Foreclosures Open Up New Market (326) (NewsUSA) – To some, the current real estate market looks dismal. A weak labor market, rising mortgage rates and high energy prices have caused many American homeowners to lose their properties. To others, the real estate markets looks ripe for investment. Deer Park Development Corporation, a company with over 30 years of experience in the real estate market, has developed a new approach for investors hoping to purchase and resell foreclosed properties for profit. Foreclosed houses sell at lower prices, helping investors buy properties with less money upfront. In the past, housing prices reflected overinflation -; as the market evens out, the mortgage crisis might actually help stabilize home prices. Marty O’Malley, CEO of Deer Park Development Corporation, noted that the current real estate market represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the astute buyer. “With one in every 360 homes in foreclosure nationwide, the opportunity to buy distressed property at significant discounts to their original appraisals is extensive,” said O’Malley. “In Clark County, Nev., one in every eighty homes is in foreclosure, and on top of those statistics, one in every two homes is underwater, meaning that it’s not worth the amount of money owed on it.” With this amount of inventory on the market, there are situations out there that present themselves as profitable ventures. Not all of the foreclosures are money-making deals, but with experience, professional investors know when and what to buy, so they can make successful ventures. Being an individual investor in the real estate market can be a dangerous proposition for the inexperienced. But investors, in tying themselves to a group of experienced real estate players, can use experts’ hard-earned knowledge to turn a profit in the down real estate market. “Allowing individual investors to participate in ownership through direct partnership creates a risk-free vehicle for foreclosure players to work with,” said O’Malley, For additional information, visit Deer Park Development Corporation’s Web site at deerparkdevelopmentcorp.com or contact Capital Group Advisors at 954-297-0706.

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Facing Foreclosure? Don’t Lose Hope (334) (NewsUSA) – Homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments should not wait until they default on a payment before speaking to their lender. Hope and help are available. Hope Now, a private alliance of mortgage services, non-profit counselors and investors helped 270,000 homeowners keep their homes in April 2009. The organization reaches at-risk borrowers through its Web site, www.hopenow.com and community events, where homeowners can meet their lenders directly, as well as speak to representatives from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Legal Aid. Hope Now also operates a telephone hotline, where homeowners can speak to non-profit counselors, at 1-888-995-HOPE. Before calling their lender, homeowners should compile their financial information. Before restructuring a loan, lenders will want to see hard numbers stating income and expenses. Homeowners also need to be savvy — scammers have found endless ways to profit from the housing crisis. Scammers sift through public foreclosure notices in newspapers or use advertisements to reach desperate homeowners. Then they take mortgage payments, home equity or ownership of the home. To avoid being scammed, Hope Now suggests homeowners be aware of potential “red flags”: * The service guarantees to stop foreclosure, no matter what. * The service collects an upfront fee. * The service tells you not to contact your lender, lawyer or credit or housing counselor. * The service only accepts payment by cashier’s check or wire transfer. * The service encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time. * The service wants to collect your mortgage payments. * The service tells you to transfer your deed or title to it, or offers to buy your home at a fixed price. * The service offers to fill out paperwork for you, or pressures you to sign paperwork that you have not read or do not understand. To find legitimate help, homeowners need to contact their lender directly or call 1-888-995-HOPE to speak with non-profit counselors. To find out about foreclosure prevention options, read “Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do” at www.ftc.gov.

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From Burnt Out to Behind the Burner (301) (NewsUSA) – Many Americans in unrewarding careers are choosing to enter new fields as unemployment rates continue to soar. Forced from longtime positions in some of the nation’s largest industries, men and women alike are making the jump into the world of professional cooking as they trade pinstripes for chef whites. “Our culinary arts and pastry career programs have been attracting students of all ages and professional backgrounds,” said Rick Smilow, president of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. “We have everyone from former Wall Street bankers to marketing managers to talented kids out of high school or college, all of whom are looking to switch careers in the rocky economy.” But a diploma from a leading culinary school doesn’t only lend itself to a position as a chef. More and more culinary school graduates are using their degrees to enter the fields of hospitality, food media and personal start-ups from coast to coast. Professionally trained chefs can go on to command kitchens or boardrooms, which allows them to dip into an industry driven by their passion rather than economic gains. “Our students go on to work in some of the top restaurants in the country,” Smilow said. “But they aren’t all working directly as chefs; a lot of them get involved in fields like research and development at major food brands, work in food media or are entrepreneurs building food businesses.” The rise of culinary school enrollments may signal an oncoming tidal wave of career-changers, as economic woes leave many with a desire to start new in an industry once only considered a dream job. So while the economy may be down, attitudes will be up as more and more Americans find happiness in the world of food. For more information, visit www.iceculinary.com.

