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I am a go getter girl, who enjoy watching a nice movie, and love my family very much

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Wednesday October 31, 2001

Using Financial Services Lenders To Obtain Loans

Many homeowners have been using financial services businesses to obtain loans for a very long time. The lenders of these financial services offices have a very open view on what is necessary to secure loans through their network and many homeowners prefer their banking principles over those that the homeowner used when they financed their home many years before.
Some homeowners are driven to find alternative cash flow source because they have fallen behind in making their home mortgage payments. Instead of being forced into foreclosure, the homeowner is given the option of refinancing through the financial services loans that are offered through the financial services lending networks. For the first time since they bought their home, they feel that they are in control of their finances because the lenders also allow them to obtain extra cash to pay off old debt
Some homeowners are not sure if they will meet the lending standards of the financial services lenders and are pleasantly surprised when they are told that one of the financial services that they offer for loans through their company is a self-certification check. The homeowner saves time and money by finding out ahead of time if they qualify for the loan that they need.
The financial services loans that the homeowner can apply for 24-hours a day are loans that are secured by the homeowner's deed to property they reside in. Some of these lenders are willing to provide more than 125% of the value of the home and the homeowner will find that they can pay off the new home loan faster because they have the benefit of a lower mortgage rate. The homeowner has also been afforded the opportunity to choose to finance their new home loan for a shorter period of time with money left over to clear out odd debt
Some homeowners choose to obtain loans through financial services loans offices so that they can make improvements to their property. The low rate loans that are offered have lower rates than those offered by their local banking institution. These lenders have low overhead expenses and can afford to be generous with the money that they have on hand.
Banks have shareholders to think about and expenses to pay such as salaries, equipment leasing, and paying for the buildings where they conduct business. The expenses for operating many branches can add up and the money must come from somewhere. The monthly service fees from customers and higher rates on loans are two sources of income that banks are not willing to part with much less negotiate.
The financial services loans come from people who are free of that type of overhead expense. They might pay salaries but they have no buildings to pay for because they do their business through internet websites that require low monthly fees. These savings are passed on to the customer in the form of low interest loans with attractive alternative repayment schedules that the customer controls.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Tuesday October 30, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Understanding Spread Prices

During the life of a vertical call spread, the spread will trade between its minimum and maximum values (between 0 and the difference between the two strikes). In the case of a vertical call spread, the spread will trade closer to zero when the stock trades closer to or lower than the lower strike price. The spread will trade closer to maximum value when the stock trades closer to or higher than the higher strike price.
Starting from a stock price of 37.5, a price located directly between the two strikes, (using our example of the August 35 - 40 call spread) we can see the approximate value of the spread is roughly $2.5 dollars. This is because the August 35 calls and the August 40 calls are equidistant from the current stock price of $37.50. Being equidistant from the stock, both the August 35 and 40 calls will have almost the same amount of extrinsic value in them. Thus, in the spread, the extrinsic values of the two options cancel themselves out since you are long one call and short the other. This would leave each option value consisting of only intrinsic value. With the stock at $37.50 the value of the August 35 - 40 call spread will be $2.50. The August 35 calls will have $2.50 in intrinsic value while the August 40 calls will have $0 in intrinsic value. The difference gives you a spread with a value of $2.50.
A general rule of thumb is if the stock price is located evenly between the two strike prices, the vertical spread should be worth roughly half of the value of the distance between the two strikes. This will be true for vertical put spreads as well as call spreads. From this rule, we can roughly estimate the vertical spread's price per different stock price
For vertical call spreads, if the spread is worth roughly half of the difference between the two strikes with the stock price directly between the two strikes, then as the stock falls to lower strike and beyond, the spreads value will decrease and move closer to $0. Time left until expiration and volatility will dictate how close and how quickly it will approach $0. On the other side, as the stock climbs toward and above the upper strike, the spreads value will increase toward its maximum value described by the difference between the two strike
For vertical put spreads, as the stock price decreases toward the lower strike price, the spread will increase in value and approach its maximum value as defined by the difference between the two strikes. As the stock price increases toward the higher strike, the spread will decrease in value and will approach $0. Again, time until expiration and volatility will determine how quickly and how close the spread will approach $0.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Monday October 29, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Behavior of the Time Spread

Time spreads can be a profitable investment strategy if you understand the concept of time decay. A time spread is designed to take advantage of the fact that an options decay curve is non-linear, that is, an option's value does not decay evenly over time. As an option gets closer to expiration, its rate of decay increases meaning the option loses value more quickly. That decay rate increases progressively until expiration.
An option's decay rate begins to accelerate when the option is about 45 days out. It picks up steam at 30 days out and really comes under decay pressure at about 15 days out. This scenario is similar to a boulder rolling down from a hilltop. As it starts, it rolls slowly, then gains more speed, and momentum the further it gets down the hill until it achieves its maximum speed at the bottom. Option decay acts the same way - gathering speed and momentum as the option approaches expiration.
In time spreads, both options have the same strike price that remains constant. Each option's value decays at different rates and over different lengths of time. The option, with one month until expiration, experiences value decay at a faster rate than the one with three months until expiration.
If you buy an option with three months to go and sell an option with the same strike but with one month to go, you have set up a spread between the two options values (prices). As time passes, your short option loses value more quickly than your long option that decays more slowly. The value of the spread widens and you profit from that spread's expansion. This is the fundamental behavior of the time-spread.

Consider that you are long the 60-30 day time spread. That means you are long the 60-day option and short the 30-day option. We will assign a price of $3.00 to the 60-day option and $2.00 to the 30-day option. Since you pay for the one and receive payment for the other, the bottom line cost of what you put out for the spread is $1.00.
During the same 30-day period, it goes from $3.00 to $2.00. Remember, the spread's bottom line cost was $1.00. The 30-day option (now expired) will be worth $0 while the 60-day option (now a 30-day option) will be worth $2.00. If you had invested in this spread, after 30 days decay you would be holding one option worth $2.00. The investment has provided a nice return!
This is an ideal situation. The stock price and volatility remain constant and you capture the decay. The time spread has worked just as it should. It does work that way sometimes, but nothing works as it should all the time. As we know, stock prices and volatility levels do not remain constant. They are always changing. In the time spread strategy, the investor must choose opportunities carefully. In addition to picking a stock that will be in a stagnant period, the investor should look for two other situations where the spread has profit possibilities changes in volatility and to a lesser degree stock price movements.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Sunday October 28, 2001

Clean Water: A Precious Necessity

For a necessity of life, water sure can be a natural resource that many of us take for granted. We may think if we live in a favorable climate area where it is abundant most of the year, that when it falls out of the sky regularly, it should, therefore, be free. Outside of the United States, however, a limited access to potable water remains a serious health threat in many developing countries.
Water-related diseases are the single most cause (50%) of preventable human sicknesses and health-related deaths in the world. While unclean water supplies are easily linked to health threats, another health threat that is propagated and practiced in modern, technologically advanced cultures is that by drinking mostly other forms of altered water based beverages we are meeting our body's daily fluid intake requirements of water. This health threat causes even more sickness and disease in becoming chronically dehydrated, so between the two, the incidence of water-related sickness and death is probably much higher.
Clean water is a special commodity that is now beginning to shrink rapidly world wide. In the U.S., aging pipes in municipal water system infrastructures and in older homes are causing major problems. Mismanagement of the nation's drinking water utilities have subsidized this service with other revenues and have failed to charge customers accordingly, by not recognizing how costly it has become to treat , move around, store, and distribute water. This, in turn, is leaving a burden of $500 billion over the next 20 years, to fix and maintain drinking water and waste water treatment systems. This estimate is a conservative one, as it will likely take more time and more money than this figure suggest
There are many other threats to our water reserves such as climate changes, over use of toxic chemicals in agriculture, industry, and mainstream medicine, and unsound land developing practices The largest threat of all to maintaining clean water reserves, however, is in the general population's attitude, or lack of concern of the matter. And, while it may make sense to make everyone pay for cleaner drinking water, there are many people in this world that, due to economic restraints, should not be denied a fundamental staple of life. Everyone, no matter who you are or what your economic status in life is, should have the right to exist, and that largely depends on safe, clean water.
Water is the single most essential element to life as we know it, next to air, we absolutely must have it to survive and so does everything else. Water is truly everywhere, and still, most people do not understand the important role it plays inside the human body.
Water makes up more than two thirds of human body weight. The brain is more than 85%, blood is 80%, and lungs about 90%. A mere 2 % drop in your body's daily requirement of water can result in symptoms of dehydration like
1.fuzzy, short-term memory problems
2.trouble doing basic math
3.difficulty focusing on small print
4.day time fatigue and moodiness
It is estimated that about three quarters of Americans have mild to chronic dehydration problems. That is pretty scary, considering we live in a developed country where there is supposed to be adequate supplies of clean water.
Water is just as necessary to the mechanics of the human body, and other living things, as gas and oil are to your automobile. All cell and organ functions depend on it.
1.Water is the body's lubricant.
2.Water forms the base of saliva.
3.Water forms the fluid that surrounds the joints.
4.Water regulates body temperature.
5.Water alleviates constipation, replenishes fluid loss during bouts of diarrhea, aids in digestion, flushes out toxins
6.Water regulates cell metabolism.
Due to this daily bodily maintenance requirement, water plays a pivotal role in the prevention of disease. By drinking your daily requirement each day, you reduce your risk dramatically of developing many different problematic disease
Cleaning up and maintaining our precious water reserves involves major behavioral changes that require a greater awareness to vigilantly fight for the removal of potential contaminates from our water resources. As humans, we instinctively know that clean water equals healthier plant foods, animal foods, and healthier human bodies for our continued survival on this planet.
Cleaner and safer water begins with the knowledge that you can make a difference just by becoming aware that there is a problem. Working together with others who take this issue seriously by helping others secure access to healthy water is a universal need, a basic human right, and a crusade worth fighting for. The world's health, people you love, as well as your own health depends on your willing attitude to get involved, please make it one of your priorities starting today!

