“Knowing your products, your sales pitch, what in the most in demand and where to source quality leads and how to work them are all part and parcel of being a top insurance agent. What you don’t get told is how to concisely summarize your agency and its product in less than 30-seconds. It means a laser focus on what is important to tell a potential customer. Can you do it?” asks Benepath.net CEO, Clelland Green, RHU.
Not too many agents can reel off a convincing spiel in 30-seconds, but that does not mean they cannot learn how to. It is a good lesson in marketing and how it works. If an agent can market their agency and what they sell in 30-seconds, they truly understand what it means to market the essentials, and essentials are what customers want.
“They don’t want obscure facts about Medicare supplements, or want to know how much a funeral costs, they want solutions to problems. In other words, just the facts. Getting to the heart of the matter of selling a policy someone actually wants is an art,” adds Green. “This is where knowing your customers wants and needs becomes paramount to making a solid sale.”
What is involved in a 30-second focused pitch, an insurance agency’s digital asset? Quite a lot, and the agent must spend hours scripting, rehearsing, timing and getting feedback on what it sounds like and whether it has the moxie to meet the mark. They need to know their value proposition – what appeals to the customers in the niche they want to market in. It has to highlight a valued product, service or solution, focus on agent expertise and get the message across succinctly but clearly. It is, with practice and patience, doable.
Mini marketing, meaning the 30-second verbal art of telling prospective clients what they need to know about an insurance agency, their products and services has some “must do” components:
“The beauty of the 30-second pitch to a client is that you may change it to suit your needs in any industry you choose whether it is group insurance or small business insurance. This helps you refine and define what your agency is about and makes you a driving force to be reckoned with when you are in sales mode,” says Green.
The post Quickly Summarizing an Insurance Agency’s Services and Products – a 30-Second Verbal Art first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Doing your own tiling is kind of fun, but try to remember that before you tackle any type of home renovation you must do the research first. If you jump in, all gung-ho because you found some marvelous tile, but don’t measure first, you may find yourself in a real bind mid-project,” said Champion Tile & Marble owner/operator, Dean Dupre. “The little details of any project are just as, if not more so, important than buying the tiles. So, measure twice, lay it once and you’ll be a happy camper.”
Many DIY aficionados head out the door first thing to buy tile, but forget to purchase all the tools they need to do the job the right way the first time. Make a list. This cannot be emphasized enough. Lists get any eager homeowner out of a tough spot when they start a job on their own and discover they might not have everything they need. If it is written down, it gets purchased, and the job is bound to be done right.
“The thing about tiling jobs is that they hold many surprises and need more tools than one might suspect,” added Dupre. “Do not cheap out on the tools. That old axiom about getting what you paid for is true. Buy cheap and you end up having issues and likely replacing them, which is not too budget friendly.” In other words, take the time to do the preparation work before starting a project.
Most home handymen do not understand the need to start in the middle of the floor. They figure starting in a corner makes sense. “Not so. Houses rarely have completely straight walls. If the tiles are aligned with the walls, the result may look out of line and very unprofessional. Work from the center of the room out and cut, trim and file tiles as you proceed. It’s a much neater job,” added Dupre. “Just make certain to buy more tiles than you might need, just in case.”
The post DIY Tiling? Start in the Middle of the Floor first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>One of the most common types of floating floors on the market is laminate flooring. However, if laminate is not installed correctly, it can be heard shifting when people walk over it. The main advantage of laminate is its durability and low cost. “However, low cost flooring may end up costing you more because it is much harder to clean, and in some cases, almost impossible to keep clean and streak free,” said Dean Dupre, owner/operator of Clearwater, Fla.’s Champion Tile & Marble.
In most instances when a floating floor is installed, there is a fair amount of movement in it because it is fitted over either cement or on top of another floor. If this is installed over an area with moisture issues, the result tends to be disastrous and the dampness disintegrates the laminate overtime. Laminate is not waterproof and a floating laminate floor does not remedy the moisture problem.
Floating laminate flooring keeps company with a few of its country cousins, engineered hardwoods. Not all engineered hardwoods are considered to be floating floors, because some must be nailed or glued down. All hardwood and laminate installations also require some form of underlay; so technically, the floor is not strictly free floating.
Before asking a contractor to install a floating floor or attempt a home renovation project that involves one, it is best to do the research required to select the correct product. For instance, if the floor is to go on top of radiant heating, there is a need to avoid nails and glues. Understanding the reasons why someone would require a floating floor are paramount to getting precisely what is required for various locations in the home. Other flooring may be less expensive and do a better job.
“Another fine choice for a floating floor, provided that is viable in your particular location, is using cork flooring. If cork does not hold any appeal for you, try sourcing vinyl. Some vinyls are floating floors, but choose carefully, because the rule of thumb with vinyl flooring is that most of them are ‘not’ floating floors,” cautioned Dupre.
Since it is so difficult to find a true floating floor, why would a homeowner wish to install one? Installing a floor over a floor, without ripping up the first one, saves times, money and labor. Or, a homeowner has an existing floor that does not handle glue well. There are also certain environmental considerations for putting down a floating floor. An example would be asbestos tile, making removal toxic and/or very expensive.
Floating flooring is a greatly misunderstood concept and it is best to discuss various options with an experienced flooring contractor before proceeding with any home flooring renovation project.
The post To Float a Floor or not to Float a Floor – a Tough Home Renovation Decision first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Marble is subject to staining and fading over time. Rather than replacing the tiles, try using a light coating of wax to bring the shine and glow back. This extends the life of the tile, returns the stone to its once heathy shine and protects the surface from further fading and damage. Although this is not an ideal long-term solution, it does help to delay a major replacement.
Refrain from waxing white marble, though, as it turns the stone a dirty yellow. An acceptable alternative would be using a marble sealer. Sealing the tile also makes it easier to clean, requiring just a damp cloth. Another route many homeowners try is using commercial cleaners and polishes. Make sure to only use the products specifically designed to care for marble.
“Caring for marble can be as easy as occasionally washing the tiles with lukewarm water and wiping them dry,” explains Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble. “Streaking can be taken care of by using a damp chamois. And you only need to do a more in depth cleaning about twice a year, by using dish detergent and warm water, making sure they are rinsed well and wiped dry,”
Companies that sell marble usually carry special cleaning products and most flooring contractors that use marble in projects are able to advise homeowners on what to use to keep their marble looking good for many years. Stick with the polishes and cleaners that have been designed for use on marble, as any other product may damage the marble beyond repair or revival.
“If all else fails when it comes to bringing the luster back to your marble tiles, consult with a tombstone maker,” Dupre adds. However, it is usually easier to stay on top of marble care by meticulously maintaining it on a regular basis, rather than realizing years later that the surface needs to be repaired, replace or refurbished.
The post Faded, Stained Marble, No Problem to Clean first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>There are a large number of agents out there that have issues with using lead generation companies and investing their hard-earned marketing dollars in buying leads. Those same cautious individuals end up watching the competition soar like an eagle when it comes to selling Medicare supplements.
“Why is the competition doing better than you are? They are buying exclusive Medicare supplement leads from benepath.net,” explains Clelland Green, RHU, CEO, benepath.net. “The fact is the Medicare supplement market is ripe for harvesting because the buyers in that demographic need what you are selling. It doesn’t get any easier than that.”
Selling insurance, no matter what kind, is not a walk in the park. Agents should always work their leads, even Medicare leads, with enthusiasm, drive, integrity and determination. The greying of America means there are millions of potential customers to approach with a much sought after health product, one that they need to be as healthy as possible.
The nation’s population is not the only thing aging. So is the Medicare program itself. Some predict it is going to run out of money by 2017. Others suggest it is likely to remain operating, but at a 20 percent less capacity. “That aside, and most such predictions like this need to be taken with a grain of salt,” adds Green. “Medicare supplements help fill the gaps left in health insurance coverage in the ‘original’ Medicare.”
Also referred to as Medigap, Medicare supplements give seniors a better, more complete plan to see them through their medical issues. This point, perfect for educating potential senior customers, may be used in discussion with Medicare supplement leads. Working this type of lead is not just about selling. It is also about education, assisting the client to choose what is the best coverage for their situation and about making someone’s life better.
“With all those points working in your favor, your business can and will grow by leaps and bounds. When you market what people want and need and do a good job of it, they convert. Don’t eschew buying from a lead generation company until you have actually tried it,” Green suggests. “The results will surprise you.”
Medicare supplement leads are a bit like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “Believe in the process and product and reap the rewards,” says Green.
The post Medicare Supplement Leads Are Gold first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Always start a home renovation project with a budget, but be smart about it. “If you’re on a tight budget, measure the space you are redoing to determine how many square feet you need,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble, Clearwater, Fla. “There is no point in buying tile you love at $6.00 per square foot and then finding out you can’t afford to do the whole room in question.”
Additionally, tiling jobs do not just involve the tile alone. They typically require sealer, grouting and perhaps special tools for a particular type of tile and/or contrasting tiles to create a different look.
“Some people get so gung-ho about their renovation project that they don’t take time to slow down and carefully figure out what they need and do the measuring more than once. While that might sound like a gigantic pain, measuring twice and cutting once saves money, time and frustration,” says Dupre. Always have a list detailing precisely what is needed to do the job from start to finish. Tile is not the only item needed to redo a bathroom floor.
Do the research before doing the job. Know what kinds of tile are needed for the look that is both desired and professional. For instance, there are two types of tiling needed for remodeling the bathroom: trim and field tile. Field tile comprises the actual job itself – the area being tiled – such as a bathroom wall or shower. It is the largest part of a project. To cover a large area, opt to use the most common sized tile of 12 inches by 12 inches.
“To figure out how much field tile you need, carefully measure the large area of your project, then figure out the square footage. Add in a couple more feet for those just in case moments,” suggests Dupre.
It is usually wise to factor in at least a 20 percent overage when working with tile. That does not just apply to mistakes, but also avoids running out of tile, finding out it is discontinued or on perpetually on back order, or discovering that the extra tile needed is a different lot number or shade.
Renovators usually buy trim tile for several reasons, as border or accent trim. Though one can do the job without trim, it does make the result look far more professional. Accent trim is great for the field tile layout, as a contrast or complimentary accenting, and border trim completes the finished project.
“Marble is indeed a superior choice for flooring, walls, countertops and backsplashes,” states Dean Dupre, owner and operator of Champion Tile and Marble in Clearwater, Fla. “More often these days, those with a bit of wiggle room in their budget are opting to have it installed. Admittedly marble is more expensive than many other choices on the marketplace, but it is often worth the extra money in terms of upgrading a home.”
Homeowners wanting value for their money, enduring style, the utmost chic in design and durability, may want to check out marble. It is favored by decorators, architects, designers and engineers for good reason. It withstands the elements of time, reflects opulence and class and may be used in a variety of places: from court yards to kitchens, front porches to laundry rooms and bathrooms to front hall entries. Once installed, it is there virtually forever and is no longer just used for floors.
An often overlooked use for marble is outdoor tiling. Many considering this kind of renovation to a patio area think that wet marble would be dangerous. It would be dangerous, if it were not for the fact that there are special outdoor marble tiles, carefully roughed up with a minimally gritty, slightly coarse surface.
“The traction that type of surface provides is excellent, even when wet. If you’re contemplating using marble outside,” adds Dupre, “then make sure it is frost-proof and unglazed and the moisture absorption rate comes in at 0.5 percent or less.” When shopping for the right kind of tiles to install outdoors, check the ratings on each exterior tile that indicates slip-resistance capabilities.
Marble holds a unique niche in the hearts of many who want flooring that appeals to their senses. Aesthetically appealing and sensual, it is also appealing for its non-allergenic health benefits. Nothing sticks to marble, unlike carpets, some types of wood flooring and area rugs. Simply put, marble is not vinyl, laminate or ceramic and changes a room’s ambience significantly.
The post Marble Goes With Anything, Anywhere first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Lead generation companies are able to offer leads relatively inexpensively due to their ability to generate volume – something a lone agent is not physically or financially capable of doing, unless that is all they do, at the risk of not having time to make sales. Lead generation companies are able to offer a range of prices, depending on what type of leads an agent is interested in; ranging from shared leads to exclusive leads to aged leads.
“Some lead generation companies sell shared leads, a ‘major’ source of revenue for them because many agents pay for the same leads,” adds Green. “The only entity making money in that equation is the lead generation company, not the agent who bought the shared leads. Buy exclusive to you only leads if you want to make sales.”
When buying leads, use a marketing mindset, not a consumer frame of mind. Marketing is about building a business, and in turn generates more business. A consumer frame of mind focuses on cost only, not on the future of the business.
To build their businesses, agents need to keep an eye on how to build their agency, customer-by-customer. It is about working with solid leads to generate clients who remain loyal customers, not one-off expenses for shared leads that peter out once they have been worked.
“Very few agents today have the enormous amount of time required to generate their own leads,” says Green. “Nor do they have the money and patience to chase unverified, unscreened and unqualified leads that go nowhere. Most prefer to purchase pre-qualified, pre-screened and verified leads from a lead generation company – leads to do convert when worked correctly.”
Buying fresh leads is buying smart leads. So buy leads that have been pre-vetted for the potential to convert from a lead to a paying customer. Watching the bottom line in building an insurance agency involves spending marketing dollars where they count the most.
The post Buying Leads Costs Far Less Than Self-Generating Them first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>When planning any type of renovation project, particularly one that is intended to upgrade flooring, try something different for a unique look. Go for unusual sizes and not standard 2 ¼ inch red oak panels usually that most builders opt for. While they use that size and product for its relative inexpensiveness, they sacrifice originality by doing so.
If the budget is not a great concern, something out of the ordinary may be a good choice. Trying a random flooring pattern can also give a room that extra pizazz.
Those interested in green options for their flooring renovations need look no further than the United States. There are numerous varieties of interesting flooring available right at home, and buying here supports the local economy. Other countries do not necessarily have renewable resource or managed reforestation programs.
For a more unique take on what to do with hardwood floors, try white oak, cherry, maple or even hickory. “Also check for what is referred to as character grades – planks with personality if you will,” adds Clearwater’s Champion Tile and Marble owner, Dean Dupre. “The flooring with character is memorable and adds a ton of personality to a home.”
For a floor with character, then do not choose select grade wood. That means it is devoid of personality and shows no markings – markings that are the character of the wood to begin with. “Flooring with personality tends to bring out the untold stories hidden in the wood’s planking. Character grades are incredibly interesting,” said Dupre. And, opt for prefinished flooring.
Prefinished flooring is a smart choice, as it avoids having to leave a home while the contractor sands down, stains and refinishes a floor. No one likes dust on their furniture and prefinished flooring may be installed in just one day and not leave behind a mess.
With that said, be wary of flooring warranties. Read the fine print on all products under consideration for a home renovation flooring upgrade. Often the warranty being offered is for floor wear-through only. The chances of a pre-finished hardwood floor wearing through are almost non-existent, as the floor would require refinishing long before it ever wore through its finish.
The post Hardwood Flooring – Variable Options to Consider When Buying first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“One of the most frequent questions I hear from homeowners relates to what to choose for tiling in their kitchen (and other rooms) and how they can make it look totally pulled together and not a mish-mash of tiles,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile & Marble . “The thing with tiles is sometimes a mish-mash isn’t a mish-mash and the resulting design is eye-catching and very appealing. That’s the beauty of tiles.”
When in doubt about how to proceed with tile installation, sit down and figure out the project on a piece of paper. It acts as the roadmap to the finished product. Want a design in different colors? Plan it out and mark which areas are to be certain hues. Know in advance where everything is going to go, and use the predrawn pattern to place tiles in the chosen location.
“Even though tiles look good anywhere you put them, make certain to visualize the finished project,” adds Dupre. “Go to the store and choose tile samples and bring them home. Do a dry run of your design. The more you do in advance of tiling, the better the outcome.”
Finding the right tile is typically about what the homeowner likes and finds appealing. However, before just choosing tiles based on looks, research differences between various tiles on the market. There is a wide range of tile options available, including porcelain, cork, ceramic, vinyl, glass and quarry. Pick tile according to best fit for the chosen room and surface. Flooring tiles are usually bamboo, cork and vinyl, while counters and backsplashes may be ceramic, porcelain or quarry. Glass is usually reserved for backsplashes and walls.
“It’s important to also decide before you go tile shopping just what your budget is going to be and absolutely stick to it,” Dupre points out. “Search for reasonably priced products and stay within your limits. You may always upgrade later. Don’t buy a tile based on looks alone. You might get a shock at the cash register.”
Tile choices should also be based on the lifestyle of the householders. If the family has several children and numerous pets, tiles that are durable and easily maintained are in order. If the tiles meant for the kitchen, choose tiles that are not prone to break, chip or crack. While trying to choose the right tile for the right location may be confusing at first, one only has to keep in mind that choosing tiles is closely tied to a family’s lifestyle.
The post Tiling Does Not Need to be Chaotically Stressful first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Backsplashes didn’t used to be as popular as they are now, but these days, most kitchens have them,” says the owner of Clearwater’s Champion Tile and Marble, Dean Dupre. “And they have, over time, become a way to add a touch of personality to the room. Most people also use them to make a personal statement with color, pattern and design,”
Backsplashes not only keep water off the walls, but also catch food splatters. This is important when it comes to materials that stain easily, such as oil, wine and tomato-based products. Without the protection of a backsplash, walls can easily get permanent stains. For backsplash installation, choose materials that are easy to maintain and wipe clean.
“Although the first inclination is to install a backsplash that matches the flooring, you might want to reconsider that option,” Dupre adds. “Easily installed backsplashes, ones that are lively, exciting and relatively inexpensive, as well as easy to keep clean, are those made from tile.” Try to avoid choosing a granite backsplash as they retain stains and are difficult to clean unless a specific solution is used. This applies even if the granite is sealed. Granite must be resealed every few years.
Tiles have the added advantage of being highly versatile and visually appealing. An owner can also lay out and install them in a design pattern of his or her creation and are relatively inexpensive.
When choosing what material to use for a kitchen backsplash, keep in mind how often various pots and pans may spatter, splash and ding it, and plan accordingly to install something durable. Durability does not have to mean dull, uninteresting and so-so looking tiles that do not add to a kitchen’s ambience, but can now mean exciting colors and patterns, all of which are definitely affordable.
The post Cut Down on Kitchen Messes With Tile Backsplashes first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Before investing in white marble though,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile & Marble in Clearwater, Fla,, “make sure you know the quality of the stone. This means taking the time to carefully examine the stones you want to use. You want only the best and most durable.” In addition, a tile should not show signs of filling: small, dull patches, seen when tilted at a 45-degree angle under a light. If the tiles are filled, they are not high quality, which affects their integrity and durability.
White marble stones may be polished, but the idea is that the finished product looks smooth and attractive. If the stone has been improperly buffed up, swirl marks are visible on the surface. This detracts from the stone’s beauty, while calling its quality into question.
When it comes to white marble tiles, there is currently no existing industry standard. That means any home renovation expert, or even a do-it-yourself kind of individual, needs to personally check the quality of any stones under consideration. Doing so requires carefully judging the material by looking at the back of the tiles first.
