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Why do we need a mobile app? Create mobile applications for WHAT?
Mobile apps aren’t just for large organizations; Nowadays, many small or medium-sized businesses own their individual mobile applications. The emerging trend of mobile technology involves more than just having a mobile-optimized website. The combination of mobile application and business will be the […]
Mobile apps aren’t just for large organizations; Nowadays, many small or medium-sized businesses own their individual mobile applications. The emerging trend of mobile technology involves more than just having a mobile-optimized website. The combination of mobile application and business will be the best marketing tool. These days, you can interact with many small or medium-sized businesses that own your dedicated mobile app. From coffee shops to travel agencies, companies are getting business through a mobile app and taking their marketing to the next level.
Still, you’re not sure why your business needs a mobile app; Here are some of the top benefits to guide you down the road.
always be visible
According to statistics, an average person spends around two hours on a mobile device. Since its use involves a handful of apps, it will affect how they scroll or scan their phone for the apps they are looking for. In this way, the company can benefit since the human brain unconsciously registers all the icons (with excellent design) that it finds, even if it goes unnoticed.
direct marketing
The mobile app provides common company information, pricing, booking forms, features, user accounts, business news sources, and much more. Information that businesses like to provide customers, including sales promotions and the latest announcements, can be instantly added to the mobile app. You can easily reach out to customers through push notifications and remind them about products, discounts, offers, and services.
Offer value to customers
The business may provide direct rewards to customers through the mobile app and may result in more app downloads and more returning customers.
Create brand awareness among customers.
The mobile app is like a billboard, you can do whatever you want with it. Businesses can make the mobile app functional and informative for customers. By adding compelling designs, features, and options that customers love, businesses can create a beautifully designed, brand-focused app. The more you engage customers in your app, the sooner they will buy your product or service and thus your brand will become popular among customers.
Improve customer engagement
Having a messaging or chat feature will change the way customers interact with the app. The chat feature will get the job done in a matter of minutes without wasting the customer’s time and also improves the business.
Stay away from competitors
Having a unified design with interactive graphics and options will make an app stand out from its competitors. Be the first to provide a mobile app for your customers.
Build customer loyalty
As businesses reach out to consumers through various forms of advertising, we may lose customer impact due to the immense advertising. To grow the business, the customer must build trust among the audience for their product or service. The mobile app will bring your business closer to your customers and bring all your business products to hand with one simple mobile app.
Think about where you want to do business
The two major mobile operating systems Android and Apple continue to gain popularity among customers. Anyone who is attentive to the current marketing trend in the industry will obviously know that Apple leads the growth rate from 43.1% to 44.2% during August 2016 to February 2017, but Android is still the popular mobile operating system. between customers. When many Apple users switched to Android, Apple launched the website in 2016 to switch users to iPhone. Recently, it announced the mobile app to move contacts and files from other devices to iPhone. During 2016, Android posted a market share of 82.8% compared to a market share of 11.6% for Apple. Therefore, think wisely and choose the right operating system to launch your new business application.
In the United States, more than 190 million people own smartphones. According to the recent survey, Google’s operating system is losing its customers than its gain. Between April and May, Android lost 52.2 to 54.1% of customers. China is one of the countries with the highest sales of smartphones, recording 30% sales in the second quarter of 2016. Samsung continues to challenge Apple’s large-screen phones. Samsung has lost 4.3% market share and 5.1% in unit sales during the second quarter of 2016. Despite the price or features of Android or iPhone, both mobile brands are gaining popularity in the market world.

5 Service-Based Businesses That Really Benefit From Local SEO
Does your service-based business serve a specific local geographic area? If so, your success largely depends on attracting local traffic. Local SEO can be a great way to reach customers. While virtually any business can benefit from SEO, read on to discover […]
Does your service-based business serve a specific local geographic area? If so, your success largely depends on attracting local traffic.
Local SEO can be a great way to reach customers. While virtually any business can benefit from SEO, read on to discover five areas where this strategy can really pay off for big business benefits.
Looking for more local SEO strategies for your business? Read our article: 13 strategies to optimize your website for local SEO
1. Medical and dental clinics love local SEO
You can see a huge jump in search engine rankings by targeting local keywords related to health or wellness.
Think about what you look for when you need a new doctor or emergency dentist: You’ll probably look in your city for more “family doctor” or “emergency dentist.”
