Stuck in Iowa

Windows Mobility Center is available only for laptops!?

Smoother — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:41:54 +0000

I’m running Windows 7 on my laptop and I got an error today “Windows Mobility Center is available only for laptops” which made me go “whaaaaaaaaaaat?” because I am using a laptop. Well I found out the problem is due to the fact that I removed my battery from my notebook (or laptop, however you want to call it). You can also have this problem if your laptop is plugged into a UPS too. Here’s a quote from their site.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938322

This issue may occur if the following conditions are true:

The computer is plugged into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

The battery has been removed from the computer.

When these conditions are true, the computer’s role may be set incorrectly in the BIOS.

Iowa Mortgage

Smoother — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:05:08 +0000

What to Expect When Buying a Home in Iowa

Maybe you’re buying your first home in Iowa, or perhaps you’re relocating to Iowa from another state. Either way, it’s important that you educate yourself on Iowa home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you’ll need to know before buying a home in Iowa:

The median home value in the state of Iowa is $82,500. Current interest rates in Iowa are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average.

In the state of Iowa, purchase transactions on sub-prime loans are subject to a $30,000 minimum. Additionally, if you live in Iowa and file bankruptcy, you do not necessarily have to forfeit your home. If you have been current on your payments and continue to be, state law does not require you to surrender your home.

If you’re buying a home in southern Iowa, you qualify for state FHA loans through the Southern Iowa Home Ownership Program. First-time home buyers qualify for loans with below-market interest rates and down payment assistance. Borrowers must meet certain income requirements and specific guidelines, and must purchase a home in a southern Iowa county: Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren Wapello, or Wayne.

These loans are revolving, so there are only a specific number that can be given out at any period of time. When a person with a FHA loan through this program sells their home or refinances it, then their loan is made available to another qualified applicant.

About the Author

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about on the mortgage lending process. http://www.mortgage-lenders-plus.com/

Playing the Iowa Lottery

Smoother — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:46:41 +0000

Though the odds are not necessarily in your favor, there is always a possibility that you can hit the jackpot with Iowa Powerball. Even though your odds are not great, you still have just as much of a chance at winning per ticket than anyone else. The Iowa Powerball lottery game involves choosing six different numbers. Five of these numbers must range from one to fifty-five, and the sixth number, the Powerball number, must fall between one and forty-two.

The rules of the game are simple. If you get all six Iowa Power Ball numbers correct, you win the jackpot. This is a really big deal, considering that it has been more than six hundred million dollars in the past! Jackpots can get so large because Power ball lottery game tickets are sold in twenty-seven different states, making it the largest multi-state lottery in the country. The Iowa Powerball lottery jackpot builds from one drawing to the next, and if there is no winner of a drawing, the jackpot amount rolls over. This means that a single winner could win more money from the Iowa Power Ball lottery than he or she could ever imagine.

Even if you do not win the big grand prize, there are still quite a few smaller prizes that are awarded for having less than the needed six numbers. For instance, if you match all five of the one to fifty-five numbers but do not match the Power Ball, you will still win two hundred thousand dollars from the Iowa Powerball lottery.

You can find the Iowa Power Ball lottery result on the official Iowa Powerball website or on powerball.com. You can also watch the drawings live on television on a variety of local Iowa television stations. Powerball drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:59 in the evening.

The Iowa lottery offers more games than powerball. Hot Lotto is a game with better odds than the powerball. You pick 5 numbers from 1 through 36 and pick numbers from 1 to 19 for the hot ball. This game can be played in several Midwestern states and New Hampshire and Washington D.C. Iowa also has the Pic 3 game where you can win $3,000.00 or the Pic 4 game where you may win $100,000.00 You may view results online, on television, or in newspapers. The Iowa Lottery has a website with clear easy instructions and offers many games most with better odds than powerball.

About the Author

Jeffrey Davis is a Expert on Online Lotteries and a marketing executive at Triumph Marketing, you can find more of Jeff’s lottery articles and buy real lottery tickets at http://www.luckylotto

Is Coffee Healthy?

