Colorful Black Labradors

Out of all of the different types and colors of Labradors, the black Labrador is one of the most popular. Black Labradors are usually solid black in color. They are sleek and graceful looking animals. They are a large breed of dog and must be taken seriously because they can harm small children or frail individuals because they have so much enthusiasm for life and they want to play with everyone. However, black Labradors are very smart and they learn quickly. They can be trained quite easily not to jump up on people or cause other problems because of their energy levels and large size. Some people might be frightened by large dogs such as the black Labrador, but spending time with these dogs will show most people that there is nothing to fear except that you might be licked with much enthusiasm.

Pay Attention To Energy Levels

There are many different breeds of dogs in this world today, and they can differ not just in their looks but in their temperament and their energy level as well. This is important to be aware of when looking into getting a large dog such as the black Labrador. High energy dogs are often very enjoyable to the person or the family that likes a lot of outdoor activity, but this type of dog might not be as good of a choice for the person that works all day or lives in an apartment. This does not mean that the black Labrador would not make a good pet, but it is not healthy for the dog to be closed up in an apartment all day and could result in destructive behavior simply because the dog would be bored.

Big Dogs Need Big Spaces

For those that are interested in owning a black Labrador, space must be considered. Those who live in apartments either do not own dogs or only own small dogs because large dogs with a lot of energy are often unhappy in an apartment all day. However, for the family that has space for a large dog, a black Labrador would be a good choice because they make good guard dogs yet are gentle and affectionate with people that they know including small children.

Denise Duncan loves all dogs, especially labradors, and enjoys training and raising them. She is a contributing author and editor for http://www.AllAboutLabradors.com .Dari Blog19761
Dalia Blog14397

Is Online Shopping Really Safe?

There are all kinds of opportunities to shop online. You can buy just about anything online that you could buy in person. Youll also often find things available online that you would have a very difficult time finding in your local area.

What most people worry about, however, is security. Is it really all that safe to shop online?

The answer is that it depends. Is the company reputable? Are they using a secure connection?

If youre going to shop online, you need to know that you can trust the company with your information. However, finding out who to trust, aside from the big names, isnt always easy.

When in doubt, do a little research before buying. Check the BBB website, check RipoffReport.com. These are two places that people are likely to complain to if there is a problem. You can also search the company name with the word scam to see if any reports come up that way. A general search on the companys name can also bring up peoples experiences.

Always make certain that you are on a secure connection before putting your credit card number in. A secure connection is easy to spot; just check the bottom corner for a padlock icon that is locked. This should indicate a secure connection.

I also like to check a sites contact information. An email address is a minimum; better is a phone number and physical location. This gives you an idea as to where they are located in case of a problem. A reputable site should also have a good privacy policy, telling you what they will and will not do with your information.

You can also check with your credit card company about how to use virtual credit card numbers. Some companies offer these, and they are a number generated just for use online. They have no connection to your real number.

There are a variety of ways you can pay for merchandise online. You have probably heard of PayPal, which some people dont particularly like, but does have the advantage of being a reputable company, and you no longer need to create an account to use them. They dont share your credit card information with sellers, so you dont have to worry about that part.

Despite many peoples fears, online shopping is not the main way that credit card numbers are stolen. Youre more likely to have your information stolen in the real world than online... unless you fall for a phishing email. While that is not the topic of this article, I will simply note that if any email tells you that you need to log into your account, dont click any links in the email. Use your bookmarks or type in the address as you know it. If its legit, the message will be on your account too.

Online shopping can be a real pleasure. While there are potential scams and problems, you can shop relatively safely if you know the rules. Ive had great experiences shopping online, both in terms of selection and prices.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.comeonecomemall.com/ - a shopping resource for all kinds of products. Come shop my selection of reputable stores for some great online finds.Chere Blog80913
Christalle Blog42552

English Premiership Football 2006-07 Blackburn 0:2 Chelsea

Champions Chelsea bounced back to winning ways but it was a hard fought victory against a plucky Blackburn side that mirror the fighting spirit of their manager Mark Hughes.

A second half Didier Drogba goal confirmed the win and helped to steady the ship after a less than convincing start to Chelseas season.

Two defeats from their first three matches, including a last minute reverse against a Middlesbrough side struggling to find their feet under the inexperienced leadership of Gareth Southgate had threatened to raise the alarm bells of the millionaires from Kings Road.

Indeed it was Blackburn who looked the likelier to score during the early exchanges, Robbie Savage relishing the opportunity to mix it with the talented Michael Ballack.

But Chelseas grip on the game tightened as the half wore on and they were rewarded with a penalty on the half hour as John Terry was unceremoniously hauled to the ground in the area.

Frank Lampard, released from the shackles that plague Englands penalty takers, strode forward and confidently struck the ball into the net, though fortunate that a stronger hand from Brad Friedel in the Blackburn goal would have kept the ball out.

Blackburn huffed and puffed in the second half but the wind was taken from their sails by the strength of Didier Drogba.

The Chelsea striker powered his way into the box and unleashed a ferocious shot that left the helpless Friedel clutching thin air.

The defeat leaves Blackburn rooted to the foot of the Premiership as the pressure begins to mount on boss Mark Hughes.

A disappointed Hughes said I felt John Terry went down very easily. The penalty completely changed the game.

"If we go down that road we're going to have three penalties in every match. There was no chance it was a penalty.

"We had a real claim when Jason Roberts had his shirt pulled. Overall we were much the better side."

Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_footballCharmaine Blog32272
Dawn Blog23801

Five Reasons You Must Visit Hong Kong

1. Easy Access and Worlds Best Airport

You must visit Hong Kong if you plan to travel China. Hong Kong is a major transportation hub in Asia and is a gateway to China. It is extremely easy to find your way here. There are daily direct flights connecting Hong Kong to major cities in Europe and N. America. Boeing long-range aircrafts 747, 767, 763 are widely used.

Here are some flight durations (non-stop) for your reference. From New York is 16Hr20m, London is 11Hr45m, Sydney is 9Hr20m and Tokyo is 4Hr45m.

Once you land in Hong Kong, you must be convinced by its customer services and efficiency in immigration and customs checks. Hong Kong Airport is voted the Worlds Best Airport from 2001-2005 (Skytrax online survey).

2. Great Choices of Accommodation

You must visit Hong Kong because you are able to find an accommodation that suits your need, whether luxury, budget or something in between. For luxury holiday makers, Hong Kong has almost all the world famous 5-star hotels Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Four Seasons, many more to name.

If you travel on a budget, Hong Kong Youth Hostel Association operates many hostels at very attractive rates. A friend of mine told me she was able to book a bed for HK$80 per night. However she had to share a room with some others. If you have four in your group, you can book a 4-bed room at HK$400 (US$50) per night. Quite a good deal!

3. Gourmets Paradise

You must visit Hong Kong if you love Chinese food. Hong Kong culinary market is dominated by Cantonese food, one of the yummiest among all Chinese food. Cantonese food is world famous for its simple cooking method and fresh ingredients used. A seafood dinner is a must. Try a steam live fish. It is a life-time experience. Nowhere else in the world people will cook fish in the same manner however so delicious. A dim sum lunch/breakfast is also a must. This has become the life style of Hong Kongers, Chinese and foreigners alike.

Hong Kong is not only famous for Cantonese food. You can find any other Chinese food here and any other kind of food from all over the world.

Hong Kong is a place you can eat whenever you want to. There are shops opening round the clock. You would never be hungry here.

4. Shoppers Paradise

You must visit Hong Kong if you want to buy luxury goods at the lowest price. Genuine luxury brands like LV, Prada, Corum, Burberrys and many other world famous designers labeled products are sold at unbeatable prices. In many cases, these shops are crowded and even with a waiting line.

Hong Kong is also a place where you can buy the trendiest everything with the lowest price in the world mobile phone, computer, digital camera, electronics, fashion and accessories etc. You must be convinced by the wide range of choices and their low prices.

5. Most Beautiful Night View and Skyline

You must visit Hong Kong if you are not impressed by any other night views youve seen.

The Intercontinental Lobby Lounge is included in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. Would it be over rated? No, it is not, because it is one of the best places to view the beautiful Hong Kong skyline at night.

Hong Kong at night is stunning for many reasons. Beautiful buildings are highly condensed with layers of colours spreading from the harbour up to the peak. You can take a panoramic view from distance. Or you can ride on Star Ferry to have a close look.

Hong Kong skyline contributes to the beauty of Hong Kong day and night. Numerous beautifully designed buildings line up on the Island side of the world famous Victoria Harbour. They are lit up with well designed colour schemes that make the night view of Hong Kong extremely stunning. Hong Kong at night is an incredible experience of your China travel.

http://www.china-travel-golden-route.com

Anna Yuen is a Hong Kong Chinese. With her knowledge about her home country, she is proud to present China travel to the world. Visit her website here. http://www.china-travel-golden-route.com.Christabel Blog77392
Debra Blog89816

MLB Tickets Will Be Available For Five More Games - Tigers Will Win World Series

Chances are that if youre a Tigers fan, youve been thinking that MLB tickets would still be available at this point. If you live in or root for St. Louis, the fact that the Cardinals are still alive may be a bit of a surprise. Whats no surprise, however, is that the World Series is off to a competitive start, tied at a game apiece, and its beginning to look like its going the full seven. A breakdown of what to expect will explain why this could shape up to be one of the all-time fall classics.

