Evaluating Job Offers for Teaching Abroad

June 22nd, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Michael Hines You have decided on teaching abroad so you are off on the job hunt. Aside from the obvious considerations such as what country to work in and what training/qualifications to obtain; there are other things a teachers should consider when looking at potential job offers. There are many factors a teacher considers which will affect whether they accept a position. The most obvious factor would be the content of the position. What is the school asking of you as a teacher? You must ask yourself if the job is interesting and fits into your career plans as a teacher. The person you will be working for is also an important consideration so you must take the time to talk to them either via email or phone. It would also be beneficial to ask to speak to other teachers from the school to find out their impressions. Knowing what the job is and whom you will be working with are the first step in deciding whether to pursue it further. Some may say that the most important consideration would be salary and benefits but these should be a secondary consideration to what you want to do and who you will be working with. Regardless of the salary paid, most people will not stay at a position where they feel unsatisfied or have no growth. In addition, the people you work with or for have an enormous impact on your job satisfaction. However, when considering salary and benefits, do not focus as much on the starting salary but rather on the potential for growth and increases. Does the school have growth potential for you as a professional? Do they spell out cost-of-living increases and meritorious raises? Benefits are other areas that can supplement a position where the starting salary is not as good as you would have wished. Get a list of benefits from the company and formulate any questions you may have regarding them so that you can better discuss the position with management and other teachers at the school. Another factor that may come into play with many teachers when evaluating a position is the resources provided by the school. Teachers spend a large majority of their time preparing for upcoming lessons. This requires readily available resources such as teacher books, computer, printer, internet access, and preferably a reference library. In addition, there should be a work area set aside for teachers to plan and prepare. You should also look at whether the school already has a set curriculum/syllabus and student books because you may be asked to help to create these resources for your school year if they are not provided. I have known many teachers that have felt the need to move on because of the demands of planning for a school year without adequate resources. Searching for a position is difficult. After spending many hours on a search, making a careful decision regarding a job offer is important. Getting an offer does not necessarily mean you should take the job. Most employers will not expect you to make a decision on the spot. You will probably be given a few days to a week to make up your mind. If they are unable to provide you with the time to make a decision then you should not consider this as a viable position. On the other hand, if you decide to go with a school without finding out the proper information, don’t blame the school when the position turns out not to be what you expected or wanted. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the job will help you make a more informed decision, rather than deciding on impulse. To help you find that perfect (or near perfect) job, you should ask these questions to all prospective employers: What is the salary?How many months is the contract?Do/Can you sponsor me for all paperwork, including teacher’s license, work permit, and visa extension?How soon can you get this paperwork processed?How many hours will I be teaching?What kind of insurance is on offer?When are the starting and ending times for work?About how many events a month are teachers required to attend outside normal working hours (teachers’ meetings, parents’ meetings, school festivals, seminars, etc.)?Does the school have/provide books?Does the school have whiteboards or chalkboards? Does the school provide all teaching materials needed? What are the items provided?Does the school require that I attend/teach a summer camp?Is there a discipline policy? What is it and how is it enforced?What are the details of contract “extras” such as:Resigning bonusesBiannual or annual plane tickets to visit homeHousing allowances (if no housing allowance then ask about help finding accommodations along with cost in the school area)Internet access both in and outside the schoolRaise schedules Michael Hines is the founder of http://www.TotalESL.com, a free resource helping the ESL/EFL community for jobs, resumes, schools, resources, yellow pages, classifieds, information and lessons. There are even free user blogs and chat! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Hines http://EzineArticles.com/?Evaluating-Job-Offers-for-Teaching-Abroad&id=81376 payday select cash advance companies loan for bad credit using house as collateral how much shall i withhold on my paycheck

