Monday, December 15, 2008

The Truth About ADHD Best-Seller Drug Side Effects

With 4 to 5 million children in the US on Ritalin, it is understandable that this drug is commonly regarded as very safe and that many doctors do not think twice about prescribing it to children. This defies logic. The many dangerous Ritalin side effects place this medication in the same category as cocaine and opium, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency; its long-term effects are not known. Here are just some of the facts about side effects of Ritalin you should consider before you decide to use it to treat your child's ADHD.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. We simply do not know just how this medication ends up suppressing ADHD symptoms in children. No ADHD drug can cure this disorder, or even begin to address it causes, and Ritalin is no different-- all it does is suppress the symptoms.The correct dosing is based on trial and error: you start off with a low dosage, monitor the response and side effects of Ritalin, and gradually increase up to whatever dosage controls the symptoms best with the least amount of side effects.

Most common Ritalin side effects include sleep and eating disorders, skin rashes, nausea, headache, drowsiness, dizziness,stunted growth, abdominal pain. High blood pressure and heart-related symptoms can also result: palpitations, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia. According to some statistics, children who are on Ritalin are 20% more likely to end up in the emergency rooms complaining of heart trouble. Many parents also report that their children act "zombie-like" and "unlike themselves" on this medication.

And those are only the most common side effects. More serious side effects include leucopenia, anemia, depression, aggression, hallucinations, tics, dangerously high blood pressure (symptoms might be blurred vision, buzzing in ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headache). Of course, with any stimulant, there is also a risk of drug abuse and of developing a dependence over the long term-- both physical and psychological.

So what's the solution here? A diagnosis of ADHD in no way means that the child has to start taking dangerous mind altering drugs like Ritalin. There are many natural ways of addressing the causes of ADHD and coping with its symptoms without putting your child's health at risk. Behavior modification, diet, supplements, homeopathy can all be extremely effective in soothing the nerves and balancing the brain's biochemistry.

Homeopathic remedies, for instance, use highly diluted natural substances to help the body restore its balance and to counteract ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, lack of attention, and inability to concentrate. Best of all, they are extremely safe, are never addictive and won't cause any side effects.

Bottom line: take Ritalin side effects seriously. Long-term health and well being of your child is too high a price to pay for temporary symptom suppression, especially since alternatives to prescriptions drugs do exist. Natural treatments for ADHD can deliver long-lasting, powerful results. Do your research, so you can help your child live a happy, productive childhood, free from both the debilitating symptoms of ADHD and from dangerous side effects of Ritalin.

Svetlana Gibarac has been researching natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. She is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She contributes regularly to http://www.treatingadhdnaturally.com, a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for ADHD. If you are interested in finding out about alternatives to harsh medication, visit the site to learn more.

Svetlana Gibarac - EzineArticles Expert Author

Treatment For ADHD - Winning Alternatives to Drugs

With millions of children diagnosed with ADHD, it is frankly astounding that most parents believe that psychotropic drugs are the only treatment for ADHD available. This is especially disturbing because each one of those drugs comes with a variety of alarming side effects. Anorexia, stunted growth, stomach pain, vomiting, social withdrawal, anxiety, headaches, rapid heart rate, chest pain, blood pressure problems, are just some of the more common side effects. Long term consequences of using ADHD drugs are subject of much controversy, but may include depression and substance abuse. Fortunately, as thousands of parents can confirm, you do have options if you are looking for a safe and effective alternative treatment for ADHD.

Herbs have been in use for centuries to support healthy brain function. Some herbs commonly used as treatment for ADHD are: Kava kava (calms and helps with anxiety, stress and insomnia); Passionflower (has calming effects); Ginko biloba (improves the use of glucose and blood flow in the brain); Skullcap (antispasmodic, helps with insomnia); St John's Wort (helps with depression and anxiety).

When used properly, herbs are a very safe and effective alternative treatment for ADHD, but some words of caution are in order. Buy herbs and herbal preparations from reputable manufacturers only. Make sure you understand just how and why you are using an herb. To avoid any adverse reactions, research possible interaction with any medication and be very meticulous when calculating dosages for children.

Homeopathy is commonly recommended in many doctors' offices throughout the world as a first line treatment for a variety of disorders. Homeopathic remedies are safe, non-addictive and natural and there are no interactions and side effects to worry about. Most importantly, they work.

Studies have shown that homeopathic remedies can help resolve ADHD symptoms. In a lot of cases, those symptoms did not come back even after the children stopped taking the remedies. You can choose individual homeopathic remedies, or combination remedies specifically formulated for a particular disorder such as ADHD. These remedies help with ADHD symptoms such as lack of focus and attention, hyperactivity, anxiety, temper tantrums etc.

Any pharmaceutical treatment for ADHD can only suppress the symptoms of this disorder. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, are formulated to address the underlying causes of ADHD. They calm and soothe the nervous system and help the body correct its systemic imbalances.

Bach flower remedies use essences of flowers and plants to address particular emotional and mental states. They, too, are extremely safe and can be used in conjunction with other therapies. There are 38 essences altogether, which you can use either in combination or singly. Get a guide at your health food store and choose remedies appropriate for your child's mental state.

