James Armistead, Revolutionary War Spy, Unsung Hero

Much of this information was found at http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1963424_1963480_1963442,00.html.

Virtually all wars are fought with the help of spies, including the American Revolution. I am not an expert in American history, and I had never heard of James Armistead prior to seeing an episode of “Mysteries at the Museum” where his story was told.  I was fascinated, so I searched for more information about him online. 

Armistead was a slave born in the mid-1700’s in Virginia.  Both the British and Continental armies used spies to learn more about the activities of their enemy.  Armistead’s “master” gave him permission to join the revolutionary cause. There were many black men, both free and enslaved, were being used as spies on both sides.  James Armistead was unique, because he was a double agent being used by both sides.

Armistead was placed in the service under the (General) Marquis de Lafayette in about 1781.  Lafayette’s forces had been reduced by British General Charles Cornwallis’ troops after Benedict Arnold betrayal of the Continental Army.  

Lafayette was desperate for someone to provide him with information about the enemy’s movements. After gaining Lafayette’s trust by performing various jobs and tasks for him, Armistead was promised freedom if he worked as a spy for the Revolutionaries.  He began serving as an orderly and guide, posing as an escaped slave at Benedict Arnold’s camp. He acquired information which he sent to Lafayette.

After a time, Armistad was posted close to Cornwallis' camp where he was offered a position as a British spy, making him a “double agent.”   The revolutionaries then provided James with inaccurate information, which he brought back to Cornwallis.

Traveling between both sides, James learned that the British naval fleet planned to move 10,000 troops to Yorktown, Virginia.  They intended to make it a central post for their operation.

Providing this information to Lafayette and George Washington were able to seize the town and form a blockade that crippled the British military.  The results of this great victory subsequently brought about Cornwallis’ surrender on Oct. 19, 1781.

James Armistead’s actions were a huge contribution to America’s victory. Had he not provided the information to Lafayette – at the time he gave it to him – there may well have been a very different conclusion to the war.

With Lafayette’s recommendation, Armistead gained his freedom in 1787.  At that time he chose to add "Lafayette" to his name, to honor the general.

After receiving his freedom, he moved near New Kent, bought 40 acres of land, and began farming. He later married and raised a family.  He was granted a $40 annual pension by the Virginia legislature for his services during the American Revolution. He lived as a farmer in Virginia until his death in 1830.

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Hands Up or I'll Laugh!

It seems that nearly every day we hear about someone killing a police officer or police misconduct.  I would like to “lighten up” the police stories, so here are some transcripts of recorded funny police quotes from around the country. 

"Relax; the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile."

"Take your hands off the car, and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

"If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

"Can you run faster than 1,200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9mm bullet fired from my gun."

"So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?"

"Yes, Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh ... did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?"

"Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

"The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

"Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in monkey do-do."

"Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife will get a toaster oven."

"In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC."

"Just how big were those two beers?"

"No sir we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want."

"I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail."

"You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't.”

http://www.sellingsalesmanship.com/police.html 

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Confidence is Silent. Insecurities are Loud!

Whether you are to your business or if you’ve been in the industry for a while, many people lack confidence, perhaps even dislike certain things about themselves.  It is important to free yourself from feeling unworthy, lacking knowledge, scared or powerless.  Rise above these feelings and learn to control your personal and professional life.  In this post, I will primarily discuss professional confidence. 

It is easy to get caught up in trying to be like our mentors or others in the industry.  The truth is that your prospects want to know you.  When people join your team or purchase your products, they are doing so because they like YOU, the real you.  

I don’t claim to be totally confident in my abilities, my skills or my character.  However, over the past few years, I have become much more confident.  Now it is time for you to allow your confidence to rise to the surface and shine!  

Make the decision today to look deep within yourself and know that you are worthy!  You are skilled and able to build a business.  With few exceptions, fear and doubt are created in our own minds.   

