What makes any Kama Sutra position Tantric? Consciousness. In that respect, the ordinary can be transformed into the extraordinary.
A wonderful place to begin is with the position known as Yab-Yum. According to Nik Douglas, author of Sexual Secrets (Inner Traditions, 1999), the Sanskrit word "Yab" means father, while "Yum" means mother. This corresponds to the Taoist "Yang" for male and "Yin" for female, as in Yin/Yang. Neither one of the partners should be on top of the other, either physically or metaphorically, for the primordial balance of the universe to be achieved.
In its classical form, the Yab-Yum involves the man sitting cross-legged on a firm surface with the woman seated facing him. Her legs are wrapped around him, with her feet meeting at his back.
They hold each other, not only for support, but also to call attention to the base of the spine and the heart center. Each partner's right hand is at the middle of the other's back, with their left hand at the base of the other's spine.
This brings the two very close together. The breath is shared, the eyes are open, soft and present, and the energy is upright versus horizontal. Gentle to active rocking and thrusting can take place, and the woman's G spot will experience a lot of friction.
A great variation on this position places the man sitting on the edge of the bed or on a hassock with his feet on the floor. This variation works well for those who are less supple or have bad lower backs, and for couples where the woman is larger than the man. It's easy on the back and legs and still has the potential of the classic posture.
Another variation involves the woman leaning backward either slightly or all the way to the bed's surface. The man should lightly pull her hips toward his to keep contact. Both partners can also try leaning backward simultaneously.
In any of these positions, try placing a firm pillow under the woman's buttocks to achieve the right angle and comfort level. In classical Kama Sutra pictures, you'll often see a beautiful crescent moon-shaped pillow under the woman's hips.
23.7.08
Human Speech Traced to Talking Fish
Researchers say real fish can communicate with sound, too. And they say (the researchers, that is) that your speech skills and, in fact, all sound production in vertebrates can be traced back to this ability in fish. (You got your ears from fish, too.)The new study was led by Andrew Bass (we did not make this up) of Cornell University.
The scientists mapped developing brain cells in newly hatched midshipman fish larvae and compared them to those of other species. They found that the chirp of a bird, the bark of a dog and all the other sounds that come out of animals' mouths are the products of the neural circuitry likely laid down hundreds of millions of years ago with the hums and grunts of fish.
"Fish have all the same parts of the brain that you do," Bass explained.
His team traced the development of the connection from the midshipman fish's vocal muscles to a cluster of neurons located in a compartment between the back of its brain and the front of its spinal cord. The same part of the brain in more complex vertebrates, such as humans, has a similar function, indicating that it was highly selected for during the course of evolution.
Strategies for Surviving Tough Times (Part 2)
The following strategies provide a road map for surviving economic downturns (Part 2)5. Don't Count on Somebody Else to Save You
In times of economic uncertainty, people often think the government will be able to help them, but unfortunately this is often the time when the government has the least amount of money and freedom to help its own citizens. In most cases, the government won't save you, so you'll have to save yourself. When the economy is in a downturn, you can't just look at what you are spending, you also need to look at where the money is coming from. Your employer is facing the same difficulties you are: trying to make bill payments, balancing the flow of capital, all while sales are slowing. Just like you, your employer will be looking to reduce its costs, which could be in the form of layoffs. You could be in big trouble if you haven't planned for this possibility. The plan here is to start saving now for that eventual rainy day, and prepare an emergency fund for yourself. If it is too late to start saving and you already need the money, many financial institutions will let you defer a payment or two if you prove you have a smart financial plan to eventually pull through.
When People Don't Spend
But wait! If we're all hanging on to our money rather than feeding the economy, what will happen? Will stock prices plummet? Will economic growth grind to a halt? Will we all be poor? No. For a real world example of this, let's take a look at Japan, where saving more than consuming has been commonplace in its people's history.
While being a net lender is a concept that the West abandoned some time after World War II, it continued to be practiced in Japan. During the mid-1970s, Reuters reports that Japanese consumers saved some 20% of their disposable incomes. During Japan's economic slump in the 1990s, the Nikkei 225 fell from a peak of 39,000 in 1989 to 16,000 in 1992. Gross domestic product growth averaged less than 1% per year, but personal savings remained in the double digits. Although the unemployment rate rose from less than 2.5% in 1990 to just under 5% in 2000, with an average of 3% percent according to the U.S. Department of Labor, it still remained lower than the rate in most industrialized nations. The net result? Japan remained a healthy, vibrant, wealthy country with a poorly performing stock market. If you've got savings and a smart financial plan, a weak market won't break you.
Live Now Like You Face Tough Times
These five strategies work equally well when times are good, so there is no need to wait until you are in trouble to start making smart decisions.Your lifestyle will be characterized by things you can actually afford, such as a house that won't get repossessed, a car that might not impress the neighbors but will still get you to work and back, and long, restful nights free from financial worries. It might not be the fairytale lifestyle of the rich and famous that corporate marketers having been trying sell you, but at least you won't have to worry about how to keep up on the payments for a lifestyle you can't afford (Yahoo! Finance)
GPS Insight vehicle tracking system – Earn more profit
Are you in service and trucking business for instance in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, construction, sales forces, delivery vehicles, long haul trucking, etc? If yes, now available one great support to your business.GPS Insight vehicle tracking system is one great system to track your vehicles, not only tracking but also producing reports to assist you, to make decision for your business to increase your company performance and cut not necessary cost, most importantly this system is available with affordable price, it only costs you as small as $1.50-2 per day per vehicle and you will get lots of benefits.
With GPS Insight vehicle tracking system besides tracking your vehicles you can closely monitor your vehicles movements by generating activity details that enable you to view specific location, stop and even speed information for each car for the whole day. You can use this report to reconcile with your driver timecards, no more payment for non working hours.
We all aware to fuel price increasing; this system generate fuel consumption report and become one perfect tool to control fuel cost billed by your team, no more over billed this time. There is also speed violation report where now you can take action to your team members violated the speed policy; applying speed policy to your drivers will certainly saving life and cost. Other reports are vehicles performances, landmark activity, odd hours, geofence violation and many others.
Visiting its official website at gpsinsight.com, you will find that this product claims itself to be the best in mapping even the best in the market compare to its competitors. This product is 30 days money back guarantee, same day shipping, easy installation and even equip with engine diagnostic, the only product with this benefit.
Also important to mention this GPS Insight vehicle tracking system can be modified depend on your needs. For consumers support this product has a special section GPS Insight support wiki for customers where consumers can find answers to most frequently asked questions, 24/7 support is available, and there is no contract as required by other competitors. If your company is qualified then it entitles for free trials.
Learn more about this product at gpsinsight.com; find most up dated news and related articles to this product at blog section the Blog for GPS vehicle tracking. By now you are fully aware why this is absolutely necessary to have a great product such as GPS Insight vehicle tracking system to be integrated into your company system. As it will promote efficiency and effectiveness to your business, at the end happy consumers which means more profit to your business!
Oldest New Testament Bible heads into cyberspace
BERLIN - More than 1,600 years after it was written in Greek, one of the oldest copies of the Bible will become globally accessible online for the first time this week.From Thursday, sections of the Codex Sinaiticus, which contains the oldest complete New Testament, will be available on the Internet, said the University of Leipzig, one of the four curators of the ancient text worldwide.
