Carmine

Digital TV replaces analog TV in the next few years

By 2012 most countries in the world will have made the full transition to digital TV services and switched off their analog TV broadcasts. Different countries on different timescales will phase in the switch off but for most of us the deadline is rapidly approaching and could get to you sooner than you think. So what does it mean to you?

The Digital TV transition can't be ignored

Color TV revolutionised TV when it was introduced to the world in the 1960s but it had little immediate impact on our lives when it happened. The analog color TV standards were designed to be compatible with existing monochrome signals so nobody had to change their TV equipment unless they wanted to take advantage of the new color TV broadcasts.

This time things are different. If you are happy today with your analog TV equipment and you want to continue watching TV broadcasts then you will have to buy new gear. Digital TV is not compatible with analog TV and no attempt has been made to make it so.

You will need some way of receiving digital TV broadcasts

Your options will be digital satellite TV, digital cable TV or digital terrestrial TV. The most popular choice is likely to be terrestrial reception, which is the way most of us have watched TV for decades. Either way you will need new equipment to receive the digital signals. You might need to upgrade and reposition your terrestrial TV aerial and many people could find that they just can't get a good enough signal from their terrestrial aerial for digital TV to work.

Terrestrial coverage is not 100% by any means and cable is rarely available except in densely populated areas, which means that satellite TV could be your only option.

No more watching one program while recording another

With analog TV there is a tuner in all your TV sets and in your VCR, which enables you to watch more than one channel at a time and even record one channel and watch another. To do the same thing with digital TV you will need apparatus with more than one digital tuner which means you will likely need to change your VCR for a digital type as well.

There are some excellent subscription services like Sky+ in the UK that provide you with a set-top box equipped with 2 tuners and a hard drive to allow you to record one channel while watching another or even to record 2 channels while watching another recording.

The bottom line is that watching more than one channel at a time will now only come at a cost. You will at least need to buy new equipment and you might have to pay for a subscription also.

The benefits of digital TV

Digital TV will mean better quality pictures and more channels to watch because it requires less bandwidth than the old analog service. When the analog signals are switched off and digital services claim the bandwidth that it releases you will see even more services being offered.

It's all at a price but that's progress I guess.

If you have a computer then why not Watch Satellite TV on your PC at http://www.sattelite-television.thegrandfatherclock.com

Sleep apnea is a disorder that commonly affects more than a million people in the world. Obstructive sleep apnea is much more frequent than central sleep apnea, but it is also a common state in many areas of the world. Since the tonality of muscle of the body usually slackens during the sleep, and since, on the level of the throat, the human air route is composed of soft fabric walls, which can break down, it is easy to understand why breathing can be blocked during sleep - in particular in the obese.

Although many individuals test episodes of obstructive sleep apnea of sleep at a certain point in life, a much smaller percentage of the people are afflicted with the obstructive sleep apnea that engraves chronic sleep.

Whenever the flow of air is to a degree where the levels of the oxygen of blood fall then it starts a sudden interruption of sleep, called a neurological awakening. These arousals can have a significantly negative effect on the strengthening quality of sleep. Provisional orthography of obstructive sleep apnea of sleep can also occur in the individuals who are under the influence of a drug which can slacken their tonality of the body excessively and interfere in the normal awakening from sleep.

Causes of obstructive sleep apnea
The primary risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea is excessive weight gain. Age is another important risk factor. Loss of muscle is a common consequence of the aging process. If a muscle decreases it may be replaced with fat, leaving the airway narrow and soft. Men have a greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Male hormones can cause structural changes in the upper airway. Other factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea are:
1.Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea in children 2.Family history of obstructive sleep apnea.
3.Use of alcohol and sleeping drugs, which relax the musculature in the surrounding upper airway
4.Smoking
5.Nasal congestion

Effects

This interruption of sleep can create obstructions in the normal growth, particularly in children and of young adults. . This can be the result of a higher respiratory infection, which causes the nasal congestion, with the swelling of the throat, which produces temporarily enlarged tonsils.

Do you suffer from obstructed sleep apnea? Visit Obstructed Sleep Apnea for advice and resources on sleep apnea. Thomas D. Houser

Do it yourself. A generational catch phrase born from the crop of reality-based television programming that has captured an audience with extravagant remodels accomplished over a weekend and elaborate decorating on a budget. Do it yourself or DIY - always existed as concept budget-conscious homeowners pulling up their sleeves to tackle a project armed with tools and the ability to think on their feet. But the phrase do it yourself has produced a whole new harvest of weekend warriors filled with newfound confidence and eager to experience the self-satisfaction of a job well done.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that dont fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local home improvement store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesnt mean you cant call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but youll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

So Many Options

Its true. If youre in the market for a South Beach Condos, there are a variety of choices. A few years ago, condo purchases were generally limited to first-time buyers and single professionals. But now, as the baby boomer generation is nearing, or at, retirement age, theyre causing a shift in condominium perspective and development.

