Search Utility Patents And Also The Patent Looking at Process

Utility patents are classified as any patent that: has a useful purpose, is a machine, composition of matter or is an article of manufacture. Patents protect the intellectual property of an inventor within the nation of the registration. The U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) is responsible for the processing of patent registrations. Research starts before a patent application is submitted to find any and all patents previously granted that relate to your idea or invention.

Instructions

1. Conduct an online utility patent search. A patent search looks for any similar patents in the database of USPTO patents. This database contains over seven million patents, which go back as far as the 18th century. This database is searchable on the USPTO site and also on available via Google Patents---Google's advanced patent search platform.

2. Complete and submit the patent application. The application for a patent transmits via an electronic submission to the USPTO website. The application must be accompanied by labeled drawings of the invention and clearly defined claims that are easily understood by others in the related sector. A patent attorney in your state is suggested for this step, because of the legal knowledge needed to properly construct the submission package. These attorneys are skilled at the design of these application submission packages.

3. Wait for a response from the USPTO. The USPTO reviews the application and makes sure that the applicants' patent is acceptable for a patent grant. The application package is sent to specialists in the industry that work for the USPTO and reviewed for originality. When the decision is made, the USPTO contacts attorney of the applicant , and the attorney in turn contacts the client with the determination.

4. Pay the issue and publication fees. Once the positive determination is made, the applicant must pay the associated fees to have the patent issued. The issue fee and the publication fee are paid to the USPTO, and the inventor receives an official patent.

Build Ledge Barn Doorways

Ledge barn doors can also be referred to as brace and ledge barn doors. These rustic-styled doors evolved as an attractive and efficient way to put sturdy and weatherproof doors on the side of a barn. Ledge barn doors can be a single unit or a pair of doors that both swing open to create a much larger opening. The quality of wood used to make such doors, can vary drastically from very basic materials to elaborately-built doors made from expensive hardwoods.

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the door opening and determine if you need to make one or two doors. A good rule of thumb is that the width of one individual door should never exceed the height. Even a square door is probably too much weight for one set of hinges, so plan on making only doors that are rectangular in shape.

2. Select your wood and place the individual pieces on top of a pair of sawhorses. Cut all the vertical pieces to the exact length. Make sure that each board has a consistent width throughout the entire length. You can use a table saw to correct any inconsistencies. Chances are that the widths of your individual boards will not add up to the exact overall width that you desire.

3. Rip one or two boards to create the exact width of your door. You can usually make the rip cut with a circular saw, unless you are working with hardwoods, in which case you will need a table saw. When making the rip cuts remember that there are two possibilities. You can rip one board and place it in the center of the door, or you can rip two boards and place each one on the outside edge of the door. In either case, the overall height and width of the door should be about ½-inch less than the door opening.

4. Cut the top and bottom ledge. The ledge is just a straight piece of wood that forms the bottom and top edge of the door. It is attached to the front side of the door with wood screws. For a finished look, the screws should be countersunk and filled with putty. The two ledge pieces should be the exact width as the door.

5. Cut two ledges for each side of the door. They will be placed on the front side of the door along the inside and outside edge. Use the same stock of lumber for these pieces also. Each side will have one square end that butts against the top or bottom ledge and one sharply angled end that butts up against the diagonal brace. Attach these braces in the manner as with the rest of the other braces and ledges.

6. Attach hinges and a door latch and now your door is ready to hang. Note that you will need long, heavy-duty, metal, strap hinges to support the weight of the door.

Build Hope Having A Dream Board

Vision boards have become quite popular. A vision board is a focal point used to help you reach your goals in life. There are several ways to make a vision board. A vision board builds hope and energizes your efforts to reach your dream goals. It's a great tool for business or personal project management.

Instructions

1. Build hope with a vision board by creating one that will help you, your family or your business organization focus on your goals and plans for the future. First of all, you need to figure out exactly what you want to be, to do or to obtain in the future. Be specific and take time to envision in your mind what you really want. For business projects, make sure your employees know exactly where the project is going and what it should accomplish.

2. Make your vision board by gathering pictures from magazines, drawing pictures or writing words and phrases down that describe the plans you're hoping to accomplish. People have different priorities at different times in life. Decide what your hopes are for the next year. Plan to grow a business, improve your career, lose weight, improve your health or strengthen relationships. Whatever your hopes are, find pictures and words that describe your vision for the future.

3. Put your hope pictures and words on a poster board, bulletin board or in a journal. But make sure to put your vision board in a place where you can see it regularly. If it's a vision for your company, put it where employees can see it each day. Looking at the vision board with its pictures, words and phrases that pertain to your dream is what builds hope that the goal can be reached.

4. Change your vision board as you progress in life. Once a goal has been reached, make a new vision board that describes what you hope to accomplish next. Vision boards have a powerful influence on daily life. They keep the goals in front of your eyes. As you see the vision, you have a tendency to talk about the vision and work toward that vision.

Build Corporate Credit With No Personal Guarantor

Like anything else involving credit, building corporate or business credit without a personal guarantor takes time and requires a bigger dose of patience. It is important to note that personal credit is always linked to business credit at the beginning stages of any business, and it may be impossible to separate the two. However, it is possible to build business credit without personal guarantees. It only takes time, patience and know-how.

Instructions

1. Create a business structure. The first step in building corporate credit is to create a legal entity and structure for your business. You should decide whether you want an LLC or a corporation. Do some research and get the necessary advice you need to set up your business properly. There are several online companies that can set up your business structure for a fee, once you provide them the needed information. LegalZoom.com and BizFilings.com are two examples. Make sure you also obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

2. Open a business bank account. After creating your business, it is important to open a business account at a bank. Make sure the account remains in good standing with a healthy average daily balance. Most creditors like to see a bank reference that is at least six months old. It is impossible to build corporate credit without personal guarantors if this crucial step is missing.

3. Prepare a business credit package. The next step is to start applying for credit. To do that, you will need to prepare a credit package which you will send to creditors when applying for business credit. You should assemble the following:1. A cover letter including all the pertinent contact information for your company and of a person authorized to make financial decisions.2. All banking information, including a Tax ID number, bank accounts and statements from the last three months and a Dun & Bradstreet number.3. At least three business credit references from suppliers or other companies that have extended credit to your company.4. At least two business and owner character references. This is to show that your business is in good standing in the eyes of the people it serves. Customer testimonials will suffice.5. Company financial statements, future financials including cash flow projections, tax returns for the last two years and even a business plan.

4. Start building business credit. Using the above credit package start applying for business credit. Apply for business credit cards and lines of credit from local banks. A good place to start will be at banks where you already have business accounts. Office supply stores as well as warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club or gas stations are a good place to start for credit cards. Make sure that the credit applications you fill out do not ask for a personal social security number. That is the way to avoid personal guarantees.

5. Monitor and build your business credit score and report. This is done with a Dun & Bradstreet account. Having a good DUNS record is like having a good personal FICO score. Please see resources below for a link to an article on build a good DUNS record.

Make Ornamental Concrete

Concrete is a wonderfully adaptable medium. It can be formed in a variety of shapes with varying textures and colors. In fact you can make concrete tiles and achieve more varied colors and textures than can be purchased. If you have several molds, you can practice several ornamental techniques at once, since the basic concrete mix is the same.

Instructions

Mix, pour, and level the concrete.

1. Mix the concrete according to package directions. Follow the manufacturer's directions to add the color pigment of your choice into the mix.

2. Spray the inside of the mold with cooking oil. This will help the concrete remove from the mold smoothly when it has dried.

3. Fill the mold half way. Tap on the outside of the mold with a hammer in several spots to remove air pockets. Be sure to tap on the bottom as well as the sides.

4. Fill the mold the rest of the way and remove air pockets. The mold should look full when done.

5. Level the surface by pulling the 2 by 4 board across the top of the mold. Move the board back and fourth slightly as you go, to help compress the concrete. If you have a low spot, toss the extra bits of wet concrete into that place and level the surface again.

6. Smooth the surface with a hand trowel. Let the concrete set until the surface water disappears and the concrete loses its sheen. The time will vary depending on weather conditions.

Add a broom finish to one concrete tile.

7. Draw the stiff whisk broom across the surface of the concrete. It will leave fine lines in the surface. You can make a pattern with the lines or apply them randomly.

Use a broom with thick bristles to create a rough surface; this is great for steps and ramps. Or use a fine-bristled broom for a smoother surface.

8. Rinse the broom bristles frequently as you work. Shake out the extra water completely before you return the broom to the concrete surface.

9. Use a trowel or putty knife to smooth and shape the edges.

Add swirls of color to a second concrete tile.

10. Mix dry pigment, cement, and fine sand in a 1:6:6 ratio. Mix completely.

11. Scatter the pigment mixture onto the concrete. You can let it fall randomly or distribute it in a swirling pattern.

12. Wait until the pigment moistens from the water in the concrete.

13. Trowel the surface, working the pigment into the concrete. Smooth the surface as you work.

14. Use a trowel or putty knife to smooth and shape the edges.

Cure the concrete.