The surface must not have a net or mesh covering. “If there is a net or mesh on the back of the tile,” adds Dupre, “it is a weak stone and likely to crack or break and is susceptible to scratching and/or etching.” Make sure the stones have straight edges and are evenly shaped. Straight edges grouting will be easier once the project is finished. Imperfectly shaped tiles or stones are hard to shape for a complete a flooring plan, and installation of such misshapen tiles is difficult.
Most marble is notable for its veining, and white marble is no exception. Veining provides the stone’s character. If white marble tiles do show this characteristic, turn the tile over and check for cracks, or other surface imperfections, along the vein trail. These tiles may still be used in low traffic areas, or on walls. “If you do choose tiles with imperfections, still make sure they are a uniform thickness. Uneven tiles create dangerous floors, ripe for trip and fall accidents,” advises Dupre.
The post Know How to Judge the Quality of White Marble Before Starting Home Renovations first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Laminate flooring is extremely popular with homeowners for a variety of reasons, including price point, easy installation and superior durability, not to mention ease of cleaning, especially with kids and pets. And laminate flooring is better designed than it used to be, so it might be the answer for a busy hub of a home.
These days, laminate is so chic that one may mistakenly assume it is really hardwood. Given the quality of most laminates nowadays, the two materials are almost identical twins when seen side-by-side. However, that natural hardwood look that laminate boasts is really only a paper layer sealed under a hard-as-nails protective film. Under the paper and protective coating is a backing board with the product glued and pressed into place. The coating makes laminate flooring so popular, easy to clean and durable.
Laminates today are so dense, thanks to the backing board, that they are resistant to punctures, cuts and scraping. The coating repels stains and blocks liquids from seeping under the boards, provided correct installation. Move furniture, drop stuff off the counters, wear spike heels or let the family dog pack run loose and the laminate still looks great.
However, if the family pet is older, laminate flooring can be dangerous, as older dogs are often unsteady on their feet due to arthritis. If they come inside with wet paws, laminate floor offers no grip and the canine in question can frequently end up doing four-footed splits and face plants. For a dog with arthritis or other hip and joint issues, this is excruciatingly painful and may also result in further injuries, such as pulled and torn ligaments, or strains and sprains.
If upgrade plans include laminate flooring in a residence with older dogs, consider using rug runners or other kinds of rugs that provide them with safer footing. Although older dogs can handle walking on dry laminate, it is still an exercise in caution for them, as older canines do not always have the same sense of balance that they had when younger. For them, walking on laminate becomes like skating on ice. Wet laminate is also very dangerous for older humans who may find themselves flat on the floor if they hit an errant wet or greasy spot.
Deciding what kind of flooring is best for a home upgrade needs to include all members of a family, even the pets.
The post Homes with pets may want to steer clear of laminate flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Behind the push to attract immigrants is also another hard hitting factor that many U.S. cities have been struggling with for a number of years since the beginning of the latest depression cycle: the ever increasing depopulation of industrial cities. According to Audrey Singer, a Brookings Institution senior fellow, two things start to happen after attracting immigrants: the population increases and there is an uptick in economic activity.
Instead of being viewed as unwelcome aliens that take jobs away from American citizens, these programs view immigration as a dynamic, driving force that holds the key to a better economy and a thriving city. In a manner of speaking, they hold the keys to the city, and are the recipe for revival in desperate times. It is a refreshing change of opinion and begs the question: if American cities are implementing their own alternative to immigration reform, then what is to happen with reform on the grander scale?
Therein lies a can of worms that politicians do not wish to touch. Perhaps the best way to move forward into the future is embrace the concept of global cities. It has been done before, and with success. Now is the time for a recurrence to help America get back on its feet. While it may be a different approach and a contentious one, it is the present reality. When reality calls, it is time to answer, adapt, adjust and move forward.
The most infamous of the lawsuits against Obama was the case Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio filed, ostensibly seeking to force the Administration to obey the Constitution. Although the court agreed the case did raise important questions relating to how illegal immigration affected the nation, those questions were not for the court to address.
U.S. District Judge Howell indicated the role of the courts is not to participate in policymaking, leaving that to the legislative and executive branches of government. That aside, a significant number of scholars, along with the Department of Justice (DOJ), have stated on many occasions that Obama’s executive actions are both legal and lawful. In court, Arpaio’s attorney suggested the President’s executive actions were not merely policy, but rather the creation of new law, which is forbidden under the Constitution.
What is baffling about the legal challenges is that neither of the president’s actions – the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or the executive directive on immigration – grant legal status to people who do not have it or create a new law. The actions endeavor to refocus immigration enforcement on those posing a threat to public safety by deferring deportation. In theory, but evidently not in reality, the deferral programs should provide the White House with the time and the motivation to achieve more substantial immigration reform.
DOJ attorney Kathleen Hartnett weighed in on the court case, suggesting it seemed to raise a political dispute and not a legal claim that the courts could address. Despite Arpaio’s loss and the nationwide force of opinion not being on his side, he plans to appeal the decision. Polls still clearly indicate high support for immigration reform.
According to political pundits the chances that the other class action lawsuit launched by attorney generals and governors in 24 red states will go down in flames are also good, for similar reasons as cited in the Arpaio case. The court has taken under consideration the fact that executive directives are not new rules, but rather orders to enforce existing ones.
Also crucial to a decision for the defendant is that the plaintiffs are suggesting the tidal wave of children coming across the border is the result of Obama’s executive directives – an extremely hard allegation to prove, given that executive directives are often based on conflicting information. Again, these matters are typically considered to be policy decisions, not legislative ones.
The post Immigration Reform Lawsuit Against Federal Government Rejected first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>For those that love hardwood, but can not bring themselves to use it in high traffic areas in the home, there is some good news. Try oak hardwood. It is one of the most durable options out there and not only does it add a classy touch to any home, it does double duty as a tough surface for the kids, pets and constant company.
Hardwood is supremely popular for many reasons, but some species of hardwood have a fatal flaw – they do not do well in homes with pets and kids. However, that does not have to rule out hardwood if that happens to be a long held dream, not when oak hardwood is an available choice for classy, yet durable, floor. It is also good for increasing the resale value of a home.
Oak has won a spot in consumers hearts thanks to its classic elegant, yet understated quality of being the best kid on the block when it comes to adding a touch of fancy, charm and warmth to any home. It comes in engineered hardwood and solid hardwood forms. The choice, usually based on budget, is up to the consumer. One very appealing bonus is that the number of species of oak on the market allows for a wide variety of colors and looks.
Red oak has a hardness rating of 1,290. Red is hugely appealing to many homeowners for its unique gloss, shine and coloring, ranging from pink to red tones. Its classy grain patterns are also very exciting and do well in any room, as an accent or laid from wall-to-wall. In short, red oak is a workhorse of sorts and performs like a pro anywhere YOU want it.
White oak is the hardest oak, with a Janka hardness scale rating of 1,360. Just think of the serious style that floors would have with white and red oak as compliments to one another. Contrast white oak with the red and a home’s wow-factor shoots through the roof. While oak has a finer grain and a more defined pattern, it may be stained to any chosen color, or left to make a statement about simplicity. It’s up to the homeowner what to choose when it comes to oak flooring, but the choices are stunning and add lasting beauty to any home.
The post Oak Hardwood the Best for High Traffic Areas first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>For illegal immigrants, driver’s licenses matter more than most paperwork for everyday living. More and more immigrants are receiving licenses even though federal reform struggles to move forward. Colorado recently became the tenth state to allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The state’s rationale is simple – it enhances road safety.
Not long ago, only three U.S. states offered undocumented immigrants licenses. Slowly, states are extending measures of fairness and equality to those who have arrived in the country without government permission.
The move to recognize illegal immigrants started in 1993 with Washington State. In early 2015, California, Colorado, Connecticut (effective January 1, 2015), the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, and Washington offer licenses to qualified drivers regardless of citizenship.
States offering licenses see the move as integrating younger immigrants into American society. Alongside the slow groundswell of states nominally recognizing illegals, many wonder when the larger picture is to improve. The federal impasse on immigration reform is forcing states to make concessions in areas where they do not really have the legal authority to do so.
Will the federal trend to recognize undocumented immigrants last? Only time may provide the answer. In the meantime, there is a promising state trend toward helping illegal immigrants become a partially legal part of the American landscape.
The post In 2015, More States Allow Driver’s Licenses for Unregistered Immigrants first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>There are a number of ways to make the bathroom one of the nicest rooms in the house: painting, trimming, splashes of color, bright towels, decorative window curtains and even wall hangings. What is one to do when it’s time to totally redo the room and make it into something easier to care for, and even more eye-catching? Think natural stone tiles. Natural stone tiles are trending because they add a special, earthen ambience to the washroom.
Cared for by Mother Nature and polished to a smooth surface, many designers and homeowners love the beauty of natural stone. The stones may be used for flooring, walls, as decorative pavement or even as countertop. Glass mosaic tiles are running a hot second in the looks department. However, glass tiles do have some disadvantages when compared to natural stone. For one, their durability is lacking. While glass looks nice, it is more brittle than stone, and is prone to chip. Stone tile does not and has a reputation for being able to withstand just about anything.
Natural tiles never go out of fashion or style. They have a timeless quality that recommends them to any home, anywhere at any time. They also have the unique ability to compliment any décor in mind, but look especially awesome with splashes of bright color accenting their quiet presence. Stones also exude an inner warmth that glass does not, are easier to clean, and far more versatile. The warmth of stone is a presence in any room, but seems best suited to the bathroom, perhaps because of its timeless association with water.
If a bathroom upgrade is in the cards, give some serious consideration to using natural stones. They not only look good, last longer, and add class to a room, they increase the value of a home. They are a reasonable investment, if looking to sell, and one that typically pays off, as bathrooms play such a key role in everyone’s lives.
The post Natural Stone Tiles in the Bathroom Makes for a Stunning Ambience first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>It is often easier to work with the devil that is known (the existing immigration system) than one that is not (the proposed reformed system in its many parts and pieces). Even though that is a current reality, change of any import still remains in limbo. Piecemeal, jury-rigged, stopgap measures are common. There are no solid laws to redirect the system, only actions taken by the President to defer implementing the existing laws relating to deportation.
Many voters seem to feel that immigration reform primarily affects the Latino population, but in reality, it impacts people from a wide range of nations. Immigration reform, in all its non-existent glory, affects people from all countries when they want to come to the United States.
Every undocumented immigrants stands to benefit from changes or may continue to suffer if the current system is left in place. However, those of Central or Southern American nationality have a stronger force than most on their side. The Hispanic citizen population is one of the largest voting forces with the power to drive changes in the political makeup of the White House, and the group tends to vote in favor of protections and citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
But despite their large voting bloc and its ability to effect change, nothing much has happened at the political level to implement immigration reform – other than executive actions deferring deportation.
Illegal immigrants go to work every day. They save money to send back home to their families, set to join them when they can. They contribute to their communities. They live the same way their neighbors do. But without citizenship, visas or green cards, they do not receive the full benefits of being part of the community. This is one of the largest flaws in the current immigration system: millions of people are left in limbo, a part of the country’s population, yet not a true part of their communities in the same way as others.
Politicians are aware the immigration system needs repair, but many are reluctant to do anything for politically biased reasons. Reform is really not about fixing the existing system. It is not about helping people. It is about what is politically expedient. Until reform is no longer tied into the partisan power balance, the system is likely to remain as it is.
The post Reform Aside, the U.S. Immigration System Needs Repair first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Many older Americans may remember vinyl flooring, the kind mom and pop had in the kitchen or the grandparents swore by for ease of care. The black and white, red and white or yellow and black checkered patterns or the plain Jane flooring that yelled “It’s the 60s and this is grooving.” The good news is that although vinyl is back, it is definitely not the same flooring grandma and grandpa had.
Technology has brought some remarkable advances,some of these have been in flooring, vinyl in particular. Rather than down-the-street café or diner flooring, the new offerings are luxury vinyl, more resilient and flashier than the flooring of years past.
While gran or mom had to wax the floors? No more. The latest in chic vinyl flooring has a no-wax surface. In order to clean up, just wipe it with a wet mop, and voila. This vinyl is also scratch and stain resistant and applying a specific coating material in heavy wear and tear areas spiffs it up nicely. Check with the manufacturer for the right flooring formulation.
Unlike old vinyl which did not hold up for very long, the new vinyl flooring is four-layered, making the flooring highly wear resistant and providing a much longer life span. Layer one is the top, also referred to as the wear layer.
Beneath that is the printed pattern layer, then an optional cushioning layer, which makes the floor even easier to walk on, and the base. Flooring like this has the pattern just on the printed layer, as opposed to inlaid vinyl flooring where the pattern is imprinted on every layer. Inlaid flooring does not have a wear layer and is more expensive.
Along with all the maintenance aspects of the new vinyl floors, there are aesthetic options including wood, marble, tile, brick and stone and in any color imaginable. Even if the budget is a bit tight, with the wide variety of textures, patterns and colors, this choice of flooring is a homeowner’s dream.
Today, there is a wide range of styles and colors to choose from that are uniquely suited to just about any room in any house. Stuck on a particular color for the kitchen? Want a certain kind or look or pattern? Well, vinyl is now printed using a process called rotogravue that rolls the design on the second layer of the flooring. It involves using a rotary press and photoengraved plates, meaning that it can imprint just about any design desired.
No matter what look a house is aspiring to, it is available with today’s vinyl flooring choices. If renovators just do the research before buying, the home renovation project will go well.
The post Shades of the 60s Flooring Makes a Comeback in Elegant Style first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The overwhelming flood of incoming immigrants does create concerns about how the expanded population may strain the existing infrastructure. It affects job availability on some levels, health care, social services and the economy. It may affect the nation in both good and bad ways.
However, political scientists say there is a greater fear at the heart of the immigration debate these days – a thought dubbed the acculturation threat hypothesis. (To read one University of Connecticut assistant professor’s analysis, click here.)
Even in the early days, when European settlers were making homes on U.S. soil, families were Dutch, German, Irish, Spanish, Eastern European and more. Their diversity was their strength in building the nation. That cultural diversity is still a benefit, but now more American-born voters feel they are becoming a minority in their own land, overwhelmed by a newly arrived foreign majority.
What happens on the political stage in the face of such mixed voter messages? Republicans are blocking attempts at immigration reform. The Democrats are attempting to forge ahead. With the tug-and-pull of voter angst and the political divide, the chances of passing immigration reform still seems slim. Some politicians have even been known, as recently as the Congressional election, to attempt to scare voters by telling them the border is wide open to serious threats: terrorists, Ebola, Enterovirus D-68, and illegal immigrants with criminal records. Little wonder, then, that immigration reform appears to be stalled.
According to the acculturation threat hypothesis, native-born Americans sustain a cultural shock when the familiar “American way” undergoes changes after exposure to different cultures. This shock is so great that it creates a divisive mentality between immigrants and those born on American soil. American-born citizens seem to feel their familiar boundaries and borders are breaking down, giving way to massive cultural shifts and their own alienation. To say that this environment creates vituperative intolerance is an understatement.
In reality, the fear of borders and boundaries disintegrating and life changing to accommodate immigrants is often more about racism (the non-white versus white boundary). The country must move forward into the future to find balanced cultural equality.
The post America Has Always Been a Melting Pot, But Immigration Reform Now Frightens the Nation first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Flooring choices for environmentally conscious homeowners were once very limited. Today, however, the sky is the limit, or rather, the imagination is. Just about any type of green flooring conceivable, from bamboo to rubber to concrete, is readily available. A home can be a modern showcase of flooring that neither harms Mother Earth nor costs an arm and a leg.
But is concrete actually an indoor flooring option? Oddly enough, yes, concrete is becoming a very appealing choice because of its range of colors and the ability to customize, by stamping patterns into it or even using a circular saw. Color is not a limitation, as paints, stains, and dyes can create a whole spectrum of desired shades and hues for any given room in the house. But the major selling point is its durability. Even the relentless traffic of kids, pets and visitors can’t wear down a concrete floor.
If concrete is too bold an option, bamboo or even cork flooring are wonderful alternatives. They are not easily shredded and are far more resilient that people realize. For instance, bamboo is actually used as an alternative to hardwood and according to flooring experts, it is actually studier than hardwood. It appeals to homeowners who want their flooring to be both biodegradable and recyclable. Plus, bamboo has a renewal story that cheers that hearts of most green conscious people. It is rapidly renewable in its natural environment and, although light colored, it may be dyed or stained. Its ease of installation makes it a big hit with the DIY crowd.
Cork flooring, meanwhile, has an enviable reputation for being biodegradable, renewable and recyclable, also coming in a huge range of colors and sizes. No matter what the project, there is a suitable cork option. Installation is a snap and the finished product is appealing for several reasons: it acts as a natural thermal insulator, reducing heating costs, and is a comfortable surface to stand on.
Believe it or not, anyone can use eco-conscious tiles to create a floor of their choice. For instance, a creative renovator can lay cork and bamboo in a variety of ways. Experimentation is one of the best motivators for a unique floor design, so try using tiles creatively, mixing and matching, using thin and thick to contrast and using various colors.
This is not to say it is impossible to go wildly overboard with tile choices, but trying different approaches can make rooms come alive. Drawing out a pattern before actually laying the tiles can help avoid regrets once everything is glued in place. A tasteful, creative approach can make eco-conscious flooring into a beautiful part of the home.
The post For the Eco-Conscious Flooring Choices Are Eminently Exciting first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“It’s true, marble in the kitchen is one of the most attractive, elegant stones you could possibly use to upgrade your personal cooking space,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Marble & Tile in Clearwater, Fla. “Kitchen countertops in particular are spectacular done in white marble.”
Marble is a much sought after stone for a number of reasons, but its main attraction is the uniqueness of the erratic veining that provides an inner elegance that homeowners love. Marble feels like an old friend, yet still holds the power to become a new acquaintance when it comes to improving the home’s interior. The Greeks and Romans used it to good effect and of their creations still standing today, all look breathtakingly beautiful. There is no reason the modern design eye should see it as just a stone for the fireplace hearth or mantel.
Installing marble in any room provides a showcase for this mysterious stone to show off its inner light in a softly reflective manner. Honed marble almost glows in the dark and has an eerie, yet elegant look. “I have heard many of my customers say that marble almost seems to have a life of its own,” Dupre adds.
Trending kitchen upgrades tend to include marble as a backsplash, a countertop or both. The ambience is incredible when smartly paired to compliment wood graining in the cabinets and/or flooring. For that incredibly crisp and authoritative appeal, white Danby, Carrara or Calacatta marble fit the bill. It is considered to be high-fashion and versatile enough to appeal to both modernists and traditionalists.
Although marble holds incredible appeal, it should be noted that it does require more maintenance than other stones, due to its softness. Extra care must be taken to avoid staining and scratching the surface. “If you want marble in the kitchen, choose a harder stone,” advises Dupre. “In general, darker colors are harder and the lighter marbles are softer. If you want a more durable white marble, choose the Danby white, sourced from Vermont. However, you still need to take care not to stain and scratch it.”