Pitching

Each teams ace has been identified, but both the Tigers and Cardinals have been getting unexpected results from their other starting pitchers throughout the postseason. Kenny Rogers stoned the Cardinals in game two, and Chris Carpenter takes the mound in game three. Each of them should win their starts, which basically gives each team a win and sets up a potentially dramatic game seven if they face each other in the deciding game.

The Cardinals have been getting great performances from the likes of Jeff Suppan, who was scorned in Boston, and the Tigers have gotten quite a bit of mileage from Jeremy Bonderman. Neither is seen as a stopper, but both have been nearly untouchable in crucial stretches.

Managers

Whens the last time the managers were catching the attention of general fans in a World Series? Managers dont normally move MLB tickets on their own, but Tony La Russa and Jim Leyland are both masters of their craft, and watching them match wits has already been a pleasure in the first two games.

Neither of them is perfect, but neither ever needs to learn a lesson more than once. For instance, its a good bet that the Tigers wont be pitching to Albert Pujols any more if first base is open, as they learned the hard way in game one. On the other side of the diamond, its already apparent that the Cardinals have figured out that the Tigers have been concentrating on plate patience, which is why so many first-pitch fastballs over the plate are beginning to appear.

Its these subtleties that make this match up so intriguing, and also why neither team is going to run away and hide with the series before either Leyland or La Russa makes the adjustments to keep everything close.

Momentum

Neither team is one of those on a ridiculous roll teams that weve seen sweep through the series in the recent past, including the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and the Chicago White Sox last year. These are evenly-matched teams, both of whom struggled badly down the stretch and both of whom nearly choked away their spots in the postseason.

Theyre not feeling lucky to be here, but theyre not feeling invincible, either, and given that competitive edge along with good pitching and top-notch game management and preparation, this World Series is going to go the distance.

However, MLB tickets in Detroit are going to take on historical value in a few days, as the Tigers will win it in seven games.

Written by Jay Nault, sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com/ . StubHub sells MLB tickets: http://www.stubhub.com/mlb-tickets/ sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world.Clarisse Blog43551
Cynthy Blog26055

If You Want Cheap Car Accessories, Why Not Try The Web?

Factories that produce car parts and accessories know they will sell whatever they make. They know that lots of people need it. Even automotive resellers raised the prices, knowing that those who needed the stuff would certainly buy it. So, for us ordinary car owners, it ends up that the accessories and things we need are inordinately expensive. A few years back, along came the internet. BOOM! Things suddenly changed, and the changes were good for you and me, the consumers. Now, all over the web there are dealers selling the exact same things for a fraction of what you would pay at a dealership or reseller.

For a reasonable price you can get everything from engine parts to quality windshield covers and save money. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home. The time you had to load your trunk with heavy, expensive stuff is over. Now you can sit down and relax with your cup of coffee and the TV on and shop and order what you want online. It will be delivered straight to your door in matter of days.

Her are some tips for taking advantage of these great deals:

-Scour the web for good deals on all the car parts you need. You will find loads of amazing deals that leave your local store in the dust.

-You don't have to toss and turn at night anymore, worrying about how you are going pay for all those parts and accessories you need for your car.

-In comparison with the old days, You will have your mind blown by these prices. Keep looking and expect nothing but low prices, and you will find things so dirt cheap you won't believe it!

Terry Bolton is an internet publisher. He runs the website http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com. He gives advice and helps people with automotive issues.Charita Blog60951
Deva Blog27400

Do Kids Have Too Much Homework

In the late 90s, feature stories began appearing in the national media about children and parents who were so overwhelmed by the amount of homework that it was destroying their family life and causing psychological damage. The evidence presented in these stories was often anecdotal, profiling just one or two families. However, the articles were published in enough respected publications that they sparked a national debate on whether children have too much homework. Schools scrambled to create homework policies, parents held protests, and children began to receive sharply mixed messages on the value of homework.

In all the fuss, people never realized that the information contained the articles simply wasn't true. In 2003, the Brown Center on Educational Policy at the prestigious Brookings Institution released a report that shattered the perception that American students are staggering under an unreasonable load of homework. In fact, they found just the opposite: American students probably don't spend enough time on homework. Gathering data from a number of studies that had been performed in the late 90s, the Brown Center drew four startling conclusions.

Typical students, from kindergarten to high school, don't spend more than an hour a day doing homework. In fact, pointing to a study done by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, the Brown report found that more than two-thirds of college freshmen did five hours or less of homework during their final year of high school.

The report also analyzed studies and concluded that the homework load for the average student has not increased appreciably since the 1980s. This is in direct opposition to the anecdotal evidence cited in the article of homework increasing to as much as three hours per night.

However, a study performed in 1997 by Michigan State University showed that children at that time were spending just over two hours per week on study, which could include activities other than homework. Interestingly, this study is often used to prove that students have too much homework, since the weekly hours spent on study increased over the life of the study by 23 minutes. The Brown Center postulates that this statistical increase was actually caused by children who previously had no homework at all and because they had advanced in grade, now had homework.

Finally, the Brown report found that, contrary to the articles' portrayal of militant parents protesting homework, most parents are satisfied with the amount of homework their children receive. In fact, if parents were dissatisfied with the amount of homework their children had, it was because they felt it wasn't enough.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://4-edu.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://worldof-science.com/ and http://youremploymentsource.com/.Cherianne Blog92659
Clarabelle Blog14174

Search Engines on the Grapevine

It used to be whenever you needed to find something on the web you just opened IE to Yahoo and just enter in what you were looking for. Then you would scroll through the millions of matches and hope to find exactly what you wanted or needed. There were some smaller engines besides Yahoo but the majority of searches were either done on Yahoo or maybe AOL depending on who your supplier of the internet was.

Along came Google and with all the money that Google spent on marketing they were now the most used search engine. Their index was by far not the largest but they definitely spent the most money on the marketing because everybody knew who Google was. AllTheWeb had an index at least twice as large but they spent virtually no money on marketing and not many people even knew that they were out there.

Now with social networking and social bookmarking plus the technology of Web 2.0 there are a lot of new kids on the block. It used to be that no matter what somebody was looking for they would use just one search engine for all of their searches. Not anymore, there are now search engines for every niche and every genre. If you have something that you need and you can't find a search engine just close your eyes because it will probably be there tomorrow.

If I wanted a pizza delivered to my house I used to just go to Yahoo and in quotes enter "pizza delivery" and then add +31520 as my area code and then on the results page I would see a list of pizza delivery businesses and how far each one was from that zip code. I could even enter in my exact address and get the exact distance from my house plus driving directions. Now, you just go to local.com and you can find businesses, entertainment, and activities =for any city worldwide. This site will be great for anybody that has to do a lot of travel.

For marketing in order for me to analyze the page rank and traffic for a site I would need to have the Google toolbar installed and then go to the site Alexa.com. After Alexa I would then check incoming and outgoing links for the site plus look at who visits the site and where these visitors go before and after this site. I could do a lot of this just with Alexa but this gave me a biased look at the site. Now I have found a great search engine that will return so much detail that I no longer have to have all these toolbars installed and I only have to visit just this one site. Visit Golexa.com and let me know what you think of this great site.

To assist me with this one site I could even look at PRSearch.biz. This site would be a great compliment or even a replacement for Golexa and it beats having to download and install toolbars which are known to be Spyware or Adware. I have grown so tired of having to remove Spyware and Adware from my computer 2 or 3 times a week. If I don't remove these things then I will get a lot of annoying popups plus my system will get severely bogged down and eventually I will have to shut down and restart my system just to free up memory. This can be a pain in the ass if you are like me and have all these different app's open at the same time.

Do you have children? would you like to allow them to perform searches on the web without having to constantly look over their should at what will come up as results? Now you can let them to go to this site and not have to worry http://kids.quintura.com/ . Keep them off of sites like MySpace because of the ads you see on the site lately. I am a big believer in the sites like MySpace but you ought to see some of the ads and comments you can get with a profile on MySpace. I've seen hookers, escorts and strippers placing comments on peoples profiles.

Social networking and social bookmarking are a growing trend these days though. They need to come up with a one word acronym to reference these sites like the grapevine or something like it. There are now search engines that specialize in these social searches. Check out Omgili, Sproose, or Url dot com. After you have visited these sites make sure you look at Diigg, Del.icio.us, Shadows, or even Yahoo's MyWeb .Web 2.0 is definitely making a difference with shared bookmarks, Collaborative directories and Taggregators. Do a search on one of these terms and check them out yourself, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

If all you want to do is find the best deals and bargains then you need to look at the following engines; gnod.net, like.com, slifter.com, and thefind.com. For music and video go to blabline.com, blinks.com, findsounds.com, and Gruuve.com. There are even engines in other languages like Gennio for Hispanic people. This social Spanish engine will even allow you to search for a business in Madrid and once you find the business you are looking for it will let you call that place for free through the internet. Answerbus.com allows you to ask your question in English, French, Spanish, German or even Italian.

