How to Bet Proposition Bets at a Sportsbook

Betting sides and totals on major sports like baseball, basketball and football are the most common wagers available everywhere. However, many sportsbooks also offer proposition bets (or props short) for gambling on non-team sports like golf, tennis, boxing and auto racing - including NASCAR - due to their growing popularity. The two main ways of wagering on non-team sports are "Betting to Win" an event and "Matchup Betting" which pits an individual against another individual or a group of individuals.

Betting to Win

Before every major event in non-team sports like golf, tennis and auto racing, futures are set by oddsmakers. These are not fixed and are adjusted by sportsbooks several times leading up to the event and are sometimes released months before an event. The same holds true for major team sports like NFL and college football, NBA and college basketball and MLB baseball.

The main advantage of futures is that you can get appealing odds by betting far in advance of when the event takes place. For example, betting on the 2006 Masters golf tournament now might get you much better value on Tiger Woods, who may be 10/1 at this moment but dip to 6/1 closer to the event if he is on a roll.

An example with team sports would be NFL futures, where you often can get much higher odds on a team by betting before the season starts. A NFL future bet on a team to win the Super Bowl might be 20/1 in the preseason; but by midseason, their odds might decrease to 10/1 if they turn out to be legitimate championship contenders.

"Betting to Win" an outcome event like The Masters is the most common way to wager on individuals competing for a particular non-team title. Unlike team sports such as football, non-team sports also have multiple events over the course of a year, so "Betting to Win" obviously happens much more frequently than a once a year NFL futures bet on the Super Bowl winner does.

It is very important to note that not all the competitors in an event may be listed, so another betting option is on the "field" which includes all other competitors not listed. The odds on a "field" bet are typically comparable to a bet on the favorite in order to protect sportsbooks from taking a big hit if a major upset occurs. In exchange for a lesser payout, field bettors gain the advantages of having more than one entrant that can win for them.

Matchup Betting

For non-team sports like golf, boxing, tennis and NASCAR, "Matchup Betting" offers an alternative to simply betting on the event's winner. "Matchup Betting" generally involves an individual going up against another individual in a head-to-head event, such as a tennis match, and the odds are determined using the money line.

For example, if Serena Williams faced an overmatched opponent in the U.S. Open tennis tournament, a reasonable money line would require Serena bettors to risk $400 to win $100 while a $100 bet on her opponent would win $360.

Here's how the money line would be listed: Serena Williams -400 / #102 Ranked Opponent +360.

Every $400 bet on Serena nets a $100 profit if she wins (plus the return of the $400 risked). If her opponent pulls off the upset, $100 bet on the underdog would profit $360 (plus the return of the $100 risked). For more information on how this works, be sure to check out How to Read the Money Line.

Furthermore, a tennis match would be considered a tournament-style head-to-head matchup since the competitors involved directly play against each other in the event. An artificial head-to-head matchup involves competitors in an event like a golf tournament or auto race who are indirectly competing against each other since in reality they are competing against everybody in the field, not just one other competitor. These artificial matchups are also fake in the sense that bookmakers are the ones creating them - solely for betting purposes - and different books will often offer different matchups.

Group matchups are another way "matchup betting" is used which is particularly popular in golf and auto racing events like NASCAR, where you can select whether a leading competitor or a few other lesser competitors will finisher higher amongst the group, with the odds again based on money lines. Since golf and NASCAR both have pre-qualifying, not everybody makes the cut to the final day of competition, and these group matchups require all individuals to qualify in order to be eligible for action.

Proposition bets for non-team sports are not limited to "Betting to Win" an event and "Matchup Betting" but those are the primary ways to wager on them. Other examples of props for non-team sports include what racing team will finish highest in a particular NASCAR race (Chevy, Ford or Dodge) or how many rounds will the fight between Mike Tyson and Kevin McBride last (Over/Under 8.5 rounds). Props, also known as exotic wagers, are also extremely popular on high-profile team sporting events like the Super Bowl in Las Vegas . The Imperial Palace Casino's sportsbook is well-known for the enormous number of prop bets offered. For example, you can bet on:

What team will win the coin toss

What player will score the game's first touchdown

What will be the exact margin of victory

As you can see, there's much more to betting than simply totals and sides, especially when it comes to gambling on non-team sports. So be aware of all your wagering options and don't miss out on the excitement non-team sports have to offer with prop betting!

Contributed by:

RJ Bell
©Pregame.com 2006
Website: http://www.Pregame.com

RJ Bell is the founder of Pregame.com - Where sports bettors get ready. RJ has been an expert contributor to Maxim Magazine, CNN.com, About.com, and ABC News - and has won 3 world handicapping championships! Located in Las Vegas, the Pregame.com team works at adding to your betting confidence with powerful game insights and sportsbook reviews. FreePicksByEmail.com, the biggest daily sports betting newsletter, delivers help from famous handicappers.Benoite Blog10631
Andreana Blog47636

Identity Theft - When It Happens To You

So, you've just realized that someone has stolen your identity and is racking up debt left and right, and you want to put a stop to it, but you don't know what to do. Well, keep reading, because in this article you will learn exactly what to do when you are a victim of identity theft. Once you have absorbed this information, act quickly, because the sooner you start fighting for your identity, the sooner you will win.

You will probably receive a phone call from a creditor stating "you" just either made a large purchase and they suspect fraud or you open your credit card bill as you do every month and be amazed at some extra charges that are on there. Call your credit card company immediately. Rarely, will you be liable for charges over $50, and many credit card companies wave the first $50 in the case of fraud. Check with your bank, you will usually be given a choice to close your account and reopen a new one or some banks will put a "watch" on your account and you will have to log into your account and manually approve every charge and check before it is cleared. This usually goes on for a period of 30-60 days. The latter isn't the best choice as it is labor intensive to do and your account isn't protected from fraud as it would be if you simply closed it out and reopened a new account.

After you have done all the initial damage control. The next thing to do when you realize that you are a victim of identity theft is to notify the credit bureaus. Report the situation to the three major credit reporting companies- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do it online or in writing, and you must tell these companies that your identifying information has been stolen and is being used by another person fraudulently in your name. Ask them to flag your file with a fraud alert, and ask that all creditors call you before extending credit in your name. A consumer statement will be put on your file and it will alleviate your fears of bogus accounts being opened for about 3 months.

Due to provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can only place an initial fraud alert for 90 days. The credit bureaus will then send you a notice displaying your rights as an identity theft victim. As soon you receive this, write to each of the three credit bureaus to request two things; An extension of the fraud alert to seven years, and a free copy of your credit report. Remember to include an identity theft report when you send your letter in order to authorize the seven year alert. Whenever you communicate with the credit companies, you should refer to the number given to your credit report and always use verified return receipt mail. Also, make sure you save all credit reports and related information for your records.

As soon as you get your three credit reports, carefully examine each one. Report all fraudulent and inaccurate information in writing to the credit bureaus, as well as to the credit issuers, following the instructions that are provided with the credit reports. As soon as you notify the credit bureaus about the fraudulent information, the bureau is required to strike that information from future reports. The bureau will also notify the credit grantor of the fraudulent account(s). If it isn't included in the report, ask the credit bureaus for the contact information of the credit grantors.

Also, tell the credit bureaus in writing that you want them to remove all inquiries that have been created due to fraudulent access. You should also ask the bureaus to contact anyone who has received your credit report in the last six months so they can be informed about the fraudulent and inaccurate information. Numerous inquiries can lower your credit score, so work diligently on getting those inquiries removed from your personal credit report.

Though these measures should set you back on track and protect your credit from the fraudulent information, they may not completely stop it from happening again. Because of this, be sure to monitor your credit reports, there are many online services that will help you monitor your credit report. We recommend Experian Triple Advantage. Along with getting your credit report online with credit score, you also get 30 days free credit monitoring service. With this service you can start the dispute process online! Often times, once you have started the process you will be able to obtain a second free report from the credit bureaus, and in many states you will be able to access your credit report more frequently. If you notice that the fraudulent information is still happening, notify the proper bureaus instantly. If the problem persists for very long, you may want to consider freezing your accounts for awhile if possible to prevent any more damage.

Identity theft is an unfortunate event when it occurs, but you can fight back and get your life back quickly!

Copyright 2006 Liz Roberts

Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with New Horizon Finance, specializing in bad credit,& has been providing consumers & business owners with financing since 1989.Join Experian Triple Advantage http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/experian.htm & get a free credit report & credit score. Bad Credit? Apply for bad credit credit cards, http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/unsecured.htmBertine Blog15025
Albertine Blog23276

Poker Is More Than Just A Game

Most of the women I know think that poker is some game that unsavoury men play in the back rooms of sleazy bars. They wouldn't even think of playing the game, never mind thinking that they might love poker. Most of the men I know think poker is just a game played by guys with nothing better to do.

But I know better: I am a 38 year old mother of 2, and I've been paying poker for about 30 years; and I know what poker is all about, and how falling in love can even happen to a married woman lol.

