Wednesday, December 31, 2008

5 Biggest Mistakes of New Internet Marketers

By Amy Nutt

Internet marketing has become increasingly popular over the past few years and many people are just starting to venture into earning money online. Unfortunately, if you don`t know what you`re doing, you`ll be quite likely to make some mistakes that could cost you big time. Being aware of what the biggest mistakes that newbies make is a good step toward being successful.

Here, we`ll be looking at the top five mistakes that internet marketers make in their first year. By understanding what goes wrong, you will be better able to avoid these same errors yourself.

1. Underestimating the workload. If you believe everything you read online, it seems that you can simply throw up an automated website, grab some email addresses and you`re off to the races. Unfortunately, the real world doesn't work that way. Even the big name gurus who would like you to believe that you can magically rake in the money overnight had to work at it. Internet marketing is definitely a good way to earn money and it can eventually become relatively passive income, but you definitely need to put in the work at the beginning to make it work.

2. Jumping into the "earn money online" niche. Just look around the internet and you`ll find hundreds of people telling you how to earn money online. How many of these people actually earned money online before telling others how to do it? You`d be amazed at how many internet marketers are struggling, even as they attempt to lead others. If you aren`t earning online, don`t even think about trying to teach others. Look for a niche that is less competitive and one that you can actually stand out in.

3. Throwing money at the problem. Every business requires some start up money, but that doesn't mean you have to go crazy about it. You can learn a lot online just by reading articles and then making a few well thought out purchases. Most newbie internet marketers go ahead and start up pay per click campaigns to help drive traffic. While PPC can be a great way to bring in traffic, if you don`t fully understand how to use it, you`ll just end up losing money. Take the time to research and understand where your money is going.

4. Being too general. A sporting goods website might do alright, but in most cases, there is just too much competition for general ideas. Instead, look for micro-niches, like "protective sports footwear", which will have less competition and still a healthy amount of traffic. It pays to get specific. Even if you are thinking of doing this with several micro-niches, stick to one until it works, then you can branch out.

5. Giving up too soon. It`s a sad fact that most new internet marketers give up just before they could have been successful. Just because your idea didn't hit pay dirt in the first week doesn't mean it`s a bad idea. If you continue on, you`ll likely find that with a bit more publicity and hard work, you can make it happen, just so long as you stick with the original idea.

Internet marketing isn't quite as easy as the gurus make it sound, though it is definitely a great way to earn a living. As long as you go into it with realistic expectations and ready to stick with your plans and ideas for the long haul, you are quite likely to find success. Make sure you do your research, investigating everything you can on your topic and then just go on and do it. You`ll never succeed if you don`t try. - 15275

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How To Design Your Website For Search Engine Optimization

By Ferdinand Mekinsy

In reality, you do not have to offer such a "heavyweight" download such as a full-feature software like iTunes. You can attract prospects equally well with some quality freebies such as a simple report, a free wallpaper, and so on. The important thing is that your download offers enough value for the prospect to be willing to give away his/her own email address to get it.

Minimizing Load Time Through Image Optimization:Even though more and more Internet users switch to broadband every year, a sizable portion of the web's population is still running on good old dialup connections. It is therefore unwise to count them out of the equation when you're designing your website, and a very major consideration we have to make for dialup users is the loading time of your website.

Generating Revenue With Good Planning:For anything to work well, care must be taken to make firm, workable plans to execute it and the same goes for website designs. With a well thought out website design, you will be able to create a site that generates multiple streams of revenue for you. In fact, may websites turn into online wasteland because they are not well planned and do not get a single visitor. Gradually, the webmaster will not be motivated to update it anymore and it turns into wasted cyberspace.

Another route you can take is to design your website yourself. Think about it, if you only need 5 simple pages to present some simple information, why waste hundreds of dollars for it? Just spend a little time to sit down and do it yourself. You'll be able to design your own sites even if you do not know a single line of HTML code with the help of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) programs such as Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and so on.

When you have a broader, better-defined scope of themes for your website, you can sell space on your pages to people interested in advertising on your page. You can also earn from programs like Google's Adsense and Yahoo! Search Marketing if people surf to those themed pages and click on the ads. For this very reason, the advertisement blocks on your pages need to be relevant to the content, so a themed page fits that criteria perfectly.

Apply visual representations for the problems and solutions that your product offers. Not everyone will read your text copy from the head to the tail, but most people will pay attention to images on your website. - 15275

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Koolphone is the Best Way to Get Your Free Wireless Phone

By Free Wireless

There is a better way to get a free wireless phone. No standing in line and filling out forms. Koolphone makes ordering online quick, secure and easy. Click here for FREE Cell Phones

How do you choose a cell phone and calling plan that is right for you? Over the life of your phone, the calling plan service will cost more than the phone itself. Especially if the phone is free. You should choose the most cost-effective calling plan from a carrier with good coverage in your area. With all the competition for subscribers among carriers, monthly and per-minute costs of wireless calling has gone down dramatically.

Subscribers can keep their existing wireless phone number and even their landline based numbers when starting or transferring service to a new carrier. With the right calling plan, a wireless phone shouldn't cost much more than a landline phone. Every day more people are switching to wireless and giving up their landline service altogether.

There are a few terms you need to be familiar with. TALK TIME: The total amount phone use, typically measured in minutes, for both calls placed and calls received. PEAK MINUTES: Talk time minutes used during the prime calling periods when the carrier networks are most active, typically between 6am and 9pm Monday through Friday. OFF PEAK MINUTES: Talk Time minutes used outside of prime calling periods. ROAMING: Wireless phone used outside of a customer's home calling area or carrier network coverage. MOBILE-TO-MOBILE MINUTES: Minutes used for calling or receiving calls from another customer on your carrier's service network.

Today's wireless phones enable you to send and receive instant messages, check or send e-mails, and synchronize with your PC contacts, e-mail, calendars, and more. These features make the truly wireless lifestyle a reality.

Choose the wireless carrier you want and your activated phone will be shipped direct to you. The Koolphone Wireless Store is powered by InPhonic the nation's leading online provider of wireless services and phones providing secure shopping, rapid activation and real-time online order status and tracking. Click here for FREE Cell Phones

With Koolphone you can compare prices and availability from all major U.S. carriers. T-Mobile, Verizon, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint, Alltel and Liberty Wireless. Koolphone has wireless phones by every major manufacturer including Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and more. Only name brand wireless phones with full U.S. warranties. - 15275

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Chiropractic Video Marketing Made Ridiculously Simple

By Matthew Loop, DC

No one could have guessed how phenomenally successful social networks like YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace would become. The power and potential of these top sites are mind boggling. When in 2005 I began to introduce the power of these sites to chiropractors and show them the impact it could have on their marketing, I knew that web 2.0 could bring all of them phenomenal marketing success in these difficult times. Knowing all this, I still couldn't even fathom the remarkable success that was really still to come.

Discovering how to leverage social media and video marketing for my chiropractic practice was one of the best things that I could've ever done. As many are aware, this type of marketing / advertising is free so there is virtually no risk to the chiropractor. In 2005, I first began meeting and interacting with people from my local community on Myspace. I was literally meeting 50 people every single day which was getting me tons of free traffic exposure very fast. Initially, I was testing and tweaking certain things on my profile for greater conversions and how I was presenting myself. Then, I began to notice the phone calls and the new patients coming it. I have to say, I was pretty thrilled when this began to happen.

Marketing on social media can yield instant results but it's absolutely phenomenal for positioning yourself in the long-term! It's similar to planting seeds within the community and getting into every nook-and-cranny possible. If you set yourself up correctly, you can brand yourself as an authority in whatever specialty you choose and gain trust and credibility with your community. Then, you can keep tabs and consistently build top-of-the-mind awareness with the friends and subscriber lists that you've built. The avalanche occurs after you've amassed several thousand people that you keep in touch with regularly that need you or refer new patients to your chiropractic practice for the conditions that you treat.

