copy of birth certificate http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for copy of birth certificate Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:26:25 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/copy+of+birth+certificate It's Important To Get Your Hands On A Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-important-to-get-your-hands-on-a-certified-copy-of-birth-certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-important-to-get-your-hands-on-a-certified-copy-of-birth-certificate#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 22:27:06 +0000 copy of birth certificateoregon identification cardlas vegasstate of nevadawomanpre requisiteguess http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-important-to-get-your-hands-on-a-certified-copy-of-birth-certificate
A decade or two ago, word of mouth is a perfectly valid way to identify yourself, but presently, that would just not be enough.

Identification is so important in our world today such that we must always have available a certified .

A certified copy of birth certificate is a for obtaining documents, and an identification from the local DMV being one of those things.

Many people, including this writer often underestimate the importance of the certified copy of birth certificate, until when we need an important document and we are asked to produce a certificate.

I realized this when I moved from Washington to and finally Oregon.

In my first migration, I got my identification without any hassle.

Then it happened four years later...

After staying in Las Vegas for some time, I never needed my certified copy of birth certificate. Later, I discovered that I had actually lost this vital piece of document.

Four years later, the call of duty took me to Oregon. It was time to get an .

But instead of getting the card in fifteen minutes as was the case in Las Vegas, I got the shocker of my life.

The official at the counter in a clipped voice told me he can't issue an identification card in Oregon that says I am a female if am not.

Of course, I am a ! I have been since the day I was born. So I did the next logical thing: I enquired as to what in heavens name she meant.

Then I got another shocker, the lady alerted me that my Las Vegas ID card indicated I was a male!

How I missed this for four years I will never know.

My saving grace the official said is a certified copy of birth certificate as proof that I am a woman. It is needless to the outcome; I don't have one.

In the end, I happened to have my son's certified copy of birth certificate which worked as proof that I must be a woman.

I tell you, I will never walk out of a DMV again without making sure I'm a woman! Parenting Magazine http://www.babies-and-parents.com ]]> The Handy Dandy Birth Certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-handy-dandy-birth-certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-handy-dandy-birth-certificate#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:35:01 +0000 social security cardbureau of consular affairspassport applicationspassport applicationbirth certificatessafe deposit boxproof of age http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-handy-dandy-birth-certificate Birth certificates contain much valuable information, including personal identifying data; data about the mother and, if possible, the father; the date, place, and manner of birth; and the birth weight. The infant's position in birth order among his or her siblings, and information about other biological facts, such as race or ethnicity, is recorded in some jurisdictions.

Most hospitals in the U.S. issue a souvenir birth certificate, which typically includes the footprints of the newborn. However, these birth certificates are not legally accepted as or citizenship, and are frequently rejected by the when included with s. Many Americans believe these souvenir records to be their official birth certificate, when in reality it holds little legal value.

As an American you have a right to birth record certificates for you and certain members of your family. In most states, birth certificates are issued only to the persons named on the certificate, which would usually be you and your parents. There are some seventy seven million birth certificates available online.

Parents need a record of the birth of their children in order to obtain child benefits, tax credits and as proof of age of minors (under age 18). Avoid waiting until the last minute to start replacing a lost or damaged birth certificate. While the online services provide a rapid and inexpensive service for replacing birth certificates, there are some instances when more information might be needed. Birth certificates should be kept along with your other valuable documents in a safe place, preferably in a .

A Birth Certificate is one of life's most important documents; this is a list of the most common reasons why you might want to obtain and keep a copy of your Birth Certificate.

=B7 Enroll child in school. =B7 Get sports All-star signed up for another season. =B7 Passport Application. =B7 Get a . =B7 Get Public assistance =B7 Get Social Security benefits. =B7 Adopted but want an original copy. =B7 Genealogy work. =B7 Reunite families. =B7 Need specific information found on the certificate. =B7 Adopted in the U.S. but born outside the U.S. =B7 Identification for minors. =B7 Marriage License =B7 Perinatal mortality rates =B7 Academic and examination purposes =B7 Replace a lost Birth Certificate =B7 Insurance Application

Birth Certificates are critical pieces of information that play crucial roles in some of life's most important events.

There are several Internet sites that offer rapid, secure, inexpensive services for getting your birth certificate in just a few days. Birth Certificates should be state issued, and appropriate for legal matters. Some states have raised seals, and some have stamped seals. Some states offer both certified and non-certified copies. Be sure to specify exactly the type of birth certificate you need when ordering from one of the Internet services.

Note: Some states, require a signed release before a replacement certificate can be issued. When you complete your online order, any special requirements for your particular state will be explained, and you will be given any copies of the necessary forms you might need.

Today, with all the online official record services, getting a copy of your birth certificate just isn't the hassle that it once was. Lanie Dills is the creator of the site, Copy of Birth Certificate. If you would like more information on how you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate quickly and inexpensively, visit: http://www.squidoo.com/Copy-Of-Birth-Certificate ]]> Obtaining Your Child's Birth Certificate For A Winter Sports Team http://www.artwoo.com/article/obtaining-your-childs-birth-certificate-for-a-winter-sports-team http://www.artwoo.com/article/obtaining-your-childs-birth-certificate-for-a-winter-sports-team#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:50:22 +0000 childs birthbirth certificatesexpedited servicesvitalchekregistration deadlinesbirth certificateyouth sports http://www.artwoo.com/article/obtaining-your-childs-birth-certificate-for-a-winter-sports-team youth sports right around the corner, it's important to ensure your children are signed up and ready to go as the season begins. From s to scheduling conflicts, there are a few obstacles that can sometimes stand in the way of your registration process. However, with preparation, you can make signing up for youth sports a stress-free process!

The Registration Process:

often fall weeks ahead of when practices begin. Waiting until the last minute to register might not end with positive results. So, know important registration dates ahead of time and post them some place obvious so they won't be overlooked or forgotten.

Ensure you have a Proper Birth Certificate:

To verify a player's age and make sure that he or she is in the proper age group, an original copy of a birth certificate is usually required. Unfortunately for some families, this can present complications. If a family has moved around a lot, birth certificates might have been lost. If a family suffered through a fire or flooding, their birth records might have been damaged or destroyed. Sometimes even if a family holds a copy of the child's birth certificate, that might not be enough! Most youth groups require their players present an original copy of a birth certificate, meaning that it's notarized and certified, rather than a photocopy.

If you find yourself needing to order an original copy of your child's birth certificate, there are online sources that can help get your child's birth certificate fast and offer at affordable rates. But verify the service you select is a government authorized provider, like , to prevent identity theft and avoid excessive middleman charges and hidden fees.

Scheduling Conflicts:

With so many competing after-school activities, scheduling conflicts are bound to occur, especially in a family with more than one child. Discussing which activities and sports the child most wants to participate in is important. It's likely that between the time commitments to practices and games, other activities may have to slide onto the back burner.

