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What You Don’t Know, Can Hurt You

As an Objectivist, it is a given that I believe in a Reality that is separate from my own perceptions and understanding of it. This is the very basis of what it is to be an Objectivist. What does this imply exactly? It means that the fact that I am unaware of an action taken for or against me, has no bearing on the fact that it did take place, and it did affect me. It means that if someone steals from me, with me unaware of the theft, that I am no less harmed by my ignorance. In fact it could be argued that I am in fact harmed even further by my ignorance, for because of my ignorance I cannot take any action to rectify the theft and won’t be motivated to take measures to see that it doesn’t occur again in the future. By this reasoning, ignorance is obviously causing me harm, even though I don’t know it. That is the insidious nature of the thing. Your ignorant even of your own ignorance.

Here is a scene from a movie that sometimes comes to mind when I am pondering these things:

“Morpheus :It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth Neo : What truth? Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.”

Pretty scary thought huh? Sadly, and more than horrifying is that Truth is scarier than fiction. That is a brief excerpt from the movie ‘The Matrix’. While I won’t delve to deeply into the political aspects of the movie, or any of the other concepts it brings up, I did want to share this concept. The concept of something so integral to our existence we no longer have the capacity to truly recognize it for what it is. Something we were born into, something we have learned to take for granted, but ultimately something that was designed and currently used to enslave us. Just because we do not recognize our own slavery, our literal serfdom, just because the mechanism for theft is so subtle, does not mean it doesn’t occur, that it isn’t occurring even as you read this. What is the prime tool of our serfdom? Well many of you may already be familiar with it. It is an oft used term, but seldom understood; inflation.

Well what is inflation? Many others have attempted to answer this question. Economics professors, bankers, and politicians alike. They say it is the increase of the money supply. They say it is necessary for economic welfare, they say a lot of things about it, but what they never tell you, is the truth. The truth about inflation can be summed up in one word: THEFT. Inflation = Theft. That’s it. That’s all it is. All their posturing, all their obfuscation, all their theories, all their lies, are designed to hide this one fact. Inflation is Theft. And it isn’t just any simple theft. It isn’t a petty crime, and it doesn’t just affect some people. It affects everyone currently holding dollars as money. That’s pretty much everyone. This is where ignorance really sucks, because even though you may have been ignorant of the theft, does not mean you haven’t been robbed.

The first thing most people want to ask when the discover they have been robbed is: How Much? Well, the damage is pretty severe. It’s very severe in fact. Lets break down some of the numbers to give you an idea of how severe it is. From January of 1914 to January 2009 the total inflation rate is 2,011.43%. That’s right, over Two thousand percent since the creation of the federal reserve cartel. So how much loss of value does that mean for each dollar? If something cost a single dollar in January of 1914, that same thing would cost you 21.12$ today. So what, you ask? What does it matter? Well in that intervening time the value of our money was de-valued. But where did that value go? Did it just evaporate into the atmosphere? Did it just disappear? No, it did not. Someone took that value, by increments, and by design. Someone is still taking that value. For that is the purpose of inflation. It is a hidden tax.

Production is wealth. This is true on the face of it. The country that produces more goods to be sold has more wealth. That is why America became wealthy in the first place. Wealth is not defined by how many dollars you have in your bank account. Wealth is how much of this ’stuff’, the goods and products and planes trains and automobiles etc, that you possess. Since we know production is wealth, then it should be understood that if a countries production increases then so to should the wealth of its citizens. After all they were the producers of that wealth, should they not get the bounty of their production? Shouldn’t the wealth of a nation directly correspond to how much it produces? Shouldn’t those figures mirror each other almost exactly? That sad fact is that they do not. When we factor in that production in this country has improved year after year for nearly the last century, (despite terrible domestic and foreign policy and despite the continuous and over-burdensome taxation).

This increase in production is due to a number of factors, like improved technology, improved business practices, and in no small part because of individual innovators constantly striving to find a way to make the same things cheaper. This trend to find the most cost effective way to create goods and services, means that overall production increases. With an increase in production we should see and increase in total wealth right? Wrong! But why? Where has this increase in production and wealth gone? In actual value terms, we have not received the bounty of our increased production. The true value of that increased production has been taken from us, and the mechanism by which it is stolen is inflation. How much? The disparity isn’t small. In the quarter century between 1980 and 2005, business productivity increased by 71%. Over the same quarter century, median weekly earnings of full-time workers rose from $613 to $705, a gain of only 14% (figures in 2005 dollars). This is to show you that even though our productivity rises, the ones doing the production do not see the benefit from this increase of production.

