Could you pass the latest citizenship test?
In October, a new version of the U.S. Citizenship Test will be taken by all applicants. The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of time. Some are easy, some are not.
Try your hand at some of the more difficult ones. And Happy Fourth of July, citizen!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hot dog dos and don'ts
DO "dress the dog," not the bun.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cut wedding costs
(smartmoney.com)
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
The cost of a wedding
The high price of wedlock.
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Heart study
Study: Stem Cells Used To Fix Your Broken Heart
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
Bad neighbors?
Nothing ruins the excitement of finding your dream home quicker than moving in and discovering you have a bad neighbor. Perhaps you have lived in your home for years when the house next door sells and suddenly you find yourself with the neighbor from hell. Maybe they have a loud, barking dog or are prone to Saturday night arguments that wake you from your sleep. Or maybe they simply drop by too often and are overly interested in your personal affairs. Whether your bad neighbors are nosy or noisy, these simple strategies will help you deal with them without joining the ranks of bad neighborhood yourself.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
New laws
New Fla. Laws Take Effect On July 1
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Keep your cool
15 Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Ice bandana
Another way to keep cool this summer is with an ice bandana. You can freeze it and re-freeze it over and over.
Gas for life
The Florida Lottery is trying to tap the public frustration with sky-high gas prices. The Lottery;s 8 week "Summer Cash" drawing starts today. "Gas for Life" and "Gas for a Year" are among the prizes. Tickets cost 5 dollars and the grand prize is $250,000.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Never buy this stuff used
10 Things You Should Never Buy Used
1. Children’s Car Seats: Car seats have expiration dates, and if the vehicle has been in an accident (even a fender bender), the seat should be thrown out.
2. Helmets: They can crack on impact.
3. Electronics:
4. Laptops: Because they’re mobile, they can be dropped, spilled on, or otherwise abused.
5. Plasma Televisions:
6. DVD Players: Lasers wear out
7. Camcorders: Are often dropped, and have motors that wear out.
8. Mattresses: As one expert said, “Think about what you do on yours, and then you’ll know why you won’t want to sleep on someone elses.”
9: Vacuum Cleaners
10: Shoes
1. Children’s Car Seats: Car seats have expiration dates, and if the vehicle has been in an accident (even a fender bender), the seat should be thrown out.
2. Helmets: They can crack on impact.
3. Electronics:
4. Laptops: Because they’re mobile, they can be dropped, spilled on, or otherwise abused.
5. Plasma Televisions:
6. DVD Players: Lasers wear out
7. Camcorders: Are often dropped, and have motors that wear out.
8. Mattresses: As one expert said, “Think about what you do on yours, and then you’ll know why you won’t want to sleep on someone elses.”
9: Vacuum Cleaners
10: Shoes
Have a garage sale
There are secrets to having a successful yard or garage sale. The best yard sales require lots of work, but it's worth it when you count your profits at the end of the day. Follow these few steps to create a yard sale that attracts people and leaves you with some cash.
Step 1 Decide if you have enough items to hold a yard sale (the more the better).
Step 2 Choose a date.
Step 3 Move all of your yard sale items into one place, such as the garage or a storage area.
Step 4 Put a price tag on everything, no matter how small.
Step 5 Decide how you will set the sale up. Be sure all items will be openly
displayed so that people don't have to dig through boxes to find things.
Step 6 Call your local newspaper about a week before the yard sale, and buy an ad that will appear the day before and the day of the sale. The ad should contain your address, the date and hours of your sale, and a summary list of what you have to offer.
Step 7 Arrange all items on tables or whatever you are going to display them on the day before the sale. Keep the table in the garage or storage area overnight.
Step 8 Go to the bank and get $50 in $1s, $5s, and change.
Step 9 Put the money in a cash box.
Step 10 Place signs around your neighborhood on the morning of the sale advertising the sale and giving the address.
Step 11 Open the garage door at the specified hour and move the tables out.
Step 1 Decide if you have enough items to hold a yard sale (the more the better).
Step 2 Choose a date.
Step 3 Move all of your yard sale items into one place, such as the garage or a storage area.
Step 4 Put a price tag on everything, no matter how small.
Step 5 Decide how you will set the sale up. Be sure all items will be openly
displayed so that people don't have to dig through boxes to find things.
