Search European Patents

An easy way to conduct a quick search of European patents online is available.

Searches of past patent documents are often essential in the process of applying for a new patent. It's important to ensure that the new invention doesn't have excessive similarities with one already patented.The easiest way to conduct a search of European patents is through an organization called the European Patent Organisation, which has jurisdiction in over 40 European countries. The EPO provides a free service called esp@cenet, which is a searchable database of over 60 million patent documents from both EPO member states and other countries which have agreed to contribute.

Instructions

1. Look up the year of publication, two-letter country code for the country in which the patent was granted, and applicant company for the patent you are looking for. The esp@cenet database only lists 500 results, so the more specific information you have, the more likely you are to find the patent you are looking for.

2. Go to ep.espacenet.com.

3. In the "SmartSearch" box, enter the patent you're looking for by typing the name of applicant, then the two-letter country code for the country in which the patent was filed (for Europe, use EP), and finally the year in which the patent was published. For example, for a patent filed by IBM in Germany that was published in 2006, you would type: "DE IBM 2006."

4. Select the patent you are looking for.

Sell Otc Stocks

Over-the-counter (OTC) refers to securities not traded on a formal exchange; they must be traded "over the counter" or through a dealer network. In a broader sense, OTC has come to mean low-priced, or penny, stocks or stocks of small companies. Either way, selling OTC stocks can be a challenge without a centralized exchange market.

Instructions

1. Determine your security type. OTC can be bonds, derivatives, penny and pink sheet stocks. While OTC stock can be illiquid, it may still have a market. Your challenge is finding the market.

2. Contact the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) (see Resources). This is a good place to find prices for OTC stock through an electronic quotation system with real-time quotes, last-sale prices and volume information. If your stock isn't listed here, you will need to find a market.

3. Define your market. OTC stocks are synonymous with micro-cap stock. What you are lacking is public information on your company. Start with the company itself. Then go to EDGAR (see Resources), a financial database sponsored by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to see if you can locate any information filed with the SEC on the company you're trying to sell.

4. Find a buyer. Contact the State Security Regulator (see Resources). While a company may not have to register securities with the SEC, there may be different rules at the state level. They can also tell you about the legal status of a company. Bloomberg, Dun & Bradstreet and Lexis-Nexis are also good resources.

5. Find a broker-dealer that deals in OTC stock. SEC rules require a more stringent process for micro-cap sales. The SEC requires brokers to approve customers per transaction and receive a written agreement to the transaction as well as a customer document describing the risk of micro-cap stock.

Develop A Kissing Booth

There are a number of ways to build a kissing booth using metal, wood, fabric or cardboard. This article describes build a kissing booth using an old refrigerator box. The advantages of this method are that it is from recyclable material, quick and inexpensive to make and lightweight. Since it is lightweight, it is easy to transport and you can wear it. The main disadvantage of this method is that the booth will last only as long as the cardboard from which it came.

Instructions

1. Obtain a refrigerator box that is in great condition. Your best bet is to head to a refrigerator retailer and ask an employee for one.

2. Pick one side of the box to be the front and measure 6 inches from the top of the box. Draw a straight line widthwise at the 6-inch mark and then cut a square that extends about two feet down, or however far down you want the kissing booth opening to be. The square should be nearly the width of the box, with a 2-inch margin on either side.

3. Paint the entire box. You can use tempura or poster paints to make your kissing booth unique and amazing. Many people paint three of the sides one color and the front a different color.

4. Stencil, paint or write the words “KISS ME” along with a price (e.g. $1.00) across the top of the kissing booth, in the 6-inch space at the top.

5. Decorate the kissing booth using more paint, ribbons, flowers, pictures or drawings. For example, you could cut out magazine pictures and collage the whole box or paint it pink and then paint red lips all over it. You can also hang curtains across the opening. Be creative!

6. Set your kissing booth up and open for business. When you are ready to close up shop, cut some armholes in the sides and use it for your next costume party.

Obtain A Passport By Mail

If you seek your first passport, you must apply in person. After that, you can renew by mail, provided you meet specified conditions. You will need to include your most recent passport, which must have been issued within the past 15 years. You must have been at least 16 years old when that passport was issued. If your name has changed, you must provide documentary proof.

Instructions

Completing and mailing form DS-82 and enclosures

1. Obtain form DS-82 from a travel or government website or from a passport acceptance facility, which may be a post office, public library, or a government office. Locate the closest passport acceptance facility through the search feature at travel.state.gov. Form DS-82 includes detailed instructions for completing and mailing the application.

2. Decide whether to fill out the option for a U.S. Passport Book or for a U.S. Passport Card. The Passport Book is embedded with an electronic chip that contains duplicate data page information for additional security. The Passport Card is for international travel by land or sea (not by air) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

3. Fill out the two pages of questions, which include name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, Social Security number, mailing address, contact telephone number and email address (optional). You'll also be asked about your height; hair and eye color; existing passport; and name change information. Remember to sign the application.

4. With the completed and signed application, enclose two color photographs (2 by 2 inches each) taken within the past six months. Further photo specifications are spelled out on the form.

5. Include the current passport fee with the application. Enclose a personal check or money order payable to the "Department of State." Type or print the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check. The form specifies that a check will be converted into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Do not send cash.

6. Mail the completed application and the required enclosures to the National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Behave Like A High Profile

It takes a bit of luck and maybe a modicum of talent to become a celebrity, but anyone can imitate a celebrity by following a few simple steps. In today's tabloid world, merely imitating a celebrity sometimes guarantees press and TV coverage. So, if you want to get your picture in the paper or on your favorite blog, here's act like a celebrity.

Instructions

1. Go to fancy parties and popular haunts. Read the celebrity blogs and take note of the latest dance club or restaurant that attract celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. Trendy clubs turnover every week so don't be left out on the cold. Get your Hollywood and Manhattan connections in order so you can stay up to date on what's hot.

2. Look good. Cutting a thin, sexy figure remains most important thing if you want to act like a celebrity. Get a makeover at your local posh department store or spa. Save your money and buy slinky, trendy clothes at an upscale boutique.

3. Attract the paparazzi. If you dress scantily or wear unusual costumes (a cowgirl or cowboy outfit, for example) for a night on the town, photographers will follow you around all night. You may even find a video of yourself on a celebrity blog the next day.

4. Have good looking friends. In order to imitate a celebrity and get into those ritzy clubs and restaurants, you need to be surrounded by well-dressed attractive folks. It helps if some of them belong to well-heeled show biz or millionaire families.

5. Cause trouble. Drink too much and dance on the tabletop, or get caught in the restroom canoodling with a real celebrity or one of the other club patrons. Remember, a good celebrity knows get noticed by the press and public all the time, so act outrageous and you'll get publicity and endorsement deals. Act outraged if the club doorman doesn't recognize you, or imitate a lesser known celebrity and start crying-in front of a rolling camera, of course.

Calculate A Balloon Payment

How Do I Calculate a Balloon Payment?

A balloon mortgage is a loan that has a five- to 10-year term, during which time the monthly payments are typically lower in interest. At the end of the term, the remaining balance of the loan is due, and is most often paid off by refinancing or selling the property. This balance is referred to as the balloon payment. Calculate your balloon mortgage in order to determine how much you will need to pay each month, and what the remaining balloon payment balance will be at the end of the term.

Calculating a Balloon Mortgage

Contact your real estate agent, mortgage lender or local financial institution for a mortgage calculator. You may also find a free mortgage calculator online. A mortgage calculator uses your loan amount, interest rate and loan term to determine your payments.

Enter the full amount of your loan into the calculator, then enter in the term of your loan. Enter in your interest rate, and any prepayments that you have made on the loan. Click the calculate or submit button, and the mortgage calculator will present you with the number of monthly payments you will need to make, how much each payment will be, and the total amount of money you will pay into the loan by the end of its term. Additionally, the mortgage calculator will display your balloon payment--the remaining balance that you must pay off at the end of the loan term.

Precautions

Balloon mortgage loans are easier to qualify for and typically offer lower interest rates, but there's a big catch: The remaining principle balance must be paid off at the end of the loan term. Do not agree to a balloon mortgage loan unless you are able to repay the remaining balance, either in full, or by refinancing or selling the property.

Repair A Dvd Shredder

Many people who store their personal information on DVDs and CDs don't want the information to fall into the wrong hands. They use DVD shredders to destroy the data. If your DVD shredder breaks, you can repair it without enlisting a professional.

Instructions

1. Troubleshoot the DVD shredder. Unplug the shredder and examine the blades to check for jamming. Plug the shredder back in and try to run it to see if you have power failure.

2. Soak a document-sized page in oil. Run the paper through the DVD shredder to remedy any jamming. You can purchase oil that's safe for shredders from the NEBS website (see Resources below).

