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Wealth Bulletin’s Top 10 most expensive streets in the world

2010-05-17T10:57:00.000-04:00

The Wealth Bulletin (a Dow Jones site) has come up with a list of the 10 most expensive streets in the world. The survey revealed that the prices for the top homes in the best locations appear to have decoupled from the gloom and doom being felt in the wider property market.
If you want to live in the best accommodation in these streets you will need to be a billionaire, or not far behind !
Avenue Princess Grace in Monaco has been named at the top with a price tag of $190,000 per square metre. It is followed by Hong Kong’s Severn Road with a price of $121,000 per square metre (sq mt) at second and New York City’s Fifth Avenue at third place ($80,000 per sq mt).
Here is the complete list, with some sample property prices as tallied by Wealth Bulletin:

1. Avenue Princess Grace, Monaco — $17,750 per square foot - $190,000 per sq mt
Named after the iconic Hollywood star Grace Kelly, who was married to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco.
Forget buying a house there. Properties on the avenue change hands for up to $41m – and many of them are fairly modest four-bedroom apartments. And at that price you will get a view of the Mediterranean, but not much else
(Just getting a beer at Jimmy’s Bar on the Avenue will set you back more than $100)
2. Severn Road, Hong Kong — $11,200 per square foot - $121,000 per sq mt
Hong Kong’s Severn Road is located in the city’s most exclusive district, The Peak, at the top of Hong Kong Island. Some of the most spectacular urban views in the world, overlooking the city’s skyscrapers and across Hong Kong harbour to Kowloon.
3. Fifth Avenue, New York City — $7,500 per square foot - $80,000 per sq mt
Fifth Avenue has the most iconic status of all the streets on the list : it runs from Washington Square to Harlem and divides Manhattan’s East/West streets. It is representative of New York’s upper crust, having been rated as the most expensive shopping street in the world..
4. Kensington Palace Gardens, London — $7,196 per square foot - $77,000 per sq mt
Often referred to as “Billionaires Row”. Houses on this street might sell for some of the highest prices in the world, but the more generous supply of space means you get more square metres for your money than in Monaco and Hong Kong
5. Avenue Montaigne, Paris — $5,046 per square foot - $54,000 per sq mt
Avenue Montaigne, in Paris’ 8th arrondisement and near the Champs-Elysees, has superseded Avenue George V as the capital’s most expensive.
6. Ostozhenka, Moscow — $3,738 per square foot - $40,000 per sq mt
7. Via Suvretta, St. Moritz — $3,551 per square foot - $38,000 per sq mt
8. Carolwood Drive, Beverly Hills — $2,803 per square foot - $30,000 per sq mt
9. Wolseley Road, Sydney — $2,616 per square foot - $28,000 per sq mt
10. Altamount Road, Mumbai — $2,336 per square foot - $25,000 per sq mt

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2010-03-18T16:34:00.002-04:00

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All about the Apple iPad (FAQ)

2010-03-10T14:30:00.000-05:00

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Apple finally gave us the date the first iPads will hit store shelves: April 3. We've been closely following the touch-screen tablet since Apple first announced it in late January, but here's a quick guide for your most essential questions about the device.

First things first: How big is it?
The iPad's screen offers a maximum resolution of 1,024x768 pixels and measures 9.7 inches diagonally, 5.75 inches wide, and 7.75 inches tall. An 0.86-inch bezel frames the screen (with a hair extra room on the bottom to account for the home button), making the front of the iPad a total of 7.47 inches wide and 9.56 inches tall. The total thickness of the iPad is half an inch at its thickest point, which tapers down to a quarter of an inch near the edges. Total weight is 1.5 pounds for the model with Wi-Fi only, or 1.6 pounds for the version with 3G.

What hardware features does the iPad offer? Many of the iPad's hardware capabilities are identical to the Apple iPod Touch, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, a stereo audio output (headphone jack), built-in speaker, an integrated lithium ion rechargeable battery, and NAND flash memory. A built-in accelerometer and ambient light sensor are also included on the iPad.

Hardware features that distinguish the iPad from the iPod Touch include a 1GHz A4 processor, an oleophobic screen coating, integrated digital compass, built-in microphone, mute switch, and support for 802.11n Wi-Fi (in addition to 802.11b/g). The 3G version of the iPad includes a SIM card tray, as well as assisted GPS capabilities.

