As thousands of people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and prepare for 2 new tropical storms in the Atlantic and Hurricane Katia, National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of being ready for emergencies and steps to take to be prepared.

Disasters can strike at any time -- from earthquakes to hurricanes to terrorist attacks like those that occurred on 9/11 ten years ago. No one can predict when they will happen. This year, National Preparedness Month provides our nation with the opportunity to both remember the victims and honor those who responded, and to make a renewed commitment to being better prepared for the future.

The three key steps to preparedness are: Build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.

An emergency preparedness kit should include enough supplies for at least three days. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and where everyone should meet if they can't go home. People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live and how local authorities will contact them in a disaster. Every household should have someone take First Aid and CPR/AED training to be able to respond to health emergencies at home in case advanced medical help is delayed.

A recent Red Cross survey showed that more and more people are using online news sites and social media platforms in an emergency to gather information and let their loved ones know they are safe. The Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Ad Council and Google Crisis Response recently launched a new preparedness web resource, Get Tech Ready, which teaches people how to use technology to prepare, adapt and recover from emergencies or disasters.

“During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder app or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are okay, ” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. “People now have more resources at their fingertips to use before, during and after emergencies.”

Get Tech Ready teaches people how to send updates via text and internet from their mobile phone; how to store important documents in the cloud or on a flash or jump drive and how to create an emergency information document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the ReadyFamilyEmergencyPlan.

Studies show that up to 40 percent of businesses fail following a natural or man-made disaster. The Red Cross Ready Rating™ Program is a free, self-paced, web-based membership program that helps businesses and schools measure how ready they are to deal with emergencies, and gives customized feedback on how they can improve their efforts.

No one can predict where or when the next large disaster will strike, but preparedness steps taken today can save lives and livelihoods tomorrow.

The shaky economy and sickly housing market have prompted some parents to engage in risky financial behavior: raiding their retirement savings to pay their children's college tuition.

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Brentwood, TN -- The dryer vent cleaning Brentwood TN Wizard warns area residents that over 17,000 dryer fires occur each year. Failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of these easily preventable disasters.

Dryer Vent Wizard is the nation's largest chain of dryer vent cleaning services that also works to educate their customers by pointing out potential venting problems and fire hazards. Service technicians make sure their customer understands the importance of a properly maintained system that meets manufacturers' safety codes.

Everyone, it seems, is eager for 3-D. It's a fad that's had its heyday more than once in pop culture, but this time all signs point to 3-D finding staying power in American theaters and homes. If you have any doubt that 3-D is hot, consider the fact that more than 100 movies - from children's animated films to big-budget sci-fi offerings - were released in 3-D in theaters and on DVD in 2009 and 2010. And weigh the fact that nearly every major TV-maker has at least one 3-D set on the market.

In fact, manufacturers are banking that Americans will embrace 3-D in their home viewing experience just as they did flat screens, high definition and Internet access. A 3-D TV may well be the high-tech investment your family opts for in 2011, but before you buy, here are a few things you should know - and consider - about 3-D television:

Cost considerations

As with any new technology, 3-D TVs appeared on the market at higher prices than what you would pay for a comparable quality 2-D high definition set. While you could easily find large flat-screens for $1,000 or less in 2010, most 3-D units sold for upward of $2,000. Prices are coming down, however, and industry watchers predict they'll drop lower this year as the technology improves and manufacturers try to stimulate consumer interest.

Many manufacturers have announced lower prices on their 3-D sets for 2011. "Prices for 3-D TVs will definitely go down this year as our production costs have been dropping with improved technology," says Skott Ahn, LG's chief technology officer, who also predicts that 3-D technology will become mainstream in a few years.

What this means for you, the consumer, is that this year you can probably pick up a quality 3-D TV for about what you would expect to pay for a good 2-D set.

3-D Glasses

Current 3-D TV technology requires viewers to wear a pair of 3-D glasses to enjoy the technology. Most 3-D TVs use active 3-D glasses which contain a power source within the glasses. Expect to pay around $100 to $200 per pair of active 3-D glasses. Some 3-D TV manufacturers are beginning to offer a passive 3-D technology. Passive 3-D glasses do not require a power source to view 3-D content, so they are lighter and cheaper.

