Does Your Breakdown Service Provider Go That Extra Mile?

Now don’t get me wrong here - I’m sure that all the Breakdown Service companies will have some customers that are satisfied with their services. However, there is usually one company in any industry which gives that little bit extra or goes that ‘extra mile’.

This may be reflected in a ‘mission statement’ produced by the company management for the employees to follow, which will set that company apart from others in the same industry, if followed correctly.

So, what sort of service do you expect?

Does your chosen Breakdown Service Provider meet your expectations or fall short, or do you get better service than you expected? Do the employees at the delivery end of the service go that ‘extra mile’?

Here are two examples of that ‘extra mile’ in relation to the Car Breakdown and Recovery Service available in the UK today.

This information comes directly from the ‘horse’s mouth’ (a local recovery vehicle operator). Certainly helpful to know when you are about to decide which Breakdown Cover service provider to choose.

Example One: ‘fuel contamination’. i.e. when the wrong type of fuel is put into the tank.

When this happens, the best thing to do is not start the vehicle. Obviously if the vehicle is started, it will have problems quite soon and become unusable and, in addition, will become costly to correct.

Would you expect a Breakdown Service to attend in these conditions?

Well, some may refuse. Others may attend, however, and get you to a garage but will charge around £2.50 - £3.00 per mile for doing so on the grounds of ‘human error’.

With the company I represent, RAC Motoring Services, this is done ‘free of charge’.

Example Two: ‘involved in an accident’.

Again, the company I represent will attend road traffic accidents and recover your vehicle ‘free of charge’.

Some companies will not attend however, and others, if they do attend, will charge around £250 minimum to recover the vehicle.

Unfortunately, these are two fairly regular occurrences, both of which would require an understanding and flexible Breakdown Service Provider to come to your aid and you probably won’t find them by simply looking for the least expensive.

However, it is possible to get the level of service you would like and expect, by talking to the right people and asking a few questions. By doing this, you can get the information you require in order to make a more informed decision.

About the author:

Les Shaw operates in the UK as a ‘Face to Face’ agent representing RAC Motoring Services.

Les provides news and articles on his blog about breakdown cover
and provides an ‘easy to book’ service for the UK public at http://www.SimplyBreakdownCover.co.uk

Enquiries can be emailed to les@simplybreakdowncover.co.uk

Owner Financed Mortgage Note Buyers Can Offer Fast Cash And Quick Settlement

Many people nowadays are looking for owner financed mortgage note buyers. As the housing market weakens, the number of people who sell their home via owner financing increases because it opens the sale of their home to a larger segment of the market.

This is simply because not everyone qualifies for bank financing, whether it be tightening lending standards, bruised credit, or lack of sufficient down payment. Moreover, some people don’t want to deal with the hassles of bank financing even if they could qualify.

Savvy people have discovered that seller financing/ owner financing allows them to sell their home on terms and carry the note.

Owner Financed Note Buyers

Because there will always be a market for seller carryback, there will likewise always be demand for owner financed mortgage note buyers.

Owner financed note buyers do exactly what the phrase implies. These are knowledgeable professionals who will buy the note you are carrying, either full or partial, if you want to sell it.

You may want to sell your note for any number of reasons. Regardless of the reason for why you want to sell, the end reason is always the same: you need or want to raise a lump sum of cash now or in the near future.

Many people want to sell their owner financed mortgage note because they simply don’t want the hassle of collecting payments anymore or don’t want the risk of the payor of the note defaulting. Or maybe, you want the money now to start a different venture, or move on with your life. The reason doesn’t matter.

Experienced owner financed mortgage note buyers will discuss your options with you, and make you an offer.

The amount they will pay for your note will depend on numerous factors about your particular note, so there’s no way a general figure can be given. It all depends on your individual note. For example, if your note is being paid by someone who has a higher risk of default, then the notebuyer is going to want a steeper discount when purchasing your note to assume the risk.

And, of course, the converse is also true: owner financed note buyers will pay more for your note if it has generated a history of steady payments and is less of a risk.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to sell your entire note. If, for example, you have a $100 thousand dollar note you created by selling on land contract, you could sell a portion of it to raise cash now, and carry the rest of the note for continued monthly passive income.