Smoother — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:46:19 +0000

Considering all the past concern about possible health risks from drinking coffee, newer reports of coffee’s possible protective effects may leave many people confused.

Overall, recent studies suggest that coffee (regular and decaffeinated) may offer a variety of health benefits against diseases such as cancer and diabetes. However, coffee may not deserve a place in the same category with other healthful foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Laboratory studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compounds in coffee could help reduce risk of cancer. Coffee also has a tendency to speed the passage of waste through the digestive tract. Potentially, this may lessen the time that cancer-causing compounds spend in contact with the intestinal tract, which could reduce the risk of colon cancer. Population studies, however, tend to split between coffee intake having no effect on or reducing risk of breast and colon cancer.

Diabetes Prevention

The case for coffee’s ability to protect against diabetes is strengthened by several recent studies. In the Iowa Women’s Health Study, more than 28,000 women were followed for 11 years. The women who drank four or more cups of coffee daily were about 20 percent less likely to develop diabetes. That became a 30 to 40 percent drop among those who drank decaf coffee.

A study in Finland linked consumption of three to six cups of coffee per day with a 25 percent lower risk of diabetes. In both studies, benefits were seen after adjusting for other diabetes risks, such as weight, diet, and activity level. Several studies now link moderate coffee consumption with lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. Researchers are working to understand the potential advantage of decaf versus regular coffee and how weight control is involved.

Potential increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease has been one of the long-standing concerns about coffee. Recent studies confirm that caffeine can raise blood pressure, but this effect is observed with soft drinks, not coffee. Laboratory studies suggest that perhaps coffee’s healthful compounds can counterbalance the blood-pressure raising effects of caffeine.

In the Iowa Women’s Health Study noted above, four to five cups of coffee a day were linked with a 19 percent lower risk of heart-related death. Other studies have found no effect of coffee consumption on heart disease risk. But people should follow their doctor’s advice.

Coffee does warrant some cautions, however. Both regular and decaf coffee relax the muscle that keeps stomach acids from rising into the throat, so those with heartburn or reflux disease (GERD) are encouraged to avoid or strictly limit coffee. People with trouble sleeping should limit or avoid caffeinated coffee.

Studies now suggest it is unnecessary for pregnant women to completely avoid caffeinated coffee. Until the impact of caffeine is more clearly understood, however, many experts suggest that pregnant women limit their daily caffeine from coffee, soft drinks and other sources to about 300 mg, the equivalent of three cups of regular coffee.

It’s exciting that something as simple as drinking coffee might help lower our risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, while brewed coffee (not instant) is a concentrated source of antioxidants, it can’t be a substitute for berries, legumes, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants along with a wide range of vitamins, protective compounds and dietary fiber.

Source: http://www.networkmalaysia.com/subtitle/article_coffee.htm

About the Author

Blogger of Potsource.com

Iowa Payroll Law and Practice

Smoother — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:46:16 +0000

he Iowa State Agency that oversees the collection and reporting of State income taxes deducted from payroll checks is:

Department of Revenue Income Tax Division Hoover State Office Bldg. P.O. Box 10457 Des Moines, IA 50306-0457 (515) 281-3114 (800) 367-3388 (in state) www.state.ia.us/tax

Iowa requires that you use Iowa form “IA W-4, Centralized Employee Registry Reporting Form/Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate” instead of a Federal W-4 Form for Iowa State Income Tax Withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated in the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Iowa cafeteria plans are not taxable for income tax calculation; taxable for unemployment insurance purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Iowa supplemental wages are taxed at a 6% flat rate.

State W-2s are not applicable in the state of Iowa.

The Iowa State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Department of Workforce Development 1000 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0209 (515) 281-5387 http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/index.html

The State of Iowa taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $19,700.00.

Iowa has optional reporting of quarterly wages on magnetic media.

