http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-cooling-u.s.-real-estate-market-gives-savvy-investors-an-edge.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-cooling-u.s.-real-estate-market-gives-savvy-investors-an-edge.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Premier Real Estate Solutions buys properties in northern Virginia, central Maryland, and the District of Columbia at 25 to 50 percent below market value. The company then renovates the homes and re-sells them at market value. "There's talk about the real estate bubble bursting," says Essayas, "but what's happening is that sellers aren't making windfall profits anymore. The housing market has been so hot over the past five years that so-called investors could afford to pay market value, watch the property appreciate, and sell at a profit."

In contrast, Premier Real Estate Solutions makes its profit going into the deal - through buying the right properties at the right prices. "As a rule of thumb, we do all of our numbers right and build in our profit margin before purchasing the property," says Essayas. "We only buy two types of properties: those where we can quickly create equity through renovations and those where we buy equity from motivated sellers who need a quick sale."

Now that the real estate market isn't so forgiving, Essayas says that buying the right properties at the right prices is key. "The numbers have to be right, not only to ensure that our company makes a profit, but to secure our private investors' loans."

Those numbers are providing hot returns on investments, regardless of the price range of the home. For example, Premier Real Estate Solutions purchased a home for $405,000, spent $1,000 in upgrades, and sold the home for $599,000. Similarly, Essayas put $32,000 of renovations into a home purchased for $229,000 and sold it for $390,000. "Recently, within a three and a half week period, we bought a home for $77,000, spent $12,000 fixing it up, and found a buyer willing to pay $170,000," he says.

Using private investments to purchase and renovate homes gives Premier Real Estate an advantage over developers using institutional lenders, in that the company can move nimbly when it finds a bargain. "The private capital we've been using has allowed us to close on these properties in as little as three days," says Essayas.

As for investors, they appreciate being able to earn a better return through Premier Real Estate than they can with traditional investments. According to Harry Roupas, who has made significant investments in Premier Real Estate Solutions properties over the past three years, "The excellent returns I have seen on my investments demonstrates to me that Premier's business model is sound. Buying properties below market value, renovating them, and selling them at a profit is the right approach for today's real estate market, but you need a Premier Real Estate to make it all work just right."

And Premier Real Estate is hard at work, planning to purchase between 50 and 60 properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area this year, and looking to a future in larger development projects, such as condominiums and hotels.

While Essayas anticipates that the market's cooling trend will result in a longer turnaround time for sales, he emphasizes that "we factor higher carrying costs into our equation before making an offer to purchase a property."

He concludes, "Because we never pay market value for a property to begin with, we can continue to take advantage of the current real estate market to secure properties at prices well below market level, renovate them, and sell them at a profit."

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/smart-real-estate-investors-reap-hefty-profits-despite-cooling-trends.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/smart-real-estate-investors-reap-hefty-profits-despite-cooling-trends.html Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Because Essayas, the founder of Premier Real Estate Solutions, LLC (www.ReadEstateMadeEasy.net), uses a different strategy, he isn't even breaking a sweat - despite the slowing pace of home re-sales, which were down 2.8 percent in January, and the 5 percent drop in new home sales. In fact, Essayas says that the market slowdown in major cities represents "the most exciting time for our business.
"

Utilizing private lenders, Premier Real Estate Solutions buys properties in northern Virginia, central Maryland, and the District of Columbia at 25 to 50 percent below market value. The company then renovates the homes and re-sells them at market value.

Premier Real Estate Solutions makes its profit going into the deal - through buying the right properties at the right prices. "As a rule of thumb, we do all of our numbers right and build in our profit margin before purchasing the property," says Essayas. "We only buy two types of properties: those where we can quickly create equity through renovations and those where we buy equity from motivated sellers who need a quick sale."


Now that the real estate market isn't so forgiving, Essayas says that buying the right properties at the right prices is key. "The numbers have to be right, not only to ensure that our company makes a profit, but to secure our private investors' loans."