The post White Marble is a Huge Hit for Kitchen Renovations first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The population of the United States is currently well over 320 million. Three hundred million people lived in the country in 2006, and today it continues to grow, boosted by high immigration rates supposedly aimed at contributing to big business coffers. However, higher rates of immigration are a flashpoint for many who believe these higher levels are not economically beneficial.
The Center for Immigration Studies has stridently discounted possible positive gains of immigration. The center relies on census data from 2010 and 2011 and suggests that immigration has created a sizeable low-income population who remain in poverty for the duration of their residence, make use of the welfare system and lack insurance, driving them to use medical services at hospital ERs – a cost U.S. taxpayers bear — all more often than native-born Americans.
The Rockefeller Commission was not the first entity to issue a warning about the potential damage of immigration growth. The Council on Sustainability, launched by former President Clinton, said the growth of the county should never be fed by immigration. Immigrants now account for at least 82 percent of the population growth to date. Some politicians are suggesting that immigration reform would double this rate.
Does this perhaps explain the reason for stalling immigration reform? Do politicians realize on some level that flooding the country with more immigrants may severely hamper the country’s supportive infrastructure? How would the millions of extra people affect the health care system – an entity already reeling from recent upheaval?
In contrast, some pundits speculate that the new markets immigrants create with their presence in the United States does pay off. Immigrants pay $1.9 billion in taxes each year – a figure which could offset the cost of their use of the education system and health care, etc. Others point out that if Americans really wanted to work seasonal, back-breaking farm labor jobs, they would be employed right now. Many immigrants are willing to take lower-paying, difficult, laborious jobs. Do these aspects balance the issues of immigration reform?
Immigration ripples out beyond questions of citizenship status, touching many other facets of the country’s infrastructure. Finding balance in this process is difficult, if not perhaps impossible.
The post The Nation May Need Less, Not More, Immigration first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Self-reclaimed wood is not always ready to be nailed down either. Most of it comes with nicks, gouges, staples, nails, glue, screws and all the other things that originally went into making it what is once was. It takes time to clean these boards up and make them look passable enough to be used in a home as reclaimed flooring. The only way to get wood that looks good as new is to buy it from an outlet that has already done the work needed to make it acceptable for use for flooring.
Aside from reclaimed flooring, solid wood flooring, the old standby, is still a great option when upgrading. It is not laminated and is ready to be laid down right away. While somewhat expensive, much of it comes at a price that is competitive with reclaimed wood.
Engineered wood is another option, but consumers should keep in mind that it is layered plywood backing with a chosen top layer of wood, hence the lower price tag. It’s durable flooring and would suit those with a tight budget.
In general, solid wood flooring may range in price from $4 to $9 per square foot, with a higher price usually indicating a higher quality wood. Engineered flooring may range from $7 to $15 per square foot. No one should let the price of flooring be a bar to their dreams though, because even if doing a whole room in the wood of choice is out of the budget, there are certainly ways to get creative and use it just in key areas or as an accent.
Anyone on the hunt for wood flooring should sharpen a pencil and do some fancy calculating. Exercising a bit of imagination in using the chosen wood can easily yield stunning results.
The post Reclaimed flooring might not be as cheap many think first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“People think that to upgrade their home they need to redo the bathroom, tear apart the kitchen, replace flooring and other such major projects,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Marble & Tile in Clearwater, Fla. “Truth is choosing the right tiles to spiff up a room works wonders instead of spending a lot of money you may not have.”
Water resistance is usually an issue for homeowners, particularly in the bath and laundry room areas – two locations that tend to get makeovers when it comes time to sell. Porcelain ceramic tiles handle moisture with aplomb and reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Other types of stone tiles do not handle water well and tend to pool moisture in a thin layer, making secure traction difficult.
One of the best ways to upgrade a home’s flooring into a higher selling price range is porcelain ceramic tiles. They are well-known for their durability and even have the ability to handle more wear-and-tear than either granite or marble tiles while keeping their aesthetic appeal intact.
“Porcelain tiles are made to handle heat and do not burn, so they’re perfect for the kitchen,” adds Dupre. “This tough flooring can even handle having a hot pot dropped on it and not melt or scorch. It may chip a bit if it hits the right way, but it doesn’t burn.”
If choosing ceramic tiles for the kitchen floor, be aware there are various grades or groups of hardness and each grade is suitable for a variety of different things. Group 0 tiles are not fit to be used for flooring and are typically used as wall tiles. Group 1 tiles can only be used in light traffic areas. Group 2 tiles are not for kitchen use or for any areas with high traffic. Group 3 tiles are not for commercial use, but are suited to residential and light use applications. Group 4 tiles handle regular traffic well and Group 5 tiles are specifically for heavy duty traffic, where anything goes.
“Know the area you want to upgrade, do the research and get the right type of tiles for the job,” advises Dupre. “If you get the wrong tiling, you’ll have wasted your time and money.”
The post Porcelain Ceramic Tiles a Trending Choice for Home Makeovers first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“It’s a rare occurrence when a health insurance lead converts from a lead without any contact from an agent,” says Clelland Green, RHU, CEO of benepath.net. “It has happened, but not often. Leads are just that, leads, an indication of someone interested in buying insurance. If there is no follow up by the agent receiving the lead, it dies and so does the potential for a sale,”
Even if an insurance agent has solid gold health insurance leads, they must be worked. The agent receiving the lead is the prime catalyst in persuading a lead to convert and buy a policy. The interesting fact about generated leads is that even great ones become aged after 48 hours and may lose interest without a call from an agent, the key factor in moving them from initial motivation to a sale.
Part of running an insurance agency is also the amount of training each agent undergoes to be able to sell their product to others. Selling insurance is not easy in a highly competitive market. Training assists an agent in overcoming objections, providing reasonable alternatives, recognizing when “no” means “not right now, but maybe later,” and keeping in touch with a prospective client in a manner that educates instead of aggravates.
“It is important to recognize that even the most qualified lead sent to you is not going to turn into a paying client without work,” adds Green. “Proper training shows you how to do that work and excel at it. Before buying leads, take the time to educate yourself about what type of leads you want and how you are going to handle them.”
One thing to consider is the distinction between real-time leads and aged leads. If an agent is not going to work a lead within the 48 hour time frame when it is still considered to be live, consider aged leads instead. Otherwise, real-time leads can be an effective way of pursuing actively interested parties.
“There are a number of things to consider before buying leads, but the number one goal is to aim for leads that can build a solid foundation for your business,” says Green. “If you are not sure what you are doing, start slow, invest in leads carefully and ask a lot of questions. The more time you spend training and investing smart marketing dollars, the better your business becomes.”
Learn more at Benepath.net
The post Good Health Insurance Leads Do Not Mean Instant Success first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The current administration’s record of frantic deportations is speaking louder than its refrains of imminent immigration reform – maybe. If Obama is able to overcome his newest moniker of Deporter-in-Chief and explain to Latin American communities why he chose to delay executive action, perhaps something may get done during the final months of the year.
Deportation is continuing at a frantic rate, with the latest government publication revealing that in 2013, 438,421 people were sent back to their homelands, which included Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. That figure includes roughly 315,000 Mexican nationals and 198,400 individuals with criminal records. This is an increase of approximately 20,000 over the statistics from 2012.
The Rio Grande Valley is a major hub of illegal crossing attempts, with 154,450 people apprehended on the border in 2013. The Laredo and Tucson sectors nabbed 50,750 and 121,000 respectively.
The latest deportation figures, even though they are frighteningly high, seem to indicate that those being deported are recent illegal immigrants. There appears to be less of an emphasis on enforcement within U.S. borders. Is that a telling diversion from the usual ICE raids? The situation is continually in flux. Obama has consistently received opprobrium for deporting illegal residents who have lived in the United States for many years.
In truth, the attempt to keep deportations in step with enforcement is an almost impossible task, given the numbers of illegal immigrants trying to cross every year.
Republicans make it a point to harp continuously about lax enforcement policies. However, they never seem to have any better solutions. In reality, it will likely not matter who was in power in Washington when it finally comes time to actually do something about immigration reform.
The post Obama Administration Going For Broke on Deportation, But What About Enforcement? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>But reform is stalled for more reasons than politicians mention or protests denounce. Some we can guess, based on each party’s philosophy. Other reasons, however, have more to do with cost analysis than compassion.
A recent report authored by Robert Rector and Jason Richwine of the Heritage Foundation took an in-depth look at the economic ramifications of immigration reform. Their key argument points to a damaging effect on U.S. taxpayers.
Government benefits are distributed lopsidedly, they say. Rector and Richwine suggest that each year, undocumented immigrants collect government benefits to the tune of $54.5 billion.
The report claims that the average American household receives $31,584 yearly in benefits between local, state and federal resources.
Heads of households who have a college education receive, on average, $24,839 in benefits, and they pay $54,089 in taxes. The government nets $29,250.
Heads of households who have less than a high school education, however, receive $46,582 in benefits, and they pay only $11,469 in taxes. The net “deficit” to the government is $35,113. All American taxpayers are footing that deficit. Not many are even aware of how large the gap is.
The large economic gap that education levels create is important to the immigration debate, as nearly 50 percent of illegal immigrants have less than a high school education. Only about 25 percent have completed study equivalent to high school or hold a diploma. Though they may contribute to the economy in other ways, many under-educated, undocumented workers simultaneously drain it.
Philosophical and political differences aside, the nation is already united in supporting under-educated, illegal immigrants though heavy tax imbalances. And if the number of immigrants with less education who are allowed to enter the country increases (whether through immigration reform or another route), the economic gap will escalate.
If undocumented immigrants become legalized residents of the United States, they will eventually have access to all government benefits. Unfortunately, because of the average balance of benefits to tax in many of these households, national benefit costs for the (then) documented immigrants would rise to approximately $106 billion yearly. Upon retirement with access to Medicare and Social Security, benefits would hit $160 billion.
Compassion for this first generation of illegal aliens has the potential to generate $6.3 trillion in lifetime government costs in benefits.
Compassionate immigration reform, based on the Heritage Foundation report numbers, should not be free. Policymakers must find a way to reach out to those crossing its borders without harming its current citizens.
The post Compassionate Immigration Reform Should Not Come for Free first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Simmons came to the United Stated from Israel when he was eight years old, and he has definite opinions about what the immigrants waiting for reform need to do to move forward.
In a recent interview, he said “So, as an immigrant, I’m telling you: learn to speak goddamn English. It is the key that will unlock the keys to the kingdom.” He stands by his remark based on his own personal experience.
Appearing on HuffPost Live, Simmons took his observations one step further, suggesting that the best route to assimilation into U.S. culture was through legal immigration — which may be easier said than done given the horrendous mess the current immigration system is enduring. The show’s host did ask Simmons about the challenges conflicting immigration policies create. He replied, “But why should it be easy?”
Does Simmons have a point, or is he suggesting that immigrants who are in the United States illegally choose to remain that way because they are too lazy to learn its most common language? No matter how he had phrased his remarks, his bluntly offered advice would still border on offensive to many.
Reform is tossed from party to party without action. Politicians consider it to be a stick of dynamite best not lit; no one wants to be the one to set off a landslide of changes that could attract criticism and dissent. English mastery may give a person a distinct advantage, but the issues behind reform are much deeper than the language barrier.
The post How Not to Enter the Immigration Reform Debate first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>But if you have both carpet and animals, for example, you may need to step back and take a look at your options. There are many practical reasons to choose tiling instead of carpeting.
If you don’t like cleaning carpets on a regular basis, then tiles would definitely be an improvement. Carpets retain vestiages of just about everything dropped on them, from a present from the dog to a glass of red wine. Professional stain cleaning can be prohibitively expensive. Tiles make cleaning up accidents much easier and less stressful.
Those who love tile have an artistic side that revels in the lovely mosiac patterns they make possible. They have choices one cannot find with carpeting. Homeowners get to create their own designs, choose the type of tile to suit each room, mix-and-match their choices and, perhaps, spend a lot less on tiles.
The choice of tiles is truly stunning in colors, surfaces, glazing and patterns. Even if the exact right color does not seem to exist for a home, tile can be painted to match. Carpet does not offer the same flexibility; buyers can’t change the color without replacing the entire surface, and options are far more limited.
Of course, there are also plenty of reasons to love carpeting. It all comes down to personal preference. Just make sure to choose a floor that truly suits your lifestyle.
The post Does Tile or Carpet Suit Your Lifestyle Better? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Technology professionals have unparalleled access to a tech-reliant American audience. Still seeing enormous growth, tech companies have the money to make things happen — spending millions on ads, lobbying conservatives, mounting hackathons and more. Unfortunately, they have still run into the same roadblocks that have stalled immigration reform for decades.
To date, there have been no results. Even Mark Zuckerberg and his colleagues have been unable to spark real action in Congress.
Joe Green, Zuckerberg’s former Harvard roommate and the president of FWD.us, postulated the goal of ensuring the success of America by passing immigration reform. Green believes that lobby groups need to work through politics to succeed.
The group raised an enormous amount of capital (more than $50 million) and attracted well-known names to publicly back immigration reform. A large part of the funds raised went to media buys and other targeted campaigns involving TV and radio. FWD.us dropped more than $5 million during the lead-up to last year’s Senate vote, which did end with the passage of an immigration bill.
FWD.us launched well, but it garnered negative media attention with an ad campaign that eventually alienated a good part of the tech community. Since the bill passage last year, everything has stalled — both Green’s efforts and immigration reform itself.
As the Congressional election approaches, legislation has put on hold and immigration reform set to the side. No amount of money raised by outsiders wanting change can cure indifference fueled by political divisiveness. Polarization is a dangerous and detrimental thing. So far, even the strongest of U.S. industries have been unable to overcome it.
The post Powerful IT Immigration Reform Proponents Fail to Spark Poltical Change first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The actual installation is easy. The tough part is the preparation: smoothing and cleaning, tearing out old fixtures or features, making decisions, scheduling and gathering supplies. If you intend to install anything new in a home, always protect the flooring before beginning work.
Without protection, the floors might unintentionally become the next renovation project.
Any home construction project, large or small, can destroy home flooring if not handled properly. The damage is an extra, unnecessary cost to incur, and there is no sense in destroying one part of a home while enhancing another.
The best methods of protection vary from surface to surface and from location to location. Find solutions that keep surfaces clean and safe while allowing work to proceed above them.
It is easy to spill on or damage carpeting, leaving stains, rips, texture damage or frayed edges. Use carpet protection film to protect soft flooring. On acrylic carpet, use adhesive film, which will not move around or leave bare gaps, and which removes easily. Wool rugs need a non-adhesive film.
The film can also offer protection from workers walking in and out with supplies, dirty feel and equipment. Who needs dry grouting or sawdust ground into an unprotected floor?
Hardwood floors need a heavier layer of protection to compensate for their vulnerability. Wet wall jobs, like tiling in a living room, require waterproof plastic film or a multiple surface shield, which is handy for just about any surface. In addition, installers will need several reusable, padded rubber mats for a docking spot for tools and other equipment.
In two-story structures, simple craft paper can be used to cover stairs. The solution is portable and inexpensive, and it can easily be collected when the stairs are in use (and the project is on pause).
Think ahead, and the completed project will look even better than expected.
The post When Renovating a Home, Protect Existing Flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The 2014 farm sector is struggling. This is the fifth or sixth year in a row in which laborers are scarce, even with weak crops from erratic weather and growing conditions. Over the years, average crops have also diminished in size in response to a shrinking labor pool of immigrants.
Immigrant laborers work incredibly hard in American fields every year. Many blame immigrants for taking away potential American jobs, but U.S. agricultural employers cannot currently hire locally — not enough people want to do the work. Few American citizens would choose a career in crop work, and the jobs remain empty.
So, most farmers hire seasonal workers through the H-2A program. Employers using this route must prove they cannot hire locally before bringing in immigrants to work in temporary jobs.
In Arkansas, the farming community has spoken out, claiming that they are losing $320 million and at least 22 days of farming each year due to lack of workforce. Farmers are saying that they cannot farm without the help of migrant labor. Even with current immigrant help, many landowners are farming less than half of their holdings.
As such, many farmers want to make it easier for immigrants who want work to come into the country. Seasonal laborers, who work in the fields for an average of eight months a year, put in 70 hours a week for about $9.83 an hour. In order to get workers, Arkansas farmers are saying they have to jump through many hoops that cost them time and money. If the hiring process were easier, things would move more smoothly.
The poultry industry is also experience a shortfall. Caretakers are warning the nation that without immigration reform, they too face a labor shortage which will ultimately raise food prices.
Some politicians claim that immigration reform would take agricultural and livestock husbandry jobs from American citizens, but farmers argue that few citizens are interested in the work. And crops will not wait for political reform.
The post Stagnant Immigration Reform Costs Arkansas Agricultural Industry $320 Million first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection is unique because of the bubbling chrome used inside the tiles. The tiles are then sealed in colored, clear or smooth glass. When viewed from different angles, surfaces show changing highlights, reflections and refractions. It can help create a child’s fantasy world or add a certain zing to a recreation or bar room area in the basement. These tiles make a stunning focal point in the bathroom and kitchen, livening up the view and brightening any area where they are installed.
“Not everyone wants sparkle and glitter in their homes, but if you have kids that love princess fairy stories or belle-of-the-ball tales, the Chromatic Mosaic Tile collection might be just the right thing for their rooms. You only get to be a kid once, and these sparkly, jewel-colored tiles add a touch of whimsy to any child’s room,” said Dean Dupre, owner and operator at Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
There are a number of ways to install these tiles, but by using large block placement, the different colors inside the glass tiles stand out quite clearly. If the renovation budget does not allow for many tiles, consider using fewer to create an elegant border in the bathroom or kitchen. Mixing and matching tiles lets creative installers work on their own custom designs. “You’d never be at a loss for color choices,” added Dupre, “and the collection features some very rich, deep colors to enhance a home.”
These tiles never rub off or fade, and they add charisma wherever they are featured in a home. Beautiful shades add depth to any room, and no two custom patterns created by the DIY installer will be the same.
The post Glass Mosaic Tiles Add Fanciful Glitter to a Home first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The recent influx of unlawful child immigrants may have begun after the White House confirmed its support for a policy allowing children brought illegally to the United States (by their undocumented parents) to remain in the country without fearing deportation.
Congress is hoping the issue might go away on its own, but they cannot really expect it to fade into oblivion or solve itself. Something must be done, but no one seems to know what to do — or how to do it.
Children have, of course, arrived at the borders on their own before, but the issue has become pressing through sheer numbers: an expected 60,000 people under the age of 17 will arrive at this border within the year. Some come to join family members already in the country. Some were living in poverty at home, surrounded by the violence of local drug wars.
Child immigrants are at the mercy of mercenary coyotes, who demand money to bring them across the border and who, too often, take advantage of them in unspeakable ways. Some children are sold into slavery. Some die due to misadventure. Some take their own lives as a result of the situations in which they find themselves. Some are sexually abused and violated. Many young boys and girls left their country not realizing how risky it is for them to attempt such a journey.
Their plight must become important to U.S. taxpayers. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services are bound by law to address the security and welfare needs of these children.
