http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/dental/a-bright-smile-teeth-whitening-as-a-primary-self-improvement-step.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/dental/a-bright-smile-teeth-whitening-as-a-primary-self-improvement-step.html Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Super white teeth are more accessible than ever, with the myriad of bleaching products on the market. It's not necessary to go to the dentist to achieve the kind of smile that stops traffic, although the dentist will get it done faster. If you have the cash and want to spend it on teeth whitening, it is more effective to have it done at the dentist's. But for those of us who don't have movie-star-sized wallets, the drugstore will do just fine!

Don't limit yourself to the gazillion whitening toothpastes out there. They are only marginally effective, and are more for maintenance, not removing stains that have been building up for years. If you would like to add a whitening toothpaste to your killer smile arsenal, ask your dentist for a recommendation. You don't want a paste that's too abrasive or will harm your teeth. What good are pearly whites if you're going to have to trade them in for dentures before your time, because of a lousy toothpaste? Be safe.

There are teeth whitening kits available almost everywhere. Some of these contain a mouthpiece and peroxide gel, and others have conveniently combined that step and produced whitening strips -- disposable after each use, and the gel's already on them! Deciding between those types is a personal choice. Some might prefer rinsing out a mouthpiece each time to reuse, others may prefer to start fresh each time with new strips. The active ingredient is the same either way: peroxide. If you have a sensitivity to peroxide, talk to your dentist about alternatives. Realize also, that use of these products can make your teeth more sensitive, temporarily.

This is however only the beginning. Understand that there's more than kits, pastes, and strips on the path to a bright smile. Teeth whitening is one piece of the puzzle; another is behavior. Do you put off your twice-a-year dental deep cleanings? If so, get on the phone and make an appointment, because those cleanings help get rid of built-up stains that could be standing in the way of the bright white you're looking for. If you're behind on visits, it will make it that much harder to whiten up.

Also, look at your consumption habits. How often do you have coffee, tea, red wine, liquid vitamin B? Do you smoke? If so, whitening teeth is going to be an uphill battle. Staining agents will sabotage your efforts, and if you've seen how much whitening kits can cost, you don't want to jeopardize your progress. They'll only work if you give them a chance. Much like exercise won't do as much for you if don't also change your diet, teeth whitening alone won't give you a white smile -- not while you're staring down the bottom of a coffee cup.

A white smile is a very desirable thing to have, and while bleach works, it's only half the work. Considering what a difference it can make in appearance, isn't it worth trading a cup of java for a glass of milk, or giving up the smokes, once and for all?

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Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/teethwhitening and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/mortgage-loan-leads-what-you-need-to-know.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/mortgage-loan-leads-what-you-need-to-know.html Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
And work it is: not only do all your things have to be packed, loaded, and transported, but there is preliminary work in the meantime that you'll have to do anyway that is less possible to farm out to someone else. Sorting your belongings, deciding what to keep and what to give away, and making arrangements for things that the professional movers won't do anyway.

Taking control of your own move can shave hundreds or even thousands of dollars off your move. This is especially true if you're not moving a huge amount of stuff. If you do have a large amount of stuff, now may be a good time to get rid of most of it. What things aren't you using anymore, and can't foresee any use for? Sometimes it can be tricky -- and emotional -- deciding what to keep and what to toss or donate.

Here's one way of approaching this task: get yourself a number of boxes. Start gathering up all your things -- you have to anyway to pack, right? -- and fill the boxes according to three designations: boxes for items that are "friends" (things you like and use often, for which there is no question you're taking them with you); boxes for "acquaintances" (things you use rarely, and like but could live without), and boxes for "strangers" (you don't even remember you have them, don't care for them, and wouldn't miss them if you left them behind). In addition to boxes of stuff, include furniture. Many people don't even like their furniture, and their bed is old and should be replaced anyway (8 years is a typical mattress's lifespan), so be honest with yourself about what you plan to drag along with you. Remember, every inch of that moving truck has a price tag attached. Gas mileage suffers the heavier the load is, too.

