Month: January 2012

Distinguishing Your Home From The Neighbors Using An Automatic Gate and Fence

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The exterior of your home says as much about your home as the interior. That is why when it comes to the installation of a fence or automatic gate your choice is an important one.  You will want to go into the purchase with eyes wide open to the style, color and selection of the fence and gate system. These purchases all add up and turn your house into your home sanctuary.

It is also important to look into the gate operating systems and gate openers surrounding the installation of the gate.  This will determine how the gate operates.  Believe it or not it is important to determine if you want the electronic gate to swing open and closed or if it should slide. These are choices for you to make so that after the process is all said and done you don’t look back and wish for something different.

An automatic gate and fence create the barrier that separates your home and essentially you from the rest of the world.  They are the boundaries that create your space in comparison to the rest of the world. This boundary lends to the security you and your family feel when entering and exiting the home boundaries.  It will be one of the first things you notice when you have the electronic gate and fence installed-security.

Another neat feature many people don’t think about when purchasing a fence and or gate is how this single purchase differentiates them.  It makes your home easily identifiable amongst the sameness that surrounds us.  For instance, every time I describe where we live I always add in the description of the fence.  We are the only house on the right with a white picket fence.  This gives our home character as will the installation of an automatic security gate and fence system to your home.

Fences and gates have long been used to tie a home into its exterior.  This could never be truer than with the options available in fencing today.  The unity between the home and the yard instantly adds charm, character and most importantly the one thing we are constantly striving for, curb appeal.  Some homes, historical ones for instance, use the fence and gate style to reflect the period in which the home was established.  Carriage gates, stone fences or wrought iron for more contemporary styles.

The one thing a fence and automatic gate provide which to me is above and beyond the importance of the above described is privacy.  When we are in our home space what is the one thing we crave the most?  Personal space and privacy are the two things that immediately come to mind.  Depending on the amount of privacy or seclusion you are aiming for there is a fence to meet the need.  If you are looking for total seclusion add a ten foot privacy fence with an automatic gate entrance that is only accessed with homeowner approval.  You can accommodate any wish or desire in privacy with the installation of a fence and gate system.  What you decide is based upon only you.

SAC Fence

Finding The Perfect Personalized Children’s Gift

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I run into this dilemma every birthday and holiday season for our good friends; what do I buy their kids when they have everything?  They aren’t necessarily spoiled the problem is that there are four of them ranging in age from ten to two, boys and girls.  Literally every Barbie and Thomas the train item has been bought, train tables and doll house too.  I am at a loss every year. I hate having to ask their mom and dad what the “it” thing is to have for the year I find myself struggling for ideas.

I would love to give each of them something they would remember forever.  Not something they will play with, toss aside and forget who it was from.   That is my mission for this coming year.  The mission will begin in May with a little guy turning eleven and end at Christmas.  This year I am going to work at getting it right, a unique, personalized gift for each of them.

My focus needs to begin with Ben.  Eleven is a tricky age but lots of fun.  His new adventures have been in playing hockey.  I think perhaps a gift is not the best option.  No matter what personalized kid toy I would purchase he is likely to look at it, toss it aside and never think about it again.  So an experience it is.  With his new found skill in hockey his balance has become amazing so I am thinking it might be fun to try out a skate park.  I am looking into a private lesson for him and my son and a day at the skate park practicing their new skills.  This option gets him moving, is something different and a day out with a friend.

Next comes the birthday of the two littlest girls.  The oldest will be turning five and the youngest will be turning three.  For them I can easily see two different scenarios; painting or baking/decorating.  There are a few local places that we can take the girls where they would be able to pick out a piece of pottery and design and decorate it however they please.  It is something they would personalize themselves and could have forever.  If we did the baking/decorating idea I was thinking I would let them choose a cake, cake pops or cookies to make.  Then we would spend the day making them and buying different items to decorate them with.  I even thought we could add in decorating little kid aprons or ordering them personalized aprons in their favorite colors with their nicknames on them. Fun!

