Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 4:00 am
by Brian Armstrong
If you run a business, there’s a good chance that you already accept credit cards. If you’re new to starting a business, there are some things you should know about credit card processing that will save you a significant amount of money in the long term.
The discount rate is probably the one component of the merchant account pricing that represents the largest percentage of the fees you’ll pay as a merchant. A competitive discount rate for qualified retail transactions is about 1.29% for check or debit cards and about 1.69% for regular credit cards. Internet discount rates are typically considered competitive at 2.15% to 2.25%.
Your discount rate is determined by the risk your business may represent to the bank. The more risky your account, the higher the discount rate. The type of cards you process may also influence your discount rate, such as a business credit card vs. a check card, or rewards card for instance.
If you have a lower average ticket item or average transaction, the per transaction fee represents a higher percentage and can even represent a higher percentage of your overall fees than the actual discount rate or percentage. If you have an average ticket item of $10 and a per transaction of $.20, the effective rate on this transaction is 2%. If you add the discount rate of 1.8%, the effective rate on those $10 transactions is 3.8% which is higher than it could be.
If you take the same $10 transaction and could lower that per transaction fee to $.17, even with a higher discount rate, say around 1.8%, your effective rate would be 3.5% which would lower your overall effective rate on the transactions.
Business owners will typically have a monthly fee, usually in the form of a statement fee, customer service fee, or monthly account maintenance fee. This fee is usually about $10 per month.
There is also a monthly minimum that is usually charged on merchant accounts as well. This is a $25 minimum fee based on the discount rate. Any given month, the $25 worth of discount fees is charged. So, if you process $1000 per month at 1.7%, you’ll be assessed $17 worth of discount fees. If your minimum is $25, you’d pay the extra $8 worth of fees to equal the $25.
These are the primary fees that accompany each merchant account. There are several other fees that may apply depending on whether your are processing through a wireless terminal, an internet-based account, or mail order / telephone order.
Finding a sales rep that you can trust and work with on your account will save you significant hassles later on and will be a relationship you can leverage to make this important part of your business hassle free.
About the Author:
You can contact Brian through his website dedicated to providing information on business merchant accounts. He has been setting up merchant accounts for all types of businesses now since 2001. You can find more information on his website at MerchantHotline.com.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:58 am
by Johnathan Livingston
When pets spend hours outside sleeping in houses, porches, patios or on the hard ground, you might think they’re just fine and don’t need outdoor dog beds. But if they stay outside most of the time, they need one even more than an inside animal. There are very good reasons why your pooch should have his own outdoor bed.
Outdoor dog beds keep your pet off the ground, which can be hard and rough on bones and joints. As the weather turns cooler the ground becomes even more cold and damp than the outside air. This can cause even more joint problems and aches and pains. It also makes it harder for the animal to stay warm. Most of their houses aren’t insulated well enough to do to the job, so their own cozy spot to sleep in keeps them much more comfortable when winter rears its head.
Having outdoor dog beds gives your four-legged friends a sense of territory, more than the large yard does. This one spot is all his own. It’s a special, cushy place that’s more comfortable than anywhere else. It’s a dry place off the damp ground that’s covered in his scent to keep other animals away, giving him a sense of security.
Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they’re off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who’ve had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.
Outdoor dog beds are snag-resistant, stain-resistant and weatherproof. Because the weather can change in an instant, you might not have time to carry it indoors, so the interiors are generally waterproof on firmer units. But many softer and more portable styles have water-resistant exteriors but can be thrown a washing machine for quick clean-up.
In extreme weather, outdoor dog beds can give animals special comfort. Heated ones are perfect for winter to keep your pooch warm. They’re good for houses, garages, porches, patios, and wherever your animal might choose to lie down while outside. And units made especially for the hot summer months are designed to keep your pooch cool and comfortable. They can be soaked in cold water for about a half an hour, then towel dried. The interior stays soft and cool thanks to absorbing the cold water, and provides hours of cool relaxation for your friend no matter how high the temperature rises.
You can even find extra-portable outdoor dog beds, that aren’t just mean to be moved in and out with the animal, but are designed for traveling. Whether for a week, or a day, these designs are the utmost in convenience. Sleeping-bag style outdoor dog beds roll up and go in the washer for easy clean up. Cot styles support your pup off the ground with water-resistant nylon. They don’t offer warmth or cushioning, but rather hammock-style support that’s perfect for the on-the-go pooch. And they’re easily carried and cleaned, for your convenience.
