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Climate Change and Christmas

On 11.14.11, In Holidays, Uncategorized, By Stevie Wonder

There are some people who escape to Thailand or some other hot tropical country to escape the cold weather at Christmas, and there are others who are hoping for a white Christmas. I can’t remember the last time it really snowed at Christmas. With the present dire state of the world’s climate the possibility of a White Christmas is becoming more remote by the year.

It seems to me that the best way to try and rectify this problem is to invest a little time and effort into making your Christmas celebrations a little more environmentally friendly. Every little bit helps and besides it is the trying that counts as well.

At present the carbon dioxide count in the atmosphere stands at 390 parts per million (ppm). There is no room for maneuver. All new energy efficient factories and homes built and all new fossil fuel power plants constructed are liable to tip the count over 450 ppm in a few years time. 450 ppm is the point at which sea levels rise and temperatures rise with the result of mass flooding, mass extinctions and turn the Amazon rainforest into a desert. It is clear that world leaders are not going to solve this problem so consumers must do so instead.

So here are a few tips for making your Christmas season more green:

1) Turn off the Christmas lights when you go to bed. Also unplug devices such as stereos, TVs, DVD players and especially microwaves that are on standby when not in use. These devices continue to waste electricity when you are not using them. A good green gift idea is a smart strip that automatically turns devices off when a master device such as a computer or TV is turned off.

2) Don’t turn the thermostat up too high during the holiday period. It is plain stupid to wear shorts and a t-shirt in the home at winter because the heating is up so high. For every 8 hour period you can drop your thermostat set point by 1 degree you save 1% on your heating bill.

3) Use recycled paper for wrapping up presents. The wrapping paper is torn off in a hurry and no kid will notice that the paper is recycled. Using recycled paper helps to slow down deforestation.

4) Consider your carbon output when buying food, drink and presents for the Christmas period. Try to buy as much as possible at one time, also try to go to shops near your home. Internet shopping is another good idea as companies such as Amazon often move products in bulk.

5) Buy organic vegetables, fruit and meat where possible. Not only does organic produce taste better but it means that its production has not been at the result of poisoning the ground with pesticides and fertilizers.

6) Try not to waste water. An 8 minute shower uses the same amount of water as a bath. Either install a low flow shower head (another good green present idea for Christmas) or turn the water off while you are soaping yourself. When and if the world temperature rises fresh water supplies will become severely restricted.

It is hoped that you make the effort to try and be more earth friendly this Christmas. The greatest gift you can give to your children is a world that is not wrecked as a result of mindless consumerism now.

Child Discipline Techniques: How Should You Discipline Children?

On 10.20.11, In Family, By Stevie Wonder

Taking on the responsibility of being a parent is no easy task. Just a mere glance at any ‘parenting’ section of a bookstore and you can be completely overwhelmed by the wide spectrum of opinions and thoughts on the subject. In my own experience of being a father, I was constantly asking, “What on earth is the right way to go?”

In my life, and my own up-bringing, I can certainly tell you what types of child discipline didn’t work. I would have been easily categorized as having defiant child syndrome, but when I was a boy, those like me were all getting labeled with ADD instead. My parents sent me to numerous counselors and tried numerous techniques to ‘cure’ me of my blatant defiance and violence, but in the end there wasn’t any magic technique that worked.

So what is the right way? What are good techniques for the discipline of a defiant child? How about for any child for that matter?

A friend and mentor gave me some exceptionally good advice. As my kids were getting out of the toddler phase and becoming these tiny people with big opinions of their own, I noticed this man’s children. His kids are good and solid kids. Some are now adults, and they’re great adults. They’re open to criticism, yet confident and strong enough to hold their own. I asked him how he did it.

He told me to keep my eyes open for kids that display attributes that I want my children to have. When I see it, go to their parents and ask what they do, and then, listen.

He said that that alone is one of the best techniques for developing good child discipline, to listen. Listen to criticism. Listen to friends. Listen to them. The thing is, often, we’re so close to the situation that we don’t see it clearly.

The other thing that he said was to be consistent. He mentioned that all of the parents he respected all had two things in common. First, they loved their children intensely. And secondly, they were very consistent in the discipline that they would execute.