What's the deal with the wireless plan?
Apple and AT&T are offering a pretty good deal on 3G service for the iPad. There are two options: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or unlimited data for $29.99 a month. The bonus is that you don't have to sign any contracts that bind you to the device for two years. Each option can be prepaid for a month in advance. Again, you need the iPad 3G model, which bumps up the baseline price of the device to $629 (16GB), $729 (32GB), and $829 (64GB).

If I already have apps for my iPhone or iPod Touch, can I use them on the iPad?
In most cases, the answer should be yes. Older or existing apps can run on the iPad at their native iPod/iPhone resolution (taking up a small portion of the iPad screen) or used in a full-screen mode that artificially doubles the resolution. So long as the apps are in your iTunes library when you connect the iPad to your computer, most should transfer with no problem. There are exceptions, of course. Apps designed to take advantage of unique hardware characteristics of the iPhone (such as the photo camera or video recording) may not transfer, and would be useless on the iPad anyway.

That said, many popular apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch will likely be offered in a new iPad-specific version that makes better use of the device's larger screen. These apps, designed specifically for the iPad, will not be backward-compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

I've heard the iPad is basically just an oversize iPod Touch. Is that true?
In some ways, it is a supersized version of Apple's touch-screen iPod: same basic look and functionality with its multitouch screen and reliance on iTunes and the App Store to install applications and download media. But there are plenty of differences.

The operating system is a version of the iPhone OS, but with a slightly different look and feel. Many of the same apps are there--e-mail, photos, notes, an iPod, calendar, contacts, maps, YouTube, and Safari--but have been tweaked to take advantage of the iPad's larger screen size.

The 9.7-inch screen offers far more screen real estate and also makes the iPad much more realistic to use an e-reader. That brings us to iBooks, the e-bookstore Apple created specifically for the iPad. It's an app that features a virtual bookshelf with content from five major publishers: HarperCollins, Hachette, Penguin, Macmillan, and Simon & Shuster. The iBooks store will feature both popular books as well as textbooks. Readers can choose to read in portrait or landscape mode and change the size of the text.

But that's not the only iPad-only software Apple has cooked up. The company had its engineers completely rework iWorks for the device, including Pages (word processing), Numbers (spreadsheets), and Keynote (presentations). Each iWorks app will be sold separately for $9.99.

There are accessories that will cause some major iPhone/iPod envy as well, like the keyboard dock accessory. There's also a camera connection kit that lets users import images from their SD cards, and a charging/docking accessory, that when used in conjunction with the photo app's montage mode turns the iPad into an electronic picture frame.

What else might I need to use the iPad?
While the iPad can be used without a computer for the majority of its features, you will need to connect to a computer running Apple's iTunes 9.0 or later to initially set up the device. Computer specification requirements for iTunes 9.0 can be found on Apple's Web site.

If you plan on using the iPad at home for surfing the Web, and you do not have a 3G-capable model, you will need to make sure your home is set up for wireless Internet. A power adapter is included with all iPads, but users should consider investing in a charging dock if they wish to take advantage of the iPad as a photo frame. Users who anticipate using the iPad heavily as a word processor may want to consider buying Apple's keyboard dock or a compatible Bluetooth wireless keyboard.

What's missing from the iPad that I might find in a competing product?
The iPad is in many ways one of the first products of its kind--making it hard to draw easy comparisons. When weighed against high-end smartphones, users should know that the iPad is not designed for voice calls or text messages (though there are apps that can work around this limitation). More importantly, the iPad does not include a built-in camera for taking photos or videos.

When compared to low-end laptops and Netbooks, the iPad can't run common full-fledged applications (such as Microsoft Word), or use multiple apps simultaneously. Conventional input and output ports, such as USB, SD, VGA, and LAN are also missing, though some adapters exist to address this. Critics routinely point out that the iPad does not support Adobe's Flash media format, which is required to view content on many popular Web sites. Lack of an integrated hardware keyboard or high-resolution video output are also common complaints from the laptop perspective.

Finally, compared against dedicated e-readers (such as the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook), the iPad's reflective glass front and backlit color LCD screen arguably strain the eyes more than a passively illuminated non-glare e-ink display.

When and where can I buy it, and how much is this going to set me back?
There are two versions of the iPad. Apple announced Friday that the Wi-Fi version will launch in the U.S. on April 3, followed by the Wi-Fi and 3G-capable edition later in the month. Both versions will hit Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K. in late April.

