Omni Services S.A. de C.V.
Gordon Herpst’s…

Service For Life! ^®

Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living

• 4 Common Toxins In Your Home And How To Remove Them…
• Can A Hybrid Car Save You Money?…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: Top Organizing Websites, Great Videos In Seconds, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: What Should I Know About Negotiating When I Sell My Home?…

You’ll also learn if buying a hybrid car will save you money…plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

The road re-paving is going along very well.  Lots of deviations around the work areas.  The city is also redoing public areas and parks.

The city accepted the Skatepark which was donated by the construction company DECOPE.  It is the first park of it’s type in all of Mexico.  A great area for the skateboarders to practice their tricks.

The city is also making repairs on the Malecon, cleaning the sidewalks, repairing lights and painting curbs in the downtown area. Finally doing the repairs that have been neglected for several years.

P.S.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?
They may be people who are retiring or looking for a vacation home.. Help them out in a big way by having them contact me to help them find their DREAM home in beautiful La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico.  Simply email me at omnilapaz@gmail.com, buildgreenmx@gmail.com,

4 Hidden Toxins Might Be In Your Home Right Now

Whether your homes is new or old, it may contain hidden toxins. Here are four common toxins and how to make your home healthier:

1. Mold, a musty-smelling, black or greenish fungus that thrives on moisture, and irritates your eyes and skin plus makes you cough. What To Do:  Keep your house clean, dry, and well ventilated especially in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Remove minor mold with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. If you find a large amount, it may be inside a wall, so talk to a professional mold removal service about cleaning it up.
2. Chemical compounds, including formaldehyde (in carpets, upholstery, glues) can make your eyes and throat burn; benzene (in plastics, synthetic fibers, pesticides) can cause dizziness; and trichloroethylene (in paint removers, adhesives) can cause fatigue. What To Do:  Read labels and buy household products wisely. Store hazardous products on corrosion-resistant shelves and learn how to safely recycle them at: www.earth911.com.
3. Lead paint, especially in homes built before 1978, can cause brain damage in young children. What To Do:  Check the paint in homes, particularly if you’re planning to renovate. For details, go to: www.epa.gov/lead.
4. Radon, an odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of soil and rock under your home is the second leading cause of lung cancer. What To Do:  You can buy a radon test kit at a hardware store or contact the state radon office for a list of qualified testers. To find a certified radon contractor to fix a problem, go to this directory: www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html

Can A Hybrid Save You Money?

Almost every automaker now has a hybrid option, but is a hybrid (a car with a gas engine and an electric motor) right for you? The main factors to consider are how many miles you drive and how long you plan to keep the car.
You’ll have to calculate the annual gas savings and compare it to the extra price you’ll pay to get a hybrid car. On average, hybrid cars can cost $2,000 to $6,000 more than the non-hybrid car of the same make and model, and they average 40 mpg compared to an average of 25 mpg for non-hybrid vehicles. With this in mind, see which of these scenarios matches your driving pattern:

Scenario 1:  You drive about 20 miles per day (7,500 per year). If you use your vehicle primarily to go between home and work, you may not drive enough to make back your extra investment with a hybrid. With this amount of driving, it will take you about 8 years to “break-even” where gas savings offset the higher purchase price.
Scenario 2:  You drive about 40 miles per day (15,000 per year).If you use your vehicle to take several more trips during the week than simply to and from work, you may want to consider a hybrid car. With this amount of driving, it will take you about 4 years to break-even.
Scenario 3:  You drive about 80 miles per day (30,000 per year).If you use your vehicle to frequently drive long distances, a hybrid vehicle may be a great option for you because it will take you about 2 years to break-even.
Keep in mind, these scenarios are based on current gas prices and hybrid technology. If gas prices continue to rise and new innovations create vehicles with even higher fuel efficiency, it may take less time to break-even.
Beyond the gas savings, you can factor in potentially lower insurance rates, possible tax credits, lower maintenance due to less wear and tear on the engine and brakes. You can do more research by specific make and model at: www.fueleconomy.gov.

