I would be happy with Bowe, Rice or Meachem in the 1st round. Hill
would be a steal in the 2nd, but he probably won’t be available.
Allison, Higgins, and Gonzalez would be good 2nd round selections.
The other guys would all be solid 3rd round picks.

1. Robert Meachem 6′2 214 4.39 Tennessee
NFL Comparison: Javon Walker

Meachem has everything you look for in a receiver. He couples
excellent size with blazing speed. He can beat you deep or take a
short pass 70 yards for a touchdown. Had 71 catches for 1,298
yards and 11 touchdowns in the toughest conference in college
football. His production is unmatched by any of the other WR
prospects. He needs to work on route running and his ability to
beat the jam. He also needs to show NFL teams he is tough and
willing to go across the middle.

2. Sidney Rice 6′4 200 4.51 South Carolina
NFL Comparison: Randy Moss

Rice is a tall and deceptively fast receiver. He can out jump or run
by almost any defender. His body control is amazing. He just looks
natural catching the football. He is an excellent vertical threat as
well as a great redzone target. He has really soft, natural hands.
He had 72 catches for 1,090 yards and 10 touchdowns in the SEC.
He is still very raw, and he needs to run better routes and become
more physical at the line of scrimmage.

3. Dwayne Bowe 6′2 221 4.50 LSU
NFL Comparison: Anquan Boldin

Bowe is a big, physical possession receiver. He is a good athlete
who is a threat after the catch. He has solid speed, but he isn’t
going to stretch a defense too much. He is a tough guy who loves
to block. He has had problems with concentration and dropped
passes. Needs to run better routes. Had 990 yards & 12 TDs last
season.

4. Jason Hill 6′1 204 4.35 Washington St.
NFL Comparison: Reggie Wayne

Hill has been a productive WR for the past three seasons with
almost 3,000 receiving yards over that time. He is a very polished
and good all-around receiver who knows how to get open. He runs
precise routes and he has enough speed to beat you deep.

5. Aundrae Allison 6′0 192 4.39 E. Carolina
NFL Comparison: Chad Johnson

Smooth athlete. Good speed and a good route runner. Runs pretty
well after the catch. A legitimate deep threat. Productive with
almost 1,800 yards and 11 TDs over the past two seasons. He
needs to become a more physical WR, and he needs to show teams
he has a good attitude and work ethic.

6. Johnnie Lee Higgins 5′11 186 4.52 UTEP
NFL Comparison: Santana Moss

Higgins is a great athlete who is a terror to tackle in the open field
as a receiver and punt returner. He is a great all-around receiver.
He runs good routes and he is a big-time deep threat. Although he
lacks height and bulk, he will go up over taller defenders and catch
the ball much like Santana Moss and Steve Smith do on a regular
basis. He was amazingly productive with 82 catches for 1,319 yards
and 13 TDs. His only negative is his size. He has problems with
physical corners as he struggles to beat the jam.

7. Anthony Gonzalez 6′0 193 4.44 Ohio St.
NFL Comparison: Patrick Crayton

Gonzalez probably isn’t a great fit for the Cowboys because his is
nearly identical to Patrick Crayton. He is a small possession
receiver who knows how to get open. He might be slightly faster
than Crayton, but he is still mainly a possession WR. He has
amazing hands. He had good, but not great production last season
with 734 yards and 8 TDs.

8. Craig Davis 6′1 207 4.46 LSU
NFL Comparison: Roddy White

Davis is a pretty good all-around receiver. He has a good
combination of size and speed. He was nearly as productive as
Dwayne Bowe was. He was LSU’s deep threat. He runs well after
the catch. He is soft and doesn’t like to go across the middle. He
has serious upside, but he may lack the toughness and desire to
ever be a great NFL WR.

9. Paul Williams 6′1 205 4.45 Fresno St.
NFL Comparison: Terrell Owens

Williams is a guy with all the physical tools in the world. He is a
smaller version of T.O. He is more of an athlete playing WR than an
athletic WR. His hands aren’t great and he doesn’t run good
routes. His production as a senior was non-existent. He is however
really strong and fast. He can stretch a defense, break a tackle,
and out jump a defender. He is worth a 3rd or 4th round pick
because of his potential, but he will most likely be a bust.

10. Brandon Myles 6′0 183 4.41 West Virginia
NFL Comparison: Demetrius Williams

Myles flew under the radar because he was in a running offense.
He put up respectable numbers in such a scheme (522 yards & 8
TDs). He has great deep speed. He is a smooth athlete with great
body control. Myles needs to get bigger, and stronger. He also
needs a lot of work technique wise. He is a guy that seems to be
waiting for the opportunity to thrive.

Writer & Creator of http://www.cowboys-fan.com

So you have taken a step towards truly growing your thriving business and hired a Virtual Assistant, here are seven ways to ensure your partnership will be a success:

1.-Good Communication

Since your Virtual Assistant will not have a physical presence in your office, it will be important to establish and follow a good communication plan. Determine whether you would like your Virtual Assistant to contact you with updates daily, weekly, monthly or as needed. When providing your Virtual Assistant with instructions ensure they are always direct, precise and understandable. Also ensure your VA is aware of your preferred method of communication (telephone, e-mail, facsimile, etc.).

