How to Choose the Right Paper Part 1

Choosing the right paper for your project is more complex than just picking the most expensive sheet and keeping your fingers crossed.

In fact, you shouldn?t think about choosing paper based on the highest quality available, or the highest quality you can afford. Rather, you should figure out the most appropriate quality paper for your needs because most appropriate equals best.

The point is -- no one sheet fits every project. Paper is complicated. It is three-dimensional and, in addition, no two print jobs are ever alike. The ink coverage, batch of paper, and moisture in the air -- all will affect the production of a printed piece.

We?ve compiled our top ten tips to help you find the right paper for your projects and here in Part 1, are 3 priorities to consider when making your selection.

Consider Paper Early On
As soon as the preliminary design is done, spec your paper and get quotes from printers. Tell your printer you are open to suggestions, not substitutes, but suggestions.

Depending on the sheet size your printer plans to use, small changes like 1/16th of an inch in the width of your piece can sometimes make a big difference to allow the job to fit better on the sheet. At this stage, you can still make small adjustments to the design, but not when the client has signed-off on the final proof.

Getting your quotes early will also make you aware of any turn-around times you should consider in your deadline. Make adjustments if the paper you have specked is readily available from your local merchant (1 day) or has to be shipped from the mill?s warehouse (2-5 days).

A lot of mills also offer custom sheet sizes to minimize your paper waste and help you save on your overall paper cost. But you need to know early, which paper you want to print on, as these orders can take anywhere from 5-14 days.

I know paper availability is a big concern for many of you, so we will have an extra Paper Tip about this in a week or two.

Personality
Consider the life span of your printed piece. Is it a direct marketing piece, that on a good day, 5% of the recipients will look at? Or does your piece have a longer life span like an annual report, a marketing brochure or catalogue?

The personality of your piece, its life span, texture, color and coating determine the price range and quality of your paper, in addition to your budget.

Ask yourself what impression the piece should make. A non-profit organization asking for financial support sends a mixed message when its mailer is printed on a premium stock. Premium paper suggests luxury and the recipient may think, ?why bother, they seem to have enough money anyway.?

If you are printing a job that reflects environmental issues, choose papers with recycled content, visible fibers or a mixed composition with a lower brightness and a texture that conveys the environmental feel.

For projects that suggest luxury, metallics, iridescents, suede, leather and other specialty papers create a stunning first impression.

Finish
When designing a piece, we designers have a very clear idea of what kind of finish will enhance our design. Some designs ask for gloss, some need a matte finish -- don?t mess with us, we know what we want.

If color and crisp image or photographic reproduction is your concern, a coated gloss, matte or silk sheet is always a great and safe choice. But, there is definitely a trend toward uncoated sheets.

Large corporations are aiming to portrait a softer, more understated image. With fluorescent inks and knowledgeable prepress technology, the natural surface of uncoated papers is an ideal background for four-color process printing.

The paper is not only there to give the ink a foundation, but to enhance the design of the image you want to portray. A great example is the Eddie Bauer piece that fits the company?s personality to a ?T.? The texture and feel of the uncoated Neenah stock gives the impression of a sketchbook or diary kept while on a relaxing trip through the great outdoors.

Create a special interest even with a one-color print job. Don?t shy away from trying something new, like unusually textured or specialty papers that already are a trend in Europe and are gaining more and more popularity here. The new generation of production techniques make it easier to convert, print and finish these sheets.

Check back for Part 2 and Part 3 of How to Choose the Right Paper.

Sabine Lenz is the founder of PaperSpecs, the first interactive paper guide specifically designed for the design/print industry. For more than 15 years, she has been a graphic designer in Germany, Australia, and the U.S.

Ms Lenz worked on design projects ranging from corporate identities to major road shows and product launches. From start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, her list of clients included Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Deutsche Bank, IBM and KPMG.

Seeing designers struggle worldwide to stay current with new papers and paper trends inspired Ms Lenz to create PaperSpecs, an independent, comprehensive web-based paper guide and to publish a weekly e-zine. She is also a speaker on paper issues and educational topics related to the paper industry.

http://www.paperspecs.com

Retiring Overseas Why Record Numbers Of Americans are Doing it

More Americans than ever are retiring overseas than ever before and the reason is many people simply don?t have enough money to maintain their standard of living when they stop work.

If you are or have never considered retiring overseas, then this article will explain the main benefits of how you can instantly improve your standard of living and the best destination.

The major concern of retiring abroad

That most people have about retiring overseas is that they will be a long way from their loved ones or feel alone, but this need not be the case.

For example, a destination such as Costa Rica is just a three hour direct flight from the US.

More importantly, as there is such a large American community already established people feel at home and have an infrastructure catering for Americans so there are lots of familiar shops and entertainment.