One major problem is that parents keep trying new things, and keep changing it up. The child never has a chance to know what to expect for defiant or rebellious behavior. Consistency gives the child a chance to believe that what the parent says is actually true, and this fact will conquer nearly any obstacle with the child.

If the child thinks you’re just guessing, and that you don’t really mean what you say, they’re going to constantly test you. And testing is simply the child asking, “Can I trust you?” They want to trust us parents. They want real boundaries and to know where they’re safe to run around, and where they’re most definitely not.

Give them clear guidelines, and stick to your guns. My three little girls have challenged my emotions tremendously, and I’ve seen, time and time again that when I follow through on my threats, the first time, they always respect them the next time. Always.

Since adopting this more and more in my life, I’m finding that I don’t have to repeat myself with them all of the time. I’m not worrying about getting them to like me, they instead, respect me. And our love has grown deeper as a result. For more on ways to manage defiant children and tips on improving child behavior, please visit the personal development site – Prosperity Hut.

Work Comfortably and Injury-free with Ergonomic Office Furniture

On 09.25.11, In Furniture, By Stevie Wonder

There are definitely some advantages to using ergonomic office furniture. These products are designed to work with the natural form and shape of the human body better than traditional furniture. The natural shapes make any work environment more comfortable to be in even for long periods of time. The desks designed in this manner have concave-like contours to optimally allow the space needed by a person comfortably sitting in a matching chair. This shape also makes it easier for the seated individual to reach objects on either side of the desk without straining.

When it comes to computer chairs created with an ergonomic design, there are more varieties available than there are desks. The main feature most of these chairs have will be the way the backrest is designed to have a form that matches the natural curvature of the back. This curve creates better support for the lower back, which often experiences a lot of strain when a person sits for a long time. Some styles will have the seat curved to better accommodate the weight of the individual. Another feature found in an ergonomically designed chair is the open mesh backrest which allows for more comfortable and cooler seating.

In addition to products for the office designed to make people feel more comfortable, they can also be created to help save space. Stacking chairs are made so one can easily stack one on top of another. These items usually have broad legs made of wood or metal, usually with sculpted seat and backrests made of plastic. The molded seats allow several chairs to be stacked into one convenient pile. This means the entire stack uses only the amount of floor space required for one chair. Other similar designs include folding chairs that can also be stacked to save floor space when not in use.

Along with the desks created as ergonomic office furniture, there are some designed as space saving pieces as well. A corner desk is designed to maximize usable space without taking up a lot of wall or floor space. The corner computer desk places shelves above and below the main surface area where the various components can be placed. Some corner units combine their space saving ability with the ergonomic design of the curved shape mentioned above. Other products designed to make work spaces more comfortable include lamps, footrests and monitor arms. People who sit for long periods at their desk, can now do it in a relaxed and comfortable manner which can definitely reduce the chances of injury.

Seat Belts and the effects on Car Insurance

On 09.17.11, In Car Insurance, By Stevie Wonder

There was a time when kids rode on the floor hump in the back seat of the car. Piled into the back of the station wagon or sitting in the open pickup truck, hanging onto the sides for dear life was the norm. The world was not in such a hurry back when driving was a leisure activity. Today, high-speed interstates transport thousand of drivers’ texting, eating and performing other distracting behaviors. Wearing a seatbelt guarantees driver protection, a lifesaver for young and old alike.

Even minor fender benders can cause prolonged head and neck injuries as well as spinal misalignments and muscle strain. Most states, however, require all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts to avoid such liabilities. With the national average of seatbelt wearers at 83%, according to Insurance @ Suite 101, car insurance rates have little effect on adherence to state law on seatbelt use. However, car insurance companies pay attention to seatbelt infractions because it shows apathy for the law, as well as a huge liability to an insurer, when an unbelted driver or passenger is injured. Every state in the U.S., except New Hampshire requires drivers to wear a seatbelt.

Tickets for seatbelt violations are moving violations in many states. Moving violations place points on driving records similar to speeding and traffic violations. Car insurance companies offer good faith policies to consumers with the understanding that drivers obey speed limits, state laws and drive safely. Many car insurers offer incentives for safe driving records, lower premiums for older drivers and policy reductions for consistent driver safety. However, based on the national statistic, 17% of drivers disregard the law driving without seatbelts.

