How to Protect New Piercings While Tanning

Fashion is something that virtually everyone can relate to, whether man, woman, or child. One of the longest-standing fashion trends for both genders are surface piercings. Body piercings can be dated back all the way to the beginning of humankind, from ancient Egyptians with stretched ear lobes and lower lips, to ornamental tribal piercings and similar body modifications. Although these civilizations primarily used piercings and stretches for spiritual and cultural purposes, you can see these same trends in today's society as a form of fashion.
Today, we have the technology and medicine to ensure that surface piercing is safe; however, it is up to you to ensure that your pierced skin remains in good care while it heals. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is neglect post-piercing care. Not only must you keep your piercing clean and intact, you must also protect it from excessive heat and sun exposure. This includes taking certain precautions when tanning, whether in a bed or out in the sun. Continue reading to learn how to protect your new surface piercing while tanning.
Surface Piercings
Surface piercings are different from traditional ones since they do not go all the way through the skin and out on the other side; much like ear and belly button piercings. Surface piercings are often seen on the face, by the upper lip or on the cheek. They are also commonly seen on abdomens, arms, and more.
It is important to protect regular pierced areas when they are new, but surface piercings require even more consideration when tanning. Basically, you will treat a surface piercing the same as you would a regular one when tanning, but it is important to really take some extra precaution so that it does not get infected.
What To Do:
If your piercing is very new, you should avoid tanning and sun exposure altogether. Wait at least a week before tanning to ensure that no infection has formed as a result of the actual appointment. If you were to get a sunburn around your pierced skin, it would take even longer for the piercing to heal, plus cause more pain and discomfort, as well as permanent scarring. It also opens you up to a higher risk of post-piercing infection.
Whether you have a surface or regular piercing, the first step to take before tanning is to clean the area thoroughly. Use an antibacterial soap, clean water, and a clean rag to eliminate any dirt or germs. Instead of soap, you can also use antiseptic liquids like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
Once it is clean, be sure that you do not get any sunblock, tanning lotion, or oil near the area. This can also cause infection, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
To avoid sunburn and product contamination, cover your pierced skin with a bandage. Just be sure that the adhesive from the bandage does not get into the hole of your piercing. For even more security, consider covering the bandage with another bandage, like medical gauze or a clean washcloth. In fact, this is recommended for larger surface piercings.

Bitcoin has been the buzz word in the financial space. As of a matter of fact, Bitcoin has exploded the scene in the last few years and many people

Why Help Promote the Ski Vacation Destination?

Finding an awesome ski vacation destination is not easy. Most ski resorts are rarely credited for the vacationer's positive unforgettable experience. But at the same time, they are at the receiving end of a traveler's unpleasant winter vacation memories. Reputation has been the core currency of every ski resort in the market. Every effort and investment serving the interest of the customer leads to one particular goal. At the greater scheme of things, it is always about garnering positive ratings. Given that it is the obligation of ski resort staff and management to promote its own recreational market, why must customers do the same? Here are the reasons why:
Customers have the last word
Restaurant and hotel businesses are keen about maintaining a great reputation to their customers. It is hard enough for establishments to get accustomed to seasonal presence of visitors in order to earn its collective keep. Any negative comment from visitors would ripple and repel prospective customers instead of attracting them. When a customer recommends a recreational establishment, the management has less to worry about the possibility of their facility closing down. This is especially true for customers with strong political influence or vast media connections. You, as a customer, plays a great role in keeping your favorite ski resort operational.
Good for pursuing special offers
In connection to the survivability of your desired vacation venue, these recreational facilities are always grateful for the positive reviews courtesy of their loyal customers. In return, customers can always benefit from special privileges offered by the favored ski resort. Advertising the brand name could keep you updated with their interesting ski vacation packages. Being a patron is a great leverage if you are keen about maintaining cost-efficient budget. Familiarity of their unique features is central to experiencing quality vacation stay.
It can also help your related career
If you are working as a writer, creating a commendable content featuring your favorite ski resort opens to many advantages in your career. For one thing, you can be commissioned freelance for their special advertising campaign. These projects often comes its own rewarding prestige points (not to mention expedient freebies). The same thing can be said about amateur models promoting their favorite ski resort. They are privy to the schedules of VIP customers such as directors and esteemed photographers, individuals who can bring you nearer to your coveted media career aspirations. Promoting your favorite ski vacation destination also upgrades your public image, which is easier in the current age of social media.

Bitcoin has been the buzz word in the financial space. As of a matter of fact, Bitcoin has exploded the scene in the last few years and many people

How Long Do I Have to Wear a Self-Tanner?

For those who are new to the world of self-tanning, the process can be quite intimidating, and worries are certainly understandable. The most common concerns are turning orange, smelling like burnt toast, and leaving lotion stains all over the place. The good news is that you will quickly get the hang of it after a few tries, and realize that in order to have great success, you must follow three rules: 1) use a high-quality product, 2) apply it properly, and 3) leave it on long enough for it to take effect.
The latter can sometimes be the most intimidating since self-tanning products seem to come with a Catch 22: although you have to wear it long enough to do its job, you don't want to smell bad at work or school while it's doing it, nor do you want to wear it too long and risk looking like a carrot. Fortunately, you do not have to worry much about any of these concerns so long as you follow the three rules mentioned above; especially the rule about leaving your product on for the right amount of time.
DHA Reaction Times
If you are using a high quality product, which you should be, it will take at least 6 hours for it to begin taking effect, and at least another two or three for it to render long-lasting results. This means that most good quality self-tanners must be worn between 6 and 10 hours for best results. Why? The answer is DHA. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient.
Before you take a shower, go swimming, get sweaty, or come into contact with water at all, you must let the dihydroxyacetone take effect first. If you do anything that gets you wet or makes you sweat profusely before the product can work, you will not get the best color possible because the DHA didn't have time to react with the amino acids in the upper layer of dead skin cells to produce a lasting color change.
Application Tips
To solve the concerns of smelling strange or feeling uncomfortable for an entire day, simply apply your self-tanner at night, let it fully dry, go to sleep, and then shower it off in the morning. This method gets great results. After you shower, any residual streaks and smells will be gone, and you will see nothing but luminous, glowing skin!

Bitcoin has been the buzz word in the financial space. As of a matter of fact, Bitcoin has exploded the scene in the last few years and many people

What Can Bring an Economic Boom to India?

How bad is bad? Or for that matter how much sugar is there in sweetness, really? Perhaps we rarely stop to think. Bad or good is more or less absolute to us, and we often refrain from probing further into their causes. Personal health is one area, however, which we do not leave to chance. So why should we not do the same about our financial and economic health?

When I speak about 'our' financial and economic health, it is all-encompassing, from personal finance to the economy of the country at the macro level. Let us allow ourselves a glance around the current economic happenings.

The economy of the country is taking a beating. The economic fundamentals are in a deplorable condition.

The rupee is in a state of unhindered free-fall and inflation is moving up faster than a shooting star.

· GDP growth is experiencing turmoil and corporate performance is at best average.

The stock market is uncertain and sluggish and is experiencing tremors every now and then.

· The employment situation is not at all encouraging as there has been across the board job cuts all around.

EMIs' are moving in tandem with inflation and fuel costs like a luxury item.

So what does one do about the economy? Despair? Delve into the depths of absolute pessimism?

Or should we diligently explore the silver linings around the ominous clouds of gloom. Newton's third law of motion "every action has an equal and opposite reaction" is something that can inspire us to look for the good evolving after the bad. Let us look at some potential developments which can bring back the days of "India Shining" to our economy.

I. Good Monsoon: A good monsoon is a prelude to the prospect of a good harvest. A bountiful crop basket will ease the pressure on food prices and help food inflation to find its feet. This will ostensibly lead to a fillip in economic growth.