One of the things that I was able to capitalize on very early in my social network endeavors was simple chiropractic video marketing. Making videos and uploading them is a fairly simple, quick process yet so few chiropractors have even thought to marketing to their community this way. A word of advice, though. After you shoot your video from a video camera or digital camera, many times you will need to compress the actual file using Windows Movie Maker (if you have a PC) or iMovie (if you have a MAC). Then, you will be able to edit or upload to a video sharing website like YouTube.

I first noticed years ago that videos were getting a wonderful index status on the major search engines. We are visual creatures, and people respond more to watching videos online than they do to articles and blogs. When someone can see your face and hear your message, they automatically feel like they know you and can trust you. This is pure gold for your credibility in your community and in the chiropractic world. These videos are available to be viewed 24/7, so you know the internet is working for you, even when you're sleeping! I carry my camera and tripod everywhere I go so that when I'm inspired to make an informative video, I can just do it. Some of the best I've made used the ocean or beautiful mountains as a background.

Almost half of the content online today is video, and its time you jumped on the bandwagon and put your chiropractic marketing into high gear. Remember, the more material you have online in the best variety, the more credibility you gain. Just imagine Googling someone or something, and coming up with a particular office or practice in multiple top billing positions. That person would automatically appear to be the authority on something, right?

It's truly awesome when you have the ability to give people a tour of your office, so that they can really see where you work and the environment of your practice. I know it sounds funny, but I carry my video camera and tripod with me everywhere, because I'm always inspired by some new idea for an informational video and promo for my chiropractic practice. I've shot videos everywhere! It says something about the success of my practice that I've made promo videos in the office, at home, in the mountains, near oceans, and even in Costa Rica! Wouldn't you like to hear answers about your back pain from someone sitting in a majestic location? Viewers come with me on this journey, and are better able to trust me when I speak to them in the flattering natural light.

Keep in mind that volume is really important when it comes to chiropractic video marketing. You want to make at least 1-2 videos a week to begin to successfully canvas the search engines with your material. This helps you to gain credibility in the market. When you outsource the videos production, you're going to pay a lot of money. It really is so simple and easy to do it yourself. Ask people to subscribe to your YouTube video channel at the end of each one.

Make sure you're relaxed and having a good time while making these videos. You want to present yourself as being the warm, professional, and friendly person that you are. That way, people will feel like they know you, and they'll want to stop in to your office and utilize your services.

You need a good coach to teach you the secrets of SEO and chiropractic marketing using web 2.0. When you learn the skills from someone who found success doing the very same thing, you are then perfectly equipped to create your own success and take your chiropractic practice to new heights. You can't learn any of this from a so-called "guru". When you find the right coach, there's no stopping you! - 15275

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Cleanse Your Body of Internal Toxic Waste

By Linda Riley

With today's hectic lifestyle, we are gorging ourselves with unhealthy and poisonous chemicals without knowing it. If we continue to indulge in these kind of food, our body will suffer. Our important internal organs like our liver and kidney will become less effective in purging out harmful materials. These eventually lead to illnesses, aching joints and whole lots of health problems in the long run.

To improve or prevent health related problems in the future, you need the master cleanse diet. Master cleanse diet involves removing the toxins in your body. These allow you to shed those extra pounds and feel more energized. Reason behind why Master Cleanse diet is so popular is because it detoxifies your body. Most importantly, its many health related benefits is achieved all without the use of drugs.

Through numerous reports, it has been found that the Master Cleanse diet has the ability to even remove toxin stuff that are being consumed when a person is still a child. Toxic stuff are able to be stored in our body is because our body is unable to digest everything that we swallowed. If we do not remove these toxic stuff, it acts as a poison and slowly poisoning us everyday. Thus, it is important that we cleanse our body with master cleanse diet.

Due to our hectic lifestyle, the food that we eat contains more and more artificial stuff. Some of these artificial stuff include artificial sweetener, fried food and fast food. Our body cannot processed these artificial stuff causing it to be remained in our body. Eventually, they turned into waste, causing harm to our body. However, with Master Cleanse diet, you can remove these harmful waste. Furthermore, you do not need to undergo master cleanse diet every single day. All our body needs is that we flush it cleans of toxins a few times in a year with the master cleanse diet.

In my opinion, master cleanse diet is suitable for people who have been suffering from obesity, aching joints, indigestion or kidney related problems. If you have been struggling with the above mentioned problems, do try the master cleanse diet. The master cleanse diet contains many essential vitamins that the body needs everyday. By using the master cleanse diet roughly around every 60 days and you will not only improve your health but also prolong your life. - 15275

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The Importance of Marketing In Networking Marketing

By Carlos Alston

So. You're all amped about being in your new network marketing business. Rockin! Maybe though, you've been in the network business for years. Pat yourself on the back for staying in the game. Regardless, what actions are you doing to place your network marketing business in front of your business builders or customers? Do you know what makes the ultra successful network marketers successful? Here's the answer: These networkers all have figured out how to MARKET network marketing on an ongoing basis like clockwork.

Is your network marketing strategy limited to the old school warm market list and invite-a-friend-and-hope-they-show-up-to-my-opportunity-meeting strategy?

Nothing necessarily wrong with that but the top networkers and waaay beyond that.... Most people don't have a background in marketing and aren't told much about how to market either from the network marketing company or their upline when they join.

These network marketers are incredibly intelligent in terms of marketing. They know how to use battle-tested marketing tactics and make heavy use of marketing psychology. They've built a set of marketing skills which they use influence others into their networking businesses. This is the reason you are always hearing about these networkers and why they have large network marketing lists.

These folks have a presence all over the internet, branding themselves with all sorts of communication tactics, Myspace, YouTube, etc. I'm sure you're already on a number of their lists. When they come out with a new product or free report, you snap it up.

Most of us out there don't have the knowledge HOW to market like this for our network marketing businesses. So what's the answer? We should all have the knowledge of the basic marketing principles for our network marketing business and how to implement them for maximum effect.

So, around 2 months back, I was introduced to a marketing program that has truly revolutionized how I network my network marketing business. Its called 180DaysToGreatness, which combine personal development fundamental marketing concepts skill set and perosonal coaching in a way thats different that any other coaching program I've ever seen. I was initially skeptical, but Nadira just kept astonishing me with her intense passion to help others, marketing insight, and adding value way "beyond the call of duty" for her group.

180DaysToGreatness is just one situations that come along once in a great while and you realize it really is something special. I feel like I've been treated to an amazing opportunity to truly understand how to market my network marketing business (or any other for that matter) and now there is no limit to how far I (or you) can go with it. I suggest you see if it might be right for your networking business. - 15275

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Offshore Banking Guide: How To Get An Offshore Bank Account

By Benjamin Mulletonin

Offshore bank accounts are typically found in a tax haven, or a tax haven with a reduced tax burden on the offshore account depositor. Offshore banking accounts are administered via banks and give traditional banking services which make it more convenient to utilize the assets held in the banking accounts for everyday spending, receipt and distribution of assets. An offshore account can normally be established with not much effort. We regularly suggest the offshore bank account be opened utilizing a corporate, foundation or trust structure. For a huge number of customers it may be practical to open the offshore account in a jurisdiction situated closer to the place of the actual business of the IBC or to the actual branch of its beneficial owners.

Offshore banking accounts are generally opened under the name of offshore institutions or corporations. Off shore accounts should be opened with an initial deposit to activate your bank account. Many offshore banks have to have large sums of money as a deposit, and there can be large annual membership and maintenance fees if you don't understand all the terms of the account contract. Typically offshore accounts can be opened with as little as $1000 for deposit. Offshore banks are the easiest legitimate way to make sure no one can ever seize your funds, while keeping your tax bills as low as legitimately possible. Many offshore banks have strict rules for disclosing private information known as banking secrecy. However, there is currently a trend where offshore banks are providing formal data to authorities when there is evidence of serious crimes or acts of terrorism. Although the level of security and opportunities for higher returns will vary with each offshore bank, you can expect to locate one that best suits your necessities with a little basic research. To open a corporate account for an offshore corporation, all reputable banks will have to have detailed private and industry information from the owners and controllers of the offshore banking account. While the banks are required to know their customers in detail, banking secrecy remains a fundamental cornerstone in all offshore monetary centres, and certainly in Panama (our recommended tax haven).