The baby boomers have driven housing markets for years. And this year is no exception. An unprecedented demand from the Baby Boom generation has sparked a condo craze in Miamis South Beach area. As the demand for condos has increased, Developers discovered more and more creative ways to meet the demand. Branching out from the standard apartment-style condos, Developers are now offering hotel and/or resort-style living as well.

If youre thinking about purchasing a South Beach Condo take a look at your options.

Option #1 Standard South Beach Condo

Granted, theyre upscale condominiums with many of the same amenities of a resort or hotel. These are properties that were designed to be condos. Prices, of course, vary with location.

The Continuum

This gated community boasts 12 acres of beautiful property that includes fountains, pools, and gardens. The Continuum is 40 stories of condos with 10 ft ceilings and wrap-around balconies. Combine that with valet and concierge services, waiters and fitness trainers, exquisite views and a thousand feet of beach, and youve got resort-style living everyday!

There are 15 different floor plans to choose from, ranging in size from 1,200 sq. ft. to 4000 sq. ft. As a resident of the Continuum, you will enjoy door to ceiling sliding glass doors (that meet South Florida building code hurricane standards) that open up to your private balcony, imported marble, Kohler fixtures, whirlpools and more.

Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, the Continuum also has tennis courts, a private spa, pavilions, and four floors of fitness and treatment rooms.

Located at the Southern-most tip of South Beach, the Continuum puts you in the heart of the best that Miami and South Beach have to offer. Prices range from $1,000,000 to $15 million.

Icon

Located in the increasingly popular SoFi area, Icons 270 units offer the best of both worlds. World #1 is first class shopping and dining at places like Versace, Armani, Williams-Sonoma, China Grill, Nemos, and Smith & Wollensky. World #2 is the simple life. Sunsets on the Bay, moonlight walks on the beach, sunrises over the ocean, and calming tropical breezes.

Icon pampers its residents with amenities such as a Heath and Fitness Spa complete with sauna and steam room, a heated bay front lap pool, 24-hour complimentary valet parking, concierge services, housekeeping service, laundry and dry cleaning valet, and a resident caf overlooking the bay. But the luxury doesnt stop there! Each of Icons 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos features a choice of either ocean or bay views, granite or marble kitchen countertops, imported European custom cabinets, 9 high ceilings, walk-in closets, high speed internet service, and more.

The Setai

Over-sized balconies and unique floor plans make Setai condos worth seeing. The 40-story condominium tower features 175 residences, and unforgettable views of the ocean, South Beach, and the Miami skyline. The Setai offers you the choice of one, two, and three bedroom units that range in size from 850 to 2,800 square feet. Six thousand square foot penthouses are also available and include private decks with lap pools. Condos are prices from approximately $2,000,000 to $25 million.

Located on the north end of South Beach, The Setai offers luxury, resort-style living, and stunning views. Just minutes away from the nightlife and fine dining of South Beach.

Option #2 South Beach Condo Conversions

With the rising popularity of condominium living, some Developers have opted for condo conversions rather than build a brand new property. Real Capital Analysts, Inc, a New York-based research firm, estimated that sales of condo conversions more than doubled last year, going from $11 billion in 2004 to approximately $28 billion in 2005.

Though these made not be as luxurious as built from the ground up condominiums, they are often given luxury upgrades such as stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and top of the line carpet, window treatments, and fixtures.

Condo Conversions are excellent for first-time buyers and single professionals.

The Flamingo South Beach is a prime example of why condo conversions are so successful and popular.

With 1,689 units in three towers, The Flamingo South Beach is set to become one of the largest condo conversions in Florida. Prices will range from the $200,000s to the $700,000s for these studio, one, two, and three bedroom units. Square footage ranges from 504 to over 2000 square feet.

Conveniently located just minutes from the McArthur and Venetian Causeways, The Flamingo South Beach views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay are spectacular.

Reservations for these units are expected to begin this month, with actual sales beginning in April.

Option #3 South Beach Condo Hotels

Last but not least, there is the most recent trend in condo living the condo hotel.

