Last Minute Weekend Breaks

Man Begs Wife to Come Home - Says "I am Innocent"

2010-01-09T00:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles

July 5, 2004 -- A strange message heard by millions of people across the globe yesterday was also picked up by staff at NASA Space Agency. The message, broadcast via satellite by a man calling himself "William", caused chaos in the town of Zanesville, Ohio where the newly installed Traffic Control System responded to the satellite's T56 radio waves by switching off during evening rush hour and causing a 95 mile tailback. If you think you know the identity of the individual involved, then please contact us immediately. We provide a transcript of this message below:

Start Time 19.01 EST July 03, 2004:

--------------------------------------------

My Darling Susy

I am speaking to you by satellite today as it is now clear that I have no other way of contacting you.

You refuse to take my calls and on top of this,, last minute weekend breaks, your mother keeps intercepting my emails. She has told me that you don't want to see me any more.

Darling, I am at my wits end and I cannot understand how after everything we've been through, you still believe her rather than me. You know that she hates me and will do anything to tear us apart. Despite what your mother says, I'm not having an affair with my secretary. You know it has only ever been you. From the beginning and even before we got married your mother was always trying to break us up. I don't know what she's got against accountants.

Much as I love you, I think this may have to be my last attempt at reconciliation. For a start this satellite broadcasting isn't cheap plus the satellite they sold me is really cramped inside - it only has one window and the engine sounds funny. What our friends will think of me I do not know, but I just don't care. I really hope that you will find it in your heart to speak to me and give me a chance to explain.

If you're not ready to talk, then PLEASE send me an email. I've now got a special Private Email Address that your mother can't intercept. You can write to me at william@ really.desperate. BUT...BUT... if you are going to do it, you first MUST get your own Private Email Address on this system, otherwise your messages will be blocked.

Darling, the first step to getting a fantastic Private Email Address like mine is to get one of those really clever domain names from dotWORLDS. Go to www.dotworlds.net and pick one up now. Remember, if you take one of the domain names in the Personality section it won't cost you a penny as they're all free. Once you've made your choice, within a few hours you will be provided with an unlimited set of free email addresses for that domain name. Then please, please write to me. It couldn't be easier and honestly, your mother won't be able to intercept these emails. Better still, the Dragon won't even be able to see them and at last we will have a chance to be together again.

I really love you and I am waiting anxiously to hear from you โ" maybe we could go to Rio for the weekend - it is very nice this time of year and best of all, the dragonlady won't catch us there.

I plan to land in the Pacific in about two hours time, and so should be home before midnight. I do hope we can talk then...although I think that engine on this satellite might have fallen off because everything has gone a bit quiet in here. Yes the ground seems to be getting nearer. Darling don't worry, I think may be landing a bit earlier than expected.

Your LOVING Husband

William,

End Time 19.04 EST July 03, 2004:

------------------------------------------

THE WORLD HAS BEEN MOVED by this plea and is in awe at the bravery of a man, who, single handedly has engaged in combat with one of the most powerful and potentially destructive forces on Earth (the mother-in-law).

Following yesterday's broadcast, offers of help have flooded in. A well known chain of supermarkets has donated a luxury safe-house in an unspecified location. Government officials are considering issuing the couple with new passports, and a Dr Emile Roden of Boston has agreed to provide free plastic surgery

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Motocle Rider Also Need To Get Sports Nutrition

2010-01-07T21:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Jeffrey Seymour

Source: articlesbase.com

The subject of sports nutrition has become unquestionably important nowadays now that the whole concept of sports has become evolved and has been receiving immense media attention. Athletes and spectators, last minute weekend breaks, alike are now comprehending the weight of the status that professional sportsmen now carries.This realization has pushed lots of initiatives to produce the latest and most effective in sports nutrition and training, not excluding those for extreme sports. During the old days, athletes have relied steadily on the carefree formula of fastfood fare and energy drinks. Now that competition is growing more and more intense each day, athletes are now acquiring the expertise of sports science experts to make sure that they can maximize their physical and mental potentials to its outmost limits.To have a better understanding of the efficacy and significance of extreme sports nutrition, one can look at the training regimen in motorcycle sports, one of the most popular extreme sports around.A motorcycle rider takes in a lot of punishment in his body. Because of this, a rider must consider his overall physical fitness as much as his technical skills in competitions. He needs to establish hydration and stamina in his physique in order to keep up with the rigors of the motorcycle events. It is not really easy to survive, let alone win, in a 20-30 minute contest under the most brutal of conditions such as extreme heat. It IS one of the most difficult factors that should be overcome in any kind of sport. If one would monitor the vital signs the athletes during these contests, one could easily see that their heart-rates are performing at the most maximum level.Sports nutrition is a major concern for motorcycling, since this sport involves competing in adverse surroundings under very extreme temperatures. Thermoregulation and hydration naturally are vital concerns. Riders are faced with almost no time to hydrate themselves because an typical motocycle event lasts about only 20-45 minutes. It is very important then that motorcycle riders monitor their consumption of fluids closely days before the competition, paying close attention to those days when practices are held up to the qualifying rounds during the weekend before the main event.Days before the competition itself, riders must take fluid, especially water, consistently in order to achieve and maintain a steady hydration level prior to the main event. Aside from water, sports drinks must come in handy and must be ready in stock all thoroughout the race weekend. Sports drinks with electrolytes like sodium and with carbohydrates are particularly recommended. Carnohydrates will aid greatly in putting off the occurence of a rider's fatigue. The amount of sodium present in the drinks is a very important element for the regimen. Sports drinks will high amounts of sodium can give back the sodium that will be lost with the rider's sweat during the competition. Also, the sodium will enhance the thirst of the body in order to make the cyclist drink more water during the course of the competition.Motorcycle riders involved in heavy competition to strive to consume 20-40 ounces of liquid every hour during his time at the racetrack and must continue drinking about 20 ounces per hour after the track session. To effectively monitor hydration levels of a rider, he can weigh himself on the scales every morning and do so again after every session. Two percent of the total body weight, and not more than that, should be eliminated, and it muse be replaced with 150 percent of the water reduced on that day in order to achieve maximum performance for tommorow's session.The human body is composed of up to sixty percent with water. A slight decrease in fluids can already have an effect on an athlete's performance, specifically on the force capability of the muscles.When the stamina and hydration levels is very well taken-care off, one can pruduce a powerful motocross champion who can manipulate and maneuver his bike at very high levels at the most stessful of situations.So its extremely important that people, especially athletes, should not overlook the importance of drinking water and other fluids. This is very vital when it comes to competitions. It can be the factor that can make or break a rider's road to victory.

For tips on football pictures and who invented football, visit the How To Play Football website.

An Early Halloween Celebration

2010-01-06T10:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Michelle L Rodriguez

Source: ezinearticles.com

This is a long blog, but it is well worth the read if you love horror, food, drinks, friends and a good story. I was searching the DISH Network channel guide to see what suspenseful movies will be on for the remainder of September. Now that October is just around the corner after a very short summer, it is time to prepare for fall festivities and scary movies. I look forward to going apple picking and attending fall fairs, going to the Christmas Tree Shoppe to stock up on fall decor and, of course, curling up on cold weekend nights for some good horror movies!

I started to think about how I can start the Halloween experience early, so I decided that I'm going to invite a few friends over this weekend for a fun night of horror! I'm not going crazy on creepy decorations just yet, but we'll certainly light a few candles to set the ambiance. I was thinking of preparing a delicious dinner, followed by two horror movies then a little good night story for my friends before they leave for the evening. I should mention that my daughter is going to be at her grandmother's house while this is happening! So far, I have found some great recipes from Food Network to share with you for the dinner and treats.

Appetizers

To add some Halloween color into the mix, I'm going to make this appetizer that includes a witch green color.

Roasted Chile Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips

Baked Tortilla Chips:

· Cooking spray

· 3 sun-dried tomato basil tortilla wraps

· 3 garden spinach herb tortilla wraps

· Olive oil

· Salt and pepper

Guacamole:

· 1/2 cup frozen chopped onion, thawed

· 2 cups frozen no-salt added petite peas, thawed

· 1/3 cup water

· 2 tablespoons lemon juice

· 1 (1-ounce) packet guacamole seasoning mix

· 1 teaspoon chopped garlic

· 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with no-salt added

· 1 cup chopped avocado

· 1 (7-ounce) can fire roasted diced green chiles

For tortillas chips:

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.

On a cutting board, stack 3 tortillas and using a sharp knife, cut into 8 wedges (like a pie). Repeat with remaining tortillas. Separate any that may stick together. Place on baking sheet, evenly spaced. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Remove and let cool.

For Guacamole:

In a medium saucepan combine onions, peas, water, lemon juice, guacamole seasoning, and garlic. Cook for 10 minutes until ingredients are soft.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Pour cooled pea mixture into a large bowl. Add avocado and mash with a fork or potato masher. Strain tomatoes and add to bowl with green chilies. Mix until blended.

Serve with baked chips.

Since my good little doobie will be at her grandmother's house, I can also make a few drinks to accompany our appetizers!

I'm thinking I'll go with Emeril's Tin Can Margaritas

Ingredients:

· 1 lime, cut in wedges

· Coarse salt, for glasses

· 1 large can frozen limeade

· 1 full can good-quality tequila

· 1/2 can triple-sec

· 1/2 can lemon juice

· Ice

Directions:

Rub rims of glasses with a lime wedge; place salt in a saucer and dip rims. In a pitcher combine remaining ingredients, stir well and fill up with ice. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses with lime wedges.

And now...for the main course...Pumpkin-Peanut Curry Noodles with Five-Spice Seared Scallops and Shrimp, which only takes 20 minutes to cook (believe it or not)!

Ingredients:

· 1 pound spaghetti

· Salt

· 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil

· 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

· 2 inches ginger root, minced or grated

· 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

· 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

· 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

· 1/4 to 1/3 cup tamari dark soy sauce, eyeball it

· 1 (15-ounce) can cooked pumpkin

· 2 rounded tablespoonfuls mild or hot curry paste (recommended: Patak's) found on international foods aisle

· 3 tablespoons five-spice powder

· 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

· 12 diver scallops, trimmed and patted dry

· 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces, then thinly sliced lengthwise into matchsticks

Directions:

Heat a large pot of water for noodles. When water boils, salt it and add pasta to cook to al dente or with a bite to it.

While pasta cooks, heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil. Add garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and pepper flakes to the pan and cook together a couple of minutes, then add peanut butter and melt it. Whisk soy into peanut butter, then stir in pumpkin and curry paste. The sauce will be very thick. Turn down the heat to low. Add a ladle or 2 of pasta cooking water to thin sauce a bit and simmer over low heat. Adjust salt, to taste.

Heat a small to medium skillet over high heat. Pour the five-spice powder onto a plate with some salt. Press both sides of the shrimp and scallops into the powder. Add 3 tablespoons of remaining oil to hot skillet. Place the shrimp in the pan and cook 1 minute, flip and sear the other side until just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside. Add another 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and heat back up to smoking. Add the scallops and sear on both sides until opaque. Remove scallops and add to the plate of shrimp.

Drain pasta and return pasta to the pot. Add the curry-pumpkin sauce and toss thoroughly. Serve noodles on 4 plated and top with scallions and seafood.

All I have to say is YUM!

And now for dessert...Dirt Pudding! This literally takes 5 minutes!

Have some pudding prepared from the night before, crack open a package of Oreos and crumble the cookies into the pudding. It's delectable and easy.

It is now time for the feature presentation:

Movie number 1: Scream

Intermission: Coffee with Baileys Irish Cream, Amaretto and Frangelico

Movie number 2: From Dusk Till Dawn

Good night story:

This woman was doing laundry on a Saturday morning while her husband was at work. For some reason every time she pushes her clothes into the washing machine, she gets the feeling that someone is behind her, but she keeps going, admitting the thought is ridiculous. The basement never bothered her before. It isn't musty as there's a dehumidifier down there. It hasn't been emptied for a while but the air is still dry. The cobwebs are always dusted and swept away as she is not fond of spiders, so the basement is fairly clean minus a few bags and it's bright enough so there are no unlit corners. She hears her son rummaging through something in the living room upstairs, so she quickly goes back upstairs to be sure he is being safe.

Her son decided to try out his new roller-skates while mom was downstairs. The lady reminded her son that he needs to wear a helmet and kneepads if he wants to roller-skate then he can join her in the basement while she washes clothes. There is more room to skate in the large space downstairs. The husband had just recently finished ripping the rug off the basement stairs so he can replace it and there are small nails sticking out of the front of a few of the stairs. The mom tells her son that she'll carry him downstairs because he's already wearing his skates and she doesn't want him to get hurt on the nails. The son complies.

Once the son's helmet and kneepads are on, the mom sets him free to skate about the basement. Then she gets this horrible chill down her spine and a sick feeling in her stomach so she takes a minute to lean up against the table where she folds her clean clothes. She can't figure out what the problem is, but her father is in the hospital so she decides to call her mom from the cell phone she has in her sweatshirt pocket to be sure everything is okay with him. Her mom said that everything is good and that her dad will be coming home the next day. Her dad fell and one of his toenails was caught on something and had been ripped off completely. He is a heavy man and any fall he takes is sure to cause some damage, but hooking his toenail on something made it even worse.

"He's fine", she thought, "so what can this horrible feeling be?" Her son is skating as fast as he can while holding onto the basement wall. She covers her face with her hands trying to think of what the problem could be. All of a sudden her son catches one of his skates in the grate of the basement drain. His skate stays there and his body goes flying forward. He luckily landed on a trash bag that was full of clothes the mom put down there a week ago for the Salvation Army.

She dashes to her son who is crying out of shock from falling with his new skates. She comforts him and walks over to retrieve his skate, still stuck in the grate of the drain. "These crazy plastic roller-skates. We'll get you a new pair today, baby". She looks back down at the skate and notices something hairy sticking out of the drain along with a foul odor.

She calls her husband to come home from work on his break to check this out. She puts on a movie upstairs for her son who is ready for a nap. Her husband gets home shortly after and hurries with her to the basement to see what she was talking about. He grabs a crow bar that was stashed behind the dryer and pries open the drain, catching a bunch of hair along the way and flinging the object across the room once the grate breaks free. It thumps against the wall and falls behind the trash bags full of clothes. They notice that whatever it is, it's bleeding because there is a splat of blood on the wall. "I wish I had my father check that drain when he was down here last weekend. You know how I like to keep that clean".

They tiptoe over to where the object had thumped to the ground and peeked behind the bags. They scream and jump back when they realize it's a human head with skin that is falling off from spending so much time in the drain water. They panic and the husband takes a good look to make sure they didn't miss anything else down there. He noticed her father's pocketknife under the basement stairs with blood on, last minute weekend breaks, it. He does not pick it up. As he examines the stairs for further evidence, he sees what he originally thought was a leftover piece of the carpet he had ripped up and notices that it's a toenail. "Get upstairs and call the police!"

The wife calls the police who eventually get there and investigate her basement. They observe the head and ask them what is in the bags that are on the floor. The lady tells them that they're stuffed with clothes. They open the bag and notice body parts that have been hacked up and stuffed in quilts. They take the toenail as evidence.

Goodie Bags to Take Home:

Some fun trinkets from iParty along with some cool Halloween lollipops!

Ingredients:

· 6 or 8-inch wooden pop sticks

· Gummy worms, as needed

· 2 cups sugar

· 2/3 cup corn syrup

· 2/3 cup water

· 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

· 1/4 teaspoon orange, lemon or cherry extract

· Few drops orange food coloring

Directions

Lay a silicone sheet on a baking pan, place the sticks on the pan and place 3 pieces of gummy Worms above the tip of each stick to form a gummy worm triangle.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a clean, dry small saucepan. (It is best to use a heavy gauge pan and preferably with a pour spout.) Bring to a boil over high heat and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 305 degrees F or "hard crack" stage on a candy thermometer. Occasionally wash down the sides of the pan with a clean pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar crystals that are clinging to the sides of the pan.

When the mixture reaches 305 degrees F, remove the pan from heat and dip the bottom of the pan into an ice bath for a few seconds to stop the candy from cooking. Add the extracts and food coloring and stir very gently with a wooden spoon so the color is evenly distributed.

Pour the syrup over the gummy worms and just over the stick. Cool the candy for at least 20 minutes.

Lift the lollipops off the silicone and either serve immediately or wrap in an airtight container.

Now, tell me I can't plan an awesome night of fun with a few close friends!

I was searching the Dish Network channel guide to see what suspenseful movies will be on for the remainder of September.

Wilton Cake Decorating Classes

2010-01-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Lindsay Pollard

Source: ezinearticles.com

Many humans accept heard of Wilton baking accumulation stores, adjustment books, and bounded classes. Not anybody knows that there is a Wilton Academy of Block Decorating and, last minute weekend breaks, Confectionary Art abreast Chicago, Illinois. This academy is accessible to anyone absorbed in Wilton block decorating, whether you are just alpha to analyze a new amusement or you are a professional.

The agents at the Wilton Academy are awful accomplished in the Wilton Method. The curriculum, which has been evolving for the accomplished 80 years, promotes both acceptable approaches and avant-garde developments. Wilton block decorating classes action participants:
applied experience,
feedback, and
new skills.

They encourage:
all-embracing excellence,
precision, and
artistic expression.

What is a Wilton Adept Class?

If you are absorbed in a accepted affidavit in block decorating, the adept chic will be the affairs for you. This Wilton block decorating advance lasts two weeks. It can be taken all at already or on weekends. The amount affairs teaches you:
How to accomplish 20 kinds of borders and 15 flowers,
How to architecture and adorn appropriate breach cakes, and
How to assemble a multi-tier marriage cake.

The adept chic is taken by beginners and professionals who wish to body or advance basal skills.

Is It Possible to Appear a Single-Day Program?

Some humans alone accept time for a individual class. Wilton block decorating classes are accessible as one to five-day courses or workshops. If you are absorbed in absorption on a specific skill, analyze their offerings of anterior and avant-garde courses. If you angular appear appropriate projects, these are covered in the branch programs.

What Courses are Offered?

For basal abilities appear an anterior Wilton block decorating chic accoutrement a individual address such as gum paste, amoroso art or isomalt design. Avant-garde classes awning capacity such as authoritative tiered cakes, amber art, decorating with gum paste, decorating with fondant, and Australian methods.

Workshops

A array of one-day and three-day workshops are offered at the Wilton School. Each day includes six hours of apprenticeship and practice, additional a one-hour break. Some of the programs that are offered from time to time are:
Baking and decorating affected for kids ages 10 and up,
Cupcake decorating design,
Mexican gelatin annual architecture technique,
Fondant decorating techniques,
How to broil cakes, tortes, and meringues, and
Introduction to icings and decorating.

When and Where are Classes Offered?

Classes are offered throughout the year. The Adept Chic is offered frequently, about every ages of the year. The exact area is Darien, Illinois, account abroad from city Chicago. The academy is next aperture to a ample Wilton aliment ability retail store.

Learn more about wilton cake decorating classes to take your skills to the next level. Whether you are a beginner or expert cake decorator who wishes to expand your understanding, discover more about the advantages of taking the world famous wilton cake decorating classes.

Entertainment Breaks In The Uk

2010-01-02T17:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Peter Joyner

Source: articledashboard.com

Entertainment breaks in the UK take many different forms and have evolved over the years to incorporate top-quality theatre productions, live music, celebrity appearances, cabaret-style shows and variety acts.

The choice of entertainment breaks now on offer, reflects a growing need among holidaymakers for exceptional entertainment.

Holiday resorts are now scaling-up the size and professionalism of their shows and entertainment on offer, to compete with the music and theatre of the West End and the weekend breaks that are available in London.

Many holiday resorts, such as Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk, now have their own in-house theatre groups that produce top-quality year-round entertainment and theatre productions for guests.

With professional dancers and choreographers, as well as elaborate set designs, costumes and acts, the shows and dances draw back the crowds year after year and ensure a satisfied and loyal customer base.

To comply with guest demand, entertainment breaks often now incorporate guest celebrity entertainers and high-calibre tribute acts in order to ensure, last minute weekend breaks, that the shows are up-to-date and can provide music from some of popular music's greatest names and acts.

As well as singing and dancing, audiences look for the complete entertainment package. Many resorts and holiday parks invite comic celebrities along for special evenings. However, a growing trend for securing in-house comedians has meant that many entertainment breaks now often provide comedy throughout the year.

Some holiday resorts have even incorporated new acts that are usually unavailable out of season, such as circus performers and extreme sports and performance displays.