Outdoor dog beds can be luxurious additions to your home dcor, too. Microfiber suede feels soft and silky but resists stains and cleans easily. Imitation lambswool is a super-soft favorite of some that still resists dirt and water, and machine washes for easy care.
And no matter what your dog’s size, you can find outdoor dog beds to fit. Measure your pooch while he’s laying down to see how much room he actually takes up and be sure to choose a bed that’s larger. This makes sure he doesn’t feel cramped in his sleeping spot, and that he can stretch out and make himself as comfortable as possible.
About the Author:
Make sure you select the appropriate Orthopedic Dog Beds for your pet. You will find a large selection of Dog Products and information at Dog House Market. Everything you will ever need to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:56 am
by Rob Carlton
Taking discount air adventure cruise travel can be a great get-away to see and new places, one of which is Alaska where you will certain be impressed by its appeal and beauty. Towering mountains with snow caps, miles of ocean and untouched wilderness are all some of what makes Alaska popular with visitors from all over the world, in addition to the fascinating wildlife and great climate.
Once you arrive in Alaska, you will enjoy its beauty aboard an Alaskan cruise ship. Cruising in and of itself is a popular choice of travel for holidays, abut aboard cruise liner you will see fascinating sights, including beautiful glaciers. Alaskan adventure cruises are quite popular as they are the best option for discount travel to this beautiful destination. Visitors have even traveled all the way from Australia to come experience the unique and memorable beauty of an Alaskan adventure cruise.
If you want to take advantage of discount travel to Alaska, or any other location you may want to visit for that matter, it is important to begin searching for cheap flights well in advance of your anticipated departure date. This will help you get an idea of what the travel market has to offer so you can accept a price margin you can be sure will be difficult to beat. To get the best rates, have some flexibility as far as flight schedule but, of course, the earlier you make the flight reservation the cheaper the faire will be.
Another tip to keep in mind is that airlines reload their computers around midnight which, in turn, is a good time for you to get discount tickets since some may have reserved seats but not yet paid. This provides the opportunity to other travelers like yourself to get one of these seats.
Another way to find discount air adventure cruise travel tickets is to try and fly to nearby city which may save some money on airfare. For example, try flying into New York City if you are trying to ultimately get to Newark, New Jersey. Also, if you are flying from the United States to London, book a daytime flight rather than a night time flight which are generally higher priced. These tips can actually be applied for any travel anytime you are seeking discount airfare.
As far as discount air adventure cruise travel specifically to Alaska, there are many choices of Alaskan adventure cruises in the form of excursions inland taking you to see Alaska’s beauty first-hand. There are many beautiful destinations once could choose, with beautiful state or national parks, but the beauty of Alaska is one of a kind where you can see magnificent glaciers and fascinating marine life.
Now, once you have made all of the arrangements, be sure you have packed warm attire and, certainly, binoculars so you can see Alaska’s beauty up close. You do not want to miss out on a view of terrific scenery you will only see on an Alaskan adventure cruise!
About the Author:
Rob Carlton pens mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an internet site on place to go in benidorm and where is benidorm. You can learn about his comments on benidorm map and place to go in benidorm here.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:47 am
by Patricia Johnson
What is the StubHub Affiliate Network?
The StubHub Affiliate Network allows you to offer the best sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and Broadway tickets to your users.
How do I get my tickets?
We can hold your tickets at the theater box office or ship them to you by standard mail or FedEx, provided there is enough time before the performance. Step 6 of the ordering process asks how and where you would like the tickets delivered. Please note that the only option for off-Broadway tickets is ‘Will Call.’The Broward Center, in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Broadway Series, is pleased to offer our patrons with hearing difficulties the wonder of live Opened Captioned Performances of touring Broadway shows.
What is Office Pick-up?
If you would like to pick up your tickets prior to the day of the show, you can come see our Broadway experts in action at the our office. We are located just a five-minute walk north of Times Square at 1650 Broadway, right above the Mamma Mia! theater. The entrance to the building is on 51st Street (between Broadway and 7 th Avenue) and our offices are on the 9 th Floor. Our pick-up hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday.
Are there lower price tickets available?
Yes. There are a limited number of $55 partial-view side-orchestra tickets that can be purchased in advance at the box office, online at and over the phone – 212.307.4100. In these seats, you will miss some of the scenic elements at the back or side of the stage; however none of the primary action or story telling of the show will be missed.
Where will my seats be located?
