ZocDoc
ZocDoc is a website I just recently found out about. It can be used for finding a dentist all around New York, like a dentist in Manhattan or a Bronx dentist. So if you are someone who lives or are planning on living in or around New York City this may be a very helpful tool for you, especially if you are new to the area or maybe switching jobs, locations or even health care providers.
Finding a good, compatible dentist in New York (or anywhere for that matter) isn't always easy. With ZocDoc though you are able to search dentist in New York by using your health insurance provider, your area and what you need to have done for that particular appointment (or just general if you are looking for a new dentist). It is amazing the results that are pulled up and the number of doctors that you get to choose from on ZocDoc. The best part is this website gives background information and important things that you are looking for in a practitioner all on one page. You are able to read about the dentist's history, the schools he or she went to, the organizations that they belong to and even the languages that they are able to speak. This can come in handy and be a serious time saver. By using this website you don't need to call around or use the yellow pages or friends or even strangers to find a dentist in your insurance plan that will be compatible for you. You can just log onto the internet and type in what you are looking for. You can even make an appointment for the upcoming days and weeks online as well. This comes in handy especially when you are at home late at night trying to get things done. I often spend a lot of the day time in class, at work or trying to spend time with friends or family, so late at night I am trying to get errands done or tasks accomplished and I don't have to worry about the dentist's office being closed and not being able to make an appointment because I can just go online and do it there at anytime in the privacy of my own home and not have to deal with a receptionist or even being put on hold. This website just makes things so much easier for patients.
Posted by Jen on Friday, November 28, 2008 @ 3:35 PM
Insurance Quotes
In my finance class we have to do a project about what our life will be like ten years after we graduate. Obviously, the economy will be much different and pay will be different and so on, but it was more a project to open our eyes and see how much the cost of living is compared to people's income. For the first part of the project we had to find jobs and include salaries for us and our spouse and decide how many children we wanted and then go online and look up homes (like from actually houses on sale now) and print off one in the town we want to live in one day and then also use a mortgage calculator to see how much we would pay each month (using his generic terms). The other thing we had to do was purchase cars (again from an actual site) and then use a calculator online to figure out how much we would pay each month for the car payments.
For the second part of the project we had to get an insurance quote for each of those things. We had to look up home owners insurance and polices and life insurance and 401K's and retirement plans. We also had to look into care insurance quotes and compare then for each different provider.
Even though this was just a project for class (worth like 80 points all together) and seemed not too hard, it really was an eye opener for a lot of us. I certainly didn't realize how much mortgage payments were or how different insurance companies could vary in prices (I think I found 2 that were 300 dollars apart) even though you use then same information to get the quotes. It is amazing to see how expensive houses are in the area that I live in (I chose to live in the same town, Chicago). And how even though I chose pretty solid jobs for me and my spouse, money was still being stretched it seemed. It is scary to see, but at the same time I think really helpful. I am a true believer in the phrase knowledge is power. I really do think that knowing as much as you can will help you to make better and more informed decisions. By doing this mock life project I got to learn how to compare insurance quotes and search for loans and explore all of my options. If I hadn't done it, I may have figured it out anyways, but now I know how to do it and have the tools to help me in the future.
Posted by Jen on Monday, November 24, 2008 @ 12:21 PM
INTERNET INSURANCE QUOTES
These days there are so many issues in our country and the world, that I really hope that the new president knows what he has gotten himself into. I am really glad to see that he is choosing so many really good advisors to help him out, he is gonna need it. I mean he certainly can't handle all the economic problems, repair our relationship with all the other countries, fight a war abroad in two countries, find new ways to generate energy, restructure the tax brackets and improve on our nation's health insurance industry all single handedly. I am not sure that accomplishing all this in four years is going to be possible but I am glad that he is willing to give it a go and my hopes and prayers are with him. I know he can use the extra positive energy for the work he has ahead of him.
The one thing that he said during his campaign which really impressed me personally was the fact that he is going to try and insure that every American can get insured and get affordablehealth insurance. This is really a big issue, especially to middle class America where the people are working hard, yet are unable to insure their families.
I am one of the lucky ones I have a great medical insurance company and I have been able to get some really great insurance quptes on the web for all my insurance needs. It is really great to know that there are still companies out there that are willing to help the little guy and if you invest the time to shop around and look for the deals, you will find them. These days you can also find many insurance finder sites that will help you locate the best insurance rates and plans for you. You can get most of your insurance quotes right online and the cheapest one is probably only a few clicks away. You can even check out the company if you are unsure about their record by locating the better business bureau site also available online.
Having a computer in your home can save you a lot of time and money and it makes shopping around for health insurance a piece of cake.
