Friday, September 30, 2016

How to find a good inexpensive hotel

When going on vacation somewhere you have never been it can be hard to find a good quality Hotel working on a budget. So here is a guide to help you find a good place cheap, so you don’t have to worry about where you will stay.


In my life I have done a great deal of traveling, and I have many nightmare stories about the things that have happened to me in some of the cheap hotels I have stayed in. I remember once I was ok a ski trip and half the floor in my room actually dropped about 6 inches. I woke up and my head was lower then the rest of me and was confused for several seconds before I managed to come to my senses. Lucky for me the room was on the first floor. On another trip, the police raided the hotel looking for illegal immigrants, and there was noise all night long. It was probably quiet the next night, but I did not stick around to see.


Finding a good inexpensive hotel should not be a gamble. The best way to find a good hotel is to go to a place you have been before, but assuming that is not an option the next best thing is from someone who has been there.


If you know someone who has been to the same vacation spot as you are planning on going, ask them about the place they stayed, the worst that can happen is they tell you they hated it or that it was too expensive.


But what if no one you know has ever been to where you are going to be? Unless you like to gamble, you can't just make reservations anywhere, if you are looking to gamble on something play blackjack or poker in a casino, but don’t roll the dice with the place you are going to use as your home base for your vacation.


Use the internet to look for hotel reviews. There are many websites that have reviews from people who have stayed in the hotel. Now one mans hell may be another mans heaven, but at least this way you can see that 5 people stayed there and said it was fine and two said it was not good maybe these 2 people were the exception.


Or maybe the two that did not like the hotel were in town for business in an area popular with tourists. This can be an annoying situation when everyone around you is partying and you are trying to sleep, this is one of the reason why no business is conducted in Daytona Beech during Spring Break.


Talking with a travel agent is always a great way to assure your happiness with your lodgings, and helps keep the gambling in the casinos and out of your room.


A good thing to do is to make sure to ask lots of question on the phone with any hotels you are considering staying in.


Personal development courses target many things

If you think personal development courses are not for you, or that you would not be able to learn from anything taking a course in personal development you might be wrong. That is because today’s personal development courses cover so much more then just how to feel good about yourself. Personal development courses are so much more then just self-esteem classes, and you can find one that is tailored to you.


Personal development can be a touchy subject because not everyone likes to see where their faults are. Taking a course on personal development might be a good way to find out what areas you need help in and the tools to better define who you are. Everyone has a different purpose in life and in business finding where your weaknesses are will make you more valuable as well as a more well rounded person.


If you suffer from any of these, Interview Anxiety, Public Speaking, Concentration, Self-Belief, Problem Solving, Decision Making, or Help with Creativity you may find that a course in personal development will help you to deal with them, and give you valuable tools to over come other obstacles in life as well.


If you are trying to get a new job, a loan, or even a promotion personal development courses may help give you confidence. Programs focusing on public speaking will help you learn to relax when speaking and give you tools to make it possible for you to enjoy the experience. A lack of concentration in the work place can be the leading cause of a loss of a job. To combat this problem taking a course that will teach you to tune out all other noises, and keep your eye focused on the task at hand will a useful tool. If you are a person that is not extremely creative but wants to be, then a course of study on creativity will help teach you how to boost your own personal creativity levels.


A lack of faith in yourself and your abilities can lead to many problems in all areas of your life. If you lack faith in yourself you may be passed over for a job or a promotion, you will find it hard to go out in the world and meet people and you will have a hard time completing the tasks assigned. A course on your self worth can help you utilize your abilities. Problem solving is one of the most important skills to have in business; learning to effectively solve problems is something that anyone should take the time to do. When it comes to decision making some people are really good at it and others can be indecisive, if you are an indecisive person have faith you can learn to be decisive.


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Torrevieja is one of the most beautiful regions in spain

Torrevieja in the Beautiful Alicante Region


Torrevieja is by far one of the most desired destinations for a vacation in Spain. This lovely city is located only 50 km from the Alicante airport, so getting there is a breeze. You can easily take a bus from the airport to your hotel, and some hotels even provide free pickup service at the airport.


You have a number of options in finding a hotel in Torrevieja. A travel is always a good standby for getting a hotel anywhere, and they can frequently offer packages that offer savings if you bundle your airfare with your hotel. Since this is a popular destination, you will want to do this well in advance of your travel times.


If someone has recommended a good place to stay, why don't you call that hotel directly? Many times hotels have offers that they don't advertise, but can make available for those who contact them in advance.


However, if you don't know where to stay, you may want to do a little research and read reviews on different hotels in the area. These are readily available on the Internet, and using the star system, you can tell what type of hotel you are considering. A three star hotel is a basic accommodation, a four star will be better quality and a five star hotel will be a top luxury hotel. You should also try to find reviews by guests who have stayed at the hotel. Then you can go on the hotel's site and look at actual pictures of the rooms and the amenities.


The four and five star hotels are usually the ones that are located to the beaches or other attractions. Since they are luxury hotels, you can be sure of finding many special amenities such as an in house restaurant or bar, baby sitting services, laundry services, health club, pool, spa, hairdressers and other such luxuries. Of course, all of these features come at a price.


The smaller, less expensive hotels are further from the beach and do not offer as many services. But if you want good, clean accommodations at a reasonable rate, they are a very good choice.


Your decision on a hotel may depend on the length of you stay. A short stay may warrant a splurge in a fine hotel. But if you are going to be staying a while, you may want to cut your expenses by staying at a modest hotel.


It will also depend on what you plan to do during your stay. If you want to spend all of your time at the beach, paying the higher rate to be close may be worthwhile. But if you plan on traveling around and will not spend much time in your room, you may not care to spend on luxuries you will not be using.


Poker movies top 5 films about poker

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Since the golden age of the Western, poker playing has always been a popular theme in Hollywood. Although many of the Hollywood films that feature poker are not very good and some of them even display poker in a ridiculous manner, watching poker action on the big screen is great fun, especially if you play poker yourself.

Here are the best poker movies that were ever produced in Hollywood. Some of the movies are actually excellent movies regardless to their display of the poker game, while in others the poker games is the feature that makes them worth watching. However, if you are a poker fan, add these movies to your musts list.

The Sting directed by George Roy Hill in 1973

The Sting is less about poker and more about the art of card sharking but it will provide you two hours of sophisticated fun. The 1973 Academy award winner features young Paul Newman as the greatest con artist of them all who mentors young Robert Redford in the art of trickestry. David S. Warn screenplay is based on true con games stories.

The Cincinnati Kid directed by Norman Jewison in 1965

The classic stud poker film known for its climatic final hand and the unforgettable quote: Gets down to what its all about, doesn't it? Making the wrong move at the right time. In short, The Cincinnati Kid is about the battle between Steve Macqueen who plays a young poker player also known as The Kid and the veteran poker gambler known as The Man who is played by Edward G. Robinson during the Great Depression in New Orleans. It may not appear at any other list of best movies, but it certainly has one of the best poker scenes ever seen on the silver screen.

California Split directed by Robert Altman in 1974

California Split may not be the pick of Robert Altmans creation, but is one of the best movies to depict the messy everyday life of two professional gamblers played by George Segal and Elliott Gould. Like in many of Altman films, the narrative is not particularly straight and the end is not necessarily happy, but it does succeed in describing an authentic experience. Additionally, poker trivia fans would be thrilled to learn that poker legend Amarillo Slim plays a small role.

Rounders directed by John Dahl in 1998

It is hard to tell whether the movie pushed to the 21st century poker boom or the rise in the popularity of poker during the last decade made Rounders a cult hit. However, Rounders is one of the best poker films to display the contemporary high stake poker scene. The core of the movie is a long poker marathon in which Mat Damon and Edward Norton are trying to earn money to pay off the latter gambling debts. World Series of Poker champion Johnny Chan plays a featured role.

Maverick directed by Richard Donner in 1994

Although Maverick is not the most brilliant film ever made and some of the poker scenes are kinda silly, it is a fun and lightheaded poker movie. It might even provide you a basic idea on what it was like to be a rambling gambler in the old west card scene with Mel Gibson as a maverick who tries to earn enough money for the big five card draw poker tournament.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Magazine subscriptions for teens

Many parents express concern over the amount of time that there children play computer games and watch television. They worry that this preoccupation with video games and television may be impacting their children from an educational and learning standpoint.


With that said, there most definitely are educational and appropriate television programs for children being broadcast today. Additionally, there are some video games that have an educational component that can be useful to a child, particularly a teenager. Finally, used properly, the Internet and World Wide Web can be a useful learning tool for a teenaged child.


Nonetheless, when all is said and done, the importance of treading and writing cannot be underestimated -- even in this high tech era. A teenager’s future depends in no small way on his or her ability to read and write well.


If you are the parent of a teenaged child, you might want to consider obtaining for your child a magazine subscription that will prompt your child to read more. In this regard, there are a number of different option available to you when it comes to magazine subscriptions for teens.


First of all, there are a number of different, more educationally rooted publications for children, including teenagers. You might want to consider obtaining one or another of these subscriptions for your teenaged child.


In addition, there are now some news and entertainment publications that are geared towards a teenaged audience specifically. Of course, some parents shy away from these types of publications because they do not deem them to be educational per se. While there might be some truth to that point in regard to entertainment publications, a teenager that has access to one or another of these publications nonetheless is spending time reading … which is an educational experience in and of itself. Studies have clearly demonstrated that if a teenager enjoys what he or she is reading, that child will read more and more.