When retiring overseas in Costa Rica it can seem more like moving between States than countries!

Now let?s look at the huge benefits of retiring overseas to Costa Rica.

1. Property

Up to 70% cheaper than in the US.

Imagine a stunning beach or mountain view, in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, well it?s within reach of many Americans who live here, they get beautiful properties with stunning views at a cost that?s very affordable.

2. A lower cost of living

Imagine being able to live comfortably on just $2,000 a month.

Well, when retiring overseas to Costa Rica social security checks simply go further, as everything is cheaper.

3. Its easy to move

Re locating to Costa Rica is easy residency is quick and simple to obtain and when you buy property you get the same rights as residents and there is no tax on social security checks from abroad

4. Costa Rica is safe and the pace of life slower

Costa Rica is safe and serious crime is rare and the pace of life is just that little bit slower, like it used to be when people had time to stop and talk to each other.

5. All the leisure you want at your finger tips

You have all the leisure interests you could want including restaurants, casinos and shopping, as well as being in one of the top adventure holiday destinations in the world.

Outdoor pursuits include great fishing, sailing, and white water rafting or maybe gentler pursuits such as strolling in rainforest or a round of golf. You get all this and more in Costa Rica.

An affordable slice of paradise close to home

Retiring overseas in Costa Rica appeals to many Americans in particular because it is close and almost like moving between States and the large community already there of foreign nationals means there is a community you can feel at home in.

The major advantage is the lifestyle you can get at a cost that?s simply not available in the US. Costa Rica really is an affordable slice of paradise.

You have worked hard so relax and enjoy your golden years in one of the most beautiful countries on earth with a standard of living that?s second to one.

Look at the facts and you will see why more Americans than ever are retiring overseas and Costa Rica is their number one destination.

FREE Retiring Aborad Report

Of a free report on retiring in costa rica with all the facts on living and buying the home of your dreams in visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com

The Number One Killer of Children Under the Age of 15 is Almost Always Preventable

(ARA) - Before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to take care of. You need to make sure your engine is running smoothly, your tires are properly inflated, and if youll be traveling with children, you have the equipment to keep them properly restrained.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, traffic crashes are the number one killer of young children. In 2002, 2,542 children ages 15 and younger died in car crashes; another 294,000 were injured. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show nearly half of the deaths and injuries occurred because the children were not properly restrained.

One of the biggest problems were seeing is that parents graduate their children from car seats to seatbelts when they should really be in booster seats, says Elly Martin, who is a spokesperson for the NHTSA. Weve also seen a number of cases where children who are in car seats are not very well secured.

Every state requires that infants and children ride buckled up. However, state laws do not always require the safest way to transport a child. So what is the safest way? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants always ride in the back seat -- in car seats that can only be used rear-facing until they are at least a year old and 20 pounds.

One of the biggest mistakes weve seen parents make is switching their child to a forward facing car seat too soon. Just because your baby has turned a year old or is over 20 pounds doesnt mean theyre ready. They must achieve both milestones before the switch is made, says Jeff Beyer, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Farmers Insurance.

There are a number of car seats on the market that are considered safe for babies at the in-between stage. So-called convertible car seats can be used as rear facing until the child is up to 35 pounds, or forward facing until they are around 40 pounds. They typically come with three different types of restraints: 5-point harness, T-shield, and overhead shield.

When your child reaches the top weight or height allowed for his or her car seat, that doesnt mean its time for them to switch over to a regular seatbelt. At 3 or 4 years of age, most children are still too short to be safely secured by a seatbelt. If they are not at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, they need the added protection of a booster seat, says Beyer.

* Making Sure Seats are Safely Secured

Pediatricians have done a good job spreading the word about the Academys recommendations, and the statistics show parents are listening. The number of fatal accidents involving children dropped from 2,603 in 2001 to 2,542 in 2002.

We are very heartened by improvements in child safety seat use by Americans; however, there is still room for improvement if every child is to travel safely on our roadways, says Martin.

Despite their best intentions, parents dont always install the seats properly, says Beyer. In the New Parents section of its Web site, Farmers Insurance has numerous tips regarding the proper installation of car seats.

Infant Seats

* Must be used in a rear facing position until child is at least 12 months old and weighs at least 20 pounds

* Never place this type of seat in front of an airbag. The preferred location is in the back seat in the middle of the car.

* Never hold your baby in your lap when the vehicle is in motion.

* Your childs head should be at least 1 inch below the top of the child seat.

* Rear facing infant seats reduce the risk of fatal injury in a car crash by 71 percent.

Toddler Seats

* Should be in the forward facing position for children between 20 and 40 pounds and over 1 year of age.

* When using the seat in a forward-facing position, always use the highest of the three sets of slots provided with this seat for the harness.

* If using this seat in a rear-facing position, the harness should come out of the center or lowest slots.

* The harness should fit snugly with room for no more than one finger between the harness and your childs collarbone.

* Forward-facing safety seats for toddlers reduce the fatality risk by 54 percent.

Booster Seats

* Use forward facing only.

* High-back booster with built-in harness: for children between 30 and 40 pounds. Harness should be replaced by adult lap and shoulder belt when child reaches 40 pounds.

* Belt positioning booster seats: for children between 40 and 80 pounds and up to four feet nine inches. Never use with only the lap belt -- use with shoulder and adult lap belt together. Shoulder belt should cross chest, never over stomach. Make sure belt fastens without extra slack.

Another common mistake parents can make is not properly securing the seat itself in their vehicle. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 seats on American roads are improperly installed. Seat Check, a national organization that works with Toys R Us, the NHTSA, and several other sponsors holds regular free inspection clinics that can give parents piece of mind.

To find a child seat inspection station in your area, log onto www.seatcheck.org, or call (866) SEATCHECK. You can find car seat installation and other child safety advice on the Farmers Insurance Web site: www.farmers.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content





About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

Entertaining suggestions for busy momsNC(NC)Doctor, arbiter, coach, chauffeur, entertainer, cook it's Mom! Every mother knows it's a juggling act to get through the daily routine and still find some time to sleep much less entertain. So what does Mom do when company is knocking at the door? Whether it's a casual midweek dinner, a large weekend gathering or a few friends gathering to talk to about the day, entertaining can be a stressful time for most moms with everything else on their plate. Hamilton Beach, makers of quality small appliances, offers the following suggestions for busy moms this holiday season.

1) Prepare dishes that can be frozen ahead of time and then warmed up the day or night of your party.

2) Keep it casual - serve buffet style so you sit down faster and everyone can choose what they like best.

3) Use appliances that keep your hands free for little ones put a pot roast with potatoes and carrots in your slowcooker and you have the whole day for your usual routine. Just before guests arrive put a couple of small pizzas in your toaster oven for picky eaters (all kids love pizza). Ice cream and coffee for dessert what could be easier. The Hamilton Beach BrewstationTM lets you dispense coffee with one hand and the coffee stays hot in the thermal dispenser in case the party continues later than expected.

4) Remember to include the kids in the planning. Create a theme and let the kids help you plan the menu make it fun for everyone and it won't be as much work.

For great recipes and great products visit www.hamiltonbeach.com.

- News Canada
About the author:

News Canada

Holiday gift ideas for that person on your list who has everything!NC(NC)Who's the person in your life that has everything your aunt, your mom and dad, your boss? Holiday shopping for that person can be a stressful event, especially around the holiday season. If you're tired of not knowing what gifts to get your friends and family for the holiday, let Dirt Devil help you find the right present for the right person, every time. Dirt Devil has new, unique and affordable gift items that are sure to be used and appreciated all year long.

Under $60

The perfect gift for that person who's always on the fast track is the Dirt Devil Sweeper VacTM with Swiffer. The new Sweeper Vac with Swiffer combines two innovative technologies: the popular Swiffer and a powerful cordless vacuum from Dirt Devil. The Swiffer electrostatic cloth captures the small stuff like dust, allergens, and pet hair while the powerful Dirt Devil vacuum gets all the bigger dirt and debris. No more brooms and dustpans because it gets the line of dirt that other more conventional tools leave behind. Plus, its unique swivel head design makes it easy to get into tight spots including along baseboards, under tables, in corners, and around toilets. A great gift for around $59.99.

Under $70

Looking for the perfect gift for the family with kids, pets, and therefore inevitable messes? With the kids home from school for the holidays, you might find that your floors need to be cleaned more frequently. An ideal gift for quick pick-ups in between regular cleaning is the new Power Stick from Dirt Devil. Cleaning hard floor surfaces in the past has been bothersome with other less effective or hard-to-manage stick vacs. However, the new Power Stick boasts 12 amps and 1440 watts of pure cleaning power- that's 1.5 times the power of any other stick vac on the market. Better yet, it weighs in at only 6 pounds! With a sturdy, lightweight design, the Power Stick is ideal for cleaning all hard floor surfaces, including hardwood, tile, marble and linoleum. And it's available for under $70.

- News Canada
About the author:

News Canada

Steve Cole Between Us Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Not sure what?s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Between Us gets. Between Us stated simply is one of Steve Cole?s best CDs to date.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that?s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn?t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Between Us is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn?t your favorite genre you still can?t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to and I think you?ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Steve Cole is clearly in top form. Of particular note on this offering is his amazing rendition of Together Again with TJ.

Between Us Release Notes:

Steve Cole originally released Between Us on Jul 18, 2000 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Got It Goin' On
2. From The Start
3. Take Me Home To You
4. So Into You
5. For Your Love
6. Interlude
7. Together Again - (featuring TJ)
8. Between Us
9. Waterfalls
10. Funky D

Personnel: Steve Cole (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, keyboards); TJ (vocals); Orbert Davis (trumpet); Brian Culbertson (trombone, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Fink, B. (horns); Ricky Peterson (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ; Paul Jackson Jr., Gerey Johnson (guitar); Richard Patterson, Alex Al (bass); Michael White, Oscar Seaton (drums); Luis Conte, Lenny Castro (percussion). Engineers: Eddie King, Brain Culbertson, Craig Bauer. Principally recorded at Hinge Studios, Chicago, Illinois.

Get the information you want on your favorite smooth jazz songs and artists at http://www.iLoveSmoothJazz.com

Clyde Lee Dennis, a.k.a. SmoothLee is a life long music fanatic, smooth jazz in particular, and does a daily online radio show featuring smooth jazz music that can be heard at http://www.NewYorkSmoothJazzRadio.com

SO YOURE AN OVER50 AMERICAN MAN SEEKING A RUSSIAN WIFE.

Pretty daunting beginning your search for a wife from the former Soviet Union. Let me offer you a few suggestions and a little insight into who you should be looking for and what these women are looking for from you.
Many me begin writing letters to women whose listings are on web sites. Many do not respond and so some men give up too easily. You do not have to be the most handsome guy around. I was to find that one of the problems was that a lot of those listings are out-of-date or fake. You may have realized that the younger guys might find wives that way, but not those of us over fifty.
There must be a better way.

Submit your Bio to a reputable website for Russia and Ukraine. During the next few months you will be shocked by the number responses. Advertise for women age 38-45 but don't be surprised
if you get responses from much younger ladies.. They are all intelligent, interesting, and gorgeous. They are everything any red-blooded American man would want in a wife. So how do you find the right person?

First, know exactly what you want in a wife. And guys, be realistic about what you are searching for and be honest about yourself. You have to be suspicious about a much-too-young woman being interested in you but who could resist writing to that 30 something year-old living model with a drop dead gorgeous smile. Think about where she lives ,city or country and where you live and want, will she be happy for example living in a big city if she has spent her life in he country.
You absolutely must offer them something unique and interesting. Telling them you're from the USA and that you have a house, an automatic dishwasher, and a car won't do it. They won't be impressed. In fact, they'll be insulted. Russian women can't be bought , they are not for sale to the person with the most stuff. And besides, we all have that same stuff .They won't be impressed with your possessions, so don't mention them until you get to know the woman.

Remember that your competition is from around the world, me and other guys in the USA, Canada, Germany, England, Australia, Sweden, Italy, South Africa, and just about every other country you can name because of the internet. They have a lot to offer too, so don't think that just because you're from the good-old USA that you have an advantage. You don't. They want to marry a person, not a country. They want to marry a good, decent, kind and caring man with whom they can feel safe, secure and loved. They want a happy family life. They want a man who is financially secure. They want candle lit dinners and home coziness. If you can't convince them that you can provide those things, then, my friend, you have lost already. And for Heaven's sake, never mention sex in any of your letters unless they bring it up first. Don't be a fool. If you want to scare them off, that's the sure way to do it.
I highly recommend this great book called How To Find & Marry A Girl Like Me

Don't rush your relationship. Some web sites tell you that if you don't visit the woman in her home country within two to three months, she'll look elsewhere. That's Rubbish. Sometimes it takes six months to a year before she's ready to take the major step of inviting you to visit her.
That beautiful Russian woman that you think you love is as nervous about this thing as you are, probably more so, and she wants to be absolutely sure of what she's getting into because once she takes the step of inviting you to visit, there will be no turning back. Generally, a visit leads to marriage and she knows it. She'll take her time in making that fateful decision. You're asking her to leave behind the only life she has ever known. You're asking her to leave her friends and family. You're asking her to move to an alien culture where she won't even know the language.
That's a big ask .Most Russian women are also very well educated