Unemployment records must be retained in Iowa for a minimum period of five years. This information generally includes: name; social security number; dates of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Iowa State Agency charged with enforcing the state wage and hour laws is:

Iowa Workforce Development Labor Services Division 1000 East Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0209 (515) 281-5387 www.iowaworkforce.org//labor/index.html

The minimum wage in Iowa is $5.15 per hour.

There is also no general provision in Iowa State Law covering paying overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer. Iowa State new hire reporting requirements are that every employer must report every new hire and rehire; independent contractors over $600. The employer must report the federally required elements of:

Employee’s name Employee’s date of birth. Employee’s health insurance. Employee’s address Start date of contract.

Employee’s social security number Employer’s name Employers address Employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 15 days of the hiring or rehiring. The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent by mail, fax or electronically. There is a penalty contempt of court for a late report in Iowa.

The Iowa new hire-reporting agency can be reached at 515-281-533 or on the web at http://icer.dhs.state.ia.us/.

Iowa does not allow compulsory direct deposit.

Iowa requires the following information on an employee’s pay stub:

Gross and Net Earnings straight time and overtime pay hours worked itemized deductions

The State Wage and Hour Law provisions concerning pay stub information in Iowa is that it must be provided within 10 days of employee’s request, only once a year unless earnings, hours, or deductions are changed.

Iowa requires that employee be paid no less often than monthly, semimonthly, or biweekly.

Iowa requires that the lag time between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages to the employee not exceed twelve days after pay period; excluding Sundays and holidays.

Iowa payroll law requires that involuntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by their next regular payday; 30 days for commissions and that voluntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by the next regular payday; 30 days for commissions or by mail if employee requests it.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning paying deceased employees.

Escheat laws in Iowa require that unclaimed wages be paid over to the state after one year.

The employer is further required in Iowa to keep a record of the wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 4 years.

Iowa payroll law mandates no more than 40% of minimum wage may be used as a tip credit.

In the Iowa payroll law there is no provision covering required rest or meal periods.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning record retention of wage and hour records therefor it is probably wise to follow FLSA guidelines.

The Iowa agency charged with enforcing Child Support Orders and laws is: Child Support Recovery Unit Department of Human Services Hoover Bldg., 5th Fl. Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 242-3237 (888) 229-9223 http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/dhs2005/dhs_homepage/financial_support/child_support/index.html

Iowa has the following provisions for child support deductions:

When to start Withholding? 10 days after receipt of order. When to send Payment? Within 7 days of Payday. When to send Termination Notice? “Promptly.” Maximum Administrative Fee? $2 per payment. Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.

Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business.”

To find professional payroll service at a budget price go to www.PayrollonaBudget.com a paperless payroll company.

For a full service payroll bureau with CPA’s on staff visit www.CustomPayroll.com .

See an excerpt of Mr. Read’s interviews from William Shatners “Heartbeat of America” television show on the web sites linked above.

About the Author

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business.”

To find professional payroll service at a budget price go to www.PayrollonaBudget.com a paperless payroll company.

For a full service payroll bureau with CPA’s on staff visit www.CustomPayroll.com .

Top 10 Cities For Younger Retirees

Smoother — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:46:14 +0000

Young retirees looking out for the best cities in the U.S. to retire young but still be engaged in an active lifestyle may take a look at the top ten cities that have been chosen by the Money Magazine with Bert Sperling of Bestplace.net this year. The best cities have been selected based on important factors for an active lifestyle such as population growth, cost of living, economic health, recreation opportunities and leisure activities. The city’s proximity to a large metro area, college presence in the vicinity and housing costs that are below $350,000 have been taken into account. However, the study also made a few exceptions for cities that offered unique benefits and did not strictly fit the criteria.

1. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Pronounced as ‘Core da lane’, this city offers a wonderful ski environment, stunning scenery and a flourishing golf culture. The city is picking up in the tourism sector. The median home price is $311,700 and the population is 38,246.

2. Charlottesville, Virginia: The Blue Ridge Mountains, University of Virginia, and variety of entertainment and recreation, makes Charlottesville an attractive option to retire in. This is also a city with a strong historical background. All these positive features offset the slightly high median home price of $398,400. The population of Charlottesville is 41,425.

3. Logan, Utah: Home to the Utah State University, Logan is a popular city that offers various recreational activities including plenty of water sports at Bear Lake. Logan has a historic downtown and the scenic Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is a great attraction. The city has a median home price of $205,400 and population of 44,599.

4. Blacksburg, Virginia: A town that has been growing steadily over the last 4 decades, Blacksburg is home to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute also known as Virginia Tech, a very vibrant college community and lots of scenic beauty. The median home price is $233,400 and the town has a population of 39,915 residents.

5. Burlington, Vermont: A college town through and through, Burlington boasts of being home to four colleges - the University of Vermont, Burlington College, Champlain College and a Community College of Vermont campus. The median home price is $378,000 and the town has 37,884 residents.

6. Anacortes, Washington: An awesome place if you want to enjoy your retirement with a lot of fun and entertainment. The jewel of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is favorably located near British Columbia. There is no limit to the water sports that the sea offers or to other outdoor activities such as golfing, bird watching, camping etc. The median home price is $347,600 and the town has a population of just 15,514 with a 15-year growth rate of 24.5 %.

7. Sarasota, Florida: You would love this spot for its exquisite architecture, pure white sands and wonderful beach sports. The medium home price is a little expensive at $423,400 and the population is at 53,477. Being the hub of architectural marvel Sarasota in the State of Florida might not offer much for the home buyer in terms of housing bargains.

8. Hanover, New Hampshire: Also known as the “Upper Valley”, Hanover in New Hampshire is a peaceful place to settle in, for its wonderful valley setting. Located at driving distance from Boston, Montreal and New York City, Hanover also offers great skiing activity. The median home price is at $297,400 and the population is 8,305 with a 15-year growth rate of 13.2 %.

9. Manhattan, Kansas: If one wishes to settle in a city that offers year-round entertainment, Manhattan in the State of Kansas would be the perfect choice. The city offers golf, art, shopping and some of the country’s best music festivals during the month of June. The median home price is $188,600 and the population is 44,630.

10. Ames, Iowa: This can be the perfect choice for the one who wants a laid back lifestyle and a quiet life. The city offers some of the most affordable housing options and the crime rate is also quite low here. The city also is home to the Iowa State University. The Median home price is at $176,700 and the population is 54,817.

Romantic Destinations in Iowa

Smoother — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:46:11 +0000

When you first think of romance, Iowa might not come to mind. In truth, romantic destinations in Iowa are excellent and show you a beautiful hidden side of this underappreciated state.

Romantic Destinations in Iowa

The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company - romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!

Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion - you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.

This b & b has just two rooms, which means you will get a level of service that you might not find in larger inns or hotels. The Prairie Room is perfect for couples, with a comfortable queen size bed and its own shower. The Pine Loft is larger (it can accommodate up to six people), but it also includes a claw foot tub as well as other amenities that complete this spacious room. Lovely green plants and a library’s worth of books make this nook of a room one of the most perfect places for romantic destinations in Iowa.

Potter’s Mill bed and breakfast is lodged in Iowa’s oldest grist mill (from 1843). This beautiful inn and restaurant is also a great place to have your next romantic retreat. Located in Bellvue, Iowa, Potter’s Mill offers guests five rooms to choose from, with different themes and motifs in each. Gourmet breakfasts are also included. The atmosphere in this inn is like no other, with the mill theme including exposed beams and other subtle hints to the building’s original purpose. The Potter’s Mill’s restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

Spending some quality time with the one you love in picturesque Iowa can be just the thing for any special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, you can be sure romantic destinations in Iowa will be just the thing.

About the Author

Richard Rspad is with Resort Spa Destinations - reviews and articles on romantic getaways. http://www.resortspadestinations.com/romantic-getaways

Hypnosis for quitting smoking

Smoother — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Smoking is hazardous to health. We all know it. However, there are many people who start smoking even after knowing that it is not good for health. It is very easy to start smoking. Anybody from a chain smoker to one who smokes occasionally or just a few cigarettes every day will tell you this. When it comes to quitting smoking, one has to be extra careful and work upon the will power.

A person can stop smoking for some days. However, the urge of having a fag is so strong that it is very difficult stay away from it. Here, you tend to get back to square one even after you decide to quit smoking.

Hypnosis is a process that has made a great impact on smoking. Most people who have tried it, agree that hypnosis can help quitting smoking.

When quitting smoking, one faces mood swings, lethargy and intense craving that are hard to resist. Hence, when you want to quit smoking, you need to take help of a hypnotherapist. A hypnotherapist will help you come out of the blues you experience when quitting smoking.


If you are a chain smoker or smoke occasionally, you can take help of a hypnotherapist to quite smoking. Here, you are able to get into a state of dream where you get a feeling of relaxation from head to toe. When undergoing a hypnotherapy, a person easily responds to suggestions. A hypnotherapy uses several positive suggest that may help a patient to curb his cravings for cigaretters. The reason is that on tends to get relaxed after hypnosis and feels less stress. When you tend to be free of stress, you don't crave for cigarettes.
There are many people who don't agree that hypnosis can help quit smoking. They think that during the period of the treatment, the patient is easily able to control his urge to smoke however, the moment the treatment is over, the urge to smoke arises again. However, this has not affected the popularity of hypnotherapy as a solution to quit smoking. You would find many hypnotherapists practicing hypnotherapy for quitting smoking. Iowa and Indiana have maximum number of hypnotherapy clinics.
The most important thing to take care of is that your will power to stay away from the cigarettes need to be combined with hypnotherapy. In short, hypnosis for quitting smoking will only help you if you want to quit smoking.
Hypnosis is not a new concept. It is a state of mind where you tend to take suggestions and advice easily. You are ready to respond to whatever treatment is give to you.
Many people have claimed that hypnosis has worked for them. Hypnotists use several methods to help their clients quit smoking. One of the most popular methods is where they may tell a person to relate smoking cigarettes with an extremely bad smell. They also associate the thoughts of smoking with a positive anti smoking message.
If you want an instant fix to your problem, hypnosis may not help but the therapy can help you cultivate a strong desire to succeed. 
About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.youwillquit.com You Will Quit

Weird Drinking Laws

Smoother — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:41:59 +0000

The United States has its fair share of weird laws (what is up with having to pay taxes?), but there are few laws that achieve the level of oddness that certain American drinking laws attain. Underage folks may find the “21 and over” rule to be weird. People wanting to buy beer seven days a week may find the fact that liquor stores are closed on Sundays in many states to be strange. Those who like to stroll around a park with an uncorked bottle of wine may find it bizarre that open containers of alcohol aren’t allowed in many areas. But, the oddness that the above laws emit is nothing compared to the peculiarities of those below:

Don’t use the “R” word: According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BAFT), the word “refreshing” can’t be utilized when describing alcohol beverages. That forces us, the alcohol consumers, to describe beer as brisk, gin as invigorating, and wine as reviving. That’s right BAFT, we have a thesaurus.

When in Rome, Don’t Act Like You Are: Thanks to the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act, an underage student studying abroad is forbade from drinking alcohol, even if they are in a country where they meet the drinking age requirements. Of course, this sort of defeats the purpose of studying abroad altogether: what’s the point of drinking in a different culture if you aren’t allowed to be drinking in a different culture.

Bring Cash and Coins to Des Moines: In Iowa, it’s illegal to start a tab at a bar. This is a concept that undoubtedly leaves out of town patrons a-maized. Sorry, that was corny.

Texas Told’em Not to Buy a Reference Book: In Texas, the complete Encyclopedia Britannica collection is banned because one of the volumes contains a homemade beer recipe. We aren’t positive, but we think any Texan caught with this encyclopedia will probably get the death penalty.

No Drinking with the Fishes: In Ohio, the law states that it is illegal to get a fish drunk. Apparently, the “drinks like a fish” saying doesn’t apply to the marine life in this region. You can give a carp or a trout the worm, but you better drink the bottle of tequila all by yourself.

A Women’s Consent: Pennsylvania law prohibits a man from buying alcohol without a note of permission from his wife. This has turned women’s liberation into women’s libation and, not surprisingly, left many Pennsylvania men single.

Three at a time: The law of Texas states that no person can consume more than three sips of beer at a time if they are standing up. But, if they are falling over or stumbling around, then that may be a different story.

Unfair for Fairbanks Moose: In Fairbanks, Alaska, it is against the law to give a moose any kind of alcohol. This could be because moose don’t know when to say when or because they simply are light weights. For whatever reason this law exists, the Alaskan moose consider it “bull.”

Obviously, the above laws are rarely - if ever - enforced in the industry of wine and spirits. This is for the better: those of us who love wine and beer would never be able to adhere to the above regulations. A world of alcohol that didn’t allow us to go out drinking with the boys, the girls, and the Alaskan wildlife, just wouldn’t be the same.

About the Author

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should al

50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America

Smoother — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:41:55 +0000

Retirement has its joys and pains, but if you’re ready and equipped for it, retirement should be your chance to do what you’ve always wanted to do and live in a town you’ve always wanted to be in. It you’re getting ready to retire, here is a list of the 50 most fabulous places to retire in America in no particular order:

1 to 8. Alabama has not one, not two but eight fabulous places to retire in America - Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan and Decatur offer the best of ‘Bama.

9 to 10. California is fabulous in many ways, thanks to lots of sun, beaches and plenty of things to do; all these things and more that you can do in San Diego and Paso Robles.

11 to 13. When people think of retirement, Florida is never far from their mind. So if you want to find a fabulous place for retirement, go Gainesville, Tallahassee or Sarasota.

14 to 17. Washington has Spokane, Lexington and Walla Walla, three fabulous places to retire in. Spokane is a large city for retirees but it sure offers plenty in terms of affordability. Lexington is gaining popularity and Walla Walla was voted one of the best places for retirees in 2006, so there’s your cue. Don’t forget Bellingham, a nature lover’s dream place.

18. Portsmouth in New Hampshire has the honor of being one of the 10 places in America that’s considered safest, so consider retiring here.

19. Ashland in Oregon is not just about the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, it’s also a cozy, fabulous place to retire in America.

20. Coeur d’Alene in Idaho may sound French, but it’s all American. You’ll love the fabulousness of the outdoors, with all its beautiful scenery. By the way, it’s pronounced as ‘core da lane’.

21 to 24. Virginia has some of the most fabulous places that we can call close to heaven - Charlottesville, Anacortes, Williamsburg and Blacksburg.

25 to 26. Logan in Utah used to be just a town you used for a stop over when going to Yellowstone, but it is a fabulous place to retire in America thanks to its charm and opportunities for recreation. You’ll love St. George for its mild winters and desert climate.

27. Skiing is not the only thing to do in Burlington, Vermont. There’s plenty of local culture, lots of opportunities for learning and yes, this is where Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was born.

28 to 29. The Little Apple is a fabulous place to retire in and it’s called Manhattan. You’ll love the natural beauty of this town in Kansas, along with the fact you’ll have plenty of time to play golf. You’ll also find Lawrence a fantastic place to retire in.

30 to 31. Can’t get enough of Ivy living? Live your retirement in Hanover or Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

32. If you prefer to soak in the Midwest life, Ames, Indiana is the perfect, fabulous place to retire in.

33 to 34. Beaufort in South Carolina is historic and filled with charming restaurants and great shops and entertainment. Charleston offers charm and a solid economy, along with excellent health care and educational facilities.

35. Oxford in Mississippi, near Memphis offers great summer nights. This is a college town, so expect plenty of chances for continuing education.

36 to 38. Texas’ state’s Austin and Boerne, one more famous and the other still undiscovered but with plenty of things to offer. And don’t forget lovely San Antonio, a great blend of both culture and terrain.

39 to 40. Fort Collins can have cold winters, but this city in the Rocky Mountains offers affordable alternative to the joys of city living. Loveland is less than an hour’s drive from Denver and is as lovely as its name.

41 to 44. North Carolina has four fabulous places to retire in - Asheville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham.

45. Santa Fe in New Mexico introduces you to other cultures and you’ll get to be neighbors with several Hollywood celebrities.

46. Iowa City, Iowa is friendly, urbane with lots of culture going on. I you want a fabulous place to retire in, this is it.

47. If you fancy some fabulous island life, St. Simons in Georgia is a great place to retire in.

48. Like lots of summer fun? Try Holland in Michigan, where the Grand Rapids is less than half an hour away.

49. If you love the outdoors, live your retirement in Prescott, Arizona.

50. Ithaca in New York is a fabulous place to retire in, thanks to its combination of natural beauty and vibrant culture.

About the Author

For more complete information on retirement please go to: http://www.accessibleretirement.com/50-Fabulous-Place-To-Retire-In-America.html http://www.accessibleretirement.com www.drnathaliefiset.com

Iowa RV Facilities

Smoother — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:41:53 +0000

In many ways, Iowa is the state where you can step back and experience a more traditional America. You can soak in the atmosphere at any of these Iowa RV facilities.

Iowa RV Facilities

A trip to Iowa can bring many unexpected pleasures. The great outdoors are found in abundance here, with activities ranging from hiking and skiing to fishing and bike trails galore. If you enjoy spending time in the woods, or just seeing nature’s beauty, you will find it all here in Iowa. Easily reachable from much of the Midwest, Iowa is a perfect place to take your recreational vehicle for a family trip. Hop on one of the historic routes and byways designated by the state, and find the area you want to visit.

There are many different Iowa RV facilities available for your stay in the state, ranging from small private parks to facilities that are attached to several of the State Park areas. Depending on the region in the state you are going to visit (Iowa is generally broken into ten regions for tourism purposes) - you can enjoy different activities year round. One area that is great year round (although the amenities are limited in winter) is the Skip-a-Way Resort, RV Park - located in Clermont, Iowa.

The Skip-a-Way Resort offers RV campers many different activities and amenities - making it a perfect choice among Iowa RV facilities in the Northeast area. The sites for your RV include both grassy and shady spots, with pull throughs available. Electric, water and sewer are included with your hookup, and cable TV, Internet and telephone services are also available. The resort has a full service restaurant on the premises, along with a store, camping and fishing supplies, a laundry room and dumping stations. Activities here include wagon rides, basketball courts, swimming pools, fishing and hiking.

Another of the Iowa RV facilities located in the Northeast region is the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Camping Park, located in Cresco, Iowa. This site is placed among the “Chimney Rocks” of the area, along the Upper Iowa River. A perfect spot for families that enjoy water sports and canoeing or kayaking, this facility offers boat rentals as well as tube rentals and fishing supplies. Here, you have your choice of a “primitive” campsite, or one that includes electric hookups. This is a great place for families who enjoy adventure.

Iowa RV facilities have much to offer travelers looking for a different sort of family trip. With the many extremes of terrain and natural formations, a trip here is a camper’s paradise - as well as a hiking treasure.

About the Author

Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - information on where and how to rent an RV. http://www.rvrentalsforyou.com/rent_an_rv

History of Iowa

Smoother — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:41:52 +0000

Iowa was originally home to at least 17 Native American tries, although today only the Meskwaki remain.

The first Europeans to reach Iowa were the French explorers, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette in 1673. They recorded in their journals that the land was lush, green and fertile.

The United States gained control of the area from France in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The first official American settlement began in 1833, and statehood was achieved in 1846.

