Think a credit card is safer to use than a debit card? Most people do. They convince themselves that credit cards carry a better track record, and you're less likely to have your money stolen from you when you use a credit card. Sadly, those people are wrong.
credit cards carry a huge risk of allowing the user to incur debt. Debit cards force you to pay with money you already have. If you hold a debit card from a well-known name like Visa or MasterCard, it will have the same policy about unauthorized charges that credit cards have. Don't fool yourself into thinking that credit cards are the "safe" way to go. They'll only get you into trouble and force you to make payments.
Debit cards are being used at an all-time high today and are used more often than credit cards. Last year debit card use exceeded a trillion dollars. Whew! That's a lot of people using debit cards! Although we like to see the increase of debit cards versus credit cards, we still want to make sure you're being careful with your debit card.
Since a debit card is directly linked to your bank account, it's a convenient way to purchase things without incurring debt. When you use a debit card, the money is immediately withdrawn from your account, which means no interest, late fees, over-the-limit fees, or annual fees - all good things to help you avoid debt. Debit cards are also great to use because they don't require you to carry cash or write a check.
Here are 5 tips when handling your debit card:
When you make a purchase with your debit card, you should have the choice of running it as a debit or credit purchase. Always choose credit. Credit?! Yes. This will insure that you are protected by the card company's Zero Liability policy - you will not be responsible for unauthorized transactions. If you have to use your PIN, be sure to memorize your PIN and NEVER carry it with you. Report lost cards immediately, change your PIN frequently, and use your debit card only if you must.
To insure that no one but you is using your debit card, check your bank statements online every day. It may seem tedious, but it's better than someone stealing your money. Be sure your internet connection and computer are secure before logging into your personal information. If you spot anything suspicious, call your bank immediately.
Keep your eyes on your debit card when transactions are taking place. It should be within your sight at all times. Once the card leaves your view, anyone has access to your card information and ultimately your bank account. That's why it's always best to use cash!
Every year you can order a free credit report from one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. DO IT! If you think someone used your debit card, report it to the credit bureau immediately and request a copy of your credit report. Monitoring it regularly will help cut down on any illegal activities.
The latest scam involves criminals attaching "skimmers" to card-swiping devices and gaining access to your personal information and bank account. If a card-swiper looks questionable, don't use it. NEVER use an unbranded ATM.
Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, an extremely popular national radio personality and best-selling author of The Total Money Makeover. Dave is changing the face of America by helping people get out of debt and build wealth. Ramsey exemplifies his life's work of teaching others how to be financially responsible, so they can acquire enough wealth to take care of loved ones, live prosperously into old age, and give generously to others. Find out more at DaveRamsey.com.
Amateur Straight Guys PreviewStop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.
--Babs Hoffman
Outdoor photographers in the 21st-century, we live in a world of uncertainties. I am writing this article to ensure you that there are many ways to lessen the hassles of traveling nowadays. Ever since the horrible disaster that America has faced with September 11, 2001, our security has been beefed up at our airports with professional federal employee, these young & mature men and women as I have personally observed are friendly and courtesy and do their job extremely well. I had never had any problems with these professional. Before I go on a photo trip I usually start planning well in advance within a year to six months before I depart, I do major researching on the Internet, as well as networking through the photographic organizations I belong to. I truly fine this valuable information to contact photographers who live in the area. I do 90% of my bookings online I find this to be the quickest and easiest way, after I have the hotel, car, and a home-based hotel. I do not book Airlines online due to the fact I do not want to be surprised, I preferred to have a fixed schedule 95% of the time I can book the airline at the same price from online. I'll also FedEx all of my photographic equipment and film, as with my film which is placed in x-ray bags I do not worry, besides, I take all my film an tape the box at the FedEx center. So if they want they can check the contents of the box. I have never had any problems with federal express, and if you follow the instructions that I am going to give you'll have no worries whatsoever. But I assure you my very expensive photographic equipment is safely delivered to the home-based hotel. I have read and seeing so many articles and suggestions on this topic. I just had to show you the best way and put it a nutshell. Granite the majority of the articles I have read are insulting your intelligence, its commonsense. Please Note: that these guidelines and suggestions are for domestic travel and if you're into outdoor photography, this will benefit you greatly. So here are my guidelines and suggestions to the outdoor photographer for the 21st-century with great success.
