The Dot Com Miner

Monthly Archive

February 2009

February 23, 2009

Offshore Sports Betting Keeps Bettors at the Computer

Filed under: Bets + Sportbooks, Gambling Luck, Sports Management — @ 10:30 am

Legions of gamblers should have encountered the caption “offshore sports betting”, though a few maybe aren’t completely assured what it alludes to. An offshore gambling website primarily works extrinsically to the sphere of any distinct country or else it can be a net based betting internet site which has their host servers inside a state in which machine-accessible playing of games of fortune is not currently unlawful. Succinctly therefore, it is a gaming facility functioning extraneous to the nation of the clientele. Networked betting webpages are currently governed through three organizations. These institutes are OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and finally the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association FTGA.

sports wagering

The Offshore Gaming Association is a self-governing watch-dog office which currently audits the thriving offshore gaming business with the objective of to supply gamers access to easily locate dependable sites to play betting games with. It strives to champion the rights of bettors, and in addition they do not levy any particaption dues. The Offshore Gaming Association are a well-qualified not to mention impartial third party association which asserts nonpartisan points of view, built around your responses, nonpartisan analysis, discussions, inside advice also imparts industry information.

The IGC is a not-for-profit council. The administration was established to allow a forum for curious parties to discuss points and in addition to communal worries in the world-wide interactive gaming industry, in an effort to establish impartial and also stable business precepts and practices that aim to raise customer certainty in web based gaming commodities and benefits, and to assist as the trade’s generic policy interpreter and it also acts as an information base.

The Interactive Gaming Council have established a reputation for reliability, candor and also believability through the rigid ethical standards it demonstrates, and also its appeal for business organizations of good conduct. The Interactive Gaming Council regularizes offshore sports gambling by means of upholding an original ten step code of behavior moreover charges sports gambling sites a payment to show the council’s logo. Disillusioned customers can additionally state any of their challenges to the IGC.

The Fidelity Trust Gaming Association was formed in a venture to set a standard which will improve the policies of world wide web based sports gaming operations. The authority think that conducting business with companies of good reputation, they are able to hammer out an affiliation of the fairest and most expert internet betting companies multinationally. There are establishments that control the practises of machine-accessible sports gambling and which should in time function to ease a lot of the concerns due to the insecurity felt by detractors. Machine-accessible sports gaming web sites are today consistently harmless, in as much as private data are no longer required and the remuneration and the odds are generally as balanced and honest as in a common Vegas-type stake. These internet sites do away with traveling, but nonetheless maintain of a traditional casino, only now you are able to play at your desk.

Protecting Your Children On The Internet

Filed under: The Security Trail — @ 12:32 am

If you are a parent, as am I, I think we can agree there is
little else more important than keeping our children safe
and protected. It’s difficult enough keeping them safe from
the unscrupulous people we read about in the news, but
dealing with children and the Internet takes it to a
completely new level.

Many young people find instant messaging and e-mail a
convenient and fun way to talk with their friends. If you
have children, like me, when they’re not on the phone,
they’re talking with their friends on the Internet. We have
very strict rules and guidelines about who they can talk
with and for how long. We have given them detailed
instructions on what to do when they receive e-mail from
someone they don’t know or receive an anonymous instant
message.

Recently, someone close to me received a death threat via an
anonymous instant message. The language this person used was
so vulgar and explicit you would have thought it came from a
prison inmate. Interestingly enough, the person at the other
end was a child.

After significant investigation we determined this person
was a school mate. They had received detailed information about
the child including the child’s instant messenger alias,
their home address and color, and what type of cars the
family drove. Can you imagine how scared this child and
child’s family was? Quite frankly, it was not only sad but
sickening that another child could be so verbally brutal.
Additional investigation revealed that the school these
children go to were aware that this had been going on for
quite some time. Other children had been receiving
similar threats.

