LCD Vs DLP Projectors

If you've been thinking about buying a home theater projector, perhaps to connect to an HDTV tuner, and have read reviews or done a little bit of research, you'll be aware that there are two technologies competing for the contents of your wallet.

Both LCD and DLP are used in projectors suitable for home theaters, but they work in quite different ways and produce slightly different results. If you ask around ' particularly in electronics stores, you're likely to be provided with a mass of information that's confusing and often just plain wrong. So here, in an effort to clear the fog surrounding projectors, is our guide to LCD v DLP.

LCD

LCD projectors have three separate LCD panels, one for red, one for green, and one for blue components of the image being processed by the projector. As light passess through the LCD panels, individual pixels (or picture elements) can be either opened or closed to either allow light to pass through or be filtered out. In this way the light is modulated and an image projected on to the screen.

LCD projectors have historically had three main advantages over DLP. They produce more accurate colors (due to the three separate LCD panels), they produce a slightly sharper image (although this is as good as undetectable when watching movies) and they are more light-efficient, which means they produce brighter images using less power.

However, LCD projectors also have some disadvantages, although as the technology improves these are becoming less and less relevant. The first of these is pixelation, or what's known as the screen door effect. This means that sometimes you can see the individual pixels and it looks as though you are viewing the image through a 'screendoor.' The second historic disadvantage of LCD v DLP is that LCD doesn't produce absolute black, which means that contrast is less than you would get with DLP.

However, the advent of higher resoltion LCD projectors (particularly 'HD-ready' projectors which have a horizontal resolution of 768 pixels or greater) means that pixelation is less of a problem than it used to be. And the improved ability of LCDs to produce high-contrast images is also allowing them to be taken more seriously by home theater enthusiasts.

DLP

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a technology developed by Texas Instruments and it works by projecting light from the projector's lamp onto a DLP chip, made up of thousands of tiny mirrors. Each mirror represents a single pixel and directs the light projected onto it either into the lens path to turn the pixel on or away from it to turn it off. Most DLP projectors have only one chip, so in order to reproduce color, a color wheel consisting of red, green, blue and sometimes, white filters is used. The wheel spins between the lamp and the chip and changes the color of the light hitting the chip from red, to green, blue. Each mirror on the DLP chip tilts towards or away from the lens path depending on how much of a particular colour light is required for that pixel at any given instant.

The key advantages DLP has in the LCD v DLP debate is that DLP projectors tend to be smaller and lighter, have better contrast, and don't suffer the same pixelation problems as LCD projectors. There is one problem that some users report with DLP projectors, although it appears to only affect a very small number of people. Because of the way DLP works, at any given instant, the image on screen is either red, green, or blue. However, the images change so quickly, that the human eye doesn't detect this and your brain puts the red, green and blue images together to make a complete frame of video. Unfortunately, some people can see the individual colours, and others can detect them enough to cause eye-strain and headaches. However, technology has improved significantly with the introduction of six-color wheels and faster rotation speeds. The rainbow effect should be a problem for even fewer people. The best way to find out if you're affected is to try out a DLP projector, perhaps by hiring one, before you buy.

Technology in both LCD and DLP projectors is improving all the time. However, at the time of writing DLP still has a slight edge in the home theater market.

Paid Traffic: 20 Methods That Create Fast Results

At the end of the day we have two choices when it comes to traffic - we earn it or we buy it.

Today let's take the big picture look at paid traffic methods.

The major difference is that you earn free traffic by doing the work, rather than buying ads (on places where others do the work) for paid traffic.

Now let's look at the big picture of the paid traffic world.

Rather than grouping them by publishing, broadcasting or collaboration I thought it might be more useful to list them and then share a short insight about each...

Affiliates

If you develop a strong army of affiliates and work with them to promote your product for a commission you won't have to worry about traffic again. Jimmy Brown has famously said that his affiliates send him all the traffic he needs, and I believe him.

Email Marketing

Email marketing and ezine advertising are similar, but a bit different. The difference is that there are companies with very large lists that will sell you solo ads, but they don't publish an actual email newsletter. These companies range from well to lesser known, so you need to know who you are buying from and avoid spam complaints. But solo ad sends to these lists can work very well.

Reviews

Many large sites, often blogs, will sell you a review on their site. The costs and effectiveness varies, and these site owners won't fib and say a product is great if it's not in most cases. Getting a paid review amounts to an endorsement in most people's eyes, so the value here can be huge.

Forums

Many forums sell advertising space on their site. This is highly targeted advertising, especially if it will let you buy ads (usually banners) on a sub forum. Some forums will even send email for you to their registered members.

Banners

I'm not really sure why banners aren't used more often. A well-placed banner can bring in huge results, with low cost. Banners are often sold on a cost-per-thousand impressions basis, so it's very important to know where the site gets its traffic. If you target correctly, and if your banner creates intense curiosity, you can do very well for a low fee.

Webinars

You can host webinars, although that's hard for most people. Some webinar hosts will actually sell ad space (which you can buy) that show during the webinar. You can also pay someone to host a webinar for you. This is best done as a joint venture, but can work well.