We often have a special inventory of seats for the exclusive use of our hotel clients. If this is the case, one of our Broadway experts can quote you seat locations when taking your order over the phone. If not, we will be happy to order the best seats the box office has available for the performance you would like to attend.Our service charge includes all service and handling fees, as well as standard shipping. The only way to get Broadway tickets for face value is to purchase them in person at the theater or through the box office by mail. Broadway and off-Broadway box offices do not take public phone orders. Therefore, in order to purchase tickets online or over the phone, you will always need to pay a service charge. provides you with a level of service unmatched by any other Broadway ticketing agency.
Can I take photgraphs of the show?
Important note: The term Gershwin Theater as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other tradermarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Gershwin Theater and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.
About the Author:
they last at David Davis Better hurry
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:43 am
by Teresa Brown
In the realm of weight loss, fat has been given a bad rap with regards to its value as an essential nutrient for the body. Alongside the infamous carbohydrate, fat is the other infamous nutrient that has been targeted as something to eliminate or avoid by the weight loss industry. The irony is that both are fundamental nutrients for sustaining a healthy body. We have to re-educate ourselves on what type of fats to eat in a balanced diet to burn the baby fat.
A Big Mac and a large order of french fries certainly tastes good but if your health is at risk, then it’s high time for you to lower the fat in your diet. If you are struggling to burn the excess baby fat, chances are that your eating a diet high in fat. Eating too much fat will increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease or some forms of cancer.
The first step to burn the baby fat is to lower the amount of fat in your diet to a healthy level by choosing to follow through with making lifestyle changes in how you purchase and prepare your food. For example, shopping when you are famished is not a good idea, as you will be more inclined to make poor food choices and go for the foods high in saturated fat.
There is no excuse to not be able to manipulate the fat in your diet. The amount of fat in foods can be assessed by simply reading the ingredients and nutrition labels that are there for the specific purpose of informing the consumer. In addition, some restaurants and food companies have dispensed information pamphlets to inform consumers of the products nutrient content.
Fat is an essential nutrient but it should be no more than 35 percent of your entire diet and of that only 300 mg should be cholesterol. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as any vegetable, nut, olive or fish oils are the good fats and therefore should be the fats that take up 25 percent of your dietary fats. On the other hand, the bad fats such and the trans (hydrogenated fats) and saturated fats (bacon and whole milk) are to be eaten less and should only take no more than 10 percent of your dietary fats.
Your diet varies from one day to the next and so will the fat in your diet. Nature has a way of balancing things out so you can burn the baby fat by keeping all things in moderation. Focus on the big picture by monitoring your fat intake over a series of months rather than obsessing on the fat in the frappuccino you had an hour ago.
Be a smart consumer on nutrition. Try to buy foods with natural ingredients and lower in fat and calories by reading and comparing product labels and brands. Simply eating a balanced low calorie diet that includes the healthy fats will help you to burn the baby fat and stay healthy.
About the Author:
Lose the pregnancy weight and get your body back. Lose your tummy with a lifestyle program and start living. Teresa Brown is passionate about health, wellness and life-long learning for self-improvement.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:32 am
by Virginia Sutherland
When you are ready to include a magnificent feline into your family and life the question arises whether to purchase a cat, or to adopt one who is looking for a safe loving home. You can purchase a kitten or a retired breeder for a reputable breeder, or you can adopt a cat from the shelter or from a family who for whatever reason needs to relinquish their cat.
If your quest is to get a cat that you can show, a pedigree may be the best option, however, most organizations have a “household cat” category where you can show off your precious one.
Acquiring your cat from a reputable breeder, (again, a caution about buying a cat from a pet store, in the US at least, many of these cats come from kitten mills where the cats are raised in deplorable conditions) can have some benefits. Many breeders offer a guarantee, and you can research past generations for health issues as well.
Some people are very set on a particular breed. Or a particular personality trait. One way to get what they want is to buy a cat from a breeder, however, most cat breeds are available for adoption, and getting hte personality you want may be easier with an adult cat than with a kitten.
Adopting a cat does not reduce the possibilities of getting the kind of cat you are wanting. All kinds of cats in just about all breeds are available for adoption. A plus to adopting a cat that has had a previous owner is that they are already litter box trained, and it is easier to get a feel for their personality when they are past the kitten stage.
Some cats at shelters come with a full history, such as if they deal well with young children orwith other pets. There is also a great feeling that can come with adopting a cat since some cats that are never adopted wind up euthanized by the shelter. There simply isn’t always enough room for all the cats in the shelter, so sometimes there is no other choice. By adopting a cat, you’re saving the cat’s life.
