nationwide building society http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for nationwide building society Copyright 2008 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:02:29 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/nationwide+building+society How To Find The Ideal Building Plot http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:04 +0000 planning permissionbuilding plotaccessbuilding plotswater electricitypaddockwiser http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot
Building land or ?

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find building land exactly where you want it. The growth in property prices over the last ten years has resulted in a rise in the number of people choosing to build their own homes and that, together with ongoing residential developments, means that land is becoming more scarce. It may be to look for a building plot. This is often a smaller, subdivided area of land, such as a large garden or , where has been granted for a certain number of properties. These plots may be sold individually and whilst they may be smaller than building land, they are usually more centrally located and cheaper.

Planning permission

It's vital that the land you buy either has planning permission already in place, or a very good chance of getting approval. There's no point spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on a plot if you're never going to be able to build there. often come with outline planning permission, particularly if there is a house or building already there. Speak to your agent and to the planning office to ensure that you are going to be able to build when you want to.

Location and

You need to check that the building land or plot is in the right location for you and that you can have access both in terms of getting on and off the site, but also for connection to utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Not taking the time to check these issues could cause you great difficulty during your project and it's much easier to back out of a land purchase than it is to sell on a bad piece of land.

For the best advice and to find a range of suitable building plots or building land in your area, speak to a land agent. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> What Is A Building Society? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-building-society http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-building-society#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:45:19 +0000 stock marketmultinational bankstraditional banksmortgage ratessecured loanscatchment areahttp http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-building-society multinational banks on almost every High Street. These banks are well known, well recognised and generally well understood. Alongside them, though, you will often find a Building Society. Traditionally, these only offer their services to people who live within a local and the societies are regional rather than national. As time has gone on this is not so much the case and many building societies accept customers from anywhere in the country, offering services by telephone and internet to help those who do not live near to a branch.

So, what is the difference between a bank and a building society? Well, banks are generally listed on the and as such are run by shareholders. Building societies are not on the stock market and so do not have to pay shareholders any dividends as they do not have shareholders. The societies claim that this enables them to pay more money directly to their customers by way of higher interest rates on savings accounts and cheaper for borrowers.

When a building society is first set up, it is done so as a mutual institution. This means that every single account holder is also a member of the institution and as such has certain rights when a decision is made. In some circumstances an issue can be put to a vote. At times such as these every customer gets a vote, whether they have one pound or a million pounds in their account. Each vote has the same level of importance as the next and so customers truly feel that they have the opportunity to be involved in the running of the business.

Many building societies now have sold off their mutual institution status, giving their members a lump sum instead. These companies have then been listed on the stock market and morphed into . Mark Lambie is the founder of http://www.loan-source.co.uk a website providing homeowners with free quotes. ]]> Private Investors Can Buy Land http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:05 +0000 build your own homeprivate investorshopefullyland investmentparcel of landprivate investorinvestment vehicle http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land s to put their money, but to date, land purchase has been out of the reach of most.

Land is expensive, and the closer to transport links, amenities, schools and shops it is, the more you have to pay. In addition, land often only comes up for sale in large parcels, which are both too large and too expensive for the average investor.

This doesn't mean that buying land in order to , or just to sell on for a profit at a later date is completely out of the question. Depending on what you're looking for, you can take a step on the land-holding ladder.

Building plots

If you've decided to build your own home or business premises, you first need to secure a plot of land. Whether your aim is to live or work in the property, or to sell it on once it is completed, you will need to find a suitable plot in the right location. You can do this by visiting estate agents or specialist land agents. Just like buying a property, you can talk to them about your requirements and they can match those with the land currently available. You will need to check whether planning permission exists for the site, and if not, the likelihood of approval to build being granted. Your plot is unlikely to increase in value if you can't build on it.



If you're just looking for an alternative , then you should consider land investment. Many UK land agents are now offering the opportunity for smaller investors to buy a within a larger area owned by a single company or developer. This land may be targeted for development at a later stage and is usually in a key location, where its value is forecast to increase. This type of land is usually either too large or too expensive for small investors, but they can afford a small parcel of the land which they can then sell on again at a later date, making some profit along the way.

If you are a private investor and you are considering adding land to your portfolio, speak to a land agent for more advice. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> UK Property Predictions For 2008 http://www.artwoo.com/article/uk-property-predictions-for-2008 http://www.artwoo.com/article/uk-property-predictions-for-2008#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:15:00 +0000 nationwide building societyslowdownissue that affectshigh interest ratesdisposable incomes12 monthsexperts agree that http://www.artwoo.com/article/uk-property-predictions-for-2008
Often future predictions are made off the back of what's happened over the last . And it's been a very busy year for the UK property market.

There have been numerous changes and predictions for the future. We take a look at what's happened so far in 2007, and how that could affect the market next year.

First off the big all of us - house prices.

UK property prices have had an interesting year. Some organisations have reported prices going down; others have claimed they have gone up in some areas. Overall it seems likely there has been at the very least a in the growth of prices.

The current average price for a UK property is =A3225,826. And the says in 2007 the annual price growth was 9.7 per cent.

But a new report it has just released has predicted zero per cent house price growth in 2008.

It says UK property prices will stay exactly as they are now. This means in real terms that the value of homes will fall, as the cost of living continues to rise.

The building society blames this potential 'freeze' on a slowdown in the wider economy. It points out that price growth was supported in 2007 by the strength of the British economy, especially in the financial and manufacturing sectors.

