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Small businesses shortchanged as Feds fail to reach contract goal

The federal government failed to meet its goal of awarding 23 percent of its procurement dollars to small businesses, according to preliminary 2007 data.

The official numbers won't be released until August, but it appears small businesses received 22.1 percent of federal contracting dollars in 2007, said Calvin Jenkins, the Small Business Administration's deputy associate administrator for government contracting and business development.

That percentage was down from 2006, when small businesses' share was 22.8 percent, also short of the goal.

More money flowed to small businesses last year, however, because overall federal contracting increased to more than $436 billion.

Hitting the 23 percent goal was harder for agencies last year because they could no longer count contracts awarded to small businesses that were acquired by large businesses. more

General Electric May Sell Its Wizard Australian Unit (Update2)

The Fairfield, Connecticut-based company may sell Wizard home loans, move it into a joint venture or take on a partner to help run the company, Mike Cutter, GE Money's chief executive officer for Australia, told reporters on a conference call. Cutter didn't indicate what price he could fetch for Wizard, with 250 branches and loans of A$12 billion ($11.5 billion).

GE Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt has sold units with annual sales of about $50 billion and is exiting underperforming businesses to return to the company's long-term goal of 10 percent annual profit increases. Australian home loan growth, at a decade-high when GE bought Wizard in 2004, slumped to the slowest annual pace since 1998 in March as higher borrowing costs deterred homebuyers.

``The housing market is clearly under pressure,'' said Stephen Walters, chief economist at JPMorgan Chase & Co. more

Record number of summer student placements in local businesses

A record 53 students from around the country will be working for local businesses in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset as part of this year's Shell Step programme.

Shell Step is a national placement scheme for undergraduates which gives students valuable work experience and allows companies to use their skills to undertake a project lasting 8 to 13 weeks.

The University of Exeter, which manages the scheme in the South West, matches students with business partners and also provides training and support.

Jane Gill, Employer Liaison Officer at the University commented ‘The Shell Step programme is a fantastic way for students to put their studies into practise. Local businesses also benefit hugely from being able to complete projects that have often been difficult to resource in any other way.'

Shell Step 2008: case studies Chloe Bines working for ReZolve Kernow Group, Bodmin, Cornwall

ReZolve Kernow is a not for profit organisation set up in 1997 to develop innovative projects that contribute to sustainability by reducing, reusing and recycling Cornwall's waste. more

Latest Starting A Family Business News

Starting a Food Business in Connecticut - Associated Content

Family recipes for jams, main dish items, cookies or other desserts may make money once the food product reaches the hands of Connecticut residents and visitors to the state. Consumable items can result in ...

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Island evacuations start as Earl nears East Coast - Forbes

Brittany Grippaldi and her family took advantage of the good weather to pack up their Ford Explorer in Hatteras and head home to New Jersey. "It's sad because reality hasn't really set in because it is so beautiful out.

New Practical Advice for Starting Your Small Business(low-investment) - Associated Content

For your cleaning business you can start by sending emails to all of your local contacts, phoning friends and family, and asking everyone for referrals. Always ask for referrals, they are very important to your ...

Local business helps family in need - Deseret News

Story continues below The couple and their benefactors found each other through the Weatherization Assistance Program and some family friends. Frantic when the ... She'll start her next round of chemo next week.

Check references when picking a roofer - msnbc.com

Everette's family contacted 5 On Your Side Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis, to see if Joe could get the contractor to start the job or offer a full refund. NewsChannel5 and Cleveland Better Business Bureau Vice ...

Brown-Forman Fiscal Year Sales off to a Good Start; Confirms Full Year Guidance - Yahoo Finance

BUSINESS WIRE)--Brown-Forman (NYSE: BFB - News ) (NYSE: BFA - News ... Key brand contributions to growth came from the Jack Daniel’s family, el Jimador, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Woodford Reserve, Tequila Herradura,

New students start year depressed - Arizona Daily Wildcat

Many new students struggle with living away from their family and friends for the first time ... it’s not as much fun,” said pre-business freshman Ashlyn Brunk. For those who may be struggling to adjust,

A New Digital Battlefield - Wall Street Journal

Some media executives worry low prices could eventually undermine the existing TV business. For the past several years ... ABC Family and Disney Channel, as well as BBC America. TV networks haven't presented a united ...

Open Question: What should I do about her?

I have been on and off with a girl for 7 years and when we were about 3 years into the relationship I chose to follow her to the college she was going to (in hopes of keeping the relationship alive). Well anyway from the start she didn't spend as much time with me as I would have wanted and we started arguing and fighting all the time... she ended up dumping me and cut off all contact with me for about a month. I moved back home (about an hour away) and went to community college for a year while starting to talk to her again and we patched things up. I made the 2 hour roundtrip drive hundreds of times to see her, she never came back to see me once. I completed community college and decided that I was going to go to the college I had wanted to go to since I was 5 which was 1200 miles away. I figured we were already long distance so it wouldnt have mattered. We weren't going out when I left but she didn't want to get back together either. Since I left my grades have gone up, I built a successful business, and love the weather out here. In all the time I've been out here, she hasn't come to see me once and refuses to. She also is telling me she'll never leave her family and move out of state. I told her thats fine but I'm not moving to where she lives again to get dumped again by her. The problem is she still texts me all the time to see what I'm doing, she always says she wants to talk but all she says is the same thing that she isn't going to leave and I should just deal with it. What do you think I should do? more

Open Question: how do we start an event planning Business?

my sisters and i have since i can remember, enjoyed design, photography, fashion, decorating and scrapbooking. well for the past few years we have been throwing events for family and friends. such as numerous baby shows, bridal showers, birthday parties, and now we are planning a wedding. it is something we really enjoy doing and have been talking about going into buisness together fo ra while now. we would like to start out buy selling decorations we make and such, and perhaps doing photography. (i am currently taking photograpy, i have half a credit left) we make dipar cakes and all our own decorations. so what would be the first step in acheiving this goal??? more

Open Question: What is a good business degree to pursue?

I love everything about business, I love mathematics, I love crunching numbers, I love statistics, I love building budgets, and all that fun stuff..I want to go into a career in business, I'm aiming at Financial Planning, but I do not know much about the careers you can do with a business degree. Once I told my boyfriends family I was doing that instead of nursing (they are a family who work in health care) his dad immediately told me that I will not be able to do anything with a business career because the economy is so bad, why open a business? But to me, it doesn't seem that having a business degree is solely about starting your own business? That never crossed my mind, I wanted to be a financial planner. So what all can you specialize in, in business? I was looking at Finance, but I know nothing about it, and I'm still doing my pre recs, so I have time, but I'm very organized, I like to have the whole plan before I do it. more

Open Question: Is it possible to get into a good college if you don't make a lot of money?

I am 19 years old, just started college, and I am at a community college now, getting my pre recs done. I am going into business, and I want to go into something that has to do with finance, like a financial planner. Well, I do a lot of research, and I keep seeing that working in finance is competitive, and it is good to go to a good business school that is well known. Not required obviously, but it's a good start. I also would like to go to a good school so I can get the experience. That being said. I want to go to The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. It's ranked number 3 in the US, and I also have always wanted to live in Pennsylvania, so for me it would be the best of both worlds. But I am not sure I can get in because I live on my own, I only make 10 dollars an hour, I do not come from a rich family, my father is a maintenance man, and my mother cooks at a bar. So it's not like my parents can dish out 50 grand for college. And I'm afraid I wont be able to get into a good college because of that, so what can I do? Is it possible? more

Open Question: Starting grass/hedge cutting business, need info please!?

Hi all. I live in the UK & would like to start a gardening business. I've been looking around for more info via google & have come to realise there's quite a lot to it (before I thought was just a case 'cutting stuff'!, lol). So basically I need to learn how cut & care for lawns/hedges properly & professionally. So can you recommend good current information? (books, web sites, DVD's, etc) Please bare in mind I have 0 gardening experience (other than mowing my garden but the lawn looks terrible!) but I'm prepared to throw myself into this & really want to learn about it. I'm recovering from a few operations at the moment & I want to take advantage of this downtime to study the basics I will need to deliver a top class service. I have a family to support, so I NEED this to succeed. Thanks for reading! (& any answers of course!) P.S I would LOVE to hear tips from Pro gardeners! more

Open Question: I think my boyfriend is lying about his entire life? There is so much I dont know?

