Sports And Opinions

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Sports Memorabilia

There is a huge interest in sport memorabilia, and sports-related items include signed commemorative photos, baseballs, footballs, basketballs, pucks and jerseys. A Google search of companies hawking these items comes up with almost 5 million businesses!

Some of the items on offer cost thousands of dollars.

Where there are so many eager and gullible customers, fraud is sure to appear. A Sand Diego federal judge who recently sentenced several sports autograph forgers to prison said, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of the national pastime, has been undone". The prosecution stemmed from an FBI investigation called Operation Bullpen, which closed down a professional criminal organization that forged and sold bogus autographs. 60 search warrants were served, more than 2 dozen people arrested, and a warehouse with 10 million dollars worth of forged merchandise was seized. The ring leaders received 3 years in prison and forfeiture or assets to the IRS. Both current and "vintage" items were involved. Any sports fan who has a signed souvenir may now want to question its authenticity. Phil Halpren, the assistant U.S. attorney who worked to prosecute the forgers stated that fraud is so pervasive in the sports memorabilia market that unless you personally see an item being signed by the athlete, odds are greater than fifty percent that it is fake. The most athletes most well-known the the public are popular with forgers, too. Halpren said, "If you are looking at a Mark McGuire signature, it's alost a guarantee, 99.9 percent it is a forgery." Certificates of authenticity can be fabricated just as easily as the collectible item they supposedly validate, so this is no protection.

Vendors are fighting back in an effort to maintain the integrity of the market. Disney, which owns ESPN, will begin next year to auction signed sports memorabilia online. Disney says it will authenticate the signatures with holograms encrypted with the item's identifying information and package seals, videotaping the entire process.

Sophisticated forgers can even produce holographic seals which appear, on casual inspection, to be real. However most forgers are amateurs, and the more sophisticated the anti-forgery system, the less likely criminals are to attempt to copy it.

Baseball and football are most popular in America, but a few famous hockey players such as Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr are popular targets for forgery as well.

With all the items available, both off and on the internet, fans can avoid a lot of fraud by using common sense. For example, a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth selling for $500 is obviously a fake, because such a price is unbelievably low, too low for real market conditons. Also, it pays to know a little bit about the development of baseballs and pens. If you see baseballs supposedly signed in the '20s and '30s with Sharpie pens, these are obviously fake, because these pens were not invented yet in that era. To quote Phil Halpren : "I have seen Babe Ruth balls signed on a Bobby Brown American League President ball. So, you know, he was president in the early '80s. That's impossible to have been done. But someone did it."

So, while it's enjoyable to own a peice of sports history, the motto to follow is : buyer beware. Unless you are a professional trader who knows how to authenticate merchandise, don't buy an item strictly for its potential resale value, because you may be disappointed by what you eventually get for it. Buy an item you personally like and intend to keep, and don't spend thousands of dollars. This ensures that you will be happy when you look at your purchase, without the lingering doubt that you have wasted a large sum of money on something of dubious value.

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What Party Supplies do I Need to Make My Party a Hit?

The birthday party supplies you will need for a birthday party can be balloons, decorations, food and many other things. You will have to buy many different items for the party youre planning. Finding wholesale party supplies can also be helpful and can save you money.

A theme party can also be great fun such as a pirate party, or an outdoor garden party. An important time in every persons life is graduation. There should be a graduation party for each graduate. Any type of graduation is very special. Some traditional gift ideas include money, clothing and other accessories. Its a big day and a graduation party is a wonderful way to celebrate that accomplishment. Why? Well its because a graduation happens so rarely in a persons life.

You should buy discount party supplies to save money. If you buy discount party supplies you can really save some money compared to retail prices. Everyone has a birthday, which means that everyone will have some kind of birthday party. These parties should be very fun and interesting; you could even consider throwing a surprise party.

To make your life even more fund, try and attend at least 1 party this year and have fun.

Using the right party supplies is very important for any party you have. A well organized party with interesting and exciting party supplies will be remembered long after the occasion. Whether its graduation party, birthday party or a relaxing outdoor summer party remember that the right party supplies and decorations really can make the difference.

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How to Help Your Teen Prepare for a Strong Financial Future (What Schools Should Teach About Credit)

Our college-bound son just bought his first home at 21. He was able to buy a home for forty thousand under the appraised price, get a low interest rate, finance the closing costs, and pay no money down. How could he possibly do this? His credit score is over 700.

You can help your teenager prepare for his or her financial future by establishing a high credit rating. Offer your teenager these three crucial credit tips for a great financial future:

1. Start early. Begin by successfully managing a checking account-- the first credit requirement. Wells Fargo Bank has a program for children to open joint accounts with a parent as young as 13 years of age. For a free individual checking account, Washington Mutual requires a minimum age of 18 or a manager's approval for younger account holders.

2. Apply for a major credit card at 18. It's easier to get a first-class credit card with favorable rates and terms while a student attends college before the age of 22. Why do banks want to open accounts for students who have no credit history or employment? Because lenders know that college graduates in general make more money and also pay their bills on time. Also, most consumers don't like shopping around for credit and tend to keep their credit accounts. Therefore, lenders desire to establish strong relationships with the preferred market early in their credit experience.

This doesn't mean that you as the parent need to co-sign; banks expect parents to help out with the payments when necessary. Just be crystal clear with your child what you expect regarding debt management. The purpose is to teach responsibility and to establish credit--not to go into debt.

3. Manage the credit card account with credit scores in mind. Once the account is opened, encourage your child to use the card for necessities that would be purchased with cash--not luxuries--and to pay the debt before finance charges accrue. However, don't pay the entire balance off each month; let a little roll over at least every two months. Banks don't appreciate accounts paid in full each month. More important, paid accounts don't factor into the credit score as much as an account with a low balance.

Explain to you teenager that the purpose of using a credit card is to establish good credit. To do this, a credit card should never have a balance over 50% of the available credit. The best credit scores have accounts with only 10% of the credit line used.

Setting up a checking account and a credit card account helps your teenager learn about responsible money management, with the bonus of building strong credit to finance a home.

(c) Copyright 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher All rights reserved.

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Dubai Lifestyle - The History of the City and Day to Day Life in Dubai

Background Information to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai: -

Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it is located in the Middle East. The UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then Trucial States after their independence from Britain.

The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers, the council is made up of the seven emirs and they appoint the prime minister and the cabinet for the country. Despite being ultimately ruled by the Supreme Council, as with the other six states, Dubai maintains a large degree of autonomy from the UAE when it comes to general decision making for the citys development.

