Sunday, May 31, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009

What are Serviced Apartments?

It seems that everybody?s talking about serviced apartments and how they are going to become the hotels of the future. But what exactly are they and what?s all the fuss about?

A serviced apartment is a property that has been fully furnished and is available for very short term let. Sometimes serviced apartments can be rented for as short a period of time as one week. Although most serviced apartments require guests to stay for at least a minimum of a week, some allow you to book for just one night.

Serviced apartments that allow one night stays are normally linked to big hotel chains. Hilton and Marriott have serviced apartments for instance.

Serviced apartments normally have a living room, fully fitted kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. The number of bedrooms varies by apartment and you get to choose how many you want in the one that you rent.

As well as being fully furnished and offering a lot of space to spread out, serviced apartments are also equipped with the latest communication devices. They tend to have direct dial telephones, fax machines, broadband connections and satellite television.

This means that you do not have to worry about shipping your furniture when you relocate. The idea behind this is to reduce the stress and hassle associated with moving as much as possible.

In addition to this some serviced apartments also offer services that you might expect to only find in a hotel. For instance, many of them have a 24 hour concierge service, in-house maintenance and even a daily maid service.

Serviced apartments are designed to make your life as easy as possible. As a result most will give you a welcome hamper when you arrive. This contains essentials like tea and coffee as well as bread butter and milk to help you get on your feet.

Serviced apartments are becoming popular amongst executives relocating abroad because they offer a home from home. Guests do not have to worry about shipping furniture, utensils, telephones and televisions because the apartments are fully equipped with everything that you might need during your stay.

Select Apartments specialises in finding serviced apartmentsthroughout the world for business travelers.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Backgammon early game strategy


In backgammon you need to be able to alter your play in a blink. Occasionally you will have to restrain yourself from attacking and build your game, other times you'll need to attack full steam. In the very beginning of the game you need to be aggressive, fast and straightforward. If you can reach your early game targets it'll help you a lot later.


The early game targets


1. Make points in the homeboard

There are two reasons why this is important. First, it will mess your upponent's game by limiting his chances to enter from the bar if you hit his checker. If you make to additional points his chances are much worse to get back to the game than if you would have only the six-point. Second, by making points in your home board also means that you those checkers are already ready for bearing off when the time comes.


Please remember that some points are more important than others. If you maneuver your checkers to the edge of the board or very close to it you limit yourself as to which checkers you can move. On your home board the most important points are the 5-point, then 6 and 4-point and then the 3-point in this order.


If you are unable to make points in your homeboard, make points as near to the homeboard as possible. If you manage to block points 7 through 12 you'll see how difficult it is for your opponent to escape his back checkers. In addition, making any points between 7 and 12 are excellent storage points for bringing the checkers in to your home board.


2. Escape your back men

While you are attacking and building points in and near your home board you shouldn't forget about your back men. If you do, a few turns later they might've got blocked or the distance to the rest of your checkers could be very long and therefore the escape can become a very risky one and could easily cost you the game. Therefore, from the beginning, move your back checkers up slowly towards your home board. Try to keep them in relative proximity to the rest of the checkers.


Doubles are very good for bringing the back men towards your home board. Use half of the roll for that purpose and use the other half making points somewhere else. Sometimes you will be rolling combinations that doesn't allow you to move both of your checkers well. In that case split your back men. This can be a little risky but if you play safe you'll never be a real backgammon winner. As soon as you can, bring your back men again together.


Final words

As mentioned above, if you won't reach your early game targets you'll end up in trouble. Your troubles will seem the get worse as soon as you have a few dollars at stake. You'll be thinking hard whether there was something you could've done differently and if you do manage to get out of trouble, well, then you were pretty lucky.


When you accomplish your early game targets you are in a far better position. You can start concentrating on the work to be done and you won't have to tackle problems each time as they arise. So don't loose your head, maintain your focus and work hard towards your early game targets and you have much better chances to win the game.
About the Author

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Building Real Estate New Home Construction Tips

Your next few months constructing your new home could prove to be a time consuming and daunting task. You must recognize that it is difficult, if not impossible to have everything go smoothly. When buying a home while it is under construction you must have some key notes available. First, the contract of purchase and sale must be clear and very detailed to outline your expectations. It must describe the specifics including the details of the labor and materials used to satisfy your buying agreement. These stand from of construction contracts are available and these forms of agreement are designed to provide an enforceable agreement between the seller (builder) and the buyer.

If your developer asks for a deposit (which he will) make sure that it will be deposited into a trust account. If the agreement should default, the deposit should always be returned back to yourself. If the developer wishes to hold your deposit as a stake holder, the return of your deposit may be more difficult. In addition to the standard contract of purchase and sale, you should include a specifications sheet and the plans for the house. Building contracts are long, complex documents. Both parties (builder/seller and buyer) should obtain legal advice prior to entering into a building contract.

Do the walk though! Insist that prior to possession date, both parties conduct a walk-through of the property prior to possession date. Make sure that all the work is completed and agreed upon. At this time, both the seller and the buyer should sign and date the list. Copies should be given to both parties, realtor?s and lawyers involved. The crown has developed a program in 1998 called the Home Owners Protection Office. Essentially it is designed to protect the quality of construction in a new home development. This office licenses residential builders and building envelope renovators, monitor?s the provisions of mandatory third-party home warranty insurance and researches/educates the residential construction industry and consumers.

If you are the owner of a leaky home, the HPO will administer no-interest repair loan programs and PST relief grants for owners. They?re set up to ensure that no one has to lose their home due to the cost of repairing a leaky home. The reconstruction loan program provides no interest loans to homeowners and housing co-op?s who are unable to pay for the cost of repairs.

Your warranty includes a minimum of two years on labor and materials. Five years on the building envelope which includes water penetration. And ten years on the structure. In order to minimize confusion about warranties, the HPO created this 2, 5, 10 year home warranty insurance logo. It?s now used in the marketing campaigns of your local realtors and builders in the Residential real estate market of British Columbia homes. This should take place when you first occupy the home. You could always find more information on this topic by visiting www.hop.bc.ca

Finally make sure that your realtor inserts a clause clearly stating that the occupancy certificate must be obtained on or before completion date. However, landscaping and other outside work can still be in the process of completion. Your occupancy permit merely allows you to move into your new home! We hope this article helped you think of some things that you might not normally know. Please do not rely on this article as a guide or legal advice as you should always consult your lawyer or local realtor for advice, they are the expert.

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

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Appraisals Help Price Homes

Many homeowners are now paying to have an appraisal performed on their home before putting it on the market. Alan Hummel, chief appraiser for Forsythe Appraisals LLC of St. Paul, Minn. says that many homeowners are willing to pay the cost upfront.

Presale appraisals for the firm increased during the first quarter, said Hummel, as the residential real estate market has begun to see cooling in many areas and an increase in inventory.

Although many real estate agents conduct their own market analysis to price a property, the appraiser is able to come up with an independent, unbiased opinion to price the property, said Hummel. If a property isn't getting any interest, an agent might encourage the client to have an appraisal performed to make sure the home is priced appropriately.

Now, you've got to be competitive and you have to know that the offers coming in are reasonable, said Hummel.

An appraisal looks at a property from a visual standpoint. It takes into account everything from cracking paint to the proximity to schools and shopping.

We are trying to react the way a typical purchaser would, said Hummel.

The appraiser will look at the health of the local real estate market, which gives a homeowner a personalized expectation for selling the home. The homeowner must remember that the market can vary from area to area -- national news about real estate slow downs may or may not apply, said Hummel.

The appraisal report will include the details about the home, a description of the neighborhood and a side-by-side comparison of similar homes in the area. It will evaluate the area's real estate market, make notations of any major problems that affect the property value and estimate the time it will take to sell the home.

The appraisal is a opinion of the home's value. It is based on similar homes in the area that have been sold recently. It is not the same thing as a home inspection. It deals with the value, the inspection deals with the condition.

You pay for the appraisal when you purchase a home. You should request a copy from your lender, you have a federal right to receive it. When you have the house appraised before you put it on the market, you simply pay the appraiser and receive the report.

It is wise to have your home appraised before putting it up for sale. It will help you to accurately price your home. This can help you avoid problems later. You could find that you priced your home for too much or too little.

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

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Baby Safety Part Two


We do whatever we can to keep our babies safe. There's so many precautions we need to take, that we sometimes take for granted that the manufacturers of baby supplies will put out products which are safe. Sadly, this is not always the case. Many times we find out from baby's getting injured, or worst, with the product. Always go over any baby supplies you buy with a fine tooth comb to make sure it meets with your safety requirements.


The main accidents that occur with high chairs is babies falling from them because the restraints were not used. Babies love to stand up in them, and many babies like to climb on the tray, unaware that it can't hold their weight. Deaths have occurred from them slipping down under the tray and strangling on the restraint straps. High chairs should have a waist strap and a strap that runs between the legs. Never leave a child unattended in a high chair. Too many accidents can happen too quickly.


Playpens are many parent's savior. It's wonderful to have a safe place to put the baby where we can take care of things around the house. However, deaths have occurred with playpens mainly when the drop-sides of mesh were left in the down position. When left down, the mesh hangs loosely, forming a pocket or gap between the edges of the floor panel and the side. Young infants, even a few weeks old can move to the edge and fall into the loose mesh, get trapped and suffocate. Deaths have also occurred when they have a rotating hinge in the center of each top rail to enable the product to be folded. These deaths resulted when the top rails collapsed and formed an acute 'v' shape that entrapped the child's neck. Make sure if the playpens or cribs have this mechanism that it locks automatically when the rail is lifted into the normal use position. To fold it, it should have a button or other release mechanism that must be used to release the latch. Make sure you always show any one who will be sitting with you baby how to operate any equipment correctly. Improper set-up can cause it to collapse. Never leave your baby unattended with the side down. Even when they are not in the playpen leave the side up. Children may try to climb back into the playpen, pinching their fingers on the unlocked hinge mechanism. Also, never use a pad that does not fit snugly and never add a second pad or mattress. Babies have suffocated when trapped between mattresses or between the playpen's side and mattress.


