A Dr Ken Evoys Getting Started Action Guide. Review

A Dr Ken Evoys Getting Started Action Guide. Review
By George Rusky
Prague-2005

Dear Reader,
I want to start with the purpose of the e-book Get Started Action Guide

The goal of this 128 pages book is not stated by the writer either in the introduction or in any other part of the Guide.

Unusual?

Theres here is a special reason for that: Getting started Action Guide is not written for all!

The book is a start line for only those who joined the 5 Pillar Affiliate Program.
A free gift! A privilege for chosen!

For the rest of the readers, the book is not available, even for money!
(If I hadnt joined the ranks of 5 Pillar Affiliate Program, I would have never known about that this wonder-book existed :-) )

Now I exactly know, that the Guide was written: To get off to a FAST and Organized affiliate start.

In his welcome e-mail to new affiliates Ken writes: To really ORGANIZE your 5 Pillar Business, please print thise-mail and keep it in a 3-ring binder.

But don't close that binder just yet... :-) Add a printed copy of the Getting Started Action Guide aswell. Our very best cream-of-the-crop strategies are allbundled together for personal one-stop value-packed reading.(Downloading details will follow.)Your binder is your blueprint for success. Refer to itoften -- especially, each time a new product is launched
(Dr Ken Evoys welcome message sent to me 1.9.2004)

The next set of goals is explained in the Read me first documents that introduces new affiliates to the Guide:

The Getting Started Action Guide is your personal road map
to success. Everything you need to know about building a
profitable affiliate business is included in the Guide - in
an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow pdf. format.


Let me repeat the main goal of the Guide:

An affiliate is given a personal road map to success

Based on years of his and others experiences with affiliate programs, the author produced the manual that sponged the most usable push-ups for 5 Pillar Program Affiliates.

Educating affiliates, preparing them for grasping the elements of making money with the program, developing the affiliate business, Ken Evoy sees as the crucial task of the book.

By the way, the author doesnt invent any passwords, any codes to protect Getting Started Action Guide from those affiliates who join the program just for getting the access to the Guide and other amazingly richly written unique affiliate sources, such as Affiliate Manual, Affiliate Masters Courses, and the like

Of course you may say: Who is, actually Dr Ken Evoy and why should we believe him more than anyone else?!
Find the answer under the closing notes of the review.

The Contents of the Guide.

Part One.

Dr Evoy treats his affiliates as partners-in-sales and therefore provides everything his business partners will ever need to launch their affiliate business.

The First chapter is dedicated to the products of the company SiteSell, the Brand.
The author believes that knowing the products you sell is the only possibility to lead a potential client to the purchase, to help her to pay for the product.
A short list of products benefits occupies the first chapter of the Guide.

I personally agree with this approach: Ive always been able to convince my listeners to do something I liked doing.

Here, at this stage, the author doesnt overwhelm the readers with the detailed information about the products, some main lines for general orientation.

I can agree with that too. Every product has its description on the companys site, anyway.

The 5 Pillar Program itself is the product. The chapter four gives the basic model for the 5 Pillar Program.

A few words should be said about the system of calculating commissions.
Full of acronyms, like CoTTE (Stands for Commission on Total Team Earnings,) RPSC (Repeat-Purchase Sales Commission,) and the like, do not make a fresh affiliates life easier, at first, it needs time for understanding and training, but with money its always just that :-)

Fifth Chapter is about the 5 Pillar Club Web Site

The Club is the real place where everything for affiliate business is on the plate with the blue border.

Im not going to numerate the long list of the tools and strategies awaited there. Its something that just must be seen.

The last word about this chapter: the writer takes the responsibility to send you weekly
The Five Pillar Affiliate Report.

80-20 Guide is the title of the 6th chapter.

This is the chapter-guide to the very best traffic-building, business-growing ideas and strategies for PREselling SiteSell products
The first time in the book, Ken states the biggest mistake that affiliates make. The most tragic misunderstanding of the affiliate concept: ignoring the basic platform of Preselling Your Merchants Products, the pivotal philosophy of the affiliate business.
Those readers who have never heard about Preselling and try to earn a good living with affiliate business are simply doomed to fail.

My recommendation right away:
Stop Everything and grasp the copy of Getting Started Action Guide as soon as you can, unless it is too late.

I have to admit, that Ken provides some links to various sources with relevant information, which, I guess, makes it hard to read line after line, jumping from one site to the other.
But, again, its my experience.



6.2 Part II Get Set

Nine Steps of the Successful affiliate. Pages 59-66. Read - Do module.


When I start working with affiliates who are confused with the wealth of affiliating-related sources, I always recommend them to stop and come back to the basics: Getting Started Action Guide.
This book is not a report of historical events of the first decade of the nineteenth century in the southern Bohemia.
This manual is not for reading!
Its for doing
With pointing finger on a Step One: Convert by PREselling
Read what to do and ask yourself: Am I going to do it? or Have I done it jet?
Yes? Great. Tick.
Step Two: Checklist Know Yourself, Your Products, Your Target
Have I checked that jet? and so forth, all nine steps.


Chapter 6.3 Part Three

On 25 pages are introduced 14 strategies, the essence of building rocket-launch affiliate long-run business.
This part is pictured with the perspective of dynamically developed teamed cooperation of affiliates-the foundation of stable growing constantly money making organism.

At the same time, I must admit that a reader with elementary knowledge of business basics and affiliate one in particular, can get easily lost.
Kens philosophy of Information-Information-Information over-delivering may lead to the opposite effect: a future affiliate magnate will never become one.
Lost and never found in the ocean of Information.

More and more often I bump into the question of how to decide whose guruing to follow.
So, dear readers, be prepared to get over-delivered.
But, if you are well-organized, well-trained to arrange your doing progress, Get Starting Action Guide is your choice.

A special section is devoted to Frequently Asked Questions, a friendly dialogue between affiliates and the author of 5 Pillar Affiliate Program.

A conclusion of the Author, or as he wrote, the Wrap-Up

Ken writes: Well, that just about it. Everything you need to succeed with your 5 Pillar Affiliate Business is contained with in

First, when I read that for the first time I begged: Sorry Ken for interrupting. Its just theory. Bare theory.
Who will inspire, motivate, even force me to do all you have numerated in Get Starting Action Guide?!

All you have to do, continues Ken, is get started. Once you do SOMEthing, whatever appeals to you most, DOING becomes easier and easierand income becomes bigger and bigger

Well, guys, isnt it the right time we got started?

Conclusion of the author of the Review.

The significance of the Getting started Guide is difficult to overestimate.
Experts of affiliate business (when you go to join the 5 Pillar Affiliate, see link below,) unanimously accepted the uniqueness of the material.
If I could vote for the only one training manual for affiliate business, I would stop my eye on this book.
Getting Started Action Guide is the first book in the series of affiliate materials written by Dr Ken Evoy.
The next one is called 5 Pillar Manual. The amazing trio crowns The Affiliate Masters Course.

George Rusky
www.worldsbest-affiliate-program.com
georgerusky@worldsbest-affiliate-program.com

P.S. All information about Ken Evoy and his 5 Pillar Program
You may find when you click on the web site above
or send me an e-mail.




About the author:
George Rusky, a resident of Prague, the Czech Republic 27 years of experience n the area of education and consulting affiliate coach for the owners of small businesses

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Whole Lot of Hoopla

As breast cancer awareness month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a month of grandstanding by an industry controlled by pharmaceutical drug companies designed to profit from women with disease. It is tragically a missed opportunity to provide real education on prevention, instead of merely promoting expensive diagnostic tools that some experts believe to be inadequate and even carcinogenic. The American Cancer Society remains fixated on damage control. If decreasing the number of fatalities is truly its first priority, why not prevent the disease before it starts? The use of the word awareness rather than the more appropriate word prevention is quite revealing. The big business of cancer is not about finding a cure.

FACT: Since 1940, the incidence of breast cancer has risen by one to two percent every year. In the past five decades, the incidence of breast cancer in females over 65 rose nearly 40% in the United States.

The American Cancer Society (ACS), held in such high esteem by so many, do more to squash legitimate natural approaches of cancer prevention and treatment than a room full of chain smokers ? and they do this by using the FDA as their mighty hammer. The ACS is no friend to holistic medicine. In fact, this organization works directly against doctors offering viable natural options, placing their names on a blacklist without even verifying the efficacy of their treatment protocal. I realize this sort of talk is treading upon sacred ground and I have no doubt those responsible for passing out pink ribbons will be appalled at my beliefs but as a 41 year old woman at risk of developing this disease and active in the holistic community, I have a right to be disgusted with this obvious lack of progress and hypocrisy.

FACT: Fewer than one in 10 cases of breast cancer occurs in women born with a genetic predisposition for the disease and as many as 50% of breast cancer cases remain unexplained by traditionally-accepted risk factors.

So what is causing the substantial increase in breast cancer? Epidemiologists and other scientists increasingly believe many cases of breast cancer are linked to environmental factors. If the ACS would call on both government and industry to rethink the process by which new chemicals are authorized for use and call for accountability, we could make some real headway with regards to prevention.

For decades the ACS has spun tales of victories, so small in reality they have done virtually nothing to alter the course of this deadly disease. Meanwhile, chemical companies continue to develop insidious mixtures of cancer causing agents, spraying these chemicals on our food, adding these chemicals to the water supply, and the air we breathe. The ACS's financial ties with industry clearly influence its policies pertaining to environmental causes of cancer and in some cases have willfully suppressed information about environmental causes of cancer and is often silent on this issue, as is its accomplice, the FDA.

FACT: 9 out of 10 women will receive a false positive when screened for cancer, leading to anxiety, unnecessary surgical procedures, and toxic drugs.

A study performed on 500,000 women by researchers at the Nordic Chochrane Center in Denmark to determine whether or not cancer screening offers any benefit, determined that for every one woman helped by breast cancer screening, ten were harmed through false diagnosis leading to unnecessary treatments, which could be devastating to their health. This is partly due to the irradiation of breasts caused by mammography, increasing a woman?s chance for cancer but also because the numerous false positives lead to unnecessary biopsies and toxic treatment.