Speaking with owner financed mortgage note buyers who have been doing business for years can explain succinctly how much you can get for your note. And they should be willing to consult with you over the telephone for a free, no obligation quote so you can weigh your options.

Jamie has been working in the finance industry for many years and is a contributing editor to http://www.selling-your-note.com. Learn more about owner finance mortgage note buyers on our website and receive a free, no obligation quote from professional note buyers.

Sterling Silver Jewelry in Native American Culture

Long before the Europeans set foot on American soil, Native Americans were accomplished jewelers. Unlike the other artistic disciplines, jewelry styles did not vary all that significantly among the tribes. This was in large part due to the fact that the varied and sundry tribes were, generally speaking, limited to the same base materials and tools.

Of the more popular materials chosen by the native craftsmen for jewelry construction were as follows: turquoise, amber, copper, and-perhaps most prominent of them all-silver in its purest of forms as sterling (though sterling silver became popular much later in Native American history).

Pure or sterling silver was not utilized extensively by the natives until it was introduced by the Spanish in the early 1800s alongside with more modern metalworking techniques. What the natives were used to prior to this period was what is known as “German silver,” a shiny metal mixture composed primarily of copper, zinc, and nickel-an inferior product to the purer sterling silver.

Of the tribes to begin utilizing sterling silver and modern smithing techniques, the Navajo were the first. According the best of current research, the first Navajo silversmith was Atsidi Sani, who apparently learned blacksmithing from the Spanish in the 1850s and subsequently progressed into silversmithing particularly in the 1860s.

Early silver jewelry craftsmen obtained their silver, more often than not, from both U.S. and Mexican minted coins, which contained a fine silver, the Mexican silver being the easier to work with and preferred by the Navajo. Preferable to the coins though, was sterling silver which could be obtained by melting down objects made from the metal, such as candlesticks, silverware, etc., that were becoming more readily available at this time.

The early focus of sterling silver jewelry making was upon belts, bolos, and other traditional native costume and ceremonial pieces. From these traditional constructions, however, emerged the jewelry pieces more familiar to those of European descent-sterling silver jewelry consisting of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and the like.

Descendants of these Native Americans are still making jewelry today. And sterling silver is still a chief component. You see, rather than supplanting the traditional native craft, introduction of modern technology and materials only aided in the betterment of the finished product produced by these peoples. Today, you can purchase modern sterling silver jewelry: sterling silver bracelets, sterling silver rings, sterling silver necklaces, that still manifests the influence of these ancient American artisans.

Jake Kennedy is editor and publisher of the webs most fascinating Sterling Silver Jewelry website. For more fast facts on sterling silver jewelry check out: Sterling Silver Watch

Web Site Promotion – How to Get Started with Web Promotion


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It’s not easy convincing people to drop in at your site. We often tend to think that putting up a great site is enough to ensure a sizeable traffic dropping in at the site. But that’s far from the truth. Remember there are million and one great sites on the net, some definitely better than yours. The only way you can score over these is by making your site more visible.

Putting up a website is a manual job, almost like putting up a store or a shop. You can either put up your store far away in the suburbs where no one ill notice it or you can put it right in the middle of the city. Where would you gain more customers? Obviously in the second location. The same principal holds good in the case of web promotion. Of course there are no streets here and no overcrowded streets to take advantage of, but there are ways of making yourself visible still.

Before beginning to jump into the web promotion bandwagon try and understand how and why the web business seems to be working so well. The main point of the entire web revolution is how easily information is recovered. Be it recipes, news headlines, games or whatever everything is stacked up n the web and gotten back easily. While planning your promotion take into account if your site is delivering essential information. Making a site look good is important but not solely important. Make sure your site offers them solid content, not just futile decoration. If they don’t find anything relevant to what they are looking for on the net visitors will never return to your site again.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide’

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion

Do you want to learn how to build a massive list fast? Click here: Email List Building

Low-Profile Platform Beds are In

If you’re one of the millions of people still tethered to a bulky, cumbersome box spring, its time to come to grips with the fact that you no longer need this fabric-covered wooden apparatus. You’ve been led to believe that these rectangular monstrosities are necessary to properly support your mattress, and in turn, you, when you sleep. This is simply just not true, at least not anymore. If you join the growing movement (don’t worry, it’s not a cult or anything like that) to switch to a sleek, contemporary platform bed, you can ditch your needless box spring and free yourself from its evil, elevating grasp.