There may be a number of solutions, one has not yet been chosen. As such, the situation remains an imminent crisis in the making. The children must be kept safe, and they must be provided with what they came to this country seeking: peace, dignity, shelter and safety from the violence in their homelands. They are coming to the United States for a better life. As such, U.S. authorities need to find a way to handle this crisis in a humane and humanitarian manner.
The post Unaccompanied Minors Now Crossing the Border in Unprecedented Numbers first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Engineered flooring is a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. The surface is a sandwich of multiple wood laminations, with unfinished ply on the bottom and finished wood on the top. Its cross-grain construction looks clean and performs well in high-moisture locations,” explained Dean Dupre, the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Most engineered wood comes pre-finished, so the top layer is already sanded and sealed. Once installed, it can be walked on immediately. This type of flooring is budget-conscious for two reasons: it is made inexpensively, and it is very easy to install without professional help. “The almost-instant installation bonus of this nail-less flooring is very appealing, and it comes in a variety of attractive choices, including maple, hickory, bamboo and oak,” Dupre said.
Nails are not needed to install engineered flooring, but they may be used depending on the location of the installation. This floor can also be laid by floating, gluing or stapling it. The floating style is most common; long panes are laid by snapping or gluing them together. The sub-floor is not nailed during this process. Homeowners can also apply tongue-in-groove planks joined lengthwise. Laying an engineered floor is a very easy day’s project, and the composite much easier to work with than hardwoods.
Even though this type of flooring comes sanded, it may be sanded up to twice more (depending on its thickness) if the floor sustains dents or scratches. When in doubt, check with an experienced flooring contractor to determine if sanding is appropriate.
http://www.champtile.com/
“The UK tile market is exploding with the latest creative tile trends –- 3D glass tile with bold, snappy colors, ripple mosaic tile, stone or glass mosaic tile and metallic glass tile. They’re quite unique and very eye-catching,” said Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
These tiles are not the run-of-the-mill various colored tiles for a home renovation project, intended to look serene and sedate, classic and timeless. They are designed for creative individuals who want to add spice to their living areas and to feature stunning colors that create special effects.
“The interesting colors you’ll find in the UK tiles will allow for truly creative tiling,” added Dupre. “Homeowners can choose their particular brand of glass tiles and match them to other elements in the home. No matter what color you love, be it pumpkin orange or zesty raspberry, you can find it. And the tiles don’t just come in one shade. Sets typically have at least three variations on a theme to allow you to mix and match.”
Special-effects tiles come in various collections, patterns, colors and materials: from glass to stone, from futuristic to 3D. For those who thrive on mixing and matching, the temptation to do something really artistic may capture the moment. Mix in metallic glass tiles with gold, flaming red and deep-water blue. The only limit to working with these tiles is one’s imagination.
“History does repeat itself. This time, it’s taken an old page out of a design book but added vibrant, splashy colors for the entrepreneurial tiling aficionados who love to express themselves with color and new materials,” said Dupre.
The post Special-Effects Trend in Tiling Arrives From Overseas first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Some home projects, including tiling, can be easy and fun. But no matter how experienced you might be, a number of things can still go wrong. If you want a quality installation job, do it right the first time,” advised Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Frequently, would-be installers fail to prep their surface properly. If the surface is not smooth and completely clean, the tiles may not adhere to the wall or floor properly. Grouting needs to go on slowly and smoothly. Clumps dry unevenly and create an uneven final surface.
“Do not dot the corner of your tiles. This does not, contrary to popular belief, make the tile bond stronger. Instead, it ups the chances that the tile will crack when the adhesive shrinks while drying. And speaking of adhesive – choose the right one for the job, or you’ll have problems later,” added Dupre.
Without battens, tiles cannot be positioned correctly vertically or horizontally. Crooked lines create a haphazard-looking floor. Battens prevent installers from having to tear out tiles to start a job over again. Mistakes need to be caught early before the floor is completed. The sooner an error is caught, the easier it is to repair it without dealing with hardened grouting.
“Scrape off excess grouting carefully and accurately. You don’t want the floor to have spots where the grout is protruding up past the tiling. Nothing says “amateur” like a lumpy floor,” Dupre explained. “Before you begin, assemble the correct number of tiles and add about 12 extras in case something goes wrong.”
If a bathroom wall or shower stall is being tiled, ensure the top row of tiles is sealed correctly with the proper sealant. Water gets in behind improperly sealed tiles. Seal tubs only after filling them with water. Tubs move when filled, which can crack sealant in use later.
The post Tiling Mistakes to Avoid at DIY Time first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Concrete is gaining a real following with eco-conscious homeowners who want something a little different. The material lasts for more than a lifetime and is chic, impressive and unusual — not to mention environmentally friendly. Concrete can be more than just the gray stuff you find in sidewalks. It comes in a variety of colors with a choice of patterns and designs.
As such, it is finding a niche in the residential sector.
The advantages of this type of flooring are numerous, but the most obvious one is durability. This type of flooring will not require replacement any time soon. Those with kids and animals are especially likely to benefit from its toughness.
Concrete flooring also adds value to a home on resale. Before investing in hardwood, laminate or tiling, research concrete floors. Easy to clean and maintain, with no seams and a smooth finish, versatility is its middle name. Installation is fast, and cracking and heaving are rare.
However, concrete is harder underfoot than softer wood flooring is. If desired, one can certainly use carpeting to give polish to certain areas or install a foam-backed runner to give the surface some spring. These finishes also add desirable warmth, as concrete will feel cold during the winter months. On the other hand, some prefer concrete flooring precisely for its cooling ability in warmer climates like Florida’s.
Pouring concrete needs to be done correctly. If errors are made, moisture finds its way under the surface and can mar the top of the flooring, creating the possibility of chips and cracks in variable temperatures. One needs to ensure the material is handled in just the right manner to ensure a level floor when the concrete hardens.
Concrete is a viable and worthy alternative flooring, and the price is extremely attractive as well.
The post The Good and Not-So-Great of Concrete Flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Tiling is not as easy as it looks. House, home and hearth need professional installation and finishing to look stunning. Those wishing to install tiling themselves should strive for a professional understanding. Read and study proper techniques. A poorly done job becomes a massive expense very quickly, especially if flawed grouting and sealing are involved. Installers can run out of tile because a job was not measured properly or tiles broke, then be unable to find a matching unit for replacements. Mistakes damage durability and jump out at the eye.
Experience in placing and fitting tiling is a major advantage. Start with a draft map design laying out the precise desired result. A reference keeps installers on track.
Rethinking the idea of tiling a bathroom or kitchen independently? It never hurts to ask a professional flooring expert for assistance. Many are happy to answer questions, and all are happy to step in and complete the work. The extra expense also buys confidence: the homeowner will know for a fact that the tiling will withstand just about anything.
Tiling is an investment in a home that makes it look the very best it can. A professional flooring contractor’s services are among the best investments to further that goal.
The post Tiling Projects Require Professional Handling first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Radiant heating is omni-directional, moving in all directions and heating indirectly. Installers need to understand how the system works when installing different kinds of hardwood in a home.
The installation of this heating requires sinking tubing into concrete or tucking tubes underneath plywood sub-flooring. Homeowners need to be aware that radiant heating causes hardwood to dry out. If a person wants to have both hardwood and radiant heat, bamboo flooring will be the best option. Bamboo weathers heat well and is not troubled by variable humidity. If choosing bamboo, be sure to find high-quality, older bamboo and evaluate its maintenance needs before you purchase.
In installation, make sure to use glue, not nails. With nails, installers run the risk of rupturing the embedded heating coils. Floating bamboo, which is durable and stable, is the best choice to partner with radiant heating.
Take care to not install hardwood right on top of heating coils. You need a barrier between the floor and the heat source. The recommended thickness for a plywood barrier is two thirds of an inch. The wood is not just a barrier. It also supports the floor planks, offering more stability.
Once installed, the floor will need at least three days to adapt to heating cycles and shifts in humidity. Ideally, heat the floor slowly and keep the heat at a steady temperature below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bamboo makes impressive flooring and withstands radiant heating very well. It may be the perfect solution for an eco-conscious homeowner.
The post Pair Bamboo Flooring with Radiant Heating for Safe Installation and Eco-Conscious Living first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>By the time it is installed, bamboo no longer resembles the stalks of the tropical, green, grassy plant from which it comes. Though its fast growth is one of its most prominent qualities, flooring bamboo is not harvested every year. It takes up to five years to harvest a crop that is not only practical, adaptable and elegant, but also environmentally friendly.
After upgrading flooring to bamboo, homeowners may find that the value of their home is higher on resale. Although bamboo is regarded as a grass, its durability is legendary. It repeatedly outperforms traditional hardwood flooring. Bamboo is fire-retardant, requires very little maintenance and resists insects and mildew well. The fact that bamboo is made of organic material often appeals to those who suffer from allergies.
As with any material, bamboo has its drawbacks. Most of bamboo’s relate to weight and foot traffic.
Bamboo is firm, durable, resilient and charming. Better still, the material naturally resists moisture and staining. It is easy to install, and it can be laid in a number of ways to showcase its stunning patterns – woven, horizontal and vertical. Bamboo’s gold-blonde coloration enhances any pattern when installed.
The post Bamboo Flooring Leads Trends for the Environmentally Conscious Homeowner first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Instead of doing a whole room, choose to update only the countertops or some other feature. Some homeowners lay marble tiles on the floor and complement them with ceramic sinks and backsplashes. Even as a small accent, marble fills whole rooms with its unique look. Well-edited choices create a quietly understated atmosphere.
Use color to your advantage. For high impact, choose marble with contrasting veins, like grey and white. Then, add more white into the room to highlight the veining. “If you can’t afford much, consider making a marble counter the focal point of the room, then build your design from its texture,” said Dupre.
Those with larger budgets may consider marble tubs the epitome of luxury. But your ceramic tub can light up in the same way with stone-to-stone accents. Limits are only set by the bounds of your creativity.
New treatments and finishes have made marble even more popular. Now, the stone can even stand up the humidity of the kitchen or bathroom. No matter where you place it, remember that your marble must be resealed regularly to ensure durability and keep moisture out.
The post Hints of Marble Add Elegance on a Budget first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Some wood looks great in delicate areas, but won’t do well in a busy home. Other wood stands up to just about anything. Know what you want before you shop,” advised Dean Dupre, who owns Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Wood flooring hardness is typically measure using the “Janka test.” A steel ball is pressed into a piece of wood forcefully, and the tester measures the amount of pressure needed to insert it. Soft wood, like pine, dents or caves under less pressure than harder woods require. “If you or the kids are prone to dropping things, a wood floor, particularly a softer wood floor, will dent on impact,” added Dupre.
Be wary of marketing generalizations. Today, most flooring options will claim to stand up to “general foot traffic,” but not all consider a busy home — with kids and pets constantly on the move — to fall under that definition. A handsome wood floor may deteriorate fast after the dog digs several gouges out of it and the kids ride their tricycles through the house for fun. For truly indestructible flooring, you should consider other materials entirely.
Wood flooring, no matter its natural hardness, also requires a finish. If that finish is breached, the wood underneath can start to deteriorate as moisture seeps in. All wood floors must be sanded and re-finished yearly.
Consider the location of the wood flooring installation and be aware of the traffic it will handle. Is the wood under consideration tough enough?
The post Does The Hardness of Wood Flooring Matter? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The senior care industry is booming. To be successful in this niche, it is crucial to choose a reliable lead generation company. Some offer older leads which are neither useful nor lucrative. choosi Others send leads that have already been worked, but still call them exclusive. “In a way, they are “exclusive:” your lead generation company is excluding you from profit in the scheme,” Green reported. “There are no benefits in working an exhausted lead or spending good money on it.”
So, how does an agent find a good partner? Choose a lead generation company with a good reputation who promises to stand behind its product. Its system should screens leads, pre-qualify them and provide them to you with complete information.
“Pay attention to the amount of help they offer you. Do they help you sell and market? If so, the company may make an excellent partner. If a company is willing to commit extra time to assisting you, you can can help each other succeed,” added Green.
The post Pick a Medicare Lead Provider to Be a Partner first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Ask for a quote and an estimate of how long the project is expected to take. Professional tilers should be able to estimate the number of tiles needed and the amount of labor that will be involved. They will be able to source the right kind of tiles and grouting for you, including extra materials to protect themselves from delays from cracked or broken tiles.
There’s also nothing wrong with doing it yourself. Tiling on your own can be a lot of fun. Make sure you study the techniques you’ll need to make the job looks good when it’s done. Many DIYers, for example, forget about adding in a number of extra tiles to take care of the smaller pieces needed for the corners of a room and awkward spots that require handcutting.
Usually, it makes more sense to hire a tiling expert unless you enjoy the actual assembly process. Whichever you choose, your floor will look beautiful with a little planning.
The post Tiling: DIY or Go Pro? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Wood-look tiles, as you might imagine, mimic natural wood, but they also contribute the strength of tiling to your floors. Sturdy and durable, these tiles are moisture-resistant and can withstand high heat. They are easier to clean than conventional wooden floors, and they require little upkeep and no polishing.
Typically composed of porcelain and/or ceramic, the tiles mime natural woodgrain surprisingly well. Plus, wood-look tiles are far easier to install and maintain. Tiled surfaces will not shrink or swell with changes in heat or humidity, and each tile is much easier to replace when damaged than strips of hardwood.
Indoors or out, wood-look tiles can withstand water, heavy traffic and frequent sun exposure. They are particularly cost-effective in their maintenance; once wood-look tiles are down, they require very little upkeep and continued funds.
The post Wood-Look Ceramic Tiles Offer a Cost-Effective Flooring Alternative first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Sisters Victoria and Norma Velasquez-Cabrera were crossing Hillsborough Avenue on the 2500 block to get to Middleton High at about 7:15 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. A car in the center lane stopped to let them cross. But a car approaching from the far lane, driven by Deja Johnson, aged 17 and a fellow student, continued past. Johnson struck the two girls, and Norma passed away after a four-day coma.
Tampa personal injury attorney Robert Joyce calls attention to the fact that this is not the first fatal accident involving a Middleton student crossing six-lane Hillsborough Avenue.
“In 2011, a 15-year-old named Shenika Davis was killed while walking to Middleton as well,” Mr. Joyce says.
Tampa police have ramped up enforcement efforts in the area for both drivers and pedestrians. Both of the girls who were killed on their way to school were crossing between crosswalks. Police spokeswoman Andrea Davis says that, since November 1, 2013, police have issued 946 citations and 504 warnings to drivers and pedestrians.
Also, Middleton High held an assembly for all students with a 30-minute pedestrian-safety presentation imploring them to wear bright colors, cross at crosswalks and be alert.
Police say that a preliminary investigation showed Johnson had no fault in the accident. But Velasquez-Cabrera’s family wants to see the city do more to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“It’s not a safe street,” Mauricio Guttierez, Norma and Victoria’s uncle, told the Tampa Bay Times. “How many more victims do we have to wait for?”
Mr. Joyce says that enforcement efforts should make a difference for as long as they go on, but may not have a lasting impact.
“Can the city afford to keep extra officers there indefinitely?” he wonders. “If not, enforcement may not solve the safety problem.”
If you need to speak with a wrongful death attorney or lawyer, Call Joyce & Reyes at 1.888.771.1529 or visit more of http://www.joyceandreyespa.com/.
The post Joyce and Reyes Personal Injury Attorney Cites Ongoing Safety Concerns Following Tampa Student Pedestrian’s Death first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Bathroom renos can be fun and they can also be a huge pain,” points out the owner of Champion Tile and Marble in Tampa Bay, Florida, Dean Dupre. “The DIY crowd dive right in, often finding out later it was not a good idea, not reading any instructions. The experienced folks know to check twice, measure twice, and do it right the right time for an elegant and long-lasting, good-looking job.”
If the bathroom is the project for the day, be sure to use more full-size tiles; in other words, choose a size the suits the bathroom area. Smaller tiles make a larger bathroom look dated, and the installer has a lot of grouting to complete. Larger tiles offer a more modern ambience and less grouting. Edge installation goes relatively smoothly if you cut tiles to the amount of space left and use a wet saw. Creative individuals may want to try different colors and sizes of tiles.
To make the room look elegant and pulled together, try laying tiles in a symmetrical pattern. If the tiles are to be mounted on a wall, make sure the opposing wall looks the same. Different-sized tiles on either side of the room create an odd visual distortion. If the tiles are to be laid on the floor, begin in the center of the room with smaller ones and work out to the edge, and use large tiles to form a border.
“Before cutting anything, measure carefully first. Cutting is not the easiest task, even with a wet saw. So to ensure less damaged tiles, which cramps your design in mind, work slowly while cutting,” suggests Dupre. The cut tiles are generally used as edging, under overhangs, by walls and as borders. In other words, cut tiles are ideal for any area that is less visible. To enhance visibility in areas seen immediately, use full tiles to draw the eye to the point of attention.
“The best tip you will ever benefit from before attempting a tile reno in the bathroom is: Lay your tiles out on a dry surface to see what they will look like. When you have it right in your mind, go to town and get creative. It’s the most fun you will ever have with a renovation,” says Dupre.
The post If Bathroom Renos Are Pending, Pay Attention to the Process of Proper Tiling first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>It doesn’t really matter what the politicians say. It’s their actions, or in the case of immigration reform, their non-actions that speak louder than their words. Senator John McCain has been heard to say he won’t give up the issue in 2014. He insists that the government must act, but that is an easy thing to say going into a year where most of politicians’ time will be spent on the campaign trail, bashing the opposition and dragging immigration reform through the mud – yet again.
Realistically, what are the chances that immigration reform gets passed before the House lets out and everyone heads back to the hustings? If you ask representatives of immigration reform organizations and groups, the answer is, “slim to none.” There has been so much action, figuratively speaking, that it’s resulted in inaction, which seems to have been the main goal in the first place. No one appears genuinely to want to pass immigration reform. It makes a good flash point to garner votes. And thus the cycle continues, over and over and over again.
Most everyone agrees that we need immigration reform. People work toward that. Items get passed in the House. Politicians get cold feet and see their votes going south. Stalling starts. Immigration reform gets put on hold. Many Americans hold no hope of it passing. Many immigrants—the ones who were lured into voting for Obama—despair they will see reform in their lifetime, or the lifetimes of their children.
Immigration reform has become a political game affecting millions of people. This is not the right way to run a country. Nor is it the right way to treat people who have placed their faith in changes coming from the top. That old saying that, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” is bitterly true when it comes to immigration reform. The more the political landscape evolves from one set of speeches to another, from one stance to another, the more immigration reform languishes.
One wonders where politicians’ integrity goes when it comes to living up to their promises.
The post Immigration Reform Used as Political Football first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>When new trends hit the market, you tend to see a lot of homeowners rushing out to try the latest fad. Right now, the hottest trending new idea is to tile walls. According to a number of real estate agents, properties with elegantly tiled walls are selling very well. And why not? The tiling slabs add a whole new dimension to a home or office and the good news is that they can withstand pretty much anything.
