Archive for August, 2009

I don’t think men are from Mars. I think they’re from Whoville, where every year they align with the Grinch and band together to ruin Christmas. Each holiday, after thoughtfully deciding on, shopping for, and wrapping the perfect presents for my boyfriend, I can’t wait to see what he picked out for me. I breathlessly anticipate tearing open the perfect romantic/sentimental gift, and every year I?m sorely disappointed.

I?m not alone.

Do they do it on purpose? Of course not. It’s just that men hate the pressure of holiday shopping and would cut off their right arm to avoid it.

It shows.

We women, on the other hand, have high expectations because we put lots of thought into gift-giving. Throughout the year, we pick up on the little hints he drops and then do our darndest to make sure he has a wonderful holiday filled with everything his heart desires. To women, gifts have hidden meanings, and we try to decode them to understand how our guy feels about us.

To men, buying us gifts is a necessary relationship evil, ranking right up there with attending our mother’s birthday party.

If you’re a woman over the age of fifteen, you know exactly what I?m taking about. In the name of research, however, I went out in the field and asked random men plus a few guy friends whether they look forward to shopping for that special something that will thrill their wife or girlfriend, or whether they dread it more than, say, buying tampons.

Read no further if you think there will be surprises. It was unanimous: Men hate holiday shopping. Yes, even more than cruising the feminine products aisle. Yes, even the sweet guys, and, yes, even your man. Here’s what they said:

Peter: ?I am in the bah humbug category.?

Gary: ?I hate having to shop for my girlfriend at Christmas. It’s way too much pressure and the holiday is too commercialized. I buy her nice things throughout the year when I see them. But I don’t want to have to buy her something just because society says I have to on a certain day. It’s so stupid.?

?I hate shopping, period. I do try to be thoughtful but sometimes I’m more successful than others. Keep my name out of this, please. My wife reads your blog.? Anonymous

Jason: ?I enjoy it, but I can say this because I don’t currently have a girlfriend.?

Ron: ‘the pressure I feel to outdo myself each year gets overwhelming. It is hard to keep being imaginative and thoughtful. Plus, guys like to buy practical things, but women don’t seem to appreciate a new toaster for Christmas, even if they desperately need one.?

TJ: ?I love shopping for my girlfriend. It’s the wife who is the hardest. What do you get someone who buys everything she wants already? I get more mileage out of making her a gift from scratch. I use some construction paper, maybe a few cotton balls (for snowmen), some nice green and red crayon, BAM: instant romantic card.

Mike: ?I typically don’t like holiday shopping for my wife, but I do strive to give her thoughtful gifts. I don’t wait until the last minute, but if I do the shopping too early, I always think I’ve shortchanged her, and end up buying a couple of more presents. The grand total is always too much (in her opinion, not mine).?

Steve: ?After 14 years of marriage I have learned the value of the gift certificate. The store is never out of them. Plus it gives my wife and kids a chance to get out of the house. She has a good time as long as the kids behave. And if they don’t, she can’t wait to get back to the house so it’s like several gifts. Either way, I get time alone. I consider myself a very thoughtful husband.?

David: ?My wife never tells me what she wants so I usually get her jewelry or a gift certificate or something that she can take back. I don’t hate it but it’s not my idea of a fun thing to do on my day off. Sometimes I buy her gloves or something like that and a book and a gift certificate and some jewelry like gold or pearl earrings. That’s it. One year I bought her a bike. That was not a good thing.?

Matt: ?Yes, I hate shopping for my wife. Lingerie is returned for something more comfortable. Jewelry is greeted with an eye-roll if it isn’t diamonds. Plus, it’s hard to get creative at Christmas since you’ve been milked on birthdays, anniversaries, birth of children, etc. Shopping for the girlfriend, on the other hand, is much more enjoyable. Everything is met with wide eyes and glee. But I’m sure that will end over time also.?

John: ?Usually yes, I hate shopping. However, this year we have decided to give each other ideas (not necessarily a list) so it should be much easier. Of course there will be a few surprises thrown in. Over the years though, it has been a stressful time. I think that whole Mars & Venus comes into play. She wants cleaning to be easier… a new Shop Vac oughta help. Something we can enjoy together…doesn’t a plasma TV fit the bill??

Jim: ?I am not crazy about shopping generally, but I don’t really mind holiday shopping. I figure she puts up with my crap all year long, so it’s my chance to do something nice and let her know I appreciate her. Choosing something she’ll really like is tough sometimes, and the fact that I?m a world-class procrastinator doesn’t help things. I try to have some fairly definite ideas about what to get, and then hit the mall early (like 8:00 a.m., usually the Saturday before Christmas) before the crowds arrive.?

