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The term late bloomer is the perfect way to describe me. I had to hit 50 before I admitted that I was not enjoying my life. I had a good job, nice car, traveled all over the country and had more friends than I could count. What was wrong with me?

When I really started digging into the source of my discontent, it came down to the fact that I am nocturnal. Getting up to an alarm clock five days a week was not fun. I always felt sleep deprived because I seldom went to sleep before 1:00 AM. I forced myself to play the 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM game, not realizing that I had options.

At 50, I determined that I didnt want to live out my working years in this mode. I joked around about having made a profession of being laid off. I accepted my last severance package about six months after I turned 50. I literally felt like I had been let out of jail. But, what do I do now? How do I pay my bills?

A friend sold me on the idea of financial planning. I lasted about a year. This was definitely not where I belonged. But, I had a knack for meeting people and making introductions to others. My clients had needs and I had the resources to point them in the right direction.

I began giving lectures on the subject of the non-financial side of life planning. I also talked about my experiences as a working caregiver. That led me to writing my first book. By my miod-50s, I had published three books and was a professional speaker and educator. I am now speaking to thousands of people each year, teaching them the value of getting their ducks in a row. Do I feel good? You bet I do! Seldom do I set an alarm clock, and if I do, its because Im making that choice. My office is in my home. Im my own boss. And, Im making a living doing things I love, and on my own terms.

Would I recommend this choice to everyone? No, because it takes confidence, determination, and focus to be self-employed. You must have a purpose and be passionate about it. It works for me; it might not for you.

Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur, but neither is everyone meant to be 8 to 5. As we Boomers near the age of traditional retirement, we are starting to question what our future (our next chapter), has in store. We still want to work just not as hard. We want to give back to our community. We want to continue learning maybe get that illusive degree or learn something completely new. But, we dont seem to want the status quo. Remember, 78 million of us have changed every decade weve lived in. Does anyone think that will change now, just because were getting older?

Countless meetings are taking place across the country with one question in mind: What are we going to do with all these aging Boomers? They talk about programs and projects they can develop for us. But has anyone asked us Boomers what we want? Im willing to bet if you put ten Boomers in a room and ask one question, you will get eleven different answers. Thats just the way we are. You build a box and we will walk around it. We want choices and options. But, if we want our next chapter to be different from those who have gone before, we need to challenge the status quo and create what works for us. I did and its working for me.

Linda S. Thompson a Baby Boomer. She is also the founder and president of Life Path Solutions, who specializes in the practical side of wellness. And she is the author of Planning for Tomorrow-Your Passport to a Confident Future, a common sense guide to life planning. Linda is a professional speaker who often talks about the generational differences and Boomers in particular. Linda is available to speak on various topics in the life planning field and can be contacted at Linda@LifePathSolutions.biz For more information about Linda's books, CDs and lecture topics, along with other free articles, please visit her website at http://www.LifePathSolutions.biz

# posted by uajquuz : 12:20 AM  0 comments

Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When planning a lighting design for aging baby boomers we want to provide both adequate light to see clearly and a safe environment. With a combination of recessed, pendant, track and wall fixtures, these needs can be met. It is very important that certain areas be well lit. Areas like stairs and bathrooms where so many accidents occur or basements, which are usually dark. Kitchens require a great deal of light so food can be prepared safely.

It is fact that as we age our eyes needs change and we need more light to see properly. What may be suitable at 25 may not be good enough at 40 and what may work at 40, just wont cut it at age 60. Task lighting can help in a kitchen by installing under cabinet lights. A good choice for under cabinet lights is fluorescent for the simple reason that they require very little maintenance. This is another important aspect to consider. We want to try to choose lighting that requires very little maintenance and does not require tools to change bulbs. Placing the light fixtures in a location that makes it easy to reach to change light bulbs is also a good choice. Wall sconces are a good choice to solve this problem. A wall sconce placed in a stairway for instance can provide light as well as eliminate the need for a ladder to change the light bulb.

Wall sconces can be a solution in other rooms as well. Two wall sconces; one on each side of the vanity does a great job of illuminating the room and ease of bulb replacement. Just be sure when choosing a fixture that the wall sconce has an open top or bottom so the bulb can be replaced without having to remove parts. A bar light above the vanity with exposed bulbs is another good alternative. The fixtures you want to try and avoid are those in which small screws need to be loosened or removed to get to the bulb.

Another point to consider is outdoor lighting for security. Be sure to provide plenty of light at all entrances and exits. These lights should also be on a timer or photocell so that they are on when needed. Someone may leave expecting to be home before dark and get delayed. In this case having the lights come on automatically will allow them to enter the house safely. Motion detectors can also be used in places that we dont want to keep the lights on for extended periods. Areas like walkways along the side of a house or a path where the garbage is taken out. Driveways are another good location for a motion detector light.

In fixtures where changing a bulb is a little difficult, using a compact fluorescent is a good choice. With a compact fluorescent, the bulb will last as long as 3 years and sometimes longer. A great place for one is in a shower light, just be sure to get a big enough bulb to light the area adequately. Outside light fixtures are also a good choice unless you live in an area where the temperature gets below freezing a lot. Another place for fluorescent fixtures are closets, which can be extremely dark for an elderly person.

The key points to remember are to make sure all areas are adequately illuminated and use fixtures that require a minimum of maintenance.

Paul forte has been in the lighting industry for over 25 years. For more info and tips on lighting and other electrical needs please visit Lighting Tips - for help with laying out recessed lighting

# posted by uajquuz : 11:04 PM  0 comments

One of the best things you can do for your car audio system is to properly tune it. There are several variables to consider when doing this, and I am going to walk to through the most important ones so you will have a good understanding of how to get the most "bang" for the buck from you system.

Assuming you have an amplified system with one or more subwoofers, you can dial in your system to give you the best sound and have the durability you want from it. It starts at the head unit. You want a head unit with a good, strong output signal, between 4 and 5 volts on its pre-outs. Audiophiles tell us that 2-3 volts of good clean signal is good too, but that will require a little more amplifier power to get the decibels we're looking for. You also want a head unit with an adjustable subwoofer level. Start by tuning the stereo without the subs on. Add your bass and treble until you get the desired sound with minimal distortion at the loudest volume setting you will listen to it at. This is generally about 2/3 max volume.