Now, pack only the boxes with items you consider to be friends. You don't have as much of these as you thought, probably! Now, order your moving truck size based on the space you will need to load only these items. You're saving money already!

Since there will likely be some extra space, since the truck won't be exactly the square footage needed for the friends, you can fit in some acquaintances too. Resist pack rat tendencies. The more stuff you bring, the less room you'll have at your new place. Also, all that loading and unloading costs you in time and energy. However, don't throw out truly loved items just because your use for them is limited to once or twice a year. If you have to buy everything all new all over again because it actually is needed in your life, then it may indeed be worth it to bring with you. Just don't let sentiment turn into a sentence!

Now that you've taken care of your own stuff, consider the transportation of living things: yourself, your family, pets, and plants. Obviously you need room for everyone you're bringing with you, and may have to rent another vehicle to accomplish this. Make sure jackets, first aid, prescriptions, sunscreen, and snacks are handy and not packed away. Don't subject yourself to stinging glare on the road because your sunglasses got inadvertently tucked away at the bottom of a suitcase. And if you have children, they should have something to read or play with on the road so boredom doesn't drive them stir crazy.

Often it's not only humans that are moving to a new home. Long distance moving companies will not move your pets for you, so arrange to have your pets accompany you. Consult your vet about the best way to go about this, espWhen choosing a mortgage loan lead campaign, lead quality needs to be considered. Lead quality is determined by a number of factors. Each seasoned loan officer should be receiving, and working on, at least 3-5 "quality" leads per day unless they yield the same results through a consistent referral basis. The 3-5 range should keep their pipelines full and give them time to work out all the loans they are doing throughout the workweek. There is no time or money to be wasted, now that the mortgage loan industry has changed. Here some terminology will be discussed, questions, and insider perspectives on the mortgage lead industry. Some tips will also be provided on how to best use the leads you receive.

There are many questions you should ask your marketing company:

1. How are the leads generated (telemarketers, internet, the bureaus, television, radio, etc.)? There is a huge difference between borrowers who have been solicited by call centers or pop up ads on the internet, as opposed to borrowers who have initiated contact because they are in the market for obtaining or refinancing their mortgage loan. You know what it's like to be called by a telemarketer, rather than picking up the phone and calling someone yourself. Individuals are usually far more motivated to get something done by the time they are personally calling and are therefore easier to speak to, get information from, and at least begin the process of the loan. Consumers who have been contacted by a "stranger" tend to be, understandably, more reluctant to give out personal information.

2. Are you a lead aggregate or lead origination company (do you generate your own leads)? About 90% of the lead companies out there are aggregates, also known as lead brokers, meaning they buy mortgage loan leads generated by other people in massive volumes to resell to you. This way, high quantities of leads can be provided. Unfortunately, you don't know how many other times the originator sold these leads as well as the company from whom you are purchasing them. Also, many of these companies work with call centers abroad and websites that may be using gimmicks that will cost you dearly when the consumer expects something promised by the ad they originally responded to. The aggregate companies may not even know or be able to tell you exactly how and where these leads were generated.

Lead origination or generation companies generate their own leads via their own websites, call centers, and other media. If you are dealing with an honorable company, you will get what you pay for. However, the disadvantage may be the number of *leads* they are able to provide you with. This may result in lulls in your program, especially if you are licensed in limited states or put high demands and filters on the leads you want to receive.

3. How exclusive are the leads? When you buy an exclusive mortgage loan lead from a lead origination company, as opposed to an aggregate, it will be 100% exclusive.

4. Are you affiliated with the Better Business Bureau (many lead companies are not)?

5. How long have you been in business (should be more than 2 years)?

6. What is the estimated application ratio on these leads (should be at least 15%)? The application ratio is very important; even more so than the closing ratio. That's because the closing ratio depends more on you and your ability to offer the programs, services, and rapport with the customer.

ecially if you will be going through several climate changes. Of course you will need to supply them with sufficient breaks along the way for food, water, and exercise. There are many ways to increase your pets' comfort and minimize the stress of the experience. Also, your plants will need special care and handling so they are not traumatized by climactic changes and drying out. Ask for advise at your local nursery for the best ways of transporting your plant friends.