Also from Jim: ?Cautionary tale about a guy I used to work with: He waited until Christmas Eve to go shopping for his wife, and when he tried to check out he discovered that she had already maxed out all their credit cards! Having no cash, he came home empty handed. He was in the maison-de-pooch for quite a while.?

Dan: ?My friend and I shop for our wives together every December 24. First, we hit a few bars. Then we hit some more. Just before the mall closes, we race in, buy whatever’s on the Gap mannequin in our wives? size, and go back to drinking. Our wives get pretty pissed when they get the same outfit. But isn’t it the thought that counts??

Ben: ?I always intend to get a thoughtful, wonderful gift, not always expensive but thoughtful. Sometimes when it clicks perfectly I get the gift and surprise her with it. But sometimes when the schedule of my whacked out life is too much I miss my window and end up with a turd of a gift. I am always aware of the gift being a turd or not. Guys like to pretend they are oblivious to all of this and get to say, ?I’m a guy, what do you expect?? We are aware however.?

See what I mean? Young and old, sweet and not-so-much, married and unmarried, men are all alike when it comes to Christmas shopping for women. As my friend’s wise mother put it, ?Lamb, they are all the same.? Indeed.

Girls? Survival Strategy

So what’s a girl to do? Much as we hate it, the best way to get exactly what we want is to spell it out, leaving no stone unturned. Give him specifics: List the URL or store location, price, color, size and SKU. This strategy ruins the surprise, sure, but at least you won’t end up with a leather thong or a CD of heavy metal monster ballads.

Another option is to have a good friend call your man and say, ?Hey, if you’re stuck about what to get your wife/girlfriend this Christmas, we were shopping last week and she mentioned she?d love to have X. Thought you?d want to know.?

Or, do as my friend Annie does and buy things for yourself, have them gift-wrapped, ship them to your home, and send him the bill.

The last option is to do what I do: Hope and pray that this year will finally be different and that he’ll spend a lot of time and effort searching for the perfect present that will show how wild he is about me and how well he really knows the inner me.

With expectations like that, it’s no wonder I?m always bawling on Christmas morning.

Pointers for Men

For men with women who refuse to tell them what they want (and yes, darling boyfriend, if you’re reading this it applies to you too), there are a few staples that make most women happy. They are: a beautiful full-length coat (hint: if she’s a vegan, skip the fur and leather), diamond or pearl jewelry, tickets to an island getaway or a gift certificate to her favorite clothing store.

My best advice, much as men hate it, is to pay attention to her comments throughout the year. Has she mentioned a trendy restaurant she wants to try? Make reservations and stick a note in her stocking. Does she love Oprah? How about the TV host’s 20th anniversary DVD collection? Is she into jewelry? Freshwater cultured pearls are affordable and lovely; lavender freshwater cultured pearls are trendy and hot right now. As always, Tiffany & Co. jewelry will make her day, but if you’re short on cash, get her a few books on subjects she’s into (the thought will melt her) or burn her a mix CD of songs that remind you of her. I wouldn’t attempt making her a homemade card, though, unless you’re planning on tucking tickets to St. Baarts inside.

One final thought: If you want to have a merry Christmas, avoid giving her the following gifts AT ALL COST:

? Kitchen appliances, including, but not limited to
o mixers
o blenders
o toasters
o microwaves
o exception: High-end coffee maker
? Tools (she knows you just want to borrow them)
? Sheetrock (my friend did actually get this one year)

? Weight-loss books, tapes, magazines, gadgets, etc. Don’t even GO there, mister!
? TVs (another gift that’s a thinly-disguised present for you)
? Puppies (c?mon, everyone wants to pick their own dog, and who wants to train one during a holiday)

? Sports tickets (like you, we claim to love stuff we hate just to make you happy)
? Gift certificate for a makeover (obvious, obvious mistake)
Good luck, guys. Try to stay out of the doghouse this year.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion and lifestyle writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com The site’s four-choices-only Men’s No-Brainer Gift Guide is a welcome haven for gift-challenged men. Guaranteed to let you finish all your shopping during one commercial break, it can be reached at http://www.moonriverpearls.com/s-31-easy_gift_ideas.aspx

It is now possible to watch live football on your PC! An example of a site where this is possible is http://www.watch-football.tv
About the Author

None

All small to mid-sized company owners want to know where their dollar is being spent when it comes to computer technology in their organization. The challenge is for them to get the information they need to make the right purchasing decisions. Tell me in English why you think we need this technology in our company? That question goes through every company owners mind and mouth. Getting the answer that makes sense to them is another story. How can the people in charge of your company understand what the value is of specific technology if their computer support people cannot articulate why it is so important?