Release of banking data to any overseas party or government is not possible, unless ordered via a court in the country where your banking account resides. Opening an offshore banking account in a country with rock solid banking privacy laws is a good country to begin your asset protection strategy implementation. In large number of cases, you neither have to visit the offshore country in which you wish to bank, nor do you have to travel to the tax haven to keep your account in good standing or go through account maintenance.

Banks found in a lot more developed nations onshore typically have stricter banking and reporting laws. Banks have to constantly make smaller the amount of concern offered to clients in order to meet the profit margins expected by their shareholders. Offshore banks tend to have a reduced overhead due to less government regulation. This translates into them being have the ability to to offer high interest than onshore banks which tend to have higher operating expenses. When looking for an offshore banking account provider make sure they have on - line banking including the resources to send multi-national wire transfers, check balances, history and other data and that they all have English speakers. The standard set of Company documentation (if properly certified by notary and legalised via Apostille) combined with private data for account signatories will most often satisfy the formal requirements of most banks to get up with a corporate banking account. The account signatory will be protected by banking privacy laws and any account activity such as wires will be performed in the name of the corporation shielding you personally.

The tax-free status of the jurisdiction being used is regularly a major consideration. But the point is, these tax havens have set themselves up only to supply sound monetary services to those whom want to defend their funds. The challenge is that tax collecting authorities have often attempted to describe offshore bank accounts as being associated with tax evasion, money washing, criminal enterprises or terrorism. The United States of America tax collection authorities, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), estimate that this past year they missed $40B in tax receipts due to the existence of offshore banking accounts and offshore financial centers. The challenge is, since Sept 11, 2001 a vast majority of tax authorities have used the opportunity authored in the crisis to levy addition scrutiny on offshore accounts, offshore banks and offshore financial centers. To be ranked a good jurisdiction there should be no taxation on offshore-derived income and the jurisdiction must be free of tax treaties.

The advancements of world commerce and the web have allowed for greater advantages to offshore banking account holders. An offshore account has definite benefits over a home one, and is considerably easy obtain. Since the offshore bank account is a key component of any asset protection structure you must be diligent to make sure your funds are guaranteed in a solid bank in a stable tax haven with strong banking secrecy laws. An offshore account combined with an offshore Corporation is usually the starting point for people who are interested in protecting their funds from debt collectors. - 15275

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Reviewing Cuisinart's 14-Cup Food Processors

By Moses Harun

Whether you have many mouths to feed or you just prefer to cook in large batches, you can use the Cuisinart food processor 14 cup appliance. It is a substantial appliance that is meant to chop or shred a large amount of vegetables, ice, or anything else you feel the need to process. There are myriad uses for this high capacity food processor. One of them is that you can cook your family nutrition-packed meals for less money.

When you buy fresh vegetables and add them to your meals, you are offering your family nourishing food. When you buy prepackaged vegetables from your grocery store, they usually are filled with sodium and preservatives. They are not as nutritious as fresh vegetables. But no one I know has time to prepare fresh vegetables daily.

One way to work around this is to mince and shred your vegetables for the week which can be done with the Cuisinart 14-cups food processor unit. This processor gives you plenty of room for a week's worth of vegetables, which you may store in a freezer bag and save for the week. This could save you time after a busy day and make it easy to use your fresh frozen vegetables in your meals. Unlike other frozen vegetables, your frozen vegetables will never have any preservatives.

One other job that you can do using the Cuisinart food processor 14 cup unit is preparing entire meals. You can use it in order to stir together sauces or gravy and while you're at it, grind meat straight into the mix. If you enjoy homemade spaghetti sauce for your family, you could accomplish that by inserting fresh tomatoes and meat into your Cuisinart. Next, you just put it in a sauce pot and cook it, then freeze a portion for another day.

Shredded and grated cheese is more expensive than chunk cheese. You can save quite a bit of money by making fresh shredded and grated cheeses in a snap using the Cuisinart food processor 14 cup unit. Shredding cheese by hand can take forever, but when you grate cheese with the food processor, it takes a minute.

Would you like to eat more salad? You can make a big salad by shredding lettuce carrots and other vegetables directly into the Cuisinart 14-cup food processor. A salad without dressing will stay fresh in an air tight container for a week. You can have fresh salad for seven days and give your family their daily recommended allowance of vegetables.

Whether you have a large family or just want to cook more efficiently so that you can have more fresh food to eat, you can do so by depanding on the Cuisinart food processor 14 cup unit. When you are finished with your easy and quick meal preparation, you can place nearly all the pieces into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. - 15275

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Chiropractor Marketing: First Page Google Rankings in 24 Hrs

By Matthew Loop, DC

If you're dishing out a ton of money for an SEO "guru" and you haven't had any noticeable results within one day-that's right, one day-then you are being scammed. The SEO "guru" doesn't know the first thing about modern marketing and the future of technology and communications online. You should have wonderful results within the first day or two of your ambitious SEO marketing campaign to know that you're doing it right. These rapid results will show in your ranking in search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN. It's time to drop the "guru", and become your own SEO expert within 24 hours.

If you're spending between $500 and $1500 on marketing with some chiropractic marketing firm promising you effective SEO, you've been had. You're not alone; there are a lot of chiropractic practices that have endured the same terrible fate. When you don't understand search engine optimization and marketing tactics in today's world, you're vulnerable to fall for a scam.

Everyone in the chiropractic world is paying a fortune to perhaps end up on page 33! That isn't anywhere near to the top 3, where you should be. I've used a very secret strategy to get at the top of the search engines, and the success that has brought me is unbelievable. Well, my secret is no longer a secret because I've coached thousands of students to do the same thing, and their success is certainly no secret either. When I revolutionized this marketing strategy in 2005, it was from the realization that videos have tremendous indexing on Google and other powerhouse engines. It helps to understand why when you realize that Google purchased YouTube for 1.1 billion. Are you starting to see what I'm talking about?

With this revelation, I began to use a free service called TubeMogul to submit my videos (chiropractic marketing and others) to about 12 web 2.0 video sharing websites automatically. This actually got rid of the numerous hours I was spending manually uploading my videos to these networks. What a breathe of fresh air it was and it helped leverage and free-up a great deal of time. What I also noticed, was that I was able to begin to get-on an canvass the search engines for whatever keywords I wanted pretty quickly. Very interesting and fun, I thought.

In this whole process, you might be wondering how much money I spent. The answer is that I didn't spend a single dime! Once I stopped listening to the "gurus" and started to learn for myself, I was amazed by how wrong they all were. I now had a mission to create tons of videos and blanketing the search engines with all my material. I was on the top spots of Google a lot. Pretty impressive, huh?

This was all going well, until I found the video submission service that is so crazy that it's like TubeMogul on speed. Take the numbers I had before and multiply it by 10! I was instantly submitted to over 60 sites with a single click of my mouse. Overnight I had such phenomenal success that I was sure I discovered the chiropractic marketing Holy Grail. Within a mere 48 hours, my videos were appearing on the top slot of major engines like Google and Yahoo. Sometimes my videos would even show up in that coveted spot within 24 hours.

It's important in this modern, busy world to leverage your tasks appropriately. This is of particular importance to chiropractors. These video and article submission services add so much time to your life and eventually so much profit to your business.

Now, if you once thought it was impossible to get to the top of the search engines within two days absolutely for free, then you've been proven wrong. Don't let your guru lead you down a bad path. You need to learn these tricks for yourself, and successfully implement them to experience what I'm talking about. If you're ready to be at the forefront of the new marketing world, your chiropractic practice will soar to new heights. Utilize today's technology and communication, or drown with the rest. - 15275

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Cake Decorating Clever Cakes

By Jenni Snook

It's important to start from the very beginning when making clever cakes. Believe it or not, the world hires cake decorators on a regular basis. It's important to understand that cake decoration is a valuable talent, and once you have the basics in hand, your imagination can fly free. However, if you don't have the simple basics of cake decorating, before you start making decorations you could find a little frustration enters your life.