Since the introduction of mammographic screening, the incidence of a form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased by 328%. It is believed that as much as 200% of this increase is due to mammography. In addition to harmful radiation, mammography may also spread existing cancer cells due to the considerable pressure placed on the breast during the procedure. According to health practitioners, this compression could actually cause existing cancer cells to metastasize from the breast tissue.

Before writing this article, I spent some time on the web site for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, www.nbcam.com, and found absolutely no information on prevention. It would seem mammography is the cancer industry's greatest achievement and yet if you look outside the information published by the ACS, you will find this particular diagnostic tool to be woefully inadequate. If you are pre-menopausal, it will provide you very little accuracy due to the density of the breasts. And yet it is women between the ages of 44 and 55 most at risk. Why is mammography such a great achievement?

FACT: Mammography is prone to missing the most aggressive and life threatening types of breast cancer while picking up tumors often found to be benign.

I am acquainted with a woman who was sick for a number of months but no doctor was able to diagnose what was wrong. She had a mammogram performed in an effort to rule out breast cancer and no tumor was found. Five weeks later when she was having difficulty raising her right arm because of severe pain she met with another doctor and was then diagnosed with breast cancer, advanced stage four.

Since that time, about four months ago now, this woman has had countless chemotherapy sessions and I have watched her grow weaker with each passing day ? not from the cancer but from the treatment. She is almost unrecognizable. Then she had a double mastectomy followed by countless radiation sessions. The next plan is to put her on a drug called tamoxifen, known to have serious side effects. In fact, a handful of studies demonstrate that the majority of women who take tamoxifen live no longer than women who refuse it. It is with great alarm that researchers are finding some breast cancers actually learn how to use tamoxifen to stimulate their growth.

I would like to focus on tamoxifen, since it is touted by the cancer industry as a great accomplishment in preventing breast cancer. Here are just a few of the more serious adverse side effects associated with this drug: (1) some studies have found that pre-menopausal users are at risk of developing accelerated bone mineral loss and osteoporosis; (2) women using tamoxifen have experienced damaged retinas, increased corneal opacities, and decreased visual acuity as well as irreversible corneal and retinal changes; (3) several studies showed that the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots increased as much as seven times in women taking tamoxifen; (4) depression; (5) asthma; (6) vocal cord changes; (7) liver cancer and liver disease as tamoxifen is toxic to the liver and can cause acute hepatitis; (8) inducing a fast moving, lethal form of uterine cancer ? uterine growths such as polyps, tumors, endometrial thickenings and cancers occur in a significant number of women. One study detected abnormal endometrial cells in subjects the day after the first tablet was taken! It is interesting to note that nearly every method of diagnosing and treating breast cancer is a known carcinogen.

FACT: In a survey of 79 oncologists from McGill University Cancer Center in Canada, 64 said they would not consent to treatment with Cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, while 58 oncologists said they would reject all the current trials being carried out by their establishment. Why? ?The ineffectiveness of chemotherapy and its unacceptable degree of toxicity.? Philip Day, Cancer: Why We?re Still Dying to Know the Truth

Millions of women right now are developing undetectable, early-stage breast cancer, yet the cancer industry does nothing until the tumor is detectable. Once detectable, an authoritative cancer specialist will push chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and toxic drugs on a vulnerable patient. Never mind that these methods cause permanent, irreversible harm to the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. Does no one question the lunacy of poisoning cells in a person who needs their immune system to be strong?

Why are we so caught up in diagnosis when the real key is prevention? Is it because prevention would pay so little to the gluttonous industry of pharmaceutical drugs? Is it because it would shut down the big business of cancer? Detection is not prevention and prevention requires personal responsibility. It requires very little money and that does not work for the drug companies.

In an effort to reduce the risk of cancer, one should focus on strengthening the immune system because there needs to be a break down in the immune system in the first place for cancer cells to thrive. And as long as the FDA is unwilling to hold industry responsible, detoxification of harmful chemicals and heavy metals is of paramount importance and there are products available to help with this great challenge. It is also important to make valuable food and lifestyle choices, and avoid exposure to cancer causing chemicals. Do not wait until your doctor diagnoses you with cancer to make a radical change in your life. I encourage you to start protecting your health today.

Paula Rothstein has been involved in the natural health industry for over 10 years with a specific emphasis on promoting products and introducing lifestyle changes which address chronic diseases relating to high levels of toxicity. For more information, please visit: www.medicinefreeliving.com Copyright 2006 Paula Rothstein

Personal renewal for Mastectomy Patients

While the past is gone forever, the painful experience of undergone a mastectomy can be a source of courage and determination to keep on growing into the future and to continuously lay the ground work with confident knowing that you have the power to consistently grow to achieve happiness and confident.

If you are willing to go the extra mile, your success will be inevitable, something deeper, wiser and more powerful than your previous sense of yourself. More importantly you can be a great model, to inspire and encourage others who have been through the same experience.

Yes! Surely, you can build your confident and self-esteem by not consuming too much time living in the past which often can cripple your future growth. Under such circumstances, you have to work on getting yourself back into the active life style, to feel worthy of happiness, to be physically fit and having extra ordinary health.

Now, starting your active life style by spending some time with friends at the beach or going for a swim at your local swimming pool can be very exciting and fun. If you like the idea of going on for a vacation to a nice beautiful beach, then go out there and enjoy your live. As you go along, you'll experience a sense of personal renewal that opens new possibilities. The beauty of your new adventure will get you more and more exhilarated.

If beach or swimming pools are your choice for personal renewal into and active life style, it's time for you to look for mastectomy swimwear that make you looks beautiful, feel confident and relax. Your first task is to look at yourself physically and developing a fashionable style that look great and attractive.

Mastectomy swimwear comes in all the same styles and designs as traditional swimwear. The only difference is that your special needs are handled either by selecting a suit that accommodates your existing prosthesis, or you can opt for specially-designed swimwear that includes high-tech filler material that rounds out the cup with a natural appearance.

You can buy special bras that replicate the balance and symmetry that you had before your procedure, and now you can select swimwear that does the same thing. Prostheses won't get damage by chlorinated water or salt water, but for the durability of your breast prosthesis, proper care and cleaning after a swim will keep it stay in shape.

When looking for your mastectomy swimsuit, make sure your mastectomy swimsuit provide the support you need, a high neckline with more coverage around the under arm will help hold the prosthesis securely when you are in an active physical movement. A fashionable mastectomy swimwear can make you look and feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable and no one can tell whether you are wearing breast prosthesis. Bright color with a beautiful print can be more attractive and alluring.

You can find mastectomy swimsuit which feature the tummy tamer, hip minimize to give you the best silhouettes. For your daily activities, exercise and physical activities most store advice mastectomy patients to wear light weight prosthesis which is lighter then the traditional silicone form. You'll be sure to feel relax with total confident, with out worrying about the prosthesis getting out of position or restricting your activities.

About the Author

Christopher Ayu is the webmaster and author of http://www.swim-wear-in-style.com You can find this article posted on his site at http://www.swim-wear-in-style.com/Mastectomy-swim-wear.html

The Backgammon Board

For over five thousand years plus the backgammon board hasn't changed much, the basic layout and design has remained the same for the whole time. Of course the materials of the board have changed and now the game is played online so that the graphics are far superior to probably traditional boards, but the undeniable fact is the board is still the same as it was in the very beginning.

No matter what materials are used to make the board whether wood or card board or hand made timbers, or add-ons like cotton or velvet, that give extra padding below the board for better surfacing, or artistic woodworks to add glitter to the playing ambience. The playing surface hasn't altered.

The board's heritage remains constant; tracing the roots of the board will take you on a journey that passes through many different decades and dynasties.

The Basic Design

The layout of the board consists of four distinguishable quadrants and a thick ridge bar in the middle separating the two boards of the two players.

Don't forget backgammon is a sort of war game, two armies of 15 men each trying to defeat each other in an open combat game; a good way to illustrate this picture is with the two divisions which make up the points, which look like spear heads pointing at the opposition.

Between them lies No Man's Land or the Bar.

Inner and Outer Boards

Divided into four quadrants containing six triangles each, each with its own colour to differentiate itself and centrally divided by the Bar. Each portion has two quadrants. The two sides of the Bar are referred to as Home Boards of the two players. The Home Board is the one nearer to you and the one furthest from you the outer Board. This applies in equal part to the opposition.

Remember the Bar not only divides you and your opposition but is also the place when or if any checker is hit, that checker is placed on the bar and cannot move until the correct number is thrown.

Hence, No man's land.

Although boards do come in all different shapes and sizes and materials and are available on line, the fundamental backgammon board hasn't changed in over 5000 years and probably never will.

After all if it isn't broken, why try to fix it?

Want to learn more about backgammon ? come and visit my site and get the know rules and strategies for winning backgammon games. Basic backgammon rules, advanced and variation. The site also includes a full game play glossary. Enjoy the game !

About the Author

David Lambert has been playing backgammon ever since he was a young kid, he enjoys the backgammon game more then any other board game out there.

Baby Strollers What You Need To Know Before Buying One

Red Tide

Am I forgiven?

Am I forgiven?

You still have to bring me to the zoo, demanded the seven-year-old Charlie as he felt the texture of his new ball.

That will be on Saturday.

Dad, my birthday is today.

Charlie tomorrow is a working day. Just like today. Daddy needs to work, and you, you need to go to school okay. He smiled.

But that comes with a penalty. A family computer.

That is too much!

Dad, everybody in school has their own already.

But that is all. Charlie nodded, but Charles noticed that he was still a little sad.

What?

I wish mommy is here.

Charles squatted, Charlie, I miss mommy too, but there is nothing that we can do about it. She is no longer here, not with us. But I am still here and mommy is happy with that wherever she is.