Car insurance companies compiled injury data on non-seatbelt related accidents. Serious personal injury occurs to drivers and passengers without seatbelts. Reckless, unbelted, drivers pay a stiff penalty in moving violations and car insurance premiums. Insurance Agents.com notes drivers can save up to $400 dollars in premium costs just for buckling up. Many drivers do not realize that passengers too, must buckle up. A driver can receive a moving violation infraction when grandmother does not wear her seatbelt in the back seat on the drive to church.

Sash and lap combination belts save lives. Avoid tucking the sash under the arm. Instead, raise or lower the upper attachment on the auto wall to increase belt comfort. When worn correctly, seatbelts, airbags and automobile construction can reduce the crumple zone, area in which impact during an accident can injure drivers and passengers.

How To Use A Whipper Snipper Safely

On 09.03.11, In Garden, By Stevie Wonder

Before we dive into some safety tips, we should clear up any confusion there may be about the term “whipper snipper.” Effectively a whipper snipper is what Australians call a line trimmer – a piece of equipment also known as a weed whacker or string trimmer, that’s used for edging a lawn or removing weeds from the edges of a driveway. Right, with that cleared up, let’s get started.

Even if you have used a trimmer in the past, it is a good idea to read over the manufacture’s instructions that come with the model you are using before starting work as there may be differences in what you are used to.
It always makes sense to use protective safety gear when operating a trimmer. Glasses, heavy duty gloves and ear muffs are a good idea. If you will be working in a dusty environment consider wearing a dust mask
Do a quick scan of the area that you are planning to trim. Check for any hidden rocks, sticks or cords and remove these. Then make a rough plan of the path you will take around the garden so you are well prepared and will be able to complete all trimming tasks in one trip.
Before you switch on the trimmer make sure that the cutting line is tightly spooled.
Most gardeners recommend a side to side motion when using the trimmer, trying to position the head so that it is just the tip of the cutting line that is doing the work. This increases efficiency and reduces the risk that you will overload the motor.
Move forwards when operating the unit rather than backwards as you will reduce the risk of tripping. It’s also less tiring operating a trimmer in this way.
If you are using a bump feed mechanism to deliver more cutting line, simply tap the line spool on the ground firmly. This will feed out a proper length of fresh line.
Bear in mind that line trimmers are not designed to cut through branches or think shrubs. You’ll be better off using pruning sheers or clippers for this kind of work.
If you are using an electric whipper snipper, never use it in the rain or if the ground or vegetation are damp.
Most modern units will usually shut off when you let go of the throttle or release the “On” switch. But there are some models that will idle and still be spinning when you release the throttle, so take care to keep all body parts clear of the head.

Three Furniture Pieces That Will Improve your Patio or Garden

On 08.25.11, In Patio, By Stevie Wonder

This post lists some of the most popular furniture pieces that have been thoroughly tested through rigorous pre-market analysis. Due to the simple, neutral designs they can blend with traditional, modular, contemporary, or resin garden furniture styles. Each of the following pieces are built to last years so that you can achieve the impressive look you deserve and cherish their style and comfort for generations.

/Luxor Wicker Square Coffee Table

The Luxor Wicker Square Coffee Table is made with extra strong resin wicker that is similar to fiber but completely resistant to outdoor conditions, including sun, rain, snow, wind, saltwater, and chlorine. The table includes an optional thick glass top that makes this a perfect centerpiece for small gatherings. It is very easy to clean with water and mild soap and is available in two finishes to suit you personal tastes: natural or dark brown.

Alfresco Home Chateau Fire Pit Chat Set

The Alfresco Home Chateau Fire Pit Chat Set has a strylish antique fern finish that will appeal to the most discerning tastes. Outfit your entire patio with the many pieces included in this set. The Alfresco Chateau Set includes a functional chat table, stainless steel beverage cooler, four swivel lounge chairs with seat and stylized-back patio furniture cushions, lifting fork, fire pit bowl insert, two iron grates, and mesh spark screen. The woven chair back design matches the table detail for a very elegant dining set.

