Smart Hitters

{January 30, 2009} Test Your Handsets Java

Futuremark announced 3DMarkMobile06, a graphics performance benchmarking application for companies developing 3D mobile-device hardware. The product can also be used by consumers.

With this testing software, that you install on your cell phone, you can test your phones Java functionality. There are 3 versions available. The first consumer version is a free product, and the advanced edition with full testing features is available for $3.

The main focus group for the software is propably device manufacturers, but as a consumer you do not have to be a tech freak or gizmo lover to install it on your cell phone. With SPMarkJava06 you can get the access to detailed information about the Java implementation present your phone.

“3DMarkMobile06 features future workloads and game programming technologies that consumers will run in next-generation mobile 3D hardware,” said Tero Sarkkinen, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Futuremark. “It is important for all companies in the value chain to evaluate how such hardware is able to support new content and services. High-detail game content, for example, generates workloads that make significant demands upon mobile 3D hardware.”

I say the software was easy to install and it has some nice features that ordinary consumers can use. You do not have to be a tech freak to install it.

{January 30, 2009} New Advance Beneficiary Notice Replaces Three Forms / New Medicare Brochure

Effective March 1, 2009, providers must begin using the revised “Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage” (ABN) (CMS-R-131). The revised ABN satisfies both mandatory and voluntary notice functions and replaces the ABN-G (CMS-R0131-G), ABN-L (CMS-R-131-L), and Notice of Exclusion from Medicare Benefits (NEMB). Key features of the new form include a mandatory field for cost estimates of the items/services at issue and a new beneficiary option, under which an individual may choose to receive an item/service, and pay for it out-of-pocket, rather than have a claim submitted to Medicare.

Medicare Makes Expanded Benefits Brochure Available. The Expanded Benefits Brochure is now available in downloadable format. This tri-fold provides health care professionals with an overview of Medicare’s coverage of three preventive services: the initial preventive physical examination (IPPE), also known as the “Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam”, ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms, and cardiovascular screening blood testsThe summary presented is intended for Medicare fee-for-service physicians, providers, suppliers, and other health care professionals who furnish or provide referrals for and/or file claims for the Medicare-covered preventive benefits discussed. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed educational resources as part of a broad outreach campaign to promote awareness and increase utilization of covered preventive services. From www.medical-coding.net, a division of Provistas (www.provistas.com), home of SpeedECoder software (www.speedecoder.com).

{January 30, 2009} 3 Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your Website That Much Better

There are some easily overlooked facts about websites that sometimes doesn’t get all that much attention, but could be the difference between your website being “okay” or “fantastic!”. They can make all the difference to your user who is visiting your website. We certainly don’t want to hinder their experience nor confuse them, so how can we make sure their experience will be a memorable one for all the right reasons?

Easy Navigation is the primary concern of many websites right now. If it takes more than 2-3 clicks to get to somewhere, then it’s not going to be seen. Navigation needs to be easy, self-explanatory, without need of a manual. If someone needs a manual to learn how to use your website, it’s time to re-think your navigation. A main central menu is common, with or without sub-menus. The basic “Home”, “About Us”, “Products”, “Services”, “Contact” is your basic 5 page linked menu. Just build upon that. It’ll make maintenance easier and is faster for your customer to get where they really want to be, instead of treating your website like a Rubik’s cube!

You need to have consistent design. Without consistent design, your website could look like a child designed it. Can you imagine visiting a website, where it has a beautifully laid out design on the front page, then you click on a link to delve further, and the colour scheme has completely reversed, the menu has changed it’s position and instead of everything flowing say, vertically, it’s now all flowing horizontally? You would be confused to say the least and think that whoever put it together must be nuts. Don’t give your audience an opportunity to think that way about you. Your online reputation depends on it.

Last, but certainly not least, you WILL need up to date content. I don’t think I need to explain how your website visitor would feel if they found an article on your money saving website that mentioned “Money Saving Tips for 1995″ which is not only very out of date, but also mentioned items that are no longer for sale, or lists common things you can do which actually make you spend more money in the long term. Your visitor would feel that you don’t have enough confidence in your website to keep it fresh and up to date, so why should they have the time to make a repeat visit? If your website is about online business, remember that certain search engine optimisation tweaks only apply for a certain period of time, and many need re-doing as other new future search engines become more popular. Now it doesn’t matter how you get the content i.e.: hire a writer or join an articles directory, you need that fresh content and update your main content page at least every week. If necessary and if you have the skills, re-write your exiting content to include the latest relevant ideas.