Next is the hardest of the four, the soon to be eight year old.  She is a bit harder to please.  I thought last Christmas I did a super job when I picked out all types of items for her pretend class room. See she loves to play pretend school just like my daughter did.  One thing we were always missing was the fun things like tracing paper, dry erase boards and markers, new crayons, pretend detention slips and all that fun stuff.  I could tell when she opened it the gift was not a hit at all.  Back to the drawing board I went in my thinking of great gifts.  I think this year with her we would both enjoy a day out doing a manicure and/or pedicure for her.  Maybe a day spent at the mall getting her makeup done.  She recently had her ears pierced so I think it would be ultra fun for her to get to pick out a fancy pair of earring as well.

Getting through their birthdays is my first personal mission in getting personalized kids toys or experiences this year.  Next we will move on to the Christmas season.  I think at that point I will need to dig deep down, maybe tickets to a hand on museum or zoo for the entire lot of them.  Something fun, memorable and able to be enjoyed by everyone involved.  That is what every gift giver aspires for – right?

My Favorite Kids Toys

Fire Safety Learned The Hard Way

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When we woke up to the sound of sirens and the site of flashing lights we were startled to say the least.  Our neighbor’s home had caught fire.  We instantly worried about their safety and of the safety of those fighting to save their home and possessions. We quickly realized that our neighbors were going to be fine however their home was a completely different story.

The damage was quite obvious the smoke, soot, fire and water ravaged the home.  The home was damaged internally as well externally.  The fire fighters did a terrific job at maintaining the fire to one end of the home.  Although this still did not prevent the smoke, soot and water damage from happening throughout the home.  The actual fire damage was minimized because they were able to cut the fire off at the pass and stop it from spreading further into the home.  With the fire damage done and the cleanup effort on it leaves other homeowners to think about the prevention of fires within the home.

In speaking with the fire department they offered several tips in fire prevention.  One tip being to add fire extinguishers to the kitchen and central locations throughout a home.  Although it is not recommended that homeowners try to battle large blazes on their own small fires that are reacted to quickly can be taken care of to prevent major loss.

Appliances throughout the home also carry the risk of fraying cords.  Check cords to larger appliances often.  If you have small animals it is recommended that they are regularly checked for damage caused from small animals gnawing on them.  The smallest fray or broken wire can create an arc spark.  Given the correct environment that small spark can create a potentially large disaster.

During the winter holiday keep Christmas trees well watered.  Another thing to watch out for is wear in the Christmas lights.  Lights are not in good working order and create a spark on a dry tree the results can be deadly.  Holidays and special events lead to the lighting of candles throughout the home.  Candles are a large source of fires starting within the home.  When having candles lit throughout the home make sure that they are extinguished before leaving the home, exiting a room or falling to sleep.  A lit candle can be disastrous.

Another great tip to preventing fires is smoke detectors.  Smoke detectors can sense the smoke before a fire starts.  The fire department will have a better chance at finding and putting gout the source of the fire before the blaze encompasses the entire home.  The thing about smoke detectors is that they only work for you if they are working.   Make sure to check the batteries on smoke detectors every six months to keep them in working order.  Have smoke alarms scattered throughout the home.  One should be placed in each room and in centrally located positions in the hallways and entrance areas.  Don’t forget the laundry room and basement areas too.

Maher

Home Alterations Seeking To Create Independence for Seniors and Handicap

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Independent living is a must for many seniors and physically challenged individuals.  When you are using a wheelchair to access a home or vehicle that is not designed for those purposes the challenges may be a bit overwhelming.  It is important that individuals build and put in place wheelchair access points with the use of ramps or lifts to ensure access for wheelchair users.

In order for bi-level access for wheelchair users wheelchair lifts are installed to make movement from one level to another simpler.  Chair lifts are also another option.  The disadvantage to this is that a wheelchair would need to be placed on each level.  This fixture allows total independence within the home for users of wheelchairs.

Another room that is often brought up when it comes to independent living and access in the home is the bathroom.  Privacy is a continued desire for individuals in wheelchairs or not.  Access independently is a must.  Showering, bathing, hygiene needs and toilet issues should all be accessed independently.  This is a freedom as caregivers that should never be compromised.  There is something liberating about caring for one’s self.  Many fixtures exist to help keep bathrooms accessible and safe.  Bathroom safety aids range from a threshold ramp to accommodate a variance in flooring to showers that individuals can roll directly into.  Counters are adjusted to fit the changing need, grab bars installed and high toilet put in to accommodate the different needs within the household environment.