However, you should also target long-tail keywords on your website like “doctor’s office open on Saturdays Vancouver” to reach more potential customers.
2. The hyper-directed hospitality business
Do you have a restaurant, bar or hotel? Local SEO is a must. People often use Google’s suggested “near me” message that appears in the search bar, so make sure your site’s content targets your location whenever possible.
Also, more people will check reviews on sites like Yelp before clicking through to your website than any other type of business. Keep your business information on these sites up to date and respond quickly to complaints.
3. Home services (I need help NOW)
A local SEO campaign works well for problem solvers.
It’s common for those looking for a plumber or locksmith to call the first listing that appears on Google, but it’s not as simple as creating a website with your contact information.
To get in front of customers, you need to focus on adding original content, optimizing your site, and targeting long-tail keywords. Going with a paid SEM campaign is also a must for this type of business.
4. Neighborhood-Specific SEO for Realtors
Real estate is a highly competitive category, especially with so many big companies and platforms like Zillow.
You’re likely to get a lot of your search traffic from long-tail keywords, so in addition to “home for sale in Toronto,” include “waterfront downtown Toronto condo for sale.”
Do your keyword research and write about what families with young children should look for when buying a home or dog-friendly neighborhoods—whatever resonates with your audience.
5. Lawyers
Another highly competitive category! The good news is that potential customers are generally looking for very specific information.
Therefore, your local SEO strategy can be built around long tail keywords. For example, instead of “Calgary attorney,” choose “Southeast Calgary Will and Trust attorney” to convert searches to leads.
Get local keywords, get long tail keywords
This is not an exhaustive list of businesses that can benefit from local SEO, but it does give you a good idea of where you can really make a difference.
Focus on developing your local SEO strategy and use long tail keywords and the traffic will follow!

How to install cabinets
Cabinet installation, whether in a kitchen, laundry room, or utility cabinets in a garage, all have the same basic set of installation requirements. Some simple tools are required and are found in most handyman tool bins. Pencils, good carpenters at four feet, […]
Cabinet installation, whether in a kitchen, laundry room, or utility cabinets in a garage, all have the same basic set of installation requirements. Some simple tools are required and are found in most handyman tool bins. Pencils, good carpenters at four feet, tape measure, screw gun, several Quick C-clamps, and a chalk line is a great start. If you have use of a builders level tripod (or can rent one for a day), this will speed up the job a lot. Starting at either end of the cabinet set, make a pencil mark four feet above the floor. Now using the four foot level, transfer that mark along the wall to the other end of the cabinet run and make another pencil mark. Measure to the floor to see if it is four feet above the floor. If it is exactly four feet, then your floor is level. If you’re taller than four feet, you know the floor slopes toward that end. If you start the cabinets at that low end, you won’t be able to keep the cabinets level before you “bump” the floor. If you start at the four foot end you started with, you will be able to shim the cabinets so that they all remain the same height above the floor.
If your cabinets have what is called a four inch high kick feature, you may have the option of lowering this four inch height to make up for a small difference in floor heights. Be careful as cutting too much can make cabinets look squat. If the cabinets came with a separate set of skirting already framed, this also makes leveling much easier. Simply extend the base cabinet supports and check that they are level. A few minor shims or cuts to provide a perfect subbase make base cabinet installation a breeze. You don’t have to worry if each cabinet is level as the bases will do this automatically.
Once the subbases for the lower cabinets are in place I recommend installing the upper cabinets next as it’s just easier. Once the wider base cabinets are installed, the narrower upper cabinets are more difficult to work with. Simply measure from the sub-base to get the top of the cabinets, add the thickness of the counter, add the space you want between the lower and upper cabinets (usually eighteen inches), and make a pencil mark. That is the bottom of your upper cabinets. Since your subbase is level, simply transfer the upper cabinet mark along the run and you have a mark to place the bottom of each upper cabinet. Next, locate all the wall studs and make a vertical mark using your level that protrudes both above and below the cabinets.
This way you won’t be reaching for a stud while standing on a ladder and balancing a cabinet.
It’s a few minutes of work well spent. Next, remove all the cabinet doors and mark each one which cabinets it belongs to as well.
If you’re working alone, take a one-by-two-inch piece of lath and screw it into the wall flush with the bottom of the upper cabinet mark. You will be able to rest the cabinet on the furring while you plumb it and fasten it to the wall. Starting with the first cabinet, go ahead and screw the cabinet securely to the studs with three-inch drywall screws. You can countersink or spun them or use screw washers depending on what you want the final look to be.
