Articles by Safiur Rahman on ArticleSnatch.com

The Honda Civic Hybrid - A Great Alternative to the Toyota Prius!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:44:08 -0500

If you are in the market for a compact hybrid vehicle that offers the same comfort and reliability of a conventional sedan, you'll want to consider the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Toyota Prius has become synonymous with hybrid cars and is unquestionably a good car, but its unique and perhaps quirky exterior is not everyone's cup of tea. The Honda Insight is probably the most affordable hybrid car available but it has been criticized as being too small and lacking in features. The Honda Civic Hybrid, however, is stylish, affordable, fuel efficient, and comes loaded with many great features. In fact, this car ranks #3 out of 35 on US News and World Report's list of affordable small cars. It is currently the most affordable hybrid in Canada and Energuide rated it as the most fuel efficient compact car in 2009. So what are some of the Civic Hybrid's key features? The 2009 and 2010 editions come with a 4 cylinder 1.3L 110 Horsepower engine, 123 lb-ft of Torque, continuously variable transmission, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, power windows, power locks, and power steering. **End Summary** Topics: Honda Civic Hybrid]]> Hybrid Fuel Economy]]> Hybrid Price]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For comprehensive information on the Honda Civic Hybrid including specifications, reviews, pictures, and pricing go ahead and log on now to: http://www.hondacivichybrid.org .

First Time Home Buyer Credit Extended Until April 30th, 2010

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:56:31 -0500

If you are looking to buy your first home, this could very well be the best time to do it. If you've been keeping up with the news, it is likely that you are familiar with President Obama's economic stimulus package aimed at boosting ailing housing market. The first time home buyer stimulus is an important part of this stimulus package as it awards home buyers a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of their home (with a maximum of $8000). This is essentially money in your pocket because you do not have to pay this back unless you sell your home within the first three years. The great news is that the deadline has been extended until April 30th, 2010 from the previous deadline of December 1st, 2009. You actually have until June 30th, 2010 to close but must be in a binding agreement by April 30th, 2010. This gives you a few more months to shop around, get in touch with mortgage brokers, and apply for a loan with terms that work for you. There are two key requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for the tax credit. **End Summary** Topics: first time home buyer credit]]> tax credit]]> new home buyer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To find out exactly if you qualify for the home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of all the latest news, tips, and developments, visit our no nonsense Homebuyer's Stimulus Guide . For tons of free and valuable information regarding President Obama's stimulus package, go ahead and log on to: http://obamasstimuluspackage.net .

Buy Your First Home Now and Get the Federal Government to Help Pay for it - Don't Miss this Boat!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:53:46 -0500

Buying a new home is a huge commitment in any economy let alone one where foreclosures and job cuts are running rampant. Ordinarily, you would be quite right to be wary about purchasing a home under these circumstances. The good news, however, is that President Obama's stimulus package has really sweetened the deal for prospective first time home buyers or buyers who haven't purchased a home in the last three years. There are essentially three ways the government can help you, which in conjunction with one another, could very well make this the perfect time to buy a new home. Firstly, if you are worried about coming up with the down payment to buy your new home, the government will help you pay for it. You will not have to come up with the full 10 percent on your own. Secondly, the Obama government is lowering home interest rates for you. Interest is always a huge consideration when you finance your home but with the federal government slashing the rate by a couple of percentage points, the financial burden becomes much easier to manage. **End Summary** Topics: first time home buyer credit]]> tax credit]]> new home buyer]]> first time home buyer credit qualification]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To find out exactly if you qualify for the home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of all the latest news, tips, and developments, visit our no nonsense Homebuyer's Stimulus Guide . For tons of free and valuable information regarding President Obama's stimulus package, go ahead and log on to: http://obamasstimuluspackage.net .