2.-Be Open

First and foremost, in order to have a successful working relationship with your VA you must be open to the concept. Also, be open to any ideas or suggestions your VA may have and offer reasons why or why not you think the ideas are worthy of further consideration. Remember to give your VA time to answer your inquiries because although they may not have the answer, they do have the resources to find the answer for you.

3.-Trust the Partnership

Just like any relationship, trust must be earned. When working with a VA it will be especially important to trust that when they say they are working for you they truly are. Try starting your relationship off slowly to “test the waters” and gradually work up to larger, more demanding assignments.

4.-Have Patience

Remember to give your VA time to learn your business and your preferences. Provide your VA with the guidance they need and remember they may have a lot of questions as they learn how and why you and your business operate. The end result will definitely be worth all the time, patience and understanding you devote to making the partnership succeed.

5.-Give Up Control

I know you have been wearing many of the hats for awhile, but don’t be afraid to hand over some “control” to your VA. Just remember by allowing your VA to handle your administrative headaches you gain the opportunity to focus your time and energies elsewhere. By giving up control you can “hand off” all those tasks you dread, knowing they are being handled professionally and accurately.

6.-Be Respectful

Remember that your VA is likely to have boundaries you should be aware of. Be respectful of your VA’s office hours, turnaround time and how they wish to receive instructions. Through mutual respect and appreciation, your VA can become a vital part of the success and growth of your business.

7.-Plan Ahead

Please try to remember that in most cases, your VA has other people they work for so keep that in mind when scheduling when you provide them with work. Don’t leave things until the last minute.

Now that your VA is handling your administrative headaches it is time to concentrate on the things that matter to growing your business. These are the things that attracted you to your business in the first place. By partnering with a VA, you gain the opportunity to spend more time on the things you enjoy doing. Spend more time with your family, wine and dine a new client or try a new marketing strategy. By partnering with a VA, you can concentrate on truly growing a thriving business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Weld is the owner of Canadian based ABLE Virtual Assistant Services specializing in providing administrative and bookkeeping support to busy entrepreneurs. She is also the author of The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Thriving Business which provides a step-by-step guide to documenting your business. For your free audio teleclass on the areas you should consider when documenting your business and for more information about The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Thriving Business, visit the Web site at http://www.thrivingbusinessmanual.com

Yvonne Weld is the owner of Canadian based ABLE Virtual Assistant Services and the author of “The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Thriving Business”. For more information visit http://www.thrivingbusinessmanual.com

Most of us out there recognize the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, and many of us don’t want to sacrifice style to do it. But how many of us can afford the high price of designer sunglasses? If there were a low cost alternative, why not take it? A lot of people have concerns about discount sunglasses, owing largely to the supposed “risks” inherent in purchasing them. However, these risks stem primarily from some basic mistaken information. Consider these five biggest myths about discount sunglasses:

5. Everyone will notice I’m not wearing high-priced or designer sunglasses.

Not true! In fact, there are numerous inexpensive brands that replicate or capture the most up-to-date styles and trends. It’s important to be sure you’re buying from a reputable retailer in order to guarantee you’re getting sunglasses of the highest quality. However, there are numerous outlets for discount sunglasses that promise both value and variety in their available styles. You can easily find the designer style you want at a price you can afford.

4. Discount sunglasses don’t provide the same UV protection as their more expensive counterparts.

It’s of the utmost important to be certain you’re getting sunglasses that will protect your eyes. Can discount sunglasses guarantee UV protection? Absolutely! Check to see if the sunglasses you’re purchasing are labeled 99-100% UV protection (sometimes labeled UV absorption to 400nm). Again, there are now several retailers offering discount sunglasses that offer the same UV protection as more expensive designer brands.

3. Discount sunglasses are poor quality and provide no recourse should they break.

This may be the most common myth about discount sunglasses; however, it’s also the most incorrect! While you can’t always trust vendors on the street, most professional retailers offer money-back guarantees on all their sunglasses. Just because you’re buying a discount product doesn’t mean you have to buy a cheap one. Check to be sure the lenses are clear of any defects, including scratching or twisted hinges, and you should have no problems. Indeed, with the numerous discount brands available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a high-quality pair of sunglasses that fit your face, your style, and your budget.

2. Discount sunglasses aren’t really much of a bargain.

As the previous debunked myths have shown, you can get a great, quality pair of sunglasses without paying designer prices. Designer brands often charge between $200 and $500, almost exclusively for their name! Imagine owning virtually the same pair of shades for only $15-$20? Now that discount brands have caught-up with designers in quality, sun protection, and customer service, it’s hard to say discount sunglasses aren’t a bargain.

