Dining Chair Cushion and Vinyl Table Cloth

Are you looking for a new tablecloth? I do.. If you are, be glad that you’re looking into the possibility of a vinyl tablecloth. These are great, affordable ways to dress up a kitchen or dining room table. For those on a budget, the style and economical traits of the vinyl tablecloth will most definitely be seen as attractive. Regardless of the situation, vinyl tablecloths have numerous uses. Some people even use them for things other than covering a table. If you have a baby, you may find that snipping off a piece of a vinyl tablecloth and placing it on your baby’s high chair will provide a layer of protection from spills and extra food. This makes it extremely easy to clean and maintain the high chair.Some people even like to use the vinyl tablecloth as a curtain. They’re often seen in boats, RV vehicles, and even in the kitchen sometimes to block out the sun when necessary.As you can see, there are many different uses for a vinyl tablecloth and so check out this website to find a useful vinyl table cloth and they will provide you with some useful information to help you in your efforts to find one. With a little time spent, you’ll have an affordable vinyl tablecloth in no time.

Of course, sometimes you not only need vinyl tablecloth to decorate your dining room especially the dining table. How about decorate your dining chair with dining chair cushions..It will add you an extra comfort to dining chair. Dining Chair Cushions are very comfy, durable, and you can find so many versatile colors and all-weather chair cushions..You can use the dining chair cushion either in outdoor or indoor chairs. So give your favorite dining chairs a lift with stylish dining chair cushions.

iPod and iPhone users

How many things do you have on your desk, connecting to your computer? We all have an iPod in our house so at any given time there is an iPod charging, sitting next to my desk chair. Today I saw a really neat keyboard, made especially for iPod and iPhone users - the LifeWorks iConnect Media Keyboard.

The LifeWorks iConnect Media Keyboard works on computers operating with Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 operating systems. It has a built in dock that accommodates many models of the iPod and iPhone. When your iPod is in the dock you can control it using the keyboard. When it’s not in the dock the dock has a cover that slides shut. The keyboard has a numeric keypad and two built in USB ports on the right side. What I like best physically about this keyboard is that it has a built in rubberized wrist rest. As far as features go the ones I like the best are that your iPod syncs when placed in the dock and that the keyboard media keys allow for quick and easy navigation of your iPod music and files.

I Signed Up on SocialPark

SocialSpark

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I started blogging, I made a research first about how to make money on blogging and I didnt know that it is really easy to make money on blogging. When I was doing the research, SocialPark made me interested and it is really interesting so I signed up on Social Park.

If you are new to paid posting like me, this is a great way to start and learn the different ways of it. It’s so easy to create join and create a ‘Spark’. You just have to sign up an account, confirm your e-mail address, and you’re good to go.



SocialSpark is 100% Friendly. It carries a “no-follow” attribute, so that means it does not affect search engine rankings to protect protects both bloggers and advertisers from search engine penalty. Great huh?

You can start exploring and find a lot of opportunities. Start reviewing and share your honest opinions, post it in your blog and share it to your readers. I learned in my Advertising class that Truth-in-advertising is very important in promoting your product and that’s what matters to SocialSpark, to get the bloggers honest opinion. In SocialSpark, your blog could acquire traffic from your post because every participant is made viewable to the public. The bloggers could also see which other bloggers are working on the same advertiser to keep the community honest about the transactions that occur. Each sponsored post is has disclosure policy because your readers trust you with your opinion and avoid appearance of impropriety.

So, what are you waiting for? Join SocialSpark now!

We are quite happy to cut it into many small useful pieces

Sales Tax Holiday

August 20 - 22, 2010

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 20, 21 and 22 - the state's annual tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gym bags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

School Supplies
The 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 (2009) expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes during the annual sales tax holiday in August. Effective this year, in addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.

The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):

•Binders
•Book bags
•Calculators
•Cellophane tape
•Blackboard chalk
•Compasses
•Composition books
•Crayons
•Erasers
•Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
•Glue, paste and paste sticks
•Highlighters
•Index cards
•Index card boxes
•Legal pads
•Lunch boxes
•Markers
•Notebooks
•Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
•Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
•Pencil sharpeners
•Pencils
•Pens
•Protractors
•Rulers
•Scissors
•Writing tablets

No exemption certificate is required - with one exception. If the purchaser is buying the supplies under a business account, the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser certifying that the items are purchased for use by an elementary or secondary school student. “Under a business account” means the purchaser is using a business credit card or business check rather than a personal credit card or personal check; being billed under a business account maintained at the retailer; or is using a business membership at a retailer that is membership based.

List of Clothing, Footwear and Backpacks, and Their Exemption Status

TAX-FREE
•Baby clothes
•Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
•Belts with attached buckles
•Boots - cowboy, hiking
•Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
•Coats and wraps
•Diapers - adult and baby
•Dresses
•Gloves (generally)
•Gym suits and uniforms
•Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
•Hosiery
•Jackets
•Jeans
•Jerseys - baseball and football
•Jogging apparel
•Neckwear and ties
•Pajamas
•Pants and trousers
•Raincoats and ponchos
•Robes
•Shirts
•Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
•Socks (including athletic)
•Shorts
•Suits, slacks, and jackets
•Sweatshirts
•Sweat suits
•Sweaters
•Swimsuits
•Underclothes
•Work clothes and uniforms

TAXED

•Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches
•Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students
•Baseball cleats and pants
•Belt buckles (without belt)
•Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders
•Buttons and zippers
•Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
•Dry cleaning services
•Football pants
•Golf gloves
•Handbags and purses
•Handkerchiefs
•Hard hats
•Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports
•Ice skates
•Jewelry
•Laundering services
•Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel
•Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder
•Personal flotation devices
•Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
•Roller blades and skates
•Safety clothing, glasses
•Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

A word of caution: If you sell items that do not qualify for the exemption, you may not advertise or promise that you will pay your customers' sales tax. Additionally, you are prohibited from advertising that you will not collect sales tax on items that do not qualify. You may advertise that tax is included in the sales price of the taxable items that you sell, however.

Organize All Your Data Using BENTO

Bento, by Filemaker Inc. is a mobile version database made by using Mac. You can start by making your own libraries. You can also use one of the 25 templates available. The templates can be used to keep a diet log, store recipes, inventory list or organizing the class schedule.

It is extremely powerful, easy to use application and can store more than thousand records without affecting its speed. If starting with a blank library 15 different field types are presented to choose from. Choose the type required and name it. Repeat this process until your database is personalized. Once personalized, you can easily store the data within no time.

This app also synchronizes flawlessly over a Wi-Fi network with its Mac counterpart. If you have Bento for Mac, the data can be created there and later synchronized with the iPhone. One more feature of Bento is the iTunes search style. As you start typing, it begins the search process and shows the results from every library.

One of the flaws with this application is while saving a record. When you enter data in a field, to save, you simply have to press the back button. Once out of the field, the back button replaces with the cancel button. If the button is pressed twice, the data entered is lost. The other limitation of this application is that backup of the data is not possible.

Overall it’s a great application to maintain your database on the go.

Unlock/Jailbreak iPhone 4/4G Now

What Is the Point Of Owning A Luxurious iPhone 4/4G if you can’t enjoy The Luxuries? Unlock/Jailbreak iPhone 4/4G Now

It is beyond doubts that iPhone 4/4G is the smartest phone in the planet. Loads of new features including multitasking that were just discussed by the competitors are made available in iPhone 4/4G by Apple. Your experience with iPhone 4/4G will be delightful and if you have already used other iPhones, you will feel the surge of excitement if you get your hands on iPhone 4/4G. Nothing really satisfies the ego of techies more than a brand new iPhone 4/4G.

No one likes to have boundaries, but unfortunately, the coolest phone in the planet comes with a lot of boundaries. The foremost restriction is that you can’t use a service provider of your choice. You should probably bid adieu to your existing data plan and switch to the service provider that Apple recommends when you want to use iPhone.

A number of existing apps and games must be tweaked a lot to take advantage of the hardware and software features of iPhone 4/4G. Loads of them are available on third party websites, but they are completely unsupported by iPhone 4/4G.

If you want to break the jail in your iPhone 4/4G and unlock your iPhone 4/4G one to a whole new world, you should use iPhone unlocking software to unlock/jailbreak iPhone 4/4G. A lot of iPhone 4/4G users are already using unlocked iPhone 4/4G with iOS 4 without any problem. The unlocking process takes only a few minutes and you can keep your iPhone 4/4G unlocked for its lifetime without worrying about relocking or bricking with future firmware updates.

America's Got Talent - Youtube

Tonight on America’s Got Talent 2010, the lucky winners from the YouTube auditions take the stage for their first ever live performance. Sharon Osbourne said she was scared for them!

First up was PLUtonic, the a capella group from a college. They are a bunch of geeks and did a pop, sort of rap number a capella. Watching geeks in argyle sweaters swiveling their hips kind of left me cold.

Next up was Dylan Plummer, the trick jump roping kid from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was amazing! Those were some amazing tricks that he can do with a jump rope, but how is this a Vegas show? How can he maintain this for an hour and half show?

Then came Pup, a performing dog with his owner who plays a guitar. Unfortunately, something went wrong and he wasn’t able to play the accordion. Something broke, and the dog had to stand there doing nothing while his owner sang and played the guitar rather badly.

Next up was Cam Hodges, singer and guitarist. He sang “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz. He was ok. Nothing stellar. We’ve already seen singers that were far better.

