HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

People like us get so excited about the New Year. Don't we? Why is that? It is because New Year symbolizes a fresh start, something positive, starting over, something to look forward to or something like that. And it's different for everyone. But whatever it is for you, it brings hope, excitement and good energy. Doesn't it? That is why millions and millions of people around the world celebrate it every year!

So today on New Year's Day, before we enter and embrace on the new promises and hopes of what New Year brings, let's make sure we go into the New Year with new shoes and new clothes metaphorically speaking. Let's create a new attitude. New positive energy to start our New Year right.

To do that we ask or Good Lord, to help us get rid of the old ones and let go of them

Heavenly Father, the past we give to you. The things that held us back, our reactions, our over reactions that might have hurt others or ourselves, the people that we allowed to affect our peace, our attitudes, and our lives in a negative way instead of growing in a positive way, here you go Lord... We leave behind us before your feet all our disappointments, frustrations, brokenness, heartaches, pain, bitterness and our physical sickness....

As we enter this New Year, a new chapter in our lives, help us Lord, to see more the good and beauty in others and ourselves, to be more constructive than critical or judgmental. For that is what you command of us. Bless us with a new attitude and positive mind set that you may fill our homes with so much grace and healing. Filled not only with a positive energy but with a God filled presence.

Bless us with good health, divine protection, new opportunities to grow as a person and in our careers... Open the doors of heaven and shower us with many blessings to bless others..

Give us a new, pure and clean heart, so you may dwell in it and make it your home. Finally, breathe in us new life so that we may be more alive in mind, body and spirit in this coming year...

We praise You and thank You, our Lord and our God, our Savior and our dearest Friend, Amen.

The LA Kings Will Make the Playoffs

Hockey is such a great sport and really fun to watch. The first hockey game I watched was between the LA Kings against oh yeah you've guessed it the Edmonton Oilers. The Wayne Gretzky era. To this day, I have been a Kings fan ever since. My whole household and all my friends are now Mighty Ducks fans since we all live in OC.

This year's LA Kings started with so much promise. With the acquisition of Mike Richards and the signing of Simon Gagne, a great defense and a top notch goaltending the Kings were highly regarded to be one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup. But the story didn't unfold the way most people thought it would especially to the LA Kings including yours truly.

With the firing of Terry Murray and replaced by Darryl Sutter at the helm the Kings at least are 5-1-1 in the last 7 games. The Kings main problem is offense. No more no less. They have only scored an average of 2 goals or less in most nights. They are last in the league for goals scored. The good news is that they are still knocking at the playoffs for the 8th and final spot. Thanks to a great defense and penalty kill backed up by the stellar goaltending of Jonathan Quick.

The main problem for LA is the offensive side of their game. The Kings need definitely to score more goals for them to have a chance of making the playoffs. To prove my point the Kings are ranked 30th out of 30 teams in the entire NHL in goals scoring. Ranked 26th out of 30 teams on the power play. Defensively, they are ranked 6th best in the league on goals allowed and fifth best on the penalty kill.

So how can the Kings produce more offense. Her's my take on it. I don't think anyone should overreact The problem the Kings have is fixable. The issues I believe hovering the team in my opinion besides the obvious is consistency. The Kings are inconsistent because they lack discipline and maturity. I think the hiring of Darryl Sutter in my opinion is a wonderful move. I think Terry Murray did an excellent job in teaching a young team to play defense and have some structure. What the Kings need now is someone who will demand and get the best out of each player. And this is where Sutter is great at. His teams are all about grit, determination and passion. Excellent in fundamental execution taking teams into submission. This is where we'll find out who deserves to be here or not no matter how talented they may be.

For the players I think it's time to "step up or ship out."

I really believe that the Kings are so capable of scoring more than 2 goals a game and just needs someone at the helm who can get the best out of each player. Based on the type of team LA has Sutter fits the bill. We will make the playoffs and make it to the second round.

LA is in good shape in my opinion. No need to panic folks. No need at all.

Redesigning Your Website? Ask These 3 Questions First

If you are thinking of redesigning your website I came across an article from Inc.com contributed by Amy Buckner Chowdhry that will you get started in the right direction.

Amy is chief executive and co-founder of AnswerLab, a digital experience research consultancy in San Francisco. In 2011,


Amy received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Woman Award. She also serves on the advisory board for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Before you even begin a website redesign, you should answer several questions to help you get it right. From my years in website user experience and design, I've whittled these down to three key questions, and also mapped out a scientific way to go about answering them

First, you need to know the profile of the people who visit your site. If your intended target market isn't currently on the site, you'll need to revisit your online marketing efforts. Knowing who is on the site will help reveal the mindsets of those visitors, and how your design can support their goals. Tailoring your website to their objectives might result in different paths from the home page, each serving content differentiated for user needs. For example, the Wells Fargo retirement website has three paths for exploring information based on your age range, and stage of saving toward retirement. Demographic information about your site visitors can also influence design decisions. If you serve an older demographic, for instance, the website should have options for increasing font size for easy reading.

2. What do your website visitors look for?

Many companies incorrectly optimize their websites for the content they have, rather than aligning their web content around what customers need. A classic case of this is automotive manufacturer websites. Consumers consistently want more information on future technologies, future vehicles not yet on the market, and car comparisons to older model years. But many automotive companies continue to plug only current model year content, leaving a large portion of site visitors dissatisfied. When setting your web strategy, find out what information online visitors are seeking—and then shape the content strategy around what users need.

3. Are they able to find it? If not, why?

Your site may offer the information users need but–if it's poorly organized–they will never find it. In studies we've conducted at my digital research consultancy, AnswerLab, we found on average 30 percent to 40 percent of site visitors are unable to find all the information they're seeking on a website. Common causes: poor navigation, unclear link names, site errors, and technical issues. Consumers don't like to have to play around to uncover the information they need. Eliminating basic usability issues can increase online acquisition and retention efforts dramatically.

Grasp the current experience on your website

To answer these three key questions, and set the strategy for your entire website redesign effort, consider using what we call an "intercept survey."

Here’s how it works: Upon reaching your website, users receive an invitation to answer a few questions about why they’re visiting. After completing their intended tasks on your site, they answer a few follow-up questions about the overall experience. The survey is extremely short—around 10 questions—so you can keep customers focused on the task at hand. In addition to gathering profile information, surveys like these often measure ease of use, brand impression, and the ability of the site to drive key calls to action—like talking with a doctor, visiting a dealer, contacting the company, or signing up for more information.

By running the survey again post-redesign, you'll then be able to confirm if the project had an impact, and gather additional insights to inform future improvements. In work like this, we recently found a pharmaceutical company had improved its online satisfaction scores by 15 percent simply by moving the links to important drug information to be in a more prominent place on the website.

And, of course, evidence of improvement in customer satisfaction and brand impression motivates everyone involved.

10 Great Ideas for your New Year's Resolutions

How well did you do on your New Year's Resolution last year? And the previous year? Don't feel too bad most people I know did just about average. So I thought about putting a different twist on New Years Resolutions for next year in the hopes of sharing with you ideas and to positively give you an extra nudge to make you DO IT! Hopefully :)

I have divided these 10 ideas into 3 areas.
Area 1: Personal
Area 2: Financial
Area 3: Career

I am a firm believer in "balance." Taking care all areas of our life is not only healthy but smart and sound wouldn't you agree? You don't have to follow these suggestions exactly the way it is. My goal is to hopefully tap into your creative mind. YOU - decide for yourself what is best for you. and what works for you.

