Tips on where and how to get free software downloads

It seems everywhere you look on the internet, you are being bombarded with offers to download free software. Some of this software contains spyware, malware, or worse so you best be careful when downloading things from the net. This article will give you some very useful information and insight into the world of free software downloads.

First off, you must understand the difference between freeware software and shareware software. Shareware programs are free to use for a set period of time. For example, some software may have a 7-day trial period. This allows the user to use the program, either in full or with limited functionality, for 7 days. After the 7-day period, the user must pay for the registration of the software in order to keep using it. On the other hand, freeware software is completely free to use and distribute for as long as you wish.

If you are actively looking for free software to download, you should take notice of which site(s) you are downloading from. If you can, download from reputable websites. How do you know which websites are reputable? Make a search for the website on google. com or any other search engine to see what others have to say.

Once you find the software you’re looking for, you should take note of its software license. That is, if it’s freeware, shareware or simply a demo. Generally speaking, shareware programs tend to be better and have more features than freeware. If you’re looking for a piece of software that does one specific job, then you may find a freeware application to fit your needs. Once you try looking for more complex features you may be forced to look at some shareware applications.

Some of the best sites for downloading freeware and shareware applications are download. com , topshareware. com , and downloads. zdnet. com.

Universal life insurance

Universal life insurance is just one of several types of life insurance policy available through life companies today. Unlike term life insurance or mortgage (reducing) life insurance, universal life insurance gives your insurance policy a cash-in value, allowing you to withdraw funds accumulated on your universal policy as and when needed.

This flexible approach to life insurance is very popular in the US and offers a real alternative to standard term & mortgage life policies where the policyholder does not normally get to benefit directly from the life insurance funds, unless they are diagnosed as being terminally ill. Universal life insurance also provides policyholders with the ability to accrue interest on their life insurance premiums - something that a standard life insurance policy does not offer.

How universal life insurance works

Universal life insurance works in a similar way to a high interest long-notice deposit account. When an insurance premium payment is sent to the life company the company deposit the funds into an interest account after deducting a nominal expenses charge per deposit. The funds then gain interest, with interest accrued being credited to the account on a monthly basis. Each premium payment made of course increases the fund, while compound interest is earned on the account month upon month. The cost of maintaining the insurance product or products purchased through the universal insurance scheme are also deducted from the universal account on a monthly basis.

Should the insurance policyholder wish to withdraw funds from their universal life policy then they can do so from the cash surrender value of the life policy. Withdrawals are normally controlled / limited to a set number per year. Depending upon the policy provider there may also be caps on the amount of money that the universal life policyholder can withdraw and a stipulation on a minimum amount of funds that should remain in the universal life account.

It should go without saying that withdrawals from a universal life insurance policy will reduce the overall amount of funds available when a lump sum claim is made upon death or terminal illness diagnosis. It is therefore important to manage the universal life account to ensure that there is sufficient coverage for your family and dependants in the event of your death. If you don't have the time to carefully manage a universal life product then you may end up with little to show for your life insurance premiums if and when a lump sum pay out is triggered.

Aspergers syndrome - general information

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Aspergers Syndrome is a type of Autism, however, the symptoms are usually much milder and less distressing to those people around them. However, it is still a serious condition which affects 1-2 people in 2000, of which, more tend to be boys than girls.

Aspergers Syndrome wasn’t widely recognized by parents and professionals as recently as in the 1990’s. Autism itself was first diagnosed in 1943.

Despite what could be seen as a significant problem for the sufferers of Aspergers Syndrome, many people with this condition lead very successful and productive lives.

Autism is a neurological disorder. Nobody knows exactly what causes it although there does seem to be a high degree of evidence which suggests that it may be genetic. In many cases, where one child in a family has autism or Aspergers Syndrome, there is a significant chance that any other children will also have this condition either to a lesser or greater degree.

It is possible that there are other factors which may cause this condition either before during or after the birth of a child. At this present time, we don’t know the answers to this question although hopefully after much research, the answer will be found.

There is no simple test to diagnose Aspergers Syndrome or Autism, the diagnosis is done by taking a developmental history and observation of the patient.

There isn’t any cure for either Aspergers Syndrome or Autism either. However, with a lot of hard work, many sufferers of Aspergers live ordinary lives with few difficulties.

Aspergers symptoms include

- Deficiency in social skills

- Difficulty with accepting changes to their environment

- They may be very pre-occupied with a specific topic and study it and talk about it incessantly, becoming very proficient in it.

- Find it difficult to read non verbal communication signals and tend to have poor body space i. e. they will invade other peoples space unknowingly.

Despite these symptoms, many sufferers from Aspergers live normal lives and in some cases, probably due to their obsession with a particular topic, may become very successful.

Consider a performance exhaust system

Is it time for you to replace your car’s exhaust system? Have you noticed rust around your muffler and tailpipe? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then consider replacing your stock exhaust system with a performance exhaust system. Up front you will pay more, but in the end a performance exhaust system just may be the last one you will ever need to purchase for your car.

Nothing lasts forever, right? Well, in the case of some performance exhaust systems you can come darn close. Consider this: one top manufacturer of cat-back exhausts [more on what one is a bit later] produces an exhaust system with a one million mile guarantee! How can they do this? By making a product from aircraft quality stainless steel, that’s how. That’s right; the same steel used by aircraft manufacturers goes into every Borla brand exhaust system to produce a product that is durable and long lasting. Other brands have similar warranties, so I am not saying Borla is the end all or be all product for your car.

So, just how does a cat-back system work? By keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the deeper, throatier tone produced by the exhaust system. Because your car’s engine is essentially an air pump, a cat-back a/k/a performance exhaust system allows the engine to pump and flow air with less interruption. In summation, more power is freed up and horsepower increases of 5 to 15 percent are well within the range of possibility. One side benefit: you will notice an increase in fuel economy because a performance exhaust system allows your engine to run more efficiently.

So, what’s not to love about a performance exhaust system? Not much! Even if you aren’t planning to keep your car forever, the resale value of your vehicle will also increase with a performance exhaust system installed on your car. You win now with more power and better fuel economy and you can win later when it comes time to sell your car. A true win-win situation, don’t you agree?

Uk mortgage insurance is worthwhile taking out

UK mortgage insurance is worthwhile taking out to guard against the possibility that you might find yourself out of work sometime in the future should you have an accident, suffer illness or become involuntarily unemployed. However the cover is not suitable for all circumstances due to the exclusions within the policy.

While the exclusions can differ and you should compare them along with the quotes, there are some common ones. Being retired, self-employed, suffering an ongoing illness or only being in part time work could mean that you would be ineligible to make a claim against the UK mortgage insurance policy. It is the exclusions which were behind the majority of mis-selling when in 2005 the Financial Services Authority began investigating the sector. As a result several well known names on the high street were given fines and then the sector was referred to the Competition Commission by the Office of Fair Trading.

While changes for the better have been made, the Competition Commission announced in late 2007 that high street lenders are still charging high premiums for UK mortgage insurance and loan payment insurance, and raking in up to 80% in profits. Along with this one of the latest firms to receive a fine was a mortgage lender. Not only did the company receive a fine but the Financial Services Authority handed out a personal fine to the Chief Executive. The Financial Services Authority say they will continue to crack down on firms who are mis-selling mortgage protection and loan protection so more Chief Executives should be prepared to put their hands in their pockets.

One of the biggest changes that will go towards making payment protection more transparent for the consumer is the introduction of comparison tables in March 2008; a series of questions will help lead the consumer to choose the right protection policy. Along with this they will highlight the exclusions which can be found in all payment protection policies and make the consumer aware of how much the cover will cost in total. All of these have caused severe problems in the payment protection sector with very little advice being given on policies and what is given being filled with technical jargon which the consumer does not understand.

Buying UK mortgage insurance from an independent specialist provider will get you the cheapest premiums and the best advice and access to the key facts. The advice comes in easy to understand plain English, cover can begin to payout from between the 31st and 90th day depending on the provider and would then continue for between 12 and 24 months again depending on providers so you must read the terms and conditions.

UK mortgage insurance may be surrounded by controversy but providing it is suitable for your circumstances it can make the difference between losing the roof over your head and keeping it and of course it gives you peace of mind so you are able to recover from illness or find another job if you are made redundant. The State cannot be relied upon to give you the money needed each month to meet your mortgage repayments which has left many facing repossession through not having a back-up plan.

Taking your car bike rack on vacation

Car bike racks can make a vacation more fun and interesting. Being able to take your family's bicycles wherever you choose can give you opportunities to have fun and exercise together.

Are you craving a family vacation? Do you enjoy bicycling? If these two things are your top things to do, then you will be happy to find out that you can combine the two. A car roof bike rack can offer you the flexibility to take your bicycles with you so that your entire family can do a bicycling vacation.

Renting bicycles can be quite expensive on a vacation. This expense can be a source of irritation, too, because of the fact that the bicycles may not be in as good shape as yours are. With a car roof bike rack, you can bring along everyone’s favorite bike, which will make everyone happy.

The great thing is that you will have the ability to keep your bicycles with you the entire vacation. You can take a ride on the beach, on a bicycle trail, or anywhere that you choose very easily. Any time of the day is fine, too, because you will have your bikes right there. Exercise can be both fun and enjoyable for your entire family.