There are many other ways to adopt a cat than shelters. Your local newspaper will have many ads about cats looking for a loving family. The reason someone has to give their cat away is many. Allergies is a common one, as is change in living conditions, the death of the cats owner, a divorce etc.
The advantage of adotping a cat from the shelter is that the cat will have had it’s health evaluated. Adopting a cat from a family mean you have no idea if there are underlying health problems.
If you are undecisive whether you should adopt a kitty, or purchase one from a breeder, do not worry. Cats have an uncanny way of coming into our lives in just the perfect way. You can start exploring both options, and before you know it your absolutely purrfect furbaby will find you.
About the Author:
Read more tips written by Virginia Sutherland such as how to research the best Cat Urine Cleaner and how to select the most advanced Cat Urine Remover
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 3:02 am
by Matt Willis
Last October, the much anticipated business and travel company, MOR Vacations has successfully launched.
People from all over the world are joining and currently has 100,000 members and still counting.
Members Only Resort Vacations is what MOR Vacations stands for. It offers over 5,000 resorts worldwide or a business pay plan of 75% commission which members can choose one from or both.
The travelling services does not only include the 5,000 resorts worldwide but also services: a special promo named Hot Weeks or their resort, or a condo, a cruise or a hotel.
The members who chose business will be granted 75% for every package they can sell. The money will be sent directly into their accounts. The total amount will reach up to $2,250 including the bonus per package.
MOR Vacations is a two-in-one company that does not limit its members into only one option.
About the Author:
MOR Vacations lets you travel and earn at the same time! Want to know the secret how you can maximize this MOR Vacations perk? Visit the MOR Vacations website today!
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:47 am
by Brian McCoy
It doesn’t seem possible that the words chocolate and weight loss could be used in the same sentence. However, with a new product, it just might be possible.
You may have heard about the positive benefits that dark chocolate can have on your body. The idea is becoming more and more widespread. However, the chocolate that you purchase in stores is usually far from healthy. What is the difference? The unhealthy chocolate is full of sugars, fats, and artificial preservatives. This makes the chocolate unhealthy and bad for your overall health.
Traditional chocolate also losses much of its nutritional benefits as it is heated during manufacturing. This causes an 80% loss in antioxidant levels.
There is an alternative to the poorly manufactured dark chocolates available in retail stores today. A company named Xocai, a division of the MXI Corporation, is based out of Reno, Nevada. This company has made available to the market an all natural, nutritionally dense form of cacao. The cacao is allowed to preserve its nutritional value due to the manufacturing process. Instead of heating the cacao, it is cold pressed. This maintains the integrity of the chocolates’ healthful benefits.
The company Xocai has brought to market 6 products. They are the X Powerhouse Cookie, X Power Squares, Omega Bars, Activ, a Protein Bar, and Nuggets. These products are made with unprocessed cacao powder and combined with the acai berry and blueberry for added taste. The products are full of healthful benefits such as flavonoids, antioxidants, high ORAC value, high fiber, and low sugars. They are safe for diabetics as well as vegetarians and vegans.
So just how does any of this have an effect on weight loss? Several studies, including one recent study out of Japan, concluded that consumption of cocoa may fight weight gain. While there are several determining factors in this, a few of them are gene regulation and the potential mood elevating chemicals that cocoa contains. These positive chemicals have the added benefits of possibly helping one to feel more energetic, leading to increased exercise, and ultimately leading to weight loss.
The studies suggest that there are several biochemical processes going on in your body. In addition to that, you are also indulging in a far more healthy, organic chocolate. Let’s say that you eat a piece of healthy dark chocolate rather than a 3 Musketeers Bar. What different effects do you think that the 2 would have on your body? The differences are clear. The healthy dark chocolate contains positive benefits such as being low in sugar, fat, and calories. Where it really stands out is the high levels of fiber, antioxidants, ORAC value, and flavonoids. We don’t even need to examine how much of a difference this is from the unhealthy 3 Musketeers Bar.
An added benefit is that you don’t have to give up taste either. The formulations that Xocai has put together for their line of healthy dark chocolate products has mass taste appeal. People are sharing their positive testimonials as to the fantastic results that they are seeing with the products. Because of this, I feel that it is beneficial for you and your family that you look into how the Xocai healthy chocolate can be good for you.
About the Author:
About the Author: Brian McCoy is a 6 figure earner and one of the top income earners in the home business industry. Brian is passionate about sharing health and wellness with others. He also devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and trains them to ensure their success. To find out more about Chocolate And Weight Loss, visit his Xocai Healthy Chocolate site.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:47 am
by Jonas White
The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system are at the root of disorders ranging from Movement disorders like Parkinson’s to more psychological disorders like Alzheimer’s, and must be treated by neurologists or neurosurgeons.