Remember to keep these ideas in mind as you next plan to perform some maintenance on your online estate. Keep your navigation simple and flowing, consistent look and feel on every page (create and use your own template if need be, it’ll help!) and regularly updated content. Implement these and your website visitor will have a much, much more enjoyable experience and will return the favour by making repeat visits! Which is, after all, what you want.

Martin Coleman is a freelance writer and computer programmer. More information about his services and other articles can be found at http://www.martincoleman.com

{January 29, 2009} Your Most Sucessful Strategy in Betting: Rakeback

Many poker players have asked me “Why would I sign up for a rakeback? I play online when I have an incentive to clear.” What happens if one day you decide to take card playing up professionally? There are many poker players in the poker world who are really dissapointed at dismissing poker rakeback however today all of them have signed up for all the leading poker sites. Don’t allow this to happen to you.

Rakeback Offers

If you are a player that plays up to $1/$2 and then only bets if you are clearing bonuses, you could be picking up normally around 100% rake back for the bonus payment on the play. One major site have recently shut accounts of card players that logged into their web site only to play like this. It’s anyone’s guess whether this practise might inspire a new trend. If it come about then at once a rakeback offer will become an essential. Some day you may hit top form and then discover you are very lucky, that’s if it has not happened already. I was injured in an on the job accident then internet poker came along during my recovery, I have no regrets. That’s the best part of two years ago now yet I haven’t had a job since all because of poker and naturally rake back offers. It is always great idea to look ahead. Consider it as an investment in the future, even if you do not think poker rakeback is desirable for you right now it might become a good strategy shortly, there’s no way you can lose. Should you be thinking about checking out a new web sites you absolutely have to sign up for rake back deals.

The poker afficionado help watchdog Rakeback Professionals is pleased to have such a lot of ethical partners. Signing up is as effortless as surfing to a The online gamblers interest organization Rakeback Professionals affiliate web site or even as straightforward as e-mailing. The affiliate can get anyone started instantly. You will be able to start playing immediately. If you sign up with an affiliate thru Rakeback Professionals you can rest easy as this partner will have been evaluated and furthermore agrees to allow The Rakeback Professionals website to sort out any conflict that may take place. Even So since we always investigate every one of our affiliates, issues have been relatively few and futhermore we will always work straightaway to straighten out any issue to protect the card players.

{January 27, 2009} An Overview of the Striking Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Loans

In our journey for the search of the best financial options, at times we caught ourselves in a bewildered state because of the wide availability of options, the major ones being, secured and unsecured. Both the types of loan have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Broadly speaking both secured as well as unsecured loans is a type of personal loan.

Now, let’s explore both the types in this article and find out what are the differences between the two?

Well! Let’s start with Secured Loans. Secured Loans, as the name suggests necessitates a security against the loan taken. The type of security required could be any, such as, home, shares, bonds, car, jewellery et al. However, the most commonly used type of security is the borrower’s home. Going back to its origin, Secured Loans can be considered as the conventional type of borrowing. To put up an example, in yester years, people used to keep their land or home in order to take up a loan. The tradition has been followed till today.

There are a number of circumstances when Secured Loan counts as a better option to the borrowers. Let’s discuss some of them: the major benefit of taking up a Secured Loan is the lower interest rate offered. With Secured Loans, you can also enjoy a favourable term. A Secured Loan helps the borrower to enjoy a high level of flexibility. Some lenders of Secured Loans even extends the period of repayment in accordance with the borrower’s affordability.

However like any other type of borrowing, Secured Loan also has its own shades of disadvantages. The major one being, if you fail to repay the loan your assets may be repossessed by your lender. Secured Loans generally are restricted to home owners which at times turns out as a disadvantage.

Now, let’s shift our attention to Unsecured Loans. After discussing the major advantages and disadvantages, it might come as no surprise to learn that around 90 per cent of all loans arranged fall into the unsecured category.

The reason being, Unsecured Loans do not necessitates any type of security, be it home or any assets. Unsecured Loans came as a rescue to the tenants and the home owners who do not have any collateral to offer. However, it should be remembered that since the lender faces a higher amount of risk in Unsecured Loans because of no collateral attached. The lender tries to compensate the risk by charging a higher rate of interest. This very feature of the Unsecured Loan turns out as one of the major disadvantages. Unsecured Loans generally fails to offer its borrowers the flexibility of extending the loan term which can be counted as a pitfall when compared to Secured Loans.