Treatment for ADHD does not have to be dangerous, harmful or man-made to be effective. Take the hazards of ADHD drugs seriously, consider the positive experiences so many other parents have had, and decide whether an alternative treatment for ADHD may be right for your child.

Svetlana Gibarac has been researching natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. She is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She contributes regularly to http://www.treatingadhdnaturally.com, a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for ADHD. If you are interested in finding out about alternatives to harsh medication, visit the site to learn more.

Svetlana Gibarac - EzineArticles Expert Author

Vegan Vixen to Eco-Warriors - Green Dating Service Delivers

If you have never heard of a vegan vixen or the eco-warriors, than you need to check out a green dating service and discover what you have been missing. These are just a couple of the tantalizing categories that many of the environmentally conscious dating sites are coming up with, and the singles behind the titles are just as worthwhile and interesting.

Since eco-friendly and green themes cover a lot of different beliefs, not every single person on a green dating service will be a match for you. What they can guarantee is that everyone you come in contact with will have some eco-friendly beliefs. That takes them ten notches ahead of other popular services which are flooded with people who would never fit into your world.

Many green dating services allow you to search through the listings according to political and world views, instead of the narrowly focused "man searching for woman" search terms. This makes sense because you are not just looking for any old woman or man. You are looking for a woman who knows how to cook an authentic vegan meal, or a man who would rather ride his bike down the street than tear around in a gas-guzzling truck to the corner store for his cigarettes. When you have very specific ideas of what your true love will believe in and how they will live, you will very rarely find what you are searching for at match.com.

For those with serious environmentally sensitive views who want their next match to be in line with their own beliefs, a green dating service is the only way to go. Instead of wasting time searching through listing after listing of people who go directly against the grain of what you believe in, you will spend your time interacting with socially conscious individuals who are out to make a difference in the world.

Whether you are a human rights activist or just someone trying to keep in harmony with their body through yoga and vegetarianism, you will find a lot of potential suitors at a green dating service. You won't have to worry about what others may think about your beliefs, and you do not give up any of the security or perks offered through regular dating sites. For example, most will allow you to decide who you do or do not talk with. You will be offered a safe environment to make the initial contacts and given time to get comfortable with someone before deciding you want to give them any of your personal information.

Many people who have given up on dating services due to the frustrations with finding quality matches on the most popular sites have found an entertaining home with the green dating sites. Instead of feeling out of place, they find many people who respect and encourage their lifestyles. Instead of trying to explain their beliefs to people who have no idea what "green" even means, they have deeper conversations with people who share similar beliefs.

It is not uncommon to find people who are very active with the environment or local economics at a green dating service. From an eighteen year old girl just starting to find her green tendencies to a thirty-four year old man who lives and works for the environment, there is a match for virtually anyone at these sites. Just like any other dating service, it just takes a little time and patience to get to know other people and discover your next romantic match-up.

Are you looking for one of the best green dating sites on the internet? Want to meet like minded friends and partners, who share your green and eco-friendly beliefs? If so, visit GreenDating.eu now. We have a huge database of friendly people who share your values and are waiting to meet you. Green dating has never been this easy! GreenDating.eu not only has many members, but it also has many ways to meet them through chatrooms, instant messaging and of course email. Membership is free, so sign up right now.

Mountain Biking Safety Set Up and Maintenance Tips For Novice Bike Riders

The Bay Area has some of the best year-round hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails found perhaps anywhere in the world in such close proximity to a major urban center. However, for those new to mountain biking, the trails and fire roads in the Bay Area can present a unique set of challenges.

Safety is the number one consideration for any mountain biker. Take time to get comfortable both with your equipment and the trails. The first thing to consider is your level of fitness. With the wide variety of challenging mountain biking opportunities on fire roads and multi-use trails in the Bay Area, experience and fitness is important. For the novice or young rider, it is best to start out riding on easy trails and roads.

Winter time in the Bay Area, when the roads are wet and the ground firm, actually offers the best riding surfaces for those appropriately dressed. On the other hand, our dry season, when most people are out, is quite long and runs generally from late spring through early fall. This lack of precipitation allows the trails to become very slippery.

The fire roads, in particular can become loose and unstable. It is almost like riding on gravel in many areas. Coupled with this is the fact that the wildland interface so close to urban centers bringing many people out on our roads and trails. So to avoid accidents, it is important to follow the local rules and ride defensively.

As a novice speak with knowledgeable people, like your local bike shop, about the best places for you to ride. We have many bike shops throughout the Bay Area that are happy to offer assistance. Even at lower elevations, there are very challenging areas in the Bay Area a novice should avoid. For the best experience, initially begin with one to two hour rides with perhaps a 400 to 800' total elevation change. On hot days we recommend avoiding the mid-day sun as fire roads in the Bay Area do get very hot. Water is always critical. Be certain to carry ample water with you at all times.

Avoid trying to tackle difficult uphill or downhill trails until you gain enough experience. Unlike snow skiing or water sports where a fall usually does not cause injury, falling on a hard trail surface definitely hurts and will most likely cause moderate to serious abrasions, or worse. Falling is not the best way to learn! The key to remaining upright is to stay focused and avoid distractions. Trail and road conditions in the Bay Area can change very rapidly from one curve to the next.

