20 most popular dog names in Australia

The sites Bow Wow Meow and Pet-Tags.com have sold more than two million pet tags over the last 16 years, and during that time those companies have kept tabs on all the different pet names that have been used on their tags. The sites have broken down their information by animals, whether dogs or cats, by popularity, by countries, Australia or U.S., and even by sex of the pets.

So what are the most popular names for dogs in Australia? Check out this list of the top 20:

1. Max
2. Jessie
3. Molly
4. Sam
5. Jack
6. Chloe
7. Bonnie
8. Lucy
9. Jake
10. Toby
11. Oscar
12. Sasha
13. Sally
14. Tess
15. Daisy
16. Zoe
17. Charlie
18. Jess
19. Zac
20. Monty

Dog links

10 Funny and Cute Puppy Videos

10 Funny Beagle Videos

10 most popular dog breeds 2010

10 health benefits of cinnamon

1. Brain function: We all need this one from time to time. And it's true. A 2004 study showed that those who chewed cinnamon or cinnamon-flavored gum, or even just smelled cinnamon, had stronger cognitive abilities and scored better on tests involving working memory, hand-eye coordination, stress relief and overall brain function.
2. Inflammation: Cinnamon is naturally anti-inflammatory, so chew on some to help ease any pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties also can help fight head colds and aches and pains caused by colds.
3. Diabetes: Always check with your doctor about using natural foods for your health, but he or she might suggest cinnamon if you are diabetic and insulin resistant. Some studies show a teaspoon of ground cinnamon taken daily can help with blood sugar levels.
4. Anti-clotting: One of the natural oils in cinnamon is called cinnamaldeyde and this oil helps to stop blood platelets from clumping together, which can be good for those suffering with heart disease.
5. High cholesterol: One teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28mg of calcium, and calcium helps to decrease high cholesterol. Which is good for the heart. The calcium urges the body's liver to create new bile, which naturally forces out the old, high cholesterol, bile.
6. Yeast infections: Cinnamon has natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which means it can help in combating yeast infections. This ability also makes cinnamon prime for helping to get rid of lice and ulcers.
7. Cancer: Various studies, including a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, suggest use of cinnamon reduces cancer cells in leukemia and lymphoma. More will have to be studied on this particularity, but cinnamon as a cancer fighter is growing more common. Again, consult your doctor.
8. Common cold: Cinnamon is known to stimulate the respiratory system, which helps to combat the common cold and other flu-like symptoms. Chew on some cinnamon bark or swallow a teaspoon to help get over that cold.
9. Nausea: Feeling a little sick at the stomach? Drink some cinnamon tea or add a little cinnamon to some warm soup to help ease your tummy.
10. Insect bites: Make a paste of cinnamon and honey and dab it onto any insect bites to help reduce the pain and itching. It might take a few minutes before the effects kick in, but give it some time.

New Reese's minis the greatest candy of all time

At the 2010 Sweets and Snacks Expo, a new age began. Let's call it Year One, A.R.M. (After Reese's minis).

What brings about this new age? Is it a new religious movement? A change in governments? A social tidal wave of change?

No. It was the release of the new Reese's minis, miniature Reese's peanut butter cups about the size of a dime.

These little chocolate-covered candies are so special, the Reese's folks also had to release their new treat at the 2011 International CES. It might seem a bit odd to bring out a chocolate and peanut butter candy for a consumer electronics show, but these little candies are so life-changing, so earth-shatteringly important, that they are worthy of being presented at every single convention or show across the globe for the next hundred years.

I exaggerate not.

If you don't believe me, then you've obviously not tried the Reese's minis as of yet.

And just to be clear: I am not talking about the Reese's miniatures, those small peanut butter cups that come wrapped in aluminum foil. Those are a fine product, but they are not the Reese's minis of which I write.

The Reese's minis are small, really small. They are about the size of a dime. They are new in stores, only having shown up over the last couple of months, and they come in two package sizes, an 8 oz size and a smaller 2.5 oz package size.

