martes, 31 de marzo de 2015

E-Commerce Outpacing Brick and Mortar Stores: eConsumerServices Spotlights E-Commerce Growth and Trends, and the Evolving Role of Dispute Mitigation with 5 Tips



Tampa Bay, FL (PRWEB) February 17, 2015


A new report issued by the National Retail Federation (NRF) projects that online and other non-store sales will grow 7% to 10% this year, outpacing the estimated 4.1% growth for the retail industry as a whole (1). According to Gary Cardone, CEO of transaction dispute firm eConsumerServices, emerging e-commerce trends are changing the way merchants and consumers do business and helping to drive future growth. However, an increase in online sales can mean a corresponding increase in credit card chargebacks—and subsequent trickle-down costs—unless merchants and customers work together to avoid and resolve credit card disputes.



Cardone notes there are five key e-commerce trends that online merchants can capitalize on to benefit consumers, improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business. Here, eConsumerServices analyzes those trends and the role of dispute mitigation in shaping the future of online shopping:



1. Enhance the User Experience. Consumers now have the ability to compare products, prices and reviews from dozens of businesses with a single search; so companies need to deliver a superior customer service experience to be able to compete. Research firm Harris Interactive found that 50% of consumers stopped doing business with a company that didn’t respond to questions within one week, and 89% of consumers began doing business with a competitor following a poor customer service experience (2). By proactively addressing customers’ needs and promptly resolving any issues—whether through in-house customer service representatives or a dispute mediation service—companies can turn a negative experience into a positive one while minimizing costly chargebacks.



2. Personalize the Shopping Experience. Purchase behavior data has the potential to benefit customers and retailers alike, provided merchants handle that information wisely. A study by Accenture found that 73% of consumers prefer to do business with companies that use customer data to make their experience more efficient from one step to the next, 75% appreciate companies that customize messaging and offers to be relevant to them, and 88% want the flexibility to control how their personal information is used to tailor their experience (3). Giving consumers a say in how their data is used and leveraging that information to deliver a more efficient and relevant shopping experience can help boost customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.



3. Make Mobile a Priority. The latest online shopping data shows that mobile has captured an increasing share of both traffic and sales. According to IBM benchmarks for the 2014 holiday season, mobile devices accounted for 45% of online traffic and nearly 23% of online sales—representing an increase of more than 25% year-over-year (4). By making it easier for consumers to find products, compare prices and place orders while on the go, retailers can capture a greater share of the mobile market while enabling customers to enjoy instant shopping gratification.



4. Leverage the Power of Social Media. Accenture’s survey revealed that 92% of respondents are more inclined to purchase from a company that uses social media channels (3). Harrison Interactive found that 26% of consumers posted negative comments on social media after a poor customer service experience, and only 21% of them received a response to their complaint. But among those who did, more than half had a positive reaction to the company: 46% said they were pleased by the company’s response, and 22% subsequently posted a positive comment (2). By acting quickly to address consumer concerns posted on social media, merchants can build goodwill. Those that don’t have the time or resources to immediately investigate a complaint can refer customers to a transaction dispute service.



5. Accelerate Delivery. With e-commerce giants offering same-day delivery in certain markets, it’s redefining consumer expectations for speedy delivery. Business Insider estimated that $ 100 million worth of merchandise would be delivered via same-day fulfillment in 2014; however, 92% of consumers are still willing to wait four days or longer for their e-commerce packages to arrive (5). The lesson here is that the faster retailers are able to process and ship orders, the sooner their merchandise is in customers’ hands.



“These e-commerce trends are creating a better and faster online shopping experience for consumers, while allowing savvy online merchants to increase their market share,” said Cardone. “But between rising online sales volumes and elevated consumer expectations, retailers need to be prepared to respond quickly to customer concerns and complaints. A lengthy delay can lead disgruntled customers to file a chargeback, resulting in higher costs for merchants and trickle-down price increases for consumers. Our experience has shown that credit card dispute mediation is a better solution for both parties; it provides faster resolution, reduces costly chargebacks and fosters better relationships between e-commerce merchants and customers. It has the potential to be a true game-changer in the future of online shopping.”



For more information on eConsumerServices and its transaction mediation services, visit http://ift.tt/1hblajT.



About Global Risk Technologies and eConsumerServices:



Global Risk Technologies is most known for its role in payment processing solutions that cater to each side of the value chain: Chargebacks911.com and eConsumerServices.com. The firm is headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida, with offices in Ireland and Atlanta. They have approximately 350 employees worldwide, and currently manage over 150MM in transactions each month, with clients located in the U.S. and Europe.



eConsumerServices focuses on the cardholder or consumer in order to encourage transactional resolution before it progresses to a chargeback. The company caters to the B2C (business-to-consumer) sector of Global’s initiative, in working to realize greater standardization and increased efficiency within the payments industry. eConsumerServices is an online mediation service that works to effectively and efficiently resolve transaction issues between merchants, consumers and banks. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1hblajT.



1. “Economic Outlook: Stronger Growth in 2014 Sets the Stage for 2015”; http://ift.tt/1G8gfip



2. 2011 Customer Experience Impact Report; 2012. http://ift.tt/1BqDMMm



3. Today’s Shopper Preferences: Channels, Social Media, Privacy and the Personalized Experience; http://ift.tt/1G8gfyI



4. “Holiday Benchmark Data Alert: Overall Holiday Online Sales Up 13.9 for the 2014 Season”; http://ift.tt/1j0FtF8



5. “Same-Day Delivery: E-Commerce Giants Are Battling to Own the ‘Last Mile’”; Business Insider; http://ift.tt/1G8ghXx














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Bank of Queensland posts higher profits and loan growth, but still off pace of …

Bank of Queensland posts higher profits and loan growth, but still off pace of

The profit result was boosted by buying the specialist lending outfit, better margins and an improvement in the cost of bad debts. But earnings were also hit by … That fall was linked to branch owners consolidating existing branches, others retiring …

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Darling Ingredients' (DAR) CEO Randall Stuewe on Q4 2014 Results – Earnings

Additionally, we reduced our long-term outstanding debt by a 122 million all the while investing in growth around the world with the capital expense program spending of 229 million. ….. We are just starting up last week or Bastrop, Texas expansion …

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New Wave of “Creative Destruction” – What I Plan to Present To Energy's

I discussed two of them on Tuesday – the massive shortfall in future infrastructure spending and the building wave of consolidation, especially among oil and gas producers. Today, I'd … The extent of the current debt crisis will only worsen if oil …

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Financial Stocks to Track-Navient (NAVI), BB&T (BBT), Strategic (BEE), Zillow (Z)

BB&T Corporation (NYSE:BBT)proclaimed it has received regulatory approval from the FDIC and the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks to acquire 41 branches in Texas from Citibank. The transaction is … 3, 2014, includes retail branches …

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Cathedral Energy Services reports record Q4 and annual revenues for 2014

The Company's foreign operations are denominated in a currency other than CAD and therefore, upon consolidation gains and losses due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI") on the …

Read more on Stockhouse



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Mortgage – Harvesting Time for Consumers

(PRWEB) February 22, 2005


Purchasing a home has been the biggest dream of every American. But when the finance for the same becomes unreachable within oneÂ’s savings, mortgage companies like http://ift.tt/1I2S5JQ is the answer to it. This year the mortgage rates fell to 5.57% from 5.63% a week earlier for the 30 year- fixed – mortgage; the lowest level reached since April 2004.The US home owners are cashing in on the opportunity as rates are expected to rise later on in the year. This means more mortgage applications and more refinancing.



Mortgage types : There is something for every one.



There is a jungle of mortgages in the market. Conventional mortgages have made way for hybrids. Lenders are continuously expanding their markets by following the mix- and- match policy and churning out customized mortgages with various terms and payment methods to match the borrowersÂ’ needs. With such rapid expansion and more mortgages types debuting, the home buyer has his hands full of choices-so many ways to that perfect dream home!