I found one site that even lets you create your own search bot which is called searchbots.net and another one called Mojeek.com. You can search using Web 2.0 with web20searchengine.com and their are sites for science related searches, and pretty much almost anything you can think of. I am a webmaster myself in addition to everything else I do so I will be using Zippy.co.uk. My wife will be using Zabasearch because she does a lot of work for a nonprofit and with this site she can look up people and public information.

If you are like me and want to do research and try to discover the latest trends in search engines then do a search for "search engines",+directory or "social search engine",+directory and you will find some great new sites. My son, Jake, is real big with these web communities so I will be telling him to look at Zenome.com.

Jeffrey Solochek has over 2 decades experience in the business world. When he writes he blends his unique wit and humour into every article which if you rread his blog you can see all of his many works. http://www.nosugarcoating.info/newz/Dee Dee Blog6717
Cyb Blog95047

Beating The Stay At Home Mom Stereotypes

Everyone has a picture in their mind of what a stay at home mom should be. Sometimes its fairly flattering - the perfect mother who is always there for her family, home cooks every meal and keeps a perfect house. Other times its a picture of a woman lazing on the couch, watching soap operas, eating bon bons and spending her husbands hard earned money.

Most stay at home moms dont fit perfectly into either. Maybe youre great at cooking meals for your family, but when it comes to thinking of great ways to keep the kids busy, you struggle. Maybe your house is clean but you hate to cook. And maybe you do enjoy those soap operas as you help the kids with homework and projects.

Most people dont recognize the challenges your typical stay at home mom deals with. They see it as a kind of makework, nothing real.

As a stay at home mother you have many doors open these days. You can express yourself for the entire world to see on a blog. You can start a home business. You can volunteer. You can find a work at home job. Or you can just delight in being a stay at home mother and ignore your detractors.

Is a stay at home mom lazy? Rarely. Most try hard to contribute their fair share by budgeting money wisely, being there for their family, raising the kids, cleaning the house, cooking meals, and generally working what studies have shown to be the equivalent of two full time jobs. Next time someone calls stay at home moms lazy, just remind them of that.

You dont have to be June Cleaver to be a successful stay at home mom. If you dont enjoy cooking, thats just fine. Use the shortcuts available to you that fit in your budget. I would suggest keeping the food healthy for your familys sake, but otherwise its up to you.

Despite what some feminists think, choosing to be a stay at home mom is not a betrayal of what the feminist movement fought for. Women now have options, and can choose what exactly they want to do with their lives. Saying that it is unreasonable to choose a traditional path is denying you the right to live your life as you choose.

Just take a look at what todays stay at home mom is like. Odds are you werent raised to think of yourself as a future stay at home mother. Growing up, girls are now encouraged to think of having careers, not merely raising their families.

Its okay for a stay at home mom to have outside interests. They dont have to be the more or less traditional volunteering, cooking and so forth. You can keep up your skills so that when your children are grown or reach an age where you decide to go back to work you still have the skills. You can do real work at home.

There are more options out there for stay at home moms than there used to be. Even as you take the time off from outside the home jobs to raise your family you can maintain your own interests.

Stephanie Foster is one of the lucky ones who has been a stay at home mom since her children were born. Visit her site at http://www.homewiththekids.com/lifestyle.php to learn more about being a stay at home mom.Christal Blog16309
Clarine Blog73278

Where To Find Free Images For Your Web Marketing Campaign

The Web is flooded with million images. Try Google image search or my favorite Picsearch.com and know what I mean. You are tempted to grab the best images and use it for your website. And of course you can do it. Just right-click and save these images. They look so great on your websites. But as you can guess you can not do it or you can but on your own risk. A joke about Gettyimages - they have three employees and two hundred lawyers shows what you can expect a big lawsuit against you or a nasty email with a request to delete the images you love so much from you website immediately.

Why? Images are commodity on the Web. A right image at a right place and at a right time can bring thousands people to your websites. Thousands- millions users and pageviews; this is exactly what most (if not all) websites owners are dreaming about.

The beauty of the Web is that you have a choice. There are images on the web that cost a fortune and you should pay, there are images that cost much less and there are free images.

Rights-Managed Images: Images you purchase for a specific purpose at a specific price (think renting the photo or paying to borrow the image). The price of the picture is usually determined by how you want to use the picture (on the web, in print, etc.). The plus side to using a rights-managed photo is that you will most likely NOT see anyone else using the same photo (or model) promoting another product. The downside is of course the price; rights managed photos can cost you double (even triple) of what royalty-free runs.

Royalty-Free Images: Images purchased outright, either as single images or on disc volumes in bulk, and can be used any way you want, with certain restrictions. Pricing for royalty-free images is usually decided by the size of file you want to purchase; the larger the file (meaning, the better the quality of the image), the higher the price. The good news with royalty-free images is that if you are using them for the web (on websites, advertisements, etc.), you can use the smaller files, thus saving yourself a lot of money. For printing purposes however, you will need to buy the larger file sizes. And typically royalty-free images can be used however you like.

From my own experience working as a web designer for last ten years, I know that there are situation where you should buy and there are situation where you are just fine with free images. I am not talking about the situation where you boss or client asks you to get images from getty or istock, cut these images here and there and use them. This is not legal. I am talking about situation where free images (not royal-free, they still cost money) really free images of good quality can be used for your particular purposes.

One of good example is your Christmas marketing campaign. You want to place a face of Santa Claus on your page or your online newsletter. Or you want to have these attractive Christmas banners with a decorated tree, snow and red bow. You can do with FREE absolutely free images.

I found great Christmas images and I want to share them with you. You can find them at http://www.vancouvergo.com/free Hurry, they will be sitting here till the first days of 2007 then I will move them to an archive. I have other free images to share with you, you can find them on vancouvergo.com, just click "Free images".

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

This Ho-Ho-Ho article is written by Roz Volv, a http://vancouvergo.com webmaster. The site is in process of developing but already has a lot to offer including FREE web directory. You can contact Roz Volv at wmaster@vancouvergo.com

Roz Volv is a http://vancouvergo.com webmaster. The site offers FREE web directory, tutorials, online coupons and more. You can contact Roz Volv at wmaster@vancouvergo.comDeane Blog49048
Daisey Blog5570

How Do I Puppy Proof My Home?

If there's one lesson that I've learned well as a dog owner, it's this: Before bringing that new puppy home, you want to puppy proof your home.

Here's how you can do just that.

Identify and remove any toxic plants that could effect your puppy

Many plants that are common to our gardens and homes (including the dead leaves) can be poisonous to our dogs. Here is the ASPCA listing which is an excellent listing and resource: Toxic Plants

Think about toxic human foods the yummy things that can kill your puppy!

There are human foods that are very toxic to dogs. Chief among them are onions, chocolate, grapes and raisins. It is very important that you make any children in your house AND neighborhood aware of this. For a complete list go to: Bad Food List

Third, here are ten things to do the day before that new bundle of fir arrives.

Close doors or set up baby gates to rooms you don't want the puppy to get into. Puppies are naturally curious and will explore. It is best to keep them confined to one room or part of a room, and gradually increase their range.

Get all plant, small pets (gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, lizards, etc.), electrical cords and curtain/shade pulls out of puppy range. Covers for electrical cords are advisable.

Keep kids' toys picked up and out of puppy reach. Puppies do not know the difference between their toys and your daughter's brand new Barbie doll.

Remote controls and video game equipment (which are often used and left on the floor) needs to be put in a secure location away from a curious puppy.

Lift up your wastebaskets! Gross as it sounds, dogs love dirty tissues and other nasty things that are put in wastebaskets! It is like their own disgusting, nose level buffet. My adult dogs are five and ten years old and will still occasionally sneak things out of the wastebaskets.

Check your fencing make sure it goes completely to the ground. You would be amazed at how small a gap a puppy can fit through! In fact, I recommend keeping puppies tethered, even if the backyard is fenced, until they are fairly reliable on the recall.

The game of 'Catch the Puppy' is not a good game to be playing with your young puppy. You need to stay in control as much as possible.

Keep all medications and chemicals securely hidden. Dogs can counter cruise and a simple bottle of pain reliever consumed by a curious pup can have fatal consequences.

Remember, your puppy is going to grow! What may pass for puppy-proof today may not be adequate in another month or two. Be aware of your pup's ever increasing range and curiosity.

Bottom line is you have to be watching your puppy constantly. Any thing other than food that they chew and swallow has the potential to make them sick or, worse yet, kill them.

Don't forget the tail. Not all puppy damage is done by puppy chewing. Make sure all breakable items are above tail level. One good swipe with a happy tail and grandma's crystal vase is shattered.

Finally, have Poison Control Center information handy

If you think your puppy has been poisoned Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a consultation fee for this service.

Use the ideas presented here to prepare your home for your new puppy.

This article is part of a chapter in Edie MacKenzie's ebook "Your Doodle Puppy's First Year Made Easy." For more great tips on how to raise a healthy, fun loving, well-behaved dog, go to http://www.labradoodle-guide.com/LdoodPuppy.htmCharlotte Blog70141
Deloris Blog94816

Demagoguery For Dummies: How To Convince People Youre A Saint,Despite Explosive Evidence To The Contrary

How can a demagogue who boasts of kidnapping and killing and whose woeful misjudgment has reined down death and destruction on his own country be hailed as a saint? Is this demagoguery for dummies or what?