You can start a completely new tradition for your family. When you are doing your trip planning, ensure that you are around several different biking trails, so that you can enjoy bicycling with your family. A car bike carrier can give you the flexibility to take your bicycles anywhere and anytime that you choose.

If you need to carry more than one bicycle, then you will enjoy the convenience of a car roof bicycle rack. If biking is just more fun when doing it with others, then you will find that a car roof bike rack can make it easier to do this together. Riding bicycles together with friends or family is a great way to have fun and if biking is just more fun when doing it with others, then you will find that a car roof bike rack can make it easier to do this together. Riding bicycles together with friends or family is a great way to have fun and exercise.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a trunk or not, you can find a car roof bike rack that will work great for your vehicle. They will not obstruct your vision, either, which can be very important.

You need to know that car roof bike carriers are very safe. They do not cause problems driving and they install easily. They will also keep your bike steady while you are driving and this will cut down on noise and other issues.

A car roof bicycle rack can open the opportunities to ride up to you and your family. No matter where you are going, you will be able to take your bicycles. What could be more fun than that?

If no one sees you eat it there are zero calories

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If you are trying to lose weight, aren't getting the results you want and want to give up... stop! Take stock and see if you have fallen foul of these 'diet traps'.

1. If no one sees you eat it, it has no calories

This might sound ridiculous, but you might be surprised to find that many people act as though this were true! It is easy to turn a blind eye to what we actually eat and drink during the day. Being true to yourself with a daily food diary can do wonders for breaking through a diet plateau. Keep a small notebook in you at all times and make a quick reminder of everything, and I mean everything you eat and drink during the day. It's just too easy to forget what you eat, especially if you are used to eating on the run. Mothers with small children at home are especially at risk. There are hundreds of unwanted calories lurking in toddler leftovers. Corners of vegemite and toast, half chewed milk arrowroots and the last sips of chocolate milk can wreck havoc.

2. You aren't diligent about planning your meals and healthy snacks

As a weight loss coach I've yet to meet the person who consciously decides it's their lifetime goal to put on weight until they are obese and desperately unhappy about how they look. Usually it's a result of one or two decades of no-so-good food choices and not finding time to exercise that leads to packing on the pounds. Once you have five or more kilos to lose, it is going to take a deliberate change in habits over several months to get rid of the weight. This is where many folk run aground in their weight loss journey. They fail to plan. It takes conscious planning to do something different for the length of time that is required to get the results you want.

If you are not the type of personality that plans, ask yourself this. How many times do find yourself looking for something to eat and resort to quick takeaways, vending machines or skipping meals instead? Start planning ahead by keeping a bowl of fresh fruit at home and at work at all times. Fruit is great for a healthy snack. Prepare your lunch to take to work so you won't be a victim of vending machines. Get up early so that you have time to start the day with a healthy breakfast, instead of grabbing a skinny decaf on the way to work and a diet coke for morning tea.

3. You've fallen subject to fad diet ideas

Keeping a balanced view of all the food groups will help you have a big enough repertoire of healthy food choices to keep you motivated and interested longer.

"You can't look at foods individually," says Dayle Hayes, M. S., R. D., a nutrition consultant in Billings, Mont., and member of the Council for Women's Nutrition Solutions. "Any time you eliminate whole food groups or foods that are a major part of your diet, you wipe out important nutrients." For instance, if you dis dairy, you zap a great source of protein. If you turn your nose up at high-fat fish like salmon, sardines and herring, you eliminate a top source of omega-3 fatty acids.

"The 'bad food list' is one of the oldest gimmicks in the world of fad dieting," adds Robyn Flipse, RD., a nutrition consultant in Ocean, N. J. "As long as people can blame certain foods or food combinations for their excess weight, they don't have to tackle the bigger issues, like planning, shopping and preparing meals for themselves and doing some form of physical activity on a regular basis," she says.

(c) Kim Beardsmore

United kingdom property investors emerging as biggest market for philippine apart-hotels or condotels

Beth Collingz, of PLC International Marketing Networks, Lead Marketing Partner with Pacific Concord Properties Inc., whom have Condo Hotel or ‘Condotel’ developments in the Philippine, and whom specializes in working with international clients in a recent conference with UK Investors held in Cebu, said: Since the Dollar value depreciated and UK Pound Sterling hit 92:1 on the Philippine Peso, my phone has been very busy with buyers from the UK interested in purchasing investment properties and holiday homes here in the Philippines.

A lot of this interest is being driven by relatively cheap market prices in the Philippines compared to Europe, especially UK Housing prices, and easy payment options available for our Condotel Developments, but there are other factors, too. Offshore Property Investors, Foreign baby boomers as well as overseas Filipinos, are looking for ways to maximize their return on investments as they approach retirement, and so are purchasing second homes, particularly Condotel Investments where they can use the Condo for vacations and rent it out through In-House Management when not using the unit thereby gaining rental incomes that on today’s purchase prices, give a projected ROI on their investments of some 8-16% depending upon the mode of payment for the unit.

Collingz, who also runs PLC Global Pinoy, an internet based marketing network specializing in Condotel Investments, indicated more than 85% of all sales in Metro Manila were to international clients. These international buyers know it’s a buyer’s market in the Philippines right now - there are a lot of properties available and fewer local buyers, Collingz said. I’m working with clients who are purchasing their second property with me. We also have referrals from many of our prior customers and new clients who have found us through our Web sites, lancastersuites. com and plcglobalpinoy. com which include a special section for international buyers.

Another major driving factor in overseas property investments from the United Kingdom is UK Tax Payers taking advantage of tax incentives and Investing their Self-Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] In Philippine Condotel Investment Real Estate for Rental Income and Retirement said Collingz.

A Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] is a personal pension plan but with one very significant difference: administration is separate from investment content, giving the plan holder freedom to choose for himself and change the investments within it. The long-awaited rules on what savers can include in their personal pension plans were unveiled in April 2006 by HM Revenue & Customs. The Guidance Notes confirm that the Chancellor is permitting Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] holders to invest in hotels such as the Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in the Philippines. The only stipulation is that SIPP holders may not stay in their rooms. With more nights available for paying guests, this not surprisingly increases the room owners' returns. It is estimated there are now more than 70,000 plans holding over Ј14bn.

A year or so ago, few people in the UK realized that they could manage their Pension Plan portfolios themselves, and even fewer knew that they could invest their SIPP retirement money in homes in the sun which now prove to be among the most popular potential investments to include in a SIPP

If you’re considering using your SIPP to invest in real estate, there are some excellent reasons that you should choose Philippine Condotel Investment real estate to drive your retirement portfolio into high profit margins. The Philippines is ideal for this type of investment because a SIPP can establish title to a property in a country whose legal framework recognizes trusts and a SIPP is simply another form of trust.

Investing in foreign real estate is neither as risky nor as tricky as a lot of people would have you believe. While land and housing prices in the U. K. have soared astronomically in the past decade, the world real estate market is a far different story. It’s still possible to buy a preconstruction Condotel suite at Lancaster The Atrium located in Metro Manila, Philippines, for less than GBP Ј25,000.00

The beauty of holding property in the Philippines is the low cost of property taxes and maintenance. A GBP Ј25,000 Condotel suite will only set you back GBP Ј100 in property taxes per year, and maintenance costs are similarly low. When you add in the tax-protected status of investments made in your SIPP, annual off plan property appreciation and the 8-16% returns through rental income through the Condotel advantage, you have an incredible ROI on a purchase of Philippine Condotel investment real estate enthused Collingz.

With preconstruction property in the Philippines appreciating at some 20% per annum not only do real estate investments look good but the rental income return in the Country is in excess of what many Pension Plans offer for the same or similar investment.

Many new investors are looking to replace failed pension plans and other future saving schemes with a solid investment in Real Estate. Clients are looking for investments that will give them an income for retirement as an alternative to traditional private pension plans that have failed. Most company pension plans are insufficient as are Government Pensions. Bank rates for Savings accounts are at record lows. Savvy investors are now looking for a more solid investment with potential for monthly income. Condotels in the Philippines fit the bill.

This potential, high rates of rental returns from Condo Hotel Investments, up to 16% per annum, opens up a huge market not traditionally looked at by Real Estate Agents and Brokers whom all so often run around looking for normal residential profile buyers without looking at the by far bigger picture of investments, investing and retirement. "We’re here to help our clients and advise them of emerging investment opportunities in the Philippines. Self-Invested Pension Plans and Lancaster Condotels, fit this bill exactly; adds Collingz.

Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., Flagship Lancaster Condo Hotel [Manila] development located along Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, is currently one of the hottest Condotel Investments in the Philippines. Lancaster - The Atrium is accepting Reservations for Studio, One, Two & Three Bedroom Suites adopting International Standard Escrow Trust Account Buyer Safe Easy Secure Payment Plans with 6 year interest free payment terms or up to 12 year "In-House" financing available, full condo ownership and minimum monthly maintenance fees, you really should take a moment to look at this Philippine Condotel Investment Opportunity said Collingz.

Further info regarding Condotel Investments in the Philippines, Lancaster Suites currently available suites, price and terms of payment can be found on the firms website.

