A Nursing Breast Is A Healthier Breast

In recent years we've learned a lot about how breastfeeding improves the health of babies. Formula feeding increases the risk of many types of diseases. Short term, formula fed babies are more likely to become ill with ear and respiratory infections and other illnesses. When they do get sick they are more seriously ill and much more likely to be hospitalized. Long term, formula fed infants are more likely to suffer from diabetes, obesity, asthma, Crohn's disease, and other ailments.

Interestingly, a lot of research points to numerous ways that breastfeeding impacts Mom's health. Let's look at just one of these findings.

A Lactating Breast is a Healthier Breast

Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. This is due in part to hormonal factors: nursing moms go without ovulating for longer periods of time than women who don't breastfeed. There is a connection between the number of times a woman has an ovulatory cycle in her lifetime and the likelihood of her contracting breast cancer. Breastfeeding also completes the normal fertility cycle of conception, pregnancy and lactation.

Additionally, the act of suckling itself plays a role. One native culture that traditionally only nursed on one breast had fewer incidences of cancer in the lactating breast. This makes perfect sense when you think about it: a body organ that is used the way it's designed to be used is healthier than tissue that isn't used. If you decided to sit in a wheelchair instead of using your legs to walk, what do you suppose would happen to your legs? They would eventually atrophy and become diseased.

Additionally, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protection offered against cancer. Scientists find that the more months a woman has spent nursing, the lower her risk of contracting breast cancer... great incentive to listen to the World Health Organization's advice to nurse for two years or more!

Interestingly, breastfeeding lowers the *babies* rate of breast cancer! While science is still trying to figure out exactly why this is so, one theory is that exposure to Mom's estrogen via breastmilk immunizes baby to estrogen later in life. Also, the immune factors present in mom's milk likely play a role in strengthening resistance to disease, even to a disease like cancer.

Who knows what else the scientific community will discover about the magic of mom's milk?

Carrie Lauth has been helping other Moms learn how to nurse their babies for 5 years. She is the Mom of 4 breastfed kids, the host of http://www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio, and the head Momma in charge at http://www.SexyNursingBra.com

REAL ESTATE 101 ? What is Real Estate?

Many people believe that real estate is nothing more than houses, apartment buildings, large office structures. And while that may be true, real estate, by definition is much more.

Once upon a time the powers that be decided to split ?property? into two separate groups. Real and Personal. What?s the difference between these two? In a word, movability. If it moves, it?s considered to be personal with a few exceptions.

Real property consists of three things. Land, things attached or affixed to that land and lastly, appurtenances.

Land is pretty easy. However it?s not just the land you own. You also own sub-terrain rights, depending on your location. This is also true with the airspace above your property. You own up to a certain height, again depending on your location. At some point the government takes over and says, okay that?s it. The rest is ours. We have airways to think of and we?re not going to have every flight file a million easements every time they took off.

Two, items attached to the land. We take this for granted. Your home is considered an attachment. If you look on your deed, I doubt you?ll find any mention of the structure on your land. The house transfers with the sale because of its? attachment to the land.

If there is a question regarding whether an item is Personal or Real, many courts use the MARIA system to decide.

M ? Method of attachment ? How was it attached? Foundation? Nuts and bolts?

A ? Adaptability of the attachment ? How easily does the attachment go with the overall structure? Think solar panels.

R ? Relationship of the parties ? Is this a sale? Is this between family members?

I ? Intent of the parties ? What was the original intent of the party installing the attachment?

A ? Agreement between the parties ? What did they originally agree on?

This issue usually comes up when a property is sold and the seller wants to take an item such as an outdoor barbeque, and the buyer insists that it comes with the sale.

Lastly, appurtenances are considered real property. The official definition is this; A right or privilege that is attached to another property and is conveyed with it.

Suppose Property A had a right (easement) to cross over a part of Property Bs? property to get to the main road. If the owner of A sells his property, the right to cross over Bs? goes with it. This is a type of appurtenance, called an easement appurtenance.

As you can see, ?real estate? is much more than the physical structure that sits on a piece of land. Before buying or selling, make sure you know what is staying and what is going.

Tom Bruner is President of Bruner & Associates, Inc., a full service California commercial property brokerage since 1989. Tom spent four years teaching students Real Estate Principals for Kaplan Schools.

?By spending extra time with each of my clients, I?m able to help that investor buy or sell their income producing property by maximizing that information. Visit me at http://www.brunerandassociates.com?

Negotiating a Real Estate Contract

Negotiating the purchase or sale of a home can be fraught with struggles, ill-will and nastiness. coming the three deal-killers is easy if you remember one thing. Keep your emotions out of real estate contract negotiations. It will reward you handsomely. Plus, if you exit successfully from a ugly negotiation you still have to endure several weeks or months with the other side. On top of that, you might need to go back to the buyer and seller and ask for a closing date extension or inspection repairs. If wear out the other side early, they'll be much more unlikely to agree to anything you ask for simply because they don't like you or your attitude.

There are three outcome variables when a real estate contract is drafted by the buyer and presented to the seller.

The seller will accept the terms=contract.

The seller will change the terms=counteroffer.

The seller will reject the terms=the end, start over or walk away.

When the parties to a real estate contract accept the terms, it is known as acceptance. Most states require all real estate contracts to be in writing. And, they require that all offers of price or other terms be in writing. You might want to throw out a number out to a seller in a conversation, but it is not enforceable and is considered by real estate professionals as undesirable.

The counteroffer is the most common scenario in real estate contracts. Many buyers and sellers like the back and fourth of counteroffers and negotiations. But, be forewarned, some buyers and sellers have a low threshold to extended counteroffering. My rule of thumb is once you have gone back and fourth five times, you start to bog down the process. Each side should develop a strategy for negotiating before the real estate contract is formally presented.

In some situations a real estate contract is rejected before acceptance, by either side at any time. Some reasons for rejections are: incompatible closing dates or other terms, price, or another real estate contract is presented and it is more attractive to the seller. I am of the opinion that it is better for a contract to be rejected during negotiations than fall-through after acceptance. Like many things in life, accepted contracts are easier to get into, than out of.

Low-ball offers. Much more common in 2006 and 2007 than in previous years. Real estate market pendulums have swung in the buyers favor. That being said, some of the low-ball offers that buyers recently have attempted to negotiate were twenty-percent under list. Sellers of appropriately priced homes did not even respond. The rule of thumb is to not go below ten-percent of list for an opening price offer. If you can sweeten other terms of a contract to counter the low price, it could help keep you in good graces with the seller.

Counteroffers are like volleyball. Each time an counteroffer is given back to the other side, you will start to know where they want to go on price and terms. If sellers or buyers don't move off their original price much, they are showing signs of digging in their heals, don't expect much movement, each round. Early signs of rigidity in counteroffers tell me to buckle your seatbelt another notch, because the other side is not flexible.

The take-it-or-leave-it offer. Sometimes negotiations get near an impasse. The other side might call your bluff and say this is it, take-it-or-leave it. If you developed a strategy as I mentioned earlier, you will know what to do with the ultimatum. And, I hate to say it, the folks who do these ultimatums also like to try and come back after you've met the ultimatum and ask for another bump. No, no, and no.

Highest and best offer. Sometimes sellers or their agents get restless in negotiations and want to call your bluff. They'll say give us your highest and best offer. This is a tricky situation, sometimes if your not in love with a home, you might withdraw the offer and not tip your hand. Especially if you might revisit it later after pursuing other homes.

Bidding Wars. Going into bidding wars is not for the faint of heart. You will probably over-pay for the home, but if you truly want it, it's okay. You might though have to come up with some extra cash for the down-payment if it doesn't appraise out, at an inflated price. One of the main problems in bidding wars is not knowing how many offers are on the table. Real estate license laws usually favor the listing agent 's need for confidentially with their client, the seller. I've also seen all the offers drop out except for one, and you end up negotiating against yourself. I tell my clients to not participate in a multiple offer situation. They become competitive and emotional, I prefer to stay on the sidelines until the dust settles. Since you haven't tipped your hand, if you are invited to submit your contract after the multiple peter out, you will have a fresh slate with all the frenzy just a learning experience for the sellers.

Don't be rushed through negotiations. I have seen contracts put into acceptance in hours and at the worst, weeks. I would say, a good negotiation should take no more than two days, with five rounds of counteroffers. If either side starts to delay their response to a counteroffer more than one day, it's a red flag. Give reasonable deadlines for a response to all your counteroffers.

Full price offers. Sometimes if a home is priced right and new to the market, and you really want it, offer full price. I've seen homes slip away over a thousand dollars, and in the scheme of things or as a ratio of list price, it's dumb.

Withdrawing an offer. If you are working with unreasonable people, or terms that are agreed to are change and continually in flux, walk away. First though, withdraw the offer. Withdrawing can really tell the other side that they are unreasonable. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they don't. But, most houses are worth the trouble of torture-some sellers or buyers.

Keep a written record of negotiations. It's easy after a couple of rounds to forget that you agreed to leave the basement refrigerator, or as a buyer to shorten your mortgage contingency, make sure you write down all the changes each round, all experienced real estate agents do.

