Online Real Estate Schools

Buying a home or office is a major decision with several long-lasting implications. It cannot be denied that the most important one is the financial aspect. Real estate brokers help a buyer gauge and select the right property to suit his needs.

For this reason, almost all real estate buyers enlist the services of a real estate agent or broker to help them with this complex procedure. A real estate agent is a person licensed by the state to handle real estate sales. A real estate broker, licensed by the state, is a person who may own a real estate company, or has overall responsibility for the agent's actions. A real estate agent may also require the services of a real estate appraiser to determine the fair market value of a home for sale. In order to practice the profession of a real estate agent one must pass a licence course from a real estate school.

The courses offered by the school contains 12 review sessions of over a 100 questions each. Each state specific prep course includes over 200 US state specific questions in addition to national questions. Major areas of study include license law, principles and practices of real estate and real estate math. This also includes reviews, express study, live exams and final exam modes. Online real estate schools offers up-to-the-minute information regarding the most recent state law changes.

The real estate courses offered by online real estate schools provide high quality, time-saving, and effective real estate license exam preparation tutorials to assist future realtors in passing their exam. On application to an online school, the student gets a starter kit which includes a ?virtual tutor system? (VTS). It is an interactive CD-ROM that prepares the candidate to take and pass the real estate exam. This enables the student to study at his own pace. This software is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the home and office computer.

Online real estate licensing courses are the fastest, and most convenient way to get a real estate license. With up-to-date courseware and state-of-the-art teaching tools, these online schools are increasing in popularity with every passing day.

Real Estate Schools provides detailed information on Real Estate Schools, Online Real Estate Schools, Phoenix Real Estate Schools, Scottsdale Real Estate Schools and more. Real Estate Schools is affiliated with Real Estate Agent Courses.

Wolfberry: The World?s Most Nutritious Food?

For a berry with such an intimidating name, the wolfberry certainly has a lot going for it. Wolfberry comes from the Mandarin name Gou qi zi (?goo-chee-zee?), a red berry from the Solanaceae nightshade family that includes tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, and potato.

In popular English, gou qi zi (literally ?wolf?+ ?energy?+ ?berry?) has become ?goji.? For at least 2000 years, the wolfberry has grown wild in China and been used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. Eighteenth century Chinese farmers nicknamed gou qi zi ?wolfberry? when they saw wolves feasting among the berry-laden vines during late summer at prime harvest time. Smart mammals!

The Chinese revere the wolfberry as a national treasure regarded as among the most nutrient-dense of the nation?s plants. This premise has stimulated scientific investigation about its potential health benefits and systematic cultivation, commercialization, and now increasing export to first-world countries mainly in Europe and the US.

A significant source of macronutrients

The wolfberry contains significant amounts of our body?s daily macronutrient needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fat and dietary fiber. The content of a wolfberry consists of 68% carbohydrates, 12% proteins, and 10% each of fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 per 100-gram serving.

Soybean, another ancient Chinese plant often touted as one of the world?s most complete foods, is comparable across macronutrients. Although wolfberries and soybeans are similar in macronutrient content, wolfberries provide a significantly higher source of calories as energy from carbohydrates (soybeans = 173 calories). Blueberries, by contrast, do not have as much macronutrient or caloric value.

The wolfberry seeds are equally beneficial, and contain polyunsaturated fats like linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.


The wolfberry?s big story on micronutrients

Wolfberry?s diverse and high concentration of micronutrients has earned it accolades as an exceptional health food. At least 11 essential minerals, 22 trace minerals, 7 vitamins and 18 amino acids define its extraordinary micronutrient richness, with examples below:

1.Calcium: The primary constituent of teeth and bones, calcium also has a diverse role in soft tissues where it is involved in cardiac, neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Wolfberries and soybeans contain 112 mg and 102 mg of calcium per 100 grams serving, respectively, providing about 8-10% of our required daily intake.

2.Potassium: An essential electrolyte and enzyme cofactor, dietary potassium can lower high blood pressure. By giving us about 24% our daily needs, (1132 mg/100 grams), wolfberries are an excellent source of potassium, providing more than twice the amount than soybeans.

3.Iron: An oxygen carrier in hemoglobin, iron also is a cofactor for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic reactions. When intake is deficient, low iron levels cause iron deficiency anemia, a condition that affects millions of children worldwide. Wolfberry?s exceptional iron content is twice that provided by soybeans, often regarded as the best plant source of iron.

4.Zinc: Essential for making proteins, DNA and the functions of more than 100 enzymes, zinc is involved in critical cell activities such as membrane transport, repair and growth, especially in infants. The zinc found in wolfberries (2 mg/100 grams) has a high content (double the amount of soybeans), that meet 20% of our daily requirements.

5.Selenium: Sometimes called the ?antioxidant mineral?, selenium is often included in supplements. Selenium has unusually high concentration in wolfberries (50 micrograms/100 grams), almost enough for our daily dietary intake, and much more than blueberries and soybeans, which contain 8 micrograms or less per 100 grams.

6.Riboflavin (vitamin B2): An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism, riboflavin is needed for synthesizing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily wolfberry serving (1.3 micrograms) provides the complete daily requirement for our bodies, whereas soybeans and blueberries contain only trace levels of this important mineral.

7.Vitamin C: A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage, the vitamin C content in wolfberries (20 mg/100 grams) is comparable to an equal weighting of fresh oranges, blueberries or soybeans.
Phytochemicals
Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals whose health-enhancing properties are under scientific study. Three phytochemicals of particular interest include:

Beta-carotene: A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots and salmon, beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones and teeth and healthy skin. Wolfberry?s beta-carotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants.

Zeaxanthin: Wolfberries are an extraordinary source for this carotenoid that plays an important role as a retinal pigment filter and antioxidant. Wolfberries contain 162 mg/100 grams.

Polysaccharides: Long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots, polysaccharides are a signature constituent of wolfberries, making up 31% of pulp weight in premium quality wolfberries. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable fiber in our body?s intestinal system. During colonic metabolism, fermentable or ?soluble fibers? yield short-chain fatty acids which are known to:
1.Improve the health of the colon epithelial lining
2.Enhance mineral uptake
3.Stabilize blood glucose levels
4.Lower pH and reduce colon cancer risk
5.Stimulate immune functions
Polysaccharides are also known to help in antioxidant activity and defending against threatening oxidants.

Functional Food and Beverage Applications

Wolfberries, which are prized for their color and nut-like taste, are cultivated for a variety of food and beverage applications within China. In addition, an increasingly amount is also used for export as dried berries, juice and powders of pulp. Not surprising, a major effort is underway in Ningxia, China to process wolfberries for ?functional? wine.

Despite no ?hard? evidence from clinical research, the myths of wolfberry?s traditional health benefits endure, including positive effects related to:
?Longevity
?Aphrodisia
?Analgesia
?Antiviral conditions
?Immune-stimulating properties
?Muscular strength
?Energy
?Vision health

In laboratory and preliminary human research to date, wolfberries have shown potential benefits against:
?Cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases
?Some forms of cancer
?Diabetes
?Premature aging
?Memory deficits
?Vision degeneration
?Lung disorders
?Other diseases of oxidative stress

Summary

Although not adequately demonstrated yet in published research, a synergy of antioxidant carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) with polysaccharides suggest that wolfberries are an exceptionally rich antioxidant food source.

Micronutrient density, combined with key health phytochemicals like carotenoids and polysaccharides, give wolfberries their remarkable nutritional qualities. All things considered, it?s no wonder this berry is vying for honors as the most nutritious plant food on Earth.

Expand your health horizons, try wolfberries!

Reading
Wolfberry data from independent contract laboratories, courtesy of Rich Nature Nutraceutical Labs, Seattle; blueberries and soybeans, World?s Healthiest Foods, http://www.whfoods.com

Gross PM, Zhang X, Zhang R. Wolfberry: Nature?s Bounty of Nutrition and Health, Booksurge Publishing, North Charleston, 2006, ISBN 1-4196-2048-7

Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.

About the Author:

Dr. Paul Gross is a scientist and expert on cardiovascular and brain physiology. A published researcher, Gross recently completed a book on the Chinese wolfberry and has begun another on antioxidant berries. Gross is founder of Berry Health Inc, a developer of nutritional, berry-based supplements. For more information, visit http://www.berrywiseonline.com

