Planning for Senior Care in Connecticut

Saving for retirement is often encouraged as a way to be able to enjoy some of the activities you did not have time for while you were still working. The reality is that you must save for retirement if you want to be able to afford to pay for senior care services and to enjoy the little extras such as a meal at a restaurant and traveling to see your friends and family. Your social security will cover your basic expenses, if you are lucky, but not much will be left over for anything else. This includes paying for senior care.

If you can plan ahead for the type of senior care you would prefer and be aware of the costs, you will make the process of finding care go much more smoothly. While you may not be able to predict what health issues you may experience as you age, you can at least make sure the process of finding and paying for care goes smoothly, should the need arise.

How much does senior care in Greenwich, New Canaan, Fairfield, Westchester, Westport Connecticutt cost? It depends. If you have some financial assets, you will be privately paying for long-term senior care. If you have no assets and qualify for Medicaid care, as a very low-income senior, you will receive long-term care paid for by the government's Medicaid insurance at a nursing home which accepts Medicaid as payment. Some do only if you first entered the facility as a private pay client. Some just don't accept Medicaid patients.

To effectively plan for senior care costs, research the cost of care in each state, comparing senior home care to nursing home costs. You may also should view the Medicare nursing home ratings and find out if a nursing home will accept Medicaid as a form of payment in the event you would run out of funds to privately pay.

A private nursing home room ranges from $145 in Missouri to $488 in Hawaii. Find out what the costs of care are in your state to help plan where you would like to spend your retirement years - near the ocean or maybe just near friends and family, regards of the view.

Elder Caregivers at Risk

Being a social worker for a Connecticutt homecare company, I have spoken with people from all walks of life regarding their health concerns, both for themselves and a loved one. The stress of caring for someone can really take its toll. I wanted to share some of the risks with my readers, not with the intention of scaring them away from caring for their loved ones, but in the hopes that they will seek all the help available to care for themselves.

Anxiety and depression are the most widespread complaints that I hear about, although physical issues of a real or perceived nature can be equally debilitating. It is not unusual for caregivers to suffer sleeplessness, be predisposed to substance abuse, even aggressiveness toward the senior or other family members.

In other words, if a caregiver is depressed or stressed from caring for a loved one, she is less likely to take care of herself – she might skip doctor’s appointments, eat unhealthily, take up questionable habits, forgo her usual grooming and socializing, etc. As you can imagine, when a caregiver fails to care for herself, she will suffer both emotionally and physically, which can only negatively impact on her ability to function her capacity as a caregiver. In such circumstances, caregivers hesitantly admit to resenting the people that they care for.

So what can be done? Thankfully, plenty. Support groups are one of my most advocated options as they provide an environment where caregivers report feeling less isolated, validated through the bonds of mutual help. Ask your friends, neighbors, or family for help, and be specific about the requests; for example visiting at a certain hour and day, helping with bill-paying, taking Mom to a doctor’s appointment – all of which most certainly alleviates some of the burden. In short, I encourage all caregivers to take care of themselves, and to please reach out to professionals such as myself who can offer suggestions and emotional support.

The Benefits of Automated Attendant Recordings

Positive. Professional. Consistent.

Often, the first contact potential customers have with your company is through the phone. That's why your "telephone image" is so important. american on hold can enhance your company's call center, automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive voice response (IVR), automated attendant, and voice mail systems by providing professionally scripted and recorded business telephone greetings and information.

Our professional voices and easy-to-follow scripting will make a positive impression on your callers. We can even help you present a consistent sound by using the same voice for your Automated Attendant Recordings and On Hold Messaging.

In some cases, menus for IVR or auto attendant systems are poorly written, resulting in caller confusion, frustration, abandonment, and even lost revenue. American On Hold can review your current call flow and then design routing menus that allow callers to easily maneuver through your telecommunication system.

American On Hold can deliver your Automated Attendant Recordings in a file format that can be imported directly into your system by CD or via telephone lines or the Internet using FTP.

Different Types of Health Insurance Policies

Our company provides the most competitive family insurance in Portland, Oregon. Please contact us for your family, or individual health insurance needs.

Health insurance coverage comes in several different types, depending on who governs the plan and how much money is put into the plan by the participant. First, there are private and government run plans. Private plans are the types of plans you get from health insurance companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Government run health insurance plans include plans like Medicare, Medicaid and state run programs like Medi-Cal.

Within private health insurance companies, there are several different types of health insurance policies they usually offer. The usual and traditional plans include HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans and health savings accounts, or HSA’s. HMO plans are the least expensive of the plans, but also offer the least coverage. You pay less per month, but in turn pay more for doctor visits, hospital stays and so on. HMO plans also require the approval of your primary care physician, or PCP, before seeing a specialist.

PPO plans are usually more expensive per month, but have lower payments for doctor visits and hospital stays, and don’t have the restrictions on seeing specialists that HMO’s have. HSA’s are savings accounts in which you put a certain amount of money each paycheck, and is saved until you need it. These are usually coupled with high deductible plans, and are becoming more popular as they allow more control over one’s health care spending.

Government health insurance programs also come in different types as well. Medicare, for example, is a health insurance program meant for people 65 years of age or older that helps them pay for doctor visits, medical equipment. Since it’s a government-run program, it has more restrictions than other types of health plans, as well as gaps in coverage. These gaps are usually filled by private health insurance companies by using Medicare supplemental health insurance policies.

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income families, people with disabilities who are at or below the poverty line, senior citizens looking for nursing home coverage and so on. The use of Medicaid has been increasing over the years, especially by seniors and baby boomers looking to cover their nursing home expenses.

As you can see, there are many different types of health insurance plans available for individuals or families, and it’s up to you to figure out which one works best. Take the time to do the research on various types of health insurance plans and find out which one is the best fit for your needs before choosing a health care coverage plan for you or your family.

Medicare Advantage Broken Down & Explained

Our company is a Texas based company that provides services to our senior citizen population that includes: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Insurance, Medicare Part D & Medicare Supplement. So, although we may reference Texas Medicare Advantage information, this article can be used universally & is an excellent source of information for those seeking to be informed and educated.

Understanding Medicare Advantage

Some senior citizens and others enrolled in two of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Medicare Advantage plans will have to make a switch before the end of the year.

“What’s happening is that those plans, nationally, are ending,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan spokeswoman Helen Stojic. The plans are "sunsetting (being phased out) because they don’t have provider networks,” she said.

She said such plans will continue to be offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, “but they will have provider networks as required beginning in 2011. The previous plans did not have provider networks.”

In their place, Blue Cross Blue Shield is offering an array of products that have service provider networks, she said.

Blue Cross Blue Shield members affected should have started receiving letters early this week from the nonprofit corporation, and they can expect to receive second letters later this week with information about the new plans to which they can switch.

The plans ending this year are called Medicare Advantage Option A and Medicare Advantage Option B. Those 2-year-old plans are, in general terms, combinations the Original Medicare Plan (the government-backed health insurance program that looks to provide affordable coverage to people over 65 and qualified individuals who have disabilities), along with other options.

Medicare has two main categories, as explained on the BC/BS website: the Original Medicare Plan and the Medicare Advantage Plan. Each has four sub-categories related to: hospital insurance coverage (Part A); coverage for medical services and supplies (Part B); and coverage for prescription drugs (Part D).

Medicare Advantage plans are considered Part C. In very simple terms, those private fee-for-service plans are combinations of Parts A and B, provided through private insurance companies.

The replacement plans are preferred provider organization plans being called Medicare Plus Blue PPO Vitality and Medicare Plus Blue PPO Assure. Blue Cross also will continue to offer its current PPO Plan, which is now being called Medicare Plus Blue PPO Signature. Members will have to consider them during the annual election period for Medicare beneficiaries, Stojic said. That enrollment period starts Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31.

Medicare beneficiaries can also opt to choose from four products offered by Blue Care Network, the Blue Cross-affiliated health maintenance organization. Included is a new HMO Medicare Advantage product for 2011.

Stojic said she did not know how many of Blue Cross’ 4 million members statewide are affected, but she said, “We’re working with seniors. We’re working with insurance agents. We have information on our website. ... We’re trying to help seniors navigate the changes.”

Plastic Baby Bottles

What use to be something very simple is not so much any longer. Plastic baby bottles have been used for a long time, but the bottles you see in the store are not what they use to be. In fact, they are much, much better. When choosing what you want to use to feed your baby, you have so many options that you may be confused. Even breastfeeding moms may have to have a few bottles to use before it is time to wean. Make an informed choice before you buy, and the care for your bottles so they last.

There are simple baby bottles out there that you already know. These are simply the bottle, ring, and nipple. These are often the most inexpensive of plastic baby bottles, but they are also the most problematic for some children. These will create negative pressure, meaning you have to deal with collapsing nipples when your child has a stronger sucking reflex. They can also allow a lot of air to pass through to your baby, which can lead to colic. Some babies do just fine with these, but if you find your child has gas issues, you may want to go out and find something else.

The type of plastic that is used to make baby bottles is also a concern. Some believe that the plastic can leech into the milk or formula. This is also a concern with any type of plastic that you use in your home for food storage. You have to consider the validity of this when you choose. Some are made with safer plastics that keep your food purer. If you think that perhaps some of the less expensive plastic baby bottles may not be safe, don't worry. There are some out there that you may feel better about using with your children.

