The online public institution, Florida Virtual School, had paired with the private school of Pearson to create a online community for them. They are called Pearson Virtual Learning and will be offering over 100 programs designed by Florida Virtual School across the U.S and world that include career, advanced placement and technology courses. They are mainly focusing on grades 6-12 so far. So what's the difference between virtual learning and physical learning in a classroom?
Learning in a classroom has its advantages. You have the ability to raise your hand at any given moment and ask a question and have it answered immediately, rather than waiting for an email response. You also have hands on learning with your peers in a classroom. You can have group discussions, projects and just have them there to give insight on certain assignments or schoolwork. This is vital to a child's development, working together in a group and learning to interact mentally with other students. In a classroom setting, group projects are so important because it teaches kids how to interact with society and work together. This knowledge is great because it will be applicable throughout their life, help them with their careers and just help them live a heathy social life in general.
Virtual Learning environments also have its advantages. Virtual learning gives children the opportunity to go to school or further their academic career if they otherwise would not have been able to. If a child can not get to after school classes that give extra credits and a head start on their educational career because of transportation issues, the Virtual School is a great alternative. Also, in general if a child's parents work and can't get them to school during the normal school hours, the Virtual Learning is a great solution as well. As some students thrive in a environment where they are around a lot of people, some thrive working on their own and are very self-sufficient.
The new online courses that Pearson Virtual Academy and Florida Virtual Schools have made give the teachers room to specialize courses for the individual student. Unlike most online classes, that are uniform and are taught as a whole. These courses are specialized for the individual student who might have a different learning pace than another student. This makes choosing to go virtual not that hard of a decision knowing that your child is still getting the individual attention they need to be successful in school.
The lower cost of virtual courses make it inexpensive for schools to offer more programs and courses designed to help students advance their educational journey. As long as students are learning and being successful in their schoolwork what does it matter how they get their education? Whether it's virtual or in a physical classroom, the information they are getting are the same. Now with the newly designed virtual courses, online is now becoming individualized per student. Virtual schools are becoming more and more prevalent today and are only improving in their curriculum. For more information please visit Florida School Report Cards and Public School Rankings
Monday, September 24, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Finding The Right Bradford Real Estate Sales Representative
Choosing the right real estate sales representative is important, no matter whether you are looking to buy or sell property. Each representative has their own strengths and weaknesses, and some are more suited to your needs than others. It is important that you give yourself a choice in the first place, so it is definitely recommended that you meet at least a few different representatives to get a feel for how much they can differ from one another. If you are looking, for example, for houses for sale in Toronto and in Bradford in particular, then choosing the right Bradford real estate sales representative can significantly affect how good a deal you get on a piece of property.
Different Strokes For Different Folks
The needs of buyers and sellers are different, even when it comes to similar types of property. Some sales representatives are better at satisfying the needs of buyers and others are better at fulfilling sellers' needs. Whether you are buying or selling, the best starting point is to do your homework, and look up some local representatives. This can be done easily through the internet and the classifieds section of the newspaper.
Probably the best way to find a good representative is to ask friends and family for recommendations if they have recently bought or sold property through an agent. Otherwise, there are some factors that you should pay attention to. The most important is experience. The more experienced your property sale representative is, the better the price that he or she will be able to secure for you.
Service
Most representatives provide a profile of themselves on their websites, along with some statistics such as the number of sale or purchase deals they have managed to close. This is, however, not a reliable indicator of how well a representative will look after your interests. The only way to do that is in a face-to-face meeting. That way you can better assess how the agent will respond to your needs.
In general, a good sales representative is one who is friendly, open and informative. The more information that you have before making a buy or sell decision, the better, and it is up to your sales representative to provide you with that information. If he or she does not seem forthcoming with information and simply pressures you to sign immediately, then you should not waste your time on them any further.
A Considered Decision
Buying or selling a property is always a big decision, not least because of the sums of money involved. Some peoples' entire life savings are invested in their property, so it is important that you make the best decision possible.
When on the lookout for houses for sale in Toronto, in the Bradford area, then you should definitely heed the advice given above. You should secure the services of a good Bradford real estate sales representative who will do his very best to get you the best price on the property you wish to purchase.
Different Strokes For Different Folks
The needs of buyers and sellers are different, even when it comes to similar types of property. Some sales representatives are better at satisfying the needs of buyers and others are better at fulfilling sellers' needs. Whether you are buying or selling, the best starting point is to do your homework, and look up some local representatives. This can be done easily through the internet and the classifieds section of the newspaper.
Probably the best way to find a good representative is to ask friends and family for recommendations if they have recently bought or sold property through an agent. Otherwise, there are some factors that you should pay attention to. The most important is experience. The more experienced your property sale representative is, the better the price that he or she will be able to secure for you.
Service
Most representatives provide a profile of themselves on their websites, along with some statistics such as the number of sale or purchase deals they have managed to close. This is, however, not a reliable indicator of how well a representative will look after your interests. The only way to do that is in a face-to-face meeting. That way you can better assess how the agent will respond to your needs.
In general, a good sales representative is one who is friendly, open and informative. The more information that you have before making a buy or sell decision, the better, and it is up to your sales representative to provide you with that information. If he or she does not seem forthcoming with information and simply pressures you to sign immediately, then you should not waste your time on them any further.
