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Moving to Australia – What You Should Know

August 31st, 2010 No comments


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You would think that an American moving to Australia would have a pretty easy time adapting to the new environment down under. After all, Australia is a western society with a great deal of tolerance for other cultures. The English-Irish roots means there should be no language barriers other than having to learn a few slang words here and there. Theoretically, you are correct. Practically, there are some things you should know of before moving to Australia.

In Australia, they drive on the other side of the road. Dreaming about driving your new sports car down the long empty roads of the great Australian Outback? Forget about it. In Australia they drive on the left side of the road, therefore cars are built with steering wheels on the right-hand side. You could have the car converted into a right-hand drive vehicle, but the expense is not always justified. In addition, you need to adjust your driving habits and always remember to look the right way when making a turn or crossing an intersection. Unfortunately, a small number of tourists are killed in car accidents annually because they looked the wrong way while driving. Pedestrians need to be careful just as well.
Electricity in Australia works on the European system of 220 volts and not the US system of 110 volts. This means if you were thinking on shipping your appliances to Australia, you better think again, for they will not work down under. Power converters could help, but take into consideration these points:
You will need a converter for every single appliance that runs on the 110 volt US electric system.
Converters are not particularly cheap.
Converters burn out easily.
Even though you may use a converter, there still will be a difference in electricity cycles, which means the clock and timer of the appliance will always be off by a few minutes.Tuition for university in Australia is very costly. Although there is a student loan program called the HECS, you would still need to qualify. HECS can arrange a delay in paying university tuition fees until graduation. Then the fee a docked from the salary as tax once employed. But in order to enroll in the more desired majors such as law, engineering, and medicine, students need to score highly on HSC exams. Otherwise, only other disciplines will be open for the HECS loan.All other issues aside, moving to Australia has turned out to be the most positive life choice for thousands of expats from all over the world. Sunny weather, laid back lifestyle, and an opportunistic economy all combine together to produce an living environment worth moving down under for.

Never Again Hear Your Kids Say During The Summer, "I’m Bored!"

August 30th, 2010 No comments


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Every parent (to include me) has heard their kids say – with the incredible freedom of summer all around – “I’m bored!” As a life and executive coach, I find that every summer I am asked by my clients who are parents to tell them what they should do to keep their kids active, engaged and not bored during the greatest three months of the year (for kids).

You know how it works. Your children are excited about the upcoming summer as the school year comes to a close. Then, for the first week or so they are all fired up and balls of energy. Then, they run out of energy and things to do. And you hear, “I’m bored,” and “What should I do?” Your summer has just turned ugly.

First of all, let me say that it is easy for kids to get bored during the summer because they have so much freedom. But childhood freedom often becomes the strongest of all chains; a slave master who uses mind-numbing boredom as punishment. My belief and study has shown that kids do not need unfettered freedom. Kids need structure in order to grow and feel fulfilled.

Here’s my simple 3-step process for eliminating your child’s boredom during the summer months.

Step 1

You should sit down with your kids before the school-is-out-for-the-summer season hits and write a list of their GOALS for the summer. Setting goals is the most important step you can take to keep your child from getting bored during the summer. Ask your kid these questions (and have them write down the answers):

- What new sports do you want to learn?

- What new challenges do you want to tackle?

- What new books do you want to read?

- What new sights do you want to see?

- What new skills do you want to learn?

- What area(s) do you want to improve in?

Step 2

Next – using the goals as your guide, you and your kid(s) should write out a week-by-week schedule of summer activities for them. (I actually recommend you have the entire summer scheduled out day-by-day, but let me allow you to ease into this.)

Step 3

Then, follow the schedule.

My kids have not uttered the phrase, “I’m bored,” since I began this approach to their summers. They are too busy, engaged and happy to be bored! And yours will be as well. And I know that your kids and mine will look back someday (as we parents do) and say how great this or that summer was because of what they did.

To help you get rolling, I am providing you (below) a list of 301 things that your kid can do during the summer. Many of these are low cost or no cost. This list makes sure that no kid need ever be bored.

The following list of 301 activities will help your kid, your family, and you take full advantage of the warm weather season and spark the creativity that makes summer the best time of the year! Your kid can look over the list and choose any activities they are interested in and get started. Some of my suggested activities require parental permission, but most are suitable for your kids to complete on their own.

DARRYL MOBLEY’S 301 THINGS YOUR KID CAN DO DURING THE SUMMER

1 Act in a play

2 Adopt a pet

3 Attend a concert

4 Bake cookies

5 Barbecue shrimp

6 Become a model

7 Become a photographer

8 Become an expert cupcake, cookie or brownie baker. Give them a funky name and sell them. That’s how Wally ‘Famous Amos’ got started

9 Become an expert on something. Choose a topic you interested in and study it a little everyday. By the end of the summer, you’ll be one of the leading experts