3. Disassemble the DVD shredder. Test the parts by running the DVD shredder with the case off. If you find the part that's not functioning correctly, order a new part from the manufacturer. Often, DVD shredders that break need new circuit boards or power switches.

4. Ask for assistance if you're unable to repair the DVD shredder on your own. Post your DVD shredder problem on FixYa to see if you can find solutions on repair the equipment.

The Very Best Kind Of Plastic For Water Bottles

In the late 1980s, the Society of the Plastics Industry implemented a coding system to classify plastic containers by their chemical properties to make sorting easier for recycling. Today these codes are also used to help assess the possible safety risk of certain plastic bottles.

Types

Resin codes range from 1 to 7. Water bottles are generally classified as 1 for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), 2 for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or 7 for Other.

Warning

Some plastic water bottles classified as number 7 (Other) contain an industrial chemical compound, used to harden plastic, known as Bisphenol A (BPA). Research is still ongoing but concerns have been raised that BPA may produce toxic side effects.

Other Considerations

The chemical polyethylene terephthalate in code 1 plastic water bottles is a crude-oil derivative. It's estimated that an annual 17 million barrels of oil are used in the production of PET water bottles. In addition to this, disposable plastic bottles in general account for a projected 2 million tons of the waste in our landfills.

Alternatives

One of the more health-safe, environmentally friendly, plastic water bottle choices currently available is a reusable HDPE water bottle. Look for code 2 on the bottom of the bottle.

Benefits

Reusable and health safe plastic water bottles not only reduce the amount of plastic bottles that end up in our landfills, it can also save you money.

How Hydrolic Motors Work

Basic Hydraulics

The basic concept of hydraulics is the use of incompressible fluids in mechanical, industrial or heavy equipment applications. All hydraulic motors use hydraulic liquids as the main source of power. A basic hydraulic motor will have a pair of pistons distanced apart by tubing that houses hydraulic fluid. When a piston moves, the next piston will also move as a result of the incompressible hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid transfers the pressure from the first piston, plus the built up pressure in the fluid to the next piston. The result is more force/ power with less start up power. In essence, the pressurized hydraulic fluid turns the motor.

Mechanical Replacement

Gears and levers are replaced with pressurized fluids in a hydraulic motor system to literally multiply the amount of start up force. This is accomplished by implementing hydraulic fluid cylinders between pumps and motors. In the case of using cylinders for hydraulic power, the start up force is the smaller piston, with the next piston being a number of times larger in surface area than that of the first piston. The force accrued from the second piston is greater due to its larger surface area (divide the smaller surface area into the larger surface area. The resulting number is how many units the bigger cylinder will move each time fluid is pumped). A 10-pound down force on the first piston, for example, will produce an upward force that is X number of times more powerful on the second piston. The smaller piston is able to move the second piston only because the fluid between the two cylinders is hydraulic (oils or other fluids that will not compress under pressure). In essence, it is the fluid that does the real work in any hydraulic system. Because the fluid doesn't compress, the amount of work accomplished is more than the start up work.

Motors

Hydraulic motors are run by rotary pumps. The motor will always have more rotary power (torque) than the rotary pump. In contrast, the shaft on the rotary pump is significantly faster than the motor shaft speed. The effect is the multiplication of the start up force by the displacement between the pump shaft and the motor shaft. Motors can also be the start up force in a hydraulic system. The motor is connected to a directional valve. The pump is connected to the valve as well. The valve is fixed to a hydraulic fluid tank. The hydraulic fluid in the tank supplies the necessary pressure build up in the system to run hydraulic machinery.

How Lengthy Will A Discretion Secrets Registration Last

Nondisclosure Agreements

Trade secrets and the confidentiality surrounding them are fundamental to competitive invention and innovation. The Uniform Trade Secrets Law protects businesses from trade secrets being disclosed. The Economic Espionage Act of 1996 makes the theft or misappropriation of trade secrets a federal crime. Determining when something is no longer a trade secret can vary under different circumstances designated by the business that owns the secret, patent law, and nondisclosure agreements signed by employees. Under certain circumstances an owner can protect a secret in perpetuity and the status as "trade secret" never expires.

Defining a Trade Secret

The Uniform Trade Secret Act, known as UTSA, is a federal law that provides consistency in defining trade secrecy. Before the act each state had its own laws regarding trade secrets. The UTSA defines a trade secret as information or product that derives independent economic value from not being known to other persons who would obtain economic gain from its disclosure and which is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy. There is no registration of secrets.

Patents

Once something has been patented, it is no longer a secret. The very act of making a patent takes the information in to the public realm, even if the information is copyrighted and the owner charges fees for use of the patent and copyrighted material. At this point something is no longer a secret. The status of confidentiality may still apply however if an employee has signed a nondisclosure agreement. As an example, if a product is developed at a business then patented but the employees who worked on the development of the product have signed a lifelong confidentiality agreement regarding the process of making the product, then there is still an element of secrecy and confidentiality by which the signers of the nondisclosure agreement, or NDA, must abide.

Nondisclosure Agreements

An NDA protects businesses against disclosure of secret information by limiting what an employee can discuss. An owner can sue for breach of contract and be awarded financial compensation if an employee violates a nondisclosure contract. An NDA specifies exactly what the business owner considers secret, the methods for resolving any disputes about the agreement, and the geographic area when the disputes will be aired, and the length of time the trade secret must be kept.

Timing in Nondisclosure Agreements

The general time in most nondisclosure agreements in the United States is five years. In Europe, the standard can be as long as 10 years. Timing can be negotiated when drafting a nondisclosure agreement with business owners (disclosers) wanting a longer period of time and employees (receivers) wanting a shorter period of time. The end result can come down to the negotiating skills of the parties. Some businesses will require the time period have no limit if the secret, such as a recipe for a particular food product, is maintained as a secret within the business.

How Can Credit Rankings Modify The Cost Of Bonds

The price of bonds are affected by their credit ratings.

Companies and financial instruments (securities) sold in the open market receive credit ratings. These ratings can affect the price of bonds through interest rates and market value.

Ratings

The major credit-rating agencies (Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch) assign letter ratings based on the financial health and risk associated with a company or security. The highest credit rating is "AAA" and the lowest is "D."

Time Frame

A bond with a low credit rating is likely to have a short term or time to reach maturity. Most investors will not want to invest in high-risk for a long time. An issuer may call in a bond or repay it early.

Interest

The higher a company's credit rating, the less risk of default. This translates into lower interest paid by the issuer because the bond is considered a safer investment.

Default

Bond issuers can default on the repayment of bonds, causing credit ratings and bond prices to fall simultaneously. In bankruptcy cases, bondholders may be paid pennies on the dollar for bonds.

Market Value

A poor credit rating can negatively affect a bond's market value. Investor confidence is likely to diminish and the bond becomes less attractive to the marketplace.

Write A Company Startup Arrange For Homebased Day Care

Before opening your home to care for children, you should create a business start-up plan. This plan should include your reasons for wanting to start a home-based child care service, overhead and start-up costs, day-to-day operations, and projected yearly earnings. Having a business plan will make implementing each phase of your business easier so you can concentrate on providing quality care.

Instructions

Write a Business Start-Up Plan for Home-Based Child Care

1. Research local and state laws and regulations pertaining to home-based child care. You might need to obtain a license or certificate to run your business. You might also need to increase your home owner's insurance, apply for liability insurance and complete first-aid courses.

2. Create a list of the costs associated with starting a home child care business. Costs might include:

-business/liability insurance

-certification

-equipment (high chairs, baby proofing items, cribs, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies)

-food

-labor (if hiring employees)

-marketing

3. Break your business plan into sections such as:

-child care mission statement

-day-to-day operations

-overhead and start-up costs (equipment, labor, insurance, certification, food, marketing)

-transportation costs

-projected yearly earnings

4. Include your reasons for starting a home day care and what you expect from your business in the Child Care Mission Statement section. This should be the first section of your business plan. Describe any education, experience and expectations you have that will help you provide the best care for children.

5. Describe the day-to-day operations of your home-based day care. Create a schedule that includes feeding times, nap time, play times, and drop-off and pick-up times. You can include a list of potential activities, outings and other items you plan to provide.

6. List all overhead costs for operating your home-based day care. Include start-up or one-time costs. If you will be providing transportation to school or bus stops for school-age children, calculate how much this will cost in gas and mileage on your car.

7. Calculate potential earnings for the year in the last section of your start up business plan. Determine how much to charge for your services. For example, you might charge by the hour or week. You might charge differently for infants versus school-age children. Determine hours of business, payment schedule, and whether you want to participate in government voucher programs that help parents pay child care costs.