The bottom line for many people will come down to budget. Movers cost money, and it may or may not be necessary for all people who move to incur those costs.

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/mortgage and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/moving-costs-dont-have-to-break-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/moving-costs-dont-have-to-break-you.html Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
And work it is: not only do all your things have to be packed, loaded, and transported, but there is preliminary work in the meantime that you'll have to do anyway that is less possible to farm out to someone else. Sorting your belongings, deciding what to keep and what to give away, and making arrangements for things that the professional movers won't do anyway.

Taking control of your own move can shave hundreds or even thousands of dollars off your move. This is especially true if you're not moving a huge amount of stuff. If you do have a large amount of stuff, now may be a good time to get rid of most of it. What things aren't you using anymore, and can't foresee any use for? Sometimes it can be tricky -- and emotional -- deciding what to keep and what to toss or donate.

Here's one way of approaching this task: get yourself a number of boxes. Start gathering up all your things -- you have to anyway to pack, right? -- and fill the boxes according to three designations: boxes for items that are "friends" (things you like and use often, for which there is no question you're taking them with you); boxes for "acquaintances" (things you use rarely, and like but could live without), and boxes for "strangers" (you don't even remember you have them, don't care for them, and wouldn't miss them if you left them behind). In addition to boxes of stuff, include furniture. Many people don't even like their furniture, and their bed is old and should be replaced anyway (8 years is a typical mattress's lifespan), so be honest with yourself about what you plan to drag along with you. Remember, every inch of that moving truck has a price tag attached. Gas mileage suffers the heavier the load is, too.

Now, pack only the boxes with items you consider to be friends. You don't have as much of these as you thought, probably! Now, order your moving truck size based on the space you will need to load only these items. You're saving money already!

Since there will likely be some extra space, since the truck won't be exactly the square footage needed for the friends, you can fit in some acquaintances too. Resist pack rat tendencies. The more stuff you bring, the less room you'll have at your new place. Also, all that loading and unloading costs you in time and energy. However, don't throw out truly loved items just because your use for them is limited to once or twice a year. If you have to buy everything all new all over again because it actually is needed in your life, then it may indeed be worth it to bring with you. Just don't let sentiment turn into a sentence!

Now that you've taken care of your own stuff, consider the transportation of living things: yourself, your family, pets, and plants. Obviously you need room for everyone you're bringing with you, and may have to rent another vehicle to accomplish this. Make sure jackets, first aid, prescriptions, sunscreen, and snacks are handy and not packed away. Don't subject yourself to stinging glare on the road because your sunglasses got inadvertently tucked away at the bottom of a suitcase. And if you have children, they should have something to read or play with on the road so boredom doesn't drive them stir crazy.

Often it's not only humans that are moving to a new home. Long distance moving companies will not move your pets for you, so arrange to have your pets accompany you. Consult your vet about the best way to go about this, especially if you will be going through several climate changes. Of course you will need to supply them with sufficient breaks along the way for food, water, and exercise. There are many ways to increase your pets' comfort and minimize the stress of the experience. Also, your plants will need special care and handling so they are not traumatized by climactic changes and drying out. Ask for advise at your local nursery for the best ways of transporting your plant friends.

The bottom line for many people will come down to budget. Movers cost money, and it may or may not be necessary for all people who move to incur those costs.

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/movers and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/family-law/moving-costs-dont-have-to-break-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/family-law/moving-costs-dont-have-to-break-you.html Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
And work it is: not only do all your things have to be packed, loaded, and transported, but there is preliminary work in the meantime that you'll have to do anyway that is less possible to farm out to someone else. Sorting your belongings, deciding what to keep and what to give away, and making arrangements for things that the professional movers won't do anyway.

Taking control of your own move can shave hundreds or even thousands of dollars off your move. This is especially true if you're not moving a huge amount of stuff. If you do have a large amount of stuff, now may be a good time to get rid of most of it. What things aren't you using anymore, and can't foresee any use for? Sometimes it can be tricky -- and emotional -- deciding what to keep and what to toss or donate.

