Sunday, April 28, 2013
Eleven Ways To Avoid Losing Sleep When Buy A Mattress
Mattresses should be replaced every 10 years. And except for certain kinds of specialty mattresses, it is very difficult to compare mattress prices from store to store. That's because retailers use product names and numbers you won't find anywhere else.
1. Take Notes. When you find a mattress that feel comfortable, jot down every detail about the mattress. Your notes should include the coil count, the coil wire gauge, the dimensions plus the height, the length of the warranty, the materials used, how the sleep surface is described, and the list price compared to other mattress stores. Then you will able to compare apples to apples when comparing prices.
2. Determine Firmness. Then note the firmness based on your judgement where if falls on a scale from 1 to 10. To determine this, lie on the mattress for at least 10 minutes to make sure it feels comfortable and it properly supports your spine. Then ask the sales person where each mattress falls on a firmness scale from 1 to 10 so you can discover what firmness scale you like best.
3. Warranty Terms. Keep in mind that manufacturers warranties only cover major defects. They don't let you return because you found the mattress uncomfortable. The exception would be high priced mattresses like Tempur-Pedic which offer a 90 day in home trial period. After you find your best price, compare stores that offer free delivery, free removal of old bedding and the longest free home trial period and free re-delivery and removal of the mattress if you're not happy. Also make sure that you read the store mattress return polices carefully as stated on their respective websites. Normally, extended warranty plans sold by stores aren't worth the paper their printed on. For instance, one major retailer requires you to purchase it if you want a 45 day return period on a mattress. And you can only do it one time.
4.Watch Out For High Coil Count. A high coil count doesn't always mean higher quality. It's true that having more coils is better than having fewer coils but the coils might be made from different materials in different ways. For example, a mattress made with independent coils made from separate pieces of wire will give you a better sleep since they isolate movement better than coils made from continuous strands of wire.
So make sure you include this point when comparing mattresses. You want a high independent coil count made from separate wires.
5. Watch Out For The Pillow Top Trap. Pillow top mattresses feel great when you lay on them because they have thick soft layers of foam . The trouble is that these thick layers soon develop deep, annoying body indentations. So if you love the pillow top feel, opt for a plush top instead. These have just 2 or 3 inches of foam instead of the 4 to 6 inches of foam on a pillow top.
6. New Box Springs May Be A Waste Of Money. When you buy a new mattress, expect the salesperson to recommend a new box spring or "foundation". You might be told that it will extend the life of your mattress or it will void the mattress warranty. None of this is usually true. But if the store says that not buying a new foundation will void the mattress warranty, demand to see a copy of the manufacturers warranty before you commit to buying it. If it's just at store policy, then you should shop elsewhere.
7.High Priced Mattress Drawbacks. Memory foam mattresses do a great job conforming to the contours of the body but they also make some sleepers feel too hot. Dual zone air filled mattresses have a tendency to let humidity and perspiration build up around the the internal air bladders. So mold and mildew can spread in the bladders if not cleaned by using a liquid detergent. Also these mattresses can be opened for cleaning and ventilation but they must be completely dry before closing them up.
8. High Prices Don't Guarantee Comfort. Some people equate high prices with quality. However, a leading consumer magazine reported that 40% of mattress buyers have buyers remorse. They also discovered that a $500 Ikea mattress fared just as well satisfaction surveys as a $3,000 Tempur-Pedic.
9. Check Out The BBB. Before you even waste your time shopping a store, make sure you go to the
Better Business Bureau website and check out the store's reputation. One major furniture retailer who has the biggest national advertising budget, has an "F" rating -- the lowest for customer satisfaction. So go to www.BBB.org and check them out. Also , check out the store's reputation on www.Yelp.com. Look for at least 50 reviews to get unbiased feedback. Or do a Google search like "consumer complaints about "XYZ Mattress Store".
10.Compare Prices. When you have made a mattress choice, go back or call the store you like the most and try to negotiate additional discounts of 20%, 30% or 40% more off of the quoted price. When you negotiate the price, say this: " You know , I really like this mattress and I like your store. But I don't have $1,000 to spend on it right now. All I have in my budget is $700." ( which is 30%v off ) ."Would you consider taking $700 for the mattress if I bought it right now?" Most retailer's list prices double or triple their costs on mattresses, so you have nothing to lose by asking for a discount in this manner. If you like the mattress and the store, and they won't budge on the price, try getting them to throw in new pillows and sheets with the purchase. Also, some stores have price match guarantees so make sure you make several stores compete for your business when all the other factors like reputation and return policies are equal. Keep in mind department stores usually won't negotiate but they may honor price match guarantees if you can show that the mattress is the same despite different names. Also, some department stores may offer better options on returns and delivery if you're not happy.
11. Avoid In Store Financing. When you opt in for furniture in store financing, you may give up some of your rights to dispute any complaints. Although no money down, and no interest for 3 years is quite attractive, make sure you read the financing agreement carefully BEFORE you buy. Don't buy on impulse and take your time. Feel free to take any financing agreements, warranties and brochures home to read them carefully before your buy. Ideally, you'd be better off using a major credit card for any mattress purchase. Then if there is a problem with the product or the store, you'll have 60 days of recourse protection. All American Express cards and most platinum Mastercard and Visa cards also extend the warranty of almost any retail purchase you make and give you other protections. If you really want financing, you can always pay off your credit card balance in full with one of those credit card checks that give you 0 interest for one year. Then when the year is up, you can just pay off the balance with another 0 interest credit card check. Just make sure that the check has no balance transfer fees.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
7 Ways Managers Can Dramatically Boost Prodctivity For Themselves And Their Employees
1. Optimize Your Work Space First,know that staring at cute images like puppies on your walls can narrow your focus and make you less error prone. Second, boost your employee output by trying to keep desks away from windows since good weather is distracting. Third, crank up the heat since employees who work in warm offices make 44 % fewer errors and increase their output 150%. Around 77 degrees is optimal. Fourth, filter out distractions since constant chitchat and exposure to noise makes you less likely to persist at difficult tasks. Fifth, build a nap room. Studies show that napping anywhere from 6 to 90 minutes a day improves memory and learning ability. And last, choose power colors like red rooms to improve performance and blue room to enhance creativity.
2. Don't Reward Failure Your employees will work harder to avoid a loss than to seek a gain. So set targets, impose consequences for failure but don't set the stakes too high.
3.Don't Multitask Studies at Stamford have proven that multitasking doesn't work.So instead, dedicate a 20 minute chunk to a single task, and then switch to the next one. Also, limit the time you spend on emails since it has proven cause stress. So just check your emails a few scheduled times a day and turn off email notifications the rest of the time. Also, quick questions are often better asked face to face or by phone where they don't add to the huge amounts of emails received everyday.
4.Exercise Studies show that working out or doing aerobics improves your brain function.
5. Pay A Bigger Share Of Employees Health Insurance The University of Michigan and Harvard Medical did a study that shows for every $5 increase in health car costs incurred by employees, absences increase by one hour. The authors conclude that the higher the costs, the fewer prescriptions employees fill. So they experience more pain and miss more days of work. The bottom line is that employees with health insurance are far more productive than their uninsured peers.
6.Take Time To Get More Rest You'll find that you'll accomplish more if you give your body sufficient down time. Another Stamford study shows that when college basketball players got 10 hours of sleep a night, their shooting accuracy improved 9 percent.Also, a lack of sleep affects your ability to control your emotions. But sleep isn't the only thing you need. Recent studies by the University of Utah and Kansas have shown that spending time in nature dramatically improves high-level cognition.Activities like hiking influences and improves creativity.
7.Encourage Healthy Conflicts Healthy debates yield better work outcomes since debating makes people divergent , it reduces conformity and fosters competition. But watch out for brainstorming with the assertion that there's no such thing as a bad idea . It has proven to be lousy for productivity. Employee teams produce many more ideas when they are encouraged to challenge each other in a debate setting. Just make sure you don't put all your A players on one team. That's because top performers usually don't work well as a team. This has been proven by the NBA and Wall Street analysts.When you have too many star players on one team, it promotes status conflicts within the team. So make sure your groups are not made up of all leaders. You need some people who are prepared to defer.
2. Don't Reward Failure Your employees will work harder to avoid a loss than to seek a gain. So set targets, impose consequences for failure but don't set the stakes too high.
3.Don't Multitask Studies at Stamford have proven that multitasking doesn't work.So instead, dedicate a 20 minute chunk to a single task, and then switch to the next one. Also, limit the time you spend on emails since it has proven cause stress. So just check your emails a few scheduled times a day and turn off email notifications the rest of the time. Also, quick questions are often better asked face to face or by phone where they don't add to the huge amounts of emails received everyday.
4.Exercise Studies show that working out or doing aerobics improves your brain function.
5. Pay A Bigger Share Of Employees Health Insurance The University of Michigan and Harvard Medical did a study that shows for every $5 increase in health car costs incurred by employees, absences increase by one hour. The authors conclude that the higher the costs, the fewer prescriptions employees fill. So they experience more pain and miss more days of work. The bottom line is that employees with health insurance are far more productive than their uninsured peers.
6.Take Time To Get More Rest You'll find that you'll accomplish more if you give your body sufficient down time. Another Stamford study shows that when college basketball players got 10 hours of sleep a night, their shooting accuracy improved 9 percent.Also, a lack of sleep affects your ability to control your emotions. But sleep isn't the only thing you need. Recent studies by the University of Utah and Kansas have shown that spending time in nature dramatically improves high-level cognition.Activities like hiking influences and improves creativity.
7.Encourage Healthy Conflicts Healthy debates yield better work outcomes since debating makes people divergent , it reduces conformity and fosters competition. But watch out for brainstorming with the assertion that there's no such thing as a bad idea . It has proven to be lousy for productivity. Employee teams produce many more ideas when they are encouraged to challenge each other in a debate setting. Just make sure you don't put all your A players on one team. That's because top performers usually don't work well as a team. This has been proven by the NBA and Wall Street analysts.When you have too many star players on one team, it promotes status conflicts within the team. So make sure your groups are not made up of all leaders. You need some people who are prepared to defer.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Get Free Music, Books & Apps Seven Days A Week
Sunday: Books are available for borrowing through Kindle Owners Lending Library.
Monday: Google's Play Sore gives away a free song of the day on its music home page.
Tuesday: iTunes gives away a free single of the week.
Wednesday: Artist on the Rise page at Amazon's MP3 store allows free download songs by artists.
Thursday: Free TV shows are available at Google's Play Store.
Friday: Get a free book and app verey week on Barnes & Nobles free Friday program.
Saturday: Get incredible free apps on Amazon's free app of the day offer.
Monday: Google's Play Sore gives away a free song of the day on its music home page.
Tuesday: iTunes gives away a free single of the week.
Wednesday: Artist on the Rise page at Amazon's MP3 store allows free download songs by artists.
Thursday: Free TV shows are available at Google's Play Store.
Friday: Get a free book and app verey week on Barnes & Nobles free Friday program.
Saturday: Get incredible free apps on Amazon's free app of the day offer.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Six Ways To Avoid Big Blunders When Refinancing Your Home
1.Ignoring The Age Of Your Old Loan If you are 10 years into a 30 year mortgage when you refinance to a new 30 year loan, you will have to make 10 additional years of payments to pay it off. Unless your goal is to free up cash, you should consider getting a mortgage shorter than 30 years when you refinance. That will reduce your monthly payments without extending your loan payments.
2. Buy A Car Or Changing Jobs The loan approval process doesn't stop when your mortgage is approved. Your lender is likely to reconfirm your employment and financials in the week before your loan closes. So your lender might back away from your if he discovers you changed jobs or incurred more debt.
So don't do anything that will significantly alter your credit score until after the mortgage closes.
3. Assuming The Lowest Advertised Rate Is The Best Deal You really can't compare mortgage offers just by comparing rates. A lender could quote a low rate and and jack up the closing costs. When calling lenders, don't ask , "What's your rate?" Ask instead, "Whats your 30 year fixed rate with zero points if I lock it in for 60 days?" Phrasing the question that way compares apples to apples even if it isn't exactly the mortgage you end up choosing.
4.Allowing Rates To Float Too Long Before locking in a rate, ask the lender what your options are if you over-run your lock up period. Also ask if it's possible to initially allow the rate to float, then later lock it in a few weeks down the road.
5. Letting A Lender Charge You Hidden Points Just because a lender tells you that a mortgage has low or no points does mean it has low or no fees. Points are a type of fee charged as a percentage of the loan. some lenders instead charge steep flat fees so they can tell borrowers that their loans have low or no points without technically lying. So when a lender quotes you a loan ask if there's a "discount fee", "origination fee" or a "broker fee." These are terms lender use to hide points in the form of flat fees. Also, immediately ask for a written good faith estimate of the mortgage terms. Lenders are required to provide these within 3 days after receiving the loan application. Read it to make sure there are no steep undisclosed fees.
6. Choosing An ARM Because You Expect To Sell Before Rates Reset Always choose a fixed low rate mortgage and lock in today's rates even if you expect to move before an ARM's rate resets. ARM's or ajustable rate mortgages, are not worth the risk if there's a chance that you will still own the home after the loan rate resets.
2. Buy A Car Or Changing Jobs The loan approval process doesn't stop when your mortgage is approved. Your lender is likely to reconfirm your employment and financials in the week before your loan closes. So your lender might back away from your if he discovers you changed jobs or incurred more debt.
So don't do anything that will significantly alter your credit score until after the mortgage closes.
3. Assuming The Lowest Advertised Rate Is The Best Deal You really can't compare mortgage offers just by comparing rates. A lender could quote a low rate and and jack up the closing costs. When calling lenders, don't ask , "What's your rate?" Ask instead, "Whats your 30 year fixed rate with zero points if I lock it in for 60 days?" Phrasing the question that way compares apples to apples even if it isn't exactly the mortgage you end up choosing.
4.Allowing Rates To Float Too Long Before locking in a rate, ask the lender what your options are if you over-run your lock up period. Also ask if it's possible to initially allow the rate to float, then later lock it in a few weeks down the road.
5. Letting A Lender Charge You Hidden Points Just because a lender tells you that a mortgage has low or no points does mean it has low or no fees. Points are a type of fee charged as a percentage of the loan. some lenders instead charge steep flat fees so they can tell borrowers that their loans have low or no points without technically lying. So when a lender quotes you a loan ask if there's a "discount fee", "origination fee" or a "broker fee." These are terms lender use to hide points in the form of flat fees. Also, immediately ask for a written good faith estimate of the mortgage terms. Lenders are required to provide these within 3 days after receiving the loan application. Read it to make sure there are no steep undisclosed fees.