Portola Wicker Seat Cushions

The Portola Wicker Seat Cushions are exceptionally thick for ultra comfort. Yes, you can enjoy wicker furniture all by itself; but by adding stylish, comfortable cushions like the Portola wicker seat cushions, the wicker furniture is taken to another level. These cushions are very easy to maintain by simply wiping them down with a damp cloth. They are fibre filled which means they are more comfortable than memory foam, more resilient, and won’t hold water. The Portola Wicker Cushions also are reversible equal sided and come in a wide variety of colors to choose from.

There is an overflow of advertisements on the Internet that makes numerous claims about their furniture. We hope this article helps you narrow down the wide array of options so that you can save time and money searching for the right outdoor furniture. These pieces combine a high level of versatility and style to enhance your garden or patio to the level you desire. They all combine the best construction and materials that will deliver style and comfort for years.

Hanging Bay Window Curtains Properly

On 08.24.11, In Windows, By Stevie Wonder

When a home designer draws up the plans for a new home, there are no universal standards for the exact size and shape of bay windows. Additionally, then a contractor builds that same home, there are often variables and preferences in construction that make each window opening slightly different. Because of these factors, finding window treatments to fit bay windows can be extremely difficult. They have multiple angled panels made at different lengths and degrees. Luckily, there are solutions like bay window curtain rods that are designed to be a one-size-fits all solution for bay window curtains. They are made up of several lengths of telescoping rods attached with articulating joints that can be adjusted to any angle. Armed with this knowledge and the right materials, anyone can treat their bay windows beautifully.

Many homeowners make the mistake of using regular curtain rods to hang their drapes over bay windows. While it may seem like a viable solution to the inconsistencies of bay window openings, there are a few issues that need to be considered. First and foremost, using three or more separate curtain rods can be extremely obtrusive on your wall. With 6 bulky mounting brackets hanging on your wall, it can feel very cluttered. Second, using separate curtain rods will undoubtedly leave small gaps or “reveals” between each panel of curtains. This can be problematic when you want to block out all of the light from entering your room, and even compromise your privacy during the evening hours. Proper bay window curtain rods not only look much more professional mounted on your wall, but they also eliminate unnecessary reveals.

As an added bonus of proper bay window rods, you will find that installing and leveling the rod will be much easier. Rather than try to line up 6 separate brackets the single curtain rod unit will be much simpler to install.

For some, the idea of making or fitting their bay window curtain rod seems overwhelming. Fortunately there are solutions available that fit inside the openings of your bay window eliminating the need to hang curtains. For example, products like ready made blinds, or even plantation shutters can be custom built for each window. The curtain rod free installation gives your home a much more modern feel and the operation of a blind or shutter will be much more user friendly. However, expect to pay anywhere between $20-40 per square foot of window for the convenience.

Important Things To Consider When Buying Plastic Storage Boxes

On 08.20.11, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

Plastic storage boxes are used extensively to help keep homes and workplaces clean and organized. You can sort everything according to similarity and store it in plastic boxes that you can label so that you can always find it later on. However, before you run out and buy some of these boxes, there are some considerations that you should be taking into account. This article will discuss some of these items so that you can make a well-informed purchase that you won’t regret later on.

One consideration is the size of box that you’ll need. This will depend on the size of the items that you wish to store. Bigger items will require bigger boxes. I know that’s ridiculously simple, but so many people end up buying plastic storage boxes that are of the wrong size, and in some instances, the store where they bought them will not accept returns. So, they just spent money on boxes that they can’t use.

Another consideration is whether or not you can afford the boxes that you wish to buy. Once you’ve figured out how many boxes you’ll need, and how big they need to be, you need to figure out whether or not you can afford them. If you can’t, you may want to buy cardboard boxes instead, especially if you are storing your items in a climate-controlled environment.

Some plastic storage boxes are clear, while the rest come in a wide assortment of colors. Clear boxes allow you to view the contents of the box without having to pull the box out and remove the lid. However, if you go with boxes of several colors, you can create a system of color-coded storage by which you associate items like frosted window film privacy rolls and power tools with a certain color, allowing you to find whatever you’re looking for fast.

You also need to think about whether you would prefer your boxes to come with certain add-ons that might help satisfy your unique storage needs. For instance, some boxes are made with dividers on the inside that allow you to sort items that are held within the box. An example of this would be the storage of nuts and bolts, where the dividers are used to keep the nuts and bolts separated according to size. Another example of a customized storage box would be a box that has wheels, allowing you to store and transport items that are too heavy to carry. These add-ons might make your storage boxes more expensive, but they can really make your life a lot easier depending on what you’re doing.