A Considered Decision
Buying or selling a property is always a big decision, not least because of the sums of money involved. Some peoples' entire life savings are invested in their property, so it is important that you make the best decision possible.
When on the lookout for houses for sale in Toronto, in the Bradford area, then you should definitely heed the advice given above. You should secure the services of a good Bradford real estate sales representative who will do his very best to get you the best price on the property you wish to purchase.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Straighterline And New England College Of Business And Finance (necb) Partner To Provide Students Seeking To Major In Business With Access To An Online Business Degree
BALTIMORE, MD - StraighterLine (www.straighterline[dot]com) announced today that New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) () in Boston, MA, has joined StraighterLine's network of partner colleges. Founded in 1909, New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) is a leading Boston institution offering Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's business degrees online. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
Through this partnership, students who successfully complete StraighterLine's affordable online college courses may transfer their courses for full credit when they enroll in one of New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) business degree programs, and they can use these transfer credits toward the completion of their Bachelor's business degree.
Students can take freshman and introductory-level classes through StraighterLine and save thousands of dollars earning their college degree. With StraighterLine, students pay only per month plus per course started and can move through the material as quickly or slowly as they like.
StraighterLine courses have been evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) and have met or exceeded the Distance Education and Training Council's standards for online course quality.
Currently, StraighterLine offers twenty-three entry-level college courses online, including College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Business Writing, Introduction to Biology, Introduction to Biology with a lab, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry I with a lab, English Comp I, English Comp II, Accounting I, Accounting II, Managerial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Business Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, each with a lab option, Medical Terminology, Psychology and two developmental courses, with more expected to be later this year.
StraighterLine partner colleges are regionally accredited institutions that award post-secondary credit to students upon transfer for successfully completing StraighterLine's online college courses. StraighterLine partner colleges and universities include the following institutions:
* American College of Dubai (www.centamed[dot]com)
* American InterContinental University (www.aiuniv.edu)
* Ashford University (www.ashford.edu)
* Assumption College (www.assumption.edu)
* Capella University (www.capella.edu)
* Charter Oak State College (www.charteroak.edu)
* Colorado State University-Global Campus (www.csuglobal[dot]org)
* DeVry University (www.devry.edu/)
* Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu)
* Fort Hays State University (www.fhsu.edu)
* Granite State College (www.granite.edu)
* Jefferson Community and Technical College (www.jefferson.kctcs.edu)
* Kaplan University (www.kaplanuniversity.edu)
* Florida Gateway College (www.fgc.edu)
* La Salle University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies (www.lasalle.edu/cpcs)
* Nazarene Bible College (www.nbc.edu)
* New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) ()
* Potomac College (www.potomac.edu)
* The University of Akron (www.uakron.edu)
* Thomas Edison State College (www.tesc.edu)
* Thompson Rivers University (www.truopen.ca)
* Western Governors University (www.wgu.edu)
* WGU Indiana (www.indiana.wgu.edu)
"NECB and StraighterLine are committed to reducing the cost of college and improving the likelihood of degree completion. By successfully completing one or more StraighterLine courses, a student is more likely to successfully finish what they started" says Burck Smith, StraighterLine's CEO and founder.
"New England College of Business and Finance is a recognized leader in online education. Since 2002, we have been delivering expert content and instruction to working adults via a proven online model that boasts an impressive 95% plus student satisfaction rating. We are excited to partner with StraighterLine to provide students the opportunity to transfer credits toward the completion of their Bachelor's business degree. To support their degree attainment efforts, we will also provide these students with a partner tuition discount says, Emily W Knight of NECB"
About New England College of Business and Finance (NECB)
Founded in 1909, New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) is a leading Boston institution offering quality education and online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NECB empowers students with skills and expert knowledge taught by seasoned business leaders and research faculty, using state-of-the-art online courses. Serving students across the United States, NECB is an online business school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
About StraighterLine
StraighterLine is a leader in providing affordable online college courses. StraighterLine's programs are a great way to tackle the escalating cost of four-year college tuition and avoid a mountain of student debt.
StraighterLine offers two innovative programs for getting started on a college degree: college courses for only a month plus per course (one-time fee) and the "Freshman Year for 9" program. Both programs are designed to help college students and their families address rampant rising tuition costs of college education. Students can take freshman-level college courses and realize savings of more than 90% versus the first-year tuition at many colleges. Students with the time and ability to complete course materials in a shorter time can realize even greater savings. In addition, now High School students can take StraighterLine courses as an AP Test Prep alternative or as dual credit program. StraighterLine has received approval for the following online college courses to be listed as AP courses: Economics I: Macroeconomics, Economics II: Microeconomics, English Composition, and General Calculus I. All programs include up to 10 hours of one-on-one instructional support.
Students who successfully complete StraighterLine online college courses receive credit when they enroll with any school in our rapidly expanding network of regionally accredited partner colleges and universities. In addition, the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT - www.acenet.edu/acecredit/) has also evaluated and recommended college credit for StraighterLine courses. ACE CREDIT helps students gain access to academic credit at colleges and universities for formal courses and examinations taken in settings outside traditional higher education
StraighterLine also offers a tuition assistance program as a benefit for companies to provide to employees interested in earning their college degree.
Through this partnership, students who successfully complete StraighterLine's affordable online college courses may transfer their courses for full credit when they enroll in one of New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) business degree programs, and they can use these transfer credits toward the completion of their Bachelor's business degree.