But over the next 12 months it expects economic growth to slow from three to two per cent. And when that is combined with lower caused by the cost of petrol and other rising bills, plus and tighter lending conditions, it's likely to slow the economy.

The Nationwide also believes there will be a fall in demand in buy to let houses, affecting UK property.

Of course, the likelihood is that any slowdown in price growth is going to be short-term only. Many the long-term prospects for property value growth remain good. So it's only something to worry about if you are considering selling property in the next 18 months or so.

Let's take a closer look at one of the factors affecting prices - interest rates.

Since August last year, rates have gone up five times. But they have stayed the same for the last three months, and many people believe they will drop before the end of the year.

If the economy does see a slowdown as predicted, it's likely that interest rates will go down again in 2008. This is good news, as it will ease some of the financial pressures squeezing people and give them a little more disposable income. This is likely to give the economy a small boost, which may in turn be good for UK property.

The other major factor to look at for 2008 was a huge source of controversy in 2007.

Home Information Packs, or HIPs, were first introduced for four bedroomed houses on 1st August this year, and extended to three bedroomed properties on 10th September.

A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in September revealed that that the number of properties needing a HIP coming onto the market continued to fall, when compared to the same month in 2006.

And 73 per cent of surveyors who responded to the survey saw a decrease in three bedroom or larger properties coming onto the market.

Experts predict that the effect of HIPs will lessen in 2008. They believe people will get used to the idea of needing to compile a document before they can put their UK property up for sale. And in time that will mean the HIPs have very little real effect on the market. Whether that will happen in 2008 or 2009 remains to be seen. For more information to help you with your property search, try http://www.propertytoday.co.uk/Frontpage.aspx ]]> What Is A Society? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-society http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-society#comments Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:27:07 +0000 daily basisgroups of peopledelvesocial issuesculture languagegovernment agencieseducation system http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-society delve into the question "what is society" you will realize that this is indeed a very deep subject. There is no one answer because a society is not a thing that can be easily explained in one or two sentences. In fact, this could actually be a topic for a thesis by a graduate student in philosophy and it would take many volumes to include all the possible answers. Let's start by looking at what we consider to be a society.

In our daily lives, a society is the place where we live. It is made up of the government, the , the health care and the many occupations that people have. Each and every person is an important part of a society because each one has something to contribute. It is a very broad concept that is often broken down into different segments or facets of life. Within a society, there are smaller societies or who have a particular goal or ambition. These could be , groups of students or groups raising money for a cause.

There are also other factors that separate smaller societies from one another. These include culture, language, race, and religion. Within a society, there can be many different cultures. If you look at the whole world as one society, you can easily realize just how many differences there are. Even within a country, city or town, you have numerous differences and you can even have different societies within a neighborhood. The neighborhood of a city could be an ethnic society all its own.

In the larger frame of things, all these societies interact with one another on a bringing new ideas and ways of doing things. Customs transfer from one culture to another, immigrants become assimilated within a society and people react with violence when a part of their society is threatened. All of these things make up a society, which is more of a quality than a thing. If you are intersted in and society or have articles to distribute on social issues visit our Society section at: http://www.reprint-content.com/Category/Society/76">http://www.reprint-content.com/Category/Society/76 Free article distribution for authors, free content for webmasters: http://www.reprint-content.com ]]> Sun Sational Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy#comments Mon, 15 May 2006 09:32:05 +0000 solar energy societysolar energy systemamerican solar energyinternational solar energygeothermal energyamerican solar energy societybiofuels http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy Solar Energy Society is a national non-profit group that dedicates itself to promoting and advancing solar energy use to benefits the national as well as global environment. It is the ASES mission to promote widespread use of solar engery for the short term as well as long term.

The Society publishes a bi-monthly magazine that has won a number of awards. Called Solar Today, it covers all facets of solar energy and other renewable energy technological breakthroughs. Continuous topics addressed in the issues include case study building, solar and other energy policies and projects on a community-wide scale.

ASES is the U.S. arm of the Society, and as such dedicates itself to adoption and development of renewable energy including solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy, , ocean energy, energy from and overall energy efficiency.

Some specific and ongoing ASES projects include the promotion of regional and national short and long term solar energy sue, the organization of the national conference on solar energy, the annual nationwide solar tour, and the online newsletter, the Sunbeam. ASES also sponsors roundtable discussion on solar energy and related issues in our nation's capital, distributes publications of interest to solar energy advocates, and organizes a network for solar action.

On its Web site ASES publishes answers to frequently asked solar energy questions. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions and their answers.

Can solar energy be used for my home or my business? How do I determine if I will have enough sun for it?

The answer is that there are few places where the solar energy would not be adequate to meet at least some of your needs. A solar energy system designer in your area, or an installer or builder or solar architect can assess your requirements for power, your property, the type of system you would need, the availability of sun and other factors to make the determination if your solar energy system would meet your power needs. Typically, a solar energy system will give off plenty of energy even on a cloudy day. It will just give you less than on a sunny day.

The next question is about whether solar electricity can be used to heat a home or office's water? The answer is that this is impractical, as a solar water heating system is much more cost effective. Similar, if you want to heat a small space you could do this best with equipment that creates solar thermal heat with passive solar designs or collectors that are transpired. http://energy-hq.com Learn everything you need to know about Energy, from conserving it to energy drinks ]]> The Asthma Society http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-asthma-society http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-asthma-society#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2006 22:27:13 +0000 asthma societyasthma conditionhttphelptreatment optionshealth relatedmedications http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-asthma-society Asthma Society is an organization that is generally affiliated with various countries. If you are someone that is looking for information about asthma, working with any of these societies that are geared towards providing relevant information that you need is a great place to start. For many people that visit these society pages, the goal is to learn about what asthma is and how in the world you will learn to deal with and even live with it. Many of those that visit the society are looking for more information about asthma because they have just been told by their doctors that they have asthma or that they may have it.