Oil was first discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the 1950s, before that the countrys economy was built on fishing and pearling, since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting the oil, the country's economy has been completely transformed.

Sheikh Zayed, who has been the president of the UAE since its inception, quickly understood the economic potential for the country from the oil industry. He has continued to ensure that each of the emirates benefits from the oil generated wealth, he has insisted on the reinvestment of oil revenues into the healthcare system, the education system and the general national infrastructure.

The development of the oil industry has led to a large influx of foreign workers to the UAE, in fact Dubais population is the fastest growing in the world and the foreign population makes up about three quarters of the entire UAE population! As a direct result of this fact the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs tolerated. Dubai has also been quick to understand the need for diversification. Oil in the region is only projected to last for about 30 years and so Dubai has successfully embarked upon a major diversification program aimed to at developing industries and commercial enterprises to take the place of oil as the predominate commodity of the state's economy.

The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid or desert like. The city enjoys almost year round sunny blue skies. Rain is infrequent and if it does fall, it falls in the winter.

Temperatures range from lows of 10C to extreme summer highs of 48C. The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24C and the average maximum daily temperature in July is 41C when humidity is very high.

About the city of Dubai

Dubai is recognised as the commercial and tourism capital of the UAE and is globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab Muslim society with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and it has successfully developed harmony through ethnic diversity. It is a city with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique city of contrasts where the most modern and architecturally stunning skyscrapers stand alongside traditional beautiful Arabic structures.

The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively international bars, restaurants and nightclubs a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience.In 2003 Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police ensuring personal safety and security. Anyone found guilty of committing a serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug related offences are considered serious.

The economy of the city of Dubai is a mainly service-driven economy, with every business amenity from banking to telecommunications offered. International trading and industrialisation are actively encouraged through the provision of favourable taxation advantages, offshore status, specialist free trade zones etc. Recent innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai in the world's very first Free Zone wholly dedicated to e-business.

Day to Day Life in Dubai

Accommodation

If you are considering moving to Dubai one of your first thoughts will no doubt be finding somewhere to live. This is not something youll find too tricky, there are many companies advertising rental accommodation in the classified sections of local newspapers and they offer everything from private villas to luxury apartments or even shared accommodation. Whatever your budgetary and lifestyle requirements are, the specialist relocation and housing companies will be sure to have something to assist you. If you prefer to find your accommodation privately and avoid any agency costs, many people use supermarkets notice boards to advertise or request accommodation.

In terms of which areas of the city offer the type of accommodation you are after, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem and the Safa Park area are upmarket and offer villa-type accommodation. Satwa and Garhoud also offer villas but are slightly cheaper. Rashidiya, Mirdif and Al Quoz are mainly Arabic areas and they actually attract a lot of expats.

If you are after an apartment the most popular areas are around Bur Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road with cheaper flats are available in Deira, Satwa and Karama. Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.

Education

If you are considering moving to Dubai with family and are interested in finding out about the education system and the availability and quality of schools, one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in Dubai there is actually a large number of primary and secondary schools from which you can to choose. Most schools are private fee paying schools and really the best way to get an idea of the reputation of a school is to ask friends, colleagues and other expats who live in Dubai. Many of the schools also have their own websites where you can learn about the curriculum they follow, after school programs etc.

When it comes to enrolling your child in the UAE there are a few restrictions you should be aware of. For example you are not allowed to change your childs school during the academic yearunless approval is given by the Ministry of Education and the circumstances are special. This means that you have to make sure the school you choose for your child will definitely suit them. Another restriction you should be aware of is that is you move to Dubai on or after the 1st May each year you cant enrol your child into the schooling system for that year. Instead youll have to enrol for the beginning of the new school year which is usually the beginning of September.

Health

Another consideration you may have if thinking about relocation to Dubai may be the state of the health care system available there. It is fair to say that Dubai has many very well equipped hospitals and surgeries. Dubais Department of Health and Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals, with Dubai Hospital one of the best medical centres in the entire Middle East. Al Wasl is a maternity and gynaecology hospital.

The Department of Health also run out patient clinics or surgeries and in addition there are a number of quality private hospitals in Dubai offering in and out patient facilities e.g., The American and Welcare Hospitals. Overall both the private and publicly offered health care services in Dubai are first class.

Working

Working in Dubai you will enjoy a tax free salary and all shop goods can be bought at tax free prices, making it an incredibly attractive city to international workers and international companies. Job opportunities in Dubai and diverse and plentiful, particularly since the additions of the Media and Internet citiesDubai is a city expanding its horizons at an unrivalled rate.

It is important to mention that some countries worldwide have tax laws enabling them to tax their nationals on their worldwide income. It is important to check your status with an international accountant before taking up employment in the city.

Lifestyle

Dubai has a thriving expat population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.

High standard international cuisine is available in the citys many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and agesfrom traditional theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands - all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

You can be assured of an exciting pace of life in Dubai and a high standard of living.

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Huge Dorado Off Mag Bay!

We were on a sixty four foot viking enclosed bridge sport fish. I mean top of the line, brand new with everything you could need to make your trip perfect. Anyways we got all our gear ready hear in san diego, got down to the boat about two in the morning to start her up and get ready to rock. Of course we spent the couple days before this preparing the boat with food and all our fishing gear we needed for this trip. Anyways we set off about three am after everyone getting down there from sleeping in to late of course.

Whell we untied the lines and set off for our three day trip to the magic magdalena bay aka ultimate fishing. As the trip was going on we were fishing a little on the way down but not to much, we knew that the real fish stocks were hanging out in mag bay so why waste time. The only time we would fish on the way down was if we saw something. After three wonderful days on the water we reached our destination, Mag Bay.

Since its a prety good run and we havnt had a good meal for about seventy two hours or so, I decided to pull into the bay and cook up a huge meal that would put us all to sleep. After we all woke up from the great BBQ I made everyone was ready to get fishing. Our goal was to tag and release as many marlin and dorado as possible, witch wasnt a problem at all. That night we pulled in and made dinner I stayed up a bit later than the others to make bait. Witch of course was the best thing we ever did once we started fishing the next morning.

Started up the mains and headed out to fish the magadalena bay area. Perfect day on the water with alot of birds showing us exactly where to go. Once we go all the gear ready to go with live bait hooks I told the boys to bait up and lets get it cracking. As they got there lines in the water I decided to stir up the water with some extra baits, witch in turn brought up the biggest school of dorado I have seen in years. Once they came to the top of the water you couldnt even get your bait to hit the water before they ate it. This was the most amazing dorado feeding I have ever seen, and it didnt stop there.