If you haven’t noticed, low profile is in right now. Low profile tires, low-cut jeans, and ultra-slim mobile phones are just a few examples of how all things “low” are sweeping the nation. The platform bed is no exception, my friend. The average platform bed sits 2-5 inches lower than a standard bed, and when you factor in the 6 inches, or so the box spring isn’t raising you, you have a serious lack of altitude. And sleeping closer to the ground has its advantages. Ever fall out of a standard height bed? Carpet or no, you’re in for a hell of a bruise. With a low-profile platform bed, you don’t fall out so much as roll out and onto the floor. You probably won’t even wake up.

You might be wondering how a platform bed can support your mattress without a box spring. The secret is a series of sturdy slats spanning the width of the frame. These slats are all the support your mattress needs to do its job. Think about it, there is nothing “springy” about a box spring. All the comfort and support comes from your mattress. In fact, not only is the box spring not a spring, it’s also not a box, it’s a rectangle. The box spring has been lying to you for years.

A new platform bed is the ideal choice if you’re in the market for a bed. Besides adding some contemporary flair to your bedroom, you’ll save anywhere from $200-$700 by not having to purchase a box spring. That money can be better spent adding some matching case goods like a new dresser and night stand.

For a HUGE selection of bedroom furniture including beautiful modern platform beds visit GREENCulture.com.

Web Site Promotion – 8 Ways to Get More Web Traffic

We know just how expensive and time consuming website building can possibly be. But website is not just about building is it? What would be the point of putting up a site which nobody ever saw? Thus website promotion is as important as site building itself, don’t ignore it and don’t delude yourself into believing that you can do without it.

But how will you possibly draw attention to your site? We will tell you how,

1.-One of the best ways of web site promotion is making advertisements and placing them on suitable third party cites. Remember to link these ads to your site.

2.-Collaborate with other sites and exchange visitors with them by cross-linking each other. This will also help improve your ratings on search engines.

3.-Pin down your visitors and find out their email address. Build your own email list and follow them up rigorously. Promote your site through emails and watch them return for more.

4.- Submit your website URL to all search engines. Be it country specific, industry specific or just general.

5.-When sending out emails or snail mails remember to include your website URL with your signature. That way you will ensure that both your professional associates and your family members will drop in on your site. Also include your website URL on your stationary, invoices, business cards etc. so that anybody who deals with you in any capacity has to lay their eye on your website address, that way they will visit it at least once.

6.- Try and put pay-per-click advertisements on your site. Begin with Google and Yahoo!

7.-Use conventional methods of advertising. Newspaper advertising is one of the best ways of letting people know about your website. You can also use other print ads, banners, direct mail etc.

8.-Paper-based advertising. Don’t forget the old fashioned paper-based advertising. Drive visitors to your site via direct mail, newspaper ads, yellow page ads, postcards or other print ads.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide’

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion

Do you want to learn how to build a massive list fast? Click here: Email List Building

SAT Test - 4 Popular Myths About The SAT Test

A major misconception that many have about the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is the idea the SAT is a knowledge test. It is not, the SAT is a general aptitude test. Which means, while some tests are checking to see what you already know, the SAT is designed to test your ability to use what you know.

In other words, it’s more about your ability to process information and solve problems than regurgitating facts. But, this is good news for those willing to work, because SAT SUCCESS comes down to simple strategies and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

MYTH #1: Don’t ever guess. This is probably the greatest myth of all. But, it just isn’t true. If you can eliminate at least two of the answers, it is in your favor to answer the question with your best guess. The only time you leave a question blank is when you don’t know anything about it. The process of elimination is a very useful technique.

MYTH #2: The problems are all the same. Not true. The first part of each section will be easy, the second part will be medium and the last part will be hard. Do not spend too much time on the hard ones. You need to use your time wisely, do the easy and medium problems first then work the hard ones. The reading comprehension sections are the only ones that don’t follow this order.

