Keep Credit Cards Away From Kids, US Study Warns

A fascinating study commissioned by brokerage Charles Schwab investigating how teenagers' treat money and debt has been grabbing the headlines in the United States, and contains some findings that we in the UK could do well to consider.

The survey entitled "Teens and Money, 2008" has highlighted American teenagers' casual approach to debt and interestingly suggests that their habits could be learned from an early age, playing board and computer games and with other toys that incorporate credit cards as an integral part of the fun. Some commentators in the States have gone so far as to suggest that games and other gifts send the wrong message to children about money.

As the results of the survey are from American teenagers, it would be interesting to duplicate the research here in the UK. The survey produced results which have certainly got parents and child experts talking:

- 51% of teenagers agree that it's easier to buy things with credit cards

- Given the choice almost 1 in 3 teenagers would prefer to buy with a credit card

- Teens are motivated by parent's behaviour, 25% saying that their parents are more likely to use a credit card than cash

- 29% of teens are already in debt

One US radio host Dave Ramsey is certain that toys such as Dora the Explorer and Barbie action figures carrying their own credit cards are now sending out all the wrong messages. "It's out of control!" he raged. "McDonalds recently gathered a focus group that identified anyone using a credit card at the restaurant would spend almost 47% more than those using cash. And what's one of the toys released in time for Christmas this year? A McDonald's cash register that teaches kids how to use credit cards.

"As a parent we can't get mad at Dora or Barbie, but we need to step back and think what message we're sending to our kids," warns Ramsey. He does not believe that rampant commercialisation of toys such as Game of Life, which is sponsored by Visa in the States help, nor does the adaptation of traditional games such as Monopoly to incorporate a credit card deals within the game."

But, it remains to be seen whether this US commentator's concerns are applicable in the UK. Credit cards are yet to be introduced as an accessory for Barbie, and thankfully the UK electronic bank version of Monopoly uses only debit cards, which is a more responsible approach and one that Ramsey would certainly applaud. In the UK we are certainly a long from having Action Man and Barbie sit down and compare credit cards in their wallets, which might not be the case in the US.

Shipping Large and Bulky Toys in Time For Christmas

Christmas is the time to celebrate by giving. The deeper the bond, the more the heart wishes to give. Since childhood and its innocence are the greatest revelers in this Festival of Love and Lights - the children are receivers of the maximum number of gifts. While the superior "technology" of Santa Clause has always permitted him to pack even the most unwieldy gifts in his sack, Mr. Clause seems to have only recently realized that shipping large and bulky toys in time for Christmas are best left to professionals.

Nowadays parents leave no stones unturned to see their little princes and princesses happy. If that means buying them Christmas gifts like battery powered cars and motorcycles for their preteen to teenage young guns and life size dolls' houses and Wendy houses for their young princesses - they seem quite game for it - provided they can afford the space and the dollars. Even toddlers, the apples of their parent's eye, get gifts like see-saws, swings, slides, play tunnels etc. These are usually pretty large and bulky toys and when the father living in Idaho wants to send one to his "little sweetheart" in Tennessee, it can seem a daunting task, right? Well, yes, and no! It all depends on his choice of transporter.

Although most transporters actually dismantle and wrap all shipped materials themselves, it is infinitely better to wrap the gift and provide it enough cover to survive the trip by road. It allows the gift to be personalized even in its packing. Toys shipping across US have been done in various ways the most important being through peer-to peer shipping. But there are some preparations required. The first being in the packing. For toys like see-saws, slides and swings, the parts which can move and be detached, should be separated from the main frame.

Each component should be ideally wrapped in bubble sheets, covered in corrugated craft paper or cardboard. Then it should be put into a crate which should be packed with fillers like polystyrene "peanuts". For other toys similar process may be observed. The individual components of each playhouse may be cleaned and packed in double sheets of bubble wrap and then taped and palletized for shipping. The filling up may be done by the same products.

But while looking for such a gift, it is imperative to find a shipper who knows his business inside out and can accommodate the delivery of the parcel even in these busy times. Peer to peer shipping not only offers a cheap and effective alternative to the regular modes, but its eco-friendly too. Peer to peer shipping firms unite people who are in need of toys shipping with drivers who are going in that same direction.

Instead of spending heavy fees for toys shipping costs, people bargain shipping costs depending on each individual case. This is a complete win-win proposal where the drivers earn some extra cash, while the gifts are delivered within time at the lowest possible rate. The method is also eco-friendly because it burns lesser fossil fuel, which means lesser amount of dangerous emissions. So this Christmas, gift your loved ones their desired presents and wrap it in green!

CitizenShipper is a network of thousands of drivers and transporters all waiting to bid on new shipping jobs. Visit now at http://www.citizenshipper.com.
Ship toys in time for Christmas now! http://www.citizenshipper.com/shipping-furniture/

Where to Buy Brand New Bags

There is so much creativity in the world of fashions today and because of this it seems as if every day a new trend is unveiled. Luckily for you when these brand new styles come out they can easily be obtained online. While some people may still wonder where to buy brand new bags from, this question really does not need an answer. You see, it is the internet; the number one place in the world to purchase things at deeply discounted prices. The online stores do not have rent for a store front and they do not have to pay to warehouse the bags either, all they need is to know how to develop a website and connect you to the products you most desire.

The internet is definitely the place for designer bags too. While store fronts for many products is one thing, to sell designer products you have to be where people are willing to look for them and in most cases these place's rents are substantially higher. Never overpay for a designer product when you can get them online at the lowest possible prices. Never leave yourself asking where to buy brand new bags ever again when you make sure to call the World Wide Web your official shopping mall for all of the fashions you need and want.

Just make sure that you keep your eye out for fake knock-off versions because they are out there and you do not want to be caught spending full price for a fake especially when your friends can tell the difference.

Wholesale Fashion Bags [http://www.bagsfirstdirect.co.uk/fashion-bags.php]

Wholesale Bags [http://www.bagsfirstdirect.co.uk]

Electric Kids Scooters - Top 5 Picks 2010

There is far more selection than there used to be when it comes to electric kids scooters - when this happens one might feel a bit "spinny" searching for one that is not only fun, but made with a higher quality and receiving great consumer ratings.

Based on my own research in this area, here are the Top 5 electric kids scooters in terms of popularity and high consumer ratings:

1. Razor E100 Scooter - This appears to have the lowest price tag among the electric scooters from Razor, but it also bears some very nice consumer ratings. This scooter is made for someone who weighs less than 120 pounds and is 8 years old or above. It requires a small kick start (3 MPH) in order for the motor to engage, and will run up to 40 minutes. It is also available in quite a wide variety of colors.

2. Razor E125 Scooter - This model from Razor is similar to the E100, but has fold-down handles so that it is more easily stored. As is true with the E100, it requires a small kick start to get the motor going and has the same age and weight limits as well as the same "charge time".

3. Razor E200 Scooter - Here we seem to be looking at a bit of a sturdier scooter in terms of its build. It is able to carry a rider up to 220 pounds and will run a bit faster for a longer period of time without a recharge. (It runs up to 12 MPH and 45 minutes charged.)

4. Razor E300 Scooter - This model of electric scooter from Razor has a broader deck (where the rider stands on) and runs a bit faster - up to 15 MPH and features wider tires for a better ride. Like the Razor E200, this model will run up to 45 minutes charged.

5. Razor Pocket Mod Mini Euro Scooter - I was so tickled when I found this scooter since it looks like so much fun and has a more "grown up" look than some others. It is a "scaled down" version of a Euro scooter, and has quite a fun and sleek look to it. This scooter will run up to 15 MPH with 150 pound weight limit. The recommended age is 12 years and older. One note on this scooter is the variety of colors it is available in - including a cute "Sweet Pea" pink, Black, Violet/Purple and a Bright Red.

You may notice that the list of electric kids scooters above are all from the same company - Razor. This is due to the fact that - well, they appear to make the best scooters, at least if popularity and ratings are an indicator of a good product - and I believe they are.

© Tonya Brisnehan

Tonya researches various children's toys and games and activity products, and is a writer online.

Find great prices and selection on the Top Electric Kids Scooters:

• Electric Kids Scooters @ Squidoo!

Done Safely Parachuting In Texas Can Be All Thrills

No, it's not crazy. Not even a little bit. The fact is, the sport of skydiving is one of those activities that produces a genuine adrenaline rush in most who try it. More and more are doing just that, including Texans in Dallas, Houston and throughout the state.
There is, by nature and, perhaps by definition, a basic risk associated with the sport. You are, after all, leaving the relative safety of the airplane that elevated you the 10,000 or so necessary feet to make your skydive in the first place. One of the first items of business when a novice skydiver arrives at a skydiving school is a registration form that includes an acknowledgment of those risks.

The United States Parachute Association, which has a list of schools and drop zones on its Web site also has a list of basic safety requirements which prospective skydivers will need to meet, among them the need to be in good health and physical condition. In addition, someone considering taking up skydiving as a sport should be free of any medication which might affect judgment or performance. If someone has recently given blood or done underwater (SCUBA) diving, waiting a few days before skydiving may be necessary.

How old does someone need to be before engaging in the sport of skydiving? While some will allow minors at least 16 years of age (with notarized parental or guardian consent) to take the ground training, more often than not schools require jumpers to be at least 18.
Once the training is done, testing follows. Written, oral and practical tests are part of the regimen skydivers must undergo. Written tests give students the opportunity to explain their knowledge and understanding, while oral testing is used to develop decision-making ability. Practical testing is designed for students to demonstrate their reactions and skills.
At the same time, testing as part of the skydiving training program gives the student confidence that the necessary lessons have actually been absorbed, an important consideration for obvious reasons.

Training doesn't have to take a long time, however. In many cases, it's no more than 30 minutes and doing the training and a first jump might take only half a day.

When it comes to the first jump itself, a tandem freefall type is often the most common form of jump, done by having both the student and instructor attached to the same parachute system. Freefalling is done for about 30 to 50 seconds, depending on the jump altitude (perhaps 10,000 to 13,000 feet). Both instructor and novice descend together under a single large parachute with dual controls.

A second method, Accelerated Freefall, is done with two instructors exiting the airplane with the student. All three freefall together for about 30 to 50 seconds (again depending on the altitude). The instructors maintain a grip on the student's harness, for in-air instruction purposes as well as helping with stability if necessary. By about 4,000 feet above the ground, the student opens the parachute and pilots it to the landing area.

The third form of a first skydive is the instructor-assisted deployment, or static-line method, done after practical instruction on the essentials -- climb-out and exit of the aircraft, freefall, canopy flight, landing and emergency procedures.

A key difference: the parachute deploys immediately after leaving the aircraft, typically at about 3,500 feet, followed by the student piloting the parachute to the ground.

Yet another training technique used in the sport of skydiving is the vertical wind tunnel, a large fan that produces a current of air strong enough to support a person or small group of people. Some instructors use the technique to teach stability and maneuvering, in preparation for an actual freefall.

Is skydiving for you? Increasingly, those with a passion for trying something new are looking at sports such as this as an opportunity to "push the envelope" when it comes to conventional activities.

With the right training (much of it based on common sense) and attitude, skydiving can give a healthy person the "lift" they need.

Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at [http://www.precedent.com]

Everything Is Climbable - The Art Of Buildering In Texas

While it's thought of more as a daredevil event than a sport, buildering -- also known as urban climbing, structuring, or stegophily -- is the act of climbing on the outside of buildings and other artificial structures. The word "buildering" combines the word "building" with the climbing term "bouldering".

It's not a sport for everyone. In fact, buildering has a small cult following. The most famous practioner of this ultra-extreme sport is Alain Robert, popularly known as "the real-life Spiderman." Robert has climbed the Empire State Building in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Petronas Towers (twice) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, among others, all done without using any climbing equipment or protection.

Other famous urban climbers include: Dan Goodwin, aka Spider Dan, who climbed the Sears Tower in Chicago in 1981; George Willig who climbed the World Trade Center; Harry and Simon Westaway, who climbed Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster's clock tower, in London as an anti-war protest for Greenpeace; Harry Gardiner, known as the Human Fly, who was the first recorded urban climber; and George Polley, also known as the Human Fly, who took up buildering in the 1910s.

If done without ropes or protection far off the ground, buildering may be dangerous and is often practiced outside of legal bounds, mostly undertaken at night. Builderers are often extremely experienced climbers who are seen climbing on buildings without authorization and are regularly met by police forces upon completing their exploit. Spectacular acts of buildering, such as free soloing skyscrapers, usually attract large crowds of passers-by and media attention.

The biggest draw of buildering is also its biggest drawback: Buildering almost always is illegal, so you should check to make sure it is not before you try it in Texas or anywhere else. And it won't win you any popularity contests. Cops don't like you; landlords don't like you; most people think you're, at best, unusual and, at worst, crazy.

The general public considers climbing on buildings shocking and irresponsible behavior. The first and most important rule is: Watch your butt. You alone are responsible for your actions. You have to be young enough to enjoy currying the disdain of passersby or not care about your reputation. You have to get up early or steal out into the night. The most important key to successful buildering is, "Go in fast and get out."

Buildering can also take a form closer to bouldering, where climbers tend to ascend and/or traverse shorter sections of buildings and structures. While still generally frowned upon by property owners, some turn a blind eye towards the practice in many locations. Although it's often done as a solo sport, buildering has also become a popular group activity. As in more traditional rock climbing, routes on structures are established and graded for difficulty.

Lesser known forms of urban climbing can be observed in demonstrations, as a means of protest, or at some public events such as street parades or concerts, where people frequently climb on sign posts and other small structures.

Unlike other fringe sports like skateboarding, most urban climbers doubt that buildering will ever crack into the mainstream. The problem is that many climbers find the sport is a little "too dangerous" for mass appeal. And buildering is more about the skill than the image and the huge risks involved make it less than appealing. For decades, buildering has existed under the radar and its popularity remains on university hubs, all of which seems to suggest intrinsic limits to its popularity.

As is the case in rock climbing, the trick in urban climbing is to find the perfect holds with the right overall body positioning and adequate balance. But the difficulty in climbing buildings is that the uniformity and evenness of the exterior make it difficult to find the grooves for holds. It is like a physical puzzle that can only be solved through ingenuity, persistence and foolhardiness. Buildering is both a lifestyle and a philosophy of taming the modern landscape.

While ultra-extreme sports such as urban climbing or buildering may help you develop great physical stamina and mental discipline, it is dangerous and must only be attempted by experienced climbing professionals. If you're a young individual who's drawn to this sport, make sure you're in the best shape both mentally and physically.

If you are drawn to things that are out of the ordinary, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for young, healthy individuals. For more information, visit us at our website, [http://www.precedent.com]. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly competitive HSA-qualified plans and an unparalleled “real time" application and acceptance experience.

Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at [http://www.precedent.com]

Picking the Best Outdoor Games

If you're trying to choose some great outdoor games for your children then you may be struggling. There's a massive range of options available but it can sometimes be tricky to pick out games that are right for your kids and also within the budget that you're looking at.

The first step might be to think about where you are wanting your kids to play. If your aim is to buy some games that can be used in your garden then you'll need to think about how much space you have available.

That will immediately rule out some options, which might be seen as being a limiting factor. It can also be a positive, however, because it narrows down the options and can help to make your choice easier.

If you're not intending for the games to be used solely within the garden then you might have different games to look at. Activities that require a lot of space would suddenly become possibilities. Examples of these might involve kites, larger bikes and rounders.

What if you are looking to buy for a smaller space? There are various ball games that can provide good options - many of these take up a lot less space than you might imagine. They also have the advantage of being relatively cheap.

Paddling pools are something else that you might think of - great fun and they will squeeze into many garden!

How about if you have more space available to you? There are some really exciting larger toys and games. Climbing frames, slides, swings and trampolines might all be good options. Table tennis can also work well outdoors.

Whatever you choose, remember that you'll often find the lowest prices on outdoor games by shopping online and comparing prices before you buy.

Find out more about toys and fun outdoor games with more articles by Keith Barrett. You're welcome to make use of this article, as long as this resource box is retained in full.

Get The Gear You Need To Hustle Pool Like Karen Corr and Johnny Archer

Every professional pool player needs a source for their pool supplies. Without a line in on the newest and best gear, they wouldn't have the edge over the competition. Sure, eventually they get to make their own lines of accessories and cues, but they didn't start out that way!

It takes a while to build up your arsenal of pool gear. It is much easier to have one reliable, cost effective source for everything. If you have one source for everything from your professional cues to your table and accessories, you know you won't have to waste time searching when it's time to buy the next item on your list. All you have to do is log on and click and you have access to everything you need. The best thing about it is their no hassle returns policy and free shipping on orders over $65 - you save on gas and get your gear at the lowest cost, every time, with no hassles if it isn't the right fit for you.

How do you know which pool gear to choose from an online store? Part of the choice is personal preference, part of it is what your needs are, and part of it is your budget. First, make sure you look in the right section for what you need. If you are cue shopping, and you know you have a light break and need help, look in the section for adjustable weight cues. After that it is a matter of your preference in appearance and style and your budget. You can get plenty of professional grade equipment that fits your image and style and works with any budget.

If you are in a league, you not only need the accessories and gear for travel; you need a source you can access from anywhere. The biggest benefit of online shopping is access to what you need anytime, no matter where you are playing. Even if you have a tournament in a rural area, if you can log on to the Internet, you can find what you need and get it shipped to you fast. If you have a home table and live in a rural area, online one-stop shopping gives you access to the kind of professional grade gear you won't find in your local Wal-Mart or rural sporting goods store. You can impress your friends with your access to specialty gear they just can't find. Whatever your needs are, you'll love having the edge on your friends, tournament rivals or fellow bar owners. With an all-access pass to the most recent innovations in pool cues, quality tables you can afford, pool room accessories to make you the envy of your neighborhood, and more, you can't go wrong.

Jason Marco is a expert on the subject of Pool and operates a discount billiards store where you can get great equipment and Pool Table Accessories [http://www.thepoolhustler.com/pool-table-accessories.html].

Click here: http://www.ThePoolHustler.com