And, The Answer Is!
And, The Answer Is!
Forty percent of respondents to a recent survey, including elected officials, incorrectly believed that the US president has the power to declare war, while 54 percent correctly answered that that power rests with Congress.
So, whose fault is the Iraq war? Well, I guess since the power rests with Congress that any mistakes should rest with them as well.
"It is disturbing enough that the general public failed ISI's civic literacy test, but when you consider the even more dismal scores of elected officials, you have to be concerned," said Josiah Bunting, chairman of the National Civic Literacy Board at ISI.
The Business Connection
At Work At Home: Design Ideas for Your Home Workplace
At Work At Home: Design Ideas for Your Home Workplace
Given the state of the U.S. economy, you might assume that turning your hobby into a small business right now isn't the best idea. On the contrary, launching your own small business in a down economy can be a very smart move -- if you plan in advance and set yourself up for success from the start.Here are 10 tips that all budding entrepreneurs can follow to make their dreams of owning a small business a reality in 2010:
1. Develop a business plan
While preparing a business plan is a requirement for any small business owner seeking to raise start-up funding through a traditional loan or venture capital, every business can benefit from this practice. Your business plan should define your business, its products and services, while outlining your business goals, operating procedures and competition.
2. Consider incorporating your business or forming an LLC
While many small businesses choose never to incorporate, there are many benefits to doing so. "Incorporating your business or forming a limited liability corporation (LLC) is important because it helps protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities," says Karen Kobelski, general manager of BizFilings, a full-service online incorporation service provider offering small business owners fast, easy and economical ways to form a corporation or other business structure online or by phone. "However, incorporating isn't just about protecting your personal assets; other benefits of incorporation include tax advantages and greater credibility with customers and business partners, which can give incorporated businesses a much-needed advantage over non-incorporated operations."
3. Select an accountant and attorney
Many small business owners seek advice from accountants and attorneys. As you research your options, get referrals from friends and family and turn to professionals who have worked with other small business owners or companies in your specific industry.
4. Get necessary tax identification numbers, business licenses and permits
If your small business will rely on employees, a federal tax identification number or employer identification number (EIN) is required. Most businesses will also require licenses and/or permits to operate in your city, municipality, county and/or state.
5. Insure your business and investigate other requirements
Some industries have specific insurance requirements -- do your homework. It's also important to research additional government tax and insurance requirements that might apply to your business, particularly if you plan on having employees.
6. Open a business bank account
When you own your own business, it's crucial to separate business finances from personal ones, so opening a business account is key. If your business is not incorporated, most banks will require a DBA (doing business as); contact your bank about requirements prior to opening an account.
7. Arrange your business accounting and apply for loans
It is critical to properly account for all business disbursements, payments received, invoices, etc., whether you use an accountant or handle the finances yourself. If you don't have enough capital to start a business, seek funding from banks or through Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.
8. Establish a business line of credit
Establishing business credit will help reduce the number of times your company prepays for purchased products/services and helps establish a strong credit history, a beneficial practice when negotiating vendor and supplier relationships.
9. Ready your workspace
For home-based small businesses, make sure that you are meeting the zoning requirements for your area. Non-home-based businesses will likely require office space, which could lead to the purchase/lease of furniture and office equipment. Planning for this in advance will ensure that you have enough money to cover these costs.
10. Create a brand identity and start marketing your business
To diversify your business from the competition, you should establish your company's identity and start publicizing your products and services. Consider developing a unique business logo to include on business cards and letterhead, advertising your business in the local telephone directory, and developing customer leads -- from friends, family, and business associates. These activities will help potential customers find and remember your business and should reflect the personality of your organization.
Don't put your dreams of financial independence and doing what you love on hold until the world starts turning in your favor; start planning for your future today.
Given the state of the U.S. economy, you might assume that turning your hobby into a small business right now isn't the best idea. On the contrary, launching your own small business in a down economy can be a very smart move -- if you plan in advance and set yourself up for success from the start.Here are 10 tips that all budding entrepreneurs can follow to make their dreams of owning a small business a reality in 2010:
1. Develop a business plan
While preparing a business plan is a requirement for any small business owner seeking to raise start-up funding through a traditional loan or venture capital, every business can benefit from this practice. Your business plan should define your business, its products and services, while outlining your business goals, operating procedures and competition.
2. Consider incorporating your business or forming an LLC
While many small businesses choose never to incorporate, there are many benefits to doing so. "Incorporating your business or forming a limited liability corporation (LLC) is important because it helps protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities," says Karen Kobelski, general manager of BizFilings, a full-service online incorporation service provider offering small business owners fast, easy and economical ways to form a corporation or other business structure online or by phone. "However, incorporating isn't just about protecting your personal assets; other benefits of incorporation include tax advantages and greater credibility with customers and business partners, which can give incorporated businesses a much-needed advantage over non-incorporated operations."
3. Select an accountant and attorney
Many small business owners seek advice from accountants and attorneys. As you research your options, get referrals from friends and family and turn to professionals who have worked with other small business owners or companies in your specific industry.