This particular event was all the result of several children
speaking in a chat roam and one child in particular got
upset about something that was said. That child contacted
another child, who is known to be mean, and asked them to
scare one of the other children. We got to the bottom of the
whole mess and everyone felt a bit of relief.

It’s very important to pay attention and, in some cases,
monitor what children are doing on the Internet. It’s for
their protection and the protection of others. I’m sure I am
going to get an ear full from privacy rights advocates on
this one. Regardless, the safety of our children is one of
the most important tasks a parent has.

If your children use e-mail and Instant Messaging on a
regular basis you should;

1) Limit the number of people they can e-mail and message with;

2) Work with them to develop an approved list of friends;

3) Limit the amount of the time they spend e-mailing and
messaging;

4) Make your presence known while they are e-mailing or
messaging; and

5) If necessary install some sort of monitoring software to see
what is going on in chat rooms.

Update: Shortly after writing this article, a 13 year old
boy at a middle school in my area was arrested for e-mailing
death threats to two teachers. In one e-mail he indicated he
was planning on bringing a gun to school to kill a teacher.
The other e-mail, sent to a teacher at a different school,
indicated that he planned on targeting students as well. For
further details please see the full article at South
Florida’s Sun Sentinel “http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pcletter18feb18,1,216444.
story?ctrack=1&cset=true.”

For information on computer monitoring software take a look
at WatchRight http://www.watchright.com/.

A good site to visit to learn more about protecting children
on the Internet is www.protectkids.com. It’s full of great
information every parent should know. Other sites you may
want to visit are http://www.isafe.org/, and
Obscenity Crimes Reporting http://www.obscenitycrimes.org/.

About The Author

—————-
Darren Miller is an Industry leading computer and internet
security consultant. At the website -
http://www.defendingthenet.com you will find information about
computer security specifically design to assist home, home
business and small business computer users. Sign up for
defending the nets newsletter and stay informed and empowered
to stay safe on the Internet. You can reach Darren at
mailto:darren.miller@paralogic.net or at
mailto:defendthenet@paralogic.net

———-

Aritcle URL
http://www.defendingthenet.com/Articles/ProtectYourChildrenOnTheInternet.htm

February 19, 2009

Programs To Help You Fund Your American Dream

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 10:25 am

The American Dream of home ownership is on the rise across the United States. According to the latest figures available, the US homeownership rate reached a record 69.2 percent in the second quarter of 2004, up from 68.3 percent in 2003. And for the first time, the majority of minority Americans own their own homes.

Owning a home provides tremendous benefits for families and for the communities in which they reside. Homeownership provides a sense of security and allows families to build wealth. A home is the largest financial investment most American families will ever make. Homeownership translates into a greater concern for neighborhoods and their communities as owners work to maintain the value of their greatest investment.

However, the most significant stumbling block for many low- to moderate-income families is being able to afford the down payment and closing costs. Fortunately, there is help - through down payment assistance programs or DAP’s.

DAP’s have been around for years yet many people, the people who could use them most, don’t even know they exist. With home prices and interest rates on the rise, there’s no time like the present to explore these programs and their benefits.

The Nehemiah Corporation of America has helped over 170,000 families and provided more than $659 million in gift funds since 1997. They offer gift funds up to 6% of the final contract sales towards your down payment and/or closing costs. These grants are available to both first time and repeat homebuyers. There are no income or asset limits, no geographical restrictions and the gift funds do not have to be repaid. For more information about this program, visit www.getdownpayment.com or call 1-877-634-3642.

Another national provider of a DAP is Ameridream. To participate in AmeriDream’s Downpayment Gift Program, a homebuyer must contact a lender and qualify for a loan that allows gift funds, and the homebuyer must purchase a home from a builder or seller who has enrolled his or her home in the program. Visit www. ameridream.org for more information.

Partners In Charity, www.partnersincharity.org, is another national organization assisting families in achieving the American dream. PIC gives a down payment to those who demonstrate their ability to responsibly pay their rent and bills each month, turning renters into buyers.

