Find the right housemate

You may need to add to your household or it could be you who is in search of a room. So how do you make sure you find the right housemate who won't drive you insane?

----Adding to your household
You may be in a hurry to find a new housemate, but that's no reason to say 'Yes' to the first person that comes in the door. Many of us feel awkward about asking personal questions or making requests (i.e. no smoking indoors), but if you don't set the rules at the beginning, your new housemate could run riot in what was once your home of tranquillity. On the other hand, if you're a bunch of party animals who survive on baked beans and energy drinks and your new housemate likes to be tucked up in bed by 9.30pm with a mug of hot chocolate, this could be a recipe for disaster.

----The interview stage
Bowled over by your eager housemate-to-be? It may be worth digging that little bit deeper so you can really suss them out. Think about what it is you want from your new housemate. Is it someone to add to your circle of friends who has similar interests, or someone who is simply there to help pay the rent and is happy to live separate lives?

It's not always a good idea to sit them down in front of a large panel for an hour of hard questioning. Instead, try casually asking your questions as you show them around your home or chill out with a cuppa.

Some example questions
How do you want to buy food or household items - through a kitty, or separately?
Do you like to cook for yourself, or share the cooking?
Will you be bringing your partner over to stay, and if so how often?
What music do you like?
Do you have any strange habits? (e.g. walking around naked or hoovering at two in the morning)
Do you plan to have any house parties?
What are you studying?
Do you work strange hours, or work from home?
Are you a heavy drinker and do you take drugs?
Will you be able to keep to a cleaning rota, or do you prefer to muck in when needs be?


----When you're the potential new housemate
It's always a good idea to find out about any rules and regulations before you move in. Does the rent include bills, or will there be any extras like the TV licence?

Make sure you've met all your potential new housemates before you agree to move in. Two of them may be normal, but if you haven't met the guy who's so eco friendly that he doesn't have a bath more than once a month, then you could be in for a shock. You should also watch out for the sexy ones - big crushes and housemates don't always mix well, especially if you're already taken!

If they tell you that you're the 50th person they've seen that week, you may start to worry about why they've been so picky. That's exactly what happened to Suzy, who moved into a house in Manchester after she broke up with her boyfriend. "I was flattered they had finally found someone they liked and everything was fine at first. I was living with a girl and a guy who were mates from university. The girl ended up being a complete control freak who would stress out if I used tap water instead of bottled water in her iron," Suzy recalls.

"The bloke, as nice as he was, worked from home and was in-my-face the minute I got home from work, wanting to speak to someone after a day of solitude, when all I wanted to do was collapse. I only lived there for 10 months. It just goes to show how living with strangers can be a real gamble."

----Making the decision
Even if you're getting on like a house on fire, perhaps you could arrange to meet up again to make a final decision. At the end of the day if they're keen to live with you, they'll understand your apprehension.

Never make any promises at the end of your meeting. Say you have a few more people to see and will let you know by the end of the week. If it's you who's being interviewed, say that you have a few more places to visit. For all you know, the perfect housemates could be just around the corner.

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Renting: your rights

There are plenty of dodgy landlords out there who have no qualms about ripping students off. If you're renting, it pays to know your rights.

The contract
Read the small print carefully, because the act of signing it means that you have understood it and accepted the terms. Do not move into a place without signing a contract first, the document will give you legal protection. Ask for an inventory, and check every item on it as soon as you move in.

The landlord cannot:

--Turn up uninvited and let themself in. Reasonable notice is required;

--Neglect the place you rent'

--Shut down utility supplies like gas, water or electricity;

--Allow other tenants to threaten you;

--Prevent your friends from visiting.

Eviction
The landlord must give you a proper notice period or get a court order if he or she wants you to move out.

Mandatory eviction

You can be asked to leave if:

--The owner of the house wishes to come back and live in the property;

--The owner has gone bankrupt and the house is being repossessed;

--You are more than two months in arrears with your rent;

--You refuse or delay vital maintenance work to the building;

Discretionary eviction

A landlord can ask the court to decide if eviction is necessary if:

--You've broken the terms of your contract, i.e. trashed the place;

--You're always late in paying the rent;

--You lied about yourself to get the place.

Harassment
If the landlord wants you to leave:

--It is illegal for them to use violence or threaten to use violence;

--They cannot offer you money to vacate the premises;

--They are also not allowed to harass you to make you leave e.g. changing the locks, shouting abuse, playing loud music etc.

Your rights as a lodger
When you live in the same accomodation as your landlord, be it private or a B&B, your rights are often greatly reduced. They generally depend upon what you have agreed with your landlord. When living as a lodger you do not need to have a written agreement for the terms of your stay at the property, however it is probably wise to protect you from misunderstandings in the future. This agreement should include:


--How much rent you need to pay and when you should pay it;

--How much notice you will be given if the rent is to be increased;

--How much notive you have to give before moving out;

--What services are provided and which you have to pay for, for example meals and laundry;

--Can you have guests in your room and are their restricitons on how long they can stay?;

--Is your room exclusively yours and can you lock it?;

--Do you have to pay a deposit for the room? Is it returnable on terminating your stay?

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Truth of Foreclosure Homes - Disadvantages of Buying Pre-Foreclosure

Sure you have known the advantages of buying pre-foreclosure, haven't you? Adjustable agreement, up to 40% below market value foreclosure home, adequate time to research on the foreclosure home, lesser down payment, etc. Undeniable, buying pre-foreclosure has many advantages and they are real irresistible. Anyhow, there is always a balance point in everything. It's true that buying pre-foreclosure has a lot of advantages, but there are also disadvantages of buying pre-foreclosure.

Depending on one's needs, only you know which buying foreclosure approach (pre-foreclosure, auction and REO) best suits you.

First and foremost, the very first disadvantage of buying pre-foreclosure is getting contact with the foreclosure homeowners. Why say so? As you have already known, foreclosure homeowners are facing negative events of his life that causing him to fall behind his mortgage payment on that moment. Foreclosure homeowners are distressed. And the outcome of this situation, foreclosure homeowners usually refuse to meet with strangers or whoever he thinks unnecessary. To some foreclosure homeowners, this could may be help them to concentrate more on solving the problems, while to some other foreclosure homeowners, this will only isolate them from the problems. Either way, you will have works to do to get contact with them.

Some professional investors or real estate agencies will post their greetings, post card like stuff to foreclosure homeowner. But to me, it's not good enough. It's recommended to call up foreclosure homeowner in person. Talking to them is the best way to leave a deep impression to them; while calling can show your sincerity of buying his pre-foreclosure home too. Of cause, talking courteously and patiently is equally important. Put yourself in his shoe, do you want someone rude to take over his lovely home or someone gentle instead?

Buying foreclosure has risk in dealing with other liens. This is the second disadvantage of buying pre-foreclosure. Who knows how many lenders the foreclosure homeowner has borrowed money from? There are cases where homeowners get home loan from 2 different lenders to buy a house and get a third lender for home improving loan. These cases involve many legal works. You definitely can't settle it by yourself, unless you are a lawyer and your spouse is a bank manager.
No jokes on the legal works. It's really frustrating dealing with them. Thus, before buying a pre-foreclosure, make sure you do a throughout research on that pre-foreclosure home including its title deed, loan information, any hidden liens, etc. Get the professional help. And this situation contributes the third disadvantage of buying a pre-foreclosure. There are paper works to do to complete the deal and it's time costly.

However, these 3 disadvantages are actually nothing compared to the return of buying pre-foreclosure. To conclude, great bargains need hard work. You have to do research and truly understand the process of buying pre-foreclosure. It's recommended to buy a foreclosure book or sign up free trial on homes listings to do some real time research. I would say it worth your hard works.

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7 Little Known Tips That Will Save You Money on Gas

With the rising cost of gas prices, and no end in sight, everyone wants to save as much money at the gas pump as they possibly can. You may not be able to control the price of gas but you can change certain habits and follow some basic guidelines to help you save as much money as possible.

1. Multitask your shopping expeditions

If you know of a certain gas station that consistently sells lower priced gas and it’s out of your way, you might want to consider making a weekly journey to this destination.

This way you can take a day to get gas, buy your groceries, and take a walk in the park within a different area of the city where you live. In effect, what you are doing is multitasking and saving money on your fuel costs at the same time.

2. Paying for your gas the smart way

One of the ways that you can save money at the gas pump is by using a gasoline credit card. When you have a gas card you’ll be able to get 5 or 10 percent back on the purchase of your gas.

This can amount to as much as $300 each year. If you have multiple drivers in your family you’ll want to make sure that every car driving person carries a gasoline credit card with them so that you can take advantage of multiple gas sales.

Many gasoline companies are joining up with other retailers to give you numerous savings at the gas pump. You’ll be able to not only save on your gas purchase, but you’ll be able to earn points towards your next purchase with participating retailers.


3. Buy your gas in the morning or evening

Gasoline becomes denser in colder temperatures. Gas pumps are set to measure the volume of the fuel that you pump -- not the density.

This means that if you fill up your gas tank in the cooler morning temperatures or in the colder evening hours, you’ll be getting better gas price economy. (Try to fill up your gas tank later in the evening to avoid the rush of day hours.)

4. Buy gas from a busy station

Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis. Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.

This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy.

5. Avoid fast getaways at the stoplight

Accelerate slowly when the light turns green. The faster that you accelerate the more gas that you are going to consume.