ROONEYISMS

I’ve  learned…. That money  doesn’t buy class.

Fun Facts and Laughs

Top Organizing Websites . . . 

www.containerstore.com – great storage variety, plus free video clips.
www.solutions.com – for big fixes, such as garages and attics.
www.organize.com – features home storage plus specialty organizers.
Forward this article to a friend

Great Videos In Seconds . . .

Tired of searching YouTube for something amazing? Check outwww.devour.com. It gives you 15 top videos daily for your viewing pleasure.
Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh — Trivial Trivia That’s True . . .

• It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year’s supply of footballs.
• The first toilet ever seen on TV was on “Leave It To Beaver.”
• Reno, Nevada, is west of Los Angeles, California.
• The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.
Forward this article to a friend

Quotes To Live By . . . 

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But in practice, there is. –Yogi Berra

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. –Maya Angelou

When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world. –George Washington Carver
Forward this article to a friend

Trivia Challenge for the Month…

Which of these classic movies was originally a box office flop?

Oceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth’s surface. How much of the oceans have humans explored?

Real Estate Corner Q & A . . .

Service For Life! ^®

• Never Carry These Things In Your Wallet Or Purse…
• 3 Tips For Using LinkedIn Effectively For Your Business…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: Gaming Websites For Kids, Free Wi-Fi Locator, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: How Can I Get The Right Home At The Right Price With The Right Financing?…

Dear Subscriber,

Is your wallet or purse stuffed with credit cards, ID cards with your social security number, or a list of some of your online passwords? In this month’s Service For Life!^® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn why you should remove five sensitive items to limit your risk of identity theft if your wallet (or purse) is lost or stolen.
You’ll also learn three ways to proactively use LinkedIn for your business…plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.
The mayor of La Paz announced that the city is going to refurbish the parks and gardens of the city and add more parks for the people to enjoy.
The occupancy rates of the La Paz hotels were up during the Easter vacation period  which made the local restaurants and tourist businesses happy.
Mexico ranks 44th in the travel and tourism competitiveness index.
The city and state governments have pooled resources to repair 79 avenues and 29 streets in La Paz.  This will be a big improvement that has been needed for a long time.
Another improvement in paradise is that real estate sales of well priced properties are up.
Regards

P.S.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide about buying retirement or second homes in La Paz, Mexico?
They may be retiring soon or want a vacation home.  I can help them find their dream home or help them build a GREEN home.  Contact me at:  omnilapaz@gmail.com,  or  buildgreenmx@gmail.com.

5 Things To Never Carry In Your Wallet (or Purse)

Do you even know all the things that are in your wallet or purse right now? Here are five items to look for and remove to limit your risk of identity theft if your wallet is lost or stolen:

• Multiple credit cards. Carry just one card or possibly a debit card. Don’t carry specific credit cards (like a department store) or gift cards unless you’re going on a shopping trip. Thieves often use them without having to show identification. Good idea: Do a wallet inventory and photocopy all the cards you own so you can report their loss and replace them if necessary.
• Your social security number. With this most important key to your identity and your name, thieves can do everything from opening new accounts to filing false tax returns. Good idea: Memorize your number. If you have a Medicare card, copy your card and black out the numbers except for the final four.
• Your passport. If you’re going overseas you must travel with it, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep carrying it around. Good idea: Carry a photocopy and leave the original in your hotel lockbox.
• Checks. Your checks show your bank routing and account numbers, and thieves often sign them and get away with it. Good idea: If you must carry checks, take just what you might need for that day. Also try online banking to pay your bills.
• Password list. No one can remember all of them, I know. Good idea: Use an encrypted tool to store your password like the SplashID mobile app or LastPass.com for your computer.