In looking for magazine subscriptions for a teenager, you might want to spend some time shopping around on the Internet and World Wide Web. By spending some time on the Net, you can find out what specifically is available in the way of magazine subscriptions for teenagers at this point in time. In addition, you easily can order one or another -- or a combination of different -- subscriptions for your teenaged child. Additionally, by ordering online, you may be able to save some money on your magazine subscription for your teenaged child.


Buying bunk beds for kids

Among bunk beds, the most common are bunk beds for kids. Bunk beds made for adults differ with children bed bunks, since the former serves a more functional purpose, similar to military bunk beds. On the other hand, childrens' bunk beds are built for another purpose - an entertaining one - and that is, for kids to be excited in going to sleep. Childrens' bunk beds are undoubtedly exciting. For many children, especially those who just grew up from sleeping in cribs, they want a bed for bigger kids. Plus, bunk beds are not difficult to play in and allow another sibling to sleep with another.


I. Special Precautions For Children


Bunk beds are fun, but bunk beds for children have safety risks. Children might fall from their beds. That is why it is important to put up the side guardrails on the upper bunk's two sides. These must be secured firmly whenever the child is sleeping. Another rule that you should follow is not to permit kids below six years of age to sleep or stay in the bunk's upper part. It is also important to have a safety ladder. You could teach your kids on safely using the ladder. Discourage playing on the ladder to avoid accidents. Lastly, if your kid sleeps in a bunk bed, it is advisable to have a nearby light on, just in case the kid wakes up at night and has to get out of the bed. If think your baby is too old enough for a crib, consider first the following before you buy a bunk bed.


II. Is Your Child Old Enough For A Bunk Bed?


1. Assess if your kid is really ready to have a bed. Transferring to the bed from the crib may be difficult for some kids, especially preschoolers or toddlers. Make it slow and assess if the kid is having apprehensions moving.


2. When you shop, you could ask the store staff if the bed has met the standards required by the American Society of Testing Materials. If it does, then you could buy it.


3. Plan ahead. Your kid will most likely sleep in the bed you will buy for many years to come. Consider the size of the bunk bed, since your kid might grow faster than you expected.


4. Shop around for choices. There are bunk beds ranging from toddler sizes to full-size ones. There are also beds shaped like castles or cars. Some even have the contemporary or antique look.


5. Do not be surprised if you are paying more than $100. The more fancy or elaborate models have prices ranging from $300 to as high as $1,500, and that is for the frame alone. Some beds do include a mattress, but you have to shell out more for it and box spring.


6. Purchase a top quality mattress. Measure it. The mattress should fit perfectly in the bunk. The measurement should be at most one inch of space from the mattress to the bunk bed's frame. Check out the slats on the lower bunk which holds the mattress to ensure that they give strong support and are properly and securely screwed into the bed frame side.


7. Consider buying guard rails. The kid who slept in a crib may feel assured of the crib's security. It may take some time for the kid to get used to the bunk bed. There are guard rails that are attachable to the bunk bed using screw or can be slid under the bed's mattress. Check the sturdiness of these guard rails before you allow your kid to sleep in the bed.


8. Check the spaces between the bed frame and guard rails, as well as in the footboard and headboard on the upper bunk. The space should be at most 3.5 inches of space in all these areas. This is to avoid smaller kids from becoming trapped or slipping through.


9. Inspect all the bed's edges and corners. Make sure that the corners and edges are smooth.


10. Check the bed's stability by shaking it vigorously.


11. See if one can climb the ladder easily. The ladder should be also wide enough and not narrow for your kid.


12. At the bottom bunk, sit. Your head must not hit or reach the top.


13. If possible, make the store install the bed for you.


14. From time to time, inspect the screws and bolts to ensure that they are still firmly in place.


Western diet detox today

Detoxing your diet can be simple, but you may need a few days to get into the groove. Start off by writing out a plan of what you're going to eat, go shopping beforehand, and cook larger portions of healthy meals so that you can take leftovers for lunch. You don't need to spend a lot of money on herbs and supplements, just keep focused on real, whole foods. Even supermarkets have prepared foods that are simple and delicious!


We all have an inbuilt detox system. Cleansing organs include the digestive tract, the urinary system, the skin and the liver. You probably rarely think about your liver, and it rarely complains, unlike an aching muscle, fluttering heart or a groaning gut. But it is busy producing heat, balancing cholesterol, processing proteins, making bile, activating hormones and storing vitamins. It is also responsible for detoxifying most of the chemicals we come into contact with, such as natural food toxins, alcohol, cigarette smoke, and household chemicals.


The most common ingredients in the standard western diet that are causing health woes are caffeine, refined sugars, refined carbs, artificial sweeteners and food additives. Even vegetarians need to clean up their diet and allow their bodies to detoxify on a regular basis. No matter what your health goals are - more energy, weight loss, a healthier diet, or to heal from a disease, they can be addressed with a simplified, delicious, cleansing, vegetable based diet. A wholefoods vegan menu detoxifies your body and allows its natural healing powers to kick in to gear.


The liver can more or less function even with quite a lot of damage, but when working overtime it just doesn't do all its various jobs quite as well. Symptoms of poor function include: tiredness, dark circles under eyes, poor digestion and dull skin.


Detox Teas!


Detox teas incorporates the knowledge and experience of numerous herbalists, doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors and healers from cultures worldwide. From them detox teas is blended with a specific herbal formula, each herb working on the major detoxifying organs, such as the liver, kidneys, skin, blood and the lymph system. Each herb has a long-standing history of beneficial effects on the body and is still a valuable source of natural medicine today.


We urge you to find out more about what Detox Teas can do for your health today!


Monday, September 26, 2016

Golf career college brings passion to life

There are thousands of colleges all over the nation that offer hundreds of programs to suit students' needs. Each college has their own niche that they are primarily known for. Colleges and universities range from trade schools and technical schools to liberal art schools and two-year associate degree schools. While most of these schools tend to be more traditional, there are schools across the United States that are not so traditional. One type of school that is unconventional is a Golf Career college. This type of college is unconventional in the sense that it is specifically tailored for those interested in a career in golf and revolves around this sport.


When high school students, or even adults who are interested in going back to school, ponder the idea of where to go to college, there are numerous factors that come into play. Some may choose a certain career field because it will make them a lot of money. Others may decide on a career path to follow in the footsteps of either their father or their mother. However, there are students who choose to go to a certain college that has the major they are interested in because that is what they are passionate about, and that is one of the reasons people decide to go to a Golf Career college. For those who are passionate about golf, going to a college that specializes in it opens the opportunity to start a rewarding career.


While golf may sound more like a hobby than a career field, there are many aspects of golf that requires a trained professional to handle. From course maintenance and management to teaching golf, all of these aspects of a golf game require a skilled professional to complete the job. Majoring in golf allows students to make their passion a career. A Golf Career college also gives students the opportunity to gain experience in the different careers in golf, as well as provides them with knowledge and skills that are useful in everyday life.


The Professional Golf Association (PGA) continues to grow in the United States, opening endless opportunities to pursue a golf career. With role models such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nichols, more people are starting to take up the game of golf and they are starting to do so at an earlier age. Since more people are taking up the sport every year, this leaves the opportunity for golf professionals to teach these newcomers how to play the game. A Golf Career college gives the proper training to students who aim to teach others the game of golf and hopefully spread their passion for the game.


The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has also grown over the years. This provides another market to tailor to and broadens the field of individuals who participate in the sport. The LPGA encourages young girls and women to take up the sport and prove that it is no longer just a man's sport.


With the growing popularity of the sport and more young individuals starting to play the game, the field for golf course maintenance continues to grow as well. A Golf Career college also teaches students the proper maintenance and management skills needed to run a successful golf course.


So while most individuals would not consider golf a career, attending a Golf Career college can prove it is possible to obtain a career in something you are passionate about. Individuals no longer have to give up their passion in order to support their family. People can continue to do what they love to do and make a career out of it at the same time.


Sunday, September 25, 2016

If you do not have an excellent credit rating and need a loan then a bad credit secured loan could be the answer

The number one thing which lenders take into account when deciding if they are going to give you a loan is your credit rating. If your credit rating is less than perfect then a bad credit secured loan could be the answer when it comes to borrowing money.


As the name suggests, a secured loan means that you are asked to put something up as security against the money you are borrowing and in the majority of cases this is your home. A secured loan will generally allow you to borrow on the spare equity of your home. This means that you have to work out how much is left over once you have deducted what is left owing on your mortgage from the total value of your home, although sometimes lenders will allow you to borrow up to 125% of this value but the rate of interest will be higher.


A bad credit secured loan is not only suitable for those with a poor credit rating but is sometimes the only option available for those just starting out, such as those who have just started work. Having no credit rating can make it just as hard to get a loan as having a bad one.


While a bad credit secured loan will usually come with a higher rate of interest attached this does not mean that you should not get several quotes. Even with this type of loan the interest rates can vary enormously and the easiest way to get several quotes from the whole of the market place is by going with a specialist website. A specialist will be able to gather together quotes along with the key facts of the loan and it is essential that you read these in order to know what you will pay for the loan.


The key facts will stress the interest rate of the loan, how much interest will be added on, how much in total the loan will cost and any hidden charges. Sometimes hidden charges such as early repayment fees can be added onto the cost of a loan and it is essential you understand the small print. Another bonus of going with a specialist website when looking for a bad credit secured loan is the information you can get from their website.


One of the best ways of keeping down the interest rates when it comes to taking out a bad credit secured loan is to not ask for more money than you actually need. While having a little spare cash might be tempting you will pay a lot in interest over the term of the loan for this luxury and it can also boost up the rate of interest that you are asked to pay. Always bear in mind that the loan will be secured against your home for the term of the loan and that your circumstances could change in the future and if you have problems repaying then you are risking losing the roof over your head to repossession.