1. Discount sunglasses retailers aren’t trustworthy.

This myth is the most damaging of all, and with good reason. Indeed, there are disreputable retailers out there, but they are in the minority. The vast majority of retailers are both trustworthy and customer service oriented. Always be sure the retailer you’re using has a quality guarantee policy, a permanent address, and available contact information. Many even have customer reviews and quality control contacts to provide 100% assurance of customer satisfaction. In fact, retailers rely on your trust to grow their business, and want nothing more than for you to be happy with the quality, selection, and value of your discount sunglasses.

Angie Stocklin is the co-founder of Sunglass Warehouse. Sunglass Warehouse carries the hottest trends in discount replica sunglasses. For more information about Sunglass Warehouse please visit http://www.sunglasswarehouse.com.

The following is an actual listing on an online auction site that shall remain nameless, although it rhymes with me-say. Anyway, the following posting under “art for sale” is reprinted here without any alteration:

(TITLE) “RARE 1950 Matisse Original Lithograph Signed ZULMA Fr”

(DESCRIPTION) “Artist: Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954)

Title: Zulma, 1950 Medium: Authentic Color lithograph after a cut-out and gouache
Publisher: Teriade with lithography by Mourlot
Signature: This lithograph is signed and dated in the plate, lower right. As issued.
Dimensions: This lithograph is framed in a solid wood framed and measures c. 17 x 23 inches.
You Can Own this incredible Lithograph for much less than you would find it for in the gallery. If you are a Henri Matisse fan - then please don’t miss out. THIS IS NOT A REPRINT, POSTER OR AN OFFSET BUT AN ORIGINAL COLOR LITHOGRAPH AFTER A CUT OUT AND GOUACHE.
You will receive a copy of the original justification page for this suite, showing publisher, year published… Authenticity 100 percent guaranteed.” (end of description)

This is an excellent example of a real piece that may or may not be what it seems. Yes, it is a print by Matisse, according to the dealer. But what about it’s rarity, as stated in the title? To begin with, it’s a lithograph, not an original. There is no such thing as an original lithograph because it is a copy of something that was an original at one time. The fact that the description states it was made “after a cut out and gouache” proves my point. That was the first state or original artwork, most probably made from cut-outs of paper and paint, in this case gouache.

Did you also notice it was “signed in the plate?” That means that it was not signed by the artist, other than on the gouache artwork it was reproduced from. So, how can they say that it is not a reprint? Of course it is. We also have no idea how many 1000’s of other lithographs were made. So much for a rare Matisse. The “buy-it-now” cost is $499. I guess that the nice frame maybe worth most of the price. Finally, a large part of the remaining page talks about the printing process and the artist.

What have you learned form this example? Perhaps that all is not as it seems. Beware of copy that is full of terms like, “rare, original, and signed in the plate.” Also watch for out for very low prices and a total lack of paperwork in some instances. That’s not to say there aren’t terrific deals online, but you need to do your due diligence and research first so that you don’t get taken to the cleaners. I’ll have other examples in future articles, but for now, class dismissed.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years.
He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the
Phoenix.” His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

As a mom of two young children, I have seen more than my share of children’s television programs. However, one of my favorites has to be “Dora the Explorer.” Dora teaches children how to count and say words in Spanish, about patterns and matching, and so many other things. Interestingly enough, the “Dora the Explorer” program can also teach adults many things about home business! I will illustrate this by discussing the three main characters.

DORA - Dora has many great characteristics, but her sense of adventure is what strikes me most. She has explored more places and done more things than anyone could ever imagine. Even though difficult situations arise from time to time, she does not let her fear control her life. She has faith in her abilities, no matter what challenges lie ahead. She sets goals for herself, and uses “Map” to plan her journey. She then sees things through from start to finish, and does not give up until she achieves her goal. In this way, she is also an awesome leader to her pal, Boots.

How does this relate to home business?
Whether you are searching for a business idea, starting a new business, or already have your own business, adventure is involved. It can be both exciting and scary at the same time. It can feel like you are exploring an unknown land. As a result, you will come across challenging situations and even be fearful at times. But whether you succeed or fail, will depend on if you let these situations control you or you instead take control of them. As well, being able to get past your fears will allow you to accomplish things you never thought possible. And once you get past the challenges and fears, you will find yourself on many journeys. As the saying goes, life is a journey and not a destination. To me, this means that life stops having meaning when you feel that you have “arrived.” Business is all about learning and growing. In order to grow, you need to be able to set goals so you know what you want to achieve with your business. This will allow you to evaluate whether you are advancing or not. It is also necessary to be an effective leader to others that work with you. You all want to work towards accomplishing a common goal.

BOOTS - He is Dora’s loyal sidekick. He is also her support team, and provides input to Dora on situations. He does not complain about the task that lies ahead. He shares a common goal and vision with Dora.

How does this relate to home business?
In business, you want to find someone who is there for you every step of the way. You want someone who is willing to travel the extra mile with you, even during difficult times. You want that person to lift you up instead of dragging you down. Therefore, it is important to associate with like-minded people who share common interests and goals. For example, it does not make sense to seek the advice of someone who is not where you want to be in life.