10 Blow up balloons and give them to your friends and family

11 Build a sandcastle

12 Build a tree house

13 Build an electric train model

14 Build your own plane from a kit

15 Buy a DVD projector and host a movie that you project on the side of your house at night

16 Call a president of a large company and interview him/her about what they do

17 Check out the stars with a telescope

18 Clean up a nature trail

19 Clean your room!

20 Climb a tree

21 Collect sea shells from the seashore

22 Cook something you’ve never cooked before

23 Cook your breakfast on an outdoor fire

24 Create a family photo album of summer activities

25 Create a terrarium

26 Create a treasure hunt

27 Create a web site

28 Create your own holiday – a Festivus-for-the-Rest-of-Us

29 Create your own science club with friends

30 Design a new clothing line

31 Determine 10 goals you have for your life.

32 Dig for fossils

33 Do 25 jumping jacks each day

34 Donate some of the toys and clothes you no longer use

35 Draw a self-portrait

36 E-mail a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile.

37 Email your question about life success and life’s challenges to Kids@CoachMobley.com . He’ll answer your question

38 Enter a chili cooking contest (or host your own)

39 Find a new favorite author or book

40 Find a pen-pal

41 Find the cheapest flight you can to a foreign country and go on a vacation

42 Fly a kite

43 Get a job as a lifeguard at the local pool

44 Get a job or an internship.

45 Get a ride on a paddle wheeler

46 Get a summer job with a friend

47 Get a temporary tattoo

48 Get in better shape! Exercise everyday

49 Get in touch with a cousin you’ve never met

50 Give your dog a bath.

51 Go backpacking

52 Go beachcombing for driftwood, shells and stones

53 Go birdwatching

54 Go boating

55 Go bowling

56 Go camping in a national park

57 Go camping in your backyard

58 Go camping on the beach

59 Go canoeing

60 Go deep sea diving

61 Go explore caves

62 Go fishing

63 Go for a hike

64 Go go-karting

65 Go hunting

66 Go on a boat ride

67 Go on a glass-bottom boat ride

68 Go on a hayride

69 Go on a long bike ride

70 Go on a rollercoaster ride

71 Go on a walk and take pictures of trees, flowers, dogs, etc.

72 Go out for lunch with one of your parents

73 Go outside and find 20 different kinds of flowers

74 Go paddle boating

75 Go parachuting

76 Go prospect for gold

77 Go river rafting

78 Go sailing

79 Go swimming

80 Go to a baseball game

81 Go to a camp

82 Go to a museum

83 Go to a national park

84 Go to a new restaurant

85 Go to a party

86 Go to a pre-season practice being held by your local pro team

87 Go to a science camp

88 Go to a Shakespeare festival

89 Go to a waterslide park

90 Go to an amusement park

91 Go to an antiques show

92 Go to an opera

93 Go to the fair

94 Go to the movies with friends

95 Go to the movies with your siblings.

96 Go to the playground and swing or play on the monkey bars

97 Go to the top of the tallest building in the nearest big city

98 Go to work with your parents and observe

99 Go vegetarian for a week

100 Go whale watching

101 Go window-shopping at the most expensive stores with a friend

102 Go without email for a day

103 Go without TV for a day

104 Hang a bird feeder

105 Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows

106 Have a bubblegum blowing contest

107 Have a ‘classic movie’ night with friends

108 Have a family game night

109 Have a paper airplane contest

110 Have a picnic

111 Have a sleepover with your best friends

112 Help an elderly person with house or yard work

113 Hike to a waterfall

114 Host a 24 hour soccer game for charity or just for fun

115 Host a 5k race to benefit charity

116 Host a dance and you be the DJ

117 Host a real clambake

118 Host a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood or with friends at a park

119 Host a water balloon fight

120 Host a yard sale

121 Increase your vocabulary. Learn 5 new words each day from the dictionary

122 Invent a new dance

123 Invent your own board game

124 Invite friends over and have a tea sandwich party

125 Keep a journal of what you do during the Summer

126 Learn a foreign language

127 Learn a martial art

128 Learn a new card game and play it a lot

129 Learn about fireworks

130 Learn CPR

131 Learn how to be a comedian

132 Learn how to make balloon animals

133 Learn how to make crafts

134 Learn how to make jewelry

135 Learn how to make sushi

136 Learn how to play chess

137 Learn how to play the conga drums

138 Learn how to play the guitar

139 Learn how to rappel down mountains

140 Learn how to refinish antique furniture

141 Learn how to sail

142 Learn how to sew

143 Learn how to sew or knit

144 Learn how to snorkel

145 Learn how to swim

146 Learn how to throw a boomerang

147 Learn or teach a new sport with someone

148 Learn origami

149 Learn some new outdoor games

150 Learn to how to paint

151 Learn to windsurf

152 Listen to a motivational audio program

153 Look for sand dollars and shells at a beach

154 Make a bird feeder

155 Make a collage from magazine photos and words

156 Make a delicious ice cream float

157 Make a fire plan for your home

158 Make a new kind of sandwich

159 Make a scrapbook of everything you do this summer

160 Make a scrapbook of your baby pictures.

161 Make a smoothie so tasty it makes your toes curl!

162 Make a time capsule and bury it in your backyard

163 Make an obstacle course in your back yard

164 Make dinner for your family

165 Make homemade fruit juice.

166 Make homemade ice cream

167 Make popsicles in your freezer.

168 Make purses and sell them

169 Make something from recyclables

170 Make the world’s best root beer float.

171 Open a savings account at your bank

172 Organize a bike safety clinic

173 Organize a scavenger hunt

174 Paint your family

175 Plan a trip to Disney World

176 Plan the vacation you want to take next summer.

177 Plant flowers in your yard.

178 Play a computer game

179 Play backgammon

180 Play badminton

181 Play croquet

182 Play crossword puzzles

183 Play in a summer sports league

184 Play monopoly

185 Play pool

186 Play pool volleyball

187 Play putt-putt golf