I have been going out with my 22 year old boyfriend for 2 years now and I just moved in with him about 4 month ago, im 19. When we first met he told me he was a hardware salesman and although the pay was crap he loved his job etc My issues with him started about a month or 2 ago when I was cleaning our bedroom and found over 7000 stashed away at the back of the wardrobe, there is no way he could make that being a salesman. From then on I started noticing other things... -He gets phone calls at 3am from his "boss" saying he has work, what kind of salesman works at that time in the morning?! -The other day I came home from work early and found him in our living room with a bunch of older men dressed up, talking and SMOKING (I had no idea he smoked) When I asked him he said it was work AGAIN, -Some nights he doesn't come home and then after when I ask him he says for me to mind my own Business -I met his mum for the first time a week ago and we had tea, during this time she asked if he had told me yet?? (I have been told im not allowed to meet the rest of his family untill we are atleast engaged) -He has a large box in the towel closet he keeps locked and when I ask he tells me that its just family antiques? -Oh and I have never actually seen a pay check all his cash he gets is every other day and by hand. Could it be drugs (He doesnt use them I would know but dealing them) more

Open Question: I think my boyfriend is lying about his whole life to me? There is so much I don't know?

Open Question: Do you think she said is true？?

The girl gave me a few emails, let me to help her. Do you think she said is true？ Emais: hello my new friend How are you over there in your country? i hope all is well with you, i hope you may not know me, and i don't know who you are, My Name is Miss jecinta jamal, i just saw your profile and it seams like some thing touches me all over my body, i started having some feelings in me which i have never experience in me before, so i became interested in you, l will also like to know you more,and l want you to send an email to my email address so l can give you my picture for you to know whom l am.I believe we can move from here,I am waiting for your mail to my email address above, (Remember the distance or color does not matter but love matters a lot in life) From Miss jecinta. My Dear OneBroken heartRed heart, I am more than happy in your urgent mail to my mail.How are you today? l hope fine.Mine is not too good due to my suffering condition here in Dakar Senegal.My name is Miss Jacinta Jamal , I am (23) years old, single and never married, 5ft 8 inches Tall, 55kg weight, black hair and brown eyes,l am from Liberia in West Africa and presently l am residing in a church Orphanage home here in Dakar Senegal as a result of the civil war that was fought in my country some years ago.I lost my both Parents during this deadly Political War.That Damaged Thousands of innocent Souls in Liberia.My family was among the first target of the rebels because my Late father a Successful business and also a politician supporting the Present Government when the problems was about to start.Due to this all the members of my family was Murdered in a cold Blood and our family house was set blazed.I was Lucky and escaped death because i was in bordering when this deadly incident took place. It is only myself who is alive now and l managed to make my way to a nearby country Senegal where l am staying now and never pray or think to step my legs in that bloody country called Liberia. I would like to know more about you.Your likes and dislikes,your hobbies and what you are doing presently. I will tell you more about myself in my next mail. Attached here is my picture. Hoping to hear from you soonest. Yours Forever Miss Jecinta Jamal My dearestRed heartRed heart, How are you today?hope you are fine over there in your country. Am happy to read from you, any way i feel like telling you every thing about me. But you must promise not to disclose this please because this is my full life story with trust. I appreciate your mail. My Dear As I told You on my last mail that i lost my family in the war that broke out in my country ,My late father Dr.Moses Jamal was a contractor and international business man. I reside in the church hostel in Dakar Senegal, as a result of the civil war that fought in my country . I did not have any other person that could be able to help me out,The only person i have now is. Rev Father Daniel Adams In (Living Spring Christian Church) Email address: (rev_danieladams@yahoo.com) His office telephone number (+221-776-625-135). Here in the Orphanage home where i am leaving now in women's hostel.You can call me with his office telephone number and when you call, he will send for me from hostel to come to his office to receive your call.I have my late father's deposit certificate and death certificate because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money in a leading financial institution, which he used my name as the next of kin,the amount in question is $6.8 Million us Dollars. I want to inform you after this transfer in your account, you will help me to prepare my traveling documents and air ticket to come over to meet with you and be with you.I need your information's such as !!! Your Full Names ...... Age ....... Address ........ Telephone ........ I humbly waiting for your mail from you, Kisses and continue dream about me yours Miss Jecinta www.helmetonsale.com more

Open Question: GUYS! Did he just admit? GIRLS too?

Ive known Alex for a couple years. I liked him, but he wasn’t interested, so I gave up. A year has passed, and this summer he started working at my family’s business. And something’s changed with him (snuck up on me, asked what my type was, made fun of my butt multiple times, etc.) Two weeks ago, he asked me what my idea of my perfect date was. Then he said, “There’s this girl, I’ve known her for a year or two that I like. But there’s a problem. but maybe someday, something will happen.” He later said, “But she’s going to my university this year.” Sunday I asked, “So..Did you help that person move in to their dorm?“ He looked blank. I rolled my eyes, “You said ‘theres this girl (see quote above)’. THAT ONE. Did you help her move in?” He grinned, “She lives at home with her parents.” I acted innocent, “Really? That’s sad..Like me.” He laughed, “YOU don’t get it..I was talking about you.” I blew it off, “No you said it was a girl you liked!” He said, “Uh..um..yeah..well just because I like a girl doesn’t mean I want to go out with her.” And then looked back down at the computer screen immeaditly. GUYS! Did he just admit he likes me? Why would he say that about the going out? HE'S NEVER HAD A GIRLFRIEND, EITHER. We’re 19.I really want to kiss him (doesn’t that sound aweful?), but I don’t want to freak him out. Does he like me? more

Open Question: Need relationship advice please help?

Open Question: I think my boyfriend is lieing about his whole life to me? He is no salesman I know?

I have been going out with my 22 year old boyfriend for 2 years now and I just moved in with him about 4 month ago, im 19. When we first met he told me he was a hardware salesman and although the pay was crap he loved his job etc My issues with him started about a month or 2 ago when I was cleaning our bedroom and found over 1500 stashed away at the back of the wardrobe, there is no way he could make that being a salesman. From then on I started noticing other things... -He gets phone calls at 3am from his "boss" saying he has work, what kind of salesman works at that time in the morning?! -The other day I came home from work early and found him in our living room with a bunch of older men dressed up, talking and SMOKING (I had no idea he smoked) When I asked him he said it was work AGAIN, -Some nights he doesn't come home and then after when I ask him he says for me to mind my own Business -I met his mum for the first time a week ago and we had tea, during this time she asked if he had told me yet?? (I have been told im not allowed to meet the rest of his family untill we are atleast engaged) -He has a large box in the towel closet he keeps locked and when I ask he tells me that its just family antiques? -Oh and I have never actually seen a pay check all his cash he gets is every other day and by hand. Could it be drugs or another woman? more

Resolved Question: Relationship advice please help?

Open Question: Cat-sitting an outdoor cat and it hasn't been home for 2 days?

I'm cat sitting my boyfriend's family cat right now. It's been an outdoor cat for 4 years, and is always in and out all day. Out of all his cats (his family has 3) this cat is probably the most comfortable outdoors and wild (it's the one that always kills and eats animals). I came to the house Monday morning around 10, and let the cat out right away as I normally do because she was standing at the door meowing. I went along with my business (I work at my boyfriend's mom's house so I'm here every weekday). By the time that night rolled around, the cat still hadn't returned but I didn't think much of it because she will often go out for a day at a time. However, it's officially been 2 days (even longer...it's been about 55 hours or so) since she left and I'm starting to worry:( Is it normal for outdoor cats to stay out this long, or should I be concerned? I'm not sure what to do-- I don't want to panic my boyfriend and his family, but should I call them and let them know I'm worried? more

Resolved Question: Small Business is the key to restoring Americas greatness, would you conservatives please tell me what small?

business to start up to support my family? Cuz I don't see any making money around here anywhere. Just the type of business you "KNOW" the world needs, how much start up it takes and how much profit I should expect. Should be a no brainer for all the Republican Small Business Supporters, don't you think?As expected ans usual, the true conservatives and republicans have no real answers to anything, just more name calling and denial and blame. Pathetic, and they wonder why they are irrelevant. more

Open Question: Why is my grandma an idiot, and how can I keep my sanity?