II. Global Economy: US economy is slowly trudging back to normalcy and the European economy has also turned around after keeping people around the globe on tenterhooks. This is reflected in the smiles appearing across the IT sector and the exporters are sharing the smile too, thanks to better prospects for exports.

III. China's Slowdown: China has been the frontrunner in investment-fueled growth. Slowly the law of averages has begun to catch up with this global giant and there is a marked slowdown in its growth pattern. This has cleared the stage for the launch of a growth potential which is more consumer-driven and the direct fallout of this phenomenon is the softening of the prices of consumer products. This will no doubt bring smiles on the faces of the great Indian consumer too.

IV. Petroleum Prices: Petroleum prices have been the single most disconcerting element in the overall economic crisis. Policymakers perhaps would give anything to make this aberration vanish. Perhaps their wishes have been granted. Improvements in the extraction methods of shale gas have led to a reduction in the dependence on petroleum by the US. The natural consequence of such an event is the correction of the global oil prices, thus easing the pressure on the government subsidy bill leaving more money for other developmental work.

V. Leadership Change: One of the major concerns expressed by economists and the industrialists is the inept handling of the economic situation by the government leading to this tightrope situation. A new regime could perhaps bring in fresh ideas and initiatives to make the economy turn around and become the most robust entity among the global economies. A concerted effort from all quarters will definitely bring in gains for the economy and with the elections drawing near people have enough reason to be optimistic about the future of the Indian economy.

There is no lock without a key. There is no problem without a solution. Let us defeat this economic problem with great confidence.

Bitcoin has been the buzz word in the financial space. As of a matter of fact, Bitcoin has exploded the scene in the last few years and many people

Commercial Landscaping - Benefits

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The commercial landscaping takes care of every task associated with the maintenance and growth of greenery around the area. It makes sure that the area has lush green lawns and trees. Read on to learn why having commercial landscaping for your office will prove to be a very clever business decision for you:

Create the Identity of Being Environment-Friendly

You can take your corporate identity to the next level with the help of commercial landscaping. When you plant trees, grow lush green grass, have flowers in rows, you transform your image from being a solely profit-driven business entity to being a company that cares for the environment and the interest of the community too.

It helps in humanizing your image and declaring that you want to contribute to the cause of environment-conservation.

Elevate the Market Price of the Area

Commercial landscaping will change the face of the area surrounding your office and make it stand out. Being pleasant to the eye, it will attract more visitors to your office.

Your gain in the number of clients will certainly be noticed. Other offices will eventually follow your example and take landscaping services for their places too.

Gradually, as a ripple effect, the entire area will transform into a very attractive place that will draw a huge number of visitors. This will help in raising the market value of the whole area that will benefit you as well in the long haul.

Commercial Landscaping for Boosting Productivity

Your business will grow faster if you can extract greater productivity from your employees. Studies have established that the surroundings that have a lot of greenery inspire the human psyche to work with more enthusiasm. Greater level of enthusiasm translates into more efficiency and faster speed at work.

Hence, by hiring commercial landscaping for your office, you will have lush, verdant landscapes all around. It will create conducive environment for your employees to give their best to the company and their careers.

Attract More Clients and Retain the Current Ones

Hiring a professional landscaping company for your office will help you in winning the hearts of your prospective clients and eventually contracts too. Beautifully maintained landscapes will put your clients in a friendly disposition. It will be easier to push your ideas, as they will be more inclined to listen to you and accept your offer.

Similarly, the amazing trees and lawns in the backdrop will foster goodwill about you in the minds of your existing clients. This will work favorably in holding on to their loyalty.

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Source by Shoma Paul

Raised Designs on Tile Surfaces Bring the Wow Effect to Each Room

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Doing up the interior to reflect the strength of character, don't neglect the walls. Textures speak many colorful languages and a great variety exists to suit particular budgets and lifestyles. Imagine 3D tiles on backsplashes or a striking accent wall and fireplace environment. Maybe all four walls could get that surface cladding of fantasy. No problem with installing them either. Read on to know of awesome tiles that come with pre-assembled panels and are quickly installed. Every room sure does deserve the beauty like that.

Charcoal Pencil Stacked Stone

Stacked stone walls do not belong to exteriors alone or to village scenes. Both the traditional and the contemporary effect would love the graceful result of Charcoal Pencil Stacked Stone. The mild gray natural stone veneer matches well and is easily installed. The ledger panels fit like children's games. Put them on a single wall or everywhere.

Golden Honey STIK Wall-Tile

If you are a dedicated lover of stone veneers, install them quickly without a fuss. The peel and stick wall tile panels of Golden Honey STIK require no grout or adhesive either. These are no fakes, but the authentic natural split-face quartzite. The magical looks remain for many long years. DIY will earn the appreciation of many too.

Canyon Cream Dekora Porcelain

Stone panels created by nature look amazing in the rooms and outdoors. We improved upon them. The Dekora series like the Canyon Cream Porcelain come with almost no maintenance with all the natural stone glory. Splashes will happen and clean up is no problem.

White Brickstone Porcelain

Even in the absence of brick walls on external surfaces, White Brickstone Porcelain will bring the cottage effect of painted white brick. These 2"x10" tiles improve upon real brick since they will not need to be repainted. Instead of subways, use these for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom wall tiles.

Adella Viso White 12x24 Satin Ceramic

Elevate your modern decoration with the most attractive wall dressing. It looks like hammered metal and the striking ripple effect of Adella Viso White 12x24 Satin Ceramic stands out in intensity. These are large at 12"x24" and the matte finish brings a smart and bright ambiance.

If you find all that interesting, check out much more on the website. Use the online stacked stone visualizer to plan your creative effects. Textured and flat surfaces, large and little mosaics are all there to bring ripples in the soul.

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Source by Paul Toomey

Singapore Property Market

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The past couple of yeas have been good years for the Singapore property market, until the recent "cooling" measures taken by the Singapore government. This article serves as an update to those already in the Singapore Property Market or are looking to enter the market.

Some analysts noted that while the market has remained resilient despite government cooling measures, it seems to be near the tipping point. A recent report by UBS predicts that home prices in Singapore might fall between 10 to 15 per cent in the next 12 months.

There may be a couple more valid reasons for the gloomier prospects:

1) The uncertainty in Singapore's economic growth due to the global situation
2) The slowing population growth as the government moves to tighten immigration laws.

These factors could cause foreign buyers to stay away, dampening the resale market activity.

The other school of thought is that of property agents who may have a stronger feel of the market than research analysts. Sales for the first half of 2012 alone shifted 11,928 units. Mass market homes dominated sales in the quarter with 3,737 units or 69.2 per cent of new home sales recorded in the Outside Central Region (OCR). The top selling mass-market projects were Ripple Bay, Flo Residence and Palm Isles shifting 568, 324 and 306 units respectively.

The reason could be as follows: Implementation of the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duties (ABSD) in December 2011 had caused foreigners to stay away from prime areas. Since its implementation, a sharp reduction in foreign demand for private residential properties was observed. This in turn, made properties in the suburban mass market segment more appealing to HDB (Housing Development Board) upgraders who buy with a longer term perspective.

Looking ahead, the record supply in the pipeline could further help to alleviate any pent-up demand in the Outside Central Region, preventing preventing spikes in property prices. In the mid to long term, strengthening global economies would also boost investor sentiment, leading to a gradual recovery of Core Central Region and Rest of Central Region prices.

Ultimately, the health of the Singapore property market hinges on the purchasing power of Singapore citizens. As long as proper measures are taken by the relevant authorities to prevent shortsighted investments from leading the market, coupled with an absence of declining long-term global outlook, the Singapore property market is definitely a good way to go for growing financial wealth.