Walkers are another wonderful invention, but babies will take full advantage of their now mobile selfs. Make sure you keep them well away from stairs. Uneven floors and thresholds can make the walker tip over as well. They are also able to get into other rooms more quickly - so pay careful attention to the kitchen, especially while cooking. Baby gates are a great safety tool, and every home with a baby should use baby gates.


Other hazards are back carriers -- make sure the baby is at least four-five months old. By then the baby's neck is able to withstand jolts and not sustain an injury. The cycle carriers should not be used before a baby is one-year-old. Developmentally, children are just learning to sit unsupported around nine months old. It is not until this age that infants have developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight.


Do not sit babies in carriers on an elevated surface. Deaths have occurred from an active baby tipping the carrier over and off of the elevated surface.


You just got back from a nice walk with your baby and he has fallen asleep in the stroller. I know it's tempting not to disturb him, for fear of waking him, but deaths have resulted by infants wriggling feet first towards the front of the stroller and when their bodies passed through the opening between the hand rest (grab bar) and the front edge of the seat, they became trapped by the head and strangled.


You can always check with the Consumer Products Safety Commission web site to get the latest recalls and read up on dangers caused from different products, along with safety check lists to go by in purchasing baby products.


References from Consumer Products Safety Commission

About the Author

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.BabyNameVote.Com/ which is a site for Baby Names.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Choose the Right Realtor

For most people, their home is the biggest investment of their life. Whether you're buying or selling a home, you want to be sure you're maximizing that investment. Choosing the right Realtor can make a big difference in how fast you find or sell a house, the price you pay or receive and the smooth completion of the transaction.

You'll need to do some research to find the one that's right for you. It's not hard, but it will take a little time; however, finding the right match will pay off in the long run. Here are some tips from AHA:

Go with a Pro

The terms agent, broker and Realtor are often used interchangeably. But not all agents or brokers are Realtors. The term Realtor identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribes to its strict code of ethics, which in some cases goes beyond state law.

Experience Counts

Whether you're looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell a house, you don't want to be part of someone's learning curve. One of the first questions you should ask a potential Realtor is how long they've been licensed and how long they've worked in the area, says Richard Roll, president of AHA.

Get Referrals

Friends, neighbors and co-workers are often good sources for referrals. Get as many details as possible about their buying or selling experience with a particular agent. Were they happy with the service they received? Would they use the Realtor again? You can also check the local yellow pages or search the Internet to scope out your options and find leads . If you're selling, look for sold signs in your neighborhood.

Think Locally

Both buyers and sellers should look for a Realtor who is familiar with the area, notes Roll. Ask what they have sold or listed in the neighborhood recently. If you're buying, a Realtor should be able to provide you with information on the community, the schools, taxes and other facts. If you're selling, you want your agent to be able to talk to prospective buyers about these details.

Use the Right Type of Realtor

Should you use a conventional Realtor or a buyer's broker? Many home buyers don't realize that Realtors legally work for the seller. They're making their commission from the purchase price, so they want to sell a house quickly and for the most money possible.

A buyer's broker, on the other hand, represents the best interests of the buyer, and is an option that's growing in popularity. Buyer agents are bound to keep anything you say to them confidential. Since they are not working for the seller, they are less likely to try to gloss over any problems with a particular home and do their best to make sure you find a home that is right for you. However, you will have to pay the fee for a buyer agent, either an hourly fee or a commission based on the purchase price. The key is to make a better deal on the home that you buy to cover the cost of the assistance the agent provides.

Dual Agents work out of a traditional real estate office both as a traditional agent and a buyer agent. They can take on buyers directly as clients, but since they work in a traditional real estate office, they can also represent the seller. In this situation you need to remember to keep your comments spare and look for the best deal. A dual agent cannot negotiate on the buyer's behalf and cannot recommend specific terms, including a purchase price. If you want a true buyer broker without dual agency, be sure to look for an Exclusive Buyer Broker. Split Agents do the same type of work as a dual agent, in that they can represent the buyer or seller. The main difference is that they never represent both in a transaction. If you hire a split agent as your buyer broker, they are bound to the same rules as an exclusive buyer broker. Everything you say is held in confidence and they work solely and completely in your best interest.

Discount and e-brokers provide even more choices to home buyers and sellers. Both charge less than the typical 6 percent commission for their services. Discount brokers function much like a conventional agent. However, they may not provide the full range of marketing services you would get from a convention agent. Most e-brokers do not have a brick and mortar office, which cuts down their overhead costs, a saving which they pass on to consumers. When using an e-broker, you'll typically do most of the work yourself: checking the MLS listings, making a list of properties you'd like to view, weeding out the houses that aren't a good fit for you. The transaction takes place mostly online; when you have some houses you want to see, you contact the e-broker and they put you in touch with a local agent.

Another option as a buyer is to try to go it alone, searching through the papers and looking for listing signs as you drive through different neighborhoods. This is not recommended for first time buyers, but if you are a hardy soul and want to take on the task, make sure you do your homework on each property before signing anything. Be sure to go through the remaining sections of AHA's Home University 1st Time Buyers course, so you will know how to protect yourself and make a good deal.

Stay in your range

Whether you're buying or selling, choose a Realtor who concentrates on your price range. For example, if you're looking to buy a house in the range of $250,000 to $300,000, you should check the real estate listings in the local paper to see which Realtors are listing houses in that range. A Realtor who focuses on more expensive homes won't be as knowledgeable about what's available in your price range.

Interview a Few Candidates

Once you've done some background work, set up interviews with three or four Realtors you're considering. You might also want to visit open houses to observe the agent in action. Are they familiar with the property, the area, the real estate transaction? Did they show the home in a professional manager? Did they seem enthusiastic and were they easy to communicate with?

Don't Let an Agent Buy Your Listing

If one agent says he or she can sell your house for substantially more money than the other agents quoted you, they're probably telling you what they think you want to hear in order to get your listing. Or, they may not be familiar with the market in your town or neighborhood. Statistics show that properties which are over-priced when they are listed stay on the market longer and sell for less than if they had been properly priced from the start, says AHA's Roll.

Agree on Expectations

If you're selling a house, ask your agent to put together a written marketing plan detailing the steps they will take to sell your home. The agent should offer advice on how to prepare your home for the market and who has enthusiasm for your property. If you're buying a home, make sure you know how often your agent will supply you with listings, how many houses you can expect to see in a week, etc.

Look for a Personality Match

Once you know you've narrowed your search down to qualified professionals with the right expertise, make sure you choose someone you trust and who you like. Regardless of whether you're a buyer or a seller, you'll be spending a lot of time with your Realtor and it should be someone you feel compatible and comfortable with, says Roll.

American Homeowners Association (AHA)?

Richard J. Roll, American Homeowners Association (AHA)? Founder and President, created the AHA in 1994 after speaking to thousands of homeowners and discovering that they were facing similar problems ? high costs, no clout, little knowledge. The AHA helps homeowners and first-time homebuyers obtain the most value for their homes, build equity, avoid common pitfalls, and save $1000s on home improvements and home maintenance. Now the world?s leading homeowner?s savings, benefits and advocacy membership group, since its inception, AHA has served over 1 million homeowners and first-time home buyers and helps them to capture the most value in their homes, and make wiser decisions regarding home buying, selling, financing, maintenance and home improvements.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sexy And Sheer Lingerie Sets Whatever Your Figure




 



Sexy And Sheer Lingerie Sets - Whatever Your FigureSubmitted By: Amanda Cotterill  
















M atching lingerie sets range from sheer lingerie sets to flirty boy shorts options. Matching lingerie adds style and sex appeal to any look. However, the range of available styles can make it difficult to know how to begin. Provided here is guide to sheer lingerie sets and other popular styles of matching lingerie.


Sheer Lingerie


Matching sheer lingerie creates a definite sexy look. Choose a bra and panties set in mesh or lace or perhaps a chemise and panties in a sheer nylon fabric. For a bold look, consider a sheer camisole with matching thong or g-string. Sheer lingerie is extremely popular in today's market, making it easy to create a set that works for you.


Bra and Panties Sets


Matching bra and panties sets are easy to find. Choices for these sets range from sheer lace or fishnet to more exotic lingerie options. Consider a velvet set for elegance or a cotton bikini set for flirty good looks and ultimate comfort.


Fun and Flirty


If your tastes run more to the fun and flirty than to the risqu?, you will find matching lingerie sets that meet your needs. Consider a soft tank top paired with cute boy shorts. Or perhaps you would prefer cotton bikini panties matched with a halter top or sports bra. It is possible to find matching sets bearing fun patterns or cute logos.


Exotic Lingerie


If your tastes are on the exotic side, look for lingerie sets that are more unique. Consider a corset or bustier with matching panties. Look for fur trim, sequins or other exotic detailing elements on whatever lingerie items you select.


Finding Matching Lingerie Sets


Some lingerie is designed and sold in sets. Bras and panties are often sold this way. This is a great way to pick up some matching lingerie quickly and easily. However, if you would like to widen your options, consider putting together your own sets instead. Look for pieces that have something in common. Matching colours, design features and trim are just a few of the elements to look for when designing when your own matching lingerie.