Step 6 Call your local newspaper about a week before the yard sale, and buy an ad that will appear the day before and the day of the sale. The ad should contain your address, the date and hours of your sale, and a summary list of what you have to offer.
Step 7 Arrange all items on tables or whatever you are going to display them on the day before the sale. Keep the table in the garage or storage area overnight.
Step 8 Go to the bank and get $50 in $1s, $5s, and change.
Step 9 Put the money in a cash box.
Step 10 Place signs around your neighborhood on the morning of the sale advertising the sale and giving the address.
Step 11 Open the garage door at the specified hour and move the tables out.
Gems at estate sales
Baron Estate Sales has over 20 years of experience in the appraisal, sale, and marketing of secondhand items. The saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure" never becomes more apparent than when evaluating items for sale. The old print that you thought was worthless may actually be a painting under glass by a listed artist. The flower pot on the back porch may actually be an artist signed vase by one of the famous pottery makers from the early 20th century.
Find out more about Baron Estate Sales.
Find out more about Baron Estate Sales.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Teen drinking
Dangers of Teen Drinking
Teens don't just drink. They drink to excess.
More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking (5+ drinks on the same occasion).
Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 54 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink.
Underage drinking is linked to injury and risky behavior.
Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm.
Brain Development and Alcohol Abuse
Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction.
The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.
Drinking and Driving
Car crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 20. About 1,900 people under 21 die every year from car crashes involving underage drinking.
Young people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older.
Suicide
Alcohol use interacts with conditions like depression and stress, and contributes to an estimated 300 teen suicides a year.
High school students who drink are twice as likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide, as compared to nondrinkers. High school students who binge drink are four times as likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to nondrinkers.
Sexual Behavior
Current teen drinkers are more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse within the past three months than teens who don't drink.
Higher drinking levels increase the likelihood of sexual activity.
Adolescents who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual activities, like having sex with someone they don't know or failing to use birth control.
Other Risks
Teens who drink alcohol are more likely than nondrinkers to smoke marijuana, use inhalants, or carry a weapon.
Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of these activities.
Academic Performance
A government study published in 2007 shows a relationship between binge drinking and grades. Approximately two-thirds of students with “mostly A’s” are non-drinkers, while nearly half of the students with “mostly D’s and F’s” report binge drinking. It is not clear, however, whether academic failure leads to drinking, or vice versa.
For further information on the risks of adolescent alcohol use, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Don't serve alcohol to teens.
It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.
Teens don't just drink. They drink to excess.
More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking (5+ drinks on the same occasion).
Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 54 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink.
Underage drinking is linked to injury and risky behavior.
Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm.
Brain Development and Alcohol Abuse
Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction.
The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.
Drinking and Driving
Car crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 20. About 1,900 people under 21 die every year from car crashes involving underage drinking.
Young people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older.
Suicide
Alcohol use interacts with conditions like depression and stress, and contributes to an estimated 300 teen suicides a year.
High school students who drink are twice as likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide, as compared to nondrinkers. High school students who binge drink are four times as likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to nondrinkers.
Sexual Behavior
Current teen drinkers are more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse within the past three months than teens who don't drink.
Higher drinking levels increase the likelihood of sexual activity.
Adolescents who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual activities, like having sex with someone they don't know or failing to use birth control.
Other Risks
Teens who drink alcohol are more likely than nondrinkers to smoke marijuana, use inhalants, or carry a weapon.
Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of these activities.
Academic Performance
A government study published in 2007 shows a relationship between binge drinking and grades. Approximately two-thirds of students with “mostly A’s” are non-drinkers, while nearly half of the students with “mostly D’s and F’s” report binge drinking. It is not clear, however, whether academic failure leads to drinking, or vice versa.
For further information on the risks of adolescent alcohol use, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Don't serve alcohol to teens.
It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.
Stay out of the water
(Miami Herald)
No-swim warning at 12 Dade beaches
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH AND MALKA ABRAMOFF
Swimmers were advised to stay out of the ocean from Golden Beach to Matheson Hammock on Wednesday after health officials discovered bacteria levels exceeding state standards at 12 Miami-Dade beaches.
The no-swim advisory came after more beaches failed the bacteria indicator test than at any time since the county joined the state's beach monitoring program in 2002.