-She says bad things about everyone in the family, then gets mad at us when we confront her. -She always tells everyone our business and purposely misinterprets it, so other people think ill of us. -Today, we have an electrician over. I know she has trouble shutting her f**king face, so I told her not to talk to the electrician because he charges $75/hour. What does she do? Gets the electrician to charge us another $75 because she wanted to talk to him about stupid crap. -She comes from like the filthiest of all the Asians. I swear to god shes from a tribe in the jungle. She doesn't keep anything sanitary. She leaves raw meat out in the open under the sun and near bugs. Despite me being the same nationality as her, I swear shes from the jungle or something, she eats like a primate. -Shes so consumed by food. Our house smells like fucking old fish because all she does is cook all day. Theres 4 people living in the house, and she cooks a meal to feed 8-12 people. That, mixed with her lack of keeping things clean, her food can actually give everyone but her food poisoning. -She pisses away like $50 a week on lottery tickets, then complains that she has no money. -She denies the fact that she beat my dad when he was a child, when he has so much proof its almost insane. -She complains just to complain. She gets mad that my neighbors use their fire pit in their backyard. She says "Oh, they're so noisy.", when I can barely hear them when I'm outside near them and shes inside. -She tells me that I never do anything for her and that she likes her other grandchildren better than me and my sister. When she fell and cracked her head, I called an ambulance for her. What did the other grandchildren do? Panicked and ran away from the house. -She tells me that when I go to college, my roommates will hate me and I'll flunk out. -Her stories are depressing. My sister just got a new puppy with her boyfriend, and she starts telling us about how dogs die, and about a rabbit she saw get eaten by a dog. If I go into the kitchen to get a can of soda, she tells me that I'll get diabetes and die (From one single can of soda, I might add). When my dad mows the lawn, she preaches to him about how the tree in our yard might fall over and crush him to death. -She tries to act like she had a hard life when all she is a gold-digger who leeched off my dads father until he died. She's traveled the f***ing world. I want to beat the shit out of her, and shes with us for another month. NOBODY IN THE FAMILY WANTS TO DEAL WITH HER. She doesn't have Alzheimer or anything. If she had a mental condition, I'd probably be more sensitive about all of this. more

Open Question: Issues with dating a stripper, what am I doing wrong?

Alright....Ive recently turned 21, so I've been able to visit places I couldnt before So, a month ago, me and some friends hit up this super nice gentlemens club. Well, long story short, this hot half Lebanese/half white stripper started talking to me and we hit it off. I broke out some Arabic and she was all over me and stayed with me all night except when she had to go back up and dance. She told me she was only stripping to get through college because her family was poor since they spent all their money trying to open a business that eventually failed. She takes her classes in the morning and works at night and helps her parents out at home. So, I asked her when she was working next and I visited her again. We got to talking some more and I asked her if I could have her number. She said sure, and gave me her number. I called her up and asked her if she wanted to go see a movie with me. She told me she was busy working and to just come visit her there. I went and visited her, and we talked some more...it really felt like we were progressing. She told me she had never met a guy like me before...I was so funny and knowledgeable about everything. I really like going and talking to her, but I end up spending like 100 bucks every time I go there because one of her friends working there comes by and makes us take these expensive shots. Long story short, I havent been able to take her on an actual date because shes so busy. I like going and talking to her, but I'm running out of all my savings because of how expensive it is to keep going there to see her. What am I doing wrong? She agrees sometimes to go out, but then tells me she has to cancel because they called her in to work that night. I really like her....shes smoking hot (I love the middle eastern girls ), and I feel bad for her because she has to strip to make money. Most of our conversations involve me trying to help her find a good job. Thanks, Toaster more

Open Question: How do i convince my parents to send me to this country school?!??!?

Well, the question doesn't really sum it all up. It'd be too long if it did ;) so my parents are buying this business (a newsagency) down like an hour south of where i live. I just want to tell you now: MONEY IS NOT A PROBLEM!!! at all. okay, glad we got that covered. ;) So anyhow, there's not a lot of gr8 skools around there (p.s the area is really country), so it's really country, and not really what we're used to) cuz we live in the city atm. But i am in love with the country so much!!! Since there aren't very many skools, my mum and dad think it'd be the right thing to do to send me to weekly boarding school up in Brisbane. Well, yeah, that'd be gr8, and i'd be cool with that, but i'd really miss my family. I'M ONLY 13!!! So like well there's this one school that gets quite good results, and i get good grade etc. (dont want to sound snobby or anything) but yeah, so that's important. I go to a private school at the moment, and this school i want to go to is private as well... Along with this; our gr8 family friends go there!!! So i don't see why my mum won't let me go, cuz it's eveything she wants!!! The only thing is it's in a different state, and down in NSW high school starts in grade 7, but i';m in grade7 atm and in QLD high school only starts in grade 8, so i'd be starting high school with people who've already been in high school for a whole year... :/ & i'm not gonna repeat. That's for sure... I already find the work in my own grd too easy lol So anyway,,, any advice to why u think my mum won't let me go, and how to make her see it'd be a gr8 opportunity for me?!?!?! Thanks in advance =] xooxoxo more

Open Question: Did he just admit he LIKES me?

Ive known Alex for a couple years. I liked him, but he wasn’t interested, so I gave up. A year has passed, and this summer he started working at my family’s business. And something’s changed with him (bought my lunch, snuck up on me, asked what my type was, made fun of my butt multiple times, etc.) Two weeks, when were closing up, he asked me what my idea of my perfect date was. Then he said, “There’s this girl, I’ve known her for a year or two that I like. (silence)..But there’s a problem. but maybe someday, something will happen.” He later said, “But she’s going to the university this year (I AM STARTING THIS YEAR).” Sunday I asked him, “So..Did you help that person move in to their dorm? You said there was someone you knew who was starting this year.” He looked blank, “Yes. I know lots of people.” I rolled my eyes, “NO. You were like ‘theres this girl I;ve known for a year or two..maybe someday something will happen. Shes going to my university this year’. THAT ONE. Did you help her move in?” He grinned, “no. She lives at home with her parents.” I acted innocent, “Really? That’s sad..Like me.” He laughed, “YOU don’t get it..I was talking about you.” I blew it off, “No you said it was a girl you liked!” He said, “Uh..um..yeah..well just because I like a girl doesn’t mean I want to go out with her.” And then looked back down at the computer screen immeaditly. Then after work I asked him about parking (he’s very good at finding places to park where you don’t have to have a parking permit) and we drove all over campus so he could show me his “secret” spots. GUYS! Did he just admit he likes me? Why would he say that about the going out? HE'S NEVER HAD A GIRLFRIEND, EITHER. We’re 19. more

Open Question: Do I have to pay my husband alimony?

We have been married for 7 years and he has not worked at all. In the beginning he wanted to start his own business so it I agreed to work and support our family (our son was 2) while he got to do his thing. I even paid for daycare while he did all his stuff, until I found out he cheated on me. I decided if he had to the time to cheat he had the time to take care of our son. A couple years later and that ventured failed and he moved on to the next one. I agreed once again and continued to support even getting a house cleaner to help with his bandwidth and he wanted to coach baseball on the side. Again he cheated so I cut the house cleaner. When that failed he moved on to the latest and we feel on financial hard times I begged for him to get a job and he refused. Lo and behold he cheated again and now our son is 10 and he leaves him alone in the afternoon to "run errands" <clear throat>. I am tired of begging him to get a job and tired of him cheating so I want out now. He is now telling me that I will have to continue to support him when we divorce because he has not worked and he supported us... oh lets see, I paid for the business equipment, office furniture, business line and everything else. He is capable of getting a job but now that he has been out of work for awhile he will have a hard time making ends meet so he says that I owe him and will have to come up with the rest by paying alimony. Is this true? Do the bastard get to continue to rake me across the coals? Well if so I guess I deserve it for not leaving earlier but I stayed until my son was old enough to be okay with the decision. I need to know if I will have to continue to support him. He is capable of working just chooses not to.Thanks everyone good advice, yes stupid decision on my part but having my son's dad around was the biggest driving factor. I agree it is worth anything now to get out from under him. I do have proof of jobs that were offered to him by friends that he did not accept, I feel much better that at least I have a chance. Life lessons learned and because of all this I will emerge a wiser and stronger person. more

Open Question: Need real life relationship advice?