All small to mid-sized company owners want to know where their dollar is being spent when it comes to computer technology in their organization. The challenge is for them to get the information they need to make the right purchasing decisions. Tell me in English why you think we need this technology in our company? That question goes through every company owners mind and mouth. Getting the answer that makes sense to them is another story. How can the people in charge of your company understand what the value is of specific technology if their computer support people cannot articulate why it is so important?

This guide will assist every company owner in understanding how to communicate with your technical consultant so technical recommendations are applied, understood and the full potential of technology is realized throughout the company. After all, your technical consultant wants you to appreciate what they do. And you will not be able to appreciate it until you understand how it effectively applies to you.

Company Objectives- Understanding your company objectives is not a one way street. This information cannot be kept with upper management. Share it with your technical consultant. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Big picture- Your technical consultant must understand how the company functions as a whole. They must understand the duties of the different departments. How else will the company be able to apply technology to the businesss everyday processes if those processes are never articulated?
Changing with the times- Just because a technical consultant has worked in an environment for a couple years does not automatically mean they are aware of changes to the intricacies of the companys business functions. Just like technology, business strategies change. Its important to consistently keep them in the know when these changes occur at the business level.
A picture is worth a thousand words- Tell youre technical consultant to chart out why they recommend a specific technology. Managers love colors and charts. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
Define; Measure; Analyze; Improve; Control. As long as every project is measurably articulated in the following order, upper management will have no issues understanding what is being recommended and how to proceed in the future. None of the steps above should be skipped. This is very important. The clearer the projects are defined quantitatively, the easier it will be to control processes going forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anthony Licate is the President of Spidernet Technical Consulting, LLC (www.spidernetconsulting.com). The company provides technical computer network, ecommerce and wireless enterprise data services in and around the Philadelphia area. He has worked with multiple types of businesses to strategize, re-align and implement technology. He can be reached at aj@spidernetconsulting.com

Many times our every day lives can overwhelm us and we desperately need a break. Being a wife, homemaker, and mother can be a challenge and some days we feel discouraged. That’s the time when we would like to enter the world of Make-Believe.

Perhaps after we do the dishes, change a diaper, and put our children down for a nap, we may have a couple hours to read a novel and slip into that make-believe world; a world of escape when our frustrations are high and we desperately need a break and a place to relax so we can be ready for the next go-around with our children.

In that little corner is a world that can fill us with wonder, where dreams can come true, where we can go on an intriguing adventure, or we can even fall in love all over again…reminding us of the first time we fell in love with our husbands.

Lucy Montgomery said, “While solitude with dreams is glorious, solitude without them has few charms.” Jerome Kern expressed it differently. He wrote, “The game of just supposing is the sweetest game I know. Our dreams are more romantic than the world we see.”

Perhaps the world we see is full of dirty dishes, soiled diapers, teenagers arguing over an item that was recently borrowed, and busy husbands that forget to give us a kiss before they walk out the door. This can make a homemaker feel discouraged. Times like this are when we would like to enter the World of Make-Believe.

How many times have you wished to go on an adventure in the jungles of South America, follow Harry Potter into a magical world, or to fall in love all over again? We need to be reminded of that romantic love. Novels are a “god-send” and can give us that extra little “umph” that we need. They can also teach us and remind us where our priorities should be, reminding us to not take our relationships for granted.

In my novel, Melinda and the Wild West, we can imagine how it feels when Gilbert gazes warmly at Melinda, admiring her integrity and studying her face, as if memorizing every contour of it. We can imagine how it feels when he impulsively lifts her chin and presses his warm lips to hers, making her heart swell within. Then we remember what it was like to be in love and all our frustrations leave as we sigh and close the novel, just waiting to pick it up when we have time the following day.

When we slide our hands around our husband’s waist and give him a hug, we can “make-believe” that we are young once again and realize that our love is greater now than the first day of our marriage. We’ve had those tough days and wonder if we were destined to change diapers and clean house for the rest of our lives, but we can get through it. We’re tough and we can do anything we set our minds to.