4. Get necessary tax identification numbers, business licenses and permits
If your small business will rely on employees, a federal tax identification number or employer identification number (EIN) is required. Most businesses will also require licenses and/or permits to operate in your city, municipality, county and/or state.
5. Insure your business and investigate other requirements
Some industries have specific insurance requirements -- do your homework. It's also important to research additional government tax and insurance requirements that might apply to your business, particularly if you plan on having employees.
6. Open a business bank account
When you own your own business, it's crucial to separate business finances from personal ones, so opening a business account is key. If your business is not incorporated, most banks will require a DBA (doing business as); contact your bank about requirements prior to opening an account.
7. Arrange your business accounting and apply for loans
It is critical to properly account for all business disbursements, payments received, invoices, etc., whether you use an accountant or handle the finances yourself. If you don't have enough capital to start a business, seek funding from banks or through Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.
8. Establish a business line of credit
Establishing business credit will help reduce the number of times your company prepays for purchased products/services and helps establish a strong credit history, a beneficial practice when negotiating vendor and supplier relationships.
9. Ready your workspace
For home-based small businesses, make sure that you are meeting the zoning requirements for your area. Non-home-based businesses will likely require office space, which could lead to the purchase/lease of furniture and office equipment. Planning for this in advance will ensure that you have enough money to cover these costs.
10. Create a brand identity and start marketing your business
To diversify your business from the competition, you should establish your company's identity and start publicizing your products and services. Consider developing a unique business logo to include on business cards and letterhead, advertising your business in the local telephone directory, and developing customer leads -- from friends, family, and business associates. These activities will help potential customers find and remember your business and should reflect the personality of your organization.
Don't put your dreams of financial independence and doing what you love on hold until the world starts turning in your favor; start planning for your future today.
As a stay-at-home mom, you may wonder whether an online degree program is right for you. The fact is, getting a degree from an online university is one of the best options available and it's perfect for moms. Online programs offer flexibility, convenience and attainability that can be an ideal education solution for stay-at-home moms.By taking classes online, a mom can easily fit her school work into her already busy schedule. Nap times, after the kids are in bed and when they are on play dates are all opportunities to log in to a class without having to spend time driving to and from campus. In fact, you can attend your online class in your sweats or pajamas if you like - the right time to attend your online class is whenever it's convenient for you.
Stay-at-home moms can also save a good deal of money with online learning. The secondary costs of attending college are generally less, because you don't have to worry about having nice school clothes, and you don't have to waste gas commuting. Of course, the biggest savings is the cost of childcare. Online learning allows you to take the courses you need for a certificate or degree without having to pay a baby sitter several days a week.
If you've decided that you want to pursue an online degree, there are several ways to improve your chances of success. Colorado Technical University's online learning tips for stay-at-home moms will make the experience a positive one.
1. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Although you may want to sign up for as many classes as possible, it's not a good idea during your first semester. Take a few entry level courses to start so you can get a feel for how many hours you need to dedicate to your classes each week. By starting slow, you'll learn to pace yourself without being overwhelmed. It's easier to add additional courses the next semester than it is to drop out of one now. Remember, online college classes are just as challenging as the classes at a campus university.
2. Make sure your family and friends are committed to helping you. Having a husband or family friend who is as excited about your online education as you are is a tremendous help. They can encourage you and keep you on track.
3. Learn to accept help from others. Don't be afraid to ask your husband or a family member to watch the kids or take on a few chores for you when you're working on a big project such as a term paper. It's OK to ask for help occasionally, and the people who love you will be glad to help you achieve success.
4. Create a dedicated learning space for your school work. You don't have to have an entire room or an office, but you should set aside at least a corner of your bedroom or family room that is strictly for your school work. Keep your computer, some tablets, pens and pencils and your text books together so that you can easily sit down and begin studying at any time. Having to run around the house looking for your books and notes can be frustrating and time consuming. Be sure everyone knows that your study space is yours alone and should be treated with respect. You'll also find that you're in the right frame of mind to study when you have a space set aside as your mini classroom that you can regularly go to when you need to work on your assignments.
5. Keep your eye on the goal. Every stay-at-home mom runs into unexpected stumbling blocks when pursuing an online education. It might be a child who's sick, a change in your husband's schedule or simply feeling like you have a lot to do and not enough time. Make getting your online degree a priority. Keep in mind that your education will make you a better person and give you personal satisfaction, not to mention the fact that it prepares you with better skills in your chosen subject or field. If you focus on the end result, you'll be able to keep temporary setbacks in perspective and keep studying.
6. Manage your time effectively. You'll need to study several hours each week when you're pursuing an online degree. The easiest and most effective way to find the time for this is to work in small increments. You'll enjoy your work more and retain more of what you read if you set aside an hour each evening instead of trying to cram everything into a six hour stretch in one day. Take advantage of each small window of opportunity such as your children's nap time, the hour after they go to bed or even the first hour in the morning before everyone else gets up. You'll be amazed at how much studying or reading you can get done when you break it down into hourly or half-hour sets. 'Budget' your time wisely and it will pay off in the end.