How to be Successful at Online Dating

June 19th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Ron Zvagelsky With such a fast-paced world, dating has been set to the next level. But no matter how quick you convert chats and private messaging into real life dates, online relationships can absolutely turn into something steady and serious. If you are ready to plunge into the world of online dating, here are some tips to make you successful in your feat: Work on Your Profile If someone were looking for a date online, whether through chat or MySpace, your profile would be the first thing that he or she would check out. Avoid writing about negative things in your profile a positive aura always attracts people in a good way. Be creative and clever in creating your profile. Also, try to comparing yourself with someone famous or a movie character so as to paint a picture of your personality. Picture Perfect Try to post your best picture. Posting pictures of cartoon characters or celebrities instead of your own can give the impression that you are trying to be someone that you are not. Dont Rush Things Dont arrange for a meet-up right away. Take time to get to know your would-be date either on chat or through private messaging (a week or so would do). If you can, get his/her cellphone number so that you can call or text them whenever either of you goes offline. Your previous conversations with them can make things easier when you decide to go out on a real date. Be Consistent There are some people that you share a good first conversation with. The key to honing an online relationship is constant communication. See to it that you send a message to your someone on a regular basis. Remember that there are probably hundreds of other people that he/she is chatting with, so make a move to let him/her know youre still interested! Although dating in the online world is in such a hurried state, you should not be. Take time to get to know a person and share something about yourself as well. If you both hit it off on the internet, chances are you may be compatible offline as well. Now thats something to look forward to. Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam an interactive website offering dating advice and helping you plan a date. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Zvagelsky http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-be-Successful-at-Online-Dating&id=333131 low interest payday loan hialeah car company loan online quick guaranteed personal loans second chance personal loans

Recipes Using Beer

June 15th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Kimberly Chang Although you might enjoy drinking beer, you might never have thought about cooking with beer. The truth is that using beer in your recipes can provide you with a great taste that you cant get with anything else. Most men love when they hear this, because there is nothing better to them than popping the top on a cold one. And now that they can use it to cook with, they never need another excuse for having the fridge stocked with beer. There are several ways to incorporate beer into your recipes. The first thing you can do is create a beer batter. Many people will use their beer batter on fish, chicken, squid, or other meats that typically get battered before cooked. Another way some people use beer in their recipes is to create dressings with it. Some will add it to a mustard mix for extra zest and flavor. In addition, others will create a marinade so their meats, instead of using the beer in a batter. Beer recipes can be found online for free or you can purchase beer recipe books for your continuous use. They are great gifts for men who love to cook or that female cook that likes to think outside the box a little. Go ahead and try some of the beer recipes you find. You will be shocked at how beer can really add to the flavor of your favorite dishes. You should be aware that when you are cooking with beer, some of the alcoholic characteristics of the drink may still be present after cooking. So, if you have young children or are cooking for those recovering from alcohol abuse, you might want to pass on these beer recipes. Indian recipes are actually pretty fast and easy to learn. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Chang http://EzineArticles.com/?Recipes-Using-Beer&id=236094 payday one iowa payday loans cash advances with no faxing i need a signature loan but i have bad credit no doc hard money lenders

What You Get from Online Spelling Tests

June 7th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Dave Poon Todays technology has been very beneficial to every childs learning. The education technology in todays time has immensely helped develop an advanced way of teaching and learning through the use of the Internet. Compared from the past, a child has so much to learn, with the new gadgets like the flash Ram, free education websites, educational software, recorded lectures from digital voice prompts and informative search engines like the Google. With the existence of the Internet, learning and educating are delivered in the simplest and most convenient way. Online education has provided a different approach to a kid’s learning. Through the Internet, your kid can do his homework, make online spelling test and can be lectured using voice prompts. Personal computers are very essential to kids nowadays. Assessment tests are often done through online testing sites for kids. About 75 percent of American children falling under the ages 3 to 17 use personal computers at their own homes to take assessment exams and complete school assignments according. This was according to the statistics gathered by the United States Consensus Bureau. For parents, it is important to teach kids at an early age. There are many gadgets out in the market that can get kids into a good start. There is the so called LeapFrogs Leapster Learning Game System that allows kids to learn letters, spelling, music, numbers, and phonics. It is only available at $60 that is perfect for kids under the ages 3 to 5 years old. You may also find educational links that offer tutorials and informative materials that have organized and well documented subject matters for any grade level students. Even lesson plans are already prepared according to the standard curriculum of the states education department. One benefit for high school students who are preparing and reviewing for their tests such as the SAT, they may find links that give practice tests in preparation for the exam. This is a way students can assess themselves and see what areas they need to review more and concentrate about. Online spelling tests are also offered to kids who may want to start an early learning with vocabulary and grammar. This is a great way to introduce kids to spelling and the use of the dictionary. Practice online spelling tests also help you assess your kids on how good i their spelling skills are and word mastery. There are also those online spelling tests which are more complicated and are required for job seekers out there especially in data entry positions or clerical slots. Online spelling tests will help you to be prepared and confident during interviews. Typing skills can also be a factor but the mastery and accuracy on words plays a huge factor for most assessments. This is when you need online spelling tests to improve on your spelling and vocabulary accuracy. This will brush up your spelling by practicing typing accurate the words in the spelling lists. Once you have gained mastery on the words and with the right grammar, it is still important to practice repeatedly and expand on more difficult words to master and spell consistently. Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Home and Parenting. For more information regarding Online Spelling Tests please drop by at http://www.childrenspelling.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Get-from-Online-Spelling-Tests&id=284183 auto credit loans new loan bad credit list of hard money lenders no credit check mortgages cash advance loans vancouver wa

