Love Happiness Health Fun Laughter Love

Writen by Ron Foss

Dear Son or Daughter,

This is a letter that needed to be written to remind all the sons and daughters just how important you are. You are the future of this world and of the spirit of love and happiness. You will be the ones who will look after sick people, teach children all the things you think they will need to know, build space stations, discover new inventions and make people laugh. You may become a doctor, a teacher, an astronaut, a scientist or even a clown. You can be whatever you want to be.

You can swim with the fish in the deep blue sea, soar with the eagles in the wide-open sky or dance like a butterfly from flower to flower - all on this beautiful stage we call earth.

You have the freedom to laugh at anything funny. You can learn everything that you want to be able to understand and do, and you can love those that are around you. You ask questions so you can do all the things that are there for you to do.

It does not matter much what country you come from, what city you live in or what house you call home. What matters most is that you make everyone around you smile and that you hug and hold close to you all those that you love. The most important thing you can do is to love your mom and dad and your brothers and sisters because they will love you always.

It is important to dream and share your dreams with the people that can help you make them come true. It is important to try and try again. It is important to never give up on what is most valuable to you and to never say, "I can't". There are eight little words that all on their own have very little meaning. But put together in one sentence can mean everything. These words should never be forgotten – "If it is to be, it is up to me".

Families are all different. There are big families and small families. Some are connected, live close together and some live far apart from each other. But all families should share their dreams, laugh and love each other. You are an important member of your family and you're a joy to watch, to nurture and to care for. You are the most important person to your mom and dad. They want you to be the best that you can be. They want you to be happy.

As you travel through life and gain from it the experiences that are for you the most valuable, one can only hope that you will obtain the greatest satisfaction from doing the following: Be honest with yourself and all others around you. Look upon others only to discover their qualities and friendships, maintain your health. Laugh at most everything and have as much fun as you can. But most important -- be happy, learn to forgive and love all things that are living.

Signed,

A Father who loves you!

Ron is the Senior Partner of EQ Management Group committed to improving management capability. He is also the father of two wonderful children. More information can be discovered at http://www.eqmg.com

Dont Under Estimate Depression

Writen by Sandy Baker

Depression is something that is often found in the people that you love the most and never thought could be dealing with. It is something that can rip at the very seams of individuals. It is not just a phase. It is not just something that will go away. It is life and death and dealing with all that has to go with it.

Many people face terrible crisis in their lives and deal with it. Others can not deal so well with even the simplest of things. What happens to many people in either of these cases is that they can fall under a depression. As a loved one looking on, it is important that you recognize the possible signs and do something about it. Waiting too long could be risking their lives.

In most cases, depression can be recognized by a series of symptoms such as:

• Mood swings that are not characteristic.
• Anger that is unfounded. Being overly angry about something that seems simple.
• Frustration throughout even the simplest of tasks.
• Feelings of being worthless, unworthy and unloved are also signs.

But, the hardest part is realizing that these things may be there yet may be hidden. In many cases, those suffering from depression will talk and tell you what is happening. But, it may not seem like what they are telling you is the full story. Instead, they may say that they are overwhelmed, tired and just too busy to deal with things. In fact, they are in serious trouble and don't know how to tell anyone they need help.

Recognizing depression is something that anyone that loves someone should be looking out for. Helping them is what your job and responsibility is. Don't underestimate depression. Get the help that they need before it is too late.

Sandy Baker is a well respected writer and recommends visiting bipolar disorder, so you can empower yourself and be of postive support to those suffering from depression.

Rejected Children Would They Have A Strong Or Weak Personality

Writen by Lanie Pambid

The magnitude of one's character may vary from the differences in the experiences of a person's life. The manner in which the degree of pain, sufferings, success, happiness and the like is what makes a person strong or weak.

If a person was rejected in his childhood years, it may come to a point wherein he can either be strong or weak. Strong, in a sense that he would not let rejection take over him, or the feeling of rejection will not be embossed in his wits, thus rejecting the thought of rejection to strive harder not to be rejected ever again. Weak, in a sense that because of being an emotional type of person, he would just accept the fact that he will always be rejected throughout his life.

The transformation in a person's life can also be a basis. If he was rejected in the earlier part of his life and then in the latter part came to be accepted or wanted, there will be a shift in his qualities, wherein the thought of being "accepted" would give him a change in his way of thinking. The notion that he can also be accepted would give him a better outlook on his own personality. The shift in the course of the approach, from being rejected and accepted will give way to a change of attitude.

But does it really depend on how one copes with rejection?

Yes. The childhood experiences that one has gone through will be the basis of how his traits are molded into what he is now. The coping skills of a child may vary on how he was able to survive his environment. Let's say for example, a child was rejected by his friends, but when he comes home, his parents would uplift his spirits and would comfort him, the feeling of rejection would be sheltered, thus the child now has a means of forgetting the rejection that he has just received from his friends.

The parents play a big role in the growth of their children, thus they are the ones the child runs to for comfort. But if the parents themselves are the ones rejecting their own child then the child would not have a place to go to but to just accept the fact that nobody would reassure acceptance, thus becoming weak. Rejection from the outside (friends, environment, etc.) but is nurtured by acceptance in the inside (family, house) can modulate the child's confidence that there is what we call a "rescue", thus making him strong.

Throughout the life of your child, were you able to nurture him to be a stronger person? Or were you just too busy with your job that you forget to realize the fact that your child is already becoming weaker?

Parents should always have time for their children, because they play a big role on how their children would turn out to be.

Birthday Flower Arrangements

Writen by Ken Marlborough

If you have a friend or relative's birthday coming up and you don't quite know what to give her, flowers could be a good idea. If you can't choose the flowers, leave it to a florist, he will ask you questions about the birthday girl and select the flowers accordingly. Besides sending on beautiful flowers, florists' websites also send fruit baskets and personal care items as birthday gifts.

If you've decided on flowers, you can choose flowers specific for her birth month. If her birthday is in January, send her carnations; in February, violets; March, jonquils; April, sweet peas; May, lilies; June, roses; July, larkspurs; August, gladioli; September, asters; October, calendulas; November, chrysanthemums; and December, narcissuses.

For younger women and girls, your flower arrangements could be based on a flower theme for her birthday party. You could create large paper blooms, perhaps of sunflowers, and do up T-shirts with flowers in thumbprint designs and get them to carry cake and confectionery bouquets.

Begin with the party invitations and design them in the shape of large flowers with each petal bearing all the details of your party. Make these cards with a sheet of card paper from which you will need to cut four-inch long petals. Now, cut a 1.5-inch diameter circle from the remaining sheet. In each petal, punch two holes, one in the center and the other at the narrow end. Pile up all the petals and cover them with the circle, ensuring that the holes are in line with each other and stick them together with tape. Open each flower and write the details of your party on each petal.

Flower Arrangements provides detailed information about flower arrangements, Christmas flower arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and more. Flower Arrangements is affiliated with Growing Hibiscus.

A New Wrinkle In Distance Learning Hybrid Classes

Writen by Aldene Fredenburg

Online learning, or distance learning, has become a popular form of education, and conventional institutions all over the country are offering a wide range of classes over the Internet. One major advantage of Internet courses is that students can easily plan their class time around work and personal demands. One disadvantage of online learning is that contact between teacher and student and among students is limited to Internet communications, and can seem an isolating experience.

A new kind of class, the hybrid class, is changing that. In a hybrid class, computer-based learning is combined with on-site class time, where students meet with the instructor and each other for lectures, collaborative projects and more. The class thus combines the personal feedback and interconnection with teachers and students with much of the scheduling flexibility of a strictly online class. The ratio of on-site work to online course work varies from class to class, so check with the instructor before you sign up to see what the projected time demands are, both online and in-person.

One problem with a hybrid class is that you have to be in the vicinity of the college or university to take part. A student in New Hampshire, for instance, is out of luck if he wants to take a hybrid course in Phoenix, Arizona - unless he's got quite a lot of money for airline tickets. Luckily, this form of learning is becoming popular all over the U.S.; chances are there are excellent hybrid classes offered at a college or university near you.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

Free And Low Cost Pc Offers The Catch

Writen by Richard Chapo

You've probably seen the ads for "low cost" PC's - "PC's for $199" - or even "free" computers. If you're in the market for a personal computer, you should know "free" doesn't always mean free. Very often, certain conditions and restrictions found in the fine print of advertisements for "free" or "low cost" PC's can turn a so-called deal into an expensive purchase.

Bundled Services

"Free" or "low-cost" PC offers often require "bundled" Internet service contracts, which may last up to three years. In return for signing up for Internet service, you can get as much as a $400 rebate on the computer purchase. While some of these offers can be good deals, many are not as affordable as they may seem. Frequently, important details about the rebate and Internet service offer are difficult to ferret out because they're left out of the advertising or buried in the fine print.

Up-Front Costs

To get a "low cost" PC, you may have to pay the full cost of the computer up front - that is, the total price without any rebates. If the PC is advertised for $199 after rebates, you may have to pay $599, plus any sales tax and shipping charges, and then send for the $400 rebate.