Attach two C-clamps to the first cabinet, lift the second cabinet into place, and using the C-clamps, securely attach the stud from the front face of the first cabinet to the second. The combination of the wall furring strip and the two clamps will allow you to loosen and do the job of securing the second cabinet to the wall and to each other. Making sure the front faces are perfectly flush with each other and the heights match up perfectly, standard practice is to pre-drill a screw hole behind the door hinge. Using drywall screws again, insert a screw into the hole making sure the screw will not drive through the stud of the other cabinet (too long). Place a screw behind each hinge. Now fix the second cabinet to the wall and then release the clamps. This same scenario is repeated until reaching the end of the cabinets. You may have gaps where there is a window, but your furring strip will ensure that both sections are mounted at the same height.
With the upper cabinets mounted, go ahead and install the base cabinets in exactly the same way. Each cabinet was bolted from side to side and then to the wall. Once all the cabinets have been installed, go ahead and install your countertops. Backsplash work, electrical connections for microwaves or range hoods and their actual installations must be done before reinstalling the doors. You want to handle doors carefully, as they are the bulk of what people actually see. Level the doors, install the drawer and door pulls, and you’re done.
Almost all municipalities require a building permit for this type of work, since in a kitchen it involves plumbing, electricity, perhaps heating, and possible structural changes as well. A set of working garage storage cabinets may not include any of these items, but be sure to ask first.
pete ackerson
Your friendly building inspector
http://www.wagsys.com
BICES-Building Inspection and Code Compliance System Software

International Shipping to Nigeria – Learn about important customs rules and regulations for ocean shipping
Nigeria, or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is made up of 36 different states, along with Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Situated on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria is bordered by Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Republic of Benin. The largest […]
Nigeria, or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is made up of 36 different states, along with Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Situated on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria is bordered by Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Republic of Benin. The largest city in the country is Lagos with a population of around 8 million, followed by Kano and Ibadan.
If you are planning to ship to Nigeria, there are several different shipping ports in the country. Nigeria’s coastal waterways include the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea. Some of the shipping ports in Nigeria include Apapa Port, Harcourt Port, Onne Port, Pennington Port and Calabar Port.
If you need international shipping to Nigeria, there are a few important documents you need to have in order. You will need the following prior to international shipping to Nigeria:
- passport (original)
- Visa
- Work permit (if applicable)
- residence permit
- Certificate of Change of Residence
- Declaration of unaccompanied baggage for customs and excise duties
- Sale Form 48
- shipping inventory
- The PUBD form must be completed after the client arrives in Nigeria
- Letter authorizing the destination agent to clear the shipment
When shipping to Nigeria, your cargo will be inspected during the customs clearance process. You should plan to be present for customs clearance if you are shipping to Nigeria. Additionally, you will need to obtain a personal bank account while in Nigeria to apply for the required Form “M”.
Duty Free Shipping and Shipping to Nigeria
When shipping to Nigeria, it’s helpful to note that used personal and household items generally qualify for duty-free shipping to Nigeria.
To qualify for duty-free shipping to Nigeria, your items must be used and you must have had them for at least 6 months prior to shipping. Additionally, items must be for your personal use and not for resale.
If you are a Nigerian citizen returning to the country and want to qualify for duty-free shipping to Nigeria, you must have been abroad outside of the country for at least nine months.
It is also important that your shipment to Nigeria arrive within two months of arrival in the country.
Dutiable and restricted items when shipping to Nigeria
Please note that you have to pay various fees to ship certain items to Nigeria. You can ship alcohol and tobacco products to Nigeria without an import permit if they are included as part of your household goods shipment. These items must be in a reasonable quantity for personal use. In addition, you are expected to pay import duties on any alcohol and tobacco products.
You can also ship home appliances to Nigeria, but your quantity is limited. You can send one of each type of appliance to Nigeria.
Other items that are restricted or require specific import duties when shipping to Nigeria include the following:
- Fragrance
- jeweler’s
- All films, videotapes, videodiscs, compact discs, publications, audiotapes, and gramophone records
- computers
prohibited items when shipping to nigeria
If you are shipping to Nigeria, there is a long list of items that are prohibited from entering the country. It is not allowed to send the following to Nigeria:
- air guns
- Airmail Photo Printing Paper
- Counterfeit money of any kind
- Beads composed of flammable celluloid or other similar substances
- blank bills
- Cars that are eight years old or older
- Coupons for foreign soccer pools or other betting arrangements
- cowries
- Spent tea or tea mixed with other substances. For the purposes of this article, “exhausted tea” means tea that has been deprived of its proper quality, strength, or virtue through steeping, infusion, or other means.