15. Place a polyurethane sheet over the mold to lock in moisture.

16. Leave the concrete in the mold in a warm, dry spot for at least three days.

17.Gently tap the exterior of the mold to loosen the concrete. Remove the concrete tile from the mold.

The concrete will continue to cure and become stronger for 28 days, so handle it gently at first.

Create A Website

Building a website is easier than ever. You just need an idea, and you can have a website built within a couple days. Building a website is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. You can also build a website for commercial use or virtually any other reason you can think of.

Instructions

1. Figure out what you want your website to be about. You'll need to decide on the overall theme of the website and what it will entail. Completely dissect your idea and make sure that it is entirely feasible. If this is your first website, try to keep it basic.

2. Pick a domain name. Go to Networksolutions.com and search until you find a domain name to your liking. The domain name you select should be related to your idea and overall theme of the website you want to build. Take your time in figuring out your domain name, as it will have a wide ranging impact on the future of your website. You can see if the domain name is available by entering into the box on the main page of Networksolutions.com. If it's available, you can purchase it right there. There is an annual fee to own a domain name. If it's not available, select another name.

3. Find a web host for your domain name. The message boards at Webhostingtalk.com are a good place to look for the right web host for you. Look for a history of customer satisfaction and a performance guarantee when searching for a web host. Godaddy.com is a popular, reputable host with affordable packages. Compare prices and packages of several companies and purchase the web hosting plan that is right for you.

4. Hire someone to design your website. A good place to find a freelance website designer is on Elance.com. You can post your job with the specifications that you require, and freelance web designers will make bids on your project. Once you find the right freelance web designer, be sure you explain everything you want included on your website. As the designer is building your website, have her send you progress reports and screen shots so that you can make sure the website is on the right track.

Develop A Twig Chair

If you like the relaxed look and feel of natural furniture straight from the woods with as little processing as possible, you will enjoy making and using a set of twig chairs. Building furniture from sustainable sources is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound. Twig furniture requires little or no painting or staining, and can be created entirely without the use of any power tools. This custom built chair is made to your own body measurements, and will therefore be far more comfortable than any other chair you own. Read on to learn build a twig chair.

Instructions

1. Measure yourself from the floor to the bend of your knee and add 1 inch. Cut four straight pieces that same length from a tree limb, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. These will be the legs of your chair. Measure yourself from hip to shoulder. Cut two more pieces this length to make the two sides of the chair back.

2. Measure yourself from the bend of your knee to just past the curve of your behind. The seat piece you cut will need to be that deep. While seated, measure yourself from hip to hip and add 2 inches. This is the width you will need for your seat piece. If you are rather thin and other members of your family are larger, cut a piece at least 4 inches wider than your own hips. Cut the seat piece from a large stump Take a section at least 2 inches thick, keeping the irregular shape of the natural growth. If desired, peel off the bark or use a rasp to file it away until all the grain of the wood is exposed. Sand entire piece with coarse, medium and fine grain sandpaper until smooth. Apply three or four coats of clear acrylic deck coating, sanding after each coat. Apply one final coat of acrylic.

3. Cut four mortises in the seat bottom and make four tenons on the tops of each of the leg pieces. Refer to the resources at the end of this article for a tutorial on mortise and tenon joints. Be sure to make the tenons at least 1 1/2 inches deep and the mortises at least 1 1/2 inches long, as this will provide strength for the chair. Be sure to use clear silicone adhesive on each tenon and in each mortise to give extra strength to the joints. If desired, countersink a pilot hole from the top of the seat into the mortise and tenon joint and attach the seat to each leg with a 3-inch wood screw. Countersinking, which allows the screw head to lie flush with the wood when it has been screwed into place, gives a more finished look.

4. Brace the chair legs by cutting two 1-inch diameter pieces, one reaching from the right front leg to the left rear leg underneath the chair, and one reaching from the left front leg to the right rear leg. The mortises for one set of legs will have to be cut 1 inch higher than the mortises for the other set so that they can cross one another diagonally without interference.

5. Being careful to cut the top side mortise joints at least 2 inch toward the center back of the chair seat to avoid hitting the bottom side mortise joints, make mortises 1 1/2 inches deep and make tenons 1 1/2 inches long on the bottom ends of the back rails. Attach with clear silicone adhesive. If desired, countersink a pilot hole from the bottom of the seat into the mortise and tenon joint and attach the seat to each back rail with a three inch wood screw.

6. Construct the back of the chair with grapevines and willow twigs, or use canvas webbing. Measure from shoulder to shoulder along your back to get the correct width for the top and bottom back rails. Use green willow twigs when constructing the back, as they are flexible enough to form the necessary curves to make a comfortable chair. Make a top and bottom rail first, either by winding willow branches or grapevine around the two chair rails and tying it of, or by using canvas webbing attached with wood screws through grommets. Weave the back if desired.

Ship A Vehicle To South america

Only new cars can be sent to Brazil on a permanent basis.

Shipping a car to Brazil from the U.S. is not a difficult process because the shipping company does most of the work. However, shipping anything with a motor into Brazil can cost thousands of dollars. New vehicles are allowed in the country for a high duty fee, and used cars, when allowed in, must pay the same duty fee as new cars.

Instructions

1. Gather all documents pertaining to your car such as vehicle loan papers, title, registration or sales slip. These will be needed for the paperwork. Make copies in case any of them will need to be sent with the export documents.

2. Contact an international shipper to schedule shipping. If you do not live near the company's office, the paperwork will be sent to you to fill out and have notarized. The paperwork includes applications for a Configuration License and Import License Registration. Some shippers will send a truck to pick up the vehicle, while others will require you to drive it to a U.S. shipping port. Make sure to look around for the best price. Shipping can cost from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on whether the car is placed in a container and whether the container is shared with other vehicles.

3. Turn over the paperwork and car to the shipper for transport to Brazil. The shipper should indicate to you how long transport will take, based on current weather conditions and other factors. It will vary based on from where in the U.S. you are shipping, but generally it is about a week to 10 days. Have someone, or yourself, available at the Brazilian port to claim the vehicle.

4. Pay the duty fees required by the country. If you are planning to be in the country 90 days or less, the duty fee is not required. Duty fees are based on car's value, and are 50 percent of the car's worth (2010).

5. Fill out customs paperwork such as the Declaration of Importation. This might be supplied to you by the shipping company, or you can get it from the customs agent.

Develop A Rock Pond Using Cement

A pond creates a beautiful focal point in any yard.

A rock pond adds a touch of serenity and calm to any landscape. It provides a sanctuary for birds and butterflies to gather, as well as an enjoyable spot for family and friends. However, a professionally built pond may not fit in the budget. A pond made from rock and cement provides a way to add that touch of nature to your yard relatively inexpensively and quickly.

Instructions

1. Determine the place for your rock pond. Spray paint around the intended pond edge, creating a guideline for digging.

2. Dig 3 inches down and 6 inches in toward the center around the pond edge, using the sprayed lines as guides. This creates a ledge for your first layer of rock. Continue digging the remainder of the hole to the desired depth plus 2 inches.

3. Pour a 1-inch layer of sand on the pond bottom to help prevent roots and rocks from puncturing the pond liner. Spread the sand evenly using a rake.

4. Center the pond underlay in the middle of the pond and spread it out along the bottom and up and over the edges. Smooth out any wrinkles. This provides an additional layer of protection to the liner and helps resist settling in the pond soil.

5. Put the pond liner in place, using the same method as with the underlay. Even out all wrinkles and overlap the liner over the pond edges. Cut the excess liner and underlay away, using scissors, leaving a 12-inch width of liner and underlay as the overlap around the entire pool.

6. Combine the cement mix and water, using a shovel and wheelbarrow, to create a mortar for the pond surface, following the manufacturer's package instructions. Use only enough water to make the mixture spreadable. Plaster the entire liner with a 1-inch thick layer of cement mortar, using smooth, even strokes.

7. Place a 1-inch thick layer of mortar on the pond rim with a trowel, covering the overlapping liner. Push a rock into position on the mortar, causing the mortar to mold to the rock's shape. Repeat this process until you position rocks or stones around the entire pond.

8. Continue the process in Step 7 until you have built the pond edge to the desired height and width. Allow the cement to dry completely.

9. Place several pots of water loving plants, such as water lillies, and loose stones or pebbles in different sizes randomly in the bottom of the pond and on the pond ledge area.

10. Place a pump in the pond behind a rock or plant so it is not visible. Install the pump following the manufacturer's instructions.

11. Fill the pond with water and plug the pump in.

Make A Slide Show

Most of us in the business world need to prepare a slide presentation to communicate information such as project progress or sales figures. Preparing the show is not that difficult. A good rule of thumb is to organize the talk in a format that tells what you are going to discuss, then discuss it and then sum it all up by recapping what you told them.

