Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Give The Bully a Medal

Being the bully you are or the bully you dont want to be is going to be hard to get my message across. An invisible barrier is hampering my vision where I struggle to focus on which bully is behind the actions like that of the devil at work.
Is it the bully you are or the bully you dont want be.

I confront the bully you are, words can not express the disgust felt by people against the way you get your kicks inflicting pain on people blameless of any reason behind a senseless savage attack from you. Without doubt you the bully are seen as the weakest link; we know you have an image to upkeep and do not work alone. Being the bully you are you will no doubt have followers who look up to you.

Do you know how hard it is to get a dedicated following.

Dracula type personalities who draw blood from defenceless victims will be stopped. Did you ever stop to think of the pain and suffering you cause and the heartache suffered by those who have lost loved ones through your acts of violence. Remember God works in mysterious ways and if not now but a little later in life may call upon comeuppance time. What goes around comes around, mark my words.

Now for the bully you dont want to be.

You have a following that leaders alike spend their whole lives trying to mass thus putting you in a position of authority. These followers you have, respect what you say and do so take advantage of the situation and do something constructive with your dedicated friends. You have already gained their trust and loyalty so you owe them a little something in return.

Turn the tables on the bully who you are and take on the role of the bully you don't want to be and help your apostles, guide them nurture them whatever it takes. Your little network needs to be shoved in the right direction. Receive recognition for good deeds not bad.

Heroes receive a medal for bravery e.g. fire fighters protect us from fires, doctors protect us from disease and moms protect their kids from bullies. This mom says go out and earn your medal, protect your friends from a nightmare that will haunt them for the rest of their lives of their past actions where they maimed or killed. I am afraid no medal for bully. How will your mom cope with the pain when they come and get you?

We all have qualities in life so share yours, does it matter what it is as long as it is not of a violent nature.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Gift your beloved teacher on the occasion of Teachers Day

When your kid joins the school you would surely be feeling great and why not it is the only time that makes you happy each while you watch your kid growing under the guidance of his or her teacher. So on the occasion of the most awaited teacher’s day your children can get a perfect gift for their teachers with the following gifts.

Things that could be gifted on the occasion of teacher’s day
1. Your can get gift certificates from the local bookstore, local stationery shop or a local coffee shop because most of the teachers usually appreciate such sort of gifts like coffee mugs.

2. You can also gift a basket that has pens, pencils, erasers or some other small classroom items as these things is in common use by teachers each year.

3. Another great idea is to bring box of snack foods and can include items such as peanuts, candy bars, fruit snacks or potato chips with some bo0ttles of water.

4. If your teacher loves to distribute candies in the classroom you can also give a jar or bag of candies and if such a treat is given by the children then it shall be cherished by them forever.

5. You can also gift a gourmet basket if you are sure that your teacher loves to drink coffee such as ½ pound or in case if your teacher likes tea, an assortment of teas could be a great gift.

6. In case if you are aware of the hobbies of your teacher then you can easily present a gift certificate related to the concerned hobby.

7. Board games are appreciated by the teachers who teach young children and because over years pieces are lost or broken, replacing old items is always appreciable.

8. Other goodies that you can include in your gift list could be new bookcase or books that your teacher loves to read.

For more information, visit our recommended website customgiftbasket.info

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Gift Ideas for Your Grad

The student in your family is graduating from high school or college, and you need the ideal gift.

Whether you're seeking a high-tech gadget or a practical necessity, the following ideas are sure to please:

* A subscription to an online movie rental service. After all that hard work, your student will want to wind down, and movies offer the perfect opportunity. Plans start at around $10 a month, and there are no late fees.

* Broadband telephone service. For a low monthly fee, your student can make calls over the Internet. All that is needed is a high-speed Internet connection and a standard telephone. An adapter converts the phone calls into data that zips through a high-speed Internet connection. Vonage, a leading broadband telephone service provider, offers a variety of low-cost monthly plans, including unlimited calling in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico for $24.99.

Vonage offers a portable Wi-Fi handset, which enables subscribers to make unlimited calls from any open access Wi-Fi hot spot.
* An alarm clock. It may be time for your student to start a new routine, and what a better way than with a new alarm clock? Today's alarm clocks offer more than the simple clock radios of the past and may include such features as a weather forecast, nature sounds or different ring tones for each day of the week. It's a perfect gift for heavy sleepers who no longer will have Mom's morning wake-up call.

* An MP3 player. Walkmans and portable CD players are so last century. Now, all of your student's favorite songs can be stored on one tiny device. Some models allow you to watch videos or TV shows purchased online. It's a great way to avoid moving a stereo and its accessories into a small dorm room. Your student will be able to enjoy viewing photos, too.

* Luggage. Your student is sure to be in need of a duffel bag, backpack, briefcase, garment bag or a wheeled upright suitcase. Browse the Web to find the perfect luggage set or other travel gear, offered in a variety of styles and prices.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Gift baskets for those special occasions

While gift baskets can be a great way to give presents, they lose some of their charm if you overuse them. However, there are many other basket-like containers that you can use instead, to save the baskets for the really special occasions.

For wine, you can put the wine in a special wine bag, decorated with wine patterns and sealed at the top, although this has the disadvantage of instantly giving away what your present is (although you could always surprise the person by putting some other nice drink in a wine bag!). Wine can also be given in a special presentation box or case, and many expensive ones come with one for this purpose, as do sets of 12 bottles.

Chocolates can be very well presented in a chocolate box, wrapped in wrapping paper with a bow delicately tied on the top – gold wrapping is lovely on chocolates, because of the way it complements the browns. If you are buying chocolate from a confectioner’s, you may be able to get them to wrap it this way for you.

Although it can seem a little clichéd, flowers often work much better in a bouquet than they do in a basket, for the simple reason that a bouquet of flowers can be easily transferred to a vase and kept for longer. Bouquets of flowers also tend to be easier to find than baskets, so you will a wider selection of different kinds of flowers to choose from.

None of this is intended to put you off giving gift baskets – but it’s best to save them for a really special occasion, like moving home, getting a promotion, Easter or birthdays. Good baskets don’t come cheap, and when you do get one, you want to be able to go all-out, not do things in half measures.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Family Meals - Better For Children, Easier For You

Another day, another dinner to prepare. Are you having a difficult time finding easy to prepare meals that can satisfy your growing family?

You want to give your family the best, but time is in short supply and preparing a healthy meal has become a chore. Too often take out or frozen dinners have to do. Is there a way to combine healthy eating with convenience?

Yes! New methods of cooking and easy to prepare staples can change your eating habits and lead to a better eating style for your family. According to the 'Kid's Health' Program created by the Nemours Foundation, family meals are an important part of developing healthy habits in your kids. Eating as a family will encourage your kids to eat healthy foods like whole grains and vegetables. It will discourage unhealthy snacking and even make them less likely to try smoking, alcohol or marijuana.

But how do you plan healthy family meals on a tight schedule? Here are some ideas to start:

Does your family love lasagna? Maybe you thought that it was a labor intensive dish that just doesn't fit your lifestyle. Cheesy and full of fat, perhaps it's not even a wise choice. However, lasagna is actually one of the most versatile meals to prepare - and with instant (no boil) noodles, it doesn't even have to be a big job.

There are lasagna recipes for vegetarians, low-carb, low-fat and even diabetic diets. Lasagna noodles now come in instant, no-cook preparations that cut time and energy when making this hearty dish.

For lasagna or other pasta dishes, try using whole wheat pasta and shredding carrots or zucchini into the meat sauce for an easy way to up the nutritional value. Using lean ground beef or even substituting with ground turkey or chicken can make for a surprising, yet nourishing result. Buy bottled pasta sauces for even faster preparation - many grocers carry a wide assortment that will add variety to your dishes.

Looking for an elegant chicken dinner? Don't forget about frozen skinless chicken breasts. Baked in the oven with a dollop of salsa and shredded cheddar on top makes for a healthy alternative to frying or heavy sauces.

Need ideas for a side dish? Why are you wasting time cutting and washing lettuce when you can pick up a prepackaged bag at the grocers? Not to say it's the cheapest method, but it definitely helps busy families put nutrition ahead of convenience when planning a meal.

Have you ever tried steaming vegetables in the microwave? Fresh or frozen veggies make for another easy side dish when they're popped into the microwave for a few minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of water and cover with a paper towel, an easy AND healthy alternative to frying or boiling.