The price depends on your 3G needs and how much storage you require. The iPad's Wi-Fi-only version will start at $499 for 16GB of memory, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G edition will cost $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB, and $829 for 64GB.

You can preorder both versions starting March 12, and you can order it for delivery from Apple.com or reserve a Wi-Fi version to pick up on April 3 at any Apple retail store. Apple has also said it will make the iPad available at Best Buy, but hasn't disclosed details on when that will be.

South Africa World Cup 2010

2010-03-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

The logo for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – the event’s trade mark – was revealed in 2006 and led to mixed reactions. While some people thought the world cup logo was the best thing since a slice of bread, others shrugged. However, over the past years the 2010 FIFA World Cup Emblem has slowly but surely embedded itself into South African society.

The logo was designed by South African graphic designer Gaby de Abreu, co-founder of the Johannesburg based design company Switch Design which also designed logos for South Africa’s Springbok rugby team, the African Nations Cup soccer event and the Olympic Torch Relay that travelled through South Africa. De Abreu worked six months on the emblem before it was unveiled in Berlin in July 2006.

The search for a logo designer started in 2005, and resulted in 25 shortlisted companies. Of them, five were asked to submit five designs. The designs had to reflect FIFA, the World cup football and the African continent.

The potential 2010 world cup logos were then presented to a panel of judges from South Africa and other African countries, as well as FIFA delegates. In the end it was De Abreu’s logo that won overall approval. According to him, it was the strong African identity of his logo that appealed to the judges.

To compare the 2010 world cup logo with previous world cup logos, please click here. For the rules on using the 2010 world cup logo and the other FIFA trade marks, click here.

More interesting 2010 world cup stuff on Twenty10:

South Africa 2010 World Cup Groups

The World Cup is a global event. Every nation on earth watches, and talks about. Even if your nation isn’t one of the lucky 32 that gets to compete, you’re still oddly involved (speaking from personal experience there, unfortunately). Even non-football fans watch. Which is insane when you think about it.

But not everyone speaks English, so not everyone calls this tournament the World Cup. In French it’s the Coupe du Monde. In German the Weltmeisterschaft. In Spanish the ~~Copa do Mundo~~ La Copa Mundial and in Italian ~~the Coppa del Mondo~~ Il Mondiale. And in Hindi it’s विश्व कप, which I have no idea how to pronounce.

Below is a list of every translation I could find, from Afrikaans to Hebrew to Welsh…

Afrikaans: Wêreldbeker
Arabic: كأس العالم
Belarusian: Кубак свету
Bulgarian: Световно първенство
Catalan: Copa del Món
Chinese: 世界杯
Czech: Světový pohár
Danish: Verdenmesterskab (or VM for short)
Dutch: Wereldkampioenschap voetbal
Finnish: Maailmancup
Flemish: Weireldkampioenschap sjotten
French: Coupe du Monde
Galician: Campionato do Mundo
German: Weltmeisterschaft (or WM for short)
Greek: Παγκόσμιο Κύπελλο
Hebrew: גביע העולם
Hindi: विश्व कप
Hungarian: Világ Kupa
Icelandic: Heimsmeistarakeppnin
Indonesian: Piala Dunia
Irish: Corn an Domhain
Italian: ~~Coppa del Mondo~~ Il Mondiale
Japanese: W杯
Korean: 세계 축구
Lithuanian: Pasaulio čempionatas
Macedonian: Светско првенство
Malay: Piala Dunia
Maltese: Tazza tad-Dinja
Persian: جام جهانی
Portuguese: Copa do Mundo
Romanian: Cupa Mondială
Russian: Кубок мира
Serbian: Светско првенство
Slovakian: Svetový pohár
Slovenian: Svetovni pokal
Spanish: ~~Copa do Mundo~~ La Copa Mundial
Swedish: Världscupen (aka VM)
Thai: ฟุตบอลโลก
Turkish: Dünya Kupası
Ukrainian: Кубок світу
Vietnamese: Cúp bóng đá thế giới
Welsh: Cwpan y Byd

Since this list was mostly put together using Google Translate and internet forums, it’s very very possible that some of the above is incorrect. Maybe some of the above are the words “World” and “Cup” correctly translated, but the tournament is actually called something else in that language.