High resolution images of the Gospel of Mark, several Old Testament books, and notes on the work made over centuries will appear on www.codex-sinaiticus.net as a first step towards publishing the entire manuscript online by next July.
Ulrich Johannes Schneider, director of Leipzig University Library, which holds part of the manuscript, said the publication of the Codex online would allow anyone to study a work of "fundamental" importance to Christians.
"A manuscript is going onto the net which is like nothing else online to date," Schneider said. "It's also an enrichment of the virtual world -- and a bit of a change from YouTube."
Selected translations will be available in English and German for those not conversant in ancient Greek, he added.
Dating from around 350, the document is believed by experts to be the oldest known copy of the Bible, along with the Codex Vaticanus, another ancient version of the Bible, Schneider said (Reuters).
22.7.08
American rapper and actor DMX Charged With Identify Theft
Los Angeles - It's no wonder DMX might want to be somebody else. An Arizona grand jury indicted the rapper Tuesday on two felony counts of theft and taking someone's identify for allegedly using a false name to get out of paying a hospital bill in April, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.The 37-year-old, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is said to have tried to pass himself off as "Troy Jones" while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
Cops picked DMX up on an outstanding warrant Saturday at the Metrocenter mall in Phoenix, the Cradle 2 the Grave star's sixth arrest in three months.
DMX, who's also facing an 11-count animal-cruelty and drug-possession rap in Maricopa County, was last arrested July 2 for missing a court date related to those charges, to all of which he's pleaded not guilty.
That arrest took place at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport upon his return from Florida, where he was collared twice—once for driving with an invalid license and a few days later for allegedly trying to buy marijuana and cocaine from an undercover cop.
Before a second raid on his home in May resulted in the animal and drug case, DMX was nabbed May 6 for speeding (E! Online).
21.7.08
Strategies for Surviving Tough Times (Part 1)
When economic times turn tough, governments urge their citizens to spend. Economists think of citizens as "consumers" and rely on them to put their "disposable income" to work. By doing this they will support the economy, which translates into higher stock prices.However, in times like early 2008, when consumers were reeling from the perfect storm of inflation, a global credit crunch, a global housing market in decline and concerns about stagflation, there is often a conflict with the governmental cry for consumers to spend. It's a bewildering scenario. What's the best course of action for a concerned consumer to take? The following strategies provide a road map for surviving economic downturns.
1. Don't Buy What You Can't Afford
We all want that designer sweater, leather handbag, or cute sports car, but most of us just can't afford to make the purchases. There's a simple solution to this dilemma. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. This is often the easiest point to understand, but it is one of the hardest to implement when all those goodies are staring you in the face and all your credit companies are telling you it's OK.
2. If You Can't Pay Cash, You Probably Can't Afford It
In our credit crazy world, amassing debt no longer carries a social stigma. Everybody has a car payment, a house payment and credit card payments. Well, remember what your mother said about everybody jumping off of a bridge? Just because "everybody" is doing it, doesn't make it a good idea. Buying something you can't afford now, especially when the economy is unsettled, can double the pain of paying later. For example, if you purchase a $450,000 home today and the market goes into a slump and devalues your home by $200,000, you will be paying the bank twice what the home has come to be worth. Just because it was easy to get the credit to buy that home, doesn't mean it was the right time for you to buy in.
3. Paying Interest on Anything Makes Somebody Else Rich
When you pay interest on a purchase, you are overpaying for that item for the luxury of getting to use it now. The simple act of paying interest means that the price you are paying to make the purchase is greater than the sale price of the item. You are giving away even more of your hard-earned money in order to own that item than the manufacturer thought the item was worth. For example, if you buy a car for $25,000 with a loan at 7% interest for five years, in the end, you will pay almost $30,000 for the car. Once you factor in depreciation, you're left with a very cheap car that cost you thousands more than it should have.
4. If You Are in Debt, stop Spending Money
Sometimes, such as when purchasing a home, the cost of the item is so great that you simply cannot afford to pay cash. This should be the exception rather than the rule. When it cannot be avoided, you need to close your purse and stop spending. Getting yourself further it debt doesn't help your financial situation. Making a realistic budget in this case is the key to success. Once you know how much you're actually spending on those daily trips to the grocery store and coffee shop, you'll be able to find room to cut costs realistically.
20.7.08
“Eight don’t asks” of the Beijing Olympics
Posters are appearing around Beijing guiding locals about how to interact with the (few) foreigners coming for the Summer Games.The posters instruct residents on the “eight don’t asks” when chatting with foreign guests. Here’s a rough translation, courtesy of the Peaceful Rise blog:
Don’t ask about income or expenses, don’t ask about age, don’t ask about love life or marriage, don’t ask about health, don’t ask about someone’s home or address, don’t ask about personal experience, don’t ask about religious beliefs or political views, don’t ask what someone does.
So what is one to ask? Maybe the relative merits of fencing versus marathon swimming?
Now, for the foreigners out there, here’s the No. 1 dud question to ask a Chinese person. It’s a question that will draw a blank, non-comprehending stare:
“Hey, pal, tell me about your president. Is he doing a good job?” (Yahoo! News).
18.7.08
Bans plastic bagging in stores
LOS ANGLES - The city of Los Angeles announced it will ban all plastic bags from retail stores as of July 1, 2010, following similar anti-pollution regulations already enforced in San Francisco.The second-largest US city behind New York, Los Angeles, with its four million population, will ban plastic bagging in all supermarkets, grocery and retail stores, the Los Angeles City Council said in its new regulation.
After July 1, 2010, all store customers must provide their own bags or purchase bags made of paper or other biogradable material from the store for 25 cents (0.25 dollar), it added.
The goal is to rid the city of some 2.3 billion non-biodegradable plastic bags that are distributed each year and end up polluting waste dumps for a long time.
San Francisco, 600 kilometers (373 miles) north of here, also in California, in 2007 became the first US city to ban plastic bags from its stores.
Both city regulations are intended to pressure state lawmakers who are considering a bill to eliminate plastic bags across the state by 2012.
Several countries around the world have already adopted laws banning plastic bags, which often end up killing animals that swallow or get caught up in them (Yahoo! News)
16.7.08
Bedtime habits that are ruining your sleep
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you’re in good company. An estimated 65% of Americans said they encounter sleep problems a few nights each week, according to a recent study by the National SleepFoundation.
Sleeping too little is linked with an increased risk for obesity and depression. But before you reach for a sleep aid from the nearest pharmacy, it’s worth reexamining your nighttime routine. Some of your favorite evening rituals could be responsible for that tossing and turning.
1. Setting a Bright Alarm Clock
The looming glare of your alarm clock can be distracting when trying to sleep. The goal is to have as dark a room as possible. Block the bright numbers with a book or consider buying a small travel clock. Your cell phone alarm may also do the trick.
2. Counting Sheep
When you just can’t fall asleep, it’s useless to stay in bed. If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, the National Sleep Foundation suggests doing something mundane, like balancing a checkbook, reading or watching TV. An activity that demands marginal brainpower will lull your mind. Before you know it, you’ll be crawling back into bed genuinely tired.
3. Exercising Late at Night
Daytime workouts will keep you invigorated for hours. That’s why you don’t want to exercise within three hours of hitting the sack. Intense physical activity raises your body temperature and pumps your energy level—both interrupt a calm transition into sleep. (Source: Yahoo! Shine).
