Direct TV: The Best in the Business

 General  Comments Off on Direct TV: The Best in the Business
Feb 282024
 

With more than 14 million customers, Direct TV is the national leader in the satellite television industry. Offering hundreds of channels to subscribers across the country, they’re the fastest-growing satellite television provider today.

One of the first major companies in the business, Directv Satellite made its debut on December 17, 1993, with the launch of its first satellite, DirecTV-1. They were the first to offer a direct broadcasting satellite (DBS) system in the United States and the first to utilize what became known as the minidish, an extra-compact,18-inch satellite much easier to install and maintain than the bigger dishes in common use. Thanks to their pioneering efforts, viewers all over the United States, including those in rural areas, were able to access to quality television for the first time.

Direct TV has also led the way in technological advancements, offering the first on-screen program guide with interactive features. Now, they’re living up to their high reputation and exceeding their own standards by offering more great programming, award-winning customer service and the most advanced equipment available in home entertainment. With Directv’s digital video recorders (DVRs) and receivers, viewers get cutting-edge components for their homes.

With more than 225 channels to choose from, Direct TV delivers the best in entertainment for the entire family. Local Channels are available in most areas via the satellite dish. Subscribers can select from 55 Pay Per View events each day. They can choose the best in movies, with channel selection like Showtime, Turner Classic Movies, and Cinemax. Without a doubt, Directv Satellite television is the place to be if you’re a sports fan. Offering an unmatchable selection of sports channels, they have programming viewers won’t find anywhere else. Get access to hot channels like NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Full Court and MLB Extra Innings. Great packages are available for every taste and budget, from movies, to music to sports.

Directv Satellite offers an incredible range of international programming, with more than 50 Spanish channels, and a diverse array of networks in Hindu, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Fans of European sports will love CricketTicket, which features the best of Britain’s beloved game. Direct TV offers a wide array of great international packages for viewers.

Subscribers looking for high definition television (HDTV) will find what they’re looking for here – Directv HDTV Offer. Direct TV offers a host of HD channels, including ESPN, Discovery HD Theater, and HD Net Movies. More than 100 HD sporting events are available each week. Nine HD networks are also featured, including ABC, NBC, and FOX.

In addition to exclusive sports programming and plenty of high definition options, Direct TV also offers XM satellite radio. They have the best in receivers and digital video recorders, and they offer award-winning customer service. With free tech support available 24 hours a day by phone, viewers can get help fast, anytime. Tune in today!

The top online Authorized Direct TV Dealer is USDirect. USDirect has the best deals available. These special free deals are only available online . The current special promotion includes a free DVR and a free Directv HDTV Receiver. This is a limited time offer! This offer will end soon. Switch to the best. Start now! Click here to find the best Direct TV Offers.

Commercial Real Estate Lending vs. Private Funding

 General  Comments Off on Commercial Real Estate Lending vs. Private Funding
Feb 152024
 

Traditional bank and institutional lending has become outdated in some respects and does not always meet the needs of potential commercial customers. Private investor funding has filled many of the gaps while making investing easier and profitable for all parties involved. Although private funding is not actually lending by definition it is still a highly viable alternative.

The typical traditional bank loans take 3 to 6 months to close. The obvious constraint is if your deal needs to close before 3 months or if the seller is anxious to close in a fast time frame. Private funding typically takes 30-90 days to close and the right mix of information, opportunity and “right-time-right-place” has seen private deals close in a manner of days!

Most commercial lenders have very specific guidelines on documentation of the source of income or proof of asset ownership. Obtaining these documents from the current owner(s) is a big challenge if not impossible. Tax returns and additional personal information are sought but few are willing to open up their finances to just anyone. Private investors tend not to look at past performance of the property but seek a good analysis of what the future potential is. Be prepared with a sound business plan!
Many borrowers can’t qualify for traditional commercial loans if they have existing high business expenses. Again, existing financials need to be examined by the bank to determine if prior performance indicates worthiness for the loan. This time it’s your financials under the microscope. This type of information is useful in proving yourself to private investors but not required.

Special business properties such as mobile home parks, restaurant /bars, cash businesses, new development construction projects, nursing homes, assisted living centers, etc. may be outside of the traditional lenders interest. The reasons differ but are often related to the perceived risk or lack of knowledge about the type of investment. Again, private investors are more interested in your plan and its soundness rather than the category of property.

Relative short balloon payments on special purpose business loans are fairly common with traditional loans, some due in as little a 3 years. If your business plan does not specifically show how returns on the profitability of the property will support the balloon payment the loan is often denied. Private funding may also have balloon payments but you can always seek a different structure that fits your needs and plan rather than trying to plug your plan into an institutions way of doing things.