After running out of dorado tags we decided to move outside a bit and hit up the stripped marlin for tagging. I dont know what was going on this year but it was just amazing, a out right feeding frenzy. So after tagging fourteen marlin and countless dorado the crew was just spent, so I took us back to the bay for the night. We cooked up some fish and passed out about five minutes after eating.

Anyways if you ever get a chance to go fish magdalena Bay dont pass if up, you will regret it. We do alot of these trips each year for tagging and releasing so check out the site and see when we will be there, you could win a chance to come along with Save The Pacific Foundation.

Thanks for listening,

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Creative Writing and the Hero's Journey: Jarhead (2005) Deconstructed

From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters....

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

The Hero's Journey:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

and more...

Jarhead (2005) deconstructed

FADE IN: (Loop) narrative; his hands remember the rifle.

New World and Self: you are no longer black, green, etc.

Meeting the Hero: meeting Swoff.

Ordinary World: Fitch being himself.

On a Journey: on the bus.

Threshold Guardian: presenting his papers to the officer.

New World: the barracks.

Meeting the Shape Shifter: Troy.

New Rules: being branded; games played in the barracks.

Developing the Shape Shifter: you want a brand, you gotta earn it. Welcome to the Suck.

Hero's Backstory: Swoff being conceived; his sister; breakfast conversations with dad; college;

Romantic Challenge: his girlfriend; I'll write you everyday.

Resisting the Transformation: Swoff in the toilet.

Meeting the Mentor: Sykes.

Developing Mentor: Sykes makes Swoff play the bugle.

Conscious Agreement to the Journey: I'm still here.

Magical Gift (becoming a sniper):

JFK shot.

Training in the assault course.

You are now snipers; I was hooked; Swoff fires the shot.

Push to the First Threshold: listening to the Iraqi statement on TV.

Belly of the Whale: watching Apocalypse Now.

Journey to the First Threshold: on the aircraft.

Goodbye to the Old Self: stewardess waves goodbye

First Threshold: arriving in Iraq.

Threshold Guardian: Kazinski's speech; the picture of the Kurdish child; kick some Iraqi ass.

Outer Cave: where did the Iraqi's get their weapons from? Forget politics; we're here, all the rest is bullshit.

Middle Cave / Meeting Allies: talking about the girlfriends back home in the tent.

Inner Cave: putting on their masks; running in the suits; hrydrating, dehydrating, patrolling the empty desert.

Developing Characters and Relationships: the scorpion fight.

Inner Cave: Waiting in the desert; masturbation; cleaning their rifles; studying the phillipino mail order catalogue etc.

Wondering what she's doing now.

Trial and Transformation 1:

Outer Cave: Sykes tells them how to respond to reporters; complaints against free speech, that's un-American etc.

Middle Cave: Talking to the reporters; Swoff admits he's scared.

Inner Cave: Putting on and playing football in their NBC masks.

Transformation: Taking off their masks; getting naked; Sykes sends the reporters away.

Developing Characters and Relationships: Sykes makes Swoff et al take all that shit down.

Trial and Transformation 2:

Cortez has a son; Kristina has found a new male friend who's a good listener.

Thinking about his girlfriend in the shower.

Not being able to jerk off in the toilet.

Swoff calls home and is cut off.

Swoff wakes up and clutches his throat; "..you're making some weird sounds man"

Transformation: Swoff wants see what it feels like to watch somebody else fuck your girlfriend.

Trial and Transformation 3:

Outer Cave: Swoff gets some "good shit" from the soldier who writes the major's love letters.

Middle Cave: The party.

Inner Cave: The fire blows the explosives.

Transformation: Swoff is made a Private.

Developing Characters and Relationships: Swoff is made to burn the shit; the senior officer leaves a present.

New Self: Swoff threatens to kill the sausage boy.

Resisting the New Self: Swoff apologises.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict:

The Arabs appear in the desert.

Developing Characters and Relationships: insulting the Arab passing in the car.

Meeting the Oracle: they're going to the mother of all battles.

Resisting the Journey to the Sword: resistance to taking the pills.

Shape Shifter Revealed:

Digging their holes.

The aircraft fly by; the war will move too fast.

Troy is being thrown out. Swoff told to keep him from fucking up.

New Self: Troy is branded.

Near Death Experience:

The war comes to them; Swoff pisses himself.

Retrieving the battery.

Pursuing the Iraqis.

Getting hit by friendly fire.

Swoff sees the charred remains; throwing up.

Pulled forward by the burning oil wells.

Digging their holes in the oily sand; the oil burns Fowler's face.

Rebirth: preventing Fowler.

Rebirth: Swoff calms the horse.

Atonement with the Father: Sykes sits down and talks to Swoff; he loves is job.

Apotheosis: Sykes and Troy sent out to see Kazinsky; "..fucking show me..".

Ultimate Boon: Swoff and Troy have an Iraqi in their sight; permission given for the JFK shot.

Refusal:

The major denies their request to take the shot.

Troy argues with the Major for the perfect shot.

Magic Flight:

The planes take out the site.

Rescue from Without: Troy's already got his papers; have to get back.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Going back to camp over the dunes.

Master of Two Worlds:

The party around the fire; this shit is over; shooting their guns in the sky.

Freedom to Live / Challenge Resolutions: Returning home as heroes; meeting the Vietnam Vet on the bus; his girlfriend has left him; doing their various jobs; Fergis arrives; Troy's funeral;

(Loop): narrative.

FADE OUT: the Jarheads.

Learn more

The Complete 188 stage Heros Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

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League Two Betting Review - 26 February 2006

A late strike from Simon Hackney kept Carlisle United at the top of League Two. An own goal from Derek Holmes gave hosts Barnet the lead after 53 minutes but Michael Bridges restored parity just 20 seconds later. Hackney netted the winner for the 13/10 Cumbrians with 15 minutes remaining.

Wycombe Wanderers remained level on points with Carlisle after a 2-1 win against Oxford United. Kevin Besty after 17 minutes and veteran Tommy Mooney on the hour secured the points for the 4/6 Chairboys while Yemi Odubades goal after 72 minutes was just a consolation for the Us.

Northampton Town consolidated third place in the league with a hard-fought win over Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground. The 7/4 Cobblers struck a decisive winners through Ryan Gilligan after 68 minutes.