If you worry about gas, there are two brands that come to mind that have special features that can help cut down on the amount of air that your baby will swallow. These are Dr Browns bottles and the Soothie brand plastic baby bottles. They come with special vents that keep much less gas from going into your baby while they are eating. These are also made with safer types of plastic. They are harder to clean, but if your baby is suffering from gas pain, you won't mind the extra work. Dr Browns also helps alleviate the negative pressure that some simple plastic bottles can create, better mimicking feeding from the breast.

No matter what type or brand of plastic baby bottles you buy, the most important thing is to wash them correctly. Get all of the grooves around where the ring attaches to the bottle, and make sure the nipples are scrubbed. If you get a hard to clean type, make sure you spend the extra time to clean them correctly so old milk does not remain there to grow mold. You can sterilize your bottles once a week if you wish with easy to use bags that you can find in most stores that sell bottles and breast pump accessories.

Read More From The Author Here:

Do I need car insurance to pick up a towed car

Do I need car insurance to pick up a towed car

Is car insurance coverage required in order to go pick up a towed vehicle? Car insurance policies are as varied as the people they cover. When looking for a policy, it is easy to get caught up in all the terms, amounts, and hard to understand vocabulary. It is important to know what coverage you have and how it works before you need the coverage. Coverage such as towing insurance is not something you want to research when you are sitting on the side of the road needing a tow. Start comparing coverage option now with free personalized car insurance quotes!
What is Towing Coverage?

Towing insurance is exactly what it sounds like, coverage on a vehicle that needs to be towed. Basically, your insurance company will either reimburse you for the cost of the tow or allow direct billings from the tow company. Many car insurance companies require that you call them first and then they dispatch the tow company of their choice to your location. The tow company then bills the insurance company because they have a contract with them. Generally, you won’t have to speak directly to the towing company at all.

You need to be aware of the rules that go along with your auto towing insurance. For example, most policies will only cover one tow. That tow is usually from the place of break down to the nearest garage or to your home. If you have a garage that you want your car towed to and it is further than the nearest garage, you may have to pay some of the cost. You cannot have the car towed to your home and then call another day for a tow to the garage. Policies usually cover one tow per break down.

Another thing to be aware of is maximums. Some policies will have a maximum per tow as well as a maximum per year that can be spent on towing. Know what these maximums are and keep track of any amount of the coverage that is used so you know what is left. When you call for your tow, be sure to ask for a tow that is under the maximum amount.
Comprehensive Coverage Needed

The majority of car insurance companies will include towed car coverage in their comprehensive coverage, but not in their collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is the most extensive coverage you can get. It covers vehicle damage, natural disasters, vandalism, towing, and other insurance needs. You should have comprehensive coverage if you are still paying on your vehicle, it is leased, or if the value of your car is high.

Collision coverage only covers vehicle to vehicle damage and does not have any of the extras such as towing. Some insurance companies will let you piece together a policy that meets your needs but the cost you will pay for each piece is typically much higher than a standard comprehensive policy. Insurance companies can let you know how much it would cost to add towing coverage to a collision only policy. Therefore, to be sure you have towing coverage through your insurance, you need to get comprehensive coverage and ask your agent if towing is fully covered.
Other Car Towing Options

If you don’t have tow insurance through your insurance company, there are other options. The first is obvious; you can pay directly for the tow. This will cost you $50-$200 depending on where you break down, where you need the car towed, and what type of vehicle is being towed. It may seem cheaper to just do this instead of pay a monthly fee to add the coverage to your policy, but if you don’t have the money available at the time of the tow, you won’t be able to get your vehicle towed.

Another option is to get an independent road side assistance plan. These are available through travel clubs, some credit cards, and other type of memberships like AAA. Each of these will also have their own set of rules regarding how and when your vehicle can be towed. The most important thing, is that if you go without coverage, make sure you have the money to pay for a tow when needed. Leaving you car on a roadside can lead to further damage or even a traffic ticket.

If you aren’t sure if your car insurance policy has tow insurance and you want to compare what different polices have to offer, the best way to do this is online. By using an online comparison tool, you can see offers side by side as well as costs and coverage amounts. Get started comparing car insurance now!

Professional Advice for Elderly Home Care Remodeling & New Construction

Project Type

If you are planning to  build an addition, you may want to consider finishing out your existing garage and building a new garage. The cost of building a new garage is far less (in some cases 1/2 as much) than adding additional new living space. For a basement in-law suite you will need a walk out basement and a window that meets your local codes. Concrete foundation walls can be cut to exact opening sizes allowing you to add a door or window if your natural grade permits.

Garage in-law suites will require windows in the bedroom in accordance with your local building codes.

When remodeling a basement, installing a sub floor system such as DRIcore helps to keep the flooring warm and dry as well as adding a healthier living environment for you loved one.

Safety Monitoring

Even when your not in the room with your loved one, you can still check in to make sure their OK and that their receiving proper treatment from others such as healthcare providers.

When planning a construction project don’t forget to consider any other wiring needs you might have in the future, such as Cable TV, Internet connection, etc… The cost of wiring is far less during construction as compared to post construction.

Wheelchair Accessibility

In addition to adding more space and freedom of movement to your in-law suite this option also enables you to have piece of mind, knowing that in the event of injury or other medical complications your loved one will be able to navigate independently or with assistance through his/her living space even in a wheelchair.

In Home Care

Having a lockable passage to your home requires a exterior entrance to the in-law suite and gives you the option of securing your living space when your not present. This gives you piece of mind, knowing that home health care providers have access to your home only at your discretion.

Having a Rehab/Exercise room can save you time and money. Your loved one can be rehabilitated in the comfort of their own living quarters which can save you time that would be spend driving to and from expensive rehab facilities as well as keep your loved one under your watchful care.

Special Health Needs

Comforting in an In-law suiteAn In-Law Suite can even be built with hospital like equipment and treatment capabilities, but without the cold and sometimes dangerous environment. This way your loved one can spend their time around friends and family in a comfortable, safe place, and still get the treatment they need from in home care providers.(Of coarse its always recommended to follow the advise of your physician)

If lack of mobility is a main issue your loved one is facing, a lift can be built into the structure of the building and could facilitate helping your loved one out of bed for bathing, changing, etc…

Chairlifts and many other helpful devices can be installed and designed into the project to make your in-law suite conform to your loved ones needs, and provide them with the best possible living space physically and emotionally.

For basement suites or other special situations an elevator is a great option. Over the recent years the cost has come down on in home models and can be more affordable than you might think.

Safety Accessories

Adding something as simple as a handrail or grab bar can literally be a life saver. Placing Ramps and Grab bars in important locations can help your loved one stay independent for as long as possible.

These simple fixtures can help to minimize falls and other accidents before they happen, its true what they say, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
Floor Plan

Below is a link to a few samples of in-law suite floor plans in each of the basic design models. Remember everyone has a unique situation and needs, so these are just to help you get some ideas. FLOOR PLANS

Bedroom

When thinking of remodeling, make sure that a window can be placed in the bedroom. Having this in mind first can be a guideline and starting point for the floor plan layout of your project.

Dimmer switches are an easy way to help the room to feel warm and comfortable. In addition they also extend the life of incandescent bulbs.

Structural backing for wall mounted TVs or other items should be considered for installation during initial construction and can sometimes help to make the most of your family member’s living space.

Bathroom

When designing your in-law suite consider using a Jack and Jill bathroom configuration. This gives any guests your loved on might entertain access to the restroom without going through the bedroom.

Kitchen

Cooking in an In law suiteCollapsible sink bases are made at the right height for wheelchair accessibility but still have an under-cabinet that can be removed or left in place.  - Thinking of things like this in the design phase can help you be better prepared from the future and may even save you money and time in the long run.

If your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s it is recommended to evaluate their abilities and determine if they will be able to use a kitchen. Doing this now can help you spend your project budget in the best way possible for your loved one’s needs.

When laying out the kitchen, its a good idea to design it around making all the essential appliances and items within reach from one area if possible. This way your loved one won’t have to walk back and forth many times to get from one often used area to another. When grouped together, your loved one can easily get something from the refrigerator, prepare, and cook it with as little walking as possible.

Contact Connecticutt Live-ins for all of your Elder Care, Home Health Care & Senior Care needs in CT

Green Bay Packers: Are They The Dirtiest Team In NFL History?

The purpose here is to determine whether or not the Green Bay Packers are the dirtiest team in NFL history. While most teams have or have had dirty players from time to time, i.e., Richie Incognito of the Dolphins, Hines Ward of the Steelers, and even Conrad Dobler of the Cardinals  to name but a few, rarely have teams historically held onto a concept of committing flagrant, intentional penalties against opposing players, whether for the purpose of injuring or intimidating them, or merely when the game isn't going their way. The Green Bay Packers however, appear to be such a team. Is this tendency to commit flagrant penalties, late hits, and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls just emotional meltdown in the heat of battle, or a trait that is taught within their organization as a whole? Or perhaps a team that believes that it can take advantage of preferred treatment by the NFL hierarchy? In any event, the Packers have historically employed dirty play as part of a team concept to win at any cost and as such should by now be recognized as the dirtiest team in NFL history. I will not go into a complete list of dirty plays over 90 something years of Packer history, but rather illustrate a few examples to make my point.