Brush Up On Your First Aid - It Could Be A Lifesaving Decision

June 1st, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sample] Tom Sample Whether it’s a cut, burn, sprain or something more serious, it often falls on the people around when an emergency strikes to provide first aid to a patient. Knowing what to do and how to do it during an emergency can save not only time, but also lives. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to get some training on the basics of providing first aid in emergency situations. There are plenty of locations for doing so. If you want to learn how to effectively provide aid if a problem arises, the places to turn for proper training include local Red Cross chapters, schools and even area hospitals. These locations often offer great courses including CPR and beyond. What’s more, if you’re trained to provide assistance while waiting for medical attention, you shouldn’t find yourself feeling helpless if something bad does happen. Few feelings are worse than having to stand by and wait for help while a loved one suffers. Being trained to give first aid can help alleviate this circumstance. The reasons for wanting to learn how to provide help in basic medical emergencies are many. Some people do so for their jobs; others want to be able to help loved ones if a bad situation occurs. Parents with small children are particularly in tune to the need to be able to provide first aid. Images of choking children, drowning children or kids with big cuts often make parents run screaming to the nearest outlet to learn. If you’ve decided to learn how to give first aid in a medical crisis, let’s look at the options for getting the right training. It’s important to ensure the outlet is accredited to give the instruction. Learning incorrectly can be dangerous. Here are some of the best choices for learning it the right way: Red Cross chapters: Although these might not be available in every area, this organization provides low cost and sometimes free training in basic first aid, which will include the Heimlich maneuver; CPR and even infant and child courses designed to help parents handle minor emergencies that crop up. Certification for giving CPR will often be offered, too. Hospitals: These are a great choice for a number of classes. Many hospitals provide an array of classes designed to teach people how to give first aid in a number of situations. In addition to what the Red Cross offers, hospitals might also give courses designed to help caregivers of special needs patients understand what needs to be done in a crisis. Area schools: High schools often have night school programs that will sometimes include basic first aid and CPR. Whether these courses are taught by the school’s instructors or teachers from the Red Cross will vary, but the end result is a good basic understanding of how to give first aid in an emergency. When a medical emergency arises, there’s nothing worse than being helpless to assist. By taking basic classes, almost anyone can be prepared to give first aid when it’s needed. More information on first aid [http://www.firstaidkitsshop.com] first aid [http://www.firstaidkitsshop.com] http://www.firstaidkitsshop.com Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sample ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sample [http://ezinearticles.com/?Brush-Up-On-Your-First-Aid---It-Could-Be-A-Lifesaving-Decision&id=398888 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Brush-Up-On-Your-First-Aid—It-Could-Be-A-Lifesaving-Decision&id=398888 secured same day loan bad check to a mississippi payday loan aib personal finance car loans car guaranteed cash advance loan

Fast Weight Loss - Is It For You

May 29th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By David K. Snyder Obesity is one of the fastest growing epidemics in our modern world. We as a society are on the fast track constantly. We hurry to work. We hurry home. We hurry our meals because we have things to dokids to practice.television to watchand the list goes on. In the process we eat at Macy Ds, Pizza Hut, and dozens of other fast food places. When we fix dinner at home many times it is a processed pop in the microwave meal. And along with all of this comes the fat. We are experiencing more and more problems due to obesity. Heart disease and diabetes both have factors arising from obesity. And your knees hurt you have trouble breathing. your back hurtsand the list continues. Our hospitals are having to buy special beds and equipment to care for the obese. Obesity is killing us. As a society we frown on obesity and most of us being used to everything being quick want to lose that weight quickly. We will try everything we can to lose weight and conform to societys view of the beautiful person. But is it safe to lose the weight fast? Fast weight loss can be as dangerous as the excess weight. It can mess up your bodys delicate balance of electrolytes and other things that keep us going. Yes, you can lose weight quickly and most usually a quick weight loss means a gain of those pounds back in a few days or weeks. To lose weight safely it needs to be done over a period of time in a safe and sustained manner. Those charlatans selling the snake oil will try to get you to buy every pill or chemical out there to help you lose those excess pounds. What you need is a plan for sustained weight loss. You need to look at your diet. You need an exercise program. As you start the weight loss program find yourself a buddy to do it with you. It makes it easier if you have the help of someone else. Your exercise program should be something you enjoy. Walking on a treadmill gets real boring real fast. Go to the park and enjoy the sounds and smells of nature as you walk. A good support system of friends and family who can tell you how good you are doing and how good you look will drive you on as well. We all like praise and that support system will help with that. Set a short term goal and give yourself a reward. Say you have 50 pounds to lose. Set your short term goal at 15 pounds and when you get there treat yourself to something you really enjoy eating but dont go overboard. To really lose weight you need to develop your plan and stick to it. Most quick weight loss claims are strictly hype and you need reality. David Snyder is an RN who is looking at the weight loss epidemic facing society. Visit my blog at http://loseweight-dave.blogspot.com to look at more weight loss comments and to leave your comments about weight loss. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_K._Snyder http://EzineArticles.com/?Fast-Weight-Loss—Is-It-For-You&id=518311 personal loan for business purchase money now loan home loan with bad credit apartments with no credit check in atlanta ga

Spiritual Perfection Is Impossible When Your Focus Is Wrong

May 26th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By David Becker The Foundation of Jesus Christ, which includes focus on sin, faith, water baptism, Holy Ghost baptism, resurrection and judgment, must be taught first to new Christians, but once that foundation is laid, it is critical that a maturing Christian go on to learning new things of the LORD GOD according to His Grace and Will. No student can grow to perfection by repeatedly learning the six principles of the doctrine of Christ. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. (Hebrews 6:1-3 AV) Focusing over and over and over on the six things contained within the Foundation of Jesus Christ, prevents a Christian from growing to the place that the LORD GOD Wills. Many Christians become so focused on these six things that their spiritual growth stops at that very place. (1) Sin Focus - When a Christian keeps dwelling on the sins of themselves and the sins of others. Usually this results in condemnation, exclusion or backsliding. (2) Faith Focus - When a Christian has a spiritual focus on his faith as an excuse to avoid the study of God’s Word. This makes a Christian that is ineffective at evangelism, susceptible to becoming confused, tricked into cults and being led by false teachers, and confuses young Christians with loose interpretations based on feelings rather than the Word of God. (3) Water Baptism Focus - When a Christian focuses over and over on water baptism, they lose the big picture of God’s Grace that allows salvation of a sinner. This causes a Christian to lead many astray by bringing people to the waters for redemption and making them feel that their act protected them from damnation. In the midst of it all, the message of the free and undeserved gift of the LORD GOD to give us salvation through His Grace is lost, which eventually leads to confusion among Christians between the differences of faith and works. (4) Holy Spirit Focus - When a Christian focuses on the feelings of love, joy, peace, strength and all of the other emotions felt when the Holy Spirit is moving, and rejects the day to day walk with Christ in faith. This causes a Christian to rely on emotion and feelings, rather than the faithful belief in Jesus Christ and the study of Word of God. (5) Resurrection Focus - When a Christian focuses on his resurrection to heaven. This makes a Christian so caught up with his reward that he forgets to accomplish the Works that the LORD GOD has for Him to do while he is alive. (6) Judgment Focus - When a Christian focuses excessively on the coming Judgment by Jesus Christ and the approaching End Times. This results in apathy, fear, exclusion, separation, self focus, and a loss of credibility. Faithful Christians are excitedly awaiting the Last Days to be completed and the New World established with our King Jesus Christ in rule. It’s an exciting and wonderful time to be alive, but there is so much work for the LORD GOD to do, and so few workers to do it. A Christian doing the works of GOD doesn’t have time to focus on the ever afters right now! Growing Christians must move on into perfection! When you have established your belief and your spiritual being on the Foundation of Jesus Christ, then move on to focus your attention on learning the new and wonderful revelations that the LORD GOD Wills for you to know. Stop your focus on the things you know well about your faith, and push that envelope to a place where you can become PERFECT for your King and your LORD GOD! 2006 David “Bucker” Becker - All Rights Reserved Worldwide. David Bucker Becker is an author and teacher of the popular Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians series published by Becker Bible Studies. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Becker http://EzineArticles.com/?Spiritual-Perfection-Is-Impossible-When-Your–Focus-Is-Wrong&id=238161 personal loans after bankruptcy pay day loans with no tele check how to look better on loan papers with bad credit pa personal loan philadelphia municipal court limit