Make sure you start at the stoplight slow and steady so that you conserve as much fuel as possible while you are going from a stopped position into driving mode.

It may be tempting for younger people to accelerate and race away from the stoplight. Don’t fall into this trap and you can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs just by being a safe driver.

6. Accelerate before hills

If you are approaching a hill try to accelerate before you reach the hill. This will help you to use up less gas while you are climbing the hill in your car.

Remember to accelerate in a safe manner or you won’t be able to use this gas saving tip. You in no way want to put your life, or the lives of others, in any danger.

7. Ride a bike!

People know this works, but don’t do it! Try it, you might like it! You can save lots of money on gas, help the environment, and help your body. (Even a motorcycle or moped will save you money on gas.)

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Great Simple Phrases to Ignite Her Passion

Relationships are funny things: One partner can be cruising along thinking everything's just fine and dandy, and the other can be curling up inside like a poinsettia after New Year's. One of us is sure we're on the right track, while the other is wondering, "Why don't we talk anymore?" And more often than not, it's the female cohort who's dying for more—more communication, more intimacy, more verbal acknowledgment that you're committed to her happiness.

The reason is simple: When it comes to communication, women are like tropical plants, and men are like cacti. Studies suggest that the average woman speaks 7,000 words a day. The average man mutters just 2,000, and half of those are spoken to clients, colleagues, or the electronic image of John Madden. And it's that discrepancy between our verbal styles and needs that can turn a once-hot relationship into yesterday's oatmeal.

Want proof? Researchers at the University of Washington say they can predict with 90 percent accuracy whether couples will divorce or stay married simply by listening to them talk for a few minutes. After reviewing data from more than 500 couples in discussion, psychologist John Gottman, Ph.D., of the University of Washington's Relationship Research Institute, and applied mathematicians James Murray and Kristin Swanson have come up with a mathematical model that can predict likelihood of divorce. They dub it the "Dow Jones Industrial Average for marital conversation." A 5-to-1 ratio of positive comments to negative ones indicates a healthy marriage, they say. A ratio lower than that suggests trouble ahead.

A simple rule of thumb, then, is to talk more, share more, and be more open with your emotions. But telling a guy to share more is like telling him to eat less meat: Simple in concept, but not so tasty in practice. The solution is to maximize the communication you do have—to know a few simple phrases that will warm her heart and a few other intimate places, as well. If things feel a little chilly, a little distant, or a little lacking in boudoir beatitude, try speaking up. Here's what to say.


1--"I'm so glad we ended up together."

2--"I understand how important this is to you."

3--"Let me tell you how my presentation went."

4--"Let's talk about Jenny's grades tomorrow. Tonight should just be about us."

5--"I've been fantasizing about making you feel good."

6--"Put the 14th on your calendar; I'm taking you away."

7--"I'll draw you a bath."

8--"You deserve a long weekend with your girlfriends. I'll watch the kids."

9--"I adore your freckles."

10--"I've always thought it would be fun if you didn't use your hands."

11--"Let's show the kids our honeymoon photos."

12--"I'll meet you in the bedroom after I fold the laundry."

13--"The weather's terrible. Let me pick up the kids from day care."

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First 3 Things to Consider When Landscaping Your Garden

When done properly and with careful thought and planning, landscaping a garden brings a whole host of benefits ranging from environmental to social. But there is much to consider when embarking on a garden landscaping project. In this article we cover our top three:

1. Space
At the planning stage, make sure you take into consideration what the garden will be used for and factor in a range of practical features. For example, you may want a secluded area for sunbathing; a place for children to play that needs to be robust enough to stand up to heavy traffic; you may want to include a place to entertain; and you may also want to use trees to filter noise. Combining beauty with practicality is a fundamental part of the garden landscaping process.

2. Style
Maintaining a style theme throughout your garden is vital if you want the finished product to appear streamlined, attractive and a pleasure to spend time in. It is also a good idea to match the style of the garden to the style of your home. Modern houses lend themselves to contemporary garden designs whilst period homes work best with traditional style gardens. Put some thought into blending the inside with the outside and the results will be admired by all who visit.

3. Planting
Remember that plants grow! Your shrub or sapling may be tiny now, but what size will it be when mature? You must take into consideration what size the plant will grow to otherwise you could end up planting it too close to a wall, a fence or other plants. If other plants end up in its shadow, they may not survive and if the roots are too close to your home, it could have serious repercussions which may even lead to subsidence. Make sure you find out about the plants you are buying and allow enough space for them to grow to their mature size.

These are just a few of the many things you need to take into consideration when planning your garden landscaping project. Contact your local landscape gardener for further, in-depth advice.

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Design your own balloon window valances

Balloon valances add flair to any home. Here you will find how to make balloon valances in a few easy steps. By adding them in your den or family room, it gives the room a touch of elegance and looks like you spent a lot of money. You can also place balloon valances in the nursery or bathroom. These valances look great wherever you need a topper for your window. They also compliment any shade or plantation shutters that you have on the bottom portion of your window. This also saves you money by not having to cover the entire window.


Measure the window where you will be hanging the balloon valance. Purchase material 45 inches wide, to allow for three times the width of your window. If you need 3 yards, purchase 9 yards and so on. If you do not use the required material width, your valances will not look uniform. Purchase material like chintz, upholstery material, printed lace, and cotton. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors or pinking shears if the material is light, and matching colored thread. Do not use plain sheer material without prints. This material you can see through and the tissue paper will show.



You will need a table or counter to lay the material on. Place the material right side together. Sew the unfinished edges with a 1/2 inch hem and sew the open end closed. Now double the material in half and sew a 4 inch top ruffle on the top.


When you look at the valance, it will be open in the middle. Now sew a 1/2 inch from the top of the valance and measure 2 inches down and sew another seam 1/2 inch there. This will allow for the rod pocket that you will hang the valance on. The 2 inches in between will be opened. This is where you insert the rod.


Purchase either a wide curtain rod designed especially for balloon valances or a regular width curtain rod. Measure where the brackets will go. Hang the brackets on the window frame using the screws or nails that came with the brackets. You can put them directly into the drywall, but be sure they are attached to a wall stud. If not, the rod will fall. You can also use mollies if preferred. Take the curtain rod and place it through the newly made ruffle at the top of the valance.


To make the valance balloon look puffy looking, insert tissue paper in the middle of the valance, pinning the ends shut. Use white tissue paper only, the tissue paper you would use for wrapping presents.


Gather the curtain evenly on the window. You should have a 4 inch hem top now. The curtain should be ruffled and full when looking at the window.


To clean the balloon valances, machine wash them in cold water. You can also use a store bought dry cleaning kit that you place in your dryer. This kit comes with a bag that you place the valances in. Chintz has a shiny look to it. By having them dry cleaned, they will stay new looking longer. Or if you prefer, you can dry clean them professionally, although this will cost money. The choice is yours. Now sit back and enjoy your newly decorated home!

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Feng shui decorating basics

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art of living, has recently come into vogue for offices and homes all over the modern world. For those trying to put more Feng Shui into their personal space, here is a quick guide to the many decorations and purchase options following the trends of this Chinese art.

For beginners, Feng Shui is a way to cultivate the energy flow and tranquility of a room or house's natural layout. This is done by arranging the furniture and layout of a room, as well as by the careful selection and positioning of symbolic decorations and artworks within the room. The entire purpose is to make the living space more enjoyable and comfortable for its inhabitants and to increase the positive energy of the room.



Placement and selection of decorative objects in the room is a key aspect of Feng Shui, and all objects have a symbolic meaning or character which can influence the energy and inhabitants of the room. When choosing a decorative item, you must be aware of the meaning behind the object and its possible impact on your life. If you are an energetic or stressed-out type of person, a symbol of energy or impact might not be the best choice. Objects in Feng Shui should remind you of your own goals, and by their existence and your growing awareness of them, should lead you to fulfill your own goals in your life.


Here is a short guide to some of the basic meanings and purposes of Feng Shui decorations and symbols. Decide which fits in best with your own lifestyle and what you might want to change in your life. Symbols for energy, love, happiness, wealth, and others abound in ancient Chinese decorations, and you should get to know and become comfortable with those meanings before making a decorating choice. Each type of decoration is also associated with a particular element as well.


Shrine: A small family shrine is one of the centerpieces of Feng Shui in the household. The family shrine should be a composition of things that are important for you, including photos of loved ones, symbols of your life, or other reminders of your dreams and aspirations. Usually set in a small alcove or quiet corner of the room, the shrine should not be neglected, but should be periodically rearranged and kept in order. You can use the shrine to burn incense, or to leave small offerings of loose change or rice as well, in a symbolic gesture to the household gods. Usually made from carved stone, these shrines have a connection to the earth element.


Small Fountains: The sound of the falling water and the constant movement is designed to add tranquility to your living space. For stressed out or busy people, this can be an opportunity to reflect on the water and let your stress flow out of your body. Fountains come in several varieties, from small constant trickles of water down a rock face to the periodic rhythmic tilting of bamboo cups into a larger pool of water. Clearly, because of the use of water, these fountains are symbolic of the element of water.


Candles: Feng Shui candles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and meanings. Each color candle is representative of a different goal, including wealth, love, and success. Candles can be slightly scented, and their warm glow is seen to spread energy and life around the room. Because of the small flame, candles are associated with the element of fire.