Mortgage refinancing : This is one option which helps you tap the equity in your home and also lock in the current record low rates. The best part is you can shift other debts to tax deductible housing debt. Refinancing can not only reduce your monthly cost but also you can draw out additional funds for other expenses.



Say, your house is worth $ 500,000 and your mortgage is locked at 6% interest rate. If you refinance it at 5%, earlier you used to pay $ 3000 every month now you will be paying only $ 2500 thus saving $ 500 every month. http://ift.tt/1I2S2Od;



Reverse mortgage : For those above 62 years, no income qualification involved, this mortgage helps you with monthly expenses and mainly medical bills which mount during these golden years. You donÂ’t have to make any repayments and you get a monthly income which is tax deductible.



Mortgages are for all seasons and all times. According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumers, the mortgage debt from households headed by age 65-74 has grown up to 47% from 24.74% on 1995. This is mainly attributed to the huge popularity of reverse mortgages. http://ift.tt/1I2S2Of;



Remortgage : Your financial conditions may not remain the same forever. A remortgage allows you to switch to a new deal and lock in lower interest rates and also better servicing from a new lender. According to a survey conducted by the Homeowner Show, 72.8% of property investors are considering a remortgage this year compared to 62.8 % who opted for it last year. Credit card loans and other personal loans which have interest rates as high as 18-30% can easily be paid off using remortgages with rates as low as 6%. http://ift.tt/19BW01q;



Mortgage Rates : You can either opt for a fixed rate or an adjustable interest rate. While the former as the name suggests remain fixed through the full term of the loan, the latter is adjusted according to the market rate annually or semiannually (according to what is agreed on).



After the recession in 2001 the ARMs ( http://ift.tt/19BW01w ) have lost a bit of their popularity because certainty and security have become no. 1 on the priority list of the US. Yet the 1 year ARM has fallen drastically to 4.11% from 4.23 the previous week.



While other loans especially credit card loans have rates as high as 18% while mortgage rates hardly rise above 9%.Mortgages are being increasingly used to pay off credit card debts. You can even consolidate your debts and pay them off using second mortgages. These are also called home equity loan. The value of your home can be converted into liquid assets and you can use them any way you like- for education, home improvement (thus building home equity), meeting expenses, investing, etc.



( http://ift.tt/19BVXmj )



Mortgage – the Next Track



Mortgages have held the US economy together even during trying times. Its robust growth has only the internet business as competitor. It has realized the dream of thousands of low income and minority groups to have home of their own. Though the new purchases have lean market, investors still prefer to put their money into mortgage backed securities which fund the entire housing industry.



For an in-depth study on mortgage and related terms facilitated by articles and FAQs you can log onto: http://ift.tt/1I2S34x;



# # #














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San Antonio Attractions

The River Walk is the most popular of all the San Antonio attractions and was conceived in 1929 by Robert Hugman as a solution to the flooding problems faced by the city. Since this area is picturesquely dotted with innumerable restaurants, shops and nightclubs amidst fountains and Cypress trees, it is the favorite destination of the people and is particularly crowded during the time of the festivals.


The Alamo is the most important historic site in the list of San Antonio attractions because it played an instrumental role in Texas’s fight for freedom from Mexico. Although the fort was originally established as the Mission San Antonio del Valero, it acted as a vantage point for the Texan army during the War of Independence due to which it is still deeply revered by the forthcoming generations.


The Tower of the Americas stands at a height of 750 feet and was built in 1968 as a part of the World Fair’s preparation. This tower is one of the most popular San Antonio attractions due to its glass walled elevators and an observation deck and is symbolic of the progress made by mankind ever since the inception of civilization.


The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum also serves as the Plaza Theatre of Wax among the San Antonio attractions because it houses wax mannequins of heroes, celebrities and fictional characters which resemble the originals so closely that they can scare anyone from any age group. Apart from wax representations of Jim Carrey, Dracula and Frankenstein this museum also has an underground cellar which features some of the weirdest items in this world.


The Steves Homestead is the former residence of an eminent citizen of the city named Edward Steve and is a historical masterpiece which must be included in the list of San Antonio attractions. This Victorian mansion was built in 1876 and apart from the antiques and the historical architecture it features the first indoor swimming pool of the city located behind the house within a building.


The Spanish Governor’s Palace is considered to be the most beautiful building among all the San Antonio attractions which served as the residence of the Governor in the late eighteenth century when Texas was a province of Spain. The building is a historical landmark and attempts to showcase the architectural style prevalent in those days characterized by small rooms, low ceilings and thick stucco walls. In addition, there is a cobblestone patio, a fountain as well as the original keystone which graces the entrance of the building.


The San Antonio Botanical Garden is spread over 33 acres of land and is considered to be the most exquisite of the San Antonio attractions because it is home to a conservatory, formal gardens, old fashioned gardens and native plants all of which are a delight to botany experts as well as gardening enthusiasts.


The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower is one of the San Antonio attractions which are well known for their architectural beauty and also as venues for hosting colorful events pertaining to the Christian community in the city. This church also holds the distinction of being declared as a minor basilica, an honor which is granted to very few churches in America.


The Freeman Coliseum is an American version of a coliseum which features in the list of San Antonio attractions because it hosts sporting events like wrestling matches and hockey, musical concerts, car shows, religious ceremonies as well as hunting and fishing expeditions.


The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was the largest theatre in the city when it was inaugurated in 1913 and is a must among the San Antonio attractions because it is a well known venue for holding seminars, conferences, Broadway Shows and performing arts within an exquisitely designed building.



For more information about fun things to do in San Antonio, visit Things to do in San Antonio.



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How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy — Fast

How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy — Fast

It's about as popular as a root canal or a blown tire on the freeway. Yet like both of those dreaded occurrences, filing for bankruptcy is commonplace in modern America. In 2013 1,107,699 individuals and businesses in the U.S. had to file for …

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M-Sport raise the "TiTänak"

Unfortunately, Ott Tänak became one of Rally Mexico's numerous victims, but the M-Sport team achieved the impossible – repairing a seemingly unsalvageable rally car to get it ready for tomorrow's stages. (Rallye-info: photo Tänak how he manages to pass …

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What's the Fastest Way to Boost My Credit?

Dear Debt Adviser, I make pretty good money, but my credit score is low. What's the fastest way to raise my score? I've looked for help through credit repair places, but I haven't decided whether they're right for me. I have paid off two credit cards …

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Build My Scores Advises Consumers on the Biggest Mistake Seen on Credit Reports



Plano, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2013


Build My Scores advises consumers on the crucial mistakes that drag down their credit report. It is fair to say, the majority of consumers realize not paying their bills on time will have a negative effect on their credit report. However, some actions are not so clear.



According to an article written by Adam Levin for ABCNews.com dated April 7, 2013 http://ift.tt/19BVWyV, the majority of people make a mistake when they believe they are trying to turn their credit score around. The most common error is closing credit card accounts. Depending on each individual financial situation, closing credit accounts could be the biggest mistake.



Good credit generally stays on the credit report longer than bad credit. Delinquencies and bankruptcies will stain a person’s credit history for seven to 10 years respectively, but a credit card account with zero delinquencies stays on for a full 10 years after it’s closed.



However after 10 years, that closed (positive) account will drop off the credit report; and if the overall length of the consumer’s credit history declines when that account goes away for good, then the score will take a hit. It is important to note that FICO and the three major bureaus allocate 15 percent of credit scores to individual credit history. The Credit Utilization Ratio (how much available credit a person actually uses) should be consistently around 10 percent.



There are three simple ways to minimize damage related to a closed credit card account: Close the right card, Pick the right moment – any improper actions too soon, could cost in high interest payments;



Manage the ratio – If planning to close an account, pay off balances on remaining cards as well.



Build My Scores is there to help with any credit-related questions. Credit repair can open many doors. It is not only important for saving money on insurance, loans or credit cards, but a better credit score can also open new employment opportunities. Contact the premier credit repair company, Build My Scores today for a free one-hour credit repair consultation at 866-611-9531.