After him we had Ryan Rodriguez, a break dancer. He was wearing dirt bike armor and faux hawk, and the general consensus in our living room is that he made a fool out of himself. He had a couple of good moves, but the rest was pure amateur hour. Piers buzzed him.

Comedian Austin Anderson was next and his whole spiel was about Facebook. It wasn’t funny. Piers buzzed him. I would have turned him off if he’d gone any longer.

Next was Booker Forte, hip hop dancer. He was a little bit lame. He just didn’t do much, and compared to some earlier dancers, he wasn’t that great. So far tonight is being very disappointing!

Next up was Pizza Patt. He can toss pizza like no one I’ve ever seen! He even set a piece of dough on fire and twirled and tossed that! Piers thinks the act is ludicrous, but it is awesome.

Kristina Young was next, a singer from South Dakota. She did “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. She wasn’t half bad, but she wasn’t Carrie Underwood! For once, Piers did not buzz.

Maestro Alexander Bui, a 16-year-old pianist who totally blew us away tonight! That kid is amazing! Sharon buzzed him though…what the heck? She thought it was boring. Piers said to ignore her. He is a brilliant pianist. Hear hear!

Next was magician Dan Sperry. For his act tonight, he chewed up a mint, then used dental floss to floss it out of his neck whole! He dropped the dental floss near Howie, and Howie jumped up and flew away from it! He is SUCH a germaphobe.

Jackie Evancho was next, with her marvelous voice! How is it possible that voice comes out of that little girl??? She is only 10 years old, but her voice seems to be fully mature and it is a pure as crystal.

I know who I’m voting for! What about you?

Top 10 Scenic Campgrounds

1.) Kirk Creek Campground: Los Padres National Forest, California

No question about it: California's Big Sur coastline is a magnificent place — 75 miles of untamed coastline with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Stretching from Carmel, in the north, south to San Simeon, the Scenic Coastal Highway 1, built in 1937, follows a narrow slip of land were the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The towering Santa Lucia Mountain Range offers a rugged contrast to the gentle swells of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Originally known as Roosevelt or Cabrillo Highway, Highway 1 is a narrow, winding road that requires careful attention to driving skills. Between the spectacular views, sharp curves, narrow shoulders, and the need to share the roadway with bicyclists and hikers, many find this drive daunting. But it is a most memorable drive.

The best way to discover the wonders of Big Sur is to stay awhile. And an excellent way is provided by the Los Padres National Forest at Kirk Creek Campground. For campers, either in a tent or a recreational vehicle, who want to experience both land and sea, Kirk Creek is the best campground on Big Sur. Shaped like a lazy figure "8," the campground's 34 campsites lie atop a 100-foot bluff above the Pacific Ocean. The sounds of the waves breaking, the seabirds calling, and the quiet whisper of ocean breezes are heard throughout the campground. Although not all sites overlook the ocean, all have outstanding views of the Big Sur's amazing landscape. With no trees to obscure the towering Santa Lucia Mountains and Ventana Wilderness to the east or the Pacific Ocean to the west, the 360 degree views are outstanding.

Exploring the Forest

Directly across from Kirk Creek Campground is Forest Route 4004. This steep and winding roadway hugs the southern boundary of the Ventana Wilderness and leads to Nacimiento Summit. A drive along this route offers some spectacular vistas and passes through the amazing assortment of ecosystems that make Big Sur so unique.

Hiking is another way to explore the wonders of the Los Padres National Forest and Big Sur area around Kirk Creek Campground. A narrow, steep, unmaintained trail leads from the campground down to the beach for those who want to explore the rocky coastline or to do some surf-fishing. (Caution: Remember to be aware of tides so you don't get caught down there.) Across Highway One are trailheads leading into Ventana Wilderness. Abundant rainfall and the moist coastal weather create lush forests — an outstanding area for hiking.

Los Padres National Forest's Kirk Creek Campground is where the dynamic forces of land and sea meet. Here campers can experience, at their own pace and in their own way, the beauty and wonder of these two opposing forces that have shaped miles of untamed coastline, producing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

2.) Reef Townsite Campground, Arizona

Southbound on State Route 92, mesquite trees dance in the shimmering hot morning sunlight. To the east, a narrow green ribbon marks the San Pedro River. The only year-round water in the San Rafael Valley, the San Pedro offers hiking under a canopy of cottonwood and willows with a wide variety of bird and animal life. On the southern horizon, the Huachuca Mountains, a "sky island" formation, dominates the view. In the middle of this sky island, Carr Peak watches over Reef Townsite, an outstandingly cool campground.

Delightfully unknown, Reef Townsite campground is nestled among fragrant ponderosa pines and red-barked manzanitas. High above the fast-growing town of Sierra Vista, Arizona, the campground is refreshingly cool even when the valley below is experiencing asphalt melting temperatures. With an interesting history, lots of hiking, glorious vistas, and spacious campsites, Reef Townsite is a campground for more than a weekend.

What Reef Townsite doesn't have is a good access route for recreation vehicles. The 6.7 miles of forest route to the campground is definitely a "white knuckle" experience. It is a narrow dirt roadway with impressive drop-offs and pocketknife shaped switchbacks. On the positive side, the panoramic views, reaching from the Santa Rita to Mule Mountain ranges, are about 120 degrees.

Initially, the Huachuca Mountains were mined for lumber. Logging began in 1878 to supply the boomtown of Tombstone, stamp mills along the San Pedro River, and nearby Fort Huachuca. Mining, the next affront to the mountains, began with the first claim in 1893. Gold and silver were discovered. However, for the next 60 years, success was limited. The Reef Townsite Historic trail, 0.7-mile loop trail, points out some remnants of those mining efforts on the mountains, such as mill foundations and piles of broken, milky quartz scattered over the hillsides. A need for tungsten in the mid-20th century brought a secondary flurry of mining to Carr Canyon. But when the government stopped subsidizing the ore's price, this effort was also discontinued and the town died.

Among Tall Trees

Located on the site of the former Reef Townsite and at the edge of the Miller Peak Wilderness, the campground can be a base camp for exploring the wilderness and remains of mines, mills, and cabins. Directly across the road from the campground's entrance is the Old Sawmill Trail trailhead, which accesses Carr Peak trail and over 50 miles of additional trails in and around Miller Peak Wilderness. These trails wind in and through, up and down, over and under the Huachuca Mountains.

Tall, straight trees in southeast Arizona aren't as rare as some might think, but they are generally located atop "sky islands." Sitting atop the sheer walls of Carr Canyon at 7,200 feet, Reef Townsite enjoys a healthy stand of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and silverleaf oak. The smells from these trees are delightful, and the shade is wonderful.

Constructed in 1988, Reef Townsite campground has two connected loops that follow the contour of the land. This feature provides a fair amount of privacy for each site. Only one small site overlooks the abyss of Carr Canyon and into San Rafael Valley. But what the other sites lack in breathtaking vistas, they make up for with lots of shade and spaciousness.

There are other campgrounds in southern Arizona worthy of a stay, but none offer the link to history, variety of hiking opportunities, or breathtaking views found at Reef Townsite campground. All this and cool summertime temperatures.

3.) Valle Vidal: Carson National Forest, New Mexico

There is a corner in northeastern New Mexico where the land is as it was 100, 200, or more years ago. It is an expanse of land where the wide open space is filled with tall grass and thick patches of pine and spruce. Here, elk roam free with deer, turkeys, bears, and mountain lions, much as they did 100 years. This place, called Valle Vidal Wildlife Management Unit of Carson National Forest, is a special treasure to those who want to experience the West as it once was.

Pennzoil Company, the petroleum corporation, once owned this magnificent 100,000-acre parcel of land. Fortunately, Pennzoil discovered there was little worth exploiting beneath the lush grassland. In 1982, it donated the Valle Vidal parcel to the USDA Forest Service. Other than designating the land a Wildlife Management Unit, very little has been done to this near-pristine land

East of Taos and west of Raton, bordered by the Colorado state line to the north and the spectacular Cimarron Canyon along U.S. Highway 64 to the south, the Valle Vidal Wildlife Management Unit has retained its natural appearance. In the middle of this almost-wilderness area are two equally pleasant, though very different, campgrounds called Cimarron and McCrystal.

Cimarron campground, located at the heart of the Unit, is draped over the top of a spruce-covered hill. Its 35 campsites are scattered among the trees, providing pleasant privacy for campers. Nearby creeks, such as Grassy, Vidal, and Ponil, offer good opportunities for anglers to match wits with wily native fish. For those who prefer a more certain thing, there is a 0.5-mile hike from the campground to the rainbow trout stocked Shuree Ponds.

Less than eight miles east of Cimarron campground is McCrystal. A "rougher" campground, McCrystal has more open sites and a less well-kept appearance. The campground stretches out along the base of a rise — some might call it a hill — in a stand of uniformly sized ponderosa pines (the product of past logging practice). The equestrian campground feel is confirmed by the hitching rails scattered throughout the area.

Hitting the Trail

Both campgrounds offer unlimited hiking over the surrounding prairie. The unit permits no motorized traffic except on established forest service roadways, so the Unit, with few designated trails, is truly wide open for exploration. This means some orientation skills are advisable when exploring 100,000 acres either on foot or horseback.

Although little remains of Pennzoil's earlier presence, remnants of various homesteads can be found. These old homesteads, with their log cabins and outbuildings, are scattered throughout the Unit. One of the more convenient homestead ruins to explore is located south of McCrystal campground at the end of the one mile Ring Place Interpretative trail. Wandering around what remains of the old house, barn, and outbuilding gives a sense of what life must have been like in those bygone days.

