The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder

The Maremma Sheepdog is native to the Italian Alps. This is a breed that has an extraordinary capability of working in the higher altitudes. For many hundreds of years, the life of the sheep, the shepherds and the Maremma dog that guarded the flock was structured on the seasons. From June to October the flocks would be moved to the high country in the mountains of Abruzzi and from October to June they would go down to the plains and rolling pastures of Maremma. The job of the Maremma historically has been that of a livestock protector and herding dog, being of great value to the Italian peasants as they moved their flocks of mountain goats and sheep through the high alpine pastures, not only herding but also protecting the flock from predators. The Maremma has the capability of working independently as a flock protector and is noted for its high intelligence. A few of the dogs stayed behind as farm protectors and gradually the Maremma also became known as the large white dog who frequented the fine homes of Tuscany as a companion and watchdog.

The Maremma is a large white dog with profuse and abundant coat. One might confuse the dog with the Pyrenees or the Kuvasz, excerpt that the head of the Maremma is much larger in proportion to the body and in fact is very like that of the Polar bear, conical in shape and massive. In general, of the large white dogs that are the herding dogs of central Europe and the Alps, the Maremma is probably the breed that exhibits the most independent thinking and is one of the dogs considered to be a very protective dog, working in the dual role as flock guard and herder. The Maremma is a large breed, standing 24 inches at the withers, with a heavy coat that is all white with perhaps a shade of ivory or biscuit on the ears. The coat needs to be regularly groomed. The correct coat should be weather resistant, providing protection from the sun and the cold, this is a dog that should not be shaved.

The Maremma has always been around people, though its existence has been solitary it is a breed that will not do well without a human to protect or work alongside. This is a dog that strives to work for its master but also can be a difficult dog for simple obedience commands, since it is a "thinker" and will become bored with repetition. They are extremely loyal, considered to be a one person dog, devoted and protective yet proud and dignified. This is a dog that requires a knowledgeable owner, since it is not inclined to be subservient but is more likely to be somewhat stubborn and strong willed.

The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   

The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder

The Maremma Sheepdog is native to the Italian Alps. This is a breed that has an extraordinary capability of working in the higher altitudes. For many hundreds of years, the life of the sheep, the shepherds and the Maremma dog that guarded the flock was structured on the seasons. From June to October the flocks would be moved to the high country in the mountains of Abruzzi and from October to June they would go down to the plains and rolling pastures of Maremma. The job of the Maremma historically has been that of a livestock protector and herding dog, being of great value to the Italian peasants as they moved their flocks of mountain goats and sheep through the high alpine pastures, not only herding but also protecting the flock from predators. The Maremma has the capability of working independently as a flock protector and is noted for its high intelligence. A few of the dogs stayed behind as farm protectors and gradually the Maremma also became known as the large white dog who frequented the fine homes of Tuscany as a companion and watchdog.

The Maremma is a large white dog with profuse and abundant coat. One might confuse the dog with the Pyrenees or the Kuvasz, excerpt that the head of the Maremma is much larger in proportion to the body and in fact is very like that of the Polar bear, conical in shape and massive. In general, of the large white dogs that are the herding dogs of central Europe and the Alps, the Maremma is probably the breed that exhibits the most independent thinking and is one of the dogs considered to be a very protective dog, working in the dual role as flock guard and herder. The Maremma is a large breed, standing 24 inches at the withers, with a heavy coat that is all white with perhaps a shade of ivory or biscuit on the ears. The coat needs to be regularly groomed. The correct coat should be weather resistant, providing protection from the sun and the cold, this is a dog that should not be shaved.

The Maremma has always been around people, though its existence has been solitary it is a breed that will not do well without a human to protect or work alongside. This is a dog that strives to work for its master but also can be a difficult dog for simple obedience commands, since it is a "thinker" and will become bored with repetition. They are extremely loyal, considered to be a one person dog, devoted and protective yet proud and dignified. This is a dog that requires a knowledgeable owner, since it is not inclined to be subservient but is more likely to be somewhat stubborn and strong willed.

The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   

The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder

The Maremma Sheepdog is native to the Italian Alps. This is a breed that has an extraordinary capability of working in the higher altitudes. For many hundreds of years, the life of the sheep, the shepherds and the Maremma dog that guarded the flock was structured on the seasons. From June to October the flocks would be moved to the high country in the mountains of Abruzzi and from October to June they would go down to the plains and rolling pastures of Maremma. The job of the Maremma historically has been that of a livestock protector and herding dog, being of great value to the Italian peasants as they moved their flocks of mountain goats and sheep through the high alpine pastures, not only herding but also protecting the flock from predators. The Maremma has the capability of working independently as a flock protector and is noted for its high intelligence. A few of the dogs stayed behind as farm protectors and gradually the Maremma also became known as the large white dog who frequented the fine homes of Tuscany as a companion and watchdog.