Instructions

1. Begin by outlining on a piece of paper what content you want to share with your audience. Without a good flow of information that leads the audience through your material, they will be scratching their heads over what exactly you said and how it all fits together.

2. Select the slides that convey the information you want to the audience. It is much like leading them by the hand through the information.

3. Arrange the slides in the order you want them to appear. As you are going over what you want to tell them, you should have an idea of which slide you want to be referring to at each point in the show. Check and make sure the slides are loaded properly.

4. Set up the slide projector and show the first slide. Make sure the focus is set correctly and that the remote changes the slides as it is designed.

5. Perform a final run through of the talk. As you move through the slide show, rehearse in your mind everything you are going to say. The more you practice, the more professional and fluid your presentation will be.

Develop A Niche Store Online

You can create a successful online niche store that will become a profitable part-time or full-time business. Finding success with your online niche store is a process that requires a plan, determination and consistent marketing efforts. Building the site is only a small portion of the work required to build a successful business. Success depends on choosing the right niche and promoting it with consistent marketing and compelling content.

Instructions

Building Your Niche Store

1. Choosing the right niche can be the key to success for your business. Spend some time researching what people are searching for and buying. Be sure that your niche is populated by enough buyers with money to spend in the market.

Carefully evaluate your competition. No competition might mean that there are no buyers. Are there areas in which you could excel over your competition? How will your site be better than theirs? Create a unique selling position for your business.

2. If you do not already have products to sell, consider carefully what kind of products you will promote. Physical products that you ship yourself require an investment of both money and time. Affiliate products are popular because they offer easy entry into the market and availability.

Affiliate products are available from many different providers. Clickbank is one of the largest and most popular sources of digital information products. If you prefer to promote brand-name products, Commission Junction is a good place to begin.

3. You will need to purchase hosting from a web hosting provider. You can obtain free sites in many places around the web, but you don't own the site in this case. It would be a setback to build a successful business and lose it because you did not own the site. Once you have a hosting account, register a domain name for your site. Try to acquire a name that has your niche keywords in the name.

Build your website around your products, offering lots of information to attract buyers. Product reviews, purchasing guides and other content that would be of interest to your customers will bring traffic to your site and help you make sales.

4. Use a good shopping cart. If you are selling affiliate products, you will be sending your customers to their checkout and can skip this step. But if you are selling your own products, you need to install a shopping cart on your site. A good place to start is using the PayPal shopping cart. PayPal acts as your merchant account and completes the transaction for you. Customers can check out through the PayPal shopping cart using their credit cards; they do not need a PayPal account.

5. You are now ready to set up your products in the store. Each of your products needs compelling sales copy to entice the buyer to purchase, and each needs to be enabled in the shopping cart. It is a good idea to test each product and be sure that it is checking out properly.

6. Advertising your site is an ongoing process. You have many options available to you, and you should probably take advantage of all of them to some extent. Paid advertising is the easiest and most expensive. Be careful to know your profit margins when purchasing advertising.

One of the most effective free advertising methods is article writing. Write articles about your market and link them to your site content. This will naturally create links and draw people into your site.

Establish a link-building campaign and trade links with sites similar to yours. Incoming links coupled with good onsite content will help you to rank high with Google and other search engines and can bring more visitors to your store.

Develop A Miniature Equine Barn

Stalls

Miniature horses are an economical alternative to their full size cousins. They are smaller, easier to keep and take up fewer resources, yet retain the beauty, elegance and nobility of their larger counterparts. This article will give you some tips on build a miniature horse barn.

Instructions

1. Begin with measuring for your barn. Stalls should measure a minimum of 6-by-6 feet, with 8-by-8 feet being a more suitable size. Make your measurements of the overall size of the barn based on these calculations. Height should be a minimum of 7 feet, with 10 feet being preferable to increase ventilation.

2. Mark the size of the barn and then create your pad. The pad is the area that the barn will sit on that is raised above the level of the surrounding earth. This creates drainage and flood-proofs the barn. Use the sand to raise your pad at least 18 inches above ground level. Any concrete should be measured and poured at this time. Concrete is recommended for any aisles you choose to include in your barn plan.

3. Stalls should be measured and posts sunk at the corners. Posts need to be sunk at least 2 feet into the ground and cemented securely. The framework of the barn should be completed, with the focus on making the barn sturdy to resist wind, weather and the animals themselves. Horses can be incredibly destructive.

4. The sides of the stalls should be boarded to the height of at least 3 feet with 2-by-4s to keep the horses from kicking through the siding. Once the framework has been completed, the siding can be applied. Be sure to overlap the siding to increase waterproofing.

5. The roof should be at an angle to encourage rainwater to drain away from the opening of the stalls. It should be made of metal or aluminum siding. Gates should be hung at the front of each stall, measuring at least 4-by-4 feet.

Develop A Subscriber List

A mailing list is typically used for marketing purposes. By building a mailing list, you can have a ready store of prospects to send information about deals, new products and special events. Mailing lists are an integral part of nonprofit fundraising strategies. A mailing list may include street addresses to send coupons, newsletters and requests for donations as well as free gifts. Email lists can be used to send the same announcements.

Instructions

1. Build a website that includes high search engine optimization tools so that people searching for sites about your service or product will be directed to your site. Provide a reason for the website visitors to sign up with your site. Create a quality newsletter with important information, request an email address to access proprietary information on your site, or offer a free trial of an online service.

2. Post your newsletter or website on a wide variety of message boards, social networks, newsgroups and blogs that attract the same clientele that you're trying to reach. Direct them to your site, which should ask them for an email address.

3. Hold a contest at your place of business, at trade shows or in a local paper. Require customers to fill out the form with their street and email addresses in order to be eligible to win the prize. Make the contest a continuing effort to maintain the momentum. For example, offer a weekly drawing for a free dessert at your restaurant or a popular eatery in town.

4. Purchase mailing lists from companies that provide niche-market information. Lists are available that target specific geographic locations, consumers who have purchased like products in the past or are members of various organizations. Mailing lists can target specific income levels, ages and ethnicities. List from mailing-list companies can range from 34 cents to 69 cents per record.

5. Invest in mailing-list management software that will store your data as you start collecting it. Look into offsite data-management operations that can set up your accounts, manage the emails as you enter them and send out your announcements. Web-based mailing managers help avoid the costs of expensive hardware, operating problems with your own systems and overloaded computers. Look for a reputable mailing-list manager that does not turn around and resell your valuable information.

Provide A Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speeches have several uses ranging from politicians promoting legislation to students fulfilling a requirement for their public speaking courses. These speeches, however, can also serve you in everyday life; for example, this type of oration is common in the news when debating the merits of controversial programs such as bank bailouts and military intervention in a foreign country. Giving a persuasive speech doesn't need to be on serious topics, either. Convincing someone that one show is better than the other is just as appropriate.

Instructions

1. Select a topic that you are passionate about. Do not choose an inherently controversial topic on politics, religion or drugs if the themes do not interest you. Select a topic that you have first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of. The natural passion you exude on the subject will enhance the persuasiveness of the speech.

2. Develop an outline for the speech. Write an introduction, three to five main points and a conclusion. Use the introduction to explain background on the topic in an unbiased, objective manner. Provide enough information to give the audience enough knowledge on the topic to understand the rest of the speech. For example, include definitions of main concepts, origins of the topic, changes over the years and how the current situation came to be.

3. Explain your case in three to five main points. A persuasive speech on going vegan, for instance, may have the three main points of health benefits, improved animal welfare and debunking misconceptions of the diet. Find facts from credible experts to support every claim. Reference studies, findings, expert opinions and other such literature throughout your speech. If necessary, use note cards that have the specific information related to the year of studies and the author's name.

4. Reiterate your main points in the conclusion and include a "call to action." Explain how the listener can take further steps to promote or endorse your ideals outlined in the speech. These steps may include contacting legislators, joining an organization or attending a workshop on the issue.

5. Practice your speech in front of others beforehand. Pay attention to your rate of speech as well. A 2011 University of Michigan study found that speakers who spoke moderately fast at 3.5 words per second were most successful at convincing others of their points than speakers whose rate of speech was slower or faster than this rate.

Develop A Homemade Vacation Cabin

Log cabins can provide a peaceful and eco-friendly way of life

Log cabin construction began in North Europe and Asia, before accompanying early European settlers to North America. As Matthew Stein indicates in "When Technology Fails," log cabins represent a simple and ecologically sound way of living. Building one by hand requires careful planning and may involve several months of arduous labor, but if done correctly it can yield decades, even generations, of reward. Experience in logging and construction is helpful for this task, but not strictly necessary.

Instructions

1. Locate land on which to build. Ideally, the cabin should be built on a level, elevated area that is near clean drinking water, but removed from excessive moisture. Clear the site of any brush or debris.

2. Draw up a floor plan. Note the length of each wall, the cabin's height and the locations and sizes of doors and windows. Decide on the number of stories, the locations of steps, and whether to build internal walls or cabinets. Carefully plan the number, size and shape of logs needed.

3. Acquire timber and other necessary materials. If you choose to harvest logs yourself, either from your own land or through agreement with another landowner, the following tools will be essential: a chainsaw, a sturdy truck, chains to prevent logs from rolling away, and a come-a-long with which to fell trees and pull timber. You may also buy prepared timber from a logging contractor. According to Stein, logs should be as straight as possible and measure at least 14 inches in diameter.

4. Prepare each log by cutting to the necessary length, removing bark and carving grooves near each end so that the logs will stack together tightly. In "Build This Log Cabin," John McPherson suggests that bark can be most effectively removed using a small, flat shovel.

5. Build a foundation out of concrete, pilings or flat stones. According to McPherson, it should be level, "solidly placed" and have square corners. Stein recommends building the foundation at least 18 inches high.

6. Lay logs, layering them butt (the wide end) to tip (the tapered end), and securing with grooves or spikes. Each new log should be plumbed, or centered, and made as level as possible with the last. When stacking higher logs, you should use cables or ropes and a snatch block to hoist them. Make sure to place large, strong logs above windows and doors.

7. Build a roof, supported by the top layer of logs, using a material of your choice. Log cabin roofs are commonly thatched or made with boards, bark or shingles. If using boards, place an initial layer across the top of the cabin, leaving a few inches of space between them. Cover the spaces with a second layer of boards and nail them in place.

8. Create the interior of the cabin. This may include the installation of basic heating or plumbing and cabinet or furniture making.

Will A Llc Have Shares

Setting up a business as a limited liability company, or LLC, provides some of the benefits of a corporation -- particularly protecting the owners from being held personally liable for the business's debts. But unlike a corporation, it doesn't have "shares" that can be bought and sold in financial markets. The LLC's ownership structure more closely resembles a partnership.

Operating Agreement

Most states require LLCs to have an "operating agreement," a document that serves as a sort of constitution for the company. The operating agreement identifies the owners of the company -- called "members" -- and spells out how decisions are to be made, how profits are to be divided, how the company will raise capital, how new members can join the LLC and how existing members can leave it. States that don't require operating agreements still generally recommend that LLCs have them; these states have default rules that will apply to any LLC that doesn't have an agreement.

Setting Stakes

Your ownership stake in a typical corporation is determined simply by how many shares you own. If there are 1 million shares outstanding, and you own 10,000 of them, then you own 1 percent of the company. If you want to increase your stake, you simply buy more shares. An LLC, by contrast, has no shares; each member's stake is specifically spelled out in the operating agreement. The stake is the percentage of the company's profits that you are entitled to receive or the percentage of its losses that you are required to bear. If you want to increase your percentage, you have to get the other members to give or sell you a larger stake. This will usually require rewriting the operating agreement.

Options

The simplest ownership structure for LLCs is one in which all members have an equal stake. This is usually the default option in the absence of an operating agreement. But the agreement can divide the stakes any way the members want. For example, if four people form an LLC, they could decide to simply give each member a 25-percent stake. Or if one member put up substantially more money, he may get a 40-percent stake while the other three members get 20 percent apiece. Or if one member is actively managing the company while the others are "silent" partners, he may get 28 percent while the others get 24 percent apiece.

Buyouts

When you own shares of a corporation and want to get rid of them, you just sell them in the stock market to whoever wants to buy. With an LLC, it's not so simple. The operating agreement will usually have a "buyout" provision that explains how a member can get rid of her stake. Such provisions commonly restrict who the member can transfer her stake to, and they often require her to sell it back to the other members. Agreements should have similar provisions explaining what happens if a member dies, retires, goes bankrupt, gets divorced or has something else happen that can affect the ownership of his assets.

Develop A Grease Trap For Any House

Clogged drains are a common home kitchen problem. Grease and food debris stick together as the water cools father down the drain, forming clumps that often need chemical or mechanical dissolution. Simply preventing these grease clogs from occurring can be much cheaper than repairing the damage after the fact. By converting a 55-galllon plastic water barrel, you can easily build a grease trap for a house.

Instructions

1. Draw a straight line all the way around the drum six inches from the top. Cut the top off of the barrel with the hand saw, carefully following the drawn line. Set the removed top aside. This portion will serve as the removable lid, allowing easy access for cleaning.

2. Measure the outside diameter of your sink's outtake pipe at the point where you are going to install the trap. Draw circles as wide as the pipe on two opposite sides (east and west) of the barrel, 6 inches from the open rim of the drum. Then cut around the outside of the outlines with the razor pen - the holes left in the barrel should be just slightly larger than the pipe.

3. Measure both the height and width of the inside of the barrel. Cut the plastic sheet to the barrel's inside width, and a height six inches shorter than the barrel. Position the sheet in the barrel so that it hangs straight down the middle of the space between the intake and outtake holes and the top edge is flush with the rim of the barrel. Seal its side edges to the inner sides of the barrel with plumbing sealant.

4. Set the barrel in its install point, as close to the sink as possible. Reroute the pipe from the sink to the intake (west) side and from the soil line to the outtake (east) side and insert the pipes into the holes in the trap. Use plumbing sealant to seal any open space between the holes and the pipes.

5. Attach an elbow joint to the end of outtake pipe inside the trap, with the opening of the joint facing the bottom of the barrel. Add a 6-inch length of pipe to open end of the joint. Place the top onto the barrel and close.

Help Make Your Own Coins

There are many reasons to make your own coins. You can use the fake coins for treasure hunts, props in plays, or tokens for good deeds. You can make your own coins to teach children count money. Making your own coins for a reward system allows you to give the coins any monetary value. You can even make your own coins to represent rewards like ice cream cones or some other treat.Teachers can make their own coins to reward students for proper conduct or good grades. The children can then "cash" them in for prizes out of a reward box. The fake coins can also be used during parties. Guests can collect coins during the party that can be used to bid on items at an auction.Any item can be made into a coin. The fake coins can be used as your imagination sees fit.

Instructions

"Metal" Coins

1. Cut circles of various sizes from heavy cardboard. Make the disks as large as a 50-cent piece and larger.

2. "Write" the denomination of the coin with hot glue. For instance, one of the smaller coins can have the number 25 written in hot glue. This makes a raised shape on the surface of the disk. Use caution in this step because the hot glue can cause severe burns. You may want to wear heat-resistant protective gloves when doing this step. You can also use less pressure on the glue gun trigger so the glue comes out more slowly. This can avoid the glue coming into contact with your fingers.

3. Wait for the glue to cool and harden. This step is crucial for the next step to work properly. Do not try to hurry through this as the glue hardens and cools quickly.

4. Tear the aluminum foil into small squares. You want to make sure the piece of foil will cover the coins completely with one wrapping. You may need to experiment to get the size of the foil correct. The size of the foil will be determined by the size of the coins you have made.

5. Cover the coins with aluminum foil. You will want to lay the foil over the side with the glue writing on it and smooth out firmly. You should be able to see the denomination of the coin through the foil as though it were embossed.

Button Coins

6. Use colored buttons to denote certain coins. Red ones can be quarters, blue ones can be dimes, and so forth. You can also use the buttons as rewards for certain deeds. One type of button can be used to get a cookie or a half hour of television. You can offer the buttons as rewards for remembering tooth-brushing or picking up toys.

7. Paint buttons with nontoxic craft paint. Different colors can be used to for certain treasures. You can hide buttons around the party area when having birthday parties or other celebrations. As the guests find or collect the coins, they can trade them in for certain treats.

8. Paint buttons with gold or silver paint. These coins are a cheap and easy way to make a treasure box full of gold for plays or skits. Spray paint is the easiest way to achieve this look. Always paint the buttons in a well-ventilated area. You can either paint the buttons outside or open the doors and windows. There are inexpensive paint masks that you can purchase at home-improvement stores that eliminate the problem of breathing in the paint fumes.

Cardboard Coins

9. Cut circles out of heavy cardboard or poster board. These can be made the same size as actual coins.

10. Write the denomination of the coins onto the cardboard disks. You can just write the numbers, such as "25," "5" or "10." You do not need to write the cent or dollar sign on the coins.

11. Use these coins to teach young children about the value of money. You can set up a small snack bar where each item has a price. The children can then use their cardboard coins to purchase the snacks. You can even choose one of the children to act as the shop keeper. Each child can learn to add or subtract as needed for the correct change.

Develop A Duck Nesting Box

A duck nesting box will attract ducks to your land every mating season. Ducks are always looking for a safe place to lay their eggs and raise their young. As long as you keep the box clean and mounted securely it will be occupied during the warm months. Follow these steps to build a duck nesting box.

Instructions

1. Use the straight edge, measuring tape and a pencil to cut the wood to the following dimensions and number them as specified for easy reference: Back (1) 31 inches by 9.25 inches, Side (2) 23.5 inches by 9.25 inches, Floor (3) 7.75 inches by 9.25 inches, Front (4) 23.5 inches by 9.25 inches, Roof (5) 14 inches by 9.25 inches and Door (6) 23.5 inches by 9.25 inches.