Six tips to make good financial habits stick
Study after study shows that you have to have patience. On average it takes 21 days for a daily behavior to become a habit. A weekly or monthly behavior takes even longer. The difference between successful attempts and failures is that people who are successful do the following:Keep a record.
For new habits, a daily journal is the best medicine. Use the Journal to document your progress and record even the tiniest improvements. You’ll also find my Spending Tracker, another tool for good financial habits.
Organize your environment to help — not hinder.
You want to keep things nearby that will help you reach your goals — and keep temptations as far away as possible. That may mean leaving your credit cards in a drawer at home if you can't think of a reason you'd need them that day. It also means setting up mechanisms to make your accomplishments come easier. For example, if you're trying to stick with a budget, keep a Post-It note on your pillow to remind yourself at the end of the day to enter your expenses in the Spending Tracker.
Don't set yourself up for a fall.
You can make tedious tasks nearly effortless. If you've hated research since the time you were young, you're probably not going to love spending hours online researching stocks. Don't fight this reluctance: Go with it. Instead of forcing yourself to pick a new stock or fund every time you have a few dollars to invest, schedule automatic monthly withdrawals from your checking account, and have the money deposited into a mutual fund that you can stick with for the long term. Likewise, if balancing your checkbook is what you dread, buy a software program that'll do all the actual figuring for you.
Reward yourself for good behavior.
Just make sure that your rewards don't work against your ultimate goals. For example, if you're trying to save money, your reward shouldn't be spending an extra $30 at the Gap — it should be something free, like an extra-long soak in the tub. Likewise, don't punish yourself when you experience a setback. Let's just acknowledge right now that it will happen. A friend will come into town for a few days and you'll go on a little Visa bender. Give yourself a break and get back on the plan as soon as you can.
Seek out support.
Often, working with another person — or group of people — can provide just the boost you need to get with the plan. Go to the Message Boards on my site and you'll find people with similar goals and interests who can keep you on the right path through a series of well-tested suggestions. I'll be in the Message Boards, too, answering your questions and offering support.
Keep going — even when you feel down (especially when you feel down).
By actually doing something over and over again, you'll gain a feeling of accomplishment — even power. That's why it's so important that when you find yourself feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by something, you do just what's required to help you conquer the problem. When you're feeling poor, you should sit down with a pad and paper and figure out just how much money your new habits are saving you. Two dollars a day saved by walking to work rather than taking the bus may not sound like much, but it adds up to more than $500 a year. Once you write it down, focus on how the accomplishment makes you feel. Concentrating on the change will make you feel energized. Think of it as insurance for how you'll behave tomorrow.
Bottom Line
Don't let feelings of self-doubt get in the way. After all, it took time and practice to develop your current habits. It'll take the same time and practice to develop the ones you want to adopt for the future. (msnbc.msn.com)
Solve Your Emergency Cash Needs!
Sometime there are more bills to pay but your money has been used for some other bills which are also has the some urgency. Do not worry, since payeveryone.net is available to solve your short term financial issues.Whether you need for a quick cash advance or payday loans, this site claims that they can provide you fast and easy! Stop worrying about the bills, what you need to do is sign up and fill out the online form and waits.
If you are approved, you can have your money overnight, deposited to your bank account just on the next business day. This site claims to offer the best payday loan because of their simple and fast process, just overnight, and it is up to $1500!
To sign up for cash advance or payday loans, there are simple rules required by all lenders, you do have a regular job that gives you regular income and you receive at least $1000 per month. For sure you need a bank account or where else they have to transfer the money?
Now there are more choices for short of cash because of emergency needs, just sign up to Pay Everyone.net and solve your extra cash needs!
10 Smartest Ways to Slim Down
10 Smartest Ways to Slim Down1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skipping meals can set you up for bingeing. Studies show that people who spread their food intake throughout the day eat fewer calories.
2. Pack snacks. Whether you're at the mall, in the car, or at work, keep yourself armed with healthy snacks to help you resist fat-and-calorie-laden temptations from vending machines and fast-food joints.
3. Team up. Enlisting the help of a partner or friend can boost your motivation and help you stay on track.
4. Start writing. Keeping a food or exercise log not only helps chart your progress, but it's also a great way to spot minor slips in your routine before they become major problems.
5. Compliment yourself. Treat you as you treat those you love. Focus on your successes, not failures—and give yourself a pat on the back each day.
6. Get moving. Whether you walk, run, bike, or swim, aerobic exercise is key to weight loss success. Work up to doing at least 45 minutes, 5 or more days a week.
7. Be a little selfish. You need to make time for yourself if you want to achieve your goal.
8. Have two helpings. Filling your plate with two kinds of vegetables, not just one, ups your nutritional intake and leaves less room on your plate for fatty foods.
9. Take one bite at a time. "Mindful eating," which involves concentrating on taste and sensation to make each mouthful an event, maximizes your food satisfaction and minimizes the odds of overeating.
10. Lift weights. Resistance training builds muscles, which boost the number of calories that your body burns throughout the day—making weight loss easier. Aim for two or three workouts a week.
Mortgage Refinancing Tips: Rates and Lenders
When taking advantage of mortgage refinancing, the most important decisions you make will involve interest rates and lenders.The interest rate that you pay can significantly impact your monthly mortgage payment and the total amount of money that you pay over the loan. The lower your interest rate, the better off you will be.
The same goes with the lender that you choose. By using a lender who offers low interest rates, lending fees, closing costs, and other incentives, you can save a great deal of money and truly make your refinance worthwhile.
If you are looking for a little advice on finding low interest rates, or choosing a lender, the following mortgage refinancing tips may help:
* When refinancing, don’t take the first offer that comes around. Instead you should actively compare both interest rates and lenders.
* If you have bad credit, find a lender who is willing to work with you and offer you reasonable loan terms.
* Know your credit score before you begin looking for a loan. If you can, try to remove any blemishes from your credit report before applying for a refinance.
Mortgage Refinancing Tips: When to Refinance
Knowing exactly when to refinance a loan can be difficult. For some people, it has great financial benefits, and for others, it may never be worth it. The decision to refinance should be based on:* How long you plan to be in the house
* How much lower the interest rate will be on your new loan
* Whether or not you are currently paying private mortgage insurance
* The closing costs for the new mortgage loan
* The amount of equity that you have built up
* Whether or not you plan to do cash-out refinancing
If you are wondering whether or not refinancing is a good idea based on your personal circumstances, here are a few general mortgage refinancing tips that may help:
* If you do not plan on staying in the house very long, refinancing may not be in your best interests.
* Unless you are getting a lower interest rate, refinancing your home may cost you more money in the long run and may require you to pay higher monthly payments.
* If you have a mortgage, you should keep an eye on rates—especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage. Getting locked in at a lower, fixed rate can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan.
* There is a refinancing myth that says you should not refinance your mortgage unless your interest rate will be at least two points less. This myth is not necessarily true if there are other benefits to the refinance or other reasons behind it.
* If you are paying private insurance on your current mortgage, refinancing may allow you to do away with this unnecessary expense.
* Closing costs can be expensive. If you plan on refinancing your home to save money, be sure to take into consideration how much the closing costs on the new loan will cost you.
* If you have equity built up in your home, and you need cash, you have two choices: get a home equity loan or utilize cash-out refinancing. Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to evaluate your situation carefully prior to making a decision.
