Professional fire and water damage restoration contractors have expertise in emergency response and disaster recovery situations. When such disasters strike, be it a flood in your basement or crawl space, a leak in your roof or smoke and soot damage in your home, call fire and flood damage experts for complete repair and restoration services. Restoration companies usually have a set up emergency response hotline, supporting their communities in these stressful situations. The technicians who handle fire and flood damage emergencies are often IICRC certified restoration professionals, experienced in fire, smoke, flooding and water disaster scenarios on residential, commercial and industrial scales.

Professional restoration companies will arrive in your place of emergency within the hour, for the most part. They know that time is of the essence and prompt attention to your emergency will lessen the duration and cost of the restoration project. These experts arrive ready to assess the water damage in your home and start drying out the property immediately. The trucks are equipped with gear and supplies necessary for any fire, smoke, soot and water restoration job. Professional water extraction and drying tools that are used for water removal from your property are industrial strength and are designed for any type of repair and restoration efforts. They truly offer dependable, competent and personalized service for a variety of disaster recovery situations.

Fire and water damage restoration contractors engage in the complete repair and rebuilding of your home or office following natural disasters or man-made accidental catastrophes. Both fire and water restoration scenarios involve flood loss prevention and water removal and drying. Restoration companies have expertise in loss containment. Many household items such as electronics, furniture, clothing, photographs, artwork, books and many others can be salvaged in restoration facilities that specialize in recovering personal possessions from fire and flood emergencies. Water damage restoration contractors can store your salvaged personal items until your restoration job is complete.

Many emergency water restoration scenarios involve mold infestation if left untreated for longer than 24-48 hours. Thus, mold remediation is an essential service water damage restoration contractors engage in routinely. Mold removal, structural drying, dehumidification and disinfection are crucial to the proper completion of most restoration projects.

Professional restoration contractors routinely work directly with homeowners’ insurance companies to file claims. Usually, when water damage restoration contractors bill insurance companies directly, the paperwork is filled out accurately and the process flows smoothly so the claim is often processed quickly and without further delays.

Part Two Continued

In addition to numerous philosophical problems relating to interpretation, it should be clear that matter has nothing to say within the framework of non-believing philosophy. What could it say? Within this framework, matter is ultimately an accident and therefore meaningless. In addition to this problem, all men have a priori commitments, which are at work and from which truth or falsity is deduced. The question is not does man have these commitments, but what are they? Do these commitments acknowledge God in the reasoning process? If one starts with non-Christian premises it is impossible to arrive at biblical truth. For a conclusion to be valid it cannot contain information not stated in the premises. The non-believer cannot have accurate knowledge because his presuppositions, starting premises, or axioms, which govern interpretations, are false.

When non-believers seem to arrive at conclusions consistent with biblical revelation, it is by accident, inconsistency, or theft. Many times the non-Christian worldview steals the ethical conclusions from the Christian worldview. This borrowing or more properly stealing from the Christian worldview is why non-believers at times seemingly speak the truth without having the necessary presuppositions to arrive at the truth. The non-believer, because of the bankruptcy of his position, is forced to live on stolen concepts. Thankfully, many non-believers rejected Nazism’s “final solution.” In other words, at times, by God’s common grace, the non-believer sees the reductio ad absurdum and horror of where his own philosophical commitments lead.

Since God is the creator, He gives the true interpretation of all things. All true interpretation must come to a grip with God’s revelation, in which is found the meaning and interpretation of matter. When dealing with the difference between right and wrong one deals with specifics. Natural or general revelation is only good as far as it is intended. It is right and true as far as it goes. It is intended to show man that God exists and testifies of His eternal power and Godhead (Romans 1:18-20). General revelation testifies but its testimony is not intended to address specifics in the area of science, logic and ethics. It is to special revelation in the Bible that we must turn.

