Feeding a Growing World Population With the Aid of Science

It is challenging enough trying to rustle up enough food to feed a planet that already runs to seven billion people, and which is predicted to add a further two billion mouths by the middle of the century, without wasting so much of the food that we have managed to grow, cultivate, milk and rear.

As our Eureka science magazine notes today, we waste close to 100 million tonnes of food a year. To throw away so much at a time when 925 million people are classed as hungry, and a further one billion are thought to be suffering from malnutrition, is as senselessly profligate as running a bath without inserting the bath plug. But disposing the waste will never be enough to fill the world's bellies.

Yes, selective breeding is starting to boost crop yields and improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa, just as it has been so successfully doing across Asia and the Americas over the past four decades. But without increased use of genetically modified crop varieties it seems inconceivable that food production will ever be abundant enough to keep pace with population growth.

A 2011 research paper, the first to gauge the comparison between fetal and maternal exposure to BT toxin (a polypeptide having insecticidal effects on certain insects, yield by a gene from a soil bacteria) created in genetically modified maize and to decide exposure degrees of the metabolites of the sample batch of pesticides, reported the life of pesticides connected with GM foods in both pregnant women and non-pregnant women and their fetuses. The study did not consider safety implications or find any health issues. The paper has been found to be inconclusive by several authors. It was also lambasted by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

GM crops are already flourishing in China, in North and South America and in parts of Africa. And in Europe? Shamefully, the EU remains mired in a stalemate on GM regulation that is an affront to a hungry world. Alongside this, Brussels pursues a fisheries policy that contributes to a food scandal in which the world's fishing fleets discard about nine million tonnes of fish each year.

Mouths are born hungry. The world's fulfillment in feeding itself for 10,000 years is a tribute to man's or better God's ingenuity. Now new technologies can help by creating more sustainable ways to produce more food. This is hardly the moment to stifle that ingenuity by spurning the promise of GM science.

Cable TV Without The Commercials - We Wish   Why Should Those Who Pay No Taxes Be Allowed to Vote?   A Different Perspective - Nathuram Ghodse   The Tim Tebow Phenomenon   

There Advanced Product Launch Secrets That Will Sell Products Like Crazy

Developing your product is just the initial step to selling your product. Effectively launching your product effectively is the key to success. If a mediocre product is marketed effectively it could outsell a higher quality product. A well known example of this is the marketing genius of Bill Gates. Microsoft was not the best operating system available when it was first introduced, but their marketing campaign was phenomenal.

Understanding how to successfully launch new products is essential for your business to be successful. You can spend thousands of dollars developing products and you need to learn how to quickly recover and profit from that investment.

I have written this article to review the basics of effectively launching a new product.

1) Create Consumer Excitement A vital component to a successful marketing campaign or product launch is to create consumer excitement in anticipation of your product release. Create and submit a well written, exciting press release about your product. If it is done properly your release could be sent to magazines, websites, radio or even television. Send an email to your prospects and customers announcing your new product and provide a link to your website or landing page that demonstrates or has information your product. This will generate interest leading to pre-sales before and sales at product launch.

2) General Partner Affiliates Recruit partners and affiliates who will help you promote and sell your product. Affiliates can help you reach thousands of prospects you may not be able to do on your own. Hire an associate responsible for finding partners and affiliates. Most successful internet companies have hundreds if not thousands of affiliates promoting and selling their products.

3) Create a Marketing Plan Create a tactical and strategic marketing plan to promote your products and business. Your plan should include reaching out to current customers, prospects and affiliates. It should also include utilizing organic search engine listings, ezine advertising and article marketing, pay per click advertising campaigns, and email blasting. These are usually effective online advertising campaigns for internet businesses.

Product Launch Tree - Are You Just a Few Tweaks Away From Earning an Extra 456% in Profits?   Secrets of Seminar Marketing During Hard Economic Times   Product Launching 101 - How to Keep People's Attention With Your Ecourses   Adding $1 Million to Your Business   Helpful Resources For Planning and Executing a Successful Product Launch   The Perfect Product Launch Launch   

Look Out for Diabetes During Pregnancy

If you are thinking about conceiving, then there is every single aspect that you should consider before you finally start trying. One of the things that you should consider is the fact whether you are diabetic or whether your family has a genetic history of this disease. If a pregnant woman has diabetes then various complications can occur so you should read the following article as it provides you with all the necessary details regarding pregnancy and diabetes. Diabetes can present many problems for the fetus or your unborn child so read on and make sure that you are prepared beforehand, in order to deal with contingent situations with more ease.

Normally there are two types of diabetes; mainly type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Awareness regarding this particular disease is so important, since the majority of the time most patients do not even know that they are diabetic unless and until matters go way out of hand. If you are pregnant and diabetic, your diabetes will be cured in the earliest of your pregnancy stages since the urine is tested for pregnancy and if you are diabetic the test results will show this.