Swimming in the water can increase risk of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting or intestinal pain, and ear and eye infections, said Samir Elmir, environmental administrator for the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
''It's the biggest advisory I can remember,'' Elmir said. ``In general our beaches are clean.''
Additional water tests were performed on Wednesday, and the county will review the results Thursday to decide whether to keep the advisories.
No warnings were issued in Broward County.
Tests performed Monday measured two bacteria indicators -- fecal coliform and enterococci -- both found in human and animal waste. Fecal coliform levels were elevated and were retested on Tuesday. Enterococci levels were not elevated.
There's no reason to believe the higher levels are from a sewage leak, Elmir said.
Instead, the recent heavy rains and winds are the likely culprit.
''We think that the severe weather conditions . . . and storm water runoff may be the contributing factor for this condition,'' Elmir said. ``We don't have a report to indicate beach pollution at those sites in terms of sewage spills or overflows.''
At 21st Street in Miami Beach, where levels were up, lifeguards warned people to stay out of the water. But a wind-whipped afternoon prompted surfers and kiteboarders to ignore the advisory and hit the waves anyway.
Yoaritt Sienfuegos, who came from Tampa to windsurf, said he'd try to avoid falling in or getting any water in his mouth.
''I'm just going to go in,'' said Sienfuegos, 20. ``It doesn't matter if I get sick. I came here to surf.''
Others, like bather Jenara Nerenberg, didn't know about the advisory. Toweling off on the beach, she was unhappy to hear the news.
''I feel gross swallowing the water,'' she said. ``It makes me a little concerned.''
Sewage contains hundreds of potential pathogens in the forms of bacteria, cysts and spores. Water quality tests measure fecal coliform and enterococci, which scientists consider classic ''indicators'' of human waste.
The organisms, which normally inhabit the intestine, aren't harmful themselves, but elevated levels could signal the presence of more dangerous bugs.
The water is tested weekly at 19 Miami-Dade beach sites from Golden Beach to Florida City, Elmir said.
A no-swim advisory was issued at Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach Pier Park, Oleta Park-Swimming Area, Haulover Beach Park, 93rd Street in Surfside, 74th Street Beach, 53rd Street Beach, 21st Street Beach, South Pointe Park (First Street Beach), Hobie/Dog Beach, Crandon Park Beach and Matheson Hammock.
Key Biscayne Beach and Cape Florida Park avoided the warning.
A dozen sites failed at least one test Monday and Tuesday.
''To be getting positive readings to that extent running that stretch of the beach, that's a new one,'' said T.J. Marshall, coordinator for the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, a group of nonprofits working on coastal and marine issues. ``It is something people should take seriously.''
Miami Herald staff writer Curtis Morgan contributed to this report.
No-swim warning at 12 Dade beaches
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH AND MALKA ABRAMOFF
Swimmers were advised to stay out of the ocean from Golden Beach to Matheson Hammock on Wednesday after health officials discovered bacteria levels exceeding state standards at 12 Miami-Dade beaches.
The no-swim advisory came after more beaches failed the bacteria indicator test than at any time since the county joined the state's beach monitoring program in 2002.
Swimming in the water can increase risk of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting or intestinal pain, and ear and eye infections, said Samir Elmir, environmental administrator for the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
''It's the biggest advisory I can remember,'' Elmir said. ``In general our beaches are clean.''
Additional water tests were performed on Wednesday, and the county will review the results Thursday to decide whether to keep the advisories.
No warnings were issued in Broward County.
Tests performed Monday measured two bacteria indicators -- fecal coliform and enterococci -- both found in human and animal waste. Fecal coliform levels were elevated and were retested on Tuesday. Enterococci levels were not elevated.
There's no reason to believe the higher levels are from a sewage leak, Elmir said.
Instead, the recent heavy rains and winds are the likely culprit.
''We think that the severe weather conditions . . . and storm water runoff may be the contributing factor for this condition,'' Elmir said. ``We don't have a report to indicate beach pollution at those sites in terms of sewage spills or overflows.''
At 21st Street in Miami Beach, where levels were up, lifeguards warned people to stay out of the water. But a wind-whipped afternoon prompted surfers and kiteboarders to ignore the advisory and hit the waves anyway.
Yoaritt Sienfuegos, who came from Tampa to windsurf, said he'd try to avoid falling in or getting any water in his mouth.