Once a playground for the rich and famous, today the Valle Vidal Wildlife Management Unit is open to all who want to experience wide open spaces, clear flowing streams, and robust wildlife populations. Signs in McCrystal and Cimarron warn that "Buffalo Are Wildlife." Yes, there really are American buffalo, along with elks, deer, and more, wandering the Unit — much as they have since before the Europeans came. And campers can wander, too, or just sit and enjoy the West as it might have been 100, 200, or 1,000 years ago.

4.) Big Therriault Lake Campground: Kootenai National Forest, Montana

Big Therriault Lake campground is tiny, with only ten campsites tucked into a thick stand of subalpine and Douglas firs. Each site is equipped with grill, table, and parking apron. One hand pump provides crispy cold drinking water, and a single vault (the Forest Service calls this model a Sweet Smelling Toilet) sees to a camper's more basic needs. With no trash pickup, the campground is strictly "pack it in/pack it out." And its single loop reaches up a hillside so everything is either uphill or downhill. Adjacent to the campground is Big Therriault Lake, an alpine lake of crystal clear water. While none of the campsites has a clear view of the lake, several do have access to a one-mile loop trail around the lake. This hike is one of the campground's best features.

Exploring the Subalpine World

Alternately hugging the lakeshore and meandering across meadows and through forests, the Big Therriault Lake Trail offers a delightful way to explore the area's geology. Alpine glaciers shaped much of the rugged scenery around Big Therriault Lake thousands of years ago. The results of those ancient, mountain carving, valley gouging glaciers can be seen in the boulders scattered here and there, in deep grooves caused by rock scraping rock found nearby, and marshy wetlands formed behind walls of deposited glacier debris called moraines. On the trail's one-mile length, hikers wind through forested areas of lush conifers, over a bouldered moraine, and through a marshy meadow filled with wildflowers and darting songbirds.

The image of dark green pines silhouetted against the pastels of sunrise is outstanding. But even more breathtaking than this image or the sight of a zillion twinkling stars in a black-velvet night sky is the view of Big Therriault Lake. Specifically, it is the view into the lake. Whether standing on the rocky shoreline or seated in a canoe on the lake's mirror-smooth surface, Big Therriault Lake offers a most unusual sight. Looking down through the water, the multicolored rocks appear sharp and brightly lit. Dancing sunlight frames the stones' rich colors so jewel-like shades of ruby red, sapphire blue, grassy-green malachite, and tiger's eye yellow shine like the stained glass window of a magnificent cathedral.

As if there wasn't enough magnificent beauty right there at Big Therriault Lake campground, Ten Lakes Scenic Area is located between the campground and the Canadian border. Composed of 15,700 acres and designated a Wilderness Study Area, this area offers more of the same spectacular beauty found around the campground. Accessible via several foot or horse trails traversing the area, Ten Lakes Scenic Area is a delightful extension of Big Therriault Lake campground's natural beauty and wonder.

5.) Green River Campground: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

Ever notice the condition of the road leading to a campground is inversely proportional to what you find at that campground? Green River Lake campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest at the end of Forest Route 650 is an example.

The Forest Service says it is one and a half hours to Green River Lake campground from Pinedale, Wyoming. It will take all of this plus a bit more. About half the distance is on paved roadway, but don't get comfortable. All too soon the route becomes one of those unforgettable forest roads where women wish they had worn sports bras and men wonder if bruised kidneys require medical attention to heal. At about midpoint, the roadway makes a long, sweeping curve up a rise. This is a good opportunity to take a break and view a stretch of rapids on the Green River. The vista includes anglers casting for rainbows and canoeists exploring the many faces of this beautiful river.

Just beyond a stretch of rapids, the FR 650 passes through an elk winter feeding ground area. Summertime finds only cattle here. The elk's winter feed is stored safely inside the red-roofed structures at the forest's edge. At the northern fence line, the glacier-carved peaks of the Bridger Wilderness appear. With the sight of Big Sheep, Battleship, Squaretop, and Osborn mountains, you forget the pounding of yet another stretch of washboards.

Just when your body screams "Enough!" the campground's sign comes into view. A right hand turn and you have made it! Now to find the perfect campsite.

Camp Life

The whole campground has been newly renovated and is recovering its "natural" appearance. One feature of the renovation is new vaults — they appear as mini log cabins. Another improvement are picnic tables made from the local lodgepole pines. Both features are reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps' work in the 1930s.

Adjacent to an extremely primitive boat ramp below the campground is the former headquarters for the Gannett Peak guest ranch. Once a very exclusive Guest Ranch, the cabin is now the residence for the campground host. Several of the ranch's old outbuildings can be found around the area and add to the picturesque beauty of Green River Lake campground.

The calm surface of Green River Lake in front of the cabin stretches out from the shore, reflecting the towering rugged beauty of the Bridger Wilderness. The lake's mirror surface is disturbed by the paddle of a canoeist. This view of the Bridger Wilderness is perhaps the most frequently photographed non-national park in Wyoming.

Two trails lead into the wilderness from Green River Lake campground: Lakeshore and Highline. Lakeshore follows the eastern shoreline through a dense stand of conifers. The Highline trail follows the gentle curves of the sagebrush covered western shore. Both lead to the smaller Green River Lake, and from there, further into the wilderness.

With the magnificent splendor found in and around Green River Lake campground, bruises are soon forgotten. The beauty of Square Top Mountain, a benevolent guardian of the Green River's headwaters, will ease aches and pains. Here, images of Yosemite are recalled but without the hordes of campers, tour buses, and automobiles. Forest Route 650 has done its job.

6.) Whitetail Campground: Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska

Imagine sitting behind a half-dozen broad-backed oxen on a hard wooden plank high above a sea of golden grass, tall enough to rub the underside of your wagon, rippling in a gentle breeze. The summer sun shines down, warming the earth, when suddenly a meadowlark fills the quiet with its song. Such an image isn't hard to conjure up on the road to Whitetail campground in the Nebraska National Forest.

Yes, there is a national forest in Nebraska. No one expects this land of rolling hills crowned by rippling waves of belly-high grass to be known for trees, but it has some of the most fascinating forest lands in the Forest Service. The Nebraska National Forest is composed of four widely separated units. From the high plains of the Missouri Plateau, dotted by ponderosa pines and spiral buttes, in the west to the remarkable sandhills of the central part of the state, Nebraska National Forest offers many places to explore.

The view over the prairie is limitless and appears empty. Don't be deceived. The prairie is filled with life. Not one but many types of grass wave in the gentle winds: Sand lovegrass, prairie sandreed, porcupine grass, switchgrass, and bluestem grass are common. You'll find prairie coneflowers, sunflowers, scurf-peas and spiderwort wild flowers providing sudden splashes of color. Sharptail grouses, prairie chickens, wild turkeys, box turtles, prairie earless lizards, pronghorn antelopes, whitetail deer, and mule deer, just a few of the prairie's residents, are occasionally spotted. The grasses and hand-planted forest of the Nebraska National Forest provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of birds.

Along the Dismal River

The roadway leads on and on with nothing to block the view. Just grass, rolling hills, windmills, and cattle scattered here and there. Near the end, a ribbon of brown dotted by clumps of green appears, and there's the delightful little Whitetail campground.

Whitetail campground is located next to what is possibly the most accurately named waterway in the country: the Dismal River. Broad and very shallow, the Dismal River flows past the campground like a stream of cooling cocoa. The flat brown color contrasts with the bordering cottonwoods' lush green leaves and the pale gold of the knee high native grass. Whitetail campground was envisioned as a horse camp. The clusters of corrals plus a windmill and stock water tank attest to this original intent. But for those who are looking for rustic solitude and are willing to carry in their water, this is the place.

There is only one trail, the multi-use Dismal Trail, adjacent to the Whitetail campground. But, in general, there are few trails in the Nebraska National Forest. This is open land — much like it was when the pioneers were moving west. Orientating skills are a must for anyone interested in extensively exploring the area, for landmarks are few and far between.

Whitetail's campsites are located among native cottonwoods that provide delightful cool shade during the day. The sound of the wind tickling the grass and the cottonwoods fills the air. The sound is distinctive and soothing. The scent of hot dirt and sweet grass rides on that wind like an exclusive perfume. Above, a Swainson's hawk glides effortlessly across the cloudless sky while below, riders wander in with taste of sweat and dust on their lips after a day's exploration.

After the sun sets and the sky's watercolor pastels fade into the black velvet of night, a zillion stars pop out. Seemingly close enough to touch, they twinkle like a movie star's sequined dress at the Academy Awards. With nightfall, a quiet settles over the campground. But it isn't a complete silence. The ever present breeze tickles the cottonwoods' leaves and ruffles the grass. The lingering aroma of grilled hamburgers and spicy chili hangs in the air. Glowing embers pop the last bits of sap in the firepit, and a horse chews quietly on some sweet smelling grass. A camper softly moans as pleasantly sore muscles relax.

7.) Clark Lake Campground: Ottawa National Forest, Michigan

Anytime a lumberman decides that a forest he owns is too beautiful to log, you can be sure something very special has happened. This story began in the year 1895, when A.D. Johnston went to assess the 80 acres of wooded land he had recently purchased in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. What he found was a beautiful forest with abundant game and excellent fishing. He decided this place was better suited as a vacation place for himself and his family than as a source of logging income.

