Does Value Investing Work in India?

Beginning as early as 1977, there have been academic studies comparing value stocks vs. glamour/growth stocks. A seminal work in this area is "Contrarian Investment, Extrapolation and Risk", written by Josef Lakonishok, Andrei Shleifer and Robert Vishny and was published in 1994 in the Journal of Finance. Lakonishok, Shleifer and Vishny (LSV, for short) found that from 1968 to 1994 value stocks outperformed glamour stocks by a wide margin based on US data. Now you might be asking what does this have to do with Indian equities and value investing? Fortunately, the Brandes Institute used the LSV framework to analyze emerging markets in a paper titled "Value Investing: Has it Worked in Emerging Markets?". You can download the paper for free from the Social Science Research Network (SSRN).

They essentially categorized all stocks residing in emerging markets as defined by MSCI into deciles based on Price to Book Value (P/B) ratios and tracked stock performance using data from June 30, 1980 to June 30, 2007. First, India is categorized as an emerging market by MSCI and thus Indian stocks were included in the study. Second, deciles simply means that the universe of stocks used in the study were split into ten segments based on their P/B ratio. Stocks with the lowest P/B ratios or "value" stocks were placed in the higher deciles and those with the higher P/B ratios were categorized in the lower deciles. The cheapest stocks or those with the lowest P/B ratios would be placed in decile 10 and the most expensive stocks or those with the highest P/B ratios would be placed in decile 1.

Once the stocks were categorized, Brandes tracked their performance over a 5 year period from June 30, 1980 through June 30, 2007. The results were quite simply amazing. The researchers found that decile 10 or value stocks produced on average 5-year annualized returns of 19.6% vs. 2.6% for decile 1 glamour stocks. Value stocks had an annualized premium of 17% relative to glamour stocks. Basically, you could expect the cheapest value stocks to return 17 percentage points more than the most expensive glamour stocks on an annual basis. If you're not amazed by these results, you either have access to a currency printing press (e.g. a central banker) or you have too much money to worry about compounding. I'm in neither category so I'm seriously amazed.

However, I'm not surprised because Joel Greenblatt also found in The Little Book that Still Beats the Market that over a 17 year period if you owned a portfolio of 30 stocks with the highest combination of earnings yield and return on capital you would have achieved an annual return of 23.7%. During that same period the average market return was 12.4% per year. It's clear based on a variety of studies that even simplistic mechanical valuation based models produce some pretty amazing results.

So, you might be asking what is the catch? Yes, you're right there are a few complications. The main problem is that although returns for value portfolios are excellent over long periods of time in the short-run you can drastically underperform the market. Thus, it's difficult to maintain your investing discipline when markets are raging and you're underperforming or vice versa when markets are crashing and you feel like pulling your money out at exactly the wrong time. The key to success is staying disciplined and sticking to a value based strategy through market cycles.

Finally, if you think the results in the Brandes study were to broad based to be applicable solely to the Indian market, I also analyzed the 5-year average return for the MSCI India Value Index vs. the MSCI India Growth Index. The 5-year average annualized return for the MSCI India Value Index was 8.6% vs. 1.9% for the MSCI India Growth Index as of March 12, 2012. If the MSCI index data doesn't convince you about the benefits of following a value investing based investment strategy in the Indian market then I'm not sure what will.

How to Draft a Father's Rights Will to Make it Legal and Binding

Many people don't consider constructing a will until they are older, looking to retire, or when medical circumstances arise that makes them consider how much time they have left on this earth. But it's important when you're a father to make a will when you are fully capable, to avoid situations that may result in your ex-wife getting more than she was intended to out of your sudden death.

Although you may want certain things to go to certain people when you pass away, unless you have a legally binding will through the courts, your heartfelt designation of property will mean nothing if brought to question by an ex-wife or someone else of beneficial interest. But it is a common misconception that you must have an attorney construct this will for you-anyone can write and file a will, making it legal, without the help of a lawyer or attorney to "make it legal."

Typically, in order for a will to be handled and defined as "legal," the will must be created when you are of "sound mind," meaning you were thinking straight and situations didn't lead you to create the will out of distress. It must also state that it is the intended document to distribute your property and assets after your death. If types, your will must be signed by you and two other witnesses that attest that you were of "sound mind" as well. This way, there is no question by the courts that you meant for this will to be prepared and that you honestly want your assets dispersed in the way formatted in your will. If for some reason the will is thrown out through court, the courts will handle the property and assets as if there were no will to start.

If, down the road, you decide to make some changes (for example, if you want to change the beneficiary from your children to your new wife), you can make a codicil, or an amendment, to the existing will. But if there are numerous changes that need to be made, you might be better off starting all over again and making a new will, being sure to destroy the old one to avoid confusion that may occur with two legally-binding wills.

A Checklist for Packing Your Luggage for a Business Trip

It never fails that when my adult son travels with me he forgets something. Because of this I always pack an extra tube of toothpaste just knowing that he will show up at my hotel door to see if he could borrow some of mine.