K so to start off with i am 23 in college and have never had a boyfriend before now. My bf is 28 and working a mediocre office job with the family business. Right now he has no car, he ran into some financial trouble and some trouble with the law a while back but is getting back on his feet. My friends are like my sisters they are closer to me than my family, but they don't approve of him. they say since he is older he should be some where with his life, that i could do better and that i am just settling, that i should break up with him and find some one better. I really love him, he is the only guy that i feel comfortable and safe with. my father was abusive growing up so i have always felt weird around guys, feeling like they are all like that. but with him it is different, he is kinda and sweet and respectful, he goes to church and bible study ( to some of you that may not mean any thing but to me it does). He makes me feel happy and is always pushing for me to do better in school and i am supportive of him and everything he does. He may not have much but i don't care about that i care about him. But this is my first ever relationship ( yea i am a late bloomer i guess) so i wanted to know what ppl with more experience think. should i trust my feelings and stay with him, or take my friends advice? and please no rude comments i just want a person honest opinion. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Extremely Bizarre Dream Last Night?

Last night, I was all stressed out due to the fact that my family business is closing. I had a dream that I was with one of my classmates (with whom I barely even know) that I asked her to go to lunch with me. She accepted me offer and we went to my car which was parked in a city garage building. We got out and I started driving and getting towards the highway going about 15-20 minutes north from where we were from. At first it went fast forward as I was exiting a circular ramp and saw myself in first person view. Then I found myself driving about another 30 minutes to the northeast. (Time was obviously flying since it was a dream.) I looked at the clock it was 12:40. I said we better get back to school we are already 10 minutes late. We then found a policewoman and I recognized her face: a classmate I haven't seen in years nor do I think about her anymore. Whenever when we were in her presence, I was either paralyzed or I was moving very slow. She was almost like a villain trying to prevent me from going back. When we got back, I was feeling rather excited to be around her and I asked her while I was driving into a narrow space in the parking garage to find a spot "Do you think maybe we can be more than friends sometime?" Her reply was like "Sure, I'll think about it." I said good bye to her and then I woke up. What does this mean?? Even though I got an adequate amount of sleep, I was exhausted during morning classes that I almost fell asleep during presentations and I really wanted to sleep!! I told her about it today and she was like Oh how weird! But I wouldn't worry about it. I've been contacting her a little more often I called her about a English reading assignment and she was nice and friendly to me. What could it all mean?? I've been wondering. more

Resolved Question: What should I do about my girlfriend?

Open Question: I would like to start my own business for medical research?

I am looking for info on how to go about starting my own business that directly funds research into KRABBE disease. I currently have a business account that I use for medical bills for my daughter who has this disease. But I would like to take it further and actually fund research and have money available to help other families that are dealing with this disease. I would be lying if I told you that I wasnt looking to make money off of it but my main goal is to fund research and facilities to conduct such research. I am willing to put in all the leg work to get what needs to get done just wondering if it were at all possible. Thanks more

Open Question: I need help with girlfriend?

Open Question: GUYS! Did he just admit he likes me?

Ive known Alex for a couple years. I liked him, but he wasn’t interested, so I gave up. A year has passed, and this summer he started working at my family’s business. And something’s changed with him (bought my lunch, snuck up on me, asked what my type was, made fun of my butt multiple times, etc.) Two weeks, when were closing up, he asked me what my idea of my perfect date was. Then he said, “There’s this girl, I’ve known her for a year or two that I like. (silence)..But there’s a problem. but maybe someday, something will happen.” He later said, “But she’s going to the university this year (I AM STARTING THIS YEAR).” Sunday I asked him, “So..Did you help that person move in to their dorm? You said there was someone you knew who was starting this year.” He looked blank, “Yes. I know lots of people.” I rolled my eyes, “NO. You were like ‘theres this girl I;ve known for a year or two..maybe someday something will happen. Shes going to my university this year’. THAT ONE. Did you help her move in?” He grinned, “no. She lives at home with her parents.” I acted innocent, “Really? That’s sad..Like me.” He laughed, “YOU don’t get it..I was talking about you.” I blew it off, “No you said it was a girl you liked!” He said, “Uh..um..yeah..well just because I like a girl doesn’t mean I want to go out with her.” And then looked back down at the computer screen immeaditly. Then after work I asked him about parking (he’s very good at finding places to park where you don’t have to have a parking permit) and we drove all over campus so he could show me his “secret” spots. GUYS! Did he just admit he likes me? Why would he say that about the going out? HE'S NEVER HAD A GIRLFRIEND, EITHER. We’re 19. more

Open Question: Should I be upset that a new neighbor is always wanting to be around my husband? I blame him a little too!?

This woman is in her early 60's, walks with a walker, and is very clingy-acting. She just lost her husband to cancer back in March, and has just moved in right across from us at an apartment complex.(Literally, across the sidewalk) My husband originally helped her move-in, when he saw her struggling with some boxes. Now, this woman has TOTALLY invaded our space and privacy. We'll be trying to be intimate, or even watching a movie, and she'll call his cell phone first, THEN will call our house phone and ask him to go over there to help her. OR, she'll call him up and demand that he goes and eats dinner with her at a restaurant, because she doesn't want to be alone. He'll jump up, and help her with anything, even though he tells me he doesn't want to go. He feels sorry for her, but it is getting to me. They picked me up from school the other day, and I had to go to a doctor's appointment, which is a very private thing, and SHE was there, and she even asked me what kind of doctor I was going to. I think it was none-of-her-business, but thanks to my husband, he has filled her in on my health problems, and the fact that I used to be addicted to pain killers, and that is the reason why I see a doctor. He has told her EVERYTHING about us, what our schedule is, and so on. Last night, me, my husband and brother-in-law were going to go ride bikes, then go drink some beers, and go swimming, and she acted sort of mad that my husband had made plans with her. She came out of her apartment, got in her truck, and PEELED OUT practically in our faces. I feel like this whole situation is bullsh*t, and there is nothing I can do about it, because he tells her everything! What do ya'll think? OH, I have an update: My husband has told the woman already several times that we are busy and that we can't be going over there all the time. This woman has called his cell phone about 18 times since. She calls for everything. She called yesterday morning to ask him to go over and drink coffee with her, she called yesterday afternoon, evening (about 3 times) and now, this MORNING again, and wanted to know what we were doing. My husband told her we were going out of town for the weekend and we were busy. She IMPLIED that she wanted to go out of town with us! I don't know what to do. 8 hours ago - 1 week left to answer. Additional Details Another update: She has called over 8 times since yesterday morning my husband was at the bank and SHE SHOWED UP there, like she was following him. She acts MAD when I answer his phone and it is really getting me irritated that she calls him every morning and wants him to jump up and go drink coffee with her. He is starting to get a little annoyed too. Oh, she has a daughter, but the daughter won't talk to her, and her husband's family hates her. She is always telling us that everyone is out to get her. There is something wrong with this woman, and I am starting to get very bad vibes from her, like she could be dangerous. There is a REASON her family won't have anything to do with her, and there is a reason her husband's family won't have anything to do with her either. She doesn't have any friends, and told us that she was fired from the place she used to work at. Of course, she blames everyone else. What I can't get over is, she wants to go out of town with us! I am getting creeped! more

Open Question: pros and cons of getting a ged while pregnant?

