Introducing GRML

Choosing A Car Seat That Is Compatible With Your Vehicle

If you are having a baby, you know you need a car safety seat for the child. If you have begun your research, you may know a bit about weight limits and rear-facing versus front-facing. You have probably decided on a basic type for your infant and may even have a preferred brand. Chances are, you also already have a car with a specific type of seat belt and have recently discovered that not every brand of car seat works well with every model of car. You need to find a car seat that fits into your vehicle properly.

There are many models of seats out there, and you cannot try them all before settling on one. Fortunately, you can use a shortcut by visiting the Car Seat Data web site. There is a compatibility search mechanism on the site that will allow you to check your favorite brands of car seats with your make of automobile to find out which are the best models to use.

For example, choosing the Baby Trend brand car seat and a Chevy will tell you that the 2001 Impala has a great fit with belts with the rear-facing LatchLoc type, and that the 2003 Tracker also has a great fit with the LatchLoc. There are two entries for the Baby Trend LatchLoc rear-facing seat and the 2001 Ford Escape. One comment was, Center. Great fit. Used shelf liner and rolled towel for angle. The other comment said, Outboard. Great fit. Used shelf liner on leather seats. There are also two, Outboard. Great fit, comments for the Ford Focus (2002 and 2003) and the rear-facing LatchLoc. For the 1996 Ford F-150, the comment is, Rear center. Great fit.

Judging by the homogeneous nature of the comments, there is probably a questionnaire that people fill out to tell others their experience.

The best way to conduct a search is to enter your car's make, model and year and then see what experiences other drivers of your type car have had. For instance, there were no results for the Baby Trend seat brand and the Volkswagen Jetta. If you are a Jetta driver, rather than go out and buy an entirely different model of auto just to use a Baby Trend, which isn't an option for many people, it is better to choose based on the experiences of other Jetta drivers. There are many entries for the 2003 Jetta, some with copious notes and tips for using particular safety seats.

Jetta drivers seem to like Graco car seats, for example. Interestingly enough, one Jetta driver did actually trade in their car for a larger one so that the SafeSeat, apparently a large car seat, would fit better.

Finding the right baby seat for your car is not as overwhelming as it seems, once you start narrowing down the information that you need for a proper choice. Since you are purchasing a car safety seat to keep your little one safe, you should purchase one that will actually work optimally with your car for the best security possible.

By: Levi Quinn

Selling Your Glendale Home Are You Asking the Right Price?

If you have a home in Glendale, Arizona that you'd like to sell, you are in a good position. Glendale is a great community for buying and selling, it's one of the most affordable home communities in the greater Phoenix area.

Fortunately, Glendale is popular enough that you'll find plenty of people interested in buying your home. On the downside, if you've never sold a home before, you may not have realistic expectations about the sales process. You may be setting yourself up for a fall if you aren't aware of some of the common mistakes to avoid.

Asking Too Much for Your Home

Sometimes it's hard to have a great perspective on the asking price for your home. After all, you've probably put a great deal of time, effort and money in making improvements to the property. Unfortunately, if you focus exclusively on the price you think the property is worth, you may lose out on prospective buyers.

Remember that your home will be on the market beside other comparable homes. If your house isn't priced competitively, the home may be quickly passed over by buyers.

Listen carefully to your real estate agent and consider their input. Your agent understands the Glendale market and is going to give you the best price. If you have some doubts, check out zillow.com. This site uses some of the same information as real estate agents, sales of comparable properties, etc. to deliver an accurate home value.

Not Having A Marketing Plan

Before you list your home, you need to have a discussion with your real estate agent about how he or she intends to market your property. What will he or she do to make your property stand out? You want to get as much exposure for your home as possible in the shortest amount of time. The longer your home is on the market, the more opportunity you miss when it comes to finding another home, or you may not be able to complete the purchase of a home you really love.

Not Accepting an Offer

Judging whether to accept an offer is always a little risky, if you take too low of an offer you're missing out on potential money. If you reject an offer because you want something higher, you may find that your property just won't sell. Again, the most important thing you can do is follow the advice of your real estate agent. Glendale is a competitive market, so you should be able to get a good offer on your home. Even before you receive an offer, discuss the absolute minimum that you will accept, and how much room there is for negotiation. It's hard to make decisions in a stressful time, so if you go in with as much information as possible, you can alleviate some of the tension.

Glendale is the perfect community for finding affordable homes and reselling your home to new buyers. Work with an agent you trust and you'll be living in your new Glendale home before you know it.

Reg Gustin is a senior loan officer with Sun American Mortgage and specializes in helping families and their financial lending needs.

Get a FREE mortgage rate quote from a reputable Arizona mortgage company at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mortgages.html.

Search the Arizona MLS at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mls.html

Click here: http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-real-estate-appreciation-report.htmland get a FREE copy of The Greater Phoenix Area Housing Appreciation Report, as compiled by Arizona State University with your free subscription to his monthly ezine, MARKET NEWS.

The Beauty of Ceramic Backgammon Sets

Homeschool Classroom Checklist

Now that you have decided that you are going to homeschool your children, you are going to need a classroom, or at least, a reasonable facsimile. I don't want to suggest that you use the spare bedroom or empty out the garage. Most folks use the kitchen or dining room table as a desk for both the teacher and their children. What I do suggest is that you get some sort of portable wagon so that you can store your often use materials in one place. Space is usually at a premium in the homeschool classroom so you will need something convenient and easily portable. When you are ready to set up your materials for the day it will be a lot easier if you have everything in one place. When school is over you can put everything back in the cart and move it out of the kitchen.

You probably won't want your company sitting in the middle of your classroom. You'll also need a portable blackboard or a whiteboard to illustrate lessons and demonstrate demonstrate difficult concepts. Personally, I would not recommend a blackboard. The chalk dust is too messy for your house. A whiteboard is much cleaner and easier to use. You can get a small folding white board at any good stationary store.

First of all forget lunch boxes and backpacks. That is unless you plan on going on spending a lot of your time on field trips with your children, and you probably won?t even need the backpacks.

Here is a checklist, in no particular order, of some of the things you may need on your first day of homeschool. I know you may have most of them around the house somewhere, but get them all in one place so you won't have to interrupt your lessons to go find them.

A waste basket, cheap enough and you can always hide your mistakes :)

Separate work tables for you and your children. This is the ideal but you can just use your kitchen table.

A file cabinet - you will need to keep records, file lesson plans, test papers, your curriculum, report cards and health records. You will also need a bookcase.

A computer with DSL internet access or a dial up connection if DSL is not available in your area.

Have a wall calendar to schedule your monthly activities, holiday events, and group activities with your homeschool association and other homeschool parents..

Pens, pencils, and erasers.

Children in grades 4th thru 8th will need composition notebooks and spiral notebooks or a three ring binder. Get some pocket folders, too.

Elmer?s glue, crayons and colored pencils.

Organizers, such as small bins for crayons, rubber bands, and paperclips for separating everything and keeping things handy and in order.

Get a milk crate for each of your homeschoolers so they will have their own space to store their schoolwork.

Two highlighters, one light and one dark

Index cards, and a 12 inch ruler.

A good handheld pencil sharpener with two different size holes. You will be using it all the time.

Wide leaf loose-leaf paper for writing lesson materials and compositions.

You should have your own homeschool stationary. Select a name for your school such as Smithfield School, Homeschool Preperatory School, or use your own name or street name with ?academy? or ?preparatory school? tacked onto the end. Use your imagination and let the kids help, too.

Once you have your school name, you can make your own homeschool letterhead on your word processor. Then save it to your hard drive so you can use it on all of your correspondence. Put it on your letterhead and make identification cards for your kids. Do a good job in preparing these items and include photographs for a photo id.. You will want them to look their best, so get some help from family and friends if you need it. Buy some laminating materials and laminate your ID cards with your homeschooler?s photo to give them some legitimacy. Don?t forget to make one for yourself. They may need identification cards for admittance to school basketball and soccer games, maybe even the library. Many of the school supply stores you shop will ask you for a schoool ID for store discounts and freebies.

Most major stationary stores have special deals for teachers, usually in August at the end of the Summer vacation.

Staple's Teacher Appreciation Day is an annual event. that can save you some money. They also have a teacher's Awards program that will give you up to 5% off on purchases and free delivery. This can be a good savings and the free delivery is certainly a benefit to save you time.

These are recommended items you should consider having. If you live in a log cabin as Abe Lincoln did then you may have to make do with what you have. But Abe did OK didn't he?

Lincoln was one of the original homeschoolers.

Jack Finnigan is a part-time writer-publisher and Webmaster at http://www.best-homeschool-resources.com providing important homeschooling advice, tips and focused information for homeschool curriculum that can really help parents improve their homeschoolers.

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Buying Overseas Property ? 8 Tips to Help You Find Your Dream Home

Buying a property overseas can be exciting and can also make you money. There is a vast amount of destinations to choose from.

Here we will outline 8 basic tips for buying overseas property that will help you find the property of your dreams.

1. Why are you buying?

Be clear of your major objective before buying your overseas property.

You need to decide exactly what you want the property to do for you.

Is it purely for a capital gain to a profit? Or is it for your use mainly as a vacation home?

2. Don?t rush

Don?t hurry or act on impulse.

If you miss one property there will always be another one later. Make sure you stay cool calm and collected and don?t rush into anything.

3. Get professional help

A good realtor and lawyer may cost you extra, but they can save you money in the long term and its money well spent.