Quiz- are you romancing in love

Have you experienced romantic love when you have sent flowers for no reason? When you sent hundreds of ecards in a single day. When you wrote poetry for your beloved and he/she heard it as if it was a piece of great art? When you search around for love quotes on the Internet like mad? When you wanted all that you could do to make your sweetheart happy? This is a phase of romantic love that is not gifted by God to everyone. Very few lucky ones fall in such love. Let us talk about the passion of this romance.

When we talk of history, we come across instances when wars were fought for women. The wars were fought when the lovers were in this romantic phase. In this phase, both the girl and the boy defy every convention, break all the norms and think only of their beloved. The passion of this love is incomparable. In this passion, if somebody hurts the beloved, the lovers may even kill that person. What we read about romance is this phase when all logic is thrown to the wind and heart rules over the head completely.

During this phase, lovers do not even imagine that a day will come when they would lose this love. Not only that, but they may also break-up. That thought is beyond their wildest imagination. That is why if some one advises them that both of you are not alike each other, or please reconsider your love, they revolt against that person.

If you experience this phase, you will never forget it. If you manage your relationship after this phase in such a way that it survives against all the odds and you continue without any break-up, you are one of the lucky ones. Please enjoy the romance.

Latest epoch of improvement

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Search engine optimization is not about scamming or foolong search engine spiders, the search engine used by the search engine to crawl through your site and index it. It’s about making the best of what you and making what you have the best. In today’s world internet is the most important factor of our life every person has his own website. And SEO Delhi Company (e-Fuzion) is the only one who can get your web site on the top of all the search engines optimization services. SEO Delhi Company (e-Fuzion) provide SEO services like link building, directory submission, article posting, blog spotting, content writing and many more. e-Fuzion is such a company which always dealing with both off page and on page optimization. Internet is the most important factor of your life and today if you have to grow in your business market you should have good and attractive web site. SEO Delhi Company (e-Fuzion) provides attractive web solutions with high ranking promise. E-Fuzion offers its clients all services with honest way and tries to understand their requirements. This company has well qualified staff which that knows how to do quality work. SEO Delhi Company (e-Fuzion) offers whole world with our web designing, data entry and search engine optimization services with their cost effectiveness. E-Fuzion depends on development more than discovery, search engines very soon grew to capture a major share of space on the World Wide Web serving users with streamlined information etc. Hence began the story of search engines which till date has gathered a lot of reputation amongst web users. It calls for websites to disguise according to the list of approving that search engines announce and in arrival get placed at top ranks on every search engine.

Sustainable architecture helps texas instruments save money

Conserving energy is on the minds of most Americans today. With gas prices skyrocketing, everybody is looking for ways to save energy, which translates into saving money.

If it takes $500 to heat your home in the winter, imagine how much it costs to heat a huge factory. Obviously any company building a factory needs to be as frugal as possible. Now, you can learn from their innovations.

In a heartening move against resource guzzling habits of big industry, Texas Instruments recently built a "green" factory in a town near Dallas, Texas. The company had been tempted to build the plant overseas to cut costs, but instead got creative and redesigned the factory's blueprints to save money. It was a huge challenge and seemingly impossible feat for the design team, but it got done.

"We have to [approach energy consumption differently]...I think you do first have to set an impossible goal. Amazing things happen when people claim responsibility for the impossible," said Shaunna Sowell, the company's vice-president who oversees facilities world-wide.

Many changes were instrumented in building the new factory. Whereas the old factories were three stories, the new factory was redesigned to fit into two stories. More attention was paid to how the factory consumes its resources and short-cuts were adopted. Attention was also paid to the waste coming out of the factory, and now most of it is recycled. Passive solar construction techniques were used so the factory could become more self-sufficient.

"Green building is not necessarily about producing your own power with windmills and solar panels. It's about addressing the consumption side with really creative design and engineering to eliminate waste and reduce energy usage--it's the next industrial revolution," said Paul Westbrook, who aided Texas Instruments in building their new factory and has a solar-powered home himself.

Texas Instruments expects to save big on energy costs for the life of their new building. Month in and month out, their bills will be low because they designed their building with energy conservation in mind.

An introduction to cfd trading part 1

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Here's a really simple yet useful tutorial on CFD trading that will get you up and running very quickly if you're new to CFD trading.

By the time you finish this article, you'll know how CFDs work, what makes them highly profitable, and understand the costs involved in CFD trading.

CFD stands for Contracts For Difference, which is a derivative product, where you profit from changes in the prices of stocks and shares.

For example, if you buy a CFD on a stock that's $5.00 and the price rises to $5.50, then you profit from that change in price. So if you bought 1000 CFDs, then your profit is $500. That is, the value of the CFDs mirror the underlying stock prices, and you can profit on this movement.

The reasons why CFDs are a very popular trading product, and understandably so, are:

1. CFDs are traded on leverage, and this leverage is typically 10 to 1, with some CFD brokers providing 20 to 1 leverage. This means that a trader with a small float can make decent profits from trading the stock market by using CFDs. For example, you may have a stock trading system that makes a 30% return per annum. On a $5000 float, this is $1500 profit in one year. With CFDs, because of the leverage, the same system can now produce a 300% return, which is $15 000 profit in one year.

2. You can just as easily short sell CFDs as well, and therefore profit from falling markets. This greatly increases the profitability of a trading system because trading opportunities increase dramatically, and the fact that you can profit from both bull and bear markets.

3. The costs in CFD trading are relatively low when compared to stocks. This is especially so, since for a similar and often smaller cost per trade, you can gain 10 or greater times the results from a trade due to the leverage available. The 2 main costs in CFD trading are interest and leverage. We'll come to these in a moment.

4. You can set automatic stop losses. This means that it will take you less time to trade, remove the emotion from exiting a trade when you should, and allow you to exit as the stop is hit, not a day later. You therefore avoid the slippage due to getting out of a trade later than when you intended.

5. You can place all your orders in the evenings. With many CFD providers, you can place orders to enter a position the night before. For people who are working, this is a great advantage as they can do all their trading (place their orders to enter and their stop losses) in the evenings, and not need to be at the computer screen or call their broker during the day. Also, if they have any stop losses that need adjusting, they can do so in the evenings as well. Their trading routine with a mechanical system can be about 10-15 minutes per day.

So these are the advantages of CFDs that have made trading accessible to so many people because they provide large returns for a modest float, and can also be traded once a day as well.

Now, we mentioned that there are 2 main costs in CFD trading. Let's have a closer look now at each of them:

1. Commission. With some CFD providers, there is in fact no commission. This also greatly increases the profitability of your CFD trading systems, as well as the fact that you can benefit hugely from the leverage. With other CFD providers, there may be a commission of say 0.15% of the trade size or $15, whichever is greater, each way. These costs are similar or less than the commission associated with stock trading, especially when you consider that the multiplied profits that the leverage gives you.

2. With CFDs, there's interest charged for long positions that are held overnight. For short positions, the interest is paid to you. The amount of interest charged is usually a reference rate plus approximately 2%, and the interest paid is usually the same reference rate minus approximately 2%. And the reference rate is usually a major bank's overnight interest rate.

For example, the interest rate charged for overnight held long positions may be 7.5% or 0.075 per annum. To calculate how much this is for a trade, we need to make it "pro rata". That is, we'd need to divide the 0.075 by 365, multiply it buy the number of days in trade, then multiply it by the trade size. For example, for a trade size of $10 000, held for 14 days, the interest cost is about $28. Not a huge cost. For a short trade, the interest is paid to you, so will offset the cost rather than contribute to it.

So there you have it.

You now understand the benefits of trading CFDs and why they're a trading instrument that allows people with a modest float to make very decent returns, as well as understand the costs involved with trading CFDs.

To learn more about CFD trading, watch out for part 2 of this article.

If you'd like to learn more now about CFD trading, go to this page with a comprehensive tutorial on CFD trading

Play to your amusement with stress management balls

For managing the stress, there are two types of methods such as temporary methods and the permanent method. Temporary methods are many, but the permanent method is only one—meditation! That is the ultimate stress management product.

Meditation leads to a state of supreme happiness. But in this mad race of materialistic world, many say that they don't have time for meditation. What a strange paradox! Meditation leads you to happiness. And you don't find time to become happy! Don’t feel alienated with stress and be in the know of stress management balls.

Coming to the contemporary methods of stress relief, one of the popular one is—achieve stress relief through stress balls. When you are under stress, to remain without activity will add more to your stress. You are restless, and to find a way out, take something in your hand, and squeeze it. Play with it in style. It will take care of your tensions and concerns. It is a sort of diversion from the brooding state of your mind. You have something else to do than the useless thinking that goes to increase your stress and tension. Stress balls are found to be good at their limited stress relief act.

Why these stress balls do what they do - to relieve stress to some extent? Before answering this question, let me tell you the common reasons for your stress. Motivated desires are the cause for your stress. When such desires are not fulfilled, you begin to worry and this mounting worry is the cause of your stress. You expect your particular wish to fructify in a particular manner. When that does not happen, you are frustrated and the stress process begins.

The stress balls are available for the asking. You get them in departmental stores, job fairs, business/industry gatherings. They perform their job well, and you feel good handling them. You feel, as if you are engaged in some creative activity. You enjoy that unique, relieving noise. You feel some good activity is happening. It is plain joy, no reward of punishment activity. In fact, to play with it is equivalent of doing some exercise. So, it gives the benefit of an exercise and reduces the level of stress.