When taking children out, start on relatively flat areas and stay away from the mid-day sun. Kids are a lot less heat tolerant, and you want it to be pleasant for them. Many parks and open spaces in the Bay Area have lakes with beautiful, flat areas to ride. This is perfect for kids! Bring a picnic or snacks along.

We strongly recommend against using those behind-the-bike carts for very small children on fire roads and trails. Young children do not have a lot of neck strength yet. These carts are fine for smooth areas. However, parents cannot see this because they are in front, but on bumpy areas children's heads are bouncing all over. There is a potential for brain damage that is not being recognized or addressed by the manufacturers of these devices.

Some people insist on riding with their dog next to them on a leash. This is irresponsible. Dogs were never bred to run constant, long distances. Most dogs will run past the point of exhaustion while the clueless owner drags them along. Walk or run with your animals, but not next to you on a bike.

Before going out on your ride, make sure you are wearing a quality, well fitted bicycle helmet. Have a bike shop properly fit it for you and show you how they did it. If you drop or bang your helmet hard, replace it as they are designed to take one major hit. If you have an older helmet, replace it as with time materials break down causing loss of integrity. Your head is worth every penny you invest in it!

The Bay Area is a sports activity hub. Mount Tamalpais, for example, is the birthplace of the mountain bike. You are sharing the roads and trails with many other users. Safety and respect of other users is always paramount. Be kind and courteous! Unfortunately, a minority of bad apples have had a significant impact on how the sport is viewed and have rightfully given mountain bicycling a bad rap.

Slow down considerably when passing others. Roads and trails in the dry months can be quite dusty in the Bay Area. When passing, slow to the point that dust does not rise above knee level. Make your presence known to others in a courteous, unobtrusive way. Never approach a horse and rider at speed as they can be spooked and throw the rider. Take extra caution and always yield to the rider. Remember, hikers and equestrians always have the right of way. Also, a downhill rider always yields to uphill riders. #1 RESPECT OTHER USERS!

Wildlife protection is something we must all take responsible for. Watch for small creatures crossing the trail or road. Roads and trails are unnatural land disturbances that expose small, migrating creatures accustomed to the underbrush to danger and destruction. In the Bay Area, many creatures migrate during the late fall and early spring wet season so be on the lookout. During the summer it is not unusual to see reptiles and lizards sunning themselves on the fire roads. When you do see a creature, please gently help move it away from the trail to protect it. It only takes a few seconds of your time.

Do not scare of chase animals as this stresses them. If there is an animal in front of you, normally they will take off running down the road or trail. Stop or slow down considerably to give them time to get off the trail. If they do not move, gently prod the animal out of your way by waving your arms or making a few noises. Often just wiggling your wheel back and forth is enough. Avoid night riding when animals are feeding as this will stress them. It is their time!

Equipment checks are another critical aspect of safety when you are riding on fire roads and trails. Many forces come into play while mountain biking that will cause equipment to loosen or fall out of adjustment. Before each ride always do a quick cursory equipment check by grabbing each wheel to make certain they are tight and turn freely.

Check your brakes. Contact with brake pads should start after no more than one-half inch application of brake lever pressure. Your lever should never come in contact with your handlebar grips when maximum pressure is applied. If so, they must be adjusted. If your brakes squeal, this is a sign of either maladjusted pads or, most often, pads that have become hardened with age. Replace your brake pads when old as this significantly reduces stopping power.

Next, sit on your bike with the front brake applied. Move back and forth to check for front end looseness. If you feel any rattle, this will lead to instability on the trail. The steering head will have to be tightened. Periodically check all the fittings for tightness. It is not unusual to see parts lying on the trails that have fallen off bikes. There is nothing worse than trying to find a critical nut that fell off when you are miles from the nearest road. We have collected quite an assortment of found parts over the years, so pay attention to your equipment.

A common error for novice users is to set their seat height too low. It is important to set your seat height to allow your legs to fully extend. Your power comes on the down stroke. If you are peddling with knees bent, you are losing a great deal of power. You should set your seat height so that at the bottom of the stroke your foot remains flat but your leg is nearly straight. On a mountain bike, you will sit "high in the saddle." It may seem a little odd at first if you are used to seat placement on road bikes, but you will see the difference it makes in your ability to climb and control your bike. Ask your local bike shop for fitting advice.

Check tire pressure before each ride. Mountain bike tires should be firm but yield slightly with moderate finger pressure. Tires that are over-inflated will lose traction on slippery surfaces. Tires that are too soft can pinch the inner tube causing flats. It is recommended to always carry a patch kit, tools and pump, and a spare tube if you have room. Replace the patch kit cement about once each year even if not used as it often dries out even when sealed.

For a positive riding experience, maintenance of your drive train is critical. The chain transmits your energy to the wheel. It takes more force when the chain is not well lubricated. A squeaky chain is inefficient and will cost you considerable power. The chain is also more likely to snap under pressure when not properly lubricated.