We're all concerned about our children eating healthier foods. Regular family meals will encourage kids to develop healthy eating habits - an important key to good health later in life. By making meal time less stressful you can focus on the joys of spending time together instead of the hassles of preparing meals.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Family Entertainment

Family entertainment can be very exciting and a great way to spend quality time together in an excellent environment. Children and adults alike need this time together to learn about each other and be close as a family. Entertainment can be fun and enjoyable and some forms of entertainment can even be educational.

Theme parks are a great form of family entertainment where you have thrilling rides and exciting shows that is suitable for the whole family. It doesn't matter how old or young members of your family are, these types of amusement parks always have something for every one in the family. Carnivals are another place where families can go for thrilling entertainment. They offer a variety of rides and games for the whole family.

Everyone loves a good circus where animals and their trainers put on a spectacular show. Clowns are a big hit and keep the children and many adults laughing. If excitement is something you are looking for then the acrobats presenting their balancing acts on the tight ropes keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.

Does your family enjoy seeing and learning about different types of animals and their habitats, if so then a Zoo is a wonderful place to visit. You can explore how these animals live and exist and learn what they eat and how they survive. You can see many exotic animals that you would not ever have the opportunity to see any other way.

If you like being one of these first to see the newest movies then a family trip to the theater would be a lot of fun. But if you are looking for family entertainment that is a little quieter and less expensive then having a family night at home watching movies and eating popcorn together can be a lot of fun. Also board games can be a very inexpensive way for the family to play together while providing an educational edge. Family entertainment is the way to bring any family closer together.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Lift Chars in Your Living Room

It is not only age that can make it harder for a person to stand up or sit down. Often medical problems such as back pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis greatly limit a person’s ability to sit or stand. This can make it very hard on the ones we love as they try to take care of us the best they can. If you have any of these problems or if it is just hard for you to get up on your own, a lift chair can help you regain your freedom and relieve the pressure on your spouse or other loved one.

A lift chair raises the user to a standing position at a safe and regulated speed. A lift chair can also help the user to sit down without worry. One important consideration when purchasing a lift chair is the size of the room the chair will go into. Lift chairs come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one to fit your particular room is not a problem at all. These incredibly comfortable chairs also come in a wide assortment of colors and fabrics, so matching the wallpaper or carpet should be a breeze.

Whether it is due to old age or medical conditions lift chairs can provide an incredibly important service, while looking stylish and sheik in your living room.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tips for Encouraging Family Wellness

Movie stars, athletes, media, peers - children have the potential to be influenced by many outside factors. However, studies have found that parents have more potential to influence their children's behavior than anyone else, especially in regards to eating and physical activity. Recent reports indicate that childhood obesity is continuing to rise. As a result, parents are looking for creative ways to provide healthier lifestyle options for their families. In recognition of the importance of total family wellness, Bob Evans has listed a number of family wellness tips on its Web site, www.bobevans.com, including the following: * Make sure that your family eats breakfast. According to several studies, children who consume a healthy breakfast meet their nutritional needs, keep their weight under control, have lower blood cholesterol levels and have fewer stomach problems than kids who skip breakfast. * Involve your children in planning meals. Meals planned in advance tend to be healthier. Teach your children to read and learn from nutritional labels while grocery shopping to plan healthy meals. * Have family meals together. Eating meals as a family allows parents to ensure that children are eating nutritional foods and offers emotional and behavioral benefits. For busy nights, consider dining out as a family at a restaurant with healthy options on both the children's and adults' menus. Bob Evans Restaurants have developed an extensive children's menu with healthy choices such as turkey, spaghetti and meatballs, carrots, green beans, applesauce, and fruit. * Involve the whole family in activities. Cardiac experts recommend that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Becoming active as a family is as easy as joining your children in bicycling, miniature golf, bowling, ice skating or walking.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Tools: Purchasing For A Gift

Before you head to the local hardware store to purchase the set of screwdrivers for your tool present to give this year, take some time to find the right gift for your loved one. Let’s face it, dad has a garage full of tools and you have no real idea as to what is out there. Do you really think you are qualified to purchase the tools that he needs? Maybe you should leave that up to him. But, if you are dead set in giving tools as a gift, think about this first. Remember, the garage is not a place that you know well. So, ask him. What does he want? Is there some sort of specific tool that he would love to have? And, what about that latest gadget that is out there, think he would like that? Ask him what he wants. If you really don’t want to come out and ask questions like that, then hint around and send grandpa in for the killing questions. Still not good enough? It is safe to say that most tool lovers do appreciate tools that are useful. So, if you find that a new gadget or a new type of tool is available and you know he doesn’t have it yet, grab it. But remember, quality matters. So if you are giving a gift of tools, make sure to get the stuff that is going to last and can provide quality service to your loved one. Now that you realize that he has a garage full of tools, think about giving that tool gift to someone else. Hey, maybe mom needs it to do all the projects that dad hasn’t gotten to! An excellent gift for the guy or lady that has all the tools they could possibly want or need is a gift certificate so that they can buy the replacement parts that they need, materials for the next project or an organizer for all of their vast collections of tools - thanks to you!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Toronto Moving Service Experience

Moving is one of the most stressful times in the average persons life. Whether you are moving across the country or planning a local move, the organization, planning, and work involved can be stressful. Changes are the only thing that stays eternally in a persons life. Barely anybody can detect with a life that has no changes, shifting and moving. For numerous reasons, like private and certified, we essential to move from one place to another, however, sudden note of transfers can be very disturbing. But then these effects are important to embellish up your life to some area. So lastly, it can concluded that changes are inevitable so must be accepted with a smirk on the face. And to share this burden of moving, we have Miracle Movers, Toronto movers to help and make the full agreement a little calm on our shoulders. It is never a puzzle with the movers of this company even if you are moving lonely or on commercial and corporate level. By the end of this article, you should have gained enough new skill on this topic to be able to describe its major points to another persona. It offers navy for both inside the city transfers and national relocations. So you just have to relax after making an agreement with this tender help supplier. People often start packing their belongings effective and seriously time before to attract of moving and this kills the excitement of shifting. Thank God! We have a choice of Miracle Movers, Toronto movers, because their packaging tailor is a sincere dominance, where they make efficient that every item is packed and accepted with complete nurture. Every entry is packed in cartons, boxes and sack bags imparted by the company. These boxes are very roomy and convenient to depot different kind of entries. Faster they disclose for super correct bundle as well, because they have intrinsic cushions protecting the bunch from defiance. Therefore it is easy to store rock and schooner entries in these containers. Distant from charming foster of the cargo stockroom, the moving company also looks after the belongings of diverse sizes, be it large, average or small. The mode in which Miracle Movers, Toronto Movers work is very professional and there is no kernel unturned to give useful fight, therefore goodbye no scope for complaints. Charming nurture of all activities combined to stockroom, it makes the entire manner of relocation very easy and endless of tensions. And then it optimally meets the wishes of the clients, making it the first selection of clients. Just before the deal is finalized while, the movers company has to be given an ahead notice of about a week, so that it can present in the best of behavior and moving the grind navy. Miracle Movers, Toronto movers let out the provisions of storing, loading and entire carter management for the clients so that they can have a harmless and cheerful journey with no ruffian errands of shifting. Then, it is alphabets a enjoyable experience to show with them. From now until the now until the end of this article, take the time to think about how all of this information can help you. Miracle Movers, Toronto movers do not have the word hurdle in their work dictionary. The professions are best to gain everything that you could doubtless ask for while moving. Wrapper distances seems to be their hobby and attaining client satisfaction is their passion. The process of shifting requires lot of time and focus. And, as you are delicate of this aspect; it is recommended that a before note of at slightest 15 living should be given to the business to give you a simplified experience. If you could take the core thoughts from this article and put them into a inventory, you would a great overview of what we have educated.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Tips for a Winning Grandparenting