In the beginning:
. Intense research- (at least six months-a year)
. Networking- (within professional organizations)
. Budgeting- ($200 a month for six to 12 months)
In the beginning these are the three keys: intense research, networking, and budgeting. Researching which includes: Internet, mappings, literature, brochures, professional photographers, commerce, national wildlife refuge, travel agents, all of this takes time that is why I personally take the time at least six months to a year to research the area or areas of interest. Networking: if you belong to a well organization like the Photographic Society of America or North America Nature Photography Association or any other well-established organization you have the great benefit of your membership to network. By contacting photographers who are in the area that you desire to visit, besides I have personally met new and wonderful people who are like-minded by networking. Budgeting: now this is the tough part, I personally put $200.00 a month aside for photo travels for six to 12 months this gives me plenty of money to participate in activities I so desire, I do not stay in luxury hotels or rent luxury cars nor, do I have luxury meals. By all means I stay at hotels that are clean, and I usually try to get rooms with a refrigerator and I usually shop at local grocery stores, this way if I am in hot climate I can keep my film cool, and have some food also. If a refrigerator is not available I would use the air condition to keep at least the film cool, I usually buy salads, and slimfast, so refrigerator or an air condition does me find.
Part Two:
. Confirm- (confirm reservations)
. Photographic equipment- (cleaning, testing, packing)
. Locating drop-off center- (FedEx in my case)
. Reconfirm- (double checking)
. Clothes- (pack for ideal climate)
. Weather- (forecasting for the area)
. Paperwork- (any and all)
. Lab Bags- (transparencies and prints)
. Emergency /Meds- (first aid kit & prescription medications)
. Other equipment- (gsp, cell, two radio, cb hand held, laptop chains/locks)
Part two, and with these nine keys: confirm, photographic equipment, location for drop-off, Reconfirm, clothes, weather, paperwork, lab bags, emergency meds. Confirm: this is where you will call, hotel, airline, car rental, and hotel(s)-(home-based). Photographic equipment: this key could continuously be dragged on but I will put it all in a nutshell. First of all if you are going to use a carrier service like I do you're going to need to set up an account. I know that federal express is free to set up an account; if you do not have an account with a carrier service I strongly suggest you get one. So let's say you do have an account. What we need to do now is to have our shipping container and camera case and equipment ready to pack safely I bubble wrap each piece of equipment that is most fragile. Drop-off center: I also know were the drop-off center is from the home base, you can do I web search or call 800 numbers. Reconfirm: well this is commonsense do I really need to explain this one? But make sure you get a confirmation number from the hotel of where you will be staying for your photo adventure, placed this number somewhere on the shipping container, but only for the first hotel base. If you're going to be using multiple hotels you can transport the equipment in your rental car to the next hotel. Clothes: pack for ideal climate, forecast, watch the weather channel for your forecast, at least 2 weeks prior to your departure, this will give you an ideal of what to expect. Paperwork: make sure you have copies of any prescription medications you may need, also have any photographic lab paperwork, always have copies of your itinerary, and your state maps and or road atlas, plus your instruction manuals for your photographic equipment. I still prefer shoot transparencies I feel that Digital photography is more or less point and shoot. Remember back when you had them Polaroid cameras, well that's basically what Digital photography is. I still prefer to use my mind and skill and education. For the photographic lab bags, are consist of bubble bags and I use the bags to mail film from my home base hotel to the laboratory, I also carry an organizer that has all the photographic numbers and other important numbers I need, as well as other information, always be prepared. Emergency/meds: it's always good ideal to have a small first aid kit available specially when you're out in the field, and by all means use commonsense, always have your medical card, blood type, Social Security number, driver's license, any medications you are taking. Have it written down and placed somewhere on your person, you never know if you travel alone like I do, what happens if you're unconscious? Well, at least the medical emergency personnel will have some information. Other equipment: I use a GSP unit as well as a compass this help me stay on track and find my way back. I also use and have my cell phone, CB radio which gives me constant updates on weather, I also like to use a 7 foot chain with locks to secure the shipping case and camera case in the home base hotel.
