Home Ownership - Is it Worth It?

Renting an apartment or a house works well for young people fresh out of college, just beginning to establish themselves in life.  But there are many disadvantages of renting-and we won't even count the fact that you're throwing your money away!  If you've been out in the work force for a while, it's time to take a look at buying.

People who rent have no tax advantages. When you buy a home, there are many tax credits for which you become eligible. They include a deduction for your mortgage interest, the sales tax when you buy or improve your home, and energy credits. The property taxes you pay to your state and local municipalities are also deductible. These days, the government has created stimulus credits that put money in first-time homeowners' pockets. If you're still renting, you're not taking advantage of any of these.

People who rent never know when the rent will change. Well, actually you do know: You can count on it going up every time your lease renews. With these tough economic times, there are few landlords who can resist cost-of-living increases in rents they charge. If you own a home, as long as you choose a fixed-rate mortgage, your payments will remain pretty stable. They might fluctuate a tiny bit from year to year if tax levies are passed or if your homeowner's insurance goes up. But basically, you're looking at a stable amount.

People who rent never have control over changes in their homes. What if you want to paint the kitchen in a bright, kicky color scheme, but the landlord says stick to white? What if you know you could really improve the logistics of the place by knocking out a wall, or widening a doorway between two rooms? Again, you have no real say over it. Some landlords have been known to fuss over too many pictures being hung on the walls. The truth is, if you're paying to live there, you should feel that you can stamp it with your own personality.

People who rent never build up any equity. This goes beyond the fact that you will just end up with a drawer full of payment coupons while your landlord reaps all the tax advantages of ownership. This also includes any efforts you put into increasing the livability or value of the place. What if you really want a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink? What if you buy some rose bushes to plant in the yard? Maybe the landlord will approve, but you know you won't be taking it with you when you leave.

People who rent cannot make decisions about how they live. There are too many rules! No pets. No overnight guests. Your kids must be quiet. No pool. Only one car, park it in the driveway, and guess what-you never get to use the garage. And you can be assured that however you do live will be discussed by your landlord with every neighbor he knows on the street.

The truth is that none of these reasons bothers young people who are just leaving the nest.  They couldn't care less about equity or home improvements or tax advantages.  What does it mean if you are becoming concerned with these issues?  It means you have reached a level of maturity and commitment, or a level of financial security, so that you are ready to take the step toward home ownership.

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Gillian McDonald Producing Beautiful Landscapes in Watercolour

Having been born in Scotland and later married there I have a real love of the Scottish countryside. The saying Absence makes the heart grow fonder is a saying I fully relate to and it wasn't until the other day that I was looking round our local gallery that I saw the work of Gillian McDonald an artist that is truly gifted in capturing the feel of beautiful countryside.

Her Watercolour pictures are amazing capturing the wildness of the landscape but nestle in buildings that have a security and solitude which gives the feel of untouched places. Gillian McDonald studied at the London college of art but developed her love for the medium of water colour in Indonesia. She is known for her brilliant use of colour which really pulls out the feel of the subject she is trying to portray.

It was lovely to see the stunning crags of Ben More in the background with homesteads nestled in the warm and undulating landscape spread out before it. I love the fact that in Gillian McDonalds pictures you often find detail in a flower or blade of grass that ties In so well with other areas of the picture. I understand that Gillian McDonald herself is a keen gardener and walker, often roaming different areas of the country looking for her next piece to paint.

I believe Gillian McDonald now resides in Wales where she produces her work concentrating on her water colours and producing pieces that are loved the world over.

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When Should I Have A Colonoscopy?

For most people the thought of a colonoscopy conjures up feelings of dread and disgust. The thought of having such an invasive test in such a private area of our body is not very pleasant. A colonoscopy is a medical test that looks inside your colon. The colon is the name for your lower intestine or large intestine. Colonoscopy is done using a colonoscope, which is a flexible, fiber-optic camera.

There are several reasons why your doctor may want to perform a colonoscopy. The most common use of the colonoscopy is screening for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Cancer in the colon usually begins in small masses of cells called polyps.

When the polyps are small and in their beginning stages, there are usually no symptoms that you can detect. But over a period of five to 10 years, these polyps can develop into a cancerous growth. Most people over the age of 50 should have a colonoscopy every five years, regardless of whether they have symptoms are not. By performing a colonoscopy, your doctor can locate and remove any polyps that are growing in your large intestine.