Often managed by a well-known, well-respected hotel chain such as Hilton or Ritz-Carlton, condo hotels are popular among those who are looking for either a second home or a vacation home. When you purchase a condo hotel, you have the option of participating in a rental program overseen by the in-house management company. If your unit is rented, the management company shares the income earned on your condo unit with you. In addition, the management company cleans and maintains your unit while youre gone, alleviating the stress of finding someone reliable or having to return and do it yourself.

Unlike a time-share, where youre buying a specific block of time, purchasing a unit in a condo hotel means that you can rent it out, stay in it, or sell at your own discretion.

W Condo Hotel South Beach

A name thats synonymous with chic, hip, and elegant. Spacious rooms with modern design and dcor put the W Condo Hotel in a class by itself.

When completed, the W South Beach will be 19 stories of 511 units designed and decorated by Yabu Pushelberg and Costas Kondylis of Kondylis & Partners. These units will look and feel like home. Studio, one, and two bedroom units, will range in size from 600 1200 sq. ft., and in price from $800,000 to $5 million.

Some amenities include: private beach access, two outdoor pools, wired and wireless business center, multi-lingual staff, foreign currency exchange, two gourmet restaurants, 24/7 room service, wellness spa.

The Tides

Purchased in 2004 by the Falor Companies, this elegant, art deco-style hotel is being converted to a condo hotel. Its 10 stories and 45 units will undergo minor construction and updates, and are expected to be completed in the Spring. Suites will range in size from 539 to 667 sq. ft, and all of them will have ocean views. Prices will range from the $900,000s to just over $1.1 million.

Billed as a boutique hotel, The Tides will offer the same luxury living as larger condo hotels, but in a more individualized and personal setting.

The Setai South Beach

Part of the Setai Resort, the condo hotel offers eight stories of up to 1000 sq. ft. rooms, and access to all of the resorts amenities.

The dcor and attention to detail at the Setai are unparalleled. Three restaurants, 24/7 room service, state-of-the-art fitness center, pools, private yacht charters, a spa and more are available to all guests and residents. Combine the first-class amenities with spectacular views of the beach and the Miami skyline, modern art deco dcor, and a first-class staff and youve got a home away from home.

Prices for these units will range from $800,000 to $3 million.

With over 14 years experience between the two, Paul and Carole have the knowledge and experience to help with all of your Miami real estate needs. Carole is a native of Miami Beach and Paul has made Miami home for the last 15 years. They have both seen and experienced the dramatic changes that have taken place in the Miami real estate market over the last several years. This knowledge of the real estate market makes them the perfect choice whether you are looking for a primary residence, second home, investment property or pre construction opportunities. With millions of dollars of closed transactions, they have the experience to avoid the pitfalls of buying and selling real estate. Visit http://www.hansenhomesaventura.com for more information on South Beach real estate.

One of the greatest advantages of laminate flooring is the sheer selection of different patterns you can have on it. While real wood flooring comes in one look that is, wood laminate can have almost anything on it. It is, after all, just a picture printed on a piece of fibreboard, and its not difficult to get photos of different materials, even very exotic ones.

Wood effect floors are obviously the most popular, but they dont necessarily have to be natural-looking wood. Many people go for wood-effect floors in odd colours, such as blue or black, or ones that fit together to make a big picture that would never occur in nature.

After wood patterns, the second most popular thing to have on laminate is stone. Stone-pattern laminate can be surprisingly convincing if it is well printed and put together, and gives your home a great old castle look and feel. You dont get the uneven surface of stone, but then again many people see that as an advantage over real stone and the floor doesnt get really cold in the winter, either!

Ceramic is another popular option, especially when it has been fitted with a damp-proof membrane for use in bathrooms and kitchens. It recreates the look of a tile floor, but without the dangers of slipping when it gets wet, or the tendency of tiles to collect dirt and other nasty things in the cracks between them.

But there are plenty of designs that are more unusual than this far too many to list here, in fact. The best thing to do is to go down to your local laminate flooring showroom, where they will have a whole range of products, from the realistic to the simply ridiculous. Once you realise that youre no longer limited about what your floor could look like, it can be very liberating from a design point of view.

John Gibb is the owner of Laminate-Flooring resources For more information on laminate flooring check out http//http://www.Laminate-Flooring-resource2k.info

Food allergies are due to IgE antibodies made for specific foods that an individual has for some reason developed because their body has misinterpreted the food(s) as a foreign invading protein. The presence of IgE antibody to the specific food a person is allergic to results in an immediate immune reaction of the body to the food when it is eaten. The IgE antibody binds its specific food protein and initiates reactions in the body that include the release of chemicals such as histamine that may result in symptoms of itching, swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, rash or hives, and if severe, shock resulting in death if not reversed. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are less common.