SWIPER - He is the mischievous fox that is always trying to keep Dora and Boots from reaching their goals. Swiper is sneaky. He sneaks up suddenly when they least expect him, and tries to foul up their plans.

How does this relate to home business?
Swiper represents all the things that can go wrong when you have your own business. Many people give up and never realize their goals and dreams. That is because there are mischievous people, who are like Swiper the Fox, who get in the way. They want to see you fail, and will say and do anything to keep you from getting ahead. It is known as “crab-in-the-bucket mentality.” One crab is trying to get out of the bucket, and all the other crabs in that same bucket keep pulling that one crab down. In addition to mischievous people, you will also run into challenging situations that occur when you least expect them. The difference between success and failure though, is how you deal with all of these people and the situations that arise.

In summary, Dora, Boots, and Swiper can teach adults a lot about home business. So the next time your children ask you to sit down with them to watch a television program, do so. You just never know what other business pointers you might learn!

Kimberly Gingras is a work-at-home mom. She teaches ambitious people how to earn a side or replacement income by working from home. For more information, or to receive a FREE E-BOOK on having a successful home business, visit http://research.ownanewbusiness.com

The benefits of real estate investments are extraordinary. Good return on investment, assured profit, and tax deductibles together make it a highly lucrative form of investment. With reasonable research and good planning, there is very little room for losses. However, the type and condition of the property, and the location are the deciding factors for getting a good price for your assets. Not all properties have the potential to become good ‘fixer-uppers’. Caution is the name of the game when selecting an investment property.

The selection process includes selecting properties that are compatible with the suburb and those which do not require major structural changes or repairs. For instance, if you were impressed by a very modern looking house, but the area is better known for its traditional timber homes, there is no point in pursuing that house.

Such a house may come at a low price but may not be a very profitable investment. What matters most is what sells in the market and what it demands. Once you are able to understand the market requirements, it is easier to select properties that can give you a profitable business.

Many fail to see the potential of old, deteriorating houses to give you huge capital gains. If the area is good, old houses fetch very good prices after renovation and have the potential of becoming very profitable fixer-uppers. However, you must ensure that the house does not require any structural repairs and can be fixed through a quick cosmetic makeover.

Major structural repairs involve a lot of money and time and do not promise a profitable deal. An exception to this is the addition or removal of a wall in the house. Besides, it may also involve seeking prior approval from concerned authorities. If you are purchasing a fixer-upper for the sole purpose of selling it, then holding it too long may increase the risk of losing money due to fluctuating market trends.

Thus, properties that can be immediately sold after minor changes and renovation have more potential to generate profits. Minor alterations such as painting, landscaping, changing accessories, using carpets and curtains can be give your house the much needed makeover to attract potential buyers.

Cosmetic makeovers have their own limitations and cannot cover up a poor floor plan. The fixer-upper you intend to buy must have a practical floor plan. Buyers are generally not very eager to buy properties with a bad layout even if they are big and inexpensive. However, minor changes to a layout can significantly boost a property value.

It is important to inspect the fixer-upper before purchasing it. For instance, if you are planning to buy a wooden home, it is important to conduct a termite and pest inspection. You can also hire a professional inspector to look into the minute details.

Discover exactly how Sal Vannutini combined two of the easiest (yet brutally powerful) real estate investing strategies and made an insane $31,510 Profit In Just 49 Days… And How You Can Do The Same!”. Visit http://www.FixerUpperFortunes.com

The following is an actual listing on an online auction site that shall remain nameless, although it rhymes with me-say. Anyway, the following posting under “art for sale” is reprinted here without any alteration:

(TITLE) “DALI signed art print twins? virgo?”

(DESCRIPTION) “This was an estate sale find… NO idea if its real or anything.. its a signed print. is it Salvatore Dali ?? million dollar question, i dont know , but the signature says DALI and it looks like pencil over the etching. ie - original signature. I did not examine this out of the frame and have no idea of any authenticity.. did not get it ‘checked out’ soo good luck !!! and happy bidding , its matted and framed nicely 18 x 20 ” my auctions are sold AS IS, I am not an antique expert, just a novice collector of wonderful things. so please be sure you ask all and any questions and be certain you want it!! I dont do returns…i am honest and upfront about everything im selling!! i welcome questions and comments….

I only ship on saturdays from my ups zip code . Packing and boxing are included in the shipping price. thank you CHECK OUT MY OTHER COOL STUFF.” (end of description)

Besides from the obvious spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, what does this seller’s posting tell us? Is this a Dali or not? Well, if he isn’t sure, how can we be? I rarely see a title that ends with a question mark, so that’s troubling in itself. You can be certain he’s no art expert because he even says so. Therefore, why should you buy from him versus an art gallery or dealer? The fact that the starting bid is listed at $9.99 should be a dead giveaway. It’s a cheap piece and well worth ten bucks, for the frame alone. Heck, I’d buy it for that reason, but for no other. And remember his “no return” policy. That’s rather common among art sellers that are pushing something of little or no value without any letters of authenticity.