Why grandparenting and not just parenting? Because... Parents enjoy a break for short periods of time, children enjoy getting away from their parents from time to time and grandparents enjoy being a special part of this essential relationship. As a grandfather of six grandchildren, I can tell you for sure that building on a special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is a lifetime privilege. As grandchildren grow, the principles of the relationship remain applicable at any age, but the role of the grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren changes. Grand Parental Control and Safety of the Grandchildren All children need to be warned about the limits and must learn to respect boundaries. Unfortunately, our children learn in kindergartens and schools only about their rights, not much about their obligations. However, grandparents can intervene yearly in their grandchildren’s education and help them to understand the life limits and boundaries. When an activity begins you, as a grandparent, must be clear about your expectations. This fact frees you and the grandchild to enjoy the event and guarantees the safety of everyone involved. When the restrictions are being violated, always remind your grandchildren again about the rules and restate them as many times as necessary. A very good idea is to write the rules and post them in a visible place. If a rule is violated during your shared activity, ask the child to repeat or read (if the child can do it, of course...) the rules again. Parents’ Wishes and Rules Must Be Pursued Anything you do for your grandchild needs to be planned and discussed first with the parents, who make the rules. Helpful grandparents must support the parents in children’s education. Never keep secrets from the parents and never ask the grandchildren to keep secrets from their parents. And, do not undermine the relationships between the parents and the child by considering that some information should not be shared with the parents! A Successful Grandparenting Requires Proper Planning... Proper planning makes any activity more successful. It is safer to have a plan and to discuss the activity with the parents. Of course, you can be spontaneous, but this should happen within a planned activity. When start planning, discuss with the child and the parents what he or she would like to do. Before you begin any activities, see what is appropriate for the child’s age. In this way you are giving your grandchildren choices and increasing their self-confidence. The Best Gift for Your Grandchildren Is the “Time Together” Physical gifts (objects) are an option and do not have to be very expensive. Also, surprise gifts are the best, as a gift is real especially when it is unexpected. Do not forget that “time together” is the best gift we can give to our grandchildren. A well-planned journey provides time for the grandparent and grandchildren to discover and appreciate each other’s real life gifts. Giving time your will achieve friendship and great success with your grandparenting! Grandchildren and Grandparents Should Have Fun! Having fun is good for you, your grandchild and your relationship. Be always ready to share with your grandchildren how excited you are about being together.

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Importance Of Asbestos Abatement Equipment

More and more people are looking for asbestos abatement equipment for conducting asbestos abatement at their homes. Asbestos abatement is a specialized job and you must use the services of accredited asbestos abatement professionals for removing asbestos materials. Government has made it mandatory that asbestos abatement of public building, school and non-single family residential apartments should be done only by recognized abatement professional. However, there is no such provision for single-family residential buildings. You can do the asbestos abetment and removal of your single family home with the help of simple asbestos abatement equipment. However, you have to ensure that you follow safe asbestos removal and disposal procedure. Asbestos Abatement Equipment For Flooring Removal Use the following asbestos abatement equipment while removing floorings. Individual Safety Gear (ISG) - Includes respirator, disposable work suits, gloves, shoes and goggles. Polythene sheets, minimum 4mm thick -For sealing the work area, covering the doorways, heating and ventilation ducts, and wrapping waste. Duct tape – Used for fixing polythene on surfaces and sealing vents, sealing disposable bags, boxes etc. Disposable bags – Heavy sacks or asbestos disposal bags with asbestos warnings visible on them. Boxes – For storing the removed flooring. Cover them with polythene or use waste disposal bags. Sprayer with detergent water – Scrub and clean the floor with a mixture of one cup of detergent (liquid dishwasher is the best) dissolved in five gallons of water. Abrasive Scrub pads - Used for scrubbing the floors, removing linoleum pieces, backings and adhesives etc. Disposable Towels/Mops - Used for cleaning the work area, asbestos abatement equipment and mopping up excess water. Use them only once to prevent contamination of non-work areas. Utility Knife – Used for cutting polythene sheets. Metal Putty Knife – For removing flooring from the floors. Sealing Of Work Area With Asbestos Abatement Equipment Seal off the work area using the asbestos abatement equipment before starting the work. Thus any asbestos fibers released during the work will remain confined to the work area. Turn off the heating and the air conditioner. Cover all the ducts, vents and openings with polythene and seal off with duct tape. Remove all movable objects so that they are not contaminated. This will reduce the time spent on cleaning them later on. Cover all fixed objects with polythene sheets and seal with tape. Stick polythene using the duct tape on all doorways, windows and other openings. Have only one entry to the work area. Cover that doorway also with a polythene flap with one vertical slit for entry and exit. This will prevent contaminated air from circulating out of the work area.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Effects of the Banning Online Gambling

Everyone talks about the negative impact of online gambling, but they are not talking about the negative impact of banning online gambling. A reason for banning online casinos was to make sure that underage children were not using thee parents credit cards to gamble online, but besides the fact that most online casinos did everything possible to ensure to verify the age of the account holder before allowing any gambling to occur, but by banning it you are only stopping the law abiding casinos from taking bets and not the less reputable online casinos. They will use third party account like PayPal ore Click2pay which provide a loophole in the new law. By banning an activity especially such a popular activity as online gambling all that can be expected to happen is for people to find ways around the law, such as the Speakeasies of the 1920’s. A Speakeasy was a nightclub that served Alcohol during prohibition and was usually hidden in the back rooms of pet stores and innocent looking book stores. Every time a speakeasy was raided the next night another one was opened, and this is what will happen with these online casinos. If the government finds one operating in the USA and gets it shut down or manages to stop the money flowing to it then another will open. By regulating online gambling the government would know exactly who was running the casino to make sure they were running it honestly and within all the laws, and it would help make sure that the criminal element did not get rich and gain power a second time in the history of the USA because of a bad lawmaking decision. Another reason given for the ban of online gambling was to help protect against a rise in problem gamblers from have casino gamming in your home 24 hrs a day, but no proof has ever been found that shows that people who would normally not be inclined to go to a casino and gamble would decide to do it just because it was now in their homes. The facts actually show a steady rate of people with gambling problems and growing at the same rate it has been growing for over 25 years. Many experts are now saying that there are some positives to the online gambling ban, but those positives would be even better if the industry was properly legalized and not, just by putting a mostly unenforceable law in place. But this to be a pattern the government seems to always make, it is much like the war on drugs. Last time I checked thee was still a drug problem in this country even though drugs are illegal, yet in countries like Holland where the use of soft drugs like hash and grass are legal the number people with drug problems is much lower per capita then in the USA. This is because the money that is brought in the form of taxes from these sales goes to fund the public schools where they properly educate kids on the negative effects of these drugs, so most of the people who smoke are tourists and not the locals. Maybe one day the government will learn from its past mistakes and make things right.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Five Most Addicting Games of All Time

Every person who loves games has their favorites. But not all games are addicting games - even those considered classics, like Monopoly. I'm a die-hard fan of addicting games - those that you'll stay up playing until the wee hours of the morning, or those that get worn out from so much use. My choices for the five most addicting games of all time might not be yours, but if you haven't played them in awhile, give them a try - you may be pleasantly surprised! Board Games Of the classics, Scrabble will always be in my top ten. I love words, and although I'd never make it to the Scrabble championships, I get enormous satisfaction out of coming up with clever words. Sometimes the tiles just won't cooperate, but I've been known to sacrifice points for the sheer pleasure of placing a clever word on the board. Again, because I'm such a fan of words, I love the game Taboo. It's a totally addicting game for four players where you have to get your partner to say a certain word without uttering that word - or any form of it - yourself. It's an enormous challenge, but one that's an absolute hoot! Another truly addicting game is called Therapy. It's one of those unique board games you need to play with people you know - or people you'd like to get to know a lot better! Each player has his or her own couch, and each player has to answer trivia questions about different life stages that are based on psychological research. When you land in a "therapy" space, you're "in therapy" with the player who owns the space. He or she has to predict how you'd answer a personality question. If your answers match, you're out of therapy; if they don't, you have to stay for another session. It's both hilarious and insightful! Card Games I find many types of card games addictive - from hearts to rummy to pinochle - but as far as specialty card games go, I'll choose Uno every time. My family actually has a much-anticipated Uno tournament every Fourth of July. I love the way alliances quickly change, depending upon who is on the verge of going out, and the utter desperation you feel when you have a fistful of cards. My second choice of specialty card game would be Uno's cousin, Skip-Bo. It's a great kid's game for the whole family, since anyone who can count up to 12 can play it. It's been great watching it dawn on my son that there's a strategy to the game, and seeing him hold back cards so that he could play a greater number of cards in his next turn. When we go to my sister's house to visit, we all play for hours at a time. Other Games and Puzzles I haven't included any video games or jigsaw puzzles in my personal list of the most addicting games of all time, but they very well may be included in your list. Whatever your personal favorites, but all means, play often and play well!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Ten Moving Tips

