1. Amazon.com

What list about online shopping would be complete without Amazon? The Seattle, WA-based company easily owns the world of virtual purchases, offering everything from books to child car seats. It is, in fact, the world’s largest online store, and its foray into the e-book world with its Kindle e-reader and smartphone has cemented Amazon’s status as king of online shopping.

2. eBay

Whatever you want, someone out there has it, and they’re offering it to you – assuming nobody outbids you. Auctions have never been more fun or intense, thanks to eBay. Whether it’s textbooks, furniture, automobiles, celebrity memorabilia or something a little more eclectic, someone is selling it on eBay, and all you need to do is make sure the winning bid is yours.

3. Zappos

Buying books and finding deals is great, but what if you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, a little more upscale? That’s where Zappos comes in. With its selection of designer footwear, accessories and apparel, you could stack up your wardrobe with the most stylish fashion must-haves without leaving the comfort of your computer chair. Zappos also gives customers a year-long return policy, so even if you’re dissatisfied with your purchase, you have time to take care of it.

4. Craigslist

All these sites offer a lot of great stuff, but say you want to cut out the middleman and just take care of the shopping yourself. Say hello to Craigslist, where you can instantly find what people are selling in your area, narrow it down by literally hundreds of categories, and save on shipping by simply driving over and closing the transaction yourself. Unlike most other shopping sites, Craigslist also has a free section, where people just give away items they don’t want anymore. It’s not ‘shopping’, per se, but who doesn’t love free stuff?

5. REI

REI may best be known for its outdoors material and clothing, but it’s also renowned for its guarantee that online shoppers can replace any item they don’t like, at any time – REI items carry no expiration date for returns, giving customers plenty of time to try out their online shopping hauls before making a decision regarding package forwarding back to REI.

However, plastic surgery is a strange phenomenon that fascinates many people. That’s why shows like “Nip Tuck,” “Doctor 90210″ and “The Swan” garnered so much attention. When something is so familiar and a person can easily flip on a show about a nose job, it makes it much more feasible to the average person. Here’s a look at how plastic surgery has evolved into normalcy.

Throwback In the late 1800s and early 1900s, plastic surgery was a means of helping soldiers recover from war. It certainly wasn’t a beauty tool and wasn’t looked at as a luxury. It was, instead, a means of giving service men some semblance of the life they used to have. There are still many cosmetic surgeons who specialize in accident victim surgery.

Public Knowledge In the 1950s, plastic surgery was accepted into the general medical field because of World War II. Plastic surgeons began appearing on television and gave many people hope. It was still largely a war-driven procedure, but it became public knowledge. It’s interesting to note that TV was the main vehicle for information about plastic surgery, much like it is today.

Branching Out in the 70s By the disco era, it was clear that nearly every part of the body could benefit from cosmetic surgery. It was still very much a procedure reserved for victims, but it was gaining headway. Plastic surgeons moved to the forefront of the medical field and celebrities were starting to pay attention. The profession was on the edge of a complete makeover itself.

Kidney Transplant? Just a Better Nose, Please. Pressure was put on plastic surgeons in the 80s to operate more like a regular business than a last resort for people who had been in terrible accidents. Clearly, plastic surgery could help people look better and that’s a big selling point. Doctors began printing brochures because of the high demand and people started electing to go under the knife.

Enter the Era of Secrecy The 1990s is when plastic surgery exploded onto the market and people were opting for everything from breast implants to ear tucks. Doctors hustled to keep up, and some horror stories began to leak out. Choosing to have surgery was seen negatively, which made people hide what they did and lie vehemently to anyone who questioned their new, perfect nose. However, this secrecy also led to wrong information being passed around, and that needed to change.

On the Right Track Public perception vastly improved in the aughts and people became comfortable being open about plastic surgery. There are multiple websites gossiping about which celebs have done what, and some celebrities have opened up about it while others haven’t. Kim Kardashian is a top ranker when it comes to guessing about what she’s had done. As for her? She claims Botox is it and even had an x-ray taken of her butt on Keeping Up With the Kardashians to prove she’s implant-free.

Then there are those celebs who admit freely to getting work done, like Jane Seymour with her eye and boob job, Ashlee Simpson’s infamous nose job, and Joan Rivers and pretty much everything she could get her stretched-too-tight hands on.

Constant Advancements Just like any other medical field, there are constant advancements in the arena of plastic surgery. Gummy bear implants are all the rage since it’s a silicone implant with almost no risk of leakage. Smart Lipo melts the fat and is, thus, a much less invasive option. Dysport is giving Botox a serious run for their money since it does the same thing but costs 20 percent less.