You don't have to be the world's best writer to get her attention. Just be honest and open in your letters .Some sites will tell you to avoid women who are looking for a generous or well-to-do man. Don't believe that. Those terms have totally different meanings to them than they do to you. Watch out for the word ich, though. If you're not rich, forget about her.
Use words and phrases in your letters that she can easily understand. Remember, she's probably using a translator who might not be much more fluent in English than she is, so don't use colloquialisms or modern jargon.. Her dictionary will tell her that buffalo is a noun, not a verb. I especially like the word careful when they describe the kind of man they want. They mean, of course, caring, but the word careful can have a totally different meaning to some Americans. And it won't hurt to learn some Russian and throw in a few phrases that have meaning to you and her, but make sure you spell the words correctly and mean what you say because she'll believe everything you tell her in Russian. To learn the terms get a copy of this book on Russia Terms .at http://www.datingbeautys.com
Above all else, fellows, be totally honest with her. And if she not the one tell her. However, if she's the woman you've been searching for all your life, tell her so. The only thing she has to compare you with, other than the letters from those others guys (who are probably lying and she'll find that out soon enough), are the men who live in her hometown. Now don't get me wrong. I like the people in the former Soviet Union. They are good people, but Russia is a rough place. The culture is unlike any you have ever known. Russian men can be your best friends, but the culture doesn't permit them to treat women like you and I have been taught. To have a husband who doesn't drink, doesn't beat his wife, is faithful, and who works at a steady job is a rarity. When they divorce, the husband takes off for another country and never helps her, never helps support his children, and has little if any contact with them. I can't count the number of men from the former Soviet Union I've met who say that they left their wife and kids behind. They're proud about being scumbags and they don't care what happens to the family they left back in Moscow. The good ones in her hometown are already married and she doesn't have much of a selection from which to choose. That's why she's looking overseas.

She doesn't necessarily want to leave her homeland, but she often has no choice if she wants to to be happy. To have a man tell her she's beautiful (and she probably is, but no man at home has told her that since she was eighteen), and to offer her a good life with a secure future, sharing, respect, love and understanding is a dream-come-true for her. No man ever put her on a pedestal before. She's not used to it, but she'll love it. Don't let her down.

Could she be lying to you, telling you things that she knows you want to hear but not meaning any of it? Maybe, maybe not. Some decisions have to be made on faith alone and that's the chance you'll have to be willing to take. We have those kinds of women in this country. We've all met them during our lives. We know how they act and how they talk, so use your intuition and common sense. Don't get carried away by your enthusiasm about meeting that stunningly beautiful woman from Wherever and throw out all caution. She has probably been honest with you and you have nothing to worry about, but think before you act, that's all. Yes, there are scam artists out there. eventually. To protect youryself? Iask for the woman's mailing address in your first letter to her, and send her your mailing address to show her that you do exist and have a home. If she doesn't reciprocate forget her.
Why look for a woman in the former Soviet Union? Someone who is attentive, loving, intelligent, and someone with whom to share your life with and have fun....having a beautiful wife is not a bad thing, either.. Plus there are elements of adventure, excitement and discovery in marrying an Eastern European woman. She will appreciate traveling with you to new places, trying new foods, meeting new people, and doing things that most Americans would consider mundane or routine. And once a year or so, we'll fly back to Novosibirsk or Chelyabinsk or whatever her hometown might be to visit her family and friends. What an adventure that will be.

Get to know and understand the culture that raised her. Russian women have the cutest accents and the sweetest voices, so you just have to love them.. So when you arrive at the airport in Moscow on your way to see the woman of your dreams, just smile at the immigration officers with the big hats and ill-fitting uniforms, answer their questions quickly and directly, and tell them how happy you are to be in their wonderful country. They'll think you're a nut, but they won't give you a hard time either. And I promise the woman you are going to see will not treat you that way.

Why is the age range I put in my ad from 15 to 20 years younger than I am? Again, probably for the same reasons as yours. One reason is because that's the highest age of most of the women who are looking for foreign husbands. Maybe the women over 45 have given up, or think they are past their prime. That's not true, but how do you tell them? I don't know the answer to that. Would I consider marrying a Russian woman my own age? Sure, why not? Do I really want a trophy wife or arm candy. Every woman wants to be loved because of who she is, not just because she'll look good attached to your arm when you go out on the town. Russian and Ukrainian women are no different. Love them for who and what they are, and tell them so. Often. They'll love you even more for it.

Why would she consider a man 15-25 years her senior? The answers are simple: stability, security and caring. You have a stable and secure career. You have time to pay attention to her and you won't spend fifteen hours a day in the office while you ignore her and your home life. You're settled and responsible. You won't jealously guard your authority as the head of the household, but have learned that a husband and wife are partners, equals. You're not just looking for a good time or playing games, but you are serious about finding a wife you can love and respect. You're a good man and you've proven yourself. Remember when you were 35? You weren't very mature were you? Well, you are now and she likes that. If she knows your age and is still interested in you, then it doesn't matter. Forget the age difference it really doesn't matter.
http://www.datingbeautys.com

About the Author

Graeme Jarry
Internet Marketing since 2003

http://www.GraemeJarry.com

Backpacking With a Bad Back

It is a fact that some backpackers can damage their backs by carrying a load that is too heavy. However, whilst backpacking with a bad back may not seem too attractive, for the serious backpacker giving up their beloved hobby is far worse. There are some key things which you can do if you are thinking about continuing with backpacking despite having a bad back. Some of these might help to ensure that your back is not further damaged and indeed may even help you to overcome your injury.

The first consideration is to learn the art of packing light. This is a popular topic, and you will find many resources are available in how to pack light. You should do your research and learn every trick you can on lightening your backpacking load. Note that packing light does not necessarily mean leaving things behind. It is possible to pack everything you need, if you learn the right way to pack light.

The second aspect you might like to consider is to commence some back exercises. Simple back exercises such as stretching can really help to strengthen the back. For the best advice on appropriate back exercises you should speak to your doctor. He or she should be able to advise you on exercises that will work best for your condition.

There are also ways in which you can alter your technique that help relieve strain on the back and make you more comfortable. For example, poles can be a useful tool for those with an injured back. Poles can shift the weight from your back to your upper body. By using them, you can feel great relief in the back area. It is important, however, that you learn how to properly use poles.

Another factor you could look at is to adopt certain ways of stepping that can take the pressure off your back. A local backpacking organization or club may be the best place to help you learn these techniques.

Backpacking with a bad back can be achieved. It is really important, however, to take it slow and not push yourself too hard. By using some or all of the methods described above, you should find that backpacking is easier and less painful.

The most important point to make is that not all back injuries will be helped with this advice. You must keep in mind that you should stop and see your doctor if your back pain persists or worsens despite trying everything to alleviate the problem.
About the Author

Brian McGregor is a backpacking enthusiast and author. You can read about his latest ebook on backpacking and backpacking magazines, including six free backpacking gifts at http://www.backpackingtime.com/backpackingmagazines.htm

Will U.S. Real Estate Recession Affect the Riviera Maya of Mexico Market in the Mexican Caribbean?

U.S. Existing Home Sales Fall for 5th Straight Month. Will it Affect the Riviera Maya Real Estate Market in Mexico?

8 Top Area Professionals Share their Points of View on the Future of Real Estate in the Riviera Maya

Annual existing U.S.A home prices declined in August for the first time in more than a decade as U.S. home sales fell for a fifth straight month. The year-over-year drop in median sales prices represented a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for the once high-flying housing market, which last year was posting double-digit price gains. ?Pop goes the housing bubble,? said Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors. He predicted prices will tumble farther as home sellers struggle with a record glut of unsold homes. The National Association of Realtors reported this past Monday that sales of existing single-family homes and condominiums dropped 0.5 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.30 million units. That was the fifth straight monthly decline and left sales 12.6 percent below the pace of a year ago.

Okay, so how will a now confirmed U.S. slowdown affect the real estate market here in the lovely Riviera Maya?

Well, to answer that question first we need to understand what's really happening in the U.S. First, it appears that the slowdown in U.S. sales meant that the inventory of unsold homes rose to a record 3.92 million units at the end of August. At last month?s sales pace, it would take 7.5 months to clear out the backlog of unsold homes, the longest stretch since April 1993. The median price of a home sold last month fell to $225,000. That was down 2.2 percent from July and down 1.7 percent from August 2005. That marked the first year-over-year drop in home prices since a 0.1 percent fall in April 1995.

Is this a temporary issue or is this the future of doom and gloom in the Riviera Maya? Find out what the areas 8 Top Pros say. Read on......

mls4rivieramaya8Last year, when the five-year U.S. housing boom was reaching its peak, median prices posted a string of double-digit gains on a year-over-year basis. The median price is the point where half the homes sell for more and half for less. David Lereah, chief economist for the Realtors, predicted price declines would continue for the rest of this year as sellers adjust asking prices downward in light of the inventory glut. ?This is the price correction we?ve been expecting,? Lereah said. ?With sales stabilizing, we should go back to positive price growth early next year.?

But some home sellers around the U.S.A. worried that cutting prices may not be enough, have been offering incentives to attract buyers, including in some cases new cars. Dave Armon, who lives in the New York City suburb of Pelham Manor, said he started out asking $1.6 million for his six-bedroom Tudor-style home three months ago ? below the $1.82 million a neighbor received ? but has slashed the price by $300,000 because he has attracted few interested buyers. ?l am sitting here thinking maybe if I buy a car and park it out front with a bow on it, that will help,? he said.

Could this happen here in the Riviera Maya? Will this type of potential buyer forgo buying here in the Riviera Maya now that his profits have disappeared?

We asked the areas 8 Top Professionals to opine and share their thoughts about this market trend and how it affects our robust real estate market here in the Riviera Maya.