Additionally, parent-child scheduling conflicts might arise, and it's important that expectations are managed. Parents with full-time jobs might not be able to make it to every game, but they will love to hear all about it afterwards. Car-pooling with teammates can be a big help in managing scheduling issues, too.

Many communities and schools have organized sports for the winter season which include both indoor and outdoor activities. Here are some examples that will help make fitness and fun part of your children's winter agenda:

- Youth Ice Hockey
- Ice Speed Skating
- Ice Figure Skating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Indoor Swimming
- Bowling
- Gymnastics
- Karate
- Snow Boarding
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Tennis
- Target Shooting

Start of the Season:

After the registration is complete, birth certificates have been provided and schedules are aligned, it's time to look forward to watching your children compete and win at the court, the field, the pool or the rink!Ms. Malik is a mother and vital records expert. She assists consumers that order vital records including Florida birth certificates, Los Angeles County birth certificates, and New York City birth certificates.]]> The History Of Birth Records http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-birth-records http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-birth-records#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:35:01 +0000 born in 69alexandria egyptautobiographical sketchpeace activistabraham lincolnmongol empiretime in mongolia http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-birth-records
Cleopatra: BC in Alexandria, Egypt, this queen and legendary beauty's birth was recorded by priests in hieroglyphic text.

Genghis Khan: born 1162 (estimated). Birth records were not kept at this , where the legendary leader (born Temujin) formed the , the largest continuous empire in history. Instead, his birth year is an educated guess based on the date of his death, August 18, 1227.

William Shakespeare: When the legendary playwright was born, dates of baptism were noted in church records. Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, and his birthday, while unconfirmed, is generally celebrated on April 23.

: Since Lincoln was born in a log cabin before birth certificates were issued, the only existing record of his birth is an in which the 16th president of the United States lists February 12, 1809, as his birthday.

Mohatmas Ganhdi: Born into a middle-class family in British-occupied India on October 2, 1869, the 's birth was recorded by his family and registered with the local British-run municipal office.

Paul McCartney: A member of the Beatles and successful solo artist, his birth (June 18, 1942) was recorded by the General Register's Office in London. An original, official copy of the birth certificate was issued to his parents at the time, which was later sold by McCartney's stepmother to a memorabilia collector. The collector refused McCartney's request in 1995 to give it to him, and the original copy has since exchanged hands at auction several times.

As seen from in the examples above, the process of recording and storing birth records has changed dramatically over the past 200 years, making it easier to obtain an official copy of a birth certificate. In the United States, hospitals and midwives are required by law to record and send birth information to local government record offices, which kept the information at the turn of the 20th century in handwritten or typed ledgers.

As technology evolved, so did birth records: photocopying made the reproduction of certificates easier in the 1960s, and the creation of computer microprocessors made it possible to record and conveniently store large amounts of birth data in a small space. Birth certificates could then be searched, retrieved and ordered in an open process either in person or through the mail--an inconvenient process that could take several weeks.

In 1987, VitalChek Network Inc., a ChoicePoint company introduced express ordering of birth certificates by telephone and fax with a credit card. Ten years later, VitalChek streamlined the ordering process even further with the added option of placing online orders through the Internet. Today, most state organizations offer remote ordering to people eager to get an official copy of their birth certificates.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, keeping birth records private and secure has been a top priority for VitalChek. To help ensure that no one can falsely obtain an official copy of someone else's birth certificate, VitalChek is constantly improving its security checks and streamlining its ordering process. To learn more about VitalChek and how to expedit a birth certificate copy, visit http://www.vitalchek.com. For almost 20 years, http://www.vitalchek.com/ VitalChek has provided Americans with official http://www.vitalchek.com/content/site_map.aspx government issued vital records, including of http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_locator.aspx birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records and divorce records. We do this as an official service provider for over 600 government agencies in the United States. ]]> Understanding How Cook County Made Birth Certificates Digital http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-how-cook-county-made-birth-certificates-digital http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-how-cook-county-made-birth-certificates-digital#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:57:27 +0000 cook county clerkscounty clerks officecook county clerks officedocument management technologyapplying for a passportbirth certificatesdeath certificates http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-how-cook-county-made-birth-certificates-digital applying for a passport all require original, certified copies of legal documents. Often, the headache that comes along with obtaining the necessary documents can turn the entire process into a nightmare.

In many cases, the request for documents needs to be made in person. Those employed during regular working hours are forced to dash to the county office on a long lunch break, or in some cases even take time off from their jobs. Arriving at the office, they're then faced with forms that they would have preferred to fill out at their desk, but must now tackle hunched over with others seeking the same documents, often in a tiny and crowded room. In order to reduce fraud, which is estimated to involve real 85% of the time, security surrounding vital documents has become far more rigorous, which means longer forms and more requirements.

Once the paperwork has been completed, it's into another line, which could take any amount of time, before the request can be presented to a county worker at the vital records agency. Occasionally, the needed document is able to be quickly retrieved and handed over to the requesting party. More often, however, the person requesting the record is forced to wait, sometimes more than a day, until they're able to pick up or receive the records in the mail.

The process can be exhausting, but it doesn't have to be. Access to birth records can be greatly simplified when county's use updated to improve their work flow. The entire process can be completed in about five minutes, with a happy customer leaving with birth certificate in hand.

The Cook County Clerk's office, which services Chicago and some suburbs, is a great example of a vital records office that has streamlined and simplified the document request process. Cook County birth certificates and can be obtained at the county clerk's office, and they typically service 500,000 customers annually. Customers can print a copy of a birth certificate (or other vital record document) request form from the Cook County Web site and fill it out at their leisure. Once they arrive at the office and present proper identification, a representative can immediately access the record from the Clerk's automated system. Identification must prove that a customer is requesting a record only for themselves or their child. Approximately 80 percent of qualified customers have their desired paperwork in their hand within five minutes of being greeted.

In an effort to further improve their system, Cook County has installed technology that digitally stores actual images of all vital records, including birth certificates and death certificates. So, customers can receive certified copy of a digitized image of the original document. In many cases, it even has the father's original signature. This step also serves to preserve the records more efficiently.

As more areas of the country begin to adopt the technology that Cook County currently uses to provide the public with birth and death certificates, the process of obtaining certified copies of vital records will continue to become easier.Ms. Malik is a mother and vital records expert. She assists consumers that order birth certificates including Illinois birth certificates, and Cook County birth certificates.]]> Diamond Grading Report http://www.artwoo.com/article/diamond-grading-report http://www.artwoo.com/article/diamond-grading-report#comments Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:07 +0000 gemological institute of americadiamond gradingdiamond with a diamonddiamond certificatecarat weightdiamond insurancediamond certificates http://www.artwoo.com/article/diamond-grading-report Diamond Grading Report is more commonly called a . This report, which any buyer should require before purchasing a diamond, comes from the (GIA).

A diamond certificate allows a prospective buyer to verify the color, cut, carat, weight, and clarity of a diamond. It relieves the worry of a diamond dealer saying anything less than the truth because the certificate comes from the GIA rather than the dealer. Some sellers require the buyer to absorb the cost of the certificate, but the cost is usually low. In many cases the certificate helps the buyer to negotiate a better price on the diamond or prevent them from purchasing an undesirable diamond, making the certificate well worth the expense.

come in especially handy for people who buy a high quality diamond, and then later decide to sell the diamond. Not only will it help them be sure to get a good deal when buying, but it can make selling easier as well, since most buyers will expect a diamond certificate. Furthermore, the Diamond Grading Report can be used to look up the current wholesale value of the diamond in question. The guide used by the diamond cutting industry should be used as a reference.

There won't be any doubts when trying to purchase a certificate. It makes it easy to find out what the diamond is worth. This prevents the buyer from overpaying, and can prevent a seller from undercharging as well.

When insuring a diamond a copy of the Diamond Grading Report should be given to the insurance company. If it ever becomes necessary to file a claim over the theft of the diamond, having the diamond certificate on file with the insurance agency provides absolute, unquestionable proof of the value of the diamond. Insurance companies cannot argue with the report itself.

Any diamond dealers that seems reluctant to provide a certificate should be avoided. Also avoid sellers that claim a certificate diamond will cost more--the only additional cost should be the relatively small cost of the certificate. If a dealer doesn't want to provide a certificate, then doing business with that dealer is extremely hazardous.

The GIA is the only gemological laboratory that certificates should be accepted from. There are many gemological labs these days, but many are disreputable and may issue inaccurate or blatantly false certificates. The GIA is not only the oldest lab, it has been established as the most respectable and trustworthy as well. Dealers that don't want to use GIA for certification purposes are not likely to be honest dealers.

The extra cost of the certificate should be expected when buying an expensive diamond. If a dealer tries to push the sale without the certificate, or if they want to use a company other than GIA, the buyer should assume the dealer has something that they are trying to hide and refuse to conduct business with that dealer. John Miller enjoys writing for several online magazines, including http://products-tips.com and http://cheap-product.com ]]> Documentation For a Legal US Passport http://www.artwoo.com/article/documentation-for-a-legal-us-passport http://www.artwoo.com/article/documentation-for-a-legal-us-passport#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:22:19 +0000 passport acceptance agentus passport applicationsocial security numberacceptance facilityus department of statebaptismal certificatehospital birth http://www.artwoo.com/article/documentation-for-a-legal-us-passport US Department of State is responsible for the issuing and regulating of US passports. As such, it is important to keep in touch with current regulations of where and when to carry your US passport. As anyone who has applied for a US passport can tell you, documentation of who you are is extremely important in the process. Knowing what documentation to bring with you when applying or to show while applying will hasten the process and get you what you need without any excess hustle and bustle.

These documentation are correct as stated by the US Department of State as of July 22, 2008. As always, these requirements are apt to change as necessary. Therefore, if you have questions, please contact the appropriate department or investigate your choice of websites to verify current regulations and policies concerning the documentations necessary to obtain a US passport.

Application for Passport, Form DS-11

The application for passport form DS-11 is the updated and modified application you will need to fill out for each person applying. These can be obtained either online for download or via an of your choice. This form is 6 pages in length and contains laws, guidelines, and regulations you must know to fill in this form to satisfaction. Remember, other than the , you are not required to give the information. However, failure to disclose the information can lead to the denial of the application.

NOTE: Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by !

Present Proof of US Citizenship

You must provide (a) intact previous US passport or (b) certified birth certificate. The certified birth certificate will have the registrar's embossed, raised, impressed or multicolored seal, the registrar's signature, and the date.

If you do not have (a) or (b), you will need a "Letter of No Record". In addition, you will need as many of the following as you can obtain issued within 5-years of birth: certificate, , early school record, census record, doctor's record of post-natal care, and family bible record. In addition, you will find an Affidavit of Birth, form DS-10, filled out by an elderly blood relative useful. This must be notarized.

Present Proof of Identity

This documentation is similar to a photo verification of your identity. You can use (a) state issued driver's license, (b) military identification, (c) government identification via state, local, or federal agencies, (d) previous intact passport, or (e) naturalization certificate. A Social Security Card is NOT acceptable identification. If none of these are available, there are other options available.

Current Passport Photo

You will need to provide two, identical passport photos. These must be 2 by 2 in size, and taken within 6 months to your application.

When it comes to applying for your US passports, you will find having the documentation on hand will save time and money. In addition, when you know what to expect, you will not be ruining your own plans for a wonderful adventure due to the fact you do not have your application approved because of lack of documentation.Nance Leighton owns and operates VIP Passports Inc from Houston, Texas. She proudly offers services associated with passports, birth certificates, photos, and much more. If you need it, she has it!]]> Tracing Birth Parents: Tracing Real Parents of Adopted Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/tracing-birth-parents-tracing-real-parents-of-adopted-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/tracing-birth-parents-tracing-real-parents-of-adopted-children#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:57:27 +0000 finding biological parentsprivate detectivebirth parentsmarriage recordsarrest recordsbirth recordfirst option http://www.artwoo.com/article/tracing-birth-parents-tracing-real-parents-of-adopted-children the easy way using online public records

Do you want to find your real parents? Are you curious about where you came from, who your parents are and why they gave you up for adoption? If you've never known your biological parents then it's only human nature that sooner or later you'll start to wonder why it is that they left you. You may not want to meet them, especially when you find out what the're like but I bet that you would like to know something about them even if you do it secretly.

Before the Internet and the availability of public records online the only way to find someone was either to spend a lot of time making enquiries in the places where you think the person may have resided or to spend money on a who would do the work for you. The often meant a lot of traveling to follow up leads that you find. The second option is expensive and enough to make most people think twice about finding their lost parents.

Start searching for your by looking yourself up

You have to start somewhere and you aren't going to get far unless you know the names of your parents and have at least an idea of where they lived when you were born. This information should be on your birth certificate but if you were adopted then you might not possess a copy. If you don't have your real parents details then go online and look up information on yourself. You should be able to find the information that you need amongst the public s.

Armed with the information about your parents from your birth record you can now search for their details using the same online database. If you know their names and where they used to live you should be able to find out where they are located now.

And there's more. When you start finding information on your parents you can find out much more than simply where they live. You can find telephone numbers, criminal records, , and all sorts of things that you never imagined.

Tracing birth parents confidentially so that you decide if you want to contact them or not

You might have a burning desire to get in touch with your real parents or you might just be curious to know who they are and what they've been doing. You might not know yourself whether you want to contact them at this time. Either way there's no harm in doing the searches and tracing your biological parents and possibly the rest of your real family because it's all done with 100% confidentiality.

When you have the information you can decide what you are going to do with it. You can pick the phone up and call them or you can quietly ignore it and get on with your own life.

Using an online public records database to find people doesn't work for everyone, some people just can't be found, but it is the best and certainly the easiest way to search for someone by a long way. If you are even thinking about the parents that you've lost then you owe it to yourself to give this a try. You might get a very pleasant surprise and you don't have anything to lose.Trace yourself, your birth parents, your family and practically anyone How Do I Find A Person? Popular guides and tutorials http://www.howdo-i.com/]]> License To Drive: Six Steps To Get Your Teen Safely Behind The Wheel http://www.artwoo.com/article/license-to-drive-six-steps-to-get-your-teen-safely-behind-the-wheel http://www.artwoo.com/article/license-to-drive-six-steps-to-get-your-teen-safely-behind-the-wheel#comments Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:25:02 +0000 interactive practice testsperformance driving schoolssocial security cardevening instructiondepartment of motor vehiclesproof of identitys education http://www.artwoo.com/article/license-to-drive-six-steps-to-get-your-teen-safely-behind-the-wheel
1. Enroll your teen in a driver' course.

Many high schools offer elective classes in driver's education to students throughout the year. Independent, state-accredited driving schools that offer weekend or are also an option. In lieu of formal study, several states will accept proof of completion (signed by a parent) of 30 hours of driving time.

2. Get in plenty of practice on the road.

Find an empty parking lot or a street with light traffic to start with driving basics, then move to more well-traveled roads and highways as your teen's skills and confidence increase. Consider additional formal training as well, such as specialized defensive driving courses and high- that give teens hands-on training in driving during emergency situations and bad weather.

3. Study the written materials carefully.

Each state has a driver's manual that outlines the rules of the road, driving techniques, road signs and other practical driving information. These manuals are provided to students enrolled in a driver's education course, or can be picked up at the local driver's license office. In many cases, you can find and download a copy of a driver manual from your state's official Web site. may also be available online.

4. Make sure you have an official copy of your child's birth certificate and proper identification.

When you accompany your teen to the to register for a learner's permit, you'll likely need to sign a consent form if he or she is 17 or younger. In addition, your child will need to bring a , as well as and date of birth, which can include a learner's permit, a state-issued identification card, a passport or an official copy of a birth certificate. Photocopies are unacceptable, so if you do not have the original birth certificate handy, you can order a copy well in advance through official document service providers, such as VitalChek.com, a government authorized service, or directly through your state's vital records office or Web site.

5. Add your child to your car insurance.

Discount insurance rates are popular for new drivers, and prices vary from plan to plan. Reduced fees for good students (B average or above) are common, as are deals for teens who have completed defensive driving courses or remained accident-free for a year after receiving their licenses. Contact your insurance agent to learn which discounts may apply to your new driver.

6. Discuss driving restrictions.

Many states have laws that restrict drivers from having more than two passengers in the car if the driver is under the age of 21, unless a parent or guardian is present or the passengers are immediate family members. In many states, the supervising driver must be 21 or older, have a valid driver's license and must ride in the front passenger seat. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see what rules apply where you live.

Parents should set their own limits until they feel comfortable with their teen's driving experience, such as no driving with passengers for the first six months after receiving their driver's license, no cell phone use, restrictions on stereo volume and setting a curfew to avoid late-night driving. For almost 20 years, http://www.vitalchek.com/ VitalChek has provided Americans with official http://www.vitalchek.com/content/site_map.aspx government issued vital records, including of http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_locator.aspx birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records and divorce records. We do this as an official service provider for over 600 government agencies in the United States. ]]> Apply For An Energy Performance Certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/apply-for-an-energy-performance-certificate http://www.artwoo.com/article/apply-for-an-energy-performance-certificate#comments Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:15:01 +0000 energy performanceperformance certificatewashers and dryersbeneficialsincerelydismayedenergy use http://www.artwoo.com/article/apply-for-an-energy-performance-certificate energy performance certificate, while spouting the theme of energy efficiency and clean air for all, is not welcomed by all of its United Kingdom population. Some view it as a costly Big Brother piece of legislation, although most of these haranguers believe in renewable energy as a concept. They just dont like being dictated to.

June 14, 2006 was the birth of the energy in the United Kingdom, first for residential homes for single family dwellings and later to be demanded of property managers and owners of residential rental property as well. There has yet been no talk on legislating commercial building construction or current commercial buildings.

Yvette Cooper, the UK Housing and Planning Minister signed and announced the energy performance certificate bill. Cooper talked about the upcoming regulation on Home Information Packs HIPs and their need for an energy performance certificate EPC to be included as part of the packet. The energy performance certificate will now rank the homes from good =96 a rank of A =96 down to absolutely dreadful =96 a rank of G.

One UK resident wrote on the Internet about his objection to another European directive comparable to rating , a practice he clearly abhorred. England and Wales are the areas of the UK mandated to adopt the regulations first, although by 2009 all homes for sale in the European Union EU will be required to have an energy performance certificate.

This UK resident says that, while this might seem like a great idea in principle, he has his doubts the actual practice will produce such terrific results. His concern is that the detailed calculation of energy use is time consuming and highly complex. While it might perhaps make sense for a brand new home, he said, it seems pointless for a home already built.

Here are his points.

The first objection he has to this energy performance certificate for existing homes is that the energy assessor would need to know how the house was built or how would she or he know what the construction is made of. How, for instance, could the energy assessor determine if any cavities were insulated if there were no visual clues. The visual clues, he pointed out, arent always there. It might be, he points out, that the homeowner might not know about any construction or construction deficiency, or might actually lie about it in order to obtain the needed energy performance certificate.

There really is no way to sensibly check without taking the house apart. How might the energy assessor know how well the heater and water heater work What if its hot outside and the air conditioning on How well could the assessor evaluate the efficiency of the heating unit, or even tell if its in good running order These are just some of the problems inherent in obtaining an energy performance certificate and the evaluation by an outsider on whether the home meets the criteria for the certification.

Evaluation for an energy performance certificate clearly isnt an easy process. James Copper is a writer for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk ]]> Private Number Plates For Christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas#comments Sun, 07 Oct 2007 06:30:01 +0000 private number plateschristmas presentschristmas is comingdays before christmastraditional christmaschristmas gift ideaschristmas day http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas Christmas is coming around again and it's never too early to start thinking about what present you are going to buy for your nearest and dearest.When considering what to buy him or her why not consider ?

The starting cost of private number plates has come down over the years and now you can buy for just a few hundred pounds including vat and transfer fee.Most can be supplied on either a retention document or certificate of entitlement which will last for up to 12 months.Numbers supplied in this way already have the transfer fee pre-paid so when the recipient uses the certificate to assign the number to his or her car there is nothing extra to pay.The certificate can also be used as proof of entitlement and with some proof of I.D. you can purchase the physical plates , although they cannot be fixed to car until the tax disc has been changed to suit.This can be done when the DVLA re-open after the holidays.

Should you not want to present the recipient with a certificate or certificate plus plates on it should be possible to transfer the number onto the car a few and have the tax disc to hand over so they can fit the plates at christmas.This would entail you having access to the V5C registration document , M.O.T. certificate and a photocopy of the tax disc for the vehicle concerned.This is not always possible without letting the cat out of the bag.

Unlike many other , a set of private number plates can last for years,the recipient will always think of the giver every time they walk towards their car and many such registration numbers increase in value over the years.It is well worthwhile considering private number plates as an alternative to gift ideas. visit us at http://www.northumbrianumbers.com ]]> Certificates In Criminal Justice And Why You Should Get One http://www.artwoo.com/article/certificates-in-criminal-justice-and-why-you-should-get-one http://www.artwoo.com/article/certificates-in-criminal-justice-and-why-you-should-get-one#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:30:01 +0000 criminal justice fieldlaw enforcement professionalcriminal justice professionslaw enforcement organizationsentry level positionsparalegal studiesentry level position http://www.artwoo.com/article/certificates-in-criminal-justice-and-why-you-should-get-one criminal justice professions.

There are two types of certificate one can get. One is an entry level certificate. This certificate allows you to get s in your profession. The other certificate is a professional certificate. This certificate is for those already in a profession that want to specialize in certain area of the profession. This is more like continuing education for the professional. The easiest way to explain this is through the examples presented below.

One example is someone who gets an entry level certificate in . This certificate allows you to get entry level job as a legal assistant in law firms or law department of organizations.



On the other hand, a professional in the can get a certificate in paralegal studies. This certificate is a form of professional studies that helps keep them current in the profession. It also helps him or her get more specialized training as paralegal. The hope is that such specialization will help in career advancement.

Another example is someone who gets an entry level certificate in law enforcement. This certificate will enable the person get entry level position in police departments or other .

On the other hand, a can get a certificate to help him or her specialize in an area of law enforcement. It could a certificate that helps him or her perform better as an investigator. This type of law enforcement certificate will strictly focus on investigative skills. The person doing this is again hoping this certificate will help their career advancement.

A final example is an entry level certificate in homeland security. This person will acquire the skills to handle basic homeland security duties. The person will be employed by local, state, or federal homeland security organizations.

On the other hand, a homeland security specialist can get certificate in homeland security that helps him or her perform their job better. This type of certificate could be in the area of counter terrorism. This will keep them in the cutting edge of counter terrorism and help him or her stay ahead of terrorists. Again, the idea here is to keep them relevant in the profession, with the hope that this relevancy will help their career advancement.

Any way you look at it, a certificate in criminal justice can only help the individual that acquires it. An entry level one helps one get a job and a foot in the door of the profession. This foot in the door leads to paychecks. A professional certificate helps one specialize. This specialization leads to career advancement and more money.

I have only given a few examples of certificates in criminal justice. There are a lot more. Covering all of them is beyond what I can do in this short article. If you are interested in seeing more examples, I urge you to do more reading on it. You can do this by visiting websites that deal with the subject in more detail.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links. Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer for http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com. Get free scholarship report and discover Online Criminal Justice Certificates at http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com/online-criminal-justice-cert= ificates.html by visiting. ]]> SSL Certificates - Secure Server Certificates http://www.artwoo.com/article/ssl-certificates-secure-server-certificates http://www.artwoo.com/article/ssl-certificates-secure-server-certificates#comments Sat, 02 Dec 2006 08:27:03 +0000 secure server certificatessl certificatecertificate authorityverisignemailthawtecertificate request http://www.artwoo.com/article/ssl-certificates-secure-server-certificates
s are generally used with ecommerce shopping carts, or anywhere you want to collect information from a user securely on your website. If you use a with a form; and that form s the results to you; keep in mind that the email is not secure.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): Creates an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. CA (): The vendor you will get the secure server certificate from CSR (Certificate Signing Request): A text file generated by a web server. A CSR looks like this:

-----BEGIN NEW ----- MIIDGgBNAGkAYwByAG8AcwBvAGYAdAAgAFIAUwBBACAAUwB AG4AZQBsACAAQwByAHkAcAB0AG8AZwByAGEAcABoAGkAYwl L0ygNwwNIvKLMPq4/LcUkZ9Oo4AssXW5mvvhHWGz2RWYRhrw8o -----END NEW CERTIFICATE REQUEST-----

First, you need to decide whether to use your hosting shared SSL certificate if they offer it. The URL to your store will look something like:

https://theirserver.com/youruserid/your/path/to/store.html

Or do you want to get your own SSL certificate? The URL will look like:

https://yourdomainname.com

If you decide to use your hosts' shared secure server certificate, then all you need to do is find out the path you need to use to call your files securely, and you will be on your way.

If you decide to get your own SSL certificate, this is generally what happens.

You first need to decide who you are going to get your SSL certificate from. It is a good idea to make sure your host supports your particular vendor. Some certificate authority vendors are:

* * * Comodo * You can also review several vendors at a glance at WhichSSL

Before getting your own SSL certificate, you will need to do some reading on what your chosen Certificate Authority requires for a secure certificate, and you'll also need to come up with some documentation. There are several steps to buying a secure server certificate, once you have decided on a vendor.

This is an overview, not written in stone. Each CA is different, so make sure you read their documentation and what they require. Here is an idea of what they want:

All documentation that is requested must match *exactly*. Secure certificate authorities will verify that your organization actually exists, so they know they are issuing to the correct company. You will need to prove that the Organization Name and the Domain name are in fact yours to use. Steps you'll be taking:

* Gather required documentation * Have your host generate a CSR * Complete certificate authority online application * Certificate authority will process your request * Pickup and install your SSL certificate (usually an URL is emailed to you to download the secure server certificate) * Depending on the vendor, it can take a few hours to a few days. * Send secure certificate to host for installation. (Send in plain text)

Once your web hosting provider receives this information; they will generate the CSR and send it back to you in plain text. You then send it on to Verisign or Thawte, or whoever you have chosen as your secure certificate authority. They will then generate a SSL certificate for you which you will send back to your host for installation. Your web host may charge a fee for installation in addition to what your SSL certificate vendor charges.

Something to think about:

If you've decided to purchase your own SSL certificate, you will need to decide how you want your URL to be called. If you, as a rule, call your domain name in your coding as www.yourdomainname.com, then make sure you indicate this to your host when you request a CSR from them. If you don't, and you get the certificate for yourdomainname.com (without the www), this will cause browser errors, making the certificate seem insecure, and you will need to change your coding.

Always use yourself or your company as technical contact.

How to tell if a site is secure?

After you've browsed to a site securely; using https:// in the URL, look on the lower right hand side of your browser. You should see a closed lock. This will tell you the site is secure. Elizabeth Ramer has been working in the web hosting industry since 1997, and enjoys building computers in her spare time. Visit http://flawebworks.com for web hosting or http://build-computer-systems.com/ for computer components. ]]> Costa Rica Marriage Customs http://www.artwoo.com/article/costa-rica-marriage-customs http://www.artwoo.com/article/costa-rica-marriage-customs#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:15:01 +0000 professional wedding coordinatorsprofessional wedding coordinatormarriage customscosta rican citizenscopy of birth certificatetropical junglewedding memories http://www.artwoo.com/article/costa-rica-marriage-customs marriage customs. Getting married is the ultimate dream of couples who want a wedding in a beautiful tropical paradise. Considering all the immaculate sandy beaches, wild with its many waterfalls you could not find a better location to get hitched. Use an inexpensive Costa Rica vacation to visit this beautiful paradise and you will know it is the place to get married.

Considering all the details that need to be care of before the wedding it would be wise to consider the services of a . This will allow you to enjoy your wedding because all the nagging details are being taken care of. All the lodging arrangements for the wedding party and guests will be completed well in advance of the wedding day. According to Cost Rica marriage customs you will need to announce your wedding well in advance. The wedding coordinator will book all the necessary facilities needed for the wedding well in advance to assure the wedding will proceed without problems. in Costa Rica handle hundreds of weddings each year. They make sure that your will last a lifetime.

It is very important for the couple to have their passports, especially on the wedding day. This eliminates whatever setbacks there may be on the wedding day itself. When applying for a marriage license in Costa Rica, there are several documents needed, and this should be accomplished at least a month before the wedding scheduled date. Normally, a Costa Rican I.D card and a certificate of single status are needed. There is no residency requirement but for those who are not , a passport valid for at least six months is required, plus an authenticated and police clearance along with the certificate of single status.

In the event however if the bride-to-be has been previously married, a 300-day waiting period is required by law. The bride-to-be has to wait for 300 days after the death of her previous husband, or after the divorce decree has been released. There are also areas in Costa Rica which require pregnancy tests, especially if the bride-to-be has been formerly married. If the woman's pregnancy test result is negative, then the waiting period is waived.

To do away with parental consent, both the bride and groom have to be at least eighteen years of age. It is one of the Costa Rica marriage customs to make parental consent obligatory if either of the couple is below the compulsory age requirement. There are no proxy marriages allowed in Costa Rica, and same sex marriages are illegal as well.

At least two witnesses are needed during the marriage ceremony to make the union valid. Family members and relatives up to the third degree cannot be counted as witnesses. It is advisable to invite friends along to serve as best man or brides maid and to act as witnesses during the wedding ceremony. A certificate of marriage will be made available to the couple from the Costa Rican governement after about least three months. The certificate will be mailed to you after this processing period. However it is recommended that you have the process expedited by paying an additional fee. This usually means you will have your marriage certificate in hand within 10 days.

Getting married in Costa Rica is really very easy to accomplish. Just follow the simple document rules and Costa Rica Marriage customs and you will have a beautiful wedding in Paradise. James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Inexpensive Costa Rica Vacation website at http://www.costa-rica-source.com. Providing great information on vacations and travel in Costa Rica. ]]> What Are Horoscopes Based On? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-horoscopes-based-on http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-horoscopes-based-on#comments Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:27:07 +0000 mundane astrologynatal astrologysign of the zodiacwestern astrologyzodiac signhoroscope readingearth revolves around the sun http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-horoscopes-based-on Western astrology has many different methods. is used to predict events that affect a large group of people such as a country or the entire world. Although there are different types of astrology, as an individual, when most people think of a horoscope, they are thinking of .



Natal astrology may work a couple of ways. You can open up almost any newspaper and find your horoscope for the day. This is based purely on your . Your zodiac sign is determined by what constellation the sun was in on the day you were born. We all know the and as it does, it seems like the sun moves across this celestial sphere. Astrologers and astronomers both used the celestial sphere to determine astronomical measurements such as constellations. The path the sun follows is known as the ecliptic. So, when you check to see your sign based on your birthday, you know that the sun was in that constellation at the time of your birth.



The horoscopes you read in newspapers and magazines are not nearly as accurate as having an individual reading by an astrologer. A that is based on the exact day and time of your birth as well as your birth city is much more personalized. Once the astrologer has your birth information, he or she will convert your information into Greenwich Mean Time then consult a table, the ephemeris, to see the location of the planets, Sun, and Moon during your time of birth. A house of tables is used to divide the horoscope into twelve divisions, one for each .

As the astrologer plots the information on your chart, your horoscope begins to make a little more sense. Each sign of the zodiac has a different type of energy. Depending on things like your rising sign and the position of the planets, Moon, and Sun as well as the degree to which your sign falls into that particular house, your horoscope can tell you many things about yourself.

A well-written horoscope birth chart will tell you both positive and negative aspects about yourself. You may find that you are a very sociable person, but very jealous in relationships. A horoscope should be used to help you appreciate the positive aspects of your personality as well as focus correcting the negative aspects if possible. Sometimes it takes something like a horoscope to point out any problems you may have.



If you cannot visit an astrologer, you can get a personalize horoscope reading online. Be sure to double check the exact time of birth with your birth certificate if possible before plotting your birth chart horoscope. Many websites will charge you to get your full birth chart analysis, but you can get a free sample at places like Astrology.com, Astro Star Charts, and Astrolabe. Michelle Andersen is an astrologer providing valuable tips and advice on understanding Chinese astrology, pet horoscopes, and zodiac compatibility. http://www.horoscopes-and-astrology.net ]]> Five Ways To Avoid Passport Delays http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-ways-to-avoid-passport-delays http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-ways-to-avoid-passport-delays#comments Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:20:01 +0000 regional passport officetravel state govpassport agenciespassport feesunited states passportsuntan lotionvalid passport http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-ways-to-avoid-passport-delays suntan lotion and a favorite novel in your carry-on bag. You'll need a , the all-critical key to successful travel beyond U.S. borders. New government travel rules that went into effect in 2007 require that all U.S. citizens have a when traveling by air to and from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. This legislative change resulted in unprecedented demand for passports over the summer. In June of 2007, the U.S. State Department reported that there were nearly three million applications pending for passports, pushing the turnaround time from the standard four to six weeks to twelve weeks or longer.

Don't let your travel plans get sidelined before they ever get off the ground. To ensure your trip is smooth and delay-free, keep these five passport guidelines in mind:

1. Be mindful of the expiration date.

If you've had a passport for a while, take a moment to check the expiration date; you won't be able to travel if the date has already passed. If it expires after you leave, you may have problems being allowed back into the country. Also, bear in mind that certain countries require that passports be valid for three to six months after your arrival. The exact amount of time varies, so contact the U.S. State Department or your travel agent for the entry requirements for your destination.

2. Apply as far in advance as possible.

The first six months of the year are the busiest for , so give yourself at least two months if you're ordering with regular delivery or three weeks for expedited service (add an extra $60 to your for expedited service). Traveling within 14 days? Make an appointment with the closest . You can check the State Department Web site (http://travel.state.gov/) for locations or visit the trusted passport expediting services posted on www.OfficialTravelDocuments.com.

3. Take a clear photo following passport photo guidelines.

There's no need to wait in line at a photo studio. Your local copy shop or drugstore may be equipped to take instant passport photos at an affordable rate. You'll need two copies (2 inches by 2 inches in size) of the same photo, but photocopies are unacceptable, even if you use a good color printer. Your head must take up 50 percent of the photo, so don't try to submit a full-length shot of your body. Have your picture taken against a plain background with no hat or dark glasses that could cover your face, and print the picture on photo-quality paper to ensure clarity. If the photo is too dark, your application might be rejected, and you will have wasted valuable time.