As of this writing, there are no bids with 3 days left. Small wonder. By the way, Dali’s are some of the most faked prints around and very hard to verify. But there are legitimate publishers and dealers with proper certificates available. What have you learned form this example? Perhaps that all is not as it seems. Beware of copy that is full of terms like, “in I have no idea, I don’t do returns, it looks like an original and I am not an expert.” Also watch for out for very low prices and a total lack of paperwork. That’s not to say there aren’t terrific deals online, but you need to do your due diligence and research first so that you don’t get taken to the cleaners. I’ll have other examples in future articles, but for now, class dismissed.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years.
He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the
Phoenix.” His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

The following is an actual listing on an online auction site that shall remain nameless, although it rhymes with me-say. Anyway, the following posting under “art for sale” is reprinted here without any alteration:

(TITLE) “Ink drawing, 2 Nudes, signed PICASSO, Not a PRINT!!
Size 14 x 11 unframed wonderful Picasso work”

(DESCRIPTION) “This is a COMPLETELY ORIGINAL ink drawing on paper signed clearly PICASSO and is MOST definitely NOT A PRINT. The work shows a little staining and has slight discoloration. The paper measures a little over 14″ x 11 inches and overall is in excellent condition and appears to have been kept in a folder most of it’s existence. it is unframed and would like great professionally framed and mounted. This would preserve and protect this wonderful piece SIGNED PICASSO of what appears to be 2 NUDE Harem women in a rather relaxed pose.

While the signature is Picasso and the work is certainly IN THE MANNER of Picasso, this drawing is sold without provenance and I have not attempted in anyway to retain provenance though certainly the winning bidder may wish to enter into this process. The work came from an antique sale and was purchased some other artwork in a folder along with other works which I will list herein in the coming weeks so keep watching.
In the meantime, his work can be guaranteed ONLY to be an ORIGINAL ink drawing on paper in the manner of Pablo Picasso. It cannot be guaranteed to be Picasso although it MOST CERTAINLY could be!

I am starting this work at a very low opening bid, actually less than I paid for all the works I purchased along with this one and I am confident this work, a beautiful and exquisite ink drawing and possibly the REAL THING will find it’s proper value among discriminating art buyers.” (end of description)

So, what have we really got here? It appears we have a Picasso, although no where does the dealer actually say it is a Picasso. Rather it’s drawn in the manner of Picasso, whatever that means. It could be a Picasso and even has a signature like that of Picasso. But it could just as easily be a drawing by Fred Jones or Bill Smith. There is no provenance or proof that it came from any estate or trusted dealer. Yet the word Picasso appears 8 times in the text. Someone certainly wants us to think it is a Picasso. As of the time of this article, with 17 hours left on the auction, there have been 7 bids and the current one stand at $405 plus $15.95 for shipping. All for basically a piece of paper.

What have you learned form this example? Perhaps that all is not as it seems. Beware of copy that is full of terms like, “in the manner, no guarantee, possible the real thing, and appears to be.” Also watch for out for very low prices and a total lack of paperwork such as a certificate of authenticity, although that too can be worthless at times. That’s not to say there aren’t legitimate deals online, but you need to do your due diligence and research first so that you don’t get taken to the cleaners. I’ll have other examples in future articles, but for now, class dismissed.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years.
He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the
Phoenix.” His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

Water slides, magic shows, pizza parties, scavenger hunts, karaoke, kids-only shore excursions, and disco parties. Who said parents get to have all the fun on a cruise? Well-trained staff, extensive facilities, and coordinated activities, mean cruising with kids can be smooth sailing for the whole family.

Most cruise lines offer private and group babysitting options from around 9am until the wee hours of the morning. They also provide age-specific, organized programs run by trained professionals. Although there are slight variations by cruise line, age categories for organized programs are generally geared to 3-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-17 year olds.

100,000 kids were kept entertained last year on Carnival Cruise Lines with 114-foot water slides, video tournaments, talent and puppet shows, ping-pong, and scavenger hunts.

Celebrity Cruises features a full children’s program during the summer and on holidays. All other times of the year, they offer a reduced program.

The Princess kids’ program on Princess Cruises offers young cruisers their own deck space complete with the whale tail splash pool. Teens get their very own jacuzzi and sunning area. There’s also the video arcade, computer games, and other activities such as bingo, name that Disney tune, ring toss, and mini-Olympics.

Club HAL on the Holland America Line provides fun and games for cruisers ages 5-17 and serves up movies, putt-putt golf, late-night pizza, and disco parties.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Youth program offers its unique brand of Edu-tainment where participants enjoy educational and culture-based activities blended with the daily itineraries, ports of call, games, and team sports.

With Norwegian Cruise Lines, your kids can be circus trained and present a show for the proud parents. Other activities range from magic shows and poolside, root beer float parties to wacky cooking classes, pajama parties, line dancing, and volleyball.

Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line also offer supervised shore excursions ranging from an afternoon on the beach to gold panning to canoe trips in Alaska.