Airlines are becoming more restrictive about the weight and number of bags that you can bring with you so it is important not to over-pack. At the same time, however, you really want to make sure that you have the basics so you won't have to waste time shopping for necessary items.

Perhaps you might find it easier to print a list of the things you usually take with you when you do your business travel rather than try to remember everything before each trip. You can store the list in your suitcase so you have it ready when you begin the packing. Following is an example of what your list might look like:

1. Toothpaste, brush and floss

2. Deodorant and scent

3. Makeup/Shaving toiletries

4. Brush or comb and hair products

5. Medications

6. Plastic bag (for dirty laundry)

7. Socks and underwear (one set for each day of the trip)

8. Miniature sewing kit

9. Swimming suit, coverup, pool shoes, hat, suntan lotion and sunglasses (optional)

10. Coordinated clothing that you can mix and match (both business and casual)

11. Sleepwear/Light Housecoat

12. Chords for cellphone and laptop

13. Extra business cards/brochures

14. Reading material/book

15. Seasonal coat or wrap

16. Shoes inserted into plastic bags (to protect the clothing from dirt)

17. Carry on bag with flight, hotel and workshop/meeting information, writing paper, highlighters, post-it notes, phone and laptop

18 Passport and airline tickets

You can add or customize the list for your own needs and revise it as necessary.

When you pack the bag it is best to roll each clothing item rather than fold them as you will not have as many wrinkles that way. Put the more fragile items in between layers of clothing so they will be cushioned.

Don't fill the suitcase. You need to pack so that you have room to add any items you might purchase or workshop binders for the trip home.

Even if you have the perfect list you might accidentally forget something. Don't worry. Reception desks in hotels usually keep a supply or items that they will give you without charge. Always check with them before heading to the store.

And don't forget to check in at the hotel's gift shop where you will be able to purchase a wide variety of items without having to go too far.

Guitar Scale Mastery Review

The cost of this product is a wee bit higher. The seriousness and passion the creator, Craig, has is reflected in making sure that his student understand fully the concept of scaling, and eliminate the myths about playing the guitar- and turning into a rock star. The cost of this product is higher as compared to the competitor, and the method this is being taught is a little unconventional by teaching it by One-string Scale, Two String Scale.. Ear Training.. and then finally applying all. This may get the student a little bored and lose motivation along the way, since the end result is, well at the end only. This explains why its mentioned that, this product is only for those who are truly interested in mastering the skills, rather than merely knowing how to play the guitar.

Full Product Review

First of all, let's clear the air.  This guitar program is not about practicing endlessly but aimed to improve your fingering. It is a technique to learn to play music and not merely going up and down your fingers on the fret board. Though many guitarists are seemingly good, they do not fully understand the concept of how to "play music" proficiently. The only effective way to play a solo piece is to be able to master these guitar scales.  Hence, making this guitar program very effective.

A little intro about the creator Craig Bassett, before we move on, is that he is an accomplished musician and teacher. He has been in the music scene for 28 years, and plays the guitar for 18 years. Having gone to Massey University (Wellington - New Zealand),  Craig received Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. With that, as well as his experience in teaching at multiple institutions like high schools, music centers, private sessions.

Firstly we have to identify that what stops people from playing scales effectively is because of too many choices. There are tonnes and tonnes of methods and you will probably not be able to learn ALL of it in a lifetime. So what Guitar Scale Mastery is about, is to sieve through some of the difficulties by giving you one of the most effective scales to guide you to boost up your abilities.  Of course, throughout the course you can use your creativity and personal styles and integrate it into your scales. You'd be surprised at what your capable of at the end of this program!

Guitar scale mastery uses a holistic approach by igniting your senses. It trains you to use your ears to follow the scales that you are playing through sounds, your eyes to visualize your fingering on the fretboard and lastly your intellect by ensuring you understand the principles and concepts behind the scales that you play.

Guitar Scale Mastery is more serious about you getting it right rather than merely focusing on having fun like its competitors. Yes its important to have fun whilst learning, but Guitar Scale Mastery believes that learning how to play can be less frustrating if your able to maximize your abilities. Guitar Scale Mastery will guide you throughout the necessary steps and make sure that you not only able to learn the scales, but also use them practically.

The Flinders Ranges - An Accessible Australian Outback Destination

The Flinders Ranges are one of South Australia's most popular outback tour destinations, and are world-renowned for their rugged mountain landscapes, spectacular gorges, sheltered sandy creeks lined with majestic River Red Gums, and their abundant flora and fauna. An authentic Australia outback destination, the Flinders Ranges are nevertheless easily accessible from the South Australian capital of Adelaide.