Lets go home Dad.

Charlie bounced the ball as he started to go outside of the store ahead of his father. Charlie, wait for me it is too dark outside. Charlie went back to his father who was paying the clerk.

Thank you daddy. Charles held his sons shoulder as Charlie continuously bounced the ball on the concrete pavement as they went home, Someday, Ill shot like Larry Bird, Daddy.

Not Magic?

No. Not Magic.

That will take a lot of practice. But dont worry Im always.

Charles! a man in his thirties was sitting on the Mitsubishis hood.

Hey Alex. How are you? Charlie, dont go too far.

Fine. Gregs here. He looked at Greg and lighted a cigarette.

Hi Greg.

Greg nodded as Alex offered Charles a cigarette.

No. My son does not like to see me smoke.

Charlie looked at the two guys with curiosity then his ball bounced off and rolled into the bushes. He ran to chase it. Charlie, be careful! Charles warned him.

Charlie searched the ball behind the bushes with only the light that came from the store was guiding him. It rolled in here. He crawled behind the bushes, Where it is? It should be in here. Ahh! he saw his ball in a deep hole and it was impossible for him to reach it. Daddy, I can not

BANG!

Charlie nervously got up. Everybody was running and he cannot see his father, Daddee! Daddee! he was shaking and crying as he stood while looking for his father. The street became empty in a minute and Charlie saw that his father was bloody and kneeling as he was holding his stomach. Alex was holding a wallet and a watch as he pulled something from Charless hand. Daddee! Daddee! Charlie ran to his father while Greg was pointing a .357 to Charles.

Charlie run!

Dont kill my daddee! Charlie punched Greg, and Greg hit him on the face to throw him away but the kid ran to fight him back.

Charliesstop, his father cautioned him.

Dont kill my daddee! he was weeping and punching Greg, so Greg held him by his shirt. Dont kill my daddee!

Please, I am not yet ready. I have a kid, he was holding his stomach, trying to stop the bleeding. Please he coughed, Ill pay...

Greg pointed his gun to Charlie.

No! Charles coughed as he tried to stop Greg. Ill pay he coughed, just give me time.

Greg! Thats a kid man, Alex cautioned Greg.

Why do you always gets weak when it comes to kids!

Stop it! The kid has nothing to do with this! Its the father! Its the fucking father! Lets do it man, and the police are in here in any minute.

Bullshit! I can kill! Anyone! he pointed his gun to Alex.

What are you doing man?

Dont intervene with my fucking business! You understand!

Alex glared at Greg as he felt his gun in his waist.

What! Want to draw! Greg looked Alex in the eye. What!

Dont kill my daddee, Charlie bit Gregs leg that made Greg to jump in pain and threw the kid away. Then Greg shot Charlie but Alex jumped at him to disturb his hand. The bullet hit an electrical post.

Bullshit! Not the kid! Bullshit! Alex held Charlie tight so that the kid cannot move even though he was desperately fighting. He heard the siren, Finish the fucking father! he drew his gun and pointed it to Greg, Lets get out of here, son of a bitch!

Greg looked at Alexs eyes and then to Charles.

Ill pay, Charles cried.

Sorry kid, Greg pointed his .357 on Charles, your daddy owe us something.

Ill pay, Charles coughed, Ill pay. Ill pay.

I believe that that is already too late, and he squeezed the trigger.

That was fifteen years ago, but Charlie can still see everything very clearly. It happened right there, near fantasy, he silently read what is visible as ant.

Hi, a girl in her teens greets him, are you looking for some fun?

Fun? The girl wears a skimpy dress and a high heel.

I can give you anything, she smiles.

No. Actually Im just lost. Im looking for the house of a friend, Alex. Do you know him? Im already fifteen minutes late.

Come on. Alex? That grump? He can wait. She tries to hold on to Charlies hand but Charlie avoids her. It is just six thirty. Come on. Youre young. Im young. Lets have some fun.

Next time,

Come on. Look at me, she gives a sexy pose.

Next time, he smiles Promise, Ill try to come back. Charlie starts to walk.

Alexs house is the one with a crucifix. Just turn left on the first intersection.

Charlie turns back, Thank you.

My names Liza, in case you need some fun, she shouted as Charlie disappears on the dimly lighted intersection.

There is a big improvement on Alexs house, Charlie notice. It is now a two story concrete building with a wide collection of wild flowers, an intercom, and a decorated fence that includes a huge crucifix. He rings the doorbell and a mans voice came out of the speaker. Who are you?

Rob. Remember? I called. Im sorry Im late but I have a hard

The gate opens, Come on in, and it immediately closes after he steps inside of the lawn. He looks around and a man in his early twenties opens the door of the house. Come here. he inspects Charlie then he let Charlie in. Charlie steps inside and the man slam shut the door. There are two more persons inside, one is in his late twenties and the other is already having a gray mustache, maybe late fifties.

Youre Alex? he asks the guy in his late twenties.

No. He is, he points the guy with a gray mustache.

Did you bring the money? asks Alex.

Charlie gives him his knapsack and Alex examines it, then he smiles and closes the backpack without counting the money. Only the color of the mustache change, Charlie thought.

Follow me.

Alex brings him into a small arsenal. So, what do you need?

Charlie scans the place, I need to kill someone? The two younger guys are at the door, carefully watching his every move. Both of them have guns in their waist, probably pistols, Charlie notice.

Who?

None of your business. He look at the two guards, Theyre too heavy to move faster than me, he thought.

Okay, he shrugs his shoulder.

.45 and an ingram plus ammo, Charlie said. That would be just enough, he thought.

No problem. Alex scans the arsenal. Then he picks the ingram and the caliber .45. He lays it on the table and looks at Charlie.

Id like to test it.

Alex inserts a loaded magazine on the guns. Come here. He brings Charlie in front of a small firing window. You have twenty rounds. Ten rounds each. Charlie fires the pistol once then he picks the ingram and fire it also once, then he holds the pistol with another hand and faces Alex with the barrel loosely facing Alex.

You have twenty rounds. Go on.

No problem, Charlie squeezes the trigger of the ingram and Alex falls down, his blood is flowing from his stomach and chest. The two guards immediately draw their pistols but Charlie dives on the floor as he shoots the two guards with both guns. The younger guard is hit in the head, and the older guard, near the right shoulder, which forces him to drop his pistol. Charlie gets up as the guard crawls to reach his pistol. Charlie goes directly on top of him as he continues to crawl for his pistol.

Charlie aims at his head. No, please, the guard is shaking his head. No! Charlie fires the .45 to his head.

Charlie goes back to Alex and Alex can only stare at him with confusion as he catches his breath. Charlie begins to cry, My name is Charlie Gwinn Jr. Do you remember that name? You killed my father! Charlie could almost break his teeth as he kneels down and punches Alexs face. He can barely see Alex because of his tears.

After several minutes, he takes a rest and struggles to get up. Good! he smiles as he stares at Alex. Alexs face is wet with his own blood, his nose is no longer in its proper shape, his eyes are bulging, his mouth is cut, his teeth are no longer complete and his neck is twisted.

There is still one left. Charlie sees that blood is everywhere and he smiles.

He inverses his jacket, get the bag that he hide in his knapsack, then, he get some guns, ammunitions, and his money. He looks at Alex and he sees the ring that Alex took from his father, he takes it. Then he searches for the car key and departs from the place using Alexs Chrysler Jeep.

Charlie arrives at his apartment thirty minutes later. He immediately, cleans the ring and places it beside his priceless collection that includes his triathlon awards, martial arts awards and military academy diploma. Then he goes to the bathroom and submerges himself in the hot tub.

That was really beautiful, Charlie thought as he stares blankly on the white ceiling. Everything was in red, really beautiful red hair, red nose, teeth, mouth, wall, carpet, beautiful red spots on carpet. Ahhh! Beautiful! Beautiful. Charlie keeps wondering.

You really did it.

Charlie looks towards the bathrooms door and sees his best friend John.

He bought it fifteen years ago, Charlie says softly, and I think, I still owe him for the delay.

Bullshit! he stares at Charlie. Who are you? The Charlie that I know is logical, he is uneasy then he cries, What happened to you Charlie?

I dontknow, he is very calm. SometimesI thought that your friend Charlie already died before you met someone whom you thought was he. That was fifteen years ago. His tears start to fall. Yes, that was fifteen years ago when a couple of guys murdered his father. Two shots in the head. He stares blankly back on the ceiling, Two shots in the head, for the father of a seven-year-old boy. Can you understand that? Two fuckin! Shots! Two fuckinshotsand the boywasdead.

You can not eliminate criminals by becoming one, Charlie.

And if I did not do it then who will! Fifteen years and those fuckin criminals have not breath an air of prison. I bet every police are even bowing at them every time they meet them. Like they are their fuckin gods!

And how will you end it? How?

Charlie is held silent for a moment, I will figure that out, later. But right now, what I know is, there is still one left.

John becomes too uneasy but tries to hide his tears, Sometimes people enters into a room and forgot to look for any exits. And later, when it is already too necessary to get out, they are just shocked to learn that there is no way out. I hope you are not one of them, Charlie.

We were brought in here, John. Here, in this world. We are in this world. We were not given a choice about it. And this world that we are living in, is a room with no exits. Even death cannot find us any exit. For everything that we do in here stays in here, forever. And what we do is what we are. Me, I am just one of those who seek justice, not only for me but also for everybody. I am a hunter of the merciless wild animals, John. That is going to be my legacy. For I believe that, abandoning to seek justice is the worst form of advocating injustice. This world already has a load of injustice, John. If we allow too much of it, this world is going to explode in tears.

John is uneasy, Good luck Charlie. John leaves to his car.

Bullshit! Charlie gets off the tub when he hears that Johns car leaves then he goes to his room, he gets dressed, takes his guns ready and walks out of his apartment.

