4 advantages of mutual fund investing

Mutual funds have grown in popularity over the last few years to the point where it’s harder to find an investor who is not using mutual funds than one who is. The popularity of mutual funds is no surprise when you consider that they are one of the easiest investments to use and require very little knowledge of the financial markets. There are 4 main advantages that mutual funds offer every investor, as you will learn in this article.

The first advantage of mutual fund investing it that mutual funds offer professional management of your investment dollars. Mutual funds are run by fund managers, who are essentially watching over your investment daily. There is almost no other place where you get that kind of investment management without paying huge management fees.

The second advantage of mutual fund investing is that mutual funds are extremely liquid. Any investor can sell his shares in a mutual fund any day that the stock market is open. Compare that to investing in real estate, CDs or even stocks that have low trading volume which can takes weeks to months to liquidate your stake. The liquidity of mutual funds gives any investor the ability to get out of the investment quickly if needed.

The third advantage of mutual funds is the diversification that they offer. Mutual funds invest in tens or even hundreds of different stocks, bonds or money markets. Trying to duplicate this type of diversification in your own portfolio would result in very high trading fees, not to mention huge headaches from tying to monitor hundreds of stock positions. This leads us into the fourth advantage of mutual funds, lower fees.

Mutual funds have very low fees due to their ability to take advantage of economies of scale. Since mutual funds are pooling the investment dollars of so many investors they can buy stocks in larger quantities which leads to lower fees for mutual funds investors. Numerous mutual funds have fees that are under 2 or 3%.

Mutual funds are growing at a feverish pace as more and more investors put their money in them. But considering the great advantages that mutual funds offer the average investor all the way up to guy with the multi-million dollar portfolio, it’s really no surprise.

Exercise play - can we learn from it

Quite often, when our children return from afternoon play, they look exhausted, and ready for a nap. That is the most accurate description, and quite the truth. Play is hard work. It is exhausting to the mind and body of the young person, and plays an extremely important role in helping them to become productive, healthy citizens.

The role of exercise and play in a young child’s life provides them with many benefits. Exercise of the body is an important part of keeping the young body fit as it grows into an adult body. When we reach adulthood, if we have had the benefit of exercise and play, we tend to continue that habit into our adult years.

What else is to be gained from the opportunities that play affords? We often participate in organized sports, coordinated play times, and are a member of a large group during all of these activities. Play on this level teaches us how to interact with our peers, develop camaraderie and perform as a team with other players. These skills are absolute necessities in today’s business world. But what else is happening here, during this time of play and exercise?

What we learn in body language, coping skills, and the interaction of the mind and body during our interaction with others, is invaluable. When we learn these skills well, we not only learn how to interact with others, we learn how to interact with our self. Interact with our self? That seems like a pointless exercise, but it is an all important part of maintaining our health and wellness. There are times that our bodies try to tell us things about our physical or mental condition, and we simply refuse to listen. If we have learned how to listen to others around us when they attempt to point out a need or desire, we have a useful tool in listening to ourselves. This often can mean the difference between optimal health, and creating an unhealthy situation.

What else do we learn? We learn what our physical and mental limitations are. During play, you see children and young adolescents push themselves to the very limit. But as children, we are better able to distinguish between a real limit versus what society deems our limits. As a child, or young adult, the pressures of the world do not weigh on us as they do when we are adults. We are better keepers of the temple at ten, than we are at twenty. We are still very in tune to what our body tells us, because it is our true master as a child. As an adult, we have let outside influences master our body and mind, and dominate our time.

As you can see, the benefits to be gained during our exercise and play time as children, is a benefit to us for the remainder of our lives. Too often, we adults forget the importance of exercise and play and the principles that are to be learned from time spent in these activities. We want to rush our children into their daily responsibilities, forgetting that their chief responsibility during the younger years is the play and interaction of young minds.

Motor trade insurance an absolute essential part 2

Motor trade insurance is a necessity for anyone that makes a living in the motor trade industry. The hardest thing about motor trade insurance is picking a plan that fits your needs and also fits your budget. If the motor trade insurance is not a good fit for your business and you do not find the best price possible, this insurance could actually be a cancer on your business instead of a cure. Many different companies offer many different plans with a wide range of monthly premiums. I think that the best way to find the perfect insurance for your business is to use an insurance brokerage company. An insurance brokerage company can help you tailor a motor trade insurance plan to your needs, get you the best price, and also help you get money when you have to make a claim.

An insurance brokerage company can help to find a plan that fits your business, because they have a bunch of different insurance company contacts that they can tap into to get you what you need. It would take you about two to three times as long to get in contact with the insurance companies that the brokerage company can contact, and sometimes you might not even be able to contact the same companies. Also a brokerage company understands all of the insurance jargon that insurance companies use, so they can move quickly to match your needs to a motor trade insurance plan. Also since the insurance brokerage company has access to so many insurance companies they can put pressure on them to get you the best price possible.

An insurance brokerage company can help you get paid the money you deserve on the claims you file. Many of these companies have their own claims person that works for you to try to get the money you deserve from the insurance company. This is not so easy to do on your own, because once again it is hard to understand all of the terminology used in the insurance business. If you are in the motor trade industry then you need to have motor trade insurance, and your best bet is to use an insurance brokerage company to get exactly what you need.

Enjoy spanish culture while on holiday

If you want to travel to Spain, but the run of the mill tour just won’t do it for you than investigate some unique ways of sight seeing. For instance, jump on the web to research all the options there are for traveling around Spain in style. Make sure you know what is included in your unique tour of Spain. Try a beach vacation on Costa Blanca or something a little more exciting. Soaking in Spanish culture is a great way to spend a holiday.

If you are active and love being outside, than a cycling tour of Spain might be the perfect way to explore this beautiful country. A cycling tour will give you exercise and provide you with a way to deeply explore the countryside including small towns and villages that would normally be bypassed in a more conventional tour. If you are adventurous and in great shape than you should consider a mountain biking tour.

Usually a cycling tour will cover flat parts of the country. You can choose from many different tour packages and usually you can go off on your own during the day and meet up with your group at night. You will have the opportunity to see historical sights, and view attractions that are hidden to most tourists.

After you pick a tour you will get a map and an itinerary of your trip. Usually your bike and, lodging, and transport will be bundled in the price. Most tour groups will take care of your baggage and take it to each hotel for you as you move across the land on your bike.

If biking all day isn’t your idea of a good time, then try a more decadent tour. A wine and food tour can give you the opportunity to sample the amazing cuisine and drink of Spain. You can go on one or two week trips that will take you across the country and give you information on local food and wine as you go. You will also have the opportunity to partake in delicious meals.

Usually the tours will package together your meals, winery fees, entertainment, lodging, and transportation. Including all these things in one package will make it easier for you to enjoy your tour without worrying about fees and prices while you are there. You will be given an itinerary for your tour and all the information you need to have a great time.

You will be able to stay at hotels across Spain depending on the tour you choose. Since they are usually all inclusive you will be more relaxed as you tour the country. You may even be staying at marvelous hotels depending on your tour.

If you are an animal lover than a wildlife tour might be right up your ally. You can see different types of wildlife in their natural habitat when you go on a wildlife tour. You can choose a tour that is a day to tours that are a week or more depending on your interests. You can choose between bird watching tours, habitat tours, or even plant tours.

If you enjoying walking then try a tour in the Pyrenees Mountains to get you blood pumping. You can also enjoy the wildlife and plants while you are on your walking tour. The animal life and bird life that you see will depend on where you go on your tour. You can also view a wide variety of plants as well depending on the season.

Alcohol addiction a solution

With the increase of binge and underage drinking are we heading for problems of an epidemic scale? Is the fun and free living going to come back and haunt us in the not so distant future? Well it is certainly possible as diabetes, liver failure and so many other physical ailments can be helped along by bad drinking habits. So why are we experiencing problems like this in the twenty-first century – at the beginning of the information age – and more importantly, how can we change bad drinking habits or deal with alcoholism? Well let’s start by saying that binge drinking and alcoholism are two different subjects; however the first can lead quite easily into the latter.

There are some many reasons why more and more people today create bad habits of addictions around alcohol. It could be down to peer pressure, problems at home, depression or avoidance to name but a few. Drinking sometimes becomes a simply and easy escape for the drinker that just wants to feel different and maybe even just de-stress. At some point they usually start to realise that their answer is not in the bottom of a glass, however usually by this point the addiction has set in and taken its grip on its victim. Once the action has made itself at home it then just becomes so incredibly difficult for the sufferer to change the habit by themselves.

There are many ways for a person suffering at the hands of alcoholism to get the help that they so desperately need. In my clinic and trough my products I help people to beat their addiction with hypnosis and self hypnosis. I have found this to be a great approach as it deals with the part of your brain that we refer to as your sub-conscious mind. This is the part of your brain that holds all of the information about your habits, beliefs and the part that ultimately makes you… YOU! Hypnosis simply works to reprogram this part of your mind to get you the results that you both desire and deserve in an easy and straightforward way that is very empowering.