These moving tips may include a few things you hadn't thought of, or things you just need to be reminded of. Forget that safe deposit box, for example, and you may have to drive a long way to get at it. Ten more moving tips follow. 1. Get rid of things. Consider carefully what you need to keep. People spend hundreds of dollars to move things that will undoubtedly be thrown away some day. It's not just a matter of the expense, but the hassle too. Moving time is the best time to get rid of the things you really don't need. 2. Have a yard sale. It's a good way to get rid of those things, and you might even raise enough money to pay for the move. 3. Use lists. You will forget things, especially if you don't have a list or two. Start with a list of things to do before the move. It may include getting school documents transferred, filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies, transferring prescriptions, getting maps, and arranging utility shut offs and start ups. 4. Make the the moving company reservation a month ahead. You wouldn't want to find out they are booked up on the date you need them. 5. Pack early. It's hard to say how long it will take until you are doing it. Start early to avoid running around looking for boxes at the last moment. 6. Have an "essentials" box. This will have things to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates, soap and such. Pack the box where it is easily accessible. 7. Check weather reports. It's no fun arriving in a snowstorm with your coat packed away somewhere. Allow for extra moving time if the weather is going to slow down traffic. 8. Notify family and friends of your new address and phone number(s). Do this before you have the phone shut off. 9. Save your receipts. Save receipts for moving expenses, like gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to the move. Then ask your accountant or tax preparer if you are eligible for a tax deduction for moving expenses. 10. try to re-establish your routines quickly. It helps to quickly re-establish routines in your new home, so if Friday night is movie night, don't break with tradition. Moving is less traumatic if you have some consistency in daily life. If you are moving with children, this may be one of the more important moving tips.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Texas Holdem: 4 Betting Structures Explained

Even though the United States have made it illegal to gamble online, poker keeps on gaining popularity through the different tournaments that are shown on television such as the World Series of Poker by ESPN. This created a problematic situation: while players claim that poker is not a game of chance, the US government decided that it is. For a few weeks, panic erupted in the poker world as rumors spread like bushfires that this ban would stop all tournaments. But this proved to be untrue. In fact, because of the online gambling ban, the popularity of tournaments only increased. And in most of these tournaments, the favored game is Texas Holdem. This article focuses on those planning to take what was once their online casino pastime to a poker tournament close by. You will need to follow some basic betting structures, and we describe these for you. Even if they seem difficult to follow, don't worry. Just practice these at home with friends and you will soon learn the flow of these wagering structures. Note: Remember that all the games rely on a basic maximum and minimum wager, and all the betting structures should be understood accordingly. Keep in mind that each game has a set limit that is fixed before the game commences. Once begun, the limit remains unchanged until the end. Note also that the tournament organizers or the casinos are those that decide these limits. 1) Structured Wagering Limit: This means that there are two limits you play to. During the first two rounds, you place wagers according to the lower sum, and then you start betting according to the higher amount set. When you find a game called according to two amounts such as 4/8 dollar limit, then, it means that this game will be played according to the structured wager. Another thing to remember when entering such poker games is that you can only place four wagers each round and not one more. 2) Spread Limit Wager: Here, you are free to place wagers in a pre-set range and you don't have to place fixed bets. When you find that the limit is within a range then it means that you have found a game that will be played according to the spread limit. Examples are games which can be played between a range of twenty to a hundred dollars. Note that such games do turn out to be expensive because some might bet according to the high limit. Another variation of the spread limit bet is to have a range of four wagers. What this means is that there is a certain amount you can bet for the round before the flop, for the round on the flop, and on the round after the flop and a certain amount for the river. 3) Basic Pot Limit Bet: In such Texas Holdem games labeled as being played according to the basic pot limit, what it means is that you can place wagers anywhere between the amount that is the big blind and the total size of the game pot. Here too, take note that games such as these can result in high cash pots. 4) No Limit Betting: This is the one version that pulls in the high rollers from all over. Here, there is not limit at all one how much you wager or raise. Note that unless you are a high-roller or unless you have a tremendous amount of experience playing Texas Holdem at tournaments, stay clear of such games.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Occupation Of An Au Pair

An Au Pair is typically a young woman between the late teens to mid-thirties whom is in the occupation of child care. They trade room and board abroad for their services in child care. An Au Pair will get into the business with the hopes of furthering their education outside of their country of origin, or having the luxury of traveling where they may not typically have been able to afford to do so, giving them the experience of being with a host family in a foreign country. Au Pair’s usually have some previous childcare education and experience. However, sometimes this is not the case. There are many downfalls as well as benefits to hiring an Au Pair. One benefit to hiring an Au Pair is receiving low cost child care and, if you go through a trust-worthy agency that does background checks on their Au Pairs you may end up with a good catch. The downside to this is, on a work Visa to a foreign country, an Au Pair that becomes attached to a family unit only has a limited amount of time to be in the home before returning to their country of origin. There are agencies internationally dedicated to matching families in need with qualified trustworthy Au Pairs. They do everything from background checks and reference checks to providing some Au Pairs with the services of obtaining their respective work Visas and even providing some with formal training in child care. It is safer to go through one of these agencies than it is to just hire one from a classified ad. When searching for an Au Pair you will want to hire someone you feel comfortable leaving the well being of your child with. Someone with a past history of aggression or short temperedness is not recommended. You need to hire someone you feel could be an asset to your family and fit in with the setting and environment which you have created. Make sure the candidates you review have experience with children in the age range of your own children, this ensure if any problems or concerns should arise with your child, the Au Pair will be able to handle the situation and act accordingly. There are also agencies internationally that can investigate child abuse suspicions. If you have hired an Au Pair and you suspect they may be abusing your child, these agencies will provide surveillance to assure that your children are in safe hands. Typically agencies such as these work in conjunction with agencies that hire, train and place Au Pairs with host families. When choosing an agency to hire an Au Pair you should always ask which, if any other agencies they are associated with and what services those companies may offer to make your experience with an Au Pair the best. If you are a busy working parent and require child care, with the assistance of a trust-worthy agency and following up on references given, an Au Pair might be a cost effective answer to your child care needs. Not only will you be welcoming into your home someone who truly loves their profession but with an Au Pair you will be helping out a person who may not have been able to experience other cultures otherwise.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The true essence of a woman

“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life - a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are.” - Princess Diana Almost ten years ago, a princess died. She was a lady, a loving mother, and a philanthropist. Many believed she was an angel sent to warm the hearts of the feeble and the needy. She was an inspiration for the victims of poverty, the sick, the discriminated, and the homeless. Her name was Diana, Princess of Wales. There is a long, illustrious list of princesses in England and in other parts of the world, yet none of these royal women can surpass what Princess Diana had achieved. What was it that brought tears to people around the world after her death in 1997? Was it her beauty? Her deeds? Or her legacy? She left a legacy that will be remembered for a a very long time. She was included in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century because of her charity work. Diana used her influential status to campaign against the use of land mines that were scattered around the world. These mines are found in many developing countries. This cause earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. She also helped decrease the discrimination against the victims of AIDS who experience social anxiety. In fact, she was one the first high-profile celebrities to be photographed with a person infected with HIV. As a princess, Diana was probably one of the richest, most attractive and socially powerful women in the world. Despite these attributes, she was also a victim. Diana was often the subject nasty of rumors in the tabloid scene. Paparazzis hounded her wherever she went, depriving her of privacy that is so important for people who are always in the limelight. Women in unhappy marriages identified with her because of her much-publicized divorce withPrince Charles in 1996. It was called “The End of the Love Story of the Decade”, or the end of the “Fairy Tale Marriage.” On August 31, 1997, the world was shocked to hear the news about Princess Diana's death. Reports said that the princess' car was apparently being pursued by photographers in motorbikes when it hit a pillar inside an expressway tunnel. The car she was riding on smashed into a wall, leaving her mortally wounded along with her lover Dodi Al Fayed and driver Henry Paul. She died from the wounds she sustained during that terrible incident. Princess Diana's death became a realization to many that people, no matter their state of being, people the world over share the same pain and grief...and that all human beings must inevitably face death. She became an inspiration to people of all walks of life. Her story was that of a wealthy and well-loved woman, a princess who also lived a life of stress and anxiety. She was able to have empathy for the poor and lowly even if she was a princess surrounded by luxury and riches. People from all walks of life could also relate to her because she too exhibited the same kind of loneliness and despair felt by ordinary human beings. Her life became a channel through which coping with anxiety became easier. Her compassion and good heart made her more beautiful in the eyes of the world. Princess Diana is a symbol for a true woman of this century. The essence of a woman will not be measured by the beauty she possesses. Nor by the smile that she carries or the physique she displays. The true essence of a woman is her ability to share her love to others and the society she lives in. Women need not to be conformed to beauty contests or the kitchen. Much more needs to be done and the task has just begun.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Tips For Selecting The Right Blender

