Making sense of SEO

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:42:00 +0000

Mortgage loan is a legally binding contract that enables a person to buy a property. This is a long-term financial commitment when the monthly repayments span over a period of as much as 25 years. Cheap mortgage gives a peace of mind and the revenue needed to continuously repay the mortgage as there will be no risk of losing the home. If the person were redundant due to some unforeseen circumstances like accident or illness, then cheap mortgage cover would be helpful until the person is able to get back to work. Cheap mortgage involves not only low interest rate but also the additional costs, which could be added later on. It is better to compare several quotes from lenders available in the market to get the cheapest mortgage.

A sane person is one who collects as much information as possible regarding all the aspects of cheap mortgage before pinning down on a single mortgage. By doing so, he is less prone to be misled by lenders. As far as the interest rates are concerned, a specialist website is essential which is the best and easiest way of gathering quotes from the entire market. This is the place where a person can find information regarding additional costs and a free access to mortgage facts. This is important because additional costs can boost up the cost and the mortgage will no longer be cheap.

While opting for cheap mortgage it is necessary in the first hand to decide between fixed rate interest and a variable rate interest. The variable rate fluctuates in line with the base rate of banks and in case it is low it is beneficial to go in for a short-term mortgage. The fixed rate of interest remains fixed over a certain term regardless of the rise in the interest rate. There fore the pros and cons should be weighed before choosing between the two types of interest rates.

The rate of interest, the type of mortgage and flexible repayment schedules are the factors that determine whether the mortgage is cheap or not. If a person is in tight budget it is imperative to see whether there is any service cost, survey cost, application cost, administration cost and solicitor cost. To raise additional finance for cheap mortgage releasing equity is another way out. If the market value of the house is greater than the outstanding mortgage, a person can increase the size of the mortgage.

Generally cheap mortgages are offered to people having a good credit history which is the deciding factor taken into account when applying for a mortgage. If the credit rate is less, then the interest rate will be higher. Therefore it is advisable to first improve the credit rate before applying for mortgage- the less the need to borrow the cheaper the mortgage will be. So, to get the cheapest mortgage the down payment amount that could be afforded should be considered to keep the borrowing amount to the minimum.
The rate of interest, the type of mortgage and the term of mortgage are the factors deciding whether the mortgage is cheap or not. If a person is in tight budget it is imperative to see whether there is any service cost, survey cost application cost or administration cost and solicitor cost

To raise additional finance for cheap mortgage releasing equity is another way out the market value if the house is greater than the outstanding mortgage a person can increase the size of the mortgage.

About the Author:

The web guide http://www.fundsleader.info discusses the key features of mortgage and refinancing in a comprehensive manner. Also check out http://www.financialdeals.info for a better understanding of how refinancing works for various types of home loans.

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The Mortgage Rate Calculator

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:31:00 +0000

Generally speaking, we have no control over what interest rates will be. Government policy and the general state of the economy including the inflation rate will dictate the range of interest rates that will be available.

Still, when we go for a mortgage there are things in our credit history that can determine whether we will get a higher or lower interest rate than that of the normal market. Some of the things that determine whether or not we will get a favorable mortgage rate are:

. Our credit rating
. The length or term of the mortgage
. Timing (What the going rate is when we apply)
. How intensely we shop around, and
. Points paid at closing

The power of getting the best rate

While some of these things are determined mostly by how lucky we are, there are certain ways to save tens of thousands of dollars on your mortgage. Take the following example: You have found your bank will loan you $200,000 at the rate of 6% over a period of 360 payments, which is 30 years. With a mortgage calculator, it is determined the monthly payment for this loan will be $1,199.10. Also, it can be calculated over the course of this loan, you will have paid a total of $431,676.00 in principal and interest.

Another possible scenario is the same bank gives you an option to take a mortgage of $200,000 for a term of 240 payments, or 20 years at 5.5%. Here, a monthly mortgage calculator calculates the monthly payment to be $1,375.77. This means over the course of the 20-year mortgage you will have paid a total in principal and interest of $330,189.80.

Calculate your way to savings

You can easily see by taking the 20-year mortgage instead of the 30-year mortgage, you will have saved $100,000. Still, you decide paying $1,375.77 will not fit into your monthly budget. So, you continue your search for the right mortgage.

Another lender offers you a 30-year mortgage on a $200,000 principal. However, this lender will give you an interest rate of 5.5 % instead of the 6% you would have paid on the other 30-year mortgage. Going to the calculator, you'll find your monthly payment to be $1,135.50. Paying this mortgage in full for the 30-year term will cost $408,808.80.

So the difference between this 30-year loan and the other 30-year loan is a little more than $23,000. The only thing you did was look a little harder to find the right mortgage.

Paying a little more each month

Let's go one step further. You decide the first 30-year mortgage's monthly payment, $1,199.10, was an amount you could easily pay. So, you decide to pay this amount each month on the 5.5% mortgage. By doing this, you will have the mortgage paid in 26 years instead of 30. This will result in a savings of close to $30,000 over what you would have paid if you just made the $1,135.50 monthly payment.

Even more interesting is the fact you have already saved $23,000 because you've taken the lower rate. So, by taking the lower rate and paying the higher monthly payment, you will have saved a total of $53,000!