188 Play soccer

189 Play Twister

190 Play volleyball

191 Play Wii

192 Play with the family pet

193 Play with your siblings

194 Produce and direct your own movie

195 Put up a basketball hoop in your driveway

196 Read 25 (or 50 or more) books this Summer

197 Read a book about a famous super-achiever

198 Read a book based on a movie you have seen

199 Read a story to someone

200 Read the newspaper (your favorite parts) everyday

201 Recycle bottles and donate the money to a local charity

202 Re-decorate your room

203 Rent a bicycle-built-for-two and go for a ride with a friend or family member

204 Rent a houseboat

205 Research your family tree

206 Ride a mechanical bull

207 Ride a rollercoaster

208 Ride every ride at the carnival

209 Ride on a train

210 Roast marshmallows

211 Set up a lemonade stand

212 Share your favorite DVD with a friend

213 Shoot 100 free throws

214 Show off your green thumb! Buy some flower seeds and plant them in your own garden

215 Sign up at your local library for their summer great books reading program

216 Spend time with your grandparents

217 Start a babysitting business

218 Start a band

219 Start a blog

220 Start a business

221 Start a collection of something you find interesting

222 Start a diary and write in it everyday.

223 Start a dog pooper-scooper business

224 Start a dog-walking business

225 Start a grocery shopping business

226 Start a herb garden

227 Start a lawn care business

228 Start a magazine for kids your age

229 Start a snow-removal business. (Send out flyers now so everyone remembers when the winter season comes)

230 Start a tutoring business

231 Start a yard cleaning business

232 Start an errand running business

233 Start an internet based business

234 Start an investing club with your friends. Buy stock. Sell stock. Make money!

235 Start practicing to become an Olympic Athlete

236 Start saving for a trip to Europe (or Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan,…) next Summer

237 Start your own soccer camp

238 Stay at a Dude Ranch

239 Stay in a hostel

240 Stay up and watch the shows that air from midnight to 7am

241 Study a school subject during the Summer

242 Subscribe to a new magazine

243 Swim with dolphins

244 Swim with stingrays

245 Take a boat ride

246 Take a course on mountaineering

247 Take a dance class

248 Take a family vacations

249 Take a first aid class

250 Take a helicopter ride

251 Take a jeep tour in the wilds of Arizona or New Mexico

252 Take a math class

253 Take a ride on a dinner train

254 Take a singing class

255 Take a trip in an RV

256 Take a vacation on a cruise ship

257 Take a walk and listen to the sounds of nature

258 Take a yoga class

259 Take an orienteering class

260 Take flying lessons

261 Take Pictures of interesting buildings, homes, birds, trees, waterways, cars, roads…

262 Take up golfing

263 Take up trampoline jumping

264 Take your dog for a walk.

265 Take your dog to dog-obedience school

266 Tale a class on animation

267 Teach your grandparents to use email

268 Throw a cultural heritage party in your neighborhood

269 Tie-Dye a t-shirt

270 Track the moon phases

271 Train for running your first marathon

272 Try to break a Guinness Book of World Records record

273 Use a compass or GPS to map your neighborhood

274 Visit a farm

275 Visit a National Park

276 Visit a tourist spot near your city

277 Visit every professional baseball or football stadium in the country

278 Visit Mt. Rushmore

279 Visit the aquarium

280 Visit the desert

281 Visit the Grand Canyon

282 Visit the Great Wall of China

283 Visit the Rocky Mountains

284 Visit the zoo

285 Visit Washington, DC

286 Visit the U.S. service academies (West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy…)

287 Volunteer at a local nursing home

288 Watch a cricket match

289 Watch a favorite TV show with your friends

290 Write a book

291 Write a comedy TV show

292 Write a fairy tale

293 Write a letter to your best friend

294 Write a letter to your grandparents telling them how much you love them

295 Write a list of the 10 most important questions you want to ask you grandparents. Then ask them the questions

296 Write a list of the 10 most important questions you want to ask you parents. Then ask them the questions

297 Write a play and get your friends to act it out

298 Write a poem

299 Write a song

300 Write a speech on something you find interesting

301 Write letters on airplane air-sickness bags and mail them to your friends

Summer Fun

My Goals Are…

1. ______________________________________

2. ______________________________________

3. ______________________________________

4. ______________________________________

5. ______________________________________

6. ______________________________________

7. ______________________________________

8. ______________________________________

9. ______________________________________

10. _____________________________________

©2009 Darryl L. Mobley. All rights reserved. Want To Use This Article In Your E-Zine, Magazine Or Web Site? You can, as long as you include the entire article and the complete short blurb above with it.

The Impact of the Recession on the Travel Industry

August 29th, 2010 No comments


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As stated in the Deloitte Executive Report of Winter/Spring 2009, 2008 saw a significant slowdown in revenue per available room (revPAR) in most world regions, particularly in the final quarter. North America ended the year with a 1.6% decline, while Asia Pacific and Europe saw growth of less than 2%, in US dollars.

Average global revPAR has suffered further during 2009 and a recovery is not expected until 2010. In the UK, Deloitte’s Hotel Market Outlook has forecasted the regional UK to begin recovery during the first quarter of 2010, whereas London is not expected to see a recovery until the second half of the year. The hotel market is still struggling to overcome the downturn and we are therefore likely to see operators continue to offer special deals and two-for-one packages over the Christmas period and into the New Year to entice consumers into taking that winter break.