- Implements belonging to the reloading of cartridges
- Prints deemed indecent or obscene, or other items including paintings, books, cards, prints, or items of any kind deemed indecent
- manillas
- Matches made with white phosphorus
- Materials of any description with a design which, having regard to the purpose for which such material is intended to be used, is likely, in the opinion of the President, to create a disturbance of the peace or to offend the religious views of any class of persons in Nigeria.
- Meat, vegetables or other provisions declared by a Nigerian health officer as unfit for human consumption
- Piece items and all other textiles, including clothing. Hardware of all kinds, earthenware and earthenware or earthenware inscribed (either in Roman or Arabic characters) from the Qur’an or from the traditions and commentaries on the Qur’an
- Guns disguised in any form
- second-hand clothes
- Silver or metal alloy coins are not legal tender in Nigeria
car shipping and RO – RO Shipping to Nigeria
If you are interested in shipping a vehicle to Nigeria, it must be for your personal use and not for resale or disposal.
It is not allowed to ship vehicles eight years old or older to Nigeria. You are also expected to pay duties when shipping a vehicle to Nigeria.
Documents required for shipping cars to Nigeria include the following:
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Vehicle registration certificate or original vehicle registration book
- car insurance papers
- passport (original)
- invoice
- Road solvency certificate (if sending a used vehicle)
- Make, model and serial number of your vehicle
Bringing a pet to Nigeria
If you are moving abroad to Nigeria or returning to the country after being away for a while and are interested in bringing a pet, there are some rules you should know beforehand.
Birds of the parrot family are not allowed to be brought into Nigeria. You must have a Certificate of Good Health for your pet. You will also need vaccination documentation and an import permit to bring your pet into Nigeria.
You must expect a quarantine period when bringing a pet to Nigeria.
A qualified shipping company can inform you of important customs rules and regulations if you are shipping to Nigeria or some other destination around the world. Working with an experienced shipping agency will make your experience with international shipping to Nigeria much easier.

Judo and goal setting
“Dreams are where reality is made.” I don’t know who said this, but I really like this quote. I love the fact that what some people have dreamed of, they have achieved. Yes, they worked hard for it, but once they had […]
“Dreams are where reality is made.” I don’t know who said this, but I really like this quote. I love the fact that what some people have dreamed of, they have achieved. Yes, they worked hard for it, but once they had a dream and they went after it and they achieved it.
What are your dreams or goals?
– Buy a car
– Pass an exam at the university.
– Win a state competition
– Lose a few kilos
– Put on some muscles
– Launch the black belt in your club in training next week (or next year)
– Become a World Champion
– Learn the Nage no Kata
– Learn a new setting for Ippon Seoi Nage
Goal setting is a fundamental aspect of life, just like Judo. It’s good to have a goal and work towards something. Goals can be big or small, short term or long term, but I believe you should always have a goal, a dream, or a vision.
When I was 13 years old, my long-term dream was to compete in the Olympics.
To achieve my dream I had to work hard and meet many short term goals along the way. Some of these short-term goals include:
– Develop strong technical forwards.
– Have a strong transition Ne Waza
– Represent the state team.
– Represent the national team.
– Win some fights in the higher ranks.
– Begin a judo-specific gym program
– Control my opponent’s sleeve.
By having short, medium and long term goals, you will never feel that your goal is unattainable. This is due to the fact that all of you are always constantly working to achieve something.
As a recreational or competitive judoka, what are your long-term judo goals? What are your short-term judo goals?
Think about what you really want to achieve as a judoka. Don’t just think about your goals, write them down. Many successful people, whether in sports or business, at one point or another have written down their goals. By doing this, you have identified what you want to achieve and that is when the journey begins.
Talk to your trainer, trainer or training partner and get a clear picture of what you would like to achieve or improve in your judo game.
Once you have set your goals, I think your training will be much more meaningful and you will have a clearer idea of what you are looking for in judo.