The ability to stand up to whatever is thrown at it is the hallmark of a sturdy wall slab. Homeowners should consider this when tiling walls of areas such as the kitchen, laundry room area and bathroom. Tiled walls definitely create a unique look, and with the wide variety of colors, tones, patterns and shades on the market, there is a whole lot of latitude in creating just what you want. Hands down, tiling a wall beats painting it, when you consider that the minute paint comes into contact with the moisture that touches it on a daily basis, it begins the long, slow process of disintegration.
For those creative souls that love to design a room around a theme or hand-paint their own slabs, this newest way to make a room stand out is most welcome. Additionally, tiling walls is a much cheaper alternative than some other options out there. For instance, if you want to save some serious money, consider using ceramic wall tiles. They’re not only cost-effective, but they’re also attractively durable and they are not hard to keep looking good. It helps that they are also water-resistant.
If your budget is more generous, then you might gravitate to slate, granite, marble, quartz or travertine. The choice is yours for each room. For instance, try granite in the kitchen, marble in the bathroom and travertine for the study. The sky’s the limit when it comes to installing tiling on your walls. This is one trend that will definitely increase the resale value of your home.
The post The Latest Hot Trend Is Tiling Walls first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>There have been far too many deportation raids over the past few months – or make that the past few years to get a handle on just what immigration reform really means to the politicians. On closer examination, it appears their priorities are deportation raids and beefing up border security – both of which are counterintuitive to the concept of immigration reform.
It’s clear that deportation raids do not reunite families. In fact, the end result is usually a single parent left trying to cope with the children and pay the bills. A single family struggling to make ends meet means U.S. citizens are paying the freight for a family torn apart by the drive to deport illegal immigrants – the same illegal immigrants that have jobs and are paying their way. That scenario does not make sense. Deportation raids are hardly the stuff humane immigration reform is made of, and they certainly do not provide a pathway to citizenship.
Which are we working toward: a pathway to citizenship as promised by the president under immigration reform, or a pathway to the border under a deportation order? The vast majority of those detained and deported do not have a criminal record and have not committed a crime, other than being in the country illegally. They have no documentation, but they have businesses; they are church member and our neighbors, who devote time to their communities. This is not the same thing as having a criminal record for drug dealing, stealing, robbery or fraud.
Many illegal aliens just want to be able to come and go as they wish to visit their families. Some have been living in the U.S. for more than two decades and, during that time, have become de facto, if not legal, U.S. citizens. They pay taxes. They pay their way. They are not criminals. They are deported for doing everything right. If this is the government’s definition of human rights, we have a whole other problem on our hands as citizens who believe in fairness and equality, and as attorneys who believe in justice for all, including immigrants.
More than 1.9 million illegals have been deported since 2009 when Obama first became the president. His administration has the dubious distinction of have the highest rate of deportations since President George W. Bush. What’s the holdup? The Senate did pass immigration reform in 2013, but it has been stalled in the House since then. Politics is a brutal game, and it’s a game that is hurting millions of immigrants who want nothing more than to find a place to call home and to be part of a community.
The post Immigration Reform and Deportation Raids Do not Belong in the Same Sentence first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Many DIY homeowners feel they can install their own flooring, and many do a fine job. However, when it comes to hardwood, there are a few extra things to be aware of; buckling and cupping are two of them. A warping process transforms wood flooring after prolonged exposure to humidity and moisture. The wood absorbs the moisture, retaining it until it dries. When it does dry, the floor warps, and it doesn’t matter if your floor is older or brand-new.
As surprising as it may seem, many homes have high levels of humidity and moisture. Humidity inside or outside the home can damage floors. Outside factors are outdoor climate, heat and humidity; so living in a rain forest is not good for hardwood floors. Inside moisture is generated in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms. And for those of you who have lived through ruptured water lines and burst water heaters, you know how much damage that can do to the inside of your house. It helps to catch that kind of situation early, but that does not always happen.
If you’re going to lay hardwood floors, you want to make sure they are protected from absorbing moisture. After all, hardwood flooring is a significant investment. Make sure to seal the floor properly by glazing it and using a transparent sealant or waterproofing stain.
However, before the real work is done, always lay the planks on waterproofed and insulated layering. This gives the underside of the boards the protection they need from moisture. Now is not the time to cut corners, because this floor needs to last a long time. If you don’t install it the right way the first time, chances are you’ll be taking it up again due to water damage causing buckling. It is quite rare to have hardwood cup and buckle as a result of being defective. In nine cases out of ten, warping is related to improper installation and a poor job applying sealant, which allows moisture to work its way under the wood.
Take the time to research carefully how to install hardwood floors the right way. When in doubt, consider reaching out to an experienced flooring expert who is able to advise you on your project or do it for you. Ultimately, you want your home to look great. Make sure you do it up with class and attention to detail.
The post If You DIY a Hardwood Floor, Factor in Cupping and Buckling first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>“Most garages have a concrete slab, and that is not the best surface to work out on. In fact, it’s really hard on your joints. Aside from that, though, if you have expensive equipment in the garage, you won’t want it resting on cold concrete that may also be cracked and damp. Time to make some changes and make the inside of the workout zone safe and yet durable,” says Dean Dupre, owner of Champion Tile and Marble, Tampa Bay, Florida.
While the ideal flooring would be the kind in boxing gyms or other big-ticket fitness training centers, not everyone can afford it. Are there other options? “Yes, commercial flooring, rubber stall mats and interlocking rubber tiles. Each one of those choices has pros and cons. It is up to you to choose what works the best for your situation and location,” Dupre adds.
Commercial flooring is still too expensive for some. It is the kind found in large gyms, and it comes in a rainbow of colors. Right off the bat, the only way to determine a flooring budget is to ask for a quote. This may put a number of people off, as they interpret that to mean it is expensive. This kind of flooring also comes in a tiled version that may be worth considering because it can be less expensive.
Option number two is to use rubber horse-stall mats, which work out to be about $1.66 per square foot. A lot of garage floor area can be covered for a low price, for those with a limited, no-room-to-wiggle budget. Bonus: these mats are easy to cut down to fit any space and any odd corner. Additionally, they are very durable. Just be prepared to wait for the new-rubber smell to dissipate over time. Also, be aware that this type of matting is quite heavy, which means no bunch-ups when laid in a square.
“Another type of tile to consider is interlocking rubber tiles,” explains Dupre. “This option is the most economical of the three alternatives and is easy to find at sporting goods stores or online. However, the less you pay for something, chances are there may be issues with it. That old ‘You get what you pay for’ adage is quite true with these tiles. However, they do work well for some.”
Interlocking rubber tiles do not stand up to weightlifting equipment being dropped on them, but they may do well when placed under a treadmill or combination home gym rig. “It’s your choice, but at least you have a variety of options to suit your workout routines and equipment,” says Dupre.
The post Living Spaces Are Not the Only Areas That May Need New Flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Ceramic tiles offer beauty, flexibility, texture, color and value. Moreover, ceramic is exceptionally durable. Tiles have survived the test of time for centuries. Some have been recovered in sound condition from ancient Egyptian and Roman ruins. Your home will hardly need to become an ancient ruin for its tile to be appreciated. Ceramic enhances its beauty now and into the future.
Ceramic tiles have at least one feature that makes them unique — ceramic refuses to harbor germs, making it an ideal and popular surface for kitchens and bathrooms. The smooth surface is also easy to keep clean. Just make sure that the ceramic tiles you purchase all come from the same lot, which will ensure that they are uniform.
Additionally, make sure to choose the correct hardness for the job at hand. Ceramic tiles range in hardness from zero to five. If you want to tile a wall, then the best choices are tiles rated zero through two. For in-home floor use, go with a three-rated tile, and if you want tiles for a commercial application, a ranking of four or five would be suitable. Backsplashes, walls, floors and countertops all benefit from ceramic, as it is easy to maintain, very versatile, highly durable and reasonably priced.
Porcelain is considered a subtype of ceramic, and its clean look makes it a good alternative. Porcelain is the tile of choice for truly high-traffic areas, especially in industrial and commercial settings. The tiling you find in airports is almost always porcelain. Your personal tastes will determine whether you like that look for your home, but its extreme durability may not even be the driving factor in your choice. Usually, homeowners choose ceramic tiles due to their unlimited versatility.
Another alternative may be natural stone tiling, which is often considered to be an agglomerate/aggregate tile: it is a mixture of marble and other rocks held together by epoxy. Stone tiling comes in a variety of engaging colors and designs. If you choose to install it yourself, be sure to measure twice and cut once. Since stone tiling is man-made, measuring and cutting work needs to be very precise.
The post Think Tiling for an Elegant Home Renovation first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Without a doubt, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Just about everything — from cooking to entertainment to homework — happens in its friendly atmosphere. People come. People go. People pass through and spend time. It’s always a room with stories to tell, and over time, the floor begins to show signs of its wear. So when a family upgrades their kitchen space, they want to make sure to find something durable, attractive, easy to maintain and within their budget.
Today, many Americans are choosing stone and tiling for this high-traffic room. Tile and stone are well-known to stand up to the demands of children and pets.
Nothing performs better than stone for resistance; it does not scratch as other flooring, like laminate or hardwood, would. Stone lends itself to a natural look, and it gives a room an interesting, warm ambiance. Slate, sandstone and limestone are most popular. While these choices do need to be treated to maintain their elegance, they are tough and sturdy.
If budget is a concern, you may opt to use porcelain tiles that look like stone. It takes some sleight of hand, but the solution is very appealing to the eye when all is said and done. Tile is also smoother underfoot than stone would be. Porcelain tiles come in multitudinous patterns, designs and colors, and they can even be ordered with a metallic finish. With an eye to quiet design, metallic-finish tiles energize a kitchen in an understated, elegant way. The right choice of tile will also withstand a virtual army’s worth of tromping.
Concrete flooring is a third, newer trend. Popping up on floors across the nation, concrete holds heat well and is one of the toughest floor materials on the market. These surfaces are nothing like the sidewalk material you may be picturing. Concrete can be acid-stained, colored, polished or honed. In many cases, the final result looks like another substance entirely. With coloring, you can choose between various shades of yellow, gray, white, red and even green. And concrete can even be used for countertops.
Your kitchen can be the inviting, central hub that you want it to be. Think about your choices and how they fit your budget before investing in any surface.
The post Flooring Choices for High-Traffic Kitchen Areas first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>But before you begin to shop for replacement materials, pull up a corner and check the surface underneath the carpet. If you find underlying hardwood flooring, it may change your plans. Instead of laying new flooring, you might opt to bring that dusty, scratched hardwood back to its former glory.
You probably bought your home thinking you won’t be moving again anytime soon, but life often holds surprises. An illness, transfer, divorce or job loss could change your plans. So, if you find hardwood under your carpets, work to save it. Hardwood is extremely popular with homebuyers, and it tends to raise the asking price for and value of your home. If you still want to include some carpeting after wood renovations, you can add area rugs for a cozy, lived-in feeling.
Are you uncertain that you have the time and budget to rip up the carpets immediately? If so, consider keeping the current carpets, provided that you can clean them well enough to restore most of their original softness and beauty. There may be more life left in those rugs than you would expect. Consider giving them a second chance and a thorough, professional cleaning. They may offer you several more years to save for a major flooring upgrade.
You may have carpeting all through your house, but chances are that the flooring is different in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas. Here, you could consider a “mini” flooring renovation and opt to use natural stones and/or tiles. Tile and stone are smart choices for areas in the house that see high traffic and deal with spills and stains on a regular basis. Stone and tile, provided they are properly sealed, remain durable, beautiful and elegant for years to come. Additionally, the rainbow of colors available makes it a joy to brighten your new home to your tastes.
Flooring is a very personal choice. It may be tempting to choose an “unusual” surface to express a distinct style, but always keep your resale value in mind. An off-the-wall montage of tiles in the living room and an electric-neon-tiled kitchen certainly make a statement, but they also reduce the number of people who will be interested in buying your home later. While resale value should not completely constrict your flooring or tiling choices, it is best to find compromises with an eye to the future.
The post Welcome Surprises in Flooring Updates for Your New Home first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>There are a vast number of flooring options on the market today. So many, in fact, that it can be confusing to consider every choice. Would ceramic look good in the kitchen? Would marble work in the bathroom? What about hardwood flooring? They are all valid questions, and the simplest solution is to choose something that instinctively appeals to you. Find something you love on sight. After all, you will be living with your choice for a long time.
You may find yourself falling in love with a hardwood surface. Many people love how elegant hardwood flooring looks. It offers beauty, durability and class. Hardwood adds inviting warmth to the atmosphere and works to pull a room together in a very visceral, visual manner. If you have an open floor plan, hardwood may be the perfect choice. It is versatile and warm on the feet. It can be refinished without too much effort and, should you ever choose to sell your home, its resale value will bring your investment back to you.
Just be aware that hardwood does contract and expand in response to the level of humidity in the air, so it’s not a good choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms or the kitchen unless it is properly sealed. If you do choose hardwood for a high-humidity location, expect to reseal the floor every six years or so.
Not sure you want the work of sanding, refurbishing or sealing? You might want to consider engineered wood flooring. These surfaces are hardwood, but they come in layers. Their cross-grain construction makes them even stronger and more durable than solid pieces of wood on their own. Engineered wood flooring offers more structural integrity: it does not gap, buckle or warp. Engineered wood is perfect for the kitchen, and it can be laid directly on concrete without a subfloor if you are finishing your basement.
You might also consider bamboo flooring, especially if you are environmentally conscious. It does cost more than hardwood, but it is even tougher. It offers an excellent walking surface, and it acts to muffle sound. Bamboo is an excellent choice for high humidity locations, but it must be sealed. Be aware that if you plan to revamp your own floors, it can be tricky to cut bamboo. You may particularly wish to hire a professional installer for this job to avoid losing material to waste.
The post Consider Elegant Hardwood to Revamp Your Flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>This fall’s government shutdown brought the debate of many issues to a halt, including immigration reform. Now, however, the reform agenda is back in the news with a proposed bill that may have the ability to improve immigrant laws and boost the economy.
But the issue can only be resolved if politicians of both parties consider it fairly. Immigration has obviously become a partisan issue, leaving it perpetually stalled. Disagreements on such a bill are never simple. Republicans want to debate and edit the bill; Democrats refuse.
The proposed bill would allow illegal immigrants temporary citizenship for six years. Immigrants would need to obtain a visa or return to their country of origin. The bill would also increase security on the southern U.S. border.
If currently illegal immigrants choose to become legal citizens, they must pay taxes and may have access to insurance, driver’s licenses, health care and a larger selection of available employment. Each of these measures would put money back into an economy that desperately needs a boost. (The shutdown certainly pointed that out with painful clarity.)
As the situation stands, there are 11.7 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. None of them may be refused emergency care at hospitals. Their bills are currently paid through taxpayer-funded Medicaid. With access to health insurance, immigrants would pay for their own expenses. Medicaid coverage would reach individuals who desperately need it, and the system itself would become more economically efficient.
It seems like a win-win situation for the government and U.S. taxpayers, but some politicians stand in the way in the name of political obstinacy. This bill should focus on the people of the nation, not parties or potential 2014 poll victors.
Immigration reform has been absorbed into political agendas for some elected officials, but to better the country, it must be considered fairly. The proposed bill will inevitably contain some loopholes. Lawmakers are not omnipotent. Can those holes be closed? Yes, but cooperation will be required to do so.
The post Without Party Divides, Immigration Reform Could Still Be Viable first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>It used to be that vinyl flooring didn’t wear well and just had a “cheaper” look, even when it was newly laid. The product has definitely changed, and today’s Americans may not be aware of the new benefits (no matter how they felt about Granny’s white-and-red checked kitchen floors).
You can still find that checked vinyl flooring, and now it is considered to offer a clean, retro look. However, the vinyl that composes it is now resilient and durable, able to withstand applesauce, Kraft dinners, soup, dog bones and even wine. Be careful how you install the flooring, and it will last for years. Vinyl can now be installed with no-slip sheets, which enhances its safety and makes it even easier to clean.
Vinyl is also water-resistant, making mopping easy. Spills are not an issue if wiped up promptly because the material’s virtual seamlessness will prevent leaking underneath it. No mold, dirt, bacteria or other pathogens will slip beneath your floor, making vinyl a safe, healthy choice for homes with children. Vinyl flooring offers a huge variety of colors, patterns and textures. Modern vinyl has been known to fool a discerning eye with intelligent mimicry of other types of flooring. Smooth? Yes. Rougher and more rustic? Yes. A pebbled surface? You can find that too.
Vinyl flooring is extremely economical, and it will serve those with a strict budget well. You can save even more if you lay it yourself. Just pay attention to the directions for proper installation. There are smart buys on the market for those who appreciate the versatility of contemporary vinyl. The option is well worth exploration.
The post Consider a Place for Vinyl Flooring in Renovations first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Seniors living in long-term care facilities tend to run a higher risk of falling and hitting their heads than those in other living situations. According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, when seniors fall, they almost always hit their heads — even if they throw out their arms to break the fall. The video study was conducted at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, but the results cross borders; the risk is just as great in U.S. elder care facilities.
According to the study’s findings, over 60 percent of hospital admissions for TBIs are for seniors over the age of 65. The incidence rate escalates gradually among more elderly seniors, and then increases more sharply once seniors pass 80 years of age.
Researchers set up cameras in public areas of nursing homes, such as lounges, TV rooms and hallways to take 39-month, in-depth look at falls. They sought to observe the physical mechanics of a senior’s fall and the body parts that took the main brunt of the impact with the ground. Over 133 residents were recorded during their daily lives in the home.
227 falls were ultimately analyzed. In 37 percent of those falls, seniors hit their heads (most frequently on the ground). Although no concussions were noted on any resident’s file in this study, the risk was still treated with caution; concussions can mimic traumatic brain injuries. Surprisingly, most seniors who threw out their arms were not able to minimize the impact in a significant way. Their arm muscles were too weak to offer any kind of mitigating support.
Overall, home residents hit their heads on the floor in 64 percent of the videos examined. 16 percent made contact with furniture and 13 percent hit a wall. 33 percent of those who hit their heads on any of the above sustained a full range of injuries, from cuts and bruises to fractures.
With enough study of mobility biomechanics, homes hope to change the way seniors navigate their environments. Analysis might help medical professionals design room layouts that improve mobility or exercise programs focused on stability and balance.
Now that the results of such studies have been published, will it be considered negligence if nursing homes and long-term care facilities do not improve environment safety? For example, most homes currently have hard surface flooring, such as linoleum or tile, to facilitate cleaning. Should they be expected to use compliant flooring that cushions a fall and helps avert head injuries instead? Falls account for approximately 95 percent of serious hip fractures and other debilitating, potentially life-shortening injuries. Any step towards safety and protection is a positive one.
It’s food for thought, but on first consideration, it does seem that nursing homes may face personal injury lawsuits if they do not provide a safe environment when they know of, or should know of, suggested improvements.
Learn more at http://www.christophermellino.com.
The post Seniors at Serious Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>President Barack Obama has stated repeatedly that he continues to push for immigration reform. Even the government shutdown did not change that stance. While the immediate shutdown crisis has passed, plenty of flotsam and jetsam has been left behind to make its own messes. The president’s perseverance of agenda may be admirable, but against the oncoming wave of yet another debt crisis, reality may take its toll.