Tap Into 200 Million LinkedIn Users To Grow Your Business

Are you on LinkedIn.com? This popular social network for professionals has over 200 million registered users in all business categories. Here are three ways to proactively expand your professional network and make your business more successful.

1. Get your company seen by LinkedIn members. Have a profile for both yourself and your business. To be high on the list of profiles that appears when someone searches for your business, use keywords in your profile multiple times. If you own an architectural firm, for example, repeat words such as “architecture,” “architecture design” or “building architecture.” (Two or three terms with the key phrase is enough.) If you do this correctly, your LinkedIn profile will also come up high in a Google search.
2. Connect with prospects by using Advanced People Search. Choose an industry (e.g. Architecture & planning) where you could find customers who might need your services. The search also will show you people you know who know the people who come up in the results. Use the people you know for recommendations and introductions. Also, ask satisfied LinkedIn members who are customers to write recommendations about your company.
3. Find your next great employee or vendor. Post a job on LinkedIn (you’ll have to pay a fee). Better yet, enter the skills you’re looking for in an employee (or the resources you need from a vendor) in Advanced People Search. Contact the people and vendors who come up and see if they’re interested in working for you.

Fun Facts and Laughs

Gaming Websites For Kids
Here are three online sites you can try for free before you buy:
www.animaljam.com – from National Geographic for ages 8+.
www.clubpenguin.com – a Disney product rated E for Everyone.
www.uptoten.com – educational games for kids in primary school.
Forward this article to a friend


Free Wi-Fi Locator
Looking for free Wi-Fi spots when you travel? Find locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world at  www.wififreespot.com.
The lists include restaurants, hotels, and libraries – categorized by country, state, and province (where applicable).
Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh — “That’s A Good Question…“

• Why is it that when you transport something by car, it’s called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it’s called cargo?
• Why are there flotation devices under plane seats and not parachutes?
• Why don’t psychics ever win the lottery?
• If Walmart lowers prices every day, why isn’t anything free yet?
Forward this article to a friend

Trivia Challenge for the Month…

Which of these classic movies was originally a box office flop?

Real Estate Corner Q & A . . .

Omni Services S.A. de C.V. Gordon Herpst’s…

Service For Life! ^®

• Avoid These Mistakes To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars…
• 5 Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity Against Colds & Flu…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: For A Special Gift Try This, Features Worth Paying For When Buying Electronics, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: What Advice Would You Give First-Time Homebuyers?…

Do you keep a spare house key under a potted plant or welcome mat near your front door? That’s one of the common mistakes that burglars say make it easier to break into your home. You can learn 4 more mistakes and ways to keep your home safe in this month’s Service For Life!^® Free consumer newsletter.
You’ll also learn five ways to strengthen your immunity against cold and flu this season…plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.
Just a reminder that we do consulting and can help you with SOLAR hot water systems, solar pool heaters and pumps, (which can save you a lot on your electric bill) as can a solar grid-tie system.

Wishing all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

PS.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?
They may be people wanting to retire in the coming year, or buy a vacation home or even build a GREEN  second home here in the La Paz area.  We can save you a lot of money in a relitively short period of time.  Simply email me at omnilapaz@gmail.com  I am here to help.

Avoid These Mistakes To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

Experienced burglars do their homework before breaking into your home, and you’re making it easier for them!
Surveys conducted of convicted burglars reveal the following common mistakes to avoid:
Putting your door key under a potted plant, welcome mat, or rock. Better idea: Give an extra key to a neighbor.
Leaving a note on the front door for a visitor, that says you’ll be back soon. An experienced burglar only needs five minutes to make a clean sweep of your home. Better idea: Text your visitor, letting them know when you’ll be back.
Hiding valuables in the bedroom. The first places burglars look are the underwear drawer, between the mattress, and on the highest shelf of the master bedroom closet. Better idea: Use a safe or safety deposit box for high-priced items.
Leaving big boxes from high-ticket items on the curb. New electronics have a higher value for resale. Better idea: Fold or cut the box into pieces and hide it in a trash can.
Not stopping newspaper and mail delivery and leaving a light on when out of town. A pile of papers and no lights on are easy clues no one is home. Better idea: Have a neighbor pick the items up, and buy a timer to turn your lights on and off to make it appear you’re home.