They know the local market and the know the local laws and these are areas you will need guidance in.

The laws in many countries are very different from what you?re used to and you need to check all the facts and make sure you?re clear on what your rights are.

4. Do Your own Research

While you should have a good realtor and lawyer to help you, the final say in buying the overseas property of your dreams is with you.

So take advice but don?t take it blindly, make your own mind up and take your time to ensure the property is right for your needs - only you know them.

5. Select your location to suit your needs

Are you buying to get away from it all and immerse your self in the local culture or are you buying to be in a country and still have a large expert community around you?

The type of property you buy will reflect your personality and what you want to get from your investment.

6. Buying a property for investment

If you are buying a property and want it to appreciate in value, don?t go for cheap properties just for the sake of it.

This means avoiding countries where the market is yet to take off and buying one that has taken off and has room for further growth i.e. there is steady investment coming into the market.

New property hot spots come all the time and the sales patter sounds convincing but, most of these markets never take off and a loss.

If you want to make money with the lowest risk you should buy an established market that?s expanding and has good potential for more growth.

7. Buy a property in a place that is popular with locals

If you are buying overseas property as investment property it should be in an attractive area for investors of all different nationalities as well as locals.

This means when buying your overseas property you can sell quickly and at a good price, should you wish to do so.

These areas also tend to hold value well and appreciate over time.

Check out the shops, restaurants, and entertainment in an area. Most people who want to use a property as a holiday home will want to be near shops, restaurants, and other facilities.

Also check the transport how close you are to major airports etc

This is critical not only for re selling, but also if you want a rental income. Most people like easy communications especially in the rental market so check access carefully.

8. Check other developments!

Check other developments that are planned in the area around where you are buying your overseas property.

One day you may have a stunning beach view and the next year this could suddenly be a little different, with a huge apartment block in the way!

Think this doesn?t happen?

Well it happens to more people than you may think, so don?t take the risk check the planning in building that could go on near your property purchase and play safe.

When buying an overseas property, take your time and use the tips above and you are well on the way to buying the overseas property of your dreams - good luck!

FREE OVERSEAS PROPERTY GUIDE!

If you are buying overseas investment or valcation homes get a FREE report investing in overseas property with tips and advice on how to select your dream home at http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Kid?s Luggage: Ideal For School And Travel

Have you ever checked the weight of the backpack which your kid uses to carry his books on in going to school? It is important that we are aware on whether the load our children may be carrying on their backs is not too heavy for them. According to studies, there is danger if kids carry on too much weight. We don?t want them to be experiencing any back injuries or pains for that matter.
It is a good thing that numerous bag manufacturers nowadays are offering rolling backpacks designed for kids to be used in going to school or in traveling.

You have to admit that traveling with children can be very hard and excruciating. There is the task of taking care of your children?s needs as well as watching over your belongings. But you can make traveling for your children fun by getting your boys or girls their very own luggage. A child having his very own luggage works to your advantage. For one, it helps ease some of the burden for they will be carrying some of their things. Secondly, it helps teach your kids to have a sense of responsibility to take care by themselves their personal belongings. Treating them this way gives them a feeling of being grown up and that you trust them.

The market is filled with different companies offering kid?s luggage designed specifically to suit their needs. They come in a variety of colors (usually bright ones) and different themes like sports, flower designs, cartoon characters, insects and animals just to name a few. Kid?s luggage is designed in an assortment of sizes and shapes to be fancy and fun. They basically have the same features as what we can find in adult luggage. Most styles come in the form of a backpack that is equipped with in line skate wheels and retractable handles.

The very famous and trusted brand Samsonite has come up with a very cute line of kid?s luggage through their Sammies Whizzy product line. They have incorporated designs in animal theme which includes the turtle, ladybug and giraffe. These bags can double as a school bag aside from being a traveling bag. For a look at some of the kid?s luggage feel free to visit http://www.ebags.com for a list of other famous brands including but not limited to Kipling, Skyway, and Samsonite. There are lots of designs and styles to suit every budget. Check out also some of the items that are on sale.

About the Author:

Cathy Peterson writes about Bags buyon sale, ebag coupon sale and coupon deals.

Want a Healthy Brain for Life Take These Steps Now

We know that some senior citizens are able to live into their eighties and nineties with their minds sharp and their bodies still spry. Will we be among the lucky ones? Will our brains stay mentally sharp as we age?

Or will we be among those who fill nursing homes because our minds can no longer function properly?

The good news is that most of us will be able to keep our cognitive faculties as we age unless we develop Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, or diabetes.

As long as the brain itself remains healthy, older people can maintain their ability to think and remember, although it may take them longer to think and remember than it used to.

And in some forms of mental skills, seniors are actually able to outperform much younger people! For example, older people can perform better on tasks that require good judgment.

By studying the health habits of senior citizens who have reached old age with their minds and bodies intact, scientists have discovered some of the factors that seem to be associated with better mental functioning in old age.

There is some evidence that people who have a diet high in antioxidants have lower rates of getting Alzheimer's. Eating at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day seems to provide a protective factor to the aging brain. Those fruits and vegetables that have strong, bright colors tend to be very high in brain protecting antioxidants.

In animal experiments, blueberries have been found to be particularly strong in protecting brain cells from aging. Whether or not this ability to protect brain cells will extend to humans is not known yet, but why not try adding blueberries to your diet in the meantime?

Researches have discovered that there is a lower rate of Alzheimer's disease among people who eat a lot of cold water fish such as salmon. It's not known for certain whether taking nutritional supplements will help prevent brain degeneration, but there is some evidence that some vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements seem to have a protective effect on the brain. For example, a higher intake of Folic acid is associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

It's also important to learn bout which fats are good and which fats are bad for your heart and your brain.

Most North Americans eat far too much of the bad fats--those that are saturated or hydrogenated, and they do not eat enough of the good fats their brain and body needs, particularly the Omega-3's found in such foods as salmon and flax seed.

Try to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, especially those that are brightly colored such as tomatoes, spinach, and berries. These foods are high in special chemicals called antioxidants, which help protect your brain cells from damage.

A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement may help promote brain health. Based on the results of several long term studies, the following amounts may prove helpful:

500 mg of Vitamin C,
400 IU of Vitamin E,
400 mcg. of Folic acid,
and a well balanced Vitamin B complex taken daily.

Another life factor that is very damaging to brain cells is chronic stress. The chemical changes produced in your body when you are under chronic stress damage every system of the body, including your brain. If your life is currently very stressful, find ways to change your life circumstances where possible, and learn to change the way you react to these situations.

To reduce the impact of stress, practice techniques of mind and body relaxation such as daily meditation and prayer. Burn off some of the negative effects of stress on your body by committing to regular exercise.

Develop a circle of trusted friends and be sure to include some fun in your life.

The basics of looking after your brain involve common sense habits. If you want to keep your brain healthy, make it a priority to eat well, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep.

Your brain, as well as the rest of your body will benefit from following these tips. In addition, this strategy will improve your mood and outlook.

Although in life there are no guarantees, by following these common sense guidelines, you can increase your chances of surviving into your senior years with your mind in good shape.

This article was written by Royane Real, author of the book How You Can Be Smarter which is full of techniques you can use to improve your learning ability, memory, and creativity. If you want to learn more ways to enhance your brain power, download it at http://www.royanereal.com

Costa Rica Property Investment ? Does It Still Offer Good Capital Gains Potential?

Costa Rica property investment has provided investors with great capital gains over the last few years with low downside volatility.

Many investors now see Costa Rica property investment as expensive and are looking at other Central American countries such as Belize and Nicaragua, but Costa Rica still looks a better investment in terms of risk to reward due to the following:

1. An established market

Costa Rica property investment still looks to have excellent capital growth potential because it is an established market.

The fact is once foreign capital buys in more follows, as it instils confidence and there is a track record to look at and this encourages further investment

The Expat community continues to grow and the gains are too made in new up and coming locations as existing established locations need to expand out .

2. Stability

Costa Rica is a stable investment environment and unlike Nicaragua for example, there is no threat to this stability such as the Sandinista party, there is a track record of stable democracy.

3. Standard of living

Many people coming from abroad want the lower costs of a new location but they also want similar facilities to the ones they have at home, such as clean water, good roads, entertainment and shops and infrastructure and Costa Rica property investment gives them access to this.

A property market can provide good upward growth for many years and Costa Rica property investment is no different, the key is location.

As foreign capital continues to come into the country, the way to enhance capital growth is to pick locations wisely, in up and coming areas.

Look at changes in the infrastructure that benefit the expats and if you buy in these areas then capital growth potential to risk will be maximised.

Value Capital growth potential in a secure country

Costa Rica property investment is no longer the cheapest in Central America but offers value for money and good capital gains potential, linked to low downside volatility.

This after all what most investors are looking for from property investment.

Will countries such as Nicaragua and Belize for example grow like Costa Rica?

Only time will tell, but the amount of capital being invested in Costa Rica property investment points to the fact that a lot of smart money still sees great potential.

Costa Rica property investment for retirees, second and holiday homes remains a solid investment and the future looks bright for those investors looking for great upside with low downside volatility.

FREE Report

On the potential for investing in property in costa Rica visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Wolfberry: The World's Most Nutritious Food?

For a berry with such an intimidating name, the wolfberry certainly has a lot going for it. Wolfberry comes from the Mandarin name Gou qi zi (?goo-chee-zee?), a red berry from the Solanaceae nightshade family that includes tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, and potato.