Shops of New York Manhattan

For tourists, it is always a great fun to read in a booklet that the city they are going to is he best shopping venue, as any city will call itself the best one. However, you may be sure that Manhattan, New York is like a shopping paradise.
Most of the Manhattan grocery stores are quite typical with standard choice of goods. But, if you live at yappi district there are two places worth visiting: Zabar's and Fairway. The first one is famous all over the world for its rare products such as all sorts of caviar, nightingale tongues and so on. The second looks like a rebuilt hangar with its glass walls. Anything can be found here: hundreds nut sorts, dozens of sausages kinds, cheese, salads, pre-prepared food, Syrian pitas, fruits, vegetables, Italian ham and what not. If you plan to buy products for a week here, mind that they will be eaten in three days.
Manhattan boasts all kinds of food stores. For instance, lets have a look at the Macy's food boutique. The variety of products is overwhelming - home food from Italian villages packed in designer package, bottles of high-quality olive oil as small as perfume bottles, and expensive as well..
Deli or delicatessens are the mixture of restaurants and shops. The centre of the room is full of all kinds of sauces, shrimps, crabs and what not - all for one price. But it is better to buy food at highly visited delis, where food is not spoilt.
Vitamin Shops might be of special surprise to you. There is a wide choice of vitamins - note that Americans take them daily. There are vitamins for pregnant women in their middle thirties, for schoolchildren that do not study well, for those who win Olympic games... The choice is amazing.
If you have a sense of humour, jokes shops is something that you will be keen on. There are no banal things here - only the most curious ones.
But the best shops are, of course, Clothing and shoe stores. The most popular ones are huge DAFFY'S, TJ MAXX'S, SYM'S and Century 21 shops with their excellent choice of clothes for reasonable prices. For instance, you will find a lot of high-quality clothes made by unknown Italian brands here. Also, there are famous designer clothes that were produced in different years - the assortment is changing constantly so you will definitely be satisfied. If you do not like the thing you have already bought, you may return it back for a 8, 25 % tax.
Boutiques are also represented here with their latest collections, great variety, but sky-high prices as well. Those who are determined to come in will be welcomed by model boys dressed in expensive costumes.
Clothes that is most convenient and pleasant to wear is found at the casuals shops, like Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic и Eddie Bauer. Gaps can be found all over the place and offer high quality goods that does not look cheap. Old Navy - the giant's junior line with more than 200 huge shops all around the USA; Banana Republic offers more expensive and exquisite clothes with black colours dominating in polished shoes, shirts and costumes.
Eddie Bauer assortment is almost the same as in gap. Clothes can be ordered by catalogue and the choice is really good.
Gant is on top of this list. Things are rather expensive here, but its really worth it.
All in all, to choose your most favourite shopping place, you have to come to New York first and see it all for yourself!
About the Author

To book a room at New York hotel, visit New York City hotels

35 Promotional Tips for Writers

Whether you just published your first book or your tenth, whether you write poetry, fiction or non-fiction, the key to book sales is marketing and promotion. Poetry is not going to make a writer rich. However, being recognized as a published poet can lead to paid gigs. There are a number of things you can do as a poet to market yourself. Many of these tips also apply to writers of all genres.

I know of a number of authors who say that they never make an appearance, write an article, etc unless they are paid for it. I don?t know whether this is true, but if it is, these people are missing out on some extraordinary opportunities. As in any profession, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door as a writer. Once your foot is in, you can generally manage to sneak in your whole leg and eventually your entire body.

If you know where to look, there are many opportunities for poets to self-promote. Take advantage of them all, because one can often lead to another, more lucrative one.

For example, I started a local poetry writers group in 2003. No one pays any fees and I don't earn a single penny from it. In 2004, someone in the group referred me to a local library that participates in the Inside Writing & Publishing series for the North Suburban Library System. In March and April every year, they sponsor 10 or so local writers to present a variety of writing-related workshops. They pay the writer $50 per hour for each workshop. The library contact called me and asked if I would present a poetry-publishing workshop.

I developed a 2-hour workshop, presented it at four libraries in March/April 2006, and earned a total of $400. I put together a flyer stating what was covered in the workshop, listed a number of the comments from the workshops (which were all extremely positive), and added a new workshop I was asked to develop - an introduction to poetry writing. I started sending that out to park districts, writing groups and other places that teach writing classes in the Chicago area, and already have commitments to present my workshops to various places starting this fall.

Below are a few ideas to get you started. Some of them do not pay, and some of them do pay. Remember, doing something you are NOT paid for can easily lead to something you ARE paid for!

1. Start and run a poetry-writing group.
2. Host poetry reading open mics.
3. Join the local arts council.
4. Give away audio books to visually impaired people and organizations - word of mouth may lead to book sales.
5. Sell audio books of your poetry book that you create yourself.
6. Lead poetry-writing workshops.
7. Become a teacher for middle-school through college level classes.
8. Teach an online poetry course.
9. Become a book editor, offer to proofread/edit other author's books.
10. Write a column for a newspaper or a writer's magazine.
11. Write a column or articles for a writer's magazine (print or internet).
12. Network, network, network! Join writers groups, arts and other literary organizations, both online and in person.
13. Offer to host a poetry reading for your city's next Arts Fair, Festival or Taste of the City event.
14. Offer to set up a table and sell your books at local community, school or synagogue/church events. In lieu of paying a fee, tell them you will donate $1 to them from every book you sell.
15. Make good use of press releases. When you have a new book coming out, promote it with a press release. When you are going to host a poetry reading, send your local weekly newspaper a press release. Eventually they will see you as an upcoming presence in the local literary scene and will interview you!
16. Contact local radio stations that have talk shows about local literary/arts events and people. Offer to talk about your new poetry book and other literary activities.
17. Do poetry readings at libraries, schools, senior/retirement centers, nursing homes, etc. and do not charge a fee for these, with the understanding that you retain the right to sell your books after the event.
18. Go to as many poetry readings as you can to read your work and sell your books
19. Participate in local literary festivals, book fairs and other events where you can read your work and sell your books
20. Participate in multi-author events where you can all read your work and sell your books
21. Use your email signature as a marketing tool - list the names of your poetry books and your website, which should have purchasing information and links to any sites where people can purchase your books.
22. Make the most of your website - have links to all the websites where your books can be purchased.
23. Offer personally autographed copies at a 10% discount when bought directly from you. Set up a PayPal account to make it easy for people to buy from you.
24. Forty percent of all poetry book sales occur in the fall. In September, offer discounts on your books for the upcoming holidays.
25. If you have more than one book, offer a 20% discount if people buy all of your books instead of just one.
26. Offer free gift-wrapping year-round.
27. Leave a copy in your doctor or dentist's waiting room for patients to read while they wait. Put a library card checkout pocket in it with some business cards so they know where to order their own copy.
28. If people buy books from you to give as gifts, offer to gift-wrap them and also to ship the books directly to the person for whom they are buying it.
29. Leave printed out copies of your poems (either individually or stapled together) on tables at coffee shop for customers to read ? make sure to staple business cards to the front page so they can pull it off and be able to order a copy.
30. Have one page devoted to links to other writers' websites and do link exchanges. The more websites that link to your own, the more opportunities you have to make a sale. Do not limit it to just the genre(s) you work in.
31. Subscribe to writers newsletters and authors newsletters. They are often a wealth of marketing and promotional ideas.
32. Create a newsletter of your own - send out not only recaps of your recent writing achievements, upcoming appearances, etc., but include tips that other writers will be interested in.
33. The more you get involved in, and the more you network, the more opportunities you will have to tell people about your books and this will lead to more sales.
34. Always help other writers when you can and if you can. It will somehow come back to you.
35. Carry your business card everywhere, and pass it out to everyone you can! Leave it on restaurant tables, on bus seats when you get off. Hand it to cashiers when they give you your change and/or receipt. Hand it to the person at the post office, the car repair shop, the clerk when you pick up your dry cleaning, the delivery person the next time you order in pizza or Chinese. Leave some with your doctor, dentist or veterinarian. Put them in envelopes when paying your bills.

About the Author: Michelle True writes poetry, non-fiction and memoir. She is a published and self-published author, facilitates writing and publishing workshops, leads poetry-writing and memoir-writing groups, organizes and hosts an annual multi-author event, mentors high school students, publishes a newsletter for writers (groups.yahoo.com/group/writeonnewsletter) and is on the Steering Committee of the Chicago Writers Association (www.chicagowrites.org). She has also hosted an Internet radio talk show podcast and published an internet poetry magazine. Her website is www.michelletrue.com. She can be reached at michelleailenetrue@yahoo.com

Oregon Home Buying

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Oregon, or perhaps you?re relocating to Oregon from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Oregon home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Oregon:

The median price of a home in Oregon is $152,000, and homes in Oregon have appreciation rates higher than the national average. The rate of job growth in Oregon is among the top five states in the nation. Additionally, mortgage interest rates have recently been lower than the national average, and many Oregon residents have been refinancing their adjustable rate mortgages.

Home prices in Oregon can vary greatly between zip codes. For example, in Portland, Oregon, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $262,000; however, in Beaverton, Oregon, the median price of a home was $187,000.

The Homeowner Education Collaborative of Oregon offers a training course, The ABC?s of Homebuying, to Oregon residents planning to buy a home. This course covers the basic information a homebuyer needs to know about housing decisions, financial preparation, mortgages, shopping for a home, closing your loan, and protecting your investment.

If you?re buying a home in the state of Oregon, you qualify for both federal and state FHA and VA loans. First-time home buyers qualify for Oregon FHA loans with below-market interest rates, and, depending on their income, may also qualify for down payment assistance. The Residential Loan Program offers below-market interest rates to first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, and the Downpayment Assistance Program offers down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who meet certain income requirements. The income requirements vary from county to county.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Oregon Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Maryland Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Maryland

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Maryland, or perhaps you?re relocating to Maryland from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Maryland home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Maryland:

The median price of a home in Maryland is $146,000. Recently, homes in Maryland have been appreciating at record highs for the state. As a result, income levels in many parts of Maryland are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Maryland cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

The price of homes in Maryland varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Annapolis, Maryland, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $315,000; however, in Fort Washington, Maryland, the median price of a home was $375,000, and in Silver Spring, Maryland, it was $450,000. Average interest rates in Maryland are above the national average, and job growth rates are ninth highest in the nation.

In Maryland, the borrower employs the settlement attorney or title agent. The lender is not permitted to do so. Maryland has strict anti-predatory lending laws. Among these include the prohibition of prepayment penalties and reduced-rate options on adjustable rate mortgages and fixed-period adjustable rate mortgages.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Maryland Mortgage Rates and Loans .

How To Choose The Proper Car Seat For Your Baby

Car Seats

When you have a baby you need to make sure that your baby is safe wherever you are, and the car is no exception. You need to make sure you have the proper car seat for your child, and that it is installed properly. This is very important to ensure your child's safety in case of an accident.