Usually, you have to apply for the rebate in writing, mail in documentation of the sale and then wait - sometimes months - until you receive your rebate check. Sometimes "instant" rebates are offered and you can get your deduction immediately. But some offers allow you to spend the rebate only on other merchandise from the manufacturer or retailer, meaning you still have to pay the full price for the computer.

Internet Access

When you buy a "free" or "low cost" computer, you often have to sign up for three years of Internet service at $20-$30 a month - a total cost of up to $1,000 for three years. Technology is changing at a dizzying pace. It's possible that the three-year Internet service you lock in today could be out of date in six months or a year. And if you'd like to cancel your service, you'll likely have to pay a substantial penalty.

If you decide to cancel your Internet service for any reason, chances are you'll have to pay back some or all of the rebate you received; you also may have to pay a cancellation fee of $50 or more.

If you don't live in a major metropolitan area, you may have to pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Or you also may be able to use a "toll-free" (800, 888 or 877) number supplied by the Internet Service Provider (ISP), but you may be charged five or six dollars an hour to use their "toll-free" number. Whether you choose to use the ISP's telephone number or pay long-distance charges, your phone calls to access the Internet could add up to more than you'll save through the rebate.

If the PC offer requires you to sign-up for Internet service, ask the retailer and the ISP for the Internet access phone numbers closest to you. Then check with your local phone company to determine whether you have to pay long distance rates to use those phone numbers. You may want to consider another offer if the "deal" you're considering requires you to call long distance or pay a fee to access the Internet.

Other Costs

It's possible that the cost of a monitor or other crucial system components may not be included in the PC offer you're considering. The advertisements for the offer may not be clear about what's included. If you have to buy a monitor, for example, plan on spending at least an additional $150.

When considering a "free" or "low cost" PC offer, ask the retailer about up-front costs, rebates, essential components, Internet access costs, long-term commitments, cancellation policies, local or long distance phone access and any other important issues. Details will help you determine if you can afford the "free" PC.

Richard Chapo is the lead attorney for the law firm http://www.SanDiegoBusinessLawFirm.com - a firm providing legal advice to California businesses. This article is for general education purposes and does not address every facet of the subject matter. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship.

Ancestry Trace It For A Surprise

Writen by Lance Winslow

Have you ever tried to trace your ancestry? It is fun and exciting to learn about our ancestors, but it is like any puzzle not so easy. In fact the more you do it, the harder it gets. Some have even resorted to DNA techniques to insure they are right. Tracing your ancestry and family name is challenging and rewarding and it is always fun when you find some notable in history you are related to.

We are all related to some notables in history. I recently traced my ancestry and indeed I have heard of the Pocahontas connection and it is well researched, I am related to Pocahontas? Go figure, no way? Yes way! Then I found out that there is a gentleman out of Texas who has complete verification of this and he even has DNA proof which you can check yourself against on the bloodline issues. I met another family line and corresponded with them and found ties to Edgar Allen Poe, which is very cool; but predictable, as Allen is a Mayflower name and most of the folks did inter breed somewhat. I also found out that I have 12 Mayflower names in my tree. Maybe you do too. Did you know that 18 million Americans have at least one ancestor who came over on the Mayflower, isn't that cool?

You might also learn if you are related to Presidents, I found out I was and that I am an 8th cousins of FDR (twice removed in my case), related to President Garfield to. I also learned that Bill Gates has Winslow grandparents, so other notables in the present period also share my genes, interesting stuff indeed. I also found out that Friedrick Winslow Taylor who invented modern business management is related thru his mother Ann Winslow.

The more you look the more you will find for instance our family had all sorts of cool family lines such as Russell, Walker, Wood, Barker, Baker, Nelson. Actually the list is so long and reaching it is kind of scary. I guess you could say some of my ancestors had built this country. I even found out that Bush, Kerry are also off shoots of the same family lines as me. Did you know they are related in blood? I happen to find out the Vice President Cheney's ancestors are on my Mom's side of things. Winslow's also seem to have married well along the way.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res1nx2p/DNA/consent.htm

http://www.sjwinslo.dalir.net/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1117054232

You can literally trace the progression of your families ancestry as they moved across the states, continent, oceans, wow. Tracing your ancestry is a cool hobby, but soon you find out why you are how you are. Each piece is a mystery until it unfolds. I put my ancestry down to help others who are related to my ancestors too, it is a fun way to collaborate, everyone is doing it.

http://www.carwashguys.com/founderancestry.pdf

If I can trace my ancestry, surely you can too. In fact you might find you are much better at it than I am. But I must warn you that you will be surprised with what you find out there, lots of cool surprises await you. In fact over 800,000 Americans are related to Royal Lines of Europe. Maybe you are one? Who knows, think about it.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

A Better Nights Sleep In Ten Easy Steps

Writen by Julian Smith

A good night's sleep is probably one of the most under-rated means of leading a healthy and stress free existence. If you are finding it difficult to sleep, the simplest of all solutions are always the best. The adjustments that you need to make are more towards what you do before you go to sleep rather than what you do once you get into bed. Here are some useful tips to obtain a better night's sleep:

Routine: Build a routine, such as a quick shower or a hot water bath, reading a book, or watching a relaxing film, before you get into bed. This puts your body into a relaxed mode and makes it easier to slip into a good night's rest.

Gentle Exercise: Try not to do strenuous exercise prior to going to sleep. The body needs time to unwind before sleep. Gentle relaxation exercises are more beneficial.

Relax: Try not to indulge in activities that energize your brain cells, they take a long time to settle down, and by the time they do that, half the night is over.

Avoid certain drinks: Avoid caffeine and tobacco and alcohol at night. If you do have to indulge in them, try to do so at least two hours before you get into bed. Some people find that a warm milky drink helps them to sleep.

Light meals: Our grandparents always told us to eat our meals 2 hours before we went to sleep and that advice still holds good. It may not always be possible due to the present day lifestyles, but we can control how much we eat and drink at night.

Environment: A comfortable environment is essential to having a good night's sleep. Ensure that you bedroom is quiet and clutter-free. Soft and clean sheets, good quality pillows, warm and comfortable duvets or comforters are all added inducements to sleep.

Mattress: It is essential that you have a comfortable and suitable mattress. Backaches can occur if there is a gap between any part of your back and the mattress. Inflatable airbeds are a good option and very conducive to a good night's sleep. A good airbed will support your body, particularly your spine without seeming too soft or too hard and it is one of the most comfortable "mattresses" to sleep on.

Pillows: Ensure that you pillows are comfortable. The wrong pillow can lead to neck and spinal problems and headaches.

Consider vitamin supplements: Calcium and magnesium produce a relaxing effect on the brain and can solve problems of leg cramps at night.

Avoid naps: A good siesta in the middle of the day may be a cause for sleeplessness at night.

If despite trying all these ways and means you are still not able to sleep, get out of bed, and sit somewhere else. Read a book, or magazine, do something else, until your body once again begins to feel sleepy.

Remember it is better to sleep comfortably for fewer hours, rather than have a disturbed sleep for many hours.

For more information on inflatable air beds and guest beds visit Aerobed UK - Inflatable airbeds. The author of this article is Julian Smith

Tips For Hosting A Dinner Party

Writen by Melanie Breeze

There is nothing like an evening of good friends and good conversation. If you love to entertain friends and co-workers, but lack the funds for a traditional dinner party, you are in luck. If you shop smart, it doesn't take a lot of money to throw an event that will make you the envy of your social circle. When all else fails, consider a potluck. Have each one of your guests bring their favorite dish or appetizer. It can be a lot of fun to try new recipes and variations.

First off set the mood! A good dinner party is all about ambiance. Consider going to your local dollar store or discount store to purchase some inexpensive tapers and candles. They are an easy way to brighten up a room, and encourage conversation. Don't be afraid to try something fun, either. Try a themed party like a Hawaiian theme, or an 80's theme. The possibilities are endless, and it will help break the ice among your guests. Encourage your guests to dress up, for instant glamour.

Once you have the mood set, its time to think about food. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to serve a seven course meal. Stick with cheap appetizers and fingers foods. Fondue parties are a blast to throw, and cost very little to pull off. Encourage your guests to bring their favorite dippers, to save you even more. A wine tasting party is also a fun event, and can cost you almost nothing to throw. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of their favorite wine. All you have to do is supply the wine glasses! If you choose to go a more traditional route, try buying your food online. There are many websites that sell discount goodies, and you can save even more by using an e-coupon site. If you go through one of these coupon sites you can purchase lobsters, wine, chocolate, steaks, appetizers, and just about anything else you can think of. It only takes a few minutes to shop, and many vendors offer free shipping. It couldn't be easier!

Pay special attention to the dinner party invitations. A good invitation will help convey the theme of the party, and instruct the guests on any food or items that they need to bring to the event. You can create cheap, one-of-a-kind invitations, by using supplies available at your local craft supply store. Each invitation shouldn't cost more a few cents a piece. Don't forget to address the envelope in your own handwriting; it gives it a personal touch. Good luck!

Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of food coupons at CouponChief.com, is always shopping around for the best deals. You can find discounts and free shipping available for stores all over the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Make sure to get a food coupon for any online food purchase!

