Phung

Riihimki, Finland is a town of about 30,000 people. It is located about 65 kilometers north of Helsinki. The people are kind and the families enjoy spending time together in activities such as bicycling, swimming, fishing and shopping when the weather is good.

During the summer many people from Riihimki go to their summer houses. A summer house usually has no indoor plumbing, which means that there is an outhouse somewhere close by the summer house. It is typical for the family to swim in a lake or small, inflatable pool and then go together into a wood-burning sauna to wash and relax. It is also not uncommon for families to be naked during these times, because going without clothes is seen as a type of relaxation and freedom.

People will usually barbeque fish or meat while vacationing at their summer house. Sometimes salmon or other types of cold water fish is smoked in an outdoor brick oven for several hours, and then eaten together with home grown potatoes or other vegetables.

Life in Riihimki is slow paced compared with most American cities. Families do housework, shopping and other chores together to be able to spend the most time together. Even though there is satellite television and high speed internet access available these days, most people prefer to spend their free time by talking with one another and getting to know each other better.

Another difference in all of Finland is that children do not start formal schooling until the age of seven. At that time they can usually write their name and numbers, but they do not learn to read until they enter school. Even though they are beginning their formal education one to two years later than most American children, they still learn to speak, read and write two or three languages, including English, by the time they are twelve.

The Rotary Club is also a big part of life for the Finnish business and professional people. The Rotary Club is an international service organization with over one million members throughout the world. Even though Riihimki is a small city they have a membership of over 70 members in their local Rotary Club.

Overall, life in Riihimki is very good. Prices are high, but people still enjoy a good quality of life. Most families own their own homes, with loans that are typically written for a sixty year term. Medical care is available to everyone and college tuition is paid for by the government. I would encourage anyone who is interested in a quiet, peaceful vacation to consider visiting Rrihimki, Finland.

Connie Ragen Green is a Real Estate Broker and State Certified Residential Appraiser in California and has bought and sold over 100 properties since 1983. Visit her at http://www.BuyRealEstateforProfit.com for more information about buying and selling real estate.

An offset mortgage is a mortgage where the bank combines your mortgage account with your savings account. This means that if you have savings in your current account you can automatically use these savings to pay off your mortgage, saving you potentially large sums of money in both interest and tax.

An offset mortgage works by calculating your interest payments through the amount of Mortgage owed minus savings in bank. For example if you have a mortgage of 200,000 but had 15,000 in your savings account; you would only pay interest on 185,000. In effect you would be overpaying every month. This could enable you to pay off the mortgage earlier and save on interest payments both now and in the future. Furthermore you can make additional savings through the fact you will no longer be paying interest on your savings account. For a high tax payer this could be very significant. For example if you were a high rate payer you could be paying an effective tax rate of 40% on your savings. If your savings are automatically used to pay off your mortgage you will not be paying these additional tax payments

A lending financial adviser, Intelligent Finance, has recently stated that in effect taking out an offset mortgage means that you are getting a savings rate of 11%. The logic behind their claim is that if you had an offset mortgage paying a standard variable rate of 6.5% then you save on this 6.5% plus you also save another 40% from not paying tax. In effect this means to get an equivalent deal you would need to be having a savings rate of 11%, something that is not offered by any bank at the moment.

Furthermore Offset mortgages are relatively safe. The only danger could be if you consolidate all your debts in one place and fail to make sufficient payments into your current account. Also if you are unable to leave sufficient funds in your current account then it will not be worthwhile. Typically the interest rates on Offset mortgages are higher to compensate for the increased flexibility you gain. However if you regularly have large sums in your current account then an offset mortgage could be definitely for you.

When considering an offset mortgage though it is important to not just look at the rate of interest examine other options available such as whether you can include other debts and saving accounts into the combined mortgage package.

More on Offset Mortgages

Richard Pettinger studied Politics and Economics at, Oxford University. He now works as an economics teacher in Oxford and writes frequently on UK mortgage industry and the UK housing Market. He contributes to a site: http://www.mortgageguideuk.co.uk

Interest only mortgages gained popularity during the recent home sales price boom. Now that homes sales have slowed and prices have leveled out, will the number of interest only mortgages also decrease?

Once only a tiny percentage of the mortgage market; interest only mortgages consist of about 10% of the current market. And mortgage companies seem to advertise them quite a bit during the recent housing boom.