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Source by Tony Chee

How Supreme Court May Continue to Impact Family Law

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The appointment and eventual confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court captured the attention of those in the media and the public at large. Any new member of the court is able to offer a huge impact on the cases they hear and the legal areas they concern, capable of tilting the ideological balance of the court in one way or another.

From the election itself to healthcare and immigration, a wide range of topics have been at the center of most discussions of the Supreme Court, and new Justice Gorsuch. One overlooked area of note though is actually family law. While most family law matters are handled on a local and state basis, it shows that under certain circumstances, the court itself can impact matters such as divorce.

For instance, the Supreme Court heard and ruled on the Howell vs. Howell case, which dealt with a veteran's retirement pay, of which his ex-wife was entitled to half. When he opted to waive part of his pay to receive disability benefits, the Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision that he was not required to pay his ex-wife the amount she lost because of that decision.

That case and ruling illustrates how even divorce can be impacted by the Supreme Court, and how the court's decisions can impact just about any individual person and his or her case. Surely there will be other family law cases that make it to the Supreme Court in the near future as well. However, it's also important to note that family law can be impacted on the periphery of many other important decisions.

For instance, consider a couple with children who are being divorced. What if immigration laws are changed, and one party gained citizenship via the marriage? How does that impact their divorce and matters such as child custody?

The huge hot button issue of healthcare also comes into play. If current healthcare laws are changed and one or both parties lose insurance coverage as a result, that then may also ripple down into matters of child custody, child support, and alimony.

The way these issues intermingle and the way the Supreme Court rules on them is of course all quite complicated, and it's worthwhile to understand the ways that family law cases can be impacted. It's always essential to work with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney in your local area who can help you understand any such issues, and offer you the right advice on the best way to proceed.

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Source by Brandon Bernstein

Basics of a No Win No Fee Claim

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Prior to 2000, if you were injured and wanted to claim compensation, you could hire a solicitor to represent your case. However, doing so was often costly. You needed to pay for your solicitor's services without knowing whether you would win your claim. In other words, you could very likely lose your case while still having to pay for your lawyer's representation. For those with meager financial resources, they could seek legal aid from the government to help defray the costs.

Below, you'll learn about the issues that plagued legal aid and why it was eventually abolished in 2000. Plus, we'll explain how no win no fee lawyers can still help you recover compensation, even if you lack the money to pay for their services.

Issues With Legal Aid

One of the main problems of legal aid is that it was available to many of the people who needed it most. First, the government did provide monetary aid for seeking claims in every type of personal injury case. It was limited to certain types of cases, mostly in legal areas in which attorneys had the most experience and familiarity.

Second, as with many government-funded social programs, it did not receive the support it needed. As more people began filing claims for personal injuries, the costs to support the legal aid system exploded. This had a ripple effect. The solicitors who received compensation for their services from legal aid were paid less than they felt their services were worth. Eventually, they stopped accepting such cases.

How A No Win No Fee Claim Works

As legal aid was abolished, a new law was passed that paved the way for the no win no fee claim. Under this new system, no win no fee lawyers could retrieve their fee from your opponent (assuming you win your claim). What's more, you're not responsible for paying your solicitor's fees if you don't successfully win your case. That being said, if you wish to file a claim for compensation due to an injury, you may be required to take out an "after the event" (ATE) insurance policy. This covers any expenses that are related to your case (hiring expert witnesses, reports, etc.). Some solicitors will take out this type of insurance policy for you and pay the premiums (especially if they're confident of winning your claim).

Finding No Win No Fee Lawyers

Finding an experienced solicitor to represent you in your no win no fee claim should begin with your personal contacts. Ask friends, family members and acquaintances who have filed similar claims and won. Have them refer you to their solicitor. Once you meet with that person, ask them about their experience and expertise in various types of injury cases. While there are thousands of no win no fee lawyers who can help you, an experienced solicitor can make the difference between receiving your claim or losing.

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Source by Stu Foster

Satisfying an Unfaltering Human Hunger

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Have you wondered if there was anything you could do that would be so profound, causing a ripple effect yet not cost you a cent?

Well, there is.

It's about satisfying a very basic human need. According to Dale Carnegie, recognizing other people is the secret to making friends and influencing others. Abraham Lincoln once said "everybody likes a compliment." The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Dale Carnegie said "the desire for feeling of importance is one of the chief distinguishing differences between mankind and animals."

Good leaders know how to offer encouragement and appreciation to people that work for them. The leader who knows how to satisfy other people hunger for recognition will hold the world in the palm of his / her hand. There's a wonderful chapter in Carnegie's book entitled '' Who Who Can Do This Has the Whole World with Him. He Who Cannot Walks a Lonely Way. "

Translation: If you can find a way to recognize people for their strengths and show them appreciation, you will have many friends and followers. If you cannot, you will be alone - so very alone.

Food for thought: Think about it. Who do you think will rally around and give you support in times of adversity? People you appreciate and recognize or people you ignore?

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Source by Stephen Hopson

What's Inside Your Tingle Tanning Lotion?

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When shopping around for new tanning lotions, it is important to choose a product that will both meet your tanning goals and protect your skin. In order to do this, you must be sure to read and understand their manufacturer labels. The type of lotion you eventually decide on will depend on your level of tanning experience, your skin type, and your personal preferences.

A popular option for the more advanced tanning bed user is called a tingle lotion. Colloquially referred to as "tinglers", they are the most intense tanning products on the market. You can purchase tingle tanning lotions at almost any tanning salon, beauty store, or online vendor. And just like all skin care products, they range in intensity, quality, and price.

If you have never used a tingler before, it is highly recommended to understand how they work before using them. A great place to start is by reviewing some of the common ingredients found in most tingle lotion formulas. Continue reading to do just that!

How They Work

Tinglers work by increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. The application of a tingler amplifies the effect of ultraviolet rays in tanning beds. This creates a reaction in the skin by producing more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin color. Following application, tinglers will cause tingling sensations, reddening, and slight inflammation of the skin as a result of the intense oxygen circulation. These reactions generally reside after about one hour or so.

Common Tingler Ingredients

Tingle tanning products contain a wide range of ingredients. However, the fundamental constituents for all tinglers include Methyl Nicotinate or Benzyl Nicotinate, as well as various moisturizing elements.

Methyl Nicotinate - Methyl Nicotinate is a nicotinic acid methyl ester used as rubefacient (a substance for topical application) to increase microcirculation to the skin. This exposes more oxygen to melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the skin's epidermis. Upon exposure to UV rays, a process called melanogenesis is triggered, causing skin cells to produce more melanin and become darker.

Benzyl Nicotinate -Benzyl Nicotinate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and nicotinic acid. It works in a very similar way to Methyl Nicotinate by increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. When applied, Benzyl Nicotinate causes capillaries in the epidermis to open up. As a result, skin tingles, reddens, and produces more melanin upon UV ray exposure.

Moisturizers - In order to achieve a good-looking tan, skin must be moisturized, which is why virtually all tanning lotions contain moisturizing agents. As for tingle products, the common types of moisturizing additives include Vitamin E (or tocopheryl acetate), black currant, hemp seed oil, avocado, shea, cocoa butter, white tea extract, silicon, and various essential oils.

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Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski

Worried About Paying Too Much For Carpet Cleaning?

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If you're in the market for a new Ipod or a particular vehicle, you can be sure that the item you are purchasing is identical from dealer to dealer. If everything else is equal, buyers look at price as a major differentiator.

But when you purchase a service you're never quite sure what you will get. It is more difficult to distinguish services, especially in an industry like carpet cleaning, where there are no mandatory industry standards or regulations. Unfortunately, there are a lot of rip-off artists in the carpet cleaning industry. If you do an Internet search for carpet cleaning scams, you will find hundreds of examples of bait-and-switch tactics caught by hidden camera on consumer protection programs.