Guaranteed Visitors

While I'm not a fan of guaranteed visitor programs (the traffic is usually of very low quality) there are situations where some reputable suppliers can send traffic that will help you. I personally believe this is best only for list building. Let them join your list first, so you can sell them later, and then send them to the sales page.

Ezine Advertising

This is one of my favorites, because it just works so well. When you match the product you are promoting to the interests of the readers of the ezine, very good things happen. It's vital to pay attention to this prospect matching idea when doing any form of advertising.

CPM

Simply put, the price you pay for every 1000 impressions (or times your ad is shown). CPM advertising can be very profitable and is excellent for list building.

Offline

So many online marketers overlook offline methods completely. That can be a mistake. The key with using an offline/online mix is to either create curiosity in your offline ad, or pre-qualiy a reader or listener, and then drive them to a site where they can take the next step.

Social Media

Social sites like Twitter and Facebook can be fun and profitable both. They can also be hugely time consuming. So why not skip the hard work and just buy ads on the sites? This is currently very limited with Twitter, but Facebook and others, like Digg, do offer on-site ads that work well.

Video

If you aren't ready to shoot your own videos, consider buying ad space on videos about your promoted topic. YouTube had offered this for some time and other video networks are getting on board. The key here, as with most advertising, is to create curiosity and interest, not try to close the sale.

Networks

Ad networks can be huge time savers if you have a larger budget. Many let you get started for only a few hundred dollars (others start at $10,000 or more) and they can place all sorts of ads for you on all sorts of websites. Highly targeted and you can control costs.

CPA

CPA can be a wonderful way to get new clients while controlling costs. For example, if you know a customer is worth $100 to you and your conversion is high, you can afford to spend enough to really zero in on your target market. Since you are not paying for tire-kickers you can feel sure your money is well spent.

Blogs

Many blogs accept advertising right on their site. Blogs often offer banner ads, in-post ads and more. Some will email their list for a fee or do paid reviews. Identifying top blogs in your niche and following them makes good sense. Here is my favorite blog.

Pay Per Click

Pay per click has gone through many changes. Affiliate friendly at first, many PPC providers turned on affiliates with a vengeance. Added to this is Google's habit of canceling accounts without any notice or recourse and you can see why many feel PPC is not an option. But it can be if you do it well. My favorite voice in this world is Perry Marshall.

Websites

Advertising directly on almost any site you want can be done with Google AdWords. Many people don't realize they can target a specific site, but it can be done. You might try an ad network, or search the site you want to advertise on for an "advertise" link at the bottom of the page.

Co-ops

Some physical product companies offer what is called co-op advertising, where the company rewards you for sales by purchasing advertising for you. While this does not apply to any online products I know of, if you are marketing a physical product online, ask the company about their co-op program.

Press Releases

While great if you have something that is actually news-worthy, press releases are often taught by people who have never used them. They sound good, and are easy to do, but in my view don't work for most people and should be avoided. Remember this when doing a press release - the people reading your release will mostly be reporters looking for a juicy or otherwise attention grabbing story. So be sure to give them one if you can do that ethically.

Re-Marketing

Re-marketing works well but most don't know about it. It works by setting up a RM campaign and when someone visits your site (this works best for site owners) a cookie is set. When that visitor goes to a website that is within the network of sites your re-marketing company works with your ad is shown to that visitor, in essence reminding them you want them to come back to your site.

There you have it - a view from outer space at the big picture of paid advertising. I hope it helps!

Improvement of Cricket

(A) Popularise cricket!

1. Restructure Current test teams.

For Cricket to improve first the quality of the current test teams should be improved. Teams like England and West Indies need to be more competitive. Here are some suggestions:

Introduce cricket in schools and colleges. More cricket competitions should be held. Cricket telecasts should be shown on free to air channels. Short forms of the sportlike twenty20 should be played to capture public imagination. Improvement of cricket stadiums and fields. Increase the competitiveness of domestic competition. Selection based only on merit NOT on quotas. Encouraging native peoples such as coloureds, Aborigines & Maoris to represent the national squad.

2. Restructuring Current ODI Teams.

It is disheartening for the current ODI status teams to play only during world cups. Such an unfair policy would never see new teams improve. Teams such as Canada, UAE, Scotland, Namibia & Holland should be given permanent ODI status and official tournaments should be played amongst themselves and the 3 bottom ranked test teams. An age limit of 35 yrs should be imposed to encourage youngsters.

Kenya should be given Test Status.

3. League Format

All teams Test and ODI should be ranked in groups of 5. The top 5 will be grp A. Next 5 B and so on. Teams in a particular group are allowed to play with teams in their own group as well as adjacent groups only. eg. Group A cannot play group C teams. [Except Tests & World Cups] Every year, the groups are restructured.

4. Improve quality of Upcoming teams

To ensure that debutants in ODI competitions have an international exposure to cricket before their debut, international tournaments should be held. Here's what should be done.

