|
Posted in Health-and-Fitness, Mobile-Audio-Video, Self-Improvement, Spirituality | No Comments »
Sunday, April 15th, 2007
Pillowtop memory foam mattresses are one of the most popular items on the luxury bedding market today. Thicker comfort layers and base foam layers are added bringing these beds to 14”, 15”, and 16” heights. The comfort layers are made of different density and different firmness foams to provide a dynamic feel, soft to the touch but supportive for a fully restful night of sleep. Understanding how foam beds are put together will help you decide which one is right for you.
There is a common misconception among shoppers looking for a memory foam bed. Many people think that the entire bed is made from memory foam, when in fact it is only the top 2” – 6” that is memory foam and the remainder of the bed is a firmer polyurethane foam base.
The base foam is less dense, usually 1.8 – 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, versus memory foam’s 5lb per cubic foot. But unlike lower density memory foam, the base foam is not less durable. In fact its usable life is usually greater than that of the memory foam it is laminated with. The base foam’s job is to provide deep support for the top layers of memory foam.
A 12” profile king size bed made entirely of 5lb memory foam would weigh 211 pounds. It would be floppy and nearly impossible to move. But if the top 6” were memory foam and the bottom 6” were base foam, then the bed would only weigh 158 pounds. The firmer base foam would provide support, making the bed easier to handle.
Another misconception about memory foam beds is that thicker means more luxurious. The new 12” to 16” pillow top beds are touted to increase in comfort with every added inch. But in fact the amount of comfort memory foam on top of the bed usually stays the same, between 4 and 6 inches. Thicker memory foam mattresses are built up by adding more base foam to the bottom of the bed. Building a memory foam mattress over 12” is more about achieving a luxurious high profile look, rather than increasing comfort.
The same is true of lower profile mattresses between 8” and 12”. There are many 12” profile foam beds on the market with only 2” or 3” of comfort memory foam on the top that claim they are pillow top beds because their profile is in the pillowtop range. And many of these beds are very fine. In fact 3” of memory foam provides optimal comfort for most people.
So, when shopping for a new memory foam mattress, think about the layers that make up the bed. How much comfort foam is on top? How thick is the base layer? This way you will be able to more easily compare one bed to another. Yet despite how the layers are put together and what name the mattress carries, the most important thing is how the bed feels. If you fall in love with a particular bed, and it gives proper support, then throw all how-to-buy-a-mattress tips out the window. Get the best feeling bed you can afford, whether that’s a firm 8” low profile or plush 16” pillow top.
Will Robertson is owner of MyLuxuryMattress.com, a specialty sleep shop helping you find the perfect memory foam mattress and luxury bedding including goose down comforters, Egyptian cotton bed sheets and duvet covers, memory foam pillows, and bedding ensembles. Will answers his customers frequently asked bedding questions at My Luxury Mattress Blog
Posted in Automotive, Diabetes, Mobile-Audio-Video, Outsourcing | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 13th, 2007
You have your business idea, your business plan in tow, your ducks in a row, and you’re ready to get your business off the ground except for one problem - you have no start up capital. Unless you were born into wealth and have it at your disposal, then you are like most small businesses and need a helping hand.
How can you raise start up capital? There are a few ways to go about it:
Small Business Bank Loans
Many financial institutions provide some type of small business loan program. In order to get funding from a bank for your small business, you will need a solid business plan. You’ll have to prove that your business will generate enough cash to make the loan payments. Each bank’s requirements are different but if you are able to articulate how you will succeed, have decent credit, and possibly a co-signer, you may be able to secure a small business bank loan.
SBA (Small Business Administration)
The SBA is a great resource that provides information on requirements, credit factors, how to apply for loans, etc. The web site is a good starting point before attempting to apply at a bank. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be when you begin the application process.
Family & Friends
A lot of small businesses raise start up capital this way. Family and friends usually want you to succeed and believe in your business. It is wise to treat these relationships as real business relationships. Plan how you will repay their loans, the time frame, and at what interest rate.