6. Choosing An ARM Because You Expect To Sell Before Rates Reset Always choose a fixed low rate mortgage and lock in today's rates even if you expect to move before an ARM's rate resets. ARM's or ajustable rate mortgages, are not worth the risk if there's a chance that you will still own the home after the loan rate resets.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Six New Ways Facebook Is Stealing Your Privacy And What You Can Do About It
1. Timeline Timeline makes its easy for people to search back through your old facebook posts. That could expose private matters embarrassing photos that you've long forgotten. To hide posts you don't want to be seen, hold your cursor over the post and click the pencil con that appears in the upper right hand corner. Then click "hide from Timeline" or "Delete".
2. Facebook Apps Some facebook apps dig deep into your data even accessing info you have designated as private like your religion, political leanings and sexual preferences. So make sure you read the privacy polices carefully before signing up for an app.The free tool available at https://www.facebook.com/Privacyscore will help you evaluate the privacy policies of the apps you use.
3.Facebook "Like" Buttons Each time you click on a "like" button on a website, you alert your interests to your facebook friends and its advertising partners. And if you're a facebook user and you visit a web page that has a "like" button, facebook will record you visit to that page if you don't click "like". One way to prevent facebook from knowing where you go online is to set your web browser to block all cookies. You can also use the "In Private Browsing" mode in Internet Explorer, the "Incognito " mode in Google Chrome, and the "Private Browsing" mode in Firefox and Safari. There are also free plug ins to stop facebook from following you such as http://webgraph.com/resources/facebookblocker/
4. Social Readers If you signed up for sites like The Washington Post it will tell your facebook friends that articles you read on the site. So if you've signed up for a social reader app, then delete it. Just click the lock icon in the upper right hand corner and select"See More Settings" then choose "apps" on the left. Locate the app, click "X" and follow the directions to delete.
5. Photo & Video Tags Some tags can let others see you in unflattering and unprofessional situations. To untag yourself from unflattering photos, hold your cursor over the post and click on the pencil icon. Select "Report/Remove Tag", then follow directions to remove it. Then enable review of all future photos you're tagged in before they appear on Timeline. Click the lock icon in the upper right, the "See More Settings" and select "Timeline and Tagging". Then click "edit" next to "Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your Timeline, " and click "Enabled" on the drop down menu.
6. Facebook Friends If several of your facebook friends list potentially risky or unhealthy activities, a potential insurer, college admissions office or employer might conclude you also enjoy such behavior. You might consider removing these people from your friends list or make your friends list private. Just click on your name in upper right hand corner, then click "Friends", the "Edit" and select "Only Me" from the drop down menu.
2. Facebook Apps Some facebook apps dig deep into your data even accessing info you have designated as private like your religion, political leanings and sexual preferences. So make sure you read the privacy polices carefully before signing up for an app.The free tool available at https://www.facebook.com/Privacyscore will help you evaluate the privacy policies of the apps you use.
3.Facebook "Like" Buttons Each time you click on a "like" button on a website, you alert your interests to your facebook friends and its advertising partners. And if you're a facebook user and you visit a web page that has a "like" button, facebook will record you visit to that page if you don't click "like". One way to prevent facebook from knowing where you go online is to set your web browser to block all cookies. You can also use the "In Private Browsing" mode in Internet Explorer, the "Incognito " mode in Google Chrome, and the "Private Browsing" mode in Firefox and Safari. There are also free plug ins to stop facebook from following you such as http://webgraph.com/resources/facebookblocker/
4. Social Readers If you signed up for sites like The Washington Post it will tell your facebook friends that articles you read on the site. So if you've signed up for a social reader app, then delete it. Just click the lock icon in the upper right hand corner and select"See More Settings" then choose "apps" on the left. Locate the app, click "X" and follow the directions to delete.
5. Photo & Video Tags Some tags can let others see you in unflattering and unprofessional situations. To untag yourself from unflattering photos, hold your cursor over the post and click on the pencil icon. Select "Report/Remove Tag", then follow directions to remove it. Then enable review of all future photos you're tagged in before they appear on Timeline. Click the lock icon in the upper right, the "See More Settings" and select "Timeline and Tagging". Then click "edit" next to "Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your Timeline, " and click "Enabled" on the drop down menu.
6. Facebook Friends If several of your facebook friends list potentially risky or unhealthy activities, a potential insurer, college admissions office or employer might conclude you also enjoy such behavior. You might consider removing these people from your friends list or make your friends list private. Just click on your name in upper right hand corner, then click "Friends", the "Edit" and select "Only Me" from the drop down menu.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
How Ordinary People Get Parts In Commercials, TV Shows and Movies And Make Up To $600 A Day Or More
You don't have to move to Hollywood or New York City and don't need movie star good looks. While it's true that movies and TV shows feature people in their 20's, it's a lot easier for older actors to land jobs outside of Los Angeles. Also, most professional acting jobs are parts in local commercials and corporate training films. In addition, directors want actors that look like ordinary people. As an extra, you can earn from $50 to $75 a day, and a principal role pays $600 a day or more.
Three places to find work are the websites of state and city film offices, casting directors, and talent agencies. Type in "film office" of your state or city in Google for job announcements. You can also Google the term "casting director" and t he name of your state or city to find out if they have "open calls" or auditions open to anyone interested in trying out. Plus talent agencies have print departments which help actors and models find work.A good place to find talent agencies is the website of the Screen Actors Guild. At www.Sagaftra.org click on the "Union Info" menu, then click on "Agency Relations" then choose "SAG Franchised Agents".Then at the top of the page click on"Locals" and choose your geographical area. After that, choose "Local Resources" and pick from "Casting Directors", "SAG Franchised Agents" and "AFTRA Franchised Agents". Just make sure that you take some acting lessons before you approach a talent agency. Just Google "acting lessons" with your state or city. A 4 to 6 week class should cost just $100 to $300. A class focused on camera acting for commercials and corporate training films will be useful if you want to launch a part-time acting career and you don't live near NY or LA. Know that agents won't recommend you to casting directors over their existing clients unless they are confident you know what you're doing.
Before you visit a talent agent or casting director, make sure to rehearse a shot monologue that fit your age and looks. Monologue books can be found at libraries, bookstores or online. And most of all, be persistent. The actors or actresses who find work tend to be the ones who audition as frequently as possible. They also monitor their regional film office websites on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that there is work for actors who have little training and experience. But to land better roles, you'll need some experience. The best way to get it is to take roles in local amateur theater productions.
When you audition, dress for the role you hope to land. Also, arrive 15 minutes early because the script is usually not provided to you until you arrive. A good tip is to not try and memorize the script unless it's just a few sentences.
Also, make sure you bring a resume to the audition detailing your acting experience and training. Just type the words "actor's resume"in Google to see how it should be structured. And finally, bring a professional head shot to the audition as well. A talent agent should be able to recommend an area photographer. Expect to pay $175 to $400 which usually includes the cost of a professional makeup artist. Just follow these tips and we may see you on the silver screen.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
15 Easy Ways To Spot A Liar
Here are 15 tell tale signs that someone is lying to you. If the person exhibits two or more of these signs, then there's a good chance they're lying.
1. Convincing Statements are statements that don't answer a question directly. An example would be if
you asked an employee about an overinflated expense report and they respond, "I'm an honest person" or "I would never do something like that".
2 Unusually Long Pauses Since it takes more time to think up a lie than to tell the truth, then consider a long pause to be a sign of deception considering the nature of the question.
3 Relying On God When a person uses ,God to establish their honesty, it sometimes means they're lying. Example: "As God as my witness" or "I swear on a stack of bibles".
4 Nondenial Denials When people say " I would never do such a thing" and fail to deny the specific allegation, watch out. Also look for long winded explanations when a simple yes or no would suffice.
5 Repeating The Question Liars sometimes do this to stall for time while they think up an excuse. They usually say" I'm glad you asked me that."
6. Attack Mode Another tell tale sign of lying might be when the liar questions your competence or fairness by saying, "Who are you to question me?"
7. Inconsistent Statements Liars who have trouble keeping up with their fibs might provide contradictory answers.
8. Unnecessary Detailed Answers An example would be when a sales manager is asked about quarterly sales and he states, "west coast figures are higher than expected."
9. Sudden Politeness Note when the level of politeness increases. If someone answers various questions without saying "sir" and then responds with "no sir" then that may be another indicator of lying. Example:
"Did you take the money out of the safe?" "No, sir."
10.Complaining About The Interview Liars might say, "How long is this going to take?"
11. Appearing To Not Understand A Simple Question People do this intentionally because they don't want to answer the question.
12. Referring Back To A Previous Response Liars might say, "I already told you that yesterday."
13. Adding Qualifiers When people say "frankly" or "truthfully" or "basically" may suggest the person might not be 100% truthful.
14. Nonverbal Signs People's faces and bodies can also provide hints their lying. Look for hand to face activity, nervous movements, clearing the throat or swallowing or grooming. Look for repeated rubbing or scratching of the face, licking of lips or pulling on the ears. Also, watch for movements of the hands, feet or legs in reaction to a question. Liars also sometimes dissipate anxiety by adjusting a tie, smoothing a skirt or aligning pens on a desk.
15. Ask Presumptive , Bait And What Else Questions If you want to know whether someone really went to the office party don't ask "were you there?" but instead ask, "What happened at the party last night?" A bait question might be used if items have gone missing from the office supply closet. Rather than ask each employee if they did it, just ask "Is there any reason why someone may have seen you going into the supply closet this morning?" Also, if money is missing from your wallet, say" I realize the mistake may have been mine. I never explained that you should ask first before you borrow money from me." Also, when someone admits to a misdeed or lie, keep asking "What else?" until no more details are being withheld. \
Make sue you watch and listen for the signs of deception listed above within the first five seconds of asking a question. If two or more appear, then continue monitoring for more signs to detect less than thruthful answers.
1. Convincing Statements are statements that don't answer a question directly. An example would be if
you asked an employee about an overinflated expense report and they respond, "I'm an honest person" or "I would never do something like that".
2 Unusually Long Pauses Since it takes more time to think up a lie than to tell the truth, then consider a long pause to be a sign of deception considering the nature of the question.
3 Relying On God When a person uses ,God to establish their honesty, it sometimes means they're lying. Example: "As God as my witness" or "I swear on a stack of bibles".
4 Nondenial Denials When people say " I would never do such a thing" and fail to deny the specific allegation, watch out. Also look for long winded explanations when a simple yes or no would suffice.
5 Repeating The Question Liars sometimes do this to stall for time while they think up an excuse. They usually say" I'm glad you asked me that."
6. Attack Mode Another tell tale sign of lying might be when the liar questions your competence or fairness by saying, "Who are you to question me?"
7. Inconsistent Statements Liars who have trouble keeping up with their fibs might provide contradictory answers.
8. Unnecessary Detailed Answers An example would be when a sales manager is asked about quarterly sales and he states, "west coast figures are higher than expected."
9. Sudden Politeness Note when the level of politeness increases. If someone answers various questions without saying "sir" and then responds with "no sir" then that may be another indicator of lying. Example:
"Did you take the money out of the safe?" "No, sir."
10.Complaining About The Interview Liars might say, "How long is this going to take?"
11. Appearing To Not Understand A Simple Question People do this intentionally because they don't want to answer the question.
12. Referring Back To A Previous Response Liars might say, "I already told you that yesterday."
13. Adding Qualifiers When people say "frankly" or "truthfully" or "basically" may suggest the person might not be 100% truthful.
14. Nonverbal Signs People's faces and bodies can also provide hints their lying. Look for hand to face activity, nervous movements, clearing the throat or swallowing or grooming. Look for repeated rubbing or scratching of the face, licking of lips or pulling on the ears. Also, watch for movements of the hands, feet or legs in reaction to a question. Liars also sometimes dissipate anxiety by adjusting a tie, smoothing a skirt or aligning pens on a desk.
15. Ask Presumptive , Bait And What Else Questions If you want to know whether someone really went to the office party don't ask "were you there?" but instead ask, "What happened at the party last night?" A bait question might be used if items have gone missing from the office supply closet. Rather than ask each employee if they did it, just ask "Is there any reason why someone may have seen you going into the supply closet this morning?" Also, if money is missing from your wallet, say" I realize the mistake may have been mine. I never explained that you should ask first before you borrow money from me." Also, when someone admits to a misdeed or lie, keep asking "What else?" until no more details are being withheld. \
Make sue you watch and listen for the signs of deception listed above within the first five seconds of asking a question. If two or more appear, then continue monitoring for more signs to detect less than thruthful answers.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
How To Create The Perfect Loaf Of Artisanal Bread
Flour, water, yeast and salt are all that are needed to make a spectacular loaf of bread.
All About The Flour The artisan bread bakers’ pick for flour is known as Hard Red Winter Wheat. Hard wheat is used to mill flour that is designed for making bread. It has the protein content necessary to shape and hold together a loaf of bread, whereas soft wheat is appropriate for making cakes and pastries.
Red is the color of the wheat berry. Winter refers to the planting season of the wheat; winter wheat is planted now, in the fall. It sprouts before the frost sets in and then goes dormant during the winter months. Winter wheat comes back to life in the spring, continues to grow and is finally harvested in late spring. The harsh winters of the northern United States make it difficult to grow this type of wheat, so it is traditionally grown in the mid-U.S., where the winters are more moderate. Spring wheat has a much shorter growing season, which means it must be heavily fertilized in order to move the wheat to maturation before winter arrives.
Winter wheat is the gold standard for artisan bread bakers because of the way it is grown. Its long, slow, natural growing cycle produces a flour that has a lower protein, or gluten, content. It sounds contradictory. You would think that bread baking requires a lot of strength from the gluten. But too much strength translates into a tough, dense, overly chewy loaf of bread. While that may be great for a bagel, most breads require a lower protein content to make a light, delicate loaf. Also, winter wheat has a better flavor. As with any crop, the more natural the growing conditions, the better the flavor, and wheat is no different.
Bread bakers have accepted that buying local wheat may not be a choice for them. But think of it like buying coffee or tea. You can’t go to the farmers’ market and find locally grown coffee. You can, however, buy organic and fair trade coffee that is roasted locally. You buy the best that is available to you.
All About The Water Believe it or not, most tap water is great for bread baking. “Wouldn’t bottled water be better for bread?” The simple truth is, no, it’s not better. Once the minerals are filtered out of the water it makes it difficult to make bread. Moderately hard water is better for the yeast, as these minerals have a strengthening effect on it. Water that has been softened with a salt system can also cause problems with the yeast. Salt naturally controls the rate of fermentation in the yeast cells, and so too much salt will slow the yeast down. Not accounting for the salt that is added to softened water can have a big impact on the outcome of your bread.
All About The Yeast You’re not going to find local yeast at the farmers’ market. But you can make your own yeast with a sourdough culture. It’s easy to start and only takes a few minutes a day to maintain. Then you can leaven your bread with the yeast contained in your sourdough culture. Bread that is naturally leavened with only a sourdough culture will take longer to ferment than those made with commercial yeast. But the flavor is well worth the wait.