Any theory of knowledge that attempts to build a philosophy without God’s special revelation (the scriptures) is doomed to failure. Reformed Christians believe that general revelation is sufficient to condemn man. Special revelation, i.e. biblical revelation, adds to man’s culpability. God’s purpose in general revelation is not to give man specific knowledge in many areas. To illustrate, matter does not give specifics concerning the difference between first degree murder and manslaughter nor adultery and fornication, or whether fornication (pornea) is a category under which adultery is defined. This is found in special revelation, e.g., in the case laws of the Old Testament.

As has been seen, Christians have a solid basis for knowledge. All men have God’s moral law stamped upon their conscience. The diligent reader should consult Ronald H. Nash’s The Word of God and the Mind of Man4 and his The light of the mind: St. Augustine’s theory of knowledge.5 These two books explain and develop for the modern reader elements of Augustine’s philosophy in the area of epistemology that is found in his De Magistro.6 These works deal with the mechanics of how the Christian receives knowledge into his mind. Man has a moral awareness of right from wrong, not learned from matter or uncertain sensations but from our mind being illuminated directly by God. We read: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man who comes into the world” John 1:9; and, “For in Him we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17:28a. God directly illuminates man’s mind so he knows the difference between right and wrong. God’s law is stamped upon our consciences. This knowledge gives man his moral awareness and is the result of man being created in the image of God.

In summary, to press non-belief further, it can be said the apostate worldview man has erected is full of contradictions. Oftentimes, if consistent with this materialist worldview, he cannot know anything, since consistent empiricism leads to agnostic skepticism which he then uses as a smoke screen or cover to justify ignorance and hostility to God’s law. If not consistent with the philosophical conclusions of a materialistic worldview derived from sensations, he then claims as an atheist to have certain knowledge of right and wrong using his reason, alone which is in defiance to biblical knowledge. Philosophically unbelief vacillates between these two positions of knowing and not knowing. These two opposite poles of allegiance constitute a never-ending dilemma, thus revealing the futility of non-Christian epistemology. Does any of this affect the non-believer? No, the philosophy of non-belief presses on irrationally, certain of its uncertainty, oblivious of the self-refuting contradiction being advanced. To illustrate, for example, some non-believers claim absolutely that there are no absolutes. The philosophy of non-belief contradicts itself when it claims not to know (uncertainty, agnosticism) and to know (certainty, atheism). Both atheism and agnosticism are two sides of the same coin. Fallen man’s contradictory uncertainty and certainty are manifestations of his epistemological and ethical rebellion against God.

Also no less devastating, many examples could be given of non-believers asserting absolutes and omniscient statements within the framework of a system that does not allow absolutes. When finite man without biblical authority asserts absolute omniscient statements, it is indefensible. Also, it should be noted the absurdity of atheism’s claim when asserting “there is no God.” The absurdity is this: it is impossible to prove a universal negative. Furthermore, when the atheist that “there is no God” the second question of the Socratic technique “how do you know that?” reveals the failure of this unverifiable claim. So much for the non-believer’s demand for verification. The agnostic claims for himself ignorance concerning the existence of God. It should be noted that this claim of ignorance is not an argument against the existence of God. Rather, it is a sign of epistemological bankruptcy and what could be described as a deficiency of knowledge, or a self-confessed mental condition.

In essence, fallen man has erected a closed system. His system is closed to God. He does not allow God to speak. Since man rejects the Creator, he has nothing within his closed system that he allows to speak with ethical certainty. He is left to himself. As long as fallen man excludes the biblical God from his system, he cannot know anything with certainty. Non-believing thought has no basis for absolutes. If there are no absolutes there can be no meaning attached to anything since everything could be said to be true and not true at the same time, which is unacceptable nonsense. Thus, fallen man is left with only endless matter, unintelligible sensations, or his atheistic apostate reason. This is the bankruptcy of atheistic materialistic humanism.