Always keep your chain and drive train components clean and well lubricated. As off-road riding is generally dusty, it is important to use a synthetic low dirt attraction lubricant specially designed for mountain biking. Wipe down your chain with a rag before applying to remove dust. After application, wipe down the chain again to remove any excess. Only the inside chain rollers need the lubricant. It does no good for it to be on the outside.

Your gears will need periodic adjusting to stay in sync. Use the adjuster nuts attached to your shifter ends for minor adjustments. Turn the adjuster nut incrementally, one-quarter turn at a time, and test. Other than normal adjusting, there are two main causes for gears skipping when the drive train cannot be properly adjusted. If your bike gets dropped on the derailleur side, there is a chance of bending the derailleur hanger; this is the part of the bike the derailleur is attached to. It is meant to bend slightly in an accident to protect the expensive frame and derailleur.

You will need to check derailleur alignment by looking at it from the rear to see if there is a straight line between it and the gears .On some bikes the hanger is cheap and replaceable. On others, it is part of the frame. If this is the case, sometimes it can be carefully hand straightened with a set of pliers. Otherwise, take it to a bike shop for professional realignment.

A second and by far the most common cause for gear misalignment are the cables. They stretch with time and will become somewhat elastic as they age. No amount of adjusting will work. It is the main reason people have trouble with their bike. Periodically replace your cables and the housings if the bike has been exposed to lots of dust and moisture. Your cables may also need to be replaced if your bike has been sitting unused for a long time. It is a fast do-it-yourself, inexpensive fix. You will find your gearing will operate far better and provide you with a better riding experience when new cables are installed on a regular basis.

If you keep your chain well-lubricated but still hear it making noises as you pedal, it is probably time for a replacement. Chains stretch slightly and weaken with age. If you replace your chain and find your gears are skipping when peddling uphill, you probably need to replace the rear cassette. This is not a very great expense but does require special tools. What happens with age is that the chain stretches and changes shape as it wears. The cassette also wears while it meshes with the old chain. Then, when you put a new chain on, things no longer match up resulting in chain skip.

Developing proper riding techniques, riding in places that match your skill level and maintaining your equipment is the key to a safe, enjoyable experience. The Bay Area is a very pleasant place to ride but also quite vast. Make sure that you know where you are going. It is very easy to get lost or get caught out at dusk or in inclement weather if you do not plan properly. Take maps or GPS systems and your cell phone in case you get lost.

Safety is always the first thing that mountain bikers should consider when venturing out. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to be able to go out and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth. Have fun out there!

The Tamalpais Conservation Club has been known as the Guardian of Mt. Tam since 1912. The TCC is one of the oldest continuous conservation organizations in California. We have served on the Tamalpais Conservation Board since 1993 and have served as previously as its president in 2004-06. We have also served as corresponding secretary for several years representing our interests at many public meetings. Our new website can be viewed at http://www.tamalpais.org.

We also currently serve as the president of the Bay Area Trails Preservation Council and have been board member since 1992. In 1999 we founded the MMWD Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee which successfully developed our 50-year watershed protection plan. We are also an avid mountain biker and hiker and go out several times every week, all year long. We have been on bikes and walked the woods on a nearly continuous basis since at least the age of 5 and have never stopped loving either!

In professional life, we have over 35 years experience in retail, wholesale, distribution and manufacturing. We have been working in the self-improvement field since 1990. Our company, A/V Stim, founded in 2003, created and markets among our products, the MindSpa Personal Development System.

MindSpa utilizes specific pulses of light and sound tuned to brainwave frequencies designed to help people reach a state of deep relaxation and cognitive stimulation for promoting better quality sleep and improved focus and attention. Our products are sold throughout the world and are helping people lead a better quality of life. http://www.avstim.com

Larry Minikes - EzineArticles Expert Author

Discover the Mutual Benefits of Affiliate Programs, and Build Your List in the Process!

An affiliate is a website, or these days even a blog owner, which agrees to place a banner in a convenient place on their webpage, which leads back to another company. Every time someone clicks on that banner from your website, you earn a reward. Some affiliate programs will give rewards for referrals or leads as well, or instead of banner clicks. With time, these rewards add up and could make a big difference in the profit you take home from your site.

An affiliate program is at the heart of most successful internet-based businesses today. These programs offer essential benefits to both the affiliate and the company hosting the program, so no matter which end of the deal your website may fall to, it is critical that you consider taking advantage of this resource.

If you are a business owner operating an affiliate program, your rewards are substantial. While you do have to pay your affiliates as agreed upon, you will have a drastic increase in traffic to your site which will lead to more sales, and of course, more email addresses contributed to your growing list! It is easier to build your list with high-quality business leads when you have an affiliate program drawing in every consumer out there with the slightest interest in your product line or services!

Does it sound like more trouble than it may be worth? It actually is rather simple if you tap into the various affiliate tools available today. For example, there are affiliate software applications that can completely track your affiliate program and do much of the work for you. Ultimately, an affiliate program could turn a small, home business into a large, booming company!