Just recently those who thought they were wealthy because they had some very valuable stocks, just found out when the stock market plummeted that wealth and money although closely related, are not the same thing. Wealth is not money. Just because you received a raise at your job does not necessarily mean you increased your wealth. Wages always trail behind inflation, that means if you were paid 10 dollars an hour in 2006, and you didn’t receive a raise equaling at least .68 cents an hour or greater by 2009, you didn’t even keep up with inflation. You are now less wealthy. Put another way, if you had an income of 50,000 a year during 2006, and didn’t increase your income to 53,395$ by 2009, then once again you fell behind. If you actually took a pay cut as many are doing now, then that is on top of the lost value from inflation. That is just in three years. And that is just for one household. When you realize the literal mountains of money being stolen from from all of us each and every year, you have to begin to wonder why they even have income tax. The truth is, they could finance the entire government from inflation alone, and the income tax is small potatoes to them.

What does all this loss of value really mean for you. It means you and your family have to work that much harder, and that much longer every year, year after year, just to keep up with it. It means your on a treadmill. Your one of those rats in its wheel running for all your worth and the mad political scientists and money magicians sit back and laugh at you while they take all that effort and turn it into gold for themselves.

It terms of actual purchasing power, the average American wage is decreasing, not increasing. This is no joke, this is no lie. In ‘99 a report published by The Economic Policy Institute showed that the average American worked six weeks more per year than when the study began in ‘89. In that same year the average personal savings rate became negative. This means that despite working longer hours, we were actually going into debt to maintain our standard of living. Debt is voluntary servitude. We are becoming more enslaved by the day, and we are the ones putting on the shackles.

Now that we have at least some understanding of the tools used to enslave us, what is the Primary Cause? How do things like this happen? Why does a free people give up its freedom, seemingly without even a single protest. How could such a ruse be carried on for the better part of a century without nary a grumble from the masses. Simply put, it is because they are ignorant. Ignorance is your nemesis, for if you are ignorant of your serfdom, what need is there to complain. If your ignorant of the theft, why would you cry when it is taken. It is the most perfect serfdom in the history of the world. For the first time our rulers and elitist’s can extort from you riches beyond count or measure and leave you barely enough to subsist upon, and their is no general outcry, there is no general revolt or rebellion. These things do not happen by accident, they happen because a bunch of very smart, very motivated and very evil people came together and concocted a plan that would make them beyond rich, and beyond powerful and they would do it with your governments help. The politicians would be bought and paid for with the bribe of being able to appropriate endless amounts of money from the masses for all the pet projects in the world, and the bankers would help them do it. Its the greatest fleecing and greatest crime in history, and nobody even talks about it. How does this happen? It happens because people refuse to become educated, they refuse to learn about money and banking and how the money magicians work their magic, in effect they refuse to learn about the prison they were born into. Which brings me back to the topic of this article: They refuse to remedy their own ignorance, and What you don’t know, Can hurt you.

There is a quote that goes something like this “Those not interested in politics, will be forever ruled by those who are.” Well I am going to change that to this, “Those not interested in banking, will be forever ruled by those who are.” The federal Reserve act was created in 1913. Most people alive back then are dead and gone. Most of us were born into this mess, into this perfect mouse trap. But most of us just accept it as ‘the way things are’. We take it for granted that banks can lend out 9 dollars for every actual dollar they have, in essence creating that 9 dollars out of thin air (inflation). We take it for granted that this is okay, and we never stop to question whether it is moral. Well I for one will continue to question them and their perfect setup, for I firmly believe that just because a thing is, doesn’t mean it should be.

The Author is just your average Guy looking for some sense in the world. An objectivist philosophy stands at the heart of his world view, with a little anti-establishment thrown in for good measure.

If you want to find out more about Objectivism, or want to discuss politics in general, please stop by http://www.objectivist-republic.com

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Interior Decoration Design Idea

It is really hard sometimes to get the time to re-decorate your house with the quick pace of todays life. Home decorating is also something that is thought to take up a lot of time and effort, and that’s why only a limited group of people actually get to do it. I’m sure that the majority of people are also quick to jump to the conclusion that interior design requires too much financial investment as you need to buy new carpets and lighting arrangements and other high priced household features to do attractive decoration. This is simply not the reality of the situation but is precisely why the majority of people end up hiring an expensive Interior decoration specialist to advise them. So lets attempt to lay down the fundamental concepts and common practices of interior design to help give you the most important tools which will ultimately show you how to re-arrange household features without making use of an expert, and also rid those worries of the supposed massive undertaking at hand.