 Imagine a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup the size of a dime. Then imagine it one thousand times better than what you could have ever imagined. Imagine it better than epiphany. Imagine it better than the best sex you've ever had. Imagine it better than any drug on the planet. If you can imagine all that, then you've got just an inkling of how good the Reese's minis really are.

For flavor, texture, quality, this product deserves an A+++++++++++++++++ from every consumer.

The only downfall is that they can't make enough of them fast enough.

If you happen to disagree that the new Reese's minis are the greatest candy of all time, you are of course allowed to have your own opinion. But you are wrong. Empirically wrong. This is not an opinion. It is fact. It should be added as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution or something, but the Reese's minis are without a doubt the greatest candy ... nay, the greatest food item ... ever spawned by man. It is as if the gods of ancient times have come forth to bestow upon unworthy mankind just an inkling of bliss.

So go eat some.

10 health benefits of blueberries

1. Antioxidants: Antioxidants help the body in many ways, mainly by working in the bloodstream to combat free radicals, molecules that can be deadly because they cause damage to cells which can lead to cancers and other disease. Guess what has lots of antioxidants? Blueberries. Don't believe me? Check with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and they'll tell you the same thing.
2. Eyesight: As we get older, quite often our eyesight begins to fade. Usually this is known as macular degeneration. Blueberries, as well as many other fruits, can help to prevent or lessen the effects of macular degeneration. All that Vitamin A and Vitamin C in blueberries has been shown in many studies on eyesight to help.
3. Motor skills: Another thing about getting old is that often we lose our motor skills. Blueberries can help here as well. Several studies have shown that those who eat blueberries regularly as less likely to suffer from a loss of motor skills as they age.
4. Reduces belly fat: This one is a bit of a stretch, but studies performed on rats have shown that a diet rich in the blueberry can actually reduce levels of abdominal fat and lower body weight. Of course studies on humans need to be done, but this isn't a bad start.
5. Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary tract are caused by a buildup of bacteria within the walls of the tract. Blueberries help to prevent such infections because heavy molecules within the berries work to wash away the bacteria.
6. Constipation: Blueberries are full of fiber. And fiber is good for the health of the digestive tracts by helping to clean the tracts. If you suffer from constipation or other stomach or intestinal problems, consult with your doctor and ask if blueberries in your diet could help.
7. Heart health: The blueberry is a great food for the heart. Its antioxidant properties are a big boost in and of themselves, but all the vitamins within blueberries also help to keep cholesterol levels low and to strengthen the walls of the heart. To help prevent heart problems, give blueberries a try.
8. Cancer: Further studies need to be performed, especially in humans, but the January 2009 issue of the journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling reported about an Ohio State University study which showed blueberries actual shrank the size of cancer tumors in animals tested. This is an amazing find, especially if it could be used to treat humans.
9. Memory loss: The antioxidant properties of flavonoids in blueberries quite possibly could help with short-term memory loss, especially in the aging. Several studies have shown these flavonoids help reduce the chances of such memory loss.
10. Blood clots: Blueberries contain one particular antioxidant known as anthocyanins. Studies have shown that anthocyanins work to prevent blood clots from being formed, thus blueberries could possibly help prevent heart attacks.