The 2009 World Travel Market Global Trends report, has also forecasted 2010 to see the emergence of new, ‘pop-up’ hotels. The report states that ‘with the housing market down and foreclosures way up, new pop-up hotels create an opportunity for travel accommodation providers to offer affordable, quality yet unique hotel experiences. These temporary hotels are pre-built units, incorporated into a steel frame which can be easily demolished, where construction time is reduced by almost 50% compared to traditional methods. Temporary hotels are expected to change the face of UK travel by attracting a larger consumer base with their affordable pricing and sustainable living.’

The damage caused by the recession to the airline industry has been equally, if not more severe. As the Deloitte Executive Report states: ‘The credit crunch, wildly fluctuating fuel prices and exchange rates, together with the deepening global economic downturn are combining to turn a difficult market into one of extreme turbulence.’ Between January and September 2008 30 carriers failed globally, including Silverjet, Zoom Airlines and XL Airways in the UK market. Mergers and acquisitions within the industry are now becoming increasingly likely as operators take strides to significantly reduce their expenses and increase buying power.

Numerous airlines, including some high profile ‘flag carriers,’ that are now in a precarious position are looking to larger competitors to take them over. This can be seen with speculation surrounding Alitalia, Olympic Airlines and SAS Scandinavian Airlines, the proposed merger of BA with lberia Airlines, the continued attempts of Ryanair to acquire Aer Lingus, and Lufthansa’s acquisition of bmi and its purchase of significant stakes in Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines.

Despite the economic gloom, summer holidays are a luxury that the British consumer is simply not willing to sacrifice. Passenger numbers for Ryanair and easyJet have continued to increase and load factors have remained above 80% despite the fact that Ryanair’s 3rd quarter results for 2008 showed a loss of EUR102 million, a swing of EUR147 million compared to 2007, and easyJet’s 2008 year-end results were down 45% to £110 million (figures from Deloitte’s Executive Report). Customer demand is therefore clearly still strong but, during these difficult economic times both leisure and business passengers are seeking clear value. Given the strong cash positions of both Ryanair and easyJet, there is evidently plenty of life in the low cost model to see this recession through.

The hardest hit have been the ‘flag carriers’ who have suffered hugely due to the slump in premium and business travel, coupled with the sharp rise in fuel prices. British Airways Plc in November posted a larger than expected first-half loss and predicted revenue would slump by one billion pounds by the end of 2009. Germany’s Deutsche Lufthansa AG in October provided a gloomy outlook for the airline industry and reported that its third quarter operating profit fell 21 percent. Air France-KLM posted a current operating loss of 543 million euros for the six months ended in September, compared with a current operating profit of 592 million euros for the same period a year earlier. First-half revenues for the company declined 19.9 percent to 10.775 billion euros (all figures taken from Reuters.com).

Nonetheless, in a statement to Reuters Chief Executive Pierre-Henri Gourgeon said that the group’s performance improved in the second quarter compared with the “deep losses” it experienced in the first quarter, which he attributes to the positive impact that cost cutting measures are having. Regardless, as the Deloitte report summarises, ‘the next six to twelve months are likely to see further significant changes, losses and failures within the industry. Winter is traditionally the period when airlines, in the Northern hemisphere at least, burn cash rather than fuel. Those that are already in financial difficulties may struggle to survive a winter that promises to be longer than usual.’

Those who are taking a break this winter should take advantage both new and old foreign exchange comparison sites, such as The Currency Exchange Site and Moneysupermarket.com. With consumers continuing to focus on getting value for money while ensuring that the summer holidays are not lost, these sites allow a valuable opportunity to ensure you don’t stumble at the final hurdle. The sites compare cash, travelers cheques and travel from multiple online providers. Buying you travel money online is likely to save you pounds anyway, and using a comparison site will help you stretch your budget that bit further. So, wherever you decide to go, now or once we start to see light at the end of the recession, there are many opportunities online to help you save money.

Off Grid Living With Free Energy is Easier Than You Think – Here’s How

August 28th, 2010 No comments


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Off-Grid living, (not using a power company) is a requirement for some remote locations like a cabin at the lake, hunting lodge, campsite, barn, field station, mobile home or a yacht. To live Off-Grid you need to make your own electricity. Conventional ways could include a gas or diesel powered generator that costs $1,000 – $5,000. The fuel cost alone to make energy will be expensive as much as ten times what a Power Company charges. What if you could make free power? Consider the Sun, Wind and Magnetism as free energy sources.

Living Off-Grid can be a way to save money but that would require free energy. Making energy with solar panels, wind generators or magnetic generators is how you can make free energy to get Off-Grid. You need to know how to put these free energy generators together for a reliable system. Concern for reliability may still include a gas or diesel generator but need a much smaller size and cost.

Evaluating Your Power Load

Your primary electrical loads are appliances, cooking and lighting and in some cases hot water heater, heat and air-conditioning. Each has a calculation and a duty cycle. For example a refrigerator draws between 350 – 550 watts when the compressor is running. The compressor “ON” ratio to compressor “OFF” is the duty cycle. In 24 hours the 350 watts times the duty cycle of say 30% would calculate to 24 x 350 x 30% = 2520 watts per day or 105 watts per hour average. Your power source and energy storage would need to be large enough for this load. Repeat the calculation for all the loads and you will determine the size of the Off-Grid system.