The Maremma is a large white dog with profuse and abundant coat. One might confuse the dog with the Pyrenees or the Kuvasz, excerpt that the head of the Maremma is much larger in proportion to the body and in fact is very like that of the Polar bear, conical in shape and massive. In general, of the large white dogs that are the herding dogs of central Europe and the Alps, the Maremma is probably the breed that exhibits the most independent thinking and is one of the dogs considered to be a very protective dog, working in the dual role as flock guard and herder. The Maremma is a large breed, standing 24 inches at the withers, with a heavy coat that is all white with perhaps a shade of ivory or biscuit on the ears. The coat needs to be regularly groomed. The correct coat should be weather resistant, providing protection from the sun and the cold, this is a dog that should not be shaved.

The Maremma has always been around people, though its existence has been solitary it is a breed that will not do well without a human to protect or work alongside. This is a dog that strives to work for its master but also can be a difficult dog for simple obedience commands, since it is a "thinker" and will become bored with repetition. They are extremely loyal, considered to be a one person dog, devoted and protective yet proud and dignified. This is a dog that requires a knowledgeable owner, since it is not inclined to be subservient but is more likely to be somewhat stubborn and strong willed.

The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   The Maremma: Alpine Sheep Herder   

Marketing With Podcasting

Podcasting - audio programs distributed online - are increasing being used in place of or as a supplement to a blog or newsletter as a marketing tool.

Why should you consider creating a podcast? Three reasons:

Traditional broadcasting or advertising by radio or television is very expensive - out of reach to many small businesses. It is also hit and miss - if your target audience isn't listening when your advertisement runs, you've missed them. Additionally, these media formats are rapidly losing market share to online media.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to reach customers by email. Even legitimate email can disappear  forever into the receiver's spam filter. Podcasts distributed by RSS bypass email entirely.

People are becoming skeptical of obvious marketing messages. By creating a podcast of useful and entertaining information, you are building trust with your audience. You are giving them a chance to get to know, like and trust you in a very risk-free way. And because podcasts allows listeners to hear your voice, you stop being an anonymous business and become a living, breathing person.

What should you include in your podcast?

Offer news, updates and insights about your industry. Try interviewing industry experts, particularly ones not from your company. Explain how new technology will impact your customers. Warn them of legislative changes. Let them be the first to know of new trends. Keeping your audience informed about what's new can position you as a trusted expert and advisor.

Podcasts that offer tips to make your customers' lives easier or better will always be popular. Think about your customers and what their problems are. If you can provide useful advice to solve those problems they'll keep listening.

If your product is complicated or difficult to use consider releasing a series of instruction podcasts - particularly video podcasts. Offering podcasts with detailed and easy-to-follow instructions that walk customers through the process and warns them of pitfalls can turn dissatisfied customers into raving fans.

These are just some of the ways a podcast can be used to promote your business.

What is Podcasting For Business Marketing?   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How to Use Podcasting to Gain Authority For Your Business - Part Two   6 Tips to Eliminate Background Noise in Your Podcast   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   How to Make a Podcast For a Website   

Getting to Know Vietnam: History and Tourism of Modern Hanoi

Hanoi, where the old and the new blend harmoniously, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. The history of Hanoi, however, is long and tumultuous. From its earliest habitants dating to 3,000 BC through long periods of wars and occupation by the Ming Dynasty of China in 1408, the French in 1873, the Japanese during World War II, then the French again until the infamous Vietnam War, which ended in 1975.

Today, if you walk the streets of Hanoi, it is hard to imagine the damage experienced by this glorious city in the past. With its well-preserved temples, stunning Oriental and French architecture, magnificent landscapes and bustling city life, Hanoi has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Hanoi tourist spots are plentiful, and tourists will need to plan their stay and use a travel guide to see all these wonderful sights.

There are hundreds of temples and pagodas all over the city that offer solace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the streets. The oldest and most famous temple is the Bach Ma (or White Horse) Temple, built in 1010 by the founder of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Thai To. Another famous temple is the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius and his teachings.

Aside from these, the city is also home to a number of museums: National Museum of Vietnamese History, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Women's Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Contemporary Arts Centre, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, Vietnam Museum of Revolution, and Vietnam Military History Museum, just to name a few.