Remember the fanciest cake isn't clever if it doesn't taste good or is a flop. What this means is that you begin with the cake itself. Whether you hand make your cake, make it from a mix, or purchase a premade cake to start with, your cake needs to be tasty and moist. As a result, you must be completely sure that a cake is indeed delicious before going ahead and decorating it.

Once you have your cake, it is clever to make sure it's cool enough before you begin applying any icing at all. Many professionals will bake a cake the day before they begin icing it. The reason why the cake has to be cool, is so that the icing can stick to the cake, because a warm cake only causes the icing to drip.

A clever tip to follow is to turn your cake board upside down, because this way you can ensure that the icing will stick to your cake and that the cake indeed tastes good. Layer it with a thin layer of the icing as this will keep it from crumbling. At the moment, you have the flat bottom being the top, which means you can start the normal icing procedure. In order to ensure that the icing is smooth and flat all around, use your metal icing tool after dipping it in water.

Of course, there's nothing clever about running out of frosting or icing for your cake. It's important that you have enough before even beginning to bake your cake. You also might want to start with a plain white icing, and then add food coloring in order to have different colors while you decorate.

The saying that practice makes perfect could not be truer, and even more so when it concerns cakes. You may have to prepare a cake for an important occasion some day, so it's highly recommended that you practice on wax paper first. Believe it or not, but your icing consistency will determine how your decorations will turn out. There is also a way to find out if your icing is too thin or too thick. If your decorations constantly fall apart, then you can be rest assured that your icing is too thin. On the other hand, if you find it too hard to get the icing to reach the tip of the icing tube, then you can be rest assured that your icing is too thick.

Cake decorating is simply about practice and improvement, so don't be surprised if you make mistakes or get frustrated during the process. It's important to not forget that talent doesn't appear overnight, so you must remain open to learning and have some fun along the way. - 15275

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Checking Your Dentist`s Credentials

By Amy Nutt

While the majority of dentists are good at what they do, there are always a few bad apples. Unfortunately, by the time you realize that you've chosen a bad one, the damage will have been done. To prevent possible problems, it`s a good idea to do a credential check on your dentist, to be sure that he or she hasn't had any problems in the past.

There are two main ways to go about checking credentials for your dentist. Here we will look at both and you can choose which is best for you.

State Boards All dentists must be registered with the state Board of Dental Examiners. They can provide you with a list of dentists, or you can find this online as most states make the list easily available on their website. You should be able to do a simple search for your dentist`s name and the following information will be made available.

- Address - Phone number - License number - License issue date - End of record mark

The number that concerns you here is the license number. You can use this to get further information about the dentist you are interested in by contacting the state Board of Dental Examiners. In some states, this can be done online, but in many, you`ll need to actually call the board up.

With the license number, you`ll be able to find out if the dentist has a valid license and if any disciplinary measures have ever been taken against him or her. You will need the number for your particular state`s board so you can call them up and ask for information about the dentist in question. Any other problems with their practice will be available to you, as well, so you can make your choice as to whether or not you`ll make an appointment with that particular dentist London Ontario. If you are checking out more than one dentist, be sure to have all the license numbers on hand for reference.

Online Searches If you don`t wish to go through all the hassle of looking up your dentist`s license number and calling to find out more information, you will find that there are websites that specialize in providing information about dentists in your area. All you need to do is type in the dentist`s name and the information will come up. Most sites do charge a fee to see all the information, that which you would be able to find out for free by calling the state board.

Most people will find that it`s simply easier to pay the small fee and have the information immediately and conveniently. You`ll have access to any dentist on the list and will be able to quickly scan through and find out which ones in your area have had problems with the Board before. This is immensely helpful in choosing a dentist.

It`s just common sense to find out whether or not your dentist is a good one or has complaints against him before you arrange any dental work. You wouldn't leave your car with just any mechanic, so why would you let just any dentist touch your teeth? It pays to find out who you`re trusting with your mouth!

Take the time to do a little research, find out if any disciplinary action has been taken against the dentist in question and to ensure that their license is still up to date. You`ll be very glad of it if you should find out something unpleasant, and if you don`t, you`ll still have peace of mind while you sit in the dentist`s chair. - 15275

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The Longtail and Free Flow Of Internet Commerce

By Qunicy Cole

There have been many claims that the Internet represents a new nearly frictionless market. The characteristics of the Internet as a channel for two categories of homogeneous products books and CDs. Additionally the Internet e-tailers' price adjustments over time are up to 100 times smaller than conventional e-tailers' price adjustments - presumably reflecting lower menu costs in Internet channels. The levels of price dispersion depend importantly on the measures employed. When compare the prices posted by different Internet e-tailers it is find substantial dispersion.

Internet e-tailer prices differ by an average of 33% for books and 25% for CDs. However, when weight these prices by proxies for market share, it is found dispersion is lower in Internet channels than in conventional channels, reflecting the dominance of certain heavily branded e-tailers. It concludes that while there is lower friction in many dimensions of Internet competition, branding, awareness, and trust remain important sources of heterogeneity among Internet e-tailers.

The conventional wisdom regarding Internet competition, expressed in the preceding quotes, is that the unique characteristics of the Internet will bring about a nearly perfect market. In the extreme version of Internet efficiency view, the characteristics of the Internet will lead to a market where e-tailer location is irrelevant, consumers are fully informed of prices and product offerings, and all e-tailers make zero economic profit. At the same time, there is evidence that the Internet may not be completely efficient.

If the Internet makes location irrelevant, why are Internet e-tailers making million-dollar deals for the right to showcase their products on major Internet portals and content sites.2 While there may be answers to these questions consistent with the efficiency hypothesis, the degree of efficiency on the Internet deserves empirical verification. Ultimately, the effects of the Internet on commerce are likely to be varied and occasionally unpredictable. Even the best theorizing will need to be based on empirical observations.

Accordingly, actual prices charged by Internet and conventional e-tailers of books and compact discs. There is different effect of electronic commerce on differentiated goods markets. Online grocery sales tell that price sensitivity can sometimes be lower online than in conventional channels. The prior positive experience with a brand in the physical world can decrease price sensitivity online.

The sale of wine through electronic channels to show that the amount of product information provided to customers can affect price competition and increase customer loyalty. The prices for used cars sold via electronic auction markets tend to be higher than prices for used cars sold via conventional auction markets. The prices for airline tickets offered by online travel agents vary by as much as 20%. The prices for homogeneous physical goods matched across conventional and Internet channels. The homogeneous goods are most likely to experience strong price competition given the characteristics of Internet channels. - 15275

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Multiple Rate Quotes On Auto Insurance Are Needed

By Susan Tanner

We all want to be certain with all the new drivers that seem to be on the road these days, we have adequate insurance coverage for ourselves. We also want to make sure that we have appropriate coverage for the newest teen drivers in the family. This often leads us to start comparing companies to see which will provide the best coverage for our needs at the least cost. Some people choose Geico because they advertise that they have the best deal, but isnat important to compare this with quotes from other companies to make sure?

It is very important to get several quotes in order to compare rates otherwise you will not know if there is a better rate available with another auto insurance company or not. Just because Geico advertises that it offers the best plan does not mean that you should not research other companies to see if you can find a plan that offers the same plan at less cost. No one wants to pay more than they have to, including the cost of automobile repair after an accident.

Be sure that when you are comparing quotes from different companies you check all the features included in the coverage so you are comparing policies with the same level of benefits. Compare deductible amounts and make sure that liability is not the only coverage offered at the given price if full coverage options like rental cars or road side assistance are important to you. If you want a lower or higher deductible for repairs on your car, then you must make sure that the quotes are both for the same amount of deductible.