So any corrections or additions are welcomed in the comments. Phonetic pronunciations for the more unfamiliar looking languages also welcome.

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2010-02-03T20:04:00.001-05:00

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Apple’s iPad Tablet Could Slay eBooks and Netbooks

2010-01-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

By: Rob Enderle •

July 28, 2009
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Jobs may be ready to step away from Apple, but not before completing a tablet as his magnum opus.

On smartphones, Apple was late to the market, but if there is another vendor doing a better job of currently defining what a smartphone is, I don’t know who they are. With smartbooks, a new class of product based on smartphone technology that looks like a netbook computer, the market hasn’t even really launched, and already Apple appears to be moving to define it.

Word is they are rushing to try to have a product into the market in the fourth quarter. Were this anyone else, I’d say they had a snowball’s chance in hell of making it, but this is Apple, which likely has a patent on hell snowballs, so let’s chat about the Apple iPad this week.

iPod Sales Slowing

In what was a stellar quarter last quarter from Apple, the one really troubling mark was that iPod sales were slowing. Now, part of this was Apple drawing down inventories in advance of what will likely be a broad product refresh in August or early September, but I think it reflects on the fact that people are focusing more and more on smartphones, and not as excited about MP3 players as they once were. This suggests that Apple needs to move to the next big thing after the iPod, and while they are partially hedging this decline with the iPhone, it will probably be a long time (if ever) before iPhones will ever replace iPods.

Apple needs something exciting this year, and what better than something new and very different.

Newton + Tablet Done Right?

Steve Jobs both panned the idea of a Newton and a tablet PC, and strangely enough, the iPhone, iPod Touch and now this planned iPad are all combinations of both concepts. The iPad is likely the closest to what the Newton was evolving into given its size and capabilities, and the rumored design is identical to a tablet PC, albeit a small one.

If this were anybody else, I’d figure the chances that this will be successful to be slim or none, but Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhone have a user interface that will at least scale to 10 inches (the rumored screen size of this new device), and should work just fine.

Content is Key: Overcoming The Apple TV Problem

The problem for Apple, much like it was for the iPod, which it got done, and Apple TV, which it didn’t, is getting access to the media folks want to watch and play with on the device. It will be about the size of a Kindle DX, but it will need a decent book library if it is going to be used in that fashion. Luckily, there is a Kindle reader already for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but even Amazon doesn’t have perfect access (for instance, the Harry Potter books aren’t available on a Kindle). And Apple has never wanted anyone else to own the critical services on any of their devices in the first place.

Apple TV

This would be a great portable movie and TV viewer as well, but the lack of great content is what has plagued the AppleTV and kept it from joining the iPod, iPhone, and iMac on stage as a truly innovative product. Without decent video content, this just won’t scale to the kind of audience that the iPod or even the iPhone will enjoy. This is probably the most troubling aspect for Apple, because it didn’t really pull this off for Apple TV, and this may suggest the company can’t actually get it done this time either.

Price: Purchase and Wireless

Price will be important too, and it is hard to believe that many of these things will sell at the rumored $800 price. Smartbooks are actually expected to price out below $300 for the most part, and even if Apple were to go for a massive margin, you would think it could bring one out for under $600, if not $500, and hit a price that more would find compelling while still at the high end of the segment. With folks screaming about a sub-$500 Kindle, an $800 device would be difficult to move.

One final problem to work though is wireless access. The Kindle’s bundled HSDPA access from Sprint is wonderful, but it adds several hundred dollars to the price of the device, and putting the iPad on a data plan from a carrier like AT&T would potentially allow an iPhone-like sub-$300 price point. But it would also add a $50 or higher data plan.

These expensive data plans remain problematic, but Wi-Fi isn’t prevalent enough, WiMax isn’t widespread enough, and LTE hasn’t been rolled out yet, which will make the connectivity solution a real problem to solve.

Wrapping Up

If the iPod was a difficulty level of six, and the iPhone was eight, then the iPad will be something like 10 on a scale of one to 10. This will be one of the most difficult products Apple has ever tried to bring to market. Any other company would probably fail, but Apple isn’t any other company. Even if it fails, Apple will have created a potentially unique and advanced offering which could easily blaze the trail for more successful products to follow. I wouldn’t bet on Apple to fail, though. It does that very seldom, and given this may be Steve Jobs’ swan song product, there likely will be more emphasis on getting it right than on any product that came before it.