The Devil Made Him Do It

Writen by Kenneth C. Hoffman

The night before a cold wind whistled through the cracks in the door, whiskery sounds of hard snow hit the window panes. Three days of blizzard conditions finally broke with the appearance of a brilliant sun in a crystal sky. The plows had been through and the country roads glistened with fresh packed snow. No salt or sand marred its surface, just four inches of glazed, ice-rink-hard white ice. Perfect for sleigh riding.

One year apart, my brother and I couldn't wait to rescue our three man Radio Flyer sleigh from the rafters of the garage. A pumice stone quickly rid the runners of rust, our tongues sticking out in concentration. Three layers of flannel shirts, woolen sweaters were topped by wool plaid anorak jackets. Double gloves, some with holes, insured against frostbite, stubborn metal catches on galoshes firmly locked against the weather.

The previous summer we roamed the country roads on our bikes, ranging as far as six miles from home. A few miles to the north, our road started to climb. Hinting at the first Kittatinny mountain tucked in the northern corner of the state, the almost imperceptive rise in altitude gradually segued into a hill of considerable steepness, culminating in a dangerous cut at its peak. Locally known as four mile hill, it probably boasted a continuous rise for only two and one half miles. The exciting flip side of the coin was the promise of a speedy fall from the heights on the downside of the hill. After lunch, no mention of this adventure passed our lips as we trudged our way alongside the road in the crunch verve. Unable to pass up every hill we saw on the way, our twelve year old bodies started to flag in strength.

Being brothers, there was of course some sibling rivalry. But our parents made a big deal out of sharing and taking turns, the only way of keeping the squabbling down to a low roar. So we took turns steering, even pulling each other on the level stretches, counting the seconds in a sing-song voice. We would pretend we were Indians, marking the trail for the way home with snowballs exploded on tree trunks. By now snow filtering down into our galoshes had turned our toes to cold granite, the pain slowly fading into numbness. Indefatigable in our climb, we leaned into the hill, our sled whipping behind us, tugged relentlessly by gravity. Once we let go of the rope and had a panicky moment floundering down the hill after it, ending in a heap at the bottom of a ravine. After that we were more careful. The final stretch loomed like a ski run in front of us. A setting sun turned the snow to orange, purple clouds coming up from the west. Soon it would be dark, reminding us of dire warnings of what would happen to us if we stayed out too late.

Panting, we rested at the peak, standing on the sleigh for a better view down the valley. No cars had passed us in the last half hour, so we felt safe in testing fate in the form of icy hill, gravity, and being late for supper. As soon as our breathy clouds diminished, we felt ready for the fast ride home. Suddenly, my brother flopped on the sleigh and pushing off down the hill with wind milling arms, quickly attained a speed of twenty miles per hour, diminishing in the distance. Stunned, I stood there screaming his name, shouting "Stop!, stop!, wait, wait! Admitting defeat, I let out a weak 'wait'. Stuffing my scarf into my coat and fighting back tears, I slowly marched down the hill, slipping and falling in the dusk, the sharp ice ripping through my wet corduroy pants. I was tired, cold, hungry and lonely all at the same time. Added to that was the hate I felt for my brother for doing me this terrible trick. Imagining all kinds of punishment for staying out after dark, I planned my revenge in the form of sand in his shoes, itching powder in his sheets and a good punch in the jaw when I got back. Later, after the remonstrances from my worried parents, all I had strength for was a hot bath and supper by the fire. My brother just laughed.

Reminiscing is a favorite pastime.

Popular Con Games And How To Recognize Them

Writen by Carl Ellis

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Popular Con Games And How To Recognize Them
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The object of any con game is to cause you to part with your money or other thing of value.

Most con games are initiated by people who approach you on the street or call on you at your home.

Be suspicious of ANY plan, idea, scheme, business deal or whatever that requires you to part with your money on short notice.

THE PIGEON DROP
Cons like the "pigeon drop" are very common. In this scam, the victim is approached by a person, or persons, claiming to have found a large sum of money. The suspects tell the victim they would like to share the money with the victim, but ask the victim to put up some of his own money as a gesture of good faith. Packages, bags, or whatever are switched and the victim ends up with a wad of paper or the like and the suspects are nowhere to be found.

ROCKS IN THE BOX
In the "rocks in the box" scam, the victim is approached by a suspect who offers to sell him a new TV, VCR, or similar item--at a very low price. Once the victim parts with his money he finds himself stuck with a box containing bricks or other junk used to simulate the weight of the claimed contents of the box.

BANK EXAMINER
The "bank examiner" con is commonly practiced on older females.

In this scam the victim is contacted, usually by phone, by a person claiming to be an officer of the bank at which she has an account. The caller claims that due to computer malfunction or other problem, the bank needs to verify certain information.

During the conversation, the caller tries to obtain needed information about the victim's account balance, recent account activity, etc. The caller will also try to determine if the victim lives alone, etc. If the phony bank officer gets the needed information he will thank the victim, and tell her he will call her back if there are any problems.

After a short time the phony bank officer will call the victim again and tell her that the problem has been caused by a bank employee that they suspect of stealing from customer's accounts, including the victim's. The victim is asked if she would assist the bank in catching the dishonest employee. The victim, wanting to help nab the crook, often agrees. She is then given the "plan" by the phony bank officer.

He tells the victim that a "dummy" account has been set up in her name for this event. She is to go to the bank and to the suspected dishonest employee and withdraw $3000, the amount stolen from her account. The phony bank officer tells the victim that the dishonest employee, knowing that the withdrawal will cause the victim's account to be overdrawn, will have to steal the money from yet another account to make up the difference.

The phony bank officer tells the victim that the dishonest employee's actions will be monitored on closed-circuit TV, and this is how he/she will be caught.

The victim is assured that her account is fully insured and she will suffer no loss due to the employee's dishonesty. The victim follows through with the plan and withdraws the agreed amount. The victim then meets the phony bank official at a pre-determined location.

The phony bank official then takes the money from the victim, telling her that it actually came from the "dummy" account and not her account, and that it is needed as evidence.

The victim is given a receipt for the money and of course neither the money, nor the bank officer is ever seen again!

BAIL BOND SCAM
The victim is contacted by phone by a person claiming to be a friend of a relative of the victim. The victim is told that the relative has been arrested for an outstanding warrant or some other minor charge, and needs money to get out of jail. The "friend" asks the victim for the bail money. If the victim agrees, the caller will arrange for himself or another person to pick up the money.

PHONY C.O.D. SCAM
The suspect will scout a neighborhood to find a suitable unoccupied home. He will check a city directory publication to determine the name of the homeowner. He will put the name on a phony shipping label and attach that to a box containing rocks or similar type debris. He will then return dressed in an "express delivery" type of uniform. He will pretend to knock or ring the doorbell at the unoccupied house. Getting no answer, he will then go to a next-door or nearby neighbor and ask them to accept the package and pay the C.O.D. fee.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAM
The suspects drive to the victim's house in a contractor type vehicle and dressed in workman's clothing. They tell the victim they have just finished a large roofing job (or driveway resurfacing, etc.) and have some materials left over.

They tell the victim they will use the leftover material to repair the victim's roof, driveway, or whatever, at a large discount. If the victim agrees, the suspects will do a quick, shoddy, job with cheap material.

These con artists usually travel from town to town perpetrating this scam, staying away from their hometown where they would surely be caught in a short time.

Carl Ellis is the owner of The Guardian Company. He has published a brand new and unique e-Book, "753 Family Safety Tips, Tricks, and Pointers... 'You Can Use EVERY DAY To Protect Yourself, Your Property, AND Your Loved Ones!' " == The Guardian Company offers a unique service == "S.O.W". This stands for Sexual Offender Watch. You can get "instant" Email Alerts about sexual offenders living within one mile of you! For more info on how to subscribe to this service, contact: cellis45308@yahoo.com?subject=SOW_Info_Requested

Make The Right Move

Writen by Donald Lee

America is always on the move—literally. Experts estimate that one out of five households move to a new residence each year. If you do the math, that amounts to a whopping 1.5 million moves every month. Those are some amazing stats, especially if you consider how trying and stressful such moves can be. It's a wonder that one household—let alone millions!—can pull it off.

If you're part of this statistic and on the verge of a big move, though, don't be daunted by the whole process of packing up your stuff, loading it, and dragging it to your new home. There is a way to move without losing any valuables, too much money, or your mind, whether you're moving across town, or across the continent. With some common sense, some help from professionals, friends, and loved ones, and the essential "Do's and Don'ts" list in this article, you can be successful and avoid all of the mishaps and stress that usually come with moving.

We'll start with the positive—the Do's on our list. Make sure to check off all of these before you even start stuffing boxes with your stuff. Do:

• Line up help for packing and moving your stuff. It depends on your budget whether you hire professional movers or call in the volunteer brigade (your friends and family). Either way, round up somebody.

• Have a chat with your post office, making sure they know to forward your mail to your new address. In many cases, you will need to fill out a mail-forwarding form.

• Purchase brand-new moving boxes from your moving company or truck-renting company. They're worth the money. Bugs and vermin can stow away in old boxes. No need to give them a free ride to your new digs.

• Sort through your stuff for old valuables you don't need anymore to sell. Be honest with yourself, and you may be able to pay for your move with the money you make—especially if you sell them at convenient and easy marketplaces like online classified sites.