''I'm just going to go in,'' said Sienfuegos, 20. ``It doesn't matter if I get sick. I came here to surf.''
Others, like bather Jenara Nerenberg, didn't know about the advisory. Toweling off on the beach, she was unhappy to hear the news.
''I feel gross swallowing the water,'' she said. ``It makes me a little concerned.''
Sewage contains hundreds of potential pathogens in the forms of bacteria, cysts and spores. Water quality tests measure fecal coliform and enterococci, which scientists consider classic ''indicators'' of human waste.
The organisms, which normally inhabit the intestine, aren't harmful themselves, but elevated levels could signal the presence of more dangerous bugs.
The water is tested weekly at 19 Miami-Dade beach sites from Golden Beach to Florida City, Elmir said.
A no-swim advisory was issued at Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach Pier Park, Oleta Park-Swimming Area, Haulover Beach Park, 93rd Street in Surfside, 74th Street Beach, 53rd Street Beach, 21st Street Beach, South Pointe Park (First Street Beach), Hobie/Dog Beach, Crandon Park Beach and Matheson Hammock.
Key Biscayne Beach and Cape Florida Park avoided the warning.
A dozen sites failed at least one test Monday and Tuesday.
''To be getting positive readings to that extent running that stretch of the beach, that's a new one,'' said T.J. Marshall, coordinator for the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, a group of nonprofits working on coastal and marine issues. ``It is something people should take seriously.''
Miami Herald staff writer Curtis Morgan contributed to this report.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Get a pet for your health
Having a pet can, at times, test your patience, particularly when Fido has chewed up your expensive new boots, or Snowball decides to meow up a storm at 4 a.m. Still, most pet owners will agree wholeheartedly that pets give back much more than they receive in the form of companionship and love.
Indeed, the United States is a pet-loving nation, having more dogs and cats than any other country, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pet owners treat their pet like any other member of the family, perhaps even giving them special birthday and holiday presents and foods.
But here is another reason to spoil your pet (as though you needed one): Owning a pet can actually improve the health of its owner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having a pet can decrease your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Triglyceride levels
Feelings of loneliness
But that's not all. K.C. Cole, RN, MN, director of UCLA's People-Animal Connection (PAC), says she believes the human-animal bond offers many social, psychological and physiological benefits. PAC volunteers bring dogs to visit about 400 hospital patients each month.
"Among other things, animals contribute to raising self-esteem, significantly lowering anxiety levels, improving attitude toward others and opening lines of communication," Cole said. "With geriatric patients we see a bridge of communication develop with staff and family when a dog visits."
Pets and Your Heart
Perhaps the most notable benefit has to do with heart health. Several studies have found that people who have had a heart attack survive longer with a pet than without.
Another study, by Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at the University of Buffalo, involved 48 stockbrokers with high blood pressure. Those who owned a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those without.
"When we told the group that didn't have pets about the findings, many went out and got them," Allen said.
Recovery After Illness
Other studies have found that people with pets tend to have a speedier, easier recovery after illness or surgery. One UK study of 50-60-year-old women recovering from breast cancer, for instance, found:
87 percent reported that their pets filled "at least one important role in their social support."
43 percent reported that their pets fulfilled more than 10 important support functions, such as being cared for, tactile comfort, and still feeling included socially, when they took their dog for a walk.
Kids and Pets
Many of us have fond memories of our first childhood pet, and as it turns out, pets are just as good for kids as they are for the elderly and adults. One five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 found that children with pets who are slow learners, or whose parents had divorced, had higher levels of self-esteem and better emotional functioning than those with no pet.
Children with autism and other learning and behavioral disabilities also often show immediate improvement when pets are brought into the classroom for animal-assisted therapy.
Further, kids who have a cat or dog in the home during their first years of life are less likely to develop hay fever, asthma and animal-related allergies than those who don't.
Better Overall Health
Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction in October 2004 found that pet owners simply experience better health than non pet-owners. The survey of more than 11,000 Australians, Chinese and Germans found that over a five-year period:
Pet owners made 15-20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non pet-owners.
Those who went to the doctor the least were those who continuously owned a pet.
The next healthiest group was people who got a pet during the study.
If you're still not convinced of the benefits of pet ownership, other studies have found these additional health improvements to pet owners:
Reduced depression
Less stress
Improved exercise habits
Better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's or orthopedic disorders
A Dog, Cat, Bird ... or Dolphin?