Angel Investors & Venture Capital Firms
Private angel investors and venture capital firms work primarily in the same way. They invest in the equity of your business and expect a return in the form of an acquisition, IPO, or stock buy back in the future.
The key to any of the above methods is to have a well written business plan. A good business plan will prove that you are serious about your business and that you can demonstrate the way you plan on making it successful.
Eartha Haines is the author for http://www.selfemployedblog.com. Self Employed Blog is a web site which shares ideas, services, products, and opportunities that may help others move closer to their dream of becoming their own boss.
Posted in Health-and-Fitness, Mobile-Audio-Video, Real-Estate | No Comments »
Saturday, January 27th, 2007
If you’re facing charges of driving under the influence in the Southern California area, you need to hire a lawyer who specializes in handling DUI cases. Since DUI law can be very complicated, it is important that you don’t try to represent yourself or try to save money by working with an inexperienced attorney who is not a DUI defense expert. This is a sure way to lose your driving privileges or even lose your criminal case in court. DUI lawyers Southern California specialize in handling DUI cases so they keep up on all of the latest developments in the field. If new information becomes available in the area of DUI defense, your attorney will be one of the first to know. Attorneys who specialize in DUI defense also have contact with many experts who can serve as witnesses during criminal trials or provide additional information that can help you win your face. DUI lawyers Southern California can help you to have a positive outcome at the close of your DUI case.
DUI Lawyers Southern California & California DUI Cases
In California, there are two parts to DUI cases. Knowing the two parts is important because they can affect how the prosecutor in the case chooses to proceed. If the prosecutor decides to handle your case based on your impairment, s/he may introduce testimony from law enforcement officers and other witnesses. The purpose of the testimony will be to show that you were too physically impaired to safely operate a motor vehicle at the time of your arrest. Testimony may be given about your driving habits, behavior at the time of arrest, physical appearance, and performance on field sobriety tests. The other way a prosecutor can handle the case against you is by focusing on the results of any chemical testing that was performed on the day of your arrest. If your blood alcohol meets or exceeds California’s legal limit of 0.08%, the prosecutor can show that you were guilty of driving under the influence. Chemical testing can be complicated to understand, so having DUI lawyers Southern California on your team can help you to defend yourself against the charges if the prosecutor chooses to focus on chemical test results.
DUI Lawyers Southern California & DUI Driving Penalties
Driving under the influence in the state of California will result in the suspension of your driver’s license before your criminal trial even takes place. California does allow you to appeal the suspension so that you can continue driving to work and other places while you wait for your trial. Having DUI lawyers Southern California to represent you during the DMV hearing can make the difference between getting your driving privileges reinstated and having to serve out the remainder of your suspension period. Your attorney can speak on your behalf and let hearing officers know how important your driving privileges are for keeping your job and meeting the obligations of your life.
DUI Lawyers Southern California & Criminal Penalties for DUI
There are a number of criminal penalties that can be imposed on people who have been convicted of driving under the influence. Many factors are taken into account before these penalties are levied against offenders. Your history, community involvement, prior DUI offenses, criminal record, and other circumstances will be considered by the judge in your case. Your first convicted can cause you to be sentenced to up to six months in jail, license suspension for six months, and fines of $390 to $1,000. If you are convicted of a second offense within a ten-year period, you can be sentenced to license suspension for two years, 90 days in jail, and fines of $390 to $1,000. Your third offense is more serious and can result in sentencing of license suspension for three years, 120 days to one year in jail, and fines of $390 to $1,000. In California, a fourth DUI is treated as a felony and the penalties increase accordingly. They include license revocation for four years, two to three years in prison, or fines of $390 to $1,000.
Having DUI Lawyers Southern California available to represent you during your criminal trial and any administrative proceedings you may face is extremely important. If you want to have a chance of winning your case, hire a qualified attorney to represent you. You’ll have access to expert witnesses and a legal professional who specializes in DUI defense to speak on your behalf and work to help you defend yourself successfully against driving under the influence charges.