Do Fax Machines And Copiers Have Internet Capacity

There are fax machines with Internet capability. There are, however, many limitations with this technology. Those limitations include a difficult setup process, incompatibility with email services and incompatibility with ISPs (Internet service providers) to mention just a few. If you are able to work within those limitations, you may want to consider an Internet-capable fax machine (see resources). To understand Internet fax machines, it helps to know how regular fax machines work.

Telephone Lines and Fax Machines

Standard fax machines use a PSTN (public switched telephone network) line to send and receive faxes. Since a telephone line can only transfer normal hearing-range frequencies, faxes must communicate using sounds. If you have ever picked up a handset while a fax was being sent or received, or listened to a dial-up modem connecting, you heard buzzing, beeping and static noises. These noises are how fax machines transfer faxes over a phone line.

How Fax Machines Work

When you put a document into a standard fax machine and enter the recipient's number, the fax machine dials the number you entered, scans the document, converts the picture into sounds and sends those sounds across the telephone line. The receiving machine converts the received sounds into a picture and prints that picture. Then the receiving fax machine tells the sending machine the fax was received and they both hang up.

How Internet Fax Machines Work

Internet fax machines use the Internet, in addition to a PSTN line, to send and receive faxes. Since standard fax machines do not connect to the Internet, if you want to send and receive faxes with standard fax machines you will have to have a regular phone line connected to your Internet fax machine. Internet fax machines send and receive Internet faxes through an email account to other email accounts.

Who Uses Internet Fax Machines

People who travel a lot and who receive time-critical faxes through PSTN lines use Internet fax machines. Because all of the faxes received by the fax machine are automatically sent to an email account, the faxes are easily read using a laptop or a PDA (personal digital assistant) connected to the Internet.

Internet Fax Machine Limitations

If your ISP requires SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol) authentication, which most do, you will not be able to send your faxes through a standard email account. You can use an alternate email account service that is designed for fax transfers, but you will have to pay a monthly fee. Also, if your ISP blocks port 25 you will not even be able to use the aforementioned service.

Alternatives

Many people are using a device, magicJack, to send and receive faxes over the Internet. When using the magicJack and a regular fax machine, they are able to send and receive standard faxes over the Internet to regular fax machines, as well as make local and long distance phone calls for about $20 per year. While magicJack does not support this function, they do offer some guidance and many are experiencing success. Click the magicJack Faxing Tips Resource and type "fax" in the search field for more information. Other people use Vonage or similar VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) phone services with monthly fees starting at about $30. However, neither of the above options will automatically transfer your faxes to an email account.

Interpret Forex Rates

Foreign exchange rates specify how much a particular currency is worth in terms of another currency. Like stocks, foreign exchange rates are established by currency traders who buy and sell various foreign currencies on a daily basis. There are a number of exchanges on which foreign currency is traded, and the U.S. foreign exchange market is one of the oldest exchanges in the world. Fluctuations in exchange rates can have a significant impact on a company's financial performance, so understanding interpret exchange rates is important for corporate managers and investors.

Instructions

1. Retrieve the exchange rate you are interested in from a website such as XE.com. The home page of XE.com contains a chart showing the exchange rates of major global currencies, or you can search for a particular exchange rate using the converter at the bottom of the page. Suppose you learn that one U.S. dollar is equal to 95 Japanese yen. This exchange rate means that if you were to travel to Japan you could purchase 95 yen with one dollar. Also, if you were to see a good priced at 95 yen, you would know that this price is equal to one dollar.

2. Convert a specified quantity of one currency into another currency. Set up an equation so that the units of currency you are converting will cancel out. For example, suppose you are planning a trip to Japan and you want to know how many yen you can buy with $350. Using the exchange rate from Step 1, set up the following equation: (350 dollars) x (95 yen / 1 dollar). Because dollars are in both the numerator and denominator of this equation, dollars will cancel out and you will be left with yen. In this example, $350 = 33,250 yen.

3. Analyze historical trends in exchange rates. You can pull data on historical exchange rates using XE.com. Suppose that six months ago, the yen-dollar exchange rate was $1 = 80 yen vs. a current exchange rate of $1 = 95 yen. In this case, the U.S. dollar has appreciated (i.e. strengthened) relative to the yen because you can now buy more yen with one dollar than you could six months ago. This currency appreciation means that Japanese goods will be cheaper for American consumers, which may encourage Americans to import more Japanese goods and may also encourage more Americans to travel to Japan. Also, businesses that manufacture goods in Japan but sell those goods in the U.S. will benefit, since they can exchange their dollar revenue for more yen.

Who's My Phone Company

After phone number portability regulations took effect in the late 1990s, some phone customers who ported their numbers have experienced some difficulty in determining who their current phone carrier actually is. With some basic identification, however, and use of advanced online resources, users can quickly and conveniently identify who their current carrier may be.

Dial 6-1-1

For many users, identifying their current phone carrier may be as simple as dialing 6-1-1. The "N11" number sequence is set aside by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) for special uses, such as 911 for emergencies and 511 for traffic information. When a phone customer dials 611 from most cell phones, voice-over Internet protocol (VOIP) phones and land line service areas, the call is automatically routed to the current carrier's customer service center. In most cases, the caller will be greeted by an interactive voice response (IVR) unit that announces the company's name, though some users may be connected directly to a live operator (if a live operator answers, users can simply ask who the current carrier is). Some land line phone users may also be able to receive the same service by simply picking up the phone and dialing "0," though live operators have largely been replaced by automated response systems.

Look Up the Number

Phone customers with readily available Internet access can also take advantage of advanced ID services publicly available from a number of websites. Of the websites available, the one commonly used by phone company employees is Fone Finder, an automatic number lookup service operated by the telecommunications specialty operation known as Primeris. When a user accesses this site, she simply plugs in the area code and prefix of his (or any other) phone number to quickly identify the carrier assigned to that number. Because some areas use a special type of number assignment known as "thousands-block pooling," users can also enter the first digit of the line number for more accurate identification. Some users may be initially confused by the options on the Fone Finder website, as it is intended for use by experienced telecommunications professionals. Users unfamiliar with phone lingo should keep in mind that the technical terms for "area code" and "prefix" are, respectively, "NPA" and "NXX."

Identify a Long Distance Carrier

Some phone customers may be already familiar with their local phone company, but may not be certain who their long distance carrier is. In order to eliminate confusion regarding long distance carriers, telecom regulations allow customers to dial a toll-free number that is routed to a recording announcing the name of the assigned long distance carrier. To hear this recording, phone subscribers simply dial 1-700-555-4141. This service reliably identifies the long distance carrier for land line and cell phone users but, due to the unique nature of their service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) customers may not have access to this feature.

So How Exactly Does Hydraulic Concrete Work

Portland cement is a common hydraulic material used in construction.

Hydraulic concrete, more properly called hydraulic cement, is a material that hardens when exposed to water but independent of the amount of water. Hydraulic cements can even harden under water, making them appropriate for use in wet areas and for completely or partly submerged structures. These types of cement work due to chemical reactions in the mix.

Portland Cement

This cement is the most common type of hydraulic cement and is used to make many kinds of concrete. Portland cement is made by heating limestone, clay and and small quantities of other ingredients to a high temperature. The material produced is then ground up and mixed with gypsum. When the Portland cement comes into contact with water, the calcium oxide in it absorbs carbon dioxide to create calcium carbonate. It doesn't matter how much water is in the mix, and Portland cement will set even underwater. Unlike other hydraulic cements, this material tends to shrink slightly as it cures.

Lime-Pozzolan Cement

According to the Journal Ceramics-Silikaty, this material has been in used since the Neolithic period and was common in Roman construction. Lime-pozzolan cement is made of fine, volcanic ash and agricultural lime. The chemical action of hardening is similar to that of Portland cement but takes much longer. Lime-pozzolan cements are also relatively weak initially and gain strength over time, becoming extremely durable. They are no longer commonly used because of the long time it takes for the cement or concrete to reach full strength. However, chemical additives can speed up the hardening process.

Slag-Lime Cement

Slag-lime cements are composed of agricultural lime and slag, the waste material from ore smelting. Manufacturers must use granulated slag, which has a glass appearance, since other types will not react effectively. The slag itself does not react hydraulically without the presence of an alkaline substance, such as lime. Once the lime has been added, the material works similarly to lime-pozzolan cements, including a longer hardening time and slow strengthening. Slag-lime cements aren't often used on their own but are a common ingredient in Portland cement blends.

Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement

This cement is made from material that includes calcium sulfoaluminate, a material found in Israel, close to the Dead Sea. Calcium sulfoaluminate cements are expansive in contact with water and do not shrink like conventional Portland cement. They can be used to fill gaps effectively and repair leaks. This material requires lower kiln temperatures than Portland cement and can be made using less energy. However, producing calcium sulfoaluminate cement does release significantly more sulfur dioxide, a component of acid rain.