Assumability of the loan is not often offered with commercial loans. If your plan for the property includes later selling it for a profit you need to consider how potential buyers will finance the purchase from you. If you cannot transfer the loan to a qualified buyer you will be at the mercy of them obtaining a loan from an institution and meeting all of their requirements. This is time consuming and costly for the borrower creating a delay in you moving on. Conversely, private funding can often be structured so that you may transfer your existing agreement to another without any of the constraints.

Banks and lending institutions often monitor their investments by requiring ongoing financial reporting requirements. Although they are not a partner in your venture they behave like they are. Until you break free from the loan this monitoring relationship will continue. Private funding investors may also require periodic financial reports but as long as the agreed terms of the funding are being met they may have little interest.

Some institutional lenders still require the borrower to live in the same state as the property. In today’s realm the reasons for this requirement are lost. Legal issues may be a bit easier to deal with because of the requirement but not enough to limit the borrowers to properties in their own state.

There are many more differences between traditional loans and private funding. The differences usually favor the non-traditional private funding world. You may pay slight more for private funding overall but if you can’t qualify for a traditional loan, or the timing will not work you should not even consider cost when comparing the two options.

A Changing of the Guard in Automotive Repair

 General  Comments Off on A Changing of the Guard in Automotive Repair
Feb 112024
 

As someone who has always purchased used, low mileage cars in an attempt to offset the expense of driving a new car off the dealer lot, I’ve had my share of repair issues over the years. Luckily, I’ve also had the same reliable mechanic for the better part of two decades. No matter what car I owned or in some cases wished I didn’t own, he has been able to find the source of the problem, fix it, and get me on my way. As the owner of the shop, he is the one who deals with the customers, prepares estimates and makes the phone calls to let people know when their vehicles are ready. What I recently found out, though, surprised me a bit. The man I thought had been fixing my cars hasn’t turned a wrench in years.



The last time I was in for a repair, we got to talking about the late model auto I brought in. I bought it with less than 20,000 miles on the odometer and didn’t really expect to have to have any work done other than routine maintenance. When I asked a detailed question about the reliability of the car, in his opinion, he called out one of his employees and told me that he no longer works in the garage. This young man provided me with the answer I was looking for, and explained why the problem I had wasn’t likely to happen again through my ownership of the vehicle. While that was relieving, I was still in a bit of shock. I always pictured the same person working on my cars, or at the very least supervising. We joked about it and then the owner told me why he only concerns himself with the administrative aspects of the business.



According to him, he would rather be under the lift doing what he enjoys, but the complexity of today’s automobiles precludes him from doing so. It seems modern cars and trucks demand higher standards of technical ability, service procedures and diagnostic equipment than he was able to provide or understand. As technical advancements continued to show up in cars that entered the shop, he began to see a trend. The graduates from automotive technical schools that he hired were able to comprehend the complicated systems of late model cars and perform diagnostic and repair services better and faster than he could. Of course, they had gone through extensive training for just that purpose, where he had learned auto repair from his father and through years of trial and error.



I asked him if it upset him that he had to rely more on others than in previous years. He told me that it doesn’t bother him so much, then pointed out the window at a beautiful 1969 Corvette that pulled in to get gas. “When a car like that comes in for repairs, I’m the one that gets to work on it.”

“One classic deserves another” I said, then smiled and went on my way.

Ease Your Cash Flow: Invoice Finance

 General  Comments Off on Ease Your Cash Flow: Invoice Finance
Feb 082024
 

There are several benefits that can be gained when a company decides to invoice finance. A business that deals in the sale of products or services to other businesses will receive the advantage of improved cash flow by using an invoice finance service.


Basically, to invoice finance means to sell or assign your outstanding invoices to an invoice finance company. This company in most cases will give you instant access to a percentage of the total amount of the unpaid invoices assigned to them, commonly from 70-90% of the value of approved invoices. In many cases they may also take responsibility for invoicing, chasing and collecting owed invoices as well as accept a percentage of the loss on unpaid invoices.


Having access to these funds greatly increase the cash flow within your company. Cash on hand for increased production, savings by way of discounts on company expenses, decrease or even elimination of business expenses, and improved opportunities for business loans.


By using an invoice finance service there is no waiting 30-45 days for people who pay on time, and even longer for late payments on invoices. That cash on hand can be more readily available for production, creating an immediate availability for more sales.


Another area the right business can gain greater cash flow from using invoice finance is in taking advantage of discounted payments of business expenses. Many companies offer discounts of as much as 10% if their invoices are paid on receipt or within a certain period of time.


