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The Secret Fast-Food-Diet
by David Zinczenko
You can melt away flab without setting foot in a gym, sacrificing your favorite foods, or eating less. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not. The secret is knowing how to swap your favorite foods smartly. If you know that choosing one fast-food burger over another can save you dozens of pounds a year, or understood a simple ordering trick that could help your body melt belly flab, you'd make those smart choices every time, right? Well, you're about to discover them!
A few years ago I asked people to start following the simple "smart swap" eating principles from Eat This, Not That! A few months later the letters started pouring in, and they haven't stopped. Erika Bowen of Minneapolis, Minnesota (pictured right), told me she dropped 84 pounds—without dieting. “I feel like I’ve always wanted to feel,” she said. “Other people are finally seeing me the way I’ve always seen myself.” Once she discovered the truth about her food, she learned she could lose weight and never feel hungry.
The point is this: You can eat fast food and still get a flat belly. You just have to do it the right way. The costs of the wrong way? According to a 2005 study from the medical journal the Lancet, people who eat fast food more than twice a week carry 10 more pounds of body fat than those who eat fast food fewer than once a week. What’s more, fast food eaters have a higher rate of insulin resistance, which puts them at risk for diabetes.
So the risk is there. But fast food needn’t be a health threat, nor does it have to make you fat. You just have to develop a few healthy habits, the very best (and also easiest) of which I've outlined for you here:
Secret #1: Don't fall for combos
At every fast food restaurant, as soon as you decide on an entrée, expect to face some variation of this question: “Would you like to make it a combo meal?” Of course you’re tempted. This is the modern-day equivalent of supersizing, wherein you get an average of 55 percent more calories for 17 percent more money. It’s also the cheapest way for excess sugar, salt and lard to get you fat in a hurry. Just say no.
Secret #2: Chew it over
Just because it’s fast food doesn’t mean you should inhale it as quickly as possible. A 2009 study by Dutch researchers found that chewing each bite for 3 extra seconds could help you consume fewer calories overall. The reason? The extra chewing helps your brain register the food, and thus, helps you feel full quicker. (In my job overseeing Men's Health and Women's Health magazines, I discover the best new health and nutrition tips every day.
Secret #3: Beware the "health halo"
What’s the health halo? It’s the misguided assumption that meals served from “healthy” chains are always better for you than those served from unhealthy ones. Consider this: A study from the Journal of Consumer Research asked diners at Subway and McDonald’s to estimate the number of calories in their meals, and although both groups underestimated the actual amount, the Subway diners were off by a larger margin. The reason? When seduced by the promise of a healthy meal, diners tend to order more food.
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You can melt away flab without setting foot in a gym, sacrificing your favorite foods, or eating less. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not. The secret is knowing how to swap your favorite foods smartly. If you know that choosing one fast-food burger over another can save you dozens of pounds a year, or understood a simple ordering trick that could help your body melt belly flab, you'd make those smart choices every time, right? Well, you're about to discover them!
A few years ago I asked people to start following the simple "smart swap" eating principles from Eat This, Not That! A few months later the letters started pouring in, and they haven't stopped. Erika Bowen of Minneapolis, Minnesota (pictured right), told me she dropped 84 pounds—without dieting. “I feel like I’ve always wanted to feel,” she said. “Other people are finally seeing me the way I’ve always seen myself.” Once she discovered the truth about her food, she learned she could lose weight and never feel hungry.
The point is this: You can eat fast food and still get a flat belly. You just have to do it the right way. The costs of the wrong way? According to a 2005 study from the medical journal the Lancet, people who eat fast food more than twice a week carry 10 more pounds of body fat than those who eat fast food fewer than once a week. What’s more, fast food eaters have a higher rate of insulin resistance, which puts them at risk for diabetes.
So the risk is there. But fast food needn’t be a health threat, nor does it have to make you fat. You just have to develop a few healthy habits, the very best (and also easiest) of which I've outlined for you here:
Secret #1: Don't fall for combos
At every fast food restaurant, as soon as you decide on an entrée, expect to face some variation of this question: “Would you like to make it a combo meal?” Of course you’re tempted. This is the modern-day equivalent of supersizing, wherein you get an average of 55 percent more calories for 17 percent more money. It’s also the cheapest way for excess sugar, salt and lard to get you fat in a hurry. Just say no.
Secret #2: Chew it over
Just because it’s fast food doesn’t mean you should inhale it as quickly as possible. A 2009 study by Dutch researchers found that chewing each bite for 3 extra seconds could help you consume fewer calories overall. The reason? The extra chewing helps your brain register the food, and thus, helps you feel full quicker. (In my job overseeing Men's Health and Women's Health magazines, I discover the best new health and nutrition tips every day.
Secret #3: Beware the "health halo"
What’s the health halo? It’s the misguided assumption that meals served from “healthy” chains are always better for you than those served from unhealthy ones. Consider this: A study from the Journal of Consumer Research asked diners at Subway and McDonald’s to estimate the number of calories in their meals, and although both groups underestimated the actual amount, the Subway diners were off by a larger margin. The reason? When seduced by the promise of a healthy meal, diners tend to order more food.
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Hallowen safety Tips for Kids
Some of you kids already know things that you can do to be safe, like how to cross the street, not to talk to or go with strangers and things like that. But we adults know how exciting Halloween can be and that can make you forget to be careful.
Here's some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night! Some of these ideas are called "common sense" ideas, that means that they are things that you should know and use every day in life. You are never too young to learn!
Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it's okay. There are some people in life that aren't very nice to kids and you have to be careful. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.
Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it's okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.
If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.
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Here's some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night! Some of these ideas are called "common sense" ideas, that means that they are things that you should know and use every day in life. You are never too young to learn!
Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it's okay. There are some people in life that aren't very nice to kids and you have to be careful. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.
Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it's okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.
If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.If you can drive and are taking a bunch of friends to a party, make sure that you have enough gas to get there. You don't want to run out on a dark street, all alone, like a bad horror movie!