Most people start a home business to be their own boss, earn a living or supplement their income. Try changing your perspective to helping others instead.  Take time to think how you can serve other people.  If you are working with a reputable company with great products, you can change their lives with your business opportunity.  From that perspective, you are less likely to be afraid. 

When I first learned about and joined my current company a few years ago, I lacked confidence.  Having never succeeded with previous businesses, I had no reason to believe I could do so with this one.  I knew though, that if I was ever to achieve what I wanted with my business, I had to “follow the leader.”

I began doing everything my mentor asked me to do.  I was still scared, and it took me some time, doing the same things repeatedly, before I was no longer frightened.  It was about that time that I realized I wanted to help others succeed as much as I wanted it for myself. 

Forget your fears, and do what you know you need to do.  Promote your products and business opportunity. Imagine how many people you can help build their own business and grow their income.   Once you begin thinking this way, your confidence will begin to shine and your business will grow.  When you shift your thoughts from fear to power, you’ll be on your way!

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit  http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Internet Marketing Legends Hall of Fame

I was interested in learning about some of the widely successful internet marketers.  I found a website (http://michaelhaupt.com/marketing-legends-hall-of-fame/#online)that includes biographies of many internet marketing legends.  I am sharing the first one I read.  I will share others in future posts.

Biography of Corey Rudl - 1970-2005

Corey Rudl was the founder and President of the The Internet Marketing Center and MarketingTips.com. A world-renowned Internet marketing expert, Corey was a successful author and speaker, as well as a leading e-business strategist and software producer.

Corey unexpectedly passed away while enjoying another of his passions in life -- car-racing -- on Thursday, June 2, 2005. His tragic death at the age of 34 was an incredible shock to his family and friends, and to the online community around the world, where Corey was widely respected as an innovator and a trail-blazer who had led thousands to find success of their own.

A pioneer of e-commerce on the Internet, Corey started his first online business in 1994 with just $25 in start-up capital. He successfully turned that small investment into a multi-million-dollar business by effectively pioneering results-driven Internet marketing strategies.

Attracted by his evident success, business owners in great numbers began seeking Corey out to learn more about his philosophies and the methods he created. In response to this demand, Corey founded The Internet Marketing Center, which is now a multi-million-dollar corporation that shares its Internet marketing strategies and software solutions with countless entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.

Corey was considered one of the most effective Internet marketing experts anywhere. He made his name teaching "real world" techniques and strategies that stemmed directly from his own everyday experiences of working in the trenches, where he came face-to-face with both educational failures and extraordinary successes.

Corey maintained his success by testing new strategies on a daily basis. He developed the ability to forecast market trends and predict (if not create) the "next big" success strategy. As a result of these accomplishments, his Internet Marketing course, "Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business on the Internet," is one of the most successful and useful "How To" guides in print today.

Used by tens of thousands of small businesses worldwide, and currently in its third edition, this 1,000+ page comprehensive Internet marketing guide has been deemed by many circles the "Internet Marketing Bible."

Corey became a featured speaker at conferences in Australia, the U.K., Asia, and throughout North America, and he consistently drew rave reviews. He shared the stage with marketing experts like Jay Abraham, Paul Hartunian, Jim and Audri Lanford, Jim Sterne, and Declan Dunn.

Corey’s articles were published in top industry publications, including Entrepreneur.com, The U.S. Small Business Administration’s SCORE.org, The Direct Marketing Association, MarketingProfs, Opportunity World, Money ‘N Profits, Dig-IT Now, and Home Business Journal. Corey was a leader in the Internet marketing industry, consistently developing practical, cost-effective Internet Marketing strategies and software for businesses of all sizes.

His innovative software solutions and marketing recommendations drew over 1.8 million unique visitors to his web sites every month and generated over $6.6 million every year.

For Corey, however, true success was measured by the thousands of e-business owners worldwide who use his methods to successfully build, manage, and grow their own profitable online ventures.