Grimsby Town kept up the pressure on the top three and condemned Mark Wright to a losing start as Chester City manager. Gary Jones goal three minutes before the break was enough to secure all three points for the 8/13 Mariners.

Leyton Orient continued their promotion push with a narrow victory against Darlington. Shane Tudors goal after 13 minutes proved decisive for 4/5 Orient.

A Richard Hope own goal after two minutes gifted Bury a precious 10/3 victory at Shrewsbury Town, their first win since January 14 which sees the Shakers three points clear of relegation.

Drewe Broughton handed Rushden & Diamonds a relegation lifeline with a winning goal against Macclesfield Town nine minutes from time. Diamonds had two goals disallowed but Broughtons counted to earn a vital 6/4 win.

Stockport County failed to edge further away from the drop zone after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Stockport County. Julian Joachims header after 67 minutes for the 11/5 Pilgrims proved decisive.

Mansfield Town sent Torquay United to the bottom of the league with a 2-0 win at Plainmoor. On loan Sheffield Wednesday striker Danny Reet broke the deadlock after 11 minutes and Simon Brown secured a 19/10 victory with seven minutes remaining.

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Preserve Equity, Build for the Future Using a 1031 Tax Exchange

Thinking of trading up on an investment resort property? If so, look into 1031 Tax Exchanges (based on IRS Code Section 1031), which allow taxpayers to defer taxes on capital gains resulting from the sale of investment real estate, often a sizable sum since combined Federal and State taxes can run as high as 38 percent.

With an exchange, owners are able to preserve equity, while still selling the property. The underlying concept is that an exchange of like-kind property for like-kind property does not generate funds, which can be taxed since the profits go directly into the new or replacement property. To accomplish this, sellers hire a Qualified 1031 Intermediary (QI) to document the sale as an exchange and to receive the funds from the sale. The QI then delivers the funds directly to the closing agent for the replacement property who deeds the property to the taxpayer.

Central to a 1031 Exchange is the interpretation of like-kind property. While the common assumption is that like-kind implies land for land or a condominium for a condominium swap, the interpretation of like kind is actually less literal. Rather, it defines like kind as meaning that both the replacement and the original property must be used as an investment. So land, condominiums, single-family homes and motels can all be exchanged for one another as long as they are used in the exchanger's business or held as an investment. The amount of debt held on the replacement property must be the same as the amount of debt on the original.

1031 Exchanges are complex mechanisms and like all IRS requirements very specific. For example, exchangers have 45 days from closing to identify properties they intend to purchase and 180 days to complete the purchase. Purchase and Sale agreements must include verbiage indicating the intent to affect a 1031 Exchange.

The 45-day time frame used to be onerous for sellers. Now, they can opt for a Reverse Exchange, in which an additional third party called "the exchange accommodation title holder" (EAT) acquires title to the replacement property until the original property sells. Reverse Exchanges shift the 45- and 180-day time frame to the selling side of the transaction. With an Improvement Exchange, which also uses an EAT to hold the replacement property, sellers can build investment properties from the ground up or improve existing properties. The improvements have to be built and paid for during the 180-day period.

If you are interested in a 1031 Exchange, the first step is to consult your tax advisors as well as an attorney or CPA who is knowledgeable with 1031 Exchanges. Make sure that your real estate professional knows you plan to conduct an exchange and be sure that he or she is familiar not only with the process but also with the specific documentation and time frame mandated by the IRS.

This article is intended to inform readers, but does not constitute any financial or legal advice.

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FA Cup Third Round - Oppose Premiership Teams Away

The so-called "gulf" between teams from Premiership and those striving to join the elite from the Championship is often noted, especially when teams from their respective divisions clash in Cup competitions.

However, this "gulf" may be nothing more than a fallacy. When the third round of the FA Cup comes around, Championship teams rewarded with a home tie against Premiership opposition often make a mockery of their respective league positions.

Clashes of this nature have not occurred very often during the third round in recent years, although last season, eight matches fell into this category, with the "superior" Premiership teams winning just twice.

Preston @ 2.47 vs West Brom @ 2.56. Result: 0-2
Sunderland @ 2.20 vs Crystal Palace @ 2.86. Result: 2-1
Watford @ 3.11 vs Fulham @ 2.08. Result: 1-1
West Ham @ 2.32 vs Norwich @ 2.72. Result: 1-0
Sheff Utd @ 3.07 vs Aston Villa @ 2.12 Result: 3-1
Cardiff @ 3.45 vs Blackburn @ 1.95. Result: 1-1
Ipswich @ 2.48 vs Bolton @ 2.56. Result: 1-3
Burnley @ 5.69 vs Liverpool @ 1.53. Result: 1-0

If you had backed the home teams at level stakes of 10 you would have made a profit of 52.80. If you had used a betting exchange and laid the Premiership sides with a liability of 10 on each bet, you would have made a profit of 68.76 before commission costs as the draw results would have also resulted in winning bets.

The 2003/04 season produced only two eligible matches in the third round, both of which saw the Premiership sides fail to beat their lower division opposition at the first time of asking.

Watford @ 7.02 vs Chelsea @ 1.40. Result: 2-2
Gillingham @ 3.69 vs Charlton @ 1.86. Result: 3-2

If you had backed the home teams at level stakes of 10 you would have made a profit of 16.90. However, if you had laid the Premiership sides with a liability of 10 on each bet you would have made a profit of 36.63 before commission.

There was only one eligible match in the 2002/03 season which pitted a Championship side at home to Premiership opposition. Wolves beat even money shots Newcastle 3-2 at odds of 3.44.

Unusually, there are no all-Premiership ties in this seasons third round of the FA Cup, but eight Championship sides are hosting Premiership opposition:

Leicester @ 5.50 vs Tottenham @ 1.57
Hull @ 3.60 vs Aston Villa @ 1.90
Ipswich @ 3.20 vs Portsmouth @ 2.10
Luton @ 7.00 vs Liverpool @ 1.40
Millwall @ 4.00 vs Everton @ 1.80
Norwich @ 2.75 vs West Ham @ 2.30
Sheffield Wednesday @ 4.00 vs Charlton @ 1.80
Watford @ 3.40 vs Bolton @ 2.00

All bar one of the Championship sides are available at odds greater than 2/1, although it may prove a better option to lay the Premiership teams in case of drawn matches.