A blender is an essential kitchen appliance. It can do a variety of tasks from whipping cream, making smoothies, food processing, and crushing ice. Selecting a blender usually depends on what tasks you intend to do with the blender. Some blenders offer multiple features for a high price. Be wary then that you may not need some of these features. So go for a blender that does what you need it for. Here are a few tips on what to consider before buying a blender. * Capacity The blender’s capacity may vary from one to three liters. It may be advisable to get a bigger one if you have the space. However, the first thing that you need to consider here is how much food you are going to blend at the same time. Some small blenders offer ease of storage due to its small capacity. Do not get these if you know you will be blending large amounts of ingredients. * Material The material, particularly, the footing has to be sturdy. Make sure that the footing is stable enough that the blender will not topple off the table while it is filled with contents and performing its tasks. Stainless steel is the best material for this. The containers may be glass or plastic. The ones made in glass are heavier, and sturdier but are more expensive than the ones with plastic containers. * Functions Some blenders have multiple attachments for different functions. You might have to change an attachment to whip cream or chop herbs. Make sure that if you needed these functions, the attachments are easy to detach and replace. Evaluate the difficulty of fitting another attachment. Also check if the attachments have sensitive parts that may break if it is improperly attached. Some blenders also have an ice button which will be perfect if you need to crush ice. Also, there are blenders that have a small opening at the top to allow you to add small amounts of ingredients while blending. * Wattage This can vary from 500 watts for the smaller food processors to 1200 watts for the larger blenders. One with high wattage can blend quickly and easily. The only concern is that these blenders cost more. * Settings Choosing a blender with a variety of settings (speeds and pulse actions) allow you mix a variety of ingredients at different textures. * Safety The blender has to be easily and safely cleaned and stored. Since many people leave their blenders on the countertop, it will be good if the blender has cord storage spaces with lids to prevent the cord from being wet. Some models are also labeled as dishwasher safe. These are better particularly when using a dishwasher. These containers can usually be opened at the top and the bottom to facilitate the cleaning. Many processors also have safety locks to prevent the machine from starting to process without the lid on. * Countertop or immersion blenders Countertop blenders are the most commonly known design of blenders. These have a base and a container in which the materials are blended. Since most people just leave these blenders on the countertops than store these in the closet, these blenders come in a variety of color and design. The price ranges from $10 to $400. The immersion blender, on the other hand, is a stick-shaped handheld device that has a swirling blade at the bottom. These consume less power, about 200 watts; thus, it is limited to a few tasks and for blending some ingredients. These are usually used for pureeing, mixing soups and chopping vegetables. These blenders are now, also being paired with whisks, beaters and attachments for cleaning baby bottles. Since these blenders are not to be left on the countertop, it has fewer options for color and design. The price for immersion blenders ranges from $10 to $100. Now, that you know what you need to consider before buying a blender, when you go to a store, check also the warranty to protect your rights as a consumer. If possible, you may also want to try the blender first, as some blenders that claim to crush ice either fails to do so, or liquefies the ice instead. If you weren’t able to try the blender first, make sure you will be able to return it if it doesn’t function as promised.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Travel Scooters and Independence

Almost everyone loves traveling. This includes going places like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, or just visiting family. If you are mobility challenged and have difficulty walking though, these types of vacations can seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be that way though if you own a travel scooter. Travel scooters are mobility devices that are designed to be easily disassembled and assembled in a matter of minutes. After it has been broken down it can be easily placed in the trunk or back seat of a car. It is also easy to transport it on planes or trains. The heaviest piece of a travel scooter is usually around 25 or 30 pounds, which is light enough for most people to easily handle. The ability to easily transport a mobility scooter does not terribly affect its range. In fact many can travel over 25 miles per charge. If you need a greater range, it is possible to purchase an extra battery and simply switch it out when you run out of juice. They also travel at a very good pace and at top speed it is usually faster than most people could jog. Even though most train and plane services will have no trouble accommodating your travel scooter, it is still a good idea to check with them first. They may have special requirements or require that you arrive a little earlier to ensure that you can bring your device. A travel scooter is a great way for people who might otherwise be unable to handle the rigors of a family vacation to enjoy the company of someone they love.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Votre Home Sweet Home Au Gout du Jour

Pour pouvoir aménager votre cher appartement au goût du jour, tout ce dont vous avez besoin est d'avoir quelques idées et une grande imagination afin de transformez vote logement en un véritable cocon douillet aussi bien de style cosy que cottage. Comme beaucoup de familles, vous vivez probablement dans une maison spacieuse avec des pièces open-spaces et un désir impérieux de transformer tout cela en un cocon plus intime. Si tel est le cas, voici pour vous des conseils de décoration pour tout réaménager pour pas cher. Tout d'abord, rééquipez votre logement en meubles. Prenez ces derniers plus large et/ou plus long. Cela donnera déjà un aspect plus cosy et un environnement plus chaleureux, du fait qu'ils meubleront les espaces vides. Par exemple, pour un salon immense, pourquoi ne pas l'équiper d'une table de jeu de cartes comme une table de poker, voir sur un site de poker en ligne un exemple, ces dernières étant grandes et larges, l'espace ainsi pris pourra être destiné à organiser des soirées sympathiques entre amis. Pour cela privilégiez les meubles couverts de tissus, ou également de cuir ou autre matériel similaire permettant de créer une chaleur humaine. Une autre idée de décoration qui peut également l'effet cosy de vos pièces spacieuses est d'ajouter de la verdure ou décorations florales. Cela donnera un sentiment de sérénité et d'ambiance tropicale. Les arbres type palmiers sont un excellent choiz pour remplir les coins des salles. Toutefois, attention de ne pas trop en faire afin de ne pas obtenir l'effet inverse. Une troisième idée de décoration est de créer une atmosphère confinée et chaleureuse dans votre chambre en posant sous votre lit un tapis élégant, fin et joliment conçu. Choisissez celui qui est assez grand pour pouvoir contenir tous les meubles de la pièce et en adéquation avec les couleurs de cette dernière. Evitez toutefois les couleurs criardes. Enfin, décorer votre maison de façon moderne signifie adapter ses meubles à l'ensemble de vos murs. En fait, concevoir vos murs de façon appropriée est l'un des aspects les plus importants pour obtenir l'atmosphère correspondant à vos attentes. Il y a plusieurs manières d'atteindre ce résultat. Vous pouvez accrochez de larges tableaux ou tout autre œuvre d'art, suspendre de larges tissus, ou encore organiser des portraits ou autres. Mais la question qui se pose est la suivante: Comment obtenir des décorations pour un faible prix? En effet, quand arrive le moment de décorer son logement, la question du prix se pose en toute logique. Votre mission consiste donc à trouver ce qui vous plait à un coût moindre pour concevoir le design que vous désirez obtenir, en plus de l'atmosphère. Sur votre mur principal, éviter de commettre l'erreur classique qui est de combler l'espace à tout prix. Pour ceux qui ne sont pas forcément expert en la matière d'organisation d'intérieur mais essayent de faire de leur mieux avec ce que vous avez déjà sous la main ou peignez quelque chose en imaginant une ligne imaginaire vous permettant de trouver vos repères. Alors pourquoi dépenser trop, lorsque dans l'espoir d'avoir de meilleurs revenus, on a déjà tout sous la main?

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Wheelchair Education 101: Which One Is Right For You?