Two international annual tournaments should be held. Two teams should be selected from each country. 1. Team that has won the domestic competition and 2. A mixed bag composed of the best players of the other teams. This would give budding players the required international exposure. Venues rotated annually. An auxiliary domestic competition should be held. At least 5 local teams and 3 international teams (best players) compete in ODI and test matches. Any ODI status country can participate. Teams wishing to improve their game can learn from the following countries on tour: Batting: India, Australia Spin Bowling: India, Sri Lanka Fast Bowling Australia, South Africa Seam Bowling: England, New Zealand. The ICC must have a clear process for teams obtaining ODI and test status. This is what it should do.

To get associate status, local boards should ensure:

A cricket education program is introduced in schools Cricket equipment is readily available Adequate playing grounds are available International matches are telecast on free to air TV channels and radio. A well maintained website of the national cricket authority.

To get permanent ODI status teams should:

Be placed 1,2 or 3 in the ICC Associate World Cup. Have at least one accredited (C grade --see gradings below) stadium. see pt 4 above.

To get Test Status teams should:

Have a waiting period of 5 years after ODI status Have at least a B grade stadium Toured all test playing nations & played first class matches there. Won at least 10 ODI matches against Test nations.

5. Introduction of cutting-edge technology

I feel that technology should be introduced to cricket. This is what cricket needs.

Helmet cams. Use of tracking technology for LBW decisions. Use of high frame rate cameras to ascertain run-outs and stumpings. Use of lasers to compliment run out decisions. Use of sensors in bails and in the boundary rope to determine if the batsman is out OR hit a 4. Use of stump microphone to determine close catching decisions. Use of yellow & red cards to suspend players from the game of repeatly flouting rules. Use of 'Eye-Vision' technology to enhance TV viewing. Use of 'True Track' technology to give the distance the ball carried (6's) Use of biodegradable paint to colour the infield and outfield.

6. The ICC.

Here are some recommendations to the ICC

Change its name to something more representative like Global Cricket Federation (GCF). No veto rights to member nations. Be a part of the International Olympic Commitee. Strive to make Cricket an Olympic sport. Increase penalties for drug offences & racial abuse. Play the National Anthem before the start of each match in the World Cup. Playoff for 3rd place in the WC Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals given to each player in WC. (like in football) Have at least 24 teams play in the WC. For the World Cup international icons should be made chief guests. eg UN Sec. General, Monarch of England, sportstars, premiers etc.

ICC Online

Obtain the domain names like cricket.com, .org, etc. In the site have detailed info like player and team stats, current news, player profiles, how the sport is played, links to national boards, online telecast of matches, history, facts and stats, rankings etc. Provide software to calculate the Duckworth Lewis results. Use latest programming languages like XML, SQL, ASP etc. for website. Setting up of blogs and bulletin boards.

7. Taking on the Globe.

To encourage more countries to take up cricket, cricket must be marketed well. Teams like Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore have a good program and must be encouraged to obtain ODI status.

For cricket to succeed regional sporting giants should be given top priority. These countries are regional giants and act like a catalyst to spread the sport to neighbouring countries. The countries are: China, USA, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Nigeria Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morrocco, Sweden, Fiji, Argentina and Brazil.

Have a brand ambassador for cricket. People who know about the sport and are internationally famous should be selected. Names such as Russel Crowe, Shaggy, Christian Vieri (footballer ITALY) make good ambassadors.

Cricket should be introduced equally to all races and women should also be encouraged to take up the sport.

Marketing Blitz

If I were the president of the ICC, this is what I would do to promote the sport in a country.

See that major sport shops stock up cricket gear. Pitches are readily available. Cricket is shown on free to air channels. A cricket program is introduced in schools and universities. Well known directors should be requested to make cricket themed movies starring well known actors. Introducing the sport to famous sportmen, politicians, actors, directors, media personalities, businessmen and making them enjoy the sport. The next step would have a advertising blitz in famous newspapers, magazines, top internet sites, TV, radio. The ads should be run for a month or so. Promos showing the country's top personalities supporting cricket should be aired. _ Nothing like having the country's premier in the promo. The marketing blitz should cummulated with top international teams playing along with the host nation in a tournament.

(B) Rules that have to be changed:

1) Elimination of the Leg-bye rule.

The Lb rule is pretty unfair to the bowler. By elimination such a rule would allow the batsman to play at the ball, instead of getting runs of the deflection of his clothing.

2) Direct Hit on the stump renders the ball dead.

At present if a fielder hits the stumps directly when the batsman is taking a run & he is safe, if it deflects of it, the batsman can run overthrows (extra runs). By enabling the ball 'dead' it would encourage the fielders to hit the stumps more often. If the batsman ran after this, the extra runs would be overruled.

3) Leg-side LBW decision

At present, if the ball is pitched outside the leg-stump, but is a clear LBW decision, the batsman is not out. Due to advances in technology today, we can predict an LBW. Hence LBW decisions should be simplified by this method, if the trajectory appears to hit the stump the Batsman is OUT.