Accessories


In order to create a complete matching lingerie set, look for accessories that will complete the outfit. A sheer wrap in a similar colour adds both sex appeal and drama to virtually any lingerie set. For a flirty look, consider a short (mid-thigh or shorter) robe in a jewel tone silk or satin. Don't forget shoes. A pair of old-fashioned high heeled bedroom slippers adds a beautiful touch to any matching lingerie set.


A matching lingerie set is a terrific way to add an element of elegance to your lingerie choices. Purchase sets that were designed to match or branch out to create your own set. From the sexy elegance of a sheer lingerie set to the flirty comfort of boy shorts, you can find a set that is right for you.


There are so many different kinds of matching lingerie sets you will always find one that will suit your style and your pocket. It's amazing the choice we have, there are different fabrics to suit your mood.











About the Author:

Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the sexy lingerie uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sheer lingerie as if that needed much explaining! Please include this credit if you use this article.




Article Tags: lingerie, matching, sets













Saturday, May 23, 2009

Buying The Right Child Car Seat For Your Kid

The biggest obstacle most parents, or parents to be, will run up against when deciding on a car seat is the fact that there are so many different ones to choose from. Car seats are sold by a wide range of manufactures and within many different price ranges. The variety of choice is so great it can leave parents mind numbingly lost and unable to make a decision.

However, by breaking the problem down and simplifying it, the purchase of a car seat becomes a task that is not as difficult as it may seem when you walk into a store and stand on an aisle that appears to have an infinite amount of choices.

Clearing up the Confusion

Child car seats are divided into categories, or stages, as most manufacturers refer to them. The stages are as follows:

Stage 1: Groups 0 & 0+
Stage 2: Group 1
Stage 3: Group 2
Stage 4: Group 3

Be aware when you are shopping that some car seats can be converted to keep pace with your child as he/she grows, so you may see some seats with packaging that specifies the seat fits within all of the stages or groups.

Rear-Facing Car Seat

This type of car seat applies to children who would fall under Group 0. Generally, this type of car seat is for children who way less than 22 pounds (generally children ages 6 to 12 months). Group 0+ would also fit into this type of car seat. Group 0+ describes children who weigh between 22 and 29 pounds (generally children ages 12 to 15 months).

This type of car seat can be placed in the front or back seat of a vehicle; however, most safety experts suggest placing it in the back seat, especially if your vehicle has a passenger side airbag. The impact of the airbag against the car seat can seriously injure, or even kill a child.

The upside of rear-facing car seats is that they offer excellent protection of the head, neck and spine of infants. In fact, many experts suggest that parents place their children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, only switching them to forward facing car seats once their children fully outgrow the weight limitations of the seat, or their head rests higher than the top of it.

Forward-facing Car Seat

This type of car seat is for children who fit into the rest of the groups mentioned above, and which vary amongst size, height and weight of children. Generally, children in these categories weigh between 20 to 40 pounds (generally children ages 9 months to 4 years old).

Similar to rear-facing seats, this type of seat can be placed in either the front or back seat of a vehicle; however, again, placing the seat in the back is best, especially if you have a passenger side airbag.

Children vary in all sizes and weights during this age period, which is why parents may need to purchase a booster cushion or booster seat, and maybe even a harness to create a better fit for their child in the seat.

If this happens to be the case, then it is important parents make sure they properly fasten and adjust the child?s seatbelt. If a parent is unsure, there are many police stations whose officers are usually more than happy to demonstrate the correct way. The general rule though, is to make sure the seat belt is tight, and the lap belt is positioned over the pelvic area of the child, not the stomach. The diagonal strap should rest on the child?s shoulder, not their neck.

Once the child grows to big for the seat (weighs more than the seat is rated for or their head rests above the top of the seat) he/she is ready to graduate to sitting in the vehicle without the car seat; however the child should still sit in the back seat until they grow older.

As a parent, it goes without saying that your child?s safety comes first and foremost. By keeping this in mind and doing a thorough amount of research into pricing and availability of car seats, you will be able to make the right decision.


About the Author:

You will find more from this author at: myautos-magazine.com




Friday, May 22, 2009

Realtors It's Time To Take Charge

The Next Real Estate Industry Revolution: A primer on how to become a full service provider to your clients.

After the introduction of the MLS and the advent of Franchising, the Real Estate Industry was changed forever. We are now on the brink of a third revolution, which only a few real estate agents are embracing.

You are and always have been and will be the Trusted Adviser to your clients. They look to you for advice, what to do next in the process of purchasing their new home. You have a huge influence. Until now, there appears to be many reasons for you not to provide full real estate services to your clients; such as mortgage financing or other services. Some of your reasons maybe:

  • Fear of getting too financially intimate with your client
  • Don't want to spread yourself too thin, you want to focus on what you know, which is real estate
  • Lack of knowledge & expertise regarding finance and mortgage
  • Added expense and time required to start another business
  • Fear of violating RESPA and may risk the possibility of loosing your license
  • You were told not to in real estate school or by your very own managing broker (while you knew that he or she was already in the mortgage business)
  • Most Realtors have been thought in sales school, that to be successful they must stay in control of their client and the sales process. To-day how business is being conducted is rapidly changing with the ever growing Internet Customer. Have you noticed that you are less and less in control. Here are some interesting statistics; "76% of clients looking for a home will use the Internet, before they ever E-mail, telephone or meet with a Realtor". - 'The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently conducted a survey which determined that over 80% of home buyers would prefer to have their real estate agent help them with their mortgage financing rather than refer them over to someone new and unknown." Consider a New Business Model, where Internet technology and easy to use Point of Sale mortgage loan origination systems, implemented on the Internet, makes the tasks of filling out a 1003 mortgage application a breeze.

    Initial loan documents and required disclosures by law are automatically generated and E-mailed to your clients within the three day RESPA rule. Mortgage products and pricing are done automatically from the input you provide by filling out the easy e1003 application in your browser. Then a list of available solutions are given to you to select from by the build in pricing engines.

    You can become a virtual owner of a Mortgage Company overnight. Give your clients more of what they want and spend 80% of your time on the 20% of the activities that will expand your business and generate more revenue for you.

    Here are a few steps to follow to implement this New Business Model:

  • Decide to add Mortgage Origination to your or your team's existing core of talents (Whatever your talents are now, you need someone else's talents to complement yours to realize your goals faster.) Benefits: You will stay in control of the loan process. You won't miss any important contractual dates. You will get automated loan status reports. You will stay RESPA compliant. You will make an additional commission by representing your clients on mortgage origination.
  • Create a Winning Team- by having a highly focused, local team tailored to support your business is your key to success. You can outsource mortgage origination to a local team of a mortgage bank (make sure that they have the track record in the purchase origination business, they have the technology, products, pricing, in-house underwriting and processing support) and still receive a healthy piece of the mortgage loan commission. You can decide how much time and energy you want to spend in the mortgage business. You can have your own dedicated mortgage coordinator and processor. You can direct your client to your loan coordinator to get pre-approved. You can be in conference with your client and your loan coordinator to complete the on-line loan application and follow the process on your computer.
  • This is a testimonial from a Realtor in Albuquerque, NM, who is taking charge and using this new business model: "When I joined the company, I was looking for a place to put my license that would give me flexibility. I have bought and sold homes for several years, mostly my own properties. Little did I know the real opportunities that this company presented. I can make more money in less time with no investment or liability like I had before. I have recently been a buyer‘s broker with a customer and originated a loan at the same time, with the help of Steve Toth. My customer received excellent service at a single location (his home). I already had most of the info I needed for the loan. The purchase offer was accepted on a Thursday and by Friday we already had a pre-approval on the loan. How easy is that for my customer and me? My customer did not even have to miss work. I have changed my whole focus on Real Estate. Instead of spending days looking for my next project, I spend my time with customers ready to buy or sell and helping others in the business. None of which is none productive time. What a great opportunity for any Real Estate agent!!"-Ron Hensley-Albuquerque, NM

    To find out more on Strategic Alliances with Realtors to Offer Mortgage Education and Full Service Real Estate to Consumers and to view our Webcast click here

    About the Author:

    Mr. Toth has over eight years of residential, commercial and investment banking experience. He started the Real Estate and Mortgage Focus Radio Show in early 2004 on 630KHOW Denver's Talk Station to educate the public about real estate, finance and coaching. He became known as a real estate and finance area expert and someone who networks at a high level within the industry.

    In 2006 Steve M Toth, ?The Mortgage Guy?-Radio Show Host on Live365 expanded the ?Real Estate and Mortgage Focus?? Radio Show Program into a national show on Live365- the World?s Largest National Internet Radio Network.

    In 2003 he started a coaching practice called Real-Coaching? to provide coaching programs and consulting services that dramatically enhance individual and team performance in the areas of Sales, Motivation, Leadership, Teamwork, Communication and Life Balance Management Skills for Realtors, Investors and Mortgage Professionals.

    Thursday, May 21, 2009

    The History Of Coffee Houses

    When you want to go to exchange news, share ideas and get advice, you go to a coffee shop. It has been that way for quite some time. Coffee shops had been places of learning; of making business deals; scientific, literary, political, philosophical, and economic discussions; and even the typical gossip.

    In the earliest point of its history, coffee houses were already so popular that ideas born from there have been a source of political forums and discussions ever since. The inspiration of brilliant thinking is to the point that, at times, kings and nobility used it as a method of determining public opinion.

    During the 17th century when coffee was introduced to Europe, the popularity of cafes followed the same pattern as most coffee houses around the world. It quickly became a venue for people to congregate, exchange views, write poems, plays, and political testaments, conduct business transactions, participate in cultural exchange and often relax with a good book. In those earlier days when were the were no postal addresses, the popularity of coffee shop had also served as a mailing address, because many people were regulars.