Testing for the presence of allergy to a food or foods can be done by blood test or skin testing or both. One of the most common blood tests is the RAST test that looks for the presence of the specific IgE antibodies to common food allergens and other foods based on a history suggesting that a particular food is suspect. Skin testing is done by injecting or applying extracts of the common and any suspect food(s) to pricked or scratched skin and looking for diagnostic hive like reactions at the site of the suspect food. The most common food allergens are peanut, cows milk, wheat, corn, soy, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, chocolate, pork, tomato, and citrus.

The terms food intolerance and sensitivity are commonly used interchangeably. They refer to a group of food reactions that occur that are not IgE antibody caused. In more general terms they refer to any adverse or unpleasant reaction that occurs after a food is eaten.

Food reactions that are not allergic in cause may have a variety of causes. A particular food may not be tolerated because it is not digested adequately due to an enzyme deficiency. Lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar or lactose, is present on the surface of the intestine lining cells. Lactase deficiency can be inherited or acquired. It commonly occurs whenever the intestine lining is damaged. Because the lactase enzymes are on the outer most surface of the intestine they are more vulnerable to injury. For example, after intestinal flu or in untreated Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is common. Other sugar enzymes can be deficient or the intestine can be simply overwhelmed by too large a sugar load at one time. A classic example is the Big Gulp syndrome when someone drinks a giant cola beverage then experiences the gut ache from the tremendous amount of fructose. Large amounts cannot be handled by the intestine and that results in bloating, urgency and terrible diarrhea.

Deficiency of digestive enzymes released into the intestine can result in poor digestion of foods. For example, when the pancreas gland is damaged (pancreatitis) chronically, usually from chronic alcohol abuse, or is congenitally underdeveloped or malfunctioning (e.g. cystic fibrosis). The pancreatic enzyme deficiency that occurs results in malabsorption, especially for fats, that cause symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Abnormal bacteria types and levels in the gut, also known as dysbiosis, and abnormal excess levels of bad bacteria or presence of bacteria in upper small intestine where little or no bacteria normally occur (bacterial overgrowth) can interfere with digestion, absorption or cause fermentation of food resulting in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Some foods and food additives have a direct toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as MSG and sulfites can cause symptoms, including flushing and diarrhea or the Chinese restaurant or salad bar syndromes.

All foods contain proteins known as lectins. Some of these proteins are highly resistant to digestion and are toxic to the human intestine especially if they are not pre-treated by soaking, cooking well, or removing toxic portions. For example, inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. There are several foods that have lectins that are poorly tolerated by many humans and are lethal to insects and pests. One researcher, Loren Cordain PhD., author of the Paleo Diet, has published extensive research on how the human intestine is not evolved to tolerate many of the foods we now eat but did not eat in the ancient hunter-gatherer times resulting in many of the illness seen in modern societies and the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Several of the modern foods that were not part of the ancient diet but constitute much our diet now have well recognized toxic or poorly tolerated proteins known as lectins. Examples include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), casein (cows milk protein), peanut agglutinin (PNA), soyabean agglutinin (SBA) and tomato lectin (TL) that have been shown in animal studies to be toxic to the human gut. There are a few published studies and little active research on the role of dietary lectins in health and disease.

When the reaction is an immune toxicity reaction to a food protein intestinal damage commonly results, frequently referred to as leaky gut because of the symptoms of malabsorption or the entry of toxic food proteins and/or bacterial products into the blood stream resulting in a variety of adverse health effects. This reaction may result in autoimmunity, the body attacking itself within the gut or distant organs or tissues. The reaction may be aided by abnormal bacteria types and/or levels in the gut (dysbiosis). The symptoms commonly develop over time and flare in just hours to up to three days after eating the offending food and continue as the food is eaten.

Because the protein in the food is usually the cause and such proteins may be hidden in other foods, especially processed foods, and the toxicity is more of a delayed and cumulative immune reaction, it is very difficult for the person suffering from this to identify the specific food as the cause. For example gluten (the protein in wheat) and casein (the protein in cows milk) are in many foods and toxic to many individuals. Over time people sensitive to such food proteins typically become more ill and may develop enough intestinal injury that blood tests for other types of antibodies, IgG and/or IgA, to the food or specific food proteins, may be detectable in the blood, stool or saliva.