The Flinders Ranges are a perfect location in which to witness and marvel at nature on a grand scale. Home to magnificent, rugged and uncompromising landscapes, they are truly a destination where you can get away from it all. Though they seem a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life, the southern areas of the ranges begin only 220 kilometres from Adelaide. Wilpena Pound is around 450 kilometres (five hours drive) from Adelaide. Many different routes are available to explore the Flinders ranges, and all offer excellent scenery. To fully appreciate the area, a few days at least are necessary. For those without transport there are several tours operating from Adelaide.

The Flinders Ranges National Park is situated between the outback South Australian towns of Hawker and Blinman. Covering over 950 square kilometres, the park is about 450 kilometres north of Adelaide and offers a broad range of outdoor activities for all ages and tastes including camping, bushwalking, scenic touring, photography, birdwatching and Aboriginal and European tour activities exploring the history and cultures of the region.

The Flinders Ranges join the Gulf of St Vincent to the South Australian outback. The landscape of the region is truly spectacular, particularly in spring when wildflowers are blooming and carpet the countryside. Bush walking is a popular and rewarding activity in the ranges, including walks around the Arkaroola Mt Painter Wildlife Sanctuary, the Heysen Trail, Mt Remarkable National Park and Wilpena Pound.

The indigenous Adnyamathanha people have lived in the region for many tens of thousands of years, and the ranges remain of enormous cultural significance to them. Adnyamathanha (hills or rock people) is a term now used to describe the Pangkala, Pilatapa, Yadliaura, Kuyani and Wailpi peoples, the traditional indigenous owners of the Flinders Ranges. These groups share a common identity based on the Yura Muda, the culture and language of their ancestors. While European geologists explain the formation of the Flinders Ranges in scientific terms, the Adnyamathanha understand the landscape through the Yura Muda dreamtime stories, which invest the physical landscape with spiritual significance.

The Flinders Ranges are full of sites testifying to the rich cultural heritage of the Adnyamathanha people, including cave paintings, stone arrangements, graves and ochre quarries. Cave paintings and rock engravings can be viewed at Sacred Canyon and Arkaroo Rock in the Flinders Ranges National Park. The Adnyamathanha people ask that visitors respect their culture by refraining from touching, damaging or removing items at these sites.

European settlers moved into the Flinders Ranges in the 1840s, changing the traditional lifestyle of Adnyamathanha people forever. Many continue to live and work in the area today, with the towns of Nepabunna, Leigh Creek and Port Augusta being their main centres. Family and employment responsibilities enable the Adnyamathanha to maintain links with their traditional country. Some work in rural enterprises such as cattle stations while others work in tourism and as park staff. To learn more about Admyamathanha culture, enquire at the Wilpena Visitor Centre and other information centres about local Adnyamathanha cultural tour operators.

The Flinders Ranges appear are mentioned in the journals and diaries of many Australian explorers. Matthew Flinders explored the upper reaches of Spencer Gulf in 1802. Sturt and Eyre traversed the area during their journeys north in search of an inland sea. Pastoral runs were established at Arkaba, Wilpena, Aroona and Oraparinna from 1851. By 1863, European settlement extended far beyond the ranges, and copper mining was booming in the region. No rain fell in the area from 1864 to 1866, when the saltbush plains were stripped bare and huge losses among both stock and native fauna occurred. Many pastoral runs were deserted and mining virtually ceased. The deserted runs were gradually reoccupied and stocking rates reduced. Today, the pastoral industry remains viable with greatly improved practices and sustainable stocking rates.

Basics of Medical Bankruptcy

Have you heard of the medical bankruptcy? Well, you might think that this is all about being insolvent due to medical issues alone, and filing a 'medical bankruptcy' because of it. I cannot blame you for thinking that way because I also had the same first thought. It is a help for everybody, therefore it is a must that you have at least the basic knowledge about it. To help you be informed about this topic, here is some of the basic information regarding it.

Medical bankruptcy is a general term used to refer to the reason why a people need to file a bankruptcy. Actually, this is not a legal term. According to the its rules, if you are to file a medical bankruptcy, you need to either file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. In this filing, you need to comprise all your debts including all your medical debts and other unsecured loans. After some examination and it is proven that you are insolvent, they will free you from all your debts and will be declared into bankruptcy. When you file for a certain bankruptcy, you are required to list down all of your creditors, including your medical bills. This only clear up that 'medical bankruptcy' is not all about your medical debts.

Based on the statistics, provided by an article in CNN, medical debts is one of the basic reasons why people file bankruptcy. As a matter of fact, about 60% of the filed bankruptcy is due to medical issues. And almost all of these 60% are the single mothers and elderly.

Having health care insurance is not insurance at all. According to some medical bankruptcy statistics, almost 80% of the bankruptcy filers have insurance. This may be due to the fact that, even people have health insurance, they still bear most of the payments for the bills which forces them to file for bankruptcy.

Some of the people think that when you file a bankruptcy, doctors can refuse to cure you. Well, according to the federal law, those hospitals receiving subsidy from the government do not have the right to refuse from accepting a patient who had filed a bankruptcy. More often than not, the doctor and the patient are making agreement on the amount that the patient can afford to pay the doctor even he had suffered from bankruptcy.