I've always loved playing poker, but it's when I learned that I could play poker online whenever I wanted that was when I truly fell in love with it. Before I learned about playing poker on the internet I had to wait until I got the chance to play with some of my friends husbands; which wasn't very often. Now that I have learned about poker online I can play a game of poker whenever I want: poker on demand - it's like heaven!

Now I can play poker whenever I want; which is usually the minute I get the kids to bed. When I first heard about playing poker online I wasn't sure where to start; where to play, and where to stay away from. I found a poker room that I started playing in, but it wasn't the greatest - I wasn't enjoying the feel of it. I needed to find out about some better places to play, but I didn't know where to look to find out the information I needed. Then a friend told me about Poker Online UK. Poker Online UK is a poker review site that rates poker rooms and gives a description of each site, and the reasons why the poker sites have been given the rating they have. After I found Poker Online UK I was sorted: I new where to play and where to stay away from.

Since then I've learned a lot about online poker: about where I should play, and the difference between the online and offline version of the wonderful game. I've learned the intricacies off online poker, and how to see tells in players you can't see. I've also learned the best places to explore online. I found about another poker review site Poker Websites. This site is similar to Poker Online UK, but in a different style. Poker Websites has a number that has been mathematically calculated to rank all of the top poker websites.

I've been playing the magnificent game online for almost a year now. I've learned a lot about online poker, and where to find out the best information about the game. The last time I was on the Poker Websites site I found out about the new site Poker News that's associated with Poker Websites. Poker News is a new website dedicated to providing online poker players with the best poker news that they want to know about.

I'm a happy woman - I love my family, and I love my husband; but I also love playing the wonderful game in my free time.

It's more than just - poker is a passion - I love poker!!

Jack Mack is a keen UK poker player dedicated in spreading poker fever to help game players gain the passion that he has for the beautiful game of poker.Aura Blog76786
Carmen Blog29660

Part Time Business Ideas that Work

A couple of friends of mine needed to generate a little extra income on top of their wages. They were both into keep fit and enjoyed working out. They decided to supplement their income by becoming part time fitness instructors.

They had to do a course which lasted less then six months and taught them the basics of keep fit. They both enjoyed doing the course and made some great friends along the way.

The money is good and they keep fit at the same time! One teaches spinning on the stationary bikes whilst the other does aerobics classes. They both benefit from free membership in the gym they teach in

If you are good with your hands and into DIY then why not become a part time handy man? Busy people now a days just never get round to fixing that faulty cupboard and the money that they are willing to pay for odd jobs is not that bad either for a couple of hours work.

Start up costs are very low as long as you have the full range of basic tools. Most people who start out working part time find that this can easily turn into a full time occupation!

Do you enjoy gardening? This is a great little earner if you do not mind getting your hands dirty especially enjoyable if you find someone rich with a beautiful garden! The only problem with this business is that work dies away in the winter months.

A mobile car wash can be a nice earner and if you buy all the equipment it can be very easy to clean a large number of cars in a short time. Pick one or two street and whiz around a couple of times a week.

You will need to buy a van with some specialist tools and carry your own water on board. Starts up costs are higher than other part time businesses and therefore this business demands a lot more careful planning.

A photography business can be run from home and it is easy to make a decent income. Digital cameras are so good now that you do not even need a dark room to process your pictures. Start of with the usual weddings and birthday parties. Take pictures of all the landmarks in your city.

More websites are being created every day and all of them need some images. Speak to web designers and take pictures to their specifications. Online networks are expanding rapidly and people need portrait pictures. Demand for head and shoulders shots is massive.

The great thing about the photography business is that you can take pictures all the time. You do not have to be in work mode to snap away! It is easy to build a huge collection of images and showcase your work on a website. Start up costs are now very low and this business can become extremely lucrative once you have built up a collection of images.

Do you have any ideas for a part time business that can help to provide additional cash flow for people struggling to pay the bills?

Naz Daud is the Founder of the CityLocal Internet Business Franchise Opportunity.Amity Blog87722
Bathsheba Blog24769

Chinese Trademark Registration An Essential Primer

Though the United States media have published a number of stories deriding China's intellectual property protection, those articles nearly always neglect to mention that in most instances involving trademarks, the fault lies with the foreign company, not with Chinese enforcement. The reality is that many foreign companies fail to register their trademarks in China and thus have no real right to complain about any "infringement" there. To expect protection, foreign companies must register their trademarks in China and the prudent company does this before going in.

There are actually a number of people in China who make a living by usurping foreign trademarks and then selling a license to that trademark to the original license holder. Once one comes to grip with the fact that China, like most of the rest of the world is a "first to file" country, one can understand how easy this usurpation is, and also, how easy it is to prevent it.

The fact that you are manufacturing your product in China just for export does not in any way minimize the need for you to protect your trademark. Once someone registers "your" trademark in China, they have the power to stop your goods at the border and prevent them from leaving China.

The key to protecting a trademark in China is actually very simple: register it in China.

China's trademark requirements are actually quite similar to those in most other countries. The trademark must not conflict with an existing Chinese trademark and it must be distinctive. China allows for registration of all marks for goods, services, collective marks and certification marks.

China's Trademark Office maintains a centralized database of all registered and applied-for trademarks. Trademark applications that pass a preliminary screening are published by the Trademark Office and subject to a three month period for objection. If there are no objections within this three month period, or if the Chinese Trademark Office rejects the objections as frivolous, the trademark is registered. If the Chinese Trademark Office supports an objection, it will deny the application. Denied applications may be appealed to the State Administration of Industry and Commerce Trademark Review & Approval Board and then to the People's Court. Based on our experience, objections to trademarks are rare.

A Chinese trademark gives foreign companies a surprising amount of protection in China. If a foreign company learns that its trademark is being infringed in China, it has a number of actions available to it.

We usually advise our clients to pursue a multi-pronged approach to protect an infringed upon trademark and to pursue the infringer. The foreign trademark owner should usually file a lawsuit against the infringer, seeking damages and an injunction stopping the infringer from continuing to sell the infringing goods. The Chinese courts in the more commercialized regions are actually quite willing to enforce China's trademark laws, even for foreign companies. Trademark infringement is a crime in China. For serious cases of infringement, a complaint to the office of the public prosecutor can often result in a criminal prosecution against the infringer. The Chinese police will close the offending operation and seize the counterfeit goods. The courts are authorized to impose both fines and imprisonment. Finally, if the counterfeit goods are destined for export, a notice to the Chinese customs authorities will prevent export of the counterfeit goods.

Dan Harris is an attorney with the international law firm of Harris & Moure, pllc, and lead blogger for China Law Blog (http://www.chinalawblog.com)Bertha Blog6383
Analiese Blog94611

A Brief About Fast Secured Loan

What is a fast secured loan?

A fast secured loan is that form of a loan that is backed with collateral against the loan amount and can be obtained at a swift pace. Collateral can be any thing, it can be your home, automobile, or other property. Fast secured loan is one of the lenders favourite loans, as the collateral within these loans put lenders on a safer side. With the contribution of collateral, fast secured loan are generally low interest rate loans and they also provide repayment flexibility for burden free installments. The lower interest rate and affordable installments can facilitate you to live a normal financial life.

Fast secured loans are designed to fit all group of people whether they are containing a perfect credit score or not. Fast secured loan can also be availed by those people that hold bad credit history. In fact, fast secured loans are an effective route to improve your credit score. It is to be noted that your perfect credit score can be maintained as long as you pay your installments on time.

Depending upon the collateral value you can obtain fast secured loan up to 125% of your collateral equity. You can get this loan even for a longer period which varies from 5 years to 25 years.

You can apply for fast secured loan to accomplish a variety of necessities such as:

Home improvement

Credit card bills

Debt payments

Holiday expenses

Expenses during marriage

Purchase of a new car etc

Fast secured loans consist of simple application process. While choosing lenders, keep in mind that you opt for reliable lenders who have a good experience in lending fast secured loans. Gather complete knowledge related to every lender and his terms and conditions before you go ahead with your loan application. Always go for those terms and conditions which you can suit your state of affairs. You can now apply online for your fast secured loan without spinning around some streets in search of loan.

Make sure that you obtain amount that comes within your financial capacity. Do not take fast secured loan beyond your capacity, as your failure in the repayment of loan may result in the repossession of your collateral property. To make the condition worse it affects your credit score as well. Overall its a win-win opportunity for both lenders and borrowers.
Andrew Baker has done his masters in finance from CPIT. He is engaged in providing free, professional, and independent advice to the residents of the UK. He works for loans website UKfinanceworld.For any type of loans, Uk bad credit loans, personal loans, unsecured loans, secured loans, debt consolidation loan, mortgage, remortgage in UK please visit http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.ukAlleen Blog54292
Barbie Blog62848

Real Estate buy new property with ease through loan

Real estate is perhaps the most beneficial if you are looking around for investing money. However buying a highly costly property is not that easy for everyone. So a loan for buying property becomes inevitable. Loan for real estate has gained importance and popularity amongst the property buyers.