4) Correct Nomenclature

Terms such as leg-spin and off-spin are outdated. Better terms would be wrist spin and finger spin.

(C) Accredation to stadiums

The ICC must start rating stadiums. The better the rating of the stadium more matches it is allowed to hold. Here are my parameters. Points are shown alongside in y/n format.

Lights 40/5

Capacity (in 1000's)

Pitch invasion history? 0/20

Smooth Entry/Exit 30/5

Crowd Management history good/bad 30/5

Match history 1st & 2nd inn win ratio (40-60 range) 50/10

Grassy field 10/5

Facilities (practice, media, parking, toilets, food) 35/10

Replay screen 20/0

Electronic Scoreboard 15/5

Sightscreen moving needed? 0/10

PITCH:

Bounce (good/low) 30/10

Support for bowlers 20/5

Ave. Runs in the range (240-280) 50

200,>280 20

Veteran Employment Lawyers and Labor Rights for Service Members

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) via the federal government act which was introduced to defend the employment and even reemployment rights of veterans. This act was introduced to recognize the sacrifices made by the numerous armed forces personnel who have served the country. According to the law, veterans are entitled to certain preferences over non-veterans in Federal hiring and retention as well. As a veteran, your legal rights and issues will include anti-discrimination at work and are also related to re-mployement at work. Apart from this, various aspects of your work related to family medical leave, life insurance and vocational rehabilitation are also covered under the benefits.

To gain reemployment in the company you have worked for before you served the country, you need to give the company an advance notice that you would be serving the military and should have served for five years or less. Also, you need to apply for reemployment in a timely manner and also should have been released on a general discharge.

Using the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

According to the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) of 1998, any veteran who feels that their preference rights have been infringed upon can file a written complaint with a summary of allegations. The VETS will investigate your complaint following that every assistance will be provided to protect your rights.

Filing a Complaint

If you have not chosen the option of contacting VETS or the Attorney General, you can choose to file a lawsuit against your employer with the help of a legal expert. You can file the lawsuit at one of the district courts in the US. Remember that as a veteran, you have the right to be free from discrimination throughout your term at the workplace. You cannot be denied the following:

Employment Reemployment Promotions Host of employee benefits Retention

There are a number of lawyers who can help cover all the legal issues related to veterans employment. When faced with legal complications, most people don't know where to start. It helps to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge before you begin to fight for your cause.

Veterans can bring lawsuits to enforce protection, testify or make statements when they feel that their rights have been infringed upon or even exercise their rights. Inform yourself about your federal and state rights and, if needed, consult a discrimination attorney with a proven track record of service to those who serve.

"The content on this page does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship or privilege is created by any such content."

Internet Marketing Tips - What is Audio Streaming?

Online business ventures have gained popularity because of the tremendous profits generated by these businesses. However, to succeed in any kind of business you need to employ certain strategies and marketing techniques.

You need to promote your product or services to the right customers so that your business is a success. Same is the case with the online businesses and your website is the medium through which you interact with your potential customers. This is the reason why you have to design your website attractively and effectively so that it conveys the various features and benefits of your product to your customer effectively. It is because of this fact that many companies invest a lot of time and effort along with money to design their websites in the best possible manner. Audio streaming is one of the most effective and popular techniques to polish your website.

By employing audio streaming in your website you will actually be able to guide your customers through the website. This technique is just a blessing for visitors who are visually challenged. These viewers will also be able to understand the features of your product and will be able to judge the same. Because of this technique you will be able to convey a lot of information to your visitors as if the information is mentioned in a written format some people may actually omit certain things as people don't generally read everything which is mentioned on the web pages.

This technique can definitely be useful for people who tend to have a hectic schedule and they will be able to continue with their work even when listening to your presentation. Also, due to the advancement in technology people can browse the Internet from their cell phones. However, while doing so they may not be able to decipher the small print on their cell phone and in such a case the audio streaming will come quite handy. Audio streaming is therefore a very important website marketing technique and it is worth employing.

Easy Application and Renewal of Car Insurance Policies

Buying Different Insurance Policies for Your Car

The car insurance policies available in the current Indian market differ and depend on the vehicle that you want to purchase. Insuring your car is as important as insuring your life from uncertainties. To suit the changing needs of people, the Indian insurance industry offers many different types of policies. No matter which car you own, availing adequate coverage to protect your vehicle is very important. Inadequate insurance coverage will do no good to your vehicle. When you plan to buy a vehicle insurance policy you need to keep in mind things about the cost of application, its coverage, policy period and other details. Usually people buy insurance policies that offer maximum coverage preferences. In order to avail professional coverage for your beloved car, you can meet the expert policy providers and ask them about available schemes.

Check the Coverage

Whenever you plan to buy vehicle insurance, you need to check its coverage details. Make sure to buy a policy that offers expected protection. You never know which natural calamity or a human error would damage your car. When it is insured from a well-reputed insurance company you receive required ama

• Disasters like fire strike and car accidents

• An act of damage or theft

• Natural calamities or an uncertain event

• Your car insurance policy would also cover costs related to damage repairs, crash or installation of new car parts.