Last night's game against the Bears was a typical example of the Packers resorting to unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly when an opponent gets physical with them. Did they intentionally send Zongo to try and injure Cutler? It certainly appeared that way. It will be interesting to see if the NFL fines him for the flagrant hit. He came up under Cutler's jaw and launched his helmet like a boxer's uppercut, which is a knockout punch. Then there was the late hit on Forte that was way after the whistle blew the play dead, which was reminiscent of the late hit on Jim McMahon in the 1980's that injured his throwing shoulder and effectively ended his career. How about their entire O/L leg-whipping and tripping Julius Peppers last night? Even the supposed second-coming of Ray Lewis (Clay Matthews Jr.) was up around the helmet of Cutler whenever he got a chance. Where does this tendency come from? Don't the Packers believe that they can compete within the rules? Is this just residual effect from the Forrest Gregg era or a systematic characteristic of "Titletown" Wisconsin?

Ray Nitschke was no Dick Butkus for certain, so he played dirty in order to keep up with his contemporary. Zongo is no Lance Briggs and we have the same results. Forrest Gregg was no Mike Ditka and the Packers were clearly the dirtiest team of the 1980's. They just couldn't compete with those Bears teams within the rules so they attempted to maim players as a consolation. So with the mountain of evidence that is NFL game tape, just when will the league step in and send a message to "Titletown" Wisconsin that even they have to play the game within the rules, win or lose? Don't hold your breath because the Packers have been ordained champions already at 2-1, something which they haven't earned. What they have earned is the label of being the dirtiest team in NFL history.

Purchase your Green Bay Packers Season Football Tickets at Titletowntickets.com

Tips to repair your auto AC Unit

If your in Fort Worth, Auto AC repair quickly becomes a high priority when temperatures rise on a hot summer day. While Air conditioning repair is not out of reach for the handy do-it-yourselfer, any work should be approached with great care.

If improperly handled, refrigerant can cause serious burns or blindness. Never attempt to open an air conditioning system for repair without first removing the charge with an appropriate service machine. Never add any refrigerant to an air conditioning system without a set of automotive air conditioning gauges. Blindly adding refrigerant can cause the pressure relief valve on the compressor to open, and at worst, an improper charge can destroy the system's compressor or cause a fitting to fail, resulting in serious damage or injury.

With these cautions in mind, there are a few easy items to inspect when a system is not performing as intended:

• Many cars have an auxiliary fan used to cool the condenser (usually located in front of the radiator). If this fan is not working, system performance will be significantly reduced.


• Another easy test involves checking compressor operation. The clutch on the front of the compressor should lock any time the AC button is pressed. If it does not, there is either an electrical problem, an improper system charge or the clutch has failed.


• If an AC system is low on refrigerant, it probably has a leak. Topping the system off may work temporarily, but the leak must be fixed before the system will work as intended.


• A dye kit is the easiest way to check for a leak. Leak detectors are another option, but usually cost enough to make them impractical for a single use.


• Joints are undoubtedly the most common leak points in many systems. These sections are connected with rubber o-rings that can become brittle with age.


• Systems that have leaked for a long time need a new receiver dryer or accumulator. You will find one of these two components on any car with air conditioning. They differ in function, but are both designed to absorb moisture. If a system has been left open for an extended period of time (or has leaked steadily for years) it may be wise to replace this component.

Finding someone in Fort Worth  for Auto Air Conditoning repair can seem intimidating, but there is no reason anyone interested should avoid taking a look for obvious problems. The extra safety steps may seem like a hassle, but are needed for a safe repair environment.

Contact Rick & Rays for your Auto Repair needs in Fort Worth

How does a Medicare Part C managed care plan work?

Medicare Part C managed care plans are required to cover any medical service that would be covered under Medicare Part A and Part  B. Also, many Medicare managed care plans add some coverage (though usually not much) that isn't covered by Part B. Each plan decides what extras it will offer

With Medicare Part C HMO plans, there are important restrictions on how you get your care:

    * To get coverage from a Medicare Part C HMO plan, you can obtain care only from doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who belong to the HMO's official "network" -- meaning providers who are under contract with the HMO.
    * A Medicare Part C HMO plan won't pay for care by a specialist unless referred by your HMO-network primary care physician.
    * Under a Medicare Part C HMO plan, you might not be covered for certain kinds of care unless the plan approves that care in advance.
    * You have limited rights to appeal a decision made by the Medicare Part C plan with regard to the care they won't cover.

Two other types of Medicare Part C managed care plans, slightly different from HMOs, are available in some places. One is an HMO plan with a point-of-service (POS) option; the other is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. With either of these Medicare Part C plans, you can see a provider outside the plan's network, or see a specialist without first getting a referral -- but the plan will pay a smaller amount of the bill. These plans are less common than Medicare Part C HMOs and might not be available where you live.

Contact Oregon E Health for your Group & Individual Health Insurance needs in Portland & to have your Medicare Advantage/Medicare Supplement questions.

Security, surveillance camera: How to choose?

Why I need a Pinhole Camera?
Pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio and can be used for a wide variety of purpose in office or at home, for security, surveillance or fun. Pinhole camera is an ideal discreet surveillance camera for the office or home security system, and a must tool for the novice or professional detective. Use it as a nanny camera when you are away from home to make sure that your children or elderly family members are properly taken care of. Installed in the office or the store room, the pinhole camera can monitor whether anyone enters your office or store in your absence. Some surgeons may use the wireless camera with their headlight systems to record their surgery operations on video tapes for teaching or recording purposes. Back to the top

What is a Pinhole Camera?
A pinhole camera is a video camera with micro lens (pinhole, 1~2 mm viewing diameter). The camera can be as small as 18mm x 18mm x 18mm. Due to the small viewing diameter, pinhole camera can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. A pinhole camera will give a real time video image similar to that produced by a camcorder. A pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio capability. You need to connect this camera to the video-in/audio-in connectors of a viewing or recording device such as TV, monitor, VCR, DVR, camcorder, computer etc. Pinhole camera is used when a standard security camera is not appropriate for the environment or you wish to hide the camera. You may hide the whole camera inside any object except the pinhole lens opening, which needs to be exposed to the scene where you want to take the video. Pinhole lens can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. Basically, the camera can be hidden inside any objects such as clocks, radios, tissue boxes or other household, office items or body worn. This keeps the camera covert for surveillance purpose. There are basically two types of connection between the pinhole camera to the display or recording device: wired and wireless. Back to the top

How to install Wired Camera
For a wired system, you need to connect the camera to your display/recording device (TV, VCR etc.) by means of a RCA cable (or a coax cable). Depending on the model you order, there are 3 cables with RCA connectors coming from the camera: the DC power wire, and the other two for video and audio respectively. Plug the video and the audio connectors to the RCA video-in and audio-in jacks at the back of your TV or VCR. Then connect the power wire to the included power supply, which then be connected to the AC power source. If AC power is not available at the location where you want to install the camera, you may use the included battery box or connector to connect the camera to a 9V battery. For longer battery life, you may connect the camera to a high capacity Sealed Lead Acid rechargeable battery - more information in Resources Page. Back to the top

How Wireless Camera Works
For a wireless system, connection between the camera and the display device is done by a transmitter and a receiver. The wireless system consists of a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. Though our pinhole camera is so small, we build in the video/audio transmitter inside some of our models of pinhole camera! The transmitter sends the video and audio signals from 300 feet to 5 miles away (depending on which camera model) to a small receiver. The receiver can be easily connected to a TV, monitor, camcorder or standard VCR. Your may view the video live or record it on a regular VHS cassette tape up to a duration of 8 hours. The camera can be hidden inside an object like a clock radio, air filter or CD player etc. Most wireless systems in the market do not include audio capability. There are many models of our wireless camera providing both video and audio transmission. Please make sure you choose the right product. In all the standard TV, VCR or monitor, you'll find an RCA video-input along with an audio-input usually located at the rear of the unit. Back to the top

What is Camera Resolution meant?
Resolution is a measurement unit of the camera's clarity. A cameras resolution is determined by the number of horizontal video lines (320~600 lines) that the camera needs in order to reproduce the desired image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image will be. Back to the top

LUX--How it affects picture quality
The illumination factor LUX (1/10 of a foot candle) is a standardized unit to measure a camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the number, the less light it will need to reproduce a clear image. A camera with a LUX of 1 means it can see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. A camera with 0.5 LUX has the ability to see an image in a dimly lit corridor. A 40W fluorescent lamp will provide sufficient indoor light for a camera with 2 LUX. With the help of infrared light, camera can work with 0 LUX, i.e., under total darkness, even better than the human eyes! Back to the top

What does it mean by LOS (line of sight)
LOS refers to the distance between the AV transmitter and the receiver in open space (line of sight). There are a number of factors that may adversely affect the transmission range in actual environment. If there are walls, partitions or other obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver, the effective transmission distance will be much shorter. Wireless signal can penetrate through some solid obstructions such as wood, tree, glass, non steel-embedded wall, partitions but the signal will be attenuated depending on the number, thickness and the type of obstructions transmitting through. For example, a steel-embedded concrete wall will attenuate the signal much more than a wooden partition. A standard construction wall can reduce the transmission distance by as much as 80%. Strong radio frequency of similar range in the area and/or poor weather will also adversely affect the operating range. In order to improve signal reception, try to place the antennas of the transmitter/receiver in a higher position whenever possible. Reallocating the transmitter/receiver to different locations and/or changing the channel may also get a better result. Using a high-gain antenna for the transmitter and/or the receiver will definitely improve the signal transmission and reception if the operating environment is open space. Back to the top

What are CCD and CMOS image sensors? What are the impacts on choosing the camera?
Both CCD (Charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are electronic devices that use a variety of technologies to transform an image (light pattern) into an electric image (electronic charge pattern). In the process of reading the value in the image, CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. While CMOS sensors, traditionally, are more susceptible to noise.