Power Sources

If you have a lot of sun you should consider Solar Panels. These devices can produce 70 – 175 watts of free power per panel for a fraction of the day. By having more than one panel 1,000+ watts of free power is possible. Wind generators can produce 450 – 1,000 watts of power all day long. How much free power they make will vary with the wind patterns. Magnetic generators are much smaller devices in the range of 24 – 100 watts. Their advantage is making free power at a steady rate all day long, every day regardless of the weather. Multiple magnetic generators should be a consideration. A conventional gas or diesel powered electric generator can make power too but not free energy.

Energy Storage

All the above power sources need to store their energy production to get completely Off-Grid. Energy storage is in the form of deep cycle storage batteries. Deep cycle batteries are different than your car batteries. Car batteries deliver a lot of power for a few seconds then get recharged. Car battery’s chemistry will be damaged if they get heavily discharged. Deep cycle batteries can deliver power for hours by design an are not damage by heavy discharges. Deep cycle batteries approximate cost each is: $129 @ 33 Amp Hour to $200 @ 450 Amp Hour. The battery Amp Hour rating should be two times the expected load. The batteries last longer that way. To properly charge a battery from the above power sources you need a charge controller (regulator). The controller will take a variety of power source voltages from 14 volt to 48 volts and regulate it to charge the batteries safely. Over charging protection circuits are included. Charge controllers cost from $24 to $84 for 4 – 30 Amp models.

Energy Inverters

To use the free energy that you have stored you need to take the battery voltage and direct current up to household voltage and alternating current. Household voltage of 110 Vac or 220 Vac are electronically made with a device called an “Power Inverter”. Inverter power output range is important to consider. This power output needs to exceed your peak power load. Inverter cost range is at $36 @ 400 Watts to $852 @ 2,000 Watts. Having more than one inverter gives you built in backup.

Backup Systems

Backup systems are required for Off-Grid living. By definition you do not have access to the Power Company’s power. Your stored energy is your first line of backup. That should be designed for a 24-hour load. What do you do after that? If your solar, wind and magnetic power sources no longer work you will need a gas or diesel generator. Because you have energy storage, you only need to recharge the batteries and that will take a much smaller generator. A 400-watt gas generator will cost $102 and a 3,750-watt gas generator will cost $500. Don’t forget these generators have a fuel and maintenance cost and don’t provide free energy.

Conclusion

Off-Grid living is an exciting idea and can have free power. Live or play anywhere without a Power Company. If you purchase Solar Panels @ $5 per watt or Wind Generators @ $1 per watt you will be paying 3 to 10 times what it would take to make your own Solar Panel or Wind Generator. Magnetic Generators are near impossible to buy. To make your own power sources buy a guide. The guides will show you how to make these power sources at home. Free power is the way to go Off-Grid.

5 Year Option ARMs About to Reset

August 27th, 2010 No comments


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We have been seeing a drastic decline in foreclosures across the country, many markets show signs of stabilization, and it is beginning to look like the end of our current housing crisis is in sight. However there is small group of mortgage products that may have been overlooked, the Option Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) with five-year resets.

Option ARMs were mortgages that are negatively amortized. As the borrower makes their minimum subprime payment, the balance of the loan actually grows to a balance of 100% to 125% of the original mortgage. The bulk of these loans were written in 2005 and 2006, and will begin to recast as early as this year. This means that the borrower’s monthly payment will increase from its current minimum monthly payment, to a fully amortizing principal and interest payment.

On average (according to Fitch Ratings Inc.) this new payment is 63% higher then the original minimum monthly payment. Most of these loans closed with an original loan-to-value (LTV) of 79%, but now due to the negative amortization and declining housing values have approximately 126% LTV. This high LTV makes it nearly impossible to refinance the current loan.

In an effort to mitigate the upcoming effects of these recasting, some option ARMs have been modified. The modifications have included term extensions, conversions to interest-only loans, and interest-rate cuts as well. However, it is estimated that only about 3.5% of these option ARMs have been modified. Although the total number of option ARMs represent only about 2 to 3% of the market, we’ve already seen that it doesn’t take much to upset the housing markets.

What should you do if your 5 year option ARM is about to reset?

You should first see if it is possible to refinance your loan. Even if you are upside down on your mortgage, it may be possible to refinance under the Making Home Affordable Refinance Program.

If you are unable to refinance your loan, the next best option would be to contact your lender before the recast and try and get the loan modified.

If you are unable to get your loan modified, or the modification your lender is offering is still unfeasible, you may want to look into seeking legal counsel, joining an advocacy group, or contacting a Realtor who has experience in assisting those who are in default, or about to be default on their loans.