What is important to take note of when visiting any society's website to learn more about asthma is that your condition is not alone. Today, there are many millions of people that have asthma and live with it day in and day out. Asthma does become a condition that you need to manage but when you do so carefully, following the recommendations that the society for asthma as well as your doctor tell you, you can lead a normal life without worrying about asthma every day of it.

Another benefit of any of the asthma societies that you will find throughout the web is the wide range of new available. There are always tests and clinical studies being done to aid those that are suffering from asthma to get relief. New , new treatments, and even new diagnosing tools are something that can offer a bit of help to those that are looking for a solution to their . Best of all, when you visit the society's website, you will also learn that you are not the only person that is struggling with asthma and therefore you can get through it. Roger Thompson Writes about asthma, issues and jobs for http://www.idohealthcare.com ]]> Understanding Calling Plans and Long Distance http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance#comments Wed, 24 May 2006 18:32:02 +0000 overage chargescalling plansroaminglocalcarriernationwidemetropolitan area http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance calling plans affect your long distance and charges. Not being aware when you are making a roaming or long distance call, and are will incur heavy can result in a shockingly high bill at the end of each month. To get an idea of how they work let's take a brief look at the different types of plans that are offered.

Calling Plans Local calling plans cover the smallest geographic region. This is usually a like New York City of Los Angeles. If you have a local calling plan and you are inside the region and make calls to anyone outside of the region you will incur long distance charges. If you are outside of the calling area and call someone inside of the calling area roaming charges will apply. If you are outside of the calling area and call someone across the country roaming and long distance charges will apply.

Regional Calling Plans Regional calling plans cover a larger area than local calling plans. It usually covers a few neighboring states. If you are inside of the region and place calls to anyone inside of the region standard calling rates will apply. If you call someone outside of the region long distance rates will apply. If you are outside of your region and place a call into your region roaming charges will apply. If you are outside of your region and place a call to someone in a different region than you are in roaming charges and long distance rates will apply.

Calling Plans In a nationwide calling plan the entire country is considered inside of your region and there will be no long distance charges for any calls that you make. If your has spotty coverage and you travel to an area that isn't covered by your network but is covered by another carrier you will incur roaming charges if you make any calls.

Local calling plans have the lowest call per minute rate, but have the highest long distance and roaming charge rates. Nationwide calling plans have the highest per minute rate with regional calling plans in the middle. Many larger networks are dropping local calling areas in favor of regional and nationwide calling plans. When choosing a calling plan it's important to consider how much traveling you will be doing and how much time you will spend outside of what is considered your regional calling area. If you are only making one or two trips per year, you may be able to save money on your monthly bill with a regional calling plan as opposed to a nationwide calling plan.



© Copyright Cellular-Advisor.com, All Rights Reserved. Josephine Mills writes for http://www.cellular-advisor.com about wireless communication subjects like cell phones and http://www.cellular-advisor.com/cell-phones/calling-plans/ ]]> A Guide To Land Banking http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:05 +0000 private investorsland parcelsland investmentfreeholdprofitsinvestment conceptinvestment company http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking investment concept that allows smaller investors to own a piece of valuable land.

How does land banking work?

When large parcels of land are put up for sale, they are usually far too expensive for a single small investor. Land that's in a good place for residential or business development is usually either bought by a company or by a property developer. The owner then "banks" or holds onto the land until they are ready to sell it or develop it. During this time, they can parcel the land up into smaller, much more affordable section and sell these sections to . Each investor holds the to their land, and can sell at any time, although the best are usually realised when planning permission is granted for the site.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the land to small investors will depend upon the type of land, the potential for development and the size of the land. For as little as £5,000, investors can buy a good-sized piece of land in a prestigious location. You can, of course, choose to spend much more, and the are often graduated in size to accommodate a range of investors.

Is it complicated to buy?

Land is easier to buy than property. It is still a legal contract, though, so it's worth getting it checked by your solicitor. The straightforward nature of the purchase means that it can often be completed within 28 days.

Can I sell it?

In most, if not all cases, when you buy the land, you also acquire the freehold. This means that you can sell the land on at any time. Most people hold on to their property for between 2-8 years, to realise profits from the development of the site, but you can sell whenever you want or need to.

Where do I start?

If you're interested in land investment, then talk to a land agent. They will have a variety of sites on their books and have the experience and expertise to guide and advise you throughout the process. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> Red Hat Society: Fun For All http://www.artwoo.com/article/red-hat-society-fun-for-all http://www.artwoo.com/article/red-hat-society-fun-for-all#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:27:04 +0000 red hat societydisolder womenhaving a great timesociety ladieswomen over 50free coupons http://www.artwoo.com/article/red-hat-society-fun-for-all Red Hat Society and how long has it been in existence? How did this group get started and how can I join? These questions will be answered in Part One of this article.

The Red Hat Society is sometimes referred to as a "-organization" because there are so few requirements and rules. Many organizations have lots of guidelines and rules to follow. This is not what the Red Hat Society is all about.



This group is mostly about and making new friendships. The chapters are open to all women and there is no discrimination allowed. It is a group that caters to although women under 50 are allowed to be part of the fun. Instead of wearing a red hat and purple clothing, those under 50 wear pink hats and lavender attire.