Mark Nash, is a residential real estate author, broker, columnist and writer based in Chicago. His fourth book 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home received eighteen five star reviews on Amazon.com. His latest book; Real Estate A-Z for Buying & Selling a Home will be published in December 2006. Mark publishes a free monthly ezine for real estate professionals. Agent to Agent features ten articles that offer free reprints for agents, home buyers and sellers through EzineArticles.com . Real estate news and book reviews, Celebrity Homestyles, Home selling and buying tips and advice, Joke-of-the-Month, Help this Agent, and agent marketing tips. Over 5000 subscribers in the U.S. & Canada. Subscribe at: http://www.1001realestatetips.com/forrealestateagents.html

Bags

Bags, which we use so often for carrying every essential thing, are an integral part of our lives. And to produce and create such useful products in various designs, shapes, sizes, colors, and types, numerous companies flood the market.



We also get to choose between pre-designed or pre-made and customized bags; tote bags made up of canvas, cotton, or leather; even plastic bags, diaper bags, and many others.



Tote bags are widely available. Choices exist as to the type, size, design, and color of the tote bags. Open-top totes, zippered totes, large totes, mini totes, canvas totes, cotton totes, leather totes, and much more are all available in the market.



Hundreds of companies flood the market today, creating customized or pre-designed plastic bags for customers. Associated Bag Company, Bradley?s Plastic Bag Company, Clear Bags, Packaging Graphics, Universal Plastic, Big Barn, Freedom Plastic Bags, Command Packaging, Fetpak, Uline, and Plastic Bags for You among several others offer pre-designed and customized plastic bags.



Different ways exist in which we can customize our bags. For example, we can print our own logo or message on them. Some companies require a minimum number for ordering such as a hundred bags or more, but some do accept orders on fewer numbers too. We can choose among different types of plastic bags such as ?polyester plastic bags for toughness?, ?polyethylene plastic bags to act as moisture barrier?, and much more.



Diaper Bags are extremely convenient in carrying babies? belongings and essentials. Research shows that some brands are particularly popular among customers. Some such brands include Timi and Leslie, Oi Oi, J. P. Lizzy, Reese Li, Fleurville, Samsonite Juvenile, Jirro, Dante Beatrix, Diaper Dude, Holy Aiken, Baby Bjorn, Eddie Bauer, and Land?s End among others.



They are available in different types and style, having numerous color options too. Apart from the traditional diaper bags, others like the backpack style, handbag style, shoulder bag style and much more are also provided by numerous companies.



Companies like Tutti Bella, Baby Catalog, Ebags, Dreamtime Baby, Amazon.com, Baby Style, Zappos.com, My Brown Eyed Baby, Pokkadots, Baby Center Store, Baby Bag Boutique, Baby Sherpa, Netkidswear, and Graco deal with diaper bags and other types of bags.

Active Adult Retirement Communities: Ten Things to Know

Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will choose to sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial, to downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders are building more retirement communities and discovering what features boomers want making them more appealing, more boomers are considering retirement at active adult retirement communities.

Here are ten things you should know when you begin your research into active adult retirement communities:

1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you would like to live by region, state and then city. A variety of websites now cover this subject thoroughly and are very helpful. My website also gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering what it would be like to live in California, for instance. Find the communities listed under that area or city. The type of community we are talking about here will be categorized as Active Adult and sometimes Independent Living. Make a list of the active adult communities you want to consider further. There are many types of active-adult communities so notice what kind it is. For instance, some communities only have rental apartments. There are some that are manufactured homes only or RV. Some have assisted living available. The most common type is the outright purchase plus homeowners fee.

2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a golfcourse necessary? What are your hobbies and can you pursue them there. What other activities are there that you may wish to try in the future. Do you want a resort-type active adult community. Is having a college nearby important or your favorite medical facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to you. Make a list putting your highest priorities first.

3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase or rent. What is the homeowner's fee and what does it cover. Are there any other fees. Make a list of your total expenses. What is the policy regarding raising fees. Are there other active adult community plans that you find more desirable than outright purchase. There are many types of financial plans, however, the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My fee covers property tax and insurance, utilities, basic cable TV, security services, Clubhouse, and amenities such as fitness center and tennis. My tai chi class is an additional small fee. Usually there is an extra fee for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest security, make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for the rest of your life.

4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to contact the community or homebuilder and let them know you are interested. I find the retirement community will then send a generous packet of information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's program offering a tour of the property and sometimes an overnight stay at reasonable rates. Visiting gives you more detailed information.

5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the seniors appear happy and active and sometimes greeting you. Ask them if they like living there. Notice if the landscaping is well kept and beautiful. What amenities are offered. Where do you put out your trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of these are conveniently right outside my door. My trash shute makes my life a lot easier. The building is cleaned every week. Sometimes, of course, you will have your own machines in your home. Make sure the floorplan makes your life easier. Are there any unique health programs for seniors such as restaurants serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt and sugar. Get the newspaper or activities calendar and ask if there are resales, check out the local real estate office. They can also give you an objective opinion on the community.

6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a shuttle bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car to work and your spouse stays home all day. You may not want the expense of two cars anymore or any car at all. You don't want to be stuck in your home and no way to get around. How far is the shopping center. Can you walk?

7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: Is there a shopping center located nearby and where is the major shopping mall. Ours is conveniently next to the community and we can walk if we want to.

8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, most active adult communities are located near these facilities since adult community homebuilders know it is important. However, some that are in more remote areas may not be near enough and you may have to weigh this in your decision.

9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it an electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or manned gate and patrol. The manned gate plus 24-hour patrol is best. Our security service also handles just about anything that may come up that we need assistance with or are concerned about. It is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind.

10) Now choose which communities you like best: Once you are in a community, you will only then know how important having all these conveniences will be to you. Get the names of persons you came in contact with for any questions you may have later. Narrow your list down to only one or two. Get more details on the community and maybe try to rent there first to try it out. Retirement communities usually have short-term rentals available. You may wish to do a follow-up visit.

Choosing which adult community you will reside in will be easier than you think. The people you come in contact with at retirement communities are very gracious and helpful. Soon you will enjoy the new sense of freedom and pleasure that only a great active adult retirement community can offer.

Carol Fena
www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com
8/2006

Carol Fena, http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com

Christmas Shopping Make the Most of Centralized Discount Sites

In 1997, Donald C. Goodstein, associate professor of marketing for Indiana University, predicted a new trend, ?People have been thinking about the Web and playing around with it. There are a lot of people who may, during this holiday season, start experimenting with it. Goodstein cites the growing number of Internet providers for business and retailers on the Web.?

It?s hard to believe that was written less than ten years ago. Today?s shoppers think nothing of hopping on the Internet to buy gifts. They?ve long since discovered that shopping at home, via laptop or PC, is a great way to find bargains and to avoid crowds.

In turn, the retail industry has responded. Almost every merchandiser of size has a presence on the web, and many a mom-and-pop shop has expanded their business and their distribution through creating an Internet site.

While 1997?s online Christmas shopper browsed a manageable amount of retail sites, consumers in 2006 are faced with seemingly infinite choices. To make it easier for shoppers to find their way to the perfect bargain, centralized shopping sites have evolved. These sites promise the best deals from many merchants on the web. Froogle and Pricegrabber are two of the most popular.

One of the newest and most promising sites is Gonicofish.com, the brainchild of Gina Bassman, former senior financial officer for the Detroit Lions. There, shoppers can find bargains and coupons from nearly 1,000 merchants.

?I love working with Fortune 500 retailers and quality boutiques to bring shoppers savings on line,? says Bassman, former Senior Financial Officer for the Detroit Lions. ?My aim is to provide a fun and easy place for customers to ?catch? today?s latest deals, discounts, and coupon codes.?

In order to meet this goal, Bassman has partnered with merchandisers such as Amazon.com, Coffee for Less, Eddie Bauer, Office Depot, PetSmart, Target, Brooks Brothers, and Sony. The site covers all types of items, including jewelry, electronics, apparel, and baby goods.

Bassman found this niche in the on-line retail market through her own personal experience. She visited several web pages that claimed to pull together bargains and discounts from a variety of companies. She realized, however, that customers found it difficult to find their way around such sites. Consumers got lost in long lists of promotions.

Thus, Bassman set out to provide a free resource that is more convenient for visitors to navigate. Gonicofish?s unique selling point is that Bassman has created her own, easy-to-use web layout. Her on-line visitors can peruse the site by item, by merchant, or by selecting one of about eighteen different product categories, often including a special page just for holidays. Though her site is colorful, Bassman keeps it devoid of pop-ups, flash, and hype.

?I let the content have the spotlight,? says Bassman.

Centralized sites like Gonicofish.com are a good starting place for online Christmas shoppers. The following tips will help consumers get the most from these sites:

1)Before going online, make a thorough list of everyone for whom you wish to purchase a gift.
2)Determine your total Christmas budget.
3)Assign each person a dollar amount, keeping your total budget in mind.
4)Spend a fun hour browsing a central discount site. Note which products are hot gift items this year. Let product descriptions inspire your creativity.
5)Keeping the interests of each person on your list in mind, jot down two or three gift ideas beside each name.
6)If you are in doubt about the quality of any product, read online consumer reviews. These can help you know what to expect when you purchase a particular item. They can also help you decide if the item in question is worth the money.