At the airport hotel:
This is the first leg of the trip; I usually stay at the airport the day before departure. I truly believe that by staying at the airport hotel the night before is less stressful than rushing around the day of. The first things I do is check-in and ask for a wakeup call, approximately 4 a.m. I catch the early flights. I then catch the shuttle bus that will bring me to the departure gates of my chosen airline.
At the airport:
If you catch the earliest flight to your destination, which I always do. There are fewer passengers at these early times. The check-in counter usually opens about 5 a.m. at least the one I use, always check to be sure, the only thing I check in our my clothes bag which also contains my tripod and some other inexpensive equipment, per this writing transit authority now have locks you can purchase which they have the key too, this is usually a combination lock,this way if bags are in question the transit authority can open your bag without destroying it. My, carry on would include my laptop, cell phone, money, ticket, credit cards, and perhaps a book. As you're getting ready to go through security be prepared to have your ticket and driver's license out and ready, it is amazing to see people stumbling around to get their driver's license out. Also prepare to take off your shoes, I wear running pants and docksider easy to slip off, take everything out of your pockets put them in the plastic bowl, take out your laptop put that in a separate container and walk through the metal detector simple right? Wrong, if every passenger did this we would not have to stand in line very long just for commonsense. I would like to note to pack your tripod in you're checked luggage bag any non-fragile item w/clothes. I usually have the biggest duffel bag I can find. May your travels be a pleasant one.
Resources: helpful website
Danielle's CASE Company: specializes in carrying cases, shipping cases and wheeled cases designed to transport your equipment with care. http://www.danielles.com.
Transportation Security Administration: A MUST for anyone traveling by air. http://www.tsa.gov/public/display.
Federal Express: open an account or conduct business with any FedEx company.www.fedex.com
Photographic Society of America: Travel Aid We are a worldwide interactive organization for anyone interested in photography, be they casual or serious amateurs or professional photographers. http://www.psa-photo.org/
Price line: delivers huge savings on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacations. Name Your Own Price and save for all your travel needs. ... Discount cheap travel - last minute deals an. http://www.priceline.com
Allintitle Amateur Wife Interracial Teen Teens YoungIf you are a MySpace user, you have learned what an easy to read and fun profile looks like. The only problem is, you may not know how to create or find out. Most of the time when you see an awful MySpace layout, it's because its sloppy, hard to read, or has annoying links you didnt even see. That is because since MySpace has been growing so much, so have the layout sites. In fact, MySpace layout sites have been generating tons of revenue through advertising. This advertising can even be through hidden spam in your own profile.
Once you start seeing all the nice profiles on MySpace, you instantly hit Google and start searching away for a great free MySpace layout site. What you don't realize that the ones you are going to find the easiest will most likely have the most spam. As a website publisher myself, I understand why this spam is there, and what it accomplishes. But as a MySpace user, these hidden links can get annoying. So you have to know what you are looking for in a layout.
MySpace layout designers will put hidden backlinks to their site in all of their layouts. What this does for them is 2 things. 1. It creates free advertising for them and possible hits from all over the MySpace world. 2. These backlinks help their page rank in Google. The more links to their site, the more important their site looks to Google, therefore the higher up it will rank when MySpace layouts are searched for. The site MySpace Trends goes into great detail about this, and how web marketers use this.
Now all hope is not lost when looking for a good layout. These backlinks that MySpace layout designers use is not all bad. In fact, it does help keep your favorite MySpace layout site in business. But knowing what you are looking for is important.
Try and stay away from the layouts that have lots of links and menu bar modifications. I have found that most of the back links will come from modifying the menu bars. The good MySpace layout sites you will find are the ones that let you "hack" your MySpace profile. This will let you edit one aspect at a time instead of just throwing a new layout on your profile all at once. This will also let you control any unwanted layout designs, and you will also become familiar with the coding.
These tips will help you create a great looking MySpace layout without much hassle.
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PaulG is an expert on internet social groups, especially MySpace. Check out his blog MySpace Trends for more great tips and ideas about MySpace.
Nude Amateur Men Hidden CameraNote: this was written on Monday August 13th, 2007 as Hurricane Flossie advanced on the Hawaiian islands.