Medical Bankruptcy is available for all who needs and who seeks for financial help. But I am advising you that filing it must be your last resort. This is not just a simple way for you to escape from your creditors and debts. It must be filed if you really do not have a choice and you can't really answer for your obligations.

It is undeniable that only a few really had the knowledge about this fact. As a matter of fact, this is a right of all individuals; therefore you must have the knowledge about it. In all cases of life situation, being well informed is one of the basic keys in giving solutions to the problem you thought will never be solved forever. The facts that I have presented are just the basics, if you wanted to have a full grasp about medical bankruptcy, research and be informed!

How to Back-Up Your Computer Files

Its amusing how pc users the world over are mortified of losing data by a virus attack but don't care much about backing up files. Though the intention is the same - to save data, people are concerned more about virus attacks rather than having back up program.

Saving files in a separate floppy, CD or even a different pc is known as back up of files. In the event of a data loss, it can be recovered if its saved elsewhere. What and how much to back up is completely an individual choice. Normally, data of importance like financial records, tax statements, personal files and anything that is important to a person should have a back up. The Back up worthiness of a file is the value of the file itself. Back up takes, so little time yet saves precious money, time and energy.

A simple back up solution for your files is - attach all your files to your email box. If your pc loses data due to whatever reason, you can still access all your files from any other pc that has an Internet connection. Simple, all it requires is your willingness. The next methods are to save your data in to a floppy or a CD. However, these act only as short-term data stores as they are not immune to getting blighted. Storing even an average file would require lots of floppies. Therefore, the best long term back up option is to store data in zip drive or tape drive. This then mandates checking of the tape at least periodically for quality that might deteriorate with the passage of time.

Windows utilities offer a back up facility. While installing Windows XP, Ntbackup.msi, a back up program of Windows utility, can be installed too. Unfortunately, Windows back up utility does not involve a third party and is done within the pc. So if data stored in a drive is lost, Windows back up fetches it back from another drive where its stored as back up. This saving exercise has to be performed religiously every week or so. Still Windows back up utility is not a safe back up option.

To solve this problem there are software utilities that cover back up automatically. Software utilities offer back up programs that back up files the moment they are saved in the pc. The back ups provided by software utilities are good for even complete hard drive failure. Disaster recovery and back up of open files are the features of some Software back up utilities.

The Astronomical Clockmaker: What Isaac Newton Said About God

You already know Astronomy is the field of study that focuses on the Universe and the planets and stars in it. However the more time I spend trying to figure out this subject, the more I find an amazing Creator in it and this is not an article about religion. Something so big, so timeless that created this clock so that it can run on its own. This idea was also supported by on of the most brilliant minds ever. The mind of Isaac Newton

Newton Explains the Law of Gravity.

After the great Galileo died the world waited for another great mind to be born. This happened and soon the young Newton stood on the shoulders of giants before him. By the time he was only 24 he realized the things Galileo and Kepler worked out behaved the way they did because behind them was something that ruled their motions. In fact not only that on Earth but also that of the sun and galaxies. According to him, there was a universal attraction between things and that was called gravitation. The degree of attraction depends on the mass of the object and the distance between them.

Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy.

Newton published this work in 1687 and described the Universe as a giant clock. Its parts worked together perfectly and we could express this mathematically. Newton believed God was the creator of this order and the clockmaker who had set the clock in motion.

We see that Newton moved away from the thinking that the Earth was the centre of the Universe. Still he maintained that God was in control of this clock. He moved away from the old science thinking that common sense and reasoning could explain the physical world. He embraced the new science thinking where observation and scientific reasoning gathered knowledge and drew conclusions about the physical world. Newton did not try to disprove God, he actually found a Master planner behind the clock of the universe and he believed this planner was God. He gave God all the credit but proved the church had it wrong in their interpretation of the way in which God had created the Universe in general but specifically the position of the Earth in the universe. Since many people feel certain astronomical theories and facts disprove the existence of god, Newton showed the contrary. Astronomy studies the Universe, not religion facts.

Lost in Silence (Final Chapter ((#30)) In: "The Cadaverous Planets")

Lost in Silence [Final Chapter in: "The Cadaverous Planets"]

Chapter Thirty [30/ and Advance to Chapter 1-6 of SSARG]

[Jokaneen: on Rotma, SSARG's planetoid like moon.] "When my daughter Siren left Moiromma, to SSARG, I was sure our telepathic powers we both seem to have, would remain strong between us; but to a certain degree they did: not remain strong, but remain they did; I was permitted somehow, someway to communicate with her, even envisage her, to a certain degree. And although I expected no to communicate at all, being so far outside the our known Galaxy, I was surprised, plus, after hearing about the planet she went to, I sure she'd die quickly. Again I found myself surprised in that that I miscalculated her growth in both courage, and wit. I had heard it was the land of Grass, vipers and all sort of creatures unknown to this Galaxy. Although Earth has many of its legends, legends told sideways: meaning, they must had been here at one time: perhaps so, perhaps not--but the legends seemed to connect somehow.

"As you will may know by now, I died on planet earth; I mean in the vaults of Hell. But like a ghost I followed her through her mind: I was enwrapped into her mind, like smoked fish; that is a little harsh I suppose, in trying to connect the dotes, but you understand, it was a process of will, mind, an act of the Almighty, osmosis and I can't think of anything else, there I was, in her mind.

"At this juncture, I was also familiar with her viper friend, Blaze. Then as you know, I ended up here, here on your planet, I mean moon Rotma, as you call it Yllim. And I can only get half the communication I want with her it's all fragmented. Thus, I'm come to the conclusion I'm half here and half still in her mind."

Roliv, the King of Nay, a section of Rotma [the moon], was listening as she spoke to his son. She was a ghost, and he feared some, yet what can you do with a shadow he told himself, but listen. And she was taken to the Prince, so let her talk, and she did. The father was like a Homo erectus, hairy and bend a ting, long fingers and odd looking head, perturbing face, stubbed nose: big nostrils, and so forth and so on. The son was to the contrary: he was not too big, or as big as Siren, but build well; somewhat hairy, but not like his father, and he was more on the more advanced side of evolution, perhaps equal to the stone age personage of earth.

She had learned they were Rotma-lites, and "Nay,' occupied a large part of the moon they lived on. Said the general, general Lafos, in his robust voice, "Make her a prisoner," to the king. The king looked at him, think 'But how,' and the prince, simply said, 'wait,' as if anyone had a choice.

At this juncture, many of the areas inhabitants came to listen to the new species that had shown up on their planetoid. A most interesting creature they thought. (The language barrier, it is always the language barrier that interrupts my stories: but believe me, I have traveled the world, and language, or not knowing the others, is not a big thing, not a stopper, not a hole in the ground: others, they can read your eyes, your body language, and Jokaneen, put sounds together faster than I can type this story, having said that, and putting all this together, we return). ...an interesting creature they thought.

Yes, oh yes, they were much intrigued, and did not want to give death to the woman who showed up in a mist form, a ghost form, one you could throw a rock through and it would most likely hit the king on the other side of her. Ghost she was, but a fine looking ghost, and Yllim had eyes for her and his heart was beating fast. And Roliv's long narrow head was thinking fast, faster than Yllim's heart I think was beating. And the general was confused on what to do, so he remained alert, stationary: like a good soldier, and on guard.

If fathers have jealousy, then it must be measured by love also, I would expect, and jealousy was on Roliv's face, and love, but love can harbor anger, if only males--especially on this planetoid--knew how to get on the other side of anger which is hurt, it would reduce the friction, especially the friction the general, general Lafos was noticing in the King's posture, his twitching, his face, his eyes. Yet he held back his aggression.

Aid Lafos [with a spectator smile]: "What other worlds are there besides our moon, and planet?" then he hesitated, and she gave no answer, and then added harshly and with authority, "She is a spy!"

Said Yllim, "But from where? If there are no other planets except SSARG and Rotma: Nay our home, then were? And if from SSARG, for what reasons? They do not want to live on Rotma, no more than we want to live on SSARG? No, general, you are wrong, she is stranded." Lafos, was a hairy beast man, lips as thick, eyes bulging out like a pineapples hanging lose on a tree, as if they'd fall out should someone bump him. But he looked strong. The King was silent. Then Lafos left, and when he came back he had a vase like piece of pottery, sacred poetry, and unbreakable pottery, saved for such occasions, as Lafos felt the empire was in danger of evil sprits. And he threw some substance into the bonfire, that all were standing around, several soldiers about, and a magic smoke came from it, subdued the evil spirit, Jokaneen, and she seeped like a cloud into the top of the vase, and he plugged it with hard clay.

It happened so fast, all where taken by surprise, and of course, his excuse to the king was: it was his job to insure his safety, and he did have the ear of the king, even more so than the prince: not the love, but the security ear.

And there she remained for the moment. To Jokaneen it was back to Hell's vaults, old memories coming back to her, she was reliving the tombs she was placed in, in Hell: it was mortification.

The fire glowed, flickered, and the Prince's face grew Angrier and Angrier, and he stood up, grabbed the bottle and proclaimed his intentions: "I am going to marry her, take her for my own."

The King looked at Lafos with an evil eye, it was worse than before, at least he had a son, now he was about to lose one to a ghost, and surely she'd accept, knowing she'd be returned perhaps to the bottle.

Said the King with a fair sounding voice: "Let's take time to think about any proposals, and if you wish to marry her, my love for you will not out weigh my jealousy of her, you can marry; but it would seem a boring life, but than love is deeper than consummation, to pleasure or desire. Thus, we shall see, and I ask you give this thought in the following days, and then, then you can sit with me, and me alone and proclaim your heart, and if be it marriage, so be it."

The whole lot of people clapped, and bowed to the king, as they walked by him. Seldom did He come out and sit by a fire and talk freely with the civic people. But they saw a fair king, a king that took heart before logic, especially with his own son.

Notes: an easier way of looking at this book of sorts [series and parts], which isn't a book yet, but in the makings is by way of its total sum: "The Cadaverous Planets," come in four parts: Part 1: The Cadaverous Planets (written April, 2005 in Peru and Equator): Episodes 1 through 26 (with 27 and 28 added in the near past: June, 2005) and 29 and 30 added at most recently, August and September, 2005)) Part 2: "Project: Space Tomb," which has four Episodes, for a total of 34 (done in July and August of 2005). Part 3) Planet: SSARG [Planet of Grass] with 19-Chapters (and interludes: added during the typing out of the story from napkins; this was done in April of 2004, making it the original, first of the four parts; and not yet called: part of The Cadaverous Planets); for total sum 53. And part four, "The Cadaverous Planetoids," of which there are 34-Chapters (written in June of 2005, in Roseville, Minnesota) for at total sum of: 87 total: installments to the total sum of this four part series. Interludes were added in August and September of 2005. Rosa

Commonly Asked Questions of an Elder Law Attorney - Part II

What long-term care benefits are available to veterans and their surviving spouses? Long-term care costs can add up quickly. For veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who need in-home care or are in an assisted living facility or nursing home, help may be available. The Veterans Administration has an underused pension benefit called Aid and Attendance that provides money to those who need assistance performing everyday tasks. Even veterans whose income is above the legal limit for a VA pension may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses for which they do not receive reimbursement.

Aid and Attendance is a pension benefit, which means it is available to veterans who served at least 90 days, with at least one day during war time. The veteran does not have to have service related disabilities to qualify. Veterans or surviving spouses are eligible if they require the aid of another person to perform an everyday action, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, or going to the bathroom. This includes individuals who are bedridden, blind, or residing in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

To qualify the veteran must have less than $80,000 in assets, excluding the home and vehicle. In addition, the veteran's income must be less than the Maximum Annual Pension Rate, which for a single veteran is $19,736; $23,396 for a veteran with one dependent; $12,681 for a single surviving spouse; and $15,128 for a surviving spouse with one dependent.

Income does not include welfare benefits or Supplemental Security Income. It also does not include unreimbursed medical expenses actually paid by the veteran or a member of his or her family. This can include Medicare, Medigap or Medicare supplement plans, and long-term care insurance premiums; over-the-counter medications taken at a doctor's recommendation; long-term care costs, such as assisted living or nursing home fees; the cost of an in-home attendant that provides some medical or nursing services; and the cost of an assisted living facility. These expenses must be unreimbursed, in other words, insurance must not pay the expenses. The expenses should also be recurring, meaning that they should occur every month.

How does the Aid and Attendance benefit work? Let me give you an example. The amount a person receives depends on his or her income. The VA pays the difference between the veteran's income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate. John, a single veteran, has income from Social Security of $16,500 a year and a pension of $12,000 a year, so his total income is $28,500 a year. He pays $20,000 a year for home health care, $1,156.80 a year for Medicare, and $1,788 a year for supplemental insurance, so his total medical expenses are $22,944.80. Subtracting his medical expenses from his income, $28,500 - $22,944.80, John's countable income is $5,555.20. John could qualify for $14,180.80, which is $19,736 - $5,555.20, in Aid and Attendance benefits.

What are the benefits of pre-arranging your funeral plans? Most people avoid planning for their funerals and instead leave the decisions to their loved ones. Unfortunately, due to emotional duress, waiting to make those decisions until immediately after death can be unnecessarily expensive. According to the Federal Trade Commission consumer guide for funerals, funeral and burial costs can easily exceed $10,000.

Most consumers have no problem haggling over the price of a new car, but never think about negotiating the price of a funeral. Compounding the problem is the feeling that the price spent is reflective of their feelings for the deceased. To help resolve these issues, an increasing number of people are planning their own funerals. It is important to investigate the options and not let yourself be pressured into buying goods or services you do not want. You must learn to be an informed consumer.

Shopping around for funeral services can save you thousands of dollars. Do not assume that a funeral will cost the same no matter where you go. By federal law the funeral provider must give consumers a general price list of all goods and services. Typically included would be costs for the initial conference, consultations, paperwork and overhead. This is known as the basic services fee and is added to the cost of the funeral. There is a wide variation in the pricing of the basic services fee. The price list should include costs for transportation of the body, care of the body, including embalming, and use of the funeral home for viewing, wake, visitation and funeral or memorial ceremony. It should also include alternative arrangements such as cremation and optional services such as flowers, use of the limousine and a casket. It is recommended that you obtain price lists from at least three funeral homes before making a selection.