I'm 16 almost 17 i'm 13 weeks pregnant and in my junior year of high school. My baby's father who is also my Fiance is in college working towards his business degree. We have made an arrangement with his parents to turn there unfinished basement into an apartment which we will be paying rent on every month so that way we are a little more independent and have our own place with out the concern of not knowing who we are living near, we felt that this was safer for me and the baby while i'm on home-bound and alone at nights. Money wise we wouldn't struggle to much if i decided to finish and get my diploma but right now it seems better if i could work and start college. because all i keep thinking about is who will watch the baby during the day while i'm in school. My fiance is going to school full time and will be done by next year he also is working full time which he has been before I got pregnant so that's nothing new for us. He will be able to put the baby on his insurance so that's a big relief to know he/she is covered. I myself wanna be able to get a part-time job to just have extra money to put aside in the event he loses his job or gets his hours cut. The only way i'd be able to be a mom work and be a student is if i got my ged and started online classes at my local community college to get my basics and then take the nursing program at the 4 year college. I was just curious as to what the upsides and downsides are to getting my ged instead of my diploma. i don't want what organizations say the statistics are. I want what real mothers or parents who chose this have struggled with or what they have succeeded with. I know money will be an issue for years until we get established and we have made that clear to both our families that we understand there will be struggles but that we will only ask for help if it is absolutely needed cause we both feel we need to step up and learn to be adults since we wanted to act like adults. We are no longer just teenagers we are providers and parents and we accept that and want to do whats best for ourselves and our baby. more

Open Question: Need help finding Investors!!!?

I am wondering what is the best way to find investors to help open a bar? Most banks require 20% down before they will give you a business loan. Even then the loan should be backed by the SBA. I am currently working on the business plan, and have a lot of people that are intersted in working that have experience. I have all the ideas and everything planned out, it is just that initial start up that is the problem. Does anyone know something that works? BESIDES asking family or help from people that are planning on working for me.The reason I do not want to ask friends or family for money is because that always puts people in akward places. My family is probably considered as well off, but I wouldn't want anything bad to happen and then there be negative feelings. more

Open Question: How to find Investors for a bar?

Open Question: Is it harassment if your neighbor constantly makes nasty remarks every time the other neighbors are outside?

My neighbor (#1) apparently has problems with everybody. His family constantly picks on our other neighbors (#2). I agree, they are a little over the top and dirty, but it's their life and I still allow their kids to play with my kids. Well, neighbor #1 and his whole family constantly makes rude remarks about neighbor #2. He even had the nerve to come to my house to "give me a warning like he gave the other neighbors". He basically said that I shouldn't call the cops on him because he won't call the cops on me, "even if I am beating" my kids, or take his parking spot (or he'll sugar or pee in the tank). It almost felt like a threat, but I passed it off because I don't like to make any more problems with people. Well, one night my sister was visiting and talking to some of my other neighbors when we saw the neighbor's (#1) 12 year old daughter come home and her mom came home after her and started screaming at the girl and we heard her beating her from across the street. We actually heard every pound! My sister called 911 and the cops came and took the girl away. She was back home the next day (don't ask me why that was allowed). Since then the father didn't bother with us (which is fine with me). Today, I was outside with my kids and talking to another neighbor. I heard neighbor #1 sneeze a few times. I didn't do anything. He started sneezing again so I said bless you to him. Apparently, I am not supposed to talk to him because he started to say "F@CK YOU" in a pretend sneeze. He did it at least 6 times. I asked the neighbor I was talking to if he heard what I was hearing and he did. I kept talking and said loudly that some people have to grow up and stop acting like they are in high school (this guy is about 40!). What would you do about neighbors like that? That's a little ridiculous. I have never known such retarded people! I try to mind my own business and people always do stuff like this around here. If he keeps making remarks to all the neighbors is that harassment? And, no I can't move...we just bought the house! more

Open Question: is a candle bussines a good idea?

im in the process of learning to make candles..im 19 years old and a ex con with dreams of being my own boss and living the american dream...i figured i would start making them sell them to friends and family maybe online thru ebay and one day open my won candle store...do you think its a good plan and is the candle business a good idea where i can make a living or should i go in another direction?? thanks more

Open Question: I think my fiance's cousin has a crush on him?

When we first started dating and I met his famiily his female cousin immediatly hated me. My fiance told me that she's hated everyone he's ever dated and that she was very protective of him. He said that his exes thought the cousin wanted to sleep with him and at first, I laughed. I told him his exes were real insecure to think that. Now I think the exes weren't too far off base. She's always in our business and is trying to keep us from moving (because he'd be too far away from her). She sits in his lap and that makes me uncomfortable. He always gets up and stands for a bit to get away from her but he never tells her that's inappropriate. She's always staring at him and glares at me. I hate family reunions/holidays in which we have to be around her. I think she's too possessive. She even told me she hated all the others because they tried to take him away from her. One time she mad him mad because she was rude to me and he even admitted to me that sometimes he thinks she wants him like a boyfriend/girlfriend way. She is way too controlling of him and the way she acts around him is highly inappopriate. She's 20 and we are both 24. She even begged him not to get married when she found out we were engaged. She calls all the time, even at inappropriate hours. She thinks if seh calls at night and keeps him on the phone for hours he'll be too tired to have sex with me because she thinks she can keep us from having sex (I saw her put that on Facebook but seh deleted it before I could show my fiance). Do you think she's being too overprotective? Too possesive? Or do you think the exes were right and she has a crush on him and wants to sleep with him? What can I do? Is it appropriate of me to ask him to cut ties with her until she can get over the fact he's with me and we're getting married? more

Open Question: Doing business in multiple states?

I'm forming an LLC in MD to start selling imports, I have family in other states that would like to participate, so my question is, if I want to do business in multiple states selling my products, do I need to create an LLC in each state or I can do it just with one. How will that work? Thank you. more

Open Question: My 3 yr Boyfriend wants to move away...without me?!?

I've been with my BF for a little over three years now. We have been through a lot together. He lives with his parents, and myself with mine. We do sleepovers. I'm 21, he's 25. Both fairly wealthy families, same culture, language and religion. Both families want us to get married. He recently said that he wants to move, start his own life, by himself, no mommy or daddy, and no one around him - not even me... to CALIFORNIA from Michigan. He said I should finish school here (Medical school 5+ years) and I should. My family business is growing and my dad would love for him to work with us...but he said he wants to "make his own life". He does not know of any jobs in california, and he does have one bachelor buddy there. In the meantime, he said we can see eachother once a month. And I said for SIX YEARS? He should compromise and at least stay 3 more here, I mean he just got a great new job here, plus he's got opporunities with my family business. Should I leave him now or see where this is going? He barely ever wants to talk about it, and for the past 2 months its all I think about. I'm slowly hating him more and more, I feel like he just wants to be single and do his own thing. And, he wants to leave in February (if he's lucky that it happens). HELP! more

Open Question: Why does Obama think he can change out economy?