In popular English, gou qi zi (literally ?wolf?+ ?energy?+ ?berry?) has become ?goji.? For at least 2000 years, the wolfberry has grown wild in China and been used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. Eighteenth century Chinese farmers nicknamed gou qi zi ?wolfberry? when they saw wolves feasting among the berry-laden vines during late summer at prime harvest time. Smart mammals!

The Chinese revere the wolfberry as a national treasure regarded as among the most nutrient-dense of the nation?s plants. This premise has stimulated scientific investigation about its potential health benefits and systematic cultivation, commercialization, and now increasing export to first-world countries mainly in Europe and the US.

A significant source of macronutrients

The wolfberry contains significant amounts of our body?s daily macronutrient needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fat and dietary fiber. The content of a wolfberry consists of 68% carbohydrates, 12% proteins, and 10% each of fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 per 100-gram serving.

Soybean, another ancient Chinese plant often touted as one of the world?s most complete foods, is comparable across macronutrients. Although wolfberries and soybeans are similar in macronutrient content, wolfberries provide a significantly higher source of calories as energy from carbohydrates (soybeans = 173 calories). Blueberries, by contrast, do not have as much macronutrient or caloric value.

The wolfberry seeds are equally beneficial, and contain polyunsaturated fats like linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.

The wolfberry?s big story on micronutrients

Wolfberry?s diverse and high concentration of micronutrients has earned it accolades as an exceptional health food. At least 11 essential minerals, 22 trace minerals, 7 vitamins and 18 amino acids define its extraordinary micronutrient richness, with examples below:

1.Calcium: The primary constituent of teeth and bones, calcium also has a diverse role in soft tissues where it is involved in cardiac, neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Wolfberries and soybeans contain 112 mg and 102 mg of calcium per 100 grams serving, respectively, providing about 8-10% of our required daily intake.

2.Potassium: An essential electrolyte and enzyme cofactor, dietary potassium can lower high blood pressure. By giving us about 24% our daily needs, (1132 mg/100 grams), wolfberries are an excellent source of potassium, providing more than twice the amount than soybeans.

3.Iron: An oxygen carrier in hemoglobin, iron also is a cofactor for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic reactions. When intake is deficient, low iron levels cause iron deficiency anemia, a condition that affects millions of children worldwide. Wolfberry?s exceptional iron content is twice that provided by soybeans, often regarded as the best plant source of iron.

4.Zinc: Essential for making proteins, DNA and the functions of more than 100 enzymes, zinc is involved in critical cell activities such as membrane transport, repair and growth, especially in infants. The zinc found in wolfberries (2 mg/100 grams) has a high content (double the amount of soybeans), that meet 20% of our daily requirements.

5.Selenium: Sometimes called the ?antioxidant mineral?, selenium is often included in supplements. Selenium has unusually high concentration in wolfberries (50 micrograms/100 grams), almost enough for our daily dietary intake, and much more than blueberries and soybeans, which contain 8 micrograms or less per 100 grams.

6.Riboflavin (vitamin B2): An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism, riboflavin is needed for synthesizing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily wolfberry serving (1.3 micrograms) provides the complete daily requirement for our bodies, whereas soybeans and blueberries contain only trace levels of this important mineral.

7.Vitamin C: A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage, the vitamin C content in wolfberries (20 mg/100 grams) is comparable to an equal weighting of fresh oranges, blueberries or soybeans. Phytochemicals Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals whose health-enhancing properties are under scientific study. Three phytochemicals of particular interest include:

Beta-carotene: A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots and salmon, beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones and teeth and healthy skin. Wolfberry?s beta-carotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants.

Zeaxanthin: Wolfberries are an extraordinary source for this carotenoid that plays an important role as a retinal pigment filter and antioxidant. Wolfberries contain 162 mg/100 grams.

Polysaccharides: Long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots, polysaccharides are a signature constituent of wolfberries, making up 31% of pulp weight in premium quality wolfberries. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable fiber in our body?s intestinal system. During colonic metabolism, fermentable or ?soluble fibers? yield short-chain fatty acids which are known to:

1.Improve the health of the colon epithelial lining
2.Enhance mineral uptake
3.Stabilize blood glucose levels
4.Lower pH and reduce colon cancer risk
5.Stimulate immune functions

Polysaccharides are also known to help in antioxidant activity and defending against threatening oxidants.

Functional Food and Beverage Applications

Wolfberries, which are prized for their color and nut-like taste, are cultivated for a variety of food and beverage applications within China. In addition, an increasingly amount is also used for export as dried berries, juice and powders of pulp. Not surprising, a major effort is underway in Ningxia, China to process wolfberries for ?functional? wine.

Despite no ?hard? evidence from clinical research, the myths of wolfberry?s traditional health benefits endure, including positive effects related to:

?Longevity
?Aphrodisia
?Analgesia
?Antiviral conditions
?Immune-stimulating properties
?Muscular strength
?Energy
?Vision health

In laboratory and preliminary human research to date, wolfberries have shown potential benefits against:

?Cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases
?Some forms of cancer
?Diabetes
?Premature aging
?Memory deficits
?Vision degeneration
?Lung disorders
?Other diseases of oxidative stress

Summary

Although not adequately demonstrated yet in published research, a synergy of antioxidant carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) with polysaccharides suggest that wolfberries are an exceptionally rich antioxidant food source.

Micronutrient density, combined with key health phytochemicals like carotenoids and polysaccharides, give wolfberries their remarkable nutritional qualities. All things considered, it?s no wonder this berry is vying for honors as the most nutritious plant food on Earth.

Expand your health horizons, try wolfberries!

Reading

Wolfberry data from independent contract laboratories, courtesy of Rich Nature Nutraceutical Labs, Seattle; blueberries and soybeans, World?s Healthiest Foods, http://www.whfoods.com

Gross PM, Zhang X, Zhang R. Wolfberry: Nature?s Bounty of Nutrition and Health, Booksurge Publishing, North Charleston, 2006, ISBN 1-4196-2048-7

Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.

Dr. Paul Gross is a scientist and expert on cardiovascular and brain physiology. A published researcher, Gross recently completed a book on the Chinese wolfberry and has begun another on antioxidant berries. Gross is founder of Berry Health Inc, a developer of nutritional, berry-based supplements. For more information, visit http://www.berrywiseonline.com

Real Estate Market Reaches Equilibrium between Buyers and Sellers

The latest quarterly survey shows that equilibrium has been achieved -- 41% of real estate agents said more buyers than sellers; 40% said there were more sellers than buyers, and 19% reported a 50-50 balance.

Most notable exceptions are in the Northeast, Chicago metro area, and in the Western states. (See Second Quarter chart.) Home buyers outnumber sellers by considerable margins in Chicago and the West, while sellers outnumber buyers in the Northeast. Additional proof of a balanced nationwide housing market between buyers and sellers was reported by the National Association of Realtors, which estimated a 6.5 month supply of unsold homes in its May report. An inventory supply of 5.5 to 6.0 months is considered balanced. The second quarter national survey also found:

? Fifty-six percent of real estate agents said it is now on average, taking more than 60 days from listing to contract to sell a house. This is up from 55% in the first quarter and 35% a year ago. Twenty- eight percent said it is taking more than 90 days to contract. Only 15% of existing homes for sale are selling in 30 days or less.

? Housing inventories are continuing to increase: 86% now report a good supply of homes in virtually all price ranges. This is up from 81% in the first quarter and 38% a year ago.

? Sixty-six percent of member agents reported that annual home price appreciation is now five percent or less. This is down from 8-10% a year ago. Home price appreciation of more than 10% is now 16%, on average.

? The percentage of home sellers getting 95% or more of asking prices is currently 68%, compared to 90% a year ago. Three months ago it was 75%.

? Multiple offers from home buyers are also down substantially. Currently, the estimate is 32%. It was 39% in the first quarter and 70% a year ago.

? First-time buyers still account for one of three sales of homes nationally. Repeat and move-up buyers are most active in higher priced markets. Recent home price appreciation and rising mortgage rates & interest rates have had only a minimal negative effect on first-time buyers, on average. Exceptions are marginal qualifiers.

?We welcome a balanced, more orderly marketplace for both the consumer and real estate professionals,? said Michael Bearden, president and CEO ?Double-digit price appreciation is simply not sustainable for a multi-year period and will eventually drive away entry level buyers.?

Second Quarter Current Market Conditions Survey: Regional Results

U.S. South Midwest Northeast West California* Chicago*

More Buyers

41% 40% 49% 30% 47% 39% 50%

More Sellers

40% 44% 30% 50% 34% 41%

19% 50-50

19% 16% 21% 20% 19% 20% 31%

Time on Market:

0-60 days

44% 35% 31% 48% 49% 49% 35%

More than 60 days

56% 65% 69% 51% 51% 51% 65%

Sale vs. Ask Price:

90-95%

35% 35% 29% 37% 26% 29% 34%

95% -100% Plus

65% 65% 71% 63% 74% 71% 66%

Annual Apprec.:

5% or less

66% 57% 70% 73% 65% 75% 61%

5-10%

18% 30% 20% 19% 15% 11% 31%

More than 10%

16% 13% 10% 8% 20% 14% 8%

Inventory:

Good Supply

86% 86% 90% 96% 83%90% 92%

Limited Supply

14% 14% 10% 4% 17% 10% 8%

Multiple offers:

Yes

32% 35% 33% 34% 32%18% 55%

No

68% 65% 67% 66% 68%82% 45%

Activity:

First Time Buyers

33% 34% 41% 47% 42%44% 35%

Move-Up & Repeat

67% 66% 59% 53% 58%56% 65%

*California survey percentages are included in both U.S. and West results. **Chicago Metro survey percentages are included in both .U.S. and Midwest results.

