Maybe you've heard this one:

"What does it profit a man to have gained the whole world, and to have lost his soul?" - Jesus Christ

Inspirational quotes and sayings from the present day or centuries past, can inspire and instruct us. This is true regardless of the religious or spiritual tradition they come from. Nor do religious or spiritully-oriented individuals have a monopoly on useful words. Quotes that strike at the truth of the matter can come from scoundrels, saints, and ordinary people.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excelence, then, is not an act, but a habit - Aristotle

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old. Seek what they sought." - Basho

Why Read Inspirational Quotes?

Philosophies and arguments often use logic in an attempt to "capture" truth in a net of words to build systems of knowledge, or to satify egos. Logic is important, but when mis-used it leads to confusion. Inspirational sayings cut through the fog and point at the truth, so you can see it for yourself.

Imagine a choice: do what you love and possibly fail, or wait a few more years. Now, outside of mathematics, virtually all reasoning is tainted with rationalization, so you can support whatever you decide with "logical arguments," right? No wonder we're often confused and demotivated! How can we trust our own reasoning, if it just finds a logical construct for whichever fear or other feeling is strongest!

Then you read an inspirational quote:

"You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky

Can you see how this hockey metaphor might touch you precisely because it isn't a logical argument? It just points at a truth you can see for yourself: You can't get what you want without "taking that shot." Seeing the truth is far more motivating than arguing it. That's the value of reading inspirational quotes.

¶ 9:47 PM 0 comments

The latest trend in vacation homes is the condo hotel. Marketed as a condominium located in a resort hotel, these private residences offer a practical way to own a vacation home, and offset some of the costs when youre not there.

Condo Hotels first started appearing in places like Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. They have increased tremendously in popularity and can now be found in places like Belize and Dubai.

Most condo hotel properties are owned by names you would recognize. Companies like Hilton, Starwood, Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and Trump see the condo hotel trend as a solid business venture. With names like that, if you choose to invest a condo hotel, youll know youre dealing with well-respected, successful businesses. And when you purchase a condominium in a condo hotel, youre not just buying vacation property, youre investing in the hotel business.

Heres how Condo Hotels works:

You purchase a condominium (prices range from as low as $400,000 to well over $2 million) thats located in a resort hotel. You let the hotel know when you intend to stay in your condo and they reserve the dates for you. The remainder of the time, your condo goes into a rental program, managed by the hotel, and is rented out as a hotel room.

The benefit of this type of arrangement is that you get a luxury condominium in a luxury resort, but dont have to worry about maintenance and upkeep when youre not there. In addition, because the hotel will rent out your condo, your vacation home becomes an investment property. Because hotel management handles marketing and promotion, you dont have to, and you get the added benefit of having your condo marketed as part of a well-known and respected luxury hotel. Imagine the marketing power behind names such as Ritz-Carlton and Trump! Having your vacation condo promoted under a name like that gives you unparalleled exposure.

In addition, property values for this type of investment having been steadily rising due to supply and demand. Especially for those who buy a condo during either the pre-construction or construction phase. Some have been known to increase in value by as much as 16% in the first year.

Keep in mind, theres no guarantee how often or for how long your condo will be rented while youre gone. Ideally, you could offset the costs of everything including the mortgage, but be prepared for times when that doesnt happen. Remember that this is primarily a vacation home and potential long-term investment, not a short-term, quick money maker.

Another benefit of investing in a condo hotel, rather than simply purchasing a vacation home, is that when you stay in your condo, you get all the amenities of a four or five star hotel! Most condo hotels, because they are built and marketed as resorts, have fitness rooms, spas, fine dining restaurants, and pools. Some will even have valet and concierge services, complimentary continental breakfasts, boutiques, and many will be oceanfront properties.

How is a Condo Hotel this different from a time-share?

When you purchase a time-share, youre not purchasing the property, just time at the property. You have to use the property and its facilities during the same time every year, unless youre able to trade with someone else. This can cause challenges when trying to plan a family vacation. Theres no guarantee that youll have the same two weeks free next year that you have this year. And what if you want to go more than once year? Then you have to buy several blocks of time.

In some instances, a time-share gives you a specific week or two, but allows you to choose between several properties. Youre still limited by the dates you purchased, and may not be able to find a desirable location that has your specific dates available.

With a hotel condominium, you own the condo, which means that its yours to use as often as youd like. No trading dates, or locations. You come and go as you please. While you do need to give the hotel advance notice so they wont rent your condo on the week youre planning to be there, as the owner, you get first pick. In addition, hotel condominiums are in such demand that theyre far easier to sell than a time-share.

Overall, if youre looking for a second or vacation home, a condo hotel is well worth looking into. Not only does it give you the chance to enjoy vacationing at a luxury resort, but youve got a full-time management staff that will look after things when youre not there. Because most condo hotels are luxury hotels, you get outstanding amenities and spectacular views. Add to that the fact that you can generate a little money by putting your condo in the rental program, and youve got a pretty good deal.

As with any major purchase, its wise to do some research before making any final decisions. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and be sure youre not purchasing the condo with grandiose ideas of making money hand-over-fist. Yes, it is potentially a good investment, as is most real estate, but be sure your expectations are realistic.

¶ 6:43 PM 0 comments

Some people love snow and welcome its arrival, while others wince at the back pain they have to look forward to. Its not surprising that these 2 people fall into 2 groups: those with snow blowers, and those who shovel. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the white stuff once again.

Know Your Snow Job
Just like a car, there are many makes and models of snowblowers (or snow throwers as they are also commonly known as). Each car is suited for a different purpose, and snow blowers are no different.

How long is your driveway? How much snow do you anticipate receiving each year? How heavy is the snow? How wide a space does your snow removal needs cover?

For most city dwellers, who have just a driveway and a sidewalk to clear off, a single stage gas blower will do the trick. These types of snow blowers will touch the ground, so be aware of the area you are clearing. Most single stage gas snow blowers retail for $300 to $900.

However, if you find that you get a lot of snow, or have a larger area to clear, a two stage gas blower will save you time and help avoid further back aches. These types of snow blowers come equiped with wide augers to clear off larger areas, while throwing the snow further. Depending on the type of two stage gas snow blower you are looking at, prices can range from $600 to over $2000 according to Consumer Reports.

If you have a gravel driveway, you'll want to ensure that the auger doesn't touch the ground (thus picking up rocks which can be hard on the snowblower, and cause harm if to items near the path of the blowing snow. Most two stage blowers are perfect for gravel driveways.

If you find that you only get a few inches per snowfall, or have a relatively small area to clear, you may find that a single stage electric blower will take care of your needs. Electric snow throwers range between $100 and $300 and will clear an area of about 11-18inches.

Take It For A Spin
While a retailer wont let you clear off any snow at your house to test it out, they will let you push the floor models around. Find one that suits your strength. The larger snow blowers are normally very heavy. While it may be fun to have the largest snow blower on the block, it doesnt make sense to buy it if you cant push it around without hurting your back.

Are the handlebars adjustable to your height? You have to remain in control of your snow blower at all times and the handlebars will help you to move around corners. You should also pay attention to the chute control. By adjusting the direction of the chute, you can angle the snow where you want it, not in front of you or on your neighbours driveway.

Play Safe
If you purchase a single or two stage gas snow blower, remember to start it up outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible killer. Clearing snow is tough enough without having to worry about carbon monoxide.

Do you have a set of ear plugs? You'll need them, especially with the larger snow blowers.

Remember not to wear anything that is loose fitting. Its very easy for a scarf or sleeve to get caught in the snow blower and the results are not very nice.

Its obvious, but many people loose limbs because they dont watch what they are doing. If your machine gets clogged, turn it off. Only when the engine is off (or unplugged if you purchase an electric snow blower) should you attempt to clear the clog. Use a wooden broom handle or hockey stick to clear out a clog. Better you have to buy a new broom or a new hockey stick than to have to explain why you no longer have an arm.

Other than price, buying a snow thrower is no different than buying a car. In both cases, you buy the one that meets your exact needs and fits within your budget. Take it out for a test drive and remember safety first.

Start enjoying snow again. Think of how envious your neighbours will be when they see your new machine purring down the driveway, without a care, and without a worry of a sore back.

¶ 2:04 PM 0 comments