Hanoi also has a number of picturesque lakes. Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword, is a city centerpiece. A walk by the lake at night is perfect for a romantic evening. The largest in Hanoi, the West Lake has a number of gardens, restaurants and hotels, and other entertainment places surrounding it. Meanwhile, the parks and gardens of Hanoi include Cuc Phuong National Park, the foremost national park in the country, located about 100 km south of the city. The Botanical Gardens, a park located at the heart of the city, is popular with locals and tourists alike, with its sculptures and old trees amid open spaces ideal for outdoor activities.

But perhaps the most popular Hanoi tourist spot is the Hanoi Old Quarter. A bustling historical district situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Old Quarter has 36 streets that date back to as early as the 13th century. Each of these 36 streets was named for the primary good originally sold and traded in that street. Today, some of the streets still have merchants that sell the original goods, although most now have restaurants, hotels and other establishments that support Hanoi tourism. There are plenty of lodgings around Hanoi, ranging from budget to luxurious. There are many hotels in Hanoi, including An Hung Hotel, that offer comfortable rooms at discounted rates for the leisure or business traveler.

With so many tourist spots, it is no wonder that tourism here is flourishing. In spite of the turbulent history of Hanoi, it has survived and continues to one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and the world.

Getting to Know Vietnam: History and Tourism of Modern Hanoi   Getting to Know Vietnam: History and Tourism of Modern Hanoi   

Aetna Dental Plans

Aetna dental plans provide a wide range of dental care solutions at affordable costs. And they are offered by Aetna, one of the largest health insurance companies, with over 14 million dental members. Plan options include:

Network-Only Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) Dental Plans allow members to enjoy a broad variety of services while still enjoying savings on dental costs. DMO is available at half the cost of a traditional PPO plan and has two options: a low-cost DMO with fixed co-pay and co-insurance, and DMO Access that require members to choose a primary care provider while still allowing them to seek care from the Aetna dental discount network. Network-Option Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans are Aetna dental plans that allow members to visit the dentist of their choice but offers lower out-of-pocket costs if you use an in-network dentist. Employers have a choice of self-funded or full-risk options as well as differing levels of benefits, co-insurance, deductibles and annual maximums. Choices include Dental Care RewardSM that offers incentives to members who avail of preventive care during the current coverage year and Dental Prevention CareSM that offers 100% coverage on preventive care and some diagnostic services, as well as discounts on selected services. Hybrid Plans are Aetna dental plans that give members the option of choosing the advantages of two plans. Employees can opt for a DMO plan with lower out-of-pocket costs or Indemnity or PPO plans that allows them to choose from a wider range of dentists. And members can easily shift plans even on a monthly basis. Dental indemnity plans are traditional insurance plans in which employees have the option to visit any licensed dentist and be reimbursed for eligible preventive, basic and major services. Co-insurance, deductibles and annual maximums apply. The plan is available as a stand-alone policy or as part of Aetna Freedom-of-Choice plans. Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance   Good Dental Insurance for Seniors   

What Dental Insurance Covers

We hear a lot about the growing number of Americans who lack health insurance. Right now, the number is close to 50 million people. But did you know that twice that many Americans lack dental insurance plans. They are even rarer than medical plans! Some companies do not offer them. Other uncovered people may be unemployed or self-employed, and so they lack dental benefits. In addition, Medicare does not cover many dental services, so many seniors look for additional coverage.

However, some dental services are very expensive. Some people may even put off getting regular checkups or having small problems fixed because they are worried about the bill. When regular checkups, teeth cleaning, or routine fillings get neglected, then small problems can grow into large ones. It is important to figure out how you can afford dental care.

Dental Insurance Policies

A typical dental insurance policy will cover many routine services. You should be able to have checkups, teeth cleanings, and even normal fillings attended to by paying a small deductible or copay. If you need more expensive services like crowns or bridges, it will probably mean you have to be concerned about a yearly maximum which many policies have.

Be sure and check into the details of any policy you plan on buying to make sure you understand how it handles covered services, and how much you will have to pay if the services are covered. Also note the plan's yearly maximum payout. And finally, take note of which services are not covered at all.

What services are not covered? The answer to that question depends upon the policy. But many dental policies do not cover cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic braces. If you are buying a policy to help you cover those expenses, be sure the policy you pick will help you.

Also note that some plans impose waiting periods on some covered services. For example, a dental plan may cover routine fillings right away, but force you to be insured for 12 months before crowns will be covered.

Many dental policies also have a network or dental providers. This means you will get the highest level of coverage if you stick to that network or participating providers. Sometimes you will get a better deal on uncovered services because of the network.