Monte Helme is a national public relations consultant with HouseHunt, Inc. Visit real estate listings and search MLS to find homes for sale or search current home prices in your area.

Troy Smith 2007 Draft Day Picks

Wholesale Party Favors

Many hosts consider the gifting of party favors as an ideal gesture to convey gratitude to guests attending events or parties. Irrespective of the nature of celebration such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, holiday affair, baby shower, or a corporate get-together, there is always a party favor that suits the occasion. Many companies manufacture items that are meant for usage as party favors, such as candle holders, cake toppers, bags, pens, watches and cookies. They also offer wholesale rates on party favors to retailers who purchase them in large quantities.

Party favors are available in varying styles and budgets and to match the theme of different occasions. While birthday party favors may include mini candy gumball machines, poodle coin purses, cartoon character watches or friendship bands; anniversary party favors include items such as picture frame or purses. There are many branded as well as local companies that manufacture articles such as the above and offer discount rates on bulk purchases.

Party favors at wholesale prices are available in items that compliment different theme parties such as cartoons, Hawaiian, sports, princess and dress-up, pirate or a candle party. There are certain companies that provide wholesale rates on party favor products to charities and corporations as a social gesture.

Many items that are ideal for gifting are available at wholesale rates on the Internet. Online stores can be contacted through e-mail to inquire about the wholesale prices they offer. Most online stores offer wholesale prices on a certain minimum number of order or as special promotional deals. They generally request a shipment period, depending on the stock on hand. Most customers find it convenient and very economical to order party favors over the Internet. With most stores having online catalogs that list all the articles available with pictures and prices against each, the process of choosing the right party favor has become simplified.

For individuals and companies that host frequent parties, organizing customized party favors could be a major expense as most gift articles are exorbitantly priced. Therefore, it becomes imperative to look for pricing benefits while purchasing party favors. Many gift stores and online stores provide discounted wholesale rates during celebrations such as New Year or Christmas.

Party Favors provides detailed information on Party Favors, Wedding Party Favors, Birthday Party Favors, Baby Shower Party Favors and more. Party Favors is affiliated with Wholesale Candy Distributors.

Consumer Reports Car Seats

A child car seat should be high on your to-buy list. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital and for every car trip thereafter. In fact, hospitals and birthing centers generally won't let you leave by car with your newborn if you don't have one. Every state requires that kids up to 4 years of age ride in a car seat; many require booster seats for older children.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of car seats you're likely to encounter are, in alphabetical order: Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Combi, Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Peg Perego, and Safety 1st.

There are also car beds for preemies and other very small newborns if there's a concern that a car seat may not provide a secure fit or that it may exacerbate breathing problems. In addition, there are specially designed car seats for children with physical disabilities. Every model of car seat sold in the U.S. must meet federal safety standards. These are your basic choices:

Infant seats. These rear-facing seats are for babies up to 22 pounds. They allow infants to recline at an angle that doesn't interfere with breathing and protects them best in a crash. Many strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. All infant car-seat models come with a handle, and nearly all have a base that secures to your vehicle with LATCH connections or a vehicle safety belt, a convenience that lets you remove the seat and use it as a carrier. You can strap most infant seats into a car without a base, using the vehicle safety belts, but most people don't use them that way.

Infant seats have either a three-point harness--two adjustable shoulder straps and a lock between the child's legs or--even better--an adjustable five-point system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap. The handle usually swings from a position behind the seat's shell when in the car to an upright position for carrying. Remember to swing the handle to the vehicle position before each trip. Slots underneath most seats help them attach to the frame of a shopping cart.

With an infant car seat, you also can move your baby from car to house or vice versa without waking him or her up--a plus for both of you. Note also that extra bases are available so you can keep a secured base in each of your vehicles. Your baby may outgrow an infant car seat quickly and become too heavy for you to use it as a carrier. As a result, you may find yourself having to buy a convertible car seat after your baby is 6 to 9 months old. However, our advice is still to start with an infant seat before moving up to a convertible seat.

Price range: $30 to $180.

Travel systems. Travel systems offer one-stop shopping: You get an infant car seat and a stroller all in one. Most car-seat manufacturers offer these combination strollers/infant car seats. And many stand-alone strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. With these strollers, you create a carriage by snapping an infant car seat into a stroller. The car seats of travel systems also come with a base, which stays in the car. The snap-on car seat is generally positioned atop the strollers so the infant rides facing the person pushing. Your baby can also ride in the stroller seat alone when he or she is big enough.

Most travel-system strollers can be used only with a car seat from the same company. They can also be bulky, so if you're a city dweller who negotiates more subway stairs than highways or if the trunk of your car isn't too roomy, you may be better off with a separate car seat and a compact stroller that is appropriate for a newborn.

Price range: $40 (stroller frame only) to $400.

Convertible seats. With a convertible seat, the child faces rearward as an infant, then toward the front of the vehicle as a toddler. The seat can function as a rear-facing seat for infants up to 30 or 35 pounds, depending on the model, and as a front-facing seat for toddlers generally up to 40 pounds (a few have a 65-pound limit). Models typically have an adjustable five-point harness system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap between the legs. Some models have a tray shield that lowers over the baby's head and fastens with a buckle between the legs. However, our tests show that children, especially small ones, are better restrained with a five-point harness.

A convertible car seat can be a money saver, taking your child from infancy to kindergarten and beyond. We advise starting with an infant seat first, though, as mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that convertible seats are not compatible with strollers, so you will have to transfer your baby from the convertible car seat to a carriage or stroller when you're ready to set out on foot. Such jostling can wake a sleeping baby, a problem if you need to take your child on frequent shopping expeditions or other errands.

Price range: $50 to $290.

Toddler/booster seats. Looking like large versions of convertible seats, these front-facing seats are used with an internal harness for toddlers 20 to 40 pounds. They're either LATCH-attached or can be secured using the vehicle belts and tethers. When kids reach 40 pounds, the seat becomes a belt-positioned booster seat, which children can use until they're 80 or 100 pounds. With a belt-positioned booster seat, the child is restrained using the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system.

Booster seats. These are generally for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds. (A very tall child may begin using a booster seat at 30 pounds.) Booster seats use the vehicle's own safety belts to restrain the child.

Built-in seats. Some U.S. and foreign automakers offer on select cars and minivans an integrated, forward-facing child seat that has a harness and accommodates toddlers weighing more than 20 pounds. There are also some booster-seat versions. Built-in seats must meet the same performance standards as add-on child seats. However, they offer little or no side protection and they're usually located next to a door, instead of in the center--the safer position. You may also need a regular car seat for when your child travels in other vehicles.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Since Sept.1, 2002, all child car seats with an internal harness and nearly all passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. have been required to include equipment designed for simpler buckling. This system, called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), consists of child car-seat connections that attach to anchor points in the vehicle, eliminating the need to use a vehicle's safety belts to install the seat. You can still use safety belts to install a LATCH-equipped child car seat--for example, in an older car that lacks LATCH anchors. You can also retrofit some non-LATCH car seats with LATCH features.

Today's car seats cater to every possible taste--plain colors, plaids, animal and paw-print motifs, and patriotic red, white, and blue. Remember that, style aside, babies tend to be messy, so washable fabric is a plus, especially if your car seat will be with you beyond the first year, when training cups and eating on the go can kick into high gear. Car seats from some leading brands, however, require hand washing and line drying. Make sure you're up for that; most coverings are rigged through the harness-strap system and are held in place with elastic so they can be removed for laundering. But in some cases extracting the fabric from the seat can require extensive dismantling. Check the seat's manual for how-to's.

Extras such as add-on seat covers (oots), thicker padding, additional reclining options, or adjustable head-support cushions may offer greater comfort. But buy them only if they are sold by the same maker as the seat and for that specific seat, since they were tested that way; mixing brands is very risky. Some models have elastic side pockets for toys, bottles, or snacks. As your baby grows, they can come in handy, but they're not absolutely necessary.

Some infant and convertible seats have a level indicator on the side to help you install them facing the rear at a safe angle. A top tether is a webbed strap that can be used with all front-facing seats for children up to 40 pounds and with some up to 65 pounds. It's located on the back of a convertible or toddler seat and hooks into an eye bolt in a vehicle's rear deck, floor, roof, or seatback. Passenger vehicles manufactured on or after Sept.1,1999 have the anchors in place in their rear seats, but older models may need to have the hardware added. Obviously, you can't use a tether with cars that lack a top-tether anchor or that have no provision for a retrofit.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Start with an infant seat for a newborn and pay close attention to the height and weight limits as your child grows. When your baby reaches the infant seat's limits for height and weight, or becomes too heavy for you to tote, use a convertible seat in the rear-facing orientation up to the seat's limits in that mode. Then use the convertible seat front-facing until your toddler reaches the next height and weight limits. After that, use a booster seat until your child is tall enough to use the car's safety belts, typically at least 57 inches. Buying three seats instead of two may cost more, but it can pay off in protection and peace of mind

Make sure the seat is compatible with your car. One of the first things you should do in choosing a seat for your child is to check the fit of any models you're considering in your own car. Even before that, though, we suggest placing similar-looking models side by side in the store to compare features. (If you've already had your baby, place your child in the seat, to get a sense of the ease of buckling and unbuckling.) Then, if possible, bring the floor model to your car for a mock installation. Be aware that some vehicle seats are too short, indented, or excessively sloped to allow a good fit of a child car seats.