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Gardening Projects Help Children Flower (358) (NewsUSA) – American parents may bond with their children by taking them to farmers’ markets or showing them how to grow potted plants, but in other areas of the world, growing plants may literally help keep families together. In Ecuador, for example, children were often left alone while their parents went into the city to work. Because children had to take care of the home while their parents were away, many stopped going to school. ChildFund International, an organization that focuses on working with children, as well as with families, local organizations and communities to create environments in which children can thrive, decided to take a unique, community-wide approach to solving this problem — by growing a garden. ChildFund Ecuador started training the community in flower and vegetable cultivation, as well as business administration. The local bank, which ChildFund helped develop, gave local fathers the loans that they needed to build greenhouses for roses, carnations and tomatoes. Today, more than 285 families now use their greenhouses as their primary source of income, so the parents don’t have to migrate into the cities to work, and children can attend school regularly. The Actively Engaged Mayan Women, or Mujeres Emprendedoras Mayas, in rural Tecpan, Guatemala, are using macro tunnels — or miniature greenhouses -; to grow tomatoes, thereby creating income and improving food security for their families. As the women become more able to create their own income, they also gain the ability to better care for their children. In ChildFund Uganda, children and their parents planted more than 10,000 eucalyptus trees and 5,000 pine trees to create two new forests. In an area where environmental degradation has reduced the quality of life, the new forests provide inexpensive firewood, protection against soil erosion and an economic boost, as the trees provide timber for housing and other projects. “Forests will be a major source of timber, which will be mainly used in house construction, and houses are very important to us,” said 14-year-old Nalubega Florence, a student at St. Andrew Primary School. To learn how you can help communities come together through the plants that they grow, visit ChildFund International at www.ChildFund.org.

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Concrete care: Easy, cost-effective fixes for your home’s concrete

(ARA) – Concrete is so durable and dependable it’s easy to take it for granted. But like any other surface around a home, concrete needs maintenance – and sometimes repair.

In fact, performing simple upkeep on concrete surfaces when problems are relatively small can spare homeowners the time drain, expense and aggravation of minor problems that have developed into major issues.

Since economic conditions have made homeowners more vigilant about taking care of their homes, preserving exterior concrete surfaces, such as driveways, patios, steps and walkways, is a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, a number of the most common repairs are easy to do and can be accomplished in a weekend.

Surface renewal

Resurfacing old, worn or spalled concrete is an economical alternative to removal and replacement. Replacement can cost $3.50 or more per square foot whereas resurfacing – using a product such as Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer – costs 25 to 30 cents per square foot. To use:

* Thoroughly clean the old concrete to ensure the resurfacer will adhere properly. This can be achieved using a 3,500 psi high-duty pressure washer to clear dirt, debris, dust and any loose materials from the concrete.

* Use weather stripping to ensure the resurfacer doesn’t flow into the control or expansion joints. These are the clean lines that were cut into the concrete when it was poured to allow for the natural temperature-driven expansion and contraction of the concrete. Without joints, concrete will crack.

* Mix the resurfacing compound and the recommended amount of water in a 5-gallon bucket using a 1/2-inch drill and paddle mixer. The consistency should be lump-free and flowable. Sparingly add water to reach the desired consistency.

* Saturate the concrete surface and remove standing water from low spots. Pour the resurfacer and spread it with a long-handled squeegee. Use the squeegee to scrub the material into the surface. Within five minutes of completely covering the surface with the resurfacer, broom the surface, making sure all broom strokes go in the same direction.

Cosmetic work

Minor blemishes like small cracks can be repaired without resurfacing. Instead, try using a patching material such the Quikrete Patching Compound. Available in a ready-to-apply putty, the patching compound is ideal for minor repairs like small non-structural cracks and spalling less than 1/4 inch think.