They refer applicants to a licensed mortgage lender and licensed realtor who assists in finding the right home and the right financing package. Or, the buyer can chose to work with someone they already know. The mortgage lender then requests the gift of a down payment from Partners In Charity in the amount of 3%, 4% or 5% for the buyer. And, the gift never needs to be repaid, ever. PIC takes the gift giving one step further by also giving a gift to a community charity selected by the real estate team.

In addition to these national resources, there are also many state, city, and faith-based sponsored programs available to assist families, especially first-time homebuyers. Different agencies have various programs, requirements, and limits. If you don’t qualify for one program, keep checking around. The important thing to remember is that help is out there. And with a little help, you can achieve the American dream!

© 2005, www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on money management news and tips. Subscribe today and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Bridge Loans - From One Home to the Next

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 10:07 am

You’ve lived in your home for some time and circumstances such as an expanding family mean you need a new one. This brings up the subject of bridge loans.

From Here to There

You have two basic options when you are considering selling one home to move to another. The first option is to sell your home, make sure it closes and then find a new one. This is by far the safest option.

The second option is to buy and sell at the same time. Typically, you try to close on your sale around the time you close on the purchase. Theoretically, this allows you to move seamlessly from one home to the next. This is an option rife with potential problems. What happens if there are problems with the sale of your home such as escrow issues or the buyer failing to get a loan? Suddenly, you are looking at being the owner of two homes. Disaster has struck since you’re undoubtedly using proceeds from the sale of your old home to fund the new purchase. With no sale, you have no funds and sleepless nights follow.

Bridge loans are often touted as a solution for this problem. In theory, a lender will provide you with a loan to cover the gap in time between the sale and purchase of the two homes. While bridge loans do accomplish this, they should be considered a last resort for a few reasons.

First, bridge loans are obscenely expensive. You’re in a tight spot and the lender knows it. Points and interest rates are going to be shocking. The lender knows there is a higher chance you will default on the loan, so you can expect to pay for the risk up front.

The second problem with bridge loans concerns your old home. Inevitably, you will anticipate a fairly quick sale of your home, but what if it doesn’t happen? Suddenly, you are making payments on two homes. Few people can afford to make such payments and you can quickly run out of cash.

Financing a move from one home to a new one can be a tricky process. Make sure you put a lot of thought into it or you could be in for a very bad surprise.

Dan Lewis is a mortgage broker with www.gwhomeloans.com - San Diego mortgage brokers providing home loans and refinances. Visit gwhomeloans.com/services.html to learn more about options for San Diego mortgages.

February 18, 2009

Zimmer Hip Recall Is Miserable News

Filed under: Health Issues, Helping People, Legal Stuff — @ 10:09 pm

Alot of patients who received zimmer artificial hip applied in their hip replacement operations are learning that there are negative effects that far surpass the average expectations for recovery. These unfortunate people are experiencing a lot of excess pain for longer periods of time, looking forward to revision operations and increased medical costs, and losing income by not being able to work at their normal jobs. Although Zimmer Holdings, Inc. is demanding that that their hip cup implant is not conceivably defective and have basically denied blame for the faulty surgical procedures, some people are filing cases against them and getting settlements.

In October, 2008 Zimmer declared that it had reserved $47.5 million to pay for lawsuits they had filed against them and received. Many docs are not 100% convinced that the implant is as good as the company says it is. In Point Of Fact, when Zimmer provided online training to doctors in order to teach them what was supposedly more accurate methods for doing the implant surgical procedure, roughly 1/2 of the MD’s declined to take part. Therefore, the entire situation remains to be stressful for all patients attached, but none more than the hundreds of unfortunate people who are needing a revision surgery due to the problems with their implant not staying secure and snug in the socket.

These miserable people definitely merit some aid and compensation which is why product liability lawyers are supporting them by telling them to file lawsuits. durom hip replacement has been resolving these claims before they go to court. Nevertheless, even if the money they are being offered sounds like a fair amount, in most cases unfortunate people are resolving too fast and with no clause put in place for on-going issues down the road. Without waiting to find out what an actual case is worth, individuals could find themselves paying thousands of dollars from their own pocket when further complications return.

If your orthopedic physician updates you with bad news that you will definitely have to undergo a revision surgery to fix your Zimmer Durom hip replacement device, get in touch with an lawyer immediately.

Once your lawyer tells you that you have a case, be prepared to stick it out for awhile in order to get the very best settlement that your attorney will be able to negotiate for you. Heed the good advice that your attorney offers you and dont demand speedy restitution. You may end up losing a lot of money if you arent willing to be patient.

February 14, 2009

Mortgage Soup

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 2:37 am

Looking for home mortgage loans can get confusing with the alphabet soup of mortgage loans programs available today. Most of these programs are just variations of fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans. These loans can be structured to meet your financial needs, and most are available in 15 or 30-year terms. Your long-term plans play an important part in selecting the right type of loan, use these general guidelines to help you as you shop for home mortgage loans.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

If you’re going to be staying in your home for at least 7 years, consider a fixed rate. This loan’s interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan or term - 15, 20 or 30 years. Usually the shorter the term, the lower the interest rate. This type of loan is amortized - both the principle and the interest are paid off at the end of the loan term.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

If your only planning on living in your home for a short period of time you may want to consider an adjustable rate. Your interest rate can adjust - up or down. The rate is tied to an index like treasury bills or prime rates. The initial rate usually starts out low, but can adjust after a set period of time. If you choose this type of loan and then decide to stay in your home, you may want to refinance after two years to avoid any upward rate adjustments.

Combination Fixed and Adjustable

Going to be in your house for just a few years? This type of home mortgage loan can start out as a fixed rate for a set number of years, keeping your rate and payments low, and then the loan adjusts. Like the adjustable rate, the amount of the adjustment is tied to an index that can go up or down. This loan is sometimes called a two-step or convertible ARM. Just remember, these loans usually go up after a set period of time, or if you have to convert after a few years it can cost you money. Be sure you understand your loan and when your payments could go up to avoid paying more than you have to.

Balloon

An interest only loan. You would only want to use this loan if you were only staying for a short time in your home. Because you’re only paying interest, and nothing towards the principle, you don’t build any equity. At the end of the loan term, you have to pay the balance off all at once, but few people ever keep these loans for the entire term.

Having an understanding of these basic types of loans and combinations of them is the key to finding the mortgage loan that is right for you.

J.S.Stewart

http://www.2applyforloan.com

February 12, 2009

Academic Gowns Regalia

Filed under: Accouterment, Education Online, Shopping Management — @ 12:28 pm


Graduation Gowns



Graduation Regalia


Gordon International
200 William Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Phone: 800-352-6121


Stoles

Stoles were formerly used in the church and worn by priests as they carried out their duties. They were then transferred to the educational field over time. Today they are considered as an academic vestment used universally by learning institutions to denote academic achievement. Stoles are used as high school valedictorian awards and in a professional body to represent membership. This is a distinguished award highlighting the student’s achievement and talents. The other forms of stoles are the academic regalia used to differentiate various degree courses in a university. Through color and style universities use a stole to differentiate even the courses a student majored in.

Gordon International
200 William Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Phone: 800-352-6121
Email: info@gordon-intl.com
Gordon International has been outfitting the world’s graduates since 1960. Customer Service, High Quality Products and Guaranteed Low Prices. Visit us on the web and see why we’re considered the #1 graduation company.


Graduation Information On The Internet

Graduation information is available all over the internet. You’ll find multiple links which can assist you in your research. Gordon International offers a lot of information which can be useful to anyone ordering graduation regalia but if you’re looking for specific history please see the link provided below.
The Following Site Offers Great Information About Graduation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dress wikipedia provides the searcher with a great information source for any type of search. You can go to their search wiki and place an random search in the engine and you’ll come across a few useful sources & articles.