When Johnston's friends visited his vacation home, they agreed with him wholeheartedly and began buying adjoining parcels of forested land. Soon, the new owners joined to form the Sylvania Club. By the time the Forest Service bought the club's holdings in 1967, the preserved land totaled some 18,327 acres. Renamed the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, the holdings became part of the Ottawa National Forest. With so little virgin forest in the whole northeastern quadrant of the United States (roughly, the Forest Service's Eastern Region), acquisition of the Sylvania Wilderness was a significant event. Today, those who visit the area enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities, including canoeing on crystal clear water, unsurpassed wildlife viewing, and a selection of several levels of camping.

The prohibition on development in wilderness areas attracts backpackers seeking opportunities for dispersed camping. There are some 50 small campsites scattered throughout Sylvania's virgin forest lands. For those who prefer developed camping, there is Clark Lake campground.

Clark Lake has four loops with 42 campsites tucked into the ancient forest. Two loops have the feel of wilderness camping, with no water or bathroom facilities. The other two loops feature water and flush toilets. Hot showers and a recreation vehicle dump station are also found at Clark Lake campground. Such luxuries at a campground located in a forest that has never known the sounds of wholesale logging practices makes Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area's Clark Lake campground special.

Sylvania is not for the faint-hearted camper. However, if you are comfortable with dry camping in a tent or an RV, the reward is being surrounded by the pristine beauty of a primeval forest.

8.) Blanchard Springs Campground: Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Most National Forest campgrounds offer such recreational opportunities as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Blanchard Springs campground, 100 miles north of Little Rock, Arkansas, in the Ozark National Forest, also offers a chance to explore perhaps the most beautiful living cavern in the United States, fabulous toe-tapping concerts, and a close-up look at the Ozark's living history.

Shaded by a lush forest of mixed hardwoods, Blanchard Springs campground's 32 sites, flush toilets, and hot showers offer campers a pleasant forest experience. Straddling the North Sylamore Creek, the creek's ageless melody is heard throughout the campground. About two miles west of the campground are the spectacular Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Once a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) recreation project, Blanchard Springs campground boasts large grassy areas, a well-appointed day-use area on a sweeping bend in the Sylamore Creek with a bathhouse and swimming area, and the man-made, rainbow trout stocked Mirror Lake. A short, strenuous hike along a well-used but unmarked trail leads to the actual Blanchard Springs. Once called Half Mile Spring, this is the exit point for the Blanchard Springs Cavern's crystal clear, icy cold water. Nearby, a small stone guardhouse structure, once an entrance to the recreation area, provides a quiet place to rest in the cool shade.

Blanchard Springs Cavern

Fifty to 70 million years ago, rain falling on the Ozark Plateau carved deep valleys and sheer bluffs, forming the rugged topography seen today. Some of the slightly acidic surface water seeped through cracks and crevices to flow underground. This seeping water ate away at the limestone rock, eventually forming huge cavities far below the surface. Many of these cavities remained hidden until recently. Blanchard Springs Caverns, discovered about 65 years ago, was one such cave.

Early settlers knew Half Mile Cave was where an underground spring emerged. But the first known exploration of the cave wasn't until 1934. This is when Willard Hadley "had a quick look around." Discovery of the many beautiful and amazing formations in Blanchard Springs Caverns had to wait until the more extensive exploration in the 1950s and 1960s. Blanchard Springs Cavern is a living cave, which means it is continuing to grow — each drop of mineral-laden water adds to the existing structures and contributes to the development of new sights. In other words, what is seen by visitors today will be different tomorrow.

Ozark Folk Center

Just outside Mountain View is an oasis of Ozark folk culture. A post-World War II economic decline in the area saw many people leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. With their departures, the uniquely Ozark culture began to disappear. In 1973, a grassroots effort saw the establishment of the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View. Part of the Arkansas State Parks system and operated as a commercially viable operation, the mission of the Folk Center is to serve as a major repository and living museum for the native Ozark culture.

The Folk Center is a collection of small cottages where craftspeople work. Visitors can watch brooms being made, a gun stock being fashioned, and wool yarn being spun. Basketmakers, quilters, wood carvers, a "tintype" photographer, and dozens of other craftmakers are housed in cottages where visitors can watch, talk, and ask questions. In the theater each afternoon and evening, there are music programs featuring traditional instruments. These music programs often inspire audience members to join in and dance a jig, or maybe do some impromptu clogging. At the very least, toes do start tappin'.

9.) Clear Springs Recreation Area: Homochitto National Forest, Mississippi

Nearly all the longtime campers at the Clear Springs recreation area in Mississippi's Homochitto National Forest admit they found their way there by accident. Since it is tucked away deep in the Mississippi mountains, in the rural southwest corner of the state, near the small town of Meadville, such claims are understandable. Today, however, finding Clear Springs recreation area is not as difficult. Signs along U.S. Route 84 lead campers to this delightful recreation area and its sweet little campground, Clear Springs.

Clear Springs campground has two qualities that when found in combination, are irresistible: an interesting history and a surrounding forest of lush beauty. As one begins to take in the woods, lake, and abundant wildlife, you wonder about the young people who, more than 60 years ago, created the lake, built the roads and campsites, re-established the lush woodlands with reforestation, and constructed some of the facilities still used today.

The Clear Spring recreation area began as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In 1933, the enrollees from Company F-1, Camp 1478 began laying the groundwork for the Clear Springs recreation area by building a dam and planting hundreds of seedling trees. Later, the recreation area was expanded to include a small camping area. Company F-26 of CCC Camp 1489 took over the development of the area in 1937 and continued this work until the 1940s, when the Company was disbanded.

Clear Springs Today

Today, visitors find a beautiful, idyllic little campground along the banks of a clear, spring-fed lake. The original recreational facilities of the 1930s consisted of a pit-toilet and "campsites" wherever you pitched your tent. These minimal facilities were suited for the hardiest of nature lovers. Since the late 1960s, the Clear Springs campground has seen several renovations. The most recent improvement delineated 22 specific campsites in two separate loops, one overlooking the lake and the other along the lake's edge. Each of the campsites was provided with electric and water hookups. And the old, smelly, CCC toilets were replaced by spacious, heated bathrooms with hot wheelchair-friendly showers.

Three original CCC structures are still there: two small lakeside gazebos and a large pavilion in the day-use area. The gazebos, strategically placed on either side of the lake, provide comfortable rest stops on the campground's lake-loop hike, as well as excellent places to observe the activities of the resident deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and other wildlife. The Forest Service is working to preserve both of these gazebos and the pavilion for their historical and aesthetic value.

As you sit in a gazebo enjoying the cool shade, think about those young CCC workers. Their sense of beauty is appreciated. Their long-lasting workmanship is enjoyed.

10.) Pocket Campground: Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

Nearly 100 miles northwest of Atlanta, the geological area known as The Pocket has never been a great center of civilization. Today, a small, 24-site campground sits here in a holding that is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. There have been, however, visitors to this little gap between John and Horn mountains for thousands of years. In 1980, a Native American site was documented in the pasture across from the Pocket campground's entrance. Until the 1940s, arrowheads and shards of pottery were found in and around the campground. Today, chert flakes, left by toolmakers, can be found in John's Creek as it flows through the campground.

In the early 1800s, there were few white settlers in the area. In 1838, with the removal of the Cherokee Nation, the area opened to large-scale settlement by European settlers. The land was sectioned off into 160 and 490-acre lots for the Cherokee Land Lottery. In this lottery, John J. Hunt won the section that would later be called The Pocket, a U-shaped valley in the lush green hillside.

In 1854, the land was purchased by Shadrick Peavy who, in 1860, sold it to M.B. Fowler. By then a small, self-sustaining community had been established. The mountainous terrain of The Pocket encouraged a close-knit community. Grist mills and farms were scattered throughout the area, and two churches, one Methodist and one Baptist, saw to the community's spiritual needs.

By 1938, a 35-acre parcel of M.B. Fowler's land, having passed through several hands, was sold to the federal government. At that time, this parcel was selected for a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The barracks, mess hall, latrines, and other facilities were built for the CCC enrollees.

Today, campers at the Pocket campground will find the foundation of the CCC constructed springhouse on Spring Creek and the floor of a large shower house. Still visible are the foot dips used to keep foot disease to a minimum and an old drainage ditch. Scattered throughout the campground, tucked in between the sites, are odd-shaped cement objects, their exact purposes unclear.

In 1984, the Armuchee Ranger District published "A History of the Pocket Recreation Area." Copies and more information are available at the Armuchee Ranger District Office in LaFayette, Georgia.

History isn't the only reason to visit the Pocket campground. The surrounding lush forest of deciduous trees beckons many to explore. Two trails, the 2.5-mile Pocket Loop Trail and 0.5-mile Pocket Nature Trail, offer easy ways through the woods. And the clear, flowing John's Creek offers a wonderful opportunity to cool down with a quick wade in the cold water. Good fishing is available in nearby Girl Scout Lake and Pitcher Pond. The towns of Villanow and Calhoun are nearby and offer interesting day trips.

Today, as in the past, visitors to The Pocket enjoy the quiet lushness of this hidden place in ancient mountains. During the day, the quiet is occasionally broken by the sound of children playing in the CCC-built wading area or the chatter of squirrels. At night, the crackling of a campfire, the rustling of leaves, and the gurgle of Spring Creek serenade

Simple Summer Skin Tips

With ongoing climate changes (hello, heat wave!) and the ever-present penetrating rays from the sun, how do you take care of your skin? With so many seasonal variances, is it possible to maintain a healthy year-round glow?