As I write this, it's a bright and sunny day outside, with nothing to hint at the fact that we're under a hurricane advisory. Hurricane Flossie is bearing down on us and could hit tomorrow or Wednesday, so people are scurrying around all over the island stocking up on bottled water, food and other supplies.
But there's one thing they should have that most of them probably haven't thought of.
It's called a UPS -- not to be confused with the shipping company of the same name -- which stands for "Uninterruptible Power Supply", and it's an important thing to have to protect your computer even if you're not being threatened by a hurricane.
Let me explain what a UPS is, and what it does.
First off, let me back up a step and make sure you know what a surge suppressor is, since the two things are related.
A surge suppressor is a power strip with a bunch of power sockets in it that is designed to "take the bullet" for your computer if there is a "power surge".
In other words, the electricity that comes into your house is supposed to be at a certain level. Sometimes, like if there is a lightning strike, or the power goes out (like a blackout) and comes back on again, there is a "surge" of power.
Imagine a huge wave coming in on a beach -- normally the waves are within a certain level, and so are safe. But if a huge wave comes in (like a tsunami or tidal wave maybe, but not necessarily that big even) it can be dangerous.
So if a big surge of power comes up the line for whatever reason, if you don't have a surge suppressor to "suppress" the extra power, it can fry your computer's circuits -- or a TV or any electronic device for that matter.
So it's absolutely essential to at least have one of those to protect your computer and other electronics. And when you buy one, remember that power surges can come up phone lines and even cable lines (like if you have Roadrunner or other cable internet) and fry your machine that way. So when shopping for a suppressor, get one that covers everything.
So a UPS is like a surge suppressor, but it does even more to protect your computer.
A UPS basically is a big surge suppressor that has a battery inside it.
Because of this, if the power goes out, an alarm goes off (in case you didn't notice the lights go out, or it's daytime) and you have several minutes to save what you're doing and shut down the computer safely.
Every UPS is labeled with a number measured in VA -- the higher the number, the longer the power lasts. I suggest getting one that is at least 650VA.
The other benefit a lot of people don't know about that you get from having a UPS is that if you live in an area (like here on the Big Island) where the power grid is, shall we say, less than reliable, you get protection from brownouts.
Brownouts are when the power level falls but doesn't go away, so it's one step below a blackout. This can often happen without the lights dimming or anything visible happening. But it can still hurt your computer if this keeps happening.
Getting a UPS will protect you from the gradual damage done by brownouts, which you can think of as hurting your computer (or TV, etc.) the way that erosion gradually wears away at a beach.
So if you have a UPS you're protected both ways. For $100 or less, that's a good buy.
Oh, and one last thought -- another nice benefit of having one or more UPSes in your house is if the power goes out, you can plug a light into it and not have to sit in the dark!
This works best with fluorescent bulbs, of course. Since they use so much less electricity than an old fashioned "incandescent" bulb, the battery in the UPS lasts a lot longer.
A lot of times, if your TV and cable box (or cable modem for that matter, if you use cable internet) is hooked into a UPS too, the cable still works in a power outage -- so you get TV to entertain you, portable phones will probably work, and maybe even the Internet!
Worth Godwin is a computer coach with a dozen years' experience helping computer users of all levels, and has also worked for many years "in the trenches" as a hardware and software tech, solving real-world computer problems.
Worth has also been studying the human mind, and how people learn, since the early 1990s. He draws upon all of this, and his English and writing degrees, to teach people in a unique way with explanations that really make sense.
In 2006, Worth began putting his easy lessons together as audio & video lessons on CD, for both Windows & Mac. Designed to make it easy to learn at your own pace, for an affordable price. These lessons let you see each click of the mouse and every step of the lesson, while you hear Worth's clear explanations.
Everything comes with a full 1-year no-hassle money back guarantee.
More information, testimonials from happy clients, & the free report "5 Common & Costly Computer Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them Yourself" are available at http://www.WorthGodwin.com.
Decatur Herald Review April 9 1995 Page G1Using air conditioning tools can make even simple jobs costly because of their specialized nature. Equipment that is designed to be used exclusively on air conditioning systems also adds to the cost of any repair work. Some tools that are used in air conditioning work can be used for other jobs while others have only that function.