    A typical coffeehouse shares a common characteristic with a bar or a restaurant. They differ in that a coffeehouse focuses on serving coffee, teas and snacks. In some countries, however, a coffeehouse does serve hot meals, deserts, sandwiches, soups, and alcohol, aside from bakery products.

    Today, coffeehouses continue the tradition set by coffeehouses of the past. They still remain to be a very popular venue for people who would want relaxed and calm atmospheres where they can talk, read, catch up on the day's event, meet with people and have excellent quality coffee. This desire is evidenced by popular coffeehouses with franchises around the globe such as Starbucks, Seattle's Best Coffee, Peet's, Cup O' Joe, The Second Cup and the Coffee Bean.

    Depending on the country and region, coffeehouses have adopted variations. In the United States, coffeehouses or cafes may offer a variety of coffee styles, hot chocolate and teas served as well as light snacks while others serve full menus. Alcoholic beverages may also be offered.

    Cafes in France almost always serve alcoholic drinks. Like most cafes anywhere in the world, they serve light snacks. Other coffeehouses may have a restaurant area where the guests could be served from the full menus. The popularity of cafes in France, especially Paris, gave way to subtle coffeehouse variations like the brasserie where single dish meals are typically served, and the bistro.

    The cafe experience in Europe spawned other variations of coffeehouses around the world. These coffeehouses offer curb-side seating and other outdoor seating like the sidewalk, pavement or terraces. The seating is usually clustered along busy streets and operated by private local establishments that could very closely resemble parties, especially during weekends.

    These patio coffeehouses provide more open public spaces commonly preferred by customers wanting an airy and very casual atmosphere for relaxation and conversation.

    Recently, a new type of coffeehouse entered the industry: the Internet cafe. Internet cafes may not appear to be your typical coffeehouse like the bistro, brasserie, cafeteria and the coffee chain establishments but they certainly share the same basic characteristics. Coffee, tea and chocolate are served together with light snacks and chatter. The chatting, though, is done online.

    It may or may not replace the traditional coffee shops, but nevertheless, Internet cafes are a hub for political exchange, learning, journalistic, literary and commercial enterprise. Only the styles of coffee shops have changed over the centuries, but in respect to why people frequent them, nothing has really changed.


    About the Author:

    Christopher Anderson contributes to several web magazines, on shopping ideas and product tips issues.




    Wednesday, May 20, 2009

    How To Negotiate Real Estate Commissions When Selling A House "As Is"

    A real estate commission is a specified charge, which is paid to the agent or the broker hired for the purpose of selling a house. To avoid being duped by paying unreasonable amounts of money as commission, it is advisable for sellers to study the market themselves and get to know the general range of commission rates first. In reality, the commission rates are never fixed and most of the states forbid the Real Estate Commissions from doing so. This means that the agents can quote any price they like as long as the customers are willing to comply with the demands. However, this does not imply that the customers are compelled to pay the stated rates; they have the option of negotiating as much as their negotiation skills allow them to. The competition factor between agents also helps keep the commission rates from soaring too high.

    The rules of estate commissions

    Usually the Realty companies set the minimum and maximum rates of commission and leave the finalization of the rate to the brokers. The agents however, are not allowed to discuss their company commission rates with agents of different realty companies. No realty company is allowed to advertise its rates to attract customers. The commission to be paid to the seller's agent is decided when the listing contract is being drawn and the commission payable to the buyer's agent is determined when the contract for the sale of the estate is being written. Usually, the total commission is divided equally between both the agents.

    Tips to negotiate

    Here are certain pointers for you to keep in mind when you try and negotiate the commission payable to you real estate agent:

    Study and calculate the value of your home and draw an estimate of how much would be the ideal commission charge for that value.

    Enquire about other homes in your area that have been put up on sale and find out how much those owners are paying their agents.

    Keep a track on the market trends, whether it is favoring the sellers or the buyers. In case it is supporting the sellers, then the negotiation power lies more with the sellers.

    Make a precise budget before negotiating the commission rate.

    Before hiring an agent, make a background check to see if he is adequately qualified to carry out the job. Carefully observing the agents' weaknesses and use them to your benefit.

    Discuss payment options other than straight commissions such as a flat fee or a dual fee. The dual fee states that a certain percentage will be paid if the house is sold for more than a specified rate.

    Alternatives

    In the situation where you do not manage to find an appropriate agent or broker, you can always sign yourself with a real estate firm that charges a flat rate instead of any percentage. Moreover, if your house is in a good condition and well maintained, you will not only pay a nominal fee for the sale procedure but also get a good value for your house.

    Caution

    It is advisable that individuals wanting to sell their house do not fall for tempting offers made by certain agents who promise to sell the house at a higher price, and in turn, charge a higher commission. The customers should also be wary of the agent who says that the value of the house is very low and would require a lot of effort and time to sell. These are just tactics to extract as much money as possible from the client.

    We will buy your house As Is Now! Forgot For Sale By Owner. Contact us at http://www.asisnow.com/

    Florida For Sale By Owner
    Phone 1800.As Is Now, 1800.274.7669
    Email webmaster@asisnow.com

    Tuesday, May 19, 2009

    There is no such thing as a good or bad stretch? Its all in how you do it...


    Over the last few months my inbox has been flooded with concerns about which stretches are good and which stretches are bad. In all cases someone has told the inquirer that they shouldn't do this stretch or that stretch, or that this is a good stretch and this is a bad stretch.



    Some people have even seen stretches on our web site and emailed me to say (out of genuine concern) that this is a bad stretch because their coach, trainer or friend told them so.



    So, are there only good stretches and bad stretches? Is there no middle ground? And if there are only good and bad stretches, how do you decide which ones are good and which ones are bad?



    Let's put an end to the confusion once and for all...



    There is no such thing as a good or bad stretch!



    Just as there are no good or bad exercises, there are no good or bad stretches; only what is appropriate for the specific requirements of the individual. So a stretch that is perfectly okay for me, may not be okay for you or someone else.



    Let me give you an example. You wouldn't ask someone with a shoulder injury to do push-ups or freestyle swimming, but that doesn't mean that these are bad exercises. Now, consider the same scenario from a stretching point of view. You wouldn't ask that same person to do shoulder stretches, would you? But that doesn't mean that all shoulder stretches are bad.



    You see, the stretch itself isn't good or bad, it's the way it's performed and who it's performed on that makes it effective and safe, or ineffective and harmful. To place a particular stretch into a category of Good or Bad is foolish and dangerous. To label a stretch as Good gives people the impression that they can do that stretch whenever and however they want and it won't cause them any problems.



    The specific requirements of the individual are what's important!



    Remember, stretches are neither good nor bad. Just like a motor vehicle, it's what you do with it that makes it good or bad. However, when choosing a stretch there are a number of precautions and checks you need to perform before giving that stretch the okay.



    1. Make a general review of the individual.

    Are they healthy and physically active, or have they been leading a sedentary lifestyle for the past 5 years? Are they a professional athlete? Are they recovering from a serious injury? Do they have aches, pains or muscle and joint stiffness in any area of their body?



    2. Make a specific review of the area, or muscle group to be stretched.

    Are the muscles healthy? Is there any damage to the joints, ligaments, tendons, etc.? Has the area been injured recently, or is it still recovering from an injury?



    If the muscle group being stretched isn't 100% healthy avoid stretching this area altogether. Work on recovery and rehabilitation before moving onto specific stretching exercises. If however, the individual is healthy and the area to be stretched is free from injury, then apply the following to all stretches.



    * Warm up prior to stretching.



    Warming up prior to stretching does a number of beneficial things, but primarily its purpose is to prepare the body and mind for more strenuous activity. One of the ways it achieves this is by helping to increase the body's core temperature while also increasing the body's muscle temperature. By increasing muscle temperature you are helping to make the muscles loose, supple and pliable. This is essential to ensure the maximum benefit is gained from your stretching.



    * Stretch gently and slowly. (Avoid bouncing)



    Stretching slowly and gently helps to relax your muscles, which in turn makes stretching more pleasurable and beneficial. This will also help to avoid muscle tears and strains that can be caused by rapid, jerky movements.



    * Stretch ONLY to the point of tension.



    Stretching is NOT an activity that was meant to be painful; it should be pleasurable, relaxing and very beneficial. Although many people believe that to get the most from their stretching they need to be in constant pain. This is one of the greatest mistakes you can make when stretching.



    * Breathe slowly and easily while stretching.



    Many people unconsciously hold their breath while stretching. This causes tension in your muscles, which in turn makes it very difficult to stretch. To avoid this, remember to breathe slowly and deeply during your stretching. This helps to relax your muscles, promotes blood flow and increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.



    An example



    Let's take a look at one of the most controversial stretches ever performed and see how the above would be applied.



    The stretch to the right causes many a person to go into complete melt-down. It has a reputation as a dangerous, bad stretch and should be avoided at all costs. Even just thinking about this stretch may cause injury.



    So why is it that at every Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships you see sprinters doing this stretch before their events? Let's apply the above checks to find out.



    Firstly, consider the person performing the stretch. Are they healthy, fit and physically active? If not, this isn't a stretch they should be doing. Are they elderly, over weight and unfit? Are they young and still growing? Do they lead a sedentary lifestyle? If so, they should avoid this stretch!



    This first consideration alone would prohibit 50% of the population from doing this stretch.



    Secondly, review the area to be stretched. This stretch obviously puts a large strain on the muscles of the hamstrings and lower back. So if your hamstrings or lower back aren't 100% healthy, don't do this stretch.



    This second consideration would probably rule out another 25%, which means this stretch is only suitable for about 25% of the population. Or, the well trained, physically fit, injury free athlete.