Delayed immune response to proteins in the food (wheat, cows milk) resulting in bowel injury, gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms and increased autoimmune conditions is most well recognized in Celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from ingestion of gluten in wheat or products made from wheat flour (or gluten like proteins in barley and rye). It used to be considered a disease of children and rare, especially in the United States. However, blood test screening studies have documented that it is present in approximately 1 in 133 to 1 in100 people worldwide though most of those affected are undiagnosed and untreated. It is diagnosed by positive screening blood tests and confirmed by a characteristic abnormal small intestine on biopsy followed by relief of symptoms and return of the intestine to normal after a gluten-free diet. Untreated it is associated with higher rates of cancer especially lymphoma, osteoporosis, anemia, and other complications of malabsorption resulting in shortened life expectancy. It is treated with a life-long gluten free-diet. Lesser degrees of gluten intolerance or sensitivity may not be severe enough to cause abnormal or diagnostic blood tests and intestinal biopsies but result in symptoms that improve or resolve with a gluten-free diet and may be detected by elevated stool or saliva antibody tests.

Though injury to the intestine tissue may be seen visually as abnormal appearing tissue during endoscopic procedures such findings are non-specific for the cause. The tissue frequently appears normal and therefore many times is not sampled by biopsy, though under the microscope injury may be seen, though not specific for cause or food. If the physician is either not suspecting food intolerance or doesnt routinely biopsy normal appearing intestinal tissue looking for signs of food intolerance, the injury may not be discovered.

The immune based food intolerances are commonly associated with many symptoms that can be both gastrointestinal and outside the gut and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, weight loss or gain, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, mental fogginess, and nerve pain (neuropathy). These symptoms may be misdiagnosed or mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, ulcer, and fibromyalgia, etc. without another thought by patient or physician that food intolerance may be the cause and specific food elimination may be the cure. The common food allergens also are the most common causes of food intolerance reactions.

Generally, most physician are aware of common food allergy symptoms and how and when to test. However, several studies have confirmed most peoples experience that the majority of primary care physicians are unaware of the common symptoms of Celiac disease, that blood tests exist for screening antibodies and the high risk genes, and that it is common and may be diagnosed in adults. This is why the diagnosis is delayed on average over 11 years in most adults, after many of them have irreversible complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, or another autoimmune disease. The awareness and acceptance of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and other food protein intolerances in the medical community is even worse.

Therefore, food intolerance or sensitivity is commonly missed and untreated. Many patients are forced to self-diagnose by discovery of the link of their symptoms to specific foods serendipitously, often as a result of an elimination diet, recommendation of an alternative practitioner or friend/relative, or search for help on the internet or multiple physicians for help. Hopefully, by reading this article you now better understand food allergies and intolerances, why they are often missed and that they are a common cause of many symptoms, not just intestinal, that usually improve if not resolve once the offending food or foods are eliminated from your diet.

Dr. Scot Lewey is a physician who is specialty trained and board certified in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system) who practices his specialty in Colorado. He is the physician advisor to the local Celiac Sprue support group and is a published author and researcher who is developing a web based educational program for people suffering from food intolerances, http://www.thefooddoc.com

Successful Network Marketing can be further increased and become extremely effective, especially when it is based on a referral-marketing program with a lifetime residual income!

Network Marketing is based on the premise of helping other people get what they want & in return, they can help you get what you want. Sort of "One Hand Washes the other" concept.

The biggest problem with Network Marketing is it is usually one sided. Most people are ALL about getting what they want but forget about who helped them get there! Naturally, when people hear words like MLM (multi-Level Marketing) or Network Marketing, there first reaction is to think scam and run!

How to Overcome YOUR Fear of Networking:

1) Make up your mind to do the right thing. Don't stick it to the people who are willing to help you! Then find a product or service you believe in. Some people can sell anything, most of us cannot! If you believe in your product, you will be showing and sharing it with people instead of telling and selling it. Did you ever wonder why some salespeople are so successful? They show and share and in the process you're told and sold! The confidence in showing and sharing part is the key in Successful sales.

2) Start with your friends and family. Once you get comfortable with your product and what it does and what it does not, you will feel more at ease speaking with a casual acquaintance and eventually total strangers.

How to overcome THEIR Fear of Network Marketing:

3) Make up your mind to do the right thing. Don't stick it to the people who are willing to help you! Most people are just like you. They can smell a set-up coming a mile away, They don't like to be bothered by a salesperson while they are browsing around in the store, they don't like telemarketers calling during dinner and they don't like to look like a fool or have their trust betrayed! Does that sound like you? Yea, me too! So, ask yourself this question, "What would I buy, who would I buy it from and how would I like to hear about it?"

4) Success in business as well as life is about relationships. You don't make a best friend over night & you don't get your Networking Group to give you all their contacts on your first visit. Your approach to networking is built on the same concepts. People, who know you, like you & trust you, will do business with you! So, relax, become a friend first and a becoming a business associate will naturally follow.