When you leave the hospital they will make sure you have a car seat for your child, and may even check to make sure it is properly installed in the car. Some hospitals are even giving car seats to parents to ensure the child's safety. If you decide to get your own car seat instead of the one provided you have a variety to choose from.

Infant Car Seat

The newest style of infant seat has a base that is buckled in the car and stays there. The carrier itself snaps in and out of the base in the car. This makes it easy to get the child in and out of the car without having to mess with a seatbelt every time. With this type of car seat you can leave the baby in the carrier and take the whole carrier into the store or house with you. This is especially helpful with newborns. As the child gets older you may choose to take the child out of the carrier and leave the carrier in the car.

Convertible Car Seat

Next you will need a convertible car seat. This car seat is used once the baby is one year old and meets the height and weight requirements. Convertible car seats may be placed in a forward or backward facing position. The seat will need to be facing backward if your child outgrows his infant seat, but is not yet old enough to sit facing forward.

When choosing a convertible car seat you have many options. First you can choose if it has the five point harness, or if it has and over the head latch. You can also choose the color and it may even come with a cup holder. No matter which type of convertible car seat you choose, it can be used until your child weighs 40 pounds.

Booster Seat
After a convertible car seat you will need a booster seat. The booster seat can be used until your child weighs 80 pounds. There are different types of booster seats. The first type is a small base that the child sits in, which allows them to use a regular seatbelt. The other kind may be a convertible seat that is also a booster seat. When the child outgrows the convertible seat, you take the straps off and use the regular seat belt instead. The child is still seated in the actual car seat, just with different straps.

Just remember that no matter what type of car seat you use it is for your child's safety. The child always needs to be seated in the back seat until they are 12 due to the air bags. Make sure you take the time to buckle the seat and your child in properly to insure they are safe.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as New Baby Gifts at http://www.newbabybasketsdirect.com

By Gregg Hall

LeftBrained Geeks and Why They Need Copywriters

Not long ago, I received a rather unusual email from a stranger. The title of the email read, your site and services which of course would prompt any normal person to open it and expect to read a quote request.

The email contained no such request, but instead revealed a screen shot of the homepage of my Web site. Let me repeat that. A complete stranger sent me a screen shot of my own Web site.

Within the screen shot art, writer of said email had encircled (in red ink), three words that they felt were glaring errors, as the message stated. (One was in fact a typo, while the other two were merely subjective criticisms.)

The message was short, terse and did not address me by name. The email closed with Cheers, and a pair of initials.

I confess: I enjoy people who push the envelope. This is just the kind of bold approach that gets and holds my attention.

However, when someone whom you've never met before decides to arbitrarily PROBE something that you personally created, it comes as a bit of a shock. It makes you feel slightly violated.

I imagine it wouldn't feel all that much different than if I'd been sent a picture of myself, with a red circle around the pimple in the corner of my nose or something equally creepy.

Upon Googling said emailer, I learned that this person worked in a high intelligence, left-brained field and chalked it up to her being a social idiot.

Which brings me to the main point, which is that technology experts and other High IQ individuals are often painfully unaware of the unspoken rules that drive modern communication.

I'm not saying that's right or wrong or I don't like such people, because I really do enjoy them in the way one might enjoy searingly spicy food or extreme sports, for the extra stimulation.

Truth be told, I'd rather spend a half hour having some cantankerous dweeb spew facts at me than sit there letting someone dull and insipid massage my ego while dribbling faulty reasoning or parroting someone else's wisdom. I don't need an ego rub. Just teach me something I didn't know before.

But I also know that I'm in the minority.

Most professionals, at least the ones I've seen buzzing around the blogosphere and met with in various conference rooms throughout my life, would never stand for such brusque handling. Some might even deliver a swift verbal backhand in reply.

Most professionals are secretly insecure. Therefore, they expect you to play with their emotions. And not only is this what they crave in their personal communication, but they REALLY want it in your marketing materials.

The average human begs on his knees to be schmoozed and sold to.

That's a skill that most geeks don't naturally possess. Especially if they're math, science and tech experts (those fields are ruled by the opposite hemisphere of the brain that governs emotions).

Emotion is unequivocally the most powerful sales weapon regardless of what industry you work in. Get a handle on your reader's emotions, turn his ego into silly putty, and you've got yourself a lifelong customer.

If you really, really want to sell something to emotionally suggestible humans, something that they don't understand and can't procure on their own, then you have GOT to learn how to talk to people, or else hire someone for whom graceful communication is second nature.

(For those who don't pick up on subtlety: get a copywriter).

I know of this brilliant computer genius guy from my Web travels who burns a path of destruction wherever he roams. I've watched entire networks lash out against him because he doesn't know how to talk to folks without sounding mean, rude and condescending.

I secretly like him - because he explained some basics of HTML publishing that nobody else had the patience or attention to detail to convey.

But even so - I know he sucks at selling.

Yes, you might be smarter than 90% of the population. But do you know how to write copy that sells?

Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at http://wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine-friendly Web copy and market your Web based business for free.

Don't miss Web Content Awareness Day 2007 - a month-long information celebration from Wordfeeder.com. Visit http://WebContentAwarenessDay.com to learn more and sign up now.

Renting A New Home Doing The Initial Walkthough

So your looking for a new place to live. Well, sometimes we get so wrapped up in ?finding the right home? that we don?t think about the small things. This article is designed to help you think about some of the questions to ask yourself as you do a walkthrough.

So let?s get started!

Rooms? How many?

You may require a room if you need an:

Office
Den
Stuido
Sewing Room
Recreation Room
Theater Room

- In your rooms, how much closet space does it have? Will you have room to fit all of your items?

- What about bathrooms? Do you have a teenage son or daughter that needs his or her own space?

What Size?

What kind of square footage will you require? You can do some preliminary measurements form you comfort of your current home to get an idea what the sizes are. Bring a tape measure to your viewings and measure where your bed, couch and other items would go. Use your imagination!

How much counter space will you need? Do you have a coffee machine, toaster or bread maker? Will it fit in the cabnit or would you prefer to have it on the counter?

Amenities?

Amenities are more important then the actual unit to some people. Most people look for the following items:

Intercom System
Elevator
Parking Lot (underground)
Handicap parking and raps
Cable Included?
Gym / Pool included?
Clothes Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Range, Fridge
Air Conditioning
Balcony
Doorman or other security system/personnel

Do you need things a certain way?

Sometimes when searching for a home there is one key element that you require. For some it is having a Washer and Dryer for your clothes. Others enjoy having hardwood or laminate flooring.

Here is the most popular key features that we?ve found. (in no particular order)

Hardwood Flooring
A scenic view
High/vaulted ceilings
Close to shopping, recreation, schools or parks
Larger sized windows
Balcony
Newly Renovated
New Carpet
Security System
Games ? Party Room
Fireplace

We hope this article helps you with narrow down your search of a new rental unit!

Shane Toews is a Licenced Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Understanding MelloRoos When Considering a Purchase

Part of the process of evaluating the decision to make an offer on a home in a newer development is understanding the costs. Mello-Roos are one issue that is popping up more and more.

Understanding Mello-Roos When Considering a Purchase

The process of real estate development has become a much more complex one in many parts of the country. The idea of buying some land and building a few homes is a bit na?ve these days. The larger the development, the more a real estate developer has to account for societal issues. These issues can range from everything to new roads, schools and noise pollution in the area. While the developer and relevant municipality will negotiate the financing on much of this, they tend to pass off much of the cost to people moving into the new development.

Mello-Roos are typically assessed by the municipality, city or state the new development is located in. They are often considered a special tax and are paid along with your property tax bill. This special tax is essentially a way for the government to both fund and maintain the public services required by the new population created by people moving into the area. As you know, the government tends to collect a lot of money in taxes, but doesn?t use it particularly efficiently. This is a way for them to counter the problem.

Mello-Roos are particularly nasty because they are considered a government tax issue. If you fail to pay your Mello-Roos, the delinquency can be turned into a tax lien on your property. Tax liens are truly nasty things, to wit, they essentially give the government the power to foreclose on your home and sell it. Your only option is to get caught up on the payment to avoid such a situation.

Mello-Roos are not the creation of the federal government. They are localized issues, so their amount and how they are handled are different in each state. Regardless, they can be thousands of dollars a year. You need to understand what you are on the hook for before buying into a new development, particularly if you are squeezing into the financing. Failure to do so could lead to a nasty surprise down the line.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBO America - FSBO homes for sale by owner.

Citizen dive watch large selection fantastic prices!

Triple Net Lease: Own A Property? Get The Maximum Out Of It

A triple net lease designates the tenant or lessee as being solely responsible for bearing all the costs related to the asset being leased. The landlord and the tenant come to an agreement where the tenant agrees to pay all taxes, insurance and miscellaneous expenses on the property in addition to any normal fees that are expected under the agreement. The concept of Triple Net Lease has been very popular in commercial building leasing because it reduces the owner's need to worry about spending time and money for monitoring property conditions and providing maintenance.

The basic idea of a net-net-net lease is for the lessee to assume responsibility for all property's expenses, both fixed and operating. The concept is well accepted and employed in all traditional sale-leaseback transactions for long-term lease of larger properties. Both the owner and the lessee agree upon a lease document stipulating that the tenant bears the operating responsibility for the property. In recent years the triple net lease has become increasingly popular for leases of smaller properties. While there are many versions, triple net typically includes Taxes, Insurance, and Maintenance (TIM).

In a triple net lease, the rental component is separately identifiable in the lease, making the actual net investment return clear for property owners and investors. Unfortunately there are several pitfalls for the smaller property owner in regards to leaving the insurance of their building to the tenant. The tenant may willfully damage the property in order to claim insurance while experiencing financial troubles. In such a situation the owner will lose all claim to the insurance and has no fall back to claim losses against the tenant.