Plastic surgery has come a long way in 100 years and it will continue to grow. Permanent solutions with decreasing risks every year? You don’t have to be a Kardashian to know that’s a tempting offer.

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1. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a virus that wiped out large amounts of people not all that long ago. It also leads to shingles as an adult, which is an incredibly painful experience. Many parents encourage their children to become exposed to chickenpox, since it’s much more manageable as a child (chickenpox can still be lethal as an adult). Just like babys with colic, chickenpox is part of growing up–but it’s thanks to microbes.

2. Pneumonia

This dangerous and painful ailment can be caused via virus, fungus or bacteria and it’s all thanks to those microbes. Without proper care, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in children and elders. It’s a cold gone really, really bad and the sole cause of it is humans touting around those microbes all day long. No system is perfect, and pneumonia is proof of that.

3. Athlete’s Foot

A fungus, most people know that anyone can suffer from athlete’s foot–not just athletes. Trudging around all day in sweaty shoes without proper ventilation causes a breeding ground of fungus all thanks to microbes. Athlete’s foot may not be lethal, but it’s certainly uncomfortable and embarrassing.

4. Hepatitis

There are a few different strains of hepatitis, but the viral kind is because of microbes. Hepatitis can be treated, but it can’t be cured. If it’s not caught early and properly managed, it can be lethal although that often takes years to occur. Unfortunately, most people don’t get screened for hepatitis, so it can fester long before it’s caught.

5. Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs are caused by a bacteria, and they can be very dangerous when it happens to infants. However, as an adult, they’re just excruciatingly painful. Here’s yet another example of a microbe gone bad and evidence that even the best systems (like the human one) has flaws. There are a few ways to help prevent UTIs, but for the most part it’s the luck of the draw.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of microbe-caused problems, but it’s a few of the biggies. Regular check-ups, preventative measures and a dose of luck can help people avoid them.

Documentation

If you’re going to make a case that your employer is holding back pay that is due to you, it’s important to get as much proof as you can that this is actually the case. Check your pay stubs and your time sheets to make sure that you have proof to back up any allegations you make. Once you have evidence on your side, check to see if the reason behind any discrepancies is a simple calculation or payroll error. If yes, the situation should be easily resolved. If no, there are other steps to take.

Legal Steps

You may feel that you have enough written documentation to legally prove that your employer has been withholding your pay. Privately contact an attorney who specializes in employment issues and consult him or her about your next steps – you may know how much money you’re due, but the attorney knows what to do.

Your attorney should recommend that you try and resolve the issue with your employer before getting the law involved. If you have proof that you tried to do this, with no satisfactory resolution, your attorney can suggest taking legal action against your employer. This should always be considered a last resort – even if you win your case and are awarded the wages you feel you are owed, your relationship with your employer and your workplace could be fractured beyond salvage.

Do Background Work

If you find yourself contesting a payment dispute with your boss, one thing to try is making discreet inquiries of current and/or former employees. In the event that this is a real problem plaguing your workplace, you will likely find other examples and evidence to support your side of the story. That way, if you present your findings to your employer, your attorney or an arbitrary body, you’ll have a strong possibility of labor board judgments going in your way – especially if you hire the correct legal counsel.

On the other hand, if you find scant support or evidence among current or former employees, it makes your own progress trickier. Naturally, this does not mean that you don’t have a case, but it will be more difficult to press for a resolution if you are the only person bringing this up.

1. Roulette

The house odds on roulette are approximately 5.26%, even as experienced gamers deploy their most well worn strategies and roulette tactics. Casinos continue spins because they know high rollers and travellers will continually bet significant amounts of money. While the pay-off may seem alluring, casinos tend to pull in the same average winnings over time. If one experiences a high roulette win right away, don’t tempt fate. Take those earnings and move onto the next game.

2. Insurance Bets on Blackjack

Don’t be fooled by the promise of “insurance,” these are some of the worst bets that can be used during Blackjack. This type of bet is offered when the dealer reveals an Ace. Insurance bets lure in people who think the dealer may have Blackjack. This can rack up significant loss when they reveal that the dealer does not have Blackjack. The odds work against players here, reaping benefits for the house.

3. Keno

Many seasoned gamers will tell new players to steer clear of live keno. This game has a bad rep because the house advantage starts at 25%. Imagine losing a quarter of one’s bet in a split second! Large areas of a casino are dedicated to keno, attracting droves of new players. Avoid high losses and poor odds by cultivating an interest in other casino games.

4. Baccarat

Specific types of bets are known for their poor odds in Baccarat. The Tie Bet is well known, weighing in with 14% house favor. If possible, consider placing a bet on the Player’s hand, or rather, on the dealer’s hand. No matter what pace Baccarat is played, the Tie Bet is a dangerous bet to bank on. Casinos attract people toward this bet, offering 8 to 1 or even 9 to 1 pay when the bet is successful.

5. Low-end slot machines

Nickel slots typically have poor odds, causing gamers to slowly leak their funds. Gambling veterans suggest quarter slots for better winning streaks. Higher denominations typically have significantly better payouts, allowing gamers to walk away sooner after a win.

1. Go by Reputation

For the most part, it’s nearly guaranteed that a company will cut costs by moving production overseas. However, don’t go by the bottom line alone. Check the reputation of a company, ask for testimonials and references and get a copy of the company’s annual report. Ideally, many references are available and respond quickly to questions.

2. Take a Field Trip

Before signing an agreement, visit the production factory in person. For the best results, schedule bi-annual or annual trips to keep in physical contact with the company. There’s only so much reports can tell someone about the quality of a factory. It will still be much less expensive to visit the company in person than to keep production in the US or UK.

3. Get Regular Updates

A company owners shouldn’t ever have to request regular updates. They should be automated and happen at least once per month (and ideally once per week). Regular video meetings, incoming reports and quick response times are to be expected. Ask what the company’s protocol is for report management and updates.

4. Stay Connected 24/7

It might seem like there’s less stress if production is moved overseas, but that also means that reports and emergency emails might come in at all hours of the night. This means the managers at the home base need to have internet access 24/7 just in case, and also invest in phone accessories like cell phone gloves so there are no missed calls.

5. Have a Point of Contact

Depending on the business, it might be best to assign a current employee to move overseas and be the liaison between production and headquarters. Another option is to build a relationship with a manager of the factory and know how to contact her at all times. When an emergency happens, no one should be utilizing a phone tree or wondering who to connect with.

Moving production across waters can be risky, but there are ways to stay protected. Do the research and feel comfortable before signing anything.

Businesses and residences alike suffer when their street numbers, company names, and advertising are covered by the wrath of a snowstorm. The following is a list of six tips to clear a blizzard beaten sign. The list will be broken into two sections: pre-treatment and post treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that safety always comes first and these tips largely depend on the size and height of the sign.

Pre-Treatment for the Pre-Planners

1) Water and Vinegar

A mixture of three parts vinegar and one part water is a convenient technique to avoid ice before it strikes. Besides the two ingredients being something that can be found in any household, it’s a lethal combination for ice that’s also safe for the environment.

With this technique, it’s helpful to pour the vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake vigorously, and spray the mixture on the sign in freezing conditions. Why freezing conditions? Well, the water part of the mixture will freeze to the vertical surface of the sign while the vinegar part of the mixture will prevent ice from forming.

2) Sugar Beet Juice and Brine

It’s no sage, rosemary, and thyme, but it’ll stop those pesky ice crystals dead in their tracks. One part sugar beet juice and three parts brine is all you need for anti-ice success. It’s wise to note that this concoction should only be used on metal and plastic signs, which can sometimes include outdoor LED signs; double check with your sign manufacturer first. Wood and other porous surfaces might stain from the beet juice.

The sugary element in the beet juice is naturally sticky and holds the brine (a mixture of water and salt) to the treated surface, which is important when the surface is vertical. Best part is, it can be applied even if the temperature hasn’t dropped below freezing yet.

3) Silicone Spray

Ice is slippery. There’s no arguing that. Using the slickness of ice against itself seems like a fair fight. Spraying silicone on signage prevents the build-up of ice and snow by creating a slippery surface that’s impossible for the ice to grab hold of.

Although this isn’t the most earth friendly option, it does last for multiple icings without reapplication. Caution should be used as to not overspray because household silicones like WD-40 and Liquid Wrench contain other chemicals that can be harmful.

4) Plastic sheet

If the above materials are hard to come by, try covering the sign with a large trash bag or a tarp depending on the sign’s size. With this method, it’s extremely important to get the job done before the weather hits.

Although the sign will not be visible for the duration of the blizzard (which is the case anyway with a strong blizzard), once uncovered, the sign will appear untouched by the winter storm. With this method, the use of plastic over cloth is a must. Snow will cling to cloth whereas with plastic, it’ll easily fall loose.

Post Treatment for the Procrastinators

1) De-icing spray

De-icing spray is all the rage in the north. It’s fast acting, reliable, and easy to use. Most de-icing sprays on the market use warming agents as well as preventative chemicals that not only get rid of the ice, but also make sure it doesn’t return any time soon.

Largely made for windshields and sidewalks, de-icing spray is apt for vertical surfaces and can be used in any temperature conditions. Most de-icing sprays are rated for 30 below zero and the majority are eco-friendly, so spray away.

2) Scraping

Some call it the windshield mambo. When applied to signage, scraping off copious amounts of ice and snow can be back breaking work. But, good ole scraping is the tried and true, elbow grease method that works 100% of the time.

When scraping an entire sign as opposed to a car windshield, a plastic handheld scraper or driver’s license won’t do the trick. Larger, alternative scraping utensils found in any garage range anywhere from a thick-bristled push broom, a 2×4 piece of wood, or even a hockey stick for those true northerners. Keep in mind bigger and longer is better when it comes to scraping signage.

It doesn’t matter what method is used to keep a sign clear during and after a blizzard, just as long as it’s done safely and correctly. One more helpful hint for avoiding blizzard burdens: move to Florida where the word de-icing is replaced with sunscreen.

1. False Sweets

Most of the time, things like pancakes or protein shake are actually laden with chemicals, caffeine and a lot of extra sugars. For a sweet treat at the end of the day, go natural and choose berries. Palates can re-learn to recognize sweets, and it’s smart to avoid a sugar rush right before bed time. Most people will notice that it’s easier to go to sleep and stay asleep by reducing sugars at night.

2. Fillers and Simple Carbs

Don’t fill up on that bread basket or reach for white pasta to round out the day. Instead, proteins, veggies and nuts provide a great end to a day of healthy eating. These items are full of vitamins and keep people fuller longer. By choosing proteins and veggies, there’s less of a chance of waking up hungry because bodies are still processing the previous night’s meal.

3. Tea, Coffee and Chocolate Anything with caffeine should be avoided for obvious reasons. Ideally, a person should stop taking caffeine by mid-afternoon. Just because someone isn’t a raging insomniac doesn’t mean that caffeine isn’t negatively impacting their sleep. There’s no need to get a buzz on at night, so instead reach for plain water or the occasional red wine to unwind (and help the heart).

4. Junk Food It’s easy to pick up some fast food on the way home, and few people feel like they have time to cook a healthy meal. Snack throughout the day so that it’s not tempting to binge on junk. There’s a big gap between the office lunch hour and most people’s dinner time, so don’t go without eating. Junk food right before bed can keep someone awake, lead to weight gain and set a bad precedence.

Making smart and healthy choices can get more challenging as the day goes on. Make sure to keep healthy snacks on hand like a breakfast bar, plan for cooking time and don’t call it a day before it’s actually over.

Construction Rental Companies

When someone needs a CAT bulldozer or even to rent a John Deere riding lawnmower, where do they turn? Companies that rent machinery like this need a safe place to store it. Average storage sheds simply isn’t going to cut it. However, the needs for these machines will always be present, so at least the businesses have supply and demand on their side.

Car Sellers

That parking lot isn’t the only necessity for a car selling business. The brand new models might need storage in transit, cars dropped off for servicing need to be safely parked and the most luxurious lines need protection. Don’t assume that “storage” automatically means a secured, locked space. Sometimes–like with vehicle sales–it just means a lot of property.

Lumber Mills

No matter what a person thinks about the impact on the environment, lumber mills require some massive storage. After all, a lot of the inventory can’t be exposed to the elements. Soggy wood leads to rot, and that hurts the bottom line. Lumber mills utilize storage to protect their product, but it also needs to allow for a safe (for human) environment.

Furniture Stores

Furniture is big–conference desks, dining room tables, sectional couches and beds all take up a lot of space. If someone thinks the showroom is big, imagine all the space that’s required to store the actual products that will be shipped or delivered. There needs to be plenty of room to allow for well-stored items to avoid broken or damaged products. Oftentimes, it’s the unseen backroom storage facility of a furniture shop that’s the real maze.

Special Event Rental Companies

Those city parades, marathons and other special events all require staging, lighting, tents and a host of other products that take up a lot of space. For companies in the special events rental industry, that means they need the space to store hundreds (or even thousands) of items. Otherwise, party planners will go elsewhere looking for more variety.

Storing things is expensive, but some industries can’t get around it. To maximize storage space, use a logistical expert and always shop around.