When you read how Gilbert cradled Melinda in his arms and gazed into her eyes with adoring love, think of the adoring love you have for the man you married. When he cooks for you or watches the children so you can have a halcyon day to yourself, be grateful for his help. Appreciate what he does for you and then plan a romantic get-away once in a while.

Just remember that “if the things we dream about don’t happen to be so, that’s just an unimportant technicality.” (Jerome Kern) The happy ending in the novels you read can happen if you only let it. Life is worth living and it will become what we make of it. Just remember to pick up a novel and take some time for yourself and “Make-Believe.”
About the Author

Bio: Linda Weaver Clarke received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Music at Southern Utah University and received the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award for the College of Performing Arts in 2002. She is the mother of six daughters and the author of Melinda and the Wild West, A Family Saga, published by American Book Publishing. If you would like to know more about Linda and her novel, her web site is http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

More and more mums are having to return to work these days after starting a family, some return for financial reasons, others because they have missed being in the work place and enjoy being back at work. I fit into the financial reasons category but which ever one you fit into we all come across the same hurdles.

Most of us would be very lucky to be able to afford live-in nannies or cleaners, but as most of us can’t, sole responsibility of the day to day running of your family and house falls to the mother and a father if you’re lucky.

I can now consider myself a modern mum who is attempting to work, clean, cook, wash, iron, pay bills, shop, change nappies and run around after my partner all on a daily basis and that’s not taking into account all the emotional issues I have because I have to leave my son when I go to work.

So how do we manage????
No I’m not a super mum and managing doesn’t come easy, it takes a lot of planning. Here are a few tips I have picked up to share and hope that this article may help at least one mum slow down. A burnt out mum is not a happy mum, which has a knock on effect to the rest of your family.

Tip 1 – Firstly, in my eyes the most important tip TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF, if all day every day you spend working and running around doing your chores you will soon become very unhappy and extremely tired, so if you ever want to attempt to be on top of things at home you must take time for yourself. I set aside at least one hour per evening which I call “mummy time” its always when my son is in bed so I wont be disturbed and I’ll either have a long warm bath, chat to other mums on a parenting forum, or read, this could be any activity but it must be something you enjoy. If you don’t already do this, try it for a week and see how much better you feel.

Tip 2 – DELEGATE or MAKE a ROTA – Another favourite of mine. I’m luckier than some as I have a partner at home and with constant kicking is available to provide some help. So we came up with the plan to do a rota, one night I will cook and df will wash up, the following night we will swap, then one night I take my son to bed, the following night df does. Whatever type of rota you do, make sure you stick to it and the benefits will start to show. “Delegating” – well I love that word, if you need some breathing space get someone else to do your chores for you.

Tip 3 – LET YOUR STANDARDS SLIP. Does it really matter that your cleaning skills are not up to scratch and that you haven’t vacuumed for two days? In my eyes NO it doesn’t matter, there is no way you can fit in your old cleaning routine with now raising a child and working so don’t even try. My cleaning has taken a serious beating but I’ve learnt to live with it and just make sure I clean and tidy well when I have visitors.

Tip 4 – DONT FEEL GUILTY. Stop reading and listening to reports of people who say working mums are bad mothers and that you are doing wrong by your child for working. There is no right or wrong here.

Tip 5 – PLANNING. You will often find me sat at my desk at work working out what I need to buy at lunchtime and what I’m making for dinner etc, this may seem premature but it just makes life easier when I get home and it gives me extra time with my family. Why not cook extra and freeze it? So if you have had a bad day you can just reach for the freezer.

Tip 6 – ENJOY. This isn’t one I am great at but I am working on it… learn to enjoy work, if you’re miserable at work you’re going to bring it home with you, this can then stop you from having fun with your family as you’re stressing about work.

As I said earlier, whether you are a working mum or stay at home mum there is no right or wrong and there are pros and cons for both, it’s the time that you spend with your child that’s important not the time you spend away from them.

I spent ages being jealous of mums that can stay home while I’m out working but that doesn’t help. It just makes me miserable, so now I just get on with work and love the time Jake and I spend together.

I hope some of these tips help and remember……DON’T STRESS, YOU’RE DOING JUST FINE
About the Author

Debbie writes articles for JustForMumz – Parenting and pregnancy advice
Read more parenting tips and parenting advice at our fun, friendly community.

The first question you should ask if you’re looking to buy
a used car is How good your bargaining skills are – If
you’ve been out there checking out the lots of used car
dealers, you should know those salesmen know how to do
their job. So, what’s the smart way of purchasing a used
car without getting taken for a ride?