Michael Tasner is a leading SEO expert. Check out DUI Lawyers Southern California
Posted in Automotive, Book-Reviews, Mobile-Audio-Video, Shopping-and-Product-Reviews | No Comments »
Sunday, December 3rd, 2006
There are alternative secured loans for businesses that the financial industry has created keeping in mind the needs of the small business niche. These loans instead of using real estate to secure a business loan (which usually small businesses don’t have as they often rent their offices), just use certain assets that are within the reach of almost all small businesses.
Alternative Form Of Security
It is possible for businesses that work with credit cards to reach an agreement with certain payment processing institutions that are also financial institutions. These agreements consist on a loan that can be awarded to the businesses for which the institution acts as payment intermediary which is secured with the company’s future credit card sells.
Basically, the lender knows exactly what the company’s income flow is (at least the credit card part of it) and thus can easily provide financing knowing the business payment capacity. Moreover, the amount of the loan’s monthly installments is directly debited from the business’ account since the lender processes the company’s client payments too.
Advantages Of Using This Method Of Financing
This method of financing provides the necessary funds for any business expansion or growing plans without the hassles of applying for other forms of financing that require more bureaucratic paperwork and presenting backing up documentation in order to prove an acceptable income to afford the monthly payments.
These loans instead, are easy to qualify for because the lender already knows the account movements of the borrower and can be sure to be repaid because he just needs to retain a fraction of the funds that arrive with each client payment made using a credit card. Since the lender grants the money but at the same time processes the company client’s payments, it has nothing to worry about and thus can provide very advantageous terms on the loan.
Also, not using equity when you have this other alternative is a smart choice as it remains as an option whenever an emergency situation arises and you don’t have other sources of financing that can provide high loan amounts and affordable payments too. It’s a way for the borrower to be assured that if anything unexpected happens he will still be able to obtain further financing.
This collateral alternative is becoming increasingly popular as it provides fair amounts of money and competitive interest rates without much paperwork or long credit verification processes. Thus, whenever you need funds for your business and if your business has payments made by clients with the use of credit cards, you can check with the financial institution that provides the payment processor services whether they provide this kind of loans.
—-
Jess Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.
Posted in Depression, Health-and-Fitness, Mobile-Audio-Video | No Comments »
Friday, December 1st, 2006
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans have few differences. The main one is the interest rate charged for the money borrowed. However, this sole difference causes other loan terms to change and thus, the convenience of a subsidized loan should be contemplated at the light of all the loan terms and not only by comparing the interest rate.
Subsidized Loans Explained
Usually, business loans carry a certain interest rate that can be fixed or variable and that is calculated according to market conditions and taking into account the credit and financial situation of the applicant. Thus, someone with bad credit or poor income tends to get worse loan terms than someone with a good credit score and acceptable income to debt ratio. This includes a higher interest rate.
Subsidized loans carry lower interest rates regardless of the credit score or income of the borrower. This is due to the fact that either the government or a private institution reduces the rate in order to promote certain activity, investigation, protect an underprivileged minority or region, etc.
Thus, it really doesn’t matter what the current credit or financial situation of the borrower is but whether he meets the requirements needed to apply for such loans. These requirements have to do with the particular characteristics of the business activity that the lender wants to promote and thus, not anyone can apply for these loans even if their credit is impeccable.
Unsubsidized Loans
Unsubsidized loans carry higher interest rates and have no private institutions nor the government backing up the financial transaction. These are regular business loans where the credit situation of the applicant and the financial situation are an important issue when it comes to determining whether the borrower will be approved for the loan or not.
However, there are no particular requirements as to the business activity and thus, any business can apply for an unsubsidized loan. Approval and the loan terms will be determined solely on the applicant’s credit score and repayment capacity. But there will be no restrictions or a control regarding the use the borrower gives to the money obtained through these loans.
Moreover, since the rates are higher on these loans due to their unsubsidized nature, the rest of the loan terms compensate for the higher rate and thus, you can get higher loan amounts, and longer repayment programs. This implies that you can get more money but at the same time, lower monthly payments due to the extension on the loan repayment schedule.