If you parents give you a curfew, be home when they say. It builds trust between you and them and they are doing it for your own safety. If you are going to be late, call them and let them know.
Vandalism is never cool! Throwing eggs at cars and houses is not cool. Someone has to clean it up and it could be you, if you get caught. You can also be arrested and punished as a juvenile. So, don't think that it's fun only if you can get away with it. It's never the right thing to do! Think about how you would feel if someone did that to your house and how bad it would make you feel.
Hurting animals is never acceptable behavior! Some people use Halloween as an excuse to hurt cats and that is just wrong! Not only is it illegal in most places to hurt or torture animals and punishable by law, you should never hurt a helpless living thing.
Have fun on Halloween but keep it safe, have some good, clean fun and your parents will trust you for many Halloweens to come! Showing them how responsible you can be will give you a feeling of pride and make them see just how adult you reallu are.
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Halloween is a fun holiday that lots of people start planning weeks and months in advance to make their Halloween party memorable. Well we are here to help with Halloween Games that work for young children, kids and adults. Most Halloween games are do it yourself to games, so you can adapt them to your Halloween Party or event. Some of the more elaborate story telling and gross Halloween games will take prep, but in the end you should have something unique for Halloween.
by www.partygameideas.com
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Halloween Games
by www.partygameideas.com
Complete List of Over 60 Halloween Games Children's Halloween Games - Not so spooky games for the 3 - 7 crowd Halloween Games - Pumpkin Bowling, Bingo, Hunts and more More Halloween Games - Spiders, Scarecrow, Ghosts, Halloween Story game and more Scary & Gross Halloween Games - Gross food games, scary stories, scavenger hunts... Printable Halloween Games - Just buy, print and play Halloween Murder Mystery - Variety of mysteries for teens and adults |
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History : IMF
The International Monetary Fund was conceived in July 1944 during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference. The representatives of 45 governments met in the Mount Washington Hotel in the area of Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States, with the delegates to the conference agreeing on a framework for international economic cooperation.[13] The IMF was formally organized on December 27, 1945, when the first 29 countries signed its Articles of Agreement. The statutory purposes of the IMF today are the same as when they were formulated in 1943 (see #Assistance and reforms).
The IMF's influence in the global economy steadily increased as it accumulated more members. The number of IMF member countries has more than quadrupled from the 44 states involved in its establishment, reflecting in particular the attainment of political independence by many developing countries and more recently the collapse of the Soviet bloc. The expansion of the IMF's membership, together with the changes in the world economy, have required the IMF to adapt in a variety of ways to continue serving its purposes effectively.
In 2008, faced with a shortfall in revenue, the International Monetary Fund's executive board agreed to sell part of the IMF's gold reserves. On April 27, 2008, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn welcomed the board's decision of April 7, 2008 to propose a new framework for the fund, designed to close a projected $400 million budget deficit over the next few years. The budget proposal includes sharp spending cuts of $100 million until 2011 that will include up to 380 staff dismissals.[14]
At the 2009 G-20 London summit, it was decided that the IMF would require additional financial resources to meet prospective needs of its member countries during the ongoing global financial crisis. As part of that decision, the G-20 leaders pledged to increase the IMF's supplemental cash tenfold to $500 billion, and to allocate to member countries another $250 billion via Special Drawing Rights.[15][16]
As of August 2010 Romania ($13.9 billion), Ukraine ($12.66 billion) and Hungary ($11,7 billion) are the largest borrowers of the fund.[17]
by wikipedia.org
The International Monetary Fund was created in July 1945, originally with 45 members,[6] with a goal to stabilize exchange rates and assist the reconstruction of the world's international payment system. Countries contributed to a pool which could be borrowed from, on a temporary basis, by countries with payment imbalances (Condon, 2007). The IMF was important when it was first created because it helped the world stabilize the economic system. The IMF works to improve the economies of its member countries.[7] The IMF describes itself as "an organization of 187 countries (as of July 2010), working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty".
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The IMF's influence in the global economy steadily increased as it accumulated more members. The number of IMF member countries has more than quadrupled from the 44 states involved in its establishment, reflecting in particular the attainment of political independence by many developing countries and more recently the collapse of the Soviet bloc. The expansion of the IMF's membership, together with the changes in the world economy, have required the IMF to adapt in a variety of ways to continue serving its purposes effectively.
In 2008, faced with a shortfall in revenue, the International Monetary Fund's executive board agreed to sell part of the IMF's gold reserves. On April 27, 2008, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn welcomed the board's decision of April 7, 2008 to propose a new framework for the fund, designed to close a projected $400 million budget deficit over the next few years. The budget proposal includes sharp spending cuts of $100 million until 2011 that will include up to 380 staff dismissals.[14]At the 2009 G-20 London summit, it was decided that the IMF would require additional financial resources to meet prospective needs of its member countries during the ongoing global financial crisis. As part of that decision, the G-20 leaders pledged to increase the IMF's supplemental cash tenfold to $500 billion, and to allocate to member countries another $250 billion via Special Drawing Rights.[15][16]As of August 2010 Romania ($13.9 billion), Ukraine ($12.66 billion) and Hungary ($11,7 billion) are the largest borrowers of the fund.[17]
by wikipedia.org
The International Monetary Fund was created in July 1945, originally with 45 members,[6] with a goal to stabilize exchange rates and assist the reconstruction of the world's international payment system. Countries contributed to a pool which could be borrowed from, on a temporary basis, by countries with payment imbalances (Condon, 2007). The IMF was important when it was first created because it helped the world stabilize the economic system. The IMF works to improve the economies of its member countries.[7] The IMF describes itself as "an organization of 187 countries (as of July 2010), working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty".
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Wal-Mart Stores
By Matthew Boyle and Duane D. Stanford
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the largest U.S. private employer, plans to end profit-sharing contributions in February, replacing them with matches to employee 401(k) retirement plans to bring down benefits costs.