Whether you plan on being in a wheelchair for just a short time or for the duration of your life, it is very important to pick the right one for you. With so many wheelchairs on the market today, it can be a tough task to undertake; but you can easily purchase the right wheelchair for you by becoming knowledgeable about your choices. Before you buy your new mode of transportation, it is best to have an understanding of the different types of wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs are wheelchairs that need to be controlled by the person in the wheelchair, or by somebody pushing the wheelchair. There are a few different types of manual wheelchairs – lightweight or sports chairs that roll easily for those with upper body strength and are designed for every day use; standard manual wheelchairs that have the traditional cross brace frame and added support, child or youth wheelchairs that grow with a child and come in a variety of colors and styles; specialty chairs that are specifically designed for a variety of wheelchair lifestyles and needs and institutional wheelchairs that are the most affordable, but designed only for minimal wheelchair use – commonly used for transporting people in hospitals and nursing homes. They are most suitable for short-term use, for those who don’t use a wheelchair too often or for those who have upper body strength. Those who have limited movement or a weak upper body may need someone to push them, or may want to consider the electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are wheelchairs powered by a motor. They were created especially for those individuals with limited or no body mobility, or for those who use wheelchairs as their primary source of getting around. They are pricier than manual wheelchairs, but the cost is definitely a wash when considering if your wheelchair needs are substantial. Electric wheelchairs come in a few styles – the traditional style electric wheelchair resembles a manual wheelchair with the exception of the motor, battery and controls; and the platform electric wheelchair look more like a seat placed on top of the motor encasement. The motor is often placed below the electric wheelchair in order to minimize any noise. The electric wheelchair controls are usually to the right or left of the arm rests, and can even be repositioned based on your wheelchair needs. People who enjoy outdoor activities regularly may need to be careful in an electric wheelchair – most models are designed for indoor use and can crack or become faulty over time. But, there are some indoor/outdoor models marketed today, and may be the outdoor enthusiast’s best electric wheelchair bet. Sports wheelchairs differ from the traditional manual wheelchair – they are very lightweight and designed to withstand the normal wear and tear that goes along with a number of sporting activities. Sports wheelchairs use lightweight metals that can withstand a beating like titanium, chrome, aluminum and steel tubing. The base of a sports wheelchair is wider than other traditional wheelchairs in order to support different sporting activities, and the center of gravity can be adjusted for the individual using the sports wheelchair. The sports wheelchair is generally affordable, but the more custom features it contains, the more expensive it will be.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Where Can a Funeral Casket Be Purchased?

When an individual passes away, they are generally buried in a casket. Funeral caskets can be purchased directly from the casket makers or from a funeral home. Typically individuals purchase a casket from a funeral home. Funeral homes, also commonly referred to as funeral parlors, are designed to help families cope and arrange a memorial service for their deceased loved one. Depending on the selected funeral home, many offer assistance for all of the planning stages. This may also include selecting a casket. A funeral home may offer a wide selection of funeral caskets. Many locations will have their selection on hand for viewing or in a catalog display. Depending on the number of caskets available, there is usually a wide selection to choose from. Funeral caskets are made from various different materials. They can also come with many different designs or artwork, if preferred. For example, a casket could have crosses, hearts, angels, or other peaceful or religious ark work carved in. There are also caskets that come with detachable pieces, allowing family members to keep this as a memento. Funeral caskets are important because they will be seen at memorial services. The deceased individual will be buried in it and it will be the last memory that many friends and family will have of the deceased. Selecting a funeral casket is a decision that many family members must all agree on. Another common place to purchase a casket is directly from the maker. This is often done if a casket needs to be custom made or personalized. Funeral homes also purchase caskets from the manufacture. Since they will generally purchase a large amount of caskets at one time, they are typically given a wholesale casket price. This means that they will be purchasing their caskets at a price lower than normal. By purchasing a wholesale casket lot, many funeral homes are able to offer their quality caskets a reasonable prices to their customers. A customized funeral casket directly from the maker will likely have to be ordered in advance. It is not uncommon for individuals to make burial arrangements ahead of time, especially if they are sick. More and more elderly individuals are trying to plan out their funerals and other final expenses. This is done to help relive the financial burden on remaining family members. Although it is typically common to order a customized casket in advance, there are many casket makers who will rush an order. This feature is nice; however, it will likely cost a large amount of additional money. No matter when a casket is purchased, there are great deals available on quality funeral caskets. Although it is a difficult decision for family members, there are many who are selecting a casket based solely on price. Thanks to wholesale casket companies, many funeral homes are able to offer their fine caskets at discounted prices. Finding the perfect casket may be expensive, stressful, or time consuming task, but it can be one of the most important decisions in an individualís life.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

What Is The AARP?

The AARP used to be the American Association of Retired Persons. The AARP is known for representing and speaking on behalf of aging populations based in the United States. It is involved in all kinds of activities such as: negotiating reduced rates for prescriptions, housing, tourist attractions, automobile rentalsm motels and hotels. It is at present involved politically with the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. The AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus and hopes to have 70 million members in the next ten years due to the increasing age of the US population. It is interesting that the AARP is fighting the proposed changes to Social Security. The AARP has changed its role over the last few decades so as to reflect current living standards and the way in which we now approach age with dignity and purpose. On its website discounted trips to Hawaii and Alaska are advertised as well as news specifically geared to seniors, such as employment news, legal advice, health and fitness information and other interesting items. At present some of the hot button items the AARP is working with are: Prescription Drugs; Prescription Drugs over the last 5 years have increased much more rapidly in costs than the rate of inflation and as such are a heavy burden on Seniors. The AARP makes available the results of studies of changes in manufacturers' prescription drug list prices for 200 brand name and 75 generic drugs most widely used by Americans age 50 and over. Social Security; President Bush seems to think that there will not be enough money in the future to pay for Social Security benefits for Seniors at today's level. His private accounts plan would allow workers to invest up to one third of their payroll contributions in the Stock Market. Based on Stock Market results for the time President Bush has been in office this would have resulted in a loss for the average Senior taking inflation into account. And the indexing plan that Bush embraced at his April 28 press conference would preserve the present defined-benefit approach only for low-wage workers—those currently earning less than about $20,000. For everyone else, 70 percent of workers, the system would be flipped upside down—so that the more you earn and pay in, the more your benefits are cut. Consumer alerts; Last year Americans spent more than $20 billion on anti-aging products of which a sizeable amount was for so called "snake oil" products such as "human growth hormone " pills which sold for $80 per bottle per month and promised to cure anything that ails you. The US Food and Drug Administration does'nt regulate over-the-counter products so it is buyer beware.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Use Crown Molding To Give Extra Style to Your Home

Crown molding is used primarily as an aesthetic structure. It doesn’t have much significance it terms if functioning like columns but in terms of catching the attention, they do a great deal of job. Crown molding makes the intersection between the wall and ceiling look smooth or stressed. This task doesn’t necessarily require an expert to accomplish. In fact, it is a do-it-yourself tweaking. All you need to have is an able body, creative mind and motivation to beautify your place. The first step to do is to choose your design. In choosing the design, you need to consider the dimensions of your interiors. If the vertical dimension of your place is slightly lower, then the crown should not be thick or large enough to occupy a big portion of the wall. Always keep in mind that if the walls to put on are smooth, crowns should be elaborately molded and designed. If the walls are accented or textured, the moldings should be smooth or simple to look at. These basic facts are important because they give balance to the interior- a principle of contrasting characteristics. It is also important to decide the material which should make up the molding. Woods are longer lasting and really look elegant but are costly. So if your funds are not that much, there are also synthetic molds such as those made of PVC and polyurethane which also looks good. The most widely used today are those medium density fiberboards because they are more stable and enduring. Also, they resist reactions to sudden changes in the climate. Another important note is that you should always consider that before installing a crown molding, the interiors of your house should be all repaired and free of flaws and imperfections. This is so because any flaws or blemishes in the wails or ceiling part can lead to misplacement or instability of the molding such as it won’t get flat on the surface and may be left hanging there because it has no wall to rest upon. Should you find any flaws or defects, don’t panic because it doesn’t necessarily require you another major hall repair. Just a simple casting and filling would do so that the surfaces would remain flat and the moldings would remain in place. Lastly, cutting the crown molding is the most challenging part of it because it requires you an accurate sight and good manipulating skills. The only trick in this is to always visualize and put in mind how you want these moldings to look and how they should rest upon the walls. Crown molding is a very fulfilling job. You not only develop the aesthetic qualities of your house, you also develop the creative attitude within you.