Students can take freshman and introductory-level classes through StraighterLine and save thousands of dollars earning their college degree. With StraighterLine, students pay only per month plus per course started and can move through the material as quickly or slowly as they like.
StraighterLine courses have been evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) and have met or exceeded the Distance Education and Training Council's standards for online course quality.
Currently, StraighterLine offers twenty-three entry-level college courses online, including College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Business Writing, Introduction to Biology, Introduction to Biology with a lab, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry I with a lab, English Comp I, English Comp II, Accounting I, Accounting II, Managerial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Business Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, each with a lab option, Medical Terminology, Psychology and two developmental courses, with more expected to be later this year.
StraighterLine partner colleges are regionally accredited institutions that award post-secondary credit to students upon transfer for successfully completing StraighterLine's online college courses. StraighterLine partner colleges and universities include the following institutions:
* American College of Dubai (www.centamed[dot]com)
* American InterContinental University (www.aiuniv.edu)
* Ashford University (www.ashford.edu)
* Assumption College (www.assumption.edu)
* Capella University (www.capella.edu)
* Charter Oak State College (www.charteroak.edu)
* Colorado State University-Global Campus (www.csuglobal[dot]org)
* DeVry University (www.devry.edu/)
* Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu)
* Fort Hays State University (www.fhsu.edu)
* Granite State College (www.granite.edu)
* Jefferson Community and Technical College (www.jefferson.kctcs.edu)
* Kaplan University (www.kaplanuniversity.edu)
* Florida Gateway College (www.fgc.edu)
* La Salle University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies (www.lasalle.edu/cpcs)
* Nazarene Bible College (www.nbc.edu)
* New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) ()
* Potomac College (www.potomac.edu)
* The University of Akron (www.uakron.edu)
* Thomas Edison State College (www.tesc.edu)
* Thompson Rivers University (www.truopen.ca)
* Western Governors University (www.wgu.edu)
* WGU Indiana (www.indiana.wgu.edu)
"NECB and StraighterLine are committed to reducing the cost of college and improving the likelihood of degree completion. By successfully completing one or more StraighterLine courses, a student is more likely to successfully finish what they started" says Burck Smith, StraighterLine's CEO and founder.
"New England College of Business and Finance is a recognized leader in online education. Since 2002, we have been delivering expert content and instruction to working adults via a proven online model that boasts an impressive 95% plus student satisfaction rating. We are excited to partner with StraighterLine to provide students the opportunity to transfer credits toward the completion of their Bachelor's business degree. To support their degree attainment efforts, we will also provide these students with a partner tuition discount says, Emily W Knight of NECB"
About New England College of Business and Finance (NECB)
Founded in 1909, New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) is a leading Boston institution offering quality education and online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NECB empowers students with skills and expert knowledge taught by seasoned business leaders and research faculty, using state-of-the-art online courses. Serving students across the United States, NECB is an online business school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
About StraighterLine
StraighterLine is a leader in providing affordable online college courses. StraighterLine's programs are a great way to tackle the escalating cost of four-year college tuition and avoid a mountain of student debt.
StraighterLine offers two innovative programs for getting started on a college degree: college courses for only a month plus per course (one-time fee) and the "Freshman Year for 9" program. Both programs are designed to help college students and their families address rampant rising tuition costs of college education. Students can take freshman-level college courses and realize savings of more than 90% versus the first-year tuition at many colleges. Students with the time and ability to complete course materials in a shorter time can realize even greater savings. In addition, now High School students can take StraighterLine courses as an AP Test Prep alternative or as dual credit program. StraighterLine has received approval for the following online college courses to be listed as AP courses: Economics I: Macroeconomics, Economics II: Microeconomics, English Composition, and General Calculus I. All programs include up to 10 hours of one-on-one instructional support.
Students who successfully complete StraighterLine online college courses receive credit when they enroll with any school in our rapidly expanding network of regionally accredited partner colleges and universities. In addition, the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT - www.acenet.edu/acecredit/) has also evaluated and recommended college credit for StraighterLine courses. ACE CREDIT helps students gain access to academic credit at colleges and universities for formal courses and examinations taken in settings outside traditional higher education
StraighterLine also offers a tuition assistance program as a benefit for companies to provide to employees interested in earning their college degree.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Marine Surveys - What To Expect
What is a marine survey?
A marine survey, in its simplest form, is an appraisal and inspection similar to that performed on real estate or other items.
For starters, if you are dealing with a reputable Yacht Broker such as me, he will guide you through the process. I know several marine surveyors that I will recommend as I've had experience with them in the past and I know their capabilities. I will not choose one for you however, as I don't want any suggestion of a conflict of interest.
There are several types of surveys but for the buyer, the Pre-Purchase Survey is the one you will want. It will be the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is usually requested by lenders and insurance companies when purchasing a used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel will be examined. The value of the yacht will also be estimated by the surveyor.
A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.
Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.
Do I really need a marine survey?
If you are intending to invest several thousand of your hard-earned dollars in purchasing a boat, a marine survey may be the least expensive and most valuable tool you have to assist you in that purchase. A boat operator who knows the condition of his vessel is better prepared to handle adversity than one who isn't. The marine surveyor you hire to inspect the boat should have the knowledge and expertise to determine if it has been properly maintained and in safe condition. A prudent buyer should make his final acceptance of the boat subject to the findings of a marine surveyor.