How to Get an Internship in the United States

May 17th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Denisse Romero Internships are practical experiences that bridge the gap between the educational world and the real world allowing students to understand what is really like to work in the industry of their choice. International internships offer much more than the usual internship you would conduct in your country. These types of internships will open your eyes to new ways and new personal and professional relationships, will provide you with new settings and a new culture and expand your opportunities. Here is a small summary on how to get internships in the United States. Washington, DC: Internship Central Washington, DC is probably the most popular place for internships in this country. Hundreds of students from every corner of the world congregate in this city during the summer months to pursue internships in almost every field. Of course, the most popular field is political science, but tons of students also pursue internships in science, technology, economics, business, art, etc. In fact, Washington, DC is much more than politics. It’s a beautiful city surrounded by monuments and museums that are free to the general public. The Smithsonian museums offer all kinds of internships and fellowships year-round in subjects such as art, public relations, science, public policy, and other fields. International students are eligible to apply to certain internships provided by the Smithsonian free-of-charge. Other entities that attract tons of international students are the international organizations located in this city such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Interamerican Development Bank. International and national students are encouraged to research and apply with plenty of time before the deadline to any of these internships that usually carry a nice stipend or a monthly wage. It’s important to understand that many internships are unpaid, however the professional expertise and personal connections you will acquire more than make up for the lack of payment. Some internships offer stipends that usually cover food and/or transportation. Other internships provide nice monthly wages that allow students to pay for housing, food, transportation and other personal expenses. There are also internship programs such as the Washington Internship Program, the Washington Internship Institute, or the Washington Center that provide internships to international and domestic students. These programs usually charge fees that average $3500 for internship placement services, academic courses, housing placement, and group activities. For those students already studying in US universities and colleges, the university career center is a great source for internship opportunities. Finally, newspaper and online job ads may also provide you with a good list of potential internships. The Work Permit Process for F-1 Students F-1 visa students (students currently enrolled in US universities and colleges) are eligible to work as interns 9 months after being admitted in the country as F-1 students. The process varies from college to college, but the following steps are recommended: 1. Talk to your international students counselor to see if you are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT). Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment option available to F-1 students where the practical training employment is considered to be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program and where you are awarded college credit. 2. Talk to your college counselor, internship director or career counselor to see if you qualify for internships at this point in your college life. 3. Look for internships everywhere: newspapers, online job banks, internship centers, companies, organizations, etc. Submit your resume to your internships director or college professor in charge of co-op and internship programs. 4. Once you have been hired as an intern, go to the international students office and fill out the CPT form. Once this is approved, your I-20 will specify permission to engage in CPT. Your employer and dates will also be recorded on your I-20. The Visa Process for Other Students Students or recent graduates from other countries who wish to pursue an internship in the United States will usually need to be sponsored for a J-1 visa. J-1 visas are provided to exchange students and trainees. Your internship program will usually sponsor you for this type of visa. It’s important that you understand that students who come on a J-1 visa will be required to leave the country within 30 days after the internship ends. Also, J-1 visa holders will not be able to return to the US for 2 years following their internship experience. The reasoning for this is that students must take back and apply in their native countries the skills and expertise they acquired while working in the USA. For more information about J-1 visas, please visit this site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#6 Students who wish to work as temporary workers - usually in the hospitality industry as front desk agents, waiters, housekeepers, ski instructors and more are eligible for H-2 visas. The H-2 visa is a visa for unskilled workers and is the visa most often used for workers in hospitality and entertainment during the summer months. Work abroad programs usually sponsor you for this type of visa. For a directory of work abroad agencies click here. Note that international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF and IDB may sponsor their interns for a G-4 visa instead of other types of visas. The USCIS.gov website has comprehensive information about H-2 and G-4 visas. The following steps are recommended: 1. Find an internship or work abroad program that meets your criteria. Make sure it is a reputable and certified organization. 2. Apply for the internship or work abroad program. 3. Once you have been admitted, request a detailed explanation of the steps and documents necessary for your visa. 4. Gather all the required documents for your visa interview and visit the US consulate or embassy in your area. Final Words Although this article has focused on internship opportunities available in the Washington, DC area, internships are available in all cities throughout the United States. It is important to select internships that provide you with valuable skills and unique experiences. Avoid at all costs internships where making copies and serving coffee will be your major responsibilities. Also, if you have decided to enroll in an internship program, make sure that it is a reputable and certified organization capable of sponsoring foreign students. An internship in the United States and in other parts of the world is a beautiful experience that combines new experiences, new cultures, new perspectives and your personal and professional growth. Denisse Romero Study Abroad and Travel Portalhttp://www.macquil.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denisse_Romero http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-an-Internship-in-the-United-States&id=419141 personal loans malta sba small business loans payday loans with bad credit long term personal loans for people with bad credit