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University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Student Demographics

August 26th, 2010 No comments


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Many people are aware that the University of Alabama Birmingham (commonly referred to as UAB for short) has a proud history of serving students in the southern portion of the United States since its founding in 1936. What many folks do not realize is that the UAB student demographics actually reflect an impact on a global scale that goes far beyond simply reaching young men and women in Alabama and surrounding states like Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This article aims to show that the UAB student demographics are quite diverse and in many ways serve as a model makeup for peer universities aiming to mimic the diversity found on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Perhaps the most surprising statistic for casual followers of UAB is to learn is that the degree of influence this institution of higher learning has actually makes an impact on a global scale. The total school enrollment of just over 18,000 students represents people from all walks of life as there are 110 different countries representing in what some onlookers would consider a surprisingly diverse student body given the Alabama location which is not normally associated with being an international hub. Even when analyzing the demographics from a purely domestic perspective there is no denying that this college has a makeup comprised of varying backgrounds and ways of thinking that rival any comparable scholastic environment as evident by the fact that student enrollment encapsulates pupils from all 50 states.

The varied makeup of the school goes beyond mere geographical diversity. In fact, from an ethnic diversity perspective UAB posts numbers envied by other colleges aspiring to foster a population make up that promotes such varied viewpoints and backgrounds. While the percentage of Hispanic Americans enrolled at the University of Alabama Birmingham is well below the US percentage of 14.7% the campus wide figure of 1.7% of the student body is about on par with the state population of Alabama which is comprised of 2.9% Latin or Hispanic Americans. Despite the Latin Americans figure UAB actually exceeds nationwide ratios in other areas. In terms of percentage of African Americans (27.1% of the student body) and Asian Americans (4.4% of students) UAB is above both state and nationwide levels. While the percentage of Caucasian students currently attending UAB (65.3%) is below both the state of Alabama (71%) and overall US Census national figure (73.9%) this is generally considered a positive movement for promoting a less homogeneous student body.

There is an applicable old saying along the lines of “two heads are not better than one when they have the same mind” and this is rarely the case with the UAB student demographics that promote both geographical and ethnic diversity school wide so that the whole of the university will be greater than the sum of its parts.

Dual Voltage Flat Iron – Your Best Travel Beauty Mate

August 25th, 2010 No comments


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Dual Voltage Flat Irons are the latest trend in the hair styling industry as they make the perfect travel mate for women today. If you are working women who are in constant need for traveling for your business purpose and yet require styling your hair everyday to maintain the style and beauty without fail always, these models are specially designed for you.

Before the introduction of these travel size straighteners, people had no other option than to visit a salon when they are away from their home. But a dual voltage flat iron helps in styling your hair into whatever hairstyles you wish to use your own flat iron that can be carried comfortably with you. You can thus get yourself prepared for a big date or a business meeting at the comfort of your hotel room without the need for depending on a hair dresser. Thus, you can now rest assured that your frizzy and unmanageable hair can always be styles wherever you go.

The dual voltage feature of the travel iron helps in using the device anywhere in the world without caring about the voltage requirement of that country. They are designed with a range of voltage options for your special convenience. You can use it between 110 to 220 volts anywhere in the world. In order to fit in your luggage, the dual voltage flat irons are designed with small, compact, light weight profile and are available with cordless option for you to carry in your handbag and use it anywhere in the world. They are not that much heavy for you to carry with inconvenience.

Another major benefit of these stylers is that you can either charge it when you are at home or your hotel room or can use the batteries. If you have frizzy and thick hair, you cannot tame them with a cordless model as it does not produce that much heat for efficient styling of thick hair. So, you can choose the alternative. There are different models of dual voltage straighteners to pick out according to your special preference.

Sim Cards, Cell Phones, Satellite Phones and a Region Free DVD Player, Take them with You

August 24th, 2010 No comments


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While you are on the run, moments will come when you will feel real lonely and you will like to play your memorable moments on your DVD. In that case your true solution would be a region free DVD player.

These devices are required for all who travel frequently

It is not only a sportsman that continues to be on the run over the days. There are many professionals around the world who are involved in professions that require constant travel and a nomadic life. Such professions may be that of businessman having a global customer base, an adventurer on constant search of exciting avenues, a travel guide, or a representative of a big organisation, a political leader, and even a Government Officer. What is pertinent in case of a sportsman on the run is also pertinent for these people. Every one of them require to communicate with his own people sometime or other and every one needs some relaxation in peaceful solitude going down the memory lane.

Communication and entertainment for groups

There may be occasions when in traveling you are not alone but a part of a group with heterogeneous background, with homogeneous object. It may be a team of sportsman, a group of businessmen, a caravan of pilgrims, or a party of tourists on the move. In such case though you might be in constant touch with your mates, the requirements of a cell phone, SIM card or Satellite phone will be even greater because each member will have his or her own circles to communicate or keep in touch with. And a region free DVD player can just cater to the exact requirement of divergent members liking to view divergent CDs and DVDs procured from different zones with different standards of PAL, NSTC, or SECAM, because every member to the team or group will be able to make use of it, such that any DVD procured from anywhere in the world, and using any standard can be playable on a region free DVD player.

Cell phones, satellite phones, SIM cards, and a region free DVD player for other uses

It is not that you require a cell phone, SIM card, satellite phone or a region free DVD player only to keep in touch with your own people or relive your memories of fond moments. There are several other reasons for which you will like to have these gadgets. Cell phone for example has reduced the global distance by bringing the world to your fingertips. You can access anyone anywhere in the world from a cell phone provided, that the region where the contact lives has a network or even dial-up ordinary phone system. Such requirements may be communication of commercial messages, interaction, and deliberation, intimating important issues or even a courtesy call. A SIM card, as already pointed out is the accessory to activate a cell phone. However, every SIM card may not be usable everywhere and even when usable, may cost too much in terms of roaming cell phones. It is therefore better to have a cell phone which is factory unlocked GSM mobile phone. It allows you the facilities of changing your SIM card at will and using them.