• Drop off old valuables that aren't worth selling at a Goodwill or other charity thrift shop.

• Think comfort and safety on move day. Pack a first-aid kit with medicines and hygiene products, as well as a change of clothes and light snacks.

Now onto the Don'ts. Avoid these missteps, and your move will feel like an exciting adventure, not painful torture. So don't:

• Take on the entire move without any help and worse, without any planning.

• Forget to find out your local post office's rules for transferring mail. And while you're at it, don't let it slip your mind to change your address, as well.

• Move without your kids and pets or leave them home alone during trips to and from your old and new residences. For pets and small children, your best bet is a sitter.

• Grab a few used vegetable boxes from the supermarket or grocery store. They may be cheap, but bugs and dirt may be hiding inside them. You want to start in your new home with a clean slate, not an infested one.

• Haul old kitchen junk, like worn-out plastic containers and chipped glasses, with you to your home. You can save yourself a lot of heartache, and muscle aches, if you use the move as a chance to get rid of this kind of stuff.

• Pack expired canned foods, leftovers, and perishables. Anything that can spill, go rotten, and cause a mess in any way is not worth the effort. Again, think clean slate.

• Throw a garage sale, sell what you can, and save the leftovers for the garage sale you tell yourself you'll have next spring. Truth is, this stuff will probably be clogging your storage space for years to come. If you want to sell it, try an easier and more profitable way, such as online classified ads.

• Forget to unpack box after box after you move in and then when you can't find something (because it's buried in a box somewhere), go shopping for it. Unpack as quickly as possible. You won't feel at home in your new place until you do.

These Do's and Don'ts will help you have a "moving" experience when you settle into your new home. But instead of tears of frustration and anguish pouring out your eyes, they will be tears of joy.

Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services for individuals and businesses to market their products and services online. For global and localized classifieds, please visit - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds

How To Enjoy Your Relatives

Writen by Evelyn Cole

Recognize the role of beliefs.

"We are incredibly heedless in the formation of our beliefs, but find ourselves filled with an illicit passion for them when anyone proposes to rob us of their companionship." James Harvey Robinson 1863-1936

Most family squabbles come from opposing beliefs about something that result in an exchange of insulting looks if not outright insults. It's easier to be tolerant of your relatives when you understand that they formed their beliefs as carelessly as you did and defend them as much as you defend yours.

Think of a belief you have about, say, capital punishment or seat belt laws. Where did your belief come from?

That's a hard question to answer. If you ask that question when you disagree with a relative about something, even if it is as trivial as which way dishes face in the dishwasher, you might end up laughing. Of course, you have to try to answer it yourself, first.

Otherwise you tend to avoid all subjects that may spark disagreement. That can beboring. Or you get into such a fight there is no hope for reconciliation.

Family members who do not speak to each other for years carry an unnecessary pain for years.

Here's a story, an old folk tale I heard on national Public Radio: Long before recorded history two brothers owned and grew wheat on a large parcel of land in what came to be Jerusalem. The youngest brother married and had several children. The oldest remained a bachelor.

One year the two brothers had an argument they did not resolve. They divided the land and built a fence to separate them. Each continued growing wheat. The years went by. The brothers did not speak to each other.

One night during harvest the oldest brother awoke with this thought: I really don't need all this wheat. My brother has a big family to feed. I will put some of my wheat in his barrels. Very early in the morning he shoveled wheat from his harvest over the fence.

Meanwhile the younger brother thought, my brother doesn't have any children to help him with the harvest. I'll give him some of my wheat when he's asleep. So he shoveled a barrelful over the fence onto his brother's land.

The next day, at different times, both brothers wondered why the amount of wheat was the same on both sides of the fence. This went on for a few more days until one night, when both sneaked out to shovel wheat at the same time, they saw each other and realized why the wheat levels had remained the same. They tore down the fence next to a large rock and hugged.

When God saw, that he declared that rock as his church on earth. That's how the tale ends. Today, four or five religions claim that rock in Jerusalem as theirs. Blood has been shed over that rock for centuries. The beliefs that we still fight over form our identities.

My Australian grandson asked his American mother, "What religion am I, Australian?"

My daughter answered, "That's your nationality. You were baptized Anglican."

He replied, "But I thought I was half-American."

Identities can be confusing, but once found, by God, we're not going to change them!

Enjoy the irony and love your relatives.

Copyright 2006 Cole's Poetic License

© Evelyn Cole, MA, MFA, The Whole-mind Writer http://www.write-for-wealth.com evycole@hughes.net Cole's chief aim in life is to convince everyone to understand the power of the subconscious mind and synchronize it with goals of the conscious mind.

How To Host A Superb Kid Birthday Party

Writen by Martyn Purdy

How do you plan a children's birthday party... and still remain sane?

Relax, don't panic and keep it as simple as possible is the answer.

Kids don't care if the room has been vacuumed and cleaned. Think about it for a moment, kid's will make the tidiest of room's look like a disaster zone within minutes of turning up. They won't care whether the table napkins match or what time it is!... all they will want to do is have fun, play games and eat lots of goodies!

So, what's the best way to ensure that your child's birthday party is one to remember? (at least until the next party invitation arrives!)

Firstly, take a little time to think about the party theme. Will it be an outing to the local burger house, a trip to an amusement park or will you have a theme party at home. With sufficient forward planning, you won't be losing any sleep worrying about the party.

Make a list of who is coming to the party? The general rule of thumb is to invite as many guests as you feel comfortable catering for.

Ask the birthday child what they would like to do. Don't be tempted to pressure them into having the sort of party YOU would like... it is their special day after all! Once you have decided on a theme, then the party activities to keep the kids happy become a priority. Many traditional games can be adapted to fit just about any party theme.

If the party is to at the local restaurant, go along and speak to the manager to agree the food menu and leave the rest to them. An outing to the amusement park or zoo may require additional party planning, with transport being just one item needing consideration. Many of these venues have party facilities available so all you need to provide is the children and a credit card to pay the bill.

If the party is to be at home, then selecting a theme can be fun. Whether it's Pirates, Finding Nemo or Dora the Explorer... this is your opportunity to get creative!

With so many character theme party goods available, the choice is endless. If you're planning to hold the party outdoors, it would be a good idea to have at least one room inside your home decorated, in case of rain. Try to limit the party activities to pre-designated party areas (as much as possible), so you are able to relax and enjoy the party without worrying about the mess being made.

Ok, it's now time to get ready for the party! You've decided on the party theme and how many guests will be invited... Now the preparations and fun begin!

Don't forget to keep your birthday kid involved whenever possible. Get them to suggest party game ideas, then choose the decorations and food together. Feeling relaxed? Hope so, because organizing a kid birthday party should be fun for everyone!

Allocate a budget for the party and decide whether you hire a professional entertainer or enlist the help of friends and neighbors? Don't be afraid to ask a friend to help clear empty dishes, run a game or two and even take the some party photos.

Set a time for the party. Two or three hours should be plenty of time. If the children are under 5 years old, then one and half hours should be time enough. One great tip is to hold a toddler party in the morning, as youngsters tend to get a bit "cranky" when they get tired!

Plan your party games in 15-20 minute intervals. If you find the kids are happy playing a particular game let them carry on... why spoil their fun? On the other hand plan more activities than you think you will need. Some games may be greeted with a "groan" and you may well need to play another game sooner than you expected.

Send out your birthday party invitations 2 to 3 weeks in advance of the party date, then make a follow-up confirmation phone calls after about a week. People tend to be very busy nowadays and a small invitation can get easily forgotten, usually under a mountain of junk-mail!

Don't spend more time or energy than necessary on things that don't really matter. When organising the party food keep snacks plain and simple. Remember that kids love eating food with their fingers and your party day could be a great day to let them do just that!

Buy an undecorated cake from your local baker and decorate it yourself, making a terrific party theme cake... or get the bakers to make a completely finished themed birthday cake!

Finally, imagine that the big day is here and your first guest arrives for your child's birthday party. Stay calm, keep a good sense of humor and enjoy the precious party time with your guests. Above all, keep the party flowing and let the children set the pace.

You will look back afterwards, when flicking through your fabulous party photo's, with the immortal words... "It was well worth the effort"

Martyn Purdy is the creator of a popular kid birthday party website. Find a wealth of party themes, games, treats and our party planner at http://www.captain-kid-birthday-parties.com.

Couple Relationship

Writen by Brigette Meier

Statistics about divorce rates in the United States vary widely from one third up to fifty percent. Still, even considering the lower estimations, that would still be every third couple getting divorced.

Surely one reason is the more liberated attitude towards marriage and divorce in our modern society. But there must be different reasons why couples are not getting along in the first place - before divorce becomes an option.

In most cases, it all starts with two people who are madly in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together. Often (here goes liberation again) they've been living together for a while, and they passed already the initial conflicts that arise from two people who suddenly share a living space.

And there lies already the first possible brick in the wall that will divide them later on. By tendency, men are untidier than women. Unwashed dishes are not really a problem, so are unwashed clothes. And since the friends don't really mind those things either, a rather sketchy clearance will do before receiving visitors.