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The Best Detroit Piston Team Ever

Which is the best Detroit Piston team of all time? I have pondered this question deeply and have engaged in many a bar stool debate. As a lifelong sports fan and hoops junkie, I find asking which the best team is in the history of a storied franchise like the Detroit Pistons is big part of what makes sports fun. For the purposes of this particular debate, there are really only two options by anyones standards: the championship Detroit Piston teams of the mid to late 80s and the more recent teams of 2004 and 2005 who went to two finals series and won a championship.

The arguments for the Detroit Piston teams of the late 80s are certainly easy to make. Those Bad Boys teams were trend setters. The 80s were a time of high scoring offenses and soft defenses. Scores routinely made it into triple digits as teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Rockets, and Sixers ruled the league. Then the Detroit Pistons came along with their tough, hard nosed, no easy baskets style of defense. They gave way to teams like the Bulls and Knicks who adopted similar defensive philosophies. Setting such a trend in a league like the NBA is certainly cause for consideration of greatness.

The Bad Boys Piston teams also had names and recognizable talent that the later championship teams would lack. Names like Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer are still known throughout the league. They are the greats of Detroit Piston basketball and to some degree of the NBA. Not only were these names recognizable and historic in league and team history, but also they were names of winners. Obviously the more recent teams are winners, but they have yet to combine the historical names, the winning, and the stamp on history that comes along with setting a trend.

There is, however, an argument to be made for the Detroit Piston teams of the early 2000s. Those teams have represented that city of Detroit with their blue collar methods. The collection of cast-offs from around the NBA shows that a true team can be the personification of the idea that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts. You could also make the argument that when it is all said and done, the names Billups, Wallace, Wallace, and Prince will be just as well known as those of the Bad Boys. With one championship ring, another appearance in the finals, and a quick start to the 2005-2006 season, the modern Detroit Piston team may even end up with more championships to their credit. And in the end, isnt it all about rings when it comes to the legacy of any great team?

When it comes to great basketball franchises, the Detroit Pistons may not be the first name to roll of the tongue, but they certainly will come in at some point. With at least two great runs in the history of the franchise, the argument over who is the best Detroit Piston team is one that may end in a draw. However, it is those great debates that will help both Detroit Piston teams to maintain their place in the mindset of Piston fans as well as basketball fans for years to come.

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Princess For A Day

What girl wouldnt want to be a Princess for a day? Whether its a birthday, a bachelorette or a girls slumber party, they can be treated like royalty. A princess theme will work for a girl of any age.

A Princess Party needs a princess. Whether you pick a fictional character or characters to follow or make your host into the perfect royal highness, decorations will be needed to complete the gala. Use pink, yellow or whatever coordinates with your princess dress, and buy balloons and crepe paper. These can be placed all over a room, hall or even outside. If large appliance cardboard boxes are available, set them up into a castle. Let the guests go to town decorating the princesss castle.

If you have food or birthday cake at your function, plates and napkins that match your party theme will be needed. Silverware and tablecloths to match the ensemble are also available at any party store. Other paper products like invitations, princess party favor bags and thank you cards can be purchased in a princess or royalty theme too.

All princesses play games. Play pin the tiara on the princess. Draw or buy a poster of a princess without her tiara on and use plastic ones from the party store or ones made of party to attach. Another game would be to play charades and guess which princess says what line in a particular movie. If games are too babyish for the sophisticated princesses, watch a movie. There are several that are not cartoons that have princesses and royal events in them for adults.

A princess party must have cake, and eat it too! Specialty princess pans can be purchased at a party supply store. Frosting, sprinkles and candles to match can also be found there.

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Government Auto Auctions

Government auto auctions:

Ever pull up to a late model Mercedes, or fully loaded BMW and catch yourself daydreaming about how that person had enough good fortune to be able to own such a remarkable luxury car? He might have purchased his ride from a government auto auction for a fraction of its retail value. As a matter of fact, he might be that one neighbor with all the toys in the garage you cant quite figure out how he can afford. Dont keep up with the Joneses BE the Joneses. Find and attend government auto auctions near you!

Government seized auto auctions:

Government seized auto auctions are constantly supplied by criminals when they are caught. The government seizes cars and anything else the criminal owns, and there arent too many drug dealers driving Ford Escorts! The government routinely seizes high-end luxury cars or highly customized vehicles during criminal investigations. These autos seized by the government include Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan, and the occasional exotic import Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. If you are interested in a high end vehicle, but dont care for the retail price tag, then government seized auto auctions are for you. To find a government seized auto auction near you, check within DEAauctions.COM "Members area" today!

Government fleet vehicles:

Government fleet vehicles are the retired police cars and government service vehicles that are replaced at regular intervals. Government auto auctions include many government fleet vehicles. These tend to be domestic cars with high mileage, but regularly maintained. Unlike the government seized autos, you are more likely to receive vehicle history with a government fleet vehicles purchase. If vehicle history is important to you, ask before the auto auction begins for the information. Click here for more auction hints.

Government surplus autos:

Government surplus autos can be a combination of government fleet vehicles and government seized vehicles. These cars do not necessarily have higher mileage, they are simply no longer needed by the government. These can be passenger vehicles, decoy vehicles used by law enforcement, heavy equipment or even motorcycles and ATVs or snowmobiles. When a vehicle is no longer needed, it becomes a government surplus vehicle, available at a government surplus autos auction. For a listing of surplus autos auctions check out your local government auto auctions events.

A Final Word About government auto auctions

There are literally thousands of bargains available at government auto auctions. These bargains could be in your own backyard, and you may not even know it. Whether you need a car for yourself and dont want to spend a lot, or you have a teenager with a new license, government auto auctions offer some of the best values in the car auction market. All makes and models are available that second car can become a reality without sacrificing safety or style to keep your wallet intact. With the high cost of storing cars, governments want to liquidate their surplus auto inventory as quickly as possible to save money. If you want to rack up the savings on your next government auto auctions purchase, click here.

Direct Access to the Most Complete InformationSome of the more common auction items include:

used autos marine vehicles jet skis aircrafts homes real estate commercial property farm equipment industrial business electronics computers antiques art coins stamps appliances guns travel collectibles clothing crafts boats bikes motorcycles mobile homes jewelry toys cars trucks mopeds bicycles cameras televisions clocks furniture unclaimed property abandoned property personal property office furniture condominiums town homes commercial property vacant land single family homes machinery tools hardware building supplies

and much, much more...

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Birds - Attracting Them With Flowers

In this second article about birds, bird watching and how to get them to flock to your humble abode, we're going to focus on how to get a flock of birds by planting certain flowers in your garden.