10 ways to save money on electricity

1. Unplug anything that glows: There are a lot of electrical items around most homes that have small LCD lights that continue to glow even once the item has been turned off. Believe it or not, those little lights to use up energy, which adds to your electric bill. Sure, it's not going to be much of a savings, but it all adds up. Common items that have those little lights are DVD players, television, cell phone chargers, battery chargers, printers, flatbed scanners and more.
2. Audit your energy usage: The nonprofit group Residential Energy Services network can help you find a professional auditor, but that can get expensive. Contact your local electric company and they might be able to send out an auditor for free or for really cheap. An auditor generally will come out to your home for several hours during one day and will do a study on the electrical usage of your home or property. Then the auditor can offer suggestions on how you can curb your electrical use, and you too can look over the audit to see where you can cut back.
3. Only wash full loads of dishes and clothes: When you run your dish washer or washing machine, they use up a good amount of electricity, as well as water. So don't run those machines until they are jammed full. If your dish washer is only half full, don't use it yet. The same goes for your washing machine and clothes dryer. If these machines aren't full, then you're wasting electricity and money.
4. Take shorter showers: Huh? How does this save on the electric bill? Simple. Shorter showers mean you are using less hot water, and hot water is heated by a water heater. Get it? Water heaters use electricity.
5. Close air vents: If you have rooms in your home that are not used, perhaps a spare bedroom or room over the garage, shut the air conditioning and heating vents to those rooms. This will cut down on your air conditioning usage and thus save you money on electricity.
6. Turn down your air conditioner or heater: For comfort reasons, this is best done when no one is at home for lengthy periods, such as when everyone in the home is gone to work or school. This helps to save in another way, too. During the summer it's hottest during the day, which causes air conditioners to work all that much harder.
7. Use that toaster oven: If you have a toaster oven in your kitchen, make sure to use it for small meals. Obviously a toaster oven isn't appropriate for large meals, but it does use less energy than a regular oven and is perfect for warming up sandwiches, prepares small foods, etc.
8. Don't put hot food in the fridge: This might seem silly, but keep in mind it's the little things that add up to bigger savings. When you place hot foods in the refrigerator, it causes the refrigerator to work harder at remaining cool inside, which means more electrical usage. Allow hot foods to cool down to room temperature before putting them away in the fridge.
9. Buy a self-cleaning oven: But hopefully you've already got one. How does a self-cleaning oven save on the electric bill? Self-cleaning ovens have more insulation than regular ovens, which means they put out less heat into the house. Less heat in the house means the air conditioning isn't working as hard. Which means you're saving a little money.
10. Use ceiling fans: Yes, ceiling fans are run on electricity, but they generally use less electric than an air conditioning unit. You don't necessarily have to shut off your air conditioner, but you can turn it down a little and use it in conjunction with the ceiling fans.

10 ways to annoy a telemarketer

1. Ask questions: Turn the conversation around quickly by asking questions. But not just any question. No, no, you want to ask questions that will lead the conversation away from whatever it is the telemarketer is trying to get you to buy or do. Get personal. Ask their name. Ask how to spell it. Ask them how many kids they have, are they married, where did they go to school. Stuff like that. And don't forget to ask for their address, personal phone number, social security number and credit card numbers.
2. Bait and switch: What do you do for a living? Do you make something or sell something? Make sure to let the telemarketer know about it, and then try to sell them your product!
3. Lovey dovey: Wait to hear the telemarketer's opening spiel, then ask them out on a date. Or better yet, ask them to marry you. This will work best if they are the same sex as you.
4. Waiting ... waiting: When you answer the phone, tell the telemarketer that you are in the middle of something and ask them to give you just a few seconds. Once they agree, set the phone down and then go on your merry way and do whatever it is you were going to do anyway. Check the phone in an hour and see if they are still there. They won't be.
5. Act drunk: That's right. Act drunk. Act a fool. Call the telemarketer by another name, any name, just not the one they gave you. Slur your words. Drop the phone a couple of times. Curse at imaginary people. Talk to yourself. Ask the telemarketer to hurry up and come over and bring another case of beer.
6. Keeping it in house: Once the telemarketer tells you what company they are calling for, inform them that you work for the exact same company. Oh joy! What a coincidence! Now the two of you can talk shop!
7. Can you hear me now?: TALK IN A VERY LOUD VOICE! If they ask you to speak lower, tell the telemarketer that you can't hear a word that they're saying, and ask them to speak louder.
8. Kids today: Use a slightly high voice and inform the telemarketer that you are a child and that your parents won't be home until later. If the telemarketer asks for a time to call back, give them a time in which you know for sure you will not be home.
9. Pizza, anyone?: When a telemarketer calls, act like they are the pizza delivery driver calling to get directions. Just make sure not to give them real directions. No matter what the telemarketer says to you, act as if you can't hear them real well and keep talking as if they are from the pizza company.
10. Turn it up: When you realize you've got a telemarketer on the phone, turn on a near television or radio REALLY LOUDLY and just set the phone down in front of the speakers. Leave it there. Come back in a few minutes and your phone line will be cleared.

Other annoying links

10 ways to annoy people at the office

10 ways to annoy people in the drive- thru

100 ways to annoy your boss

10 health benefits of cherries

1. Arthritis: Cherries contain a phytochemical known as anthocyanins that numerous studies have shown help in pain, specifically pain caused by arthritis. One study performed by scientists at John Hopkins University showed that tart red cherries reduced inflammation, which causes much of the pain that comes with arthritis.
2. Losing weight: Yes, cherries are an excellent addition to the diet of anyone trying to lose weight. Recently a study done at the University of Michigan showed that those who partake in a diet rich in cherries have an easier time in losing weight, especially in losing body fat. So to drop those pounds, load up on the cherries! How does the cherry do this? It speed up your metabolism.
3. Joints: Because of those anthocyanins mentioned above, cherries are also good for runners, athletes and others who lead an active lifestyles. The anthocyanins in cherries help to deal with inflammation and pain in joints, especially around the ankles and knees.
4. Cancer: This one isn't completely proven yet, but studies have been done and according to Dr. Raymond Hohl of the University of Iowa, "It appears that cherries shut down the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they need to grow." So, who knows? Maybe someday there will be a cure for cancer and it'll have something to do with cherries.
5. Antioxidants: Antioxidants work within the bloodstream to help prevent radicals from causing damage to cells. This helps to prevent many different kinds of diseases and illnesses. And do you know what contains plenty of antioxidants? Cherries.
6. Headaches: Several studies suggest cherries, in a concentrated juice form, are 10 times more powerful than aspirin in helping those suffering from pain, especially pain caused by headaches. If you suffer from serious headaches, ask your doctor if he or she thinks cherry juice might be right for you.
7. Digestion: The cherry has its fair share of fiber, which makes it a good food to eat when suffering from constipation or other digestive problems.
8. Bone strength: Cherries contain a lot of the element boron. And when boron with calcium and magnesium helps to build strong bones. So munch on some cherries and other healthy foods that contain boron, calcium and magnesium to build the strength of your bones.
9. Heartburn: Cherries are a natural, low-acid food, which makes them a great choice for those who suffer from heartburn. The low acid of cherries combined with the fruits fiber also makes it an excellent choice for thus who suffer from acid reflux.
10. Heart health: The cherry is a fantastic food for helping and increasing heart health. As mentioned above, cherries are good for inflammation and are full of antioxidants, both qualities that can help with heart health. But studies have shown a cherry-rich diet also helps to lower cholesterol levels, which is also important for the heart.

More health links

Health benefits of 10 common foods

10 Health Benefits of Ginger

10 Health Benefits of Apples

10 health benefits of thyme

Thyme is a common herb, used often on roasted vegetables and meats as well as in soups and stews. But did you know besides its taste, thyme also has health benefits? Read on to learn.

1. Mouthwash: The herb thyme contains a natural oil known as thymus vulgaris, which is at least 25 percent thymol, a natural antiseptic. In other words, thyme contains a pretty strong natural antiseptic. So, if you're in need of a clean mouth but don't have any mouthwash from the store, look to see if you've got some thyme in your kitchen cupboards. If so, chew a little of the thyme. It will help to cleanse your mouth and rid it of germs. Thymol is even one of the ingredients in Listerine.
2. Antioxidants: Thyme also contains flavonoids, natural antioxidants. And what do antioxidants do? They work through the bloodstream to help the body's cells heal themselves from internal damage. Antioxidants can be important in helping to prevent heart disease and possibly even some forms of cancer.
3. Blood pressure: Thyme has its fair share of potassium, too. And potassium is good for the bloodstream and the blood pressure. Potassium helps the body to control the heart rate, and it also helps to cleanse the bloodstream of detrimental materials.
4. Wounds: Because of its natural abilities as an antiseptic, thyme is known to be good for cleansing minor wounds, such as small cuts and the like. The thymol in thyme helps to prevent bacteria from growing on and within wounds, and acts to help prevent infection.
5. Coughing: The thymol in thyme is not only a great natural antiseptic, but it's also a great expectorant. What does that mean? It means thyme is good for helping to ease coughs and the pains sometimes associated with coughing. Try brewing a little thyme in hot water, a thyme tea if you will, and gargling it for a few minutes. This not only helps with coughs, but can aid in easing a sore throat.
6. Digestion: There is also a fair amount of fiber in thyme, making this herb an excellent choice when suffering from stomach and bowel troubles. Try a little time if you are having minor stomach cramps or are suffering from diarrhea or constipation. But if your problems worsen or continue for more than a short amount of time, always remember to go see a doctor.
7. Diuretic: Thyme can naturally urge your body to shed excess fluid and some sodium and toxins. Sodium makes the body hold fluid, while a diuretic helps to body to get rid of extra fluid. Extra fluid can be rough on the heart, in severe cases even leading to congestive heart disease. Thyme as a diuretic would likely work best in a tea or oil form.
8. Cleaning: Using thyme to make a tea, then pouring the tea into a spray bottle and using it as a cleaning product is a good way to destroy mildew and other bacterias. Remember all that thymol in thyme? That's what does the cleaning job.
9. Menstrual cramps: Thyme is also a natural antispasmodic, which means it has the ability to help with menstrual cramps and the pains caused by such.
10. Ringworm: Thyme is known as a killer of parasitic intestinal worms, such as ringworm. Drinking a little thyme tea and rubbing some thyme or thyme oil on the skin can help to get rid of ringworm. However, keep in mind raw thyme or thyme oil can cause a skin reaction in some people, so always check with a doctor before trying this.

20 most popular pet rabbit names

If you are a fan of pet rabbits, then you should probably know about the website BunSpace.com. And if you are considering getting a pet rabbit, you should check out the site to learn about the animals. There is lots of information at BunSpace, including information about adoptions and veterinarians, but there's also a growing community of rabbit lovers. There are also rabbit goodies to buy, as well as bunny friendly stuff like calendars, cookies for bunnies, other treats, and much, much more.

I found it interesting that the site also keeps track of the names its members give to their pet rabbits. Here are the 20 most common names given to rabbits by pet owners who are members of the BunSpace.com site:

1. Oreo
2. Bunny
3. Bela
4. Daisy
5. Lily
6. Charlie
7. Molly
8. Peanut
9. Oliver
10. Lola
11. Bailey
12. Jack
13. Lucy
14. Coco
15. Smokey
16. Clover
17. Ginger
18. Fluffy
19. Honey
20. Snowball

Bunny link

Is a house rabbit the right pet for you?

Live in a mansion for a only hundreds of dollars a month

It's a tough economy out there right now, especially for the real estate market. Across the nation there are thousands upon thousands of homes sitting empty, and many of them have been and will continued to sit empty for a good long time. Some of those homes are very nice, in good neighborhoods.

So why should those places sit empty if you need a place to live?

No, I'm not talking about squatting. That's illegal and can get you arrested.

What I am talking about his home tending.

How it works: The basics

The way home tending generally works is you agree to live in the home and pay a basic, cheap rent. How much? You'll have to work that out with the person renting the house to you, but I've personally paid rents of only $600 a month for a $700,000 house.

Who is it that rents the house to you? That will vary. There are home tending associations or businesses in some places, and they will often work with you to find a house. In other areas, sometimes you can hook up with a real estate agent or even a bank that has lots of empty houses for sale.

Personally, I have checked lists of homes that are nearing foreclosure, and I've then contacted the home owners themselves. Most times, when people get a letter from the bank saying they are being foreclosed upon, the people pack everything up and flee. But foreclosure doesn't work that quickly. It usually takes anywhere from two to six months, sometimes longer, before a foreclosure is completed, meaning it's auctioned off (usually at a county court house, but sometimes elsewhere). That's two to six months, sometimes longer, a house is sitting empty with no one living in it.

Generally, you will not sign a long-term rental agreement with a home owner or with a home tending company, or with a bank. What you will need is a lease agreement, one that stipulates the amount of money you will pay, how often it will be paid, and the amount of time you will be given before you will have to vacate the property once it has been sold or auctioned off.

Why would anyone rent you a house for cheap?

When I've contacted the home owners, usually they are thrilled to have someone living in the house and renting from them. To them, it's free money. They've left the house, they are waiting for the hammer to fall, and usually they need the money.