Why should you have a vessel surveyed?
Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers
Pre-purchase survey
This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial
Insurance survey
This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value.
Appraisal inspection
This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases
What to expect during the survey
We typically perform the survey in conjunction with the sea trial.
The surveyor will meet you, the buyer, at the boat early in the day. The owner is usually there as well as the Broker. He will begin with an overall inspection of the boat looking for anything obviously different. He will then begin his survey on a specific system of the boat; these include:
Fuel systems,
Water systems,
Cooling and heating systems,
Electrical systems; both AC and DC,
Propulsion system
Waste system,
Electronics,
Navigational system,
and more.
It is usually the engine he will begin with as he will like to examine it before it is started and gets too hot to touch. He will continue addressing each system in no particular order. He'll look at each system's component then turn it on to insure it works; such as lights, cooking equipment, air conditioning, everything. Some nondestructive testing such as sounding the laminate with a hammer, or testing with a moisture meter may be included.
And it's OK to talk to your surveyor and ask him what he is finding, just don't hover over him and get in his way.
Later in the morning we'll need to take the boat to a nearby yard to haul the boat out of the water to allow the surveyor to look at the bottom. This is when we perform the sea trial as well. You now get to operate the boat to make sure you like how she handles. The owner is on board to assist us.
Afterwards we lift the boat out of the water for about an hour and your surveyor checks the running gear, through hulls and hull for any damage or other problems.
After we are done with the bottom, the boat is placed back into the water and we will continue with the sea trial. Again you can operate the boat as much as you like. The surveyor will also take the helm to feel the boat and check her steering and performance. He'll also go below to check the engine while underway.
So by later in the afternoon, your surveyor has inspected the entire boat; he has either inspected or operated everything to his satisfaction so he can give you an objective opinion as what he thinks of your chosen boat. You'll know before the day is over if you have a keeper.
Oh, and by the way, it is customary to pay the surveyor on the day of the survey.
What should I expect in a marine survey report?
You are hiring the marine surveyor for his or her objective opinion of the condition of the boat and its value. You may not agree with their final findings in either regard, but you have benefited from their professional opinion.
The survey report will cover the areas inspected and include recommendations regarding problem areas. It will also include a current market value and/or replacement value estimate.
The marine survey provides a complete report on the subject vessel, and references complete identification of the boat (including year, make, model, hull identification numbers, and engine information and so on). The report also gives detailed information about the vessel including description of the superstructure and hull, fittings and equipment, electronics and safety equipment, electronics, galley, engines, electrical system, firefighting equipment, and fuel systems.
You should be aware of the guidelines a marine surveyor uses for his comparisons, such as: "The mandatory standards promulgated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), under the authority of Title 46 United States Code (USC); Title 33 and Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the voluntary Standards and Recommended Practices developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have been used as guidelines in the conducting of this survey. "
This tells you the exact information the marine surveyor used as a baseline for his comments and recommendations.
Also be sure you understand how the marine surveyor determined the market value and/or replacement value for the boat and what those values mean.
A marine survey, in its simplest form, is an appraisal and inspection similar to that performed on real estate or other items.
For starters, if you are dealing with a reputable Yacht Broker such as me, he will guide you through the process. I know several marine surveyors that I will recommend as I've had experience with them in the past and I know their capabilities. I will not choose one for you however, as I don't want any suggestion of a conflict of interest.
There are several types of surveys but for the buyer, the Pre-Purchase Survey is the one you will want. It will be the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is usually requested by lenders and insurance companies when purchasing a used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel will be examined. The value of the yacht will also be estimated by the surveyor.
A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.
Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.
Do I really need a marine survey?
If you are intending to invest several thousand of your hard-earned dollars in purchasing a boat, a marine survey may be the least expensive and most valuable tool you have to assist you in that purchase. A boat operator who knows the condition of his vessel is better prepared to handle adversity than one who isn't. The marine surveyor you hire to inspect the boat should have the knowledge and expertise to determine if it has been properly maintained and in safe condition. A prudent buyer should make his final acceptance of the boat subject to the findings of a marine surveyor.
Why should you have a vessel surveyed?
Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers
Pre-purchase survey
This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial
Insurance survey
This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value.
Appraisal inspection
This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases
What to expect during the survey
We typically perform the survey in conjunction with the sea trial.
The surveyor will meet you, the buyer, at the boat early in the day. The owner is usually there as well as the Broker. He will begin with an overall inspection of the boat looking for anything obviously different. He will then begin his survey on a specific system of the boat; these include:
Fuel systems,
Water systems,
Cooling and heating systems,
Electrical systems; both AC and DC,
Propulsion system
Waste system,
Electronics,
Navigational system,
and more.
It is usually the engine he will begin with as he will like to examine it before it is started and gets too hot to touch. He will continue addressing each system in no particular order. He'll look at each system's component then turn it on to insure it works; such as lights, cooking equipment, air conditioning, everything. Some nondestructive testing such as sounding the laminate with a hammer, or testing with a moisture meter may be included.
And it's OK to talk to your surveyor and ask him what he is finding, just don't hover over him and get in his way.