Wind Chimes: Providing simple music with each breeze, wind chimes should be placed near an open door or window to lighten up the room and give it a pleasant environment. Wind chimes are symbolic of serenity and tranquility and are also thought to bring luck to whoever listens to them. Wind chimes can also incorporate other symbols, of animals or dragons, opening up a whole variety of meanings and purposes.

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Cheap Cars Under 1000 Dollars - All-Star Profile of Ford Festiva

The Ford Festiva was one of the smallest vehicles to ever be made by the blue oval and unleashed on the American public. With a 1.3L engine that created a tire shredding 63 horse power this car could only be considered festive if used as a decoration.

So why is this car an all-star? Simple, they are always available under $1000 bucks and depending on your intended purpose they could actually be a fun car to own. Maybe its because the wheels are the same size as a shopping cart's or it could be the fact that Ford actually offered different trim levels, but there is just something about these cars that gives them super status as a daily beater.

If your looking for a really fun sleeper project a Festiva could actually be a great choice with popular engine swaps like the turbo fours out of the Mazda 323 GT and GTX that can actually propel this shoe box to fun and probably unsafe speeds. A somewhat un-known version of the Festiva is the SHO-gun which was available with a mid-mounted yamaha V6.(even Jay Leno has one).

So the real question is why would I buy a Festiva? Well of course these cars are great little gas savers, but you could also use it for any of the following such as a fun sleeper project, winter car, cheaper alternative to a four wheeler, small stackable storage bins, stunt vehicle, reverse status symbol, cheap rally car, 24 hrs of lemons loser, and much more!

Overall I think the Festiva is just another car that is awesomely bad and of course you can probably find and buy one now for under $1000 bucks so if you need a dirt cheap ride or are just looking for a new toy then go out and pick up a Festiva today!

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Does Living In The Burbs Make You Sick?

What could possibly be healthier about living in New York City than living in the beautiful suburbs of Atlanta?

According to scientists, if you live in any suburban area, all you have to do is open your garage door to find the culprit. That’s right – your car is suburban public health enemy number one.

According to recent research published in Public Health, living in a big city like New York, Boston or San Francisco is better for your health than living in a spread out, car dependent suburb. Why? Exercise!

After studying 8,600 people in 38 metropolitan areas across America, the researchers concluded that living in the suburbs leads to more chronic health problems – including high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes and migraines. Suburbanites were also more prematurely aged than city dwellers.

When my husband and I moved from New York City to a small town, the two main things we noticed were that there were more overweight people and that we had to work much harder at getting exercise. In the city we walked everywhere. If we decided to drive, we had to walk three blocks to and from our parking garage. Plus, we went up and down stairs to get to the subway and up and down stairs to and from our apartment. And, we did this every day.

So, what happened when we left? We started gaining weight. If we hadn’t nipped that in the bud by consciously programming exercise into our busy daily schedule, according to research, it would have probably led to a host of other health problems.

At least thirty minutes a day of exercise, such as walking, is essential to getting and staying healthy. It can help you manage your weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent heart disease, diabetes and certain kinds of cancers such as breast cancer. Exercise can also lift your spirit, fight off depression and help you to look and feel 10 to 20 years younger.

So, as 90 year old fitness guru Jack LaLanne says, it’s time to “Get off your seat and back on your feet.”

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Car Free Insurance Online Quote--Some Important Facts Here

If you own a vehicle, you are well aware that automobile insurance is a necessity today for protecting yourself, your family and your vehicle. It's also a well-known fact that the cost of car insurance can be very expensive. Has your premium increase during these hard economic times taken a toll on your family budget? Before the time comes for you to make your next premium payment, why not take a few minutes and check on an online car insurance quote comparison that can save you hundreds of dollars per year?

These comparisons provide a quick and simple method that enables you to do a search on the Internet and compare some of America's top car insurance companies and their premium amounts.

What to Look for when Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes

Before you go online to make quote comparisons, answer the questions below:
1. Is the auto insurance online quote free?
2. Where do I get a comparison?
3. Which well-known automobile insurance companies give quotes online?
4. How do I obtain a quote?
5. Do I have to give out my personal information in order to get a quote?

Benefits of Online Auto Insurance Quote Comparisons

As a consumer, you will have access to multiple car insurance quotes immediately from top companies in 50 states. This will allow you to quickly pick out the auto insurance companies offering the cheapest rates if you know the exact coverage you need and want. You will also be able to obtain quote comparisons without going through the hassle of giving out your social security number or other personal information.

If anyone in your family has a bad driving record or if you have a teenage driver, there are comparisons available for those who are considered high-risk drivers. If you find the quote that's right for your needs, you can purchase your policy online and even make monthly payments, if this option is available.

Just think of the time you'll save by never having to talk to a car insurance agent on the phone or waiting for information concerning your claim to arrive in the mail.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes

There are several factors to consider if you are planning to switch over your old policy or buy a policy from one of the online auto insurance companies from which you received a quote.

The company should have these qualities:

1. A solid reputation
2. Financial stability
3. Dependable record for handling claims
4. Licensing
5. Free rate quotes
6. No hidden fees

Be on the lookout for great deals with car insurance companies that have the qualities above. Not all companies can offer the best rate for your needs, so it's wise to compare quotes as well as the types of coverage being offered before signing on with a company. With online comparisons, you can compare from the comfort of your home without making calls to multiple companies. Save time and money today with this unique way of buying car insurance!

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Phoenix DUI Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Phoenix, you may be wondering why it is so important to have a DUI attorney Phoenix to represent you. There are a number of reasons why it is important to have an attorney who specializes in DUI cases guiding you from the time of your arrest until your criminal trial has ended. Your attorney can gather information about your case, speak with the prosecutor to try to make arrangements for a plea deal, ask expert witnesses to testify during your trial, and speak on your behalf at administrative proceedings and prior to sentencing. Having a DUI attorney on your side can make the difference between winning your case and being convicted of DUI and having to face all of the penalties associated with such a conviction.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Laws

You can be prosecuted for driving under the influence in one of two ways in the state of Arizona. If you have consumed alcohol and your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle has become impaired, you can be charged with driving under the influence. This type of case is based on your actual level of impairment. You can also be charged with driving under the influence based on chemical testing results. If your blood alcohol concentration level is above 0.08% (the legal limit in Arizona), you can be charged with driving under the influence even if you did not show any physical signs of impairment while driving. Extreme DUI prosecution can occur when a driver’s blood alcohol content level exceeds .15% since this is considered an extremely high blood alcohol level. If you are a minor and operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, this can affect how you are charged and the penalties you will face. If you have been charged with driving under the influence based on impairment or based on the results of a chemical test, hiring a DUI attorney Phoenix should be your first step to defending yourself.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Classification of DUI Cases

For a first offense without any special circumstances, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If you have received two other convictions for DUI in a five year time period, any subsequent driving under the influence cases can be charged as felonies. Many circumstances can change how a DUI case is charged. If you commit a DUI offense while your license is suspended or revoked, this can change the charge from a misdemeanor DUI to a felony DUI. Your case can also be charged as a felony if you were driving with a child under 15 years of age while committing your DUI offense. When the prosecutor takes a case to trial, you will have a jury of six people unless you waive your right to a jury trial. If a trial is waived, a judge will make a decision in the case. Instead of waiving your right to trial and experiencing negative consequences, consult with a DUI attorney Phoenix and find out what your best course of action is for proceeding.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Criminal Penalties

The penalties imposed for DUI convictions in Arizona depend on a number of factors including blood alcohol level and other aggravating circumstances. A first offense with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.15% can lead to 10 days in jail, 90-day license suspension, $250.00 fine, $500 assessment cost, counseling, and up to 5 years of probation. If your first offense involves a BAC of 0.15% or greater, you can face 30 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, 90-day license suspension, counseling, up to 5 years of probation, and installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you commit a subsequent offense within a
5-year period, the penalties increase. For a second offense, you can face 90 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, one-year license revocation, counseling, installation of ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and up to 5 years of probation. Second offenses that are considered extreme can carry penalties of 120 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, one-year license revocation, counseling, probation of up to 5 years, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you commit a third offense, the penalties are even harsher. They can include a mandatory four months of prison time, up to $150,000 in fines, 3-year license revocation, counseling, up to 5 years of probation, and forfeiture of your vehicle. Having a DUI attorney Phoenix on your side is the only way to have a chance of avoiding these penalties and winning your DUI case.

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Secured Loans---How to Write a Effective Request Letter For a Bank Loan

There are several banks & mortgage companies in the US that are willing to give loans. But now as almost all US people are running through bad credit scores getting a loan is indeed not easy. The mortgage companies and banks have become too cautious particularly about the sub prime loans. And now with the Federal Government policies coming in to help the home owners and other with various grants, loans and loan modifications, the private firms seem to have become even more reluctant. How ever, the first step to get a bank loan is to approach the bank with a loan request letter.

Tips To Write Home Loan Request Letter

Here are some tips that would help you draft an effective Home Loan Request Letter:

· First and foremost the letter must be readable. In case your hand writing is not good enough, get it typed.

· While sending the letter, mail it only through a registered mail service.

· Also make sure that you get a receipt of receiving of the same.

· Coming to the content of the letter, it must be drafted in a formal manner.

· It must include you name, address, contact number, profession / occupation, etc.

· You are eligible to apply for any loan only if you are a US citizen, above 18 years of age and your need of the money is valid & legal.

· The letter must also comprise of your monthly income, monthly expenses and the need of money.