Another variety of stress balls is liquid balls. They too are excellent to relieve your worries. You will not get much resistance as you work out on them, but the unique feel good experience, will relieve you of the stress. You get stress balls in pairs also. This is a Chinese variety. Rub and bang the balls against each other. The peculiar noise and the physical activity work like a double benefit scheme. The desired object, stress management is achieved.

Management business is to manage…and in this case, why not do it with stress balls?

Mosquito magnet

There’s nothing worse than trying to get a good nights sleep and hearing the buzz of a mosquito, knowing that within minutes it will land on you, only to disappear when you turn on the lights to catch it.

Maybe there is something worse.

Have you ever had a barbeque and everyone is standing around slapping the bare skin on their arms and legs trying to kill all the mosquitos that keep landing on them?

Fortunately there are some solutions that can save you from the torment of those pesky insects.

You have a choice between the mosquito repellents and the mosquito killers.

Mosquito repellents come in various types and generally have Citronella that ensures the mosquitos will not pester you.

Citronella can be used in candles where the burning of the candle will keep the mosquitos away or as a rub on cream that will stop the mosquitos from landing on your skin.

The most popular products for killing the mosquitos are the mosquito zappers and the mosquito magnets.

These products attract the mosquito to them where they are then killed.

By using either of these two products there is less likelihood of having mosquito problems as they will be exterminated whereas the repellents only work for a specified time after which the mosquitos will return.

The zappers and mosquito magnets can attract mosquitos from quite a distance and with regular use they will reduce the population and in doing so require less and less use.

Mosquito magnets are an economical solution to a problem that can be very disruptive over the summer months.

There are various different brands of mosquito magnets and their prices vary accordingly.

You will need to determine the extent of your mosquito problem and the area where they need to be eradicated to decide on what type of mosquito magnet is best suited to your requirements.

Pilgrim trivia teaching tips

How much do you know about the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and Wampanoag Indians? Here are some interesting facts about them.

Before the Pilgrims hired her, the Mayflower was in the wine trade with France; before that, she was in the fish trade with Norway.

It took the Mayflower 66 days to reach Massachusetts.

There was one baby born during the crossing of the Mayflower and he was named Oceanus Hopkins.

The Pilgrims landed at Provincetown, MA, at the tip of Cape Cod, on November 11, 1620. Since the land was not good for farming, they moved to Plymouth.

To eat, the Pilgrims used a knife, spoon, a large napkin, and fingers...no forks. They also shared plates and drinking vessels.

In the Pilgrim household, the adults sat down to dinner and the children waited on them.

Lobsters, clams, and mussels were considered "hard rations" when the food supply was low. Many Pilgrims thought that lobsters were fit only for pigs!

The turkey was familiar poultry in England. It was brought to Europe 100 years earlier by the Spanish.

There were only four married women who survived the first harsh winter from 1620-1621. They supervised the food preparations for the three-day harvest feast for the 50 colonists, Chief Massasoit, and the 90 Indians who attended. That event became known as "the first Thanksgiving."

Pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce were not eaten at the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims did eat roast wild fowl such as duck, goose, and turkey; corn meal; cod; sea bass; and venison brought by the Indians.

Massasoit in the Wampanoag language means "Great Leader." His real name was Ousamequin or "Yellow Feather."

The Wampanoag Indians of southeast Massachusetts were the people who befriended the Pilgrims. Their name means "People of the Dawn" and they continue to live on Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and inland.

With the severe weather the world has been experiencing, now is a good time to reflect on all the positives in your life. Write them down to keep as a reference when times are rough! Sometimes, seeing them in print is an eye-opener; you might be surprised how long that list can get if you add all the little things. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!

I hope these ideas have been useful and have inspired your own creative thinking.

And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!

Route 62 by car

The Road Trip has become a holiday experience in itself, thanks to movies like Thelma and Louise, Rainman and California.

The first thing to do when planning a road trip vacation is to hire the best vehicle for the experience. A genuine road trip requires more than your basic sedan, although at a push you can get by on a basic budget car if you’re counting the pennies.

If you have the means, and you want to do the trip properly, consider hiring a 4x4. You can take advantage of the country’s many off-road tracks along the way for added adventure, and the modern 4x4’s are roomy, air-conditioned and offer comfort plus ruggedness – the perfect combo for your road trip holiday.

Everyone knows about Route 66, America’s most famous road trip route. But if you’re visiting South Africa, or if you’re a local taking leave and feel the urge to take to the open road, what’s the best route to take?

A road trip requires more than a long stretch of tar linking cities. It needs to be off the main thoroughfare, taking in little towns and villages far out of the big cities and offer things to do and see that you wouldn’t get on a simple A to B trip.

Route 62, which begins in the Western Cape, offers the ideal answer to the States’ Route 66.

The road meanders between Cape Town, Oudsthoorn and the Garden Route, ending in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.

You can expect to travel from lush Winelands, orchards and groves to dusty Karoo landscapes, over mountain passes and through river valleys. Trees and fynbos, cliffs and streams, verdant greens to arid browns and beiges – you’ll see a world of climate and geography along this one incredible road.

There are many accommodation options on Route 62 – from luxury hotels out in the countryside to transformed labourers’ cottages that now offer quaint self-catering accommodations. You can ‘rough it’ and camp out or indulge in a little luxury at a charming B&B complete with king-sized breakfast to get you back on the road.

Along the way you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities.

We’ve already mentioned off-road tracks for 4x4s, and there are also quad and mountain bike routes to enjoy. A fine example of a 4x4 course is the Matroosberg Trail in Ceres, high up in the mountains with fantastic views.

You can learn fascinating facts about the Bushmen who originally lived in the region by going on the Interpretation Botanical Trail in De Rust. While in the area, you can fish, swim, and sail on the Stompdrift Dam Water Resort.

You can pick cherries, apples and pears in season at the Klondyke Cherry Farm 30km out of Ceres, and enjoy a picnic under the pines afterwards.

Of course you’ll want to see the ostriches at Oudtshoorn. These amazing birds are interesting to learn about and observe. Children especially enjoy this experience.

Other activities and attractions along the way include hot-air ballooning, Bushmen cave painting viewing, hiking and kloofing, river rafting, horesriding, golf and of course wine tours.

Eating en route is something you’ll do plenty of – all that fresh air and action will give you a serious appetite. From road-side farm stalls to classy bistros to delis stuffed with local delights such as fig preserve and olive tapenade, you’ll find plenty to tempt the taste buds.

So all that’s left to do is to hire that 4x4, grab your favourite road-trip CDs, sling your togs into a bag and hit the road.

The Great South African Road Trip is about to begin!

Acne at my age

When the 30s hit, you worked to raise little Johnnie or Suzie to be a model kid. Now that your hitting the fabulous 40s, you should be coasting through life, right. Well, why are you suddenly dealing with the cosmetic double whammy of acne and wrinkles? Even your insurance company figures that you should have gotten rid of acne by the age of 25.

The number people over 30 needing acne treatments has climbed to the extent that a report published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends raising the age for insurance coverage of the acne drug tretinoin to at least 40. The authors of the report, Drs. Steven Feldman and Alan Fleischer, add that many insurance companies refuse to pay for tretinoin prescriptions for patients older than 25.

Cosmetic Catch 22 Even if your insurance company leaves you to fend for yourself, you still have options for freeing yourself from acne and wrinkles. At first, coping with acne and wrinkles may seem like a cosmetic catch 22. Do you dry your skin with acne cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and worsen your wrinkles? Or, do you smear on the moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles, but cope with the zits brought on by the extra oil or sensitivity to a new product?

There’s a smarter way to handle acne and wrinkles.

1. Interpret the acne

2. Allow your skin to improve as you use self-awareness to remove zits.

Interpret the acne

While dealing with acne and wrinkles, target the acne first because acne is an autoimmune disease. Having an autoimmune disease means that your thoughts, emotions, and/or environment are affecting you in an adverse way and require immediate attention. Thus, acne may reveal that you need to relax more, change your eating habits, reframe your interpersonal dialogue, stop dating that jerk from the office and/or make another beneficial alteration to your lifestyle.

Zits arrive on your face to report on some unpleasant activities within your body and life. Once you get feedback from these zits, you can take action to send the zits away while augmenting your health in the process.

Acne is usually an indication various hidden or overlooked health problems. Here’s a sample of the questions you should ask yourself when dealing with acne so that you can unravel the mystery behind your zits. Are you:

Regular?

About 70% of your immune system is located in your intestines. If this area is blocked with waste, your immuno-defenses are down. So, instead of waste leaving your body via the rectum, it chooses to leave through the skin. Waste leaving the skin can cause an infection that presents itself as acne.

Tense?

Tension likewise reduces the vigor of the immune system. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day to calm your body. Take a long walk in the fresh air to wind down.

Eating nutritionally?

Cases of acne have been improved with consuming foods containing zinc, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients. All of these vital nutrients are available in leafy green vegetables, fruits and olive oil.

Worried about unresolved issues?

Not resolving personal issues creates conflict and tension in the body. Again, these issues most be addressed to avoid undue stress within the body.