Refinance Mortgage
Mortgage, mortgage, mortgage, this is not a new toy today, people need mortgage whether to purchase their dream home, to repair their home sweet home or for other monetary needs. Mortgage is just one type of financing; but today we are going to focus on refinance mortgage and introducing Mortgage Finders Network.Mortgage Finders Network is one provider specializing in finding mortgage loans, and as it name after this site has a good networking so you are in good hand to give you the best advice and to provide you with the lowest interest rate to meet your mortgage needs.
Today, refinance mortgage is a popular option, people do refinance for many reasons but mostly is to get lower interest monthly installment, there are several things you need to consider before you do refinance mortgage but overall what has become people most concern is the benefits; the saving should be bigger than the cost to refinance!
If you do not gain any experience on this field, now is the time to turn to professional in this area such as mortgagefindersnetwork.com. This site will assist you to choose the most fit refinance mortgage model that fit to your situation. Just pay a visit to learn more about mortgage, refinance mortgage and other related topics. Still getting to no where? Just let the expert to handle your heavy burdens!
More Tips on Getting Out of Debt
Debt is the result of poor money management skills or inappropriate spending. Add to that mix a job layoff or other unforeseen external factors and you have a recipe for disaster. You can use the following tips on getting out of debt to get back on track.Create and stay within a realistic monthly budget. Make a list of all your monthly bills and necessities. You will only be able to spend the money that is left over after all the bills have been paid on nonessential items. Cutting down on your discretionary expenses such as dining out, exceeding your allotted minutes on your cell phone are additional tips on getting out of debt.
Pay off your credit card debt. You?ll want to pay off the credit card that has the highest interest rate, unless one of your cards exceeds 50 percent of your credit limit. You want to pay the credit card balances to below 50 percent of the card limit because having a balance above the 50 percent level will lower your credit score. After you have paid off the balance on the credit card with the highest debt, then pay off the credit card balance with the next highest interest rate and continue until you reach the credit card with the lowest interest rate. One of the best tips on getting out of debt is to no more than four open accounts to establish a positive credit history.
Use cash instead of credit cards. Keep only one or two primary credit cards and use them only for emergencies, such as the furnace in your home needs to be replaced.
Use direct deposit for your paychecks. By using direct deposit for your paychecks you receive your paycheck without actually going to the bank. This will cut down on the temptation of spending since you won?t be receiving cash each pay period.
Evaluate your housing expenses. Your overall housing expenses should not exceed 33 percent of your household income, including mortgage payments, property tax and homeowner?s insurance. When looking for tips on getting out of debt relook at the amount you are paying for homeowner?s insurance, can you find a lower insurance rate or maybe refinance your mortgage at a lower interest rate. Or maybe you can cut your overall energy cuts.
Avoid using high interest loans to consolidate debt. If you consolidate all your debt into a high interest loan then you stand a chance of losing everything if you default on that loan. Consider borrowing from either family or friends where you can negotiate a very low interest rate.
Get in touch with your creditors and try to work out a repayment plan. With the economy the way it is today, many creditors are willing to work out repayment plans that will help you make the payments and also help them from having to hire a debt collector.
Become a knowledgeable shopper. Every time you go shopping look for a bargain, deal or savings. You would be surprised at how much money you can save by taking the time to shop around. And always ask the store manager if that is the best they can do on the price. Many times the store manager will give you a discount on the item you wish to purchase if you ask.
Look at different ways to make some money. You could get a part-time job, hold a yard sale or maybe take in a boarder to generate additional income.
The best tip on getting out of debt is to have a plan on how much of your income is going to pay your expenses. If you decide that you need a debt reduction specialist to give you tips on getting out of debt, make sure you check out the service in advance.
Debt Free Living - 5 Tips To Get Out Of Debt
A few times I wonder what sort of credit system moved the global economy 200 years ago. If the intention of getting into a business is meant to 'help' fulfill the needs and wants of someone, I don't see how credit card salesmen can drove more people into debt and backruptcy. Clearly most people fail to have a good understanding of the increasingly sophisticated (and complicated) terms and conditions behind the card they apply for, how it benefits the bank more than the applicant and what the ubiquitous card is best used for.The 'cashlessness' of the advanced world surely works its illusions into the minds of those caught up in the disease of consumerism, who found it too easy to buy anything anywhere with a flash of the card without realizing the interest incurred to the bank everytime a purchase is made. Before you get the math right, you must get personal spending principles and habits right first, and only then you will attain self-awareness and a conservative mindset that lights up a red warning in your head just when you are about to make a purchasing decision.
Here are 5 tips for you to get a headstart:
1) It's not how much money you make (or spend); it's how you can keep. I didn't say this. Robert Kiyosaki said it. Far too often poor people never carry happiness within themselves and depend on external sources for their own happiness, so they either buy to impress others or get a certain 'nice' indulgent feeling for having new things. Mathematically speaking, if that new thing does not serve a purpose or even a significant function, it is a wasted loss.
2) Forget credit; get debit. A debit card is quite similar to your ATM card in that it deducts directly from your account on purchase and can be used worldwide. The credit card enables you to BORROW money from your bank to fulfill a particularly expensive purchase provided you pay back the loan PLUS the interest incurred in the form of monthly bills. Based on track record, if you have always fulfilled your credit obligations, your credit ratings will get better, leading to better protection and concessions. But unless you typically deal with large transactions and understand your spendings cycle, you are better off making your life simpler just knowing exactly where YOUR money--not the bank's--goes if not into your account.
3) Be conscious of your financial balance. Do a monthly plan-and-review for your savings and expenditure. Those items that you have to buy with your card...how necessary and regular is it? Why is it an investment to you and to other people like your family? What else can be cut down? Sometimes you must realize your financial decisions do impact your immediate loved ones and this is a significant consideration to take care of.
4) Use your card only for emergencies. I don't know how many times I've been reminded by my elders but don't get rebellious for the sake of it.
5) If you are facing a tighter budget, you did better confront the problem sooner than later. Discuss with your immediate loved ones and financial advisor where the finer problems lie and they are sure to help, not to aggravate your situation, because if it doesn't affect you, it will affect them and your relationships.
The debt problem is not one on a personal scale but a prevalent one worldwide. It is a sickness infecting people who grow too worried witnessing the exorbitant increase in the cost of living everywhere they go, whether it's in the New York or Kuala Lumpur, so they keep on borrowing in order to 'stick their neck out'. Wrong thinking: it becomes a vicious cycle that feeds on itself, pushing you closer to losing it all than ever before.
Come one day, you finally wake up from your debt problem when the bank or creditors start knocking on your door, and you don't want that to happen. Stop being influenced by what goes on around you but to take good stock of your financial attitude and well-being. You have a choice not to get involved with your bank 'deeper' than you need. It's time to be happy living within your means. Be grateful for what you have now and work the most out of your current resources, then you will find better use for your pair of scissors than to cut up credit cards.
Take the First Step to Gain Back Your Financial Freedom!
No debt today! Not all of us really understand the struggle to be debt free, only those who have experience being chocked by so much debt that life seem to be no way out really can understand such situation.8 simple solutions to help your child learn good money management habits (Part 2)
Here are 8 simple solutions to help your child learn good money management habits to give him or her (and you!) a more financially secure future (Part 2)5. Give an allowance. One of the best ways for kids to learn to manage money and keep a budget is by giving allowances. How much to give depends on your child's spending habits and maturity, and your comfort level. And encourage your child to always save a portion of that allowance (as well as money that is a gift).