So how do you minimize the chances of getting ripped-off? Knowledge! Understanding what you're buying and having an idea of what that level of service should cost, will help you select a better vendor.

Therefore first, determine the level of service you want. If you live in an apartment, chances are that you're not looking for the same level of clean as the person who has invested $60.00 per square yard for their top grade carpet. Some guys buy their dress shirts at Walmart for $12 and others will only wear a custom tailored shirt for $400. The same is true for carpet cleaning customers. Some happily pay $1000 or more to have their carpets meticulously cleaned, while coupon shoppers are satisfied with a quick $50 clean. Needless to say, the quality and service are not comparable.

There are two primary carpet cleaning pricing methods - by the room or by the square foot. If carpet cleaners charge by the square foot, ask if they compute their charges on the over-all room size or only on the actual area they clean. Then do some simple math, and compare that price to what cleaners who charge by the room have quoted. In general it is easier to understand and easier to estimate by the room pricing over the phone or the Internet when compared to square foot pricing. However, most professional property managers and facility managers request by the square foot pricing.

In most cases, if the carpet is in good shape and just needs to be cleaned, this is all you will pay. But taking good care of our carpet is not as important to most of us as maintaining our vehicles. You know that you should do regular maintenance like oil changes every 3000-5000 miles even when the vehicle has a 100,000 mile warranty. To prolong the life of their carpet and prevent premature wear, most people know that they should frequently vacuum their carpet. They don't blot up spills, and allow the stains to set or worse yet, they tamper with stains by applying the wrong products.

When additional work is required it is very difficult to estimate a price over the phone. If there are stains or ripples in the carpet, or if there is pet damage, a verbal description cannot convey enough information to reliably estimate a price. Variables such as the locations of ripples that need to be stretched out and the severity of the pet damage or the type and size of a stain are all part of the difficulty of pricing the service over the phone.

If you were involved in an auto accident, you wouldn't call the body shop, tell them you backed into a pole, and then ask how much it would cost, would you? They too would need to see the damage first. If in your opinion, your carpet requires more than a basic clean, you should discuss your concerns with the carpet cleaner on the phone. Find out what they are able to about your problem. For example, not every carpet cleaning company offers stretching, or carpet repairs. Can they treat heavy pet urine stains that may require replacement of the pad? Once you've narrowed down your candidates, ask if they will come to your home and give you an exact quote for the work, before actually starting the work.

You can authorize them to proceed with the clean - which will save them an extra trip - once you're comfortable with their quote and the cleaner's expertise. If not, call another cleaner before you make your final selection.

Finally, always remember the saying "you get what you pay for." If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. In business we say: price, quality, service - pick any two.

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Source by Fred Terlaak

Water: Crisis of the Century

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Water is What Matters

The history making Mother Crisis of the Century is showing her ugly head. Drought now tops our screens and agenda. In the 1850's California gold rush days, people traveling across the desert desperate for water paid up to $100 ($2745 in today's dollars) for a cup of water. The current crisis impact is only beginning to be felt and will grow for the millions directly affected in the natural disaster declared 12 state zone. The ripples will be felt in prices around the world.

Survival in a water crisis becomes the focus for plant, animal and human life. Every decision made is affected by the absence of sufficient water no matter who you are, what you have or where you live. It leveled the ground even for King David and impoverished peasants in ancient times. All plant, animal and human life become victims equally in a water crises. King David's prayer rings in our ears today with relevance, "I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead. I remembered the old days, went over all God had done and pondered His works. I stretched out my hands to you as a desert thirsty for rain." Psalms 143:4-6.

Crises show respect for no one or their plans. The current drought, if prolonged, may be the "perfect desert storm" of the century. Interesting that God finally got the King's attention, and maybe at times, that is what it takes to get ours. You do not need to be an alarmist to be concerned about the water crisis already declared a natural disaster and this does not include any extension in years to follow.

Few ponder the value of water to life, health and safety until there is an absence of it. Did you know that 1.3 trillion liters of fresh water are consumed each day by people in the USA? In the world 1.2 billion people do not have easy access to water and 2.6 billion people do not have clean water. These facts have faces. Their futures are directly determined by water for life. Every person is 70% water.Water has everything to do with our health and well-being. It is the indispensable regulator of body processes and temperature. It takes a minimum of 8 cups per day for humans to be healthy; many gallons for animals, and acre feet of water to grow the plants to sustain human and animal life.

This crisis is real. The Federal government has already declared 12 states as eligible for natural disaster help. This is a "desert storm" not to be taken with a grain of salt. 70% of the fresh produce consumed in the USA comes from California. The ripple effect will roll down like a blinding dust storm in the cost of food, water and related commodities. One scary prospect is the impact on public safety when the already lean ranks of law enforcement cannot hold back those desperate to feed themselves and their families who find themselves having to choose between being law abiding citizens and survival.

A bigger issue must be considered now by thoughtful leadership---what is the plan if this already record breaking drought extends into next year which is a very real possibility to compound the chaos? What happens to electricity provided from water driven turbines? That "circuit breaker" triggers a cascade of chaos. There is hope.

There may be some benefits in the drought not unlike the unwelcome recession. For example: greater austerity, greater conservation of resources and innovation that creates jobs. Most important of all, we are learning more about how to value and steward the things that matter. People, water and safety matters. We now have the opportunity to rethink and value the resource for what it is and to find the innovations that provide water for abundant living. We all can accept the discipline of water conservation, help enforcement to identify abusers and develop innovations that can make better use of our water treasure for life.

As a last resort, we may choose to follow the example of King David and humble ourselves, even pray and realize we are not in control. It could be the teachable moment to restore the Water of Life to our soul, body and mind and with it the restoration of water for life. It has worked historically. Why not today? When all is said and done is that not what matters most? What a wonderful teachable moment and life lesson in learning more what it means to love God, people and properly use things as contrasted to our preoccupation with our way which is too often is about loving things and using people. The litmus test for our motivation, action, outcome and legacy of our living is in the discovery of what matters most.

http://www.ProvidenceInternational.org

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Source by Robert Lincoln Hancock

How to Get Smart About the Stock Market

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The stock market can have big implications on world events and your own finances, but many investors find it overly complex and cumbersome. Increasing your knowledge of the stock market can help you better understand its impacts, but how do you get started? Consider taking the following steps.

Study common investment terminology. The stock market is rife with complex concepts, so start by getting a grasp of the frequently used terms. First, it helps to understand what all the abbreviations stand for, from NASDAQ to NYSE and beyond. To break it all down, use an online investment dictionary that provides plain-English definitions of common investment terms, or ask your financial advisor to explain them to you.

Enroll in a class. Take advantage of free webinars, seminars or workshops on investing fundamentals. If you prefer learning in a classroom setting, look for basic courses on investing, how the stock market works or personal finance at a local college or university.

Follow the news. Start following the business and financial sections of your favorite media outlet to get a healthy dose of investment know-how. You'll begin to understand the types of business activities that influence the marketplace-for example, oil prices or new housing starts-and gain an appreciation for what's considered newsworthy. As you become more attuned to global markets, you'll start to see the ripple effect of mergers and acquisitions, product innovations and even front-page news stories-from natural disasters to general elections and terrorist events-on Wall Street confidence.

Watch investment programs. Public radio and television stations often feature investment programs aimed at new and seasoned investors. Even your local news channels may include a market segment. Be wary of infomercials disguised as informational investment programs, though.

Check out stock market apps. There are hundreds of apps available today focused on helping consumers understand investing. Have financially-savvy friends? Ask what apps they use to keep up on the stock market. Before downloading an app, check the reviews and opt for those that have been vetted by trusted sources.

Track your favorite companies. To better understand the movement of individual stocks, pick several of your favorite publicly traded companies to follow. Then, check their stock price, company newsroom and social media accounts each day. Tracking the stocks over time will help you understand how company announcements and actions, such as a product launch or comment by an executive, may affect the stock price.