Are you interested in starting your own home business with affiliate software? Go to home based business

Friday, December 12, 2008

Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Model T Ford

The year 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the production of the first Model T Ford. All around the world enthusiasts are hosting events to mark the introduction of a modest little car that transformed the automobile industry.

The historic importance of the Model T Ford stems from Henry Ford's ambition to build an affordable automobile for the masses. In 1903 when Henry launched his company the automobile was typically built by hand. They were produced in small numbers and sold for a substantial price that only the wealthy could afford. These vehicles were typically fragile and unreliable and difficult to maintain and keep on the road. These early automobiles were generally considered to be the frivolous toys of the rich, not a viable form of transportation. Henry set out to build an automobile that was affordable and simple to maintain and repair. With the development and production of the Model T he achieved this remarkable feat. It was the first automobile to be produced in large numbers and sold at a modest price that most people could afford. It was also a simple design - light but sturdy and generally reliable and easy to keep running.

After 2 years working on the design of the Model T, the first production model was produced in Detroit in October 1908. Ford introduced the moving assembly line in 1913 and was able to produce the vehicle in large numbers. This was an important innovation and had enormous implications for the company and the automobile industry. Within five years of the introduction of the Model T, Ford was producing over 300,000 vehicles per year - a massive increase in production for the company which had built less than 9000 vehicles in 1906. Within a short period the Ford Motor Company became the dominant manufacturer of automobiles and as other manufacturers adopted these methods of mass production this industry became the dominant manufacturing industry in the USA. The contribution to the American economy was substantial and large numbers of working men flocked to the automobile factories to obtain work in this burgeoning industry.

The Model T was exported to a large number of countries around the world and Ford factories were established in many countries including Canada, England and Australia. The Model T Ford continued in production until 1927 and over 15 million were built. It is long been a favourite among vintage car enthusiasts and it has been estimated that there over 500,000 are still in existence around the world. The centennial celebrations for this famous car are being held throughout the year and include rallies, displays and special museum exhibitions.

Greg Rumbold and Andrea Grindrod. We run a business called Rare Car Relics. We are the only online business that specilises in original parts, tools, books and manuals for Model T Fords, Model A Fords and early Ford V8 automobiles. Many of our parts and tools are over 100 years old. We sell brass lamps, horns, clocks and speedometers. We also sell original Ford signs and dealership items. On our website we also feature a collection of Model T Ford video clips and photographs. http://www.rarecarrelics.com

Building a Booklet From the Ground Up

Content first

When building a booklet for printing always start with the content first. Booklet printing shouldn't be done on the fly. First make an outline of the concepts that you want included in your booklet. These can be your subheadings. Try to summarize the major topic or concept being discussed for each subheading name. This gives the bonus of organizing your thoughts, "compartamentalizing" each major subject in easily managed chunks. This makes it easier to write the content.

Once you have a decent outline, start writing and expounding the details for each heading and subheading. Keep in mind that subheadings are a weak connector for different paragraphs, so try and keep the topics of consecutive subheadings related. This should keep you from going on a different tangent altogether when writing.

Layout next

When you print booklets, the layout is a crucial thing to consider. If you have pictures or cliparts make some room for them, but don't let them overwhelm the content. A booklet is about information, and not totally about flashy designs. Instead have the images illustrate what the text is saying at a particular page. Place them conveniently beside the paragraphs to avoid having pages of boring text blocks.

Design and decorate

There are Booklet templates that you can use for booklet printing. Use them if you have no particular flair in designing published works. Some booklet printing services like publishing firms offer people for hire that can design quality booklets for a fee.

If you are designing the booklet yourself however, try using full color booklets. They are always better than black and white ones, especially if you have a beautiful and colorful design or layout. They will stand out more, and would interest otherwise bored readers. Also, try adding borders, line dividers and text boxes. These enhance certain parts of the booklet. Use this as a tool to emphasize on certain facts or topics that you want people to remember. Try and experiment with these details and decorations for booklet printing.

Finally, try to look at the whole booklet you made as a whole. Examine if the layout and design compliment the text within the booklet. A formal or technical booklet should have a simple utilitarian design, with just a hint of minimalistic decoration like a line divider. Informal booklets or booklets with a lighter topic can usually have a more relaxed appearance. They can sport vibrant colors, cartoons and unconventional fonts.

Always fit the content and design to the topic being discussed when printing booklets. This makes your booklet more efficient in communicating your message or information, as well as to make it memorable for future reference.

For more information, you can visit this page on booklet printing.

Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope Review

For starters, the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review is one of a rangefinder that is really of a class apart and brings a lot of high-end functionality to the table. Unfortunately, some of these features do mean that it is not tournament-legal, due to the rules against rangefinders of this kind that can measure gradient as opposed to simply distance.

As a premium rangefinder, the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review concentrates on some of the aspects that cause it to stand out.

Targeting Options Galore

One aspect that is immediately noticed when carrying out the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review is the amount of different options that it has in terms of targeting. By switching between modes, the user may select whether he wants target:

1. Whatever is dead center in the bulls-eye

2. The flag, while avoiding other background targets

3. Ignore foreground brush and other interfering objects completely

4. Scan for getting readings continuously as the rangefinder targeting is moved

With such choice available when conducting the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review, it is hard not to be impressed.