So let's get started.

Section 1:
4 Ideas for Personal Development:
A. Set health goals - They say health is wealth." It doesn't matter if you are as rich as Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. If you don't have your health we won't be able to enjoy life anyway.

So on health goals think about your eating habits. You might have to make hard choices and eat smart. That means cutting on red meat and junk foods. Minimizing on your soda intake and sweets. Eat more poultry, fish & vegetables. In others words, a truly balanced diet.

Increase physical activity like exercise. Jog, walk or simply dance to your favorite music at the comfort of your home. No need to join ta gym and pay monthly dues. Make sure you know your ideal weight for your height and mass. Consult your doctor first and ideally talk to a nutritionist about your diet.

Another form of physical activity is rest, relaxation of the mind. Remember, "balance" is key to have a happy and a healthy living. It's a lifestyle change.

B. Set relationship goals - The problem or challenge I should say about relationships is that people get too comfortable sometimes when we know someone really cares about us. There's a tendency to take them for granted, don't we? That is very true in any relationship. Personal or business. Send a card, a text, make a quick phone call. Just stay in touch and to say how much
they mean to you from time to time. Whether it's your parents, kid, friend or someone close to you make sure you give them "quality time." It can be as short as 5-10 minutes. It's not that hard if you really care about them.

Make sure you plan & set vacation or getaway goals for your family. With the current economic conditions, it doesn't have to be a grand vacation unless you can afford it. Although, if you search the web I am sure you will find great deals. Try a picnic, Netflix night, ice cream night, a Sunday BBQ day, a Just Because kind of day... I am sure you can be creative and think about something.

C. Emotional goals: This could be also classified as health goals. But I wanted put it in a section on it's own to emphasize it's importance. We all know that if we don't throw away have our garbage get picked up, our house will smell so rotten it will eventually attract flies, mosquitoes and other yucky stuff.... it will be unhealthy ultimately, we will get sick! I believe that also is true with our emotional garbage. What do I men by that? Any emotions that makes us mad, bitter, hurt, disappointed, discouraged, helpless, hopeless, annoyed, etc,... Justifiably or not, fair or unfair, by the end of the day it is our choice to make not the circumstances or things or others but ourselves...if we don't get over it and change our thinking it will sooner or later make us unhappy no matter how good our life is. It can make you SICK as well.......

Life is TOO SHORT & TOO BEAUTIFUL to waste on matters that doesn't EMPOWER us and makes us SMILE... That's my motto.

Throw that garbage out! Don't let it STINK your life. You deserve better.

D. Spirituality - It's an AWESOME thing to know that in spite of our imperfections, weaknesses and limitations we have a Higher Being which personally I call God who I connect to. But through Him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Some call it different names. I call mine Jesus. Whatever you call your God, each of us needs that spiritual growth and connection. That spiritual connection and relationship with our God gives us guidance, wisdom, strength, comfort, peace, love and LIFE... Spirituality gives us internal strength, hope and direction in our journey in this life.

Financial Goals:
A. Set Cash Flow ideas/goals - This includes, income from your job or business. Investments. clearing unnecessary clutter from your house and selling it. Start selling stuff at Ebay. Start a part time business at your home. Something that you are passionate about.

B. Liabilities - Try to limit buying "wants" instead focus on buying "needs". Make a list of your buying habits for 30 days. Just buy as you normally do. At the end of the month, see and mark the things that are wants on one side and needs on the other. You will be surprised how much mony you can save. . Start your change there. To help you check out my article on the Three Principles of Personal Finance: All You Need to Know for Financial Success. http://vitalexpressions.blogspot.com/2011/02/three-principles-of-personal-finance.html

c. Smart Choices goals - Make sure you have set aside 6 months of emergency fund for all your total monthly expenses. Open a Christmas Club account. It really works. Setting aside $15-20 each paycheck can come a long way during the holidays. DO IT TODAY :) The great thing about this account is that you won't have to use your credit card during the holidays that is great! You will thank yourself come January.

Invest wisely.
- Take advantage of your 401k. It still works too. But also do your homework on what funds to invest in. It's not that easy but it's not hard either. Diversity is always key. Check out Mint.com they are awesome.
- Planning to buy a home or any major purchase? Set a 5 year goal. Invest in mutual funds.
Check out:
- morningstar.com
- Money.com
- Forbes.com
They all have the best Mutual Fund Reviews.

Make sure you check your credit annually to see if there any inaccuracies. Don't go over your credit limit it lowers your credit score. Don't even come close to your limit it also lowers your credit score.

3. Career goals:
With so many unemployed people out there. The business environment has changed dramatically, It's not just about getting a job and maintaining it but you have to excel and more at what you do.

a. Acquiring more skills and knowledge is essential. Because when a company starts to downsize it is the people with less skills who are the first ones to go. Make sure you retool yourself and go back to school for advanced studies.

b. Make sure if you do something that you love to do. That will help your longevity in your career.

c. Improve yourself. Think and find ways how to be more efficient every day. If you improve just 1% better every day... you will have improved 365% for the year.

Common Cold Treatments - What Works What Doesn't

This is a combined article that I put together from WebMD and the Mayoclinic to help us with the common cold on this very cold winter.

Since there is no cure for the common cold, treatment has two goals: to make you feel better and to help you fight off the virus.

From WebMD & Mayoclinic:

Lots of rest is the key treating a cold. You may find you need 12 hours of sleep each night, so don't set that alarm. You'll be most comfortable in a warm, humid environment. It's also important to drink lots of water. This makes mucus flow more freely and helps with congestion.

No specific treatment exists for the virus that is causing your cold, but in treating your symptoms you can find relief. For aches and pains accompanied by a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, give Tylenol rather than aspirin to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition that occurs in children with viral illnesses, especially if they have taken aspirin. If your throat is sore, gargle as often as you like with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water).

Think twice before using heavily advertised over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which likely contain drugs for symptoms you don't have and therefore may result in needless overtreatment. The FDA and manufacturers now say that over-the-counter cough and cold drugs should not be given to children under age 4.

Over-the-counter decongestants containing pseudoephedrine can help dry and clear nasal passages, but only temporarily. Decongestant nasal sprays can help, too -- but watch out! Decongestants used for more than three to five days may cause a "rebound" effect. This means more mucus and worse congestion. Pseudoephedrine may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Do not take it without first checking with a doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate problems, diabetes, or thyroid problems.

Over-the-counter decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine have been pulled voluntarily from the shelves because they increase the risk of stroke. If you have a drug containing this ingredient, also called PPA, throw it away.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants, such as those containing dextromethorphan, can be helpful if your cough is so severe that it interferes with sleeping or talking. Otherwise, allow yourself to cough as you need to (always covering your mouth as you do), because coughing removes mucus and germs from your throat and lungs.

Antihistamines seem to help some people, but their effect during colds remains controversial.

Good nutrition is essential for resisting and recovering from a cold. Eat a balanced diet. Take supplements as needed to ensure you are receiving the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin A, the vitamin B complex (vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, folic acid) and vitamin C, as well as the minerals zinc and copper. Both vitamin C and zinc are essential for production of infection-fighting neutrophils; without adequate levels, you're an easy mark for all types of infections. Evidence is not clear on whether zinc lozenges or tablets cut colds short -- you can find studies supporting either side of the issue. However, the latest research shows zinc may shorten the duration of a cold and even prevent one if taken regularly.