Exercising daily?

Exercise reduces stress and gives you an opportunity to subconsciously contemplate challenges that you may be facing. Physical activity also keeps your muscles and intestines toned, which keeps encourages regularity.

Changing pillowcase frequently?

Using a dirty pillowcase aggravates an acne condition. Your face naturally secretes oils during the night. These oils are sticky. So if you pillowcase if dirty, you are allowing your face to collect extra waste during the night, which could further clog your pores.

Moving or changing your job/career?

New demands or feelings of lose can sometimes accompany change. Transfer these emotions into something constructive by writing in a journal or envisioning how these changes are going to benefit you. Find comfort in these changes and opportunities for new beginnings.

Experiencing excessive facial hair growth and erratic periods?

Conditions such as acne, excessive facial hair, and erratic periods could indicate an androgen disorder or other underlying hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can provide you with a series of endocrine tests to ascertain your hormone levels and what corrective actions you should take. Ricardo Azziz, M. D, who serves as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Director of the Center for Androgen-Related Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, estimates that 80 percent of women with excessive androgen levels suffer from an endocrine disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Azziz adds that women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and are at increased risk for developing Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Once the acne is under control you can move on to the wrinkles. Another reason for treating the zits first is because if you alter your lifestyle in such as way as to free yourself from acne, and you doing this in a healthy and patient fashion, you will actually lessen the number of wrinkles you have.

Health is wholeness and beauty is a reflection of robust health. You’ll never buy robust health in a jar. It is a mind, body, spirit and environmental support system that garners full-bodied health. Lets look at want you actually need from a “beauty cream”.

Face Cream Education There are five basic ingredients in any given anti-aging or anti-wrinkling cream.

1. The oil or moisturizer

2. The preservatives to keep the cream from spoiling.

3. A scent or flavor

4. A color

5. The active ingredient.

Only one of these components is essential, the oil. The preservative is only needed to keep the cream useful. Your face does not need preservation because the skin is alive. Since some people have allergies to scents and colors in cosmetics, the body says that these two ingredients are not necessary. The active ingredient is usually the latest cosmetic drug or multivitamin that is supposed to lift or dramatically reverse your age by 5-20 years.

Researchers S. Jay Olshansky, Leonard Hayflick and Bruce A. Carnes bluntly comment on the antics of cosmetic companies in their report No Truth to the Fountain of Youth, published in the June 2002 edition of Scientific American. The authors warn everyone aiming to reverse the signs of times on their face that, “… anyone purporting to offer an anti-aging product today is either mistaken or lying”.

I bet you are thinking, “Won’t that oil make acne worse?” The answer is not if you are using the right oil. Some essential oils such as bergamont, lavender, lemon, neroli, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang ylang have cleansing and antibacterial properties which help combat acne infections. Other essential oil like geranium, clary sage and orange regulate the production of oil on the face. When mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba or camellia, these essential oils are ideal moisturizers.

Nothing that you put on your face will truly change your appearance. Creams are useful, but they are only one instrument in an orchestra of anti-aging concerts. Health starts on the inside. If you want to improve your beauty start with how you treat yourself and feed yourself. I mean not only what foods you eat but what thoughts you eat.

You may eat thoughts of the sort, “I can’t…”, “I had a stressful day”, “I’m tired of…”, “I can’t wait until…”, “I’m getting old”, “My body isn’t as healthy as it used to be”. The menu is endless. If you want to look young and healthy, you have to think young and healthy thoughts. Here’s steps to jumpstart your quest:

Start by changing your thinking. Develop your own youth model, i. e. with steps you’ll take to maintain your vitality and stick to it.

Enjoy nutritious foods. A study in the Journal of American College of Nutrition found that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and using olive oil every day could help keep wrinkles away. The researchers found that people who ate a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, beans, olive oil, nuts and multigrain breads, while avoiding butter, red meat and sugary goodies, were less predisposed to wrinkling. Researchers believe that antioxidant vitamins, such as A, C and E, which are found in fruits and vegetables, may help protect the skin from environmental damage.

Use a gentle cleanser each day.

Steam your face everyday for 5-15 minutes, especially if your have acne. The steam removes waxy build-up on the skin while it stimulates circulation. This combo of benefits cleans to pores to reduce the possibility of acne while firming up the skin and facial muscles.

Exfoliate your skin daily.

Moisturize your face in the morning and evening with natural oils. In addition to the acne fighting oils listed above, you can mix essential oils such as frankinsense, myrrh, neroli and rose to help encourage the growth of new skin cells. You can create a moisturizer by diluting 1-3 of your favorite essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba or camellia oil in a ration of 1 part essential oil to 3 parts carrier oil.

Massage your face daily when you apply your facial oil.

Lie down on an incline bench for 5-20 minutes each day to let the blood flow to your head.

Wear a sunhat in the sun.

Give yourself a light skin peel once a month.

Finally, forty can still be fabulous and your beauty-plan a lot less enigmatic. Just remember the basics, interpret the messages of your zits, and educate yourself about wrinkle creams - you don’t need them.

Beat web traffic scammers at their own game

Every web business will eventually receive the phone call. It starts by sounding like a professional call from a local business. In fact, at first, it sounds like someone wants to build a joint venture, or make a purchase. It might even sound like someone needs your help.

Once the small business owner is hooked, the tone changes slightly, the company has something to offer you, but they are not spammers. They are always a partner with someone big that you have formed an alliance with such as Google Adsense, Ebay, Prostores, Amazon. com, or maybe your web host.

Now, the bomb drops. They promise to increase your traffic and put your web site at the top of the search engines, guaranteed.

There is only one plan of action – hang up.

Avoid Web Traffic Schemes

There are a few dozen schemes out there, none of them are legit. There is no legal way to guarantee that a website will stay on the first page unless a) the keywords are obscure or have a low ROI, and b) they are selling the top spot in the PPC program.

One way to identify a scheme is by asking them to step away from their script and answer some SEO questions:

1. Does this program use a link farm?

2. Will this program involve newsletters or email campaigns?

3. Do you guarantee that the site will never be banned?

4. Is a banner exchange involved?

5. Does a PPC type of script need to be posted on the web page?

It is almost guaranteed that the conversation will end before a single question is answered.

Many of these programs use hundreds of spam MFA (Made For AdSense) sites floating around the web. In fact, one company was closed down in 2005 for using an automated software program that published 2000 new websites a day. In 2007, Google started a new program that involved banning MFA sites and cancelling the owner’s AdSense account, forever.

Unfortunately, many of the advertisers are also at risk for being banned from AdSense. Once banned, no one in your family, or yourself, may ever have an AdSense account again.

Black Hat SEO

The best way to avoid web traffic schemes is to become aware of ‘Black Hat SEO.’ These are tricks that will result in a website receiving high hits, for a few months. But, once the search engines find the ‘trick’ they ban the site forever.

There are a few dozen popular Black Hat SEO tricks: doorway pages, link farms, invisible text, mirror websites, etc..

Quality Hits

Many of these companies have software programs that not only hit a website repeatedly, but even click the PPC campaigns. This is not ‘real traffic’. People who get caught on an MFA site and ‘clicked out’ just to escape is not a good click.

A quality hit is a visitor who actually wants to buy what is on your site. Success is not about hits, but quality hits.

Make Money

The best way to beat web traffic scam artists at their own game is to understand the different types of traffic. The most important type of traffic is a person who has been surfing the web looking for something to buy – and they find your website.

One website can make $10 000 a month, with only 100 000 hits.

Another site can make $100 a month, with more than 2 million hits. Success, and the chances of making money, is all tied up in the quality of hits.

Betting exchanges and lay betting - an introduction

:
Why A Betting Exchange Can Offer You The Key To Successful Gambling…

Introduction

Too many gamblers are still living in the ‘dark ages’ and will only ever place a bet with a traditional bookmaker. They either can’t be bothered to learn how the exchanges work or simply don’t realise the features and value that can be had when betting within an exchange environment.

Believe me, using a betting exchange is very easy, and if you are not already using at least one exchange you should join one immediately after reading this article…

I'm not saying that a betting exchange should be used for all your betting. There will still be occasions when a traditional bookmaker will offer more desirable odds than those that are available on the exchanges. However, in the majority of cases you will find better value on the exchanges and additionally there are other VERY IMPORTANT features that only the betting exchanges offer. More on this later…

So What Is A Betting Exchange?

Put very simply, betting exchanges are a secure place where members of the betting public can exchange bets with each other anonymously, at odds that they specify themselves. The exchange companies simply act as the 'middleman' and match peoples bets.

As there are no bookie margins to factor in, prices are very often more desirable. The betting exchange companies make their money by taking a commission payment on your winning bets. This is usually in the region of 3 - 5%, but even taking this into account, it’s very common to find better prices on the exchange.

The cumulative effect of better prices when combined with a good staking plan, can make the difference between you generating a healthy profit or a bad loss. Using an exchange does not mean you will automatically win more frequently! You still have to find good value winning bets yourself or via a professional tipster but it’s the effect of getting a better return on your winning bets that will boost your betting bank and protect you during losing streaks.

Most people use the betting exchanges on the internet, but you can also place bets on the telephone.