Later in the morning we'll need to take the boat to a nearby yard to haul the boat out of the water to allow the surveyor to look at the bottom. This is when we perform the sea trial as well. You now get to operate the boat to make sure you like how she handles. The owner is on board to assist us.
Afterwards we lift the boat out of the water for about an hour and your surveyor checks the running gear, through hulls and hull for any damage or other problems.
After we are done with the bottom, the boat is placed back into the water and we will continue with the sea trial. Again you can operate the boat as much as you like. The surveyor will also take the helm to feel the boat and check her steering and performance. He'll also go below to check the engine while underway.
So by later in the afternoon, your surveyor has inspected the entire boat; he has either inspected or operated everything to his satisfaction so he can give you an objective opinion as what he thinks of your chosen boat. You'll know before the day is over if you have a keeper.
Oh, and by the way, it is customary to pay the surveyor on the day of the survey.
What should I expect in a marine survey report?
You are hiring the marine surveyor for his or her objective opinion of the condition of the boat and its value. You may not agree with their final findings in either regard, but you have benefited from their professional opinion.
The survey report will cover the areas inspected and include recommendations regarding problem areas. It will also include a current market value and/or replacement value estimate.
The marine survey provides a complete report on the subject vessel, and references complete identification of the boat (including year, make, model, hull identification numbers, and engine information and so on). The report also gives detailed information about the vessel including description of the superstructure and hull, fittings and equipment, electronics and safety equipment, electronics, galley, engines, electrical system, firefighting equipment, and fuel systems.
You should be aware of the guidelines a marine surveyor uses for his comparisons, such as: "The mandatory standards promulgated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), under the authority of Title 46 United States Code (USC); Title 33 and Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the voluntary Standards and Recommended Practices developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have been used as guidelines in the conducting of this survey. "
This tells you the exact information the marine surveyor used as a baseline for his comments and recommendations.
Also be sure you understand how the marine surveyor determined the market value and/or replacement value for the boat and what those values mean.
Friday, September 14, 2012
How Exactly Does An AC Contactor Work?
A contactor is an electrical switching device used to regulate power circuits that run heavy-duty loads such as electric motors, heating and air-conditioning units, and industrial lighting. It is a lot like a relay, but able to handle much higher current flow. The contactor itself may well directly be directly connected to the power source, or it could be controlled by a separate economizer circuit that carries a great deal less power than the one controlled by the contactor. Contactors can certainly run on either alternating current (AC--the type received from the power grid of utility companies) or direct current (DC--from batteries, solar cells or windmill generators).
AC contactors are essentially the most common, because most household and industrial power supplies are AC. Each and every contactor has three components: 1) the contacts; 2) an electromagnet; 3) an enclosure. The enclosure is only a frame to hold the contacts and the magnet; it is made from an insulating--non-conductive--material such as Bakelite, nylon or some other type of plastic. The electromagnet is really a coil of wire surrounding a movable soft iron core. It is the driving force which usually closes the contacts (switches) so as to complete the electrical circuit and deliver power to the load device. The contacts actually carry the current. The resting condition of the contactor, once the power is off, is generally with the switches open; no power is delivered to the load; electrical engineers call this a 'normally open' circuit. Each contact has a fixed pole and a movable pole; the movable pole is attached to a spring which is activated by the electromagnet. When power is applied, the magnetic field generated by way of the wire coil moves the iron core and, with the use of the spring, pulls the movable pole of the contact toward the fixed pole until they are touching; this wraps up (closes) the circuit and delivers power to the load device.
A contactor has at least three switches or contacts, but can have many more depending on the complexity of the device or system it controls. There will also be different kinds of contacts on the same contactor: main power contacts or auxiliary contacts. Depending on the quantity of contacts, there may also be several electromagnets. This arrangement can be used for a system in which automatic acceleration is required. An economizer circuit lowers the amount of power necessary to keep the contacts closed and minimizes heat buildup. It is always utilized for DC contactors, but only for very big AC contactors.
The defining characteristic of alternating current is often that it reverses direction in a cyclic fashion; as a result the magnetic contactor can be pulled in alternating directions until some mechanism smoothed or averaged the current flow. AC contactors have a mechanism that does that. A shading coil is placed around a small portion of the iron core; it serves to slightly delay the flow of the electromagnetic current.
There are lots of companies that make as well as sell AC contactors. AC contactor suppliers is often brick-and-mortar home center stores or even wholesale electrical supply companies. In addition, there are plenty of online sources.
AC contactors are essentially the most common, because most household and industrial power supplies are AC. Each and every contactor has three components: 1) the contacts; 2) an electromagnet; 3) an enclosure. The enclosure is only a frame to hold the contacts and the magnet; it is made from an insulating--non-conductive--material such as Bakelite, nylon or some other type of plastic. The electromagnet is really a coil of wire surrounding a movable soft iron core. It is the driving force which usually closes the contacts (switches) so as to complete the electrical circuit and deliver power to the load device. The contacts actually carry the current. The resting condition of the contactor, once the power is off, is generally with the switches open; no power is delivered to the load; electrical engineers call this a 'normally open' circuit. Each contact has a fixed pole and a movable pole; the movable pole is attached to a spring which is activated by the electromagnet. When power is applied, the magnetic field generated by way of the wire coil moves the iron core and, with the use of the spring, pulls the movable pole of the contact toward the fixed pole until they are touching; this wraps up (closes) the circuit and delivers power to the load device.