6. Keep a spending log. From the time your child can write and count, give him some kind of a simple recording book to keep track of his money. A young child can track his earnings (including holiday money gifts); an older child can record his earnings and expenses. Gradually explain the “break-even point” so your older child begins to learn the necessary skills for balancing a checkbook, keeping a savings account and maintaining a budget.
7. Teach smart buying habits. Encourage your child to read consumer reports online before purchasing that pricey gadget. Ask your daughter to list what she needs before hitting the mall, then stick to it. Tell your son to check the newspaper for sales. Let your child choose among items by comparing prices. Give your child a clothes budget by having her estimate costs, and then honor it.
8. Encourage an entrepreneurial spirit. Help you child set up that lemonade stand. Print flyers that say he'll mow the neighbors' lawns. Offer to baby-sit. Walk the neighbor's dog. Your child can learn from a young age that how you earn money is through hard work. Not only will you encourage your little entrepreneur but you'll also help him appreciate the value of money.
If you haven't taken your child to the bank to help him open up a savings account (for younger kids it can be a Holiday Savings Account) and checking for an older kid, write it down in your “To Do” list. The sooner our kids learn the value of a dollar, the most financially secure they will be. It's the one lesson we may not be teaching our kids and the one in today's economy they just may be needing the most (iVillage.com)
8 simple solutions to help your child learn good money management habits (Part 1)
Here are 8 simple solutions to help your child learn good money management habits to give him or her (and you!) a more financially secure future.1. Be a good role model. Kids always look to us as the example to copy. If you always are overdrawn, why expect your son set a budget? If you buy clothes impulsively why should you expect your daughter to wait for the sale? If you don't talk about the value of money, don't think your child is ever going to learn that money doesn't grow on trees. Be the model of money management you want your kids to copy.
2. Use real-life examples. Show your daughter how you balance your checkbook. Talk to your son how your credit rating is checked before purchasing that car. Show your kids the household bills so they know how much electricity, gas, water, phone and cable cost. You don't need to reveal your income or savings but you should use real opportunities to help your child understand money.
3. Don't give loans. Kids learn money management by trial and error. So don't bail her out if she “overspends” and runs out of money needed that week for the movie. If you do give an advance, consider charging interest. She'll soon figure out that borrowing is pricey. You can discuss pay for extra jobs, such as mowing the lawn or washing the car- especially if the child is saving for a big or special item.
4. Set a capped budget. Allocate a certain amount for expenses like a back-to-school wardrobe. As an incentive, explain that if there's money left over she can pocket it. Make your kid contribute to those nonessential “have to have items” like the trendiest sneaks or those pricey jeans. You can pitch in some, but he has to make up the rest (iVillage.com)
Easy Cash Advance
Cash advances and payday loans actually have the same nature; all are short term loan to fulfill your monetary emergency. Say you need money for emergency situation such as hospital bills *yes, you are so lousy forget to pay your insurance renewal premium, while the insurance made the calls when your cell phone is broken* of course no one can predict such situation! Or any other emergencies knock on your door at the time you do not have extra cash! Then this is the right time to seek provider such as Perfect Cash Advance.Perfect Cash Advance focuses on people with emergency monetary that need easy cash advance and urgent payday loans. Because they understand your emergency needs, the process has been prepared to be as simple and easy as possible. You just need to provide your email and sign up, and fill out online form, then just wait for the lenders to contact you, in most cases there is no documents need to be faxed, when approve, your easy cash advance will be automatically on your saving account on the next business day.
Can you expect something easier than what you just read? 100% online form and safety and security guaranteed! You just need to spend not more than 5 minutes to complete this online form, sound perfect right! That is why this provider named their site as perfectcashadvance.com. Need more details? Please visit and sign up for your cash advance or payday loan today!
Credit Card Tips
Credit cards can be helpful in emergencies or if you are able to pay off the balance each month, but be wary! Credit cards can also get you into trouble. Here are some helpful hints on using credit cards:Fees;
* Watch out for carrying balances. Some cards charge 20% or more in interest. (Interest is usually called "finance charges" on your statements.)
* Fixed rates aren't always fixed! A credit card company can change the rate by informing you 15 days before changing the rate.
* Look at your statement carefully and call the company right away if you have any questions.
* There is usually a large finance charge for cash advances and interest begins accruing as soon as you take the money out, not after the next statement closing.
* Be aware of annual fees. Many times you are charged $50 or more just to have the card.
* Watch out for introductory offers! When you receive a credit card offer in the mail with a low rate, it may expire in three or six months. Note when and by how much the rate increases after the "introductory offer" expires. You may not remember when it expires, but the card company will.
* Think about your purchases. If you are not able to afford the purchase now, chances are you won't be able to afford it in a month when the credit card bill comes in!
If you get behind;
* Cut your recreational expenses.
* Call your credit card company. They may be willing to work out a repayment schedule with you.
* Develop a budget and stick to it! Everyone makes mistakes, but credit will follow you and hurt your eligibility for mortgages or loans down the road.
* Look into credit counseling services. Many offer educational programs or individual counseling sessions to help you get back on track.
Tips to Get Safety against the Possible Fraud of Your Credit Cards
The credit card companies implemented various measures to protect the credit card fraud. Right from paperless feature to SSL security measures the credit card companies faces several threats.The credit card is billion-dollar business so every year many people faces fraud. Despite of several measures taken by the credit card companies there are various faults at the customer end as well as careless handling can increase the possibilities of fraud. There are many possibilities of fraud against your credit card. You must remember some tips to get safety against the possible fraud.
1. The most important point for protection of credit card is disclosing the credit card number through various ways such as on the phone, email or over the website which does not provides SSL security. Always follow the security rules.
2. The second most important consideration is disclosing a PIN number. If your card get stolen the person swipe the card as well as use at ATM. You must ensure that you never get sign blank credit card receipt.
3. You must have to monitor the regular statement of your credit card carefully. If you find any unknown figure please clarify with the customer care department for further scrutiny.
4. It is most important for you to put the credit card in the safer place. If you find your card gets stolen you must inform the credit card company immediately and close your credit card for further transactions.
5. To make the safety you must note down the credit card number with expiry date as well as company number. Incase your credit card stolen, you immediately inform the company.
15.7.08
Your Credit Network - Use Your Credit Cards Wisely!
Credit cards, a card sized your ID with so much convenient on it, but use it wisely, do not over spend it, pay the monthly billed amount on time and spend it within your budget, this card is definitely a valuable financial tool for you.Its most common benefit is credit facility which is the time different between the dates you purchased an item to the date you make the payment. Nowadays credit cards come with so many offers and benefits, confuse to select?
Your Credit Network is site specializing on credit cards information, this site provides information and rates the credit cards to help people like you to search and get the credit cards fit to your needs.
Features are various, there are credit cards claim to be with lowest interest, and those in hurry can apply instant approval credit cards. People with a less than perfect score are now can apply under section bad credit credit cards.
There are many others features such as credit cards focuses on rewards, cash back, even credit cards where you spend at your own pace. Visit the site at yourcreditnetwork.com; see whether there is one or more to support your finance.
This site also suggests using your credit cards wisely, using them as tools to support your financial freedom and not the other way round to ruin your financial freedom!
Tips to Maintain your Car's Value
Tips to Maintain your Car's Value1. It might seem obvious, but when it comes to maintaining the value of your vehicle, its important to avoid driving excessive miles. If you plan on taking a long road trip, opt for a rental car. The cost of the rental will probably be much less than the mileage overage charges you'll pay at the end of your lease or the potential depreciation in the value of your high mileage car at resale time.