5 Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity Against Colds & Flu

Don’t let a COLD or FLU get to YOUthis season. The human body has many ways to naturally fight infection, but you need to give it all the help you can. Here’s how to boost your immunity and fight off those nasty germs:

• Eat healthy food. Load up on fresh fruits and veggies like leafy greens. Avoid sugar because it can interfere with the enzymes you need to boost your immune system.
• Supercharge your body. Your body can naturally kill a virus. So spring into action during the first 24 hours to combat illness. Once you feel a few symptoms, start drinking filtered water, broths, and soups with lots of garlic, onions, and spices. Take supplements like echinacea, vitamin C, and elderberry.
• Breathe clean air. Avoid smoking, air pollutants, indoor dust, and ash from fireplaces that can irritate the lining of your nose and throat.
• Avoid sick people. It sounds obvious, right? But it’s easy to forget. Try not to be in the same room, breathing the same air as someone ill for long. Wash your hands frequently and disinfect everything they touch.
• Get a flu shot. The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months old get the seasonal flu vaccine. It protects against 3 flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.

Fun Facts and Laughs

For A Special Gift, Try This . . .

You can have a hand-painted portrait to hang on your wall. Borrowing from the transfer techniques of the ancient masters, today’s artists can use digital methods for creating portraits for less money than sitting for the artist. Visit www.portraitpainting.com or www.snappycanvas.com.

Forward this article to a friend

When Buying Electronics, Consider These Features . . .

Smartphones. Battery life is key. You won’t think the phone is so smart if it dies during a conversation. Go to www.cnet.com for reviews on the “talk-time” battery life of different models.

HD Televisions. Bigger is not always better because you want to buy the right size for your room. Use the television size calculator at www.televisiontutor.com to suggest minimum and maximum size for watching comfortably. You also can learn the difference between plasma and LCD technologies.

Personal Computers. Computer memory or RAM is important to performance. It determines how many applications can run at the same time. While more memory is worth paying for, you can save money by getting a more modest hard drive if you don’t perform tasks like extensive photo and video editing or gaming.

Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh — This Is So True . . .

If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

Junk is something you’ve kept for years and throw away two weeks before you need it.

Forward this article to a friend

Trivia Challenge for the Month…

The answer is c) Ability to travel at 5 mph. The rover can travel up to 90 meters (0.06 miles) per hour. FYI, you can follow it on Twitter @MarsCuriosity. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.
What living animal has the heaviest brain?

Real Estate Corner Q & A . . .

Service For Life! ^®

• How To Invest As You Age…
• 3 Easy Steps To Relieve Computer Pain…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: Unique Online Holiday Ideas, How To Get Crafty With Kids, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: How Can I Stage My Home So It Sells Quickly For A Price I Want?

PS.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?
They may be people wanting a second or vacation home or getting ready to retire. You can help them buy their dream home by having them contct me for assistance in locating their DREAM property in the La Paz area.   Simply email me at omnilapaz@gmail.com

Financial investments should change as you move through the stages of your life. Consider these strategies to make better use of your hard-earned money.
During your 30s and 40s:These are years of increasing income and increasing demands for your money, particularly providing for your children.

• Life insurance is relatively inexpensive at this stage of your life. Buying a policy also is a way of providing for your family’s future.
• 529 plans offer tax-advantaged savings for your children’s education. For details, which vary by state, go to www.savingforcollege.com.
• Annuities can be a good addition to an IRA or 401k retirement account, and usually have tax-deferred options and guaranteed life income.

During your 50s:Prepare for a well-funded retirement during these years.