First of all, do never start off offering too little.
That’s one of the safest ways to get taken.

And never take the first offer the seller gives you either.
You must always keep in mind your personal finances and
budget.

You should also know what the car your looking at is worth,
before you enter the used car dealer’s store.

Ever heard of the Kelley Blue Book? This is a catalog that
has all kinds of cars, listed by year, and their values.
If you are thinking of buying a used car, it’s a good idea
to get a copy and compare prices. You can take advantage
of knowing about the car when you are bargaining. If the
seller doesn’t like your offer, ask them for a counter
offer. Look at the car carefully and try to find any
faults that you can. For instance, a little damage here or
there, any kinds of problems you can find, and use that as
leverage when you are bargaining. If you can point those
things out, it shows that you are shrewd and observant, and
it will bring the price down. So, you can use the costs of
fixing these various problems to lower your counteroffer.
In the end, make sure there are no outstanding financial
claims against the car, like an unpaid bank loan.

Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles to find
out what legal paperwork you will need. Different states
have different regulations as far as smog control and
things like that, and you will also need to title of the
car and an official statement showing how many miles the
vehicle has on it. The seller has to give you this,
according to federal law. Most states require the seller
to contact the DMV to tell them that the vehicle has
changed ownership. Usually, you have to change the
registration.

The best and safest way to pay for the vehicle is with a
money order or a cashier’s check. Ensure that the seller
signs the title on the vehicle. This is the action that
legally changes the ownership from the previous owner to
you. Whenever possible, you should get a warranty from the
seller. It’s always safer to have a written warranty in
case there are unforeseen problems. About the Author

Terry Bolton likes to publish Automotive Information. Check out his comprehensive and informative automotive website cheap used cars and accessories

It is very important that problems within your home are taken care of as they arise, instead of allowing them to fester. Significant or even minor repairs that need to be done to your home need to be taken care of as they stand to compound issues of aesthetics and function, and this in turn will effect the equity of your home. Although home improvement projects will add value to your home through the addition of new features or through remodeling, home repair is just as essential in ensuring the continued value of your home.

Allowing problems to remain increases the risk of damage to your house. Leaky faucets may end up causing damage to your floor’s underlay and to your basement ceilings, as well as costing you money in terms of water bills. Holes in the wall are unsightly, and are also prone to growing as well as allowing things that might rot to get into the walls of your home. Gunk that builds up on your bathroom tiles and walls is a great place for harmful molds and other singel celled organisms to breed and spread. In other words, even small problems will detract from the value and the enjoyment of your home, and they have the potential to grow into big disasters. Fixing the problem when it arises could mean that you save hundreds of dollars in potential damages to your property.

For all three of these common problems, the repair solutions are simple. Leaky faucets require whoever is doing the repairs to find the water shutoff valve before installing the faucet. After you locate this, then the rest of the project is smooth sailing.

As far as bathroom buildup, the key ingredient required is a little bit of elbow grease. If you find that the buildup still will not come up no matter how hard you scrub, you might have to think about replacing some parts of the tile. Sometimes, the buildup is so bad that it is actually necessary to install a whole new unit. Fortunately, this is made easier by the widespread availability of shower kits.

Shower kits are pretty inexpensive, but they add a lot of value to your home right away. These kits require a few tools to install, such as sealant, nails, cement, screwdrivers, cutters, primers, and piping. Gather all of the tools and the materials that were included with the shower kit together within your workspace, in a spot that is as easy to reach as possible from where you are working. Make sure that te water is turned off before commencing work!

Remember that not everyone has an innate ability to do home repair. Do not be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help, or consult one of the many do it yourself books available.

Johnathan Bakers is publishing first and foremost for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, an online site with information about kitchen cabinet, countertops and other themes. Writing for reports on kitchen faucets the writer affirmed his capability on the topic of home improvement.