How can the Lebanese people, proud descendants of the Phoenicians first to trade widely on the Mediterranean and resourceful developers of our Arabic numerals be completely duped by this inept practitioner of argumentum ad populum.

The hobgoblin has hijacked their government, shouldered aside their army, and subjected them to their most deadly and destructive disaster in recent times. And yet his picture and his praise seem to be everywhere, except, of course, on the Israeli side, where is he is considered the equivalent of Osama Bin Laden and a lawful candidate for sudden admission to death's door.

And, even in the wreck his judgment hath wrought, he now has the temerity to cast himself as a savior who will rebuild Lebanon and gets off to a dramatic start by having his terrorist org pass out 12,000 smackers in, ironically enough, US dollars, to families whose homes have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, just to keep the devastation in the active hopper, his outfit insists, in defiance of the UN cease fire, to disarm, saying that, at least for now, its not an option.

Thankfully, Nasrallah faces a challenge to his credibility that isnt going to disappear. Now that his displaced advocates are making their ways home to the death and destruction that they recently knew as their families and homes, they are faced with inescapable proof that he may be just the opposite of the saint they adore.

Grudgingly, they may finally see that he may more correctly be seen as the opposite of a saint.

Certainly, he can mollify them in their loss, as the Roman emperors once passed out bread to the starving masses. But even he cannot bring back the dead, and the many lost loved ones are bound to rankle in the bereaved families.

Can his demagoguery, dumb in its choices and flagrant in its guises, possibly continue to dupe the people whose lives he has so grievously and irredeemably devastated?

It is his war on the truth and their peace with it to call him to its court and its justice.

Ours is but to observe if the people of that unnecessarily wounded nation can set aside their misguiding passions and turn out to be just too darn smart for the deadly dummy.

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "great humor and ebullience" and "good, genuine laughs." Chrysler Blog88124
Cristin Blog41965

Home Automation Technology Selling Your Home in a Buyers Market

With the current real estate bubble bursting homeowners are eager to find a way to move their home faster. Home automation is a proven way to stimulate the interest of potential buyers, in many cases reducing the number of days or weeks a home remains on the market. I was surprised to find out that less than 1% of homeowners in this country have the technology in their home to make selling easier.

Surprisingly this technology remains a niche usually reserved for high-end new homes. I think that the reason behind this statistic is the large investment required in a complete home automation package. The cost can be prohibitive, that is why I came up with new, more modular solutions. I can offer two automation solutions based common internet technologies (TCPIP) using the homes data network for communications.

Utilizing these systems I have developed a way that homeowners and builders alike can invest a small amount into their home to promote a big return. I would suggest that homeowners and builders need to start with a solid technological foundation of wiring.

For many years high-end homes have had structured wiring installed. Structured wiring is a planned wiring method by which all services (phone, data, television, music, and security) originate from a central location or hub. Structured wiring is still an extremely desirable feature; however, one facet of the structured wiring methodology is beginning to overshadow the others in its overall importance. As the technologic world moves toward online programming and distribution of media (streaming media), so does the automation market. The data network is becoming the most critical and resalable components of the home. Investing the time to design a solid wiring backbone for a home can increase the attractiveness of your home to a prospective buyer. This strategy helps both the homeowner and the builder make their homes stand out from the crowd.

If you start with a foundation of structured wiring and a solid data network backbone this makes your home easily upgradeable. I feel that home automation is obviously the wave of the future and this plan enables the homeowner of today to start small and upgrade in affordable pieces. After the foundation is laid you can then decide at a later date what type of systems you desire, such as home security. All you need to decide is how big of a system you need. All systems run through you new upgradeable home, therefore, you can keep it simple or the sky is the limit.

You build the system to fit your needs and to make your life easier, the technology itself makes your home more profitable and easier to sell.

To learn more about home automation or eHomeXtreme please call our offices at 678-888-0718 or visit us at http://www.ehomex.com

Rodney Blanchard is an expert in the field of home automation and consumer electronics. He is also an expert in networking systems for the home and business. With over 15 years experience he has taken what he has learned and is revolutionizing the world of custom home automation, networking and electronics.Cory Blog33188
Danielle Blog43335

End Tables The Secret To Completing Your Space

People might not know it, but when you really want to bring the look and feel of your space together, it is the little things that make it all happen. Like, the paintings on the wall and the little personal touches throughout your entire space. So, these little things cannot be overlooked and one important little thing that every home needs are fabulous end tables, because without them, your space will not be complete.

When it comes to end tables, there are many different styles, designs, and shapes to choose from. The basic design of one will include a table top area or base that is supported by four legs. Over the years, there have been many variations made to this design including ones that have a pedestal design with just a single supporting stand to others that even nest within themselves. Some will even have drawers, shelves, and cabinets that are perfect for stowing away any items that you might have. They can also be crafted from many lovely materials including wood, like pine or oak, along with metal, glass, stone, and some will even have leather coverings. With these different materials comes many lovely decorative looks that would surely enhance the appearance of your space. For a quick way to see all of the selection, do not make the mistake of hopping into your car and going to the furniture store. Instead, just turn on the family computer and do some online shopping on the Internet. It is fast and makes comparison shopping a breeze.

All of the different options mean that you can easily find the end tables that will perfectly fit into your space. Like in your living room for example, maybe you have a vintage vibe going on with the furnishings that you already have an antique look and feel to them. Then, a great choice for you are ones that are crafted out of wood, featuring an antique cherry finish along with intricate detailing and scrollwork. Or, maybe your living room has more of a contemporary feel to it. A lovely option for you would be one that features the same contemporary design that is made out of metal and glass with a bold, eye-catching appearance that is sure to please. All in all, there are many options to choose from including those that are plain and simple, to others that are very, very elaborate and everything else in between. And, along with being a wonderful choice for your living room, you could also place one at the end of a hallway, in an office, dining room, or bedroom area.

So, if you really want to bring your space together, then you need to have the little things in place, especially end tables. Not only do they provide a nice decorative touch to the rooms in your home, but they are also a practical item for storing and displaying your stuff. Really, every home needs them and without them your space just would not be complete.

As an owner of many home decor sites, Jesse Akre offers product reviews and information on accent tables and console tables, giving the online consumer help finding elegant furniture to fill their space. Decorate your home your style - your way - Click today: Shop http://www.onlytables.com/Demetra Blog49118
Corine Blog27885

Owning A Ferret

Fun does come in small packages!

Owning a ferret is a lot of work, but can be rewarding too. For those who are looking for a pet that can keep them occupied and amused, this may be the perfect animal for the task. The ferret is a small creature -- one that can be easily lifted and carried about.

But don't let size fool you, they are very inquisitive and amused by their surroundings. They need attention not really in the manner of caring for them, but rather in providing it with fun things to do. If you don't see to this need, he will find something to do for fun that you may not like.

When you decide to get one of these little guys, you should take the time to learn about their needs. You will need to purchase a few things to get your self started -- including a proper cage, vitamins, the right ferret foods, and toys. You should also plan to take the animal to the vet within the first few weeks that you own it. It will need to visit the vet yearly, must like any other pet that you may have.

Owning any pet is a lot of time and commitment -- just as much as having a baby in the home. You are responsible for entertaining this little creature and making sure that it stays safe.

The best option for someone considering getting a ferret is to head to the animal shelter and spend some time with one. This will give you a good idea of what ferrets are like, as well as help you to find the one that is best suited for your needs and your capabilities. A baby ferret, known as a kit, is a lot of work, and needs to be trained. This may not be the best way to go if you are getting your very first ferret.

If you want a pet that is small and playful, a ferret might be right for you!

Robert Davis writes for several web sites, especially http://rosuf.com and http://dicez.com.Daveen Blog17243
Dedra Blog71957

Blogs And Search Engine Ranking - How To Get To The Top

t is generally easier to improve search engine rankings for a dynamic blog than it is for static website pages. Blogs and blog posts are liked by search engines because they are frequently updated with new content, they are rich in text and links , and they tend not to have complicated HTML.

Optimizing a blog to improve search engine rankings is similar to optimizing a website, and optimizing a blog post is similar to optimizing a single web page. By using the following tips and techniques, you can achieve an impressive search engine ranking for your blog. For additional tips to optimize your blog, visit http://www.optimizeblogtips.com

1) Ensure that your blog can be easily spidered by the search engines. 'Spidering' refers to the process by which search engine software robots crawl web pages. A navigation sidebar should be present on all pages of your blog. You also want your previous blog posts to be accessible from each page of your blog so that they can be spidered easily.

2) Obtain links from other blogs and websites. Links pointing to your blog or blog posts are vital to improve search engine rankings. These backlinks should come from websites and blogs dealing with similar topics to your blog ie. they should be related in some way to your blog. To get high-quality links back to your blog, submit your blog and RSS feed to blog search engines. Blogs based on similar themes are often willing to exchange links with other blogs which creates blog networks. Some bloggers use 'trackbacks' to build links( a trackback is a form of communication between blogs).