Work with a financial professional. A professional can help you understand your investment options, and help you make financial decisions that are best for your individual needs. Work with someone who is willing to explain investment concepts and provide educational materials. Tell your professional about your desire to learn more about the market. He or she will likely be willing to send you news articles, add you to a newsletter or give you a call to discuss market news that may interest you.

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Source by Scott D. Serfass

Spain-Chile Relationship - A SWOT Analysis

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Chile has been historically isolated as a result of its geographical and economic characteristics, with roughly 98% of all its imports arriving via ports. However, in the past 30 years the country has undergone a massive change, finding itself now in the vanguard of the Free Market movement - being a world leader in the signing of Free Trade Accords - and shedding its former protectionist economic policies.

As a result Chile has been at the forefront with respect to many Latin American countries when it comes to globalization and accessing worldwide markets. This in turn, has led to Chile sustaining economic growth similar to other emerging economies.

As part of this opening of the country to foreign markets the Chilean government recently redistributed political power on a regional basis with the incorporation of two new regions, the Arica-Parinacota and Los Ríos. The idea behind the creation of these two new regions was to foment revenues in tourism, mining, agriculture and communications, while at the same time aiming to empower the regions and decentralize power from the capital. The new regions were approved Mar. 15, 2007 by President Michelle Bachelet.

The government's policies have translated in strong economic growth, with the GDP in 2007 coming in at 5.2% versus 4% in 2006. On the downside, the country is feeling effects from the current global economic malaise, with unemployment hitting 7.2% in 2007. Strong economic growth has also led to a sharp rise in inflation, up from 2.6% in 2006 to 7.8% in 2007 on the back of higher petroleum prices and the ripple effect on food prices, coupled with adverse weather conditions.

It should be noted that Spain's economy is also going through a rough batch, with unemployment hitting 9.6% for the first quarter of 2008 - the highest it's been in three years - the third consecutive quarter of rising unemployment. This sharp increase in unemployment has even stoked concerns the Spanish government may run-out of funds to pay unemployment benefits in September.

Still - and despite the domestic nature of current Spanish press with respect to the collapse of its construction sector and rising unemployment - the general perception of Chile in Spain is one of a Latin American country that has undergone a rigorous economic policy that has led to its being considered as an emerging country with a relatively low country risk.

In a roundabout way Chile could benefit from a struggling Spanish economy - which has been built on EU subsidies and a booming construction sector - as many Spanish companies feel they must diversify and look outside their borders for growth. Of particular interest are Spanish construction companies which have been heavily diversifying in Spain into the energy sector. Spanish companies are particularly interested in projects in Latin America, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.

In Spanish business circles it is commented that Chile's economic stability - in sharp contrast to that experienced in other Latin American countries - has made the country attractive for investment. While mining remains a sector of interest, Spanish companies are also attracted to the banking, telecommunication and electricity sectors.

Despite the strong rise in Chile's inflation, Spanish analysts see continued economic stability in that country, with sustained economic growth, albeit at lower rates than in previous years given the current global economic downturn.

In general, it is viewed, however, that growth will most likely come from Chile's continued emphasis on exports and a drive to entice foreign investment. To further encourage foreign investments Chile must continue to ensure not only the liberalization of its markets and financial transparency, but seek to optimize its Free Trade agreements.

That said, it is often mentioned in Spain that the downside of Chile's economic growth is that wealth is not being equally divided among the Chilean population. More concretely, the difference between Chile's wealthy and its poor is becoming increasingly pronounced. In this age of corporate responsibility, and with its growing importance in the Spanish corporate world, such discrepancies in wealth distribution could come into play with respect to future investments, either in positive or negative light.

With respect to Trade, Chile exports more than it imports, with energy representing around 63% of Chile's exports in 2006, while it only imported around 25% in the same period.

Those figures are misleading, however as Chile has limited domestic energy resources, with the country importing the majority of its energy needs. Chile has shown a reliance on natural gas exports, in particular those coming from Argentina. Since 2004 - when Argentina began restricting its natural gas exports - Chile has been revising its energy policy.

Outside of energy, Chile also exports significant agricultural goods (fruits and horticultures), representing around 20% of all exports in 2006, while it only imported 7% in this category for the same year. In 2006, manufacturing goods represented around 10% of all of Chile's exports, while it imported close to 60% in the same category of goods.

Or in other terms, Chile's export structure is basically divided equally between industrial (45%) and mining (45%) and the remaining 10% in agricultural goods.

Within the industrial products, the largest export items are cellulose, methanol and chemical products. Of increasing importance in the last decade are forest products, salmon and wine.

It should be mentioned that while Chile is attempting to diversify away from its dependence upon the semi-manufacturing of copper - a product that represented 60% of the country's exports in the 1970s - to 35% in 2004, this product is still overly represented in the country's export basket and the Trade Balance as a result of global demands and rising market prices for this commodity.

Copper exports in 2007 represented roughly 45% of the total exports on a Trade Balance basis.

Chile exported $1.3 billion to Spain in 2007, down slightly from almost $1.4 billion in 2006. By comparison, Chile exported $8.4 billion in 2007 to the United States, slightly down from $8.9 billion in 2006. With respect to imports, Chile received $845 million in goods from Spain in 2007, up from $708 million in 2006. With respect to the U.S., $7.3 billion of North American goods were imported in 2007, up sharply from the $5.6 billion Chile imported in 2006.

PRESS ANALYSIS

Despite Chile's positive economic story, that news isn't hitting Spain - in fact, news coverage of Chile in Spain is close to non-existent. As an example, when several Spanish businessmen were asked to mention a current article that they had read about Chile they couldn't name one. Almost invariably the response had something to do with the Dictator Pinochet or the current president, Michelle Bachelet, who is seen as a something as a novelty, in line with Argentina's Cristina Kirchner.

Other recent news items related to Chile include: reports a Nazi "Doctor of Death," could be hiding in Chile; the closing of an investigation in the death of popular actor and singer 35 years after his death; Chile and Hawaii are both trying to get a contract for a giant telescope; A Chilean gang was busted with objects stolen from Europe; Ongoing news coverage of Peru's ex-president Fujimori who is being held in a Chilean prison; and the widespread access of internet in Chile.

There was widespread coverage of the EU-Latin America Summit in Chile, but again the coverage was geared for Spain's domestic audience, with the primary news being whether or not Venezuela's Chavez had apologized to Spain's King Juan Carlos I - or vice versa - after the Royal told the President to "shut up" at a summit last year in Chile.

When Chile is covered in the press, it is almost always in terms related to Spanish businesses that are operating in that country. Specifically, there are repeated stories related to various Spanish energy and telecommunications companies, but in general they lack depth and are not in and of themselves the types of articles that would entice investors.

There have also been recent articles about threats to Spanish companies.

Specifically, there has been negative press regarding the US businessman Douglas Tompkins (owner of Patagonia and North Face) who it is reported is buying up land in Chile. Reports in Spain claim Tompkins is trying to buy enough land to create a wildlife preserve in the south of the country - and which would run from the Andes to the sea, effectively cutting the country in two. There are concerns this could affect Spanish company Endesa which has plans to build hydroelectric dams near the project. In typical Spanish fashion of looking for extremely bizarre details, the ABC newspaper reported speculation is rife in the Chilean region that Tompkins could be planning on exporting water or even building a new promised land for some Jewish sect.

There are occasionally articles related to tourism, but these are most often related to trade publications. In general, the perception is that there are more articles on the Caribbean, Mexico and Peru than those published on Chile. One person interviewed for this report, said they were shocked that a family member was thinking of going to Chile for holidays instead of some place more "exotic."