Most triple net leases require the lessee or tenant to cover costs to maintain the roofing, heating, etc.- practically anything related to the building that can wear out or be damaged during the lease period. If you are in a triple net lease agreement you will be excused of all property taxes and property insurance liabilities. You will be responsible for paying your utilities directly. You can budget your personnel expenses and costs for routine maintenance and secure a quote for a maintenance contract.

There are a number of important issues to be considered before entering into a triple net lease agreement, including cost of capital, future operating performance and relationship with the building. All parties in a triple net lease arrangement need protection against surprise expenses that can occur as the facility ages and components wear, requiring maintenance and eventual replacement. Some owners reduce their risk by establishing a reserve fund into which each tenant makes regular payments. The owner then covers property maintenance costs as needed from this fund. As tenants come and go, the maintenance fund is constantly replenished?with no surprise burdens for a single tenant or for the owner.

A triple-net lease via a 1031 exchange allows the investor to get even higher returns by deferring his/her taxes and thus increasing the overall internal rate of return. Various companies provide you with a quality selection of triple-net leased properties that are ideal for 1031 like-kind exchange investments. It is believed all interests are best served by regular inspections performed by independent professionals with extensive experience and expertise in evaluating and reporting on building conditions.

Christine is an expert Internet marketing professional with years of experience in various industries such as: Business, Finance, Real Estate, Web-Design and many more.
1031 exchange resources

Baby Car Seats Their Safety Is In Your Hands

Nowadays, if you're about to have a baby, then you're most likely familiar with baby car seats. When we were children ourselves, safety precautions were a lot less stringent in the car, and quite often there weren't any precautions at all. Present day parents, though, really have very little choice in the matter. Many states now have laws governing the transport of children in cars, with specific regulations about the type of seat required at various stages of your baby or infant's life. The simple practice of holding your baby in your arms in the car just isn't an option any more.



Whether you're very keen on adhering to the law or not, it's still very obvious from all the statistics on road accidents over the years, that car seats are very definitely a lifesaver for little ones. There's no reason at all to avoid using one - your baby's safety is at risk if you don't. Remember, too, that it?s not just babies - most laws cover children at least through the toddler years as well. Usually the type of car seat required is related to height and weight. Using a baby car seat is going to be a part of your child's life for quite a while.



Before I had children of my own, I'd never paid a great deal of attention to baby car seats. Once I realised I was going to have a baby, though, it became very important for me to find out what was available, and even more importantly, what style of seat was going to be the safest. There was no way I was going to risk my child's safety in a substandard car seat. However it was also important for my baby to be comfortable, and for the baby car seat to be easy to use.



Baby car seats can range in cost enormously, from fifty to several hundred dollars. It's important to understand that being more expensive doesn't always equal being safer. The only way to really determine the safety level of a baby car seat is to look at reviews done by various consumer groups. These groups test and rate a whole range of car seats, and so can give you some ideas of what car seat to buy. Many reviews also look at the durability and ease of use of a car seat, which is valuable too. Having said that, it's usually safe to stick with a well known, quality brand, like Century, Britax or Graco, to name a few.



Doing your research isn't hard - there's so much information on the internet nowadays. You can visit manufacturer websites to find out what they offer, as well as the consumer review websites. You can also visit the bigger baby chain stores to get a good look at a wide variety of baby car seats. This can be valuable for determining the ease of use of a car seat.



Once you know what you want to buy, it's then just a question of tracking down the best price. Again, visit baby stores, or check out the online websites. It's possible to look at auction sites like eBay, but personally I'm always a little concerned about buying a baby car seat when you don't know its history. Once a seat is more than a few years old, various elements can deteriorate. Straps can fray, plastic shells can become brittle. And if a car seat has already been through an accident, you should NEVER use it again - its safety is compromised. The worst part is that you won't know most of these issues exist until you're in an accident and the car seat doesn't perform properly. So if you can buy new, or at least use a relatively new car seat that you know for sure hasn't been in an accident, do it.



In the end, being a new parent can be stressful enough, without having to worry about your baby's safety as well. So take the time to look around, find what you want, make sure it's safe, durable and reliable, and then make the investment in your baby's future.

Some Interesting Information About Your Eyes and Contact Lenses

A Contact is designed to rest on the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye.

A Contact is designed to rest on the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye.

Contacts are held in place mainly by adhering to the tear film that covers the front of the eye and, to a lesser extent, by pressure from the eyelids.

As the eyelid blinks, it glides over the surface of the contact lens and causes it to move slightly.
This movement allows the tears to provide necessary lubrication to the cornea and helps flush away debris between the cornea and the contact lens.

A contact is an optical medical device, primarily used to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and reading problems. In these conditions, light is not focused properly on the retina, the layer of nerve endings in the back of the eye that converts light to electrochemical impulses.
When light is not focused properly on the retina, the result is blurred or imperfect vision.

When in place on the cornea, the contact lens functions as the initial optical element of the eye. The optics combine with the optics of the eye to properly focus light on the retina.
The result is clear vision.

Hypermetropia is not a disease, nor does it mean that you have ad eyes.
It simply means that you have a variation in the shape of your eyeball. The degree of variation will determine whether or not you will need help.

What causes farsightedness?
Hypermetropia most commonly occurs because the eyeball is too short;
that is, shorter from front to back than is normal. In some cases, hypermetropia may be caused by the cornea having too little curvature.

If you've ever worn an ordinary products, you know that deposits can build up on the surfaces and cause cloudy vision and that scratchy, uncomfortable feeling.

But an ACUVUE eliminates the problem of long-term deposit build-up
because they are never worn longer than one day.

Your vision is always sharp and clear and always comfortable.

Better still, the cost of an ACUVUE disposable products is no more per day
than what you might pay for a cup of coffee and a muffin.

A growing number of people now use these products, which can be worn for either a single day, or up to seven, depending on the wearing schedule prescribed by your eye care professional.

Even bifocal wearers can now get discount prices when ordering.

Six per box is the average number per supplier. They are usually used for anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks on a daily wear basis and approximately 1 week if used as extended wear.

Replacing frequently usually means better eye health. Other obvious advantages are having spare ones immediately available should one get torn or lost.

Be sure you wear your back up eye glasses at least once a week to give your eyes and cornea a chance to reoxygenate.

Symptoms of overwear include burning eyes, dryness, blurred vision and seeing halos around lights.

This can lead to serious corneal problems and infections. Consult your eye doctor regularly for eye examinations and follow up care.

Frequent and Planned Replacement are replaced on a planned schedule,
most often every two weeks, monthly or quarterly. These items usually come 4 to 6 per box.

Eye care professionals may recommend enzyming them if they are used longer than one month. A popular brand is the Colored Monthly from Ciba Vision.

For the largest online selection of eyewear products, including designer sunglasses and eyeglasses from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Eddie Bauer, Modo, Saki, Silhouette, Laura Ashley and hundreds of others, visit the World's Largest Online Optical Store at FramesDirect.com.

Ordering is easy. Simply call us at 1-800-248-9427 or order online by selecting your products from the drop down selection. Operators are available Monday through Friday and half day on Saturdays to take your order. If you don't have your prescription, we will call your doctor directly and get it for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. David Cooper and Dr. Guy Hodgson are the founders of FramesDirect.com which has been recognized for outstanding customer service and satisfaction. FramesDirect.com is fast becoming the global leader of prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and sun glasses sales online.

What Are You Making Up About Yourself

How To Make Money On No Equity Properties

As a real estate entrepreneur, you will often run against problems with no equity properties. This is because; you will be buying property from homeowners who sell foreclosed property. This is the reason why most real estate investors do not buy no equity property. The only way to deal with it is to persuade the credit-lending bank to take less than the amount owed to it.

Making Profits on the No Equity Property; Discussed below are some ways to make money on no equity properties.

Deal directly with the Homeowners: Until the time the court orders the foreclosure of property, the banks are not the owners of the home. You need to deal directly with the homeowners to buy the property, and then buy the mortgage from the bank to transfer the ownership of the property to you.

After getting in touch with the homeowner, get him or her to sign a release Information form that will allow the bank to talk to you about the homeowners? mortgage.

Now you need to convince the bank to discount mortgage. Once you can prove that the property is in a bad shape and needs extensive repairs, and the owner is unable to repay the mortgage loan, the bank will probably agree to lower the amount. You may need to negotiate a little, but most banks do not want real estate on their hands, they just need some way to recover the money owed.

Once you have bought the property, you can sell it for a higher amount. The bank is relieved to have the real estate off its hands and get back some of the loan, you have made a profit, and the buyers of the house will probably have some equity on it.

Why Homeowners Will Want to Sell to You. A no equity property is a liability for the homeowner, especially if he is making a distressed sale. The options he has are limited; paying off the mortgage is difficult, renting out the property means spending money on maintenance and repairs, foreclosure means a bad credit record, and short sale could invite a huge tax penalty.

If you make a reasonable offer to the homeowner, chances are that it will be accepted. Since what you pay will get her more money than what the above options could get, he/she will accept your terms. Then you will draw up a sale contract and discuss it with the bank.

With a little creativity and out of the box thinking, you can convert a no equity property into a money making proposition. So the next time you come across a no equity property, do not walk away from it. It may be your chance to make significant profits.

Alexander Gordon is a writer for www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.

Business Owners all across the country are joining The Community of Small Business Owners? to receive and provide strategies, insight, tips, support and more on starting, managing, growing, and selling their businesses. As a member, you will have access to true Millionaire Business Owners who will provide strategies and tips from their real-life experiences.