Two guards at the front, one at the back and two dogs, that is all. Nothing had change, thought Charlie. He surveys the area once again with his night vision goggles. The three guards have joint together near the front and play cards but they let loose the dogs.

He can see that Greg is in a room of the second floor. He is holding a book, looks like he is reading while sitting on a bed. Greg fixes the bed, stands up, closes the curtains and put off the light of the room. Then, he goes to the adjacent room, put on his robe, sits down at the front of a study table and read a book. He is alone, and the dogs are sitting near the guards. Charlie creeps to the back door.

There were two guys inside, they are watching TV, but their guns are in the center table in front of them. One of them stands up, I need to pee. He stops as he sees that the backdoor is half open. Tony. Did I tell you to lock the backdoor?

I did.

Bullshit! Lock the fuckin door!

I did loc he stands up and is shock to see that the door is partly open. He readies his gun, and signals to his pal to be ready. Then, he carefully inspects the lock, pushes the door, but the door opens back. He wonders and inspects it again, It is broken, he calmly speaks to his friend and put his gun to his waist. Ill fix it tomorrow. No problem, Bud. Go pee now before youll collect the stones and blame it to me. He goes back to the TV.

Bud put back his gun in the center table and goes to the toilet through a dimly lighted hallway. He opens the door, switches the light, goes inside and absent-mindedly closes the door. Then, he kneels down, holding his bloody stomach while spitting his blood. Charlie pulls the knife and thrust it back, and Bud falls down to the tiles. Charlie pulls the knife again and gives him another blow to secure that he is completely dead then he goes out.

Tony stands up, Hey Bud. Hurry up. It is Heather Graham. She is wearing a bikini. He goes to the toilet, Bud! Its Heather Graham. You are going to miss her. Come on, hurry up, he knocks at the door and the door opens. His breathing stops, eyes widen as he becomes immobile for second, Bbbud, he is shaking. Charlie jumps at Tony from outside of the toilet then thrust his knife to Tonys chest before Tony can make a single move. Tony sits loosely on the toilet bowl, eyes wide open, but unmoving. Charlie pulls the knife and gives Tony another thrust, and then he secures the lock of the toilet and creeps his way to the second floor.

Charlie readies his knife as he knocks at the door. Who is that? ask Greg from inside. Charlie knocks again. I thought you were already asleep. Greg opens the door and Charlie immediately pushes Greg inside then thrust his knife on Gregs chest while preventing Greg from speaking. Greg punches Charlie and Charlie is thrown to a table causing some things to be thrown out. Charlie kicks Greg to the wall and jumps at Greg to pierce a second knife at Gregs chest. Greg crumples to the floor, staring at Charlie. His blood flows from his mouth and his body and he cannot speak.

Charlie begins to cry as he takes out his ingram and pointed it to Greg. Do you remember me! Charlie is panting, Charlie Gwinn Jr! There is somebody calling and knocking at the door, but Charlie ignores it and steps on the knife to nail it deeper on Gregs chest. Greg twisted in pain and Charlie smiles as he points his ingram to Greg.

Perhaps, you already have an idea how it feels. Or do you! Greg is looking at Charlie like he is begging Charlie to shot him. Do you! Charlie squeezes the trigger, emptying the cartridge and Gregs brain shatters on the floor. Charlie takes the .45 from his waist as the door opens.

A child runs to Greg. Daddee! Daddee! the child weeps as he hugs Greg.

Charlie drops down the gun and he is thrown to the wall. He is shaking, No, not me. He is staring at the child. The gun is near the childs feet. He is probably seven years old. Charlie is weeping and shaking, and he drops down to his knees, Not me. No! No! Noo! he is panting. Ohh, God. Jesus. Noo. There is a commotion going up fast, and the child slowly takes the gun as Charlie stares at him. Charlie stands up. Jesus, please forgive me, he murmurs as his tears run on his face. The footsteps are getting nearer and the kids hand shakes badly as he points the gun to Charlie while crying. Charlie faces straightforward as the door opens, and a big burst of bullets knocks him face down to the floor.


THE END

NOTE: Kindly send honest comments to vjagunap@yahoo.com

About the Author: Vernan Jagunap, an admirer of fine arts and literature since childhod had been mastering the art of writing fictions since year 2000. He is living in Leganes, Iloilo, Philippines where he is trying to write his first novel.

Property Price Gains Attract New Buyers To Malta

UK and European investors looking for high growth in 2007 are hoping for a repeat of the property inflation seen in Malta when it joined the EU in 2004, and it could become reality with the news that low cost airlines are to fly to the island, giving their real estate industry expectation that 2007 could be an exceptional year for price rises and sales.

In recent years the arrival of low cost - sometimes referred to as 'no frills' - airlines to a regional airport has seen property prices within a two hour drive escalate in popularity and price, especially among British buyers for France and Spain.

With the advent of these new flights to Malta, there is a possibility that demand for real estate in Malta will increase.

Commenting on the news, Malta holidays guide www.yourmalta.com say that a double digit property inflation figure for Malta is quite possible for 2007.

'Cheap airline destinations have proved to be a magnet for UK property investors, and if that trend continues then prices will go up in the next twelve to twenty four months', they say.

'Other than the local market, the UK provides most buyers for property in Malta, and with the British economy doing well it's quite possible that the island will be seen as a good investment opportunity'.

Malta Weather

Tribune Properties, a UK company specialising in Malta properties, agree that property prices could rise in 2007.

'With lower fares, Malta becomes a destination viable for 3 and 4 days trips a few times a year from the UK, and that will attract buyers to look at Malta in the same way they do France and Spain when considering where to buy a holiday home abroad. The weather in Malta and low fares could be a magnet for buyers.'

There is a warning however from YourMalta that property prices on the island might not necessarily escalate in the same way that regions of France have seen when low cost airlines have started flying to their region.

'The Malta government has allowed more land to be used for property, and we anticipate a lot more apartment blocks being built short and medium term. Supply might well meet demand. Unless the political map of Malta changes and with it a change of policy towards her environment, there is a danger of Malta becoming the Tower Hamlets of the Mediterranean, or 1970's Spain where development spoiled much of the coast.'

Concern has also been expressed on the island about the infrastructure, with some tourists and potential property investors berating the state of the roads and - compared to mainland European and UK standards - dangerous construction sites.

'The real winners from the low cost flights could be the Malta hotels rather than the property industry', conclude YourMalta. 'We envisage a lot more people taking short three and four day Malta holidays, often booking their flights and hotels on the internet rather than via a traditional high street travel agent store'.

Staying Fit & Healthy At The Holidays!

Holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. However, they can come with some of the greatest anxiety. Routines change, tempting food prevails... on average, Americans gain 1 lb at the holidays and the majority of them don't lose it in the new year. After several years of festive holiday weight gaining, this can add up! Listed below are some great tips on how to enjoy the holidays while staying active and eating sensibly.

Fitness

-Plan to be healthy with your family this year! Share your goals with them and get them revved up to partake in your activities! Everyone wants to feel good, especially during the holidays! Eat & move for energy!

-Don?t put your fitness plan on hold until the New Year. If you can?t exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, find a way to add activity into the things that are taking up your time? For example ? if you have to go shopping for gifts instead of to the gym one afternoon, spend and extra 15 minutes at the end walking up and down the mall. Focus on maintaining activity verses trying to increase it when time is tight!

-On days that you don?t have time for a workout, take 10 minutes in your day to do some form of activity ? even if it is just lunges around your house or a push-up, sit-up and lunge circuit! 10 minutes of vigorous activity will get the heart pumping, blood flowing, muscles moving, calories burning and energy refreshed.

Nutrition

-During a celebration, go through the buffet line one time and allow yourself to take what you want. Do not go back for seconds. Seconds, thirds and fourths are when you lose all sense of control!

-If you enjoy baking, commit to giving away a portion of everything you make. This allows you to make other people smile while you keep your indulging to a minimum!

-Give yourself permission to enjoy a ?big? day, just try to stay within moderation. You can have a piece of pie, but don?t have two pieces of pie in the same sitting! Try sharing a piece instead.

-Don?t skip meals. Try to eat 5 small meals throughout the day to keep blood sugar/energy levels the same and avoid cravings/hunger headaches. Many people ?reason? that on big eating days, they shouldn?t eat breakfast or lunch so that they can ?indulge? at the big meal. By doing this, you are likely to take in 2-3 times as many calories than if you would eat throughout the day. (some experts have estimated saving up for one big meal can mean you take in 4500-5000 calories in one sitting!)

-Eat Slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send the signals to your brain to let it know you are full. Chew your food well and always drink some water in-between each bite. This will help in digestion, create that ?full? effect quicker and help you to slow down.

-Begin a meal with a salad and a glass of water. The salad will increase your fiber intake, allow you to feel fuller quicker and provide you a serving of vegetables. The water helps to stimulate the signal to the brain that the stomach is getting full.

-Quarter your plate into sections. One quarter should be protein, another carbs, the other two should both be vegetables and/or fruit.

-Eat Fiber. It also contributes to a feeling of fullness and honestly, our American diet doesn?t cater to getting enough of it in!

-OH THOSE OFFICE GOODIES! Come prepared! You know that someone will be bringing in cookies, or holiday snacks and cakes and all of the other regulars. Arm yourself with healthy snacks so that as those afternoon munchies come on, you don?t head into the breakroom for round two of ?temptationland?.

-When going to a party, eat a light meal or snack ahead of time so that you aren?t starving by the time you get there. When you are hungry, appetizers are easy to overindulge in and can add calories up quick.

-At holiday dinners, avoid breaded foods, extra rolls, gravy, dressings, butter and cheese. Select grilled meats and try dressing them up with mustards, cranberry, and spices.

-Keep track of your alcohol consumption. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. In just 2-3 drinks, you?ve drunk the equivalent to a meal! If you want to have a drink, especially on days where you are planning a big meal, choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing half a glass of wine with a diet soda or sparking water. This will help cut your calories in half. Also, avoid the drinks that involve sweet mixes and multiple liquors. Sugar and calories add up fast!