Despite much research, the jury is still out on whether vitamin C can help prevent or shorten colds. There have been several large studies in adults and in children, but the results have been inconclusive. Taking a lot of vitamin C over a long period of time can be harmful.

Chicken soup has been heralded as a cold therapy since the 12th century. Recent scientific evidence shows mild support for the notion that chicken soup reduces cold symptoms, especially congestion.

Asian healing treatments often use hot soups to treat upper respiratory infections, making use of red pepper, lemongrass, and ginger in particular. Any food spicy enough to make your eyes water will have the same effect on your nose, promoting drainage. If you feel like eating, a hot, spicy soup may help ease your cold symptoms.

To ease cold symptoms, the essential oils of aromatherapy may be rubbed on the body, inhaled with steam, diffused into the air, or poured on a cloth to be used as a compress. Try rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil on the chest as a decongestant, or inhale eucalyptus or peppermint oil to clear stuffiness. Adding lavender, cedar, or lemon to steam may also soothe nasal passages. Inhaling menthol not only provides relief from nasal congestion, but might help inhibit infection as well. Rosemary, thyme, mint, basil, and tea tree oils can also provide relief from symptoms of a cold. Use caution if you have asthma, since aromatherapy can trigger an attack.

Many Americans turn to herbal remedies to ease cold symptoms. Some research supports the use of the Chinese herbal remedies yin chao and gan mao ling. Rather than self-prescribe, it's best to consult an expert practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Echinacea may help strengthen the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells, but there is little evidence that it can prevent colds in particular. Several studies show adults using echinacea at the first sign of a cold suffered shorter and less severe illness. Because herbs are so poorly regulated and labeled in the U.S., however, it's difficult to know if the product you're using contains the right species and active ingredient. If you decide to try echinacea, take small doses for no more than eight weeks, since prolonged use may suppress your immune system.

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, children age 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime. The honey seemed to reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep. In fact, in the study, honey appeared to be as effective as the cough suppressant dextromethorphan in typical over-the-counter doses. Since honey is low-cost and widely available, it might be worth a try.

Cold remedies: What doesn't work

Antibiotics. These destroy bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. The FDA warns against their use in children younger than age 2. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has voluntarily modified consumer product labels on over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to state "do not use" in children under 4 years of age, and many companies have stopped manufacturing these products for young children. The FDA is evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.

Take care of yourself

Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

What is the meaning of Christmas?

Christmas can mean different things to people and not so significant to a few... To me, it's such a special time. People are generally in a giving and cheerful mood.

Wherever you go, the smiles on people's faces are endless, wide and hearty. I think Christmas brings more "smiles" in peoples' hearts than any other holiday! Brings families and friendships closer... rekindles "love' for others.

For me Christmas is a GIFT. Because on this day a Savior was born. That child sacrificed His life for me that I might live. He said in His Book, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16
To me that means in my journey through life, it doesn't matter if my challenges and problems are as deep as the ocean or as high as a mountain... or if I can't see the light of day in sickness, pain, hurts or disappointments. Because I know He will always come through.

I know this because He said in the Book of Matthew, "...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

One perfect example and I have many of them happened back in 1989. I just got laid off and lost my health insurance. A few days after I remember it was a Sunday. I woke up with the most excruciating pain in my stomach. With no access to any medications and no one was home with me I called 911. Once there at the ER in the midst of pain, a nurse was asking me about my health insurance. I replied, "I have none." She asked, "how are you going to pay for it?" I responded without thinking. I said, "cash." Looking back the best I can do was to make a monthly payment plan.

I did get better thank God. I was there for 5 days in the surgical floor diagnosed with a "kidney stone." The day I got discharged and signed off on all the required paperwork I was anxiously looking for my medical bill which I did not find. So I asked, where's my medical bill? They said, I will be billed and not to worry it will be mailed to me. But it was around $5,000 to $7,000 approximately. OK just great I thought.

One month passed, a year, 5 years, 10 years... now it's 2011 and it's been 22 years and "no medical bill" was ever mailed. That was one of many miracles in my life. Yes, that Savior saved me... that child's name is Jesus!

Christmas doesn't have to be a season. But a lifetime. It can be every day*...

Christmas brings peace to our hearts... healing to our brokenness... hope in our hopelessness.... faith that in spite of our weaknesses and imperfections there is Someone who is more than able... greater than us who will always take care of us...

He promised in Hebrews 13:5
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you

...and the joy of His Promises where not only speaks of spending eternal life with Him where there is no more sickness, death, pain or crying... but experience His Love, Mercy, Miracles & Grace today in our lives...

That to me is what Christmas is all about....

Have a wonderfully blessed Holiday Season to and your families :)

Travel, Vacation or Business the Best for 2012

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure be sure to check this out before you plan your next one. Here's a great article from toptenreviews.com on the best travel online sites for 2012.

We rank the best online travel sites services with side-by-side comparisons. Read in-depth service reviews and online travel sites services articles. Compare features ... Ratings. Booking Options, Excellent, Good, Very Good, Good, Very Good, Fair. Ease of Use/

Travel Anywhere in the World for Less Money
Online travel sites allow you to plan trips or vacations and make reservations for airline flights, car rentals and hotels with ease. Special deals and discounts are also available, offered only by online sites.

With Why Online Travel Sites?

Online travel sites let you be your own travel agent. Plan your trips or vacation and make reservations quickly with just a few mouse clicks. Make reservations for a flight or a cruise, hotel or car rental. Pay and get your confirmation numbers online. Travel planning that once took hours now takes only a few headache-free minutes. An additional advantage: deals offered only by online sites, since they are often given exclusive discounted rates to sell to customers.

Another benefit of online travel sites is the research factor. You may not want to spend time searching hundreds of airline fare prices and hotel locations, but online travel sites do the searching for you and find the best available prices. You also get bonus information like weather updates, flight status, travel guides and tips. Use these sites as a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

On this site, you’ll find comprehensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons that help you make an informed decision about which travel site to use for your trip or vacation. You’ll also find travel-related articles such as Airfare and the Fine Print that provide additional information. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

What to Look for in an Online Travel Site

Searching for the best travel deal can be a frustrating experience. Airfare, hotel rates and car rentals can change daily. Many like to shop for the best deal available. Often we will browse dozens of online travel sites comparing prices, fees and times.

Online travel sites should be easy and secure to use. Booking flights, hotels, cars and cruises can be expensive. Always make sure every piece of information is correct and to your satisfaction before clicking the payment option. Be aware of how much the online travel site’s policies, procedures and booking fees are. Since online travel sites offer discounted fares, many tickets or reservations are not refundable.

This is the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate online travel sites.

Booking Options
Online travel sites usually offer airfare, hotel rooms and car rentals; many travel sites also offer cruises. Top travel sites include train tickets, vacation packages and activity booking. Additionally, this feature includes how specific or flexible you can be when booking your reservation.

Additional Features
Travel services may offer additional features. These may include the ability to earn frequent flyer miles, the service’s low price guarantees or the ability to access your itinerary through a cellular phone.

Resources
First–class travel websites provide reading material and information to fulfill your travel needs. This may include weather reports, maps, security updates or travel guides.

Ease of Use/Support
Information about travel websites should be easy to find and provide comprehensive details about the services offered. You should feel secure and comfortable providing sensitive credit card information to book reservations. They should also provide FAQs about the various booking options as well as responsive email or telephone support.