Again by tendency, women prefer things to be clean, tidy and organized. The reputation is altered by the apartment's or house's state of cleanliness when it comes to visitors, so untidy husbands can be a real nuisance. Especially, when they refuse to share the work-to-be-done in the household or even disregard it.

Behind this are two aspects. First, male role behaviour (you might go as far to say, arrogance): I am a man, I will not do housework. Second, many men simply don't give so much importance to those things. That may be influenced by the time spent at home - even though many women are working, they gradually spend more time at home than men, especially if there are children to be taken care of. So of course, the sensitivity towards unwashed socks is higher.

Still, sometimes the degree of female sensitivity on untidyness can reach annoying levels if it's exaggerated. Nagging behaviour and a constant avalanche of complaints, especially about small and objectively unimportant issues, create a stressed atmosphere and can lead to relationship-damaging and most of all unnecessary arguments.

Conclusion: Guys, be more thoughtful with household chores. Try to get used to helping maintain a certain state of cleanliness� it's not that hard. And girls, don't also be over-sensitive with your partner's domestic imperfection.

Transferring from easy-going single life to married life will raise a lot of responsibilities that have quite some influence on the way of living. Before, there was only one person to negotiate the course of action with - oneself. Now, two opinions have to be heared and compromises have to be made. That can be quite tough, especially when the respective interests are far from each other. Decisions range from the kind of new car to buy (sporty vs. station wagon), the place to visit on holiday (beach vs. culture) to small things like the color of the necktie.

Depending on who's dominant in the marriage, one partner will feel overruled. Or there will be a constant source of arguments if both won't give in. Either way, it leads to a bad mood and a strained relationship.

Conclusion: Don't just show, but really take interest in what your partner really likes doing. Be open-minded, and overcome social role patterns. Maybe you'll find more common interests among each other. On the other side, be fair if your partner really doesn't like something. Offer deals (Icehockey against classic concert), or make compromises. Get used to the thought that marriage will cost you a lot of your personal freedom. Preferrably, get used to that thought BEFORE you decide to get married.

Now you were really enjoying the time together, and it could go on like this for years and suddenly (well, not that suddenly, but sometimes rather unexpected), there are three of you there. Children can have a serious impact on the plans you made for the next years. Commonly, men are completely and blissfully ignorant when it comes to dealing with babies. This is surely based in social role patterns - and maybe many are just lacking the talent. So the mother often gets stuck with the work. Full-time job might not be an option for a while, so it requires a healthy self-confidence to accept the lack of personal acknowlegdement through working success.

But there is also the other side of the medal: In the case of working couples, the husband's responsibility is increased regarding the family's financial situation. Career decisions and risks are not easily taken anymore, and the budget is usually tighter with a third mouth to feed. At that point, nagging about money and arguments about long working hours can cause the husband to develop a feeling of estrangement towards his family out of the anger from lack of understanding.

Since this can be a volcanic source of arguments, better make sure you realize the work that's coming up to you before having a child. Guys, be helpful. Don't come home after a stressy working day and expect to relax. Depending on the number and temperament of your offspring, your wife probably had an even more stressy day. Help her out where possible - if you can't go with children, at least take over some of the household stuff. Dishes are easier to wash than babies, and they don't fight back. Girls, show understanding if your husband, though trying hard, has got difficulties when it comes to such profane things like changing diapers. They probably didn't have practice with their little siblings when they were young, and they didn't share a similar affection towards dolls.

Arguments cannot be avoided. Still, try to maintain a civilized way of dealing with each other. It's better to swallow your pride and a sharp reply than hurting your partner's feelings. Be open to criticism. That's the hardest part of all, but what do you expect when you share your intimate life with someone? Fight the first impulse to defend yourself when criticized and keep your mouth shut. Admit your mistakes. And avoid being resentful. You won't like it being done to you either.

Two partners should be equal in marriage, so no one will rule over the other. That means a lot of compromises and probably a reduction of former pleasant spare-time activities. Be prepared for that, and keep in mind that what might be great fun for you is a waste of time for your partner.

Remind yourself of the love you feel for each other, and show it. There's no law against being sweet even if you've been married for some years. And if you're having a hard time, clear your mind, and remember why in the first place you got married.

Brigette Meier is an occassional author for http://www.e-nterests.com - visit the site for more interesting articles.

6 Tips For Avoiding Work From Home Scams

Writen by Jordan Williams

It seems like everyone is being flooded with advertisements on how you can be a millionaire by working at home. I see it when I turn on the TV, I see it when I read a magazine, I see it when I surf the Net, I see it everywhere! We just can't escape the latest get rich quick scheme. It seems like everyone and their grandma is trying to sell you that pie in the sky dream of living the perfect life. So the question comes up, is it truly possible to make a living by working from home or are all these advertisements we see just another scam?

The good news is yes, it is possible to make a decent living by working from home but you need to be cautious. You especially need to be aware of online "get rich quick scams". In this article I am going to cover 6 tips to help you discover which business opportunities are for real and which ones you should stay away from.

1) Do they have contact information?

Obviously scam artist don't want to be found. So do they have all their contact information on their web site? Such as their company name, phone number, and address? It's also important that they have a physical address and not just a P.O. Box. Once you have their phone number you should call them and ask them any questions that you have.

2) Are they a legal company?

Has the company been legally registered in their country? Each country has different laws in this regard, but in the United States you want to make sure that they are set up as a legal corporation. Look at the company name and see if there is a LLC, Inc., Corporation, Incorporated, Limited, Ltd., Corp., or Enterprises at the end of it. You can also do a search at Google and see if it is registered in that state. Just type in "search for corporation (name of state)" and you can find any registration data.

3) How do they accept payments?

Another sign to look for is how they have set up their payment system. Have they taken the steps to have their own merchant account? If not then are they using a reputable 3rd party payment system? If they are using a 3rd party payment processor then make sure that you can dispute any charges made to your account. Paypal is a good example of a reputable 3rd party payment processor. On the other hand I would stay away from any company exclusively using payment systems such as Stormpay or E-gold.

4) Do they offer a real product?

Do they offer a real product with real value? Most business opportunities that are scams won't even talk about a product or all they offer is a bunch of ebooks or other worthless products. If they are a legitimate company then you should be able to make money by selling their product or service. If the only way to make money is by recruiting other people to join then this is a sure sign of a scam.

5) What are other people saying about it?

It is always good to know the experiences that other people have had with the business opportunity that you are researching. You can take a look at forums where people talk about their experiences with home based businesses to get a good feel of a company. You can find some forums by searching for mlm forums, work at home forums, or home based business forums on Google.

It's also a good idea to get some referrals from the company itself. When you call or email them, ask them for some contact information of other members. That way you can get in touch with these members and see how it's working out for them.

Another good resource to check is the "Work-at-Home Sourcebook" by Lynie Arden which has more than 1,000 home business and franchise opportunities, complete with realistic descriptions of what the work entails, how much it pays, up front costs, projected incomes, and addresses and phone numbers to facilitate contacting specific companies.

6) Do they make outrageous promises?

Starting a home-based business is just like starting any other kind of business. It requires time, effort, and money. Be wary of any company promising you big money with little or no effort involved.

There are literally millions of people making a living by working from home and it's possible for you to be one of them. Just remember to use these 6 tips to find a legitimate work at home opportunity.

Jordan Williams is the owner of Webcashlink.com giving you the tools, software, and resources to maximize your online profits! Home Business Tools

Can I Afford This

Writen by Terry Rigg

It's time to replace that old car. Your repair bills are starting to add up to more than the payment would be. But how do you know for sure if you can afford another vehicle?

People ask themselves this question regularly, and not just about cars. Unless you have control of your finances there is no way to tell. You have to know how much your income is and how much your bills and expenses are to find out if you have enough left over for any purchase.

The only way to accomplish this is to have a budget in place. Your budget has to be as accurate as possible and include money for your long and short term savings. All of these things must be considered before you can determine if you can afford to buy anything.

The best way to start is to determine how much disposable income you have. You do this by only using your take home pay plus any other income you may have after any deductions.

The next step is to put down on paper all of your reoccurring bills such as your house payment or rent, utilities, phone, internet costs, car payments, insurance, etc. These are fairly simple to determine, however, you will have to estimate bills that do not have a constant payment each month like your electric bill.

Now comes the hard part. You have to find out how much you spend each month on your household expenses. This includes everything from car gas to groceries. The most common method of doing this is to keep track of everything you spend for 30 to 60 days, however, it seems like most people will not stick to this for that long.

I would suggest that you sit down with a piece of paper and brain storm what your expense are. I will tell you now that you won't be able to think of everything so you will have to make adjustments later. It's hard to remember things like Vet bills.

Now that you know what your income, bills and expenses are you have to set up your savings if you don't already have one. This should be split into long and short term savings. This should be considered just as important as your bills.

It is best to save at least 10% of your income with 50% each going to long and short term savings. The short term saving is going to be your buffer to cover unexpected expenses and possibly for things that are only paid every three, six or twelve months.

Your long term savings needs to be invested in some way. It is always best to consult a professional financial adviser before making a decision how to invest.

Now to answer the question "Can I Afford This?". If you have enough money left over, after considering all of the above, to afford an extra payment then go for it.

Here is a simple formula:

Income - Bills - Expenses - Savings = How much money you have to pay that extra bill

If the item you are considering is important you may want to use some of your short term savings toward things like a down payment. But remember you still have to have enough money each month to cover the regular payment.

What if you don't have enough to cover that extra payment? Then you quite simply Can't Afford It.

Terry Rigg is the author of Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/ebookadpage.html and editor of the Budget Stretcher web site. Join the thousands of subscribers to The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter and get great articles, tips, downloads and a lot of Budget Help by visiting his home page at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com

Moving Boxes And Packing Tips

Writen by Brendon Benson

Packing Your HouseHold and preparing for a move can be overwelming. Use this helpful tips to minimize the stress and get it done faster.

Beds - You can dissamble the bed frame to save time. Tie rails and cross-pieces together with packing tape. Be sure to mark on tape to show where pieces fit together for reassembly. You can protect your mattress and boxspring with a Mattress Cover or large sheets of plastic. You may want to cover them just before you walk out the door - the plastic may make it difficult to move downstairs or around awkward corners in your home.

Bicycles, Tricycles, Baby Carriages - Loosen, lower and turn handlebars at right angles to save space. Clean and cover chains and pedals to protect other items from being snagged or soiled.

Books - They're heavy, so use Small Boxes. Don't mix books with other items. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap.

Bureaus, Dressers - Fill drawers with small breakable items and cushion well with loose clothes. Secure drawers with pad or blanket and tape. Do not overload drawers with heavy items.

Chairs - Wrap arms and legs to prevent scratches. Bundle armless chairs in pairs, seat to seat, with a folded blanket or other padding between and tie seats together.

Clothes - Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel best in reusable Wardrobe Boxes, which can be used seasonally as "extra closets" for wardrobe storage. Other clothes can remain folded in their regular dresser drawers. Also, Large Boxes can hold a lot of clothes without making the box too heavy.

Comforters, Pillows, Large/Light Items - Extra Large Boxes will be best for packing light bulky items. If you have small fragile items, you can pack a few in between the pilows for extra protection - just don't forget they are there!

Curtain Rod Hardware - Put the hardware in a plastic bag and tape to rod or pack in dresser drawers.

Dishes - Individually wrap each piece. Medium Boxes will fit most kitchenware without making the box too heavy. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge - DO NOT STACK FLAT. Cups and bowls may be placed inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle.

Kitchenware - Pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a box with packing paper between them. For bulky items, Large Boxes will do best. Remember not to make the box too heavy - someone has to carry it!

Glasses - Wrap each glass separately in packing paper or bubble wrap (you can wrap first in a plastic bag to save washing later).

Fine Furniture - You may want to wrap your best furniture in bubble wrap, not only to protect it from scratching, but to keep dust and dirt off the upholstery. Stretch Wrap can also help to prevent small scratches and dust from damaging your furniture. Make sure to wrap the item very tight to prevent snags while you are moving.

Lamps - After disassembling lamps, pack small bases in dresser drawers surrounded by loose clothing, and large bases in boxes stuffed with packing paper or bubble wrap. Box shades individually in boxes with plenty of packing paper for stuffing. Don't use newspaper because it smudges.

Lawn Mowers - Drain fuel and oil before loading. Remove handle from hand mowers and place blade end in sturdy box. Mark properly.

Mirrors, Paintings, Prints - Small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper and packed in boxes. For a larger mirrors and large picture frames, Frame Boxes work best. Mark GLASS on the outside to prevent mishandling. Always pack and store on end.

Paint and Flammables - Don't move! The same goes for other flammables such as alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid, ammunition and greasy mops or rags.

Radios, TVs - Box upright and make sure items are well padded on all sides. For console-size equipment, surround with furniture pads, and then move and load upright. Rugs and Pads - After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tape.

Stereos, Compact Discs and Cassettes - Separately pack components and pack in well-padded box marked FRAGILE. Pack CDs upright in their cases in a sturdy box with tape-reinforced bottom. Tie CDs in small bundles before packing, then fill air space with packing paper. Mark FRAGILE. Cassettes can be packed in a similar manner, although you can group them in larger bundles.

Tables - For large tables, remove legs and tie together. Put hardware in small sealed envelope taped to underside of table top. Pad tops. Pad and tie spare table leaves. For smaller tables, pad top and wrap legs to prevent scratching.

Tools and Gardening Equipment - Drain hoses, coil and pack in boxes. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc. Combine rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools together with tape.

Valuables - Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you throughout the move.

http://www.pghmovers.com/boxes.html http://www.pghmovers.com

Kids Love Of Reading Turns Into Creative Writing

Writen by Linda Meckler

Do you read to your children or grandchildren? Do you let them read to you? Do you encourage them to write simple sentences?

I have been reading to my granddaughter for about three years. She is now seven years old and is in first grade. She still loves to be read to and now she can read on her own.

Because of her love of reading she is about two grades ahead of herself in reading and comprehension. I am so proud of her.

I just had a visit with her last weekend and I was absolutely blown away by a journal entry she had made that morning. She knows that I am a published author and she asked me if she could publish her little journal story.

The reason I was so amazed at her journal story was for several reasons.

(1) I could read her handwriting.

(2) It was well organized.

(3) Her thoughts were in complete sentences.

She is only seven years old. I wrote an article months ago called Imaginations Explode when you read to your children. I am now reaping the benefits of this article in my own personal life when I read that fabulous journal article my wonderful granddaughter had written.

I felt very close to her and wanted to pack her up and take her home with me. That of course is out of the question since she has wonderful parents.

Her parents have done a terrific job of reading to her when she was an infant and through out her young life. I know they are encouraging her now in her reading and her writing.

This can be achieved by your children. Just read to them from the time they are tiny and keep it going.

My little grandson sees me coming and runs and brings me a book for him to read. He has learned his love of books from his older sister. This makes me feel so happy and special inside I try to keep the tears from showing.

You do not need to be a child to learn how to read. There are many adults that can not read. I have had a friend for about twenty years and he has tried to learn how to read on his own.

When he was a child he hardly received an education and now in his eighties he is finally working with a professional tutor and reading.

He calls me on the phone reading me a paragraph from a book or article. He is so happy with his achievement. He had lead a fantastic life and he would have been happy to write it all down in a journal if he could have been able to read and write.

It is never too late. If your kids are still tiny or toddlers start reading to them and never stop. When they start reading to you cherish the time you have together.

Kids grow up so fast today your memories of those stolen moments together will live long into your memory.

Thank you for reading my article. Feel free to read my other articles.

Copyright Linda Meckler 2006

Linda is the author of, "Ghost Kids Trilogy," Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids. Become involved with all the characters and all the adventure and mystery. Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates' Treasure is Hidden. Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates' Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them. Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. Check out my website http://www.lmeckler.com If you are bed or wheelchair confined or can't bend to sit on a toilet you must check out on my website, "Instant Bladder Relief Urinal (IBRU)" http://www.lmeckler.com

Lifes A Beach If You Can Fly

Writen by Larry M. Lynch

Of course, as we said, the beach isn't just for kids and teenagers. All the family can enjoy the shore provided there aren't "elbow-to-elbow" tourists. You can also do more than just get a tan (or a sunburn). Get up, get active, take to the skies. The usual old favorites are always fun which is why they're still popular. For some suggestions on alternative beach front vacation activities see the article entitled "Unique Things to Do at the Beach". Here are suggestions to consider for taking your beach time into the air:

Fly a kite

Kite-flying is such a natural beach front activity that they are sold on or near many beaches. Mornings and late afternoons to evening there are usually good sea breezes along most beaches. But why wait until you get there to try your hand? You can comfortably bring one of your own and have a much different (or much better) kite than everyone else. You'll also know how to launch and fly your own kite with a bit of practice before hand. It can also make for a good conversation generator. If you're a kite-flying novice, check out these websites for more information and even plans for building and flying your own.

• http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/make.html Have ever wanted to build a kite? Well, here is a simple kite you can make your self!

• http://www.aloha.net/~bigwind/20kidskites.html These are the complete time tested instructions to get 20 kids making their own kites and flying them in 20 minutes.

• http://www.planemath.com/activities/flykite/kiteplans.html

• http://www.cit.gu.edu.au/~anthony/kites/diamond/ Make a kite from BBQ skewers and White Kitchen tidy bag, with perhaps a bread bag cut into a long streamer for a tail.

• http://www.ehow.com/how_1288_make-kite.html How to make a kite. While kites are inexpensive to buy, making one adds to the fun. You'll be especially proud when your diamond-shaped creation takes to the sky.

• http://www.2020site.org/kite/ This site is about Kites - how to build kites, and includes plans for kites. Kite flying has been a popular hobby for hundreds of years and has evolved from the diamond figure and long tail the Victorian children enjoyed.

• http://scsc.essortment.com/howtobuilda_rlrf.htm Kites are fun for young and old alike. You can build your own kite, or help your kids build one by reading this article!

• http://www.cit.gu.edu.au/~anthony/kites/panflute/ The Panflute is a soft kite (no sticks) made of 7 connected windsock like tubes or cells. It has a good wind range and flies at an angle of 30-40 degrees. It flies with a side-to-side sway, or wobble, making this kite very pleasant to look at in the sky, particularly with a long ribbon tail, or other decoration. The kite is a great for families. It can be stuffed in a bag, and flown on the beach. Bury the handle in the sand and leave flying to mark your picnic spot.

Fly an airplane

Another popular beach front activity is flying a paper, balsa wood or model airplane. With wide open spaces and light to still breezes, virtually any design will soar like an albatross. If you fly paper designs then losing one won't break your heart. Balsa wood or Styrofoam planes fly well in beach breezes too, just remember it's possible to "lose" your craft to a stray or persistent breeze going the "wrong" way. Options for planes abound in Hobby shops, Toy stores, book stores, and of course, the internet. Radio-controlled model airplanes are a possibility too. Again, just be sure to check local regulations. To learn more about making paper airplanes check out these sites.

• www.paperairplanes.co.uk/ Alex's paper airplanes Cobra Paper Airplane The Planes - This is an index listing all the paper airplanes currently on the site ranked by how easy they are to make

• http://www.wannalearn.com/Just_for_Fun/Making_Paper_Airplanes/ Just for Fun : Making Paper Airplanes

• http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/paper.htm This page lists some of the best Web sites on how to make and fly paper airplanes.

• http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/paper/airplanes.html T he most amazing thing about a paper airplane is that all you need to make one is a sheet of paper—nothing more.

• http://paperplane.org/ Ken Blackburn, web site to share what he knows about paper airplanes. He holds the Guinness record for time aloft for paper airplanes.

So don't just go to the beach and lay there like a fish out of water. Take to the water or better yet, take to the skies. You'll never look at a beach resort vacation the same again.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is a writer and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines in print and online. He travels researching articles throughout Latin America and teaches at a university in Cali, Colombia. To read more, express a comment or get original, exclusive articles and content for your newsletter, blog or website, contact the author at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Quick Convenient Healthy Snacks For Kids

Writen by Stacie Mahoe

"Don't forget to put a snack in your backpack, you have practice after school." Or "Remind me it's our turn to bring snacks for the team on Saturday." Sound familiar? With kids on the go so much, it's important to have quick, healthy snacks. Children need a healthy energy boost and it needs to be done without much time or hassle.

A box of doughnuts sure would be easier, wouldn't it? Perhaps, but it wouldn't be healthier. There are many healthy snacks that don't take too long to prepare nor too long to consume. Below are several snack ideas for you.

When thinking of snacks for your child, remember to consider the time of year. Frozen juice pops are a fun refreshing snack, but not likely very appreciated if it's windy and cold out! However, for warmer months, keep snacks cold in an ice filled cooler.

Lots of liquids are important, especially if your child is involved with sports. Freeze juice boxes and water bottles for an ice cold, fluid replacement - contrary to belief that freezing water bottles causes a toxic reaction. If you've heard that warning before, it was simply an urban legend – not true.

Fruit is a simple snack that meets the quick and easy requirement. Grab a half peck of applies, a couple bunches of bananas and some clusters of grapes and you're good to go.

Someone thought of the excellent idea of making snack sized zip lock baggies. These are the perfect size to fill with trail mix. One variation of this recipe is to mix pretzels, walnuts, almonds and raisins. Some prefer to mix m&m chocolate candies, peanuts, almonds and dried banana chips. Any combination of nuts and fruit works great.

Mini muffins are always a big hit. Bake some blueberry or banana nut muffins, and then toss a couple muffins into a zip lock baggie for a tasty, quick snack to go.

With a small time investment, you can whip up some nutritious granola bars. Add oatmeal, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, honey, vanilla, and dried fruit such as apricots, cherries or blueberries. Make a pan or two, slice them, bag them and serve them up!

Also if you have the time, make some turkey wraps. Each wrap consists of a couple slices of turkey and an optional slice of cheese wrapped inside of a piece of lettuce. Kids are a little skeptical of them at first, but after one bite they'll be hooked. These too need to stay in a cooler.

If you're schedule isn't going to permit you to do much baking and preparation then the grocery store offers many snack options. String cheese, cucumber slices or portable individual servings of yogurt kept in the cooler are healthy snacks.

Head over to the bulk food section to find trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and individual packets of crackers and cheese or pretzels and peanut butter. It's very convenient to pack healthy snacks. Sweet potato chips or rice chips are much healthier than their popular friend, the potato chip. They taste great too; you just need to give kids the opportunity to try them. Besides, if they're hungry enough they'll eat just about anything!

Sometimes you may not come up with something as healthy as you would like while keeping in mind the quick and convenient requirement. Although if you can merely avoid harmful junk food snacks, you're doing a great service to your child.

Written my Stacie Mahoe Softball Coach and Mom to 4 kids Check out more of Stacie's Sports Parenting Tips

Home Weather Stations

Writen by Craig Wicks

In this age of digital technology, with instant access to up-to-the-minute data, forecasts, and images from the National Weather Service (NWS) and innumerable other online sources; with timely reports from local broadcasters and cable television networks; with personalized forecasts and storm alerts sent directly to your email, pager, or cell phone; why would anyone need a home weather station?

The answer to that question lies right there in your backyard, where the weather conditions you experience at home are often not the same as any of those resources might suggest. We know that all too well living here in southwest Virginia, as weather conditions up on the mountain ridges can be completely different from those down in the valleys. Fortunately, keeping an eye on local weather conditions using your own state-of-the-art weather station has never been easier or more affordable. Whether simple or elaborate, home weather stations will provide you with information that cannot be obtained anywhere else. And having the ability to glance over at your weather station console from the comfort of your couch or armchair is not only convenient, but fascinating as well.

Depending on desired features and accessories, electronic weather station prices can range from as little as $30 to as much as $3,000 or more. Available in either wireless or cabled versions, these highly accurate weather instruments monitor a variety of weather conditions: temperature and humidity (both indoors and out), atmospheric pressure, precipitation, wind direction and speed, dew point, wind chill, and heat index - all displayed within the comfort of your home! More advanced weather stations offer enhanced features such as faster sampling rates, extensive data graphing and history, and additional sensors ranging from ultraviolet, solar radiation, and evapotranspiration to soil temperature/moisture and leaf wetness. All electronic weather stations include a clock and many of them are radio controlled, resetting themselves daily to the official U.S. government atomic clock located at Fort Collins, Colorado.

Cabled weather stations use a cable to connect their weather sensors to the indoor console. Drawbacks include the risk of lightning (must use lightning arrestors) and having to drill a hole in the wall to link the two, but cabled units are generally less expensive than wireless units. Wireless weather stations use radio signals (typically in the 433 MHz band) to transmit measurements from the weather sensors to the indoor console, eliminating the need to string cable and drill holes. The maximum "unobstructed" (or "line of sight") range between the sensors and indoor console can vary between models, from 80 to 1000 feet. However, their "effective" range is determined by the building materials their signals must penetrate (walls, siding, roof structure, etc.) and by sources of radio interference. As a rule-of-thumb for a typical installation, the effective range is about a third of the rated unobstructed range.

Weather station sensors need to be placed or "sited" properly to provide accurate measurements. Once installed, sensors transmit their data to the indoor console, which updates the display and records the readings at an interval set by the manufacturer. This interval may vary depending on the type of measurement (temperature, wind speed, rainfall, etc.) or may be fixed at one interval rate regardless of the type (every minute, every three minutes, etc.).

Some home weather stations are capable of interfacing with a computer, either included as part of the package or available as an optional accessory. A computer-linked weather station offers not only real-time display of weather measurements on your computer monitor, but also provides for advanced data collection and graphical weather analysis. And with a dedicated internet connection, you can even post weather data to your own weather web page or become a part of the process by sharing your readings with the Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP), which forwards the information in a format that the National Weather Service can use. Even if your weather station isn't connected to a computer, you can still participate as a volunteer Skywarn "spotter," providing your local NWS weather forecast office with important weather measurements and severe weather reports.

Interest in weather is nearly universal and the information that home weather stations provide, combined with additional relevant study, can offer you an opportunity for a rewarding lifelong hobby. Most have discovered that their home weather station has given them a better understanding of weather, which has heightened their interest in other aspects of the natural world. After all, weather observation is not just confined to where you live.

About the Author: Craig Wicks is an amateur meteorologist, Skywarn storm spotter, weather photographer, and General Manager of WeatherShack.com, a leading provider of consumer and professional weather stations. To obtain additional information about the set up and use of home weather stations, please visit the WeatherShack Education Center. You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines with active links are included. Please send us a courtesy copy of your publication to info@weathershack.com. Copyright © 2005 WeatherShack.com

The Front Porch Quotis This The Answerquot

Writen by Diana Bays

Before World War II the front porch was the gathering place for friends and neighbors. They would gather on the porch to sing, play games or just to talk. For the adults and children alike, it was the favorite place to be after supper. Back then they were friends with their neighbors; they didn't have to worry if the next door neighbor was a murderer, rapist, child predator, or drug dealer.

After World War II technology took over our lives. We began to live in a fast paced world where we didn't have time to sit on our porch or to socialize with our neighbors, thus the decline of the front porch. This allowed the criminal to move into our neighborhoods. We don't even know the name of most of our neighbors, we don't have time to stop and say hi let alone gather to talk, sing or play games.

Lately there has been a yearning to go back to simpler times, when life was simpler, when we knew our next door neighbor. In recent years we have seen the return of the front porch but we still don't have the time to sit and gather with our neighbors.

So what would happen if we actually took the time to sit on our porch and get to know the people next door? Maybe this would help bring our neighborhoods back to the safe place they used to be. Maybe it would deter the murderer, the rapist, the child predator or the drug dealer from moving next door.

We need to take back our neighborhoods so that our children are safe. Maybe the answer is so simple that we have overlooked it. Maybe it is as simple as the return of the front porch. But it won't do any good to just build a porch we will have to actually use it.

One way to implement the use of the front porch is to invite your neighbors over for a pot luck barbecue. There are many activities you will be able to come up with that everyone would enjoy.

So why don't we turn off the televisions, get off the internet and take the time to gather on the front porch, get to know our neighbors and bring back the safe haven our neighborhoods should be.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if it's just as simple as making our front porch a gathering place.

Diana Bays is the co-owner of Mamma's Primitive Hut. Visit her online store for your candle needs.

Safety Tips For Home Emergencies

Writen by Ailsa Forshaw

Home Safety

Home Safety is something we all need to know. I can never remember where the things are that you're supposed to turn to shut off the Gas, Water or Electricity, so I got my husband to give me a quick tour through our House so I could get a better handle on this Home Safety thing (and to share it with all my Readers, of course!).

Gas Safety

The First Rule is to Always Turn to the Right in a Clockwise Motion to Turn off a Valve.

Pop into my Website, www.buildyourownhosue.ca, to see pictures of the Gas Line, Electrical Box, and exciting pictures of the Toilet! I've taken a bunch of shots so you can easily recognize these areas around your own house. (By the way, note how the Satellite Dish is in a nice, sheltered position -- never put a Satellite Dish out in the open... it'll just get damaged and then you'll miss your favorite Shows, and we don't want that!)

To Turn Off the Gas, you will need to Turn the Valve Clockwise until the Two Holes Match Up. Use a Crescent Wrench or Pipe Wrench for this, so be sure to have one handy -- perhaps by the Front Entry or over by the Gas-line itself. (Odd little note: when my son, Aidan, was 3 years old, he loved his Crescent Wrench so much that he held it like a baby when he was watching T.V. Funny! He's a Contractor's Son, all right!)

You need to Turn Off the Gas if anyone is ever working on the Gasline (the holes are there so that you can lock in in an Off Position while the work is being done). OR If you ever suspect a Gas Leak -- you might smell the gas in the house. Call the Gas Company and go and Shut off the Gas. Stay out of the House until they get there. OR If there's a Fire in your house and you can safely get to the Gas-line without any possibility of you getting hurt, run over and Shut Off the Gas.

Electrical Safety

The Electrical Panel is generally found in the Furnace Room.

The Big Black Switch at the Bottom of the Panel is the Main Breaker Switch.

In an Emergency (like when you see smoke or fire coming out of a Plug), and it's safe to do so, go to the Electrical Panel and Switch Off the Main Breaker Switch.

Problem: You're using the Microwave and the Toaster at the same time, and the power quits to both.

Solution: Go to the Electrical Panel. Most of the 'Breakers' (other Switches) will be clearly marked with the name of the Room they service. Locate the one you think most closely fits the problem area, then Pull the Switch to the Opposite Side. This should solve the problem. You might have to try a couple of switches to get the Power back to your Appliances (or wherever they're required).

Take special care not to use the same combination of power use in the future -- find another plug for the Toaster, or use it after you're done with the Microwave. (I don't know why this is such a tricky combination -- probably because of the power load...)

WARNING:

It's critical that you NEVER, EVER Open the Electrical Panel. It could cause Serious Injury or Death. Never take any risks with Electricity. Call an Electrician to Solve any Serious Issues.

Water Problems

Okay, Water is pouring out of the Dishwasher or a Tap has Burst -- what to do, what to do??

Go to the Furnace Room (Utility Room). Shut Off the Main Water Valves. Turn the Valve Clockwise (to the Right) to Shut them off.

The Main Water Shut-Off Valves look like Large Levers (often Red and Yellow) or in an older home, the Round Knob Handles. They're usually on an Angled Pipe.

The Lever is Open when it is Flush with the Pipe in a Vertical Position.

The Lever is Closed when it is in a Horizontal Position to the Pipe.

Call your Plumber.

See if you have a Yellow Lever in the Furnace Room. That's the Main Water Shutoff Valve.

And now for the Toilet... did you see the Bernie Mac (one of my favorite shows!) Episode where Wanda discovers the Toilet Overflowing? It's every woman's worst nightmare (or one of the worst!)...

Well, I can never watch anything without linking it back to my Site in some way, so I immediatley asked Dwight to please show me how to deal with that... so you can pop into my Site (www.buildyourownhouse.ca) for some lovely pictures of the Toilet.

Okay, so now you're looking at the Toilet. There's a pipe at the Base of it. See the little Lever? All you have to do is Turn the Lever Clockwise (To the Right) until it's Horizontal (closed). That's it!

Now you will probably still have a bunch of yucky water to clean up, but at least you'll have stopped any more water from coming out. Now you can call your Plumber! Squeak open that wallet!

See how easy Home Safety can be? Mostly, it's a matter of being aware of what can happen and having some idea of how to solve the problem. Just remember: Deal with what you can, yourself, then call in a Professional if it's dangerous or too yucky for words!

Ailsa Forshaw is a Writer, Builder, Website Owner & Manager, Teacher, Mother... all in Alberta, Canada. She is Married with Two Lovely Children, and one gorgeous wee dog. Her Website, http://www.buildyourownhouse.ca, is chock full of all sorts of useful & fun information to help anyone become Home Savvy, Financially Successful, Slim, Trim, and Happy... what more could you want?? Pop in for a wee visit! http://www.buildyourownhouse.ca http://www.theScottishDiet.com

Great Soap Making Molds Are Right In Your Own Home

Writen by David Cushion

When it comes to soap making molds, you can find them anywhere. Certainly, you can buy them online or at many retail craft stores. But, why not just look around your house? You'll be surprised at how many objects you already have will make for some very neat looking soap bars.

You'll find an almost infinite number of options. You could use old Christmas decorations, dishes, flowerpots, and so on. While the basic rectangle is a serviceable shape for soap, the chances are good that once you have gone to all the trouble of making your own soap you will want to display it as attractively as possible.

Here are a few suggestions of what make the best molds, as well as a few common household items you can use for molds.

• Microwave safe dishes, especially those with individual compartments

• Ice cream cups with fluted sides – these plastic gems often come with sundaes from the freezer section or from fast food restaurants

• Basic muffin pan

• Candle mold used in home candle making

• Tin cans for hand milled soap such as tuna or sardines. You can then wrap your soaps with a nautical theme.

• Your craft store will probably have molds for making fancy soaps, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Why not have animal shaped soaps or soaps that look like angels in flight?

• Plastic margarine containers make great larger soaps, which will reduce the number of times you have to step out of the shower, dripping wet to grab a new bar of soap.

• Almost any mold can be used to make a soap-on-a-rope – just make sure you put the rope in far enough that it can not be pulled out, and the hardening soap should hold it fast.

• Small wooden molds make for terrific soaps, and the wood grain adds a tremendous natural pattern. Wooden molds can also be designed with removable sides, which makes removing the hardened bar of soap much easier. Wooden molds can also be used to make three-dimensional bars for the same reason.

• While pre-made molds are numerous and are available from many sources, your imagination could probably dream up molds that others have not yet thought up. Therefore, let your imagination run wild and see what options you can create.

Here's a few more soap mold tips:

• When you are looking for molds, remember that plastic and stainless steel are the best material to use. While you can use ceramics or glass, it may be harder to extract the soap from a glass container in one piece. The high and sustained heat (followed often by freezing) also often crack or break these types of molds.

• When choosing plastic molds, make sure they can withstand high heat. A good rule of thumb is that if it is dishwasher safe, it can probably be used as a soap mold.

• Thicker is not necessarily better! In your search for a strong mold, you may pick something thick and rigid. However, it can be hard to remove soap from these types of mold. You are better off selecting a material that can be bent or warped out of shape to break the connection between soap and mold.

• Unless you want to cut the mold open to get the soap out, make sure that the open end of your mold is larger than the rest of the mold so that the soap can be removed. If you want to create a three-dimensional soap, consider using a two-sided mold, as described below.

• Be sensible - while small molds may be pretty, the resulting bar of soap may be too small to be of practical use. Worse yet, it may slide down the drain. If you though wasting soap were irritating before, wait until that soap is the sum of your hard work and effort!

• Silicone is a new material for making soap molds. Soft and yet heat resistant, silicone is long lasting and resist caustic lye well.

So, create some very unique and interesting soap bars by simply looking around your home for objects you can use as inexpensive soap molds.

Dave Cushion is the creator of the very popular book "Soap Making Made Simple!" To get additional soap making tips, go to http://www.soap-making-made-simple.com and learn much more about this very fun and useful craft.