It is only the Christian that has a rational basis for knowledge. This is because we allow God to speak to us in creation and Scripture. Our system is not closed like the non-Christian. The Bible tells us about general revelation and man’s requirement to worship the creator. The Bible tells us the specifics on how to worship the creator. It is only because we have special revelation that an intelligent conversation on these matters can be carried on. General and special revelations are biblical concepts. It would be impossible to have a discussion about these concepts without God’s special revelation, the Bible, since biblical revelation is where the concepts appear. Clearly, without special revelation there would be no discussion of ethics, science, and logic with any certainty.

In conclusion, without the Bible, i.e., special revelation we would not be able to talk about the concept of general revelation. This is because, it is in Scripture we learn of general or creation revelation. The objector to my previous article recognized the truth of Christian revelation, but gave away unnecessary ground to non-belief by not fully grasping the effects of the fall and therefore missed the thrust of the argument, which was directed against non-believing philosophy. Our knowledge of general revelation is dependent upon special revelation. Therefore, special revelation is indispensable. The importance and necessity of special revelation is absolutely essential. Without special revelation we would be left in a swamp of autonomous empirical subjectivity which is where the non-believer finds himself. The non-believer is left in the dark as long as they suppress the truth of God that has been revealed to them. God has spoken. This is certain: God speaks to us in the Scriptures (special revelation) with human language utilizing logically structured sentences in which He tells us the difference between right and wrong. Consequently, the strength of the Christian worldview is clearly seen by the impossibility of the contrary.

End notes part two

4. Ronald H. Nash, The Word of God and the Mind of Man, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1982).

5. Ronald H. Nash, The Light of the Mind: St. Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge, (Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky, 1969).

6. Augustine, De Magistro in Augustine: Earlier Writings, Editor, John H. S. Burleigh, (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, MCMLIII).

An adult princess party: we’re not talking all princess Disney costumes here (although all who arrive Cinderella princess dresses and Snow White princess dresses will be admitted.) An adult princess party is an opportunity to live out the childhood princess dream with a party of your friends, dressed in Little Adventures princess costumes adult as well.

Think pink? A pink princess party is an easy one to follow. Pink tiaras and pink martinis should be provided, as well as small pink-iced cookies. Pink princess décor is easy to find, since pink infiltrates most of the princess Disney costumes and princess costumes adult.

If a pink princess is too exuberant, there are many other themed options. A Princess Ball makes the men invited to the party feel less awkward about attending. Request formal attire, men can come in suits or tuxes and women can arrive in their best rendition of the Cinderella princess dress. Lay red carpet down on the entryway, and as an added flair, have someone with a powdered wig announce the guests as they arrive. The party can follow as a usual ball, with dancing and refreshments. With a Cinderella princess party, you can include a location to try on a “glass slipper” as well.

A black and white princess party puts a modern edge on a traditional feminine theme. Think of a Snow White princess dress in a black, white, and silver. Use these colors to decorate, enhancing with white lights, candles, and dark furniture. The modernistic elements of this type of party will put guests more at ease with a princess theme, while still allowing all in princess costumes adult to accessorize their Little Adventures Cinderella princess dress with a tiara.

A Disney princess theme is so childish that it can not only revive that childish spark, but be humorous as well. Have your friends pull out any princess Disney costumes they have. If they need a princess costume adult, check into brands like Little Adventures for their adult princess collection. Little Adventures makes a Cinderella princess dress and Snow White princess dress in adult sizes, as well as other princess costumes adult. Decorate with the Disney princess accessories, and play Disney movie soundtracks as the background music. If it’s an all-women party and everyone is in their princess Disney costumes, don’t be shy about playing a classic old Disney movie and watching it with popcorn together.

Get creative with your theme, and try to pick one that suits what you envision as a princess party. Does one particular princess speak to you the most? Does a color? Or a particular princess movie character? Use what you relate to the most, and brainstorm party ideas off of that theme.