It isn't so much the flowers themselves that the birds are after but the seeds that these flowers produce. After all, this is what these birds eat and a hungry bird will never turn its back on a tasty seed. Well, there are certain flowers that produce seeds that birds are most after. We'll take a look at some of these.

Probably the most popular flower for attracting birds and the most successful is the King sunflower. Birds are absolutely crazy about sunflower seeds. That's why passionate bird feeders go out and buy bags of this stuff that are so heavy they can just about carry them.

Sunflowers themselves have become a very big business because of this. A bird flying over North or South Dakota would literally see thousands of acres of sunflowers, a very large portion of which is grown especially for bird seed. People from all over the United States buy these seeds, which makes this one of the largest industries in the Dakotas.

When planting your sunflowers at home try to plant them in an area that will get full direct sunlight. If possible try to make this also close to a window. You'll get a steady view of hungry birds coming down to feast.

If you don't want to use all your seeds in the summer and want to save some for winter to feed what birds may still be around, what you do is put a paper grocery sack over each seed head and tie it around the stem. Leave some of the flower heads uncovered so that the hungry birds will not try to peck through the paper. After the seed heads have dried cut them from the stems and place them in metal containers. This keeps the mice from getting to them. This will keep your seeds safe for winter feeding.

Other garden flowers that birds love are cosmos, snapdragon, zinnia, cockscomb, aster, and larkspur. After these flowers have bloomed don't cut off their heads. Let them dry right where they are. When winter comes your flowers will bloom again and with them will come a flock of finches and cardinals.

Now, if you're trying to attract hummingbirds the best flowers to plant are any nectar producing flowers, especially if they're red, pink or orange. Some of the hummingbird's favorites are honeysuckle, columbine, coral-bells, impatiens, foxglove, and red penstemon. In the summer, hummingbirds go crazy over scarlet bergamot, cardinal flower, hosta, gladiolus, salvia, and trumpet vine.

Hummingbirds like a nice drink with their seeds so make sure you have a bird feeder near by where they can quench their thirst. A good feeder is one that attaches to your window with suction cups. And don't worry about standing at the window when they come. They'll plop down for a drink even with you staring right at them.

So if you're into bird watching and gardening this is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. No pun intended.

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A Ball, Some Friends, and a Soccer Goal

If Pele, Maridona, and Beckham don't sound at all familiar to you, or if you think Freddy Adou is a guy you may have gone to high school with, keep reading... please. This article covers all the equipment and skills you'll need to join the rest of the world in playing the wonderful game of soccer.

Actually, the rest of the world plays football - they call the sport that Steve Young used to play American football. The term 'soccer' came into being in the later part of the 19th century when people began abbreviating the French variation of 'association football' to soccer. Whatever name you use (I'll call it soccer for the purposes of this article), it refers to the fast-paced, exciting game that has captured the interest of more and more Americans in recent years. If you've found that you've been left behind when it comes to the sport, here's a few equipment tips and skills you'll need to have to start playing.

As the name 'football' suggests, you'll need a ball. Soccer balls come in many different sizes, materials, and styles; and league specifications vary depending on the age and level of the players. If you just want to buy a 'normal' ball, double check with the store clerks to make sure you've chosen the right one; or if you're buying online, you can check the ball size against the standards found at www.fifa.com. The best material for your ball depends on the type of surface you're going to play on. If you'll spend any time at all kicking the ball around on the street or playground, I would shy away from buying a nice leather ball - the asphalt will tear it up. Synthetic materials will usually hold up better on those surfaces, and typically cost less.

Once you've got your ball, you're going to need at least one pair of feet; however, if you want to do more than just kick the ball against your garage you're going to need at least two sets. There are a number of different techniques when it comes to kicking the soccer ball - I'll just summarize them all by saying that the goal of kicking the ball is to hit it with some part of you're foot and make it go in the direction you want it to. In fact, in soccer matches you may use any part of you're body to move the ball except your hands and arms. If you grew up playing catch in the back yard, the first couple of times you try to kick the ball you'll probably look even more awkward than you feel, and it's very likely your kids are going to laugh at you. Practice makes near perfect, and you'll get better over time. Kicking the ball back and forth between two or more people helps. Once you feel like you might be able to kick the ball and jog/run at the same time, you're ready to graduate to playing a game.

Goals (pronounced 'gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!!!' in actual soccer matches) in soccer are scored by kicking the ball through a rectangle shape appropriately called the goal. Though the rectangle is standard, goals can be made by placing any two objects a few steps apart. I have personally played in neighborhood games where the goal posts were chairs, barrels, younger siblings, and shoes (if you're playing barefoot, make sure no one is wearing cleats). Kicking the ball below head height and more or less between the makeshift goal posts constitutes a goal, though you will find each goal will be heavily debated.

Competitive leagues almost always require shin guards, and you can usually pick up a decent pair for pretty cheap. Even in a friendly park setting, players can get pretty passionate, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to wear them during the game.

The rules are simple and easy to learn. The basics you need to know are that you should try to avoid kicking people, you can't tackle people like in American football, and you can't use your hands. In that sense, except for the hands restriction, soccer is a lot like life. Other rules apply more in competition, but it wouldn't hurt to read up on them at www.fifa.com.

As with any sport, the most important thing is to look good, so go out and buy yourself some silky soccer shorts and jerseys. Long hair and an Italian accent certainly won't hurt your chances of going pro - but if neither of those is an option for you, just remember to have fun and play fair.

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Some Thoughts on the Super Bowl

I am a genetically mapped New York Giant football fan which pretty much makes me just like millions of other DNA doomed dummies who for some unexplainable reason innately pledge their allegiance to a set of colors, numbers and helmet symbols for eternity. Like Canadian geese, we partner with a team for life, through thick and thin, good times and bad, seasons ending in playoffs and seasons ending with top five choices. It is the football gene and if you have it, you understand. Alas, if only marriage could work the same.

The fact is it isnt like marriage. It is not that we are in love with our teams and our teams in love with us. If that were true, it would be like a relationship, requiring everyones needs to be met, resulting in fans dropping the souring attraction of one team for the empty promises of another. Nope, love is not involved. Its a pathetic, sad, lonely one way street that is determined at birth. You are what you are: a Steeler, a Charger, a Seahawk, a Bengal, a Buccaneer. Some of us taste sweet victories frequently, while others wallow in self pity perpetually. It is no different from some people being tall and some people being short. It is my hope that someday stem cell research will produce a treatment to help some of my suffering brothers; for example, change a Cardinal fan into a Cowboy fan, giving them some hope of enjoying a winning season before they die.