· Also furnish documented proofs of all details that you mention in the letter.

· Draft the letter as concise and to the point as possible.

· In case you have bad credit scores, do not lie. Mention the same and also give reasons for it. There are several people with bad credit scores owing to the slump in the economy.

· The letter must show your commitment to get the loan and return it back on time.

· In this letter make sure that you mention the amount of monthly payments you can afford to pay in the long run as well.

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Auto Insurance - Answers to Important Auto Insurance Questions

Auto insurance is something everyone needs, but not everyone understands. This is not surprising considering that the average auto insurance policy is several pages long and is written in legalese. Unfortunately most of us are not lawyers so legalese needs to be translated for us to understand it. On the bright side, coverage is not as complicated as the dense wording in the policy would make it seem.

Auto insurance is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country and this is a good thing for the typical consumer. Most states spell out exactly how much coverage you need and every state, excepting New Hampshire, requires your vehicle to be insured.

The state recommendations are a good guideline for the type of car insurance policy you should consider, but remember the state recommendations are for the minimum amount of protection required. It is usually a good idea to purchase more than the minimum amount.

If you are in a higher tax bracket you should definitely have more than the minimum amount for protection. You should also carry more coverage if you have other assets. Basically you want your auto insurance to shield you from any repercussions that may result from an auto accident that you are involved in.

The good news is that increasing your auto insurance coverage does not usually cost much more money. In some cases you can buy fifty thousand more dollars worth of coverage for just a few dollars per month.

The best way to find an affordable policy that meets your financial needs it to search for a policy online. This will allow you to compare costs and benefits of policies side by side. The other benefit to shopping for vehicle insurance online is that it takes very little time.

Remember that the auto insurance company is working hard to earn your business. Any company worth doing business with will have an automobile insurance agent who can answer any other auto insurance questions you may have.

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What Makes A Good Phoenix DUI Lawyers?

There are thousands of DUI lawyers out there. The question is this—how do you know if you have a good attorney who can give you a fighting chance of winning your case. A good lawyer minimizes on his or her mistakes while capitalizing on the mistakes of others. Let’s look at the mistakes your lawyer must avoid and the mistakes they can benefit from.

Mistakes Your Attorney Should Avoid

You may think that all lawyers are pretty much the same. Think again. The same case tried by two different attorneys may have very different outcomes. An experienced attorney will find holes in the prosecution’s case that an inexperienced attorney may completely overlook. The best advice is to get a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases instead of one who is simply capable of handling them. If you do get someone who isn’t an expert, be sure they are getting the assistance of experts who understand the nuances of drunk driving laws.

That being said, here are some sure signs you need a new lawyer:

If your lawyer immediately looks at your case and recommends you plead guilty, this may be the sign of a poor lawyer. An experienced lawyer will go to the scene and make sure the conditions were appropriate for a sobriety test. The test must be performed in a specific fashion and many police officers perform the test incorrectly. Also, the machine could be improperly calibrated or simply out of date (in terms of certification). Your lawyer should be willing to dig deeper than surface evidence.

Also your attorney shouldn’t try and paint the police officer as a liar. People don’t want to hear that someone as trustworthy as a policeman is lying. It’s better to simply prove that the officer made an honest mistake.

Your lawyer should also be willing to fully explain the consequences of entering a guilty plea. You could lose your car, your license, and be fined or thrown in jail. Furthermore, a conviction goes on your permanent record for all to see, not to mention it increases your insurance rates and limits your ability to travel overseas.

Mistakes Your Attorney Should Capitalize From

The arresting officer in your case may have made numerous mistakes which your attorney can use to tip a case in your favor. If an officer pulls you over on suspicion of DUI, they must have probable cause and be able to tell you what that cause is. If they perform the test where you must walk a straight line, they must do so on a non-slippery, level surface where the line is visible. If they make you stand on one leg, you’re supposed to be less than 65 years old, no more than 50 pounds overweight, and have no medical condition which would prevent you from performing the test. Finally, you can not be detained for an unreasonable amount of time. Any of these mistakes can result in a dismissal or even a successful motion to suppress the evidence hearing.

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Austin Texas DWI Lawyer

AN Austin Texas dwi attorney focuses on the defense of state and federal criminals accused of dui. Their practice extends to the federal courts in Texas and also the state courts of Austin. Various different issues are handled by these attorneys such as Federal Offenses which are white collar offenses, Narcotics and drugs which are dangerous, and various other Federal and State offenses. Listed under these offenses are several issues such as bank fraud, health care fraud, Federal Tax offenses, embezzlement and insurance fraud, and computer related crimes. Other serious offenses are murder, sexual offenses, assault and drug related crimes.

An Austin Texas DWI attorney also looks into cases regarding drunken driving or for driving under the influence of a substance which is intoxicating. The attorney assists their client in preventing their license from being revoked or suspended, and represents their client at the hearing. The attorney could also call for an acquittal of the case or a dismissal.

For those who have a criminal case pending and need an attorney to represent them or would like some clarification on some criminal matter, they could contact any of the Austin Texas dwi attorneys by making an appointment with them.

In the category of Federal Drug cases, possession or distribution of a large amount of drugs that are unlawful and manufacturing or importing them could implicate the person in a criminal offense. Among the white collar crimes fraudulent business deals are the main cause of persons getting accused of criminal offenses. Such cases are handled by Austin Texas attorneys and if the defendant is found to be guilty can be punished by the United States government under their guidelines.

For drunken driving in Texas, a person who is committing this crime for the first time could be punished for a period of six months along with a fine. As the number of times this offense is repeated both the prison sentence and the amount payable as a fine will keep increasing. Their driving license could also be suspended if the defendant refuses to undergo an alcohol test after being found guilty of a DWI felony. For assistance in all such cases the defendant would require the services of an Austin Texas DWi attorney to help get them out of the situation at least with a minimum amount of punishment.

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Mesothelioma Patients--Determining Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Patients

Once a person has been diagnosed with a cancer of any sort, the doctors will put their heads together to determine how great of a chance of survival the person will have with successful treatment. They will also try to determine how long they think the person will live without treatment or if treatment is unsuccessful.

In determining how long a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma has to live, the doctors will examine a number of factors. While it is true that they examine a number of known factors, every patient is a unique case whose life expectancy cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Due to almost daily advances in the field of cancer treatment, the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma now is greater than that of a person who was diagnosed five years ago.

That being said, mesothelioma is still a serious disease that has not experience much luck in finding effective treatment options. Still, life expectancy is greater today than someone five years ago.

After analyzing all of the mesothelioma cases presented, doctors have determined that the middle portion of the bell curve is 4 and 18 months. This means that 25% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma live less than four months and 25% live for more than eighteen months. 50% of all diagnosed with mesothelioma live between four and eighteen months. While this information is scary, it does not break the cases down into stages of diagnosis or even whether treatment is even attempted.

Factors that influence the life expectancy of any cancer patient, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, vary. Some of the factors include:

- The stage of the disese when diagnosed

- The point at which it is diagnosed

- Whether the cancer is localized or has spread

- The patient's age and health condition

- Wha treatments are feasible based on the condition and health of the patient

Out of all of the factors influencing the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma at diagnoses is the most important piece of the puzzle. It is the greatest indicator of how long or how short a patient's life expectancy is. Because the early symptoms of mesothelioma actually resemble those of other, much more common illnesses, many patients are misdiagnosed in the early stages. By the time the cancer has been discovered, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage.

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Home owner secured loan--Easiest Low Cost Finance

Your home is not just comfort providing dwelling place, but instead you can make it more useful for building your financial muscles. You can take a low cost loan for completing works like home improvements or paying for wedding or holiday expenses and you can get rid of higher interest rate debts through the home owner secured personal loans.

Home owner secured personal loans are approved against the borrower’s home that has some equity in it. The home as collateral not only makes the loan availing a very easy process for both the borrower and the lender, but also comes with host of advantages for the loan seekers. Lower interest rate is the biggest attraction behind taking putting your home as collateral. Lower interest rate ensures that there is no burden of repaying the loan amount. Also home owner secured personal loans are approved for a larger repayment duration that ranges from 5 to 30 years. So as a consequence of lower interest rate along with larger repayment duration, the borrower is able to chop down the monthly payments considerably towards home owner secured personal loans installments. This makes the loan one of the easiest to pay back.

As far as the loan amount is concerned, the borrower can apply for any amount on the base of equity build up in the home. Greater equity ensures greater home owner secured personal loans. Generally lenders approve home owner secured personal loans in the range of £5000 to £75000.

And do not worry at all about your bad credit. Remember your own home is with the lender as security of the loan. And that is sufficient for the lender to ignore your credit score even if it has slumped too much. However the lender may be selling your home in case of payment default from your end. So, make sure to clear each home owner secured personal loans installments regularly. Your credit score too will move higher as you pay off the installments.

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Structured Settlement ---The Tax Advantage of this kind Payment

Structured settlement payments are a key part of any settlement between both parties and because it involves financial numbers, it automatically factor in some issues over taxation. Let this tiny bit of information illustrate how a long-term agreement can give you tax advantages.

When a person sues another person due to some sort of injury and wins the case, the claimant will receive monetary compensation for the loss through a settlement payment agreement.

Before, settlements come in the form of a lump sum but this proved to be very demanding on the spot for the paying party. The solution in the recent rimes is the payments which are gaining popularity because of its practicality and benefits for both parties.