Once you are happy with the low/mid/high sound from the multi-range speakers, we can add in the subs. If applicable, tune the sub outputs to about 2/3 maximum, and head to the amp. Start at the amp and adjust the frequency and the level to minimum, and turn the volume up to the the same loudest point we were working with earlier. Pull your frequency to about half way, and slowly adjust the power level upwards. If you hit the zone you want, stay there. Keep in mind, this is only a safe adjusting technique with a speaker system that matches the power output of the amplifier. If you want more from your system, incrementally adjust the frequency down slightly with the increases in power level.

Your goal is to get a loud, clear bass from the subs that DOES NOT CLIP OUT under the loudest conditions you anticipate. If the amp clips out, then adjust the power level lower until it is back in the safe zone. Once the system is set where you want it, don't mess with it. Leave the levels on the head unit and the amp alone. The mistake I see with blown speakers and amps is trying to show them off with all the levels maxed out. This produces a lot of power at a high distortion level, which is damaging to the speakers and the amplifier. If you want a louder sound than what you have by tuning your system this way, it may be time to upgrade.

Keep these guidelines in mind when configuring your systems, and you should be able to build a car stereo system that will sound great and have great durability. Good Luck and stay TUNED!

Majestic Modifications is the complete car customization concept, specializing in auto accessories, air intakes and performance upgrades, body kits and exterior accessories, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video, car audio and electronics. You can also visit the Car Audio Installations Blog for more info.

# posted by uajquuz : 6:24 PM  0 comments

An architect design floor plan can be found on the internet and in architectural magazines. One set of plans located on the web, Sage Springs Club and Spa, show a luxuriously appointed club and spa. The first floor of this spa/gym has a large luxurious lobby and reception area., a spa and fitness store that sells exercise clothing and various other spa products. Also on level one of this spa are a relaxation lounge, massage therapy rooms, wet room with vicy shower and a pedicure/manicure room.

The second floor of this architectural design spa floor plan has a conditioning room with a glass wall overlooking the tennis court below. This room also has Precor cardio equipment, cybex strength circuit, four screen television theater music channels with wireless headphones. There is also a movement studio for aerobics, yoga and stretch and toning exercises. At every station in this spa, you are treated like royalty. Membership in spas like this are costly, but well wroth the expense.

On the ground level the floor plans show five full size regulation Tennis courts and 3 lane indoor lap pools and spa.

There are lots of floor plans for different spas and gyms available on the internet. Almost all have some of the amenities of Sage Spring Spa and Club but this one had the most interesting floor plan of them all. Before joining an expensive spa or gym, check the ones you are interested in. Compare services, amenities, and prices before you sign anything.

Floor plans for detached condos are laid out similar to a home not part of a condo complex. One floor plan for a detached condo in Michigan has a large family room,/dining room area, master bedroom with private bath, small kitchen area with an island, a powder room, and second-floor bedroom. There is also a garage on the first floor. A basement which can be finished has the potential for at least two more bedrooms. Detached condos are ideal for people who dont have the time or inclination for yard work. It would also be good for elderly people no longer capable of cutting grass or shoveling snow.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for home buyers and consumers on purchasing a variety of Dream Home which includes Cottage Plans, Beach House Plans, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

# posted by uajquuz : 4:04 PM  0 comments

I've noticed that in the two years since the major de-cluttering of my apartment, clutter has been creeping back in.

So what DO you do after you've cleared the clutter? If your day-to-day routines are continuing to create clutter, then you'll always be one step behind it.

5 Steps to a New Daily Routine

1. Identify the problem. Think of things that tend to sneak up on you in your life - annual things like tax time, monthly things like invoicing clients, weekly things like running errands or daily things like meal times. For this article, well use the example Im always rushed in the morning.

2. Identify the costs. If the costs arent that high, you probably wont be motivated to do anything to change it. The costs of being rushed in the morning may include: poor choices for breakfast or no breakfast at all, poor digestion from eating too fast or perhaps not eating at all and having coffee on an empty stomach. Then, getting to work in a rush results in stressful travel, impatience and unpleasant interactions with fellow travelers. This will affect your whole day.

3. Back it up. So youre rushed in the morning what choices did you make up to this point that resulted in being rushed?

4. Experiment with some changes in your routine. Dont be rigid; youre in the lab here. One day you can try going to bed a half hour earlier and waking up a half hour earlier. The next day try laying out your clothes the night before. The next day try putting your lunch (and any other lunches you have to prepare) together the night before. The next day try a 5-minute meditation break in the morning.

5. Commit to a new daily routine. Once youve experimented for a week or so, look back and reflect on which strategies made the most difference to your morning (and the rest of your day). Use structures as reminders (tack up a list of your routine), inspiration (post a photo that represents the kind of relaxing morning youd like to have) or tracking (give yourself a gold star or another fun and visual marker on the calendar for every day that you implement your new routine).

Remember that its not about keeping a perfect routine or beating yourself up for straying from it its about making healthier choices every day. If you slip, your very next choice can set you straight again.

(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of The Everyday Self-Care Workbook. To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html

# posted by uajquuz : 2:05 PM  0 comments

Are you tired of laying wires through your house, creeping through small places just to get the right sound effect? Wireless speakers are the answer to your headaches. With wireless speakers you gain the freedom to move your music to where you want it to be without the hassles of cables. Planning to have a party outside? Don't move your whole entertainment system outside while you can make use of outdoor wireless speakers which can move right along with the party.

Want to have hi-fi quality sound through your laptop computer? Why should you be tied to wires while using a portable computer? Make use of wireless speakers to give you the freedom to work or play on your computer where you want to, while having the high fidelity sound you deserve. Here are a few examples of how you can use wireless speakers to improve your way of living.

Listen to your favorite music collection while taking a bath.