Despite some reports that "glasses-free" 3-D TV is set to come soon, most consumer electronic experts agree that the technology is several years away from being available to consumers.

Viewing angle caveats

If you've ever tried to watch a big game or movie on a 2-D LCD or LED TV with a large group of people, you've probably experienced the issue of limited viewing angle options. Because of the technology used to put the image on the screen, LCD and LED TVs don't always offer a good image from every viewing angle. The issue is even more relevant for 3-D TVs, according to Best-3DTVs.com.

That's because 3-D TVs share the same viewing angle issues as some 2-D flat screens, but with the added challenge that 3-D glasses can also block light from the screen, lowering brightness and contrast. If you're also viewing the screen from an angle, all these factors can lead to a "very underwhelming 3-D viewing experience," the website points out.

"Most industry experts argue that 3-D technology actually increases the viewing angle problem," says Jim Wohlford, vice president of Sanus, makers of TV mounts and accessories. "Early 3-D reviews indicate a ghosting effect around objects on the screen when viewed from an angle."

Fortunately, wall-mounting on a full-motion mount, which can resolve viewing angle issues for 2-D flat screens, is a good option for 3-D TVs as well. Products like the VisionMount VLF311 Super Slim Full-Motion Mount allow you to maintain the sleek, low profile look of a flat-screen while still having the ability to move the set to whatever position or angle is best for your viewing needs.

"By placing a TV on a full-motion mount, you can be sure you can always achieve the optimal viewing angle from any seat in the room," Wohlford says. "Full-motion mounts are available to accommodate all sizes of TVs, are easy to install and simple to use. They apply a low-tech, time-honored solution to one of the most common problems of our favorite high-tech toys."

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(ARA) - Trying to lose weight could cost you a lot of money - gym memberships, special diet foods, exercise equipment for your home or even hiring a personal trainer.

But there are ways you can lose weight without spending a lot of money. You will still need dedication, time and a willingness to make changes in your life to achieve your goal. Here are some inexpensive ways to lose weight and stay fit:

* Start a neighborhood walking club. Invite neighbors who have dogs to come along. Or join a local pick-up game of dodgeball, basketball or racquetball. At the most, you'll need the equipment for the game. Set a weekly time for games and a daily time for the walks. Having other people involved will help encourage you to continue moving and exercising.

* Add healthy ingredients that benefit your body to your daily menu. For example, relaxing with a cup of natural tea can help you reduce body fat and increase your metabolism rate. Oolong tea contains rich amino acids and cellulose, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. Green tea leaves contain vitamins C and E and a good amount of fiber. If you prefer black tea, its benefits include help with digestion.

Drinking a cup of tea (without the sugar or cream calories added) after each meal will help you slowly dissolve fat in your body. Premium tea leaves give you the best quality and best taste. Teawan (www.Teawan.com) has both quality tea and teaware products from Taiwan. You can choose tea bags or loose leaf options, depending on your preference.

* Do your own home workout. Grab a full jug of laundry detergent and use it for some lifting. If you're looking for something lighter, fill a plastic bottle with water to use as a weight. Start dancing around your house and in no time you'll break a sweat. This is great for cardiovascular exercise, and enjoyable if you can crank up your favorite tunes.

* Borrow a fitness video from the library and tone your body with the experts. Repeat the video several times and then switch it for a new one from the library. If you have cable or satellite television, tune into some of the fitness channels for different programs. You'll find styles ranging from yoga workouts to belly dancing to step aerobics. Set specific times each week to run through a 30-minute workout.

* Clean the house. Pushing a vacuum at a rapid pace is good exercise. So is scrubbing floors or bathtubs. These activities also are good for toning muscles.