Again, there are multiple ways home tending can be worked out. If you live in an area that has a home tending organization, check with them first.

Also, real estate agents and banks want to be able to sell a house, whether or not it's being foreclosed upon. Houses that are taken care of, and houses that have someone living in them, tend to sell better on the market and look more appealing to potential buyers.

What's expected of you

For one, you need to take care of the house, including mowing the yard, keeping the place clean, doing minor repairs, etc.

Why?

Because the place has to look good, more than just presentable, to potential buyers.

The downsides

Some might consider home tending taking advantage of those who are having their home foreclosed upon. You're not, not really. You are actually doing them a favor. You need a cheap place to live, they need money. Why not use this property to satisfy both of your temporary needs?

Of course, there are many downsides to home tending.

First off, you have to be able to move at a very short notice, sometimes a week or less. Sometimes you might know that moving time is coming, but often times you will not. If you keep up with foreclosure dates and the like, and if you happen to work in real estate, is pretty easy to know when you would have to leave a house in which you're home tending. But if you don't follow such things, you might just get a phone call from a real estate person or a bank representative saying, "Hey, the house is being sold this weekend!" That means you've got to move.

Also, don't expect to stay in the house for very long. I've home tended several times now with my wife; one house we were in for only five weeks, yet another house we lived in for 9 months.

If any major repairs are needed done, you are out of luck. There is no landlord to pay for big fixes. So, you either fix it yourself, which could cost lots of money, or you move sooner than expected or try to live around whatever major catastrophe has happened, be it a dead water heater, a flooded basement, a tree through the roof, whatever.

Moving often brings its own challenges. You'll have to change your mailing address often. You'll have to change your driver's license often, and anywhere else it's important for your address to be listed correctly, such as at work, with your bank, credit card companies, etc.

If you have school-age children, home tending is not likely for you because it would be more than a chore to have to make your child change schools often, unless you happen to be able to do all your home tending in one school district.

In closing

Home tending has some pluses, but it also brings with it a share of negatives. For a couple without children, and who possibly have jobs that allow them to work from home, home tending can not only help with cheap rent, but it can also be quite adventurous by allowing you to live in different homes, some you possibly would never be able to afford normally.

Just don't forget the downsides. And again, I'll suggest that if you are interested in home tending, check with any local home tending services in your area before trying to do this on your own. Even if there's not such a service in your area, perhaps you should contact a home tending firm in another area and ask them how you could get started. At the least, check out a few websites to learn more.

Also, keep in mind that any home tending companies, banks or real estate businesses you do business with will likely want to do a background check on you, perhaps even have you bonded.

Some home tending links

Home tending solutions

Designer home tending

What is a short sale in real estate?

What is a short sale in real estate?

Perhaps you've heard about short sales in the news, or maybe you are considering selling your house and a real estate agent has suggested a short sale. But what exactly is a short sale? Read on to learn.

The basics

At its most basic, a short sale is when the mortgage holder (usually a bank) agrees to allow your home to be sold for less than what is currently owed on the property.

How much less? That's up to the mortgage holder to decide, though sometimes your real estate agent or a loan negotiator working with your real estate agent can negotiate the price.

How it works

You should really only think seriously about a short sale if your property is in foreclosure or is very likely to enter foreclosure soon. Often when someone's home enters foreclosure the person panics, very often fleeing the property and leaving the place vacant. There's no need to do that. In most states when a home enters foreclosure, legally the property still belongs to the person who has the loan on the property; usually a period of time from 30 to 90 days will pass, while the property is in foreclosure, before the property will be auctioned off at the court house. Once the home is auctioned off, you must vacate the property, usually within 24 hours of the auction.

You can use those 30 to 90 days to your advantage. First, don't just trust what you read on the Internet, including this article, because the laws might be slightly different in your area. If you can't afford an attorney, that's fine, because you won't need one. You can find out the basics usually by contacting a real estate agent, and agents who specialize in short sales or at least who are familiar with short sales can commonly be found in most areas; check your phone book or look online for such an agent.

Once you have a real estate agent, the agent will place your home one the market. This is where that 30 to 90 days comes in quite handy. Your agent can use that time to find a buyer for your property. Once there is a buyer, the agent can then have the auctioning of your property delayed for at least another 30 days, sometimes quite a bit longer.

The real estate agent then contacts the mortgage holder and informs the bank a short sale is in progress. At the same time the agent will offer the mortgage holder the buyer's bid on your property. Quite often the bank will turn down that initial bid, in hopes of getting more money. Keep in mind, the bank is technically losing money on your property, so they are going to try to get back as much of that as possible.

Complications

Yes, as with any modern financial transaction concerning property, complications can arise.

The mortgage holder might threaten a lien against you, the original property holder. This doesn't happen often, but some banks aren't as easy to work with as others. The bank might even want you to sign something saying you will still be held responsible for any money they lose on your house; at that point, ask your real estate agent for any suggestions, but sometimes they can talk the bank out of such. Why? Because it doesn't make sense for you to agree to such terms when you could just file for bankruptcy and the bank could loose everything they have invested in your property.

A hundred seemingly other difficulties could arise, such as if the buyer has bad credit, but let your real estate agent worry about most of that. The agent will need certain information from you, sometimes a tax statement or bank statement or other information showing how much money you do or don't have, but this is to provide the mortgage holder with truth that you indeed can't make your house payment. When problems arise, the agent will deal with it or will contact you for anything they should need.

Keep in mind, a short sale is not a done deal. You can't always do one just because you want to. A buyer is required, for one thing, and the bank will want the buyer to have at least decent credit and proof of income to show the person can afford the payments.

Should you consider a short sale?

With all the difficulties that can arise, why should you even think about a short sale for your property? For one thing, a short sale will not hit your credit report nearly as hard as a bankruptcy would. The short sale won't leave you with good credit, but it won't damage your credit as much as bankruptcy.

Also, some sellers consider a short sale an honorable way to deal with the debt owed on their house. They can sleep better at night knowing they've at least tried to find a way to meet their responsibilities.

Three things to keep in mind

A short sale will not allow you to keep your home: A short sale is a sale. If you have hopes of keeping your home, ask your mortgage holder or a real estate agent about a loan modification instead. Unfortunately, many people do not qualify for a loan modification because they are so far behind on their house payments, have a bad credit history and/or limited income.

A short sale should not cost you anything: The real estate agent makes their money off the sale of your home. If an agent tries to talk you into paying upfront fees, find another agent. There are plenty of agents willing to try a short sale without charging you anything.

A short sale takes time:The average short sale takes at least three months, and can take as long as six months and occasionally longer. Be patient. At least during that time you will be able to remain in your home.

Find out more

This article is not meant to get into all the fine details about a short sale, especially since those details can vary from state to state. If you think a short sale might be for you, contact a local real estate agent. You also can check out the national Realtor Web site's Field Guide to Short Sales to learn more.

