.: Silvester Thompson Profile and Articles
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1). Help Kids ConcentrateAll of us want our children to succeed in school. But for many kids and teens, concentration in this always-pressured, starved-for-time era can be difficult. Here are some tips for helping your son or daughter improve concentration and do better in the classroom:
* Take time for breakfast. Children who have breakfast and enough to eat during the rest of the day will be better able to concentrate in school, according to Head Start, the national child development program run by the Department of Health and Human Services.
2). Tips to Help Kids Concentrate in Class
All of us want our children to succeed in school. But for many kids and teens, concentration in this always-pressured, starved-for-time era can be difficult. Here are some tips for helping your son or daughter improve concentration and do better in the classroom:
* Take time for breakfast. Children who have breakfast and enough to eat during the rest of the day will be better able to concentrate in school, according to Head Start, the national child development program run by the Department of Health and Human Services.
3). Watch Your Business From Across the World
When most people think of video surveillance, they think of cameras in stores.
But many businesses are using them to keep track of meetings and ensure clients and business associates stand behind their word. Cameras can also provide proof of wrongdoing, connecting the dots when people are where they shouldn't be.
At anytime and in any place you can't watch, a camera can.
4). Helping Children Adjust To a New Stepfamily
In the Paramount Pictures film "Yours, Mine & Ours," a widower with eight children runs into his high school sweetheart, a widow with 10 of her own. The two rekindle their love and marry without letting their children in on the nuptials until after the fact. A culture clash ensues, and the kids soon devise a plan to sabotage the marriage.
While "Yours, Mine & Ours" is a comedy, it touches on some of the real-life issues confronting stepparents and children.
5). Home Winterizing Tips To Help You Save Money
As colder weather approaches, homeowners feel a different kind of heat - high energy bills and costly repairs, often due to damage from moisture in the home.
Often the culprits are inefficient windows and doors that compromise the home's "envelope" - the fixtures and surfaces that together help regulate indoor temperatures and provide protection from the elements.
6). 5 Practical Tips for All-Season Energy Savings
Replacing windows and doors is the fourth most common home-remodeling project and experts say it can dramatically reduce utility bills. Yet when it comes to choosing more energy-efficient options, consumers might be overwhelmed by the whirlwind of technology, terminology and options on the market today.
Homeowners need to be armed with accurate information in order to make the best choices about the many available options.
7). Keeping Up With Trends In Home Efficiency
Keeping up with seasonal trends in home comfort is often a time- and money-consuming challenge. There are a few trends that are here to stay, however, and some of those options can also help reduce your energy bills year after year.
The company that brings you Tempstar brand heating and cooling products has the following suggestions to help you save money now and for years to come.
8). Learn the Correct Way To Control Carb Intake
For Americans who want to control their carbs, learning how to consume "good" carbohydrates in balance with a variety of proteins and "good" fats can be confusing.
To help people understand the science underlying this nutritional approach, "Atkins for Life," the book that set the gold standard for controlled-carbohydrate lifestyles, provides clear and complete explanations of how carbohydrates, protein and fat function in the body.
9). Child's Chronic Infections Could Mean Something More Serious
Trips to the pediatrician are common for children. But if your child has chronic ear infections, sinus infections or bronchitis, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Health experts now understand that some illnesses, which previously could not be explained, are actually the result of genetic defects in the immune system, known as primary immunodeficiency, or PI.
10). Game, Contest Teach Children Practical Life Skills
In school, children learn about history, science and the three R's. What they might not learn, however, are practical skills to get them through life's ups and downs.
Most people learn how to deal with conflicts, face their fears, overcome challenges and solve problems by trial and error. Thus, parents might be at a loss as to how to effectively teach their children these types of skills.
11). Tips for Keeping Kids Occupied on Road Trips
On the road, drivers must deal with constant traffic concerns, including glaring sunlight, blinding rain, traffic jams, street signs and other drivers. But one distraction you might not have thought about is your kids.
According to AAA, more than 1.5 million crashes have involved some kind of driver distraction, and 24 percent of crashes occur because of drivers having to deal with children in the back seat.
12). Web Sites Teach Public About Bugs, Germs, DEET
What are the 10 most dangerous pests? What are antimicrobials and how do they protect us? What do the most effective insect repellents contain?
Find answers to these questions and more on the Consumer Specialty Products Association's public information Web sites, DeetOnline.org, AboutBugs.com and AboutGerms.com.
The sites provide in-depth information on disinfectants, pest repellents and other everyday products that help provide a cleaner, healthier living environment.