Adult princess parties can include a manicure or pedicure station, or a facial and make-up area. Tea party sized snacks are a hit, as well as specialty drinks. Take the time to reminisce, talk, and hang out with friends as you’re all dressed up. If there’s no place to dance where the party is hosted, consider renting a limo and heading to go dancing after hosting a fancy dinner. Simple party games are made more fun when everyone is dressed up in princess attire.

With energy, excitement, and a killer theme, you’ll be set to host the perfect princess party.

For a number of years the city of Grand Prairie, TX has been putting on a wonderful Fourth of July fireworks show at Joe Pool Lake. The tradition is enjoyed by a lot of people, judging by the crowds it attracts year after year. There are a number of things you can plan to do in order to make your experience seeing the fireworks a memorable and relaxing experience.

Arrive Early

Lynn Creek Park is the designated park for watching the fireworks show. The pyrotechnics are shot off of the shoreline of the park. Your best bet for finding a nice spot is to arrive early. Bring a picnic with you, and some chairs and/or a blanket. Once you arrive, you may be able to claim a picnic table but if not stake out a place to put your chairs. Since it is a special event, Grand Prairie charges a bit more for entry to get into the park that day. It is $15 per vehicle. This can include 6 people. If there are more, each additional person costs $2 more.

Camping at other Parks

There is no camping in Lynn Creek Park but there are in Cedar Hill State Park and Loyd Park. You could camp out and watch the fireworks from these other places. The crowds will not be as big and you will not need to go anywhere when they are over. You won’t get quite the great view you will get from Lynn Creek Park. But if you don’t want to sit in traffic once the fireworks are over, this might be a nice option for you. Just be sure to make your camping reservations well in advance of the fourth.

Plus there is more…

Cedar Hill State Park generally hosts an independence celebration within the park. The events they have may include music, readings, and history talks. Their Fourth of July celebration aims to be a family friendly event so it is great place to bring the kids.

All three of the Joe Pool Lake parks have a lot of great amenities and things to do. You can hike, bike, swim, fish and enjoy water sports (boating, jet skiing and kayaking). There are also many natural or semi-natural areas which play host to a great variety of plants and animals. The lake parks are visited by many birdwatchers since there is very little of some of the special shoreline habitats you can find here.

One don’t that you need to be aware of. Alcohol is not allowed in the state park and Lynn Creek Park does not allow glass containers. Be careful, be considerate and be sure you have a designated driver if you do plan on having a few drinks as part of your Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy Joe Pool Lake!

Need a good horse racing betting system?

Horse racing can be very tricky especially if you do not know which method to use for a result, which will make you earn lot of money. This is the reason why people want to know more and more methods about finding out the winner of races.

People differ in their opinion when it comes to finding out which racing newspaper should be used to base the results of a betting system. However, it is a well-known fact that ‘The Racing Post’ is the most trusted newspaper, on which many horse racing betting system are based.

This horse racing betting system too uses the newspaper above for its deduction. The system is called assassin method. The system requires you to use all information about races which have twelve or less runners, it is important that these races should also have speed ratings.

This horse racing betting system also requires that all the horses participating in the races should have a rating too, you should not take those races into consideration where a quarter or more horses do not have any ratings. You should note the horses, which have highest rating in each race you also require to ignore those races where there are more than one horse which is top rated.

Elimination will help you arrive at a list of potential bets; you can start eliminating further to arrive at the resultant most probable winner bet. To arrive at this result you require eliminating:-

Any of those horses whose rivals do not have any or no form behind them are to be ignored.

Any of those horses, which are returning after a long time or are coming in only for the season, are to be ignored again;

Any of those horses, which have not earned a place in at least two out of three last outings, are to be ignored;

Any of those horses, which have not participated for the same distance it is now participating, should be ignored too.

All those horses, remaining after this elimination should be considered for as best bets to bet on, this is one what you require to do in one of the horse racing betting system.

Though this horse racing betting system has been designed after making a careful study, none of the betting system ensure that you will win if you go according to that betting system, therefore it is important that you do not bet with that money, which is important to you, or the one which cannot be spared.