Have a BBQ or party outside without having to move your whole stereo system.

You can store all your favorite music on your computer and listen to it anywhere in your home.

Listen to music while working in the garden.

When your computer is doing certain time consuming tasks, have it play a sound when it is done with the task or when there is an error and have your wireless speaker notify you while you are lying next to the pool.

Get the perfect surround sound effect by having the freedom to move the speakers to exactly the right spots without getting tangled in wires.

Let your computer notify you of upcoming tasks or appointments by playing a sound through your outdoor wireless speakers, while you are washing your car.

Let your wireless speaker notify you discretely of intruders by connecting it to your alarm system.

Use you wireless speakers as a portable intercom system.

There are however a few things you need to watch out for when shopping for wireless speakers. Some are listed here:

Interference

Some wireless speakers may interfere with other wireless devices in your house like cordless phones. A good wireless speaker system will allow you to tune it to a different frequency to overcome these interferences.

Battery life

Battery life is not always too great on wireless speakers, as it consumes power to drive the speakers, internal amplifier and RF receiver. So, if you want to use your wireless speakers for extended periods of time, it may be wise to make use of the AC power adaptor. Now this may not always be practical - the whole idea of wireless speakers is to get rid of the wires. Rechargeable batteries might be the answer and some of the models even come with rechargeable batteries -something to consider when you need total freedom, even from power outlets.

Range

Most wireless speakers can work fine within a range of 150 to 300 feet from the transmitter. (Which would be located at the source of sound i.e. your hi-fi or computer) The RF frequency is high enough for it to work through walls and furniture. You do not need a line of sight, but bear in mind that obstacles weakens the signal, and the more obstacles between the transmitter and receiver, the shorter the range will become.

Weatherproof

Outdoor wireless speakers are claimed to be weatherproof, but if you do not need to use your speakers outside all the time, rather store them inside. This will definitely extend the life of your valuable outdoor wireless speakers. If you really need to leave it outside all the time, try to find a spot where it can be hidden from the most harsh weather conditions.

Stereo

Not all wireless speaker systems include two speakers to give you a stereo experience. Especially the outdoor wireless speakers are sold as single units. This can easily be overcome by purchasing two speakers, obviously doubling the price.

Legislation

Wireless speakers use RF signals which may interfere with other RF devices. Make sure that the frequency range is legal in your country. If it is sold by a reputable dealer in your country, this should not be a problem. Wireless speakers are till a fairly new technology and some still have issues to be sorted out. So you have to do your shopping wisely.

Arno Esterhuizen

http://www.wireless-speakers-guide.com
webmaster@wireless-speakers-guide.com

# posted by uajquuz : 2:01 PM  0 comments

The Swatch Group introduced their first collection of watches on March 1, 1983, and since then, they have produced a large range of different quartz watches. The company began as a way of rebuilding the Swiss watch manufacturing business, which had lost ground to Seiko and other Japanese watch companies during the 1960s.

Swatch's first collection of watches, unveiled in Zurich, Switzerland, introduced a very bold style and design. The watch mechanics were simpler and required fewer parts, a design which made the watches both easier to work on and more efficient to manufacture. It was this innovative new design that helped put Switzerland back on top of the watch market.

Swatch - a name which comes from combining the words "second" and "watch" according to Chairman Nicolas Hayek, launched a very aggressive marketing campaign alongside its new line of watches in 1983, and it was this campaign that allowed the company to easily sell 1 million watches that year. This campaign also saw Swatch reaching its peak in the United States during the 80s. In the US, the Swatch fad quickly caught on. In fact, the brand was so popular that people often wore two of them or used a Swatch to hold up their ponytails. Swatch even started making some very different kinds of watches, like the Pop Swatch, a Swatch that could be attached to shirts or vests. Artists also stepped in to create very unique, very trendy Swatch backgrounds and bands.

Swatch also gained popularity within the hip-hop community. In marketing to this community, Swatch created watches with interchangeable faces and bands. Swatch owners could quickly and easily change their watches look, color, and overall fashion statement by changing the cover and attaching it to a new vinyl band. Day-glow, neon colors, and pastel bands were all the rage.

Today, Swatch sales have dropped since the 80s, but the Swatch Group is still on top of the world's watch manufacturing industry and is the largest watch company in the world. The company has purchases Swiss luxury brands, including Breguet, Omega, Lonines, Tissot, Calvin Klein, Hamilton, and Endura, and has began diversifying its catalogue.

Swatch offers over a dozen different watch types, including specialty watches made for diving. Another innovative Swatch watch called the Papprazzi series allows watch wearers to connect to the internet and download news, weather reports, and more. Another watch, the Flik-Flak, is targeted at children, while the diamond-encrusted Swatches are designed with upper-class erudites in mind.

In addition to being known as a very innovative watch company, Swatch is also the main sponsor of the Beach Volleyball World Tour, for which it specially developed a Swatch for beach volleyball players. The company has also served as the official timekeeper of the 1996, 200, and 2004 Summer Olympic games.

James Dunn is the owner of Watches Visit Swatch Watches to learn more about Swatch watches or Fake Watches to learn about Fake watches.

# posted by uajquuz : 5:33 PM  0 comments

Hard Money can be a fast way to fund everything from residential property, to industrial properties to new home construction. I will not get into every aspect of hard money but I will give you a general frame work that your brain can understand.

First of all most hard money lenders let you to finance up to 65% of the value of the home. If the loan is for rehab purposes, the lender will use the after-repaired value of the house as a frame of reference. I have seen occasions that went as high as 75% but 65% is typical.

These loans are per case basis and very flexible so there is a lot of space if the package works. It can be a set back if you are fresh to investing but luckily that can usually be offset with adequate cash reserves and a good plan of action.

Lets look at an investor rehab loan to visualize how the numbers work.

Lets say you came across a beat up old home in a good neighborhood where homes sell for $100,000. The seller walks you through the home and you determine that the property needs around $12,000 in work. You've gotten pre-qualified for a rehab loan and want to know what the maximum you should pay for the house.