Whatever type of loan you might choose. Before selecting your option, you must weigh out all the pros and cons. It should be kept in mind that whether secured or unsecured, both the loans are meant to be repaid. So, make sure to understand all the features of both the types of loans. Compare the deals and after careful consideration choose the one that suits your requirements perfectly.

About The Author:

The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. She has done her masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting LongdogFinance as a finance specialist.

For more information please visit at http://www. longdogfinance.co.uk

{January 25, 2009} Instant Loans – Prompt Response to Unforeseen Financial Fiasco

Loan market is flooded with loan types that cater to specific needs of loan borrowers – car loans, education loans, mortgage, home loan etc. But what if a requirement of £250 springs up and you don’t have the needful cash and neither can postpone the payment. For this specific cash constraint, there are instant loans. The word ‘instant’ is self explanatory in reference to instant loans. Instant loans are formulated to cover financial emergencies. If borrowers are looking for a source to provide them small amount of money quickly then instant loans are what they need.

Money crisis can spring up at any time. Someone in the family might fall ill and the doctor’s bill amounts to 200 pounds. Death in the family might require you to travel at some other place and bring £400 of expense. Emergency car repair can invite a bill of £250. There are so many things and so many reasons that can extend your monthly budget beyond your capacity.

Instant loans are a rather recent loan type and therefore quite isolated from traditional loans which are meant for larger amounts and require good credit history for approval. Instant loans negate all such cumbersome procedure and get approved in time period of one day or less. Instant loans actually provide you money instantly.

The prerequisite for instant loans is a regular income and current valid bank account. The approval of Instant loans takes a few minutes and the money will be transferred to your bank account the same day or the next business day. This means weekends and bank holidays will not affect the transference of money as instant loans. With instant loans, you can have cash before the pay check arrives.

Instant loans are generally advertised with the provision of no credit check. This is of a specific significance to those borrowers who have less than perfect credit. They have equal standing while applying for instant loans. Instant loans pose considerable risk to the loan lender; therefore, the interest rates of instant loans are usually higher than traditional loans. The interest rates can range from 15%-25% depending on the loan lender. Different loan lenders offer different terms and conditions for instant loans therefore research and looking around would be beneficial in finding instant loans that match your financial anticipation.

Instant loans have never been easier to obtain, especially with the online option. Just one application form and there you are making an instant loans claim. The internet is flooded with instant loan options. Explore your options and familiarize yourself with the terms and condition of instant loans before you settle on any one instant loan. You can apply for instant loans quote at different loan lenders and thereby compare loans. Comparing instant loans online will open your eyes to the cost of instant loans.

Just as the expenses are temporary so are instant loans. This is basic to this loan type. Instant loans simply do not fill in the long term financial planning. Their loan term use will not only backfire but lead you into debt situation which will be difficult to get out of. This is because instant loans have high interest rates. However, they can certainly provide a boost for long term financial planning by taking care of the sudden unforeseen monetary crisis.

Instant loans are available in two forms. One is instant payday loans and instant cash loans. There is not much difference between the two loan types. Instant payday loans are based on the borrowers next pay period. Instant cash loans are also similar requiring little documentation and regular income proofs. Both the loan types are for short term and small loan amounts.

There are instant personal loans and instant secured loans also. Instant personal loans are an extensive term providing a huge variety of interest options and repayment terms. You are likely to find here an instant loan that will satisfy your economic crisis. Instant secured loan will be offered with security. This would mean better interest rates and repayment facilities.

Cash in an instant seems all so promising and inviting but it comes with its usual responsibility that is repayment. Instant loans are fast, transparent and easy way to get cash in lesser time. They practically take an instant to get approved. All they have is a limitation on the loan amount that can be taken for them. So how does it feel like having money right when you don’t have any left? It sure feels good. Instant loans do provide along with the confidence to be in control of your finances.

Maria smith has not been writing articles from the beginning.But the increase in perplexing loans information has urged her to write on different loans types.So she writes in a way that is logical,comprehensive and understandably meant to cater to the need of general public who is left breathless while searching for loans.To find a Loans uk,secured loans,unsecured loans,Debt consolidation at low interest that best suits your needs visit http://www.loansfiesta.co.uk

{January 25, 2009} Things To Look for When Making Cell Comparisons

A big and growing cell phone UK market following the rule of introducing the next iphone has made it decidedly tough work for customers to compare mobile deals. Most of the time, there are numerous aspects that mobile phone customers may need to look into when making cell phone comparisons that some of the very most foremost ones get forgotten about. Compare Mobile Phones and save money with Mobile Shop.