Things All Borrowers MUST Know About Payday Loans

Top Ten Least Afordable Places To Live

According to a new report, greater Los Angeles ranks as the least affordable metro area in the country.

In fact, the report by the California Building Industry Association found that nineteen of the top twenty least affordable metropolitan areas are located in California.

The report is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Bank. Called the Housing Opportunity Index, the report calculates the percentage of homes sold in an area during a three-month period that were affordable to a family earning the median income for the region.

Greater Los Angeles, which includes Long Beach and Glendale, was the least affordable area studied, with only a 1.9% affordability.

Greater Orange County was second, with every single spot in the top 10 located in California.

Metropolitan New York City was the only non-California city, ranking at number 11.

Only 57% of Californians own their own homes. The national average for home ownership is 70%.

Nationwide, the affordability index stands at 40.6%. This means that only 40.6% of households with median incomes are able to afford the median home in the area.

The top ten least affordable metro areas in the US in the second quarter of 2006 were:

Los Angeles/Long Beach/Glendale -- 1.9

Santa Ana/Anaheim/Irvine -- 3.2

Salinas -- 3.5

Merced -- 3.6

Modesto -- 4.1

San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos -- 4.6

Santa Cruz/Watsonville -- 4.8

Santa Barbara/Santa Maria -- 5.3

Napa -- 5.4

San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles -- 5.9

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Loft Atlanta Apartments

Being one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Atlanta has been witnessing a boom in the apartment community market. Several new apartments, condos, and lofts are coming up not only in the suburbs but in mid-town and downtown areas as well. Already, there are more than 1500 apartment complexes in Atlanta and this number keeps increasing virtually by the day.

Many of Atlanta?s lofts and condos are brand-new buildings, while others choose to embellish upon a historic industrial building. All of them are available with a package of attractive amenities, convenient locations, and breathtaking views of the city.

One of Atlanta's well- known loft communities is in the downtown area. Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts is a nine-building complex that contains over 500 lofts, with over 60 floor plans. Lofts at Muses in the Fairlie-Poplar district contains seven buildings and 65 lofts. Kessler City Lofts and Renaissance Lofts are the other lofts quite well-known in this area. Most of these are rentals only with restrictions on pets.

In mid-town Atlanta, Glen Iris Lofts is a two-phase development that offers spacious floor plans and modern amenities. Containing 100 units, Ponce Springs Lofts is a new mixed-use development that includes an upscale restaurant called Repast.

In Buckhead, Buckhead Village Lofts offers a two-story lobby, speedy elevators, rooftop terrace, as well as a fitness center.

In-town Atlanta also features many housing options. Block Lofts rental units offer high ceilings, contemporary lighting, and more than ten spacious floor plans. Coming up soon is another one called Inman Park Village Lofts. Ice House Lofts, converted from the Atlantic Star Ice & Coal Company contains a great restaurant, Carpe Diem Cafe. Both Bass Lofts and Telephone Factory Lofts offer rentals only and provide various amenities like digital satellite television and T-1 Internet access.

Atlanta Apartments provides detailed information on Atlanta Apartments, Loft Atlanta Apartments, Atlanta Apartment Rentals, Cheap Atlanta Apartments and more. Atlanta Apartments is affiliated with Apartments for Rent in Chicago.

Cheap Properties For Sale The Equation That Could Make You Rich!

If you are buying cheap properties for sale then you need to follow the simple equation enclosed to make sure you maximise your capital gains.

Many investors do, achieve triple digit annual gains and it can work for you to, so here it is:

Price Paid V Location Time to Potential = Price Profit

The above is a simple equation but most people who buy cheap properties for sale don?t understand it and never make as much as they should, in terms of capital growth potential.

Let?s look at it in more detail

Price Paid

You want cheap property but you need to balance this with the potential for growth.

Keep in mind cheap property is cheap for a reason; there is no guarantee it?s going to increase in value.

Many investors simply buy cheap property for sale on the basis it?s a bargain, but this is only the case if it goes up in value!

When buying cheap property for sale keep in mind that you should only buy property that there is already a specific REASON you can see for it to rise in value.

NEVER base your purchase on you think at some future area for reasons in your head you think the area is going to come up.

2. Time to Potential

Time to potential means the time it will take for a specific development to occur that will increase the value for the cheap property for sale you are looking at.

For example, you are buying on the coast and you know a new marina will be completed in two years ? that?s the time to your potential.

You spot a growing resort and buy on the outskirts and on the potential for the resort an overspill of buyers is about 3 years that?s your potential.

Some locations are short some are long term.

Your best bet if you can to buy within a two year time span to make sure your money is working harder.

The sooner you get in the better, but if it?s public knowledge other will be buying.

That doesn?t matter, so long as you get a fair price and good profit potential. Sure, you can buy cheaper further out but your aim is to make money quickly with low risk.

Another point

If you want to buy cheap property for sale and make big gains buy overseas. Why? Because you get more for your money and a great example is Costa Rica

Costa Rica is just a 3 hour flight from the southern US, but property is up to 70% cheaper.

Furthermore, growth rates are far quicker than in many established countries such as the US and many people are making triple digit annual gains by buying in the right location.

Finally

When buying cheap properties for sale, keep in mind you want cheap, but you don?t want the cheapest and always look for factual reasons that the area is going to be in high demand, not you just think it?s a nice place to be and others will to!

Buy in the above way, focus on boom overseas markets and you could make a lot of money by buying cheap property for sale.

More FREE info

For more free info on investing in property and locations where you could make triple digit annual gains go to http://www.costaricalandlots.com.

Is Socializing Emerging From Online Gaming!

As technology evolved, the online games also went forward for the better. Single player games progressively gave company to two-player games, followed by multi-player games, rendering the environs with the element of virtual competition and fertile with potential of socializing.

Sites that offer free online games generally require the prospects to sign up with their own username, password and general details. This sign up practice allows the users to camouflage their true identity. It has been observed that players tend to submit false information about their gender to explore relationships or to be treated in a better manner in the virtual world.

Dedicated observations of the websites catering online games with over hundreds of thousands of subscribers reveal a striking pattern amongst signups. It has been rumored that male gamers generally sign up as female gamers so as to be treated in a better manner and hence escape competition from fellow male members.

The virtual world of online games has been found extensively male-dominated. Aggressive male players are suspected to behave better or differently in case they know that the competitor is a female. It is believed that the male contenders are lenient with the female gamers, rendering them a little laid back and less aggressive while playing. Thus the female disguise helps in brightening the chances of a win, or to put it in different words? escape competition. It is also rumored that female disguise in the virtual world secures the male gamer a better treatment.

Another striking feature that has been observed amongst the online gamers include social developments. It has been gathered that multi-player games can be very social. For example, in the shooter genre, players have been seen bonding with each other through clans or groups they form to fight another group. They fight as a group against another group! They socialize beyond the game and bond with each other as friends/mentors/well-wishers. They extend moral support to each other during hardships and even find each other jobs!

Another example of how online game communities evolve social environments is WW2 flight simulation called ?Air Warrior?. The players of this game have been found ardent social groups who even hold periodical get-together!

Besides, massive multi-player role-playing games have also found to be famous for the strength of their communities. In simpler terms, sometimes gamers assume the gender of the fellow player with his/ her username, while actually it could be a mere false play in order to explore a different experience. As a result, the players find themselves interested in their fellow players socially speaking and interact with each other in a friendlier manner. This sort of enriches the fun element in the online game involving many players.

On the other hand, when it comes to single player games, socializing depends upon the nature of the game, which may require special skills or understanding, for example, a game of chess.

To conclude, the Internet is proving to be a connecting point on a global scale, surpassing all individual differences related to caste, creed, religion and region. Websites catering flash or shockwave based online games to its thousands of subscribers, free of cost, are actually contributing to the cause of social harmony and wider social networks that defy boundaries of geography, economy, culture, degrees of education and family traditions. Communities are playing fields for social interaction. When gamers send messages to other gamers, they are free to exchange email addresses and meet beyond the game community. Communities have become an extension, a new medium of human touch.

About the Author:

Jonathan White, owner of SimplySearch4it - Free Online Games , Entertainment Portal

Making The Best Use Of Your Cash

You?ve gotten a home equity loan. You?ve jumped through all the hoops and now have that much needed cash in hand. How can you make the best of it? First, decide exactly what you really needed the cash for? Was it for medical bills or educational expenses? Or did you incur too much other debt and need to pay that off with your cash? Whatever the reason, be sure and stay steadfast to the cause. It?s very easy when you have that green in your palm to forget what you truly needed it for in the first place. Write down exactly where you needed the money to go before you begin to write the money orders and checks out.

As you pay off whoever the debtor is, mark them from the list. Mark off everyone! This is very important. Keep your goals in mind. It?s so easy to get caught up and want to spend the money elsewhere. This is really not wise. If you needed the money so desperately you took out an equity loan in the first place, then you really should stay clear to your initial goals. If you took out the loan for medical bills and you buy a new washer and dryer when you really didn?t need one, this is most likely not going to help your financial situation. Sure, you?ll have a shiny new washer and dryer, but you?ll still owe those medical bills and not gain anything else financially. Your payments won?t be lower and after a while the new washer and dryer will remind you of the old one. So, in summary, be sure and be careful when distributing that cash and enjoy achieving those goals!

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Mortgage Broker Marketing: Face Your Fears and Anxiety Over Marketing Position

The best advice you can get in regards to marketing to real estate agents is to establish a unique position. You should work hard to develop a niche position as the foundation for your marketing efforts. This can be a scary prospect for some people because they fear that if they narrow their focus, or develop a niche position, they may lose opportunity for business. If you share the same fear, read on and some anxieties surrounding positioning will be addressed.