Betting Exchange Advantages

As well as regularly finding better prices when backing a selection, exchanges also give the gambler some other very important advantages over traditional bookmakers.

Some of the key advantages are:

1) The ability to LAY a selection if you think it will not win.
2) The ability to BACK or LAY a selection to be PLACED. (This is very different to the well know Each Way bet offered by bookies and can be very powerful).
3) Betting IN RUNNING on many events INCLUDING HORSE RACING. This can give you many advantages and opens the door to new methods that may secure you more profits.
4) If you are very successful, you will not have the exchange company threatening to shut your account down. A very important point !
5) The ability to TRADE on price movements in betting events to guarantee yourself a profit regardless of the result.
6) Arbitrage Opportunities. Bookie and exchange price discrepancies often allow you to take a NO RISK bet.

Those are some of the key benefits of using a betting exchange and I will dig deeper into these and explain how you can use them to your advantage in future betting articles.

For the remainder of this article, lets concentrate on point 1 above, LAYING a selection to Lose.

LAYING A Selection to Lose – A Major Advantage Of The Betting Exchanges

Probably the most important feature of a betting exchange is the ability to LAY a selection. But what does laying a selection mean?

Laying a selection is often referred to as 'Playing the role of a bookmaker'. Like a bookie, you offer a price against a selection / event happening (eg. a certain horse to win a race or a football match ending as a draw). You only do this if in your opinion there is a great chance that the horse won't win or the football match will not end as a draw. The betting exchanges simply match your lay bets with other customers who think the opposite of you (eg they think the horse will win or the match will end as a draw).

Lay Liabilities

The odds that you offer determine how much money you will need to 'pay out' if the selection actually wins (just like the bookie does when you have a winning bet with them). So if you were to place a lay bet of Ј10 at 5.0 (4/1) against a selection, you would be liable to pay out Ј40 from your account if that selection won (The other punter gets their Ј10 back plus Ј40 profit). If however, the selection does lose you get to keep the Ј10 staked by the other punter (just like the bookies have done with all your losing bets all these years!). It's as simple as that.

Now, you might be thinking 'great, I'll simply lay all the rank outsiders and clean up'. STOP! Don't even go down this route. If you keep placing lay bets on selections trading with very high odds (eg 50/1), you will win regularly but when 1 of them comes first you will probably wipe out all your winnings and more! A single Ј10 lay bet at 50/1 would see you liable for paying out Ј500 should the selection win!

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you decide upon a sensible upper limit for lay odds and stick to it no matter what. Just think about how many favourites get turned over in horse races every day of the year that are perhaps available to lay at very short odds like 1.5 (1/2). Your liability on a Ј10 lay bet at these odds is only Ј5, or Ј50 on a Ј100 lay bet. I like to keep my lay bets at odds below 4.0 (3/1) but that's just my own personal choice but it gives you something to go on.

Flexible Odds / Placing an Order

The odds you offer obviously need to be realistic in order to be matched, but if you are not happy with the current price being requested by other punters you can simply place an 'order' in the exchange at your odds and hope that somebody eventually accepts your offer. (eg you may feel that the current price of 3.0 (2/1) is too high a price to lay a certain selection, so offer a lay bet at 2.75 (7/4) instead). If your lucky the price may well be matched. If the event starts without your lay bet being matched, your bet is simply cancelled so you gain/lose nothing.

Summary

Lay Betting might sound very confusing to the exchange newbie, but believe me it soon becomes very straightforward and you will find yourself laying selections much more frequently than you think. Let's be honest, it must be easier to pick a horse you feel will definitely lose in a average 12 runner race, than find the single winner!

Well that's it for part 1 of my betting exchange articles. In part 2, I will be explaining the Betting Exchange Place markets and how you can benefit from them.

A quick guide to local state and federal government auctions

There are million of dollars of seized and unclaimed property auctioned by the government on an everyday basis. These potential hidden treasures include cars, houses, boats, jewelry, antiques, and more. Since the government has nothing invested and often lacks potential buyers, the amount required to purchase can be obscenely low. Auctions are a common method used to dispose of anything and everything they have accumulated.

Government auctions are held everyday all across the United States. Federal, State and Local governments all hold their own auctions on a regular basis. The following is some helpful information to get you started in your quest to find a new home, car or other property at a bargain price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I locate a government auction near me?

-- Unfortunately there is not one nice consolidated place that lists all of them for you. Local, state and federal governments tend not to operate in cooperation, but each has their own unique method of advertising their own auctions or sales. You can begin by contacting your local or state government in person, by phone, or email. Sometimes you will find listings for auctions in the local newspaper or posted at various city or county buildings. Searching the internet may also turn up listings.

Is it complicated to buy via an auction?

-- No, generally there is a simple registration process. When you register, you get information about their payment and other policies, like how long you have to remove an item, once you’ve purchased it and whether or how closely you will be allowed to inspect what is up for bid, before they begin the auction.

How do I find that particular item I’m looking for?

-- This is where the fun begins. It can take lots, and lots of looking. Often auction listings only mention some of the items being sold, not all of them. Checking with the local agency that would logically have the item you might want is a good idea. An agriculture related agency would be a good place to start looking for used tractors, instead of a business oriented department or agency.

Why are things so cheap?

-- Simple supply and demand. The government seizes property everyday and there are a limited number of people that know how to buy it. The government is not at risk of taking a loss since they did not invest in the item to begin with.

Can you really buy a car for $100?

-- Yes, there are cars that cheap, but they most likely will not be in mint condition. You should pursue this like you would when buying any used car. Kick the tires, look under the hood, and take it for a test drive if they will allow it. Try to check to make sure the car is not a “salvage car” before purchasing.

What about real estate?

-- The current economic situation likely makes this the newest potential goldmine for those with some money to invest. With the housing market and mortgage market taking huge hits this year, more homes have gone into foreclosure or are being seized by the government for back taxes owed. Watch the papers and internet websites for “tax sales”. The flood of homes being seized is making it difficult to impossible for various government agencies to find buyers for a wide range of properties.

The potential is only limited by the effort you put forth. I have seen a pallet of computers go for less than the cost of a single computer, because I was in the right place at the right time, but without a truck… For those who have done the research and have prepared there truly are treasures waiting.

Guide on anti-aging skin care for aging adults

Wrinkles, facial lines, pouches, folds, and blemishes.

These are just to name a few of the many signs of aging in the face. Older people, most especially the women, dread these signs once they appear on the face. However, these changes in the skin and facial features cannot be avoided as these are inevitable part of aging.

Some adults falsely believe that wrinkles and other facial signs of aging only appear once they get older. Unknown to many, wrinkles begin to develop in a person's face starting from birth. With this, many adults only begin taking care of their face when they are already in their 50s or 60s. Hence, it is highly recommended for everyone to start taking care of their skin when they are still young. Maintaining a sound anti-aging skin care regimen is also a must even for those who are only in their 20s.

Meanwhile, there are two best ways for one to take care of their aging facial features: One is through artificial options and the other by means of natural methods. In artificial options, the use of chemicals and surgical procedures are among the treatments to choose from. However, most of these treatments are only temporary and the effects will eventually wear off. When this happens, the person will then be forced to undergo the procedures and pay for the expensive fees again.

On the other hand, the natural anti-aging skin care methods are a lot safer and cheaper compared to the artificial options. Treatments, regimens, and products under the natural method also have lasting effects. With natural anti-aging skin care methods, one is sure to maintain a healthy physical and mental well-being.

Anti-aging treatments: keeping the skin healthy through natural ways

If a person decides to undergo any natural anti-aging skin care method, he needs to change the old lifestyle he's used to and adapt to a new one. However, good results do not happen overnight. Better appreciate small changes, and in time, a more beautiful and vibrant skin will come out naturally.

The following are natural anti-aging therapies that are proven to give better results:

* Quit smoking.

Premature wrinkles are among the many side-effects of smoking. This bad habit also speeds up a smoker's aging process, and what's worst is that it dries the skin. Clearly, smoking is indeed a very harmful vice to one's health and skin. A person should definitely avoid smoking if he wants to have or maintain a healthy and good-looking skin.

* Eat a lot of collagen-enriched foods.

Adding collagen-enriched foods in one's diet helps keeps the skin healthy and vibrant. Collagen provides anti-oxidants in the body, thus, protecting the body system from free radicals. It is important to eliminate free radicals in the body for these can cause skin complications.

* Always equip the skin with sunscreen protection.

Perhaps the most essential anti-aging skin care method is to regularly apply sunscreen protection on the skin. Sunscreen skin care products not only protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but these also help keep the skin moisturized; preventing wrinkles, facial lines, and other premature aging signs.

Tips to know the types of fishing rod to acquire

Fishing rod holders take the inconvenience out of fishing for a variety of reasons. For one, it is a convenient storage device especially when one is in a kayak. Rather than holding the paddle in between the legs while fishing, a fishing rod holder stores the rod in place therefore enabling anyone to carry multiple rods or (if one insists so) carry multiple paddles. It also makes trolling easy as a holder keeps the fishing rod in place as one travels to a number of fishing spots. Also, when unhooking a caught fish, rod holders keep the rod secure. More importantly, they help one catch more fish at the same time enabling a kayak look versatile and extremely well-designed.

Here are some tips that could prove helpful in order to determine the types of fishing rods one should purchase.