There is a particular type of diabetes that affects pregnant women. If diabetes is developed after the baby is conceived, then this diabetes is called gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs due to placenta disorder which leads to the pancreas not being able to produce the optimum amount of sugar in the body. However, there is no need to worry as gestational diabetes can be detected up to twenty four to twenty eight weeks into pregnancy. The easiest treatment for this is to refrain from intake of liquids that contains glucose. Regular urine tests and blood tests are conducted to make sure that the sugar level of the mother to be is normal. Hence, you need to make sure that glucose test pregnancy is conducted regularly.

Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy include:

· Stress and fatigue

· Thirst cravings that do not subside even after drinking water

· Frequent urination

Diabetes during pregnancy should be dealt with immense care since diabetes can lead to conditions known as macrosomia. This is a condition in which the bodies of the babies are too big as compared to their heads. This is due to the fact that the baby gets an abnormal amount of glucose and sugar during the development, so make sure you know how to deal with diabetes.

Maternity Swimwear in Fall   Pregnancy And Anaemia - Learn About The Causes And Find Out What You Can Do   

The Perks Offered by Gender Selection

Gender selection may be an impossible thing in the past but is now made possible with the help of scientific research and developments in the field of medical technology. Many procedures, such as IVF or in vitro fertilization and pre-implantation techniques, are developed in order for it to be successful. Apart from those mentioned medical procedures, there are also some natural ways which are known to have a high success rate as well which could be tried by couples. Though it has become a very controversial topic these days, it has become more and more popular. It is now widely favoured by many people all over the world since it provides a world of benefits.

It is known that many people in the world these days still consider the male gender as the more dominant one. Many individuals all over the world still prefer to have men as leaders of the society since they are more capable than women. Though we are now in the modern times wherein a lot of people view opposing genders as equal, it could not be avoided that traditions are still the same. Because of this reason, a lot of parents or future parents want their child to be a boy.

Another advantage brought about by sex selection is that couples who have many children of the same gender are now given the chance to have a baby of different sex. It is true that in the past there are a lot of parents who wanted to have children of opposite gender but they end up having children who are either all boys or all girls. With this latest development in the field of science, they are now able to have a choice.

Gender selection clinics are slowly growing in numbers in certain countries so it gives convenience to people who want to undergo medical procedures to have the capacity to bear a child of their preferred gender. In line with this various medical procedures are also made available so that people can have different choices. Though the methods used may differ from one another, their chances of being successful are relatively high. They may not give a 100 percent guarantee at least they provide a great chance to people to choose the sex of their future baby.

If you do not have the finances to undergo medical procedures, which are known to be very expensive, there are also some natural and easy to follow methods that anyone can try. Having a specific type of diet are said to have an effect in conceiving a child of s particular gender. Sexual positions and other natural options are also recommended by some experts in order for sex selection to be a success.

The lists of benefits provided by gender selection processes continue to go on and on as more ways are developed by professionals. It is important for people who want to try it to understand these facts to help them with their decision whether to undergo certain methods or not.

Maternity Swimwear in Fall   Pregnancy And Anaemia - Learn About The Causes And Find Out What You Can Do   

What to Consider When Building Above Ground Swimming Pool Decks

Above ground pool decks are not easy to construct, so don't believe people who say otherwise. Some people hesitate to spend for professionals to do the construction, and so they do the task themselves, only to come up with a poorly done job. This is not to discourage you to build your own decks. If you have the right materials and the right skill for the job, then you can do the work yourself.

The main reason that you have to install a deck around your facility is for safety. Decks are important if you have kids who may go in and out of the swimming pool. However, poorly built decks may pose safety risks too.

Check out the building codes when constructing pool decks. Construction guidelines can vary among states. If you are not familiar with the local guidelines, ask a professional pool builder. There are specifications for gates, fences, guardrails and steps. Permits may be required when building decks. Even this seemingly minor construction work requires the permission of the local government.

When you start construction, it's important to take note of safety. Make sure that you use the right materials, and that you go through the prescribed construction procedure. A plan should be drafted first. The framework should be well set up. The ladder should be well attached to the deck, and the deck itself should attach firmly to the facility. Proper construction of a pool deck ensures its strength, so that it does not shake when you step and walk on it. If you do the job well, then the deck should be able to support the weight of several people.

There are different types of materials for making pool decks. Popular materials for construction are wood, concrete, bricks, and ceramic tiles. Wood and concrete are good for people who want to build decks at a low price for their backyard swimming pools. Stone decks are more expensive to build. The material that your house is made of must be considered.

The type of the pool also comes into the picture when you are deciding on the materials for construction of your pool deck. Keep in mind that the design of above ground pool decks differs from that of in-ground ones. In-ground pool decks are usually made of concrete or tiles. Wood is better opted for most above ground facilities.