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Saturday October 27, 2001

Network Marketing Advertising Ideas

The idea of advertising network marketing business opportunities is not new. As a matter of fact, there is a whole host of e-books written on this very subject. If you are currently involved in a multi level marketing (MLM) business as part of a down line, you will be wise to discuss this idea with someone in your up line and not only get their opinion on it but also to get some tips and advice about campaigns they might have attempted themselves in the past with more or less success. Stop to think before advertising network marketing in print ads because there are a number of issue, some of them sticky that you need to deal with before you buy that first set of postcard
1. First and foremost, whenever you advertise anything in print, you need to think long term and in the case of direct mailings this will mean repeat campaigns. Conversely, in the case of newspaper ads, this means taking out the same ad for a number of weeks or maybe even months. Adequate budgeting is the only way to make it possible for you to take this step. Do not be deceived by slogans or promises, a print campaign is expensive when it is done right.
2. Advertising network marketing in print, especially if it is done via direct mailings, has the potential to create a liability under the postal laws that prohibit fraud from being transported via the mail. Ensure that each and every statement on your advertisement is genuine, provable and above reproach.
3. Plan a decisive strategy. For example, are you just trying to get out the name? In this case generic ads may be placed in papers. Conversely, would you like to generate generic leads? In this case generic sounding ads may be placed in Sunday papers that are delivered to households across the country. On the other hand, if you are hoping for the more qualified ads, you will need to carefully consider ad placement in trade journals, magazines catering to small business entrepreneurs and those who might be looking into joining this group.
4. When doing direct mailings, choose your demographics well. Whom are you trying to reach? Do you want to entice current network marketers who might have become disenchanted with their network marketing opportunity? Are stay-at-home moms your target? Are you aiming for the student population that needs something to do during the summer months? Each and every campaign needs to be tailored to its own demographic and contain appeal that will have them rushing for the phone or computer. Unless you are just looking for generic leads, one size does not fit all.
Last but not least, when advertising network marketing opportunities in print via direct mailing and purchasing leads, protect those leads. Use them time and again as a valued asset and not just a disposable list of potential clients, customers or down line candidates. It is this latter mistake that causes so many direct marketers to waste a lot of their money and fails to capitalize on the name recognition your business is beginning to build up.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Friday October 26, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Option Strangles

The Strangle is another option strategy that features the use of options in unison with each other. The Strangle is philosophically identical to its 'cousin' the Straddle. However, whereas the Straddle has a single strike as its focal point, the Strangle has its focal point spread out over two strikes.
The effect of this as compared to the Straddle is that the Strangle will produce wider break-even points and lower prices. The widening of the break-even points changes the risk/reward scenarios for both the buyer and the seller of the Strangle as opposed to the Straddle.
The benefit to the buyer of the Strangle is that it will cost less than a Straddle (thus less risk) but, like all risk/reward scenarios, less risk equals less reward. The buyer's trade-off for lower cost and less risk is that the stock will have to move significantly more than if the buyer had purchased a Straddle.
The benefit to the seller of the Strangle is that it offers a larger margin of error in terms of the anticipated stock movement. The wider range of the break-even prices allows the stock to have more movement while still allowing the seller to profit. The seller's trade-off for this luxury is price. The seller will not bring in as much premium from the sale of a Strangle as opposed to the sale of a Straddle.
With that said, let's look at the Strangle. The Strangle, like the Straddle, consists of two options. In the Strangle, however, the two options are not at-the-money options of the same strike (Straddle), but out-of-the-money options (both a call and a put) of different strikes.
The Strangle features one position (either long or short) and two options an out-of-the-money call and an out-of-the-money put.

When you put together a Strangle the construction should be as follows
- Different options (out-of-the-money call & an out-of-the-money put)
- Same stock
- Same expiration
- One to one ratio
Strangle positions are referred to as 'long Strangle' or 'short Strangle' depending on whether you purchase the call and the put (long) or sell the call and the put (short).
For example, with the stock trading at $57.50, you would construct the long Strangle by purchasing both the July 60 call and the July 55 put. You would construct the short Strangle by selling both the July 60 call and the July 55 put.
It is important to note that the Strangle is a one to one ratio strategy. For every call that you buy (or sell), you must purchase (or sell) exactly one put to properly construct a Strangle.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Thursday October 25, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Buyer Risk & Reward

Like most trades, time spreads have a maximum loss for the buyer. You can only lose what you have spent. If you paid $1.00 for the spread, your maximum potential loss is $1.00. If you bought the spread for $2.00, the maximum potential loss is $2.00.
The buyer of a time spread will purchase the out-month option while selling the nearer month option of the same strike in a one-to-one ratio. Since the out-month option will have more time until expiration than the nearer month option, the out-month option will cost more. This means the buyer will put out money (debit spread) that makes sense. The buyer can only lose the amount of money they spent to purchase the spread. Thus, the buyer's maximum risk is the cost of the spread.
The buyer can profit in several ways. First, as a time spread, the buyer can profit by the passage of time. Options are wasting assets. As the nearer month option decays more quickly than the outer-month option, the spread widens (increases in value) and the buyer sees a profit.
Second, implied volatility can increase. As implied volatility increases, the out-month option, which the buyer is long, increases in value more quickly (due to its higher Vega) than the nearer month option that the buyer is short. This will force the spread to widen or increase in value, which again is profitable for the buyer.
Third, the buyer can make money due to stock price movement. As stated before, a time spread's value is at its maximum when the stock price and the spreads strike price are identical (at-the-money). You can have an increase in value if you own an out-of-the-money or in-the-money time spread, and the stock moves either up or down toward your strike. As the stock moves closer to your strike, the spread will expand and increase in value creating a profit for you, the buyer.
The buyer's risks are obviously the opposite of the rewards. You cannot stop or reverse time, so the buyer of the spread can never be hurt by time. Implied volatility, however, can decrease as easily as it can increase. A decrease in implied volatility will decrease the value of the out-month option (which the buyer is long) faster than it will decrease the value of the nearer month option (which the buyer is short) due to the higher Vega of the out-month option. This will narrow the spread thereby creating a loss for the buyer.
In the same way that stock movement in the right direction can be profitable for the buyer of a time spread, stock movement in the wrong direction can be costly. As the stock moves away from the spread's strike, the spread decreases in value. That will create a loss for the buyer of the spread.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Wednesday October 24, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Construction of the Time Spread

Time spreads, also known as calendar spreads, are an ideal way to take advantage of time decay and changes in implied volatility. Time spread strategy focuses on the movement of time and volatility more than on the movement of the stock. Therefore, it is perfect for when you anticipate stagnant or explosive periods in a stock.
Time spreads, like other spreads, have their own risks and rewards. The risks are very limited for the buyer, but substantial for the seller. The seller's risk can be avoided or contained with due diligence at the expiration of the near month's option. Several strategies can affect the seller's risk. The advantage of the time spread strategy is that the investor can pursue a time decay or volatility position without the large capital outlay necessary for the purchase of the stock.
The construction of the time spread involves the purchase of one option and the sale of another in different months with both having the same strike. You can construct a time spread using either two calls or two puts. A long time spread is constructed by purchasing the out month option and selling the nearer month option. For example, you buy the September 45 call, sell the August 45 call or buy April 30 puts, and sell February 30 puts. You can construct a short time spread by selling the farther out month and buying the nearer month. For instance, sell July 50 calls and buy May 50 calls.
The important elements in the construction of the time spread are using two call or put options on the same stock, using the same strike for both, choosing different months for each and using a one to one ratio. A one to one ratio means that you must purchase one option for every one you sell or sell one option for every one you buy. A time spread can utilize any two months as long as it has the same strike price and the trade is in a one to one ratio.
Most time spreads are executed at-the-money because at-the-money options have the greatest amount of extrinsic value. An option's extrinsic value is what decays over time. This is the basis of the time spread's strategy. Since the time spread is built to take advantage of time decay, it is better suited for at-the-money options. This does not mean that you cannot use the time spread with in-the-money or out-of-the-money options. In-the-money and out-of-the-money options have less extrinsic value than at-the-money options.
The rate of decay of an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option with one month until expiration is still greater than an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option of the same strike that has three months to go before expiration. This being said, the time spread can be constructed using any option regardless if it is in, out, or at-the-money.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Tuesday October 23, 2001

The Stock Replacement Covered Call Strategy

Back in 2003, (October and November '03), the giant biotech Amgen (AMGN) came under some intense pressure, trading down about $12.00 before it found what appeared to be a decent level of support, and began to consolidate. At this level, anyone interested in going long Amgen at a discounted price would be advised to do so. Implied volatility was high coming off this precipitous drop, which caused premiums in the options to increase considerably.
This scenario can be a very attractive for covered call sellers or buy-writers. On Tuesday, December 2, 2003, Amgen was trading at $58.90, the December 60 call was trading at $1.30, and there were only two weeks left until expiration.
Let's assume that you wanted to take advantage of this opportunity but you would be unable to participate in it due to capital requirements. The stock was trading at $58.90 and you did not have sufficient funds to support buying the stock at that price. After all, the purchase of just 1000 shares would cost $58,900.00.
This is the time to consider using a strategy called stock replacement. In many instances, an insufficient amount of funds in the investors account can mean the loss of a golden opportunity when dealing with high dollar priced stock
So, an alternative to purchasing the stock outright is to find a way to replace the actual stock with something else which is not as expensive. In this case, a deep in-the-money call would do just that.
When a call is deep in-the-money, meaning that the strike price of the call is much lower than the stock price, the delta of the call approaches 100. This means that there is close to a 100% chance that this option will finish in-the-money.
Because of this, the option will trade just like the stock penny for penny, dollar for dollar (in a theoretical 100 delta scenario.) If you recall, the term delta was mentioned when describing the option in question. Delta is the first derivative of the stock and it has a three pronged definition. The first is percentage change.
The delta is given as a percentage change, meaning how much in percentage terms the option price will change with a movement in the stock. A 50 delta option will move 50% the amount the stock does. If the stock moves $1.00, than the option moves $.50. A 30 delta option moves $.30 on a $1.00 movement in the stock, and so on.
Delta can also be defined as percent chance. This is used to describe the percentage chance that the option will end up in-the-money. A 90 delta option has a 90% chance of finishing in-the-money.
Finally, delta can also be defined as hedge ratio which is the amount of deltas needed to properly hedge a position. These concepts will be discussed in more detail in future Options University courses, but for now it is sufficient to just understand these basic concept
It was important to explain the meaning of delta to understand that the deep in-the-money call would perform and act just like the stock. One way to determine if the call you will select is in-the-money enough for your purpose is the delta. A delta in the mid or high 90's is an ideal candidate.
The selection of the proper in-the-money call to use is a critical element in the success of this strategy. In order to obtain an accurate delta of all options under consideration for stock replacement use, you can go to any number of web sites or consult your broker. If all else fails, there is a little trick of the trade that can be used to aid in selecting a call that is deep enough in-the-money to suit the stock replacement criteria.
To do this, check the quote of the corresponding put (i.e. the December 47.5 put if you are looking at the December 47.5 call for stock replacement). If there is no bid quoted for the put, then the call is deep enough in the money to consider it for a stock surrogate. There are several reasons for this being an effective strategy, which we wont cover here, but for the purposes of this discussion, it is enough to know that this method does work.
So, with the stock at $58.90, the December 47.5 calls met the criteria for stock replacement. This call had a mid to high 90's delta and its corresponding put had no bid. The December 47.5 call was trading at $11.45 or $.05 over parity. By purchasing this option, you would be equivalently buying the stock at $58.95 (the strike price plus the option price).
Let's say that you bought the December 47.5 call for $11.45. If a total of 10 calls were purchased (an equivalent of 1000 shares), you would lay out a total of $11,450 to fulfill your stock requirement on this buy-write. If you had purchased the stock outright, you would have spent $58,900. The difference between the capital needed to purchase the stock outright ($58,900) and the capital needed to buy the in-the-money call ($11,450) is the key to this trade.
Now that you have your stock (via the calls you bought above), it is time to sell covered calls against this position, which would be the December 60 calls for $1.30. If the stock stays at its present level, you would then capture the $1.30 premium that you sold the December 60 calls for because they finished out-of-the-money at expiration.
The $1,300 profit in this scenario represents an 11.35% return in only two weeks. This well out-performs the return garnished on a $58,900 investment which would only be a 2.21% return in the two weeks, if you purchased the actual stock.
As we know, the maximum profit of $2.35 will be attained if the stock reaches $60.00 or above. This return comes from the $1.30 you received in the premium for the sale of the now worthless December 60 call plus a $1.05 profit from the December 47.5 call you purchased. With the stock now at $60.00, the December 47.5 call is worth parity, which is $12.50.
You purchased the call for $11.45 thus you received a $1.05 capital gain in the option. This profit of $2350.00 represents a 20.5% return in two weeks verses a 3.98% return in two weeks, if you had purchased the actual stock.
As you can see, you are getting the same overall dollar return on much less money - which creates a much higher percentage rate of return. This is one of the positive leverage effects that the proper usage of options can provide. When you initiate this trade, you are buying and selling two different options simultaneously which is known as a spread. A spread is a trade which involves the buying of one option against the sale of a different option simultaneously and will be covered briefly in the next section.
By buying the December 47.5 calls for $11.45 and then selling the December 60 calls at $1.30, you are buying the December 47.5 December 60 call spread for $10.15. This type of spread is known as a vertical spread.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Monday October 22, 2001