Some would call it inevitable, given the current House climate of politicking, posturing, posing and petulance. For many, the climate has shown the Republican Party to be overly concerned with re-election and dangerously ignorant of the will of the nation.
At such a juncture, how can the president hope to call for immigration reform and be heard? Chemical weapons in Syria, domestic surveillance programs and health care glitches: each all-consuming crisis has followed the last without pause for breath. Unfortunately, each pushes immigration further from central concern, leaving more than 11 million immigrants to wait and wonder.
Fortunately, some progress has been made in the last year. An immigration overhaul was passed in June, but stalled in the House over the legal status of illegal aliens. For many Republicans, changing an immigrant’s illegal status would break the law. Some media pundits speculate that the summer’s resistance was only a Republican ploy to break reform into small, slow pieces. If so, it may have worked.
Obama’s most recent comments indicate that he would accept a piecemeal reform process in the House (as long as the work would be achieved on that longer timeline). But would a piecemeal approach to immigration reform work? Chances are poor; changing the entire immigration system without a holistic approach will only compound the problems. Fix one leak, and three more will spring into being. The process would become exhausting and overwhelming for even well-intentioned Representatives.
If President Obama is to be believed, John Boehner stands at the center of resistance to immigration reform. The House Speaker appears unwilling to call the bill on the floor. But tensions have spread beyond individuals to absorb both parties. Republicans refuse to accept amnesty; Democrats refuse to eliminate the option. Against clashing parties and an unending series of national crises, immigration reform will find it difficult to resurface in the near future.
The post Amidst Budget and Debt Ceiling Turmoil, Will Immigration Reform Resurface? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Don’t buy anything to upgrade your floors on impulse. Take the time to study each room you want to enhance. What do you want it to look like when you are done? Is your home styled in a modern, western, contemporary or chic way? Do you want carpet, hardwood, laminate, rubber or bamboo? Decide before you visit any flooring stores. The concrete decisions will help you stick to your budget and beautify your home.
Let’s say you want carpet in the master bedroom, just to add some warmth for your feet during the winter months. Finding precisely what you want can be challenging (not to mention expensive), but it is possible. There are a number of options to check out for less expensive carpeting. Your local carpet store might hold a treasure trove of discounted carpeting, and sometimes you get lucky and find a sale piece at a 75 percent discount. Not a bad deal, even though the carpet may be discontinued. Search out precut carpeting that was returned. If you can snag a large piece (larger than the area you want to carpet), you’ve got new, high-quality carpeting for pennies on the dollar. Explore carpet remnant stores, estate and yard sales. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you find a piece you like within the budget range you set.
What about hardwood and laminate? Typically, laminate is a lot less expensive than hardwood, but don’t eliminate the option automatically. Companies that sell discounted hardwood flooring do exist. If you have your heart set on hardwood, start with a wholesale flooring outfit. You may find the prices are about 50 percent lower than retail prices, though be aware that you may be required to meet a minimum to order. And if the budget just won’t tolerate hardwood, even at a discount, compare discount laminate flooring, which typically costs only two-thirds what hardwood does. Plus, it’s easy to install without nailing the material down. It all depends on the look you have planned. If you love the hardwood of maple, red or white oak or hickory, try reworking the budget. You will live with the new flooring for many years to come, so perhaps a splurge is worth the durability after all.
With so many discount flooring options, you are likely to find what you need quickly. It is absolutely worth your time to explore the available alternatives to save money and and maintain quality.
The post Consider Discount Offerings for Your Next DIY Flooring Project first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Green grass? Who would want green grass on their floor? Green grass is more commonly referred to say bamboo, and it is durable, tough and looks awesome. It offers each room it graces a whole new look and feel, not to mention the fact that it is super easy to take care of and clean. What could be better than an environmentally friendly flooring that is tough as they come, easy to clean and looks stunning?
Actually, bamboo may even be considered to be the new hardwood that was once so popular. They have not gone out of style yet, but because they represent a large tree kill, many younger, green conscious families, are opting for an alternative like bamboo. Most of the world’s bamboo flooring comes from Asia. Flooring contractors and companies are noticing the shift in attitude as well. People are trending more to what is best for Mother Earth when it comes to choosing new flooring or upgrading the old stuff.
Green grass, or bamboo floors are attractive and versatile, often being used in and outside. As well, they have an interesting story to tell before they become a part of your home. Before being turned into hard boards, the bamboo fibers are first sorted out and rinsed down to take out any debris in them, including sugar content. From there, the fibers are turned into hard board and sold in a variety of colors.
You can choose from solid bamboo, engineered bamboo, strand woven bamboo, and teragren bamboo. While that may sound confusing, it’s not. The solid bamboo is completely made of bamboo, does not expand and contract as much as hardwood, but looks like it, comes in stained flooring, horizontal or vertical strand flooring and all-natural or carbonized versions.
Engineered bamboo looks very much like engineered hardwood, featuring many layers of bamboo, banded for strength and glued to a base. It’s convenient to install and great for dry or humid climates.
Strand woven bamboo is created when the strands are cut, boiled, and laid out to dry. They are then hard-pressed to flatten them, preparatory to cutting them into various sized planks, which are stitched together and ultimately glued. Many homeowners like the green and eye appeal of this style of flooring.
Teragren bamboo is really amazing. The stalks are sliced into small slats, laminated with an adhesive and subjected to hydraulic pressure. They are ideal for interior design projects.
Even though bamboo has been around for years, it is just now starting to come into its own as a flooring alternative that helps keep Earth a greener place to live. It also helps that is an affordable flooring alternative as well.
The post You just might take a shine to green grass flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Even a not so observant person would realize that immigration reform is taking a backseat to other political issues of the day. The shutdown was one of those issues. It will take some time before the nation recovers from that fiasco —- an unbelievably stupid move based on two political parties with seemingly nothing better to do than fight over health reform, which is separately funded.
That being said, college presidents watching the daily debacle unfold have chosen to speak up and raise their concerns about the lack of action on immigration reform. In a nutshell, immigrant reform also affects the education of the current generation of young entrepreneurs, scientists, computer professionals and chief executive officers. As the situation stands, colleges and universities are not able to utilize the talent they train, because they cannot retain them.
Educators pointed out that many of the immigrants that grace their halls of learning leave to start companies of their own, creating jobs for others. Statistics show immigrants are twice as likely to grow their own companies. In Florida alone, immigrant-owned businesses contribute at least $13.3 billion for the state each year.
But, it’s not just the jobs that passing immigration reform would generate. It is also about how it would stimulate the local economy. For instance in the real estate niche, immigrants increased home values by $11,672 in Miami, between 2000 and 2011. It is about the taxes immigrants would pay. It is about putting money back into the local economy and reviving it. Something the nation desperately needs at all levels these days.
Passing the immigration related DREAM Act would allow those students left in limbo to move forward with their education and ultimately introduce at least 1.4 million jobs into the marketplace, with the ability to generate at least $328 billion over the next two decades. That is definitely not small change for Florida.
Something must be done to change the current immigration system so that it works for the benefit of the states and the nation as a whole. If the U.S. expects to hold on to its competitive advantage in the global marketplace, they need to deal with an antiquated immigration reform system that withholds the potential of billions of dollars from the nation’s coffers.
The post Previously quiet college presidents speak out in favor of immigration reform first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>When you step back and take a look at the progress, or lack thereof, of immigration reform, it is quite striking that there are so many diverse points-of-view on the subject. Many think it’s on hold because of the arguing over the government shut down and the ridiculous wrangling over political issues, rather than people issues. Other think it has to do with lack of enforcement.
History shows that over the years immigration laws were then, and are today, largely not enforced. Many think that had to do with the fact that the system, even when it was first put into place, was too wieldy to deal with and thus got ignored. Now, millions think any kind of proposed reform must address obeying the laws of the land and securing the border.
First of all, the border cannot be completely secured. It is too big to do so. Only portions of it can be patrolled, meaning if an illegal immigrant cannot get through at one checkpoint, they can always try another that is not secure. Securing what little of the border can be subjected to stepped up security is like tossing one bucket of water on a 100 million acre forest fire. It won’t make much difference in the long run. Enforcing our laws seems to already be happening —- think deportation raids —- so it is difficult to completely grasp precisely what the real issues are facing immigration reform.
And, therein lies the heart of the issue. It is not so much about helping people or making illegal immigrants legal, it is about who has the better party platform and how they likely won’t implement it, even if they do get elected or re-elected. It’s about posturing and manipulating. While it may look like the politicians are seriously considering the various issues, it should be kept in mind that those same issues have been percolating for more than two decades.
So while the government continues, oddly enough, to take a step-by-step approach to solving the immigration reform issue, with a sharp focus on enforcement, the clamour increases to get the omnibus-like immigration reform bill, put together by the Gang of Eight, signed and rolling. Why the behind the scenes step-by-step approach? It seems that those spearheading the piecemeal bills want enforcement in place first, because they do not want to rush into another Obamacare fiasco.
On the other side of the fence are those that say the real problem lies with no one wanting to take the bull by the horns and do something that would rock the voting boat. This likely has more to do with not wanting to drag people, kicking and screaming, into the future, where immigration reform would be a done deal, and not an afterthought languishing somewhere in limbo.
We all know there is a problem with immigration reform. Let’s just get on with it and fix it.
The post Is lack of enforcement the real reason immigration reform languishes? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>These days it’s hot to trick out your décor or stage your home for a quick sale. Staging can make a huge difference in how fast a home sells, not to mention it may even increase the price some. The latest trend in staging is using reclaimed wood for just about everything, from floors to accessories. Called re-purposing, it’s catching on fast because it is eco-friendly and means hacking down fewer trees. People love the idea of using reclaimed wood for flooring and, of all things, furniture and home interior accessories with a twist.
Just be certain, if you want to have reclaimed wood in your home, that it is indeed “reclaimed.” As with many other things in this world today, there are even scam artists out to make buck off fake reclaimed flooring. Check your prospective purchase carefully to see if it is correctly labelled, meaning it should be certified as being from a reputable organization such as the Rainforest Alliance. When in doubt, don’t buy if it does not feel right for you.
You should also be aware that depending on where the reclaimed lumber came from there may be chemicals or toxins in the wood. Or, it may have been treated and prepared for reuse by the manufacturer. Reclaimed wood may have paints, insecticides, unknown chemicals, preservatives or adhesives and even lead in it. You don’t want to live with that in your home if you have inhalant allergies. Always make sure you find out where the wood came from and what is in it.
Don’t want to pay the price for reclaimed wood because of the labor and processing involved in obtaining it? You could DIY, particularly if you already have some experience in doing that kind of work. One thing’s for sure, you’ll likely fall in love with reclaimed flooring because the quality and durability is bar none the best.
Did you know that reclaimed woods can be even more durable than original, virgin wood, that has never been used before? That’s due to the fact that it comes from old-growth trees, not the younger ones. Some of the best reclaimed wood is from barns, a fact those with a love of the Western look find appealing. There’s just something about the rustic, old-fashion look that goes well with antiques, and staging designs that use reclaimed flooring or furniture, are noted for being colourful and eye-catching. That’s what versatility is all about.
The post Re-purposed flooring is a great option for home renos first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>If it weren’t for major embarrassing political distractions, immigration reform may have seen the light of day. As it is, it took yet another number to stand in line behind all the other issues faced by Washington, such as the secret government surveillance programs. Something with a broad political impact such as that bunted just about every other issue to the backburner. But it should still be noted that the collection of phone records on a daily basis will not cease. The government will forge ahead, ostensibly to keep Americans safe at home.
The same could be said about stalling on the floor of the House when it comes the immigration reform bill. It is, or it isn’t, or it may be, or may not be. No one, not even a bookie with good odds is able to determine when immigration reform will be signed into law. It first has to be resuscitated after sinking on the floor of the House while Republicans kept bashing it back into anonymity, and creating obfuscation after obfuscation to delay or divert it.
The reality of politics and our daily lives is that something wicked this way comes from time to time and upsets even the most careful laid plans. Obama has been saying since what seems like forever, that he is confident the bill the Gang of Eight authored is to hit his desk soon. However, no one seems to be able to define how soon is soon.
Gone into the wind is the budget bargain he hoped to wrangle, gun control was defeated and now, once again, immigration reform is on stall —- this largely due to political infighting than external fiascos. However, when volatile external forces are mixed with equally volatile political feuds, the result is generally mass confusion and the delay or death of a much hoped for bill.
Temporary or permanent distractions that keep the President busy putting out fires only serves to push the immigration reform bill away from its much anticipated passage. Precisely what the Republicans want, not what immigrants want. What the nation needs, not what the nation is getting.
When will the diversions and delays end, and the immigration reform bill finally get the attention it needs, and is long overdue to receive? If anyone is taking bets, they may be holding them for a long time.
The post Immigration Reform Loses Out To Bugging Phones Revelation first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Resin flooring is not made of that sticky stuff which comes out of trees. Resin flooring is a relatively new player in the home flooring upgrade arena, and perfect for someone who wants a different look in their office. It has the quiet ability to add a little something special to any room it is installed in. It’s an interesting alternative to the usual upgrade choices of marble, tiling, ceramic tile, carpet and various wood flooring options.
New does not always mean better, or even that people will agree it is a choice worth considering. However, with resin flooring, it is slowly coming into its own and making a name for itself. One thing is for sure, it is not boring flooring. It is robust, durable, interesting and does the job in any location in which it is placed. While those characteristics may sound bland, they are anything but. Resin can be functional in even the most elegant of locations and settings; that is part of its enormous consumer appeal.
What are its benefits, besides beauty? Did you know resin floors are stronger than concrete? Concrete, especially in locations where there is high, heavy traffic, crumbles and breaks. Not so with resin. It holds up to anything put on it, whether it is a heavy stainless steel fridge, or a tractor, or a classical sculpture of a bronze mountain lion, or a washing machine. “Versatility” is the keyword when it comes to resin flooring.
Contrary to popular opinion, this type of flooring is not dull. It has a nice shine that catches the eye and stays appealing over the years. Yes, you do pay more for this kind of flooring. However, since it is a one-time upgrade, because it will almost outlast your house, it is worth the investment, plus it may well increase the sale price of your home. Another bonus!
If you’re thinking resin is dark and dreary, not so. You can get any color you like, including yellow, blue and red. If you have a retro or pop culture-like kitchen, you’ll love resin flooring. This kind of flooring is not ranked well for a D-I-Y project; you’ll want to call a professional flooring contractor on this one. After all, you want it to look good. Don’t take the chance on tackling a project like this on your own.
The post Resin flooring, a new player in home beautification first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Just recently, Obama said the reform bill was “this close” and the only thing holding it up was Republican shenanigans, otherwise known as internal party politics. It appears that “this close” is still not so close as the latest new political tactics show. Now politicians are trying to get the bill passed under the guise of economic reform, which isn’t a bad angle, given how much passing the bill would bolster the shaky U.S. economy.
Just in quick recap, immigration reform legislation, worked on by the eight infamous senators from both parties passed in the Senate in June 2013. Since then, it was been swallowed up whole and did a disappearing act on the floor of the House. What’s the holdup? It’s as simple and as complex as there are some provisions in the proposal that majority house members object to and won’t touch with a barge pole.
Prior to the bill seemingly drowning on the House floor, Obama was heard to remark, on several occasions, that he was positive it would be approved. However, internal politics have become a major sticking point, which is not much of surprise considering the scenario involves politicians who cannot agree on much of anything. Odd that they are elected to represent the will of the people, and then don’t do that.
Rather than tackle the proposed bill as a whole, the House approach has been to gut the contents and go at different parts, proposing different bills —- an a la carte approach that effectively paralyses any further forward momentum. Nonetheless, the House, at least those that back the bill, thought they could aim for passage within the next few months.
When politicians get involved in anything that is crucial to the welfare of the nation, its growth and attempts at prosperity, there is rarely unanimity, any type of a coalition or cooperation. It becomes a game of football, with immigrants being tossed about from pillar to post. The bizarre thing is that when the Republicans concerns are broken down and out, it appears that the proposed immigration reform would address or improve upon their concerns, because at this late date, nothing would ever completely fix the mess the system is in.
In the merry-go-round that is the House and Senate, immigration reform still waits for its day in the sun. How much longer? No one knows.
The post Internal politics holding the line against immigration reform first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>When you want to upgrade your living space, your first consideration is to keep an eye on what adds value for a potential sale. Choosing the perfect floor and wall tile can really make a huge difference in the marketability of your home. Hands down, tile is the best choice for interior upgrades in the bathroom(s) and kitchen, but you want it to be just perfect.
If you have not tried Crema Marfil marble, this may be something you should check out. Crema Marfil is well-worth having in your home and a good option for those who love the sense of beauty it brings to every room. It is elegant, soothing, and adds a touch of class to any location.
This particular tile is noted for its range of attractive patterns, color tones and interesting and arresting presence once installed. It is versatile and may be laid for flooring or used on walls. Put it into any room, and the whole atmosphere changes to an appealingly charismatic place to hang out.
Most homeowners find this marble choice appealing thanks to the wide variation of tiles sizes, making it a natural choice for those handy do-it-yourselfers, who pride themselves on a difficult job well done. The interesting trick with Crema Marfil is that depending on what size tiles you choose the look of a room or hallway changes dramatically. For instance, bigger tiles create the appearance of greater length and width. If using a combo of short and long tiles, the resulting mosaic effect is dynamic and stunning.
Another hugely popular bonus with this marble is its elegant finish. It is perfectly serene, clean, easy to maintain and soothing to look at. It’s not often you get a tile that is this versatile and universally admired by many. And, if you are a stickler for durable flooring, but don’t think this would do the trick, think again. It is durable, beautiful, fashionable and highly useful. What more could you ask for in terms of superior flooring?
Still not convinced? Take your time and do research on the various options on the market today. There are hundreds of options that may appeal to you and even offer you colors you never though you would see put to use for wall or flooring jobs. That’s the fund part of shopping for tiles when you are looking to do an upgrade project. The tough part is choosing just one among all the tiles that are reasonably priced.
The post For tiling that adapts as you need it, consider Crema Marfil first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>For some reason, many Americans just do not realize that if those 11 million immigrants could have an enormous impact on the economy. They would generate billions in local, state and federal taxes, trigger an increase in consumer spending and spark rapid growth in the housing sector. Sound like a good move to get the economy out of the doldrums? Most economists would think so, and truth be told, most politicians realize that would be the case, as well. However, it is more in their own political interests to use illegal immigrants to parlay their party into power.
Polls are now consistently demonstrating that at least 84 percent of Americans would agree with allowing undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. and become citizens, particularly if they have been in the country for a number of years, are employed and pay back taxes. Sounds pretty simple and in some ways, it is. However, when you add in politics, things get far more complicated than they need to be, and ultimately, nothing gets done, again.
The Center for American Progress (CAP) indicates that new immigration reform would add at least 1.4 trillion to the U.S. GDP over a 10-year period. That’s a staggering amount of money, which would help the U.S. economy regain stability. However, anti-immigrant advocates want to derail any attempts at immigration reform, even though they know the federal deficit could be reduced. Serious money has the potential to hit the table, and yet, stalling is the political order of the day. Odd, given the fact that several American cities have gone bankrupt or are considering going bankrupt.