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Wonder of Color: Making it Work in Your Home

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Color! It is often the first design element that a homeowner considers in the decorating scheme, and it is also the easiest and most cost effective way to make a dramatic change in any interior. It affects our moods, our look, our health, and even our success. We use colors to describe emotions and our state of mind ("feeling blue," "seeing red," "looking a bit green"). So read on to find out more about how to make the most of your favorite hues and get the scoop on their real meaning. All colors can run hot or cold depending on whether they have a yellow or blue base. Many of our associations with color are historically and culturally based. Not sure what you really like? Check out your closet. Chances are you tend to wear colors you enjoy, and they are also good options for your interior, possibly in different hues. The guidelines for selecting colors include using test boards or wall areas of at least two feet by three feet in two coats, dry. (You’ll need more if it is a dark color.) Not even the pros select from those one inch chips in paint decks! Check the color morning, noon, and night with lamp light and daylight for a true effect. Selecting the right finish is as important as the best color. Lighter colors are best in an eggshell finish, allowing easy maintenance but limited touching up. Darker, richer colors need a satin or semi-gloss finish to really bring out the depth and avoid chalking. Ceilings can be in a flat finish, but they do need to be tinted. White is out. A white ceiling won’t show off your architectural trim if the trim is white also. Consider a warm neutral ceiling color like bone or in children’s rooms and sunrooms a robin’s egg blue. Color is dramatically affected by light, and in fact the same color can look completely different on each wall in a room depending on the light and shadow at play. Most can learn their geographic room orientation without a compass. Just pay attention the where the sun rises and sets in relation to each room. Northern and Eastern light is much harsher, brighter and bluer, exaggerating blues, greens, and purple tones and balancing warmer shades, while Southern and Western light is richer, yellowier, and mellower and will literally make a room feel several degrees warmer without any true change in the thermostat. Homes are often oriented to have a kitchen facing east, to catch the morning light, while a dining room may have a Western Exposure that would feel hot in the afternoon but at night, when used most often, is quite comfortable. This is just the tip of the palette with millions of combinations possible. When looking for a starting point, try working with a rug, starting at the bottom of the room, or a piece of favorite artwork, starting at the top. This will effectively provide parameters to establish a scheme, certainly changeable later. Most of all have fun with color! Ever wonder why so many dining rooms are burgundy? Burgundy is a derivative of red which has been proven to stimulate your appetite and raise your heart rate. For the same reasons and more, many restaurants, especially Chinese, Italian, Mexican and fast food chains, know it can make you spend more money and lose track of time, all while eating more. On a diet? Don’t paint your kitchen red. Looking for a good’s night’s sleep? Keep red out of the bedroom; it doesn’t promote rest. Instead consider the purple family, from lavender to aubergine. Purple is known to slow the heart rate and encourage dreaming, certainly an advantage in a bedroom. On the other hand, it is also a teenage favorite for promoting daydreaming and creativity. If the kids aren’t studying enough or are sleeping excessively and have a lot of purple in sight, maybe a change is in order. Blue and green are the most universally accepted colors, because they are found in nature. Blue is one of the most challenging colors to select for an interior, but it can be used to great effect on ceilings, for a sky appearance, or even in indigo for a night time feeling. It promotes calmness and trust. Remember the expression "true blue"? Green is truly the new neutral, especially in moss, sage, and khaki. It gives the illusion of bringing the great outdoors indoors and is highly livable over long periods of time. It also complements every other color well and is said to generate a feeling of regrowth, renewal and rejuvenation. Green is also a great example of "it’s all in a name"! Many will remember the days of "avocado" and "harvest gold". We have been in a real resurgence of those colors the last five years--renamed "moss" and "moonglow" they are much more palatable. When you want to use a brown and you’re choosing between the colors "chocolate" and "mud", which one are you more likely to pick? Food monikers make it all delicious. Brown is in fact enjoying tremendous popularity in recent years. It’s more interesting than beige and is warm and reliable. (Yes, UPS did know what they were doing!) Brown is a wonderful accent to green, purple, orange and even pink. Mocha, espresso, latte and more are all showing up in homes as often as Starbucks. Yellow gives the illusion of sun and is a wonderful option for dark spaces, back hallways and any windowless room. It can get too bright if not balanced with a bit of black in the mix. Studies have shown babies to cry more in yellow rooms than rooms of any other color (full strength of course). Butter cream is always easy on the eyes, but often electric yellow will prove irritating over long periods of time, as much as we associate yellow with caution and slowing down in daily life. Yellow visually is also known to promote memory skills. Yes, legal pads are yellow for a reason! Orange is indicative of affordability and is said to make us laugh. It also is considered to encourage learning and can be used in classrooms. Peach is still passé, but orange is enjoying a resurgence as tangerine, coral, Hermes orange, Cimarron and paprika in conjunction with browns or pinks most often. Pink isn’t just for little girl’s rooms anymore, but can be found in bedrooms, baths and living rooms leaning toward inviting and romantic rose, quiet cameo blush, orange-tinged salmon and more. Pink is often considered a soothing color, once used regularly in beauty salons. Many can recall when baked goods came in pink boxes, stimulating our desire for sugar. Think of Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts! Need to give your interior a boost and you as well? Try pink light bulbs. They soften the glow subtly, and you may find yourself getting more complements on your appearance! Black, with its inherent associations with elegance and money, is often best in small doses. A gleaming black lacquer tray, a sleek black leather bench, perhaps a cozy black chenille throw, all can add that touch of drama to the right interior. A black dining table, with brass or nickel wheel accents, and upholstered chairs establishes an air of formality. White indicates independence and a free spiritedness. It is best used when an interior enjoys an exception quality of natural light, such as with desert or island living. Otherwise it tends to look like primer and like you just haven’t painted the color on yet! White doesn’t have to be boring, but it needs texture to make it work and a willingness to keep it clean. White can be beautiful, but grungy is not!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Meat And Potatoes Of Event Planning - Choosing Your Menu

One of the most talked about aspects of any event is the menu. People love to eat and if they are invited to a party, one of the things they will usually be most excited about is the food. It can be a daunting task, planning an entire menu for a group of twenty, thirty or three hundred people. But with some careful thought and proper event planning, you can prepare a menu that will not only satisfy your guest's appetites but it will impress them as well. If the group that you are hosting is large, hiring an event planner might be in your best interest. The reason for this is that local event planners generally have an outstanding relationship with caterers. They know who is good, who serves what and which catering company will satisfy all of your dining needs. A benefit to hiring a catering company is that they handle all aspects of beverages and food. All you need to do is sit down with the person planning your event and decide on a menu that will fit into both the appetites of your guests and your budget. Armed with this information, the event planner will contact several caterers get a quote on your party and then come back to you with a few finalists. You'll be able to not only meet with the caterers, but generally you can also get a taste test of what they have to offer. This is a great approach because then you, as the host, are fully prepared for what will be served to your guests the day of the event. If your soiree is a smaller affair, than you might decide to handle the event planning details of it yourself. This includes taking on the planning of the menu. In this case you'll consider whether a cocktail party, a sit down dinner or a buffet might be in order. Each of these alternatives offers distinct benefits. If you decide on a cocktail party, you'll need to choose several hors d'oeuvres that your guests will enjoy. It's usually prudent to plan on a few of each for every person attending. If you plan in that fashion, you won't be embarrassed by running short of food. A dinner party or buffets are also good choices for a party. Depending on the number of guests invited you can plan either without too much difficulty. One important note is that whenever you are event planning and the function will include food it's wise to consider whether any of your guests have special needs when it comes to food. This can include things like diabetes or food allergies. If you are having someone attend who is highly allergic to a food, try not to serve that food at all. When it comes to event planning, menu planning is a big factor. If you consider the size of your guest list and the time of the event, you can choose foods and presentation that fit the tone of your party to a tee.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Dot Com Era is Back