The calculator arms you with important knowledge

Without understanding and making use of the power of a mortgage calculator, a person normally ends up paying top dollar. However, with the combination of knowing just how much money is at stake and being a frugal shopper, tens of thousands of dollars can be saved.

In these examples, we used a mortgage calculator that calculates for monthly mortgage payments. Also, we used a calculator that determines the total amount paid over the full term of a mortgage. There is, however, an interest rate calculator that figures the interest rate when given the principal of the mortgage, the term of the mortgage and the monthly payment that will be made.

This is an important type of calculator to be familiar with because when you know how much money you need to borrow and how large of a monthly payment you qualify for, you can determine the mortgage rate you'll need to get.

Let's take this example: in order for a family to buy a new house they will need to be able to borrow $200,000. A 30-year term is all right for them and they have qualified to make a payment of $1,250 each month. By using an interest rate calculator, it is determined that they need to find a mortgage whose rates is no more than 6.392%.

With this knowledge, the potential borrowers have a predetermination of exactly what mortgage they will need to find. In this case, there's no doubt they'll find the right mortgage and will not be talked into taking one over their heads. This is another one of the powerful, money saving uses of a mortgage calculator.

About the Author:

Ed Lathrop has developed a Mortgage Calculator that calculates anything to do with mortgages, shows you how to pay off credit card debt and much more. Calculate any mortgage's interest rate at: Interest Rate. Also visit the famous "How to Make $100,000 on Your Mortgage" calculator at: Pay Down Your Mortgage Calculator . There are no popups or spyware at this site!

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Mortgage Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:44:00 +0000

nvesting in a home loan for the first time can be a daunting experience and that is why it is important to take onboard all the advice you can get. Perhaps you feel the initial mortgage advice you got from your bank is efficient. However, if you feel you need more guidance on how to take the best advantage of your home loan you will need to look into additional loan tips from people who have successfully saved thousands.

Loan Optimizer’s Mortgage Tips become invaluable when applied to a home loan which runs for 20 to 30 years. When implemented correctly our home loan calculator will calculate exactly how much you can save yourself in the long run. Mortgage tips can help you save the hundreds of thousands of rands you have identified through your home loan calculator by helping you get rid of your loan quicker.

Our Get Ahead Mortgage Tips eBook explains why one should consider taking these tips seriously and what tangible benefits you will gain from them. Home loan tips are the most effective when put into practice from the very beginning of your mortgage (from before you buy the house up to the first five years).

The following is a list of mortgage tips that can save you years off your home loan bond.

Pay your home loan instalment as early as possible every month
Pay more (several hundred) than your minimum mortgage instalment
Buy property which you can easily afford
Pay the loan start up costs cash (such as attorney fees)
When interest rates decrease, maintain your previous home loan instalments
Do not take your annual bonus (ask your company to pay it monthly and use it for extra mortgage instalments)

Home loan tips like the above have the potential to save you a lot of money. Doing a few calculations on the mortgage calculator will supply you with proof of this. In order to work out the benefit of these home loan tips you will need to purchase our Get Ahead Mortgage Tips eBoo k in the Products section, the home loan calculator comes free with the purchase of this Mortgage Tips eBook.

Get Ahead Mortgage Tips eBook will help you make the best use of any mortgage saving advice by educating you on the reasons why you should be moneywise when it comes to your home loan in the first place.

Cars for Sale – Buy New & Used Cars – Repossessed Cars on Sale Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/cars-for-sale-buy-new-used-cars-r

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Cars for Sale:

Are you looking for a “cars for sale” auction to buy a car/cars? At best car deals website you will get instant access to thousands of new and used repossessed homes, cars, trucks and SUV’s on sale that have been seized by the government, police, IRS customs, DEA, banks and lending institutions etc, all car makes and models, new and used cars for sale from up to 95% off, used cars with low miles and clean records. This is a closely guarded resource only used by car dealerships and realtor to buy and sell cars and homes due to the extreme discounted prices and amazing deals not possible in any other way. Click here to see Best Car Deals site.

Repossessed Cars:

Every day thousands of Americans default on their car payments, or fail to abide by certain law which in turn, causes the law enforcement agencies to seize their cars and other property indefinitely. Some of these cars are repossessed from criminals and individuals or institutions with large amounts of bank loans and debts which they are unable or refuse to pay and also in cases of tax evasion. For this reason vehicles repossessed in these kinds of situation are quickly repossessed and auctioned on non – profit basis for the banks and lending institutions to cover loses and to minimize cost of storage and maintenance. This is therefore a perfect source for you to buy your dream car used / new. The general public does not know about kind of cars for sale and homes auctions! After being a member of the site there is no reason to buy from a dealership or realtor ever again!

New and Used Repossessed Cars for Sale:

Repossessed cars for sale auctions are now becoming more and more popular. This is the perfect way for any individual be it a car dealer or even students to buy cars due to affordability. Once you become a member of auction seized cars website you will get an excellent service to help you save time and money with a detailed database site and much more about government and state auctions sites and their contact phone numbers. This is the most updated database on government and state auctions with online support and live service to assist you and help you find exactly what you are looking for and make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

Buy New & Used Cars:

Once you become a member you will get instant access to thousands of repossessed cars for sale both new and used cars to choose from including luxury homes. You will get an opportunity to shop at local and online auctions allover the U.S (every U.S state). The site has implemented an awesome system for its members to utilize and now you can become that lucky buyer and drive away with the car or home of your dreams! The repossessed cars are kept in a warehouse; the homes repossessed, and then auctioned off in a hurry. These auctions sometimes have a few people attending; therefore these repossessed cars are sold for bargain prices.