Lets keep it basic, you will want to take $100k x 65% - loan costs repair costs/holding costs = Purchase price. Loan costs, for hard money loans, run from 8-13% of the total loan amount. They are not inexpensive but its less money than you will pay to a partner! For now we can assume costs of 10% and holding costs of $2,000. Given those numbers, you probably should not invest more than $45,000 for the house. If you decide to pay more, that just means more money out of your pocket to complete the project.

Here are a few great tips you can use to maximize the likelihood of getting approved for hard money loans, in general:

1. The more equity in the property after the loan, the better,
2. The higher your credit rating, even better
3. The more credit history you have, the better!
4. The more liquid assets you can show that you have personally or have guaranteed access to (lines of credit, partners, rich uncles...) the better
5. The more populated the area, the better
6. The faster the properties in that area sell, the better
7. The more solid the appraisal value, the better! A lot of hard money lenders like to use fire sale values as the basis point of the loan so dont be stunned. This is definitely not the time to use stretched values.

Fred Hopkins is an 8 year mortgage veteran specializing in hard money loans and mortgage refinancing. For more information on the loan programs he has available, visit http://www.mountaintopmtg.net

# posted by uajquuz : 8:10 PM  0 comments

Losing weight takes discipline and time. I know, because it took me a year and a half to lose 25 pounds. My weight stayed at 115-117 pounds until my husband I went to a conference in warsaw, Poland. Conference and restaurant meals took their toll and I gained three pounds (one clothing size) in a week.

We stayed at the Marriott Hotel, which has a "Splendid Breakfast Buffet." Before I took any food from the buffet I surveyed my choices. I ate a healthy breakfast every morning: orange juice, fresh fruit, and low-fat yogurt sprinkled with granola. However, it was difficult to eat healthy lunches and dinners because I had few options.

Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious and artistically served. But leaving half a meal on my plate and skipping desserts didn't balance my food consumption. How could I get back to my healthy weight? The Harvard School of Public Health recommends a "defensive eating" approach to weight loss/maintenance.

Defensive eating has seven steps: selective eating, small portions, stopping before you feel stuffed, few desserts, eating slowly, sensible snacks, and awareness of why you're eating. I added these steps to my personal plan. Here are my 10 tips for maintaining a healthy weight.

1. EAT BREAKFAST. Nutritionists consider breakfast the most important meal of the day because it fuels your day. I get up at 5:30 a.m. and by 9:30 a.m. I'm ready for lunch. Solution? I eat half of my breakfast (two fruits and cereal) at the crack of dawn and the other half of my breakfast (fruit or wheat toast) mid-morning.

2. KEEP A FOOD DIARY. I don't keep a written diary, but I keep a mental list of everything I eat. This list includes every cookie, every cracker, and every pretzel. If I've eaten too much sugar, fat or salt I cut back on these the next day. My food diary has led to a collection of healthy recipes.

3. EAT LOW-ENERGY-DENSE FOODS. Mayo Clinic developed a Healthy Weight Pyramid to "encourage weight loss, weight maintenance and long term health." Low-energy-dense foods (lower calorie foods that make you feel full), are an important part of the pyramid. Fruits and vegetables are low-energy-dense foods and you may eat all you want.

4. STOCK UP ON HEALTHY SNACKS. I keep healthy snacks - carrot sticks, celery sticks, apples, and other fresh fruit - on hand. For a quick, filling snack I eat sugar free applesauce. Unsalted peanuts and walnuts help me to curb hunger pangs, but I'm careful to eat small portions. When I travel I bring healthy granola bars with me. (Yes, I took granola bars to Poland.)

5. BECOME SIZE WISE. By size wise, I mean portion sizes of the food you eat. You may be eating super-size portions instead of "normal" ones. For example, one serving of spaghetti is half a cup, not a mountain of pasta. According to the American Obesity Association, people who maintain a healthy weight eat five times a day, on average, and consume about 1,400 calories. In other words, they eat small meals often.

6. LIMIT CERTAIN FOODS. The American Obesity Association says 92 percent of those who maintain a healthy weight limit their intake of certain food, such as fast food. When I shop for food I avoid foods that have "empty calories," high-calorie foods with low nutritional value. In case you're wondering, I rarely eat at a fast food restaurant.

7. CUT CONDIMENTS. What's the second ingredient on the ketchup bottle? It's high fructose corn syrup, sugar you don't need. Mayonnaise has 90 calories per serving (one tablespoon) and 90% of these calories come from fat. Soy sauce is liquid salt. This extra sugar, fat and salt may cause weight gain. You don't have to give up condiments, just buy healthier versions of them.

8. KEEP MOVING. Regular physical activity is critical to Mayo Clinic's Healthy Weight Food Pyramid. And according to "Why Won't 'Diets' Work?", an article posted on the Internet by WOAI in San Antonio, healthy eating and increased exercise are keys to weight loss /maintenance. This combination "can actually increase your metabolism," the article says. I try to walk 10,000 steps a day and track my steps with a pedometer.

9. QUENCH THIRST WITH WATER. Sometimes your mind plays tricks on you and you think you're hungry when you're actually thirsty. A glass of water can ease your hunger. Instead of sugar-loaded soda pop drink water. I like no-calorie, non-carbonated flavored water and orange is my favorite.

10. GROCERY SHOP AFTER EATING. This is your main defensive eating tactic. Before I go to the grocery store I make out a detailed list. I rarely eat food samples because I'm allergic to soy (it's everywhere) and don't need the extra calories. Besides, these samples are often high in salt, fat, and sugar.

Thanks to these tips I was back to my healthy weight in two weeks. Now I practice defensive eating on a daily basis. The best part of the plan is that I control what I eat and am enjoying delicious, healthy meals. Bring on the holidays because I'm ready!

Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson. To learn more about her work go to http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with co-author Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com

# posted by uajquuz : 3:47 PM  0 comments

A few years back, well maybe more than a few, I volunteered as a wildlife rehabilitator. There are many kind-hearted, well-meaning people in the gardening world. One of the hardest things was to get people to do nothing, not to rescue the common wildlife in their backyard.