There is next to no coverage of Chilean imports, although there is a moderate knowledge of the quality of that country's wines - but this is covered in select media aimed an even more select reader, which is perhaps not surprising given Spain's own personal, and abundant, history with wine.

This lack of knowledge is also backed up by a 2006 survey by the Spanish state agency CIS that noted that of those individuals polled on their viewing news habits, only 7.8% of the respondents said they watched "A Lot" of news related to Latin America, and 49% "Quite A Bit." The most popular items in Spain are related to news about the European Union, followed by those about the North Africa. News items regarding Latin America were the fourth most popular items (EU, North of Africa, US, and Latin America, in that order). In general, Spaniards identify more with European countries, and North Africa, although there are some indications of change. In a late 2007 CIS survey, 31% of those Spaniards polled thought that Spain should develop programs in Latin America to foment economic growth.

However, just the previous year the CIS noted that in terms of international politics, 56% of the respondents thought European Integration was extremely important, with only 8.6% showing concern about relations with Latin America.

It is interesting to note that this shift has also been accompanied with a rise in Latin American immigrants in Spain, accompanied with rising unemployment.

Amazingly, despite 85% of those polled saying they had never travelled to a Latin American country the vast majority believed the principal problem in Latin America was a lack of democracy, weak economies and corruption. Of those who had travelled to Latin America, the vast majority visited Mexico (24.5%), while only 5.7% went to Chile.

With respect to the perception of which Latin American politicians are implementing measures to further their economies, there has been recently a dramatic shift in favor of Chile. In a CIS report released May 29, 2008 (administered in Nov. 2007), on a scale of 1 to 10, Spaniards rated Chile's Bachelet as being the most effective Latin American leader with a 4.93 ranking. The next most highly ranked Latin American leader was Brazil's Lula with a 4.61 out of 10 ranking. Bolivia's Morales had received a 3.42 rating, while Cuba's Fidel Castro got a 1.82 out of 10.

While this recent survey is not exactly measuring the same criteria, it is interesting to note that of those polled in a 2006 CIS survey, 19% of them gave Brazil's Lula high marks, followed by Bolivia's Morales (16%). Only 6.6% of those Spaniards polled in that survey valued the job done by Chile's Bachelet, which in relative terms was only slightly higher than the 3.7% who amazingly thought that Cuba's Fidel Castro was doing a good job.

Despite the improvement in the perception of Chile's government, it remains clear that country's message is not reaching the Spanish public, but then this is a public where 35% of the population has never heard of the Latin American Summits.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strength

• As a result of its having the jump on other Latin American countries with respect to liberalizing its markets there is a generalized perception that in Chile there is an elevated sophistication and professionalism when dealing with Chilean businessman.


• The Chilean telecommunications and software sectors are viewed as being consolidated and highly respected.


• Tourism is a definite strength with not only majestic views, but also the added benefit that it's viewed as safe to travel to remote locations, unlike in several other Latin American countries. After all, what good is a vacation if you can't come home to develop the photos.


• As mentioned repeatedly in this report, Chile's economy is seen as a definite bonus, with the government fully seeking to follow a Free Market model, and entice foreign investors.


• A willingness - and business code - to allow foreign investors buy or create businesses in Chile without any type of restriction of discrimination toward foreigners.


• A favorable tax regime, which avoids double taxation with Spain. Direct tax on Companies/Societies is 17% on profits; Indirect tax of VAT 19%.


• Patent protection: Chile subscribes to strict patent protocol, including that of the Paris accord and recognizes those patents that were issued in other countries. Patents should be registered also in Chile to receive full protection.


• Common language - Spanish - and in many respects a common culture and religion. This is not to be downplayed as Spaniards are notorious for there horrible grasp of foreign languages. o The current strength of the Euro also makes investments in Latin America attractive.

Weakness

• As mentioned previously, one area that will increasingly draw criticism from stakeholders and activists is in the area of distribution of wealth. In Chile the lines between those who have and those who don't have are increasing.


• Chile's energy network/grid has shown signs in the past (1999) of needing further investments to avoid shortfalls in production and supply.


• Chile's energy portfolio is certainly a weak point, which while the country does have some renewable energy sources - most notably in the area of hydroelectricity - there is a deficit with respect to gas and oil, the result lending to supply shortages.


• While Chile is "an open market" there is actually tight control on the distribution channels - roughly 80% of retail distribution is handled by 20% of the distributors, which would suggest that this area needs to be liberalized.


• With respect to the above point, when introducing some consumer products distributors will demand additional support for publicity and promotions, for which the foreign companies will have to be willing to provide.


• Given the tight control on the retail supply chain and distribution at times it is viewed that certain participants hold too much power when it is time to negotiate business terms.


• While taxation is generally lower - except for alcoholic beverages (27%), there are also some barriers for the importation for motor vehicles and parts.


• There have been some reports tighter controls on press freedom. In Spain there was coverage recently of a Committee to Protect Journalist report (May 23) that Chilean photographer Víctor Salas suffered a serious eye injury on Wednesday when he was struck by a police officer as he was covering a protest outside parliament in the southwestern city of Valparaíso. Salas works for the Spanish state news agency EFE.


• While Chile's economy is a positive, it is also showing some signs of growth slowing down, and unemployment and inflation both rising.


• For the most part Chile has avoided political financial scandals, although that has recently changed - and which oddly seems to be the product of a stuffy government process inherited from Dictator Pinochet. o Indeed, Pinochet remains a weakness in terms of branding and marketing, perhaps not helped by the ongoing leaks, trials and reports. On the other hand, Spain has something to offer in this area as it also seems to have recovered from a similar situation under Franco.


• Some Spanish businessmen said they cannot understand why there isn't a full agreement between Chile and Mercosur, rather than just being an Associate Member.

Opportunities

• Given the current makeup of Chile's energy sector - its dependence upon gas and oil, etc - this should provide the country an opportunity to invest in renewable energies, such as in solar and wind-power, areas in which Spain has several leading companies. Iberdrola, Acciona, Endesa, Gamesa, ACS amongst others are more than qualified to bring their technology and know-how to Chile.


• Chile is also diversifying into the LNG market, an area where Spanish companies are world leaders.


• Chile can be a platform to enter other countries given its vast Free Trade agreements. Specifically, foreign investors can take advantage of a Law signed Nov 23, 2002 that seeks to foment foreign investors to use Chile as base to enter other Latin American and global countries. Spanish companies and investors are especially suited to take advantage of such legislation given the cultural similarities and common language in the region.


• Chile offers growth and investment possibilities in the construction sector, especially in the area of building second homes.


• Chile continues to offer important investment possibilities in the area of tourism.


• Chile offers a stable and dynamic market that is supported by a professional manner of doing business.


• One sector that is currently undergoing spectacular growth, and which Spanish companies can bring their know-how and investments, is in the area of "green" projects, related to sustainable growth, corporate responsibility and environmental protection.


• The Chilean market is extremely competitive in terms of the relationship between price and product, which means that there is room when negotiating for value-added services or products when seeking positioning in the market and client-customer loyalty - something that Spanish companies can provide.


• The Spanish government has made it a priority to invest in science and technology, meaning there could be clear opportunities to do business in Chile given that government's economic policies that also seek to foment investments in this sector.

Threats

• There are continued supply concerns with respect to not only electricity, but also in the area of agricultural products.


• Chile must resolve its outstanding border disputes with Peru and Bolivia.


• There does exist the threat of the influence from populist Latin American governments in Chile's politics, most notably from Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.


• Given Chile's geography there does exist the constant threat of earthquakes.


• Environmental concerns:

1. Significant threats to Chile's freshwater and marine habitats are caused by the ever growing aquaculture industry - primarily salmon farming.


2. The establishment of non-native tree plantations is considered by many to be the greatest threat to Chile's native forests.


3. The primary environmental threats to Chile are air pollution from vehicle and. industrial emissions, water pollution from untreated industrial sewage.