13). Eliminate the Woes of Surprise Home Repairs
Few things are more disruptive and frustrating than unexpected home repairs. And when they occur, they can be budget-busters.
From water heaters to air conditioners to dishwashers, homeowners spend hundreds of dollars annually to maintain and repair their home's systems and appliances. When major systems fail, expenses are even greater, averaging more than $1,000 in repairs, according to experts.
14). Outdoor Activities Call For Extra Foot Care
The sun is inviting. It becons to you and makes you want to go outside and play.
Days spent splashing in pools, catching rays out on the water and relaxing on the beach are great. Unfortunately, outdoor activities can cause some extra wear and tear on the body.
Lots of people protect themselves by purchasing sunscreen, lip protectants and sunglasses.
15). Build a Redwood Fence In Five Easy Steps
Fences are built for many reasons. Fences keep children or animals in the yard and define property lines. Fences also provide security and privacy, and complement other backyard amenities, like pools, spas and decks.
Redwood is often the material of choice for fences because it is durable, looks good, and resists warping, splitting and checking.
Many homeowners save money by building their own redwood fence.
16). Tips for Shipping Bulky Items With Ease
If you're planning a move, packing is probably the one thing you're not looking forward to. So, you rent a truck or call a moving company and the problem is solved.
However, if what you really want to do is ship an overstuffed sofa to your son at college or a priceless oil painting to your mother across country, the solutions aren't as obvious.
How.
17). Four Tips to Sell Your House For Top Dollar
Selling a home can be difficult. But by employing the right tactics, you can find a buyer who's willing to pay the price you want.
Here are four tips to help you sell your home for top dollar:
* Create competition for the property. Create an environment where multiple buyers are competing to buy. Stack appointments to show the house in a narrow window so that several buyers are at the property at the same time.
18). America's 'Mane' Attraction: The Golden Age of Horses
More Americans are learning why riding off into the sunset equals living "happily ever after."
With recent movies such as "Seabiscuit" and "Hidalgo" topping the charts, it seems horses are more popular than ever - but it's not just Hollywood.
The trend is sweeping the nation as more people discover the wonderful world of horses. Participation in horse events is at an all-time high.
19). Finding the Right Doctor: The Key to Conquering Pain
One of the greatest challenges people with pain face is access to appropriate care. Although chronic pain disables more than 50 million Americans, chronic pain sufferers are among the most undertreated patients in the United States.
According to The National Pain Foundation, pain accounts for 80 percent of all physician visits, yet sufferers are often shuffled from one health care provider to another without relief.
20). Suffering From Hay Fever? New Mist Promises Relief
With the arrival of allergy season, more than 26 million allergy sufferers prepare for the sneezing and congestion that accompanies hay fever. But are their remedies up to the challenge?
An allergic condition, hay fever results from exposure to substances in the air, like pollen, which cause cells in the human immune system to release histamine causing an allergic reaction.
21). Traveling Exhibit Offers Closer Look at Cancer
A unique, interactive exhibit is traveling to 12 cities nationwide to educate health-conscious and at-risk people about cancers from the top of the body to the bottom - skin, oral, breast, prostate, lung and colorectal.
The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation's Check Your Insides Out -From Top to Bottom exhibit features six hands-on, family-friendly learning stations that enable visitors to:
* Learn about the effects of sun exposure and the damage it can do to skin.
22). Phytochemicals Give Noni Juice Health Power
In reading recent health research, you may have heard about phytochemicals and their health benefits. So, what are they and what do they do?
Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants. These chemicals are made of protective and, possibly, disease-preventing compounds. Researchers have found more than 900 different phytochemicals in food, and they continue to discover more every day.
23). Divorce: Tips to Get Through and Beat the Stress
Going through a divorce can leave you angry, in grief and filled with mixed emotions. In other words, it can be a time of intense stress.
During this period you may feel like your life is falling apart. However, the end of marriage can be the beginning of personal growth - after you get your stress under control.
To help you get your life back on track, experts recommend working on yourself from the inside out.
24). Tips for a Flawless Family Road Trip
Getting the family together for a road trip can be quite an exercise. And between heavy traffic, bored or restless kids and driver fatigue, the process of "getting there" can test anyone's patience.
But some diligent planning - for everything from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the experience enjoyable rather than frustrating.
AAA offers the following advice for families planning their next road trip.
25). Video Tips to Bring Out Your Inner Spielberg
Whether you want to capture your child's birthday party, a wedding or the sites from your summer travels, making a home video is one of the most popular ways of preserving the memories.