2. Have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis and keep all records of maintenance and repair. Not only will routine car care help you avoid costly and unnecessary repairs, it also demonstrates to a potential buyer that you cared for and maintained the car properly and regularly during the time you owned the vehicle. Some prospective buyers might be willing to pay more for a car thats been routinely serviced.
3. Avoid excessive wear and tear. Treat your vehicle with respect to maintain its value over the long haul avoid extreme start-and-stop driving, over-towing (or towing more weight than is recommended in your owners manual), excessive speeds or driving your vehicle in areas where road conditions are poor.
4. Keep your car clean. Have it detailed on a regular basis inside and out and be sure to use a coat of wax to protect your vehicles paint surface from natures elements. Cleaning your car frequently will help maintain its value over time.
5. Store your car properly. If you live in an extremely cold or warm environment and you have the facility to store your car inside, do it. Excessive sun can fade the outer surfaces of your car, including paint, trim and moldings. Additionally, extremely cold temperatures and environmental conditions can wreak havoc on your cars internal engine components. By storing your car inside in a climate-controlled environment, you can help avoid costly and unnecessary repairs in the future.
6. Rust is the enemy. If you live in a cold climate with harsh winters, be sure to wash your vehicle often to remove salt deposits that can eventually lead to rust and whenever possible, have your car undercoated to avoid salt deposits from building up on the frame and the underside of the quarter panels and fenders.
7. If you own a classic car (or are thinking of buying one), treat it as an investment. Store it inside to avoid damage from outside elements and have the car serviced on a regular basis. Don't forget to check the fluids and replace worn hoses and belts. Although you may not drive your classic car many miles, it is important to maintain tire pressure and use time rather than miles as a measure to change your fluids. Classic cars are unique and require extra special care to maintain their value over time. It helps to consult a specialist who is aware of the special requirements that your car may need, and have the knowledge of where to locate the correct parts. At the end of the day, it might be beneficial for you to consult a classic car specialist or a certified mechanic to implement a routine service itinerary and schedule.
8. Don't treat your vehicle like a restaurant. Avoid eating and drinking inside your car and by all means, don't smoke. Spills, cigarette smoke and stains can ruin the inside appearance and smell of your car which can ultimately be a detriment to its resale value.
9. Avoid conditions that can damage the exterior finish of your car. Paint chips, gouges or fading can decrease a cars value. If your vehicles paint is less than ideal, consider having it painted prior to resale time and be sure to have a reputable paint expert or body shop perform the work. A nice looking exterior finish can increase a cars curb appeal and ultimately, its value.
Reasons to Buy a Used Car
Let's look at five reasons why it's worth thinking about buying used the next time around.* Cars are more reliable than ever. Survey after survey shows that the best current cars provide longer, more dependable service than ever before. Consumer Reports regularly publishes lists of the best used-car bets, based on its own extensive survey database. Get a copy of Consumer Reports' most recent annual auto issue; you'll find great choices in most price ranges.
* Avoid the worst of the depreciation hit. Cars depreciate every year, but the biggest slices of value come off in the first two to three years of its life. A two-year-old car that's been well treated will still give you years of service -- and some of that new-car feel -- for thousands less.
* More car for less money. Want a BMW for Honda money? Or maybe just an Accord for Civic money? Buying used lets you take advantage of someone else's depreciation hit. (But research your maintenance and insurance costs first. BMWs are solid and durable cars, but their parts cost more than Honda's. Buy that dream car carefully.)
* The Internet helps you find what you want. Got your heart set on a red Toyota Prius with a navigation system? Before you start calling dealers looking for a new one, check out the used listings on sites such as AutoTrader.com and Cars.com. You may be able to find the car of your dreams: lightly used, close to home, and at a substantial discount from new.
* Dealer "certification" programs. Nearly every automaker now offers a used-car "certification" program, under which the manufacturer inspects, repairs, and "certifies" recent used cars that then get sold with a warranty. These programs are a notable compromise between buying new and buying used; they give used-car buyers a relationship with a dealer, a factory-backed warranty, and assurance that they're not buying major hidden problems. You'll generally pay a bit more for a "certified" used car versus one bought from a private seller, but the benefits can be substantial.
Some last thoughts: If the car you're considering isn't "certified," run its VIN through CARFAX to check for past insurance claims, and have a local mechanic inspect it before you decide to buy. If the seller won't let you have it inspected by an independent mechanic, don't even bother arguing -- move on to the next candidate.
Keep these tips in mind before you get behind the wheel of your next vehicle. You'll be happy you did.
Used Car Loan – Best Loan Rate!
You have found your dream car and now you have to get your auto loan to make your dream come true. Admit it; this is not an easy thing to select the best auto loan as you have to search over thousands of auto loan available on the market nowadays! All claim to be the best offering the lower interest rate.Same thing happen when you plan to buy a used car, some people tend to drive a used car for economical reasons, you find the car, but you confuse where to get the used car loan? To do your own research definitely will consume lots of time but for sure you can not just apply without any study, at least to do some comparison, right?
Get the best auto loan is one site specializes to help people like you, to find the best auto loan, whether you are looking for a new car loan, used car loan, or even to refinance your existing car loan, this site has all the experience. This site starts as a small site but now they have grown and many have put confident into this provider to find for their car loans.
The method they use is to put your need of new car loan, used car loan, or refinance your current car loan into the business where several lenders will compete. The result is you get more saving by getting multiple online auto loan quotes; you can compare and decide which loan offer the best interest rate and best fitted to your car loan need.
This site works with nation’s top lenders with the lowest interest rate available in the industry, this is what this site claim to offer, they match you with the most efficient lenders! So why wait? Get your free quotes by simply fill out form available on this site. Visit getthebestautoloan.com and get your car!
Being a good partner with your health professional
Here are some tips for being a good partner with your health professional:* Build a relationship with your health professional. Let your health professional know that you want to be a partner in your health care. Tell the health professional what your expectations are.
* Be an active participant in each appointment. Listen carefully to what your health professional says. If you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask questions. Tell the health professional if you do not think that you can carry out the prescribed treatment.
* Prepare your child for tests and exams. Let your child know why he or she is seeing a health professional and what will be done during the visit. Your child's age and developmental level will determine how best to prepare him or her.
Good Advice for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
There are changes you can make to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep experts call this “sleep hygiene,” and these measures are routinely recommended for almost anyone complaining of sleep trouble. Some are just common sense, but, unfortunately, many people for whom sleep is a problem do not recognize their importance. Here are some general guidelines to follow:*Establish a schedule and stick to it; sleep when you are sleepy but try to get up and go to bed each day at about the same time.
*Use a fan or other means of creating a steady, soothing sound to drown out other noises.
*Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake; avoid caffeine after noon and don’t use alcohol as a sedative before bed.
*Get heavy curtains or shades to block out bright light early in the morning if you are awakening earlier than you’d like.
*Check your medication list. Because some medicines can interfere with sleep, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you take.
*Do not exercise vigorously after within several hours of bedtime.
*Avoid heavy meals or excessive fluids within an hour or two of bedtime.
Solution to Your Short Term Cash Flow Issue!
When it comes to way we manage money, some are really good planner, but others are just spender without the ability to trace where all the money have gone. Not everyone born with skill to be a good planner. But good habits are good to follow. 5 Steps To Brilliant Budgeting!