During the American Civil War (1861 to 1865), Iowa contributed greatly to the Union war effort, including more 60% of its eligible males serving (the highest proportion of any state).

Iowa was a popular destination for immigrants, and the state encouraged immigration with a booklet printed in 1869 in English, German, Dutch, Swedish and Danish. Additionally, immigrants also arrived, particularly in coal mining areas from Italy and Croatia, and beginning in the 1880s, a significant number of African-Americans moved to the state, also to work in the mining industry. The coming of the railroads, also helped to encourage immigration, and, eventually, the establishment of the beginnings of a manufacturing sector.

World War One brought a brief agricultural boom to the state, but the 1920s and 1930s were a time of hardship after the elimination of the wartime agricultural subsidies. The state did not in fact fully recover until the 1940s.

After World War Two, Iowa’s business and manufacturing sectors have continued to grow, and the state now produces a wide variety of manufactured products, as well the agricultural goods for which it is most famous.

About the Author

First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa_history.php

For more information about Iowa, please visit http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa.php

Sync iPod Touch and iPhone with Google Apps Calendar

Smoother — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:51:22 +0000

Before I talked about how to sync your iPhone or iPod Touch with your Google Calendar. And today I’d like to show you how to sync with your calendar on Google Apps using your own domain name.

You use the same settings as you would if you were syncing to your regular Google account. But your username would be your email@yourdomain.com. The next step is to activate ActiveSync on your Google Apps domain. To enable this service on Google Apps…

Log into your dashboard and click the Mobile link or just go to https://www.google.com/a/cpanel/YOURDOMAIN.COM/MobileSettings/ to get there. and select the checkbox.
Select the checkbox that’s next to Enable Google Sync
Click Save Changes. And you’re done!

If you’re having problems, leave a comment or check out Google Apps Help.

Sync iPhone or iPod Touch with Google Calendar

Smoother — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:50:50 +0000

If you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, it’s now easier than ever to sync with your Google Calendar. Before I was using NuevaSync which is a great service that’s free and works with Google Calendar, Google Contacts, and Plaxo. But now you can sync directly through Google as long as your iPod has firmware 2.2 or higher. Here’s how…

First of all, back everything up that you need to. Upload any contacts or calendars from your phone to your computer because the iPod will delete them all during setup. It’s kind of annoying, but it’s great once you’re synced up. I went through this process myself and everything went smoothly.

Here’s the link to the official Google page from where I took these instructions and pictures:
Sync: Set Up Your iPhone or iPod Touch

1. Open the Settings application on your device’s home screen.
2. Open Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
3. Tap Add Account….
4. Select Microsoft Exchange.

Enter Account Info

5. In the Email field, enter the name of the account (anything you’d like).
6. Leave the Domain field blank.
7. Enter your full Google Account email address as the Username.
8. Enter your Google Account password as the Password.
9. Tap Next at the top of your screen.
10. A new Server field will appear. Enter m.google.com.
11. Press Next at the top of your screen again.

12. Select the Google services you want to sync. Currently only Contacts and Calendar are supported.
Make sure that you have uploaded your data before proceeding.

13. Press Sync twice when warned about data loss.

You’ve set up Google Sync for your iPhone. Synchronization will begin automatically if you have Push enabled on your phone. You can also open the Calendar or Contacts app and wait a few seconds to start a sync.

Is Matlock on Channel 59.2 or 29.5?

Steel — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:21:13 +0000

Just to show that they don’t care about old people, nearly 500 US TV stations will begin broadcasting in only digital early (since Congress passed the delay).

Nielsen recently reported that 6.5 million U.S. homes were unprepared for the upcoming transition.

Just who are the people who are left not able to do this switch? For heaven’s sakes, they’ve been advertising this switch thing for over 2.5 years. Anyone that doesn’t have cable/satellite/a digital converter box probably deserves to be without TV for a while. I am willing to bet that even when the switch happens, there will still be several millions who didn’t see it coming…