The surrounding area should also be taken into consideration. The irony is that above ground pool decks are meant to be permanent, while the facility itself is not necessarily permanent. Anyway, since a deck is permanent, it should be installed on an area where there are no growing shrubs and trees. Otherwise, the area should be cleared. Moreover, the space available dictates how large your deck can be, because the space limits the dimensions. You don't want an overlarge deck in a small yard.

The color of the pool deck may also be considered. For instance, if you want your deck to have a casual look, then go for light colored wood. On the other hand, if you want a classier look, then go for the dark colored wood.

How to Keep Your Pool Operation Hassle-Free   The Pros And Cons Of Choosing Foam Spa Covers   Choosing a Spa Hot Tub   Using Above Ground Sand Filters   

To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review

The novel To Kill A Mockingbird revolves around a young girl named Jean Louise Finch who goes by the nicknamed "Scout". Scout experiences different events in her life that dramatically change her life. Scout and her brother Jem are being raised by their father, a lawyer named Atticus and a housekeeper named Calpumia in a small town in the south. At this point in time in the South racism and discriminations towards black was a big issue . The story begins when Scout is 6 years old, and her brother is about to enter the 5th grade. That summer Scout and her brother meet a young boy named Dill who comes from Mississippi to spend the summers there. They become fascinated with a man named "Boo" Radley, a man in his thirties who has not been seen outside of his home in years, mainly because of his suppressed upbringing. They have an impression of Mr. Radley as being this large ugly and evil man. Then comes the trial. Scout's father becomes a defense attorney for a black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white women. This has a big affect on Scout. During this trial she gets teased by friends because her father was helping this black man. Scout starts to see the racism that exist. During the trial Scout and her brother and close friend Dill witness the trial. Even though they are young they can see that Mr. Robinson is innocent. Even though Mr. Robinson's innocence was clear even in the eyes of kids, Mr. Robinson was still found guilty. Later in an attempt to escape, Mr. Robinson is shot dead. Scout is extremely disappointed at the verdict and even more at the death of Mr. Robinson and realizes the injustice that exist. Later in a cowardly attempt by the alleged rape victims father, tries to kill Scout and her brother in order to get even with her father for making him look back in court. This is when Mr.Radley makes an appearance again an stabs their attacker. Even though Mr. Radley kills a man he is not tried for murder because he was defending the Scout and her brother. Finally some justice. This gives Scout some hope that is a chance for improvement in this unjust world.

(Discussion of main themes in To Kill A Mockingbird)

There are many different themes present in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The first theme which I will discuss is "Prejudice". The whole story revolved around the prejudice views of this Southern community. The whole reason why the trial was going on was because of people views towards blacks in the south. Since the alleged rape victim's father has such a prejudice view towards black, he is embarrassed that his daughter was actually flirting with a black man. To combat this he falsely accuses the innocent Mr. Robinson of rape. If it wasn't for the prejudice view which existed in the south the accusation would had never been brought against Mr. Robinson. These prejudice views in the south created a double standard of justice. With all the negative points that can be found in the story in respect to prejudice, there was a bright spot when it came to the prejudice issue. This "ray of light" came in the form of Scout's father Atticus. Atticus represented hope. Hope that good people still exist. Even in a society filled with hate. Atticus represented the hope that one day things can change

The "Prejudice" theme also ties in well with the title of the book "To Kill A Mocking Bird." In Chapter 10, Scout and Jem Finch get air rifles for Christmas. Scouts father tells her and her brother that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because mockingbirds are harmless creatures who do nothing but sing for our enjoyment. In the story To Kill a Mockingbird Mr. Robinson is clearly the "Mocking Bird". He is a good man who has never harmed anyone and is figuratively and literally shot by society because of prejudice. The jurors sentence him to death not because he did anything wrong but because of prejudice. He is then later shot for trying to escape this unjust ruling. Mr. Robinson just like a mockingbird is shot for no reason at all.

The second theme which I will discuss is "coming of age". The "Coming of age" theme basically entails a character who evolves to a new level of self awareness through his or her experiences in life. This is clearly the case with Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. An example of Scout's "coming of age" can be seen when she meets her friend Dill. Dill comes from a broken home and lives somewhere beyond Alabama. Scout who comes from a good home is awaken to the different quality of life that exist and is able to come to a conclusion that life exist beyond the world she knows. Through these experiences she grows more tolerant of others, learning how to "climb into another person's skin and walk around in it." On her first day of school she finds that just like with Dill there are both social and poor classes in society, some are respectable and others not. She also learns that her father is an extra-ordinary man, fighting for a Negro's rights in court. During the trial of Tom Robinson Scout learns about equality and inequality and finally about racial prejudice. By the final chapters of the novel, Scout goes to another "coming of age experience." She learns that good people can still suffer injustice. She realizes this when she see's Tom Robinson suffer injustice even though they did nothing to deserve it. She discover that the courts does not always result in justice. In the end after all of Scout's experiences and discoveries we get the sense that she will not follow the prejudice views which her society upholds. In the end Scout had matured and grown more as a kid, than many adults will do in there lifetime.

