The Federal Reserve Board

Interest rates fluctuate according to loan demand. The Federal Reserve Board coordinates monetary policy in response to economic conditions. The Fed works to lower interest rates during recession to encourage investment. Conversely, the Fed seeks to raise interest rates amidst growth periods to manage inflation. Mortgage rates adjust accordingly to Federal Reserve monetary policy.

Fixed and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Mortgage interest rates may be either fixed, or variable. Fixed interest rates carry the same level of interest throughout maturity. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) begin with a low “teaser” rate and adjust in the future towards prevailing interest rates. ARMs generally adjust after either three, five or seven years.

Personal Finances

Personal income levels and assets, alongside the size of the mortgage, determine creditworthiness. Less creditworthy customers pay higher interest rates in exchange for higher risk levels.

Misconceptions

Banks do not jointly adjust mortgage rates at specified dates. Interest rates move irregularly and strategy varies between banks with respect to mortgage offerings.

Financial Risks

ARMs are especially risky. ARM payments may become difficult to afford when rates increase.

How Banks Set Mortgage Rates, Sources:

The Federal Reserve Board: Purposes and Functions

Federal Trade Commission: Mortgages / Real Estate

Investopedia: Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

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Curb Weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Vehicle weight is listed as curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Curb weight identifies the actual weight of the vehicle—without passengers. GVWR identifies the weight of the car alongside its full towing capacity. Compact cars generally feature between 3,000 and 4,500 pounds of curb weight. Mid-size cars and large pick-ups range from 4,500 to 12,000 pounds curb weight.

Maximum Speed

All things being equal, larger cars take more time to accelerate and reach top speed. In general, heavier vehicles also post slower maximum speeds.

Power and Handling

Additional weight affects braking power and handling. Heavier vehicles are more difficult to slow down while descending from hills and going into sharp curves.

Misconceptions

Size does not always equate to a lack of speed. Larger vehicles may feature more powerful engines to generate additional horsepower, relative to compact cars.

Risks

Driving at high speeds increases the risks of dangerous accidents. Smaller cars typically do not absorb impact as well as heavier vehicles.

Vehicle Weight and Top Speed, Sources:

National Institutes of Health: Empirical analysis of gross vehicle weight and speed

Answers.com: Curb Weight

About.com: What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating?

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Unexplained Weight Loss

Barring significant lifestyle changes, the weight and body types of adult to middle aged men are relatively stable from year to year. Conversely, the Mayo Clinic identifies unexplained weight loss as notable decreases in weight during times when the patent has no intent of doing so. Unexplained drops in weight of more than five percent of your total body weight may require medical attention.

Diet and Exercise

Men lose weight by using more calories as energy, than they consume as food. Men that make healthy eating choices, alongside a consistent workout regimen will increase their metabolism and testosterone levels to burn fat and build lean muscle.

Aging

Testosterone levels decrease with age, in what is referred to as andropause. Men may lose muscle mass after age 35. Food consumption and skeletal muscle patterns natural regress in elderly men.

Malnutrition

Excessive weight loss may be attributable to malnutrition. Malnourished bodies cannibalize themselves by consuming fat and muscle tissue for energy.

Disease

Poor mental and physical health cause excessive weight loss. Depression, cancer, diabetes and various gastrointestinal ailments adversely affect appetite and the digestive system. Additionally, medication and surgery prescribed to treat disease may cause men to drop weight.

Reasons for Weight Loss in Men, Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Unexplained Weight Loss

Mayo Clinic: Aerobic exercise – Top 10 reasons to get physical

Men’s Health: Weight Loss Solutions

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Americans seeking to travel abroad must complete the passport application, along with proof of U.S. citizenship, identity, two photographs, and the requisite fees. These fees total $115 to process the application and take passport photos per the U.S. Post Office at the time of this writing.

The undergoing usually takes 4-6 weeks, but Americans may remit extra payments to accelerate the process, or visit rushmypassport.com for same-day service at $135.