About the company:



Build My Scores is a total credit restoration and enhancement company. Committed to delivering innovation, Build My Scores collaborates with referral partners such as mortgage, real estate, and banking professionals to help them with their clients that are facing credit challenges. Build My Scores provides credit repair help, credit repair services, and credit score repair. For more information, please visit their website at http://ift.tt/1I2S2h7 to see how they put together a tailored strategy to help clients restore their credit.














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Latest news from Priceless Shoes – November 2008



Bradford, UK (PRWEB) November 19, 2008


PriceLess Shoes provides the following information as a monthly overview of news and all things happening in the market of good quality as well as look yet cheap shoes.



Fringe benefits



If summer was all about long flowing wavy locks then the hair style trend for autumn is the more sculpted style of adding a fringe. According to Glamour magazine, all the celebrities are getting carried away with the hair style statement and there is guaranteed to be a fringe out there to suit every face shape. While model Daisy Lowe has gone for a soft and wispy fringe cut shorter to show off her large eyes, Mischa Barton has opted for a longer and thinner fringe that complements her strong jaw. Actress Michelle Williams has a rounder face but looks great with a micro-feathered fringe that adds angle and to her short crop while Nicole Ritchie – who also has a round face – has added depth with long bangs worn swept to the side. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton shows off her cheekbones with a fringe that finishes below her brow bone and Peaches Geldof goes for a rockier look with a long thick one that has been cut wide. Glamour notes: “Be it dense, choppy, wispy or side-swept, there’s a fringe out there to suit your style.”



A black and white ball:



Despite several fashion experts telling us that purple is the colour of autumn, the celebs at last night’s US Glamour awards decided the season was more of a monochrome affair. According to Heat, Sarah Michelle Gellar wore a floaty white halterneck dress with her hair tied in a loose ponytail. However, she hardened up her girly look with a pair of t-bar strappy stilettos that were reminiscent of the 1930s flapper era. Meanwhile, former Will & Grace star Debra Messing wore a daring strapless black frock which was covered in sequins and had starched black netting around the hem. She opted for this season’s key shoe trend – a pair of black satin peep-toe heels – to complete her look. Nicole Kidman thanked her husband, country singer Keith Urban, as she picked up an award for the work she has carried out as a United Nations goodwill ambassador. She also joined in with the night’s unofficial monochrome theme, in a white gown with lace detailing and a matching bow tied round her arm.



Liz Hurley ‘the best dressed star':



Elizabeth Hurley has been crowned the queen of the red carpet after her controversial ‘safety pin’ frock was voted the best gown of all time. According to Marie Claire, the Versace dress Liz wore at the age of 29 to the premiere of Four Weddings And A Funeral with her then-boyfriend, Hugh Grant, is continuing to make waves 14 years on. The infamous gown had a sweetheart neckline which plunged to the bottom of her ribcage and was held together at the sides by golden safety pins. A poll by Debenhams asked 3,000 women to pick their favourite red carpet dress of all time and Liz’s topped the list. Style icon Audrey Hepburn came in second for her 1954 Oscar acceptance gown which was white with a flowered pattern and cinched in at the waist with a still on trend belt. Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta Jones and Jennifer Lopez completed the top five and even Bjork made the list for her dress in the shape of a swan. Meanwhile, in an earlier survey by the store, Elle Macpherson was named the greatest model ever.



Shoe-boots: The ultimate autumn style?:



The shoe-boot may be the best accessory to tide girls over between the end of summer and the dawn of winter, it has been claimed. According to the Daily Press, the footwear hybrid is available in a variety of styles, including open-toed, gothic-inspired and preppy. There is even a vast alternative of heel choice, from stiletto to chunky to stacked and towering. However, there is nothing new about the shoe-boot, as James Ferragamo, women’s leather product director of Salvatore Ferragamo, noted they had been worn since 1300 BC and were truly popularised when teamed with a miniskirt in the 1960s. “They look great with skinny denim, boot leg trousers, skirts and dresses. A major trend on the runways this season featured platform and peep-toe booties styled with bold tights and worn with dresses and skirts,” he explained. Meanwhile, according to Female First, stiletto heels are also set to be a key trend for the autumn.



Leona to turn designer?:



Singer Leona Lewis may be preparing to branch out into a new career, following reports that she is to design a range of non-leather shoes and bags. According to the Mirror, the X Factor winner is currently in talks to develop a new vegetarian-friendly line of accessories, putting her in competition with designers such as Stella McCartney. Meanwhile, the 12 acts that will go on to perform in the live shows of the ongoing ITV talent search were revealed this weekend. Among them were the under-25 girls Alexandra Burke, Laura White and Diana Vickers who will be mentored by Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell’s under-25s boys group which is made up of Eoghan Quigg, Austin Drage and Scott Bruton. However, it is the judges who have made the most headlines in recent weeks, with Louis Walsh allegedly hinting that Sharon Osbourne is to return to the panel, replacing Dannii Minogue, according to the Daily Star.



Resources:



With over 200 high-street stores, PriceLess is one of the largest independent shoe retailers in the UK. Both in the store and online, it offers great range of footwear. All members of the family are sure to be satisfied with great collections of boots collection including ladies boots, mens boots, girls boots as well as wellington boots. But there is much more, to name few examples: ladies shoes, children’s shoes, red shoes, ladies shoes size 9 and the list goes on.



PriceLess Shoes is a trading name of Stylo Barratt Shoes Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stylo PLC based in Apperley Bridge, Bradford, West Yorkshire. For more details please visit the company’s website on http://ift.tt/HHjOCV.



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Girl, 7, says she survived plane crash that killed 4

Girl, 7, says she survived plane crash that killed 4

EDDYVILLE, Ky. — A 7-year-old girl survived a plane crash in Kentucky that killed four people Friday night, and the disoriented little girl walked away from the wreckage and reported the crash to a local resident, authorities said. The small Piper PA …

Read more on Bucyrus Telegraph Forum



Barbados: Girls on the Island

We look from her glittering Dorothy high heels– the kind a normal girl can make a wish on– to my flat black sandals, still sand-dusted from an earlier walk on the beach. Our eyes meet, and she gives me a rueful grin. "From London. Brand-new. Shoes …

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Ten Years After the Tsunami, an Indonesian Couple Says They Found Their

He liked to climb things—once he fell off the roof and smashed his nose—and to fight with other children. He was especially protective of his brother Zahry, …. shortly after the tsunami when looking for the kids. In the picture, Raudha was wearing …

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Windermere Real Estate and Gentle Giant Moving Company Team Up to Deliver Kicks for Kids at the Summer Splash in Seattle



Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 15, 2014


Gentle Giant Moving Company, Seattle’s award-winning local and long distance mover, today announced its sponsorship of Windermere Real Estate’s Summer Splash; a free community event celebrating summer fun and health with activities for families and children featuring water sports, food vendors, live entertainment, and crew races for local corporate teams. The moving company, with locations in Seattle, WA and nine other states, will have one of their famous purple moving trucks on the shore of Green Lake to help collect shoes for the Kicks For Kids program, a back-to-school sneaker drive for low-income youth that will see hundreds of pairs of shoes distributed through the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Mary’s Place.



One of Gentle Giant’s primary charitable missions is to support youth leadership and education through athletics, and the Summer Splash is the perfect opportunity for the company to lend a helping hand with the collection and transport of so many shoes. The Summer Splash is the second major event that Gentle Giant has partnered with Windermere Real Estate on, the first being the historic Windermere Cup Regatta and Opening Day Boat Parade, which takes place the first weekend in May each year since 1987. The Windermere Summer Splash at Green Lake on Saturday, August 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. will be the final public drop-off point for sneakers donated to the Kicks For Kids program. The Gentle Giant moving truck with a giant sneaker graphic will serve as a collection point during the event. The goal will be to fill the truck with sneakers for low-income youth.