Posted by Jen on Monday, November 24, 2008 @ 11:57 AM
VALENTINES DAY GIFTS A LITTLE EARLY
While doing my holiday shopping, I found some really cute valentines day gifts. I know it sounds strange, but honestly if you think about it both holidays use primarily red and white, so that made it really easy to come across some really cute red and white gifts for Valentine's Day. Actually, I usually get a really good deal on some red and silver foil wrapping paper right after the holidays and I usually pick it up with February in mind.
Many times people have complimented on my thoughtful gifts for the holiday, but the one thing I find time and time again is that my male friends are always coming to me asking me about ideas for gifts for her. You know they want to get just the perfect gift for that special someone and I am always the friend they come to, or so it seems. In any case, I don't really mind helping them out, because after all, they are well meaning, and honestly for the most part they really don't have a clue about what women want.
You would think that these guys would have a clue about what the woman they are dating likes or wants, but they really don't. I don't know if it is because they are not paying attention or if it just really doesn't matter to them, well at least until gift time comes. Then they want to make sure it goes just right.
This is what I always tell my guy friends. Keep it simple. When you are trying to do something for a woman, the act does not have to be one of grandeur but well thought out simplicity. For instance, you could send her a dozen long stem red roses and some balloons and candy. Doing this will cost you a lot of money, and if you go to the florist, you can pick up flowers and hand deliver them yourself. And if you are really wanting to impress her then get her three or four roses of different colors and give them meanings. For instance, the white one is for the purity of your heart, the red is for the passion we share, pink is for our love, and yellow is for our friendship. If this is too corny for them to say, I have them write it in a beautiful card.
Keep it simple and beautiful and you will impress her every time.
Posted by Jen on Monday, November 24, 2008 @ 11:19 AM
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERSIAN RUG
The best thing about Persian rugs is that they are hand-crafted. This means that no two Persian rugs are exactly alike, because unlike a machine, even the most incredible person can not duplicate the same pattern twice. Each one is so beautiful, with its own patterns and designs.
For the most part, there are three categories of Persian Rug designs. They are Geometric, curvilinear and floral, and pictorial designs. Each rug being unique may actually incorporate more than one of these designs into just one rug.
The three broadest categories we can place all Persian designs into are: Geometric designs; curvilinear and floral designs; and pictorial designs. Plus, each group has many different styles, and sometimes one carpet can incorporate more than one design.
Although, unique in their colors and designs all Persian rugs have something distinct in their work. Most of the combinations of lines and symbols are representative of traditions, culture and symbols of a particular group or region. Their design usually contains an element of something sacred or special about the region in which each rug was made.
They are usually created in a very primitive environment and therefore they usually don't contain full symmetry or color consistency and therefore they have a very primitive quality about them.
This is what makes Persian rugs such a treasure. They are special and they can't be reproduced, making it somewhat easy to spot knock offs. Owning a true Persian rug, is like owning a piece of history and culture. Each one has its own story to tell, and personally I enjoy looking at the unique features of each rug to find one that seems to talk to me.
When choosing a Persian rug, keep in mind that you are not just buying a piece of home decor, but a piece of history as well. Knowing just which one is the perfect one, can make all the difference, and the choosing of the perfect one, is not just a task but an art form. So the next time you are looking for one, listen to what it has to say, as this is not just a carpet, but an art form.
Posted by Jen on Monday, November 24, 2008 @ 8:42 AM
BENEFITS OF GETTING AN ONLINE MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION DEGREE
Being a mom/student, it can be hard to find any extra time to work. I have a part time job outside the home, but I can't work too many hours, if I do I wind up just paying out the money I make in child care for my three kids. With Christmas rapidly approaching, I know that I need an income now, so I have decided that I need to hold off on going to nursing school minnesota for a few years, and I have decided that I would be better served getting my online medical transcription degree first. This would allow me to make money from home and work my hours around my kids. I also like the fact that doing medical transcription will allow me to work more or less depending on my income needs. I have enrolled in this online program and will begin it just as soon as my regular semester ends at the local community college. Finding balance in your life is a difficult task, but I really feel that a medical transcription degree will allow me a higher income potential, the flexibility I need, as well as give me the basics in medical terminology that can only benefit me when I do get to nursing school. Not only that, but it will be like having one career while pursuing another and that will not only benefit me, but will benefit my family as well. It may even allow me to reduce the amount of student loans that I will need to get to get through school, and we all know that coming out of school with less debt is definitely a plus.
If you are a mom and need a career that allows you to work from home, then this program is definitely right for you. Being able to attend online classes on your time table will provide you and your family with the flexibility you need to get your degree and still be there for your family. And even after you receive your degree you can work from home, and that is just a great thing to be able to do in this day and age, trust me.