Two Comparative Models Of Cancer Prevention: Which Is the Better Model of Truth?

Texas governor Rick Perry will most likely face some stiff opposition for the use of his executive order last week. He bypassed the state legislature to make Texas the first state to require school aged girls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus known as HPV (human papillomavirus).
This virus is thought to cause cervical cancer in women years after being infected. HPV eventually infects over half of all sexually active people and also causes genital wart
The vaccine being promoted is called 'Gardasil' made by Merk & Co., a new vaccine that claims to block four common strains of the HPV virus. Merk says that 'Gardasil' prevents 99 percent of infections by two HPV stains that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer and two strains that cause most genital wart
The grim statistics estimate that around 9,700 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States resulting in about 3,700 death
Starting in the fall of 2008 girls as young as 11 to 12 entering the sixth grade will be required to receive 'Gardasil' in Texas. This mandate is effective until Perry or a successor repeals it. The legislature has no authority to change it.
Legislative aids and parent advocacy groups against vaccinations are looking for ways around this executive order. Their main cause for concern is in the interfering of their rights as parents to chose medical decisions for their children. Current Texas law allows parents to opt out of inoculations by filing an affidavit objecting to vaccinations on religious or philosophical reasons.
The success Merk & Co. has had in Texas has them using heavy lobbying tactics by continuing these bankrolling efforts to get other states to pass laws like the one in Texa
Three doses at a cost of $120.00 each for a total cost of $360.00 to inoculate for this viral infection has many doctors refusing to even stock it. They are saying problems with insurance companies reimbursing them is totally inadequate and they are fed up with rising vaccine prices.
What will be the long term track record of 'Gardasil'? No one knows for sure and will not for some time to come. Apparent testing is now being done on young school girls in Texas required to get vaccinations. How long of a time span should drug manufacturers be required to have to prove benefits and safety results of new disease prevention drugs? How have track records for other disease prevention vaccinations worked out in the pros and cons? Intelligent questions such as these makes it obvious not enough time has passed to be requiring a new mandatory vaccination. Fast tracking any new drug has not been proven to be safe.
In another model comparison to cancer prevention there is more positive medical evidence emerging every day that shows without a doubt that implementing diet changes works rather well if not better than drug treatments. Objective study after study has shown conclusively that a diet high in whole food nutrition is the winning key that unlocks the door of disease.
Thousands of objective alternative studies done around the world have been undertaken for many years in studying the prevention of many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke with dietary changes. Reputable whole food complete supplements and using other diet changes have produced impressive result
Despite the impressive amount of evidence emerging on the scene people continue to eat more poorly than ever. As parents we think we do not have the time or the resources to look after our, or our children's nutritional needs. There are so many distractions and demands on our time making nutrition a distant competitor to other things we consider more important.
When thinking this way consider these statistics
Cancer kills more children than any other disease.
In the last 20 years overweight children has increased 50%, and extremely overweight children has nearly doubled.
40 million children have abnormally high cholesterol levels.
By age 12, about 70% of our children have developed the beginning stages of hardening of the arterie
It seems rather obvious that as a nation and culture we are in complete denial of our poor eating habits. We are simply not paying enough attention to good sound nutritional practices. Many are paying the price as well as our children who, if left to continue eating poorly, will live shorter lives than any generation before them.
Will pharmaceutical companies be able to save us from our poor eating habits? I rather doubt it as this model is failing at an expensive and alarming rate. Evidence is coming to the forefront on the ability drugs have to harm more people than they save. If our legislatures allow the continuation of this model medical bankruptcy of this great country could be the end result.
When choosing to explore nature's wisdom you may be pleasantly surprised to find out which of these two models validates truth. By knowing more you will be enabled to do more, and it is in this doing that produces the believing!

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Sunday October 21, 2001

Options Trading: Intrinsic Value and the Vertical Spread

An investor must always keep in mind that vertical spreads have an intrinsic value. This means it is possible to consider them 'in the money.' If a vertical spread has an intrinsic value, it can also have an extrinsic value. Unlike maximum intrinsic values that equal the difference between the strikes at expiration, maximum extrinsic value deviates from spread to spread based on several factors.
During a vertical spread's life, its price will fluctuate between zero and the value of the difference between the two strikes. An investor can determine the price of the spread, at any given time, by the location of the stock and the time until expiration.
At expiration, what remains for the two options is the intrinsic value of each. Therefore, the value of the spread is the difference between each option's intrinsic values at expiration.
Because vertical spreads have an intrinsic value, the term 'moneyness' applies to them. Moneyness refers to whether or not and by how much an option, or a vertical spread, may be in the money or out of the money. This is a term used mostly by floor traders, but is still worth noting here.
Vertical Call Spread and Vertical Put Spread Value
Spreads with intrinsic value are considered in the money. How can you identify the value of a vertical call spread or a vertical put spread? Compare the stock price to the strike prices.
Look at any vertical call spread. If the stock price is above the lower strike of the spread, the spread is in the money. In the Feb. 50 - 55-call spread, if the stock is trading at $52.00, then the spread would be in the money by $2. This is because if the spread expired today, the Feb. 50 calls would finish $2.00 in the money. The Feb. 55 calls would finish worthless because they are out of the money. The spread, however, would be in the money with a value of $2.00.
The rule is similar for determining whether or not a spread is out of the money. If the stock price is lower than the lower strike of the spread, the spread is out of the money. Again, looking at the Feb. 50 - 55 call spread, if the spread expired today and the stock price closed at $48.00, (lower than the lower strike) then the spread would be out of the money, thus the spread will be out of the money. If the stock is trading at the same price as the lower strike price, the spread is considered at the money.
For vertical put spreads, a spread is determined to be in the money if the stock price is lower than the higher of the two strikes of the spread. For example, look at the Sept. 40 - 45 put spread. If the stock closes at $42.00 on expiration day, the Feb. 45 put would end up in the money and worth $3.00. The Feb 40 puts would be out of the money creating a $3.00 intrinsic value for the spread. Since the spread has an intrinsic value, it is in the money.
A vertical put spread is out of the money if the stock price is higher than the higher strike of the spread. So, going back to our Sept. 40 - 45 put spread example, if the stock was to close at a price of $46.00 (higher than the higher strike) then both the Sept. 40 and 45 put will expire worthless. Thus the spread will be worthless and out of the money.
A vertical put spread is considered at-the-money when the stock price is equal to the higher strike price.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Saturday October 20, 2001

Best Lakes in the Country and Tips for Lake Fishing Walleye

Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin is a popular lake for walleye lake fishing. The depth of the water is at its peek with only twenty feet. The other areas stay around fifteen feet deep. The weed growth and some underwater reefs make this the best lake in Wisconsin to try your hand at walleye fishing.
Some of the anglers on this lake are using a jig with a night crawler or a plastic twister tail. They are fishing right out of the weeds over by Kelly's Point and Fraction Island. The recommend way to troll is using the back troll method with a night crawler and a spinner.
The thing to keep in mind when fishing a big lake like this is that every area is going to call for different types of bait. If you fish the open water, you want to use a slow troll. You will want to use a planner board with long rods with baits such as Shad Raps, Wally Divers and Thundersticks. In Lake Winnebago, anglers find anything with the color blue works the best.
Blackduck Lake in Minnesota is a well-known lake for some great walleye lake fishing. During the summer and winter, you find that this lake has some great fishing for everyone. The abundance of walleye is amazing. You can just sit by the shorelines and hook some nice sized walleyes. Keep in mind that the development of homes around the lake hampers the fishing in those areas, therefore, you need to fish the unpopulated areas of the lake. Up there in Minnesota, they just use a night crawler or a minnow to hook the big one
Lake Erie is a well-known lake for walleye lake fishing. Whether you are on the Michigan side, the Pennsylvania side or the Ohio side, you can enjoy some great fishing on Lake Erie. If you fish for walleye when the season begins, you will find more walleye around the sandy beaches and in shallower waters. This is typically after spawning. Use a bright colored minnow jig and you will have a nice catch for the day. As the season progresses, the walleye start moving into the deep waters where you are going to change your habits and your bait.
Lake Gogebic in Michigan is a well-known lake for walleye lake fishing. For an inland lake, this is one of the more popular lakes that has a large walleye population. The walleyes hide in the weeds and rock structures under water. After spawning, you can find more than your share of walleye in some of the bays on the lake. The most popular bay is Bergland. The walleye hang out around the new weed growth and are ready to strike. The standard bait can be used as the walleye are striking anything since they are hungry after spawning. During the summer months, you can use a quarter ounce jig with a minnow to hook a walleye. They hide in the deeper water by the weeds and rock formation
Devils Lake in North Dakota is a real hot spot for some walleye lake fishing. Most anglers on Devils Lake like to fish the trees where they say you can catch some nice sized walleyes. However, they do not sit and fish in one area, they do a slow troll and use a Shad Rap, which is minnow colored. The best weather conditions seem to be cloudy and if you have a slight drizzle it can be some awesome walleye fishing. If it not unusual to hook some twenty inch walleye in about fifteen inches of water.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Friday October 19, 2001