With just a little preparation, online Christmas shopping can be a breeze. Who knows? Maybe, Santa?s surfing the net, catching the best deals that the web has to offer.

Elizabeth Alphin Mundie is a freelance writer specializing in finance and technology. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Henry Grady College of Journalism. She has served as PR specialist for The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, High Tide Technologies, LLC, and GonicoFish.com. She has written a series of articles about agricultural insurance for Progressive Farmer Magazine. She has contributed to and edited a number of church bulletins and web sites.

Panama Real Estate Market

Panama has been the center of attention of late for not only its growing tourism sector and international banking hub, but most notably its real estate boom. Panama is in the midst of a real estate gold rush right now, and it seems like everyone and their cousin is out panning.

Today?s Panamanian economy is growing more than 6% annually with the possibility of exceeding 7% in 2006 according to The Latin Business Chronicle (9-19-2006). Additionally, the IMF has said that Panama is set to grow more than any other country in Latin America next year. With speculations like these, it becomes clear why people, the world over, are migrating to Panama to invest their money.

Arrive today in Panama and you?ll see masses of cranes in use, building projects in the heart of Panama City as well as along the coast. Donald Trump recently decided to get in on the action by stamping his name on a project that?s now being touted as the finest luxury condo building in the continent. Located near the high-end Multiplaza mall and Johns Hopkins hospital (the first outside of the USA), Trump?s neighborhood appears to be getting all the attention it deserves.

The development isn?t limited to the city though. Just one hour outside the city sits Coronado and its surrounding towns, where beach condominiums, residential communities and all-inclusive resorts nudge right up against the quiet beaches of the Pacific. Further West sits Boquete, and their northern neighbor Bocas del Toro where real estate has taken off like a bottle rocket.

Certain celebrities are getting in on the action as well: The Robb Report?s Joan Tapper reports that Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis, and Tommy Lee Jones are among Hollywood?s elite investing in their own little piece of heaven. The Azuero Peninsula seems to have grasped Panama?s dark horse status, as an area with so much to offer yet so little development?yet, that is.

The government has invented a bunch of friendly investment laws encouraging foreigners to invest and with its northern neighbor, Costa Rica now making so much noise, Panama is getting more and more attention. Investors are impressed with its stable economy, sturdy political system, and first-rate infrastructure, and while many just come down for vacation, they often don?t want to leave.

Matt works on Land for sale in Panama as well as Panama properties.

Child Car Seat Injuries How Safe is Your Child

In 1985, New York State implemented its first seat belt law, which made federally approved child safety seats mandatory for children under 4. While this law has saved countless lives, it is unfortunate that many children have been injured or have died as a result of flaws and defects in the child seats themselves.

In the past decade alone, over 11 million car seats in the United States have been recalled due to defects in design and integrity. All of the major child seat manufacturers have had recalls of their child seats, including Britax, Kolcraft, Fisher-Price, Evenlfo, Graco, Century and Cosco.

There are many ways in which children can be injured from child car seat defects. One of the most common injuries from portable infant seats is due to handle failure, where the handles break while the child is being carried in the seat. Other common injuries result from improper padding in the seat, clip defects on chest clips in 5-point harness seats, buckle defects, and defects in the locking mechanism of detachable infant seats.

Case in point - In April of 2008, Evenflo recalled two models of their Discovery Infant Car Seat that had been sold in New York State due to a manufacturing error that could ultimately cause the seat to separate from the base, which could result in serious injury to the child in a car accident.

Besides manufacturing flaws and defects, child car seats are notoriously complicated and difficult to install properly. Studies show that 80% of parents unknowingly install their children's car seats incorrectly.

Child car seat manufacturers need to end their practices of shoddy workmanship and lack of proper safety testing. They need to simplify confusing installation procedures. One way to get this message to child seat manufacturers is to hold them liable for every injury a child receives as a result of a defective car seat. Personal injury lawyers are a good way to make these manufacturers responsible for their careless breeches in workmanship and safety.

Submitted by Terri Polk at http://NewSunSEO.com

Goidel and Siegel : New York Personal Injury Lawyers
http://www.goidelandsiegel.com

Goidel and Siegel handle personal injury cases exclusively, and their knowledge of this area of the law is extensive. They have represented victims of serious accidents and assaults for more than 17 years. Goidel and Siegel are committed to obtaining the highest financial compensation for their clients who have been seriously injured.

They will fight for you in court - against giant insurance companies, landlords, or municipal / corporate defendants. Their record speaks for itself. Since the founding of their firm in 1990, they have recovered tens of millions of dollars in jury awards or settlements for their clients.

By Terri Polk

Los Angeles Real Estate Experts: Selling Your Home in All Market Conditions

Understanding the real estate market is a complicated task. Currently, there are a number of areas in the United States that are experiencing a decrease in home sales. There are many individuals who assume that this is not the time to sell their home, but those individuals may be making a life changing mistake.

If you live in or around the Los Angeles area and if you are interested in selling your home, you should. There may be a wide variety of different reasons why you would want to sell your home. Whatever your reason for wanting to sell, you are encouraged not to use the real estate market as a guide. There are a number of other factors that you should first consider.

As previously stated, not selling your home when you want to move could be a costly mistake. This mistake is most often seen with individuals who need to move to another city or state to accept a new job. How well your home sells should not be a deciding factor in whether or not you want to accept a new job.

Despite the fact that the Los Angeles area has seen a slight decrease in home sales, it is highly likely that you home will still successfully be sold. The deciding factor will all depend on the condition of your home, its location, and the individual you turn to for assistance. This assistance should come from a professional real estate agent.

Professional real estate agents are trained and experienced in the buying and selling of Los Angeles real estate. Many agents go through extensive training. This training educates them in ways to target new home buyers and teaches them how to make a traditional home more appealing. If you are concerned with the status of the current Los Angeles real estate market, an agent could provide you with valuable information and assistance.

If you are interested in finding an agent who specializes in the Los Angeles real estate market, you can do so a number of ways. Most homeowners search for a real estate agent or company by using the internet and their local phone book. Each should provide you with a large number of qualified agents in the area.

Since local phone books and the internet are both likely to produce a number of results, there are many homeowners who wonder which agent they should use. The best way to determine an agent?s experience with the Los Angeles real estate market is to speak with them directly. It may be possible to schedule a free consultation appointment with a number of real estate agents. Information can also be exchanged over the phone or online.

Taking the time to speak directly with a real estate agent will enable you to determine their experience with the Los Angeles real estate market. This experience could help you sell your Los Angles home, even at a time when home sales are on the decline.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great resource for information regarding Los Angeles Real Estate

Real Estate Transfer Taxes Overlooked Sale or Purchase Expense

A real estate transfer tax is a one-time tax paid at the closing of a property, and is considered a stream of revenue for state budgets. This transfer tax though, once collected is not generally used for housing-related purposes. The tax is based on the value of a property as agreed to by the parties in a real estate contract.

In the excitement of selling or buying a home, often the real estate transfer tax cost is overlooked. Depending on locale, either the buyer or seller pays the tax at closing or escrow, but beware in New Hampshire both the buyer and seller pay, half of 1.5%!. In some states it can be a formidable amount, you should be prepared for what the transfer taxes will be, and who pays them, before you start a home search or list your home for-sale.

The good news is, thirteen states don't have a real estate property tax. They are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

The bad news is that the remaining thirty-seven states and The District of Columbia charge taxes on the transfer of a property. The tax is only levied once when a property is exchanged between parties, unlike general property taxes which are paid annually and are based on the assessed value. Real estate transfer taxes range from a low of .01% in Colorado to a high of 1.28% in Washington state.

Variations on transfer taxes include; in Arizona only charges a tax on deeds. However Alabama and Florida charge on deeds and mortgages. To avoid financial surprises, inquire early as to who pays (buyer or seller) and how much transfer taxes will be. Some states dictate who pays the tax, and some just want the tax paid. This cost can typically be negotiated between the parties. Consult an experienced real estate attorney.

A handy online link for transfer taxes for all fifty states.

http://www.parealtor.org/content/AssetMgmt/Issues Resource Center/Realty Transfer Tax/Transfer tax chart.pdf

Mark Nash, is a residential real estate author, broker, columnist and writer based in Chicago. His fourth book 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home received eighteen five star reviews on Amazon.com. His latest book; Real Estate A-Z for Buying & Selling a Home will be published in December 2006. Mark publishes a free monthly ezine for real estate professionals. Agent to Agent features ten articles that offer free reprints for agents, home buyers and sellers through EzineArticles.com . Real estate news and book reviews, Celebrity Homestyles, Home selling and buying tips and advice, Joke-of-the-Month, Help this Agent, and agent marketing tips. Over 5000 subscribers in the U.S. & Canada. Subscribe at: http://www.1001realestatetips.com/forrealestateagents.html

Teen Bra 5 Types Of Teen Bra For Teenage Girls

Teenage girls, upon reaching an age, will need to start wearing bra, possibly a teen bra and should have the habit of shopping for bra and lingerie once every few months. However, the variety of teen bra and teen lingerie out there sometimes confuses teenage girls on which type of teen bra to choose. As they are sometimes first timers as well, they do not have the basic idea of the suitability of different types of teen bra.