As a result, one forever end up owning a phone which is either too expensive or one which is not ideal for your mobile phone call and text profile. Therefore we discuss in this guide about the two most chief things that folk should always look into when making mobile comparisons. This can help people land a mobile phone that at least meets the standard criteria mobile phone customers are looking for.

The full cell phone UK market is booming on the basis of magnificent features that keep getting added everyday. Nonetheless, a very large majority of cell phone customers purchase mobiles based on their appearance, brand image and incredible marketing only to regret at a later stage when cell phone customers note that their spectacular cellphone lacks a decidedly standard feature like sending emails or video photography. Loads of fabulous dear mobiles sell on the basis of hype, brand image and looks at costs that are unjustified if you look at the lack of high end features. For example the most recent Apple iphone does not let folk forward messages to all. Unfortunately, this phone’s target audience, the youth, gets to regret the loss of this mobile phone feature only after spending months worth of pocket money on it. Therefore make sure that your marvellous new mobile phone has all the features you require before tying yourself into a 12 month contract. Since mobile phone firms will never tell people about the sensational features like mp3 players that their mobiles lack, researching online mobile articles is the very best way to do it.

{January 23, 2009} Eating Disorders 101: An Introduction

Research reports that two out of four young people have unhealthy ideas about eating, dieting and weight. With the alarming increase of eating disorders, dieting, and obesity among children as young as 5 and 6, it’s crucial these days for parents to proactively work to promote healthy eating and body image in their children.

It has been found that in households where mom talks about feeling fat, 81% of their teenage daughters said they felt fat too. Our girls, especially, are being easily confused and influenced when it comes to body image development. In a culture where young people are bombarded with skinny, glossy, and superficial images, parents can be a mirror reflecting understanding, reassurance, wisdom, and love that their children can look into with faith and not fear. Many factors influence whether an adolescent will develop a positive or negative body image. As a parent, you can learn to be supportive the next time your child says, “Mom, I feel fat or Mom, I hate my life,” and be ready with an answer by saying, “that sounds like an important feeling, tell me more.”

The Slenderizing Beauty Ideal

Everyday 56% of the women in the United States are on diets. We have a 30-billion-dollar-a-year diet industry. The historical view of the ideal female body has changed over the years and influenced this dieting America. Although many factors contribute to the changing body shape of girls, including better nutrition, earlier onset of puberty and other societal influences. The fact remains that regardless of the reason, the common trend over time points to a slenderizing standard of the female ideal.
With standards like this, it is no wonder that children are dissatisfied with their bodies.

When it came to looks – teens are most concerned about weight. A Teen People survey of 1000 teens, showed that 39% worried about weight. Between 2000 and 2001, cosmetic surgery on girls 18 and younger had increased by 22%.

Another study reported that after girls viewed pictures of models in fashion magazines:

69% reported that magazine pictures influenced their idea of the perfect body shape and

47% reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures.

This study found that those who were frequent readers of fashion magazines were 2-3 times more likely than infrequent readers to start dieting to lose weight because of a magazine article.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Is it any wonder, then, that eating disorders affect 7 million women and 1 million men in the United States? Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. People with anorexia starve themselves to dangerously thin levels, at least 15% below their appropriate weight. People with bulimia binge uncontrollably on large amounts of food–sometimes thousands of calories at a time–and then purge the calories out of their bodies through vomiting, starving, excessive exercise, laxatives, or other methods. People with binge-eating disorder eat uncontrollably, but they do not purge the calories.

Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS) is a new classification of disordered eating that falls between anorexia, binge eating and bulimia. Unfortunately, since this type of ’sub-clinical’ disorder is often not life-threatening, there appears to be little research available on the topic. One of the goals at FINDINGbalance.com, the first national organization dedicated to helping those who struggle with ENDOS, is to begin collecting new information through input from their website visitors and other existing sources. Visit the www.FINDINGbalance.com website to take the “Weird Eater” quiz and take a closer look at how dieting habits can lead to disordered eating.

Anorexia Warning Signs for Adolescents & Adults:
• Loss of menstrual period
• Dieting obsessively when not overweight
• Claiming to feel “fat” when overweight is not a reality
• Preoccupation with food, calories, nutrition, and/or cooking

• Denial of hunger
• Excessive exercising, being overly active
• Frequent weighing
• Strange food-related behaviors
• Episodes of binge-eating
• 15% or more below normal body weight/rapid weight loss
• Depression
• Slowness of thought/memory difficulties
• Hair loss

* In children any combination of these symptoms should be considered serious and an immediate evaluation by an eating disorder professional or physician is recommended.

Source: www.remudaranch.com

Bulimia Warning Signs:
• Excessive concern about weight
• Strict dieting followed by eating binges
• Frequent overeating, especially when distressed
• Bingeing on high calorie, sweet foods
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, strict dieting, vigorous exercise, and/or vomiting to control weight
• Leaving for the bathroom after meals
• Being secretive about binges or vomiting
• Planning binges or opportunities to binge

• Feeling out of control
• Depressive moods

Source: www.remudaranch.com

EDNOS Warning Signs:
• You’re always on a diet, always coming off a diet, or always getting ready to go on one again (chronic dieting).
• You categorize foods as ’safe’ and ‘off limits’, but weigh within normal ranges and are not participating in bulimia.
• You eliminate entire food groups from your diet.
• You are obsessed with exercising but eat fairly regularly.
• You binge and/or purge occasionally, but not more than a few times a month.
• You skip social occasions because you feel fat, or because you are afraid of what’s being served, yet your weight is normal.
• You believe that everyone is as focused on your weight as you are.
• You refuse to eat regular meals, choosing instead to ‘nibble’ throughout the day on small portions of food (which usually leads to bingeing).

Source: www.findingbalance.com

How Common Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious illnesses. The malnourishment of both anorexia and bulimia affects the body rapidly and can lead to hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, enlargement of the heart, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, permanent brain shrinkage with loss of memory and IQ, infertility, and osteoporosis. It is not uncommon for a teenage girl with anorexia to have the bones of an 80 year old woman. The condition is not reversible. Ultimately, approximately, 6% of people with anorexia and 1% with bulimia will die from their eating disorder.

According to Remuda Ranch, an inpatient eating disorder treatment center in Arizona, estimates indicate that 1/3 of American women and 15% of men will have an eating disorder or related problem at some time in their lives. Fifty years ago, eating disorders were practically unheard of. Research suggest a strong genetic component to eating disorders. People who are prone to perfectionism and low self-esteem may be most at risk.

In today’s world, the cultural pressures for young people to obtain and maintain super-thin bodies are extreme. In this environment, thinness readily becomes a way of dealing with many emotional issues. However, outcome studies have shown there is much hope for people with eating disorders. The good news is that approximately 75% of patients with eating disorders do recover.

How Can Parents Prevent Disordered Eating?

Parents can do much to spare their children a life-long struggle with eating and weight. One of the most important ways is to examine their own beliefs and prejudices as a parent about weight and appearance. Parents should communicate acceptance and respect for themselves and other people regardless of weight. This will reduce some of the pressure children may feel to change their bodies. Especially, discourage the idea that a particular diet or body size can reliably lead to happiness. Do not model or encourage dieting. Accept and talk about the fact that diets don’t work and the dangers of altering one’s body through dieting.

Tips For Healthy Eating

In our diet crazed culture, what really is healthy eating? Here are a few tips that will go a long way in feeding your family a balanced mealtime experience. For starters, teach your children to listen to their body — eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. Remember balance means that most of the time you eat because you are hungry and use food as fuel for your body. But, it also means that sometimes you eat simply when the food appeals to you or when it is appropriate in a social setting (e.g., popcorn at the movies), allowing yourself to eat for enjoyment.

Try to eat different foods everyday, in other words, create an adventure for your taste buds. Aim to inspire your family to eat 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks a day. The idea that snacking between meals is bad is a thing of the past. By teaching your kids to eat every 2 to 4 hours, they will prevent their body from getting overly hungry which could set them up to overeat later. Plus, the body uses the fuel from food very efficiently when smaller amounts of food is eaten more frequently throughout the day.

The bottom line: eat normally, exercise moderately, and let your body weigh what it wants. Yes, it will take courage and perseverance, but the rewards of knowing you are teaching your family how to eat for pleasure is a true legacy to leave.

Resources

BOOKS

DeVillera, Julia. GirlWise. Roseville, California: Prima Publishing; 2002.

Gaesser, Glenn. Big Fat Lies: The Truth about Your Weight and Your Health. New York: Ballantine; 1996.

Hersh. Sharon A. “Mom, I feel fat!” Colorado Springs, Colorado: WaterBrook Press; 2001.

Hutchinson, Marcia. 200 Ways to Love the Body You Have. CA: Crossing Press; 1999.

Jacobs-Brumberg, Joan. The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls. NewYork: Random House; 1997.

Jantz, Gregory L. Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Waterbrook Press; 2002.