Jug Fishing for Cats

Of all of the numerous tried and true methods for hauling in a big catfish, jug fishing, or "juggin'" is one of the most popular among seasoned catfishermen. Jug fishing's simple approach and high return, combined with the low cost of the materials needed to make a jug fishing rig, make it popular among a great many anglers everywhere, both for sport, and for commercial fisheries, too.
Jug fishing's main advantage is that it can be carried on, unattended, leaving the fisherman free to set more jug lines, or tend the ones that are taking fish. Also, free-floating jugs can cover a great deal of water area. As a result, jug fishing is usually highly productive, and a great way for families or groups to engage in catfishing, especially if kids or beginners are involved.
Jug fishing is best practiced in mild-current rivers, and pond or lake conditions, as too fast of a current will take the jugs away quickly, making their retrieval difficult.
The basic strategy of jug fishing is simple - set up a series of jug fishing rigs, float them out over a wide area of water, possibly with different baits, slung at different depths, and see what comes calling. Then, after you get a bite, if you're really keen, you can bring in the non-producing jug rigs, and re-set them with the successful bait and depth combination, which will then keep you very busy hauling in fish.
Building a jug fishing rig is simple. To make one, you will need some sort of powerful float (the jug), a length of heavy trot line, a couple of hooks, a weight, and your favourite bait.
First, a word on jugs. As the name implies, the original floats used in this technique were, and often still are, empty jugs of some description. Pop bottles, bleach bottles, or any empty, sealed container will do. Plastic containers are best, due to lower weight and greater durability than glass. Commercially manufactured products are also available for jug fishing, many of which are smaller, lighter and easier to manage than the conventional standbys.
Admittedly, 20 bleach bottles in your boat takes up a lot of space. It should be noted, too, that many jurisdictions have regulations on the types of fish than can be jugfished for, the design of the rig, and the color of the jug - usually, white is the rule. Check your local regs, though, before setting out on a jug fishing expedition, or any fishing trip, to make certain you are fishing legally.
To build the rig, you will need to make a couple of decisions regarding the length of the jug line. Ideally, you want the jug line to float freely, but the deepest end of the rig should be close to the bottom, maybe two to three feet above it. If you don't know how long to run your lines, try making a few of different lengths, and setting them out across your fishing area - some will get more attention than others.
Having decided on the length of the lines to run, cut your jug lines accordingly. Fasten one end of a line to the neck of the jug, or to the fastening point, on a commercial product. On the other end, tie a reasonable weight, enough to keep the line down, but not so much that it overly tensions the line, or over-weights the jug. Now, tie two hooks on each jug line, one, about a foot or two above the weight, and one, maybe six feet above the weight - Palomar knots work well for this.
This system puts two hooks in the water, lays twice the bait out, and sets baits at differing depths, to cover as many bases as possible. Further, if the line floats into shallower water, while the sinker and one bait may end up out of commission, the higher hook will usually still be in a position to get a bite.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Thursday October 18, 2001

Goin' Juggn' for Catfish

Of the numerous unmanned fishing tactics available for catfish angling, jug fishing is one of the most popular, and a very effective method, too. Since each jug will be rigged with usually one, or sometimes up to three hooks on the line, and since "juggers" most often use more than one jug at one time, the amount of bait being fished increases considerably and the bait is also spread across a wide range of area and depth, making finding fish less difficult. In jug fishing, the basic idea is to put together your jug rigs and baits, and release the jugs into the waterway, to float where they may.
Depending on the conditions where you are fishing, this may mean releasing the jugs to float down river, or just around a pond or small cove, to ease their way past all the best fish hideouts. In river fishing, jug fishing is valuable for its ability to cover significant distance, since free-floating jug rigs can end up a good distance down river.
In a wide river, if they are released at the right spot, with a run of straight water before them, a group of jugs can often freely float for over a mile. Of course, jugs must also be followed as they go, to stay on top of any fish that hit, and land them, and then, to collect the empty jugs for another drop, or, to take your floats back out of the water when you are finished, and reduce pollution in the water.
Never leave jugs you aren't following up on, in the water. Following your jugs will require a boat, mostly, which you can float in, silently, as you whisk downstream, after your jugs. If you cannot get a boat, or if there are a lot of snags or underwater structures present where you are fishing, one possible solution, is to create an "anchorline", using your jug rigs as floats for your baits.... a version of jug fishing, with a tether.
By doing this, you can control your jugs, and still maintain access to them from the shore, and with several jugs, you will still reap the benefits of the having multiple lines in the water, with the same depth control and free-range bottom cover offered only by "juggin'".
Jug fishing is most useful in slower current rivers, or lake and reservoir conditions, as a really strong current will wash the jugs downstream very quickly, making them hard to retrieve easily.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Wednesday October 17, 2001

Why Is Soccer So Good For Kids?

Although baseball calls itself America's pastime and football considers itself to be a uniquely American sport, when you drive across town on any Saturday morning you will see hundreds of kids without bats and without helmets, playing one game soccer. Although it fails to make the professional scene in America, soccer for children has become a growing enterprise offering the best of athleticism to a full and healthy childhood. Why is soccer so good for kids?
Fighting obesity
Between videogames and families that do not eat at home anymore, children have a hard time staying fit and healthy. Junk food diets, sedentary lifestyle, and parents who work and are rarely home or involved in their lives have led America's children down a spiraling trend towards childhood obesity. Obesity doesn't simply affect children as they experience their youth, but will carry into lifelong habits and lead to the proliferation of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and other weight related syndromes. The best way to combat childhood obesity is to encourage parents to provide good eating alternatives for the children and to get kids off of the couch and into the park. Soccer with its ease of play and lack of equipment is a perfect sport to allow kids to run, jump and keep their bodies more healthy.
Social skills
One of the best things about teaching soccer to children is that it is a team sport and involves many of the skills children need to succeed in their future development. To play soccer kids need to learn how to communicate with one another respectfully and responsively as they have to work together. They have to learn to share they have to come together as a conglomerate to meet a common goal and help each other achieve the best in its pursuit. All of these attributes encourage childhood development and allow kids to make friends across cultural boundaries and neighborhood fences. For particularly shy children who were not able to translate school into a social circle a soccer team provides an instant set of companions, and a way to experiment with interaction in a safe and healthy environment.
It's fun
Living more healthfully and learning to make friends are good goals to have for anybody entering a sport, but the other key to soccer is that its fun. Soccer offers a sense of self-esteem and well being children can develop as they see their accomplishments grow. Soccer involves both mental challenge and physical movement in a way that a videogame could never offer. Instead of sitting inside learning about enjoyment through violent games, expensive toys or isolating television, soccer allows kids to be outside developing healthy body, healthy mind and healthy esteem.
We have spent a lot of time in our society creating technological advances so that we could work less and enjoy more. Unfortunately the reverse seems to have happened. The more technologically based we have become the more sedentary, unhealthy and distant from one another we have grown. Teaching children to play soccer and be part of the team may be one of the best antidotes for the 21st century.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Tuesday October 16, 2001

Get A Tight Toned Butt In Time For The Holidays With These Great Exercises

With holiday parties around the corner it is time to take down that little black dress and try it on for size! Every woman wants to feel like a million bucks this time of the year. We all want to start the New Year off with a BANG and be the center of attention.
Wearing the holiday dress can be stressful for many, does it make my hips look big? Do my thighs resemble those of a gorilla? Does my butt look jiggley? We are our own worst critics and no matter how hard our love ones try to reassure us that we are gorgeous we want to KNOW we are!
Everyone wants a quick answer, well unfortunately I am not going to suggest going on a cabbage soup diet or an all-liquid diet. I am going to give some tips to have you and your butt looking amazing for your work party. The next time around putting your dress on will have you feeling like a princess.
OK, first things first, these tips are not meant to be short term they can be altered to become apart of your workout and lifestyle routine. Women need to weight train! Strength training and a proper diet will not only have you looking better, it will have you feeling better inside and out. But that is a whole other article.
For the great tush
Do 1 set of these exercises all the way to failure. If you think you are going to fail then do one more. You will feel better in the end.
1. Power squats with 10-20lb weights in each hand squat down slowly till you are sitting in a chair. Return to standing but push the arms up to a full extension or a power press. Lower arms and repeat.
2. Dead lifts You can use a long bar or dumbbells. Keep legs shoulder width apart and back straight. Place weight in front of feet and bend down. Using your butt and hamstrings stand up straight, lower back down keeping weight approximately 3-6 inches off the ground and return to standing.
3. Power jumps Stand in front of a weight bench or stepper (approximately 24 inches off ground). Jump with one kick movement up to top and hop backwards down. Repeat as rapidly as possible keeping correct form- no slouching.
4. Lunges Holding 10-20lb free weights in each hand lunge across floor. First moving in a forward motion then return to start position by lunging in reverse.
As for cardio, since there is not much time before the great day we are actually going to up the cardio from 20 minutes to 30 minute spurts. Do cardio you find fun but also allows you to raise your heart rate. If you hate to run then do not waste your time.
The secret to get the most out of cardio workouts is interval training. I enjoy running and for toning the butt and legs sprinting is a great method. Now obviously I can not sprint for 30 minutes straight so I add some time to light jog, heavy jog, and sprint. I never take it all the way to a walk but if you need to then by all means do not over do yourself. Other great toning cardio methods include biking, swimming, tennis, and especially stair stepping.
And last but definitely not least, the diet. Try cutting out 300 calories per day and most high saturated fats and sugars. You will results fast just by cutting out the little snacks you do not think effect you. Drink plenty of water and I suggest even cutting out soft drinks, even the diet ones.
Research has suggested there are chemicals in the diet drinks that make losing weight harder so make it easy by saying good bye!
So there you have it, no big secrets. Just commitment. With this, any woman will be looking amazing slim, toned, and fit in almost no time at all. Feel confident and sexy at that party!