Establishing a single position means you will sacrifice other opportunities.

It may seem like a logical conclusion, if you focus on only one niche you are going to eliminate a great source of business. But actually, narrowing your focus creates additional opportunities.

Take the example of Countrywide Home Loans. When they first started out, Countrywide focused on a branch without salespeople concept and focused on offering FHA and VA loans exclusively.

Countrywide developed the retail branch concept, where clients could simply walk in and receive service much like a bank branch. How did this narrow focus affect their business? They earned significant market position, even when interest rates were at an all time high of 18%.

All mortgage services are alike

We can argue that just about any line of products or services are all the same, despite the competition. But even when products are the same, it is still possible to differentiate between companies that offer the same services or products.

As an example, consider the Morton Salt Company. This company has become a cultural icon based on its brand, the blue can with the little girl holding an umbrella and walking in the rain. There is more than one salt company selling essentially the same product, but Morton has found a way to make them stand out from the competition.

No two people are alike, even identical twins have subtle differences, and no products or services are identical. People will perceive those differences, and in fact, may actively work at finding differences.

An interested agent will look for differences in services with mortgage agents. They will notice that you have a passion to serve them, you have commitment that is unsurpassed among other loan officers, and you exhibit sincerity and caring. If you do not think these differences are obvious, you need to take a closer look, and perhaps work a little harder.

Taking a single position will limit appeal

Many sales people construct sales presentations around every service they could possible offer. Unfortunately, whether it is a sales presentation or your marketing materials, you are always competing for time with prospects that are virtually inundated with information.

People naturally try to narrow their focus to the simplest form. When you have a narrow focus, you are able to demonstrate your superiority within the focus. When you render great service, real estate agents will naturally associate your superior service with an ability to deliver great service on many different products.

Think about the luxury car Mercedes. Without even thinking about it you naturally associate the car with wealth, success, taste, and style. Even though you know nothing about the person driving the car, you still make the association.

Jeff Nelson helps loan officers increase loan originations by attracting quality relationships with real estate agents from the development of customized relationship-building strategies.

Click here to get a free copy of the Marketing Planning Guide, a 20-page workbook designed to help you outline a strategy to become an Agent Magnet.

Visit us at http://www.loan-officer-marketing.com

Why I Love Strategy Games

A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence the outcome. Usually, strategy games come in the form of video, board or computer games. Most games involve some strategy of some sort, however, those classified as strategy games tend exact the decision making skills of the player to determine more than half of the final scores. The word strategy echoes from the military meaning military planning and tactics to achieve results. This is in contrast to games in which players can rely to a large extent on probability to win.

Strategy games vary widely and can be found with different themes. Some of the genres include abstract strategy, war games, real time tactics or strategy games, simulation, building of cities and God games. In war games for instance, there is usually an extensive simulation of past military battles involving great leaders such as Alexander the Great, some Roman Emperors and even world wars I and . The player is usually required to take on the role of an important military person such as a general or commander or even an ordinary soldier who literally has an impossible mission to save the day. Traditionally, strategy games are played with physical miniatures or on a board. With the advent of the internet, however, one can find many online strategy games to play of for those who prefer, they can download strategy games.

In addition, there are also real time strategy games and real time tactics strategy games. The former apply to certain computer games, such as NukeZone, Blizzards Warcraft and Starcraft, where the player has to make quick decisions and take fast action as the games state change constantly. The latter however, concentrates more on control and operational aspects of warfare. Examples include the Close Combat and Total War series.

Simulation strategy games attempt or use real life situations as themes. Thus the player's decisions and actions result in similar consequences as it would be in real life. Abstract strategy games, on the other hand do not necessarily use real life themes. The player must understand the logic to win the game. This includes games such as Go, Chess, Checkers. Many free online strategy games can be played on the internet as well.

God strategy games are those in which the player assumes the role of God with everything else subject to him. The challenge is to find ways and means to overcome such unbridled power. Games in this genre include Populous, Black&White and God's Playing Field which is a free online strategy game.

Economic strategy games usually simulate real life business and require the player to win in a business or economic situation. Some examples are Monopoly, Transport Tycoon, Supreme Ruler 2010, Capitalism and Railroad Tycoon. City building strategy games also allow the player to build and manage a city. There are arguments as to whether games such SimCity and City Building Games series employ the player's analytical skills at all. Nevertheless, they are considered as strategy games. There are also the turn based strategy games (TBS) which forces the user to think about the game first before committing to play. They are different from the real time counterparts in that sense.

As with many other things, the advent of the internet has changed the face of gaming. Most people especially kids and teens prefer to play games online, whether it is strategy or puzzle or from any other category. To meet these demands, there are a number of quality websites offering quality free online strategy games. There is no need to download anything, nor is there any need for plug-ins. Literally, playing online multiplayer strategy games is just a mouse click away.

As time rolls on, we are likely to see many more free strategy games available for game lovers to choose from. Certainly this is a good sign.

About the Author:

By Jake Jenkins, Free Games Fan
Play Free Online Strategy Games, Free Action Games at Strategy Games

Winter Driving Tips To Keep You Alive

Planning ahead for winter driving could insure that you make it to your destination safely.

?Winter driving can be stressful not to mention very hazardous. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions amplify the normal dangers of driving.? And with less hours of daylight, these problems are magnified. However, you can offset those aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving by following a few simple steps and taking certain precautions before and during driving. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the leading cause of death during winter storms are transportation accidents. Preparations for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter traveling.?Before winter starts or you leave for a trip in the winter, have the following items checked on your car: ?????? Battery ?????? Antifreeze ?????? Wipers and windshield washer fluid ?????? Ignition system ?????? Thermostat ?????? Lights ?????? Flashing hazard lights ?????? Exhaust system ?????? Heater ?????? Brakes ?????? Defroster ?????? Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil)?Don't forget to check the tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread.? All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However,? some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.?? Keep at least a half tank of gas in the car during the winter season.Be prepared - put together a bad weather kit to keep in the trunk of back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in a storm.? Keep these items in your kit: ?? Flashlights with extra batteries ?? First aid kit with pocket knife? ?? Necessary medications? ?? Several blankets or Sleeping bags? ?? Plastic bags (for sanitation)? ?? Matches/candles ?? Extra set of gloves or mittens,socks, and a wool cap? ?? Rain gear and extra clothes? ?? Small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under? wheels? ?? Small shovel? ?? Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)? ?? Jumper cables? ?? Set of tire chains or traction mats? ?? Books, cards, games? ?? Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag ?? Help sign for back window? ?? Canned fruit and nuts? ?? Nonelectric can opener? ?? Bottled water ?? Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the? winter)If you are stranded, you may feel helpless, stuck in the snow in a lonely place, but there are things you can do to survive until help reaches you.? ? Stay in the car. ? Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards.? You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. ? Display the help sign.?? ? Hang the brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.? ? Occasionally run engine to keep warm.? ? Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.? ? Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.? ? Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.? ? Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.? ? Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.? ? For warmth, huddle together.? ? Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.? ? Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart.? Avoid overexertion.? ?Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.Listen to the Weather Report before heading out. It can be a life saver.Pay attention to the weather terms used. Here are the most common Winter Weather Terms- ? Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. ? Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm. ?? Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm. ?Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ? mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.? ? Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring. ?Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure. ?Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure,? and,? if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure. ?Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.Winter driving requires you to be extra careful and alert, but the most important tip for winter driving is slow down!? Always give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, and get off the road before you get stranded by worsening weather conditions. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html?from=iForecastWest Virginia Department of Transportation http://www.wvdot.com/6motorists/6dwinterdriving.htm?Oregon Department of Transportationhttp://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml

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Learn more about selecting the right auto insurance company that will save you money by visiting http://www.your-car-insurance.biz/SiteMap.html, your reliable auto insurance website that provides auto insurance information and resources.

Plus Sized Prom Gowns

 



Plus Sized Prom GownsSubmitted By: Rich Rojas  

For plus size teens, finding a plus sized prom gown that you would consider being seen in at department stores and boutiques can be quite a challenge. This is because most plus size selections in shopping malls are geared towards middle-aged women, and have an extremely small selection of clothes for plus size teens.

So, what?s a girl to do?

Shop online, of course!

More and more online clothing retailers are catering to the needs of plus size women and teenagers. Prom gowns are no exception. If you?ve never bought clothing online, be prepared to be amazed! There is a huge selection of cool clothing available, and many retailers offer plus sized prom gowns. In fact, some even specialize in plus size formal wear and prom gowns for young women.

No more finding a great dress, only to see that it only goes up to size 12. No more digging through the rack, only to find that the size you need isn?t in stock. Let?s face it, shopping at traditional stores can be really hard if you?re a plus sized teenager looking for a plus sized prom dress.

Online plus size clothing retailers specialize in clothing that?s sized and styled for your curves. That means no mores saggy straps or gaping necklines. Most importantly, all the sizes are available, all the time. This is a huge step above traditional brick and mortar boutiques, which generally only order one dress in each size. If someone gets it before you, you?re out of luck!

Shopping online avoids this issue completely.

Before you pick out a dress, take the time to measure yourself. Most online stores have a sizing guide, which will enable you to find the size that matches your bust, hip, and waist measurements. It is absolutely essential to do this, as sizes can run differently between designers. Save yourself time shipping returns back and forth -- measure, then order. Taking the time to measure yourself will really help as you move online from store to store.

Online plus size clothing sites offer a great selection of modern styles for plus sized teenagers. These aren?t your mother?s fashions! They have a youthful flare and follow the latest fashion trends. If you?ve never shopped online plus size clothing stores, then you?ll be pleasantly surprised at the stunning plus size formal options these sites have to offer you.

