lender knows that you are aware of your credit situation. If you've applied for a lot of loans in the past, you may have encountered the occasional lender that likes to say you have marginal scores, when in fact they are perfect. This is simply to get you to pay a higher interest rate on your loan.

There are many other signs that you are ready that are more personal, such as the longing for a place of your own. We all find that our timing for making the move is different. Some of us buy as soon as possible and for some, it is best to remain a renter. But make sure that you aren't just making an emotional decision, but a financial one as well. Be smart and that American dream and American reality may fit well into your life.

Martin Lukac, represents http://www.RateEmpire.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies! Visit http://www.RateEmpire.com today!

Monday, December 1, 2008

There Are Lots Of Laptop Computer Backpacks Which Is Right For You?

So someone must really love you, you were lucky enough to get a laptop computer backpack for Christmas. You were so excited when you saw it and you thought that you would take it everywhere. But after a few days the excitement might wear off when you realize it's just a little irritating taking it around and worrying about dropping it etc. The solution is pretty simple. Invest in a Laptop Computer Backpack. When you're comparing it to your new notebook, it might not seem that expensive, but this is one purchase that is just a little bigger than you might think. It will help you stay organized and make you want to have your computer with you. The only dilemma is what laptop computer backpack is right for you? Well, I present the 5 main considerations when picking the computer bag that is right for you.

1) Find a backpack that fits your notebook well. You probably don't need to pull out the measuring tape, but you definitely don't want to have your 12 inch laptop in a backpack that is designed for a 17 inch backpack. As long as your laptop computer won't be bouncing around in your backpack you should be fine. Also, most bags and backpacks designed for laptop computers will have some kind of padding or other protection for the computer. Both a snug fit and the padding will keep your computer in place and protected.

2) Make sure that the style of the bag fits your lifestyle. You don't need to make your lifestyle fit the style of your bag. My first laptop bag was a leather briefcase. I made sure that I got a nice one and it did the job pretty well. But I found that if I had to walk a distance with my briefcase that it was kind of annoying and made me walk weird with all of that weight on one side. I actually just won a new laptop computer backpack, and I would never go back. I'm through with funny walking, I don't not want to bring my laptop anywhere. You would actually be surprised at how comfortable it is.. This backpack is what I want. Make sure that your backpack fits your lifestyle. If you ride your bike to work, a bag without shoulder-straps would obviously have limitations. If you are a businessman and want to always look professional, maybe my briefcase would be a better choice. Just make sure that it works for you.

3) Find a look that is right for you. Many fashionable or business women, for example, don't want to be seen carrying a big briefcase that looks like it was built for men. They would possibly prefer considering one of many women's laptop cases. You would actually be pretty surprised at how nice some of these bags look. A far cry from the standard black laptop computer briefcase.

4) Find a good price. Shop around and make sure that you're getting what you want, for the price you want. Obviously nice backpacks, bags, or briefcases are going to be nicer and more expensive. But you don't have to scrap the college fund for the kids just to find the right laptop bag.

5) Find a good brand. A lot of the trendy women's laptop cases aren't going to be offered by the big brands. But, you can usually trust those. But for your standard laptop computer backpacks, stick with the brands that you've heard of (such as Targus, or Ogio). Chances are that the reason that you've heard of them is because they're good. You heard of Columbia winter coats because they're bad, but because they're good

Laptop Computer Backpacks can be a cheap, but great investment. It will change the relationship that you have with your laptop computer.

Brady Quist is the owner of Laptop Computer Backpacks, a site dedicated to helping you find one of many laptop computer backpacks that are right for you. They also carry Women's Laptop Bags, Briefcases, Trendy Laptop Bags, Totes, Rolling Cases and a whole lot more. Laptop Computer Backpacks is the place to go for all of your backpacking needs.

http://www.laptopcomputerbackpacks.com


Sunday, November 30, 2008

Do You Have A Child? Are You Using A Booster Seat On Your Car?

When it relates to to the safety of our children, there are no compromises. With that in mind, you have wasted the most time making your work to catch the most secure and most comforter auto seats that are available today. Dont forget that an ?A? grade does not mean that a auto car seat is less risky than one with a ?B? or ?C? grade, but just that it is easier to use. A auto seat that is simple to use its less likely to be used in an incorrect way though, and so could be less risky than a seat that is complicated to use and is used incorrectly.

However keep in mind when choosing a booster auto car seat for your babe: try not to choose out a particularly babyish print or style. Many boys are unnecessarily injured in car accidents because auto seats are used wrong or not used at all, babies are being placed in the bad type of auto seat, and they are removed out of a auto car seat and into normal seat belts at too very early age. Consider purchasing a Booster Seat only when your kid is just about 40 pounds.

A booster seat could be used once your small kid outgrows his forward facing seat, in two ways by getting pass the weight requirements or if his ears have gone over the top of the seat. The two types of booster seats have to be belt-positioning boosters (preferred) and shield boosters (The AAP do not suggest the use of shield). Use a booster until your kid is all ready for regular seat belts when he is just about 80 pounds. So, to make the bumpy ride wonderful and more safe remeber to always use booster seats going for a journey.

The Safety of the Family is the most important thing when going for a travel, dont put at risk your childs safety, use booster seats with the recommendations given above, bless you.


About the Author:

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