Private venture capital for small business startups

The idea of starting your very own business can be exciting, but the cost of getting it started can prevent you from being able to follow your dream. Too many new businesses fail and therefore traditional lenders are very careful who they give money to. Even if you approach them with a quality business plan, expertise in the necessary areas of operating it, and a commitment to make the business work they could turn you away.


As a result of these types of frustrations many people turn to private venture capital in order to start their own business. For a small business you may not need a large amount of money to get it off the ground. A private venture capital investor may decide you definitely have what it takes to offer a successful business and they will work out a deal with you.


With their investment, however, it is different than just a loan that you would get from the bank. You will need to repay the loan amount with interest. The investor also will own shares in your business and they will receive a portion of your profits. In most instances this amount is approximately 2% of your profits.


You will need to crunch numbers and see if you really feel that you will be able to make a good profit from your business even after giving the investor their percentage. Once you have paid off the loan in full to them you won’t have to pay it any longer. Keep in mind that it can take several years for a new business to have enough profits to pay extra on their loans.


Before you proceed with a private venture capital investment you need to make sure you are dedicated to owning your own small business. It isn’t as glamorous as some people think it is. You get to be your own boss but you also get to deal with all of the headaches that come along with it. You will have to work hard and work smart in order to be successful. If your only reason for opening the small business is to make money then you won’t enjoy it.


Private venture capital isn’t right for every type of business so you need to carefully evaluate what your needs are and what they can offer you. Take your time to find a reputable private venture capital investor. Some of them prey on innocent people that want to desperately own a business. Others are looking for quality business ideas that they can invest in. They offer a chance for you to be successful and they also make a profit at the same time.


You should be able to schedule a free consultation with a private venture capital investor to discuss the issues. You want to be able to communicate your goals as well as your financial needs to them. A good private investor will work to match your needs with something they can offer. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of in the deal you will want to walk away from it.


Honeymoon without breaking the bank

With wedding costs skyrocketing, so many couples have to skip the honeymoon in favor of inviting 50 more guests or getting the designer dress of their dreams. While priorities vary for each couple, once the wedding day is over and done with, many newlyweds wished they had spent less time, effort and money on the D-day details and more on each other. A honeymoon is usually a week long and the memories you get to make while bonding with each other as man and wife far outweigh the lace on the placemats or the name of the band playing at the reception. Here are some tips on making sure you get o go on a great honeymoon.


Make a firm wedding budget and allot your desired amount for the honeymoon. Don’t let cake, flowers or bridesmaids gifts eat up any part of that budget. Don’t postpone the honeymoon saying that you’ll take it later; tomorrow never comes for honeymoons. Now is the time; later work, kids, family and everything piles up and the charm of a honeymoon at the right time fizzles out.


If airfare is eating up your entire budget, forget about Hawaii or Europe and save the flying time and airport hassles by going away some place local. Not only will you save big money, you won’t get lost as much, you’ll have a honeymoon memory you can visit again if you like and you can even come home early if the place doesn’t turn out to be as you expected.


The least expensive way of going on a honeymoon is to stay at someone’s house while they are away. Look into home exchanges where someone can stay at your place while you see a different locale. Similar to the Cameron Diaz - Kate Winslet movie, you might snag a great deal on seeing a new city without spending a dime on hotels.


If you can’t find a time share or other free accommodation, you can still have a great honeymoon by skipping the five star hotels and staying at a bed and breakfast instead. The rates are much lower, the policies less stringent and the innkeepers more friendly. There is no need for you to get souvenirs from your honeymoon for all your friends and family. Chances are you threw a great wedding and everyone got a favor; pick up a trinket or two for your new place together but leave it at that.


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Saturday, September 24, 2016

The variations on names of cheeses define the area they come from

Cheese, like wine, is something that can have a lot of variation from area to area, with hundreds of techniques available for creating different kinds of cheeses. And just as there are many variations of cheese, there are many different names of these cheeses to go with them. There is not right or wrong way to name a cheese, though if you have a homemade cheese you want to sell, there are plenty of options for coming up with names of the cheeses you make.


Where you are


Many of the names of cheeses come from where the cheese was produced, again sharing a similarity to many wines that are often named for regions in which they were made. If the location that you select is your farm, then the names of your cheeses are something like a brand name, identifying your product with where you created it.


The name of one cheese that was determined by this method is Maytag blue cheese, which is made at the Maytag Dairy Farms in Iowa. One interesting variation is Roquefort, which is actually named after the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, which is where this blue cheese gets the mold that makes up its veins.


Rather than coming up with the name of a cheese based on a farm where the cheese is made, some names of cheeses are based on entire regions where the cheese is produced. For example, Limburger cheese is named after the Limburg region of Belgium. Gouda, similarly, is the name of a cheese from the Netherlands and named after a city located there.


Variety of Cheese


Sometimes the names of cheeses become disassociated with the area they originally came from, and can be made in many different areas with the same name. For instance, cheddar cheese is the name of a cheese that originally comes from the Cheddar region of Scotland.


However, it is common today for cheddar cheeses to be made in Wisconsin and other areas of the world. In this way, it's like a trademark name that becomes used so much, the name becomes a generic label for a product, like Kleenex tissues.


In this category, you may find that the name of the cheese contains descriptive information about how the cheese was made. For instance, smoked cheddar rather aptly describes the way this cheese gets its distinctive flavor, as well as how it is set apart from other cheddar variations.


But by far, most names of cheeses exist as descriptive ways to show how and where the cheese was made, and should likely be the basis for the names of your cheeses as well.


Friday, September 23, 2016

Create humorous images through association

Using association for memorization is a proven and effective way of retrieving information. Anything new to the mind is easily remembered if paired with another familiar object or any piece of information. This is the only secret and formula why memorization through association method works very well.


Association may seem difficult to use at first. A person using this method for the first time can possibly find himself trapped using the usual information such as the big tree, the old house down the street or the old lady passing by every morning for association purposes. But it doesn’t have to be like this all the time. To make the art of memorization become more easy and natural, one can even associate anything important for retention to music, food, clothes and just about anything. It’s even more fascinating if association is used together with fun objects and distinct appearances.


The reason why association works well with sillier or funny images or even the ones that are truly strangely unique enough to be remembered is because it stays in the mind easily above all the other usual bits and pieces of information.


Remembering names in this fashion work just as great. It’s always best to start with the people with familiar faces but at the same time, those of whom you could never retain the names. Starting with the most difficult ones always make memorization easier since the brain adapts to a rigid training of memorization.


So, for memorization of the people whose names are entirely unknown or foreign to you but whose faces you get to meet at the pantry almost everyday, try asking for their names once and associate it with anything familiar and humorous to you. For example, the name Mathew is just too usual with almost every guy you meet but this time, the name Mathew has got to be for this particular person only. You don’t want to make the same mistake for such a simple name so every time this person walks up to you, make him the disciple Mathew in modern day, walking around the office premises in robe and bearded.


The problem remortgage

A remortgage is a loan taken against your house, which is payable in the same way as your other mortgage. To know how much equity you have available, simply subtract the value of your current mortgage along with any other loans secured against it, away from the current value of your property. A remortgage is an important debt. If a house owner starts have trouble with their remortgage it can be seriously problematic. A problem remortgage is something that requires immediate action. Difficulties with a remortgage can quickly increase and cause a financial disaster. One of the most obvious sign of a problem remortgage is to miss a payment. When a payment is missed the complications could commence.


Problem Remortgage is a term that can end all your financial problems by working out suitable remortgage.


A problem mortgage could leave the house owner totally at sea; therefore, the homeowner must consider remortgage as a wise step towards his borrowings and poor credit.


Then there are other signs of a problem remortgage. If a house owner is discovers that he has to struggle through all month to save up for their mortgage payment then it’s clearly a case of problem remortgage and should be tackled with immediately.


Also, if the house owner is forced to take up another loan or has to borrow money to make a mortgage payment, then it is definitely a problem remortgage. Therefore as and when the owner finds the mortgage payment to be difficult to make, it’s a big dilemma.


So we are implying here is that problem remortgage should be dealt with at the first sign of any of the above problems, not just one missed payment. There are a few solutions for what a house owner can do as and when they start to have trouble with the mortgage payments.


Firstly, the owner should begin with discussing it with his lender. And it’s a little known fact that the lender is always willing to bargain payments. There can be a possibility that owner is going through some temporary financial crisis. In that case as well, it can be discussed with the lender. There can be an instance where the house owner loses his job, but is sure that he would be working again in a month or two so, the lender may decide to reduce payments for that period of time and save the house owner from having a full blown problem remortgage.


The whole procedure of foreclosure is tedious and time consuming, very costly, therefore it’s a hassle that everyone wants to avoid. The ideal solution is to get another loan on the present one – problem remortgage.


Obtaining an equity loan is sound financial advice. Problem remortgage could help the house owner to pay up their mortgage for some time, till he is out of his financial crisis and back on track again. As mentioned above that a financial advisor could prove to be a big help so that this situation does not arise again. The house owner may have to explore all these options of solutions to get out of a problem remortgage.


And also, the options for someone who is having a problem remortgage are quite flexible. But, the suggestion we would make here is that the house owner must act as soon as he sees the first signs of problem remortgage and not when it’s too late. The lender would also be more eager to help the owner then. So, recognise the first signs of problem remortgage and act on it. It is best to get a second mortgage on your loan now. Applications are available at wizardloanapproval. com.


Thursday, September 22, 2016

How to have the road trip you ve longed for

In your last big road trip with your kids, how many times did you hear “are we there yet?” and do you remember just how frustrating is it? Perhaps you don’t remember that last big trip because you’re trying desperately to avoid one, knowing your kids will distract you the whole way. Fortunately, with a little planning ahead, you can have the road trip you’ve always longed for – children and all. How can you do this? Think about getting the latest in automobile video systems. Along with GPS systems and CD changers, car video systems have revolutionized the driving scene. Nowadays, the newer upscale vehicles come complete with all of these gadgets but you can have one installed in the vehicle you currently own. It’s amazing how something like a car video system can make the difference between rowdy passengers and a smooth ride with your kids in the back, enjoying a good movie.


Getting an automobile video system in your car is easier than you think. Look for an upper-end mini-van or other vehicle that has an option of installing a video system. If not, automobile companies often install these systems for you upon request. Why suffer through hours of annoying children’s chatter when you can rely on new age technology and keep everyone in your car happy at the same time. With technology on our sides, we can make virtually anything a reality. So if that long summer vacation is looming ahead and it involves a grueling road trip, it will be a wise move to plan ahead and install one of the contemporary car video systems on the market today.


I was in the market for a mini-van a few years ago and the thought of having an automobile video system crossed my mind. I was buying the vehicle to house my big family for long and short car trips, and a video system seemed like a great idea. To my surprise, the addition of a video system cost only about two thousand dollars – much less than I thought it was going to be. I checked through the various options until I found one I liked and had it installed in my vehicle. While two thousand dollars sounds expensive, I thought it would be much worse than that. My video system included both the screen and the DVD player – a feature that is standard on almost all systems.


I’m so thankful I made the decision I did to get a car video system. Now I don’t have any of the rowdiness or screaming of little children coming from the back of my vehicle. Their little faces are glued to the DVD screen watching their favorite Disney flick and I get to focus on getting us to our destination in peace. If you feel like this is an option for you, go online and search for car video systems. Check out their options and pricing. See if it’s possible to install in your kind of vehicle.


This summer is full of honors and functions in the san antonio school district

San Antonio School District’s Harris Middle School selected national “Middle School of the Year”


Harris Middle School is being recognized for its students’ efforts to improve their community’s quality of life. This summer Harris Middle School has received the National Youth Crime Watch of America Casey Award presented during the international conference in Ogden, Utah. This award is given to those individuals or organizations that offer examples of leadership, allocation of resources, and support in student or youth crime prevention programs and plans. Harris Middle School, part of the San Antonio Schools, was the only middle school in the US to receive this honor. Harris Middle School was chosen for its students’ tremendous efforts in improvement of its campus and community. This was accomplished by programs that focused on conflict resolution, theft prevention, street clean-ups, and smoking and drug awareness programs. This has resulted in the Harris Middle School being one of the safest, friendliest, and positive school environments in the state. Students are active participants in the Peer Assistance Leadership group and the Peer Mediators, these groups teach understanding and conflict resolution strategies. Harris Middle School was also a past recipient of the San Antonio Bar Foundation’s Peacemaker Award, which chooses safe schools throughout the San Antonio School District.


Brackenridge High School Recognized in National Award


Brackenridge High School received honorable mention as one of nine finalists nationwide for the College Board’s Inspiration Award, which recognizes the country’s most improved high schools. A College Board representative facilitated a panel discussion with school administrators, staff, students, and parents. The representative was especially interested in hearing from students. Approximately 20 students were part of the discussion. The representative visited classrooms following the panel forum. The information that was collected at Brackenridge was taken to judges in New York, where they reviewed all nine finalists. The Award recognizes high schools that maintain AP or International Baccalaureate programs despite the difficulties at the school.


Special Functions in the San Antonio Schools this Summer


GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) will hold a “Summer Academy CSI” from 8 a. m. to noon at eight high schools in the San Antonio School District. This program will focus on the application and value of science in forensic investigation. Students will be able to participate in solving mock crimes. The students will uses skills they learn in the program. Using their powers of observation, analytical skills and advanced scientific technology to uncover the most minuscule evidence, students will attempt to solve the crimes. Based on the popular CSI television programs, this adventure for 6th-graders combines science, math and language arts, resulting in a learning experience as fun as it is enlightening. “Summer Academy CSI” is part of, designed to help the class of 2012 be prepared for success in college and beyond.


The “Christopher Columbus and the Americas” program will be offered at two San Antonio School District middle schools from 8:30 a. m. to 2:30 p. m. Students will discover all aspects of what the New World was like at the time the famed explorer first landed on its shores, including its culture, history, geography, and myths. By integrating social studies and language arts, the course also examines the impact of the resulting “Colombian Exchange” through which Native Americans and Europeans introduced to each other a variety of different animals, concepts, crops, foods, and materials.


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Online casinos list of the most graphic

Online casinos are plenty and they differ when it comes to the amount of games, customer service, free cash they hand out and many other features that pertain to the legally binding contract between the player and the casino. But there are other features that are usually ignored by those reviewing the many online casinos available online, and it is precisely one of these features: the graphic quality of the site, that we have examined.


Want to play online games and have a great time? Play at these graphically enhanced online casinos:


1) Golden Casino


Offering new casino software and a bonus of 555 dollars would be enough to want me to play there, but once I downloaded the game system, I gasped. The layout of their hall reminds me of that of Caesars Palace, and once, you start playing (with life-like images) you fell as if you were standing in a real casino! And, as if that was not enough, the tables are covered with a lace-like surface that increases the casino ambience and takes it to another level completely. In addition, Golden Casino is loosely affiliated with some of the top names in the casino industry today such as Golden Palace and others.


2) Crystal Palace


Striking because of its blue contours and curves, Crystal Palace not only offers a graphic display that reminds you of a desert oasis or a car rally, but it also uses a correct and colourful combination of colours in order to create the total graphic experience. It is not enough that their games are fast, flash-oriented and versatile, each one can be played using different graphic displays and settings thus boggling the mind with peace that helps you concentrate solely on the game you are playing. They are one of the major slot machine initiators, and their slots are perfectly matched between a light and slot experience.


3) Club USA Casino


Appearing at first hazy and blurry with a tinge of dark green, you will not even hope for what comes next. Once you download the games, sign up and login, please keep your mouth closed. They give you seven hundred dollars for the chance of floating through casino space. In addition, their graphic display is set up in such a way that each block supersedes the one that came before it, thus, creating a window-like graphic view where each object stands out more than the one behind it.


4) Royal Vegas Casino


Vegas online has come alive. Yes. That is what you feel when you start playing through this online casino. The lights are real, the machines too and if that was not enough, the graphics are unbelievably custom-made for those who have been to Las Vegas. The strip is just as it would appear if you were standing at the corner.


5) Roxy Palace


Designed to copy the feel of a casino entrance with its huge amount of lights and neons, Roxy Palace takes another step forward when it comes to the graphic game display that they offer. Each game has a different ambience, and the graphics are so clear and well-defined that you can even make out the writing on the billboards.


Conclusion:


When I want to play at online casinos I look out for those online casinos that offer a high graphic interface. And each of the above online casinos are graphically designed to ensure you enjoy a great online casinos experience. Pick one of them and enjoy your online gaming experience.


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

How to improve your odds in the casinos

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One of the most important things to remember when playing in a land based casino is that the layout of the casino is designed to pull you into the games with the worst player odds. To help pull you further into the casino the casinos will usually use the bells and whistles of slot machines, and video poker games.

This may make you think that the slot machines on the way to the blackjack, poker, roulette and craps tables are the ones to play, but this is usually not the case.

The casinos will place some loose machines in the area leading to these games so that you will hear the bells ad look up and see the flashing light from the winning machines, and when you look you will see the table gamming areas of the casino.

This method puts the thought of wining and table games into your mind together making you think you can win at the table games. The truth is that your chances of going home from the casinos a millionaire is only likely if you walked into the casino as a millionaire.

This does not mean you can not go home with more money in your pockets then when you entered the casino or online casino. It only means that you need to be smarter and not fall for the casinos tricks.

Most people come to casinos knowing just the basics to the most popular casino games played today. Everyone knows how to play Blackjack, but there is more to the game then just trying to get your cards close to 21 without going over.

So by studying one game and spending all your time on that game you will be increasing your skills at the game and you will soon see that the basics are not enough when you are playing for money, especially if you want to win.

Pick a casino game that you enjoy because this is going to be your game, and you are going to spend a lot of time practicing and learning about the game. Then spend as much of your free time as you can, playing the game.

There are many online casinos and web sites that offer you the option of playing poker, or blackjack for free and also offer different variations of the game. This will allow you to get plenty or practice against a computer and other people before risking your money in a casino.

Try to pick a table with other knowledgeable players. Playing a game like poker or blackjack at a table full of amateurs will put you at a disadvantage, but at the same time you do not want to pick a table where you are the worst player no matter how good you are.

It is recommended that before sitting at any card game in a casino or an online casino that you watch a few hands to help judge the skills of the other players.

The longer you play and the more your skill increases you will be amazed at how much more money you are leaving the casinos with.

Giving an abandoned animal a home

Recently i felt the need in my life for a little more companionship in my life from an animal of some type.


I was then left with the decision, what animal would best suit my personal circumstances and be the best companion for me in my circumstances.


As a person who works full time i decided to opt that a dog was not suitable for me and also the animals welfare so i decided to opt for a cat instead. I was then left at the crossroads in my morals either to buy a cat from a breeder or give a stray or abandoned animal a home.