If you are suffering with an addiction to alcohol at the moment and would like to resolve it or just cut down, then my recommendation to you would be to start with a hypnosis download or maybe a self hypnosis book. If you are really serious about gaining control then start today! I wish you the best of luck and success.

First aid treatment for bodybuilding injuries

Prevention is better than cure, so avoid bodybuilding injuries by having proper warm ups before exercising and use correct form and techniques when training with weights.

Many of you who have followed my articles will know that I am a serious advocate of avoiding bodybuilding injuries by constantly emphasizing on proper warm ups and using proper form and techniques during weight lifting in the gym. Okay, if you think that that I am a long winded nagger, then this article, although it is still about weightlifting injuries, is no longer about avoidance of such injuries, but to treat the injuries already sustained.

This article will cover the immediate first aid treatment you will need to recover from a bodybuilding induced injuries. That is assuming that the injuries sustained are not too serious that need immediate medical attention.

Okay, so sometimes bodybuilding exercises hurt. But how do you know when it’s a good hurt or a bad hurt?

The good hurt tends to occur after a bodybuilding workout and feels like a dull ache in the muscle or commonly called the “delayed onset muscle soreness” (DOMS). This type of ache usually indicates that you have been working on that particular muscle hard enough and is a response to the effectiveness of your weight lifting workout although not always necessarily so.

The bad hurt, which generally signifies an injury, is usually sharp pain and the pain comes from a specific spot like in a specific joint or muscle spot. It usually starts as an uncomfortable feeling, which you think will go away. Next thing you know, you are in full-blown pain! Oh dear, what next?

Treat bodybuilding injuries with "RICE"

The acroynym RICE is for the general treatment of minor weightlifting injuries such as sprains, joint pains, tendonitis, pulled ligaments etc

R = Rest

I = Ice

C = Compression

E = Elevation

Rest -- Avoid all activities that aggravate your injury. You may even need to skip your gym workout for a couple of weeks. Rest can mean the difference between a long recuperation (and possibly medical invasive procedures) or just a few days or a few weeks off.

Ice -- Ice helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow. 15–20 minutes, three to four times a day is recommended as long as the pain remains.

Compression -- Put pressure on the injured site to help keep swelling down. You want to wrap a bandage or a towel tightly enough to feel some pressure but not enough to cause numbness or affecting blood circulation.

Elevation -- Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling.

Your condition should improve with “RICE” treatment. Most of the time, you should see some results within 20 minutes of treatment. However if the pain persists or gets worse, then it time to see your doctor or a sports physician as your condition may be worse than what was initially thought to be.

Ahh saltwater aquarium pests and parasites... dealing with saltwater aquarium pests and parasites the creepy crawlies

Saltwater aquarium pests and parasites might have an adverse effect on the health of your marine tank. Bacterial diseases can cause ill-health in your fish and invertebrates. Bacterial disease can also kill the fish in your tank. To get rid of the problem you might have to start all over again from scratch. This is not only very upsetting but also very expensive.

So it makes sense to be on the lookout for saltwater aquarium pests and parasites and to treat your fish at the first sign of illness. Marine fish usually fall prey to gram-negative bacteria. These include Pseudomonas, Vibrio and Myxobacteria. It is not always easy to spot saltwater aquarium pests and parasites in marine fish. Often you may not know that there is something wrong until your fish become seriously ill.

You can help prevent saltwater aquarium pests and parasites by making sure that conditions in your tank don’t encourage their growth. To do this you need to understand how and why saltwater aquarium pests and parasites occur in marine fish in the first place.

Bacterial disease is caused by a number of things, sometimes in combination. Such disease can be topical (external) – for example fin and tail rot and ulcers or systemic (affecting the body internally) or it might be a combination of both. Saltwater aquarium pests and parasites are more likely to affect fish that are in poor condition. The healthier your fish are the more resistance they will have to saltwater aquarium pests and parasites.

However fish that are weak, sick or stressed by environmental conditions in the tank are easily infected by saltwater aquarium pests and parasites. Bacterial diseases may gain entry into the body through the pores along the lateral line. The gills are another site of entry into the body of a fish.

So what environmental conditions make it more likely for saltwater aquarium pests and parasites to cause illness in your tank? The leading cause of bacterial attack is poor environmental conditions in the tank. If conditions are allowed to deteriorate the health of your fish is impacted and this might make them more susceptible to diseases.

Saltwater aquarium pests and parasites will soon bloom and over-run the tank. If the water is white and cloudy and the fish have sores on their body, conditions in the tank are very poor and must be corrected.

Your fish may also be affected by saltwater aquarium pests and parasites if they have other infections. So treating them is crucial. If your fish are not fed properly they might not have built up a good resistance to infection. Any injuries that your fish have might allow bacteria to take hold. Fish that are stressed and harassed are also more likely to become ill.

Older, weaker fish are at increased risk of contracting a bacterial infection as are any fish that come from water that has been contaminated (for example tap water!). If a fish eats the flesh of a sick fish it may also become ill with the same disease. So how do you know if your fish are infected with saltwater aquarium pests and parasites? What should you look for?

If your fish are afflicted with saltwater aquarium pests and parasites they might show one or more of the following symptoms:

- Red frayed fins or fins that show red streaks.

- The fins might disintegrate (in fin and tail rot).

- Red areas around the lateral line (streaks or blotches).

- Open sores on the sides of the body and near the fins.

- Bloody scales at the fin base.

- Fast breathing.

- A grey film may cover the eyes.

- The fish may appear listless or lethargic.

- They may lose their appetite.

- The stomach may be swollen or bloated from saltwater aquarium pests and parasites that cause bladder infections, for example.

Bacteria are not the only saltwater aquarium pests and parasites that might affect your fish. Black Spot disease is a common marine illness caused by a parasitic turbellarian flatworm in the genus Paravortex. It makes its home at the bottom of the tank after which it attached to a host fish for about six days then falls off into the substrate again. It is common in Yellow tangs and Angelfishes.

If you notice tiny black dots on the body of your fish and they seem to be scratching against objects or have red skin and are lethargic they might have black spot disease. It is less common than some other saltwater aquarium pests and parasites (white ich for example) but should still be looked for.

If any of your fish contract the diseases mentioned above or other illnesses, they may not die immediately. But in general if saltwater aquarium pests and parasites are not treated your fish will die in a one to two week period. There are viral strains that can kill fish within a day or two. Even if you don’t know what the disease is you need to take steps immediately to isolate the ill fish.

Fish that are infected with saltwater aquarium pests and parasites should be placed into a quarantine tank. This is because bacterial infections will spread to healthy fish very quickly if sick fish are allowed to interact with them. Once the illness affects the internal organs the fish will stop eating, breathe rapidly, and lie on the bottom of the tank where it may be eaten by other fish or start to decay releasing bacteria into the water.

To protect your fish from saltwater aquarium pests and parasites diagnose and treat your fish with the appropriate antibiotics. Ask your aquarist for advice if necessary. Only place your fish back into the tank once they are completely healthy. This will ensure that your tank stays pest free. The most important way to guard against diseases is to make sure that your fish are as healthy as possible and you can do this by making sure that conditions in your tank are at optimum levels.

Web design with a difference

Anybody looking for a web designer is spoilt for choice. Type in web design in Google and you will come up with millions of websites offering web design around the world. The web design industry is indeed extremely competitive. So how do we go about choosing a web design company that offers websites that are not only well designed but equally important, a website that ranks well on major search engines?

A lot has been written on web design that sell products and services but relatively few web designers know how or are even bothered about developing websites with the basic elements required to give your website a head start on search engines.

Here are a few important web design tips that will set your website apart when it comes to ranking on search engines and selling your products and services.

1. Every web design should include the famous tags. There is no excuse for not including these in a web design from the outset. No matter what they say, tags have their say in the way search engines look at your website and no web design is complete without carefully chosen tags.

There are 3 important tags namely the Title tag, Description tag and the keywords tag. Each web page should have its own set of tags. What are these tags? These are words and phrases that are embedded in the HTML of the website and very easy to include in your web design.

Let us look at each of these tags.

2. The Title tag is an important part of web design for search engine optimisation. This tag is likely to be picked up by search engines and displayed as a result header when a visitor finds your website on a search engine. This tag also appears as the title that in the blue strip at the top of your browser.

A good web design will contain a short Title tag that includes the keywords you think visitors will use to find your site.

3. The Web design should also include the Description tag. This is a short description of what the web page is about and it often appears just below the title in search engine results. Although the importance of the Description tag in search engine ranking is uncertain, the description in a web design acts like a sales pitch. This is your opportunity to tell the visitor what the web page is about and why he or she should click on your website. Remember, web design is not just about building a website and getting it ranked. A good web design should do all this, get the visitor to click on your website when it is found and sell your products and services.

4. Let’s look at the Keywords tag. A lot of web designs contain a mass of supposed key words in the Keywords tag. Keywords are the words or phrases that visitors use to search for websites on search engines. A good web design practice is to have focussed and themed web pages. This means that each web page should be focused on one keyword at a time and this keyword should be in the web page Keyword tag. It is very important that the keywords used in the tag also appear in the body of the text.