Build a Rain Garden

May 14th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By Jodi Reichenberger There’s a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy to install, looks good year-round, requires almost no maintenance and has a terrifically upbeat impact on the environment. No wonder rain gardens are such a great new gardening trend! Storm water runoff can be a big problem in summer during heavy thunderstorms.As the water rushes across roofs and driveways, it picks up oil and other pollutants. Municipal storm water treatment plants often cant handle the deluge of water, and in many locations the untreated water ends up in natural waterways. The EPA estimates as much as 70 percent of the pollution in our streams, rivers, and lakes is carried there by storm water! By taking responsibility for the rainwater that falls on your own roof and driveway, you’ll be helping to protect our rivers, streams and lakes from stormwater pollution. To reduce the excess water runoff, many towns are encouraging businesses and homeowners to install rain gardens in their yards. Rain gardens are specially constructed gardens located in low areas of a yard where storm water can collect. The idea is to have the water naturally funnel to this garden. The rain garden collects water runoff and stores and filters it until it can be slowly absorbed by the soil. Rather than rushing off into a storm sewer or a local waterway, the rainwater can collect in a garden where it will be naturally filtered by plants and soil. Installing a rain garden is easy. You simply dig a shallow depression in your yard and plant it with native grasses and wildflowers; things that are easy to grow and maintain in your area. What makes a garden a rain garden? First, the garden will be designed with a low spot in the middle to collect and absorb rain water and snow melt. This depression can range from a few inches in a small garden, to an excavated trough that’s several feet deep. Second, rain gardens are usually located where they’ll catch the runoff from impermeable surfaces like sidewalks and driveways, or from gutters and roof valleys. Third, rain gardens are usually planted with native wildflowers and grasses that will thrive in tough growing conditions. Finally, rain gardens are designed to channel heavy rains to another rain garden or to another part of the garden. Your rain garden should be located at least 10 feet from the house. The gardens size and location depends on the yard. The ideal situation would be to locate the garden in a natural depression. You also can funnel water from downspouts on gutters into the garden. The soil should be well drained so the water doesnt sit in the garden for more than two days. A special rain garden soil mix of 50 to 60 percent sand, 20 to 30 percent topsoil, and 20 to 30 percent compost is recommended. You can dig this mixture into the soil to depth of 2 feet before planting. Once you’ve identified the new garden’s location, remove the sod and dig a shallow depression approximately 6-inches deep. Slope the sides gradually from the outside edge to the deepest area. Use the soil that you remove to build up a slightly raised area on the lowest side of the garden. This berm will help contain the stormwater and allow it to percolate slowly through the rain garden. If your rain garden is no more than about 6-inches deep, stormwater will usually be absorbed within a one- to seven-day period. Because mosquitoes require seven to 10 days to lay and hatch their eggs, this will help you avoid mosquito problems. Your downspout or sump pump outlet should be directed toward your rain garden depression. This can be accomplished by a natural slope, by digging a shallow swale,or by piping the runoff directly to the garden through a buried 4″ diameter plastic drain tile. Plant Selection… The final touch. The