In a recent article titled "Internet use threatens to overtake TV in Canada" it discusses the threat of online marketing to traditional media sources in Canada. This isn't a a threat anymore in the US. It is a fact. An article written by Thomas Mucha from Business 2.0 says: People are spending more time online than watching TV, which gives marketers a better chance to reach consumers in a place where they are just one click away from making a purchase. "More than 75 percent of companies using the Internet to advertise report confidence in their return on investment," writes the study's lead author, Jupiter Research senior analyst Gary Stein. This confidence, Stein argues, will sustain spending momentum across all the key online ad areas: paid search, display ads, classified ads, and rich media. Interesting to note that two studies are similar. Although The Ipsos Reid study of Canada claims radio is losing more interest than TV in Canada, it may soon lose to the Internet as well. Mr. Mucha claims 40 percent of total spending by 2010 will be paid advertisements on Google, Yahoo and MSN to an estimate of $19 billion per year. Not much wonder why the search engines are trying to dominate each other and the marketplace. The one that becomes the most popular will also make the most money. What will become of the little guy? Will it put an end to buying keywords for ad placement on search engines? Will the small business owner get shoved out of the picture? Maybe not altogether... but let's face it. If GM decides they want to use the keywords you are using, can you afford to compete? The search engines will be laughing "all the way to the bank" and the cost per clicks will just keeping going up... (he-he) similar to the price of gasoline at the pumps these days. Even though the cost of clicks may get pricey, the major search engines will always have to index relevant websites and include these results and return them on any keyword search. Professional sites (versus linkfarm, affiliate, spam sites) will always be in favour, and the sooner business can get their company sites built, if they haven't already; the better. Google seems to be the top search engine right now, and new sites often get sandboxed. If they hold on to their dominant position, new websites want to make sure this doesn't happen to them. I've always felt that there was something Google was doing that gave some sites more relevance than others in its index, but wasn't sure how it was applied. At the Search Engine Strategies conference last week in San Jose, California, Rand Fishkin learned that Google places some new Web sites, "regardless of their merit, or lack thereof, in a sort of probationary category" for six months to a year to "allow time to determine how users react to a new site, who links to it, etc." On a final piece of advice he suggests: "Several people have also predicted that Yahoo! or MSN may take up similar techniques to help stop spam. This phenomenon could seriously undermine new SEO/Ms and new campaigns, but it is a possibility. My recommendation is not to discount this possibility and launch projects or at least holding sites and their promotional efforts ASAP. The web environment right now is still relatively friendly to new sites, but will certainly become more competitive and unforgiving with time, no matter what search engine filters exist." Although it is starting to sound a little like the "Dot Com era is back" it will be a little different this time around. In 2000 when it went bust, it is partly because the percentage of consumers purchasing online didn't justify the amount of spending. There was a lack of confidence. It is different now. Jupiter's study shows that "73 percent of Americans who use the Internet have made a purchase online and four out of five of these potential shoppers have responded to an online ad."

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Sports Betting Tips: How to Bet on Sports Successfully

Sports betting is one of the most exciting types of gambling. The suspense, the tension, the great satisfaction when it turns out that you have made the correct prediction, not to mention the added bonus of winning cash money… Even if you are not a particular sports fan, betting on sports certainly adds an interest in sports. There is more than one way to bet on sports. You can choose between flying to Vegas and placing a bet at one of the flashy casino sportsbook while watching sports on big plasma screens, staying at home and wagering at one of the thousands of online sportsbooks available on the net, at your neighborhood bookie, your office pool… Wherever you choose to wager, here are some useful sports betting tips. Sports betting is a game of skill, which takes years of learning and practicing to master and still, even professional gamblers who make their living from betting on sports, lose. It basically means two things: first, intuition and luck are great benefits in sports betting as in other types of gambling, but if you rely exclusively on them, you are doomed to lose lots of money. Second, restrain your expectations and try to have fun. In sports betting, as in most types of gambling, the advantage is not on your side. However, the knowledgeable bettor has better odds of enjoying a successful sports betting experience than the spontaneous gambler who places a bet following his gut feeling and wishful thinking. Therefore, do your homework and make sure you understand the basics of sports betting. Learn everything you can about the odds, the type of sports, the teams or players who take part in the match you are betting on. All the information you are seeking is available online within a mouse click distance, so there is no reason to be lazy about it. If you are betting online, choose only reputable online sportsbooks that have been around for at least a year, are licensed, regulated and members of a gambling association, so if you will not be paid on time, or at all, at least you would have an address for your complaints. Limit yourself to a small selection of games to wager on. The more games you pick the lower the chances of stepping out as winner. While you choose, make sure that you know why you making your specific decision. Again, giving full trust to your intuition and or your emotion as a sports fan is the best strategy to empty your bankroll. If you cannot help but wagering on your favorite team regardless to the odds and to the basic common sense, at least make it minimal: place small amount of money so you would still be able to have fun watching the game. If, God forbid, you lose, do not be tempted to bet more or you will end up in an endless circle of chasing your bets. Trust me; you do not want to go there. If you win big time, do not invest your entire winning on betting at once. It will be wiser and more responsible to be satisfied with betting only a certain portion of your winning. Remember, proportion is a key word. Taking everything in proportion, including when winning, losing your money and or watching your favorite team lose, is the best strategy to minimize the financial and emotional damage. and do not forget to have fun!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Stair Lifts: Reclaiming Your Upstairs

If you have trouble climbing the stairs and want to reclaim the upstairs of your house, you should invest in a stair lift. Most stair lifts are very well priced, but you can save some money by buying a used one. There are several considerations, however, when buying a used stair lift. The first step should be to analyze you needs and requirements. If your stairs are curved or very narrow than you will need a special type of stair lift. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages than you will probably need to purchase a battery operated lift. Once you have a solid idea of what you need and want in your stair lift it is time to start shopping around. While shopping around you should get an idea of the regular price of a stair lift. The main reason someone buys something used, whether it be cars, golf clubs, or stair lifts, is to save money. By having an idea of the regular price for a new stair lift, you can compare the price of the used stair lift and see if you are actually saving money. Even though you can probably find used stair lifts in the newspaper, being sold by individuals, this is usually unadvisable. If you are buying it from a stranger you have no real way of knowing how they treated the stair lift, or whether it is just going to break in a few months. When dealing with battery powered lifts you also do not have a real idea of the condition of the battery. You can glean some of this information from observing the condition of the chair and the condition of the individual’s house. If you do decide to purchase a used stair lift from an individual pay special attention to any signs of physical damage to the unit. Your best bet is going to be to find a reputable dealer that sells both new and used stair lifts. These dealers carefully inspect any piece of equipment that leaves their warehouse and you can use the stair lift without any worry of mechanical or other failure.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Save Time And Money

While the old rule of thumb may have been "don't fix it until it's broke," today's seasoned homeowners have adopted a new school of thought-"prevent it before it happens." For starters, don't overlook termites. Each year, Americans spend $5 billion repairing the damage caused by these hungry little pests. What's more, termite damage is not typically covered by homeowners' insurance, leaving consumers to foot the entire bill for costly damages that could have been caught early or avoided entirely by regular inspections and preventative treatments by pest professionals. Savvy homeowners, sellers and buyers keep this costly pest on their radar and take proactive steps to defend their homes. Here are four main points to keep in mind when it comes to dealing with these evil wood-feasters: 1. It is critical to get a professional termite inspection before selling/purchasing a home and as an annual task. Thriving termite infestations can be found in the farthest reaches of the home-behind shower walls, in attics, in old tree stumps in the yard. After settlement, new homeowners can be stuck with mounting bills from termite damage repairs and treatments-not exactly the world's best housewarming gift. 2. Learning about professional termite treatment options will save homeowners time and money in the long run. There are many products out there and effectiveness varies among them. Experts recommend treating a home with one of the newest types of treatment available-an undetectable liquid. With this treatment, termites unknowingly crawl through treated soil and pass the liquid's active ingredient throughout the entire colony, wiping out the whole problem in as little as three months. 3. Since termite damage often happens without a homeowner knowing it, only a preventative termite treatment can give homeowners peace of mind that their homes won't be invaded by these pests. Simply put, the cost of a preventative termite treatment far outweighs the substantive costs that rack up once termites are discovered by a homeowner-all the while protecting the value of a home, and ensuring a home will remain termite-free for years to come. 4. Above all, leave pest control to the professionals. While products available at home and garden centers can be helpful, if a problem persists, it usually requires a trained pest professional to deal with it effectively.