4. Make sure you have your birth certificate.

If you are applying for your first passport, or if you need new passport and don't have your old one handy, you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate as proof of U.S. citizenship. All official birth certificates must be processed through the city, county or state where you were born. If you can't find your old copy and need new one fast, you can visit the vital records office in the city where you were born, if you still live there, and request the record in person. Or, you can avoid the hassle of driving, parking and waiting in line, and simply order the record online through the company authorized by government vital records agencies nationwide--VitalChek Network, Inc. a ChoicePoint company. With online expedited ordering services available at www.vitalchek.com, you have a safe, convenient and quick way to get a certified copy of your birth records at affordable prices set in conjunction with the government agencies.

5. Carry a photocopy of your passport.

What do you do if you lose your passport while you're in a foreign country? Report it to the local police in case it was stolen and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The more information you have about your missing passport (the passport number, when and where it was issued, etc.) can help speed up the process of getting a replacement so you can return home. Make a photocopy of your passport before you leave on your trip and keep it in a suitcase or purse, just in case. You may even want to leave a second photocopy of your passport with a family member at home for additional security. For almost 20 years, http://www.vitalchek.com/ VitalChek has provided Americans with official http://www.vitalchek.com/content/site_map.aspx government issued vital records, including of http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_locator.aspx birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records and divorce records. We do this as an official service provider for over 600 government agencies in the United States. ]]> Planning Your Dream Wedding In Mauritius http://www.artwoo.com/article/planning-your-dream-wedding-in-mauritius http://www.artwoo.com/article/planning-your-dream-wedding-in-mauritius#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:30:05 +0000 weddings in mauritiusgetting married in mauritiuswedding organizersflowers photosbirth certificatesbook flightscivil ceremony http://www.artwoo.com/article/planning-your-dream-wedding-in-mauritius weddings in Mauritius is second nature to many of the tour operators that offer this service. Dedicated staff are on hand to assist in all the arrangements, help you choose your venue, , organize the flowers, photos, wedding cake, food and drink and put together all the finishing touches for your special day.

will research hotels and check for special group discounts if you are sharing your special day with family and friends. Weddings are tailor made to your requirements whilst staff at many of the islands luxury hotels will endeavour to make your day as special as you deserve.

Before you get swept away by the romance of having a wedding abroad, you will also need to consider the practicalities of . UK residents planning to marry in Mauritius have the choice of a or a Religious Ceremony. The following checklist is designed to act as a guide to planning your luxury wedding in Mauritius and is by no means comprehensive.

=95 Before you fly out you will need to apply for a Certificate of Non-residence by sending a request to the Registrar of Civil Status at least one month before your intended wedding date. It should be sent with copies of both of your full and a copy of the first three pages of your passports, as well as any relevant divorce/death documentation. The certificate is then issued by the Prime Minister's Office in Port Louis, so you need to allow at least 10 days for processing before your wedding date. It is worth enquiring as to any other relevant documentation that you may need on application of your Certificate of Non-residence.

=95 For a civil ceremony you must be present on the island up to 24hrs before the wedding. However it is advisable you arrive at least 3 days before to complete formalities. For religious ceremonies arrive at least 15 days prior to the ceremony and note that if you decide to have your wedding at one of the hotels you will normally be required to book a minimum stay of 7 nights.

=95 When you arrive in Mauritius you will have to visit the Civil Status Office ensure you have all your original documents with you otherwise you will not be able to collect your non-residence certificate. You must swear an affidavit before a judge in chambers in Port Louis. The Civil wedding may then be celebrated one day after the publication of your marriage banns, providing you have confirmed time and location with the Registrar. Weddings can be held Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays.

=95 Civil Ceremonies are conducted by a Civil Status Officer commonly at the local register office or at a location of your choice from a hotel to a secluded beach. If you opt for a wedding ceremony at a hotel check whether they guarantee only one wedding per day at the resort as do Beachcomber Hotels, so you don't have to share your special day with anyone else.

=95 Two witnesses are required to be present throughout the proceedings.

=95 Expect the ceremony to last between 20-30 minutes after which you will receive your Wedding Certificate. Clarify with the Civil Status Office to ensure that your Wedding will be registered in Mauritius and in doing so will be legal back home in the UK.

=95 If you would like a religious ceremony it is possible to have an Anglican or Catholic wedding in Mauritius. However although possible Catholic weddings are very difficult to arrange for non-Mauritians. You must first have a Civil wedding in either the UK or Mauritius, preferably in the UK. If you or your partner have been divorced it will not be possible to have a religious ceremony.

=95 If your marriage certificate is written in a foreign language you will need to ensure it is translated on your return to the UK.

For planning of luxury weddings in Mauritius you should contact the countries embassy in the UK for further information. For further information on weddings in Mauritius please visit Beachcomber Tours at http://www.beachcombertours.co.uk or call 01483 445610. ]]> Don't Give A Gift Certifcate http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-give-a-gift-certifcate http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-give-a-gift-certifcate#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2006 02:50:01 +0000 gift certificategift certificatesaccordinglyimpersonalloveshoppingpersonal gift http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-give-a-gift-certifcate gift certificates are. You might have been and seen signs in every store encouraging you to get a gift certificate for everyone on your list. You might start thinking that buying only would really make your life easier, but before that happens, let me set the record straight: do not buy a gift certificate. Don't buckle under the pressure just because everyone else is doing it.

There are probably countless reasons why you shouldn't buy a gift certificate for your family member or friend, but perhaps I can convince you wiht just a few great reasons. The biggest reason that I warn against people buying a gift certificate in place of a real gift is that a gift certificate is so . Think about it. Purchasing a gift certificate takes almost no thought or care. You simply enter almost any store there is and within minutes walk away with a gift that anyone could use. What happened to people spending time looking for the unique gift for each person on their list? What happened to actually caring about the likes and dislikes of the people you and buying gifts for them ? Everyone would rather receive a that they hate more than receiving an impersonal gift certificate that they can use. Right?

Not only is buying a gift certificate impersonal, but it is also much too easy. Everyone knows that the more time and work was put into purchasing a gift, the more the person will love and cherish it. No one values a gift that didn't cost the person time and energy to buy. Don't let yourself get sucked into the trap that says it is the thought that counts, not the gift. I beg to differ. It is the gift, and only the gift, that really counts. And if it is only the gift that counts than a gift certificate certainly won't do.

People should never substitute a real gift for a gift certificate because who doesn't have extra hours to spend shopping for something special? Nearly everyone I know could afford to make space in their schedules for a trip or two to the mall. People love nothing more than spending all of their free time shopping for gifts. No one loves the instant gratification that buying a gift certificate can bring. People love the hours of sweat and deliberation that take place during any true shopping trip.