Don't let money keep you from accomplishing your goal of losing weight and getting fit. If one exercise or activity gets boring, switch to another to keep your workout fresh and to target different muscles. And organize a plan with a friend or family member so you can help keep each other on task to accomplishing both of your goals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Will you raise your kids with a particular religion, will you both register with the same political party and how will you arrange reception seating to ensure your new mother-in-law is content with who is at her table and where she will sit? Getting married generates no shortage of opportunities to have important conversations with your spouse-to-be.

Maybe you can postpone or even dodge altogether some of those talks, but at least one potentially challenging conversation can actually help ensure your marital bliss down the road - the talk about finances. Numerous polls and studies have shown that money is one of the top reasons couples fight, that it generates more stress in a marriage than almost any topic other than children and is a deciding factor in a large percentage of breakups.

Making sure you're both on the same financial page before the wedding can help ensure that post "I do" money talks will be less divisive and stressful. And, the good news is that establishing a sound financial footing for the future is not nearly as complicated as you might fear.

The financial experts at SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company offer some advice:

Start with a budget

If you've lived alone as a single for a while, you may already have your own budget, but now you are balancing income and expenses for two people. If you combine your income and expenses, you'll need to combine your budgets too.

Write down everything each of you spends every month, taking into account housing, food, utilities, transportation, student loans, credit card balances, car payments, taxes and nonessential spending. Next, consider what your financial goals are - do you want to save for a down payment on a house? Are you content to rent and instead focus on paying down revolving debt? Once you determine what your shared goals are, you can adjust your budget accordingly, reducing spending on nonessential items and focusing on spending that moves you toward your overall financial goal.

Establish an emergency fund

One reason so many families and couples suffered greatly in this recession was because they had little or no emergency funds set aside. An emergency fund helps ensure that you and your partner are secure should something happen, like one of you loses a job or experiences a serious health issue. Agree on how much you want to save for "a rainy day;" experts advise you should save 5 to 10 percent of your income in a joint savings account.

Pay yourself first by having cash for your emergency fund directly withdrawn from your paycheck or checking account and deposited in your savings account. Aim to accrue three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund.

Life insurance is crucial

If you're young, single, in good health and debt-free, you may not need life insurance. For virtually everyone else, and especially newlyweds who have taken on new responsibilities and often new debt, life insurance is a must, experts agree. Life insurance can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will have sufficient money to take care of themselves should anything happen to you - and it's affordable. To learn how to create a budget, to access a variety of financial tools  or to learn more about life insurance go to www.sbliusa.com. For a free, no-obligation quote go to pg.sbliusa.com/specialoffer/ppc/mat/ or call (866) 331-3078 to speak with an SBLI USA representative. Even better, go to www.sbliusa.com to complete the entire application process - from quoting, to paying - online today.

Make a plan - together

Write down your mutual financial goals. Your plan should be specific and realistic, listing the actual steps you will take to achieve your goals, including buying a home, starting a family, taking vacations and saving for retirement. Decide what additional investments you'll make apart from your regular savings, such as maximizing your 401(k) or IRA contributions.

Be sure to include tracking your expense and income, as well as your tax burden, in your overall plan. Decide what tax filing status will be best for you, and consult a tax advisor if you're not sure.

Reduce debt

Credit card debt is the top obstacle to a secure financial future and a major stressor in a marriage. Knowing your credit scores is essential; check them annually with all three major credit bureaus. Scrutinize your reports and correct any errors that could affect your ability to get a loan at a desirable interest rate in the future.

Money talk doesn't have to be difficult. With a little strategy and the right attitude, you can build the financial security you need to secure a successful, happy life together

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - "Graduates these days may find freelancing either as meat and potatoes or whipped cream for their professional diet," says career services director Mary Kate Robinson at The Art Institute of Houston. Freelancing either provides the sole compensation (meat and potatoes) by working for multiple employers for different projects, or it adds to existing employment compensation (whipped cream).

Some graduates choose to be self employed by using specific skills to pursue work without a long-term commitment to one employer. Why? Freelancers will have many clients bringing challenges, interesting experiences and even perhaps a touch of the unknown.

Sometimes freelance work may not provide a constant stream of income. In order to maintain continuity of revenue, freelancers must take on many roles such as business developer, implementer of design, consultant, networker and marketer to keep the revenue stream coming. The freelancer does not have a large support staff, so most of the roles that must be portrayed involve effective communication. Successful freelancers must constantly be networking/marketing and selling themselves, always in the process of searching for the next project.

Some of the best freelance job opportunities come from professional associations, alumni, teachers, postings from the career services department and just plain recognition/visibility in the community. In essence, freelancers are sharing their skill set by all forms of communication, ranging from verbal and nonverbal presentations, an interactive Web page exhibiting work with satisfied clients available for referral, handing out business cards at a chamber breakfast/lunch or other event, and - probably most importantly - always sharing the passion of their work with everyone.

After freelancers have attracted the initial attention of the potential client, certain areas need to be discussed and covered - generally in a written contract - stating employer expectations, a timeline for completion, materials to be included and compensation - which may either be an hourly rate or project based. Often the freelancer requests a deposit of up to 50 percent and final payment due upon employer approval and completion. Communication is clear and misunderstanding can be avoided with a thorough contract.

Interestingly enough, some freelance jobs have potential to become full-time job offers.

"I did a small project for a company designing a logo," says Tim Spencer, a recent  Graphic Design graduate of The Art Institute of Houston, "which led to a full-time job offer with that company."

That is why, no matter what the size of the job, the freelancer should give 110 percent attention to time, talent and customer service as their next job may quickly come from a successful conclusion of a recent project.

After a designer or consultant builds a reputation, jobs may come more easily by referral, but in today's marketplace even a veteran freelancer has to be visible; freelancers are only as good as their last project. And generally that is what the employer remembers most.

"Make the most out of every opportunity -- whether it be your meat and potatoes or whipped cream -- it may lead to the next job," says Robinson. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The current gloomy economic conditions contain some good news for the small-business sector.

According to a recent survey conducted by Citibank, some small-business owners and managers are finding a silver lining in the current recession, seeing more high-quality candidates available for hire, rising employee retention rates and gains in market share.

As a business owner, how can you take advantage of these small-business opportunities and make them work for your business? Small-business expert Dan Goodgame recently moderated a robust roundtable of small-business owners, who offer these three tips:

1. Take advantage of the talent pool
As a result of the recession, there is larger pool of highly qualified and highly skilled employees available for hire. Many who may not have considered working for a small firm are now more open to the idea. Take time to interview a variety of job candidates on a regular basis, even if you don't have a current opening at the company. This technique can help you fill an opening as soon as it is created with the best possible talent, and avoid some of the costs - typically 50 to 200 percent of the employee's annual salary - normally associated with staff turnover.

2. Retain your best employees
Holding on to your best employees is of course crucial to building your business, and it's going to get harder as the economy starts growing again. First, create a two-way communication system that allows employees, on a regular basis, to give and receive feedback on their performance and the performance of their peers and managers. Second, create an employee recognition and rewards program that extends beyond compensation and bonus. Be creative with the rewards program; provide employees with paid time off to volunteer at their organization of choice. Provide recognition with "surprise" thank you gift certificates to a local cafe or restaurant. The "thank you" does not have to be a big dollar amount - just the recognition can go a long way.

3. Seek feedback from customers as you seek referrals
With marketing budgets pinched, many business owners are taking a fresh look at ways to gain new sales by winning referrals from existing customers. One of the most effective methods is to seek feedback from existing customers on the quality of your products and services, and on your pricing. Tell customers directly that you want to do whatever is necessary so that they will be so pleased that they will recommend your company to their friends and colleagues. Listen to their suggestions on how you can improve. And when you've followed through on their advice, check back with them. If you know of a good prospect, ask your existing customers if they know her, and can introduce you to her and recommend you. One advantage of this approach is that it helps you get the feedback that you need to improve your service, even as it brings in new business.

The small-business sector typically leads the U.S. economy out of recession, and that pattern seems to be holding up in the current downturn. Leveraging tips such as these will be key to surviving the toughest business conditions in more than half a century.

Courtesy of ARAcontent