5. The h1, h2 headers are also important elements of a good web design. Use h1 and h2 headers as these are read by search engines. Use them as high up on your web page as possible and where possible use the keywords in the h1 header. H1 headers are by default large fonts. It is possible to format these so they match the overall look of the web design and retain their header properties.

How open social will improve search engine rankings

Google’s Open Social and How it Will Revolutionize Search Engine Optimization Services. The social networks are becoming very popular not only for every day college kids, but also for businesses. Right now businesses are starting to enter in this network to discover there target markets and increase their business online success.

Find out how you can use Google’s Open Social, along with other social networks, to improve your search engine rankings.

If you have been following the social network arguments and “inner moves” among Google, Facebook and Microsoft, then you should have realized how important Social Networks are these days. People are flocking social networks; search engines, as well as other online companies saw the big potential of harvesting more user trending information from them, as well as the monetary benefits that come from posting advertising text or banners on them.

The Open Social move by the search engine giant, Google can bring about great benefits to online users and programmers. Web social application developers say that it is a great move for Google to open different social networks, and share applications among them. Others say that is very similar to the Open ID service and would greatly benefit users who wish to migrate or transfer their content from one social site to another. While others laud this achievement, others also see that this might be Google’s response to the Microsoft and Facebook advertising tandem which is strongly gaining ground in social networking, in fact it has passed the stage of being just another “hype”; it is now THE trend. Through it all however, Open Social will surely become another milestone in Search Engine Optimization Service.

Google has already been “in talks” with some social networks to fulfill the Open Social requirements, like Myspace, Friendster and LinkedIn. Google is hoping that this will spread like wildfire to other big social networks, with Facebook probably first in line. Google is starting another big revolution; right after it has stirred not just "ripples", but "waves" online with its pioneering campaign on Adsense. There’s always something great to expect from Google these days. Open Social will definitely be another crowd drawer that can improve search engine rankings.

The Open Social API will provide developers the capability to create working applications that can be used on different social networks, which greatly spell another move to entice other social sites to join in the Google bandwagon. This will certainly change the way social networks function, and will greatly create a whole new impact on search engine optimization services, focused entirely on the social network hype. In another point of view, this will invite a lot of application developers to swarm social networks where they can freely use the Google API to create and reshape different ideas, thus making social networks far more potent networking tools.

The Open Social move will revolutionize online social networks, and will aid in centralizing a typical user’s Google account data across different social networks, allowing for faster access or sign-up. This is apparently a GREAT thing to expect from Google that will have big benefits for web developers and users alike.

How to write a sizzling personal profile

Your profile is the first and perhaps the most important online dating tool. It is what makes prospects decide to contact you (or not to). Follow these tips to create a sizzling personal profile that stands out from the crowd.

1. First make a rough draft of your profile on a piece of paper or a word processing document like Word, WordPad, or WordPerfect etc. Write everything on this draft. Don't worry about length just yet.

2. Your user name is a representation of who you really are. It should anonymous but descriptive. If you are seeking a serious relationship, avoid suggestive names like "hotpants21" or "2hotnsexy". Also, avoid the trite and overused like "prince charming" or "Betty1625".

3. When picking a user name, it might help to zero in on an interest, activity or personality (examples, "friendly-n-affectionate", "cutesmile" etc.). Be original.

4. Know thyself. Ask your friends what they like about you or what sets you apart. What makes you good company? What are your most wonderful attributes? What is it like to be with you? Put it all down on your draft.

5. A photo is important. Surveys by dating sites indicate that you are 10 times more likely to be contacted if you have a picture in your profile. Post a good, decent photo. Just don't use a photo that no longer represents your present appearance: this irks online daters.

6. Be honest. Don't lie about your age (quite common online), appearance, education level etc. Be yourself and show them who really are.

7. Use a good headline. Make it positive, warm, open and descriptive. Avoid clichйs and overused phrases. Your headline should say something about you (example, "Cute lady loves outdoor life").

8. Be positive; avoid talking about your failed relationships or bad past experiences.

9. Say what you want. If you are seeking a serious relationship, or want to have kids with the right person in the future, say it. This will help draw compatible prospects.

10. Edit. It's time to cut the clutter or anything that's not important. People are busy, so try to make it short and sweet. Check your spelling and grammar, and refine your personal profile before finally submitting.

Lose weight in a week

Lose weight in a week? Everybody seems in such a hurry these days, and it does have to be said that a steadier approach is better. Nevertheless, it is certainly possible to lose weight in a week, and not just the odd pound, but a meaningful amount. Here's how you can lose weight in a week.

Tip 1

There is no question that it is possible to lose weight in a week, but exactly how much depends on various factors. How heavy you are when you start will determine the rate at which you can lose weight, and there are other factors which have an influence as well. Men have a greater muscle mass which helps them burn calories faster than women. On average, it should be comfortably possible to lose 5 or 6 lbs in one week.

Tip 2

However desperate you are, don't attempt too much. There is a limit to how much weight anyone, no matter how great their determination, can lose. If you are looking to lose over 20 lbs in a week just to fit into a party frock, then you are very unlikely to succeed. Set realistic goals, and make sure you check your progress every day. If what you are doing isn't working, you need to know about it as soon as possible, so you can make the necessary adjustments.

Tip 3

Choose your favorite exercise, and do plenty of it. If you are not normally the physically active type, then you may not have a favorite exercise. In this case, choose something which you will be prepared to do a lot of in order to achieve your cherished goal. You will need to be putting in the hours every day consistently and often if you want fast results! Jogging and cycling are great ways to burn off excess calories, and brisk walking is more gentle, but still effective. You will need to put in a few miles, though!

Tip 4

Tell people you can trust of your aims. Often people you know will be skeptical when you say you want to lose a certain amount of weight in a short time. You will not want the humiliation of having them proven right, but you will enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them admit they were wrong. Motivation is critical for any activity where strenuous effort is needed, and these are great carrot and stick motivators!

When you need to lose weight in a week, these tips will help you do just that. As ever, if you are going to attempt a dramatic change of lifestyle, it will be advisable to get advice from your own doctor. Click the links below for valuable resources to help you lose weight.

All about wedding rings

You get to the alter and you say your I do’s and it's time for the best man to present the wedding rings, he pats his top pockets then his bottom pockets and you stare at him getting worried that may be he has forgotten or lost the most important part of your wedding, the rings! But there they are in his inside pocket and he passes them over to you and a look of relief washes over your face!

Wedding rings are the be all and end all to any wedding, they are usually just plain gold bands and it is the engagement ring that has the diamonds. But some men like to spoil a woman and get her a wedding ring encrusted with diamonds. Like they say diamonds are a girl's best friend! The wedding rings are usually put on the fingers at the end of the vows and then there is the famous “kiss the bride” moment.

The wedding bands symbolize unity and a constant circle, they are you and your partner together through everything, thick and thin, sickness and health and everything else that a married couple in love will go through together but it means that although there may be rocky or bubbly parts you will still be together to the end and the circle will continue! Some mothers pass their wedding rings down to their daughters as a symbol of love and friendship, not when they are married of course, but when their husband passes away and they are left widowed.

Wedding rings are usually bought from a jeweller but they can be purchased second hand or even on the internet, yes the internet does sell everything these days! The most important part of the wedding is saying "I do" then slipping that ring onto the person that you love finger knowing that you will spend the rest of your life loving them and cherishing them, no day is more special than your wedding day!

Easy and delicious chocolate fondue

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Do you want to know how to make chocolate fondue the easy way? Doesn't even saying the words out loud, "Chocolate Fondue" make you want to swoon with ecstacy?

I mean, really! Who wouldn't love this decadent dessert? Forget the diet! And who says you have to wait for dessert? Treat yourself once in a while and have it for dinner! Why not? Life is short.

Since the Swiss take all the credit for making up this wonderous invention of fondue eating... it only stands to reason that continuing the practice would carry over to dessert.

I love chocolate. And anything that you can mix with it. So, learning how to make chocolate fondue for my friends and family was a real treat for me. And the idea of melting chocolate, adding things like nuts, or marshmellows, or fruit, or cake just sends me over the moon! And when you dive into these recipes for this dreamy dessert, you'll be joining me on the other side of that ol' moon.

Here's how to make chocolate fondue that will melt any choco-holic's heart:

What you'll need:

- 1 cup premium cocoa powder (ex:Scharffen Berger), sifted

- 1 1/4 cup water

- 1 1/2 cups sugar

- 1/4 cup corn syrup

- 1/2 cup plus 5 Tbsp heavy cream

- 5 oz 62% Scharffen Berger (premium semi-sweet chocolate), chopped

- Pound cake and fruit (ex. bananas, apples, strawberries, plums), cut into bite sized pieces

First, sift the cocoa into mixing bowl and set aside. When I was learning how to make chocolate fondue, I found out that sifting the cocoa is the real trick to making this recipe work. It helps create the smooth creamy texture that you want for serving.

Then, place the water, sugar, and corn syrup into a pot and bring to boil. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes until sugar solution has reduced by about 30%. Pour the cocoa powder a little bit at a time into the solution and blend with a whisk until nice and smooth.

Next, return the chocolate mixture to the stove and continue cooking over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, bring it to a boil and allow to simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in your chopped chocolate. Pour it all into a ceramic fondue pot or one appropriate and keep warm until ready to serve.

Presenting your fabulous chocolate fondue dessert with cut up pieces of cake and fruit is a wonderful way to end your evening with a bang!

It's rare to find someone who doesn't enjoy eating chocolate fondue. Here's one more super easy recipe to salivate over:

I can not get enough of this traditional Swiss chocolate fondue dessert. This recipe is very easy to make and you truly will swoon when you try it. Makes for a really good time whether it be for a dinner party dessert, or for some other festive occasion. Enjoy every little drop!

What you'll need:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)

- teaspoon vanilla

First, heat the cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until hot for about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the chocolate and stir until the consistency is smooth and the chocolate has melted. Stir in vanilla and transfer to a warm ceramic fondue pot.

Some great dippers for chocolate fondue are:

- apple slices

- sliced bananas

- flavored biscotti

- strawberries

- pound cake or angel food cake

- lady fingers

Try some of these variations for slightly different flavors:

You can substitute 2 to 3 Tbsp of kirsch, brandy, rum, or orange liqueur for the vanilla.

Enjoy!

Important: Please feel free to republish this article on your web site or in your ezine. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

Fireplace decorating

Fireplace decorating is more than just what you put on your mantel. It’s the culmination of your personal style that pulls your look together. A natural focal point because of its size and usually centrally-located position, the fireplace is an important place to start when you consider your dйcor.

Where do you start when decorating the fireplace? Start by surveying the fireplace itself. What do you see? Is your fireplace brick dark, ugly or just old, old, old? Worse, is it boring? Has it been painted by previous owners to a shade that makes you cringe? Brick paint or fireplace paint that’s specially-formulated to withstand the demands of a fireplace can wash over the drab, old brick—even if it’s been painted before—and completely revitalize your fireplace and your room. The process is easy, fun, and can be completed in a few hours. The cost is only a fraction of the price of re-facing or remodeling your fireplace and you’ll be surprised at the impact.

Now that you’ve brightened the masonry, step back and see how your mantel fits into your fireplace decorating project. Does it compliment or compete with the fireplace? What color is the mantel? Does it draw the eye with an attractive, clean style and finish? If not, see what other mantels might fit better.

Since the mantel is at eye-level, it’s natural that its decoration draws attention first. Heirloom, pictures, beautiful knick knacks and things dear to the heart will make the truest statement about your home. Artwork is always striking above your fireplace, so include unique displays like a single, bold piece in a beautiful frame, or try clustering smaller paintings or prints in asymmetrical groups for contemporary, interesting impact. You can also group items of similar shape or color on your mantel for a whimsical look, again trying differently symmetrical configurations since an aspect of incongruity is pleasing to the eye.

Now move to the hearth, the next area of your fireplace decorating project. Balance is the name of the game when it comes to your hearth, so try a potted plant or topiary on either side of your fireplace opening. Beautifully polished andirons also create a classic, balanced tableau. If your mantel displays candles, sculptures or vases in equal measure on each side, try shaking up the scene on your hearth with a stunning set of fireplace tools at one end, and a gleaming wood holder at the other. Those who prefer a sleek, bare look can try a simple, striking clock or a wreath hung over the mantel.

Fireplace decorating is important even if you don’t use your fireplace regularly. Placing a candelabra inside your empty fireplace adds a touch of personality and gives your fireplace a polished look. Seasonal variations like a cornucopia in the fall, a basket of pine cones in the winter, flower arrangements in the spring and even a collection of sea shells and driftwood in the summer make your fireplace a living part of your home.

As you move to the end of your decorating project, don’t forget form when thinking function. The very finish of your fireplace tool set, wood holder, andirons and firebacks pull together your complete look. If your living room style is understated and elegant, polished brass pieces always look smart. If you have a more casual dйcor, copper, bronze and even black iron tools look stylish, not fussy. More contemporary? Nothing says ‘modern’ quite like brushed pewter. Underscore your preference in finishes by choosing a matching fireplace screen, or the perfectly brilliant pair of glass fireplace doors, which work well for masonry, prefabricated and firebox insert fireplaces.

Fireplace decorating is the quickest, easiest way to pull together a total look for any room. If you create a warm, beautiful and inviting environment, you’ll find your fireplace becomes a focal point around which your family can’t wait to gather.

Fireplace Decorating Quick Tips:

* Paint the inside of your fireplace with black fireplace paint. This will cover any unsightly stains and make the opening look like new.

* Look to see if your mantle color competes with the overall look of your fireplace. No mantel? Try a pretty wreath instead.

* Balance your accessories. Try a large mirror in the middle and a topiary on each end. Or, a large picture in the middle and decorative vases or urns on each side. But remember, asymmetrical groupings can make interesting focal points, too.

* If you have a real wood burning fireplace or wood stove, a hearth rug will protect your floor from falling embers. Decorative fireplace tools are also a plus.

* If you don't use your fireplace, you can still decorate for a stylish, easy look. Try a large fern in the opening, or a candelabra.

* Seasonal fireplace decorating is always fun, and may be the easiest place to start. A collection of grape vines, white lights, small pumpkins and gourds creates a great fall look. Re-use those white lights with greenery and red candles for the merriest mantel during Christmas.

Writing help improve your writing by not writing

Every writer needs some help with their writing. Every writer can improve their writing. One simple technique you can use to improve your writing and better develop your writing process is to spend less time writing and more time thinking about your writing.

Many writers struggle with their early drafts simply because they have not allowed an idea enough time to simmer. Giving yourself time to brainstorm, sift and sort through ideas, and to both have and build upon creative inspirations is one of the keys to becoming a successful and productive writer.

It is best to work on this when you are away from your desk, your computer and any writing equipment (even something as simple as a paper and pencil) however that is the only rule about location. You can sit yourself on a park bench or in your car, you can take a walk or a jog, or you can perform some mindless household task such as vacuuming, folding clothes or washing dishes. There really are not rules as long as you can focus the majority of your brain power on your writing without the distractions of friends, family, or co-workers.

Even with today's hectic, busy days there are moments when we are alone with our thoughts and if you want to improve your writing then you should set aside at least a portion of those moments to focus on your writing. In fact, you might find that not only does this improve your work but it also allows you to multi-task by completing some other mundane task (or simply getting in your exercise for the day). I promise you that once you have focused your brain on your writing that you will see an increase in your productivity. You will actually spend less time in front of the computer (or notebook) but will deliver more quality writing in that shorter time.

It is important once you are set on a specific project that you focus your thoughts on that goal. If you are writing something short then focus first on the introduction, for example. If you are writing a novel or book then focus on one scene or section of a chapter. Create a movie in your head, and because it is your movie, do not overlook the sounds, smells, and textures that go along with it. Put yourself in the shoes of the characters of your movie so you can identify with them and feel their emotions. Play with words and sentences in your head. Get a feel for the rhythm of the language. Does it match the "movie" you created?

The more you work these elements over in your head then the easier it will be when you sit back down to write. Use your head to make writing easier for you and more effective as well.

The more time you spend thinking and planning your writing before you set out to work on your latest project the better.

Is it the valve or is it the cylinder whichever it s costing you a lot of money

Reducing air leaks in your plant can save thousands of dollars annually. Compressed air is one of the most costly forms of energy you can use in your plant, of course, it's one of the most versatile, fast and strong too.

When it's "quiet time" in the plant, wander around the machinery and listen. You will often hear the gentle (or perhaps not so gentle) hissing of air escaping from the exhaust port of your air valves.

The sound of compressed air "chewing up your dollars" as it wafts to atmosphere can be muted if your air valves have mufflers in the exhaust ports, but nevertheless, it can be heard.

Also, there are commercially available ultra-sonic compressed air leak detectors on the market. If your plant doesn't have a "quiet time", which would enable you to actually hear the leaks yourself, investing in an ultrasonic leak detector can bring substantial payback in energy savings.

Usually you'll have one air valve connected to one air cylinder. Usually that cylinder will be double acting - which means that it will have two air lines running to it, and as the air valve shifts back and forth, air will alternatively flow to the cylinder through one line or the other. When it's flowing into one line to the cylinder, the other line is allowing the air at the other end of the cylinder to flow through the valve to exhaust.

While an air valve and cylinder are doing work of course there will be air being exhausted continuously from the air valve exhaust ports.

It's when the machine is down, when it's doing no useful - and hopefully money generating work for you - that air should not be escaping through the valve exhaust ports. At this point that loss of compressed air is just that; loss - of profits - of money.

Inside, the two ends of the cylinder are separated by a piston. The piston is what drives the rod out and back as the cylinder cycles.

Around that piston will be an air seal that "crunches" between the side of the piston and the inside of the cylinder barrel, effectively stopping air from flowing by (bypassing) the piston.

In time that seal will wear, and air will start bypassing into the other side. This means that this air now has an open path from the supply side down the other air line to the valve, and thence to the exhaust port. And a gentle (or not so gentle) hiss occurs as your compressed air dollars exhaust to atmosphere.