-Focus on the people & conversation, not the food. Make your focus to spend time with family and friends catching up on the year-in-review!

Julie Wilkes, M.A. - Exercise Physiology, Owner, PushPoint Fitness

For more tips and exercise plans, visit Julie at PushPoint Fitness.

What Are You Making Up About Yourself

Find Real Estate Notes

The Internet is an ideal place to look for real estate notes. Lots of websites offer information on real estate notes for sale. These websites contain relevant information such as the value, dates and contact numbers. Websites often provide long lists of real estate notes offered for sale. Those advertisers charge you a small fee for their services. The greatest advantage of an online search is that you can compare prices and assess the viability of several real estate notes. You can also aim for high discount rates.

Lots of real estate note brokers are out there. They can advise you on where to find real estate notes and how to purchase them profitably. Real estate note brokers are able to tell you about the odds of purchasing. If you hunt for real estate notes on your own, you will have to handle the paperwork associated with the deal. Real estate note brokers can do the paperwork for you and help you observe all legal formalities. As all real estate dealings can invite legal complications, it is highly advisable to seek the help of an agent or broker. You will have to pay a small fee for the services of real estate note brokers.

Real estate notes are also often advertised in newspapers and real estate journals.

Another way to find real estate notes is through family, friends and well-wishers. Yet another method is to keep track of the real estate business in your area. Through this, you can get an idea of the real estate notes that exist in your area.

Sell Real Estate Notes provides detailed information on Find Real Estate Notes, Real Estate Note Brokers, Real Estate Note Buyers, Real Estate Note Listings and more. Sell Real Estate Notes is affiliated with Sell House By Owner.

Purchase Property With The TwoNote Technique

The two-note technique is another of the many ways to purchase property with no money down. It not only gets you into real estate with zero down, but it can also get the seller a good chunk of cash at closing. This is especially important if he has to pay off an existing mortgage loan on the property.

First, a definition is in order. What is a note? It is the debt instrument created to finance a real estate purchase. The most common example is a mortgage note. A bank loans you the money to buy a house, and you sign a note promising to repay, and you pledge the property as collateral. Other notes include land contracts, second mortgages, and any legal document obligating someone to repay a certain amount of money under specific terms.

You may be aware that a bank often sells it's mortgage loans to large funds that invest in such notes. Maybe you have had to start making the payments on your own home loan to some other place than the original lender. What you may not have thought of, is that if you someone owes you money on a property, you can sell that debt to an investor. More importantly, if you owe a seller on a real estate purchase, he can sell that note. This is crucial to understanding the two-note technique.

A Creative Way To Purchase Property

This creative way to purchase property may initially sound more complex than it is. Read through the following example a couple times, though, and you'll understand.

Suppose a seller is asking $350,000 for a rental property. He may only expect to get $335,000 in the end, right? Let's also assume he is willing to take payments on the property (much more common with investment properties than with homes). He hopes to make 7% on his equity instead of the 4 or 5% he'll make in the bank. The problem is that he needs to get at least $60,000 out of the deal in cash, to pay closing costs and to pay off the small mortgage balance remaining.

You, on the other hand, have to buy his real estate with no money of your own. You offer him $360,000, in the form of two mortgage notes, one for $280,000, and the other for $80,000. Amortized over 30 years, with 8% interest the payments on the first would be $2,054, and $587 per month on the second. You'll have total payments of $2,641 per month (be sure you still have cash flow).

As part of your offer, you arranged for the sale of the second note at closing for $60,000. Unfortunately that's all a note investor is likely to pay for an unseasoned note. The seller gets that $60,000 at closing though, which is what he needed, and he gets 8% on the other $280,000, which is better than he expected. He effectively got $340,000 for his property, which is also more than the $335,000 he was expecting.

You now make payments to the seller of $2,054 every month for 30 years, or until the balloon is due, if the seller insisted on structuring the loan with one. The note investor gets your other payment of $587 per month. You invested none of your own money. In fact, if the seller had been willing to take $55,000 cash at closing and a note for $280,000, effectively getting him what he expected, you could keep the other $5,000 cash from the sale of the note for yourself. That might cover your closing costs, making this truly no money down.

The numbers and exact structure of the offer will be different in each deal. You might have some cash. The seller may need more cash, so the second note will have to be for a higher amount. Interest rates, balloon payments, and your credit rating all affect what a note buyer will pay for the note as well. In any case, the lesson is that you can create cash out of seller financing, meaning you can purchase property with nothing down, or with less down.

Copyright Steve Gillman. For a Free Real Estate Investing Course, visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Investigate Surrounding Vacant Land Before Buying

Homebuyers are always looking for an ideal situation with low prices. If you are looking in an area with open land around it, you absolutely must investigate the plans for the area.

You have been out shopping for a home for months and have not found that perfect specimen. One day you come upon a home that meets your needs and fits your price. The home is on a little dead-end street. You are happy with this aspect because you have kids and view the lack of traffic as a positive. You also happen to note there is a big, open field behind the house, but think little of it. Simply put, you are playing with fire.

Assume you go ahead and purchase the home. You move in, get the kids enrolled in school and basically get comfortable in your new home. After a month or so, you are laying in bed at six in the morning when there is suddenly an ungodly racket. You stagger out of bed and notice it coming from the backyard. Walking outside, you are met with an image of bulldozers grading the peaceful field behind you. Congratulations! You have just become a neighbor of a strip mall, Wal-Marts or some other monstrosity.

You may think this never happens, but the exact opposite occurs every day. If there are vacant lots of land around a property you are considering buying, you must investigate them. Are they zoned only for residential use or is commercial zoning available?

If they are approved for commercial use, you need to give some serious thought to whether the property is for you. How will you feel about living next to a business area? How much traffic will it add to your neighborhood? How much noise pollution will there be? What will the commercial development do to the value of the home? These are all questions you must consider and answer.

Finding a property in an area with plenty of open space sounds wonderful. If you investigate the area, you can avoid the situation turning into a nightmare.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBOAmerica.org - home buying information.

Bras What Bra Size Do I Really Wear

Sizing is everything! The most important factor in buying a bra is knowing your exact bra size. Bra Sizing can be determined by taking a few easy measurements. Begin by wearing your best fitting bra (unpadded and not a minimizer bra). You also need a soft measuring tape and a mirror (otherwise use a string and a yard stick). If possible, have someone other than yourself measure you (with your unpadded bra).

Step 1: Under Bust for Bra Band Size

Wearing your unpadded bra, hold the tape snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast. Note the measurement in inches.

Underbust Measurement

Plus 3 if Under Bust is Odd number

Plus 4 Under Bust is an even number

= Band Size

Example 35 + 3= 38 Band Size

Example 34 + 4=38 Band Size

Step 2: Upper Bust Measurement to Verify Bra Band Size

Hold the tape snugly above the bust under the arms. Note the measurement in inches. This measurement should equal your bra band size calculation without adding inches; however, if the measurement is an odd number add an inch. Note: Larger measurement=broad back, Smaller measurement=small back.

Upper Bust (no inches added) = Lower Bust (with inches)= Band Size

Step 3: Full Bust to Determine Bra Cup Size

Hold the tape loosely around the fullest part of the bust. Do not let the tape droop in the back . Use assistance when finding your bra cup size or the help of a mirror. Subtract the bra band size from this measurement (Step 3 - Step 1).

Full Bust

Under Bust Difference =Bra Cup Size

Example: 42 (full bust) - 38 (band size)= 4 C Standard Bra Cup Size

Check Below to Find your Standard American Bra Cup Size (i.,e., Goddess, Le Mystere)

1- A

2- B

3- C

4- D

5- E

6- F

7- G

8- H

Check Below to Find Your Standard European Bra Cup Size (i.e., Fantasie, Freya, Panache)

1-A

2- B

3- C

4- D

5- DD

6- E

7- F

8- FF

9- G

Note: French Bra Sizes run a little small.

About the Author: Susan Gilbert is the owner of Diva Bras, http://www.divabras.com. After years of back and rib pain from an active lifestyle, Susan became an expert in bras. She attended many local and international trade shows where she talked to fit experts from manufacturers (Chantelle, Goddess, Fantasies, Freya, Le Mystere, Panache, Simone Perele, Enell, and more). Susan's bustline and body is very happy now. They are more perky, less bouncy, supportive, and very comfortable. Her goal is to help women around the world find their perfect fit bras.

Courtesy of divabras.com

Susan Gilbert is the owner of Diva Bras, http://divabras.com Our company has gone to numerous local and International trade shows. We have talked to fit experts from the following manufacturers and more: Chantelle, Le Mystere, Goddess, Fantasie, Freya, Enell, Aviana, Simone Perele, Panache.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SusanGilbert

By Susan Gilbert

Community First House Second!

Moving can be a stressful time, especially when individuals are being relocated due to employment and not necessarily by choice. Families are often overwhelmed with the sudden move, and anxious about buying the right house.

In my experience, much of the stress and anxiety can be eliminated if buyers will follow one simple rule. Choose the community first! Too many times, buyers are focused on the brick and mortar house in which to move. They are often overwhelmed with the numbers of homes from which they must choose, and often choose quickly! While selecting a house that falls within your needs is extremely important, I believe it should take back seat to finding the best community first. If you buy your dream home that is located in the wrong end of town to fit your lifestyle, you may feel that your dream has become a nightmare quickly!

?MAKE A LIST

When thinking about the community, make a list that has your ?must have? and ?wants? regarding your lifestyle written on a list. What activities are you, or your family, currently involved in that you absolutely must continue after the move. If soccer is important to your children, then by all means make sure the community you select supports soccer and has adequate facilities. Swimming, piano, golf, dirt bike riding, running; whatever it is that is your passion and hobby, make sure it is not only available in the community you select, but is also convenient to the home in which you will be living.