• Remove all risks from your retirement plan. Think about a retirement date and your ability to meet that date. Reduce investments in such things as your employer’s company.
• Take advantage of slowing expenses. You are at the top of your earning power, and big expenses, like children living at home, are likely reduced. Consider paying off your mortgage or increasing your investments.

During your 60s and beyond:This is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• Test living on projected income before stopping work. If your expected retirement income will be 70 percent of your current paycheck, set aside 30 percent now and see what it’s like to live on the rest.
• Apply for Social Security and Medicare. Visit these sites to help you make important decisions about these programs: www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov.

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes, wrists and legs. Relieve the discomfort by following these tips:
STEP #1: Give your body support to avoid aches and pains:

• Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly. Keep your knees in line with your hips or raised slightly above them. Never slump or slouch forward.
• Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard. Put the mouse close to the keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended. Give your wrists proper support so they rest in a neutral position.
• Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes.

STEP #2: Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain:

• Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. To stretch, reach both arms above your head. Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each side and feel the side of your body release tension.
• Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms) by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

STEP #3: Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue:

• Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles.
• Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to maintain your energy and productivity.

Unique Online Holiday Ideas . . .
Send holiday mail with your own photo on postage stamps by going to: www.photo.stamps.com.
Find a gift for the person who never grows up at www.perpetualkid.com.
Families that sing together have more fun. Print out lyrics to thousands of songs from www.lyrics.com.
Play games. Search by group size, age, holiday, etc. at this website: www.partygamecentral.com.
Forward this article to a friend

Get Crafty With Kids . . .
Looking for new ideas for your kids? Check out www.crayola.com. It has much more than crayons and coloring books to offer. Keep the kids busy with all sorts of ideas from crafts to digital apps. It also has ideas for birthday parties and sleepovers.
Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh — 2 Quick Jokes . . .
I looked up my family tree and found out I was the sap.
The digital camera is a wonderful invention. It allows us to reminisce, instantly.
Forward this article to a friend

 Gordon Herpst’s…

Service For Life! ^®

• Get More Rest And Win The Battle Against Fatigue…
• 5 Tips To Avoid Getting Ripped Off By An Auto Mechanic…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: Online Videos For Home DIY Projects, Witty Word Play, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: How Can I Sell A Home That’s Been On The Market For Several Months?

12 Secrets To More Restful Sleep

If you lie awake at night thinking about all the things you have to do, you’re not alone. Polls show that a growing percentage of people are getting less than six hours of sleep and the number of people who get eight or more hours is dwindling. Here are the secrets to help you get a good night’s rest:
Prepare your bedroom:

• Create a sleep sanctuary by eliminating noises, TV, and computers.
• Limit your bed to only two things – sleep and sex.
• Indulge in some type of bedtime ritual. It can be a warm bath, light snack, or time on your favorite quiet hobby like reading.
• Invest in a good bed. You are in it about 1/3 of your life and the cost of a good mattress is much cheaper than poor health.

Prepare your body:

• Avoid foods containing tyramine in the evening. Some of those are bananas, chocolate, liver, avocado, cheese, beer, and wine.
• Eat alkaline foods like apricots, figs, almonds, turnips, or spinach. They enhance sleep’s anabolic process.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and limit alcohol before bedtime.
• Exercise, but not within two hours of bedtime. Some people like to exercise in the early evening. But a morning routine will give you the energy to work all day. You’ll then be ready to slow down to rest at night.
• Use aromatherapy with herbs such as lavender or valerian.

Prepare your mind:

• Try meditation. Focus your brain on a single thought (or nothing at all) as you listen to your body with eyes closed.
• Unwind with deep breathing. Breathe in with your abdomen expanding. Hold for 3 seconds and release air slowly to expel as much air as possible. Practice for 10 minutes before retiring to sleep.
• Change your expectations and empower your ability to sleep. If you’ve been struggling with sleep for some time, you may have attitudes that defeat you. Don’t let your mind worry about how long it will take to get to sleep or how tired you might feel tomorrow. Expect to sleep well.