Or....inside your air valve there is, too, a series of seals that normally prevent air from getting from the air supply side into the exhaust side of the valve, and then out the exhaust port. And that air, as it gently (or not so....etc. ) is pouring your compressed air dollars from the plant air supply.

So, which is it that's leaking; the seal around the piston in the cylinder, or the seal inside the valve that stops the incoming air from getting across to the exhaust port without going up to the cylinder?

Have a look at the cylinder. If the rod is out, air will be entering the air port at the rear of the cylinder. If the cylinder is in - retracted, the air will be coming into the cylinder at the rod end.

Take the air line that is charged, that is, the air line that is supplying air to the cylinder, and crimp it. Many air lines are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and it's quite easy to make a bit of a bend in the air line, effectively shutting off air to the cylinder.

Listen at the valve. If the air has stopped escaping the valve's exhaust port, then it's the seal in the cylinder that's at fault.

If, after ensuring that the air to the cylinder is completely stopped, air continues to exhaust from the exhaust port of the valve, then it's the seal inside the air valve that's at fault.

Regardless of which is the culprit, the air valve or the cylinder, get it fixed....fast! Compressed air costs a bundle. You don't want to waste it.

When to choose a certain satellite radio system

Many people rely on the information provided by newspaper articles, mail marketing and comments made by friends and relatives to know when to choose a certain satellite radio system over another. Most people are unaware of how a particular satellite radio system is organized so they are unable to make a decision that is based on how technologically advanced one system is over another.

The satellite radio system choices to date are Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio, WorldSpace and the Amateur Radio Satellite network. Many people know when to choose a satellite radio system because they did research on the Internet and found out which company has the most satellites in space at any given time. Some people think more satellites does not always mean better service though.

Other people know when to choose a satellite radio system by realizing what they need to buy to get the satellite radio transmission into their homes. Further equipment might be required by some satellite radio systems to get the satellite radio transmission to work at the beach, a field, or from a construction site that is surrounded by high-rise apartment complexes.

Many people are able to choose a satellite radio system because one might not require any technical knowledge to set the system up. So it pays to look into just what is needed for any area of your life that you might choose to use satellite radio systems. Many people have to consider the financial cost to subscribe to a satellite radio system because after all, they can get radio transmissions free from their local radio station if the satellite radio transmission option is deemed too pricey.

Some of the satellite radio systems offer simple transmitters that are easy to use. Some of the transmitters have larger buttons that could prove useful when driving at night. Some people find that they must rearrange shrubbery in their yards to accommodate some very elaborate satellite radio transmitters because the satellite radio systems will not operate properly without a clear line of sight to get the satellite radio transmission into your home.

One of the largest factors that people take into consideration when they try to determine when to choose a satellite radio system for their world, are the number of radio channels that are offered on each of the satellite radio systems today. Some of the satellite radio stations only offer 50 channels of audio sound that is crystal clear, and the other satellite radio systems have 100 or more channels that people can choose from to receive music and news transmission from.

A guys holiday gift guide for women

Use this online Gift Guide for women to help you avoid scrambling through the mall buying presents the day before they’re unwrapped. Of course, it helps to know what that special woman in your life wants, or has hinted at wanting for the holidays, so you don’t have to walk around aimlessly as another zombie in the fellowship cult of holiday mall shoppers. Why not shop from the convenience of your own home online at Shoebuy. com? This way, finding all the ideal gifts for the most important women in your life is easy, and we know guys like shopping when it’s easy. At Shoebuy. com you have the luxury of free shipping, free returns, no sales tax, 110% price guarantee, secure purchasing, and live customer service. Here are some suggestions of the hottest items during this time of year from Shoebuy. com.

Giddy Up

Lasso a pair of cowboy boots for your special lady with a pair of

Born Shavano’s. These boots will give you that on the ranch impression while keeping your feet feeling great. These sensible but supremely stylish boots look as good as they work and also protect against the elements and the fashion police alike. For those knee-high occasions, treat her with a pair of Naturalizer Vander boots. This tailored casual Naturalizer boot has a 2" heel with a shaft that is 11" and the circumference is 14”, and the inside zipper allows her easy on/off access.

Slip Into Something More Comfortable

For those relaxing days around the house when it’s just too frigid to venture outside, help her relax and feel warm and comfortable with a pair of Women’s Daniel Green Dormie. These beautiful, elegant and imported slippers are combined with extreme comfort and slip on slides with stitched insole. These slippers also happen to come in 6 different colors for her choice.

Give Her a Hand

For those special romantic evenings together, provide her with a gift that will compliment her dress. The Women’s SAK Fiona Top Zip can do just that, with its leather shoulder bag and layered leather accents, it also provides her with lining features cell phone and multifunction and zippered pockets so she can always answer your calls.

Cherish the Time

Don’t let time pass you by when it comes to celebrating the holidays with her. Make sure you let her know how much you value your time together with EOS Watches Techno. The Techno is a sleek, stylish model featuring a shiny polished oversized case with a wide genuine black leather strap so she can count down the minutes until you see each other again.

Take Her Away

Ready for your winter vacation to a warm and exotic climate? Help her pack everything she needs for the beach and sun with McKlein Addiction travel luggage. The McKlein Addison features separate compartments to pack clothing for overnight trips, laptop and documents, and a separate compartment for shoes, because we all know how women love their shoes.

The holiday season is upon us and there’s no reason to get caught up in all the madness that is mall shopping. Shoebuy. com has everything you need for the women in your life from the convenience of your own home. Check out the Gift Guide and see for yourself.

Yacht charter 6 top tips for a safe and pleasurable vacation

So you have decided you want to go on the perfect vacation you have always dreamt of – chartering a yacht. Before you go ahead and consult a specialist, you should read carefully the following tips, and then right them down on a piece of paper along with the things you really want to experience during your charter and what you want to do.

The tips

Tip. 1

You should see chartering a yacht just as a classroom, and in order to understand what the teacher is talking about, you must be correctly informed. In this case the charter agent is the teacher.

WMT – this means Western Mediterranean Terms. It includes chartering equipment and the yacht, insurance for the yacht and the crew, wages and food for the crew. All other commodities such as consumable stores, harbor charges, food and beverages, pilotage fee and any charge made on-land such as electricity or water, communications and laundry, will be supported by the charterer.

SEMT – it means Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms. The fee includes: the obvious chartering of the entire yacht and equipment, crew wages and food, insurances for the yacht, fuel for a set course or a specified numbers of hours/day, electricity or water taken form shore and harbor taxes. Other cost will be charged to the charterer as follows: consumable stores, beverages and food, harbor expenses besides the preset ones, communications, laundry and fuel for tenders such as ski-boats.

SCT – it means Standard Caribbean Terms. every expense listed in the WMT and SMET paragraphs are included in the fee, as well as every piece of food served on the yacht. Also, there are extra charges you should be aware of, such as the wines and anything found in the bar, special activities equipment such as scuba-diving equipment and marina berthing.

GT – it means Greek Terms. They include chartering of the yacht and equipment, crew food and wages, third party claims insurance for the yacht, harbor taxes while in Greece, and ship’s laundry. Food, beverages communications and fuel will be charged as well.

Now, that you know the terms and specifications, when you will go and see your chartering operator, you will know what is he talking about, but, to be even further informed you should know the following.

Tip. 2

Before you decide what kind of yacht to hire, ask yourself what do you expect from the holiday. First, and foremost, if you want to hire a yacht, you should be a man who like sumptuous surroundings. Then, do you want to host parties for your friends while you are docked at some of the most fashionable marinas? Or maybe you just want to relax in a private cove while reading your favorite book. Maybe, you want to learn exciting water sports? These are the type of questions to ask yourself, before anyone else.

Tip. 3

Depending on the type of person you are (and only you know this), you should decide on what will you be chartering – a motor yacht or a sailboat. While sailboats are slower and perfect for the romantic type, and for the one who is really in love with the sea, the motor boats give you the luxury and incredible yacht lifestyle.

Tip. 4

Friends. Think ahead of the number of friends you will be having with you, and to the size of the parties you will throw in order to anticipate the size and configuration of what you will be chartering.

Tip. 5

Calculate the time you want to spend on your yacht, because this will be critical when you will want to go to the many places the sea has to offer, no matter where you are.

Tip. 6

Make reservations early before going, since during the holidays the yacht are booked up to a year in advance, and in some cases even more.

These tips come to aid you in your perfect holiday quest. They are not meant to replace the information given by an agent, but to complete it. I hope you have fun.

Understanding color printing jargon

Do you know the difference with colors? For most people, a color is a color. But for a professional who uses colors for a living, there are more to it.

Printers are well aware of the difference processes in color printing. Let’s talk about this color printing processes so you would understand what each means.

Most color print projects use either spot colors or process colors. In every project, budget plays a large role in the decision as well as the printing method and the design elements used in the layout. As a rule of thumb, a couple of spot colors will definitely cost less than a four-color or process color printing. However, when you use full color photos, a more expensive color process may be your best option.

What are spot colors? As I’ve said before, spot colors are cheaper than the full color ones. When do you use spot colors? Well, there are several guidelines to determine whether spot colors would do the trick. Here are a few:

- If your publication has no full-color photographs.