In the conversion and reading processes, CCDs consume lots of electric power. CMOSs operate on lower voltage and therefore consume much less power. The difference in consumption is as much as 100 times. Accordingly, CMOSs have much longer battery life than CCDs.

CCD sensors have been in mass production for a long period of time and therefore a more mature product than CMOS sensors. CCD sensors tend to produce higher quality and more pixels. As a result, the images produced by CCD sensors are much better than those from CMOS sensors.

The third major difference between these two sensors is that the manufacturing costs of CMOS is much less expensive than CCD.

Based on these differences, you can see that CCDs tend to be used in cameras that focus on high-quality images. CMOS sensors tend to have lower quality, lower resolution and lower sensitivity. There is a trade-off between higher image quality but higher power consumption (CCD) compared with lower image quality but longer power consumption (CMOS). Back to the top

How to choose a camera for security purpose?
There are lots of hidden camera in the market. Which one is suitable for you? These cameras may come with or without audio capability. Make sure you choose the one to suit your needs. Hidden camera basically includes (1) Pinhole Camera. Some are as small as a sugar cube with lens opening of 1 mm. It can be hidden behind any hole larger than 1 mm. (2) Board Camera: A small PC board with built-in mini camera. Suitable for hiding into many objects. (3) Dome Camera: A mini camera is built inside a dome-size plastic obscure protector. Suitable for installation on the ceiling or wall. (4) Standard Surveillance Camera: Visible security camera installed indoor or outdoor to scare away unwanted visitors; (5) Water-resistant Security Camera: Standard surveillance camera with water-resistant protective case. Suitable for outdoor installation. (6) Water-proof Hidden Camera: A small pinhole or mini camera with water-proof case so that it may be put beneath the water, for example, inside a fish tank.

The technology in these models is basically the same for different models, except that the camera may consist of either a CMOS or CCD image sensor, and the product size is also different for different purpose. Back to the top

Should I buy a color or a B/W camera?
If you use the camera in an environment where the light condition is very low, it is recommended that you should buy a B/W camera. If a color camera is used under low light condition, the video obtained will be close to B/W anyway. Buy a color camera for a better view if the light condition is fair. Back to the top

Should I install a Night Vision Projector?
Night Vision Projector is a device sending out invisible infrared light to compensate the light for the camera. Usually, the light requirement for B/W camera is very low. Some light coming from a dim light bulb or a corridor lamp is already sufficient. If you want to take video from a location where the light is very dim or no light at all, then you need to install an Infrared Night Vision Projector, or a camera with built-in infrared lights. If a color camera is used under low light condition (even with infrared night vision device installed), the video obtained will be in black and white only. Please note that our infrared night projector only works with B/W video camera, NTSC or PAL, but not with color video camera. Back to the top

Should I buy a Wired Camera or a Wireless Camera?
The advantages of wireless camera are that (a) it is convenient to be installed in those locations where wiring is difficult, if not impossible; (b) it can be moved to different locations easily, as often as you like; (c) it can be hidden inside a moving object like inside your cloth, cap, briefcase or carrying bag etc. The disadvantages are: (a) video stream may be disturbed or influenced by other moving objects or other strong radio frequencies. A wired camera is more stable in this respect. (b) video/audio transmission is limited within the prescribed transmission range. These disadvantages will not occur to a wired camera.

To overcome the disadvantages of wireless camera, you may:
(a) Buy those wireless models with higher frequency transmission band at least 1.2GHz or above; (b) If you need to take video from the wireless camera a long way from the receiver, or there are walls, metallic or steel obstacles between the wireless camera and the receiver, buy a wireless model with higher transmission power, that is, a transmitter with longer transmission distance; (c) Using a high gain antenna for the transmitter or receiver will improve signal transmission/reception.

Overall, the video/audio signals from a wired camera are more stable than a wireless camera. Back to the top

What is Video Standard?
Different areas of the world use different video standards. North America uses NTSC, Europe uses PAL and SECAM, South America uses PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL and NTSC. Almost every area of the world has a mixture of video standards. If your TV/recorder/camcorder support multi-systems, you can use either PAL or NTSC camera. With a multi-system video recorder, you expect an PAL tape to be reproduced as a standard PAL signal, and the same machine if fed with a NTSC tape will reproduce it as a standard NTSC signal. A multi-system recorder can also be expected to make a perfectly normal PAL recording of an PAL input signal, and a perfectly normal NTSC recording of a NTSC input signal.

NTSC and PAL standard are not interchangeable. Video input from a PAL color camera on a NTSC only TV will be displayed in B/W only, not in color. Back to the top
What is PAL, NTSC and SECAM?
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is a standard used in North America and Japan. It has the ability to display up to 525 lines of resolution. PAL (Phase Alternating Line), a standard used almost everywhere else in the world, has the ability to display 625 lines of resolution. SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is used sparingly around the world and can be found in France, parts of Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and a few other parts of the world. However, any SECAM country can display PAL tapes in full color, but not all PAL countries can display all SECAM tapes in color. Only if they are true SECAM and not MESECAM can those VCR's display SECAM. Back to the top

Note: Unless it is indicated in the product description that the camera is only available for certain video format, or you specify a video standard in your order, we will ship camera according to the common video format currently used in your country. For example, NTSC camera for orders from United States and Canada. For orders from U.K., we will ship PAL standard camera. Back to the top

How to choose a suitable lens for the camera?
Lens with fixed focal length
Choosing a suitable lens for your security camera, you need first to determine how far you want to monitor the scene. A 4mm lens will give a 72 degree visual angle of view for a person's face detail in about 30 feet. This will be adequate for most home or small office surveillance system. Based on this calculation, a 8mm lens will give a 40 degree visual angle and zoom in 2 times of the view in the same distance. Accordingly, a 16mm lens will give a 20 degree visual angle and zoom in about 4 times of the view in the same distance.

Varifocal lens
If you need to change the monitoring distance at times, you may choose a varifocal lens instead of lens with fixed focal length. With a few simple adjustments of the lens, you will be able to zoom in and zoom out and focus a clear picture of the scene. There are various focal ranges offered by the varifocal lens, i.e. 3~8mm, 8~15mm etc.

Auto iris lens
An auto iris lens is a lens that automatically adjusts the lens aperture based on the strength of the incoming light source. If the security camera is installed in the office, you probably don't need an auto iris lens because the light source is stable. If the camera is installed outdoor, you may need an auto iris lens because the light source may change through the day.

Things to consider when choosing a Fire Alarm System

By no means exclusive, the following are a number of typical considerations made when selecting the most appropriate fire alarm system in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernadino, Sandiego or Temecula.

System capacity – installing a fire alarm system which complies to BS 5839 means the property must be divided into zones and automatic detectors (if part of the system) are capable of protecting a defined area based on their type (for instance an optical smoke detector can protect an area of approximately 100m²).

Each fire alarm panel will have a fixed capacity in terms of how many zones are supported & how many devices can be used in each zone; therefore a fire alarm panel with adequate capacity is essential. It would be advisable to choose a panel with some additional capacity to allow for future expansion.

Combiner detector & sounder requirement – detectors which can either be fitted to a sounder base or indeed have a built-in sounder are often favored in installations including HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) and hotels where a minimum sound level of 75dB is required at the bed head as there are sleeping dwellings. By opting for a 2 wire or addressable fire alarm system it will be possible to connect sounders on the same cable as detectors as oppose to on a separate sounder circuit as is the case with conventional fire alarm systems. This will naturally save on cable and installation.

False alarm protection – the BS 5839 standard allows the siting of heat detector(s) in kitchen areas which is less prone to going into alarm from kettle steam, burnt toast, etc. compared with an optical smoke detector however many fire alarm systems go even further. Such system offer an alarm verification facility which only raises a local alarm (i.e. only the sounder base or built in sounder activates) if a detector goes into alarm and this detector is periodically checked to determine whether it is still in fire condition. If the detector returns to normal before the total verification period ends then the system can return to normal and a full scale alarm can be avoided (this may be because someone has cleared the smoke from burnt toast).

Programmability – it may be desirable to include some form of programmability, for instance a specific detector or group of detectors going into alarm only triggers a specific set of sounders or operates a specific output unit. This is known as cause & effect programming and is only possible with addressable fire alarm systems.

System specification – although this would generally concern larger systems, during the fire alarm systems design process or architectural design process (in the case of a new build) a particular fire alarm system from one manufacturer will be specified dictating exactly which system must be installed.