Sure, everyone wants to look great with healthy glowing radiant skin, especially in the summer. But did you know the majority of all premature aging is due to sun damage?

Here are six simple summer skin tips that will get you help you achieve that glow and look your best:

1. The best way to protect yourself this summer and keep your skin looking great is to use sunscreen everyday. Use a sunscreen that is a combination sunscreen and moisturizer (your skin surface needs extra lubrication in the summer months). You need to nourish your skin with healthy vitamins and anti-oxidants, so that while you are protecting your skin from the sun, you also receive long-term benefits.

2. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eat plenty of fruits and salads to keep your skin looking firmer, and your digestive track healthy.

3. For any skin type, make sure to cleanse your skin daily! In your morning and evening routine, you want to make sure you wash off the toxins on your skin. Look for a cleanser that is gentle to your skin. Look for cleansers with AH and BH acids or papaya-based products. The papain enzyme within papaya helps to remove dead skin cells and encourage new skin growth.
4. Wear lip balms that are moisturized to your skin for the summer, with a minimum of 15 SPF. Lip balms without sun protection should be avoided because the “gloss” may attract the harmful UV rays.

5. Make sure you exfoliate your skin two to three times a week to remove unwanted dead skin that may be clogging your pores.
6. Use a toner right after cleansing your skin. Toners help restore the pH balance to your skin, which makes your skin surface less susceptible to unwanted bacteria growth.

If You Have Oily Skin

Carry around a blotter to remove the oil from your skin throughout the day. Look for products with BHA to keep the pores clean. Once a week, follow up with a clay mask. At night, after cleansing, use an oil-free moisturizer to help soothe the skin, and keep the skin moisturized while you are sleeping! Look for products that are alcohol-free, in order to avoid overdrying your skin.

If You Have Dry Skin

Make sure you moisturize daily, especially right after the shower. Your moisturizer should be left on to allow penetration and absorption into deeper layers of your skin. Follow this routine twice a day. Make sure you avoid artificial moisturizers since they are not adding value to your skin care routine! Look for a scrub or cleanser with AHA, that breaks down the dead skin and doesn’t allow the moisture to get in. Look for a toner that is gentle to your skin, like rose water. Once the dead skin is removed, the moisturizer is easier to penetrate. Use a hydration mask, at least once a week.

If You Have Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, then you are lucky! You want to keep your skin protected and moisturized throughout the day. Look for a scrub or cleanser with AHA or BHA and cleanse twice a day. Use a lighter moisturizer for the summer months — something that will not clog up your pores.

Follow these skin care tips and may you achieve that healthy summer glow.

Chill Out!

While some adventure seekers are heading to one of the high slide areas (right), you can just relax and float along in a virtual circle around the Schlitterbahn water park in Galveston.

At the time of this writing, a heat wave has settled across the northeastern United States like an unwanted house guest. No breeze. No cooling rain. And no sign of leaving.

Talk show hosts speak in awe of 80 degrees at 9 in the morning while New York neighborhood pools are staying open late to answer the demand, “right until dusk” they say. The chant from concerned news reports remind people to wear hats, lightweight clothing and “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.”

In Texas, we just have to laugh. We know how to handle the heat.

We have our to-go cup holders for iced-tea in the car, and a wardrobe of T-shirts, hats and sunglasses within reach. Everyone swims after dark here (after all, it’s often still 80-something degrees), and we scoff at the lightweights complaining about 95.

But we have to admit it, an escape from the heat, would be nice. Packing up the family and heading for the mountains of Montana about now would be fine.

For most, that’s just not possible, so we complied a list of local or one-day escapes from the heat. There are some very “cool” things to do in and around Houston, some expected, some not so predictable.

Make a splash

For example, just off Interstate-45 North in Spring, families will find Splashtown, a water park of Texas proportions. Here, visitors will experience acres of water fun including tubing, water slides, wave pools and wading ponds. No one was left out in this design, there is something to entertain all members of the family. Expect to have fun, to come home exhausted and waterlogged and don’t forget sunscreen. Visit www.splashtownpark.com for more.

Cool museums

Museums are notoriously cold and there’s one north of Houston that lends new meaning to the word. It’s the National Museum of Funeral History beyond Airtex on Interstate-45. This cavernous space offers hours of interest. Learn about funerals of the famous, the death of popes and wander caskets from the centuries. The collection of hearses from history is worth the trip alone. While not recommended for the youngsters, teens are usually dying to see this museum, and it’s cold in there. Visit www.nmfh.org. And Houston’s Museum District is full of nice cool places to hang out. Most have special summer exhibits as well.

Showboating this summer

A cool evening of family fun can be had at the Showboat Drive-in in Hockley.

Here families enjoy the classic drive-in experience: a playground for the kids, open until dusk, and an evening’s entertainment. New technology allows for the sound to come through car radios so there is no need to tether to a pole, and there are two screens. Film-going families frequently bring lawn chairs and sit outside, making memories that will last a lifetime while enjoying the tepid evening air. Visit www.theshowboatdrivein.com for more.

Head West

To the west of Houston there are some interesting things to combat the climate. How can you beat a day in the heat at Seaworld in San Antonio? Giant water creatures delight onlookers with drenchings and live sharks will send a chill up anyone’s spine. But it’s the penguin exhibit that is the coolest. Here, the air temperature is 30 degrees, the water is 45 degrees and 6,000 pounds of snow falls a day. It’s beyond cool, it’s Arctic. See www.seaworld.com for more.

Just a few miles north of San Antonio, travelers will find Natural Bridge Caverns, a system of natural underground caves and rock formations deep beneath the ground. Families can hike through this wonder with its many mysterious shapes and gigantic underground caverns. This outing requires some physical activity, but if you’re worried about the heat, don’t. One-hundred feet beneath the earth’s surface it’s a cool 70 degrees year-round. Visit www.naturalbridgecaverns.com.

Be a beach bum in Galveston

South of Houston can be pretty cool too. Who doesn’t love a trip to Galveston and a dip in the surf? But for those wanting to escape the inevitable sandy bathing suit and sunburn, Galveston also offers Moody Gardens.

You’ve heard of it, but have you been there? Have you wandered through the blue water tanks in the aquarium or the climate-controlled, 10-story Rainforest pyramid? And did you know that Moody Gardens has not only a very cool 3-D Imax theater, but a 4-D theater? The latter offers 3-D plus smell and touch, including smoke, leg ticklers, seat buzzers and lightning? Pretty darned cool. Visit www.moodygardens.com for more.

Chilling out around Houston

Don’t have the time or the cash to leave Houston? You don’t have to.

Ikea Houston has a wonderful solution to a hot afternoon and a shortage of cold cash. This beautiful, recently remodeled store offers some of the best prices in town for home furnishing, and miles of aisles of fascinating Euro-retail. There’s also a cafe for relaxing, and a play area for the kids. Childcare attendants carefully watch the children in the air-conditioned “Smaland,” designed so that adults may leave for up to an hour while browsing the store. And there’s no cost... That is, unless you consider the purchase of that lamp you just had to have. See www.ikea.com for more.

An afternoon of meandering beneath the dense, cooling canopy of tall trees at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center may be the perfect activity for a summer afternoon. With the temperature averaging nearly 10 degrees lower than the surrounding city, it’s really cool to see our landscape as it would occur naturally, before the introduction of pavement and parking meters. In fact, recent thermal imaging of Houston determined that the arboretum is the coolest place in the city ... literally.

Located on the edge of Memorial Park, this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary offers five miles of nature trails, including forests, ponds, and wetlands. The lush grounds are open daily and admission is free, but be sure and ware insect repellent and watch for alligators and snakes.

Alligators and snakes? Now, that’s cool! See www.houstonarboretum.org for more.

Cell Phones: Make Talk Cheaper

You've heard iPhone users gripe about their mammoth monthly charges -- but it's not just those with the fanciest smart phones who are paying a bundle.

"The average consumer overspends by $300 a year," says Schwark Satyavolu of BillShrink.com, which helps consumers save on expenses. Knocking that much off your tab isn't hard, experts say: You can do it by changing your plan, your carrier, or the way you use your phone.

CHANGE YOUR PLAN

Adjusting your current plan is the easiest way to save. You don't even have to extend or terminate your contract.

Downshift Service

"Eight of 10 people don't use what they pay for," says BillShrink's Satyavolu. Ask your carrier for a usage summary going back 12 months to see if you could get by on a cheaper plan.

Go in on Data

While many people get family voice packages, fewer take advantage of family messaging and data plans -- which can save you a lot. AT&T, for example, offers unlimited texts for a family for $30 a month, vs. $20 per person.

Ask About Affiliate Discounts

If you work for a large company, government agency, or university, you probably qualify for a discount -- up to around 25% -- on your personal phone. Get details from HR.

Cancel Coverage

Unless you have a disaster-prone teen, insurance that covers your phone for loss or damage is usually a waste. You'll pay $4 to $6 a month, and the deductible ranges from $50 to $125. You can get a new phone for less, should you need one.

Say You're Leaving

"Carriers don't want to lose customers, so if you tell them you've found a better plan, you could get a break," says Sascha Segan, cell phone analyst at PCMag.com.

CHANGE YOUR CARRIER

You may be able to do better by switching to another carrier, but wait until your contract is up to avoid termination fees.