After working hard to provide the necessary food, water, cover, and nest-sites to create a backyard wildlife habitat, making their garden wildlife friendly, they spot a baby blue jay hopping around the garden. It's unable to fly. What should they do? What would you do?

Do Nothing! baby blue jays almost never need rescuing, even though they have stubby, short tails and down showing where feathers should be. They come out of the nest early and learn to fly from the ground, up.

This is the way most birds learn to fly. If a baby bird is on the ground, its eyes are open, it has feathers, and it appears plump and healthy, its parents are most likely nearby and taking care of it. A rule of thumb: If you have to chase it to rescue it, it does not need rescuing.

Birds do not abandon their babies if you touch them. You can move them a short distance and put them in a shrub for safety - but they will probably just hop back out. If you are worried about cats, keep the cats inside until the fledglings can fly, which is usually only a matter of a few days.

When should you rescue one of your backyard wildlife? If the baby's eyes are closed and you can't get it back to its nest; if it's weak or cold; if there are insects near or on the animal; if it is in obvious danger; if it has been hit by a car; or if you know a parent has been killed, then it is time to intervene.

If you have taken a wild animal away from a dog or cat, take it to a veterinarian, even if it looks OK. Wounds from a cat's claws, especially, are hard to see but they are deadly. Do not kid yourself. That innocent looking cat, playing with the bird, has already sunk its claws into the bird.

If a bird hits your window and is stunned, put it in a cardboard box or a paper bag, with air holes punched. Keep it out of the sun in a safe place for 10 minutes to a half hour. Give it time to recover. If there are no obvious injuries, let it go. Don't be alarmed if it doesn't fly off right away. It is most likely afraid it will run into something again. You might have to give it a nudge.

Stress can be a killer, so keep any wildling warm and quiet. Do not handle it any more than necessary. Do not talk to it. Do not try to force water or food into its mouth. Dropping water into a bird's mouth is dangerous. It is often aspirated (breathed) into the lungs, causing pneumonia.

Always call veterinarians before you take a wild creature to them. If the veterinarian does not treat wildlife, he or she can tell you who will.

Do not try to care for a wild bird yourself. Federal laws (and most states) protect all migratory birds. All wildlings take specialized diets and care. Experts should treat them so that they can fly wild and free.

Anne K Moore

Anne K Moore is a freelance writer and photographer. She has been awarded a 2007 Garden Writer's Assoc. Silver Award of Merit. She is a Web writer for Park Seed Co., http://www.successwithseed.org Snips & Sprouts and NASA Seeds in Space Basil Basics and http://www.theplantcoach.org a gardening consultant for the Garden Smart television show on ETV, http://www.gardensmart.tv a frequent contributor to Lake Murray-Columbia Magazine; a past Garden Editor of South Carolina Homes & Gardens magazine; and a Master Gardener.

# posted by uajquuz : 4:05 PM  0 comments

How To Marry A Wealthy Guy

(or Girl... Or at least Make Sure they're a Good Money Manager!! ha,ha!)

Here are some little tips so you can at least spot a wealthy (or soon-to-be-wealthy) guy:

1. If that BMW he's driving is most likely leased, you may be looking at a guy who owes a whole lot of money to someone else... It's pretty easy to LOOK rich. You might want to check out the guy in the Truck or not-so-new-but-still-nice vehicle -- chances are high that he's the one who's been saving his bucks, and has the ability to make a whole lot more of them!

2. High Maintenance Women are great for High Maintenance Men -- are you willing to be a Barbie forever? Think you ever want to just kick back and enjoy your life? Probably not with this guy -- he'll demand perfection -- his mother will, too, and yes, she'll definitely come with the package. (Hey, I don't know why these guys are like that -- it's just a part of the special -- and sometimes anal retentive -- package that you can often get with the Rich and Famous!)

3. Wealthy Men are really looking for down-to-earth women who won't blow their budget. (Go ahead... make all your jokes here...I'll wait! ...) They are open to friendly women who would make easy companions -- fun to talk with who can get down to business when they need to -- which is fairly often -- that's how wealth is made and kept! He wants to be married for life, since he is seriously trying to avoid losing half of his wealth-to-date in a Divorce.

Now, here's a difference between a Rich Man and a Wealthy Man...a Rich Man is a fellow with a tremendous amount of money, and often he is looking for a 'Trophy Wife'. A Wealthy Man is someone who has worked really hard for his money and who wants to not only keep it, he wants to make sure it grows. The Wealthy Man is looking for a Partner to work along side him in this growth business, and help him keep his life running smoothly, then the whole family is much happier.

Remember that the Type of Work that a Wealthy Man does may not match what is typically thought of as a 'monied position'. The old thinking was that only Doctors and Lawyers were the ones with money (this doesn't include Athletes, since they are few and far between, and we're talking about men you might actually come in contact with on any given day..!). Enterpreneurs, Contractors, Teachers (yes, some teachers are really, really good money managers, and are able to amass all sorts of wealth!), People in Construction and Real Estate, and let's not forget Computers! Almost any line of work can lead a person down the Road to Wealth -- it's all about Money Management, not necessarily how much you make in any given year.

Keep an open mind when you meet a new person to see what they're really all about. You'll ensure a better future for yourself if you hook up with a man who has a solid understanding of Wealth Management. A guy with a really high salary who spends like a fiend (and NOT on Real Estate! ha,ha!) in order to APPEAR Wealthy will be more difficult to get ahead with than someone who earns less but manages his money well.

4. Hang out at Boat Shows -- those guys are typically loaded. They have to be to buy a boat and then actually take it out on the water. If you're lucky enough to live near water, hang about (not leeringly...) at the Docks. Who knows who you might run into...? Hey, Building and Home Shows are great, too -- maybe you'll get some great ideas while you're there, too!

Don't forget to pop into shops where the wealthy go -- the Home Improvement Stores, Stationary Supply Stores, the Jean Stores (yes, contrary to popular opinion, many wealthy men wear jeans!) and, of course, the grocery and liquor stores!