Here are the winners:

1. Smarter Travel

2. Expedia

3. Orbitz

4.Travelocity

5. Kayak

6. AirGorilla

7. OneTravel

8.CheapAir

9. Priceline

10. Hotwire

Please go to this link to see a more detailed analysis with graphics on how they went about rating these travel sites.
http://online-travel-sites-review.toptenreviews.com/

So before you book your next vacation or travel make sure you check this out to save the most money without sacrificing quality.

The Truth About Diet Soda: Beware

For you diet soda lovers who think it is a healthy alternative than the regular soda? You might want to reconsider a different drink.... Here's a great article from Men's Health magazine this year.

Think choosing no-calorie diet over the regular sugary soda is the smarter choice? Maybe not. A recent study found that diet sodas drinkers have larger waistlines than non-drinkers.

Zero calories—and zero nutrition.
The study compared diet soda drinkers to a group of non-diet drinkers (including both regular soda fans and people who didn’t drink any soda). While all participants’ waists grew over the course of the 9.5-year study, the diet soda drinkers had 70 percent greater increases in belly bulge.

But the results were downright shocking when researchers looked only at people who drank two or more diet sodas per day. The increase in their waist circumference was five times greater than the increase for non-diet drinkers, found the team of researchers from the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. (Researchers haven’t yet released the exact waist size numbers.)

While the study shows a connection between drinking diet soda and an increased waist circumference, it’s too soon to say that drinking diet causes belly bulge. Here’s what researchers believe might be going on—and what that means for your Diet Pepsi addiction.

Explanation 1: Artificial Sweetness Tricks The Brain?

“Some studies suggest that when our taste buds sense sweetness, the body expects a calorie load to accompany it. When that doesn’t happen, it may cause us to overeat because we crave the energy rush our body was expecting,” says Cheryl Forberg R.D., author of Flavor First.

HIGHLIGHTS
Diet soda drinkers have a 70% bigger gain in waist circumference over time
Drinking diet might just be a sign of bad overall eating patterns
Artificial sweeteners could make your brain crave sweets or dull taste sensations
Your best bet: avoid diet. While it may or may not actually do harm, there’s no nutrition in it
Similarly, artificial sweeteners might also dull the taste buds—meaning you eat more high-flavor, high-calorie foods to satisfy your cravings, explains Forberg.

Avoid ‘Diet’ Foods

Explanation 2: It’s a Sign of Larger Dietary Patterns?

In a previous study, diet soda drinkers were found to have an increased risk of diabetes, despite the fact that diet soda doesn’t contain natural sugar. But that association disappeared after researchers accounted for other diabetes-related factors, like exercise. One theory: Diet soda drinkers choose the zero-calorie, artificial drink because they had questionable eating habits and were trying to lose some weight.

“Often times these soft drinks are consumed with fast foods, fried foods, etc.—sometimes as a rationale that their zero-calorie diet soda is negating or mitigating the harmful effects of the fast food simply because the beverage has no calories,” Forberg says.

Diet drinkers may have bigger waists, then, not because of diet soda—but because they have a poor diet, and people with poor diets are (in theory) more likely to drink diet soda.

Explanation 3: Biological Effects?

Just because diet soda is calorie-free, doesn’t mean it’s the healthier choice—the beverage contains no nutrients. And in fact, it might be harmful, according to limited research on test animals. When diabetic-prone rats were fed a high-fat diet with aspartame—an artificial sweetener used in diet products—they showed higher blood glucose levels (a diabetes risk factor) than those just fed a high-fat diet. “Excessive amounts of glucose in the blood stream are sent to the liver and converted to excess body fat,” Forberg explains. But further research is needed before we can compare these findings in rats to humans, the researchers caution.

Bottom line: While drinking diet soda isn’t an end-all-be-all sentence to weight gain, there’s no reason you should drink it. So replace your daily diet soda with healthier drinks such as water, green tea, seltzer water (if you’re craving the carbonation), or even coffee, which has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes. If you can’t kick the habit entirely, Forberg recommends limiting diet soda consumption to one—at most two—cans a day.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Under $15

Here are great last minute gift ideas for this holiday season for under $15. Wonderful article from WiseBread.com

t’s that time again. You think you’ve got presents for everyone on your list, but somehow you forgot Great Aunt Noonie. Or your neighbor pops over with a gift and now you want to return the sentiment. What do you get?

The internet is usually my first resource for finding gifts, but now you have the dreaded shipping-and-handling issue to deal with. Sure, you could get it in time, but pay through the nose to get it overnighted. Plus, the stores are emptying faster than a beer keg at a frat party. But don’t despair.

Here are 11 last-minute gift ideas that can help you spread some cheer without giving yourself an ulcer in the process.

1. Magazine Subscriptions
There are many places to buy these, inlcluding Amazon.com. They can start from as little as $3 per year and will usually come with an e-card or printable gift card that you can pop in an envelope.

2. Apps
With the enormous popularity of the iPhone and other smartphones, it makes sense that gifts for these phones are also increasing in number. You can now buy apps as gifts, with many apps giving you the option to “gift this app.” Most apps are well under $10, so maybe you can gift a few. You can also add a personalized message.

3. Cook Something
Well, that’s a broad term, but nothing says you care like something home-made and delicious. From jams and jellies to cakes and cookies, they’re usually something you can make within a day. Wrap them in something nice and wait for the smiles. It sure beats a tie.

4. The Re-Gift
I did a whole post on this, and while some people think it objectionable, most see it as a way to make someone happy with a gift that you personally don’t like. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but you must of course follow the re-gifting guidelines.

5. Movies
I’ve had Netflix for a few years now, although recently it has come into its own thanks to instant streaming through the Wii and Roku. For just $7.99 for the first month, you can give someone the gift of a whole month of streaming movies. It’s a little more for a month that includes DVDs, but it’s still a great gift that can be delivered instantly via email. Amazon.com also offers movies on demand, and you can buy credits to use in the Movies On Demand section of Amazon. Again, it’s instant and will be enjoyed by many over the holiday season.

6. iTunes Cash
If you don’t have time to run out and buy a CD, you can give your gift recipient a code that will let them download it themselves. Most albums are available through iTunes for $10, and the iTunes program will let you print the gift certificate, or email it to your friend or relative. Just go to the iTunes store and click the Buy iTunes Gifts button on the top right, under Quick Links.

7. Gift Cards
If music isn’t their cup of tea, you can always pick up gift cards for a wide variety of stores from the checkouts of your local grocery stores. They start at $5 and show a little more thought than just throwing a few bills in an envelope.


8. Free 1-Day Shipping
Procrastinators of the world, unite. You have friends in some very big corporations. The biggest is Amazon, who is offering free 1-day shipping on over 15,000 items. You can bag jewelry, watches, clothing, toys and a whole lot more for under $15 and still get it before the big day.

9. Get Your Groupon
This is a double-whammy. Not only can you get something very quickly and print it out, but you also get huge savings. Groupon deals are different for every city but they are always worth checking it. For instance, at the time of writing this article, the Groupon for my city, Denver, was a $30 meal at an Indian restaurant for just $15. Other regular Groupon deals include spa treatments, magazine subscriptions, dance classes and a lot more.