    Then apply the four precautions above and the well trained, physically fit, injury free athlete can perform this stretch safely and effectively.



    Remember, the stretch itself isn't good or bad. It's the way it's performed and who it's performed on that makes it effective and safe, or ineffective and harmful.


    About the Author

    To learn more about Brad Walker and the correct stretches and exercise you need to be doing visit: http://www.losethebackpain.com

    Monday, May 18, 2009

    Are Baby Seats Safe


    Today there are a number of baby seats to choose from.


    Options are increased safety incorporating deep torso, double head support and adjustable height head support. True Side Impact Protection, developed by Britax engineers, has been confirmed through rigorous side impact sled testing to better contain a child in dangerous side-impact crashes.


    The Sit-Rite by Sunshine Kids helps level rear-facing child safety seats to position your child at the proper angle. Its dense foam construction adds firm, lateral support to the vehicle seat to help discourage sideways tipping. Fits all rear-facing safety seats and
    infant carrier bases. that will greatly simplify child safety seat installation and will help protect children by keeping seats more secure in vehicles.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to keep children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible--ideally up to the car seat's weight limit--because it's generally safer.


    But when we crash-tested rear-facing car seats at manufacturers' claimed weight limits, several had significant problems.


    By contrast, when the child car seats had car safety belts connected, all performed fine. So if you already own one of those car seats, you don't need to throw it out. Just install it
    with the car's own safety belt, not with the LATCH connection.


    Other things to check are. There appear to be problems in the way some car seats or their LATCH straps are designed. On multiple units, the LATCH strap broke on the Combi Avatar and the seat disconnected from the base on the Evenflo PortAbout 5 We noted a similar though less severe problem with the PortAbout 5 when we tested that model two years ago.


    A number of seats in the rear-facing position did a poor to fair job restraining the head of our test dummy from rebounding into the vehicle's back seat after a crash.


    We also found that some $70 seats performed as well as those costing $200.


    Moreover, designs in general appear to be getting better. More boosters have shoulder-belt guides to allow proper belt retraction in a crash. Attachment tethers are more secure.


    Manufacturers have adopted safer, five-point harness systems. And many LATCH connections make car seats simpler to install.


    Consumer Reports is the only organization in the U.S. to rate car seats for crash protection. My advice is to check what they found before buying a car seat.

    About the Author

    About the Author:
    Barbara Farrar became a grandmother recently and wanted the safety for her grand daughter so did some research on baby seats.
    For more information, please visit http://www.allaboutbabyseats.com

    Sunday, May 17, 2009

    An Introduction To Commercial Real Estate Loans

    Unlike residential loans, commercial loans require more robust credit and down payment from buyers. Typically the terms of these loans are less attractive than residential properties. While these impediments reduce the number of qualified commercial real estate buyers, there are many investment trusts and corporations fully capable of qualifying for and carrying such debt service successfully.

    Borrowers will be faced with a large variety of available loans. In the beginning, a deposit receipt needs to be provided which represents the terms of purchase of a commercial property. It will list the amount to be financed, estimated interest rates and terms of the loan. A loan is applied for by completing a loan application with a mortgage broker or loan company. There will be a non-refundable loan application fee, usually around $200 to $400. A commercial mortgage broker represents several lenders, and will submit the application to a lender he believes most appropriate for the situation. Representatives for banks and other lending institutions usually represent only one institution, and will submit the application to that institution. There are advantages to each type. The lender will verify the statements of assets, liabilities, employment, and salary. The subject property will be appraised.

    The loan approval takes about 20 to 30 days on an average. The actual time depends upon how quickly the lender can process the application, get the appraisal, and obtain verification of employment and bank balances.

    A commercial loan eases the burden of paying huge sums of money at a single instance. Finance options spread the paymet towards the loan amount over a period of 25 to 30 years. New businesses are increasingly opting for commercial real estate loans.

    Real Estate Loans provides detailed information on Real Estate Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, Investment Real Estate Loans, Residential Real Estate Loans and more. Real Estate Loans is affiliated with Refinance Home Mortgage Loans.

    Saturday, May 16, 2009

    Keep Your Child Safe In The Car

    Most safety inspections find that children are improperly secured in car seats. Without proper restraint, your child can be seriously injured in the event of an accident. Knowing a little about child restraints can help you ensure that your child stays safe in the car.

    Shopping For A Car Seat

    The first step in choosing a car seat is determining your childs current height and weight. This will tell you which type of seat is appropriate for your child. These restrictions are usually listed on the outside of the box for easy access. You may want to invest in a convertible type seat that can be adapted to fit your child as they grow, but never rush to advance your child into the next seat before they meet the height and weight requirements.

    Another important factor in choosing a seat is making sure that it will fit the backseat of your vehicle. Purchasing a seat that is too large for your car or one that does not fit the slope of your back seats without tipping up, is not safe. A seat should fit into the backseat, with enough room to get the child in and out easily. The child seat should rest squarely on the seat of the vehicle, not at an angle. Using pillows or blankets to prop up the car seat is not safe.

    Do not buy a second hand car seat. It may be missing vital components, or may have been involved in a crash previously. Once a seat is involved in a crash, it can have stress cracks that would cause the seat to splinter in a second collision.

    Installing Your Car Seat

    All car seats come with an owners manual. It is important to read it, even if you feel confident that you know how to install the seat.

    When fastening an infant or convertible seat with harness straps, you should place your knee in the seat while fastening your cars restraining belt to ensure a snug fit. You should not be able to move the seat any more than one inch in any direction.

    If your seat has a tether strap, use it. Newer model cars have an anchored hook in the backseat for securing a tether strap.

    Dont allow straps to become twisted or frayed. Inspect them periodically for wear and damage.

    Securing Your Child

    The retainer clip of a safety harness should be fastened so that it is level with your childs armpits. The harness straps should protrude from the seat level with your childs shoulders or just below them.

    All children should be secured in the backseat. And never use a car seat near an air bag.

    Children younger than 12 months should be placed in a rear facing car seat.

    Toddlers who are secured with your vehicles seat belt and a booster seat, should have a shoulder belt as well. The belt should be placed snugly across your childs hips and routed correctly through the seat before being fastened.

    Securing your child properly will help keep them safe. Taking a few moments to check over your childs safety restraint can save their life.

    By: Levi Quinn

    Thursday, May 14, 2009

    Recipe South African Buttermilk Rusks

    Rusks in South Africa are part of the cultural identity ? one of the things that exiles in a foreign land long for. Children are brought up on Rooibos tea (a herbal bush tea) and rusks. These aren?t the pallid soggy affairs that pass for rusks in the UK - Farleys rusks given to teething infants and guaranteed to coat your entire house with a paste of gooey gloop. South African rusks are of a texture somewhere between bread and cake, with extra bits of raisin or nuts, baked hard so that they must be dunked in tea or else gnawed slowly. They last a long time in an airtight tin, so are baked in big batches but even so they don?t last long in our house.

    As an Englishwoman married to a South African living in London, I came across rusks on our visits to his family and was instantly converted. ?Ouma?s Rusks? are the famous ones that come in several varieties and we always came home with a few packs in our suitcase. On a longer visit in a cottage in Philadelphia, near Cape Town, I found a recipe to bake my own rusks, tried it and have been baking them every two weeks pretty much ever since.

    When our son was a toddler waking at 5.30 every morning, the only thing that made the morning bearable was the thought of tea and rusks. Our son started off on them early and our sofa became a nest of cushions and crumbs. The first thing he ever helped bake was rusks and I always had my patience tried, as the mix became the scene of excavations with diggers or a castle with a moat. The girls also joined in when they were old enough, so for a time I had three children all wrestling to get their hands in the dough. Now the youngest is adept at making balls the right size and I have a band of useful helpers. So rusks have become part of our family culture too, my children may have missed out on the rooibos tea tradition ? (I love it, they hate it) but at least they were brought up properly as regards rusks!

    Several friends in London were smitten, asked for the recipe and started baking and it has since been dispersed as far afield as Pakistan and the USA.

    The recipe:

    South African Buttermilk Rusks

    1.240kg / 2lb12oz flour (I use 1kg wholemeal and the rest white)
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
    2 teaspoons cream of tartar
    2 teaspoons of salt
    250g / 9oz butter
    ? cup raisins (optional)
    2 eggs
    1 ? cups brown sugar
    2 cups buttermilk
    1 cup oil

    (1 cup=250ml)
    Preheat the oven to 190C/380F
    Grease three loaf tins of base measurement 20cmx10cm / 8?x 4? approx or any combination of deep baking dish that adds up to about the same.

    In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and rub into the flour. Add the raisins if you are using them. You can experiment with various nuts and seeds as well, though the rusks are equally good plain.

    In another bowl mix together the buttermilk, sugar, eggs and oil and beat until well combined. Stir liquid into dry ingredients and mix then knead to a firm dough.

    Form the dough into balls about the size of a ping-pong ball and pack them tightly in one layer into the loaf tins. I usually get six rows of three into each of my tins. Bake for 45 minutes.

    Turn out onto a rack and leave to cool for 30 minutes before breaking up into individual rusks along the joins of the balls. Dry in a low oven 100C/200F for 4-5 hours until the centre is completely dry. These can be kept for ages in an airtight container.

    Warning: crumbs guaranteed on the sofa, in the bed, over the carpet and the car seats!

    Copyright 2006 Kit Heathcock


    About the Author:

    Kit Heathcock - worked and travelled in Italy for many years, is passionate about food and loves being a fulltime mother. Co-creator of http://www.aflowergallery.com home of original flower pictures and http://www.food-and-family.com




    Wednesday, May 13, 2009

    There Is A Wacoal Bra Just For You




    Wacoal Bra


    The Wacoal Bra is a trusted name in women's undergarment which boasts of a variety of different kinds and styles of brassieres designed to cover and support women in of every shape and size. It is also available in different countries all around the world, providing maximum support and excellent coverage to women of all size and shape.