- If your publication needs a color that cannot be accurately reproduced. This includes CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) inks which are often used for precise color matching of a corporate or logo color.

- If you’re printing a specific color on something that requires page to page color consistency.

- If you’re using a much larger space such as that of your poster, spot color can provide that even consistency look in your marketing ad.

- Spot color can give you a more vibrant color than the CMYK can produce in your color printing ad.

- Or if your ad needs special effects that requires producing inks such as metallic or fluorescent ones.

On the other hand, you’ll definitely need to apply process colors, e. g. CMYK inks, when…

- Your ad has full color photographs in it.

- Your ad has graphics that require producing multi-color inks.

You’ll then have to produce many color inks if you use spot color instead of the process colors.

- And if you need more than two spot colors in your ad, it is better to apply process color instead. Most of the time, you can save on costs with process colors than using four or more spot colors to produce your shade.

And if you have an ad that has photographs that integrates both spot colors and process colors, you can always use both applications. This is especially true in your logo color. For better results, ask your color printing company so you’ll be sure to have the best application to produce the colors you need for your marketing campaign.

A review of bontonmairimnam restaurant

On my current vacation in Khon Kaen, Thailand, I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite restaurants.

I wanted to take my girlfriend's mother out to dinner and was told lunch would be a better idea. Not one to argue, I agreed.

My lady asked me where I wanted to take her mom for lunch and the choice was simple. Having been to Khon Kaen a few months ago, I told my girl that I wanted to go to Bontonmairimnam Restaurant.

This is a small restaurant just outside the city limits and right on the bank of a river. It is cool and peaceful and has small, individual eating areas in gazebo-like wooden structures.

There is usually a cool breeze running through this outdoor restaurant and today was no exception. After ordering a couple of cokes, some water, and a cold beer, it was time to study the menu.

Fortunately for me, the menu is in Thai and English. This is unusual for the area and especially for a restaurant so far away from the few English-speaking tourists that visit Khon Kaen.

After poring over the menu, decisions by all were made. We placed out order to the very attentive young lady servers and chit-chatted while we waited for our lunch.

Within 5 minutes or so, the parade of food started to arrive. Boiled eggs, spicy papaya salad, oyster salad, squid, vegetables, and steamed rice arrived. I had to wait a couple of more minutes for my fried dishes.

Soon, my fried shrimp and onion rings and spring rolls arrived. I had already started with the food that the ladies ordered, as all is shared.

Picking from eight different plates and complimenting them with the rice on my plate, the food just kept on coming.

Conversation and drinks continued to flow and we ate and ate and ate. The pace was slow, the breeze lightly setting off the wind chime, and the river flowed behind me.

Continuing to eat, it was time to order another beer from one of the girls hovering near our table. She got it in an instant, and poured me another cold one.

After dinner goodies were available, but none of us could eat another morsel. From veggies to seafood, to salads and friend shrimp, it was all delicious.

A final bottle of water was ordered to wash it all down and some more relaxing conversation continued.

It was time to head back to the hotel so I called for the bill and since I had been here before, was not surprised. The grand total was 860 Baht, or roughly, 27 US dollars for 8 dishes, 2 large beers, 2 cokes, and a bottle of water. Adding a small, 40 baht tip and we had a feast for under 30 dollars.

One of the many reasons I love Thailand.

Online shopping - mallratz the latest craze

A new era in online shopping has finally arrived. Online shopping like is was always meant to be. Mallratz simplifies the whole experience. Prices so affordable it is almost unbelievable.

To be hip or not to be that is the question ? All the best deals all the time. Subscribe to their newsletter and receive the latest offers before anyone else does.

Now the era has arrived where you can wear what you want to when you want to. No more excuses. So add the site to your bookmarks. This is you one stop online shopping site.

Issues you will confront when using third parties to build out sites

Nearly every ecommerce site revolves around a database to support inventory, listings and transactions. Building out the database can be a challenge. Here is what to expect.

Issues You Will Confront When Using Third Parties To Build Out Sites

Experienced web site database developers will leave plenty of time for debugging, troubleshooting and the unexpected instances. Even the best database development companies will run into set backs along the way though. Ensuring that you work with your developer to achieve a realistic time line is very important. At times, a database development company may estimate a project overly optimistically to win a bid. Choosing a company based on the shortest time line can often lead to trouble.

Also, relying on a deadline to be met can cause trouble if unforeseen occurrences pop up. Often these occurrences are the result of the originator of the work not foreseeing a business process necessary for the system. 'Oh by the way, for that auction you're working on, I also need integrated forums so that every auction item can have a forum thread.' This type of added on item is sure to stretch a timeline. If you are not realistic in dealing with timelines, relations between developer and originator can sour easily.

Another favorite of database developers is the old agree on a proposal in October, client disappears for six months, then show up and expects the same timeline. Obviously if a developer estimates a project will take four months, waiting to start the project may result in delays because other clients will have come along.

Another favorite of web database developers is the push to show progress. If the originator of a project pushes for an update in undue time, a developer may rush to get to the coding and show an update. The first steps are the architecture of the whole system. This includes planning where data is stored, how it is most efficiently referenced and how the system can be expanded. Just like a construction worker needs a solid blueprint, the database coder and designers need a solid plan before building. Insisting on a plan for your database and not a code update is a good step to avoiding the pitfall of a poorly planned database.

Designing a database driven web site for heavy traffic takes considerably more time than designing a database for low traffic sites. Designing a database for heavy traffic sites generally involves designing processes to minimize hits on the database. For starters, don't even think about storing images in your database. Instead, store references to your images.

Moving beyond the novice level of database architecture, one can reduce database hits by publishing flat HTML pages from the database periodically, so the database is not hit on each page access. Advanced web database architecture for high traffic sites might include publishing flat pages for often searched terms to once again reduce hits on the database. Slow databases kill sites, so limiting access wherever possible is important.

Similar to high traffic site considerations, search times can be dramatically reduced by designing databases for high volume traffic. A simple example is to have a separate table just for keywords that are likely to be searched that references the related pages to those keywords. This allows a search function to search this small table of keywords as opposed to one large table of pages with all of the content in it. This concept can be related to a card catalog in the library. Instead of reading every book on the shelf, one can simply go through the card catalog and find the specific book one needs.

You need backups. Automated backups at that. If things can go wrong, they will go wrong. At the worst possible moment. That is just how it is.

With backups, there are several types. You can have a RAID system that will mirror hard drives. You can also have a server-to-server backup system that transfers data to another system. There can also be a secure download backup automated from a local machine.

Security is of course a huge issue with any web database. Even if one is simply storing personal data with no financial information, the database can be a target of spammers or identity thieves. There are a myriad of different security methods. Of those, encryption of data should be used, not just during transfer through an SSL, but in the database as well. Keeping forms secure is also very important. A periodic security audit on any major web database system is essential.

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." This statement is as true with web databases as any part of life. Perhaps the Unforeseen Instance is an extra requirement that only became apparent after the project was started. Perhaps it's a hard drive going bad at just the wrong time, or maybe even the dog ate your...laptop. Whatever it is, the Unforeseen Instance is almost inevitable, so be sure to put away a little extra time for this.

To wrap things up, when working with database developers, first ensure they have a solid work history designing databases. Be sure to insist on architecture and not to push your designer into rushing the project. Make sure to have a plan for backups and go over your security time and time again.

Hello from ottawa - part 6 - the 26th annual bedzzz races on dow s lake

When I was making my travel plans to Ottawa I had a look at all the events that are part of Winterlude, Ottawa's Winter Festival, and there was one event that caught my attention right away: the 26th Annual Bed Race at Dows lake.

After a nourishing breakfast at the Lord Elgin Hotel, Theresa and I laced up our skates and made our way on the longest skating rink in the world, the 7.8 km long Rideau Canal Skateway, to Dows Lake, where the Bed Race was going to be held.

I looked for the organizers to get a bit more information about this event and I was able to connect with Steve Georgopoulos, one of the main organizers from the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, the organization that has been organizing the Bed Race for the last few years. Steve is also the General Manager of the Les Suites Hotel in Ottawa and has been instrumental in getting this special event off the ground.

The motto of the Kiwanis International is "Serving the Children of the World", and they do this in a number of ways, from providing hands-on service to organizing fundraising events. Steve talked about the great sense of camaraderie that develops when people come together and donate their time to help others.

Steve explained that the race has been part of the Winterlude Festival for the past 28 years. It was originally run by the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and revived in 2003 by the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa after the Ice Storm nixed the race in 2001, and a short hiatus in 2002.

This year the race will raise approximately $50,000 and the 2006 proceeds will go to the Kiwanis Read-A-Thon. The Precious Minds Read-a-thon is an event that is designed to encourage children to become better readers. And it does so by inspiring them to read more often, try out new books and have fun while they are doing it.

The Read-A-Thon is in its third year and the Kiwanis Club provides new books for libraries in various schools. So far 47 schools have been included with a total of 17,000 students. An estimated 100,000 books are to be read.