The Red Hat Society was begun by a woman named Sue Ellen Cooper. Sue Ellen and a few of her friends got the idea from a poem entitled, "Warning" which mentions wearing a red hat and purple clothing while growing old. The group has evolved into an organization that has over one million members worldwide. The Red Hat Society was established in 1998.

You can join an existing group or start a chapter in your area.

All of the membership information is available online and it is easy to join or begin a new chapter. If you are looking for an existing chapter in your area you will be able to find out all about it on the website.

A regular membership is a possibility and this allows for activities, fun and partial access to the Red Hat Society online community. There is a purple perks membership that is available. When you sign up to receive this type of membership you will qualify for discounts and special benefits.

The Red Hat Society is a wonderful experience for older women. Who says getting older is no fun? Red Hat stop by http://www.marylusuniquegiftsonline.com/index.html to see a wide variety of Red Hat merchandise. Be sure to sign up for and sale notifications. ]]> Try This Untapped Investment http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:04 +0000 stock market investmentsmaintenance investmenttraditional investmentstraightforwardprofitspopularparcel of land http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment traditional investment, as pension funds face shortfalls and interest rates remain low.

For many, it is the lure of property, both domestic and foreign that attracts the attention and the investment. Properties as second homes, rental vehicles or investments are very , but purchase can be complicated and maintenance costs are high. Land, on the other hand, is an untapped investment that could make some fantastic .

Why land?

Land is becoming an increasingly popular investment, particularly in places like the UK, where housing shortages are a growing problem and land consequently rises in value. The benefits of buying land include:

Return -- the rates of return on land, whilst not guaranteed, are often better than returns on any other type of investment, including and property.

Simplicity -- the purchase of a is a straightforward legal transaction that can be completed within 28 days. Selling your land on is equally as easy.

Management -- you don't have to be checking share prices every day or spending your profits on maintaining a property, or dealing with tenants. Instead, you buy your land and then leave it until development plans are agreed, or you simply want to sell it on. It is a simple, low .

Locality -- no matter where you live, there is probably some land available for purchase. You can visit the site, talk to the company that owns the land currently and look into the likelihood of planning permission being granted. You can have a direct involvement with your investment.

If you have money that you want to invest, but you're not convinced by the level of return on traditional investment vehicles, then think seriously about buying land. Even a small investor can access this market now, through land banking, where a single company buys an expensive piece of land and then sells smaller parcels on to private investors. Talk to a land agent to see how you can get started. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> Hats Off To You!! http://www.artwoo.com/article/hats-off-to-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/hats-off-to-you#comments Mon, 05 Feb 2007 18:27:13 +0000 red hat societyolder womensociety functionsyounger womentea partieswonderful groupraising money http://www.artwoo.com/article/hats-off-to-you wonderful group to be part of look no further. Of course there is an age restriction but if you are over 50, the may be just what you are looking for.

This time the age restriction works in the favor of . So many groups cater to but this is a group that applauds and celebrates those of us who are 50 or older.

The Red Hat as an organization that brings older women together. There are all kinds of things that members of this group can do and it is up to each chapter to organize and plan their activities.

Everyone is welcome in the Red Hat Society, backgrounds do not matter. A red had is needed and the flashier and more luxurious, the better. There are also many other accessories and pieces of clothing that members may choose to wear.

The Red Hat Society has been around since 1998 and the reason it was started was to build community and friendships among women who are 50 years of age or older. This is a group that is not about social issues or . The members of the Red Hat Society are not on a mission to save the world. While it is a type of club for older women it is not like a sorority in any other way.

There are now thousands of chapters and at least one million members. tend to be part of almost every chapter but the fun and creativity is only limited by it's members. The members can be as silly as they want and no on frowns on their antics.

Hats off to all the chapters and the members of the Red Hat Societies around the world. What a wonderful way to celebrate women, friendship and fun! For more information on http://www.marylusuniquegiftsonline.com merchandise, please visit our website. ]]> The Horrible Truth: Puppy Mills And Their Brutal Existence http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-horrible-truth-puppy-mills-and-their-brutal-existence http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-horrible-truth-puppy-mills-and-their-brutal-existence#comments Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:15:01 +0000 puppy millspure bred dogsnewborn puppiesbuy puppiespuppy millhuman interactionunkempt http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-horrible-truth-puppy-mills-and-their-brutal-existence http://stoppuppymills.org).

s are a harsh reality of today's dog breeding industry. Certainly, not all puppies that are bought and sold in pet stores originated from a puppy mill; however, it is shocking to hear the truth of these horrific mass dog breeding houses. These dogs are bred and raised with sometimes up to hundreds of other dogs at a time. This is a serious health hazard for these , because their cages are often filthy and . Living conditions such as these practically beg for disease and viruses to enter and grow in the puppies' bodies, wrecking havoc on their health and immune systems. Many puppy mill pets are not neutered or spayed, neither they given the proper vaccinations and preventative medications that are necessary for their health and well-being.

The majority of puppies who are bred in puppy mills are actually sold online or through newspaper advertisements, though some do appear in pet stores nationwide. Many of these puppy mills claim to sell "pure bred" dogs, but this is not always the case. When these dogs are bred in puppy mills, they also lack the necessary and vital and companionship. Dogs are affectionate and companionable animals; when they are denied daily affection and interaction with adults and children, they suffer emotionally and mentally.

So, what can you do to help? The Humane Society recommends refusing to buy products or puppies from pet shops that buy and sell dogs. You never know where those puppies have come from. If people don't in pet shops, there will be a significant loss in demand, that hopefully results in these puppy mills going out of business. Also, when you want to buy a new pet, adoption is a wonderful alternative. You will receive a healthy, happy pet, who has most likely already been housebroken, neutered or spayed, and vaccinated; the best part is, you will not be supporting puppy mills through your personal purchase of a puppy from a pet store.

Of course, there are more active ways you can help. The Humane Society asks people to diligently spread the word about the harsh realities of puppy mills, inform their friends of the Stop Puppy Mills website (listed above) as well as making a monetary donation to the Humane Society. It is easy to make a donation online, and it only takes a few minutes of your time if you feel compelled to give. There is also a page that gives interested people additional ideas for helping them stop puppy mills, such as lobbying for new laws that will aid in the shutting down of these mills. Becoming active in a cause such as halting puppy mill production is a rewarding and satisfying experience. Consider helping the Humane Society in their fight against puppy mills. http://www.dog-bed.org http://www.lveproductions.com ]]> Finding Your Way Through The Mortgage Maze http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-your-way-through-the-mortgage-maze http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-your-way-through-the-mortgage-maze#comments Wed, 27 Dec 2006 10:27:24 +0000 mortgage lendersmortgage companiesfirst time buyerfirst time buyersnew businessmortgagesnationwide building society http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-your-way-through-the-mortgage-maze mortgages on offer from around 130 lenders you could be forgiven for giving up and just accepting the first offer you get.

But it pays to research when taking out a mortgage and that basic advice applies whether you are a first-time buyer starting out on the property ladder or whether you already have a mortgage and are looking for a new deal.

On a £100,000 mortgage you can save up to £1,300 a year by picking the best-value mortgage compared with the most expensive. That's a handy £108 a month in your pocket.

However it's not the case that all deals are open to all customers.

has recently ended its long-standing policy of offering the same deals to all customers. Previously it didn't matter whether you were a first-time buyer, an existing customer looking for a lower rate or someone looking to move your mortgage to Nationwide. So what does this mean for you?

All customers are not the same so all deals are not the same

will offer you different deals depending on what sort of customer you are. The basic rule is that they like as that is the way they build up their customer base.

So if you are a first-time buyer you will qualify for better deals. Nationwide, for instance, offers deals worth around 0.1 per cent cheaper to new customers than it does to existing customers. That might not sound like a lot but on a £100,000 loan it can be worth around £100 a year.

Many lenders offer better special deals to first-time buyers and similar deals are on offer to people moving their mortgages from another lender.

Surely loyalty pays though

Staying with the same lender for the term of your mortgage - and that can be as long as 25 or even 40 years - ought to make you popular with your company. Well up to a point.

always want new business so they offer deals to people remortgaging to them from another lender. That means they've taken business off a rival so they're willing to offer slightly better deals. Again the difference can be around 0.1 per cent or even 0.25 per cent.

If you are coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal then it can make sense to switch to another lender. They'll offer you a better deal than they're offering their existing customers and will welcome you with open arms.

Should I stay or should I go?

Whilst lenders offer different deals to existing customers than they do to new customers, that does not mean they won't be willing to offer a deal to you if you are planning to change to another firm.

You should always talk to your existing lender if you are planning to move mortgage. They may not make you an acceptable offer but it does not hurt to ask as you could be surprised how much they want to keep your business.

Bear in mind that there may be costs involved in moving your mortgage from one firm to another.

Companies will sometimes charge application fees which on average are around £634. You may also get stung from your existing lender in the form of an exit fee for leaving them and going elsewhere. Exit fees can be as much as £202 among the main lenders.

Some mortgages - particularly fixed-rate and discount deals - lock you in once the term of the deal ends. Check the terms of your existing deal for any redemption penalties and whether you can move without any penalty at the end of term. Redemption penalties are generally a percentage of the amount borrowed so it you have a £100,000 loan and have to pay a one per cent fee you will be charged £1,000.

Even if you only have to pay an application fee and an exit fee any savings you make by moving to a lower rate may be wiped out. If you are saving £100 a month on your mortgage it does not make sense to spend heavily on fees. Before you make the move calculate how much you will save and take into account any fees.

Remortgaging makes sense

Cutting down your monthly payments and keeping them as low as possible is the best approach to managing your mortgage. You wouldn't throw away money in any other part of your life so don't do it with your mortgage.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, an existing customer or someone looking to move mortgage from another lender you should always keep an eye out for better deals. That means reviewing how much you are paying every year and it should mean keeping an eye on the rates being charged.

Lenders are keen to take remortgaging customers and make it easy to switch. Some even have special departments set up to handle remortgages.

Remortgaging should take no longer than a month whether you are moving from one lender to another or simply moving to a better deal with your existing lender. Always ask for a timetable at the start of the process so you know what should happen when.

And if you are on a deal with a specific term put a date in your diary to start searching for a new mortgage at least three months before the end of the deal. That will mean you are well-prepared.

What Next

If your mortgage offer period in due or you have not changed your mortgage in a while use our best buy tables to find the best mortgage for your circumstances. Go to: http://www.moneyexpert.com/Compare-Mortgages.aspx

If you would like a to speak to a qualified Mortgage Adviser please fill out our quick online form and we can arrange for a Mortgage adviser to call you and provide you advice in this area. Go to the online form now: http://www.moneyexpert.com/Mortgages/Enquiry.aspx MoneyExpert - http://www.moneyexpert.com/Compare-Mortgages.aspx Compare Mortgages, Fixed Rate Mortgages, Variable Rate Mortgages ]]> Your Access To Free Credit Reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:27:08 +0000 free credit reportannual credit reportcredit reporting companiesfree credit reportscredit report requesttransunionexperian http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports Experian, and -- to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

That's right; you are entitled to receive one every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer . In addition to consumers who are eligible for a free credit report through the Request Service; consumers in some states are eligible for a free credit report under state law. The following states have laws that make available to consumers: Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont.