    The Wacoal Bra is a famous brand name for bra or brassieres, along with the many other brands offering protection for a reasonable price. A bra or brassiere is typically made up of two elastic straps located on both sides of the shoulder, with two cups to support the breasts, a center panel, and a hook to fasten both ends of the bands together. They come in different kinds of material such as lace, spandex, or cotton, and the material and style is determined by the function that the bra is designed to perform. There are some Wacoal Bra that comes with sturdy under wires to give excellent support and improved shape to the female figure.


    The Wacoal Bra comes in different wonderful styles - there is a style that closes in the front which makes clasping the bra easier, there is another style that closes in the back, a style that has no straps which look great in tube dresses and dresses that show off the shoulders like halternecks, there is a convertible bra line, a push up Wacoal bra line for fantastic lift and support for women with larger breasts, a sexy half/demi cup line which is perfect for sexy erotic nights, and a full cup bra line for maximum coverage. There is also a tshirt bra line for the women always on the go.


    In choosing the size of the Wacoal bra, one should always determine the correct band size by measuring the circumference around her body and not including the breast area. Correct cup size is also very important - one should make sure she knows her correct cup size because a too loose cup will not look good and a too tight fitting cup will feel very uncomfortable. Cup sizes are indicated by letters like A, B, among others anywhere.


    In the United Kingdom, surveys reveal that around 70% of women wear ill-fitting brassieres. This is mainly because of inadequate knowledge regarding brassieres Wacoal bra always makes certain that the woman finds a bra that fits her just right. Flattering shape and maximum support go hand in hand with the Wacoal bra line!


    To get the right Wacoal bra, make sure that you get the right cup size as well as the right band size. The only fool-proof way for this is to try the bra on before purchasing. In Europe, bra comes in increasing size, such as AAA-AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-FF-G-GG-H-J. The band size can be determined by measuring the circumference under the breasts and add a certain amount to give allowance to the wider circumference of the ribcage around the breasts. In America, around 4 inches to 6 inches are added to the measured circumference to get the correct size. Bra size also changes and fluctuates depending on the amount of weight gained or loss. Menstrual cycle also affects the bra size of the woman.


    There are also Wacoal bra that are designed to maximize the appearance of small breasts. Some also are called minimizers, which are perfect for woman with very large breasts and who wishes to downplay the breast size a bit. Some Wacoal bra are made of very thin materials, usually lace, which are designed to show off and to be used when attempting seduction.


    No matter what your size and shape, there is a Wacoal bra for you

    About the Author

    None
    http://www.your-bra-store.com/Wacoal.html

    Tuesday, May 12, 2009

    A Guide to Real Estate Investing: Know Your Strategy

    Investing in real estate can be scary and challenging. There are all kinds of questions - How do you know if and when it is the right time to purchase? What should you purchase? How should you finance it? What type of investment is right for your overall goals and strategy? As a real estate investor in Atlanta, I have found that although there are a lot of questions, the answers are fairly easy when you use common sense, evaluate your strengths, and know what you want.

    The first question you should ask yourself is ? why do you want to invest? For some it is to replace their income from a job. For others it is for retirement. Some just like to have a project and make a little money.

    We have found that when helping other real estate investors, our first goal is to help them figure out the why and then help them determine the what. For example, if you need money today to replace the income you get from a job, then you need to produce income today through Quick Turning a property.

    Quick Turning is purchasing a property at a depressed value, adding value to the property and then selling it at a profit. This is a great strategy and requires knowledge of the market to make sure that you are purchasing it correctly and then also some skill in determining how to maximize the return by strategically adding the value to your investment.

    If having money for your future retirement is more what you are looking for ? a Buy & Hold strategy might work best for you. With this type of investment, you are looking for results in the future, so you want to find an investment that you can rent out for more than the mortgage payment so that you have some cash flow. Over time, you will pay down the mortgage and the cash flow will increase giving you greater income in the future.

    Both strategies have merit and typically we recommend that every investor have some of both types to round out their real estate portfolio. Once you determine what type of investment you need, then evaluating a property against your overall strategy will help you determine which property is a good purchase for you.

    Anne Lackey is a real estate investor in Atlanta and works with The REI Team at Solid Source Realty, Inc. http://www.theREIteam.com. She frequently helps other investors in their pursuit of financial freedom. In addition, she is the President of Solid Source Property Management, Inc. and helps investors manage their investments so that they can focus on acquiring wealth and not on the day to day management. She can be contacted at anne@solidsourcepm.com.

    Monday, May 11, 2009

    Home Sellers Now is the Time to Make a Change

    The mechanics of selling a house is on the road to change. In Southern California, specifically the Inland Empire of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, where I have practiced for many years, Sellers are beginning to feel the change in buyers attitudes.

    Buyers are now expecting to pay a little less for a home then they did about a year ago. Todays prospective buyer is spending a lot more time looking on the internet even before they contact a real estate agent to see what housing prices are like and what interest rates to buy those homes are doing.

    I am a Real Estate Agent and a Loan Specialist, and have been watching the real estate market and the interest rates change for the past several months.

    Today, for a Seller to sell their home in a timely manner, the price must now be within the actual market prices or below. The days of putting your house on the market and have it sell almost immediately are gone. There is a lot more to it now.

    1. There are many listing agents making sure that the commission offered to a selling agent is either at the old normal rates or above, so that an agent who is looking for a property for a client will show and sell that particular home. I have seen several offering 3.5% and 4% to the selling agent with bonuses, plus sellers are willing to help with buyer closing costs.

    2. The next obstacle to overcome is how the home shows to prospective buyers. You need to remember that now there are more homes on the market, giving buyers a lot more choices. You, the seller, want your home to show at its best.

    3. This leads us to the ?Staging? of a home. Less is always better. If your home needs painting, paint it. If your carpets need to be cleaned, clean them. Set your dining room table with nice tablecloths and nice dinner ware. Take most everything on your kitchen counter tops off. If your living room or family room looks like there is too much furniture, make it disappear. Rent a storage space if necessary. Even closets and pantries need to be neat and tidy. Buyers tend to look everywhere. There are still many new homes being built, go and check them out. See how a professional stages a model home.

    4. A First Impression is Everything. Your agent will normally take photos of your home and the one that goes on the Multiple Listing Service, Realtor.com, etc., is the front of your house. Water the lawn, clean up by the front door, put potted plants if you can, and make sure when your agent takes pictures that no cars are in the way. This first photo will also have a bearing on what the agent thinks. Will that agent even tell a prospective buyer that your house is for sale?

    5. Landscaping I have seen some properties offered that because the seller has no landscaping in the back yard that the buyer will get an allowance at the close of escrow. If you can, and have the time, put down some fertilizer and grass seed and put in your own back yard. This can really make a difference. Always keep in the back of your mind, you?re the seller who wants their house sold. A Buyer has lots more choices today and would probably go on to the next house if they felt they had to put several thousand dollars into a back yard that they wouldn?t have to spend with another house.

    First and foremost, buyers are just as conscious of money and how much they spend as you are on how much you can actually get for your house and move on to the next one.

    My views and comments are based on my personal research and should not be consrued as anything else.

    Patti Schopper

    Contact Patti with any questions you may have regarding selling your property or purchasing a new property at: http://www.realestateandloans4you.com

    Patti Schopper has been in the real estate industry over 36 years. Her goal has always been to put her clients first.

    Sunday, May 10, 2009

    Site Owners with SEO: DOs and DON'Ts

    As a search engine optimizer, I've had a great opportunity to work with many site owners for website submission and optimization services and had some working experiences to share with you in this article. Site owners come from different categories: e-commerce sites, services or personal pages. Some of them have the expertise in Computers and Internet but most of them are the neophytes in the search engine optimization (SEO) religion. So, the purpose of this article is providing novice site owners with some useful rules of behaviors (DOs and DON'Ts) to come along with their SEO campaigns.

    * SEO firms DON'T help you out. DO help yourself - Search Engine Optimization process is more and more manipulated and it is becoming the big market nowadays. Many websites are offering SEO service with different costs. They promise that customers' sites will be on top of search engines. If so, who will be kicked out of the list? No one? So if you are a site owner with a small budget and modest knowledge of SEO, lean on SEO firm as just an advisor. They cannot do all the things for you. To help you out in SEO, do it yourself. In most cases, the site owners will play an important role in the success of SEO campaigns.

    * DON'T submit your sites to thousands of search engines and directories - Simply, in reality, there are not even thousands of "engines" to submit to. There are, however, hundreds of search directories, hybrid search engines, free-for-all (FFA) pages and classified ad sites. They are simply a list of unorganized links to the last fifty or so URLs that were submitted to the service. The primary purpose of these sites is to gather email addresses from Web marketers so they can be sent offers for other products and services. By submitting, you are unknowingly giving your consent for them to email you. Some major search engines (e.g.: Google) are not fond of such link farms and may actively ban this type of site.

    * Repetitive submissions DON'T improve your rankings in search engines - Many site owners misunderstand between search engine submission and search engine optimization. So they just dig in finding as many as possible free submission services on the Internet and hope that someday their site will be on the top. Search engine submission is just the first step to quickly notify the search engines about the nascence of your site on the Internet. How your site grows or how your site is optimized is more important to search engines to place your site at the top of the search index. So repetitive submissions don't work in these cases. Take time to pay more attention to your site's content and link building.