Typically, buying a new car insurance policy from a safe and secured website is a fastest way to safeguard your asset. Thanks to loans and betterment of standard of living of the people, more and more families are able to buy their new dream car. With insurance policies, you can easily offer coverage to your dream vehicle and keep it protected.

Whether you want to buy a brand new policy or renew an already existing one, you can depend on the online portals. Car insurance renewal is a simple procedure that you can follow with just a few clicks. Generally, you can apply for a suitable vehicle insurance scheme as per your age. Just like the personal insurance, it is essential to apply for vehicle insurance at an early age. The younger you apply for a policy, higher the insurance premium will be. In order to avail genuine insurance policy for your vehicle, make sure to contact a reputed agent or a broker. They will help you find out all details about available policies and their coverage features.

As more and more people are planning to buy second hand and small cars, they find it simple to insure them from a professional broker. Easy online application and renewal procedure of the insurance policies allows people to quickly avail required services. Use the calculators to accurately calculate the policy premiums or use the tools to compare different policies. You can even find a policy that has been custom made as per personal requirements and coverage details.

Highway Funding Bill Maps Directions for Pension Plan Interest Rates

Pension funding guidelines travelled an unusual road this summer as part of the transportation bill "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act" (also known as MAP-21), which was signed into law on July 6, 2012.

Taking a detour from the normal highway reauthorization programs funded by the Highway Trust Fund, MAP-21 also contained a mile post known as Section 40312, Pension Funding Stabilization. This section amends subparagraph (C) of section 430(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as well as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").

Treasury Department Issues New Pension Segment Rates

Interest rates to be used in calculating pension funding obligations are now required to be established by the Treasury Department on an annual basis. Technically speaking, these pension interest rates are known as 25-year average segment rates and adjusted 24-month average segment rates. Accordingly, three new segment rates of 6.15%, 7.61% and 8.35% were released by the Treasury Department on August 16, 2012 in IRS Notice 2012-55.

Section 430 specifies the minimum funding requirements that generally apply to single-employer defined benefit pension plans pursuant to § 412. Section 430(h)(2) specifies interest rates that are used for purposes of calculating the minimum required contribution.

Section 40211(a) of MAP-21 adds § 430(h)(2)(C)(iv), generally effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2012.

The Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service intend to issue additional guidance in the near future on other issues relating to the application of the MAP-21 amendments, including guidance relating to benefit restrictions and transition issues.

Implications of MAP-21 for Pension Plan Funding

The new segment rates average to an effective interest rate of 7.37%, which compares favorably to the previous average of 5.3%.

The rate of return assumed in calculating future pension obligations plays a critical role in determining current taxpayer liabilities, even though the longer term commitments remain fixed. As the published guidelines for rates of return increase, current funding requirements decrease. Conversely, a lower assumed rate of return requires a higher current funding level in order to meet future obligations.

An actuarial rule of thumb is that when the funding valuation discount rate changes by 1%, a pension plan's liability drops by approximately 10%, according to CFO.com.

MAP-21 provides sponsors of single employer plans with greater interest rate predictability by establishing a floor and a ceiling for variable interest rates based on the average annual segment rates over a 25-year period.

Confirmation of a lower average pension funding rates allow businesses to move forward in planning capital investments, acquisitions, and job creation, according to the American Benefits Council, a public policy organization representing principally Fortune 500 companies.

Milliman, in a recent report titled "Milliman analysis: July's $120 billion funded status decline pushes pension deficit to a record $533 billion," states:

While several plan sponsors have announced reduced contributions, we feel that a majority of the Milliman 100 companies will continue to prudently fund the pension deficits in their respective plans and presumably continue with their existing pension de-risking funding strategies rather than lower their contribution level to satisfy minimum standards.

Briggs & Stratton Corporation, H.J. Heinz Company, and others are beginning to disclose the impact of MAP-21 on expected future pension funding contributions in SEC filings and other public announcements.

Impact of MAP-21 on PBGC Premiums

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") issued "Technical Update 12-1: Effect of MAP-21 on PBGC Premiums" on August 28, 2012 (see www.pbgc.gov/res/other-guidance/tu/tu12-1.html ).

Effective beginning in 2013, MAP-21 changes the PBGC flat and variable premium rates and puts a cap on the variable-rate premium.

The guidance in this Technical Update supersedes any inconsistent guidance in PBGC's 2012 premium instructions and will be reflected in the 2013 premium instructions.

In Conclusion

"Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (MAP-21) offers plan sponsors some welcome short term relief through greater predictability of interest rates at a higher level and within a prescribed range. Since pension obligations remain unchanged in the long run, however, plan sponsors must weigh potential short term funding relief against the goal of narrowing what remains a significant unfunded liability gap for many.