RANDY BONDS - BRIC INTERNATIONAL This decline in existing home prices was expected by everybody in the market. say Randy Bonds from Bric International, a major developer who has several large projects in the Riviera Maya. Real Estate is a cyclical market just like the stock market and there will always be ups and downs in the trends. This correction that we are experiencing is greatly needed to put some sort of normality in the appreciation. The Riviera Maya, as well as the rest of the world, is going to be directly related to what is occurring in the US. These are some of the savviest purchasers all around the world and when they are trying to figure out their next move in the states and where the market is leaning they are more likely to avoid the foreign market. The Riviera Maya over the last two years experienced some of the highest % returns out of any other region in the world. This doesn?t go without certain consequences following when most investors are priced out of the market. The next two years are going to be very important to see the reactions of the builders and owners of condominiums and houses in this region. Builders that are under funded and in the middle of a build are going to be running into financial disarray with the lack of funds for completion and therefore selling at a great discount or packing up and leaving the project incomplete. Investors that currently own with the intention of reselling for a great profit are going to be a little disappointed with the buying market. We will start seeing another buyers market when builders and current owners start the price war downward. Investors, builders, and owners need to realize that patience at a time like this is very important and this region is going nowhere and is still one of the most beautiful and highly desired areas for real estate in the world. Looking back at the stock market in the early 2000?s and where it is now is not much different than what we are going to see in the real estate market over the next 2 ? 3 years. This is a time to relax and reevaluate the up and coming years.

GARY WENDT - PLAYA CITIZEN From downtown Playa del Carmen, Gary Wendt from Playa Citizen, a broker builder says Most people know that the real estate market, especially home building, has carried the economic growth in the USA (after removing oil). This has been going on for years. The housing sector has also generated nothing short of an amazing run UP of VALUE. Thus, a little downturn should be expected and not feared. And there's the rub. Oh, pesky human nature! We humans just can't help but look for things to fear and fear is the fuel for self-fulfilling prophecies and politicians. So who knows for sure what's next. I believe in cycles and location, location, location! Except for oil and real estate, the world economy has been positioned on the edge of a recession for 6 years. Recession is not good for business anywhere in the world. It is still true that as the USA goes, so goes the rest of the world. Here in Playa del Carmen? Well, I am not an economist. But I slept at a Holiday Inn recently (in Puebla - Central Mexico) and I believe that tourist properties situated along our most beautiful caribbean sea will suffer less than average in a recession. In fact, they will suffer much less than all the rest during a recession. It's also true that a great location is the best hedge against cycles in real estate. So, personally, I look for sales to slow a bit. At the very worst, should a recession actually arrive on the scene, prices probably will flatten. Then, as experienced in mid-2002, less than a year after 9/11 when this area of the world rebounded with a frenzy of interest and record growth and sales, we'll bounce again faster than the rest. Anyway, I suggest buyers and sellers plan for the long run in their investment horizons. Farsightedness made Warren Buffet rich. Remember he said,when everyone else is selling, I'm buying. To me, this levels a recession. Not EVERYONE panics and the calm people who plan for success profit.

NANCY EDWARDS - COZUMEL LIVING From the lovely island of Cozumel, Nancy Edwards who is the owner broker of Cozumel Living says While real estate in Mexico is greatly affected by what is happening in the US, I don't feel our prices will drop in Cozumel. They never do. We may have a stagnant market for awhile, but prices never drop in general in a resort area. It is true that we are still suffering a lower than low market due to the effects of Emily and Wilma last year, but prices have not fallen and while we were hoping for a price increase with the coming of this high season, it appears, we might have to buckle down and brace ourself for a mediocre high season this year. The clients that I have had come to the area recently are talking about the slowing US market, and have properties there for sale. As soon as they sell, they still plan on purchasing here. Their purchases probably will be delayed though. Clients with cash are still purchasing because it is a 'buyers market' now with many properties for sale at stagnant, last year prices.

RONNIE POOL - PLAYEXPERT.COM Caribbean Beach Properties Investments and PlayaExpert Ronnie Pool, a broker from Playa del Carmen says Any major economic slowdown in the USA will have an effect here because it means those prospective buyers don't have as strong a financial position, and may have fewer disposable assets to spend here. However, if real estate is not such a good investment there right now, by comparison our market can look even more attractive! So that can compensate. In the final tally I imagine that the sale of the lowest priced properties in our market will be hit harder than those at the upper end. The very wealthy usually ride out economic waves better than the marginally well off. But as a real estate broker I know that I create my own reality, so if I believe that my business will go down because of this ....no doubt it will. If I believe that despite challenges I am better able than anyone to get my share of the pie and still grow....no doubt I will. We reap what we sow, in life, at work, and in our own minds.