Contrary to popular belief, people would rather not have the freedom to choose their own clothes and belongings, so the purchase of a gift certificate is giving people a freedom they would rather not have. People would much rather that their clothes, music, and home furnishings be picked out by others and simply given in wrapped packages with bows. So never think that by giving a gift certificate you are doing someone a favor.

I hope by now you've seen why giving a gift certificate is by far the worst way to go when trying to choose the perfect gift. Or at least I hope you've learned why I am out of touch and the worst possible person to give advice about where or how to shop. So, forget everything I've said. Save yourself time, money and stress of trying to shop for picky people and pick up a gift certificate for everyone on your list. Belina Storrey has learned the benefits of giving gift certificates to friends and family for almost every occasion. Learn how gift certificates can make your life easier too by checking out http://www.mygiftcertificate.info ]]> Business Gift Certificates - How To Create Your Own http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-gift-certificates-how-to-create-your-own http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-gift-certificates-how-to-create-your-own#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:44:54 +0000 gift certificatesgift certificate templatesgift certificate templatemicrosoft publishermicrosoft wordbusiness giftsmall business http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-gift-certificates-how-to-create-your-own gift certificates. You know from experience that you appreciate gift certificates. Now you're wondering how to create your own gift certificates.

No matter what your business is, you can create your own gift certificates, with real value, and encourage your clients to buy and use them as gifts.

Suggestions on How to Create Your Own Gift Certificates

You can create your own gift certificates with various computer software programs. If you are comfortable with multiple programs, you have more options.

1. : This program allows even a novice to create small certificates. The software provides a to get you started. Simply start Microsoft Publisher. A "New Publications" window opens on the left. Click the top choice, "New Publications for Print" and then click "Gift certificates" in the new window. You will have a choice of 35 different gift certificates, ready for you to customize. Select a design you like, and click areas to type in your information. If you don't like the gift certificate color scheme or font, go to the task pane on the left and choose a new one.

2. : This software, too, offers . In Word, under "File" click on "new" and type "gift certificate" into the task pane on the right. These 30 templates offer all-purpose as well as specific occasion gift certificates. Select a line of text, and customize your small business gift certificates.

3. Adobe PhotoShop: This graphics program allows you to place a photo of your business or product on your small business gift certificates. In PhotoShop, under "File" click on "new" and enter the dimensions of your gift certificate. A common size is about 3.5" height by 7" width. Leave a margin of at least 0.25" on all sides. Color blocks are good, and can be added to your gift certificate easily in this program. Make it clear in writing that this is a gift certificate. Add your business name and address. Type the word "Number" with a line or box in which the number can be entered. Indicate that "This certificate entitles (space for a name) to (space for your offer)" or type the exact offer. You will also want a line that tells the recipient that the gift certificate is not redeemable for cash, and that its redemption value does not exceed a given amount. Provide authorization and expiration spaces, and print.

4. PageMaker: For clearer type, you may want to design the graphics of your small business gift certificates in a program such as Adobe PhotoShop, and then import those into PageMaker. Add the copy in PageMaker and print. You can line up 3 on a page by copy/pasting your gift certificates.

5. Giftango: This is not software, but a website where you can download and modify free small business gift certificates.

Gift Certificates for Online Businesses

You can create gift certificates for online businesses, too. Check first to see if the shopping cart service you use makes provision for gift certificates. They will be able to tell you how to create your own gift certificates for online shoppers.

Uses for Small Business Gift Certificates

Small business gift certificates are appreciated by both the gift givers and the gift recipients. They are easy to give and fun to spend.

Use small business gift certificates to introduce your business to new customers. You can potentially bring in a loyal customer or client who will be with you for years. Say thank you to loyal customers with gift certificates Add gift certificates to your regular line of merchandise.

Use small business gift certificates for private bookshops, boutiques, beauty salons, nail salons, restaurants, spas, candy stores, flower shops, etc. Use gift certificates online for any kind of business you have.

Generic Gift Certificates

If you decide not to create your own gift certificates, you can purchase generic gift certificates. They will be less effective as an advertisement, but can still bring customers to your store. =A92007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about business gifts at http://www.distinctivegiftsandcards.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about other gifts and cards. If you would like to learn how to market business gift certificates, visit Anna now. ]]> Midwives: Your Best Bet! http://www.artwoo.com/article/midwives-your-best-bet http://www.artwoo.com/article/midwives-your-best-bet#comments Mon, 14 Aug 2006 08:27:12 +0000 midwivesphysiciansmidwifenew york academy of medicinepublic health advocatesmedical journalsinfant mortality rates http://www.artwoo.com/article/midwives-your-best-bet
In 1900 half of all Americans were born into the hands of a , at home. Early studies comparing the birth outcomes of versus showed that midwives had fewer maternal and infant loses than the doctors. The United States had a very high percentage of maternal deaths compared to other countries.

Reports done by the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection, the national Committee on the Costs of Medical Care, and the in the 1930's all concluded that midwives were safer than physicians. These reports chastised doctors for their frequency of interventions which led to problems. Many physicians, in response to the findings of the reports, placed the blame on the midwives claiming that midwives were andquot;ignorantandquot;, andquot;dirtyandquot;, untrained and a threat to the safety of childbearing women. and popular magazines contained many articles bashing midwives and blaming them for the nations appalling maternal mortality and . Many physicians and spoke up for the midwives and their excellent statistics, but the prestige of the anti-midwife physicians and the strong push to move births into the hospitals far over-shadowed their voices. This barrage of anti-midwife articles and propaganda continues today despite the lack of any studies or statistics to prove claims that physicians guarantee the safest outcomes or healthier babies or mothers.

What do the Statistics Show?

Every valid study to date has shown that midwife-attended birth is at least as safe as physician-attended birth. Additionally, those who have a midwife-attended birth can expect to have fewer interventions of all kinds. In the early 1970's only 0.5% of all births were attended by midwives, but in 1980 this grew to 2.1% and in 1990 to 3.9%*. Infant mortality, IM, is one criteria for assessing safety of births. The most general use of the term includes infant deaths from birth to the first birthday. 1990 statistics from the Center for Disease Control show that Direct Entry Midwives had the lowest IM, half that of M.D.'s.

Click on this link to see the stats chart on my website:

http://www.midwives.net/hsh/your_best_bet.html

* Undoubtedly the number of births attended by midwives of all kinds is higher. In some states, nurse-midwives mainly work as employees under physicians and the insurance companies pay more for a physician attended birth. In order to receive the largest monetary compensation for births, and because the midwife is andquot;under physician supervisionandquot; by law, the birth certificate is completed as through the doctor were attending, even if this was not the case. Additionally, in states where Direct Entry Midwives are not licensed or Direct Entry Midwifery is prohibited, many births either go unreported or are reported as unattended or the category of midwife is absent from the birth certificate. Statistics from Center for Disease Control, US Birth Cohort of 1990, Table 43, May 18, 1995. Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives .net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com . Yvonne is also a law school graduate, a registered nurse and a Certified Professional Midwife. ]]>