A contactor has at least three switches or contacts, but can have many more depending on the complexity of the device or system it controls. There will also be different kinds of contacts on the same contactor: main power contacts or auxiliary contacts. Depending on the quantity of contacts, there may also be several electromagnets. This arrangement can be used for a system in which automatic acceleration is required. An economizer circuit lowers the amount of power necessary to keep the contacts closed and minimizes heat buildup. It is always utilized for DC contactors, but only for very big AC contactors.
The defining characteristic of alternating current is often that it reverses direction in a cyclic fashion; as a result the magnetic contactor can be pulled in alternating directions until some mechanism smoothed or averaged the current flow. AC contactors have a mechanism that does that. A shading coil is placed around a small portion of the iron core; it serves to slightly delay the flow of the electromagnetic current.
There are lots of companies that make as well as sell AC contactors. AC contactor suppliers is often brick-and-mortar home center stores or even wholesale electrical supply companies. In addition, there are plenty of online sources.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Dealing with LASIK Cost
LASIK surgery is an alternative to wearing corrective lens for people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK surgery, however, unlike corrective lenses is not covered by most insurance. That means a person has to find their own way to finance their LASIK procedure.
There are many companies out there who specialize in providing financing for LASIK surgery. These companies offer you a line of credit, much like a bank loan. It comes with an interest rate and you must make monthly payments towards your loan.
Before choosing a financing company, though, it is smart to speak with your surgeon. Some surgeons will only work with select financing companies. Additionally, your surgeon may offer financing that could end up being cheaper or he may have suggestions on where else to go for financing.
You may also be able to locate financing online through a search for "LASIK financing". You may be able to find more competitive interest rates and varied financing options through this method.
If you are looking to get financed you should still try to come up with an initial down payment. It helps to have as much of a down payment as possible. Having a large down payment will reduce the amount you need funded. Additionally, you will end up paying less if you can come up with more money down because you will pay less interest.
You can get the down payment money from your savings or you if you have a flexible spending account then you can use that. You should try to come up with the money without having to borrow it since that would defeat the purpose of having a down payment.
You have to keep in mind that getting financed for LASIK surgery is going to be like getting financing for anything else. If you have bad credit or no credit it may be difficult to find a company willing to finance you. This is a risky finance since there is no collateral for the company to collect should you default on the loan. By having a good sized down payment, you may be able to still get financed even if your credit is less then stellar.
When it comes to financing LASIK surgery it is really in your hands. The insurance companies have yet to see it as being a good alternative to financing corrective lenses, so they won't pay. Until they see that helping people get LASIK can actually save them money in the long run, it is unlikely that insurance will be the answer to LASIK costs. Until then it is up to you to find a way to get your LASIK surgery financed.
There are many companies out there who specialize in providing financing for LASIK surgery. These companies offer you a line of credit, much like a bank loan. It comes with an interest rate and you must make monthly payments towards your loan.
Before choosing a financing company, though, it is smart to speak with your surgeon. Some surgeons will only work with select financing companies. Additionally, your surgeon may offer financing that could end up being cheaper or he may have suggestions on where else to go for financing.
You may also be able to locate financing online through a search for "LASIK financing". You may be able to find more competitive interest rates and varied financing options through this method.
If you are looking to get financed you should still try to come up with an initial down payment. It helps to have as much of a down payment as possible. Having a large down payment will reduce the amount you need funded. Additionally, you will end up paying less if you can come up with more money down because you will pay less interest.
You can get the down payment money from your savings or you if you have a flexible spending account then you can use that. You should try to come up with the money without having to borrow it since that would defeat the purpose of having a down payment.
You have to keep in mind that getting financed for LASIK surgery is going to be like getting financing for anything else. If you have bad credit or no credit it may be difficult to find a company willing to finance you. This is a risky finance since there is no collateral for the company to collect should you default on the loan. By having a good sized down payment, you may be able to still get financed even if your credit is less then stellar.
When it comes to financing LASIK surgery it is really in your hands. The insurance companies have yet to see it as being a good alternative to financing corrective lenses, so they won't pay. Until they see that helping people get LASIK can actually save them money in the long run, it is unlikely that insurance will be the answer to LASIK costs. Until then it is up to you to find a way to get your LASIK surgery financed.
Monday, September 10, 2012
To Barter, Or Not To Bater, In Thailand
While it is common, and even expected, to negotiate prices for homes or cars, most of those in the Western world would never dream of doing so in a store or with a vendor. The price is marked on a price tag, so that is what we pay. It would be rude to haggle, not to mention futile. In Thailand, as in most of Asia, bartering is the norm, and in fact, it is rude not to barter. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, how do you know when to barter and when to pay the asking price? How do you ensure you are paying the proper price that is fair to both you and the vendor?
Just as you can be thought rude or uncouth for failing to barter with vendors, so too can you be thought arrogant or cheap if you barter at the wrong time. Many in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Asia believe that there is nothing on Earth for which you cannot barter. In terms of cultural faux pas, though, you want to stay away from bartering in department stores, malls, grocery stores, or for scheduled buses or ferries. If you are dining at a restaurant by yourself or with a small party, you will not want to barter.