How To Find An Auto Mechanic That Won’t Rip You Off

The best way to find any service provider, including an auto mechanic, is based on referrals from friends and family. But automobile breakdowns rarely happen at convenient times or places, and you may need to select from repair shops within a few miles. Look for these five things to find a good mechanic:

1. Certifications: Look for a plaque on the wall for ASE certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Remember that not every mechanic in the garage will be certified for your particular type of repairs. If they have the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence it means that at least 75 percent of the techs have been certified and each area of service in the shop has someone certified in that area.
2. Length of time in business: Experience helps. Look for a shop that has been in the same location more than five years. If you see a shop, you can search for user reviews of their work at a site like www.yelp.com.
3. Billing Rate: If you can, talk to the owner of the garage. One of the questions to ask is whether they charge a “straight hourly rate” based on the actual time spent on the repair or “book rate” that can be higher.
4. Referrals and opinions from the web: If you have a smart phone, get other opinions by searching an online forum about your issue. A good place to start is at www.edmunds.com/forums. For another viewpoint, ask a mechanic from another auto shop who does not work on your type of vehicle. The shop specializing in European cars can probably tell you the best mechanic for a Japanese vehicle.
5. Getting the right thing fixed: Once you find a shop, don’t be fooled into fixes you may not need. You can find tools for diagnosing symptoms and estimating repair costs at www.automd.com. You’ll also find quick online advice at www.repairpal.com, which has a useful question and answer tool.

Fun Facts and Laughs

Online Video Tutorials For Home DIY Projects . . .

DIY! Go to www.youtube.com and type in “askthebuilder” for how-to videos on simple procedures, like replacing a faucet or a light fixture and many more.

Forward this article to a friend

Quotes To Live By . . .

Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him. – John Locke

Contemplation seems to be about the only luxury that costs nothing. – Dodie Smith

Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh – “Witty Word Play” . . .

The thoughtless are rarely wordless.

Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of “Wait.”

The best place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.

The darkest hour is only 60 minutes long.

Forward this article to a friend

Trivia Challenge for the Month…

What was basketball player Michael Jordon’s major in college?

Real Estate Corner Q & A . . .

You received this email because you requested it, are on the mailing list as {EMAIL_ADDRESS}, or a friend forwarded it to you.
Disclaimer:  The information contained in this email is intended for informational purposes.  It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services advice.  Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This email is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.

Service For Life! ^®

Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living

Inside This Issue…

• Use The New Hands-Only CPR To Save A Life…
• How To Save Thousands On A College Education…
• Fun Facts and Laughs: This Is Better Than A Gift Card, How To Keep Kids Safe On The Net, And More…
• Trivia Challenge:
• Real Estate Corner Q&A: How Do I Get The Best Home For The Lowest Price?

PS.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide about buying property in Mexico?
They may be people thinking about buying an investment property. You’ll be their wise friend if you tell them about my Free Service of helping them find their DREAM home or condo here in La Paz.  Contact me at 52(612)123-4888, or via email at omnilapaz@gmail.com

New Hands-Only CPR Is Easy, Saves More Lives

An adult suddenly collapses in front of you. Will you feel helpless or know what to do to save his or her life? You’ll be glad to know that the American Heart Association has simplified things so anyone can save a life. This new CPR method doesn’t require certification or mouth-to-mouth contact but can double the chance of survival.*
Don’t worry about hurting the person. If they’ve stopped breathing, you can only help them. Good Samaritan laws protect you from legal risk. It’s better to break a rib than stand by in fear of not doing the right thing. Here’s how to use continuous chest compression CPR to save lives:

1. Call 911. Tell them your location and that someone is not breathing. Lay the person on their back on a hard surface.
2. Place the bottom your palm in the center of the person’s chest with your other palm on top of it.
3. Lock your elbows and put your shoulders directly above your hands in the center of the person’s chest. Use your entire upper body to force the chest cavity downward.
4. Push HARD in rapid repetitions. When you compress the chest with quick forceful motion, the recoil of the person’s body allows the heart to continue pumping blood. With blood circulating, the brain gets what it needs and your action can keep the person alive.
5. Maintain the pumping action at a rate of 100 times per minute until paramedics arrive. It’s best to have a second person to take turns with you to keep up the pace. The beat from the song Staying Alive by the Bee Gees is about the speed you need.
6. Do not stop to check for breath or a pulse. Keep compressing the chest until help arrives.