Utility of the devices in emergencies

Satellite phones may come up handy in emergent situations like when you are stranded during a travel for some reasons and want to send important SOS messages to your contacts, and where mobile networks are not available. It is also very useful where direct satellite phone communication is available, and though a little bit costlier compared to normal phone systems, the clarity of communication and the speed of access far out weigh the little disadvantage in terms of the cost factor.

Play any DVD from any part of the world with a region free DVD player

A region free DVD player is immune of the affects of standard syndrome. Normally all DVDs cannot be played on all players. Different regions in the world use different standards for a DVD like PAL, NSTC, and SECAM, used in Europe, North America and France respectively. A region free DVD player will play all types of DVD irrespective of whatever standard they might follow and the standard specification problem gets affectively addressed with a region free DVD player.

Get a real provider

So cell phone, SIM card, satellite phone, and a region free DVD player, all can come handy in different situations and on different occasions. It may be required for communication, for messaging, for business pursuits, for enlivening memorable moments, for emergencies and for virtually anything. With these devices you will not feel that you are out of touch with your near and dear ones and you are still a part of your known environment. But the million dollar question remains as to where you get the devices. Who is going to provide you all these devices and ensure quality of the products? The simple answer is that you need a good and reliable provider who can give you all your choicest gadgets at a competitive price and also provides real after sales service. Once you select a real reliable provider, 80% of your problem is solved. The remaining 20% will also be solved as soon as you get acquainted with the handling of the devices.

Beware of unscrupulous traders

Urge for procuring all the devices that makes an otherwise secluded life on constant move really enjoyable, has driven many decent citizens in the past to grab such articles wherever available. In doing so, many of these innocent and unsuspecting citizens have walked into the booby trap laid by unscrupulous merchants who are prowling in the wings. These dishonest merchants make the innocent and unsuspecting customer believe that they are providing them with a real factory unlocked cell phone, or a real low-charge SIM card, or a real region free DVD player, and the customer gladly parts with a lot of his hard earned money to have these devices. But at real time, to their dismay, such customers find that all these devices are not what they claim to be. Instead, they find that these are really career endorsed mobile and support only the network of the provider and not others. SIMilarly, the SIM card provided may not support other areas and even if the SIM card can be used, it may be used as a roaming cell phone only charging the poor customer almost five times of what they would have paid towards call charges under ordinary circumstances. The region free DVD player provided by such fraudulent traders may turn out to be one which provides only limited region free services like playing PAL standard DVD on an NSTC TV but not the vice versa and when it comes to playing SECAM Standards, the DVD player does not support it at all. There are millions of such incidents that have happened with decent people all around. Visit us at http://www.planetomni.com

The reasons why you may like to choose to have products from us

We welcome all who are on the search for a region free DVD player, a factory unlocked cell phone, a real time satellite phone or a SIM card that will provide real economic services to avail our services. We, at http://www.planetomni.com are experts in the market and provide real items that a customer will find to his choice and liking. Our region free DVD player is a real one where you can play DVDs and CDs from any part of the world whether it supports PAL, SECAM, or NSTC standards. Our cell phone is real factory unlocked cell phone that will allow you change of SIM cards at will and it will support any network available at any place in the world. As a result you will be able to use a local SIM card and your calling expenses will be considerably less. We also provide SIM cards supporting a number of networks all over and you can have it. The conditions that are mentioned there really apply and there is no hidden administrative expenses putting you to a loss. And for emergency calls on an expedition just try our satellite phone and you will be real happy to taste its range, clarity and ease of use.

And reasons why you will like to choose us as your provider

We have in the business long and have been able to satisfy our customers not only with the wide variety of products that we deal with, but with our dedicated services too. When you choose to obtain our services online or in any of our brick and mortar show room in your city, you will have a wide variety of articles in top brands to choose from. Our people online and in the stores, make available all information for you relating to the prices, specifications and every thing you need to use these devices. We provide all user manuals, guide books and in addition we have a team of experts constantly on their toes to provide any support to the customers. We value our customers and consider their satisfaction our prime objective. You can get your doubts cleared and questions answered online without having to take the trouble of running to an engineer or expert to sort out the problems you face in using our devices since our services are available 24/7 for you.

What you can get:

Before you set up your mind about a provider, kindly look into what we have as offer for you -

A wide range of models catering to the need of different types required by our customers, to choose from.

On line services 24/7 and in store services where available.

Special offers, discounts and bonus offers for customers on specified articles.

No low grade or below standard articles.

All top brands in the market to choose from.

After sales services and the best warranty periods.

Are you in a: campaign, caravan, cavalcade, company, crew, crowd, cruise, crusade, enterprise, entrada, excursion, exploration, explorers, fleet, jaunt, junket, mission, outing, party, patrol, peregrination, picnic, posse, quest, safari, squadron, swing, team, tour, travel, travels, trek, trip, undertaking, voyage, voyagers, wayfarers?

Are you a traveling agent, commercial traveler, detail man, door-to-door salesman, knight of the road, road warrior, traveling salesperson?

Do you play: bridge, cruise, cut across, extend over, ford, go across, meet, move across, navigate, overpass, pass over, ply, sail, span, transverse, voyage, zigzag?