The Numbers Games:

5) When it comes to successful sales it all boils down to numbers. Selling any product or service is about statistics. The more you play the better your chances. Real (not cooked) numbers never lie and are always accurate. They are so accurate that the Insurance companies have made Trillions investing on the most probable outcomes and charging us accordingly! If you approach your home-based business the same way,you should be able to predict the outcome.

What screws up the whole mix is US! We will deal with that later. Achieving a successful Home Based Business works the same way; it's about the odds! You can't score, if you don't shoot!

Playing The Odds:

6) If every day you mail out only 3 postcards or fliers, that's 15 per week (Monday-Friday), 60 per month and 720 per year. Excluding the cost of the postcards or fliers, the mail will cost you roughly 30 cents each. That's $4.50 per week & $18.00 per month (certainly what one would call affordable). Statistics show you will get a 2% return on direct mail pieces. That's 14 per year. We're not breaking down any doors here but we didn't work very hard either! Imagine, if the 14 customers you got, turned and did the same thing, all of a sudden you are looking at some serious Residual Income!

Plan your work and Work your plan:

7) What screws up the statistics...we do! Maybe we'll go to work today and maybe we won't. Maybe we'll send out a few mailings this week, maybe we won't. Maybe we'll call 2 people today instead of 5. What if the reverse happened? What if you mailed out 20 instead of 2? Called 30 instead of 3? These are the keys to marketing success!

1st Key: Make yourself a "To Do List". Include your monthly & yearly goals

2nd Key: Read it and Do It EVERYDAY!

3rd Key: Update Your list EVERYDAY. Update Your Goals. If you called 5 and 25 are your weekly goal, you have 20 left, that's only 4 per day.

The Odds revisited:

8) Do you know that if you did the same 15 mailings per week for 5 years the potential Lifetime Residual Income would blow your mind! Just for starters, the same 2% return would give you 72 Direct Customers. If you worked the Network Marketing program like a real job and sent out 25 fliers per day. That would be 6000 mailings per year with a statistical return of 120 (2%) direct customers. Throw in a little Referral Marketing and Residual Income and you're on your way!

Robert Vilardi former VP for Specialty Rest. In charge of 27 operations, has sold and taught marketing with annual sales in excess of $125 million. Owner of multiple companies, Mr. Vilardi also holds a Florida Realtors License, teaches Ethics for the Pasco Board of Realtors and is the Vice Chairman of their education committee. A follower & true believer in the power of Referral & Network Marketing, his companies, Freedom Voicemail (http://www.freedomvoicemail.com), International Greeting Cards (http://www.sendoutcards.com/11348), & ABM-American Bill Money (http://www.getabm.com) continue to grow residual income by using Referral & Network Marketing.

The other day I was writing a sales brochure for a West Coast manufacturer. As I got to what Ill call the proof section of the brochure, I was rummaging around for testimonials. The company already had a full-blown Web site and a solid PowerPoint presentation. So I was hopeful that Id find some ready made testimonials or at least some material I could use to create some.

As it turned out, they had one case study with a couple of customer quotes. I pieced together the material to create one measly testimonial. It was less than adequate.

Well, maybe its no big deal. After all, I wrote strong copy. Why even bother with testimonials? Ill give you four good reasons.

1. Credibility

Testimonials give your company, product, or service credibility. Everyone is bombarded with advertising messages every day. Its a brutal marketplace. If you want to sell something to somebody, you stand a much better chance if you can convince them that youre credible. Testimonials are like references on a resume. Theyre the people who vouch for you.

2. Identification

Your prospects identify with your customers who are providing the testimonials. They have similar concerns, problems, hopes and desires. They commiserate. This is good. You want this in your marketing. (Sorry, but your prospects dont identify with you. Not really. Youre trying to sell them something!)

3. Proof

Proof, alone, is reason enough to gather and use testimonials. This is where your customers say, in effect, Theyre right, Mr. or Ms. Prospect. They can save you 50% ... or make you feel 18 again ... or make you enough money to retire at 50. They did it for me and Im thrilled! Testimonials notarize your marketing speak.

4. Closure

Testimonials help close the sale. Sure, they can be used throughout a marketing piece. But they definitely come in handy toward the end. Youve introduced the problem or need, your product or service, the features and benefits, and more. Then you line up your testimonials, all the customers whose heads are nodding and saying, Yep, it worked for me. Soon after, you ask for the order.

For many reasons, testimonials give your prospects the confidence they need to buy from you for the first time. And once your prospects turn into new customers, the door to repeat sales swings wide open.