When working on air conditioning systems it is important that the diagnosis of any problem is accurate. Otherwise, adjustments may be made which didnt have to be done, adding to the overall cost of the repairs.
Using the right air conditioning tool helps to ensure that these sorts of mistakes rarely happen. By using the correct air conditioning tool, the technician is able to more accurately diagnose what the problem is with a unit. In this way only the correct parts or repairs are put into place. These specialized tools are not cheap with many models ranging up to $2000, but because they ensure that the job is done right and professionally, the price is worth it.
Air conditioning uses pressure generated by a compressor inside the unit to move the cooling Freon gas through a series of cooling coils. Gauges are used to find out if the unit is working properly and help to show where any pressure may be leaking from the system. This tool is capable of showing where problems may develop within the compressor, the evaporator assembly or the condenser and is able to show any leakages in the units tubing.
What Gauges Are For
At the heart of the air conditioning system is a compressor with two ports. The first is an input port that pulls warm air in over the Freon-filled coils, creating cold air, which is pushed through the evaporator and condenser and then into your home or vehicle.
Gauges are used to monitor the suction and output pressures and are used to show when a problem is causing the unit not to work. The best air conditioning tools utilize both input and output gauges in the same unit.
Some tools are made to specifically locate Freon leakages within the system piping. Some even use ultraviolet lighting to find the leaks, which trained professionals find to be the fastest and best tools for the job.
A simple thermometer can be an important tool in finding the source of leakage in any air conditioning system, as the Freon leak will always be much colder than the ambient air around the unit. Any excess temperature within the unit may also mean that the unit may be having overheating problems and is not functioning as efficiently as it should be.
You can also find more info on Central Air Conditioning and Home Air Conditioning Units. Knowairconditioner.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Air Conditioner.
Copper Wall SconceNowadays, more and more monitor comes in with flyback transformers problems. Testing flyback transformers arenot difficult if you carefully follow the instruction. In many cases, the flyback transformer can become short circuit after using not more than 2 years. This is partly due to bad design and low quality materials used during manufactures flyback transformer. The question is what kind of problems can be found in a flyback transformer and how to test and when to replace it. Here is an explanation that will help you to identify many flyback transformer problems.
There are nine common problems can be found in a flyback transformer:
a) A shorted turned in the primary winding.
b) An open or shorted internal capacitor in secondary section.
c) Flyback Transformer becomes bulged or cracked.
d) External arcing to ground.
e) Internal arcing between windings.
f) Shorted internal high voltage diode in secondary winding.
g) Breakdown in focus / screen voltage divider causing blur display.
h) Flyback Transformer breakdown at full operating voltage (breakdown when under load).
i) Short circuit between primary and secondary winding.
Testing flyback transformer will be base on (a) and (b) since problem (c) is visible while problem (d) and (e) can be detected by hearing the arcing sound generated by the flyback transformer. Problem (f) can be checked with multimeter set to the highest range measured from anode to ABL pin while (g) can be solved by adding a new monitor blur buster (For 14' & 15' monitor only.) Problem (h) can only be tested by substituting a known good similar Flyback Transformer. Different monitor have different type of flyback transformer design. Problem (i) can be checked using an ohm meter measuring between primary and secondary winding. A shorted turned or open in secondary winding is very uncommon.
What type of symptoms will appear if there is a shorted turned in primary winding?
a) No display (No high voltage).
b) Power blink.
c) B+ voltage drop.
d) Horizontal output transistor will get very hot and later become shorted.
e) Along B+ line components will spoilt. Example:- secondary diode UF5404 and B+ FET IRF630.
f) Sometimes it will cause the power section to blow.
What type of symptoms will appear if a capacitor is open or shorted in a flyback transformer?
Capacitor shorted
a. No display (No high voltage).
b. B+ voltage drop.
c. Secondary diode (UF5404) will burned or shorted.
d. Horizontal output transistor will get shorted.
e. Power blink.
f. Sometimes power section will blow, for example: Raffles 15 inch monitor.
g. Power section shut down for example: Compaq V55, Samtron 4bi monitor.
h. Sometimes the automatic brightness limiter (ABL) circuitry components will get burned.