Those numbers are providing hot returns on investments, regardless of the price range of the home. For example, Premier Real Estate Solutions purchased a home for $405,000, spent $1,000 in upgrades, and sold the home for $599,000. Similarly, Essayas put $32,000 of renovations into a home purchased for $229,000 and sold it for $390,000. "Recently, within a three and a half week period, we bought a home for $77,000, spent $12,000 fixing it up, and found a buyer willing to pay $170,000," he says.


Using private investments to purchase and renovate homes gives Premier Real Estate an advantage over developers using institutional lenders, in that the company can move nimbly when it finds a bargain. "The private capital we've been using has allowed us to close on these properties in as little as three days," says Essayas.

As for investors, they appreciate being able to earn a better return through Premier Real Estate than they can with traditional investments. According to Harry Roupas, who has made significant investments in Premier Real Estate Solutions properties over the past three years, "The excellent returns I have seen on my investments demonstrates to me that Premier's business model is sound. Buying properties below market value, renovating them, and selling them at a profit is the right approach for today's real estate market, but you need a Premier Real Estate to make it all work just right."

And Premier Real Estate is hard at work, planning to purchase between 50 and 60 properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area this year, and looking to a future in larger development projects, such as condominiums and hotels.

While Essayas anticipates that the market's cooling trend will result in a longer turnaround time for sales, he emphasizes that "we factor higher carrying costs into our equation before making an offer to purchase a property."

He concludes, "Because we never pay market value for a property to begin with, we can continue to take advantage of the current real estate market to secure properties at prices well below market level, renovate them, and sell them at a profit."

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/savvy-investors-profiting-from-quivering-real-estate-market.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/savvy-investors-profiting-from-quivering-real-estate-market.html Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For smart investors, the slowing pace of home re-sales, which were down 2.8 percent in January, and the 5 percent drop in new home sales, represent nothing but opportunity. In fact, Neb Essayas, founder of Premier Real Estate Solutions, LLC (www.RealEstateMadeEasy.net) says that the market slowdown in major cities represents "the most exciting time for our business."



Utilizing private lenders, Premier Real Estate Solutions buys properties in northern Virginia, central Maryland, and the District of Columbia at 25 to 50 percent below market value. The company then renovates the homes and re-sells them at market value. "There's talk about the real estate bubble bursting," says Essayas, "but what's happening is that sellers aren't making windfall profits anymore. The housing market has been so hot over the past five years that so-called investors could afford to pay market value, watch the property appreciate, and sell at a profit."



In contrast, Premier Real Estate Solutions makes its profit going into the deal - through buying the right properties at the right prices. "As a rule of thumb, we do all of our numbers right and build in our profit margin before purchasing the property," says Essayas. "We only buy two types of properties: those where we can quickly create equity through renovations and those where we buy equity from motivated sellers who need a quick sale."



Now that the real estate market isn't so forgiving, Essayas says that buying the right properties at the right prices is key. "The numbers have to be right, not only to ensure that our company makes a profit, but to secure our private investors' loans." Those numbers are providing hot returns on investments, regardless of the price range of the home. For example, Premier Real Estate Solutions purchased a home for $405,000, spent $1,000 in upgrades, and sold the home for $599,000. Similarly, Essayas put $32,000 of renovations into a home purchased for $229,000 and sold it for $390,000. "Recently, within a three and a half week period, we bought a home for $77,000, spent $12,000 fixing it up, and found a buyer willing to pay $170,000," he says.



Using private investments to purchase and renovate homes gives Premier Real Estate an advantage over developers using institutional lenders, in that the company can move nimbly when it finds a bargain. "The private capital we've been using has allowed us to close on these properties in as little as three days," says Essayas.