Determine Capital Rate

The definition of a capitalization rate is: The net operating income divided by the property value. A percentage representing the return on the investment, assuming the property was purchased for cash. So to determine the cap rate you must know the property value and the net operating income. To determine the property value you will need to do some research. Find at least three similar properties that have sold in the past year. Comparing them to the subject property, find the differences. There are values for location, size, functionality, condition, age and use. The values will be different depending on the market conditions where the property is located. You can get these values from a local appraiser of you can average the three "most comparable" properties and come up with a approximate value.

Instructions

1. Once you have determined the approximate value, you will need to determine the net operating income on the comparable properties. Net operating income is determined by deducting operating expenses from effective gross income. To find the effective gross income is potential gross income minus vacancy and collection losses plus other income. Simply, If you have an apartment building that has 20 apartments and each apartment is rented for $400 monthly, your potential gross income is $8000 per month or $96,000 per year. However, not all the apartments are rented all the time. Let's say you have a vacancy rate of 10%. 10% of 20 apartments is 2 apartments. This means 18 apartments are rented all the time. So you deduct $9,600 from the $96,000 and get $86,400. No suppose you have vending machines, washers and dryers that net you another $5,000 per year. Your effective gross income would be $91,400.

2. From your effective gross income you will deduct your net operating expenses. To find the properties operating expenses you need to look at three categories: fixed expenses, variable expenses and reserves for replacement. Fixed expenses would include property taxes and insurance. Variable expenses include utilities, supplies, management, maintenance, cleaning services and trash removal. Reserves for replacements is a fund for things such as replacing a roof or painting the exterior of the building. You need to estimate the cost of the job and divide by the life of the repair. This is often left out of the operating expenses so if you can't find it in the financial statement estimated it yourself. This could be a very substantial expense at some time.

3. Now that you have determined the operating expenses, deduct them from the effective gross income that you calculated earlier. This will give you the net operating income. Divide your net operating income by the value of the property and you have determined the capitalization rate. If it is below the standard rate at the time, this is not a good investment if you are looking for a certain return on your money. You can however determine what rate you desire, divide the net operating income by your desired rate and determine what you would be willing to pay for the subject property and then make an offer to the owner. The worst that could happen is that the owner rejects your offer and you move on to the next property.

Make Use Of The Conservation & Alternative Energy Inquiry & Referral Service

The Conservation and Renewable Energy (EERE) Inquiry and Referral service is a government agency that offers free advice and literature for those seeking environmentally friendly solutions for renewable energy technology. The service offers tips and sources for the green construction of new buildings and energy conserving tips for older buildings. Below is a guide to receiving information and referrals from the agency.

Instructions

1. Visit the agency's website and look at menu on left hand side to determine what branch your inquiry comes under. Whether it is alternate car fuels or solar paneling, the site offers a comprehensive list of topics to from which to choose.

2. Determine topic of inquiry and then click on the "EERE Information Center" tab at top right-hand corner of home page. The site offers both telephone and electronic form inquiry methods. The phone number is 800-363-3732 and the inquiry email address is doe.erec@nciinc.com. The form offers a printed and emailed copy of your inquiry for your records.

3. Enter your inquiry and contact information in the boxes provided by the e-form, and submit.

4. Research other available information sources. On the same page as the inquiry form are links to databases and literature offered by the energy agency along with a guide to using the resources on the website.

5. Use the title list on the website to find further information on your specific project. From a link on the inquiry page called "Searching EERE's Website for online resources," a host of additional information exists. All information is printable and offers further database links.

6. Contact the agency by telephone at 703-893-0400 if website does not provide information or you have trouble accessing the information. You can also write to them at: PO Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116. The EERE can mail or fax information to you if you are having trouble with Internet access.

Homemade Glass Crusher

Crushed glass is easy to make, and you can use it for hundreds of projects ranging from art to home decor. The most common term for small pieces of crushed glass is frit, which ranges in size and texture based on the method of glass crushing.

Function

You can use crushed glass in jewelry, beads, lamps and other glass ornamentations. Finely ground frit works as a pigment in colored art glass and glass fusing.

Methods

The simplest method for making frit at home is wrapping the larger pieces of glass in cloth or paper and using a hammer to break it up carefully. Another method is to heat the glass with an outdoor grill or fire pit and then use tongs to place the glass in a bucket of cold water -- the sudden change in temperature will cause the glass to break. Old garbage disposals also can make frit if set up correctly, but use extreme caution when removing the disposal from the sink and attaching it to an outside table or bench.

Warning

When crushing glass at home, always remember to wear eye protection, a protective mask and gloves to avoid cuts and burns during the frit-making process. Glass crushing can be dangerous, so be alert and act responsibly.

Write Employment Ad

Write a Job Ad

As an employer, you will need to write a job ad at some time. The goal of the ad is to attract potential employees who have the required ability and experience that they need to do the job. This way, you will waste less time interviewing people who don't have the qualifications that you require.

Instructions

1. Write down a complete analysis and description of the job. Take note of the key points that you want to include in your job ad, such as required job skills or duties that the employee will perform.

2. Begin writing your job ad, starting by stating the company and the position that you need to fill. You can probably include this information in the ad title, which should be descriptive and eye catching. Follow with a short list of job duties. If you require any previous experience, a college degree or other experience, list those next.

3. Mention the salary. Some employers like to list the pay in the ad, while others prefer not to discuss that until they find an employee they want to hire. This is up to you; you can simply say that you offer competitive pay.

4. List the reasons why your company is great to work for. Maybe you offer paid holidays, paid training, overtime or bonuses. If you strive to maintain a great work environment, say so in your job ad. Job seekers look for jobs that will improve their life.

5. Include contact information and instructions on apply. You may want applicants to mail or fax their resumes, or come in to ask for an application instead. Make sure you specify where your company is, so that applicants who don't live in the area and don't wish to commute won't apply.

The Benefits Of Kriging Versus Triangulation Contour Mapping Techniques

Computer software can build terrain surfaces by interpolating between surveyed contour lines on a map.

Computer software can model terrain surfaces for contour mapping by using interpolation to estimate and derive information between data points provided by a survey. Kriging and triangulation are two interpolation options in mapping software, each possessing advantages and disadvantages for different mapping situations.

Significance of Interpolation Method Choice

The interpolation method chosen in contour mapping can affect the accuracy of the resulting surface, depending on the spread of original data. Interpolation methods are programmed to make different assumptions based on surrounding information. For this reason, some data sets or mapping objectives lend themselves better to one interpolation method over another. The goal of choosing the right interpolation method is to generate surfaces to a degree of accuracy for representation, analysis or assessments.

The Kriging Method

The kriging interpolation method uses a grid of equally spaced data points to generate surfaces. This method uses weighted moving averaging, in assuming that one pattern of variation can be applied across the surface it defines from the set of data. The goal of kriging is not to directly mimic reality, but to follow the general trends shown by data points.

The Triangulation Method

Interpolation by triangulation is a very flexible method that can create a surface quickly from different types of data sources. Rather than using a grid, the triangulation method defines a surface from irregularly spaced points. This characteristic often results in more accurately defined features. Since triangulation does not average information during interpolation, it is better equipped to deal with data sets with abrupt peaks or changes. The triangulation method can be computed quickly because it uses fewer points than kriging, but it will not create as smooth of a surface. If appearance is a main mapping objective, triangulation might not be the best option.

Kriging vs. Triangulation

The kriging method has several advantages over triangulation and other interpolation methods in the general accuracy and lack of bias of the resultant surface. Estimates in kriging have a known minimum degree of variation, so a calculation of confidence across surfaces can be determined. Further, the method is beneficial to data analysis by showing gaps in information. The resultant surface from kriging is averaged, so while it is generally accurate, it does not necessarily honor original data points. Triangulation surfaces accurately follow original data, but are less capable of extrapolating information or trends beyond an original data set.

Inbound Customer Support Job Description

Inbound customer service reps work in call centers.

An inbound customer service professional is a telephone operator who is employed in a call center for the purpose of answering questions, logging complaints and taking orders proposed by new and existing customers of an organization.

Educational Requirements

Employers require inbound customer service representatives to possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Technical Requirements

Candidates for the role of inbound customer service specialist must be able to master various pieces of office technology, such as computers and telephone systems.

Qualitative Requirements

To be successful as an inbound customer services operator, an individual must be excellent communicators, possessing the abilities to listen and speak eloquently.

Employment Outlook

Employment within this industry is anticipated to increase at a rate of 25 percent between 2006 and 2016 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Industry Statistics

In 2006, there were 2.2 million customer service professionals employed nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the biggest percentage of these individuals--23 percent--were found within the insurance and financial services industries.