All About The Salt The best salt for bread is any that does not contain iodine, as yeast is slowed down by it. You can use kosher or sea salts, which don’t contain iodine and have a better flavor than table salt. You do need to pay attention to the size of the salt crystals; large ones need to be dissolved in the water from the formula before mixing.
All About The Sourdough Culture You will need to start this 10 days to two weeks before it is ready to use. Or, become friends with your local bread baker and ask for a little bit of their sourdough culture to start feeding as your own.
Day 1: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
1 ounce whole wheat flour
4 ounces water, 85°F
Day 2: Simply stir the mixture well, cover and leave at room temperature.
Day 3: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
1 ounce whole wheat flour
4 ounces of sourdough starter/mixture from yesterday
4 ounces water, 85°F
Day 4: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
6 ounces sourdough starter
3 ounces water, 80°F
Day 5: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
9 ounces bread flour
3 ounces sourdough starter
6 ounces water, 75°F
Days 6–11: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
9 ounces bread flour
3 ounces sourdough starter
6 ounces water, 60–65°F
You may now use the sourdough culture in your bread.
To feed your sourdough culture from here, just follow the Day 6–11 feeding. It is important to feed your sourdough at the same time each and every day. If you are only going to use your sourdough culture sporadically, you will need to store it so that it can survive and be useful later.
For short-term storage—no longer than a week—you can place the sourdough starter into the refrigerator right after feeding. Then bring the sourdough out to room temperature the day before you intend to bake with it, feed it, and allow it to ferment for 18–24 hours. If you want to store it for a longer period, bakers recommend dehydrating the culture and freezing it. It’s easier than it sounds; just do the Day 6 feed but do not add the water.
You will create something that looks like crumbs. Pack this into an airtight plastic bag and freeze it. A day or two before you are going to bake, take the frozen culture out of the freezer, and add the water amount from the Day 6 feed. The water should be very warm—120°F—for this feeding only. The warm water will help bring the culture back up to room temperature. Continue to feed the culture daily or put it away until you need it again.
Once you create your sourdough culture, use it instead of instant yeast and add it to your favorite bread recipe.
All About The Flour The artisan bread bakers’ pick for flour is known as Hard Red Winter Wheat. Hard wheat is used to mill flour that is designed for making bread. It has the protein content necessary to shape and hold together a loaf of bread, whereas soft wheat is appropriate for making cakes and pastries.
Red is the color of the wheat berry. Winter refers to the planting season of the wheat; winter wheat is planted now, in the fall. It sprouts before the frost sets in and then goes dormant during the winter months. Winter wheat comes back to life in the spring, continues to grow and is finally harvested in late spring. The harsh winters of the northern United States make it difficult to grow this type of wheat, so it is traditionally grown in the mid-U.S., where the winters are more moderate. Spring wheat has a much shorter growing season, which means it must be heavily fertilized in order to move the wheat to maturation before winter arrives.
Winter wheat is the gold standard for artisan bread bakers because of the way it is grown. Its long, slow, natural growing cycle produces a flour that has a lower protein, or gluten, content. It sounds contradictory. You would think that bread baking requires a lot of strength from the gluten. But too much strength translates into a tough, dense, overly chewy loaf of bread. While that may be great for a bagel, most breads require a lower protein content to make a light, delicate loaf. Also, winter wheat has a better flavor. As with any crop, the more natural the growing conditions, the better the flavor, and wheat is no different.
Bread bakers have accepted that buying local wheat may not be a choice for them. But think of it like buying coffee or tea. You can’t go to the farmers’ market and find locally grown coffee. You can, however, buy organic and fair trade coffee that is roasted locally. You buy the best that is available to you.
All About The Water Believe it or not, most tap water is great for bread baking. “Wouldn’t bottled water be better for bread?” The simple truth is, no, it’s not better. Once the minerals are filtered out of the water it makes it difficult to make bread. Moderately hard water is better for the yeast, as these minerals have a strengthening effect on it. Water that has been softened with a salt system can also cause problems with the yeast. Salt naturally controls the rate of fermentation in the yeast cells, and so too much salt will slow the yeast down. Not accounting for the salt that is added to softened water can have a big impact on the outcome of your bread.
All About The Yeast You’re not going to find local yeast at the farmers’ market. But you can make your own yeast with a sourdough culture. It’s easy to start and only takes a few minutes a day to maintain. Then you can leaven your bread with the yeast contained in your sourdough culture. Bread that is naturally leavened with only a sourdough culture will take longer to ferment than those made with commercial yeast. But the flavor is well worth the wait.
All About The Salt The best salt for bread is any that does not contain iodine, as yeast is slowed down by it. You can use kosher or sea salts, which don’t contain iodine and have a better flavor than table salt. You do need to pay attention to the size of the salt crystals; large ones need to be dissolved in the water from the formula before mixing.
All About The Sourdough Culture You will need to start this 10 days to two weeks before it is ready to use. Or, become friends with your local bread baker and ask for a little bit of their sourdough culture to start feeding as your own.
Day 1: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
1 ounce whole wheat flour
4 ounces water, 85°F
Day 2: Simply stir the mixture well, cover and leave at room temperature.
Day 3: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
1 ounce whole wheat flour
4 ounces of sourdough starter/mixture from yesterday
4 ounces water, 85°F
Day 4: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
3 ounces bread flour
6 ounces sourdough starter
3 ounces water, 80°F
Day 5: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
9 ounces bread flour
3 ounces sourdough starter
6 ounces water, 75°F
Days 6–11: By hand, combine the following, cover and leave at room temperature.
9 ounces bread flour
3 ounces sourdough starter
6 ounces water, 60–65°F
You may now use the sourdough culture in your bread.
To feed your sourdough culture from here, just follow the Day 6–11 feeding. It is important to feed your sourdough at the same time each and every day. If you are only going to use your sourdough culture sporadically, you will need to store it so that it can survive and be useful later.
For short-term storage—no longer than a week—you can place the sourdough starter into the refrigerator right after feeding. Then bring the sourdough out to room temperature the day before you intend to bake with it, feed it, and allow it to ferment for 18–24 hours. If you want to store it for a longer period, bakers recommend dehydrating the culture and freezing it. It’s easier than it sounds; just do the Day 6 feed but do not add the water.
You will create something that looks like crumbs. Pack this into an airtight plastic bag and freeze it. A day or two before you are going to bake, take the frozen culture out of the freezer, and add the water amount from the Day 6 feed. The water should be very warm—120°F—for this feeding only. The warm water will help bring the culture back up to room temperature. Continue to feed the culture daily or put it away until you need it again.
Once you create your sourdough culture, use it instead of instant yeast and add it to your favorite bread recipe.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Full Proof Pie Dough For Thanksgiving
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
(1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortning
cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup vodka ( cold )
1/4 cup cold water
Yield: One 9 inch Double Crust Pie
Process:
Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt and sugar in a food processor until combined, with about 2 one second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until the dough starts to collect in uneven clumps, or in about 15 seconds.The dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour. Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute the dough evenly around the processor blade. Add the remaining cup of flour and pulse until the mixture is evenly distributed around the bowl and the mass of dough has been broken up with 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty the mixture into a medium bowl.
Then sprinkle vodka and water over the mixture . With a rubber spatula, using a folding motion to mix, press down on the dough until it is slightly tacky and sticks together. Then divide the dough into two even balls and flatten each one into a 4 inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.
2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
(1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortning
cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup vodka ( cold )
1/4 cup cold water
Yield: One 9 inch Double Crust Pie
Since water bonds with flour to form gluten, too much makes for a tough crust. And rolling out dry dough is hard, so using vodka, which is 60% water, makes for an easy to roll crust with less gluten and no added alcohol flavor since it evaporates in the oven.
Process:
Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt and sugar in a food processor until combined, with about 2 one second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until the dough starts to collect in uneven clumps, or in about 15 seconds.The dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour. Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute the dough evenly around the processor blade. Add the remaining cup of flour and pulse until the mixture is evenly distributed around the bowl and the mass of dough has been broken up with 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty the mixture into a medium bowl.
Then sprinkle vodka and water over the mixture . With a rubber spatula, using a folding motion to mix, press down on the dough until it is slightly tacky and sticks together. Then divide the dough into two even balls and flatten each one into a 4 inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
17 Secrets Surgeons Pray You Never Find Out
1.Although "best doctors lists" are a good starting point, don't forget to ask hospital employees about a doc you may be sizing up. Their opinions are pretty accurate. 2. Ask you doc about his or her complication rate. If they don't have one, they're hiding something or haven't operated enough to have one. Keep in mind no one is immune to complications. 3. Make sure your surgeon is board certified at www.absurgery.org If your facing a stiff jail sentence and a jury trial, you would want to make sure that your criminal lawyer was a certified trial attorney. So don't even think about using a surgeon who is not board certified in his field.
4. Always get a second or third opinion since some surgeons won't mention procedures they don't know how to do. Also your primary doctor's referral to a surgeon may not always be the best . 5. Always ask your surgeon who is going to take care of you after surgery. You want to make sure that your surgeon or his assistants will see you on a regular basis until you have fully recovered. 6. Always have elective surgery early in the week since lots of doctors go away for the weekend and won't be around to make sure your ok. 7. Make sure you find out who your anesthesiologist will be since he is just as important as your surgeon. Check him out thoroughly. 8. Make sure your surgeon doesn't rely just on one pathologist. Ask him to send all your slides to a nationally recognized reference lab to get a second pathology opinion. 9. Always ask your surgeon what risk about the procedure worries him the most. 10. All surgeon residents have to learn how to operate one time or another, but just make sure it's not at the risk of your health. Verify that your surgeon will be actively involved in your surgery and not just checking in every hour. 11. Ask your surgeon how many of these operations has he done. The average number of surgeries a surgeon does during a residency is about 900.Also ask your doctor if the surgery is truly necessary , whether you can wait a while, and ask about non-surgical options. That's because they get paid 10 times more money to operate on you that to manage your illness conservatively. 12. If you have unanswered questions about your surgery after the operation, ask to read the operative note report dictated by the surgeon . 13 If you have pain in your calf after surgery, or if swells up and looks red, you may have a blood clot which is a risk of every surgery. 14.You should know that 25% of all operations are unnecessary. That's because private hospital administrators push doctors to do more procedures to generate more income. After all, hospitals don't run those expensive TV commercials with celebrity spokes people for their health. 15. The average income of a U.S. surgeon is $265,000. Some surgeons hire practice management consulltants to generate more revenue. They many want the doctor to build a surgery center to capture facility fees or get an in-office MRI machine. Also, some orthopedic surgeons make millions in soft consulting agreements with device manufacturers. So if you need a medical implant device, ask your doctor if he has a financial relationship with the vendor. If so, you may end up with a device that is more expensive or not the most appropriate. 16. If your doctor wants to give you a stent always ask him if it's better than medicine. If you're not having a heart attack or unstable angina, studies show that you will do equally well with a stent or medicine. Also keep in mind that having something permanently implanted in your body is not a risk free proposition. In addition, there is evidence that thousands of people have had stents implanted that they did not need. 17. If you have any kind of serious medical condition, always go to a university teaching hospital. You'll get doctors involved in the latest medicine and you'll have the advantage of having a resident or physician beside 24-7 and a surgeon will always be on call.
4. Always get a second or third opinion since some surgeons won't mention procedures they don't know how to do. Also your primary doctor's referral to a surgeon may not always be the best . 5. Always ask your surgeon who is going to take care of you after surgery. You want to make sure that your surgeon or his assistants will see you on a regular basis until you have fully recovered. 6. Always have elective surgery early in the week since lots of doctors go away for the weekend and won't be around to make sure your ok. 7. Make sure you find out who your anesthesiologist will be since he is just as important as your surgeon. Check him out thoroughly. 8. Make sure your surgeon doesn't rely just on one pathologist. Ask him to send all your slides to a nationally recognized reference lab to get a second pathology opinion. 9. Always ask your surgeon what risk about the procedure worries him the most. 10. All surgeon residents have to learn how to operate one time or another, but just make sure it's not at the risk of your health. Verify that your surgeon will be actively involved in your surgery and not just checking in every hour. 11. Ask your surgeon how many of these operations has he done. The average number of surgeries a surgeon does during a residency is about 900.Also ask your doctor if the surgery is truly necessary , whether you can wait a while, and ask about non-surgical options. That's because they get paid 10 times more money to operate on you that to manage your illness conservatively. 12. If you have unanswered questions about your surgery after the operation, ask to read the operative note report dictated by the surgeon . 13 If you have pain in your calf after surgery, or if swells up and looks red, you may have a blood clot which is a risk of every surgery. 14.You should know that 25% of all operations are unnecessary. That's because private hospital administrators push doctors to do more procedures to generate more income. After all, hospitals don't run those expensive TV commercials with celebrity spokes people for their health. 15. The average income of a U.S. surgeon is $265,000. Some surgeons hire practice management consulltants to generate more revenue. They many want the doctor to build a surgery center to capture facility fees or get an in-office MRI machine. Also, some orthopedic surgeons make millions in soft consulting agreements with device manufacturers. So if you need a medical implant device, ask your doctor if he has a financial relationship with the vendor. If so, you may end up with a device that is more expensive or not the most appropriate. 16. If your doctor wants to give you a stent always ask him if it's better than medicine. If you're not having a heart attack or unstable angina, studies show that you will do equally well with a stent or medicine. Also keep in mind that having something permanently implanted in your body is not a risk free proposition. In addition, there is evidence that thousands of people have had stents implanted that they did not need. 17. If you have any kind of serious medical condition, always go to a university teaching hospital. You'll get doctors involved in the latest medicine and you'll have the advantage of having a resident or physician beside 24-7 and a surgeon will always be on call.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
How To Get Out Of An Arbitration Clause In A Contract
When you're handed a contract containing an arbitration clause, write "I disavow this section of the contract" next to the clause and then initial the modification. Then make a copy. There's no guarantee that the company will accept this-or that the disavow will hold up in court. But there is little harm in trying since in some cases the tactic could increase the odds that the company will be willing to agree to an out-of-court settlement rather than risk the possibility that you could force a court case.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
How The Right Real Estate Agent Can Get You Top Dollar For Your Home
Here are five steps you need to take to find the right real estate agent to sell your home at top dollar:
1. Ask for the "relocation coordinator" when you first contact real estate agencies Sellers who call agencies typically are routed to which ever agent happens to be on phone rotation that day. In contrast, relocation coordinators can be objective because they don't sell homes themselves. Their job is to help executives who are moving in the area. The "relo guy or gal" often is willing to provide an insiders opinion about which agent is most appropriate for a particular listing given the home's location and approximate value.
If you're not certain which agencies to call, lean towards those that seem to have lots of homes for sale in your neighborhood based on yard signs or listings on www.Zillow.Com or www.Trulia.com. These agencies are likely to be active and respected since they have a strong knowledge of your area. That's because real estate is extremely local, and an agency that sells lots of homes in your neck of the woods most likely understands the nuances of home values in your area.