To attach or to not attach

There are basically two types of fishing rod holders, one that could be attached to the exterior of the kayak and one that is put in the flush. Both have different functions and both work well accordingly. The choice all depends on what one prefers to use and how.

To those who prefer the unattached

The unattached type of fishing rod holder comes in two forms, the straight and the angled. Most kayaks use the angled form. When this type is used, one has a good chance of being able to stroll because the rods veer away from the kayak.

To those who prefer the attached

If the straight type is used, one is able to keep the fishing rod in the middle of the kayak and therefore works best in keeping the rod in storage. This straight type of fishing rod holder is good for the Tower and Cobra Navigator model of a kayak.

The home-made fishing rod holder

One could just as make his or her very own personalized fishing rod holder using common PVC. Or one could also start out by getting a milk crate and attaching it to a kayak with the use of straps.

The alternative type of fishing rod

There is another type of fishing rod holder that could be placed just above the kayak. These are usually tubes that are called RAM as well as Titelock. As the latter’s name implies, it locks the rod in place and usually consists of a male and a female part. This part difference allows the two to be separated. Manufacturers that generally make this type of fishing rod are Attwood, Scotty and Roberts.

Aa v kk bad beat

Hi All,

I was playing in a cash game, Ј20/Ј40 no limit, when I got dealt pocket rockets. I was in late position and every one had called before flop up untill the guy before me who raised about Ј200. I re-raised him Ј500 and he responded by re-raising me Ј800 after everyone else folded.

I put him at KK for such a big re-raise but I was obviously leading with AA bearing in mind that AA will win 88% of the time in a heads up, I went all in for a little over Ј1500, he called. So now there is about Ј3200 give or take a few quid in the pot and we have not even seen the flop yet.

Sure enough he turns over KK and I turn over my AA, at which point I bet he was gutted. But the Poker Gods where not smiling on me as the flop came down............K K 6

Nightmare, he flops 4 of a kind and I know I need and absolute miracle to save me now, which of course does not happen. So, did I do the right thing going all in or should I have just called the Ј800 and saw the flop? If I had I would have saved myself Ј700 but of course if the flop had been different and I went all in with my remaining Ј700 he most likely would not have called if an Ace had come up or a flush or straight draw. If nothing came up then he proberly would have called an all in at that point. I would have to say going all in was the right thing to do, I had the best hand at the time.

Anyway, its not as bad as having your AA beat by someone making a straight on the river with a 7 9 in their hand I know. So I dont know if it really qualifies as a bad beat as such but if felt pretty bad at the time... ;o)

Cheers all, John

Treat yourself to a luxurious beach holiday

Each year I put my all into my work and each year I decide ‘this year I am going to treat myself to a decent beach vacation’. Unfortunately, for some or other reason when it’s close to the end of the year and I need to work out all my plans I end up not having money or find some or other reason why my holiday must be delayed.

It’s 2008 and this year I decided things will be different. Work all the time and no play are just not on anymore! This year I am going to have my special beach holiday - filled with summer sun, cocktails, beautiful sunsets and of course partying till the sun shines its first rays over the beach in the early morning.

As I’m discussing my plans for my beach vacation, everyone questions me on where I want to go. I answer that question with my needs: 1. I want to be close to the beach - it’s a beach vacation afterall! 2. I want to be able to walk to the clubs and restaurants 3. I want to be able to actually see the beach from my balcony.

After going through all the hotspots in the Western Cape, I finally decided on Camps Bay close to Cape Town. My friends always go on about Camps Bay and after some thorough research on the Internet, I quickly concluded that Camps Bay is exactly the place that would suit my every whim.

Cape Town is the playground of the rich and famous, but along with that comes picture perfect beach vacations, people bronzing in the summer sun and long stemmed cocktails infused with colours and flavours!

The apartment I found is perfect for my beach vacation - even better it’s laced with a romantic vibe so I can take the love of my life with and have an absolute blast!

Beautiful Camps Bay ocean views, a private balcony, air-con, pool area, barbeque facilities - you name it they’ve got it. Best of all it’s one street away from the promenade where the streets buzz with people, the cafй’s entertain and the azure blue waters of the beach paint pictures on the sand.

Because Cape Town is so full in December, I decided to book AND pay early - ensuring there’s no way for me to postpone yet another year. I can’t wait to go and explore the beautiful Cape and have lots and lots of summer fun!

Isn’t it time you rewarded yourself for all your hard work too?

8 mistakes you should avoid before sending article to ezine publishers

#Make your article published; avoid some mistakes that many article authors did.

Sending successful article to ezine publishers could exposed your website to thousands of subscribers even millions of readers online.

However, to do this successful, you must compete with others internet marketers. They also send articles to the same ezine publishers like yours.

The question is...How to make your article stand out of the crowd?

Alternatively...

Your article goes to the trash bin.

Here are common mistakes many article authors did.

Mistake #1- Wrong-targeted niche market

Many article authors sent their article to the wrong-targeted niche market. Send your article to the targeted audience. Do not try to blast your article to all ezine publishers. For instance, as an ezine editor I received many articles do not related to internet marketing. Therefore, I'm not published it.

Mistake #2- No Subject

You do not write your article headline on your subject email. Many article authors send their article without subject line. Instead of writing “New Article submission" "article for your publication,” consider “New article – 6 Mistakes You Should Avoid Before Sending Article To Ezine Publishers.”

Mistake #3- Not unique

Your article content is a blatant idea. Topic you write it like the others publishers and not much different. Make your article fresh and unique. Learn something new in your market. Convert what you learnt into a unique article. You could write article on topic “how to,” “Tips” or anything that come to your mind. Even on article, title “how to avoid SPAM,” “how to hack hackers back.”

Mistake #4- Advertising article

Your article more on promoting your product or affiliate program you join. Writing advertising article only will kill your business online. Give your website info only on your resource box. Give something free like free e-books, free report, or free download. Make your readers visit your website to receive their free bonus.

Mistake #5- Lack of valuable information

Your article does not educate your targeted audience. People subscribe to ezine to receive valuable information. If they receive information on topic they do not want, not educate them at all, they will unsubscribe. Therefore, ezine publishers will not publish your article. Many ezine publishers provide information as best as they can to their subscribers.

Mistake #6- Spelling problem

There are too many spelling errors on your article. Sending article with too many spelling errors only waste your time. Check, your article twice before publishes it. You could use spell-checking software.

Go to the major search engine and type “free spell-checking.”Most word processor today built in with spelling check. For instance, MS Office can check the misspell words for you with underline red color.

Mistake #7- Without format

Make sure your article format 65 characters per line. Length of your article must between 500-750 words. Formatting your article will make for ezine publisher easy to copy and paste it. You could send your article through MS Outlook Express.

Go to “tools” menu and click “Options.” Click “Send” tab and choose mail-sending format to “plain text.” Then click “plain text setting” tab, select 65 characters for automatically wrap text when sending email.

Mistakes #8- No Personalize message

Personalize your email message with a short cover letter. Personalization your emails are very important because many ezine publishers receive hundreds of article submission every day. Also, include your article information in your personalize message.

Avoiding those mistakes above will make your article successful published by many ezine publishers on the net. Good luck.

como jugar al backgammon

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El juego de mesa backgammon es uno de los juegos mas antiguos del hombre. Se dice que las primeras variaciones del juego comenzaron en el antiguo Egipto, Area Mesopotбmica y Antigua Roma. Desde entonces, el juego ha evolucionado, cambiado de nombre varias veces y dispersado a diferentes partes del mundo. Actualmente es un pasatiempo original alrededor de los Estados Unidos, Asia del Este, Europa y Medio Oriente.

Para comenzar a jugar necesitas a un compaсero, dos dados y una tabla de backgammon especial. La tabla esta dividida en dos lados con divisiones numeradas de 1 a 24. Puntos 1 a 6 son la llegada, 7 a 12 la salida. 13 a 18 el punto medio.

Al comienzo del juego, cada jugador tiene dos fichas en el punto 24, 3 fichas en el punto 8, 5 en el punto 13 y 5 en el punto 6. Cada jugador tira los dados y el puntaje mas alto comienza la jugada.

El que comienza mueve las fichas de acuerdo a la posiciуn opuesta de las agujas del reloj, desde su punto de partida para llegar al punto de partido del oponente.

El objetivo del backgammon es mover tus fichas hasta llegar al punto de partida de tu adversario y luego removerlas del tablero. La velocidad del progreso del juego es determinada por los resultados de los dados.

Cada jugador tira dos dados en cada turno, y deber una o dos fichas de acuerdo al nъmero que salio en cada dado. Puede mover una ficha sumando el puntaje de los dos dados, o mover dos. Por ejemplo, si el resultado del dado es 5 y 4, puedes mover una ficha 9 lugares o mover una 5 y luego otra 4 para adelante.

Si los dados salen dobles, un numero dos veces, puedes mover las fichas 4 veces en vez de dos. Es decir, si sale un doble 2, moverбs 2 lugares cuatro veces. En ese caso puedes o mover una ficha 8 veces, 2 fichas cuatro lugares, 4 fichas dos veces o la combinaciуn que elijas que requiera dos lugares 4 veces.