Real estate loans are especially meant for buying a highly priced property like a commercial building or any property you think is fit for investment. Real estate loans are secured loans that require the borrower to place a highly valued property like home, business or papers as security. On having the security in place, the lender will shower benefits on the borrowers. For instance you can borrow greater amount under real estate loans. the main requirements that the lender would like to ensure before approving reap estate loans are that you must be having a sound repaying capacity, your past credit history should be good and the property you are going to buy.

You should be having a great bank balance and should have a convincing loan repayment plan in place. You would be immediately investing the loan in buying the property. So the lenders surely want to know your source of income for timely repaying the loan installments. So keep all the relevant documents ready before applying for the loan.

An advantage of real estate loan is that it comes at lower interest rate as it is secured loan. Also you can repay the loan installments with easy as you have the option of paying off the loan in larger duration of say 30 years. Thus while you have bought the property, the loan itself is easier to repay.

And do not worry about your bad credit. As you offer valued property as security, the lenders risks are reduced substantially. So despite your past bad credit history, the lender is ready to approve real estate loan, though interest rate may be a bit higher. You can apply for real estate loans to online lenders who have cheaper rates. But first take their rate quotes so that you can compare lenders for a suitable deal.

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 business loans as a financial advisor. To find Real estate, Commercial real estate loan, Commercial real estate loan rate, Private real estate money loan, Online real estate loans visit http://www.commercialrealestateloan.co.ukCamile Blog5969
Biddy Blog62432

The Secret to Master Math

Is there an easy way to master math ? . Im sure you must have thought this at least once in your life ( if not before every other math test ). You must have felt at some point that how come some people are so good at Math while others fail to do even a simple addition correctly. Well if you have, then cheer up! , you are not the only one who feels like that.

Several studies have been done so far to determine what makes the math skill of one brain way superior to others. The M.R.I study done on people of different age groups and of different educational levels has produced a surprising result. The Study has clearly shown that morphologically (i.e. in terms of shape, size and structure) the brain of both the Math dudes and the so called Math duds is identical. ( And you always thought a missing part was responsible for your bad scorecard ). So where does the difference lie ? The Study has also confirmed that the Math dudes have higher brain activity in their inferior parietal cortex ( that part of the brain that is supposed to deal with math )

So what does all this add up to?Simply a driver conflict in the mind.

Before I reveal the secret to master math, let me tell you about an incident that happened not so long ago. One fine day my pc at home crashed. Anyway, before it crashed completely it was not working like a Super computer. To begin with, it had stopped playing any song or sound long ago and its floppy drive would not work as well (ok it was an old machine but believe me I was using it purely out of emotional reasons). For sometime now I was thinking of getting those parts replaced if not throwing the entire thing in the dust-bin.

Anyhow, I decided to do the clean reinstallation. After an endless wait in front of the blue screen, came the moment of glory. The screen read Your computer is ready to boot for the first time. Immediately after that, the first thing I heard was the sweet old churning of my hard disk and then I saw the soft blink of my CD-Rom drive. And then guess what happened, the long dead floppy drive also followed the suit and started to blink. Hallelujah I cried out. Now I had realized that it was the driver conflict that was stopping my otherwise good hardware (yeah!) from working correctly.

For those who are wondering right now what driver is, it is a small program responsible for making your hardware do what it does.

I became so optimistic that I went on a searching spree on the internet to find the right driver for my sound card as well. Finally, I did find what I was looking for and installed it manually. The result ? As I am punching this article on my computer (yes the same old one) my favorite John Denver song is playing in the background.

Now coming back to what we had started out with, as to why some people lack the math skill completely. What is that well kept secret to master math ? The answer is just one word - updates. People who lack math skill have not bothered to update their number crunching driver.

By now everybody is aware that computers are based on human brain.

Our Brain = Hardware of computer, comparable to CPU.

Our Mind = Software, comparable to Operating System (like windows, linux or whichever you find best)

Our mind needs numerous drivers ( programs ) to run its various faculties. Those are stored in our memory.

Some brains come right out of the pack with the correct drivers installed while others have to update their drivers manually during the course of their life.

Take this Quick Test to check the version of Math driver installed in your mind. ( Try to attempt the questions first on your own and then compare your approach to that given below.)

23 x 11 = What ?

Take your time.

Im still waiting.

Did you get the answer ?

Now look at the approach given below.

Action performed:
No response at all / a mild headache ( very much like the overheating of a non functional part of a machine.)

Type of driver installed:
The mind with non existent driver or a malfunctioning one.

Action performed:
Tries to solve this way using pen & paper.

23
11
-----
23
23x
------
253
-------

Type driver installed:

The mind with an outdated driver installed.

Action performed:
since 2+3=5 , therefore 23 x 11 = 2 5 3

To multiply any 2 digit no. with 11 simply add the two digits and sandwich the result in between those two digits.

Type driver installed: The mind with the latest updated driver.

Before you take this test any further, let me tell you one good thing about the human mind. Our mind is designed to be very lazy. This in turn makes it super efficient. Confused ?? Read on.

Our mind always seeks to get the maximum output using the minimum effort. This makes it super productive. Our mind wants that at a click of a button ( that too if absolutely unavoidable ) everything should be done. Our clothes and utensils washed, our food cooked, our room cleaned and our algebra homework done.

I am sure most of us could have solved 23 x 11 by using the 2nd approach (long one). But most of us chose not to, as somehow the mind became aware that it was not the most efficient (read: easy) way of doing it. That is why once the mind is taught the easy way of doing things it seldom reverts back to its old inefficient ways. In my experience as a Math teacher, I have seen the students transform from math duds to absolute math dudes in a matter of few weeks once the right drivers are installed in their minds.

Now that your mind knows the shortest and easiest way of multiplying any 2 digit no. by 11, try few more examples and see which method your mind prefers.

26 x 11 = ____

2+6=8, thus answer is 2 8 6
i.e. add 2 & 6 and sandwich the result in between .

45 x 11 = ____

4+5=9, thus answer is 4 9 5.

Conclusion: This was just one example to demonstrate that the much needed math skill is thankfully already present in our mind. We are all capable of doing calculations at a snap finger speed. All we need to do is tweak our mind a little for optimum performance.

All the best.

Shahryar Badar of this article is the Director of http://glad2teach.com ( an online Math tutoring center ). Glad2teach is a pioneering approach to make Math learner-friendly ( i.e. easy & interesting ) for the students. It helps the student to master his syllabus easily and speedily.Aprilette Blog99104
Arlyn Blog63327

Keep Children Home at Night

Who would suspect that sleep overs, where children stay overnight at the homes of their close friends and extended family members, could be risky even dangerous. Many parents have allowed and even encouraged children to sleep overnight at their friends' homes as a way of helping them build closer relationships and develop social skills. Even those parents who aren't sure about the homes involved may give in to their children's pleas to be allowed to go.

But the reports of adult survivors of childhood physical and sexual assault place the innocent looking sleep overs in a very different light. While away from home in settings that their parents believed were completely safe, they report being severely traumatized by atrocities that they never told their parents about perhaps because they could not bear to remember them or because of severe threats of what would happen if they did tell.

The distressing reports of courageous survivors can help today's parents be more street smart about how child predators work. Armed with more information about predators, they will be more cautious about where their children are allowed to go overnight.

Parents must first abandon common stereotypes about child predators. Parents know that some predators, such as pedophiles, are driven by sexual attraction to children. However they may not be aware that others are motivated by sadism or hunger for power. Still other predators act out of social and financial incentives. They may be young or old, male or female, extroverted or shy.

What all committed predators have in a common is the set of skills needed to acquire the trust of parents. Obviously trust is an essential prerequisite to gaining access to victims. To secure that trust many predators hold high positions in their professions, are married with children and have excellent social skills. Many live in suburbia, having well kept homes, immaculate yards, and all of the outward trappings of respectability. Many predators attend church regularly and serve actively.

Inwardly they are raving wolves, but parents never see that side of them. Only their children do, and only when the predators are alone with them. Then the rules change. Then all of the once-respected boundaries are dissolved. What happens is governed by who has the power and the predators have it all.

Parents have learned that in this complex society they must limit their trust to protect themselves from being scammed or exploited. They may shred documents to prevent identify theft, delete emails telling them they have just won the sweepstakes in Nigeria, and withhold information from strangers who call on the phone asking questions. But placing limits on their trust of friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers and members of their church congregation may seem excessive or overprotective.

However, in our modern society parents must set limits to protect their families, because today's child predators ply their trade with incredible cunning by exploiting the naivety of those friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers and fellow church members who might be persuaded, if the circumstances were right, to allow them access to their most precious possessions their children.

