From 2004 to 2006, market fluctuations in the US stick market were virtually no existent. It was one of the best times to invest in the last 30 years, except from 1993 to 1996 when the market was similarly as calm. However with the recent mortgage and loan crisis it looks like those days are over, and the market will continue to be as unpredictable than ever in the next few years.

It is important to remember that most long term investments will be able to weather through the unpredictable market, and in the long run when the market is back at a high, your investment will have made you plenty of money. But you must remember that it is important to stick with your investment. There will be times when your investment may seem that it is losing money, but if you buy new stock while the market is low and hold on to them for a few years, you will most definitely see huge gains.

“It’s during times of volatility, the scary times, that your discipline pays off,” says Stephen Wood, senior strategist at Russell Investment Group.

You should also consider in investing in large companies that are not completely dependant on US funding, and have foreign investors so the company will still grow, even during recession.

Popularity: 13% [?]

In southern states it is known as lean, purple drink, or more commonly syrup. And it is a growing concern in the United States. Lean as it is often referred to is a mixture of cough syrup and fruity soft drink, and is a common choice of recreational drug users. Over the counter cough syrup contains the two active ingredients of promethazine and codeine, not found in regular cough syrups. Codeine is derived from morphine, the same drug used to produce heroin, while promethazine is used as a sedative and makes user feel tired. Lean is a popular choice among heroin addicts as well many in hip-hop culture, being popularized by southern rappers such as Lil Wayne and Three Six Mafia.

When taking lean, users are ingesting up to 10 times the recommended amount of codeine and up to 8 times the prescribed amount of promethazine. The effects of this can be disastrous, in most cases leading to death or unconsciousness. The mixture produces the feelings of euphoria and happiness and prevents users from feeling their arms, legs, or stomach. When taken at such high quantities, cough syrup is very addictive and has been on the rise in America for the part two years, as cough syrup is readily available, but in some places it can sell illegally on the street for up to $200.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Investors know the simple rules of investing. They are diversify, don’t chase big returns, and don’t think you can out smart the market. These simple rules are easy to follow and if they are followed correctly your investment will be successful.

However in a recent survey of financial professors who analyze the market, it was discovered that many of these professors don’t follow these simple rules. When asked how they invest, only one third of the professors replied that they diversify their investments.

Although these professors teach complex investments theories to their students, they do not practice what they preach. Not only do they not take what they say into account they invest in stock in which the price is on the rise. Professors say that when it is their own money that they are investing, they are investing to beat the market and to make as much money as possible. Many say that the theories that they teach are written by professors who have never tested their theories in the actual market.

The professors say that in the real market situation, these theories are hard to put into practice, and therefore it is hard for them to utilize the skills that they teach to their students.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Millions of people travel to Orlando every year, not just to visit Disneyland, but to also see Universal Studios and Sea World. However, many never get to see the other side of Orlando. Although Orlando is home to 3 of the largest amusement parks in the world, there is still plenty of other things to do without breaking your budget.

The Kissimmee Rodeo is the largest rodeo of its kind in the South Eastern United States. It is a great place to take children or even to entertain adults. If you are in Orlando it should not be missed.

It is often forgotten that Florida is home to many natural beauties, including Blue Spring State Park, which is between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Although it is an inland park, they have 153 manatees, or sea cows.

You should also not that it is not necessary to stay in a cheap motel in the Orlando area. Florida has the largest amount of private villas and vacation homes for rent and the prices can fit the lifestyle of almost all people. It is better to make your vacation good with a beautiful view of the beach and ocean while you stay in a spectacular private villa.

Popularity: 14% [?]

In a recent press release, Ebay has announced that it will cut listing prices on its site by up to 50%. This includes listing fees as well as other fees and expenses faced by sellers. Ebay’s decision was its latest effort to stay competitive against up and coming e-commerce sites, particularly free sites such as Craigslist.

The cut in prices will come to Ebay on February 20th. Sellers will be able take advantage of discounted auction fees. However, this decrease in fees, will lead to an increase in commission on goods that sell. For example a 5% commission on an item that sells for $100, will now increase to a 7% commission. However, this decreases the risk sellers have when they list their items for sale on Ebay. If their item does not sell, thay are not paying such high listing fees, then losing the money when no one bids on their item.

“A majority of sellers will see their fees go down,” said company spokesman Usher Lieberman. “We are basing our success on their success and we want to encourage sellers to list more items with us.”

So far these changes will only affect sellers in North America, but Ebay hopes to expand these prices changes to the UK and Germany in the next few months.

Popularity: 14% [?]

It seems that everyday there are more and more concerns of germs, especially when they are concerning with children. All though it is impossible to keep children one hundred percent clean all the time, there are still ways in which you can do your best to help.

The most important thing that you should know about keeping your children germ free is that the best way to get rid if germs is too wash your children’s hands with hot water and soap. If you are short on time and need to do it in a hurry, a wipe will also kill any germs on your child’s hands. It is best to use an alcohol based wipe.

Contrary to popular belief, giving your child something that has fallen on the floor will not put them at risk for any diseases or infections. If your child has dropped food on the floor it will not harm them to eat it. It is more likely that your child fill pickup germs from on a table top, rather than the floor. Plus any bacteria that enters your child’s mouth will most likely be killed by antibodies in their mouth anyway.

Popularity: 13% [?]