Puedes mover una ficha a un casillero que hay solo una de tu oponente, y asн la "comes". Luego, esta ficha es ubicada en la mitad del tablero, llamada el bar.

Tu oponente puede volver a jugar una vez que puedo ubicar a la ficha en algъn casillero de su llegada que no este ocupado por mas de una ficha tuya. Por ejemplo, si tira los dados y sale 2 y en ese casillero no hay ninguna ficha o solo una tuya, el puede entrar y seguir sus jugadas. De lo contrario, deberб esperar a su turno y volver a intentarlo.

Una vez ubicadas todas tus fichas en el casillero de llegada de tu oponente, deberбs comenzar a removerlas del tablero. Es decir, si tiras los dados y sale 1 y 2 puedes mover una ficha del casillero 1, si sale 2, puedes mover una ficha del casillero 2 y asн sucesivamente.

Si tu oponente no ha removido ninguna ficha mientras que tu has removido 15, tu ganas el juego y viceversa. Lo mismo ocurre si tu has removido 15 fichas y el tiene algunas en el medio comidas, (sin aun haber removido ninguna) tu ganas el juego.

El juego es muy entretenido e inteligente que te puede acompaсar en muchas ocasiones. Disfrъtalo!

Flexible mortgage uk mortgages to specially suit the self-employed

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While a person drawing a fixed salary every month finds it easy to repay loan in fixed monthly instalments, those with a fluctuating income will find it otherwise. In order to tap the potential of the latter group, which principally consists of self employed people and people whose income is largely contributed by commissions, flexible mortgages have cropped up.

A fluctuating income makes the case of these people inappropriate for regular mortgages because of two reasons. Firstly, lenders would not prefer a borrower with fluctuating income. Secondly, the borrower with such an income structure would himself find it difficult to make timely payments.

Flexible repayments, payment as and when you like, and the option to repay the whole of the loan at the time you want, are some of the qualities that flexible mortgages in the UK are characterised with.

Before you perceive this as the ultimate freedom, let us remind you that not all good things come for free. This aptly holds in case of flexible mortgages. The rate of interest charged on flexible mortgages is higher than the interest charged on the regular mortgages.

In spite of a higher rate of interest, the popularity of flexible mortgages in the UK sees no decline. Until the time an alternative to flexible mortgage comes, self-employed people will continue using it. The advantages of flexible mortgages have overshadowed its drawbacks.

Flexibility of repayments forms one of the most important advantages of flexible mortgages. As against the traditional mortgages where borrowers are required to pay a fixed instalment every month, flexible mortgages are easy on repayment rules. Consequently, in a month when the resources are not enough or when the borrower is incapable to make repayments at the normal rate because of loss, lesser repayments will be required. Similarly, when the borrower is in the capacity to pay more than what is required, he can make an overpayment. Paying less also means paying nothing. This is actually true though hard to believe. Payment holidays form one of the prime attractions of flexible mortgages. During a payment holiday the borrowers gets exemption from making payments altogether. The exemptions will depend on the borrowers regularity in the previous months and if sufficient balance of the loan has been overpaid.

Next in the list of advantages, is the facility to draw as many times from the amount paid. Thus, Flexible mortgages have the provision to allow borrowers to draw from the amount that they have already paid. This again requires the borrower to have made enough repayments before the use of this facility is made. While this creates a constant source of funds for the borrowers, it also increases the length of period for which the mortgage will continue and the interest burden.

Since there is a constant change in the balance that is remaining to be paid, charging interest annually or monthly would be costlier for the borrower. The third advantage of flexible mortgage deals with an ingenious way to lessen the interest burden. Interest in flexible mortgages is calculated daily. The daily calculation of interest ensures that periods in which the balance unpaid is less because of overpayment does not lose on the interest.

The list of advantages does not end here. Premature settlement of accounts is a facility that is singly available in flexible mortgages. Unless otherwise stated, mortgagees will charge a premature payment penalty. Flexible mortgages, on the other hand, allow borrowers to repay the mortgage before it is due without any penalties. A borrower who wants to escape the high interest rate will find this clause in their favour. A loan taken to meet an occasional deficit in finance will be paid as soon as the borrower receives the necessary resources.

Depending on the credit status a borrower enjoys, he will get flexible mortgages accordingly. The application procedure of the flexible mortgage is very similar to the regular loans and mortgages. Online applications and online processing helps in accelerating the pace of approval of flexible mortgages.

Golf clubs and training aids get you in the swing

Golf is undoubtedly one of the world's most rewarding and frustrating sports. The serenity and beauty of a golf course on a sunny day belies the tension that can creep into a round when we're not hitting our best. While the concentration that the game requires is often the perfect antidote to the stress of work and life responsibilities, there are times when the safe haven of 18 holes feels more like seven levels of the netherworld. Unfortunately, most of us don't have access to a personal golf coach or trainer, and we're forced to work out the kinks in our game on our own. Thankfully, though, there are golf clubs and training aids that can help get us back into the swing. Here are some of the most popular:

Full Swing Trainers - There are several types of full swing trainers, but among the most popular is a hinged driver that gives you immediate feedback and helps you overcome slices and hooks. Another popular system involves a swing hoop and weighted club that creates the perfect golf swing. The idea is that you can adjust your swing until you gain control and can hit consistently. In the process, you strengthen the muscles specifically used in golf and build muscle memory, so that you'll more instinctively hit the ball straight when you're out on the course.

Stance Trainers - Stance trainers focus on both sets of extremities: the legs and the arms. Many golfers underestimate the importance of the right stance in powerful, consistent hitting. Trainers that focus on the legs and feet generally work by restricting lateral movement and keeping the feet from spinning out. One popular stance trainer for the arms focuses on keeping the trailing arm from closing more than 90 degrees, while another connects the arm to the body in order to help the arm fold correctly. Both assist by keeping your golf clubs in position to achieve the proper downswing. There are also trainers that help position the wrist and hand for delayed hits, greater accuracy, and more consistency.

Putting Aids - There are a variety of training aids available to help you increase your putting accuracy. In addition to the mats that are meant to mimic greens, there are putting braces, lasers that mount to the putter's shaft, and trainers that have guidance rails to ensure that your stroke is smooth and straight. Some of the most intriguing new digital devices that read greens so that you'll know how they break and can adjust your stroke accordingly.

And Even More - In addition to the types of training aids mentioned, there is a vast array of products available that can help you with tempo, alignment, balance, weight transfer, swing analysis, and release.

Although training aids can be tremendously helpful in working out the kinks in your game, the importance of good equipment can't be underestimated. A good set of golf clubs will help you play your best, but if you can't afford a new set, you can always opt for brand name pre-owned golf clubs. Used golf clubs often come with a certification and warranty, so you can be assured of their quality. The right golf shoes can make a significant difference in your positioning and consistency, and the comfort of the right golf apparel and golf accessories allow you to keep your mind on the game.

In the end, the right golf clubs and training aids accomplish the same goal: taking the frustration out of the game and putting the enjoyment back in.

Maintaining a professional appearance on myspace

MySpace is an online community which can be a fun way for members to meet new friends, reconnect with old friends or make romantic connections. MySpace members who are interested in pursuing these types of activities online are free to create a website which reflects their personality. This will help others to understand who they are and to learn more about their preferences.

Although MySpace offers all of these fun entertainment type activities, there are some members of MySpace who utilize the community for business purposes. They may use MySpace to network, make business connections or to promote their business. In these cases care should be taken to create a MySpace website that is attractive and interesting while maintaining a professional appearance.

Avoid Slang and Abbreviations

One way to maintain a professional appearance on a MySpace website is to avoid the use of slang or abbreviations. Many MySpace websites feature slang, abbreviations and terms which are not grammatically correct. While this type of Internet language may be entertaining and may be considered acceptable among members of the community, this type of writing is not likely to appeal to potential customers or business partners. Additionally, not everyone understand the cryptic language often used on message boards, text messages and emails and those who do not understand may have trouble reading the information presented on the website.

Keep the Design Tasteful

As previously mentioned, those who are using MySpace strictly for entertainment purposes can design a website according to their personal preferences. This may include unusual fonts, garish colors, offensive images and blaring background music. While this type of design may provide a great deal of insight into an individual’s personality it is not a good idea for a business related website. Therefore those who are using their website for promotion of a business should create a more tasteful design.

There are a few generic tips which can make a website appear more professional. The use of muted colors that complement each other can make a website aesthetically appealing. Users are more likely to spend time on websites with these types of color combinations because it is soothing. Additionally, the use of a common font type and size which makes reading the text simple is recommended. The use of background music should also be avoided in professional websites as many users either do not have speakers or may view the website in a location where they do not want to hear music.

Avoid Embarrassing Photos

Finally, special consideration should be given to the use of photos on a website which is striving to maintain a professional appearance. While those who are using MySpace for entertainment purposes only may opt to plaster their website with embarrassing pictures of them and their friends, those who have business intentions should use photos more judiciously.

The photos used on a business website should invoke a professional sentiment. This may include posed photos of the website owner in a dignified location, landscape photographs or pictures of products sold by the company. Alternately those who are using MySpace to promote products or services might consider not using images as at all. Whether or not pictures are used on a website is a matter of personal preference but when they are used, care should be taken to ensure they contribute to the overall design of the website rather than distract from it.