Yet another reason for multiple quotes is to see who gives better discount rates too. Sometimes you get a discount for having multiple cars on the account or for having a certain age group too. That is a great plus when it comes to the economy today, we could all use the extra savings couldn't we? Also you need to check to see if you can choose the garage you can go to or if you have to go to one of theirs.

Many insurance companies have specific mechanics that they would prefer that you take your auto to for repair. This might be a serious issue if you live in an area with few mechanics or garages and you might have to drive a good distance to get to one they recommend or approve. This could be an obstacle if you must go to a garage that is very expensive and you have a less expensive mechanic close by that you prefer.

Some insurance companies will try to send you to very expensive mechanics at which you will have to pay a very high deductible before they cover anything. It is very important to get multiple rate quotes when purchasing automobile insurance to see what your choices really are. If you are a pet lover, you can even find rates that include the family pet.

For some people, this is a great option because the vet bills will be covered if they are injured in an accident just like the medical bills for the rest of the family. There are a lot of additional coverages available in different policies and most of us like to have extra coverage and benefits for our specific needs.

Perhaps the best reason for comparing rates getting the best coverage for the best price. You have to have good coverage for all the drivers in the family and since there is no way to avoid it,it is worth it to spend a little time to avoid overpaying for the coverage you need. - 15275

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Your other healthcare options

By Jeff Cline

Limitations on health plans should be understood, so you know when you need the other options availible to you like Travel medical Insurance, temporary health insurance and Gap health insurance.

Temporary Health Insurance is not the same as short term health insurance.

Short term health insurance is really designed to provide basic major medical benefits for a SHORT ammount of known time. An example would be if you have started a new job, and you know your benefits do not start for 90 days, you buy 90 days worth of SHORT TERM HEALTH INSURANCE, typicall pay for all 90 days in advance and may have the option to renew 1 time depending on the carrier. So Short term is really designed for a know ammount of time, that an individual or family will be with out health insurance.

Temporary Health Insurance is designed for individuals that need coverage right away but have no idea how long they will need it, as it is designed to be more of a month to month type of protection until you get in your permanate plan.

International Travel medical insurance is great to understand because many traditional plans do not cover you internationally or may call it out-of-network and give you reduced benefits. Travel medical insurance also includes other benefits like evacuation, lost pasport, translation and many other benefits a international traveler needs.

G.A.P Coverage is designed to pick up the slack where your traditional plan leaves off, like the deductible, co-pays and other items not covered by your insurance carrier like Wigs for cancer patients, traveling to a hospital with better facilities for your condition and a place for a loved one to stay while with you in your time of need.

How to save money on health insurance is often misunderstood, so we are going to give you something to think about when it comes to buying a individual health insurance plan or a family health insurance plan. 0ver 90 % of Americans do not meet there deductible, however almost all have a low deductible because they are affraid of a high deductible was ever reached. Your health insurance company and agent BOTH fule that fear in hopes that you buy the LOWER DEDUCTIBLE because the lower it goes the more they both make. IN fact some even market the low deductibles only for pure greed. Why base a large factor of your plan choice decision on something that only has a 10% chance of mattering anyhow? Something else you need to know, is if you do have a to pay a high deductible it will mostlikley be to a hospital or doctor who typicall will work out a payment plan for your outstanding bills over time so why PAY NOW for a feature you only have a 10% chance of using when you can just pay a little more if indeed you do have to. There is no reason to give the health insurance company any more that you have to.

Just like 101 flavors of ice cream, not every carrier or plan fits all that is why there are more insurance companies that ice cream companies. - 15275

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Where Does Health Insurance Come From?

By Amy Nutt

We are all familiar with the concept of health insurance and most people have it in some form or another, but have you ever stopped to wonder how it all began? The idea of paying monthly or annual fees to cover the cost of our health issues seems to be a modern one, but the truth is that there is a long history behind it.

Centuries Old The original idea of health insurance was brought into being by Hugh Chamberlen in 1694. By the time the 1800`s rolled around, people were able to buy accident insurance, which worked to help those who were injured in an accident or who ended up disabled.

The very first health plans only offered compensation if the victim was injured due to an accident on a steamboat or train. While not terribly useful, since there were more injuries related to other circumstances at the time, it did prepare people for the more comprehensive types of plans that would be developed later on by health insurance Canada companies.

In 1847, the Massachusetts Health Insurance of Boston offered the very first group insurance policy with comprehensive benefits. By the 1890`s, insurance companies were starting to issue individual policies that covered everything from injuries and accidents to sickness and disease.

Health Insurance During the War Group insurance plans as we know them today didn`t start until 1929 when a group of teachers decided to create their own plan. They worked a deal with the Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas where they would pay a monthly fee in exchange for medical attention and recovery care whenever needed, for any member of the group.

The idea went over so well that it wasn`t long before Blue Cross health plans were designed. These were health plans that were negotiated specifically with the local hospitals or even specific doctors. Discounts were given to the plan holders and the entire process worked very well.

By the 1940`s, it was evident that more than these very basic types of health insurance was necessary. Some people couldn't afford the monthly fees, but were still in need of the protection afforded by having insurance. This is when employee health insurance became common. Employers would negotiate a deal for their workers and while you worked in a specific workplace, you were covered by their health plan.

During the Second World War, there was a wage freeze. No one was allowed to offer higher wages, which made it virtually impossible to lure the best worker to your company. With so many men away from the country fighting, getting the remaining workers available because a war in and of itself. Health benefits became the new lure and before the war ended in 1945, hundreds of businesses were offering comprehensive health packages in exchange for working for them.

Modern Times, Modern Plans In the 50`s and 60`s, the government began to take an interest in health care and social security began to include disability insurance in 1954. Medicare and Medicaid were both created in the mid-60`s and by the 90`s, most Americans were enrolled in a managed care health insurance program. While minor changes have been made in the years since then, the basic premise has remained intact.

Health insurance Canada has come a long way since the days of steamboats and rail cars, but it`s even more important now with health care costs on the rise. Built on decades of practical application, modern health insurance allows people to enjoy proper health care and emergency care without having to worry about paying huge amounts of money to a hospital or doctor. - 15275

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Information about Karaoke Equipment

By Mike Anderson

If someone asked, would you admit to singing in the shower? How about along with the radio while driving down the road? There are some songs that just get stuck in your head and make you want to belt them out. If you like to sing, perhaps you should consider karaoke equipment. With the advancing popularity of this past time, discount karaoke music cdgs are becoming readily available. If you have been to a club or a party with karaoke equipment, you may already be familiar with the set-up. Karaoke equipment includes a screen that displays the words, microphones and a speaker, and the player that uses discs with the words that appears on the screen. Discount karaoke music cdgs allow you to have a wide variety of music for people to sing.

Once you have decided that you want to buy karaoke equipment, you can determine if you just want a simple home setup where friends can come over and sing, or a more commercial quality sound system. Karaoke equipment comes in a wide variety of choices, from very simple for the amateur, to moderately sturdy equipment that allows smaller venues to offer karaoke, to large commercial products where the sound will carry in crowded and noisy environments. Whatever you are looking for, there is a product that will match your needs. The types of music available on discount karaoke music cdgs provide entertainment for any crowd. You and your friends and family will be sure to enjoy singing to all kinds of music, including popular hits, Latin music, children's CD's, Elvis, motion picture music and everything in between. You can decide which key will work better for you and buy your CDs to compliment your singing style.

When you own your own karaoke equipment, not only will you be able to host great parties, but by selecting the right discount karaoke music cdgs, you will be able to practice at home. By having your own equipment, you can boost your confidence by rehearsing in the privacy of your own home. Once you have mastered the music, take it away with a killer performance at a local club in front of a crowd. No matter what level of performance you desire, you can benefit from karaoke equipment. Karaoke is a low cost entertainment venue that will entertain your family and friends, and will bring you closer together. Share the music, share the memories. Invest in your karaoke equipment and discount karaoke music cdgs today and start rehearsing your favorite music. - 15275

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Can You Get Car Rental Even if You Don't Have Driver's Insurance?