The third and final theme which I will discuss is "Justice". In the story To Kill a Mockingbird I feel,the author, Ms. Lee portrays true justice as being best seen through the eyes of the innocent. In the story Scout and her brother, being the innocent,can clearly see the injustice being done to Mr. Robinson. In contrary to Scout and her brother other people in society more specifically the older people in the town, the people who have lived through different experiences, become blinded when it comes to true justice. Or maybe they are not blinded but just choose to ignore it. This is clearly seen when they sentence an innocent man to death. This ignorance of justice can be blamed on the prejudice views which are present and eventually instilled in society in the south. So I feel that Harper Lee is connecting justice with innocence to a certain extent. In my opinion Harper Lee portrays justice as being easily detected. The reason I say this is even the young justice. The problem is society can instill beliefs that can act as a veil and blind the people from justice. The only way to uncover this veil is through people like Atticus who can pass his morality and nobility to the young and the "blinded"

(Would I recommend this book?)

I would definitely recommend people to read the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I found it to be an interesting and powerful book. I feel the book does a great job in portraying the extreme prejudice that existed in the south at that time. I feel this book makes a powerful statement on how justice can be altered through racism. I also think that the themes found in the book are themes which can still be found in our current society and that makes it the more interesting. You can even make a case that prejudice still has an effect in our legal system today. So if you are looking for a powerful book of "coming of age" and the battle for justice I would highly recommend To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   

To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review

The novel To Kill A Mockingbird revolves around a young girl named Jean Louise Finch who goes by the nicknamed "Scout". Scout experiences different events in her life that dramatically change her life. Scout and her brother Jem are being raised by their father, a lawyer named Atticus and a housekeeper named Calpumia in a small town in the south. At this point in time in the South racism and discriminations towards black was a big issue . The story begins when Scout is 6 years old, and her brother is about to enter the 5th grade. That summer Scout and her brother meet a young boy named Dill who comes from Mississippi to spend the summers there. They become fascinated with a man named "Boo" Radley, a man in his thirties who has not been seen outside of his home in years, mainly because of his suppressed upbringing. They have an impression of Mr. Radley as being this large ugly and evil man. Then comes the trial. Scout's father becomes a defense attorney for a black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white women. This has a big affect on Scout. During this trial she gets teased by friends because her father was helping this black man. Scout starts to see the racism that exist. During the trial Scout and her brother and close friend Dill witness the trial. Even though they are young they can see that Mr. Robinson is innocent. Even though Mr. Robinson's innocence was clear even in the eyes of kids, Mr. Robinson was still found guilty. Later in an attempt to escape, Mr. Robinson is shot dead. Scout is extremely disappointed at the verdict and even more at the death of Mr. Robinson and realizes the injustice that exist. Later in a cowardly attempt by the alleged rape victims father, tries to kill Scout and her brother in order to get even with her father for making him look back in court. This is when Mr.Radley makes an appearance again an stabs their attacker. Even though Mr. Radley kills a man he is not tried for murder because he was defending the Scout and her brother. Finally some justice. This gives Scout some hope that is a chance for improvement in this unjust world.

(Discussion of main themes in To Kill A Mockingbird)

There are many different themes present in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The first theme which I will discuss is "Prejudice". The whole story revolved around the prejudice views of this Southern community. The whole reason why the trial was going on was because of people views towards blacks in the south. Since the alleged rape victim's father has such a prejudice view towards black, he is embarrassed that his daughter was actually flirting with a black man. To combat this he falsely accuses the innocent Mr. Robinson of rape. If it wasn't for the prejudice view which existed in the south the accusation would had never been brought against Mr. Robinson. These prejudice views in the south created a double standard of justice. With all the negative points that can be found in the story in respect to prejudice, there was a bright spot when it came to the prejudice issue. This "ray of light" came in the form of Scout's father Atticus. Atticus represented hope. Hope that good people still exist. Even in a society filled with hate. Atticus represented the hope that one day things can change

The "Prejudice" theme also ties in well with the title of the book "To Kill A Mocking Bird." In Chapter 10, Scout and Jem Finch get air rifles for Christmas. Scouts father tells her and her brother that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because mockingbirds are harmless creatures who do nothing but sing for our enjoyment. In the story To Kill a Mockingbird Mr. Robinson is clearly the "Mocking Bird". He is a good man who has never harmed anyone and is figuratively and literally shot by society because of prejudice. The jurors sentence him to death not because he did anything wrong but because of prejudice. He is then later shot for trying to escape this unjust ruling. Mr. Robinson just like a mockingbird is shot for no reason at all.