There are a few exceptions, however. If you are eating with a large party, you may negotiate the rates before you eat. If you do it after, you will be looked upon as very cheap or unknowledgeable. You may sometimes barter the price for high ticket items in a department store, such as jewelry, or when you are buying an item in bulk. You may also offer to pay cash for a discount. Some stores will take off five to ten percent if you use cash instead of a credit card, but this is far from universal.
Before you hit the streets of Thailand, brush up on your bartering skills. While there are some intricacies you should know, in general, you want to be very pleasant. Never raise your voice, and treat bartering like a game. It can be intimidating for the uninitiated, but it helps to know that this is largely meant to be an enjoyable experience for vendor and buyer. Start in Thai, saying, "Sawadee krap/ka, nee tao rai na krap/ka?" or Hello. How much is this?
Don't take it too seriously, play along, and above all, always pay a fair price for goods. Vendors will often take off ten to twenty-five percent of their asking price through the bargaining process; unless it is a very expensive item, don't haggle too much more than that. Remember that as a tourist, you have considerably more money than the vendor.
Just as you can be thought rude or uncouth for failing to barter with vendors, so too can you be thought arrogant or cheap if you barter at the wrong time. Many in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Asia believe that there is nothing on Earth for which you cannot barter. In terms of cultural faux pas, though, you want to stay away from bartering in department stores, malls, grocery stores, or for scheduled buses or ferries. If you are dining at a restaurant by yourself or with a small party, you will not want to barter.
There are a few exceptions, however. If you are eating with a large party, you may negotiate the rates before you eat. If you do it after, you will be looked upon as very cheap or unknowledgeable. You may sometimes barter the price for high ticket items in a department store, such as jewelry, or when you are buying an item in bulk. You may also offer to pay cash for a discount. Some stores will take off five to ten percent if you use cash instead of a credit card, but this is far from universal.
Before you hit the streets of Thailand, brush up on your bartering skills. While there are some intricacies you should know, in general, you want to be very pleasant. Never raise your voice, and treat bartering like a game. It can be intimidating for the uninitiated, but it helps to know that this is largely meant to be an enjoyable experience for vendor and buyer. Start in Thai, saying, "Sawadee krap/ka, nee tao rai na krap/ka?" or Hello. How much is this?
Don't take it too seriously, play along, and above all, always pay a fair price for goods. Vendors will often take off ten to twenty-five percent of their asking price through the bargaining process; unless it is a very expensive item, don't haggle too much more than that. Remember that as a tourist, you have considerably more money than the vendor.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
What Factors Cause us to Overspend?
In spite of knowing the fact that debt has created havoc in our personal finances that led us to seek assistance from various debt relief agencies and debt settlement companies, we seldom part from our economic follies wherein over-spending plays a crucial role. There are several causes of overspending and if one is truly interested to control it they should not overlook the following reasons, as the overspending can be reduced only when the spender is aware of the urges and triggers behind it.
Since our childhood till we grow up into adults we tend to get affected by bad influences of other people whom we see spending uncontrollably. We thus take it for granted that spending so much is fine and fun both; especially if we were never talked to about budget and importance of being debt-free. In many cases, our extravagant environment also cast a wrong spell in our spending habits. Thus certain bad but tempting influences and surrounding prompt us to over-spend in a subtle act of imitation.
Our spending habit creates its foundation from the first time we get an allowance from our parents and are given responsibility of spending the same wisely. When we get a job and a credit card for the first time we may have no necessities to be responsible for yet and if we start overspending since that point of time, this may take a shape of a bad habit and would continue till a longer period. That is because over-spending ahs got nothing to do with need but urges and habits.
Peer pressure is another reason which drives us to overspend just to fit in our social friends' company and to keep us with the Joneses. These commercial factors of fitting in' and subtle material competition among our social counterparts provide us enough reason to over-spend out of a love for show offs' and display of material wealth and possessions. That way we think we gain other's admiration and social status symbol. We constantly compete and try to imitate our friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers and ultimately take part in a kind or mad race of accomplishing and accumulating mindless materials by overspending.
Another popular and strong reason behind overspending is depression that further leads to boredom. People often unknowingly sets out to shop till they drop when they feel depressed; stressed and bored; and they take the option of shopping as the best at that. Without any second thought they visit a nearby mall, grocery store or super-market and purchases stuffs with an impulsive attitude and mostly without any necessity and end up overspending or using their credit cards for the same. Thus these emotional voids create urges to over-spend as possessing something new provides a temporary feel-good factor.
The solutions does not lies in avoiding and escaping all these reasons with tricks and tips, but in finding the root cause behind your habit of overspending and dealing with it positively by providing a better and least expensive substitute. Be it your bad habit, or bad influence, your friends or emotional tantrums; fill yourself with determination and discipline to fight all reasons of overspending.
Since our childhood till we grow up into adults we tend to get affected by bad influences of other people whom we see spending uncontrollably. We thus take it for granted that spending so much is fine and fun both; especially if we were never talked to about budget and importance of being debt-free. In many cases, our extravagant environment also cast a wrong spell in our spending habits. Thus certain bad but tempting influences and surrounding prompt us to over-spend in a subtle act of imitation.
Our spending habit creates its foundation from the first time we get an allowance from our parents and are given responsibility of spending the same wisely. When we get a job and a credit card for the first time we may have no necessities to be responsible for yet and if we start overspending since that point of time, this may take a shape of a bad habit and would continue till a longer period. That is because over-spending ahs got nothing to do with need but urges and habits.