Great News for First Time Home Buyers - Home Stimulus Package Now Expanded!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:50:43 -0500

Has it been three years since you last purchased a home as your primary residence? Are you now thinking about buying a new home but are worried about the perilous state of the housing market and the financial burdens of making a down payment and making your monthly mortgage payments? If so, there is great news for you. The federal government will help you pay a portion of your down payment so you don't have to come up with the full 10 percent on your own. To further sweeten the deal, interest rates have been slashed by a couple of percentage points. And to top it all off, you can get a tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price of your home - that's up to $8,000 in your pocket! If you've been keeping up with the latest developments, the news just keeps getting better. The deadline for entering into a contract for buying a home was extended until April 30th of next year. (You actually have until June 30th of next year to close). If you are a member of the armed services, Foreign Service, or Intelligence community serving overseas you get an extra year. **End Summary** Topics: first time home buyer credit]]> tax credit]]> new home buyer]]> first time home buyer credit qualification]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To find out exactly if you qualify for the home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of all the latest news, tips, and developments, visit our no nonsense Homebuyer's Stimulus Guide . For tons of free and valuable information regarding President Obama's stimulus package, go ahead and log on to: http://obamasstimuluspackage.net .

First Time Home Buyer Stimulus: Are You Ready to Claim Your Tax Credit of Up to $8,000?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:44:48 -0500

Buying your first home is a big, life changing decision regardless of the economic climate. The decision becomes even more bold in an a recession where job cuts are rampant and the housing market has been in a slump for over a year. Nevertheless, if you are confident in your financial future, this is actually the best time to buy a house thanks to the federal government's first time home buyer stimulus package. The stimulus package awards first time home buyers with a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price of their home with a ceiling of $8,000. In layman's terms, this is a grant which does not need to be repaid unless you sell the home within the first three years. More specifically, this is a dollar by dollar reduction in taxes owed or an increase in your tax refund. It is also referred to as "refundable" tax credit because you can claim it regardless of your federal income tax liability. For those who are unfamiliar with this program, here is a quick summary of the key requirements. Firstly, you must be a first time home buyer as required by the current legislation. **End Summary** Topics: first time home buyer stimulus]]> tax credit]]> new home buyer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To find out whether you qualify for the home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of all the latest news, tips, and developments, visit our no nonsense Homebuyer's Stimulus Guide .

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Deadline Extended

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:50:24 -0500

Owning one's own home is a dream of every individual. But as fate would have it, the current economic crisis with rampant job cuts in the US have made this dream a distant reality for many. The introduction of President Obama's home stimulus package has, however, made this goal significantly more achievable for first time home buyers. The first time home buyer stimulus package offers individuals a tax credit of 10% on the purchase price of a home (with a maximum amount of $8000) for homes purchased between January 1st, 2009 and April 30th, 2010. For those of you already familiar with this program, recent legislative changes have extended the previous purchase deadline of December 1st, 2009. Sales occurring by June 30, 2010 are also covered provided a binding contract is entered into by April 10, 2010. A key point to mention here is that this credit is a grant which does not need to be paid back (unless the home is sold within the first three years). The entire credit amount is deducted from the total taxes owed to the government. **End Summary** Topics: first time home buyer stimulus]]> tax credit]]> new home buyer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To find out whether you qualify for the home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of all the latest news, tips, and developments, visit our no nonsense Homebuyer's Stimulus Guide .

Pityriasis Rosea

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:44:40 -0500

Pityriasis Rosea is a common skin disease characterized by a rash that can last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. In most cases, the condition starts with a single, scaly, oval-shaped patch (or "herald patch") on the chest or back and is a followed a week or two later with additional pink patches on the chest, arms, legs, and back. The face is not normally affected, however. The initial "herald patch" ranges between 2 cm and 10 cm while the later patches are between 1 cm and 2 cm. Patches on the back often form a pattern that resembles the outline of a fir tree (or "Christmas tree"). The "herald patch" is sometimes mistaken for other conditions such as ringworm, psoriasis, or eczema. Prior to the appearance of the "herald" patch, one may experience symptoms such as tiredness, nausea, sore throat, and headaches. The exact cause of Pityriasis Rosea is unknown but it is believed to be caused by a virus. The disease is not contagious and most commonly affects adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 35. **End Summary** Topics: Pityriasis Rosea]]> skin rashes]]> scaly patches]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Paronychia - Overview, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:43:02 -0500