3) Frequently update your blog content. Search engines love fresh content. Make regular posts to your blogs in order to improve your search engine ranking.

4) Include your primary keyword in your blog's URL. Your domain or subdomain should include the main keyword that you want to optimize your blog for. If you are wanting to brand yourself or your business, consider including your name or the name of your company in the domain. For more information about personal or business branding, visit http://www.onlinebrandingsecrets.com

5) Place your main keyword phrase in both blog header meta tags as well as in the title of your blog posts. For example, if you are trying to optimize your blog for the keyword phrase 'natural asthma remedies', make sure this phrase appears in title of each of your blog posts as well as in your H1 or H2 meta tags.

6) Don't forget to include your keywords in the anchor text of links if you are linking to other pages in your website or to other blog posts. Linking your blog to your website is a great way of generating quality traffic.

7) Place your other keywords in the body text of your blog posts as well as intermittently in your article titles and links. Don't overuse keywords in your text as your posts will tend not to make sense and they won't read well.

8) If you change the domain name and hosting for your blog, you run the risk of losing loyal visitors, traffic and search engine ranking. If possible, keep the same blog domain and host.

By using these simple, yet effective blog optimization techniques, you too can achieve a top search engine ranking for your blog. Only once you have done this, can your blog start reaching its true profit potential.

Note to publishers: You may freely republish this article as is, without editing or modification, and all links must be kept live. The author writes on a variety of Internet and computer related topics. Visit http://www.optimizeblogtips.com for more valuable tips on blogs and blogging.Corabel Blog49942
Cynde Blog82910

Best Recipes: Penne Pasta Salad

Hearty penne pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, peppers and onions, olives, Italian dressing and seasonings. A great side dish for chicken, beef, pork and fish.

1 (16 oz.) package penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 (2-1/4 oz.) can ripe sliced olives, drained
1 (8 oz.) bottle Italian salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon of each of the following: dill weed, garlic salt, lemon pepper seasoning

Directions

Cook pasta following package directions.

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, green pepper, onions and olives.

Drain cooked pasta and rinse in cold water. Add pasta to vegetables.

Mix salad dressing with pepper and seasonings. Pour over salad and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

© Donna MondayCynthea Blog7623
Cindy Blog58093

How To Make An Ideal Tropical Home Decor?

Tropical home dcor could be one of the most attractive yet relaxing home decors you can find. Its popularity is mainly due to the connotations of sand, vacation and the like which the dcor brings and the consequent soothing environment that relaxes people. With the modern-day stressful life, this could be an excellent way to bring tranquility back to our lives.

Tropical home dcor is suitable almost for any room in the house including living rooms, family rooms, lanai or the balcony. However the kids room may not be suitable, primarily because of the characteristic motif.

The typical tropical home dcor motif usually has swaying palms, banana trees, colorful animal or bird prints, leather, upholstered rattan, grass cloth and others which reminds you of the luscious tropics.

The common colors used for tropical home dcor are earthy tan, beige, ivory, camel, blues and greens from the darkest to the moss to avocado. Light golden and subtle shades highlighted with black or some deep brown somewhere.

The horizontal lines, usually present in tropical home dcor suggests repose are relaxation. And taller elements like trees, plants etc remind you of an island with natural beauty.

Tropical home dcor goes best with furniture made from natural elements like bamboo or rattans. These are normally imported from tropical countries like Philippines or any other country in South Asia. These are known for its durability and natural comfort.

The fabrics chosen for a tropical home dcor are never stiff and hard. On the contrary they are soft and supple. Ottomans, pillows and other accessories normally will have leafy or jungle designs.

Wood floors go best with tropical home dcor. That also light color wood. Chairs and tables are of slightly darker shade. Tiles and stones also give good accent to tropical home dcor. Lampshades to be made from cloth which complements the overall appeal.

A tropical home dcor can not be complete with out designs and images of the wild. Animal hides could be hung on the wall instead of the usual artwork pictures.

Large plants position in the corner and lighted give a lot of impact to tropical home dcor. Accessories are kept to the minimum. A variety of tropical prints strewn about the house is what should be the focal point in the house.

To avoid the home looking too cluttered, small accessories are either done away with or kept to the minimum. Large scale accessories are thought to be sufficient.

Even the window should be with tropics in mind. Bamboo blinds, panels from plantation and matchsticks give a breezy, sunny and light look.

Materials and fabrics used for a tropical home dcor s usually light and made from natural fibers. Consequently, baskets, rattan, grass clot, wicker chairs, wall coverings, folding screens and cornice boards are used abundantly.

The artwork for tropical home dcor must follow a tropical theme consistently. Use of bold colors like yellow, ivory browns and greens is a must.

Tableware made from stone looks best in a tropical home dcor. Table cloth and napkins are made from fabrics that is loosely woven. Sturdy glass ware complement the tropical look.

Beverly Kane is a staff writer at http://www.homeimprovementgazette.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.theshoppinggazette.com..Ciel Blog95760
Desdemona Blog53000

Getting Your Money's Worth

Securing outside counsel is crucial to any business regardless of the industry or size. However, more than 60% of legal departments within businesses gave serious thought to firing outside legal support in 2001. The number one reason for this consideration was a problem with communication and response. Then when you consider the expense associated with outside counsel, along with a large movement of lawyers, the numbers of unhappy clients in the past five years have increased.

One of the most important factors when hiring outside counsel is to do your homework, know the law firm, as well as what they represent. After all, establishing a secure relationship is a win-win situation for both parties. To ensure you work with the right outside counsel, you will need to measure services offered with price, communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and areas of expertise. Today, we see many large (and small) corporations consolidating services with outside law firms as a means of tightening up operations, and with great success.

Okay, so what is the key to success when looking for and securing outside counsel? The formula is not difficult but it is precise. For starters, look for a law firm that wants and values your input. The foundation of a strong relationship is two-way communication. The firm should actively keep you abreast of changes, and concerns. However, communication is not simply conveying information but also listiening. In other words, if outside counsel does not take the time to listen to the client, to hear and understand potential risks and goals, then the relationship will never work.

Law firms should take the time to learn about your companys technologies and capabilities. For example, every company has different needs. Whether legal support and advice, technology, or software choices, a law firm needs to take the time to understand the client, their business, the competitive threats and the opportunities. In this way, outside counsel would not only have a comprehensive understanding of your business but also your specific requirements to run that business. Outside counsel should also be fully vested in your financial interests. Their work plan should include ways to cut costs for your company while adding to or maximizing profitability. A good law firm committed to serving your needs, can add value to your operations by identifying ways that you could better utilize your internal systems, as well as their services.

Good legal counsel can also aid you in growing your business. They would teach you about implementing systems, marketing, and using tactics for surviving against your competitors while also providing support in legal matters. Keep in mind that even if you were to find a law firm you liked, as a best practice meet with three, four, or five outside firms to make sure you choose wisely. A good law firm will show you ways of thinking outside the box, and using innovation to drive business results.

Taking time to understand and clearly articulate your needs will facilitate your evaluation of options for outside counsel. You will develop a very specific set of criteria which you can use to objectively measure potential law firms. Doing so will ensure that not only have you chose a firm that is competent but one that partner with you in your business to achieve your specific goals. Being able to clearly communicate with your law firm will not only enable you to effectively evaluate them but will also set the tone for what will hopefully be a long term, mutually beneficial partnership.

Richard A. Hall is founder and President/CEO of LexTech, Inc., a legal information consulting company. Mr. Hall has a unique breadth of experience which has enabled him to meld technology and sophisticated statistical analysis to produce a technology driven analytical model of the practice of law. As a busy civil trial attorney, he was responsible for the design and implementation of a LAN based litigation database and fully automated document production system for a mid-sized civil defense firm. He developed a task based billing model built on extensive statistical analysis of hundreds of litigated civil matters. In 1994, Mr. Hall invented linguistic modeling software which automatically reads, applies budget codes, budget codes and analyzes legal bill content. He also served as California Director and lecturer for a nationwide bar review. Mr. Hall continues to practice law and perform pro bono services for several Northern California judicial districts.Davita Blog18434
Cornelia Blog20999

Do You Know About These Fees Involved in Car Leasing?

To lease a car, you have two options: either lease through a dealers finance source or through an independent car lease company. Whatever you select, you should know that there are fees involved.

Mention auto-leasing and the majority of people will automatically assume a low-monthly payment. There is actually more than what meets the eye, and a number of fees are involved at various stages of the lease process.

At the beginning of the lease, you have to pay a refundable security deposit, typically equivalent to one monthly payment, to safeguard against non-payment and any incidental damage done to the car at the end of the lease.

You are also required to pay an administrative charge, called acquisition fee. Other fees include licenses, registration, title and any state or local taxes.

During your lease, you are expected to honor your monthly payment obligations. Any failure to do so will result in late-payment charges.

You have to pay any traffic tickets, emission and safety inspections and ongoing maintenance costs. Ending your lease early will result in substantial early termination charges.

At the end of the lease, expect to pay any excess mileage costs, charged at 10 to 20 p a mile. Any incidental damage done to the car, and deemed to be above normal, will result in excess tear-and-wear charges.

Finally, if you choose not to purchase the vehicle, then you have to pay a disposition fee.

Alex FirClaresta Blog38184
Dahlia Blog66084

Fast Business Loans- A Bridge between Your Business And Success

A constant funding for your business serves it in the same way as fuel serves to your car. If you apply right kind of fund in right amount, your business will grow and run smooth without any hiccups. But on the same side, you may not be able to provide that fund from your own pocket. You obviously need to look out for other sources of fund. Fast business loans are one such opportunity which can both satisfy your business purpose as well as they are easy for you to avail.

You can require fund for either types of businesses, i.e. when you need to give a boost to your business, or you want to start a new one. In both the cases, business loans offer fast money and serve as a financial backup to your business. There are various reasons why you may require a fast business loan. If you are running a business, you may need money to expand it and make it large. On the other hand, if you are planning to start a new enterprise, you need money to meet the initial expenses of buying furniture, manpower, resources etc.

There are various options available to get business loan, but in order to get fast and quick money, you have just one option and that is to apply online. Online lending provides you not only speed but also variety where you can make your own choice. Fast business loans save your time and effort because they require a very less amount of documentation as the entire process is carried online. You will just require to give details about your business, its annual income, profits and losses etc. and a business plan if you are going to start one.

You can get a fast business loan in both secured and unsecured forms. If you wish to take a secured loan, you need to offer a security as collateral to the lender. You can put your home, car, real estate, or any valuable property as collateral. But, if you do not have a property or you do not want to put your property at risk, you can opt for unsecured business loan which do not require any kind of security. Choose the right kind of loan, but before that it is important to know that secured loans offer a bit low rate of interest than unsecured one because the presence of collateral.

A secured business loan can get you amount ranging from 3,000-75,000. However if you put a higher value collateral, your loan amount might get as high as 100,000. The repayment term is around 3-25 years. If you take an unsecured loan, you will get a loan amount between 1,000 and 25,000, with a repayment of 1-20 years.

Fast business loans are available to all types of borrowers including bad credit holders. They offer you all kinds of benefits required for your business. Avail fast business loans and you will soon se your business reach heights.

Tim Kelly is an expert in finance having completed his LLM in Finance (Master of Laws in Finance) from Institute for Law and Finance at Frankfurt University. He is currently working with BusinessLoansUK as a financial advisor. To find Fast business loans, small business loans uk, business loans uk, business loan uk, new business loans uk, small business loan uk, business loan rate uk, unsecured business loan uk, secured business loan uk that best site's you need visit http://www.businessloans.uk.comDeva Blog27400
Debbie Blog113

'Tis the Season for Electronics: Gifts for Everyone's Budget

The holiday season is upon us, which can only mean one thing: electronics are at the top of everyone's wish list. Even if you can't snag a new PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii, there are still many electronics gifts that will delight your recipients. Here are just a few:

Cell Phones: Cell phone technology continues to improve, as do the features available on cell phones. A new cell phone, complete with a high-res camera, video functionality, and wireless adaptability, is certain to be a welcome gift. If that's beyond your budget, opt for any of the number of cool cell phone accessories that are available.

iPods: An Apple iPod makes the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys music or television, even if they're not tech-savvy. Not only can they download tunes, but increasingly, they can download television episodes that they may have missed. Again, if you can't afford an iPod, there are any number of accessories - from earbuds to "socks" that are adorable and affordable.

Home Theaters: This year, why not indulge the whole family with a home theater? Flat screen TVs have come so far down in price that they're more than worth the splurge. While you're at it, get a collection of DVDs that every family member can enjoy!

Car Audio and Video: Entertainment has most definitely moved out of the home and into transportation. High-quality car audio and video equipment make wonderful gifts for family members on the go. Everyone can enjoy the high-quality sound that great car audio produces, while the kids in the family will be entertained on road trips with car DVD players.

Computers: For many people, computers aren't a convenience - they're a necessity. Everyone from adults who bring work home with them to students who have to research school papers (and book some time on one or more of the social networking sites!) will treasure a new computer. Again, prices on electronics have come down so much that either a notebook computer or a desktop PC is affordable.

Games: If you're not able to nab one of the new gaming systems, don't worry about it. There are still great games that are made for the Sony PlayStation 2, the Nintendo GameCube, and the Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XII, Guitar Hero II, Okami, LEGO Star Wars II, Madden NFL 07, and Viva Pinata, are all highly rated games for a variety of interests and age levels.

The bottom line is that, whatever the gift-giving occasion, you can't go wrong with a gift of personal electronics. Your best bet is to find an online source that has deeply discounted electronics, continually adds new items to their inventory, and provides you with the perfect online shopping experience.

Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.comDeni Blog37303
Dacia Blog58282

Keeping Romance Alive In A Relationship

That men are from Mars and women from Venus is a fact established by studies conducted on romance and relationship. The difference between what a man is and what a woman expects him to be is too vast to bridge.

However, a solid relationship requires acceptance of the partner with all his/her follies. The initial tender thoughts and trust in each other slowly lead to stronger passionate feelings. For romance and relationship to bloom, it is imperative to have self-respect as well as respect for each other. Being true to each other, honesty in every aspect of life and above all, effective communication between the two of you, will lay a strong foundation for your relationship.

The soft romantic feelings blossom into intense emotions and ultimately cross the realm of a mere need for each other to seek a better life together in the future. A commitment leads to greater responsibilities for ones actions. At the same time, such people lead a happier, healthier and more satisfied life with a partner by the side to share the good times and show support through tough times.

Any relationship will have its fair share of arguments especially if there are two strong-headed persons with opposing views on issues. However, the manner of arguing will determine to a large extent the damage done to the relationship.

Be careful not to be contemptuous of your partner, hold a grudge or withdraw into a shell. Arguments should be healthy with some humour sprinkled to break the tension. Criticizing the action and not the person is seen in better perspective. Even if you do not agree with your partner, acknowledge that he is entitled to his own views and opinions. Most important, dont break off communication between the two of you.

Romance and relationship can be nurtured with care for each others feelings, warm love and trust.

For more such articles visit http://www.romance-dating-tips.com/

Ravi Agarwal is publisher of dating-tips website - http://www.romance-dating-tips.com , He has written several informative articles on romance dating tips topics.Cris Blog37508
Davina Blog74422

Taking Advantage Of Your Concierge In Cancun

Travelers often dismiss concierges as meaningless middlemen. Yet, when vacationing in Cancun, your hotel concierge can supply you a world of information and opportunity. These jacks-of-all-trades can be found at most resorts and know Cancun as well as anyone. While some concierges may have more valuable connections than others, any one of these hotel professionals can provide invaluable tips for your stay. Best of all, their assistance and advice are free of charge.

When in Cancun, youll obviously be in search of unique recreation and entertainment opportunities. To access the best this exotic destination has to offer, ask your concierge for assistance setting up special activities for your vacation. Whether you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling with Cancuns premier dive masters, take a private tour of ancient Mayan ruins or play a round at one of Cancuns exclusive golf resorts, your concierge is the best ticket to the finest attractions.

Keep in mind concierges are paid to be the ultimate Cancun insiders. They attend museum exhibits, dine at the finest restaurants and frequent the exclusive clubs, all for the sake of telling you what's worth your time and money. Along the way, they develop business relationships that offer hard-to-find tickets, reservations and discounts. As a result, restaurants are more likely to accommodate concierges from high-profile resorts for last-minute reservations or special accommodations than the average tourist.

When asking about restaurants, it pays to be specific. Suggest a location, view, price range or cuisine to ensure your concierge knows exactly what youre looking for. The same goes for any request you make of your concierge in Cancun, anything from shopping for the perfect gift to locating a doctor or babysitter. The more information you provide the concierge, the more they will be able to help.

Your concierge can also serve as a travel agent - confirming flights, changing seat assignments, securing visas and boarding passes, even planning entire vacations. Concierges can even act as personal assistants, running errands like delivering business materials and picking up needed supplies.

Just as important as those perks, a good concierge will serve as an instructor of local customs and etiquette, letting you how to dress at the beach or the best way to experience the nightlife. Your concierge will also be up to date on events and festivals in Cancun and can suggest the best times to visit certain attractions.

Like every other travel detail, the best travel tip regarding the concierge remains the ability to plan and organize. To take full advantage of the possibilities outlined above, your relationship with the hotel concierge should begin well before checkin. Though many travelers arent aware of this fact, you can call the concierge up to one month before you arrive to discuss any of the objectives for your trip, be it business or pleasure. With such advance notice, your concierge can make all of your arrangements and appointments and even grant you a detailed hourly itinerary when you arrive. An advance call to the concierge is also the best way to ensure a table at a popular restaurant or a ticket to a sold-out event. While a concierge can often use his connections to make a last-minute reservation, the more time you allow the better.

Calling in advance can also qualify you for special pricing at your hotel. The concierge will know about seasonal specials the resorts dont advertise, in addition to discount opportunities for dining and sightseeing.