COUNTRY PERCEPTIONS

With respect to what most positively affects a country's perception in Spain it must first be stated that Spain is very nationalistic. There is a love-hate relationship - some would say envy - with various countries based on historical incidents.

In addition, Spaniards love rankings and continually are publishing articles to show that they are in the vanguard. This at times is extreme, to the point where there have been articles comparing how many cigarette butts, or trees - or worse - can be found on the streets of various European capitals.

More specifically, Spaniards might admit that certain products from the U.S. are top-quality, but they won't let that sway them from still dredging up the Spanish-American War of 1898 and complaining of the loss of territories. Americans are consistently portrayed as being naïve and religious fanatics, while at the same time being hypocrites. It is a common game in Spain among American ex-pats to look for the "strange or bizarre American news story" that Spanish media routinely publish.

In the same way, there has been extensive news coverage this year to celebrate the 1808 war again France - which while it freed Spain from the French was also the beginning of its decline in influence in Latin America. A weakened Spain subsequently found itself facing Wars of Independence in Venezuela and Argentina.

All to say, that Spain - and Spaniards - have a long memory, and some would argue an inferiority complex.

Spaniards, besides being nationalistic, are also idealists. Countries with the most positive image perceptions in Spain have a strong record in Human Rights and Democratic ideals, fortified by solid economic models. In this respect of equal importance are countries that can contribute in the areas of Culture and Art, and High Technology. Spaniards are big spenders who love the latest high-tech gadget, and in that vein luxury goods.

With this in mind, it is interesting that according to a recent study by BBC, only 31% of Spaniards consider it a positive factor that China is an economic powerhouse. Indeed, according to that study out of all European countries it is Spain that holds the distinction of having the most negative image of China.

On the backdrop of the above information, the typical Spaniard tends to associate his spending by what is popular and trendy, rather than as being related to a specific country.

By Robert Steven Duncan

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Source by Robert Steven Duncan

How To Select DC to DC Power Modules?

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DC to DC power module with the outstanding performance, compact size and the notable feature of simplified using have been used widely in the field of networking, communications, railways, military, industrial control and other fields. Therefore, most of the engineers are well aware of the fact that selecting the right DC to DC power modules can actually debug issues, save designs and can help them to focus more in the field. These things don't only help to improve the reliability of overall system, but also shorten the total cycle of product development. Therefore, it becomes utmost important to select the right DC to DC power modules.

Apart from the most fundamental functions of voltage conversion, it is also necessary to consider the following factors. Here are the other ways you can select:

• Package: Generally power modules are packaged in different forms. Some of these are compatible with the global standards and others are non-standard. In some cases, same rated power modules come with different packaging or the same package include different rated power. So, here are some criteria to choose the right power module:


1. Select types compatible with global standards package as long as possible as here you will get better compatibility and it will be easy for you to find the replacing supplier.


2. The module should have the features like upgrading, ease of system expansion and scalability


3. The size of the module should be as much small as possible to save more space for other sections


• Rated power: According to the general recommendation, the real power usage of the power module is 30-80%. Too low loads can result in waste and too high are comparatively not that stable and these also produce too much heat. Most of the modules come with overload protection ability like these generally offer 120-150% bearing. But it is not at all recommended to work for a long time under these overload conditions.



• Operating frequency: Commonly, the higher the frequency will be, there will be the smaller output ripple noise and better dynamic response. But here the cost would increase, especially the magnetic response. Commonly, the frequency of power module switching available in the market is under 300 kHz, or even about 100 kHz. Therefore, it becomes tough to meet with the requirements of dynamically response. So, before getting one, you must consider the usage of the high switching frequency products in applications of the strict requirements. Apart from that, the users also need to consider the fact that while the switch frequency of the power module is close to signal frequency, syntonic oscillation can take place.



• Derating the range of temperature: Generally the power module manufacturers have several temperature ranges available, known as: military rank, industrial grade and commodity grade modules. So, while selecting the modules, you need to consider the actual needs of the operating temperature range. Different types of temperature level use different types of ways and materials and therefore the costs greatly vary. So, there are mainly two methods of selection:


1. Select according to the temperature range


2. Select on the basis of power and package usage

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Source by Sarbani Bhattacharjee

3 Ways To Finance Your Business Without Credit Cards

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If you're in a cash crunch and need to find some financing for your company here are three ways you may have overlooked.

1. Vendor Financing

Stretching out trade payables from, say 30 days to 60 days, is a pretty common method for companies to improve their cash flow. Usually vendors are not very happy when this happens, and some even voice their disapproval in no uncertain terms. Most businesses are small businesses and stretching out payables only hurts everyone in the long run. Think about it: if you are depending on one of your customers to pay you within 30 days, and that customer doesn't pay for 90 days, it can significantly affect your cash flow. If it's one of your major customers, the impact can be quite serious. You don't have the cash to pay your bills and so a ripple effect is caused on down the line.

This suggestion is different. If you've established a good relationship with your vendors, sometimes it's possible to get them to agree to finance part of your company by extending their terms for a particularly large order for an extended length of time. If you're a new company with little or no history, you could approach vendors showing them your business plan and documentation of orders you've already received. If the vendor is convinced that your company will be successful, and one of their better customers in the future, they may be willing to give you a break now.

Another alternative is to guarantee the vendor that they will be your exclusive supplier for an agreed to length of time in exchange for longer credit terms. Or you can offer to pay slightly higher than market price in exchange for longer credit terms. This method can be dangerous, because it sets the precedence of a higher price. When the longer terms are no longer necessary, it may be a challenge to decrease the price you pay the vendor.

Occasionally, it's possible to convince a vendor to exchange a trade payable owed to them for a note payable instead, or possibly an equity position in your company.

2. Customers That Prepay

If you have successfully demonstrated to your customers that you deliver your merchandise to them on time, as ordered, you may be able to persuade one or more of them to put a deposit on their future orders, perhaps as much as 50%. You can add an incentive by decreasing your price a bit in exchange for the deposit. Or you can throw in a bonus: if they've ordered 100 items you give them 10 extra. New customers can also be asked for a deposit, especially if it's a large or custom order.

3.Trade And Barter

Barter is probably one of the oldest forms of commerce. It is simply the exchange of goods or services for other goods, instead of using cash as the medium. The trade can be directly between the two parties or the trade can go through a barter exchange.

The barter exchange usually works on a point system, one point for every dollar. The exchange has members who have agreed to barter their services and products. Let's say you need a new lap top, but the computer store doesn't need your product/service. You earn points by bartering with those individuals and businesses who do need your product/service. You accumulate points through the exchange. When you have enough for the lap top, you 'buy' the lap top with your accumulated points. The exchange sometimes takes a small percentage of the points as a fee for their services.

Don't be limited in your thinking as to what can be bartered. Approach bartering as you would any other sale or purchase. Deal with reputable companies. Don't feel you have to discount your product. The barter purchase is reflected on your income statement as an expense. The barter sale (what you trade) is reflected as revenue.

Barter organizations can be found on the web, just put in trade and barter organization. Many cities have locally operated barter organizations. Contact your local chamber of commerce. The yellow pages give listings as well.

Use these three methods of coming up with cash for your company.

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Source by Dee Power

Should I Buy a Tanning Bed?

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With all the innovative improvements these days, there is more than one reason to buy a tanning bed for personal use. Not only do you have access to a flawless glow all year long, you also have access to all the therapeutic benefits offered by tanning beds. Vitamin D is an essential part of our health, and it can make improvements with bone strength, acne, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, seasonal effective disorder, and many other health implications.

With so many advantages of owning a tanning bed, making the decision to purchase one is really not the hard part. When your time comes to peruse the market for an indoor tanning bed, will need to focus all your attention on making a quality purchase. Continue reading to learn what you need to consider before buying a tanning bed.