In the words of the classic summer anthem from Martha and the Vandellas: "Summer's here and the time is right for...staying indoors and sorting out your finances?"Alas, my version doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? On a lovely day like today, the last thing that you want is to be sweating over a spreadsheet in order to balance your household books. Indeed, I'm sure you'll agree that budgeting is the most boring part of money management.
Fair enough, budgeting may not be as thrilling as, say, bungee jumping, but it is the very foundation of financial management. Furthermore, in the words of a former boss of mine: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." This man went on to retire worth millions in his early forties, so I think he's worth listening to! So, without further ado, here are five steps to better budgeting:
1. Pull together your paperwork
Without a doubt, rounding up and managing one's paperwork is the dullest aspect of budgeting. Personally, I belong to the piling, not filing' school of money management, so I live in fear of my paper mountain! Nevertheless, without a grip on your paperwork, you have no power over your personal finances. So, get this task out of the way quickly by gathering together all of your recent statements, payslips and so on.
2. Set up a spreadsheet
The next step is to set up a list of all of your earnings and outgoings. The good news is that the spadework has already been done for you by two popular Fools. These clever chaps have produced an online calculator known as a statement of affairs. By entering your figures in the boxes provided, you can view an instant snapshot of your household budget and personal balance sheet. This information can be saved, printed or formatted for posting on our discussion boards.
3. Learn to love your bills
Although no-one likes paying bills, they do have one useful function: they provide information about our spending habits. Thus, by keeping tabs on your bills, you can learn exactly where your money goes. However, before you can begin to bash your bills, you need to bring them together in one place.
It's important not to overlook any of your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly spending. For example, don't forget to track occasional bills, such as insurance policies which renew each year. Furthermore, don't omit the little luxuries which get you through the working week. The most effective way to monitor your money is to keep a spending diary for at least a month. By recording all of your spending in a little notebook, you can build up an amazingly accurate picture of your financial habits.
* Compare Electricity & Gas providers
* Compare Telephone providers
4. Switch to autopilot
Because budgeting is boring, it makes sense to automate as much of it as you possibly can. For example, paying bills by standing order or direct debit takes away the hassle of having to pay them as they come in. The same goes for saving. Instead of saving whatever remains at the end of each month, it's easier to set aside a fixed monthly amount to squirrel away. By keeping things simple, you can switch to autopilot and thus avoid tiresome tasks.
5. Get help from others
After a twelve-year housing boom, we Brits have amassed personal debts totalling £1,436 billion, or almost £58,000 per household. Indeed, every one of us knows someone who has struggled financially in recent years. So, don't be embarrassed to share your financial concerns with your loved ones, because they may be in the same boat!
On the other hand, if you don't want to share your burden with family members, then get help anonymously. Try visiting our hugely popular Living Below Your Means and Dealing with Debt discussion boards, where you'll find great advice from budgeting gurus and people who have celebrated their DFD (debt-free day).
Finally, one of the key benefits of better budgeting is an improved credit record. By cleaning up your personal finances today, it becomes easier to get credit in future. So, mastering your money now should mean lower interest rates and cheaper mortgages further down the line (Source: uk.biz.yahoo.com)
Money Saving Tips
With rising living costs stretching everyone's finances, it makes sense to look at ways to cut your spending. But most of the money saving tips I read seem unrealistic and unsuited to my lifestyle. Surely there are others like me, who care about their finances, but care about other things more (fun, friends, free time). Nearly everyone I know fits into this category of wanting to save money but not to the detriment of their way of life. I would never in a million years bother with most of the tips proffered by those with the time and energy to go to great lengths to save 50p. So can I save a little money?
Eat cheap
You might have heard of MySupermarket.co.uk where you can go online to find out which supermarket offers cut-price Vimto, and then be directed to their website to place the order. Fair enough, if you are an online supermarket shopper -- most of us are not, either through choice or because they don't deliver where we live.
The supermarkets featured on MySupermarket are Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda. But it's not rocket science to work out which is the most expensive (indeed I've listed them in order here for you).
Instead of looking at saving a few pounds on your usual shop why not accept that you might have to buy different products? If I had one supermarket-shopping money-saving tip, it would be: buy 'value' or basic versions of everything. OK, most things --bread and loo roll, for me, would be going too far. But many items are no different to the big brands, like pasta and tinned tomatoes.
And, if you really want to cut down your food bill, I suggest you plan all your meals in advance and make a shopping list -- then you won't waste.
Smoke and mirrors
There have been recent stories about how much you can save by not smoking -- £170 a month according to Abbey and £250 a month according to Moneyfacts. That's great, but drum roll here please smoking is addictive. Which means most regular puffers are neither encouraged or discouraged by the cost. I want to quit smoking for many reasons -- and none of them is to do with the money I would save. If you are smoker and you want to save cash, switch to rolling tobacco.
Goodbye road rage?
Rising petrol prices have led to a million different suggestions about saving fuel. Put less luggage in the car, drive slower or use a half full tank.
How about simply giving up the car? There are many alternatives to owning a car which would still allow you to drive when you wanted to.
Plus, if you walk about more, you can cancel your gym membership (saving even more) as you'll be getting fit by default.
The smart money
Of course, the best savings are done by switching financial products, because you don't have to change your lifestyle. You just pay less for the same thing hurrah!
Over the long term a competitive mortgage will yield the biggest savings, but current conditions mean the usual rules have changed. For many borrowers their lender's SVR is cheaper than paying an enormous remortgage fee for a relatively high rate.
But it's still worth checking with a mortgage broker whether you could save, and checking again in six months (Source: uk.biz.yahoo.com).
Easy Online Payday Loan
Sometime you need extra cash when your financial situation is only enough to cover your daily needs. We can not avoid such emergency, life must go on, and bills need to be paid, while the next payday is still week ahead. 12.7.08
4 Steps to Set Your Internal Clock
The repetition of these four steps to set your internal clock should help you permanently change your internal clock, which, for example, is useful for the guy who is chronically late to work.step 1 Plan to get a normal amount of sleep
The first step to set your internal clock is the most difficult: Prepare yourself so that you can get a normal amount of sleep, whether that’s 5, 6, 8 or even 10 hours. The reason is fairly obvious: This is shifting your ordinary sleep pattern by however many hours separate your typical wake-up time from this unusual time.
While this step isn’t crucial to set your internal clock for a different time, it is crucial for being alert and competent throughout the course of the day, especially if you’re doing this on a regular basis. Society chronically undervalues the importance of sleep; consider that prior to the invention of the light bulb, however, people routinely slept for 10 hours each night.
step 2 Block out all the light
Harvard researchers dub the circadian rhythm “the internal clock that drives the daily activities of all living things,” and it is housed among a set of nerve cells in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Light and dark act on it as external cues. The key to set your internal clock comes down to manipulating this rhythm.
In this step, simulate your normal bedtime by blocking out any possible sources of light in an effort to kick-start that rhythm. Darkness -- rather the absence of light -- plays on the back of the eyes and stimulates the SCN to decrease your body temperature and encourage the release of melatonin, a hormone known to aide in sleep.
step 3 Embed the time into your brain
Embed into your brain the time you want to get up -- whether you do this through visualization (concentrating on a mental image of the clock telling the time you want to wake up), pounding your head into the pillow five times for a 5 a.m. wake-up call or any other manner. The point is, anticipating that time can help you get up at that time.