I decided to opt for a cat from an animal sanctuary which i have never looked back on since. I visited a local animal sanctuary and was shown many different abandoned or stray cats which made me sad in a way as i could only house one animal.


All the staff at the sanctuary were extremely helpful in assisting me in choosing the correct animal for me. I finally made my decision on a lovely tabby white cat which had been abandoned and had been in the home for a year. The animal had been left on a residents doorstep one night in a cardboard box and was handed into the sanctuary when found the next morning.


I was required to fill in some short documents about myself and we arranged a home visit for the home to observe my surrounding and ensure that that the animal would get a loving home.


I had the home visit which only took twenty minutes of my time and i was left the cat so we could start getting to know each other straight away. It was lovely to see the animal accustom itself to my home and get to know me and i would never do without him now.


To anyone wanting a pet i would strongly recommend giving a home to a stray or abandoned animal, read my article on my experience and see for yourself how this could be you in the same circumstances.


Monday, September 19, 2016

Forex an alternative investment vehicle

Forex (Foreign Currency Exchange Market) has been used by international banks and large investment companies for years to make millions of dollars. However, with easy access to the Internet, it is now possible for anyone to take advantage of this powerful tool and make money the same way large institutions do, even with minimal startup funds at hand.


Even experienced investors seem mystified by Forex and have very little understanding of it. Forex is not much different from the Stock Market, often the same or similar techniques can be used to trade currency as is used to trade stocks and commodities. What make Forex so mysterious is the lack of available information and opportunities of training.


I have listed 10 good reasons why I prefer Forex to the Stock Market or any other investment option and why any individual, or small investor, should look at getting involved with Forex:


1. A 24 hour market. You don't have to worry about running out of time because the Forex is open 24 hours a day, nearly all week.


2. Huge liquidity. Have you ever got stuck trying to get rid of some stocks or options? With Forex, there are always buyers, thousands of them!


3. No commission on your trading. This is specially important for individuals with small amount of money to invest. When using other investment vehicles the cost of the investment is often prohibitive no matter how attractive the investment itself is. Brokerage and other government fees can easily eat up your profit even before you completed a transaction. With Forex, there are no brokerage, government etc fees involved.


4. Low transaction costs. Typically less than 0.1%!


5. No middleman. The investor is dealing directly with the Market.


6. Instantaneous transactions. Forex is fully computerised and transaction can be completed in as little 2 seconds. The investor does not have to wait for trade confirmation to arrive by email, worst yet, by post. All 'paper-work' is in electronic format, easily viewed, search, analysed.


7. Huge leverage yet low margin. Both increase your profit. In most cases leverage of 10:1 to 100:1 is the rule not the exception.


8. Minimal startup requirements. Again very important for individual or small investors. With Forex it is possible to start trading with as little as $300.00 dollars!


9. Easy access to the Market and your accounts, online, 24/7. Since Forex is completely computerised, anyone with Internet access can trade online and easily access their account and trading history. Most trading platforms allow the user to export this information to other third party software for storage, graphing, analysis etc.


10. No insider trading. Because of the way Forex is 'de-centralised', it is almost impossible for anyone to fraud the system.


I could go on for ever about Forex, it is an amazing tool for investors and also a very exciting opportunity for individuals. I hope you'll catch the fever, too.


Wishing you success,


Ference


Refinancing second mortgage knowing when to refinance

Timing the refinancing of your second mortgage is just as important as finding low rates and fees. Before you decide to refinance, make sure that you have a clear benefit. Either save money with lower rates or protect yourself with the security of a low fixed rate second mortgage.


When Lower Rates Equal Savings


Lower rates can equal savings if you have enough time to recoup any closing costs or other fees. In most instances, a point drop of two percent or more with seven years left on the loan makes it cost efficient to refinance. To see if this is true in your case, compare what you are paying now with the potential payment of a new mortgage.


Combining both your first and second mortgages will further reduce your rates and save on application fees. This only works if your primary mortgage has high rates currently.


Protect Yourself From Rising Rates


With an adjustable rate second mortgage, refinancing can protect you from rising interest rates. Even with caps in place, you could see your current loan period length, adding to your total loan costs.


Refinancing for a fixed rate home equity loan will provide you with the security of a regular payment schedule. In some cases, you may also find a lower fixed rate than your current adjustable rate.


Timing Is Important With Refinancing


With most home equity loans, you pay most of the interest at the beginning of the payment period. So by the last half of your loan, you are paying hardly any interest. To see the biggest savings, you need to refinance early.


If you plan to move soon, then you will also want to hold off on refinancing. While closing costs usually only equal 1% to 3% of principal, it takes a couple of years to regain these costs.


To see if you have a clear benefit to refinancing, start looking at loan quotes. Figure the potential costs of interest and fees, and compare them to your current second mortgage. Factor in your future financial goals, and you will have a good idea if refinancing is for you.


Scrapbooking tips that respect the environment

There are ways to preserve memories while respecting the environment-and that's good news for the growing number of American scrapbookers.


Scrapbooking is all about creative use of paper products. Paper is an all-natural, renewable resource, automatically making it an environmentally friendly medium. Plus, you never need to throw anything away-every little bit of paper can be used to make a scrapbook. Here are some scrapbooking tips from the Abundant Forests Alliance:


1. Start off on the right foot-or the right paper, that is. Look for "acid-free" or "archival" paper, which can protect your scrapbooking materials and fingertips. While paper is a natural, renewable resource, it is also recyclable. Remember to always recycle or use your scraps.


2. Protect those photos. After gathering your photos, make color copies of the originals so you can use them for something else besides your scrapbook.


3. Can't scrap it? Snap it. If you cannot fit a large object in your scrapbook, you can take a photograph of it and include that instead.


4. Save the small stuff. Save small items from special events and day-to-day life, and recycle them in your scrapbook. Using a variety of materials adds personality and texture to every page.


5. Repurpose gift wrapping. Instead of throwing away used wrapping paper or gift bags and tags, include pieces in a holiday or birthday scrapbook as page decorations and colorful reminders.


6. Bring the outside in. Take your kids on a nature walk. Collect items such as leaves, flower petals, bark and pebbles to include in your scrapbook.


7. Celebrate a special newborn. In addition to taking photos of a child's special day, create a scrapbook that honors his or her first day in the world. Recycle that day's newspapers to chronicle world and local events.


8. Create rainy day memories. Initiate a rainy day scrapbook with a scavenger hunt for the kids and ask them to collect items that represent a good day at home, such as a label from a favorite food, a drawing of a favorite toy, or magazine cutouts of words and pictures.


9. Say "I do" to scrapbooking. Whether you are her friend or the bride herself, collect fun items from a wedding to remember the special day. Natural resources include invitations, dried flowers, photos, confetti, dress fabric and ribbons.


10. Remember to recycle. Scrapbooking by its very nature relies on a renewable resource-paper. Paper is also recyclable, so remember to recycle your scraps.


Friday, September 16, 2016

Eight amazing benefits of teaching yoga

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% job satisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey.


Job Satisfaction


In the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that "My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment." Lack of personal satisfaction is the most frequent reason why people leave a job. These statistics make it obvious that this is an extremely harmonious atmosphere to work in.


For many of us who worked in the corporate world and shifted into the health and fitness industry, the energy felt in a health club, ashram, or wellness center is similar to being on vacation.


There's always something to do, but the job itself is very gratifying.


Rewards of Helping Family, Friends, Students, and Co-workers


Your self esteem improves as you find solutions for the pain management of others, ailments, fitness, stress management, positive thinking, etc.


The list goes on, as you continue your own journey of self improvement, but the feeling of gratification you get from helping someone find the right path, is beyond words.


You will always remember: That student who reaches their ideal body weight, the physically impaired student who finds that they, too, can live a better quality life, and the student who leaves your class without the headache or backache they came in with.


Your Own Health


As a practitioner of Yoga, you have become more aware of your daily ups and downs. You monitor your breath, posture, moods, diet, and exercise on a daily basis.


As a Yoga teacher, you are setting an example to your students and teaching them to live a quality life. This path will enable you to live longer and live better.


There is no Shortage of Work


When the working world is in the "9 to 5" mode, you have many opportunities with Corporate Accounts, The Fitness Industry, Senior Centers, Medical


Centers, Referrals, etc. This is when you to teach them, with any free time you have.


Once I became totally self-employed, there were more daytime off-site Yoga teaching opportunities than I had time for in a geographic area that has many active Yoga teachers and studios. One of my best students, who became a Yoga teacher through our on-site program, inherited an area that I could no longer service due to time restraints.


The object is to contact them. This is where your post cards come in handy, if you don't have a personal referral.


Continuing Education


Yes, learning new things keeps your mind stimulated and healthy. You will never tire of subjects to study, explore, and investigate. There are so many facets of Yoga, that one life span, is just not enough time to learn it all.


It's not a race, but it is a journey. You will find friends, colleagues, and students who are on the same path. This makes giving, receiving, and sharing a wonderful thing along the way.


Time


You will have time to stop, think, breathe, relax, or meditate. You can always fill your plate beyond its limits, but you no longer have to.


You can determine whether or not you will be stuck in traffic during rush hour. You decide what hours you will work and what days you have off. You will come to the realization that your time is your own.


Independence


Everyone wants control of their own life, but very few achieve it. Being in business for yourself, can help you control your own destiny and that of your family.


Sure there are limits to what one person can accomplish, but it is better to try than to have never tried.


Success


No matter what you want, if you write down your short-term and long-term goals, you will make great progress toward them.