7. Don't be afraid to participate in class. You may not be in an actual classroom, but you can participate with your teachers and classmates in an online classroom. You can participate in group chat sessions, e-mail your classmates and teachers and post messages on the message board. Interaction with others can give you great insight into your class and give you the opportunity to learn from others.
8. Let the teacher know if you need help. Don't let yourself sink if you're feeling overwhelmed or confused by a topic in any of your online classes. Teachers at online universities welcome questions from their students and will quickly respond to an e-mail or phone call. Your teachers are there for you and want you to succeed, so make full use of their time.
You'll soon discover that your online education is as exciting as it is rewarding if you keep these tips in mind.
Information in this article was provided by Colorado Technical University. Contact CTU today if you're interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program. (CTU does not guarantee employment or salary.)
Start A Gift Basket Business From Home
Start A Gift Basket Business From Home
The holidays are the most fantastic time of the year for giving gift baskets. Have you been thinking about starting a gift basket business? Are you researching the Internet to find out how to start a gift basket business? Giving gifts you make, can actually make you money!
Many have started their gift basket business on a shoe string budget and a spare bedroom. It can take very little money up front to get started. You can make standard or special occasion baskets, and you can also create custom baskets for specific customers. You might want to make sure your baskets are unique, filled with quality items, packaged beautifully, and are a good value for the price. What you decide to charge for a particular gift basket will depend on the type and cost of the basket, the cost of the items needed to fill it, the time spent and level of difficulty in putting it all together, and the cost of filler, wrap, cards, etc.
Gift baskets range in size from small to large. You will want to attract customers across all income levels. Your business will grow if there is something for everyone. You'll most likely want to stick with prepackaged snack foods like popcorn, pretzels, chips and dips such as salsa, nuts, dried fruit, flavored mini hot or cold drinks, cookies, fudge and others. There are occasions where foods are not appropriate. For example, baby baskets include nail clippers, hangers, rattles and bibs. Get well baskets contain puzzles, books, games and sometimes fruit.
You can purchase items in bulk from a local warehouse such as Sam's or a drop-shipper like National Gifts. Creating gift baskets will require some creativity if you make your own. Creating a niche will help boost your search engine rankings and ultimately make you more money. As long as you have the desire, you can start a gift basket business. You don't need any special education or expensive equipment to start from home.
For a copy of a FREE eBook on Gifts In A Jar/Gift Baskets and More click here!
There are many guides and Free information out there but some of the basics you should research are:
- evaluating different locations if looking for a retail site
- estimating your start-up costs
- what inventory you should start with
- where to find wholesale products and/or a reputable drop-shipper
- how to assemble your basket design if making your own baskets
- write a simple business plan
- advertise locally and online
- keeping your books/records
- shipping and delivery policy and methods
- promoting your business in a cost effective manner
- how to price your services and inventory
- target your niche market with effective advertising and marketing methods
- operating your business and making a profit
You can also read a previous post located on this site "How To Make Executive Level Earnings With Gift Baskets".
In order to begin a profitable venture in the gift basket business the individual entrepreneur must be well prepared therefore read and research as much as you can. Be well prepared so that your business can succeed.
Why Men Are Happier
Why Men Are Happier
Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress-$5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toy s all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier!
Letters From Santa Kit
Letters From Santa Kit
Just found this great little graphics kit containing letters from Santa Claus that you can download and use to send letters to the kids at Christmas time as often as you want.
You get printable letters from the North Pole, sample letters from Santa Claus and instructions on how to get a North Pole return address on them.
I did this for my kids several years in a row and they loved them.
Here's the link for the kit!
Printable Santa Letters make it easy and affordable to create and send a Christmas letter from Santa to every child in your family.
Letters from Santa Claus services charge between $7.50 and $10.00 per letter. If you have several children on your list, this gets really expensive! As well, the letters can only be partially personalized.
You can choose from 15 different styles of printable letters from Santa. Your child will be able to see immediately that the letter is coming from Santa Claus. If you need a head start on what to say, use one of the sample letters from Santa Claus as a starting point. Your printable letters kit includes North Pole postmark clipart and Santa's golden seal clip art that you can print onto your envelopes and make the evelope look really official. Instructions on how and where to mail your Santa Claus letters so they come to your child with a North Pole or other official Santa Claus postmark.
Here's the link for the kit!
Book Review - Acheron
Book Review - Acheron
Acheron by Sherlynn Kenyon
What I've read recently.
"Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind."
"Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence."
"Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both."
"War has never been more deadly... or more fun."
I've read all the Dark Hunter books and a big fan of Ash although my favorite Dark Hunter is Kyrian. I also adore the Were Hunter Vane.
This book, Acheron, absolutely rates as one of my favorites.
It is over 700 pages. Even so, it held my attention and I finished the book in three days. All the questions about Ash are answered and although it is graphic in detail and at times a "hard read" it made him the God he is suppose to be. While I think Ash's background is necessary, it could have been a little less graphic and more attention given to the present and his love story.
For those of you who are a series fan, it is a must read. If you're not a fan of the Dark Hunter series, you may want to skip this book.
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