Lets first start with the paining job. This is a major component in your home decoration project so the selected colours must be picked correctly. Also ensure that you get a latex paint or any high quality paint. Don’t worry if the costs are very high as painting your walls only one time with a good paint is definitely less frustrating than having to paint two to three times with a cheaper paint. What you need to do is look around your rooms for features like rugs and carpets and come to an agreement on the type of colours which will complement those objects colours.

Another aspect I would like to talk about is shades. It is important to to use lighter shades for rooms as it ends up reflecting the light, therefore making he room look larger and using darker shades for larger rooms which will hopefully give them a more homely feeling.

If you would like to find out more information on how to effectively decorate your home or want to learn about interior design please visit the website below to find out about 2 top design guides.

Interior Decoration Design Guides

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Where to File Complaints Against Predatory Lenders and Other Foreclosure Scams

Sometimes, despite the fact that homeowners have done nearly everything in their power to avoid losing a home to foreclosure, the bank simply outspends them and breaks down their resistances. Lenders are aggressive when defending against claims of predatory lending or otherwise taking advantage of borrowers, and courts have typically been willing to rule against the owners and in favor of banks. But when homeowners have run out of options on their own home, the best action may just be to alert others that the mortgage company may be running a scam.

Federal and state regulatory agencies rarely go after the largest banks or mortgage companies, unless there is an economy-wide scandal or especially egregious acts of preying upon consumers. But even then, it is more likely that banks and large lenders will not be targeted directly. The consequences for regulators in going after these giant corporations are far too great, as the largest financial institutions in the country bankroll the state and federal governments.

Take the cases of Countrywide and the governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. Countrywide had been making subprime loans for years to borrowers who could never hope to pay them back. But few states ever looked into the bank’s lending practices until the subprime mortgage market collapsed and the foreclosure crisis began to create a drag on the national economy. Then states began investigations and lawsuits against the company, but it was already almost too late, as the company had sold itself to Bank of America. Why did the states wait so long to address obvious predatory lending?

And the governor of Illinois was just recently arrested for attempting to sell the US Senate seat left vacant by president-elect Barack Obama. Curiously, the arrest came less than 24 hours after Blagojevich ordered state agencies not to do business with Bank of America any longer. Of course, this may answer the question of why other states waited so long to investigate Countrywide until after it had collapsed and been eaten up by a larger lender.

Thus, it may be wishful thinking to expect that homeowners who have lost a home to foreclosure can find any real justice with regulatory agencies. The most they can probably hope for is that the agencies allow other potential customers of these companies to search for previous complaints and determine which lenders to stay away from. In any case, however, homeowners who believe they were unfairly taken advantage of should pursue filing complaints in order to warn regulators of predatory activity and alert other borrowers to problems with mortgage companies.

Homeowners also need to know which regulatory agencies they should contact for particular types of banks. The following list should be referred to as a rough guide and will cover most, if not all, of the types of lending institutions the typical borrower will have any kind of mortgage transaction with, as well as which agency to submit a complaint to, if the need arises.

National Bank: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Federally Insured Savings and Loan: Office of Thrift Supervision

Federal Savings Bank: Office of Thrift Supervision

State-Chartered Savings Institution, Federally Insured: Office of Thrift Supervision

Federal Credit Union: National Credit Union Administration

State-Chartered Credit Union, Federally Insured: State Credit Union Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Credit Union, not Federally Insured: State Credit Union Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Bank or Savings Institution, Not Federally Insured: State Banking Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Bank, Not Member of Federal Reserve System, Federally Insured: State Banking Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Commission

State-Charted Bank, Member of Federal Reserve System: State Banking Agency, Federal Reserve Board

Any type of lender that is not on the above list and that homeowners want to submit a complaint about should contact the appropriate state agency. If one is not available, the state attorney general or state banking department should be contacted. In fact, the state attorney general can be sent a copy of the complaint for any of the above-listed lending institutions, as the states do have the right to investigate banks or mortgage companies doing business in their territories.

Again, homeowners who have lost a house to foreclosure may be disappointed if they believe any regulatory agency will come to their rescue, put the lender out of business, and give them their home back. This will not happen. But borrowers who feel they were taken advantage of may wish to keep a record of their complaint with the appropriate agency; after all, when enough people complain about a company, there will be no other option than to investigate it and shut it down.