You may wish to make arrangements in advance, but not pay for the services in advance. Keep in mind that prices will change over time. You can make your preferences known by writing it down and by including it in your letter of last instructions. Remember to give copies to your family members and your attorney, as well as keeping a copy in a convenient and accessible location.

Make sure the funeral home is licensed and has a good reputation in the community. The National Funeral Director's Association suggests that you call and speak with the funeral director to determine their professionalism and to make sure you are comfortable with them.

Real Estate Staging

In this slow Real Estate market hiring a professional Stager is an investment that will easily pay for its self. But if you would like to have a go at it on your own, here are some ideas to get you started.

Start with the outside. That is what potential buyers will see first. You want to make sure that they want to come in. Think "Curb Appeal".

Now is not the time to invest a lot of money into the house unless you really have to. Don't paint unless the paint is really faded or pealing or if the paint is an outdated or funky color. Most of the time all you really need to do is touch up the trim and paint the front door. The same goes for the lawn. You don't want to spend money having it landscaped, just make sure the lawn and hedges are neatly trimmed. Plant some flowers and use hanging baskets to add more color and freshen up the look. Make sure the yard is free of clutter and that the windows are spotlessly clean. Hanging a nice wreath on the door will create a homey, welcoming feel.

Inside you need to remove all clutter and have the house professionally cleaned. If your carpet has stains or worn spots cover them up with area rugs. You don't want to replace the carpet unless you absolutely have to. If you do need to buy new carpeting, go with a neutral color in a medium price range.

Remove dark or outdated draperies and replace with top treatments that allow as much light as possible into the room. Replace all of your light bulbs with bright clear bulbs and leave them on. People like bright homes. If your furniture takes up every available space in the room, put some of it in storage. Empty space will make the home appear larger.

Pack up any collections that you have, be it Salt and Pepper shakers or Swords. Put them in storage. It's OK to have a couple of nicely framed photos of your children or some vintage photos of you ancestors, but if you have an entire wall covered with pictures of every relative, take it down, and fill in the holes.

Every room should have a clear purpose. If it is suppose to be a dining room it should not look like a home office. If the room is suppose to be a bedroom it should not look like a gym.

You want create little "Display areas" through out the house, much like they do in furniture show rooms; particularly in the main rooms and the entry way. You want to try to really wow them. You can pick up some interesting accessories at your local home store. Another great way to dress up an area and add color and texture is fabric. Having some decorative pillows, cushions and table covers made in coordinating fabric will really pull the look together. And nothing makes a house look cozier than fabric.

Use scented candles or potpourri to add fragrance instead of aerosol spays that smell like you are trying to cover something up. Having fresh flowers during the showings is also a nice touch.

Following these simple and inexpensive steps will greatly help to sell your home quicker. If you need more help contact your local Staging Professional.

Places You Can Learn Street Dance

When learning to dance in London, there are many choices for a Londoner. Go with traditional styles that have maintained popularity over the course of time such as ballet, tap or jazz? Perhaps a very popular social dance like salsa? Or more recent styles such as hip hop, locking, popping or breakin?

Well all the dance styles above are very popular choices. However this article focuses on the most recent of these styles, i.e. street dance. Street dance is a fairly loose term but generally a class described as such in London is likely to teach you how to do routines very similar to what you see in many music videos. The same can also be said for commercial jazz styles.

So if you want to learn it or any of its component and associated styles such as hip hop dance, locking and popping where you can go? There are several options.

One popular option is a dance studio. Although the style is becoming more and more popular with the release of films such as Step Up 2 and the success of dance acts on shows such as Britain's Got Talent, it may not always be offered at local studios. Sometimes you'll have to go further afield or to bigger studios to be able to do it.

People often ask, if it's 'street dance' can it be learned on the streets? The answer of course is yes. If you have a friend or friends that know how to do it, it may be a viable option. Or if you're lucky enough to find a dancer hangout with people who'd be happy to show a beginner the ropes then you can learn on the street.

Many people are more comfortable learning in a dance class though. After all why broadcast your dancing it to the world when you still don't know how to do it yet right? Well learning on the street is actually possible if this is something you're comfortable with but most people will benefit from learning in a studio.

The benefits of learning in a mirrored studio, is that the mirrors can help you make improvements and adjustments in real time as you go along. When you're a beginner you'll probably need to make a lot of adjustments in order to look like the dance teacher!

Street dance classes in London can also frequently be found in gyms. Many gyms operate a timetable and there are often street dance classes in the timetable. Some of these will be a mixture of street moves and exercise or aerobics, so you might want to check first so you know what you're going in for and can find an appropriate class.

Personal Loans and APR - Is that all that Matters?

The advice from financial advisers has always been, if you are thinking about taking on new loan or any type of credit agreement, shop around. These days, there is such intense competition among lenders to get your business, that special offers and extremely low interest rate loans are always on the market somewhere, if you are willing to search them out. It is also worth checking out less well known lenders and not just the high street banks, as some of the best deals around will be from these lenders.