Commonly called a credit report, what a credit report is really is a credit file disclosure. A credit file disclosure includes a record of anyone who has received a consumer report about you within a certain period of time. These are often referred to as "Inquiries". The credit file disclosure includes certain information that is not included in a consumer report about you to a third party, such as the inquiries of companies for pre-approved offers of credit card companies, or medical account information.

A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

You are also entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, like denying your application for credit, employment or Insurance. You have up to 60 days to request your report after a decline. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you're on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of identity theft.

For more information, see Your Access to Free Credit Reports at http://ftc.gov/credit Ben Cortese is a developer and business analyst for the financial industry and enjoys developing and supporting independent websites http://www.best-rate-cards.com Apply for credit at best-rate-cards.com Copyright 2007. Article can be reprinted only if unchanged. ]]> Jurisdictional Power Of The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) Part 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:20:02 +0000 corrupt organizations actracketeer influenced and corrupt organizations actracketeer influenced and corrupt organizationsdue process clausepersonal jurisdictionstate defendantsnationwide service http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1 Corrupt Organizations Act's (RICO) jurisdictional power over out-of-. Courts have split on which subsection of 18 U.S.C. Section 1965 to invoke. Depending on which subsection a court chooses, certain restrictions and liberties arise that may run afoul to the . This is Part I of a two part series.

With the venue provision of the Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. Section 1965, Congress intended to provide an avenue for trying all alleged participants of a conspiracy in one forum - of process. Whether and how the statute accomplishes this goal is, of course, the subject of much litigation and confusion. The Supreme Court has never definitively interpreted this section of the statute, leaving the lower courts in a state of disarray.

The key question is which clause of Section 1965 allows for nationwide service of process. Though it might seem academic - what difference does it make which section spells out the rule so long as the statute allows nationwide service of process? - the question is vitally important to determining over RICO defendants: read one way, the grant of nationwide service of process also confers nationwide personal jurisdiction, while the other reading places limits on the court's exercise of personal jurisdiction over non-resident RICO defendants. The competing readings also create a split as to whether a defendant served via nationwide process must still have minimum contacts with the forum or if only contacts with the United States as a whole are required.

In an attempt to sort through the issue, this article addresses the following questions: (1) does Section 1965 provide for nationwide service of process, and, if so, which section of the statute authorizes it? (2) If nationwide service of process is permitted, are there any limits placed on it? (3) Assuming nationwide service of process is allowed, does the statute automatically confer personal jurisdiction through minimum contacts with the United States, or must defendants still have minimum contacts with the forum?

Which Part of the Statute Governs?

Courts generally agree that the RICO statute authorizes nationwide service of process in some fashion. Some courts rely on Section 1965 (d) to support that decision, while the others have ruled that subsection (b) authorizes nationwide service. The statute reads as follows:

(a) Any civil action or proceeding under this chapter against any person may be instituted in the district court of the United States for any district in which such person resides, is found, has an agent, or transacts his affairs.

(b) In any action under section 1964 of this chapter in any district court of the United States in which it is shown that the ends of justice require that other parties residing in any other district be brought before the court, the court may cause such parties to be summoned, and process for that purpose may be served in any judicial district of the United States by the marshal thereof.

(c) In any civil or criminal action or proceeding instituted by the United States under this chapter in the district court of the United States for any judicial district, subpoenas issued by such court to compel the attendance of witnesses may be served in any other judicial district, except that in any civil action or proceeding no such subpoena shall be issued for service upon any individual who resides in another district at a place more than one hundred miles from the place at which such court is held without approval given by a judge of such court upon a showing of good cause.

(d) All other process in any action or proceeding under this chapter may be served on any person in any judicial district in which such person resides, is found, has an agent, or transacts his affairs.

The majority of courts have ruled that subsection (b) is the basis for nationwide service of process, while subsection (d) is a venue provision. The Second Circuit, in PT United Can Co., was the first court to do a close reading of the statute and to interpret each of the four subsections in relation to the others. When read "sequentially," the court held, the statute "gives coherent effect to all sections of Section 1965, and effectively provides for all eventualities without rendering any of the sections duplicative, without impeding RICO actions and without unnecessarily burdening parties." The Second Circuit interpreted - and the majority of courts have since agreed - the meaning of the sections as follows:

(a) Section1965(a) sets venue so that "a civil RICO action can only be brought where personal jurisdiction based on minimum contacts is established as to at least one defendant."

(b) for other parties not residing in the district, Section 1965(b) provides for nationwide service and jurisdiction, subject to a showing that "the ends of justice" so require.

(c) subsection (c) governs service of subpoenas on witnesses.

(d) Since (a) and (b) relate to serving a summons on a defendant and (c) concerns subpoena of a witness, the reference in subsection (d) to all "other process" means everything that is neither a summons of a defendant nor a subpoena of a witness.

A recent Tenth Circuit decision, Cory v. Aztec Steel Building, Inc., noted that not only did this reading make sense, but it also was consistent with congressional intent:

In its report on the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, which gave birth to RICO, the House Judiciary Committee declared that "[s]ubsection (b) provides nationwide service of process ... in actions under section 1964" ... and that "[s]ubsection (d) provides ... all other process in actions under the [entire RICO] chapter."

This "sequential" reading shows that subsection (d) means something other than that already stated in the previous sections.

The subsection (d) theory, on the other hand, is the minority position, supported only by the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits. Neither court offered much analysis to explain this position, but a number of district courts have since clarified: they reason that subsection (b) "is implicated only when venue is proper as to at least one defendant but challenged as improper by another." For all others - any defendants who do not challenge venue - subsection (d) would provide the basis for personal jurisdiction through nationwide service of process.

One of the few commentators to have addressed the issue, and who supports the (d) reading, explains it like this:

(a) the first subsection does not authorize process, but expands venue from rule 4's provisions;

(b) subsection (b) grants national service of process if at least one defendant is within the court's jurisdiction and "ends of justice" allow it;

(c) subsection (c) authorizes subpoenas over witnesses; and

(d) finally, subsection (d) authorizes service of process on defendants generally; "all other process" means service of process on defendants where no other defendant is properly within the court's jurisdiction, but process can only be served in a judicial district where venue could have been appropriate under subsection (a).

Subsection (d) in this reading can only authorize nationwide service of process because proponents believe a RICO action may be brought in a district where no defendant has minimum contacts with the forum. This leaves virtually no limits on service of process.

Limitations on Nationwide Service of Process Under Section 1965(b)

Where subsection (b) is the statutory basis for the exercise of personal jurisdiction, as opposed to subsection (d), there are limitations on the exercise of personal jurisdiction. First, personal jurisdiction over at least one RICO defendant must be established via a typical minimum contacts analysis. Unlike the subsection (d) school, this branch reads subsection (a) and (b) together to limit filing a RICO action to a jurisdiction where at least one defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction. Even once the court has jurisdiction over that initial defendant, nationwide service of process and personal jurisdiction over the others may only be exercised where the ends of justice require. "[M]erely naming person in a RICO complaint does not, in itself, make them subject to section 1965(b)'s nationwide service provisions."

Congress did not define "ends of justice," leaving the courts to determine the contours of this limitation on nationwide service of process. The prevailing test for "ends of justice" has been whether all the defendants are amenable to suit in another forum; if so, the "ends of justice" do not require exercising personal jurisdiction over all the defendants. There is general agreement that it is the plaintiff's burden to show the ends of justice require the exercise of personal jurisdiction. Mr. Taillieu is a partner in the litigation department of Zuber and Taillieu LLP (http://www.zuberlaw.com). He earned his J.D. with highest honors from George Washington University School of Law, where he graduated #1 in the day class and was Managing Editor of the Law Review. ]]> Make Profit From Land Investment http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:06 +0000 make moneyhousing shortagenew homeslifestyleshoppingland investmentsuburban land http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment
is no different from any other savings vehicle. Many people have seen excellent returns on their investment, and land prices in key areas continue to increase; particularly where the need for housing is greatest and land for development is at a premium.

So, can you from land? Here's why land could be a good investment for you:

-- in the UK, there is still a housing shortage with, on average, only half the needed being built each year. As demand continues to exceed supply in this area, developers will seek new sites and the planning authorities may grant permission on a wider range of sites in order to re-balance the housing scales. This creates a great opportunity for those who wish to invest in land.

Property prices -- of the new homes being built, fewer of them are falling into the "affordable" price bracket. This means that developers are realising higher profits for their projects and can afford to make higher bids for land for future development.

-- although rural and will also rise in value, there is still money to be made in central land locations. Where urban land can be regenerated, it is often turned into multi-function developments; apartments with , eating and recreational activities all within the same site. There is a huge appeal to this type of lifestyle and these developments are still profitable.

Economy -- land doesn't have to be earmarked for residential development in order to make a profit. Out-of-town shopping centres, business parks and leisure complexes are still big business and whilst spending is high and these developments increase job opportunities in the area, they are also likely to make money for the landowners.

As always, profits can't be guaranteed. If you buy land that's denied planning permission, you're unlikely to make the returns that are possible when planning is approved, and that's a risk you must assess before you commit your money. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> Diet Plans For Gaining Weight Need to be Carefully Monitored http://www.artwoo.com/article/diet-plans-for-gaining-weight-need-to-be-carefully-monitored http://www.artwoo.com/article/diet-plans-for-gaining-weight-need-to-be-carefully-monitored#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:50:29 +0000 deep fried foodweight obsessionbest way to gain weightweight exercisefood consumptionresistance trainingtrying to gain weight http://www.artwoo.com/article/diet-plans-for-gaining-weight-need-to-be-carefully-monitored struggling to lose weight, but there are also some people struggling to gain weight who often get overlooked. These are people whose metabolisms are too high or have some other reason for low body mass, and have probably spent their whole lives being teased about their low weights and boyish frames. Learning how to gain weight properly is important because just as an anorexic can cause permanent damage to his or her body by losing weight by utilizing improper methods, a person attempting to gain weight can also damage his or her weight, and since their struggles are not so highly publicized, they are more likely to stumble down their plights alone longer than an anorexic will.

There are three key components to a weight building formula, proper muscle building exercises, healthy , and supplements. First of all, the person needs to understand that exercise does not always have to be focused on losing weight, as our society has made it seem due to the . Actually, once reaching a healthy weight, exercise is not at all about weight loss, but more about maintaining healthy muscles. If the sole purpose of exercise was to lose weight, people would be wasting away. Exercise can be beneficial for a person trying to put on weight if they choose to use muscle building exercises such as regular free weight workouts. Performing exercises 3-4 times a week with light cardio (remember your heart is a muscle you want to keep healthy too!) exercise thrown in also should help your body to gain muscle mass and become more defined.