By Amy Nutt

Something that concerns a lot of individuals looking to rent cars is whether or not they can rent the car without having their own driver's insurance. Why would someone not already have driver's insurance? Well, they may live in a city in which their own transportation is not needed, so they use public transportation. This may mean that they don't have a car. However, they may have their license.

Most individuals who have cars have driver's insurance. But once in a while there is that person who comes to the car rental establishment and they don't have a car. That means they don't have insurance. So what does that mean for them when wanting to rent a car? Are they going to be able to rent the car? The answer might surprise you.

No insurance?

So let's say you walk into your local car rentals place and you tell them you don't have insurance. Do you think they're going to look at you like you're a terrible person? The truth is that they won't. They're not going to look at you like you're terrible because there are plenty of people who walk into their establishment and they don't have insurance.

Here is how they do it:

- The car rental establishment will make a copy of your driver's license. From there they will then tell you what your options are. They may also offer you other things that you may or may not need, so make sure you're not going to end up paying for things that you don't need.

- If you tell them that you don't have driver's insurance, then they will let you know that they have an insurance plan for you. You will have to purchase that insurance plan if you don't have insurance of your own or your insurance doesn't cover rental cars.

That's another issue - that some insurance companies may not cover rental cars. This has to do with what sort of insurance you have taken out with them. If you have a full coverage plan, you can expect that a rental car is going to be covered. If you have a liability plan, you need to look closely at what you have purchased. Either way, you're going to have to provide the car rental business with a copy of your insurance card.

But if you don't have an insurance card, that's alright. They will offer you their own insurance, which will cover you while you rent the car. The prices will vary based on the business you decide to do business with. So if you don't have driver's insurance, make sure you make this part of the deal when shopping around for a company. Make sure you find the best rate or you may find you're paying more for insurance than what you need to.

Problem solved

So now you can see how easy it is to solve the problem. If you don't have driver's insurance, that is definitely not an issue. If you have a license, then you're in business. The only reason why someone should have to worry about not being able to rent a car is if they are too young or they are not licensed to drive. Other than those two things, you should be fine when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world. So at least you now know that you don't have to worry if you need to rent a car and you have no insurance. That is just one more thing that you can add to the things that you know. - 15275

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Getting the Most Out of Your Kitchenaid Artisan Mixer

By Moses Harun

Many of the most recognized kitchen mixers you can buy are ones produced by KitchenAid. These KitchenAid mixers boast most of the more useful functions among any other mixer you may see. One of the best mixers made by KitchenAid is the Kitchenaid Artisan 5 quart Stand Mixer. This mixer offers a quality finish with a convenient handle and a spacious bowl that was designed to mix a an impressive volume of food. It also comes in many colors, consequently making it an attractive addition for any kitchen style.

The Artisan was designed around a strong motor. KitchenAid's Artisan is powered by a 325 watt motor that will last for years and can operate at quite a few speeds. The Artisan operates with a ten speed slide control that was designed to be used in the execustion of a variety of different processes which include slow stirring and fast whipping.

The Artisan is designed to fit a nine cup bowl. This accessory makes it a snap to be able to combine more generous volumes of food with ease. That nine cup bowl engineered for the Artisan can accommodate the volume of dough needed to make three loaves of bread or six dozen cookies. Popular products in this line include Kitchenaid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixers.

Another important ability of this machine is that it boasts a tilt-head design. This design gives you convenient access to removable components of the mixer as well as the food in the bowl. The way this design works is that the top of the mixer can be swiveled and raised through a single handle.

One of the best things that KitchenAid's Artisan features is a high-gloss stainless steel coating. This is advantageous because both the mixer and the bowl will be easier to clean and less likely to be worn out over time.

A comfort handle is also included with the mixer. This handle is built into the bowl and is used to help with getting the bowl to be removed and replaced easily.

The Artisan is different from KitchenAid mixers because it is made in several different colors. You can have an Artisan in traditional colors like red, black, white and silver or one-of-a-kind colors that are only available on the Artisan. These include teal, orange, yellow and pink. Given this range of colors will make it simple for you to get this mixer to work with numerous different color schemes in any kitchen.

The Kitchenaid Artisan 5 quart Stand Mixer is one of the best options to use. This mixer can be used to mix a lot of food and offers the convenience of a tilt-head design. It includes all sorts of unique features and may be purchased in a rainbow of colors. It is among the most useful KitchenAid mixers to use in any home. - 15275

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Costs And Benefits With Texas Health Insurance

By Jordan FeRoss

In Texas, the unforeseen can happen at any time. You could have need for medical attention for whatever reason. However, if you don't have health insurance in Texas to cover that, then you will be stuck holding the bill. To prevent that from happening, a Texas health insurance coverage plan is needed to pay for the costs of medical services. This would include prescription medicine, doctor visits and other related medical expenses.

Along with the price of groceries and other essentials, the cost of health insurance in Texas is also among the group of inflated costs. However, with a combination of the state government and insurance companies, they have been working to reduce health insurance costs. In the state of Texas, even though there are some places that are increasing in heath care, rates for Texas health insurance are surely not the highest. It is possible to find coverage for health insurance that is within your budget.

There is now health insurance in Texas that is offering dual insurance. You can get major medical insurance and disability insurance in one package. When getting major medical insurance, it can be used for things such as chronic illnesses, like asthma. With disability insurance, it can provide medical coverage when you can't work due to a medical or health issue.

Generally speaking, individual health insurance plans in Texas are going to be a bit more expensive. However, there are still affordable options available if you know where to look. There is plenty of information available online to help you make an educated decision and get a quote on health insurance that you can afford.

The advantages of shopping online for health insurance in Texas is that you can compare each policy and quote item for item and truly determine which plan is best for you. Some people prefer to pay a higher premium and then know that everything is covered while other people would rather pay less for the policy and have a higher co-pay and deductible later on.

Using the online method to shop for health insurance in Texas helps to ensure that you pay only for the amount of insurance that you really need and aren't being pressured by a commissioned salesperson whose only interest is how much money they are going to make off of you. Shopping online for health insurance in Texas puts you in control of your insurance needs.

One option that people have today for their health insurance in Texas is to open a medical savings account where they can put away tax deductible money each month towards future medical expenses. For many people this is the best alternative to purchasing health insurance in Texas and for others it is used as an additional backup for emergencies. Using the internet to research all of your health insurance options in Texas can help you decide exactly how to handle your own health insurance needs and keep the costs within your budget. - 15275

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How Do You Get Music Videos On Your I-Pod?

By Amy Nutt

The Apple I-pod is one of the most technologically advanced multi media players on the market. The new I-pod touch and I-pod video have the capabilities to store and play thousands of songs and pictures like the older models, but now have the technology to store and play hundreds of hours of video as well.

Apple has taken instant, hand held entertainment to a new level, allowing I-pod users to create their own videos and upload them onto their I-pods to enjoy and share, or to purchase their favorite music videos from I-tunes (or one of any number of other online retailers) to carry with them anywhere they go.

Where to get your Favorite Videos

There are a number of ways to get your favorite music videos such as Eminem and movie clips onto your I-pod where youll be able to enjoy them wherever and whenever you want.

The Safest Bets

You can join a website for the specific purpose of supplying videos for portable media players. This is often a good option, because the files will already be in the format that will be compatible with your I-pod software, so all you have to do is essentially point and click to have all of your favorite music videos in the palm of your hand. The only downside to joining a membership site, is that you have to pay the fee regardless of how many videos you download - so if you only find a few that you really want, then you could be paying an exceedingly high per-video fee. The up side is that downloading videos this way is perfectly safe and legal; you can search and download all the videos you want without any fear of viruses or legal repercussions.

You can transfer videos from DVDs that you already own, which will be free, but a little bit more complicated. I-pods only support video in the MPEG 4 format, which means that any videos in any other format will have to be translated into the MPEG 4 format in order to be compatible with your I-pod. Translating video into this format will require you to purchase software that can change the video format, creating an extra cost and adding an extra step to the process. You may or may not be able to find a software application that can translate certain video formats for you for free, but be very wary about what sites you download programs from - in looking for a cheaper alternative, you may just find yourself with an unwanted virus.