An interest only mortgage loan is when you pay interest only on your mortgage loan for a specified period, usually 5 or 10 years. During this period none of the principle is paid, unless you put a substantial amount on the down payment toward principle. If you have an interest only, no down payment loan you are paying absolutely nothing on the principle. At the end of the 5 or 10 year period your mortgage loan is amortized over the remaining period of 20 or 25 years. So for example, if your interest only period was 10 years, your principle loan will be amortized over 20 years.

If you have a 100% interest only loan, you are not building up equity in your home. In essence you are leasing a home for the tax deduction. The interest payments are tax deductible, but at the end of a 10 year period your payment could increase by 50% when the loan is re-amortized.

This type of loan would work in rare instances. One is with investors who plan on fixing up a home that they will sell quickly. It may also work for someone who will probably make a lot more money in 10 years than currently. Say for instance a physician who is a cardiovascular resident, but when he or she finishes will be able to cover the increased mortgage after 10 years because a large spike in income as a cardiovascular surgeon. Also, someone who knows they will move in 2-5 years, as this is only a temporary stay.

Getting an interest only loan will allow homeowners to buy much more house than they could afford with a traditional loan. But does this make sense? With the more expensive home comes the more expensive costs. Such as the car that fits the neighborhood, and the private school everyone sends their kids to. Of course, most should know that with a bigger home comes bigger maintenance cost.

Since most housing experts feel the housing market has leveled off as far as home values are concerned, this is risky. Say the housing market decreases in value by about 20-30% like it did in Southern California in the early to mid 90's. You will be left with a minus value in your home and a monthly mortgage that will increase in 5-10 years. When home values are less than the loan against a home, the home becomes very difficult to sell, especially when you have to pay the difference from your pocket.

My picture of wealth building is finding a home you can afford to buy with current income, placing a down payment on the home, and paying on interest and principle. Building equity, paying as much of the principle as you can possibly afford, while placing money in a savings account, retirement account, paying bills on time, and keeping credit accounts to a bare minimum.

With the recent leveling off of home sales and home values in many areas of the United States, maybe this will be the clue that future homeowners need to get a traditional home loan, where payments will not increase in the future and principle will be paid off from the start of loan payments. This is typically the 15 or 30 year fixed rate mortgage.

This article can be freely published on a website or print as long as it's not modified in any way including the author bylines, plus the hyperlink must be made active on the web just like below.

Lois Center-Shabazz is the editor of MsFinancialSavvy Womens Business and Finance Newsletter. Subscribe today for powerful business and finance tips and receive her new eCourse "How To Maintain Income During Bad Times and Good"

Visit her Business and Finance Resource website.

There has been an explosion of interest in learning the facts about the B3 vitamin. So, without further adieu, let's delve into this essential vitamin for optimum health and well-being. Let's begin with some overall facts about the B3 vitamin, and then we will provide you with information on its health enhancing benefits.

The B3 vitamin, also called niacin, is a water soluble vitamin and a proud member of the B-complex family.

The body can manufacture its own vitamin B3 using the amino acid tryptophan. However, if you are deficient in vitamins B1, B2, and B6 you will not be able to produce vitamin B3 from tryptophan.

A deficiency in the B3 vitamin eventually leads to a disease known as pellagra. Other symptoms of B3 niacin deficiency include depression, insomnia, canker sores, fatigue, diarrhea, dementia, dizziness, indigestion, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, skin eruptions, muscular weakness, irritability, limb pains, and headaches.

Best food sources of the B3 vitamin include prunes, figs, dates, avocados, poultry (white meat), roasted peanuts, eggs, fish, lean meat, liver, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, and whole wheat products.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Why is it needed?

The B3 vitamin is essential for the following:

• Healthy nervous system.
• Healthy brain function.
• Healthy digestive system.
• Healthy skin.
• Healthy blood cells.
• Essential for proper circulation.
• Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
• Essential for normal growth and development.
• Needed for the synthesis of various hormones, including sex hormones.
• Helps to control blood-sugar levels.
• Critical to releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Niacin has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

• High cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Diabetes.
• Headaches.
• Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
• Acne (topical niacinamide).
• Fatigue.
• Intermittent claudication.
• Raynaud's disease.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Supplemental Forms

The B3 vitamin is available as a supplement in either niacin (nicotinic acid or nicotinate) or niacinamide (nicotinamide) forms. These have different applications, and, as such, you will need to consult a physician. In addition, there is a newer form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate.

Most multivitamins and B-complex supplements provide the RDA for niacin. However, individual niacin supplements are typically used for therapeutic dosages to treat specific health conditions.

In addition, it's important to note that the B vitamins work as a team. Therefore, it is not recommended that you take a single B vitamin unless instructed by a physician.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Side Effects and Precautions

Taking too much niacin in the form of nicotinic acid may cause what is known as the "niacin flush." It is usually harmless, characterized by a red rash that appears on the skin and a tingling sensation may be experienced as well. However, niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate does not cause the "niacin flush."

In addition, large or megadoses of niacin supplements can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, ulcers, and intense itching. Liver damage and a rise in blood sugar (glucose) that mimics diabetes are also signs of an overdose of niacin.

If you suffer from diabetes, low blood pressure, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, ulcers or a bleeding disorder, check with your physician before taking any niacin. Why? This is because niacin supplements may aggravate these heath conditions.

In fact, it's important for everyone to speak to their physician before taking any type of dietary supplements.

Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre.com, an information-rich site that discusses nutritional, dietary, and herbal supplements and their potential therapeutic value.

For those of you interested in learning how to buy a quality supplement, visit us on the web at our vitamin B3 niacin web page.

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer that attacks three vital components of the human body. Mesothelioma damages the lining of the chest, abdominal cavity, and the heart. Unfortunately many cases of Mesothelioma are not diagnosed in the early stages of the disease because symptoms may remain latent for decades.

Another deadly aspect of Mesothelioma is the minimal exposure it takes to become infected with this disease. It only takes an average of one to two months of exposure to become afflicted.

Many cases of Mesothelioma are caused by asbestos, a mineral fiber that was used in the construction of buildings because of its highly effective insulation and flame resistant properties. The inhalation of these fibers is directly related to the diagnosis of Mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, pain in the abdominal region and chest, swelling of the neck or face, and trouble swallowing. The dilemma is that these symptoms may be caused by less a severe issue such as a common cold or other ailments.

Treatments for mesothelioma range from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy. None of these treatments seem to be highly effective in curing patients, but like other types of cancer, research is being done to try and find a treatment that will successfully heal Mesothelioma patients.

To find out What Is Mesothelioma visit http://www.whatismesothelioma.ca

Are you thinking whether compression stocking is for you or not? Compression stockings are not the same as regular normal dress socks or athletic socks. Compression stockings is a specialized sock for your leg that is available for men and women in a large variety of styles and colors. Compression stocking is different than other leading brand of compression stockings.

New research shows that gradient compression stockings can make a real difference in your leg health. Read how gradient compression stockings can help increase venous circulation and reduce leg ache and swelling.

If you have varicose veins, it means blood is pooling in veins near the surface of your skin, causing them to bulge and swell. This blood should be going back into the deeper veins of your leg and on to your heart.

Fortunately, there is a way of controlling swollen legs by using compression stockings. A compression stocking work by compressing the swollen tissues and stopping fluid from building up. At the same time, they help to move the fluid to an area that is draining well. The compression support stocking allows the muscles to pump fluid away more effectively. The design of the garments means that more pressure is applied in certain areas to encourage the fluid to drain..

Lighter graduated compressions stockings will keep your legs feeling healthy and energetic all day by stimulating blood circulation. Medium to strong compression tights are for the prevention and therapy of varicose veins, venous diseases and cellulite. Wearing our graduated compression Relax Unisex and Miss Relax Knee High Travel Socks during air travel reduce the risk of blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) on long flights.

There are 3 different level of compression when it comes to wearing a compression stocking; 8-15 mmHg, 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg respectively.

1st level of compression stocking, 8-15 mmHg, provides extra mild compression and offers preventive measure in keeping legs healthy for minor swelling, fatigue, cramps, spider veins and pregnancy.

2nd level of compression stocking, 15-20 mmHg, provides light compression and treats mild symptoms for mild varicose veins, spider veins, tired and achy legs, mild ankle or leg swelling, after vein treatment and foot/ankle joint disease. This also help prevent vein disease during pregnancy.

3rd level of compression stocking, 20-30 mmHg, provides firm compression for moderate to severe symptoms. This includes moderate to severe varicosities, significant swelling, venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and reversible lymphedema.

Graduated compression support stockings are the medically-accepted way to relieve minor or more serious leg pain related to swelling, venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins or other conditions. Compression support stocking works in a way that causes external compression to apply controlled pressure to the skin. This then supports the superficial venous system, helping to reduce the increased hydrostatic pressure and redress the balance between the deep and superficial veins. This helps in reducing edema and aiding venous return.

Compression therapy is used in the treatment of lymphedema and venous disorders. This type and extent of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and a doctor should always be consulted. Your doctor will prescribe the right compression level based on the severity of your legs. The main purpose of compression stockings is to provide graduated pressure on the lower part of your body and foot. It is advisable that passenger with leg problems on long should wear compression socks in order to prevent circulatory problems.

Medical compression stockings applies gradient compression on your legs, assisting the venous return of blood. Stronger compression is applied at the ankle and lessens up the leg. It assists the natural mechanical function of the leg muscles. The gradient compression support stockings compresses dilated veins and helps blood return to the heart. Compression stockings can be used as an alternative to compression bandaging for the treatment of active ulcers. It is also very useful for preventing ulcer recurrences. Compression stockings is classified according to the pressure level applied at the ankle.

Compression stockings is made from a number of different fibers including nylon, cotton yarn and elastane. Off-the-shelf compression socks include circular knit stockings and flat-bed knit stockings. Flat-bed knit stockings are more flexible than circular knit stockings, making them easier to get on and off. Net stockings and one-way stretch stockings are available as made-to-measure items.

Researchers have concluded that compression socks managed to reduce swelling in leg depends on the ability of compression socks to reduce leg pain and swelling. Compression stocking may be improved further by proper fitting. Studies on compression support stockings show that following removal of the stocking there is evidence of reversal of the underlying disease process such as improvement in calf muscle function or restoration of the valves. Hence, patients need to be made aware that graduated compression pantyhose stockings, in conjunction with exercise, diet, limb elevation and skin care, is part of the long-term management plan of venous insufficiency and leg ulceration. The use of compression socks or graduated compression stockings is extremely beneficial to your legs, ankles and feet.

Legluxe is sure to guarantee complete satisfaction on any purchase of compression stockings. If for any reason you are not satisfied within 30 days, Legluxe will be happy to accept your returns.

Please visit www.legluxe.com and browse around in compression stockings for your specific needs.

Jack Lombardi is an expert in women's health. Jack happily provides useful advice for women that are experiencing leg problems. Jack also writes several other articles on different topics providing in-depth understanding of women health issues.

Introduction

When it comes to satellite radio services, the situation in United States is pretty similar to the satellite TV market where there are two major service providers involved in the business XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Sirius's original programming originates from its studios in New York, while XM Radio's studios are based in Washington, D.C. There are rumors and news about the possibility of merging between these two satellite radio providers but no solid news had been released at the date of writing.

Both XM and Sirius charge their customers on monthly basis. Individual users normally pay not more than $15 per month to enjoy hundred of radio programming; while business owners need to pay more (about $25/mo for Sirius) in case they wish to use the radio channels as their business background music (a caf for example). Since year 2005, Sirius offers a one time fee of nearly $500 valid for the lifetime of the equipments.

As for their popularity, XM claimed that they got more than 7.6 million of subscribers at the beginning of year 2007; Sirius on the other side claimed 6 million subscribers. A critical strategy that brings success to satellite radio provider is that they partnered up with auto-makers. Satellite radio equipments are offered as original equipments in the car model. BMW, MINI, Mercedes, FORD, Honda, and many more are now the sole partners for Sirius Satellite Radio on the expansions.

Whats so great about satellite radio services?

Despite the monthly subscription fees, satellite radio comes in a few advantages that conventional AM/FM radio that cannot compete. One of the major plus points with satellite radio service is that most of the music stations are free of irritating commercial breaks. As satellite radio providers run their business via users subscription fees, the bulk of the income source from the listeners, not the advertisers. Thus, satellite radio providers manage to provide a great number of commercial-free music channels in their package.

Besides commercial-free channels, satellite radio also stand in front of AM/FM radio as they provide the best sound quality in radio broadcasting. AM/FM reception is often interrupted by weak signals, which then influence the quality of the sounds. Such problem will not happen with satellite radio as the signals are static-free.

Also, satellite radio is highly portable, which means the same satellite radio shows can be listened with your Hi-Fi in your living room, or the boombox in your car, or even on your personal computer with Internet connection.

On top of all these reasons, satellite radio also stands out with its uncensored radio shows. Currently both Sirius and XM are offering quite a few 100% uncensored radio programming, which for sure you cannot get with the ordinary AM/FM radios. And before you ask, yes, you will get Howard Stern's show with satellite radio (Sirius Satellites).

In case you are shopping for satellite radio, learn more at:Satellite Radio reviews by http://www.SatelliteTVIssue.com. Compare and review the best deal you can have with satellite radio.

Article by Teddy

Heating your home or apartment is not just something you want to do during the winter months, it's something you need to do to survive. With energy prices expected to be up to 50% higher this winter many folks are actualy scared, because they find it hard to pay the heating bills every winter, and this year may be the worse in history.

I live in a small apartment in the Northeast U.S. in the state of Pennsylvania. In the winter it gets very cold here. It's normal for us to have very cold temperatures from November - March, and during the months of January and February, we often have weeks where the daytime temperature never gets above 15 degrees.

I heat my apartment here with baseboard electric, and it's very expensive. I usualy only heat two rooms, sometimes three. My monthly heating bill used to average $200 during the winter months sometimes closer to $250. My apartment is not insulated that good or built correctly, because the floor gets very cold during the winter and feels like a refrigerator during the cold months, requiring me to wear slippers most of the time.

Making a few alterations I managed to lower my winter heat bill to an average of $125 per month, which is a nice savings for me. If you follow the tips I am giving you here, you should also be able to lower your winter heat bill nicely, and save yourself some money.

Heat Bill Saving Tips - Winter Heating Tips For Saving Money:

1. Lower The Thermostat
Lowering the thermostat is the easiest and one of the most cost effective ways of saving money. Try dropping it a few degrees, maintaining safe levels for good health.

2. Don't Block The Heat
Don't block the floor registers, baseboards or radiators with rugs, furniture or other items. The warm air must be able to circulate around them for maximum efficiency.

3. Seal The Gaps And Cracks
Walk around the outside of your home or apartment, and slowly examine the windows, doors, siding, water faucets and any other through-the-wall openings.Any such cracks or openings should be caulked and sealed. Cold air can easily get in, and warm air escape.

4. Clean The Filters
If your furnace or heating system uses filters, make sure you clean or check them monthly. A dirty or clogged filter makes the heating system work harder and produce less heat, wasting your money.

5. Reverse The Fans
If you have ceiling fans that have a reverse setting, turn them on low and on reverse when your using a lot of heat. The warm air rises and often gets trapped near the ceiling area, the reverse air flow from the fan will help circulate the warm air around your whole room.

6. Unleash The Beast
If your furnace seems to heat the whole basement, open the door going down to it, The heat accumilating near it will rise and can help heat the living areas.

7. Heat From Cooking
If you do any winter baking in the oven, always leave the oven door openwhile it cools down, to allow the heat to help keep you warm while making sure any children and pets are not in harms way.

8. Close The Dampers
Warm air rises fast, so make sure when your chimney fire is completely out, that you close the damper, or else your letting warm air escape faster than a prisoner on the run.

9. Cut The Branches
Trees protect us from wind and help shade us from the hot summer sun, but they can also cost us money. Inspect your trees in the cool months and cut off any branches that block the winter sun from getting into your windows. That winter sun is at a lower angle then it is in the summer, but it still helps warm a room when it shines in.

10. Dress Unlike The Rest
If you sit around the house in shorts and a loose fitting shirt or blouse in the winter you will probably feel cold, and have the desire to turn up the thermostat. Dress for the season, and try wearing a sweater. Dressing warmer will make you feel warmer, so you can keep the thermostat turned down lower and save money.
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If you want to learn about other great ways to save money on your winter heat bill, just read the free eBook called: How To Reduce The Winter Heat Bill - Savings Tips For Home Owners And Apartment Renters.

The eBook can be downloaded from this website:
http://www.rb59.com/winter-heat-savings

By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright 2005

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

RB59.COM Software
http://www.rb59.com/software