How can limits be placed on trust without offending without implying that parents suspect someone of being a closet predator? The best way, perhaps the only way, is to establish the family rule that no sleep overs are allowed with anyone. Then when someone asks if a child can stay overnight at their home the answer is "no" regardless of who asked. The answer is "no" because that is a family rule, not because the person extending the invitation is suspected of something. Eventually, if enough parents use this approach, a new community standard will be established. A time honored tradition, the sleep over, will be another casualty of our society's loss of innocence. And our children will be safer.

Jerry McMullin has a Bachelor's Degree in history, a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science, and a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling. http://www.saferchildren.netAddie Blog54651
Analise Blog32318

How To Take The First Steps With Autoresponders

One of the most effective forms of low-cost Internet marketing is using email to reach a targeted audience. Whilst email marketing has undergone changes over the years, in particular, the outlawing of spam email, it still has great appeal and is one of the most widely-used internet marketing techniques. It's quite simply the best way to keep in touch with your customers on a regular basis on autopilot. Providing you respect the spam laws and use email properly, you will have a trouble free email marketing business.

Email marketing is more commonly associated with the use of an autoresponder service which allows you to import your email messages into the autoresponder and send them out to your customers at a fixed date and time - you could have a series of messages sent over a period of weeks, months or even years, if you wanted. The exciting thing is that once the autoresponder has been set up, that part of your business will run hands free, allowing you to concentrate on other important things.

The costs associated with an autoresponder vary considerably from free up to $100 a month. Try to avoid free autoresponders where possible, although they are free they come at a price! The price being the restrictions on usage and the fact that they will nearly always carry an advert of some sort on your message which can distract your recipient from the real reason why they have received the message. Also, it isn't necessary to pay a silly price for an autoresponder, big companies may want to pay top price because they can afford to but as an individual, you do not need to. Excellent, cost effective autoresponder services can be obtained from aweber.com or getresponse.com. These are web based programs so they will work for you 24/7.

You could of course, use a desktop based autoresponder such as Mailloop. This type of program is a software application that is installed on your computer and it allows you to manage your email campaigns from your desktop. You just have to be aware that you will need to leave your computer running all the time or else you will not be able to receive or send emails automatically. But it's a great way to have a series of autoresponders for a one time payment and no recurring fees.

So, having decided on using autoresponders for your email business, what do you do with one? Well, building up a customer database should be a priority so initially you will want to create a form for your website that allows potential subscribers to insert their details and when they agree to subscribe, they are automatically enrolled onto an email course that you will have loaded into the autoresponder. The course can as long as you want it to be and sent automatically over a period of time - this is where the automation of your email business will come into its own. It is essential that any information that you send to your subscribers is of value and instructive. It's no good sending rubbish, you will lose your subscriber quicker than you got him! Quality email courses that you could use can be found in the Turbomembership.com.

If you offered a 14-day email course on internet marketing for example, then you could provide links to various marketing ebooks or resources. In each email would be a link to a different ebook. Of course each link would have your unique affiliate code. The unique Turbomembership.com affiliate program provides quality marketing ebooks and software scripts that you can re-sell at 95% commission.

This is just one of the many ways that you can use autoresponders in your email marketing business. Finding and using the right autoresponder service, setting up your autoresponder and loading it with quality information is just the tip of the iceburg where marketing is concerned. But it's a good place to start and gain the necessary experience for future marketing projects.

Ian Simpson reviews and writes about software and informational products on the internet. Great marketing resources can be found at http://information4income.com/sfpr.Brunhilde Blog46917
Arlene Blog12923

Spyware Can Cause You And Your System Irreparable Damage

Spyware is dangerous to your system and your personal identity. There is always the fear of identity theft as well as financial loss if your system is vulnerable to Spyware. Removing it is imperative.

Spyware can be described in simple terms as software that performs certain functions covertly on your computer such as collecting personal information, changing the configuration of the computer, and advertising. Spyware is often associated with advertising software or software that generates pop-up ads on the screen when the computer is connected to the Internet. Now this does not mean that all Spyware is malicious and causes damage to you by collecting personal information from your system. However, all Spyware do make changes to the system and cause the registry to grow substantially and ultimately cause the system to slow down to a crawl. The Spyware must be removed with the best Spyware removal utilities such as free Microsoft Spyware Removal Tool.

Is Cleaning The Registry Really Important?

Yes. Anti-Spyware searches and detects any Spyware operating in the background of the system. It is designed to detect any program that is operating and yet is not associated with the running programs on the system. Anti-Spyware can then remove such Spyware and secure the computer. Many free Adware Spyware removal tools also clean the registry to some extent. However, Spyware can create entries in the registry in hundreds or even thousands of places. These entries will stay hidden until the Spyware discovers that the exe file is missing. Then the registry entries start to operate and download the necessary files, secretly, from the Internet and the Spyware begins to operate again. Some free Spyware and Adware removal programs can go into the registry and pull out all the entries associated with programs that have been removed from the system.

Are These Spyware and Adware Removal Software Easy And Inexpensive?

Spyware virus removal software is very easy to operate. In fact, they just take a few seconds to download with a fast Internet connection. Installation takes just a few seconds and you are ready to go. Spyware virus removal software such as free Spyware and Adware removal is very effective and has all the safety features of a good Spyware removal utility. Along with this a good PC spyware cleaner can create a back up of the existing registry, which can be restored in case something goes wrong with the cleaning process.

Use Spyware Removal Tools Often

Spyware removal software should be run of the system at intervals of two to three weeks manually to clean and maintain the system. Many free Spyware programs do a great job and keep the system running perfectly. When you discover that the system has slowed down to an unusual pace run the anti-Spyware and you will be sure to come up with a few hundred if not thousands of infected files that need to be healed by the software.

Arvind Singh is admin and technical expert associated with development of computer security and performance enhancing software like Registry Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Anti Spam Filter etc. More information can be found at http://www.pcmantra.comAiley Blog82950
Althea Blog75833

Online Security Begins At Home

It is important to make sure the computer you use to access your online ecommerce site is secure. Too often a site owner takes great care to ensure the security of the site itself and may fail to take precautions to protect his or her own computer.

If your website is not secure you may have difficulty accessing information, processing orders and securely accessing your own website.

Most netrepreneurs will place password protections on their ecommerce site to deter hackers, but interestingly a hacker might gain access to your information by another means altogether.

Personal Computer Security

Anti-virus software There are thousands of viruses and mutations throughout the web. Some are implemented by visiting a website while others are downloaded through email. The use of anti-virus software is a good first step to securing your own personal computer. Make sure you set options that will allow you to gain updates at least once a day and be sure to scan your computer daily. In most cases this can be done automatically. Millions of files are corrupted and destroyed each year because of unprotected computers.

Automatic Updates Your web browser will likely have a site for updates and security fixes applicable for your computer. Automatic notices can be requested when new updates are available. DO NOT ignore notices that inform you of needed downloads. Most of these updates address discovered weaknesses in a portion of the software. By maintaining the security of your website you improve the chances that your computer is free of present and future predators.

Spyware This security risk is more personal than damaging. Spyware sets data miners in place that extract information about the locations you visit. They often access your email address information and can send emails to you based on the sites you have visited. Because the Spyware can uncover some personal data it should be eradicated regularly. Some anti-virus software includes spyware eliminators, but there are also several free versions of spyware eliminating software online. You should know that many freeware or shareware programs include spyware in the free-to use program (theres always a catch). It is mentioned in some of the fine print of the site, but most users do not take the time to read all of the legalese.

By protecting your own computer you can also make it possible to protect the data of your customers by doing everything you can to ensure backdoor admission to the data is prohibited.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with http://HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.comAlexandra Blog23173
April Blog69830

Effecient Customer Service With Autoresponder

Ideally, when you perform customer service, it is done on a one-on-one basis with each of your customers. That works quite well in the offline world but on the Internet, that simply will not do. Your customers are literally all over the world, and there is no way that you can really deal with each one of them personally. That is where an autoresponder comes in.

Customer service with autoresponders is quite simple. When an order is place, an autoresponder can send out the receipt for the sale, the information for accessing the product, and a thank you email.

This happens whether you are logged in to your computer or on vacation in an exotic location! But customer service doesnt always end right there, and if you are away from your computer, you may be letting your customers down!

For instance, an elderly gentleman sees your product advertised and places an order. Everything goes through just fine, and he receives the receipt, the download information, and your thank you email.

Your product is an ebook, compiled into a PDF file.

This particular gentleman doesnt understand what a PDF file is, and he has no idea what you mean by right click to download. He needs additional customer service for the product that he has purchased, and there is nobody available to help him nobody but an autoresponder.

Set up an additional autoresponder that will send out a list of frequently asked questions or problems that deal with customer service or how to access the product. Also set up a support autoresponder. If he sends a message to support, he should get an instant message back letting him know that his message has been received, and how soon it will be addressed. This will give him some measure of comfort, and in most cases, he will wait that specified period of time for assistance.