So, when considering applying for a business loan, analyze whether you can apply for a subsidized loan or not according to your business activity and then also check the loan terms to see which loan is best for your. Always compare rates and other loan terms. That way, you will be able to get a good deal on your business loan.
—
Sarah Dinkins is an Expert Loan Consultant at Badcreditfinancialexperts.com where she helps people to repair their credit and to get approved for home loans, unsecured personal loans, student loans, car loans and other types of loans and financial products.
In her website you can find more finance articles.
Posted in Health-and-Fitness, Mobile-Audio-Video, Reference-and-Education | No Comments »
Friday, November 10th, 2006
Have you ever heard a Yoga teacher cue without thinking? Did you ever wonder if cueing was actually covered in his or her Yoga teacher training? Let’s take a look at some common mistakes Yoga teachers make when cueing.
Most Yoga students retain information by actually performing a technique. Some studies estimate that 90% of all people learn by “doing.” In comparison, only a small percentage (10 to 20%) of your Yoga students will retain what you demonstrate or what they hear.
Below are some examples of what never to do when cueing your Yoga students.
The Introverted Yoga Instructor
Over the past few decades, I have found introverted Yoga teachers to be some of the kindest, warmest, and gentlest souls on this planet. If you fall into this category, speaking up is the biggest obstacle you have in front of you.
For the sake of your own Yoga students, please set an audio recorder at the far corner of the room you teach in. When you have time, listen to it. If you cannot hear anything, neither can your students.
You can do this as an exercise or find a “coach,” who will empower you to speak up. An honest friend, Master Yoga teacher, or a Professional Speaking Coach, could easily improve your life immensely. This might not seem to be a major problem to the “outspoken” Yoga teachers, but it is very hard for some of us to “speak up.”
The “Hey You” Yoga Instructor
Speaking of outspoken Yoga teachers; have you ever heard a Yoga teacher call out a student’s name to make a correction? It sounds something like this, “Hey Dave, turn your back foot in 45 degrees!” Some students come to Yoga teachers for stress management or self-esteem. Do we know every one of them?
First demonstrate the Asana, then cue, and mildly repeat if “Dave” does not catch on. If he still does not get it, walk over and give him an assist - if it is permitted. You could also give assists to other students, or at least observe your other students, on your way, to or from, Dave. Never intentionally draw attention to the student who has difficulty. We teach Yoga, and we must show compassion for our students, at all times.
The “You can’t do anything right in my Yoga class” Instructor
Remember Ahimsa (non-injury) and always to cue with a constructive purpose. If the purpose of a cue is to bolster your own ego - it is wrong, and it will be felt by all of your students. Yoga teacher ethics teach us to cue and assist without harming.
Yoga students enter a Yoga class to improve their lives and this is what teaching Yoga is all about. The Yoga class is tailored for the Yoga student. The Yoga teacher’s purpose is to gently guide students down the best path without ego.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Posted in Automotive, Economics, Insurance, Mobile-Audio-Video | No Comments »
Thursday, October 26th, 2006
A trip to Williamsburg is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the growth of our nation. As the former home and haunting grounds of America’s forefathers, and home to one of the oldest colleges in the nation, Williamsburg is a town rich in Colonial pride and heritage. It is no surprise that thousands of visitors to Virginia take the time to stop off Interstate 64 to spend a day or two exploring the attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Though the historical aspects of Williamsburg are a big draw, there is more the town than its outward appearance as a living textbook. Here are just five reasons why Williamsburg is a frequent stop in my leisurely travels, and why you should consider a visit as well.
Colonial Williamsburg - Carefully preserved for centuries, the shops and homes of the colonial district’s main thoroughfare give the town that rustic, anachronistic atmosphere. When the road turns to cobblestone you know you have stepped into another era, and a large cast of reenactment players in period dress present daily life as it was lived way back when. Visitors can visit a working blacksmith shop, sample handmade soaps and sundries, and tour the state’s original governor’s mansion. What is particularly charming about Colonial Williamsburg is, although there are souvenirs to be had, the district doesn’t have a tourist trap feel to it. It is an enjoyable place to see.