It is our game. We dont particularly delight in watching our teams flounder amidst a room full of fence sitters, people without the gene. Youre either with us or against us. And when it is late October and all we can think about is replacing coaches, players and team ownership, our shoulders slump as we prepare to endure the inescapable long November and December weekends in silent lonesome agony.

It is a terrible, terrible existence; worse than that experienced by other sport fans because there is so much time for so few games. This imbalance gives the true football fan plenty of time to trick ones mind to think with a few breaks here and a few calls there that a 1-7 start can miraculously turn into a 9-7 wild card berth, only to be soundly crushed eventually by the shear weight of the challenge.

But no matter how bad the season, we can all unite for that final game, the Super Bowl. We can all find a reason to like one team over another. Usually it is the result of some convoluted thinking that somehow our team is vindicated if the right team wins. For example, I was really pulling for the Seattle Seahawks in this last Super Bowl. Why? Because the NY Giants should have beaten the Seahawks. Everyone knows that. So if the Seahawks beat the Steelers, I could rest easier knowing we could have been there too. We could have been somebody.

Unfortunately, the Super Bowl has become tedious to watch for the genetically mapped fan. It seems as if the game is diced up and wedged into a five hour colossal commercial to the world of American self indulgence. The game is sixty minutes of play that normally takes two and a half to three hours to get through. The Super Bowl somehow shoehorns in two more hours from start to finish, thirty minutes right off the bat for scatting through what I think is the National Anthem, and then an additional ten minutes to flip the coin.

Every year it gets a bit more dramatic, a bit more long, a bit more embarrassing and a bit more intolerable. Just play the game! The players have worked so hard for this single game and the NFL pulls it out from under them with all the self serving promotion. For instance, this year they introduced a series of ten second clips throughout the game of despicable Super Bowl Trophy fondling, where key players from each team pose individually with the trophycaressing it, kissing it, and worse. You cant do that! Why its its its the epitome of putting on the whammy. They might just as well get the evil eye. Some of those guys are going to lose and when they do, they will have to live with the idea that they cursed the team with their ill-advised trophy antics. Theyd have to hold a gun to my head for me to do that. If the Giants ever get to Super Sunday again, to a player they better never ever touch that trophy, let alone even set eyes on it, before it is duly earned. The whole thing made me sick! I couldnt even eat another wing dripping in blue cheese sauce.

And what is going on with the half time extravaganza? Can we calm that thing down? Can we see more xs and os and less screaming clueless teenagers making a grown man cry. The game has become the opening act for a concert, rather than the other way around. There seems to be more concern about costume malfunctions than referee malfunctions, which there were plenty of. I suppose I could put the extra time to good use, like paint the house, but I dont want to. I want to stay involved in the moment of the battle. But these Vegas shows are killing my patience. And as bad as it is for the fan, it must be brutal keeping players focused in the locker rooms.

Having said all that, we know that most of the added time is due to the commercials. Ah, the commercials. It is all about the commercials. How can they extend the game to make a few more bucks on commercials? Why dont they give each coach ten time outs? Why dont they have two minute warnings every minute? Pretty soon, theyll have to start the game noon Saturday and have it end midnight Sunday. And the commercials arent even that entertaining anymore. Its killing me. The madness has to stop.

So here are some ideas to get the game that the real fans support so tirelessly back on track. First, eliminate the extra week prior to the game and shift the season so that the Super Bowl is played on Presidents Day weekend. Second, fix the refereeing by employing full time referee teams. Third, use the half time to honor the latest Hall of Fame inductees, or our troops, or Super Bowl MVPs of years pastmake it about the game or something noble, not about pop icons. If you want to have concerts, have them before the game starts. Finally, rein in the commercials.

What the NFL executives have allowed the Super Bowl to become is what is so unappealing about America to people who have no other lens. Everything is bigger than life. Everything is glitzy. Everything is so self important. Its a bad, media contrived face to the world. Please bring our simple, humble game back. Please let the players play the game they earned to play. Please stop the insanity.

Im beggin ya please!

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How To Live Alone And Love It

Do you live alone? Would you like to know how to make your life happier, more fulfilled, and more purposeful?

People who live alone are often challenged to develop a positive attitude and find those activities, friends, and goals that make their lives meaningful. However, with a shift in attitude, they can find themselves attracting people and events into their lives that they have always wanted.

Some people often feel that they are destined to have lives that are less that satisfying. Many stoically carry their burdens and their unrealized hopes in their hearts, never speaking up or stepping forward to seize the opportunities that are waiting for them. This consciousness does not just happen to those who are alone...it can happen to anyone. But when we are alone, we are more vulnerable. It becomes even more important that we look after our best interests.

It is true that there are many circumstances that are beyond our control. However, those circumstances do not have to stop us from discovering the plans, dreams, and ambitions that are meant to be ours.

Here are some ideas and actions that you can implement to give yourself a richer life. Some of these ideas can be acted upon immediately, and some can be a work in progress:

1. Ask yourself everyday, What do I want?

Set some simple goals for just one thing that you want. Make a list of the actions it will take to achieve that goal.

2.Explore your passions.

What do you LOVE to do? What gives you energy, makes you smile to think about, or seems like a dream that could never come true? What did you always want to do but never got around to doing? What would it take for you to move closer to doing one of your passions or finding one of your forgotten dreams?

3.If you had worlds of money and time, what would you do?

Make a list. These are some of the things you need to start doing now.

4.Watch your thoughtsthey lead to your actions.

If you notice your thoughts are negative, replace them with ones that make you feel good. Spend 20 minutes every day thinking of things that make you happy,--places you want to visit, people you want to be with, objects you would like to own. Picture yourself there. FEEL it.

5.Keep your mood and thoughts in a positive place.

Read books that inspire, watch TV that makes you laugh or gives you hope, and be around people that feed your spirit. Weed the rest out. Do not start or end your day watching news filled with tragic stories.

6.Re-define your purpose and vision for your life.

The purpose of your life needs to be very clear. Its who you are and how people identify you. Exercise your creativity to re-invent any part of yourself or your life.

7.Have a career that feeds you enough money for your lifestyle, pride about what you are doing, and excitement for your day.

If you feel at a stand-still in your work and career, brainstorm with people about ideas for a career shift. Dont stop searching until you find something that you feel excitement for.

8.Reach out to people and build a network of support.