This circuit is usually located beside the flyback transformer. For example: LG520si
Capacitor open
a. High voltage shut down.
b. Monitor will have tic - tic sound. Sometimes the capacitor may measure O.K. but break down when under full operating voltage.
c. Horizontal output transistor will blow in a few hours or days after you have replaced it.
d. Sometimes it will cause intermittent "no display".
e. Distorted display i.e., the display will go in and out.
f. It will cause horizontal output transistor to become shorted and blow the power section.
How to check if a primary winding is good or bad in a Flyback Transformer?
a) By using a flyback/LOPT tester, this instrument identifies faults in primary winding by doing a ring test.
b) It can test the winding even with only one shorted turned.
c) This meter is handy and easy to use.
d) Just simply connect the probe to primary winding.
e) The readout is a clear bar graph display which show you if the flyback transformer primary winding is good or shorted.
f) The LOPT Tester also can be used to check the CRT YOKE coil, B+ coil and switch mode power transformer winding.
NOTE: Measuring the resistance winding of a flyback transformer, yoke coil, B+ coil and SMPS winding using a multimeter can MISLEAD a technician into believing that a shorted winding is good. This can waste his precious time and time is money.
How to diagnose if the internal capacitor is open or shorted? By using a normal analog multimeter and a digital capacitance meter. A good capacitor have the range from 1.5 nanofarad to 3 nanofarad.*
1) First set your multimeter to X10K range.
2) Place your probe to anode and cold ground.
3) You must remove the anode cap in order to get a precise reading.
4) Cold ground means the monitor chassis ground.
5) If the needle of the multimeter shows a low ohms reading, this mean the internal capacitor is shorted.
6) If the needle does not move at all, this doesnt mean that the capacitor is O.K.
7) You have to confirm this by using a digital capacitance meter which you can easily get one from local distributor.
8) If the reading from the digital capacitance meter shows 2.7nf, this mean the capacitor is within range (O.K.).
9) And if the reading showed 0.3nf, this mean the capacitor is open.
10) You have three options if the capacitor is open or shorted.
- Install a new flyback transformer or
- Send the flyback transformer for refurbishing or
- Send the monitor back to customers after spending many hours and much effort on it.
* However certain monitors may have the value of 4.5nf, 6nf and 7.2nf. Note: Sometimes the internal capacitor pin is connected to circuits (feedback) instead of ground.
Tv rca flyback transformer circuits usually do not have a internal capacitor in it.
If you have a flyback diagram and circuits which you can get it from the net, that would be an advantage to easily understand how to check them.
Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more electronic repair articles please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm
Discounted Small Kitchen ApplianceSlam dunk or simply dunk is a basketball shot. This generally requires the capability of the player to jump high in the air and give power to the ball with one or both of his hands. For achieving two points field goal, the player should know how to jump higher to dunk a basketball and simultaneously the player has to grab the rim as soon as the ball passes the hoop. A player capable to jump higher can attempt many slam dunk and many such slam dunk can be converted into field goals. The viewers also prefer these moves of basketball.
If you are trying to what slam dunk is or how to jump higher to dunk in a basketball, you can search the phrase at any of the search engine such as google, yahoo or msn. If you are a basketball player, you probably need to know how to jump higher to dunk in basketball. There are various exercises available to you to increase your higher jump and dunk especially if you are a basketball player.
Some of the exercises are extremely beneficial for all players including basketball players, baseball players, volleyball players, track and field and tennis players. In addition to the improvement in sport activities the overall personality and confidence of the players also increases that is good for sports persons. Due to these multilevel improvements the sports person can achieve the higher goals in sports and other goals in their life.
Although for increasing high jump to dunk a basketball, you have to follow the specific exercises but at the same time the routine and common exercise such as jogging, weight and power lifting are essential for maintaining general physique. You should regularly follow any other exercise that you are doing at the time of initiating specific exercises for increasing your vertical leap
Although there are many exercises available to you, but the most successful exercise is claimed to be plyometrics. This exercise is an established has shown proven result. The exercise is aimed
Increase your Vertical Jump by 12"inches in 30 Days
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