Other resorts have ensured that popular television shows are transferred into tangible shows and displays that guests are keen to see live. For example, Simply Ballroom at Potters Leisure Resort - a spin-off from the television show Strictly Come Dancing, which features some of the show's performers.

Entertainment breaks in UK holiday resorts have therefore changed considerably from the classic images of in-house entertainment that resonated from shows such as Hi-De-Hi. Instead, the need for competitive, quality entertainment in today's market has ensured that many resorts now attract guests based purely on the shows and acts that they host.

By combining all these elements under one roof - with food, drink, leisure and accommodation included - entertainment breaks at UK holiday resorts are now some of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy the complete getaway.

Entertainment breaks in the UK have subsequently remained one of the most competitive holiday forms in the short-break market and continue to rival many of the budget short-break destinations that are now available abroad.

Where To Live

2010-01-01T09:06:00.001-08:00

Author: Dr. Randy Wysong

Source: isnare.com

It is common for young adults to look for greener pastures. With the whole world open to them, they think that surely they can do better than their parents. I was no exception. After graduating from college, I gathered up the family and went west. Colorado seemed like a beautiful place to live. There were mountains, milder winters, wilderness and lots of perfect skiing. It would be perfect.

But it was not long after I arrived that the giddiness subsided as I became swallowed up in the day-to-day activities of work and life. There was not much room to enjoy the romantic reasons for the move. In three years in Colorado, I skied twice.

One weekend I decided to take a backpacking trip with the family up the mountains into the 'wilderness.' After driving for four hours, we found ourselves on a two-lane highway of backpackers. I could have found more private natural areas ten minutes from my home back in Michigan.

The Rocky Mountains are an incredibly beautiful place and I am sure there are remote areas. I just didn't have the time to find them. Everyone, it seemed, was moving to Colorado for the same reasons I did and it was becoming more like a park than wilderness. This is not really to criticize Colorado, just to point out that problems - like the big city population one I tired of in Michigan - can follow you. To find a job in Colorado, I found myself in Denver, a city about fifty times bigger than my hometown.

Many people move because of social problems created by their own personality, or because of pickles they create by not thinking through life choices. Problems we create follow us. They don't shred and break off along the highway to a new destination.

Living away from where we have grown up is difficult for many people. It can be tough to develop a sense of belonging. The little things from home such as family, friends and familiar geography create a sense of security hard to duplicate elsewhere. Some scientists even argue that the unique magnetic, solar and lunar circumstances peculiar to the place of birth are implanted in us, creating a sense of uneasiness only resolved by migrating back home. These are the factors possibly underlying the homing mechanism in migrating animals.

When I moved back to Michigan, the sense of home was quite overwhelming. Other than in the mountains, there is not much color in the semi-arid desert on the eastern plains abutting the Rockies where all the big cities are. So as I drove into Michigan in the early summer, the green was overwhelming, like a verdant fluorescence bathing my eyes with soothing familiarity.

My new job was back in the college town from which I had fled. But that didn't last long either. It was but a few years before I moved back to the small city I was raised in. None of these moves were consciously to come home, but rather to follow career opportunities and to make visits to family easier. Nevertheless, it was a little humbling, even embarrassing, to find myself back at the starting line of the greener pasture quest I set out on several years earlier.

There was an unmistakable comfort in being back in the place of my childhood where all was familiar. By then I had also come to realize that happiness is something we make for ourselves within our little private sphere. Changing geography does not create it and may even stand in the way. An outsider in a new community is always at a disadvantage, to begin at least. I still fantasize that there must be, somewhere, that perfect place, last minute weekend breaks, to live that I'm missing out on. But I have come to respect the inherent draw of my place of birth and know that I cannot disengage from it with impunity.

On the other hand, we should not be afraid to explore and find circumstances more suited to our liking. For example, some people struggle with heat or cold and need to be where climate is more suited to them. For some, the only way to pursue a career they love is to move. So it is a matter of motive. If there are objective reasons that another place will help our happiness, that is one thing. If we believe location in and of itself creates success, makes decisions always correct, or solves personality problems, we will find ourselves as disappointed as standing in line trying to get tickets at a sold out Super Bowl game.

Life is something we create for ourselves and as such it has a way of following us around. The greenest grass is not likely in the distance. It is under our own feet if we nurture it properly.

Please, Don't Make Me Take A Vacation

2009-12-30T14:58:00.001-08:00

Author: Tom Attea

Source: isnare.com

"I never go on vacation," said a Manhattan real estate agent. "And when I do, I have my computer, my Palm, my e-mail and my cell phone with me at all times."

It seems that our tech toys have become the adult equivalent of an umbilical cord. So how can we live without them?

And what about now, when, as a good citizen, who also doesn't want to get arrested, you at least have to endure your plane trip without their nourishment and comfort? Let's do a checklist of tech tonics that can cause us to experience separation anxiety.

Your laptop. No more making the flight a window to catch up with your work or idle the time away with a video game. Even if you're reunited with the high-tech marvel after the flight, what if you're on a tropical island, marooned on the coconut garden without a high-speed Internet connection?

Your cell phone. No more last minute chats before takeoff or immediate reconnection on landing. How bereft can life get?

Your Palm or Blackberry. Can't take either of those on board either, and, as you know, out of phone numbers and email addresses, out of business, worse yet, cut off from your entire social life, at least, for the seemingly eternal length of the flight.

Your MP3 player. No, no, anything but that! How will your soul survive the deafening silence?

And the reluctance to separate from our tech tools isn't the only reason many Americans are reluctant to take the vacations they once flew out of their office chairs for. Most Americans also fret, in these days when what used to be called workaholic hours now seem more like half days, that the employer will use the occasion to replace, last minute weekend breaks, you with somebody who has shown promise of never needing something as irresponsible as a vacation, at least, not one that goes on and on for that long ago and faraway interlude of two weeks.

What's an exhausted and tense person to do? Here's our humble but functional answer. Most years we take long weekends, with only an occasional year in which we indulge in a flagrant week or two away from our day-to-day entanglements. We find the possibility of frequent breaks inviting, and we don't get taken out of our lives the way the extended vacations of yore used to separate us from our usual doings. We also find that most of the world is within reach during these three-day to five-day intervals.

Of course, if you're thinking of heading to Australia or the Far East, you may be doing little more than making a U-turn, so better reserve those destinations for the rare times when you dare a week or - dare we even mention the words? - two or even three weeks?

Then again, you can always decide to move to a vacation destination forever, especially when you compare the length of the idylls in other parts of what we loosely refer to as the civilized world.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, as of 2004, in the US full-time employees have 3.9 holiday and vacation weeks off a year, while in the UK they have 6.6 weeks, in France 7, and in Italy 7.9.

But do you really want to part with the good, young USA for an extended or everlasting break? For most of us the thought remains an occasion for separation anxiety that we simply can't endure.

Where on Earth, a Travel Journal

2009-12-29T12:00:00.001-08:00

Author: Donald Reese

Source: articleage.com

Hello, and welcome. This month's report takes us to the western U.S. state of Oregon and some fantastic snowboarding. First a little background on the state of Oregon itself. Begin with a little prehistory by following this link to learn about Oregon and the Columbia plateau. Your journey begins with incredible lava flows, volcanic activity and great rains which formed the diverse landscape we now know as Oregon.
Our travels begin very early, o-dark early, did I mention no sleep the night before early...you get the picture. Jesse and I leave home about 3:30 am and head south for the Miami International Airport to begin our trek westward. Even at this early hour heavy traffic was present on the ever under construction roadways of South Florida. The flight westward did leave on time and security screening, sometimes a hassle at MIA went quite smooth. Great! The trip is off to a smooth start. We arrive at DFW on time, and with our connecting gate for the Portland flight immediately adjacent to us, everything appears to be proceeding much better than planned. Skies, for the most part were clear and the air quite smooth making for a pleasant flight. From our seats we can even peer out the window from time to time and see the mountain ski resorts near Sante Fe New Mexico and Salt Lake City Utah, wow! As we begin our descent I am able to catch a glimpse of a magnificent peak penetrating the cloud bank near Portland. The words awe inspiring come immediately to mind...Mt Hood...our destination, and I hope...not my final one.
After deplaning the aircraft, which I have to admit was not the most comfortable I have ever flown on, we proceed to baggage claim and are pleasantly surprised to see both our snowboards and equipment awaiting us at the oversize baggage door. Next step, off to the rental car desk, gotta love this 3 hour time difference, it's only 11:30 am! As we head onto I84 heading eastbound, the wind and the rain begin to pick up substantially, this is the Pacific Northwest you always hear about right...wind, rain, clouds...? We don't care though, because for us it means fresh powder! The drive is an easy one, merely forty eight miles from airport to Hood River. This highway we are on meanders along the Columbia River, and judging from some of the terrain I am able to sneak a peek at thru the rain and clouds, it is rather impressive. As we follow the Lewis and Clark trail ever eastward, the Columbia looks quite impressive as well as imposing with the wind driven rain creating whitecaps, and large swells on the surface as the river winds it's way into the Columbia River Gorge.
As we arrive in Hood River, Jesse is sound asleep and I am wearing thin as this very long day continues to, like the river meander on. But alas, with a few quick twists and turns, our map leads us to our destination, atop a small hill overlooking vast peach orchards. Our bed and breakfast is a two story cabin, with a finished basement. The main floor has two bedrooms, a communal living and breakfast room, and a wonderful outdoor patio. The upper floor includes 3 bedrooms and a single bath. This presents no problem; however, as this weekend, we are the only guests. After meeting Linda, one of the co-owners of our quaint B&B, we decide to venture out into town in search of some much needed nourishment.
After perusing the town a bit, we settled into a brew pub named the Big Horse brew pub. No equine on the menu, but some delicious burgers fill our hungry stomachs. The view from our table is quite beautiful, the town, the river, the bridge and even a few windsurfers venturing out. What happens next though is quite awe inspiring...the sun begins to peak thru the clouds creating a double rainbow, that ends in the river below us. What a way to bring our day to a close. We head back to our lodging, and after a short chat with the other owner, Lee, we climb into our comfy beds totally exhausted, yet looking forward to our day on the mountain tomorrow. As day two of our journey begins, we get to experience the other B in B&B, that being breakfast, and to our delight, it is exceptional! Going downstairs we are greeted by the aroma of hot coffee, a wide variety of teas, and several fresh fruit juices from which to choose. Fresh breads, rolls, butter and jams also await our hungry insides. Following these delights we are presented with a menu of fresh items we may include in our omelettes, accompanied by Canadian bacon, both sweet and hot sausages, and melt in your mouth home fries. Mouth waters even now as I think back on this outstanding breakfast. We will definitely not be hungry or in need of any energy bars this day as we conquer the slopes...and our own bodies. After a gracious farewell from our hosts, we set forth toward the mountain.
The weather is still dreary, a bit cold and rainy, but the drive to our destination for today, Timberline Ski Resort, is uneventful. A two lane road follows the Hood River for most of the drive, as it winds it's way through various orchards in the foothills before beginning it's steady climb to higher altitudes. Due to the cloud cover, we still have not had any direct view of the mountain itself, and we have become a bit worried as we proceed onward, as snow snow has been seen anywhere. Did we make a fatal mistake? Is it much too late in the season? Did that internet website we looked at before departing deceive us in any way? All our fears are aleved though, as we round the final turn and begin our last climb toward the resort. Where the ground behind us was merely wet, the ground to our left and right is now deeply covered in frozen precip...aka snow. We round a bend, turn into the parking lot and then...a break in the clouds. WOW! The upside down ice cream cone reaching toward the heavens is directly ahead. What an awe inspiring sight... As soon as the awe subsides, slightly, the tingle in the back of my neck begins... Would, last minute weekend breaks, I still have a neck that tingles in a few short hours from now? Would we conquer this mountain of white...or would it conquer us? Six hours later, bruised and beaten, we make our final run for the day, and what a wonderful day it turned out to be. Fresh powder, deep snow, over 180 inches plus, a wide variety of challenging runs and trails has made for a perfect day of boarding. Could Mt. Hood Meadows, our choice for the final two days of our winter vacation be any better? What a great day this has been.
We drag our weary bodies back to town and once again have an enjoyable dinner. As we get ready to settle in for the evening, our host and his close friend inform us that they have started a campfire for us to enjoy out behind the B&B and ask us to join them for some marshmallows and some interesting conversation about their travels. Soon, thereafter, we both collapse into our beds with smiles on our faces, food in our tummies, and stiffness in our joints as we prepare ourselves for the next two days.
The snow boarding at Mt Hood Meadows turns out to be superb! It is, without a doubt, one of the finest resorts, which are numerous, that we have ever had the pleasure to visit. The terrain varies widely from bunny slopes for the beginners, to some of the most challenging, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, I have ever ventured this weary body on. For the snowboarders, numerous terrain parks are scattered throughout complete with jumps of all sizes, rails and very well groomed half pipes. The skies, turned out to be, clear, crystal clear, on both days and the temperature continued to climb throughout the course. We even were able to take off our ski jackets the final day and wear only our light shirts, and of course, much sunscreen, as the sun's rays are very damaging at this altitude and time of year...old story...I'll tell ya about it someday. This, my friends, is LIVING!
Our final day begins early, what else is new, and the next thing we know we are on the road back to Portland and the airport. Where has the time gone? Must we leave so soon? I guess we must, as I have to get back to work, and Jesse to school as Spring Break is coming to an end. We are sad to see the mountain in the background as we pull onto the highway. We have not conquered it, no one really does. We have though, taken a piece of it with us forever, in our memories and that is enough to put a smile on both of our faces. Someday we will once again return.
The airport ahead...the nightmare awaits us... I am certain I had checked the flights just a few days ago. Wide open, lots of empty seats, no problem getting home, or so I thought. I did not realize when planning our trip that Spring Break for Oregon residents was just beginning on the day we chose to leave. After checking our bags to Miami and passing through security screening I was soon to find this detail out. All flights full! All flights, all day, all locations, and just about all airline full, actually oversold. This was not good. What to do? Normally if a flight is oversold, we sometimes have a chance of getting on it, last minute, especially using a higher priority as we chose to use this day. After waiting thru two flights that left and seeing our name dropping on the standby listings, instead of rising I knew we had to make alternate plans. I called my wife on the cell phone and together we pulled our resources to try and find Jesse and I a way home. It just seemed all flights were full, on all airlines that day, in Portland, as well as Seattle, which I was willing to drive us to in order to catch a flight. Finally, after many hours I finally found us a way out of Portland. We would have to wait until 8 pm that night, but a flight was heading for San Francisco on Horizon Airlines that did have some seats available. We didn't hesitate in buying some tickets on this flight. But we did have quite some time to wait. We ate, we slept, we ate some more, we walked around, read, and finally after 10 hours in the airport we boarded our flight. I never felt so good as we broke ground as I did that day, knowing that we were moving forward, even if only a slight amount. We arrived in San Francisco without incident; however, our flight on American to Miami was not departing, until seven the next morning. Only problem, to insure we would get seats on this flight, we needed to check in for this flight at about 4 am, as we had no computer access if we left the airport. So once again, we found some seats and slept, if you could call it that. Nonetheless, we did get on the flight at seven and finally arrived home in Miami at about 8 pm that night. Tired, worn, beaten, bruised, smelling like you know what, we picked up our car and headed for the 2 hour drive to our home...With a smile on our face...That wasn't so bad...was it, let's do it again...next year :)
Please visit Travel-Ascending.com, http://www.travel-ascending.com for more news and articles.
Donald Reese, aviator, travel-agent, and travel author shares his adventures/misadventures as he explores our world.
http://www.travel-ascending.com

50 Things to do to your Boss that are Fun for you, but not forthem

2009-12-28T06:58:00.001-08:00

Author: Dawnell Harrison

Source: articleage.com

1. You're eavesdropping and you hear your boss has reservations
at his favorite restaurant. You know, the one you can't afford.
Call them back and cancel his reservations - say you're his wife.

2. Have a friend of yours make an anonymous call to your boss
saying that they know what he has been up to, possess
incriminating pictures, and hang up. It will scare the bejesus
out of him.

3. Put chocolate ex-lax in your manager's chocolate licorice.
Not only will you feel better, it may wipe that constipated look
off of his face too.

4. Call the local Mormon or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
church and ask that they visit your house soon, only give them
your manager's home address.

5. Every time your boss asks you a question, just look at him
and say "interesting" and go back to what you were working on.

6. Take your eyeliner and smears it in his chair when he's not
looking. His wife will feel needed when she has to heartily
scrub and wash his pants.

7. Turn the pictures on his desk upside down and act overly
sweet and innocent when he asks if you know why they are like
that.

8. When your boss goes to the bathroom, turn his computer off.
When he asks you if you know what happened, say that you don't
and it must have just crashed or something. Smile like the
Cheshire cat.

9. Enlist a friend to deliver papers appearing to be legal
documents that insinuate he is being sued for 4 million dollars.
Put word "joke" on the last page of the 20-page document. It
will be fun to watch beads of sweat form on his brow.

10. Remove all toilet paper from the men's bathroom and put it
in the women's. Shake your head in disapproval of the janitorial
help in your office when your boss complains about it.

11. Put your boss on all of the mailing lists of his most
detested organizations and clubs. When he asks you to call and
have them remove him from the lists, say of course, and never do
it.

12. Replace the vodka in the liquor cabinet with water. You're
doing him a favor, really you are. When he comments that his
vodka tastes like water, respond smartly by saying that it
appears that just about everyone is cutting corners these days.

13. When he comments that the coffee is too weak or too strong,
ask, in a serious tone, if he is sure that his taste buds
haven't, last minute weekend breaks, changed.

14. When your boss mentions a particular food that he does not
like, purchase that item repeatedly and eat it in front of him.
Put your garbage from that food into his garbage can, so that
the smell will linger in his office.

15. When you arrive late, move all clocks back. When you want to
leave early, move all clocks forward. Pretend that all the
batteries need to be replaced.

16. When your boss inquires about your weekend, say you went sky
diving and to Italy. He will hopefully get your sarcasm and not
ask again.

17. When your manager inquires as to what your favorite TV show
is, reply that it is a child's show like Sesame Street. Say it
like you mean it.

18. Out of the blue, say you have an emergency appointment with
your astrologer and it is important that you leave now because
your charts are waiting!

19. For your manager's birthday, hire a palm reader to read your
manager's palm. Pay them an extra $50 to say "Oh My" in the
middle of the reading and not be able to continue.

20. Grind up leaves from your backyard that look like pot, put
into a baggie, and send it to your boss. Stand there while he
opens it and gasp when the contents are revealed. Say "it is
none of my business" and walk out of the room.

21. Call the fire department and pretend you are in the office
next door to yours and exclaim there is a massive inferno in the
building next to yours. It is guaranteed to raise your manager's
blood pressure a few points or more when the firemen arrive.

22. Time your manager when he goes out to run personal errands
and comment that he took an exceptionally long break when he
returns.

23. Run into the office exclaiming to your manager that his car
has a huge dent in the side! Walk outside with him when he goes
out to examine it. After he looks it over thoroughly and asks
you what you saw because he can't see it, apologize that it must
have just been the way the light was reflecting on it that made
it appear that way.

24. Exclaim how sorry you are that your manager's grandmother
died over the weekend and that you read about it in the
obituaries. Declare that it must have been somebody with the
same name when he says he has no idea what you are talking about
and begins frantically dialing his grandmother.

25. Superglue two middle pages of your manager's favorite book
and return to the shelf. He will find it after the glue has
permanently set.

26. When you are simply not in the mood to get out of your
chair, proclaim that the copier is broken when your boss asks
for copies to be made. If your manager attempts to make copies
on his own and exclaims it works just fine, jam a paper clip in
the innards of the copy machine when nobody is looking.

27. When your boss asks you what you would like for secretaries'
day, first of all, reply that you are not a secretary. Request
that he answers the phone on that day as well as having all of
your whims fulfilled that are of inconceivable proportions.

28. Using desktop publishing, relabel a can of bug spray as
vanilla air freshener and place in men's bathroom.

29. Call in sick and leave a message on the company's voice
mail. State that you are ill due to the overwhelming imbalance
of wealth and power within the company's structure and your
illness should subside once you are paid what you are worth.

30. When your boss asks for a donation to his son's little
league fund, ask what the minimum amount is that you can donate
in order to keep your job.

31. When your boss invites you to the company Christmas party,
matter-of-factly state that you'd prefer to spend it with rabid
dogs and wild monkeys, but proclaim your sincere thanks just the
same.