Being "sucked" into politics now-a-days is a scam and it's sad to see how many people get their hopes for something that will honestly...probably never happen. The economy will never improve for a few reasons. 1) We depend on other countries for resources, which was a huge mistake from the start. 2) The economy going to (for lack of a better term) "crap" is caused from the 'snowball affect.' But these things all revolve around one cause. GAS. The gas prices rising is the cause of the snowball affect. Let's break it into story mode. Let's say Joe, your average American Dad was working for the Big Three. Joe was let go from his job because people just stopped buying cars and showing interest for new ones. Joe is now supporting his family on unemployment. Why are people not interested in buying new cars? Well, all of their money is going toward gas. The average tank takes 30-70 dollars to fill. Joe has no job now with two children, dogs, and a wife to support do you think he can afford these gas prices? Since people aren't buying new cars, there's no need for more cars to be made. So a lot of people in the car plants were let go also. Since we all depend on our unemployment to hold us steady, we really don't have time or money for vacation, going out to dinner, ETC. So why doesn't Joe get a job somewhere else? Problem... Joe didn't attend college back in his early days because the car dealerships offered him alot of money with no or little education. Blame our economy on education, go ahead...but the real reason is gas prices. So Joe looks for another job which requires no or little education since he cannot afford college anytime soon. Problem, average jobs are not hiring. Why? Because so many people were affected by these gas prices that business are lacking service and losing money. So they too let people go. Gas has now went from affecting the money in our pockets, to car business', food industries, travel agencies, ETC ect. (snowball effect) seems like this wouldn't be to bad of an affect but, it is. Money builds over time and in the long run business' lost more money then put into their work. Now companies can't pay their employee's so their also losing their jobs and now no one is hiring. Going to college is the one thing that put you that one step closer to being hired at the job you want compared the other other guy who does not have a college education. But, whose hiring besides medicine really? We look at gas as "people are going to need it regardless, so we'll keep the other countries happy and our company going by keeping the prices raised" but in reality...we need to reverse this snowball affect and lower the gas prices so EVERY industry rises again. It's really sad to see children not eating lunch or just sitting at home doing nothing bored out of their minds because "they need to save every penny for gas" or, 'saving their money because their are no jobs for teenagers because adults who should have a career and or college degree take the only jobs they can which are for the younger generation still gaining their education' We need to lower the gas prices so ALL industries rise again and get more business then every before. All business depends on customers and other business. If one fails, someone else hurts. Come on Obama let's make a change. Not work around the problems we already have. We need to eliminate the cause of the snowball affect. GAS PRICES. more

Open Question: friend with Alzheimer's help! :(?

right, my dad has known this 84 year old man for 25 years and in the last year he has developed Alzheimer's. it started by a carer stealing numerous rings from his dead wife and gradually getting alot of his money ,because he 'felt sorry for her' when my family went on holiday last year he 'Lent her £46,000 , he said she should 'treat herself' and finally her stealling his new car and leaving. he now lives on his own and cant really do much for himself, my parents go round his house every day for about 3-4 hours making sure hes clean,, fed and basically cleaning his house up. he is a multi millionaire and always brings up his old business he used to run and did VERY well in . he remembers alot of the past but when my mum phones him in the evening he cant remember what hes done that morning, and a few days a week we get a phone call bout 1am - 6am wondering if we want to go out for a meal, etc. Then the other day he was found in the street on the floor after a fall because hes not very steady on his feet but this was at 11pm at night! he seems to be wandering round the town at all hours and he has no relations left and we are the only ones who look after him, because hes quite stubborn he has fallen out with most neighbours and sued almost everyone!! when he was taken into hospital the other day due to this fall he got very angry and aggressive towards the nurses, he insisted he was in his bedroom and the nurses were prostitutes and talking about drugs and sex and swearing and hitting the people trying to help him. my family was very sad about this and he didn't recognise us and demanded us to leave, i don't know what to do cos im only 14 and he hasn't even written a will and the about £1.5M he owns will go to the government when he gets put into a home eventually. - when he was at home he had about 10 sets of house keys and almost every day forgot them , making us go up and let him in at any time of the day even 1-8 am him thinking it was day time. i know it sounds really bad but he was going to leave our family £50,000 but his mean soliciter insited that there was no need for it and because of this Alzheimer's he agreed but then stopped the will and still hasn't made one. - we fear for what will happen in the future , =( sorry for dragging on but my mum was crying today and it broke my heart, and i need to know what to do about this :) xx Thankssss ♥ more

Open Question: Tips for directing a short film?

Tomorrow I will be directing my first short movie. In the past year I have directed 2 music videos (one of which is pretty good), and 2 short commercials. So this would be my first ever attempt at a short film that has quite a bit of dialogue in it. All of my past projects I have used family members as my actors since they were easy to coordinate schedules with, and because they'd be more patient with me. Now I am going to use a couple of my friends. The thing is, my philosophy is: Actor's aren't cattle, but they should be treated like it. (Alfred Hitchcock) For some reason, I don't really like actors or working with them and I know that if I ever make it in the movie business I'd be hard to work with. I'm pretty new to filmmaking as in, I don't have a large portfolio (but I'm building one) and I'm still learning how to film and direct. For example, I just started experimenting with cuts and angles. Because I am still learning all of this, I tend to come off as a bit unorganized. I know what I want in my head, but it might take me a bit longer to get it on screen than a professional. So does anyone have any tips that might help? Wish me luck! more

Open Question: Bill collecting for a small business: legalities and how to start!?

I'm staying in MN for a couple months and a friend of the family hired me on to be a part-time bill collector and may go full time when I return home if it's something I can manage over the phones. So all legalities will be for the state of MN. First of all, does anyone know any great websites on where I can brush up on my bill collecting skills? I have great people skills but have never bill collected before :/ it doesn't sound ideal but this poor business man is not being paid so i am going to help collect as much money as I can from these "non-payers" so any tips would be helpful if you have them! and also, I want to know where I can read up on my limitations. My boss is hoping he doesn't have to go to a collection agency for help, which is why I was recruited. Again, I don't have any professional training but I sure know how to get what I want and can be persuasive so hopefully it helps him collect his much deserved money! Anyway, I just need to know my limits and boundaries with these folks. I did find the FDCPA's website and have been browsing that. Is that a good place to start? more

Resolved Question: Migrating to Australia?

My wife and I are considering the possibility of migrating to Australia from the US. She has a MBA in Business Management and has worked with and for a major computer manufacture for 10+years. I worked in general aviation for 10 years in research and development and the most recent 10 years have been in supply chain management handling imports from overseas and inventory control for the same computer manufacture as my wife. I am also an audio engineer and working musician. We are just starting the process and it’s a bit overwhelming. I guess my question would be does our family fit the skills that are required to obtain a permanent work visa? Mostly looking for some moral support for our decision I suppose. more

Open Question: It's long but I REALLY NEED ADVICE?!?

Ive known this guy Alex for a couple years. I liked him, but he wasn’t interested, so I gave up. A year has passed, and this summer he started working at my family’s business. And something’s changed with him (bought my lunch, snuck up on me, asked what my type was, made fun of my butt multiple times, etc.) His mom is really overprotective. One night he stayed for AN HOUR after work, in the dark, hiding behind a counter alone with me. His mom called, and heard me in the background, and he said, “Yeah, that’s her. Now she’s gonna think I hate her. She follows me everywhere.” I was mad. When he got off I told him, “I think you and your mom have the wrong IDEA: IM NOT interested in you.” Since then I’d kinda been ignoring him. Two weeks ago he found me while I was eating lunch. And said, “I have to ask you something…When you said that night, ‘youre not interested in me‘…What does that mean?” Later that night, when were closing up, he asked me what my idea of my perfect date was. Then he said, “There’s this girl, I’ve known her for a year or two that I like. (silence)..But there’s a problem. but maybe someday, something will happen.” He later said, “But she’s going to the university this year (I AM STARTING THIS YEAR).” Tonight I asked him, “So..Did you help that person move in to their dorm? You said there was someone you knew who was starting this year.” He looked blank, “Yes. I know lots of people.” I rolled my eyes, “NO. You were like ‘theres this girl I;ve known for a year or two..maybe someday something will happen. Shes going to my university this year’. THAT ONE. Did you help her move in?” He grinned, “no. She lives at home with her parents.” I acted innocent, “Really? That’s sad..Like me.” He laughed, “YOU don’t get it..I was talking about you.” I blew it off, “No you said it was a girl you liked!” He said, “Uh..um..yeah..well just because I like a girl doesn’t mean I want to go out with her.” Then after work I asked him about parking (he’s very good at finding places to park where you don’t have to have a parking permit..and we drove all over campus so he could show me his “secret” spots. GUYS! Did he admit he likes me? Why would he say that about the going out? HE'S NEVER HAD A GIRLFRIEND, EITHER. more

Open Question: Should I convert to Islam?

Hi, I have been with a Moroccan guy for a year and half and we are talking about marriage. He is asking me to convert to Islam otherwise it is impossible for him to be with me as I am not pure. There are many things that I like about Islam but there are many things that he asked me that I cannot accept like, no makeup, wear the veil, no music, no parties, no dancing, not going out at night, no hand shaking with another man. He lives in Morocco and he does not have a steady job so he is either asking for £12,000 to start a business there, if we live there plus a car, or to come to London through marriage. I have helped him financially in the past but he told me that I am an egoist because I am not helping him enough and if there is no money it does not make sense to be together. It does not appreciate anything I do for him even small and he said that he is no nice to me because I am not a muslim and he has financial problem as his family is poor. When I convert he says he will change completely and will love me if I remain calm and do what he says. I am very confused about all this and do not know what to do.¨Please help. Thank you more

Open Question: What does this dream mean?

I had a really weird dream a while ago. This is how it went... er, more like all the parts I remember. I had a really weird dream where me, my sister, my brother and my mom were driving to this incredibly depressing mall-hotel place. On the outside it looked really aged and rusty and depressing, and on the inside, there were a whole bunch of really sad looking business men and women either standing there looking around, or walking casually toward the door. It was really empty, and everything was a grayish-white and there was steel all over the place. We went into our room, and then the dream kinda just cut to a part where my siblings and my mom were in the car. There was water everywhere, but we were driving on a path above it towards a rock sticking out of the water. There was also a waterfall that you could see if you looked towards the right. My mom drove over the rock and went too far, causing the car to tip over. Then I noticed there was another one of my siblings in the car, and all of us were freaking out, while my mom wasn't even fazed. =_='l| We dropped into the water, and then it started pouring through the windows. It cut somewhere else again, where it was just a random family - a boy with short brown hair, a girl with long black hair, and a mom with brown shoulder-length hair. I can't remember exactly what happened, but they were in the same place (water all around, a path, a rock, etc.) except they were behind the waterfall, making everything look dark and blue. They were hugging each other and crying, and then the mom got a knife and killed herself. I think the kids died too, I forget. Then it cut to a part where I was with my aunt, my brother and my cousin, and we were in a weird building underwater. If you looked outside, there was fish swimming all over the place, along with sharks. We were in bathing suits, and I got a towel and put it on this bench, and then I opened a door leading outside (for some reason it didn't pour into the room when I did) and I started swimming. And I could breathe underwater. @_@ There was a huge tree on the more western part of the water, and the fish mainly swam around it. I'm pretty sure some fish bit me and then I woke up. It's really weird... like, so weird I feel like it should mean /something/. ._. more

Resolved Question: Help, my cousin is driving me crazy... any advice on how to start a singing career?

My cousin is 14 and she has suddenly decided she wants to be a famous singer. I was totally fine with that until a few hours ago. She called me up and asked me to help her find some singing competitions in her area and sign her up on kidzbop.com since she doesn't have a computer. This was fine. I didn't mind at all. It's five hours later and she still hasn't stopped texting me. Asking me all sorts of questions about managers, and agencies, competitions, auditions, etc etc etc... Frankly, she's driving me up the wall. She wants to come over on Tuesday so I can do a video of her singing and send it to people and she seems to think that becoming a singing sensation is the simplest thing ever. It's taken me hours just to get her to understand that she'll have to invest money in this and work hard and maybe take voice classes because I'm not sure she's even that good, no one in the family has ever even heard her sing anything other than happy birthday. And she expects all to happen tonight! Do I look like a fairy godmother?! Anyways, if anyone can give me a rough idea of how to break into the singing business so I can tell her and maybe get her off my back for a while I would appreciate it sooooooo much. Please and Thank you! more

Voting Question: I really NEED GUY ADVICE? GIRLS too?

Resolved Question: Do u think she might like me?

so here my story one Saturday like a few months ago me n my dad went to go eat at hometown buffet and there was this girl there whom i have never met before in my life n i thought she was really cute but totally not my type at all but i still found my self very attracted to her and i got this vibe that she liked me a vibe that i never really felt before. well i got got fruit punch to drink and we went to go eat and i noticed her looking at me from time to time during we then left after we were done. then the following saturday i went to the same buffet with my brother and i could tell right away that she remembered and i remembered her. well i got my same fruit punch and she told me you like fruit punch don't you? (which i kinda thought wow she actually remember that? who in the hell remembers little things like that considering the fact that it had been a a whole week and she has served a bunch of people within that time) well same vibe as last time still caught her looking at me from time to time. the next time i saw her was a at least 3 months later the movie. i was just getting out of my movie (grown ups) around 8:30 at night and when i was leaving i noticed towards the end of the line of people going to the movies i saw my friend sherry i went to go say hi cuz it had been forever since i had seen her and talked for a few minutes then she introduced me to her friend ashley the same girl that from the hometown buffet and I honestly didn't recognize her right away she was the one who recognized me first which i thought was pretty cool cuz ive met people who don't recognize me after 1 month, anyways we started talking for a lil while they were gonna go watch a twilight 3 she told me that she wasn't from town she was outta state living with family i told her that I was gonna be attending school for business at the local college and she smiled and she said she was too she then asked how old i was i said 22 she then invited me to go the bar with her and sherry which i had to politely decline due to the fact that i was with friends and my brother and that i couldn't ditch them like that. well she maybe next time and she told me her b-day was coming up in a month or so. i said ya for sure and that i would see her when school started. i like this girl and get the vibe that she likes me but im not entirely sure about it tho cuz im a fat guy and she's really cute and prolly doesn't have a problem getting a guy so why would she want me? but anyways do think she might like me or is just friendly? i kno ive asked this abunch of time before i just want as many opinions as i can getfirst of all fah q rage, moonrise,envy, and that dude with no name. and dan ya im fat n thats why im asking this question n im not grossly obese im just heavy and i am doing something about it you cant lose all ur weight overnight u know more

Voting Question: can any of u guys answer my econ questionnaire i need 20 answers for 5 questions i get extra credit for explai?

Ask 20 different people the following 5 questions and record their names and answers. Also identify your responses to each question. Extra Credit will be awarded for explanations that accompany any answers. o Is raising Minimum Wage a good or bad way to help low income people/families? Megan Markley: “yes because if low income families are in such a slump that they can’t work outside of minimum wage then it should be raised” *Robert Gaetan: “Raising minimum wage is deceptively altruistic. given the relatively high numbers of families relying on minimum wages, raising it could over burden businesses, also there is no way of directing that extra minimum wage cash flow into beneficial areas of the economy or to things that alleviate poverty like contraception or education.” o Is outsourcing (jobs moving to other countries) a good or bad thing for US citizens? Megan Markley: “outsourcing is a bad thing for citizens because the unemployment rate is too high as it is and it would be putting more people out of work” *Robert Gaetan: “ I find that outsourcing tends to attract non innovation labor, that cheap labor can stultify the march of scientific advancement via business venture. In the same way that Rome suffered from its major presence of slaves. The best of man comes from his need to innovate under restrictions” o Is the Unemployment Rate too high? Megan Markley: “yes unemployment has gotten worse since the economic crisis started” *Robert Gaetan” At anypoint below full employment we are under employed that’s just coming from my leftist communist grandfather background. At any point where you have a segment of the population that is out of work u have the potential for social problems” o Does Greed, overall, make a society better or worse off? Megan Markley: “worse because people are more concerned about getting themselves ahead and focusing on their needs above other peoples” *Robert Gaetan: “ I have heard the argument that elites chasing money expands business more than anything else can. I am unconvinced after seeing my family in Russia having their standard of living substantially lowered after the oligarch era started. While greed makes the acquisition of wealth greater in importance a more less cut throat model than seen in Russia is what I would defend.” o Do you make rational decisions? Does everyone make rational decisions? Megan Markley: “ yes I make rational decisions but I don’t think everyone does. “ *Robert Gaetan :” other than the mentally insane everyone does. Even say a suicide bomber, personally If I thought that I could get 72 virgins and get my friends and family heaven passes I would do it to.” more

Resolved Question: pisces how to interpet daydreams?