Teen Bra for Teenage Girls Type #1 Soft Cup Bra

Soft cup bra does not have any underwire under the cups. This makes soft cup bra extremely comfortable and without the underwire, it will still be able to support your breast nicely. With such comfort, most girls will prefer it over other types of teen bra. Even for sleeping, this bra can be a great choice to remove the unwanted rigidity that prevent comfort while resting.

Teen Bra for Teenage Girls Type #2 Convertible Bra

If you want a bra that is very convenient and have the ability to suit different outfit and occasions, consider buying yourself a convertible bra. The adjustable straps of convertible bra allows you to hide the straps when wearing different gowns such as one-shoulders and strapless ones. Wearing a convertible bra for selected events is a wise move as you will not want to have your straps exposed on high profile events.

Teen Bra for Teenage Girls Type #3 T-Shirt Bra

Are you the type of girl that is not very choosy a a T-shirt will always be your preferred outfit? If you are, the T-shirt bra will be the bra for you. The seamless design of this type of bra disallows the chances of being seen when wearing T-shirts of different thickness. Comfort comes with T-shirt bra as well as long as you get yourself the right size. Different colors should be bought to be worn accordingly to the color of the T-shirt.

Teen Bra for Teenage Girls Type #4 Sports Bra

Sports bra is the bra type for teenage girls who are into sports and those who are significantly active everyday. Sports bra provides extra comfort compared to other types of bra. Also, sporting activities sometimes causes bouncing breasts and this will want to be curbed as it brings unwanted attention. This can be prevented by wearing a sports bra as it has great support as well.

Teen Bra for Teenage Girls Type #5 Underwire Bra

Underwire teen bra is the best in providing shaping and support for you breasts. Underwire bra also comes with extra functions sometimes such as extra padding or the push up ability. Choosing the right size is very important when it comes to buying an underwire bra. Despite this fuss, most teenage girls will make underwire bra their favorite in order to avoid droopy breasts which is very disgusting.

Feel like knowing more about teen bra or ready to get your hands on some cheap high quality teen bra?

Janice Richards owns a online lingerie store selling high quality lingerie such as teen bra and sports bra at a very low price. If you are thinking of getting yourself a sexy lingerie, you can consider her online lingerie store, which is named Seduction Queen.

Apart from selling lingerie online she is also a consultant for girls facing trouble choosing the right bra for themselves. Apart from this, she is an seduction expert which helps girls to wear the right outfit, including bra and lingerie to seduce the man they want.

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

By Janice Richards

Gaming Podcasting

So, you may have heard of a Podcast or Podcasting. I just wanted to talk about it a little bit. A Podcast or Netcast is a way of broadcasting over the internet. There are thousands if not ten's of thousands of podcasts available on the internet. The best part is that they're completely free. Though they are not tied to Apple, using Itunes is the easiest way to listen to one.

There are some very good gaming podcasts available, I wanted to share some of my favorites: (All of these are available directly through itunes.)

* Gaming Steve - This is at the top of my list, Steve knows the gaming industry and has very good insight into it.
* 1UP Yours - Another great gaming podcast, this is a group of guys from 1up.com who record once a week. They are fun to listen to and have great info most of the time.
* Broadcast Gamer - I just started listening to Broadcast Gamer recently. This guy has a weekend podcast that is about an hour long and several during the week with deals and reviews.
* The Instance - This is a gaming podcast related to World of Warcraft.
* Xbox Live's Major Nelson - Major Nelson works for Microsoft and talks about the Xbox every week. He often has interviews with people working on games, this is another insightful view into the gaming industry.
* Evil Avatar - I also just recently started listening to these guys. Phil and Amanda host this one. It's basically a live show recorded Friday nights, they have a great community of people who call in and talk about games and comic books. Check out their forums for a good group of people.
* The Dice Tower - A podcast about boardgames with Tom Vasel (board game reviewer) and Sam Healey. Usually they do 2 reviews and a Top Ten list.
* Have Games, Will Travel - Another boardgame podcast.
* TWIT.tv - not a gaming podcast, but this is one of my favorite podcasters out there, Leo Laporte. The Twit.tv network has maybe 14 different podcasts each week, my favorites are TWIT (this week in technology) and KFI Techguy (recorded from KFI News Radio each Sat. and Sun.).

As you can see these are only a few of many, many podcasts out there. If you want to find your own, you can go to the itunes music store (in itunes) and click on podcasts, there is a plethora of information there!

Also, Podcasting is a great way to share how you feel about a topic. It's easy to set one up, all you need is a computer with a microphone and an internet provider to host you podcast. Libsyn.com is an ISP that only hosts podcasters, so that may be a good way to start.

Podcasting is here and it's not going anywhere, so now is the time to get on the bandwagon!

About the Author:

My name is Jonathan Rosing, I run several sites, one of which is http://www.diceornodice.com - a video / board game blog.

Information on Backpacks

Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs used for hiking -- they tend to be larger, heavier, and sturdier. This is because they need to withstand being tossed around by airport baggage handlers. They are often quite large because they have to hold all the travelers goods. On the other hand, the packs used for hiking can be smaller and lighter. Backpackers carry less weight than most travelers, and they handle their packs a lot more gently.

A lot depends on the length of your backpacking trips. A good weekender pack will probably not work as well for a ten day expedition. Much also depends on whether you're travelling alone or in a group. When you travel in a group, each person ends up carrying a bit less weight. Another factor for longer trips is how frequently you'll be able to resupply. If you're hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, it's pretty easy to get into town from almost any major road crossing, and you cross major roads every couple of days. On the other hand, if you're in the middle of the northern Ontario wilderness, resupplying can pose considerable logistical problems, and you may be forced to carry a lot more food with you even for shorter trips.

It is also worth your while to discuss your needs with your local outfitter. Most of the better outfitters can give you excellent advice -- the folks who work at such places are experienced backpackers who have actually field tested the stuff they sell. Read the reviews in the major outdoor magazines, like Backpacker and Outside!

Once you have determined your needs, you can choose from a fairly broad range of high quality brands. I will give you a short list of the better brands -- for the most part, these companies categorize there packs according to type (internal frame vs external frame) and intended use. Do your research, and then browse through the list.

Word of advice: The packs designed for longer trips (7 - 10 days, e.g.) are designed to carry all the supplies that you'd need for a trip of that length. If you'll be able to resupply every 2 or 3 days, then you'll only need a pack good for 2-3 days.

There are many long-distance hikers who go with ultra light equipment, carrying no more than 20 lbs in a very light and relatively small pack (less than a pound, around 2400 cubic inches). But it takes pretty specialized equipment to go the ultra light route, and it's difficult to pull it off in cooler weather because of the bulk of the warmer clothes that you'll need. And even a 2400 cubic inch pack will be larger than you'll need for most day hikes.

A lot also depends on the kind of day hiking and long weekend trips you have in mind. A day hike in the White Mountains or the High Peaks of the Adirondacks will require more equipment than a trip in lower elevations where you're less likely to run into extremes of weather and temperature over the course of the day.

Use a small fanny pack for day hikes in the NY-NJ region, but in the higher elevations of New England and the Adirondacks, use a 2000 cubic inch pack to carry the warmer clothes you will need as you ascend to the higher elevations. And for 3-4 day hikes,use a frame pack (6+ lbs, 5000+ cubic inches) and carry enough amenities to make a comfortable camp. On the other hand, when you are out for 8-10 days of Appalachian Trail hiking, use a smaller ultra light pack (1.5 lbs, 3400+ cubic inches) and skimp on some of the camp comforts in favor of making hiking as comfortable as possible.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.WarGear.info. WarGear.info carries the best selection of military clothing, war gear, and combat accessories on the market.

Ford Expedition: Bigger and Better

As per 2003, the Ford Expedition has undergone a whole package of changes, thus as per the next year the 2004 Ford Expedition only had to go through slight touchups so as to complete the entire set of being new. The Ford Expedition is still the big and brawny, yet comfortable vehicle that we had known previously. It comes with power, and space along with five available trims that sport purely functional equipment to sheer decadence. The available trims comprise of the XLS, the XLT, the XLT Sport, the NBW, and the Eddie Bauer. The Ford Expedition is still big, roomy, smooth, and very stable.

This vehicle has been considered to be quite refined. It has a handling that is fairly precise and very responsive considering the vehicle's weight and size. Compared to the earlier generation of the Ford Expedition, this new one shows changes like a smoother ride, and a thorough truck-based suspension. Even the interior shows promises of something new. With a lower front bumper, safety surely has been enhanced by the Ford Motor Company as per changing the whole Ford Expedition look and performance. A safety curtain has been added in so as to function to protect its occupants in a rollover. There are also adjustable pedals, a better seating position, and a tire-pressure monitor for smaller drivers. Also added in is an AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and other active safety systems. These added features have been made available so as to assist the driver maintain perfect control of the vehicle and at the same time also reduce the chance of skidding off the streets.