As a business owner, you may be asked to receive a ?free, no obligation? quote for cleaning your facility. You may or may not be in the market, but, for whatever reason, you agree.What should you expect?What questions will you be asked?How much information should you reveal?Below are the basic questions any reputable janitorial company will need to know in order to give you a competitive bid:1. How many days a week do you require cleaning?
Most companies have service 1, 2, 3 or 5 nights a week. However, the frequency of cleaning is totally up to the customer. Don’t be afraid to tell the cleaning company what you want. If they baulk, or try to get you to fit into their schedule, tell them ?no thanks? and stand your ground. If they want your business, they’ll be flexible enough to meet your needs.2. What day(s) and time of day will the cleaning be done?
The day(s) that you want service should be decided up front. Don’t tell the cleaning company, ?It doesn’t matter?, because they’ll treat you like it doesn’t matter. One week you’ll get cleaning on Monday and Thursday, the next week it might be Monday and Tuesday. Can you see how in both cases they serviced your building twice a week? However, how much good did it do you, your employees and your customers for them to come two nights in a row? Be prepared to pay more for day cleaning, since most cleaning companies have fewer day janitors at their disposal. Also, they have to pay more per hour to retain good day janitors.3. What is the ?cleanable? square footage of your facility?
This is not the total square footage of your facility. That number includes closets, storage rooms and other areas that will not need to be cleaned. The ?cleanable? square footage is the amount of space that the janitor will be responsible for servicing. To learn how to calculate the cleanable square footage of your facility, go to http://www.breakthecycleokc.com/Figure_Square_Footage.html 4. How many restrooms will be cleaned?
Restrooms typically account for less than 5% of the total cleanable square footage, and 95% of the cleaning complaints. This is especially true in facilities that have a larger number of female employees and customers, since a) women use the restroom more often than men, and b) women are usually neater than men. (Remember this is coming from a man!)5. Who buys the restroom and break room paper supplies, as well as trashcan liners?
This is the single biggest pain in the neck for cleaning companies, next to labor issues. Paper cost change so much and so often that in order to be profitable, cleaning companies try to avoid buying paper, at all cost! What cost $20/case today, could cost $25-30/case next week. Now, multiply that out by 30-40 cases per month, and you’ll see why companies never want to include the cost of paper in their monthly bid. They would rather for you, the business owner, to incur that expense. However, you can have the cleaning company bill you for the actual cost (plus their predetermined markup) for the paper that they use in your building. But be careful, once they know YOU are buying it, don’t be surprised when YOUR paper ends up in one of their other buildings, where THEY are suppose to be buying it. Inventory the usage, and always ask about ’spikes? in consumption. If you have the same employees as last month, then the cost should be relatively the same.6. How many employees and customers are in the building?
This needs to be discussed so that the cleaning company can project the average ?wear and tear? your building faces between cleans. For example, if you have two buildings that are exactly the same square footage, and have the same number of restrooms and are cleaned the same number of days per week, a novice might think that they should be paying the same amount of money for janitorial service. However, if Building A is a law offices with 10 employees and limited outside traffic, and Building B is a telemarketing center, with dozens of job hunters coming and going every day, believe me, Building B should pay more!7. What are the problems areas you’re facing now?
It needs to be said that too many cleaning companies bid on accounts when they don’t know what they’re up against. If a company does not ask you what cleaning issues you’re facing, then they probably haven’t been ’seasoned? long enough, and you should reject their bid. Why? Let me give you an example. Company A is a business office. They’re in a building that is adjacent to an open field. Every day, tons of dust blows into their office, covering their floors, desk, other areas leaving a thin layer of dirt. Their current company based their quote on the square footage of the building, not taking into account the open field. Now, they can’t adequately clean the building in the amount of time it was quoted for. So, instead of spending more time in the building, and getting it clean, they just stay busy for the amount of time that the salesman said it should take to clean it, and then leave.Use common sense, and the business savvy that’s gotten you this far in life, and you’ll be fine when it comes to receiving a bid from the next janitorial company.D. Brownlee
http://www.BreakTheCycleOKC.comD. Brownlee currently works as a Territorial Area Developer for a large janitorial company. He manages in excess of $1.5 million dollars of volume, overseeing hundreds of janitors. For more information on his company, you may contact him at http://www.BreakTheCycleOKC.com

London Stansted International Airport has now grown into London’s’ third airport and is the fifth busiest airport in the world. The airport offers 44 scheduled and charter airlines serving 145 destinations in 32 countries and is also the fastest growing airport in Europe. London Stansted Airport handles over 22 million passengers per year, so it’s hardly surprising that finding the right Stansted Airport parking to suit your needs can be such a nightmare – time consuming and expensive. However, the key to finding the right parking for your needs, at the right price, is now divulged for your reading pleasure?

There are various Stansted Airport parking options available to passengers travelling through the Airport depending on budget, length of stay and level of service required. Determining which Stansted Airport parking option will best suit your needs is the first step:

* Standard Stansted Airport Parking

Stansted short term parking is just 200m from the terminal and suitable for stays of up to 5 hours – perfect for collecting or dropping off passengers, or for short trips. Any cars left unattended in the set down or pick up areas, will be towed away by the police and a release fee will be incurred. Therefore, if you need to leave your car unattended, motorists must park in the Stansted short stay car parks available at the Terminal.