The next thing you have to do is start eating healthy. Although it would seem logical that the is too eat tons of greasy fast food or at home, this is actually very threatening to your body. If you inject your body with a daily greasy diet double the times of what you easily eat, you can actually throw your body into toxic shot from the food content, and it does not take too many months of this diet before you can start to clog up your arteries. You only need an extra 500 calories a day to start gaining weight, so add healthy fats such as fish, flex, and walnuts. Proteins and carbohydrates also are high in nutritional value and can be found in many foods that are good for you.

Finally, the last way you can help yourself gain weight in a healthy manner is to use diet supplements along with bulking up on healthy foods and plenty of muscle building exercises. Amino acids such as creatine and glutamine are great for helping you build muscle in a safe manner. Gaining weight can be just as arduous as losing weight believe it or not, and if you find yourself in the first class, be aware of the pitfalls of trying to do it the wrong way, and instead put in the efforts required to gain weight successfully and healthier.Get FREE tips on Muscle Building Workout, exercises, nutrition, and Tips on How to Gain Weight , and supplements to build muscle naturally at MuscleBuildingEdge.]]> Understanding The Causes Of Obesity In Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-causes-of-obesity-in-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-causes-of-obesity-in-children#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:25:03 +0000 family members strugglecauses of obesity in childrencauses of obesityobesity in childrenbattle of the bulgechildhood obesitylifestyle modification http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-causes-of-obesity-in-children battle of the bulge. As adults we wrestle with our diet and exercise habits in order that we avoid the various diseases associated with obesity. But when that obesity exists in a child, there is a greater responsibility to change lifestyle habits and avoid the possibility of disease at such an early age. But in order to make changes, it is first necessary to understand the in children.

is defined by a more than 25 percent body fat percentage in boys and a more than 32 percent body fat percentage in girls ages 6-11. The causes of are varied and focus mainly on lifestyle and genetics. Obviously if there is a medical reason for uncontrollable weight gain in a child =96 such as an issue with the thyroid - then those factors can be addressed medically. Often, with appropriate medication, the weight can be controlled and brought back within healthy limits. Additionally, genetics can play a large role in the propensity for weight gain. If the child's parents and other with obesity, chances are the child will also have similar tendencies. But genetics only gives us a clue as to what we are up against; controlling weight is still a matter of .

Some of the more common causes of obesity in children include poor diet - including unhealthy choices and portions that are too large - and a sedentary lifestyle that includes too little physical play or exercise. Unfortunately both of these lifestyle issues are a direct result of the modern society in which we live; a society in which children play computer games and watch television rather than play outside; and a society in which convenience foods have replaced natural foods.

Addressing these causes of obesity in children require focusing on these lifestyle issues and making modifications while the child is still young enough to ingrain these new habits into their life. Limiting television and computer play and encouraging sports, exercise, and physical play is the first step. The other step is minimizing processed, high fat foods and instead focusing on whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Additionally, soft drinks and high-sugar fruit juices should immediately be replaced with water or low-fat milk.

Clearly, these are not easy changes to make. If they were then adults would not have their own weight issues with which to contend. But if we are able to proactively face the causes of obesity in children while these children are still young then we can help them make the changes necessary to ensure them a long and healthy life. For easy to understand, in depth information about causes of obesity in children visit our ezGuide 2 http://obesity.ezguide2.com ]]> Babywearing Groups Are Popping Up Nationwide http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide#comments Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:30:01 +0000 babywearingcontactyahoo groupsgooglebabywearermsngood weather http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide Babywearing groups and clubs are popping up nationwide. This babywearing trend that has been the norm in other countries for centuries is just now starting to take the US by storm.

Celebrities being spotted using baby carreirs of all kinds has skyrocketed the practice, sending everyone in search of the perfect carrier. The problem is that once you find that fabulous carrier, how do you use it? Following directions are one thing, but having someone there to show you how to use it, and answer all your questions is another thing entirely.

Luckily we've have tracked down several groups and organizations that are dying to help make wearing baby carriers a positive experience for you. The benefits for both you and your child are so great that these groups want to make it possible.



The .com posted and article by Joanna Sutcliffe giving several tips on how to form, manage, and maintain a babywearing group.

Finding members: Use the internet. It's free and a great way to reach large numbers of people in your area. have several babywearing chats and forums in your local areas. There are other sites that provide similar services - and are just a couple.

Where to meet? Meet up at a member's house. The group getting too large? Try meeting spaces like churches or conference rooms. A great space to reserve is a room in the public library. In try a mall with a play area or a local park.

Keeping it going... Try posting your group on the Libraries bulletin board, or place an ad in the local paper.

NINO is an online babywearing community that posts local group information. NINO believes the baby is in your womb for nine months, so you should give them nine more in baby carriers to acclimate to the change. There are several groups available nationwide through their website. If you can't find a group in your area, you can form your own and post it on their website!



The internet is a fabulous resource, so use it to get informed of this fabulous new trend. A few more links to get you connected to babywearing groups and learn how to use your baby carriers of any kind are; Mamatoto.org, Rebozoway.org and groups.yahoo/groups/babywearing. Happy Babywearing! Jenna is a proud mother, and the owner of Tweetie Pie Baby. She promotes using baby carriers, attachment parenting techniques and babywearing practices. Visit http://www.tweetiepiebaby.com for a closer look. ]]>