“Gentle Giant being a part of Windermere Real Estate’s Summer Splash is an honor and a wonderful opportunity to support the local community in Seattle,” said Larry O’Toole, Gentle Giant Founder and CEO. “Both Windermere Real Estate and Gentle Giant are aligned on promoting corporate responsibility through community engagement and teamwork, and I am incredibly proud to be involved with this fabulous event that will bring much needed joy to children starting the school year on the right foot.”



Gentle Giant will also have a “touch-a-truck” set up for kids to jump on and pop bubble wrap, run up ramps, and bounce around the moving truck. After the event, the Giant’s will sort the donated shoes before delivering them to the organizations that will help distribute them to kids before the school year starts.



ABOUT GENTLE GIANT MOVING COMPANY, INC.



Founded in 1980, Boston-based moving company Gentle Giant is an award winning residential and commercial mover, offering local moving, long distance moving, and international moving services. Named 2009 Independent Mover of the Year by the American Moving and Storage Association, one of the Boston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Massachusetts in 2004, 2005, and 2006, winner of the 2006 International Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics by the Better Business Bureau, winner of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Excellence in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008, nine-time winner of Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston,” six-time winner of The Improper Bostonian’s “Boston’s Best Moving Company” award, thirteen-time winner of the Angie’s List “Super Service” Award, 2007 Top Small Workplaces award from the Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces, and named a Healthiest Employer in 2013 by the Boston Business Journal, the company’s services include craning, piano moving, complete packing and unpacking services, and other related services. Gentle Giant offers storage facilities and dispatches crews from more than 19 offices in California, Chicago, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, DC and Washington State. For more information, please call (617) 661-3333 or visit http://ift.tt/1tyiTvS.



ABOUT WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE:



Windermere Real Estate is ranked the largest regional real estate company in the Western U.S. with over 300 offices and 7,000 agents serving communities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Mexico. In 2012, Windermere closed over 65,000 transactions for more than 20 billion dollars in sales volume.



The Windermere family has a proud heritage of serving our neighbors via the Windermere Foundation which funds services for low-income and homeless families. Since 1989, the Windermere Foundation has contributed more than $ 25 million towards improving lives in the communities where we live and work. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/149dwUC .














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Mortgage – Harvesting Time for Consumers

(PRWEB) February 22, 2005


Purchasing a home has been the biggest dream of every American. But when the finance for the same becomes unreachable within oneÂ’s savings, mortgage companies like http://ift.tt/1I2S5JQ is the answer to it. This year the mortgage rates fell to 5.57% from 5.63% a week earlier for the 30 year- fixed – mortgage; the lowest level reached since April 2004.The US home owners are cashing in on the opportunity as rates are expected to rise later on in the year. This means more mortgage applications and more refinancing.



Mortgage types : There is something for every one.



There is a jungle of mortgages in the market. Conventional mortgages have made way for hybrids. Lenders are continuously expanding their markets by following the mix- and- match policy and churning out customized mortgages with various terms and payment methods to match the borrowersÂ’ needs. With such rapid expansion and more mortgages types debuting, the home buyer has his hands full of choices-so many ways to that perfect dream home!



Mortgage refinancing : This is one option which helps you tap the equity in your home and also lock in the current record low rates. The best part is you can shift other debts to tax deductible housing debt. Refinancing can not only reduce your monthly cost but also you can draw out additional funds for other expenses.



Say, your house is worth $ 500,000 and your mortgage is locked at 6% interest rate. If you refinance it at 5%, earlier you used to pay $ 3000 every month now you will be paying only $ 2500 thus saving $ 500 every month. http://ift.tt/1I2S2Od;



Reverse mortgage : For those above 62 years, no income qualification involved, this mortgage helps you with monthly expenses and mainly medical bills which mount during these golden years. You donÂ’t have to make any repayments and you get a monthly income which is tax deductible.



Mortgages are for all seasons and all times. According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumers, the mortgage debt from households headed by age 65-74 has grown up to 47% from 24.74% on 1995. This is mainly attributed to the huge popularity of reverse mortgages. http://ift.tt/1I2S2Of;



Remortgage : Your financial conditions may not remain the same forever. A remortgage allows you to switch to a new deal and lock in lower interest rates and also better servicing from a new lender. According to a survey conducted by the Homeowner Show, 72.8% of property investors are considering a remortgage this year compared to 62.8 % who opted for it last year. Credit card loans and other personal loans which have interest rates as high as 18-30% can easily be paid off using remortgages with rates as low as 6%. http://ift.tt/19BW01q;



Mortgage Rates : You can either opt for a fixed rate or an adjustable interest rate. While the former as the name suggests remain fixed through the full term of the loan, the latter is adjusted according to the market rate annually or semiannually (according to what is agreed on).



After the recession in 2001 the ARMs ( http://ift.tt/19BW01w ) have lost a bit of their popularity because certainty and security have become no. 1 on the priority list of the US. Yet the 1 year ARM has fallen drastically to 4.11% from 4.23 the previous week.



While other loans especially credit card loans have rates as high as 18% while mortgage rates hardly rise above 9%.Mortgages are being increasingly used to pay off credit card debts. You can even consolidate your debts and pay them off using second mortgages. These are also called home equity loan. The value of your home can be converted into liquid assets and you can use them any way you like- for education, home improvement (thus building home equity), meeting expenses, investing, etc.



( http://ift.tt/19BVXmj )



Mortgage – the Next Track



Mortgages have held the US economy together even during trying times. Its robust growth has only the internet business as competitor. It has realized the dream of thousands of low income and minority groups to have home of their own. Though the new purchases have lean market, investors still prefer to put their money into mortgage backed securities which fund the entire housing industry.



For an in-depth study on mortgage and related terms facilitated by articles and FAQs you can log onto: http://ift.tt/1I2S34x;



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San Antonio Attractions

The River Walk is the most popular of all the San Antonio attractions and was conceived in 1929 by Robert Hugman as a solution to the flooding problems faced by the city. Since this area is picturesquely dotted with innumerable restaurants, shops and nightclubs amidst fountains and Cypress trees, it is the favorite destination of the people and is particularly crowded during the time of the festivals.


The Alamo is the most important historic site in the list of San Antonio attractions because it played an instrumental role in Texas’s fight for freedom from Mexico. Although the fort was originally established as the Mission San Antonio del Valero, it acted as a vantage point for the Texan army during the War of Independence due to which it is still deeply revered by the forthcoming generations.


The Tower of the Americas stands at a height of 750 feet and was built in 1968 as a part of the World Fair’s preparation. This tower is one of the most popular San Antonio attractions due to its glass walled elevators and an observation deck and is symbolic of the progress made by mankind ever since the inception of civilization.


The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum also serves as the Plaza Theatre of Wax among the San Antonio attractions because it houses wax mannequins of heroes, celebrities and fictional characters which resemble the originals so closely that they can scare anyone from any age group. Apart from wax representations of Jim Carrey, Dracula and Frankenstein this museum also has an underground cellar which features some of the weirdest items in this world.


The Steves Homestead is the former residence of an eminent citizen of the city named Edward Steve and is a historical masterpiece which must be included in the list of San Antonio attractions. This Victorian mansion was built in 1876 and apart from the antiques and the historical architecture it features the first indoor swimming pool of the city located behind the house within a building.


The Spanish Governor’s Palace is considered to be the most beautiful building among all the San Antonio attractions which served as the residence of the Governor in the late eighteenth century when Texas was a province of Spain. The building is a historical landmark and attempts to showcase the architectural style prevalent in those days characterized by small rooms, low ceilings and thick stucco walls. In addition, there is a cobblestone patio, a fountain as well as the original keystone which graces the entrance of the building.


The San Antonio Botanical Garden is spread over 33 acres of land and is considered to be the most exquisite of the San Antonio attractions because it is home to a conservatory, formal gardens, old fashioned gardens and native plants all of which are a delight to botany experts as well as gardening enthusiasts.