    * DON'T try to trick the search engines in any way - The search engines today are smarter than you have ever imagined. The techniques like most times keyword repeated in a row (keyword stuffing), same color text used as the background (hidden text), doorway pages.. are obsolete and they may be against you. Search engines don't like to get fooled and they may penalize your site for that. Moreover, be careful with the services like automatic link exchange or buying text links. You can use them on your own but take precautions.

    * Your websites' exposures on search engines DON'T mean top rankings and web conversions - Some SEO firms guarantee that your sites will be included in search engines. It is so easy because when your site is indexed, it is included in search engines right away and you can see it there by some simple but useless keywords. No one will find you with that keywords or syntaxes. In addition, pay attention to for which search engines the SEO firms will be optimizing your site. It will be easier to get listed on some less-reputed search engines comparing to Google or Yahoo. On the other hand, distinguish between standard and sponsor listing. You must pay for sponsor listing but get less visitors and sales. So make sure you understand clearly what SEO firms are offering. A successful SEO campaign requires the acumen of site owners as well as a tight cooperation between site owners and optimizers. Before the campaign starts, they should discuss the price, the time for the campaign, keyword selection and the specific search engines for optimization....

    * DO get familiar with SEO tools such as search engines, HTML, PageRank - Some site owners lean on the webmasters on every task related to their sites (e.g.: add a text link, change page title). In most cases, the site owners will play an important role in the success of SEO campaign by getting familiar with SEO tools like search engines, HTML, PageRank. Search engines and PageRank evaluation will help you search for competitors' sites, evaluate the keywords, check sites' link popularity (number of links to your sites) and link saturation (number of pages on your sites have been indexed). Besides, with HTML basic syntax, you can easily exchange links with other sites on your own and stop calling the webmasters all the time for modifying pages with links.

    * DO start writing today - Site owners may be beginners in SEO but experts in their industries. And today, writing is a significant skill to do SEO. Start writing some articles about your business now and submit them with your backlinks (links to your website) to article directories to increase the popularity of your site. For instance, suppose you were a mother at home and managed an ecommerce site selling some strollers and baby accessories. That will be wonderful if your share your experiences in choosing and using the strollers with other mummies-to-be on some women forum and article directories. Not only are search engines notified but also some potential customers will be attracted to your site.

    In this article, I've provided the site owners with some basic rules of behaviors to do SEO. They include but not limit to myths about Search Engines, SEO firms, importance of SEO tools and article writing skill. Learning them today to make friends with search engines and shove your competitors aside.



    Saturday, May 9, 2009

    Stellenbosch Is The SecondOldest City In South Africa

    With its temperate Mediterranean climate, beautiful surroundings, magnificent backdrop of mountain ranges, modern facilities and close proximity to all major places of interest in the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch is the ideal get-away holiday destination.

    Soon after the Cape of Good Hope had been established, the newly-appointed Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, set out on a discovery journey east to explore the wild and untouched land beyond the Cape Peninsula. On 6 November 1679 he came across a river running through a beautifully green, fertile valley. He named the river Eerste Rivier (First River) and the surrounding area Van der Stel Bosch (Van der Stel's bush).

    Before long, news of the finding of this fertile valley spread and the first families settled there in 1680. The settlement later became known as Stellenbosch, and is the second-oldest city in South Africa. The warm summers and winter rainfall provided an ideal farming environment, and by 1682 the settlement had become an established town. In 1685 it became the seat of a magistrate, whose authority extended over 25 000 square kilometers. The first school was built in 1686, followed soon afterwards by the first church.

    A yearly celebration on Simon van der Stel's birthday was held in honor of the founder. This tradition was started in 1686 and included games, parades, festivities and dances. As the celebration took place on October 14th, it was a celebration of spring at the same time. The highlight of the celebration was when marksmen shot at a wooden parrot to win the main prize, and to this day the hill where this event took place is still known as Papegaaiberg (parrot hill).

    Simon van der Stel launched a project to plant oak trees and the mighty trees still line the streets of Stellenbosch. The town is appropriately known as Eikestad, or the Town of Oaks. Unfortunately a recent disease has affected the trees, and the towering oaks are slowly dying. Fortunately, since the oak trees are a symbol of Stellenbosch, the town council started planting new trees soon after the discovery of the disease.

    In 1866, the Stellenbosch Gymnasium was founded. In 1880 it changed its name to Stellenbosch College, but was renamed in 1887 to Victoria College in honor of Queen Victoria. In 1918 the college officially became the University of Stellenbosch, known affectionately as Maties. The University has over the years become the heart of Stellenbosch and is regarded as one of the best in the world.

    During the year, the estimated 17 000 students fill the town with a cheerful vibe and bustling activity in the hostels, lecture halls, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and discos. Holidays are the times when the tranquillity of the natural surroundings and the comparative quiet in the streets allows Stellenbosch a chance to breathe and prepare for the influx of young people that is sure to follow with the next semester.

    Stellenbosch is a treasure of beautifully restored buildings - elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture can be seen particularly in historic Dorp Street, which is reminiscent of the rich and colorful past. Several international businesses have their headquarters in this historical university town. Just outside Stellenbosch, nestled between the majestic Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek, Twin Peaks and Helderberg mountains, a clean industry settlement has been established at Techno Park.

    Once a quiet little village, Techno Park has become a centre for industry, business and education, as well as the heart of the wine industry.

    Wine and the are of winemaking are woven into the history of Stellenbosch. From its humble beginnings with Simon van der Stel and the Huguenots, the valley has evolved to becoming the centre of the Cape's wine industry, and produces some of the finest wines in the country. The famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, established in 1971, allows you to enjoy our fabulous local wines while undertaking entertaining and fun expeditions into the countryside. Stellenbosch is an amazing place to be.

    Events and activities take place throughout the year - music, street, wine and art festivals delight both young and old. Outdoors enthusiasts can partake in hiking, mountain climbing, horse riding and cycling, while sports fans can attend international sporting events.

    Stellenbosch has a bustling sidewalk caf? scene in the French tradition, excellent restaurants and coffee shops, modern shopping facilities and a vibrant Nightlife. A peaceful, cheerful town and its friendly people, a never-ending choice of entertainment and activities and a breathtaking valley with majestic mountains embracing it - this is what makes Stellenbosch such a special tourist and conference destination.

    Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za


    Friday, May 8, 2009

    Electronic Backgammon

    In some games, the winner is the person with the most game pieces left on the board. In backgammon, however, your goal is to be the first player with no pieces on the board.

    In its original form, backgammon is a board game played by two people. In electronic backgammon, one person can play against computer software. The added benefit of playing electronic backgammon is that you can incorporate extra levels of excitement. Playing against the computer, you can choose an easy game, or play on a more challenging difficult level.

    The nice thing about electronic backgammon is that you can play it anywhere. It's fun to play in the car or on the bus, at school or at home. There are no loose pieces to drop and misplace, and everything you need is always there when you're ready to play.

    You can play electronic backgammon anytime you want, without searching for a partner to give you a challenging game.

    There are a lot of basic similarities between electronic backgammon and the classic board game. Game play, rules and strategies remain the same. However there are some benefits with electronic backgammon that the original version just can't offer. With electronic backgammon, you can start a new game whenever you want, and turn the game off any time you need to. You can save a game to finish later on. There are also a few rule variations with the electronic game. You can decline, accept and even take back a move. You can ask the computer for a hint, double a move and choose the difficulty level you want to play at. Electronic backgammon allows you to make multiple moves at one time, something that your real-life partner would never agree to. Some electronic software allows you to verify whether a move is playable. These benefits make electronic backgammon a great way for new players to learn the strategies and rules of the game.

    Backgammon has been enjoyed by generations, and electronic versions have introduced backgammon to a new generation of gamers. Onscreen, backgammon looks a lot like other favorite games; with pieces that look like checkers, stones or coloured dots. You will see dice that are used to generate random moves, and to help you when you just don't know what move to make.

    If you have never played a game of backgammon, the electronic version is a great place to start. With easy beginner mode you'll learn the rules quickly, and the software will offer hints when you need them. Try electronic backgammon, the classic board game, or search for fun multiplayer backgammon games online. Fun to play, good for your brain, backgammon is a real winner.


    About the Author:

    Barbara Moore is an author for several well-known web sites, on hobbies and recreation topics.


    Thursday, May 7, 2009

    Prices Still Rising in Malta Property Market

    upwards. Demand for property in Malta is plentiful and if forecasts are correct, prices could rise between 8 and 10% more this year; with buyers from countries such as the UK, US, Australian and many European countries, continually interested in this Mediterranean islands potential.

    Demand for real estate, apartments and villas in Malta is buoyant this year and the Malta government are thought quite likely to allow developers to use even more land for building. In a country which is the third most populous in the world , this may mean the island becomes even less spacious although investors are expected to continue to snap up properties.

    Access to the island of Malta is always of importance to foreign investors investing in Malta, and speculation still floats around about the the possibility of Easyjet flying to Malta from 2008; a move which could significantly increase the volume of visitors to Malta. Tourist would suddenly be able to afford long weekends in Malta with cheaper flights.

    The prices of property and real estate in Malta could be affected with the January 2008 situation whereby MALTA will likely join the EU. In the past, the prices of property has risen quite well in many countries with the introduction of the Euro, and others when they joined the EU.

    When the Euro was introduced on January 2nd, 2002, the value of property in countries such as Italy, Ireland and Spain rose very well. Prices of property in Sicily Italy for example, have risen on average about 20% over the last 4 years. A different situation is whereby countries have joined the EU and this has also had an effect although less significant than previously expected. It was expected that prices would rise dramatically as countries such as Hungary joined the EU a few years ago. Prices have risen but more steadily than expected.