Posted by Jen on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 @ 10:16 AM
THE ANTIQUE KA-BAR IS THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT
Shopping early for Christmas has been something that I have always done, and this year with the economy being in such a shambles, I really got on the band wagon early and got some amazing deals on the stuff I wanted. I am already finished shopping for just about everyone on my list and am almost ready to being wrapping.
One gift in particular, I am just thrilled with this year, and that is the Ka-Bar that I got for my husband. Now you may not be familiar with this term, since I know if it weren't for my hubby, I really wouldn't have a clue what this is, but it is a knife. My husband has collected knives for years and years, even before we met. I have learned a little something about knives, at least from a collector stand point. At first I was a little nervous when we had kids having all these knives around, but we have put them in a locked display case and quite honestly, I am thrilled at the wall on which we display all these pieces of history. They really are truly amazing and one of the first things that people compliment us on when they enter our den. The Ka-Bar that I got for him I bought on Ebay for a steal. It is a 1898 knife, and I have verified the authenticity of it. I can't believe how impressive this knife is, it is truly an amazing looking piece, and I know that my husband will be thrilled to add it to his collection, not to mention the fact that I have a certificate that proves that is authentic.
Sometimes you can get some really good deals shopping for Christmas gifts online. But a word of advice, always use your credit card or visa debit card for online transactions. This way you will be covered if the person doesn't send you your stuff. Most people are honest, even on Ebay, but there are still a few bad apples out there, and I am guessing with the failing economy, there will probably be more people scamming out there than ever before, so shop online, but be smart about it and protect yourself.
Posted by Jen on Thursday, November 13, 2008 @ 10:11 AM
GIVING DUAL ACTION CLEANSE A TRY
For many years now I have heard that good colon health is key to good over all health. I didn't really know what they meant by this, but last night I was having trouble sleeping, so I got up and turned on the TV and caught part of an infomercial about Dual Action Cleanse. This product is a colon cleanse that works to make sure that your system is really ridding itself of all its waste. Apparently, things tend to clog up in your colon and even though you are having what you think to be regular bowel movements, you are not really getting rid of everything and some of it is just staying in there. They said that this can not only cause you to get ill, but that it can also cause more common problems like bloating, fatigue, being overweight, and so forth. Essentially, carrying around all this excess waste really wears on your whole overall health.
They said that one of the biggest reasons they feel that colon cleansing is becoming so necessary is because we don't eat a very good diet. We lack fiber and fruits and vegetables, which can naturally help to clean out the system, freeing us of the waste. On example that they spoke of is about how younger kids actually have bigger more frequent bowel movements than adults do. They again attribute this to diet as well as to the fact that as time goes by the system slows down and loses some of its function by being backed up.
Well, then they had some people on to tell their stories and I was really impressed, but still was a little skeptical, so I looked it up on the internet, and this is a widely practiced form of health and there are even people who specialize in giving colon cleanses to people. After reading a few more positive health experiences about the colon cleanse I was ready to try it, so I placed an order. They said that I should receive the product in just a few days, and I am really looking forward to getting it. I like knowing that I am doing something that will help clean out my system and make it healthier and any other benefits that I receive from it will be a bonus.
Posted by Jen on Friday, November 07, 2008 @ 10:13 AM
What are dedicated servers?
I seriously have no idea what dedicated servers are and when I heard those words confusion struck me. So I looked into it further. Dedicated servers are types of Internet hosting where the client leases an entire server not shared with anyone. Dedicated servers are often housed in data centers and the server hardware is often owned by the provider.
Wow that is a mouthful. So what does it really mean? I looked at a website http://www.alentus.com/dedicated-hosting/server/starter-servers.asp and it helped to explain it a little more. The website also offered several packages and pricing for their product. I have always wondered where things like this came from and how people come up with the ideas, like dedicated servers or the internet. Thank God someone came up with the internet because I don't know what I would do without it, but really how you think of something like that. Something my friends always laugh at me about it the fact that I can't understand how people named things. Like fork, why would someone name it fork? Obviously now we look at forks and we can't think of anything else that it should be named because that is what we know already, but if you were to invent something what would you name it? I always kid one of my friends saying that he needs to invent something so I can name it something cool. I don't care what the invention is (although it would be nice to make a little money by inventing something big, like post –its) but I just want to name it something fun and be able to say that I named something.
It just amazes me how people come up with computers or the internet or television or even how things work. My friend is studying abroad and I talk to her online a few times a month. It just drives me crazy thinking about how the internet can connect me with Kelly in Spain. I guess I am easily amused by things, but I really am amazed by how things are invented and named and put together and how they work. What really gets me going is how phones work (and my friends all roll their eyes when I bring it up). But it is crazy how you can dial a number and it connects you to someone hundreds of miles away. I am so thankful for these inventions though even though I can't understand them, I can't imagine my life any other way.