40 teams entered this year, and they came from a wide variety of organizations, including the Ottawa Police, the Fire Fighters, 5 teams from the local Algonquin College, a number of teams from local hotels such as the Lord Elgin Hotels, Les Suites and teams from other local companies. Steve mentioned that there even is a family that has entered the bed racing competition, 5 cousins whose mothers are sisters with a common grandfather. They entered for the first time last year to celebrate a family member's 80th birthday, just something special to do....

Of course there are very specific rules for this event: the beds entered in the competition have to be no smaller than 1.8 m by 0.9 m (6 by 3 feet), and they have to have a frame, head board and foot board. The frame must be made of metal for safety reasons. Mattresses are not required, although the springs must be covered. And the bed must be on wheels, skis or skates are not acceptable.

The teams can win in one of three categories: speed, decor and fundraising. Of course everybody wins since the proceeds of this event go to a great cause. The title sponsor of the 2006 event is a company called Bedzzz, and the presenting sponsor is Allstream, a network solutions provider.

The event was emceed by Max Keeping, a true Ottawa celebrity and respected community leader. Max is the evening anchor of the 6 pm Ottawa News on CTV and I had a chance to talk to him a little. Max is originally from Newfoundland and has lived in the Ottawa area for many years and is very proud to promote his chosen home town. He welcomed the large group of onlookers to the Bedzz Races by referring to Ottawa as "Every Canadian's second home town".

We also had a chat about Winterlude and that it is an amazing festival. Rather than allowing people to gripe about the long tough winter, it gets everybody out on the streets and on the canal to party to celebrate the great things that winter has to offer.

After the introductory remarks, the races got underway, with many rounds of elimination to narrow down the field to the eventual winners. There is no doubt that some of the beds weren't constructed for aerodynamics, as a matter of fact, some of the contraptions seemed to somewhat disintegrate out on the racetrack.

The teams made a valiant effort to push the beds down the icy raceway, and depending on the design of the wheels, some teams just flew down to the finish line, while others, particularly the ones with very small wheels, took their sweet time to reach the finish.

Steerability was another issue: some of the beds had a hard time staying on track and it was very prudent for the photographers to get out of the way when these out-of-control vehicles came careening toward the finish area. Some of the racers pushing the beds lost traction and were sliding all over the frozen lake on their rear ends. At certain points I had a hard time taking pictures because I was actually laughing so hard. This wasn't helped by the fact that I was the only reporter on skates documenting this event. But skating is part of the true Winterlude experience and I was definitely experiencing the real thing.....

Well, a travel writer's job is never over: I had another event on my schedule - the Fire and Ice Culinary demonstrations at Confederation Park. So much to my chagrin I had to leave the bed race behind and make my way back about 7 km on the Rideau Canal. I found out later that the team from Apollo Property Management had won the fundraising competition, while the International Union of Elevator Constructors - Local 96 was the fastest bed. The best decorated bed was won by the Gordon Group, with Les Suites Hotel a close second.

All in all the bed race was a great event, the teams had fun, the audience saw a great hilarious spectacle, and a good chunk of money was raised for a great cause.

For the entire article including photos please visit

travelandtransitions. com/stories_photos/ottawa_bedzz_races. htm

Home improvement with portable air purifiers

Most of us have heard of the importance of air purifiers in the home. No matter how much you clean, there is always something floating in the air. Toxins from cleaners, air fresheners, aerosol spray bottles, pet dander, dust, mold, etc. But what if you need to travel and still want fresh air? This is where a portable air purifier comes into play. When you need to leave home and go into a crowded airport, movie theater, waiting room, etc you can now wear a portable air purifier around your neck or on your shirt pocket and breathe much easier.

The portable air purifier works in a similar way to a standard air purifier. But it creates a zone in front of the mouth, nose, and eyes and repels the dust, smoke, pollen, allergens, dander, and anything else light enough to float in the air (up to .3 to 3 microns). Testing also reveals that the portable air purifier kills many germs that are not repelled before being breathed in. The level of toxicity does not affect how well the air purifier works. It repels or kills all germs and toxins, no matter how potent. This is a great way to avoid spreading viruses. Wearing a surgical mask protects to a point, but the viruses stick to the mask. The portable air purifier does not store the impurities.

There are numerous testimonies of people who have used air purifiers and noticed an immediate improvement in health. If you have allergies or sensitivity it is especially important when traveling to use a portable air purifier. During flu season and allergy season this really comes in handy. Instead of getting drugged up to feel better, avoid accessing these germs and allergens in the first place. One mother mentioned that before they got their air purifier the family would pass the flu around until everyone got it. Since they purchased the air purifier, they no longer take turns with the flu. Doctor’s offices and hospitals are especially prone to indoor pollution. Remember to take your portable air purifier to your next doctor’s appointment. It is better to prevent than treat.

Portable air purifiers are less expensive than standard air purifiers. The portable air purifier can run on lithium batteries or you can use the fast charger and a set of rechargeable batteries for unlimited use. Currently there is research being done to target even smaller particles down to the size of the influenza virus (.04 microns). The results look promising, but are still preliminary. Portable air purifiers are small, lightweight, and can be worn around the neck on clipped to a shirt pocket. A breath of fresh air is now for sale.

Cheap and lightweight backpack alternatives

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Ultralight backpackers are always looking for the lightest backpacks. Unfortunately, lighter usually means more expensive when it comes to backpacking gear. There are some ways around this, though, for those on a tighter budget. There are ways to buy a lightweight backpacker cheaper, and also ways to make them. The latter is easier than you might think.

Making A Cheap Lightweight Backpack

There are some, like ultralight backpacking guru Ray Jardine, who sew their own backpacks. I have sewn some backpacking gear and clothing before, and I can tell you from experience that unless you are extremely skilled at sewing, it isn't likely to come how you expect it to. Also unless you want to become an expert at sewing, making a backpack this way takes too much time for the money saved. It would be better to just work an extra shift at your job and buy a good pack.

Don't give up on making a lightweight backpack yet, though. There is another way. I made a backpack that weighs just two pounds even, and it is a full frame-and-hipbelt pack. It started with an old frame pack I have had since I was fourteen-years-old. I removed the old pack, which had been chewed by mice and was beyond repair. Now I was ready to build my new backpack

The straps and hip belt were still good, fortunately. The frame was aluminum, and surprisingly light by itself. I took a large nylon duffel bag, which by itself only weighs eight ounces, and filled it full of my gear. Then I simply used bungee cords to attach it too the frame (zipper out) and it was ready. For the cost of a $15 duffel bag, I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot, but weighed just two pounds.

Buying A Cheap Lightweight Backpack

There are several ways to buy cheap lightweight backpacks. Waiting for a good sale comes to mind, but there are quicker ways. Here are five of them.

1. Try backpacking or other outdoor forums that allow people to sell their gear, like whiteblaze. net. Forums are nice, because you can easily ask the owner questions about the pack.

2. Try Ebay or other online auction sites. I have seen some nice backpacks go pretty cheap on Ebay.

3. Thrift stores sometimes have cheap lightweight backpacks. More often, they have day packs and big old packs, but think creatively. I've seen old frame packs at thrift shops, and realized that I could toss the pack, and use the frame with a duffel bag, as described above.

4. Buy used backpacks at rummage sales. Look for ads that mention outdoor gear. If you call first, to see if they have a backpack you want, you may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Shop early, and negotiate. I sold my almost-new Kelty frame-pack for fifteen dollars at my garage sale.

5. Fortunately, unlike with other gear, lighter backpacks are often cheaper than the heavy ones to begin with. Lighten the load, and you can save money too. Frame-less ultralight backpacks usually weigh less than two pounds and are often on sale for under one hundred dollars. My own Go-Lite lightweight backpack weighs just thirteen ounces, and it was also a cheap backpack, on sale for just eighty dollars when I bought it.

A desperate matter - spirituality information

Tom was a wonderful human being. He was kind, caring and helpful to all those who sought his assistance. The only problem was that most of us did not like to be around Tom. Much as he tried to be a "good" person, there was always an aura of doom and gloom around him. It didn't matter whether he was speaking with you on the phone or sitting across the table from you, you just would get the feeling that the world was coming to an end or that your life would be in a terrible mess. Were you to spend an hour with Tom, you'd feel that all your energy was drained out of you.

Now, mind you, as I said earlier, Tom was a caring person. The problem was, however that Tom carried around with him a "cloud of negativity" born of desperation. His was definitely a desperate matter. It didn't just stop when he got off the phone. The emptiness in your stomach, the low energy would persist for quite a while until you eventually forgot about him. That is how powerful the feeling of desperation is. It has the power to turn off the brightest light in our lives.

Desperation broadcasts a very strong message to all within our sphere of influence. It even goes beyond that to people who are meeting you for the first time. Business associates tend to shun you, partners want to avoid you, everyone -- even little children -- feel uncomfortable around you.

So what do you do if situations and circumstances seem hopeless and your fears force you into desperation? Simple, but not easy. First, try to slow your thoughts down. You are desperate because of the incessant, negative self-talk, which has taken over your entire being. Slow the internal conversation down. Take a break from whatever you're doing -- even if it's for a few minutes.