However, if he doesnt know how to download the product, and he sends a message to support, and nothing happens, he will most likely become very dissatisfied in a very short period of time. The difference between a patient customer and an irate customer is one simple autoresponder message that can and should be set up in under five minutes.

Really think your ordering process through, and consider the potential problems that may occur for your customers. Get an autoresponder set up to address those problems, and you will find that your customers are more satisfied with your products, and extremely satisfied with your customer service all because your autoresponders handle their problems right away!

Dechen Lau., is an Author, Speaker and Internet Marketing Consultant Alayne Blog65959
Brunhilde Blog78443

Tips On How To Study History

Before we actually dive into this vast subject, I would like to touch on a few things. Firstly, studying history is like studying any other type of subject in that it demands participation and a big amount of patience. The successful student forces him or herself to study, of course there are certain tactics to make the whole thing go by easier and more effective.

Having that said, you should know that the following advice is what I feel is the most appropriate approach to studying history, it does not imply (by any means) that it is the only way to study history, we should have this issue clear. Secondly, if this way of studying does not fit your way of learning, throw it out and never look back! What! Did I just tell you to dismiss my own advice? Well, yes, but only if you find it reprehensive enough to the degree that you feel that the advice will actually give you worse result than benefit. Albeit, here it goes:

Studying history is often perceived as boring I have to disagree, its not just boring it is really boring if you dont know how to tackle it! Heres my take on the two elements you should always look at when studying history:

a) The Reasons/Causes behind an event.
b) The Consequences that followed.

By understanding why things happened and what the events led to, you have in fact answered most of the questions. This is what any person studying history should look at, in contrast to getting caught on all the details. So the first action you need to take when you've received a new history assignment is to write down all the possible causes to the event and the consequences that erupted due to the causes.

You will find that most of the time, finding the consequences is by far easier than trying to understand why it happened in the first place.

Adam Abderisak, a.k.a. "Study Coach" is an education instructor and entrepreneur. His latest work is a study guide entitled "Study Guide Pro". Be sure to visit his website to check out some of the most "lethal" study techniques known to man: http://www.study-habits.com/study-guide.htmlAllx Blog5522
Bell Blog2308

Look Your Best with a Good Night's Sleep

Today, our lives have become so busy there seems to be hardly any time for us to devote to sleep. Given that many of you are driven, goal-oriented, and over-achievers, spending a third of your lifetime sleeping can seem like a waste of time.

But sleep remains an indispensable part of human life and function. Sleep is the body's miracle of restoration and its importance to your well-being shouldn't be discounted.

Simply stated: you need a good night's sleep for both overall health and beauty. Lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems, a weaker immune system, and mental stress.

You could also experience related problems like memory impairment and a lack of quality sleep makes you look tired, less attractive and rundown.

You may have filled your daily routines with so many activities that both your body and mind are unable to cope with such high pressure. Ultimately, without quality sleep to recharge your body and mind, you may begin to show signs of stress.

Sleep deprivation seems to be a common problem. Sadly, over scheduled and stressed out adults are passing their lack of priorities for a good night's sleep down to their children.

A recent report by The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing sleep problems and disorders and to researching and educating the public on the importance of sleep concluded: "The 2006 NSF Sleep in America poll of 1,602 households across the U.S. indicates that 11-17-year-olds have lengthy to-do lists, and sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of those lists, putting teens at risk for health and mood problems and difficulties in school. In fact, many teen respondents said they often arrive late for school, fall asleep in class or are too tired to exercise. To top it off, parents may be in the dark about the sleep debt their children are accruing."

Sleep is Essential

Sleep, like food and water, is an essential requirement in our lives. If you deprive yourself of a good night's sleep, then you may be inviting trouble.

There are some importance advantages to getting a good nights sleep:

* Sleep goes a long way in determining how you look and feel.

* It enables you to be more alert and energetic.

* It helps you to concentrate more on your work at home, the office, or school.

* When you sleep well, both your body and your mind are refreshed; sleep removes most signs of tiredness and helps to keep you lively and full of energy.

There are also some significant disadvantageous to missing out on your sleep:

* When you build a sleep debt, your body becomes tired in the daytime and forces you to take naps.

* While twenty- or thirty-minute power-naps may be beneficial, relying on those naps can become a bad habit. Most employers arent too happy to find you asleep at the computer. Sleeping on the job almost always leads to a reprimand or dismissal.

* Lack of sleep makes you more irritated and prone to depression, mood swings and forgetfulness.

The Beauty of a Good Night's Sleep

You can enhance your health and overall appearance by getting a good night's sleep. Researchers are working rigorously to establish the precise connection between sleep and beauty, but there is already strong evidence that:

* Lack of sufficient sleep creates eye problems like dark circles under your eyes.

* While creams, lotions, masks, and other cosmetics can help alleviate unsightly eye problems, remember to also alter your lifestyle and get more sleep.

* "Your eyes are the windows to your soul." They reflect your inner health and highlight it to the outside world.

In other words, getting enough sleep helps make you feel better both inside and out.

By now you shouldn't be surprised to learn that many of your eye problems are caused by a poor sleeping habits. This article illustrates how getting a good night's sleep can sometimes help you avoid unsightly and distracting facial features like dark circles under your eyes.

If, however, after obtaining a good night's sleep, you still experience dark circles around your eyes, there are some treatments that offer help. These over the counter treatments will help in the fight for clearer skin under your eyes. For example, I have read good things about Eyederma(tm). Eyederma(tm) was formulated to be a powerful ally in diminishing dark patches and circles under your eyes. When a good night's sleep and a professional evaluation don't clear up the dark patches under your eyes, consider checking out Eyederma(tm). You can obtain Eyederma(tm) which is now available from reputable eTailers like Amazon.com and www.bodestore.com.

Written by the V-Team courtesy Kamau Austin Publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about reducing dark cycle around the eyes with Eyedermaat http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm.Carmela Blog63437
Bebe Blog75406

The Queen of Soccer - Mia Hamm Biography

Women's soccer never would have been the same if Mia Hamm hadn't started up soccer when she was little. She had such an impact on women's soccer that she is often thought to mean as much for it as Pele or Cruyff meant for men's soccer. But before being a great soccer player and athlete that broke down almost every possible record at her level, Mia Hamm is a great person and I'd like you to meet the human behind the soccer god in this Mia Hamm biography.

If you're like me, you're probably wondering how and when did Mia Hamm start playing soccer and what events drove her to become a super star of women's soccer. Mia Hamm's childhood circled around sports and athleticism and as her brother recalled, she was faster and more athletic than most of the boys on the block, so she was able to play competitively with and against them.

After taking up youth soccer training at her school's football team when she was only 12 years old, she learned the basics of soccer and started enjoying the sport more and more. Little did she know that three years later, when she was just 15, she would be called up for the United States national womens soccer team, becoming the youngest player ever to play for her country at that level (one of her first broken records).

That was kind of a weird situation, since Mia Hamm was a soccer player for her national squad but didn't have a fully professional playing contract with a club. But after seeing her performances, the North Carolina Tar Heels quickly signed her and they made quite a deal, since Mia Hamm stayed with the club for 4 seasons, scoring over 100 goals during her time here.

Probably one of Mia Hamm's most important accomplishments is that she managed to bring womens soccer to a level close to what men are playing. She is one of the two women named in Peles "List of 125 Best Soccer Players of All Times" and she is a symbol of women's sports throughout the World.

She also holds two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, which she got in 2001 (the first year the trophy was given) and 2002. Unfortunately, she would have gotten a lot more of these awards, but with the World Player of the Year awards being granted for women when Mia Hamm was already nearing the end of her career, she didn't really have a chance to widen her trophy room.

In numbers, Mia Hamm was the United States top goal scorer, with 158 goals in 275 matches, a remarkable record that will probably dust and rust before it is beaten. She scored more goals than any man or woman for her national team, although many soccer specialists will agree that the level of women's soccer is still in an early grade and cannot be compared to mens soccer yet.

She won the Women's World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999 and also put the US national team through a Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in 1996. All these titles, records and awards make Mia Hamm one of the most important players in women's soccer and the fact that Pele considered to put her on the same list as legendary male players such as Maradona, Cruyff, Platini or Beckenbauer says a lot about the influence she had in the game.

Niv Orlian is the author and the owner of http://www.soccer-fans-info.com a website that provides information on various topics related to soccer such as the history of soccer, rules, famous soccer players, real time news, statistics, and training guides. Augustina Blog83130
Alexina Blog12181

Hot Market For Ultrasound Schools Graduates

To jumpstart your new career in a growing field, find and compare ultrasound schools with our quick and easy search for programs specializing in diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound). In a heartbeat, you'll have information on the schools available in your area as well as online training options.

If you're wondering whether ultrasound training is really worth it, consider this:

-- A first year ultrasound technician can now earn up to $72,000 annually in the United States, which is a 30% increase over what sonographers earned just three years ago.