The second theme which I will discuss is "coming of age". The "Coming of age" theme basically entails a character who evolves to a new level of self awareness through his or her experiences in life. This is clearly the case with Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. An example of Scout's "coming of age" can be seen when she meets her friend Dill. Dill comes from a broken home and lives somewhere beyond Alabama. Scout who comes from a good home is awaken to the different quality of life that exist and is able to come to a conclusion that life exist beyond the world she knows. Through these experiences she grows more tolerant of others, learning how to "climb into another person's skin and walk around in it." On her first day of school she finds that just like with Dill there are both social and poor classes in society, some are respectable and others not. She also learns that her father is an extra-ordinary man, fighting for a Negro's rights in court. During the trial of Tom Robinson Scout learns about equality and inequality and finally about racial prejudice. By the final chapters of the novel, Scout goes to another "coming of age experience." She learns that good people can still suffer injustice. She realizes this when she see's Tom Robinson suffer injustice even though they did nothing to deserve it. She discover that the courts does not always result in justice. In the end after all of Scout's experiences and discoveries we get the sense that she will not follow the prejudice views which her society upholds. In the end Scout had matured and grown more as a kid, than many adults will do in there lifetime.

The third and final theme which I will discuss is "Justice". In the story To Kill a Mockingbird I feel,the author, Ms. Lee portrays true justice as being best seen through the eyes of the innocent. In the story Scout and her brother, being the innocent,can clearly see the injustice being done to Mr. Robinson. In contrary to Scout and her brother other people in society more specifically the older people in the town, the people who have lived through different experiences, become blinded when it comes to true justice. Or maybe they are not blinded but just choose to ignore it. This is clearly seen when they sentence an innocent man to death. This ignorance of justice can be blamed on the prejudice views which are present and eventually instilled in society in the south. So I feel that Harper Lee is connecting justice with innocence to a certain extent. In my opinion Harper Lee portrays justice as being easily detected. The reason I say this is even the young justice. The problem is society can instill beliefs that can act as a veil and blind the people from justice. The only way to uncover this veil is through people like Atticus who can pass his morality and nobility to the young and the "blinded"

(Would I recommend this book?)

I would definitely recommend people to read the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I found it to be an interesting and powerful book. I feel the book does a great job in portraying the extreme prejudice that existed in the south at that time. I feel this book makes a powerful statement on how justice can be altered through racism. I also think that the themes found in the book are themes which can still be found in our current society and that makes it the more interesting. You can even make a case that prejudice still has an effect in our legal system today. So if you are looking for a powerful book of "coming of age" and the battle for justice I would highly recommend To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   To Kill a Mockingbird - A Book Review   

Anfi Del Mar, Timeshare Capital of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria, one of the most loved timeshare destination because of its endless "Red Week" status gained by constant sunshine and glorious heat. Hand-in-hand with timeshare ownership in Gran Canaria is Anfi Del Mar, the hub of some of the island's most highly regarded timeshare resorts. Seeing much of its custom from Scandinavia, Europe and the UK, Gran Anfi Del Mar promises the facilities and climate which contribute to the perfect holiday all year around.

Anfi Beach Club

The original Anfi Resort, Anfi Beach Club has, at its disposal a magnificent waterfront location, situated on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. The panoramic vision of the Atlantic Ocean when peering out from the club, are lined beautifully by lush tropical gardens perfectly contributing to the feel of idyllic paradise.

Activities whilst on the club are wide ranging and those with a timeshare benefit from a variety of different pass times whilst they are there. From myriad sporting and leisure activities located in on the club and in the central Anfi Plaza or watersports and beach fun moments away.

Club Puerto Anfi

Similarly located to Anfi Beach Club, Puerto Anfi also faces the golden beaches and crystal deep-blue Atlantic Ocean. The true epicentre of the Anfi Del Mar Resort, you really couldn't be closer to the heart of the action here. From large pent house apartments, to luxury suites positioned atop the towers, Puerto Anfi aims to provide that "home-from-home" feeling whilst giving you all the facilities you'd expect.

The vivid tropical surroundings of Anfi Beach Club also benefit Puerto, building on the sight of pools, beaches and the marina. The nautical decor of the club reflects the theme of its location and hints at the aquatic pastimes of jet skies, scuba diving, fishing and even dolphin spotting - bliss!

Club Monte Anfi

The staggering sight of the bay that the Club Monte Anfi apartments provide are some of the best the island can offer. Monte Anfi is unique within the Del Mar resort because of its cliff-top location over the bay. Flower-lined balconies and vibrant greenery conjure the feeling of privacy and all-in-all more idyllic feel.

Bay views are accompanied by all the luxurious amenities and boastful facilities you'd expect from Anfi. Jacuzzi's, heated pools, shops, cafés and the Benito Mini Club will all help you acquire your own piece of heaven if you choose to buy timeshare in Gran Canaria.