Children younger than the age of 16 must have both parents present, along with identification and proof of the parent / child relationship in order to apply. In the event that only one parent appears, notarized statements must be supplied granting consent of the second parent or proving sole authority over the child.

The State Department controls regulations pertaining to the U.S. passport. Americans may complete and print off the passport application package online via the State Department website. Still, the actual process is always completed in-person at authorized post offices, passport agencies, or U.S. Embassies.

Passport agencies are located at Boston, Chicago, Aurora (Denver), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Norwalk, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington. The passport agency transacts business by appointment only.

The purpose of this important guide is to thoroughly explain the U.S. passport application process to Americans. Take heed, all willful false statements declared upon the required paperwork are punishable by a court of law.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship Documents

Applicants will remit a certified birth certificate or even an old passport to prove U.S. citizenship. Lost paperwork or birth certificates that were filed more than one year after your date of birth must be supplemented with hospital birth records, school documents, or newspaper clippings. Americans should also attach notarized affidavits in the event that the official birth certificate cannot be presented.

Foreign-born travelers attempting to secure a current U.S. passport will remit an old U.S. passport, report of birth abroad, or certificates of naturalization and citizenship.

Of course, foreign-born persons may achieve U.S. citizenship through having U.S. citizen parents, adoption into the U.S., or via the naturalization of their parents. Consular Reports of Birth, proof of parental citizenship, foreign birth certificates, and documentation of permanent residence status are all critical paperwork that must be supplied by U.S. passport applicants born outside of the United States.

Proof of Identity

Passport applicants must verify their identity upon submitting the application to the passport agency. U.S. citizens will carry a previous U.S. passport, driver’s license, military identification, government employee identification, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship, which carries a signature and physical description to establish identity.

U.S. citizens that are unable to present said documents must arrive with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien citizen. This person must present a signed Affidavit of Identifying Witness and proof of their own identity to help complete the process.

Additionally, the applicant will also supply two copies of color photographs that have been taken within the past six months. The State Department has outlined instructions for these photographs, which specify that the images are 2 by 2 inches in size, with your face taking up 1 to 1 – 3/8 inches vertically over a plain background.

Americans are to wear normal street attire, without headgear or shaded glasses, unless mandated per religious or medical purposes.

Completing the U.S. Passport Application

Completing the application is straightforward and relatively simple. I would advise that Americans fill out the items in print with black ink.

The paperwork calls for name, address, emergency contact information, occupation, physical description, and marital status. The materials also request the date of birth, place of birth, and U.S. citizenry status of your parents.

Lastly, applicants must not sign the application until they have been administered the 5-part oath by the passport agent.

U.S. Passport Fees

Travelers will visit travel.state.gov for current fees. By law, these payments are non-refundable. Typically payments are to be made to the “U.S. Department of State,” which accepts checks, money orders, or major credit cards.

Designated acceptance facilities may require that checks are made payable to that particular location and may not accept credit card payments.

Applicants may also elect to rush processing times and request overnight delivery. Of course, this extra service arrives at a cost.

U.S. passport applicants will expect to pay between $100 and $150 at the time of this writing.

Conclusions

The general processing time takes 4-6 weeks to receive your U.S. passport.

The passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance for carriers aged 16 and older. The passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance for bearers that are younger than 16.

Always remember to represent the Stars and Stripes well and with pride, internationally.

The Application Process for a U.S. Passport, Source:

U.S. State Department: Passports

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You Will Need

Running shoes

Comfortable workout clothes

Medical clearance

Step 1

Get ready for your treadmill incline workout by arriving to the exercise facility properly clothed to warm up away from the treadmill. Your gym attire is to be made up of lightweight running shoes and breathable fitness gear. Remember to consult with a licensed medical professional prior to initiating any training routine.

Pace the gym floor briskly, or even jump rope for a few minutes, prior to going into your stretching routine—because stretching cold muscles could lead to injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching prior to aerobic exercise is critical to further increase blood flow and range-of-motion. Place particular emphasis upon your leg muscles, by including butterfly, wall-lunge calf and hamstring stretches for fifteen minutes.