Colonoscopies are useful in finding other diseases of the colon as well. If you've noticed any rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, the doctor can use the colonoscopy to determine the cause of the bleeding as well as its precise location. A colonoscope is often equipped with a small laser that can be used to repair any site that is bleeding.

Your doctor may also recommend the colonoscopy if you report other colon-related symptoms, like a change in your bowel movement habits or weight loss that can't be explained by your diet. Essentially, you should have a colonoscopy if you or your doctor suspect that any disease, inflammation or abnormality exists in your colon. In most cases, the colonoscopy will be able to find any abnormalities in your colon or determine that no abnormalities are present.

Are there any risks to having a colonoscopy? Any medical procedure has some risk, and the colonoscopy is no exception. During the test, air will be used to inflate your colon to allow better visibility by the doctor. The are can cause cramps and swelling of your abdomen. But once the test is over and the air escapes, pain and swelling should subside. If your doctor does discover a polyp during the course of the colonoscopy, he may remove a small sample for a biopsy. This tissue removal could cause you to have a small amount of blood in your stool shortly after the test.

Although the chances are very small, there is the possibility that the colonoscopy could cause injury to your intestinal wall. Finally, one of the risks of a colonoscopy is that there's no guarantee it will find a problem, even if one exists.

There is no doubt that you will probably experience some discomfort during the colonoscopy. The degree of your discomfort depends to some extent on the experience and skill of the colonoscope operator. The higher your level of anxiety, the more difficult it may be to perform the colonoscopy. To make sure that you're as calm as possible, your doctor will probably offer you some sedatives which will keep you relaxed, but not asleep. The colonoscopy will be performed with you lying on your left side. In order to obtain maximum visibility, the operator may ask you to shift from time to time.

Even though the colonoscopy may seem quite uncomfortable, it's an important procedure that you should have. This is especially to rue if you have greater risk factors for colon cancer. The key to avoiding the dangers of colon cancer is early detection. A regularly scheduled colonoscopy could truly be the difference between life and death.

As part of the preparation for colonoscopy, your intestines should be completely emptied. Your doctor will probably prescribe some sort of liquid diet, laxatives or enemas. However, these methods are a harsh and uncomfortable way to accomplish complete colon cleansing. You may wish to ask your doctor if the use of a natural colon cleanse or colonic is allowed. Even if you need to continue with prescribed medications, a regular colon cleanse in the weeks and months prior to your colonoscopy should make your preparation easier.

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Older Women and Mid Life Belly Fat Hormones Therapy

Many women desire to have a flat belly and a slim waist line even at older ages. You may have noticed that the older they become the more unrealistic their dreams of fast easy weight loss become. Have you ever wonder why? Actually this is a naturally occurring process accruing physically by every human on the planet. Its caused by a changes in hormones and the older we become the more we are effected.

Men also have the same issues beginning at the age of twenty four men start losing testosterone levels and women's hormonal levels really become effected in there late 30s to mid 40s. Women reach menopause typically in there early to mid 50s and you will note a major shift in the menopausal body and how it stores fat and how you have difficulties losing this fat.

This is because as woman get older there metabolism decreases thereby making it difficult for them to get in shape. Notwithstanding how difficult getting in shape is for younger people but for menopausal women it is even more difficulty. However it is important for women of all ages to realize just because you are menopausal does not mean you should not continue to strive for a tone healthy body.

Bellow are a few helping tips to losing belly fat for the older women and you should also be looking for products that can help you regain your hormonal balance or increase your metabolic rate.

You should not be skipping meals; you should actually be eating five to six small meals per day to maintain a fast paced metabolic rate. You may want to also consider dietary supplements that can help you with appetite suppression and stimulate your metabolism and lastly help you grow or maintain muscle tissue. Biggest issue for older women and men is muscle loss and bone density decreases, both can be easily overcome with the appropriate exercise, diet and supplements.

You need to plan your diet in most cases because older generations are accustomed to eating two or three meals per day. Now we know eating six meal per day diet is the correct way of dieting,so planning will be required and necessary to achieve the best possible results. At this point you need to realize that you have to adjust your eating habits. A good way to begin this transformation is by using easy to follow diet plans that will help you can be found for free all over the Internet.

The kind of you foods you consume on a daily basis will determine how quick or how slowly you achieve your desired weight. Remember that belly fat also releases hormones and you will need something to help you attack or render the fat releasing homes helpless.

Using a products called fat burners will greatly increase your ability to burn off fat even wile being menopausal. Using this products will result in losing belly fat and other problem areas much easier and faster than without. Simply put your belly is what you eat. You need to eat healthy natural foods with as little saturated fat and processed calories as you possibly can.

On the other hand you need to be eating foods like vegetables, fruits, fiber rich foods, protein, little hole grans and complex carbohydrates. Getting a little help from fat burners along with some exercise and you will soon have a much slimmer waist line. You will feel and look much better inside and out.

If you are currently eating foods high in fat and processed calories, processed and prepackaged food, heavy processed white carbohydrates and not exercising you are on the road to poor healthy, most likely you have a puffy or fat and unhealthy belly as well. You might also have many other pending health issues that can be life threatening or at the very minimum will shorten your stay on this earth.

Take a bold step now by having control over what goes into your body, being by loosing your belly fat quickly, safely and by eating properly,getting adequate exercises and drinking lots of water is the best course of action. Having an exercise plan is another important step you must take to loose belly fat. Every healthy weight loss program will and normally does involve exercise.

Belly fat is what really affects our internal organs, think about your organs surrounded in fat, it's not a healthy though it is? Your exercise should be focused on strength training, swimming or walking that will assist you in burning fat even when you are asleep and will also help with bone density. Cardiovascular exercise should also be incorporated in your to help you maintain your heart rate and as well keep your metabolism going. If you need a little help getting started its always a good idea to look for something like fat burners to help you.

Finally you know there is no substitute for water is not just the essence of life but also a body cleanser, endeavor to drink clean water regularly. Wine should be taking sparingly; green tea is preferred to coffee. Seek help if you need it for some fat burners that will help you achieve quicker result. Though loosing belly fat for the older women seems to be difficult, it is still very possible but requires the right attitude, food consumption, regular exercise, hormonal adjustment and adequate water intake.

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Memoir Writing Help, Memoir Writing Ideas

You might not need any memoir writing help, per se, as you
know your past and you know quite well how to write, thank
you. You might instead just need someone to inspire you,
motivate you, give you a nudge--with some memoir writing
ideas.

Here are a few prompts to stimulate your memory and to
encourage your creativity...of which you have plenty to work
with and to share. So do the activities (or at least one),
and share them (or it) with loved ones...or with me if you
wish. I love reading your memoirs and responding.

Prompt: Starting on June 17, 1976, Diego and Susy Goldberg,
of Buenos Ares, Argentina, photographed head shots of each
member of the family...one day every year. Of course, they
started as a family of two--Diego and Susy--and have over
the years created a photo essay that captures their physical
growth (and more) over time.

Visit the website and study the photo essay, "Time"(at
http://www.zonezero.com/ magazine/essays/diegotime/time.html).

In words instead of photos, choose one day of your family's
life (starting with your parents or guardians and adding you
as a child) and describe what you each look like. Do this
for one day every year for as many years as you can.

Prompt:

All art is a response to something--other art, an event in
our culture, a moment in history. Look at the photos (on
roxannewrites.com or anywhere on the web, and write a page
or two of your immediate associations with that picture.

For example, look at the photo of the old 50's drive-in.
What is the first memory that comes up for you? Who was
involved? Who was absent and why? What sounds do you
recall as predominant that day? What smells were there?
What colors do you recall? How did you feel on that day?

Prompt:

At the bottom of the page of my site are two pictures. One
is clearly related to the movie theatre, as it features a
crowd of men and women (of the 40's?) standing outside The
Dixie Theatre, all facing the camera; and the other has to
do with the stage (and movies...later), as it is an artistic
rendering of Othello pulling back the bedchamber curtains
and peering in at a sleeping Desdemona. Decide what one
play or movie influenced you the earliest.

What was the name of the play or film? When did you first
see it? What impact did it have on you? For instance, if
you and your family were poor and you only saw one movie
when you were a kid, maybe you grew up to love movies or
work in the movie industry.

Maybe, instead, you saw a play every year with your since
deceased uncle, and were inspired to go into theatre or to
study literature. Write whatever you want about one movie
or play, and then email me with the draft(s) for a response
and more encouragement if you wish.

Finished with these prompts? There are more lessons in
Memoir Writing for Our Elders.

Note: The black and white photo below may remind you of
something other than your first movie experience. Go for
that draft, too!