(c) 2005 Neil Sagebiel

Neil Sagebiel is a former senior copywriter for a Seattle B2B ad agency and publisher of a monthly ezine, Headlines from Floyd.

A do it yourself bathroom improvement venture can give a new look to this best-loved private spot in any home. A bit of forethought and research, value add-ons purchased wisely to fit in well with the scheme of things can help personalize this washing zone into a room of comfort, maximum utility and beauty.

Do it yourself bathroom: fixing common problem

A frequent problem in many bathrooms is the formation of a white crust layer on shower doors. This can be dealt with effectively with the use of a kitchen cleaner and CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover). It simply needs to be sprayed on the shower doors and wiped off; offering immediate release from the crusty hanger-on in the bathroom.

Another common complaint of homeowners is the issue of the showerhead losing its water dispensing ability over time, getting clogged with scale deposits. A handy household tip for dealing with clogged showerheads is to use a mixture of CLR bathroom cleaners with warm water in equal amounts for immersing the showerhead. Let soak for a few minutes and then wash it well - the showerhead will be as good as new.

Replacing or adding things in the bathroom can bring about a change of look and add a touch of glamour to an otherwise commonplace or utilitarian concept that the washroom usually is. In fact, the market today is burgeoning with a variety of products, styles and colors in different materials that make for a complete bathroom ensemble, replete with new soap dish, matching toothbrush caddy, hooks to hold garments, loofahs and towels and cosmetic bowls etc. These are available in a variety of materials ranging from stainless steel to nickel or chrome plated items to porcelain, colored crystal, marble or gemstone encased bathroom knick-knacks to cheer and charm homeowners. These provide a distinct appeal to the theme of the bathroom.

After the trouble one goes through in finding, sorting and applying designer thought to the bathroom, one can hardly overlook the fact that these items of dcor also need to be maintained in order to look attractive through the years. Therefore, a daily cleaning regime is necessary to sanitize the bathroom and keep it looking and smelling fresh always. Remember to thoroughly scour faucets and tiled areas and if they still appear dingy, try re-grouting. Fresh grout often makes tile appear new, and it is far less difficult and expensive to add new grout than it is to install new tile.

Bathrooms and beauty makeover: A DIY dash of color!

Paint is a good way to freshen up your bathroom and a suitable bright semi-gloss will make it look larger while providing easy clean up. However, smart homeowners need to keep in mind, of course, that the primers they use for this purpose are those specifically made for kitchens and baths since they are endowed with benefits of being mold and mildew resistant.

Color need not be restricted to a paint job but can be extended to bath linen and furniture in a similar tone or design to add brightness and vibrancy to the washroom. A departure from the classic norms of dcor can also yield great results and contrasts of color and fabric, for example combining blue with green or silk with crepe and lace can instantly perk up the look of a bathroom. Unique shower curtains, liners and mats can be used to bring freshness and fun-feel as can the use of artwork/caricatures or framed mirrors that are strategically placed to highlight the new look. A wicker chair, a magazine caddy, a funky light bulb cover constitute small additions that can make a personalized style statement about the homeowner while giving the bathroom a wow-factor. These pocket friendly options help to revitalize this intimate zone and regular maintenance and careful cleaning ensures that hygiene and beauty stay on top of the list.

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Coaxial, DSL, fiber optics, kbps, Mbps... There are tons of terms and numbers thrown at you when you start shopping for broadband internet service. The question generally comes down to whether you want your internet from your cable company or your phone company. Comcast and Verizon are the two giant broadband internet service providers in the country, and they both want your business- badly. So with all these terms and numbers, should you really just flip a coin to decide? Lets take a look at the major factors to consider when choosing your broadband ISP.

Since we're talking about high speed internet service, we should probably start with, you guessed it, speed! Verizon's main internet service is DSL. DSL uses your home's existing telephone lines to deliver internet service at speeds significantly higher than dial up. Because the signal is coming over traditional copper lines, there is a limit to the speed you can achieve. For many people, DSL speeds are fine. As the internet becomes more multimedia driven, however, many may find that DSL doesn't cut it. A big step up from there is Comcast's high speed cable internet. This service comes in through the same coaxial cable you use for cable tv. This line has much higher information capacity than copper phone wire, so your speeds are at least twice as fast as DSL, often several times faster. Faster still is the new FiOS service from Verizon. FiOS is short for fiber optic service, and uses special fiber optic lines available in certain areas. Fiber optics allow for higher speeds than traditional cable internet, however Comcast's PowerBoost feature allows for bursts of speed comparable to FiOS when downloading large files.