Tradesmen Liability Insurance

Regarding those people that have began their personal business in the trades, tradesmen liability insurance might be the most effective alternatives of protecting that business. There are a number of things that could occur to somebody while they are operating their particular business, and in many cases they'll not now have the financial resources to protect their company against these issues. It is often tempting for the tradesman to neglect getting this insurance in an effort to spend less. However, eventually the cost of tradesmen liability insurance could very well be negligible, in comparison to the economic result of a disaster, personal harm, client harm, larceny or wanton damage. Having this sort of insurance coverage in position can present you with the protection you require while also delivering you with the reassurance of realizing that your livelihood is preserved.

Who Needs Tradesmen Insurance?

Primarily, someone possessing his or her own trade business or who works as a self employed tradesman can benefit via this sort of insurance coverage. It can help cover the prices of a quantity of different things, which range from replacing stolen tools, repairing vandalism, or covering damages at a client's site because of some aspect of your work. In some instances, tradesmen liability insurance can often cover other costs on top of that, including income replacement should you become injured, or even some form of health plan. A lot of these kinds of things are often overlooked by the regular tradesman, and they may feel that nothing bad can happen to them or their particular business. Subsequently, they may attempt to cut costs by not getting this kind of insurance. Even so, it may just take one devastating event to bring about total financial ruin to a tradesman and their business. Preferably, it's far better to pay the expenditure of tradesmen liability insurance, and know that your business and income are being secured.

How to pick out Tradesmen Insurance

Picking tradesmen liability insurance can be a little complicated. There are many of distinct points to consider, and it's important to pick a policy designed to supply all the protection you require, for a cost you can pay for. Therefore, it's commonly recommended to seek advice from an insurance agent who understands and specializes in these kinds of policies. You'll wish to be sure to fully understand every point of the coverage and be certain it will provide for all your expectations before placing your signature to the contract.

Autoresponders! A Must For Any Internet Marketer

The best friend an Internet Marketer can have is his autoresponder. Without it, he or she is doomed to failure. The only way to make money is to promote yourself in order to build your list of subscribers, so that you can use your autoresponder to then advertise whatever product you wish to promote.

For those who don't know what an autoresponder is, it is a piece of software that automatically responds to a request for information from a subscriber and then sends follow-up messages to this subscriber. It is a 24/7 sales operative!

When you sign up online for an ebook, ecourse, "how-to" instruction manual or anything, you will get a reply from an autoresponder. The next day you will get another email and the day after that another and so on.

The autoresponder has been set up with a series of pre-written emails by the owner of the autoresponder. Bear in mind that the average person needs to see an ad about seven times before buying a product, so the owner of the autoresponder is making sure that you see his stuff every day until you buy, sign up etc.

You will need to pay for your autoresponder service. It usually costs a little less than $20 a month, although some charge more, the more sign-ups you have. There are free autoresponders available, but, in general, deliverability is not good and they smack of amateurism. Any serious marketer will avoid free autoresponders like the plague.

The Autoresponder as an Affiliate Program

Because you have to pay for your autoresponder, the person that introduced you to it will receive a commission. That means you can make a living out of your autoresponder by promoting it as an affiliate program. The best autoresponders were reckoned to be Aweber and GetResponse, but more recently they have been joined by a third one, which is, arguably, equally as good as the other two as an autoresponder, but has the added advantage of a ten level payment plan for its affiliates, whereas the others only have one or two levels. This means that you stand to make money out of the efforts of a lot more people.

Therefore, when someone signs up for one of your offers, your emails to him can suggest, several times during the course of your email series, that he joins your particular autoresponder program, along with any other offer you wish to promote.

Why You Should Invest In Your Own Power Tools In 2012

The power tools market has shown signs of demand increase according to recent stats and trends in 2012. Keynote, a leading market intelligence firm, indicated that in the United kingdom alone, there is a 3.3% market increase in the power tools sector. This trend has been going on since 2010, and did not slow down this year.

In Australia and the United States, more and more people are choosing to purchase DIY (do-it-yourself) equipment as well.

The reason why power equipment are becoming trendy nowadays is because of the decline in the property market. The rise in the costs of living expenses in first world countries, coupled with the economic depression in the United States in 2008, has pushed a lot of homeowners to make tough decisions regarding their properties. Instead of getting more expensive properties, a lot of homeowners chose to simply re-decorate their current home. Instead of hiring professional home improvement experts, many people nowadays are choosing to do the basic construction and repair tasks themselves.

This shift in demand within the worldwide market led to increase in the purchases of power equipment and trade tools all over the world. However, because many people are too busy to drop by a local hardware store to canvass and purchase their tools, a new trend has emerged in the form of online hardware stores. These "online hardware" stores are pretty much like traditional tool shops. The only difference is that they can be found on the internet, and the entire buying process can take place using secure online payment gateways and credit card transactions.

The truth is, a lot of people are wary of buying big ticket items online, especially if the product is not a downloadable or cannot be delivered via online means. When it comes to this issue, the most important precaution is to transact only with online tool suppliers who use a secure SSL server on their e-commerce platform. Moreover, the company with whom the purchase is made should have a good reputation in the industry.

Now that the tools industry has gone online, there is no turning back. With the demand for power equipment steadily increasing, there is no doubt that equipment lovers will see lots of new online shops to buy DIY tools from. New market players will also emerge, and customers will have more choices of brands starting now. DIY home improvement is expected to be a strong trend for many decades to come.

Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning

The purpose of estate planning is to help you achieve your personal and family goals after you pass away. It ensures that your assets will end up in the hands of those people whom you wish them to go to, so that you can reach your personal and financial goals even after you die. You also can reduce the amount of taxes paid by planning your estate in the right way to ensure that your heirs receive a larger inheritance.

The saying that the only two sure things in life are death and taxes has existed for centuries. While no one likes to think about dying, it is a certainty and something that must be faced. An plan for your estate consists of a set of documents that help you plan for taxes and death and it is something that nearly everyone needs -- regardless if their financial and familiar affairs are complex or simple.

The documents that make up an estate plan help you avoid problems that often arise upon your death. Many of these are problems most of us never think of during our lifetimes, or are things that we simply choose not to think of. But if there is no plan in place, these issues are handled by the courts. It is therefore very important to have a plan in place so that you can decide for yourself the best choices for your family, such as who will care for minor children, who will receive your property, and who will finalize your affairs.

Estate planning can be a rather complicated matter, and it does require good judgment to ensure that you achieve the outcomes you desire. It gives you the choice while you are alive to determine who, what, when, where and how your estate will be handled. It also allows for substantial savings when dealing with tax issues, court costs and attorney fees. Planning your estate also helps your loved ones avoid the burden of having to deal with bureaucracy and confusion after you pass away.

Unfortunately, many people do not plan their estates because they believe that they don't need an estate plan or they believe that their family members can handle the task of dividing up their assets. However, if you fail to have a solid estate plan in place to handle the settlement of your affairs after you die, the laws in your state will determine what must be done.

This may result in family disagreements, assets going to the wrong people, and liability for estate taxes that could have been avoided. If you don't have an estate plan in place before you die, your assets and affairs can be tied up for months. It is therefore of the utmost importance to plan your estate with care so that everything is handled properly (and according to your wishes) upon your death.

Planning an estate can be a bit overwhelming. However, a reputable estate planning attorney has the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the process while keeping your interests and wishes in mind. When you have a good plan in place, you are given the peace of mind knowing that all of your affairs will be handled as you wish after you leave this earth.

List Building Tips - Signatures

In this installment of List Building Tips, I want to talk about something as innocuous as signatures. If you think you can't build a list from something so simple, you might want to read this article.

Ah yes, the signature. One would think that the average person doesn't even pay attention to signatures. Well, it kind of depends on what comes BEFORE the signature. And THAT is ultimately what I'm going to focus on in this article.

First thing we have to do is figure out where signatures appear. Well, the most common places are at the end of emails and forum posts. Let's start with emails.

I know a lot of people will say that if you're sending out an email to somebody then they're probably already on your list. Well, that's not entirely true. If you have any kind of web presence, like I do, you're going to get people writing to you out of the blue with questions. One way of getting them on your list is with a simple email reply answering their questions and then, subtly at the bottom under your signature, include a description and link to your newsletter.

If the email you sent answered the question that was asked and actually helped the person asking it, there is a very good chance that they will notice your signature, notice that you have a newsletter, and just might subscribe to it thinking that IF they do, they're going to get even more great advice related to the subject that they're interested in enough to write to you in the first place.

Point is, in any email correspondence that you have, including a signature with your newsletter link gives you just one more opportunity to get a subscriber. Even if you only get one subscriber per day using this method, that's 365 new subscribers each year. Trust me, every single one counts.

What about forum posts? Well, most forums have rules when it comes to signatures. Some don't allow them at all. Some only allow a few lines. Some only one line. Whatever the restriction is, it doesn't really matter unless signatures aren't allowed at all. But if they are, they can be very effective in getting subscribers. The key is in what comes before them.

That is your forum post content. And this is where so many marketers drop the ball. They'll respond to a forum thread with a line or two answer that really doesn't help the person asking the question much at all and yet they expect to have people signing up to their list in droves. It doesn't quite work that way. But, if you answer questions in depth and really contribute something of value to the forum, your posts will not only be read but they'll also draw attention to your signature. In fact, I get a number of subscribers from my forum post signatures.

Don't minimize the signature. It may seem innocuous. But used correctly, it can be a very powerful tool in building your list.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Disability Insurance For The Long Term

Disability insurance covers you for an extended period of time. Should you be injured or take ill and as a result be unable to perform the duties of your employment, you will be covered under short term disability, then long term disability insurance will cover you. The coverage can be for a period ranging up to five years or until the disabled individual turns sixty five.

Long term disability insurance is often provided by your employer as part of your benefits package. If you purchase it on your own, the benefits are tax free.