Step 2

You should approach and stand upon the treadmill platform after effectively stretching out your muscles. Begin using the treadmill at a setting that allows for a moderate walking pace, at either a flat level or slight incline. The goal is to increase your heart rate, while easing the body towards increased stress levels. Increase the speed and angle of the incline at regular intervals over the next two to five minutes towards a fast walk or slow jog.

Step 3

Begin running on the treadmill at a pace that correlates to your skill level and workout goals. Keep your head and chin up, shoulders squared and your back straight to maintain good treadmill form. Breathe deeply through the mouth and run lightly upon the balls of your feet for power and balance. Do not hunch over the equipment; and avoid focusing upon the treadmill’s display for electronic tracking data.

Step 4

Begin to vary the workout in order to challenge your body for overall growth. Most treadmill equipment carries a “random” incline setting that mimics outdoor conditions of hills and flat surfaces. You should also switch up according to speed to run, sprint, jog and walk for increased intensity and recovery. You may want to “burn out” with a sprint to complete your treadmill run, prior to cooling down.

Step 5

Complete your workout by slowing the pace to a light jog, or moderately paced walk upon the treadmill. Cool down on the machine for roughly five minutes to bring your heart rate and blood pressure down to normal levels. Return to your stretching routine after this cool down to relax tight muscles and joints. Failure to cool down may lead to light headedness, nausea, cramping or muscle pulls.

Tips

Combine weight training with your cardiovascular workout for the best effects. Experts are divided over whether to begin with weights or cardio during a specific session. The correct order actually depends upon your particular goals. A National Institutes of Health study reports increased utilization of glycogen related to weight training. Meaning, athletes should burn more stores of fat, when beginning with weights. Your body consumes fat for energy after sugars and carbohydrates are depleted.

Warnings

The treadmill is not an exact match for outdoor running. You should incorporate running outdoors to train with additional wind resistance and grading. The scenery and fresh air also works to preserve motivation. Athletes that have become accustomed to using treadmills often struggle to set and keep a good pace outdoors. Lastly, consider swimming or running on sand to relieve the stress upon your joints.

Using the Treadmill Incline, Sources:

Men’s Health: Treadmill Workout – Run on an Incline

Men’s Health: Run Uphill to Burn More Fat

Mayo Clinic: How to Warm Up and Cool Down

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Identification

Life insurance collects premiums in exchange for making payouts to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death. Insurers profit by investing collected premiums at higher returns than future death benefit outlays.

Features

Technology is first used during the application process for life insurance. Computer algorithms calculate the risks associated with insuring your life by mining personal health and financial data. From there, the insurance company establishes premium rates. After collecting premiums, insurers may execute program trades to invest the money. Program trading relies upon computers to buy and sell investments.

Considerations

Life insurance companies do not pay claims in cases of suicide. However, insurers may attach accidental death riders that add compensation for deaths that do not result from natural causes. Medical technology facilitates autopsies that determine reasons for death, prior to life insurance claims being paid out.

Benefits

Technology improves the profitability of the insurance industry. Clients can trust that technology is being used to evaluate their cases objectively.

Financial Risks

Technology minimizes, but can never eliminate all risks. Natural disasters that expose insurers to losses are impossible to predict.

Technology and the Life Insurance Industry, Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Insurance

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Insurance Underwriters

Investopedia: Life Insurance

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Emerald Greens Golf Resort and Country Club

Emerald Greens is a private club that does offer vacation packages to its luxury resort. Golf vacations include unlimited use of on-site driving ranges and practice areas. All guest suites feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one living room and separate kitchen for entertaining your party. Tampa’s Stay and Play family vacation combines golf, tennis, spa treatment and swimming at Emerald Greens.

Emerald Greens Golf Resort and Country Club

13941 Clubhouse Drive

Tampa, FL 33618

(866) 97-GREEN

www.emeraldgreensgcc.com

Holiday Inn & Suites – Busch Gardens (Babe Zaharias)

Tampa’s Holiday Inn & Suites is located within one-mile of the University of South Florida (USF), Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. The University Square neighborhood is home to several hotels and motels that provide access to USF and Busch Gardens. The Holiday Inn & Suites feature two-room suites, lush greenery and discounted packages to the local amusement parks. Meanwhile, golfers can take Florida 582 – Fowler Avenue for three miles across I-275 to the public Babe Zaharias golf course. “The Babe” is a small 6,244 yards, but is one of the better courses in all of Tampa. The Claw and Rogers Park golf courses are also nearby.

Babe Zaharias Golf Course

11412 Forest Hills Drive

Tampa, FL 33612

(813) 631-4374

www.babezahariasgc.com

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

Palm Harbor’s Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club is Tampa Bay’s most exclusive setting for golf. This site is home to Copperhead and three other championship golf courses that play host to the PGA Tour’s Transitions Championship. Guests at Innisbrook may choose from 620 different rooms that are set up amidst 28 lodges on the property. The resort categorizes its offerings into deluxe guestrooms alongside executive, one and two-bedroom suites. Golf packages include lodging accommodations, golf clinics, breakfast and at least 18 holes of golf, daily.

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

36750 U.S. Highway 19 North

Innisbrook, FL 34684

(727) 942-2000

www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

Island Grand

The Island Grand is a four-star TradeWinds resort hotel that is located at St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach lies upon barrier islands off St. Petersburg proper and into the Gulf of Mexico. The Island Grade provides direct access to white sand beaches, water sports and dolphin watching. In terms of golf, PGA authority Jack Lima is often on site to recommend area golf courses, while the TradeWinds Golf Concierge assists you to book tee times. Island Grand guests are eligible to receive discounted golf travel packages to Tampa Bay area golf clubs. Isla Del Sol and Mangrove Bay Golf Course are nearby facilities. GolfLink readers rate Saint Petersburg’s Saint Petersburg’s Mangrove Bay as the third best golf course in the state of Florida.

Island Grand Beach Resort

5500 Gulf Blvd.

St. Pete Beach, FL

(866) 547-2961

www.tradewindsresort.com

La Quinta Inn—Tampa Bay Airport

La Quinta operates a recognized chain of hotels that are notable for clean rooms at an affordable price. La Quinta does have a presence adjacent to the Tampa Bay Airport, which is relatively close to downtown, the Florida aquarium and Raymond James Stadium for Buccaneers football. Additionally, this La Quinta provides direct access to all of Tampa Bay’s major highways and the Campbell Causeway to Clearwater. Golfers should enjoy the nearby Rocky Point and Westchase Golf Clubs. These sites are ideal for your last few rounds of golf before boarding flights out of Tampa International.

La Quinta Inn—Tampa Bay Airport

4730 Spruce St.

Tampa, FL 1497

(813) 287-0440

www.lq.com

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Boardwalk and Promenade

The City of Myrtle Beach is set to complete its Boardwalk and Promenade by June 2010. The Boardwalk and Promenade is set up to provide oceanfront leisure for pedestrians and joggers. The proposed Myrtle Beach boardwalk features three sections. The north and south sections are slated to be 8 to 12 feet wide—with palmetto greenery to provide a calming effect. The central section is set to be adjacent to beachfront boutiques and “invoke a carnival atmosphere.”

City of Myrtle Beach

P.O. Box 2468

Myrtle Beach, SC 29578

(843) 918-1000

www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/boardwalk.html

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a diverse, 350-acre development that features shopping, entertainment and nightlife that is just off the Long Bay, or Atlantic Ocean. The complex surrounds Lake Broadway, and is demarcated by Celebrity Circle. Family-centered fun is available at Ripley’s Aquarium and Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf. Singles will enjoy Broadway at the Beach for its restaurants and bars at Celebrity Square. Fireworks and block parties are available according to the season.

