College credit cards building a good credit history at an early age

College student credit cards are intended specifically for students who normally would not qualify for regular credit cards, as they do not have a steady income or a credit history. As a student, it is a good idea to establish a first-rate sound credit history at an early age, which would help you get a regular credit card in the future, regardless of your employment status.

College Credit Cards Versus Generic Credit Cards

In theory, college credit cards are identical to regular credit cards. However, a college credit card is meant for college students who do not have previous credit history. Hence, these cards have more restrictions or conditions than the generic cards. The top three restrictions include:

- Co-signature from the parent or guardian at the time of application

- Lower credit limit (Example: $500 to $1000)

- Higher interest rates than traditional credit cards: Normal interest rates on these cards are 16-18%

Advantages of a College Credit Card

A college credit card has become a necessity for most students. The advantages are many provided you understand how the credit card works and use it with caution. Students, especially in United States, are prolific users of these college credit cards. This is primarily because it gives them great flexibility to manage their credit.

Students can use college student credit cards to pay their tuition fees, to rent a car, or to fill gas.

In fact, there are certain college credit cards that offer low interest rates to students who maintain good grades. These cards are also packed with rewards and benefits. These cards help students to learn and manage their finance at a young age.

A college credit card can also be a pre-paid one, with a ceiling on the credit limit. This ensures that the student does not overspend and it also helps parents keep an eye on their children’s spending behavior.

Characteristic Features of College Student Credit Cards:

There are many college credit card options from Citi, Discover, and Chase. Apart from these, there are many pre-paid card options. Most of these student cards have many of similar features including:

- 0% APR for the initial period of usually 6 months on both purchases and balance transfers (typically)

- No annual fee, at least for the first year

- Online account management at no extra cost

While many of the above characteristics are also applicable to many traditional more generic credit cards, there are certain distinctive features that make the college student credit card stand apart including:

- 0% liability for any unauthorized charges on the account

- A good GPA helps earns points for the cards

- Theft and fraud alerts

It is a good thought for students to have their own college student credit card. However, it is important to understand that, at an early age, bad credit could have horrible consequences. Parents can assist their kids in choosing the best college credit card based on their child’s spending behavior and repaying capability. College credit cards promise financial freedom at a young age if they are used judiciously.

So you re in the market for a video camera

There are momentous events that occur during our lives that later on, we will end up wishing we had on tape. Photographs are no longer the preferred method of storing memories, giving way to video cameras instead. As more technological advances are made, there are bigger and better video cameras on the market available for purchase. It is ultimately up to you to decide which video camera will best suit your needs.

A video camera can be a major purchase, and should be a well-informed and researched decision. There are a lot of resources available online or at your local bookstore that would be very helpful in your knowledge quest.

If you plan on recording for long periods of time, more than a couple of hours, you should try to opt for a video power that is an energy saver, or else you will spend your recording time changing out and recharging batteries. It is a good idea to have a couple of spare batteries anyway, just in case.

Most video cameras now come equipped with a viewfinder, which is much handier for the user than looking thru a little round hole, or eyepiece, to see what they are recording. The downside to recording and using the viewfinder, however, is that it sometimes can be a bigger drain on your battery time than just using the eyepiece. Using a viewfinder makes it much easier to film hard to reach shots, while allowing you better control over what you are filming.

Before making a purchase, you should familiarize yourself with digital and optical zoom. With optical zoom, you tend to get a nice sharp, well focused image. Digital zoom doesn’t offer a sharp picture; it’s basically a magnifying effect. You will probably be much better satisfied with a video camera that has both digital and optical zoom. Focus more on the optical zoom if you want high quality videos.

Many of today’s video cameras offer a feature called image stabilization. This feature helps prevent the video from being shaky and jumping all over the screen when you watch it, therefore producing a higher quality video. Image stabilization helps to filter out the normal shaking of the camera.

Some video cameras can now pose as still picture cameras as well, thus eliminating the need to take two cameras to events. You can get live and still shots in one piece of equipment.