Disability insurance on an individual basis makes great sense as if involved in an accident you are more likely to be disabled than die. Therefore it can be argued that it makes more sense to buy long term disability insurance than life insurance.

Disability insurance policies differ from one provider to the next. It is important that you do your research and find the disability insurance policy that best meets your needs with the insurance company that you trust the most. Insurance companies, through an independent insurance broker, will gladly offer you disability insurance quotes free of charge. You can get quotes online now which is the easiest way as you are not being pushed by an agent.

It is important to purchase your insurance from a company that you trust, because you need the company to be there if you need them. When you get your quotes, be sure to ask questions about the company and the specifics of the policy. Disability insurance needs to be tailored to meet your needs and complement any existing insurance policies that you may already have. Again, be certain that you are buying the plan that meets your needs completely.

Probably the most important thing for you to do, is to read all the provisions of the policy before you buy it.

What Type of Coin Collector Are You? Many Coin Collectors Assemble Their Collections by Type

Most collectors of American coins collect by date, mint mark, and condition. This is known as "series" collecting. That's how I started out. I quickly assembled a complete collection of Morgan and Peace silver dollars. Then I assembled a complete collection of Silver Eagles and Engelhards as well as other bullion type coins.

I started a Walking Liberty half dollar collection, until they got too expensive in uncirculated condition. I'd always been curious about collecting money from other parts of the world but didn't know much about it.

Most foreign coins are collected by type, which makes the KM (Krause & Mishler) numbers so useful. The Krause & Mishler "Standard Catalog of World Coins" in its many editions is the Bible of world coin collectors. I acquired much of my knowledge in this area by reading and studying these enormous books.

Many collectors assemble their collections by type, in some form or another. I realized early on that my "type" is one ounce silver and gold. As I learned more about foreign silver and gold one ounce coins, I found them considerably more affordable than American silver and gold dollars in the same condition.

I often buy them at a discount from Europe, China or South America. I'm guessing people in those countries:

• Have little interest in numismatic collecting

• Can't afford expensive, unnecessary precious metal coins

• Back to 1 & 2, need the money and don't want the coins to store, so they will sell them cheaply compared to Americans

For instance, you may collect gold of a certain denomination or design. Or you might collect every denomination of gold coin a country has ever minted. You might collect crown size silver as I do. You could collect commemorative pieces from different countries. You might want an example of everything a single country ever minted.

I collect silver and gold coins with various female representations of Liberty on it. I also have a one ounce silver collection with sailing ships depicted on them. You may also be interested in collecting coins with images of the country's ruler on them.

In a sense, collecting your pieces by type is much more cost effective than collecting by series, especially since supply is stagnant and demand is increasing for certain coins beyond what is affordable or even attainable to many collectors.

I love my Morgan collection, but I find discovering other one ounce silver specimens to be very fun and satisfying. I also have to learn the denomination names as I collect them. Most one ounce silver coins were minted prior to 1925, though a few go into the 1940s and had pretty much completely stopped by 1950.

I also realize when I go to sell my gems, I won't get as much either, unless the interest in world coins increases. As with many numismatic collectors, I collect for my own satisfaction, not exclusively what future value might be. I know with precious metal values increasing, these coins will increase along with it.

Top Reasons Companies Hire Contractors

Unlike many countries, the US follows "at will" employment laws which means an employer can hire or fire an employee (or the employee can leave) for no reason with no liability or obligations. So why do companies hire contractors if it is so easy to hire and fire employees.

The major reasons companies hire contractor or consultants to come on-site and work in staff augmentation are

- Companies need a specialized skill-set that is not required long term or have a temporary high load of work.

- Some highly skilled contractors or consultants may not want to work full-time jobs and are only available on a consulting basis.

- The company needs someone temporarily as it requires more time to fill the full-time position as the interviews, offer acceptance, relocation, etc. take a lot longer.

- Contractors can cost less in terms of fully loaded costs as companies are not required to pay for benefits like vacations, medical insurance, etc.

- The temporary resource can be tested and can be converted to full-time if they meet the bar.(contract-to-hire)

- Sometimes the company is limited by its investor/owners/management to limit full-time headcount to maintain flexibility. It is easier to fire contractors without incurring a lot of HR/layoff 'case building' if business conditions deteriorate.

This also leads to a followup question then. "Why do companies hire contractors through staffing companies?"

- The main reason for this is co-employment risks. If a company gets similar work done by a contractor like an employee with the only difference being - not paying them benefits, then they can become liable for benefits, stock options, etc. if the employee takes them to court (IRS 20 factor test for independent contractors, Microsoft Ruling). By having a buffer agency in between companies reduce this risk. It is also the reason you won't normally find HR or the company recruiters involved in the selection of contractors. Hiring of contractors is usually done by Procurement.

- The other reason is the staffing companies have the advantage of economies of scale and breadth. They have more recruiters hiring the same skills for multiple companies in multiple cities and can do a better job than a single recruiter or group within a large company.

So companies would rather pay a few extra bucks to outsource this hiring and administration of contractors in exchange for lower overhead and lower risk.