I'm not sure why Bars got such a bad rap -- especially dance Bars and Cool Pubs. They're fun to hang out at with your friends, and perhaps you'll meet someone nice. Keep in mind that 'the wealthy' generally didn't start out that way -- you might find a diamond in the rough!

Sports Games are great, too (small plug -- I'd like to see every Sports Team out there with their own Logo on a Buff so when you went to games there'd be a whole SEA of Buffs for each side -- if you know someone interested in that, for Goodness Sake have them contact me! Pweeeease!) Back to the games -- want a manly man? Check out the local Rugby matches... Love Hockey or Basketball? Try to catch the NHL and MBA (whooops! Slight trip of the tongue, there! Although those MBA guys are great, too...) ... Should be NBA Games, then go meet the Players -- there's usually a cool Bar in or nearby the Arena where you could 'mingle'! No gushing, though -- play it calm and collected -- they'll appreciate the lack of craziness! All the people you will meet in this scenario will be interesting, so keep your mind open and make some new friends.

Just one little tidbit about going out with a group of girls -- watch out for the 'group syndrome', where some poor soul comes over to ask you to dance and there's a quick and seldom subtle 'group decision' about 'whether he should be permitted a dance or not'... ugh. Everybody hates this -- it's not High School anymore ... always make your own decision about who you like and be kind whenever you can. It's very hard for a man to approach a woman in a group (all the more reason not to always travel in packs!), so if you're not offended by the guy, one little dance is the polite thing to do. Unless it's a slow song, and he's been leering at you all night, in which case a simple 'No Thanks. Maybe a Fast dance later on...' ought to work. Strike up some conversations and have some fun!

5. Learn how to cook. No kidding. Check out my favorite recipes on the Tips & Recipes Page, and try your hand at one of the recipes. I haven't met a man, yet, who doesn't love Cheesecake, so give that one a shot! Hey, you'll have a lovely treat for you and your girlfriends while you seek out that guy! You don't need to cook everything, it's just very useful to have a couple of signature dishes that you can make that will be fun to make for your new guy!

6. Have (and go to...) parties with other single people. Make them pre-timed in the afternoon, if it's too weird to have one in the evening. Say, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on a Sunday. Have each friend you invite bring another single person. Be sure to include your 'couple friends', too -- they are great sources for single folk! At the very least, you might make a new friend or business acquaintance. Sunday works, since you're more likely to get into a restaurant if you like someone enough to continue the conversation over dinner.

7. Speaking of Dinner Out -- this is a very good sign of what kind of man you're dealing with -- a fellow who makes it clear in advance of the meal that it's his treat is a good guy. Not in a weird way, though -- if he goes on and on that he's going to pay, and it's a huuuge deal, forget it. This guy's crazy with his money, and you don't want to date a guy like this, let alone marry him!) If he wants to share the tab on the first date, watch out. Don't worry about that old thing where everything should be equal or you won't be on equal footing. If you like him, you can offer to pick up the tab on the next meal... Just the offer of reciprocation is very indicative of your willingness to be equal partners, and that's what he's looking for.

Now, of course, if you ask him out, you should also be prepared to foot the bill. Don't feel like you have to hit the best restaurant in town -- you could have a nice picnic in the Park, or have him over to your place for dinner (if you've already had a few dates and you're comfortable with this).

I actually had a 'blind date' years ago where the fellow brought a Grocery List and a Recipe for me to make dinner for him -- can you believe that?? And to think he's still single -- who'da thunk that?! I couldn't believe it, so I suggested just going out for Chinese, and guess who paid the bill -- me! I couldn't get rid of him fast enough... (just so you know, this guy was no poor soul -- I was poorer than dirt at the time, but he was an Architect and Professor... see how important knowing how they deal with money is? Being with a man whose wallet squeaks and dust puffs out when he finally opens it is a nightmare to be married to -- he'll control his own and your money for the entire marriage.) And you always thought it was just a little meal!

8. Be yourself -- no need to put on any airs. That's no fun and you want someone who will love you, not some made-up version of yourself. You know you're lots of fun to be around -- let him see that, too!

9. Be confident. Know that you are worthy of being with him -- and make sure he is worthy of being with you. Money isn't everything -- sometimes it comes with a great big jerk at the end of the leash! (Ha, ha! I'm amusing myself, now, with that dog analogy!) Be extra careful not to get too swept up in the cars and houses (although, I've been known to be swayed by a gorgeous home in the past...and currently, too! And a really gorgeous pool could still turn my head! ha,ha!). It's the guy you have to live with, so might as well pretend that the other stuff isn't in the picture and see if you still like him. (Although, truth be told, there's many a man who would be all alone if it weren't for their many attractive 'assets'! ha!)

10. Well, ladies, go out there and find the man of your dreams! Hey, find two or three! You might need a back-up, just in case! Good Luck!

Remember that Wealth can be measured by many things -- a Wealth of Possibilities is sometimes even more fun in a mate than finding everything ready-made. Then you can then grow in your Wealth, together. Doesn't that sound like fun? Plus, Rich to one person might mean being able to pay all the bills without worrying, and to the next person 'Rich' might mean having the biggest Yacht in the Habour. Make up your own mind about 'How much does it take to be Wealthy', and you'll be well on your way to your own Personal Wealth and Happiness!

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 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

# posted by uajquuz : 5:41 PM  0 comments

Walking in high heels requires a bit of practice and you can excel only when you constantly practice walking in a regular discipline. For starters, this step by step guide will be precisely helpful.

Tips

If your are a starter and never used to wear heels, start practicing in small sized heels

Kitten heels are highly recommended for beginners. The reason is that kitten heels give much more comfort when compared with four inch and six inch heels. Secondly, wearing kitten heels, you do not get foot pain and joint pain.

While starting to walk, try to walk without bending your knees, (you can bend a little, while you normally walk), it is important to note that the more you bend your knee, the more awkward your walking posture would be.