Suggestions For Kids' Inventions And Patents

Bright ideas

Kids are inventing more than ever, and they're coming up with some great ideas and even getting patents for their inventions. Inventing is creative and entertaining. A child doesn't have to be a genius or be good at math and science to invent something. An invention can be as simple as toilet paper. When kids are looking for invention ideas, they should consider their interests or hobbies, then look at ways to make improvements.

Games

You can invent either a new board game, outdoor game, or, if you're good on computers, a new computer game. There are lots of ways to approach the board game idea. It can be a simple "follow the squares" game for young kids, but create a unique theme. You can invent a new word or dictionary game, or a trivia game with subjects just for kids. For outdoor games, think of your favorite sport and if there's some way to make it newer, better or more fun. For instance, you could invent a completely new type of ball, perhaps an amoeba shape that bounces out of control when it lands on the ground. Computer game creation programs are available that give you the format for inventing your own games.

Fashion

This can be a fun area for inventions for either girls or boys. Think about the clothes you wear, also hats, shoes, gloves, jewelry and sunglasses. Maybe you can invent a new way to close your pants, shirts or jackets. Someone invented Velcro shoes to replace shoelaces. You could create clothes that use Velcro instead of zippers or buttons. Jewelry is available that uses LEDs (light emitting diodes) to make it blink or light up, but the jewelry is mostly of the gag-gift variety. Invent a higher quality line of jewelry that uses the LEDs. You could also invent a product line of clothes that incorporates the LEDs, including shoes, hats, and even sunglasses.

Pets

Observing and caring for your pets can give you ideas for inventions. You can invent a way to take a crawling tick off a dog without touching it---maybe a hand tool that uses tape to catch the tick. People buy scratching posts for their cats, but they can eventually wear out or look unsightly. Invent a scratching post that dispenses new material, perhaps something like a lint roller. Make it easy to spot your dog or cat in the dark---and let them make a fashion statement at the same time---by inventing a collar with embedded LEDs.

Legally Safeguard A Concept

How Do I Legally Protect an Idea

It hit you like a bolt of lightening, or maybe you've been working on this idea for years. The next and most essential step is to legally protect your idea with a patent. By legally protecting your idea with a patent, you will not only receive recognition for your ingenuity and material rewards for your viable inventions, but more important, your idea will be protected from being commercially manufactured, used, distributed or sold without your approval.

Instructions

How Do I Legally Protect an Idea?

1. Locate a patent attorney by visiting https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/GeoRegion.jsp.

Click on the state you reside in to see a list of patent attorneys registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

2. Perform a copyright search by visiting http://patft.uspto.gov/ and review applications and issued patents to ensure your idea is original and has not received a patent already.

3. Choose a patent type. Provision Patents offer patent pending status and guarantees protection for one year. A Non-Provisional Patent guarantees protection for 20 years from the date of filling.

4. Fill out the patent application online at http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/efs_help.html.

Submit the completed application and the associated filling fees.

5. Maintain the patent by paying the annual fee. For standard patents the annual fee begins on the fifth anniversary of the initial filing date. For Innovation Patents, the annual fee begins on the second anniversary of the initial filing date.

Exactly What Does Corvettes Mean

What Does Corvette Mean?

Corvette is the name given to a type of lightly armed, small warship, smaller than a frigate. During the Age of Sail, many navies used corvettes, but the first recorded reference is to a vessel in the French Navy in the 1670s. The origin of the word is debated, although many authorities believe it evolved from the Middle Dutch word "corf," meaning a small ship.

Size

In the seventeenth century, most corvettes were from 12 to 18 m long, and weighed between 35 and 65 metric tonnes.

Function

Corvettes were mainly used as coastal patrol vessels and to support large fleets. They carried four to eight small guns.

Famous Corvette

The corvette USS Constellation, constructed in 1854, disrupted the African slave trade, intercepting three slave ships and freeing the slaves. The restored USS Constellation is docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor (see Resources).

Modern Corvettes

In World War II, the British Royal Navy built the first modern corvettes as patrol and antisubmarine escort vessels for convoys. Many twenty-first century navies are moving toward smaller and more maneuverable vessels, and so the corvette design is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet employee Myron Scott gave the Corvette its name in 1953. The company wanted to use a word beginning with "C" that was not an animal name. Scott found the word by looking through a dictionary.

Write An Excellent Book

When beginning a major writing project, we may exude motivation, energy and drive. however, not long into the project, our drive and desire to finish the project wanes. Here's keep the drive and motivation alive.

Instructions

1. You know what you want to write about and you’re convinced you’ve got a good story line. You’ve taken the first step. But there are many more.

2. The next step of the project, whether it is fiction or nonfiction, is dedication. You must commit yourself to the completion of this project.

3. The third step is understanding why the desire to get started with the book even began in the first place. There are basically three reasons for writing a book:You want to share something that happened to you.You simply want to express yourself.You want to prove to yourself that you actually can complete the project.Understanding the reason behind your desire to write a book is a critical step for two reasons:It serves as the motivation for starting the book.It helps you to stick with the project through all the stages, no matter how hard things may get.

4. Passion is the fourth step. The reader won’t be able to put the book down because the book will take on a life of its own. Hence, passion is the key component.

5. Planning is the fifth step. Planning is critical because it is the road map that will take you from the opening pages of your book to the end. The planning stage of a fictional book has several minor steps: Plot outline: The conflict will serve as the page-turner. Because of this, it must be planned out prior to the writing stage. The conflict can be man versus man, man versus himself, man versus society, man versus nature. Within the plot outline you will give the settings and mention any key imagery.The Plot outline can be likened to a script treatment or a very rough version of the first draft. Lay out different plot points. That is, show how the story opens, how it continues, or proceeds, from one idea, or conflict, to the next and how it concludes. Character sketch: This is the background, or history, of your main characters. Through this sketch, you will gain a definite understanding of the major characters in your story. While writing the sketch, you will ask questions of the characters:Where is his/her hometown? What is his/her favorite color? Does he/she have a pet? What is it? Does he/she have a mother? A father? And the questions will go on.

Design An Advert

Regardless of the product or service you want to write an advertisement for, the guidelines for designing a strong, effective advertisement are the same. Product focus, clarity, and audience appeal are the keys to a successful advertising for any business. Marketing a product or service successfully through advertising can mean the difference between a long-term profitable business and a business that doesn't last a year. Learn how you can design an advertisement that will show your product or service in its best light and make your business successful.

Instructions

1. Understand the product or service you want to design an advertisement for. This is the key step because you want to identify the target audience for the product or service. This will be the audience the advertisement is aimed at. An advertisement that misses its target audience will fall short every time.

2. Consider the medium for your advertisement. Will it be in a major glossy magazine or a newspaper? How much space will you have to work with? A full page color magazine advertisement will give you more freedom to use graphics than a 5 by 5-inch black and white ad in a newspaper.

3. Write a strong, catchy headline. The headline will be the word or phrase that draws attention to your advertisement. You want the headline to ask a question your audience will want to know the answer to. The headline should say something to pique audience interest. Make reference in your headline to a universal issue when possible.

4. Keep the rest of the text to the point. Set up the situation (what the problem is), suggest a solution (what will fix the problem), and name the product. Example: Audience is thirsty, buy a refreshing drink, what about this drink? Convince the audience with a few select details that will ensure them the drink you're advertising is the best drink.

5. Use eye-appealing graphics if space permits. The image should be at the forefront of the text if the image can say what you want better than words. The old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words," is true. Consider the images you use in your advertisement wisely.

Wire Transfer Work

How Does a Wire Transfer Work?

The History of the Wire Transfer

Wire transfers are simply a way for people to exchange money when they are located apart from one another. For example, if your college student runs out of money in Cleveland while you are in Orlando, you can use a wire transfer to get him or her the necessary funds quickly. Today's wire transfers are often handled by telegraph companies, such as Western Union, because it was these companies that popularized the idea decades ago. However, the idea of having a method for exchanging currency between people is much older and dates all the way back to the idea of the "giro." The giro was a centralized banking system in which funds could be withdrawn or deposited through the post office. The idea actually pre-dates the development of banks.

The Wire Transfer Process

Two parties are always involved in a wire transfer: the sender and the receiver. First, the sender must go to a bank or wire transfer facility (many are conveniently located in grocery stores or other retail establishments) and request the sending of the money. The Bank Identifier Code (BIC) or the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) must be presented by the sender so the sending bank will know where the money is going to go. In some cases, the wire transfer facility may already have this information accessible. Once the sending facility has the information it needs, it can send a message to the receiving financial institution using the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) or a similar communications system that allows them to release the specified funds to the person receiving the money. The actual transfer of the funds does not happen instantly. In fact, it can take quite a long time--up to several days. However, the receiver is free to pick up the funds on his or her end of the transaction any time after the message has been received.