Corey's impact on the people who run these businesses was huge. Nowhere is this more evident than in the sentiments expressed in the hundreds of messages left at www.remembercorey.com -- a memorial web site set up by one of Corey's loyal customers, Ken Calhoun.

It is fitting that The Internet Marketing Center chose the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship to be the recipient of a donation of $90,000made in Corey's memory in October, 2005.

The NFTE is an organization that helps young people from low-income communities improve their business, academic, and life skills through entrepreneurship education.

Corey's legacy also lives on at IMC. Inspired by his passion and desire to succeed, we have continued to grow this thriving company, dedicated to releasing industry-leading Internet marketing strategies and tools.

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

I Cannot Find the Time

How many times have you said that?  I’ve said it, and I’m sure nearly everyone has.  We certainly must not be looking in the right place, because “time” has not gone anywhere.

For entrepreneurs, scheduling our days can make the difference between success and failure.  For those who work their business part time, they simply cannot work their business whenever they have a few minutes “to spare.”  For those working a full-time home business, if our time is not well organized, we may never get to high-priority tasks.

It is very helpful to have a schedule of what days we plan to work, how many hours we plan to work on those days, and at what time we will start and finish working each day.  In addition, we’ll likely be more productive if we schedule the various tasks we plan for each week.

For example:

Monday, Wednesday Friday – place online ads for one hour, beginning at 4 PM.

Monday through Friday – spend one hour participating on IBOToolbox, beginning at 3 PM.

Daily – Call all prospects received within the past 24 hours, beginning at 5 PM.

If we plan our days, treat our business like a job where we are expected to start and finish at a particular time, we will accomplish more and be more successful.  Many business owners treat their businesses more like a hobby to do whenever they can squeeze in an hour or two.  It is unlikely they will ever succeed with their business.

Time is ours to spend however we wish to do so.  We must “make” the time to do the many tasks required to maintain and grow a business.  If we are really serious about what we are building, we should never be unable to “find the time.”

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

My Point is…

To most Westerners, acupuncture is mysterious, and many people are skeptical that it can actually do anything to relieve pain or treat health issues.  The Chinese have been using acupuncture effectively for thousands of years.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the term “acupuncture” describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

I have received acupuncture many times over the past 15 years or so.  I have severe osteoarthritis that affects virtually every join in my body.  A couple months ago, I had a bad fall, landing on my knees and ending up with bruises from head to two.  As a result, I have had debilitating back pain and both my knees hurt so bad that I walk with a limp.  

Having recently moved to California, I searched for and found an acupuncturist nearby.  I have received several treatments over the past three weeks or so.  It turned out that my back pain was due to inflammation of my sacroiliac joints.  My knees, particularly my right knee, may be beyond help (without surgery).

With each acupuncture treatment I had very thin, sterile needles inserted on several spots on my sacroiliac joint,  back and my right knee; I had moist heat applied, using an  hydroculator (a sort of quilted device filled with a clay-like substance used for pain management); and the acupuncturist massaged a liniment to all the sore areas. 

My back/sacroiliac joint hurts only if I do too many physical activities.  My knees now hurt much less, and the pain is no longer constant.

Scientific studies have proven that acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments and pain.  Some doctors even use acupuncture to relieve pain during surgical procedures. Acupuncture cannot cure cancer, however, it can help to relieve the pain it causes and ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  Acupuncture can be used to treat skin diseases, psychiatric and mental disturbances, relieving angina pectoris, and a variety of heart problems. 

I am not suggesting that acupuncture is a cure-all.  Not at all.  For serious health conditions, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment, not necessarily instead of.

Many people believe it will not work, and thus think it cannot work for them.  However, believing it will work has no effect on whether or not it will be effective.  I know a veterinarian who treats horses with arthritis with acupuncture and has seen remarkable results.  The horses do not believe or disbelieve it will work.  It simply does.  