So which types of pets provide the most health benefits? Most commonly, dogs and cats are mentioned in the studies. However, any animal has the potential to brighten your life.
Case in point, a study in a November 2005 British Medical Journal found that people with depression who swam with dolphins for an hour a day for two weeks reported feeling less depressed than those who simply frolicked in the water.
But if you're looking for the most benefit, a pet of your own (after careful consideration) may be the best route to take. Said Mara Baun, D.N.Sc., professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, "People derive the greatest health benefits from their own pet, or one to whom they feel some personal attachment.
Indeed, the United States is a pet-loving nation, having more dogs and cats than any other country, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pet owners treat their pet like any other member of the family, perhaps even giving them special birthday and holiday presents and foods.
But here is another reason to spoil your pet (as though you needed one): Owning a pet can actually improve the health of its owner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having a pet can decrease your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Triglyceride levels
Feelings of loneliness
But that's not all. K.C. Cole, RN, MN, director of UCLA's People-Animal Connection (PAC), says she believes the human-animal bond offers many social, psychological and physiological benefits. PAC volunteers bring dogs to visit about 400 hospital patients each month.
"Among other things, animals contribute to raising self-esteem, significantly lowering anxiety levels, improving attitude toward others and opening lines of communication," Cole said. "With geriatric patients we see a bridge of communication develop with staff and family when a dog visits."
Pets and Your Heart
Perhaps the most notable benefit has to do with heart health. Several studies have found that people who have had a heart attack survive longer with a pet than without.
Another study, by Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at the University of Buffalo, involved 48 stockbrokers with high blood pressure. Those who owned a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those without.
"When we told the group that didn't have pets about the findings, many went out and got them," Allen said.
Recovery After Illness
Other studies have found that people with pets tend to have a speedier, easier recovery after illness or surgery. One UK study of 50-60-year-old women recovering from breast cancer, for instance, found:
87 percent reported that their pets filled "at least one important role in their social support."
43 percent reported that their pets fulfilled more than 10 important support functions, such as being cared for, tactile comfort, and still feeling included socially, when they took their dog for a walk.
Kids and Pets
Many of us have fond memories of our first childhood pet, and as it turns out, pets are just as good for kids as they are for the elderly and adults. One five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 found that children with pets who are slow learners, or whose parents had divorced, had higher levels of self-esteem and better emotional functioning than those with no pet.
Children with autism and other learning and behavioral disabilities also often show immediate improvement when pets are brought into the classroom for animal-assisted therapy.
Further, kids who have a cat or dog in the home during their first years of life are less likely to develop hay fever, asthma and animal-related allergies than those who don't.
Better Overall Health
Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction in October 2004 found that pet owners simply experience better health than non pet-owners. The survey of more than 11,000 Australians, Chinese and Germans found that over a five-year period:
Pet owners made 15-20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non pet-owners.
Those who went to the doctor the least were those who continuously owned a pet.
The next healthiest group was people who got a pet during the study.
If you're still not convinced of the benefits of pet ownership, other studies have found these additional health improvements to pet owners:
Reduced depression
Less stress
Improved exercise habits
Better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's or orthopedic disorders
A Dog, Cat, Bird ... or Dolphin?
So which types of pets provide the most health benefits? Most commonly, dogs and cats are mentioned in the studies. However, any animal has the potential to brighten your life.
Case in point, a study in a November 2005 British Medical Journal found that people with depression who swam with dolphins for an hour a day for two weeks reported feeling less depressed than those who simply frolicked in the water.
But if you're looking for the most benefit, a pet of your own (after careful consideration) may be the best route to take. Said Mara Baun, D.N.Sc., professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, "People derive the greatest health benefits from their own pet, or one to whom they feel some personal attachment.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bank of dad, co-worker, friend
Borrowing Money From Family Members – Is this A Wise Way to Pay off Debt?
(moms-living-debt-free.com)
Borrowing money from family members or relatives may seem like an easy way to pay off credit card debt or student loans. Why? You may feel like families ought to look out for each other, and be attracted to the idea of a lower payment or interest rate. Should you borrow money from family to pay off debt?
In my opinion, the clear answer is no, unless it is your only option. Exhaust all other options first, and make borrowing money from family a last resort.