These are just a few of the things that you should be thinking about prior to buying any plastic storage boxes. If you give some of these items serious thought, you will be much more satisfied with your purchase.

Trading Stocks Using Support and Resistance Lines

On 08.12.11, In Trading, By Stevie Wonder

If I could only learn one aspect of chart reading it would be knowing how to read support and resistance lines. Support is when a stock price gets buyers to start buying and/or sellers to quit selling. Resistance is just the opposite – where sellers start selling and buyers quit buying. So how do I identify where these price levels actually are so I know which stocks to buy now and the appropriate time to sell them? Well, there are actually a number of fairly reliable methods to find accurate support and resistance lines:

History

The first place I go to find support and resistance lines is by simply looking at the charts. Are there any prices where the stock price kept “bouncing” off of? If it happens multiple times in a relatively short period relative to your chart time frame then you have a support line. This is where the double bottom or double top price formations come from. If a stock can’t break through the resistance it’s going to change directions and try to break support in the other direction.

Price Trend

You’ve likely noticed that for any good stocks to watch, the prices never move in a straight line regardless if they are going up, down, or sideways. If a stock is moving up it first moves up, then comes back down some, and then moves up higher. This is called creating a channel. If you draw a line along the lows of the stock prices and the highs of the stock price in this trend channel you get more support and resistance lines. As long as the price doesn’t break out of the channel it’s likely going to keep heading in the same direction.

Moving Averages

I am probably too big a fan of moving averages. I enjoy fine tuning the number based on different theories or stock to stock to try to see what each given security seems to react to. A moving average is simply an average price over a given period of time. The most commonly used are the 50 day and 200 day moving averages for longer term trading. When a price hits a longer term moving average it tends to stall regardless if it’s moving up or down.

Fibonacci Numbers

The Fibonacci series, the last two numbers in a sequence added together, is found in nature, science, and price cycles. Essentially it goes 1,2,3,5,8,13,21, and so on. When you divide these numbers you get the same percentages and they are found in stock cycles. The price will often retract 38.2%, 50%, or 61.8% If you draw these lines of resistance off a price reversal you can add some clarity with the other methods.

Should I File For Bankruptcy or Not?

On 08.04.11, In Personal Finance, By Stevie Wonder

Filing for bankruptcy is a very personal decision that could have a big impact on you and your family. A Seattle bankruptcy lawyer can help asses your situation and determine whether bankruptcy is the right course of action for you. Debtors looking to file personal bankruptcy may have two options available to them. Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to discharge all of your unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills, while a chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors to make up their house or vehicle payments through a payment plan. Some debtors will only qualify for a chapter 13 bankruptcy due to their household and family size. Below are some good reasons why may consider filing bankruptcy.

If you being sued by debt collectors and credit card companies? If you are being sued, and you own a home, we strongly urge you to speak with a Seattle bankruptcy attorney about filing for bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy will stop a lawsuit immediately and prevent your creditors from placing a lien on your home or garnishing your hard-earned wages. Debt collectors are forbidden under Federal Law from speaking to debtors once a bankruptcy case has been filed.

Is your home being foreclosed or is your car about to be repossessed? If it is, often times filing bankruptcy may prevent the foreclosure action or repossession from proceeding and allow you to make up your mortgage arrears or automobile balance and make payments on those debts over time through a chapter 13 bankruptcy payment plan created by your bankruptcy attorney with you providing your bankruptcy attorney all of the information required about your debts and assets. If your home has a pending foreclosure or your car is about to be repossessed, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may not be an option. Chapter 13 bankruptcy may save your house and your car, however you must have a steady income to be able to make your monthly payments. Failure to make these payments will result in having your chapter 13 bankruptcy case dismissed. A chapter 7 bankruptcy does not require an income and anybody may file, even if they are unemployed.

Do you have a lot of credit cards and medical bills that you simply cannot pay off? If you are only paying the minimum payment on the credit card bills from month to month and never feeling like you are going to be able to pay off your debts in full?. Do you really want to be in the same financial situation in twenty years? Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide you with a fresh start that you are entitled to under Federal law and you can become debt free in a matter of four months.

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