Some people are also afraid that acupuncture may be painful.  I will not tell you there is never any discomfort; however, the needles used are extremely fine, so you likely will not even feel it being inserted. The only distress I have felt is from what the needles are meant to do… activate the body’s meridian paths where qi (pronounced Chi - vital energy) and blood pool – in the same way that water might pool. This pooling can cause pain and other health issues.

If you are suffering from pain, in particular, you may want to seek an acupuncturist.  Do your homework though.  Don’t go to a chiropractor that took a six-week course in acupuncture.  Look at the provider’s background and training.  Many have four-year degrees in Oriental Medicine.

To learn more about acupuncture, you may want to check it out online.

(My company, Xpress Healthcare, offers acupuncture discounts as part of one of our discount plans, however, at this time providers are available only in major cities.)

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

A Rather Unique List…

As I sit at my desk working on my home-based business in my new home, I am realizing how very fortunate I am.  In fact, I believe I am blessed.

In today’s world, so many people are suffering - struggling to put food on the table, trying to stay safe and alive in war-torn countries and hoping to stay healthy and alive.  With all this in mind, I would like to share my thoughts about my own situation.  Perhaps this will remind you to “count your blessings” as well.

·         I am a senior citizen, and like many others, I have health issues.  However, I realize how minor they are when compared to many people I see every day and the millions around the world.

·         After living in another state for nearly twenty years, my husband and I recently returned to the state where our family lives.  We have children, grandchildren, siblings and cousins whom we love and who love us in return.  They are all in excellent or relatively good health. 

Four Generations

·         We live in a lovely home with heat and air conditioning and no major repair issues.

·         We have plenty of food to eat and never have to worry from where our next meal will come.

·         We have clean, safe water to drink and with wish we can bathe.

·         We live in a relatively safe neighborhood where we feel secure in our home and to take a walk whenever we wish.

·         We are far from wealthy, but we have enough money to cover all our needs and a few wants.

·         Over our lifetime, we have been able to invest and save some money, providing us with a measure of security when combined with our income.

·         We have good health insurance at a very reasonable cost.

·         We have friends about whom we care, both actual and virtual.

In addition to stating my blessings above, I would like to thank all of my IBO friends and associates for the support and assistance they have provided over the years I have been an IBO Toolbox Member.  You are all truly appreciated.

If you care to comment on this post, I would love for you to include something for which you too are grateful.

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Do You Have What it Takes?

I read a wonderful piece today about entrepreneurship that was posted by Sandy Blomstrom.  I recommend that you read it here:  http://www.ibosocial.com/sanblomstrom/pressrelease.aspx?prid=376834  Sandy’s post inspired me to write this press release about entrepreneurs. 

Without entrepreneurs, our economy would suffer dramatically – as though is hasn’t been bad enough over the past decade or so.  There are entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Walt Disney and many lesser-known entrepreneurs, have changed the world in ways no one could have ever imagined.

What does it take to become a SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs?  There is an ongoing debate as to whether entrepreneurs are born or “made.”  I will not get into that discussion now however. 

There are several things that I believe are absolute requirements.

Preparation!  Before you dive into your new business, be prepared.  Will you actually have the time and money required to operate your business?  Do you have a business plan?  Do not only focus on your goals.  Consider what could go wrong as well.  When a crisis arises, you need to know how you will handle it. 

Prevent Burnout.  When people first start out in a new business, they are usually really excited, pumped up.  However, if you push too hard at the beginning, you will likely burnout.  Pace yourself.  Do not allow your emotions to control your actions.  In this way, when you do come across challenges, you will still have the energy to deal with the situation.

Be ready for a roller coaster ride.  Every entrepreneur has times when they wonder whether their efforts are being wasted.  Starting a new business is difficult, and you will have both ups and downs.  If you need a brief break, take one, but never stop moving forward.  Continue to work toward your goals.

If you don’t take care of YOU, who will?  When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of your new business, it is easy to skip meals, not get enough sleep or forget to stay hydrated.  If you allow your health to suffer, your business will too.