With invoice finance you have cash on hand to pay your bills sooner, rather than having to wait until your customer pays you for your product or service. Increased cash flow also increases your companies purchase power, making it possible to negotiate better terms or discounts from suppliers. The savings in these two areas alone will in most cases outweigh the fee from the invoice finance service.


There are other business expenses that can be cut back or even eliminated when using invoice finance, for example: administration costs, stationery, and office equipment. When adding the expense of employing an accounting clerk, not only their salary but also company benefits, it’s easy to see some great advantages to using an invoice finance service.


Invoice finance can be particularly helpful to a business in the start-up phase. Most lending institutions have strict rules on lending to ‘new businesses’. A bank or lender will only consider a small portion of outstanding (unpaid) invoices owed, often only 40% of the total amount of outstanding invoices, when administering a business loan. By invoice financing your ledger shows cash on hand in place of a large amount tied up in outstanding invoices.


There are some disadvantages to using an invoice finance service. The goods or service your company supplies can have a huge effect on whether your company should use invoice finance. Businesses providing recurring services or product orders are good candidates, while invoices for one-time orders might find it difficult to obtain this type of funding.


These companies prefer to know the debtor and their track record in paying debts before accepting invoices owed by that debtor. Another disadvantage would be if the mark-up sale price of the goods or service provided were less than the amount of the invoice finance fee.


For the right business combining the improved cash flow with a reasonable profit margin along with increased sales orders the business is in a position to expand and the cost to invoice finance can easily be absorbed in increased profitability.

Cool T-Shirts

 General  Comments Off on Cool T-Shirts
Feb 042024
 

Buying Cool T-Shirts

A lot of the T-shirts we want can be found in the mall, in record stores and department stores. But it seems ridiculous to pay high prices for a simple, 100% cotton T, and none of us can ever seem to buy as many cool T-shirts as we want.

Cool T-shirts don’t have to be outrageously expensive, if you know where to look. First, make sure to check all the sales racks in every store where you shop for your cool T-shirts. You’re bound to find one or two good items on these racks, though it may take some looking. The mall is not the only place to find cool T-shirts, either. Be sure to check strip malls, which usually contain smaller boutiques, because these stores often have a wealth of cool T-shirts available as well – without the high prices of the mall.

Cool T-shirts are always hot and always in style, so they can be found at any clothing store at all. Don’t be afraid to shop around and look for the best deals, because that’s the only way to save your money. The less you spend on your cool T-shirts, the more cool Ts you can buy!

Making Your Own Cool T-Shirts

Who says you have to buy all your own cool Ts? It’s much cheaper, and more creative, to buy plain cotton T-shirts and have them professionally silk-screened. This process is actually a lot cheaper than buying a pre-printed cool T-shirt, and in the end you’ll end up with a cool T-shirt that’s completely one of a kind.

If you have an artistic flair, or have your own catchphrase, why not have it put on a cool T-shirt that will be uniquely your own? A custom-made T will make a huge fashion statement, and personalize your wardrobe. Making your own cool T-shirts is one way to get the fashion you want, at a price you can afford. And by making your own cool T, you’ll have something that no one else can purchase.

Finding Cool T-Shirts

You can find cool T-shirts anywhere and everywhere. Don’t be afraid to check discount stores, department stores, used clothing stores. Because cool T-shirts are popular and highly in demand no matter the time of year, you can find them everywhere. Sporting goods stores also have a wide range of sports-related cool T-shirts for you to choose from. Once you realize that you can look for cool T-shirts everywhere, finding them becomes a whole lot easier. The harder you look for cool T-shirts, the better your chances that you’ll find fashions that no one else has. Cool T-shirts are about expressing your own unique style, and what better way to do that than by finding cool T-shirts that no one else has?

Cool T-Shirts

When everyone else is wearing cool T-shirts, too, your own sense of style may get lost in the crowd. Customize your Ts with extra touches like buttons, pockets, bits of fabric, ribbon, jewels, even your own added graphics. Don’t be afraid to get crazy, because it’s all in the name of fashion. And you never know – you may end up starting the next trend in cool T-shirts. Display your own personality by adding custom touches to your Ts, and you’ll soon find that other people try to follow your lead and do the same. Even with an everyday item, you can create a fashion trend that will set off waves among your peers.

Aroma Therapy: Get Cured With A whiff

 General  Comments Off on Aroma Therapy: Get Cured With A whiff
Jan 262024
 


The origin of aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It was used in both ritualistic and medicinal practices. Even the Chinese medicinal practices are rich in cures with essential oils in acupuncture, massage, inhalations and baths. The ancient Indian medicinal system also deals a lot with the medicinal oils. Many aroma cures are practiced in homes and has become a part of common home remedies. Knowledge of aroma therapy and its scientific basis started after a French Chemist Gattefosse showed that essential oils can penetrate the skin and mingle with the extra-cellular liquids of the body which are then carried to the different organs. Other research has shown that the olfactory nerves that react to smell are directly connected to the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus controls the endocrine system which regulates growth, and other activities such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature and hunger.