2. Research agents before you meet with them Experienced agents should have web pages detailing their background and recent sales usually on their agencies' website. Be wary of those who don't. Also, use the website to confirm the agent has extensive experience selling homes in your price range and area. Also confirm that the agent is full time. You should not trust your home to a part-timer. Also, do a Google search on the agent's name and agency. Choose a different agent if numerous complaints from prior clients show up.
3. Interview at least 3 to 5 agents from different agencies Interviewing three or more agents will weed out those whose opinion and the listing price diverge significantly from the consensus. Weed out these agents since your home is likely to appear mispriced or flawed to these agents if they represent buyers too.Here's a prime example: If two out of 3 agents you talk to say your house should be listed at $475,000 and that the hardwood floors should be cleaned and polished. Another agent says that it should be listed at $550,000 as is. There's a good chance that this agent is misreading the market or is telling you what he or she thinks you want to hear.
4. During interviews, ask agents about their marketing strategies and pricing recommendations Agents should be able to layout fairly detailed marketing plans that may include open houses, brochures, online marketing and other strategies. The agent should be able to explain their reasoning for the plan. The explanation as to why the strategy was selected is most telling. For instance, perhaps the agent has learned from earlier sales that placing an ad in a publication that caters to seniors is a great way to find potential buyers for your home.
Stay away from agents who recommend a listing price immediately upon viewing your home. A responsible agent will take time back at the office to review recent comparable sales before citing a specific listing price.
Also, avoid an agent who solicits a price based on your desires rather then on reality.
5. Ask your agent for references And finally, ask the agent for his or hers five most recent sales. Then call at least 3 sellers to confirm that they had a positive experience with the agent.
1. Ask for the "relocation coordinator" when you first contact real estate agencies Sellers who call agencies typically are routed to which ever agent happens to be on phone rotation that day. In contrast, relocation coordinators can be objective because they don't sell homes themselves. Their job is to help executives who are moving in the area. The "relo guy or gal" often is willing to provide an insiders opinion about which agent is most appropriate for a particular listing given the home's location and approximate value.
If you're not certain which agencies to call, lean towards those that seem to have lots of homes for sale in your neighborhood based on yard signs or listings on www.Zillow.Com or www.Trulia.com. These agencies are likely to be active and respected since they have a strong knowledge of your area. That's because real estate is extremely local, and an agency that sells lots of homes in your neck of the woods most likely understands the nuances of home values in your area.
2. Research agents before you meet with them Experienced agents should have web pages detailing their background and recent sales usually on their agencies' website. Be wary of those who don't. Also, use the website to confirm the agent has extensive experience selling homes in your price range and area. Also confirm that the agent is full time. You should not trust your home to a part-timer. Also, do a Google search on the agent's name and agency. Choose a different agent if numerous complaints from prior clients show up.
3. Interview at least 3 to 5 agents from different agencies Interviewing three or more agents will weed out those whose opinion and the listing price diverge significantly from the consensus. Weed out these agents since your home is likely to appear mispriced or flawed to these agents if they represent buyers too.Here's a prime example: If two out of 3 agents you talk to say your house should be listed at $475,000 and that the hardwood floors should be cleaned and polished. Another agent says that it should be listed at $550,000 as is. There's a good chance that this agent is misreading the market or is telling you what he or she thinks you want to hear.
4. During interviews, ask agents about their marketing strategies and pricing recommendations Agents should be able to layout fairly detailed marketing plans that may include open houses, brochures, online marketing and other strategies. The agent should be able to explain their reasoning for the plan. The explanation as to why the strategy was selected is most telling. For instance, perhaps the agent has learned from earlier sales that placing an ad in a publication that caters to seniors is a great way to find potential buyers for your home.
Stay away from agents who recommend a listing price immediately upon viewing your home. A responsible agent will take time back at the office to review recent comparable sales before citing a specific listing price.
Also, avoid an agent who solicits a price based on your desires rather then on reality.
5. Ask your agent for references And finally, ask the agent for his or hers five most recent sales. Then call at least 3 sellers to confirm that they had a positive experience with the agent.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Work-At-Home Jobs That Are For Real
There are 60 work from home scams on the web for each legitimate one. And interviews for online positions are conducted via phone or Skype video calls. So if you lack experience with Skype, then practice with your friends before you interview. So here are the real deal work at home jobs:
Major employers in this field include http://join.liveops.com/ ,
https://www.alpineaccess.com/careers/corporate-careers/, http://partner.arise.com/,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/jobs/ref=j_sq_btn?jobSearchKeywords=work+at+home+&category=Customer+Service&location=US, and www.RatRaceRebellion.Com . Pay is typically $9-$12 hr.
Major employers in this field include http://join.liveops.com/ ,
https://www.alpineaccess.com/careers/corporate-careers/, http://partner.arise.com/,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/jobs/ref=j_sq_btn?jobSearchKeywords=work+at+home+&category=Customer+Service&location=US, and www.RatRaceRebellion.Com . Pay is typically $9-$12 hr.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
8 Ways To Challenge A Noncompete Employment Agreement
1. Show that the new position would not violate the precise terms of your noncompete agreement. An employee discovered that his agreement barred him from working for an employer that used the same or similar technology. The new employer used a significantly different technology.
2. Show that your employer engaged in illegal or dishonest behavior towards its clients. Employers don't want former employees discussing corporate misbehavior in court. So they usually agree to waive non compete agreements when employees tactfully bring up these matters. 3. Show that your former employer lacks a legitimate business interest for enforcing the noncompete. Noncompete agreements are supposed to protect trade secrets and business relationships. If your role in the company did not give you access to trade secrets or clients, then you should be able to work for whomever you please. 4. Show the noncompete agreement is unreasonably broad in terms of time, geography or activities. If your current employer only does business in one state, then your agreement should not bar you in working in other states.Also, if your former employer is in just one market niche, your noncompete should not bar you from working in the entire sector. 5. Show that the employer tricked you into signing the noncompete by making promises that it did not live up to. Some employers make verbal promises stating that noncompetes will only be enforced if you try to join a particular competitor. If verbal promises were made to you regarding limits to the enforcement of your noncompete and/or benefits you would receive for signing it, then send an email requesting clarification . Save the email response since it could be used as evidence by you later. 6. Show that you were terminated without cause In some cases, the courts have ruled that employers cannot enforce noncompetes when employees are let go without doing anything wrong as in mass layoffs.7. Show that the noncompete agreement was never signed. If you don't recall signing an agreement, ask to see it. Also, some employees ask to consult with their lawyers before signing and then never get around to turning in the agreement. 8. Show that the employer breached the terms of your employment contract. If your employer did live up to his end of the bargain, then you likely cannot be forced to live up to your noncompete agreement. To make your case, approach your former employer to challenge your noncompete agreement before you start applying for new jobs. Begin by sending an e-mail to the decision maker using one or more of the reasons listed above to explain why you think your noncompete agreement is not valid. If the decision maker promises that the agreement will not be enforced, then save the email message to show to any potential employers who ask about prior noncompete agreements. If your former employer insists on holding you to your agreement, then hire a lawyer that specializes in employment law to send your former employer a letter. This should only take an hour or two of your attorney's time. If the employer still does not back down, you might have to go to court. But usually, employers generally prefer to negotiate before these cases get to court.
2. Show that your employer engaged in illegal or dishonest behavior towards its clients. Employers don't want former employees discussing corporate misbehavior in court. So they usually agree to waive non compete agreements when employees tactfully bring up these matters. 3. Show that your former employer lacks a legitimate business interest for enforcing the noncompete. Noncompete agreements are supposed to protect trade secrets and business relationships. If your role in the company did not give you access to trade secrets or clients, then you should be able to work for whomever you please. 4. Show the noncompete agreement is unreasonably broad in terms of time, geography or activities. If your current employer only does business in one state, then your agreement should not bar you in working in other states.Also, if your former employer is in just one market niche, your noncompete should not bar you from working in the entire sector. 5. Show that the employer tricked you into signing the noncompete by making promises that it did not live up to. Some employers make verbal promises stating that noncompetes will only be enforced if you try to join a particular competitor. If verbal promises were made to you regarding limits to the enforcement of your noncompete and/or benefits you would receive for signing it, then send an email requesting clarification . Save the email response since it could be used as evidence by you later. 6. Show that you were terminated without cause In some cases, the courts have ruled that employers cannot enforce noncompetes when employees are let go without doing anything wrong as in mass layoffs.7. Show that the noncompete agreement was never signed. If you don't recall signing an agreement, ask to see it. Also, some employees ask to consult with their lawyers before signing and then never get around to turning in the agreement. 8. Show that the employer breached the terms of your employment contract. If your employer did live up to his end of the bargain, then you likely cannot be forced to live up to your noncompete agreement. To make your case, approach your former employer to challenge your noncompete agreement before you start applying for new jobs. Begin by sending an e-mail to the decision maker using one or more of the reasons listed above to explain why you think your noncompete agreement is not valid. If the decision maker promises that the agreement will not be enforced, then save the email message to show to any potential employers who ask about prior noncompete agreements. If your former employer insists on holding you to your agreement, then hire a lawyer that specializes in employment law to send your former employer a letter. This should only take an hour or two of your attorney's time. If the employer still does not back down, you might have to go to court. But usually, employers generally prefer to negotiate before these cases get to court.
How To Beat Boardwalk & Carnival Games
Balloon Dart Throw For starters, the darts are dull and much lighter than you would find in a bar. Then the balloons are underinflated which makes them harder to pop. To beat the game, don't hurl the darts straight at the balloons. Instead, loft them in an arc for a better chance at catching a balloon. The Basketball Shoot The scam here is that the rims are smaller than regulation size and they are shaped like ovals. Next, the backboards are super bouncy, the balls are overinflated, and the hoop is often higher than normal. To walk away with a big prize, make sure you shoot underhand. A ball that arcs in for a swish will slip past the crooked rim. Milk Bottle Pyramid Most people aim for the dead center of the stack. But the trouble is that the bottom bottles are weighted. So if you hit the tops of the bottles, they'll never fall over. To beat the game just aim at the base of the bottom two bottles.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Insider Secrets Financial Planners Pray You Never Find Out
Financial planners CANNOT pick winning investments to beat the market, build wealth without risk or let you in on a deal that looks to good to be true. Advisers make money either by getting a commission to sell you a financial product or charge an asset based fee which is usually 1% annually of your assets So if your assets grow, so does their fee. But there are still conflicts since it encourages the fee based planner to capture as much of your money as he can. That's why few fee based planners encourage you to pay off your mortgage. They also like to put you in products that pay them automatically each quarter. In fact, few will tell you about a higher paying CD since banks don't pay financial planners. Obviously, a planner who works on commission would want to sell you products that yield the highest commissions. Also, if you don't have more than $100,000 to invest, commission based planners are the only ones who might take your business. But the conflict of interest is particularly stark among commission only planners. They usually sell load-carrying mutual funds, hedge funds,and private investments ranging from insurance to annuities to universal life. Another compensation model is those planners who get paid by the hour. They usually charge from $180 to $240 and hour and can be found at www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.Com
How They Sell You
Planners know that the quickest way to your money is your emotions. In one hour they'll try to get you so wound up that you might sign over your entire fortune. Many follow a multi-step system that gets you to talk about your values and your goals. They'll say things like, "describe your perfect day." Then they'll tell you how much money you'll need to invest for a string of perfect days. Or they might say they can get you to your dreams of spending more time with your grand kids if you let them handle your money right now. But most of them know that if you walk out of the office without signing , you may realize how manipulative the session was and never return. And once you sign and buy some product, it make take you years to get your money back without penalties. So never sign any document on your first meeting with a planner even if he or she tells you that you can still back out. Also, stay clear of so called free"educational dinners" and ads that boast wealth without risk and high guaranteed returns. They are just bait and switch tactics to get you into the office.You should also remember that anyone can fill an office with prestigious-looking credentials and call themselves a "financial planner". On the other hand, a good financial planner can help you define your financial goals, help you build a low cost diversified portfolio,and make sure you have the lowest cost insurance coverage for your needs. They can also help make the right moves with Social Security and your pension, reduce your taxes and pass assets to your heirs.
How To Get The Best Advice From Your Financial Planner
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
7 Secrets Your Vet Won't Tell You
1. Most hospitals keep comprehensive behavior records of you and your pet. If you are agressive to the staff, you will be treated differently. 2. A lot of vets don't use painkillers for procedures they know are painful. They think dog and cats don't need it or that feeling pain after surgery is good because it keeps them from moving around too much. But research has shown that pets who are in less pain heal faster and sleep better. So if your pet needs an operation, make sure you vet assures you that your pet will get the proper sedation for the procedure. 3. Find out where your vet went to school. Vets who can't get into traditional schools because of bad grades can get into Caribbean vet schools as long as they pay the tuition. 4. When you're searching for a new vet, always check out the staff. A lot of times they'll be listed online. Look for techs who are certified and licensed. They'll have RVT, LVT, or CVT after their names. 5.One way to check if your vet is up on the latest procedures is to ask how he or she puts a pet to sleep. If they use ketamine or halothane gas, they'e using 1970's technology. Modern vets use isoflurane and sevoflurane which are a lot safer. 6. Walgreens has a list of vet medicines for $4 per one month dose. They are the same meds you would pay $20 or $30 from your vet. 7. Avoid using low cost vet clinics since they may use half doses of vaccines which are ineffective and illegal. Also, steer clear of large corporate owned vet hospitals since vets there get paid a bonus based on how much money they bring in. Fees at these places are much higher than independent vets.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
How To Find A Bargain Vacation Rental Property Online
Imagine finding a 2 bedroom luxury apartment in London for $1,000 a week. Or a furnished studio apartment in the heart of Paris for $540 a week. Or a nice apartment near the water in Miami for $273. It can be done by checking out each one of these websites: www.HomeAway.Com, www.VRBO.com, www.AirBnB.Com, www.FlipKey.Com and www.WyndhamRentals.Com, .
Eight Professions Hiring Right Now That Require No College
1. Emergency Medical Technicians earn from $24,000 to $39,000 a year. For training requirements see www.nremt.org 2. Pharmacy Technicians earn $23,000 to $34,000. For training see http://www.ptcb.org/am/template.cfm and http://www.pharmacytechniciancertificationtips.com/institute-for-certification-of-pharmacy-technicians.html 3. Private Detectives earn from $32,000 to $58,000. There are no formal training requirements. You have to contact the agency that handles licensing in your state. 4. Pest Control Workers earn $24,000 to $37,000 and most training is on the job. 5. Fitness & Aerobic Instructors earn $19,000 to $46,000 a year and no formal training is required. 6. Septic Tank Servicers earn $26,000 to $42,000 and training is provided on the job. 7. Insurance Sales Agents earn $33,000 to $71,000 a year. In most states agents must be licensed. For details see www.naic.org . 8. Athletic Coaches & Scouts earn $18,000 to $43,000 a year. No formal training or certification is required but you need a strong network of contacts in the community to get a job.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Simple Way To Tell If You Have Bad Breath
First wash your hands with an odorless soap. Then lick the back of your hand and let the saliva dry for five seconds. Then take a whiff. If you can smell sulfur compounds, then brush your teeth, tongue and the back of your mouth. If you have chronic bad breath, brush your teeth twice daily in the morning and before bed.
Also, make sure you use a tongue scrapper available from drug stores. Also, make sure you use a blue colored mouthwash that contains zinc chloride. Good brands are Smart Mouth and Pro Fresh. If bad breath persists,
ask your dentists to check for gum disease, sinus infection, chronic nasal drip or mouth breathing.
Also, make sure you use a tongue scrapper available from drug stores. Also, make sure you use a blue colored mouthwash that contains zinc chloride. Good brands are Smart Mouth and Pro Fresh. If bad breath persists,
ask your dentists to check for gum disease, sinus infection, chronic nasal drip or mouth breathing.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Repair Rolodex: Where Decorators, Antique Dealers & Museums Go To Get Stuff Fixed
Objects: ( marble, bronze, jade, ivory, porcelain, glass & pottery ) Alexander Tsalikhin 201-440-5456,
Bo Studio 212-759-6131, Randy Strohm 718-852-2603. Lighting: Lamp Touch 718-361-2002
Mirrors: http://www.capitolglassnyc.com/ Glass: http://www.newyorkcrystalrepair.com/ , Sorrels Glass:
http://www.sorrelsglass.com/ Frames: http://www.apfgroup.com/ Furniture: http://www.carltonhouse.net/,
Fairlough Restoration 718-418-6206, Fischer Furniture 718-418-6206, http://www.furniturejoint.com/,
http://www.jonathanburden.com/, Uptown Wood 212-694-7425, Caning: http://www.veteranscaning.com/,
Upholstery/Fabric: http://www.manzanaresfurniture.com/, DeScassio Antique Textiles 212-794-8807
Rugs/Textiles: http://www.beauvaiscarpets.com/, http://www.mannrugs.com/
Friday, January 6, 2012
Seven Ways To Get A Cheap Flight
1. Buy Tickets at 3pm EST On Tuesday Most sale fares kick in on Monday at 8pm and by Thursday 8pm the sale is over.
2. Compare Prices at least 3 months in advance and check www.Kayak.com , www.Expedia.com, www.PriceLine.com , www.Travelocity.com and www.FareCompare.com . That's because one system can traill another by 5 hours. So be sure to check the airline's site which charges slightly less than 3 rd party sites since there's no commission.
3. Forget Weekends Don't fly on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday night and Monday morning to get the best price.
4. Fly Hungry The cheapest flights take off at dawn, around lunchtime, and after 6pm.
5.Consider A Connecting Flight They're usually cheaper than non-stops especially on international routes.
6. Shop For One Seat Only If you're travelling with a group, establish the base price for one person and compare it for a price for all. That's because reservation systems are programmed to bump up groups to the next price level.
7. Book Well In Advance That's because you'll pay a premium if you book within 7 to 14 days of travel.
2. Compare Prices at least 3 months in advance and check www.Kayak.com , www.Expedia.com, www.PriceLine.com , www.Travelocity.com and www.FareCompare.com . That's because one system can traill another by 5 hours. So be sure to check the airline's site which charges slightly less than 3 rd party sites since there's no commission.
3. Forget Weekends Don't fly on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday night and Monday morning to get the best price.
4. Fly Hungry The cheapest flights take off at dawn, around lunchtime, and after 6pm.
5.Consider A Connecting Flight They're usually cheaper than non-stops especially on international routes.
6. Shop For One Seat Only If you're travelling with a group, establish the base price for one person and compare it for a price for all. That's because reservation systems are programmed to bump up groups to the next price level.
7. Book Well In Advance That's because you'll pay a premium if you book within 7 to 14 days of travel.
Monday, October 10, 2011
For Gals Only: The Biggest Beauty Dont's
Don't Layer On Mascara or else you risk getting clumpy eyelashes or raccoon eyes. Curl your lashes first and apply only a coat or two of mascara. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand as you brush it towards the tip. The wiggling motion is the key to deposit color evenly even on the finest shortest lash hairs.
Immediately remove gobs with an eyelash comb before mascara dries because once it dries it's no longer pliable. If you need a second coat, apply it before the mascara dries. If you're still getting raccoon eyes, then change brands or don't use it on the bottom lashes.
Don't Rush Your Blush or you can end up looking overdone. take your time and use just enough to brighten your glow and enhance your face shape but not so much its obvious. To deposit the right amount of color, dust a sheer rosy powder on cheeks and temples using a fluffy brush. Newer formulations of blush tend to be sheer, so its difficult to over do it. Switch brands or brushes if needed. If your skin is oily or streak prone, pat your face with translucent powder or oil blotting sheets before applying blush. You can also use a translucent powder to tone down too much blush.
Don't Buy Foundation That Adds Years or you might look worse than going bare faced. Foundation that's too light ages you and if it's too dark it looks "Jersey Shore". So make sure your foundation flatters your skin tone and blend it in well. Your best bet is to visit a makeup counter that custom blends foundation and have a makeup artist pick the three best shades for you or test the shades on your own. Foundation with yellow undertones is generally more flattering than pink undertones. Try it on your entire face or at least on your jawline. Places like your neck, chest or hand aren't good for judging because they are rarely the same color as you face due to more or less sun damage. Before you buy it, leave the store and check your face in sunlight and under fluorescent light. Then return the makeup that doesn't work. Most stores let you return opened products. But just to be sure, ask before you buy it and save your receipt.
Don't Use Lip Liner or else you'll end up looking clownish. Outlining is "out" because it looks fake and its the biggest beauty mistake people make. If you insist on liner, match it to your lipstick or use the the same pencil to line and fill in your lips with color. The top it off with gloss if it looks or feels dry. Line your lips precisely along the rim.
Don't Dye Your Brows Too Light or elss they won't do a good job complementing your features. Keep your eye brow color a few shades lighter than your natural shade since the slightest contrast is more flattering. Lighten your brows just a bit by switching to a brow pencil or powder one shade lighter than your brows.
Don't Over exfoliate or else you'll end up damaging your skin. Exfoliation is meant to smooth skin not irritate it. Cosmetic companies want you to think otherwise, but your skin is constantly shedding and renews itself naturally. So don't inflame it while trying to look younger. using a scrub every few days is generally safe buy scrubs can irritate sensitive skin and cause broken blood vessels. Another option is to use skin car products that contain retinols or lactic, hydroxy or glycolic acids. These act as exfoliates and speed up cell turnover. If your skin isn't overly sensitive, the use a clay facial mask, mild facial cleansing grains, or an at home microdermabrasion kit as needed but not more than once a week.
Don't Go Crazy With The Tweezers or else it will lead to over plucked brows. If your brows are pencil thin or comma shaped or if they are more or an arch than a line, put the tweezers away for a few weeks. Fill in sparse brows with a waterproof brow pencil or powder. The next time you tweeze,remove strays between your brows and above and below your natural brow line and do nothing else.
Don't Neglect Your Neck or else it might end up aging faster than your face. So treat your neck like your face and protect it with sunscreen and moisturizer. Don't buy products sold specifically for the neck. Whatever you use on your face is fine.
Don't Brush Wet Hair or else you can damage it. When hair is wet it has the ability to stretch but unlike elastic, wet hair won't stretch without breaking off. So let your wet hair dry naturally or blow dry it out before brushing it out.
Don't Wear A Tight Ponytail Or Bun Too Often or else you might end up with a receding a hairline.
Any kind of hair style that tugs your hair, even weaves and cornrows, can lead to traction alopecia. That's causes localized hair loss from constant tension on the hair roots. It can also lead to permanent hair loss or tension headaches. So gather your hair loosely in a ponytail or bun and secure it with a coated elastic band or srunchie.
Don't File The Sides Of Your Nails or else you can damage them. Just file snags as needed. The sides are braces that help the nails grow long and strong. So just keep the tips square or rounded for support. Frequent use of nail polish remover can dry out your nails. So avoid changing polish more than once a week.
Don't Skip Your Nightly face Washing Routine or else you can end up with clogged pores and skin and eye problems. Taking off your makeup and washing your face before bed is just as important as wearing sunblock. Your makeup traps in all sorts of dirt and pollution through out the day. So if you're not good at washing up at night, then store no-rinse make up remover towelettes by your bedside and use them before you turn out the lights.
Don't Apply Sunless Tanner Without Prepping Your Skin or else you'll look blotchy. That's because the active ingredient in sunless tanner reacts more strongly with skin that is rougher, thicker or scaly. So prep your body by sloughing off dead skin and smoothing rough spots using a grainy body scrub or mesh sponge or body wash in the shower. Pay special attention to the elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Or use a daily use sunless tanner.
Immediately remove gobs with an eyelash comb before mascara dries because once it dries it's no longer pliable. If you need a second coat, apply it before the mascara dries. If you're still getting raccoon eyes, then change brands or don't use it on the bottom lashes.
Don't Rush Your Blush or you can end up looking overdone. take your time and use just enough to brighten your glow and enhance your face shape but not so much its obvious. To deposit the right amount of color, dust a sheer rosy powder on cheeks and temples using a fluffy brush. Newer formulations of blush tend to be sheer, so its difficult to over do it. Switch brands or brushes if needed. If your skin is oily or streak prone, pat your face with translucent powder or oil blotting sheets before applying blush. You can also use a translucent powder to tone down too much blush.
Don't Buy Foundation That Adds Years or you might look worse than going bare faced. Foundation that's too light ages you and if it's too dark it looks "Jersey Shore". So make sure your foundation flatters your skin tone and blend it in well. Your best bet is to visit a makeup counter that custom blends foundation and have a makeup artist pick the three best shades for you or test the shades on your own. Foundation with yellow undertones is generally more flattering than pink undertones. Try it on your entire face or at least on your jawline. Places like your neck, chest or hand aren't good for judging because they are rarely the same color as you face due to more or less sun damage. Before you buy it, leave the store and check your face in sunlight and under fluorescent light. Then return the makeup that doesn't work. Most stores let you return opened products. But just to be sure, ask before you buy it and save your receipt.
Don't Use Lip Liner or else you'll end up looking clownish. Outlining is "out" because it looks fake and its the biggest beauty mistake people make. If you insist on liner, match it to your lipstick or use the the same pencil to line and fill in your lips with color. The top it off with gloss if it looks or feels dry. Line your lips precisely along the rim.
Don't Dye Your Brows Too Light or elss they won't do a good job complementing your features. Keep your eye brow color a few shades lighter than your natural shade since the slightest contrast is more flattering. Lighten your brows just a bit by switching to a brow pencil or powder one shade lighter than your brows.
Don't Over exfoliate or else you'll end up damaging your skin. Exfoliation is meant to smooth skin not irritate it. Cosmetic companies want you to think otherwise, but your skin is constantly shedding and renews itself naturally. So don't inflame it while trying to look younger. using a scrub every few days is generally safe buy scrubs can irritate sensitive skin and cause broken blood vessels. Another option is to use skin car products that contain retinols or lactic, hydroxy or glycolic acids. These act as exfoliates and speed up cell turnover. If your skin isn't overly sensitive, the use a clay facial mask, mild facial cleansing grains, or an at home microdermabrasion kit as needed but not more than once a week.
Don't Go Crazy With The Tweezers or else it will lead to over plucked brows. If your brows are pencil thin or comma shaped or if they are more or an arch than a line, put the tweezers away for a few weeks. Fill in sparse brows with a waterproof brow pencil or powder. The next time you tweeze,remove strays between your brows and above and below your natural brow line and do nothing else.
Don't Neglect Your Neck or else it might end up aging faster than your face. So treat your neck like your face and protect it with sunscreen and moisturizer. Don't buy products sold specifically for the neck. Whatever you use on your face is fine.
Don't Brush Wet Hair or else you can damage it. When hair is wet it has the ability to stretch but unlike elastic, wet hair won't stretch without breaking off. So let your wet hair dry naturally or blow dry it out before brushing it out.
Don't Wear A Tight Ponytail Or Bun Too Often or else you might end up with a receding a hairline.
Any kind of hair style that tugs your hair, even weaves and cornrows, can lead to traction alopecia. That's causes localized hair loss from constant tension on the hair roots. It can also lead to permanent hair loss or tension headaches. So gather your hair loosely in a ponytail or bun and secure it with a coated elastic band or srunchie.
Don't File The Sides Of Your Nails or else you can damage them. Just file snags as needed. The sides are braces that help the nails grow long and strong. So just keep the tips square or rounded for support. Frequent use of nail polish remover can dry out your nails. So avoid changing polish more than once a week.
Don't Skip Your Nightly face Washing Routine or else you can end up with clogged pores and skin and eye problems. Taking off your makeup and washing your face before bed is just as important as wearing sunblock. Your makeup traps in all sorts of dirt and pollution through out the day. So if you're not good at washing up at night, then store no-rinse make up remover towelettes by your bedside and use them before you turn out the lights.
Don't Apply Sunless Tanner Without Prepping Your Skin or else you'll look blotchy. That's because the active ingredient in sunless tanner reacts more strongly with skin that is rougher, thicker or scaly. So prep your body by sloughing off dead skin and smoothing rough spots using a grainy body scrub or mesh sponge or body wash in the shower. Pay special attention to the elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Or use a daily use sunless tanner.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Two Incredible Italian No Cook No Fuss Desserts Not Well Known In The US
Macedonia Invernale -Here's a terrific no cook, no-fuss dessert that popular with Italian home cooks. You just mix your favorite fruits with chopped nuts, chopped chocolate and any left over candy. Add some organe juice and a splash of liqueur and pass the spoons. Here are the ingredients:
2 handfuls of assorted dried fruit chopped
2 handfuls of assorted chopped nuts
1 handful of assorted leftover candy bars chopped
1 handful of dark chocolate chopped
1 handful of milk chocolate chopped
10 amaretti ( crisp almond cookies ) or other cookies coarsely chopped
A little candied orange peel minced
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Itlain liqueur such as limocello or amaretto
Mascarpone cheese or whipped cream
In a resealable plastic bag or container with a lid, combine the dreid fruit, nuts, candy, dark and light chocolates, cookies and candied orange peel. Seal and set aside for up to 3 months. One hour before serving add enough orange juice to moisten thr fruit mixture. Just before serving add the liqueur to taste.
Serve in wine glasses with a dollop of Mascarpone or whipped cream. Serves 10 to 12.
Dolce Torino or Instant Chocolate Cake
This no bake recipe comes from an Italian Piedmont cookbook written in 1891. Here's what's inside:
7 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/2 cup fo confectioners sugar
1 large egg yolk
3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate at least 70% cacao
2 tablesppons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon puree vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar plus more to taste
4 tablespoons of sweet liqueur such as alchermes
12 savvoiardi ( lady fingers )
2 tablespoons of crush pistachios or hazelnuts
In a large bowl, using a wisk or electric mixer, beat the butter, confectioner's sugar and egg yolk until very smooth and creamy. Set aside. Then put the chocolate and cream in a smaill bowl and melt the chocolate either in a microwave or over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature, then stit it and the vanilla into the butter mixture. Set aside. Next combine 5 tablespoons of warm water with the granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the liqueur adding more sugar to taste. Dip 4 of the lady fingers one at a time, into the liquid. Be sure to moisten them well on all sides. Arrange the 4 liqueur dipped lady fingers in a row, close together on a serving plate. Spread one third of the chcolate mixture on top and around the stacked lady fingers. Spinkle top layer with pistachio or hazelnuts. Repeat the dipping and layering to make 2 more layers, spreading the last layer of chocolate mixture on top and around the lady fingers. Sprinkle to the top layer with pistachio or hazelnuts. Rerigerate for 3 hours until firm. Serve cold. Serves 4 to 6.
2 handfuls of assorted dried fruit chopped
2 handfuls of assorted chopped nuts
1 handful of assorted leftover candy bars chopped
1 handful of dark chocolate chopped
1 handful of milk chocolate chopped
10 amaretti ( crisp almond cookies ) or other cookies coarsely chopped
A little candied orange peel minced
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Itlain liqueur such as limocello or amaretto
Mascarpone cheese or whipped cream
In a resealable plastic bag or container with a lid, combine the dreid fruit, nuts, candy, dark and light chocolates, cookies and candied orange peel. Seal and set aside for up to 3 months. One hour before serving add enough orange juice to moisten thr fruit mixture. Just before serving add the liqueur to taste.
Serve in wine glasses with a dollop of Mascarpone or whipped cream. Serves 10 to 12.
Dolce Torino or Instant Chocolate Cake
This no bake recipe comes from an Italian Piedmont cookbook written in 1891. Here's what's inside:
7 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/2 cup fo confectioners sugar
1 large egg yolk
3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate at least 70% cacao
2 tablesppons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon puree vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar plus more to taste
4 tablespoons of sweet liqueur such as alchermes
12 savvoiardi ( lady fingers )
2 tablespoons of crush pistachios or hazelnuts
In a large bowl, using a wisk or electric mixer, beat the butter, confectioner's sugar and egg yolk until very smooth and creamy. Set aside. Then put the chocolate and cream in a smaill bowl and melt the chocolate either in a microwave or over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature, then stit it and the vanilla into the butter mixture. Set aside. Next combine 5 tablespoons of warm water with the granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the liqueur adding more sugar to taste. Dip 4 of the lady fingers one at a time, into the liquid. Be sure to moisten them well on all sides. Arrange the 4 liqueur dipped lady fingers in a row, close together on a serving plate. Spread one third of the chcolate mixture on top and around the stacked lady fingers. Spinkle top layer with pistachio or hazelnuts. Repeat the dipping and layering to make 2 more layers, spreading the last layer of chocolate mixture on top and around the lady fingers. Sprinkle to the top layer with pistachio or hazelnuts. Rerigerate for 3 hours until firm. Serve cold. Serves 4 to 6.
Four Sensational Leaf Peeping Spots Just A 3 Hour Drive From Mercer County
Here are four scenic getaways that don't require a trek to the airport or long hours behind the wheel
1.Clinton, NJ Located in Hunterdon County, this town looks like a Norman Rockwell pianting came to life. For more info see http://www.clintonnj.gov/ ( 1 hour by car)
2. Kent, CT Named the top New England foliage destination by Yankee Magazine, Kent is situated near two state parks for plenty of leaf viewing. For more info on Kent, see http://www.ct.gov/ ( 3hours by car)
3. Millbrook, NY This town is filled with rolling hills, beautiful gardens, and Millbrook Vineyards (845) 677-8383. Just 10 minutes away from the winery is Innisfree Garden which occupies 150 acres on part of a lake. The public garden features streams, waterfalls and terraces. Call 845-677-8000 for more details.
( 3hours by car)
4. Hunter, NY Get your adrenaline fix with a trip to Hunter Mountin and take a Skyrider Tour. It's North America's longest highest and fastest zipline course. It sends riders flying at speeds of 50 mph on lines that extend 3,000 feet and more than 600 feet in the air. The entire course covers more than 4.6 miles of forest giving thrill seekers a stunnung aerial view of the Catskills. For more info visit http://www.huntermtn.com/ or call 800-HunterMtn. ( 3 hours by car)
1.Clinton, NJ Located in Hunterdon County, this town looks like a Norman Rockwell pianting came to life. For more info see http://www.clintonnj.gov/ ( 1 hour by car)
2. Kent, CT Named the top New England foliage destination by Yankee Magazine, Kent is situated near two state parks for plenty of leaf viewing. For more info on Kent, see http://www.ct.gov/ ( 3hours by car)
3. Millbrook, NY This town is filled with rolling hills, beautiful gardens, and Millbrook Vineyards (845) 677-8383. Just 10 minutes away from the winery is Innisfree Garden which occupies 150 acres on part of a lake. The public garden features streams, waterfalls and terraces. Call 845-677-8000 for more details.
( 3hours by car)
4. Hunter, NY Get your adrenaline fix with a trip to Hunter Mountin and take a Skyrider Tour. It's North America's longest highest and fastest zipline course. It sends riders flying at speeds of 50 mph on lines that extend 3,000 feet and more than 600 feet in the air. The entire course covers more than 4.6 miles of forest giving thrill seekers a stunnung aerial view of the Catskills. For more info visit http://www.huntermtn.com/ or call 800-HunterMtn. ( 3 hours by car)
Friday, September 23, 2011
12 Ways To Outfox Bill Collectors
1.If they threaten to have you arrested, use profanity or call before 8am or after 9pm, then they are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. So report then to your state attorney general at http://www.naag.org/ and the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/
2. When they leave a message on your phone, its just a message from a made up person. When you call back and ask for him or her, they will say they are out to lunch and offer to help you instead.
3. When a bill collector makes unreasonable demands, never ask for a manager since he or she won't help you. Just call back and get another collector on the line.
4. Bill collectors love to call you at work because it puts extra pressure on you. However, if you specifically ask them not to call you at work, by law they have to stop.
5. If you decide to settle, collectors are trained to "take your application" in a bored voice. They'll the ask for your spouse's work phone, and other personal information. But it's they're way of getting more info out of you in case the debtor rejects your settlement. So if you want to settle, don't give them an more info to harass you.
6. Always check whether your debt has passed the statute of limitations. You can check for info about your state at http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-state-statute-limitations-1282.php
If your debt has passed the statute of limitations, they can't sue you or put it on your credit report. But if you make any kind of payment or even acknowledge the debt, then that starts the clock ticking all over again !
7. Debt collectors always lie when negotiating and say they have to get a manger involved. Then the other collector becomes the "bad cop". The theory is that just having another voice on the phone may get you to open your wallet.
8. A lot of collection agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar. So when you negotiate, start low at about 25 cents on the dollar. Then say, "I have $200 I can apply towards this debt.. Will you accept that as payment in full?" If the collector says "no", then ask what they will accept. When you reach a deal always make them put it in writing. Then pay the bill.
9. Collectors won't tell you , but most accounts have a one time settlement fee of 15% to 35% that's pre-approved. This is especially true with credit card debt. So always negotiate hard.
10. The more money a collector can get out of you, the bigger bonus he or she will get. Top collectors routinely get bonus checks of $10,000 or more each month. So always negotiate your debt down to pennies on the dollar.
11. All collectors have heard every tale of woe in existence. They may seem sympathetic when they talk to you, but they just don't care. So make sure you always negotiate your debt down.
12. Debt collectors are trained to believe that all debtors are compulsive liars. So no matter what you tell them , they are trained to keep pushing. So they ask you if you can borrow from friends, your 401k or another credit card. Don't do it. If the collector won't negotiate the debt down, hang up.
2. When they leave a message on your phone, its just a message from a made up person. When you call back and ask for him or her, they will say they are out to lunch and offer to help you instead.
3. When a bill collector makes unreasonable demands, never ask for a manager since he or she won't help you. Just call back and get another collector on the line.
4. Bill collectors love to call you at work because it puts extra pressure on you. However, if you specifically ask them not to call you at work, by law they have to stop.
5. If you decide to settle, collectors are trained to "take your application" in a bored voice. They'll the ask for your spouse's work phone, and other personal information. But it's they're way of getting more info out of you in case the debtor rejects your settlement. So if you want to settle, don't give them an more info to harass you.
6. Always check whether your debt has passed the statute of limitations. You can check for info about your state at http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-state-statute-limitations-1282.php
If your debt has passed the statute of limitations, they can't sue you or put it on your credit report. But if you make any kind of payment or even acknowledge the debt, then that starts the clock ticking all over again !
7. Debt collectors always lie when negotiating and say they have to get a manger involved. Then the other collector becomes the "bad cop". The theory is that just having another voice on the phone may get you to open your wallet.
8. A lot of collection agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar. So when you negotiate, start low at about 25 cents on the dollar. Then say, "I have $200 I can apply towards this debt.. Will you accept that as payment in full?" If the collector says "no", then ask what they will accept. When you reach a deal always make them put it in writing. Then pay the bill.
9. Collectors won't tell you , but most accounts have a one time settlement fee of 15% to 35% that's pre-approved. This is especially true with credit card debt. So always negotiate hard.
10. The more money a collector can get out of you, the bigger bonus he or she will get. Top collectors routinely get bonus checks of $10,000 or more each month. So always negotiate your debt down to pennies on the dollar.
11. All collectors have heard every tale of woe in existence. They may seem sympathetic when they talk to you, but they just don't care. So make sure you always negotiate your debt down.
12. Debt collectors are trained to believe that all debtors are compulsive liars. So no matter what you tell them , they are trained to keep pushing. So they ask you if you can borrow from friends, your 401k or another credit card. Don't do it. If the collector won't negotiate the debt down, hang up.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sensational Sunday Italian Meat Ball Recipe
Meat Mix:
1lb ground beef ( 80% lean/20% fat )
1lb ground veal
1lb pancetta or thick-sliced smokey bacon, finely minced
2 whole eggs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
8 garlic cloves minced
Herb Mix:
1/4 cup fine dry unseasoned bread crumbs
4oz. (1/2 cup) whole milk
1 tsp coarse salt
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Slowly add milk to bread crumbs, stirring until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Then add to the meat mixture, season with salt and pepper and mix well. To taste for seasoning heat a small amount of canola oil in a small pan. When it's hot, it will ripple in the pan. Pinch off a bit of meat, and fry it in the oil. Remove with a spoon, taste, and correct seasoning, adding more salt if necessary. Refrigerate meat for about 30 minutes.
Next you'll need:
canola oil for browning
12 cups of good quality tomato sauce kept warm over low heat ( see recipe below )
finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Shape meatballs using an ice cream scoop. Firmly pack the meat into the scoop, pressing down on the flat side with your palm. Then use the spring trigger to release it, and roll it between your flattened palms into a ball. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of canola oil until very hot.Working in batches, brown all sides of each meatball. As they finish, transfer browned meatballs to a deep, ovenproof casserole. Cover meatballs with tomato sauce and make sure they are totally submerged. Place in oven and bake until well done, or about 1 3/4 to 2 hours. When done, they should feel firm to the touch, or an instant read meat thermometer should read 160 degrees.
To Serve:
Spoon sauce over meatballs ( 2or 3 per person) and top with grated cheese. Makes 25 to 30 meatballs. Serve 8 to 10 as an entree.
Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
San marzano tomatoes, oilive oil, garlic cloves, basil leavesight
1.Get eight (8) 28 oz cans of whole San Marzano tomatoes.
2. Empty in a huge bowl and crush by hand or with a potato masher. .
3. Place an 8 to 10 qt stockpot over moderate heat.
4. Add 1/2 cup olive oil and 8 crushed garlic cloves, and cook until the garlic starts to sizzle, about 3 or 4 minutes. ( Don't burn it. That will ruin the whole sauce )
5. Add tomaotoes in four portions, waiting until each comes to a simmer before adding the next. ( This speeds up cooking time)
6. Lower heat, add a few ripped basil leaves, and simmer until foam subsides and the sauce looks a little oily. Probaly about 45 minutes.
7. Let cool and store until ready to use. Makes about 16 cups so you'll have leftovers.
1lb ground beef ( 80% lean/20% fat )
1lb ground veal
1lb pancetta or thick-sliced smokey bacon, finely minced
2 whole eggs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
8 garlic cloves minced
Herb Mix:
1/4 cup fine dry unseasoned bread crumbs
4oz. (1/2 cup) whole milk
1 tsp coarse salt
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Slowly add milk to bread crumbs, stirring until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Then add to the meat mixture, season with salt and pepper and mix well. To taste for seasoning heat a small amount of canola oil in a small pan. When it's hot, it will ripple in the pan. Pinch off a bit of meat, and fry it in the oil. Remove with a spoon, taste, and correct seasoning, adding more salt if necessary. Refrigerate meat for about 30 minutes.
Next you'll need:
canola oil for browning
12 cups of good quality tomato sauce kept warm over low heat ( see recipe below )
finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Shape meatballs using an ice cream scoop. Firmly pack the meat into the scoop, pressing down on the flat side with your palm. Then use the spring trigger to release it, and roll it between your flattened palms into a ball. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of canola oil until very hot.Working in batches, brown all sides of each meatball. As they finish, transfer browned meatballs to a deep, ovenproof casserole. Cover meatballs with tomato sauce and make sure they are totally submerged. Place in oven and bake until well done, or about 1 3/4 to 2 hours. When done, they should feel firm to the touch, or an instant read meat thermometer should read 160 degrees.
To Serve:
Spoon sauce over meatballs ( 2or 3 per person) and top with grated cheese. Makes 25 to 30 meatballs. Serve 8 to 10 as an entree.
Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
San marzano tomatoes, oilive oil, garlic cloves, basil leavesight
1.Get eight (8) 28 oz cans of whole San Marzano tomatoes.
2. Empty in a huge bowl and crush by hand or with a potato masher. .
3. Place an 8 to 10 qt stockpot over moderate heat.
4. Add 1/2 cup olive oil and 8 crushed garlic cloves, and cook until the garlic starts to sizzle, about 3 or 4 minutes. ( Don't burn it. That will ruin the whole sauce )
5. Add tomaotoes in four portions, waiting until each comes to a simmer before adding the next. ( This speeds up cooking time)
6. Lower heat, add a few ripped basil leaves, and simmer until foam subsides and the sauce looks a little oily. Probaly about 45 minutes.