10. Get Artistic
This isn’t for everyone, but then again, art is in the eye of the beholder. All you need is a little paint (or whatever else you have laying around) and something to paint on. You could go for the traditional canvas, they start at just a few dollars at places like Michaels and Joann’s. You could decorate pottery. You could use fabric paint on a t-shirt. You can glue shells to bottles if you like. It’s up to you. But it’s unique, it shows you really care, and it’s quick and inexpensive.

11. Facebook Credits
It’s estimated that 1 in 2 American’s now have a Facebook account. And games are one of the most popular features of this website. Of course, like most things in life, there can be costs associated with the fun, and many games have premium items associated with them. For instance, my Achilles Heel is Bejeweled Blitz, and if I want extra credits for power-ups, I can pay for them. Other games even come with merchandise and collectibles. If you know someone who is hooked on Facebook games, the gift of Facebook Credits may go down very well. Target and Walmart both carry $10 Facebook Credits gift cards, and you can also buy them online for instant redemption.

If you have any more ideas, please share. It is the season of giving after all. Have a very happy and safe Holiday season.

LIVE Free Webcast Reaching More Customers

It's amazing how marketing has evolved in the last 4 years. Social media, branding. networking, etc, etc... As a business if you are not up to date on these areas chances are the competition will catch up to you or pass you by. If you're starting a business or new to it, then, you'll never get up and running because the competition is so great out there. You need every ounce or inch of creativity and ideas on how to market your product or service and reach more customers.

So today let me introduce to you Mike Koenigs. Here's an overview about him just in case for those who don't know him.

MIKE KOENIGS is the “2009 Marketer of the Year” winner, an entrepreneur, filmmaker, speaker and author.

He is the CEO, “Chief Disruptasaurus” and Founder of Traffic Geyser and Instant Customer. His distribution and relationship automation systems simplify marketing for tens of thousands of small businesses, authors, experts and speakers worldwide.

His celebrity and bestselling author clients and friends include Paula Abdul, Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss, Debbie Ford, John Assaraf from “The Secret”, Brian Tracy, Jorge Cruise and Harvey MacKay.

Traffic Geyser distributes video, articles and media to over 150 different social media and social networking platforms with the press of a button. Instant Customer is an automated “multi-channel” marketing platform that captures leads with voice recognition, mobile. For over 20 years, Mike has worked with Sony Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, 3M, General Mills, Dominos Pizza, BMW, Ralston and Mazda.

He executive produced “Bill’s Gun Shop”, an independent feature film that was distributed by Warner Brothers and produced a feature documentary, “LifeWithTesla” about living gas-free with an electric car charged by the Sun. He’s created over 300 web sites and more than 35 products.

Originally from Minnesota, Mike lives in San Diego, CA with his wife and son.

Just got an email from him and this a FREE 3 day Webcast 6 hours a day and this is what you are going to get.

This event is a total of 24 hours of jaw-dropping
awesomeness: 6 hours today, 6 hours tomorrow,
12 hours on Saturday.

No matter what day (or days) you attend,
you're going to discover:

- What Cross-Channel marketing is,
how it works and what it will do for you
and your business

-- Access to a live, interactive demonstration
of cross-channel marketing

-- The latest advances in mobile, tablet
and direct marketing technologies and
systems

-- Brand new, advanced selling psychology strategies that have never even been
possible until now

-- How to get YOUR OWN cross-channel
results by people who are already having
HUGE success using the same MOJO
system that you're going to register for
right now

-- The EXACT techniques Mike's customers
are using to pull in HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS
of dollars in new contracts

-- Why you'll make MORE money by
connecting with customers in ways that
your competition HASN'T EVEN THOUGHT
OF YET

And I repeat: this is LIVE, not recorded!

All new info.

This is as cutting edge as a new machete.

Register for the LIVE Webcast!
Thursday, Dec. 15th, 2011
11am - 5pm PST / 2pm - 8pm EST
http://www.instantcustomer.com/go/40458

Here's an Easy & Great GIFT Idea for any Occasion

Stressing about what to give this Christmas. Here's an easy and yet great gift idea this Holiday Season.

Gift Cards at Giftcards.com

Reviewed by Factoidz.com

Giftcards.com is exactly what it's URL says it is and yet it is so very much more. It is a website where one can purchase a preloaded MasterCard Gift Cards or Visa Gift Cardsby choosing from a large selection of pre-designed cards or by giving your gift card that personal touch by designing it yourself using their format. www.Giftcards.com also caters to the corporate world. This is how the company, originally named directcertificates.com, got it's start back in 1999.



It is a one stop, gift card bonanza, where not only can you purchase personal gift cards, virtual gift cards, discounted merchant cards, greeting cards, and even group gifting cards for your family or friends on those special occasions; but where they also sell gfit cards in bulk to companies and corporations who can buy them at a discount; eitherchoosing from the list of Merchant cards or the prepaid MasterCard or Visa debit cards. they can then use the gidtcards to distribute to their employees as incentives or in a reward or bonus program.

From what I have learned and their accreditations list at the bottom of their opening home page and also from what I have seen first hand on their site, I think it would be well worth your time for a look see.

Detailed Review of GiftCards.com

It is the fast and easy way, in one convenient place, to take care of your personal gift giving needs. Or, if you are of the business world, carrying a number of employees on your payroll and you need to address an award, bonus or incentive program; this website should serve you needs well. The website has so much to offer and so much information to go through, it took me a little time to completely explore all the different tabs and pages,and see what was available and access it. But, when I was done I was more then willing to click on the sign up tab at the top of the page and fill in the simple form to open my own account. They let me choose whether I wanted to store my information at that time or wait until a later date. Once you have signed up you can then use any of the tools, options, ideas, links, designs, etc. available to make or select and then purchase your custom gift cards, discounted merchant cards, greeting cards, virtual gift cards, or prepaid Visa or MasterCards, and now they have added Bill Pay too. They even have a section on their site devoted to buying back your unwanted gift cards if you meet their qualifications to do so.

If you have the desire to design your own gift card you can. By downloading your own special photos, and then personalizing the card and adding a greeting card to it, your card will be a one of a kind gift. Just click on the tab Create a Card and it will take you through the easy steps to do so. If you'd rather choose from the large selections of Predesigned Gift Cards, then you can browse and select one from their very large selection. There are many categories from which to choose; such as Birthday, Wedding, Baby, Anniversary, Valentine's Day, NFL, Thank You, and many many more; each category having a lots of different styles.




The website is filled with information on their latest offers, ideas with suggestions, and links to other websites. It has a page for checking your own GiftCard card balance, so you can keep track. It has a link to the website www.MyCoupons.com where you can go to find even more discounts on Merchant Card. They also have a Virtual Gift Card available just in case you run low on time or need a gift in hurry. A Virtual Gift Card can be delivered by email typically within 24hours of purchase and can be used anywhere online or by phone that Mastercard or Visa are accepted. The services this website offers for their products seem to be almost endless for both personal and business use.

Happy Shopping :)

Help Baby Alexandra- A fire Victim

Alexandra came out of a rigging fire alive, but now has to fight for her life and a normal future. She is 14 months old and she has burnt skin all over her body, damage facial bones (as a result of very high temperature). She does not have half of her face. She is in hospital in Cracow - Poland and one of the best specialist is looking after her. However she still has to go through many surgeries and then long rehab. Unfortunately her parents do not have any more money.

Now she is in need of help. In the email messages, they stated that for every email that a person send, someone will give this baby 3cent with a message that "If you don't forward this you don't have a heart!"