Budget – this goes without saying that total cost of the fire alarm system must fall within the budget for the project.

Contact American Surveillance for your CCTV, Security Cameras & System Integration needs in Riverside and San Diego

Tips For Dealing With Las Vegas HVAC Pros

Nothing in your house affects your comfort more than your heating and cooling systems. Yet unless the heater conks out during a blizzard or the air-conditioning goes on the fritz in the middle of a heat wave, most of us pretty much ignore our Las Vegas heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

We shouldn’t. When it’s not kept in shape, even the best system can cost you. How much? Depending on how you heat and cool your home and the climate of the area you live in, clogged filters, dirty thermostats, sooty flues, leaky ductwork and unlubricated fan motors can reduce heating and cooling efficiency by up to 25 percent.

Some of these maintenance tasks are simple, while others require a trained pro. You’ll also need an HVAC contractor if your system is at the end of its useful life. Here are some tips for dealing with HVAC equipment and the pros that service it.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

The good news here is that some systems require little attention. A heat pump only needs a yearly service call (around $60) by a technician who will check belts and filters and replace them as needed. He should also oil moving parts and inspect the wiring.

A gas-fired, forced-air heating system has simple requirements too. Furnace filter should be changed every month or two during heating season, and the circulating fan oiled once a year. Call in a pro to check the heat exchanger, flue and ducts and to adjust the burner every other year.

Other systems, like an oil-fired boiler, require annual maintenance flue cleaning, a fuel-filter change, cleaning and adjustment of the jets and often need attention more often than that. These chores should be handled by a professional.

Las Vegas Air-conditioning Units are a little less maintenance-intensive. At the beginning and end of each cooling season, you should clean or replace the filters, vacuum out the unit and lubricate the motor. If the unit is not cooling properly, call a technician to check the pressure level of the refrigerant.

Arrange for service calls before the start of heating or cooling season. You’ll get better attention and have more flexibility when scheduling the appointment.

When hunting for a company to maintain your system, look for one that designs, installs and services the type of system you have. Full-service heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and solar how water companies based in Las Vegas tend to be up to date on the latest advances in the field.

Besides checking that liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies are in force—standard operating procedure with any hire-check with neighbors, friends and family who have used the company over several years. How did the system run under the company’s care? Did the technicians always leave the working area clean? How quickly did the contractor respond to emergencies? Were the service people punctual when you called with a problem? A quality provider will have an emergency number that’s staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and enough technicians to respond when the weather is awful and the calls pile up.
Buying A New HVAC System

Heating and cooling equipment is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years. If your system is older than this, you might want to have its condition assessed. Although replacing HVAC equipment is a major expense, modern systems operate much more efficiently than the older units they replace.

Most HVAC contractors specialize in designing and installing the systems of a few manufacturers, so no one shop is going to carry every major brand. But before you worry about the equipment, it makes sense to find contractors in your area that are knowledgeable and service-oriented.

Start your search by asking neighbors, friends and family what companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they were happy with the installation, ask their contractor to come over and talk to you about heating or cooling your house. You should meet with at least two contractors; hire someone who installs products from at least two manufacturers. Don’t forget to consider your service company, if you have one. You’re under no obligation to hire the firm for the new system, but its technicians do have a good understanding of the conditions in your home.

When picking a contractor, remember that sizing an HVAC unit by matching it to the home and existing ducting requires skill and experience. A poor design typically results in a system that doesn’t deliver a consistent temperature from room to room and costs more to operate. But it can be even more serious than that. In very tight houses served by ductwork, poor design can lead to backdrafting, a dangerous situation where flue gases are sucked back into the house.

Most HVAC shops are small, so the owner should be involved with the system design and either participate actively in the installation or inspect it when it’s done. You don’t want your system designed by a salesman with no field experience.

Any contractor you’re considering also should offer these products and services:
Heat-loss calculation

This process estimates the Btu capacity needed to heat or cool your home. The calculation should include the amount and type of insulation in the walls, attic and floors of your home, as well as the type, number and location of windows and doors. This data is combined with your regional climatic conditions to determine the size unit you need. Software has made these calculations relatively easy. HVAC technicians who don’t perform them often specify oversize equipment to be safe. That’s dollars out of your pocket now and each time you get an utility bill.
Energy advice

When sizing an HVAC unit, a good contractor will advise you of energy upgrades, such as adding another layer of insulation to the attic. These may allow you to buy a smaller HVAC unit. Efficient equipment. Although it’s often not cost effective to buy the most energy-efficient unit on the market, there are minimums to shoot for. Here’s what a contractor should offer:

    * An air-conditioning unit (if below five tons) with a SEER of 10, preferably 12 (see “Hot & Cold Tech Speak,” below).
    * A high-efficiency natural-gas heater with an AFUE of around 90 percent.
    * A fuel-oil burner with an AFUE of around 85 percent.
    * A heat pump with an EER of 12.

Automatic controls

A setback thermostat ($40), which contains a timer, should regulate all HVAC systems.
Payback calculations

A quality HVAC contractor will show you payback calculations for the various units he offers, and those calculations should give you estimates of seasonal operating costs.

Variables the contractor will use in his calculations include your regional heating or cooling load, the heating or cooling capacity of the units you are considering and the costs of various types of energy, so you can compare the costs of electric, gas and oil.

Once you receive itemized estimates, you compare costs and do some of your own research on equipment. Start by visiting U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or Consumer Reports (this site is fee-based), or contact your utility company for comparative lists. Look at operating efficiency and costs as well as consumer-rated reliability. Then compare your knowledge of the contractors involved and make your decision.
Hot & Cold Tech Speak

Confused by HVAC lingo? Believe it or not, it’s meant to make understanding and buying the equipment easier. These terms allows you to compare apples to apples among units in the same fuel category. Knowing what the terms listed here mean will come in handy.

Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
    The seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) rates how many Btu an air-conditioning unit will remove for each watt of electricity consumed. The higher the SEER, the less you spend on operating costs. Federal law mandates a minimum SEER of 10 for all new air-conditioning units.
Tonnage
    An air-conditioning ton equals 12,000 Btu per hour. That means a three-ton air conditioner can remove about 36,000 Btu of heat per hour from your home.
Annual Fuel-Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
    The annual fuel-utilization efficiency estimates how much heat a unit delivers for every dollar spent on fuel. The higher the AFUE, the lower your heating bills.

Stress And Our Home

One of the major causes of STRESS is our multidimensional personality. We are not a monolithic structure. We are not homogeneous. We are our physical body, instincts, emotions, intelligence, perspective, conscience and our soul. We live simultaneously in our house, our village, our town, our province, our country and in the world and also in, past, present, and future; and our imaginary world!

Since all this "living of ours" is interwoven and full of multidirectional and shearing forces, pulls and pushes; we experience STRESS.

This is why, we have all the STRESS, which the other living beings have, which is further added with intricate and complex issues; our STRESS has become a difficult proposition to handle and conquer.

We simultaneously need harmonious functioning of our body, we need fulfillment of our instincts, we need warm and comforting emotional interactions and we need clarity of thoughts from time to time in the form of convincing answers. Since we also have ambitions; we need achievements of creation, mastery, control, and power over nature and others in other forms.

Thus we "feel at home" when we are free of physical discomfort, we feel at home when our thirst is quenched and our hunger is satiated, we feel at home we are satisfied in terms of sexual urge and procreation, we feel at home when we live in our habitat, we feel at home when we get emotional warmth, we feel at home when we are intellectually clear, we feel at home when we are in positions of power and status we envisaged or aimed for ourselves, and we feel at home when we are in our village, town, state, province and our country.

But even after all this we are still incomplete and not fully satisfied.

We do not get the ecstasy merely by well being of body, fulfillment of instincts, by emotional gratification and also after clarification of thousands of questions. We do not get the bliss even after getting fame, money; gaining control over matter and several natural phenomena; and holding sway over people and other fulfillments.

What is it that is missing?

It appears that we suffer from STRESS even after all this because; all these fulfillments are like different components of an engine, which have to be assembled and they are like different organs, which have to together so as to achieve optimal functioning and homeostasis respectively. Taking another analogy; they like the different wires which have to be connected so as to illuminate the room.

In simple words; all our achievements have NOT taken us to the innate abode of ours, the innate home of ours, where we can really "feel at home. Unless we reach and experience the "feeling of being at this home", which is common to all the inhabitants of the universe; we can not conquer the STRESS. However ever as we are on our way to this home we keep getting glimpses of our home and also the pinnacle or ecstasy of bliss "of being at home" in true sense! This home of ours is not only deep within us but is simultaneously present in the deepest core of billions.

This is a glimpse of the richness of the experience of Saint Dnyaneshwar who wrote in Marathi:

HE VISHAVACHI MAJHEE GHARA
AISI MATI JAYACHI STHIRA
KIMBAHUNA CHARACHARA
APAN JHALA

(He himself; becomes the entire universe (the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent), whose instincts, emotions and intelligence dissolve in; or get bonded with the aphorism; "this whole universe is my home"!)

Total Stress Management, which begins with the study of meaning, causes, dimensions, effects, mechanisms, and management of STRESS and practice and sharing of Total Stress Management in terms of holistic perspective; policies, plans and programs and actions; ultimately merges in this state of being, through NAMASMARAN, which reminds of "our true self" and "our home"; where we really are victorious over STRESS and feel at home!