If you're considering a convertible car seat, try the floor model in both the rear- and front-facing positions. Check out the harness release button in the rear-facing position; in some models it may be too low to reach comfortably. If you're thinking about an infant car-seat/stroller combination, also known as a travel system, check to be sure that it fits in your trunk or vehicle cargo area. If the store won't let you take the seat out to your car to try it, make sure you can return any car seat you buy--or go to another store.

Insist on new. Although there are many baby items you can borrow or buy secondhand, don't make a car seat one of them if you can avoid it. A used seat may have been in a crash or recalled. The manufacturer's instructions may be missing. If, for some reason, you must use a secondhand seat, avoid those with an unknown history or that are older than six years. In the world of car seats, a six-year-old model is a relic--and risky. You'll also want to avoid recalled models.

Send in the registration card. You should be notified by the manufacturer if the car seat is recalled. To play it extra safe, you can also sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's e-mail subscription list at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Updated recall information will be sent directly to your e-mail in-box. Or check monthly issues of Consumer Reports or visit www.ConsumerReports.org. Other sources of information on car-seat recalls include NHTSA's Web site (www.nhtsa.gov) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission site, www.recalls.gov.

Check the store's return policy. If you're not happy with a particular car seat for whatever reason, it's important to know that you can return it and try again with another model. Be aware that a badly soiled or damaged seat may not be exchanged.

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.

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Moving The Keys To A Successful Move

Every single year, the moving industry charges into action (usually during the summer months) as millions of people move from one place to another.

There are always war stories shared by those that have lived through a move, usually detailing experiences that could have been avoided.

Here we investigate the process of actually performing the move, and doing it safely and successfully. Afterall, so many take real care in the financial aspects of buying or selling a home. Why then, is there so much less concern with moving your home from one place to another? Aren't the things inside your home as important as the home itself?

Step 1: Take inventory of the items in your home!

Very often, there is little to no time to actually determine what items are really worth taking to the new home. Therefore, the typical approach is to PACK EVERYTHING! This is a safety mechanism that can add serious dollars to your cost of moving. To move those items you no longer want or need may require a larger vehicle, or more moving supplies.

Some items you may offer to the buyer to help increase the sale price. Other items you may be able to sell on eBay or at a garage sale. Did you ever consider that the money made from a garage sale could actually pay for your move?

Step 2: Organize and Pack your valuables wisely!

The most organized person I have ever met was my sister, who sorted all items into boxes by room, even if it was the attic or garage for storage. She had separated everything based on which room they were going into, not where they came from, packed them into boxes and used marker to write the contents and designated room.

Step 3: Buy the right moving supplies!

The one thing everyone needs, but no one wants to buy are moving boxes, moving supplies and packing materials. Consider how much your valuables are worth, and then consider whether or not it is worth spending some money to ensure that your valuables are kept safe during the move. Whether you have your big buddy helping you or a professional moving company, you are still much safer if your valuables are packed securely. DON'T use your friend's recycled boxes as they may no longer be sturdy.

You can find moving boxes, moving supplies and packing materials you need online at wholesalers like www.promovingboxes.com. Sites like these are all over and offer fast free shipping. Imagine, that old bike or furniture set you sold on eBay may even pay for your order!

Step 4: Hire a Moving Company!

Bluto the large may be a close personal friend, but very often should not be relied on to supplant a professional moving company. For one thing, favors are always repaid with other favors, which involve some manner of costs. Also, either your stuff, or worse your friends could get hurt in the process. Professional movers are insured, and so are your valuables. If a mover drops grandma's china set that was given to you as an heirloom, you may remember it forever, but you'll probably never see that person again. Your friend may not be so lucky. They could wind up with a permanent black mark when all they were trying to do was help you out.

Step 5: Take time Off before and after!

Don't leave a deadline of a weekend to move your home. It is never long enough. True, that most people take vacation to simply go on vacation. But here, you have 1 opportunity to get it all right! From start to finish, you have the opportunity to do everything right! Ever hear of someone who wanted to paint their new home first but couldn't because they had to get their stuff out of the moving truck?

Leave yourself plenty of time to perform all of the steps in your move. You will feel much better for it in the end. Those who take off often find that they have accomplished so much more. Either by organizing their new home, or cleaning their things as they unpack them. Most importantly though, those who take off can take time to enjoy their new home, and begin to plan for their future there.

We wish you the best on your move, and hope that you learn from the experiences of the many who have gone through it already

Robin Campbell - EzineArticles.com Author

This author writes articles that are typically published at www.promovingboxes.com. Directives and objectives for the near term include becoming an authority on the moving industry. His main website is 'promovingboxes' -- offering wholesale moving boxes and supplies with free shipping and next day delivery.

Diaries of a (London) Bus Driver Vol. 1.5May 30th 2003

Dear friends,

Filling in accident reports is becoming a very unwelcome habit! Friday, May 23rd was a busy day - hordes of shoppers out in advance of the 3-day weekend. By the end of my shift, I was running close to a half an hour late. For most of my last run, I was driving in tandem with the bus that should have been 15 minutes behind me. This happens because as one bus gets later, as I have previously mentioned, it picks up extra passengers, slowing it further. The converse of this, is that the next bus picks up less passengers, speeding its journey. While I was to take my bus back to the garage we are based at, the other driver was to leave her bus at Palmers Green Garage and then, rather unfairly, have to fend for herself in getting back to Edmonton. She asked for me to pick her up, and I did.

The last road before the Edmonton garage approach path is Hawley Road. It is fairly narrow and way too busy. Also along the road, there's an office building, a large vehicle testing centre - buses and lorries, a tyre wholesaler and several small haulage firms. The approach road always has loading activity and cars parked on one side, and frequently, lorries and vans on the other. This was the scene that I found on the day of my latest accident. I edged between parked vehicles, coming almost nose-to-nose with a large artic (articulated lorry) coming from the opposite direction. He's bigger than me. I backed off! With the guidance of the other driver, I reversed into a parking position. The lorry driver, without acknowledging my gesture, edged forward. As he was getting closer to my bus, M, as I shall call her, advised me of company policy. If someone appears about to hit your vehicle, DON'T MOVE! If you move, the accident is your fault. If you don't, it is theirs. With at least 4 feet on the other side of his vehicle, he managed to wedge himself into my bus. Other vehicles were trapped. Tempers were frayed. Out with the trusted camera. Hands trembling as I wrote the report. Colleagues tell me not to worry. The garage manager jokes that he won't read my report until Tuesday - I should enjoy my weekend and he'll sack me on Tuesday! I have my witness. There will be no repercussions. But, I still don't like it. 4 pints of cider and two numbers on the karaoke (Summer Breeze and Blueberry Hill) later, I was relaxed.

The previous days' excitement was a bomb scare at 'the Jewish Centre' in North Finchley. I was stuck there for about 40 minutes. A frequent passenger, who introduced herself as Anne Marie, was extremely helpful, finding out what was going on helping to explain the situation to some of the other passengers. She was with her brother, who is somewhat learning disabled. When the emergency Controller gave me the all clear to proceed, I pointed to Anne Marie: This woman deserves a medal. She's been very helpful. She, in a loud clear voice: My name's Anne Marie. That's ANNE... MARIE. No modest embarrassment there! I saw her again the next day (the day of the accident). She didn't get on the bus, but put her mother on, asking me to make sure she got off at the right stop. When I got there, I called out is Anne Marie's mum getting off? Several chuckles from the rear. Not surprisingly, everybody seems to know her.

Those are the nice moments that make the job sometimes enjoyable. Other things that put a smile on my face are the little kids showing me their parent's bus pass - 'I'm a big kid' grins all over their faces, when a kid manages to climb the step onto the bus 'all by themselves' for the first time, and the number of gorgeous women who smile so nicely at me almost daily. A toddler of barely two said Thank you. Bye, as he was leaving the bus - so cute! A schoolgirl's bus pass was left on the bus and handed to me by another passenger. Rather than handing it in to the garage that afternoon - it would be unlikely to be claimed - I gave it to another girl from her school the next day, as she didn't get on my bus. Seeing her again, flashing the pass, was nice.

The new buses are very sleek, and much faster than the old ones. I have heard them described as sexy - presumably by people who would consider an attraction to sheep unnatural! One of the many serious drawbacks is that they have only 20 seats downstairs, giving more standing room. The 125 route is sometimes unaffectionately dubbed 'the ambulance route', for the number of senior citizens who ride it. A particularly annoying feature is that the horn, which wouldn't go amiss at sea, is touch sensitive and on the end of the turn signal lever, which can be extremely difficult to engage. It can be embarrassing when I accidentally let the thing off. Passers-by and other drivers look bemused, once they've settled back into the skins they jumped out of! My heart skips a beat! One car driver, on hearing this, drove through the red light we were stationary at!!