One neat feature of some video cameras is the ability to record to DVD, which recently, seems to be the most preferred type of media.

If you are a newbie when it comes to shooting film, you can also opt for a video camera that will basically do everything for you but hold the camera. They come now equipped with auto focus and light adjustments, so all you have to do is press a button and shoot.

There is such a wide range of video cameras on the market today; it can become confusing when trying to decide which one will best suit your needs. Doing your homework beforehand, can help save you a lot of time, and possibly help ensure you truly do make a wise investment.

5 reasons why turkey remains top hotspot despite avian flu fears

According to the latest reports from the tourism industry Turkey remains the number one emerging holiday hotspot despite recent cases of the human form of avian flu having been discovered in remote areas of the country.

The appeal of the country for those in search of a dream vacation destination stems from the following five key reasons: -

1) Turkey is a vast country with a rich historical and cultural background that offers the summer holidaymaker some of the most stunningly beautiful and unspoilt beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and some of the most exciting resorts which are becoming increasingly popular with European sports stars and celebrities.

2) The summer sunshine shines in southern Turkey from March until October giving tourists the chance to sample the delights of this inimitably interesting nation throughout the spring, summer and autumn.

3) In the winter Turkey plays host to winter sports fans and those in need of some aprиs ski fun in a wide range of sophisticated ski resorts where prices are far lower than in Austria, Italy or Switzerland but where the quality of facilities and amenities are on a par with those of the best European winter sport resorts.

4) Prices for holiday accommodation to rent or even buy in Turkey are the lowest in the entire Mediterranean region and it’s possible for a family of four to rent a villa with sea views and a private pool for a tenth of the price of a similar property in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or France. Furthermore anyone wishing to buy a holiday home in the sun will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, euros or pounds by buying property in Turkey rather than buying property on the Greek Islands or on the Spanish Costas for example.

5) The accessibility of Turkey is improving all the time as more airlines open up more routes to and from Turkey from across Europe. One of the most recent developments in this area is a new regular British Airways flights from the UK to Dalaman and in terms of domestic flights within Turkey they are incredibly affordable which gives the holiday maker a chance to enjoy a dual or multi location holiday in the vast nation of Turkey.

Seven things about laser hair removal

FDA approved since 1995, Laser Hair Removal has improved the quality of life of thousands, especially female with male pattern hair growth. Removal of unwanted hair by laser is a major advance over treatment such as electrolysis. It has brought hope to several individuals with hair growth in areas where they cause embarrassment. There are certain things you should know about this form of treatment. Some are listed below.

1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.

2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from Ј45 to Ј450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.

3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.

4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.

You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.

5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.

6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated approximately once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.

7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.

Ameriglide vertical platform lifts

Many people today who use wheelchairs or just have trouble walking have discovered the wonders of Ameriglide Vertical Platform Lifts. Ameriglide manufactures only the highest quality home medical equipment that has been thoroughly tested by experienced engineers. Vertical Platform Lifts or wheelchair lifts, as they are often referred to, have helped many Americans retain their independence and liberty.

In older times if you were in a wheelchair it meant that you had to design your entire home around that fact. Elevators were reserved to those who were immensely wealthy or to commercial structures. This made it very hard for those with disabilities. It meant that you would very likely have to sell your home if you did not have some means of entering and exiting your home at ground level.

All that has changed, however, and having a vertical platform lift is like having your own mini elevator. It is no longer necessary to get rid of your home simply because you can not navigate your outside steps. These lifts can safely and carefully support a good deal of weight and can be customized to fulfill virtually any needs. The best part about it is these devices allow you to remain independent. It is possible to go out for a drive, check the mail, or take a stroll through the neighborhood without any outside assistance. These things, that seem so small to those without disabilities, can mean the world to those of us with them.

Vertical Platform Lifts are also a way for us to sleep better at night. This is because we know that in the event of a fire or if something happens to us our loved ones can still get out of the house if they need to.

Laidlaw investment banking - history - 160 years of change

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty established the United States-Canada border east of the Rocky Mountains. John J. Greenough received a patent for the sewing machine paving the way for a boom in New York’s furnishings and apparel industry. Anesthesia, in the form of ether, was successfully used in an operation for the first time by Dr. Crawford Long, and would soon to come into widespread use during America’s Civil War. The British Empire, following on the Treaty of Nanking ending the First Opium War, annexed Hong Kong, which would one day become gateway to the world’s largest population center. The New York Curb Exchange, later to change its name to the American Stock Exchange, opened for business, trading in securities not qualified for listing on the New York Stock Exchange. And the original Laidlaw & Company was born.

MilestonesLandmarks of Laidlaw & Company

1842 - Two young New Yorkers, Devid Heran and James Lees establish Heran & Lees, a commision merchant house in New York City.

1854 - Henry Bell Laidlaw enters the employ of the firm, now known as Hewitt Lees & Company.

1866 - The firm begins to assume the role of private banker. Henry Bell Laidlaw becomes the partner of James Lees.

1873 - Henry Bell Laidlaw assumes leadership of the firm. Charles E Laidlaw joins his brother, Henry, and the firm changes its name to Laidlaw & Co.

1878 – Laidlaw & Co., becomes a member of the New York Stock Exchange(NYSE). Charles Laidlaw becomes a Governor of the Exchanges, serving the next 13 years.

1880 - The firm moves to a new location, 14 Wall Street, where it remains for the next 30 years.

1894 - James Lee Laidlaw, the eldest son of Henry Bell Laidlaw, becomes a partner of the firm.

1901 - The firm acquires a substantial stock brokerage “wire” business, which makes it the first NYSE member firm to establish securities branches in Toronto and Montreal.

1902 - Henry Bell Laidlaw dies. Under his leadership, the firm expanded from a small private bank to an influential banking and brokerage concern.

1902 - Henry Bell Laidlaw dies. Under his leadership, the firm expanded from a small private bank to an influential banking and brokerage concern.

1942 - Laidlaw merges with Mackay & Co. By the end of World War II, Laidlaw & Co., is activity engaged in investment banking, asset management, and securities brokerage.

1961 - Hambros Bank Ltd., London’s largest merchant bank, becomes a limited partner in Laidlaw & Co.

1973 - Laidlaw acquires Coggeshall & Hick, Inc., and the name is changes to Laidlaw Coggeshall, Inc.

1976 - Gottried “Goli” von Meyern Hohenberg, a general partner at Adams & Peck, join Laidlaw as a Senior Vice-President. Two years later, Laidlaw acquires Adams & Peck, and the firms name is changes to Laidlaw, Adams & Peck.

1988 - Laidlaw Holdings, Inc., is incorporated in Delaware for the purpose of consolidating the Securities Brokerage, Investment Banking, International and Asset management Divisions.

1994 - Europe Continents Holding (ECH), an international trading firm based in Luxembrourg, purchases shares of Laidlaw Holdings, Inc.

1995 - A majority interest in Laidlaw Holdings, Inc. is purchased by Pacific USA Hodlings Corporation, and Larry D. Horner, the Chairman of Pacific USA Holdings Corporation, becomes the Chairman of Laidlaw Holdings, Inc.

1996 - Laidlaw acquires Howe & Rusling, Inc., an investment firm, founded in 1930.

1999 - Laidlaw Global Corp. launches an interest based company called Global Electronic Exchange. A new month later, Laidlaw acquires Westminister Securities, a NYSE member firm and Laidlaw Pacific (Asia). Ltd., a Hong Kong SFE member. In June of the same year, Laidlaw Holdings becomes a public company under the name Laidlaw Global Corporation. Anastasio Carayannis becomes President and spurs unprecedented growth of earnings.

2000 - Laidlaw Global Corp. launches Globeshare. com one of Global Electronic Exchange’s products, offering the first global online trading site.