The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower is one of the San Antonio attractions which are well known for their architectural beauty and also as venues for hosting colorful events pertaining to the Christian community in the city. This church also holds the distinction of being declared as a minor basilica, an honor which is granted to very few churches in America.


The Freeman Coliseum is an American version of a coliseum which features in the list of San Antonio attractions because it hosts sporting events like wrestling matches and hockey, musical concerts, car shows, religious ceremonies as well as hunting and fishing expeditions.


The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was the largest theatre in the city when it was inaugurated in 1913 and is a must among the San Antonio attractions because it is a well known venue for holding seminars, conferences, Broadway Shows and performing arts within an exquisitely designed building.



For more information about fun things to do in San Antonio, visit Things to do in San Antonio.



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How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy — Fast

How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy — Fast

It's about as popular as a root canal or a blown tire on the freeway. Yet like both of those dreaded occurrences, filing for bankruptcy is commonplace in modern America. In 2013 1,107,699 individuals and businesses in the U.S. had to file for …

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M-Sport raise the "TiTänak"

Unfortunately, Ott Tänak became one of Rally Mexico's numerous victims, but the M-Sport team achieved the impossible – repairing a seemingly unsalvageable rally car to get it ready for tomorrow's stages. (Rallye-info: photo Tänak how he manages to pass …

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What's the Fastest Way to Boost My Credit?

Dear Debt Adviser, I make pretty good money, but my credit score is low. What's the fastest way to raise my score? I've looked for help through credit repair places, but I haven't decided whether they're right for me. I have paid off two credit cards …

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Build My Scores Advises Consumers on the Biggest Mistake Seen on Credit Reports



Plano, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2013


Build My Scores advises consumers on the crucial mistakes that drag down their credit report. It is fair to say, the majority of consumers realize not paying their bills on time will have a negative effect on their credit report. However, some actions are not so clear.



According to an article written by Adam Levin for ABCNews.com dated April 7, 2013 http://ift.tt/19BVWyV, the majority of people make a mistake when they believe they are trying to turn their credit score around. The most common error is closing credit card accounts. Depending on each individual financial situation, closing credit accounts could be the biggest mistake.



Good credit generally stays on the credit report longer than bad credit. Delinquencies and bankruptcies will stain a person’s credit history for seven to 10 years respectively, but a credit card account with zero delinquencies stays on for a full 10 years after it’s closed.



However after 10 years, that closed (positive) account will drop off the credit report; and if the overall length of the consumer’s credit history declines when that account goes away for good, then the score will take a hit. It is important to note that FICO and the three major bureaus allocate 15 percent of credit scores to individual credit history. The Credit Utilization Ratio (how much available credit a person actually uses) should be consistently around 10 percent.



There are three simple ways to minimize damage related to a closed credit card account: Close the right card, Pick the right moment – any improper actions too soon, could cost in high interest payments;



Manage the ratio – If planning to close an account, pay off balances on remaining cards as well.



Build My Scores is there to help with any credit-related questions. Credit repair can open many doors. It is not only important for saving money on insurance, loans or credit cards, but a better credit score can also open new employment opportunities. Contact the premier credit repair company, Build My Scores today for a free one-hour credit repair consultation at 866-611-9531.



About the company:



Build My Scores is a total credit restoration and enhancement company. Committed to delivering innovation, Build My Scores collaborates with referral partners such as mortgage, real estate, and banking professionals to help them with their clients that are facing credit challenges. Build My Scores provides credit repair help, credit repair services, and credit score repair. For more information, please visit their website at http://ift.tt/1I2S2h7 to see how they put together a tailored strategy to help clients restore their credit.














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Updated – TEA and AECOM Publish Global Theme Park and Museum Attendance Numbers for 2013



Burbank, Calif. USA (PRWEB) June 03, 2014


This version contains updated figures (as of June 5, 2014) and should be used in place of any previous version for 2013.



The annual TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, the definitive annual attendance study for the themed entertainment and museum industries, has been published. Theme park numbers for calendar year 2013 show substantial growth internationally, with the top North American parks surpassing pre-recession days, water parks emerging in Latin America, Asia continuing to surge forward and the Middle East resuming development activity. Globally, the top theme park operators posted attendance growth of 5.4 percent overall, and the top 25 theme parks grew at a similar rate of 4.3 percent. The top museums also performed well, up over 7 percent internationally.



Published by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Economics practice at AECOM, this report is available free on the AECOM website at http://ift.tt/1MkV6Vs and on the TEA website at http://ift.tt/1uetubG. It will also be distributed in a print version and Chinese-language translation at the IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo in Beijing, June 17-20.



John Robinett, senior vice president, economics, at AECOM, says, “There is a global rise in the importance of leisure as a driving influence in culture and economies. In the U.S., the leisure industry is now the number-two producer of jobs in the private sector after health care. In China, India, and increasingly in Latin America, this industry is growing at a rapid rate as middle class markets emerge. Barring major economic or social disruptions, this should continue into the future.”



Some key figures from the report:




377 million visits to attractions run by the top 10 global theme park groups, up 5.4 percent

215 million visits to the top 25 theme/amusement parks worldwide, up 4.3 percent

135 million visits to the top 20 North American theme/amusement parks, up 2.7 percent

117 million visits to the top 20 Asian theme/amusement parks, up 7.5 percent

106 million visits to the top 20 worldwide museums, up 7.2 percent

75 million visits to the top 20 European museums, up 4.6 percent

58 million visits to the top 20 European theme/amusement parks, flat

58 million visits to the top 20 North American museums, up 1.6 percent

53 million visits to the top 20 Asian museums, up 27.6 percent

27 million visits to the top 20 worldwide water parks, up 7.1 percent



The TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index is a collaboration of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the economics practice at AECOM, a global provider of technical-professional and management-support services. This calendar-year study of global attractions attendance is a free resource for park operators, land developers and the travel industry. Top worldwide theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, museums and theme park group operators are named, and industry trends are identified.


TEA president Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions says, “Leisure and travel industries are maturing in the West and breaking new ground in the East. It’s an exciting, creative time for our industry. We are honored to be partnering with AECOM for the seventh consecutive year on this annual study, a critical resource for anyone with an interest in the leisure and travel sector.”



Select quotes and figures – 2013 TEA/AECOM Theme Index & Museum Index



Full report available at: http://ift.tt/1uetubG and http://ift.tt/1MkV6Vs



THE AMERICAS



Brian Sands, vice president, Economics, Americas, AECOM



“2013 represents the fourth straight year of growth in North American theme parks since the worst of the Great Recession. The estimated 135.1 million visits to the top 20 parks equates to 3.6 million more visits, 2.7 percent higher than in 2012. Compared to 2004 (115.4 million visits), the increase is 17 percent. By contrast, the U.S. population grew about half as quickly, at 9 percent, from 2004 to 2013. All major operators with significant operations in North America reported increased per-capita revenues, some markedly.”



“Latin America’s top theme/amusement parks saw 13.7 million visits in 2013, representing growth of 3.8 percent or 500,000 visits – good given the slowing of the Latin American economies, though it must be acknowledged that on a same park basis, growth was only about 1 percent.”



The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida grew by nearly 6.0 percent, maintaining its position as the most visited theme park in the world with a total of 18.6 million visits.

The opening this year of Transformers™: The Ride 3-D at Universal Studios Florida pushed attendance up significantly to an estimated 7.1 million visits in 2013, an increase of 14.0 percent.

Attendance at Disney California Adventure increased in 2013 by 9.5 percent to reach an estimated 8.5 million visits, driven by the continued strong appeal of Cars Land.

Both Cedar Fair and Six Flags identified season passes as major drivers for growth in their attendance in 2013.