As for investors, they appreciate being able to earn a better return through Premier Real Estate than they can with traditional investments. According to Harry Roupas, who has made significant investments in Premier Real Estate Solutions properties over the past three years, "The excellent returns I have seen on my investments demonstrates to me that Premier's business model is sound. Buying properties below market value, renovating them, and selling them at a profit is the right approach for today's real estate market, but you need a Premier Real Estate to make it all work just right."



And Premier Real Estate is hard at work, planning to purchase between 50 and 60 properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area this year, and looking to a future in larger development projects, such as condominiums and hotels.



While Essayas anticipates that the market's cooling trend will result in a longer turnaround time for sales, he emphasizes that "we factor higher carrying costs into our equation before making an offer to purchase a property."

He concludes, "Because we never pay market value for a property to begin with, we can continue to take advantage of the current real estate market to secure properties at prices well below market level, renovate them, and sell them at a profit."

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/smart-investors-turn-cooling-housing-market-into-red-hot-advantage.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/smart-investors-turn-cooling-housing-market-into-red-hot-advantage.html Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Utilizing private lenders, Premier Real Estate Solutions buys properties in northern Virginia, central Maryland, and the District of Columbia at 25 to 50 percent below market value. The company then renovates the homes and re-sells them at market value. "There's talk about the real estate bubble bursting," says Essayas, "but what's happening is that sellers aren't making windfall profits anymore. The housing market has been so hot over the past five years that so-called investors could afford to pay market value, watch the property appreciate, and sell at a profit."

In contrast, Premier Real Estate Solutions makes its profit going into the deal – through buying the right properties at the right prices. "As a rule of thumb, we do all of our numbers right and build in our profit margin before purchasing the property," says Essayas. "We only buy two types of properties: those where we can quickly create equity through renovations and those where we buy equity from motivated sellers who need a quick sale."

Now that the real estate market isn't so forgiving, Essayas says that buying the right properties at the right prices is key. "The numbers have to be right, not only to ensure that our company makes a profit, but to secure our private investors' loans."

Those numbers are providing hot returns on investments, regardless of the price range of the home. For example, Premier Real Estate Solutions purchased a home for $405,000, spent $1,000 in upgrades, and sold the home for $599,000. Similarly, Essayas put $32,000 of renovations into a home purchased for $229,000 and sold it for $390,000. "Recently, within a three and a half week period, we bought a home for $77,000, spent $12,000 fixing it up, and found a buyer willing to pay $170,000," he says.

Using private investments to purchase and renovate homes gives Premier Real Estate an advantage over developers using institutional lenders, in that the company can move nimbly when it finds a bargain. "The private capital we've been using has allowed us to close on these properties in as little as three days," says Essayas.

As for investors, they appreciate being able to earn a better return through Premier Real Estate than they can with traditional investments. According to Harry Roupas, who has made significant investments in Premier Real Estate Solutions properties over the past three years, "The excellent returns I have seen on my investments demonstrates to me that Premier's business model is sound. Buying properties below market value, renovating them, and selling them at a profit is the right approach for today's real estate market, but you need a Premier Real Estate to make it all work just right."

And Premier Real Estate is hard at work, planning to purchase between 50 and 60 properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area this year, and looking to a future in larger development projects, such as condominiums and hotels.

While Essayas anticipates that the market's cooling trend will result in a longer turnaround time for sales, he emphasizes that "we factor higher carrying costs into our equation before making an offer to purchase a property."

He concludes, "Because we never pay market value for a property to begin with, we can continue to take advantage of the current real estate market to secure properties at prices well below market level, renovate them, and sell them at a profit."

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stop-the-guessing-and-find-out-your-risk-of-stroke-and-heart-attack.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stop-the-guessing-and-find-out-your-risk-of-stroke-and-heart-attack.html Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Dr. Maulfair goes on to explain that there are two kinds of plaque, not just one. "When you have the evidence that you are developing the king of plaque that can rupture and cause a sudden heart attack or stroke sometime in the future, people become interested and motivated to take preventive action in lifestyle choices and active noninvasive treatment choices like chelation therapy. Our seminars explain the causes and the course of the disease process and why chelation is so effective in restoring health or preventing problems in the first place." The people who just completed this study found it to be very telling and were surprised to learn the degree of risk they may have from a clear picture of the carotid arteries in their neck.