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Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the largest U.S. private employer, plans to end profit-sharing contributions in February, replacing them with matches to employee 401(k) retirement plans to bring down benefits costs.
The retailer will match contributions up to 6 percent of eligible employees’ pay, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News. Previously, Wal-Mart automatically put up to 4 percent of pay into the profit-sharing plan, according to spokesman David Tovar.
Since taking over in 2009, Chief Executive Officer Mike Duke has pledged to slow expense growth, aiming to counter five consecutive quarters of sales declines at U.S. stores open at least a year. The switch by Wal-Mart, which has about 1.4 million U.S. employees, will only benefit those who are in the plans, so staff will need to join to profit from the move, said retirement consultant Byron Beebe.
“It does require employees to participate,” said Beebe, the marketing head for the U.S. retirement practice at benefits consultant Aon Hewitt in Cleveland. Beebe said 401(k) participation rates in the retail industry are lower than the average, which is around 75 percent.
Tovar wouldn’t disclose what percentage of Wal-Mart’s 1.1 million eligible employees currently contribute to the 401(k) plan, which is administered by Merrill Lynch & Co. Employees must wait a year before becoming eligible, he said.
Employee Perspective
Kalila Sams, 24, a customer-service manager at a Wal-Mart in Atlanta, said she would welcome a 401(k) match. Sams, who has worked at the retailer for about a year, said she earns $10 an hour for 20 hours a week.
“Things are tight right now, but it would encourage me to save because you’re putting money away before you see it,” Sams said in an interview.
Wal-Mart rose 5 cents to $54.41 at 4 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The stock has advanced 1.8 percent this year.
Some money saved from the switch will go toward quarterly bonuses for store employees, Tovar said. He said the move is part of a “comprehensive benefits package” that offers employees “the potential to receive more income today through our bonus incentive programs, and incentives to save and help them plan for retirement.”
Wake-Up Wal-Mart, a Washington-based group funded by the United Food and Commercial Workers union that has sought to organize the retailer’s workers, said the change showed “a fundamental lack of respect for associates.”
Out of Touch
“To demand that people who already make poverty-level wages begin to pay in order to receive any retirement benefits is out of touch with the reality of employees’ lives,” Jennifer Stapleton, assistant director of Wake-Up Wal-Mart, said in an e- mailed statement.
“Based on feedback from associates, we redesigned our plans to make them more contemporary, relevant and in line with what most companies already do,” Tovar said in an e-mailed statement in response to Stapleton’s remarks.
Retirement plans such as 401(k)s allow workers to put money in tax-deferred accounts for retirement. Employer matches to workers’ contributions help employees increase savings and provide an incentive for them to contribute, said Nancy Hwa, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based Pension Rights Center.
“There are very few companies that only have profit- sharing plans anymore,” said David Wray, president of the Profit Sharing/401k Council of America, a Chicago-based nonprofit representing companies with 401(k) plans. “Profit sharing is variable and up to the company’s discretion and a fixed match is more predictable.”
Common Contributions
The most common contribution by larger employers is 3 percent if workers save 6 percent of their salaries, according to Robyn Credico, defined-contribution practice leader in North America for Towers Watson.
The number of participants in traditional pension plans, where employers generally provide retired employees with lifetime payments, fell to about 19 million in 2007 from 27 million in 1975. In that same period, workers in defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s increased to 67 million from 11 million, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Wal-Mart’s profit-sharing plan was created in 1971 by company co-founder Sam Walton, according to his biography, “Made in America.”
During the year ending Jan. 31, 2008, Wal-Mart contributed $724.4 million to 838,955 hourly employees in profit-sharing and 401(k) contributions, according to a May 2008 company press release. Data for more recent years wasn’t immediately available.
--With reporting by Alexis Leondis and Margaret Collins in New York. Editors: Julie Alnwick, Rick Levinson
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Jobs in Bigger Hole
The worst U.S. employment slump since the end of World War II was probably even deeper than currently estimated, giving the economy a larger hurdle to overcome.
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About 366,000 more jobs may be subtracted from the payroll count for the 12 months through March when the figures are officially updated in early 2011, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. Following last year’s 902,000 adjustment, the revision would cap the biggest back-to-back reduction since at least 1979, the first year of available data.
“The hole we’re digging out of to make up for lost jobs is probably even greater than we had thought,” Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York, said in an interview.
The revision may mean the worst recession since the 1930s resulted in the loss of 8.73 million jobs, up from the 8.36 million currently on the books. The Labor Department’s report today showed employment has grown by 613,000 so far this year after employers cut payrolls by a larger-than-forecast 95,000 workers in September.
The category reflecting retailers, wholesalers, transportation and utility companies showed the biggest potential downward revision at 144,000. A 114,000 reduction at manufacturers and a 91,000 drop at leisure and hospitality industries rounded out the top three.
Tax Records
Once a year, the government revises its payroll figures after combing through tax records from the unemployment insurance program that covers practically all businesses. Those records are only available after a lag, explaining why it takes more than a year to make the tabulations.
The government’s initial monthly estimates are based on a sample of about 140,000 businesses and government agencies encompassing approximately 410,000 worksites.
Since not all of those employers respond to the government’s survey, statisticians also include employment projections based on a formula, known as the birth/death model, to determine the influence from the formation and demise of businesses.
The Labor Department estimates the number of companies that may have folded using data collected over the previous five years. By the same token, it plugs in an estimate for the formation of new businesses to account for their hiring.
Inflection Points
Annual revisions tend to be largest around turning points in the economy because by using the five previous years of data as a benchmark, the government ends up assuming too many businesses were created at the beginning of recessions and too few started at the beginning of expansions. The Labor Department last year said the model didn’t work as well as it usually does and is studying improvements to refine it.
“We’ve been researching it for years, and we’re looking at different ways to possibly improve it,” Chris Manning, the national benchmark branch chief at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, said today in an interview.