Posted by Jen on Thursday, November 06, 2008 @ 10:05 AM
Moving from state to state
A friend of mine is from a military family. Her dad is in the military so they have moved from San Antonio to Seattle to Austin to Denver and now she is back in Austin. One thing that I learned from her about all of her moving is that home insurance can change from state to state and provider to provider. In my finance class we have learned a lot about home insurance and insurance in general but most of it was focused on Indiana or the research project we had to do was based off of our home state (which is Illinois for me). So I learned more about San Antonio home insurance and Austin home insurance through Kayla and her many adventures. First of all I learned that there are some places that cannot be insured which surprised me and if you can find a provider that will insure them it costs A LOT of money to do it. I guess at some point she lived next to the ocean and there was a history of a lot of water damage and the home insurance company decided that her house (or the string of homes on that strip) were too much of a risk to insure. That really does scare me. I don't really plan on living anywhere along the beach, but it scares me to have to learn about how much home insurance will cost me one day and what kinds I will need to protect myself, my family and my home from things like fire and water damage. A friend of mines family used Fort Worth remodeling when her house went to in flames after her lint in her dryer caught on fire. It was scary to see that happen. They left for school that day and came home to no house and all of their valuables were gone and they had to file a claim and get everything redone. Thankfully their home insurance took care of it, but there was a lot of stuff that was irreplaceable, like baby pictures and letters from her dad that died.
Another thing that I learned about was that a stranger can come into your home and break into it and have the intention of stealing something or robbing you and if they fall and get hurt, you are responsible for them. I really thought that was strange, but thankfully that is why we have home owners insurance.
Posted by Jen on Thursday, November 06, 2008 @ 9:54 AM
GRANDMA'S CARE PACKAGE & TED SOCKS
Having older relatives sometimes it is difficult for me to visit them especially when they go into the hospital to have surgery or something. I remember when my grandmother had to have hip surgery, I went to see her everyday, but I started to get depressed. Each day I tried to bring her a little something that I thought would cheer her up, but it seemed pointless, she seemed as depressed being in the hospital as I was going to visit her. I was really glad that the next time she went into the hospital, I was out of town, so I got to send her some things that I thought she would like before I left town. I sent her a little care package with a book and some new pajamas, and I put in there a set of those TED socks that the doctor recommended for her. I didn't really know what they were at first, but she told me that they were supposed prevent blood clots which I really thought was a good idea, so I decided to go online to find them, I really didn't know where else to look for them. I found them really cheap and got them in the mail in just a few days, just in time for my little care package. I sent her flowers after the surgery and of course called her, but I actually think that due to the way I feel about hospitals that it is probably best for everyone if I don't come to visit them, they just scare me. When I called her after the surgery, my grandmother was very thankful for all the goodies that I sent her, but she especially mentioned how glad she was to have the TED socks and that she really felt that they would allow her to worry a little less about getting a blood clot. I love my grandmother so much, I really hope that she doesn't have to go back to the hospital again soon, I worry so much about her dying. I just can't imagine my life without her. She has been such a strong and positive influence in my life.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 @ 2:36 PM
Direct TV
Direct TV is something that my roommate had to have. Which now, I am thanking her for because I love it. I always thought it was a lot more expensive, but after getting our first few bills I realized that it was actually really reasonably priced. This is something I love because some of our other bills are outrageous and I would rather call my dad for money for an electric bill than an insanely high cable or TV or entertainment bill. He would be much more likely to help me out.
Being in college, I rarely have time to watch TV. I am always either in class at sorority stuff or studying (or I guess going out). I have about 3 or 4 shows that I try to watch regularly but sometimes end up missing. When I do get the time though DirecTV makes the experience worth it. I really didn't get why Meghan my roommate insisted on getting DirecTV, but now that we have it and I compare it to my past providers I really do see the difference and we have had the best service with DirecTV as well. I remember one time we had a connection problem and we called the 800 number (dreading it of course) and they helped us right away. They had to send someone out to our house to fix it and they came about 3 hours later (compared to 3-4 days like some other companies I have had I the past). I really was impressed.
The package we have really is cool and our friends like it when they come over. We have a lot of our channels in HD and my roommates (and boyfriend) love the sports package that we got.
I don't know what it is exactly that makes me like DirecTV but I do know that I have had great service and also a great experience with the company itself. And now a days, that is sometimes hard to find. A lot of people when you call the 800 number try to rush you or don't really help you solve the problem and are rude. Or when you call about pricing quotes before you get the service try to scam you and sell you more than you want and don't really listen to you. Overall though this company has been nothing but positive for us and that really can be rare to find.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 @ 2:02 PM