Whether you are cruising with your toddler, tween, or teens, your Cruise Consultant can help you select the perfect family vacation. Best of all, you’ll never hear the phrase “I’m bored” while you’re away!

Carnival
Carnival Cruise Lines’ award-winning children’s program is called Camp Carnival. Available year-round, the program provides elaborate facilities, age-specific programs/activities, youth playrooms with computers, children’s water slides and wading pools, as well as special dining menus. The counselor-guided programs are divided into four categories, Toddlers (2-5), Juniors (6-8), Intermediate (9-11), and Teens (12-15). There is also a playroom for children under three.

The Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise house is a 2,500 square-foot children’s world giving them the largest children’s facilities in the Carnival fleet. Divided into three sections, the facilities offer educational computer labs and computer games, an arts and crafts section, and an indoor play area complete with a climbing maze and video wall where kids can watch movies, music videos, and cartoons. An outdoor play area has a schooner-shaped playhouse and wading pool for toddlers. The Carnival Spirit, Pride, Legend, and Miracle also offer Real Virtuality - a high-tech, game room housing video and arcade games.

Age-Specific Programs

Toddlers (2-5)

Fun Ship Bingo
Sega and Nintendo
Cartoon Time
Sponge Painting
Sing-Alongs
Face Painting
Arts and Crafts
Drawing Contests

Juniors (6-8)
Puppet Shows
Cookie Decorating
Beach Party
Disney Trivia
T-Shirt Painting
Sega and Nintendo
Outdoor Games
Sea Animals

Intermediate (9-11)
Ping-Pong, Foosball, Basketball, Air Hockey
Dance Class
Jewelry Making
Scavenger Hunts
Backstage Tours
Photography Workshops
Talent Shows Teens (12-15)
Pool Parties
Volleyball
Pizza Pig-Out
Hairdressing
Talent Shows
Slide and Sun
Ping-Pong Tournaments, Ping-Pong, Foosball, Basketball, Air Hockey
Photography Workshops

Babysitting
Babysitting is also available on Carnival’s ships for children of any age for around $6/hour for the first child and $4/hour for each additional child.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises features a full children’s program during the summer and on holidays. All other times of the year they offer a reduced program. The full program is offered for four age-specific groups: Ship Mates (3-6), Cadets (7-9), Ensigns (10-12), and Admiral Ts (13 - 15 and 16-17). Children under three years of age are not allowed in counselor-guided programs. They are, however, welcome in the playroom if accompanied and supervised by a parent at all times. All of the program’s counselors are specially-trained in fields of child psychology, child development, education, or recreation.

Programs are offered 9am-noon, 2-5pm, and 7-10pm. There is also an optional slumber party from 10pm-1am. On port days, there is an afternoon party from 12-2pm. On formal evenings, the program offers a complimentary slumber party and counselors take the children to a pizza party for dinner.

Age-Specific Activities

Ship Mates and Cadets
Painting
Drawing
Songs
Dances
Movies
Other Age-Appropriate Activities.
Ensigns and Admiral Ts
Theatrical Shows with Dances and Costumes (during the summer season)
Water Volleyball
Basketball
Golf Putting
Ping-Pong

All children have an opportunity to meet the captain and learn how to navigate a ship by the stars. At meals, kids can get together for the Celebrity Breakfast club, or eat dinner with the family and order off a special kids menu. Finally, all kids can participate in a masquerade parade.

Babysitting
In-stateroom babysitting is available on all Celebrity ships on a request basis. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and the charge is $8/hour for two children. Children must be at least six months old.

Disney
Disney Cruise Line has some of the most extensive children’s facilities sea. Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder offer an elaborate Walt Disney Theater that resembles a plush, Broadway house. Buena Vista Cinema features Disney flicks. Studio Sea is styled like a television sound stage and offers a forum for G-rated floor shows. These ships also offer a children’s program called Oceaneer Adventure for children aged 3-17 and a nursery facility, Flounder’s Reef, for children age three and under. All onboard programs are organized and run by caring youth counselors and have both scheduled and surprise visits by Disney characters every day.

Age-Specific Programs
Oceaneer Adventure is divided into three age-specific categories: Oceaneer Club (3-7), Lab (8-12), and Teen (13-17). The Club program is further divided into ages 3-4 and 5-7, while the Lab program is divided into 8-10 and 11-12. Oceaneer Club facilities resemble Captain Hook’s pirate ship with plenty of places for activity. Oceaneer Lab allows participants to experience high-tech interactive programs, hands-on science experiments, and ship-wide treasure hunts. Kids 11-12 can compete in a marine biology, knowledge-quest game show and send digital post cards to friends. Teens (13-17) have their own private club, occupying a large portion of deck nine, called Common Grounds - a New York-style coffee house complete with game arcade and Internet Cafe.