2. Secure the back (1) to the side piece (2) with wood screws drilled into the back of the duck nesting box. Using the drill and the 1/2-inch bit make holes in the floor (3) to help drain the duck nesting box during rain. Secure the floor using four screws, inserting two in the back piece and two through the side piece.

3. Make an entry hole in the front piece (4) using the jig saw. Make score marks on the other side of the front piece using your handsaw. This will assist the ducklings to climb out when they are ready. Use six wood screws to secure the front to the rest of the nesting box.

4. Round off the top edge of the clean-out door (6). Fasten the clean-out door at the top using one screw in the front and one screw in the back. This will form a hinge allowing the door to open. Keep it shut with a nail hammered in the front.

5. Put on the roof (5) by drilling four screws in the front and three screws in the back. Add shavings of wood for nesting in the box. Don't use sawdust as it will suffocate the ducks.

6. Install the nesting box on a dead tree in or on the water's edge. The tree must be solid. You can use a live tree but make sure you check your nesting box regularly to make sure that it is still mounted securely.

Develop A Database With Ms Access

Building a database with MS Access is not difficult, but it can be confusing. In order to build a working database, you must create the database file as well as a table to enter your information. By creating each item one at a time, you will be ready to enter your data within the hour.

Instructions

Building the Database in MS Access

1. Open MS Access. A box will pop up giving you options. Choose the radio button next to "Blank Access Database." Click "OK."

2. Save your database. A file box will pop up asking you for a file name. Make sure you are saving your database in the location you wish, such as "My Documents."

3. Type your file name, and click "Create." You will now see your database window open within the Access program.

Creating a Table Within Your Access Database

4. Create a table for your data. The easiest way is to choose "Create Table in Design View." You will see this within your database window. Double-click on this choice to open.

5. Define the fields you need for your data. Think of the information you need in your database. Are you creating a mailing list? Then the first field you need to define would be "Name." Type "Name" under the field name column.

6. Tab over to the Data Type column. Most data you will be entering will be text. That should be the default you are seeing. If so, and you do not want to change it, tab over to Description column. Type a description of the field, such as "Customer's name."

7. Push the tab key again to return to the Field Name column. Type the name of the next field you need. If you are making a mailing list, then the next field you would need would be "Street Address." Tab over and continue creating your table in the same way until all the fields you need are included. If making a mailing list, then possible fields would be Name, Street Address, City, State and Zip Code. You may also want to add fields such as "Phone Number."

8. Choose a Primary Key for your table. This is for the search function of the program. This can be a customer number or the customer name. It's usually the first field in the table. Click on "Customer Name" in the Field Name column. You should see an arrow to the left of the row. Look at the toolbar at the top of the screen. Find an icon of a yellow key. Click that picture. You have just made "Customer Name" your primary key.

9. Save your table. Your table will automatically ask you to save when you close it. Click on the "X" on the top right of your table. When you are asked if you want to save the table, say "Yes". A box will come up asking you to name your table. Name your table, and click "OK."

Adding Data to Your Access Database

10. Open your table and enter data. You will now be back at your main Access screen where you will see your database window open. You will see your table in this window listed by name. Now you can start entering data. To open your table, double-click on its icon.

11. Enter your data. Starting at "Customer Name," begin entering the data from your current mailing list. After the entry in each column, tab over until you have entered all of the information for that person. As you complete each row, another row will automatically be added below the selected row.

12. Finish working, and close the program. To finish working in the table, click the "X" on the right side of the table. It will automatically save. To close the database window, click "X" on the right side of the database window. To close the program, click "X" on the upper right of the screen. Your database is finished. You can add more data to the table whenever it's needed. You can also go back to design view and add more fields if needed.

Develop A Bridge

Bridges are a piece of engineering which take months and sometimes years to build with many hands in the building process. Here's an overview of the basic steps they follow when engineers design those enormous hunks of steel and concrete.

Instructions

Design and Placement

1. Determine what type of bridge you need for the situation. The common types are arch, suspension, truss, cable-stayed and beam types. If you're crossing a short span, you probably only need to build a beam or a small truss bridge. If you're crossing a deep ravine, an arch bridge might be the best choice. A bridge to span an ocean bay requires the very expensive suspension bridge.

2. Identify an ideal place to build the bridge. A lot of legwork goes into determining the ideal site to build anything, and when you're talking about something as expensive as a bridge, engineers are even more careful. The engineering team will send out surveyors, people who use electronic measuring devices to make a map of the general area. From this map, they will make calculations and determine the length and placement of the bridge.

3. Design the bridge. The engineer will take into account the potential traffic load of the bridge and use ASTM steel design manuals, computer programs and drafters to aid in the bridge designing process. The materials chosen should also take into consideration the inspection and upkeep costs after the bridge is built.

Bridge Construction

4. Break ground. Once the design has been finalized and stamped with approval, the actual building can begin. This will involve excavation or filling the banks on either side, stabilizing the ground where the supports will be placed and, depending on what type of bridge is going to be built, pouring concrete.

5. Assemble the steel. Some bridges are built on site and some are put together in pieces small enough to ship to the location and then assembled. Using the anchors placed in the concrete, the steel is put together like tinker toys using nuts and bolts.

6. Build the decking for the bridge. This is usually concrete, but can also be aluminum and new engineered composite materials which resists corrosion, decreasing bridge replacement costs.

7. Pave the new bridge. This is done with commercial paving machines. The government agency sponsoring the project might also include a repaving of the surrounding roadway as well.

8. Have the ribbon cutting ceremony. Building a bridge is a tremendous accomplishment. After months or possibly years of building this bridge the dust can settle and the public can finally use it.

Build An Urgent Situation Fund Using Ladder Compact disks

Many people plan long-term for handling financial needs such as retirement and for a child's college education. When money is systematically saved over a period of time and earmarked for these events, the financial burden is reduced. But life is full of surprises, and when you least expect it, a significant amount of money may be needed that wasn't planned in a monthly budget. A major health expense, a big car repair, or home repair (such as reshingling the roof) can catch people off guard financially. To avoid having to take a loan and pay interest when those times occur (and it's inevitable that they will occur), every family should have an emergency fund. Having some money set aside "for a rainy day" will help cushion any expensive, unbudgeted one-time financial events that come along. One way to do this is to use a technique called " CD laddering."

Instructions

Staggering CD Maturity Dates

1. Invest in CDs with staggered maturity dates. There are many different maturity date configurations that can be used in a laddering strategy. Let's assume you have $2,000. You could purchase four CDs valued at $500 each. Select a maturity date for the first one for three months, the second one for six months, the third one for nine months, and the fourth for one year. As each CD matures, simply "roll" it over and reinvest that money. Keep the maturity date the same. With this "ladder CD" strategy, you are never more than three months away from some emergency cash. Of course, CDs can be withdrawn early in extreme emergencies, but there is a penalty. Nevertheless, CDs pay a higher interest rate than savings accounts, money market funds and checking accounts, and they can be considered to have good liquidity.

2. Purchase CDs with maturity dates that are closer if you have more money to initially invest. If you have $6,000, for example, you could purchase 12 CDs, staggering maturity dates so that after a period of time, one CD would mature every month. That way you would never be more than 30 days away from having access to emergency fund money. Because most banks do not offer one month CDs when only $500 is invested, you may have to start by purchasing three, six, nine, and 12 month maturity dates, then wait a month and buy CDs with three, six, nine and 12 month maturity dates, and repeat that once again a month later. That would set up the ladder on monthly intervals. Each month is like a "rung of a ladder". If you don't have a lump sum of money to begin your emergency CD ladder fund, follow these next steps.

3. Open a savings account at a local bank to start your emergency fund. Most savings accounts can be opened with a minimum of money, often as low as $10 to $50. The eventual goal will be to purchase bank certificates of deposit (CDs), and to stagger the maturity dates. However, to purchase a CD, a minimum of $500 is required by most institutions to open an account. Therefore, we suggest starting with a simple savings account. Decide how much money you will faithfully deposit into the account each week. If you can only afford $20 a week to begin with, that's fine. Build this amount into the family budget, and take that money right off the top of your paycheck, before you spend or allocate any of it for other purposes. The key is to be consistent, and not to worry that only a small amount is able to be put away each week. It will accumulate over time. Also, consider adding any "windfall" money you receive to your emergency fund. Examples include getting cash back from using a credit card or a refund from your income tax.

4. Purchase a CD for $500 once you have accumulated over $500 in your emergency savings account. Choose a maturity date of one year. Continue contributing each week to your savings account, building it up until it again reaches over $500. Withdraw $500 from your savings account once it again reaches over $500, and purchase another $500 CD. Select a maturity date of one year, as long as it does not mature in the same month as the one you already own. Continue saving and purchasing CDs as your money builds. With each CD purchase, select maturity dates that do not fall in the same month as the previous ones. Eventually you will have many CDs, each maturing at different times of the year. Reinvest each CD as it matures.