As you pick out your plus sized prom gown, it?s also important to buy the correct undergarments to wear with it. If you choose a strapless or halter dress, for example, you may need to also buy a strapless or convertible bra to ensure it fits correctly. When you receive your dress in the mail, be sure to try it on with the underwear you?ve purchased to make sure that nothing gaps or shows. You want to spend your special evening dancing and having fun, not fiddling with a bra that doesn?t fit right!

So, take time to measure yourself, and then spend some time online checking out plus sized prom gowns. This will save you loads of trouble and frustration going to the mall, where you?ll struggle to find anything you like anyway. Your time can be much better spent picking out the perfect prom night accessories!

Capturing Priceless Memories On Video With The New CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder

Capturing Priceless Memories On Video With The New CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder

When you're on your honeymoon in a tropical paradise or sharing a family vacation at Disney, there are moments so memorable you wish you could capture them on video to share with family and friends. Now you can with the new CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder.

Being a Shutterbug, I sometimes make our family crazy. With my trusty camera I capture photos of our children, now older, just being themselves. I think these are the best pictures, which capture unexpected smiles and laughter. Then there are those rare moments when something amazing happens and I wish I could capture it on video. Now I can with the new CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder.

Technology Is Amazing

Finally, someone has come up with an affordable way to capture precious moments on video without the expense of investing in a video camera. Of course, having a video camera is great for many occasions like wedding, birthdays, and graduations. What about those spontaneous moments when you're miles away from home without a video camera? A short trip down to CVS/pharmacy and your problem is solved with the CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder.

The Perfect Travel Companion

The CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder is the perfect travel companion. With an affordable price if under $30, it is great for capturing priceless travel moments during a day-trip adventure, romantic weekend getaway, or family vacation. The camcorder is easy to pack on a trip or to toss in your backpack for quick use (it's a little thicker than an i-Pod, but about the same size). This little camcorder is easy to use, light-weight and durable.

Amazing Quality At An Affordable Price

When I first used the CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder I was amazed by the quality of video quality. It captures 20 min. of TV quality film, and can be processed onto a DVD for only $13. With the DVD you to share movie clips through emails with friends and family across the country. We viewed our video in the DVD players and sent a copy to my Aunt to view on her computer in the DVD drive, and sent video and video greeting cards by Email to our friends and family.

The Perfect Gift

With a big family finding the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, wedding, and holidays can be a challenge. After browsing for an hour through the mall we decided to give something special to our nephew for graduation. We knew the family would be on hand to capture the formal occasion, and we wanted him to create his own memories, so we sent him a CVS One Time Use Digital Camcorder. He was thrilled!
The CVS One Time Use Video Camcorder is a simple-to-use, pocket-sized camcorder that weighs under 5 ounces and costs less than $30. It holds 20 saved minutes of digital quality video and sound. The 1.4 inch color playback screen makes it is easy to playback and delete videos. Once you're finished recording your video you simply drop it off at any CVS/pharmacy 1-hour photo lab and they'll process your DVD, which you can view and use to share pix with family and friends.

Explore America's Backyard, and discover thrilling helicopter tours in Hawaii, bed and breakfast, spas, antique collectibles, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, roller coasters, concerts, poker games, national parks, civil war battle reenactments, the carnivorous Venus fly trap, and many more unique travel destinations and attractions. Visit USA Travel Magazine online at http://www.usatravelmagazine.com or by mobile at: http://www.usatmm.com.
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Travel Luggage For Special Needs

What to look for in choosing luggage, while choosing, you should look for pieces that are lightweight and easy to carry. You should also make sure they are spacious enough to pack your items. The luggage should have features that will vary, depending on the type of bag/case you prefer for different destination either vacation, a small holiday, tour etc.

? Briefcase or laptop cases are having many compartments and pockets for ample storage for stationary like pen, pencil, highlighter, marker writing pads etc.

? Carry-bags are usually smaller in size so that they can be easily stored under a seat when traveling.

? Garment bags are easy to pack dresses and suits right on the hangers.

? The most popular luggage piece is totes and it is perfect for those last minute must haves while you are away!

? For students Backpacks and duffel bags are more convenient for those staying far.

Luggage is any number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveler's articles during transit from destination to destination. Once you have the luggage that is best for your traveling needs, don?t forget about the accessories you may also need while traveling either for tour all long vacation. There are many accessories that are used while traveling, including: eatables adapters, toiletry kits, travel pillows, water bottles and luggage carts. While returning back from a holiday you can feel confident in the fact that when it comes to luggage, there is something for everyone. Keeping in mind the modern traveler carries packages containing a vast items such as clothing, business items, valuable possessions and all your trip necessities, so luggage now a days are quite spacious.

Historically the most common types of luggage were trunks made of wood or other heavy materials. Luggage has definitely changed over time .Today's is much smaller and more lightweight but still maintains the durability of their heavier counterparts. Popular luggage now a days is the carry-on luggage. Most of the individuals use this as their main form of luggage. The luggage may change may change from time to time in shape and size, this will always be a need for travelers to travel.

When it comes to choose cases for your laptop you definitely want to look for durability. While transporting and protecting your computer you want to choose a top quality laptop case that's easy to access while traveling. Now a days professional wants such kind of laptop case that's not only functional, durable but also stylish as well.

It should be durable to handle wear and tear of the airlines and stand up to the weather. Good quality luggage has a good locking system to secure your belongings from snooping intruders. If you buy high quality luggage accessories forget all the difficulties caused.

About the Author:

Lanny Hintz writes about Ladies Wallets, ebags coupon codes and Backpacks

Top 5 Summer Organizing Projects For Kids

Now that your kids are out of school, this is a great time for them to get some organizing done! Here are the top 5 projects your children should work on during the summer:

Purge backpack & school work

If your children's backpacks are crammed full of graded papers and old projects, kindly suggest to them that it's time to purge and make room for the next school year. Only keep assignments and projects that they express deep accomplishment or attachment to. Store large artwork in a portfolio and graded work in a file cabinet or accordion file.
Donate old toys & games

Surely your children have built up a collection of toys since the Christmas season. Plan a special Service Project Day and tell your children it's time to donate their old toys to children who are less fortunate. Only donate toys that are in good condition.
Purge clothes

Have your children grown in the past year or acquired new tastes in clothing? If so, it's time to go through those old clothes and let go of the ones they don't want or cannot fit into anymore.
Clean/reorganize bedroom

If your children haven't cleaned their bedroom all year, then it's time to crack the whip! Have them pull everything out, clean all four corners of their room and organize everything back in place.
Plan a back to school party

Nothing can be more fun for children than planning a big party! This will give them an opportunity to practice their managing, organizing and planning skills. Have them create an invitee list, mail out invitations, learn the true meaning of RSVP, decide on menu items and plan activities. Educate your kids on how to use timelines and to-do lists.


Alberta Okoro is the owner of Emplayce-The Organizing Source, a national directory for professional organizers and other organizing professionals. http://www.emplayce.com


By Alberta Okoro

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Real estate includes residential and commercial property. The former refers to property that people live in and the latter to trade and lease of property intended for profits. Inflation, augmented income, better government measures, and easily available mortgages have improved consumer purchase capacities. Such progressive consumer trends have proved to be a boon for the real estate trade. Real estate includes real estate business purchases, sales, and property rentals.

Individuals are required to enroll in real estate schools to make a career in real estate, as is the case with many other professions. Courses conducted at such business schools provide an opportunity to learn tricks of the trade in order to identify market trends and patterns. They also provide certification to individuals who practice a particular trade. There are numerous real estate schools that offer a wide range of courses.

Individuals may decide upon a desired real estate education program. When selecting an institute, it is advisable to be cautious and make enquiries regarding college reputation, degrees, and fees. A number of these courses and diplomas are made available online. This enables practicing real estate agents to enroll for specialized courses and helps students living in different cities to take the courses they need. Some people may opt for such courses as a continuing education program. Certain institutes offer a money-back guarantee in case enrolled individuals are not are not successful in the real estate business upon completion of their education program. Accredited and reputed institutes offer a universal platform and can hire industry leaders as part of their visiting faculty.

People can become real estate agents upon completion of undergraduate and graduate courses and certified distance-learning programs. Others may be part of a family business and choose to get certified after joining the trade. It is possible to start working without any educational degree, but the success rate is not guaranteed. Most professionals are required to work as apprentices with listed real estate companies.

Real Estate Agents provides detailed information on Real Estate Agents, Find A Real Estate Agent, Las Vegas Real Estate Agents, Commercial Real Estate Agents and more. Real Estate Agents is affiliated with How To Get A Real Estate License.

Loan Officer Marketing: Attract More Real Estate Agents With Questions

What if you could come up with a technique that would allow you to consistently talk with high-producing agents, without the fear of rejection or high-pressure sales tactics?

One way to this would be to contact several real estate agents, it does not matter if you know them or not. The only purpose of the call is to find out as much about the agent as you can. Introduce yourself to the them and do a simple, short, telephone survey.

Some of the questions you should ask them are:

How long have they been working as a real estate agent?
Do they typically represent buyers or sellers?
What are their typical activities on a daily basis?
What are their short term and long term goals?
Do they feel like they are on the track to accomplishing the goals?
What are some of the obstacles that are keeping them from meeting their goals?
What causes them the most stress in their business?
What do they need to fix it?

Notice that none of the questions are anything other than real estate related. Do not ask any questions related to mortgages or mortgage clients. You will find that instead of having to pry the information from the agents, you will not be able to get them to stop talking.

