Do you know who's watching your children when you aren't there?

http://www.familywatchdog.us/


National Sex Offender Public Registry
This Web site is provided as a public service by the U.S. Department of Justice ("the Department"). Using this Web site, interested members of the public have access to and may search participating state Web site public information regarding the presence or location of offenders, who, in most cases, have been convicted of sexually-violent offenses against adults and children and certain sexual contact and other crimes against victims who are minors. The public can use this Web site to educate themselves about the possible presence of such offenders in their local communities.

http://www.nsopr.gov/

Texas Maps

http://www.texas-map.org/

Features a detailed, scrollable road map of Texas as well as topographical and relief maps of the State of Texas. Any windowed portion of the road map can be printed on letter size paper.

Tips on How to Auction Items on the Web

Sell Your Stuff Using Online Auction Sites:

Is your closet or garage overflowing with things that you no longer use or want? You're not alone. According to a 2004 Nielsen Survey, the average American stashes $2,222 worth of unused items.

Your junk could be someone else's treasure. To find out, tap into one of America's fastest growing sensations--online auctions.

These sites let you list items for sale and charge a fee ranging from a nickel to over 8 percent of the item's sale price. If you auction a camera and get $100, for example, the fee charged by an auction site generally will be around $5.

Sellers post a description and photograph of their wares. Buyers search for offerings by category--say, digital camera--or item--Nikon D100 under $1,000. Buyers can also put items on a watch list for instant notification when they become available.

There are many online auction sites. eBay (ebay.com) is the biggest, with auction sales reported at $1,000 per second. Other popular auction sites are Amazon (amazon.com) and Yahoo! (auctions.yahoo.com).

To get started, set up an account at the site and buy something small to learn the process. Pay careful attention to the seller's ratings. Both buyers and sellers are asked to rate their transaction, with the results posted on the auction site. If you need a hand, the auction sites have extensive help areas.

Fortunately, the help sections also include insider tips to boost your chances of selling success. For example, Amazon says extra photographs will gain buyers. eBay claims listings using bold type increase prices by 25 percent. And Yahoo! advises featured placement. However, these extras normally cost more.

After you have some buying experience, try selling. The auction sites make it simple. They supply a template that you complete. In it, describe your item honestly and in detail, the acceptable form of payment and how you will ship it. Most importantly, attach a clean digital photograph in the size required by the auction site.

Once you have a detailed description of your item and a clear photograph, the best thing you can do is set an attractive price. Start your auction bids low to rev up interest. Don't worry. A secret "reserve" price can be set before you begin. You can also list it with a "Buy Now" fixed price. Packing and shipping are routinely extra charges paid by the buyer.

Once your item is sold, payment is made to you by the auction bidder. Optionally, most major auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo! offer an escrow service. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. The escrow service collects payment from the buyer and holds it for the seller until the transaction has been completed. The cost ranges from about $4 to $25 on a $100 transaction. Don't ship until you receive payment. If payment is made by check, make sure it has cleared the bank.

If this sounds like too much work, eBay offers authorized Trading Assistants. They will pick up, list, bill, pack and ship your item. They typically charge 20 to 38 percent of the sale price, plus any auction fees. Learn more at:

http://contact.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?TradingAssistant

The most popular categories are antiques and collectibles, books and comics, electronics, event-related clothing, jewelry, music, software, outdoor items and sports memorabilia. Planning to sell guns or human body parts? Forget it. Those listings are prohibited by the auction sites.

GOOGLE is the Latest to Offer Mapping, and Did it Right!

It's usually easy to find your way around town, because you can get maps and driving directions off the Internet. Traditionally, I've used Yahoo! or Mapquest. But I think I'll switch to Google.

The search site's new mapping feature gives you a nice, big map. And, wonder of wonder, all the streets are named! Certain mapping sites could learn from that!

Seriously, Google's maps are really easy to read. Check 'em out at:

http://maps.google.com/

Free Public Records Directory!
http://www.searchsystems.net

PhotoShow Software
This is a program that I recommend to anyone who has a digital camera. It is simple, user friendly, and makes you look like a professional. (And The Price Is Right). PS: I did all the ASSIST Convention 2003 & 2004 Pictures with this program:

PhotoShows feature animated transitions, captions and clip art - and are the most entertaining way to share memories. Shows can be shared online for free through PhotoShow.net, saved to CD, or even published on your personal web page. Edit & touch up photos with ease.

Simple Star's PhotoShow Deluxe is the easiest and best tool for your digital photography needs. It is easy to organize, edit, print and share your digital photos. You can also easily create a musical slide show that you can share online or play on your TV. Download the free trial at http://www.simplestar.com

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DESKTOP! GET RID OF EXTRA ICONS!
Not everybody wants a bunch of icons on their pretty desktop. If that's you, the icons are easy to dump.

I like to run shortcut icons in the Quick Launch bar, next to the Start button. To do so, click the shortcuts on the desktop (they have little arrows on them) and drag them to the Quick Launch bar. If the Quick Launch bar isn't visible in Windows XP, right click the task bar and select Properties. On the Task bar tab, place a check mark next to Show Quick Launch. The original shortcuts can then be deleted. Just right-click and select Delete.

FLY AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND ON A SHOESTRING
Airlines often don't publicize it, but they offer specials for weekend trips. If you know where and when to look, you can save some money. Typically, they post specials on their sites for the following weekends. If you can travel on short notice, here's where to look:

--American, special fares listed on Tuesdays for the next two weekends.
(http://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/NetSAAverHome.jhtml)
--Continental, specials posted on Wednesdays for the coming weekend.
(http://www.continental.com/specials/Default.asp)
--Delta, posts fares on Wednesdays and Sundays.
(http://delta.com/travel/sp_offers/web_fares/index.jsp)
--Northwest, fares posted Wednesdays.
(http://cybersavers.lastminute-packages.com/)
--United, fares listed Tuesdays for the next two weekends.
(http://www.itn.net/cgi/get?unpub_inq*itn/ord=NEWREC,itn/air/efare)
--US Airways, posts fares on Wednesdays for the coming weekend.
(http://usairways.com/promotions/)

Gift Certificates of Major Retailers, Restaurants can be purchased on the web and save you from being late giving a gift:

http://www.giftcertificates.com

Free Emergency Assistance On Texas Highways
Your Texas driver�s license has a phone number on the back just above the bar code:

1-800-525-5555 - This number can be called for emergency assistance on the highway or wherever you might have trouble while in you car. A service truck will be sent to you. This service is state operated and paid for with our tax dollars. If you are ever stranded just call the number for Texas Roadside Service.

Stolen Purse or Wallet?
How to Limit Your Damages...

Place the contents of your Wallet or Purse on a photocopy machine. Then copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You'll now know exactly what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Be sure you keep the photocopy in a safe place.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know.

1. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

3. But here's what is perhaps most important. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number.

The numbers are:

1. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3. Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271