The reason being if you lose in this horse racing betting system, you will surely tend to lose important money, which could further jeopardize your financial situation at home. All the horse racing betting systems are speculation therefore, betting should be done through these systems only if you have enough spare money with you not otherwise.

So enjoy the money you earn through this horse racing betting system, if you lose however, there is always another time and another chance where you can win more than you lost this time. So keep using this horse racing betting system!

Burglar alarms and security cameras are time-honoured security options, but they should not be considered a total security solution.

There is good evidence that alarms and cameras act as a deterrents to crime. However, they don’t actually prevent an intruder from getting in. Theses types of measures provide psychological security barriers.

Most crimes take place in minutes. Check with your local police department, many will disclose the typical response time for alarms (that are monitored); In most cases it is not great. The fact that so many alarms are actually false is making burglar alarms a lower priority as well as making it more and more difficult for local police to arrive in a timely fashion. You may be surprised to learn that even private security, which should be able to arrive before police can take 20 minutes or more to arrive at the crime scene.

In this amount of time any marginally experienced criminal will have broken in, taken valuables, and left.

There was a time, not so long ago, when homeowners did not feel the need to lock their doors. Come to think of it, many still neglect to lock their doors. This is the most basic security measure you can take to protect your premises. Your door and lock are the first “physical barrier” to unlawful entry. Leaving a door unlocked and valuables like car keys, purse, or notebook nearby (particularly for those with a window in their door or sidelights) is a recipe to become a victim of theft.

My Dad used to say, “Locks keep honest people honest.” Police and locksmiths will tell you that most conventional locks, particularly those in the door handle, can easily be picked. If you don’t have one already, install a deadbolt. Talk to a reputable locksmith in your area about alternatives to keyed locks as well.

Even with a decent lock on your door, thieves can make their way into homes and businesses. Most break ins occur through glass. In a residential setting a glass window in the door or a sidelight will allow a burglar to open your lock by simply smashing the glass and reaching in and unlocking the door. If the front door is too obviously exposed, any glass window or door is temptingly vulnerable to a smash and grab thief.

The same is true for commercial buildings with glass storefronts or glass windows in the doors. Many stores with glass doors will install security bars or gates. However, these gates are not very useless if a thief can reach in and unlock the door for themselves. Shopkeepers should invest in a lock with a removable thumb turn, or keyed from both sides.

Gates and bars are an excellent physical barrier to your premises, whether commercial or residential. However, many do not like their look and feel. Homeowners and high-end shops may find them particularly objectionable. They are, however, valuable and can and should be used where aesthetics allow (basement windows and back entrances for example). Make sure that the bars are installed properly and that they meet with your local fire code.

Another, much newer and more advanced security barrier entering the market is security films for glass. Polyester films are bonded to existing glass, creating a barrier to intruders, “Like invisible bars,” says Apex Window Films owner Dean Avey. According to Avey, security films take away a thief’s main requirements, ease and speed. “An intruder can hit the glass with a rock or a crowbar, or whatever they happen to have with them. If they whack away at it a few times and find they can’t get in chances are they leave–all that hitting makes a lot of noise and thieves don’t want that kind of attention.”

While the glass will crack, the film and its bonding agents hold the window or door together to prevent it from breaking open.

“It works well in conjunction with bars,” states Avey, who provides security solutions for both residential and commercial properties in the Toronto area. “There have been storefront incidents where the thieves smashed the glass, chained the bars to a truck and just pulled the whole door out. They wouldn’t be able to do this if they couldn’t get through the glass.”

Look at security in terms of layers, like peeling an onion; the longer it takes the more likely you’ll end up in tears. As Avey puts it, “Security is all about layers of protection; the more layers you have the more frustrated a would-be intruder becomes.”

There is no ‘magic bullet’ when it comes to security (though there are, incidentally, window films that make glass bullet resistant!) Alarms and cameras play an important role that should not be minimized but, remember the onion, security measures are most effective when used in conjunction with other barriers. The type and number of barrier solutions you use will depend on your specific security needs. Frustrate thieves by depriving them of their greatest asset, a quick and easy entry, and improve your odds of not becoming a victim.

Things began to really heat up with the arrival of Pat Tyson as Mead’s distance running coach. He provided the leadership that led to Mead’s first of 9 straight titles in 1988.

Tyson’s Shorecrest High School team had won consecutive 3-A cross-country titles in 1984 and 1985 before he moved on to Mead.

Tyson may be best known nationally as a University of Oregon runner under coach Bill Bowerman and the one-time roommate of Steve “Pre” Prefontaine.

Pre was not only Oregon’s superstar champion but also America’s greatest middle distance runner ever, and America’s greatest running legend.

At the time of his tragic death in an automobile accident at the young age of 24, Pre held 14 American track and field records from 2,000 meters to 10,000 meters. For 5 years no American runner could beat Pre at any distance over a mile.

Bowerman, one of the greatest middle distance coaches, had phenomenal success and Oregon became a national powerhouse.

What Tyson learned living and running with Steve Prefontaine and from coach Bowerman was brought to Mead and superbly implemented.

Mead runners were asked to do nothing more or less than buy into being part of Tyson’s “extended family” system. He wanted a bunch of guys who loved to run, were willing to train consistently (year around), and who liked to hang out together.

The Mead Panthers became a team of young men who were inseparable and all but unbeatable year after year. Rival coaches from other leagues and smaller schools were envious of Mead’s 80-plus member cross-country teams and middle distance track teams.

While most schools were lucky to have a half dozen runners who could break 5 minutes in the mile, Mead apparently had 30+ kids who could do it in every training session. Being a starting runner for Mead was a big deal, and an even bigger deal in an important meet.

In cross-country only 7 runners represent the team in a meet and only their first 5 runners figure in the scoring, but all 80-plus team members might run in the meet.

One great thing about cross-country is that it is an inclusion sport, no one needs to sit on the bench while the starters on a team play.

Cross-country, like track and field, swimming and wrestling are also individual as well as team sports. Your team might not qualify for the state meet, but you could qualify as an individual based upon your finish in district or regional meets.

Unlike most sports contests, in cross-country the low score wins. A team whose runners finish 1-2-3-4-5 would score a perfect 15 points. Its opponent could, at best, finish 6-7-8-9-10 with 40 points.

Should a team finish 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 the winning score would still be 15, but its opponent could do no better than an 8-9-10-11-12 finish with 50 points. While the 6th and 7th place runners do not figure in their team’s score, they can determine which team wins by finishing ahead of the other team’s first 5 runners.

Mead runners became champions because when the stakes were the highest, they performed their best. Runners outside the GSL who lined up against Mead had to feel that they were going to an excruciating trial.

(Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a 4-Part Series on Mead High School’s running success.)

Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, it’s always preferable to know the language before you go. But if you don’t have time to actually study the language of the country you’ll be visiting, you should at least know some phrases that will come in handy on your trip. For your convenience, we’ve broken down our suggested list into categories.

Greeting People

The first phrases you will typically use when traveling are greetings. Try to get the time of day correct when it’s applicable. Many languages have both familiar and formal greetings, so be sure to use whichever is appropriate, depending on whether or not you know the person well.

• Hello!

• How are you?

• Good day.

• Good morning.

• Good afternoon.

• Good evening.

• Goodnight.

• It’s nice to meet you.

Be Polite

There are certain phrases that you’ll use in almost any situation, and they involve being courteous and polite during your conversations with non-English-speaking people.

• Please…

• Thank you…

• Excuse me…

• Pardon me…

• It’s my pleasure…

• Have a good day…

• Travel safely…

• I’m sorry. I don’t understand.