Dental Discount Plans vs. Dental Insurance

You may also explore another alternative to an actual dental insurance policy. A dental discount plan is not insurance, but does help members save money by giving them a network of providers who agree to charge lower prices to people who join the plans. They are typically much cheaper than policies, and there is usually no waiting period.

In addition if there are participating specialists on the plan, you may be able to find cheaper cosmetic or orthodontic services, even if they are not covered by your dental policy.

You can search the network. Your own dentists, or dentists in your area, may already participate. Sometimes buying an actual dental insurance policy is the right thing to do. But after you consider deductibles, copayments, monthly premiums, and yearly coverage limits, you may find that a discount dental plan works out just as well.

Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance   

Why You Should Think About Individual Dental Coverage

There are several reasons why you should think about getting individual dental coverage. And you should start thinking about them, now.

According to recent surveys, there are about 108 million of Americans or 35% of the entire population does not have any dental coverage. The number is bigger, it is 47% according to the National Association of Dental Plans. The lack of dental plans is seriously affecting access to dental services.

It is common to neglect a simple toothache. Shrugging it off, until it becomes unbearable. And when it does, it would require a root canal which could cause thousand of dollars. Lack of dental insurance or coverage could lead to serious dental and oral issues like loss of teeth, gum problems and even, mouth cancer.

Paying for dental insurance would be able to help you gain access to regular dental check-ups, preventive and basic dental care. You do not have to pay the entire dental cost. This is especially important in times of serious dental emergencies.

Paying for dental plans could be more affordable compared to paying for your dental bills. Since you would be paying your premiums on regular basis, then you could prepare or include it in your budget plans ahead of the time.

A regular individual plan could include routine care, check-ups, cleanings and evey X-rays. There are even some insurance companies that would include additional services, like free vision and optical check-ups along with their coverage. Since there are a lot of different plans available, as well as insurance providers, you could search for plans which would suit you and your families' needs. You just need to consider the feedback about the dental insurance provider when looking for dental plans.

Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance   

Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair

Any and all electronic and mechanical devices will require eventual maintenance and replacement of its many parts throughout the life of its use. And this is why appliance owners, such as you, become increasingly frustrated as this occurs more and more throughout the years. It always seems to happen to you at the same time every year. But a common time to notice air conditioner repair is when you are no longer in need of your unit on a constant basis. It is when you turn it on less and less in the autumn and even winter, depending upon your region, when an aging system's functions and parts begin to falter and you require air conditioner repair sooner rather than later.

Some of the most common issues that appliance owners have that require air conditioning repair includes faulty or improperly installed wiring, the presence of a leak, or the outside unit isn't functioning at all.

One prevalent air conditioner repair issue can occur out of desperation or inexperience. Some men and women feel that they've been homeowners or tinkering handymen for so long that they can figure out how to install or perform maintenance on their unit without professional help. This can lead to disorganized and, quite frankly, dangerous wiring mishaps that can trip the circuit breaker and even lead to a costly fire. Yet, as long as the unit did not sustain fire damage, a professional heating, air and ventilation technician can accurately inspect, adjust and test the wiring of your unit for you.

Another major repair issue is that there is low refrigerant. The first part of this problem is that the refrigerant is what cools the air that circulates in the home. And the second part of this problem is that it does not burn away with use, so if there is not enough there to adequately cool the air or if the air isn't cooling at all; it is a sign of a leak. But again, not to worry, a professional technician can locate the leak and make necessary repairs to the unit.

Even if these two types of air conditioner repair don't apply to you, it is still important to diagnose the issue with your appliance so that you can be cool and comfortable as soon as possible. As stated above, it is critical to have a professional inspection performed on an aging device that is failing in order to smoothly move cool air into your home and regulate the humidity.

Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   Mistakes to Avoid and Prevent Air Conditioning Repairs   Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases   Time to Have Your Furnace Maintained for Winter   

Review On Rich Dad Poor Dad Book

This is the first book in the Rich Dad series which stayed the longest at number one on the New York Times. Robert had two dads; one was his biological dad (poor dad) and the other his best friend's dad (rich dad). Though he loved them both but their teachings of money often contradict each other. Eventually he followed rich dad's advice that led him to financial freedom. Robert explains what parents tell or teach their children are very important. The parents of poor and middle class always tell their children to "Work hard and get good grades so that you can get a secure job with great benefits". The rich parents on the other hand will teach their children to increase their financial intelligence as they know that the education system does not teach them about money but instead teach them to be employees.

Robert also defined Asset as simply money put into your pocket and Liability as money taken out of your pocket. He challenged the fact that our house which many people thought of is an asset is actually a liability.