You can also join a "pay as you download" site, where you wont have any out of pocket cost to join, but will pay for each individual video that you download. This is just as safe and legal as the pay membership sites, but you will probably end up paying a bit more for each individual video that you download. These sites often have very extensive libraries containing thousands and thousands of videos to choose from like Lil Wayne or akon, so finding the exact videos that you want shouldnt be very challenging.

A Cheaper but, Risky Option

If you dont want to pay for the software to translate videos into the MPEG4 format, or pay anything for the videos that you download, you can always visit a free download or shareware site. Youll usually be able to find exactly what you are looking for on these sites, but the big downsides here are that it is dangerous and illegal. These sites usually arent monitored very well, so its pretty common to find that either a virus or some form of spy-ware has found its way onto your computer, particular if your are on the sites often.

Whatever method of downloading videos to your I-pod that you happen to choose, youll be opening yourself up to a whole new style of entertainment. Youll have instant access to all of your favorite music videos, no matter when or where you want to view them. Apple has totally changed the way we are able to entertain ourselves with the capabilities of the new series of I-pods. - 15275

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Laws about auto insurance

By Mark Alison

Laws can be confusing sometimes. How much coverage is you required to have? What is the minimum amount? Do you have to have liability? What if you drive to other states? The questions are endless and it can be confusing at times.

Your agent is the best source of information. They have access to all the state laws for insurance and will be able to lead you in the right way. It's their job to know these things and they get paid for your safety. Before you call them be sure to write down your inquiries so they can answer them promptly and you don't have to call them back.

Each state will have specifics that must be followed when it involves your insurance coverage. Full coverage will cover injury to people, cars and property. Some states may only require coverage involving people. This is liability insurance. If you damage a car, then you must pay out of pocket for damages to your car, but insurance will probably pay for the other car.

One of the most unsought of thing is traveling to another state. You must have auto insurance coverage to conform to that state's laws. Call your insurance before you cross state lines to change coverage to meet the local requirements.

You can choose instruments that will be exempt from insurance coverage. This can be a moped or motorcycle in some states. This will save you gas money and insurance money. Unfortunately, they are unsafe and the odds of you getting hurt are greater than a car.

Most states require that you keep your proof of auto insurance in your car at all times. If you are pulled over by a police officer, you must provide proof of insurance. There are heavy fines if you don't have it. If you forgot it or it expired and you didn't get the updated version in the mail. Simply contest the ticket and provide proof to the judge and they should wave the fine.

The biggest factor in finding cheap auto insurance is keeping your driving record clean. Knowing a little bit about the laws can help a great deal! - 15275

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A Few Elements That Shape Cosmetic Surgery Cost

By Bill Johnson

There is no set plastic surgery cost because each doctor has his or her own rates. But there are some variables that will aid in determining how much or how little you end up paying to have your plastic surgery done. Among the more noteworthy of the factors concerned would be matters such as the expertise and experience of the surgeon, the length as well as difficulty of the procedure and likewise the type of facilities provided.

Type Of Clinic

Plastic surgery cost's will likewise vary according to the type of clinic because operating surgeons that own cutting-edge and technologically advanced clinics will charge more than those whose facilities are drab and out of date. Nonetheless, irrespective of plastic surgery cost, you need to first of all verify that you are able to pay the costs included before going forward with the operation.

You should be mindful that you don't become influenced by cheap plastic surgery prices because these are oftentimes only extended by those that are looking to dupe clients. You need to, at the very outset, be able to see to it that the cost set will cover you for the surgery and anesthesia as well as post-operation examinations and for any corrective procedures that may need to be performed.

Unfortunately, the cost of plastic surgery is usually not handled by insurance with the exclusive exception being in the instance of an emergeny where it is deemed to be medically necessary. Nevertheless, you can hunt around for financing as there are many programs available that allow patients to pay back the complete plastic surgery cost in installments.

To begin with, when plastic surgery first became known to the world, it was, thanks to the soaring plastic surgery costs required, affordable merely to a select few. Nonetheless, with every new progression in technology, plastic surgery has come to be more affordable and with the smaller expenses involved, near everyone today can afford plastic surgery if they want it bad enough.

Mostly, in these modern times, plastic surgery costs can run from between fifteen hundred bucks to as high as eight grand. Breast augmentation and breast lift are the cheapest types of plastic surgery obtainable while lower body lift is probably the most expensive type.

Besides the cost of plastic surgery, you will likewise need to know how to pick out the best cosmetic surgery facility. Here again factors that will influence which center you select include the location, the terms they charge as well as the financing choices obtainable and of course, the facilities.

As of today, different plastic surgery operations necessitate different plastic surgery prices. An model of this difference is realized when you look at having a face lift at a price just under six thousand bucks compared to a reshaping of your nose which will cost you a shade less than 3900. No matter which procedure you select take all the factors into consideration and be an informed shopper. Don't get taken in by special offers and the like because it is your body you are dealing with and the consequences of your choice will be there all of your life. - 15275

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5 Creative Meals Based On Holiday Leftovers

By Nicole Dean

After several months of big meals, many folks run out of ideas for eating the many dishes of leftovers piling up in the refrigerator. I am guilty of forcing my family to eat endless repeats of the same old plates filled with the same old food. Chances are you'll be throwing out food if you try to present that same plate a third time.

How can you create a meal that isn't a repeat of the same old plate? The trick to creating a new dish is to think about what ingredients you are working with, not just the finished dish.

1) Old Fashioned Potato Soup

When you have leftover mashed potatoes, you have the makings for a wonderfully creamy potato soup. Start with a big soup pot. Throw in 3 or 4 slices of bacon, diced, and cook until the pieces are crispy, then remove from pot. In the same pot, cook up some diced celery and carrots. Then add some diced onion and cook until soft. Then put in about 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1 Tablespoon of flour, and 1 1/2 cups of milk, and thicken. Stir in your potatoes and bacon and simmer very slowly. This is a very satisfying creamy potato soup.

2) Turkey And Gravy Barbeque Style

Take white and dark turkey meat and dice into small pieces or shred up. In a big, heavy skillet, saute some bacon pieces until soft. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, simmering until just fragrant. Now put the cut up turkey in the skillet, and pour over enough leftover gravy to make the turkey a little soupy. Then just flavor the gravy with a little bit of barbeque sauce or dry grilling rub spice, using only enough to make the gravy taste tangy. Cook slowly until nice and hot and pungent. Serve on a leftover dinner roll or any bun.

3) Curry Turkey Cauliflower Soup

Place cooked cauliflower into a food processor and blend until smooth, drizzling in milk until you reach a smooth, soupy consistency. Put about 2 teaspoons of curry in as you blend. You may want more or less curry, so start slowly. In a heavy pot, drizzle a little oil and cook some chopped carrots and onion until just tender. Add your creamy cauliflower mixture to pot. You may now add some cut up turkey that you have leftover. Cook the soup slowly until heated through.

4) Cheesy Green Bean Tomato Soup

If you have leftover green bean casserole, you're in luck. It makes the perfect start for a cheese soup. Adding some diced tomatoes gives this soup a fresh flavor. Get out your big soup pot and saute up some bite size pieces of celery until just soft. Add several big chunks of onion, cooking until transparent, and then add a little minced garlic. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes. You may want a little extra seasoning, like a grill seasoning or dry rub. Put in your green bean casserole, slowly mixing in all the ingredients. If it seems a little thick, add a bit of chicken broth. Now just heat, stirring often, until the soup is all creamy and hot.

5) Egg And Stuffing Breakfast

Prepare a muffin tin by spraying with non-stick spray or rubbing each muffin cup with butter or oil. Spoon stuffing into muffin cups and push up the sides to form little stuffing cups. Break one egg into each cup. Then top with shredded cheese, either cheddar or Parmesan. Cook in a 350 degree oven for around 15 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the egg is cooked. Be sure to let the muffin tin cool a little after you take it out of the oven before you remove the egg dish.