?NARROW DOWN BY CITY AND AREA

Once you have a community or city selected, you need to start thinking about which end of town within the selected community you wish to live. Again, be sure to estimate commute time to and from work, practices, etc. Does one end of town have more of the grocery stores that you like? Do you want to be close to the interstate or far away? This will help you decide North, South, East, or West.

?DOUBLE CHECK

Sit down and think about your list in great details. Make sure there is nothing that you need to change. One you make the selection, and commit to purchasing a home in a specific area, you are finally ready to get started.

?FIND YOUR HOME

With your list in hand, research the communities and areas in which you want to live. You should be able to narrow down rather quickly if you want to live North, South, East, or West. Your lifestyle should also point you in the right direction for the city that will suit you best.

?NO PERFECT HOUSE

Now that you know where you want to live, it is time to start looking for homes. Don?t be tempted to look at homes that are not in the area! You?ve got a plan on where you need to live in order to have a successful move! Keep in mind that there are no ?perfect houses? but you can create a perfect home with a little thought and preplanning.

?WORK WITH A REALTOR

Last but not least, make sure you have a relationship with an honest and trustworthy Realtor who will assist you in your move. A Realtor can make a huge difference on how you feel about your real estate transaction. It should be your Realtor's job to make your home buying experience a pleasurable one. After all, using a Realtor is typically FREE for the buyer since the seller pays the commission.

For more information, please visit my website at http://www.SherriWellborn.com Sherri Wellborn, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, Murfreesboro, TN. Specializing in real estate home sales and commercial properties in Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding areas. Relocation specialist.

Durham NC: A Center Of Learning

Durham offers a lot of activities for visitors and residents to do. There are about a quarter of a million people who currently reside in Durham with around 5 million people who visit annually. Currently Durham is considered one of the centers for learning in North Carolina.

Durham has very good colleges which take up residence there. Currently Duke University takes up residence in Durham. This college is known throughout the world and is considered a very good college. This helps attract a younger crowd to Durham and helps bring arts and culture to the community. It also brings about a good education and keeps a lot of the kids in town.

The other college in Durham is the North Carolina Central University. This isn?t as world renowned as Duke but it does provide a good education and helps bring more jobs and culture to the community.

Both colleges have their own art museums. They both have reasonable admissions fees and can help you experience some of the culture that is located inside Durham.

There is an abundant supply of sports to choose from in Durham. You can go watch a local football, baseball, or basketball game at one of the colleges when they are playing or visit some of the local golf courses for some fun on the green.

Parks can be found where you can go to throw a frisbee or just let the kids play. This allows you to have a nice relaxing evening and get out of the house. There are also trails and nature walks in and around Durham for people who wish to explore nature.

Durham is a great city for any tourist or resident who wishes to have some fun with their life. There is a lot that is offered to all types of people and you can never run out of things to do. So, if you?re seeking a great place to live, check out Durham and what it has to offer.

Visit our Durham Real Estate site to start your move to the Durham area!

Costa Rica Land Investment You Can Make BIG Profits But Don?t Make Common Mistakes

You can make big profits in Costa Rica land investment but you need to be careful.

As with any investment you need to do your homework and use common sense and Costa Rica land investment is no different.

Let?s look at some common mistakes that investors in Costa Rica land make and then some ways to invest and make some fantastic triple digit gains.

1.Buy the cheapest land

Many investors simply assume that if land is cheap it will rise in value and this of course is not true.

Just because land is cheap does no mean that it get expensive so don?t buy in off beat places and assume prices will rise.

2.Buy land where an infrastructure is NOT or unlikely to be developed.

If you are looking at Costa Rica land investment then look at the infrastructure and build near it this can be things such as a new airport, marina they will all increase the demand and the price of land.

Don?t buy and think that the infrastructure may come, look for positive proof there is an infrastructure there or being built.

If you wait you may have to wait a long time.

3. Don?t listen to sales talk

Don?t take a sales persons word as gospel there are a huge number of people selling investment land in Costa Rica and make sure you shop around and check their background i.e that they have a track record of recommending investment land in Costa Rica that has been sold at a profit and quickly.

To make triple digit gains like many investors are already, you need to use common sense, look at the facts and make cool calculated judgements.

Buy competitively priced land

It won?t be the cheapest land you are after, it will be investment land in Costa Rica that can increase in value quickly.

This means paying a bit more; however your chances of making a profit are vastly increased.

1.Get a good realtor and look for

Luxury developments. When investing in Costa Rica it is these that are in high demand and where the real money is made.

People coming to retire or have holiday homes in Costa Rica want comfort and good luxury developments sell out quickly.

Realtors will sell land put the infrastructure in place, get it ready for building and then sell the plots for you making you your profit.

Use common sense!

In Costa Rica land investment you need to buy land with good upside potential and make sure that the infrastructure services your land either already or is in progress. This will ensure a quick sale and a profit.

To make good profits in Costa Rica land investment the trick is to

Sell quickly, and then re invest and if you follow the above you can be making stunning gains with low risk.

Costa Rica land investment is a great way to build wealth just use common sense and study the facts and finally don?t take a salesmans advice without making your own mind up.

More free info

and a FREE report on building wealth by investing in land as well as videos and features on this great investment opportunity visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com.

Buying a Home in Austin 7 Things to Love About Austin Texas

The Climate
Yes, Austin gets hot in the summer. It is Texas, after all. But there's usually a nice breeze blowing (especially near the lake), and there's not as much humidity as the coastal cities like Houston. The rest of the year is milder than many places in the country. Austin winters are moderate by most standards, with snow being a rarity.

The Culture
Austin has a rich culture that blends Mexican heritage, cowboy roots, state politicians, and a healthy dose of urban hip. Keep Austin Weird is the unofficial slogan, and you'll see it emblazoned on everything from bumper stickers to t-shirts. Austin takes great pride in being ? well, Austin.

The Outdoors
Like to go backpacking? Cycling? Canoeing? Water skiing? You can do all of that in a day around the Austin area. From the lakes to the trails, Austin has an outdoor scene that's hard to beat.

The Music
They don't call Austin The Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. The city boasts a vast array of musical venues offering everything from jazz to country to rock. Austin City Limits is filmed here, and there are musical festivals throughout the year.

The Bats
The Congress Avenue bridge in downtown Austin, Texas is home to North America's largest urban colony of Mexican free-tails bats. Experts estimate the colony includes some 1.5 million bats! The bats began immigrating en masse around 1980, and after a brief period of public fear, they've become another Austin institution. They even have their own statue right on Congress Avenue. People come from all around to see the bats pour out of the bridge at dusk.

The Housing Costs
There's a new program on HGTV called What You Get for the Money. It compares housing costs from different cities to show what you get for the money. Austin is regularly featured on the show, because housing dollars go a long way here (at the time of this writing). For information on new homes in Austin, see the note at the end of this article.

The Roads (Soon)
Massive highway projects are underway, so the traffic situation around Austin will soon improve dramatically. Austin's population exploded during the tech boom a few years back, declined a bit during the subsequent tech bust, and is once more on the rise. But while the population has grown considerably, the highway infrastructure has mostly remained static.

As a result, rush hour can be quite an ordeal if you're heading into the city. But not to worry. Austin currently has one of the largest highway expansion projects of any state in the country. It's a growing pain, but in the near future it will be behind us!

Shopping for a Home in Austin?
If you're thinking of buying a new home in Austin, Texas, take a look at Harrington Custom Homes. They've been building custom homes in Austin for over 15 years. Visit them online at http://www.harringtonhomes.com

The History Of Coffee Houses

When you want to go to exchange news, share ideas and get advice, you go to a coffee shop. It has been that way for quite some time. Coffee shops had been places of learning; of making business deals; scientific, literary, political, philosophical, and economic discussions; and even the typical gossip.

In the earliest point of its history, coffee houses were already so popular that ideas born from there have been a source of political forums and discussions ever since. The inspiration of brilliant thinking is to the point that, at times, kings and nobility used it as a method of determining public opinion.

During the 17th century when coffee was introduced to Europe, the popularity of cafes followed the same pattern as most coffee houses around the world. It quickly became a venue for people to congregate, exchange views, write poems, plays, and political testaments, conduct business transactions, participate in cultural exchange and often relax with a good book. In those earlier days when were the were no postal addresses, the popularity of coffee shop had also served as a mailing address, because many people were regulars.

A typical coffeehouse shares a common characteristic with a bar or a restaurant. They differ in that a coffeehouse focuses on serving coffee, teas and snacks. In some countries, however, a coffeehouse does serve hot meals, deserts, sandwiches, soups, and alcohol, aside from bakery products.

Today, coffeehouses continue the tradition set by coffeehouses of the past. They still remain to be a very popular venue for people who would want relaxed and calm atmospheres where they can talk, read, catch up on the day's event, meet with people and have excellent quality coffee. This desire is evidenced by popular coffeehouses with franchises around the globe such as Starbucks, Seattle's Best Coffee, Peet's, Cup O' Joe, The Second Cup and the Coffee Bean.

Depending on the country and region, coffeehouses have adopted variations. In the United States, coffeehouses or cafes may offer a variety of coffee styles, hot chocolate and teas served as well as light snacks while others serve full menus. Alcoholic beverages may also be offered.

Cafes in France almost always serve alcoholic drinks. Like most cafes anywhere in the world, they serve light snacks. Other coffeehouses may have a restaurant area where the guests could be served from the full menus. The popularity of cafes in France, especially Paris, gave way to subtle coffeehouse variations like the brasserie where single dish meals are typically served, and the bistro.

The cafe experience in Europe spawned other variations of coffeehouses around the world. These coffeehouses offer curb-side seating and other outdoor seating like the sidewalk, pavement or terraces. The seating is usually clustered along busy streets and operated by private local establishments that could very closely resemble parties, especially during weekends.

These patio coffeehouses provide more open public spaces commonly preferred by customers wanting an airy and very casual atmosphere for relaxation and conversation.

Recently, a new type of coffeehouse entered the industry: the Internet cafe. Internet cafes may not appear to be your typical coffeehouse like the bistro, brasserie, cafeteria and the coffee chain establishments but they certainly share the same basic characteristics. Coffee, tea and chocolate are served together with light snacks and chatter. The chatting, though, is done online.

It may or may not replace the traditional coffee shops, but nevertheless, Internet cafes are a hub for political exchange, learning, journalistic, literary and commercial enterprise. Only the styles of coffee shops have changed over the centuries, but in respect to why people frequent them, nothing has really changed.

About the Author:

Christopher Anderson contributes to several web magazines, on shopping ideas and product tips issues.

New Hampshire Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in New Hampshire

Maybe you?re buying your first home in New Hampshire, or perhaps you?re relocating to New Hampshire from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on New Hampshire home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in New Hampshire:

The median price of a home in New Hampshire is $133,300. Recently, homes in New Hampshire have been appreciating at rates above to the national average. As a result, income levels in many parts of New Hampshire are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many New Hampshire cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

Average interest rates in New Hampshire are below the national average, and job growth rates are also below the national average. However, New Hampshire has seen a spike in its population in the last few years. In fact, New Hampshire has had the highest population growth in all of New England.

In New Hampshire, lenders may charge fees and points for services rendered in conjunction with a first mortgage on a primary residence. However, the lender has to issue a written disclosure that states the amount and purpose of all fees and expenses.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about New Hampshire Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Growing up is Optional

A recent poll in England on people approaching retirement age revealed that over 50% were considering retiring to a warmer country. Spain was by far the first choice of destinations. Economics were the first reasons cited, with climate and pace of life following.

There is no way to identify from initial enquiries what age the person is, but not too much land, easy access to shops as requirements are good indicators, plus the ?old give away? better spelling and formal use of grammar in emails! I am still often surprised by them when we finally meet in the office. Most of them are very positive and well informed on the implications of their move, with knowledge of the systems for retiring here ie pensions and health care issues. Some comments made by this group once they have settle, are lovely ?????

He was easier to live with, when he was out to work all day

I see more of my children and grandchildren since moving here!

I always wanted time for a hobby, now I have so many hobbies it?s like full time work again (was this comment a moan or bragging?).

It?s true, the more you have to do the more you achieve (well not in this office!)

The days in Spain are so much shorter. (This comment still makes me smile.)

What does it feel like being retired in Spain? (I will let them know in a good few years, a quick look in the mirror confirms a tired look, must get an early night!)

When I was in my late teens an elderly French woman living opposite my flat befriended me. Softly spoken, very independent and proud she invited me into her home. I was fascinated with her life story and wisdom. On the subject of age her accented voice I can still hear. ?Don?t dust the mirrors too often?; ?soft lighting will put you and your guests at ease.? ?If there is nothing to laugh about use your memory to go back to a funny moment?. ?Don?t stop eating what you like as you get older; be grateful you have the choice?. ?Worry not about tomorrow, just hope that it comes?. There were many pearls of wisdom this eighty something lady offered me. Less than a quarter of her age, I did not understand their importance but her most often used line was, live each day with the person you love as though it is the last one you will have together. As I get older I see that time is precious, this point has started to be relevant. So all those things I have always wanted to do I plan to achieve soon, as later may just be too late!

The short email a friend sent a few weeks ago has prime place on my desk Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. Laughing at yourself is therapeutic.

Finally, I came across this abbreviation S.K.I in an article about retirement. Spending the Kids Inheritance. Yes this feels good??????Sorry Darling, but Mum and Dad are just enjoying life now! The house is all yours, including the sand, cement and bricks it you want to finish it.

One in five British - nearly 10m adults - are considering leaving the country amid growing disillusionment over the failure of political parties to deliver tax cuts, according to a new poll by ICM.

The Paradox of The Common Soul All Are One

A Word About The Common Soul

We live in a dual world. Everywhere you look outside there are opposites and polarity. Up and down, hot and cold, in and out, love and hate and the list goes on. In fact, of the many things out there, it?s hard not to find an opposite in something else. It?s simply how our world works out there. As long as you?re working in that world out there you?re in the garden of good an evil. But even in this world of opposites there are clues to the one-ness that is our soul?s connection to the common, universal soul.

Paradoxes are everywhere in life. Paradoxes are these subtle clues in the world to wake us out of the dream or illusion that everything is black and white duality. A paradox is when you?ve got two things that seem to conflict, but could possibly both be true at the same time. You see what this does? It breaks down the dual nature of something. One of the most famous paradoxes is that old riddle: ?Which came first, the chicken or the egg?? I remember my aunts and uncles teasing me with this as a child and it was a big laugh, but it?s designed to cause you to question your own origins and what you?re doing here.

Paradox is everywhere. Another great way to look at it is that a paradox is like a ?Catch-22.? This amazing phrase that made it?s way into our language because of Joseph Heller?s 1961 war novel of the same name. In it, he referred to an Air Force rule whereby a pilot continuing to fly combat missions without asking for relief is regarded as insane, but he?s considered sane enough to keep flying if he is actually able to make such a request. A catch-22 is a seemingly impossible or illogical situation. Likewise the idea that we all share one universal, common soul is a catch-22 or paradox. How can we as individual beings, apparently separate from everything else out there, share the same soul? How can we be one with everything else when clearly my physical body is separate from yours, when my thoughts and actions, my very being is unique?

Science?quantum mechanics, particularly string theory as of late, have essentially proven that all matter including you and me is made up of vibrating particles of energy. You don?t have to be a rocket scientist to understand it, either. Scientists have discovered that when you break energy down into its smallest components, even smaller than protons, neutrons and electrons; there are these tiny sub-atomic particles, which are the basic units of energy. They have funny names like quarks, bosons leptons and fermions, but the point is, that these particles of energy make up all matter?your house, that rock outside, everything you see is made up of these basic units of energy. They've further discovered that this energy tends to come together as vibrating strings of energy which lead to the make-up of our different dimensions. With string theory and now M theory it is believed that these microcosmic strings vibrating indicate that we may live in as many as eleven different dimensions!

The only thing that differentiates a rock from a piece of iron is that the two are vibrating at different frequencies. Even we, our physical bodies, are made up of the same stuff. We are all these basic units of energy and the only thing that makes us individual and different is that we?re all vibrating at different frequencies also. Just as each and every snowflake is unique, so is each and every being on this earth. This can be a real mind-bender and it is supposed to be thus. You have to take this all on faith. You can read about quantum physics and string theory and all that stuff and you?ll find out what I just told you? we?re all the same stuff. But at some point you have to jump off and take a philosophical leap and start seeing things as all coming from the same place and that?s when a paradox or catch-22 opens your mind and gives you a taste of the power of your soul.

Once you understand this, then you can go out and have the experience of being one with everything out there and sharing the same common soul? ultimately, this is love. Good luck to you on that? : ) That reminds me of the old Buddhist joke: A Buddhist walks up to a taco stand. The guy at the counter says, What'll ya have? and the monk says, Make me one with everything, please.

The greatest paradox of them all is that we?re all made up of the same basic energy yet we?re as unique as snowflakes. The ego hates this because the ego is limited. For simplicity purposes let?s just say the ego is what keeps your reality in place?the life you see before you with your eyes. The ego keeps everything separate and ordered. It classifies and judges. The ego is limited because the outer life you live is, finite, and limited. You?re born, you have some experiences and you die. The very nature of life is limited by virtue of this fact. But the mind is un-limited because it?s connected to the common soul, which is infinite. The reality you experience in every day life is a projection of the mind. Your thoughts are electromagnetic waves. Your brain sends electrical impulses to the nerves and the muscles in the body and it makes the whole thing go. So your energy follows your thought. You think something, you do it and the sum of the things you do becomes the life you experience.

The problem is between the mind and ego. The mind is unlimited because it?s connected with the common soul and the whole ball of wax. Yogi Bhajan, the great Master of Kundalini Yoga has told us that each time you blink your eyes, the mind releases a thousand thoughts and sub-chains of thoughts. So the mind has these unlimited thoughts while the ego is limited to what it can see, classify and process. That?s what the ego does, it classifies everything to keep things manageable? it keeps everything separate and dual and opposite. The mind is like an ambassador between the ego and the soul and because the mind is connected with the Common Soul, it knows that we?re all one. What happens then, is that the mind becomes torn between the ultimate truth of the soul and the limited outside world of the ego. That?s where thinking becomes limited and you have to have the experience itself. If you try and think about it too much, your mind becomes like a bird?s nest and you just have to stop thinking about it. That?s why most people don?t think about their souls and simply focus on the outside world before them. It's easier to keep track of. But when you're focused solely on the objects of your life outside you end up identifying mostly with the ego-- because the ego tells you what's separate out there, what's good and bad. That?s where meditation comes in. It?s like push-ups for the mind. When you strengthen the mind using your inner will power? yoga, sitting, breathing consciously; you can make the mind neutral, stem the tide of thoughts and that?s where the soul comes pouring in? through a neutral, one-pointed mind. This tames the ego and gives you the grace of the soul. The more meditative you become from going within, the more subtle are your actions and thus the more soulful you become.

Now in most of us, especially in the western hemisphere, the ego is in charge and runs the whole show. Because of this, it wants to go back to classifying everything as black and white duality. Every time you?re hit with a paradox in your life, it puts you at a crossroads where you have to make a choice? Duality of the ego or Universality of the soul. Every time you take that leap of faith and choose Universality and work on the assumption that we?re one common soul, you open the mind to infinity and access that unlimited power that is the energy that is in all things. The ego resists this with everything it?s got because Universality is like death to the ego and it becomes threatened with annihilation. The ego wants to manage, maintain, and run things? keep things nice and neat and separate. However, we are all given will power or free will. If your will is strong enough, then you are able to leverage the mind more and more. With practice, the mind automatically opens to the soul in every day activity and then the ego ends up working for the mind instead of the other way around. When this happens, after some practice, the entire life becomes a living meditation. The result is balance and flow. It?s like this: When you?re driving and you see a red light you don?t have to think about slowing down and stopping. You automatically put your foot on the brake without even thinking. When you have a field of activity that puts you in the flow and gives you a neutral mind, that is the practice that strengthens the mind so that your life can be come automatically meditative.

Whenever you come across a paradox or catch-22 in your life, it?s the Common Soul knocking on the door of your mind, inviting you to open it more. Connecting the common soul allows you to develop a relationship to your own soul and allows you to live out your destiny.

Patrick Lacho is an IKYTA certified Yoga instructor and writer based in Los Angeles. He teaches a yoga bootcamp http://www.ybc40.com, which takes students through a forty day transformation using yoga, meditation and sound. More articles and discussion about yoga, philosophy, spirituality and more can be found on the website.

Video Game Design Career Information Where To Start

What are Serviced Apartments?

It seems that everybody?s talking about serviced apartments and how they are going to become the hotels of the future. But what exactly are they and what?s all the fuss about?

A serviced apartment is a property that has been fully furnished and is available for very short term let. Sometimes serviced apartments can be rented for as short a period of time as one week. Although most serviced apartments require guests to stay for at least a minimum of a week, some allow you to book for just one night.

Serviced apartments that allow one night stays are normally linked to big hotel chains. Hilton and Marriott have serviced apartments for instance.

Serviced apartments normally have a living room, fully fitted kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. The number of bedrooms varies by apartment and you get to choose how many you want in the one that you rent.

As well as being fully furnished and offering a lot of space to spread out, serviced apartments are also equipped with the latest communication devices. They tend to have direct dial telephones, fax machines, broadband connections and satellite television.

This means that you do not have to worry about shipping your furniture when you relocate. The idea behind this is to reduce the stress and hassle associated with moving as much as possible.

In addition to this some serviced apartments also offer services that you might expect to only find in a hotel. For instance, many of them have a 24 hour concierge service, in-house maintenance and even a daily maid service.

Serviced apartments are designed to make your life as easy as possible. As a result most will give you a welcome hamper when you arrive. This contains essentials like tea and coffee as well as bread butter and milk to help you get on your feet.

Serviced apartments are becoming popular amongst executives relocating abroad because they offer a home from home. Guests do not have to worry about shipping furniture, utensils, telephones and televisions because the apartments are fully equipped with everything that you might need during your stay.

Select Apartments specialises in finding serviced apartmentsthroughout the world for business travelers.

Cadillac XLR New Supercar

Clearly influenced by the styling the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the new Cadillac XLR shares the squared off look of other recent Cadillacs. It doesn?t look bad at all, although the headlamps look as if they have been squeezed to fit alongside the wide grille. The performance puts it up in the supercar class.

Top speed is limited to 155 mph, and it can get to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds ? that's slightly quicker than the Jaguar XK, thanks to the larger engine. Other competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 911.

Looks can be deceiving. The car is wide and low, and looks big. In fact, it is quite compact, just 177.5 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The car looks pretty good, particularly from the side. And you get a very practical SLK-lookalike opening roof. I guess most convertibles will be ?metal? convertibles soon, and the rag tops will disappear ? maybe not on all supercars. To save weight, the roof of the XLR is aluminum and magnesium.

Good power output

Also, the XLR has quite a lot of power: 326 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 312 lb ft (423 Nm)at 4,400 rpm from GM?s Northstar 4.6 liter V-8, which could work a bit harder ? 350-360 bhp, which would not be difficult to get from this engine, would make things more interesting.

As it is, it is enough to give the car quite a shove, and as the Northstar has an aluminum block and head with dohc and four valves per cylinder, it revs well. Variable valve timing improves the spread of power, too.

The engine is coupled to a rear mounted five-speed automatic transmission ? 5 speeds put it at a disadvantage against the European supercars which mostly have six-speed automatics, but it is designed to give sporty shifts. Because the box is rear-mounted and the engine is fairly well back, front/rear weight distribution is 50/50.

New frame concept

Based on GM?s new platform for sporty cars shared with the Corvette, the XLR has a fairly light frame of hydro-formed steel tubes. Hydroforming changes the shape quite dramatically, putting in bends, changing the section to a rectangle and so on, making a lightweight frame. The passenger compartment is aluminum, and the body panels are composite plastics. This is a structure that can compete with many a supercar.

This is a fairly light structure, and despite the high level of equipment, the car weighs a healthy 3,643 lb (1,654 kg) which is just 130 lb more than the new lightweight Jaguar XK, and of course quite a bit more than the Corvette which has a lower spec but bigger engine.

Double wishbone suspension

Suspension is the familiar Corvette design of double wishbones front and rear with transverse leaf springs. The result is a simple, lightweight system that gives more roll stiffness - resistance to roll - than coil springs. Also, the spring rate is progressive, so it irons out big bumps in the road almost as easily as little ones. There is also a front anti-roll bar.

To save weight, the double wishbones front and rear are aluminum; of course, the composite leaf springs are light, too. Leaf springs of this type - just one leaf - are actually quite advanced technology as they don't locate the wheels, and involve some clever manufacturing techniques.

The dampers are the new continuously variable electro-magnetic type, and the steering is speed sensitive, so you get more assistance at low speed.

As this is a Cadillac, it comes with a high specification. For Europe, navigation, and heated/cooled seats are standard as are adaptive speed control and a head-up display. The interior, with its wood, leather and aluminum trim is quite pleasant

On the road

Built in the same plant and to the same concept as the Corvette, the Cadillac XLR is best thought of a softened up Corvette intended for those who want a better ride.

Visibility is good thanks to slim pillars in the opening roof, and the almost flat hood. Like the Corvette both the instruments and driving position are good. There is also a head-up display which shows only the speed and which gear you're in, and you don't seem able to switch off. Pity. I did not find it useful.

The steering is not bad at all, and the XLR turns in well, as you'd expect with that weight distribution, but once you start pressing, you start to feel a little understeer coming in, which is not a bad thing for the market this is aimed at ? more the luxury sports car that the hard charging supercar driver. But the car does not corner as fast as you could with more neutral steering.

The automatic is good. In D, the performance is not bad at all, and the kick-down is quite aggressive. There's also a manual mode. Push the lever across to the left, and then nudge it forward for up, and back for down. This works extremely well, and actually is a manual. I mean, some of these actually shift up when you hit peak revs. Not this one; it just lets you stay there till you're ready.

Overall, the Cadillac XLR is a good addition to the ranks of sporty two-seater luxury cars, but not up to the standard of the Jaguar XK nor the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Others to consider include the more powerful and sportier Corvette and Viper SRT-10. Too new to rate is the Audi R8

Super Cars

John Hartley is editor of http://www.fast-autos.com, an online magazine devoted to fast cars and supercars, where you can read the latest articles about fast cars. He has written from many of the world's top auto magazines, and has written many books about cars and the auto industry, including 'Suspension and Steering Q&A' and 'The Electronics Revolution in the Motor Industry'.

Before You Sell Let Your Realtor Help You to Prepare

When preparing to sell a home, you may be dealing with a lot of mixed feelings ? for example, letting go of all the memories in the old house, yet looking forward to new and exciting adventures in a new one. It also is a very hectic time, especially if you moving out of the area. There will be the going-away parties with neighbors and at work, ensuring you have changed your address with everyone, and coordinating the sale of your home with the purchase of your new one.

Your realtor(s), both for selling the old home and for buying the new one, can be of great assistance to you in coordinating these transactions and avoiding the domino effect of the closing, moving and closing dates. Your realtor gets everyone to commit to a window of dates and also to stick to them. The realtor will get all agreements in writing and can place financial penalties on any party who fails to comply.

Curb Appeal

Your realtor is used to viewing home and property from the potential buyers perspective. He/she can be essential in assisting you to prepare your home with a strong curb appeal. It is important for your property to be visually appealing in order to attract more potential buyers and garnering a quicker sale.

The realtor will look at the exterior, which should be well maintained with trimmed trees and shrubs, nothing sitting around to detract from the property?s appeal, foundations without cracks, and well maintained and cleaned window casings, gutters, chimney, shutters, siding, doors and moldings. Anything that needs painting should be painted. If you are not sure, ask your realtor. Ensure the garage door always is closed when not in use.

Another area your realtor will review is the interior, where there are plenty of improvement areas that do not cost a lot to do but make a world of difference in buying appeal. Clean all the windows inside and out with no streaks. Make sure floors, tiles, tubs, showers and faucets sparkle. The same for kitchen appliances, especially ranges, ovens, refrigerator and freezer ? inside and out. Give the carpets a good cleaning, even if you recently did this. Ensure there are clean filters in the heating and air conditioner. Repair squeaky floors and oil squeaky doors. Ensure the faucets do not drip. Your realtor will advise you of many other inexpensive things that will add buyer appeal to your home.

Once your home is ready to show, your realtor will provide invaluable services to you. He/she will establish a fair asking price for your home, based on the location, economic conditions, supply-demand of the local market, seasonal influences, school availability in the area, the average home prices in the neighborhood, and the extra features and amenities of your home.

Next, your realtor will promote, advertise and market your home at no cost to you, using resources not available to homeowners who prefer to self-sell their homes.

Your realtor will schedule all showing appointments, negotiating times that are convenient for you without losing the potential buyers. The realtor will qualify interested buyers, weeding out those who cannot qualify for a mortgage; and then help you negotiate a sale price with the buyer.

Another service of your realtor is referrals for insurance, inspections, legal counsel and financing. Your realtor may even be able to refer you to a lender for a bridge loan, if you are forced to purchase a new home before you have sold your current one. A bridge loan helps, when you are forced to carry mortgages on two homes simultaneously over a short duration.

Rely on your realtor when selling your home. Experience in the industry gives the realtor a unique perspective that can only assist in a good sale for your home.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com