Nick writes articles to educate homeowners on various methods of stopping foreclosure and defending a home against a bank’s lawsuit. His site describes numerous options borrowers may qualify for, from loan modification and foreclosure refinancing to deed in lieu and short sales. Visit the site to read more about the home mortgage foreclosure process and what you can do to end it before it is too late: http://www.foreclosurefish.com/

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The Digital Television Age is Here

The time is coming when there is going to be no analog channels broadcast any longer and that is because all the television transmissions will be going digital. This is going to occur in February of 2009 and there are many households that will need to make a decision prior to February about what they will do for television programming.

There are choices that can be made, but which of these one is the best is becoming clear, satellite TV with a provider like Dish Network is one of the choices that many people are deciding is their best choice. This is because they want to have digital programming which is clear and that makes it really enjoyable to watch television programs and movies that are offered.

Having satellite TV also means a family can be located anywhere and still enjoy the great digital programming. This is because satellite TV unlike cable TV can be used in any location and this is not the case with cable TV, because cable TV needs underground wires that send the signal to the receiver hooked into the television. That means living outside the city there is little chance of being able to have cable TV.

There are some really great advantages with digital television, there is not more snow, not ghosting and the voice will always match the person speaking. This is because when programming and movies are sent in a digital signal they are also sent with the voice and that is not how analog signals are, they are separate voice and program. Digital programming will always be clear and crisp.

One thing is certain, analog is going to change and when it does tuning on a television that has an antenna will result in nothing but snow and then a black screen, because there will no longer be any channels transmitting in analog. This means for people that are using the rabbit ear method of watching television will need to make a change by February or they will be watching nothing.

The change that TV viewers will need to make is a choice between a converter box to still receive local channels, a satellite provider like Dish Network where there are packages to fit everyone and cable TV if the person lives in an area where it is possible to get cable TV. Though the pricing between Dish network and cable TV, which is usually higher than with satellite TV.

Satellite TV is one way to have more channels without creating a major monthly expense for the person or family that is used to having free television by using an antenna. It will also give them many more channels than the amount that is available in the local markets. The extra channels are filled with quality programming to fit every member of the household from the youngest to the oldest, including movies, educational programming, music and entertainment for all ages.

The person that cannot decide will wake up one morning in February, turn the television on and there will be no morning news to greet them.

For great information about Dish Network and the many choices for Dish Network deals to fit every families needs there is a terrific website.

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Well Water Filtration Systems – Three Things You Need to Know

If live in a rural area and your water supply comes from a well, you might think that you’re protected from pollutants, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, well water pollution is one of the major reasons for illness, because the water can be contaminated from nearby farms through such things as animal excrement or fertilizer runoff. Therefore, it’s likely that you need well water filtration systems to make sure that you have the cleanest and vast drinking water possible.

Here are three things you should know about well water filtration systems:

They’re not all the same

Some water filtration systems are meant to filter out relatively large particulates. This is probably okay if you live in the city where your own city has its own filtration system in place, so that you may just need to refine drinking water for chlorine taste or to make it more palatable.

However, if you live in the country, you’ll likely need something a little more involved. First, get your water tested to see what contaminants it has in it.

Reverse osmosis can be done if the water is particularly bad or if it has cysts, which are parasites that cause problems especially in people with fragile immune systems. In addition, lead content will be reduced by 99% or better. This may be what you need if you live near farms where fertilizer or animal waste runoff is a problem. In addition, to further purify water, you may want to consider ion exchange filtration to balance mineral content and normalize the pH level.

Whole house, or point of use filtration?

If your water is very bad, you may want to consider whole house filtration. This is especially useful if, for example, your water has a high iron or rust content in addition to other difficulties. Having high iron or rust in the water can make hair and clothes take on an unpleasant color, and these things can also be absorbed through the skin in the shower.

However, if your situation is such that your water only needs to be filtered for drinking and cooking, you can install “point of use” filters at your kitchen sink and in your refrigerators water and ice dispensers, as applicable. Whole house filtration will be much more expensive, but it can be considered to offset the expense of having clothes and hair ruined with rust or iron laden water, or the illness that might happen if you are absorbing contaminants through your skin.

Should you rent, or should you own your water filtration system?

This is a good question, since many companies will simply charge you a monthly service fee to come out and replace filters for free and to service your unit when it needs to be. Depending on where you live, this may be more cost-effective than owning your unit and having to pay for repairs and filter replacement yourself. Check online to see which companies offer the best price and service — but don’t assume that buying is always better than renting. In fact, renting may be the better deal overall.