Check Out the Competition


The four major carriers --AT&T (T, News), Verizon (VZ, News), Sprint (S, News), and T-Mobile -- have roughly 220 plans combined. BillShrink.com and Validas.com will help you wade through them to determine if you could get a better deal from a different carrier, based on your past usage.

Look Beyond the Big Four

Regional carriers such as U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS, and Cricket Wireless offer savings of $20 a month over plans from the big four. You won't get a signal nationwide, so if you travel to a place where there's no coverage, you'll pay roaming charges. "But you can save serious money if you're a homebody," says Segan. BillShrink and Validas don't include these carriers, so compare some of them at wirelessadvisor.com.

Prepay the Piper

It's easy to see why prepaid phone plans are rapidly gaining in popularity: They offer calling, texts, and web access starting at $40 a month -- with no contract or cancellation fees. If you use less than 300 minutes a month, they can be an economical choice. LetsTalk.com helps you compare plans. Also, AARP members can get a no-contract phone with 250 minutes, and service from Consumer Cellular, starting at $19 a month.

CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR

How you use your phone can have a lot to do with how much you'll pay. These easy behavioral shifts can save big money.

Monitor Your Minutes

For those without unlimited calling plans, charges for going over the monthly allotment of minutes average $36 per line, reports Validas.com. If you tend to approach the danger zone, check your usage weekly-- online or via the dialing code provided by your carrier -- and limit your calls accordingly. Also, get into the habit of using your landline or work phone during business hours, when mobile minutes usually count against your monthly maximum.

Get the 411 for Free

Don't know the number you need to reach? Dialing 411 will cost you at least $1.49 a pop. Use Google's no-cost option instead: Just call 800-GOOG-411.

Dialing Abroad over Wi-Fi

If you often make international calls and have an app-capable smart phone, download the Skype app. Because it operates over Wi-Fi, Skype lets you call landline phones abroad at reduced rates. (On certain Verizon phones, the Skype Mobile app does operate over the cellular network vs. Wi-Fi, but it still isn't billed to your normal minutes.) Plus, you can call other Skype users free. Either way, you'll be saying adieu to a big portion of your bill.

10 Home Repairs That Will Save You Money

Remodels are great, but can get pretty pricey. Not everyone has thousands to add value to their home - but what about those less glamorous repair projects on your to-do list? These simple and inexpensive maintenance items don't seem like they add to your home's value, but they're big money-savers in the long run.

1. Caulk

If you've lived in your house a few years, you probably noticed that the caulk along your sinks, countertops and bathtub is coming loose. These gaps may not seem like a big deal, but they can wreak havoc inside your walls. Moisture causes mold and even leaks - expensive repairs that can easily be prevented. A tube of kitchen and bath caulk costs just a few dollars, and you'll avoid expensive repairs.

2. Insulate

The quickest way to save money on your energy bill is to insulate, yet so many of us overlook this simple home improvement project for its benefits. Sure, your walls are insulated, but what about your basement, your attic, and your garage? Just in case the energy cost savings aren't enticing enough for you, check with the IRS - there are current credits that allow you to deduct this energy-saving expense from your taxes.

3. Change Filters

When was the last time you changed your furnace's air filters? It's an oft-overlooked chore, but one that keep your furnace running efficiently, and improves the air quality inside your home. Change your filters at least every three months to keep your furnace working efficiently for years to come.


4. Install a Thermostat

Does your home have a programmable thermostat? If not, invest in one; it'll earn its money back in no time. By programming heating and cooling, you avoid paying to keep an empty house at a comfortable temperature. Manage the heat appropriately in winter to avoid burst water pipes; in summer, draw your curtains during the day to keep the house cool. Buy a programmable thermostat and you can save big on monthly bills.


5. Fix Leaks

That leaky faucet or runny toilet is draining your water bill, and in most cases it's a cheap and quick fix. Replace the washer on your faucet, and while you're at it, consider installing a faucet aerator if yours doesn't already have one. Faucet aerators reduce water flow from your faucet to save on your water bill; check your home improvement store for this inexpensive fix.

6. Install Dimmers

Dimmers aren't just for romance; they can save you big bucks on your energy bill. They're cheap and easy to install, so look for rooms that could use a little reduction in harsh lighting. While you're at it, replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. They're big money savers.

7. Clean Carpets

Clean your carpet lately? With proper care, carpets can last a long time and look great, but everyone needs to clean them sometime. You don't need to hire an expensive service either - if you can vacuum, you can clean your carpets by yourself. Rent a carpet cleaner at your local supermarket or big-box store for a modest fee. Make sure you vacuum thoroughly before cleaning, and pick a dry day so your carpet dries quickly. With regular cleaning your carpet can last a long time, saving you big bucks on new flooring.

8. Clean Siding and Windows

Windows and siding get a beating in most climates. Wash your windows and siding with a simple hose and water first, and with a cleaning solution as needed; your home improvement store sells specialty products for just this kind of job. Rent a power washer for very dirty jobs. Keep an eye on cobwebs, wasp and bird nests to ensure your home's exterior stays in good shape. Touch up with paint as needed, and your house will look like new at little or no cost.

9. Fight Pests

Those spiders and ants at your foundation, that mouse nest in your crawl space? Take care of it - pests can destroy a home in a hurry. Hire an exterminator, or for small pests, combat with pesticides. Even if you don't think you have a problem, inspect every part of the interior and exterior of your home regularly to avoid small pest problems getting out hand.

10. Clean Ductwork

If your home is older, your ductwork likely has dust, grime, and other unwelcome residue inside. For big jobs, pay a professional; a simple cleaning can easily be done yourself. Simply remove the grates from your air vents, and clean the inside with your vacuum.

The Bottom Line

The best way to invest in your home is to take good care of what's already there. With these simple repair jobs, you'll even save money - with just a little elbow grease as investment.

13 Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

Beating the heat this summer is an expensive proposition as temperatures soar into the triple digits in some parts of the U.S.

Cities along the East Coast endured record-setting highs Tuesday, with more than half a dozen topping temperatures not seen since 1999, according to Accuweather.com. (Baltimore topped 105 degrees, compared with 101 in 1999; and Warwick, R.I., hit 103, up from 97 in 1999.) Power demand during the heat wave is also expected to hit record highs, with many utilities warning of brownouts and blackouts.

Here's how to stay cool and keep electricity bills reasonable:

Fine-Tune Your Equipment

Arrange an HVAC inspection. Anyone can hire a certified technician for an annual check that their home's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Leaking ducts, for example, could reduce energy efficiency by up to 20%, says Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy. Inspections usually cost $50 to $100, but that could be offset by the energy savings over time.

Shop for size. Consumers in the market for a new room or window air conditioner should use Energy Star guidelines to determine how powerful a unit they need. A too-powerful unit not only wastes energy, it's also less effective at reducing humidity.

Keep it clean. Clean air filters monthly for central air and individual window or wall units. Dirt and dust hinder air flow, reducing efficiency.

Program the thermostat. Give the air conditioner a break during the work day. Shifting the settings to allow higher daytime temperatures could cut the average household's electric bill by $180 a year, according to Energy Star.

Seek out incentives on appliances. Investing in a new energy-efficient unit can cut long-term bills -- and be cheaper upfront, too. Through the end of 2010, qualifying central air conditioners are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost, including installation, up to a total of $1,500 for all projects. Plenty of states also still have rebates available under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A Maine resident, for example, can get $100 back on a qualifying central air conditioner, while Georgia offers $30 for room units and $99 on central units. Check for other government and utility deals in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

Hunt Down Heat Sources

Seal up the house. Cooled air can leak through cracks along window and door frames. Invest in some caulk and weather-stripping to plug up these drafts. A home that's properly insulated and sealed improves energy efficiency by up to 20% year-round, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. (Insulation materials are also eligible for the 30% energy efficiency federal tax credit, up to $1,500 for all improvements combined.)

Avoid chores. The hotter the space, the harder an air conditioner must work to keep things cool. Limit the use of heat-generating appliances such as the oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer during the daytime hours when temperatures are hottest, says Steve Rosenstock, manager of energy solutions for the Edison Electric Institute, an industry group. "That just makes more of a load for your air conditioner," he says.

Change light bulbs. Swapping incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent ones can cut a home electric bill, Kweller says. Switching one incandescent for a CFL saves $35 in energy costs over the projected 10-year life of the bulb. Not only do CFLs use less energy than conventional bulbs, but they also generate less heat.

Close the blinds. Rooms get hotter without shades or curtains to block the sunlight, especially with south- and west-facing windows. Put this idea to work more effectively with insulated window treatments.

Use fans. A breeze makes the room feel a few degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn it off when leaving. "Fans cool people, not rooms," Kweller says.

Unplug. Gadgets like a cellphone charger or microwave suck energy -- and generate heat -- as long as they're attached to a power source. Standby power for appliances not in use typically accounts for 5% to 10% of residential electricity use, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Plug those devices into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.

Assess Utility Suppliers

Check alternate suppliers. Residents of states where the electric industry is deregulated can shop around for their energy provider, says Rosenstock. Depending on the options, some residents could save 5% to 15% a month. Many alternative companies use renewable energy, so they're much less dependent on volatile oil, coal and natural gas prices. Most will also fix billing rates for a year or more -- a bonus if energy prices creep up. The state's public service commission should keep a list of options. Just be aware that most providers require a commitment of at least a year and charge a hefty fee for ducking out early, Rosenstock says.