Paronychia is a common skin infection which develops around a fingernail or a toenail. The condition may be acute (i.e. start suddenly) or chronic (i.e. start gradually). Acute Paronychia is associated with bacteria entering the skin folds following an injury to the impacted area through activities such as nail biting, aggressive manicuring, and finger sucking. It develops over a few hours and nail folds become red, painful, and swollen. Yellow pus may also develop under cuticles separating the nail from the skin. The most common bacteria involved is Staphylococcus aureus but others include Streptococcus species and Pseudomonas species. Chronic Paronychia occurs gradually and is harder to treat. The skin around the nail is moist and swelling is less prominent than in Acute Paronychia. This variant of the disease is associated with prolonged exposure to water, detergents, and other chemicals. Activities such as dish washing, fishing, janitorial work, and bartending therefore increases the risk of contracting Chronic Paronychia. Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible. Infection is caused by a mixture of yeasts and bacteria, particularly a fungus known as Candida. **End Summary** Topics: Paronychia]]> Acute Paronychia]]> Chronic Paronychia]]> Swelling]]> skin fold infection]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Perioral Dermatitis

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:38:39 -0500

Perioral dermatitis is common skin condition characterized by red facial rashes that tend to occur around the mouth. The rashes often take on a scaly or bumpy appearance and may resemble those of rosacea. The severity of the condition varies and may range from a few minor spots to large lumpy rashes around the mouth. Although the rashes may appear very unpleasant, they are only mildly painful or itchy. They may spread up to the nose and sometimes the eyes while avoiding the skin just around the lips. Perioral dermatitis is most commonly seen in young women between the ages of 20 and 45 but children may occasionally be affected as well. It is rarely seen in men, however The exact causes of perioral dermatitis are unknown but individuals with oily faces tend to be the most vulnerable. It has been observed that topical steroid creams and ointments seem to be the most frequent cause of Perioral dermatitis. Failure to wash the face regularly with soap and water and applying facial creams, moisturizers, and sunscreen may also trigger this condition. **End Summary** Topics: skin disorders]]> skin rashes]]> red lumps]]> Perioral dermatitis]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:36:49 -0500

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare disease which causes the skin to be extremely fragile and vulnerable to blisters. The blisters may develop both on the outer skin and inside the body along the linings of the mouth and in other internal organs such as the esophagus, respiratory tract, stomach, intestine, and genitals. Even minor rubbing, without the victim's knowledge, can cause these blisters to form and cause extreme pain. The disease is believed to be have a genetic basis and is caused by a mutation of the keratin gene. In severe cases, this disease can be life threatening. Epidermolysis Bullosa affects about 2-4 out of every 100,000 people in the United States. Both men and women of all ages and races have been equally impacted by the disease. The most obvious sign of infection is blistering. Others include redness and heat around open areas of the skin, pus or yellow discharge, crusting on the wound, wounds that won't heal, and fevers and chills. There are three major forms of Epidermolysis Bullosa. These include EB Simplex, EB Junctional and EB Dystrophic. EB Simplex affects the epidermis or outer layer of skin. **End Summary** Topics: Epidermolysis Bullosa]]> rare skin disorders]]> fragile skin]]> blisters]]> symptoms]]> treatment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:34:49 -0500

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a rare and chronic skin disorder characterized by extremely itchy and almost intolerable rashes made of bumps and blisters that normally occur on the elbows, knees, shoulders, back, and buttocks. It is believed to be related to coeliac disease, a disorder of the small intestine. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is also referred to as Durhing's disease. The predominant symptoms of Dermatitis Herpetiformis include intense burning, stinging, and itching sensations in affected areas. Diagnosis is mainly through physical evidence and analysis of skin biopsies. The ailment most commonly affects young adults, particularly males, aged 20 and higher. Estimates suggest that the disease currently affects about 11.2 out of every 100,000 people in the United States and about 10 out of every 100,000 people internationally. The disease is more common in young males of European descent (particularly from Scandinavian countries) than those of other ethnic backgrounds. The exact cause of Dermatitis Herpetiformis is unknown but it is believed to be related to an allergy to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. When gluten combines with IgA (an antibody produced by the intestines), the combination enters the blood stream and begins circulating. **End Summary** Topics: Dermatitis Herpetiformis]]> Treating Dermatitis Herpetiformis]]> itching]]> bumps]]> blisters]]> rashes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