In Port Activities
Every cruise with Disney stops at the 1,000-acre private island, Castaway Cay. Here, parents can relax under a palm tree on a white sand beach while their children play in a supervised area or wade in a protected lagoon. The adventuresome can go snorkeling on a course littered with tropical fish, treasure chests and faux shipwrecks (one with Mickey Mouse riding on the bow). Children are automatically enrolled in the island’s activities of volleyball, biking, nature hikes, etc. once signed in on the ship.

Babysitting
Children’s facilities are open from 9am to 1am. Flounder’s Reef nursery has afternoon and nightly hours available on a first-come, first-served basis according to babysitter availability. Rates are $6/hour for the first child and $5/hour for additional children.

Holland America
Holland America offers families a year-round program called Club HAL with counselors and age-specific activities for three age groups (5-8, 9-12, 13-17). Holland America also administers Just for Kids adventure and learning shore excursions while in port. While the largest facilities can be found on Maasdam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Westerdam, kids will be fully-entertained on all ships in Holland America’s fleet.

Age-Specific Programs
All children are treated to pizza and cocktail parties, ship tours, special menus, activities rooms with video games, and wading pools. Children aged 5-8 years can participate in storytelling, candy bar bingo games, arts and crafts, charades, and ice cream parties. The 9-12 year age group is entertained with golf putting lessons, dance lessons, deck sports, scavenger hunts, ping-pong, and karaoke. Teenagers have a teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, sports, card games, and trivia contests.

In Port Activities
Just For Kids offers supervised shore excursions for kids while in port. While in port on Holland America’s private island Half Moon Cay, kids can join a real island treasure hunt while teens participate in their own beach party and volleyball game.

Babysitting
In-stateroom babysitting is available on a request basis. Requests must be made 24 hours in advance and the charge is $7/hour for the first child and $5/hour for additional children from the same family.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Along with providing an unlimited Kids Soda Package and various activity rooms for children, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a program called Kid’s Crew that is divided into four, age-specific categories: Junior Sailors (2-5), First Mates (6-8), Navigators (9-12), and Teens (13-17). The programs and facilities vary from ship to ship, with the broadest programs found on the Star, Sun, and Dawn. Every cruise treats children to a Coke-tail party with the Captain. Norwegian also publishes Kids’ Cruise News and Teen Cruise News daily, outlining the activities available to them on the ship. All of NCL’s kid counselors attend a training course prior to coming on board that features team and confidence building, safety, communication skills, and working with children who have special needs.

Age-Specific Program
All Kids Crew kids get to meet the ship’s captain at a special Coke-tail party, participate in treasure hunts and sand castle building competitions while docked in Great Stirrup Cay, and enjoy the ice-cream bar, chocolate buffet, and children’s menu. There are a host of other activities arranged for kids based on their age. Below is a list of some of those activities:

Junior Sailors (ages 2-5)
Activities include: storytelling, t-shirt painting, arts and crafts, face painting, magic shows, Circus at Sea, and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.

First Mates (ages 6-8)
Activities include: wacky cooking classes, decorative t-shirt painting, sing-alongs, and poolside, root beer float parties.

Navigators (ages 9-12)
Activities include: Sega and other video games, treasure and scavenger hunts, pajama parties, movies, and camp-outs with flashlights and tents.

Teens (ages 13-17)
Activities include: pool parties, volleyball and basketball, The Newlymet Game, and trivia contests, line dancing, teen disco, and special theme parties.

Every ship also publishes Kid’s Cruise News and Teen Cruise News daily, so parents, kids, and teens know the activities planned for each day.

In Port Activities
While docked at Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, children are entertained with supervised activities ranging from water sports to volleyball matches to treasure hunts.

Babysitting
Group babysitting is offered for kids ages 2-12 years in the evenings from 10pm-1am and in port from 9am-5pm. Cost is $5/hour for the first child and $3/hour for each additional child. Private babysitting is not available.

Other
Norwegian Cruises also sells Kids Crew souvenir packages including a cup, soda pass, t-shirt, luggage tags, baseball cap, and sunglasses. For teenagers, the package is Teen Passport and includes 20 non-alcoholic specialty drinks, dance and pizza parties, and a farewell bash!

Princess
Princess Kids, Princess Cruise’s fleetwide, youth program provides age-specific activities for children aged 3-17 years. The program is divided into three categories: Princess Pelicans (3-7), Princess Pirateers (8-12), and Off Limits (13-17). Princess partners with the California Science Center and uses National Wildlife Federation educational materials on wildlife and conservation with the children. Their Mexican Riviera program includes studies of the stars, ocean, and coral reef as well as building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies, and squid dissection. In Alaska, the Save our Seas environmental program teaches participants about endangered species like white pelicans, manatees, and sea turtles.

Princess offers extensive children’s facilities on all vessels except the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific. The Sun, Dawn, Grand, Golden, Coral, Island, Diamond, and Star Princess offer a toddler’s play area. And Princess Kids programs on the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific only operate when 20 or more children ages 3-17 are on board.