First, remember that family members may have unwritten “strings” attached to their lending you money. Mom and Dad may be happy to help you pay off your debt, but be prepared for guilt trips later on. Example: “How could you not come over on Saturday? Didn’t we just lend you $10,000 to pay off your student loans?” Why make family relationships tense over money if you do not have to?
Secondly, something may happen that prevents you from paying the money back on time. Imagine your relative’s reaction if they are unable to receive their payment when it is due. And the last thing anyone feels like doing is groveling to a friend or family member. What if you have a job loss? Do you really want to have to let your family know right away about your lay-off or a possible move/career change? These are all things you need to consider before borrowing the money.
If you do decide to borrow money from a relative, have a written legal agreement, signed by both parties. Make it as formal as possible, including payments, interest rates, and terms of the loan. Have it composed by a lawyer, and make sure the agreement states that there are no “unwritten” strings attached to the loan. Then, treat the loan with the same seriousness as you would a bank loan.
Finally, think about whether or not your relationship with your family is worth the risk of borrowing money. I have heard many horror stories over the years about family loans gone bad, and relatives no longer speaking to each other.
I would highly recommend that rather than borrowing money from family members, you seek out another loan source.
(moms-living-debt-free.com)
Borrowing money from family members or relatives may seem like an easy way to pay off credit card debt or student loans. Why? You may feel like families ought to look out for each other, and be attracted to the idea of a lower payment or interest rate. Should you borrow money from family to pay off debt?
In my opinion, the clear answer is no, unless it is your only option. Exhaust all other options first, and make borrowing money from family a last resort.
First, remember that family members may have unwritten “strings” attached to their lending you money. Mom and Dad may be happy to help you pay off your debt, but be prepared for guilt trips later on. Example: “How could you not come over on Saturday? Didn’t we just lend you $10,000 to pay off your student loans?” Why make family relationships tense over money if you do not have to?
Secondly, something may happen that prevents you from paying the money back on time. Imagine your relative’s reaction if they are unable to receive their payment when it is due. And the last thing anyone feels like doing is groveling to a friend or family member. What if you have a job loss? Do you really want to have to let your family know right away about your lay-off or a possible move/career change? These are all things you need to consider before borrowing the money.
If you do decide to borrow money from a relative, have a written legal agreement, signed by both parties. Make it as formal as possible, including payments, interest rates, and terms of the loan. Have it composed by a lawyer, and make sure the agreement states that there are no “unwritten” strings attached to the loan. Then, treat the loan with the same seriousness as you would a bank loan.
Finally, think about whether or not your relationship with your family is worth the risk of borrowing money. I have heard many horror stories over the years about family loans gone bad, and relatives no longer speaking to each other.
I would highly recommend that rather than borrowing money from family members, you seek out another loan source.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Casino games for dummies
Bet wisely, beat the house, and bring home the bucks!
Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games --blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).
Discover how to
* Understand the odds
* Develop winning strategies
* Avoid gimmicks and bad bets
* Manage your money effectively
* Gamble on the Internet
* Deal with the IRS
Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games --blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).
Discover how to
* Understand the odds
* Develop winning strategies
* Avoid gimmicks and bad bets
* Manage your money effectively
* Gamble on the Internet
* Deal with the IRS
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sleep apnea is serious
Hey Susan,
Love listening to you. Just wanted to mention something. A caller reported falling asleep while driving. Although it may sound funny, it could be something quite serious. Many people suffer from sleep apnea which prevents you from breathing while sleeping. Most aren’t aware of it and think they just snore really badly. The result is bouts of unexplained tiredness during the day or no control over falling asleep.
More info can be found this site.
Hope this is helpful!
John
********************************************************
Dear John,
Yes, I'll post it on my blog....thanks for listening. My dad has sleep apnea and had surgery to fix it so I know how that can be.
Suzzzzzan
Love listening to you. Just wanted to mention something. A caller reported falling asleep while driving. Although it may sound funny, it could be something quite serious. Many people suffer from sleep apnea which prevents you from breathing while sleeping. Most aren’t aware of it and think they just snore really badly. The result is bouts of unexplained tiredness during the day or no control over falling asleep.
More info can be found this site.
Hope this is helpful!
John
********************************************************
Dear John,
Yes, I'll post it on my blog....thanks for listening. My dad has sleep apnea and had surgery to fix it so I know how that can be.
Suzzzzzan
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