However, the meanings to your nightly dream symbols are also applicable to your daydreams. The content in your daydreams are also helpful to the understanding of your true feelings and in fulfilling your goals. Just as your worrisome daydreams can unwittingly come true via repetition in your mind, you can use it as a tool to your advantage and make positive events happen. You can utilize daydreams as a technique to visualize what you want and hope to happen. It is said that many athletes, musicians and business leaders utilize daydreams to envision success. They anticipate or imagine landing the perfect jump, closing a deal, or making that hit single. Tiger Woods, for one, has said to use daydreams to improve his golf game. You, too, can utilize daydreams for something as simple as studying for and acing the next test or for landing that job. Positive daydreaming is healthy. It serves as a temporary escape from the demands of reality. It is also a good way to release pent up frustrations without physically acting them out. All to often you worry about your job, your family, finances, a relationship, etc. It is a way to leave the world behind and ponder about what could've been or should've been. It relieves stress, improves attitude, fosters creativity and refresh the mind, body, and spirit. What you daydream about is indicative of what you may be really feeling. It reveals your unconscious thinking. Below are some common themes: Disaster: When you envision the worst-case scenario about a situation, you are experiencing a disaster daydream. Such daydreams reflect your worries and fears. Next time you start daydreaming about something terrible happening, imagine something positive instead. Eventually, Escape: Daydreaming about exotic getaways/adventures or faraway lands, suggests that you may be feeling stuck in the same old routine. You want to try something different or uncharacteristic of yourself. You may also be feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or are looking for some sort of escape. Take some time to for some relaxation. Glory: Daydreams about heroic acts indicates that you are looking for attention and/or respect. Perhaps, you are feeling ignored or powerless in your real life. This daydream may serve to motivate you. Love: Thoughts of falling in love or being in love is a common daydream subject. It suggests that finding love is one of your immediate goals. Consider your actions in your daydream when you find love. If you are seeking love to make others jealous, then it suggests that you are also looking for a status symbol. You maybe craving attention. Revenge: Daydreams about revenge may serve as a safe outlet for you to relieve your anger toward someone. Having these daydreams on a regular basis may be a strong indication that you will act on your thoughts. . Find out what is behind the daydream: There is usually a link between your daydream and the emotions are experiencing in real life. Try to pinpoint what aspect of your life or situation that may be triggering the daydream. in your daydreams are an indicator of what you are really feeling in real life. 2. How do you feel in your daydream? Just as in your nighttime dreams, the feelings you experience 3. Look out for recurring themes: Daydreaming about the same thing repeatedly is a good indication that you need to deal and confront the situation. more

Voting Question: What do you call it when someone has separated as in not live together for years but legally hasn't divorce?

I am going through a really emotional distress with my partner. Here's how it started I met him 3 yrs ago, I never thought he would have children because one I asked him and I never heard him talk about his kids or another person, two because I met part of his family and never told me anything. til one day I found a Driver License from another country with an emergency number and a woman's name. I decided to call that number to my disgrace it was a woman he had children I mean 3 kids with by that time I was pregnant with my son and we were already living together. He had 4 years living here.. I don't understand how a woman would still be there after 4 yrs not living with him I don't know what to name that. I was very hurt and disappointed because he was the perfect man, he was there for me in every way you can think of. Why did this man had to have a past and still legally married to another woman. I am separated from my first Husband and I have a daughter, after 6 years I decided to give myself an opportunity to start my life with someone else.. He knew if I would to start a new life with him he would be the last person, because I could not take another separation and start a life for the third time.. That is what hurts me the most. I know everyone is going to tell me to leave him but my daughter and I suffered a lot when I separated from my first husband and I wouldn't forgive myself for doing this to my newborn. We are still together since then and my mother told me don't let him go, but I live day by day thinking about that his still married a another woman and he is not planning to divorce at the moment because of the kids. He says he is not planning to leave me and go back. He told my parents all this as well. Everyone tells me don't give up on him it would be fair to your baby the important thing is that he is here with me. but to live in that reality it eats me alive. He has given me everything material he gave a business a house a car. He always tells me he wants to see me doing good, he doesn't want he to suffer, but I am suffering emotionally. more

Voting Question: Has anyone else seen complaints like this about Fetch! Pet Care?

Fetch! Pet Care of Herndon By Peter, 10 Oct 2009 | Country: United States Fetch! Pet Care 589 Legacy Pride Dr. Herndon, VA 20170 USA (703) 962-1612 This was the worst experience of my life. I should have been more cautious. I suspected trouble when I was treated rudely by the owner, Kristen. But I was in a hurry and in need to find a few days stay for my dog and favorite companion, Skipper as I had to quickly go out of town when my mom became sick. I left Skipper with Fetch for only a few days, but when I returned, she shook incessantly. This company must have done something to her. She shook for days, even though my vet gave me tranquilizers for her. To this day she is not the same. Beware!! You’re best friend may be in danger! Don’t let the dog happy dog photos on the site fool you. Send to a FriendBookmark this page: Comments Rating: -2 Sarah Mclintochu - 23 Nov 2009I agree with the person above. Fetch Pet Care has very questionable business practices. Be sure to check them out. While they try to look big and important they are really very small and have many unethichal business practices. Beware. Reply Rating: 0 suckered franchisee - 10 May 2010Don't be too hard on the individual owners. They have been trotted down a garden path by the Corp. Owner and very dishonest man PAUL MANN. He's been selling these Mom and Pop business's all over the country, in many cases without the legally required paperwork approved by the States and FTC. While owners are working hard to re-earn what Paul Mann of FETCH! Pet CARE robbed from them he is trotting around the country continuing to sell more franchisees. Paul Mann is like the Bernie Madoff of the pet industry Reply Rating: 0 overfetch - 25 Jul 2010Oh so true.......sad...but true Reply Rating: 0 Pet Sitter - 15 May 2010I am so sorry to hear that this company is soiling the reputation of pet sitters. I would strongly encourage all of you to stick with someone local. There are many great professional pet sitters in nearly every area. Interview several and always check references, make sure they are insured and bonded and (most importantly) go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling about the person you meet, do not hire them. Plan well in advance so that you have plenty of time to find someone that you, your family and your pet(s) are comfortable with. Remember, a big recognizable, national name does not necessarily mean quality. I started my pet sitting business in 2007 and have many happy clients. My company is now very successful and highly rated. However, I made a choice not to grow too big. I only have one other sitter and we have a very limited service area. I think that my decision to keep my operation small is to the benefit of me, my other sitter and our clients. We can focus more attention on our clients while still having some time to ourselves occasionally. Reply Rating: 0 Christina - 16 Jul 2010When I lived up in the Northern Virginia area we used Pet Nanny - they were great! They took great care of our Maltese - Bella. Reply Rating: -1 Concerned in Pittsburgh - 17 Aug 2010I wish I had seen this site prior to utilizing this service. My actual dog walker was great but the general manager that I was in contact with for my area was less than a pleasurable person to deal with. I left my dog with her for a weekend and after picking her up I spent the night in an emergency vet clinic. I'm beginning to think that this pet care service franchise is a sham. What's worse is they are overpriced and clearly take lightly the importance of keeping our furry loved ones the focus! You can be a "dog lover" as I was told by my general manager but that doesn't mean that you are qualified to be taking on 4-5 dogs at once in your home. How is that providing personal, careful attention? It simply isn't possible to be in more than one place with multiple dogs at one time. You can't provided truly focused care in that situation. Emergency or not.. if you have too many dogs in your house and one more may compromise your ability to care properly for him or her - than say that you can't take them and provide alternatives. This is not a puppy mill... these are our loved pets! Reply Rating: 0 pet lover NY - 27 Aug 2010Paul Mann is disreputable. Fetch franchisees for the most part do have the best interests of the pets at heart. However, Mann has set up his franchisees for disaster by engaging in illegal business practices himself in the name of Fetch. more

Open Question: i am 15 and want to start a neighborhood scrap metal business is it a good idea?

i just turned 15 and with the 370 dollars my family gave me i want to buy the supplies i need to start a small neighborhood scrap metal business . My parents and brother are all willing to help me . But i just want to know if its a good idea . it wont be big just metal that is like 100 pounds and lower more