If you lack motivation or inspiration, I would recommend taking a few days off from training, as you don’t want to burn out or overtrain. On your days off, do things you might not get a chance to do, like go to the movies one night or hang out with family and friends. After a few days off, you’ll probably be looking forward to getting back into training.

The best wooden toy kitchen of 2018
Toy kitchens or also known as wooden kitchens are one of the favorite toys of the little ones. Kitchen toys are usually made of plastic materials. But the wood really is a fantastic play kitchen that is well finished, and looks much […]
Toy kitchens or also known as wooden kitchens are one of the favorite toys of the little ones. Kitchen toys are usually made of plastic materials. But the wood really is a fantastic play kitchen that is well finished, and looks much more like a real kitchen. In addition, it is much more resistant as well.
Throughout this complete guide we will help you in everything related to your choice, so you know where to buy toy kitchens with fast shipping. Just follow the top three play kitchens:
1. KidKraft Vintage Pink
The first option for a wooden kitchen is this pink KidKraft, a toy that is designed to delight the little ones in the house.
It is an old-style pink kitchen that does not lack even the smallest detail.
It has a refrigerator with a water dispenser, a microwave, a sink, a stove and an oven with great detail for a more realistic gaming experience.
The main advantage of this product is that being a wooden toy kitchen, it will last much longer. The material used is very resistant to the passage of time. Children can play a large number of hours.
As a special feature, the sink can be disassembled for easy cleaning. It incorporates a multitude of buttons that emit a sound for a more interactive experience.
The worktop of this vintage toy kitchen is 45 cm from the ground, making it suitable for children from 3 to 8 years old. This American kitchen is also available in red.
2. KidKraft Modern Espresso
If you are looking for a modern-style wooden kitchen of the best quality, the KidKraft Espresso is an option for boys and girls of all ages. It is big enough for them to play together at the same time.
It has all the details such as a refrigerator with a blackboard and ice dispenser, an oven and stove with wheels that move sounds, a dishwasher, a microwave, a tap and a holder to hang the kitchen towel. It also has a support for hanging pans and other typical kitchen utensils.
The best thing about this wooden kitchen model are the finishes. It comes from a top-level manufacturer like KidKraft.
Its main advantage is that it can be used by children of all ages..
The assembly instructions are easy and clear, and it is one of the best options to give to the little ones in the house.
3. childish
The Infantastic is a toy kitchen that has many details that will make your daughter or son spend hours having fun in their new kitchen.
It has a refrigerator, microwave, oven, stove, and faucet for you to experience and enjoy at the same time.
Like other kitchens, it is made of wood. The fridge comes fully equipped with shelves so that children can place any food in an orderly manner.
Under the sink it has a curtain with a large enough space to store everything you want.
For this reason, In fantastic is another of the manufacturers of wooden children’s kitchens that offer the best treatment to its customers, always thinking about the fun and safety of the little ones.
The allowance has a floor height of 55 cm, and the kitchenette measures 96 x 100 x 31 cm.

Quick and safe home remedies to lose weight: 4 simple and effective tips
Here I am going to list some quick and safe home remedies to lose weight. When making the decision to get rid of extra body baggage, it’s important to choose the right way to do it. I know all the people who […]
Here I am going to list some quick and safe home remedies to lose weight. When making the decision to get rid of extra body baggage, it’s important to choose the right way to do it.
I know all the people who are trying to lose weight and looking to do it very fast, but we want to make sure that they do it in a healthy way and without side effects.
So here’s a simple loss of stuff to help supercharge your weight loss mission:
#1 Get some energy – Feed your body first thing in the morning so you have the energy you need for the day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it’s nice if you could eat more sensibly instead of eating sugary foods and bad fats.
#2 More good fats – Yes I said it, not all fats are your enemy. See that there are good fats and bad fats. Good fats are made up of essential fatty acids that our bodies need for normal growth and reproduction. It is also vital for the production of prostaglandin, which controls blood pressure, prevents blood clots, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
#3 Water intake – Our water intake should be at least 6-8 glasses per day, and even more if you are very active or spend a lot of time outdoors in hot weather. Water might be the single most important ingredient in losing weight, and actually keeping it off forever. Without a constant flow of water to keep us hydrated and food flowing through our intestines, healthy weight loss is virtually impossible.
#4 Eat a lot of fiber – Fiber is a key factor in reaching your goals because it plays a vital role in making us feel full quickly and keeping us full for a while after eating. Fiber also keeps things moving through our intestines on a regular basis. Fiber foods are also low in calories, so you’ll eat to fill up and cut calories.