In "our home"; we (our self) are independent of everything and yet in bond with the core of everything; simultaneously! Here is the eternal and self generating fountain of ambrosia.

The Author Teaches Yoga.

Options for Cleaning Ceramic Tile

Maintaining ceramic tile has been something that people have agonized over for years, and will likely continue to groan over for many more to come. The thing is that as long as you know what you are doing, the cleaning and maintaining of tiled flooring can be a not so difficult task to embark on. Before diving into the nitty gritty of cleaning tile, it is helpful to know some basic terminology to go along with this project.

Similar to concrete, grout is a grainy substance which comes in either pre-mixed paste or powder form to be mixed with water, which is then inserted between tiles in neat rows to hold it in place. It protects the tile from falling and also prevents water seepage into the wall behind the tiles, stopping molding and mildew from damaging the wall.

Caulk is the rubber-like substance that works as a sealant usually around the edges of a shower, window, door or any other area which requires sealing. Both grout and caulk can come in a myriad of colors to help match the tile used in any project, though more commonly, you will see caulk and grout in varying colors of white or off-white; both are susceptible to mold, mildew, damage and dirt.

Before you begin to clean, it is a good idea to determine just what degree of cleaning will need to take place. If your tile is in an area that is exposed to moisture, humidity or water (like bathrooms, specifically), you run a more serious risk of mildew and mold, which blackens the appearance of tile, grout and caulk, and can also be rather dangerous to walls and for the people living there. Mold and mildew can also be incredibly slick and creates a trouble for traction for those trying to step on it, increasing the chances of slipping and falling. In order to prevent damaging mildew or mold to appear, remember to use quality cleaning products regularly in your cleaning routine that battle water damage and mold, specifically.

Many of the other generalized cleaners that could be used can be found around the house; vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are two prime examples. Cleaning tiles with hydrogen peroxide leaves a streak-free finish and also has the added advantage of being anti-bacterial and kills germs and battles mold. Green cleansers are also very popular for use in poorly ventilated areas, or areas which have contact with children (like bathrooms) since they do not emit any harmful gases that could make the inhabitants ill.

The Writer is a home improvement specialist.

Marketing and Business Network Sites - A Good Way to Connect

Networking with business people is an excellent way to expand your network of connections to help you enhance your business over time. It is the way many marketers get to know more about business and connecting to the right people who can help them.

What you learn from fellow entrepreneurs is invaluable as you will be connecting with people who have already established a business and have a lot to offer newbie's who wish to learn how to start a business and make it successful.

Different network business sites have a variety of features, some are fairly standard some are different. Whether you join up with the well known ones like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Bing, or join the new UBERandom Revolution, they all have some things in common:

-To sign up is relatively easy, on most sites you need to key in your basic details, a password and on some a captcha phrase or word to make sure you re not a robot. Click sign-up and a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you.
-Your profile is an important part of joining any networking site; it's the window to you that others see. It's the place you can showcase your skills and knowledge. What people read on your profile should make an impression and give them the feeling they want to know more about you. Add a nice photo of you, it make all the difference when reading a profile to know what a person looks like. Usually profiles with pictures get more attention than ones that don't have a picture.
-Blogging has become very popular and most network sites give a member the opportunity to express their views in a blog, interesting content and search able keywords make the blog more accessible to more people. Reading other members blogs also helps you grow your contacts. Blogs are an invaluable tool in networking.
-If you've ever joined a discussion on a forum, you will know how powerful it is as a network tool. People use forums to ask questions and get answers to questions. It's also a place to share knowledge so you can learn a lot on forums.
-Events whether they are cyber or offline are opportunities to meet many new contacts, with people who have similar interests to your own. Here you can exchange business cards for future contact with various people.
-Team events on a site such as UBERandom offer opportunities for people to be mentored by experience marketers. At the same time sharing ideas with the members of the team.

The internet has spawned a host of networking sites, their popularity grows daily, and you can join as many as you feel you can cope with. Connecting with people on different levels from social to business on network sites is a wonderful opportunity to help your business to succeed.

The Author has been a marketer for 15 years.

Choosing an Experienced Home Builder

Whether you are a regular homeowner or an architect ready to design, there may come a point in your life when you need to enlist the help of Maine home builders. There are many general contractors in Portland Maine to choose from, but only a handful of them have the experience it takes to get the job done, as you need it. There are a number of benefits associated with working with a good team of Maine home builders, and this is certainly a step you do not want to skip over. For tips on saving money, times, and stress during a building project you have, consider some of the information below.

Experienced general contractors in Portland Maine are going to know exactly how to address any problems that you throw at them. If you have a unique issue that impacts a new build or remodel you need, you will have to find a company that can adjust to that. At the same time, you will need the Maine home builders to use their experience in the event of an unexpected problem, like finding termite damage in the structure of your home or issues with the foundation that would hurt the integrity of a building. It is thus highly important that you find some Maine home builders to work with who can adapt when they need to.

Good Maine home builders will also be highly familiar with any codes your home will need to abide by so you can pass inspection. This is important because your inspection will determine if you can have a business in the establishment or sell the property if those were your intentions. The codes are also set up for your safety because abiding by them will prevent against fire, flooding, and other damages that could lead to costly repairs. If your general contractor in Portland Maine do not follow the rules, you could be putting yourself in danger.

Working with the right Maine home builders will save you a lot of money in the long run because you will not have to invest in repairs or replacements for the future. As long as the general contractors from Portland Maine use high quality material and do a thorough job installing that, you should end up with a building that is made to last as long as you need it to. Cheap work and materials will only lead to trouble in the future. Do some research into the credentials of the Maine home builders you want to work with and see how well they can help you.

The Author is a home builder

Basic Guidelines For Buying A Used Martin Guitar

If you love music as much as I do, then having your own guitar where you can play real live acoustic music would most likely feel like a breath of fresh air for you. Acquiring a brand spanking new guitar would most probably hurt your pocket, but not if you opt for a used Martin guitar. In this article, I will provide you the basic guidelines on buying your very own musical instrument. So, sit back, relax and start imagining the soothing music of your newly acquired used Martin guitar with these easy to follow guidelines to buying your used Martin guitar.

When buying for a used Martin guitar, simply follow these basic guidelines:

1. Check for defects and scratches on the body of the guitar before buying. A well used guitar looks new despite the occasional use but definitely not looking all worn out. Signs of overuse can definitely affect the music quality of your guitar. So, be sure to check on this prior to closing your deal with the seller.

2. Inquire. It will not hurt if you ask inquisitive questions regarding the quality of the used guitar. Ask how old is the guitar, how often it is used, what are the setbacks of long term use if any, and a whole lot more. Do not hesitate to ask, for in asking you'll know if the used guitar you're eying is indeed worth buying.

3. Compare. Always read reliable author reviews on used guitars to know what best suits your guitar needs. Should this guitar be better than the other? What features are you looking for, having in mind the best listening experience and sound results?

4. Lastly, test your used guitar. Testing the guitar is very essential before deciding if you truly want to buy it. You will know first-hand the quality of music from said guitar. Experience and feel the strings yourself, are they in tune to? Or they need some fine tuning? Or the music emanating from the same guitar is altogether off? These considerations are of paramount importance when looking to buy a used Martin guitar.

Now that you know the guidelines for buying a used guitar effectively and wisely, you can now go out and buy one confidently. But always bear in mind the Latin saying 'caveat emptor,' which simply means 'buyer beware.' Best of luck on hunting your own used Martin guitar today!

The Author owns 10 Martin Guitars

Treatment For Diabetes Begins At Home - Know More About This Fact

Diabetes is one of the most well known degenerative diseases which come along with a number of associated symptoms such as feelings of tiredness, fatigue, unusual weight loss symptoms, severe craving for food and frequent urination. Most of the people around the world are diagnosed with diabetes and the related symptoms. As a result of which people have become more and more health conscious and are adopting several methods of treatment for diabetes begins at home.

People today have become a lot more careful about their eating habits and are taking out time for exercising from their busy schedules. The symptoms associated with diabetes and the effects of high blood sugar on the overall health are some basic information with which almost each and every one of us is armed these days.

However, there are some sections in the society who are yet not aware of the potential risk factors involved in the disease. This is definitely a matter of great concern. Since this has become a very common lifestyle disease, every one should be aware of the symptoms and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any sorts of risk in the future.

Only with generation of consciousness can treatment for diabetes begins at home. Discussions with friends, colleagues, healthcare professionals will help you to develop better understanding about the disease and the ways in which you can protect yourself from such diseases. You must not ignore your health.

There are some basic principles like eating healthy diets and daily exercises which constitute the key to healthy life. It is the responsibility of the parents to educate their children about the healthy living practices from the very childhood. The healthy habits which children develop since childhood can be practiced even when they are an adult individual. It will not be easy for them to change their diets easily.

There are several instances when even the children today are diagnosed with diabetes at a very early age. Since treatment for diabetes begins at home there are different natural remedies which can be tried out in this case and these include herbal treatment and weight reduction plans. However, this does not mean that medications that are prescribed by doctors shall be discontinued. Along with necessary medications these are some vital natural remedies which must be followed.

"Dealing With Diabetes Report" is an essential, guide that offers several programs and techniques for treatment for diabetes and how to keep diabetes under control.

 

The Author has suffered from Diabetes for 5 yrs.

Is China's Yuan Intervention Coming To An End?

Currency intervention is a funny thing, particularly in Asia. Plenty of emerging economies maintain some quiet government presence in the markets with rarely a mention, while Japan's sudden defense of the yen was accepted after the initial surprise wore off. Then there is China - an overt currency market presence that gets plenty of press, mounds of criticism, yet rarely changes. With the next round of challenges to the yuan fast-approaching, might Beijing's yuan policy be due for a change?

The most recent shift in China's forex policy came in mid-June, not surprisingly just days before policymakers headed to an international summit where the yuan exchange rate threatened to dominate conversation and shame Beijing's leadership. Those 11th-hour reforms resulted in a six-cent appreciation of the yuan and dampened enthusiasm for anti-China rhetoric, but just as soon as currency talk shifted away from the yuan, the appreciation came to a halt. In August, the currency even weakened, losing four of those six hard-earned cents, and inspiring Washington to come back from its summer recess with more talk of legislative retaliation. Indeed, the yuan appreciated by twelve cents over the next month. In all likelihood this was not a coincidence.

The current policy environment in Washington, however, suggests that another 'spontaneous' appreciation of the yuan may not mollify legislators. After all, mid-term elections are approaching and US legislators (read: Democrats) are looking to score as many points as possible before the November vote. The House is currently debating legislation that would brand China as a "currency manipulator," and its passage (it currently carries strong bipartisan support) would be the first step toward retaliatory sanctions through the World Trade Organization (WTO). Even though the proposed bill would likely not pass through the Senate until at least November and not be reconciled and signed into law until the next Congress is sworn in, it would begin a possibly irreversible process that could force China into addressing some significant imbalances. And if there is one thing Beijing does not respond well to, it is being pushed around by foreign interests.

Within China, policymakers are already fretting about a real estate bubble that is growing more menacing by the day, confidence figures that are less than assuring, and an export industry ill-prepared to face the challenge of a stronger currency. The last thing it wants to endure is punitive tariffs by the US (with the blessing of the WTO) issued against any industry seen as adversely affected by the artificially low exchange rate. Beijing's arguments against the "currency manipulator" label are fairly simple. First, it insists that the US is using such legislation to remedy a trade imbalance of its own making, and China should not be punished for the excesses of the US. Second, Beijing notes that a 20% appreciation of the yuan (the consensus estimate of the yuan's undervaluation) would trigger a wave of bankruptcies and massive job losses. And then it points to the last few rounds of reforms, insisting it has already addressed the issue.

Through this approach, Beijing is showing its friendlier side, allowing the yuan to appreciate and making plenty of statements through the state media about how further undefined reforms are being implemented. It is likely to keep this up even if the US House passes the bill on to the Senate, waiting for mid-term elections to play out and see what kind of Washington it will face. A victory by those more willing to pursue the "currency manipulator" brand could likely result in a change of tone in Beijing, with public statements shifting toward the downsides of a trade war, possible retaliation and a less-receptive environment for US companies looking to invest in China. It is unlikely that the Chinese government will launch a pre-emptive strike to a possible trade war, but it will make very clear that any actions taken - regardless of the WTO's blessing - will come at a hefty price.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Northern Trust Company. The Northern Trust Company does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein, such information is subject to change and is not intended to influence your investment decisions.

The Author is a Journalist

Prescott group honors former tribal leader Viola Jimulla

She was the leader of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe for decades in the mid-20th century and reportedly the first woman to take on the role of chieftess of a tribe in the American West.

Viola Jimulla also was a force in the community – partnering with prominent residents such as Grace Sparkes, Sharlot Hall and Barry Goldwater – and taking a leadership role in the local Presbyterian Church.

But some Prescott officials felt few people remembered Jimulla and her contributions to Prescott, and they decided to do something about it.

During September, a mural of Jimulla was dedicated at the Rowie P. Simmons Community Center. She’s now the namesake for the Prescott Meals on Wheels’ dining room.

Several large photos of Jimulla are displayed along with her master basket-weaving as well as a brief written history of her life.

“We wanted a name that was historic in the community, so I researched the tribe,” Meals on Wheels board member Judy Riggenbach said. “The board felt, as I did, that she is such an important figure in Prescott’s history and so unknown that it would be an honor for us to honor her.”

Board member Bob Painter said Jimulla’s commitment to helping the community parallels the Meals on Wheels organization’s own goals of helping homebound seniors.

“She was a great asset to her people and a great asset to Prescott,” Painter said.

Jimulla, who was born on the San Carlos Indian Reservation in 1878, later moved with her family back to their homeland in the Prescott area.

Her husband, Sam Jimulla, was chief of the tribe but died in an accident in 1940. Viola Jimulla then served as chieftess until her death in 1966. Three of her five daughters died before she did, all at relatively young ages.

Darlene Ogo said Jimulla was her grandmother and raised her after her own mother died when she was 5.

Another granddaughter, Ruth Welsh, said Jimulla was there when she was born.

“My grandmother delivered me. She was my doctor,” Welsh said.

Welsh, Ogo and other relatives attended the dedication ceremony for Jimulla. Ogo recalled a woman who quietly advised and guided fellow tribal members.

“She had so many obstacles, but she opened the way for a bunch of us – all of us, really,” Ogo said. “She did lead us in the right direction,” Ogo said. “She helped pave the way to where we’re living now.”

The Author is a Journalist

Tropical Storm Nicole fizzling; rains tapering off this evening

Nicole, we hardly knew ye.

What was a wave out in the Caribbean for a few days, became Tropical Depression 16 on Tuesday morning, grew to Tropical Storm Nicole late this morning and is falling apart over the Florida Straits.

Even as they named it, National Hurricane Center forecasters said the worst of it would stay at sea and pose no threat to Florida, and dropped all storm watches and warnings.

As of the center's 5 p.m. advisory, Nicole had degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure. It is expected to be swallowed by an extratropical low and move up the East Coast.

At 5 p.m., the center was about about 165 miles west of Nassau. It was moving north-northeast at 12 mph and was expected to speed up in the next 24 hours and aim more to the northeast, taking it farther from the Florida coast.

Tropical storm force winds extend 345 miles, but they are southeast, away from Florida.

Top sustained winds were near 40 mph and little strengthening was expected before Nicole met its end some time tonight or Thursday, replaced by a refreshing batch of drier air and sunny skies.

Rainfall totals, which were dramatic overnight and this morning, appeared to be tapering off by the afternoon, but forecasters warned they could continue into the late afternoon and evening, which means motorists who had to drive through it this morning could get to see it again.

Only the Fort Lauderdale and Miami urban areas are still under a flood watch until 8 tonight. Increasing northeasterly winds are expected to cause rip currents along Atlantic Coast beaches this weekend and into next week.

Nicole, then still Tropical Depression 16, especially pounded the Jupiter-Hobe Sound and Boca Raton areas overnight and early this morning. National Weather Service radar estimated 4 inches of rainfall over the Jupiter area, about 6 inches over Hobe Sound, and more than 5 inches over the Boca Raton area since midnight.

By mid-morning, the heaviest rains appeared to be over West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach.

The weather service reported 2.83 inches fell at Palm Beach International Airport between midnight and 2 p.m. today - nearly an inch of that from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. alone.

And a South Florida Water Management District gauge recorded an inch falling over Boynton Beach just between 8 and 10 a.m., and 1-1/2 inches at West Palm Beach's Forest Hill High School between 8 and 11 a.m.

The storm's effects weren't enough to close down schools in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, and officials reported no major problems with kids getting to schools this morning.

South Florida Water Management District officials report no flooding and said the district's a complex maze of canals, gates, pump stations, levees and culverts is having no problems in controlling water.

Meteorologists also are watching two tropical systems out in the central Atlantic. Neither has a chance of forming any time soon.

Long-range global models suggest a large and broad area of low pressure will continue to sit over the northwest Caribbean through the next two weeks, and it could spawn more tropical systems that could threaten South Florida, forecasters said.

The Author is a Journalist

Tea Party Has Elites on the Run

Not long after the tea party sprang into being in the spring of 2009, America's elites started vilifying the movement. In an article worthy of a class-action libel suit, The New York Review of Books depicted the tea party's first march on Washington as a parade of bigots.

Ex-president Jimmy Carter spit venom at tea partiers by saying they resented an African-American president -- a baseless charge of racism willingly echoed by the media.

When they weren't being defamed as racists, tea party supporters were described as irrational, enraged, seething, and livid. Constituents at town hall meetings who rejected the superficial Democratic Party talking points and demanded answers instead of political spin were portrayed as mobs on the verge of riot. At the very time that real Muslim terrorists were planning a record number of attacks inside the U.S. right under their noses, political apparatchiks in the Department of Homeland Security warned ominously of imaginary right-wing violence as the nation's newest terrorist threat.

When the elites weren't depicting their fellow Americans as out-of-control racists and anti-government zealots, they tried to downplay their social and political importance. They did so with a demographic attempt at marginalization; the tea partiers, they said, were too old, too white, too middle class to matter in contemporary America, and thus could be safely ignored.