Nearly 54 percent of Americans own a camcorder, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. As digital video cameras have become increasingly popular and much.
26). Tips on Saving Energy Dollars in Your Home
A typical U.S. family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills, yet making some simple changes around the home can save money and make heating and cooling systems more efficient, according to World Energy Solutions, a publicly traded energy services company based in St. Petersburg, Fla.
By evaluating facilities and equipment, World Energy Solutions (symbol: WEGY) helps businesses lower their utility consumption and maintenance costs and extend the life of their equipment.
27). Survey: Saving Money Easier to Say Than Do
If you find it hard to save, you're not alone. According to a recent survey, many Americans think about saving for the future, but few actually do it. The Braun Research and Bank of America survey is a revealing portrait of how residents of major metropolitan cities view money and the importance of saving. Some of the findings:
* New Yorkers stress over money, but they also tend to be spendthrifts, putting their savings toward pampering.
28). H&R Block: Tax Changes to Affect Millions This Year
Major tax law changes and missed credits will affect millions of taxpayers this year.
There are new guidelines for claiming child-related benefits and new tax breaks for hurricane victims and charitable donors. The alternative minimum tax (AMT) is on track to snare almost 4 million taxpayers this year, and millions more will fail to claim credits for their higher education expenses.
29). Smart Moves for Retirement Readiness
With health care costs continuing to increase, the future of Social Security unclear and pension plans available to fewer and fewer workers, America's retirement readiness is a major concern for both individuals and the nation as a whole.
Since June 2004, Fidelity Investments has completed about 200,000 income plans for retirees and pre-retirees who faced the daunting task of gauging their preparedness for retirement.
30). Filter In Savings At the Gas Pump
Feeling the pinch at the pump? With record high gasoline prices, many drivers are concerned about their vehicles' fuel economy. The good news is that a simple maintenance procedure can help motorists improve their gas mileage.
"One of the easiest ways to substantially enhance a vehicle's fuel efficiency is to change a dirty air filter," said Susan Groom, leader of product engineering for FRAM.
31). Survey: Parents Need the Facts About Injury Risks to Children
A national survey of 1,000 parents found that many don't know key facts regarding potential safety hazards for children.
Among the survey's findings: One in three parents are unaware that children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Less than half of parents know falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries to toddlers. And more than half underestimate how long children should be in a booster seat.
32). Kids Celebrate Reading
It's been proven that children who read achieve. They boast higher test scores and recognize letters and numbers more often than their peers who read less often. But getting children to crack open a book sometimes can be the tricky part for parents and teachers.
Nine years ago, the National Education Association launched the "Read Across America" program to encourage, excite and energize children to do just that.
33). School Violence: A Deadly Pattern Calls for Action
Are schools safe? Considering the number of tragic events that have occurred at schools across the country in recent years, this is one question every parent, teacher, administrator and community member is having a hard time answering.
The recent shooting in Red Lake, Minn., put another act of classroom violence on the map. This tragedy, as well as.
34). Chaos in the Kitchen? Tips For Getting Your Kids to Eat
If picky eating were an Olympic sport, would your child be the gold medal winner?
If so, you're not alone. Many parents find that their children consistently place first in the "you can't make me eat that" category and excel at pushing food around their plate.
How can you turn mealtime into a family-friendly hour as opposed to an all-out war? Here are some suggestions:
* Be patient.
35). Web Site Helps Consumers Find Free Medications
Millions of Americans have turned to the Internet for cheaper prescription drug prices, but they may be surprised to learn that for millions of consumers, the best deals are available from pharmaceutical companies in the form of patient assistance programs.
In 2003, patient assistance programs helped uninsured or underinsured patients obtain nearly 18 million prescriptions.
36). Being Competitive in a Global Market
The challenges of today's global marketplace are forcing companies to look at doing things differently in order to get that extra edge over their competition.
According to Makino, a global provider of advanced machining technology, companies doing things the same way they have been doing them for the last 10 to 15 years are probably in a "recurring uniform trap," or "RUT," while the global market is passing them by.
37). Stylish Ways to Dine Al Fresco
California is famous for its luxurious coastlines and the mild weather that graces the state almost year-round. And while the rest of the country looks forward to the few short months each year when they can entertain outdoors Californians are lucky enough to be able to celebrate outside all year long.
In Italy, dining outdoors has long been embraced as a relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
38). Seven Tips to Relieve Your Aching Back
Whether it's from playing golf, working in the yard or simply sitting at a desk, statistics show that two-thirds of U.S. adults will experience back pain in their lifetime.