GABRIEL VILLARREAL GUERRA - CENTURY 21 MARCOS & ASSAD In my opinion, a slowdown in the housing market in the States will be most definite beneficial for our market. A weaker market means less demand for new homes and therefore less homebuilding. People could have foreseen such a slowdown, as it is clearly stated by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) figures: forecast is for starts to drop to an annual rate of 1.55 million - Inventory/Sales ratio - by the end of 2007, or 27% below their peak level.... reflecting less buyer traffic and a bias towards building fewer homes in the future. Eventually people will start looking for better ?deals?, will start keeping an open-mind in purchasing a second home in Mexico, will be on the look out for investment opportunities, and guaranteed they will follow a trend... put their money in a safe emerging market close to home where they have all the guarantees as foreign investors ? e.i. Banktrusts - and a positive cash flow with higher ROI?s (rate of return), making it more appealing to invest than back home. Plus, we should never forget what we have in our market that nobody else has: a fabulous Caribbean Sea and gorgeous Mayan built pyramids! Just to name a few. If there are no major upcoming changes in economic events that could somehow affect the Riviera Maya, our market will be booming higher than what any professional can foresee... and the slowturn that has taken place in the States will shift our sales figures, in my personal opinion.

THOMAS LLOYD - PLAYA REALTY EXECUTIVES Thomas Lloyd of PlayaBuyerBroker.com says Projecting the future economic and real estate market results is an incredibly difficult task. An entire collection of books are needed to demonstrate and learn the relations and influences upon pricing of homes, condos or upon the price per meter of raw land. Below please find a very general brief on this topic. First, many factors influence the local real estate market including that of the international economic indicators as mentioned in the question above. Twenty five years ago, a very soft correlation existed between USA market results and its influence on the Mexican market and vice versa. Ten years ago, as in the majority of most countries of the world, international market results have had and has continued to have a much stronger affect upon the Mexican national economic activities. Mexico?s strongest trade partner, USA, has increased their commercial relation with the Mexico with the passing of the NAFTA(North American Free Trade Agreement) which only makes our two countries influence even stronger. The trend therefore would indicate that as each decade passes, the international market results and indicators of every individual country will have stronger and direct affects upon the markets of neighboring and/or those countries with the closest economical ties. Second, the Real Estate market is driven more by local indicators than by national, and of course of international indicators. As stated above, pricing is established by many many factors. The majority of the factors are varying/constantly moving and each factor has a different weight of influence upon a final market price. Some factors that weight heavily are generally found in the regional/local economical indicators such as of Population growth, Costs of Doing Business, cost of capital (loans), Quality of Life, Employment and Income, Local Taxes, Property Taxes, ISR taxes vs. (competition). In Summary, Real Estate in California is different than real estate in Indiana, Real Estate in Canada is different than that from Mexico. Each regional market has its own strategies and influences, therefore its own proper real estate opportunities.

JEN LYTLE - TIERRA YUCATAN Even in the Yucatan near Merida, they have a point of view on the U.S. recession. Take Jen Lytle, owner/broker of Tierra Yucatan Properties in Merida. She says I have not yet seen any slow-down in business which could be attributed to the slow-down in the US real estate market, although one might predict several possible long term effects. It is possible that our investor clients will find our property in Yucatan an even more attractive option, as the market here continues strong with good appreciation. I would also expect that for those retiring on a fixed income, it might become more difficult to purchase a retirement property in Mexico if this purchase depends on obtaining equity from the sale of an existing property. Over-all, I am optimistic that our market will be only minimally affected by any slow-down in the US.

SHAWN BANDICK - ONE STOP REAL ESTATE Finally, Shawn Bandick, owner/broker of One Stop Real Estate says In every shifting real estate market there are pocket markets. These are areas which with stand the shift with little or no effect. In British Columbia Canada the Okanagan Valley is one of those areas. I?m sure you can see areas like that in your state or province. So how will this shifting market effect us in the Riviera Maya? If there was ever a Pocket market this is it. The Mexican government recognizes that, and they are putting millions of dollars into the development of Q Roo. Most of our buyers are baby boomers who have paid off their homes, and have the cottage, and are now looking for the sunny hide away. Many of these same buyers have substantial inheritance money that they are investing as well. Also these clients are not just from north America, they are from all over the world and this gives us an even more stable market. Mexico is a new area of investment and the buyers tend to be higher-income they are not the first time home buyers nor are they the first time investors. History shows us that the baby boomers will not be denied! This is no exception. Baby boomers have discovered the Riviera Maya and they are bringing their money here to invest and enjoy. View MLS Listings for One Stop Real Estate

We invite you to come into our discussion by posting your comments into our Forum. Simply go to Riviera Maya Real Esate News at www.rivieramayarealestatenews.com and click on FORUM. Oh, don't forget to View MLS 4 Riviera Maya and Search Listings.

J.P. Money is the host of Let's Talk Real Estate on Riviera Maya Real Estate News, a real estate pod cast show recorded in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Check out the Podcast and all news and real estate info in the Riviera Maya at http://www.rivieramayarealestatenews.com