Basics of aromatherapy

Aroma of oils is extracted from various herbs and plants which help to bring the mind and body into a state of equilibrium. It helps in healing various metal and physical ailments. This oil from which the aroma is taken is known as essential oils which can be used to treat many ailments like depression, stress, arthritis, back problems, muscle aches, head aches, colds, sinus problems, skin disorders, asthma, digestion problems, etc. The essentials oils are many and information on the essential oils and aromatherapy info can be obtained from the internet. These essential oils evaporate easily and are used in many air fresheners. A vapouriser, potpourri burner, heating the oil on the stove or placing a few drops in steaming water can create a distinct mental and emotion atmosphere. Pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and are volatile. Most of these oils contain vitamins and minerals, some are natural antiseptics where as others exhibit hormone like properties.


How to use these Essential Oils

Make your own perfume by adding these oils to other oils so that it does not evaporate fast. You could also add it to pure alcohol (ethyl) and use it like a perfume.
Water is used in therapy quite often and using oils in bath tub while having a bath enhances the power of the oil. Do not add any other substance (foam, soap or other oils) to the water. Just add about 9 or 10 drops of essential oils and relax. The oil is absorbed into the skin and inhalation of the vapor is added benefit. For children and babies be sure to reduce the quantity of oil.
You could also take a cotton and dab it with a little bit of oil and keep it in the room you are working in. Putting a drop or two of oil in the dust bin and in other vantage points in the room will permeate the entire room with the pleasant aroma.
In case you are to use it for colds and inflammation of the sinus. Steamers that are made especially for aromatherapy can help. These steamers are used even for other ailments. Application of the oil on the affected part is said to be beneficial in many remedies like arthritis, muscle aches etc.


Herbs for Aroma therapy

Aromatherapy stress reduction oils and some essentials herbs of aromatherapy for ailments are given below.

Basil


    Colds, coughs and related ailments of the lungs
    Nervous tension, hysteria and related mental ailments


Lavender


    Regular colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma etc.
    Relaxants for Insomnia, depression and nervous tension


Cedar wood


    Treat oily skin, acne, scalp disorders


Eucalyptuses


    Helps in colds, coughs, bronchitis, etc.


Coriander


    A known aphrodisiac it is used to rejuvenate the nervous system, reduce rheumatic pains and improves appetite.


Lemon


    Used in acidity, arthritis, anemia and cough and colds
    Reduces pain when applied on the spot of an insect bite


Orange


    Used in ailments like bronchitis, colds etc.
    Used in skin care


Rosemary


    Effective in arthritis, bronchitis, burns, colds, dandruff and skin care.
    Brings clarity of thought and has a placid effect on the nervous system


Author: Aromacures.com is a site that gives complete aromatherapy info. Herbs for Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy for ailments , Aromatherapy Stress Reduction etc. Visit the site for more info.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Platinum Credit Card

 General  Comments Off on 5 Tips for Finding the Best Platinum Credit Card
Jan 192024
 

Platinum credit cards have a reputation for exclusivity and prestige, but they are open to a wide range of consumers. One difference between platinum cards and regular cards is that they commonly have lower interest rates and higher annual fees. They also offer extra perks and services such as purchase insurance, rewards points, travel deals and even travel and concierge services. Here are five tips to help choose the right platinum card for you:


1. Consider your credit needs and habits. The consumers who get the most out of platinum cards are those who use their cards frequently but only spend what they can easily pay off every month. They commonly have high incomes, high spending and a lifestyle that takes advantage of the extra benefits offered by platinum cards. Questions to ask yourself include how much you spend, how quickly you pay off your balance, how much you can afford for an annual fee and which extra features you will use the most.


2. Decide which card features are most important to you. Different factors matter to different people, so take time to analyze your own priorities before taking someone else’s recommendation. Consider the options available, and decide which are essential, which are preferences and which don’t matter to you.


3. Compare several cards to find the best one. You may have a specific brand in mind already, but by looking at several options you can choose the one that gives you the most for your money!


4. Read the fine print. Platinum cards can cost a lot of money, so make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you submit the application. Reading the agreement in full can help you to understand all of the responsibilities and benefits and choose a card that really fits with your lifestyle.


5. Check several sources of information. The Federal Reserve publishes a survey of credit card terms every six months, and there are a wide range of websites where you can compare credit card offers and even apply online.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries