<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[ninemsnhotmail.com]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright ninemsnhotmail.com]]></copyright><generator>Indian SEO CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Think &amp; Grow Rich]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Think & Grow Rich  
    
All wealth is a product of mind. Some economists will try to convince you that wealth comes from productivity. Many people believe that wealth is a matter of ownership or the accumulation of possessions. They are blind to the truth. They see only effects, not causes.
    
It is ideas that produce wealth. The process of creating anything, including wealth, begins with the idealization, the conceptualization, the visualization. Everything that follows is simply the implementation of the original thought. Everyone has the capacity to think and to choose what and how to think. Therefore, everyone can be wealthy.
    
The great thing is that ideas are free. You don't have to exchange or pay anything to have an idea. The problem most people have is that they don't have any original ideas. Of course, it is possible to refine someone else's idea or to find a better way to implement someone else's idea and thereby create wealth. That is actually what most people do. But why not just come up with your own concept. After all, ideas are free. Yours for the asking. No cost.
    
Hold onto that thought. Something you can produce with no visible effort, something you can have an endless supply of, something that you can have for free, can make you wealthy. Just one simple idea.
    
Hey, why don't we create an online flea market?  

Zap. eBay. A multi-billion dollar company.  

Hey, why don't we create a 24-hour international TV news channel?  

Zap. CNN.  

Hey, why don't we create a better delivery system than the post office?  

Zap. FedEx.
  
Hey, why don't we create a personal computer?
  
Zap. Apple Computer.
  
The experts at IBM laughed at the two Steves. "Who would want a computer in their home? You guys are nuts." Now IBM's business relies on the sale of PCs. And the world is a different place. What would your life be like without a personal computer?
    
His college professor gave Fred Smith a 'C' on his paper proposing the need for a guaranteed overnight delivery service. Now even the post office copies Fred's FedEx concept. Fred is wealthy. The prof is still not. Not wealthy and not thinking correctly. Thinks A ideas are C value.
    
Ted Turner knew nothing about TV. His business was outdoor advertising. Billboards. Now, the major TV networks copy little old upstart TBS. And now it is CNN/Time Warner/AOL.
    
Ideas. How great they are compared to tangible things. Here's why. If I have clay pots and you have apple pies, I can trade you a clay pot for an apple pie, but then I'd have one less clay pot and you'd have one less apple pie. But if I have an idea and you have an idea, I can trade you my idea for your idea and now we both have two ideas. Not only that, two ideas often act synergistically to make a third idea and maybe even a fourth or a fifth idea as well.
    
Tangible things do not grow when exchanged. They merely change hands. Ideas change the world. Tangible things do not create wealth. They are the effects of wealth creation. Ideas are the cause of wealth creation. Had any good or original ideas recently? You are equally as capable of having them as any one else. Ok, maybe you don't know how to think original thoughts. Improved upon anybody else's ideas lately? At least you can do that. No? The find a good idea and implement it. Copy. Mimic. Do the same thing.
    
Michael Dell did not invent the personal computer. DHL is merely copying FedEx. The boys at Google did not invent Internet search engines. They just built a better one. It was someone else's original idea.
    
I did not invent eBooks. Online marketing was not my original idea. I took my ideas, added the ideas of others and presto, a wealth creation business.
    
Yes, you can think and grow rich. I know. I have the proof. That's what I do. So can you. Go ahead; I dare you. Think. Idealize. Imagine. What if...
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:28:21 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/think-grow-rich/</link><guid>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/think-grow-rich/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Weight Watcher Diet Plan]]></title><description><![CDATA[  The Weight Watcher Diet Plan - What You Should Know  

    
The Weight Watcher diet plan has been one of the most commercialized weight loss programs in history. Since the 1960's this program has helped dieters all around the world focus on nutrition, exercise and losing weight. The biggest question is whether it is right for you?
    
Weight Watchers is unique in that they substitute the word "calories" for "points". So, every food item has a set number of points assigned to it. No matter if it is a hamburger, pizza, or a banana, it has a point value.
    
The plan calls for a set amount of points you can eat each day based on your body type and desired goal. With the "FlexPoints" system that Weight Watchers now has going. You also get 35 flex points each week that you can use on cravings or splurging.
    
The Weight Watcher diet plan calls for you to go into a local center and meet with a weight loss counselor who will set up your own specific plan to follow. Subsequent weekly follow up visits are required to monitor your progress and make adjustments if necessary. So, you will need to prepare your schedule to include these weekly visits.
    
Weight Watchers also offers group discussions and therapy sessions that they encourage dieters to participate in. They even give you recipes that can help you in preparing healthier meals at home.
    
While the Weight Watcher diet plan and Weight Watchers in general is much better than all of these fad diets, it still has some drawbacks to consider.
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:26:45 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-weight-watcher-diet-plan/</link><guid>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-weight-watcher-diet-plan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The US Government as Auctioneer]]></title><description><![CDATA[  The US Government as Auctioneer  

    
Move over, eBay! The government is right behind you! As a competitor, that is!
    
By chance, I came across a Web site that lists auctions (some online) and takes bids for vehicles seized by various government departments. Curious, I Googled for "government auctions," and was amazed at what came up. Auction fans and bargain hunters, be sure to check out these sites.
    
  U.S. Department of the Treasury   
  
The home page of the U.S. Department of the Treasury/Seized Real Property Auctions reads, "From the extraordinary to the ordinary . . . our auctions have it all." Wow! The U.S. Treasury must have hired a copywriter for this auction site! It's quite compelling—at least compared to the bland auction sites that some of the other departments publish.
    
The Department of the Treasury auctions real estate seized throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Items include homes, commercial buildings, vacant land, and multi-family residences. Proceeds from sales go to support continued law enforcement and provide restitution to victims.
    
Oh, did I mention that the seizing happens through IRS—Criminal Investigation; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U.S. Secret Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives? "Most property," reads the FAQ, "is seized due to smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, credit card fraud, food stamp fraud, mail fraud or other illegal activity." Is it just me, or is anyone else not too keen on living in a house recently owned by an outlaw biker gang?
    
If that doesn't worry you, you can bid in three ways. You can be present at the auction, submit a bid by mail, or bid electronically. Electronic bidding is available for select auctions. If you win your bid, be prepared to pay cash, please. The government does not offer financial services.    

The U.S. Postal Service—Not Just for Stamps Anymore 
  
Ever wonder what happens to the damaged, unclaimed and claim-paid items that the U.S. Postal Service comes across? It looks like it's auctioned off!    

These are not online auctions, but the site posts dates, locations and a preview schedule for inspecting the merchandise. At the time I wrote this, several auctions were scheduled. Perhaps you can find that long-lost birthday gift!
    
  IRS Auctions   
  
The bad news is that the IRS seizes your property and other valuables if you fail to pay taxes. The good news is that you can buy it back via IRS Auctions .
    
According to the Web site, the IRS no longer maintains a mailing list about its auctions, but uses the Web site instead. When I checked, there was information about auctions for a number of real estate properties (commercial and non-commercial), various coins and precious metals, stock certificates, antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and luxury items, automobiles, motorcycles and trucks, turnkey business opportunities, and firearms.    

Wanna buy a really sharp looking sailboat? Bidding starts at $6,000.74. You'll also need to pay another $2,600 for docking and storage fees. Oh, and you'll have to move it from Ohio, unless you happen to live in Cleveland. You can download the mail-in forms for your bid.
    
  U.S. Government Surplus Auctions   
  
The State and Local Surplus Property Web page links to surplus auctions for many, if not all, U.S. states. The sale items represent federal and state-owned surplus property.
    
Following the link to California's surplus auctions, we find considerable information about the program, plus news about upcoming public auctions and a link to the auctioneer's Web site. The private-sector auctioneer posts an auction listing on the Web site three days prior to the auction. (There were no listings on the day I visited the site.)
    
  Government Liquidation   
  
The Government Liquidation site is an online marketplace for the sale of U.S. Government surplus and scrap material to the public. It claims to have more than 500 commodity categories and thousands of surplus items added weekly.
    
"Whether starting a new business or expanding an existing one, GL provides small business owners and end users with an opportunity to cost-effectively realize their dreams," reads the site, whimsically.
    
Categories include aircraft parts, audio and video equipment, boats, computers, heavy equipment, electrical equipment, industrial equipment, machinery, material handling equipment, medical and dental equipment, scrap metal, plumbing, testing equipment, and trucks and related equipment. Auctions in progress on the day I visited included a dental chair unit, a radiograph unit, a utility boat, a 5-ton truck tractor, a furnace system, and a great deal more.
    
Interested site visitors can sign up for e-mail notification or subscribe to the RSS feed.
    
Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program 
  
According to the Web site, the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program , administered by the United States Marshals Service, manages and disposes of properties seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys nationwide.
    
When I visited, the site listed a number of current asset auction sales (all real properties) scheduled for the months of June and July. The site also links to a national sellers list—a list of agencies and entities that are authorized to sell items seized by the U.S. Marshals Service. This list included personal property, real estate, motor vehicles, boats, business inventory, art, jewelry, antiques and collectibles.
    
  GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales   
  
"Giving you great value is our goal," the organization says. According to the FAQ, GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales will sell approximately 35,000 vehicles this year. Most vehicles will be available between April and September, when a majority of the leases expire, but sales are conducted throughout the entire year.
    
This site sells used vehicles after the leases expire; it does not sell seized vehicles. To bid, you appear at the facility on the day of the auction, where you receive an auction-bidder number. You may start the vehicle to check the engine and the air conditioner, but you are not permitted to take it for a spin.
    
  Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service   
  
Looking for used military items? Go to the DRMS site to bid. DRMS disposes of excess property received from the military services. The inventory changes daily, and includes thousands of items, from air conditioners to vehicles, clothing to computers, and much more.
    
According to the Web site, property is first offered for reutilization within the Department of Defense, and then transferred to other local agencies or by donation to state and local governments. Excess property not reutilized, transferred or donated is sold to the public as surplus
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:26:23 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-us-government-as-auctioneer/</link><guid>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-us-government-as-auctioneer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepaid Visa Credit Cards]]></title><description><![CDATA[  The Truth About Prepaid Visa Credit Cards  

     
Prepaid Visa credit cards are becoming increasingly popular. Parents are using them to pay their children's allowances, companies are using them for payroll purposes and gift givers find them to be the perfect one-size-fits all present. However, prepaid Visa credit cards aren't always all sugar and spice. Before you run out and get one of your own, there are some things you need to know.
    
  1. You're Going to Pay For It  
  
Prepaid Visa credit cards are not free. Yes, Visa makes money whenever merchants process a credit card transaction, but that's not why they offer prepaid Visa credit cards. Instead, money is made from the fees associated with purchasing and using prepaid Visa cards.
    
The fee from one prepaid credit card to the next will vary, so before purchasing one make sure you're aware of any costs the card will incur. Some prepaid via credit cards charge a "set up" fee, which is charged just for purchasing the card. Others charge a "monthly maintenance" fee and still others charge a fee every time the card is used.
    
Do yourself a favor. Look for prepaid Visa credit cards that only charge a one-time initial fee or maintenance fees for cards that have been inactive for six months or more.
    
  2. Not Everywhere Visa Is Accepted  
  
It's important to understand that prepaid Visa credit cards are not always accepted everywhere Visa is. For instance, car rental companies (Avis for one) will not always accept prepaid Visa credit cards and some gas stations will not accept them either.
    
If you do have a prepaid Visa credit card, make sure you ask if it is an accepted form of payment before renting a car or booking a hotel room.
    
  3. It Won't Help Your Credit  
  
Unlike secured credit cards, prepaid Visa credit cards will not report your account activity to the three credit bureaus. This means that they won't do a single thing to help your credit. If you're looking for a way to improve your credit rating, you'll want a secured credit card in addition to or instead of a prepaid Visa credit card.
    
  4. There Are Some Great Benefits  
  
There are prepaid Visa credit cards that are definitely all they're cracked up to be. The ones that don't charge ridiculous fees really do make great gifts and they're a safe way to make online purchases without actually putting your credit card number out there.
    
So while prepaid Visa credit cards aren't always the ideal situation, finding the right one can definitely have its perks. If you do want to purchase a prepaid credit card, compare the prepaid Visa credit cards that are available, review the terms and conditions and select the one that best suits your needs.
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:25:22 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/prepaid-visa-credit-cards/</link><guid>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/prepaid-visa-credit-cards/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth About Buying Used Cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[  The Truth About Buying Used Cars  
    
Once you decide to buy a used car, a little research is all it takes to make sure you get a great deal. You can buy used cars in a number of ways, but each requires careful planning. Are there benefits to paying slightly higher prices at a dealership? How can you research the history of a vehicle? And how can you spot damage that can cost you a fortune in repairs down the road? In this article, we'll steer you in the direction of buying the perfect used car for you.
    
Automotive magazines possess a wealth of information for people looking for well maintained used cars. You can find and buy used cars in great shape in magazines like Auto Trader. In addition to the listings, automotive magazines also include independent reviews of vehicles and information about car maintenance. If you're considering a private vendor, look in newspapers and on the Internet. Private vendors are very helpful if you want to buy used cars in really good condition.
    
Dealerships are a good place to shop if you're looking for a newer model car. When you go to a dealership, be prepared to fend off overzealous salespeople. Don't let them talk you into anything you're uncomfortable with. As you comparison shop, it helps to make notes as you go from dealership to dealership. It will jog your memory later on. If you choose to buy used cars in dealerships, you tend to pay a little more than you would in a private sale but it could be worth it if you get a good warranty.    

The Internet has opened up a whole new world to shoppers. If you want to buy used cars in cyberspace, stick to reputable companies that have a proven track record. While shopping online is safe, there is always someone out there trying to pull a scam. Make sure that you know who you are dealing with. One of the best benefits of shopping online is you don't have to fend off the high pressure tactics of salespeople. Another plus is you'll find information that is more current than what's available in automotive magazines.
    
It's very easy to get steered in the wrong direction when you're looking for a good used car deal, so it's important to take your time and choose carefully. Don't make impulse purchases or allow salespeople to pressure you into buying a car that doesn't meet your needs. Use all of the resources available to you to ensure that you get a great bargain. Whether you decide to buy used cars in a dealership, from an automotive magazines or on the web, equip yourself with accurate facts and you'll be behind the wheel of a perfect used car before you know it.
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:24:42 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-truth-about-buying-used-cars/</link><guid>http://www.ninemsnhotmail.com/home/the-truth-about-buying-used-cars/</guid></item></channel></rss>