To watch a short video that demonstrates this easy method, go to the American Heart Association’s website at: www.handsonlycpr.org. *Conventional CPR (with your mouth) may be better than Hands-Only CPR for infants and children, or teens and adults whom you did not see collapse.

Save Thousands On College With These 5 Financial Aid Secrets

Do you have a senior in high school this year? If you do (or know someone who does), it’s time to start applying to colleges and seeking the financial aid and scholarships you’ll need to help pay for their education. Here are five secrets to pay less for higher education:
When parents’ income matters.  The year prior to the student’s high school graduation is the basis for financial aid calculations. When possible, shift income to this year before Spring graduation in the coming year. This may help you qualify for more financial aid.
Apply early or lose funding.  After January 1, complete and submit the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov, and apply for aid packages your school(s) of choice may require.
Cheaper college tuition may cost you more.  Private schools are often endowed with funds to offer up to 100% the cost of college. State schools may have lower tuition costs, but significantly less scholarship money. Apply to both types of schools and compare overall costs after scholarships are factored into the equation.
Do not “negotiate.”  Each school has different rules on how scholarship money is awarded. It doesn’t help to mention another school’s offer to the aid director. It won’t get you a better scholarship package. However, it is okay to ask a college to review a previous decision by saying: “What else can you find to make it possible for my child to go to school here?”
Outside awards may help, but only slightly.  Awards from community organizations may range from $100 to $1,000 and are a great source of pride. Keep in mind that these cash awards are considered a resource by the IRS and may lower your ability for federal funding. Your best option is to apply for as many scholarships offered directly from the college before spending too much time on outside funding.

Special This Month

Small 2 bedroom 1 bath home in a location that is convienient to several shopping areas, a new hospital, fire department, ambulance service, movie theater, etc.  Furnished, covered parking and access from 2 streets.  Great for a rental or if you want to stay for short periods of time. Priced at only $55,000 USD.  MLS 12-66  Contact me at  omnilapaz@gmail.com

Fun Facts and Laughs

Funny Things Heard From Elementary School Children . . .

• You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
• Don’t ever trust your dog to watch your food.
• If someone is cutting your hair, don’t sneeze.

Forward this article to a friend

ROONEYISMS

I’ve learned…. That being kind is more  important than being right.

Forward this article to a friend

How To Keep Kids Safe On The Net . . .

The Federal Trade Commission has published a downloadable book to teach parents how to keep kids safe while using today’s technology. Go to www.onguardonline.gov and search for Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids About Being Online. Here are a few things you will find inside:

• Page 9 – Advice for parents of kids at different ages.
• Page 18 – Safe screen names to use.
• Page 20 – Cyberbullying and what to do about it.
• Page 28 – Mobile phones: texting, sexting, and GPS dangers.
• Page 35 – Free stuff can crash computers.
• Page 42 – Privacy protection for pre-teens.

Forward this article to a friend

Have A Laugh — “The Dress Of Love” . . .

A mom goes to visit her married daughter and rings the doorbell. The daughter opens the door and stands there completely nude. Shocked by what she sees, the mother asks why. The answer was “I thought you were my husband and this is the dress of love.”

The mother headed home and a couple days later greeted her husband nude. He asked what she was doing and she answered, “This is the dress of love.” He replied, “I think you need to iron it.”

Forward this article to a friend

Trivia Challenge for the Month…

Who is the only man to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series?

Real Estate Corner Q & A . . .