5. Increase your rate of return using CD laddering by purchasing CDs at different times, rather than all at once. Interest rates are ever-changing, and the interest rate for CDs will go up and down as time goes on. Also, sometimes bank offer specials with higher than currently available interest rates. By purchasing one CD this month, the next one in a month or two, and so on, you can take advantage of changing interest rates. If you purchase all the CDs in your laddering portfolio at the same time, you may suffer "opportunity lost" if interest rates go up within the next few months. Laddering by staggering deposits into CD investments may give an overall better the rate of return, similar to the stock market strategy of "dollar cost averaging." When CD yields are low, ladder the intervals closer together, such as three-months and six-months, to be prepared to take advantage of interest rates when they rise.

Promote An Internet Site Offline

Promote a Website Offline

Although most people worry about search engine optimization, banner ads, and Google AdWords when it comes to promoting their website, it is also important to make sure you use offline advertising methods as well. This is especially important if you have a business which caters mostly to those in your local area. There are four great ways to promote your website offline.

Instructions

1. Create a car decal or have your website address, logo or tagline painted onto your vehicle. This is a great way to promote your website because, every time you drive somewhere, you are exposing your business to countless new consumers, unlike other methods in which you may be advertising to the same people over and over again.

2. Post flyers in supermarkets, on telephone poles or other high-traffic locations. Make sure to include tear off strips, so that interested people won't forget your website address by the time they get home.

3. Place a sign in your yard, others' yards (with permission) and anywhere else the city will allow. This way you can promote to passersby with little effort. This is a simple promotion method that can reach large numbers of people.

4. Print up a business cards with your website address, logo and tagline, so that you can hand it out to everyone you meet. Some more creative ideas include: leaving stacks in public areas, placing them in books that are related to your services at local bookstores or by placing one in every envelope that you send out.

Exactly Why Is Silica Gel Insoluble In Water

When it comes to the dissolution of a compound, the rule of like dissolving like usually applies. That means that an ionic liquid would dissolve an ionic solid, and an organic liquid would dissolve an organic molecule. Compounds that have properties similar to ionic solids or organic solids would follow the same formula. However, silica gel is unique in the fact that it is not a gel, nor will it dissolve in most liquids. In fact, it actually absorbs water and other liquids instead of dissolving in them.

Properties of Silica Gel

Silica gel is actually a glass-like structure usually found in a bead-like form with the chemical formula of SiO₂. Because of its ability to absorb water and a variety of other liquids, it is widely used in industry and as a desiccant. Its ability to absorb a large amount of liquid is due to its highly porous structure and large internal surface area. And although silicon is in the same chemical group as carbon on the periodic chart and usually reacts in a similar fashion, silica gel absorbs ionic liquids and organic liquids.

Common Uses

Silica gel is often used in packing electronic components to remove all moisture.

Most people come into contact with silica gel when they find small packets of it packaged in with a product they've purchased, especially when it comes to electronics. The purpose of those packets is to absorb any water vapor found in the package---especially important when it comes to electronics. Silica gel's ability to absorb water vapor is almost legendary---it is able to absorb 40 percent of its own weight in water vapor.

Other properties

Even though silica gel can absorb a large amount of liquid, its outside surface can remain dry to the touch. Since it is lighter in weight than other absorbant materials, it is preferred for shipping. It also has a long shelf life and does not require any special handling precautions.

Reusability

Silica gel can also be reused---it simply needs to be reheated to remove the moisture it has already absorbed, making it very cost effective. In addition, silica gel does not react with most other materials, which allows for safe storage, and with the exception of very strong alkalis or hydrofluoric acid, nothing reacts with it

History

Silica gel was first used in gas masks in World War I.

Silica gel was once a scientific curiosity. First discovered in the 1600s, it became an important factor in World War I when used in gas mask canisters to filter dangerous fumes. A chemistry professor from John Hopkins finally patented it in 1919 and along with Grace Davison, a Maryland-based chemical company, began to develop it. First sold to the public in 1923, sales did not catch on until World War II when it was found helpful in keeping medicines, equipment and supplies dry.

Finish World Hunger

Those who study food and distribution issues understand that hunger

is not related to a shortfall in food production, but in the ability to pay

for it. What can be done to ensure that all people around the globe can

enjoy a suitable diet?

Instructions

1. Share existing food, production technology, and water and land resources with developing countries. Pressure your political leaders to pursue policies that promote global cooperation.

2. Promote economic development of developing nations to allow its residents to earn more money and afford more food.

3. Support equal rights for all people. Promoting access to health care, education and jobs for women and minorities encourages economic development for the country as a whole. Birth rates are reduced with even basic education, further reducing the strain on the food supply. See 404 Build a School in a Third World Country.

4. Lobby the U.S. government to remove agriculture subsidies. Designed to help U.S. farmers with globally traded crops like wheat and corn, subsidies depress global prices, holding down the incomes of farmers in developing countries or even driving them out of business. Poor countries can make a strong argument that the developed world is intentionally preventing the creation of a level playing field.

5. Support increased funding of global-assistance programs. The United States uses only a tiny fraction of its money (less than one-half of one percent of the gross domestic product) for overseas food assistance. The nation could easily double or triple this figure without suffering economic harm.

6. Understand the impact that meat consumption has on the world food supply. Meat production is a biologically inefficient process; the amount of meat produced is infinitely smaller than the amount of feed grain the animals consume. Eating meat elevates consumption of scarce resources and increases pressure on the world food supply. The majority of meat is consumed by developed nations.

7. Contribute to private global assistance programs such as CARE (care.org) and the International Red Cross (icrc.org). Many churches and civic organizations also conduct hunger relief programs.

Take A Loan By Having An Irs Lien

Many taxpayers who are required to pay additional taxes each year, may not have the ability to pay the taxes in full. Often, taxpayers do not try to settle the debt, and the IRS is forced to file a tax lien. A tax lien is placed on your property to secure the government's tax liability that you owe them. While tax liens can effect your credit, it is possible to borrow money if you have a tax lien.

Instructions

Borrowing Money with Tax Lien

1. Find a lender. You may already conduct business with a financial institution with which you are familiar. If this will be your first loan or you are seeking a new lender, you may choose to search your telephone directory or the Internet to find a financial institution.

2. Apply for a loan. You will need to call or visit the financial institution and apply for a loan. Application forms may be lengthy and include personal information, as well as address and employment histories.

3. Check the status of your loan. Your lender may contact you by phone or mail regarding the status of your loan. If not, you will need to check back with the financial center to see whether or not the loan was approved.

4. Provide the financial center with a Notice of Federal Tax Lien Release. If the tax lien is still showing on your credit report, the financial center may need proof, if the debt has been paid, so it improves your chances of securing the loan.

5. Have a tax lien payment withdrawn from loan proceeds. If you are using assets, such as your residence or other real estate property, you will need to pay the IRS lien so that you can borrow the money. If you do not have the money to pay the IRS lien, you may have the lender deduct the tax lien amount from the loan proceeds that are paid directly to you. By securing the loan with real property, since the tax lien will be released, it will better your chances of getting approved for the loan.

Exactly What Is A Nominal Protection Coefficient

The NPC compares a crop's different prices across borders.

The complex science of agricultural economics incorporates a variety of different numeric measures, including the nominal protection coefficient (NPC). The NPC evaluates prices -- nominal values -- to provide insight into trade policies -- protection.

Calculation

Each commodity has its own NPC. To calculate the NPC of a commodity, divide its domestic price by its "border price." Multiply the foreign price of the commodity by the exchange rate to find the border price.

Uses

Agricultural economists use the NPC to determine how well government policies incentivize the growing of specific crops, because government intervention causes the divergence between domestic and foreign prices. If the NPC of a crop is greater than 1 -- the domestic price is higher than the price on the international market -- then domestic producers have been given incentive to produce it.

Origin

Influential Scottish economist Adam Smith created the NPC during his analysis of the British Corn Laws. Smith included the NPC in the fourth book of "The Wealth of Nations," first published in 1776.

Salary For Any Career In Working as a consultant

Consultants on staff or working independently may earn high wages.

Those interested in a career in consultancy, particularly in private industry, will have the best opportunities with a graduate degree, an area of specialty and strong salesmanship and public relations skills, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary of a consultant varies depending experience, industry and location.

Salary

Management consultants in the U.S. earned an average salary of $84,650 as of May 2009. The median salary was $75,250, with those in the 25th percentile earning $55,820 and those in the 75th percentile earning $101,410.