32. Stockpile in your office your manager's favorite type of pen
so that he is constantly bewildered as to where they are
disappearing and continues to order new boxes of pens repeatedly.

33. During your yearly review, exclaim that you would just like
to discuss your raise and not your manager's suggestions or
comments. Also, add that you do have a list of improvements for
him that you'd like to share.

34. Find boss's buttons and push them. If it is his weight, ask
if he has gained weight or do those clothes just make him look
fat?

35. Announce at the next company birthday (cake eating in the
lunchroom) that the boss is giving everyone a 10% raise. When
your manager pulls you into his office to discuss this, say that
he sure is losing his sense of humor in his old age.

36. Stack all incoming unwanted sales related faxes and printed
e-mails on your manager's desk and connect all sales related
calls to him, especially the stock brokers. When your manager
comments that he would like you to screen all sales related
material and calls, comment that you thought he was open to new
ideas and new people and didn't realize he was so introverted.

37. After next company announcement of a marriage or pregnancy,
proclaim that you are getting married and having a child, but
not necessarily in that order.

38. When company phone bill gets passed around asking you to
highlight your personal calls, always state that you would never
do that and never highlight anything. Say your family and
friends all reside in Tasmania.

39. As soon as your boss returns from a vacation, ask where he
went and always state that you vacationed there a few years ago
and how fantastic it was.

40. Five minutes into the weekly company meeting, excuse
yourself to go to the restroom and return twenty minutes later
when it is wrapping up.

41. When the boss is out of town, forward the phones to your
house and take a nap. Run back to the office if something needs
to be done.

42. Position a cup of coffee on your manager's desk so that when
he sits down, you can pretend to fumble for papers on his desk
and easily knock it onto his lap. State that you hope it isn't
hot and that no third degree burns are inflicted.

43. If you are single, place your grandmother's antique diamond
ring on your married finger on the left hand. When boss asks you
if anything new has happened to you recently after he clearly
notices your ring, state nonchalantly "no, not really." If you
are married, remove your wedding ring and state the same answer
when asked the same question.

44. On casual dress day, wear a bathing suit top and the
shortest shorts that you own. When you are called into your
boss's office to discuss this, ask for a list that defines the
parameters of the casual dress day code.

45. Circulate an anonymous memo that this coming Friday is
fetish day so dress appropriately. Add that a $100 prize will be
awarded to the freakiest costume.

46. After your boss gives you an overwhelmingly long list of
items for you to complete, ask if he'd like for you to wipe his
ass as well.

47. Take items out of your manager's sack lunch. When he
comments on this phenomenon, reply that society is degenerating
at an unbelievable rate.

48. When you manager asks you how your day is going, be honest.
Say, well, if people that worked for this company weren't so
dysfunctional and psychotic, it might be a marginally average
place of employment.

49. When your boss says "good morning", quickly reply, "Oh is
it?"

50. Once a week, send an anonymous email to your boss that is
spiteful in nature. To kick it off, the first one should simply
read, "you are pond scum."

Radical Recovery

2009-12-27T00:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Deanna R. Davis, Ph.D.

Source: articleage.com

I'm sure I am not alone. Others have, no doubt, experienced a
fate similar to mine at some point in their lives. Here's what
happened: My husband and I had traveled to one of our favorite
cities with my sister and her husband to spend two days painting
the town a rather striking shade of red, which I have dubbed
"crimson with brick undertones." We were concluding our stay
with a fabulous evening out--dinner and a trip to the theater.

The previous evening's festivities had ended at around 3:00
a.m., understandably compromising the potential for a good
night's sleep. And, as is often the case during town-painting
marathons, none of us had been adhering to a healthy diet by any
stretch of the imagination. Likewise, we were having way too
much fun to take a break for our accustomed workouts. But, life
is short and so are weekends away. So, we valiantly charged
ahead with the evening's plans, lacking a certain amount of
energy and focus.

We felt exhausted and it showed. Truth be told, we looked like
something the cat had only considered dragging in, but after
careful deliberation, had decided to leave in a distasteful and
unflattering pile out on the lawn. I guarantee you that my
sister and her husband will be calling me as they read this,
objecting to this unfair representation of their appearance that
night. That is why I'm not answering my cell phone now or ever
again. But I know the truth of the situation, and now, so do
you.

Despite our ragged appearance, we had committed to our final
tour through the night life, so we set out on our journey. We
started at an artsy little Italian restaurant, where we consumed
what I can only describe as a bakery case full of artisan
breads, which we washed down with heaps and heaps of pasta. We
left for the theater full, happy, and a bit tipsy on
carbohydrates.

Since it was our last night together, we shared a toast to one
another and headed in to see the show. We were awestruck by the
theater itself--ornately decorated and a sight to behold. We
eagerly anticipated what we knew would be a memorable
performance. And indeed, the first fifteen minutes of it was
extremely memorable. Great music, dancing, and special effects.
I was intrigued,, last minute weekend breaks, then impressed. And then, I was unconscious. In
fact, we all were.

Well, maybe not totally unconscious. We had all entered that
state you might recall from middle school when your history
class was held right after lunch and you had the frequent
privilege of watching dry black and white films in a warm, dark
classroom. Such situations are no friend to alertness or
attentiveness. We bravely, and collectively, fought off sleep.
After all, the show was great, and this was our last big hurrah
in the big city. Even more motivating was the fact that we had
nearly required a co-signor to afford the tickets in the first
place.

That being said, just think for a moment about the math equation
here. Four exhausted people minus sleep, healthy food, and
workouts, plus six thousand tons of carbohydrates (more or
less). Add to that one glass of good cheer each, subtract every
molecule of light in a dark, warm, cocoon-like theater, and what
is your result? It equals four reluctantly slumbering
show-goers. We had effectively emerged as the world champion
head-bobbing team.

You know what I'm talking about here. It was one of those times
when you think you're awake but you actually keep hopelessly
sinking into mini-coma states, much to your dismay. So, we would
begrudgingly alternate between what felt like an REM sleep cycle
and a startled state of semi-consciousness. For all I know,
Beethoven's Fifth could have been booming in the background,
with each of our heads taking part in an intricately, if not
disturbingly, choreographed ballet. One that no one would really
want to see.

When the show was over, we stumbled from the theater in a mass
of yawns and blinks. Through drowsy eyes, we looked at each
other saying, "That was good. I think." That night, we learned a
valuable and rather unfortunate lesson. Both the body and the
brain require recovery time, whether you're working hard or
playing hard. And, if you don't provide them the necessary rest
and rejuvenation they need, they will seek these things out at
the most inopportune times, like during a highly anticipated
evening out.

Building adequate recovery time into your life is one great
technique for supporting peak performance and yielding better
results in your life. It is just one of the many topics covered
in Chapter four of Living With Intention. Here are a few ideas
for building more recovery time into your life:

1) Time-outs

Time outs, or regular breaks throughout your day, are one of the
most basic forms of recovery. They help you calm your mind and
relax your body. You may have heard of the term "circadian
rhythms," which are the body's natural system for regulating
your sleep and wake cycles. You are probably less familiar with
the term "ultradian rhythms," which are the energy and focus
cycles you experience throughout the day. Research shows that
your body experiences about 90 to 120 minutes of strong focus
and high energy, followed by a 20-minute low point where you may
feel less motivated, less energetic, and have difficulty
concentrating. These rhythms are built in to prompt us to take a
quick break from whatever we are doing to refresh ourselves both
mentally and physically so that we can continue to perform well
and yield positive results.

Start taking "time outs" every 90 to 120 minutes throughout the
day, even if they are brief, seemingly insignificant amounts of
time. Take a walk around the office. Practice deep breathing for
a minute or two. Step outside and chat with a co-worker.
Actually take your lunch break. Tell a joke. Read a quick
article. Make a phone call to someone you care about. Whatever
you can do to separate yourself from your work and your stress
even for a few minutes will help refresh you, recharge your
batteries, and reorient your mind to what needs to be done.

2) Reset Buttons

It's true that sometimes you will be absolutely be under the gun
with a deadline, a crisis, or an overwhelming volume of
deliverables. That is what can make life both exciting and
challenging at times. What do you do then, when it's not
practical to take structured recovery time? First, you need to
evaluate whether this is truly one of those circumstances, or
whether you are just falling into old patterns by thinking,
"there's no rest for the weary." If you truly have to push
through a period of time without significant recovery time, and
you have made a conscious decision to keep going while the going
is tough, it's time to turn to rituals or habits that provide
built-in recovery time for your brain and your body.

To do this, just identify one or two positive, energy-enhancing
rituals that you can perform without thinking or needing to
exercise any free will. These will be your reset buttons. Then,
over the course of three or four weeks, practice your reset
several times a day to make sure that you have mastered it and
that you can utilize it any time you need a focus or energy
"pick me up." Your ritual might be stretching or breathing in a
certain way, saying a calming phrase to yourself several times,
or performing a simple movement. You can choose any action that
will work for you as a reset button. In general, reset buttons
take less than a minute. Let's get real--if you can't find a
minute to recharge your batteries, you are really in trouble.

I have had clients whose reset buttons involve lying on the
floor for one minute with their feet on their chair, running in
place for 15 seconds when they feel like...well...like they're
running in place, or saying a mantra or singing a few bars of a
motivating song in their mind. Whatever it is that serves as a
reset button for you, choose one or two rituals that can help
you use that reset today. Within a couple of weeks, with regular
practice, your reset button will be both automatic and renewing.

3) Work-free Zones

The final practice of building recovery time into your life is
setting iron-clad times and spaces that are work-free zones. You
get to decide what that means to you but, in general, everyone
needs to be able to look forward to periods of time and places
where they can relish in the rest and rejuvenation that comes
from a significant time out. To do this, you will choose a
combination of evenings, weekends, holidays, vacations, or other
key times to designate as work-free zones.

Accomplished success coaches and peak performance experts
advocate the need for rest or recovery time as a key practice
for achieving great outcomes in all areas of your life. What
these practitioners have found, over many years of work with
their clients, is that increased time off leads to greater
productivity, better results, and often even more income. What a
concept! This suggests that the more effectively you use your
time away from work to truly rest and recover, the better the
results you will have while you are there. You need rest
opportunities to disconnect and disengage from work in order to
effectively navigate the demands of work and life, and to feel
good in the process. Give it a try and notice the tremendous
benefits this practice will yield for you.

These three strategies--Time-outs, Reset Buttons, and Work-free
Zones--are powerful tools for experiencing radical recovery on a
regular basis.

NOTE: You are welcome to use this article online in electronic
newsletters and e-zines as long as it remains complete and
unaltered (including the "about the author" info). If use of
this article is desired in print, you must first contact Deanna
Davis at Deanna@appliedinsight.net

Copyright 2005 Deanna R. Davis, PhD

Spanish League - Barcelona Postpones Celebration After 3-3 Draw

2009-12-25T13:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Audrey Nolan

Source: articlesbase.com

Barcelona was about to celebrate their title Championship of La Liga as they were winning the match 3-1, when Villarreal scored two surprising goals almost at the end of the game. With 18 minutes left and with more than 95.000 fans at the Camp Nou Stadium, BarÃ§a fans and team were already celebrating their victory and title since they were two goals ahead at that moment, but something they were not expecting happened. Villarrealâ€™s effort was very remarkable, even though Barcelona was at home, they did not surrender at them and they fought until the end; the result was positive for them as the game ended in a 3-3 draw, after having been losing most of the game. Seydou Keita's was the man who opened the score for BarÃ§a at the beginning of the game but ten minutes later it was leveled by Joseba Llorente. With a winning spirit, the Catalans took the lead of the game again at minute 36 with a goal by Samuel Etoâ€™o and later to make the lead secure, Daniel Alves scored at minute 45 and the team went to the halftime break with a victory feeling. During the second half, BarÃ§a didnâ€™t show their usual intensity and effectiveness; they just tried to defend themselves to maintain the lead of the game, but at minute 78 Mati Fernandez converted the second goal for his team â€" a penalty shot after Eric Abidal was sent off leaving BarÃ§a with 10 men â€" but this did not scare the local team much since they were still winning the game 3-2. The big surprise came two minutes into injury time when Joseba Llorente scored the last goal to equalize the game when there was not time left for Catalans to do something about it. An imminent silence reigned in the crowd, who suddenly had to stop the celebration. "It is a real shame we couldn't celebrate the title with all the people who came to the stadium today," admitted BarÃ§a Coach Pep Guardiola."We did the same thing (scoring a late goal) at Stamford Bridge (in the Champions League semi-final) with Iniesta and today it was Llorente. We have to pick ourselves up quickly, put a smile on our faces and prepare for the Kings Cup final on Wednesday." It seems that the recent matches that Barcelona had against Chelsea and Real Madrid had left the team a little tired and without the condition that we are used to see in the BarÃ§a. In addition, this Wednesday final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic de Bilbao would put more pressure on the team as they will have to make an extra effort since Andres Iniesta had an injury in his right thigh that will make him miss this game. The team has yet to analyze how serious this injury is, but their hoping to have Iniesta back for the final of the UEFA Champions League against, last minute weekend breaks, Manchester United, which will be held on May 27 at Rome. BarÃ§a is now just one point away from their 19th La Liga title, and they will probably make it on the weekend in the game against Mallorca.

About the Author
Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer on Spanish League Soccer and sports action for the online sportsbetting: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

PR Crisis Management - Tell It All, Tell It Fast And Tell The Truth

2009-12-24T06:59:00.001-08:00

Author: John Hicks

Source: download

I turned on the television news recently to learn that one of our top football teams may have lost an important match because of illness, the story being brought to us by a reporter stationed outside the hotel where the players enjoyed lunch prior to the game.
In the car, this was the lead story on the radio news with the story read by a reporter, again said to be outside the hotel. He confirmed that the Police had collected samples from the restaurant to pass onto the health authorities.
Guess what? The story was also the lead in the tabloid newspapers sat on my desk when I reached the office. Photographs of the hotel in question usually supported the story.
As a public relations professional, I reflected on what the hotel's PR people are going through this morning. This is a prestigious hotel group with a well-crafted brand image of quality at the premium end of the market. Here they are, in the spotlight for all the wrong sort of reasons!
They will surely have a documented Crisis Management Plan or, in softer terms, a PR Communications Plan. But it is not only global companies who need to devise a plan in advance. Being in business, or even running a not-for-profit organisation, exposes everyone to the risk of a PR crisis.
No organisation is very far from crises and their resulting media attention. Their reputation can be washed away or seriously damaged in an instant. A crisis is any situation that threatens the integrity or reputation of your company, usually brought on by adverse or negative media attention.
These situations can be any kind of legal dispute, theft, accident, fire, flood or manmade disaster that could be attributed to your company. It can also be a situation where in the eyes of the media or general public your company did not react to one of the above situations in the appropriate manner. This definition is not all encompassing but rather is designed to give you an idea for the types of situations where you may need to follow this plan.
Crisis management is a complex subject, but here are five tips to get you started. And, start, you must.
1. Don't wait. Many organisations only get their crisis plans underway once a disaster has struck. Instead, brainstorm possible scenarios or types of disasters that could happen, and start planning for them. In fact, I have found this to be a positive process as bringing together key executives to share ideas and examine scenarios often brings out a range of issues that they can take forward.
2. Realise that crises take a wide range of shapes. As I say, this can be anything from the hotel's crisis to a legal dispute getting out, last minute weekend breaks, of hand to customer dissatisfaction aired on the Internet. I even recall a weekend phone call from a Scout leader whose campsite had been washed away in storms with some children being injured; the media were on the telephone badgering her for the story! They will all require slightly different responses. Brainstorm and prepare for as many as you can imagine.
3. Develop a PR communications plan. A barrage of media attention may swamp you within minutes of the news breaking. Also, think about how you will get information out to staff, supporters & investors, and customers - yes, remember to get your side of the story out to customers as soon as you can. Internal communication is as important as communication to the general public.
A physical plan has to do with getting everyone out of the building in case of an earthquake. A communications plan involves identifying a spokesperson, developing press releases, setting up a media hotline, and finding a place where you can have a press conference.
4. Be prepared to speak to the media and to your constituents. Even if you can't say much because your lawyer is concerned about liability, plan to say what you can as soon as you can. Be concerned, show concern, speak concern, and always tell the truth. That doesn't mean you have to tell everything all at once, but never, never lie.
5. Provide media training for senior management. Do this before a disaster strikes. Make it a regular part of board and senior employee training. Media training needn't cost a lot if you have someone on your board working in public relations or someone who is a member of the media. The key is to do it regularly so that new people are always trained and others don't grow stale.
Don't delay your crisis planning. Don't ruin your hard-won reputation by handling difficult situations badly! The directors and PR team of that hotel this morning went to bed last evening little knowing the blast of unwelcome publicity that was facing them this morning. Hopefully, their PR Communications Plan will be a trusted aide today!
Suggested reading
1. "Crisis in Organizations: Managing and Communicating in the Heat of Crisis," by Laurence Barton.
2. "You'd Better Have a Hose if You Want to Put Out the Fire: The Complete Guide to Crisis and Risk Communications," by Rene A. Henry.
John Hicks is a Marketing and Press & Public Relations Consultant supporting small to medium sized businesses in the UK. He specialises in the manufacturing, leisure and retail sectors. His company is Headline Promotions Press & PR.

Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival - Culinary Treats, Arts and Entertainment

