Text Messaging, also called texting, SMS (Short Message Service), or wireless messaging, is the transmission of short text messages from cell phone to cell phone. Text messaging can be one-way, allowing the user only to receive messages, or two-way, allowing the user to both send and receive messages. Most phones and carriers also allow messages to be sent from a phone directly to an e-mail address. Messages will display the phone number or email address of the sender and are usually up to 160 characters. Upon the receipt of a text message, the cell phone will alert the user, and the message will will appear in the phone’s inbox. Most new cell phones offer the text message option, and so users often prefer text messaging to email because of its low cost, and easy use. Wireless providers also typically charge higher fees for mobile web service (the ability to surf the Internet via cell phone) than for text messaging. Furthermore, individuals may want to avoid carrying around additional and/or bulkier hand-held wireless email devices, such as a Blackberry or Treo. Text messages also may be sent to domestic and international phones at the same rate, making texting a cheaper alternative to international phone calls. In fact, text messaging is even popular in Asia, where cellular phone technology and service is more advanced than in the United States. Because text messages are must be short, a number of fun abbreviations have evolved, many of which were inspired by common email slang, such as “LOL” for “laughing out loud” or “L8R” for “later.” Websites with text abbreviation dictionaries or options for downloading pre-recorded messages have proliferated over the past few years.

Often compared to yoga due to its use of unusual body positions, Pilates is an innovative non-impact conditioning program, promoting a sense of physical and mental well-being. The method was originally developed during World War I by Joseph Pilates to help disabled patients regain strength and movement. Pilates is known to build strength without bulk, creating a sleek, toned body. Although originally popular in the United States amongst dancers, Pilates classes, videos, and books have grown exponentially since the 1990s, with stars such as Jennifer Anniston and Jennifer Lopez championing the technique.

Pilates is known especially for toning the abdomen, sides, and back, but it is a full-body conditioning program, with approximately 500 exercises in the collection. The emphasis is on controlled breathing, concentration, muscle tension, flexibility, and proper pelvic and spinal alignment. The original exercises, called “mat work,” are designed to be performed on a mat or on the floor. Joseph Pilates also developed various exercise equipment to complement the mat work, and the original style of this equipment is still used today. This machinery aims to challenge and support the body by incorporating spring tension, straps to hold the feet or hands, and supports for the back, neck, and shoulders. The most popular Pilates apparatus today is known as the Universal Reformer. The Reformer resembles a bed frame and contains a sliding carriage and adjustable springs used to regulate tension and resistance. Cables, bars, straps, and pulleys allow for a wide variety of exercises.

Pilates can be performed by someone at any level of fitness. Exercises are done slowly and carefully so that the movements are smooth and flowing, thus requiring deep concentration and muscle control, which leads to muscle building. It is recommended that individuals wishing to embark upon a Pilates training program begin with a certified instructor. During the initial meeting, an instructor will analyze the client’s movement, posture, and overall fitness and then design an individualized training program. The training programs usually begin with mat work and stretching. These exercises warm up the muscles in preparation for the machine work. Once the basics are mastered, from either one-on-one lessons or in a class, it is possible to train at home using videos.

Benefits of Pilates include:

# Increased flexibility
# Improved posture, breathing and circulation
# Solid balance
# Graceful movement
# Slimmer body
# Alleviated back and muscle pain

An exchange traded fund (“ETF”) is a type of security that resembles a hybrid between a mutual fund and a stock. Like mutual funds, ETFs are investment vehicles that hold several (often up to thousands) of securities following a certain theme (e.g. tracking particular indices or industry sectors). Like stocks, however, ETFs may be bought and sold throughout the day; may be purchased on margin or with market, limit, or stop-loss orders; may be shorted; often have put and call options based on them.

With increased news of illegal practices by mutual fund companies, ETFs have become a popular alternative. There are currently over 300 ETFs, the majority of which trade on the American Stock Exchange. SPDR 500 (AMEX: SPY), is the largest and oldest ETF and tracks the S&P 500. Another widely held exchange traded fund is the Nasdaq 100 Trust (AMEX: QQQ), which tracks the Nasdaq 100. There are also ETFs that track international indices such as the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 ETF (Amex: FXI), those that mirror fixed income indices such as the iShares Lehman 1-3Yr Treasury Bond Fund (AMEX: SHY), and those that track specific sectors such as SPDR Energy (AMEX: XLE). ETFs for commodities and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are even available, such as the iShares Dow Jones US Basic Materials Index (AMEX: IYM) and the AEW Real Estate Income Fund (AMEX: RIF), respectively.

== Advantages ==

Because of their lower asset turnover and passive management, ETFs typically have lower expense ratios than comparable mutual funds. Studies have also suggested that few actively managed portfolios outperform the broad market in the long run, thus making index ETFs highly popular.

ETFs offer more trading options than similar mutual funds because of its ability to trade like a stock. An investor may purchase puts or calls on ETFs to mitigate portfolio risk, or hedge a stock play by purchasing an individual stock and shorting its sector ETF.

Traders who manage portfolios on a constant basis may prefer ETFs to mutual funds because ETFs are priced throughout the day.

The biggest selling point for ETFs, other than its lower expense ratios, is its tax efficiency. ETFs do not trigger capital gains distributions whenever a position in its portfolio is sold. The only capital gains taxes that investors pay are when they sell an ETF and realize a gain.

== Disadvantages ==

Transaction costs are the main downside for ETF investing. ETFs may only be purchased through a broker, and so those who prefer dollar cost averaging may experience lower net returns by choosing an ETF over a mutual fund.

As with stocks, there is typically a bid-ask spread on ETFs, meaning that you might purchase an ETF for $20.00 but only be able to sell it for $19.75.

Because of its passive management, index ETFs sometimes take more time than comparable mutual funds to rebalance and mirror the designated index. As a result, an ETF may occasionally trade slightly off of its net asset value, although usually only for a brief period of time.