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Monday October 15, 2001

Nintendo Wii Wins Hands Down Or Up

The Nintendo Wii is a strange gaming console in comparison to the latest releases from their competitors. Although not as cutting edge in video graphics, the Wii console provides a unique gaming experience that its competitors cannot.
The unique nunchuck interface allows the gamer the ability to relinquish the now all too common passive sitting-on-the-couch role, for a new interactive environment. The control can sense arm movements and translate these movements wirelessly into the game. Characters respond to actual movements instead of to frantic button mashing and keypad pressing.
The first action when turning on the console the first time is creating a Mii. A Mii is a graphical representation of you used in playing games. Creating yourself on the console allows you to familiarize yourself with the controls, as well as letting you have a few laughs as you try out the wrong nose or eyebrows. It also gives you time to realize that for the first time, you really are part of the game.
Playing the Nintendo Wii is very simple with only a few minute learning curve. It can easily be played by young children as well as the elderly, as has been shown in retirement home Wii bowling tournaments across the country. The interactive nature of this gaming console allows generations of gamers to play together that were never possible before. Trying to convince your grandmother to play videos games was nearly impossible before the release of the Wii, whereas now, you may have trouble getting her to give up the controller.
The possibilities for the Wii are nearly endless, allowing shooters, scrollers, action, and role-playing games to take place on the same console utilizing the same unique controller. New offerings even promise to help motivate the casual gamer to get more interactive
exercise with the console. The use of Wii consoles in physical therapy has also been documented, helping motivate those recovering from accidents to perform their exercise
The affordability of the console, its games, and additional remotes also makes it an ideal console for a family on a budget. Compared to its competitors, the Wii can cost hundreds of dollars less, and provide entertainment to the entire family. With the Wii designated as Nintendo's main console for the next few years, there should be little fear of obsolescence that seems to doom so many in consumer electronic
The interface of the Nintendo Wii also allows web surfing and downloading of classic games, allowing even more gaming options. The Wii is a flexible and unique offering in the console gaming world, opening the world of gaming back up to casual gamers who don't
want to have to invest large amounts of time in a console, as well as to those who have never experienced electronic gaming.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Sunday October 14, 2001

The Demos Year End 2008 Campaign Review: Obama Up, Clintons Tank, and John Out

As the year draws to a close, we Democrats must take stock of where we do and don't stand. 2008 is the year that the Bush's leave thankfully as otherwise we would probably lose again. Assuming it all means anything and makes any difference, we Democrats have a great chance at winning in November of 2008. Of course we thought the same in 2000 and 2004 but managed to self destruct.
Will history repeat itself? Let's see...
Frontrunner The Clintons are dropping faster than a speeding bullet. Around Thanksgiving female columnists began blasting Hillary and it was just one in a series of stinging jabs that has left her campaign reeling. There was the planting questions issue but the key was when female journalists started to turn on her. With Hillary it's not just a woman thing. In just two weeks she dropped ten points. The combination of her gaffs and Obama's turnaround has the race leveling out nicely for the primaries. Very bad news for The (sagging) Clintons as they will have to re-whiteboard their 'look presidential' strategy. Just whose idea was it? And is Obama actually more 'woman' friendly?
In my view the worst gaff came when asked about whether she preferred diamonds or pearls. The question was loaded for the flip-floppedyness factor and her answer was surprising she replied 'both'. God forbid. One or the other would have been fine. But not wanting to offend anyone she straddled the line and shot herself in both proverbial feet. Time to fire somebody's campaign manager.
But give credit to Obama. In foreign affairs he questioned whether Hillary's experience as first lady was any more relevant to his living abroad when he was 10, which she publicly criticized as not being real experience. In one fell swoop he destroyed half her credentials while weakening his resume from ages 10-14. Some trade.
The other was the smoking pot question. Obama admitted he had smoked it and inhaled. In fact, he stated that inhaling was the idea. This in direct contrast to The Clintons statement that it was smoked but not inhaled. The problem is this can be juxtaposed with the 'I did not have sex with that woman' statement.
Two issues have apparently been resolved in the revived Obama campaign. The first is Obama himself has taken the initiative and it has paid big dividends...and Oprah is going to hit the campaign trail for him. The other is that his advisors are clearly whupping the Clintons right now and don't be surprised to hear Hillary announce a major campaign housecleaning.
The analysts observe that as the primaries approach we Demos are pondering whether a third term for The Clintons is advisable. The dagger survey of the week showed her losing to all the Repubs but both Obama and Edwards winning. The two stunners are that many voters won't actually cast their vote for her at crunch time and that Edwards is any factor at all. Go figure. Democrat
Edwards in my play book is toast. His main problem has been his inability to shake his own image. On his front he wears a sign 'By Day Proletarian' and on his back 'By Night a Trial Injury Lawyer.' John needs to muss up his hair, put on a dirty T-shirt and go out and shovel manure. But John will be stuck where he is in 2008 unless he changes his look and feel and he's clearly too in love with himself to do that.
Several side observations. Hillary's insistence on playing all cards at once, 'I like both diamonds and pearls' is a big negative. The electorate always wants someone that agrees with them, with us rather, but really does not like someone that doesn't have any opinion or waffles 'both' or 'I voted for it but really didn't.'
Another Demo party weakness is our frontrunners have little and poor experience. All count the U.S. Senate as experience and with public opinion pretty much anti-Congress that might be a liability. 'I would have voted for you but I found out you were a Senator'.
The two most qualified Democrats, Biden and Richardson, have no chance. Hopefully whoever wins the nomination picks one of them as VP. The Repubs are sure to pounce on our candidate's lack of experience, as well as any Senate experience in a dud Congress. We know it's coming.
Right now it's Obama's race to win or lose. Hillary has flubbed and let him back in and it appears he has made his move. Edwards has not been able to hit a nerve and his campaign has plastic written all over it.
But mark my words and remember you first heard it here watch out for a real late surge by Darkhorse Dennis 'Da Man' Kucinich. Da Man's braintrust is currently working out a Vice Presidential running mate between Pee Wee Herman and Hugo Chavez. The advantages are swinging toward Chavez with his 'free gas for votes' strategy. But Pee Wee has the really cool name.
As for me, I remain unchanged from last month. Oprah and I are still for Obama...

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Saturday October 13, 2001

Football Schedules For The N F L

A football fan has many methods at their disposal to keep up with the latest football schedules for each team that is part of the National Football League. They can use the internet to review all of the schedules that are posted for all teams that play for the National Football League, or they can spend their time reviewing the teams listings in the local newspaper.
Most fans need a schedule to refer to because there are so many teams involved in professional football, and these teams are spread out between two conferences. Tracking the updates and changes that occur on a day-to-day basis can be very challenging, but if the fan knows where to go and the methods to use, they can stay current with all the happenings of football on a minute-by-minute basis if they so desired. The internet is the best bet that fans could use because fans have access to up-to-date information with this method.
The National Football League provides schedules to fan in several ways. The NFL makes sure fans have access to miniature schedules on magnets that are sold by various distributors in town that are affiliated with the NFL through marketing inspirations. Fans can also gain access to the teams schedules by reviewing them by the week of play on the NFL official website.
Some NFL football schedules will be very brief and concise because not all fans have a lot of time on their hands. All fans need to know about their teams schedule is the day that they will be playing, and which teams are pitted against each other on that glorious day or night. Most fans would be very appreciative of knowing what time the game begins, but through the internet that could prove difficult because the time zone is not mentioned.
Fans could rely on sports networks to get the information on schedules and some fans are likely to put this type of information into recording devices if they know that they will not be home on that date to watch the game in question. An NFL fan knows that they will have a recap of the game on the nightly news and the newscasters are sure to mention the upcoming football schedule for the games that are planned for the next weekend.
The National Football League gives fans access to schedules by presenting them under the team logo too. With one simple click of the mouse, an NFL football fan has access to videos, teams, players, scores, stats, standings and schedules. A fan can choose the long route to get the full story about what occurred in the NFL that week, or they can get a short preview that will hold them til they get home that night.
One sure way that fans can see the football schedule of their favorite NFL team is to visit the ticket store at the National Football League site. While they are there, they are likely to find several dates that they can set their own schedule to because those games will be in their hometowns and family and friends are sure to want a ticket of their own so they can go together.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Friday October 12, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Spread Prices

Vertical spreads will trade between its minimum and maximum values - zero and the difference between the two strikes. In the case of a vertical call spread, the spread will trade closer to zero when the stock trades closer to or lower than the lower strike price. The spread will trade closer to maximum value when the stock trades closer to or higher than the higher strike price.
Remember, this maximum gain occurs at expiration. Before that, the spread will trade with a premium.
Starting from a stock price of 37.5, a price located directly between the two strikes, (using our example of the August 35 - 40 call spread) we can see the approximate value of the spread is roughly $2.50. This is because the August 35 calls and the August 40 calls are equidistant from the current stock price of $37.50. Being equidistant from the stock, both the August 35 and 40 calls will have almost the same amount of extrinsic value in them.
Thus, the extrinsic values of the two options cancel themselves out since you are long one call and short the other. This would leave each option value consisting of only intrinsic value. With the stock at $37.50, the value of the August 35 - 40 call spread will be $2.50. The August 35 calls will have $2.50 in intrinsic value while the August 40 calls will have $0 in intrinsic value. The difference gives you a spread with a value of $2.50.
A general rule of thumb is if the stock price is located evenly between the two strike prices, the vertical spread should be worth roughly half of the value of the distance between the two strikes. This will be true for vertical put spreads as well as call spreads. From this rule, we can roughly estimate the vertical spread's price per different stock prices.
For vertical call spreads, if the spread is worth roughly half of the difference between the two strikes with the stock price directly between the two strikes, then as the stock falls to lower strike and beyond, the spreads value will decrease and move closer to $0. Time left until expiration and volatility will dictate how close and how quickly it will approach $0. On the other side, as the stock climbs toward and above the upper strike, the spread's value will increase toward its maximum value described by the difference between the two strikes.
For vertical put spreads, as the stock price decreases toward the lower strike price, the spread will increase in value and approach its maximum value as defined by the difference between the two strikes. As the stock price increases toward the higher strike, the spread will decrease in value and will approach $0. Again, time until expiration and volatility will determine how quickly and how close the spread will approach $0.
Factors that Affect Spread Pricing
The determination of pricing as described above works in most cases. Be aware that it assumes that the implied volatility in both the 35 and 40 calls is the same. Most often, these two options will have a slightly different implied volatility.
This intra-month difference in implied volatility values through different strikes is known as a vertical volatility skew. The reason the markets run volatility skews is to make sure that out of the money options have enough premium in them to justify the individual option's risk/reward scenario.
Whatever factors affect the vertical spread, they are contingent on where the stock is in relation to the spread. Changes in implied volatility affect the price of a spread as stated above but the position of the stock in relation to the strikes of the spread is a key determinate of price.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Thursday October 11, 2001