Charles is an internet research nut that loves to share information he finds. Visiting his site http://yourwaterpurifierpro.com/ is a great way to start your research into the best drinking water treatment option for you

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Call the Accounting Department

Many wives do not understand why their checking accounts are overdrawn. They are managed at the same bank as their husband’s business accounts. These married women naturally think that the bank will automatically transfer any money to their personal accounts to keep them from going in the red. They think the bank will be happy to fund their personal accounts, with money that comes from strangers that the wife has never met. When money is not transferred in the way they assumed, they will call the Accounting department at their husband’s place of business, to see what they can do.

The supervisor is truly in awe at the audacity of some of the rich people she greets. People call the Accounting department all of the time with these outrageous stories that many would never believe. She knows for a fact that the Director’s wife and cousin call the Accounting department all of the time. They want to get the Accounting department to take care of their personal banking and money transfer needs.

The Accounting department supervisor will know she is treading on thin ice, and knows she must professionally handle the financial mismanagement situation, even if she is being berated and reduced down to size. She knows that she must apologize for the unfortunate predicament that the rich person is in, and go about making small talk about what she thinks can be done about it.

Of course, when these people call the Accounting department, the Accounting professionals know that nothing can be done. The money that is in the business accounts is considered to belong to someone else, and in any case, will certainly not belong to the idiotic person that is on the other end of the telephone.

The supervisor goes on to relate to the rich customer on the line, that the Corporation owns the funds in these accounts, and the wives do not want to believe this information one bit. They say they see their husbands signature on the checks, and know what the balances are. They begin to moan and groan and threaten to sue, if the Accounting department supervisor does not heed their financial needs and woes.

At this point in the conversation with the Accounting department supervisor and the rich wife, the decision is made that it is time for the husband to call the Accounting department and talk to his wife. The accountants at this Corporation feel that they are busy enough without all of this utter nonsense, and will place the call directly to the secretary of the big boss that has a office on the top floor and Penthouse apartment.

Alex Radyushin is an editor-in-chief for All Acronyms – top acronyms and abbreviations dictionary

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Robotic Vacuum Cleaners – Cleaning Technology of the Future?

Domestic robots no longer exist simply in the minds of science fiction authors. Domestic robots, or robots used for household chores, are becoming increasingly common and popular, with several leading vacuum manufacturers developing their own unique models. New models of robot vacuum cleaners are constantly hitting the market, and the promise of more models in the future is a sure sign that the nascent commercial robot industry is finally taking flight. In terms of domestic robots, there are basically three distinct classes and categories:

1. Domobots: The highest level of domestic robot. These are used for a range of household chores, are autonomous, and are usually connected to a Wi-Fi home network.

2. Entertainment Robots: These can be used at home, but are usually reserved for entertainment and social interaction purposes.

3. Care and Chore Robots: These are used for basic household chores, including vacuuming.

Robotic vacuums fall into this latter category, and many consumers choose these in an attempt to lessen the burden of household vacuuming and perhaps even liberate them from this unpleasant daily chore. The most popular robotic vacuum models are usually compact, pizza-shaped appliances with suckers that move around a room until they cover an entire area. They can vary significantly in price, ranging in $100 for some of the most basic models to well over $1000 to some of the of most advanced units, and deciding on what features are the most important to you will be crucial in determining a robotic vacuum’s price.

Nonetheless, today’s robotic vacuums have definitely come a long way from those that were initially introduced just a few years ago. The older models were often awkward, used primitive controls, and had to be tracked down when stranded in the house by an annoying and incessant “Low Battery” beep. Some of the latest robotic vacuums available today can not only clean your home, but they can also remember your home’s layout to increase efficiency, dispose of its own dirt in a designated receptacle, and even have the ability to find their way back to a recharging station to repower.

One of the main points to be aware of when purchasing a robotic vacuum is the fact that these types of vacuums are meant to supplement a standard, human-operated vacuum, and not to replace it. They are simply meant to perform either daily or weekly touch ups to keep your home, office, or workspace tidier in between regular vacuum sessions. In addition, robotic vacuums work best on hard flooring, although some units have transitioning capability and are able to convert from floors to low-level carpeting with ease. While some robotic vacuums may work well on thicker carpet, the transition from floor to dense carpet may be difficult.

With these factors in mind, if a robotic vacuum seems like the right choice for you, first decide on your vacuuming needs. A simple, lower-priced robotic vacuum can clean and dust your hard flooring, while a pricier unit will be able to transition from floor to carpet and also boast features such as scheduler options, memory, and dirt detecting sensors. Ultimately, a robotic vacuum’s price will be primarily influenced by its special features, such remote-controlled operation, a self-charging base, or even virtual walls.