Busch Gardens Europe - Many visitors are surprised to know that Williamsburg is host to as large a theme park as Busch Gardens. While it doesn’t receive the media attention its sister park in Tampa does, Busch Gardens Europe is equally, if not more appealing. Spine twisting roller coasters wrap around the various sections of the park, each representing a different European nationality. For authentic German fare, the Festhaus offers a daily fest with live entertainment. Be warned, though, that Busch Gardens is a seasonal park, open in the Spring through Halloween, when the gates stay open late into the night for some spooky fun.
The Trellis - If have seen the PBS show “Death By Chocolate,” then you know that The Trellis is where the mayhem originates. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the state, The Trellis offers delicious seasonal menus ranging from exotic salads and gourmet hamburgers to savory meats with seasonal vegetables. If you can save room for dessert, be sure to split the Death by Chocolate with your table - each slice of this decadent cake weighs a full pound!
Waller Mill Park - Nestled outside the colonial area is this nearly three-thousand acre park, filled with hiking and biking trails, a 300-acre lake for fishing and canoing, and vast play and picnic fields, perfect for a large party or family reunion. Waller Mill makes for an excellent getaway when the stress of work and traffic become too much.
Pierce’s Pitt BBQ - There’s no mistake with the spelling. The original sign maker purposely spelled Pitt with two T’s, and the name stuck. But you don’t have to be a champion speller to enjoy some of the best barbecue pork and chicken in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy it with a pint of slaw and beans on the outside picnic tables, but be sure to come early. Pierce’s can get busy around lunchtime, but people are willing to wait a long as thirty minutes for a JC’s Special sandwich and fries.
History, cuisine, and excitement define Williamsburg as a unique and favored destination. For a summer getaway, Williamsburg offers a variety of fun options for anyone looking for a bit of everything in a vacation.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer who has contributed to FlowCushion, the alternating air pressure seat cushion for travel, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, promoting Hampton Roads business development, and for CINIVA Systems, Williamsburg website design.
Posted in Automotive, Mobile-Audio-Video, Relationships | No Comments »
Thursday, June 29th, 2006
The lessons of the new economy hold that when you discover that you are riding a
dead horse, the best strategy is to get off and rapidly find a new mount. However, in
traditional business, it is often difficult to let go of your investment in dead horses,
which leads you to try other strategies to breach life into hopeless investments, such
as:
* Change riders
* Buy a stronger whip
* Harness several dead horses together for increased speed
* Emulate the best practices of companies riding dead horses
* Outsource the ridership of the horse
* Affirm, “This is the way we have always ridden this horse.”
* Change the requirements, declaring, “This horse is not dead.”
* Perform a cost analysis to see if contractors can ride it cheaper.
* Promote the dead horse to a management position.
* Have the solicitors bring suit against the horse manufacturer.
* Put out a news release that, in the unlikely event the horse is dead, it was dead before it came to the company.
Dan Roberts is a well known figure in the European electronic supplies and peripheral products industries. As a consultant to it since 1987 he opened up distribution channels and provided strategic guidance to companies such as Kodak, Verbatim, Memorex, EMC2 ICI Imagedata , Jetfill, ATI, Majestic International and various office products, remanufacturing and computer leasing companies.
Between 1996 and 2005 he suspended his consulting activities to direct Europe’s largest master distributor of compatible inkjet cartridges – The Container Club. Prior to 1987 he was Director of Product Planning for Unisys, and Director of Planning for the international operations of Memorex. In all, he has over 30 years experience in aftermarket distribution.
Daniel Roberts Incartek
Tel +44(0) 845 408 9427
e-mail info@incartek.com
http://www.incartek.com
w.opusalbums.com
Posted in Dogs, Health-and-Fitness, Mobile-Audio-Video, Pets | No Comments »
|