ASIA-PACIFIC



Chris Yoshii, vice president, Economics, Asia-Pacific, AECOM



“2013 was a very strong year overall for theme parks and water parks in Asia. The top theme parks had a combined attendance increase of 7.5 percent. Water parks came in at a 6 percent increase – well above 2012 levels. The five parks with the greatest attendance increases (Tokyo Disneyland at 15.9 percent, Tokyo Disney Sea at 11.3 percent, Hong Kong Disneyland at 10.4 percent, Lotte World at 15.9 percent, and Seoulland at 8 percent) all added attractions and underwent expansions and/or renovations.”



Fantawild is number 9 on the Top 10 worldwide operators list after opening three new properties between 2012 and 2013.

Seoulland made it to the Top 20 Theme/Amusement Parks Asia-Pacific list for the first time, thanks to an attendance increase of 8 percent.

Chimelong Group opened its new destination theme park and resort Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, receiving huge crowds.

All eyes are on Shanghai, as the much-anticipated late-2015 opening of Shanghai Disneyland approaches.


EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST



Jodie Lock, senior analyst Economics, Europe, AECOM



“Overall performance at European theme parks was mixed in 2013, giving rise to yet another static year for the top 20 parks. The picture displays an aggregate stabilized attendance figure of 58 million visitors. The U.K. tourism sector had a fantastic year. But in Southern Europe, parks were prevented from reaching their full potential due to the challenging economic situation.”



Merlin Entertainments, operator of just over one-third of the top 20 European parks, performed extremely well in 2013, especially its U.K. parks.

Europa Park has moved up to the position of second-most-visited theme park in Europe, in place of Walt Disney Studios Park. Europa Park boosted attendance by 6.5% while attendance at the two Disney parks near Paris declined by 6.9% – illustrating the North/South divide in economic recovery.

An appetite for development has returned in the Middle East, particularly the U.A.E.

Dubai’s selection to host the 2020 World Expo is also triggering a new wave of development.

Another emerging economy to watch is Russia.


MUSEUMS



Linda Cheu, vice president, AECOM



“The top 20 museums worldwide showed 7.2 percent growth in attendance at an estimated 105.6 million visits, up from 98.5 million in 2012. With the economy improving, we’re seeing endowments starting to increase for those museums that have them – as well as earned income, now that visitors have more money to spend on leisure activities. The last five years have been a major wakeup call for museums in general – especially those dependent primarily on one income source.”



London’s museums enjoyed a surge credited to the attention focused on the city during the Olympic Games the previous year.

Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain, saw a 23.8-percent attendance increase from a record 732,339 visits to the Salvador Dali exhibition.

In Los Angeles, The California Science Center posted a 31.5-percent attendance increase due to its new acquisition, Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Double-digit attendance jumps at museums in Asia for 2013 can be credited either to a popular exhibit, or to significant renovations that produce a visitation surge on reopening.


About TEA



The TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) is an international nonprofit alliance founded in 1991 and based in Burbank, Calif. TEA represents some 8,000 creative specialists, from architects to designers, technical specialists to master planners, scenic fabricators to artists, and builders to feasibility analysts working in some 1,000 firms in 40 different countries. TEA presents the annual Thea Awards and the TEA Summit and hosts the annual SATE conference (Story, Architecture, Technology, Experience). TEA produces a variety of print and electronic publications, including the annual TEA/AECOM Theme Index, TEA Annual & Directory and Thea Awards Program. Visit http://ift.tt/pSzRng.



About AECOM



AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 150 countries and had revenue of $ 8.0 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2013. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at http://www.aecom.com.



For additional figures and analysis of global theme park attendance, links to previous editions of the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index are available for several years back, including 2012, 2011 and 2010. More can be accessed on the TEA Connect blog.



Press contacts:



TEA



Judith Rubin, judy(at)teaconnect(dot)org



Jennie Nevin, jennie(at)teaconnect(dot)org



AECOM



Brian Sands, brian(dot)sands(at)aecom(dot)com



Erik Miller, erik(dot)miller(at)aecom(dot)com














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Air Canada AC624 crash: How acts of kindness helped passengers

Air Canada AC624 crash: How acts of kindness helped passengers

Firefighters and police officers arrived on the runway to find passengers in shorts and flip flops standing in the cold. … They also found phone chargers so some could make sure they had enough power to reach their families and tell them they were OK.

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Scott Walker denies ethanol flip-flop

The governor explained Monday that he is now okay with continuing the federal mandates, which require a certain amount of corn-based ethanol to be mixed into gasoline, to guarantee that there is “market access,” so that “individual consumers can have …

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Interstellar Blu-ray Review

Interstellar's imagery is so wonderful that you probably won't notice that the film flip-flops between a 2.39:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratios. Facial details, the sun glistening off an open body of water, strands of Mackenzie Foy's locks blowing in the …

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Spring into spring with the right shoe

I got my favorite pair from Old Navy, but they don't sell them anymore – so if you're interested, I recommend looking for them sooner than later! My boots have a small heel that helps … My go to flip flops are from Old Navy. I'm talking about the …

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17 Things to Know Before Dating a Girl From California

Burritos should be roughly the size of a newborn human baby and be so heavy you need both hands to pick it up. I'm literally salivating while typing … True story: When I started school in NYC, I tried to wear flip-flops in the snow. I learned my …

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A New Puppy

A new puppy is almost as eagerly awaited and anticipated as an infant and puppy proofing your home is just as necessary as child-proofing it for a toddler. Welcoming this new family member can be exciting and these adorable little bundles of energy can add a new dimension to a family. However like toddlers the new puppy can be one big bundle of trouble if the home is not puppy proofed prior to the new puppy’s arrival.


Just like any other family member the getting a puppy involves taking on a commitment to attend to their welfare and needs. Puppies much like infants require a safe environment in which to explore and play and that means puppy proofing is essential.


It is always wisest not to underestimate the curiosity of a toddler or that of a puppy. That cuddly bundle of energy will just like a toddler be into everything and probably some things a toddler could not quite reach.


Start with the floors as that is where a puppy will start. Slick floor surfaces will cause a puppy to slide and might cause injury to the puppy. Loose rugs may well become a favored chew toy. If it is potentially a danger, curious puppies can usually be the first to find it. Sharp furniture is as dangerous to a curious and sometimes too eager puppy, as it would be to a toddler. Small sharp items on the floor are dangerous to a puppy they may lick, chew gnaw or just step on tacks, staples, nails or even fingernail files.


The puppy proofing should be done room by room in any area where the puppy might have access. Light cords should be made placed out of the way covered in protective plastic or runners. The puppy’s access should be restricted only to allowed rooms. This means keeping the doors shut to kid’s rooms and using child proof gates where doors are impractical. Stairways are potential dangers for puppies just as they might be for a toddler and gates can keep the new puppy right where you put him.


Curiosity is a puppy’s middle name and anything small on the floor will receive a thorough inspection. Furniture is not invulnerable and puppies soon learn to climb, clamber and jump onto couches, chairs and coffee tables. That means remote controls; houseplants and any delicate decorative items should be safely out of the reach of puppy’s curious nose, paws, and mouth.


Some garden plants and weeds could be toxic to a puppy and it is important that the backyard be plant safe and puppy proofed. Any household cleaners or medications must be placed securely out of the puppy’s reach. Chewing on a medication bottle until it splinters can be just as dangerous as a puppy chewing glass particularly hard plastic prescription bottles, and the contents may be toxic if accidentally ingested.


Give the new puppy toys of their own, so they have things to chew on and can be kept engaged and active and safe. Supervise the puppy and keep the doors close or child gates in place to prevent their wandering out of bounds and getting into trouble.



Find hundreds more articles like this at ohmydogsupplies – where you can unique dog supplies like natural dog shampoo, dog feeders, and more cool dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.



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The Sixtyseven Indigo Sandal is One of Envi Shoes' Hottest Styles for Spring Plus Other Awesome New Arrivals from Shoe Brands Jeffrey Campbell and Gee Wa Wa

Lutherville, MD (PRWEB) March 31, 2014


With Spring finally here, the hunt for the perfect pair of sandals has begun. Envishoes.comanticipates the Birkenstock look will be one of the hottest must-haves of the season. With most brands making their own interpretation of the look, Envi Shoes made sure to stock styles that included those who favor the classic Birkenstock to those who prefer a more edgy take on the style. Cult brands including Jeffrey Campbell Shoes, Senso and Y.R.U. all jumped on the trend and offers a variety of must-have styles.


When you hear Birkenstock, it is hard not to think of the hippie, '60s flower children but this season; our perception will totally be transformed. Now, when we think of Birkenstock, we can reference supermodel Andreea Disconu in French Vogue riding a bicycle in last spring's most-talked about shoe, the Céline’s fur-lined Birkenstock.


Once considered a fashion faux pas reserved for tree huggers, the Birkenstock has been re-imagined by a sleuth of designers including Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci and Giambattista Valli and, of course, Phoebe Philo at Céline. You can also spot the look on fashionable celebs like Ashley Olsen and style bloggers like Danielle Bernstein of ‘We Wore What’.


Envi Shoes offers its customers plenty of Birkenstock-like styles without the hefty $800 Céline price tag. For example, take the Sixtyseven Indigo Sandal priced at $84.95, which is available in black, gold and white. This sandal is truly made for the girl who loves to keep it classic and wouldn’t mind a little platform.


Also available for the girl who appreciates a little edge is the Y.R.U. Everest Sandal. With a 3 ½” platform they definitely capture the Birkenstock look but don’t hold back in terms of height. Surprisingly lightweight and comfy, Y.R.U. does an excellent job capturing the trend while keeping their brand’s famous edge factor.


Tia Nicole Newton, Marketing Manager at Envishoes.com says, “Most of the sandals we carry this season, make a great transition from day to night. You will get more bang for your buck with styles you can dress up or down.”


Spring flatforms available at Envishoes.com are priced between $79-$200. You can find other great sandals on their website from brands including Jeffrey Campbell Shoes and Gee Wa Wa. Remember to visit Envi Shoes’ Instagram and Facebook accounts starting April, for a month of giveaways!


About Envi Shoes


Envi Shoes is an online retailer of fashion-forward designer shoes and accessories, for both men and women, from Jeffrey Campbell, UNIF, Y.R.U., T.U.K., Frye, Deandri, Wolverine, Senso, Rebecca Minkoff and more. Based in Baltimore, Maryland the company operates solely online with a global reach serving shoe lovers not only in the United States but also in the UK, Russia, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong to name a few.


Who is the Envi Shoes customer?


Envi Shoes likes to think of them as a lover of art, fashion and music. They are the blog readers, the trendsetters and risk-takers. They certainly don't follow the trends, they set them.


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Puma The Most Famous Sports Brand In World

PUMA is among the most well-known sports brand in this world. The company was founded in 1948. PUMA starts in Sports and ends in Fashion. When it comes to blending fashion with sports, Puma shoes bid to be the most desirable and identifiable brand. For shoes Puma is one of the most searched brands till now. Puma offer a wide range of shoes that suit everybody including men, women, and children. Puma is leading brands of most of soccer teams and has tied up with many top soccer teams of the world. They have designed shoes for sports like cricket, basketball and most importantly football. They are also main sponsors of Formula 1 teams like Ferrari and BMW. However, most of people who have no interest in sports or athletics still prefer puma sneakers and shoes just as they look stylish and comfortable.


Puma has huge impact in the shoes industry. Presently Puma represents the latest trends of fashion. Though other sports shoes in order to create for sport brands, and continue to develop more and more capable sports shoes, the Puma has been put the new design in the fashion and living area with shoes. Puma is one of the world’s top sport companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories.


Puma shoes are generally beneficial tough shoes which can be used for many different applications and the company has met with great success during the past decades. They are well known for their running shoes as well as golf shoes and those that participate in various motor sports. As a result the company has gained knowledge as to what is required in a good shoe.


Puma have beyond doubt had gained fame from the athletes wearing and the company has grown in leap and bounds in giving consumer a valid reason for buying Puma foot wear. There are a variety of Puma lines of foot wear to suit all occasions such as the Black Label line which is ideal for formal occasions and the customers are just as satisfied as the athletes.


Puma shoes is considered to be highly customized in terms of stylish foot wear which gives you a wide range to choose from a wide range of colors this is why Puma products are highly sought after and especially by people that are tired of using other brands.


The cost will also depend on the style, choice and what you are looking for in a pair of shoes. You can go to the official PUMA India online store and view the wonderful range of Puma shoes and you also have an option to purchase online. Puma India provides for great online shopping experience for our Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels includes categories such as Soccer, Running, Motorsport, Golf and Sailing.


For more details on Puma Shoes you can visit http://www.pumashop.in.


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State Officials Seek Solution to Massachusetts Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) April 23, 2007


In response to the record number of home foreclosures filed in Massachusetts during 2006, state legislators and housing experts are eagerly seeking new reforms in existing legislation that would seek to provide homeowners with more options when faced with an impending foreclosure.


Many attribute this sudden spike in foreclosures to the proliferation of sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgages, which provide loans to borrowers with bad credit and little money to put towards a down payment. During the housing market surge that peaked roughly three years ago, lenders were eager to capitalize on the demand for real estate by pushing sub-prime mortgages at astonishingly low initial costs.


While these loans typically run at a fixed interest rate for the first year after instatement, they are then subject to a period of “adjustment”, when the rate can fluctuate wildly and without limits, making it nearly impossible for homeowners to keep up with their monthly payments. Consequently, homeowners around the state have been served with foreclosure notices urging them to pay up or surrender their house to repossession. Roughly 50% of homes going into foreclosure during the past year have been attributed to sub-prime mortgage borrowing.


Earlier this week, the Boston Herald reported that the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Housing met to discuss options to slow the trend and give homeowners a chance to avoid a credit-ruining foreclosure. While many of the bill items proposed dealt with registering employees of lenders and mortgage brokers, most of the focus was on providing homeowners with assistance in paying off their bills. These included a proposal for creating a 30 to 60 day waiting period after a notice of foreclosure is received, during which the homeowner can attempt to raise the money to settle the debt without the threat of late payments and fees, which in the past have made it nearly impossible for homeowners to catch up once behind in payments.


This period also gives homeowners an adequate chance to sell off their property for a reasonable price, if raising the money themselves is not an option. Homebuyers and foreclosure victims can often come to mutually beneficial terms on sales; the buyer can purchase the property for below its actual value, while the owner still makes enough money to pay off the debt owed. In many cases, homeowners even end up walking away with a little extra money to start over.


The Herald and other sources report that legislators are also considering a proposal to require lenders to obtain court approval before going ahead with foreclosure proceedings. Many feel that this measure, already employed by many other states, would at least provide more opportunity for homeowners to find a way out of foreclosure.


Other suggestions involved creating an Emergency Loan Fund for borrowers who sign up with foreclosure prevention agencies, and allocating significant funds to launch a Foreclosure Education campaign designed to alert homeowners to the dangers of sub-prime borrowing and predatory lending practices.


The Committee will continue reviewing the measures proposed through next week and is expected to come to an agreement in the near future on a bill to put before the state house and senate.


ForeclosureConnections.com is a leading provider of information on the foreclosure market and housing trends throughout Massachusetts and the rest of the nation. With over 500,000 foreclosure listings and large educational resources for both homeowners and buyers, we can help anyone learn what they need to do to buy or sell a home due to foreclosure. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1GeVumI.


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State Officials Seek Solution to Massachusetts Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) April 23, 2007


In response to the record number of home foreclosures filed in Massachusetts during 2006, state legislators and housing experts are eagerly seeking new reforms in existing legislation that would seek to provide homeowners with more options when faced with an impending foreclosure.


Many attribute this sudden spike in foreclosures to the proliferation of sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgages, which provide loans to borrowers with bad credit and little money to put towards a down payment. During the housing market surge that peaked roughly three years ago, lenders were eager to capitalize on the demand for real estate by pushing sub-prime mortgages at astonishingly low initial costs.