Our next consideration is price. Both Comcast and Verizon offer multiple tiers of service at incrementally higher prices. Prices vary slightly from city to city, but for the most part it seems that the two companies are keeping their pricing as competitive as they can. You'll find a couple bucks difference between cable and FiOS depending on where you live. Both have combined service deals that offer internet, tv and phone service (yes, Verizon FiOS delivers TV service in some ares) all on one bill for about $100 per month.

Our last topic is currently a major deciding factor for most- availability. Comcast provides service in tons of cities across the country. If you have Comcast cable tv service, you're already wired for Comcast high speed internet. FiOS, on the other hand is only available in a handful of areas at the moment. Verizon is gradually installing the fiber optic lines needed for the service one neighborhood at a time, and have currently only served a small portion of their national footprint. In short, there aren't many people that can actually get FiOS just yet. Verizon is expanding service all the time, but they have a long way to go.

So there you have it. Verizon has slightly higher speeds at prices comparable to Comcast, but Comcast is available in more locations. If you're upgrading from DSL, FiOS is probably a good choice if it's available in your area. If you're already a Comcast customer, I doubt you'd notice much difference after going through the hassle of switching, the difference in speed just isn't that significant.

Chris Wight is a search engine marketing professional who spends way too much time online. You can learn more about Comcast at http://www.ComcastPackage.com and FiOS at http://www.HighSpeedReview.com

Over those past years that I have been maintaining floors for commercial and residential properties, I still encounter some difficulties towards the relationship between our clients and our company in terms of their expectations. Good communication and an excellent explanation of services would greatly benefit both consumer and cleaners. I have gathered these tips and information for this purpose.

These are some steps that consumers have to know before hiring a professional cleaner.

Always remember to exercise your proper and due diligence before hiring a cleaner. Finding and maintaining a quality cleaning service provider begins with a good relationship, good communication, and a commitment to making the process work!

"PLEASE READ" - This Responsibility does not fall solely upon the cleaning provider. You share part of the responsibility too.

* Always ask if they are licensed and insured.
* Ask some detailed description of the service they will provide for you.
* Ask if you will be charged for any miscellaneous services,and will you be notified before they implement them?In this case there will be an understanding.Since there are a lot of "Bait and Switch Advertising".
*Get an approximate estimate for your project.
*What safety concerns do you have?
*What are your cleaning expectations?
*What details are most important to you?
*Are you concerned about the chemicals?
*Do you have any specific time of the day for job implementation?
*Ask about any special services,prices or cleaning specials.
*Have you received price quotes from a variety of cleaning companies?
*How many service providers will be coming to the home?
*How long will it take them to complete the service?
*Let them tell you as much as possible about themselves and their services.This way you can determine if they match your criteria.
*Trust is very important.
*The service providers will be in your home and at times unsupervised.At the beginning of the conversation and introduction you can gain a sense of the person or the company you are dealing with.

These tips will help the general consumer proper guidance about hiring and this article was created for the purpose of minimizing miscommunications or misunderstandings between the consumer and service provider.

By: RJ Cleaning and Restoration
http://www.rjcleanrestore.com

One of the most overlooked areas on any home is the rain gutter system. We tend to neglect until something major comes along and forces us to deal with. Perhaps you're at that point where it's time to put up new gutters on your home. Here are some quick tips in how to choose a rain gutter system.

Rain Gutter Materials

You have a wide variety of choices when it comes to materials that guttering is made from. The most popular choice would be aluminum. Aluminum gutters hold up well to extreme weather conditions and keep their color for years.

Vinyl is an inexpensive option and is fairly easy for any weekend handyman to install.

Other types of rain gutters include copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel and even wood. Depending on your budget any of these options would make a great choice.

Rain Gutter Types

You have a choice between a seamless gutter system and the traditional sectional system. Keep in mind that a seamless gutter will need to be installed by professional guttering companies who have the equipment for this type of gutter.

The sectional guttering is easier to install and can be accomplished by any handyman.

What is the difference? The seamless rain gutter will last longer and doesn't leak like its sectional counterpart. It is also much easier to maintain.

Options

You have a wide choice of guttering add-ons that can help extend the life of your new gutters, as well as reduce routine maintenance. Gutter covers and screens can work to keep debris from clogging your gutters and downspouts. Gutter guards work in the same manner. This keeps you off the ladder every spring and fall from having to clean them out.

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By the way, you can learn more about How To Choose A Rain Gutter System as well as much more information on all types of gutters and downspouts at http://www.GuttersA-Z.com