The goal in home safety modifications such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety aids is to put individuals within the home in a comfortable, safe environment that is home to all occupants.  Ramps are a major area in providing home access to wheelchair users.  There are several different needs to fit the various uses one may be needed.

As mentioned earlier threshold ramps, the smallest of handicap wheelchair ramps, is the smallest of access ramps.  They are simple to use, easy to install and provide ease in transition between the doors and other raised areas.  They come in a variety of materials such as rubber, aluminum and wood.

Portable folding ramps are small, lightweight ramps similar to a threshold ramp.  These ramps are meant to collapse and be carried with individuals to help with access into rooms that have a small platform or areas with just one or two smaller steps.  Portable folding ramps can even be purchase for travel and put into a suitcase.  Technology advances are coming along in regards to access for individuals using wheelchairs.

Modular ramps are another option if an individual is looking for a fix that is permanent but that could easily move with them.  This is an option for more temporary, long term living arrangements that require a handicap wheelchair ramp access.

Options within the wheelchair ramp industry are abundant. A little research into a client’s situation and needs should give any handicap wheelchair ramp seller and installer a clear picture of the ramps that should be installed.  The freedom of mobility and independence is a gift caregivers can give to their loved ones with the use of a few well thought of home safety modifications such as bathroom safety aids and wheelchair ramps.

Accessible Alterations

Kitchen Renovations: Must Have Or Hassle?

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I walk into my home every day and am thankful for the roof over my head, the kids playing throughout the house and a husband cooking dinner.  Five thirty in this house is bliss.  It isn’t until I join my spouse in the kitchen that I start to get a bit discouraged.  The problem doesn’t lie within him or dinner or really anything that we can immediately change or control.  The problem is the outdated kitchen that surrounds us.

The problem started back when we moved in four years ago.  We decided to forgo kitchen renovations at the time and focus on structure and other mounting issues with the home.  The home came with updated appliance so we were ahead of the game but really the kitchen needs an upgrade.  As many homeowners know once you live in a space it becomes harder to envision any renovations taking place.

Renovations, especially kitchens and bathroom renovations disrupt the entire flow of life in a home.  When preparing for a renovation of this magnitude it is important to look at all aspects before jumping into the renovation.  It is important first to determine why a kitchen renovation is in the best interest of the home and family living within.

There are many reasons that kitchen renovations cannot be delayed.  If a kitchen area has been involved in any type of catastrophe such as flood or fire it is in the best interest of homeowners, once the damage is assessed to go forth with renovations. Another reason that renovations would no longer be able to be put off is for damage to a counter top in which a sink could no longer be held.  If the counter is gone it really doesn’t make sense not to go forward with the renovation process.

Going into a kitchen remodel it is best to be fully aware.  Kitchen renovations are expensive, time consuming and a large disruption to normal life.  It is best to determine if you, the homeowner, will be proceeding with the process or if the job is one that will require being hired out.  If you choose to do the renovations on your own it is important to remember that the time commitment is going to take more than a few days to complete.  To get a head start on the process it is important to have a solid plan of action, supplies purchased and a week’s vacation.  This should get you on your way to a great start for your kitchen remodel.

If you area homeowner that is fortunate to be able to hire a contractor take advantage of that. Hire a qualified, proven kitchen remodeler.  It is important to hire someone that can handle all aspects of the job.  If you have a contractor in charge of flooring and one cabinetry and one in painting then there are bound to be time issues.  This is to be avoided because the renovations alone will take enough time with everything operating as it should be.