Knoxville Mortgage Companies

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 12:18 am

Eastern Tennessee is the home of the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville. This large state university is a main draw for local residents and has brought numerous people to the area who are interested in buying homes and settling down. Did you know that Knoxville has scores of lenders who would be more than willing to help you get a mortgage? We list 44 important Knoxville Mortgage Companies here for you:

1. Action Mortgage
2. Allied Mortgage
3. Ameriquest
4. Atlantic Mortgage Loans
5. Bailey Mortgage Company
6. Beneficial Finance
7. Cendant Mortgage
8. Cherokee Capital
9. Curtis Mortgage
10. East Tennessee Mortgage
11. First Century Mortgage
12. First Horizon Home Loans
13. First Knoxville Mortgage
14. First Tennessee Mortgage Company
15. Global Mortgage
16. GMAC Mortgage
17. Greene County Bank
18. Gulf Pacific Mortgage
19. Heartland Mortgage Company
20. Hodges Mortgage
21. Infinity Mortgage Group
22. Long Beach Mortgage
23. Mac Clair Mortgages
24. Mortgage Consultants of TN
25. Mortgage Masters
26. Mortgage Options
27. National Liberty Mortgage
28. New Century Mortgage
29. Ocean West Funding
30. Patton Mortgage
31. Peoples Mortgage
32. Phoenix Mortgage
33. Prestige Mortgage
34. Principle Mortgage
35. Regional Finance Mortgage
36. Renaissance Financial
37. Southeast Home Mortgage
38. Sunset Mortgage
39. Tennessee Equity Mortgage
40. Tennessee Mortgage Source Inc
41. Universal Mortgage
42. Vintage Mortgage
43. Washington Mutual Finanace
44. Well Fargo Mortgage

This list is not comprehensive meaning that there are additional Knoxville Mortgage Companies worth finding out about.

What makes for a good local lender? Community investing, local employees, active and interested management, a variety of funding options, funding of local organizations, etc. Just because your mortgage company is based in Knoxville it doesn’t necessarily make them the best choice for you. Shop around, compare, speak to people who have already used their services, contact your local government or Better Business Bureau for any reports [good or bad] on the lender, and visit them in person to see if you want to give them your business.

Most Knoxville Mortgage Companies should give you the service you want. The only way to make sure is by contacting one today!

Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get online mortgage quotes and mortgage information.

February 11, 2009

Are You Ready for a Home Mortgage Loan?

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 4:35 am

Buying a Home and committing to a Mortgage can be very scary!
A home mortgage loan is the largest debt that most Americans will take on in their lifetime. As such, making the decision to take out a mortgage is not one that most first time homebuyers take lightly. Not only will your monthly mortgage payments probably be the largest bill that you face each month, but the total amount of debt realized with a home mortgage loan can have a staggering, and sobering effect on the first time home buyer.

I can remember the months leading up to my decision to fill out a mortgage application. I had nightmares about loosing my job, not being able to keep up with my payments and finding myself homeless. And those were on the good nights when I was able to sleep at all!

Committing to a Home Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Cost You Your Sleep
Get the Best Rate on Your Home Mortgage Loan

Home mortgage interest rates hit record lows in 2004 and have remained at record lows as we go through 2005. It is possible today to get a thirty-year fixed rate home mortgage loan for under five percent, and an adjustable rate mortgage can be found for under four percent if you look hard enough!

However, record low mortgage rates do not mean that you should take the first mortgage offer made to you, even if it sounds low. On the contrary, it means that shopping around for the best mortgage possible may be even more beneficial then during a high market period.

If you solicit mortgage rate quotes from enough lenders and pay attention to economic news, you might be able to secure a home mortgage loan at an interest rate that you will not see offered again in your lifetime.

Solicit Several Mortgage Rate Quotes

In order to get the best deal on anything in America, it is important to shop around. Securing a home mortgage loan is no exception to the rule. If you are the type of consumer who likes to walk into the first store that you see and buy what you need without comparing your options, then you might also be inclined to accept the first home mortgage loan offered to you
.
Doing so would be a big mistake. In order to get the best possible home mortgage loan you will need to “shop” and compare lenders.
Having a substantial down payment on the home that you wish to purchase and applying for a smaller home mortgage loan is another way to increase your chances of getting mortgage approval. Again, this goes back to the risk involved to the lender for financing your loan.

Many mortgage lenders will require that you have a 20% down payment on the home, and then they will grant mortgage loan approval for the remaining 80% of the purchase cost. This helps to offset the lender risk. In the event that you are unable to keep up with monthly mortgage payments and you default on the loan, the lender will have a better chance of recovering his money through foreclosing on and selling the home if the loan is a smaller percentage of the market value of the home.

Therefore, if you can save 30% or more towards a down payment on your home, you will be lowering the risk to the lender and increasing your chances of getting mortgage approval.

You May Have To Accept a Higher Interest Rate on Your Mortgage Loan
If you wish to secure a mortgage despite your bad credit history, and you do not have a sizeable down payment saved up, you may have to agree to a mortgage at a higher interest rate than that which is being offered to low risk borrowers. This is because the lender will want to be compensated for his increased risk level.
This should not necessarily prevent you from taking the loan, though. If you secure the mortgage and are diligent about making timely payments, after paying on it for awhile you will improve your credit history. Then you can refinance the mortgage at a later date with a better rate offer.

Michael Contaro
http://www.atozonline.com

For more articles by Michael Contaro, you can go to http://www.atozonline.com

February 8, 2009

Buy A House After Foreclosure - How To Get Approved

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 6:28 am

Purchasing a new home after a recent or past foreclosure is easier than you may think. Some previous homeowners are hesitant to apply for a mortgage. Considering their history, many assume that mortgage lenders will immediately deny their loan request. On the contrary, numerous lenders offer mortgages and loans to individuals with damaged credit. Hence, obtaining a new home loan is within your reach.

Ways to Quickly Improve Credit Score

After a foreclosure, rebuilding credit is a top concern. Obtaining a mortgage loan and maintaining consistent payments will significantly improve your score within a year. Even if you cannot negotiate a low interest rate immediately following a foreclosure, by consistently making on-time payments and proving your credit worthiness, you have the option of refinancing in a couple of years for a low rate mortgage.

If you are hoping to obtain an initial low rate mortgage, make an effort to improve your credit rating before applying for a home loan. Applying for new credit accounts is a fast way to raise your credit score. If possible, obtain a secured/unsecured credit card, department store card, etc. For the next 12 months, make regular timely payments. Paying off the balance each month proves you can handle credit responsibly. When re-establishing credit, periodically check your credit score and report for inaccuracies.

Picking the Right Lender

The lender chosen to finance your new home loan is important. When searching for a mortgage lender, many homebuyers do not shop around. Moreover, many do not consider secondary money sources such as mortgage brokers or sub prime lenders.

If you have a past foreclosure or bad credit, you will not receive good rates with traditional mortgage lenders. These lenders prefer prime candidates. If your credit score is low, the likelihood of the loan defaulting is high. Thus, bad credit applicants are charged excessive fees and interest.

After a past foreclosure, contact an online mortgage broker. Brokers are eager to help you acquire the best loan package. Moreover, the process is very simple and quick. After submitting your income, employer, and credit information to a mortgage broker, the broker will find appropriate loan programs, and provide quotes from a variety of lenders. Upon careful examination of quotes, you may either pick a lender or refuse the offers.

Carrie Reeder offers advice and referrals for
Poor Credit Home Loans. View all of our Recommended Bad Credit Lenders.

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