A CardioRisk-trained sonographer places a probe on the main arteries of your neck and acquires images. The images are then transferred to a computer, processed by patented and FDA-cleared software, and analyzed at their IMT Technical Center. A summary report is printed showing how you compare to persons of your age and same sex. Keep in mind that your arteries are complex structures, more than a "pipe" carrying blood. Over your lifetime, genetic and environmental factors may cause inflammation on the inner walls of your artery. A sticky substance called plaque also builds up inside your blood vessels. The blood vessels may weaken or become so clogged that the blood supply to affected parts of the body is reduced or blocked. The flow of blood may also be affected when plaque ruptures and causes a blood clot (thrombus) blocking or clogging the blood vessel. This diagnostic test even detects a thickening of the inner tissues of an artery, which precedes plaque formation. Most insurance companies reimburse you for this test if you have known risk factors for heart disease. The risk factors include being 45 years of age or older, family history, overweight, smoker, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and little or no exercise.

In a medical journal from the year 2000 the American Heart Association Expert Panel said, "Carotid Artery B-mode Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive means of assessing sub-clinical atherosclerosis. The technique is valid and reliable. IMT is an independent predictor of TIA (stroke-like symptoms), stroke and CAD (heart disease)."

The next group of people will be screened in the offices of Dr. Maulfair on April 6th; you can join this group and call (610-682-2104) to make your appointment and get additional information. This will be an ongoing screening program offered by the Maulfair Medical Center periodically.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a diagnostic tool, professional medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment, or a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis, opinion or suggested course of treatment by a qualified health care professional, nor is it to be relied upon with regard to diagnosis or treatment. We assume no responsibility for what you do with the information contained in this article. Medical problems, particularly those of a serious nature, should be treated by a doctor in person. Please see a doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment for any medical conditions you may have.

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/randall-suggs-reflects-on-financial-emotional-costs-of-criminal-recidivism.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/randall-suggs-reflects-on-financial-emotional-costs-of-criminal-recidivism.html Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Suggs, a land developer from Scottsdale, Ariz., became philanthropically involved in the Second Chance prisoner rehabilitation program when he saw the success the program was having in Mexican prisons. "It's a unique and gratifying experience to make a charitable contribution and actually meet the people who are being helped," he says. "But, for me, it isn't only the prisoners who are being helped - it's also every person who will avoid being victimized by a crime perpetrated by former inmates."

According to Suggs, one of the greatest benefits of creating effective rehabilitation programs for prisoners is public safety. "The current system is based solely on punishment - on locking people away," he says. "The true reason for sending someone to prison should be public safety. Eventually, prisoners will be released, and without rehabilitation, the criminal justice system is a revolving door that does nothing to improve public safety. The government assumes responsibility for locking up prisoners, and they need to do something to ensure that those convicted won't get out and become repeat offenders."

The cost of incarceration in the U.S. keeps rising. Over 1.9 million Americans are incarcerated at a taxpayer expense of over $65 billion each year. Research indicates that, over the past 25 years, entry into correctional facilities has risen an astounding 377%, with a corresponding budget increase of 600%. And, the trend shows no signs of slowing. In California alone, the projected state spending on incarceration over the next 20 years is $1.3 trillion.

Suggs is quick to point out that the costs associated with incarceration are only one part of the equation. "We often don't consider the other costs of criminal activity," he says. "Insurance companies pay for property crimes like vehicle thefts and burglaries, and pass those costs onto policyholders. For victims of violent crime, there is the enormous cost of medical treatment. And there is the incalculable cost of the emotional distress that victims suffer."

When prisoners enter a successful program such as the Second Chance Program, however, they begin to take responsibility for their actions and learn vital tools to help them overcome obstacles when they are paroled or released. According to Suggs, "Second Chance Centers provide an opportunity to turn the tide on crime and, in turn, to create safer communities and a safer society." In the process, those who are rehabilitated have the communication tools they need to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families, and make different choices when confronted with situations that would have previously led to criminal activity.

Suggs concludes, "It's gratifying to know that the work we're doing in the Second Chance Program will increase public safety. After all, when you're walking to your car at night or are in line at the grocery checkout counter, who would you rather have behind you - a former criminal who has been rehabilitated or a career criminal who is looking for his next victim?"

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/sarah-ehrlich-takes-on-education-for-african-kids-with-help-for-orphans.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/sarah-ehrlich-takes-on-education-for-african-kids-with-help-for-orphans.html Sun, 04 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Ehrlich applauds the efforts of stars using their wattage to draw attention to the problems facing Africa today, who include Oprah Winfrey and her Leadership Academy for Girls, George Clooney publicizing the violence in Darfur, Bono campaigning for debt relief, and Angelina Jolie visiting as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

The numbers are stark. According to the United Nations, the number of African orphans increased from 30.9 million to 41.9 million between 1990 and 2000, and projections suggest that the number will increase to 53.1 million by the year 2010.

But Ehrlich is up to the challenge. Inspired by an organization in India that has several hundred orphanage schools and that encourages children who graduate to give back, Ehrlich's Help for Orphans (www.myspace.com/helpfororphans) has already given thousands of books to orphanages in Uganda, Kenya, and India. Moreover, the organization is currently building two orphanage schools in Kenya; the Kisumu school will educate 60 children, while the Kisii school will educate another 50 children. While the Reading and Phonics Curriculum by Applied Scholastics (www.study-tech.org) will be central, Ehrlich wants to go beyond the basics to provide students with the tools they need to support themselves within their culture. "In order to truly make a difference, we also need to raise their self-confidence by teaching them about human rights, values, how to avoid HIV, and by tapping into their creative energy through an art program that includes painting and dance," she says. "In addition, by focusing on sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, we can help them become responsible stewards of the land."

Leaving a small environmental footprint is central to the philosophy of Help for Orphans. To that end, the organization has engaged AB Architekten (www.abarchitekten.com), a New York architectural firm that specializes in designing "green" buildings. "We want to teach by example," explains Ehrlich, who is footing 100 percent of the administrative costs of the organization. "It's important to assure our donors that their $30-per-month sponsorships are going directly to the children for food and school supplies, and that other donations are being used for building projects, food, and educational materials."

Ehrlich and her team are preparing for a trip to Kenya, where they will partner with additional orphanages in order to sponsor their children and build more schools, as well as to donate books, food, and school supplies. But Ehrlich doesn't feel her mission will be accomplished until Help for Orphans has launched at least 500 schools all over the globe. "We are starting in Africa, but there are orphans in many countries who need our help," she says. "Right now, we're focusing on Africa, but we also have immediate plans to build sustainable schools for orphans in southern India and Central America. Eventually, we will launch efforts in Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe."

Ehrlich says the response to Help for Orphans has been overwhelming, and concludes, "When you do the right thing, everything seems to take off." Ehrlich's ability to create that synergy is certain to help African orphans take off and reach for the stars.

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/leadership/help-for-orphans-sarah-ehrlich-educates-african-children.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/leadership/help-for-orphans-sarah-ehrlich-educates-african-children.html Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The numbers are stark. According to the United Nations, the number of African orphans increased from 30.9 million to 41.9 million between 1990 and 2000, and projections suggest that the number will increase to 53.1 million by the year 2010.