These days, local mayors and counselors, state and national leaders and the federal government are all scrambling to find ways to balance their budgets and kick-start their job growth numbers. The answer is right in front of them, and yet they still do nothing, because their constituents do not want anyone else taking advantage of the American dream.
Somewhere along the line, the tenet that we are “one nation and one people” was sidelined into bigotry, hatred, and an attitude of supremacy over others. Gone are the days of tolerance and working together, recognizing that we are all human, no matter what color we are or where we come from. It’s sad to see the nation in such a divisive mode. At this rate, nothing will be accomplished when it comes to immigration reform. More’s the pity.
The post The forgotten economics of immigration reform first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>While it may be time to do something to upgrade the older, and perhaps unattractive, flooring in your home, today’s homeowners are far more environmentally conscious than ever before. It is imperative for an eco-focused consumer to choose flooring products which are sustainable.
Thankfully, designers, architects, interior decorators and home builders have been working on practical ways to work with sustainable materials, things that are environmentally friendly, both now and in the future. What does “sustainable” mean and why should you care?
Sustainable materials are those which carefully and consciously maintain balance in all of our natural resources, whether it is water or wood. If we do not have balance or maintain a necessary balance, it has an enormous affect on our lives. We must be willing to work with products that can replace themselves. This is vitally important with virtually everything we use today.
What are the choices in terms of flooring for those who want to go green and are serious about it? You can upgrade your flooring with sustainable options, materials that are easy-to-find and a snap to install. For instance, bamboo flooring is a good sustainable choice. Bamboo is water-resistant, hard as nails and has an innate anti-bacterial agent. If you want to install it like hardwood flooring, you can, or you can cut it into smaller planks during installation.
This next sustainable recommendation may raise some eyebrows: recycled leather. Where does recycled leather come from? The leather used to make car seats. The seats are ground up, and the resulting mixture is glued, using natural glue and fillers. The end result is tiles that you can install in any room. They look natural and are richly textured.
If your goal is to have aesthetically-pleasing and environmentally-sustainable flooring, think outside of the box and find out what other interesting options you could apply to your floors to make them look unique, yet classic.
The post Green flooring is important in today’s world first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>One of the latest polls relating to immigration reform shows that more Americans are beginning to relate to the Democrat Party’s formal position. Support for the Republican agenda seems to be evaporating. A whopping 48 percent reported that they hold the belief that the Democrat’s policies on immigration reform are much like their own, personally-held beliefs. Thirty-six percent said they were in line with the Republicans.
While the numbers may seem to be neck-and-neck, once they are broken down, another story is evident. The results actually appear to be a warning of sorts for the GOP —- a warning that they need to seriously consider whether or not push forward some form of a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants or bite the bullet and agree to the Democrats’ plan.
What are they really thinking? The Republicans really have their sights set on the 2016 election, which means nothing much is likely to get done with immigration reform, because it is too valuable in terms of political payoff to act now. If the Republicans can figure out how to break the stranglehold Obama seems to have on the Hispanic electorate, then 2016 may bring some interesting developments. In the meantime, immigration reform assumes its old, tired status as a much-abused political football, almost, but not quite, punted into the end zone for a touchdown.
The poll figure are capable of being cut down into specific demographics, and it shows roughly 70 percent of African Americans and about 60 percent of Hispanics like the Democrats’ plans, while14 percent of African Americans and 26 percent of Hispanics identify with the Republicans’ plans. Across the board, Caucasian Americans are in duelling position, with 41 percent favoring the Democrats and 42 percent the Republicans. Nothing gets done in the meantime, and figures bandied about make no difference in the final analysis, as it is plain as day that immigration reform is stalled —- still.
It’s no secret Latin Americans swung the vote pendulum in the last two elections, and it’s a no-brainer that they will carry the same clout in 2016. Whoever woos them the best may get elected. But, will immigration reform ever get passed? Chances are slim to none.
The post Immigration reform still in holding pattern first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>It’s a no-brainer that hardwood floors, or hardwood lookalikes, sell houses. Hands down, people love the look of hardwood and this type of flooring is one of the better investments you could make to increase the resale value of your home. Would you be surprised to find out that hardwood may even add up to 6 percent to the value of your sale price? Worth considering, right?
If you already have wood flooring in your home, that is half the battle. Keep those floors in tiptop shape and you likely have a quick sale on your hands. If you do not have wood floors, maybe it’s time to dust off the budget, take a good, hard look at your existing floors, decide which rooms need to be done and start some serious shopping. You do not need to put hardwood floors in every room, unless that is something you want to do and can afford it.
Many people simply start with hardwood floor upgrades their bedroom, but you may wish to begin in the kitchen or living room. If you have carpeting right now, you need to decide if you want to keep it or take it out. If you replace the old carpet with new carpet, stick to neutral colors if your goal is to sell your home. If you want hardwood flooring to capture the eye of a potential buyer, then spend time looking for the right kind of hardwood that suits your style and is simpatico with where you live. For instance, if you live in Florida, you might want to gravitate to tiling in the main living areas.
If you prefer hardwood, then check out the latest trending flooring, handscaped hardwood. Handscaped hardwood excites buyers with the country charm it lends a room and the aura of authenticity it brings. Some call it “vintage planking;” wait until you see how many different finishes and breathtaking woods are available to choose from. And the bonus? Handscaped hardwood blends well with every other kind of flooring on the market.
Do you prefer the wooden planks narrow, or wide? These days, wider planks are leading in the popularity polls, because that is they way they used to be when older factories and warehouses were turned into stores and living spaces. This type of flooring is a nod to history, but it works very well with today’s more modern interiors.
The post Handscraped flooring is hot for home upgrades first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Even when the urge to get really creative with flooring and tiling choices may be strong, it is best to picture what your choices may look like down the road, or to someone who was interested in buying your home. Red, black and yellow tiling may be a powerful conversation starter when people use your bathroom, but not everyone wants that kind of ambiance. Plus, even though you may like the colors when you buy and install them, you may not like them so much a few years later when color trends and tastes change.
While there is nothing wrong with red in a bathroom, or any room for that matter, you may want to use it carefully, more as an accent than a predominant color. Bold and exciting might be the order of the day, but remember, you have to live with it long-term, unless you plan to rip out the tiles in a few years and do it over.
Limiting what you do in terms of too much color is not as great a disadvantage as it may seem. This is because you have other choices to complement what you want to achieve for an overall look and feeling. For instance, consider glass mosaic tiles or even pebble tiles for that “something different” kind of look. If you tile you walls in a memorable and unique way, it will stand the test of time, even if you have standard flooring, provided it does not need to be upgraded as well.
Another different approach is to use complementary inlay tiles on the wall or floor. Inlays can do wonders for a room and act to give it a unique focal point. You may use an inlay to highlight a feature in the room, sharpen up the edges of the tiling around the room or showcase a stunning feature in your bathroom or kitchen. It’s all up to you what you choose.
Consider mixing various tile mediums for another different look. An example would be using natural stone with pebble tiles or using odd-size mosaic tiles to create a work of art on the floor or wall. It’s exciting when you get right down to the final choices you have before your begin your project. If you aren’t sure what to choose, how durable a choice may be or what would suit your lifestyle, drop in to your local Tampa flooring contractor and take a look at the various jobs they have done. You will know instantly what would work in your home.
The post Tile can make you smile with tasteful choices for your home first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>If you have spent any time lately paying attention to the media reports about immigration reform, you might well be wondering what is going on and who is saying what and what is going to happen or not happen. One thing is for sure, if Jeff Sessions has his way, immigration reform is done, over with and never to see the light of day. And yet, somehow, he got elected into a government that wants to forge ahead with reform —- or so they say.
Republican Sessions is one of the most vocal and outspoken nay-sayers of immigration reform. While he may seemingly be operating on his own agenda, he is a visible, vocal thorn in the side of the government. What can he accomplish on his own? Surprisingly, he may be able to swing the tide from forward momentum to, at the very least, a dead standstill. Just consider his track record among the assemblage of politicians striving to do something about reform.
Sessions offered up 15 amendments to the bill everyone hopes will shake things up enough to generate some forward momentum, and most of his proposals would completely obliterate everything in the bill as it stands. He works hard to circulate negative material about the harm immigration reform would inflict on the USA, how it would harm American-born workers and fly in the face of the rule of law. As diatribes go, he seems to have mastered the ability to filibuster about the harm any changes would do to the nation. His goal? Defeat the bill.
Interestingly enough, if you watch the ins and outs of political shenanigans on the Hill, you’ll note that on any given day support for reform could swell or diminish, in concert with whichever way the wind is blowing. This may mean that despite Session’s being a one-man band, he may actually succeed in attaining his goal, largely because although there are many who feel the same he does, none are taking the lead to do anything about it. Those that do take the lead, generally pull followers along behind them. Gives new meaning to the term “a dark horse winner.”
Even though the bill still shows signs of passing and perhaps getting further than anyone ever dreamed (The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the proposal on a 13-5 bipartisan vote), there is always the what if element to be wary of. Sessions has the ability to do serious damage and may be able to pull off, once again, what he achieved in 2007, when he led an uprising against a similar attempt to pass an immigration reform bill.
Will he succeed or won’t he? The element of surprise lies in wait behind the mask of political charisma that shifts shapes according to what may win a politician more voters. For now, the nation waits. And waits. And waits.
The post Immigration-reform may yet die on the floor of Congress first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Home is where the flooring is, and home is the one place you find peace and tranquility. For some, looking at floors that have seen their day, first placed years ago, can take away from the enjoyment of owning a home. Flooring is far more important than many people realize. In fact, it is one of the first things a potential buyer will look at when you have your house on the market.
Homes are not just about flooring alone. They are a reflection of the people living there. Accordingly, you want the best-looking possible decor. You want compatible colors and/or wallpaper throughout the house, perhaps matching the furniture and the ambiance you wish to create. Think what the overall effect would be if the flooring was retro 1930s and the decor was 21st century.
Flooring sets the tone of each room in your home. If you want to change flooring in each room, you have the freedom of creativity to do so. Consider hardwood for the living and dining room, marble for the bathroom, rubber flooring for the kids play area and ceramic for the kitchen. It all depends on what kind of mood you want for each room. Decide what works for your imagination, figure out a budget, shop online and in person and stop by your local Tampa flooring contractor to see what they recommend. It’s time well spent.
Lighter-colored flooring makes a room look larger, while darker planking or other floor coverings, shrinks the room. If you have high-traffic areas to worry about with the kids and pets, then stick with a flooring that is not only durable, but does not show too much dirt. As an alternative, you could always opt to use runners to protect the floor or carpet.
The choices on the market in terms of flooring are so diverse, even if you are a dedicated go-green kind of person, there are flooring choices just for you such as reclaimed barn wood or bamboo. If you plan to do something different, just do the research first before investing your money in a floor choice you might not like once it is installed. You may even decide that since flooring comes in far more colors than it used to, to opt for colored flooring instead of carpets. The nice thing about shopping for floors for your home is the wide variety of choices.
And, if you are worried that wood may make a room look smaller, you’ll be happy to know that it actually makes it look bigger. This is due to the way the wood is cut, but also a result of how it is laid in longer lines across a floor. If you want the visual effect of a larger room, try wood flooring, as it widens and lengthens a room.
The post Your home is the biggest purchase you ever make first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>If you really want to add some punch and pizzazz to your home, think about using marble in the kitchen, the bathrooms, the laundry room or wherever you think it would look good. Marble does it all, including countertops. Ever noticed in those fancy home magazines the kinds of marble used for kitchen countertops? Quite elegant and super easy to have done in your own home.
Why not get stone countertops in the room you spend most of your time in cooking? The look of marble can rejuvenate any room in your home and give everyone who sees it a feeling of timeless beauty. You just need to decide what color of marble you want, what would look best in the rooms you want to redo and how to compliment the rest of the room when the marble is installed.
Even though most associate marble with bathrooms, it is making its way into other locations in the home, like fireplaces, vanities, kitchen countertops, laundry rooms and tiling in other locations. It has a clean look; a polished presence and gives each room a quiet, yet classy finish. Just keep in mind that if you do choose marble for the kitchen countertop, that you need to treat it with respect and care to maintain its elegance.
Yes, marble does break and chip as a result of kitchen accidents, and some people, if they spend a lot of time in the kitchen, would prefer something less prone to marring, like granite. It’s tough and not as prone to stain, like marble. It just depends on what kind of look you want in the kitchen. Some like the idea of a slightly worn and chipped marble counter because it adds an old world vintage look to the room. It’s sort of like distressed clothing on the market today. People love the retro look.
It’s certainly a personal decision as to what you want for a new look. Keep in mind that marble tends to look better the more it ages and acquires character and it is water resistant, which means you do not have to worry about getting it wet when washing dishes. Just make sure it is sealed properly and don’t cut corners doing it, either. The sealing will need to be done more than once.
In the final analysis, marble is the look of now and the future. You just need to treat it with respect to keep it looking its very best.
The post Marble does multiple duty from flooring to countertops first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Bikers know the risks and yet they still take them every time they hop on their ride. Some wear protective gear and helmets, some wear flip-flops and baseball caps. The outcome in the event of an accident may be death in both instances, protective gear or not. Such was the case of a Georgia man who was hit broadside by a car, causing his bike to explode in a ball of flames. He never stood a chance, protective gear or not.
The driver who broadsided him ran a yield sign going far faster than the posted speed limit. She saw the biker, but thought she had enough time to make it across the intersection. Thanks to an inability to accurately judge the bike’s size and speed (and she may have been drinking), the woman blew the sign, killing the 29-year-old father of two children. The road was shut down for several hours while an accident reconstruction team and clean up crew attempted to piece together how the biker lost his life.
Another biker who arrived on the scene shortly after the accident knew instantly there was nothing he could do to help the other man. It was one of the worse collisions he had ever seen, he said, with high flames engulfing the bike. The man’s family would miss him greatly.
In situations like this one, the family of the biker may well wish to speak directly to an experienced personal injury attorney. They need to know their legal rights, what may happen if they choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit and get an idea of what may happen should the case go to court, or an offer of settlement is made by the driver’s insurance company.
Another factor to consider in similar cases is whether or not the police will lay charges. If they do and the driver ends up doing jail time for a criminal offense, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed after the time is served, as the criminal charges take precedence over a civil lawsuit. It is best to seek legal advice in situations like this, as each case is different and thus the way it would be handled will differ.
Learn more at http://www.ozcomert.com/
The post Traumatic brain injury is not the only manner of death in a motorcycle collision first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Right now, the collective masses in the House on the hill are, once again, attempting to do something about immigration reform. Are you getting tired of hearing the constant stream of rhetoric? Millions of Latinos are certainly tired of it. Eleven million illegal aliens are tired of it. The voters are getting weary of it and immigration lawyers are fed right up with empty promises. They want to help their clients. They can’t do that given the mess the system is still in.
Full circle, the politicians are still saying they are going to tackle immigration reform, that they need to act now, that they have proposals ready to roll, and that they are all on the same song sheet. In two words —- prove it. Immigration, lest the politicians forget, is not about politics, it is supposedly about people. It is the face of the nation. It’s no secret that immigrants made the U.S.A. one of the greatest nations in the world, and for this they get what? Stalled, stalled and stalled on a path to citizenship.
Supposedly, there is a framework of sorts in place to implement common sense immigration reforms. Congress is working on it. The Senate is working on it. But, that seems to be about as far as it goes —- they are working on it. The time is long past when they should have acted. Waiting in the wings, still, are the hidden faces of over 11 million people who just want to take their rightful place in the sun. They have human rights. It seems the politicians forget that in the midst of debating how many more aliens they can deport this year.
So, which is it? Deportation, border security, detainment, arrest, the fracturing of families, or straightforward down to earth, practical solutions for those in limbo. These people pay taxes. They contribute to the economy. They have, in many cases, lived in the U.S. for years. Why do politicians overlook the positive aspects of taxpaying citizens and how they would benefit their communities, in favor of in-fighting over political issues and saving face?
When will immigration reform be done? By the looks of things, never.
The post Immigration is not just a political issue. It is the face of the nation. first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Consider the case of a Georgia trucker who pled guilty to five counts of involuntary manslaughter. He was barreling down the highway, heading east. Directly in front of him was a line of stopped cars, waiting for another accident scene to be cleared. The man had been on the road too long and was fatigued to the point where he drifted in and out while behind the wheel. The driver had his foot to the pedal doing 70 mph when he slammed into the line of cars. Five died. The trucker may do five years or more in jail.
It was one of those accident scenes that no one ever wants to see again. It also raised a contentious debate about big rig driver fatigue and the adherence to federal regulations —- often more honored in the breach than in reality. This particular accident is one of hundreds that happen every year. In fact, statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that close to 80,000 suffered serious injuries in truck accidents in 2010. Of that number, more than 3,500 died. The cause of most of these accidents? Apparently, driver fatigue is the culprit in at least 13 percent of the big rig wrecks —- those numbers courtesy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The number killed on highways by truckers drifting off has sparked the FMCSA to further restrict the time truckers are allowed to spend driving. Now, they are mandated to take 34 hours of down time, per week, which would include two nights off in a row, and a limit of 11 hours driving. While this kind of industry regulation likely makes good sense and could reduce the chance of horrific crashes, the trucking industry does not like it. They say it would cost them money, about $470 million/year, delay product delivery and end up with more big rigs on the road during peak traffic times. Nowhere do they mention driver safety or the safety of others on the road.
Those whose life is dedicated to safety on the roads think the newer rules do not go far enough to protect others sharing the highways, and can see some loopholes that companies may use to circumvent the restrictions. And so safety comes full circle with advocates on one side of the fence tightening rules, but leaving loopholes and truckers and their employers striving for more hours, not less, to make money and deliver product expeditiously. Who wins?
Certainly not the car driver who gets into a crash with an 80,000-lb. rig gone out of control because the trucker fell asleep at the wheel. If you have been in an accident involving a semi, contact a personal injury attorney for help. If you want compensation, these multi-jurisdictional accidents need an experienced injury attorney to speak for you in court.
Learn more at http://www.ozcomert.com/
The post Big rig driver fatigue the cause of 13 percent of accidents first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The latest so-called media scoop was that a Senate group of like-minded individuals from both parties were poised on the brink of announcing a major overhaul to the immigration system. Further reports suggested that the hearing would begin right on the heels of that announcement. Anyone recall hearing that announcement? Not too many do recall hearing something that momentous. However, they certainly can point fingers at the jockeying for political position and the robust claims that things were about to change. So far, not much has changed.
The most recent attempt to smooth feathers was supposed to include a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants and was, ideally, to be a flexible template for an agreement between Congress and the White House. Somewhere along the goat path of political shenanigans, the whole thing got lost —- again. Interestingly enough, Sen. John McCain said they did not have that many issues left to negotiate and that it was time to get things done.