As a substitute to a single lump sum payment, the claimant will be compensated a monthly settlement payment for an agreed period of time Choosing a series over the lump sum amount means a guaranteed source of long-term income for even a whole lifetime.

One of the highlighted benefits of these regular payments is the excellent tax advantages that come with it. It is basically income exempted from taxes unlike the usual salary or other forms of income like royalty or dividends.

For the record, there is no income tax on structured settlement payments since 1982. The tax savings itself makes this option of maintaining the long-term monthly payments very attractive. Over the entire period of the settlement, such savings is a big amount in itself.

A decade ago, there are problems with issues on the burden of taxation over transactions of transferring or selling of settlements. Insurance companies asserted that their clients or even their companies are at the losing end with the dealings in structured settlement selling.

When an individual sells, the annuity obligors suffer tax consequences. This became the source of several litigation in the past between insurance companies and settlement purchasers and annuitants.

With the enactment of the Structured Settlement Protection Act, it will further benefit these individuals receiving the monthly regular payments. Such regulation also clearly mandated that annuity providers will also not suffer from further tax consequences as a result. The law clearly states that annuity owners and providers do not owe any taxes as a result of these transactions.

Selling your structured settlement payments will make you lose many tax benefits in the process. Selling this guaranteed income has only an advantage of large yet single payment. Before deciding, it is best to consult with your financial advisor regarding selling your structured settlement payments. Your advisor will definitely help in defining with what you will lose in the process, especially the tax savings you will forego.

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Tips On Finding The Best Deals On Conference Calling companies

When one is looking for inexpensive conferencing calling services, there are certain points that you should take into consideration. Price should not be the main consideration when looking for web conference calling services. Although they may seem attractive on the surface, you do have to look deeper into the services to make sure you can get exactly what you need. If cost is a major factor in getting the cheapest conference calling rates, the best thing you can do is a search of all the providers to find which one can offer you the best plan for the least expensive rates.

Big companies, such as WebEx, do offer cheap rates for conference calling services. It is best to use a well-known provider to make sure all that you have reliable service and that you can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is especially important if you want to relate with thing partners and clients from all over the world so that you dont have to anxiety about time zone evils. though slighter and minor known companies may offer you cheap conferencing calls, they are also known to have more evils, such as a require of skin and minor attribute cassette.

When you search for cheap conference call supplyrs, you do have to look at whether or not they supply such skin as sand and application allotment. With the better known companies, such as WebEx, these are pattern skin and the group has been in thing long enough to have worked out all of the bugs. Conference tape and polls are other skin you should look for because they improve the conferencing position and make it an enjoyable one for all participants.

with conference calling services will drastically condense the cost of guidance inside your group. You no longer have to organize and pay for reunion quarters or pay trek outlay for your employees. though you can collect money in the early cost when you select a group with cheap rates for web conferencing, you may meet more evils than you grasp. You need good connections at all time in order for this practice of reunion to thrive and slighter companies regularly do have this difficult.

Keep reading further to learn how this topic can benefit you, as the rest of this article will supply you will the needed information.

The number of people that you need to conference with at one time is also an important factor to consider when you are looking to condense the outlay of conference calling services. The best cheap conferencing via the web should allow you to have a large number of participants. If you need to involve people from distant locations, you need to guarantee that your rates apply to all locations. The rates are also a determining factor. Some companies charge per session, while others charge a monthly or yearly totally fee. You also have to be careful to look for hidden fees, that show up on your statement for conference calling services fees.

It is little things, such as this, that may aid you in your search. So, sit down and decide which avenue would be best for you to take.

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Painting the interior of your home perfectly using these 6 smart tips

There is no other home improvement that can more easily and more dramatically change the appearance of a home than a new paint job. The process is relatively inexpensive and requires less skill than other remodeling and redecorating projects. However, painting does require a great deal of time and patience. Here are six steps to help you successfully paint the interior of your home.

1. Prepare. Paint only one room at a time and begin by adequately preparing the room to be painted. Remove all furniture that can be safely stored in other areas of the house. If you have no other place for the furniture, slide it to the center of the room to be painted. Remove all pictures from the walls and curtains and blinds from the windows. Also remove faceplates from electrical outlets and light switches. Fill in any holes in the walls and trim work with spackle compound. Use a damp rag to wash any dirt from the walls. If you are painting paneling, wipe down all wall and trim surfaces with a damp rag.



2. Tape. Use masking tape or painters tape to tape off any areas that you do not want to paint. Tape the edges around all windows, door locks, knobs, and hinges, ceiling light fixtures, and electrical outlets and light switches.


3. Paint the ceiling. Paint jobs are sometimes limited to the walls and trim work. Applying a new coat of paint to the walls will accentuate the deteriorating condition of the ceiling, however. Most ceilings are white, and turn yellow over time. This discoloration is often not evident until the walls are painted. Painting the ceiling is often difficult because the paint sometimes drips from the ceiling onto the floor and walls. Therefore, you should paint the ceiling first, since the any drips on the walls will be covered later in the process. If you are painting the ceiling with a roller, you will need to apply two or three coats of paint to cover spots where the roller skips. These spots will often not be evident when painting a white ceiling until the paint dries. To avoid leaving spots on the ceiling unpainted, use ceiling paint that goes on one color (typically gray) and dries another color (typically white). This will allow you to more easily detect and repaint spots skipped by the roller.


4. Paint the trim. Trim includes windows, crown molding, doorframes and doors, and baseboards and quarter round. Apply two coats of paint to all trim to assure adequate covering. Use a small detail brush to paint the trim so that you will less excess paint applied to undesired areas. If you are painted quarter round, you may use a putty knife to assure that the paint does not get onto the floor covering. You might also consider taping the edges of the floor underneath the quarter round to prevent applying paint to the floor. Allow the trim to dry for approximately twenty-four hours before beginning to paint the walls.


5. Tape the trim and cut in with the colors around the trim. Once the trim is painted, the best way to insure that you will paint the walls without accidentally painting tiny drops or lines on the trim is to tape off the trim work. Use masking tape to tape the trim work in all of the areas where it meets the walls to be painted. Once all of the trim work has been taped, use a paintbrush to paint a stripe around the taped areas. Also paint the corners of the rooms using a brush.

6. Paint the walls. Once all of trim lines and corners have been painted with a brush, apply one coat of paint the remainder of the wall surface. This area can be painted with a brush, but is more easily painted with a paint roller. Apply one coat of paint to all of the wall surfaces. Apply a second coat around the trim lines and wall surfaces. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Use a utility knife to cut away the tape from all surfaces.

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20 free feng shui tips

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese study of the natural and built environment. It has been practiced for thousands of years, and has provided many people with a great sense of who they are. The environment can be your home, property, or even your work place. Through Feng Shui, you can create a better relationship with your environment that can result in prosperity, health benefits, relaxation, energy, and well-being. Many people want to know what they can do to start making their environment more friendly, and the following tips will help beginners with it art of Feng Shui.

- Bring new energy into your environment by getting rid of clutter. Clutter can cause an environment to feel hostile and can make you tense. By removing clutter, you will be able to relax more.



- Arrange furniture so you can face the doors while sitting. This will help to increase productivity and comfort in your environment when you are not facing a wall.


- Widening and cleaning the front path of your home or work place makes it more inviting to come to these places.


- Try putting a mirror up at the end of hallways. This helps give the illusion that it is not a dead end


- Make paths between and through rooms wide and spacious. This will allow you to enjoy these areas without feeling boxed in.


- Oil doors or cabinets that squeak in order to reduce any irritation that these noises may cause throughout the day.


- Close your toilet lid in order to make it quieter. This can give you a feeling of comfort so you do not think that your money is going down the drain.


- Make your environment as comfortable as possible. This could mean that you sit away from drafts, or adjust the lighting to be friendly to the eyes.


- Add crystal balls or glitter to your ceilings to help move energy around your environment.


- Try adding wind chimes or musical instruments to regulate energy in the space around you.


- Bring colors or art into your environment that promote the kind of energy that you are searching for.


- You can add flagpoles or upward lighting outside your environment to direct energy upward.


- Remove any television sets or electronics from your bedroom to promote comfort and relaxation.


- Try having your bed against a solid wall. This is meant to promote great rest and deeper sleep.


- Try to avoid homes or workplaces with spiral staircases. These can turn positive energy into negative energy.


- Have the front path to your house winding instead of straight, and do not plant trees too close to the front door. This will help increase energy flow throughout your environment.


- Look for balance in the grounds around your environment and within your environment.


- Open your bedroom window at least once a day for 20 minutes to allow fresh energy to enter the room. This will also allow fresh air into the room.


- Do not choose a red sofa set. Red indicates fire, and some areas are not meant to have the color red.


- If you are experiencing a lot of pressure from work, try changing your dining table to a wood table. This can help reduce pressure from work.


Feng Shui is an art that has helped many people with energy, prosperity, success, and relaxation. Start by utilizing these tips. You can further your Feng Shui by seeking out professionals to help, or reading more about ways to increase your production of Feng Shui in your environment.

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Ten flowers for the shade

Hellebore (Lenten rose).

Hellebores are among the earliest perennials to bloom in the new year, flowering by January or February in the South, and several weeks later in the North. The flowers are not showy, but when they are the only flowers in the garden, they seem beautiful. Colors range from white to dusty rose to burgundy. Hellebores make great garden plants because their bold evergreen foliage remains a glossy dark green all year. They do depend on afternoon shade, especially in hot regions.