If your primary interest in a robotic vacuum is because of the convenience factor, you will want to decide whether you want the robotic vacuum to randomly clean an area or be able to “sense” whether it has missed a specific area of your home and continue until the entire area is cleaned. Some robotic vacuums even feature dust sensors to detect if the floor is extremely saturated, and they will linger on that spot accordingly. The size of a vacuum’s dust bin is also to be considered. Not all robotic vacuum dust bins are of the same size, and larger dust bins are obviously more convenient. Be sure to check how easily a robotic vacuum’s dust bin removes itself from the unit, as frequent emptying will result in optimum performance.

Thankfully, because robotic vacuums do not utilize any complicated bags or filters, maintenance is usually quite simple: be sure to check for debris that may be clogging the brushes and replace as necessary, and empty the dust bin on a regular basis.

Nevertheless, despite the limitations of a robotic vacuum and regardless of what model robot vacuum you choose, one thing is certain: robotic vacuums will be as common as television sets or microwave ovens, and robotic vacuum manufacturers and consumers alike are agreeing that the robotic revolution is finally here.

Jeanie Wong is a marketing writer with extensive knowledge of vacuum cleaners and other floor care products.

In terms of robotic vacuums, she recommends the Bissell 1200 SpotBot and the Bissell 12002 SpotBot Pet.

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Chinking Questions-Answers & Money Saving Application Tips

Chinking is very common on western log homes but can be found in the east as well. The most common color is mortar white because it resembles the look of old time cement. Chinking may be required to seal the joints in your logs or you may choose to use it for aesthetic purposes. Chinking is designed to stand out from your wood which is why it has a heavy texture. Finally, it is typically installed in 1”- 4” joints.

Professional applicators prefer to purchase the product in 5 gallon buckets while homeowners are more likely to purchase the material in 29oz tubes. Both will work well as long as you have the right product. Some chinking materials can be difficult to apply which is why I would recommend a product called Chinker’ Edge. It is a little heavier than most other chinking materials which is nice because it stays in place when you are working with the material. Also, it does not collect on your brush or trowel when you are working with the material which will save you time, energy and probably a headache.

If you are looking to restore your existing chinking it isn’t necessary to replace the old chinking with brand new chinking. Most “new” chinking materials are latex based products and will bond with each other. If you choose to go this route, it is important to get a good bond to the top and bottom of the joint. If you are installing chinking to a new structure then I would highly recommend installing some form of backer rod before applying any chinking material. You can use an open or closed cell backer rod that will be D-shaped, trapezoidal or full round. Backer rod installation will save you money on chinking materials and will allow the sealant to expand and contract at a more proficient rate.

Check with the chinking and stain manufacturers to ensure that your finishing products are compatible with each other. It is always a good idea to use a stain and chinking from the same manufacturer in order to avoid any unnecessary problems down the road.

In conclusion, follow the following application tips below in order to achieve a successful job.

  1. Use backer rod.
  2. Apply at least a 1/4”- 1/2” of material.
  3. Use a compatible stain.
  4. The larger your logs the larger the width of your chinking joint should be.
  5. Apply the material between 45-90 degrees and do not install it in direct sunlight.
  6. Purchase Chinker’s Edge by Sashco.
  7. Have fun.

Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting. Our diverse array of products makes us one of the most complete suppliers anywhere, and one of the most successful log home products distributors in the world. We are dedicated to bringing customers the finest quality products combined with the best customer service in the log home industry.

Please contact us at (800) 490-3695 or visit us at http://www.MountainHomeBuildingProducts.com for further assistance.

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9 Reasons Every Solo Professional Needs a Virtual Assistant

In case you have not heard, the virtual assistance industry is exploding, growing by leaps and bounds. Virtual assistants (VAs) are partnering with solo attorneys, solo entrepreneurs, and small business owners to assist with virtual paralegal, administrative, internet marketing, social media marketing, and blog design services.

Virtual assistants can write and submit press releases, develop and manage article marketing campaigns, monitor your social media profiles, write SEO-friendly content, design and maintain your blog, “scrub the internet” for you, and complete other tasks that seem to swallow up the solo professional’s time.

Virtual assistants with legal experience provide on-demand paralegal services and legal administrative assistance exclusively to solo attorneys and small law firms.