If you are having a bad moment in life and doubt your worth or contribution to others, make a list of five friends and call them and ask them to tell you what you mean to them. This is a very powerful exercise. I guarantee you will never forget it.

9.Learn new skills, techniques, crafts.

There is nothing like learning something new that gives a special hopefulness for the future.

10.Exercise.

You have to take care of your body so your body can take care of you and take you where you want to go. Besidesit gives you energy and is a mood elevator.

11.Meditation and prayer.

They both have a profound affect on mental and physical health.

12.Consider adopting a pet.

Pets give us unconditional love, 24/7.

To live alone and love it, adopt any or all of the above attitudes, strategies, and ideas. Your great life is waiting for you.

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Flipping and Fixing Houses for High Return on Investment Capital

Investors love to make a high return on their money. That's why so many millionaires invest in real estate. You can leverage your money using other peoples' money when you finance real estate.

Many real estate investors make $5,000 to $10,000 or more by flipping houses. These investors buy a home from a distressed seller and resell it quickly for a profit. Just because a seller has serious problems like a pending foreclosure or divorce doesn't mean the house is a fixer. Many distressed sellers offer prime houses in perfect condition discounted for a quick sale.

Distressed sellers jump at the chance to get out from under their overwhelming problems with an offer to close in ten days. To purchase a home quickly, you need to be prepared to offer cash or a have secure loan in place with a reliable mortgage lender.

Other real estate investors prefer to buy fixers from distressed sellers. Distressed fixers present the best bargains to make the highest return on your money. For instance, if you put 5% down on a $200,000 home, spend $5,000 fixing the house up, and another $3,000 in payments, your cash investment totals $18,000. If you sell the home for a $70,000 profit like many rehabbers, you can see that your return on your investment of $18,000 for two months exceeds most other types of investments.

This investment plan assumes that you have the knowledge and skills, time to work on your fixer, and that you sell the house as soon as its finished to a qualified buyer. Home improvement centers help you with how-to classes, brochures, and advice. You need to give up your free time--TV, parties, leisure activities and work on your fixer. You could hire workers, but contractors and laborers work slowly and eat up your profits.

The last part of the equation, selling your house quickly to a qualified buyer means you need to do your homework. Many investors seek free help from a loan officer to price the house right and to qualify their buyers. These investors earn the sales commission by selling their houses by owner.

The most important issue, how you fix up your house, ensures that you quickly attract a buyer willing to pay top dollar for your transformed property. Investors using Design Psychology strategies for fixing houses sell their homes, for more than the asking price, three hours after putting the yard sign out.

Whether you want to make money investing in real estate by flipping or fixing houses, you need to understand your market. To get started in your real estate business, go house shopping. You'll soon learn how to pick up a flip or a fixer and be on your way to making a high return on your money.

Copyright Jeanette J. Fisher.

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Baseball Jerseys - Jerseys Depict Baseball History and Culture

Baseball Jerseys- Every Jersey Has a Story to Tell

Who knows the charm and delight of wearing baseball jerseys better than a baseball fan? Probably every American Baseball League fan has a baseball jersey and in her/his closet. Use of sports equipment only by the baseball players is an outdated phenomenon. Now baseball jersey has become a normal piece of clothing of American Baseball League and Major Baseball league fans.

Authentic Jerseys- Fashionable Clothing and a Collector's Delight

Baseball jersey is popular among baseball fans because it not only looks good and trendy but also is normally acceptable attire in most of the places. Moreover, it is much more than a fashion statement. Baseball jersey you wear is your personal statement of your baseball affiliation, liking and style.

These jerseys come in a blend of cotton and polyester and are very comfortable to wear and convenient to wash and maintain. You can easily find a jersey of your favorite Major League Baseball team in all sizes. Even junior baseball fans can have a jersey for their size. You can easily locate a baseball jersey for your needs at the sports apparel store, sports equipment stores, local departmental store and online sports equipment stores. Online sports apparel stores have wonderful collections of authentic jerseys, replica jerseys and custom jerseys for baseball players and fans.

Off late, authentic jerseys of American Baseball League and Major Baseball league players has become extremely popular. Authentic jerseys are available for almost all popular baseball teams and players of present as well as the past. Some people have amazing collections of these authentic jerseys and replica jerseys of baseball players.

The collectors display their authentic jerseys as their prized collection. These collectors have a story to tell for every jersey in their collection. Every jersey has a history and interesting story about the player, team and match. Some collectors have custom jerseys with signatures of their favorite baseball stars and even complete baseball teams.

How to Have Confidence by Adopting a Realistic Attitude

If you are struggling with how to have confidence in your life, you are not alone. Most people think that self-confidence is something that lucky people have, people who can do anything and everything.

Part of the problem with confidence is we think we have to have tons and tons of it and all the time. The reality is, that not everyone knows how to have confidence in all situations.

Self-confidence is really an attitude a person has, that allows them to have a positive view of themselves and the situations life may put them. People with a confident attitude are realistic. They trust in their own abilities and believe that they will be able to do most of what they want to do in life. They know they cant do everything.

To look at how to have confidence you need to understand that the typical person is always going to have some areas in their life that they are more confident than others.

You can be very athletic and comfortably confident in your athletic abilities while not feeling confident when meeting new people. Chances are you are confident in more ways than you may realize. The key to discovering a realistic self-confidence is to remove some of the false beliefs you may have developed.

1. False Belief:

I believe that to be successful in life I have to be competent in all the important areas of life.

Realistic Belief:

I know that achievement-based thinking is not the true way to feel worthy. I get some satisfaction when I achieve things that I set out to do, but I know that failures have nothing to do with my personal worth. I was born worthy.

2. False Belief:

The past has shown me how to have confidence in myself or not. My past is my most important guidance-system.

Realistic Belief:

As we grow we dont have the same vulnerabilities we did when we were young. Youve gained some awareness on what you think should continue to influence you in life. You choose which areas of the past that youll allow to steer the present, but you dont have to be a slave to the past.

3. False Belief:

Everybody knows that bad things happen more than good things. The good things I do cant be given too much importance with all the bad. People remember the bad so I should, too. Maybe if I concentrate hard enough, Ill have less bad results.

Realistic Belief:

I know that if I win 4 out of 5 times, that dwelling on the one time I lose and how terrible I feel is not a positive outlook. I know I cant win all the time! Its enough for me to do well at something most of the time.

I can use how good it feels to win next time things arent falling my way, because I know its only a temporary setback.

Learning how to have confidence has a lot to do with learning how to have a more realistic attitude towards lifes ups and downs.