As mentioned, concierge services are free. However, introducing yourself and offering a $20 gratuity at the beginning of your vacation is a good idea if you plan on making several requests. As a general rule, a tip of $5 is acceptable for dinner or entertainment reservations. A tip up to $100 might be in order if the concierge developed your itinerary or exhibited truly exceptional service. Furthermore, when you return to the resort, the concierge will certainly remember you and be prepared to serve again.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Mexico for the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/CUNMX.Christiana Blog66728
Cristi Blog65249

New Microsoft Achievement:Making Even Norton And McAfee Feel Insecure

After years of making its users feel insecure about viruses and worms, Microsoft has finally achieved what was until now hardly imaginable: making the companies dedicated to its own security feel insecure.

It seems that in its new operating system, Vista, scheduled for release in early 2007, the software giant has been unable to restrain itself from its storied monopolistic tendencies and has dared to include its own security system.

Under pressure by such newly trembling companies as Symantec, maker of Norton Antivirus software, and McAfee, another major player in Windows security, Microsoft has relented and said it will allow users to have the option of selecting security providers other than itself.

It has, however, insisted that it would now be a breach of security to allow the companies access to its precious kernel, or the very center of its operating system, which they had always had access to and which they feel is necessary to be able to provide their users with reliable security.

Microsoft, however, never hoping to gain an unfair advantage, continues to insist that their exclusion is simply necessary to preserve the security of Vista.

The insecure providers of its security are continuing their challenge to its never monopolistic practices, but their own vista is now hardly cloudless.

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."Christal Blog93012
Christalle Blog51119

Cheap Deals On Home Phones - How Genuine Are They?

Cheap deals on home phones - how genuine are they?

Buying telephones online offers a real cost saving compared with buying direct from BT or other stores. So what are the catches? by Frost Telecoms

UNTESTED - Lets be honest, it does not take much to test a phone so if someone is offering something untested 9 times out of 10 it really means 'tested but faulty'. For example an untested phone may be worth 5 but by offering it tested the value is probably 15. No sane seller would lose 10 just by not testing it. So BEWARE - untested probably means FAULTY. You get what you pay for!!

NEW/USED - Catalogue returns are a large proportion of phones that are sold on through websites and EBay. Some sellers cheekily call these NEW when they obviously aren't. If the item is missing the original box or user guide then there is a very slim chance of the item still being New.

USER GUIDES - Sometimes these are original or sometimes offered on cd or online. Read the ad fully to make sure you are getting some kind of user guide. With todays technology there are so many features you will not be able to use or simply not know about without a user guide.

CAN YOU TRUST THE SELLER - Feedback on Ebay is a great way to check out a seller, but remember to scroll back a few pages. With many sellers selling 10+ items a day it is always worth taking a good look to get a proper idea of what other customers thought. Also, always ask the seller a question before your purchase. If their customer service is any good then you will receive a quick & helpful response - if not, simply don't buy from them. Can you imagine how bad the customer service will be after you have parted with your money? (Exclude weekends from this trial as many sellers work Mon-Fri)

DELIVERY - If the item is cheap, have you checked the postage costs. I have regularly seen items that I offer to post for 4 being offered with 10 postage. This simply is not fair and is a way of conning people.

SMALL PRINT - Yes the item might sound amazing and you are hastily reaching towards you wallet - but slow down and read the small print. Here you will find the real truths about your item.

It may be that there are big scratches, a handset is missing, the item will take 3 weeks to be delivered, the item is untested, you need to add VAT on the final price etc etc. The list is totally endless and I have seen some very scary things listed in the small print of some ads. Be Careful!!! If a seller is advertising thing with tiny tiny small print well below the main ad then you need to wonder how good the item is.

PHOTOS - Lots of sellers use stock photos of their items (including ourselves at Frost Telecoms) however some people could be using this as a way of disguising a rough item. The best way of finding out the true condition of the item is to ask the seller for a picture. Everyone nowadays has a digital camera or phone so there should be no excuses why you cant be sent a photo of the item. Again, if the seller won't oblige, can you really trust him.

WARRANTY - If there is no mention of a warranty then you sure won't get one. If the phone breaks in a week I really can't see you getting a refund. If you really want the item then ask the seller how much warraty he is willing to offer. If the answer comes back none or a week or two , then you really need to consider whether the item is likely to work for more than that time.

http://www.frosttelecoms.co.uk/shop

Paul Frost has been a Telecoms Engineer for many years and is here to help!!Danyette Blog87758
Charlena Blog72812

Auto Repair: The Top Ten Mistakes Made By Your Mechanic

Number One:

Not confirming the concern. Confirming a repair concern is a basic diagnostic principle frequently overlooked. To fix a problem, the first thing one must do is recognize it.

Number Two:

Insufficient Road Testing. The importance of a thorough road test (even for an oil change) is well documented in automotive training manuals. Yet, many technicians consider driving the vehicle into the shop good enough.

Number Three:

Misdiagnosing. For the above reasons and a multitude of others, your vehicle is misdiagnosed more often than not. Mechanics will spend hours chasing the wrong problem, wasting your time and money.

Number Four:

Throwing parts at a problem. To compensate for lack of skills, mechanics often just throw parts at the problem in the hope of getting lucky. Its common to hear mechanics say I replaced this, this, this, and that, and the problems still not fixed. This goes right back to mistake number one: confirm the problem with diagnostics, then proceed.

Number Five:

Not addressing primary concerns first. Technicians often spend an inordinate amount of time looking for easy sells that will fatten their paychecks. Theres nothing wrong with this provided theres no charge for the inspection, it doesnt conflict with your time, and the upsell suggestions are valid (theyre frequently not). However, this type of free inspection and the subsequent upselling too often overshadows the primary concern. Sowhats wrong with my car?

Number Six:

Overconfidence. Too often unqualified technicians get in over their heads. Rather than defer to a more experienced technician or facility, they often keep going and do more harm. Hows it goThe road to hell is paved with good intentions?

Number Seven:

Taking shortcuts. In the ongoing effort to beat the clock, technicians will create a host of problems: breaking parts, snapping bolts, short circuiting sensitive electronics. Refer to Auto Repair: How Can They Screw Up an Oil Change for a great discussion.

Number Eight:

Poor Repairs. Whether through incompetence or laziness, mechanics frequently dont do repairs correctly. Its often sloppy work. Forgotten bolts, parts not lined up correctly, or components not re-installed properly are common. It gets worse with computer repairs: incorrect software programming, coding, and resynchronization protocols are just a few.

Number Nine:

Not confirming repairs. After a repair is complete, its important to re-check to ensure that the problem is indeed fixed. Too often parts are thrown in and the car is pulled out only to pull in another victim.

Number Ten:

Making a mess. If the above nine mistakes werent bad enough, there are now greasy fingerprints on the hood and steering wheel, and two big greasy boot marks on the carpet.

Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry. Visit RepairTrust TAKE CONTROL of http://www.repairtrust.com/Ciel Blog95760
Darlene Blog29347

Introduction to Market-Neutral Options Trading

Introduction to Market-Neutral Options Trading

Any monkeys can make money in a bull market. Most stocks rise in a bull market, buy (long) any stock, wait for the prices to rise and then sell. A classic example of buy low sell high.

Some smarter monkeys can also make money in a bear market. Since most stocks crash in a bear market, simply sell (short) any stock, wait for prices to fall and then buy back to cover. A case of sell high cover low. Sounds simple enough isnt it?

How does one make money in a market that is neither bullish nor bearish? A market that moves up a bit on one day and falls the next day is also called a side-way market; it is not moving up, neither is it moving down.

The fact is that markets, especially indices such as the S&P 500 (SPX), Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the NASDAQ Composite (COMP) very rarely have large moves that last for months.

While it is true that these indices generally increase in value over time, it is usually over a long period of time. Most of the time, these indices are trading in a range.

For example, the DJIA has not been able to change by more than 5% either up or down from one option expiration to the next for 70% of the time since the beginning of 2002. Like wise, the NASDAQ Composite has not changed by more than 9% over 80% of the time.

Since the market is generally trading within a range for most of the time, it will be rather difficult for traders with a directional bias to consistently profit from the market.

The key to consistent profit is to adapt a market-neutral strategy when the bulls and bears are fighting it out.

What is Market-Neutral Trading?

Simply put, market-neutral trading is a style of trading whereby the trader has no directional biashe or she is market-neutral. This approach is often confused with delta-neutral trading, which is quite a different beast altogether. For our purpose, well just stick to discussing market-neutral trading.

When a trader is market-neutral, he or she is speculating that the market will stay within a trading range. He or she will profit if the market does not make a large move in either direction.

This way of trading is very rewarding and is extensively used by professional market makers because it is a lot easier to predict the range that the market will trade than to predict a bull or bear market. In short, there is a higher probability that the market will trade within a range.

How does Market-Neutral Strategies Make Money?

While nobody can predict the market, there are certain aspects of the market that traders can see correlations and make a judgment based on his or her own analysis.

Some traders rely on fundamental analysis, which requires them to scrutinize the companys annual reports to make a value judgment for his or her investments.

Others rely on technical analysis, which requires them to search for buy or sell signals from the charts.

All in all there are many styles of trading that traders employ. Some adopt a contrarians approach while others utilize a combination of all.

The market is a place where traders with different perspectives and expectations meet and therefore, it is highly unpredictable.