In Transit

Since it’s likely that you’ll be traveling to and between foreign countries via airplanes, we’ve focused this section on phrases you’ll need to use at an airport – although some are appropriate no matter what form of transportation you choose.

• What time does may plane depart/arrive?

• Where is the [name of airline] ticket counter?

• I would like [water, food, etc.).

• Where is the gate for [name of airline]?

• Where is the restroom?

• This baggage needs to be checked.

• This baggage is carry-on.

• What time is it?

With Customs Agents

Some phrases can be particularly useful when you go through customs. Remember to add polite phrases and be as courteous as possible to the customs agents.

• I am on vacation [or business].

• I will be taking a connecting flight.

• I will be staying for [number] of days.

• I will be visiting my family at [address].

• I will be staying at [name of hotel].

Once You Arrive

After getting through customs and arriving at your destination, there are a variety of phrases that you’ll need to know.

• Where can I find a taxi?

• Where is the bus stop?

• Where is this bus going?

• Where is the currency exchange?

• I would like to go to [hotel or destination name].

• Does my room have a private bathroom?

• How many beds are in my room?

• What floor is my room on?

• I would like [number] beds please.

• Where is the elevator?

• My room needs to be cleaned please.

• I need [clean towels, toilet paper, room service] please.

Sightseeing

Once you’re out and about at your destination, use these phrases to help get around, have a meal, or just enjoy a short conversation with the locals.

• Where is a food market?

• Where is the closest restaurant?

• Where is the closest bar?

• Where is the bank?

• How far is it to [name of destination]?

• I need a table for [number of people] please.

• May I see a menu?

• I would like [food or beverage] please.

• May I have the check please?

Emergencies

Unfortunately, emergencies can happen anywhere. Use these phrases to get the help you need.

• I need help please.

• My friend needs help please.

• Where is the hospital?

• I need a doctor please.

• I have lost my passport.

• Someone stole my money.

• Help!

The more familiar you are with the language of the country you’ll be visiting, the better. But even knowing several key phrases can be a huge advantage when trying to navigate in a foreign country and enjoying your visit there. Most importantly of all – be courteous and respectful toward other people and their customs and culture. Remember that when you are visiting a foreign land, you are in many ways representing the U.S., so putting your best foot forward is not only a good reflection on you as an individual, but on your country of origin as well.

Though most shoppers still purchase products in brick and mortar stores, online shopping continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The ease and convenience of pointing and clicking for the things we want – of which there is seemingly an infinite supply on the net – is unmatched by any “real life” shopping experience. The deals aren’t bad, either.

But one of the more annoying aspects of shopping online is having to pay for delivery. For many people, paying for delivery costs is a deal breaker, one that prevents them from fully converting to online commerce.

No one enjoys paying money to wait a week or more for the purchased products to arrive at their destination. Someone who goes into a store can instantly grab the product, pay, and walk out the door. If the customer wants his or her items quicker, like overnight, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg. Pointing and clicking online is fun, but no one enjoys paying for the privilege to wait for the items to arrive.

No one likes to pay extra money on top of the product’s cost, for that matter. Sometimes the total cost can be cheaper than buying the product in real stores if the buyer gets a great discount, but often the shipping represents a significant extra expense. This is especially true if the product is large, heavy, or originating from a distant place.

Worst of all, sometimes customers pay for shipping, only to receive damaged or missing goods at the other end. Whether this is the fault of the sender or the delivery service is unimportant. Worse still if the items never even arrive at their destination. If someone steals the package from a doorstep, it’s often difficult to prove otherwise. There’s nothing worse than paying for shipping and having that service fall through.

The final problem with paying for delivery is dealing with returns. If the product turns out to be defective, or if the customer simply doesn’t like it, he or she often has to pay return shipping fees out of pocket. This is in contrast to a normal store – if the product isn’t right, simply return it, free of charge. With online shipping, however, not only does the customer need to pay the delivery cost, he or she needs to pay the return costs as well! Double dipping on shipping can sour a customer’s experience.