Help Baby Alexandra- A fire Victim

Health Watch: Olive Oils Having Issues

People who have had heart conditions due to high blood pressure & high cholesterol levels, people who are recovering from stroke or heart surgeries are usually instructed to only use Olive Oil when cooking their food. Olive Oils are high in mono saturated and poly saturated fats which are good for your heart. They reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol). It is a very natural way of reducing your cholesterol levels and to keep your heart in good shape.

The problem however today is that there are current studies that found that the quality of the Olive Oils distributed & sold to the consumer that we buy at the supermarkets are below the standards where it should be. That might create more bad than good to those people I just indicated above or for us who just want to stay healthy. Below, you will find the list of famous name brands that are below those standards.

A recent report from the University of California Davis (UC Davis) Olive Center suggests just that. A team of scientists led by Edwin N. Frankel found that 69% of imported olive oil samples and 10% of California olive oil samples labeled as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) failed international chemical and sensory (organoleptic) standards for EVOO. The research team tested 52 samples of 19 brands-14 imported brands and five California brands-purchased in three geographical locations to reach their conclusions. The UC Davis Olive Oil Chemistry Laboratory, which has not yet been accredited by IOC, and the Australian Oils Research Laboratory (Wagga Wagga, New South Wales), which is fully accredited by IOC, conducted the laboratory work.

The laboratory tests also indicated that the International Olive Council (IOC; Madrid, Spain) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) chemistry standards "often do not detect defective olive oils that fail extra virgin sensory standards," the UC Davis team said. The group suggested that IOC/USDA standards would be made "more effective" by including German/Australian 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and pyropheophytins (PPP) standards.

"A reduced level of DAG indicates that the samples were oxidized, or poor quality, and/or adulterated with cheaper refined oils, while an elevated level of PPP indicates that the samples were oxidized and/or adulterated with cheaper refined oils," the report suggested.

Even more astonishing are the names of the defendants in this case; they include some of the most well known olive oil brands sold in California, including, Bertolli, Filippo Berio, Carapelli, Star, Colavita, Mezzetta, Pompeian, Rachael Ray, Mazola, and Safeway Select. The Defendants also include the retailers and supermarkets that sell these products to the California consumers without testing and verifying the quality of the products sold, including, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s Markets, Vons/Pavilions, Ralphs, Stater Brothers, Albertson’s Market, Target, Wal‑mart, K Mart, and Nob Hill Foods.

A Sunday Night Prayer

Heavenly Father, before I lay down to rest tonight , I thank you for all the blessings you have showered me and my family this week. Your Divine Protection that keeps me safe. Your Hand that directs my path. Your Eyes that watches over me. Your Ears that hears my cries and needs. Your Words that gives me hope & wisdom. Your Spirit that breathes life into me & sets me free. And your Heart that Loves me unconditionally & endlessly. Forgive me my Savior for all my shortcomings & my pride. For the times when I lack compassion, when I loose my temper, become overly critical and judgmental. Forgive me...

This moment with you is so wonderful and peaceful... I give you all that I am. The thoughts in my mind and the things deep in my heart I give to You. Purify them and sanctify them my God for You are Holy. Let your angels watch closely over me and my family in our sleep...

And if this be my last prayer before I lay down to rest,...may your Grace & Mercy find me worthy to be with You in Heaven forever, Amen.

Best Internet Browser for 2011

Before we start I would like to tell you about this website that is so awesome. It is toptenreviews.com
Their motto is "we do the research so you don't have to"

It researches, reviews, analyzes and rates the following: Electronics of any kind, Appliances, Mobile, Web Services, Auto Tech, Science Tech, Careers, Entertainment & Small Business. So remember to bookmark their website at www.toptenreviews.com

So here you go. Your 2011 Best Web Browser.

1. Firefox

2. Google Chrome

3. Internet Explorer

4. Opera

5. Safari

6. Maxthon

7. Avant Browser

8. PhaseOut

9. Deepnet Explorer

10. SpaceTime

For an in depth review & analysis with actual dta and great graphics please go to: http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

Why Internet Browsers?

An Internet browser is your window to the web, where you can find almost anything from the comfort of your own living room. Today, the Internet is widely used for media, research, communication, shopping and entertainment. The better your browser, the more you will see and experience.

Be sure to read the reviews on Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, the Internet browsers our reviewers ranked at the top.

Up–to–date web browsers are equipped with the latest features and technology to simplify, accelerate and enhance your Internet experience. The newest features include tabbed browsing, RSS feeds and voice interaction. Browsers are also more customizable and entertaining with skins, informative and fun widgets and additional add–ons.

Safety is a common concern among web surfers, and for good reasons. The number of hazards seems to grow every day. Viruses, spyware, phishing schemes and identity theft are some of the concerns. Other worries come from the threat of online predators and the appropriateness of material for children. Modern Internet browsers shield against all of these factors to keep you, your family and your PC safe.

In this site, you’ll find articles about the Internet, news stories and comprehensive reviews on Internet browser software that will help you make an informed decision on which browser is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

What to Look for in Internet Browsers

Internet browsers should have three main objectives: simplicity, security and helping you get the most from the web. Because all of the browsers in this review are free, after reading the reviews you may want to download and consider a couple of browsers. You might even decide to use more than one browser—for example, one for fun and one for research.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Internet browsers.

Feature Set
Top–ranked Internet browsers offer many practical features that make surfing the web faster, easier and more convenient. A few of these features are tabbed browsing, thumbnail previews and an integrated search engine.

Ease of Use
Internet browsers ought to be simple to use so anyone, regardless of their knowledge of computers or the Internet, will feel comfortable using the web.

Security
Security is one of the most important aspects of browsing the web. Internet browsers should protect against pop–ups, viruses and phishing frauds and allow you to clear personal information so you can feel confident while online.

Speed & Compatibility
Your internet browser should help you surf fast and efficiently. While the speed of your computer and internet connection account for most of the speed, not all browsers are created equal in regards to how fast they startup, process HTML and JavaScript. Likewise, not all internet browsers will open all pages correctly. The best browsers will open websites quickly and properly.

Help/Support
Although most internet browsers are free, quality customer support helps if you run into problems. Developers provide support through email, phone, FAQs, manuals and tutorials.

Have You Been Lacking Motivation Lately?

Here's a great article about motivation from pickthebrain.com

Before I share that with you here are are great motivational quotes each of us can appreciate.

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” - James Dean

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to to dance better than myself.” - Mikhail Baryshnikov

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
- Brian Littrell

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
- Mark Victor Hansen

“You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions.”
- Adlin Sinclair quotes

“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”
- Bo Bennett

Enjoy the article

Staying motivated is a struggle — our drive is constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. Everyone faces doubt and depression. What separates the highly successful is the ability to keep moving forward.

There is no simple solution for a lack of motivation. Even after beating it, the problem reappears at the first sign of failure. The key is understanding your thoughts and how they drive your emotions. By learning how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the task at hand, you can pull yourself out of a slump before it gains momentum.

Reasons We Lose Motivation

There are 3 primary reasons we lose motivation.

Lack of confidence – If you don’t believe you can succeed, what’s the point in trying?
Lack of focus – If you don’t know what you want, do you really want anything?
Lack of direction – If you don’t know what to do, how can you be motivated to do it?