Given that we tend to remember either the first thing someone does or the last (it’s called primacy or recency) and we think of Steve Jobs now more as the father of the iPhone than the father of the Mac, there is a good chance he will be remembered for this iPad. For his sake, (and for the sake of his employees, given he doesn’t have a sense of humor on this stuff) this had better be a home run.

We’ll see. One thing is for sure: It will be incredibly exciting and I’ll bet Steve, if he can, will actually present this one. You see, this thing could actually become an eBook, smartphone, and netbook killer, and if it did, what a swan song for Steve it would be.

Haiti update: Staff say they have never seen so many serious injuries - news - MSF UK

2010-01-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

Haiti update: Staff say they have never seen so many serious injuries - news - MSF UK

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Haiti update: Staff say they have never seen so many serious injuries - news - MSF UK

2010-01-17T14:14:00.001-05:00

Haiti update: Staff say they have never seen so many serious injuries - news - MSF UK

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How to Help Haiti Earthquake Victims

2010-01-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

The screams in Haiti are being heard around the World. The 7.0 earthquake that rocked Port Au Prince on Tuesday brought the already impoverished city of more than two million people to its collective knees. Buildings lie in ruin. Bodies are piled in the streets. Hundreds of thousands of people are still missing in the wreckage, their fates unknown. There is no food, no water and no electricity. As emergency crews fight to get to the scene, people are digging through the rubble on their hands and knees, hoping to uncover survivors. What few houses remain are structurally unsafe. People who were lucky enough to escape with their lives are huddling together in open fields, too afraid to enter any buildings that may still be standing.

The devastation is unthinkable and unimaginable. The sheer amount of destruction is seemingly insurmountable. One news blog that I read a little while ago ended with the sentiment that “Any thoughts of full recovery during this generation is unrealistic.”. The more news, videos and photos that reach us from Haiti, the more we begin to realize how true that small statement is. One way to keep up with the very latest news is to follow reporter Richard Mores. He is giving updates from Port Au Prince as often as he can.

Those of us who are not in Haiti are scrambling, trying to figure out what we can do to help Not knowing what we can do often leads us to do nothing at all. In my opinion, this is not an option right now. The devastation caused by this earthquake is being compared to losing an entire war in just a few short moments.

There are many trustworthy organizations who are already on the scene, and many more that are gathering together resources to aid the victims of this awful tragedy. We have come up with a list of some of the ways that you can help. Please remember that every penny – literally – counts. If you are in a situation where you cannot send money or supplies, do not feel as though you are worthless. Your thoughts, prayers and support are needed by the people in Haiti, as much as the physical donations are.

American Red Cross – There are three ways you can contribute via the Red Cross: monetary donations, blood donations, and signing up as a volunteer.
Text to Donate – If you want to donate money but are a little short right now, the State Dept. has set up a way to donate via text message. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a donation of ten dollars will be added to your next phone bill and forwarded to the Red Cross.
Doctors Without Borders – The Doctors Without Borders program has been stationed in Haiti for a long time already. Their facilities were destroyed by the earthquake, along with much of their supplies. They are rushing to attempt to care for the injured people who need them, but they need your help.
National Nurses United – The nation’s largest organization of registered nurses tonight activated its nationwide disaster relief program to recruit nurse volunteers to provide assistance to residents of earthquake devastated Haiti.
UNICEF – UNICEF is dedicated to helping children. Before Tuesday, there were already thousands of children who were orphans living below the poverty level. Today, there are many thousands more.
Operation USA – Operation USA has been rated as a four-star charity for the past six years. Every penny that goes in to the organization goes right back out to the places that need it.
Mercy Corps – Mercy Corps allows you to send a flat donation of your own, or can help you organize your own fundraising team. They also accept donations other than money, such as clothing and building materials.
World Food Bank – The WFP has already pledged more than two million dollars to help feed the people of Haiti. It is expected that the amount needed will far exceed this.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Haiti, as well as to the people around the World waiting for news of loved ones.

by: Chris Pirillo

for more info: http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-help-haiti-earthquake-victims

Home Decorating - Important Tips For Renovating a House to Sell

2010-01-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

If you are new to renovating I would strongly suggest that for your first project you tackle a manageable job.

My favorite renovator to flip requires just a few things.