Here's one way of approaching this task: get yourself a number of boxes. Start gathering up all your things -- you have to anyway to pack, right? -- and fill the boxes according to three designations: boxes for items that are "friends" (things you like and use often, for which there is no question you're taking them with you); boxes for "acquaintances" (things you use rarely, and like but could live without), and boxes for "strangers" (you don't even remember you have them, don't care for them, and wouldn't miss them if you left them behind). In addition to boxes of stuff, include furniture. Many people don't even like their furniture, and their bed is old and should be replaced anyway (8 years is a typical mattress's lifespan), so be honest with yourself about what you plan to drag along with you. Remember, every inch of that moving truck has a price tag attached. Gas mileage suffers the heavier the load is, too.

Now, pack only the boxes with items you consider to be friends. You don't have as much of these as you thought, probably! Now, order your moving truck size based on the space you will need to load only these items. You're saving money already!

Since there will likely be some extra space, since the truck won't be exactly the square footage needed for the friends, you can fit in some acquaintances too. Resist pack rat tendencies. The more stuff you bring, the less room you'll have at your new place. Also, all that loading and unloading costs you in time and energy. However, don't throw out truly loved items just because your use for them is limited to once or twice a year. If you have to buy everything all new all over again because it actually is needed in your life, then it may indeed be worth it to bring with you. Just don't let sentiment turn into a sentence!

Now that you've taken care of your own stuff, consider the transportation of living things: yourself, your family, pets, and plants. Obviously you need room for everyone you're bringing with you, and may have to rent another vehicle to accomplish this. Make sure jackets, first aid, prescriptions, sunscreen, and snacks are handy and not packed away. Don't subject yourself to stinging glare on the road because your sunglasses got inadvertently tucked away at the bottom of a suitcase. And if you have children, they should have something to read or play with on the road so boredom doesn't drive them stir crazy.

Often it's not only humans that are moving to a new home. Long distance moving companies will not move your pets for you, so arrange to have your pets accompany you. Consult your vet about the best way to go about this, especially if you will be going through several climate changes. Of course you will need to supply them with sufficient breaks along the way for food, water, and exercise. There are many ways to increase your pets' comfort and minimize the stress of the experience. Also, your plants will need special care and handling so they are not traumatized by climactic changes and drying out. Ask for advise at your local nursery for the best ways of transporting your plant friends.

The bottom line for many people will come down to budget. Movers cost money, and it may or may not be necessary for all people who move to incur those costs.

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/movers and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/cordless-phone-systems-youve-come-a-long-way-baby.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/cordless-phone-systems-youve-come-a-long-way-baby.html Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A cordless phone system is typically designed to use radio frequencies to transmit voice information digitally. These phones have changed a great deal over the years, from large "brick" phones to the sleep, almost too-small designs of today. Where they used to be an extreme rarity for most people, today it seems odd to see a cord on someone's phone system!

A good cordless phone system will typically include many flexible and powerful features, allowing everyone from the small business owner, to someone who runs a home based business, to benefit from modern communications. These cordless phone systems are so portable, they allow an extreme degree of freedom and mobility to the user.

The first cordless phone systems were made public as early as the 1970s, but they really did not do well in the marketplace and many were actually recalled due to problems such as short battery life. Technological advances have been rapid however, and today's cordless phones are a far cry from their forebearers. Cordless phones are now in use in nearly every industrialized nation around the world.

A common cordless phone system will have anywhere from 2 to as many as 10 different receivers, or handsets, that can be used in any combination including simultaneously. However, unlike a cell phone system, these phones do not each get an individual unique phone number. They all share the one main phone number of the location where the phone system is installed. There will typically be a single, larger, base station that frequently includes a digital voice mail system. The remote handsets are usually more compact and are just extension phones, but perhaps with access to the voicemail features. The frequency of these cordless phone systems ranges, but are usually between 900 Mhz and 6 Ghz. The higher frequencies tend to work better over longer distances, or indoors where there is a lot of metal or other potential interference.