The Security of Wire Transfers

Wire transfers can be a very secure method of exchanging funds when the transfers are sent from one bank to another. In this case, both the sender and the receiver are required to have an account at the same respective facility. That adds a greater element of protection, particularly for the sender. Today, however, some wire transfers are conducted through Western Union, which can be convenient, but also poses some risks because the transactions can be conducted anonymously. One of the most common scams is to send an individual a bad check and request that a portion of the check be sent by wire transfer to them in a foreign country. By the time the transfer has been sent and the funds have been picked up on the other end, the check comes back bad.

Qualifications For Marketing Or Finance Jobs

Those seeking employment in finance and marketing jobs envision making multimillion dollar profits in the flash of a stock ticker or presenting a Fortune 500 company with an innovative marketing campaign. The types of jobs in these fields are numerous: Hedge fund manager, public relations agent, marketing researcher, stock broker and advertising representative are just a few. However, not everyone is eligible for these positions. Obtaining employment in these fields requires a few credentials, traits and characteristics.

Education Credentials

Though some workers are hired into jobs with just a high school diploma and possibly an associate's degree in business, entry-level marketing and finance jobs prefer candidates with a business-related bachelor's degree. For a finance-related position, firms desire candidates with a degree in finance, accounting, statistics, economics or math. Employers hiring people for marketing jobs seek candidates with degrees in marketing, business, management, communications, psychology or sociology. Businesses give preference to workers who possess an advanced degree in these fields or a masters in business administration.

Skills and Training: Finance

Most positions in marketing and finance offer on-the-job training. Investment firms on Wall Street, for instance, have intense weed-out courses that test trainees in foreign markets, finance operations and statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many finance-related jobs, such as a financial analyst, require additional licensure by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. BLS lists other desirable traits of an analyst including analytical, detail-oriented, mature and skilled at problem-solving.

Skills and Training: Marketing

For marketing jobs, advertising firms usually place new hires with seasoned veterans on new accounts. BLS explains that the most eligible candidates for this field possess foreign language skills, are highly skilled with computers and databases, exude creativity and can communicate in a persuasive manner. BLS also states that most promotions in marketing within large firms are made internally. Therefore, working well with others and being an effective team player are the best ways to advance to better positions within the company.

Considerations

Obtaining high-level marketing and finance jobs often require working long hours in low-paying jobs with long hours. For marketing, the typical entry-level job is a sales representative. For finance, roles include gathering new clients and taking on accounts with a small net worth. Both of these positions boost customer service skills and knowledge of the industry. Networking during these years is especially critical: Clients gained in these formative years can hold accounts with a person for many years.

Periodic Fruits & Veggies List

Apples are a fall fruit.

While it's possible to buy just about any fruit or vegetable whether it's in season or not, it's more economical to buy them when they are in season. They taste better as well. When it's winter, and cold, in most of the United States it's warm in South America. Fruits and vegetables are grown there, picked unripe, and shipped to the states. For fresher and tastier produce, stick with local seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Spring

Early spring sees asparagus and rhubarb first hitting the market. Asparagus are harvested before the leaves have begun to unfold. They come in green and white. The white version is simply asparagus that has been covered from the sun so the stem doesn't turn green. Rhubarb is considered a fruit because it is used mostly in desserts. Only the bright red and pink stems of the plant are edible. The rest is toxic. You might not think of oranges as a spring fruit, but that's when Valencia oranges naturally ripen in Florida, California and Arizona.

Late Spring

Late spring harvest includes cool season crops like peas, broccoli and cauliflower that were planted in early spring, right after the last frost. They stop producing well when warm weather hits. Some leafy greens, such as chard and kale, keep producing all summer long. Lettuces and spinach, start to bolt, or throw up flower stalks, when the weather warms up and should be harvested long before that, because as soon as the stalk starts, the greens become bitter.

Summer

Summer is when fruits and vegetables are most bountiful. Fruits such as peaches, apricots and cherries reach their peak of ripeness in summer. Summer berries include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and, of course, strawberries. Melons need the heat and long days of warmth to do well, so grow best in the summer and include honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon. Summer vegetables include beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers, squashes and eggplant.

Fall

Apples announce autumn, loud and clear, even though some varieties ripen in late summer. Other fall fruits include pears, persimmons and grapes. Vegetables include cabbage, mostly because it has such a long maturity time and won't be at full size before fall. Brussels sprouts taste sweeter if they've been exposed to a light frost in the fall. They too have a long time to harvest. Endive, grown commercially, is grown in greenhouses so it can be shielded from the sun and kept white. When grown in a garden, it is ready in fall.

Winter

Root vegetables may be left in the ground during the early part of the winter, before the ground freezes solid. These include carrots, turnips, parsnips and rutabagas. Once the ground freezes, the roots do too, so bring them inside before that happens. Other vegetables are considered winter vegetables because they're starchy, such as potatoes, and will keep well in a cold but not freezing place. Winter squashes such as acorn and Hubbard have thick hard skins that prolong the life of the squash after it's been picked. Like summer squashes such as zucchini and patty pan, winter squashes are grown during the summer.

Purchase A Coop

When you buy a co-op, which is short for cooperative housing project, you are not the owner of your apartment. Instead, a corporation is the owner, and you are a stockholder. Besides a mortgage, you must also pay a monthly co-op fee. This allows the corporation to pay property taxes and take care of maintenance. It's similar to a condo, but in a co-op, the building's board of directors will have to vote and approve you as a member of the cooperative.

Instructions

1. Work with a Realtor who has experience in co-op buying. He can assist you with finding properties with good histories, and he knows guide you through the approval process.

2. Hire a real estate attorney who is familiar with co-ops. You may need an accountant, since the co-op board has the right to request proof that you are financially stable.

3. Read carefully the co-op's Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, also known as CC&Rs. Can you sublet your apartment? What about pets? What types of repairs does your CC&R cover? Have your attorney review the document, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Each state has a law stating how many days you have to study the CC&R. Make sure the document contains information on the co-op's bylaws and a current financial statement.

4. Prepare to come clean about your own financial picture. The co-op board has the right to ask for your recent tax returns, investment statements, salary information, a credit report and even a background check. You have to show you are responsible and can pay maintenance fees and taxes, as well as afford the mortgage.

5. Check out the zoning around the co-op. If it surrounded by other apartments buildings or condos, or if the close buildings are reputable business sites, you're probably OK. But if there is a lot of empty land or buildings in the neighborhood, read zoning laws and inquire about future developments. Sketchy neighbors can bring down the value of your new home.

6. Realize the co-op board makes the final decision about whether you get the property or not. By law, the board cannot discriminate against you; however, it is not required to explain a rejection.

Sell Gold Dust

Selling gold dust

Gold dust is the form of gold that is collected by panning for gold or other forms of placer mining and is composed of flakes and occasionally small nuggets. If you want to sell gold dust, the easiest way to do so is to find a company that can assay (test) and refine the gold. There are several ways to sell gold dust either online or through a local dealer. Whichever method you choose, the steps you need to take are pretty much the same.

Instructions

1. Find out what the current market prices are for gold. Prices for both refined gold (gold bullion and investment coins) and unrefined gold vary with the commodity price of the metal and can change from day to day.

2. Have your gold dust tested (assayed). Assaying determines whether your gold dust is real gold and what the purity is. Buyers will want to see an assay report before purchasing your gold dust.

3. Locate a dealer to buy your gold dust. In many cases, assay services also refine precious metals, so you may be able to test and sell gold dust at the same time.

4. Sell your gold dust. You will not get a price per ounce equal to the daily spot price of gold because the buyer must allow for the costs of refining the gold dust. However, good buyers will give you fair prices, especially if you get quotes from multiple buyers.

5. Maintain careful records of your transactions. When you sell gold in any form and make a profit, you will need to declare it on your tax return.

Develop A Saying

When you see the Nike logo, their tag line "Just do it" immediately comes to mind

When it comes to a business, most owners focus on their logo when it comes to branding. A business tag line, however, is as important. A tag line is a slogan designed to sum up your business product or service and define your company. For example, when you hear "Made from the best stuff on Earth," you immediately think of Snapple. A good tag line is easy to remember and sets your company apart.

Instructions

1. Determine your target audience. Before you can begin creating a tag line, you must know who you are trying to reach. For example, if your business caters to the senior population, say with mobility products, your tag line should not be based on hip slang words more appropriate for a younger crowd. Your tag line needs to be memorable to the audience you are trying to target.