Industry

While many entry-level consultants can find a government job with a bachelor's degree, positions in private industry often demand a master's degree, something the salary averages reflect. Consultants working for state governments earn an average of $56,340 annually, while those working for the federal executive branch earn $84,280. Salaries for consultants in management, scientific and technical consulting services earn $97,100, while those in computer systems design earn $91,040. The highest salaries for consultants can be found in the industry of foundries at $131,460, followed by personal care services at $109,970 and furniture stores at $109,610. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2009)

Location

Cost of living and the demand for consultants will help shape one's salary. Washington D.C. has the highest concentration of consultants in the U.S. and an average annual salary of $88,260. Virginia has the second-highest concentration of workers and the fourth highest salary in the nation at $93,740. Massachusetts, Georgia and New Hampshire are the only states with higher wages at $100,310, $96,260 and $93,790, respectively. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2009)

Advancement and Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that around 26 percent of consultants are self-employed, which is three times the average for all jobs. Moving from a staff consultant position into freelance work is one way in which some consultants advance, as their experience may allow them to charge higher fees. Employment of consultants is predicted to grow 24 percent; however, despite this positive outlook, the competition is keen because many are drawn to a career in consultancy due to potentially high salaries.

Block Adult Websites

Blocking adult websites is not a substitute for parental supervision.

Internet filtering is an effective way of blocking adult websites on a computer. Sites that are unsuitable for children may be accidentally accessed when a child performs a search or surfs the net looking for a specific site. Older children may even access adult sites intentionally. To block unacceptable sites from being seen by children, add Internet filtering software or adjust the browser settings so that adult content is not allowed. Internet filtering is not a substitute for parental supervision, but does provide added security.

Instructions

1. Adjust browser settings to block adult websites. On Internet Explorer click "Tools," then "Internet Options." Next, click on the "Content" tab.

2. Enable the "Content Advisor." Select desired settings from the "Ratings" tab. Decide on ratings for language, sex, violence and nudity. Set each rating individually.

3. Use the "Approved Sites" tab to name sites that children are always able to view. Include favorite sites that are frequently visited. Selected sites will always be allowed, no matter what the rating.

4. Type in a password that children using the computer do not know. The password keeps settings from being changed by children. Questionable sites can be allowed by the parent using the password if the site is found to be acceptable.

5. Install an Internet filter. Download a free filter online or purchase software to block adult websites. Popular filters include We-blocker, NetNanny and CyberPatrol.

Invest In Remodeling Jobs

If you are a contractor interested in expanding your business to remodeling, it is important to bid on a remodeling job so that you come out with a profit for your business. The key to securing a remodeling job is in the preparation and presentation of your bid. When you are approaching a potential client you want to be sure you are confident in your business and bidding price. Once you gain security in your bidding submission process, you are sure to gain valuable clients.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Speak up. If you are now providing remodeling services, you have to make it known so that potential clients will know they can come to you for their remodeling needs. Be sure to include an announcement about your remodeling services on your flyers and website and in your ads.

2. Know your costs ahead of time. You should create a list of services and the associated overhead ahead of time so that when you arrive to do your walk-through you won't be guessing. A key to doing this would be to know the materials, time and number of employees that would be required to complete the job. Once you have this added, figure out how much of a profit you would like to gain and use this information to determine the actual price you will charge your customer.

3. Walk-through. This is a very important process as it allows you to visually see what the job entails and decide how you will approach it. As you doing your walk-through be sure to ask your customer exactly what it is he wants so that you don't get surprises during or after the completion of the project.

4. Present the bid. After you have decided the estimations you would like to present to your potential client, you want to be sure to present it in a very detailed manner so that what your potential client understands everything he is being charged. You want to make the customer feel secure in the final amount he will be paying and why he is paying it.

Invest In Military Jobs

The Federal government purchases $425 billion in products and services annually.

The Federal government has an insatiable need for products and services from private contractors, and purchases more than $425 billion annually on the open market. In order to compete for federal contracts, including military contracts, there are some specific steps you will have to go through. You'll also need to round up good references and be able to demonstrate a track record of successful performance in your business.

(NOTE TO EDITOR: See http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/index.html for source on 425 billion figure.)

Instructions

1. Apply for a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. This is a unique 9-digit identifier for each physical location in your business. See resources for where you can request a DUNS number.

2. Register your business with CCR, the Central Contracting Registry. Regulations require all bidding businesses to be registered in CCR prior being contracted to provide goods or services to the Federal Government. You can register using the link given in the references section.

3. Visit the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). There you will fill out "reps and certs" information, and apply for status as a HUBZone or Section 8(a) business, if applicable. This is where the government "looks" to qualify you as a small business or other disadvantaged business, and make you eligible for set-aside contracts or pricing advantages reserved for small businesses or businesses in economically challenged communities.

4. Identify the NAICS Codes under which you will be doing business. Each trade, service or industry has a unique NAICS code that the government uses to categorize and itemize its purchasing. You can find your NAICS code by visiting NAICS.com.

5. Identify the contract on which you would like to bid. You may visit FedBizOpps, the official federal listing for contracting opportunities, at www.fbo.gov. However, many smaller opportunities are never posted on the FedBizOpps site. Contracts under $25,000 are frequently handled by local or agency purchasing officers.

6. Visit the Defense Contracting site on Business.gov and locate the defense agency or service in which you are interested in working. Read the link and follow those agency-specific directions.

7. Download and read the requests for proposal (RFPs) in which you are interested. To bid on specific jobs, follow the directions carefully.

Invest In Interior & Exterior Painting

Landing your next profitable painting job is in large part driven by the bid you submit to the homeowner. Bid too high and they won't hire you. Bid too low and you will be doing all of that work for nothing. An interior and exterior painting project is no different than any other job. Time and materials will determine the bid you submit to the customer. Present your potential client with a fair and professional bid and you will create your best chance for getting hired.

Instructions

1. Measure the entire space that will be painted. Add all of the measurements to arrive at a number for the total square footage of space. Take one measurement for the interior space and one for the exterior.

2. Determine the coverage rate of the paint you will be using. The rate will be listed on the side of the stain can or ask for a spec sheet from the paint store. Divide the total interior square footage by the coverage rate of the interior paint to determine the number of gallons needed. Do the same for the exterior.

3. Multiply the total gallons of paint by the per-gallon price to get a total price for paint. Add brushes, tarps and other materials that you will purchase for the job.

4. Estimate the number of man-hours that will be required to complete the job. Include time for prep and set up. Add time for clean up and set up for each day of the project.

5. Set an hourly rate. Multiply the hourly rate by the project's total man-hours. Add in the cost of paint and supplies. This is the amount of your final bid.

6. Create a bid sheet on the computer. A typed and well-organized bid sheet will add professionalism to the bid. Put your company's name and phone number on the top of the bid sheet so the customer can easily locate your number when she calls to hire you.

Advertising Suggestions For Radio

Radio

Successful radio stations consistently strive to increase their listener base in order to command higher advertising rates. Through creative advertising strategies, radio stations can help their business clients to maximize their radio advertising budget, which leads to repeated ad purchases. Whether a radio station features the latest hits or the golden oldies, it should create a marketing mix that includes listeners and clients to maximize revenue and profit.

On-Location Events

An on-location radio event at businesses, festivals or other location with lots of potential traffic increases radio station visibility. An on-location event allows listeners to meet on-air personalities and provides excitement for current listeners while providing advertising for the radio station. Additionally, on-location events at a business can reward your high-spending advertiser with extra advertising attention.

Prizes

Offer routine giveaways for events and prizes. Tie prizes to advertisers if possible to increase the impact of a business customer's advertising. The more business and exposure generated for business advertisers, the more likely they will be to continue advertising with your station. Create fun and unusual contests for prizes.

Listener Participation

Encourage listener participation through call-in request options and sponsor fun activities. For example, sponsor your own version of "The Amazing Race" with teams completing activities and racing around your town. Advertise this type of event heavily and encourage listeners to come and watch the festivities. Listener participation events garner additional listeners for your station and create attention that could increase advertising dollars.

Multiple Advertising Options

Offer multiple advertising options for your business clients. Have a starter package that mixes low-cost, late-night advertising with several higher profile slots for new companies with low budgets. Offer an enticing middle-cost package that features large discounts for signing a long-term contract. Offer customized packages for clients with larger budgets, and designate an advertising specialist to help them craft their radio advertising strategy.

Create individualized offers to woo new clients. For example, propose an on-air 'taste test' for a local bakery that pits their offers against a packaged brand, or have an on-air personality sign up for a business's service and provide personal recommendations.

Personal Touch

Encourage business owners to record their own advertisements. This extra touch lends credibility and a local touch to the advertisements. It also can be exciting for some business owners to gain attention and hear their own voice on the radio. When business owners feel more involved in the advertising process, they are more likely to continue to buy radio advertisements.

Invest In Commercial Painting Jobs

The bidding process for any commercial gig requires industry knowledge, an immaculate proposal and the ability to offer competitive pricing. Commercial painting bids also require inclusion of material costs, considerations for what paints and decorative elements work best for a specific project and the provision of enough man-power to get the job done in a timely fashion.

Instructions

1. Find out how many areas need to be painted, the time constraints of the project and the number of colors requested. The more details you find out before you submit a bid, the more accurately you provide a proposal that falls in line with the needs of the project. This information is generally found in the request for proposal (RFP) generated by the entity hiring for the job.