Picture-Perfect Accuracy, Magnification, and Gradient Measurement

Due to the fact that it works up to 1,500 yards with a stunning +1 or -1 yard accuracy, the 7x magnification offered was found to be really handy for targeting while trying it out during the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review.

On top of that, the gradient measurement feature is truly an amazing tool. Instead of just measuring the gradient to a +1 to -1 degree angle accuracy, there are also further calculations that are carried out to provide a compensated range based on the trajectory of the ball and type of club that is used for the hit.

Basically, the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review found that it truly had to potential to be used in a plethora of ways for both beginner and advanced golfers.

Bottom line, with the full length and breadth of options were found to be available in the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review, it is a rangefinder that puts most other rangefinders to shame. Naturally, it not being legal for tournaments is a big limitation; however it could very well provide an extra edge in the preparation to a tournament.

If it is the top-end of features and golfing rangefinder technology that is being pursued, then the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Slope review would definitely recommend it as being up to the job.

Visit our site to see a full Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Slope Review with actual golfer feedback and consumer reviews of all the top golf laser rangefinders.

Commonly Asked Questions of an Elder Law Attorney - Part I

Many of the questions that are asked of me are repeated fairly frequently, so I thought it would be helpful to discuss those elder law topics in the next few articles.

I want to leave my assets to my children, but is there a way to protect the assets from a future divorce or from my child's creditors? Money left to children can disappear for a variety of reasons - divorce, bankruptcy, litigation, or bad investments, just to name a few. One way to protect the family money is by the use of a trust.

Mary and John have four adult children, all with varying degrees of financial success. Dennis, the oldest and most successful financially, has no need for financial support from his parents. Judy, next in line, unfortunately has been through a terrible divorce and is struggling to raise her son on her own. Paula and Frank are both married, but their marriages have had their ups and downs. Paula's husband has been known to invest their limited resources into failed get-rich-quick schemes. Frank has just borrowed a lot of money to start his own dentistry practice.

Parents never stop worrying about their children and Mary and John are no exception. They are worried about more divorces, about whether Judy will have enough money, whether Frank's business will flourish, or whether he will be sued by a patient. They are also worried about there being enough money for their grandchildren.

So what can Mary and John do to make sure what assets they leave actually helps their children and grandchildren? The answer is to use a trust in their estate planning. Trusts can continue after the parents' death through the life of the children and, if the grantor chooses, during the life of the grandchildren as well. The funds are left for the benefit of the children and grandchildren, but limits are placed on access to the trust funds. The assets are there if needed, but cannot be spent down on a whim. This restriction provides the necessary protection.

The funds in the trust are protected from creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Like creditors, plaintiffs in lawsuits cannot invade the trust. Funds left for the benefit of Frank will not be available if he is ever sued for dental malpractice. Also, the funds will not be a marital asset in the event of a divorce. A properly prepared trust will protect your family from creditors, liability claimants and a future divorce.

An independent trustee can protect a trust beneficiary from bad choices, whether they are risky investments or foolhardy spending. While parents can't protect their children from bad luck, they can create a cushion for them if it occurs. Some trust beneficiaries will object to not having complete control and access to the funds. This is a trade-off. Do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages? You will have to decide what is best for your situation.

I have a disabled child. How can I best provide for their future well being? One of the major concerns for parents with children with disabilities is how to provide for their financial future. Here are some legal tips to consider:

Buy enough life insurance. A parent is irreplaceable, but someone will have to fill in. In all likelihood, that person or family will have to pay for at least some services the parent had provided when able. If the estate is not large enough for this purpose, it can be made large enough through life insurance proceeds. Premiums for second-to-die insurance, which pays off only when the second of the two parents passes away, can be surprisingly low.

Set up a Special Needs Trust. Any funds left for a disabled child, whether from an estate or the proceeds of a life insurance policy, should be held in trust for his or her benefit. Leaving money for anyone with a disability jeopardizes public benefits. Many people with disabilities cannot manage funds, especially large amounts. Some families disinherit disabled children, relying on their siblings to care for them. This approach is fraught with potential problems. Siblings can be sued, get divorced, disagree on their responsibilities, or use the funds for their own benefit. It can also cause tax problems for siblings. The best approach is setting up a trust fund set aside for the disabled child, known as a Special Needs Trust.

Prepare a Will and include the appointment of a Guardian. While a Will and the appointment of a guardian is important for anyone with minor children, it is doubly so if the child is disabled. Finding the right guardian can be difficult. In some cases, the care needs of the child may be so demanding that he or she will need a different guardian from his or her siblings. The parents need to make these determinations while they can.

Have a Care Plan. All parents caring for disabled children should write down what any successor caregiver would need to know about the child and what the parent's wishes are for his or her care. For example, should the child be in a group home, live with a sibling, or be on his or her own? Usually, the parent knows best, but they need to pass on the information. They can explain what helps, what hurts, what scares their children, and what reassures them.

Coordinate with other family members. Even a carefully developed plan can be sabotaged by a well meaning relative who leaves money directly to the child with a disability. If a special needs trust is created for the benefit of the child, grandparents and other family members should be told about it so that they can direct any bequest they may wish to leave to that child through the trust.