Some of the cars on sale are: Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Audi, Isuzu, Oldsmobile, BMW, Jaguar, Plymouth, Buick, Jeep, Pontiac, Cadillac, Kia, Porsche, Chevrolet, Land Rover, Saab, Chrysler, Lexus, Saturn, Dodge, Lincoln, Subaru, Ford, Mazda, Suzuki, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, Mercury, Volkswagen, HUMMER, MINI, Volvo, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Ferrari

You will be able to browse through all this models and more then bid and buy these cars at unheard – of low prices of up to 90% off. You also get full access to easy online bidding, seized car listings, dealer car auctions, bank repo vehicles, police repo vehicles, other government auctions, browse online listings or buy offline, From basic to luxury cars for sale and homes and save thousands of dollars.

In the past, only car dealers and realtors with special licenses could access these auctions, only now cause of the internet, things have changed because big business has saturated the market in turn making it impossible for many of these repossessed cars and homes auction centers to get the word out. These auction centers and online Auctions need you to attend and buy because of the enormous expense to store these thousands of vehicles and homes. This is the absolute best way of attaining the car or home of your dreams for a fraction of what it would cost you otherwise.

Advantage of repossessed new and used cars auction:

Repossessed cars for sale auctions offer multiple benefits among buyers simply because they are being offered at a low starting price and this makes it possible for you to save big money, buyers can expect a whole wide range of choices for vehicles and the quality of the vehicles is not compromised by the prices. It is possible for you to find the car you have always wanted available at a price you can easily afford.

Besides a low starting price repossessed cars on sale auctions offer quality cars in a lot of ways, most of the cars are in top condition and will look quite new with the warrant still on. There are no pieces of junk in fact, you will be amazed at how unbelievably good and well maintained these cars are being sold at a price that even teenagers can afford.

If you buy repossessed cars, don’t think that these cars are always in bad shape. You will be surprised to know that some of these repossessed cars are in brand new condition. You can get a background check on the vehicle you wish to buy; you should also be able to do a little research on its history and records. Repossessed cars for sale auctions usually give information regarding the repossessed cars for free, including history reports on the car that you wish to buy. Buy new & used cars click here to view and join cars for sale and Repossessed cars on sale at auction seized cars on sale site.

Your Architecture Questions Answered

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Have you ever looked at a building and thought it was a miracle that something so intricate could ever be designed by man? Architecture plays a vital role in everything we see, touch or feel. Our homes are designed with protection and comfort in mind. The eye is pleased by the soaring arches and beautiful designs using stone, wood, metal or glass.

It is both an art and a science that has taken mankind through the centuries. From the first crudely constructed structures to the dizzying heights of skyscrapers, humanity has been shaped and nurtured with it. In this article we will discuss the history of architecture and some of the basic questions you may have regarding this great blend of art, form, science and function.

What are the different types of architecture?

There are many types of architects. But to be more specific, the architects specialize in different areas. All usually have the same background of a Bachelor's degree but some chose not to design buildings. A landscape architect specializes in shaping nature.

The "green" architect designs homes and buildings to conserve energy and help protect the Earth's resources. Some architects work only on historic preservation. There are many areas in which an architect can focus his or her talents.

What are some of the most famous examples of great architecture?

Just to keep the list brief but duly notable, we will list only the major examples of architecture through the ages. The Neolithic period gave us the dwellings at Skara Brae. The Ancient period gave us the pyramids in Egypt, the Temple of Hera in Greece and the Indian Hindu temples of Somanathapura.

You also can not forget the Cistine Chapel, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building. If you are a fan of Modern architecture then you probably are familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters in Pennsylvania.

What are some of the top schools for architecture?

Depending on the style of architecture you wish to pursue, there are many great colleges and universities in the United States that can offer fabulous opportunities to learn it. The top five for a Bachelor's degree in it are: Cornell University, Rice University, Syracuse University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Keep in mind that rankings do not mean that your chosen school does not have a fine program. These are just a few of the colleges on the list.

How long will my degree take?

No one can give you an exact time that you will complete your degree within. If you continue through school until you have achieved a Master's degree and finished your internship, you are looking at around six to eight years. It can be more or less depending on your class load and how easy you pass the classes and tests to acquire your license.

What do I need to know in order to design my own home?

All home designs start with a vision about how you want your house to look. After you have decided what look you are trying to obtain, you need to start thinking about having someone who knows structural codes come in and help you. There are many house designing programs that can help you design your own home. You can always talk with a builder and take a look at his or her plans and modify them.

Interior Design Facts That You Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:55:00 +0000

Much like the history of art, the history of interior design has had numerous styles, movements and the political and social developments that have informed or challenged its evolution.

Encyclopedias define interior design as: planning and design of man made spaces, a part of environmental designs and closely related to architecture. Although the desire to create a pleasant environment is as old as civilization itself the field of interior design is relatively new, this seems on target for most home designs.

Since at least the middle of the 20th century, the term interior decorator has been so loosely applied as to be nearly meaningless. Meaningless? Maybe since the word eclectic has become a household word.