* Business Stansted Airport Parking

Travellers that need fast access through from parking to the airport can use the Short Stay Fast Track service. This car park is situated immediately in front of the Terminal entrance and recommended for stays of up to 24 hours, providing extra speed and convenience for business travellers. The Fast Track Stansted parking has a dedicated entry and exit and wider parking spaces. For business travellers with a stay longer than 24 hours, the Mid Term Stansted parking option below is recommended.

* Stansted Mid Term Parking

For passengers travelling on short breaks and business trips, this secure mid term car park is the ideal choice. The car park is served by shuttle buses that run every 10 minutes with a journey time of 5 to 6 minutes.

* Stansted Long Term Parking

For passengers travelling away for more than a few days, Stansted long term parking is recommended. This is where the minefield begins. There are a huge number of different options available for Stansted Airport parking, and many companies competing for your business. The long stay car parks are serviced by regular shuttle bus services to the terminal building, running from every 5 – 20 minutes, depending on the car park you choose. Some car parks only operate a shuttle bus during specified hours, so please check the times carefully if you have a late night or early morning flight. Passengers using this option must leave plenty of time as the transfer to the airport can take from 20 to 50 minutes. Keep reading for tips on how to make your Stansted Airport parking decision and get the best price.

* Meet and Greet Stansted Airport Parking

If you find bus transfers and off-site Stansted Airport parking a hassle, meet and greet Stansted Airport Parking offers customers a convenient valet service. Amongst many benefits, travellers can check-in within minutes of arriving at the airport and drive away minutes after clearing customs.

* Disabled Parking at Stansted Airport

The blue badge scheme applies to car parks only as there is no waiting outside the terminal buildings themselves. All short stay car parks have dedicated parking bays for blue badge holders so ensure you take your badge with you. All mid term and long stay car parks have disabled parking bays situated near the coach shelters, and all coaches are wheelchair accessible. The coach drivers or forecourt marshalls will be happy to provide assistance where required.

Now we’ve looked at all the options, ?how do I make sure I get the best quote to save me money??, I hear you ask?

* Choose the best option for your needs: Whether this be standard or business Stansted Airport parking, mid term Stansted parking, Stansted long term parking, meet and greet or disabled parking

* Pre-book: Booking Stansted Airport parking in advance will secure your parking space

* Discounts: Online bookings will normally reward you with a further discount

* Save time, find the right price and compare your options: Use an online Stansted airport parking price checker to make sure you are not paying over the odds. A price checker enables you to compare parking prices online.

The best Stansted airport parking price checker that I have found to compare Stansted airport car parking is available on the Stansted Airport information site.

* Truly Independent – so they get the best deals on parking prices and pass them on to you

* Better Rates – the Company goes direct to the Stansted Airport parking operators so they can negotiate better rates

* Monitor Competitors – to ensure they offer you the best prices

* Information in one screen shot – so you can instantly see the best option and price for your needs

* Book online – traipsing around for the best Stansted Airport parking is a thing of the past!

So next time you travel away, just follow the Stansted Airport parking tips in this simple guide, and you’re away – more relaxed and with a few extra pennies in your pocket.

Bethanie Ashley is a frequent traveller keen to pass on time and money saving advice to others. Further useful information such as how to get to the airport, public transport, Stansted Airport parking, Terminal facilities, Airport security, Airlines, destinations, and for booking and paying for airport lounges, car rental, airport parking, travel insurance and foreign currency, can be found on the Stansted Information website.

Vitamins For Your Body

by: Bruce
Hughbanks

Copyright 2005, Bruce Hughbanks, Founder / Director / CEO -
The Employment Alternative Group