The government has sought to facilitate this by providing a standard benchmark figure that can be used to price loans from different lenders. This figure is the APR, or annual percentage rate for interest on the loan. It is calculated in the same way by all lenders and should give you an accurate and fair view of the real cost of any credit you take on. So for instance, if a credit card is tempted to tell you that they only charge two per cent interest, they will have to tell you that this is their monthly rate, and the APR is in fact, something more like twenty eight per cent.

However, the APR is not the only thing that you will have to check out when you are shopping around for credit. There are many other very important factors that will also effect which credit offers are the best deals. For example, as well as interest, it is possible that a loan will include other fees that do not go into calculating the APR. Some loans, especially mortgages, incorporate arrangement fees or set up fees that you will also have to take into account. Many other loans will have early termination charges that are added to the bill if you wish to repay the loan early.

Flexibility is also a consideration and you may want to check if over payments, or repayment holidays are permitted on your loan. This means that you can put a little extra against the loan when you come into extra money, or take a break from payments if you lose your job for example. This is very important in long term loans such as mortgages.

Some credit cards will also offer you low APRs but then charge very high penalties if you miss a payment. Others will offer you low APRs but only for an introductory period, after which the APR jumps to a higher level. You should be aware of these types of offers. Even zero per cent balance transfers can be subject to a balance transfer fee, that in effect means you are paying for the balance transfer, and it makes little difference to you whether it is as interest or as a fee.

David Benoit "Full Circle" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Very talented Smooth Jazz artist David Benoit has released his album titled Full Circle and Wow! It's really a good one.

I wish it weren't the case but, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Full Circle. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Full Circle has a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. They're all here.

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 this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Benoit is in top form. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD.

Full Circle Release Notes:

David Benoit originally released Full Circle on Jun 27, 2006 on the Concord Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Cafe Rio

2. First Day Of School

3. Water To Drink

4. Beat Street

5. Six PM

6. Chasing The Tides

7. Neat With A Twist

8. Katrina's Little Bear

9. Yusuke The Ghost

10. Monster In The Attic

Personnel include: David Benoit (piano, keyboards); Paul Jackson Jr. (guitar); Oscar Castro-Neves (acoustic guitar); Tim Weisberg (flute); Euge Groove (saxophone); Jeff Lorber (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Brian Bromberg (upright bass); Nathan East (bass guitar); Alex Acuna (percussion).

Market & Promote Your New Book In Bookstores

Even though books are being sold in all types of retail outlets, bookstores are still an essential part of the book marketing strategy of new authors. There are an estimated 63,000 new titles released each year in the market. And there are also backlist titles still vying for shelf space. Books are sold in mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, toy stores, sporting goods stores and other places. However, over 50% of books are still sold in bookstores, making it essential to get your books on bookstore shelves.

Don't lose hear because of the competition. Do your homework and not only can you get your book on bookstore shelves, but you can also promote your books through book signings and other events held in the stores. Here's how!

1) Do Your Research Identify the bookstores you want to target and do research on them. Major bookstore chains dominate the market, but individual locations still have book marketing and promotion autonomy. Determine the book promotion policies for the chain locations you have targeted. Don't forget the independent bookstores. Through the Internet you can get a national listing of these by market. Independent bookstores are important because by working directly with the store's owner, you have more flexibility in determining how your book can be promoted. Understand the bookstore landscape of your local market and the other markets you have targeted.

2) Personal Contact Introduce yourself to local bookstore management and other personnel. Capitalize on being a local writer. Tell them about your book and about your local connection. Most stores are generally happy to work with local authors. Some stores have a special section for books by local authors and are seeking new books to keep those sections fresh. Follow up the initial contact with a personal note. Contact with stores in other markets you have targeted can be done via email, telephone, and direct mail.

3) Build Relationships Develop your relationship with the stores through sharing information and offering your time. Keep the stores abreast of any local publicity activity for your book. Send a newsletter to bookstores that includes current sales and marketing information, testimonial feedback from book purchasers, and other information relative to the growing awareness of your book. Get any feedback store personnel have received from their customers regarding your book. Be willing to give your time and expertise in support of store events. Leave press releases, copies of articles, and other information about your book that the store can distribute to its customers.

4) Book Signings Does a book signing generate sells for books? It can if you make it an event, not just a signing. Don't depend on the bookstore to generate the attendance for your book signing. Through the database of your inner circle (family, friends, church members, former co-workers, etc) send out an email or send postcards announcing the event. Tell them to pass the word along to the people in their inner circle. At the signing, give a brief talk on the topic, read a passage from your book, and entertain questions. Be proactive and engage customers. Pass out author cards with your contact information. Be sure to sign all unsold copies of your book so they will stay in distribution at the store. Stores do not return signed copies of books. Send a personal hand written thank you note to the store manager after the event.

Relationship building is critical for successful book marketing at bookstores for new authors. Don't wait. Take the first steps to contacting bookstore personnel and start building those relationships.