1. Garden tidy up, not a major landscaping job.
2. New Carpet. Nothing lifts and modernizes a house like new carpet.
3. Patch and plaster the walls, then paint.
4. Maybe new kitchen bench tops

That's it. I call this a level one refurbishment. It can often be done inside two weeks. Our current home we did it in 8 days. It was hard work but its out of the way quickly. I like this kind of makeover because it can quickly improve the value of a home by $50,000. It works best in homes at the lower price scale $350,000-$550,000. In our area in Australia there is nothing cheaper than that.

This end of the market moves quickly and many people just want to have a home that feels and smells new. The carpet and paint make it feel as no one has ever lived there before.

A spray paint of the roof may be in order if the tiles or iron are old faded or stained. This can be done cheaply but a contractor may charge the earth.

The next level of renovation is where you make serious structural changes. This is appropriate if the home is in an upmarket area, if the home is already of considerable value and if you are certain that by extending and changing the house there is a good return. We looked at a house for $660,000 recently. A new by similar home which had a $300,000 renovation done sold for $1,200,000. This home is in a street that adjoined a upmarket area. As time goes on more and more homes receive an expensive renovation, bringing up the value of the area. so this house is worth buying, holding for a year or two and then renovating. Perhaps it will increase in value enough without doing anything to it.

That raises an important question, should you renovate at all, or just rent it out for a while and take the capital gain. The location and the state of the market will tell you.

If you do undertake a large renovation by yourself, you will need a good kit of tools, lots of time, a good budget, good trade skills and a good marriage.

Remember the golden rules of renovating.

1. It always takes longer than you expect it to.
2. It always costs more than you expect it too
3. It is always more stressful than to expect.
4. If you think your job will be different, you are wrong!
5. Be prepared to outsource and delegate.

Be realistic, don't bite off more than you can chew and renovating can be fun and financially rewarding.

and now for your free information renovating your home go to on http://www.livingwellpublications.com/home/selling/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Newton

7 Reasons Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work

2010-01-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

It is true that 99.99% of people see their New Year’s Resolutions flop if not on the second day of January or at the latest at the end of January. It is frustrating, and many will vow they will never make them again because they are useless. Allow me to disagree.

Many people fail at their New Year’s Resolutions because they don’t do them right. Here are 7 reasons why yet again, your good-will will be transformed in mere chimera.

1. You don’t write them down

It is imperative that you handwrite your wishes. If it is a true wish, it comes from the heart, and so it needs to follow the path: heart, arm, hand, and thumb. The latter has a unique pulse that, when used correctly, transform thoughts into concrete manifestations.

2. You think lack or negative thoughts

Never write: “I don’t want a headache next year,” for the Universe always says yes, regardless of our positive intentions. “Headache? There, you’ve got it!” Instead, state your wishes using positive words: “I will be healthier than I’ve ever been” works better. “I want to get out of debt.” Ouch!

3. You don’t write a date

Give the Universe a deadline. It puts your mind into it also, and your positive focus on the matters you wish to happen to you will be more easily granted. So, instead of saying: I want a new car, you say, I want a new car by May of 2006, or whatever year you are thinking about.

4. You are not grateful

Thank God, or Spirit, or the Universe, whomever you feel more attuned to. Do it as though you have received the gift already. You can also incorporate some feeling of already having what you wish. This way, you are sending good vibes out and sure enough they will come back to you.

5. You are not flexible

You keeping nagging the Universe and don’t allow time for manifestation. Perhaps there are even better things coming up if you wait a little longer. Suppose you have asked for $250,000.00 by March and this amount never comes to you. If you wait and trust, you will probably receive not $250,000.00 by March but $500,000.00 in May instead. Not bad, huh?

6. You don’t wish for perfection

Very important. Suppose you want $300,000.00 to buy a new house. If you don’t ask for perfection, your present house may be burned down and you get $300,000.00 to pay for the expenses. This is not a perfect manifestation.

7. You don’t expect miracles

Remember the “Miracle of the Fishes?” There were no fishes in the basket, but Jesus thanked all the same for manifestation. Do the same. When you thank for things yet to be manifested, you are showing your trust that they will come to you. Remember that the Universe always says yes, there is no question about it.

There are also other things you can do to have your wishes come true during the New Year. But, if you do these ones right, you are more likely to have 80% of them manifested before the end of the year of even before your deadline. Go for it.