Club Gran Anfi

The latest of the clubs at Anfi Del Mar, Gran Anfi promises people looking to buy timeshare with panoramic sights of the Atlantic Ocean and glorious countryside of the south-western side of the island. Also benefitting from Anfi Plaza, Gran Anfi has access to the resort's grand facilities and boasts plenty to do (or not should that be your taste) while you are there.

Club Gran Anfi operates in a different fashion from the Beach Club and Puerto Anfi as it offers a floating week system, which permits the owner to pick the week they want to spend in their timeshare each year. Floating weeks do come with a few provisos as to when and how you can use them, so it is worth enquiring with the resort first.

Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   

Resale Vacation Property Vs New Vacation Home - Exactly Which Should You Buy?

In case you're considering a timeshare, among the first concerns you'll likely ask your self is "where will I select?" Should you spend money on your timeshare directly from the holiday resort? Or rather would you buy your getaway estate on the secondary market?

From the point of view of the majority of customers as well as pros, it usually makes greater economic sense to obtain a timeshare on the resale marketplace. Obtaining timeshare second-hand (from a prior owner, as opposed to immediately from the vacation spot) can help save thousands; every so often up to as high as 60% off resort developer prices. In numerous cases, a timeshare resale gives precisely the same amenities and accommodations a vacation resort has to offer, even while pricing loads less than the retail price.

Top Class Features:

Purchasing a resale timeshare doesn't necessarily suggest you're acquiring a "used" product. The most well known getaway companies worldwide play to a substantial number of timeshare resale owners. By buying on the secondary market you are able to obtain a lifetime of amenities at hospitality companies like Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Marriott Vacation Club, Disney Vacation Club, and Hyatt Vacation Club for a fraction of what you may waste to order direct, or on similar resort accommodations for a week's time.

Intelligent Choices:

On many occasions, second-hand purchasers happen to be more well informed shoppers. That's simply because when individuals decide to buy a timeshare on the second-hand market, as opposed to from a timeshare presentation, they've likely taken a bit of time to do research thoroughly and take into account their vacation getaway lifestyle. They realize that they'll be doing yearly vacations every year, so they plan for for them accordingly. Timeshare consumers who acquire directly from the holiday resort oftentimes do so through timeshare "presentations."

Evade High Pressure Sales:

These types of presentations seduce guests with a "prize" for attending (dinner vouchers or tickets to the nearby amusement park, to illustrate) that are indeed really cheerily-disguised bribes to seduce you into a high pressure predicament unprepared. It's these kinds of notorious timeshare salesmen who rope potential customers in; convincing these individuals not to go home and explore, that this is a "one time plan," and that that you are missing an immense venture in case don't signup now. It's quite frankly a fallacy. Buying any kind of real estate ought not to be a snap-decision, and it should certainly not happen during a high-pressure instance.

Choose a Licensed Timeshare brokerage firm:

A number of industry experts acknowledge that the safest and smartest strategy to acquire a vacation property on the secondary market will be to talk with a licensed timeshare brokerage. Opt for a broker with present real estate licensing and BBB accreditation. They are both signifiers of outstanding performance and reputability.

Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   

Don't Fall for Timeshare Schemes!

In today's world, there seems to be more timeshare scams than timeshare values. Unfortunately, with so many timeshare scams out there, they are all competing against each other. In the real world, products improve with competition. As a product becomes more popular, the competitors attempt to make theirs better so they can take a piece of the market share. Unfortunately, in the underworld of scams and frauds - timeshare scams are competing to be the most innovative and "best on the market." Whether the scams take place over the phone, through the mail, or in person, all timeshare owners are susceptible to becoming a victim. The best thing to do is become vigilant in your research of any business or personal opportunity involving the timeshare industry. These scams typically use the same high pressure tactics that it took to get you into the original timeshare purchase. These scam artists know that many timeshare owners are simple susceptible to high pressure coercion to separate you from your money. These scams rely on the fact that you are now more desperate than ever and looking for help.

News companies, Better Business Bureau, and various state and federal agencies have come out with advisories to help the consumer spot these scams. Many times their greatest recommendation is to just do thorough research, which is not only a easy thing to accomplish - but a necessity in today's day and age. These timeshare scams hire the absolute best wordsmiths, con artists, and sharks to separate you from your money. Although it may see like a company sounds reputable, many timeshare companies are a timeshare scam in sheep's clothing. These smooth criminals are really good at creating your problem, solving it, and then leaving you to realize you never had a problem. As such, you have just become a victim of the many timeshare scams floating around the world.

Some of the most common scams involve the promise of the anonymous buyer. These scam artists call you up and let you know that they have a buyer in holding that wants to purchase your timeshare, all you have to do is pay an advance on the closing costs - and then the scam artists phone room disappears. This scam leaves you thousands of dollars poorer and with a worthless timeshare.

Another very big scam is the "we can rent your timeshare" scam. These con artists call people up and show that they have a proven history of renting timeshares to people for large amounts of money. This, again, is just one of the many timeshare scams that you will be approached with. When there is someone who actually wants to rent a timeshare, one finds that it can easily be done online for many times less than a hundred dollars a night. So there really is no need to fall victim to one of those scams if you just know the truth, there really is no way out of your timeshare easily. At least never one that presents a profit to the owner.

Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   

Remember to Think About Taxes Before You Sell or Rent Your Timeshare!

I am commonly asked how selling a timeshare or renting a vacation condo impacts consumers in regards to both state and federal income taxes. The first advice I always provide is simple but vital. Discuss your plans with your CPA or tax preparer to ensure you have the most accurate information and receive advice specific to your situation.

In this article, I have put together some general information you should consider when you speak to your legal counsel or accountant. The following information should not be considered as legal advice, but rather as general topics to discuss when selling or renting a timeshare resort.

Most timeshares that are sold on the secondary market at sold at a loss! It is extremely rare for a timeshare owner to sell for a higher price than what they originally paid, even if their timeshare ownership was purchased as a resale on the secondary market. The first rule of timeshare ownership is that timeshares decline in monetary value over time. Every timeshare owner should expect their vacation ownership to be worth less in the future than it is now. Try to think about your timeshare as you would other comparable luxury items such as a car or a boat. The major difference between them being that "antique" timeshares do not appreciate over the years! Often, the only true value of a timeshare lies in the usage and enjoyment the owner receives, and in the photo albums created from years of fantastic vacations!

The financial loss from the sale of your timeshare is usually not deductible. Tax laws in the United States consider a timeshare to be a specialized form of real estate that is classified in most cases as your personal asset. Your tax preparer should think of your vacation ownership in much the same way as your automobile. When you sell a vehicle that you have owned for personal use and enjoyment, you cannot claim a financial loss on your income taxes. However, if that same vehicle is owned and used entirely for business purposes- then there can be tax benefits.

If you originally purchased your timeshare for business purposes or as a rental property investment and can you prove that you have consistently used it for that purpose, you may be able to claim a financial loss when you file your income tax. If audited, you will need to be able to provide proof to support your deduction such as advertising receipts and executed rental contracts.

If you originally purchased the timeshare for personal usage and decide later to use it for business purposes, you may want to consider transferring ownership to your business or create a LLC or other legal entity to hold title. This way you will start with a clean slate. Again- consult with your attorney or CPA to ensure you have the most accurate information. Your legal counsel may advise you to obtain an appraisal or comparative market analysis at the time of transfer to determine what the fair market value is for the timeshare.

Once your ownership can be classified as solely for business purposes, you will need to calculate the expenses of your purchase and ownership at the time of a future sale. Combine your purchase price, any escrow or title fees you paid at closing, any brokerage commissions or fees you paid, and any portion of the annual fees you have paid that were earmarked for replacements or for capital reserves. The portion of maintenance fees paid toward operating expenses should not be used unless your counsel advises you differently. Your maintenance fee bill should provide you with a breakdown of the annual assessment. If it does not, contact your home owners association or resort manager to ask for a copy of the budgets for the timeshare resort. Your selling expenses should include any advertising fees, brokerage commissions, and any closing costs you paid during the sale of your timeshare.

When calculating your expenses to be used as a deduction from rental proceeds, you may be able to use the full amount of annual maintenance fees and taxes you paid in that specific usage year. You will also want to include your advertising receipts and any brokerage fees you paid.

In closing, remember that your timeshare ownership may be subject to both state and federal tax requirements. State laws may apply in your own state of residence as well as the state where the timeshare resort is physically located.

You want to research any closing agent or title company involved with the sale and transfer. Find a respected timeshare closing agent who is experienced with your particular resort and who understands any state and federal reporting requirements involved with the transfer of ownership. Your closing agent should be able to tell you if there are any withholding requirements such as the federal withholding (FIRPTA) or a state withholding such as (HARPTA).

While there are many aspects to consider when selling or renting your timeshare property, the most important thing you can do is simply to take your time and ensure you have performed your required due diligence by consulting with your attorney or certified public accountant. Proper advice can save you both time and money!

Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   Avoid Timeshare Resale Companies   

New Technology; Tracking Our Recycled Waste With Sensors

I propose using sensors which can be strategically placed into recycled bottles, which will help us audit our recycling efforts. Too much of the present recycled trash never gets recycled. Tracking Our Recycled Waste With Sensors can easily be done to make sure recycle contractors are doing their jobs. All too often I have visited a recycling facility only to find that some types of bottles and cans were not being recycled at all, this happened for many reasons, some were due to lack of labor, build up of material faster than it could be separated out. Someday robotic trash separators will be able to identify quickly each type of material based on a sonar of the trash, knowing the thickness of Polypropylene, Polyethylene, opaque and colored plastics. Glass, paper, waxed paper products or rubber.