-- The number of jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to continue increasing for several years as scientists and physicians find new uses for the technology. For example, as ultrasound relies on sound waves rather than radiation, many patients and doctors prefer it over traditional x-rays. In addition, with the growing trend towards outpatient care, there are more private clinics springing up across the nation, and they need to employ their own team of sonographers.

-- While ultrasound is probably best known for its use in tracking pregnancies, ultrasound technicians can work in a variety of medical areas, such as neurology (brain), cardiology (heart), and oncology (cancer), among others.

-- Jobs for recent ultrasound schools graduates combine technical skill with human contact. Ultrasound technicians have direct contact with patients and are often responsible for explaining the procedure to them.

-- Competition for jobs is generally limited to other qualified individuals who have studied at ultrasound Schools or received comparable training.

You may think years of schooling are required to become an ultrasonagrapher. Actually, you can complete your training and join the workforce in as little as two years if you choose to study for an Associate's Degree. You can also study for a four-year Bachelor's Degree in ultrasound. Many colleges offer both options. Online study programs are also available and can often be completed in less time.

Ramon Mackenzie is the webmaster for http://www.my-career-education.com. To get an idea of the ultrasound Schools out there and learn more about their programs, check out http://www.my-career-education.com/ulstrasound-schools.htmArlyn Blog5615
Allix Blog37209

Computer Security Against Data Loss And Identity Theft

This week I was going to write about upgrading system RAM but while watching the news I saw the story about Hotels.com and their data theft. Last weeks big story was the data lose at the Veterans Administration. NOW .. to be clear, these were not computer security breeches but people actually carrying the data out on disk. But the point is data is valuable and this leads to computer security

This past week alone we had 5 machines that were so loaded with spyware the machines literally stalled and were unusable. Now, knowing how low the response is when we run spyware ads I know many of you are not listening. Then, when you head to the repair shop it is already too late. Add to this the cost of the repair /clean out which usually costs many times is more then the actual machine is worth.

If ever there was a case for the fabled "ounce of prevention" this is it. Anyway identity theft is the fastest growing, most damaging and expensive crime we have today. It can take up to a year to detect and by then the damage can be extensive, but with a few simple steps you can avoid it. The problem is getting you to take those steps so I'll go over them again.

Before you go near the Internet your computer needs three types of software, first, a good anti-virus program. We recommend products like Norton Anti-virus, Trend Micro and if you are looking for a good freebie, get AVG. Now if one is good two should be better right ... wrong. This not true with virus software. Very often they will conflict and cause system performance issues.

Next you need a firewall, if nothing else use the built in Windows firewall that comes with XP Sp2, if you have an earlier version then you seriously need to run Windows updates. This is not just for the firewall but you are missing a large collection of security updates. Finally, you need a spyware scanner and you need two of these, one pro-active (scanning threats as they come in) and one that is reactive (scans for threats that are let in by hiding in something else). This is especially true if you use Yahoo, MSN, or Google search bars.

Also AOL is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to collecting and selling info on their subscribers. But they hide it well by keeping you focused on the competitors spyware they are removing. You also need two spyware scanners because neither will get all the threats and one will get what the other missed. We recommend Pest Patrol and Ad Aware. Avoid Spybot at all costs. This is just a spyware suite disguised as a scanner. Well there you have it, again. The Internet is a safe place if you take the proper precautions.

Chris Kaminski has been working in computer repair and web development for the last 20 years. Kaminski is CEO and head technician for http://Computerguyslive.com, an online computer repair company based in Asheville, NC. Visit Computer Guys Live online for computer repair at http://www.computerguyslive.com and check out the invaluable wireless connection guide at http://computerguyslive.com/content/wireless/wirelessindex.asp.Alfi Blog22923
Alyson Blog60501

Exercises For Better Golf Scores

Just as with other sports, it is not only your technique that wins the game, but also your physical condition. Getting in shape, toning muscles, stretching and warming up, will all come together to help improve your golf score.

Stretches

Begin your golfing warm up by rotating the joints in your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Also loosen up the joints in your ankles, knees, and hips. Then rotate your head in a gentle clockwise position; reverse and rotate it in a counter clockwise position.

Start stretching slowly. When you first begin dont stretch to you maximum limit but work up to it instead. Hold the stretch for several seconds and continue this slowly and smoothly until you reach your maximum extension.

Stand up straight and stretch out your arms above your head and rotate the forearms, followed by wrist rotations, and flexing of the finger joints. Now rotate the entire arm. Do your right arm, then your left, then do them both at the same time. Reverse the direction of the rotation and repeat.

Bend your elbows and clasp your hands above your head. Use your right hand and pull your body towards the right, then switch and pull your body to the left with your left hand. This gives your latissimus dorsi a good stretch.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bend front to back and side to side in gentle controlled motions keeping the angle of your bend shallow so you dont strain your lower back.

Warming up

Get your muscles warmed up, increase the blood flow and increase your heart rate with a little aerobic activity. Start with a brisk walk and according to your condition, work up to a gentle jog or run in place for a few minutes.

Low impact exercises

Do a few internal hip rotations by sitting on a chair and keeping your knees pointed straight ahead. Now rotate your ankes outward while not moving your knees.

Maintain the same position. Cross your left ankle over your right and keep your thighs and your knees pointed straight. Hold this position for one second. Repeat this exercise reversing ankles.

Warm up your hamstrings by extending your left leg with knee straight on a low bench. Keeping a straight back and chin up, slowly stretch toward your toes. Hold this position for two seconds, then switch legs and repeat.

Brian Kendall is a staff writer at http://www.sports-gazette.com and is an occasional contributor to several websites, including http://www.outdoorsportsenthusiast.com.Bathsheba Blog24769
Berri Blog75189

Success University - Online Training With Matt Morris For Online Success

Before you can hope to be successful in any business, you have to understand that business and know how to peak the interest of your potential customers. Whether you are offering a product or a service, people have to understand what it is, why they need it and why they should get it from you.

Online marketing has changed the way people do business and unless you can embrace the knowledge needed to meet these changes, your success will be limited to those customers willing to deal with you in the same old way. Internet marketing takes a completely different approach because people who conduct business online, search for companies with which to do business online, and you need to be found.

After attending the University of Texas, Arlington, Texas Matt Morris saw the future in the internet and worked diligently to become fully knowledgeable in internet marketing. His determination led to not only, financial success, but also to being somewhat of an expert in marketing on the internet. As a Marine Corps Sergeant, he understood the need to lead others and to provide the proper training to help make his fellow Marines a success. Combining his knowledge of internet marketing and his passion for helping other succeed led him to establish Success University.

He understood that without the proper training, no one could move above mediocrity. While he enjoyed personal growth at two network marketing companies, he believed he could help other attain their personal goals by sharing what he had learned. Joining with other leaders in the market, sales and technical field, Success University provides the training essential for just about anyone to achieve success.

However, signing up for the course is not going to make you an instant success that is why it is called Success University. You have to actually read and learn the materials and put them to practical application. After reviewing the course materials and all the extras you can receive as a student, you can then judge how everything you can learn can help make your business grow into the business you have always known it could be. While you can make money introducing others to Success University, by practicing what you learn you can make a positive impact from your own business.

Distance learning has grown exponentially over the past few years, with major accredited colleges and universities understanding many people want to improve their knowledge but do not have the time to attend traditional classes. Additionally, some educational resources are not appropriate in a classroom setting since people learn at a different rate and not everyone needs to learn or know everything that is being taught in each lesson.

The online learning experience at Success University teaches what you need to know about running an online business and what better venue in which to learn but online. Your business is online, great training opportunities are available online and your future success is online. There us no better combination to help you achieve financial security than attending distance learning classes at Success University online.

Leonard Bartholomew, B.S. Computer Science, is an affiliate marketer for an organization that has been in business for more than six years. This organization provides all of the training materials and resources needed to start and run your internet business. Find all of the qualification of an extraordinary distance learning training opportunity featuring Matt Morris at Success University at http://www.moxie-drive.com/successuniversity.Angelique Blog25329
Bel Blog43862

Shanghai After Dark

Bars in Shanghai, like other metropolises, are clustered in streets and usually a night out entails going out to a specific street and stopping in for a few drinks at two or three (or four or five) different venues in a night. This practice is fading somewhat, however, as larger mega-clubs are entering Shanghai and the bar scene is much more event based. Nowadays, partiers are planning their nights around a single specific event and tacking on an after hours party rather than just bar hopping on a street. In addition to this focus, all bars usually have happy hours and drink deals to attract the after work crowd. Several bars offer competing "Ladies Nights", which offer free drinks to ladies, and "Open Bar" nights, which offer an all-you-can-drink deal after you pay a cover charge (usually RMB 100). Shanghai's more popular dancing venues usually try to book international DJs to attract the clubbing crowd.