Broadway at the Beach

1325 Celebrity Circle

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(800) FUN-INMB or (800) 386-4662

www.broadwayatthebeach.com

Family Kingdom Theme Parks

Family Kingdom operates two separate oceanfront amusement and water park facilities. The amusement park features a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and the Swamp Fox roller coaster. This location offers more than 30 rides to accommodate adventurous thrill seekers, family groups and small children. As of 2009, the adjacent water park is Myrtle Beach’s only surfside facility of its kind. The Family Kingdom water park is notable for its slides, splash pools and Lazy River rafts.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

300 S. Ocean Blvd.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 626-3447

www.familykingdomfun.com

Water Recreation

Recreational enthusiasts gravitate towards the oceanfront for jet skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing. The area also offers sightseeing and dolphin cruises on the water. Meanwhile, gamers set sail into the Atlantic Ocean upon casino cruises that board at the Little River Inlet. Casino cruise ships allow you to try your hand at blackjack, poker, and roulette while serving up food and live music. These Myrtle Beach cruises represent the only places for gambling within South Caroline. South Carolina state law actually prohibits on-shore gambling.

Ocean Watersports

3^rd Avenue South and Oceanfront

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 445-7777

www.parasailmyrtlebeach.com

SunCruz Casinos

4495 Mineola Ave.

Little River, SC 29566

(800) 474-DICE

(843) 280-2933

www.suncruzaquasino.com/myrtlebeach/

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park serves as a natural respite from the usual bustle of the Grand Strand oceanfront. This park is located just three miles south of downtown; and provides 312 acres of forests, beaches and campgrounds. Campsites include electricity, water and laundry facilities. Additionally, horseback riding is permitted on the beach during the winter months for a small fee. Myrtle Beach State Park does offer on-site lodging, in the form of cabins and apartments.

Myrtle Beach State Park

4401 S. Kings Hwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

(866) 345-7275

www.southcarolinastateparks.com

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Testosterone

The anabolic steroid testosterone is already present in men to build muscle and establish male features. Naturally occurring testosterone circulates through the body from the testicles, but is broken down quickly by your liver. Steroids that are taken orally or by injection increase the amount of testosterone within your body.

Appearance

Steroid users are able to make relatively quick gains in size and lean muscle mass. Men may develop breast tissue, acne and early baldness as side effects of steroid use.

Sex Organs

The manipulation of natural testosterone levels often leads to a loss of sexual function and fertility in men. Testicular atrophy, or shrinkage, occurs because of reduced sperm production.

Mental State

The Mayo Clinic reports that steroid users are susceptible to violent mood swings and aggressive behavior. Men may also become addicted to the drug, and become irritable when going through withdrawal.

Medical Prescription

Steroids may be prescribed to limit the effects of degenerative diseases such as AIDS or cancer. Steroids also help to catalyze the onset of puberty in late-developing young adult males.

Men’s Health: Side Effects from Taking Steroids, Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Performance-enhancing Drugs: Know the Risks

National Institutes of Health: Anabolic Steroids

National Institutes on Drug Abuse: Anabolic Steroid Abuse

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Term and Whole Life Insurance

Life insurance is categorized into either term or whole life. Term life insurance collects premiums and provides benefits for set periods. Whole life insurance is permanent and makes payouts to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death at any age.

Cash Value

Whole life insurance integrates a savings component. Premiums build cash value over time that may be withdrawn or borrowed. Of course, policyholders may elect to cancel the policy and stop paying premiums. Insurers then post surrender charges to the cash value of the insurance, before paying out its surrender value.

The Long Term

Cash and surrender values related to whole life insurance build over long periods of time. At first, the majority of your premium payments go towards the cost of insurance. Cash value does earn tax-free dividends.

Cash Value Withdrawals

Contrary to popular belief, cash value withdrawals carry consequences. Cash value withdrawals reduce your death benefit. Withdrawals are also subject to income taxes upon profits.

Buy Term Insurance, Invest the Difference

Consumers may be served better by taking out cheaper term insurance. Insurance savings can be used to build cash reserves and make investments.

Your Life Insurance and its Surrender Value, Sources:

Investopedia: Life Insurance Definition

Bankrate.com: Life Insurance’s Surrender Value

Investopedia: Term Life Insurance

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