This liberal critique of the tea partiers -- a dangerous mob, but of marginal importance in post-racial America -- is a curious paradox. Why fear and loathe a movement said to be narrow in its views and scope?

The answer was given to us in a remarkably prescient book, Christopher Lasch's "The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy," posthumously published in 1995. The noted historian, whose intellectual journey carried him from the left in the '60s to the populist right by the '90s, would have been giddy over the tea party.

Lasch believed the only hope for American democracy lay in a revival of the middle class, particularly what were once known as middle-class virtues. The book title is an explicit ironic commentary on Jose Ortega y Gasset's 1932 (first English translation) classic: "The Revolt of the Masses."

Ortega famously argued that a materialistic mass population had no self-restraint, only takes from its civilization -- in contrast to the elites who still sacrificed for the greater good. Lasch's point -- and mine -- is that roles are now reversed. It is the elites who are the materialists and the tea party/middle-class American who is prepared to sacrifice for our grandchildren's freedom and prosperity.

The very idea of virtue, and other absolutes, has fallen into disfavor with the elites.

The Author is a Journalist

Bishop Long Attempted to Drop Burglary Charges Against Accuser

A Georgia district attorney will continue with the burglary case against a man who has accused Bishop Eddie Long of coercing him into a sexual relationship, despite the pastor's wishes to drop the charges, according to a report.

Maurice Robinson, one of the four men who filed lawsuits against Bishop Long in the past week, was arrested along with another man in June for allegedly breaking into Long's office and stealing an iPod, jewelry and an iPad, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

According to the paper, Bishop Long apparently visited former District Attorney Gwen Keyes-Fleming last month to request that she drop the burglary charges, said Chief Assistant District Attorney Don Geary.

Keyes-Fleming, who recently stepped down from her position, denied the pastor's request and Geary has all intentions of proceeding with the case.

"The file is still open and we have no intent to drop the charges," Geary told the newspaper.

B.J. Bernstein, Robinson's attorney, said the 20-year-old committed the break-in out of "retaliation" after he learned that the pastor was allegedly involved with another man, states the paper

Prosecutors are now looking into reports that 21-year-old Anthony Flagg, who also filed a lawsuit against Bishop Long, was present when the burglary occurred, according to the paper. Flagg has not been charged.

Bishop Long addressed his 25,000-member congregation for the first time Sunday regarding the sexual allegations saying, "I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that's being portrayed on the television. That's not me." he said.

Four lawsuits were filed against the outspoken pastor claiming that he misused his spiritual authority by seducing the young men with lavish gifts such as cars, money, clothes, international trips, jewelry and access to celebrities when they were teenage members of his congregation.

One of the lawsuits alleges breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, and infliction of emotional distress, among other things.

Long's attorney, Craig Gillen says he "categorically denies the allegations."

Long became one of the country's most powerful independent church leaders over the last 20 years, turning a suburban Atlanta congregation of 150 to a 25,000-member powerhouse with a $50 million cathedral and a roster of parishioners that includes athletes, entertainers and politicians.

The Author is a journalist

5 Examples Where You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer is crucial if you have a serious personal injury claim. Don't overlook the value an experienced lawyer can give your case. When can you do without a lawyer? Only if your injury does not result in a claim. If you slip on some ice and get a minor sprain, you likely would not sue, just as you would not for most minor injuries. There is a big difference, however, if you have a severe injury and if the injury is long-term. These are examples of cases where you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Let's go over these in more detail.

Long-Term Injury Claims 

If you cannot walk for six months because of an injury, that is a long-term injury and you definitely need an experienced personal injury lawyer. If, on the other hand, you are incapable of walking for the rest of your life, this is another example where legal help is needed. It all depends on the seriousness of the injury and its long term effects.

Major Injuries 

If you have a severe injury, you have a right to a claim. Say for example you are hit while parked on the street, and suffer both mental and physical problems. The more severe your injury caused the the accident, the more compensation you deserve. What is needed is to prove the fault of the other person or entity and to get a value of the claim. You won't know how much you can really get without an experienced lawyer.

Medical Mistakes 

You put trust in a hospital, doctor, and nursing staff when you enter to get help. If they make critical mistakes, this is called medical malpractice and deserves compensation. In order to prove fault, you need to understand how the mistakes were made. If it can be proven through unprofessional mistakes - mistakes a competent person would not have made - you deserve compensation. Without a lawyer, you have no real chance of winning, because by nature medical mistakes are quite complicated. A lawyer experienced in medical malpractice is essential.

The Insurance Offer (Or Lack of Offer) 

Finally, most personal injury lawsuits end before a court battle. You will likely get a settlement offer, sometimes before you even hire a lawyer and file the lawsuit. This saves the insurer money, but what also saves them money is giving a low initial offer in the hopes you will take it. While this doesn't always occur, it's common for them to make an offer and you to make a counter offer. On the other hand, they may refuse to pay anything. If they do not make an offer, you will have to go to court. In court, a professional lawyer is essential.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is not a process to be rushed. If you're patient, if you choose to go with experience, and if you make your case, you will be properly compensated for your injury.

The Author is a personal injury attorney specializing in accident claims in Boca, Boynton Beach, Jupiter & West Palm Beach.

Untitled

You don't prefer it, I don't like it. Hell, I loathe it. But the simple fact of the matter is, the Packers beat themselves Monday night.

The Packers seemed great on Monday night.The Bears looked terrible on both sides of the ball.

Aaron Rodgers had over 316 yards. And despite the Packers' horrendous run game, they gained over 379 entire yards.

Rodgers wasn't even sacked the complete game, despite the add-on of Julius Peppers.

Their defense held the Mike Martz-revolutionized Cutler to 221 passing yards, three sacks, and a completion percentage of 59.

The Packers did let up a few rushing yards, but most of them were from Cutler.

So how in the world could the Packers have sacrificed this game?

 

The Pass Rush

The Packers did a wonderful job rushing the passer, no question. Cutler was sacked three times Monday night.

But there were quite a few plays where, if even half a second was left, Cutler would have simply been sacked six times and would have built up much less than 150 yards or so.

Such as when Cutler passed to Knox on the 44-yard line with less than two minutes before the half, which lead to a Greg Olsen Touchdown.

 

Mike McCarthy

McCarthy has pissed off Packer fans a lot in the past, but at least we can't say he actually cost us a game. Until possibly now.

First, he opted to use James Jones, in which I thought was a little excessive. I thought Jennings should have been in his spot far more often than that, long before Jones even fumbled the ball.

Second, he questioned (don't you just love it when Mike throws the red cloth?) the fumble that James Jones committed with only two minutes left in the game.

Yes, it was tempting to believe that that it had shifted out of bounds, but the instant replay clearly showed it had not. While it was pointless to not challenge before the two-minute warning, McCarthy still cost us a precious time-out.

The third one, and I honestly have been trying to see the logic regarding this, is why in the world didn't he just let the Bears score the touchdown in the closing two minutes.

Yes, scoring seven or maybe eight points in the final two minutes on the road is problematic. But do you honestly think it would be far better to let the clock run out with one of the best special team units in the NFL in close field-goal range?

 

The Penalties

Anyone with half a brain would tell you that the Green Bay Packers lost because of one simple reason. They simply played too rough, and the refs got to make plenty of money.

And these weren't just yard-costing penalty charges—they were the kind that happened at the worst time.

Mark Tauscher was called for holding when Finley made a touchdown. Crosby then tried a field goal, but was obstructed by Peppers. That would have probably won them the game.

Chillar clearly got an interception on Cutler at 6:40 in the fourth quarter, but Zombo head-butted Cutler.

Nick Collins kept his hand on Matt Forte and brought him down, giving Chicago another important 15 yards, which eventually lead to another crucial field goal.

With only a 1:45 to play, Matthews barely missed Cutler which landed in the hands of Nick Collins. Burnett, regretably, was called for pass interference. Which paved the way for Chicago's final field goal, which won the game.

Hell, Aaron Rodgers even joined in on the fun by throwing the ball away when he was in the pocket.

Cutler's five interceptions were reduced to one simply because the Packers just had to get too rough.

If that's not enough, you should know that this has been the most penalties the Packers have committed in over 50 years.

 

Bottom line

I said all along that the Packers could lose this game, but not like this. I would have thought the Bears played their hearts out. Instead, they just observed the Packers self-destruct.

The Packers very seriously need to learn how to manage all their young, talented players and all their disorderly hormones. If they can do that, and get a decent running back (Jackson only had 12 yards), the Packers will definitely win, even in situations like this, from now on.

Look, folks, it's hard to see light in such a dark hour, but it's really not time to hit the panic button quite yet.

The Bears did not play well tonight at all. They let Rodgers have the ball all day long, and they only scored 20 points. And most of that was because the Packers let up so many penalties.

I highly doubt they can beat both the Panthers and Giants while on the road.

The Packers will face the Lions next week, and then on the road against Washington. Giving us a serious edge in reclaiming first place in the North within only a few weeks.

And with all due respect to you Mr. Ted Thompson, get your head out of your ass, and get an actual running back!

 

The author is an avid Cheesehead and sells Green Bay Packers Football Tickets and offers Green Bay Packers Fan Tours