But one thing remains constant in the chaos. Time passes.

Options are decaying assets, upon expiration, only options that are in-the-money (ITM) have intrinsic value. In fact, most options expire worthless. It is based on this time-decay element that market-neutral strategies make money.

Since out-of-the money (OTM) options will become worthless on expiration, we can sell OTM options before they become worthless and when they do become worthless, wed have pocketed the money that we collected when we sold the options.

All market-neutral strategies work under this principle. However, to sell a naked option requires a huge margin and is also very risky because it exposes the option seller to unlimited risk.

For example, lets say SPY is trading at 130 and you sell a SPY 132 Call for $0.60. Now, since buying a Call gives you the right to buy the underlying at the strike price, when you sell a Call, you sell someone the right to buy the underlying at the strike price from you. When you sell a Call you are obliged to deliver the underlying at the strike price if the buyer of the Call chooses to exercise the right.

In this example, you receive $60 for the Call you sold. If SPY expires below 132 on expiration, the 132 Call you sold expires worthless and you get to keep the $60 credit.

However, should the SPY expires at 134 on expiration, the call you sold will be worth $2.

Now, you have two choices: first, you can choose to cover (buy back) your short Call by paying $2 and incur a ($2$0.60 = $1.40) $1.40 loss; or second, be assigned, where you have to buy the underlying at the current market price of $134 and deliver it to the buyer of your Call at $132 thereby incurring a loss of ($2$0.60 = $1.40) $1.40 loss.

Either way you suffer a loss of $1.40. The higher SPY goes, the higher your loss. That is why brokerage firms usually require a huge margin for this type of unlimited risk positions. Some brokerage firms dont even allow retail traders to enter such positions.

Professional traders do not usually sell naked options and responsible ones discourage retail traders to use it. Professional traders prefer to limit their risk by hedging against that naked position. They sell a spread.

Spreads

Selling a credit spread is to go short (selling) an option with a higher value and go long (buying) an option with a lower value.

A basic vertical Call spread involves selling a Call option with a lower strike and buying another Call option with a higher strike. You could sell a SPY 133 Call and buy SPY 134 Call. Now you are no longer selling a naked Call.

For example, SPY is currently trading at 130.68. A SPY 133 Call is worth $1.15 while a SPY 134 Call is worth $0.80. A vertical Call spread would be to sell the 133 Call at $1.15 and buy the 134 Call at $0.80 for a $0.35 credit.

Sell 133 Call at $1.15 You sold someone the right to buy the stock from you at $133.

Buy 134 Call at $0.80 You purchased the right from someone else to buy the stock at $134.

Net received $0.35 You have limited your risk to $0.65. ($1 $0.35 = $0.65)

If SPY is below 133 on expiration day, both the options become worthless and the trader keeps the $0.35 credit he or she received.

However, if SPY rallies to 135 on expiration, the short 133 Call will be worth $2 while the long 134 Call will be worth $1. He or she will have to cover (buy back) the short 133 Call at $2 and sell the long 134 Call at $1 to close the position if he or she does not want to be assigned. In that case, he or she would have made a $0.65 (the $1 difference minus the initial $0.35 credit) loss. Even if the SPY goes up to 140, he or she still only suffers a $0.65 loss.

This spread is commonly known as Credit Call Spread, Short Vertical Call or Bear Call Spread. When you sell a Call Spread, you dont want the stock to move up. It is therefore a bearish instrument.

The opposite (Credit Put Spread, Short Vertical Put or Bull Put Spread) works the same way.

For example, SPY is currently trading at 130.68. A SPY 128 Put is worth $1.00 while a SPY 127 Put is worth $0.80. A vertical Put spread would be to sell the 128 Put at $1.00 and buy the 127 Put at $0.80 for a $0.20 credit.

Sell 128 Put at $1.00 You sold someone the right to sell the stock to you at $128; you are obliged to buy the stock at $128 from the person you sold the put to.

Buy 127 Put at $0.80 You purchased the right from someone else to sell the stock at $127.

Net received $0.20 You have limited your risk to $0.80. ($1 $0.20 = $0.80)

If SPY is above 128 on expiration day, both the options become worthless and the trader keeps the $0.20 credit he or she received.

However, if SPY crashes to 125 on expiration, the short 128 Put will be worth $3 while the long 127 Put will be worth $2. He or she will have to cover (buy back) the short 128 Put at $3 and sell the long 127 Put at $2 to close the position if he or she does not want to be assigned. In that case, he or she would have made a $0.80 (the $1 difference minus the initial $0.20 credit) loss. Even if the SPY goes down to 120, he or she still only suffers a maximum of $0.80 loss.

This way of selling options is more prudent than selling naked options without any hedge. You receive less credit (because you have to buy a hedge) than selling the naked option outright but you have also limited your risk. The trade-off is well worth it.

The vertical spreads are the basic building blocks of market-neutral strategies such as the Iron Condor. Vertical spreads can also be used for directional plays since selling a Call vertical spread is bearish and selling a Put vertical spread is bullish, one can sell a Call spread in a bear market and a Put vertical spread in a bull market.

Essentially vertical spreads make money by generating positive theta (the Greek for time decay).

To learn more about Market-Neutral Options Strategies such as the Iron Condor and Double Diagonal, go to www.marketneutraloptions.com.

Make monthly consistent income by trading options! Marketneutraloptions.com provides the first and only performance-based Market-Neutral Options Trading Advisory Services. You only pay when you make money! Check out the latest promotions at www.marketneutraloptions.com.

Gary Ang is the founder and head trader of MarketNeutralOptions.com. Delora Blog83457
Cicely Blog7668

Collecting Vintage Ads

Vintage ads are fun to collect. The hobby has grown significantly over the last few years, and is expected to continue to grow in the future. Everyone has their own reasons for collecting vintage ads. Some people collect to reminisce about earlier years, some like the ad campaigns or the artwork, and yet others see the collection as an investment. For some people the collection is just an extension of their fondness for an item or company. For example, many people collect Coca-Cola ads, and others collect Disney ads.

Most people acquire the vintage ads in one of two ways. The first way is simply by purchasing old magazines from garage sales, flea-markets, and other venues. They then cut out the ads they desire. This method is beneficial in that it typically costs less, but the downside is that it is much less targeted. If you are looking for specific ads, then this method is not very practical. The second way is to simply purchase the ads directly. Some stores will sell just the ads by themselves, while others will sell them pre-matted and ready for framing. In some cases they will be sold already framed.

What do people do with the vintage ads that they collect? While there are many different ways to store and display your collection, most people do one of two things. Either they frame the ads and then hang them on the walls of their home and office as decoration, or they put them into scrapbooks. Many people do both. One popular technique is to collect sets of vintage ads from a certain company or product and then put them all into a themed scrapbook. Some people have even been known to use the ads to wallpaper a room. This was quite common with restaurants once upon a time.

Collecting vintage ads is a hobby that anyone can get into. The ads are generally low in cost, and fun to collect. In many cases you can get ads for as little as $2 to $5. eBay is a great source for finding these ads at low prices. Give it a try today and you might just find that collecting vintage ads is for you.

John Vanderbeck runs the informational website http://Vintage-Paper.Info where you can find articles related to collecting vintage advertisements.Deb Blog96784
Crista Blog12032

Are Data Entry from Home Programs Scams?

Are Work from home data entry programs Scams? This is the question asked by thousands of people who are looking to join data entry work at home. The problem arises because ordinary internet users fail to distinguish between traditional data entry and online pay per click marketing data entry programs. Though most of the online data entry programs explicitly tell on their sale pages that the data entry opportunity is about ad word compaigns.

Work from home data entry programs may not make you a million dollars in a week but you can certainly work your way up to making a comfortable living and perhaps even more than that if you play your cards right. You will be amazed by the scope of this simple, genuine and result-oriented opportunity. The subscription cost for these data entry at home programs is just $49 which is not a big deal, keeping in mind the scope they offer.

Data entry Impartial Review has put this question before qualified Consumer Advisors to offer their expert advice. The analysis provided by impartial reviews about home based data entry programs is based on opinion of Consumer Advisors and more than 10,000 consumers.

Traditional Data Entry VS Online Pay Per Click Data Entry Campaigns

Traditional data entry from home involves secreterial work which can be medical transcription or simple data entry for offshore companies. These jobs can pay anything from $10 to $15 per hour. People normally search for online jobs which are related to traditional data entry from home. Job Search engine is very good website to find these kind of jobs.

http://jobsearchengine.com/

On the other hand, data entry which involves preparing PPC campaigns is altogether a differnt role. This fast emerging opportunity offers unlimited potential to earn huge commissions. These data entry from home programs provide step by step guidance to their subscribers to set up their online data entry campaigns. Affiliate programs pay upto 75% per sale to their members. There is huge margin of profit and thousands of companies to choose from. Most of these data entry at home programs teach about Google adwords and yahoo marketing.

Best Data Entry programs include Data Entry Bank and Home Data Typers. They are both top ranked on Click Bank the online market place. They are by far better than other programs available and offer real value for money.

Asad Mahmood is a qualified consumer advisor. In this article he has expressed his views about online data entry programs.Cory Blog33188
Deerdre Blog15544