Choose a Vendor

When you start your search for the perfect tanning bed, the best place to start is by finding a trusted vendor. This could be a trusted manufacturer of tanning beds, or a reputable retailer of tanning beds. Ask about pricing, financing, billing, delivery fees, installation fees, return policies, warranties, and more. Use this information to decide which retailer or manufacturer is best for you. Knowing you're in good hands in terms of customer service makes the buying process less stressful, and even less risky.

Choose a Type

Once you find a reputable vendor, you can choose a bed type. There are various makes, models, and styles of indoor tanning beds to choose from, all with varying lamp and bulb counts. While shopping, you will likely see standup booths, laydown booths, light therapy beds, and much more. It may feel overwhelming at first, so focus on choosing a style that best fits your needs in terms of comfort, space, and tanning goals. A common mistake to avoid is buying the wrong size bed. You must remember where you are putting the tanning bed, and whether or not you have enough room. Standup beds are popular for residential use because they take up less space and tend to weigh less.

Choose a Bulb Strength

Once you choose which type of bed you want, you will need to consider the strength you prefer, as well as, any additional features you desire. These all vary depending on the make and model bed you are after. Ask your sales associate for a comparison sheet to determine which bulb strength is best suited for your tanning goals and personal comfort. If you are new to tanning, you want to avoid high-intensity beds and bulbs. If you have some experience, you may want to consider a stronger bed or a bed that comes with more than one setting.

Choose Upgrades

After you have your eye set on a particular make and model, you can start to think about adding on any additional features or upgrades. This can include a wide range of possibilities, depending on the type of bed and the model. Examples of possible upgrades include voice control, stereos, aroma therapies, red light therapies, aqua mist therapies, neck and shoulder tanners, face tanners, additional fans, custom colored illuminators, and more. New upgrades and tanning booth models are being introduced to the market every year!

Can't quite afford to buy your dream tanning booth just yet? No problem! Just visit your local tanning salon!

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Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski

Stock Market Bubble

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A combination of forces such as rapidly increasingly stock prices, market confidence that the companies have strong potential of churning future profits, individual speculation at every corner, and a widely available investment capital create an environment which inflates the stock prices and gives rise to a situation that is termed as stock market bubble.

The most common question that occurs in our minds while talking of bubbles is that what actually causes the bubbles to form and then what is it that again causes it to burst. Interestingly, it has been noted that greed and only greed causes a bubbles and then fear lets it go pop. We are all aware that stock market is predominantly ruled or controlled by greed and fear.

A bubble will form without causing much ripple due to the influence of what is known as the herding effect. When a stock market hype starts, everyone gets a wind of the hot new stock in the market and tries to buy as much as they can. We sit back and enjoy as the profits shoot up with the skyrocketing prices. We then get more and more greedy and wait and watch but forget to sell.

Even the stock gurus and analysts who dominate the media add on to the hype and trendily pitch their latest stock picks. They show the rosy side of the picture with the aid of complex research analysis, flashy charts and attractive graphs. But what they do not do is remind the people to sell off and take home the profits. It thus takes time for the news of selling to reach the grapevine.

By that time however, the big-time investors or as called the smart money segment will have sold the shares and have cashed in some of those unrealized paper-only profits. The peak is thus reached as everybody is in and now the speedy downturn begins as the panic selling starts and stock prices tumble. This is exactly when it is said that the stock market bubble has popped.

The small and big everyday buy and hold investors get frustrated and shun away from the stock market. They walk away from the stock market with a determination to wait till the market psychology has regained its composure or never to return at all. But the illusions of euphoria, the pleasures of taking home high returns are too seductive for them to ignore the stock market for long. They thus come back and with a similar hope as in the time of the formation of the previous bubble and repeat the mistake of investing when the market is once again moving up and thus contributes to the next bubble.

During the times of bubbles, you ought to keep higher cash reserves than you hold normally. In order to reap profit out of a bubble situation you need to be careful and smart. You should invest only in those shares that aren't overvalued. It is easy to tell when you are in a bubble situation but difficult to time the burst. Bubbles may take a long time to burst and in case you are holding too long the continuous inflation may result in severe losses. Bubble investing is certainly different from bull market investing. Play safe and put only a fraction of your money in bubble play.

There are several examples of big time stock market bubbles that continue to intrigue the economists world over. To highlight some exceptional bubbles we should site the examples such as the tech or dot com bubble that peaked in 2000, the oil bubble that peaked in July 2008 when the oil prices had shot up to $147 per barrel and then the housing bubble that popped in 2007-2008.

However, instead of playing too cautiously or being too much wary about these bubbles one should just take some unprecedented and calculated risks and try and gain something out of the bubble situation.

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Source by Micheal James

Ripples In The Lake - A Review

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Book Review:

C.L. Khatri. Ripples in the Lake. Bareilly: Prakash Book Depot, 2006, pages 72, Price Rs. 60/-. ISBN 81-7977-164-4

C.L. Khatri has been a committed promoter of new Indian English talents as editor, critic, reviewer, and scholar. I appreciate him for effectively using his Cyber Literature, a biannual journal of English studies, to bring in the limelight several creative names from Bihar and Jharkhand. Kargil (2000), his maiden collection of 42 poems, further established his fame as an Indian English poet.

Ripples in the Lake is Khatri's second collection with 54 poems. It is remarkable for a rare maturity in his voice: "I will walk on the highway/naked as a babe with the spring in my soul." One can feel the irony in his articulation and choice of expression in poems such as 'Pitrivin', 'Brahm-bhoj', Brindawan', 'Summer', 'Professor Saheb', 'Winter', 'Bapu', 'Culprit', and 'Carrier Crow'. His native sensibility defies answers to the questions haunting him poem after poem. He voices the feeling of insecurity for everyone:

"Every morning when I go out

I pray to Dashanan to lend one of his heads

As a spare part

If I am beheaded, I'll use it.

If I escape I'll return it."

('Dashanan)

Khatri may sound "crazy" in his depiction of the notorious politics of backwardness of Bihar, but he is not a defeatist, wearing a "spring mask". He is rooted in the soil, confident, and challenging, when he invites detractors and critics to experience the basic humanity of the people:

"You feel pity on ous to see.

Our buffalo rides, rising cow-dust

On our return home with the retreating sun

Semi-nude, haphazard hair

Rustic tongue, home replete with

Scattered grains, straws, dead leaves...

Don't shut your nostrils with perfumed hanky

Let your nose smell them. You'll feel better

They are the feathers of our life."

('Invitation')

He sounds nearly mythical, evoking the importance of Gaya (?) for redemption of sins and final liberation:

"When you don't get four shoulders

To carry a body to the cremation ground

Turn to us, to rest on our shoulders."

In his 'Hangover' I hear the echoes of O.P. Bhatnagar in a postmodernist vein. He appears, like everyone, tolerant of "hawalas" and "ghotalas" he hears or read about each day:

"The cries still pass through my veins--

cold stolid stones

I go on with my morning ritual."

('Morning Ritual')

C.L. Khatri's new collection continues the mindset of Kargil with aspects of difficult life in the country today: natural calamities ('Life and Death', 'Bhuj'), poverty and political immorality ('Mirage', 'Mother's Cry', Bapu', 'Tears'), environmental pollution ('Culprit', 'Bus Ride'), superstitions and prejudices ('Tabij'), politics of terrorism ('English Ghost', 'Karbala in Grief') etc., but here the poet is more form-conscious. Some of his poems do not read as naturally as others. At times I suspect he did not need to use so many Hindi words just as he could have avoided using the French elan vital in

'Teddy Bear'. Yet the poet's poems pave the way for Khatri' to become a potent voice of the 21st century . Ripples in the Lake is very readable and affordable.

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Source by Ram Krishna Singh