Michael D. Weinraub, Esq., CELA, is Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the A.B.A. approved National Elder Law Foundation.

Michael D. Weinraub, P.C. is a holistic elder law practice that helps families plan for, pay for, and coordinate the long-term care of elderly loved ones. We work with senior citizens and their families who are overwhelmed or confused by all of the decisions they have to make planning for the future. Our practice involves the use of a Life Care Plan. The Life Care Plan places special emphasis on issues surrounding a long life. The Life Care Plan connects your concerns about long-term care as you go through the later stages of your life with the knowledge and expertise of an Elder Law Attorney and an Elder Care Coordinator who will be with you every step of the way to assist you in making the right choices. We offer personal service to our clients and do so with respect and compassion.

http://ElderLawyerForYou.com/

Michael Weinraub - EzineArticles Expert Author

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Alternative Financing Strategies to Commercial Loans

One look at the current financial market is enough to make anyone run away screaming. Money is insanely tight. It is also incredibly difficult to get banks to issue loans on decent terms. This can lead to a project failure, but there may be another option for funding your project.

The law is pretty inflexible in most areas. Business entities are not one of those areas. Everyone is aware of the standard four business entities - the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company and corporation. While commonly used, none of these is particularly pivotal to a commercial project financing alternative strategy. The limited liability partnership, however, is.

Let's first discuss a general partnership to get some perspective. A general partnership is a business venture with two or more owners. The advantage of this approach is it is highly flexible and has favorable tax treatment. The downside to the partnership has to do with liability. All the partners are liable for any of the debts of the partnership. That is not good.

A limited partnership is an improvement on the general partnership. The limited partnership is formed with one general partner and a number of limited partners. You can have 5, 10, 15 or however many limited partners you like. The general partner runs the day to day business of the limited partnership.

The limited partners cannot be involved in the decision making of the general partnership. They basically kick in money for a limited partnership interest and then receive distributions from the profits. In exchange for this, they are shielded from the debts and liabilities of the partnership. This arrangement makes limited partnerships the business entity of choice for higher risk businesses like restaurants.

So, how does this help you with coming up with alternatives to commercial loans? Well, let's assume you have a project that needs to get going but the banks are not lending money. For instance, like NOW! You can form a limited partnership. To generate money for the project, you sell off limited partnership interests to wealth individuals. The downside is you lose some of the equity in the project. The upside is you now have cash on hand and still have control of the business.

In the current financial market, picking up financing is no sure thing. If you have a project you believe in, a limited partnership may be the key to getting it done.

Stephen Teak is with CommercialLoanStop.com - your resource for commercial loans in easy and tough markets.

Reduce Credit Card Debt - How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt When You Don't Own a Home

Are you one of the many people in the United States who are feeling the weight of too much credit card debt and need a way to pay them off? One option available to many home owners is getting a home equity loan that draws on the value of a house to pay off unsecured debt. However if you do not own a house, don't worry. There are options available for you as well. Here are some ways to reduce credit card debt and get out of credit card debt when you don't own a home.

Some of your options may include:

  • A debt management plan,
  • A settlement agreement with your credit card companies, or
  • building your own payback plan.

You can make up the plan yourself or get professional assistance from credit counseling companies. Usually, professionals can set up a plan that suits your individual circumstances and needs as well as negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. These plans do not necessarily require you to be a home owner.

Many people would never even consider calling their creditors to make arrangements for payment that are different than what their agreement already says. In fact, many people make every possible effort to avoid their creditors, especially if they fall behind on payment. This can be a big mistake. Some creditors realize that they risk getting no money if they don't reach some sort of compromise with you, so a settlement with your creditors can offer a way to get out of credit card debt when you don't own a home.

Whether by yourself or with assistance from someone else, you can draw up a workable budget plan. That plan should include one hefty credit card payment every month to one card. By focusing on making large payments to one card, you can begin to reduce credit card debt one card at a time. The main thing here is having a good plan and know how.

There's no reason you should be embarrassed about being in credit card debt anymore. Get the information you need to effectively reduce your credit card debt. If you want to read more about how simple credit card debt elimination can help you with reducing credit card debt, visit our page: how to get out of credit card debt when you don't own a home.

Join the many we have been able to help and visit us now.

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John Purfield - EzineArticles Expert Author

Why You Should Choose Direct TV Satellite TV and Internet Over Everything Else

If you're thinking of switching from cable TV to satellite TV and you're wondering whether Direct TV is the best choice to make, here are a number of pros and cons for you to consider.

Pro: Cheaper

No matter how you look at it, satellite TV, especially when you're applying to Direct TV, is absolutely cheaper than cable TV.

If value matters the most to you then you'll certainly get your money's worth from Direct TV's budget-friendly and value-packed packages. If it's simply the bottom line rate that you care about and rest assured you'll still pay less every month for satellite TV. Even better, DirecTV doesn't charge you for installation or activation regardless of where you live. Best of all, such fees are waived for up to four TV sets!

Pro: Choose Your Network. Choose Your Package. Choose What You Watch.