Interior designers use their education, creativeness, and experience to help plan the space and furnish the interiors of private homes, public buildings, and business or institutional facilities, such as offices, restaurants, retail establishments, hospitals, hotels, and theaters.

Professional designers can tell you if a chair is a Greek, Roman, Byzantium, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Gothic, Moorish, Spanish, Anglo Saxon or Charlemagnes Chair. Does the average person even know anything about the colonial period, the revival of Directoire and empire furniture, the Victorian period or the periods of the three Louis?

This may be why a lot of creative people shy away from decorating there own special spaces.

In this modern day and age people can now use their creativity to create beautiful living spaces without caring that they may break a cardinal rule of decorating. Home decorating, is a conscious effort to improve the appearance and functionality of ones living areas, in many homes and living spaces.

This means that we can break out of the styles of the past and create our own areas of comfort and style. Really know what you want as a home, want it, and you can work out any scheme, provided you have intelligence, patience and perseverance.

What is eclectic? Eclectic is basically made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources, like mixing a Elizabethan chair next to a Queen Anne stool. As part of the ever increasing quest for individual expression in decor the eclectic style has emerged as a favorite among homeowners that want to decorate the world around them.

This gives us all freedom to decorate to our own taste and comfort level!

Acknowledging all schemes of interior decoration and insisting that what makes any scheme good or bad, successful, or unsuccessful is the fact that it is planned in reference to the type of person who will live in it. If you are to be living in it then you can do anything you want.

In planning your house after arranging for proper wall space for your various articles of furniture, keep in mind always that balance will be needed and must be at the same time conveniently placed and distinctly decorative; convenient for the individual along with the family.

I am often astonished to see how many times the careless placing of one piece of decor furniture upsets the actual balance of a room. One chair in the flow of traffic or a tipsy lamp next to a door can really ruin a good looking design. To help you make smart choices, look thru books on decorating that discuss traits, preferred room dimensions, available options for furniture matching, and other helpful decision making information. Often ebooks and other online resource can point out good hints and tips to really get you started.

With this in mind and ideas fresh, I suggest lots of thought and some research before starting out on this great endeavor, but with a plan in hand roll up your sleeves and get going!

john savage has a Blog which shows where you can learn the Insider Secrets to decorating success.

Click Here to visit his Blog.

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Solar cooking … affordable first step to lower electricity bills

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Bigger monthly electricity bills are powering a surge of interest in energy-saving ideas.

Two key statistics in the family quest for energy-efficiency are the average household electricity consumption, according to Eskom, of 1100kWh per month, with an estimated 8% of consumption ascribed to the stove in your kitchen.

Eskom-free cooking by some other means can therefore save up to 8% on power bills that recently went up by more than a quarter.

The arithmetic has sparked renewed interest in solar cooking, says Herman Warren, chief executive of Sun Ray Cooker, manufacturers of a South Africa-made solar cooker that has become a major beneficiary of the energy-efficiency trend.

Families are examining an array of power-saving options, but generally want to make an affordable, hassle-free start that’s easy to implement.

Warren explains: “High initial costs deter many people from adopting solar geysers – even with an Eskom subsidy. Pre-paid meters as a monitoring option can also be quite expensive.

“Those who are ‘going green’ will certainly consider solar roof tiles or shingles at some future stage, but this entails significant investment and means calling in a roofing contractor.

“As electricity bills soar, South Africans will move towards solutions like this, but for now they are primarily in the market for an affordable starting point they don’t have to pay a contractor’s crew to install – this usually means a solar cooker you simply set up in the sun.”

The patented Sun Ray Cooker is affordable, durable and child’s play to use.

It is a slow-cooker, which means there is no danger of over-cooking. Food is simply placed inside the box and left out in the sun. There is no need to stir. Natural temperature build-up cooks the food. Generally, a slow solar cooker takes twice the time to cook a meal as a conventional stove.

Food for up to six people can be cooked at one time in the Sun Ray Cooker.

Warren adds: “Our cooker enables you to cook everything from beans to stews. The cooker will also bake bread. Customers often experiment and share new meal ideas they have cooked up, including desserts.

“Users get into the habit of popping a meal into the cooker, leaving it out in the sun and going to the shops or gym. They then come back to a naturally cooked and nutritious meal. Solar cooking becomes part of the lifestyle. You plug into the great power-point in the sky and the sun does the rest.”

Solar cooking is an all-year option. Even winter sunshine is sufficient for perfect cooking results, says Warren.

“The sun puts out its rays non-stop without putting up its rates,” says Warren. “That’s the sort of utility South Africans are looking for.”

Sunshine Cooking Sure Beats Slaving Over a Hot Stove…

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:27:00 +0000

Summer’s here. The temperature’s on the up and up. Lazing by the pool is high on the agenda or perhaps parking off in the garden within easy reach of a long, cool drink is your idea of fun in the sun.

What you don’t need is a couple of hours in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove. You’ve got to eat, but culinary inspiration shouldn’t involve that amount of perspiration.

And there’s no reason why it should.

South Africa’s latest lifestyle accessory means cooking is no sweat.

Sunshine cooking is in and the solar cooking box is all set to transform the South African approach to dining al fresco. The sun, your power socket in the sky, provides all the heat you need.

Solar power has been harnessed for centuries. The Egyptians used it to bake bricks. You can use it for baking, roasting, stewing; even for making desserts.