You should keep these goals in a place where you can see them daily and visualize yourself accomplishing your goals. You should be specific about time frames and ethical methods used to meet them. You can even use them in meditation.


Review your long-term goals at least once every season and every year.


Review your short-term goals daily. You will see yourself make rapid success


in this way.


Lastly, goals do not have to be material at all. For example: You may want to start teaching Yoga in a year, and the following year, get a part-time Yoga teaching position. This type of goal setting is realistic and beneficial to mankind.


That is the key – If you choose a goal that will benefit others, you will surely achieve it.


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Small business opportunties in franchising

Franchising is a great opportunity to take a tried business plan that has proven successful and run a business of your own on that model. Of course, there are rules that must be followed and fees that must be paid, but in the long run buying a franchise that has already established itself in the market can be a very lucrative business. However, buying a franchise can be very expensive, which limits the individuals who are actually able to afford buying a franchise in the first place. But, there are some small business opportunities in franchising that do not require huge investments. This opens the window of opportunity for many other individuals to get in on a franchise without a huge investment.


The following small business opportunities in franchising are just a sampling of what is available. Check them out and maybe you will find what you are looking for. Also keep in mind there are many other small business opportunities in franchising out there that might suit you better than the examples below. If so, start looking and you will find plenty more at FranchiseGator. com!


Taxback Franchise


This small business opportunity is all about tax recovery. Taxback offers seven different ways to make money by providing a free service, which is tempting for many. The startup costs are low from $8,995 - $12,495 and no specific amount of liquidity is required. Training and support are available with this opportunity.


At Work Personnel Services Franchise


The At Work Personnel Services franchise focuses on providing staffing and other necessary resources to businesses. No barriers are set by the franchiser which gives the franchisee much more control over the business. Capital investment is $59,500- $105,000 with liquidity being $50,000. Training and support are offered while financing is not.


Contours Express Fitness Franchise


The healthcare market is booming so any franchise relating to health has a great chance to be successful. A Contours Express franchise is just one business opportunity that takes advantage of the increased interest in health and benefits from it. The capital investment is from $55,720 - $95,420 and financing, support, and training are all available.


There are so many small business opportunities in franchising that anyone can find one that fits their situation with just a little research. When looking for a small business franchising opportunity it is important to take into account your skills and interests in combination with the capital investment you are willing to make, your liquidity, whether or not you will need financing and the amount of control you will be able to have over the business. Once you understand your capabilities and personal desires for running a franchise then you will be able to find one that suits you and your situation much easier. Don’t delay trying to find the best small business franchise opportunity for you because you just might miss the perfect opportunity. Evaluate your personal situation, the market you are interested in, and the small business franchise opportunity that ties it all together. With just a little research you will find the best opportunity for you.


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Where do the millionaires sell on the web

No one disputes the fact that the internet is moving people from dead end jobs to true wealth in a matter of months.


Whether your idea of true wealth is $1 million, or a business with 20 employees, there are hundreds of people who have done it before.


The internet is a gold mine that makes some rich, but has one of the highest failure rates of any business – probably in the history of mankind.


Most people flounder around the net trying to run private shopping carts, buying SSL certificates, and finding traffic.


They try building their own content management systems and generating inbound links. The average online business quits in six months, or flounders for almost two years, before they learn how the ‘success stories’ make their money on the web.


Fulfilment Through Amazon. com


No one serious building wealth builds their own shopping carts, taking orders, and shipping product. That is what a fulfilment company is for. You all know a fulfilment company, but you have never realized what they can offer you – Amazon. com.


That is right. Amazon. com is not, just, a book selling website. Their fulfilment program lets anyone send product to their warehouse. The Amazon. com site takes the orders, packs and ships, collects the money, and then sends the web business their share.


Most fulfilment companies cost $.50 - $1.00 per item, or a commission based on size and weight. There is often a skid rental of $25 - $50 a month which more than covers the time needed to build and maintain a private website.


Prostores


Everyone knows that Ebay is the world’s largest auction site. However, few people know that they own Prostores, a company that helps Internet Businesses sell their product. The power of Ebay selling. The credibility of a private store.


PayPal


Security is the key to internet sales. Millions will buy from an Amazon store, or Ebay, who would never buy from a private website. The fear of Identity Theft and phishing have taken a big chunk out of small business income. That is why Paypal, an ebay company, works so hard to make their service appear to be part of the consumer’s website.


Traffic


Do you need traffic? Then don’t worry about Social Networking, page rank, or Pay Per Click Programs. Buy the top spot. That is right, the first to ‘highlighted’ spaces on keyword searches can be purchased, sometimes for as little as $15 a month.


These two spots are not a part of the pay per click program. They are rented at a set fee.


Another way to increase traffic is to sign up with Adbrite. com . This type of company rents space at a fixed cost, or PPC, and expands to accept image, text, or even video ads.


Adbrite is an industry standard because it is the favourite of content management publishers, the big community websites.


Adbrite doesn’t have a sliding scale, like Google, or Yahoo. This means that the site gets the money earned, not what the ad company wants to pay.


Internet Marketing


A great internet marketing campaign needs a good product to sell. Without a good product, and a great distribution system, no business, no matter how much potential it has, will succeed – especially on the net.


Tips in choosing the best bowling alleys

Bowling has been a popular sport for Americans and other nationalities. Bowling is a leisure activity that provides many health and physiological benefits. Bowling may be a form of relaxation to many or a way to bond with families and friends.


Bowling alleys are special facilities where people participate in the sport of bowling. These alleys provide lanes for bowling and other amenities. They are a place where a person can relax and enjoy the sport as well as spend time with family and friends...


Here are the factors to consider when choosing a bowling alley:


1. The location of the bowling alley should be taken into consideration. An alley close to his/her home location will make it convenient and inviting. A bowling alley close to his/her workplace could also be considered so that he/she could easily go to the bowling alley after work.


2. The facilities of the alley should also be considered. Many bowling alleys now have modern facilities like electronic scoreboards. People are attracted to places where the facilities are modern.


3. The employees working at the bowling alley should be friendly and accommodating. Employees who are friendly will make the place inviting. The instructors should also be friendly and willing to help with all the needs of the bowlers, especially the beginners. Bowlers should be able to learn many techniques from instructors that are friendly and willing to share their skills.


4. The bowling alleys should be clean and properly maintained. Bowlers go to alleys to enjoy and relax. If the alley is not clean and properly maintained, bowlers will not be comfortable. All facilities should also be properly maintained to provide safety for the bowlers.


5. There are generally many bowling alleys that may be found in any city. A person may search the Internet to check the nearest bowling alley and may also read reviews about the bowling alley. Many bowling alleys also have cafeterias where players can eat and mingle with other bowlers.


Bowling alleys contribute to the interest of many people in the sport and should be a place where fun and enjoyment may be experienced. They should be welcoming to bowlers and provide them all the things necessary to entice bowlers to become regular customers.


How to manifest a financial breakthrough

So you are tired of your financial circumstances and you now have the desire to manifest more money and greater wealth. Well I am about to tell you something that you may not know. Manifesting more money is easy once you know a few secrets and get started on them immediately.


The first step to a financial breakthrough is to get out of your own way and your own thoughts. Miracles can only happen the moment you step aside. Just for a few days I beg you to just simple not care. Sure you care but really what I am asking you to do is to let go of the worry. Have you heard the saying “let go and let god?” Most likely you have, as most of us have heard that statement but there is no other time to practice it as when you desire to manifest more money.


The second step is to realize that you have placed money above you. Yes you have. You have titled money master of your domain and ruler of all. You do lots of things you hate to do all for the sake of worthless paper. Even worst you believe that money is needed in order for you to manifest what you want. I hate to disappoint you but you don’t need money to get a darn thing. Let me repeat that you don’t need money to get what you want from life.


The third step requires that you close your eyes and begin to feel and experience what it is that you want to do with the money. Lock yourself away inside of yourself while experiencing that thing you desire in your mind. Be creative about this step and ask that thing, “what does it take to have you?” It does not matter if that thing is an object or a bill, talk to it all the same bring life to it. Then for a moment listen. Simply listen as you are told exactly what is needed in order to get it. Listen as you are told where to go, what to do, how to do it but above all listen, then write it down.


The forth step requires that you trust what you are told to do and do nothing else but that thing. Do not hesitate, do not pass go, do not collect your two hundred dollars just take only the action that you were advised to do. If only life were like a game of Monopoly!!


Actually it is and if you notice the best players are the most trusting players. They take changes they are not afraid to loss yet they always win. You can apply all these steps to any manifesting program to achieve whatever you want if only you trust.


Six things to consider when buying an atv trailer

ATV trailer is the mode of transport to drag your ATV from one place to another. By using appropriate type of trailer, one can easily transport ATV with proper care, convenience, and expediency. The use of trailer has lessened down the stress and anxiety of moving your ATV whenever you are going on a trip with family or friends.


There are few components in an ATV trailer like trailer hitch, hitch ball, ball mount, and safety chain which are specially created for the safety of your ATV. ATV trailers possess the capability of transporting maximum 6 ATVs at a single time.


Points To Be Considered While Using ATV Trailers


The method of using ATV trailers to move the ATVs from one place to another is not an easy task like riding a bicycle or driving a car, rather it is a challenging driving if your way is full of changing lanes. Therefore, there are few things to be taken into consideration while using ATV trailers.


a - You should not hit the brake pedal harshly because your trailer will not cease as expeditiously as your car will cease.


b - You should avoid driving your car with high speed if you are having ATV trailer at the back of your car as your high speed will worse the sway of the trailer.