Age-Specific Activities

Princess Pelicans and Pirateers (3-12)
Arts and Crafts
Movies and Cartoons
Video Games
Scavenger Hunts
Afternoon Ice Cream Parties
Backstage and Galley Tours
Hall of Fame Tournaments
Discos
Exclusive Kids-Only Dining
Edu-tainment Programs
Karaoke and Lip-Sync Shows
Pizza Parties
Shipboard Olympics
Pajama Parties
T-Shirt Coloring Off Limits (13-17)
Nintendo
Movies on a Giant Screen TV
Karaoke and Lip-Sync Shows
Casino Night
Card and Board games
Shipboard Olympics
Ping-Pong Tables
Jukeboxes
Pizza Parties
Separate Jacuzzi and Sun Deck (on Grand and Golden Princess)

Babysitting
Group babysitting is available 10pm-1am for children ages 3-12 years old on all vessels except the Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific Princess. The cost is around $5/hour.

Other
Youth and Teen Centers on the Grand, Golden, Star, Sea, Ocean, Dawn, Sun, Coral, Island, Diamond, and Regal Princess offer complimentary scheduled activities to youth passengers ages 3-17 from 8am-5pm while in port. A special, supervised, complimentary lunch service is also available with parental consent.

Royal Caribbean
Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s kids’ program, offers activities in-port, at sea, and in the evening. There are five categories to Adventure Ocean: Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-11), Navigators (12-14), and Guests (15-17). Using edu-tainment, Royal Caribbean blends educational activities, daily itineraries, ports of call, games, individual and team sports, art, performance, and a general good time into a unique, onboard experience for children, teens, and parents. There are kids-only activities as well as those for the whole family. And Royal Caribbean also offers kids a special menu of hamburgers, pizzas, and other kid-friendly meals.

Age-Specific Activities

Aquanauts: Ages 3-5
Science Experiments
Art Classes and Projects
Un-Birthday Parties
Cookie Creations
Ice Cream and Rock-N-Roll Parties
Talent Show
Pajama and Carnival Parties

Explorers: Ages 6-8
Science Experiments
Art classes and Projects
Wacky Olympics
Name That Tune
Pirate and County Western Night
Movie Mania
Voyagers: Ages 9-11
Science Experiments
Art Classes and Projects
X-Games
Rockin’ Through the Decades
Reggae Beach Party
Scavenger Hunts
Backstage Tour
Sports Tournaments Navigators (12-14) and Guests (15-17)

Pool Party, Toga Party
Mix and Mingle
Sports Tournament
Scavenger Hunts
Prom and College Night
Battle of the Sexes
Dancing Under the Stars
Tae Bo
Talent Show

In Port Activities
Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers can participate in sandcastle building, family water-balloon toss, relays, parachute games, and tug of war.

Babysitting
Group babysitting is offered at a cost is $5/hour. In-cabin sitting can be booked through Guest Relations and fees start at $8/hour and children must be at least six months old. Children must be potty trained (no diapers, no pull-ups).

Other
On a Royal Caribbean Cruise, cruisers 18 years and younger can have as many fountain soft drinks as they like for a fixed price with an Ocean Potion Card. This card is available for purchase in the ship’s lounges and beverage service counters. Kids-only dinners hosted by expert youth staff give children the opportunity to meet and mingle while parents enjoy a quiet dinner alone.

John Hanson, CruiseShipCenters,
Email: jhanson@cruiseshipcenters.com,
Website: http://www.cruiseshipcenters.ca/johnhanson

There are a lot of tax forms and it can be difficult to keep them all straight. One of them is the form 1040A for 2006 and it is important to know about the changes this form has for the current tax year. Most tax forms change from year to year at least a little bit so keeping up with the new information is critical in order to file your taxes correctly.

One of the new elements of the 1040A is that individuals who paid federal telephone excise tax on their long distance service may be able to receive a credit. Something else new is that the form 1040A has an increased AMT, or alternative minimum tax exception. The amount for 2006 is $42,500 or $62,550 for those married filing jointly or $31,275 for those married and filing separately. Those who were on jury duty may report their income on the form 1040A. Those who paid their jury duty to their employers may possibly be able to deduct it. Any penalty from withdrawing money early from savings may be deductible on the form 1040A. The Earned Income Credit may be taken for those who have a child that lived with them and earned $36,348 or less or $38,348 married filing jointly. Or, those who did not have a child living with them and earned $12,120 or less or $14,120 married filing jointly.

More people may be able to get the credit because the maximum AGI is higher for 2006. Take the credit if your AGI is less than the amount that is applicable to your income. Those who have an investment income of $2,800 or less may qualify for the credit. Those with more investments do not qualify. Some last minute changes were made by Congress and only the long form has all the information that allows you to get all the tax deductions and credits. These include deductions for higher education tuition and fees as well as deductions for educator expenses.

Knowing this information about the tax form 1040A will help you file correctly for tax year 2006 and take advantage of all of the deductions and credits available to you.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. Form 1040A for 2006 and it is important to know about the changes this form has for the current tax year. One of the new elements of the 1040A is that individuals who paid federal telephone excise tax on their long distance service may be able to receive a credit.