Last year’s miss was mainly concentrated in the first quarter of 2009 when the world’s largest economy was in the midst of the recession. This year, the estimated reductions were spread out through the 12 months, Manning said.
It’s not yet clear how much of this year’s revision is a result of a breakdown in the birth/death model, Manning said, and he’ll have a better idea when the final first-quarter figures on the quarterly census of unemployment and wages are released, which should be in the next couple of months.
The Labor Department is considering ways to improve their estimates, Manning said. One would be adjusting the birth/death model more frequently, based on the quarterly census of unemployment and wages, he said.
The projected revisions would put the government’s payroll figures more in line with the ADP Employer Services report. Figures from ADP, a provider of business outsourcing services, are currently underestimating the government’s private payroll count by 562,000 workers.
--Editors: Carlos Torres, Vince Golle
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Employment
An employer is a person or institution that hires employees or workers. There are federal rules which determine whether an employee can be classified as exempt or non exempt from over time. Once an employee has been properly classified as exempt or not exempt, an Employer may offer hourly wages or a salary. It is important to note that "salary" does not always mean "exempt from overtime requirements." A properly classified, as exempt, salaried employee is typically not paid more for more hours worked and employers may not deduct wages for items such as lack of work or because the employee worked less hours due to no fault of their own.
Employees, that are not exempt, must be paid overtime. They are most often referred to as "hourly employees." The federal rule for overtime for all hourly employees is: Hourly employees that work more than 40 hours in a set and predetermined 24 hour and 7 consecutive day period must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours over 40. Under no circumstance may either the employer or employee waive the over time requirement. Additionally, many states have their own individual requirements about when and how over time is to be paid. In general, when there are both federal and state laws that apply to the same employment issue, such as Over Time, the law that treats the employee the best or with most favor, is the law that governs.
Most employment in the U.S is what is known at AT Will. One state, Montana, is not At Will. For all other states, this means that either the employer or the employee may end the relationship "At Will" and with no notice. In the United States there are a growing body of rules, regulations, and laws which affect the AT Will relationship. Therefore, At Will for employers also means that they must not terminate or make an adverse employment decision based on an "unlawful reason."
Employers include individuals hiring a babysitter to governments and businesses which may hire many thousands of employees. In most western societies, governments are the largest single employers but most of the work force is employed in small and medium businesses in the private sector.
Although employees may contribute to an enterprise, the employer maintains control over the productive base of land and capital, and is the entity named in contracts. The employer typically maintains ownership of intellectual property created by an employee within the scope of employment and as a function thereof. These inventions or creations become the property of the employer based on a concept known as "works for hire".
In the United States, the standard employment relationship is considered to be at-will meaning that the employer and employee are both free to terminate the employment at any time and for any cause, or for no cause at all. However, if a termination of employment[3] by the employer is deemed unjust by the employee, there can be legal recourse to challenge such a termination. Unjust termination may include termination due to discrimination because of an individual's race, national origin, sex or gender, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, religion, or military status. Additional protections apply in some states, for instance in California unjust termination reasons include marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation or medical condition. Despite whatever agreement an employer makes with an employee for the employee's wages, an employee is entitled to certain minimum wages set by the federal government. The states may set their own minimum wage that is higher than the federal government's to ensure a higher standard of living or living wage for their residents. Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 an employer may not give different wages based on sex alone.[4]
Employees are often contrasted with independent contractors, especially when there is dispute as to the worker's entitlement to have matching taxes paid, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance benefits. However, in September 2009, the court case of Brown v. J. Kaz, Inc. ruled that independent contractors are regarded as employees for the purpose of discrimination laws if they work for the employer on a regular basis, and said employer directs the time, place, and manner of employment.[5]
In non-union work environments, in the United States, unjust termination complaints can be brought to the United States Department of Labor.
Alternatives
A developing model of employment, as practiced by such companies as Semco, Google, DaVita, Freys Hotels and Linden Labs, seeks to set aside the "master-servant relationship" implicit in the traditional employment contract. The concommitant employment practices are often grouped under the heading Workplace democracy, and are characterised by high levels of employee engagement; principles-based rather than rules-based work relations; and a problem-solving approach to workplace conflict. In this model management (including its employment function) effectively becomes a domain shared between managers and staff. The resurgent New Unionism movement promotes this employment model, and seeks to extend it.
When an individual entirely owns the business for which he or she labours, this is known as self-employment. Self-employment often leads to incorporation. Incorporation offers certain protections of one's personal assets. Laws of incorporation vary from state to state with Delaware having the most incorporated businesses of any state in the U.S.
Workers who are not paid wages, such as volunteers, are generally not considered as being employed. One exception to this is an internship, an employment situation in which the worker receives training or experience (and possibly college credit) as the chief form of compensation.
Those who work under obligation for the purpose of fulfilling a debt, such as an indentured servant, or as property of the person or entity they work for, such as a slave, do not receive pay for their services and are not considered employed. Some historians suggest that slavery is older than employment, but both arrangements have existed for all recorded history.
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Employees, that are not exempt, must be paid overtime. They are most often referred to as "hourly employees." The federal rule for overtime for all hourly employees is: Hourly employees that work more than 40 hours in a set and predetermined 24 hour and 7 consecutive day period must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours over 40. Under no circumstance may either the employer or employee waive the over time requirement. Additionally, many states have their own individual requirements about when and how over time is to be paid. In general, when there are both federal and state laws that apply to the same employment issue, such as Over Time, the law that treats the employee the best or with most favor, is the law that governs.
Most employment in the U.S is what is known at AT Will. One state, Montana, is not At Will. For all other states, this means that either the employer or the employee may end the relationship "At Will" and with no notice. In the United States there are a growing body of rules, regulations, and laws which affect the AT Will relationship. Therefore, At Will for employers also means that they must not terminate or make an adverse employment decision based on an "unlawful reason."
Employers include individuals hiring a babysitter to governments and businesses which may hire many thousands of employees. In most western societies, governments are the largest single employers but most of the work force is employed in small and medium businesses in the private sector.