While these loans typically run at a fixed interest rate for the first year after instatement, they are then subject to a period of “adjustment”, when the rate can fluctuate wildly and without limits, making it nearly impossible for homeowners to keep up with their monthly payments. Consequently, homeowners around the state have been served with foreclosure notices urging them to pay up or surrender their house to repossession. Roughly 50% of homes going into foreclosure during the past year have been attributed to sub-prime mortgage borrowing.


Earlier this week, the Boston Herald reported that the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Housing met to discuss options to slow the trend and give homeowners a chance to avoid a credit-ruining foreclosure. While many of the bill items proposed dealt with registering employees of lenders and mortgage brokers, most of the focus was on providing homeowners with assistance in paying off their bills. These included a proposal for creating a 30 to 60 day waiting period after a notice of foreclosure is received, during which the homeowner can attempt to raise the money to settle the debt without the threat of late payments and fees, which in the past have made it nearly impossible for homeowners to catch up once behind in payments.


This period also gives homeowners an adequate chance to sell off their property for a reasonable price, if raising the money themselves is not an option. Homebuyers and foreclosure victims can often come to mutually beneficial terms on sales; the buyer can purchase the property for below its actual value, while the owner still makes enough money to pay off the debt owed. In many cases, homeowners even end up walking away with a little extra money to start over.


The Herald and other sources report that legislators are also considering a proposal to require lenders to obtain court approval before going ahead with foreclosure proceedings. Many feel that this measure, already employed by many other states, would at least provide more opportunity for homeowners to find a way out of foreclosure.


Other suggestions involved creating an Emergency Loan Fund for borrowers who sign up with foreclosure prevention agencies, and allocating significant funds to launch a Foreclosure Education campaign designed to alert homeowners to the dangers of sub-prime borrowing and predatory lending practices.


The Committee will continue reviewing the measures proposed through next week and is expected to come to an agreement in the near future on a bill to put before the state house and senate.


ForeclosureConnections.com is a leading provider of information on the foreclosure market and housing trends throughout Massachusetts and the rest of the nation. With over 500,000 foreclosure listings and large educational resources for both homeowners and buyers, we can help anyone learn what they need to do to buy or sell a home due to foreclosure. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1GeVumI.


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Zion Health announces simple detox remedy; Kanwa Minerals Detox drinks and supplements now available at Sierra Vista Co-Op



San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2015


Bay Area body care company Zion Health has just announced that Kanwa Energy Detox, the company’s signature mineral supplement, will now be carried at Sierra Vista Food Co-Op located on 96 S Carmichael Ave in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Health enthusiasts and alternative medical practitioners will now be able to incorporate the unique blend of minerals into their natural detox plans in the heart of the Grand Canyon State.



Kanwa Energy Detox contains the active ingredient Calcium Montmorillonite, which is a food-grade clay known to help relieve fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders from stomachaches to ulcers. This clay, found throughout the deserts of America, contains 57 essential trace minerals that provide the body with needed nutrition to support daily bodily function. From iron to calcium to manganese, these compounds are known to be vital in maintaining healthy skin, hair and bone density, and using Kanwa Energy Detox as a mineral supplement is an easy way to guarantee daily nutrition.



A 1991 study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition supports that types of Bentonite clay like Montmorillonite can absorb dietary and bacterial toxins related to digestive disorders. This “living clay” passes through the digestive system and bonds with heavy metals and toxins, then safely eliminates them through natural digestion. Homeopathic practitioners use Kanwa Energy Detox to gently rid the body of harmful contaminants with a mild negative ionic charge within the clay.



Indigenous cultures in Africa and the Americas have used bentonite clays like Kanwa for centuries as a natural detox remedy for stomach pain and intestinal distress. Found in volcanic ash deposits in California’s Death Valley and beyond, these clays are known to naturally absorb stomach acid, balance internal pH, and fight toxins and bacteria often responsible for inflammation and ulcers.



A group of community members and food fanatics founded Sierra Vista Food Co-Op in 2006, and since then the store has been dedicated to its mission of providing fresh, healthy foods and supplements to customers and supporting the local economy. By favoring small producers and sustainable businesses, the Co-Op continues to make an impact in reducing the usage and consumption of pesticides and agricultural chemicals. Kanwa Energy Detox is just one of the many health products available at the Co-Op, and fits well with the company’s overall philosophy.



Kanwa Mineral Detox products may be purchased online at Adama Minerals.com and Sierra Vista Co-op Health food Store located in Arizona.. Zion provides its consumers with pure skin and body care products that are vegan, free of parabens, and formulated using certified organic ingredients whenever possible.














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Magnetic Bracelets – Do They Work?

Magnetic bracelets are the latest in the world of alternative therapy, and are known to provide relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, migraines, and poor blood circulation. Though magnetic therapy has been used for a long time as a method of treatment, its revival has brought its benefits back into the limelight. Now though a lot of people swear by magnetic bracelets, whether they work is still doubted by several others. Let’s take a look at the research conducted about these bracelets, and find out if they really work.


Function


Magnetic bracelets are based on the principles of magnetic therapy. Various cells in our body emit electromagnetic impulses. When these impulses are disturbed due to various health problems, it results in poor health and discomfort. When the principles of magnetic therapy are applied by wearing magnetic bracelets, these bracelets help balance the magnetic fields in the body and reduce the effects of certain health problems. The benefits of wearing them are known to include improvement of blood circulation to the affected area, enhanced production of melatonin to induce sleep and promote healing, and healing of broken bones due to the increased transfer of calcium ions to the bones. The use of these bracelets around the wrist is known to affect various parts of the body such as the neck, arms, and shoulders, because the wrist has numerous acupressure points. Minor studies suggest that wearing a magnetic bracelet will also provide relief from stomach disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression.


The Big Question – Do Magnetic Bracelets Work?


A recent research conducted by the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, England, has revealed that magnetic bracelets indeed work, particularly well for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. Those who wore these strengthened bracelets for a week reported lowered pain and relief from their conditions. However, it is important to note that these were worn while all other treatment procedures including medication and other therapy were continued. Whether or not magnetic bracelets alone can provide the aforementioned benefits has not been tested yet. Also, this research was conducted on a group of only 194 people, and experts suggest that the benefits of magnetic bracelets for arthritis and other conditions cannot be generalized based on a research conducted on such a small group of people.


Now, you may have heard of a lot of people swearing by the effects that magnetic bracelets have had on their health. Since the true effectiveness of these bracelets has not yet been proven, researchers suggest that its effectiveness is felt due to what is known as a placebo effect. Thus, the benefits of these bracelets are experienced because of a belief that they are indeed working. Based on this theory, you don’t need a magnetic bracelet to heal you if you can heal yourself simply by believing that your body is healing. In any case, the bottom line is to learn about their effectiveness and whether they work, you will have to wear one yourself and learn about it. Considering that it is not a very expensive investment, you can try it out and spread the word yourself.


Important Considerations


Magnetic bracelets should be worn keeping certain considerations in mind. For one, those who have undergone cardiac surgery and have a pacemaker, or are undergoing any kind of radiation treatment should not wear them. Also, avoid wearing these bracelets if you are going for an X-ray, a CAT scan or an MRI scan. These procedures operate under high magnetic fields which can be greatly affected, if you are wearing a magnetic bracelet.


Finally, there is no harm in wearing a magnetic bracelet; whether they work is a question you can only answer yourself after wearing one. With mixed reviews regarding the effectiveness of these, it is difficult to reach a conclusion about whether or not they really work. Whatever you do, do not give up on your actual treatment procedure or medication and rely only on these bracelets to cure your health problem. This is an unsafe step and may cause your health problems to worsen.


Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not intend to replace the advice of a medical expert. Consult your doctor before wearing these bracelets, to get the right guidance regarding the benefits, effectiveness, and important considerations before you invest in them.


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