Everyday, you should practice walking, by taking short and small steps. It is very appreciable when you walk in different types of surfaces like carpet, floor, wet surfaces and wooden floor.

Wearing those heels, you may now practice to walk in stairs (but be careful). Suppose if you have to go to a party or night club, practice dancing.

Just practice for an hour before you go out, as you may gain confidence while you walk out. Be careful, when you walk outside, say when you go out shopping, walk without stressing your heels, to walk faster, or never attempt to jog wearing those heels.

Watch your path, the cracks in the side ways silently; trip your heel's tip leading you to kiss the floor, breaking your nose.

After you have a good experience in walking with kitten heels , you may now go for the taller ones. Prefer taller four - six inch heels where your work does not have much of standing or walking. Otherwise you have to wear two inch heels. Round-toed heals are a better option.

Whenever you think of buying a heels, buy the correct size heels, as lengthy ones, easily cause foot pain.

When you feel that you have got a nice experience, then you can go for those stiletto heels.

You can find various Online Shopping Ideas in edealsuk cash back shopping site where you can find Cheap Running Shoes, Discount Shoe Stores in UK .

# posted by uajquuz : 5:58 PM  0 comments

Here is a list of ideas for your reference if you want to use your own PC to earn income.

1. Provide computer-based office management services for attorneys

2. Do word processing

3. Do medical billing for doctors

4. Do automated telemarketing

5. Manage a church

6. Start a computer user's group

7. Learn to win at blackjack

8. Bet on horse races

9. Bet on pro football

10. Sell computers from your home

11. Provide medical information management

12. Broker information

13. Trade stock by computer

14. Provide astrological services

15. Offer an interactive electronic newsletter

16. Produce book indexes

17. Provide a computer-assisted booking service

18. Make stock market investment decisions

19. Do genealogical research

20. Manage a band

21. Manage a house or pet sitting service

22. Track precious gems

23. Sell information to collectors

24. Analyze real estate investments

25. Support a small law practice

26. Write a book

27. Market collectables

28. Do psychological counseling

29. Prepare income tax returns

30. Provide economic consulting

31. Solve real estate financing problems

32. Do data base research

33. Publish your own book

34. Design your own small business system

35. Crop management

36. Analyze farm expenses

37. Provide weekly printout of bowling league statistics

38. Make computer-generated portraits

39. Manage investment shelters

40. Manage construction costs

41. Produce computer utility products

42. Provide computer-aided financial planning

43. Sell life insurance

44. Support a small publishing business

45. Provide weekly printout of little league Baseball statistics

46. Run a small pharmacy

47. Become a computer dealer

48. Interpret physical therapy test results

49. Manage a restaurant

50. Start your own yellow pages

51. Conduct computer-assisted telephone interviewing

52. Stream-line executive search activities

53. Provide agricultural commodities planning

54. Turn financial statements into financial pictures

55. Manage a museum collection

56. Support consumer education programs

57. Do freelance technical writing

58. Do multi-level direct mail marketing

59. review specialty software

60. Be an engineering consultant

61. Provide sports information services

62. Produce products for hobbyists

63. Provide specialty-focused software services

64. Run a multi-level, direct sales operation

65. Do litigation management

66. Manage a dairy farm

67. Provided automated debt collection

68. Provide date-base installation and instruction

69. Run a beauty school/beauty salon

70. Improve small business services

71. Broker used computers!

72. Telecommute

73. Enhance medical diagnosis and treatments

74. Create electronic marketing tools

75. Do independent software documentation

76. Teach people how to use microcomputers

77. Become your own computer book publisher

78. Create computer-generated puzzles and word games

79. Become a software consultant

80. Produce low-cost computer graphics products

81. Develop software for children

82. Perform real estate inspections

83. Do software translations

84. Produced a computer-controlled home security system

85. Automate conference registration

86. Create computer gifts

87. Enhance scientific products

88. Write software for use in the home

89. Manage a winery

90. Design and produce personal computer hardware or peripherals

91. Design, publish and distribute software

92. Provide information vending machines

93. Start a software writing cooperative

94. Develop small scale real estate partnerships

95. Do property management

96. Do mortgage loan brokerage

97. Perform non-judicial foreclosures

98. Develop mini-warehouse storage facilities

99. Sell instant signs

100. Start an advertising agency

101. Start a resume service.

102. Manage a talent agency

103. Operate a referral service

104. Operating a mailing list service

105. Operate a typesetting service

106. Offer a legal forms service for the general public

107. Publish your own newsletter or help others for a fee

108. Operate a voice mail service

109. Start your own local classified newspaper

110. Provide a collection letter service

111. Offer a custom diet plan service

112. Start your own local real estate newspaper

113. Start an apartment rental newspaper

114. Provide a payroll service

115. Start a singles dating service

You can get more ideas with a number brainstorming tools located at http://www.best-internet-businesses.com

Truly, your PC and Internet give you more opportunities to earn incomes during spare time.

---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------

# posted by uajquuz : 1:04 PM  0 comments

When people call you, what do they hear if they don't reach you? OK, so it's probably a voicemail or other messaging system so they can leave you a message and you can call them back. So let's assume that's true, and let's focus on the message you have that people hear when they call your number.

Many people have a plain vanilla greeting, and often you're not even sure if you reached a human being or just a machine. "Hi, you've reached 555-1212. Leave a message." Who am I calling, and why should I care enough to leave a message with you?

"Hi, this is Phil. Leave a message. I'll call you back. Thanks." That's a little bit better. At least I know I called Phil. Does he check his voicemail often? What if this is an emergency? Is there another way to reach Phil?

"Hi, you've reached Phil Gerbyshak. I'm not available to take your call right now, however your call is very important to me. If this call is between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, please feel free to give me a call at work at 414-555-1212. Otherwise, leave your name, number, a brief message, and your favorite 80s rock bank after the tone, and I'll call you back as soon as I can. Thanks for calling. Make it a great day!" Hey, now that's pretty good. There's another number to reach me at, I let the caller know they're important to me, I injected some humor into the situation (favorite 80s rock bank, favorite 80s baseball/football/basketball player, you use what works for you), and I closed with energy: "Make it a great day!" I'll tell you, most people do leave me a message, most laughing by my request for favorite 80s something or other, and then tell me what they need. Then I call them back as soon as I can with the same energy as I have on my voicemail greeting. After all, who wants to talk to someone plain vanilla boring? Not me!