Pulmonaria (lungwort).


If your soil is too dry or lean for forget-me-nots, this is the flower for you. It blooms in early to mid-spring with blue blossoms that fade to pink as they mature. There are many, many hybridized varieties of pulmonarias, so their foliage can vary. In general, though, leaves are speckled or spotted with white and create interest in the shade garden long after the flowers have faded.


Blue phlox (wild sweet William).

One of the most beautiful of the shade plants, it blooms in mid-spring. During most of the year the plant is a low rosette of foliage; it shoots up stems from one to two feet high when it flowers. There is a white form available, but most common is a pale lilac-blue color. As an added bonus, the flowers last longer than those of most spring-blooming perennials. Light shade is best; the plant may not bloom well in dense shade.


Columbine.

This is one of the showier shade-bloomers, and again, there are many varieties to choose from. Columbine are grown easily from seed; just scatter a packet over a patch of tilled soil in the fall. The seeds need a winter chilling period and will sprout in spring, blooming by their second year. They are prolific self-sowers if you allow the flower heads to go to seed – a lucky break, since the plants themselves seem to be rather short-lived. Columbines come in an endless variety of colors and bi-color combinations; there are tiny ones (eight inches) and tall ones (two to three feet flower stalks). Give them light to moderate shade and keep them well watered.


Foxglove.

This is without a doubt the showiest of the shade bloomers! Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years. The best way to get them established is to buy small transplants and put them in the ground in early fall. You want to leave enough time for the roots to become established before the real cold weather comes. The plants will live over the winter, putting on a burst of foliar growth in early spring as the soil begins to warm. Then, from the cabbage-like rosette of leaves, flower stalks quickly reach five feet. The spires of white, pink, and rose speckled flowers are truly impressive. After blooming, the plants will set seed and probably die. There is soon another crop of foxglove seedlings that spring up, however, and the cycle continues. Foxgloves do like some sun, so situate them in light shade or in afternoon-only shade. The less light they receive, the more spindly flower stems will be – it’s best to put a tall stake in place right as the flower stalk begins to grow. Then you can keep tying the stalk to the stake in intervals, as the stalk grows. It really is best to stake—otherwise, it’s inevitable that a spring rainstorm will batter and break down the flower stems.



Astilbe.

Unusual, feathery flowers top this late-spring to early-summer bloomer. Planted in masses, it is quite beautiful, and flowers reliably in moderately deep shade. The downside, however, is that astilbes require very moist soil and are relatively heavy feeders. Without adequate moisture, the plants will go dormant and ‘disappear’ in mid-summer. Colors include white, lavender, pink, coral, and red. When grown well in a spot they like, astilbes will spread rapidly by underground rhizomes, covering a lot of ground. They also add some height to the shade garden (flower stems are two feet tall).


Daylily.

Though it is most often grown in sun, the daylily is remarkably shade tolerant. It is one of the most carefree perennials as it’s tough as nails. Because daylilies are easy breed, there are thousands of hybrid varieties available – in every color but blue or a pure white (creamy whites abound). They come in different heights and different flower forms – double, ruffled, etc. Daylilies look best planted in masses. They make good companion plants for spring bulbs, as the emerging daylily foliage camouflages the dying leaves of daffodils and others. Daylilies bloom in early summer.


Wood aster.

Most asters are sun-lovers, but the wood aster (Aster divaricatus) is a notable exception. It is not a showy plant, but it flowers in summer, when most woodland plants are finished blooming. Flower stems grow 24 to 30 inches, but tend to flop over and are hard to stake. The plant is probably best grown on a bank or at the top of a retaining wall – spots where the floppy stems can cascade downward in a froth of white flowers. This is a tough plant that will increase in size every year.


Japanese anemone.

This is a noteworthy plant in that it is one of the few shade-lovers that bloom in fall (late summer in Northern climates). Flowers are pink or white, single-petalled or double, and they are beautifully showy. It isn’t possible to say enough good things about this plant!


Toad lily.

This is a plant that is not offered enough in retail nurseries, though it is always available through mail order. In late summer or early autumn, its stems are lined with small, speckled flowers that are exotically reminiscent of tiny orchids. Plant it in the front of the border or alongside a path where the purplish flowers can be admired close-up for their understated beauty; they don’t make a splash of color.

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Pool House Floor Plan

If you're thinking about installing a pool in your back yard, chances are you will also want to design a pool house to go with it. A cabana or changing pavilion can provide the finishing touch to your landscaping plans as well as form the centerpiece of summer entertainment. There are several factors you'll need to consider before implementing your pool house floor plan.

The first consideration is cost. Construction of a pool house begins at approximately $30,000. The average home owner wants more than just a tented shield from the sun and the primary features of most pool house floor plans, bathrooms and kitchens, don't come cheap. Required plumbing, tile work and fixtures are pricey to install. The initial cost of construction isn't the end of allowances to be made. Installing a pool house could also cost you a pretty penny at tax time as well since the addition of a pool house will raise the appraised value of the property.

The second factor to consider is function. What features do you want in and around your pool house? The most basic pool house floor plan offers shade from the sun and changing rooms. However, most home owners think of a pool house in terms of convenience and entertainment value for the summer months.

Separate bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities that can be added. Other practical additions can be a small or full kitchen, grilling area, outdoor fireplace with extra lounging space, or full wetbar with refrigerator to eliminate wet feet trodding back and forth into the house for cool drinks and snacks. A properly equipped pool house can provide a full day or evening of entertainment without having to step back into the main house.

What about luxuries? Saunas and Jacuzzis are wonderful additions, but will quickly add to the construction cost. Depending on the size, your pool house can also double as space for a home gym, home theatre, or even separate guest quarters. If you are implementing a pool house floor plan on a large scale, don't forget to double check zoning laws concerning construction, size and use of outbuildings. Make sure your ideas and plans conform to local requirements and restrictions. Non-compliance with local regulations can be costly!

Design scheme is next in line. How do you want your pool house to look when it's completed? Do you have a certain overall look you are trying to achieve? Most home owners want a pool house floor plan that is reflective of, but not necessarily exactly like the main home. Generally speaking, the best designed pool house exteriors will pick up on the architectural motifs and design details of the main house without mimicking it exactly. A pool house floor plan should complete the residence and tie the swimming pool, main house and landscaped yard into one cohesive and coherent unit. The decision to add a pool house relies on a number of factors. This list of considerations is by no means complete, but should be viewed as a starting point only.

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Secret Step to Get Your Ex Back in Seven Days Or Less

A relationship is never meant to be difficult, but a certain degree of sacrifice and compromise are always critical to keep the relationship healthy. While we are getting your ex back, you should keep this in mind. Nothing makes mending a broken relationship easy, but if you take to heart what I'm going to share with you in this article it will certainly makes it a whole lot easier for yourself and definitely give your ex good reason to come back.

I know exactly how painful a breakup is but rather than staring yourself blind against the surface question "how can I get back together with my ex?", you should start focusing on rectifying what caused the breakup in the first place. This will immediately start lifting the tension and stress that caused the breakup.

So how do you do this?

The answer is simple. When your ex boyfriend or girlfriend decides to break up with you, then it is most likely because of the following two reasons: Either the relationship became stale because you entered a comfort zone so that there wasn't enough of the real you in it anymore, or the relationship was getting too claustrophobic because you were asking too much and there was too much of you in it. What ever side of the coin you are on, these two causes will lead to certain relationship suicide. It's now time for you to do a quick self-analysis to see if you were guilty of any of these relationship sins.

Unfortunately in most cases the breakup occurred either of something you did or did not do. I don't mean to be harsh, but this is a very simple and effective way to look at it. Whatever your answer is, the end result remains the same. Something drove your ex away. So what to do next, and how can you get your ex back? The first step is to take the useful insights you have now and determine exactly what needs fixing in the relationship.

As you are taking a really hard look at your situation, draw up a list of things the could have led to the breakup, as well as which of those things were most likely your fault and which were not.

Rule out the ones that you cannot control as they will always remain out of your control. Look at the ones that you are responsible for and now think about if and how you can change that specific problem. If you're starting to see a clear pattern of being able to fix a lot of these problems, things are definitely looking good. If you are willing to make some changes, you have just taken one huge step towards getting your ex back.

Just remember, knowing how to get your ex back is not enough. Nothing will happen until you take action right now!

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Most Men Love Curvy Women---Why???

In simple terms, men and women do not understand each other too well. It's a well known fact. Men like cars. Women like make up. Men drink a beer and watch sport, while women can sit and chat about shoes for hours. Generalisation of course. Profound apologies. However there is one area where we men are on solid ground. Men like 'curvy' women. When we say men, we mean ALL men. Women think that men like 'slim' women, and that 'curvy' means fat. Wow. For a man, talking to a woman about her body and it's shape is like digging your own grave with your tongue. There is no way we can say to our partners 'you have a great curvy body', because she will automatically think we mean she is fat! So we will attempt to explain 'curvy' to women, and set their minds at rest. Men are completely turned on by a woman's shape. Her shape. Not her size. Not her weight. It's all about the 'hour-glass' shape.

There are some very, very slim women who have even slimmer waists, and therefore fall into the category where their body has the beginnings of the hour glass shape. There are some women who are naturally curvy, like a Beyonce, Shakira, or J-Lo. And some women need a little dieting, or exercise to find that shape. Men of all ages love to admire an hour glass body. There is something so incredibly sexy about prominent breasts, a slim waist and rounded hips. And usually the side profile is even better, as most curvy women look as if they are trying to arch their backs, and stick their buttocks out. Awesome. That is what men mean by curvy.

As long as breasts, waist, and hips are all in proportion, dress size is irrelevant. The only people who are honestly interested in whether a woman is size 0 or 10, are other women. Men are only interested in the shape of a woman's body. Because the editors of women's magazines are so narrow minded that every single picture in their glossy pages has to represent perfection, normal women who religiously read these pages find faults with themselves. They don't like their hair. Its too dry or too greasy. They don't like their eyes. They can detect fine lines and wrinkles. They don't like their skin. Their hands are too veiny. Their shoulders too broad. Stomach too big. Breasts wrong shape. Legs too short. You get the idea. Who caused all this anxiety? Certainly not men! And ladies, if you take a look through the first few pages of your favourite magazine, the editorial staff is almost exclusively female.

So all the women we know are a little obsessed with being slim, or being the correct weight. None seem too concerned about their shape. Men want one thing. Women are trying to achieve something entirely different. Men want that slim waist. The rounded hips and buttocks. The shapely breasts. They want it all in proportion. But most men are prepared to love their woman, no matter what shape she is. If she were curvy as well as everything else, that really would put the icing on the cake. One great study in the USA was eye opening. The average American woman is 5'4" tall, and size 14. In terms of fashion, modelling, and Hollywood, that is a plus size. Yet, if you ask men "who is the sexiest woman ever?", Marilyn Monroe, who happened to be size 14, comes second to "my wife". Men really think that curvy is beautiful.

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The most famous car in the world

Not sure how that was figured out, but it is hard to argue with that assertion. Author David Worrell likely hit
the nail on the head when he entitled a book about the fictional spy's car The most famous car in the world.


Following Aston Martin's recent press release confirming that Bond will drive a specially built DBS

model in Casino Royale, MI6 revealed that 007 would also return to an old friend in the new film. Two original DB5s will be shipped to the Bahamas, where location shooting with Daniel Craig is expected to begin next month.

Just about every owner of a silver Aston Martin DB5 has either wished or has told a whopper claiming that he or she has one of the cars used in the Goldfinger and Thunderball movies. I came across such a vehicle last November at the Classic Car Show in Birmingham, England.

Two cars were used in the filming, and Sean Connery drove one of them. The other two cars were built for the production company as promotional cars, travelling the world promoting the two movies.

Here's a brief explanation of which car was which and what happened to them . . . as far as I can ascertain.

The Road Car (chassis number DP/2161/1): This car belonged to Aston Martin; it was the DB5 prototype, a modified DB4. It was referred to as the Road Car because it was used in the driving scenes in the movie.

In 1968, Aston Martin stripped it of all of its gadgets and sold it to Gavin Keyzar as a used car displaying 50,000 miles on the odometer. A year later, Keyzar had a company in the south of England reinstall all the gadgets to capitalize on the car's history.

In 1971, he sold it to Richard Loose of Utah. It had a very brief appearance in the movie Cannonball Run.

Loose retired in 1987 and decided to sell the DB5 and a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, also used in Goldfinger, at a Sotheby's auction in New York.

Anthony Pugliese, a developer from Florida, purchased the car for $275,000 US.

Jack Grundy of Grundy Insurance told me last week that a very reputable appraiser put a value of $4 million on the car and Grundy insured it for $3.2 million, 80 per cent of the appraisal.

In 1997, the car was stolen from an aircraft hangar in Boca Raton, Fla. The circumstances of the theft were very suspicious. The car has never been seen since, and I suspect that it was destroyed.

Grundy paid the claim. The local community was shaken but not stirred!

The Gadget Car (chassis number DB5/1486/R): This car also belonged to Aston Martin and was used in the movies for all of the special effects.

All the gadgets were removed in 1968, and the car was sold to Jerry Lee in the United States. When Lee went to England to view the car, it looked very grim. Aston Martin spruced it up and Lee took it back to the States.

It was displayed at a few shows until it was damaged at a show in Memphis, Tenn. Lee was furious and vowed that it would never be displayed again.

In 1977, the chairman of Aston Martin USA asked Lee if he would allow the car to be displayed at the New York Auto Show. Aston Martin would pay for the gadgets to be reinstalled. It was a huge success and the car was displayed one more time in 1981. It now lives in a special wing of Lee's house and has never been publicly displayed since.

Publicity Car 1 (chassis number DB5/2017/R): This car was one of two built for Eon Productions at the staggering cost of $62,000 each when an original DB5 cost $11,250.

Eon sold it and its twin, DB5/2008/R, to Anthony Bamford in 1969. Bamford purchased both cars for $3,750 -- what a steal!

One year later, a friend of his, Sandy Luscombe-Whyte, asked Bamford to sell one of the cars to him. Luscombe-Whyte traded a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO in a straight swap for the DB5. Bamford still has the Ferrari to this day -- it has to be worth about $10 million.

After four months of having fun with it, Luscombe-Whyte advertised the car in the Times newspaper in London. Frank Baker of Vancouver made him an offer he could not refuse: $21,600 and an all-expenses-paid trip on the QE2 to New York.

Luscombe-Whyte would deliver the car from Montreal, driving it across Canada to Vancouver.

Baker offered an additional two weeks' holiday on the West Coast.

The car spent the next 13 years on display outside Baker's Attic Restaurant in West Vancouver. Baker fell upon hard times in the early '80s and sold the car to Alf Spence.

Spence sold it to a consortium headed by Ernest Hartz of San Francisco. The DB5 was offered for sale; they were hoping to get $165,000 but received a high bid of $80,000.

The new owner was the racecar driver Bob Bondurant. He sold it one year later to Robert Pass of Pass Transportation. Five months later, Pass sold it to Robert Littman. When Littman discovered it was not the car used in the movies, he was very disappointed. It ended up in a Jaguar dealership in New Jersey.

In 1989 the dealership went into receivership. DB5/2017/R disappeared, only to surface in the Louman Collection in the National Automobile Museum, Raamadonksveer, Holland, where it remains until this day.

Publicity Car 2 (chassis number DB5/2008/R): Bamford kept the other car of the pair manufactured for Eon Productions and had some fun with it until the news of the sale of the Road Car hit the press.

It was 1971 and time to cash in. Bamford sold the car to Bruce Atchley, the owner of the Smoky Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Atchley wanted it for his son, Hugh.

The car was installed inside an iron-barred cage and was displayed from 1971 until 2006.

RM Auctions of Blenheim, Ont., was given the task of preparing the car in its workshop for sale, ensuring that all of the gadgets worked.

I was at the auction last month in Phoenix, Ariz. The car was driven into a darkened ballroom by Terry Lobzun of RM -- with the machine-guns omitting a rat-tat-tat just like in the movie -- to great fanfare and applause.

The hammer fell at $2.4 million. I have since learned that DB5/2008/R will have a new home in Switzerland.

For many years, all four cars resided in North America. The number has now been reduced to one, and that car is without question the only remaining survivor of the pair used in the original movies.

No other car has attracted so much attention for a combined 13 minutes of footage.

I have only touched the surface of this incredible story involving the four cars.

Dave Worrell has spent a lifetime researching this topic. If you have an interest in the Bond vehicles, reading his book is a must. For more information and details of how to order a copy, visit www.bondbooks.biz.

Nigel Matthews is the appraiser of vintage and collector cars for the Insurance Corp. of B.C.

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Could drywall disaster boost the housing market?

Though it may be hard to imagine now, defective drywall may end up being a good thing for the South Florida economy.

In the middle of a severe slump in the housing market, a recession, a locked-up credit market and a sea of foreclosures, the South Florida housing market is taking another hit.

Owners of newer homes are discovering corroding fixtures and suffering health problems they believe are the result of defective drywall imported from China during the housing boom.

''This is something that's only going to cause a more depressed value to the real estate that has this problem,'' Miami Realtor Alan Gabay said.

And nearby properties might become suspect, too. A home with Chinese drywall could have the same effect on the area as a foreclosure does: a drop in values and fears of the same problems.

''The timing of the manifestation is coinciding with the bust,'' said attorney Victor Diaz, who is suing on behalf of homeowners with suspect drywall. ``It's a catastrophe, particularly if it's one community built all at the same time.''

In the short term, this is probably true. But in the long run, some people think it could actually be a boon.

''It's really got us licking our chops,'' said Peter Zalewski, a principal with Condo Vultures. ``It's fantastic.''

The company is trying to research which communities -- condo buildings in particular -- are members of the Chinese drywall club.

''Ultimately, Chinese drywall means big discount. That's what buyers are looking for,'' he said. ``Think of it like a junkyard.''

Investors could end up buying condos in bulk at cut-rate prices, refurbishing them, then selling them at a profit, he said.

Despite the unknowns, Zalewski said, ``it's worth taking that risk.''

Zalewski pointed out that Biscayne Landing's high-end condos and shops in North Miami were built atop what was once declared an environmental disaster area by the Environmental Protection Agency. And units there sold -- although the condos came on line in 2007.

''I would almost make a case that if a property had this drywall, it's probably going to be safer than a property never accused of having it,'' he said. ``They're going to throw everything they have at that property just to wipe out any kind of doubt whatsoever.''

While refurbished condos may find buyers, there are concerns that many units built with the headache-inducing materials have yet to be discovered.

''There are a lot of projects that are sitting empty,'' said Gabay, an agent with Beachfront Realty. ``There might not even be a knowledge of it.''

Still, Gabay said if the matter is handled correctly, the condo industry could revert to a method of the past: selling units at preconstruction prices.

''It is going to be an opportunistic environment,'' he said.

Although the Florida Association of Realtors added a Chinese drywall disclosure to existing paperwork about known material defects in properties, it's an optional form, and the ideal is to repair properties and declare them problem-drywall free.

''I'm starting to get some inquiries from people that are thinking of doing this on their own,'' Parkland Mayor Michael Udine said. ``No one wants to do this if it's not going to be done right. We want to make sure we only do it one time.''

Once that protocol is established, the South Florida economy could get a boost from the resulting contracting needs.

Attorney Mark Blumstein, who has filed class-action lawsuits against imported drywall manufacturers, suppliers and home builders, said there's just one thing missing.

''Contractors are going to have to be put to work,'' he said. ``We're just looking for a funding mechanism.''

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15 Relationship Mistakes Women Make

It's said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, yes, we know that snooping around our S.O.'s email account is a bad idea and that believing in the fairy-tale love stories we grew up reading is silly, but sometimes we find ourselves giving these relationship moves the ol' college try! The results? Not so successful. Plus, we start to feel unbalanced, and perhaps rightly so.

This point is this: there are certain relationship mistakes women make over and over again. Like sleeping in a bad position and waking with a stiff neck, we sometimes don't realize we're blundering and repeating until the ouch factor comes into play. Well, it's time to stop. We're declaring once and for all: let's quit! Quitters sometimes prosper, especially when lousy habits get left behind. Here's the list of relationship blunders we wish we ladies would stop making.

1. Thinking we'll never get over him. We will. Two months and several powdered donuts later... we'll feel better. Read: Dumped? 10 Healthy Ways To Heal

2. Hacking into email or phones looking for suspicious messages and then yelling at him for the "k thnx bye" text he sent to his female co-worker two months ago. "k thnx" is not code for "hot steamy sex." (Is it?)

3. Thinking our partners must be interested in everything we do, think and say. When it comes down to it, we zone out when men talk about circuit boards, right? Having a best friend or gab partner outside a relationship is a good thing. Watch: Should My Spouse Be My Best Friend?

4. Displacing. Freud was right with this one. If we're mad at him because he ate our tasty restaurant leftovers out of the fridge, tell him we're mad at him because he ate our tasty restaurant leftovers out of the fridge. Don't turn it into a commitment issue.

5. Putting so much energy into the idea of a fairy-tale romance that we're disappointed with anything less. Read: Romantic Comedies Warp Your Brain

6. Waiting for someone to find us, instead of going out and finding someone ourselves.

7. Thinking that a perfect relationship should be easy. Relationships require work and compromise; a perfect relationship means doing those things well.

8. Dropping our friends when we're falling in love. Friends help define who we are, and we need them when things get tough.

9. Thinking that getting a boyfriend or husband will solve all our problems. No one can fix our lives for us! Sound In: How can I learn to not be passive in relationships?

10. Using the silent treatment. Our partners can't read our minds; he won't know what's wrong unless we sack up and tell him.

11. Not asking for what we want in bed. It can be as little as an appreciative moan when he does something good or as much as a frank discussion about our fantasies. Again, he can't read minds, and we'll both benefit from knowing what we find pleasurable.

12. Denying that there's a problem in our marriage or relationship, instead of facing it and asking ourselves what needs to be done. Problems don't usually go away on their own. Letting them fester only makes it worse.

13. Thinking that depending on someone else is a weakness. Leaning on someone else sometimes is the sign of a healthy relationship.

14. Over-analyzing. There's analysis and then there's over-analysis. Wondering why the fiance didn't call once during his bachelor weekend in Vegas? A legitimate case for analysis. Wondering why he only called twice and not three times during a guys' night out? Not so much.

15. Trying to reinvent the relationship wheel. If some items on this list feel cliche, it's because they are! If we would only listen to a good dose of love advice now and again, we'd probably save ourselves some heartache.

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Top 10 summer cocktails

Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Air Mail


Siegal's take on a cocktail he calls "old and esoteric." It sounds to me as if it originated in the '30s or '40s, when the term "air mail" had an sense of glamour to it. The first sip tastes simple. But hold it in your mouth for a few seconds and a whole host of intense, complex flavors reveal themselves.





The Goods:

chilled wine glass
2 ounces Mount Gay Special Reserve White Rum
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounces honey syrup*
2 to 3 ounces well chilled sparkling wine, such as Prosecco

Add the rum, lime juice and honey syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Pour into wine glass and top with sparkling wine.

*Honey syrup dissolves more quickly and is easier to pour than pure honey. To make Siegal's, combine five parts inexpensive honey with two parts very hot water in a small bottle. Seal, and shake vigorously. Let cool.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
The Bikini Martini

The name--not to mention the vivid blue color--makes this a summer cocktail winner. It tastes delicious too.


The Goods:

3 ounces Bombay Sapphire gin
squeeze of fresh lime juice
2 tbsp Blue Curacoa
1 tbsp peach schnapps
1 tsp confectioners' sugar or one packet of Equal
lemon zest

Fill a martini glass with ice and water to chill it. Half-fill a martini shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice, Curacao, schnapps and sugar. Shake well for at least 30 seconds.

Pour out ice and water from martini glass, and poor in the mixture through a strainer. Garnish with lemon zest.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Campari Smash

The appealing contrast between the tangy bitterness of the Campari and the sweetness of the limoncello make this Siegal original a perfect summer refresher.


The Goods:

4 lemon wedges, seeds removed if possible
1 1/4 ounces Campari
3/4 ounces limoncello

Muddle the lemons in a shaker. Add Campari and limoncello. Shake lightly. Serve in a rocks glass.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
La Chic Martinique

Rhum agricole, from the French West Indies, is made from cane sugar rather than molasses, the basis of regular rum. It has a highly distinctive, aromatic, verdant flavor. This is an adaptation of a cocktail created by Brian Van Flandern of New York's Per Se restaurant for a Rhum Clement cocktail competition.


The Goods:

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce Rhum Clement VSOP Rum
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup or 1/2 packet Equal
soda water to taste
twist of lime peel
chilled martini glass

Shake the first four ingredients vigorously over ice. Add a splash of soda and shake gently until it foams. Pour into martini glass. Float the twist of lime peel on the surface.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Cucumber Mojito Crush

Replacing some of the mint with cucumber adds a whole extra dimension to this cool Cuban favorite.


The Goods:

1 1/2 ounces 10 Cane Rum
4 slices peeled seedless cucumber
6 to 8 mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 packet Equal
chilled ginger ale

In a tall glass, muddle together the cucumber, limes, mint and Equal. Add to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add rum and shake. Fill glass with crushed ice, return mixture to glass and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
English Harbor Rum and Soda

One of my favorite summer drinks is one of the simplest--it consists of an aged rum poured into a tall glass of crushed ice and topped with a splash of soda. Here, the softer, creamy Antiguan rum, laced with subtle hints of vanilla, chocolate and coffee, makes for a delectable change from the usual, assertive dark rums.


The Goods:

3 ounces English Harbor Five-Year-Old Antigua Rum
soda to taste
wedge of lime

Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice. Add rum. Add soda to taste and stir. Garnish with lime.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Gin and Tonic

The English classic was exported around the world during the days of Empire and has been improved by such marvels of modern technology as the plentiful supply of ice.


The Goods:

2 ounces of well-chilled super-premium 47% gin
2 or 3 ounces of fresh tonic (I prefer Schweppes)
wedge of lemon or lime

Add gin to a highball glass filled with ice. Add tonic to taste. Squeeze the lime or, if you want to be really Brit, lemon, into the drink. Drop in the wedge.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Pimm's Cup

This classic English summer drink is becoming increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic.


The Goods:

1 1/2 ounces of Pimm's Number One
4 to 5 ounces of 7-Up or Sprite
wedge of lemon
sprig of borage or, if unavailable, slice of cucumber

Ideally you should combine all the ingredients, in these proportions, in a large pitcher, and then pour it into highball glasses filled with ice.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
Zenzero

It's the subtle hint of ginger--and you should use a light hand when adding it, as less is definitely better than more--that, with the honey, gives Siegal's invention its distinctive and refreshing flavor.


The Goods:

1/4 ounce fresh ginger
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce honey syrup
2 ounces El Tesoro Platinum Tequila
well-chilled martini glass

Muddle together the ginger and lemon juice. Pour into a shaker filled with ice. Add tequila and honey syrup. Shake well and pour into the martini glass.


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Ten Cool Summer Cocktails
The Zuidam Crush

I first encountered this drink at a party to promote Zuidam Gin. It was served without the soda, and while I liked the fresh orange flavor, I found it heavy and too strong. So I had the bartender add some soda. This now appears to have become the official version, and I am expecting my first royalty check shortly.


The Goods:

3 ounces Zuidam Dry Gin
1 1/2 ounces Patron Citronage
splash Club Soda
slice of fresh orange

Muddle orange in a rocks glass. Add ice. Add gin, Citronage and soda to taste. This works equally well as a short or long drink. Stir.

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