Now we should secretly put sensors in the recycled receptacle containers and make sure they actually get to the place they are being recycled, the end point. We need to audit ourselves. Putting different types of trash into different colored receptacles at the curbside is a really nice feel good thing for people. But all the feeling good about what you are doing is for not, if that material never gets to the place in which it will be melted down and remolded into it's next life. We can use "Plastic RFID" tags. which have been designed by the Germans. We can attach a small ion lithium battery to it and track it.

[http://www.computerworld.com/hardwaretopic...1],98932,00.html

Even if the sensor tad is seen, that is okay because it means someone was looking for it and thus knew that any one of a million containers might be one of the Audit sensors to make sure we really are Walking the Talk of our recycling goals.

New Technology; Tracking Our Recycled Waste With Sensors   

Packing for Your Honeymoon

Some people are born packers and for everyone else there is the obligatory 'don't forget' travel-packing checklist. If you fall into the latter category, which unfortunately most of us do, it is important that you stick to the tried and trusty list to remember everything. It's even more important if the holiday you are going on is actually your honeymoon.

After the somewhat chaotic glitz and glamour of your big day, it is easy to just abandon all planning and throw a few things in a bag, but before you do - wait! Sit down and take some time to decide on what things you will actually need and how you plan on packing them. Some forethought now might save you a whole lot of pain later.

Here are some tips and tricks to add to your travel-packing checklist:

Make sure you do all of your laundry a few days before you pack so you have access to everything. If you are taking any special garments, have them professionally cleaned and bagged so that you can simply pop them into your suitcase. When selecting clothing select full outfits rather than odd separates. Wrinkle resistant clothing is also a great and convenient option so select items made of lycra, nylon or spandex. Refrain from taking old clothes you've never worn before - chances are you won't want to wear them on your honeymoon either. Pack your socks and underwear into your shoes or purses - not only will this help you with any space restrictions, but it will also ensure that these more fragile items will keep their shape. Place any liquids like shampoos or cleansers into snap lock plastic bags - this will ensure that you arrive with full bottles and unstained clothes. Clearly mark all of your back with your personal details and place ribbons/stickers on them so that they are clearly identifiable. If you are going overseas, don't forget a travel guide, translator and an alarm clock and radio; and Have one more thing to fit in? Zip your bag up and then tap it on the floor a few times. This will rearrange all of your items into any spaces that exist and should free up any extra room.

Now that you have everything planned and packed, don't forget to take out travel insurance. With so much at stake, it's not worth losing all your favourite things on your honeymoon. After paying for the ceremony and the reception, we know how important it is for you to get a good deal so cheap travel insurance is crucial. A plan that doesn't break the bank or impinge on your holiday spending is as important as peace of mind.

Now all you need to do is sit back, order a flute of champagne and relax. Enjoy your honeymoon!

Essential Backpacker Insurance: The Best Insurance for Student Backpackers   Have a Safe Spring Break   Travel Insurance - 20 Reasons to Get Travel Coverage   Travel Insurance for Your Peace of Mind   Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for an Overseas Trip   

What a Traveler Needs to Know About Backpacker Insurance

A backpacker insurance coverage caters to people in the 18 to 35 years of age bracket. The reason for this is that people included in this age bracket are the ones who like to travel and go on adventure trips because they still can. Perhaps several travelers who are more than this age bracket still go on adventure trips but they are only few in numbers. Oftentimes, we hear of accidents that happen during these trips hence a traveler should go on trips with an insurance policy in place. A traveler can choose whether to purchase a comprehensive policy that will cover a variety of cases and instances or just purchase an insurance policy with inclusions that the traveler deem necessary for his trip. Usually, insurance is acquired first and foremost for instances of medical emergencies caused by accidents during adventure sports such as skiing or illnesses. Local insurance do not cover these cases, therefore there's a need for travelers to have insurance before the scheduled trip. Most often, the coverage of backpacker insurance involves most dangerous sports undergone by backpackers on their trips.

Other sports included in backpacker insurance are skydiving, skiing, motor biking, and car racing to name some. Travelers, too, may get stranded in other countries because of many reasons that included also in the insurance policy is repatriation to enable these travelers to go back to the United States or wherever place they reside in. However, backpackers are forewarned not to engage in any illegal activities that may put them in jails in another country because this insurance does not cover such cases. Also, while credit card companies offer travel insurance but only to a limited extent. They don't have inclusions that an insurance coverage can provide. Backpacker insurance quotes can be readily available online.

A traveler needs to study the companies that offer insurance. Choose an insurance company that is known in the community and has a good reputation on paying premiums on time and fast because this is the qualities needed by the travelers when something happens to him while on a backpacking trip - immediate action. As a warning to travelers, never go on a backpacking trip without a backpacker insurance to avoid any kind of hassles whilst on a different country.

Essential Backpacker Insurance: The Best Insurance for Student Backpackers   Have a Safe Spring Break   Travel Insurance - 20 Reasons to Get Travel Coverage   Travel Insurance for Your Peace of Mind