Accident day was eventful. A third incident that I think worth relating is when I must have had over 20 seniors on my bus and other people were taking up some of the seats. A particularly frail woman got in North Finchley and couldn't find a seat. Would somebody please give up their seat for this Lady. Nothing! I got angry. Look! I will not drive my bus if a seat isn't found for this lady. I will not be responsible for her falling over, if I'm forced to brake suddenly. There must be someone seated who's half her age. You should be ashamed of yourselves! I know I would be if I were you! I shouldn't have to ask! Voice from behind: Thank you driver! About time someone said that! The lady was seated. I drove on. Several other people thanked me as they left. One middle aged man wasn't so pleased with me!

One evening, while driving the W15, there were 4 teenage boys on my bus. An Afghani man got on, wearing full national dress. The boys sang the Harry Belafonte number, some words purposely changed, others presumably just wrong: Hey Mr. Taliban. Give me a banana. My initial reaction, I'm ashamed to say, was a chuckle. But I quickly thought of how intimidating that must have been for the man and just how difficult it must be in general for religious Afganis, both here and in America.

We can communicate with our car lights. Flashing your headlights can mean 'you first' or 'thank you' (only unofficially, though. The only legal use is to let someone know of your presence, so if, by moving forward, you end up in a collision with the person who flashed you, according to the law, you are to blame!). You can give a couple of flashes of your hazard lights to say 'thank you' or 'sorry'. What I want to know is, how do you tell someone to go f#%k themselves?!

You've heard of Tennis Elbow. You've heard of Housemaid's Knee. Well, since the weather has warmed up again, I have developed Bus Driver Thumb. This condition is caused by repeatedly giving the thumbs-up instead of flashing my hazards, to thank drivers who let me in to the traffic flow.

Yesterday, or at least what passed us such at the time of writing, was another eventful day. I was pulling away from the Southgate Asda bus stop, heading towards Finchley. It is just after a roundabout, from which, a car emerged during my manoeuvre. The driver seemed to think that I should stop and let him go, and expressed his anger that I did not. I too expressed my anger at his cheek, with a two-finger salute out of my window. At the next bus stop, he pulled alongside my bus, jumped out of his car, and proceeded to hurl blue clouds of abuse in my direction and punch the bus windows. He pointed to his kids in the car, as a reason why I should have let him in front of me. Great role model for them, wouldn't you agree? Are there holes in his argument? I had 30 passengers. He was driving recklessly, with or without kids. The law states, buses have the right of way. I have a busmen's key - a Cast Iron 'T', which, as a last resort, could do life-altering damage to potential attackers! I apologised to my passengers, who in turn commiserated with me. An elderly woman told me that a week ago, in similar circumstances, she saw someone shoot at a bus driver!

Earlier, while doing some overtime on the 34 route, I was driving along the A406, towards Walthamstow with a full bus. A van driver pulled directly in my path, causing me to brake and swerve sharply enough that an elderly man fell off his seat! I felt awful, but again, the passengers found me blameless. From the other driver, no remorse, of course.

There was an amusing moment. While waiting at the traffic light at Whetstone, Finchley-bound, a man spoke to me. In broad accent: I am sorry! I am French! I understand it might be necessary to apologise for this in parts of America, but not here. Macdonalds still call their fries French Fries here. In America, they have been renamed Freedom Fries!!!!! And here was me thinking that we Brits are xenophobic and proudly ignorant!
Anyway! I correctly guessed that he was apologising for his poor English, and that he wanted to get off the bus. I told him with a smile, that I would have let him off, even if he weren't French!

On a personal note, I went to see a flat. I was expecting a studio, but it had 2 bedrooms. Nice enough. BUT! It is situated at the corner of Green Lanes and The North Circular Road (A406) - heavy traffic almost all day. Very noisy. Terribly polluted air. I could never open my window! That most raids on suspected terrorists seem to be either in the direct vicinity or within a mile or so of there is not entirely negative, as it the last place likely to be the target of a gas attack! The following day, a controller from Palmers Green Bus Garage, who was standing at the opposite corner, pointed to the house next door: You see that kicked in door over there? A serious drug addict lives there. Bothers all the local shops - a real nuisance. No wonder it was cheap! I'm still looking!

That's all for now.

Love,

Andy

About the Author

My name is Andy. I am an Englishman who has spent most of his adult life in the United States. In 2001, I moved back to London, thinking I would remain there for the rest of my life. But things didn't go as planned. And instead of finding a job in IT, I became a bus driver. This is my memoire, written from 2003 to 2005.

Now back in Brooklyn, I have a blog I currently enjoy writing: sceneandheardinny.blogspot.com

Model Home Secrets to Getting Your Empty Home Sold in Six Weeks or Less

If you are trying to sell an empty home, you may have found this to be a blessing and a curse.

An empty home is easy to show. Buyers might like that fact that they can move right in. Potential buyers might even have an easier time seeing themselves in the home.

On the other hand, an empty home may feel cold and impersonal. Buyers are looking for a home that they can fall in love with. Even if your home is the nicest home that they buyers look at, if they don?t ?feel the love?; they will probably buy someone else?s home.

How I got started staging homes

I started staging homes several years ago. I had gotten my real estate sales license during a dreadful buyers market. The market was so bad that most well priced homes were taking six to twelve months to sell.

I started staging my new empty home listings after selling a home that had been staged by the owners. It was the owners second home and the decorations were perfect. This home sold and closed in six weeks! Not only that, but I had other buyers in the wings ready to buy, if the first buyers failed to close. I realized I was on to something.

I bought and studied a book called ?Dress Your House for Success? by Martha Web. Her book helped me to figure out how to repeat the ?six week home sale?, over and over again. The fast sales made my clients happy! The fast commissions made me happy.

I bought staging items which cost me about $300. Then I staged and empty home that I had listed for sale. Shazam! The home sold in six weeks despite the buyers market.

Home staging doesn?t always work as expected, but if the home is priced right and has enough showings, six weeks is my average time to sell an empty, staged home.

How you can easily stage an empty home so that it sells quickly

First of all, I make sure the home is sparkling clean. You want everything to look as close to new as possible. All chrome must shine. All stains, from every surface, must be removed. Windows, the window screens and window sills should sparkle. Touch up paint or repaint as needed. The flooring, including tile and carpet, must look and smell clean. Dust and cobwebs must go! Clean like you?ve never cleaned before!

An empty house can be staged without moving any furniture into the home. To stage my listings, I only have to move in four plastic boxes of light-weight decorative items plus several silk or plastic plants. What I am trying to do is to create a ?model home? look, but without the furniture. If you?re not sure what I mean, visit a few model homes. Model homes are a wonderful and quick education in staging. Ignore the furniture in the model homes, and instead concentrate on the decorations. Take a camera with you, to take pictures, if you want.

The following is a room by room description of the items I use to stage a home. You can decide where each item should be placed, and how many to use. Don?t over do it, but ?stark? is not a good look either. All staging items must be new or look new. No exceptions! Make sure the silk plants are cleaned regularly.

Staging the front door:

?Place a brand new, fun door mat in front of the door. I buy a new one for each home I stage.

?If the door has a hook to hang seasonal items on, do so when appropriate.

?The front door area has to look neat and clean. Sweep the steps and side walk and wipe down the door if needed. Make sure the front door light and doorknobs shine. First impressions count.

Kitchen staging items:

?Place exciting and interesting kitchen towels and oven mitts that match the towels on the kitchen counter.

?I place veggie / oil filled decorative glass jars, grouped together on the counter.

?Silk plants and silk plants in baskets: one for the top of the fridge, more for on top of the cabinets, and if appropriate, one for the counter top.

?Decorative (empty) soap and hand cream dispensers.

?I have put together a gift basket (for decoration only) which I put on the kitchen counter. It includes all sorts of fun kitchen items, towels and knick knacks. I do this to add emotional appeal to the kitchen and home.

?Other interesting items to suit your tastes.

?I also replace any burned out light bulbs.

Bathroom staging items:

?Big, soft, fluffy new towels, large and small, tied up with raffia or decorative cords.

?Decorative soaps

?Matching soap dishes, toothbrush holders, cups etc. Buy some that are fun for the guest baths, and buy some classy, romantic ones for the master bathroom!

?Lots of candles and candle holders. Don?t be cheap on these. Get the nicest you can buy.

?More silk plants

?If you feel it will help, buy and use a new rod and shower curtain. I have done this before. You will know when and where to use these.

?I replace all burned out light bulbs. If the bulbs wattages are too low, I will replace them with brighter lights.

Items for the living room, the family room and bedrooms:

?Large and small silk plants placed to enhance nice areas or placed take the eyes of the buyer away from areas that you don?t want the buyers to concentrate on.

?More silk plants for any plant shelves.

?When ever possible I use classy wall art: framed pictures and posters, etc.

?I have also used rocking chairs, wooden rocking horses (kid?s room), pottery, and vases filled with dried plants.

?I have rented live plants for larger homes. Ten large, beautiful plants cost me $150/month. The plant company took care of the plants. This was well worth the cost. I can highly recommend this for adding to the emotional appeal of a large, empty home.

?Make certain that the curtains or window coverings are open and the windows are clean. I want the home to be bright and inviting. This helps to create a positive feeling to the home. In addition, the ?drive the neighborhood? homebuyers can see in and decide if they want to get into the home! Every potential buyer counts.

The items mentioned are just a starting point for staging. I am continually adding more items and getting rid of items which have ?aged?. So far over the years I have spent about $1,000 on staging items and now have enough items to stage two homes. I have made my investment back many, many times over.

I can highly recommend staging to both homeowners and real estate agents. Your home or home listings will sell faster and for more money.