Next, breathe deeply a few times, not any special count like breathe in for a count of seven, hold for a count of five and then breathe out for a count of seven. Do that if you want, but it's not necessary. Just slow breathing, in and out, will lower the tension in the body, mind and spirit to a more manageable pace. Realize that things are as they are, but can be changed. You can change them by becoming quiet within yourself and then listening to the feelings you have. Ask yourself if there is anything you can do about the problem at this moment.

You will get one of two answers. Either "yes" or "no." If the answer is "yes," go ahead and do what you can. If the answer is "no," then go do something else or maybe even nothing. This simple exercise is a practice in patience and will tune-up the mind and make it possible for you to find creative ways for your problem to be resolved. And it will be resolved in ways that sometimes may seem magical.

Now, I realize it is not easy to conquer desperation with the flip of a switch or the snap of the fingers. Having been in the middle of it many times, I discovered that it generally takes courage and practice to overcome. Of course, most of us can't stop worrying by telling ourselves not to worry.

But we can put a time limit on it. A simple trick I use is this: I acknowledge that the situation is bad and I say to myself, "John, this seems to be really terrible -- really, really bad. But it may only appear that way because you're desperate and scared right now. It's OK to be scared for a little while. However, don't spend all day being frightened or desperate. Take 30 minutes, an hour, even a few hours if you like. Be as desperate as you want for that period of time. Then drop it and go on with other things." Just practice this whenever you feel scared and desperate.

And Tom, what about Tom? Well, He continues to call. He's exhausted all the time. Desperation, you see, consumes all his energy. I tried to show him that there is always hope, that his problems would let go of him when he got quiet enough to loosen his grip and let go of them. I tried to teach him to breathe slowly and to get quiet inside. He listened, became quiet for ten seconds and went right back to worrying.

Other friends tried to help him, but he would not let go of his problems. I came to believe that Tom thought he would have no purpose here on Earth if he did not have things to worry about. I tried to tell him that it was fine to be happy and that we did not need anything to make us happy. But he would not let go and give himself permission to be happy.

Investing wisely avoids scammers

When considering a bad credit auto loan, don’t really focus on the word “bad.” While the term bad does sound negative, in our credit card obsessed world more and more people are living beyond their means and ultimately can end up with a bad mark or two on their credit history. It really is the nature of the beast. Bad credit car loans may be your best alternative when you find yourself in a situation where you need a newer, more reliable vehicle.

What exactly is a bad credit auto loan? This is a financial tool that enables individuals with poor or bad credit to purchase a new or used car. Keeping in mind that poor or bad credit makes it incredibly difficult to obtain items via lines of credit, the bad credit auto loan is set up to assist a high-risk borrower with obtaining the necessary loan, but often at a sub-prime interest rate or with additional loan origination fees.

Selecting a lender and/or dealer wisely is the first step to deciding whether this type of loan is an option for you. Often individuals with a poor credit history will feel pressured and overwhelmed by the lack of opportunities for credit and will accept the first deal that is presented to them. There are dealers the will prey on just that reaction and so it is important to shop around and look for dealers or lenders that do not have bad reputations. Whether or not you have made past mistakes, this is still ultimately your money you are investing and you should shop around carefully and choose wisely who to trust it with.

Next, know how the math works when drawing up auto loan contracts. The loan is likely to have a higher interest rate attached to it, and the rate of depreciation is also a factor. Look at cars that are approximately two to three years old because they are in the best position to hold their value and provide the more preferable trade deals.

Finally, although it is easy to feel desperate when faced with the necessity for a car loan and trying to work within the confines a poor or bad credit rating, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. The main thing is to not allow yourself to be taken advantage of. There are good sides to everything in the world of debt relief, even bad auto credit loans. It just takes a little care and homework to find them.

Calpe memorable experience north of alicante

Calpe is the ideal vacation destination on Spain’s Costa Blanca along the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful, small village is only a short twenty minute drive to the very popular vacation hotspot of Benidorm. Some have called Calpe by its name “Calpe” to reflect its tall, jagged-edge rock while the Phoenicians called the town Ifach meaning north. Ultimately, the entire town of Calpe was known as the north craggy rock with Gibraltar as its most southern point. It is located north of Altea and south of Denia and took advantage of its prime location along the coast when it inducted its first hotel. Celebrities, such as Hemingway, have been known to stay at the hotel.

Once you are in Calpe, you will note that the beautiful beach is not its main attraction but rather the Penon de Ifach, the steep rock formation referred to above. The Penon de Ifach is one of Spain’s smallest natural parks. It was declared a natural park in 1987 due to its three hundred types of vegetation and colonies of birds in need of protection from this small fishing village’s rapid growth. The park is about thirty-five hectares in size and has a beautiful landscape. The martin birds, silver seagull and plants unique to this park are closely protected due to their close call with extinction. The top of this rock formation provides an unforgettable view of the Costa Blanca, though not everyone will feel comfortable nor capable of climbing to the top. You can reach the top by changing directions in a zig-zag pattern as well as utilizing a tunnel built in 1918. Admission to the park is free, but note that during Easter week and the summer season you must obtain a ticket due to a limited number of people who can go up each hour. If you have always wanted to try mountain climbing, climbing the Penon de Ifach is definitely something you will want to try as it is a breathtaking view and experience.

If your travel plans to Calpe included catching a flight to the Valencia airport, you will have approximately a sixty-five mile (105 kilometers) drive to the town of Calpe. If your flight takes you to the Alicante airport, your trip to Calpe will be significantly shorter at approximately thirty-eight miles (61 kilometers). Regardless of the airport you choose, you can use the National Highway N-332 which is no charge to use or the A-7 Pay Highway which is a much safer and faster drive. The bus service from either airport is also a transportation option in reaching Calpe.

As in all areas in the Costa Blanca, there are many accommodation types from which to choose. For nature lovers or those with a limited budget, camping or basic hotels may be the way to go. Clean, economical hotels costing about 45 euros would cost about 80 euros directly by the Penon de Ifach with beach front hotels costing up to 150 euros.

Indian gurus and unsafe yoga camp

Yoga - the oldest system of personal development needs no introduction nowadays. Its popularity can be estimated by the fact that more than 15 million people practice yoga in USA alone. Almost every health club in a country like UK has yoga classes. In India where the yoga system was originated it was not practiced on mass level until couple of years ago. Of course, yoga was taught as a free service for years by organization like Bhartiya Yog Sansthan in public park but never before as an unquestionable and unsafe mass hysteria.

Recently with the help of TV channels the whole concept of Yoga has rejuvenated in India. Baba Ramdev Ji, the Indian ‘yoga guru’ has started teaching yoga to the masses to the extent of millions of people.

It is really good that now people in India are developing healthy habits by waking up early in the morning followed by energizing yoga practice, thanks to TV channels and Baba Ramdev. As Yoga exercises have tremendous physical and medical benefits which help people to get rid of various diseases, it is good that those TV channels and Baba Ramdev and others are doing marvelous work to help the nation to get rid of diseases.

However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: ‘Are all yoga exercises safe to teach through the TV media and can the same exercise be taught to all people with various health conditions?’

“This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial” said Subodh Gupta, Yoga expert from India.

Let us understand how:

There are some breathing exercises like simple alternate nostril breathing (without holding the breath), which can be taught easily without much complications and have various benefits. However, at the same time some of the exercises, for example: kapalabhati breathing technique which is taught to the masses is quite questionable. “This exercise even though having tremendous benefits, can be equally dangerous if somebody has heart disease or problem related to hernia” said Subodh. ‘Will it help or rather make the hernia and heart problem worse?’ considering the fact that many Indians suffer from hernia and heart problem. For example, according to the ‘National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse’ (NDDIC), potential causes for hernia include anything that creates increased pressure in the abdomen. This includes: coughing, vomiting, straining/constipation, etc. Now considering this information what about the forceful exhalation which people do while practicing kapalabhati or other pranayama exercises and how far these can be dangerous for people having hernia? Perhaps medical expert can better answer this question in more details.

Similarly there are number of other yoga postures which require great precautions. As we all have different body structures and different fitness level, conducting same exercises (apart from very few which are comparatively safe) for 30000 people in a camp without checking their medical conditions is quite questionable.

Also ‘Are the instructions about kapalabhati and other yoga exercises safely delivered by Gurus?’ ‘Are they ensuring that people are following their practices safely?’ ‘Is it really safe for the beginner to learn yoga only through the TV channels?’

“Well, it is a serious question for the swami Ramdev Ji and others who are teaching yoga to masses to answer” said Subodh Gupta.

If seems that in India there is no governing body which understands the fragility of adverse impact of yoga exercises if done in improper way. No doubt yoga is effective for treating various diseases and a noble effort has been taken by Swami Ramdev and organizations like Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana but unless these exercises are not done in a proper system and with supervision, the whole concept of yoga teaching will become more of mockery or maybe it has already become. Perhaps in near future when the ill effect of unsafe yoga practice will come to the limelight, the media will come up with great news stating that 50 or 100 million Indians are making fun with yoga everyday in front of TV and playing with their health.

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, for all those who are beginners and are learning yoga through TV, video cassette, DVD or in camps with hundreds of other people.