How to Boost Confidence
The first motivation killer is a lack of confidence. When this happens to me, it’s usually because I’m focusing entirely on what I want and neglecting what I already have. When you only think about what you want, your mind creates explanations for why you aren’t getting it. This creates negative thoughts. Past failures, bad breaks, and personal weaknesses dominate your mind. You become jealous of your competitors and start making excuses for why you can’t succeed. In this state, you tend to make a bad impression, assume the worst about others, and lose self confidence.

The way to get out of this thought pattern is to focus on gratitude. Set aside time to focus on everything positive in your life. Make a mental list of your strengths, past successes, and current advantages. We tend to take our strengths for granted and dwell on our failures. By making an effort to feel grateful, you’ll realize how competent and successful you already are. This will rejuvenate your confidence and get you motivated to build on your current success.
It might sound strange that repeating things you already know can improve your mindset, but it’s amazingly effective. The mind distorts reality to confirm what it wants to believe. The more negatively you think, the more examples your mind will discover to confirm that belief. When you truly believe that you deserve success, your mind will generate ways to achieve it. The best way to bring success to yourself is to genuinely desire to create value for the rest of the world.

Developing Tangible Focus
The second motivation killer is a lack of focus. How often do you focus on what you don’t want, rather than on a concrete goal? We normally think in terms of fear. I’m afraid of being poor. I’m afraid no one will respect me. I’m afraid of being alone. The problem with this type of thinking is that fear alone isn’t actionable. Instead of doing something about our fear, it feeds on itself and drains our motivation.
If you’re caught up in fear based thinking, the first step is focusing that energy on a well defined goal. By defining a goal, you automatically define a set of actions. If you have a fear of poverty, create a plan to increase your income. It could be going back to school, obtaining a higher paying job, or developing a profitable website. The key is moving from an intangible desire to concrete, measurable steps.
By focusing your mind on a positive goal instead of an ambiguous fear, you put your brain to work. It instantly begins devising a plan for success. Instead of worrying about the future you start to do something about it. This is the first step in motivating yourself to take action. When know what you want, you become motivated to take action.

Iron Planet Motors Auctions Rolls Out New App for iPhone and Android

Yes. Iron Planet Auctions Rolls Out New App for iPhone and Android a few months ago.

IronPlanet Motors, an online auction site for used autos, trucks, powersports, motorcycles, RVs, aircrafts & more announced the release of its new mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones. The free app gives users the ability to find and bid on vehicles in IronPlanet Motors auctions from their phones.

"We are very excited to bring IronPlanet Motors to the hands of car, truck and motorcycle buyers,” said Steve Kendrick, managing director for IronPlanet Motors. “IronPlanet’s app provides buyers mobile access to IronPlanet Motors’ auctions, inventory and exclusive IronClad Assurance.”

The IronPlanet mobile app allows users to search inventory by category or auction date from their mobile devices. Users can review inspection reports, add items to their “Watch List” and place bids. Users can also view live auctions and real-time bidding activity all from their phones.

“IronPlanet pioneered online equipment auctions over a decade ago,” said Jeff Barca-Hall, chief technology officer for IronPlanet. “We have now transformed our innovative technology into a mobile app with additional functionality – all resulting in a better bidder experience at IronPlanet auctions.”

IronPlanet’s mobile app provides instant alerts to the buyer when they have either won the item or been outbid. IronPlanet’s dedicated customer service team is also readily available with a one-touch dialing function.

Check them out..... news courtesy of M P N

2011 #1 Killer Disease in the US.

Here's a great and very informative article from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) published the early part of 2011 regarding the #1 killer disease in the US.

Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death

About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.

Diseases and Conditions That Put Your Heart at Risk

Other conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and secondhand smoke are also risk factors associated with heart disease. For a full list of diseases and conditions along with risk factors and other health information associated with heart disease, visit the American Heart Association.

Know Your Signs and Symptoms

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
The American Heart Association, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the American Red Cross, and the National Council on Aging have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms.

Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations:

Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you're a woman and two drinks per day if you're a man.
Keep an eye on your portion sizes.
See CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Web site for more tips on nutrition.

Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. See CDC's physical activity Web site for tips and more information.

Women and Heart Disease: Quick Facts

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths.

In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 306,246 females.3

Heart disease is often perceived as an "older woman's disease," and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. However, heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years. Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented! 4

For more information and facts on women and heart disease, see the Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.
Screening for chronic disease risk factors.
Dietary, physical activity, and smoking cessation interventions.
Referral and follow-up as appropriate.
For more information on how you can take advantage of these services, visit WISEWOMAN and click on program locations.

Women and Heart Disease Campaigns

Men and Heart Disease: Quick Facts
In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 309,821 American men.3
The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years.1
Almost half of men who have a heart attack under age 65 die within 8 years.1
Between 70% and 89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.1
For more information and facts about men and heart disease, visit the Men and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.

Interactive Tools to Help Guide Your Everyday Choices

Know your heart numbers. Find out what you can do to improve and maintain these numbers—and live a longer, stronger life.
Learn and Live Quiz. Take our quiz to learn your risk for heart disease. Register after the quiz and we'll send you a free cookbook.
Where’s the Salt?. Take the salt intake quiz to discover how much is in your food and its effect on your health.
Interactive Menu Planner

30 Christmas Gift Ideas Under $25

Every year most people struggle on what to give for Christmas. Thanks to Philip of PT Money who offers some simple but great ideas for this coming holiday season.

Thanks Philip for this article.

Are you looking for a few Christmas gift ideas to help complete your list? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Every Christmas season I wait too long and end up having trouble deciding what gifts to get my family, friends, and co-workers. This year I thought I would be pro-active and make a huge list of several, reasonably-priced ideas to choose from before I do my shopping.

I’m a big fan of the consumable gifts that don’t add to the endless junk we Americans have, so I’ve included many in this list. Hopefully you’re able to find a few Christmas gift ideas from this list that will bring joy to those around you.

1. Bottle of Wine / Unique Selection of Beers – This consumable (always a plus) gift is a great idea if you are spending the evening with the recipient. You may even be invited to partake. Many different varieties of wine can be had for under $25 a bottle. As for beer, I like the idea of visiting a place like World Market, who will let you create a mix of foreign beers to purchase by the six pack. Slap on a bow and you are good to go. Always drink responsibly. Want a wine accessory instead? Try this Electric Wine Opener with Chiller by Oster [$24.97].

2. Book – Most books will easily fall under the $25 level. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, guides, cookbooks, etc. When all else fails, go for a coffee table book. I like this highly-rated coffee table book, Planet Earth: As You’ve Never Seen it Before [$24.06].

3. Hat/Gloves/Scarf – Since the Holiday season usually means cold weather, get your friend or loved one some combination of a hat, gloves, or scarf. This is usually a safe buy because they are often easy to fit without knowing the exact size. This year the animal hat/scarf combos are very popular. Here’s one that actually has mittens too: Husky Animal Hat with Mittens [$24.99].

4. 529 Plan Starter – Have someone in your life that could use a college savings plan? Help them get started by contributing $25 in their name. This is a great gift for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Be sure to run it by their parents so you don’t step on any toes. The College Advantage plan will contribute an additional $50 to help you get started as well. That’s a total of $75 towards someone’s future education costs.

5. Multi-Tool – Guys love gadgets. The ultimate gadget is the multi-tool or Swiss army knife. These are perfect for the kitchen drawer, glove box, toolbox, tackle box, garage, etc. Everyone could use a multi-tool to help them make quick repairs on the fly. Entry level tools and knives can be had for around $25. Check out the Suspension Opening Butterfly Multi-Plier with Sheath by Gerber [$22.36].