Don’t buy into the hype and believe your business will begin growing right away.  Too many people exaggerate how quickly an entrepreneur can build their business.  No matter how long you think it will take to reach your goals, it will take longer.  I am not referring to weeks or months.  To grow a successful business, it may well take years.

Expect the unexpected.  No matter how prepared you believe you are unforeseen challenges will arise.  Keep your eyes wide open so those encounters don’t take you by surprise.

As for and accept help. We all want to be the champion entrepreneur, but no one can do it entirely alone.  If you discover that you lack a particular skill to complete a task, ask someone with that skill for help.  Do not allow yourself to believe you can do everything.  No one can.

When you are on a journey, stop to see the scenery.  When you decide to become an entrepreneur, you should immediately ask yourself why. What is your ultimate goal?  In addition, set smaller goals along the way to give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them.  When you know your journey may take years, it helps to stop and enjoy your smaller achievements along the way.

Be aware that you may need to change directions along the way.  If you love your products and your business, you should be confident that you will do well.  However, there is always more than one way to perform an activity.  If you find that your marketing is not bringing the results you hoped for, find other ways to market.  Do not get stuck in a rut believing you must carry on in the same direction if there are stop signs in front of you

Anyone who is totally honest with themselves knows that starting a business can be way beyond difficult – and it is for most people.  However, if you love what you are doing and you are passionate about your product or service, you likely will find it worth the effort.  Entrepreneurship is NOT for everyone and no one particular business opportunity is good for everyone.  It's up to you to determine if the journey will be worthwhile.   

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook 

Which Business Opportunity is Right for Me?

Thousands of people are searching for a business opportunity every day.  The first things to consider when researching an opportunity are:  1) Is it a reputable, legitimate company?  2) Is it a good fit for you?  Will you be able to be passionate about the product or service the company offers?

It can be time consuming and challenging finding the right business for you, but it is worth the effort. Because you've heard of a company does not necessarily mean they are reputable or that it is right for you.

Warning:  Do not rely completely on the Better Business Bureau.  Some businesses simply choose not to pay for BBB membership. While many very good organizations are accredited and highly rated by the BBB, there was a time a few years ago when businesses could purchase a high rating with them.  Since this situation was publicized, it is likely they stopped the practice.  Watch this video to learn more.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo8kfV9kONw

If a company promises or guarantees a huge income, be wary.  Some people will never apply themselves; and some don’t have the right skills for the business.  There is no way everyone can be successful, let alone earn a huge income, with any company.

If a company’s advertising makes it seem too good to be true, trust your judgment.  It likely is.  If the company has no product or service to sell, how is the company staying in business?  If all their income is from bringing new people into the business, it is not a legal company.

When performing research of a company, if you find many complaints about it, look into those complaints carefully.  Keep in mind though that some excellent companies have complaints filed against them for various reasons, so a small number of complaints alone may not mean the company is disreputable. 

Learn about the product or service being offered. Would you buy it?  What is the cost of the product?  No matter how great the product, if it is too expensive, you may not be able to sell it. 

Determine the TRUE cost of operating the business.  Virtually all business opportunities have a fee involved at some point.  It may be an up-front cost, a monthly fee or both.  If a company claims that it is totally free to start and operate the business, question it. There are companies that tell you there is no start-up cost, but later charge for the training, websites and more.  Do your homework, not only on the company’s own website, but also on third party sites to see what those outside the company say about them.

When you speak to a representative of the company, do you feel a “connection?”  Do you believe they are being honest and open with you, or are they “hyping” the business?  Hype should be a red flag for you.

Consider the company’s compensation plan. Some people like to have “multiple streams of income.”  Others like a simple payment plan.  Neither is right or wrong, but be sure that you understand the comp plan and that it is acceptable to you.

Does the company pay a one-time commission or residual income?  With residual commission, you will be paid monthly for each active customer/client.  Straight commission means you are paid only once for each sale.

There is no business right for everyone.  Take the time to research a company thoroughly.  Then, do whatever it takes to succeed. 

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For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook