irs guidelines http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for irs guidelines Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:48:36 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/irs+guidelines Important Wedding Gift Guidelines http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-wedding-gift-guidelines http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-wedding-gift-guidelines#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:29:23 +0000 rude onememorable eventengagement partybride and groomwedding showerwedding giftswedding gift http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-wedding-gift-guidelines memorable event, not only for the , but also for those people involved. To be invited in a wedding could be very meaningful because it symbolizes that the bride and groom consider you to be their close friend. However, there are always rules of etiquette that apply to any wedding, from ways to address and respond the invitations to guidelines for purchasing s.

* Although the highlight on the wedding is the bride's and groom's love and commitment to each other, it is also necessary to consider important etiquette such as wedding gift guidelines so that gifts for the couple will not seem to appear rude.

* One of the key elements with wedding gift guidelines is to determine when it is appropriate to present the gift and when it is not. If you receive an invitation to a wedding, you should definitely prepare a gift if you will attend. Of course, it is always a good idea to send gift even if you cannot attend the wedding. The only excuse reason not to sent a gift is if you have been away and out of touch with the groom and bride for several years.

* There are events that related to the wedding that have gift guidelines as well. If in case you are invited to the , giving gift isn't your obligation, since there will be a time for gift giving at the wedding, to send a congratulatory card is enough to extend your heart-felt gratitude. However, if you are invited to the , it is still nice to bring something which the bride and groom will appreciate. However, if in case you are not available on for the said event, you don't have to purchase a gift.

* A challenging part in wedding gift guidelines is determining what you should give to the bride and groom. Though you might tend to follow other suggestions, the truth is it is still best to discover it yourself. One great thing that can help you determine the present you should give is by asking yourself how close you feel to the couple, and of course considering your budget. Most couple made their own wedding registry, this registry works well for those who want to experience easy and convenient shopping. But if you are more comfortable of choosing gift without consulting wedding registry, you have the freedom to do so.

* Let's say you already have a gift, the final thing you should consider is when and where to give it. You can send your present as soon as the marriage is announced. You can send it to the bride's or groom's house, depending to whom it is intended to give, if you send it prior to the day of the wedding.

* Bringing gift to the reception is also permissible, and most probably a tradition. But if in case you want to give it after the wedding, it is more customary to send it to the new couple's home.

Following these guidelines can't hurt no one. There are no hard or bloody rules beyond these guidelines. Don't make the obligation of purchasing a wedding present detract the true essence of the couple's wedding day. After all, if you're quite worried about your budget, you could always settle with cheap wedding gifts like wedding gift baskets, bridal purses, cufflinks, wedding albums and the likes.Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics including weddings. If you're looking for wedding gifts for the bride, visit the website Americanbridal.com and get some ideas. Get unique wedding favors to make your wedding extra special!]]> A Change Is In The Market For Subprime Mortgage Loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-change-is-in-the-market-for-subprime-mortgage-loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-change-is-in-the-market-for-subprime-mortgage-loans#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 07:24:58 +0000 subprime marketsubprime loanssubprime loantaking a riskmortgage portfoliomortgage industryapplicant pool http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-change-is-in-the-market-for-subprime-mortgage-loans subprime market is undergoing a major change due to the recent narrowing of lender guidelines regarding applicants. Why in particular is the subprime market being targeted? Perhaps this is because the subprime market tends to experience more problems with meeting their loan obligations than other markets.

Individuals who have to acquire a typically have a spotty credit record, no credit record at all, or a bad credit record. No matter how you look at it, any lender who has the inclination to lend money to someone like that is . Unfortunately, that risk is often realized in the form of defaults, bankruptcies, and foreclosures.

The narrowing of guidelines effectively narrows the pool of applicants. The guidelines are simply a set of rules that are used to determine who qualifies for a loan and who doesn't. Hence, if the guidelines become more restrictive, the risk is lessened for the lenders along with the size of the qualified . In essence, the individuals who are the biggest risk will no longer be able to acquire a loan.

In effect, the true suppliers of the money that is provided for are looking to decrease their risk regarding their while increasing their profit. If the guidelines aren't changed swiftly enough, lenders who are caught in the crunch may have to close their doors. Fewer lenders means less competition and quite possibly less favorable terms for the borrowers.

Guidelines typically involve looking at the borrower's credit score, the amount of the down payment, the individual's track record for credit accounts, and work history. Up to now, these have all been flexible and rather tame. Times are changing though, and the is about to crack down on individuals who don't know how to manage their money.

An A paper loan is one that is given to a borrower who has the highest credit rating possible. It offers the most favorable terms including the lowest interest rates, the fewest points, and the least amount of other conditions attached to the loan. With the changes that are set to become standard at some lending agencies, A loans will be easier to acquire for some, and subprime loans are going to become more difficult to acquire. Joseph Shalaby is a Licensed California Broker with many years of experience in the mortgage industry for more information you can call Joseph directly at (949) 939-3029 or visit http://www.josephshalaby.com/ ]]> Insurance Coverage Of Cosmetic Surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-coverage-of-cosmetic-surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-coverage-of-cosmetic-surgery#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:27:03 +0000 american society of plastic surgeonscosmetic surgeryinsurance companyamerican medical associationinsurance companiesabdominal surgeryinsurance coverage http://www.artwoo.com/article/insurance-coverage-of-cosmetic-surgery cosmetic surgery, you should investigate the total cost of your desired procedure. will vary for each cosmetic surgery and policies will also differ. It is important to consider the financial aspects of surgery before making the decision. Knowing the covered costs by your insurance policy; as well as for which surgeries they will pay, will help you determine whether you can financially afford cosmetic surgery.

The as well as the both provide guidelines to . These guidelines are used to set the guidelines covering each surgery. Each insurance company then takes these guidelines to use them in order to interpret whether they will pay for the specific requested cosmetic surgery. This differs from one insurance company to another and potentially from one type of policy to another. Over the years, these guidelines have been altered and reinterpreted creating different standards. Procedures that were once labeled cosmetic are now considered reconstructive and others, that were at one time considered reconstructive, are now considered cosmetic.



An insurance company will determine if the particular requested cosmetic surgery fits their policies' guidelines for payment. If the surgery is desired for purely cosmetic reasons, typically it will not be covered. However, there are guidelines to help define whether a particular surgery is cosmetic surgery or surgery needed to correct a medical problem. If you have an abnormality that needs correcting, the majority of insurance companies will cover all or some part of the surgery. Additionally, if surgery will result in an improvement in your mental health, the insurance company might cover it.



Guidelines can help an insurance company decide if or liposuction will be performed with the goal of improving a person's health, or if it is desired for strictly cosmetic purposes. If you are considered obese and have back pain, or other related problems and it is indicated that abdominal surgery will eliminate those problems, such surgery may be covered. Breast surgery in generally covered by insurance policies if the breasts are causing pain, are asymmetrical, or if you have lost a breast as a result of cancer or another surgery.

If you are seeking surgery on some area of your face, the desired surgery generally needs to be related to some medical problem in that area. If the area causing you concern relates to birth defects, your surgery may be covered by insurance. The insurance carrier may approve payment for an imbalance in the face, abnormal functioning of the facial area, and vision problems. If the structure of your nose is interfering with your ability to breathe, rhinoplasty may also be covered by insurance.



Typically, cosmetic surgery costs a minimum $2,000, with $5,000 being considered average, and some surgeries cost greater than $10,000. The surgery cost will depend on how complicated your surgery is. If you are unable to pay the cost of the surgery, but your doctor's opinion is that it will improve your health, your insurance company may still approve payment. Finding a company that has policies that meet your cosmetic surgery needs, can help you to make the necessary changes to your body. Consulting your doctor prior to contacting the insurance company will help both of you to prepare for questions the company may pose. Charles Anderson writes for several web sites, including http://getyd.com and http://lotib.com ]]> Is Your Vet Still Overvaccinating Your Dog? http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-your-vet-still-overvaccinating-your-dog http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-your-vet-still-overvaccinating-your-dog#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:34:59 +0000 aahavaccinationleptospirosisadenovirusparvodhlpppuppy http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-your-vet-still-overvaccinating-your-dog AAHA) last year in 2006.

First, a bit of information about the of your dog. The most common other vaccination given to your dog besides rabies is a 5 or a 6 in one shot. Meaning there are 5 or 6 different types of diseases your dog is being vaccinated for in one shot. The common acronym for this vaccine is and sometimes added in there is a C. The letters each stand for a different disease =96 D=Distemper, H=Hepatitis (also known as ), L=, P=, P=Parainfluenza, and C=Corona.

For the new guidelines lets take the three core vaccines, the three that your dog should be vaccinated for Distemper, Parvo and Hepatitis (Adenovirus). After your dog has been initially vaccinated for these three core diseases usually as a and then a year later with a booster, your dog has prolonged immunity against those diseases. What do I mean by prolonged immunity, well the research shows, your dog is immune for 6 to 9 years! That's correct! The research done by reputable immunologists, such as Dr. Ronald Schultz, shows that after the initial puppy vaccination and a one year booster many dogs are protected for the majority of their life. WIth this new research AAHA developed some new guidelines. Their suggestion or guidelines, after puppy vaccination and the yearly booster is that the three core vaccines, only need to be boostered every three years. So according to the AAHA guidelines, instead of annual revaccination, your dog really only needs to be revaccinated every three years.

In fact, did you know, annual vaccination of your dog can cause severe diseases. Overvaccination has been linked to cancer, allergies, and other auto-immune diseases such as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. More research needs to be done but many of the recent studies show these links exist. In fact, in cats, overvaccination has been proven to cause sarcomas, a very severe cancer.

So now the question becomes, if the vaccines have been shown to produce immunity that lasts quite a bit longer than what was originally thought and annual vaccination might be the cause of certain allergies and other immune system diseases including cancer, then why has my vet not told me about this? Unfortunately, the answer is money, if not money then it is pure ignorance on your vet's part. Yes ignorance, as in not current in their education or just an unwillingness to change because the old way is the way things have always been done. Money is the other answer and no it is not because veterinarians are greedy, but rather in many veterinary offices, 33% of the annual income comes from vaccinations. This is a large percentage of income that with the new guidelines will be cut. Veterinarians are not prepared for that kind of an income cut. Many could go out of business. Many clinics do not have the management skills or their other services are not priced correctly to compensate for that kind of an income loss. So changing to the new vaccination guidelines although would benefit your animals health can be a tough business decision for the owner of the veterinary clinic. Just remember though you have a responsibility as a pet owner for the health and well being of your pet and less vaccinations IS better for your pet, regardless of the business problems that some clinics may have going to the new guidelines.

So if your veterinarian is still requesting annual vaccinations, ask why. Be informed, make the right decisions, choose to protect the health of your dog by learning what your veterinarian is giving to your dog and why =96 specifically why, not just because he is the vet and it is to better the health of your dog. Ask questions, be dangerous! Be dangerous to your veterinarian, be informed, make intelligent decisions based on knowledge from credible sources. You can find more information about the topic of dog health care at Dr. Dan's site http://www.evetclinic.com or his blog http://healthyasadog.com ]]> Fha Loan Qualifications http://www.artwoo.com/article/fha-loan-qualifications http://www.artwoo.com/article/fha-loan-qualifications#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:15:02 +0000 payment assistance programfha loansincome tax returnsdown payment assistancedown payment assistance programfederal housing administrationtotal debt ratio http://www.artwoo.com/article/fha-loan-qualifications
In 1934, Congress established the . This agency built the foundation for more affordable loans, enabling many Americans to buy a home with little money down and low interest rates. The government insures lenders against borrower default on , which reduces the risk to lenders and allows them to offer lower interest rates. Additionally, the FHA has set fairly liberal underwriting guidelines that make FHA loans available to a large group of people. This high demand also helps keep the interest rates low.

If you are looking to buy a home with little money down, an FHA loan may me right for you. To help you know if you could qualify for this type of loan, consider the following guidelines:

Income Qualifications

The past two years of complete with schedules and W-2s as well as the past two months of pay stubs are used to establish your income. Your monthly gross income (before taxes) is used to determine the loan amount you can qualify for.

Your housing ratio should not exceed 29% of your monthly gross income. This means that the amount you pay each month to cover the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance for your home divided by your monthly income should not be greater than 0.29.

Your should not exceed 41% of your monthly gross income. This means that your mortgage payment, auto payment, and any other debt lasting more than 10 months divided by your monthly income should not be greater than 0.41.

If you have filed for bankruptcy, you must be at least one year into payout before you can qualify for an FHA loan.

Down Payment

Most FHA loans require a down payment of 3% of the cost of the home. Unlike some other types of loans, this does not have to come from your savings or reserves. The down payment can come as a gift from a family member or from a down .Although the FHA set general guidelines, individual lenders may have additional guidelines for the area where you live. Additionally, lenders that are well acquainted with FHA loans may be able to work around some of the general guidelines, so it is important to shop around for a good lender that is knowledgeable of FHA loans. Lauren Armstrong is an industry professional and expert author at http://Smartloanstart.com. Shop for a loan, compare rates, and get instant approval online with our recommended lenders and services at http://www.smartloanstart.com ]]> Heart-Healthy Dietary Guidelines Tailored For You http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-healthy-dietary-guidelines-tailored-for-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-healthy-dietary-guidelines-tailored-for-you#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:20:01 +0000 american heart associationheart healthheart diseasefatty fishcholesterol levelsdietary guidelineseating habits http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-healthy-dietary-guidelines-tailored-for-you American Heart Association, new dietary recommendations for are going to appear in the October 31st edition of Circulation, which can be downloaded for free from the AHA website. These recommendations have been revised to provide a more individualized approach to the American diet, especially for those in high-risk group, which will make dietary changes easier. The new recommendations encourage Americans to achieve an overall healthy eating pattern, an optimal body weight, desirable , and desirable blood pressure levels. The American Heart Association hopes that healthier eating will lead to a lower number of deaths related to , which happens to be the number one cause of death in America for over one hundred years. Many scientists have discovered links between diet and heart health, yet American continue to decline. In response to this, the AHA has made four changes to their to improve the success rate of Americans struggling to follow a healthier lifestyle.

The American Heart Association believes that the new guidelines will be easier to follow because they require less calculation. The recommendations focus on overall eating habits, which are described in terms of food groups, rather than percentages of fats and nutrients. They stress what Americans should eat, rather than what they shouldn't. This doesn't mean that Americans no longer have to regulate their dietary choices, but it does give them greater freedom especially in terms of dining out.

These new guidelines suggest a diet including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, low-fat and non-fat dairy products, fish, lean meats, and poultry. Even though the diet still includes at least five servings of fruits and veggies and six servings of grain, two servings per week of have been added to the dietary guidelines, additionally, the revised guidelines still recommend that the nutrients come primarily from food instead of supplements.

The revised guidelines also focus on the importance of preventing obesity. The American Heart Association is very concerned with the caloric intake and food choices of Americans, and they worry that Americans do not consume enough nutrient-dense foods. The new guidelines recommend smaller portions, a more varied diet, better food choices, and increased physical activity. They also warn that overweight individuals who are dieting shouldn't lose more than two pounds each week.

The American Heart Association also hopes that the new guidelines will help health care professionals make diets that will better meet each individual patient's needs, especially for those with high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, insulin resistance, high triglycerides, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and obesity. For these individuals, having optimal dietary habits and reaching an optimal body weight can make a huge difference. Additionally, with multiple risk factors (high blood pressure, glucose intolerance, excess abdominal fat), which are often called Syndrome X, are being told to avoid those diets that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates because they have a tendency to lower HDL, "good", cholesterol levels. Rather, these people are encouraged to add more unsaturated fats such as see oils to their diet. More information on heart health and dietary guidelines can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of vitamins, herbs and vitamin combinations are available to boost heart function. ]]> Osha Standards And Your Office Computer Monitor http://www.artwoo.com/article/osha-standards-and-your-office-computer-monitor http://www.artwoo.com/article/osha-standards-and-your-office-computer-monitor#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:32:10 +0000 computer monitorsosha guidelinesoffice ergonomicsoccupational safety and health administrationbusiness ownersworkstationsworkstation http://www.artwoo.com/article/osha-standards-and-your-office-computer-monitor workstations" rel="tag">workstations that follow ergonomic design concepts. , operators and managers have made employee safety and ergonomically designed workspaces a top priority in this day and age. To that end, the U.S. Department of Labor's , OSHA, has set forth guidelines and standards to be utilized by business owners, operators and managers in the creation of employee workspaces. In this regard, OSHA has set forth a useful checklist to be utilized by a person responsible for creating employee workplaces and workstations..

In this regard, OSHA has set forth specific guidelines to be utilized when it comes to that are being utilized in the workplace. By following these guidelines relating to computer monitors, a business owner, operator or manager can be more comfortable in believing the workplace will be a safe environment for his or her employee team.

First of all, when it comes to computer monitors, maintain that a computer monitor screen should be large enough for adequate visibility. In this regard, a fifteen to twenty inch monitor generally is of sufficient size. The fact is that smaller monitor units make it very difficult to read characters on the screen -- which causes eye strain and may result in long term damage. On the other hand, units that are larger than twenty inches require too much space in a workstation and are not practical. And, again, in order to be ergonomically adequate under OSHA guidelines, a screen or monitor in the fifteen to twenty inch range is ideal.

Second, the angle and tilt of the monitor should be easily adjustable. Different people are different sizes and need to have a monitor that can be adjusted to fit their own body size and frames. Additionally, even if a workstation is used by only one person, there may be different work assignments that will be best undertaken with the monitor at alternate angles.

Finally, in order to keep a workspace clear and uncluttered -- and thereby safer and easier to work within -- a business owner, operator or manager should consider buying a flat screen monitor. Flat screens require a significantly reduced amount of space within a workstation or workspace.

More information on the OSHA guidelines pertaining to computer monitors for safe workstations can be found at the OHSA website. OSHA can be reached online at http://www.osha.gov.. Cathy Peterson writes about Ergonomic Computer Products and Ergonomic Armrests. http://www.ergoarm.com ]]> Designing The Perfect And Safe Workstation: http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-the-perfect-and-safe-workstation http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-the-perfect-and-safe-workstation#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:32:09 +0000 keyboard trayskeyboard trayosha guidelinescorrect environmentworking environmentknobsperipheral devices http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-the-perfect-and-safe-workstation
If you have questions in regard to developing a ergonomically for your team of employees, you will want to pay close attention to the guidelines that have been developed by OSHA in this regard. OSHA can now easily be accessed through the Internet and World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov..

In regard to , the agency has been very specific in its own development of guidelines relating to developing an ergonomically correct . For example, the agency even has developed specific guidelines relating to s that are utilized as part of a workstation in a business setting.