These only are a few of the features that has been upgraded and updated for the Ford Expedition. Also made available for this vehicle is the PowerFold third-row seat (this folds perfectly flat with the press of a button), the Reverse Sensing System (this feature can alert the driver of the Ford Expedition if the vehicle is backed toward an object like a parked car, a short pole, or a small child); and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Not just for entertainment, comfort, and safety, the Ford Expedition also functions well for towing. This vehicle can tow up to a maximum of 8950 pounds of weight.

Looking closer, the Ford Expedition surely looks bigger and larger and very much bolder than those Ford Expeditions who have lived before this new one's time. As per its overall dimensions, it still is roughly around the same size as before however, this time around, the track has been given a more wide, around two inches, of a well-planted stance. Giving this new vehicle a towering appeal is its new raised hood. It sports 17 inch wheels for a bolder kind of look. It also holds bumpers that are integrated more smoothly into its overall design and fa?ade.

Access to the Information Superhighway makes shopping for Ford parts and Ford Expedition parts a great deal easier. There are dozens of sites that offer Ford auto parts. One of the most reliable online stores that offer Ford Expedition parts and Ford auto parts is Ford Parts Discount.

About the Author

Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Dealing with family and friends regarding your special needs child

Dealing with Family and friends and your special needs child... Remember they hurt too

When I first learned about my son's heart condition, all my family and friends called me at the hospital and I could not talk to anyone. I just could not hear the pain in their voices.

I needed time alone to take all this in and sort it out.

When it was inevitable that Marcus would come home with a tracheotomy and a ventilator (due to complications from his hearts surgery) although I was devastated, I forced myself to come to terms with it so I could bring my baby home.

I can only imagine the despair my whole family experienced.

It was not just Marcus, his father and I who experienced a life change.

This affected everyone we knew in some way.

There are a few things you will need work through in regards to your family and friends and your special needs child.

1. Try not to take it personally if they do not make themselves available for you. This may be too painful for them to get too close right away. They need time as well to work through their grief. They may not have the advantage that you do by being with your child everyday. This helps you a lot in coming to terms with your child's medical problems.

You are talking to doctors, watching your child go through procedures. This lack
of constant exposure will not prepare them for the reality that you face day in and day out. Give them time.

2. When they ask you if there is anything, they can do, tell them. At this point, they may feel helpless and are not sure how they can help. Let them know if they can feed your dog, or bring you some groceries while they are at the store. Maybe something as small as baby-sitting your child's sibling for a while so you can spend some time with your special
needs child or take a nap would help. There are many sleepless nights in your future. You are going to need all the rest you can get. In addition, this will help them feel good about helping you.

3. Accept their limitations. I remember how difficult it was for me when planning Marcus' discharge. We could not find anyone who could commit to learning Marcus' Trach care. Understandably, so, I was terrified during the first part of my training as well.

4. Once you are settled at home and more comfortable with the new living
arrangements, make it a point to have people over. This will aid in desensitizing those you know, to the difference in your lives now. The
more often they see you handling your child, hearing the alarms, the
easier it will be to deal with.

5. Depending on the size of your child, if possible encourage your family and friends to hold your child. This will also help in making this a smooth transition and I am sure your child will enjoy all the extra attention.

6. Show your gratitude by thanking them for their support and help however small the gesture is. As your family and friends feel more comfortable, who knows one day they may feel confident enough one day to watch your child so you and your husband can get a break for a couple of hours.

As time passes and you become more comfortable in your new role, it can help your family members and friends reach a comfort level where they can offer more support. My family still does not know my son's medical care.

However, when he is hospitalized they are more than willing to go and sit in with him so he is not alone. This way, I can spend time with my daughter.

The most important thing you can do is continually expose your child to your family in gatherings and outings to ensure bonding between them and a little help for you.

Dealing with your family and friends in regards to your special needs child can be a challenge. They will not know what you are going through but at the same time they wlll feel many of the same emotions you experience at time because your special needs child is a part of their family as well.


About the author:

Brigitte Cadena-Ramirez is parent to Marcus Ramirez, administrator of the website Hearts of Courage for special needs families. She is involved in a projet (Project DOCC) that trains residents and nursing students on Homelife with a chronically ill child and serves on the Family Advisory Board at Driscoll Children's Hospital.


What to Get Baby: Shoes That Are Practical and Fun ARA(ARA) - For parents and grandparents searching for a gift for the toddler in their life who just doesnt need one more toy, consider an item that is practical but fun at the same time.

Its a pair of shoes. But not ordinary shoes. These fashionable little numbers make a delightful noise that will amuse any toddler and help parents keep track of their little one at the same time. The childrens shoe company Pip Squeakers specializes in whimsical fashions that will catch your eye and your ears.

For people considering whether or not their toddler is ready for shoes this season, here are some suggestions for things to consider from the experts at parentsplace.com and Pip Squeakers:

As a general rule, kids will need shoes when they are ready to start walking around outdoors, says Peggy Wells, who is both a mother and president of Pip Squeakers. You will want something that protects your babys feet but still allows for some flexibility, she explains.

* Make sure you get the proper fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose could be painful or cause blisters, and may even hamper walking. Have your pediatrician measure your childs feet, during the regular check-ups. This will provide you with an accurate measurement when you refer to a shoe companys sizing chart.

Parents can also measure their baby's feet at home. Measure with socks on, from the tip of the big toe to the heel. Toddlers tend to curl their toes when you try to measure, so make sure the foot is flat.

* Avoid stiff, high-top leather shoes; there is no evidence that they help babies walk. Instead, look for something soft and flexible that allows your baby to use the movement of his feet to maintain balance and to walk. They should be made from canvas or some other breathable material, and have flat, flexible, non-slip soles.

* Get shoes your child likes. Pip Squeakers shoes make a pleasing squeak that children enjoy. It encourages them to move, walk and explore their surroundings, says Wells, who adds that children enjoy creating the amusing sounds with each step. An added benefit is safety: the sound allows parents to more easily track the movements of their toddler and keep them within a close radius.

* Safe closures. Make sure that your babys shoes fasten well. Double-knot laces so that they are less likely to come undone and make sure buckle straps are secure without being too tight. Velcro fasteners are the easiest option.

* It is normal to have a slight discrepancy in foot size between the two feet; you want to make sure to go with the shoe size that fits the larger foot. Allow about one-half inch of space at the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle freely, and the heel should not slip with normal walking.

* Get the shoe that is most comfortable for your child, even if it is not the same size that the measurement device indicates. Be aware that sizing differs with each shoe company, so refer to their respective sizing charts. It is advisable to inspect the shoe fit every couple of weeks, to insure the continuing comfort of your childs feet.

For more guidance on buying Pip Squeakers as a gift, visit www.pipsqueakers.com or call (866) 722-4535.

Courtesy of ARA Content





About the author:

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Parents Celebrate Success in Children with ADHD through New Scholarship Opportunity ARA(ARA) - Experts say one of the best ways parents and teachers can foster the development of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and encourage a good start to a new school year is to celebrate their small, everyday achievements. Success for children with ADHD is defined in many ways and recognized based on a childs ability to overcome challenges associated with the disorder. Following rules, getting along with family members, and interacting socially with peers at school are examples of behavior worth celebrating.

Now parents, teachers and others have a new, simple way to highlight the accomplishments of children with ADHD. McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals has launched a nationwide scholarship essay contest, grounded in celebrating everyday successes, that can help offset the cost of higher education for more than 200 children with ADHD. The CONCERTA I See Success ADHD Scholarship Contest gives parents, caregivers, and other adults an opportunity to recognize the academic, extra-curricular, and/or social achievements of a child with ADHD. Any child with diagnosed ADHD, regardless of his or her treatment plan, can be nominated for the contest.

In addition to its proven impact on academic performance, the symptoms of ADHD also affect areas such as how children get along with family and friends, complete homework assignments and household tasks, and participate in after-school activities, says ADHD expert Andrew Adesman, M.D., chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in Long Island, NY. Success for a child with ADHD can mean an improvement in grades, getting along better with a sibling, maintaining a regular schedule, or simply getting ready for school in the morning without a major battle with mom or dad, he adds.

Before she was diagnosed with ADHD, my daughter would consistently get unsatisfactory marks for behavior in class. Once her symptoms were well-managed, she started getting excellent marks for behavior week after week, says Debra Calderon, who lives near Houston, Texas. I even took her out for dinner to celebrate a week that she got a satisfactory to reinforce that I was still very proud of her success.

About the CONCERTA I See Success ADHD Scholarship Contest

To nominate a child, write and submit an original essay, 250 words or less, describing how and why the child has been able to cope with the disorder and how he/she has improved and succeeded in academics, personal interactions and/or extra-curricular activities. Nominations will be accepted until December 1, 2003. The nominee must have a verifiable diagnosis of ADHD, which must be attested to on the entry from by the childs doctor. Entry forms and official rules are available at www.concerta.net. The CONCERTA I See Success ADHD Scholarship Contest is in full compliance with the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

About ADHD

ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorder affecting millions of children, adolescents and adults that is characterized by a variable attention span and/or hyperactivity or impulsivity. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mayo Clinic, approximately 7.5 percent of school-age children in the U.S. have ADHD.