But Ehrlich is up to the challenge. Inspired by an organization in India that has several hundred orphanage schools and that encourages children who graduate to give back, Ehrlich's Help for Orphans (www.myspace.com/helpfororphans) has already given thousands of books to orphanages in Uganda, Kenya, and India. Moreover, the organization is currently building two orphanage schools in Kenya; the Kisumu school will educate 60 children, while the Kisii school will educate another 50 children. While the Reading and Phonics Curriculum by Applied Scholastics (www.study-tech.org) will be central, Ehrlich wants to go beyond the basics to provide students with the tools they need to support themselves within their culture. "In order to truly make a difference, we also need to raise their self-confidence by teaching them about human rights, values, how to avoid HIV, and by tapping into their creative energy through an art program that includes painting and dance," she says. "In addition, by focusing on sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, we can help them become responsible stewards of the land."

Leaving a small environmental footprint is central to the philosophy of Help for Orphans. To that end, the organization has engaged AB Architekten (www.abarchitekten.com), a New York architectural firm that specializes in designing "green" buildings. "We want to teach by example," explains Ehrlich, who is footing 100 percent of the administrative costs of the organization. "It's important to assure our donors that their $30-per-month sponsorships are going directly to the children for food and school supplies, and that other donations are being used for building projects, food, and educational materials."

Ehrlich and her team are preparing for a trip to Kenya, where they will partner with additional orphanages in order to sponsor their children and build more schools, as well as to donate books, food, and school supplies. But Ehrlich doesn't feel her mission will be accomplished until Help for Orphans has launched at least 500 schools all over the globe. "We are starting in Africa, but there are orphans in many countries who need our help," she says. "Right now, we're focusing on Africa, but we also have immediate plans to build sustainable schools for orphans in southern India and Central America. Eventually, we will launch efforts in Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe."

Ehrlich says the response to Help for Orphans has been overwhelming, and concludes, "When you do the right thing, everything seems to take off." Ehrlich's ability to create that synergy is certain to help African orphans take off and reach for the stars.

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sarah-ehrlichs-help-for-orphans-follows-oprah-in-educating-african-kids.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sarah-ehrlichs-help-for-orphans-follows-oprah-in-educating-african-kids.html Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The numbers are stark. According to the United Nations, the number of African orphans increased from 30.9 million to 41.9 million between 1990 and 2000, and projections suggest that the number will increase to 53.1 million by the year 2010.

But Ehrlich is up to the challenge. Inspired by an organization in India that has several hundred orphanage schools and that encourages children who graduate to give back, Ehrlich's Help for Orphans (www.myspace.com/helpfororphans) has already given thousands of books to orphanages in Uganda, Kenya, and India. Moreover, the organization is currently building two orphanage schools in Kenya; the Kisumu school will educate 60 children, while the Kisii school will educate another 50 children. While the Reading and Phonics Curriculum by Applied Scholastics (www.study-tech.org) will be central, Ehrlich wants to go beyond the basics to provide students with the tools they need to support themselves within their culture. "In order to truly make a difference, we also need to raise their self-confidence by teaching them about human rights, values, how to avoid HIV, and by tapping into their creative energy through an art program that includes painting and dance," she says. "In addition, by focusing on sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, we can help them become responsible stewards of the land."

Leaving a small environmental footprint is central to the philosophy of Help for Orphans. To that end, the organization has engaged AB Architekten (www.abarchitekten.com), a New York architectural firm that specializes in designing "green" buildings. "We want to teach by example," explains Ehrlich, who is footing 100 percent of the administrative costs of the organization. "It's important to assure our donors that their $30-per-month sponsorships are going directly to the children for food and school supplies, and that other donations are being used for building projects, food, and educational materials."

Ehrlich and her team are preparing for a trip to Kenya, where they will partner with additional orphanages in order to sponsor their children and build more schools, as well as to donate books, food, and school supplies. But Ehrlich doesn't feel her mission will be accomplished until Help for Orphans has launched at least 500 schools all over the globe. "We are starting in Africa, but there are orphans in many countries who need our help," she says. "Right now, we're focusing on Africa, but we also have immediate plans to build sustainable schools for orphans in southern India and Central America. Eventually, we will launch efforts in Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe."