Another fact that Robert discussed was that you can never get rich even if you have a very high salary if you are going to accumulate more liabilities that generates more expenses. With higher salary people go out and get a bigger house or car and live extravagantly beyond their means sinking into greater debt.

As this book is written with an American context, I found that many of the ideas and examples narrated by Robert can be adapted and applied in other countries. Robert also said it in his free audio downloadable that the fundamental operations of the rich in different countries are the same. I have applied some of his techniques, as I am not American, and have experienced success thus far.

This book is a must read for people who wants to have some basic concepts of finance. Robert's very casual style of writing makes this an easy and enjoyable read which prepares you to absorb more complicated concepts in his next book Rich Dad's Cash Flow Quadrant. Get it now!

Taking Care of Business   Review On Rich Dad Poor Dad Book   

Selling on eBay - How to Alienate Customers

eBay is a fantastic place for a number of reasons, but one of the most significant has to be that it allows shoppers to find and buy items that simply cannot be located in the typical high street. Add to this the level of choice provided by diverse sellers, and the result is - not only can you purchase uncommon bits and pieces, but you can also expect bargain prices.

Some eBay sellers employ tactics that are a total turn-off for customers (like me). Often decisions about what to purchase from whom are not simply a matter of price, but to do with confidence in the seller. This is particularly true of second-hand goods, where I want to be able make a judgement as to the accuracy of subjective issues such as condition.

I cannot be unique among shoppers, so here are my top eBay turn-offs

Bad spelling and grammar

I am not talking about trivial errors, but major spelling mistakes, and sentences that have no grammatical structure. The issue is that if a seller takes so little effort and pride to construct an advertisement that conforms to normal language, can I really expect them to be bothered and able to sort out a problem? Bad spelling and grammar are unprofessional, and signal that communication is not the seller's strong point. Given a choice, I will buy from an eBay seller who has taken some effort to construct their advertisement, and does not create the impression they are unintelligent.

Missing essential information

Many sellers seem to omit essential information. For example, I like to buy old furniture for restoration, and many sellers do not think to detail the size of their item. I have also been looking for a camera, but some sellers forget to address key issues such as "does it work". I know I can always ask questions, but I normally just move to listings that do contain all the relevant information: it takes less effort.

Hidden reserves

I hate items with a hidden reserve. I guess the logic is that this strategy encourages interested parties to use bids to probe (try adding another £5), and ultimately exceed the maximum price they ideally wanted to pay. The flip side is that, as a bidder, you can be £1 below the reserve, and not know it. Listings that do not have a stated minimum price deprive the buyer of a vital piece of information, and lead to time wasted upon speculation. I do not even bother watching items with an unknown reserve price.

I am selling it for a friend

This is a phrase I see quite often. To me it says, "I want to avoid taking responsibility for this item. If there is a problem it is nothing to do with me." Why else is it relevant to include this information? I don't buy anything that is being sold for a friend.

Unreasonable postage costs

I accept that there can be an overhead to sending goods that is over and above postal charges. There are the packing materials (if they need to be bought), and the time it take to wrap things. Additionally, not everyone lives next door to a Post Office, and may need to drive and even pay parking fees. However, I believe most eBay sellers aim to subsume their "overheads" within the price of the item. Nevertheless, postage cost should resemble the actual cost of posting, and not be a means to extend the profit from eBay sales. Excessive postage cost normally stick out like a sore thumb. I was recently looking for a particular camera lens. The typical postage cost was around £3.50, but one listing (identical to all the others) had a postage cost of £10! I do not deal with any seller who asks for unreasonable postage cost on a matter of principle.

Where To Find Storage Unit Auctions   Auction Storage Units and How They Work   Best Tips on How to Use eBay to Make Money Online   What Are Some Good Ways To Make Money On eBay?   

Advantages of Sheepskin Seat Covers For Your JCB Backhoe

If you are a backhoe operator tired of uncomfortable seats, consider that when medical researchers report on the best padding available for increased comfort and reduced stress, they are referring to sheepskin.

As a backhoe operator, your day is spent sitting on a vibrating seat that rocks back and forth causing friction, and in extremely cold, hot, or humid environments. For you, there are many advantages of sheepskin seat covers for your JCB backhoe.

One of the advantages of sheepskin covers for your JCB backhoe is the padding provided by the soft, high-density, springy wool fibers in natural sheepskin As your backhoe vibrates and bounces, these fibers redistribute your weight over a larger surface area than do other materials, much like tiny springs.