7. Let cool and store until ready to use. Makes about 16 cups so you'll have leftovers.
Design It Yourself Sneakers, Handbags, Jewlry & More
If you don't like off the shelf fashion acessories, then design them yourself.
Sneakers: http://www.nikeid.com/
Baggage: http://www.reloadbags.com/
Fragrances: http://www.gardenbotanika.com/
Lingerie: http://www.evloveintimates.com/
Jeans: http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/
Dress Shirts/Suits http://www.moi-meme.com/
Shoes: http://www.shoesofprey.com/
Handbags: http://www.elementalthreads.com/
Pillows & Bedding: http://www.inmod.com/
MakeUp: http://www.discontinuedlipstick.com/
Jewelry: http://www.egjewelry.com/
Sneakers: http://www.nikeid.com/
Baggage: http://www.reloadbags.com/
Fragrances: http://www.gardenbotanika.com/
Lingerie: http://www.evloveintimates.com/
Jeans: http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/
Dress Shirts/Suits http://www.moi-meme.com/
Shoes: http://www.shoesofprey.com/
Handbags: http://www.elementalthreads.com/
Pillows & Bedding: http://www.inmod.com/
MakeUp: http://www.discontinuedlipstick.com/
Jewelry: http://www.egjewelry.com/
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Is It a Mirror Or 2-Way Glass?
How can we tell the difference between a real mirror or a 2-way glass in public bathrooms, hotel rooms or changing rooms? It quite easy. Here is a simple test provided by a policewoman who travels all over the U.S.
She gives seminars to businesswomen about security issues. Just place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface. If its is a genuine mirror, there will be about a 1/8" gap between your actual fingernail and the actual reflection of your finger nail. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail with NO SPACE or NO GAP, then BEWARE! IT'S A 2-WAY MIRROR! Now you motto should be,
"No Space, Leave The Place". So remember to do the fingernail test every time you see a mirror. All ladies should share this information with their girlfriends, sisters, daughters and moms. Men should share this info with their wives, daughters, daughters-in-laws, moms, girlfriends and friends.
She gives seminars to businesswomen about security issues. Just place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface. If its is a genuine mirror, there will be about a 1/8" gap between your actual fingernail and the actual reflection of your finger nail. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail with NO SPACE or NO GAP, then BEWARE! IT'S A 2-WAY MIRROR! Now you motto should be,
"No Space, Leave The Place". So remember to do the fingernail test every time you see a mirror. All ladies should share this information with their girlfriends, sisters, daughters and moms. Men should share this info with their wives, daughters, daughters-in-laws, moms, girlfriends and friends.
Why Have Italian Men Given Up Sex?
"Italian men don't want to have sex anymore," said Manuela Grassi and Antonella Piperno in the weekly Panorama. "Our mothers used to warn us to be careful with that boy, he'll try to get you in bed. Now they warn us to watch out for that one, he'll never get in your bed." In Italy, it seems that young men, who are supposed to be in their sexual prime, don't know how to have sex. Nearly 20 percent of men between 18 and 30 have no sex life at all, and don't seem to miss it. Plus it's the women who are suffering. All across Italy, in beauty salons, Internet chat rooms, and agony columns, women are wailing with frustration. One woman left a man she might have really loved because he refused to get intimate more than once a month. Some experts say that Italian men are overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed in business. Others blame rapacious Italian women for intimidating men. Italy's sexy TV personality Anna Falchi is typical. "I had a likewarm lover only once, " she said. "I threw him out immediately." Experts say its no wonder why men are too scared to perform.
How To Negotiate A Severance Package
When you get a job termination notice, don't shake hands with the people who have fired you. Instead, deliver a written counterproposal to the company's cookie cutter severance package. Ask for one month of severance pay for every year you worked there, an extra month of pay for each of your dependents, full health coverage until you find a job, a promise of strong references, and a lump-sum payment. If they refuse to negotiate, say they will hear from your attorney soon. In the unlikely event they call your bluff by letting you leave, have your lawyer place a call. Just stand ready to compromise, get the final check, and say goodbye.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Six Ways To Appear Like A Local When You Travel
1. Eat Fast Food -Strangely enough, fast food places are a great way to understand a culture. For instance in Vienna, where coffee is an obsession, the city is defined by the numerous coffeehouses that dot the city. Even at Starbucks, the locals order a melange which is much like a cappuccino. That unfamiliar option is a tip off to what the locals order. At McDonald's in Rome, look for a self-serve salad bar since Italians won't out up with pr-packaged greens.
2. Read Local - To keep sticking out as a tourist, buy a local newspaper in the local language and carry it under your arm. It makes fro great camouflage.
3. Dress Like A Local - Spend the first morning in any new city people watching to see how they dress. Then budget to buy a piece of clothing that will be a souvenir and serve as camouflage.
4. Watch Your Timing - To pass as a local, don't stick to rigid time table. For instance, in Spain or Greece, eating super before 10 pm means your a tourist. In Valencia, locals don't start to party until 3am even on weekdays! To keep up with the locals, just live like they do. Instead of plowing through 8 hours of sightseeing, linger over lunch, nap during the hottest times of the day, and dine late at night.
5. Learn The Local Lingo - In Philly the subway is called the"L", in London it's called the "tube". So make sure you familiarize yourself with the local slang words. You can purchase small slang books for various languages or you do a Google slang search for our destination.
6. Bonus Tip - Only Americans wear sunglasses when it's shady out-so only bring them out on the sunniest days.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
11 Ways To Avoid Online Dating Scams
1. Avoid long distance relationships Although long distance relationships sometimes work out, if you stay local, you drastically reduce the the odds of being scammed.
2. Never reveal personal data to someone until you meet them face to face While its tempting to reveal personal info about yourself, that's what scammers are counting on.
3.Pay attention to language Many people who commit dating scams are from West Africa or the former
Soveit republics. If their command of English is fuzzy, that's a BIG red flag!
4. Use search engines to check out potential suitors If someone online seems too good to be true, just cut and paste their e-mails in Google and their exact words might pop up on several websites devoted to romance scams.
5. Upload a potential suitors photo to http://www.tinyeye.com/ This website will allow you to see where else the photo appeared. Many con artists just swipe a photo from Facebook and use it.
6. Stick to paid online dating services If members pay to join a site, that means a credit card is on file
and these people are easier to trace. However, it does not mean that these sites are free of scammers.
7. Be suspicious if some wants to use instant messaging or e-mail immediately They may rogues trying to hack into your computer.
8. Watch out for someone claiming to be a soldier Lately, scammers have stolen photos of soldiers on social networking sites and pretend to be trustworthy members of the military.
9. Don't fall for a sob story Many scammers claim to have lost a spouse, child or parent in an accident or claim they have a relative that is very ill. Also, they might say say that they are at the airport and they are on their way to visit you, but their credit card has been declined. Don't give them your credit card number and never, ever wire money to a stranger!
10. Call your potential suitor by phone ASAP Someone who sounds great online may not sound might be an obvious fraud on the phone.
11. Run a check on your suitor on http://www.beenverified.com/, http://www.pigbusters.net/
and ww.RomanceScams.Org . If your lover has conned others, he or she may show up on these sites.
2. Never reveal personal data to someone until you meet them face to face While its tempting to reveal personal info about yourself, that's what scammers are counting on.
3.Pay attention to language Many people who commit dating scams are from West Africa or the former
Soveit republics. If their command of English is fuzzy, that's a BIG red flag!
4. Use search engines to check out potential suitors If someone online seems too good to be true, just cut and paste their e-mails in Google and their exact words might pop up on several websites devoted to romance scams.
5. Upload a potential suitors photo to http://www.tinyeye.com/ This website will allow you to see where else the photo appeared. Many con artists just swipe a photo from Facebook and use it.
6. Stick to paid online dating services If members pay to join a site, that means a credit card is on file
and these people are easier to trace. However, it does not mean that these sites are free of scammers.
7. Be suspicious if some wants to use instant messaging or e-mail immediately They may rogues trying to hack into your computer.
8. Watch out for someone claiming to be a soldier Lately, scammers have stolen photos of soldiers on social networking sites and pretend to be trustworthy members of the military.
9. Don't fall for a sob story Many scammers claim to have lost a spouse, child or parent in an accident or claim they have a relative that is very ill. Also, they might say say that they are at the airport and they are on their way to visit you, but their credit card has been declined. Don't give them your credit card number and never, ever wire money to a stranger!
10. Call your potential suitor by phone ASAP Someone who sounds great online may not sound might be an obvious fraud on the phone.
11. Run a check on your suitor on http://www.beenverified.com/, http://www.pigbusters.net/
and ww.RomanceScams.Org . If your lover has conned others, he or she may show up on these sites.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
How To Prepare A Flawless Risotto
This risotto combines pears, goat cheese and crushed black peppercorns with a veggie stock:
To make it you'll need:
4 cups vegetable stock -buy a quality store bought brand or make your own ( recipe follows)
8 tbsp unsalted butter ( 1 stick) at room temperature
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots n
2 cups of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
2 cups white wine
2 cups ( 8oz ) finely crumbled goat cheese that's not aged
2 cups of peeled and diced pears ( 2 pears) preferably Bosc pears
Salt and freshly cracked peppercorns
In a medium saucepan , bring the vegetable stock to a simmer. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter. When it begins to sizzle, add the shallots and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the wine to the pan to deglaze, and cook stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated, ab out 5 to 7 minutes. Then add enough simmering stock to reach about 1/4 inch above the rice and cook, stirring, until the liquid begins to simmer. When the rice has absorbed almost all of the liquid, add another ladle full of stock. Continue to cook in this fashion until all the liquid has been added ( about 14 to 16 minutes total ) Reduce heat to low. Add the goat cheese, pears and remaining 5 tbsp of butter and give the mixture a couple of stirs. The cheese and butter should melt, and the risotto should take on a smooth consistency in about a minute or so. serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.
To make the vegetable stock, you'll need:
2 onions, peeled and halved
2 carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
2 stalks celery
2 leeks, halved lengthwise ( white and green parts)
5 qts ( 20 cups) of water
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 bunch fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
In a large stock pot, simmer veggies, water, and salt for 15 minutes, skimming surface of foam and particles.
Add herbs and simmer for another 20 minutes. Strain the stock, discarding solids. Makes about 15 cups.
To make it you'll need:
4 cups vegetable stock -buy a quality store bought brand or make your own ( recipe follows)
8 tbsp unsalted butter ( 1 stick) at room temperature
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots n
2 cups of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
2 cups white wine
2 cups ( 8oz ) finely crumbled goat cheese that's not aged
2 cups of peeled and diced pears ( 2 pears) preferably Bosc pears
Salt and freshly cracked peppercorns
In a medium saucepan , bring the vegetable stock to a simmer. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter. When it begins to sizzle, add the shallots and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the wine to the pan to deglaze, and cook stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated, ab out 5 to 7 minutes. Then add enough simmering stock to reach about 1/4 inch above the rice and cook, stirring, until the liquid begins to simmer. When the rice has absorbed almost all of the liquid, add another ladle full of stock. Continue to cook in this fashion until all the liquid has been added ( about 14 to 16 minutes total ) Reduce heat to low. Add the goat cheese, pears and remaining 5 tbsp of butter and give the mixture a couple of stirs. The cheese and butter should melt, and the risotto should take on a smooth consistency in about a minute or so. serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.
To make the vegetable stock, you'll need:
2 onions, peeled and halved
2 carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
2 stalks celery
2 leeks, halved lengthwise ( white and green parts)
5 qts ( 20 cups) of water
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 bunch fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
In a large stock pot, simmer veggies, water, and salt for 15 minutes, skimming surface of foam and particles.
Add herbs and simmer for another 20 minutes. Strain the stock, discarding solids. Makes about 15 cups.
The Secret Of the South's Best Fried Chicken Recipe
To make it you'll need:
1 3-lb chicken , cut into 8 pieces
1/4 cup kosher salt
4 cups buttermilk
1 lb lard
8 tbsp ( 1 stick ) unsalted butter
1/2 cup country ham pieces
1 cup flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
The night before, place chicken in a large bowl and set aside. In a large pitcher, combine kosher salt with 6 cups of water and stir until the salt has dissolved. Pour salt water over chicken pieces until they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate over night. In the morning, drain chicken pieces and rinse chicken and the bowl. Return chicken to the bowl and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.
About 1 1/4 before serving, combine the lard, butter, and ham in a large heavy skillet. Cook over low heat, skimming as needed, until ham is lightly browned, about 30 to 45 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove ham and brown bits from fat. Increase heat to medium high and bring fat to 335 degrees.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper and mix well..Dredge chicken pieces thoroughly in flour mixture, then pat well to remove excess flour. Working in batches, do not crowd pan, and place chicken pieces skin down on fat side. Cook 8 to 10 minutes on each side, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Drain on crumpled paper towel. Serve hot, warm , room temperature or cold. Serves 4 to 6.
1 3-lb chicken , cut into 8 pieces
1/4 cup kosher salt
4 cups buttermilk
1 lb lard
8 tbsp ( 1 stick ) unsalted butter
1/2 cup country ham pieces
1 cup flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
The night before, place chicken in a large bowl and set aside. In a large pitcher, combine kosher salt with 6 cups of water and stir until the salt has dissolved. Pour salt water over chicken pieces until they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate over night. In the morning, drain chicken pieces and rinse chicken and the bowl. Return chicken to the bowl and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.
About 1 1/4 before serving, combine the lard, butter, and ham in a large heavy skillet. Cook over low heat, skimming as needed, until ham is lightly browned, about 30 to 45 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove ham and brown bits from fat. Increase heat to medium high and bring fat to 335 degrees.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper and mix well..Dredge chicken pieces thoroughly in flour mixture, then pat well to remove excess flour. Working in batches, do not crowd pan, and place chicken pieces skin down on fat side. Cook 8 to 10 minutes on each side, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Drain on crumpled paper towel. Serve hot, warm , room temperature or cold. Serves 4 to 6.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Restuarants Offering Free Food On Your Birthday
ALFY'S PIZZA - free mini pizza
ALL-AMERICAN CAFE - free dessert
APPLEBEES - free dessert
AUSTIN GRILL - Register First - free meal
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BANDIDO'S - free entree
BANJARA INDIAN CUISINE - free meal
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
BEACHES RESTAURANT - free meal
BENIHANA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT - free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests ( Verify first with your local )
BENNIGANS - free dessert + song
BERN'S - free meal
BILL KNAPP'S - gives adults a % discount equal to age; plus a free bday cake (w/purchase of a meal) during the week of your B-day
BLACK BRISKEE - free meal
BOB'S BIG BOY - free hot fudge ice cream
BRUSTER'S - free waffle cone on your birthday
BURGER KING - free kids meal to all kids club members
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Register First - free kids meal during the month of their birthday
CAPTAIN D'S BIRTHDAY CLUB - free two-piece meal at sign-up and once a year on your birthday
CAPTAIN DIZZY'S CAR WASH - free car wash
CARROWS - free cake
CATTLEMEN'S - free dessert and cowboy hat
CHARLIE BROWNS RESTAURANTS - free meal for "Handshake Club" members
CHARLIE'S SEAFOOD - free meal
CHEVY'S - free dessert and sombrero
CHILI'S - free desert on your birthday
CHIPS N GIGGLES - free meal
CLAIM JUMPER - Free Dessert
CROWN THEATRES - Buy One Movie Ticket, Get One Free
CRAZY BUFFET - free meal
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
DENNY'S - free meal (said to be only kids under 10 now)
DESPARADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - free meal
DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - free meal
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE - b1g1 coupons (register first). FREE dinner for your birthday!