And stop in every month for new prompts and/or a response to
your creative memoir writing if you'd like. I know I'd love
it if you did.

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Why the Cast Iron Bench Ends Are Ideal For Your Use

There are a lot of ways to have a product other than purchasing one. An alternative would be to make the product yourself. It would seem unbelievable because of the hard work and effort it entails, but some people actually like making their things. Either that or they just like having an inexpensive alternative.

Benches are one of the many things that can easily be done at home. It requires materials and tools that are easy to acquire and easy to find. And tutorials can be found online for step-by-step, easy-to-make procedures. However, this would only apply to wooden benches. How would you make your own cast iron bench?

The bench ends provide that possibility. Bench ends are the sides of benches that are sold as a pair. If you have any plans of making your own bench, then purchase cast iron bench ends and you can make the body of the bench. You can use any material, but most preferably, use wood.

The following are some of the advantages.

Diversity of designs

The malleability of cast irons allows it to be soldered and molded into almost any design. The bench ends have a number of designs that are attractive, authentic and unique. Whether the buyer is into contemporary or modern designs, traditional designs or unconventional designs, the bench ends have it all.

The material used

Cast iron is very durable and it can withstand harsh conditions. Be it rain, snow, hail, the sun or the mist, cast iron can easily weather that. Products made of this material can last a number of years and if given proper care, it could last a lifetime. Cast iron usually refers to grey iron, and has a low melting point and good fluidity. It has excellent resistance to deformation, and wear resistance. These make it an ideal material to be used in benches.

They can be found anywhere. They can be found at malls, at the local thrift shops along your street and almost all furniture stores. If you have any problems locating it, your local furniture dealer can help you with that. If that still doesn't work out for you, the internet is always an available and reliable resource. There are many online stores that offer a wide variety of the bench ends, and you could choose from that selection.

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Tony Honoree Audra McDonald Continually Surprises

Vocalist Audra McDonald has always been adventurous. The recipient of more than 20 major honors, including three Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, two for Best Featured Actress in a Play and two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, she surprises at every turn.

Like her frequent colleague, Dawn Upshaw, she champions new composers. Her touch of fairy dust launches them instantly. Among those whose songs now have a firm place in her repertoire are Adam Guettel, Gabriel Kahane, Michael John LaChiusa and Jason Robert Brown.

Even before she graduated from Juilliard in 1993, she was on tour in "Secret Garden"; within a year, she was on Broadway as Carrie Pipperidge in "Carousel." Befitting the impact of that debut performance, she won her first Tony Award, a Theatre World Award and a Drama Desk Award. Her next Tony for Sarah in "Ragtime" was followed by one for "Marie Christine," LaChiusa's musical based on the Greek legend of Medea set in the Gay Nineties.

As a recording artist, McDonald appears on ten cast recordings and is featured on sixteen others ranging from a guest appearance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." Her four solo albums are a brilliant array of popular numbers from old and new composers. In "Build a Bridge," the most recent, she journeys where least expected with bows to Kermit the Frog, Rufus Wainwright and Elvis Costello.

Eager to conquer new vistas, McDonald alternated musicals with serious drama and took home her first Tony for Best Featured Actress as Sharon in "Master Class." She repeated that feat with "A Raisin in the Sun." Her dramatic persona continued to thrive in the Lincoln Center production of Shakespeare's "Henry IV" and on television. Until earlier this year, she played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC-TV's "Private Practice." Her arduous schedule got in the way, and no wonder.

Along with a solo performance at Carnegie Hall, she has been weaving concerts between the American Repertory Theater production of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" that just received the green light for Broadway. Although she has appeared in several operas, among them Kurt Weill's "The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany" for L.A. Opera and two solo one-act operas at Houston Grand Opera, the new "Porgy and Bess" may herald her future focus.

Her favorite aspect of this contemporary version is the fact that it goes back to DuBose Heyward's book. He researched newspaper articles about Charleston during that period and drew Porgy from the story of a beggar around the town. This and other touches added from his original book enhance the characters.

"This Bess is different because it's me, a filter of my own soul," McDonald said. "I'm trying to understand her life as an addict and what someone goes through to defeat addiction."

She likes the the new presentation of Porgy because it forces his handicap. In other productions, he was on his knees, but now he struggles to move and fight for independence. His handicap is something Bess doesn't handle at first, but in the end, she drags or carries Porgy to the safe house.

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