Don Glasgow is a real estate agent in St. George, Utah. Don has been selling Washington County real estate since 1999. This article may be republished on the internet as long as this footer along with the website links are kept in place.

Property Abroad What's it All About?

What's it all about?

The past 4 - 8 years have seen a tremendous increase in the interest, purchase and hype of buying a property abroad. The late 90's and early part of the 21st century has seen house prices surge in the UK to record heights, this together with the ever increasing coverage of the low cost airline destinations has given the average man in the street the excess equity in their existing homes and easier access to be able to think about buying and perhaps living overseas.

We've probably all been on a foreign holiday to some exciting destination, be it Europe, The Americas or even further afield and admit it whenever we've seen a local estate agent we always make a beeline for their shop window if not to compare the prices to back in the UK then certainly to see how and what we could afford - we've been doing it for years without really considering the possibilities.

4 years ago the number of properties owned by people from the UK hovered at around 170,000. Now there are over 1million Brits owning second homes in Spain and France alone, and figures from the Office for National Statistics recently revealed that around 200,000 Britons travel abroad every year in search of buying a property with the intention of staying for a minimum of 12 months.

The main question we at property-abroad.com are asked by investors and holiday home seekers is where should we buy? A difficult question to answer because every person's idea of owning an overseas investment or holiday property is completely different. We have a selection of questions that we ask client to consider when thinking of buying abroad which include:

?Budget - how much do you want to or can you spend. Do you need a mortgage or finance?

?Location - is location important for you? Beach, countryside or town?

?Use - personal for holidays or purely investment or a bit of both?

?Access - is getting to your property easily and cheaply important to you?

?Employment - will you need to work what is the employment situation?

?Schooling - do you need to consider such things as schooling for your children?

?Size - will a one bed apartment be big enough or do you need to consider a 4 bed town house or villa?

?Rentability - is it going to be a necessity to rent your property out to help with mortgage payments?

Although we have over 300 different websites and feature over 50,000 properties for sale in over 45 different countries abroad no two enquiries are ever the same and as such we treat each enquiry on a personal basis. We feature properties for sale directly from local estate agents and developers in every country.

What about the legalities

Buying a property abroad can be relatively straightforward - there's nothing really complicated as long as you follow instructions and use a reliable legal representative - whether they are from the country concerned or from the UK - it will make you feel more at ease and will help things to run smoothly. We feature various guides and books on buying property abroad on our website and apart from various little peculiarities in certain countries most overseas property purchases can run smoothly.

Mortgages

Financing your overseas property is a lot easier now than it was a couple of years ago. Mortgages for buying property abroad can be arranged through high street banks like the Abbey National, Nat West and Barclays. However, you may need to look at specialist lenders for new and emerging countries like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Croatia etc. Consideration should also be given to obtaining a mortgage in the country that you are buying in - things like euro mortgages can often work out cheaper than UK lenders but be aware of the changing exchange rate. Typical loan to value %'s can range from 60 - 80% depending on the country.

Insurance

As with all major purchases insurance must play a part in your overall budget plan. We would strongly recommend that adequate property and contents insurance is taken out to cover your investment as it grows. Although you don't anticipate any problems arising with your new home you certainly want to ensure that your investment is covered against loss and damage. Although there are a number of UK based companies that will offer Overseas Property Insurance - you will also find that there are local companies able to offer similar coverage in each country.

Most of us here in the UK are already home owners and there exists a continuing strong demand for our little piece of England. However, there exists a growing sector of young people who are unable to climb on the UK property ladder because of the high cost of entry property prices and as such are entering the overseas property market as a means to secure some foot holding on an emerging property market.

A Place in the Sun - Channel 4's property programme recently compiled their list of the 20 best places to buy a property abroad for investment purposes. To refresh your memory we have included those destinations below in ascending order from the best to the least projected returns on investments.

Romania - Poland - Portugal - The Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) - Sweden - Belgium - Slovakia - Sweden - Finland - Hungary - Luxembourg - Germany - Czech Republic - Ireland - Austria Netherlands - France - Italy - Spain - Cyprus

With over 45 countries covered in our overseas property database prices of properties for sale in the areas above can range from a plot of land in the Bahamas from ?2000 right up to a country holiday complex in Tuscany for over ?33 million. Typical property prices in the likes of Romania stand at around the ?10-15,000 mark for a decent property in the outlining areas whereas ?5,000 + will get you a rural property requiring renovation and upwards of ?30,000 will buy you something very near to the city of Bucharest.

Our Tip

The property market in Poland is our tip for rapid future growth as we consider the country to have the best prospects of all current EU members. There are a huge number of international companies, such as Tesco's and GSK, beginning to set up offices, shops and warehousing in the country - this together with over EUR70 billion of European funding earmarked for the country over the next 8 years or so can only indicate the anticipated growth in employment, housing and infrastructure. Together with our Polish partners we are currently busy identifying new opportunities within the country and will soon be marketing off-plan developments in Poland throughout our massive infrastructure of websites.

As we become more and more daring in our ventures of overseas holidays then the great British public will continue to conquer new and exciting areas of the globe in which to lay their foundations of a holiday home or indeed a permanent residence abroad. Whatever your reasons are for considering a move abroad then remember there's only one company out there that can offer access to over 30,000 properties for sale worldwide www.property-abroad.com Tel: 0870 720 3210

Les Calvert - the Director of http://www.property-abroad.com often writes articles and information on the overseas property market. Visit their site with useful information and properties for sale all over the world http://www.property-abroad.com/locations

More Cash From Your Real Estate

Real estate. . . No matter what kind you own or want to buy it?s still an investment. In fact, many people buy and sell real estate as a business and I?m not talking brokers or agents here. You know who they are. They?re the ones who tell you about a deal they just did and boy did they ever make a bundle on it! How?d they do that? They made the property look good. It?s what buyers interested in. How a property looks. So you see curb appeal really IS important.

Curb appeal takes a lot into consideration: Paint, siding, windows, doors, roofing, driveways, and yes, landscaping. How many times have you driven past a property for sale and said to yourself: ?That landscaping is really ugly. Why doesn?t somebody do something about it?? I know I have. If you?ve bought real estate as an investment, did you concentrate on improving the landscaping or somewhere else first? Most leave the landscaping ?till last or just don?t do anything to it at all. Rumor has it, though, between 20 and 30% of the value of a property is in the landscaping. And it doesn?t matter if it?s income, industrial, commercial, or residential property either. Landscaping plays a big part in curb appeal and value of your investment. It can even draw customers to your business.

Let?s say that there were two homes for sale right next to each other. One looked great and the other looked lousy. It doesn?t matter what shape the inside is in, people still look at the outside and determine the value. Guaranteed, the one with the better landscaping will command a higher price and probably sell faster. What would you do if you bought the one with the lousy landscaping? Leave it for the next guy or make it look nice. If you were going to turn it and get your price, rent it out, or keep it as an investment you?d be putting something into the landscaping if you were smart. Admittedly, I?ve bought on potential and just sat on the property, but, sooner or later I had to pay to get the landscaping done. You better believe that landscaping looked great before it went on the market. And I got my price!

When I was going to list one of my properties my broker told me: ?You?ll never sell it for that much? and I proved him wrong. I didn?t understand why he was so reluctant to list at my price. I figured he was just going to make more on the sale if he did. Besides, I thought, we could have dropped the price if it didn?t sell, right? Well, he didn?t see what this place was going to look like like I could in my mind. Anyway, the landscaping wasn?t going to be done until after I listed it. Now if I could have shown him what it was GOING to look like, maybe he would have agreed with me on the listing price. And if I just could have shown him in 3-D what the place was going to look like he, and the landscaper, would?ve had a better idea where I was going with it. They probably would have helped me with a few suggestions to increase the value while saving some money on the landscaping, so, I probably would have made a little more on it than I did.

People know what?s goin? on. It?s better to start with the outside. Shows pride of ownership, care for the neighborhood, for them, smart thinking, and being serious. Improves comps and re-finance values, too! So, at the very least, get a 3-D landscape plan either before you close the deal or right after you do so you can show your broker, landscaper, appraiser, and re-financing specialist what your real estate deal will look like when you?re done with it. Did you know that if you?re planning on re-financing, your appraiser will include the landscaping as part of the value of your property? It?s a win-win situation. You get more cash because you up?d the value of your investment by improving the landscaping. And more for you is always good, right?

About the author: John Schmidt is a recognized authority on the subject of landscaping. His web site, www.Landscape-Montana.com, a wealth of information, info on 3-D landscape plans, and links on everything you?ll ever need to know about landscaping your real estate.

Northern Ireland House Prices Rise By 600 GBP Per Week!

The latest quarterly price index compiled by the University of Ulster shows that the average price of a home was ?153,868, an increase of ?31,000 since last year. Detached houses are experiencing the greatest price rise, showing an average of ?237,749 - an increase of almost 30%.

Belfast has also seen the average house price rising by 23.6%, however Lisburn saw the greatest price hike with the average increasing by 44% The report, which was produce in association with the Housing Executive and the Bank of Ireland, covered 2200 transactions reported by 108 estate agents` firms. Terraced and town houses saw an increase of 29% with semi-detached houses rising by 23% and bungalows rising more steadily by 19.7%. Detached bungalows also failed to match the growth of the rest of the market with a rate of 11.9% reaching an average of ?184,045. Apartment prices continued to show a variable performance over time, rising by 19.2%. In Belfast, the overall average price of a home was ?145,051, whereas South Belfast remained the strongest performing area in the city.