What to Consider While Buying ATV trailers


a - While purchasing a new ATV trailer, you should always keep the below-mentioned points in mind in order to take the benefit of your trailer for long span of time.


b - While planning to buy an ATV trailer, make sure the load and size of the trailer are adequate, as there are some ATV trailers that have the capacity of carrying more than one ATV whereas some can carry heavier loads than others. The maximum capacity of the trailer to carry ATVs is six in number. After getting a clear picture of the trailer required, you should place an order for it.


c - There is a wide variety of ATV trailers in the market in terms of pricing, therefore it is always suggested to survey the market before buying it in order to save some dollars and should get the best. There is also an option of buying used trailers, which are generally advertised in the classifieds of newspapers or on the Internet. But it is always recommended to buy the fresh trailers else you should analyze the working condition of the old trailer properly.


d - There are many websites that deal in the business of ATV trailers, therefore, it is always recommended to go for the reputable and renowned websites. You should always survey the online companies by going through the testimonials and reviews of their old or existing customers in order to get the idea about their products and services. You can even visit the online companies that are devoted in the production of trailers and can also order a trailer according to your suggested design and requirement.


e - It is always recommended to ensure about the durability and strength of the trailer before starting it to use. For this, you can examine the quality of the structural beams with which the axles are attached because the complete load of the trailer will be held up by them. You should also analyze the cross members which have to be strong and well-built otherwise if they will get bent then will end up in the cracking of the couplings or joints.


f - Proper care should be taken while loading and uploading the ATVs in order to prevent any type of damage or destruction.


Hence, having ATV trailer at the back of your car will really make your trip easy and adventurous while visiting to the new places.


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Buying a franchise opportunity getting it right

Buying a Franchise offers many benefits over starting a business on your own. The franchisees benefit from the training and ongoing support that they receive whilst trying to make their business successful. People starting a business on their own often have no help or guidance in the day to day running of the business!


The franchisees receive guidance on location, fixtures and fittings, marketing and operation of the business model. This guidance is based on years of experience the franchisor has gained not only from running the business model but also from advising other franchisees.


Buying a franchise business is at least a five year commitment and as such should not be taken lightly. It is important to make the right lifestyle choice rather than basing the decision to buy purely on profitability of the business model.


A prospective franchisee should always look at the market trends to ascertain whether the need and requirements of the products of the franchise opportunity are predicted to grow or decline over the medium and long term. Getting advice from an experienced accountant can help in this respect.


What makes the franchisor's products better than the competition? Is the franchisor continually investing in improving the products to reflect changes in latest trends and requirements of the customers? Analysing which products have been changed and new ones introduced over the last five years will help in this regard.


How are the other franchisees faring? Prospective franchisees should speak to others who have already bought the franchise to ascertain whether the business model works and it would be suitable for them. This course of action will reveal information that the franchisor does not usually have in his marketing material!


The territory is just as important as the franchise model. Not all franchises work in all territories as each area has their demographics and buying patterns. Decent knowledge of the local area is invaluable and the choice of which type of franchise business to buy should be made with regards to this information.


The franchise agreement is the cornerstone of every franchise and as such should be scrutinised carefully. Many franchisees wrongly make the assumption that they have to accept the franchise agreement in its entirety if they are to buy a franchise business.


In reality a letter of variation can be created fairly easily which deals with the individual requirements of the prospective franchisees without changing the actual franchise agreement. The way this works is that the letter of variation can say that certain clauses in the franchise agreement do not apply in this case and certain clauses are to be treated differently.


It is important when seeking advice that experienced lawyers and accountants are used rather then choosing somebody who has just qualified. They will know through dealing with real cases how to handle the franchisee's particular requirements and still keep the franchisor happy.


Making the right choice of franchise that is based on individual skills as well as the individual requirements of each particular territory should serve to ensure that the business model works both in the short term and the long term.


Condominiums should you consider purchasing one

Condominiums tend fall into the love them or hate them position for buyers. Here’s primer on condominiums.


Condominiums


Condominiums are all about communal living, which can be good or bad depending upon your personal views. This type of communal living doesn’t refer to the failed experiments of the sixties wherein hippies packed into a structure and shared everything. Instead, the modern condominium community is all about sharing common spaces as well as rules, rules and more rules.


Condominiums come in all shapes and forms. Condos can be found in a single high rise building in a downtown area or in an apartment complex type of layout in a planned community. The structure isn’t the determining point. Instead, the issue is how the properties are owned.


Unlike a stand alone home, the property lines on a condominium are the walls of the structure. Essentially, you own everything inside the condominium as your individual property. Everything outside the condominium is owned jointly with the people who own the other units. These areas are known as common areas and are subject to group rule.


Every condominium has a homeowners association in one form or another. The association has rules set out by the original developer regarding landscaping and so on. Members of the community are then elected to the board of the association, whereupon the immediately become a focal point of aggravation from individual owners and often wonder why they took the thankless job.


The problem with the association and condos in general is the issue of uniformity. If you desire to change the exterior of your condominium in some way, you must comply with the rules of the association. This means you cannot paint your property a different color, do landscaping and so on. For some people, this isn’t a problem, but others are frustrated they can’t express themselves.


When deciding whether a condominium is a good option for your next purchase, you need to carefully weigh the restrictions of a particular association. If you consider yourself an individual and want to show it, a condominium is probably a very poor choice for you.


Debt consolidation mortgage loan - pros and cons

Debt consolidation mortgage loans can help you lower your interest rates and monthly payments. With reduced rates, you can also pay off your debt sooner. However, reducing your equity could subject you to private mortgage rates. You may also end up spending more on interest payments by delaying payments.


Saving With Mortgage Interest Rates


Mortgage interest rates are much lower than credit card or unsecured loan rates. Consolidating your debt with a refinanced mortgage or home equity will reduce your payments simply by having a lower rate. By paying the same monthly payments, you can pay off your debt rapidly.


Your interest is also tax deductible with a mortgage or home equity loan, where your credit card interest isn’t. Student loan interest is also tax deductible and shouldn’t be consolidated for a higher rate.


Reducing Your Payments


Consolidating with a loan also allows you to reduce your payments by picking longer terms. So if your income is reduced or you have other financial obligations, lengthening your payments can give you some breathing room in your budget.


Paying More In Fees And Interest


The cost of a mortgage can be more than what you are paying in interest charges if you have a small amount of debt. To refinance a mortgage, origination fees can add up to thousands. Other types of home equity loans can cost hundreds or nothing to open. You may also have to pay private mortgage insurance premiums if don’t leave 20% of your equity in tack.


Delaying payments can also add up interest payments, even with a lower rate. For example, a loan amount of $10,000 will cost $11,587.10 in interest for a 30 year loan at 6%. That same amount will cost $5,896.71 for a 5 year loan at 20%, which is what most credit card payment plans are like.


Deciding To Pay Down Debt


Consolidating your high interest credit can help pay off your debt by providing structured payments. You can also lower your interest rates, making repayment easier. However, be aware of the costs and shop around for low rates and fees. To get the most out of a consolidated loan, choose short terms to avoid making large interest payments.


Monday, September 12, 2016

Home loans back to the basics

Basics of Home Loans


Three fundamental pieces of knowledge for obtaining and maintaining a home loan include the application, rates, and repayment habits.


Home Loan Application Process - Filling out home loan applications can be time consuming, and overly detailed. Before beginning, get yourself organized by finding all of the paperwork you will need to complete your application. Once you have everything located and in front of you, you'll find the application process to go very smoothly.


Rates Change - Keep an eye on home loan rates for major changes, particularly changes of the downward version. Refinancing is inexpensive in comparison to the amount of money you can save if you obtain the right low interest home loan. Developing a good relationship with your mortgage broker may result in him or her calling you when the rates drop!


On Time Payments - There is nothing that can hurt or help your credit rating more than your payment habits on your home loan. Make payments on time and your credit score will raise quickly. Alternatively, pay late and you'll do long term damage that is difficult to repair.


Quick Home Mortgages Online - Safe


Why should you shop for home mortgages online?


1) Obtain mortgage quotes from a reputable lender and your information will be secure. Don't check with every no-name mortgage company online, stick with names you can trust, as their online security will be top notch.


2) Fast Processing - Mortgage companies who operate online aren't bound by the same home loan processes as large local banks, and can process applications faster.


3) Low Rates - With so many lenders from which to choose from, online mortgage brokers and home loan specialists are bound to find a program that's right for your budget and home loan needs.


How to Compare Various Home Loans


You've heard the saying "You can't compare apples to oranges", right? When you're shopping for a home loan, you need to make comparisons among the same types of loans. When you compare a 30 year fixed home loan with 7% interest to an adjustable rate mortgage with 3.2% interest, you're comparing apples to oranges - unless you know the specifics to each type of loan.


1)Loan Term - The term of a loan is the length of time you will be repaying on the loan Many mortgages are 30 year terms, but some are shorter, 10, 15, and 20 year terms are common. The longer the term of your loan, the lower you pay each month, but the higher you'll pay in interest!


2)Interest Rate - An adjustable interest rate is one that can change from time to time, while a fixed rate interest means it remains the same for the entire term of your loan. To compare a fixed rate with an ARM loan, use an online mortgage calculator (they're free!) to compare your future payments as well as current payments.


3) Closing Costs - There are many things that are factored into closing costs, including lenders, closing agents and attorneys. Choose a lender with the fewest junk fees or a lender that pays for your closing costs out of their revenues.