10 basic tips to help your lawn stay green

1. Don't cut the grass too low: You really shouldn't have your lawn mower set to cut more than one-third the total length of your grass blades. So don't let your grass grow really tall before cutting it. Grass that's cut too low can dry up and die quite easily because you've cut into the crown of the plant.
2. Pour a little Epsom Salts on your lawn: Sound crazy? It's not. Epsom Salts are full of magnesium, which is for germination in your grass. Epsom Salts also have sulfur, which makes a good grass nutrient. Sprinkle the stuff on your lawn with a seed spreader, or mix it with water and spray. You'll need about two pounds of Epsom Salts for each 1,000 square feet of yard.
3. Rake up those leaves: That's right. It's Autumn. The leaves are falling by the bushel. And if you leave all those leaves (get it?), they will form a carpet over your grass and kill that grass. Next Spring, after the snows all melt, you'll have a brown, yucky mess instead of a nice, green lawn. So rake.
4. Water frequently: The water needs to sink down into the ground, at least 4 or 5 inches. Why? Because if the water doesn't, then the roots of your grass will not dig down and deep. This is important for healthy grass. The deeper those roots, the stronger the grass. Water near the surface just keeps the roots of the grass near the surface, and that causes weaker grass that's easy to kill by weeds. So, water often.
5. Not enough sunlight?: If you live in the city where there are tall buildings, or have a lawn anywhere that the grass won't get much shade, it is still possible to have a green yard. It just takes some thinking and a little work. For one thing, when you're seeding the area, don't drop as many seeds as you might normally. You want fewer seeds because you want less grass. Sound nutty? The truth is that you want less grass so the individual plants won't be competing against one another so much for what available light there is and for water. Also, don't cut grass in a shady area as often and try not to walk on the grass very much; this will help the grass to grow stronger.
6. Sharpen your mower's blade: Yes, you want a sharp blade on your lawn mower. This not only gives a neater, cleaner look to your yard, but it also does less damage to the grass. A dull blade will whack and tear grass, causing damage to the grass' blades.
7. Know your growing seasons: This is especially important for seeding and fertilizing. The types of grasses found in warmer climes are best treated in the early spring or summer. Grasses usually found in medium climes are best treated in early spring or late fall. In the United States the easiest way to know your climate is to look at a map. Most anything below Tennessee is a warmer clime and anything above not so much.
8. Water in the morning: Yep, the best time for watering your lawn is in the morning, especially before 9 a.m. Later in the day, and the water might evaporate too much and too quickly before having a chance to sink down to those roots. And definitely don't water in the hottest parts of the day, because this will only bake the roots of your grass.
9. What to do with those grass clippings: Raking up those cut grass clippings, or using a mower with a bagger, leaves behind a clean look, but it also denies certain nutrients to the lawn, especially nitrogen. But don't leave big clumps of grass behind, because that will kill the grass beneath.
10. Dethatching is important: Thatch is basically old grass and other organic matters that build up in the soil and around the roots of your grass. Getting rid of thatch can help your yard to breath better, and it also helps the grass' roots to grow stronger and take in more water. Dethatching is a bit of manual work, but it's well worth it, so head to your local lawn store and get a dethatcher. What does one look like? Kind of like a rake, but the sharp spines at the end of the dethatcher will be short and usually curving out and away from the handle.

10 things you might not know you can do with white vinegar

1. Repel ants: Get a spray bottle and fill it with about half white vinegar and half water. Then spray anywhere you think you've got an ant problem. The little suckers should flee and stay away for a good while. This one might be good to try around windows and doors.
2. Remove odors in wool: Especially good for wool sweaters. After you've washed the wool as you normally would, rinse it in a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. This should kill any odors that were sticking to the wool. And if you're worried about any vinegar smell, don't be; white vinegar diluted with water usually leaves behind no smell at all. But if you want to feel safe, wash the wool again.
3. Stop hard-boiled eggs from cracking: Sound nutty? But it works. When hard boiling eggs, add two tablespoons of vinegar per each quart of water being used. Believe it or not, this helps to keep the eggs from cracking.
4. Fight a cold: Mix together one-quarter cup of white vinegar and one-quarter cup of honey. Then take one tablespoon from six to eight times a day to help relieve cold symptoms.
5. Ease sunburns: Adding vinegar directly to a sunburned area will help to soothe the pain. However, this isn't such a good idea if the skin is cracked or blistered, because it could sting quite a bit.
6. Sooth bug bites: Mosquitoes itching you? Get those bug bite itches under control by dabbing on some white vinegar with a cotton ball.
7. Kill meat bacteria: Marinate overnight your meat in vinegar and this should kill any bacteria. Also helps to tenderize the meat. And you don't even have to drain the vinegar off before cooking.
8. Relieve arthritis: I can't personally vouch for this one, but I've had several elderly relatives tell me it works. Drink a glass of water mixed with at least two teaspoons of vinegar before you eat and after a few weeks the pain from arthritis should start to go away.
9. Deodorize any area: Get an empty spray bottle, fill it with white vinegar, then get to spraying just as you would any deodorizer you bought at the store. The white vinegar shouldn't leave behind a strong smell.
10. Clean dentures: Soak your dentures overnight in white vinegar and by morning they should be pearly. That still doesn't mean you shouldn't brush, however.

Related link: 10 Tips for Cleaning with White Vinegar