Do you prefer to indulge in adventures such as risk, chance, contingency, emprise, endangerment, enterprise, experience, exploit, feat, happening, hazard, incident, jeopardy, occurrence, peril, real trip, scene, speculation, trip, undertaking, and venture?

Do you like: achievement, accomplishment, act, action, adventure, ball game, big idea, bit, byplay, cause, commission, crusade, do, doing, enterprise, exploit, fact, feat, follow through, game, happenin’, mitzvah, performance, plan, quest, reality, securing, stunt, thing, truth, winning?

How about: a happening, accident, act, action, advent, adventure, affair, appearance, business, calamity, case, catastrophe, celebration, ceremony, chance, circumstance, coincidence, conjuncture, crisis, deed, development, emergency, episode, experience, exploit, fact, function, go, holiday, incident, juncture, marvel, matter, milestone, miracle, misfortune, mishap, mistake, occasion, occurrence, pass, phase, phenomenon, predicament, proceeding, shift, situation, story, thing, tide, transaction, triumph, turn, wonder?

Do you like foreign languages, learning new dialects or foreign phrases, terms or idiomatic expressions? Do you like to travel overseas and eat up the culture, landscape, history, art and wine?

You need SIM CARDS and CELL PHONES, or satellite phones. You sure can think about a region free DVD player too.

More info. is available.

Knowing Plasma Cutters – How They Work

August 22nd, 2010 No comments


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If we take a look at modern industry we can see that it largely depends on the manipulation of heavy metal and alloys. Metals are being used to build the tools and transportation necessary for day-to-day businesses. Everyday huge equipments are made including cranes, cars, skyscrapers, robots, and suspension bridges using precisely formed metal components. This is because metals are extremely strong and durable and for anything that has to be big and sturdy, metal is the perfect choice.

Since the metal is so sturdy, it is really tough to cut and mend it desirably. Due to metal’s strength, it cannot be manipulated easily to form into specialized pieces. Here the plasma cutters are of great use for cutting the metals. It works by binding one of the most prevalent states of matter in the visible universe; plasma. The plasma cutting machines come in different shapes and sizes. There are monstrous metal cutting machines as well as portable plasma cutters.

The plasma cutter is basically a simple and relatively easy to use tool to cut steel and other electrically conductive metals. The working of plasma cutter is done using a high voltage electrical arc and compresses gas, which would normally be air. A concentrated arc of plasma is created at the cutter’s tip as an electrical arc generated by an internal electrode ionizes gas passing through a nozzle. A high circuit is developed as the arc comes in contact with the working surface thereby melting a section less than 1/16″ wide. The force of the plasma then completely blows out the molten area on the work piece. Thus a clear cut takes place without any slag. The speed at which plasma arc travels through the nozzle would be up to 20,000 feet per second and the temperature would reach as high as 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coming to talk about the power used by plasma cutters, it has been seen that light portable cutters take in 110 volts with an output of around 12-35 amps. On board air compressors are often found in these machines in order to simplify their use. The large plasma cutters would have an output between 50 and 80 amps and they would be 220 volt systems. For cutting any conductive metal up to ½ inch thick, hand-held plasma cutting equipments would be available. However, for industrial purposes larger ones are used which can cut through 2 inches of metal.

There are many advantages in using plasma cutters in welding industry. One of the main advantages is that during plasma cutting the surface of the metal outside the cutting area remains relatively cool. This would help in preventing the warping and paint damage that happens with other flame cutters. For precise curved line cutting, there are thin heat affected zone (HAZ) also allows the use of templates. Since the plasma does not rely on highly flammable gases, they have the capacity to cut up to five times faster than traditional torches. Sometimes it act as gougers and are capable of cutting metals accurately and quickly.

Used Radar Detector Prices

August 21st, 2010 No comments


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Used radar detectors prices are reasonable and negotiable. It is quite difficult for an ordinary buyer to purchase a new, high-end model radar detector, due to its high price. But, a used radar detector is a previously owned detector which can be acquired at an exceptionally low price. The prime benefit of used radar detector is that in most cases, the consumers get a new model, sometimes along with warranty, at cheap rates. Used radar detectors are generally categorized by the price range – economy, mid-range, and expensive. Other factors that determine the pricing of used radar detectors are condition of the equipment, the manufacturers, place of purchase, the model, the type, and the year when it was first purchased.

The prices of used radar detectors generally start from $50 or sometimes even less. For some of the latest models from top brands such as Beltronics and Whistler, including Whistler Cruisader Motorcycle Laser Radar Detector and Beltronics Vector 990 International Frequencies Radar Laser Detector, the prices range between $220 and $260. In the case of used radar detectors with voice alert and cordless radar detector, the price ranges from $90 to $120. The price of used Band High Performance Digital Radar/Laser Detector from Cobra is about $110.

Used radar detectors can be purchased from owners, dealers, or from superstores. It is always wise to buy used radar detectors directly from the owners, as the prices will be negotiable as well as reasonable. In the case of superstores, used radar detector prices are not negotiable, though they are usually sold for a reasonable, predetermined price. The best deal on used radar detectors can be found on the web, where majority of the dealers have sites. They provide the latest information and pictures of used radar detectors. Amazon.com, Buy.com, and eBay.coms, are among the prominent websites where you can search for used radar detectors.

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