Provide Your Body With The Right Combination Of Vitamins
Vitamins play a crucial role in our body’s chemistry processes but many people neglect their importance and eventually end up getting ill or suffering because of their ignorance. We generally assume that we can take most or all of the needed vitamins and minerals strictly from our diet, but this is not always true and it is a process that is different from one person to another. Vitamins supplements come as an alternative to a highly balanced diet, which many of us just can’t keep to. There are a few basic things that we should know about how to ensure a good vitamin supply and reduce the chances of falling sick.
The first thing we should be aware of is that each of our bodies is unique – there are not two human beings exactly the same. Because of this it is hard to come up with a precise dosage of vitamins that you need on a daily basis. Vitamin intake is largely dependant on your diet. As many people already know, fruits and vegetables are the best source for the top vitamins that we need to live a healthy life. They provide good amounts of vitamins A, C, D and E (and several other) that rank highest on the importance scale.
When your body receives less vitamins than it needs you will experience several negative effects, manifested in different forms. Too little C vitamin, for example, will lower your defense mechanism against viral infections, while a lack of the A vitamin can lead to poorer eyesight. There are several factors that can cause a need for more vitamins. You may need to help your body out with vitamin supplements if you are eating irregularly or if your main diet is formed from fast food items or processed foods. Making physical efforts for long periods of time also puts more stress on your organism, which, in turn, will demand more resources in order to replenish your energy.
However, vitamin supplements should also be used cautiously, as they can lead to a vitamin overdose. Vitamins A and D, taken alone, may have serious side effects if they are not accompanied by other multi vitamin supplements. Some people respond negatively to higher doses of C and E vitamins. Calcium, an essential mineral for our bone system, needs to be accompanied by D vitamin. Otherwise, the body only keeps a small amount of Calcium and eliminates the rest. The D vitamin helps your body absorb Calcium better. Other mineral – vitamin combinations are especially effective, such as the B6 vitamin and Magnesium. Tandems such as the ones mentioned above work well together because each component balances the other by helping the body to make the most of their presence.
Insufficient vitamins may lead to a weakened immune system that is very permissive with viruses, highly increasing your chances of getting sick. Tiredness, apathy and low energy levels may also appear when your vitamin equilibrium has been altered.

About The Author

Bruce
Hughbanks is Dedicated to the Success of Business Minded Entrepreneurs
World Wide. His In-Depth Views, Techniques and Dedication to helping
others is second to none. Contributed to the Advancement of Internet Marketing
Success, Copywriting and Joint Venture Affiliations. Find out how he can help you:

http://www.ProfitZilla.com

(Another TeagINC
Network Production)

Friends and Family Should be Priority!
Experience True Freedom! The Employment Alternative Group

http://www.TheEmploymentAlternativeGroup.com

So you have always dreamed of owning your dream car, but the price has always been out of your reach. For many people this wish does not materialize into reality. With the presence of used car dealer, this is a thing of the past. Yes, you will not be able to buy a first hand car, but why not settle for the second best and buy used cars. Well if you cannot have what you love most, you can at least try out for the next best option.

Buying used cars from a used car dealer is a very good option in New York. Just think, you will be able to buy cars that are around 1 year old for twenty to thirty percent less then the price of brand new cars. There are many used car dealers in New York and all you will have to do is find a good car dealer who will help you in finding out and buying the car you always wanted to own. In the long run you will find that buying a used car is beneficial.

The web is the best source for you to scout out a used car dealer. You will be flooded with information about used car dealers in New York, and finding out the best among the lot is your prerogative. Just make sure that you make a wise choice and do not end up creating a blunder. It is always better to talk around to find out the best-used car dealer that can assist you in buying used cars.

The online sites are a great source for you to buy as well as sell used cars. If you want to put up your car for sale, you can add the details of your car in the database of the used car dealer. You can sell your car at a very good price without any difficulty. This is one of the best options for you to dispose of your old car and also earn a reasonable amount of money.

After you have zeroed in on which car to buy, check out the car. Look carefully to see if there are any defects and if the car is running properly or not. In fact you can also find used cars in New York that are still under the factory warranty. Do not forget to trace the history of the used car you are buying from a used car dealer. No one wants to be caught up in any situation that can have legal implications. Check out every aspect to avoid any future hassles.

Buying a Used Car is a very cheap and affordable option in New York. There is a wide range options from which you can choose what car to buy and what not to buy. Shopping for a used car online is a very good option. You cannot go from the doorstep of one used car dealer to another, honestly who has the time for this. Take some out and surf the web properly to find out what you are looking for.

Yes, it is true that you will miss smelling and having the feel of a new car. You will also miss out on reading a new manual and finding out what the different parts of the car is all about. You can forgo all these simple pleasures to buy the car of your choice form a used car dealer. It is up to you to decide what is more important for you feeling the smell of a new car or saving money. About the Author

Damian Miller is a famous car dealer. He has good knowledge of car market. he is also a great car engineer. After using and selling many type of cars he is suggesting Nissan Audi as he found it is the best.To compare and get full information about Nissan Audi and its various models visit http://www.www.biener.com