Ehrlich says the response to Help for Orphans has been overwhelming, and concludes, "When you do the right thing, everything seems to take off." Ehrlich's ability to create that synergy is certain to help African orphans take off and reach for the stars.

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/getemtagged.com-steps-up-to-reduce-teen-driving-risks-and-save-lives.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/getemtagged.com-steps-up-to-reduce-teen-driving-risks-and-save-lives.html Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Those startling numbers are precisely why Tracey and Roderic Strozier launched Get 'Em Tagged (www.GetEmTagged.com), a set of programs designed to change public policy, incentivize teen drivers to use more caution behind the wheel, and alert others who are on the road that a teen driver is in their midst. "Teen drivers simply don't have the experience to always correctly judge and respond to driving challenges," says Tracey. "By tagging teens' vehicles with magnetic badges, we're increasing awareness about teen drivers' locations on the road so that adult drivers will be more courteous and cautious, and will proactively share the road with teens."

The Stroziers, who live in Lakeville, Minn., were spurred to take action after a brush with near tragedy. One early morning in November 2006, they received the call that all parents dread. Their son, 16, and daughter, 18, were driving home at 2:00 a.m. when their daughter swerved off the road to avoid hitting a deer. "She went off the road at a 45-degree angle at 65 miles per hour, came up out of the ravine across three lanes of traffic, and repeatedly hit the median," Tracey recalls. "The car was totaled, and the kids were traumatized, but they didn't suffer any injuries. We were so fortunate, but that's not how the story usually ends."

Now, they're determined to do all they can to bring down the alarming statistics about teen crashes and traffic fatalities. By stepping back and allowing teenagers to step up, the Stroziers have created a viral marketing campaign to spread the message of safe driving from teen to teen. "Student advisors are working so hard to get the word out," says Tracey. In addition to selling the $22 magnetic bumper tags that read, "Teen Driver: Share the Road. Save a Life.," they talk to their peers, to groups of teens, and to organizations. Some are lobbying for more restrictive state driving laws that set limits on teen driving and passengers. And others have assumed the responsibility of reaching out to parents who have lost teenagers to car crashes.

In the process, the teens earn rewards. "In essence, we are trading their influence for scholarships," says Tracey. "They earn points for working on Get 'Em Tagged projects that translate to scholarship dollars. The teens say that these stipends are better than the pay they receive for their after-school jobs." Individual teens aren't the only ones who can earn rewards. "Schools often can't fully fund their drivers' education and training programs," says Tracey. "By selling Get 'Em Tagged badges as a fundraiser, schools can compete with one another to win a car or funding for their drivers' ed program."

The concept of tagging vehicles with teens behind the wheel may be new to the U.S., but it's standard practice for many other countries. "Learner plates" also known as "L-Plates" are required in England, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, among other countries.

All signs point to the trend catching on in the United States. Tracey says that Get 'Em Tagged's student advisors have been overwhelmed by the positive response they've received from their communities. "We've received letters that have thrilled us, and those that have made us cry. We even received a 3,000-tag order from an insurance company that are distributing them to all of their employees." As Tracey bluntly says, "The $20 a week you spend on lattes might keep you awake, and the $16 you spend on a CD might keep you entertained, but the $22 you spend on a magnetic bumper tag that lets people know a teenager is behind the wheel could save your child's life," says Tracey Strozier of Get 'Em Tagged (www.GetEmTagged.com).

According to Tracey, the bottom line is that adults and teens need to band together to help prevent accidents and injuries involving juvenile driving. "The truth is, teens blare their radios and talk on their cell phones while they're driving. They can't do this on their own. We needed to figure out a way to help. Get 'Em Tagged is our way of making a difference."

--
Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>