Another of the advantages of sheepskin seat covers for your JCB backhoe is temperature regulation. On chilly days, the fleece keeps the cold air away from your skin. On hot days, you remain cooler as air circulates between the sheepskin fibers. The sheepskin will also draw perspiration away from your skin and into its fibers, keeping you dry. In fact, sheepskin can hold between 30 and 36 percent of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp to the touch.

You will find no better combination of comfort and durability. The sheepskin's treated leather backing blocks fluids and resists damage. Just wash your sheepskin seat cover with soap that includes lanolin-sheepskin's natural oil-to keep your backhoe sheepskin seat cover in great shape for years.

Covers for seats are made from Australian lambswool can be made to suit any earthmoving or equipment seat.

Advantages of Sheepskin Seat Covers For Your JCB Backhoe   Advantages of Sheepskin Seat Covers For Your JCB Backhoe   

God Sees All and Knows All, Especially Our Hunger

There is a program on the Investigation Discovery Channel called "I Almost Got Away with It". The story of David and Bathsheba would be a perfect one for that show, especially the part where the prophet Nathan confronts David. David thought that he had committed the perfect crime by having an affair with Bathsheba and covering it up by killing her husband. Unfortunately, he was caught by the one true, perfect, all-seeing and all-knowing God. David forgot that God sees everything that his people do. It reminds me of the line from the Christmas song "Santa Clause Comes to Town" that goes like this:

He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows when you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake.

This passage deals with the ethical and moral failings that have plagued Christians throughout history. Greed and selfishness cause believers to do whatever it takes to get something that they want. Believers and non-believers have to accept the consequences of their actions.

The world has no sympathy for honesty these days. Sure, people give it lip service, and we tell our children to be honest, but if we stop and think about it, many of us would rather have our children be shrewd than honest. We teach them to be suspicious, to protect themselves and to ward off people like the typical used car salesman or politicians.

The story tells us about ourselves and our sinful nature, how we covet what is not ours, and how we often try to cover up our sins. Our sinful nature often causes us to forget who we are and who we are supposed to be. Our sins cause us to discover our true nature, and it is far from what we imagine ourselves to be.

We, like David, are not perfect. We often sin and either try to cover it up or think that our sin will not be discovered. We need to remember that God sees all and knows all-including our sins. God's Word presents people as they are, not as later writers wish they would have been. To quote Numbers 32:23, "... be sure that your sin will find you out". Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart's fall from grace is a good example. He had it all--fame, fortune and a successful ministry-but one moment of indiscretion with a prostitute hurt him. His confession to God even made it into the video for the song "American Dream" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in 1988. It follows the line "Now you think about reaching out, maybe get some help from above", which is repeated twice. He might have thought that he could get away with it, but he got caught. As another verse of the same song goes:

Reporters crowd around your house Going through your garbage like a pack of hounds Speculating what they might find out It don't matter now You're all washed up

In fact, it was only a few years later, when he got caught with a prostitute again, that he and his ministry were washed up for good.

Another example involves our own 'local' evangelist, the late Pastor Perry F. Rockwood, and it was told to me by my own brother. My brother used to work in the Engineering Department of several Halifax radio stations. One day several years ago my brother and his boss were asked to go to Perry's recording studio to repair some equipment. After they were finished, my brother's boss gave Perry the bill. He did not want to pay it, stating that the work should have been done for free because his programs aired on the particular station that my brother worked for at the time. The boss explained why they couldn't do the work for free, so Perry went to a table in the same room, started opening the mail that was on the table, took a fistful of cheques (without even bothering to record who they were from and the amounts), gave them to the boss, and said, "Here, take these!!!!"

Nathan used the story as a case for David to judge. In Nathan's story, the traveler represents David's lust, and the lamb is Bathsheba. The story itself represents the commandments David broke-the ones regarding adultery, murder and coveting. It makes the point that no one can misuse God-given authority and power for selfish ends.

Nathan rebuked David, but he did so indirectly through the story he told. Nathan used a story that reminded David of his youth to break through David's resistance and bring him to a place of true repentance. We do not have to go looking for other people's faults or sins, but sometimes we can't ignore them. Like Nathan, we must correct others in love with the hope of restoring them, and an approach bathed in prayer and led by the Spirit will accomplish more than our own self-righteous arguments even can.

Jesus outlined a good approach to use when correcting sinners in Matthew 18:15-17:

1. Confront the sinner in private. If he/she listens to you, great! 2. If the sinner does not listen to you, go with two or three others and confront him/her. Two or more witnesses will be able to back up what happens. 3. If the sinner refuses to listen to you and the witnesses, bring it before the church. 4. If the sinner refuses to listen to the church, he/she is to be removed from the church.