Newly launched Sun Ray Cooker, now proudly manufactured in South Africa, is at the forefront of the local trend to non-polluting, eco-friendly solar cooking.

You simply place the food in a black pot or a pot wrapped in Sun Ray Cooker Foil, pop into the open box and leave in the sun. The patented Sun Ray Cooker is a slow cooker, so there’s no need to worry about over-cooking.

There’s no fuss, no rush and no need to stir. Most fans of sunshine cuisine put the food in the box in the morning and leave it until mid-day.

You do your thing and the solar cooking box does the rest. You can cook in your garden or take your Sun Ray Cooker out for a picnic. It only weighs a little over 3kg, yet still holds enough food to serve six.

Herman Warren, Sun Ray Cooker’s founder, says the safe, no-smoke, no-fire method of open-air cooking brings a new dimension to outdoor living.

“The traditional South African braai will always have its place in the sun,” says Herman, “but solar cooking is a clean, convenient and eco-friendly alternative.

“The food cooks naturally in its own juices. The results are nutritious and delicious. You can cook a complete meal – the meat and veg, the bread and desserts to follow.”

In October, South Africa enjoys an average of 8.9 hours of sunshine a day. In November, this goes up to 9.9 hours. Solar cooking usually takes only one to three hours.

People warming to the solar cooking concept can visit www.sunraycooker.co.za for hot recipe tips and information on how to get the most out of their Sun Ray Cooker.

Is Solar Cooking the answer? South Africa looks for Eskom-proof cooking solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:49:00 +0000

Eskom’s new electricity tariffs have sparked a search for Eskom-proof cooking solutions. Sun Ray Cooker, a recently established South African manufacturer and marketer of solar cooking boxes, says enquiries for its Eskom-free product have already begun to rise.

Only now has the tariff impact struck home as households only recently received their electricity bills for July, when the power utility hiked rates by an average 28.9%.

“The increase adds to the consumer’s financial burden and many people are looking for ways to economise,” says Herman Warren, Sun Ray Cooker’s chief executive.

“Eskom has not only hiked its rates, it has also warned there could be more power disruptions in 2011 and 2012. Consumers are therefore looking for affordable back-up solutions they can rely on. Even in winter, solar cooking is an exciting alternative because South Africa is blessed with such a generous supply of sunshine.

“The sun is your power socket in the sky and the Sun Ray Cooker is a great way of plugging in.”

In August, South Africa has an average of 6.4 hours of sunshine a day versus 11.1 hours in December. Year round, South Africa enjoys one of the world’s highest average sunshine ‘allocations’, with 8.5 hours a day against 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York.

Solar cooking can achieve significant savings as a household stove accounts for 8% of domestic power consumption, says Warren.

He says solar solutions can cut electricity bills in several ways, though solar geysers – even with an Eskom subsidy – had yet to catch on. The reason was high initial costs.

Solar cooking is much less costly to implement.

A solar cooking box like the patented Sun Ray Cooker cooks and bakes with no risk of over-cooking. Users put food in the Cooker, leave it in the sun and let the meal cook; no need to stir. Natural temperature build-up does the rest.

Says Warren: “Our solar oven is affordable and versatile. It enables the consumer to cook a wide range of meals, from beans to stews. You can bake bread and make your favourite desserts. It’s also safe and easy to use.”

Solar cooking becomes part of the lifestyle for users and many domestic staff. The Sun Ray Cooker goes to work in the morning while users pop out. The meal is ready by mid-afternoon. The cooker holds enough food for up to six people.

It’s easy to track increased consumer interest following the Eskom rate increase as the product is sold exclusively through the company’s website at www.sunraycooker.co.za.

“We sell the Sun Ray Cooker on the nutritional benefits of natural cooking, on lifestyle convenience or as a smart outdoor cooking solution for campers,” says Warren. “Now it’s seen as an essential cord-less and Eskom-less household accessory.”

ued by : Tale Spin Media & Marketing

Contact : Zelda Williams or Charlene Westermeyer

082 461-0689 or 082 320-4052

zelda@talespin.co.za or charlene@talespin.co.za

On behalf of Sun Ray Cooker™ : Herman Warren

Tel Office : 011 484 6089

Cell : 082 560-9791

Website : www.sunraycooker.co.za

Email : info@sunraycooker.co.za

Solar Cooking

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:34:00 +0000

Camping and backpacking are popular outdoor activities. The downside to camping and backpacking can often be attributed to weight. Outdoor enthusiasts carry heavy loads of gear with them, especially during longer journeys with many overnight stays. Cooking utensils, assorted pots and even starter wood could be packed on an outdoor adventure. However, these items can be cumbersome and add unnecessary weight. For this reason, many who choose to camp or backpack bring items with them that do not have to be prepared over open flame.

While not bringing items that must be prepared sounds simpler, it could be detrimental to a person's health and well-being. Living on trail mixes, protein bars and beef jerky might be enough to sustain a person over a night or two. Consistently eating those types of foods may not be adequate for overall health during a trip, especially in terms of energy levels and caloric output.

Many campers and backpackers are also naturalists who care about the environment. Many worry over the tread they will have on the terrain they are covering. They use that idea as reason to not bring items with them that could harm the land.

There is a simple, do-it-yourself resolution to these problems: solar cooking. Simple in construction and design, solar cookers can range in size, shape and purpose. Solar cookers are cost-effective. The materials used to construct a solar cooker are inexpensive. A solar cooker could be constructed in less than a day. Best of all, solar cookers use renewable energy, making them eco-friendly.

Solar cookers can be used in a variety of ways and are particularly beneficial to campers and backpackers. Even people who choose to camp in RVs or trailers can benefit from solar cooking. Solar cookers can be left unattended for hours. Food will not burn because the cooking heat is moderate. Pots and pans will be easier to clean, as food and grease are not baked on. Most importantly, solar cookers are portable!

Solar cookers can be used for more than just food preparation. They can boil and pasteurize drinking water or sanitize utensils. Solar cookers are even safe to use with children because of their low cooking temperatures.

The following items will be needed to construct a solar funnel cooker. A flat section of cardboard, at least two feet wide by four feet long will be used to form the funnel, the larger the cardboard the better. The ratio for length to width on the cardboard section is length equals twice the width. Aluminum foil, white glue (and water to mix with) or spray adhesive and three wire brads will also be used to form the funnel.

A block of wood, a can of black spray paint, cooking bags, and a large mason jar will be used to create the cooking surface of the solar funnel cooker. The solar funnel cooker is the least expensive and easiest to assemble of any variety of solar cookers.

Solar cooking is inexpensive and eco-friendly. Solar cookers can be used to the benefit of campers, including RV owners, hikers or backpackers. The simple design and easy-to-follow instructions make the solar funnel cooker a perfect do-it yourself project. The next article, in this series of two, will outline step-by-step instructions on how to construct a solar funnel cooker and tips for the approximated cooking times of several different foods and Solar Cooking recipes .

Boost your credibility

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:35:00 +0000

Email marketing is probably the greatest connection you can have to your customers and to top it all off it is frequent, immediate and very cost-effective. Successful communication through useful and interesting email marketing messages can enhance your company’s reputation and give you credibility.

Don’t waste this valuable platform with ineffective communication.

Here are five tips to help you engage with your subscribers and improve open rates:

• Create a catchy or enlightening subject line: It is important to have a relevant and informative subject line if you want customers to open your email.

• Plan your campaigns: Don’t just communicate with your subscribers because you can. Put effort into planning your email marketing campaigns and you might just gain better results from it. Source relevant, appealing and even fun content to write about, take time to compile your emails and structure them in the best possible way.

• Make your emails easy to read: Long sentences and paragraphs are difficult to read. Make use of bold anditalic fonts as well as bullet points to make text stand out and assist the reader through your email. Also ensure that there aren’t any spelling errors as this will reflect badly on your company.

• Use efficient layout and design: Layout and design play an important role when it comes to enhancing click through rates (CTR). If you get all of the above right, subscribers might forward the information on to friends. Make it easy for them to share your emails with friends.

• Employ a professional email service: Using a hosted email service will make sending bulk emails easy and fun. With MyListManager you can manage your contact lists, create, personalise and send targeted emails as well as track and analyse your campaign results.

Although email marketing is the simplest and most economical communication route, it shouldn’t be taken less seriously. If you want to improve your company’s character you need to respect your customers’ time by providing them with relevant messages that are well-planned, attention-grabbing and easy to read.

“After all, it's the future of business communication that we're looking toward.”- Jim Barksdale

Contact me if you need help creating or sending bulk emails to your subscriber base.

Regards,

Wayne Diamond

South Africa: A country with massive potential

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 +0000

By chanteldup

Last year this time, I was contemplating on leaving Gauteng for the two months during the Soccer World Cup. I was scared that roads would be congested on match days and life as I knew it would be transformed into chaos.

At the stage of my unpatriotic thoughts I was living in Pretoria and worked from home (which actually would have made working from a different location possible).
However, a month before the SWC started, I lost my job and thankfully got a new one…at a web design company in Johannesburg. Which for me, with my terrible driving skills, meant that I had to move as well. Into the eye of the soccer “storm”…

Now that we are in the final week of the SWC, I can embarrassingly admit that I was a yee of little faith. The only discomfort I have felt during this entire month has been the burning desire in my heart to attend all of the matches. I’ve been to the Chile and Spain game on the 25th of June and I was in awe. Apart from the Loftus employee who caught a snooze in the bathroom, it felt like I was in a different country, experiencing something spectacular.

During the last month I have become an avid soccer supporter as well. And I am seriously considering saving up to go to Brazil for the next SWC in 2014.

Apparently outside of the country, SA is looking great too. I have a friend who is currently volunteering as a teacher in Chile and according to her, small areas in South Africa are getting fantastic exposure as well. Her Chilean host even mentioned gorgeous handbags she saw on the TV during a clip about Irene Market.

Thank you to all the visitors to SA who have flown from all outskirts of the world to support your country and indirectly ours. It appears as if you are all having fun?!
Someone told me the other day that they walked behind a couple of Americans in Sandton Mall and overheard as one said to the other: “Can you believe they built all of this for us?”

If the Americans believe we are able to build civilization in merely six years, maybe South Africa can take over the world in the next six?

Blog Content from:http://chanteldup.wordpress.com/

Make Your Own Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:45:00 +0000

Now that I've got my own windmill-driven power source, I've just got to tell everyone "why" and "how!"