6. T-Shirt – A t-shirt makes a great gift because it can be personalized for the recipient. And who couldn’t use another t-shirt in their collection? Create an original t-shirt at a place like ShirtCity.com.

7. Board Game – Games bring the whole family together. They are perfect for the Holidays when family members may have a lot of free time to hang out. Check out the very popular Quirkle from Mindware [$17.95].

8. Soap and Lotion Bundles – This is another favorite of mine to give. Who doesn’t need soap and lotion? It’s another consumable gift too. Leaves no clutter. Places like Bath and Body Works create several different gift packages under or around $25. Check out the Bath & Body Works Twilight Gift Basket [$14.90] which includes lotion, body mist, shower gel, and lip gloss.

9. Gift Card – I love gift cards because they allow the recipient to have some say in the specific gift that they receive. Instead of a specific DVD, give a movie theater gift card so the recipient can see the movie they want. Instead of a piece of clothing, give a department store gift card so the recipient can buy what they want. I love gifts cards for: restaurants (I like to eat!), movie theaters, and electronic stores. Check out a place like PlasticJungle.com where you can buy unwanted gift cards at up to 30% discounts. Be careful with gift cards though: they can be perceived as impersonal, and they can also have expiration dates or fees affecting their usability.

10. Annual Magazine Subscription – If your friend or loved one has a hobby or interest, odds are there is a magazine geared towards that particular subject. It might be a good idea to also purchase one from the news stand so that you have something physical to wrap and give them along with the annual subscription. Magazine subscriptions can be found online for very cheap. Here’s a subscription to Real Simple [$23.88].

11. Earbuds – Just about everyone has an iPhone, iPod, or some other hand held digital device. Apple and other manufacturers don’t spend their time designing the best pairs of stock earbuds. In fact, I think they are really uncomfortable. Save someone’s ears this holiday season by giving them a nice pair of earbuds or headphones. Check out these stylish Noise-Isolating Earphones from Ultimate Ears [$19.99].

12. Key/Luggage Finder – This is probably the most unique Christmas gift idea on my list. They now have a device that fits on your key ring that, when active, will emit a sound when you are near your luggage tags. With this device you will never have trouble locating your luggage in the airport again. And it also works in the opposite direction, so you can find your keys when you lose them. Buy the Soren Luggage Locator [$6.97].

13. Poster or Print Art – A great gift for kids would be a poster. Who doesn’t want a life size image of Justin Beiber on their wall? For the grown-ups, look for art that you think they might find interesting. There is even a nice service by some online print shops where you can create a collage of pictures and print it out poster size. Try this Japanese Vinyl Wall Art Decal from The Custom Vinyl Shop [$22.99].

14. Photo Book – Upload digital photos to a place like ShutterFly.com and create a photo book. The books are printed and mailed to you or your recipient. Easy and creative.

15. Candy or Specialty Food – At a loss for gift ideas? Get them some food! Treat your family or friends to a nice box of chocolates (e.g. See’s Candies), or pick up a specialty food basket from Hickory Farms or Harry & David. Here’s a See’s Candy 1lb. Chocolate & Variety [$16.50].

16. Christmas Ornament – Start a tradition within your family. Give an ornament to a family member for their Christmas tree. Something with a personal note or picture would be ideal. Here’s a nice one: Angels Embrace Ornament from Willow Tree [$15.96].

17. Thermos or BPA Free Water Bottle – There are a ton of new, healthy, environmentally-safe food and water storage products on the market today. Odds are your friends or loved-ones might need an upgrade. Get a coffee or soup thermos, or invest in a new water bottle. My friend really likes this Sky Blue Better Bottle from Camelbak [$11.95].

18. Theme Baskets – Along the same lines as the subscription option above, if you know what interests those on your gift list have, it will be easy to design a gift to suit them. Why not create a gift basket of sorts around a theme. For the fitness junkie, throw together a gym bags worth of workout gear and equipment. For the aspiring cook, get a set of mixing bowls, some utensils and maybe even cookbook (try Half Priced Books). This gift says you respect them for their interests and want to encourage their efforts.

19. Picture Frame – This is an ideal Christmas gift idea if you know the person well enough to put a picture in it (i.e. picture of the grand kids for your parents). If you are simply giving the frame itself, make sure it’s exceptional or unique in some way. Most can be had for under $25. Here’s a Linear Wood 8×10 Matted Black Frame from Malden [$17.38].

20. Toiletry Bag – Let the frequent traveler in your life know you want them to travel in style. A nice bag can make life on the road a bit easier to bear. Check out the Ogio Doppler Shave Kit [$19.30].

21. Slippers – Don’t let the feet get cold this winter. Invest a few dollars towards keeping your loved one’s feet warm and cozy all season long. Check out these Sand-Colored Venus Shearling Women’s Slippers from Tamarac by Slippers International [$20.78].

22. Journal – If you can’t think of a specific book to purchase, why not go for a journal instead and let your friend or family member do the writing. A good writer will work through several journals throughout the year, so have a spare around will come in handy. Here’s a XL Soft Cover Ruled Notebook from Moleskine [$13.57].

23. Holga Camera – Here’s another unique gift. Know any aspiring photographers? Holga cameras are a specialty camera that many people want to have in their arsenal of cameras. And lucky for you, they cost no where near the price of today’s high end digital SLRs. This one comes in a bit higher than $25, but it’s the cheapest Holga I could find: Holga Camera [$29.99].

24. Coffee Beans – Adventurous coffee drinkers will appreciate this gesture. With thousands of coffee varieties, manufacturers, and flavors on the market, you’re sure to find something interesting and new. Here’s a 32oz bag of Cameron’s Organic French Roast Whole Bean Coffee [$18.84].

25. Blanket – The great thing about a blanket is that it’s practical and it’s one size fits all. Keep your family or friends warm this holiday season with a nice blanket. If you are feeling a bit silly, give them a Snuggie or Slanket instead. Here’s a nice Grey/Green All-Purpose Blanket from JJ Cole Collections [$25.71].

26. DVD Sets – Know someone who loves movies? There are a million DVD titles on Amazon.com to choose from, increasing the chances that you’ll find something valuable for your recipient. There are actually quite a few movie and TV sets for less than $25. I want the Peanuts Holiday Series DVD Set [$20.49] which includes Charlie Brown Christmas.

27. Golf Balls – Have an avid golfer in the family? Get them more of what they need to help improve their game. As an occasional golfer myself, I can tell you I appreciate having plenty of golf balls handy for my next round. I’m not sure these are legal, but I like the looks of the Self-Correcting Golf Balls by Polara [$24.9

28. Gadget Case – Everyone has some type of smart mobile device these days, but they don’t all have a nice case or cover to properly protect it. There are all kinds of accessories for the people in your life with an iPhone, Droid, Kindle, or iPad. Check out this Pink Leather Folio Case Cover for the Amazon Kindle Fire [$17.58].

29. Flowers and Vase – I like this gift because it combines a temporary item with a permanent one. The flowers will fade, but the vase or planter will be around for whatever the recipient has in mind.

30. Handmade Jewelry or Box – Instead of picking out something from a big box jewelry store or some piece that everyone has, find a nice handmade, unique piece of jewelry to give as a gift. There are some nice handmade jewelry boxes out there as well. Here’s a nice one: Wooden Jewelry Box with Brass Metal Inlay [$16.00].