If you think this won't set your internal clock, think again. How often have you woken up just minutes before your alarm went off? This phenomenon isn’t coincidental. According to research from University Lubeck in Germany, the anticipation of a certain time triggers a release of stress hormones (like adrenocorticotropin), such that within an hour or so prior to really waking up, these secretions intensify, preparing you for the “stress” of actually doing so.
Furthermore, Cecil Adams at the Straight Dope notes that in almost all alarm clocks, there is “a faint click or some other change in rhythm a short time before the alarm goes off,” which you’re able to hear on a subconscious level.
step 4 Upon waking, immediately expose yourself to light
Just like the absence of light kicks the SCN to lower your body temperature and stimulate the release of melatonin, light itself stimulates the SCN to increase your body temperature and release a variety of hormones that turn protein into energy, gearing you up for the day ahead.
Thus, to further awaken yourself and condition your mind and body to wake up at a certain time, immediately expose yourself to a source of light once you get up. If sunlight is not available, turn on the lights in the bathroom.
11.7.08
Zenni Optical – Good Prescription Glasses at Low Price!
Zenni Optical is very popular for their huge great selections of affordable, safe yet highly fashionable prescription glasses. Visit zennioptical.com and browse for Incredible Stylish New Frames from Zenni and get one or more for yourself and your love one! 8.7.08
5 Healthiest Anti-Aging Snacks
Most of us are used to eating three times a day, but it is much healthier to eat smaller meals more frequently -f ive small meals a day, for instance. Eating in this way delivers a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar, and energy to your body throughout the day and is also much less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems.And when you eat more small meals throughout the day, you will most likely avoid the pitfalls of overindulging at your next meal and may actually consume fewer total calories for the day.
Keep healthy "grab-and-go" snacks on hand all the time to avoid the tempting lure of high-calorie snacks. Here are my top five snack choices:
1. Nuts and Seeds Keep You Young
Healthy and appetizing, nuts and seeds are absolutely the best snack of the bunch. Helping yourself to a handful of nuts and seeds every day can improve circulation and muscle tone.
And nuts and seeds are especially full of arginine, an amino acid that helps to combat heart disease, impotence, infertility, and high blood pressure, and it also facilitates the healing process. Additionally, arginine can stimulate the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
The pituitary releases growth hormones, which begin to decline quickly in humans after age 35. This means that after 35, your hormones start to plunge and you experience some aging symptoms. The skin loses elasticity, the muscle loses mass and strength, the lean body tissue decreases, fertility and virility decrease, and other signs of aging start to set in.
Many nuts and seeds are rich sources of vitamin E, lignants and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect you from heart disease and also from the ravages of aging.
Almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, peanuts, and pistachios: mix them in any combination and enjoy! Keep in mind that there are more nutrients in the raw form than roasted. Make sure that the nuts and seeds are fresh and not old and rancid.
2. An Apple a Day for Heart Health
There are many reasons to eat an apple - or two or three - every day. One study discovered that subjects who ate five apples or more a week had a healthier lung function than those who ate no apples.
And scientists have confirmed that apples also contribute to a healthy heart. Thanks to the fruit's rich pectin content, eating two to three apples per day leads to decreased cholesterol levels. Pectin also helps prevent colon cancer, one of the top causes of death in adults over age sixty.
3. Bring On the Berries
In season again, berries are bursting with antioxidants. The enticing red, purple, and blue skins of berries contain bioflavonoids, antioxidant compounds that reduce free radical damage.
These flavonoids are more potent antioxidants than vitamins C and E, and they also help to reduce inflammation - more effectively even than aspirin!
• Blueberries are your best pick because not only do they have the highest level of antioxidant activity, but they also possess powerful neuroprotective properties that shield brain cells from damage , helping to slow down the age-related onset of memory loss, Alzheimer's, and senility.
• Cherries also contain these beneficial anthocyanin compounds, which stimulate your pancreas to produce insulin. In fact, Chinese researchers have observed that cherries help keep diabetics healthy. These compounds also protect you against cancer, arthritis, and heart disease because they lower cholesterol.
4. Avocado: Packed with Nutrients
Among the many antioxidant nutrients, glutathione is known as the "master antioxidant." This naturally occurring compound, found in avocados (as well as asparagus, walnuts, and fish), is made up of the three amino acids glycine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. Glutathione regulates immune cells, protects against cancer, and assists in detoxifying.
A deficiency in glutathione can play a part in diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, low sperm count, and premature aging. Avocados are also a source of L-cysteine, which helps protect your body from the harmful effects of pollution, chemicals, radiation, alcohol, and smoke. L-cysteine may also help boost immunity, protect you from heart disease, and build muscle. It is also useful for combating inflammation and encouraging healthy hair and nail growth.
Pair your avocado with whole-grain crackers or whole-grain crisp breads for a fiber-rich tasty treat.
5. Apricots for Anti-Aging
One of the staple foods of the famously long-lived centenarians in the Hunza valley of the Himalayas is the apricot. Research has discovered that apricots have the highest levels and widest variety of carotenoids of any food.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer. (Source: Yahoo! Health)
7.7.08
3 Red Flags That You're Headed for a Breakup
When it comes to breaking up, hindsight is 20/20. But wouldn't it be nice if you could tell that you and your partner were headed for a falling out before it happened?Fortunately, you can predict a break up. And with just a little bit of tweaking, you can get back on track and rescue your relationship before it hits the rocks.
Red Flag #1: Tuning Out
One of the most common reasons relationships fail is because one or both partners is tuning out. It might sound minor, but in actuality, few things are more hurtful than being ignored by your loved one, whether that is accompanied by emotional neglect or physical distance.
The Cure: Take Down the Wall
Tuning back in is easy. All you have to do is agree to listen to your partner's feedback and dedicate time and emotion to the relationship again. Start taking down the emotional wall, brick by brick. Look at your partner in the eye when he or she speaks (even if it is not what you want to hear), make physical contact daily (even if it is just holding hands), and re-commit to the relationship.
Red Flag #2: Fighting Fire with Fire
Couples who fight fire with fire can expect a relationship that is constantly up in flames. Name-calling, sarcasm, criticism, and violence (from throwing things, slamming doors, to actual physical abuse) result in emotional wounds that are hard to heal and relationships that are hard to rescue.
The Cure: Pour Water on the Flames
The next time you feel anger guiding you to say, or do, things you might regret, take time to cool off. If that's not possible, try framing your complaints as requests. For instance instead of, "Why did you forget our date?," you could say, "I feel sad that you forgot our date. How can we make sure this doesn't happen again?" If your partner is the one who is fanning the flames, don't engage in the vicious cycle of insults and tantrums. You can't fight fire with fire if the other person won't engage in the flame-throwing.
Red Flag #3: Refusing to Own Up
No one is perfect, so why is it that some of us refuse to take responsibility in our most important relationships? Passing the buck and playing the victim are surefire ways to put a relationship in jeopardy.
The Cure: Take Responsibility for Your Actions
The next time you forget an anniversary, or say something hurtful to your spouse, don't try to pass the buck and refuse to take responsibility. Instead, admit where you went wrong and try harder next time. Sounds simple... but it can save your relationship.
By making simple changes to the way you and your partner communicate, you can keep your relationship intact. All couples fight and argue, but it is how you fight and argue that determines whether your love can weather the storm. (Source: Yahoo! Health)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