These are some quick and safe home remedies to lose weight. Losing weight doesn’t have to mean starving yourself and giving up the foods you love. If you can’t handle a very strict diet, just find a diet that you can’t stick to that will still help you achieve your goals.

Do you have a Cimicidae infestation? How to get rid of bed bugs
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you know that hotels and homeowners alike are wondering how to get rid of bed bugs. These pests can cause serious problems because once they have made your home their own, they quickly spread […]
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you know that hotels and homeowners alike are wondering how to get rid of bed bugs. These pests can cause serious problems because once they have made your home their own, they quickly spread to other people on clothing, luggage, furniture, and more. Before attempting your own bed bug treatment, learn more to understand if you can effectively eradicate them yourself.
What are these plagues?
These pests, also known as cimicidae, are small and parasitic. They feed on warm-blooded animals, including people. Contrary to their name, they are not limited to living in beds; they like to live on sofas, pillows, and even in small spaces like nightstand drawers, skirting boards, and between beds and headboards.
Cimicidae bites can cause red, itchy bumps and a number of allergic reactions. The severity depends on how many bites a person has and how their particular immune system reacts to the bite. There is no treatment, except to eradicate the pests.
What causes an infestation?
Although dirty houses or unsanitary hotel rooms are commonly thought to cause an infestation, this is not always the case. Cimicidae can enter a home through a variety of ways, including on pets or wild animals, from furniture that is already infested, through shared ductwork, from people visiting an infested home, or from a hotel.
To avoid an infestation, inspect all luggage and place clothing in a sealed plastic bag before leaving the hotel. Immediately wash items in hot water upon return home and inspect them before returning them to your closet. If you see any signs of cimicidae, including eggs or feces, seal the items in a plastic bag until you can determine if the infestation is contained. Don’t be fooled into thinking the parasite is dead if it doesn’t move. These pests can go without eating for up to a year.
Bed bug treatment at home?
If you think you have an infestation, you may be tempted to try a home bed bug treatment. Killing bed bugs with heat is one way, but it’s more complicated than it sounds. Eggs can take 60 minutes of constant heat to die, while adults and nymphs take 15 minutes. This means that if you are killing bed bugs with heat, you need to know what life stage the pest is in. Since the eggs can be hard to see, you can eradicate all the adults, but leave yourself open to another infestation when the eggs hatch. Insecticides are believed to be ineffective and could introduce dangerous gases into your home.
Will a pest control company know how to get rid of bed bugs?
Instead of trying a home bed bug treatment, hire a company that has experience with bed bugs. A pest control professional will be able to tell you for sure if you have an infestation and provide a plan for how to fix your problem. They will be able to eradicate these parasites effectively, but know that several treatments may sometimes be needed to completely get rid of them in your home.
Look for a company that offers guaranteed removal. Some companies may require you to remove or dispose of furniture, so check to see if the company you hire can complete the eradication without forcing you to spend the extra money on new furniture or bedding.
Knowing that you have these parasites and knowing how to get rid of bed bugs is the first step toward a good night’s sleep and a pest-free home.

Cell phone text messaging (also known as SMS, Short Message Service)
Texting has become part of the culture, even a shorthand language has emerged. One can order a pizza or vote on American Idol with a text message. Obama announced his vice-presidential candidate with a text message to 10 million people, or at […]
Texting has become part of the culture, even a shorthand language has emerged. One can order a pizza or vote on American Idol with a text message. Obama announced his vice-presidential candidate with a text message to 10 million people, or at least that was his plan. An SMS message sent simultaneously to several million recipients, at the same time, is not yet possible, and that is probably a good thing, in light of the spamming that occurs with SMS.
According to Nielsen Mobile research, during the second quarter of 2008, the average US cell phone user sent or received 204 voice phone calls per month and sent or received 357 text messages per month. Teens in the United States, on average, send and receive an average of more than 1,700 text messages per month.
SMS was originally developed to allow deaf people to use cell phones and is similar to a pager (does anyone still use a pager?). In the United States, the term is colloquially called “texting,” but in some parts of the world, the term is “SMSing.” SMS is available on most mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), and is compatible with a wide range of networks (including 3G). However, not all text messaging systems use SMS. For example, BlackBerry uses standard mail protocols such as SMTP over TCP/IP (Internet Protocol).
If the destination cell phone is offline, the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) will store the message for a later attempt. The message can be stored for several days. Successful message delivery is not guaranteed and delay, or unfortunately even loss of a message, is not uncommon. This occurs most often when messages are sent between different networks. The sender of an SMS text message can receive a confirmation notifying them if the message was delivered successfully.
With some providers, it is possible to send messages to a subscriber’s phone via email. For example, an AT&T subscriber whose phone number is 234-456-7891 would receive emails at [email protected] as text messages. The SMS service now includes the ability to send emails, send faxes, and integrate with paging and/or Internet systems.
Unfortunately, spammers have discovered texting. Registering your phone with the “National Do Not Call Registry” only prevents phone calls, not text messages. In general, it’s a good idea not to reply to spam text messages. Often random numbers are tested for an answer. If you reply “Stop texting me!”, unfortunately, your number has just been confirmed as a cell phone and you will probably receive further messages
Obama’s vice president ad was just part of his text message campaign. His effort was an effective device for collecting millions of voter contacts. He also reported that Obama could connect with youth. Using SMS messages, the Obama campaign conducted polls, sent voter registration reminder messages, promoted other Democratic candidates in the recipient’s district, and reminded people to vote.
The shorthand arose because SMS messages are cumbersome to enter with cell phone keypads. Abbreviations like ‘CU L8er’ for ‘See you later’ are not only used by young people, but also by adults. There are books and websites dedicated to translating this shorthand, for “non-text language”.
Last year, more than 2.5 trillion SMS messages were sent from mobile phones around the world. SMS text messaging revenue is expected to exceed $165 billion by 2011.

FHA reform may change its true purpose
The House of Representatives passed the Expanding America’s Homeownership Act of 2007 and it will most likely be passed by the Senate and signed by the President after some minor adjustments. This is the biggest change that has occurred in the FHA […]
The House of Representatives passed the Expanding America’s Homeownership Act of 2007 and it will most likely be passed by the Senate and signed by the President after some minor adjustments. This is the biggest change that has occurred in the FHA since its inception. If the Chamber has its way, this would actually change FHA’s initial purpose from being an agency formed to help low-income households to one that helps nearly all Americans own and maintain their homes.
Increased FHA Loan Limits
Why am I saying this? The FHA has always been focused on helping poor and low-income areas to be able to buy houses. The new bill now before the Senate proposes increasing loan limits from $200,000 to $350,000 up to $700,000 in areas with high median home prices. I personally don’t know of any low-income people who own $700k homes, except for those people who lied on their loan applications and “claimed” they made $10,000 a month as a janitor at Wal Mart and actually got the loan. Fortunately, Bush has declared that he will not allow this to happen. He intends to keep the purpose of FHA intact. I think the Senate will do the same. Bush plans to keep the FHA loan limit at $417,000 or less. We should see each other very soon.
Elimination of financial audit requirement for brokers
This is the second largest change for FHA. If approved by the House, it would open the door for about 90% of the nation’s mortgage brokers who were previously restricted from becoming an FHA-approved broker (loan agent) due to the cost barrier. Most people don’t realize it, but audited finances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 for the average small broker to obtain. FHA-required audited financial statements must be completed by a peer-reviewed CPA and minimum net worth must be $50,000 in accordance with FHA’s strict net worth calculation guidelines. Now, 90% of brokers who did not have the time, money and resources to put together audited financial statements, can submit a bond in lieu of audited financial statements. A bond is obtained through insurance companies and covers the consumer or third party in a transaction and is paid by the mortgage company if it is used by the state to pay a consumer or third party. The new bill proposes a bond between $50,000 and $100,000. Most analysts would agree that something similar to this will be in the amended bill when it passes the Senate.
What will be the effect of this bill
Whether the FHA loan limit increases to $700,000 in some areas or to $417,000, the bill will dramatically change the purpose of FHA. Many people will look to FHA as a place to get a loan that conventional lenders cannot provide. This is possible through FHA initial mortgage insurance that can reduce the risk of higher debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios. We will also see a big increase in FHA advertising when most mortgage brokers get access to be FHA approved brokers. Unfortunately, the Chamber tends to think that this will be the solution to the current problems in the market. This is a great start, but I think it will take a lot more than this to adjust to all the lies and deception that have occurred in the last 5 years in the mortgage industry.