Home Mortgage Prepayment


It's not often that people stay in their home for thirty years. A thirty year mortgage probably seems like forever to most borrowers! Since no one would want to pay a mortgage forever, there are a few tricks that can save you a lot of money:


1)Make use of free home mortgage calculators online to see how much of a difference one or two extra payments on your mortgage will make on your amortization schedule. Sometimes, as little as $20 extra on each payment can reduce the term of your loan a year or more! Many people never actually take advantage of paying one additional payment per year in order to shorten their 30 year mortgage term by up to ten years - because they have not educated themselves on prepayment.


2) You can shorten your mortgage term by up to 20 years if you're able to make double payments. While it may seem that you should only be able to reduce your mortgage payment in half by doubling your payments, the fact is the extra payment goes towards the principal and saves you interest, so it reduces the amount owed much faster than if you only send the minimum payment each month.


Consolidating Home Loans to Save Money


If you have a refinance loan and your original home loan, you may want to consolidate them into a single loan. This may sound complicated, but should be a painless process for you.


Find all of your current home loan information, including account numbers, bank name, initial loan amount, date of the loan, and any other documents you've obtained through the loan processes. Find out how much equity you have in your home, to determine whether or not refinancing and consolidating your second mortgage is feasible. Finally, go to your mortgage specialist to get a more specific and accurate portrayal of the options that are available to you.


Asian affair vibrant vietnam sizzling singapore

I simply love aircrafts and long haul flights. We board award winning Singapore Airlines with about 30 hours to go. With 8 magazines, 6 movies, 4 meals and a sleeping pill, I arrive relaxed and ready to explore. American airports are still not people friendly. Singapore’s ultra-modern airport invites you to linger with free internet terminals, a cinema, rooftop swimming pool, aromatherapy spas, oxygen bars, indoor nature garden with waterfalls and koi pond.


I’m escorting my smallest group yet with 28 singles. Over 60 had begged me to offer these destinations, but most bailed last minute claiming fear of bird flu. So it’s like a vacation for me with this quality over quantity entourage of culture-vultures.


We begin with an orientation tour at the top of Mt. Farber with spectacular views. I can see the group is impressed with this sparkling metropolis located between Malaysia and Indonesia. Here is the leader of S. E. Asia, a bustling port that was modernized by the British Empire. It’s called the “Lion City” and inhabited by 4 million souls. 76% are Chinese and the other minorities blend harmoniously. Singapore is a city, state, capital and country all in one and draws 8 million visitors per year, yet few Americans have yet to discover it.


We check into the opulent Regent Hotel of the Four Seasons. I’m given a suite and swear this wins the award for the most gracious staff on the planet. We’ve arrived at a perfect time now with the “Great Shopping Festival” on. There is nothing like some retail therapy to soothe our jet lag. Orchard Road, like a tree lined Fifth Avenue is a block away and center of all life. Shopping is the national obsession and bargain hunting can become a blood sport here.


There are 150 mega-malls with some that never close. I’m a label slave and purchase a used authentic Rolex with documents for a fraction of it’s original cost. We have only 4 days here. So much to do 24/7, its like Hong Kong on steroids. The Arts Festival is on with a multitude of venues. After dark, it becomes party city at the trendy Clarke Quay area by the river.


We have an astute and friendly guide named Farida who shows us all the sights along with a great sense of humor. We visit the lush National Orchard Gardens with 60,000 orchids, China Town with its markets and temples as well as Little India with its intense aromas and vibrant colors.


Then on to the ultra-contemporary financial district, Merlion Park with its landmark fountain and the historic colonial area that was established by Sir Stanford Raffles.


We stop to sip a Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar of Raffles Hotel where rooms start at $700 per night. Other tours included Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari at the zoo, considered the best in the world with its free roaming enclosures for 2500 animals. In free time, we ride rickshaws around town and take the cable car over to Sentosa Island.


Some of us opt to head back to the zoo for a Jungle Breakfast with the Orangutans. At night Terry & I dine on jumbo chili crabs and rice cakes. This vibrant island-state of Singapore is glistening clean with purple bougainvillea bushes lining the highways. All cars are equipped with alarms to sound if one exceeds the speed limit. No graffiti, no gangs and in this tightly “controlled democracy”, it’s the death penalty for drug traffickers. We all make jokes about getting caned for chewing gum or jay-walking.


Its been a leisurely visit here. I usually feel like Jack Bauer on the TV series 24 on my trips with non-stop itineraries. I feel rested as I board our 3 hour flight to Vietnam.


We arrive to another world with rice paddies, sampans, lotus blossoms, coconut milk and noodle soups. It’s like time machine travel back to the 15th century in this graceful land that is steeped in history. It is far poorer than I anticipated. There is however, an alluring charm which is found in the gentility of these people with the sincerest of smiles. I am a fan of the Third World. Whereas Singapore was dynamic, Hanoi is culturally stimulating. The city is studded with lakes and shaded by tamarind trees. It is a dichotomy that bustles with Chi-energy and yet is tranquil at the same time.


We check into the deluxe Sheraton Resort, an oasis of calm amidst the chaos. Our fabulous guide named Hong will be with us for 6 glorious days. His first lesson was in teaching us how to cross the streets. The traffic of 7 lanes is horrendous with 2.4 million motor scooters. “It’s called the Chicken Game.” Hong says. “Don’t run, don’t stop, just walk slowly so drivers can predict your direction.” That afternoon I stand in fear stranded 20 minutes curbside as this lesson goes against all instincts. There are entire families on a single scooter, called the “Vietnamese sandwich.” Everything is transported on these mopeds, 8 piglets, a dozen chickens upside down, a TV, a tree and more. Pollution is bad. The inner city looks tired and worn. Suddenly there’s a monsoon downpour. People drape ponchos and it becomes raincoat city. It dissipates as quickly as it began and life goes on.


The sun shined on our daily tours which included the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the French Quarter and the memorial to Ho Chi Mihn. We line up with hundreds of people to enter the tomb where his preserved body is visibly encased just like Lennon in Moscow. Communist armed soldiers command us to silent reverence, no cameras, umbrellas, sunglasses and arms at our sides.


Later we visit Hoa Lo Prison, or Fiery Furnace. Built by the French in 1896, thousands of political prisoners were tortured here until 1954. We view the dungeons with leg irons, torture equipment and “head cutting machies.” In the 1960’s the Vietcong used this as a prisoner of war detention center for American pilots shot down during the Vietnam War. It was our captive pilots that sardonically named this place “The Hanoi Hilton.” We also do a walking tour through the Old Quarter where each narrow lane was named for its ancient craft: Silk St., Coffin St., Grilled Fish St., etc. Hong leads us to a food market with turtles, sea slugs, pig heads and other unmentionable creatures for sale. Thit Chow is dog stew which is considered peasant food here. Country rat is ceremoniously served at all birthday parties.


Most of our meals are included with elaborate breakfast buffets and 10 coarse lunches. Every restaurant is affordable. One evening my dinner menu presented salad of jellyfish, deep fried eel, ginger crickets and sticky rice with tender roasted pigeon. It seems the Vietnamese will eat anything that moves because “it tastes like chicken.”


We attend the Water Puppet Show, a ancient art form unique only to Hanoi. This blend of music and dance on water was the source of entertainment of villagers long ago. We then scatter to explore the city, Asia’s oldest capital. Some go for massages and pedicures at prices that can’t be resisted. Some shop for souvenirs while others have clothes tailor made for them. I have an embroidered silk dress cut to my body in 4 hours for $45. We also visited the handicraft villages for bargains in art, ceramics and lacquerware. The currency is a great challenge for us as $10,500 dong equals 65 cents. We felt like millionaires yet it was disheartening to learn that the annual per capita income is just $320! We tip generously throughout.


Vietnam’s pulse is found in its cities whereas its decorous grace is found in its villages. We head out through the countryside for a full day cruise at Halong Bay. The air is fresh as we pass rice paddies, duck and prawn farms. It is rice harvest time and hundreds of rice farmers are bent over their ponds. Timid children wave as we drive by. We arrive at this natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and board our private wooden junk boat. Quietly we sail into a dreamscape that looks surreal. 3,000 islands of sheer limestone cliffs emerge from the emerald sea. There is a timeless, haunting quality to this scenery. Nat. Geo. calls it “magic in stone and water.” We enjoy a seafood lunch with fresh caught crab and prawns. It’s a perfect day in the sun for escapism and serenity.


The highlight of the trip for me was our group cyclo-tour through Old Hanoi on the last day. We turn a corner downtown to see 28 bicycle-rickshaws lined up to peddle us individually for an hour through the narrow scooter filled lanes of oncoming traffic. There are some near-misses at the red lights which are always ignored. We all laugh as locals stare. Terry at 6’4” is considered huge even in America. Here he looked like King Tut seated on a throne as his 90lb. driver peddles him effortlessly in line with our group. We later go our separate ways for independent exploration. After several hours, I found myself lost in an area of town with no taxis. I had to get back to join others for dinner. No choice but to hire a ride on a scooter. Dressed in a skirt with my arms full of bags, I mount the tiny seat and we’re off. On the highway, I wrap my arms and legs around my driver like an octopus. He laughs the entire way to the Sheraton.


We fly back to Singapore for a good nights rest at the Le Meridian before our long flight home to Los Angeles via Tokyo. I reflect on another journey well done with new insights gained on history and cultures. It was like visiting two different planets within one vacation. The contrast of this trip is evident in our photos from the contemporary garden paradise of Singapore to the new renaissance of traditional Vietnam. This is certainly an Asian affair never to be forgotten.


Suzy Davis


Adventures For Singles Inc.


800-813-9421 or GA. 770-432-8225