Energy is the key to your voicemail greeting, so practice having energy. Put some alternative methods of reaching you, and you'll ensure people leave you a message with the information you need to make it a great day!

Variety is also nice. Change your voicmail greeting at least once a month. 12 times a year to change your greeting. That's not so hard, is it?

Last thing is uniqueness. How many other people can you name who have the same greeting as you? If the answer is more than 1, you're not being unique enough. Think about this as your signature where people think of you when they hear it. My friends leave me messages that tell me to make it a great day because I've added that as my signature to all my voicemail greeting. Feel free to share yours with me by calling 414.640.7445 anytime. Don't be surprised if I actually answer the phone though!

Phil Gerbyshak leads a team of IT help desk professionals in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing his knowledge is a crucial component in his success as a leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love is the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your network, and your love. The rest will follow." For more musings by Phil, please go to http://makeitgreat.blogspot.com.

# posted by uajquuz : 6:54 PM  0 comments

If you are a business owner or manager and are currently playing musicin your venues or considering implementing musicon hold, you need to be aware that the musicyou use must be licensed, or it will be considered illegal use of copyrighted music. If caught, you could be facing steep fines or possible legal action. The musicindustry is coming down hard on businesses that are unaware of or disregard proper licensing of copyrighted music, as is evident by a recent series of crackdowns on over two dozen venues in Seattle who failed to pay royalties on musicthey were playing.

(ASCAP) The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, says that these venues have been performing copyrighted musicwithout permission. ASCAP is now actively going after local businesses that have not been paying to use copyrighted music. According to their web site any musicthat is played outside a direct circle of family and friends is considered a public performance; this includes restaurants playing background musicor commonly known as in-store music, DJs and musicon hold over phone lines.

Fortunately, if you are unwilling or unable to pay expensive musiclicensing fees but still would like to play musicin your venues or implement musicon hold, there is a less expensive alternative, Royalty Free music. Unlike most musiclicenses, royalty free musiconly requires a typically low one time fee, and the purchaser is then free to use the musicas often and in as many different ways as they like. The majority of musiclicenses stipulate how the musicis to be used, and charge additional fees accordingly. If youre looking for musicyou can use without being restricted by fussy contracts, you should consider royalty free music.

If youre interested in royalty free musicfor your musicon hold or venues, but are hesitant about the quality and believe popular musicis the only way to engage customers you can relax. In addition to being legal and affordable, royalty free musicfrom reputable libraries can be as appealing as any musicheard on the radio today. With cutting-edge technology and compositions by talented professional musicians, the quality of royalty free musicis on par with popular commercial music.

Because of the rising number of lawsuits being filed by the musicindustry against those who continue to implement musicillegally, and the high cost of synchronization or needledrop licenses, royalty free musicis becoming increasingly popular. Its well worth the low fee, particularly if it keeps pricy lawsuits at bay plus it is easy to obtain. musiccopyright laws are becoming increasingly more strict and complicated, and it is up to you to keep abreast of and act within these parameters. Pleading ignorance seems to be an unacceptable excuse with performance rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI. If you want to play musicand not run afoul of the law seriously consider royalty free music.

One good source for royalty free musicwith clean and simple licensing terms is Opuzz Royalty Free musicLibrary, one of the larger independent providers of quality royalty free music.

# posted by uajquuz : 6:37 PM  0 comments

It surprises me that many people fail to grasp this concept as they first set out to start their own businesses. Thanks to the power of the Internet, anyone who has a computer and an Internet connection can now START their own online businesses with little investment. However, generally speaking, it is a given that you have to invest money into your business to if you seriously want it to grow.

Affiliate marketing is a great way for ordinary people to start making money on the Internet. After finding an affiliate program that offers products you are interested in promoting, you can start an online business with just a website. So your total investment up to this point may simply be registering for a domain name and paying for a web hosting account.

But then what? You have to start marketing the products and getting people to your website! A lot of people are turned off when they discover that this is a demanding process that requires a substantial amount of hard work, time, AND money!

Let me give you a specific example. As all experienced Internet marketers know, "the money is in the list." Simply put, you want to build a mailing list of people who may be interested in what you have to offer.

One of the most effective ways to grow your mailing list is to use a pay-per-lead service where you PAY a company to bring targeted subscribers to you. The company will run an advertising campaign for you and deliver motivated, opt-in subscribers to your list. The cost can vary greatly depending on the information you require. The e-mail lead packages I have been using recently range from $.10 to $.35 per lead.

The best lead provider I have used is TrafficOasis. It provides targeted leads that are fresh, NON-SHARED, responsive, and affordable. If you who like to know more, check out its website: http://www.trafficoasis.com/index.php?118787

Other areas where you MAY want to invest money in include: logo design, web design, web promotion, and useful tools such as a graphics editor and a powerful autoresponder. However, there are plenty of free resources on the Internet and I encourage you to seek them out.

The saying, "You have to spend money to earn money," generally holds true for ANY business! An Internet-based business is no exception,whether your are promoting your own products or someone else's.

It is also important that you re-invest a portion of your profits into your business! That way, not only will your business continue to grow, but its GROWTH RATE will also increase! This in turn brings in MORE profits, which allows you to invest MORE into your business... Do you see a pattern!?

The key is to invest money into your business wisely while staying within your budget. If you believe in your business, you are bound to be successful!

To Your Success! Byron Wong

Visit http://www.internet-home-business.org for the BEST money-making opportunities and internet home business programs! Subscribe to our free newsletter NOW by sending an e-mail to ezine@internet-home-business.org and receive a free gift!

# posted by uajquuz : 6:44 PM  0 comments