Then, there is Sen. Marco Rubio, who likes the plan for hearings, committees and debates, preferring not to rush into something and get blindsided later. Largely though, the thought process behind debating the whole issue, once again, is to improve on the working group’s proposals. The Senator would also push for public hearings on the immigration bill.
While further debate may seem to make sense and people may appreciate the caution, there is a very real chance that more problems will surface in regard to the bipartisan committee proposal. Not much of a surprise there, since most Republicans, despite what they say, are not willing to stand behind any measure that catapults illegals forward on a path to acquiring citizenship.
Does anyone else get the feeling this is a merry-go-round?
The post Senate deal on immigration reform close to being done, or will it ever be? first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>You spend so much time in the kitchen that you want it to look good. Maybe you even entertain in there, or the kids love it and the all congregate there after school. Whatever the reason you want a new look for your kitchen, there are a whole slew of options out there. It won’t take long to find precisely what you need to make the heart of the home look spectacular. Just remember, you want it to be durable, classy and look like a million bucks.
For heavy traffic, stone or tile is just about the perfect solution. Stone would be your first choice if you want a natural look in your home. Start with the kitchen and then work your way through the rest of the house. It’s a bit like eating popcorn —- once you start upgrading flooring, love how it looks and endures, you want more. You might want to consider slate, limestone or even sandstone. These are the current trending natural floorings and you can choose a rougher look or one that is slightly more polished.
Not into stone? Then you may like the smooth, glossy and sleek finish of porcelain. Although, if you do have kids and they drop things a lot, this might not be a good option for you. However, if your kids are older and don’t drop glasses anymore, porcelain could be a crowd pleaser. And here’s another tip: you can use porcelain tiles to make the floor look like stone, but spend fewer bucks on the deal. While they are smoother than stone, they have a wider variety of patterns, designs and colors. Coming into its own these days is metallic finish tiles. Quite eye-catching indeed.
If porcelain or stone don’t appeal to you, you could always think about concrete flooring. While that may sound really odd, and more like something one would find in a mall, concrete flooring is being installed in many newer homes. This is because it holds heat well and if you’re worried about longevity, this stuff lasts for decades.
Don’t think for a minute that it just lays there and looks like concrete, the stuff outside we use for sidewalks. It can be tricked out in ways you would not believe, like acid stained, polished, colored or honed. And believe it or not, it can be used for countertops, as well.
You could also select woods such as oak, bamboo or laminates, or go modern with glass and resin. No matter what look you want, you will find it out there.
The post Don’t let your kitchen ‘floor’ you when it comes to upgrading first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Many people when asked about whether they would consider vinyl plank flooring, get a deer in the headlights look and mumble something about vinyl being kind of ugly and they want something that looks good in their home.
You’re in for a real surprise, because luxury vinyl plank flooring has elegance, functionality and lots of style. This happens to be due to the fact that being in style is hot and flooring manufacturers know a good thing when they see it. Today’s vinyl plank flooring looks great and even more realistic in mimicking other flooring choices that are more expensive.
In fact, choosing vinyl plank over hardwood or laminate is actually a good idea, largely due to the fact that it is far more durable and tougher than either of those two choices. Its ability to withstand spills and scratches is phenomenal.
Just keep in mind when you start shopping around for this flooring, that not all flooring, and this applies to every choice you ultimately make, is created equal. For instance, check the backing system, how it is constructed, does it have a commercial or residential warranty, come with a mold inhibitor and is it certified hypo-allergenic?
You will also want to check whether or not your potential choice is water proof or water resistant, as that makes a huge difference as to where you have it installed. Find out how thick it is, as the thicker, the better, for some locations. There are so many options to choose and no matter what you do choose, you will find the pricing quite reasonable.
There aren’t too many flooring options on the market these days that can boast of a starting price of $.99/sq.ft. Certainly there are more expensive choices, but if you have budget issues, the least expensive flooring choice still looks good.
You just need to take your time choosing what works for you, as you would with selecting more expensive flooring. You will want to check that what you are being quoted does match up with your product choice. For example check the thickness and layering to ensure you are getting what you want, and make certain that when you compare various options of the same flooring, that you are comparing the same kind of product within the flooring range. It’s pretty easy to shop, but just take your time and you will end up with a good deal for something that really looks great in your home.
The post Vinyl Plank Flooring As An Appealing Option first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Recently, President Obama made it clear that getting hung up on border issues was not a smart move. Rather, he stated the best solution to the issues of the day were to ensure legal immigration and trade were actively encouraged.
On many fronts, millions of Americans agree with him. On the political front, that is often another story — so much so that there has still been no date determined or discussed for the advent of the much promised immigration reform.
Over refrains of wishful thinking about getting immigration reform done now, because the time is ripe, many are left wondering when that time may be. Obama is still making speeches extolling the virtues of reform, but there is still no concrete movement on the issue in the House. It would be hard to ascertain any movement one way or another amidst the political diatribe and arguing over how to approach the task as a whole.
While there is still optimism reform will pass this year, one wonders how long that optimism will last in the face of all the detours on the way to the finish line. Obama’s trip to Mexico and Costa Rica was designed to emphasize how crucial economic ties are between the countries.
A great deal of ground was covered, including the discussions of ways to expand the bilateral partnership between Mexico and the States, the formation a group on higher education, research and innovation, and various commitments relating to international relations and energy security.
There is every reason to move immigration reform along at a much faster clip when the annual trade figures between the two countries is in excess of $500 billion annually. The United States is Mexico’s largest customer and Mexico is the second-largest U.S. export market.
The final question of the day is whether or not the politicians are able to set aside their party line disputes and move forward as one entity to deal with immigration reform. Currently, despite what the President may be saying, it does not appear that forward movement is the order of the day. And how does that eventually impact on trade with Mexico? It’s a question well worth considering in some depth.
The post The Split Personality of Immigration Reform and Trade Expectations with Mexico first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>The focus of this latest proposed Act is that the 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the United States are not going to leave the country on their own. That is a reality. To that end, this Act suggests offering them a chance to become legal and ideally obtain permanent residence and citizenship status —- so long as they pay fines, pass a background check, do not receive federal benefits and wait their turn in line behind millions of others who followed the rules.
There is a relatively long list of other requirements illegal immigrants would need to meet, raising the question of whether or not the Act would actually be viable. As it turned out, many citizens, on reading the latest attempt to make headway with immigration reform, pointed out a number of significant shortcomings and likely unintended consequences if the Act was moved forward as drafted. Many Floridians came up with other ideas and sent them to the politicians.
From the public sending in suggestions, many other bills and acts have made their way into the legislative process. It became an honored tradition to consult with the public at events called Idea Raisers. The results of the events has actually helped to shape the course of Florida’s stance on immigration reform.
Many Floridians have chosen to speak directly to their representatives, neighbors, their Senators, the media, or have taken to social media and blogging to make their ideas and feeling known. Immigration reform has fueled a virtual landslide of commentary, that according to the politicians, has made a difference in how they approach this tough issue in Florida.
Interestingly enough, much of the feedback from citizens demonstrates a distinct lack of understanding of the scope of the reform issue. To begin with, securing the border, other than in minute segments and at a staggering cost, is physically and financially not possible. Those that held concerns about exceptions and governmental discretion do not realize that each case is different and must be handled accordingly, and that all immigrants cannot be tarred with the same brush.
The upshot of Idea Raisers is that while there may be helpful suggestions garnered from public input, those ideas need to be tempered with the wisdom of the reality of immigration reform, which is a tough goal to achieve, as the past few decades have demonstrated. Will immigration reform get done this year? It does not look hopeful.
The post Idea Raisers May be Incorporated Into Fixing the Broken Immigration System first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Protective flooring is also referred to as safety flooring, and its main distinctive feature is its flexibility to work in multiple environments. If you have young children, you know that any flooring that is hard-wearing, non-slip, virtually stain resistant and thrives on heavy traffic is a winner.
Although you tend to find flooring like this in factories, warehouses, hospitals, nurseries and so forth, the simple fact is this type of flooring is go to go no matter where you want to put it. It has a stellar record when it comes to safety by preventing falls or slipping, and what could be better than that with young toddlers?
Safety flooring does well in the kitchen and even the bathroom, but don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s ugly and utilitarian. Sure, it is handy, does yeoman’s duty and can handle just about anything thrown at it. Putting it down in a kitchen would be a smart choice.
When considering safety flooring, take an inventory of what it is you need before buying anything. For instance, rubber vinyl flooring goes well in rooms designated as children’s play areas. On the other hand, you would want a non-slip surface in a kitchen or bathroom. If in doubt, ask your local Tampa flooring contractor what would best in your home.
People used to think that safety flooring was only something you hid behind a closed door. While that was true once, it is not now. It comes in beautiful colors and designs, and you can even choose what kind of finish appeals to you. Safety flooring is coming into its own and if you take a good look around the next time you are out, you’ll notice it in open areas frequented by the public.
Imagine being able to choose safety flooring that looks like wood, right down to the finish. It even offers quality acoustic abilities to reduce the happy sounds of children at play.
Whether you choose to install it at home or work, you’ll find you will be pleased with this hard-working, smart-looking and versatile flooring. It’s definitely a long-term solution for a reasonable price if you want to upgrade existing flooring.
The post Safety Flooring Protects Kids first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>While immigration reform is still being debated, mauled, massaged, ignored and reviled, with the light at the end of the tunnel being an immigration reform bill, maybe this year, there are still some hot-to-trot voters that think the idea is an anathema. Consider the latest news from a Florida dairy farmer, unable to use a guest-worker program because his operation is year-round. Cows don’t just need to be milked for about four months. Consequently, he and other farmers in the same or similar boat, vocally support immigration reform.
The minute his story hit the news wire he was inundated with nasty emails, calls and faxes from people around the country suggesting they were insulted by his comments and that he had no inkling about immigration. Some suggested he use the H-2A guest-worker program, a clear indication they did not read his full story, that a dairy needs year-round workers.
On the contrary, it appears that those with that opinion are the ones that do not grasp the nature of how immigration reform could positively affect agriculture, and get milk into their fridges across the U.S. In short, immigration reform and agriculture are inextricably linked —- you cannot have one without the other, not if you want your produce, in edible and beverage form, to hit the marketplace and be reasonably priced.
The Florida farmer who spoke out about immigration reform and his growing uncertainty about the wishy-washy Republicans, did not expect to be a target of ill formed and not so righteous wrath. He is uncertain how the negative comments will benefit anyone, let alone be a benefit to obtaining a workable immigration reform bill that would address that nation’s needs, and those of waiting illegal immigrants.
One thing is patently clear: the typical American voter seems to have no real clue how immigration currently affects the U.S. or how it could affect the U.S. in the future, should a reform bill be introduced into law. That being said, he does get why Republicans run, hide, duck and divert the issue as much as they can, as no one likes being the target of such blind and uninformed hatred.
If this level of anger exists in the general public over a farmer that needs year round workers and the current system does not work for him, what will happen if the politicians do cobble together an immigration reform bill? The results might be explosive.
The post It’s not just politicians that do not understand how immigration reform affects agriculture first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Exclusive Medicare supplement leads are worth every penny you spend on them. They are a critical part of your business as well, since America is aging, and you have a growing, captive market. However, you do not want to waste time trying to find your own leads or deal with a fly-by-night lead generation company who might skirt some legal and ethical issues. Gone are the days of trying to beat out every other agent within a 50 mile radius to sell Medicare supplements —- unless you like doing business that way.
Before you invest in exclusive Medicare supplement leads, there are some questions you need to ask the company you are planning on dealing with. Were the leads checked against the “No Not Call” list? Do they come in the territories you want? Do they come as set appointments? Are they pre-screened and qualified, so you know you are not wasting your time? Those are just some of the things you might want to ask; you can custom order exclusive Medicare care supplement needs, based on what you want. Won’t it be nice to talk to leads that need and want your products and are qualified to buy them?
With exclusive Medicare supplement leads, you do not share with any other agent. You have genuine exclusivity to serve your potential customer to the best of your ability. Leads that come pre-screened and pre-qualified increase not only your productivity, but enhance your financial bottom line. No more wasting time on dead end calls. Just sit down, open your email, check your leads, pick up the phone and call your prospective customers to discuss what they would like and answer questions. It doesn’t get any better than that.
To begin with, you might want to do just one geographic territory, so you don’t feel overwhelmed, but remember, you have the choice to take as many leads as you want, or keep it to a small handful a day so you have time to work them all. In short, you get to arrange times and appointments and contacts according to times that best suit you. It’s a smart way to do business and one that will expand your agency’s financial bottom line.
The post When marketing to seniors use only exclusive Medicare supplement leads first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Focusing on green products for the home is still going strong, and many people are giving serious thought to what kind of flooring to have in their homes. It’s about protecting our habitat and environment, protecting the earth and our forests. One alternative flooring that is piquing people’s interest is reclaimed rubber. Talk about cost effective flooring. It is even less expensive than natural rubber. While you may think it sounds too different and while you might not be able to visualize what your home would look like with reclaimed rubber floors, check it out online. The look is quite appealing.
While gyms, spas and fitness centers might come to mind, reclaimed rubber has a role to play in your home. You can’t beat it for maintenance. Imagine a floor that is completely stain-resistant and will not scratch up, not even if you have pets and busy kids. This kind of flooring lasts for years and years and years. If you have a need for safe flooring in your home for children or older or disabled adults, reclaimed rubber flooring may be just the thing for you.
As you might expect, reclaimed rubber flooring is made from cast off automobile tires. After processing, it ends up as rolls of flooring and as tiles. It is environmentally friendly in terms of a green flooring option. Recycled rubber also uses less energy, as opposed to creating new rubber, a process that requires an enormous amount of energy, which often gets wasted during its creation. Starting from scratch is not always a great idea. It is also more expensive than reclaimed rubber and if you are on a budget, reclaimed rubber is a great fit for you.
It might take some work to adjust your perception of rubber flooring as something you would only find in commercial buildings. Think “outside of the box” and you’ll see that rubber would be beneficial for many areas in your home —- the laundry room, playrooms, the garage, pantry or even a bathroom. The best use of this type of flooring is in a kid’s playroom. It cuts the noise level and prevents them from slipping and falling. Also, if you have pets, a rubber floor is a breeze to keep clean.
One further point in favor of using reclaimed rubber is that, contrary to what you may think, it is not pitch black, unless that is what you want. It comes in different colors, formats, thicknesses and designs, just like any other type of flooring. Why not give it some thought? It might be the right thing to do if you have concerns about preserving the planet.
The post Looking for something different in flooring – try recycled rubber first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Word from the Hill indicates politicians are actually working on something relating to immigration reform. Are they getting along while doing it? Not according to the media, or those who are close to the situation but not allowed to comment, because they don’t have the authority. Notice that they are commenting anyway. In a nutshell, a bipartisan group in the House is making noise that they are close to wrapping up work on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, a bill that would include a path to citizenship for the close to 13 million illegal people living in the U.S.
The fly in the ointment is what to do or how to handle temporary laborers that arrive to do seasonal work in the fields. While no one is specifically explaining what the issue is relating to temporary workers, many aides and media speculation has it that a finished product is very close. Consider this, though. The House is working on a bill and the Senate is working on a broad immigration bill. What are the chances bipartisan agreement will continue when each faction has their own version of a bill? If the party’s track records are any indication, it might be touch and go, at which point, immigration reform may end up as wallpaper once again.
Nonetheless, those watching the process of give, take, haggle and revise are relatively confident a deal will be reached. At this point, it’s often in the best interests of groups that are holding their breath for immigration reform to become reality, to remain silent on their hopes and just wait. Too many things can get in the way of a deal.
The Senate indicates they would like to introduce their bill in April, for debate in either June or July. If all goes well, and that is a big “if,” Senate debate would deal with it in June or July. The House hopes to pass their version of a bill sometime this year. There are a lot of ifs, maybes, and hopes in this mixture. However, the good thing is that the parties are mostly getting their acts together to do something about immigration reform.
This is not a topic that too many people or politicians agree on, and given the contentious nature of immigration reform, there is a huge chance the proposals on either side of the House could go off the rails. Of course what started the process is Obama’s stunning election win. It made Republicans sit up and take notice that their hard-nosed attitude about immigration, securing the border and sourcing skilled workers was archaic, and punitive, not to mention walking a thin line when it came to violating human rights.
One more possible hold-up to immigration reform is the split personality syndrome many Republicans still hold on to when it comes to giving illegal aliens that live in the U.S. already a path to citizenship (despite the fact they are already citizens in all the ways that count, like paying taxes). They are reluctant to grant citizenship, as they feel it would reward them for breaking the law and trigger a new wave of illegal residents. Hold on for the ride that might become a rollercoaster this year.
The post When a bipartisan reform bill cometh, immigration reform may get on a roll first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>Before applying any formula, the court subtracts from each spouse’s income any pre-existing spousal support payments either spouse makes to a previous spouse, as well as any child support payments either spouse makes toward a child outside of the current marriage.
If either spouse feels the formula is unfair, he or she can request a deviation, and should supply the judge with a specific reason. It is also possible for both spouses to decide to waive maintenance for the lower earning spouse, but it may be rejected by a judge who considers that unfair.
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If the couple’s combined gross income is above $75,000, the spouse seeking maintenance typically would need to prove a lack of assets, a lack of self-supporting employment, or is primary parent for a child with needs or circumstances that make employment impossible at that time. In Colorado, the court considers need, future earning capacity, standard of living, length of marriage and ability to pay, not fault.
Learn more at http://www.thodelaw.com/
The post Spousal Alimony – Applying Formulas first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>One thing you may wish to consider when upgrading your flooring is what type of covering you want. For instance, do you prefer a soft covering, hard or wooden flooring or chemical flooring? Choosing something that suits your lifestyle might sound easy, but with the various options available, sometimes the choices are overwhelming. Start with the basics by considering whether or not you want carpets to cover your existing flooring. Do you have kids and/or pets? Would carpet work with your busy lifestyle? What kind of carpet would best address your needs? And what type of budget do you want to work with? Will you do-it-yourself or have someone install it? Then of course, there are various colors and textures to decide on as well.
Let’s say carpeting is not for you. What about hard flooring? In this category of floor choices you would find terracotta, ceramic and porcelain. Its material designed to withstand pressure. The bonus with hard flooring is that it is colorful, versatile, easy to clean, reasonably priced, easy to find and easy to install, provided you follow the instructions. For example, ceramic flooring can be a nice whimsical touch in a kitchen and liven it up considerably. Think resale value if you choose to sell your home.
If you don’t care for hard flooring, then wood may be a good choice for you. For instance, the marketplace has a full range of wooden laminates that come in various designs and colors. These days, many laminates very closely resemble hardwood, but are considerably less expensive than the real thing. The only issue you may have with laminate flooring is if you choose a very inexpensive one. They are typically hard to keep clean.
Why not consider chemical flooring? Simply put, this is polyester, epoxy or latex applied to an existing floor to provide a seamless covering. One of the more popular choices today is an epoxy coat that keeps the flooring from degrading and creates a strong surface, resistant to acid. This may be perfect for a high traffic area recreation room, a laundry room or workshop area. Check it out. It may offer you an alternative to the traditional types of flooring.
The post For eye-catching floors, try chemical flooring first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>