Homeowners also can find polymer-modified compounds that bond directly to the concrete surface for a smooth repair. These compounds are self-bonding and -curing so no additives are needed.

Another option for cracks less than a half inch wide is Quikrete Concrete Crack Seal, which comes in a quart bottle that makes it easy to pour directly into the crack. Dry to the touch within 30 minutes, the sealant maintains adhesion through freeze/thaw cycles. Larger cracks may require a more flexible polyurethane sealant with increased bonding power and durability.

For more project ideas and information on concrete maintenance and repair, check out www.quikrete.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(NewsUSA) – What could be more embarrassing than riding around with scratched or damaged wheels? Except for a bad paint job, nothing can make your car or truck look less appealing or bring down its value more.

Regardless of where you drive, wheel damage is a common problem caused by a variety of culprits: curbside rash, stone nicks, road scuffs, potholes, pitting, corrosion, chemicals and weather. Fortunately, there is an easy answer to the problem, and you don’t have to buy a new wheel or take your vehicle to a restoration shop. You can fix your wheels yourself and save hundreds of dollars and hassles in the process.

A new, easy-to-use Wheel Restoration Kit has been developed by Permatex, an automotive repair products producer. The Wheel Restoration Kit helps you to fix the damaged surface on your wheels, and restores the original silver metallic finish and overall appearance. The kit comes with simple, step-by-step instructions and everything you need for a complete wheel restoration, including a premium, high-performance wheel paint. The finished repair is permanent and resistant to chemicals, brake dust, heat and chipping.

To help you make a professional quality repair, Permatex has also developed three bi-lingual online demonstration videos: “Dents and Grooves,” “Curbside Rashes, Scuffs and Scratches,” and “Corrosion, Rust and Minor Scratches.” Each video takes you through the repair process, step by step. The videos are available for free and can be viewed online at www.permatex.com.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a professional mechanic, you can easily restore your wheels to “like new” condition, without the need of special tools or training. The kit works on all types of metal wheels including aluminum, alloy, steel and mixed metals.

You should be able to get Permatex’s Wheel Restoration Kit at leading auto parts stores for less than $25.00. If not, you can contact Permatex (877-376-2839, www.permatex.com) directly, and they will help you find a retailer near you.

Caution: This repair is not recommended for use on chrome wheels or plastic wheel covers and should not be used for structural wheel damage

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How to answer job interview questions and be prepared

(ARA) – Job interviews can be filled with anxiety if you are not prepared for the questions and the answers.

Preparing for your job interview is a lot more than updating your resume and getting a haircut. Doing your homework is critical to your success. In the current competitive job market, no amount of research is too extreme, says Jodi Berkshire, assistant director of Career Services at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. No one can anticipate every question an employer might ask, but you should be prepared to gracefully handle the most commonly asked questions. To prepare for the job interview, Berkshire says here are a few questions you should be expecting:

1. “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t mistake this one for an easy question. If you don’t carefully prepare your answer prior to the interview, it will show. The interviewer is not interested in where and when you were born, your childhood, your family or your hobbies. Craft a short response that gives a thumbnail sketch of you professionally. This is a great place to insert some of your sterling qualities and accomplishments and make sure that they dovetail with the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing. Be positive and enthusiastic and whatever you do, don’t ramble.

2. “What do you know about our company?” “How did you hear about us?” Or, “Why do you want to work for us?” These are all variations on the same theme. The real question is: Did you do your homework? Any interviewer will expect that you have researched the company. That means that you should know their website inside and out. Have you Googled the company? Have you read any recent articles about them? If the only information you have to offer is what any person off the street who isn’t applying for the position knows, it shows that you don’t care enough and you’re not very thorough.

3. “What are your strengths?” “Why should we hire you?” You can count on this question cropping up at some point during the interview. Here’s a simple way to prepare. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half vertically. On one side list all the specific technical qualities that you possess. Look at the job description and consider each skill that is mentioned. For example, if the job description mentions software skills that are required and you have those skills, go ahead and list them. In the other column, list the personal qualities that you bring to the job. These could be things like punctuality, reliability, enthusiasm, work ethic, professionalism, etc. Again, take another look at the job description and anticipate what qualities that hiring manager would be looking for. Here is your chance to sell yourself. Don’t be afraid to let them know what a great addition you’d be to their company.

4. “What is your greatest weakness?” “How have you overcome it?” Be careful with this one. It is a potential minefield. This is not the time to bare your soul and reveal your deepest insecurities. Whatever you do, don’t say you procrastinate, have trouble meeting deadlines, arrive late or that you don’t get along well with others. You have two good choices here. You can either choose a weakness that is really a strength to an employer (you become so engrossed in your work that you find it hard to take a break until the project is completed), or choose something that you had to master at the beginning of your career that would be an expected learning curve for any entry-level recent college grad (you didn’t really grasp project management in your first job and you had to make a deliberate effort to learn about time lines and time management.). If you choose the second example, make sure that you stress how your performance increased once you mastered the missing skill.

5. “What would your past employer tell me about you?” Again, tread carefully. Do not, under any circumstances, say anything negative about any past employer. Settle on a few of your strongest qualities and concentrate on those that reflect your strong work ethic and professionalism. Here is another perfect opportunity to sell yourself, but once again, be careful not to ramble.

6. “Why did you leave your last position?” If you left because you relocated or were offered a better position, you can breathe a sigh of relief. But what if you were terminated by the company? It’s not the end of the world; it happens to everyone at some point in their career. Again, do not say anything bad about your last employer. If your position was eliminated due to budget cuts, say so and make it clear that you have nothing but fond memories and good feelings about the company. If you were let go because of something you did, try to take responsibility while making it clear that you would handle things differently today and that you learned a valuable lesson. Keep it short and sweet and don’t be tempted to go into long, complicated explanations.

7. “What kind of salary are you looking for?” You can be assured that the interviewer knows what they are willing to pay. Again, there is no substitute for doing your homework. You should research what similar positions are worth in your area. Be careful to compare apples to apples on this one. A copywriter in New York can expect a higher salary than one in Detroit. Also look closely at the amount of experience and the skills required. A recent college graduate will not command the same salary as someone with five to 10 years of experience. You might say something like, “My research tells me that graphic designers in this area are generally earning (average salary range). How does that fit with what your company is offering?” And make sure that you can justify why you should command that salary range you are expecting.

Once you’ve done your research, practiced answers to commonly asked questions and become comfortable with the idea of selling yourself, remember to smile. In most interview situations, the candidate who appears to be relaxed, confident (not arrogant) and enthusiastic, usually has the best chance of being hired.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Surprising facts about staying hydrated in summer’s heat

(ARA) – Record temperatures bring disturbing news reports of heat related deaths and the familiar calls to seek shade, limit outside work and drink large quantities of water. But experts caution water alone may not be sufficient and could actually increase your risk of severe heat related injuries.

According to Dr. David McCarron, adjunct professor at University of California Davis, “You must also replace the sodium and potassium along with the water. This is why athletes drink sports drinks like Gatorade, rather than just water. Replacing water without sufficient sodium can quickly produce hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition,” says McCarron.

When the body loses electrolytes, typically from perspiration, over-rehydration with only water will produce hyponatremia which is a true medical emergency. Hyponatremia symptoms are similar to those of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and can often be overlooked. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, seizures, coma and death.

To avoid this condition, medical authorities advise marathon runners to consume extra salt and this advice should also be considered by those exposed to excessive heat. Salt is critical in maintaining hydration.

The proper balance of electrolytes in the human body is essential for normal function of the cells and organs. Electrolytes help to regulate cardiovascular and neurological functions, fluid balance and oxygen delivery.

In 2007, a 28-year-old mother of three died from hyponatremia hours after competing in a Sacramento radio station contest to see which contestant could drink the most water without urinating.

A few years ago, a 21-year-old student died of water intoxication during a hazing incident. He had been forced to drink from a five-gallon jug of water that was repeatedly refilled. He soon collapsed and had a seizure. Fraternity members didn’t initially call an ambulance. By the time they did, it was too late. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Water intoxication is more commonly seen among athletes, usually extreme athletes, but older individuals are also at high risk for several reasons. Their kidneys are less efficient at conserving salt when the body is stressed and common medications such as diuretics greatly increase that risk. That is why during severe high temperatures, news accounts most often refer to elderly victims of the heat.

Although most hyponatremia victims may not have obvious symptoms, severe hyponatremia is a medical emergency that calls for immediate treatment. The low sodium level is restored to a normal level by gradually and steadily giving sodium and water intravenously. Milder cases can be handled by administering of salt and fluid replacers by mouth.

The next time the local meteorologist recommends cranking up the air conditioner and drinking a lot of water to beat the heat, remember that doctors recommend also cranking up your intake of electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(NewsUSA) – The Apple iPhone, one of the hottest smartphones on the market, has become an important tool for keeping mobile workers productive while providing freedom and flexibility away from the office.

Many mobile workers are leaving their laptops behind and conducting business right from the palm of their hand.

Here are some tips that can help you get the job done with an iPhone:

* Sync regularly. Think about every time you add a contact or an appointment to your iPhone. What if you lost that information? Syncing to your computer regularly can ensure that your information, including e-mails, is backed up and safeguarded should something happen. And while it only takes a few seconds to sync, replacing data could take hours.

* Stay productive. Need to view and edit a presentation or locate a document on another computer? Business applications such as LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone (www.LogMeIn.com/iPhone) enable iPhone users to access and work on their remote computers as if they were sitting right in front of them.

* Check the Apple Web site. There is an entire section on the Apple Web site dedicated to iPhone business use at www.apple.com/iphone/business/. It includes apps like currency converters, expense trackers, file management and organizational tools that can help you work efficiently while away from your desk.

* Extend your battery power. If you are gearing up for a long trip or meeting, preserve your battery life by shutting off your Wi-Fi, lowering your screen brightness and turning off your keyboard sounds. Switch your iPhone setting to auto-lock when you aren’t working.

* Stay secure. Basic security measures like enabling your four-digit iPhone password can help protect sensitive data while minimizing the risk of high bills if it becomes lost or stolen. Always make sure to lock your device when it isn’t in your hand.

For more tips on using your iPhone for business, check out “iPhone for Work” by freelance technology journalist and network consultant Ryan Faas, or “The iPhone Book: How to Do the Most Important, Useful & Fun Stuff with Your iPhone” by technology authors Scott Kelby and Terry White

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Teens: Join Twilight’s Nikki Reed to ‘do something’ good this summer

(ARA) – Are you a teen that is going to camp, hosting a neighborhood block party, or playing baseball this summer? Are you a parent who wants to encourage your child to do something good for others or get more involved in their community? This summer, join the Do Something 101 school supply drive: www.dosomething101.org.

Each school year, many students go back to school with little more than a plastic bag and a used notebook. It’s often the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference. By donating a pack of pencils, a spiral notebook or even a dollar, you can help a student start the new school year off right. It’s easy to get started. Ideas include encouraging fellow campers to start a school supply drive or hosting a movie night at your house and charging a school supply as the price of admission.

Launched in 2008 by DoSomething.org and Staples, Do Something 101 is a campaign to help students in need. Nikki Reed, star of the popular Twilight movie series, is helping to promote the cause this year. The campaign encourages teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store, from July through September. In addition, customers can get involved by donating $1 at any store with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local teens in need.

“It’s so important that students have new school supplies to begin each year successfully,” says Nancy Lublin, chief executive officer of DoSomething.org. “Our goal with this campaign is to make it easy for teens to help a student in need. We’ve provided products to hundreds of thousands of students to date, and are encouraging others to get involved to help us continue to make a difference.”

Here are some tips on how parents can encourage children to get involved in community service projects:

1. Research available opportunities that your child will find interesting and fulfilling. Help guide them toward a volunteer experience that will get them excited.
2. Get involved in your own charitable cause. If they see you doing something good, they are more likely to want to participate in a similar campaign.
3. Make it a family event. By encouraging everyone in the family to join the cause together, everyone will be motivated by each other and will have fun at the same time.

New for the 2010 back-to-school shopping season, Staples is also launching a line of DoSomething.org-inspired products to help students get organized and learn about important issues impacting their communities. These new products – including planners and notebooks – inspire youth to take action and make positive change. In addition to the cool designs, they also include background on social issues and offer suggestions on how students can make a difference.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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