Most people have one favorite topic of conversation, themselves. There is nothing they like better than to talk about themselves and the problems their facing. Fortunately, most people never run out of problems to talk about.

Ultimately, you will receive several positive comments from the agents:

The agents will say how much they enjoyed having someone listen to them.

When the agent realizes it is not a sales call, which was stated from the beginning of the call, they will immediately open up.

Almost every survey call will end with the real estate agent asking the loan officer for more information about their mortgage services.

The survey technique is a great strategy for several reasons. It allows you to determine which real estate agents are producing at the level you require. You will gain access to the agent in a non-confrontational, non-selling situation. And it gives you an opportunity to lay the foundation for future sales presentations. Save your sales pitch for your second call. On the second call you can show them how you can solve their problems.

Does the idea of cold-calling agents, even for a survey, intimidate you? Consider approaching the agents with the survey through email. Surprisingly, you will get some response from agents.

Develop the survey into a paper-based form and give to buyer agents at closing. You will be amazed at how many agents take time to complete the survey.

When agents take the time to complete the survey, whether over the phone, through email or in person, you know which agents are receptive to you and are interested in establishing a relationship. Your simple survey will open doors, now and for a future relationship.

Jeff Nelson helps loan officers increase loan originations by attracting quality relationships with real estate agents from the development of customized relationship-building strategies.

Click here to get a free copy of the Marketing Planning Guide, a 20-page workbook designed to help you outline a strategy to become an Agent Magnet.

Visit us at http://www.loan-officer-marketing.com

Satellite TV Programming Guide

With more than 256 channels to choose from, satellite TV programming offers far more TV listings and viewing options than cable or over-the-air TV.

Satellite TV also gives you access to music channels, pay-per-view movies, sports packages, adult channels, and international programming.

DISH Network Satellite TV Programming

DISH Network programming packages start at $31.99 per month.

They also offer pay-per-view movies and events, adult programming, and sports packages. International programming includes: African, Arabic, Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu channels.

DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows and the most HD (high definition) programming of the two satellite TV providers.

Here are DISH Network's current satellite TV programming packages:

America's Top 60 ($31.99 per month)

This package includes the following program channels, plus your local channels:

ABC Family, America's Collectibles Network, Angel One, Arts & Entertainment (A&E), Auction TV, Beauty & Fashion Channel, Bingo TV, BYUTV, Cable News Network (CNN), Cartoon Network, Catalog TV, Classic Arts Showcase, CNBC, Colours TV, Comedy Central, Country Music Television, Court TV, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, Daystar, Discovery Channel, The Disney Channel (East), Disney Channel (West), E! Entertainment Television, Educating Everyone, ESPN, ESPN Alternate, ESPN2, ESPN2 Alternate, ESPNews, Eternal Word Television Network Family Net, Florida Education Channel, Food Network, Free Speech TV, Good Samaritan Network, Headline News Network, Health TV, Healthy Living Channel, The History Channel, HITN, Home & Garden Television, The Home Shopping Network, Horseracing TV, ISHOP, The Jewelry Channel, The Learning Channel, Lifetime, Men's Channel, Music Television (MTV), Music Television 2 (MTV2), NASA, Nickelodeon/Nick At Nite (East), Nickelodeon/Nick At Nite (West), Northern Arizona University/University House, PBS You, QVC Shopping Network, Research Channel, RFDTV, The Sci-Fi Channel, Shop At Home, Shop NBC, Spike TV, Stuff TV, The Travel Channel, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Turner Broadcast System (TBS), Turner Network Television (TNT), TV Games Network, TV Guide Channel, TV Land, TV Outlet Mall University Of California, University Of Washington, USA Network, VH1 The Weather Channel, Worldlink TV.

America's Top 120 ($42.99 per month)

This package includes all of the channels in the America's Top 60 package, plus the following program channels and 32 Sirius music channels:

American Movie Classics, Animal Planet, BBC America, Black Entertainment Television (BET), Bravo, CNN Financial/CNN International, Comcast Sports Network, Discovery Health, Empire Sports, ESPN Classic, F/X, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, FOX Sports West 2, Fuse, Galavison, Game Show Network, Independent Film Channel, Lifetime Movie Network, Madison Square Garden, MSNBC, New England Sports Network (NESN), Noggin, Pax TV, SiTV, The Speed Channel,, Sports Alternate 1, Sports Alternate 2, Sports Alternate 3, Sports Alternate 4, Sports Alternate 5, Sunshine Network, G4 Tech TV, Telefutura East, Telefutura West, Toon Disney, Turner Classic Movies, Turner South, Univision East, Univision West, WE: Women's Entertainment, WGN Superstation.

America's Top 180 ($52.99 per month)

This package includes all the channels in the America's Top 120 package, plus the following program channels and 50 Sirius music channels:

Biography, Bloomberg Television, Boomerang, CNBC World, Discovery, Home & Leisure, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, Discovery Wings, Dish Music- 50's & 60's Hits, Dish Music- 70's Hits, Dish Music- 80's Hits, Dish Music- All That Jazz, Dish Music- Beach Party, Dish Music- Classic Soul, Dish Music- Country Music One, Dish Music- 4 Decades of Music, Dish Music- Expressions, Dish Music- Hitline, Dish Music- Hot FM, Dish Music- Italia, Dish Music- Love Songs, Dish Music- Moonscapes, Dish Music- New Orleans Jazz, Dish Music- Piano & Guitar, Dish Music- Road House, Dish Music- Tropical Breezes, Dish Music- Urban Adult, Do It Yourself Network, Encore (West), Encore, Action/Adventure, Encore Love Stories, Encore Mysteries, Encore True Stories, Encore Wam/America's Kidz Network, Encore Westerns, FOX Movie Channel, FOX Sports, Net World, The Golf Channel, GOL TV, Great American Country, Hallmark Channel, History Channel International, The Movie Channel (West), National Geographic Channel, Nickelodeon Games & Sports, Nick toons, The Outdoor Channel, Outdoor Life Network, Reality TV, SoapNet, Style, The Science Channel, TMC Xtra West, VH1 Classic, Wisdom Television.

America's Everything Pak ($86.99)

This package includes all the channels in the America's Top 180 package, plus the following movie channels (31 movie channels in all):

Showtime Unlimited Package, Starz! Super Pak, HBO Package, Cinemax Package.

Note: For more programming information, ordering information, and the latest bonuses and free offers from DISH Network, click on the links below.

DIRECTV Satellite TV Programming

DIRECTV satellite TV programming starts at $41.99 per month.

They also offer pay-per-view movies and events, adult programming, and sports packages. International programming includes Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, and Vietnamese channels.

DIRECTV has the most sports program packages of the two satellite TV providers, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket.

Here are DIRECTV's current satellite TV programming packages:

Total Choice ($41.99 per month)

This package includes the following program channels, plus your local channels and 31 music channels):

A&E Network, ABC Family, America's Store, American Movie Classics (AMC), Animal Planet, BBC America, Black Entertainment Television(BET), Bloomberg Television, Bravo, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, Cartoon Network, The Church Channel, CNBC, CNBC World, CNN, CNNfn/CNN International, Comedy Central, Country Music Television (CMT), Court TV, Daystar, Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Disney Channel (East), Disney Channel (West), E! Entertainment Television, ESPN, ESPN CLASSIC, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, EWTN, Fine Living,?Food Network, Fox Movie Channel, Fox News Channel, Fuse, FX, Galavisi?n, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, Headline News, The Health Network, The History Channel, Home & Garden Television, Home Shopping Network, Independent Film Channel, Inspirational Life, The Learning Channel (TLC), Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, Link TV, MARIA+VISI?N, MSNBC, MTV, MTV2, National Geographic Channel, Newsworld International, NFL Network, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite (East), Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite (West), Noggin/The N, Outdoor Life Network (OLN), Oxygen, PAX, PBS You, QVC, RFD TV, SCI FI Channel, Shop At Home, ShopNBC, Speed Channel, Spike TV, Superstation WGN, TBS Superstation, TechTV, TNT, Toon Disney, TRAVEL CHANNEL, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), TRIO, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Turner South, TV Land, Univision (East), USA Network, VH1, WE: Women's Entertainment, The Weather Channel, Word Network, World Harvest Television.

Total Choice Plus ($45.99 per month)

This package includes all the Total Choice programs, plus the following channels:

The Biography Channel, Boomerang, Discovery Home & Leisure, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, Discovery Wings, DIY - Do It Yourself Network, Fuel, History International, PBS KIDS, The Science Channel, SOAPNet.

Total Choice Premier ($93.99 per month)

This package includes all the channels in the Total Choice Plus package, plus the following program channels:

Action, BLACK STARZ!, Cinemax (East), Cinemax (West), Comcast SportsNet (Mid-Atlantic), CSTV: College Sports Television, Empire Sports Network, Encore? (West), Encore? (East), FLIX, Fox Sports World, The Golf Channel, HBO, HBO (West), HBO Family, HBO Family (West), HBO HDTV, HBO Latino, HBO Signature, HBO2, HBO2 (West), Love Stories, Madison Square Garden (MSG), MoreMAX, The Movie Channel, The Movie Channel West, Mystery, NBA TV, New England Sports Network, The Outdoor Channel, SHOWTIME East, SHOWTIME Extreme, SHOWTIME HDTV, SHOWTIME Showcase, SHOWTIME TOO, SHOWTIME West, STARZ! (East), STARZ! (West), STARZ! Theater (East), Sundance Channel, Sunshine Network, True Stories, VH1 Classic, WAM!, Westerns, YES Network.

Note: For more programming information, ordering information, and the latest bonuses and free offers from DIRECTV, click on the links below.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for programming information, ordering information, and the latest special offers from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.
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