most difficult part of building a rain garden (if it can even be called that)can be plant selection. Plants need to be tough enough to withstand periodic flooding, yet attractive enough to look good in the garden. Deep-rooted, low-care native plants, such as asters, and tough non-natives, such as daylilies, are best. If properly designed, the rain garden can consist of a blend of attractive shrubs, perennials, trees, and ground covers. Planting strips of grass around the garden and using mulch also can help filter the water. New plants should be watered every other day for the first two weeks or so. Once they are well established, your garden should thrive without additional watering. Fertilizers will not be necessary, and only minimal weeding will be needed after the first summer of growth. Our goal at Garden Simply is to make your organic garden work sustainable; be more productive, and ultimately more fun! Jodi Reichenberger provides education about enhancing you and your family’s health through good eating, organic gardening techniques, organic gardening tips, and an all around sustainable lifestyle; providing helpful organic pest control tips (Integrated Pest Managment or IPM)to help you make the most of your effort, and the lastest community gardening and sustainable gardening news out there. Join us! Sustainability is a community effort! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jodi_Reichenberger http://EzineArticles.com/?Build-a-Rain-Garden&id=63949 help to find a phone number for cmg group llc payday loan no credit check furniture store debt consolidation bad credit personal loans credit cards cash advance in taylor michigan

Drinking Tea May Help Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk

May 9th, 2008 by evangeliawetteland

By John Frazer Drinking tea may help women cut ovarian cancer risk, says a study by Swedish researchers that finds more health benefits of tea. Earlier research has shown tea helps to protect against several type of cancer and boosts memory. Now researchers led by Susanna Larsson at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, found that at least two cups the risk of ovarian cancer by 46 percent because of its antioxidants content, and reported the online edition of BBC News. The researchers questioned 61,057 women aged 40 to 76 about their eating and drinking habits between 1987 and 1990. The women were followed up until December 2004 to see if they got cancer. The research revealed that 68 percent of women reported drinking tea mainly black tea- at least once a month. During the study, a total of 301 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Researchers said they saw a 46 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer in women who drank two or more cups of tea per day compared with those who didnt drink tea. Women who drink one cup[ of tea a day had a 24 percent reduced risk, while those having less than one cup had 18 percent less risk. The study is the first to specifically examine the relationship between the consumption and ovarian cancer risk, it said. The Archives of Internal Medicine study said more research was needed, and British experts added there was still no proof of the benefits. However, Larsson said: In summary, our results from a large population based cohort of Swedish women suggest that tea consumption may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. I have got these interesting information about Drinking Tea May Help Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk on http://www.activerx.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Frazer http://EzineArticles.com/?Drinking-Tea-May-Help-Cut-Ovarian-Cancer-Risk&id=237560 no telecheck cash advance income tax already taken out of paycheck will i have to pay taxes instant cash 595 ohio payday loans prosecute for closing bank account