When it comes to keyboard trays, OSHA recommends that keyboard trays should be wide enough to accommodate not only the keyboard itself but all other -- including the mouse. Too often, these items are spread apart in such a manner that they end up causing injury to employees in both the short and the long term. These physical problems generally can be avoided by paying attention to this guideline recommendation.

In addition, when using a keyboard tray, it is suggested that the tray be kept in a position that is 22 to 28 inches from the floor (assuming that the computer user will be in a sitting position).

Finally, keyboard trays that are utilized in a workstation should include adjustment mechanisms that lock into position without the need for turning . Too often such knobs are tightened excessively which can result in damage to the equipment itself and make it difficult for an employee to utilize.

More information on OSHA workstation and workplace ergonomic guidelines can be found at the agency's website on the Net. The website itself is very user friendly and has a wealth of information relating to creating and maintaining truly safe work environments for employees across the country, in all major occupations. Cathy Peterson writes about Ergonomic Computer Products and Ergonomic Armrests. http://www.ergoarm.com ]]> Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed http://www.artwoo.com/article/fat-loss-4-idiots-reviewed http://www.artwoo.com/article/fat-loss-4-idiots-reviewed#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:57:25 +0000 strict adherencedieting programsnutrition sciencebusy mandiet programfood typesdiet plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/fat-loss-4-idiots-reviewed busy man needs. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed surely carries much weight for the busy man and for a man who has a limited knowledge in . There are a lot of that are available in the market right now, and all these dieting programs offer different ways in order to get the desired results. Some of these dieting fads and methods will push the person to starvation and some will require to certain and to certain amount of food that needs to be eaten. But the result remains clear for all, and that's to help the person manage his weight with greater efficiency. But again, not all these dieting programs are created the same as some will be hard and too complicated to follow, and some are just paced rightly for the average and the busy man. But there is one dieting program that puts the needs of the busy man in the spotlight.

Enter the Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed.

So what makes this program work for the busy person like you? Well for starters; this dieting program is online-based. This means that in order to make that work, all you need is a few minutes of your time in order to check some of the guidelines of the program online. And at the crux of the plan is the need for calorie recycling and calling for the participant to vary the food intake thus improving the metabolism process of the person. And all these things can be done in a span of 11 days. And for the eleven days you need to follow a very structured set of guidelines. These guidelines will tell you what food to eat and how much your intake should be.

The cycle of this will offer you three days worth of so-called cheat days. This means that for these three days, you can eat whatever you like. This doesn't mean that once you have finished the , then you can say goodbye to the plan even if your desired amount of weight is achieved. On the contrary, you need to restart the cycle again and repeat the suggestions and follow the guidelines until you have reached your goal.

The goal of the dieting program can easily be followed because the plan calls for suggested ten steps that need to be followed. When these things are taken seriously, then the desired weight can be at hand and proper weight management can be achieved by the participant. If you are the type of person who seeks a dieting program that is easy to follow, then the Fat Loss 4 Idiot diet as reviewed is the right guide for you. Another reason why this diet is so convenient and friendly is the fact that the guidelines and all the steps required in order to make the diet successful can be found online. So no matter how busy you are, then this diet will be applicable to you. Now that Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed is in your mind, perhaps it's the time to take dieting to the next level with less stress and fuss.Janet Sommers is a professional diet reviewer providing Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed. She's been reviewing weight loss solutions, diet pills, diet plans, and exercise plans for over 20 years. Learn about her #1 diet at the Fat Loss 4 Idiots Review page. Visit http://www.FatLossForIdiotsRevealed.com for more information.]]> San Jose Schools Changes School Nutrition And Limits Junk Food http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-jose-schools-changes-school-nutrition-and-limits-junk-food http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-jose-schools-changes-school-nutrition-and-limits-junk-food#comments Thu, 10 Aug 2006 08:27:17 +0000 san jose schoolsnutrition policystudent nutritionjunk foodfederalcarbonated beveragesfundraisers http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-jose-schools-changes-school-nutrition-and-limits-junk-food federal and state trends to limit and provide better nutrition to students, will implement new some changes starting in September 2006. These changes may appear sudden but actually is part of a long term goal for improving . San Jose Schools have been working to improve student nutrition over the past few years. San Jose Schools have already removed fried chips and from all kindergarten-eighth grade schools. A lot of the changes occurring in September are a result of new federal laws. The new policy states that for a school to receive federal funds for their school lunch program they must institute a Wellness Policy. The Wellness Policy is a nutrition program that is designed and approved by the school board. In order to better meet these guidelines the San Jose Schools have created the SHAPE committee. The SHAPE committee is made up of school food service personnel, a school board member, district employees, health care professionals, concerned parents, and community members.

The

The Nutrition Policy states that all food on a San Jose Schools campus must meet the state nutritional guidelines for fat and sugar and fat content. The biggest effect of this policy for parents is that homemade baked goods will not be allowed on campus. San Jose Schools will make more snakes available at schools that meet these guidelines and provide a list of approved store bought snakes. that involve the sale of food items must be planned with and agreed to by the school. The San Jose Schools will actively encourage fundraisers that are not based around food sale but instead are based around physical activity. All San Jose Schools, including high schools, will ban carbonated soft drinks this school year. Classroom parties with food will be limited to one per month.

Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available at San Jose Schools

The San Jose School Board is planning to adopt a series of new guidelines covering the nutritional concerns of students. This is done in order to meet to the growing concerns about student health and reducing childhood obesity. The San Jose School Board believes that there was a growing disparity between the foods available at school and the health curriculum. Strict guidelines have been adopted all foods and beverages sold to students, including foods and beverages provided through the San Jose School's food service program, student stores, vending machines, or fundraisers. The new policy also set guidelines for the San Jose School's staff in using food items as a reward; the staff will be encouraged to use healthy alternatives or a different non-food choice as a reward for students' academic performance, accomplishments, or classroom behavior. There is a plan to help parents by providing healthy foods list. The guidelines per food item include: No more than 35% of total calories from fat excluding legumes, nuts, nut butters, seeds, eggs, vegetables that have not been deep fried and cheese packaged for individual sale; No more than 10% of total calories from saturated fat; No more than 35% added sugar by weight; 175 Calories (elementary schools) and 250 Calories (middle and high schools). While an individually sold entrée may have no more than 4 grams of fat per 100 calories, 400 calories total. Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more on San Jose schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/California/San-Jose/index.html ]]> SEO - Don't Let Your Website Get Banned http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-dont-let-your-website-get-banned http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-dont-let-your-website-get-banned#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:27:12 +0000 seosearch engine optimisationsearch enginesblack hatmeta tagssearch engine optimiserinvariably http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-dont-let-your-website-get-banned Search Engine Optimisation () does fall into two distinct categories there is no ethical stance on SEO. Don't let a sell you that they have ethical ways of working when optimising your site. Either a technique works or is doesn't. Period. As long as you know the risks, there is nothing wrong with "" SEO. It is not illegal or immoral. The only downfall is that your site MAY get black listed.

People attempting to do SEO will push the boundaries in trying to get their website to the top of the . This article will briefly explain what to do and what not to do.

Search Engine Optimisation has two areas of functionality. White Hat SEO and Black Hat SEO.

White Hat SEO - is typically working within the search engines guidelines, by working within the Search Engines guidelines your site should be safe and won't face the chance of being banned or de-indexed by the search Engines. This involves on-page optimisation and link building. There are many, many different types of on-page optimisation and link building that are deemed acceptable and there are many that are seem as unacceptable. The easiest way to explain what you can and can't do is by starting with what you can't do. That falls under the "Black-Hat" banner.

Black Hat SEO -- is working outside the Search Engines guidelines, while there are many a grey area, I will list the definitive actions you should avoid if you don't want to put your website at risk.

Hidden or Partially hidden text -- This is making your copy the same colour as your back round.

Cloaking -- This is showing search engines on page in visitors another. This is a risk but effective way of boosting your ranking.

Keyword Stuffing - This involves stuffing keywords into the picture descriptions or .

Participating in Link Farms -- This is where thousands of unrelated sites link to one another. Chris Angus is a SEO and Website Marketer. He is also a White Hat SEO. http://www.mobility-direct.co.uk http://www.mdhsasbestosconsultants.com http://www.everest-oxfordshire.co.uk ]]> What Is SEO Content? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-seo-content http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-seo-content#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:08:21 +0000 texas web designersbusiness targetsearch engine optimizationsearch engines searchmany different waysimportant factorsinternet today http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-seo-content search engine optimization. This is a form of marketing that is now one of the most popular methods on the . This type of marketing targets search engines and it works in . There are a few in SEO that make this form of marketing successful. They include content with the right keywords, relevant and interesting content, no errors, and more. The best place to go for SEO is .

Content on a website is extremely important if you want to rank well with the search engines. Search engines use something called spiders, also known as robots which scan through online web pages. These robots grab words from web pages and tag them as specific keywords. These words are indexed and then set aside for when a user makes a search through the search engine. When a search engine receives a search from a user with the same word it has listed for your site, it will list you under the search results. SEO content is text and content on a site specifically targeting the search engines so your site pulls up on specific keywords typed in by users. Texas web designers offers SEO content to help your the search engines.

SEO content also follows guidelines set forth by the search engines. If an online site places too many keywords on a site or throughout the code just for the purpose of ranking well with the search results, the search engine will blacklist the site. Some companies might break these guidelines and be blacklisted and not even know it. Texas web designers knows how to optimize a company site by following the guidelines set forth through the search engines which results in an excellent rank with the search results. How do you know if the reason you cannot find your business when you run a search for the products and services you offer is because you have been blacklisted? The search engines don't send out notifications or warnings to the online businesses.

SEO content is interesting for the reader and in most cases beneficial. It provides useful information that brings the reader back for more and keeps them on the site. Good content creates trust with the users. Misspellings and inaccurate information on a site is not good SEO. Texas web designers provide excellent content that is error-free, interesting, relevant, and optimized with the right keywords. They are a company that can be trusted.

When a company is not doing very well with the search engine rankings or they find they are not being listed at all, they need to use Texas web designers for total optimization. They can help provide the right SEO content which will help with higher rankings with the results of search engines. They can provide useful and relevant content for any online business site that is interesting for the reader. The content will be fully optimized with keywords and still following the guidelines set forth by the search engines.This article is brought to you courtesy of Jordan FeRoss who is one of the Texas Web Designers Specializing in SEO Web Design]]> Digestion And Detoxification Guidelines http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestion-and-detoxification-guidelines http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestion-and-detoxification-guidelines#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:25:01 +0000 natural colon cleansingprobiotic supplementsnational institutes of healthdigestive healthfruits and vegetablesamerican dietetic associationdigestive enzyme supplement http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestion-and-detoxification-guidelines digestive health and provide many other benefits to our system. Digestive health implies that our body is able to make the best of the nutrients it gets. It also means regular bowel movement and reduced instances of bloating, gas and other digestive discomforts. There is a growing amount of research that points to an undeniable link between our intestinal environment and its impact on disease and aging. This calls for a well thought out plan of action to take better care of our digestive health. Some basic guidelines that can help you improve your digestive health and lower the risk of chronic digestive problems are highlighted below.

Dietary Guidelines:

=95 Drink lots of water and have a lot of green juices

=95 Eat plenty of . A variety of fruits and vegetables makes for a healthy low allergen diet.

=95 Ensure the required minimum fiber intake in your diet. The as well as the recommend a daily fiber intake of 20-35 grams of fiber.

=95 Don't eat and snack on whatever comes your way. To promote healthy digestion, plan your meals so you eat healthy and be aware of healthy alternatives even while eating out. Guidelines for Supplements:

=95 Fiber supplement: A fiber supplement along with a healthy diet will enable and elimination, as well as help you maintain a healthy weight.

=95 Enzyme supplement: Along with every meal, have some plant-based . An HCl supplement from beets (Betaine hydrochloric acid) may also be required

=95 help promote an optimal balance of intestinal bacteria. This healthy dose of helpful flora can be obtained from living and fermented foods such as kefir and yogurt.

=95 Fatty acids: In order to promote healthy cardiovascular function, better inflammatory response and improved brain and skin health, your diet must contain a daily adequate amount of essential fatty acids. These healthy fats can be found in borage, fish oil and flax.

=95 Cleansing supplements: A herbal cleansing formula can aid regular bowel movements and is particularly helpful in cases of constipation. To detoxify you can also try total body cleansing. Lifestyle Guidelines:

=95 Daily walks and deep breathing are essentials of good health and long life.

=95 Every alternate day, try having a sauna, steam bath or any hot therapeutic bath.