In addition to their basic functionality as a digital phone system, today's digital cordless phone systems include so many other features, including but not limited to digital voice mail with multiple private mail boxes, call transfer and forwarding capabilities, caller ID and call-waiting caller ID, extremely long standby and talk-time battery life, and more. They are also incredibly lightweight and even pocket sized. Many of today's cordless phones look just like cell phones in fact. The sound quality is also superb, and most will even have a jack to connect a headset to (and it may even include the headset!) Personally, I'm now using a GE cordless phone system that works on a 5,8Ghs frequency, and it is simply fantastic. I can press the intercom button to contact my partner in another room, and if I misplace the handset I can page it and it will beep until I track it down.

The modern cordless phone system is an affordable way for anyone to add features that were once available only with large business phone systems, at a considerably higher price. They will work on any standard home or office phone jack (but may or may not work with a virtual PBX phone system so be sure to check first!) and will last for years of use. You'll be able to have the phone with you at all times, so you never again miss any important calls because you didn't quite get to the phone in time.

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Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/phonesystems and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-glass-all-that-stands-between-you-and-a-grisly-death.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-glass-all-that-stands-between-you-and-a-grisly-death.html Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Auto glass is manufactured to withstand certain guidelines that are handed down to the industry through crash testing, and is more commonly known as "safety glass." What many people don't realize however is that there are actually two distinctly different types of safety glass - tempered glass, and laminated glass.

Tempered glass is most commonly recognized for the fact that when it breaks, it doesn't shatter but instead merely crumbles into tiny pieces that are not actually sharp. It takes a great deal of force to cause this to happen however, as tempered glass is known for being extremely durable and resistant to impact and the elements. Tempered glass is most typically used for rear and side windows of cars.

Laminated glass behaves differently if broken, shattering into the ever-familiar "spiderweb" pattern, but not actually breaking into dangerous shards. It is made through a process of heat and cold, used to seal layers of plastic and glass together. The plastic holds the glass together and keeps the sharp glass from exploding when shattered, causing injuries.

If you find yourself needing a glass repair service, or to have a windshield replacement performed, there are a number of things you should look for. The National Glass Association certifies glass replacement technicians, meaning they should uphold the highest standards and use the best materials such as a urethane-based adhesive. These certified technicians should also verify the presence of any airbags, passenger or driver side, prevent any particulate matter from interfering with the adhesive bond, and clean and prime all surfaces and areas so they are properly prepared for the new glass installation. They should also explain to you, their customer, precisely what they're doing, and how best to take care of your new auto glass for years to come.

When you're hurtling down the road, that thin layer of glass is all that stands between you and a great number of potentially harmful impacts. Make sure your auto glass is handled by the best, as your life very well may depend on it!

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/glassrepair and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/winsor-pilates-results-not-typical-why.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/winsor-pilates-results-not-typical-why.html Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
As with any infomercial that makes things sound too good to be true, Pilates workout videos don't work for everyone. And even when they do, it may not be necessary to spring for the whole ball of wax -- "systems" that include not only the videos, but a meal plan, journal, and a letter from the host. It may be just as well to borrow a video from someone, or buy it used.

For example, the Mari Winsor Pilates infomercial shows many bodies that are highly unusual -- not the typical results. Yet, it obviously gets people to buy the videos. Not that getting in that kind of shape is impossible. But, most people purchasing the videos will not stick to the program long enough to see such results. That's how it is with most exercise programs. And those who have the kind of tenacity to perfect their abs to the degree pictured in the infomercial, probably do not need a Pilates video -- they'd work out anyway.

This "system" contains a 20-minute workout, a 30-minute Basics video, a 1 hour advanced video, the above-mentioned extra materials, and something called the Winsor Dozen (a 10-minute Pilates workout featuring just 12 exercises, which makes it great for travel). The Mari Winsor Pilates system costs $60, with a $20 discount if you call within a time frame specified in the infomercial.