EL CHICOS - free dessert
ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - free meal
FAMOUS DAVE'S BARBEQUE - free meal (w/advance signup)
FIREHOUSE SUBS - free sub (must sign up for birthday club)
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - free cake (party of 5 min.; 2 drink min.)
GRILLFISH - free meal
HANA JAPAN - free meal
HARD ROCK CAFE - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT - free entree
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - one free video rental
HOOTERS - free song + tshirt
HOSS'S STEAK HOUSE AND RESTAURANT - free cake + song
IHOP- free meal
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
JT WHEATFIELDS - free coupon in phone book
KING BUFFET - free meal
LADONNA - free meal
LOMBARDI'S IN BALLARD - Register First - free meal w/another during month of birthday
LOTUS - free meal
LUTHERS BBQ - free stuff (varies) for "Great Rewards" members
MACARONI GRILL - free dessert + OPERA-style "Happy birthday" song
MAGGIANOS - $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance)
MARIE CALENDERS - free dessert
MAX AND ERMA - free $5 dessert
MEXICAN VILLAGE - free meal
MOONIES DINER - free meal
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO - free sushi dinner + player's club points
NEWICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS - free entree
NITTY GRITTY - free drink + souvenir glass
OKAYAMA RESTAURANT - free meal
OLD SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE - free meal
ONAMI - free dinner WITH 3 other people paying
OUTBACK Steakhouse - free dessert + song
PANCAKE HOUSE - free entree
PAPPA'S RESTAURANTS - free dessert
PARADISO'S - free meal
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
PIZZA EXPRESS - free meal
PONCHO'S - free meal, dessert & picture
PROVINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Radisson - free entree in their 12th floor restaurant
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY - free meal and dessert
RED ROBINS - Register First - free burger coupon / discount coupon
RICE & COMPANY - free meal for Robinson Rewards Club members
ROCK BOTTOM - free appetizer for Mug Club members
ROUND TABLE - free personal pizza
RUBY TUESDAY - free burger and fries (must sign up for their newsletter to receive this offer)
SCALINI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - up to 10.95 off pasta specialties
SHEPARD'S BUFFET - free dinner buffet w/3 other paid customers
STEAK AND ALE - free mini choco cake
STEAK-N-SHAKE - free dinner for "birthday club" kids
TGI FRIDAYS - Free birthday Dessert
THE 99 - free meal
THE BARNSIDER'S/DEPOT RESTAURANTS - 1/2 off meal + cake & song
THE LOFT - free meal
THE PALM - 3lb lobster (must be a member/register first)
THE PARADISO - free entree + sombrero & song
THE VINE TAVERN - free meal
TODAI SEAFOOD BUFFET - Free Meal or voucher for Meal Next Visit
TONY ROMA'S - free dessert, free meal
UP THE CREEK - free meal and dessert
VACCARO'S ITALIAN PASTRY SHOP - free dessert and drink
WENDY'S - free kids meal to all kids club members
Z' TEJAS - Register First - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday
ZIO'S - free dessert mini pizza
ALL-AMERICAN CAFE - free dessert
APPLEBEES - free dessert
AUSTIN GRILL - Register First - free meal
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BANDIDO'S - free entree
BANJARA INDIAN CUISINE - free meal
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
BEACHES RESTAURANT - free meal
BENIHANA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT - free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests ( Verify first with your local )
BENNIGANS - free dessert + song
BERN'S - free meal
BILL KNAPP'S - gives adults a % discount equal to age; plus a free bday cake (w/purchase of a meal) during the week of your B-day
BLACK BRISKEE - free meal
BOB'S BIG BOY - free hot fudge ice cream
BRUSTER'S - free waffle cone on your birthday
BURGER KING - free kids meal to all kids club members
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Register First - free kids meal during the month of their birthday
CAPTAIN D'S BIRTHDAY CLUB - free two-piece meal at sign-up and once a year on your birthday
CAPTAIN DIZZY'S CAR WASH - free car wash
CARROWS - free cake
CATTLEMEN'S - free dessert and cowboy hat
CHARLIE BROWNS RESTAURANTS - free meal for "Handshake Club" members
CHARLIE'S SEAFOOD - free meal
CHEVY'S - free dessert and sombrero
CHILI'S - free desert on your birthday
CHIPS N GIGGLES - free meal
CLAIM JUMPER - Free Dessert
CROWN THEATRES - Buy One Movie Ticket, Get One Free
CRAZY BUFFET - free meal
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
DENNY'S - free meal (said to be only kids under 10 now)
DESPARADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - free meal
DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - free meal
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE - b1g1 coupons (register first). FREE dinner for your birthday!
EL CHICOS - free dessert
ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - free meal
FAMOUS DAVE'S BARBEQUE - free meal (w/advance signup)
FIREHOUSE SUBS - free sub (must sign up for birthday club)
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - free cake (party of 5 min.; 2 drink min.)
GRILLFISH - free meal
HANA JAPAN - free meal
HARD ROCK CAFE - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT - free entree
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - one free video rental
HOOTERS - free song + tshirt
HOSS'S STEAK HOUSE AND RESTAURANT - free cake + song
IHOP- free meal
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
JT WHEATFIELDS - free coupon in phone book
KING BUFFET - free meal
LADONNA - free meal
LOMBARDI'S IN BALLARD - Register First - free meal w/another during month of birthday
LOTUS - free meal
LUTHERS BBQ - free stuff (varies) for "Great Rewards" members
MACARONI GRILL - free dessert + OPERA-style "Happy birthday" song
MAGGIANOS - $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance)
MARIE CALENDERS - free dessert
MAX AND ERMA - free $5 dessert
MEXICAN VILLAGE - free meal
MOONIES DINER - free meal
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO - free sushi dinner + player's club points
NEWICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS - free entree
NITTY GRITTY - free drink + souvenir glass
OKAYAMA RESTAURANT - free meal
OLD SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE - free meal
ONAMI - free dinner WITH 3 other people paying
OUTBACK Steakhouse - free dessert + song
PANCAKE HOUSE - free entree
PAPPA'S RESTAURANTS - free dessert
PARADISO'S - free meal
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
PIZZA EXPRESS - free meal
PONCHO'S - free meal, dessert & picture
PROVINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Radisson - free entree in their 12th floor restaurant
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY - free meal and dessert
RED ROBINS - Register First - free burger coupon / discount coupon
RICE & COMPANY - free meal for Robinson Rewards Club members
ROCK BOTTOM - free appetizer for Mug Club members
ROUND TABLE - free personal pizza
RUBY TUESDAY - free burger and fries (must sign up for their newsletter to receive this offer)
SCALINI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - up to 10.95 off pasta specialties
SHEPARD'S BUFFET - free dinner buffet w/3 other paid customers
STEAK AND ALE - free mini choco cake
STEAK-N-SHAKE - free dinner for "birthday club" kids
TGI FRIDAYS - Free birthday Dessert
THE 99 - free meal
THE BARNSIDER'S/DEPOT RESTAURANTS - 1/2 off meal + cake & song
THE LOFT - free meal
THE PALM - 3lb lobster (must be a member/register first)
THE PARADISO - free entree + sombrero & song
THE VINE TAVERN - free meal
TODAI SEAFOOD BUFFET - Free Meal or voucher for Meal Next Visit
TONY ROMA'S - free dessert, free meal
UP THE CREEK - free meal and dessert
VACCARO'S ITALIAN PASTRY SHOP - free dessert and drink
WENDY'S - free kids meal to all kids club members
Z' TEJAS - Register First - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday
ZIO'S - free dessert mini pizza
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Ten Ways To Get Anyone To Like You In Less Than 2 Minutes
1. Let Your Smile Build Slowly Its always a good idea to smile when you meet someone, but instantly switching on a 100 watt smile seems phony. Instead, make sure smile build slowly when you make eye contact.
2.Make Strong Eye Contact People tend to trust people who make strong eye contact. If you have trouble making eye contact, make a habit of noting specifics about your prospect's eyes. Note the color, the shape, how far apart they are , the length of the lashes and how often they blink. Answering these questions will help you make strong eye contact with another person. Just make sure you break eye contact occasionally since starring too intently can make people uncomfortable.
3.Select A Good Body Position During the first minute of conversation, slowly rotate your body to completely face the person. The exception would be a man meeting a woman. A man should stop a few degrees short of angling his upper body directly towards her so as not to appear overly aggressive. If you're holding a drink or a plate of food, set it down or hold it down by your side. If you hold it in front of your chest, your arm will block off your body making you seem less open. If you're not sure what to do with your hands, then use gestures when you talk or put them in your pockets. Just don't cross your arms across your chest which makes you seem closed off.
4.Find The Right Space Zone Standing too close to a person can make them feel uneasy. Stand too far and they won't feel connected. So the average distance you should stand in front of a new person is about 26 to 28 inches away. Keeping moving closer until you detect discomfort in their eyes. Then ease back slightly until you see the discomfort disappear.
5. How To Shake Hands When you shake hands, very gently touch your forefinger to the other person's wrist. Gently touching it fosters a feeling of warmth and closeness even though the other person may not be conscious of it.
6.Treat Business Cards With Respect A business card represents a person's professional accomplishments. Showing respect for the card shows respect for the person. When you are handed a card,
imagine it as a delicate precious gift. Hold it gently in your hands. Pause to read it, then carefully place it in your briefcase, wallet or purse. Never just jam a card into your pocket.
7. How To Begin A Conversation Questions that make great icebreakers are "What do you do?" Followed by "How did you decide you wanted to do that?" To couples say, 'How did you two meet?"
8.Slowly Nod When People Speak This sends a message of acceptance and encouragement which makes people feel more at ease. Just do not nod if a man or woman is saying something with which you disagree.
Keep in mind that women tend to interpret nodding as "I understand" not "I agree."
9.Pay Attention To Small Talk If someone says, "At least the rain is good for my plants," seize on the word plants and say "Do you have a garden?" Or if someone says, "It's been too hot to walk my dogs," say "what kind of dog do you have?" Small talk is a good conversation starter.
10. Use The Same Speaking Terms If a parent refers to her offspring as her "child" do not refer to the child as her "little one" or "baby". If someone refers to his lively hood as a "profession" do not refer to it as a "job" or a "career".
2.Make Strong Eye Contact People tend to trust people who make strong eye contact. If you have trouble making eye contact, make a habit of noting specifics about your prospect's eyes. Note the color, the shape, how far apart they are , the length of the lashes and how often they blink. Answering these questions will help you make strong eye contact with another person. Just make sure you break eye contact occasionally since starring too intently can make people uncomfortable.
3.Select A Good Body Position During the first minute of conversation, slowly rotate your body to completely face the person. The exception would be a man meeting a woman. A man should stop a few degrees short of angling his upper body directly towards her so as not to appear overly aggressive. If you're holding a drink or a plate of food, set it down or hold it down by your side. If you hold it in front of your chest, your arm will block off your body making you seem less open. If you're not sure what to do with your hands, then use gestures when you talk or put them in your pockets. Just don't cross your arms across your chest which makes you seem closed off.
4.Find The Right Space Zone Standing too close to a person can make them feel uneasy. Stand too far and they won't feel connected. So the average distance you should stand in front of a new person is about 26 to 28 inches away. Keeping moving closer until you detect discomfort in their eyes. Then ease back slightly until you see the discomfort disappear.
5. How To Shake Hands When you shake hands, very gently touch your forefinger to the other person's wrist. Gently touching it fosters a feeling of warmth and closeness even though the other person may not be conscious of it.
6.Treat Business Cards With Respect A business card represents a person's professional accomplishments. Showing respect for the card shows respect for the person. When you are handed a card,
imagine it as a delicate precious gift. Hold it gently in your hands. Pause to read it, then carefully place it in your briefcase, wallet or purse. Never just jam a card into your pocket.
7. How To Begin A Conversation Questions that make great icebreakers are "What do you do?" Followed by "How did you decide you wanted to do that?" To couples say, 'How did you two meet?"
8.Slowly Nod When People Speak This sends a message of acceptance and encouragement which makes people feel more at ease. Just do not nod if a man or woman is saying something with which you disagree.
Keep in mind that women tend to interpret nodding as "I understand" not "I agree."
9.Pay Attention To Small Talk If someone says, "At least the rain is good for my plants," seize on the word plants and say "Do you have a garden?" Or if someone says, "It's been too hot to walk my dogs," say "what kind of dog do you have?" Small talk is a good conversation starter.
10. Use The Same Speaking Terms If a parent refers to her offspring as her "child" do not refer to the child as her "little one" or "baby". If someone refers to his lively hood as a "profession" do not refer to it as a "job" or a "career".
Monday, July 4, 2011
Blue Cheese Potato Salad Is A Backyard Favorite
If you want areal attention getter for your next cookout, then serve your guests Blue Cheese Potato Salad.
In a blender, puree 1 cup of blue cheese crumbles, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/8 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then fold in an additional cup of blue cheese crumbles to the blender mix, season to taste, and set aside. In a separate large bowl, mix 3 cooked and cooled Idaho potatoes cut into large dice size pieces. Then add 3 whole finely chopped scallions and 2tablespoons of parsley. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Sriracha hot sauce, 1 1/2 cups of the reserved blue cheese dressing and 2 more ounces of crumbled blue cheese. Mix well, season to taste with Kosher salt, and serve. Serves 4 to 6 people.
In a blender, puree 1 cup of blue cheese crumbles, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/8 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then fold in an additional cup of blue cheese crumbles to the blender mix, season to taste, and set aside. In a separate large bowl, mix 3 cooked and cooled Idaho potatoes cut into large dice size pieces. Then add 3 whole finely chopped scallions and 2tablespoons of parsley. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Sriracha hot sauce, 1 1/2 cups of the reserved blue cheese dressing and 2 more ounces of crumbled blue cheese. Mix well, season to taste with Kosher salt, and serve. Serves 4 to 6 people.
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