About CONCERTA

CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) CII is a once-daily extended-release formulation of methylphenidate approved to treat ADHD. The efficacy of CONCERTA has been demonstrated in studies conducted in children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years of age. Only a doctor can determine if medication is the right treatment for individuals with ADHD.

CONCERTA uses an advanced OROS extended-release delivery system to deliver a controlled rate of medication throughout the day. Because of its unique OROS system, CONCERTA minimizes the ups and downs in blood levels experienced with stimulant medications taken several times a day.

CONCERTA should not be taken by patients with: significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA; glaucoma, Tourettes syndrome, tics, or family history of Tourettes syndrome; current/recent use of monoamine oxidase (MAOIs). Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. CONCERTA should not be taken by children under 6 years of age.

In clinical studies with patients using CONCERTA, the most common side effects were headache, stomach pain, sleeplessness, and decreased appetite. For more information about CONCERTA, including full U.S. prescribing information, please visit www.concerta.net or call (888) 440-7903.

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Even in a Tough Economy, Educational Technology Still Seen at the Top of School Supply Lists ARA(ARA) - On the heels of recent reports indicating only slight increases in sales for back-to-school clothes and supplies, a new survey indicates that parents are placing high value on educational technology. More than 1,700 parents of middle and high school students from across the United States responded to questions about anticipated spending, key drivers for product purchases and how beneficial they perceive these tools to be for their childs education. Overall, respondents said that they are placing greater emphasis on preparing their child for the school days ahead by supplying them with the proper tools for success, including educational technology.

Parents are seeing an increase in their childrens use of technology as more and more teachers are incorporating educational handhelds into lessons and activities, says Tom Ferrio, vice president of Texas Instruments Educational & Productivity Solutions. In fact, more than 95 percent of those surveyed said they have seen the role of technology increase in their childrens studies; a number consistent with last years survey results. With our nations eye turned toward increased standards and accountability, parents and teachers alike are intensifying their commitment to prepare our students today, for the world of tomorrow.

Despite todays bad economy and high unemployment rate, 41.7 percent of parents still anticipate spending more than $100 on classroom supplies and back-to-school technology for the upcoming school year, while 17.9 percent anticipate spending more than $250 per child.

Results from this survey also concluded that parents are gaining a better understanding of the importance of educational devices and how they positively impact the classroom environment. The survey shows 94.1 percent of parents feel the use of technology in education has benefited their childs ability to learn and, as such, are more willing to invest in these products. In order to support these higher dollar purchases, however, parents indicated they must feel comfortable with the products use in a broad array of classes such as math, science, English and history. More than 70 percent of parents say they trust the teacher or school recommendation over any other influence on their educational technology purchasing decisions.

Parents must keep in mind that not all technology is suited for the classroom, said Ferrio. There is a multitude of tech gear available that serves little educational value but might be the latest and greatest gadget to hit the stores. Not surprisingly, various surveys have already indicated that these items will be low on parents priority lists, with consumers indicating they will spend even less on them than previous years.

Of those surveyed, 63 percent of parents children use a graphing handheld in school and 48.4 percent actually own a graphing handheld. These figures compared to only 29.3 percent owning a personal computer or laptop at home or school, and only 5.8 percent owning a PDA.

Consumer purchasing surveys are very interesting right now, considering the lingering poor condition of the economy, says Mike Travis, president of Equation Research. Results across the board are showing that people are scrutinizing dollars, and the true value of the product is taking a front seat to bells and whistles. The data we uncovered with this particular survey supports that parents are more inclined to purchase handheld graphing technology because of the educational value they perceive in it rather than products such as PDAs and mobile phones that dont provide this for their teens.

Commissioned for a second year by Texas Instruments, the leader in handheld educational technology, and conducted by Equation Research, the survey found that an overwhelming amount of parents (85.8 percent) view the role of technology in their childs education as very important to their understanding and comprehension of concepts and curriculum. These educational tools, such as the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, are pervasive throughout American high schools and are often required on state-standardized tests. Teachers, who integrate educational handhelds into their lessons, many times recommend that parents purchase them for their teens so the benefits they feel in the classroom extend to homework and studying at home.

I know technology is important for my childrens education, but quite frankly, I dont know enough about whats best for their learning to make the decision on my own, says Scott Jones, parent of a seventh and eleventh grader in Dallas. I rely on my childs teachers to be the experts and guide me in this process. With their recommendation, I feel good about spending the money, knowing that its an investment that will serve many purposes; the highest of which is greater success in the classroom.

For additional information on educational handheld technology, visit education.ti.com on the Web.

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Las Vegas Nevada Real Estate

Nevada is a state in the western United States, well known for its widespread legalization of the gambling and gaming industry. When searching for a Las Vegas Nevada real estate, it is important to consult qualified brokers. The purchase of any type of residential or business real estate is an important decision. There are agencies, which have a network of local brokers and specialize in residential and commercial real estate. There are brokers who work individually also. In the case of a seller, the main objective is to sell the real estate property at the highest cost possible and as quickly as possible. The buyer desires to purchase the real estate at the lowest possible cost. It is essential to both to go through the transaction with no problems and no time wasted. Nevada real estate brokers assist buyers and sellers in this.

Experienced Nevada brokers primarily aim at meeting the demands of customers seeking to invest in real estate. They have a documented record in buying and selling real estate and are an ideal option to ensure the best deal possible. They are well aware of the market conditions and price fluctuation. This puts them in a position to be able to suggest the best price strategy. This helps to gain from the value of a Nevada real estate sale or purchase.

Nevada real estate agencies offer a selection of properties available for purchase and this is helpful to the real estate investors. These companies have websites that list Nevada's magnificent penthouses, condos, practically priced investment properties, single-family houses, sea front mansions and business properties. Every real estate list contains the properties available currently, house plans and elevations, builder models, pricing and square footage, neighborhood information and contact details. The information helps in securing good estate deals in Nevada.

Nevada provides detailed information on Nevada, Las Vegas Nevada Real Estate, Reno Nevada, Nevada Corporations and more. Nevada is affiliated with Napa Valley Wine Tours.

Backgammon Guide for Beginners

About Backgammon

Backgammon is a popular board game. You can play Backgammon with others on many popular game websites, such MSN game zone, play65.com etc.. In fact, Internet Backgammon is installed on most of PCs that run on MS Windows operating systems by default under Games program group. The popular game today is actually the oldest game in history. Also known as the wee battle, backgammon began in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq) about 5000 years ago. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have used Backgammon for researching, developing and testing AI theories and machine learning algorithm for the simplicity of game rules and complexity of strategies.

Backgammon Rules

Backgammon rules are very simple if you learn by playing. The descriptions of the rules on pager will likely add some confusion initially. Backgammon is a two player game. Each player has a home board and outer board, along with fifteen pieces. The board is very similar to checkers or chess, except it consists of twenty four points. The object of the game is to move your pieces into your own home board and then ear the pieces off the board. Whoever bears their pieces first, wins the game! Your pieces can only move in one direction. This all depends on the color of your pieces. Your white ones will move clockwise, while your black pieces will move in the opposite direction. Before moving pieces, both players roll the dice and whoever scores a higher number will move first. When you start to roll the dice, remember that both dice make up a separate number. For instance, if you rolled a two and a four, you can either move six spaces or take two pieces and move them separately. If you are trying to move your piece to a point that is already occupied by the opponent's pieces, you have to look elsewhere. However, if your competitor only has one piece on the point, you can knock him off and put your own pieces on the spot. The best way to master Backgammon rules is to get on a game site to play with a computer on an online backgammon site, then with a real person player.

Basic Strategies to Win

Tricking and blocking are two common strategies to play Backgammon. Playing backgammon is all about tricking your component especially early on in the game. For example, you could sacrifice one of your pieces during one of your first moves to fool the opponent to think that you aren't a very good player. Also, by losing one of your pieces early on, the competitor will actually end up having more pieces in their home board. When the game continues towards the end, the other player will have a more difficult time trying to get them back into the game. Blocking is another great backgammon strategy to help you win. Most players knows that it's much easier to block the opponent's pieces in your own home board, so they will have a more difficult time to get out of your area. Points 4 and 7 are also great spots to block other players. Visualizing the move before actually playing it, you can see if there will be any problems when you decide to strategize.

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Backpacking Europe in the Winter

Europe is undoubtedly a top destination for many travelers that like to back around regions. You do not need to mark Europe off your list just because it is winter.

Europe is a truly amazing place. The smallest ?continent? on the planet, it manages to pack in a ton of history and so many different cultures it is simply amazing. Jump on a train in Paris and you can be in an entirely different culture in a few hours. For backpackers that like to get out and see different places, this makes Europe a golden destination.

Traditionally, most people head off to Europe during the summer months to take advantage of the beaches of Spain, France and Greece. That does not mean that winter is off limits. There are plenty of opportunities to have a great time during the winter and there are less people to deal with. This, of course, means prices are significantly cheaper for those on a budget. Although there is plenty to see, here are a few highlights.

An immediate event that comes to mind is the winter carnival in Venice, Italy. The affair is like something out of the movie Amadeus. The people of Venice gather in the various town squares dressed to the hilt in operatic dress complete with masks. Think of the lead character in V for Vendetta and you have the idea. In truth, the event has become very tourist-oriented, so you might want to consider other opportunities.

Since it is winter, skiing should probably be on your menu. France and the Nordic countries all have much to offer. Still, you really can?t pass up Switzerland. There are plenty of places to go, but the town of Interlaken is a highlight. The name of the town refers to its location on a double lake system that is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The skiing is simply tremendous and the people are very friendly. This is one of those things you have to do once in your life.

Perhaps the best thing about Europe in the winter is the lack of tourist. The local people are in less of a sell, sell, sell mode. The pace of life is much more relaxing. The best thing to do in my opinion is just hang out in little shops and talk with people. Since it is off season, they are more than happy to chat away the day and night. If you get the tourist urge to visit something, you can get into museums and other cultural sights without having to wait in lines.

Is it going to be cold? In a word ? yes. You should pack accordingly. That being said, you have never really experienced Europe until you have seen it blanketed in snow. This is particularly true for the northern countries. If you need a quick warm up, you can head to the south of Spain and Portugal where things tend to stay pretty warm.

John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural products for the outdoors including insect repellent, soap, sun protection and more.

Choosing a Home Inspector

One of the most important people you will meet in the purchase of a home is your home inspector. While most people have their homes inspected, many don't really think about the person inspecting the home.

We've heard horror stories of inspectors who miss major defects, skip over major problems or find problems that they can fix for a small fee.

But these aren't reasons not to have your home inspected. They are reasons to look more closely at your home inspector choices.

It is important to make sure that your home inspector is well trained and insured, especially since he or she will help you decide whether or not this investment is a good one for you. Look for the following things in a home inspector:

• Your inspector should be properly trained in all aspects of home inspection and is up to date in changes in residential construction techniques and systems.
• The inspector should be certified by a reputable training institute. He or she should test annually, such as required by the National Institue of Building Inspectors.
• The inspector must have insurance coverage. This includes general liability, worker's compensatio and Errors and Omissions insurance. If you find an inspector that doesn't carry the E and O insurance, it is an indication that the inspector has no formal training or a poor track record in the industry. It is the same as malpractice insurance for doctors.
• The inspector should be willing to provide a written guarantee to back up his or her inspection findings.
• An inspector should only be an inspector. You don't ever want to do business with an inspector who is also a contractor. This gives a conflict of interest, an opportunity for repairs made for problems found.

The inspector is very important. You want to make sure that you are doing business with someone reputable. Even if he says he is certified, you must make sure that there is insurance in place. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the inspector is hauty or doesn't want to answer easily, look for another inspector. After all, this is a major purchase. You want the best people on your team.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

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

Not Sure Where To Start Looking For A Wholesale Supplier? Try Salehoo!

Stumped when it comes to finding a wholesale supplier? It?s tough trying to find the prices you need to make a profit online ? let alone negotiate the pitfalls of quality and authenticity.

If you find yourself floundering amid a vast array of sources, unsure who to trust, then look no further. SaleHoo is a directory of the very best wholesale sources on the net. SaleHoo?s sources have all been thoroughly investigated to ensure we recommend only authentic suppliers offering quality goods.

We regularly perform test purchases off our suppliers to ensure that standards remain high. SaleHoo members also add a rating whenever they use a supplier for a purchase. Plus our lively discussion board members will quickly give you the heads-up if you have any queries on a supplier you found yourself and are unsure of. With 30,000+ members, the collective experience available is enormous!

Our directory of suppliers covers 75 different categories from consumer electronics to plumbing supplies, DVDs and powertools, board games, prams, and strollers. And if we don't have it ? we?ll do everything we can to find it for you, absolutely free! Our staff work full time finding great new sources for any product you are looking for.

Time and time again we hear complaints from people who have purchased other directories, only to find that the prices advertised are only available with orders costing tens of thousands of dollars. So you?ll be amazed (and no doubt relieved!) to hear that many of our suppliers will offer you the best products at exciting prices with minimum order quantities of only 1 unit. If you are starting a new business, then SaleHoo gives you the freedom to purchase wholesale on a budget. These wholesalers and distributors will sell to you at the most affordable prices we can find.

By now you must be wondering why these wholesalers and distributors sell products at such crazy prices and with such low minimum order quantities! But the logic behind these great deals is very simple.

These wholesalers source directly from manufacturers - or from the closest source possible. Thus they have the flexibility to offer prices that middlemen just can?t afford.

SaleHoo takes all the risk out of dealing with wholesale suppliers. Not only will you save time searching for sources, you?ll sleep easy knowing your order will live up to the quality you expect and arrive safely at its destination.

About the Author:

SaleHoo and SaleHoo Auto are two of the top wholesale supplier directories on the internet. They offer a wide range of wholesale suppliers for all types of products and categories!

Where The Under Valued Real Estate Markets Are

Real estate bargains? With all the talk about a bubble, come on. Yes, there are areas in the country that haven't experienced the large run-up in home prices the last couple of years. According to the real estate research service, Local Market Monitor, six towns qualify as under-valued according to their most recent survey. An interesting note is that two are in Texas and all in more southern areas of the U.S.

Under-valued U.S. residential real estate markets:

Augusta, Georgia
El Paso, Texas
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Little Rock, Arkansas
Mc Allen-Edinburg, Texas
Memphis, Tennessee

It will be difficult to determine if these statistics will drive a boom in these communities. But savvy investors are looking for new investments for side-lined liquidity pulled from frothy real estate markets in the past two years. And with the over-valued markets taking long to adjust to market realities, many investors are ready now to find exciting growth opportunities in valued markets.

While under-valued markets look promising, you should conduct a careful analysis to determine if demand will or can be created to support higher resale prices. Look at closed sold comparables from the each of the last three years, to see if consistent appreciation and demand will work in your favor.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com .

Before You Jump in the Free Agent Pool!

Before you Jump Into the Free Agent Pool!
by Linda Blew Carlson

A free agent used to be a sports figure, or entertainer whose contract had run out and was looking for a new one. But with the change in our economy and the survival mode that companies have switched to, a vast number of people have entered the arena of free agents. Recent books and articles claim we are becoming a Free Agent Nation, within a Free Agent Economy.

Are you ready to join the millions who have chosen to become free agents? If you have or are planning to change your work life and want more choice in what you do and how you do it, you need to consider two things. How good are you at working with others? Do you know what you naturally do best?

If you can answer these two questions quickly, think about whether these are skills you have learned or whether they come naturally. Many people think that being trained to do something well is good enough; others will buy this knowledge or skill from them. That may be true or it may be short lived. There isn't much today that you can learn that will not become obsolete about the time you learn it. People aren't very flexible when they learn a skill. They learn how to do it best and lack the flexibility to adapt when the skill is no longer required. How do you stay flexible? Identify what you were born to do and you easily adapt to changes!

Being a successful free agent depends heavily on people skills. The Income part depends on your being able to cut directly through the defenses of people who are inundated with info the minute they get out of bed in the morning. It is pretty unrealistic to think you will get enough work to support yourself by relying on others to tell someone else how good you are. So brushing up on your people skills is essential.

There are some great resources for you, the prospective free agent. For instance Dan Pink in his new book defines what you are feeling right now. He says that people by the thousands each day are fleeing the organization to become free agents. He says; This person is the independent worker who operates on his or her terms, untethered to a large organization, serving multiple clients and customers instead of a single boss. This is good information. You need to know where you fit in the scheme of things.

Toni Lonier wants to give free agents the tools they will need to succeed. Barbara Reinhold recognizes the personal fears and gives advice and resources to deal with them. Sara Horowitz has developed a place where free agents can get similar and sometimes better benefits than organizations offer. This takes care of the basics. But no one has asked or answered the really important questions yet. How good are you at working with others, really? Do you know what you naturally do best? (This is usually very different from what you have been trained to do.)

Many free agents recognize that going it alone does not mean being alone. A recent issue of INC. has its cover page devoted to an example of going solo and teaming. Newer web sites do recognize the need for building teams that share projects and personal support. These sites talk about the need to get along well with others, and how to make significant contributions to the team. But just getting along with others doesn't mean you know how to get the best performance from them, or yourself for that matter.

So, what we have going today, is a growing understanding of the role of the free agent. We also have an expanding amount of information generated by people who are free agents themselves to help us. We have existing groups and new ones forming that will share and support us. What is missing?

Recent ground breaking research, provides answers for the two questions you must face, before you really stand a strong chance of making it as a free agent. It explains how to get others to give willing cooperation consistently. It explains what you have as in-born skills, that not only showcase your learned skills, but also come to your rescue when you need help.

It is important that you create and environment for yourself that removes the uncomfortable stress you have felt in organizations, and provides the greatest opportunity for your success, while being yourself. That means you need to maximize your strengths and minimize your liabilities. It also means that you can capitalize on your natural skills and be able to help others do the same. This new research gives you the ability to do all of this, along with the insight into how to form powerful teams, that quickly gain recognition for outstanding performance.