Using up leftovers is always a challenge. No one wants to look at the same dishes being served time and time again. If you give some thought to the ingredients that went in to creating the dish in the first place, you'll no doubt be able to add complimentary food items to build a whole new dish out of the old one. - 15275

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How to Make Your Website Fail

By Matthew Henage

10. You Hired Your Nephew

So he is a electronic wiz. He plays video games, accumulates 2,000 texts on his phone a month, knows how to use the remote for your entertainment system plus took a website class in high school. You've heard that he has created a website or two and see an opportunity to save a few bucks. Sure, you can hire him for dirt cheap, but that's about what you'll end up with for your website. A few hundred dollars later, you find that the website he created has done more damage than good. You find yourself taking your URL off your business cards, stationary and email signatures. Worst of all you're missing out on potential customers and profits.

9. You Outsourced Your Work to a Near-Third-World-Country

Another tempting alternative to what might seem to be costly work inside the country. There are two reasons why this alternative is very risky and painful for you and your business. First, communication problems, you either will have a hard time understanding or being understood by your the firm or freelancer you hired and most likely will not be able to find a civil time to be able to communicate over the phone. And second, you'll find like so many have already, that you'll be promised everything and receive a small portion of what you expected.

8. You Purchased a Template and Did it Yourself.

How hard can building a website be? The honest answer, not very hard at all. HTML is one of the easiest things to learn. You can find tutorials or a class that can get you started in building a website within hours. Templates make it even easier. Just about anyone can create a website, but being able to build a website that brings success takes a lot of experience and a lot of talent. If you've decided to try it out as a hobby, go for it, I personally find very few things more enjoyable than crafting new designs and programming new systems. But if you want a website that gets results, turn it over to the professionals.

7. Your Website Looks Like it was Made in the 80's or 90's (or it was)

If you think your website does not look professional or looks cheap, what does that say to your website visitors? Don't ever to expect your visitors to respect your business image more than you do. And in the marketing world, we know that image is everything.

6. You Created a Splash Page

There are many reasons why people choose to have a splash page and none have been effective thus far in doing so. Splash pages and intro animations end up just becoming an annoyance to your visitors, especially if they come to your website more than once.

5. You Only Have One Page.

Limiting the content on your site is a very ignorant maneuver. There are so many opportunities your website can take advantage of, but without content virtually none of it is possible. Content is king, build it and they will come.

4. Your Site is Boring

If you can't catch your customers eye on any of you product, services or content, your website has no chance. There are hundreds of tactics to catch your visitors interest. For example listing benefits for your potential customers, and not features. Using catchy one liners to compel your visitors to learn more. Or giving your audience real life application. Just know that if you can't keep your audiences' attention, you lost them in a flash.

3. You thought a Web Designer Was Enough.

Whats the problem with this picture: You build a state of the art sports arena, its beautiful, has many sought out commodities and was built in Antarctica. You may ask, "What's the point of a sports arena if you aren't going to have anyone use it?" A silly scenario, but a common pitfall for many websites out on the Internet, because they are or have a professionally made website with no budget for marketing. When budgeting out your website, make sure to appropriate sufficient funds to attract an audience to it. Use the following flexible rule of thumb for a website budget: a quarter of your budget for design and branding, a quarter for development, a quarter for public relations and SEO, and a quarter for advertising.

2. Your Website is Too Generic

This is why web templates can be a very dumb move. If your web design and content are generic and bland, you aren't portraying a well conceived and implemented brand image. Branding is about determining your companies persona. A well branded website builds trust with your visitors and shows competitive advantage. In short, differentiate yourself from your competitors or fail.

1. You Didn't Monetize Your Site

If you didn't plan out the primary and secondary objectives of your website, then your website is probably spinning your visitors in circles. Give your website an objective, and every aspect of it should be in accomplishing it. If your trying to sell a product make it appealing and easy for them to do so, if you want them to call you on the phone do the same. Too often a website is about a company and loses its potential influence it can have to make your company more money. If you aren't getting what you need from your visitors, your website has failed. - 15275

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The Talented Nicholas Cage

By Kasey Morton

Most people don't think that Nicholas Cage is a great actor. That's because most people think of him as the star of such high-class fare as Ghost Rider and National Treasure. But this man has done other work that you may not have seen. He's shown real talent and versatility in his other work.

His break-out year, in my consideration, was 1987. That year, he gave us two of the great characters in cinema history. Both were totally different from one another, both had different accents, and both were incredible performances.

The first was his role as H.I. McDonough in Raising Arizona. This early Coen Brothers film may be one of their best, and certainly their funniest. And Cage shows that he really has what it takes to do comedy. His haircut alone is hilarious. His character seems to be the ultimate satire on white trash America.

Cher got a lot of attention that year for Moonstruck because she won an Oscar. But in my opinion, Cage stole the show in that movie, giving his second great performance of the year. He plays a heartbroken Italian baker who loves opera and has a wooden hand.

In the last decade or so, Cage has given great performances in Adaptation, Leaving Las Vegas, and Matchstick Men. His role in Adaptation is my personal favorite. He plays the screenwriter of the film, struggling with his self-esteem. When I first saw it, I didn't feel as if I was actually watching Nicholas Cage. I felt like I was watching a completely different person.

I'm not the only one that thinks Nicholas Cage is a talented, great actor. He's earned a multitude of acting nominations and awards. Among them are Golden Globe nominations for his roles in Leaving Las Vegas, Adaptation, and Moonstruck. He walked away with the award for Leaving Las Vegas.

So don't be tempted to rent his latest bad movie the next time you're browsing Netflix. Try his more acclaimed roles and you'll see what I mean. - 15275

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How Much do Portable Display Stands Cost on Average?

By Amy Nutt

Having a trade show display is something that more companies need to try. This is because a lot of people come to trade shows. They not only come to see what they can get their hands on, but they like to see what the different companies are offering. Yes, some do come just for the freebies, but there are plenty of individuals who come for the educational value of it all. That is why it is very important to have portable display stands as a part of your trade show display.

There are different types of portable display stands that you can use for your trade show display. It is basically up to you which you get. You can base it on your budget and your style.

Different types of display stands

First of all portable display stands can have several different holders. This means that you will be able to hold more than just one brochure or flyer. You're going to be able to hold much more than that. So here is a rundown of what you may encounter when looking for the right portable display stands for your trade show booth:

- You can get curved display stands or a literature rack that holds multiple pieces of literature for anywhere between $175 and $200. These are units that sit on the floor, but they can set up quickly. They usually fold up in some way.

- There are fabric displays that can cost you under $100.

- You can find tabletop displays for under $100 and still hold multiple pieces of literature.

- You may even find that a rotating magazine rack is the way in which you can display your literature. This is something that may still cost you anywhere from $90 to $125.

- There are lighted displays that may cost you around $500. This is one of the most expensive units you can invest in.

There are so many different types of display stands. What you pay depends on what your style and of course if you decide that display booth rentals is the way to go. You may choose something super sophisticated, which will come packed with a sophisticated price. Then again, you may choose something that is modest with a modest price. You have so many choices and so many price ranges to choose from. That means you're not going to have a hard time choosing the right display stands for your trade show booth.

Why use display stands?

When distributing literature, you don?t want to have to lay the literature down flat upon the table you're using in your trade show booth. This is because it gets knocked around and can look really messy. People will sit their things on top of them. Fanning them out on a table also means you're using up space that could be used to display your product or something else important. Even using a tabletop display stand will save a lot of room and keep things organized.

So for the sake of your image, it is a good idea to use portable display stands for your literature. That way you look really professional and people are able to freely grab information about you and your product. People like it when literature is made available to them and you're going to like it too. You?re going to like it because that means you have possible new customers. That means you're going to make even more money, which is made possible by setting up a trade show booth and being organized with that booth. That means you have made the trade show and your display work for you. It's just a matter of finding the materials that will serve you best. - 15275

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