=95 Colon hydrotherapy can also be very beneficial. Brandon H. Masters is a Health Enthusiast, Researcher and Veteran of the Natural Products Industry. He is passionate about educating others on the benefits of wellness solutions through better nutrition and detoxification. http://www.fiber35diet.com ]]> Basic Guidelines For Crock-pot Cooking http://www.artwoo.com/article/basic-guidelines-for-crock-pot-cooking http://www.artwoo.com/article/basic-guidelines-for-crock-pot-cooking#comments Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:50:04 +0000 crock pot cookingthings to rememberfrozen meatpastaraw meatcooking meatconverted rice http://www.artwoo.com/article/basic-guidelines-for-crock-pot-cooking
The first thing to know is that you should be careful not to over stir your food in crock-pot cooking. You should only stir the food if it clearly indicates that in the recipe because taking the lid off causes large amounts of heat to be lost.

Some ingredients can only be added to the crock-pot at the end of the cooking time. For example, milk and sour cream only need to be added in about the last fifteen minutes of cooking time. Seafood only needs to be added in about the last hour of cooking unless the recipe states differently.

and rice cook differently in crock-pot cooking. For the best results when using pasta, cook in boiling water first until just tender, and then add to the dish during the last half hour of cooking. The best rice to use is crock-pot cooking is long grain . You can add another cup to cup and a half of liquid per cup of rice if the rice does not seem cooked completely through. Be sure when using beans that they are boiled before being added to the crock-pot for cooking.

Frozen foods can be used when crock-pot cooking. If you are putting in the crock-pot you should use at least one cup of warm liquid with the meat. Also meals using frozen meat need to be cooked for an additional four to six hours on low or two hours on high.

Don't worry about cooking in the crock-pot, it is safe to do so. The meat's internal temperature reaches one hundred seventy degrees in beef and one hundred ninety degrees in poultry. There are two important about in the crock-pot. The first one is to cook the meat for its entire recommend time, and do not remove the lid on the slow cooker. The second thing is meat does not need to be browned beforehand unless the individual prefers the look and flavor of browned meat.

In crock-pot cooking, using whole herbs and spices bring out the best flavors. Crushed herbs and spices quickly lose their flavor during the extended cooking time, however whole spices retain their flavor during the entire cooking time because it takes longer to release their flavor.

You can also use your crock-pot to make desserts and baked goods. Be careful not to over beat breads and cakes before putting them in the slow cooker. Be sure to follow the recommended recipe guidelines. Do not add water to the crock-pot unless it specifically states to in the recipe. Allow cakes and breads to sit and cool for five minutes before removing them from the pan so they have a chance to set.

When some basic guidelines are followed, crock-pot cooking can be delicious for meals and desserts. It's easy too! Paula Radmall is an cooking enthusiast as well as an author and editor for http://www.cookwithease.com . Paula enjoys the cooking and teaching about the fun and art of cooking and baking. ]]> Car Repair Prices: Who Charges More, Dealerships Or Local Shops? http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-repair-prices-who-charges-more-dealerships-or-local-shops http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-repair-prices-who-charges-more-dealerships-or-local-shops#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2006 18:27:06 +0000 msrp pricelocal shopprice guidelinespart priceprice gougingaftermarket partmyth http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-repair-prices-who-charges-more-dealerships-or-local-shops local shops. This is farfetched. That would mean that $100 at a local shop would be $400 to $600 at a dealership. Dealerships aren't run by the sharpest businessmen, but this kind of pricing discrepancy would put dealers out of business, fast. The sources calculating such pricing gaps are never quoted, so I am not sure from where such data comes, but let's look at what's really going on.

First, 98 % of ALL service centers are overcharging. This includes dealerships, local shops and franchises. Stating that dealerships charge four to six times higher unfairly singles out this portion of the industry. We need to watch out for every type of service facility. While it's always easier to focus on the big, faceless name of a dealership, it's unwise. Your local mechanic who you pass in the grocery store is just as likely to rip you off.

Surprisingly, in many respects, a dealership is often less expensive. To be clear, I am not siding with dealerships. Again, no matter what type of facility one services a vehicle, some type of price-gouging will occur. Having said that, here are some common s about dealership prices.

MYTH 1: The parts are more money.

This is not true. Dealers, for the most part, stick to MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) guidelines. Guidelines, as abused as they are, are better than none. Local shops have no guidelines. They can charge whatever they want.

We've all been taught that s are less expensive than factory/MSRP parts--this is not true. A frequent "case in point" is air filter prices. Below is a sample from one of many actual invoices:

Dealership/: $17.00 (factory fiber filter) Local Shop/Aftermarket Price: $32.00 (aftermarket paper filter)

Tip...always compare you're aftermarket against MSRP, you'll be surprised just how much your local garage is charging you for inferior parts.

MYTH 2: The labor "time" is higher.

Actually, many dealers follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standard multipliers. In other words, they're not just shooting from the hip. The labor time (i.e., how long it takes to repair something--1, 2, 3 hours...etc.) may be lower than the resulting times from the labor price-gouging tricks practiced by your local garage.

This is not to say that dealers don't practice labor tricks--they're the masters! It is to say that they are more inclined to follow suggested guidelines.

MYTH 3:

Dealers always rip people off.

In the automotive service industry, every type of service center rips you off, dealers are no exception. Theodore P. Olson holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He currently works as a service industry consultant. Ted is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive servcie industry. http://www.repairtrust.com ]]> Hidden Security Cameras - Using A Hidden Camera To Monitor Employees http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-security-cameras-using-a-hidden-camera-to-monitor-employees http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-security-cameras-using-a-hidden-camera-to-monitor-employees#comments Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:35:02 +0000 hidden security camerassecurity camera systemsurveillance footagevisual purposesvery good reasonsprivate areasunauthorized person http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-security-cameras-using-a-hidden-camera-to-monitor-employees unauthorized person who enters or attempts to enter a building. In many cases it is not only the unknown that is being looked at but also the known; many companies will use the systems to keep a careful and watchful eye over their employees. Cameras can be positioned in areas which would be considered vulnerable to catch anyone who is an area or doing something that is not allowed.

It is considered a necessity to have cameras in some institutions and buildings used to monitor the staff, places such as banks, government buildings, hi-tech industries and testing facilities would be common place and the employees would expect the cameras to be in the buildings. It is however very important that the employer is careful about where and how they monitor the staff, if the methods that are undertaken are deemed intrusive then the employer could find themselves in court. There are of course lots of as to why the employer would want to install to monitor their employees; however it is now believed that the privacy of employees in the workplace is becoming intruded upon more and more often.

There are a number of main issues that arise in cases against the employer for miss use of hidden security cameras and these include any form of monitoring in such as bathrooms and changing rooms. Another common problem is for personal information that is gathered from the camera systems when an employee is captured on them being used for commercial purposes. It is also illegal for any form of in the workplace to be used for audio and , it is also not allowed to record verbal/audio in the . A good employer will be aware of the legislation and laws surrounding hidden camera use and will abide by these guidelines, as an employee it is worth making yourself aware of the laws as well.

If you are an employer and considering the installation of a hidden security camera system then there are some guidelines you will need to follow to ensure that you keep on the right side of the law. It is also imperative that all the employees are consulted before hand in writing about what you are installing and why, this letter for the employee should include a waiver to sign so they acknowledge that they have been told. It needs to be carefully laid out with the cameras in locations that would not be considered intrusive and breaking the guidelines, whilst all management should be aware of the privacy risks and briefed on the layout of the systems. A set of guidelines should be drawn out for every employee outlining the privacy policy and the rights that the employees have in respect of their privacy, whilst providing the case and reasons for the installation. Steve Strong's is an employee with Sun Security which is an innovative and growth oriented company who uses a fresh and new approach to meet the security needs of millions of consumers throughout North America. Visit us at: http://www.sunsecurity.com ]]> Creating Happy, Healthy Teens http://www.artwoo.com/article/creating-happy-healthy-teens http://www.artwoo.com/article/creating-happy-healthy-teens#comments Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:27:07 +0000 supportive relationshipparentsvantage pointjeopardizechildrens behaviorparental expectationsconsistent guidelines http://www.artwoo.com/article/creating-happy-healthy-teens parents provide a good balance between guidelines and expectations for their children's behavior and a positive, .

Parents are not meant to be their children's best friends but in order to raise happy, healthy teens, it is imperative to have a reasonably close relationship, at least as close as your teen will allow.

During this period in your child's life, he or she is attempting to separate from you by developing his or her own identity that is uniquely different from yours. Teens often find their parents' values conflict with the values of their peer culture and what they see in the media. While they are separating from you, they are being immersed in a world where almost anything goes.

The only way to maintain any influence during this time is by maintaining a positive relationship. This can be difficult because your children are doing things that scare you and may their safety but you need to stay supportive and encouraging. One of the best things you can do for your teenager is to listen. Attempt to understand their life from their unique .

Ask your children questions and listen to the answers, without judgment. Teens need to know that you are interested in what they do and that their thoughts and ideas won't be criticized by you at every turn. Resist the temptation to correct everything they say. This will increase the likelihood that your teens will continue to talk to you.

That does not mean that you support their negative behaviors. It is acceptable and important that you let them know how their behavior affects you. If your child starts swearing, it is all right to acknowledge their right to do so with their friends if that is important to them, but you would prefer he or she not use offensive language in your presence.

The other part of what creates the most healthy teens is clear, and for behavior. That does not mean you should have strict rules and excessive punishment. During the teen years, your children are trying to navigate their way through a very confusing world with little parental guidance. It is a parent's responsibility to provide guidelines and expectations, without being a dictator.

Because your children are not in your presence all the time, you may not know whether or not they are following your guidelines but the simple fact that you have them has been shown to be very important. My teens knew I didn't like cursing, drinking and driving, drug use and disrespect of others. I wanted them to do their best in school but understood that academics were not nearly as important to them as they were to me.

My children tested the limits, of course, and I expressed my disappointment when they did. We always had conversations about how it was my job as their parent to keep them as safe as I could, while allowing them the freedom to explore their world independently.

Maintaining this balance of relationship and expectations provides exactly the right environment for your teen to practice real life decision-making, while still having the safety of the family when he or she makes mistakes or needs support.

When your teen violates your expectations, it is important to have conversations about what they were attempting to accomplish by violating your guidelines. Help them to see the danger in the choices they made and help them evaluate whether or not the behavior they chose will help them move in the direction they were attempting to go.

I was fortunate to have two sons who were interested in the FBI as a career so anything they did that skirted around legal issues, I was able to connect their engaging in that behavior hindering the likelihood of them getting into the FBI.

Teens like to know that their parents will keep them safe even if they struggle and fight any restrictions you have. Do not confuse their anger and disdain. This is often simply part of the process but deep down, they are appreciating that you care enough to keep them safe.

Empowerment Parenting provides a great combination of supportive relationships with boundaries and guidelines. It is a system that can help your son or daughter develop into the adult they were destined to be. Kim works with parents and children helping them with their communication skills ultimately leading to an improvement in their relationships. Check out her free teleconference, Empowerment Parenting, at http://www.therelationshipcenter.biz/EmpowerParenting.htm ]]> Tips For Setting Video Game Guidelines For Your Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-setting-video-game-guidelines-for-your-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-setting-video-game-guidelines-for-your-children#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:25:00 +0000 video game contentegg timerlanguage actionsgaming storesleniencechild timegaming time http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-setting-video-game-guidelines-for-your-children
Time Limits

Your child may prefer to spend every waking moment plugged into a video game console, but healthy kids need a balanced schedule. Homework, chores, outdoor play, and family time need to take precedence over video games. Video games are a reward for completing tasks. Set a time limit for each day's maximum .

A good guideline for children aged 5-10 is 30-60 minutes a day, with a few extra minutes allowed on weekends. Up to two hours per day is appropriate for teens and pre-teens, as long as homework and chores are completed.

An is a good tool for tracking game time. The timer begins once play starts. When the bell sounds, the child must save and exit the game immediately. Parents may be tempted to allow the child to finish the current game or level when the alarm sounds, but some children are crafty. They take advantage of this to extend playing time.

Monitoring

A standardized rating system tags each video game to levels of appropriateness for different age ranges. This rating system is a general guideline only. Just because a game is rated "E" for everyone does not mean the game is free of offensive language, actions and themes.

Each family must decide what is unacceptable. Discuss and draft these family guidelines with your children. Spell out clear consequences for violating guidelines. These guidelines apply to the child whether the game is played at home or at a friend's house, as well as when other children bring games into your home.

If you are unsure of a video game, rent the game and play it when the child is not present to preview the content. Most salespersons at are very knowledgeable of many of the games they sell. They can usually tell you if a particular game violates your family's guidelines. You can also check the annual Video Game Report Card produced by the National Institute on Media and the Family. The Entertainment Software Rating Board website contains in-depth information about the video game rating system as well.

One of the best ways to monitor your child's video game habits is to play with them. Plug in an extra controller once a week and spend a few minutes appreciating your child's video game skills. This can be a period of bonding even into the troublesome teenage years.

Video games do have some redeeming qualities. They are entertaining for your child, encourage fantasy play, build imagination, increase eye/hand coordination, teach strategy, and can be educational. They also teach younger children to share, lose, and win gracefully. Time spent with a video game controller also strengthens the small muscles in a child's hands, resulting in better handwriting and small motor control.

Video games are a popular pastime for children, but they require parental supervision the same as other areas of your child's life. Become involved, get informed, set limits, and reap the benefits of your child's love of video gaming. Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop a great selection of kids furniture and classic toys. Visit us online at http://www.TheMagicalRockingHorse.com today! ]]> Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Crime http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-federal-crime http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-federal-crime#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:22:29 +0000 united states sentencing guidelinesfederal criminal justice systemcriminal justice systemfederal criminal justicefederal prosecutionfederal crimesunited states department http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-federal-crime
A federal crime is a violation of a statute passed by the United States Congress. A state crime is a violation of a statute or ordinance passed by the state legislature or a local authority. Usually the federal crime addresses criminal activity or a more national concern. Although, in recent decades the federal government has become increasingly involved in prosecuting drug and violent crimes, areas once left almost exclusively to the states. Many crimes are prosecutable in both state and federal courts.

2. Who investigates and Prosecutes ?

For the most part, federal criminal offenses are investigated by agents of federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service and others. Occasionally, state law enforcement officers work in conjunction with federal agencies. Federal crimes are usually prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the area where the crime occurred. Sometimes a prosecutor for the of Justice, or from an agency such at the Environmental Protection Agency will participate in a .

3. If I am charged with or under investigation for a federal offense do I need a "federal" criminal defense lawyer?

In order for a lawyer to represent you in a federal criminal matter he or she must be licensed to practice in the federal court where the case is pending or must receive permission of the court to practice there on a one time basis. Additionally, the is drastically different than the state system. It is important that your lawyer have experience in federal court so that he or she can effectively represent you.

4. What are the federal Sentencing Guidelines?

From 1987 until recently in federal court, if a defendant was found guilty or pleaded guilty, the judge assessed punishment in accordance with the Sentencing Guidelines. The manual contains the rules for determining the range within which a judge's sentence was required fall. Factors that went into the determination included, the offense for which the defendant was convicted; certain factors about the offense such as how much money was involved in a financial crime, the role of the defendant in the overall scheme and other factors concerning the defendant's conduct; and the defendant's criminal record. The court was required sentence within the applicable guideline range (expressed in a range of months) unless the case was extremely unusual or qualified for one of the few exceptions allowing the judge to depart from the guidelines. Guideline sentencing was a complicated aspect of federal criminal cases. However, the United States Supreme Court, in January 2005 declared the mandatory nature of the guidelines unconstitutional. At this time the guidelines are to be used by the judges as advisory tools to help them exercise their sentencing discretion. Congress will probably act in the near future to again change the sentencing scheme.

5. If I am under investigation for a federal offense but have not been charged should I contact an attorney?

You should contact an attorney immediately. You have important rights during the investigation that should be protected. How you proceed at this state may drastically affect the ultimate outcome of your case.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.A Minneapolis MN defense lawyer or attorney at a local law firm can provide you with an experienced Federal Crime defense attorney or lawyer in Minnesota.]]> Just Who The Heck Are Fannie, Freddie And Ginnie? http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-who-the-heck-are-fannie-freddie-and-ginnie http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-who-the-heck-are-fannie-freddie-and-ginnie#comments Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:35:00 +0000 national mortgage associationgovernment national mortgageginnie maefederal national mortgagehome loan mortgage corporationhome loan mortgagegovernment national mortgage association http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-who-the-heck-are-fannie-freddie-and-ginnie
Have you ever heard anyone in the mortgage industry mention these names before? Did you ever wonder who these people were that had so much to say about whether or not you would qualify for a mortgage?

Well, Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie aren't people, they are institutions. They are the shortened names for Fannie Mae (FNMA-Federal ), Freddie Mac (FHLMC -Federal Corporation) and (GNMA- Association). They are the big three, and they buy the majority of mortgages for all homes across the nation.

In the old days, if you wanted to buy a house, you met with a local banker who went to high school with your Daddy, and he assessed whether you were worth the risk to lend you the money. His decision was probably based on his personal assessment and some bank guidelines.

These days, you can talk to practically any mortgage lender, they verify your life history and you find yourself owning a home. But you rarely make your mortgage payment to that original lender after an interim period. That's because lenders make most of their money by selling your loan. And more often than not, whatever company you make your payment to doesn't own your loan. It is the "servicer" of that loan. It is called your servicer because it is simply servicing your loan for the institution that actually owns it.

What happens is your loan gets sold to another company that sells it to one of the big three, or sometimes the company you got your loan from originally sells it directly to one of the big three. Freddie, Fannie and Ginnie buy "pools" of loans. Loans quickly become "pooled" into groups of loans of similar size, interest rate and type. The servicer gets a monthly fee from the institution for servicing your loan and processing your payments. This fee is small (about 3/8 of a percent), but if your pool gets big enough, it can create a tidy sum of income when sold to Fannie, Freddie or Ginnie. There are companies that service billions of dollars of loans. You might have heard lately in the news that some of these servicing portfolios didn't perform. That's created a little bit of a headache lately in the mortgage world.

The entire system of mortgages (originators, brokers, banks) is designed to create these pools because so much income can be generated from servicing. When enough loans are made to create a pool, the company sells the loans to Freddie, Fannie or Ginnie, generating more income. This action in turn allows the company to make more loans, and so on and so forth. The whole process begins again.

Freddie, Fannie and Ginnie set underwriting guidelines for lenders to follow that will allow for lower risk loans. The foreclosures of late have caused these guidelines to become less lenient, and in general, more documentation is required to close a loan. The loans in the pools serviced have been reviewed to make sure they are compliant with the guidelines set forth.

So, now you know who Freddie, Fannie and Ginnie are. Mystery solved. Email your home loan financing questions to Kristin Abouelata, Mortgage Specialist, at question@kristinmortgage.com or call (800) 489-8910. Visit her website at http://www.kristinmortgage.com ]]>