Peer pressure is another reason which drives us to overspend just to fit in our social friends' company and to keep us with the Joneses. These commercial factors of fitting in' and subtle material competition among our social counterparts provide us enough reason to over-spend out of a love for show offs' and display of material wealth and possessions. That way we think we gain other's admiration and social status symbol. We constantly compete and try to imitate our friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers and ultimately take part in a kind or mad race of accomplishing and accumulating mindless materials by overspending.
Another popular and strong reason behind overspending is depression that further leads to boredom. People often unknowingly sets out to shop till they drop when they feel depressed; stressed and bored; and they take the option of shopping as the best at that. Without any second thought they visit a nearby mall, grocery store or super-market and purchases stuffs with an impulsive attitude and mostly without any necessity and end up overspending or using their credit cards for the same. Thus these emotional voids create urges to over-spend as possessing something new provides a temporary feel-good factor.
The solutions does not lies in avoiding and escaping all these reasons with tricks and tips, but in finding the root cause behind your habit of overspending and dealing with it positively by providing a better and least expensive substitute. Be it your bad habit, or bad influence, your friends or emotional tantrums; fill yourself with determination and discipline to fight all reasons of overspending.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Seize Additional Funds By Refinancing Your Mortgage
If you need financing and you can't resort to traditional means due to bad credit or you just would prefer to obtain more advantageous loan terms and not so high interest rates and payments as the ones offered by unsecured loans, you can always refinance your home mortgage with a cash out refinance loan and seize additional funds from your home equity.
Cash-out refinance home loans can provide you with additional funding by resorting to your available home equity. New home equity becomes available on a property guaranteeing a loan as the loan's payments get made or due to an increase on the property's value that enlarges the difference between the money owed and the market price of the asset.
How To Obtain Home Equity
Getting additional equity is not a quick process. And if you don't have available equity on your home already, there are no chances of obtaining a cash-out refinance home loan within a short period of time. Equity generates slowly and only on exceptional situations you can have a sudden increase on the amount of your available home equity. In any case, it won't ever happen from one day to another, as it takes at least months.
Equity generates basically by a reduction on the amount of debt secured by the property (which happens when you repay the mortgage loan month after month) or by an increase on the market price of the property. Since equity is defined as the difference between the value of the asset and the money owed and secured with it, if the property's market price rises, then the difference will augment and so will the available equity.
Advantages Of Home Equity
Cash out refinance loans seize your available equity and provide a good amount based on it. The rest of the money is used to repaying the previous loan and thus, you'll end up with a single monthly payment. These loans provide higher loan amounts than unsecured loans but the loan limit always depends on your available equity and your repayment capacity. Credit requirements have little to do with this though they may affect the resulting amount slightly.
Also, these loans provide lower interest rates than any other form of financing only matched by certain subsidized loans. But loans based on equity are the most inexpensive sources of funding on the whole loan market. This, added to the fact that the repayment programs are flexible enough to be extended up to 30 years, implies lower and more affordable monthly payments.
Getting Advantageous Terms On Your Cash Out Refinance Loan
If you want to obtain advantageous terms on your cash out refinance loan, you need to request different loan quotes from several lenders and compare the different offers you'll receive. Concentrate on the APRs but don't neglect other loan terms that are also important like the loan amount, the repayment schedule and the amount of the loan installments that will directly affect your monthly income. Once you are comfortable with an offer, just apply for that loan and wait to be contacted.
Cash-out refinance home loans can provide you with additional funding by resorting to your available home equity. New home equity becomes available on a property guaranteeing a loan as the loan's payments get made or due to an increase on the property's value that enlarges the difference between the money owed and the market price of the asset.
How To Obtain Home Equity
Getting additional equity is not a quick process. And if you don't have available equity on your home already, there are no chances of obtaining a cash-out refinance home loan within a short period of time. Equity generates slowly and only on exceptional situations you can have a sudden increase on the amount of your available home equity. In any case, it won't ever happen from one day to another, as it takes at least months.
Equity generates basically by a reduction on the amount of debt secured by the property (which happens when you repay the mortgage loan month after month) or by an increase on the market price of the property. Since equity is defined as the difference between the value of the asset and the money owed and secured with it, if the property's market price rises, then the difference will augment and so will the available equity.
Advantages Of Home Equity
Cash out refinance loans seize your available equity and provide a good amount based on it. The rest of the money is used to repaying the previous loan and thus, you'll end up with a single monthly payment. These loans provide higher loan amounts than unsecured loans but the loan limit always depends on your available equity and your repayment capacity. Credit requirements have little to do with this though they may affect the resulting amount slightly.
Also, these loans provide lower interest rates than any other form of financing only matched by certain subsidized loans. But loans based on equity are the most inexpensive sources of funding on the whole loan market. This, added to the fact that the repayment programs are flexible enough to be extended up to 30 years, implies lower and more affordable monthly payments.
Getting Advantageous Terms On Your Cash Out Refinance Loan
If you want to obtain advantageous terms on your cash out refinance loan, you need to request different loan quotes from several lenders and compare the different offers you'll receive. Concentrate on the APRs but don't neglect other loan terms that are also important like the loan amount, the repayment schedule and the amount of the loan installments that will directly affect your monthly income. Once you are comfortable with an offer, just apply for that loan and wait to be contacted.
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