There are two simple steps to take before becoming a free agent. First, I suggest you go to the web site at http://www.styleworks4u.com and get information that will make establishing your free agent status faster and easier. It will give you an opportunity to take some free assessments that will identify what you are naturally good at. This is the starting point.

The authors books mentioned above, and many others, can be secured at any major library, or from most of the major Internet book sellers. Also a couple of key sites to get information on free agents and business are: www.fastcompany.com and www.business2.com. As you surf the search engines and directories, you will find many excellent sites and web pages. When you make the jump into the free agent pool - give yourself the very real chance for success!

Linda Carlson is President of Focus I. Inc. and has been a free agent all her life. She is dedicated to helping others work freely and powerfully. Her bio and story can be found at; http://www.styleworks4u.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi/about/index.html

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Apartment Rentals Search Made Easy

An apartment, also sometimes known as a flat, is a self-contained housing unit that occupies only part or a floor of a multistoried building. There are usually suites of such rooms, each self- contained located on one floor of an apartment house. Apartments may be owned by an owner cum occupier or rented to tenants. When rented out, these rooms have cooking facilities, a bathroom and a place to sleep. Those who live in these units pay rent for their use, usually on a monthly basis, known as Apartment Rentals. Normally a studio is different from an Apartment in that it has one big room which includes living area, cooking area and sleeping area. Normally partition walls are placed to separate. The bathroom is always separate. Apartments can have single or double bedrooms and sometimes even more.

There are various types of Apartments available for rent and one can get a comprehensive database of such apartments by subscribing to sites offering such rental services. They cover all types of property including small and unique properties not found easily. They provide features like photos of the apartments being rented, their floor plans, and maps and sometimes even with a 360-degree virtual tour. They allow you create a personal notebook or webpage where you can keep track of and compare apartments that interest you, store and submit online rental applications and communicate with property owners and managers. Not only apartments, one can even search for condos and homes. In a condominium individual units of a larger complex are sold but not rented.

You can also search the local newspaper for finding rental apartments but be careful as many of these advertisements are taken out by professional rental agents or multiple apartment complexes. These are generally expensive keeping in mind, the medium to high rent apartments designed for working professionals and dual-income families. Sometimes even abandoned warehouses are converted into private apartments, so you can talk with the local chamber of commerce to know such offers.

When you rent an apartment you are advised to go for a Renters Insurance which is a low-cost insurance policy which covers all personal property inside your apartment and liability for medical expenses if a visitor is injured. A typical renter?s insurance policy may cost from $200 to $300 USD a year in premium which covers up to $35,000 USD in property losses and $100,000 in liability claims against the renter.

Jeff Van Persie is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites Rental Resource,Apartment Rental and One Stop Information

Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

Baby furniture is one of the most popular types of gifts given at a baby shower. Gift shopping for nursery furniture can be made easier if the new parents have a gift registry at some popular stores in your area. However, this is often not the case. Be sure to always enclose a gift receipt with your gift so it can be returned if the new parents get duplicates.

Baby furniture is one of the most popular types of gifts given at a baby shower. Gift shopping for nursery furniture can be made easier if the new parents have a gift registry at some popular stores in your area. However, this is often not the case. Be sure to always enclose a gift receipt with your gift so it can be returned if the new parents get duplicates.

Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any duplicate gifts. The guests could also choose to get together on something more expensive such as a piece of nursery furniture. The parents need items that will hold up well for their newborn, so check to make certain the item you choose is sturdy and built for safety.

Purchasing an expensive gift such as a piece of furniture for the nursery would help the new parents tremendously as they are probably strapped for cash at this point. What with the pre-natel care and the upcoming hospital and doctor expenses that come with any childbirth.

Baby Cribs

Cribs will be the most important piece of furniture the new parent will need for the baby. They come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to match any nursery theme or color scheme the parents might have for the nursery. They come as standard cribs, canopy, convertible, sleigh and various other types. Some of the more common features available would be adjustable mattress heights, metal mattress supports, one of three different kinds of release mechanism, rolling casters and/or a teething rail. A baby can use the crib from birth until around the age of 3. A safe and sturdy crib will cost from $150 to over $1000 depending on the quality of the wood and the features provided.

Crib Mattresses

A crib mattress is a very important item for the baby as she/he will be spending over 50% of his time on the mattress until he/she is around 3 years of age. Mattresses come in basically two types: foam or innerspring/coil. Foam weighs less while the innerspring/coil will last a much longer time. Accessories include bedding, crib sheets, crib wedges and waterproof mattress pads. High quality foam mattresses will cost between $80 to $100, while an innerspring/coil mattress will cost from $75 to $200.

Bedding-Bumpers-Sheets-Quilts-Shams

Most standard, canopy and convertible cribs will use standard size crib bedding. A round crib, porta crib, cradle and bassinet will all need special bedding to fit the size of the particular item. A bumper is a necessary item that is needed to keep the baby safe by keeping the baby's arms and legs from getting stuck in the slats. A quilt or comforter should not be used in the crib, but rather as a play mat for the baby. A diaper stacker is used to store your diapers and to keep the nursery more organized. Pillows are a safety hazard for the baby and should never be used in the crib. Most bedding sets can cost from $50 to as high as $700 for a set with better quality fabrics etc.

Changing Tables

A changing table should be well padded, have guardrails and include safety straps for the baby. They come in several types such as the combination sytle, dresser drawer and one with open shelves. Accessories include changing pads, oraganizers and wipe warmers. A changing table can be used from birth until about two years of age. They range in price from $90 to $200 depending on the accessories and storage space they have.

Rocking Chairs

A rocking chair would be a welcome addition to the baby nursery or living room. The rocking chair would give the mom-to-be lots of quality time with her newborn baby.

Moses Baskets

Moses baskets are a rather unique piece of furniture. A moses basket would be an unexpected but welcome baby shower gift. Also something the mother could pass on for a heirloom. This is an item that could be passed from generation to generation.

Child's Rocking Chair

A children's rocking chair would make a great gift. One that most people wouldn't think of giving. You wouldn't need to worry about duplicating your gift with some other guest with this gift.

Playpen & Play Yard

Play yards come in 3 different types. The basic which can be used as a playpen or a crib. One that has a bassinet built in for the newborn. A canopy style to keep you infant shielded from the sun and to keep in cooler in the outdoors. Accessories you can purchase seperately include a changing station, netting for outdoor use and sheets. A play yard can be used from birth until about 2 years of age. Good quality play yards cost between $60 to more than $200.

Portable Travel Crib

A portable travel crib would be great for those over-night trips out of town or state to family or friends.

Cradles

A cradle is used from birth until 4 months or the baby is able to roll from side to side. Cradles usually include a padded bumper, fitted sheet and a quilt or comforter. One of the advantages of a cradle is that you can rock it and it is lower than a crib.

Baby Dresser

Every nursery needs a chest of drawers for the newborn. You can buy them with a theme, in different styles, shapes and colors. If you know how the new parents will be decorating the nursery, you can match the baby dresser to the theme.

High Chair

All new parents need this very essential piece of furniture. There are several types of high chairs: Adjustable, conventional, booster and wooden. The high chair should have an adjustable tray, locking mechanism, some kind of restraint system and possibly rolling casters which are allowed to be locked easily. Parents can use the high chair as soon as the baby is born for bottle feeding if it is capable of fully reclining.

Bassinets

A traditional piece of nursery furniture would be a bassinet. The baby can use the bassinet from birth until about 4 month of age. Bassinet sets usually include a hood cover, fitted sheet, plain sheet and a bumper.

Car Seats

A car seat is a necessity because every state requires the baby be restrained while in a car. Newborns must travel in the back seat in a car seat that faces the rear of the car. After the baby is a year old you change to a forward facing car seat. Car seats come in several different types. An infant car seat, convertible and booster seats. Infant and convertible car seats cost between $60 and $300.

Strollers

Strollers come as a standard stroller, single, umbrella, double strooler or as a travel system which is a combination stroller and car seat. Most strollers have a canopy, front bar, harness, reliner and a storage space. Accessories available include accessory bars, attachable toy and activity bars, infant headrests, rain sheilds and stroller connectors for attaching two strollers together. A stroller can be used from around 4 months of age until about 3 or 4 years old. Depending on the style and quality strollers can be purchased for as little as $15 to as much as $1,000.

Baby Monitor

A monitor may be a luxery item, but it can give the parents added reassurance that their baby is safe. There are several types: audio, audio/movement and audio/video monitors. Monitors can be used from newborn to toddler. Depending on the type of monitor, you can buy them for as little as $20 on up to $400, with the audio/video monitor being the most expensive.

Bouncer Seat

A very useful item is a bouncer seat. They can come with an accessory toy bar, canopy, restraint and variable speeds. A bouncer seat can be used from newborn until the baby is 9 months old. The standard non-battery operated bouncer seats cost between $40 and $75 while the battery operated seats tend to cost a bit more.

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy is owner of Profitable Home Businesses, How to Plan a Baby Shower and Las Vegas Weddings.