All property types in Lisburn experienced rampant rates of increase. Prices in Craigavon and Armagh also saw a 39% annual rise while Londonderry and Strabane experiencing significant growth at more than 30%. The number of properties with a value of less than ?100,000 also appear to disappearing, with only a fifth of the sales (20%) in the ?50,000 to ?100,000 bracket. Louise Brown, one of the authors of the study, along with Professors Alistair Adair and Stanley McGreal, said it was difficult to see how the growth rate of 25% across Northern Ireland could continue. She said: Having said that, the 25% growth in this survey is not a one-off - it's very comparable with the rates of increase during the second half of 2005. These are boom conditions that appear to be the result of strong investment activity, relatively cheap borrowing costs and an undersupply of properties. Despite the housing boom, the average cost of a house in Northern Ireland is ?30,000 lower than those south of the border.

The average cost of properties are: Lisburn, ?188,772; South Belfast, ?188,069; Enniskillen/Fermanagh/South Tyrone, ?169,402; Mid and South Down, ?167,886; North Down, ?166,264; Coleraine, Limavady and the North Coast, ?165,591; East Belfast, ?165,432; Mid Ulster, ?163,446; Antrim/Ballymena, ?155,319; Craigavon/Armagh, ?144,157; Derry/Strabane, ?140,747; East Antrim, ?120,163; West Belfast, ?113,052; North Belfast, ?107,673.

By George McGonigal, a partner in moving. Why not visit moving estate agents northern ireland: for a full estate agency service at a flat fee of ?750 or our sister website for competitive n ireland insurance where you can compare car insurance quotes from lots companies without obligation.

Health Care Career Opportunities Growing as Baby Boomer Generation Ages

It was long feared that the aging of the baby boomer generation would bring about a healthcare crisis in the United States, and our nation's politicians have planned accordingly. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits have been implemented several times over the last decade, and congress has recently proposed a package that would reduce benefits 40% over the next 9 years, while raising premiums 20%. Still, every cloud seems to indeed have a silver lining, as one positive to result from the increased burden to the health care system can be seen in the number of health industry jobs projected to become available over the next ten years. In the next ten years, the single fastest growing employment sector in the U.S. will be in gerontology and senior healthcare.

Still, a new problem emerges when considering the supply of trained healthcare workers vs. the number of adults whose aging is expected to increase the population of the 55 to 65 year old category over the next decade. Worker shortages for the healthcare industry are inevitable, which means career opportunities will be not only plentiful, but more lucrative overall as a result.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare related jobs are expected to grow faster than the national average for all other industries through 2014 and likely beyond. The nursing field, in particular, is the second fastest-growing occupation for job growth over the next decade. The number of current nursing professionals approaching retirement is growing far faster than the number of nursing program graduates, and recruitment efforts by healthcare organizations are already underway. Nursing salaries have risen substantially over the last several years, and increases are expected as competition for workers becomes more prevalent. Sign on bonuses that were once unheard of are now commonplace, and those entering the field have more options than ever in terms of the type of facility they wish to work in.

Home health care aid positions are expected to rise as well, with more and more Americans choosing to forgo assisted living options and instead remain independent. Jobs on the administrative end of the healthcare industry are also on the rise as insurance companies brace for the tide of health claims expected to hit the industry. As with all employment sectors that have a limited supply of qualified personnel and an increasing demand for them, wages and salaries will continue to rise until positions are filled.

Those entering college or technical school programs can find increased salary potential and job security in the healthcare sector. While the price of health care is rising, so are the potential employment opportunities in an industry that will struggle to meet the demands of the current aging population.

About the Author

For more information on healthcare degree programs, visit our site. For information on online education, visit our blog. For information on online and campus based degree programs, visit Search for Classes.

Tenancy Laws Every Landlord Should Know

Laws vary from state to state and it is up to you to find out more about them. But here are a few general guidelines and questions which may help you discover what your state dictates with regard to these issues. Find out simple things like a limit on the amount of rent increase you can ask for, any interest on the security deposit you need to pay, maximum period of retaining a security deposit after the tenant leaves, any fee you can charge in case of late payment and how long you have to wait before you can demand for that fee, etc.

The rental agreement you draw up is usually taken care of by the attorney but it would not hurt to find out more about it. Find out about the various legal documents required in your state and how you can tailor these forms/ documents to suit your needs. In addition, learn more about where these documents get legally recorded ? related fees, taxes etc. A good attorney can usually see you through all of this safely.

It is essential that you know about the housing acts in your state. Tenants are usually guaranteed with some basic rights such as a dwelling fit for human habitation, unlawful discrimination, power to hold the landlord liable in case of damages caused due to the landlord?s negligence and protection against being locked out without a legal notice. You need to make sure that you do not falter here and in case of disagreements with regard to the above, you carry out the procedures legally.

When it comes to disclosing facts about the rental you need to cover a range of issues. Some states may require specific checks to be conducted on the house and the results revealed to the tenants ? like sexual predators in the neighborhood, presence of radon gas etc. There are both federal and state requirements regarding disclosure of certain facts to tenants and you must adhere to these.

Most of the above can be handled by yourself but when it comes to evictions, you need a good attorney and a thorough knowledge of the laws. If you at least have a basic idea then you may not do anything rash like shutting off the power supply because of a late payment. You need to find out the conditions on which an eviction is actually applicable. Additionally find out the exact procedure, the notice you will have to serve, the total cost etc. This will help you judge if you even want an eviction as opposed to a settlement out of court. If you do seriously consider eviction, hire yourself a decent attorney.

Knowing your laws is important as you want to stay well within the legal boundaries. It will make your life simpler and prevent you from making rash decisions that may cost you an arm and a leg.

Sadiya Anjum - ChoiceOfHomes.com - Find listings of Homes for Rent online. Home owners / landlords may also advertise their home rental online.

Maine Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Maine

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

The median price of a home in Maine is $98,700. Recently, homes in Maine have been appreciating at rates comparable to the national average. However, in some parts of Maine, appreciation rates are at an all time high. As a result, income levels in many parts of Maine are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Maine cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

The state of Maine does not regulate home radon levels. This means that home buyers must test for radon levels in the home they are purchasing and decide for themselves how much radon is acceptable in their home. Additionally, Maine has certain state environmental laws that are used to upkeep Maine?s shoreline.

Maine law prohibits prepayment penalties and reduced rate options on adjustable-rate mortgages and fixed-period adjustable-rate mortgages. Fixed-period adjustable rate mortgages are only allowed in the state of Maine if the start rate is below the indexed rate at loan closing.

Maine?s Truth-In-Lending law is an anti-predatory lending law that prohibits high-rate high-fee mortgages from charging defaults in excess of 5% of the default amount and limits the fees that may be charged during multiple refinancing, deferrals, and extensions of these mortgages. The Bureau of Financial Institutions and Office of Consumer Credit Regulation preside over lenders that issue high-rate high-fee mortgages.

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

TEFL and ESL Board Games For the Classroom

Classroom board games are probably one of the most effective teaching tools available. Here we see how to stimulate and motivate students, and provide a welcome change to more standard classroom teaching approaches, giving students a refreshing new focus to practice their spoken English.
A few important points to bear in mind when using board games, which will increase their effectiveness and get the students speaking in English are:

1. The first rule to establish is that the game is to be played in English. Give some input vocabulary such as 'Whose turn is it?', 'Pass the dice please' or for a bit of fun 'Hey, stop cheating!'. Then as the game progresses and you see other linguistic requirements, supply them, drill them briefly, and continue to play. I often have students keep a separate booklet for game playing vocabulary. The students motivation is strong, so take advantage of it!
2. Encourage students to speak in only English by establishing the second rule: not speaking in the target language forfeits a turn. This sounds a little dramatic and harsh, but you'll be amazed how well it works. It also creates an enormous amount of spontaneity of language, resulting in increased fluency and a reduction in response times.
3. Teachers usually think in terms of one-class time slots, whereby the material to be used is to be finished by the end of the allotted time. This can lead to unnecessarily self-imposed restrictions on the choice of materials. I often let a game run for 3 or 4 lessons in order to let the students become highly familiar with the vocabulary fields as well as letting them build up a sense of momentum to the outcome.
4. Students should 'earn' the right to take a turn to generate the motive for speaking. This would mean, for example, asking a team to answer a question before being allowed to take a turn. Depending on the the theme of the board game, you may also use relevant video clips, story reconstructions with visuals or maybe role play situations in parallel, which allow students to score points which in turn allow them to throw the dice.
5. Don't just limit yourself to the rules in the game. Feel free to 'play God' and adjust the rules as you find convenient to make the game move more slowly or faster. It's amazing how our knee-jerk reaction to a game's set of rules sometimes leaves us feeling powerless over how to play the game! Such changes may include giving new consequences to the value of a throw on the dice e.g. 'if a player throws a 5, then they get to throw again'. Wham! You've got a new dimension to the game.
6. Keep teacher talking time down! Let the students run the game - you just police it from a distance, supplying language as required. Because a board game generates spontaneous situations within a defined linguistic area, this is the perfect opportunity for the teacher to take back stage, and just give 'hot correction' when required. Error feed back and remedial work can be given at intervals as appropriate.

Adrian Allen is one of the co-founders of http://www.findateacher.es This is a bilingual search tool for private teachers to advertise themselves to students. It can be used either for free, or by paying a small subscription fee for better ranking in the database.

By Adrian Allen