David "saw the light" when he was confronted with his sins. The enormity of his crimes and the condemnation by Nathan represent conviction by both the earthly judge Nathan and the heavenly judge God. You might be thinking that if it says in the Bible, "Judge not lest ye be judged", Nathan broke this commandment. You must remember though that Nathan was an agent of God, and God is the one who judges people either directly or through people such as Nathan or other good Christians.

The story of David, Bathsheba and Nathan reflects the battle between our struggle to live the Christian life and the earthly life that constantly tempts us. This conflict reminds us of our constant need for grace and forgiveness. We, like David, are only human. There will be times when we will stumble and fall in our Christian walk. We gain insight into our weaknesses so that we can improve our control over our weaknesses.

The story also reflects a sense of entitlement. Here was David, the boy who became king, who had more opportunity and power than anyone could imagine, and had everything he wanted. He had a sense of being entitled to privileges. This sense of entitlement led him to give in to temptation. Unfortunately, the situation still exists today. For example, some experts claim that the current recession was caused by corporate greed-greed that led American banks to make mortgages available to people who could not afford them. The result was the failure of several American banks, and like the old saying goes, "When America sneezes, Canada catches the cold". American politicians told the banks that what they did was wrong, just like Nathan told David that what he did was wrong.

We must be careful that we do not fall into an attitude of self-indulgence. We must also keep as far away from evil as possible. Evil and sin diminish the respect others have for us, weaken our authority and cause unnecessary headaches.

We need more people like Nathan today-people who are not afraid to tell us what we need to hear. We need more people who will tell us the truth no matter how hard it is to say or hear. Nathan and people like him are motivated to speak the truth because the holiness and beauty of God are offended by the wickedness of sinful people. Sin is the great problem keeping people from the knowledge of God. Even when people shrug their shoulders and say, "Everyone else is doing it", we must stand firm and say that this is wrong. When sin is public, visible to all and scandalous, those who know this have a duty to speak up and use words of strong condemnation. The word of forgiveness follows quickly when we admit out guilt. God's forgiveness and abundant mercy are now available through Jesus.

This story is also an example of our hunger. We are hungry for control of our lives. We are hungry for a world that is not controlled by sin and our sinful human natures. We often try to satisfy that hunger with material goods, alcohol, drugs or sex (like David did). The only way that our hunger can truly be satisfied is by the true bread of life-that is, our faith in Jesus. Jesus said in John 6:51, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If a man eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world". Just like the 5,000 people were still hungry after Jesus miraculously fed them with the five barley loaves and two fish, we will still be hungry if we try to satisfy our hunger in the way the world wants us to satisfy it.

This story is not about sin as much as it is about forgiveness. When David was confronted with his sin, he repented and was restored by God-even though he still had to accept the consequences of his actions. It is better for us to confess our sins before we are forced to do so by getting caught. When we do, the burden of guilt will not be able to limit our spiritual growth and our worship and prayers will not be hindered.

We also need to repent of our sins so we can be restored by God, but we must also be prepared to accept the consequences of our sins. God's anger toward sin is righteous anger. God will not let sin go unpunished. It is this righteous anger that leads to restoring our relationship with God. God cares about how we live our lives. If we show contempt for God's law, we will be punished. God does not take our actions lightly, but if we deal with our sin genuinely, openly and immediately, God will lessen the severity of our discipline

We often try to straighten out our own problems like David did, but Jesus has already straightened our problems for us. He put our sins away. He paid the penalty for our sins on the cross at Calvary. We do not have to do anything more than what Christ has already done for us. All we have to do is accept what he did, repent of our sins, and accept him as our Saviour.

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Own an Affordable and Low Maintenance Pool

People always love to purchase at bargain prices for almost anything they want even for a pool that is known as an expensive investment. Why not checkout swimming pool prices? These swimming pools are not that expensive at all. Of course, you will be purchasing something as valuable as your backyard so investments for it will also be cherished with the passing of time. You need to have one to know and experience that there are things in life that are more satisfying to spend on or worth investing unto.

Various components or parts of a swimming pool are available like the equipment needed to run it and the finishing touches. You have to buy all of these from legitimate companies which offer all of these things in one convenient shop. But still all the chosen specifications will be based on your decisions and tastes especially on the materials which will take majority of the budget cut. Some materials are cheap than the others so you have to study the market rates that are in competition with one another. Usually above or in ground pools cost $5900 up with basic equipment, free installation and come with a long warranty of up to 25 years.