Happy New Year!

© Maria Moratto 2006
Want to have more abundance, health, time, love, fun, and blessings? Visit Prescription For Bliss at http://www.rx4bliss.com, sign up for the newsletter and receive a fr*ee ebook called "Happy People Are More Abundant!"
Dr. Maria Moratto is the author of "The Inspired Healing For Your Body, Mind, and Soul," "The Inspired Healing Journal: Mending Your Broken Heart," and "Attract Money Journal." Visit her site to get fr*ee affirmation cards.
You may reprint this article in its entirety as long as you add this resource box.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Moratto

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

By Albrecht Powell, About.com Guide

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of comaraderie at a favorite Pittsburgh restaurant or take the family to one of these popular Pittsburgh places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4. Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! Even Allegheny County is trying to go smoke-free, and it's taken them a few tries as well. Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit.

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of Pittsburgh's holistic healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa.

6. Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. The Community College of Allegheny County offers a wide variety of "lifelong learning" courses, and local YMCA's offer great recreational training for beginners of all ages. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs.

9. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.

10. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

Best Christmas Movies

2009-12-24T11:40:00.001-05:00

10. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)

Chevy Chase is at the top of his game in this sight-gag-and-one-liner-laden homage to the love/hate event that is the family Christmas. Where, besides this list, is there a place big enough for a movie with Yule laughs this huge? As Clark Griswold would say, "Bend over and I'll show you."

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

9. 'Babes in Toyland' (1934)

Mother Goose rhymes come to life in this '34 classic (reissued in '52 as 'March of the Wooden Soldiers') starring comedy legends Laurel and Hardy as gut-bustingly bumbling toymakers out to save Toyland from the nefarious Barnaby. And if tricking him into a same-sex wedding is what it takes, so much the better.

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8. 'Home Alone' (1990)

It made Macaulay Culkin the biggest child star on the planet, reigned at the box office for 12 straight weeks and grossed $533 million worldwide, but the best thing about this holiday staple is watching an 8-year-old kid toss burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern a good old-fashioned Christmas beat-down.

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7. 'Christmas in Connecticut' (1942)

Arnold Schwarzenegger was so enamored with this classic he directed his own TV version in 1992. True story. But for the love of Sinbad, stick to the original, a serene screwball comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck as a food writer who misleads her readers in adorably forgivable ways.

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6. 'Elf' (2003)

Frank Ricard. Ron Burgundy. Ricky Bobby. They're all unforgettable Will Ferrell personas, but the role he might be remembered for most in 50 years is Buddy the Elf (what's your favorite color?) from '03's instant holiday classic. This non-stop laugher exemplifies all-ages entertainment.

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5. 'White Christmas' (1954)

Aren't we all dreaming of a 'White Christmas'? The movie starring Bing "Mr. Christmas" Crosby and Danny Kaye is as charming as the tune, with all the elements to warm the heart: Two GIs come home from WWII, fall in love with singing-and-dancing sisters and help their general with his failing Vermont inn. Awww.

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4. 'Scrooged' (1988)

Only Bill Murray could so expertly walk the fine line between pathos and hilarity, as he does playing miserly TV exec Frank Cross. Complete with a taxi-driving Ghost of Christmas Past and a (literally) ball-busting Ghost of Christmas Present, this Dickens send-up is so offbeat and fun, Yule love it!

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3. 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)

If this '47 classic doesn't make you a Santa believer, nothing (especially the '94 remake) will. It's dark stuff for a Christmas flick -- Kris Kringle is put on trail to determine if he's legally insane -- but the endgame (in which the US Postal Service saves the day!) is utterly heartwarming.

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2. 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)

A tale of depression and almost-suicide doesn't exactly scream "Christmas classic" -- which is probably why Frank Capra's flick flopped at the box office. But more than 30 years later, it endures as a beloved testament to everything Christmas embodies: family, friends and the joy of life.

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1. 'A Christmas Story' (1983)

There's nary a scene to forget in this near-perfect nostalgic look at where Americana and Christmastime meet. The story of a young boy's epic quest to get his hands on a Red Ryder BB gun provides the hilarious backdrop for a timeless tale rife with family hijinks, frozen tongues and, of course, sex-oozing leg lamps.