MYTH #3: The math is very complex. The math on the SAT is very basic. It will consist of arithmetic, algebra I, geometry and algebra II. There is no trigonometry, no pre-calculus and definitely no calculus. But, that doesn’t mean that the problems are straight forward. Many of the math problems will require multiple steps, some will be designed to confuse you and others will be puzzles. That’s right, several of the SAT math problems are puzzles constructed to test your ability to find a solution and have nothing to do with calculations.

MYTH #4: You can’t study for the SAT. You may not be able to study for the SAT directly, but you can prepare for it. Remember, the number one thing you can do to prepare for the SAT is practice. There are many resources available and you can obtain practice tests at most bookstores. Prepare a plan and begin practicing now.

There you have it, SAT myths laid to rest. Now, it is up to you to take action, conquer the SAT and practice, practice, practice.

Often referred to as a “master teacher” Mr. Causey has been preparing students for the SAT for over 25 years.

Learn testing strategies, writing techniques and time saving hints at http://www.mrcauseytutors.com

Sterling Silver Jewelry - Care and Storage

Sterling silver is a precious metal that needs to be cared for just like your gold and platinum pieces. If cared for and stored appropriately, sterling silver can remain beautiful and lustrous for a lifetime and beyond. Many people, unfortunately misguided, don’t buy or wear much silver because silver tarnishes. What everyone should realize though is that silver is actually quite easy to care for and clean, and that tarnish should be no major deterrent.

Take good care of your sterling silver rings, charms, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings and they will provide you with years of aesthetic and ornamental pleasure. Many sterling silver treasures are passed down from generation to generation.

Cleaning
It is important to use a cotton cloth or similarly soft and non-abrasive material to clean your silver. Sterling silver, though durable, is a fairly soft metal that can be easily scratched if mistreated. Cloths for this purpose specifically are available commercially.

For light soiling, as with fingerprints and daily grime, it is recommended that you use a gentle, non-abrasive soap or detergent. A drop or two mixed in with a ½ cup of warm water works just fine. Dab your non-abrasive cloth into the mixture and clean as if you were polishing, taking care to be gentle around any stone encasements. Use a dry, non-abrasive cloth to continue the cleaning and polishing after washing. Make sure that the piece is thoroughly dry prior to storage.

For a more thorough cleaning, it is recommended that you choose one of the commercially available silver cleaning pastes. (Note: when you using such pastes on silver jewelry with gemstones take great care not to damage the gemstones-polishes dull stone finishes over time. Read paste directions carefully prior to using.)

You should clean your sterling silver pieces with a lengthwise motion as opposed to circular as this will reduce scratching (light scratching is inevitable but can be minimized). For those hard to reach places, inaccessible to your cloth, you may use a small, soft-bristled brush (similar to a toothbrush). Try to purchase one made commercially for this purpose. Be gentle nonetheless.

Some recommend toothpaste and baking soda as good choices for cleaning sterling silver, but these are often too abrasive and should not be used if can be avoided.

Storage
The first rule of storing your sterling silver jewelry (after cleaning or otherwise) is to never store it moist or wet (whether from perspiration or cleaning). Humidity and open air contribute to the corrosion of sterling silver jewelry, so you want to avoid exposure as much as possible when your jewelry isn’t being worn.

If you are not planning on wearing your sterling silver jewelry for an extended period of time, it is highly recommended that you store your pieces in a special jewelry bag designed to prevent turning (commercially available as well). (Ziplock bags work well also if the air is removed sufficiently.)

Conclusion
If you follow the above tips regarding the care and storage of your sterling silver jewelry, your pieces will look as good as new for many years to come. Take care of your sterling silver, and your sterling silver will make you look all the better.

Jake Kennedy is editor and publisher of the webs most fascinating Sterling Silver Jewelry website. For more fast facts on sterling silver jewelry check out: Sterling Silver Wire

The Fight Continues Between Internet Radio and the Copyright Royalty Board

Shortly after March 2nd, 2007 webcasters began voicing their concern that the new performance royalty rates would essentially put them offline and out of business. In a very short time the internet radio community launched a grass roots campaign to draw public attention to this issue. By utilizing the listener reach internet stations currently have and the use of prerecorded public service announcements the outcry was heard. Very quickly websites appeared online to fight the legislation through email, letters and petitions aimed at congress. Listeners were asked to contact their representatives and voice their opinions on the legislation. This campaign caught the attention of many news outlets and effectively brought the desired attention.