The Emory Neurology Surgery team is among the nation’s leading departments for neurosurgical patient care, teaching, and research, and they deal with conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. Emory has the only neurocritical care unit for critically ill patients with cerebrovascular disorders. In addition, Emory is among the regional leaders regarding the number of brain aneurysms and vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord it treats yearly.
Emory has a Movement Disorder clinic that helps those who suffer from debilitating Movement Disorders like Parkinsons, and also work with those who suffer from dystonia, essential tremor, Huntington’s Disease, and Tourette’s syndrome. The center provides comprehensive services ranging from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Movement disorders are treated by neurosurgeons because they are caused by problems in the brain that interfere with a person’s ability to move; causing either too much movement or too little movement.
The Emory Movement Disorder clinic helps those who suffer from debilitating Movement Disorders like Parkinsons, and also work with those who suffer from dystonia, essential tremor, Huntington’s Disease, and Tourette’s syndrome. The center provides comprehensive services ranging from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
Dementia symptoms usually include at least one or more of the following: memory loss; difficulty with skilled motor tasks; impaired judgment and reasoning; loss of motivation, planning ability and organizational skills; problems with calculations and behavioral problems, including paranoia, and agitation.
Emory provides a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, neuropsychologists, nurses, counselors, and psychometricians as well as outpatient consultations and evaluations because Emory recognizes how complex these diseases are for patients and families.
About the Author:
In the above paragraphs various aspects of Neurology Atlanta are mentioned, and the reader is informed of how Emory Neurology can help patients with neurological and movement disorders.
Posted on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:44 am
by John Hartie
Have you been on that roller coaster of trying different diets one after another and none seem to work ,always Hungary and fed up well join the club your not on your own,what you need to do is change your eating habits and your lifestyle and start including the right fat burning foods this does not mean Oreo cookies,ice cream and other sugary sweets for snacks in between breakfast ,lunch and dinner these types of food always give you a sugar rush and then make you feel lethargic and craving more sugar.Adding the right types of food to your diet you will see fantastic results very quickly and also feel great.
The right types of fat burning food are numerous and varied in there broad categories they come under,berries,fruits,vegetables,herbs,squash,onions,meat and seafood. Fat burning berries are blackberries, grapes, huckleberries, strawberries, cranberries, loganberries and raspberries, Fat burning fruits are melons, apples, grapefruits, mango’s, apricots, pears, nectarines, cherries, lemons, pineapples, papaya, plums, pomegranates, limes, tangerines, prunes and peaches. Fat burning vegetables are celery, corn, broccoli, cucumbers, artichokes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, radishes, sweet potatoes, turnips . Fat burning greens are cabbage,spinach, beet greens, kale and watercress.
When Cooking for friends of even yourself you can really excel by adding a garnish to make it a very healthy meal the types of herbs you would use would be garlic,celeriac,chervil and parsley leaves ,to enhance your meal and have all your friends say how wonderful you are at cooking you can add onions,chives,shallots,leeks and scallions they are also great for weight loss. The main course is great because you have so many choices if you were going to have meat you could have steak,frogs legs and turtle. Fat burning seafood are bass ,abalone,cod,crayfish,catfish,tuna,shrimp,mussels,clams,oysters and Chilean sea bass.
Fat burning doesn’t have to be hard work it can be an enjoyable experience,by incorporating these foods into your diet it doesn’t have to be restrictive like so many commercialized diets.These foods are nutritious and help you burn fat you can make your own meals from these ingredients which makes it very flexible,you can have oatmeal which is an excellent fat burner with berries or other assorted fruits mixed in,lunch time you can have salad using the leafy greens mentioned with crab which is a great source of protein. and for dinner why not have one of the meats or seafood and garnish them with the fat burning herbs,to lose weight and feel great add these foods to your diet and i guarantee you will lose weight.
By combining these fat burning foods you will start to lose weight in the early stages slowly but surely this is because you are eating more fruit and vegetables at the expense of foods with more calories by cutting out fat in your diet you will control the amount of calories you are taking into your body,eating the right sort of foods will insure you lose weight safely and keep the weight of.
To your health John Hartie
About the Author:
John Hartie is a leading expert in the field of weight loss and fat burning foods his no nonsense approach to your health has helped hundreds of people acheive there goals in loseing weight please visit his site were he reveals his incredible secret for helping so many people and a wealth of breakthrough articles and resources on everything you will need to know about fat burning foods
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