In your day-to-day activities, are you putting unnecessary strain on your back? Here are some ways to protect your back and relieve back pain:
* Stand up straight. Good posture will relieve pressure from your lower back.
39). Three Tips For Designing with Light
The use of light is an integral element in art, architecture and design. It has the power to dramatically change the look and feel of everything, from a sculpture to a family room or even a hallway.
Incorporating lighting elements into a home can alter the ambiance from clean and modern to warm and rustic, creating specific moods and enhancing colors and textures.
40). Save Money While You Survive the Heat
Staying cool this summer could become a challenge when the waves of summer heat come lapping at your door. If you haven't prepared your home to keep the cool air indoors and the heat out, you may lose in the battle to survive the summer with reasonable cooling bills and optimal comfort.
The company that brings you Heil brand heating and cooling products suggests the following steps to keep your energy bills affordable and your home comfortably cool:
* Lock your windows and shut your garage door.
41). Serve an Easy Lenten Meal
Lenten meals don't have to be drab, unsatisfying or time-consuming. They can be appealing, healthful and quick.
To be sure meatless meals are nutritious, simply follow the Food Guide Pyramid. Because they have such high-quality protein, eggs are a meat alternate and make a good Lenten choice. They're also one of the easiest foods to cook in a hurry.
42). Dude Ranches Offer Relaxation for City Slickers
In the movie "City Slickers," a group of vacationers has a series of adventures while working hard as ranch hands. But those who have been to a real Colorado dude ranch know it's actually a relaxing way to spend a vacation.
Here are five reasons why a dude ranch is better than "City Slickers":
1. All the activities without all the planning: At a dude ranch, you just wake up and go.
43). Tips to Cope With the Loss of a Loved One
Whether it was expected or sudden, the death of a loved one is never easy.
The loss of someone close can create tremendous amounts of stress for those affected, causing feelings such as numbness, guilt and anger. But though it may be difficult to manage your feelings after tragedy, there are ways that you can cope.
The following stress-relieving tips will help you get through your time of grief:
* Take time to mourn.
44). Over the Holidays, Give Yourself the Gift of Sleep
During this busy holiday season, as you nestle snug in your bed, forget the presents yet to be wrapped and settle your brain for a long winter's nap.
Sleep specialists say the best gift you can give yourself this year is the gift of sleep. According to a study published in the September 2005 issue of the journal Sleep, the average sleep duration among U.
45). The Winter Boat Show Season Is Red-Hot
It seems counterintuitive that winter is the best time of the year to buy a new boat or personal watercraft. But those who wait until late spring or summer to make their purchase often are disappointed to learn that the new vessel they want is sold out.
According to Bryan Seti, national marketing manager for Yamaha Motor Corp., this is because when it comes to buying a new boat or personal watercraft, shopping early gets the best deals.
46). Know Your Broker Before Trading Online
Proper investment strategies should always include researching your broker, but in today's world of new technologies and online investment, what questions should you be asking?
The following are some key questions to ask your broker, which can save you both time and money:
* What tools are available from your broker? Stock quotes, news, charting, level II data and advanced order types are among many key tools for traders.
47). Boat-Buying Tips to Save Time and Money
You're in the market for a boat and you'd love to buy one at the next boat show. But which boat is the right one for you? It's hard to know, especially if you're a first-time buyer.
A boat is a big investment, so it's important to do careful research to find the one that best meets your needs. Buyers should consider not only the price but also the manufacturer of the engine and the boat, the size and fuel capacity.
48). 7 Tips on Preventing Identity Theft
In the course of the day, you do many activities that put your personal information at risk - from writing a check at the store to charging merchandise in person or over the phone. You may not think twice about these transactions, but others might.
Identity theft - when a perpetrator assumes someone's identity for personal or financial gain, like stealing a credit card to make financial transactions in the victim's name - is the fastest-growing crime in America.
49). 7 Common Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid
Whenever interest rates drop, a refinancing frenzy naturally follows. Whether you're looking to trim your mortgage payments, eliminate credit-card debt or pay off your car loan, experts say you should fully understand all of the options available to you before deciding to refinance.
Allied Mortgage Consultants, a mortgage company recognized for educating consumers on the realities behind new home loans and refinancing, reveals seven common mistakes people make when refinancing.
50). Create a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget
Few people realize that having a beautiful wedding does not require spending their entire savings.
If you're planning a wedding, learning where to cut costs and how to budget will leave you with money to spare.
"There are many ways to have the wedding of your dreams without the nightmare of huge bills," said Anna Griffin, wedding industry expert and designer of the Wedding Studio line of wedding products.