Coupons Make Owning An Automobile Affordable

Some people have a great fear about taking an automobile to a repair shop for a tune-up. If these people had done some research they would have found that there are many types of coupons that they could use to make automobile ownership very affordable. Discounts are offered on tune-ups, tire repairs and engine overhauls and the best discounts are offered on automobile transmission service.
People can plan for automobile repairs if they keep the car serviced regularly. A automobile technician could tell the owner how long they can expect a transmission to last or let them know that there is wear and tear inside the engine block. There are coupons available that will allow the owner to rent a car at affordable rates while the automobile is in the shop being repaired.
There are many occasions when a driver will have to replace tires on the automobile that they drive everyday. There are also many automobile shops that post amazing prices on tires and this includes mounting charges too. With a coupon in hand for a free tire, an automobile owner can buy a new set of tires and pay for only two of them when they pick up the car from the automotive dealer if the dealer has already offered one tire free in the in-store coupon offer.
Some automotive stores will provide coupons through the weekly newspaper ads on various items for automotive interior care. There are also coupons on the internet for the same products which can be used in conjunction with the discounts already posted. When the store offers 50% off on things like custom mats or seat covers the automobile owner can come out ahead when they use a coupon for an extra $30 off.
Some people use a particular brand of oil in the family automobile because they had a great coupon for it. When that brand of oil is placed on sale in the store, it is quite possible that the owner will almost rush there to buy large quantities of it when they have a useful coupon to use on top of the amazing prices that are offered. Cars have never looked better on the road today because coupons made it cheaper for people to take care of them properly.
Automobiles can be very affordable if people used coupons regularly. Coupons would allow them to wash there car on a weekly basis at half the cost and fill the automobile with gasoline that was discounted several cents a gallon by the credit card company. The cash back incentives available for car care would allow people to save for a new automobile over a four-year period and still use coupons for dining out and other luxuries that make life worth living again.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Wednesday October 10, 2001

Shopping For Military Uniforms While At Sea

There are many things that might cause a sailor to have to go shopping for military uniforms while at-sea. The sailor might have forgotten several shirts that were still in the wash while they were packing for a long underway period. The sailor might have one or two shirts in their rack when they get onboard on the day of deployment so there is little time left to go to the uniform store ashore.
If the sailor works in the engineering department, they will probably not have much time to go shopping in port for some uniform items that are missing. These engineering types stand many watches while the ship is underway and do shipboard qualifications during the time they are not on watch. Since this type of duty takes up a lot of personal and professional time, they rarely worry about standing any bridge or quarterdeck watches when the ship is at sea or when it is in port.
These sailors are very aware though that they are required to stand sea bag inspections in port or underway and these are inspections which can happen at anytime. Since free time is scarce, a savvy sailor might do a quick inventory and know which items are lacking in the sea bag they were issued at boot camp. They might go shopping for military uniforms while at sea because they heard through the grapevine that an inspection was being planned.
Sailors can go shopping for military uniform items in a couple of ways while the ship is at-sea. They can visit the ship's store and buy uniform items like dungaree pants and chambray shirts if that is what they need. If they need new tee-shirts the ship's store is the place to buy them because the reduced prices on these items are real money savers and sailors take advantage of each opportunity.
When shopping for military uniform products at sea, a sailor might have to buy larger sized pants than what they need. There are a limited number of sizes available for the many uniforms that a sailor is required to have in the sea bag and during long underway periods, there is a good possibility that the ship's store might run out of a certain size.
A ship's servicemen will probably check storerooms for any uniforms items that are out of stock and have them on the shelf when the store opens up the next morning. The ship's serviceman is responsible for stocking uniforms, toiletries, socks and even the white towels that are standard issue sea bag items that recruits receive on day one at boot camps in Illinoi
For uniform items that are completely out of stock, a sailor can engage the internet and go shopping at the uniform store on base and have the uniform items sent to the next port of call that the ship makes which could be anywhere in the world. This type of shopping is not stressful and gives sailors the chance to sit for a while and relax during an underway period.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Tuesday October 09, 2001

Options Trading Lesson: The Butterfly

I am sure many of you have heard of a sophisticated sounding strategy called the Butterfly. For some reason, it seems to be the darling strategy of many of those 'teach-you in five hours' type option companies. They publicize the 'mystical magical Butterfly' and the 'sophisticated Condor' as if they were going to unlock the options version of Pandora's box. I guess they feel that, by introducing you to the catchy named strategies, they will grab your attention and thereby give them a chance to promote themselves. From a marketing standpoint, that is not a bad idea.
However, the Butterfly is a 'sophisticated' only for those that do not know options! If you have done your homework and have learned the option basics properly, then the Butterfly is a simple strategy that is just a combination of an already familiar, basic strategy. Let's take a closer look and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Butterfly!
Butterfly Construction
The first thing you must understand about the Butterfly is that it is constructed by using either all calls or all puts. The Butterfly is never a combination of the two. (We will talk about an exception called the Iron Butterfly later.)
Whether you choose to use calls or puts, butterflies are always constructed in a '1-2-1' arrangement. For the long Butterfly, you would buy one low strike, sell two medium strikes and buy one high strike with the strike prices equally spaced. The center strike typically matches the current price of the stock.
For example, if the stock is 55 and you decide to create a long Butterfly by using calls, you could buy a 50 call, sell two 55 calls, and buy one 60 call. If you decided to use puts, you could buy a 50 put, sell two 55 puts, and buy one 60 put. The long Butterfly is always long the outer strikes and short the center strike.
You would construct the short Butterfly in the opposite way. The short Butterfly will always be short the outer strikes and long the center strike. For example, to create a short Butterfly, you could sell a 50 call, buy two 55 calls, and sell one 60 call. The short Butterfly trader is simply taking the opposite side of the trade with the long Butterfly trader.
This is not a complicated construction. The trick is to understand that while there are three strikes to a Butterfly, there are four options involved. I know the construction will be hard to associate with long or short in the beginning, so here is a little trick or two to help you remember how to differentiate a long Butterfly from a short Butterfly.
When I think of whether a Butterfly is long or short, I always look at that first strike. If that first strike is long, then it is a long Butterfly. It is as simple as that. Some people find it easier to just focus on the center strike where you have the two-option position. If you are short the center strike, then you are long the Butterfly.
The opposite would be true for short butterflies. These are just a couple of ways that you can determine whether a Butterfly is long or short until you become so familiar that you automatically know which Butterfly is which. Until you get to that point, you will want to use little tricks to remember which one is which. Use whichever is most comfortable but I suggest you focus on only one 'trick' and use only it until you become so familiar with butterflies you don't need it any longer to recognize which one you have. Make your choice and stick with it!
The following chart shows the long and short Butterfly construction
Notice that the strike prices are equally spaced. This is a necessary aspect of all butterflies. However, while the strikes must be equally spaced, they do not need to be spaced by five dollars as in this example.
We could have spaced them by ten dollars and created a different long Butterfly by purchasing the 45 call, selling two 55 calls, and buying one 65 call. You just have to understand that the strikes must be set up in an equidistant manner and they must be either all calls or all puts in the proper 1-2-1 ratio.
From a terminology standpoint, we call this the 50/55/60 Butterfly or, more simply, the 55 Butterfly taking the lead from the Butterfly's middle strike.
We add to that term whatever month you are dealing with. If we are referring to the June expiration cycle, it would be called the June 55 Butterfly. If we were in April, it would be called the April 55 Butterfly.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Monday October 08, 2001

Options Trading Lesson: Seller Risk & Reward

The seller of a time spread buys the nearer month option and sells the outer-month option in a one-to-one ratio. To profit from the sale of the time spread, the seller must look for two things.
The first is a decrease in implied volatility. As volatility decreases, the out-month option (which the seller is short) loses money faster than the near month option (which the seller is long) because of the higher Vega in the out month option. This will cause the spread to contract or lose value and will be profitable for the time spread seller.
The second thing a seller should look for is a movement in stock. A time spread is at its widest, most expensive point when it is at-the-money. A movement away from the strike in either direction decreases the value of the spread. As long as the stock moves in either direction away from the strike, the seller's position could be profitable if time decay does not outperform the stock movement.
Time, unfortunately, never works in favor of the time-spread seller. The nearer month option (which the seller is long) naturally decays at a faster rate than does the out-month option (which the seller is short). These differing decay rates cause the spread to expand and increase in value, which produces a loss for the time spread seller.
Increases in implied volatility are also detrimental to the potential profits of the time- spread seller. When implied volatility increases, the out month option (which the seller is short) increases in value faster than the near month option (which the seller is long). This is due to the out month option's higher Vega which creates an expansion in the spread and increases its value resulting in a negative for the spread seller.
The seller, in theory, has an unlimited loss potential. The maximum loss potential is not so much determined by the stock price movement but by the movement in implied volatility. As the seller, you will be long the front month call and short the out-month call.
The out month call will be more sensitive to movements in implied volatility due to a higher Vega or volatility sensitivity component. If implied volatility increases, then the seller's short, out month option will increase more in value than will the seller's long, front month option. This will cause the spread to widen or increase in value - a negative for the seller.
The second risk is that the option the seller is long is going to expire approximately 30 days prior to the option the seller is short. If volatility does not decrease or the stock does not move away from the strike significantly before the seller's long option expires, (s)he will be left short a naked or un-hedged option and a loss on the position.
If the seller can wait out the position, the lost extrinsic value of the short option is retainable. This option also has a limited life and must shed its extrinsic value, no matter how much, by its expiration. The problem facing the seller is that the position is no longer hedged and the seller now faces unlimited risk.
Once the long option expires leaving the seller short a now naked call, stock price movement in the wrong direction is a substantial risk and under the circumstances described above, a big problem.
While the seller can wait out an implied volatility movement that created an increase in extrinsic value, they will probably not be able to wait out a large, negative stock movement creating an increase in intrinsic value. In that case, the seller must take action to prevent substantial losses once the front month expires. Attention to the implied volatility in the farther out option when the nearer month option expires can save the seller from a large loss.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Sunday October 07, 2001

Options Mastery Lesson: Straddles

In our previous reports, we discussed option strategies that feature the use of options in combination with stock such as the buy-write and the use of options against each other in the form of spreads. We will focus on the Straddle, which uses options in unison with each other.
Unlike a spread that features a long option versus a short option, the Straddle features one position (either long or short) and two options - a call and its corresponding put. A Straddle is the strategy composed of a long (or short) call and a long (or short) put where both options have the identical strike price and expiration month.