Renewable Energy Solutions

Now that our world is slowly moving to the much-dreaded energy crisis, it is important that we reduce our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy. Non-renewable sources being renewable are about to get extinct. Renewable energy solutions refer to those energy solutions that can keep churning energy without exhausting the resources.

Three types of energy solutions fall into the category of renewable energy solutions: solar energy solutions, hydro energy solutions, and wind energy solutions.

Solar energy solutions: The sun's energy is the most abundant energy available on earth. Make use of this free energy. You can employ solar power solutions at home. This will not only cut down power bills but also help you contribute to a greener world. Solar power solutions comprise of solar cookers, solar heating systems, solar lighting systems, solar dryers etc.

The sun has always been a source of heat energy and light energy. With the advancement of technology, the sun's energy can be used to create other forms of energy.

The solar energy systems have many advantages apart from being cost-effective and environment-friendly. They are low on maintenance thus saving your time and effort.

Also, solar systems give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the systems free after some time. Cooking with solar energy is also considered extremely healthy. Families have started employing solar energy as a power solution at their homes.

Hydro energy solutions: The hydro energy or water energy is an effective renewable energy. One can convert the hydro energy into electrical energy to run vehicles and various electrical appliances. Hydro energy is typically generated on a large scale. It has been estimated that 90 percent of the electrical energy produced by renewable resources is produced solely by hydro power. Dams are built to help generate electricity by tapping the water power.

There have been some concerns about using this energy because it is supposed to adversely affect the water-borne flora and fauna.

Wind energy solutions: Windmills were in existence even in the years before the birth of Christ. They helped tow boats and pump water. Eventually, post-industrialization, they became a source for generating electricity.

Windmills and wind turbines have never been pass. Wind energy can help generate tonnes of megawatts of electricity. When employed at individual estates, it can help do away with conventional power sources. An excellent renewable source of energy, the wind energy will go a long way in promising a good future to generations to come.

Solar Power Solutions at Home

With energy sources depleting at a rate faster than they are being built, it is only wise that we use the abundant energy available for free - the solar energy. Apart from the easy availability, solar energy helps control environmental pollution. Most of us shy away from installing solar power solutions at home thinking them to be expensive and cumbersome. You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to employ these power solutions. Moreover, these will help cut down your power bills. Finally, you will be delighted to know tat you are doing your bit to save power for the future generations.

Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking utensil that uses absolutely no fuel for cooking. You can cook food for up to five people in the small box. If you are thinking that using a solar cooker will reduce your chances of spreading up a varied platter on the dining table, you will be surprised to know that you can not only boil food items in the cooker but also roast and bake! The only limitation with the solar cooker is the time it takes to cook. However, given the free source of energy it uses, this is a great option for cutting down those sky-rocketing bills and saving some power.

Solar home lighting: A solar home lighting system converts solar energy into electrical energy for your home. This is done via cells that are charged with solar energy. So, in the night, if you wonder how the lights are on in the house, it is because of the solar energy stored in the solar cells. You can install the solar home lighting system in your house and not worry about the electricity bills anymore.

Solar heating system: Installing a solar heating system in your home helps cutting down your electricity bill along with saving the world's quickly-exhausting power. If you are worried that a solar heating system will turn your sweet home into a gadget house or that it will be an expensive investment, your concerns are misplaced. Companies providing solar power solutions for homes make it a point to install aesthetically-pleasing heating systems in your house. As per as expenditure is concerned, investing in a solar heating system is wise because you get a return on your investment within 3-4 years, giving you absolutely free service after that.

Wind Power Solutions at Home

With the world's ever-increasing demand of power being more than its supply, it is about time that we take concrete steps to save power. Apart from being conscious about the usage of power and water at home, one can employ pollution-free and cost-effective power solutions at our homes. Solar power solutions and wind power solutions are the two of the most efficient solutions that can replace the conventional power solutions employed at our homes.

These solutions can help you combat power outages, reduce your electricity bills, and also help the environment.

This article will explore the cost-effective wind power solution that you can employ at home.

Wind power solutions work best when the following conditions are met:

*You have a house or farmhouse spread over a big area. Typically, wind power solutions are employed in areas that spread over an acre.

*The average wind speed in your area is around 11 miles per hour. If you stay in a place that has little wind flow, your system will not work. Consult an expert before installing the wind power solution at home.

*You need to draw water from external sources. You can install a wind power system even when you do not need to draw water from outside. However, if you need to draw water from outside on a regular basis, a wind power system offers the best solution.

*Your house needs a lot of uninterrupted power supply. Combating those power outages is easy with the pollution-free wind power systems. You need no longer worry about a break in your work because of a power uncertainty.

A typical wind power system comprises of a tower and five blades to churn out wind energy. The length of the wind tower varies depending on the location of your house. You may need a longer tower if you are in low-wind zone; you can work with a shorter tower if you live by the beach. Using a wind generator, this wind energy can be converted into useful electrical energy to be employed at home for running various electrical appliances. You can even store the power generated for later use, making wind generators more efficient than convention power systems.

If you are confused with the wind power jargon, here's a piece of information for you. The terms, wind mills, wind turbines, and wind generators are used to refer to the same machine.

Bio Fuels -- Are They Good?

As the term suggests, bio-fuels are fuels that are formed when biological matter decomposes. The bio-fuels are mostly derived from plants. Bio-fuels exist in all the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

Difference between bio-fuels and fossil fuels...

Bio-fuels are different from fossil fuels in the following ways:

*Fossil fuels take a million years to build whereas bio-fuels can be made extremely fast, in a matter of days.

*Fossil fuels generate huge amounts of pollution. Bio-fuels are comparatively safer.

*Bio-fuels are renewable sources of energy unlike fossil fuels.

Different types of bio-fuels...

Bio-fuels have been categorized into four types: first generation, second generation, third generation, and fourth generation.

The first generation bio-fuels are derived from vegetable fats, starch, and sugar, which are in turn derived from food-crops. The first generation fuels are also derived from animal fats. Biogas, bio-diesel, and vegetable oil are some examples of this type of bio-fuels.

The second generation of bio-fuels is mainly derived from waste biomass, thus making it a more balanced option compared to the first-generation bio-fuels. Different kinds of alcohols and diesel generated from wood fall into the category of second generation bio-fuels.

The third generation comprises of bio-fuels derived from algae. Algae are farmed on large scales for creating these bio-fuels. The algae fuels are extremely environment-friendly as they can easily decompose into the soil without harming it.

The bio-fuels in the fourth generation are derived by a method in which micro-organisms are raised to work with carbon dioxide to generate fuel.

Advantages of bio-fuels Bio-fuels prove advantageous in the following ways:

*Bio-fuels lessen the burden on gradually-vanishing fossil fuels.

*Bio-fuels are environment-friendly. They help reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

*Bio-fuels, especially, bio-diesel prove to be very cost-effective for consumers.

Disadvantages of bio-fuels Bio-fuels are not bereft of criticism. Though beneficial for the environment, bio-fuels have its disadvantages, paradoxically in the environmental purview. Bio-fuels have received criticism for many reasons, a couple of which are stated below:

*Economists have long debated on the usefulness of first generation bio-fuels when compared to the lack of food they cause. Generating fuel from food crops makes food crops unworthy of human consumption. Some people believe that being a higher priority than fuel, food should not be farmed for making fuels but for human consumption.

*Making bio-fuels require acres of farming land, thus encroaching upon the natural habitat of plants and animals.

About the Author:

For more great tips to save money by saving energy visit earth 4 energy. With the right motivation to reduce your bills by going green we enjoy working with others by revealing earth for energy secrets which most people will never know guide.

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Cooking with a Solar Cooker

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Lötter) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:57:00 +0000

Solar cooking is interesting to many people because it not only saves money, but is also environmentally friendly. Building a solar cooker is not as complicated as it may seem, especially if you follow the instructions in this solar how to. There are many types of solar cookers, and the most simple to construct is the solar box cooker.

A solar box cooker requires very little monetary investment and could be built in just one afternoon. The basic materials required for a solar box cooker are two cardboard boxes, one sheet of cardboard, a small roll of aluminum foil, a bottle of white glue, one can of flat-black spray paint, a piece of stiff wire and a clear plastic cooking bag. (A thin sheet of glass could be used instead.)

To construct the solar box cooker, the directions are as follows:

1. Fold the lids of the box that will be used for the bottom so they are closed. Place the second box on top of the closed lid, and trace around the second box. Each of the cardboard boxes should be at least 15 inches by 15 inches. The second box should be slightly smaller than the first box, which will be used for the base.

2. Decide how deep the cooker should be. A good way to measure is to use a pan or kettle as a guide. Mark the inner box with the depth of the pan or kettle. Use a sharp knife or box cutter to make slices down the sides of the inner box. Fold each side of the box down at the slits, creating extended flaps.

3. Glue aluminum foil to the inside of both boxes and their flaps.

4. To keep the inner box from moving, crumple newspaper and place it inside the outer box. The inside box should now fit snuggly into the outer box. Fold the flaps of the inner box over the outside of the outer box. Next glue them onto the outside of the outer box.

5. A base pan must be constructed for the bottom of the inside box. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the bottom of the inside box and spray paint it black. Allow the cardboard to dry. Then glue this piece to the bottom of the inside box. This is the base the pans will rest on when cooking.

6. A cover must be made for the cooker. Cover the cooker with a piece of corrugated cardboard. Use your box cutter to make slits along the side of the cardboard so flaps can be made. Fold these flaps inside to create the lid. Glue the flaps in place if necessary.

7. Slice the inside of the lid along three of the edges of the cooker. This will create a flap that should be the size of the inside of the cooker. Glue aluminum foil to the inside of this flap. Be sure to leave one side of this flap secure to the cover.

8. Slice the plastic oven bags open. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the bags. Glue the bags to the underside of the newly constructed lid. The lid should now have plastic covering the hole where the flap was made.

9. To prop the aluminum foil covered flap open, insert a piece of stiff wire (a portion of a wire hanger works best) into one side of the corrugated lid. This cover can now be removed and replaced each time the cooker is used. It will both insulate the food being cooked and create an additional reflective surface to trap the suns energy.

The solar box cooker is the simplest solar cooker to construct. It can be placed anywhere that receives direct sunlight. The solar box cooker is ideal for homeowners, renters or campers because it requires no electricity and is portable. solar box cookers are also efficient ways to cook food while using the most abundant natural resource: solar energy.

About the Author:

Video instructions for your next solar project. Solar How To. information is free and available to you.