Although employees may contribute to an enterprise, the employer maintains control over the productive base of land and capital, and is the entity named in contracts. The employer typically maintains ownership of intellectual property created by an employee within the scope of employment and as a function thereof. These inventions or creations become the property of the employer based on a concept known as "works for hire".
In the United States, the standard employment relationship is considered to be at-will meaning that the employer and employee are both free to terminate the employment at any time and for any cause, or for no cause at all. However, if a termination of employment[3] by the employer is deemed unjust by the employee, there can be legal recourse to challenge such a termination. Unjust termination may include termination due to discrimination because of an individual's race, national origin, sex or gender, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, religion, or military status. Additional protections apply in some states, for instance in California unjust termination reasons include marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation or medical condition. Despite whatever agreement an employer makes with an employee for the employee's wages, an employee is entitled to certain minimum wages set by the federal government. The states may set their own minimum wage that is higher than the federal government's to ensure a higher standard of living or living wage for their residents. Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 an employer may not give different wages based on sex alone.[4]
Employees are often contrasted with independent contractors, especially when there is dispute as to the worker's entitlement to have matching taxes paid, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance benefits. However, in September 2009, the court case of Brown v. J. Kaz, Inc. ruled that independent contractors are regarded as employees for the purpose of discrimination laws if they work for the employer on a regular basis, and said employer directs the time, place, and manner of employment.[5]
In non-union work environments, in the United States, unjust termination complaints can be brought to the United States Department of Labor.
Alternatives
A developing model of employment, as practiced by such companies as Semco, Google, DaVita, Freys Hotels and Linden Labs, seeks to set aside the "master-servant relationship" implicit in the traditional employment contract. The concommitant employment practices are often grouped under the heading Workplace democracy, and are characterised by high levels of employee engagement; principles-based rather than rules-based work relations; and a problem-solving approach to workplace conflict. In this model management (including its employment function) effectively becomes a domain shared between managers and staff. The resurgent New Unionism movement promotes this employment model, and seeks to extend it.
When an individual entirely owns the business for which he or she labours, this is known as self-employment. Self-employment often leads to incorporation. Incorporation offers certain protections of one's personal assets. Laws of incorporation vary from state to state with Delaware having the most incorporated businesses of any state in the U.S.
Workers who are not paid wages, such as volunteers, are generally not considered as being employed. One exception to this is an internship, an employment situation in which the worker receives training or experience (and possibly college credit) as the chief form of compensation.
Those who work under obligation for the purpose of fulfilling a debt, such as an indentured servant, or as property of the person or entity they work for, such as a slave, do not receive pay for their services and are not considered employed. Some historians suggest that slavery is older than employment, but both arrangements have existed for all recorded history.
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Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. It can occur unintentionally due to an underlying disease or can arise from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state.
It's a simple matter of burning more calories than you eat. But, if it were really that simple, none of us would have a weight problem, would we? Weight loss can be such a struggle that we start thinking we have to do something drastic to see results -- diets, pills or those weird fitness gadgets on infomercials that promise instant success. The true secret to weight loss is this: Make small changes each and every day and you'll slowly (but surely) lose those extra pounds. The key is to forget about instant results and settle in for the long run.
Below is a step by step process for getting started.
Mary's BMR is 1400 calories and she burns 900 calories in daily activity with regular exercise, walking around and doing household chores. To maintain her weight, she should be eating 2300 calories but, after keeping a food journal, Mary finds that she's eating 2550 calories every day. By eating 250 more calories than her body needs, Mary will gain one pound every 2 weeks.
This example shows how easy it is to gain weight without even knowing it. However, it's also easy to lose weight, even if the process itself can be slow. You can start by making small changes in your diet and activity levels and immediately start burning more calories than you're eating. If you can find a way to burn an extra 200 to 500 calories each day with both exercise and diet, you're on the right track. Try these ideas:
Total Calories Saved: 532 (based on a 140-pound person)
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Weight loss basic
It's a simple matter of burning more calories than you eat. But, if it were really that simple, none of us would have a weight problem, would we? Weight loss can be such a struggle that we start thinking we have to do something drastic to see results -- diets, pills or those weird fitness gadgets on infomercials that promise instant success. The true secret to weight loss is this: Make small changes each and every day and you'll slowly (but surely) lose those extra pounds. The key is to forget about instant results and settle in for the long run.
Below is a step by step process for getting started.
- Calculate your BMR (basal metabolic rate). Your BMR is what your body needs to maintain normal functions like breathing and digestion. This is the minimum number of calories you need to eat each day. Keep in mind that no calculator will be 100% accurate, so you may need to adjust these numbers as you go along.
- Calculate your activity level. Use a calorie calculator to figure out how many calories you burn while sitting, standing, exercising, lifting weights, etc. throughout the day. It helps to keep a daily activity journal or you could even wear a heart rate monitor that calculates calories burned.
- Keep track of how many calories you eat. You can use a site like Calorie Count or use a food journal to write down what you eat and drink each day. Be as accurate as possible, measuring when you need to or looking up nutritional information for restaurants, if you eat out.
- Add it up. Take your BMR number, add your activity calories and then subtract your food calories from that total. If you're eating more than you're burning, (your BMR + activity is 2000 and you're eating 2400 calories) you'll gain weight. If you're burning more than you eat, you'll lose weight.
Mary's BMR is 1400 calories and she burns 900 calories in daily activity with regular exercise, walking around and doing household chores. To maintain her weight, she should be eating 2300 calories but, after keeping a food journal, Mary finds that she's eating 2550 calories every day. By eating 250 more calories than her body needs, Mary will gain one pound every 2 weeks.