The 20-minute workout is kind of rushed. Actually taking less than 20 minutes does not enable you to do any one exercise deeply. There are also no exercises designed to target the upper body. The exercises are quite doable, if you are already in decent shape, and will seem very simple if you are already experienced in Pilates, dance, yoga, or stretching. The choreography is very simple and not difficult to follow. Also, the host, Mari, can be annoying. She says "tushie" instead of buttocks -- not very professional. But, she's good at what she does and that's what matters most. The 20-minute video does work, and you will feel better after doing it, just don't force yourself to get it done in 20 minutes.

The advanced video can be very difficult, due to the sequences of the exercises. However, it does work, if you work it. The more diligent you are about sticking with your program, the better the results, and these results can be dramatic.

The meal plan that comes with the system, while containing some useful information about eating well, has a very rigid menu. The Winsor Pilates diet does not accommodate vegetarians or those with allergies. And because it dictates exactly what to eat over a period of 10 days, with no viable substitutions offered, it might be difficult to follow. On the other hand, if someone wants a very militaristic approach to being told what to eat, this booklet will do it.

The bottom line is that the Winsor Pilates tapes do have value, but maybe not $40-$60 worth, depending on how much of it and how often it will get used. It is suggested that one rent a variety of Pilates titles from the local video store before deciding to purchase this set.

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/pilates and other sites around the internet.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/home-gyms-lose-the-excuses-lose-the-weight.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/home-gyms-lose-the-excuses-lose-the-weight.html Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
One way to control weight is to make exercise a habit. This increases the metabolism, which helps burn calories. But with today's busy and hectic lifestyles, how do you incorporate regular exercise into your busy day? How will you know if the exercise you do is effective enough to be worth it?

The right exercise equipment, provided you are disciplined enough to use it, may help. There are advantages and disadvantages to owning your own machine(s). Exercise equipment that is personally owned and kept indoors removes the excuse of not having enough time to get to the gym, or enough money to keep up with health club membership payments. It also enables you to work out on your own schedule, instead of getting to the gym before they close, or wanting to work out before they open. For those whom it matters to, it's your equipment, which you don't have to share with hundreds of other people, or worry about disinfecting before each use (although keeping your equipment reasonably clean is important!).

Possible disadvantages of investing in your own exercise equipment is that because it's at home with you, you might just get used to it being there, like another piece of furniture. Too often, exercise machines end up being used more as objects to drape air-dry clothes across, or dust-catchers, than instruments of heart disease prevention. Another con may be that you don't understand how to use the item, and with no instructors or trainers around, like at a health club, you end up injuring yourself or not using the equipment at all because you don't know how to use it properly.

Another potential disadvantage is lack of variety. At a workout facility, you have the choice of many different kinds of equipment to exercise all your different muscles. Weight bearing, aerobic, anaerobic, land, aquatic, you name it, it's not necessary to limit yourself. When you buy exercise equipment, each machine will usually only serve limited functions. If you need a different kind of exercise on alternate days, for example, to stick to your prescribed fitness routine, you may have to either buy other equipment or go outside to run or do another sport -- and in inclement weather, that may become another excuse not to work out.

A great way to get around the problem of too little variety is to look for machines that will provide a number of exercises to meet your health needs. For example, the bowflex treadclimber combines a treadmill and climber in one. So you get an comprehensive cardiovascular workout with only one machine. If the bowflex climber is outside your price range ($1,500 to $2,200 for the high end models) new, look around for a used machine. Or look at other types of machines.

The most important thing is to give up the excuses. After all, there is no excuse that feels as good as being in shape!

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing.

More of her articles can be read at www.lasertargeted.com/bowflex.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/writing/business-thank-you-cards-a-simple-note-after-an-interview-goes-a-long-way.html http://www.articletrader.com/writing/business-thank-you-cards-a-simple-note-after-an-interview-goes-a-long-way.html Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Make sure to get a business card from the person who interviews you. If you cannot or do not, at least write down the name of the interviewer before you go to the interview. Also, make a mental note of his or her name as you introduce yourself at the start of the interview. And, keep a record of the address of the establishment you visited. If it is a branch office of a larger company, use the branch address, not the corporate headquarters.

Your thank you note is meant to be just that -- a note. Don't write a novel. You know how annoying it is to be held up on the phone by someone wanting your business, who is so verbose and long-winded it makes you want to just hang up, let alone deal with them? Well, don't do that in note form, either. Keep it short and to the point.

What you want to accomplish with your note is first and foremost, that you are writing a note at all. Most applicants -- and people in general -- simply do not bother with thank you cards. Corporate interviewers and other human resources personnel are not expecting to receive them, so when one arrives, it will stand out. That's also true of college interviewers, parents interviewing potential nannies, and homeowners reviewing possible contractors to remodel their houses. So, the fact that you are bothering to write and send one is even more important than what it says. Much like one decides within a few short seconds whether or not they've found "the" house they want to buy, so a card has made an impression within a few seconds of falling into the recipient's hands.

As far as content of the note, it helps to mention something special about the interviewer, the company, or the interview itself. This shows the recipient that you are thoughtful and pay attention. It also demonstrates some of your expertise in your field. Such as: "Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the teaching position at your preschool. Your facility is one of the best I have seen. The developmental appropriateness of your curriculum is truly commendable, and I hope to join the excellent staff in continuing to make it that way."

See? Just a few sentences. Add another thank you in the closing, and remember to add a stamp. So few things are sent by snail mail these days, you might barely even keep stamps around! Be prompt, as well. The interview and its results are a top priority for you, not an afterthought. The prompt thank you card is evidence of this to those who receive it.

Don't underestimate the importance of politeness and gratitude in business. Thank you cards may seem old-fashioned, especially in this age of emails and cell phones and blackberries, but therein lies their charm. Manners never go out of style!

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Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing.

More of her articles can be read at www.lasertargeted.com/thankyounotes.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-insurance-reduce-the-stress-and-worry-over-planning-your-wedding.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-insurance-reduce-the-stress-and-worry-over-planning-your-wedding.html Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
For many people, planning a wedding is probably much like embarking on a college education: there's a lot more to it than people think who haven't already been through it before. It's more than planning a party; there are some pretty serious emotions involved -- all around. It can be highly stressful at times. There are ways, however, to mitigate this stress and make this a happy time.

If you want to bypass most of this stress altogether, consider hiring a professional wedding coordinator to do all the legwork for you and even absorb much of the logistical stress on the big day itself. A competent coordinator will orchestrate the entire event for you, for a percentage of your total wedding budget. Before you balk at the idea of adding yet another cost onto everything else that must be paid for, realize that professional wedding planners often actually save the couple money by knowing how to get certain services for a much lower cost than the general public would pay for the same thing. And since the wedding coordinator's fee is a percentage of the budget you've already set, you won't actually be adding another cost. Considering how much work you will be saved, hiring a coordinator may be something that's well worth looking into.

Whether you hire a professional coordinator or organize the wedding all by yourself, there are many additional ways to minimize stress. One consideration is event insurance, just in case anything should go wrong. Wedding event insurance is quite comprehensive and can cover a wide range of possible disasters. According to one source, the top five reported claims include:

* damaged wedding attire
* having to re-take the wedding photographs
* having to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement
* caterers not showing up
* loss of wedding rings

While it's never desirable to have to actually use insurance and file a claim, it's a good thing to have the policy in place nonetheless. This is the first day of the rest of your married life, and you want it to be as perfect as possible. Whatever you do, don't allow little mistakes or omissions to become calamities. It may not be understood by those who have not been through it, but on your wedding day, everything seems so much larger than life -- whether good or bad.

The last thing anyone wants is to have their wedding be remembered as a disaster, and with how much of an expense weddings can be these days, it only makes sense to have some form of insurance. After all, a wedding can cost as much as (or more than!) a down payment on a house, and you wouldn't buy a house without insurance, right? Right!

--
Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing.

More of her articles can be read at www.lasertargeted.com/weddinginsurance.

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