Customer service -- customer loyalty wins sales

Batteries not included. Three of the dumbest words.

Your Company spent millions of dollars to develop this wonderful product. Engineers spent countless hours creating and refining it. You spent additional millions of dollars in advertising to get me to buy it.

I bought it. I took it home and now it won't work because YOU neglected to include the only part that WILL make it work. For a couple of extra bucks, your cost and mine, I'm frustrated and angry with you and your Company.

It's the same with customer service.

No matter what you sell; whether it's goods or services, big ticket or small, sales and customer service are not two separate pieces. Every sale must come with the customer service built in.

Exceptional customer service is NOT an extra cost of doing business. It is an investment in your own future success.

In the early 1950s, my uncle had a very small clothing store in Miami, Florida. In those days, Miami was a major entertainment center, with the biggest names in show business appearing at the major hotels, very similar to Las Vegas today.

One evening, as he was leaving the stage at the end of the early show, a young singer ripped his tuxedo jacket on a nail sticking out of the wall. It was after 8 P. M., all the clothing stores were closed.

The hotel management called the major stores and owners because the singer didn't want to go on stage with a torn jacket or worse, no jacket.

None of the fancy clothing shop owners would leave their homes to accommodate the young man. Finally, in desperation, my uncle got the call. Would he come downtown with a couple of tuxedos?

Within an hour my uncle was at the hotel with 4 tuxedos. He did the fitting and tailoring right on the spot.

The young singer and the big hotel management were ecstatic. The singer tried to shove a few extra hundred dollar bills into my uncle's hand, but he wouldn't take the money, explaining that he was honored to have the opportunity to earn the business.

The singer promised that he would never forget my uncle's kindness and would tell his show biz friends about my uncle. True to his word, the singer continued to tell his friends about my uncle, even as his singing career skyrocketed.

The young singer - Frank Sinatra.

My uncle - went from a tiny clothing store on the edges of oblivion to "Mickey Hayes - Clothier to the Stars"; his walls covered with hundreds of photographs of the biggest names in show business.

On the other side of the coin is INTEL, the major manufacturer of computer chips, and, a great company.

Some years ago, Intel's newest chip had a design flaw that caused a problem in only the tiniest number of calculations, and only in highly complex situations. As this problem began to get reported in the press, owners of computers built with these new chips wanted replacements.

Intel's management stated that these customers were somewhat stupid since only highly complex calculations in specialized situations would experience that problem and then, only on the rarest occasions. They said that they would replace the chip if the customer could substantiate the claim that their chip was flawed.

How stupid. If it only goes bad once in a zillion times, why not give a lifetime guarantee? Most of the customers would never run into that problem. If they had immediately offered the lifetime replacement guarantee, ALL of the customers would have had a very high degree of confidence that they would never need to take Intel up on their offer.

Intel finally did offer lifetime replacement - after worrying, offending and insulting millions of their customers.

We can all learn a valuable lesson from Nordstroms; the department store famous for customer service. Their service to customers is so incredible, that people go out of their way to shop there.

Mr. Nordstrom calls it 'customer heroics'. "We do it because we want more business - NOT simply because we're nice guys."

I've always told my employees - "don't save me 'MY' money. If it helps the customer, SPEND my money. Even if they make a mistake, they won't be criticized if it helped the customer".

Nordstrom, over a period of many years, has developed a corporate culture of service to the customer. Any corporate culture, if it is going to endure successfully, MUST take on a life of its own, apart from the wishes of management. It has to be adopted by every employee, because THEY each think that it's a good idea.

Whether you are a 1 person operation or the largest company, you know what good customer service is. It's the Golden Rule applied to business - "Do unto others".

Listen to your customers' spoken requests - and unspoken. They'll tell you what they want. Add a large portion of your own good common sense. Make a commitment to yourself that you will give your customers, service beyond their highest expectations

If you will do these few simple things, I can guarantee you success beyond YOUR expectations.