This example shows how easy it is to gain weight without even knowing it. However, it's also easy to lose weight, even if the process itself can be slow. You can start by making small changes in your diet and activity levels and immediately start burning more calories than you're eating. If you can find a way to burn an extra 200 to 500 calories each day with both exercise and diet, you're on the right track. Try these ideas:
| Instead of... | Do this... |
| An afternoon Coke | Drink a glass of water. (calories saved: 97) |
| An Egg McMuffin | Eat a small whole wheat bagel +1 Tbsp of peanut butter (calories saved: 185) |
| Using your break eat sweets | Walk up and down a flight of stairs for 10 minutes (calories burned: 100) |
| Hitting the snooze button | Get up 10 minutes early and go for a brisk walk (calories burned: 100) |
| Watching TV after work | Do 10 minutes of yoga (calories burned: 50) |
Total Calories Saved: 532 (based on a 140-pound person)
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By wikipedia.org
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and is based upon a modified version of the Linux kernel. It was initially developed by Android Inc. (a firm purchased by Google) and later positioned in the Open Handset Alliance.[4] According to NPD Group, unit sales for Android OS smartphones ranked first among all smartphone OS handsets sold in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2010, at 33%.[5][6] BlackBerry OS is second at 28%, and iOS is ranked third with 22%.[7]
Android has a large community of developers writing application programs (apps) that extend the functionality of the devices. There are currently over 70,000 apps available for Android with some estimates saying 100,000 have been submitted,[8] which makes it the second most popular mobile development environment.[9] Developers write managed code in the Java language, controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries.[10]
The unveiling of the Android distribution on 5 November 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 78 hardware, software, and telecom companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.[11][12] Google released most of the Android code under the Apache License, a free software and open source license.[13]
The Android operating system software stack consists of Java applications running on a Java based object oriented application framework on top of Java core libraries running on a Dalvik virtual machine featuring JIT compilation. Libraries written in C include the surface manager, OpenCore[14] media framework, SQLite relational database management system, OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics API, WebKit layout engine, SGL graphics engine, SSL, and Bionic libc. The Android operating system consists of 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.[15
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android (operating system)
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and is based upon a modified version of the Linux kernel. It was initially developed by Android Inc. (a firm purchased by Google) and later positioned in the Open Handset Alliance.[4] According to NPD Group, unit sales for Android OS smartphones ranked first among all smartphone OS handsets sold in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2010, at 33%.[5][6] BlackBerry OS is second at 28%, and iOS is ranked third with 22%.[7]
Android has a large community of developers writing application programs (apps) that extend the functionality of the devices. There are currently over 70,000 apps available for Android with some estimates saying 100,000 have been submitted,[8] which makes it the second most popular mobile development environment.[9] Developers write managed code in the Java language, controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries.[10]
The unveiling of the Android distribution on 5 November 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 78 hardware, software, and telecom companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.[11][12] Google released most of the Android code under the Apache License, a free software and open source license.[13]
The Android operating system software stack consists of Java applications running on a Java based object oriented application framework on top of Java core libraries running on a Dalvik virtual machine featuring JIT compilation. Libraries written in C include the surface manager, OpenCore[14] media framework, SQLite relational database management system, OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics API, WebKit layout engine, SGL graphics engine, SSL, and Bionic libc. The Android operating system consists of 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.[15
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Guide to College Saving Plans
By MSN Money
No one savings method fits every family. Consider your tax bracket, your child's age, how much control you want over your investments and how much financial aid you expect to get.
By 2020, you'll need an estimated (and heart-stopping) $225,000 to put Junior through a private college or $105,000 for a public university.
Conventional wisdom says the sooner you start saving, the more funds you'll accumulate.
First, figure out how much you'll need to save, using your child's age as a yardstick. (See MSN Money's tuition calculator first.)
Then start comparing plans. (See "College plans for the rich, poor and in-between.") Here are the most common methods:
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No one savings method fits every family. Consider your tax bracket, your child's age, how much control you want over your investments and how much financial aid you expect to get.
By 2020, you'll need an estimated (and heart-stopping) $225,000 to put Junior through a private college or $105,000 for a public university.
Conventional wisdom says the sooner you start saving, the more funds you'll accumulate.
First, figure out how much you'll need to save, using your child's age as a yardstick. (See MSN Money's tuition calculator first.)
Then start comparing plans. (See "College plans for the rich, poor and in-between.") Here are the most common methods:
- 529s, which are state-sponsored investment accounts, let you put aside money for college. The money grows tax-deferred and is tax-free when withdrawn to pay qualified education expenses, and may be deductible on your state tax returns. In addition, for families with multiple children, funds can be moved from one 529 to another, depending on which child can best use the money. When choosing a 529, however, look hard at the fund's commissions, fees and performance. You can do some research at Morningstar or Savingforcollege.com. The plans haven't fared well in the down stock market, and there may be better choices.
- Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow earnings to grow tax-deferred and distributions to be tax-free when used to pay qualified educational expenses. You can currently contribute up to $2,000 a year and withdraw money tax-free. However, unless Congress extends the benefits after 2010, the maximum annual contribution to a Coverdell will fall to $500. (See "How Uncle Sam wants you to save for college.")
- Prepaid tuition plans allow parents to lock in future tuition at current rates. These tax-deferred plans are designed to remove investment risk. However, some plans allow saving only for tuition, not room and board, which means you'll need an additional source of funds. (See "Pay tomorrow's tuition at today's prices.")
- U.S. Savings Bonds purchased after 1989 may be redeemed tax-free when the bond owner, spouse or dependent uses the proceeds to pay college tuition and fees. However, the bonds' safety is balanced by low returns, and the tax exclusion is phased out for higher-income tax brackets.
- Custodial accounts, which include those under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, are not as popular as they once were. Accounts are opened in a child's name, and the income is taxed at the child's rate rather than the parents' presumably higher one. However, 2006 legislation changed "kiddie tax" rules so that children have to wait until they turn 18 to take full advantage of the lower tax rate. In addition, colleges consider custodial accounts to be student assets, which count against them in financial-aid packages.
- Individual retirement accounts are a method of last resort. Early-withdrawal penalties are waived when Roth or traditional IRAs are used to pay qualified post-secondary education costs for you or your family. However, cashing out could leave you in a bind at retirement time.
- If you serve (or have served) in the military, there may be additional scholarships for you and your children.
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Money saving Tips for Students
by lovemoney.com
If you’ve just started university, then you’ve probably learnt a few valuable lessons already - pasta is a great accompaniment to just about anything edible, value-priced vodka gives the worst hangovers imaginable and living by your own means isn’t cheap. Finding your financial feet can be a real challenge when you’re at university, as even if you have a student loan, it sometimes doesn’t stretch as far as you would like it to.
What’s more, there are also loads of pesky extra hidden costs that viciously pop up and bite chunks out of your budget, when you’re least expecting it.
When you start your academic adventure, the last thing on your mind is going to be budgeting. But if you set out a clear money management plan at the beginning, you’ll be laughing at the end.
When I set off to university, I made sure that I sorted out all my finances at the start of term. I had researched and applied for all the relevant grants and bursaries in the summer and I had a plan of how much money I would be spending against how much I actually had.
If you haven’t already got a student bank account, the first thing you should do is go ahead and open one. Most of them offer interest free overdrafts which can help fund your living costs through University, so make sure you check out this article about the best student bank accounts to find out more.
Home insurance
The first thing you’ll probably consider, when moving to University are accommodation costs and bills but you should also think about home insurance and content cover.
While I was at university, I knew a couple of friends who learnt the hard way about the costs of not having content cover. They were burgled and all of their expensive gadgets were stolen and, because they didn’t have insurance, they couldn’t claim for any of it back.
Our home insurance comparison centre, here at lovemoney.com, compares all the best deals around, so check it out if you’re in doubt at which cover to get, or use Yahoo!’s own comparison service.
Transport
If you’re planning on driving to and from your campus, then you’ll have to research parking costs before hand, as some universities don’t even let students park on campus and others charge extortionate parking fees.
A way to get around this, is to directly appeal to the residents living in the area surrounding the university. One of my friends at university was fed up with paying ridiculous parking fees at the University campus, so posted a letter to all the houses nearby, asking to rent out their driveways, so she could park there while she was at university.
She soon got a positive reply and paid a much cheaper fee to the resident to use their, otherwise unused, driveway.
You should also consider using public transport and if you’re going to be using the train a lot, then it you should definitely invest in a young person’s rail card that saves you 1/3 off rail travel.
Moving accommodation
Another key cost that gets overlooked is the price of moving house, when it comes to switching accommodation at the end of the year.
If you don’t have a vehicle at hand and you’re unable to get any help, then using a moving company is probably going to be your only option.
Unfortunately, these are quite expensive although there are some specialist student removal services available. Student Movers, specialise in small moves, so they’re ideal for a student moving accommodation.
Another excellent service is Uni Baggage, a baggage moving company that collects your bags from University and then delivers them to your home from just £12.
This is a great idea to save you lugging all your baggage on long distance train journeys and it also saves your parents coming all the way to pick you (and your army of bags) up from university.
Storage space
Some students overlook the fact that it’s often difficult to find somewhere to store all your belongings when term time comes to an end.
For instance, if you own all your furniture in your accommodation and are planning to move into somewhere new, you’re going to need somewhere to keep your furniture until you can move into the new house.
If you find yourself in this situation, then Safestore could help you out. Being a storage company that caters for students, they offer a 20% discount and are really flexible with the amount of time you need to use them for.
Shopping
Not so much a hidden cost, but some students underestimate the amount of money that their weekly shopping takes up.
If buying food wasn’t enough, students also have to spend out on cleaning products, essential toiletries and studying material.
This article gives some great tips on how to get the cheapest food bills and if you live in a house with other students, it can be worthwhile to buy your shopping online and split the costs.
Another way to combat your menacing food bill, is to consider how you buy.
If you can get a 0% purchases credit card, then this will give you an interest free period (up to 13months) in which you can buy things, such as your food shop, with no extra added costs.
This is great if you’re struggling for cash and waiting for your next student loan instalment but just make sure you pay off your card before the interest free period ends, otherwise, you’ll be stung with huge interest rates.
Discounts
Of course, one of the main perks of being a student is enjoying fabulous student discounts.
I used to ask everywhere and it’s surprising how many companies do special deals for students.
Two of my favourite student discount websites are Student Beans and Student Discounts.
So there you are, now you the know the hidden costs of university can be easily beaten you can focus on your studies (and parties.)
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If you’ve just started university, then you’ve probably learnt a few valuable lessons already - pasta is a great accompaniment to just about anything edible, value-priced vodka gives the worst hangovers imaginable and living by your own means isn’t cheap. Finding your financial feet can be a real challenge when you’re at university, as even if you have a student loan, it sometimes doesn’t stretch as far as you would like it to.
When you start your academic adventure, the last thing on your mind is going to be budgeting. But if you set out a clear money management plan at the beginning, you’ll be laughing at the end.
When I set off to university, I made sure that I sorted out all my finances at the start of term. I had researched and applied for all the relevant grants and bursaries in the summer and I had a plan of how much money I would be spending against how much I actually had.
If you haven’t already got a student bank account, the first thing you should do is go ahead and open one. Most of them offer interest free overdrafts which can help fund your living costs through University, so make sure you check out this article about the best student bank accounts to find out more.
Home insurance
The first thing you’ll probably consider, when moving to University are accommodation costs and bills but you should also think about home insurance and content cover.
While I was at university, I knew a couple of friends who learnt the hard way about the costs of not having content cover. They were burgled and all of their expensive gadgets were stolen and, because they didn’t have insurance, they couldn’t claim for any of it back.
Our home insurance comparison centre, here at lovemoney.com, compares all the best deals around, so check it out if you’re in doubt at which cover to get, or use Yahoo!’s own comparison service.
Transport
If you’re planning on driving to and from your campus, then you’ll have to research parking costs before hand, as some universities don’t even let students park on campus and others charge extortionate parking fees.
A way to get around this, is to directly appeal to the residents living in the area surrounding the university. One of my friends at university was fed up with paying ridiculous parking fees at the University campus, so posted a letter to all the houses nearby, asking to rent out their driveways, so she could park there while she was at university.
She soon got a positive reply and paid a much cheaper fee to the resident to use their, otherwise unused, driveway.
You should also consider using public transport and if you’re going to be using the train a lot, then it you should definitely invest in a young person’s rail card that saves you 1/3 off rail travel.
Moving accommodation
Another key cost that gets overlooked is the price of moving house, when it comes to switching accommodation at the end of the year.
If you don’t have a vehicle at hand and you’re unable to get any help, then using a moving company is probably going to be your only option.
Unfortunately, these are quite expensive although there are some specialist student removal services available. Student Movers, specialise in small moves, so they’re ideal for a student moving accommodation.
Another excellent service is Uni Baggage, a baggage moving company that collects your bags from University and then delivers them to your home from just £12.
This is a great idea to save you lugging all your baggage on long distance train journeys and it also saves your parents coming all the way to pick you (and your army of bags) up from university.
Storage space
Some students overlook the fact that it’s often difficult to find somewhere to store all your belongings when term time comes to an end.
For instance, if you own all your furniture in your accommodation and are planning to move into somewhere new, you’re going to need somewhere to keep your furniture until you can move into the new house.
If you find yourself in this situation, then Safestore could help you out. Being a storage company that caters for students, they offer a 20% discount and are really flexible with the amount of time you need to use them for.
Shopping
Not so much a hidden cost, but some students underestimate the amount of money that their weekly shopping takes up.
If buying food wasn’t enough, students also have to spend out on cleaning products, essential toiletries and studying material.
This article gives some great tips on how to get the cheapest food bills and if you live in a house with other students, it can be worthwhile to buy your shopping online and split the costs.
Another way to combat your menacing food bill, is to consider how you buy.
If you can get a 0% purchases credit card, then this will give you an interest free period (up to 13months) in which you can buy things, such as your food shop, with no extra added costs.
This is great if you’re struggling for cash and waiting for your next student loan instalment but just make sure you pay off your card before the interest free period ends, otherwise, you’ll be stung with huge interest rates.
Discounts
Of course, one of the main perks of being a student is enjoying fabulous student discounts.
I used to ask everywhere and it’s surprising how many companies do special deals for students.
Two of my favourite student discount websites are Student Beans and Student Discounts.
So there you are, now you the know the hidden costs of university can be easily beaten you can focus on your studies (and parties.)
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Home Loans : Guide Selling Tips
Your home's exterior is the first thing a potential buyer sees, when visiting your home. The following tips will help you increase your home's curbside appeal and create a strong first impression to potential home buyers.
Fence
Replace missing slats, stakes and posts. Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.
Yard
Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn. Weed flower beds and replace dead plants and trees.
Driveway, Garage, Carport
Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces. Make sure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener is working. Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street by not parking cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.
Front Entry
Polish door handles and door knockers. Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell. Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants.
Siding and Trim
Consider painting the highlight features of your home, such as trim work, shutters, gutters, down spouts and railings. If necessary, add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding.
Roof
Remove debris such as tree branches and leaves. Straighten the TV antenna. Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.
Patio, Deck
Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal. Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment. Tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue.
Interior touch-ups:
Experience shows that creating a house warming feeling inside your home increases its desirability. View your home with a critical eye. Clean, complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches.
Doors and Windows
Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door. Polish brass fixtures and be sure door locks work properly. Oil hinges to both doors and windows. Keep stairways tidy and secure handrail. Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass. Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light. Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.
Floors and Carpets
Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards. Steam-clean or shampoo carpets. Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.
Closets and Storage Areas
Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home. Keep closets tidy. Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Keep living areas clean and inviting. Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere. Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary. Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls. Finishing touches such as flowers or candles add to the home's house warming appeal.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items. Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out). Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, garbage and various foods.
Counters and Cabinets
Store infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.
Garage or Workshop
Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units. Allow appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench. Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage.
SHOWING YOUR HOME
With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.
1. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SHOW
General Maintenance
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned-out lights
Clean and repair windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span
Shampoo carpets
Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
Clean furnace
Clean fridge and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
The Buying Atmosphere
Turn on all lights
Light fireplace
Open drapes in the day time
Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned-out lights
Clean and repair windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span
Shampoo carpets
Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
Clean furnace
Clean fridge and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
The Buying Atmosphere
Turn on all lights
Light fireplace
Open drapes in the day time
Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors
Curb Appeal
Cut lawns
Trim shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up any litter
Clear walk and driveway of leaves
Repair gutters and eaves
Touch up exterior paint
Cut lawns
Trim shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up any litter
Clear walk and driveway of leaves
Repair gutters and eaves
Touch up exterior paint
The Spacious Look
Clear stairs and halls
Store excess furniture
Clear counters and stove
Make closets neat and tidy
Clear stairs and halls
Store excess furniture
Clear counters and stove
Make closets neat and tidy
The First Impression
Clean and tidy entrance
Ensure doorbell functions
Polish door hardware
Clean and tidy entrance
Ensure doorbell functions
Polish door hardware
SHOW YOUR HOME THE RIGHT WAY
When your house is being shown: Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light, and make rooms appear larger. Tag items not included in sale (i.e., water conditioner). Have your home well-lighted during showing. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting if you have it. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter. Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters. Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, wagons, and skateboards should not be out front, but made as inconspicuous as possible. Keep stereo or TV turned way down. Take your family away if your broker is holding an open house. Don't mention furniture of furnishings you wish to dispose of unless asked. Such discussion can kill the sale. Keep pets outdoors when your house is being shown. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers. Be friendly and encourage people, to make themselves "at home." Remove and replace items not included in the sale of your house (i.e., Chandelier).
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