SoundExchange after being pounded by the press defended their position and the rate increases. They then began their own grass roots campaign to counter the one launched by webcasters. Due to their recent publicity suing people for downloading illegal music when they didn’t even own a computer, kids and little old ladies they have won no sympathy. They’re next tactic was to get artists to speak out in favor of the new rates. A very few did. In response http://webcastersunite.net, an organization of independent webcasters, set up a petition for artists to sign that are against the new rates. It already sports 3 times more artists signatures than the SoundExchange posting. Webcastersunite.net believes all artists should have a say, not just the famous ones. This petition will be submitted to congress.

Currently the National Public Radio (NPR) has filed appeals along with many other webcasting organizations. The Copyright Board agreed to hear arguments to determine if an appeal was warranted. Soundexchange filed it’s own appeal against a rehearing of the rates. In my personal opinion I forsee a long drawn out battle if the rates are not amended to a more fair rate for all webcasters. It appears to me that Soundexchange is biting the hand that feeds it. Internet music sales have been steadily climbing over the last few years. The excessive rates that exceed the income of even the largest internet stations, would put literally thousands of internet radio stations out of business and offline for good. How can that be good for music and the artists that create it?

Related http://webcastersunite.net

Moving Scams - Protect Yourself from Moving Company Crimes and Scams

Moving companies involved in crimes and scams generally get their clients mainly from Internet web sites that let you enter in your basic moving information, and then send the information to the so-called moving companies. The moving companies will give you a low-ball bid. When the movers actually show up, it’s too late for you to save yourself when things start to go horribly wrong.

Protect yourself from moving company crimes and moving scams. Following are some precautions to consider when researching moving companies:

  • Don’t use Internet databases to find moving companies. The people who operate the databases act on commission and have their own best interests in mind. You won’t be able to hold them responsible if a moving company they endorse turns out to be a scam artist.
  • Make sure any estimates and quotes received are inclusive of all items that you are moving, all packing, and includes the desired insurance. To avoid charges for additional services, be sure to tell your estimator of any exceptional situations about your destination such as elevators or stairs.
  • Never work with a mover who contacts you first. Do your own research then contact a mover whose business practices you trust.
  • Be especially careful if dealing with movers in Florida or New York. A tremendous amount of complaints have been filed against movers in these areas.
  • Request that the movers provide you with references and check those references.
  • Ask your mover for the estimated weight of your items. Compare weight estimates from different moving companies. Ask for a copy of the survey showing the estimated weight.
  • Make sure your initial deposit is credited to your bill.
  • Movers must offer “full value protection” or “full replacement value” insurance at an additional charge. This holds the mover responsible for damaged or lost goods. If you have any articles that are of extraordinary value, such as those with values exceeding $100 per pound, make sure the care of this item is listed specifically on a high-value inventory receipt. If you do not elect to have additional insurance, the mover’s maximum liability is 60 cents per pound per article.
  • Ask the mover to put down the date or time period of pickup and delivery.
  • If the mover fails to pick up and deliver your shipment on the dates entered on the bill and you have incurred direct out-of-pocket expenses you otherwise wouldn’t have had, you may be able to recover those expenses from the mover. This is an inconvenience or “delay” claim.
  • After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the driver’s copy of the inventory to show you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items.
  • Avoid “rogue” movers, or movers that offer low estimates then demand more money than originally agreed upon. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers information regarding rogue movers on their web site at www.protectyourmove.gov.
  • Make sure your mover complies with Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) regulations. Some movers work with the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) regulations, making it easier for them to slip in extra charges. Have the mover promise in writing that they will comply with ICC regulations.
  • Keep a record of every contact you make with movers. As an extra precaution, videotape them as they load items into their truck.
  • After your move, the mover will ask you to sign an Addendum. Don’t sign anything unless you are fully satisfied with their services.

Use these tips to protect yourself from moving company crimes and scams.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com. Find moving and relocation tips and resources at http://www.myguidesusa.com/movingandrelocation