Here are 9 good reasons every solo professional needs a virtual assistant:

1. A virtual assistant can develop and manage an effective article marketing campaign.

What is the benefit of writing an article or press release no one gets to read? Writing a great article is just the first step in delivering your message. The next step is publishing your content for your target audience to find.

One of the most effective ways to get your articles syndicated is through effective article marketing. There are several websites and article directories in constant search of relevant, well-written and informative content.

Let your virtual assistant research your target audience, develop your article marketing campaign, write your article content, manually submit your articles to the top directories, and market your articles using social media tools and resources.

2. A virtual assistant can develop, update and monitor your social media profiles.

In recent years, the internet has expanded exponentially, and the same is true for online marketing tools and resources. There has been an influx of social media web sites. Among the most popular are LinkedIn, Digg, Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, YouTube and Plaxo.

If you cannot find time to manage your social media profiles along with everything else on your plate, let your virtual assistant manage them for you. Your VA can develop and update your social media profiles, upload your photos, stream your video and audio, manage your RSS feeds, update your content, repair broken links, and monitor your accounts.

3. A virtual assistant can professionally design your newsletter or ezine, and distribute it as needed.

Do you have a newsletter or ezine that you love to publish but have a difficult time staying on top of? Maybe you are someone that has an interest in publishing a newsletter or ezine but just cannot find time to get it out there. Well, you are not alone.

Delegate the entire ezine project to a virtual assistant. A VA can design your ezine, help you brainstorm ideas for new content, update your ezine as frequently as you’d like, distribute the ezine, and promote your ezine through online directories and social media websites.

4. A virtual blog assistant can design, update, and optimize your personal and professional blogs.

Yes, you heard me correctly. Some virtual assistants are master bloggers with experience dating back to the days of GeoCities. Whether your blog is hosted by Typepad, Blogger, Wordpress.com, or self-hosted on your server, a skilled virtual assistant can manage your personal and professional blogs.

If you cannot find time to write content for your blog, hire a virtual assistant to write the content for you. If you are ready to take your blog to the next level, hire a virtual blog assistant to convert your blog into a content management system, and host it on your own server.

If you are looking to enhance your blog and online presence, hire a virtual assistant that provides search engine optimization services.

5. A VA can help you get the most out of your email marketing.

A VA can set-up your autoresponders, upload your email lists, manipulate images, run tests, finalize and schedule you email blasts for distribution to your mailing lista.

6. A skilled VA can design HTML gift guides and announcements for you and your clients.

Many virtual assistants are experienced and certified in HTML, CSS, PHP and MySQL. A VA can design HTML gift guides or other marketing materials, and distribute them for you.

7. A virtual assistant can proofread and edit your writings to prevent embarrassing grammatical mistakes.

It’s quite simple…”two pair of eyes are always better than one.” Draft your marketing or sales plan and let your virtual assistant proofread it for you. Draft an important email, and forward a copy to your VA to review before sending it out. If you prefer, dictate your press release, article or correspondence with your digital recorder, and email the audio file to your virtual assistant for transcription.

8. A virtual assistant can handle the tasks you simply do not enjoy.

I am sure there are tasks essential to your business that you have absolutely no interest in completing. You cannot afford to ignore these tasks, but you would rather not dive into them yourself. Those are the tasks you should delegate to a virtual assistant.

Time tracking is arguably one of the least-preferred tasks, but one of the most important when it comes to generating revenue for your business. Virtual assistants are familiar with several on and offline applications that can make managing your time a breeze. With your VA tracking your time, you will witness an increase in billable hours and revenue.

9. Partnering with a virtual assistant will cost significantly less than hiring an in-house assistant.

The affordability aspect is last on this list, but first on the mind of the average solo professional. VAs are more affordable than your typical in-house assistant. Aside from the fact you do not pay taxes or provide benefits to your VA, you will also save on the cost of providing office space, furniture, equipment and training. Over the years, the virtual assistance industry has evolved. Virtual assistants continue to develop their skill sets, and are catering to a wide range of solo professionals and small business owners. If you are ready to stop handling everything on your own, and you are not thrilled about the idea of hiring in-house staff, consult a virtual assistant so you can begin to take your business to the next level.

About the Author: Vickie Perry Barker, aka the Full Service VA, is founder and CEO of Full Service Virtual Support, an Atlanta-based virtual assistance firm. Whether you are in need of article marketing, blog marketing, social media or SEO services, we are your one-stop-virtual-shop. If you are a solo professional that has finally realized that going solo did not require doing everything on your own, contact Full Service Virtual Support.