The long and short of kitchen remodeling is to make sure it is something that you want as a homeowner bad enough to deal with the issues that go hand in hand with kitchen renovations.  If you are looking for a quick update a full remodel for the kitchen is not the answer.  At that point try a new paint color, refinish the cabinets or change up the counter tops and appliances.  Those items will give you a fresh looking kitchen without the expense and hassles involved with a full kitchen renovation.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Home Safety For Aging In Place

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The concept of aging makes many of us think about losing independence and moving to reliance on others.  This is no longer the case with increased age in place modifications to provide home safety for seniors and limited mobility, disabled, individuals.  Although nursing homes still exist it is not the idea that first flashes into the mind of aging seniors.  Independence, freedom and safety are all visions sought out and ideally funded on the principal of living in one’s home.  As caregivers it is important to grant independence to the loved ones we cherish while peace of mind is kept that the environment is safe and accessible for them.

Home modifications are best complete in progression with the age and needs of the clients.  We can all agree that the needs of a sixty-five year old senior are different from those of a one that is eighty-five.  It is also important to recognize limitations within each individual in response to mobility and ones abilities.  Home safety modifications are just the start to aging in place.  It is also important to ensure that basic independent living skills are still properly being administered for your loved ones to not only stay safe but healthy.

One major issue that comes to mind is self-care.  If an individual wishes to remain living independently they must be able to take care of their basic health needs.  Hygiene, restroom usage and bathing all become a bigger effort for aging individuals but one that is of utmost importance.  It is crucial to be able to care for one s self.

Another important matter is to discuss and deal with money matters.  They must still be empowered financially as it does take money to run a household.  Utilities will need to be paid and it is important that they are able to independently take care of this task to age in place.  It is important that they understand their banking statements, how to write a check and manage expenses.

Home skills are important as well.  Independent living entails one to be able to cook, clean and do laundry tasks.  Basic home management skills are critical to independent living.  Functions such as turning the stove off after a meal is prepared become a matter of safety and needs to still be able to be taken care of by the individuals.

Health care issues should be able to be met as well.  To independently live on one’s own they should be able to properly take medication, make and keep doctor’s appointments, even with the use of public transportation if needed, and be knowledgeable of their medical needs.  It is important that individuals know their insurance coverage and are able to retain the information making educated decisions about treatment needs.

Another area in home safety is not necessarily the modifications but the same as with young children; strangers and the need for secure information.   Independent living means knowing the dangers of telemarketing, home shopping channels and people coming to the door.  It is also important that they are able to get a hold of people in an emergency and that they are clearly able to speak their needs and where they are located.

The desire is for seniors and those facing challenges in the form of a disability to care for them independently and age in a safe, familiar place – home.  Keeping the freedoms that exist within the home environment is important and necessary to many.  As caregivers we like to keep their wants and desires in mind while maintaining safety.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

The Importance Of Surveying In Land Ownership

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There are many questions surrounding land surveying and its importance in the field of engineering.  Civil engineers are in need of the professional work of land surveyors on a regular basis.  When lines need to be drawn and precise access to be determined land surveyors are the professionals who are called upon.  The job that land surveyors do is one of the most historically important positions to hold.  Land lines and property boundaries are so important to our society, one based upon personal space and ownership.

What different types of land surveys are there?

This question is extremely important to when buying or selling a piece of property or home.  Land boundaries are important to potential buyers.  A survey of residential boundary will outline exactly where the property lines are from one corner of the property to another.  This will give a general border outline for the buyer to follow.  A survey of mortgage is used by lenders and professionals associated in the transaction end of a sale.  This is important to determine if any improvement such as landscaping, swimming areas, driveways or such have actually encroached upon a neighbor’s yard.   If this has happened it will delay the closing until rightful ownership can be determined and settled upon.  A land survey is important if looking at property along a cliff or major hillside.  A geological survey will help to determine the hazards associated with building in that area.

What does a land surveyor do?

It is important to note that land surveyors are professionals who need advanced education and experience to become licensed in state land surveying.  A land survey engineer is the individual who actually stakes out the boundaries of property and addresses concerns within residential boundaries such as encroachment.  Using historical property information and deeds, land surveyors, will map out the boundaries legally recording them for the future.

Land surveyors are extremely important when it comes to new construction, residential, commercial and industrial.  Without them there would never be a clear definition of ownership which would lead to unnecessary issues between the owners of the land.

When is a land survey necessary?