Nowadays, clubs could be packed one night during a specific event, opening or promotion and completely deserted the next night. Avid club goers would be wise to consult local print media (That's Shanghai, City Weekend) or web sites (www.smartshanghai.com) to keep abreast of the scene.

With the locals, KTV bars are the choice form of nightlife recreation, but the club scene in Shanghai is where the expats really come out of the woodworks. With a few exceptions, the bars in Shanghai are organized after Western models and on a given night you could be walking into Shanghai's version of an Ohio State frat party, an Ibiza rave, a London ale house, a New York lounge, or a Paris caf.

Bar Streets

Maoming Road: It all began on Maoming Road. Although its glory has somewhat faded in the light of new, bigger, and better night spot options, Maoming Road still continues to offer some highlights to the indiscriminate bar hopper. Bar girls abound in this street which is home to some of Shanghai's oldest pubs and clubs. Those looking to sample some of that old school Shanghai vice could do worse that spending a night and early morning staggering up and down this famous strip. (Key venues: Babyface, Judy's Too, Woodstock, M factory, Maoming Manhattan Bar)

Tongren Road: A smaller, more efficient Maoming, Tongren Road seeks to recapture the seedy flavor of Maoming and is home to many of that street's sister bars. Tongren Road caters to a more single minded punter; the bar girls and their admirers seem a little more populous on this strip. (Key Venues: Blue Frog, Blue Angel, Judy's Too, Woodstock, Studio 78, Mint)

Hengshan Road: At night, this shopping street converts into the largest bar street in Shanghai with nightspots lining both sides of the road for kilometers. One of the more picturesque and scenic areas of the city, Hengshan road is home to the cities most famous bars, cafes, restaurants and tea houses and boasts a wide selection of each. (Key venues: Sasha's, O'Malley's, Beni House, Zapata's, Bourbon Street, Hello Bar, Narcissus)

Xintiandi: Shanghai's trendy Xintiandi area is located within walking distance of the Huangpi Road (S) Metro station and contains a bevy of upscale bars, restaurants and international boutiques. This area buzzes after dark and is where Shanghai's hip and wealthy go to sip on cocktails on terraced patios, lounges, and cafes. (Key Venues: Ark Live House, KABB, Soho Pub)

The Weekend Bender

For travelers that prefer the nightlife to the sights, the following schedule will ensure an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai.

Friday:

Head down to Sasha's on Hengshan Road to enjoy the half priced drinks from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M and then pop next door to Zapata's to try the best Mexican food in Shanghai. After finishing the meal and a few drinks proceed south down Hengshan stopping in at whichever place looks happening. Narcissus and Bourbon Street usually feature live acts and are good if you are looking to see a cover band and Beni's is a great pub to have a pint. After you've sampled a bit of the Hengshan Road pubs head off to the main event at Mural Bar: the 100 RMB all you can drink special. Mural is the place to be on Friday night with an open bar and great music keeping the party going till 2 A.M. The open bar shuts down at two in the morning and depending on the state you're in, your going to want to end the night right here or go for broke at Windows Too. The Mural' s indows combination is a time honored classic Friday night lineup designed for those who want to drink and dance themselves into oblivion. Alternately, if you are looking to keep a certain level of integrity, or at least, something a little more exotic, try the Dragon Club on Fenyang Road instead. This venue is Shanghai's most popular after hours bar and although the cover charge and drink prices are a little on the pricey side, it can always be counted on the be packed early into the morning.

Saturday:

For those who managed to stay responsible the night before and managed to drag themselves out of bed to sample a little daytime Shanghai, reward yourself with a little shopping on either Nanjing Road or Huihai Road to gear up for a ritzy Saturday night. If Friday night was all about crass then Saturday should be all about class at some of Shanghai's finest upscale drinking and dining establishments. After lunch at Element Fresh head off for an afternoon at a massage and spa facility to rejuvenate after last night's debauchery. Women should head to Dragonfly and men should head off to the Alexander Club for some much needed physical rehabilitation. Head back to your hotel to get changed and dressed up for a sophisticated night on the town. Have dinner and cocktails at Jade on 36 at the Shangri-La Building. Although the restaurant is on the pricey side (between RMB 400-900), it is well worth it for the gorgeous view and atmosphere and the food which is prepared with the utmost sophistication and refinement. Try the Sea-bass Rivera, accompanied by a basil sauce and cherry tomatoes. After dinner, head back to Puxi and stop in at the Glamour bar to lounge on the sofas and sample their extensive drink list. Glamour Bar, spinning jazz and designed with a 1930s sort of aesthetic, is a great place for conversation in an Old Shanghai setting. After an hour or two here, head to the main event, Bar Rouge, and visit the most talked about bar in Shanghai. Whether you are dazzled by the fire tricks of the bar staff, the chic clientele or the outrageous prices, a night at Bar Rouge is an unforgettable way to spend a Saturday night. If you've been there and done that, and are looking for a Bar Rouge type substitute, try Barbarossa or the new Attica Club. Depending on your budget, if you followed the earlier suggestions you should be cleaned out. However, never-say-die partiers who tire of the main event and are looking for a little fresh ground to tackle the early hours of the morning try Bonbon club, or Park 97. Both venues go all night and are guaranteed to be slamming on Saturday night.

Sunday:

You going to need to get up around 11ish and get down to the Jing'an district to get a big greasy breakfast at either Rendezvous Caf (pp) or City Diner, both of which have great breakfast specials. After having the requisite amount of coffee head down to old town to buy antiques and souvenirs for yourself and your friends and family back home to prove you were in Shanghai. Head back to your hotel for a shower and to change for Sunday night.

Sunday night should be all about deetox and what better way than to purge the system that having ten or twelve beers at the best dive bars in Shanghai? For dinner, head over to Malone's to chow down on one of their specialty burgers and hang out on the patio. An evening on the patio accompanied by a few pints and a few burgers is a great way to ease oneself into a good Sunday night. From here take a cab to Windows Scoreboard which offers great prices and value (provided you stick to bottled beer). The bar also offers pool and a large screen T.V. C's bar is also a local favorite and the prices and atmosphere are great for lounging and hanging out with friends. For those who want a classier night, head on down to the JZ Club, Shanghai's premier jazz performance venue to take in a live jazz show. If you're in luck Shanghai's own Coco will be performing.

Best of Shanghai

Shanghai's nightlife scene is fast paced and cut throat with new bars, lounges, and clubs opening and closing weekly. It is almost impossible to keep abreast of all the changes happening, however, the following section lists some of the more popular nightspots and their chief selling points.

Eslynn Su - I am a fond traveller, an expert on China travel and the best online tour guide you will find. Come and visit The World's China Portal at http://www.jongo.com to obtain all the information you need on China, interesting articles to help you understand Chinese culture, and all the answers to your questions!Aeriell Blog38641
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Its never too late to conquer your financial fears

There seems no end to the amount of seemingly everyday events and experiences that will bring people out in a cold sweat.

Some were more familiar with than others. We know, for example, what a torrid time cleaning the bath can be for arachnophobes, or the effect being in a crowd can have on claustrophobia sufferers.

But theres one phobia one that is rarely mentioned which, to judge by the circumstantial evidence, could be the most common of all chrematophobia

This is the scientific name for fear of money (the root stems from the Greek chremat, or wealth). And while its unlikely there are many people who will run a mile rather than hear the jingle of loose change or rustle of banknotes, the signs are the condition is more widespread than anyone might like to imagine.

For a start theres the seemingly unstoppable rise in credit card debt. Some experts suggest that having such easy access to plastic cards and zero per cent finance deals has cut off consumers from the financial realities of their desire for material possessions.

Then there are the repeated warnings about the shortfall in pensions, and the suggestion that many thousands of people are simply living in denial about the need to prepare and provide for their old age.

But its not just paying into a pension or paying off debts that give people the heebie-jeebies. More and more of us are also going without insurance of our homes, our cars, even our lives.

This weeks flooding has helped to highlight the seriousness of the issue. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) the average cost of flooding to homeowners is 20,000. The ABI believes one in four of those homes is likely to have no contents insurance. In total, the ABI estimates there may be as many as six million homes without contents coverage.

The proportion falls to one in 20 amongst car drivers, but a glance down any congested street shows just how many motorists are really represented by this statistic. The ABI points out also that motorists with no insurance are more likely to be driving unroadworthy vehicles, and, much worse, to be drunk while at the wheel.

Increasingly the burden created by these various uninsured groups is falling on the older generation. As the ABI noted in its Insuring Older People report earlier this year, the opportunities for insurers created by the rising personal spending power of older people are balanced by significant challenges.

Older customers present higher risks to insurers for some products, like motor and travel cover, it says, adding that this means they can sometimes pay more for those policies.

The report also notes that some insurers may not be able to offer cover if they lack the necessary underwriting expertise to serve this market. On the upside for older people, the ABI report says the average age limit for new motor insurance policies has risen to 82, from 74 a decade ago.