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Inspirational Leadership Begins With an Inspired Leader

We have to assume that 2009 is going to be one of the toughest years of our career. With all of the fear swirling around, people are looking for something to hold on to, someone to inspire them, and inspirational leadership begins with an inspired person. The biggest challenge for us as managers is to stay inspired ourselves, so we are able to pass it on. Charles Spurgeon, a dynamic preacher in England during the 1800’s, used to fill the Metropolitan Tabernacle every Sunday. Having 10,000 people attend church service was unheard of in his day. When asked why so many came to hear him preach Spurgeon replied, “I am on fire with the Holy Spirit, and people come to watch me burn.”

The power of an inspired leader is amazing.

So how do you stoke the fires of inspiration? The challenge with inspiration is that what works for one person might not work for another. There are no one-size-fits-all sources of inspiration, although a multi-million dollar lottery ticket just might do the trick. Assuming you will not be winning the lottery anytime soon, here are some ways you can manage to stay passionate about your life and leadership in the year ahead.

1. Redefine your life goals and make some of them BIG.

Whether you lead people or not, there is something motivating about getting clear on where you are headed with your life. Taking time to clarify values, long-term goals and short-term priorities, always helps a person re-energize. Before the end of the year make up a list of goals that you want to accomplish in 2009. Make another list of where you would like to be by 2014. Having vision for your life is a major source of fuel to keep your fire burning.

During times when fear is prevalent, the majority of people take a cautious stance. Those who have the courage to think big, dream big, and act on it, not only accomplish more, they actually serve as an inspiration for others. In January’s newsletter we are kicking off “The Year of Thinking Big.” I am sure I will come up with a better title over the holidays and I’ll explain it in more detail later, but it is going to help all of us reframe our thinking for 2009 from a position of scarcity to one of abundance and opportunity.

2. Take ownership of your people

When you as a manager care about those you lead, it has an effect on your performance. When you begin to see past their job and care for them as individuals, you will find a growing sense of responsibility you feel for them. This is good because it helps you raise the bar for your own personal life and leadership. In desiring to be an example to your team, you feel an extra responsibility to be your best. This creates fuel to help you stay inspired because it is rooted deep in purpose and reinforced by consistent doses of intrinsic motivation and reward.

3. Create a list of inspiration sources

All of us have different things that inspire us. It can be certain movies, places, songs, art, activities, people, seminars, or hobbies. Create an inspiration list. Think of it like a fuel depot. When you are running low, it helps you recharge. On my itunes I have several different playlists. One is called “Don’t Quit.” It is filled with songs that motivate me to keep going. I listen to them on those days when things seem difficult. I also have several places within a one hour drive from my house where I can find inspiration. My personal inspiration list has movies, places (the mountains), hobbies, and inspiring people. A regular diet on the things that keep me recharged is essential.

4. Get a guide

I remember last year trying to get back to base camp after climbing Pequenyo Alpamayo in Bolivia. The fog rolled in and we could not see more than 50 feet ahead of us. This is not good when you are traveling on a glacier with deep crevasses. Fortunately for us, we had a guide who travels this route many times a year. He knew where to go and, more importantly, where not to go. Having a guide is essential, especially when you are in challenging terrain. In 2009, think about hiring a coach, either for your personal life, or for leadership. You don’t have to spend a lot, but do your homework at the same time. A guide can be a valuable source of inspiration, and the growth you can accomplish by having one will inspire not only yourself, but those you lead.

5. Travel in groups

In the mountains, it is never wise to travel alone. There is inspiration in traveling together. Start a mastermind group with other managers you know who can meet monthly for lunch and talk about your goals and leadership. These monthly times are extremely motivating. For more info on starting a mastermind group read this article.

In 2009 I want our online community to be a place that you can clip into and find sources of motivation and inspiration every month, as well as practical tools to keep you moving up the mountain.

6. Find a way to give back

Get involved in the business of helping people. When we look outside of ourselves it helps us gain perspective, keeps us grateful, and inspires us to be more. Every month in 2009 find even one small way to give back to those in need. You will be amazed at what this does to your levels of inspiration.

Inspiration is a powerful force. It makes life more enjoyable, not only for yourself, but for all of those around you. Another great thing about inspiration is that it is highly contagious. Like a virus, it infects those who are exposed to it. Yet it carries the healing properties of an antidote that restores life itself.

James Robbins is a leadership trainer helping organizations build workplaces of full engagement and low turnover. His keynotes and workshops inspire and equip managers to face today’s leadership demands. To find out more go to http://www.ontothesummit.com

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