If you want to add additional feature, there is another charge that cost no more than $5000 but it is only for those locations that the work team can access to easily. Not so accessible locations will require more charges. Digging costs up to $2500. Expensive or not for you, just present the budget you have so they can modify or suggest something that you can consider. Anyway, whenever you had extra money you can add more to your pool gradually.

Pool choices can be fiberglass or concrete especially for the popular in-ground pools. It is up to you to talk to a specialist which one will surely benefit you in the long run. But generally each has its own advantages. For example the concrete ones are very flexible for any size and shape and apt for full tiling. Their pricing starts at $10,000 to 30,000. Fiberglass pools on the other hand are easier and quick to install, very smooth and come in many colours. But still both are really durable.

Having a low maintenance pool should also be one of the main concerns and you can get that with automatic facilities and equipment for only $50,000. Perhaps you want to add more accessories for your nice pool and you can ask discounts from the company where you bought the entire pool and its systems. Surely they will be glad to give you that because of your valued purchases.

Planning and budgeting is very important if you are in a dilemma whether to proceed or not. Many things are at stake especially the expenses that come with the swimming pool installation and their hidden charges. Be careful in choosing a company that will help you instead of giving you problems you don't deserve. What you deserve is pampering in the practicality of owning a swimming pool. Do a little bit more research about swimming pool prices and start your dream project soon.

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Using Above Ground Sand Filters

Clean clear beautiful water is every pool enthusiast's desire. And with a little help and knowledge an above ground sand filter system is a great way to help keep the pool as clear as the day you initially placed the water in.

If you want that blue water look and feel there are a couple of simple things you need to know and do. One is purchase a good sand filter to achieve that clean pool filter look. There are many brands to choose from, but some of the best priced filters are the Pentair sand filer and for an above ground sand filter the brand Intex sand filter is a great buy for the money. An above ground system makes maintenance very easy compared to some of the more tightly enclosed pool filtration systems.

Moving water is a difficult environment for bacteria to get growing in, so, if possible, it is always a good idea to keep your pool water moving. And if you are going to be spending the money to move the water through a pumping system you might as well-run the water through a pool filter to help maintain the integrity of the water.

Using a pool filter will help remove sediment, small particulates, oils and even hair from the water. If you are willing to spend a little extra, but save yourself a ton in chemicals and work, the Intex 2650 Krystal Clear Sand Filter & Saltwater System Pump is a fantastic machine for the money. It is a very reliable and durable above ground sand filter that not only uses an environmentally safe method of cleaning water with sand but also uses salt rather than some of the more harsh environmental challenging chemicals as used in a chlorinated type of pool.

Not only is the water more environmentally safe, but when incorporated with a sand filter it eliminates the waste of paper filters not to mention the hassle of changing out the filters on a fairly frequent basis. Sand in most filters like the one mentioned above will last an average of seven years. This depends greatly upon maintenance as well as the environment the pool is in. Massive amounts of leaves or other foreign material will obviously shorten the life of a sand filter system.

But a sand filtration system, when properly maintained and used, is easier and much more environmentally sound in comparison to a paper filtration system. Sizing the filtration system is easy. Just calculate the pool size in terms of gallons and purchase the appropriate recommended sized unit and get it hooked up. Most people with a little knowledge of mechanics can get one up and running in a matter of a few hours.

For those of us that are mechanically challenged we may need to employ the help of a professional or a handyman to get the job done. In either event, the job should not take more than a few hours work. If you intend on doing the maintenance yourself, it may be a good idea, if you are going to have help put the system in, to assist in the initial installation so you can become better acquainted with this system.

And always, read the pool filter instructions, and follow their guidelines for starting and running the system. This step will save you a ton of time in the long run. Some of the items covered will be installation and maintenance including recommended operating pressure. It will explain when you will need to do the backwashing of the sand filter system to clean it so the system can operate at its maximum efficiency. Generally the reading of pressure of between eight and ten will require the backwashing to eliminate the built up debris, hair and other particulates from the sand filter. This requires only a few minutes and the moving of a simple lever to alternate the water flow. In a few minutes you will be done easily.

There is simply no comparison to using a DE or diatomaceous earth filter or to that of a paper filtration system. To give you an idea as to how efficient and accepted the use of a sand filter is, in many parts of the country, there is a good chance that the water that runs from our home faucets may well have been filtered with sand, too.

Once the sand becomes too saturated with oils or debris, the entire system does not need to be replaced, just the sand needs to be replaced. And average of seven years is a good expectation and a few pounds of sand is not a very expensive solution to getting your system back up and running at it maximum efficiency after a few years of service. To change out the sand requires a good shop vac, a few simple tools, and new sand for the model and about an hour.

Now you are done and ready to go for another good period of years.

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