Consider time-of-use plans. A growing number of electric companies are offering so-called time-of-use plans, which offer lower rates for energy consumption during off-peak hours (usually from mid-evening to early morning). The catch is that users often pay more for peak-hours use, so consider the daily schedule before signing up. Arizona-based SRP, for example, regularly charges 10.64 to 12.12 cents per kilowatt hour during July and August, based on the amount used in a billing period. On the time-of-use plan, it charges a flat 21.30 cents for on-peak hours (1 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays) and 6.65 cents during the rest of the day, on weekends and holidays.

Fix the bill. Ask the utility company about fixed-bill plans, which charge the same amount every month for a set period, regardless of electricity use. Users pay a premium rate per kilowatt hour to hedge against price increases and seasonal spikes, so make sure to crunch the numbers to confirm the savings, Kweller says. Also, keep in mind that these plans periodically reconcile, which can leave users with a big bill if they've used more than the supplier anticipated. Check with the utility to see if it alerts customers using more power than they anticipated and whether users can pay extra as they go.

2 Year-Old Boy Smoking Video

Hard to believe, but this 2 year-old boy Ardi Rizal is smoking since he was 18 months old. Ardi is from Indonesia and his dad Mohammed taught him and gave him a fag when he was at that very young age. We don’t know why his dad uttered this, “He looks pretty healthy to me. I don’t see the problem.” Duh!

Ardi the 2 year-old boy smokes 2 packs a day or 40 cigarettes a day. He would cry and bump his head on walls whenever his mom refuse to give him cigarettes. His mom spend £3.78 a day in Musi Banyuasin, Indonesia.


Ardi story caught the attention of World Health Organization after his story published online, he is now under their custody.


EMBED-Ardi Rizal - The real SMOKING BABY !! - Watch more free videos

A Cell Tower of Your Very Own

Major Carriers Sell a Personal Device That Improves Signal

Up until a few weeks ago, Mike Gillin was a tough man to get a hold of.

His basement apartment in Smithtown, N.Y. is a virtual black hole for cellular signals. AT&T Inc.'s cellular service is just good enough that Mr. Gillin's iPhone would ring when dialed—but the calls would usually fail to connect. Text messages would arrive hours, or even days, late. Friends trying to reach him would have to switch back and forth between dialing his land line and his cellphone in an effort to get through.

"It was always a process of calling one number, and then the other and hoping I answered one," says Mr. Gillin, 35-year-old email systems manager. "It was always a pain."

So it's no wonder that in May Mr. Gillin jumped at the chance to buy AT&T's 3G Microcell—a textbook-size cellphone gadget known as a femtocell that helps with unreliable cellular service. Think of it as a personal cellphone tower. It operates on the same technological principle, receiving an incoming call signal via the home's DSL or cable Internet connection, and then broadcasting the signal to the user's cellphone.

Never heard of a femtocell? Many other cellphone users haven't, either. Major cellular carriers do virtually no advertising for the devices—a rare example of reticence in an industry that spends heavily on ads. Industry experts say big carriers are reluctant to highlight a product that calls attention to the problem of spotty network coverage.

AT&T has been rolling out the 3G Microcell, which provides a full signal to a surrounding area of up to 5,000 square feet, as an answer for customers in areas with poor reception. The price is $149.99.

Verizon Wireless's femtocell, the "Network Extender," is priced at $99.99; Verizon doesn't sell it in stores. Sprint Nextel Corp. sells its Airave for $99.99 with a mandatory $4.99 monthly charge to customers who ask a service representative. T-Mobile USA doesn't sell the device.

The carriers say they put limited marketing behind the devices because they don't see them as mass-market products, although useful in certain situations. "It is designed largely for customers who—because of architectural issues or location geography—want enhanced calling," a Verizon spokesman says. Sprint says the femtocell "helps enhance" coverage and notes there are situations where reception problems are out of the carrier's control. AT&T says it plans to offer the 3G Microcell in a direct marketing campaign to customers facing unique physical or geographic obstructions.

The carriers have been sensitive to criticism of poor coverage and the propensity for dropped phone calls. AT&T still faces reception issues in New York and San Francisco, largely due to the popularity and data- hungry demands of Apple Inc.'s iPhone. AT&T says it is working on improving coverage in those areas, and expects to have upgrades in both cities later this year. The two cities were among the first to get the 3G Microcell following the April launch. AT&T's device improves signals for both data and voice; those from Verizon and Sprint boost only voice quality.

As for the devices' potential health risks, some experts say they are probably no worse—and may be less—than the still-unproven risks posed by regular cellphone signals. Industry observers note femtocells are no more harmful than the typical Wi-Fi hotspot, and may be less harmful than a cellphone because they aren't held close to the body.

"At this point, there's no conclusive evidence showing all these radio signals are hurting people," says Harry Wong, analyst at research firm Parks Associates.

Film director Barry Sonnenfeld purchased Verizon's Network Extender nearly a year ago for his East Hampton, N.Y., house, which doubles as a home theater where he screens projects. Mr. Sonnenfeld, who uses three major wireless carriers—Verizon Wireless for his BlackBerry Bold, AT&T for his iPhone and Sprint for his Evo 4G—says service is bad in the area. "Verizon is sketchy and AT&T is profoundly bad," says Mr. Sonnenfeld. He says with the Verizon device, the BlackBerry has full bars; he says he is planning to buy AT&T's device, too.

Femtocells can be a pain to set up. Activation can take up to 90 minutes, and Mr. Gillin says he occasionally has to reboot it. And because the device relies on a global positioning system to confirm its location in a service area, it needs a clear line of sight to the sky.

The devices have to be in areas where the carrier already offers service, so they won't work overseas. AT&T, on the first weekend after the launch of the iPhone 4 last month, had a system outage that left some 3G Microcells from activating.

For customers on limited-call plans, the carriers also offer an option to pay an additional monthly fee and get unlimited calls using the femtocell. Some consumers have bristled at paying extra to improve what they believe are the carriers' own coverage problems. The carriers say fees cover the cost of running wireless traffic from the femtocell back to their networks.

Some people who have the devices say the improved service is worth the cost. David Nowicki, a marketing executive for Airvana Inc., which is working on a data femtocell for Sprint, says he personally uses all of his competitors' devices because his North Andover, Mass., home sits between two hills that interfere with cellular signals. "You have a part of the network that's dedicated to you," he says.

AT&T blames Alcatel-Lucent problem for iPhone glitch

AT&T Inc. said a software defect is slowing down the wireless connection for more than one million customers looking to send data from smartphones like the iPhone 4 or laptop modems.

AT&T and supplier Alcatel-Lucent found a problem with Alcatel equipment that is preventing some subscribers from reaching their peak data transmission speed.

The companies said the issue affects less than 2% of AT&T's wireless customers, or about 1.75 million people. Alcatel-Lucent said it was working to fix the software glitch.

The glitch is the latest in a series of hiccups for AT&T, which is struggling with the perception that its network suffers from more dropped calls and coverage problems than rival Verizon Wireless.

Until a fix is completed, AT&T said some customers who previously were able to get a faster version of 3G called HSUPA could only get "normal 3G uplink speeds," which is slower. People affected include those who own a Laptop Connect card, as well as certain smartphones, including the Apple Inc. iPhone 4.

An AT&T spokesman declined to comment on which markets were affected by the network problem. The company had 87 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter.

AT&T has dealt with a number of glitches, including allowing the private email addresses of about 140,000 owners of cellular-connected iPads to be publicly released, as well as problems with customers attempting to preorder iPhone 4s. More recently, Apple has talked about the signal strength and antenna issue of its new iPhone 4, partly laying the blame on its carrier partner's network.

AT&t glitch IPhone4 upload speeds

In the latest snag for the iPhone 4, AT&T Inc. said Wednesday that a software defect in its network is limiting data uploads from the phone in some areas.

That means it takes longer for users to send pictures, video and other content from the phone.

Apple Inc.'s new iPhone 4 went on sale in the U.S. and a few other countries two weeks ago. Last week, Apple acknowledged that holding the phone in a certain way might reduce its wireless performance, and that all iPhones show the wrong signal strength in some situations.

Dallas-based AT&T said Wednesday that a software glitch in network equipment made by Alcatel-Lucent is to blame for limiting the upload speeds of the iPhone 4. AT&T said a fix is in the works.

Alcatel-Lucent spokeswoman Denise Panyik-Dale confirmed that there's a software problem in the company's cellular base station equipment.

Because Alcatel-Lucent isn't the only supplier of base station equipment to AT&T, the problem only affects some areas. AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said the flaw affects 2 percent of the phone company's customer base.

The iPhone 4 is the first phone designed to take full advantage of an upload-speeding technology that AT&T put in place in 2008. In theory, it's capable of uploads that are 10 times faster than those of the previous iPhone model.

But where the network is affected by the software glitch, some users report the new phone is getting upload speeds limited to 100 kilobits per second, somewhat lower than the speeds usually achieved with the previous iPhone model.

Outdoor Coverage vs. Indoor Coverage

Great coverage outside doesn't always mean great coverage inside. Wireless carriers have done a good job on improving outdoor performance with more cell sites and improving dropped call rates in most major cities. But poor in-building coverage – offices, commercial buildings, condominiums, apartments and homes is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Blame the Building

Our cell phone numbers and email addresses have increasingly become a way of staying connected no matter where we are, so it's expected that our wireless devices should work inside our homes and offices. But building materials like concrete and tinted glass, and building locations in shadowed areas, can frequently stop cellular, 3G, 4G, GSM, CDMA and PCS signals from penetrating into your location, so that phones don't work in meeting rooms, home offices, warehouses – the list goes on.

Wireless Data Applications

Cell phones and other devices like iPhone's, Blackberry's, and G1 Android's are fast becoming a way of mobilizing the workforce. But where you might be willing to put up with two bars of coverage on your cell phone for a voice call, for a wireless data application to work well – a strong signal is required. Improving in-building coverage is a must for ensuring data throughput for wireless devices is maximized, and that those wireless applications that your organization has invested in, work well in the places where they are being used more and more frequently - indoors.

How We Can Help?

Five-Bars Wireless Houston
This site is designed to collect information on building locations with indoor coverage problems to ensure that wireless service providers better understand your in-building wireless requirements, and to help develop and deliver solutions that address your needs for improved indoor coverage. These issues can be addressed by submitting a coverage complaint to our map and then hope that the problem is eventually addressed by the carrier. Or you can take action on your own to solve the coverage problem and purchase a repeater or femtocell to improve the signal in your home or office.

Cell Phone Coverage Problems

Cell phones have great significance in modern society. Cell phones are our lifelines to the world and they allow us to stay connected at all times. Due to the increased prominence of cell phone, wireless providers now offer extensive coverage areas that encompass the majority of the U.S. However, despite the extensive coverage map, there are a variety of factors that impair wireless coverage.

Function
Cell phones communicate with a series of towers or "cell sites" to send and receive voice calls across public telephone networks. Since wireless telephones use radio waves, their coverage is impacted by a variety of factors, including location of cell phone towers, call volume, architecture and topography. These factors can limit wireless coverage within a wireless provider's coverage areas and often result in dropped calls, poor call quality or weakened signals.

Cell Phone Towers
Cell phone towers are essential to the successful transmission of cell phone calls. Despite an abundance of cell phone towers in a given area, callers may experience dropped calls due to their location and the number of callers accessing the network. Traveling between cell phone towers and driving through tunnels causes cell phone calls to drop because they inhibit the successful transition of the call from one tower to another. Additionally, a high volume of cell phone callers accessing a tower at a given time strains the provider's network. A strained cell phone network results in a busy signal and inhibits the ability to place a call.

Architecture
The type of building in which you are located also influences the reliability of cell phone coverage. Buildings are generally constructed with dense materials that impair wireless reception in coverage areas. For example, concrete greatly reduces wireless coverage because its thickness absorbs or blocks the signal. Aluminum siding and stucco also impact wireless coverage because they reflect radio waves and inhibit them from reaching the cell phone. In these instances, installing an antenna on top of the structure or going outside of the building may be necessary to successfully place or receive calls.

Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference disrupts the reception of radio waves and prohibits cell phone towers from properly communicating with cell phones. Electrical and battery-operated items that can be found within a home or office can cause cell phone interference. Microwave ovens, blenders and computers can cause interruptions with cell phone service. When placing a call, it is recommended that you move away from these items or unplug them.

Geography
The geography in a given area can greatly impair or disrupt cell phone coverage. Mountains, hills, dense trees and tall buildings interfere with cell phone service because the phone and cell phone tower are blocked from communicating with one another. When the cell phone signal does come through, it is often distorted and unclear. When traveling through areas with hills and trees, it is recommended that you place your phone at an angle when you reach a clearing to help the cell phone tower find your phone. The problem is being curtailed in cities since many buildings now have cell phone towers installed on their roofs.

How to get better cell phone reception in your areas, visit Five-Bars Wireless for more info..

Increase Indoor Cell Phone Signal Strength

Ughhhhh! An important phone call... you walk to the counter to get a pen and paper... THE CALL IS DROPPED!!! You frantically search for an area in your home for cell phone signal... it is just one complete DEAD ZONE!

How many times has this happened to you??? It happens to me all the time... here is why!

Cell phone signals can diminish to nothing when you are indoors causing static or dropped calls. Metal siding and roofs, poor network coverage, and the number of cell phone users in your area contribute to the loss of signal. Unfortunately, the number of cell phone users is expected to climb as land lines become a thing of the past. I doubt the cell phone providers will be able to increase network coverage to meet the demand as quickly as needed. The more add-ons and applications we use on our phones, the more it drains the available network resources. What this means for cell phone users is a decrease in indoor cell phone signal strength.

What to do??? Visit Five-Bars Wireless website and they can help you to increase your indoor cell phone signal strength.

About T-Shirt Printing

T-shirts have been popular since as far back as ancient Egyptian times. English men started wearing them in the late 1800s as an undergarment. The first T-shirt designs and screen printing services popped up in the early 1950s. T-shirt printing services have evolved over the years from making shirts by hand to using complicated machinery to produce printed shirts en mass. Nowadays it seems that anyone with a computer program and a solid concept in mind can have their own T-shirt or even a clothing line.

Screen Printing
When you need a professional quality T-Shirt printed, you have to go with a screen printer. Screen printers use special machines and tools to print designs onto T-shirts. In short, a mesh screen is placed on the T-shirt with parts of it masked to create the outline of the design, then inked and finally pressed into the fabric. A fully automated screen printer will place the shirts through a conveyor belt for printing and finishing. While in the past T-shirt designers had to come to a screen printer with a drawn or printed version of their design, now they can simply e-mail a file to have it printed directly from the printer's computer.

T-Shirt Transfers
If you want to make a quick T-shirt, you can also buy T-shirt transfer paper from your local office supply store or wholesale club. You can print a design on the T-shirt transfer paper on a standard ink jet printer. The T-shirt design has to be mirrored, meaning that the image has to be flipped horizontally on your computer screen and then printed for the design to print correctly. Then, once the printing is done, you simply place the transfer paper down flat on the front or back of the T-shirt and iron it on. T-shirt transfers are best for making informal shirts for quaint functions, such as family reunions, because they don't produce the same high quality as a screen printer.

Embossing and Embroidery
There are other options for people who need T-shirt printing services. Some customers might want an embossed or raised look for their T-shirts. The image is raised using a special heat printing process to create a 3D look. Embroidery is very popular on more expensive, designer T-shirts. This involves imprinting designs, logos and wording onto T-shirts using precise, high-speed sewing machines.

Shirt and Ink Color Considerations
When you are designing a T-shirt to be printed, you have to think about how the colors will translate on certain shirts. For example, if your T-shirt design is mostly red, it wouldn't make much sense to print it on a red shirt, because most of the shirt design would be lost in the background. That is unless the T-shirt design is printed on a white background to contrast against the red. When printing the white colors in a T-shirt design on a white shirt, T-shirt prints will sometimes just use the white of the shirt instead of actually applying white ink to the shirt. Of course, the best contrast is achieved by printing black ink on a white shirt, or white ink on a black shirt.

Potential
Some T-shirt printers are now cashing in on the convenience of online shopping. Anyone can have their shirt idea designed, printed and shipped to them with just a few clicks. Services like Zazzle even allow you to sell your shirt creations directly from its website. Whenever someone orders your shirt, it is printed and shipped to them automatically. This is a great money-making opportunity for skilled graphic designers looking for an easy way to print their T-shirt designs and generate a side income from their concepts.

50th Birthday Gifts Ideas

By any measure, a 50th birthday represents a milestone in an individual's life. While 50th birthday gifts can be a chance to splurge on a special 50-year-old by giving them classic gold jewelry or 50 experiences; inexpensive gifts, such as 50 memories or flowers, can be among the most treasured presents received.

Shower of 50 Gifts
•Give the recipient a small gift for each of the 50 days leading up to his 50th birthday; select small thoughtful items such as a new book by his favorite author, a bar of chocolate, a small candle or even a bottle of his preferred soda.

50 Items in Packs of 50
•Wrap a selection of 50 items grouped into collections of 50, such as 50 pencils or pens, 50 thumbtacks, 50 envelopes, 50 sheets of stationery, 50 candles, 50 cookies, 50 jelly beans or even a pack of 50 Legos or marbles for the young at heart. For the best results, stick primarily with items that can be used (or eaten) by the individual rather than giving her too many useless knick-knacks. This can be a fun project for a group of people to put together for an individual's birthday.

Fifties Music
•Give a music lover a selection of music from the 1950s. Include favorites by artists such as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Rosemary Clooney and other notable musicians of that time period.

Jewelry
•Classic gifts for a 50th birthday include a watch for men and bracelets or earrings for a woman. Consider giving a gift made out of gold because many people refer to the 50's as the "golden years."

50 Experiences
•Create a coupon book of 50 experiences you want to give the birthday recipient during their 50th year. Depending upon your relationship to the recipient, these experiences might include romance (dinner on the beach), adventure (a sky diving session) or pampering (spa day).

Flowers
•Send a woman celebrating this milestone birthday 50 flowers for a striking and dramatic birthday tribute. While many people traditionally send red roses, you could also consider tulips or another flower favored by the recipient.

50 Memories Canister
•Decorate an empty canister by gluing photos, newspaper clippings or other items onto it. Tear a sheet or two of paper into 50 small strips. On each strip of paper, write a favorite memory of the birthday man or woman. This inexpensive gift will surely bring a smile to the recipient's face and serve as a concrete reminder of his importance in your life.

$50 to Charity
•If you suspect that the birthday person might not want any type of tangible gifts, donate $50 to the individual's favorite charity and encourage other friends or family members to do the same. These contributions can add up to a sizable donation by the end of the party or celebration.