Boxing Day Tips and Tricks

2009-12-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

Boxing Day is more than just the day after Christmas for many Canadians - it's THE day for consumers to find great deals at rock bottom prices. It's also the BUSIEST shopping day of the year as shoppers flock to retailers both online and in-store for deep discounts on goods ranging from clothes to electronics. It's important to prepare and do research beforehand to help beat the rush. Consider these tips from RedFlagDeals.com to make the most out of this year's Boxing Day bonanza.

Tip #1 - Start online. Use of the Internet to do as much research as possible to save time in-store. Rather than scour individual retail websites and flyers to compare prices, visit bargain shopping websites such as RedFlagDeals.com to find Boxing Day discussion forums, store flyers, deals, and coupons - many of which are posted before the sales even start.

"For millions of Canadian shoppers, RedFlagDeals.com has become their "Boxing Day Headquarters", packed with early information on the best deals of the season," says Derek Szeto, President of RedFlagDeals.com. "In addition to a mobile version of the site you can use while shopping or waiting in line, readers can now also follow @boxingday on Twitter to receive real-time Boxing Day sale updates."

Tip #2 - Create and update all your online accounts at retailers and banks ahead of time. Also, make sure you know your MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa code. This will help make sure the check-out process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Many of the online "doorcrashers" are available in limited quantities.

Tip #3 - Be prepared and decisive. Create a list of what you want to buy and make an itinerary before you head out. If your list includes clothing, you might want to do that first as the most popular sizes and styles always sell out first. Also, some stores will have separate lines for things to keep moving as fast as possible, so consider bringing cash as an alternative form of payment.

Tip #4 - Keep your eyes peeled for early sales. Many online sales will begin on the evening of December 24th or at midnight on December 25th. Some stores will start their in-store sales a day or two before Christmas.

Christmas Decorating All Around the House

2009-12-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

Don't Leave Any Room Unadorned

From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide

Christmas Decorations for Your Home

- Easy Ways to Add Christmas Sparkle to Your Home
  Get ideas here for quick and simple ways to add a festive look to your home without spending a lot of time or money.
- Decorating Stairways
  See some elaborate and simple ideas for decorating your stairways with garlands. Here are some ideas for decorating a stair area without using traditional garlands.
- Holiday Themes for Your Home, Tree, and Parties
  If you choose a decorating theme for your Christmas decor, you'll see a really unified look. See some of our ideas for decorating themes for your Christmas tree, home, or party table.
- Place Settings That Sparkle
  Set a beautiful table for holiday feasting using some of the ideas here.
- Top Picks for Christmas Dishes and Tableware
  See our choices of favorite holiday china and stoneware patterns. Choose from china or stoneware for the holiday celebrations in your home.
- LED Christmas Lights
  Get information about using LED lights to decorate your home at Christmas. You'll find interesting information about how energy-efficient they are and how long they burn.
- Design Basics for Christmas Decorating
  The basic principles of interior design don't stop at Christmas. Read about how to incorporate the basics of interior design into your Christmas decorating plans.
- Christmas Color
  Find helpful and fun ideas on how to choose a color scheme for your Christmas decorating and how to use the colors in your holiday decor.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
- Christmas Tree Decorating Tips
  Find information here on how many garlands to use for a tree, how to arrange the ornaments on a tree, how to choose a Christmas tree decorating theme, and much more.
- Christmas Nosegays
  Tucking a nosegay into the branches of your Christmas tree is a great way to add color, fragrance, and texture, as well as fill in bare spots.
- Christmas Tree Garlands
  A garland on your Christmas tree ties everything together. Read how to use garlands on your tree and find ideas on creating your own, inexpensive garlands.
- Cheap or Free Christmas Ornaments You Can Make Yourself
  You don't have to spend a lot of money to have unique and fun decorations for your tree. Use our ideas and then get creating.
- Focus on a Theme for Your Christmas Tree
  If you have a special interest or hobby, you might want to showcase it on your Christmas tree. See ideas on how to choose a theme for your Christmas tree, home decor, or Christmas party.
Christmas Decorating Links
- Holiday Decorating
  Find resources for Christmas decorating, ideas for make-it-yourself projects, and decorating how-tos.
After-Christmas Storage
- Tips for Storing Christmas Decorations
  When Christmas is over and it's time to get back to basics, you might find these organization and storage tips helpful. Get your ornaments, wreaths, garlands, and other decorations organized for next year.