In the sale of land it is recommended to always have a land survey done.  This way the purchaser can know the exact amount of land being purchased and where the land is exactly.  Imagine purchasing a piece of property to build a home upon and realizing once the sale is finished that the access way to your property was actually owned by another individual.  Believe it or not this has happened.  Never guess or assume when it comes to a purchase of this magnitude.

Another reason to do a land survey is during home improvements.  It is important that homeowners respect the neighbor’s boundary lines.  When it comes to adding a pool, a fire pit, deck or any improvement that moves close to another’s property have a land surveyor out to measure and ensure the improvement is not on their property.  You don’t want to end up in Hatfield verse McCoy feud over a home improvement.

It is easy to see the value of land survey engineers.  Simply stated they are the individuals that give legal rights to land ownership making sure what I claim to be mine is and what is your is yours saving years of feuding.  Believe it or not this happened when we purchased our home.  Many people had used the adjacent property as a park and entrance to the river our home sat on.  After reviewing the historical records it was found that in fact the property went with the home and the owner let the community use it.  With two small children that was not happening anymore and legally, thanks to our land surveyor, we could put an end to the trespassing.  This actually made our neighbors love us that much more.

SRCMI

Various Elements In Michigan Landscaping

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The exterior of a home is as equally as important as the inside.  It needs to be cared for, maintained and kept up to date.  Often people are unaware of how to do this or even where to begin.  It is important to realize that the siding, roof and windows of the home are important to the overall appeal of your home as well as the landscaping surrounding the home.  The key is to blend it all together to create harmony and to give the home curb appeal.

Creating an environment on the exterior of a home that is inviting to people is something many homeowners try to do.  With a yard like the one that surrounds my home the key elements of inviting exist naturally with a bit of tweaking from us however this is not the case in all areas.  We are lucky in that a large river flows through the back yard.  It is easy to incorporate landscaping elements that create a sense of being at peace with a natural water source.  This is especially true here in Michigan.

This is not always the case and such is why homeowners have the option to hire landscape designers to create a space like this for them.  The other option is to go out on a limb and try landscaping yourself.  I know this may be a scary thought for many however with a bit of knowledge and a few tips it is a job that can be tackled.

The first thing to think about when doing landscaping around your home’s exterior is to think about the natural environment.  Plants that are indigenous to the area will grow easily and without much added work.  The best plans are those that contain plants of different sizes and bloom in different seasons.  This way your garden will have flare all year round.  Indigenous landscaping also keeps the cost within reason and maintains curb appeal from an ease of maintenance point of view.

Another thing to really take into consideration is the different heights of plants. It is important for the garden to look full.  One way this is done is to by stacking plants.  Taller plants will live toward the back of the garden and smaller ones will be featured throughout gradually towards the front.

I love the idea of little paths and many yards already have them designed into the yard maybe without even knowing it.  The ways in which the yards are accessed can easily be turned into ornate little walkways using a variety of materials.  You can enhance these features by using small flowers or shrubs.  This turns an ordinary path into a garden walkway.  I love smelling the rose bushes we put in place as I stroll through the backyard to sit around a camp fire in the summer.

The landscape of a yard is constantly changing.  This is an important thing to remember as you start on the journey.  We have lived in our home for four years.  Each year something is added to enhance the natural layout and landscaping that is present.  Last year it was bitty bushes to cover some brick work that was showing on the garage that I did not particularly love.  This year as we replenish the mulch I will be looking into adding some different types of daisies.  They are a fun and free flower and I am tying in New Year’s resolutions to everything the family is a part of so our landscaping shouldn’t be left out, right?

Bladerunners Landscape

Deciding What Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Coverage Suits Participants

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Medicare is a government issued program created to provide seniors, 65 and older, with medical coverage.  The main issue with Medicare and the supplemental insurance programs associated with it is that it is hard to decipher what is covered by each plan and what is needed by each participant.  It is apparent that Medicare Part A and B will only cover the basics of what most seniors need.  For this reason Medicare supplemental insurance plans can be purchased to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage.  Understanding what is offered by each individual plan and deciding if the cost to the participant is justified is often difficult for participants.  It is important when participants are nearing the golden age of 65 that they research and review their needs against the different supplemental insurance plans.

First it is important to look at what is covered by the bare bones of Medicare Part A and B.  This is what is provided by the government, for free, to individuals who qualify.  Medicare Part A is the piece of the insurance plan that assists with the fees related to inpatient care for hospitals, skilled nursing, hospice facilities and home health care.  Medicare Part B participants pay a small premium each month which covers two basic services; medically necessary services and preventative services.  Part B covers services and supplies needed to diagnosis and treat medical conditions through approved methods.  Preventative services include things such as flu shots, vaccines or test that would offer early detection of an illness when it is relatively inexpensive to treat.

Medicare supplemental insurance plans often covered Medigap, because it is the Medicare insurance that fills in the gaps left with Medicare Part A and B.  If purchasing options to fill the void in Medicare coverage is not of interest to participants there is still one more choice offered by the government; Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part C.

There are advantages and disadvantages to Medicare Advantage Plan as with any insurance program.  With Plan C participants are able to seek care through only providers willing to participate with this type of coverage. For some participants this may mean driving a great distance to receive care from providers who will work with your plan.  Specialist may only be seen through a referral this is only one of the rules that is laid forth.  If a provider the participant is going to suddenly stops participating in the Advantage Program the care is no longer covered and will need to be sought by a participating provider.  This may be a difficult transition if during existing treatment.

As with Medicare Part A and B with supplemental add-ons there are different Advantage programs to choose from as well; HMO, PPO, PFFS and SNP.  It is important to for participants to look into all angles and options before signing up for any of the government insurance plans to ensure that the coverage you are taking on meets the need of the participant.  The rules that surround Medicare are often difficult to understand and may take a professional to help.  Thankfully there are many Medicare supplemental insurance professionals who will review what services are needed and desired and fit a plan specially designed to each participant.  Through the internet search on Medicare supplemental insurance and several companies should pop up across the country that can offer free services to assist in participant understanding of the Medicare program.

Senior Health Direct

Search Engine Placement Changing The Internet One Site At A Time

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When looking around at today’s society what is one of the most prevalent characteristics of the world we live in?  The answer being on top; everyone is concerned with being number one and number two is viewed as mediocre.  This could not be any truer than in the world of online business. Search engine placement, also known as search engine optimization and SEO, is the art of getting your website to rank within major search engines such as Google for certain key terms related to your business.  This is how the world of marketing is continuing to evolve.  Internet worthiness is no longer based on only the design of your website, visibility is and rankings are what prove your site worthy of customers.

Many websites are optimized by search engine placement professional.  Using the internet search “search engine placement” I would bet that you would choose a website optimization professional that is within the top ten.  Think about it, if they can get their site to show on the first page in search rankings they can do the same for you.  There is a lot that can be said for a company based on their website but in order to view it you have to find it and finding it is where SEO comes in.

The first order of importance is to think about the products and services the company offers.  Think about what the average person would search for in looking for your product or service.  This is where the keyword research begins.  There are lots of high priced tools out there that claim to offer you the top searched keyword terms however that is not necessarily what your company is looking to do.  For instance if you are a roofer you are looking for clients that need a roofer not clients that need home repairs even though roofing is a home repair you are looking for a more specific audience.  This is where professional search engine placement companies can help.  Picking the keywords to target for a website is one of the single most important steps in the SEO process.

The next step, one that is often overlooked, is optimizing your site.  This does not only include the information seen by clients but also the backend programming.  This includes title tag optimization.  This process builds the title of each page on the site directly around the keyword phrases chosen for the page.  It should be short, precise and under fifty-four characters. The next item is adding the keyword and surrounding phrases into the backend as well.

Content within the site should be relevant to the keyword as well.  The search engine will crawl the website looking for relevant information and key wording.  Text that is closes to the top has more weight than the bottom portion of text.

A site map of your unique website will also help to improve the rankings you receive in certain search instrument tools.  It is important to use a combination of proven search engine optimization tools in order to rank well. A professional search engine placement company will completely revamp the optimization of sites that are not ranking well using a variety of techniques.  Changing one thing about the site will not produce results.  Using a combination of techniques will bring you closer to ranking within the top ten search engine results for terms key to your site.

Creative Programs and Systems