With cable TV, everything has been pre-selected for you and you'll have to pay an extra fee for every channel you wish to add to your channel lineup. In some cases, they'd indeed give you the chance to choose, but it's an all-or-nothing offer. There is no middle ground, no chance of compromise, and no way of making your viewing preferences fit your budget.

Pro: Direct TV Exclusives!

There are a number of shows you can only watch with DirecTV and nowhere else. If you're a football fanatic, you wouldn't be able to live without Direct TV's NFL Sunday Ticket. If you're all about road thrills then you mustn't miss an episode of NASCAR Hot Pass. As for NCAA fans, you can catch up with your favorite teams during the Mega March Madness.

PRO: Bundled Internet Package from DirecTV

At first glance, the only advantage for getting Internet service from your satellite TV provider is for the convenience of making a single payment for both services. But there's a lot more to it than that. You can get up to 1MB/sec for downloads and up to 200KB/sec for uploads. Other benefits include free spam filtering, a considerable number of free email addresses based on your account, as well as free anti-virus and spyware.

The Big Con: Bad Weather + Bad Signal = Bad TV Experience

There is only one possible major advantage you have to worry about when you apply for satellite TV. When the weather is foul, so are the signals your TV picks up from the satellite. Pictures may become fuzzy or go out completely and this could last as long as the weather makes your satellite dish unable to receive signal without interruption.

PRO: Size of Dish

Finally, if you've made the choice of going for satellite TV and leaving cable TV behind you, here's the ultimate tip to convince you that Direct TV is the best choice of all.

Size matters. In this case, smaller is also better and Direct TV's satellite dish is indeed smaller than that of Dish Network's. Now, its reduced size may mean it's easier to knock down when it's installed in the roof but then again, why install it on a roof when you don't have to? Its compact size enables you to attach the satellite dish to a yard post or something more stable and less prone to getting knocked out during storms.

Now that you know there's practically no disadvantage at choosing DirecTV over everything else, what are you waiting for? Hurry and subscribe today.

Thomas Martinez has contributed many articles on the HDTV topics especially on Satellite TVs. If you want to learn more on high-definition TVs like Tuning HDTV Tuners Visit http://www.technewsnetwork.org for more information.

Canadian Taxpayers - Registered Retirement Saving Plans (RRSPs) Explained

The story and example has been retold many times of a son who had taken the time to count up his parents net worth whom it seemed to be strung across town in a myriad of small bank accounts and as well in saving bonds. When the son explained to his father, the net worth of his wealth in total the father exclaimed - "We're not rich. We never had money". Father the son explained "Did you ever hear of the power of compound interest? You had the power of compound interest working for you."

Canadians now have the RRSP (Registered Retirement Saving Plan) season on the way. Indeed few nations on earth allow their citizens such an investment spiff. Put away income at your time of highest earning. Allow it to grow and compound over time, tax free, sheltered of income and growth robbing taxes. The Canadian government is hoping and betting that first of all you will thus have a nest egg to live on and not be dependent on social programs which the government would have to provide to retirees.

This lightens the load for the Canadian government. It provides for a stable base for investment sources - for banks and other financial institutions to have a stable source of long term investment capital for mortgages and long term capital investment. The private investor does pay tax in the end - the government does collect it. However its is down the line when first of all the retiree will generally be taxed at a lower rate than their peak working years and the saving fund will have grown considerably with time and compound interest. Everybody wins so to speak and younger people at that point will benefit by having other people in their communities with money to spend for good and services - providing employment for the then younger generation.

What are the basic rules of Rasps for Canadians? First of all know your limits. Its crucial and the first step to know how much contribution room you have in dollars before sitting down to plan or buy RRSP financial instrument contributions.. This will actually be listed clearly on your last year's personal tax assessment from Revenue Canada. If you are unsure, or want to verify the amount, there is always a phone number or even an email address to contact the government agency.

Next contribute as much as you feel that you can spare. Remember a dollar saved or contributed is worth more than dollar invested. First there are definite tax savings. Next the money is sheltered from taxable interest. Even if you earned money in the bank or in Canada savings bonds as interest a good portion would go to pay the taxman, at your highest marginal rates. Most people spend close to their limit. If you do not the funds you will not or cannot spend them. An RRSP is a long term savings plan - not a piggy bank. You can withdraw savings in most cases. However you will pay your current high tax rates on withdrawals as if was income. It's best to leave some savings outside your Registered Retirement Saving Plan.

Contribute early - both early and earlier in the year than most. Contribute early in your life in possible. This way you have the great and wonderful power of compound interest working on your behalf with all its power.

What are the flip side and the negatives about RRSPs? Most people it seems never get around to contributing so this is often the least of most people worries. However two points should come to light. As with any investments you have the choice of risk rewards. If you choose risky investments then pay heed to the risk factor that you are playing with your retirement nest egg. If you are young and have time to recoup any lost capital that is fine. However if you are on the home stretch don't try to make up for lost time or be greedy.

In the end the summary of Canadians investing for their retirement nest egg through the vehicle of a Registered Retirement Income RRSP plan ahead , save early , save often and contribute as much as you feel that you can.