2. Brainstorm with colleagues and create a list of words that you consider to be descriptive of your business. Use your product line, business philosophy and logo image as a focus.

3. Take the list of words you have developed and look up each word in a thesaurus for synonyms.This will create a larger word pool from which to work.

4. Put together words from your list into short descriptive phrases. Try using rhyming patterns with the words and play around a bit. See what phrases become catchy and stick in your mind.

5. Take your list of potential tag lines to friends and family to get other opinions. Try setting them aside for a few days and come back to them later. When you find one that you can't get out of your head, you keep coming back to, or you are comparing the others to, then you will have found the right tag line for your company.

Kiosk Business Proprietor Spend A Workday

Set Up the Kiosk

Because a kiosk business sometimes requires items to be removed from the location at the end of the night, the kiosk business owner must arrive well in advance of opening to do some setup activities. The kiosk must be unlocked, countertops, glass windows and display units must be wiped down, and the products must be arranged for display to customers. The kiosk owner will also need to set up any removable posters and other displays that will advertise the business.

In the case of a kiosk selling intangible goods and services, such as insurance products and mortgages, the kiosk business owner must prepare all of his paperwork, fliers and brochures for customers to access the information that they need quickly.

Keep Track of Inventory

Before opening the kiosk to the public, the kiosk business owner must take inventory of the items he will have up for sale. Since this is such a small business, every single item matters. He must ensure that the number of items he closed the kiosk with the night before matches the opening inventory of that day.

Monitor Products

Once the kiosk is open for business, the kiosk owner must constantly monitor the products. Kiosk businesses sometimes display items outside of an enclosure, which makes the products more vulnerable to theft. So the kiosk business owner must constantly be on the lookout for suspicious characters who hang around the shop.

The kiosk business owner will also want to keep an eye on the products to ensure that they are not getting dusty or in danger of being damaged.

Ring Up Customers

Throughout the workday, the kiosk business owner will need to ring up orders from the customers who patronize her shop. She will either need to work a cash register, keep a lock box, or swipe credit cards. Each night after the sales are finished, the kiosk owner will need to take an accounting of what has gone in and come out (returns).

Shut Down the Kiosk and Make Deposits

Once the workday is complete, the kiosk business owner must close up shop. If the items cannot be safely locked up inside of the structure, the owner must pack them up into boxes or crates to be transported back to storage. Some kiosks are portable, so the business owner will need to transport the entire structure to another location overnight.

The kiosk business owner will also want to go to the bank everyday to deposit the cash earnings less the money she will need to make change for customers the next day. Depositing money every day makes accounting easier and helps the business owner keep track of which days are best for business. Also, making a daily deposit is much safer than carrying around cash throughout the entire week.

Order or Make New Supplies

At the end of the night, once the kiosk is shut down, the kiosk business owner will need to order new supplies to replenish the items that were sold. If the business owner makes his own products, he will probably spend a few hours of each day manufacturing replacements.

Fitness Model Spend A Workday

How Does a Fitness Model Spend a Workday?

Job Description

A fitness model works as a model for fitness magazines, newsletters and other publications, fitness commercials and infomercials, workout videos and TV shows, and at various promotional events for fitness companies. A fitness model must be physically fit, have good overall muscle definition and have knowledge of a variety of workout techniques and styles. A model must also be able to demonstrate a slew of fitness moves both in person and on camera with ease.

Typical Workday

A fitness model begins a typical workday early in the morning and may work over eight hours and well into the night. The early morning call time will typically be either for a photo shoot, commercial shoot or video shoot. At a photoshoot, the model will arrive early to get her hair and makeup done, which may take between one to two hours. During the photoshoot, the fitness model will change several outfits and be photographed at various locations often in poses that show off muscle tone and definition. For a video shoot, the model will arrive a few hours before the scheduled filming to prepare hair, makeup and wardrobe. If the shoot is for a workout video, the model will be required to demonstrate various activities such as push-ups, sit-ups, weight lifting and cardiovascular workout tools.

Other Duties

Other work duties include shooting commercials or infomercials for workout products such as supplements, weight training machines and new workout routines. These video shoots require charisma, a great screen presence and the ability to perform the routines with comfort and ease. Some additional workday duties include attending promotional events such as trade shows for fitness companies where they must be ready to promote the company's product with facts and demonstrations.

Begin A 501c Company

The benefit of starting a 501(c)(3) corporation is that the company is exempt from paying federal taxes. Before you start, however, you must make distinct that the intent of the corporation is to be nonprofit. A company that sets out to make a profit and doesn't is not considered "not-for-profit." Examples of non-profit companies include religious organizations, youth sporting associations, retirement homes and alumni associations. The process is similar to starting a for-profit corporation, the only major difference is applying for tax exempt status.

Instructions

1. Contact the appropriate state office to obtain information about state-specific laws for starting a 501(c)(3) company. The office will vary depending on the state, but is typically handled by the Department of Treasury or Secretary of State. They provide an information packet detailing the process and requirements specific to your state.

2. Create a name for your business. A 501(c)(3) company must be designated with a corporate modifier (Incorporation, Inc., Corporation, Corp, Limited, Ltd.). An example would be "Your Town Little League, Inc." Some words are prohibited from use for a 501(c)(3). These are Bank, Cooperative, Federal, National, United States or Reserve.

3. Draft bylaws. These are the rules by which your corporation will governed and will detail who has the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the company.

4. Contact the same state office from Step 1 to verify that the name is available. You do not want to get all of your paperwork together only to find your chosen name is unavailable.

5. Appoint directors prior to registering as some states require that you list the directors prior to filing. The information packet notes if it is necessary for your state.

6. File your articles of incorporation. This is essentially a registration that you are a corporation permitted to do business in your state of operation. Typically, you need to pay a filing fee that varies in amount from state to state.

7. Apply for tax exempt status from the IRS. The application is available online or at your local IRS office. This step must be done after filing the articles of incorporation as you will need to provide a copy with the application.

8. Apply for tax exempt status from your state, though this is not required in all cases. Check with the Secretary of State or Department of Treasury in your state to confirm. The information is typically provided in the information packet provided by your state.

Business Change With Ecommerce

In an age when people rely on the Internet for everything from socializing to entertainment and shopping, it's a wise idea to start a website for your business. More than that, allowing consumers to buy from your business online will have more positive effects on your business than negative.

Staying Competitive

It's a fact: people prefer businesses with websites. This is true whether the person in question wants to buy from your business or become part of it. The Internet allows people to learn more about you and the product or service you offer before they invest the time in visiting your business location. If your business doesn't have a website, you lose a valuable opportunity every time someone searches for you online and doesn't find you. When they do find you online, having an ecommerce system in place increases your likelihood of making a sale.

Larger Customer Base

Even if you own a small local business, do not discount the number of people outside your local area who may find your website -- after all, unlike a brick-and-mortar business location, the Internet has no geographical boundaries. While geography might dissuade a long-distance visitor to your website from doing business with you, an online shopping solution benefits both him and your business. Your business may earn more than one new customer if he tells others in his area, or online, about his positive experience with your business.

Stronger Ties with Current Customers

Your ecommerce site isn't only a place where prospective customers can find your business, as current customers may also take advantage of the convenient online shopping feature. You can then track your customers' online buying patterns based on location within your city, for example, and gain insight into what attracts various types of buyers to your business. Also, because no website is complete without a contact form, you provide a forum for customers to share their opinions about your business with you anonymously, unlike in a brick-in-mortar store. Use this information to improve your product or service.

Need to Invest More Money

One of the disadvantages of taking a business online is the cost. People prefer not only businesses with websites, they prefer businesses with attractive websites, which means you should consider hiring a web designer if you don't have the necessary skills. A web designer may charge several hundred to more than a thousand dollars to design a small website, but the results are worth it for your business. Almost 40 percent of all online purchases are impulse buys, and the leading cause of the trend is sharp website design, according to User Interface Engineering.

Use Head lines In Business Letter

No matter what type of business letter you are writing, headlines can make a difference in the way the letter is received. Headlines may even determine whether or not the letter is actually read by its recipient. Use business letter headlines wisely.

Instructions

1. Use bold typeface or font when you type your headline in a business letter. The darker, larger print makes the headline jump out at the reader and grabs attention. Most headlines are usually kept under eight words, but can be longer if necessary. A headline can be only at the beginning of a business letter or you can add headlines to each paragraph that presents another point in your communication.

2. Write with strong action verbs when you use a headline in a business letter. Ask a question or present a famous quote that pertains to the situation. If the business situation is regarding hard times or fearful events, offer a word of hope or encouragement in your headlines.