The ABI says it is developing a new referral system to help older customers get the cover they need. We envisage a system whereby an insurer which cannot provide cover to an older customer will direct them to alternative insurers or brokers that will be able to help so they are less likely to receive a simple refusal for a quote if they are over a certain age, for example.

The market also is adapting to the countrys changing demographic profile. Castle Cover, for example, is one of a new breed of specialist insurers targeting specific market segments, in this case the over-50s.

http://www.castlecover.co.uk

Launched last July by industry expert Andrew Marchington, with backing from HSBC Bank and Asset Ventures Ltd., the company says its specialist knowledge helps it find low cost, high quality insurance for people in this age group.

Castle Cover says the over 50s receive a poor deal on insurance. They tend to claim less frequently and do not exaggerate claims, unlike younger people, says its chief, Andrew Marchington. As a specialist, we therefore offer much more competitive prices to the 50+ group.

Having concentrated initially on home insurance, other products such as motor, travel and pet insurance now form part of the Castle Cover offering:www.castlecover.co.uk

James Zhao works with clients in insurance, travel and ebusiness. For more information on insurance, please visit http://www.castlecover.co.uk.Alis Blog85344
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Check Out these Cool Batman Gadgets

Batman is unique among other superheroes. Unlike Superman or the Flash, the dark knight does not have super powers such as super strength or super speed. He relies more on his martial arts training and cool gadgets to stop criminals in their tracks. Batman probably uses more gadgets than any other comic book superhero. Batman gadgets play a major role in revealing Batman's adventures, in the original comic strips, on cartoon series, and in feature films.

Batman gadgets have evolved through the years depending on the creativity of artist or the director of a certain batman feature. These gadgets are black and often carry the Batman logo. Batmans popularity make batman merchandise very marketable and toyshops stalls everywhere are filled with Batman action figures, vehicles, and gadgets.

The Batmobile is probably the coolest gadget in Batmans arsenal. Different design have been made but the Batmobile is usually a black high-tech, high speed car with bat like tailfins. In some episodes the Batmobile was even equipped with weapons like grenades and machine guns. Batman uses other vehicles in his crime fighting exploits like the Batboat and the Batcycle.

The Batmobile may be cool, but no other Batman gadget is more useful than the Batman Utility Belt. Its where Batman keeps his portable gadgets and tools like the deadly Batarang. The Batarang is a tailor-made boomerang type of weapon that can be modified to suit every villain. The Batrope on the other hand allows Batman to scale and swing from tall buildings.

Robin, Batmans sidekick also uses gadgets that he and Batman concocted together. They would make state of the art Batman Gadgets in the safety of the Batcave. In the Batcave they were able to devise gadgets such as the Bat Radar, Bat Cuffs, Bat Camera, and even a Bat Spray to keep sharks at bay. The Batcave also houses the BatComputer which allows Batman to solve crime and monitor crime activity in Gotham city. Batmans alter ego, Bruce Wayne, is a multimillionaire and the owner of Wayne Corp. the biggest company in Gotham city. Batman used his money to develop weapons and technology that he needs to fight villains that terrorize Gotham city.

Another reason that Batman used gadgets was his dislike of using firearms. His parents were killed by a gunman making him feel that using firearms makes him no different from them. Batman without his Batman gadgets would be a lot less exciting, crime fighting batman style would be ordinary.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Batman Gadgets. Get more information by visiting http://www.bestxchange.com/financial-information/finance/check-out-these-cool-batman-gadgets.htmlCelie Blog61846
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Florida Fun All-Year Round

Florida Fun all-year round

From January to December, there is always something exciting happening in Florida.

January
Orange Bowl (New Year's Day) Miami -
fans of college football flock to Miami for the big post season game.

February
Florida State Fair (mid-February) Tampa -
carnival rides, corn on the cob, big-name performers and even alligator wrestling
can be enjoyed at this big fair.

Silver Spurs Rodeo (mid February) Kissimmee -
the state's oldest and wildest rodeo.

March
Carnival Miami (second Sunday) -
a 9-day street party in Miami's Latin district.

Florida Strawberry Festival (March 2-12)-
performances, parades and of course strawberries, make for a tasty trip out.

July
America birthday party (July 4) Miami -
picnics during the day and fireworks at midnight in the biggest Independence
day celebration in South Florida.

Hemingway Day's Festival (July 18-24) Key West -
Key lime pie eating contests, street fairs and look-alikes in abundance.

August
Annual Wausau Possum Festival (first Saturday)
Wausau, north of Panama City Beach -
A festival that honours the possum with activities such as greased pole climing
and corn bread baking. Plus the chance to try possum-based dishes.

October
Guavaween (last Saturday) Tampa -
a zany Halloween parade that pokes fun at the life and history of the city.
Especially an early attempt to grow guavas in the area.

December
Winterfest Boat Parade (early December)
Fort Lauderdale -
boats decked with lights cruise the Intercoastal Waterway in a magical night-time display.

Tim Burton writes travel articles for the popular Orlando Villas Florida by Owner website at http://www.milkriver.co.uk and Worldwide Villas by Owner website at http://www.worldwidevillas.net To rent an Orlando villa near Disney, go to http://www.milkriver.co.uk.Alexis Blog8306
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Home Equity Loan: What You Should Know

Many people are talking about a home equity loan, at work, weekends and even at the dinner table. Why is it the flavor of the month and what should you know about a home equity loan to ensure you stay out of strife if you decide to enter this realm.

Owning your home is a valuable asset for anyone in a lifetime. If you agree to a home equity loan, you are in fact putting this great asset at risk. Home equity loans are appealing due to the low interest rates and (in some cases) the tax deductibility of interest, but they also represent a risky business.

It sometimes has to be faced, if things dont work out. Consider a significant expense and not to having the necessary cash to cover it. Examples of such expenses are medical bills, major house repairs or a childs college education. A home equity loan could be the solution to your financial problems, at least for a short term. By using the equity youve built in your home over time you can borrow a significant amount of money. You have to repay the amount borrowed plus a (usually) low interest over a fixed period of time. If you fail to do this, you may lose your house.

Usually, in order to pay off the entire loan until the fixed time, you are required to make equal monthly payments. The lenders are obliged to disclose all important facts of their home equity plan, all terms and costs, such as the APR, different charges, and payment terms. After you have received this information, lenders do not normally charge any other fee that has not been specified in the plan. When you take on a home equity loan, you have normally had a few days from the day the account was opened to cancel it.

There are some basic although important things you should consider when youre considering a home equity loan, in order to avoid a life changing mistake sometimes.

Firstly, if you have money problems, you must consider other options too, before using the equity in your home. Talk to your creditors or contact a budget counseling organization. A plan that would consolidate or reduce your payments might be enough to get you out-of-trouble. Also ask the opinion of someone other than the lender offering the home equity loan. someone you trust and who is reasonably knowledgeable.

If you decide a home equity loan is what you want, you should research the offers of several lenders, including banks or a credit union.

There are many lenders who make use of abusive lending practices and you must be aware of these practices if you want to minimize your risks. Here are some scenarios of such practices.

Equity stripping. You have built up equity in your home but you dont have much income coming each month and you need money. A lender encourages you to make a home equity loan, even if you explain that your income is not enough to keep up with it. Of course, the lender doesnt care if you are not able to pay, he has nothing to lose, on the contrary, he wins a lot. If you are not cerebral enough to get a realistic view of things and let yourself be easily persuaded you will probably lose your home.

The balloon payment. Youve already made a home equity loan and, fail to pay the mortgages and youre very close to losing your home. Another lender offers to save you by refinancing and lowering your monthly payment. You have to be very attentive regarding the loan terms. The reason why the payments are lower may be that he asks you to repay only the interest rate each month. At the end of the term, you may find you still have to pay the entire amount that you borrowed. This sum is called a balloon payment.

The home improvement loan. A contractor offers to remodel your kitchen, or install a new roof at a low price. You explain you cant afford this, but he offers to arrange finance through a lender he knows. You agree and he begins work. At some point, you are being asked to sign a lot of papers without having enough time to read them and you sign them. Later, you realize youve signed a home equity loan, and even one with aberrant terms and interest rates.

By using the equity in your home, you can benefit by receiving a significant fixed amount of money, repayable over a fixed period, available for any kind of use and at a low interest rate. You may also be allowed to deduct the interest, under the tax law. At a first glance, the home equity loan sounds appealing. But, on the other hand, if you fail to repay, for one reason or another, you may lose your home. Bottom line is that a home equity loan is a good thing if managed and used carefully. If you are considering a home equity loan, you should carefully balance costs vs. benefits, before charging ahead.

Bill Darken - There's a good student loan area along with more relevant general loans assistance such as home, car, and consolidation loans. There are highly informative eye opening articles and up-to-date loans news as well, see it here at home equity loan or if the previous link is not working, you can paste this link in your browser - http://loans-only.com.Adel Blog52655
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