Omichinski, Linda. Staying off the Diet Roller Coaster: Advicezone.com; 2000.

Rhodes, Constance. Life Inside the Thin Cage. Colorado Springs. Colorado: Waterbrook Press; 2003.

Quart, Alissa. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Perseus Books Group; 2003.

Tribole, Evelyn. Intuitive Eating: A Recovery Book for the Chronic Dieter. New York: St. Martin’s Press; 1995.

WEBSITES AND PROGRAMS

HUGS
HUGS for Better Health website features resources on how to build a non-diet lifestyle. www.hugs.com

F.I.T Decisions
F.I.T (Future Identity of Teens) is a weekend conference for teenage girls to teach teens how to live healthful, balanced lives. Nationally-known speakers, drama skits, fashion shows, kick boxing, snacks, and give-aways are part of the all day workshop. www.fitdecisions.org

www.girlpower.gov
The US Department of Health and Human Services has sponsored, Girl Power!, a national public education campaign sponsored designed to provide positive messages, accurate health information, and support for 9- to 13-year-old girls. The website includes statistics, research, materials and information for both adolescents and adults. A free Girl Power! Kit can be ordered via the website.

www.4woman.gov
This site, the National Women’s Health Information Center, is a project of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Navigate to “Body Image” section of the website and you will find the “Body Wise” handbook and additional information, educational material and additional resources for parents and a variety of professions.

www.bodypositive.com
by D. Burgard, PhD
Videos and workshops that teach young people how to develop a positive body image and have a healthy relationship with food. A new video (2002) Body Talk 2: It’s a New Language, is targeted at tweens (ages 8-11).

www.bulimia.com
Gurze Books which include tapes and resources on disordered eating and related topics on body image and obesity.

www.healthyweight.net
The Healthy Weight Network features a journal and Francis Berg’s books, Children and Teens Afraid to Eat and other practical resources for educators and health professionals.

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd/ebhp/06bodyimage.htm
The Victorian Department of Human Services website has many resources including a summary of body image programs as well as a review of the research evaluating these programs. In addition, you will find a free Resource Planning Kit: “Shape: Body Image Program Planning Guide”.

www.nationaleatingdisorder.org
Provides many programs, books and materials and references (two items offered are listed below).

Remuda Ranch
www.remudaranch.com
Remuda Ranch is an eating disorder treatment center devoted to the unique needs of women and girls and integrate specialized therapies such as art, equine, body image, and movement program components as part of the recovery treatment.

Kindy Peaslee is a registered dietitian and wants to help your family learn how to identify food and beverage choices that contribute to healthy lifestyles. Look for her recipe Web site for parents, http://www.healthy-kid-recipes.com

{January 21, 2009} Search Engine Secrets: Using Tags

In your web pages, there are hidden areas of the page that the casual browser doesn’t see, but that the search engines sure do. These are called tags, and come in two basic types: first the header tags, which are found at the top of web pages, and second the heading tags, which mark the parts of your text in the page that will be used as titles and subtitles in articles. One other form of tag, alternate text, should be filled out as well.

Header Tags

Most of the tags in your header are called metatags or meta tags; they apply to the entire page and, in HTML, are at the top of your document. In graphic web page design tools like Frontpage or Dreamweaver, if you right-click and select page properties, you’ll find these in the first tab that opens.

When the web first opened to the public, metatags were a critical tool enabling the primitive spiders and search engines of that time to determine how to catalog a page. The idea was that you’d tell the spiders where your page was supposed to be catalogued by how you filled in your metatags, and they’d ensure you were listed properly.

It took very little time indeed before this mechanism was used to rank less-worthy pages higher in the search engines. Today, metatags aren’t as important as they were then because they’re so easy to manipulate; you should still, however, fill them out. They can’t hurt, and in many search engine constructs they’re useful for identifying what your keyword is intended to be.

Title Tags are the most important of the metatags. Whatever you put here shows up in the header bar of your web page, at the top of the window. It should always start with your keyword so it’s clear what you are targeting. Short titles are better, and a very natural style is ideal – no spamming by repeating your keywords over and over.

Description Tags are also important. Start with your keyword or keyword phrase, and describe what your site is about. The content of these tags is often pulled out in search engines and directories to describe your site, so make it concise and precise, and use complete sentences with good spelling and grammar.

The keyword tag should list only keywords you actually mention on your web page. If you use other keywords, some search engines consider it spamming, and will downgrade your page.

Metatags should be focused specifically on the page, not on the site as a whole. Consider each page when you design metatags.