3. Give specific information about the subject matter in your headlines in a business letter. As you break down the information paragraph by paragraph, head each one with a specific point that you want your readers to grasp. You must make your case or present your proposition in the body of the business letter. Make sure your headlines cause some kind of emotional reaction so that the reader will read the whole letter to learn more.

4. Think about several different headlines before you decide which one to use. Business letters need to hit the subject head on and present the case clearly. You must remember that you have only a few seconds to grab the attention of the reader. Make each word count.

Take A Look At Local Companies

If you are interested in doing business with a local company, you may be interested in checking out its reputation before laying your money down to purchase one of its products or services. Especially when it comes to buying big-ticket items, conducting a little research on a company up-front can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Access to public information, business records and even your friends, family members and coworkers may be all of the resources you need to conduct a thorough investigation of a local business.

Instructions

1. Ask people you know if they have done business with the company. Talk with your friends, family and coworkers. Let them know about the product or service you are buying from the local business and see if they have done business with the company before. If so, find out what their experience was in working with the local company.

2. Contact the Better Business Bureau. You can call the Better Business Bureau that covers your local area or you can go to the Better Business Bureau website to conduct a search on whether there are any complaints against the local business. If a compliant has been filed against the local business, find out how the company dealt with resolving the issue or problem.

3. Contact professional or industry associations. No matter what the industry of the local company you are considering, there is a professional organization for it. For example, if you're interested in working with a wedding planner, contact the National Bridal Consultant Association to inquire as to whether a specific company is a member. If so, you can ask about the business. If not, the association can typically provide you with a list of professionals that are members of the organization and serve your local area.

4. Contact your state attorney general's office. The attorney general for your state also handles complaints about any businesses that operate in the state. Provide the business name on the local company to see if the office has any information or complaints on the business.

5. Contact the county and city consumer protection agencies. Call the consumer agencies that serve the county and city where the business operates (see resources). These agencies also log complaints and maintain records on any issues with local businesses.

Write A Professional Summary For Any Script

An executive summary is written for a bust executive who does not have time to review a longer document. In terms of a screenplay, an executive summary whittles the information about a film project down to a few pages and helps sell the project. Here are some helpful steps for writing one regardless of who is doing the writing and presentation to attract investors to a script.

Instructions

1. Identify themes and major plot events. Turn part of an executive summary into a display of how the film's premise can be made attractive to audiences and even commercialized. This is one area where investors will want to see some specifics.

2. Show how the specific project interacts with its industry background. Besides its own selling points, detail how the film would fit into the ongoing chronological trends and line-up that is so much a part of the film business.

3. Describe the players. Show the names of writers, people involved in promoting the project and any casting information you may have that would be helpful to investors.

4. Detail the possible funding for parts of the project and how available funding may be used. It can be helpful in some cases to focus on the greatest challenges of a project and illustrate how they could be supported with creative purchasing or special deals.

5. Include contingency planning. Beyond just showing the strengths of a project, a comprehensive executive summary also (if briefly) addresses possible risk and how the project might be salvaged in the event of any foreseeable (or unforeseeable) problems.

Get Glued For Home Cleaning

When it comes to becoming bonded, there are two types of bond insurance that make sense for the house cleaner: the surety bond and fidelity insurance (also known as employee dishonesty or a crime policy), says Marjorie Young, senior vice president at New York-based E.G. Bowman Co.

The surety bond assures the client that if the work is not completed, the client will have finances available to hire another company to complete the work (this would likely come into play only for very large jobs); the crime policy "offers coverage for loss of money, securities or property by or in collusion with the (cleaning company's) employees," says Young.

Instructions

1. Contact insurances companies for price quotes. In addition to conducting an Internet search and using the phone book, ask associates for references. Keep in mind that odds are the insurance company that issued the general business liability policy for the cleaning business will either issue its own bonds or have a third-party company to do so.

2. Compare quotes from multiple companies. For a cleaning-service company, Young says to expect to pay about $25 per each $1,000 of coverage required for an annual surety bond. A crime policy will depend on a number of underwriting factors but for a small business may run anywhere from $500 to $1,500 a year. Choose the policy that has the right kind of coverage at the most affordable price from the most trusted company.

3. Submit an application. Once payment of the annual premium and signed contract are received by the bond company, the bond will become valid.

So Why Do Nations Do Business With One Another

Trade among nations is essential for countries to obtain goods and services not available within their own borders either because resources are not indigenous or production technology is lacking. Trade also can serve as an important act of diplomacy between cooperating nations looking to support and be supported by one another or as a weapon of war to punish or harm countries with divergent agendas.

Haves and Have Nots

In some cases, trade is essential for a country to obtain a product or resource not available within its sovereign territory. Middle Eastern countries, for example, have vast natural petroleum resources. Much of the world depends on trade with these oil-rich countries for fuel. The need for rare resources held by only a few nations has led to war throughout the course of world history when trade talks have broken down.

Keeping the Peace

Some nations trade amongst themselves as a means of fostering good relations, not just to obtain imports or sell exports. In one form of ancient trade, some countries or tribes would pay tributes of gold or other goods in order to pass through foreign borders for purposes of further trade or travel. A healthy trade treaty is one of the first signs of positive relations between nations.

Specialized Trade

Some countries trade with other nations for particular goods and services because they either lack the technology to produce the goods themselves or the other countries can do it cheaper. One country may be very good, for example, at producing high quality cabinets and entertainment stands for large screen televisions. Another country may have dialed in to the most efficient means of producing high definition televisions that fit on the stands. It would benefit both countries to trade with one another for their different but complementary goods and services.

Trade as a Weapon

Trade, or lack thereof, also can be used as a weapon to do harm to competing or belligerent countries. Powerful nations throughout history have used economic sanctions--essentially blocking and prohibiting trade--with other nations in order to punish or force political or behavioral change. Countries also often enter into strong trade agreements with the enemies of their enemies, such as trading weapons or nuclear arms to one nation that may be used against another. The United States has used economic sanctions on numerous occasions to cease trade with nations suspected of supporting terrorism.

Economic sanctions can be slow to work or ineffective, however, if enough other nations are not on board with the country trying to dole out the punishment.

Unification of Trade

Trade also can serve as the great unifier. Neighboring nation-states with shared borders and similar economic goals and endeavors can create common currencies and trade rules and regulations in order to further the agendas of all participants. In Europe in 2002, for example, 12 nations began using a common currency called the Euro, which has become stronger than the U.S. dollar.

Ship A Vehicle From England To Australia

Overseas shipping services are available from England to Australia with daily shipping options for business and other travel. The process requires that customs clearance and vehicle approval is received before entry into Australia. The most that is required of the car owner is his willingness to find the right international shipping company, purchase insurance if desired, and have the car ready for pickup or delivery to the port where it will then be transported onto the ship. Read on to learn how you can safety and efficiently ship your vehicle to Australia.

Instructions

1. Determine the appropriate shipment option. There are three ways to ship a car overseas: roll on and roll off, or RORO as it is commonly called, consolidation in a 40-foot container high cube, or the use of an exclusive container. The RORO method involves driving the vehicle onto the deck of the ship and then driving it off upon arrival. The consolidation method is used when shipping three or four cars at a time to Australia. The exclusive method requires the use of a container to house the car; the car is driven into the container and held until arrival. The RORO method is the least expensive with the exclusive method being 40 to 50% more expensive than the other methods. The consolidation method can range in price depending on the number of cars that are shipped.

2. Obtain vehicle import approval from the Administrator of Vehicle Standards. Contact at:

The Administrator of Vehicle Standards

ACT Federal Office of Road Safety 0

GPO Box 1553

Canberra Australia 2601

All applicants must have a visitor visa and the original vehicle registration. If approval is not granted, a $12,000 Special duty is imposed.

3. Get customs clearance and affirm the transaction value with a purchase receipt for the vehicle.

4. Clean the car and inspect for damage. Decide if insurance will be purchased for the vehicle. If so, photograph the vehicle for your records.

5. Contact International Car Shipping. Visit the website for online booking and tracking, as well as insurance guides. For multiple cars, select the consolidation in a 40-foot container high cube option. Request a free quote online.

6. Provide key information such as car make, model and year, departure city and state, arrival city and state, as well as your first and last name, email, phone number, shipping date, and credit card information.

7. Check with web for other international shipping companies. Consider Upakwe Ship company, Omega Shipping, or Home Shipping and ask to receive a free online quote. All three companies ship from England to Australia with competitive pricing and varying shipping methods like those mentioned in Step 1.

8. Transport your car to the shipping port. Have your car shipped from Falmouth Harbour, the "first and last" shipping port in England. It is located on the southwestern tip of England.

9. Choose a shipping port in Australia. Ship the car to one of the following cities in Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Fremantle, or Brisbane. With 26 Australian shipping ports and five port authorities, choose the port nearest your location.