2. Generate a proposal that provides background information on your company and experience. Give pictorial examples of your painting jobs in the past as well as resumes for everyone that worked on the projects with your company. Provide customer references that include contact information if the hiring agency wants to check your past work.

3. Provide competitive pricing. If you know the going market rate is $20 per hour for commercial painting, then consider a slightly lower rate to edge out the competition for the job. Think of the future: if you do a good job on this commercial job, other contacts for commercial jobs may follow.

4. Include the cost of materials. You should not have to foot the bill for materials for a commercial painting gig. Consider the cost for various brushes and rollers, the primer and actual paint. Include the price of miscellaneous tools, such as paint thinner or remover, scraping tools, edgers and anything else that makes the process easier and more efficient for your company.

5. Read over your proposal carefully before submitting the bid. Correct any errors and ensure the proposal addresses every aspect of the project. Turn the proposal in before the deadline.

Bid Jobs For General Companies

Wood-Framed Building Under Construction

General contractors are those responsible for overseeing the construction of a building. They hire subcontractors, such as electricians, painters and plumbers, to help complete the project. These subcontractors are chosen through a bidding process, wherein they provide their price for a given scope of work, and the lowest bidder is awarded the job. Most general contractors are willing to accept bids from new companies that may be able to complete the work faster, better or at a lower price.

Instructions

1. Visit the contractor's office and visit its plan rooms. Most general contractors set aside a space known as a bid room or plan room, which is filled with drawings of projects under bid. Typically, any contractor who wishes to bid on these projects is permitted to view the drawings and provide bids. Many times, the plans are also available online at the contractor's website.

2. Get on the contractor's bidders list. Contact its office and ask how you can be placed on its bid list. Generally, it will require you to fill out a "Contractor Qualification Statement," which contains financial information, services offered by your company and your company history. Having this information readily available can help you qualify as a bidder.

3. Prepare your bids carefully. When you find a project you are interested in, thoroughly review both the plans and specifications to ensure you understand what is involved. Check the schedule of the job as well, as overtime and off-hours requirements can have a big impact on your price.

4. Submit your bids to the general contractor. Typically, you can simply put your price on your company letterhead. Specify exactly what services are included or excluded from your price so that it is easy for the contractor to evaluate.

5. Provide bids on time and as specified. Every project will come with a book of specifications or project instructions that indicate when the bid is due, how it should be formatted and any other special requirements. Following these instructions carefully will show the general contractor your attention to detail and make it more likely to give you a chance at the project.

Bid Fencing Discoloration Job

Create a professional bid to win a painting job.

Running a painting or staining business isn't as simple as showing up to the job and doing the work. Operating a business also means bidding the job and collecting your fees. When a customer calls you to give him a bid on staining a fence, you want to make sure that you take into account all of your time and materials. Underbidding may score you the job but you also need to make a living. Don't sell yourself short. Give the customer an honest, fair and professional bid that shows you are running a serious business and makes the work worth your time and trouble.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the fence. Multiply the two together to get the total square footage of the area to be painted. If the job requires you to stain both sides of the fence, double the square footage.

2. Find the coverage rate of the stain you will be using. The coverage rate will be listed on the side of the stain can or on a spec sheet from the paint retailer. If the coverage rate is 250 square feet per gallon, the gallon of paint will cover that many square feet of surface area. Divide the total square footage by the coverage rate of the paint. This will give you the number of gallons of stain you will need.

3. Multiply the number of gallons of stain by the cost. This is your cost of stain materials. Add in any brushes, tarps, tape or other materials that you will need to buyto complete the job. The total is your materials cost for the job.

4. Estimate how long the job will take you. Include all set up time, prep work like sanding or power washing and clean up. If the job will take you multiple days, you will do clean up and set up each day. Include time for this.

5. Determine an hourly rate. This is the amount of money you will make on the job. Multiply the hourly rate by the estimated length of the project. This is your total labor cost.

6. Add the total materials cost to the total labor cost. The resulting number is your bid for the job. Create a bid sheet on your computer. Make sure the bid sheet includes your name and phone number as well as a place for the customer to sign when accepting the bid. Print the bid sheet and deliver it to the customer.

Be Ordained Like A Christian Universalist Minister

Christian Univeralists believe that the punishment for sin is not eternal - all souls reunite with God.

Christian Universalism is a sect of Christianity that believes in the doctrine of unification - that while sin has consequences both in this life and the next, all sinners are eventually reunited with God. This is a departure from other Christian beliefs that hold that the consequences of sin are eternal. Christian Universalists represent a wide variety of Christian theology, with adherents from evangelical Christian backgrounds as well as liberal Christianity.

Instructions

1. Join the Christian Universalist Association. Membership in the association is a prerequisite to ordination as a Universalist minister. There is no monetary requirement, though the Association does have a supporting class of membership based on a minimum annual $10 donation. You can apply for membership by filling out the application given in Resources. Additionally, ministers must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.

2. Download the ordination program application. You can complete the application online or print it and send it in via mail. You must answer questions about any criminal background you may have. The Christian Universalist Association will run a criminal background check.

3. Contact three people who know you and have them submit a confidential letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters should be at least 300 words long. Have them submit them directly to this address:

Christian Universalist Association

Attn: Ordination Committee

P.O. Box 107

Fairfax, VA 22038

4. Complete the reading list. The list is available on the ordination page of the Christian Universalist Association and consists of readings from the Bible, readings on general theology, the history of the Universalist movement, ethics and pastoral care, readings on living the Gospel and on planning and growing a church community.

5. Submit a resume.

6. Write eight papers, including a statement of personal faith and your journey to the pastorship and seven papers responding to the reading list.

7. Donate a $300 nonrefundable application fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, reading and responding to your assigned papers, and mentoring you through the ordination process.

Be Considered A Venture Capitalist

Venture capitalists provide private equity to assist business growth. Venture capitalists may be individuals with great wealth and expertise who mentor companies and assist in financing growth plans. Venture capitalists often join together to operate as a group or through a venture capital fund. Investing venture capital is high-risk investing that produces huge financial rewards or significant losses.

Instructions

1. Earn, inherit or manage a large sum of money. Be open to investing in start-up business, small business and new products. Be willing to take great risks in the hope of great financial returns.

2. Join with other wealthy individuals, corporations, private and public pension funds and foreign investors to form a venture capital fund.

3. Decide if you want to be involved in seed investing, early stage investing or expansion stage investing. Decide if you want to specialize in one market sector or be a generalist, investing in a wide range of business opportunities.

4. Solicit proposals from companies seeking investors. Look for the companies that have the greatest risk of success in the long run. Be prepared to lose any money you invest.

5. Attend venture capital trade shows. Assess the businesses present and decide if you want to invest in their future.

6. Actively work, consult and advise the management of the companies you invest in. Grow young companies into large multi-national corporations. Let your partners be actively involved with the growing company if you do not have expertise to share.

7. Reap the rewards of your investments. Reinvest profits into new companies. Deduct losses against gains to lower your tax burden. Enjoy the good life and find your next venture to capitalize.

So How Exactly Does Free Trade Work

As the buying and selling of goods includes more developing nations and as population growth reshapes markets, the importance of global trade continues to grow. The politics of trade include governments, businesses and agencies that wish to adopt or abandon certain trade policies of barriers. Free trade is a system in which such barriers are completely absent, and goods can flow freely across borders.

Definition

Free trade is a system in which there are no barriers to trade that distort the normal prices and availability of goods based on supply and demand. Nations that agree to engage in free trade do not impose tariffs, additional taxes or special requirements for import on goods from other countries. They also refuse to allow monopolies domestically that would make it difficult or impossible for international producers to enter the marketplace. In fair trade, individual buyers set prices by collectively choosing which goods to buy when confronted with domestic and imported options at prices set by the manufacturers and retailers free from government interference.

Implications

Free trade applies to more than just the exchange of goods and services between countries. It also extends to other elements of the production of those goods, such as labor management. When nations enter into free trade agreements, they may adopt universal standards for worker wages or workplace safety. This prevents one country from gaining a competitive advantage for its businesses by disregarding human rights. Free trade also includes shared environmental standards that require each participant to adhere to the same industrial production guidelines.

Function

Free trade is possible only when two or more nations enter into a free trade agreement. These accords are complicated treaties with wide-ranging economic implications and often take months or years of negotiating to complete. A free trade agreement does not automatically grant permission for every business in each country to sell its products in the other countries. Instead, the businesses must still meet regulatory standards in the countries where they wish to do business, and they must remain legally liable for the products they sell there.

NAFTA

In the United States, one of the most significant trade agreements is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement includes the United States, Canada and Mexico. It includes environmental and labor law provisions as well as a policy of open trade across borders. NAFTA became law in 1994, but the trade restrictions and tariffs were not entirely removed until 2008 at the end of a slow implementation process. As of 2011, NAFTA is the largest free trade agreement in the world in terms of the number of citizens it affects and the value of goods traded between nations under its protection.