When putting together a Straddle, the construction should be as follows
-Different options (call and its corresponding put)
-Same stock
-Same strike
-Same expiration
-One-to-one ratio
Straddle positions are referred to as 'long Straddle' or 'short Straddle' depending on whether you purchase the call and its corresponding put (long) or sell the call and its corresponding put (short). For example, we will construct the long Straddle by purchasing both the July 60 call and the July 60 put. We will construct the short Straddle by selling both the July 60 call and the July 60 put. It is important to note that the Straddle is a one-to-one ratio strategy. For every call that you buy (or sell), you must purchase (or sell) exactly one corresponding put.
Straddle Scenarios
The Straddle relies on movements in stock price or in implied volatility to establish profit opportunities. The Straddle buyer looks for the stock to move aggressively in either direction or for the anticipated perception of possible aggressive moves that will bring about an increase in implied volatility.
Sellers of the Straddle hope for the opposite scenario. A lack of stock movement or a perceived lack of movement, causing implied volatility to decrease, will create profitable scenario.
Straddle Mechanics
Let's look at how a Straddle works. In our illustration, we see the July 65 Straddle. We can either buy or sell the Straddle. If we purchase both the July 65 call and the July 65 put simultaneously in a one-to-one ratio we have a long Straddle. To construct a short Straddle we would sell both the July 65 call and July 65 put simultaneously in a one-to-one ratio.
Continuing with our illustration, we will set the price for each of the options. With our imaginary stock trading at $65.50, the July 65 call trades at $3.13 and the July 65 put trades at $2.47. The combination of these two prices accounts for the $5.60 cost of the Straddle. Fast forward to expiration and observe what happens to the value of the Straddle at different stock price
Price Call Put Straddle P & L
50 0.00 15.00 15.00 9.40
55 0.00 10.00 10.00 4.40
60 0.00 5.00 5.00 -.60
65 0.00 0.00 0.00 -5.60
70 5.00 0.00 5.00 -.60
75 10.00 0.00 10.00 4.40
80 15.00 0.00 15.00 9.40
As you can see, the Straddle's value increases the further the stock moves away from the strike. The closer the stock is to the strike, the lower the value of the Straddle at expiration. The chart clearly shows that the more the stock moves away from the strike, the higher the Straddle's value becomes. Conversely, the closer the stock finishes to the strike, the lower the value of the Straddle. Owners of Straddles want and need movement while sellers of Straddles want and need stagnation.
How does this example influence your investment strategy? If you feel that a stock is likely to move aggressively in either direction or if you feel that implied volatility is likely to increase, possibly due to impending news (such as earnings, FDA approval, etc.), look into the purchase of a Straddle. If you feel a stock is likely to enter a stagnant phase, or if you feel that implied volatility is likely to decrease, the sale of a Straddle can be a very profitable trade for you.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Saturday October 06, 2001

With Violence, A Video Clip Is Worth A Thousand Words

I just instructed a self defense seminar in NYC and it was interesting to note certain folk's response to being systematically shown how to use the tool of violence for survival.
The instructors did a matter-of-fact job picking various vulnerable areas of the human body and showing how to injure those targets. We use a proprietary method that allows the student to learn how to injure the body in a specific manner to yield the desired result.
We then show them how to use that information to cause serial injury on the human body until the other guy is non-functional. This method literally produces results in mere days that used to take us many months to achieve.
Clients rapidly get good at targeting, then injuring, the defined areas of weakness in another human.Don't get me wrong. It is not necessarily a thing of beauty to watch. Participants are often ugly in their 'look' but their effectiveness is without question.
What is funny to me is clients that have survived real violence get this approach to self protection training right away. They realize the methods and principles are sound and they focus and develop intent during those initial early day one sessions.
The clients that either have no experience with violence or only have competative martial arts or combat sport backgrounds often spend these early sessions questioning why we are doing what we do.They wrestle with the idea of violence being so one-sided. It goes against everything they 'know' about 'real fights'.
Of course this knowledge they bring to the course is from watching the media (films, TV, Internet) or from participating in and watching combat sporting events. The main goal of media is entertainment. Producers want you to be involved in the plot and if there is an action sequence they want it to rivet you to your seat.
The main goal of combat sports is to win by bettering your opponent and scoring more points. Both can be very fun to watch.
Both of these mediums have restrictions that severely limit realistic use of the tool of violence. A good movie has the restriction of keeping you entertained so it needs to be just that... entertaining.
The competitors in a combat sports event are hampered by agreed upon rules. Therefore they rely on developed athletic skills (being bigger, faster, stronger) in order to better the other guy and win the competition.
Neither of these worlds accurately reflects the effective use of the tool of violence. Nor should they. It would defeat the purpose of the 2 mediums.
From an entertainment standpoint, real violence is hard to view, not because of the violence but because it is relatively boring since it's so one sided.In competition, using real violence would leave many competitors maimed, crippled, or killed. This would absolutely defeat the goal of the sporting event.
Where all this becomes a major problem is when someone attempts to use these mediums as a benchmark for 'fighting'. They expect to see lots of 'give and take' when training. They have a hard time realizing that real injuries are not something that you can shake off and 'keep fighting'.
At a recent demonstration I did for a business group at Harvard University I hammered this home by using some video clips of a martial artist showing a knife-fighting demo.
He made some claims about the knife and how a good cut will shut a man down and send him into shock. He then demonstrated his assertion on a hanging piece of meat. It all looked very impressive and I could tell the class was mesmerized.
Then I showed them grisly photos of prisoners in a fight who were cut numerous times, right down to the bone. These prisoners not only survived the attacks -- they killed their 'attackers'.This totally went against the knife-fighting expert's claims.
I then showed two other video clips, back to back, of prisoners 'shanking' (using an improvised stabbing tool) another prisoner until they killed the victim. Again this looked nothing like the nice back-and-forth technique the 'knife-fighter' showed in his impressive demo.
When I was finished there was dead silence. I had made my point and the rest of the time we had 100% complete focus.
I wasn't able to show this recent class the videos and it showed. Some people didn't 'get it' until the last day when we do 'Grabs, Punches, Holds and Chokes'.
That's when they see how much simpler it is to use violence rather than try a 'give and take' approach.
I'll make sure to always include the video upfront in future seminars. The old adage of a picture being worth a thousand words is very true!

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Friday October 05, 2001

How To Take Wedding Pictorials One Step Forward with Digital Photography

Cameras have always been present in times of events. They can really help people keep all of their treasured memories. Of course, during weddings/nuptials the ever-reliable cameras are surely present.
It is well known that weddings are one of the wonderful events in an individual's life. Many people wait for the day they can have a sacred union with the one that they love. And in order for them to have at least a good memory of this great event, cameras are needed.
You know, it's amazing how far our technology has come with regards to photography. Many devices or gadgets are now being introduced in order to help people treasure special moments in their everyday lives.
There are also new cameras that are being made especially to capture the most treasured times in our everyday lives. Among these devices are digital cameras. These devices are really great for capturing happy moments during events like weddings.
Since the introduction of digital cams, they have outsold film cameras. Thus, this makes digital wedding photography a more popular service than film photography. Why?
Well, this may be because digital photography can take wedding pictorials into new heights. Cameras used for digital photography provides a lot of new advantages to their users.
One of the major advantages of these digital cameras is that they let users skip the usual film separation process, which is among the most time-consuming processes in photography. So, removing one time-consuming process would mean getting results faster, right? And when living in a fast-phase society, quick results are a must!
Another advantage of digital wedding photography is that, even though it provides fast results, the quality of each printed photo is not sacrificed. This means that no matter how fast you get your pictures, the result is still beautiful.
Another advantage of digital wedding photography is that it provides customization options to its users. This would mean that a user can edit photos even before they are printed. You can change the size, brightness, contrast or sharpness of your photo. You can even add or remove some details on your photos.
Digital photography has also integrated with cellular phones. This means that you only need to bring a phone to take pictures during weddings. Nevertheless, it is a fact professional digital cameras can provide better results than the cameras of cellular phones. Most professional digital cams have 6 mega pixels while cellular phones usually have lower mega pixel.
But perhaps the greatest advantage of digital wedding photography is the availability of your photos to be reproduced over and over again without making any variations between the first printed photo and the last photo printed. Digital photography allows users to save their files on their computers, which would mean that they can be reproduced without wearing out any film, since it doesn't need one.
But, no matter how great a technology is, it's still not perfect. One of the major disadvantages of digital photography is that it is not ideal for 4-color printing. Why? Well this is because of the fact that there will always be a variation between the images you will see on your pc monitor and your 4 color printed photo.
Why? Well, computer monitors use RGB, right? Four color printing uses CMYK. RGB and CMYK have entirely different outputs. So, no matter what you do, the image on your monitor will never be the same as your 4 color photos, unless there are computer monitors that also use CMYK to produce colors for the images and texts.
Nevertheless, digital wedding photography is still better than film photography and that is also a fact. See for yourself.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Thursday October 04, 2001

Are You Considering Purchasing a Franchise? Peak Your Interest and Profit!