The Facts About Scabies

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:31:53 -0500

Scabies (aka "the itch") is a highly contagious and common skin disease characterized by small, red itchy bumps and rashes on the outer layer of the skin. As the name suggests, the disease causes extreme itching for sufferers, particularly at night. Scabies is caused by tiny,eight-legged female mites (formally named sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow on to skin shortly after mating and fertilization. The female mites then lay up to three eggs a day for the duration of their lifetime (approximately 1-2 months). The eggs then develop into adults in about 10-14 days. Newly infected individuals may not see symptoms for up to 4-6 weeks. Scabies is normally spread through lengthy skin-to-skin contact between individuals such as sexual parners and household members. It can also be spread through sharing beds, clothing, towels, and other personal items. It is believed to be more common in winter because that is when people are more likely to be indoors and in close proximity to each other. Anyone can get scabies, including those who stay very clean; it is not believed to be related to personal hygiene. The worst itching, however, seems to occur in children and older adults. **End Summary** Topics: itching]]> rashes]]> red bumps]]> pimples]]> mites]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

An Introduction to Morgellon's Disease

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:29:07 -0500

Morgellon's disease is a very rare and mysterious skin condition that has been reported recently in the US and a number of other countries. It is characterized by itchy, painful skin lesions and a creepy-crawly sensation of fibers growing from inside the skin. Patients commonly complain of a feeling that insects are crawling under their skin and are stinging or biting them. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, visual impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Due to some of these strange symptoms, many patients purported to be victims of this disease have been incorrectly diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder. Cases of Morgellon's disease have been reported in all 50 states of the US (mostly in Texas and Florida), Canada, Australia, and the UK. At present, most physicians and dermatologists within the medical community hold the view that Morgellon's disease is not a new disease but is simply a new name for known medical conditions. In some cases these are known skin disorders like scabies, allergic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has bowed to pressure from the Morgellon Research Foundation and a growing number of claimed Morgellon patients and are currently investigating the condition further. **End Summary** Topics: rare skin disorders]]> morgellon's disease]]> stinging]]> crawling sensation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Dermatographia - Overview - Symptoms and Treatment

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:25:45 -0500

Dermatographia (aka "skin writing") is a rare, auto-immune skin condition which affects about five percent of the human population. Individuals impacted by this condition have hypersensitive skin and even minor injuries, rubbing, or scratching can cause raised, red lines and ridges to appear on the affected area. Other symptoms include itching, swelling, inflammation, and hive-like welts on the skin. Hives form when skin cells known as "mast cells" become sensitive to physical stimulation like scratching and release histamines. This then causes blood to leak out of blood vessels under the skin. In 2008, an artist named Ariana Page Russell used this condition as basis for art by drawing designs and patterns on it as though it were a canvas. Dermatographia is not a serious condition and symptoms do not normally last very long. However, scratching and rubbing can cause irritation and discomfort. Triggers include rubbing against clothing and bedsheets, exposure to cold, heat, and sunlight, and/or applying pressure to the skin in some way. It may also be caused by stress or emotion. In most cases, symptoms disappear between 30 minutes to two hours following the irritation but in some cases they may last hours or even days. **End Summary** Topics: rare skin diseases]]> rare skin disorders]]> dermatographia]]> treating dermatographia]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.

Keratosis Pilaris - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:22:07 -0500

Keratosis Pilaris (aka "chicken skin") is a condition in which the skin takes on a sandpaper like appearance with small, acne-like bumps and rough patches appearing most commonly on the back, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. While less common, bumps may also appear on the face causing the disease to be confused with acne. Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition and estimates indicate that as many as 40-50% of adults and 50-80% of adolescents worldwide are impacted by this disorder with varying severity. While anyone can get this disease, it appears to be more common in children and adolescents. Fortunately, KP is not a serious condition and is not contagious. Nevertheless, the skin is unpleasant to look at and the condition is difficult to treat. KP tends to be worse during the winter and periods of low humidity when the skin dries out. The condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy or after child birth. Medications and self care measures can, however, improve the appearance of the skin. Additionally, studies have shown that KP usually improves with age. **End Summary** Topics: Keratosis Pilaris]]> dry skin]]> itchy red spots]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jaskin Skin Care is your one stop shop for skin disorders with comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment, and cures.