    With Malta and Gozo likely to join in 2008, it is certainly likely to be a positive rather than negative for the Maltese real estate market. With excellent weather and a relaxed pace of life, a lot of interest exists in Malta and Gozo, with rental opportunities also excellent. So, do not miss the boat - no pun intended!

    Malta Real estate and property

    Written by Paul Symonds MSC & BAHons.

    Tuesday, May 5, 2009

    Women Are Into Bodybuilding


    Bodybuilding has burgeoned into a legitimate career field that is attracting those women as well as men who are willing to make the necessary personal sacrifices to achieve success.






    However, no longer is the weight room the exclusive domain of contest-oriented bodybuilders and big-time pro athletes (e.g., football, basketball, baseball and hockey players). It would appear that on the whole, Americans have finally come to a point of intelligent awareness about weight training and an appreciative acceptance of bodybuilding and bodybuilders.






    Within the past ten or so years the number of everyday people working out with the diverse types of weight-training equipment - Camm II, Cybex, Nautilus, Universal, Weight Master, or free weights (barbells and dumbbells) - has risen markedly.






    There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of amateur and professional physique contests along with an increase in competitors and audience size. Even a casual observer of this sport would be hard pressed to fail to notice that not only is the number of competitors getting deeper but the quality is getting better with each new contest.






    Bodybuilding is now big business, a multimillion dollar a year industry, that has attracted a host of assorted entrepreneurial types. Gym owners, magazine publishers, sports-apparel clothiers, promoters, agents, producers of weight-lifting videos, all are currently earning enough money from the realm of glistening bodies and tingling muscles to afford themselves a relatively comfortable lifestyle. And their cumulative input has helped to make professional bodybuilding more sophisticated, more complex, and much more profitable than it was in previous years.






    Of course, innovative and sunny California is the mecca for bodybuilders, with Florida and New York tying for second. Nonetheless, statistics show that more muscle books and magazines, exercising equipment and attire, in addition to numerous other health and fitness items, are being sold at the present time than ever before.






    Now to the uninitiated, the world of competitive bodybuilding might appear to be a strange world. And, in truth, it is undeniably different from the world most people are used to. It is somewhat of an esoteric world -- a world with its own unique language, norms, culture, and particular geographic locations, both in the states and in foreign countries, where accomplished practitioners of this subculture are looked upon as being demigods and are rewarded with huge sums of money.






    It is a world where the human body is molded and shaped by pumping iron, lifting heavy poundage weights a few reps to build ulk and mass, and lifting light poundage weights multiple reps to acquire definition and cuts. It is a world where the body is divided into seven-muscle groups: the abdomen, the back, the buttocks, the chest, the arms, the legs and the shoulders, with no single group of these muscles being more important than any one of the others.






    It is a world where the bodybuilder, in an effort to fashion the perfect physique, experiences strain, soreness and pain. It is a world of special foods, protein drinks, supplemental vitamins and strict pre-contest dieting. It is a world where both male and female bodybuilders pray daily for maximum muscle growth gains. It is a world where some of these bodybuilders inject male hormones into their systems to assure an increase in their muscle size and strength.






    It is a world where bodybuilders - other than fulfilling the fundamental requirements of being genetically endowed, training hard and having a well-choreographed stage presentation - must be good-looking, articulate, personable and well-versed on the topics of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, weight management and the historical evolution of bodybuilding in order to be considered true world-class competitors.






    At one time, women, in their traditionally more sedentary life role, were not as athletically inclined as men. They were neither encouraged to evolve physically nor to engage in strenuous physical activities. They were encouraged, however, to put on skimpy bathing suits and appear onstage at male physique contests to hand out trophies to the winners and to provide a pleasurable diversion for the predominantly male audience. Well, today, another citadel of the noble male animal has stubbornly but emphatically bitten the dust, as women have muscled their way into muscledom.






    The majority of modern-day women who weight train do so because they have realized that it can improve their health, enhance their overall physical fitness and appearance and better their athletic performance. But in addition to the aforementioned, other women have realized that magazine exposure, television coverage, acting and modeling assignments, plus physique contests, seminars, mail-order businesses, the endorsement of weight-training equipment, gym shoes, workout attire, besides sundry additional health-related products have brought worldwide attention and financial gain to a sizable number of professional women bodybuilders. And some of these women generate incomes that range in the six-figure-a-year earnings bracket.






    Consequently, competitive women's bodybuilding has become a fast growing sport, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the bodybuilding scene. And the woman bodybuilder has come to be a positive symbol for her badgered sex caught up in exploitative propaganda of gimmicky ways to obtain instant beauty and good health.






    Nevertheless, despite all that's been said, far too many women still labor under gross physical and physiological misconceptions about weight training that can impede their physical progress. As an example, scores of women continue to believe that weight training will cause them to become muscle-bound and look like a man. This is a fallacy. Women don't have the male hormone testosterone in abundant enough quantity to produce the herculean-sized muscles of competitive male bodybuilders. And there is simply no way for women to bring these muscles into being without making a conscious decision to do so by taking harmful drugs.






    Furthermore, reshaping the body and improving stamina and strength to endure as well as bounce back from the daily grind of life are one thing, whereas competitive bodybuilding is another thing. In competitive bodybuilding, the athlete works very hard on his or her muscles with the singular aim of forging a rock-solid, power-packed, well-defined physique for competition that a conventional thinker might consider to be an unsightly physique. Therefore, those women who are naturally prone to gain weight, and those who are turned off at the thought of even possibly developing gigantic muscles can prevent these things from occurring by eating moderately, by working out with light poundage weights at a high number of repetitions and by not injecting male hormones into their systems.






    Due to the voluminous amount of information currently available on health and exercise, many women know about the gains they can derive from cardiovascular and flexibility training. They know such aerobic activities as bicycling, dancing, jogging, walking and swimming will burn fat, lower blood pressure, heighten metabolism, make the cardiovascular system operate more efficiently, and strengthen and tighten the legs and buttocks.






    Yet many of these women don't know what to do about making the other muscles of the body firmer and stronger. They initially come to a gym with high hopes of getting rid of expanded hips and thick thighs, as well as making their bodies tone, which to them usually means losing fat without developing gigantic muscles.






    Having primarily relied on dieting for weight control or reduction, they see gym training as a method of speeding up the calorie burning, streamlining process. Unfortunately, these women don't understand the relationship between muscle and shape. Dieting and aerobics alone will leave them with unappealing, unshaped muscles unless they do some kind of resistance training to better their bodies overall muscular condition. Muscle, unlike fat, can be shaped and contoured. And most women would benefit by losing an inch of adipose tissue and replacing it with a half-inch of muscle tissue.






    Women have the same skeletal muscles as men, and, as with men, their muscles need to be properly exercised to form a truly well-conditioned, well-proportioned physique. Women also need to be aware that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive. A woman can be strong with a hard body and be sexually desirable and feminine as well. Moreover, the double standard that permits men to grow old, but not women, should be abolished. Still, training the body becomes even more necessary with advancing age. Without some kind of resistance training the muscles begin to sag and atrophy while a woman is in her early 20s. And by the time she reaches her 30s or 40s, it's quite possible for her to lose all the sex appeal she was so proud of when she was young.






    Obviously, weight training cannot stop the aging process. But it can stave off the limitations of old age by keeping the body healthy and strong. Weight training slows down, and in some cases reverses, what time and gravity inflict on the body. As a consequence, a woman can have an eye-catching, physically fit body regardless of what her chronological age may be.






    Thus, weight-trained women are revealing to women around the globe that through weight training, aerobic exercise and proper diet, women can have the type of body that is athletically and aesthetically ideal for them: lean, firm, well-balanced, vigorous and youthful. And by way of media exposure, women bodybuilders have been able to demonstrate to the public at large the beauty, grace, power, and sinewy muscularity that can be attained by women.






    Outlined below is a basic list of anatomical and exercise principles that women should keep in mind so as to assist them in reaping the most realistic results from their weight-training workouts:





    1. Women's muscles do get bigger from working
    out with weights, but not that much bigger.






    2. Muscle mass in women usually brings about
    improvement in muscle shape, which is revealed
    by way of a more appealing, well-formed physique.






    3. Through exercise you burn fat stored in the
    body to uncover the muscle beneath the skin.
    Fat never changes into muscle.






    4. If you finish your set of repetitions too
    easily (for instance, you could have done
    3 or 4 more reps), you should think about
    using a heavier weight.






    5. Free weights and machines perform the same
    function: they provide resistance against
    which your muscles can contract. One type
    of equipment does not necessarily make you
    thicker and the other type slimmer.






    6. Working out with free weights has a different
    feel from working out with machines. So you
    will have to experiment with both to find out
    which one is appropriate to use for the exercise
    you're doing.






    7. In most cases, a woman's upper body is much
    smaller and weaker than her lower body. For
    this reason, the upper body must be worked
    a lot more to make it bigger and stronger.






    8. The more notable physical changes require
    the greatest amount of time and work; exercise
    helps in controlling body weight but not to
    the exclusion of diet. You shouldn't look for,
    nor expect, a dramatic overnight change in your
    weight and physique.






    9. Progressive-resistance training is not enough,
    you need aerobic and flexibility training, too.
    In fact, you should get involved with various
    kinds of exercise to keep your workout
    interesting as well as to produce total-body
    fitness. Visit Web site
    http://hometown.aol.com/buffalofox/joggingandrunning.html

    About the Author

    As a nationally certified fitness instructor, La Rue conducted exercise and bodybuilding classes for the YMCA and other organizations. La Rue also was an instructor/trainer for the Michigan Heart Association, a board member of the Metropolitan Detroit Health Education Council, and a member of the YMCA Physical Education Committee. La Rue is a Detroit native with a BA in English from Wayne State University.