Have you considered purchasing your own business? Perhaps you have contemplated being your own boss for some time but don't know which business is right for you. Or maybe, you have particular interests or experience that would be very useful as an entrepreneur that would allow you to work for yourself and create a comfortable income at the same time. A franchise may be an exciting option because it can offer an already established brand name complete with support and training to get you started. Checking out popular social trends may also help make your business search easier by learning what kinds of franchise businesses are in high demand and yielding the best profit and sale
While operating your own business may be one of the best decisions you ever make, it can be a much easier venture when you take a look at the many franchises available. There is a franchise for virtually any kind of product or service and as consumer needs change, so do the new and ever growing franchise opportunities. Whether your niche is in the food industry, automobile repair and maintenance or even sports oriented franchises, you are sure to find one that meets your needs and will provide exactly what your customers need and want.
How Social Trends Influence Franchises
Although many aspects of society change over time, there are plenty of trends that remain fairly constant. Food, clothing and shelter are all necessities that every individual consumer must have in order to survive. There are many long lasting and well known franchises that not only provide necessary products and services but also keep up-to-date with the newest ideas and innovations in the marketplace. Being aware of the latest social trends and fads can keep businesses ahead of the game. As a franchise owner, you can benefit from the knowledge and extensive research of the franchisor while having the freedom of operating your own busines
Let's take a look at the food industry. Since many consumers are often busy with little time to spend in meal planning and preparation, they often seek healthy yet convenient foods. So franchises such as JuiceBlendz offers high quality, nutritious and fresh smoothies and more for the customer who wants to enjoy a healthy alternative. And Whata Lotta Pizza provides a menu with items made from the best ingredients and most wholesome selections. These are only a few of the many food franchises that cater to society's interest and desire for food that is healthy yet fast and convenient.
And not all of the franchises that offer products for the health savvy customer are eat in. The New York Butcher Shoppe offers a huge selection of top quality hand cut steaks that are suitable for any diet or healthy eating plan. From premium Angus Beef to prepared entrees and even wines and cheeses, this franchise has what it takes to keep customers coming back for more. Eating healthy was never easier, or faster! As a franchise owner in this industry, you can find success while providing the kind of popular products that sell.
Time is of the Essence
In today's fast paced society, many people find it difficult to get everything done with work, family, finances and many other time constraints. Considering a franchise that can provide a product or service that would make it easier for your customers is a great way to find success as an entrepreneur. Time is of utmost importance to most people and when they find something that will save time they are definitely willing to give it a try. And if your franchise offers excellent customer service and quality, your business will reap the benefits!
Remember the old adage, "Time is money?" It couldn't be more relevant than it is in today's society. Not only is your franchise saving your clients time and money it would be the way to significantly increase your own sales and profit too. Automotive franchises such as Oil Can Henry's and Midas pride themselves on fast, efficient service at affordable prices. Satisfied customers and great franchise advertising will increase your sales and client base quickly and ensure that your franchise is a succes
Often customers are so busy they are working more than they are at home. This is where great cleaning and maintenance franchises can make you a very successful business owner. Need a Maid and House Doctors Handyman Service are just two of the franchises that cater to those clients who just don't have time to do these everyday household tasks themselves. And as society becomes more and more time strapped, these franchise opportunities will increase.
Baby Boomers in Need
The number of aging consumers is growing at a very rapid rate. And as it does, so too does the need for home healthcare and senior care franchises. Many baby boomers are reaching the age where they need help around the house and for personal care. The growing list of franchise opportunities for those interested in this kind of business is expanding constantly.
Choose Home Senior Care provides excellent home care for those needing non-medical assistance and personal care with the greatest compassion and understanding. And Seniors Helping Seniors is a novel franchise opportunity where seniors who wish to own, operate or simply work in home healthcare can provide much needed services to other seniors who require assistance.
With so many franchises available, there are a number of choices that can be a dream come true for potential franchise owners. Paying attention to current social trends and changes in today's society may be very useful as you decide which franchise is the one for you. If having your own business is in your future, a franchise may be a great place to start.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Wednesday October 03, 2001

Choosing The Right Shampoo For You

Shampoo plays an important role in achieving healthy hair. It removes dirt and oil, eliminates build up, and adds fragrance and moisture. Choosing the right formula for your hair type is essential, since shampoo designed for dry hair will not help hair that is oily, and vice versa. There are many different shampoo varieties available, including clarifiers, nourishing formulas, and shampoos designed for color treated and/or permed hair. Most shampoos contain additional vitamins, minerals, and proteins to nourish, condition, and repair hair that has been damaged by the environment and/or over styling.
For oily hair, a clarifying shampoo is best, since it will clean your hair and contain the least amount of added oil. Look for a lightweight, salon professional quality product, ideally one that contains natural mint extracts, which have been shown to effectively cleanse and rejuvenate oily hair. For dry hair, shampoos designed for dry hair contain extra does of moisturizers and nourishing vitamins, as well as olive oil, almond oil, honey, chamomile and other natural moisture enhancer
Chemically treated hair benefits from hair products that are able to both retain the hair color, and repair any damage incurred as a result of the coloring treatment. A top quality shampoo will contain UV filters to prevent further fading. For dandruff prone hair, you should look for a product designed to protect and treat dandruff, and depending on the severity of your condition, ingredients like ketonazole should be included in some, if not all of the types you choose. Use caution when choosing products that are labeled anti dandruff but contain harsh detergent bases, as these can aggravate the problem, particularly if you are also prone to oily hair.
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve a head of healthier hair. First, always choose a shampoo with a low ph, since a shampoo that contains a higher ph tends to be harsher on the hair. Make sure to always double and triple check the ingredients on the bottle as well, since some shampoos are specially designed for daily use, and some are not. Also, be sure that if you have oily hair, the product you choose does not contain a strong detergent base. Finally, make sure to change your shampoo every three months, alternating types if necessary, since your hair adjusts to a certain type after this period, rendering it less effective. This does not mean that you cannot consistently use your favorite brand, just be sure to experiment with different types.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Tuesday October 02, 2001

Choosing the Perfect Hair Cut for Girls

Your daughter or significant little girl in your life the same one who used to dump strained peas on her head and drop toys in the toilet, is growing up, and, believe it or not, will soon be choosing her own haircuts and picking out her own outfits, not to mention dating, driving, working, and voting. Thanks to easy media access, little girls today are much more fashion conscious than their mothers were, and even if your tween or pre tween is a camo pants wearing, mud playing, bundle of energy, it is just as important for her to have the right hair cut now as it will be in a few years when she becomes even more fashion conscious.
Depending on your girls age, you should allow her to help you decide the hair length that is right for her. Long hair on little girls is classic, but if she has thick or very fine hair, this can be difficult to maintain. Also, something that your and now, her salon stylist can help you with is determining the best style for her face shape and hair type.
The Pageboy or bob hair cut is best for thick hair, thin hair, younger girls, and active girls. The Pageboy is a basic variation on the bob and is easy to care for. Layers can also be cut into the bob for a look of added texture and depth, and hold products can be applied to add extra tousled effects and firm hold for special occasion
The Pageboy or bob with bangs are the same as above, except with a wisp of a bang, skimming the skin just above the eyebrows, and adding softness to longer, more angular face shapes.
Some short hair notes to consider would be almost any variations on an adult hair style can be applied to a childs, but the trick is to make sure that your daughter is able to style it on her own or with minimal help. For older girls nine and under this should not be a problem, but the younger ones will more than likely require a little help.
The graduated layer look is the easy care style requiring minimal care and it looks very cute, especially on little girls with thick hair, as the ends can be razored back to reduce bulk and define the layers. A little gel brushed through the hair in the morning help to keep layers defined.
Girls with very fine hair require constant trims to keep it looking sleek, but most girls, including those with very thick hair, look adorable with a long look. The trick is, again, to add layers to the back but not to many, maybe one or two, to reduce the bulk and keep hair looking fresh between trims.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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Monday October 01, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Rolling the Position

The selection and management of a vertical spread are only two-thirds of the game. Closing out, rolling or morphing the position has to be analyzed and executed with the same due diligence.
Looking at the closing out of a vertical call spread, we find there are three possible outcomes. The spread can finish out-of-the-money and valueless. For a call spread, this scenario occurs when the stock closes at or below the lower strike of the spread. In order to close out the spread, an investor would just let it expire. Both options finish out of the money so there is no residual position left over.
If the spread finishes fully in-the-money (at maximum value), meaning both options in-the-money, both options are exercised. You will exercise your long call and your short call will be assigned. They cancel each other out leaving you with no residual position. This scenario occurs when the stock price closes lower than the lower strike call involved in the spread.
Investors encounter a difficult scenario when a stock closes in between the two strikes of the spread. This creates a situation where one strike winds up being in-the-money while the other ends up out-of-the-money. When both options expire in-the-money, they are both exercised. One creates a long stock option, the other a short position canceling each other out. This is not the case here. The option that is in-the-money leaves a residual stock position. Since the other option is out-of-the-money, it cannot offset the residual stock position created by the expiring in-the-money option.
Two actions are possible in this scenario. One involves trading out of the spread on expiration Friday just before the close. Because of the bid/ask spread of the two options, you will probably have to give away some of your profits in order to close out the position. This may be the best thing to do in order to avoid naked, unlimited risk.
If you only trade out of the in-the-money option, you run the risk that the stock moves adversely and the out-of-the-money option suddenly becomes in-the-money. This risk is short-lived because you are doing this late on expiration day of the expiring month. If this happens, you will be naked in the residual stock position.
If there is still time, you can always trade out of the option, but that is very risky. If the stock is at a relatively safe distance from the out-of-the-money option, you may want to just close out the in-the-money option and let it expire worthless.
The two factors that must be considered are the combination of the distance of the strike from the stock price in relation to the short amount of time for the stock to get there, and the amount of money saved by not buying back the out-of-the-money option. Remember, this takes place at the very end of the day on expiration day. These options only have minutes of life left. The risk is somewhat mitigated, but still there nonetheles
The catch is the proximity of the stock to the out-of-the-money option. If the stock is close to the out-of-the-money option, it is best to trade out of the spread entirely.
As stated before, if the stock closes either with the spread fully in-the-money or out-of-the-money, the position will adjust itself through the exercise process leaving no residual position. If the stock price finishes between the two strikes, there will be a residual position.
We discussed how to trade out of this position. Your second choice is not to trade out and allow yourself to go through the expiration process. You must remember that if you are going to accept a residual stock position, you must be able to afford it.
If you have 10 July 50 calls and you exercise them, you will be receiving 1000 shares of stock at $50.00 per share. Thus, you must have $50,000.00 of cash and/or margin in your account to receive the stock. If you do not have enough cash and/or margin to accept delivery of the stock, then you must trade out of the position before it expires.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
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