2009-12-23T01:10:00.001-08:00

Author: Susanne Pacher

Source: articleage.com

There is no doubt that Canada is a northern country and that our winters here in Toronto can sometimes be a little harsh. But that's no reason to hold anyone back from getting out there and enjoying the city to the fullest.
To ease the winter blues, the City of Toronto has developed a series of special events dedicated to bringing the city to life in the middle of winter. The WinterCity Festival is a city-wide celebration of Toronto's culinary offerings (the popular Winterlicious restaurant promotion), a wide variety of free entertainment events and a showcase of Toronto's vibrant arts scene, featuring live music, dance, theatre, spectacle shows, rink-side concerts and even aerial acrobatic performances. Throw in a number of child-friendly events, and WinterCity has something for everyone in the family.
I had a chance to talk to Grant Ramsey from the City of Toronto who is one of the key people behind WinterCity and he is providing a much more detailed overview of all the special events, artistic and culinary treats on offer.
1. Please give us an overview of Toronto's WinterCity Festival. When did it come into being? When and where is it held?
This year will be the fourth WinterCity held. Prior to the name change, it was called WinterFest, which took place on one weekend. Since expanding the festival, it now runs for two-weeks and is held primarily at Nathan Phillips Square from, Jan. 27 to Feb. 9
2. Please tell us more about the "Wild on Winter Series".
The Wild on Winter Series (WOW!) combines some of the best performances in Toronto. Two large outdoor spectacle shows, "Walk the Plank" and "Il Corso", which take place on Saturday and Sundays of both weekends, feature some of the best pyrotechnic, special effects and sound displays in North America. Other WOW! Series performers include, stellar Canadian talent presenting the best in dance and live music all at Nathan Phillips Square.
3. Please tell us more about the "Warm-up Series"? Where does it take place, what events does it include?
The Warm up series offers great discounted events at some of Toronto's hottest destinations. For those who just can't brave the cold, The Warm Up Series offer excellent interactive entertainment at The Toronto Eaton Centre and other venues around the city.
Toronto Eaton Centre Schedule: - Spin Cycle Monday, January 30: 12:30 & 5:30 pm The international vaudevillian duo of Greg Tarlin and Kristi Heath combine their talents as award-winning circus performers, Second City comedy veterans and skilled writers to engage, amaze and entertain with skills that include juggling, unicycling, stilt dancing and more.
- The Silk Road Acrobats Three Man Acrobats & Hula Hoop Act Tuesday, January 31: 12:30 & 5:30 pm This performance combines the grace, delicacy and poise of the Chinese acrobatic tradition with the power and athleticism of Russian acrobatics. Three professional acrobats perform multiple towers, falls and strength poses along with an up-beat performance using a multiple hoop apparatus.
- The Silk Road Acrobats Seven Man Acrobats & The Female Contortion Duo Wednesday, February 1: 12:30 & 5:30 pm Professional acrobats perform an amazing group demonstration of strength, coordination, group dynamic and impeccable timing. While balancing delicate vases on their hands and feet, the acrobatic female duo perform graceful contortions and remarkable poses, creating an effect that is truly enchanting.
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Dy-no-mite" Thursday, February 2 & Saturday, February 4, 12:30 & 5:30 pm A two-woman high energy aerial show with a sassy disco flair. Performed to hits from the 70s, like Disco Inferno, Ring My Bell and Macho Man, the show features aerial straps, a swinging ladder and trapeze. Throw in some audience participation, acrobatics and a kick-ball change or two, and you have a spectacle like no other.
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Impressed" Friday, February 3 & Sunday, February 5: 12:30 & 5:30 pm Witness aerial dance artistry, superior and surprising manipulations, and skills that seem to defy gravity. Wonder and marvel as these two breathtaking airborne lovelies perform startling acrobatic feats. Events & Shows hosted by some of Toronto's top attractions
Don't miss this series of special WinterCity events at Toronto's top urban destinations. For more details, contact each attraction directly.
4. Please tell us about the WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.
WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People Meet four ordinary kids coping with the ups and downs of their lives. Paige, the popular yet insecure girl. Adam the tough bully who is also a budding artist, shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to become invisible and Charla the new girl who wants to be everybody's friend. (recommended for ages 9-12)
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2 pm Kids and adults WinterCity price just $12 each. Regular price $15-20 each 165 Front Street East 416-862-2222 www.lktyp.ca
6. You also have an event planned that involves "Franklin the Turtle", "Elliot Moose" and the CN Tower. Please tell us more about that.
Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose & friends visit the CN Tower Join Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and their author friends, Elizabeth MacLeod, Irene Luxbacher and Aubrey Davis, at the CN Tower. Enjoy winter crafts, no-bake chocolate recipes, storytelling and more.
This fun filled event is included with your special CN Tower coupon admission of 3 people for $30
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 11 am - 4 pm 3 people for $30 301 Front Street West 416-868-6937 For full details on this event please visit, www.cntower.ca
6. You also offer special free skating events, beer tastings, a big band event, discounted opera events and theatre performances, please provide an overview of those.
DJ Skating Night @ Harbourfront Slide down to Harbourfront's beautiful rink and skate to music including house, progressive and breaks with DJs Phantasm, Simon Jain and Tommy Gunners!
Free hot chocolate! Skate rentals, sharpening, lockers, snacks and drinks all available.
Friday, February 3, 2006 8-11 pm FREE 235 Queens Quay West, South of York Quay Centre 416-973-4000 www.harbourfrontcentre.com
A Bite before Twilight Under 30? Join the Canadian Opera Company for a feast of traditional Bavarian fare at the exciting Bier Markt Esplanade and a quick update of "the story so far" before gorging on the dramatic final installment of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle - The Twilight of the Gods (G๖tterdไmmerung). Meet other young opera lovers and fortify yourselves with beer and worst, fine food and good cheer in preparation for the experience of a lifetime.
Saturday, February 4, 2006 $60 for opera ticket and meal (includes taxes and gratuity) 4 pm dinner Bier Markt 58 The Esplanade www.thebiermarkt.com
6 pm performance of G๖tterdไmmerung Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts 1 Front St. E. www.coc.ca To order tickets, call: Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262
A Return to the Golden Era of Swing at Casa Loma Dance the night away in one of Toronto's most beautiful rooms with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. Resembling a Mediterranean Courtyard, Casa Loma's The Conservatory is a spectacular setting with its gleaming brass doors, opulent marble and 30-foot stained glass dome. One of the most exciting bands around, the 17-piece Toronto All-Star Big Band, "cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and 40s. It's like watching Goodman, Dorsey, and Miller live.
Saturday, February 4, 2006 8:00 pm $25.00 per person (includes G.S.T. and finger foods) Tickets available on-line at www.casaloma.org One Austin Terrace 416-923-1171 www.casaloma.org
Letters from Lehrer CanStage offers a 20% discount to the February 9th performance of Letters from Lehrer - written and performed by Richard Greenblatt featuring the words and music of Tom, last minute weekend breaks, Lehrer.
There will be a Satirical Lyric Writing workshop for the closet songwriter. This pre-show workshop will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the performance at 8 pm.
Thursday, February 9, 2006 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (workshop) 8 pm (performance) 20% discount on regular priced tickets Regular price range: $26 to $51 Berkeley Theatre 26 Berkeley Street Box Office: 416-368-3110 www.canstage.com
Coupons for discounted rates are available by visiting: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/coupons.nsf/coupons?openform where they can be printed.
7. Please tell us about "Winterlicious", Toronto's winter restaurant promotion.
The phenomenally successful restaurant promotion Winterlicious, presented by American Express, returns to Toronto January 27 - February 9, 2006. The fourth annual Winterlicious is part of the WinterCity Festival, an award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine.
More than 120 participating restaurants will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu where patrons can sample the establishment's tasty fare at fantastic price points. Prix fixe menu price categories are $15 or $20 for Lunch and $25 or $35 for Dinner. Prices are per person, plus taxes and gratuity. Beverages are additional. In addition to the hugely popular prix fixe menus, 10 establishments will be offering unusual food-related events. These culinary experiences allow guests to savour delectable meals followed by dancing, unique tours and other rare experiences. To obtain details on the Winterlicious Culinary Experiences, the public can visit www.toronto.ca.
In past years Torontonians and tourists alike have enthusiastically celebrated Toronto's diverse and innovative cuisine with delicious menus available at restaurants city-wide. Winterlicious 2005 sold more that 183,000 meals over the 14 days - an increase of 67% from the previous year and resulting in an estimated $6.4 million in economic activity.
8. Please tell us about the family entertainment offered in the American Express Cool Ice Lounge, including ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment.
The third annual WinterCity Festival, the City of Toronto's city-wide celebration of the world's coolest winter city, presents the most fun one family can have with 200,000 pounds of ice at temperatures below -5 C the American Express Cool Ice Lounge.
Created by Custom Ice Art and managed by the Liberty Entertainment Group, The American Express Cool Ice Lounge is Toronto's first ice lounge ideal for the whole family.
During the day, stroll through the Ice Lounge enjoying contemporary ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment. Stop for a beverage and snack at the ice bar and relax on the frosty furniture. Catch ice carving demonstrations twice a day at 2 & 5 pm on January 28 & 29 and February 4 & 5, 2006.
By night, this venue is transformed into a frozen night club venue complete with icy seating, an ice bar, and Toronto DJ's spinning the latest tunes.
During the day, the American Express Cool Ice Lounge will include live family entertainment, including:
The Magical Comedy of Stephen Elvay Sunday, January 29 & Saturday, February 4 at 12 noon & 6 p.m. Witty, engaging and supremely entertaining, Elvay is one of Canada's funniest and most popular entertainers. His fast paced and visual extravaganza of comedy and magic is expertly interlaced to provoke mystery and laughter.
Flying Debris Show Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Kansas, USA native Richard Holmgren brings his hilarious comedy, amazing magic and unmatched juggling skills to the WinterCity festival. You'll be amazed by the wide variety of objects flying through the air during his show.
Flyin' Bob Saturday, February 4 & Sunday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. This one man three ring circus from Red Deer, Alberta has been entertaining audiences across Canada and around the world for the last seventeen years. Flyin' Bob's action packed show showcases his own brand of physical and verbal comedy, energetic juggling, spectacular balancing, and audience participation.
Scot Free Daredevil Stunt Show Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, February 5 at 12 noon & 6 p.m. One of Toronto's favourite performers! Check out this skillful mix of character comedy, exciting daredevil stunts, sharp improvised wit and audience interaction. Fun for all ages, come see if this daredevil gets off Scot Free!!
9. Please tell us about "Soup's On!" - a special event offering cooking demonstrations and soup tastings.
"Soup's On!," presented by Liberty Tax Services, offers cooking demonstrations and soup tastings from Toronto's top chefs matched with live performances from some of Toronto's most diverse bands.
The world of soup is vast and sophisticated. There are thick soups such as bouillabaisse that nearly cross the line from soup to stew, thin clear consomm้s, and everything in-between. Nearly all cultures have their own soup specialties: hearty Russian borscht, garlicky Spanish gazpacho, and Pot-au-Feu, a French clear soup made from boiled beef and vegetables.
Featuring soups from Spain to China and Jamaica to Greece, the "Soup's On" pavilion will have something for everyone. Hosted by food enthusiast Marty Galin, chefs from Toronto-area restaurants will provide live cooking demonstrations in a heated pavilion on Nathan Phillips Square with the public able to taste-test the results while listening to music from the themed country.
10. Please tell us about the "Tower of Light" performance.
Toronto's 14 day city-wide celebration, the WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, presents the North American premiere of The Tower of Light, a large-scale outdoor production blending fireworks and fire sculptures, music, lighting, special effects and spectacular visual images. The production is performed January 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Framed by the silhouette of Toronto's City Hall, this 30-minute production features a 15m tower of light and a carefully orchestrated outdoor performance of vibrant special effects and atmospheric music. Buckets of fire rise up into the sky as the lighthouse pulses with flares. Fireworks erupt from every level as the performers dance beneath the silver rain. The show comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular fireworks finale.
Walk the Plank is widely recognized as one of the UK's leading producers of innovative shows and magical spectacles. The company was established by John Wassell and Liz Pugh, its current management team, in 1991. Site-specific shows and fireworks have been a feature of the company's work since the beginning, but this area of work has expanded and developed over recent years. In 2001 Walk the Plank undertook its first international work with shows in Singapore and Portugal. The Tower of Light has been performed at the Singapore Arts Festival, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival. 10. Please tell us about "Il Corso", a 60-minute open-air theatre spectacle.
11. Please tell us about "Il Corso" performance, based on a book by Pablo Neruda.
WinterCity presents the North American premiere of Il Corso, a 60-minute open air theatre spectacle featuring actors, acrobats and musicians from Germany's Theatre Pan-Optikum. The production is performed February 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Il Corso will take place all over Nathan Phillips Square as the venue is transformed into a stage. Individual spectators will continually change their positions as they are caught up in the movement and, ultimately, even become part of the performance. Featuring a wall of fire, dancers on 10 ft. sway poles and huge metal structures including a human propeller, the production combines dramatic movement, installations, music, text, huge expressive images and pyrotechnics.
Il Corso tells the story of a human being in search of fulfillment and happiness and is based on "The Book of Questions" by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. The 74 short poems contained in the book are structured as two-line verses raising 316 puzzling questions. Many of Neruda's questions are ones children sometimes pose such as "Where do shadows disappear to?" and "Why are leaves green?" These questions often expose the fact that adults cannot explain everything they claim to know. As Neruda says, "What we know is so small and what we assume so great."
In 2001, the "Kunstfest Weimar" art festival opened with Il Corso. In 2002, Il Corso was chosen from 80 invited open air productions and awarded 1st prize at the street theatre festival in Holzminden, after which Il Corso played 27 times in Germany and the Netherlands. Il Corso is currently the most played open air production in Europe.
10. What about the "Winter Moves" dance performances?
As part of the WOW! (Wild on Winter) Series, The WinterCity Festival presents Winter Moves - dance performances from four of Canada's top contemporary dance companies. Performances take place outside at Nathan Phillips Square on Festival weekends. Participating companies include:
Company Blonde - Company Blonde has a unique and vital presence in the independent dance scene in Canada. Since it's inception in 1999, Company Blonde has been dedicated to creating dance works that are accessible to a vast audience of all ages blending comedy and theatre with classical modern dance. Company Blonde will perform:
Awright, Awright, Awright! Clad in bright 70's style one-piece snowsuits this highly energetic piece was designed for the outdoors but has found its way onto many small stages. The dancers (Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush) arrive in a car, music blaring, put out a few plastic palm trees and dance with all their heart to the pop music of Outkast. It is nearly impossible to resist shakin' it along side them. Awright, Awright, Awright! premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in March 2004 and has been performed many times since, at schools, on stages indoor and out and always in snowsuits.
Binder Twine This hilarious Wild West piece features outlaws, saloon girls, line dancers, tumble weed and baked beans! Featuring dancers Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush Binder Twine premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in April 2005 and was performed at the T.O Twang Festival at Harbourfront in August 2005.
CORPUS Founded in 1997, CORPUS is devoted to creating original work for broad audiences including children. Led by Sylvie Bouchard and David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour, the company combines contemporary dance and physical theatre. CORPUS will perform:
Les moutons (The Sheep) Les moutons is a humorous "live installation" where reality meets fantasy. Meet Julie, Marie-Louise, Bernadette and Cesar, three healthy young sheep and an old ram. The Shepherd is here too, talking you through a carefully studied overview of sheep behavior.
Tina Fushell / Choreographer / Dancer Born and raised in St. John's, Nfld., Tina Fushell studied at the Quinte Ballet School and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. In 2002 Tina co-founded Ambitious Enterprises (AE) with Kate Franklin and Samm Higgison, producing the "At the Wrecking Ball" series, a now yearly event which has garnered much praise for the young company and ushered in a new generation of choreographers and collaborators from various disciplines. Tina Fushell will present:
sTOries sTOries is performed to live jazz music. This contemporary dance piece is inspired by Torontonians stories about Winter. The highly physical sTOries features a trio of dancers (Tina Fushell, Anisa Tejpar and Kate Franklin) dressed for Winter in full wool skirts, blazers and boots.
Larchaud Dance Project is known for their strength-testing choreography and gravity defying movement and are certain to captivate, provoke, and entertain all audiences. Larchaud Dance Project's upcoming June 2006 production is based on the world and culture of videogames. Each piece in the show is based on a world/level of the game, albeit a jungle, a labyrinth, underwater, etc. At the WinterCity Festival, Larchaud Dance Projects will present:
Ice World Of all the levels of a videogame the ice world proves to be the greatest challenge. Not only must the players overcome the treacherous conditions of their environment, but they must conquer the evil Queen and her Henchman. It is she who controls this world, and in her defeat, they may progress onto the next level.
11. Toronto's WinterCity Festival will also feature a number of live music performances. Please tell us about those.
The WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, the award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine, will feature two weekends of FREE live music and DJ's on an outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square as part of the WOW! (Wild On Winter) series. The WinterCity Festival takes place January 27 - February 9, 2006.
Friday Jan. 27
Opening Concert
Les Batinses, 7:30 p.m.
This young sextet plays world music with a Qu้b้cois slant. They embrace music from anywhere and everywhere to marry old-style folk and roots ballads with funk-driven acoustics.
Saturday Jan. 28
Sizzling Hot! Latin Dance Music
DJ Billy Bryans, 12 noon
Get on the ice and move! DJ Billy Bryans drops the latest in Latin music, reggaeton, salsa and the hottest timba cuts directly from Havana.
Chiva featuring Brownman, 12:30 p.m.
Toronto's Chiva fuses seductive Colombian rhythms with funk grooves and urban hip-hop beats against a Latin-jazz backdrop.
Latin Roots Orchestra, 2 p.m.
With a nod to the golden age of Latin music, this Toronto group blends the hottest sounds of classic salsa with the latest hip-shaking Latin grooves guaranteed to burn up the dance floor.
Tumbao Inc., 3:30 p.m.
One of Toronto's newest Latin orchestras, Tumbao Inc. offers catchy lyrics and memorable melodies combined with powerful percussive beats in merengue music and electronica.
Brownman & CRUZAO featuring Fito Blanko, 5 p.m.
Led by multi-award-winning trumpeter Brownman, CRUZAO mixes authentic Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies and modern urban grooves. CRUZAO is joined by special guest Fito Blanko, Toronto's rising star of reggaeton.
Ricky Franco, 6:30 p.m.
Talented singer/songwriter/composer, Ricky Franco delivers slick vocals layered over powerful Salsa Descargas with a soulful edge and the popular dance rhythms of Bachata.
Between sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band, DJ's will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.
Sunday Jan. 29
Cool Blues
Ndidi Onukwulu, 12:30 p.m.
A new voice in Toronto's blues community, singer/songwriter Ndidi Onukwulu was born in BC and grew up listening to a variety of music including Nigerian juju. Set for release early in 2006, her eclectic debut album defies labels.
Tyler Yarema, 2 p.m.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Toronto pianist-vocalist Tyler Yarema dishes up high-energy boogie-woogie complemented by a smooth, fiery vocal delivery.
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.
Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.
"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_regional_history_center.htm)

How-to Get Those Weekend Projects DONE in One Weekend!

2009-12-19T18:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Colleen Langenfeld

Source: free-articles

Your weekends are valuable! Plan ahead and successfully complete what you begin.

Don't you just love the magazine spreads?

Beautiful home decor projects complete with lavish photos and step-by-step instructions. The headline promises...Done in One Weekend!

Ever tried this?

Ever accomplished this?

Let's face it: some 'weekend' projects cannot be finished in a month of weekends! Nevertheless, the real question is, can yours?

Maybe.

The key is in separating the planning from the doing. Both are actually part of the project, but the planning needs to be accomplished well in advance of the weekend 'doing'.

So, begin your planning...

- and start with the end in mind -

A photograph, a magazine article, a drawing you've made yourself. You need to see where you're going to be able to identify it when you get there.

- what will it cost? -

This one is vital. We're talking about both financial/supply costs as well as time costs. Grab a sheet of paper and start some lists: first, the ingredients or parts you must have to complete the job. Actually walk yourself through the project from beginning to end. Visualize yourself doing the work. What tools will you need? Do you have them or do you need to borrow/buy them? Do the same for the necessary supplies.

Now calculate the time it's going to take to complete this project. If you've broken the project down step-by-step, simply estimate each step and then add them all up. Be generous! Interruptions occur. You'll need rest breaks. Tools may break down. This part of planning allows you to seriously consider if this really is a weekend project. If more time is needed, schedule accordingly.

- are you still interested? -

By this time you've thought through the project quite thoroughly and probably had to solve some problems or overcome a few obstacles. Still want to do it? If not, you've just saved yourself a weekend of frustration. Still game? Your planning has simply whetted your appetite for the real thing!

- assembling the parts -

With your lists in hand, gather everything you'll need to complete your project from beginning to end, including preparation and clean-up. This is the area where most frustrations occur. For example, it's Saturday night and you just ran out of paint. But that won't happen to you, because you've planned thoroughly!

After assembling all the parts, take a few minutes to organize them so they'll be at hand and useful on the big weekend. Take a few paper bags, mark the outside to reflect the inside ('clean-up tools', 'cutting supplies', etc.) and sort your stuff.

- plan your environment -

Neglect this one and your project is doomed. Planning to stencil a beautiful floral design on the old wooden floor of your deck? Do you have kids? Pets? They will need to find another route into the kitchen this weekend. Planning to use some chemicals that need plenty of ventilation? Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

- take a day off beforehand -

You'll be much more excited and ready-to-go if you give yourself a break right before the big event.

- go, go, go! -

Your day has arrived and you are ready! Dive in and make that weekend project happen!

One last idea; enjoy the time you spend creating and improving your life. Whether it's your home, garden, career or yourself, you now have the tools to make conscious improvements and achieve the satisfying results, last minute weekend breaks, you desire.

My History With Multiple Sclerosis, Part One

2009-12-17T00:01:00.001-08:00

Author: Rich Ursini

Source: ezinearticles.com

I am not going to moan about my childhood. Overall, it was great. I was a chubby little kid that did not like to be made fun of. When I was 12 years old I saw the Mr. Olympia contest on Wide World of Sports. That is where everything began. I was suddenly very excited. That summer, Johnny Bennett gave me a bench and the following Christmas I received a set of weights. My life was in my hands and control. I was highly motivated.

I didn't know anything about working out. All I had was an instruction sheet that came with my concrete filled weights. I followed the instructions meticulously and after a few months, I started to see results. I thought they were results anyway. People in my junior high school saw my arms started to grow and everyone wanted to arm wrestle me. I was still a chubby kid, but everybody suddenly wanted to be my friend and I was motivated. I now had goals.

I played football in junior high school and knew that I wanted to play in high school. I always played sports and girls liked athletes. Near the end of my ninth grade (15 years old), my transition to high school began with Spring Football Practice at Hamden High School.. We only had one week of it for ninth graders, but it was a chance to show the coach what I could do. How could I be intimidated by people in my own grade? I could not and was not. I was very motivated to kick some butt since kids from the other junior high school in my town would be there. They were still a massive rival, none of them were my friends yet and I wanted to do some damage. I did. The coaches had expectations for me come the fall.

Triple sessions began in late August. It was incredibly hot and humid. I thought I was going to die. It wasn't the first triple session day that was hardest either, it was the second. That is the day when you are unbelievably sore and tired. None of us knew it, but a transformation was taking place in our minds and bodies. As we got through the week, we started to believe that we could make it to the end. On Saturday, we had a scrimmage. That was our first opportunity to hit someone other then our NEW friends.

The following Wednesday was the first day of school. I did not realize it but triple sessions caused me to lose pretty much all of my chubbiness and I had a new set of large Traps. I couldn't believe it. Suddenly, girls were interested in me. I was interested right back. Football had some of the greatest and worst moments of my short life. None of my friends could ever say differently about them.

It is now 29 years since I graduated from high school. Some of my best friends from back then are my best friend's now. When we see each other now, it's like it was yesterday. Nothing is different - Which Is Great!

Now for the greatest and worst parts Of the rest of my life.

After graduating from high school, I went to Boston College in the fall of 1980. It's a very strange transition again, going from big man on campus to nothing/no one. I knew I could blast through that wall. I just had to figure out how. First semester freshman year was tough. I did not do as well as I did in high school and everyone seemed smarter than me. When that semester ended, I spent a lot of time thinking about the rest of my days in college. I could do it and do it much better than I did during first semester I also spent a lot of time during Christmas break drinking with my high school friends.

During Christmas break I went over every note, exam and chapter from my chemistry, physics and calculus classes. When I got back to school, I was rested and very ready. My apprehension was pretty much gone and it was time to make Boston College aware of what and who they were dealing with. I studied and studied, rewrote my notes every day and asked a lot of questions. Professors only slightly intimidated me. I was scoring big on all of my exams.

Back to first semester. One day this guy in my dorm named Kurt saw me and said "hey, you got some big arms". I looked at him with disdain and said thanks. In my mind I actually said "thanks, tell me something I don't already know". Kurt did not know it, but I admired his size. He was the big one. A bit of a block without shape but, he was very big and strong. I was happy that he thought what he did. Kurt did not live on my floor. I was now totally out of shape because the Sports Complex (plex) had been closed for a long time for renovations. Where could I lift weights? Luckily, Kurt knew.

We would hitchhike to the YMCA in Watertown, Massachusetts. I was finally lifting again, feeling bigger again and I had a friend that thought like me. Actually, he was bigger, stronger and more adept at finding a place like this. I could learn something from him. Kurt also made me laugh and had these same taste in music. Loud and Hard.

College went on and on. We were best friends and roommates during our final two years. We used to sneak into the football player weight room to work out. It was easier than hitchhiking. Suddenly, the trainers for the athletes gave us both jobs as strength training coaches. We didn't do anything, we just lifted and grew. We were extremely happy.

Early in my senior year I was accepted into the Navy Nuclear Power Program. After graduation, I would go to The Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. I was going to be a submariner.

Officer Candidate School was not what I expected. I got there in the absolute best shape of my life. I saw the movie, An Officer and a Gentleman many times and I was not going to be caught off guard. Well, I was. The physical aspect of OCS was not really there. No obstacle course, no Dover Dunker- just morning runs and Saturday morning Mandatory Fun. During my first liberty, I was walking down the street with my ice cream suit on and a car load of hot looking girls drove up to me, pause and yelled SQUID! Couple that with the fact that we were in Newport and I could hear all of the fun being had down in the wharf and the heat. My focus did not seem to be with me. I left OCS a little over one month after getting their. Looking back, I probably should have given it more time. I just couldn't miss another workout.

Later that summer, I didn't have a job for the fall or any prospects. And this was definitely not me. I was always squared away. I was now bartending at a resort called Holiday Hill. Technicon was having their company picnic. I spoke to a few people about what they did and took some advice. I paid a lot of attention to the personnel manager. He gave me his business card and told me to attach it to my resume. 10 days later I had an interview.

Being freshly out of the Navy, and having no time to buy a suit, I borrowed one from Kurt. Now, Kurt was larger than me and had a much wider waist so, I was not totally comfortable doing the interview. Brian Taylor, my interviewer was very understanding and they did call me back for a second interview. This time, I had a suit. The second interview went very well and I had a job offer the next day.

My parents house was exactly 65 miles away from Technicon. It would be tough, but in 6-9 months I would have a sales territory and that issue would be gone. I got into the grind of commuting, working out, little bits of going out on the weekends. I was having a great time. I met a lot of new people at work and at the gym. Most of them were helpful.

OK -- --Now, being a grown up slowly and forcefully kicks in.

Right around December, 1984 I started to feel a little bit different. Not bad, not better just different. I had a slight tingling sensation in my legs. I notice that I gained a little weight and wanted to lose it to look my best for traveling. Technicon paid for my lunches because I was training customers. I was always into nutrition and lost some weight. Correctly, or so I thought. I noticed that my strength was diminishing. I squatted 600 pounds early in December 1984 and late in December, that wasn't possible. I also noticed that my bench press was going through the floor in a hurry. I didn't have a feeling of strength running through my body anymore..There was some type of disconnect. Very strange. I knew what the problem was, I just lost some weight and my body was adjusting to that. Probably only minutely correct.

Well, over the next couple of months I lost more strength. What was going on? I just didn't know and didn't want anyone else to notice.

Line in the Sand Day

Late February/early March 1985. We were playing a quick game of basketball. I slipped and tore the ligaments in my ankle. I just kept moving forward. Nothing was going to stop me from being successful. I went to the Pittsburgh Conference held in New Orleans during late March. It wasn't much fun to stand up for eight hours with a cast on, but I did it. New Orleans was fantastic. Great food. I worked out at the YMCA and it was a scary place. My attitude, cocky or whatever made me feel right at home.

After 6-8 weeks in a cast, it was removed. Actually, I removed it myself with a branch cutter. I did that because I had a date and my foot really smelled. Guess what, I never walked perfectly again. Was it my ankle just taking its time getting strong again? Maybe, I needed a little comeuppance. Was it something else? People noticed and asked me about things a lot. I started to get self-conscious and would always change the subject. Who cares what's wrong, I can still walk - RIGHT?

I was asked to spend a lot of time in Wisconsin and Minnesota to sell to the butter and cheese manufacturers. I was very excited about going. I would be spending April, May and part of June out there. It was beautiful. I sold a little bit, saw the sites and came home every weekend. Strange company policy. I was eating correctly, my ankle healed and I was ready for the next stage of my career.

Late June, 1985 I moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I had a great apartment. There were three other units, two of which were occupied. The first, by a couple that were reporters for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the second with 2 girls that just graduated from the University of Michigan.

Punch in the Face Day - I was not gaining any strength and I was losing some coordination. I thought the orthopedic that put the cast on my ankle must have screwed up and screwed me up. I went to an orthopedic in New Jersey. He did all of these tests and told me that there was no screw up. He referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist recommended that I get an MRI done to get a better look at things. I had another appointment when the results were in the doctor's hands. The doctor told me that I had MS, Multiple Sclerosis. What the hell is that? He told me that it is a neurological disorder where the body eats the myelin sheath off of the nerves. Those points scar over causing a disruption in the neurological flow. This results in my loss of coordination and strength. Do you have a pill that will cure me? No, one does not exist. In fact, nothing exists. I wanted a second opinion. That appointment was made for me at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. I was told the exact same things. This time however in a much colder way. I left, last minute weekend breaks, without paying.

What am I going to do? I need to get out of New Jersey to somewhere safe.

One day I was working on the road when my seemingly annual flu came to call. I went home and got into bed shivering. I went to sleep and about eight o'clock that night I woke up sweating. Nothing new right? Well, I could not move my legs. I was incredibly scared and crawled out of bed dragging myself across the floor to my office. I pulled down the telephone and called for an ambulance. That was the only thing I thought I could do. I was taken to the hospital and given several glasses of water. Within a couple of minutes, I was perfectly fine. I did not feel sick and I could walk. The couple from upstairs came to the hospital when they saw the ambulance. They brought me home.

I am not going to spend a lot of time here, but I was alone in a different state. I did not know the best ways to manage a sales territory. I did not have all of the skills required-Yet. Then one day my telephone rang. It was a headhunter who told me about Leybold Heraeus and their Inficon Division. They sold mass spectrometer's. I took a research course in college and we built one. Great fit. I got the job and moved back home, but into an apartment. Most of all of my friends and family would be closer.

My job at Inficon was great. I was selling mass spectrometer, helium leak detectors and vacuum gauges primarily to IBM. It was a great fit and I was very successful at it. One problem, IBM is a massive facility in East Fishkill and Yorktown Heights, New York. Could my legs and coordination deal with the walking? I believe that I trained all of my adult life for the war that was in front me. I was ready for the battle.

Battle I did. I was very successful. My legs started to really bother me. Meaning, walking was very difficult. I had to urinate frequently. Finding a bathroom at a convenient time while at a customer site is very often difficult. I was not an office person. I needed to be on the road and with customers. I felt like it was my calling to troubleshoot and solve problems.

I was working with a neurologist at Yale. The latest thing was a blasting of Cytoxan, chemotherapy. I thought I would be cured so, I did it. Once I got in my hospital room, I was overcome with fear and apprehension. Wouldn't you be? I looked out the window, gripped my crucifix and said, "God, if I ever needed you, I need you right now! Please help". He Did. Still looking out the window I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder and it was a priest asking me if I would like to be blessed. Yes, yes yes yes I do. Kind of a freaky moment, but it did happen.

They came to my room and did a spinal tap. It actually did not hurt that much. A few minutes later, a large nurse came in my room and told me they had to insert a catheter. Sticking something inside my private parts was not going to happen if I had anything to do with it. I would not let her and even went so far as to give her my express authorization not to. My doctor came in the room and yelled at me and told me that it was not an option because they did not want any Cytoxan to take residence in my body. It was that toxic.

Well, the catheter went in and the pain was incredible. Not a day goes by where I don't think about the Catheter. If someone is going to punch you in the stomach, you would tense up prior to that punch. With a catheter, never do that - NEVER DO THAT. About 10 minutes after the insertion, my nurse returned and told me that they inserted a short-term catheter instead of a long-term catheter and would have to remove and replace it. Again, my authorizations to not do that was never given a second thought. After a massive amount of pain, it was done. Someone either hates me or is testing me. This event is forever stamped into my brain and the brains of everyone I know because I never stop talking about it.

The next day rolled around and my favorite nurse, Rita came in and said that it was time to start infusing the Cytoxan. After a two hour round, I still had hair and I did not vomit. Victory! The afternoon of my third day of Cytoxan treatment, I did throw up. It was not violent, I did not feel sick afterwards and I did not vomit again during my 10 day stay. I did a very good job of making my friends and family feel guilty that I was in the hospital with all of that terrible food. Because of that, they all brought me massive amounts of great food. I absolutely hated the hospital food, was not throwing up and needed my strength - I told them. Thanks to everyone, my hospital visit was fairly smooth.

On the last night in the hospital, I had a male nurse. He told me that it was time to remove the catheter and to make sure that I could urinate naturally. If I could not--back in it goes. It hurt a lot removing the catheter, but not nearly as much as inserting it. I found myself feeling like I was urinating all over the room. I was not and was told that that was natural. Next step - urinate. I told the nurse, no problem. Just get me a lot of cranberry juice and ice. I did not stop drinking it and sure enough the wiz began to flow. As a matter of fact it flowed for four or five days, every few minutes. I don't know the exact reason why, it just did.

After a week of rest and relaxation, I went to the gym. I felt great and was walking perfectly. Wow, I have been cured. I was lying on my stomach doing leg curls. I was wearing a rotten old white sweatshirt when it happened. I noticed a hair on my shoulder. I touched my head and hair began to fall out. In order to minimize this embarrassment, I went to the Barber. Tony buzzed off my hair and did not charge me because there was no effort required.

All of this happened during September/October 1986. I went back to work, everyone was happy to see me and nobody mentioned my bald head. Things went quite well for a while. Funny story, while driving south on Route 7 in Wilton, Connecticut a youngster in a small pickup truck pulled out to go in my direction. He hit the rear quarter panel on the drivers side causing me to go into oncoming traffic. I had a near head-on collision. I touched myself all over to make sure that nothing was broken. I got out of the car only to see all of the rubbernecking traffic. A police officer came up to me and spoke to me like I caused the accident. The woman told them that I was not the cause at all. She did that while strapped into a gurney. Now I am extremely pissed off. I am pacing up and down Route 7. A car load of girls goes by and yells out "Nice ASS!". Why did they say that? I put my hand on the seat of my pants and found that the force of the impact caused my pants to blast open. My nose was broken and I immediately got it looked at. Next I went back to the gym and got a new membership card. It was stupid, but funny.

Next month I felt like I did before the chemotherapy. I called my doctor and said I can't believe this is happening. What can you do short of chemotherapy? He told me we could do a round of prednisone, a steroid. It's not that I wanted to. I needed to. A couple of pills each day for a couple of weeks. Everything went off without issue. In fact, I was cured AGAIN!. The weights and the exercise bike were going unbelievably.

Things were going OK for a while. Prednisone never worked as well as it did the first time I used it. The side effects were still there, just not the good feelings. My doctor told me to try a round of Solumedrol. That is the liquid form of prednisone. Instead of pills, it was infused using an IV for about two hours per day for five days. Things were great again and I was cured. Dead Wrong! The first round was wonderful and further rounds were not quite as good and ultimately ineffectual. Admittedly, I did not know anything about steroids of this kind. I did not know because I read nothing about them. Because I felt like I was cured.

Stupid Stupid Stupid - all of the time.

In 1988 I began working for MKS Instruments. I was always impressed with their equipment. I would compete with them and lose very often. The reason why I left Leybold is because my manager was not managing. Alan Bird was my first manager at MKS. He and I hit it off immediately. Upper management was not confrontational. They simply wanted to help me get the order. I felt like I was at home with this company. My career flourished. I was feeling great.

Things were going well with my job. I was able to save some money and bought a boat in 1989. On one extremely hot day in 1989, all of my friends were sitting around sweating in the boat. That didn't make sense to me. The heat has an extremely bad effect on MS. Rather than being effected, I jumped in the water and began to swim. I felt great. I felt as good as I ever did on prednisone. So, I began to swim as often as possible-like a maniac. Sometimes, I would go to the beach at Branford Point. On an extremely hot day, I would be in my car sweating and feeling incredibly bad - like moosh. I would somehow get off the wall to the sand. All I could do was to crawl to the water where I would get my good juice and feel 1000% better. That feeling is due to the coolness of the salt water as well as the buoyancy. Crawling across the sand, I felt like a baby turtle on National Geographic, struggling in the sand and reborn in the ocean. It was incredible. I found something that I could do. In the colder months I would swim at the Town Pool in North Haven near my office. I became a very good swimmer. I would go for long swims, feeling totally reborn upon their completion. The pool was great, but nothing like the ocean. No salt in the pool water. I worked with it anyway. The pool water was quite warm. I definitely did not feel like I did when I swam in the ocean, but it was still great.. This was my latest cardiovascular exercise meaning. I couldn't walk, run or bike due to MS. This was a great something else. MS always made me improvise.

After 10 years with MKS I could not hide things any longer. Things got that much worse. One morning in 1998, I was driving up 395 to visit customers in Massachusetts. I was drinking a cup of coffee and went to put the cup in the cup holder. I accidentally put the cup on the rim. As soon as I let it go the cup fell. Everything seemed to be in slow motion. As the cup fell, I stupidly tried to catch it. I leaned over to the right and my left hand was on the steering wheel. That lean cause my left hand to move to the right which caused the car to go off the road. Well, there was much damage to the car. I was fine, but my ego was mangled again. MS did not cause this accident, stupidity did. If I was normal, I would have gotten a slap on the wrist and a major talking to from my boss. Instead, I had to go through the complete personal checking out again. In my opinion, that incident set the ball in motion. I could not stop it anymore.

November 1998, eight months after the accident came. My cell phone rang and it was my boss. He told me that they were changing my position. Once 1999 rolled around, I would be an inside salesperson, working with universities instead of the key accounts that I was handling. I asked for and was granted the ability to work out of my house

I felt like there was a bull's-eye on my back. We never had an inside salesperson in my company. They were making an accommodation for me. The first half hour of my new job saw my ego pop up again. "I am not going to lower myself to work with these customers", I said. Then I realized that the company was helping me and work was work. I was not going to give anyone the opportunity to look down on or speak badly of me. I initially noticed that universities were not getting the attention they needed. Yes, some were, but not all. We also were not providing the pricing level that they required. Given all of that, business was not where it should have been. I worked out the proper pricing levels, got the internal support that I needed and sat on top of these customers. I was always there for them and they knew that a telephone call or e-mail would be responded to faster than they ever were. The people covering universities would just incredibly busy.

During 1999 and 2000 things went extremely well. Because I was working out of my house, my physical issues were not there. I made the University market a market to look at again. A University customer that ordered and received great support from me would graduate one day and would always remember MKS. That would be a customer for life.

Reward Time

During the winter of 2001, overall market conditions had slowed. Because of that, I was moved to an applications engineering position. Everything I did for universities was stopped. Ultimately, when the market returned my position returned. There were changes however. I would be in sales support, instead of direct sales. This meant that I would no longer receive commissions, my great motivator and I wouldn't be directly going after University customers. So, another change. I could not explain it. To me, my time away from direct sales, my mailing list was obliterated. Students graduate and professors move around. I was never again able to stay on things like I did. This was a supreme failure by the people above me.

Back to 2001. It was July 5 and Lesley was going shopping for the day. I thought I would roll down to the pool and work out. Not so fast. It was a very hot day so I was getting mushy. No problem, just spend the day in the water and everything will be fine. Unfortunately, my transfer from the chair to the pool lift was a failure. I ended up on the pool deck. The sun was oppressive and I could not move. I was out there for over five hours lying on my stomach with my right arm tucked under me. Nobody was around and nobody could hear me until around five o'clock. A neighbor I did not know was able to hear me, came over and called 911. That event caused another move to the down side for me. I spent every day from that point feeling extremely tight in the shoulders and I was losing my gripping strength at the gym. So much so that I would tape the bars to my right hand. Also, my strength was falling more and more every day. What happened?

Lesley was always there. She never wavered. We met on May 10, 1991. My friend Mike asked me to go out so he could meet up with Lisa. I knew her since we were little kids. I was at the end of my rope. MS is a big wall and 5 girls in a row dumped me. I was all done. Well, that night I did not care about meeting Lesley. I thought I was giving her a very good "I really don't care" attitude. However, we were talking and talking and I thought I would give it another try. I felt good and was walking expectantly well. I asked Lisa for Lesley's telephone number. She said she would ask and let me know.

-- -- End of Part One -- --more to follow in a short while

Rich Ursini

http://www.BestHowToBooks.com

Security - a Road Filled with Obstacles!

2009-12-15T15:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Donna Johnson Edwards

Source: articleage.com

This week I'm an entirely different kind of road warrior. Usually I'm the type that lugs my laptop from city to city telecommuting my way across the nation. This month I've had a few weeks in the office - my real office in downtown Richmond, not my virtual office. The complaint I have is the treacherous commute from the West End into the city via I-64 West and I-195 South. The roads are atrocious! One day recently I thought my entire tire would be swallowed by a pothole - let me rephrase that - a pot crater!
I've been so distracted by trying to avoid the gaping holes in the road I forgot to be a good defensive driver - keeping alert to what other cars around me are doing. In the few decades that I have been driving, I've become quite adept at avoiding road obstacles the likes of branches, traffic cones, the occasional lost shoe and most important - road kill. However, the vast quantity of craters lately has made it impossible to navigate the roads without falling into a few holes during my daily commute. I haven't even been able to enjoy my new 100% Funk CD because of the irritating and damaging potholes.
Last weekend, I made the trek to my mother's house and finally hit a nice patch of road (Route 17) and was able to let my mind wander a bit while humming along to War's "Low Rider." It occurred to me that maintaining a highway system is a lot like running an IT department. Seriously, think about it - what do they call roads and bridges - infrastructure. What are our computer systems running on - the infrastructure. I'm like a little IP packet on the network! Do you see what direction I'm headed (pun intended)?
Much like a highway, our IT systems need constant care to allow optimum efficiency for our users. Ah ha! - Potholes are bad and must be patched. Think of security patches as the asphalt used to fill potholes! Just think if we never patched our roads - it would be a nightmare; our vehicles (and lives) would be in constant jeopardy. The health of our IT systems is likewise in jeopardy when we fail to provide appropriate care.
There are more similarities, for example, capacity planning, ensuring quality materials are used, evaluating vendors, establishing service level agreements, and so forth. In fact, I listened to the remainder of my new CD on that part of the ride just thinking of the parallels. It is important to focus on some of the basics of security planning and practices to keep our systems safe, secure and optimized.
The Computer Security Institute (CSI) released its annual Computer Crime and Security Survey recently. The results of that report and others have prompted me to focus on some security basics this week. Of nearly 500 IT and security managers surveyed, 53% have experienced an attack within the past 12 months. The cost of such security breaches was estimated at $141 million. The number one type of attack was denial-of-service (DoS) accounting for about 18% of the total cost of these invasions.
Another study, conducted by Deloitte & Touche, indicated that 83% of financial services companies acknowledge an outside break-in within the past year. OUCH! About 40% of the companies polled indicated they had suffered financial losses due to the attacks. Ironically, more than 25% of the firms said that their security budgets had stayed flat over the past 12 months and nearly 10% actually had their budgets cut!
On top of that swell news, the General Accounting Office reported that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) IT systems place critical financial information at risk of unauthorized disclosure, disruption of operations and loss of assets. Maybe Grandma knew what she was doing when she stuffed her money in the cookie jar; at least if some was missing from it, she could narrow the culprits down to family members.
Let's face it, cyberpredators are part of life and we must be diligent in our efforts to fight them! Many experts agree that most home computer users as well as small and medium businesses (SMB) are typically not proactively addressing security issues. The experts have outlined the basics to addressing security risks as follows:
Develop a risk management plan for IT assets. There should be a process in place for the identification, analysis, control and communication of risks. Managing risk is critical to the success of any business. A plan will allow for proper allocation of staff and financial resources to address issues.
In some organizations, such as financial institutions, health care organizations, etc., regulatory compliance issues must top the worry list. In your business there may be other high-risk areas, such as remote access for mobile workers, electronic transactions, retention of data and the like.
Document your infrastructure - map it out in a graphics package such as Microsoftฎ Visioฎ. Then imagine a series of ever-expanding circles around your critical data stores. Each of the circles will represent a layer of technology and risk. Remember that attacks can, and do, come from both inside the infrastructure and externally.
Starting with some of the basics, ask yourself if you are keeping track of users on your network(s). Are you auditing to ensure that unneeded accounts are promptly removed? Have you checked lately to determine if some staff members have been granted authorities they shouldn't have? If you have found anomalies, have these been properly addressed? Have password policies been followed properly?
Are you checking for rogue applications on the network? Instant messaging and peer-to-peer applications are the kiss of death! Do you have remote users on the network? How do these users access the network and from where - a home computer can be the open door for hackers to help themselves to your data.
Invest in a perimeter firewall; consider one that includes antivirus and antispam features. Don't forget about e-mail content filtering - we don't want rogue executables and other inappropriate material entering our systems from attachments in user e-mail. Consider using an expert to install and set up the device or software, as they can be tricky even for an experienced network administrator to configure.
Make sure that mobile devices are configured with desktop firewalls and antivirus software. Think about all the places you plug in your own laptop; your perimeter devices will not stop any malicious code that enters the infrastructure from the office front door!
Consider software that will automatically look for vendor updates upon connection to the Internet or on a regular basis to keep pattern files fresh.
Moving in closer to your data, take a look at operating systems. Have you applied all of the recommended patches to servers, desktops and applications? Remember the MSBlast worm? The vulnerability it exploited had been known for nearly a month before it infected at least 8 million machines! The Slammer worm infected tens of thousands of systems in less than ten minutes! Proactive patch management is essential, and, folks, it really must be automated in your environment to make deployment fast and economical. Before deploying mobile PCs to staff, configure them to perform automated updates with OS, firewall and antivirus vendors.
While this list is quite obviously not all-encompassing, following it will be a good start on the road to developing a risk-management approach to security. Set your baseline, identify your vulnerabilities, prioritize the risks, establish written controls and set repeatable, widely understood, broadly distributed policies and procedures for all users to follow. Once this phase is complete, it is essential to comprehensively test and audit the processes regularly to ensure continued success.
Let's see - what might I share with the Virginia Department of Transportation, last minute weekend breaks, to help them mitigate risk on our roadways? Since I've been reading about an ongoing problem VDOT has with office cyberslackers, I would say "reassign that office staff to pothole patrol! This will keep them from idling away business hours and make our roads safer to traverse." Be safe out there!
Donna Johnson Edwards is the Director of Consulting for Tenax, Inc. Established in the U.S. in 2002, Tenax provides IT compliance certifications, training and targeted consulting services. For further information on security software management please visit the Tenax Corporation website.

Don't Let The Rain Stop You

2009-12-14T15:10:00.001-08:00

Author: J Gardener

Source: articledashboard.com

Even though it's the weekend, you couldn't wait to get up. After all, it's autumn and the weather's been perfect. You made the decision that you were going to enjoy the outdoors with your family, today, on one of the few really beautiful days the season promises, before the cold of winter sets in.

You thought about taking a scenic drive, or walking through the woods, collecting leaves with your kids-they're growing up so fast, and this is the kind of weather that's perfect for spending time with them, outdoors, before they realize it's not cool to hang out with their parents. But now you sip your coffee and stare out the window, disappointed. It's gray and wet, and the forecast calls for more of the same, right up until Monday.

Oh, well, maybe next year It looks like, today, you'll catch up on some of those indoor projects you've been putting off, like painting the basement, or organizing that "everything drawer" in the kitchen. And the kids can always entertain themselves with video games.

But before you break out the paint-brushes, look outside, again. What do you see? Those are raindrops falling, not asteroids. Who made up the rule that weekend plans have to be scrapped, if water droplets descend from the sky? Sure, it may not be a great day for badminton or kite-flying, and touch football could get ugly and muddy, but that doesn't mean you have to lock the doors and shut the family inside, as though the neighborhood was suddenly overrun by packs of wolves. It's rain!

A day like this is perfect for a family trip to a museum or an art gallery. This is a day to visit the indoor exhibits at the zoo, and learn about all those animals you never see in the summertime.

When was the last time you took your kids to a play? Many regional theatres have Saturday matinees, which are the least attended performances of each week-you can probably pick up tickets at the last minute.

If you live in or near a state capitol, it might be the perfect day to take a tour of your capitol building. Children can learn about the history of your area and about your government at the same time.

Many public libraries routinely offer Saturday activities for families as well.

There are dozens of ways for families to fill a rainy day, together. But, you don't have to stay inside, all day, and you don't have to travel anywhere. Why not do the unexpected, and take a walk in the rain with your family? It can be a new kind of adventure. Such a jaunt requires a little preparation-you want to make sure your kids are dressed warmly, in water-repellant outer clothing, with their heads covered in waterproof hats or hoods.

It really can be an opportunity to observe nature, differently, than on a sunny-day journey. The air feels and smells differently, in the rain; sound carries further, in a drizzle, than in a sunny wind. Birds and squirrels move about more deliberately, as they dodge raindrops, preparing for winter. And the end of a rainy-day walk is the perfect excuse for a treat like hot chocolate.

A gray, wet autumn day isn't a prison sentence. With a bit of creative, last minute weekend breaks, planning, you can turn this day into one your family will remember for years.

Heisman Update

2009-12-13T10:14:00.001-08:00

Author: Jimmy Boyd

Source: articleage.com

With a few games remaining in the college football regular season, it appears as though the Heisman platform is set. Vince Young has emerged as the man to beat after a 500 yard day, and it is Reggie Bush and not last season's Heisman winner Matt Leinart nipping at his heels. Whoever else joins these three in New York is unimportant in terms of bringing home the nation's most coveted award. But Brady Quinn of Notre Dame, Maurice Drew of UCLA, and Marcus Vick of Virginia Tech are all notables.
Vince Young QB, Texas 6-5, 230 lbs., Jr.
Young's passing ability has improved as the season has gone on and is starting to quiet the skeptics. Last week v. Oklahoma State he was 15/30 for 239yrds and 2 TDs. He also recorded 267yrds on the ground and 2 more TDs in perhaps the best individual performance in college football this season thus far.
On the season Young is 121/201 (60.2%) for 1,830yrds with 16 TDs and 8 INTs. He has 103 carries for 747yrds and 8 TDs.
Reggie Bush RB, USC 6-0, 200 lbs., Jr.
Despite coming off a sub par game by Bush's standards, in which he rushed for 97 yrds on 17 carries and caught 4 passes for 40yrds, he continues to steal some of Leinart's thunder by making spectacular plays. Every time he receives a kick/punt it seems like he could break one.
For the season, Bush has 910yrds on 111 carries (8.2yrds/carry) and 10 TDs. He has 285 receiving yards on 23 catches with 2 TDs. He also has 1 punt return for a TD.
Matt Leinart QB, USC 6-5, 225 lbs., Sr.
Despite putting up consistently good numbers, Leinart's stock may have dropped slightly due to several games where the Trojans got off to slow starts resulting in closer than anticipated scores, while the nation watched Vince Young and the Longhorns steam roll their competition. Leinart did pull off a miraculous final drive v. Notre Dame, which may prove to be a major deciding factor for voters.
On the season, Leinart is 169/258 (65.5%) for 2,530yrds with 19 TDs and just 6 INTs. He also has 2 rushing TDs, one of which was the game winner against the, last minute weekend breaks, Irish.
Brady Quinn QB, Notre Dame 6-4, 232 lbs., Jr.
Notre Dame was off last week which is never good in terms of the Heisman race. But the last time Quinn stepped on the field he dropped 6 TDs on BYU on 32 of 41 passing for 467yrds. This performance rivals Vince Young's 500 yard day as the best individual performance of the year. If the Irish could have pulled off the upset against the Trojans Quinn's stock could have soared.
For the season, Quinn is 175/266 for 2,352yrds with 20 TDs and just 4 INTs. He has also rushed for a TD.
Maurice Drew RB, UCLA 5-8, 198 lbs., Jr.
Coming into the season, Maurice Drew wasn't on most people's radar in the PAC 10. Now he's in the National spotlight. Last week, he helped keep UCLA's undefeated season alive by scoring 2 of the bruins 3 TDs in the last 7 minutes of the game to force OT against Stanford.
His ability to catch the ball out of the back field rivals Bushin fact, his numbers are better in this regard.
For the year, Drew has 11 rushing TDs on 132 carries for 675yrds. He has 25 receptions for 370yrds and 4 TDs. He also has an astounding 3 punt return TDs.
Marcus Vick QB, Virginia Tech 6-0, 212 lbs., Jr.
Coming into the season, there were many questions surrounding Vick running the show, but with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, he has the Hokies in contention for the national championship. Perhaps, more impressive, from a coaching standpoint, than his athleticism is his poise. It was his arm and control of the offense that took down BC and not his legs.
For the Season Vick is 109/158 for 1,534yrds with 11 TDs and 5 INTs. He has gained 319 yards on the ground with 3 TDs. A big performance against Miami this weekend could boost his status.
Jimmy Boyd is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Jimmy_Boyd.htm.

Children Who Are Given an Advantage

2009-12-12T00:01:00.001-08:00

Author: Beverly Ballard

Source: articleage.com

As a mother of 2 - 7-year old Donovan and 22-year old Darren, I knew early on in their lives that I would not leave their education totally up to the schools and teachers. I decided that I would give these kids an edge in life, in their education. I'm just an ordinary, everyday, 'run-of-the-mill' mother who struggles like everyone else. I only have a high-school diploma and 2 years of college but I have great hopes and dreams for my 2 boys. This is what I did to give them "the edge"!
I began reading to my sons while they were fresh out of the womb. I believe that reading to them often, singing to them and talking to them (not in baby language), truly gives them the edge that they will need in life. The experts say that a child's mind developes and learns quickly and gets the bulk of knowledge between ages 0 - 3 years...I believe them! I knew that somewhere in the back of those tiny little heads, that information was being stored for later use.
Now, at first, my mom thought that I was lunatic when she'd learned that my 18-month old not only knew his ABC's but could count to 20. A little after he'd passed 3 1/2, he was counting well passed 100. He'd learned all of the planets, most of the presidents, all of the states (their location on an empty map) and most of their capitals, could spell the months and days of the week and so much more! By the time they began preschool, the could recognize and spell small 3 and 4 letter words. I would read to them everyday.
The first thing I did was purchased a mat (from Wal-mart) with the ABC's on them and the ABC's would all correspond with names of animals that began with those letters. I also purchased flash cards (same place) that has everyday words on them. Once they began recognizing and spelling those everyday words, they began reading like little pros!
It really wasn't hard work at all! It pays off in HUGE dividends. Both my sons have been at THE top of their class - not just 'one of the top' in their class! And you know what...they love it! The 22-year old could write his name in cursive just after turning 4 years of age. They both are excellent in math, English and especially reading. My older son, even today, reads all kinds of books. Everywhere he goes, if there's a magazine or literature around, he will pick it up to read. It makes your kids well-rounded. My 7 year old is an advid reader as well. He's been tested at school and in the first grade, his reading was 3.8 meaning he reads on a third-grade level, 8 months into school. He's now in 2nd grade and his reading average is 4.6 which means he reads on a 4th-grade level, 6 months into school. His overall reading grade for the year is 104.6%. His overall spelling grade is 110% and math is 99%. Great speller! He earns 100s 99% of the time!
Thing is, your child can do it too! Don't waste your money on the expensive stuff, just go to Wal-mart, K-mart or retailers such as these and purchase the flash cards for spelling, counting, multiplying, etc. The 7-year old has known the entire multiplications (1 - 12) since beginning school last year, so, just before he started 2nd grade! It's not that he's a genius, it's just that I started small and kept teaching until I had no more to teach him for his age. I've even begun teaching him geometry - 6th grade level and he can actually work most of the problems that I give him. He has grasped the concept! Amazing that when you teach and teach them, the concepts of these classes become so easy for them to grasp!
Most importantly, read to your child each and every day WITHOUT FAIL! And, when they began reading on their own, make them read at least 45 minutes a day.
I've purchased the Scholastic dictionary, encyclopedia and many chapter books for him to read. He has to read on the weekend as well. He's learned so many "fun facts" and he knows quite a bit about just about any subject you ask whether it's about animals, people, places or things. He amazes me most times. My older son is the same.
I remember when he first began kindergarten in Nashville, TN, the teacher asked me to come in so that she could talk to me. I couldn't imagine what on earth she wanted because I knew that he couldn't be misbehaving - he knows I don't stand for it!
Well, she said, 'I have just one thing to say...I'm dumbfound'! She said that she'd asked the children to get the magazines she had on the bookshelf and to cut out pictures and make a collage. She wanted them to write a story based soley on the pictures they saw. Well, my son got a magazine "People" and took it up to her and actually started reading it - small words, big words and all! She was so stunned that she had to call me in to tell me.
My 7-year old had a teacher who had the same reaction! He'd begun private school here in Memphis, TN when he was in what they call "Pre-K" (kindergarten). She told me one day, 'Ms. Ballard, Donovan can read'. I said 'uh-huh'. She said, 'No, Ms. Ballard, I mean that he can REALLY read'! I said, 'yeah, I know...I'm the one who taught him'. I then told her how he knows the names of the planets, presidents, states, capitals, months, days of the year, the Pledge of Allegiance,etc. She said 'Well give you self a pat on the back...that is just awesome, fantastic'!
As I mentioned before, it's really not hard. Other tips that I recommend is to point, a lot, to objects when children first began "small talk". They will pick up on lots of words this way. Their vocabulary will soar! My son and I would drive by signs on the way to school and to work and say and spell words on regular street signs or think of synonyms for words or homophones.
One way that would get your child to view reading as fun is to get them a personalized books. These books have the child's name written into the storyline. That child will not be able to put the book down. If they can't read, I'll bet that they'd TRY to read it and once they learn how to read that book, they will not put it down! I just wished that I'd known about these children's personalized books when my sons were small and didn't know how to read or were just beginning to read! I would've gotten a complete library of them!
I just, last minute weekend breaks, love teaching my kids new things and it's a joy to see them really "get it"! I would love to help you help your child to read. It, to me, brings lots of satisfaction. Please email me at beverly_ballard@hotmail.com and I can tell you how to order these books. There are lots and lots of titles from which to choose and I'm sure that there's a title to suit your needs.
Keep up the work the work and the foundation that you may have set already and remember, the key is to R-E-A-D, R-E-A-D, R-E-A-D!!!!
My name is Beverly Ballard and I am a single mother of 2 sons - a 7-year old and a 22-year old. I'm a working mother and I am the licensee of children's personalized books. I was born and raised in Memphis, TN and moved from Nashville, TN when I divorced my first son's father.
I love seeing the joy of a child whose first learning to read! Reading makes children well-rounded in all subjects! Other subjects will just "fall in place" once they become advid readers.
I've been told more times than not that I should have been a teacher. Although I love teaching my kids, I just didn't think that "teaching" was my calling. I've offered help to my son's mother-in-law who has a child who doesn't read and he is age 7 just like my son. When she's around, she gets a book and asks my 7-year old to read to her! It's very heart-breaking because I know that this child is every bit as bright as Donovan. I've offered to tutor her child on Saturdays so that I could teach her to read and my only request was that the monther bring the child to me and that I would return her. "No takers

Entrepreneurship Story; Over Regulation in Franchising Part I

2009-12-09T23:59:00.001-08:00

Author: Lance Winslow

Source: articleage.com

Jim and Sally run a successful auto business, which they have built up over two decades and have expanded to three stores and many of their friends keep saying, "You should Franchise." They think about this for about five years read a few books, like "Franchising for Dummies," The "E-Myth", "The Franchising Bible" and many others on the shelves of the new big book store in town with the coffee shop inside. They finally decide that it makes sense especially as they have friends and loyal employees who wish to be associated with them and even own the first franchises. So they set out to franchise. They visit an attorney since that says in all the books to do. Most books about franchising are, at least in part if not whole, written by S2D2s (lawyers: S2P2s; Self-Serving Parasites of Planet) anyway, so they take that advice and visit an attorney. The S2D2 explains the MUD and helps by charging them a good chunk of change; $35,000 to prepare a boilerplate document which is so complicated they could not do it on their own without years of study. They give the S2D2 (scoundrel) the money and they look at the document and start asking questions. They do not ask him about the price gouging laws that their state has after all the flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, although they feel severally violated in the outrageous costs to prepare the documents. After all there is some new shop equipment they need to test cars to stay in compliance with the latest smog certificates and they are not cheap either. So they ask some typical questions instead of why they had to pay so much.
"But Mr. S2D2, we want to be fair and give this and that assistance to the new franchisees, Bob and Margaret are long time customers of our shop and friends. Joe has been working with our company seven years and they want to buy the first franchises. The S2D2 explains that the Federal Trade Commissions Franchise Group is doing this for the consumer's protection. Jim and Sally understand this but what is all this about termination, litigation, arbitration or mediation? Why does it say we may give you this and that, of course we would support Bob and Margaret and Joe they are dear friends of ours and it is our name on the building, of course we are going to go out of our way to help them."
The S2D2 says, "yes, I understand that but this is for your protection too." Sally says, "great but, it sounds so vindictive and mean, why would anyone sign it?" The S2D2 says "there is much case law and history as to why these things are in these documents and they are to protect you, that what you are paying me for." Jim thinks to himself, we are paying you to pick a fight with our new franchisees and long time dear friends. Attorneys are A-holes. They are our worst customers at the shop and I will never forget that time a one-week temporary worker hurt his hand because he was not paying attention, then sued us. Even though it was on his way to work or so he said, we had to fight the case, we won but it costs us $17,000, gosh, I hate attorneys. Jim just gives a slight aggravated look and gazes towards the window over looking the river and much of downtown. How can anyone call what this guy does work?
So Sally looks at the cover page and the second page and the third and it says: "This sounds mean and ugly almost vindictive." The S2D2 says, "this is to protect you, franchising is very litigious." Sally: "But these are our friends." She looks at Jim and gives him a look, what are we getting ourselves into? The attorney also has an interesting look, a grin. Knowing that soon he will have much work defending them in lawsuits, he thinks to himself; gotta love these entrepreneurial suckers, so na๏ve thinking they are going to do good in the world, help people get into business and make money at the same time, living in a dream world, oh well thankfully they do exist, although I am noticing a decline in such folks over the years, but this is live bait, and I will make all I can while they still have money. The S2D2 then starts smiling as they leave. Knowing he can return the favor to some of his fellow attorneys nearby who specialize in divorce law and bankruptcy, etc. He has seen it before, good companies franchise and then the lawsuits, divorce and bankruptcy, he can smell it. He does not think more than a second or two that he and his S2D2 are the cause of all of it. Even if we are, we deserve the money, we are smarter than everyone else, have spent years learning all this dribble and besides I need another new BMW and the golf membership is coming due. Must keep up with the boys to continue to get those referrals.
Jim and Sally are having second thoughts, but are committed to the plan and already have the first three franchises sold to family, friends and loyal employees. "We promised Jim, we gave them our word, they are counting on us." "Yes, but Sally, I really hate attorneys, they seem so cold and they don't care, look at what he is charging us?" Sally says, "yes I know, but if we sell enough franchises we can send our kids to law school, that is where all the money is, look how hard we work to build a business and that fat cat attorney, just sits in that office with the view and works a few hours a day and that paralegal in the back seems to do all the work." Jim observes; "You know Sally, I really want to do this, we have worked so hard. Hey did you notice the way the secretary was looking at the attorney? I think they have something going there? Well maybe he is doing the paralegal too?" Sally says " yes I think you are right about the secretary, but the paralegal is definitely gay, you really think so?" Jim says, "Heck, yes, he seems like the squirrelly type, I do not trust him." Sally says "But, Jim you know his wife is a VIP in town? I agree with your comments did you notice how fast the attorney took you up on that offer too give his car free service?" Jim "Says, well the lawyers are a necessary evil,, last minute weekend breaks, we ought to double the price whenever they come in with cars to the shop." Sally says, we ought to deny them service, so they do not try to sue us." Jim says "Yah, but there is probably some law against it and then they really would sue us, maybe we should just defer to Caesar on this one?" Sally agrees, "Caesar was Right!" Jim shouts, "Take no prisoners, kill them all, ha, ha, ha." Jim gets on the on ramp and lets all 455 cubic inches roar. "We're gonna pass everything but a gas station from here on out!"
The next day, Jim and Sally are over the negative observations and Jim says "Well now we have the documents let's go visit our future franchisees, finally after four months of paperwork." Sally smiles. Jim says "you know I love you honey, we are finally going to do this." Sally says "good, for a second I thought you had the hots for that paralegal, he was sure checking your rear end out." Jim says "oh great! But I think I am more worried about his boss trying to screw both of us in some bizarre three-some."
You see Mr. Federal Trade Commission this is how it all starts, it all starts out on the wrong foot. Why? This MUD is clouding the reasoning and strength of franchising. Franchising is a win-win situation, when it is buried in MUD it creates an adversarial relationship from the beginning.
Jim and Sally are ready and they call the attorney to make sure it is okay for them to visit the prospects, who are already to sign up. The attorney says well, wait a minute we need to discuss this, because there are rules of disclosure and you should also think of setting up a sales department and have forms for compliance.
The cold electronic like S2D2 right on que says; "tell me about these prospects." Sally says "oh they are so very nice. First; Joe has been a trusted employee for years and knows everything about the business and he has a partner and his parents are putting up the money for the equipment for part ownership and helping him qualify for the lease on the building, he already has a location picked out, the same one Jim and I were going to put our fourth store, before we started to franchise instead." Well that is very nice the S2D2 says to Sally "incidentally Sally where do his parents live?" Jim says "They live across the river in IL and his partner is from MI, he will be moving here once the business gets going."
The S2D2 is salivating understanding that MI is a notification state and IL is one of the three worst states to do business for franchisors, some franchisors have even gone to the length to say that the state of IL is on drugs like those 'fruits, nuts and flakes' at the California Department of Corporations along with the rest of the population of girlie men in and around San Francisco, although everyone likes the new 'Governator'. The S2D2 says; "well Jim we have a slight problem." Jim thinks to him self, uh oh, he remembers, 'ah Houston, we have a problem' and then says; "What, it is all set up, the parents already sent a check to Joe for the first and last on the lease and he signed the lease this week, Joe already gave them a deposit." The attorney says "well we need to slow down, first Jim and Sally I do not know how to break this to you, but MI has to be notified that you are offering franchises in their state and IL needs full registration, I of course can do all that for you." (huge smile comes over the S2D2, even feels a tingle in his thing and winks to the paralegal as he reaches for his member in a display of manliness, similar to the movie 'Wallstreet' or 'Boiler Room'.)
Looks like the S2D2's golf membership is in the bag after all he thinks to himself; Sushi tonight, hell for the rest of the week, why not. This is going to be great; he thinks just maybe; I can sneak off with Liz, the secretary, for the weekend and tell his wife it is another very important rule making session in Las Vegas for the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise group where important franchise attorneys from all over the country meet to discuss the franchise rule which has had no changes in 10-years. It has been documented that law enforcement officials, judges, policemen and attorneys are the most likely professions to have extra curricular affairs with either members of their same sex or the other. (Source: Netscape News Online Oct. 2003).
The S2D2 says to Sally and Jim, "The registration for IL could take up to several months, if everything goes perfect." "Several Months" shouts Jim. "Yes, well this is nothing compared to Cal-if-forn-ia." Explains the S2D2 and goes on to say; "our standard fees are $10,000 to register in IL and we can probably do the MI thing for a thousand plus fees." Sally says "But, we are not are only charging $10,000 for the franchise fee to begin with and we are not franchising in IL or MI, surely not for a couple of years, we have a strategic plan to 'Start Small and Finish Big', besides we want our first franchisees close by so we can help them, running a business is not easy you know and we need to be available here."
The S2D2 changes from friend to father daughter mode and in a voice only grandfather's use he says; "Dear Sally, I think you are misinterpreting what I am saying here, I understand you are not franchising in Illinois right now or even Michigan for that matter. But the people involved in your franchise have partners who will have interests in the franchise who live in those states you see and that requires you to be registered in those states or in the case of Michigan to notify you are offering them a franchise." Sally says "but we are not offering them a franchise, we are offering a franchise to Joe our employee. Who is already to start and we want to give him that 'UFO thing', the U-Fuck, I mean U-fock as you call it, you said they have to have it for ten business days and there is a holiday weekend coming up and Joe wants to start ASAP, he has been buying new tools like mad from the Snap on Tool guy, he is so ready, he wants to get busy and make money before the 30 day bill comes in for all those tools." S2D2 explains, "Sally, I understand your frustration, but that is the IL law. It doesn't matter, what you think the law says or what you have worked out with Joe of your own free will, you are in a franchise now. Also Sally remember about the master lease clause and additionally if Joe's parents pay for the lease and are a partner in the company and their residence is IL then we already may have a problem. We will disclose this to the IL registration people, but it may delay application since technically we are in gray area and as per law a technical violation. Meanwhile see if Joe can get his deposit back so you can sign the lease and sublease to him. Also in your franchise agreement we agreed that site selection was part of the franchise fee."
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

One Simple Rule Weight Loss You Must Never Break or Risk Getting Fatter!

2009-12-08T08:00:00.001-08:00

Author: Miranda Smith

Source: articlesbase.com

One Simple Rule Weight Loss You Must Never Break or Risk Getting Fatter! Lose Half a Pound Per Day! The Fat Burning Furnace has quickly become one of the most popular weight loss systems online. The reason it has gotten so much attention is two fold: people are getting fast results, and they are getting it without overly restricting their diets! On average, people who go on the Fat Burning Furnace system lose half a pound per day. Instead of doing what all diets do which is overly restrict causing the regaining of weight, the Fat Burning Furnace uses a calorie manipulation techinque that is proven to be easier and more effective. The Fat Burning Furnace is centered around a custom diet tool that automatically comes up with a custom meal plan just for you. All you do is put in your favorite foods and you can make thousands of different combinations. This system promotes a balanced eating system that will actually require you to eat 30% more than the average diet. This is done by choosing the correct combination of foods in order to use calorie manipulation. Custom diet plans are made with it's diet generator tool where you put in your favorite foods to be included in the meal plans. Being able to do this will give people more freedom and legroom with their diet, last minute weekend breaks, and is flexible enough that they can eat out each weekend without worries. The Fat Burning Furnace system's main focus is on diet but it still does have effective workouts that will speed up your results. The workouts are not 90 minutes long like most programs but are what are known as "short burst" workouts that are short yet intensive. You can get the same results as if you were at the gym for hours but at a fraction of the time. Theses types of exercises can burn fat up to 24 hours after each session and burn primarily carbohydrates, this makes it harder for your body to store fat!Secrets in The Fat Burning Furnace System: -Why eating fat can accelerate your weight loss starting today-Exactly why your last diet didn't work-What foods to eat and when for the fastest weight loss Click Here to Download The Fat Burning Furnace System Now!

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Party Planning Basics

2009-12-06T18:00:00.001-08:00
Author: Danielle Brooks

Source: ezinearticles.com

Are you thinking about planning a party for your friends or family members and making it really fun and exciting? If you are, then you want to create something people will remember and cherish for many years, right? You want people to be comfortable and enjoy themselves, and to remember you as a host who really knows how to show people a great time. So what can you do to make sure that you plan the perfect party, one people will be talking about for years to come? If this is your goal, then here are some basics that can really help you to get the job done.

The first thing you have to have is some kind of a mood or a setting. This means, last minute weekend breaks, that you communicate a common theme to your guests in advance, so they can get involved and even dress the part if they want to. This will help to give you a focus and a direction in regard to the decorations, the food, the activities, and even the place you may want to have the party. You also want to make sure that the tone of the party matches the occasion. For instance, if someone is about to leave their job to start their own business, you want to make the party theme as inspirational as possible.

As you are planning your party, be sure that whatever you are doing provides minimal stress for the guests. In other words, people don't want to have to make last minute decisions about what to wear or what to bring. To solve these problems, make a list of people who have volunteered to help and delegate tasks to them according to what they are best at and most passionate about. Just be sure that each person is very clear as to what the expectations are, and that they are excited about being a part of the planning.

In order to set the right mood, you also want to consider the timeline of the events during the party. Do you want something more relaxed, or more fast-paced and exciting? This is something that can make or break a party. If it is something fast- paced, it might be best to have the get together on the weekend rather than a weekday when everyone is tired. For instance, Friday may not be the best time for something that is going to be active. For that matter, Sunday may also not be as appropriate, because it is a day when people would prefer to relax.

The pace will also be something you might have to compromise on. For instance, if the guests find that they are rushed through the activities, you might drive yourself up the wall trying to stick with the original plan. Make sure that you are prepared to respond to the pace the guests determine for your get-together. Always remember that the object is to have fun and create memories. That means for yourself as well as your guests. Have fun!

Danielle Brooks is a freelance writer who loves to entertain. When entertaining quests she likes to use noritake sweet leilani This China pattern is perfect for casual entertaining and elegant dining.

How to Find Cheap Flights From London to Frankfurt

2009-12-05T10:02:00.001-08:00
Author: David T Bain

Source: ezinearticles.com

One of the must-see cities that tourists should see when they visit Europe is Frankfurt, Germany's fifth largest city.In Frankfurt there are lots of historical buildings, museums, grand churches, opera houses, and modern skyscrapers that can literally take your breath away.

However, after a day of sightseeing you may well want to experience Frankfurt's nightlife, and this city won't let you down. There are many bars and restaurants, be it casual dining or a more formal dining experience that you're looking for - and of course plenty of nightclubs open to the early hours.

Frankfurt has so much to offer, you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding something that you like. It's ideal for a weekend break - but before you put Frankfurt in your itinerary, where can you find cheap flights from London to Frankfurt?

-- Airline Companies Offering Flights from London to Frankfurt --

Swiss International is one of the airlines that have regular flights from London to Frankfurt. They've only been around for a few years but they're rapidly becoming a popular choice for flights to their chosen destinations. As the name suggests, Swiss International Airlines is Switzerland's biggest airline.

British Airways is another carrier which offers flights from London to Frankfurt. BA is of course the Untied Kingdom's flag carrier and is still perceived as the UK's national airline. If it has a major international airport then the chances are that British Airways will fly to it.

BMI or British Midland Airways is another British airline which regularly flies to Frankfurt.BMI have now been flying passengers for many years. They are another airline which operates internationally. At the time of writing BMI carries almost 12% of all passengers that travel to and from London.

Lufthansa, otherwise known as Deutsche Lufthansa, is approximately the 5th largest airline in the world. It is however thought to be the largest airline in Europe. As the name suggests, Deutsche Lufthansa is headquartered in Germany.

-- Usual Flight Times for cheap flights from London to Frankfurt --

At the time of writing Swiss International Airlines flies from London to Frankfurt most days at 12:25pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:40 pm.It takes an average of an hour and five minutes to reach Frankfurt.

British Airways flies earlier, its first flight leaving at 7:25 in the morning. Last flight is at to 6:35pm.

BMI, flies even more often to Frankfurt. You can select any of these times: 6:25 am, 9:05 am, 11:50 am, 2:15 pm, 5:05 pm, 6:05 pm, 7:05 pm, and 8:05 pm.Lufthansa has similar times to BMI.

-- Cheapest Tickets and Departure/Arrival Airports --

The cheapest ticket prices at the time of writing were through Swiss Airlines, return prices coming out at a little more than £100.Swiss Airlines flies from London Heathrow Airport, flying directly to Frankfurt International Airport.

The cheapest single ticket for British Airways to fly from London to Frankfurt starts at just £50, last minute weekend breaks, .Like Swiss Airlines, departure airport is London Heathrow with arrival airport being Frankfurt International.

BMI and Lufthansa both work in a very similar manner - departing London Heathrow and arriving at Frankfurt International. Prices aren't too dissimilar to BA either to it looks like departure time should be one of your main considerations. Now you have no excuses... search for cheap flights from London to Frankfurt today!

David T Bain is a travel writer for the FairFX travel money card which offers great euro & UD dollar exchange rates to UK residents. Visit http://www.fairfx.com for more information.

Divorce and Your Children

2009-12-03T23:03:00.001-08:00
Author: Kassandra Vaughn

Source: ezinearticles.com

The only thing children care about is that they feel safe and are loved. Both are challenged when going through a divorce. No matter how much care and attention you give to supporting your children, part of them will blame themselves for the divorce. Children often internalize the breakup of the marriage as being their fault. Your goal, in helping your children through this process, is to initiate healing in the pre-divorce process, before ever saying the words "I want a divorce." By building a firmer foundation of love and support before the news hits, you cushion your children from some of the blows that come with transitioning from "Mom and dad aren't happy" to "Mom and dad are breaking up."

No matter how young or how old, your children need to know three things:

1) that you love them unconditionally 2) that you will never leave them, even if you separate from your spouse 3) that the world is a good place and all of life's experiences are opportunities to learn and grow

Once in the divorce process, it can be difficult to do this because your energy is scattered everywhere. Worry, fear and stress permeate the divorce process and your kids will feel this. Lessen the effect by creating an atmosphere of love and trust while the marriage is rocky but still in tact. This will give your children a sense of stability and safety.

Most importantly, don't focus on what you can't do for your kids (i.e. "I can't give them the family I always wanted to", "I can't be the model parent", "I can't keep the house and the cars and the lifestyle they're used to"). Focus on what you can do.

Here are two things you can do to greatly decrease the short and long term effects of divorce on your children:

1) Show your children genuine love through sincere words and consistent, quality time. Bath time, bed time, and meal time go a long way. Establish a child-centered routine that gives you uninterrupted time with your children. Once a divorce proceeding starts, your mind will be in other places and the divorce outcome itself will result in fewer opportunities (due to new custody arrangements) to spend time with your children.

2) Go out of your way to know who your children, last minute weekend breaks, are. It's one thing to hear. It's another thing to listen. Get to know your children individually. Ask questions and listen for the answers. Turn off the television, the blackberry/iPhone, the cell phones, twitter, shut down the computer and spend ten to twenty minutes a day asking your child questions like:

1) What was the best part of your day? 2) How's the homework coming along? 3) Which friends did you talk to today? 4) Who's your favorite teacher and why? 5) What's one fun thing you'd like to do this weekend?

In addition, when was the last time you visited your child's school just because? Do you know all the names of his teachers? Have you met the principal? Have you stayed for an entire cub scout meeting just because? When you go to the football games, are you watching your child or are you talking to your friends?

Remember: you're children are watching you, even if you aren't paying attention to them.

Bottom line: Children don't remember the toys they got for Christmas or the square footage of your house. They remember the hugs, the kisses and all the love you showed them throughout the years. That's what they hold onto.

Kassandra Vaughn is the creator and facilitator of the no-holds barred, step-by-step divorce strategy coaching program called The Ultimate Pre-Divorce Success Program. Ms. Vaughn is also the CEO of ROI Coaching, a virtual coaching firm designed to help clients maximize the quality of their lives starting NOW!
Register for UNHITCHED - 8 Ways to "Do" Divorce Without Getting Divorced (online course): http://predivorcewakeupcall.blogspot.com
Get More Pre-Divorce Strategies & Tips: http://predivorceplaybook.blogspot.com

10 Steps To Help You Get A Great Night's Sleep

2009-12-02T17:01:00.001-08:00
Author: Christopher Guerriero

Source: isnare.com

How did you sleep last night?

I had a great night's sleep, but when I woke up I thought what a powerful effect a great night's sleep has on your metabolism, and I wanted to share with you some ideas about how to get a better night's sleep.

Now my idea of a great night's sleep is one in which you sleep soundly and wake fully refreshed and full of energy. During a great night's sleep you rarely, if ever, think about your troubles, you never think about the news, and you usually fall asleep within 10 minutes of your head hitting the pillow (with positive thoughts in your mind).

Also, a key factor in determining if you had a great night's sleep is if you dream 'positive' or 'fun' dreams. Because if your night is full of 'bad' or 'stressful' dreams then you're most certainly tossing and turning throughout the night and NOT getting a "restful" sleep.

Why is it so important to get quality sleep each and every night? Your body and your mind break down and get worn out from stress during the day.

The only time that your body and your mind repair themselves and rejuvenate is when you're sleeping. But it's important to note here that "restful" sleep is the key. Tossing and turning all night or waking up every few hours is not considered restful sleep.

I recently read an article that made it to my research center that stated the facts about how snoring effects your sleep and your health. People who snore tend to disrupt their sleep, on average, 300 times each night - now that's not a restful night's sleep!

Now think about it this way for a moment - if you've been under stress lately, or if you're mattress sucks, or if you just plain haven't been able to sleep well for the past few weeks (or months), then you haven't given your brain or your body the time it needs to repair itself.

So you actually start each and every day a little bit less focused and less metabolically healthy than the previous day.

Don't try to catch up on your sleep. People tell me all the time that they know that they don't get enough sleep during the week - but they "catch up" on the weekends. Let me put an end to that myth right now. That does not work!!! Your body and your mind need a regular sleeping pattern to repair and rejuvenate - without it you're actually deteriorating yourself rather than re-energizing yourself.

So what's considered enough sleep?

Generally speaking, everyone should strive to get 8 hours of restful sleep. Now if you eat a very healthy diet and exercise properly, and give yourself a few mental breaks during the day, and if you sleep like a baby and awaken fully refreshed every day, then you might be the type of person who can get away with less sleep, maybe 6 hours each night.

On the other hand, if you experience extraordinary amounts of stress each day (mental or physical), then you'll need more than 8 hours. A marathon runner for example, tends to put his/her body through a lot of stress each day - that person needs more than just 8 hours because their body needs more repair time than normal. The same holds true for the person going through massive mental stress as well.

So what can you do to help facilitate a better night's sleep for yourself and those around you?

10 Steps To Help You Get A Great Night's Sleep:

1. Make a list of what you need to do the next day, write it all down and keep that paper and, last minute weekend breaks, pen near your bedside in case you think of anything else you need to do. When you write things down you're giving your brain the signal that it no longer needs to think about those tasks.

2. Don't watch television or listen to the radio (especially the news) before retiring for the night - and certainly do not fall asleep with the TV or radio on.

3. Read some inspirational or self-growth material for at least 30 minutes prior to bed. Your goal is to fill your mind with inspirational thoughts before falling asleep so that the last thoughts you have before drifting off are uplifting thoughts - as opposed to the stressful thoughts that most people fall asleep thinking about.

4. Make sure the room that you're sleeping in is as dark as possible - the body is made to sleep when it's dark out - the darker the room the more potential for a deep sleep.

5. Make the room as silent as possible - turn off all electric devices and ask others in the house to be as quiet as they can be.

6. Don't eat for at least 3 hours before going to bed. When there's undigested food in the stomach, your body is forced to focus on digesting that food rather than being focused on repairing your body and mind - which is what sleep is all about! The body was designed to digest food best while moving - not while laying down.

7. Try to go to bed at approximately 10:00 pm and awake at approximately 6:00 am. In Ayurvedic medicine it's believed that there are cycles that are the most conducive for certain activities. Going to bed at 10:00 pm and arising at 6:00 am appears to allow the body to rest the deepest, rejuvenate the most, and give the person the most energy throughout the day.

8. Don't take drugs or vitamins/herbs that are supposed to help you sleep (unless required by your physician). Most of these artificial sleeping aids do nothing more than deaden your senses - the goal of 'sleep' is to give your body the time and means to repair itself and prepare for the coming day. When you drug yourself to sleep, every system in your body is slowed down, including all those systems that are responsible for repairing you.

9. Make sure that there's a fresh air supply in the room. The air indoors is said to be some of the most toxic air around. When you sleep, you're only able to breath in the air that surrounds you in your enclosed bedroom. Try opening a window (if it's cold outside then just open the window a crack). The fresh air that comes in while you sleep will help your body repair itself because you'll have access to cleaner, more oxygenated air.

10. During the day, do 60 minutes of mild exercise. If you don't have time to do 60 minutes in a row, then break it up into 2 - 30 minute sessions, or 3 - 20 minute session, or 6 -10 minute sessions --- just get a full 60 minutes in. The best exercise when talking about general health and preparing your body for a great night's sleep is walking.

I wish you the best night's sleep tonight and every night from this day on.

How To Choose A Camera System To Fit YOUR Needs

2009-11-29T17:05:00.001-08:00
Author: Amy Barrett

Source: articleage.com

This report is designed with the purpose to give you a tool to evaluate camera systems to determine what equipment, protection, and services you should have in place for proper coverage. If you are only concerned with getting the cheapest system that is available then this report is not for you. You can easily go to one of the places that sell a complete camera system in a box and install it yourself. Even then after you do all of that work, you may not like what you see. But if you want a good quality system that will work past the warranty date, then take the time to read this report all the way through.
There are many reasons to install a camera system. If you own a business, you may want to be able to identify or avoid theft or keep vandalism from your property. Or you may just want to be able to keep an eye on things without actually being there physically. As a homeowner there are a bunch of other reasons to have a camera system. You may be having trouble with a neighbor, trespassers, vandals, or perhaps you have kids and want to be able to keep an eye on them but you can't be there every minute of every day.
Whatever your reason for wanting a camera system if you don't get the right kind of equipment based on your needs, you will just waste your money. So if you are thinking of getting a camera system, you will need to look at your situation in order to get the right system.
Some questions to ask yourself:
1. Is what you want to see indoors or outdoors?
2. How many areas do you want to see at your location?
3. Is there a lot of light available throughout the day and night?
4. Do you want to see a wide area, such as a parking lot, or a specific location, like the front door?
5. Is it important to see the small details or is a general idea good enough?
6. Do you need to see the picture only on sight or is off sight viewing necessary?
7. Do you need record what the camera sees?
8. Do you need to record for a long or short period of time?
Okay, now that you have an idea of what you are trying to view, we can take a closer look at the equipment.
Camera-
First let's look at the camera itself. There a hundreds of cameras to choose from. There are even fake cameras that you can use if you only want to give the illusion of having a system. Of course there are different prices ranging from cheap (poor quality) to the ridiculously expensive but does everything. If you don't know what to ask for, you could be disappointed in what you get.
Do you want color or black/white? If you need to see the details clearly and you have good lighting throughout the time you need to keep watch, then a color camera is probably going to be the way to go. Color cameras are typically more expensive than black/white and they don't see very will in the dark.
If you only need to have a general idea of what is going on in the area then you can go with black and white. Don't misunderstand me, you can get a nice clear picture with a black/white camera but if you are looking to be able to identify someone and not have there be any question, then color is for you. If the lighting in the area is bad then color may not be the best camera for the job. If you only have lighting issues at night then you can get a day/night camera. That will get you a color picture in the daytime and a black/white picture at night.
Lens-
Now let's focus on the lens for a while. The type of lens you want will depend on what you want to see, how far away it is, and how wide of an area you want to see. For most applications you can get a lens that is adjustable to fit just about all your needs. There are some cases where only a very specific lens will work, but those usually only occur in high end jobs. If money is real tight, then you can get a camera that has the lens built in. I would like to caution you here and say that once you get a camera like this, you can't just go and adjust it to get the picture you originally wanted. So, make sure you get a camera with the right lens.
Quads/Multiplexers-
A quad processor will give you the ability to view more than one camera on one screen or one at a time. If you have a system with four cameras you, last minute weekend breaks, can see all of them on one television screen or if you see something going on one camera you can choose to see only that location. Caution - the recorder you put on a quad will only record what the quad is allowing you to see.
A multiplexer is a step up from that. You can view your cameras any way you want. You can see each camera individually and multi cameras on the screen, in intervals. The playback, allows viewing the cameras in any form you like.
Recording devices-
First you must decide how long you want to record. If you have a business and you are closed on the weekends and holidays, you may want to record for at least 72 hours. If it's for your house and you go out of town for long periods of time you may want to consider a longer recording time. There is a time lapse recorder (very reasonably priced) that can record for 960 hours. That's 40 days and a whole lot of video to watch if you are looking for something that happened a week ago.
Something that has been on the market for a while and is finally coming down in price to something that is almost reasonable is the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The DVR comes with so many features it's a little scary. First the picture quality is improved because you aren't viewing it from a tape that has been recorded over again and again and again. Second, it has a built in multiplexer that will let you view more than one camera at a time on the same screen. Third, it's easy to upgrade so that you can view your cameras remotely. So if you want to go on vacation and still keep an eye on things you can. Forth, the video is stored internally and it's a whole lot easier to view video without having to rewind and fast forward. Plus there is no need for a tape library. There are probably a few more things a DVR can do but these would be the most popular.
Monitors-
What do you want to see the picture on? Monitors can vary in size and picture quality depending on your budget and how much space you have. You can view cameras on your existing television or you can view them on your computer screen or over the Internet.
Wireless Systems-
A word about wireless systems. Wireless technology has come a long way. It's more reliable and the picture quality has improved greatly. I also like the idea that you can easily move the system. There is a system that just came out that has an awesome price. I have no idea how long the system will last, what the range is or if there are some environmental factors that can interfere with the picture. But if you are on a serious budget, this could be the answer for you.
I would like to thank you for reading this report. I hope this report has helped you learn a little more about camera systems. It's not easy to make an informed decision when you know very little about the subject. I hope now that you have read this report you have gained some insight into what kind of system would work best for you. If your system is driven only by cost, then please don't expect to get a great quality picture. If your system is driven only by features, then you had better open you wallet a little. I would highly recommend that whatever you are looking for, that you talk to a security consultant and discuss what is available for you in your price range.
Listen I have only scratched the surface when it comes to cameras. There are so many varieties available today it can be a little overwhelming for someone who doesn't know what they are doing. There are cameras that can Pan-Tilt-Zoom. There are covert cameras that would make James Bond proud. You just have to know what you want and how much you can spend. I'm sure you wouldn't go shopping for a car or a house and not know what your budget is or have an idea of what you wanted. Take this information and use it wisely.
Amy Barrett has been in the security industry for more than 13 years. She understands the frustrations that people can go through when trying to find a camera system that will fit their needs and not break the bank in the process. She has created a website for people to get more information on camera systems and camera equipment. You can visit her website at http://www.cctvhomeonline.com

Improve Fuel Economy - Over 30 Ways to Increase Your MPG and Save Money on Gas

2009-11-28T15:03:00.001-08:00
Author: Brian Dobben

Source: articleage.com

There are two major categories in fuel savings: driving habits vehicle maintenance/upgrades
First, DRIVING HABITS: Anticipate, use your brakes less, and don't accelerate quickly. Look far down the road ahead, even if "far" is a city block. Get into turn-lanes smoothly and early: avoid accelerating to get in front of traffic. Anticipate stops or slow-downs ahead and take your foot off the gas: try to coast much more than you brake. Additional coasting distance saves fuel and extends brake-pad life.
Remember: he who leaves stoplight quickest pays more at pump.

Use Cruise Control. It saves fuel and speeding tickets. But it's not just for cruising. The "Resume" button can give you decent acceleration without wasting fuel.

Overdrive and gear selection. If your automatic has Overdrive, use it. If you have a manual transmission, shift early to keep engine rpm's lower and always use the highest gear for highway cruising.

Slow down. As you increase speed above 60 mph, wind resistance increases rapidly as a percentage of total fuel consumption. Typically, every mile over 60 mph costs you ~1% in fuel economy.

Carefully consider your route and the time of day: traffic flow is a huge factor.
For example, say that along your interstate travel route, the space between vehicles averages 3 to 4 car lengths typical of traffic in many large cities. If it's stop-and-go, fuel economy will be bad. But if traffic is moving smoothly and fast (at 60 - 80 mph), then fuel economy can be superb: those rushing vehicles create a jet-stream of air that dramatically reduces wind-drag losses. Up to 30% gains are possible. For maximum fuel economy, follow a larger vehicle and use cruise control. Also keep in mind wind direction: if the wind blows strongly from the right and you're in the right lane, you'll get NO break in wind resistance from vehicles ahead.

Plan and Combine errands to make fewer trips. Think like your great-grandparents did. Plan meals and grocery shop once a week to once a month: just make a list of other errands during the week, plan your route, and do it all in the same trip. Arrange with other parents to carpool or pick up the kids for you.
Such planning may seem like work at first, but it frees up time, helps you relax, and can improve your average fuel economy by 5 to 15%. It can also cut your average weekly miles by 20% or more. Total dollar potential: save 10-35% of monthly fuel costs.
How does this help fuel economy? During the first several miles while warming up, the engine and transmission are not operating efficiently. This is why city fuel economy can drop dramatically in cold weather, when it can take 10 miles for the engine and transmission to warm up. Automatic transmissions in particular can be power hogs when fluid is cold, and manual transmissions can feel like you're shifting in molasses. (Hot/cold temperatures are one of many reasons to use a full-synthetic 100,000-mile transmission fluid). So, combining two or three trips into one reduces the miles you drive, and, last minute weekend breaks, also gets you better fuel economy.

Use air conditioning wisely:
- Keep your windows rolled up at speeds over 40 mph: the air turbulence around the window makes the air-conditioning cheaper than the fuel-economy penalty from additional wind-drag.
- Turn off the air and roll down windows at speeds under 40 mph in the summer heat: the additional wind-drag is cheaper than the air-conditioning.
Fuel economy impact? ~ 1-5%.

Buy fuel wisely. Ok, this isn't actually improving your fuel economy, but here are some tips to save fuel money. Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning fill-ups will normally save you money: those are typically the lowest prices of the week. Also, filling up in the morning when the fuel is cooler will get you a few extra cents of fuel. So your best time to fill up is -- on average -- Wednesday morning. Don't "top off" your tank: you risk losing fuel to the station's vapor-recovery system, giving them back some fuel you're buying.

Use a good fuel additive at fillup. Injectors with excessive deposits have poor spray patterns that can cost you 2 to 15% in fuel economy. Those deposits are caused by poor quality fuel. Since '95 the EPA has required all gasoline to have deposit-control additives. But about half of all gasoline on the market is lowest additive concentration (LAC) gasoline, which barely meets the regulation and contributes to excessive deposits.
What can you do? First, if your vehicle is designed for premium gas, and you're using it, your injectors may be fine: most premium fuels include higher additive levels that are effective at keeping injectors clean. However, what if you don't use premium? Use "Top Tier" detergent gas -- if you can find it -- because this new fuel classification meets the 2004 GM/Honda/Toyota/BMW deposit control standard.
If you don't need premium and Top Tier isn't available, you probably need an additive. BEWARE: there are many mousey fuel additive products that generate nice sales profits but do little for your vehicle. Find a good one that will actually clean your injectors, keep them clean, and (for diesels) lubricate your fuel pump. Our website suggests fuel additives that we know do the job with quality, for a fair price.

Lose some weight! Clean out your vehicle's trunk (and maybe the back seat). Tools from that weekend project two months ago is costing you fuel! Every 200 pounds in your trunk costs you roughly 1 mpg.

Don't drive! Carpool, occasionally ride a bicycle or walk, telecommute for part of your work-week, or take public transportation.

Shift your work-hours to avoid gridlock. Stop-and-go traffic is hard on fuel economy. Arrange traveling to/from work when traffic flow is running smoothly at the speed limit.

Minimize idling -- idle smart: Engines only need 10 seconds for warm-up before driving (30 seconds if below zero). Idling your engine more than a minute typically costs more fuel than re-starting it. So avoid drive-thru lines at banks and fast-food shops: instead of sitting in line, park and go inside. BUT, when you must idle with an automatic transmission, put the transmission in Neutral or Park while you're waiting: this will cut fuel usage at idle by 10-40% depending on the vehicle and the transmission temperature. (With manual transmissions, use the brake to keep from rolling back - not the clutch. That saves fuel and extends clutch life.)

Park in the Shade: The hotter the fuel tank gets, the more gas you lose to evaporation.

Smart vacation thinking: If your vehicle is a gas guzzler, consider renting an economical vehicle to drive on vacation. With a discounted week-long rate at better fuel economy, the rental might pay for itself. If you lease your vehicle, using a rental vehicle will also lower your total lease miles.

Keep a log of your mileage and fuel. By monitoring your fuel economy and driving habits, you can see the cost impact of changing your driving style, and you can spot the poor fuel economy that is often a first-alert to maintenance issues. In addition, as you make changes to improve fuel economy, you can measure the exact results (averaged over five or more fill-ups for best accuracy).

Second: vehicle MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES.
These areas often get skipped in recommendations on getting better fuel economy. That's unfortunate because they can have huge impacts.

Most fuel economy improvements fall into two general categories: decrease friction in the vehicle's drivetrain (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, tires); make it easier for air to flow through the engine, anywhere from the air intake to the exhaust tailpipe.
These are the same areas that performance-enthusiasts change to get more horsepower. I spoke with a Lexus mechanic who has won awards for his modified 2003 Dodge 2500 pickup with the Cummins turbo-diesel engine. He was surprised that with his many thousands of dollars in horsepower upgrades, he was getting about 23 mpg even with large tires and higher ground-clearance. "Every time I increased the power, the fuel economy improved." No surprise to me: except for tires and suspension, he increased his truck's efficiency with every power upgrade.

Keep your engine tuned up. If you have a dashboard service-engine light on, you're likely wasting fuel. Example: bad Oxygen Sensors are a classic problem that can cost you 5-15% in fuel economy. Overall, poor engine tuning and lack of maintenance can decrease fuel economy by 10-20%, or more.

Inflate your tires to their optimum: HIGHER pressures than "normal". Read carefully. You need EVEN road-contact pressure (equal across the tread) to maximize everything: tire life, fuel economy, bad weather traction, and best overall handling and cornering characteristics with increased road safety. Probably over 85% of car tires on the road are under-inflated, and this costs money in fuel and shorter tire life. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.
"Experts" generally (wrongly) define the "proper" pressure as the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. That's what the government says. That's what most service shops follow. Unfortunately, that's seldom correct in your and my vehicle tires.
Fact is that OEM wheel/tire combinations for most passenger cars and light trucks are designed by the TIRE manufacturer for even tread pressure on the ground when inflated to between 35 and 42 psi [pounds per square inch]: that optimum inflation range is much higher than the recommended 28 to 33 psi that are in many owner's manuals or on door-jamb labels.
If your tires normally wear the tread off the shoulder before the center of the tread, then your tires ARE under-inflated.

So how much air pressure should you use? Visit our full online Ultimate Fuel Economy Guide for important details.
Impact? By our conservative estimates, most vehicles are riding on tires that are 8 psi low, costing about 3% in fuel economy.

Watch your tire choice. Replacing your tires/wheels with wider and/or taller ones may look awesome, but keep in mind that your choice could have a 1 to 3% penalty in fuel economy... or even more in extreme cases like "monster truck" tires/wheels.

Switch to best-quality synthetic oils and filters throughout your drivetrain: engine oil, transmission fluid, differential gear oil and wheel bearing grease. This advice -- to use the best synthetic lubricants -- is rarely heard, yet it's an easy area to save money. You save in routine maintenance costs, long-term maintenance costs, time-in-the-shop, and of course in fuel economy. But unfortunately it's not a simple area to understand. So here's a brief primer on synthetic lubricants:

The number of vehicle owners turning to synthetic engine oil has increased dramatically, because consumers are learning that synthetics are better than petroleum products in every way, BY DESIGN. More vehicle owners are beginning to realize what the OEM's and quick-lubes don't want them to know: that full synthetics can cut wear rates in half and outperform traditional oil for up to 35,000 miles between oil changes.

But consumers don't realize THREE KEY THINGS:

First, that the benefits of synthetics extend to every lubrication area in the vehicle. For example, most transmissions fail because their transmission fluid has failed, either because the fluid hasn't been changed frequently enough, or because the fluid overheated. Synthetic fluid helps hugely to prevent transmission problems, and naturally saves fuel at the same time.

Real life: My '94 Taurus SHO got 10% better fuel economy with engine oil and transmission fluid change, my '02 Sierra 2500HD Duramax truck got 8% better fuel economy with just synthetic engine and differential fluids, an acquaintance picked up over 20% on a 37 foot gas-engine motor-home, and my friend Phillip's 1999 Olds Silhouette van picked up 20% just by changing to synthetic engine oil -- saving him over $600/yr in fuel.

In other words, for most vehicles, high-performance synthetic lubricants are one of the simplest and best changes that you can make to improve fuel economy -- yet it's rarely mentioned! One reason is because it's brand dependant. Most people will get 2 to 12% improvements in fuel economy, IF they use one particular brand of lubricants, but less or no improvement with other "synthetics".

Second, not all "synthetics" are real PAO synthetics. Today, in fact, most are fakes because the lubrication industry has agreed that it's OK to deceive you. (Our site explains how to tell a true synthetic from a petroleum "synthetic".)

Why do you need real PAO synthetics, anyway? Because in every way they perform better than petroleum products -- by design -- and because they are uniquely able to save you the maximum amount of money with 25,000 and even 35,000 mile drain intervals, while other "synthetics" are designed for 7,000 to 10,000 mile use, to maximize petroleum-oil-company profits out of YOUR pocket.

Third, not all real synthetics are the same. As a Mechanical Engineer who has worked for years in automotive, and done extensive research (see About Us on my site), I live in the everyday world of real results and have developed some strong recommendations based on data and verification with personal testing. In fuel economy, for example, ASTM standardized fleet testing results with one company's synthetic lubes in commercial vehicles shows an average 8.2% improvement in fuel economy vs the common big-name commercial lubricants. (See this data on our site.)

Few companies will show legally-binding data based on standardized (tightly defined) test parameters like this, because independent testing on their products will not produce favorable data to support their product claims. In comparison, hundreds of ASTM 4-ball Wear Test results in independent laboratories over years have shown that one company's lubricants are consistently designed to reduce frictional wear and internal fluid-friction losses to a greater extent than even most synthetic lubricants. Friction reduction translates directly to better fuel economy and much longer-lasting vehicles.

You want data from respected independent testing laboratories? Ahh -- so you know marketing claims are worthless! We have overall comparative testing data for many specific oil blends, including Mobil 1: ASTM testing by independent laboratories. While all the oil companies run these tests, generally only one company publishes significant data, while the others rely on vague performance claims and clever marketing slogans. Beware: test results against generic "competitor A, B, C" are legally meaningless. But published/advertised test data against named products is legally binding, with huge lawsuit potential from competitors.

Improve airflow AROUND your vehicle:
- Loaded roof racks or cargo pods can cut 5% or more off your fuel economy. A cargo rack that slides into a trailer hitch allows you to carry extra stuff, still get into your trunk, and use less fuel.
- Sunroof air-deflectors can be handy, but do cost you a bit of fuel. Removing the air deflector might save 1/4 to 3/4% in fuel economy.
- Consider adding a truck bed cover, either soft-type or hard-shell, to get a 1 to 2 mpg boost. What about dropping your tailgate to travel, or replacing the stock tailgate with an "air gate" net or louvered tailgate? They're not as reliable: results depend on vehicle aerodynamics, bed length, and what you do (or don't) have in the truck bed.
- Reduce air turbulence under your vehicle: "Off-road" packages with protective underbody "skid plates", or "ground effects" styling packages can add 1-4% in fuel economy. The downside? The vehicle may be more difficult to service.
- Adding an air deflector to the roof of your truck/SUV when towing will also add 1 to 3 mpg by reducing trailer wind-drag. But it can also reduce your non-towing fuel economy by about the same amount if it's still in position on the vehicle when you're NOT towing.

Improve airflow into the engine. This can happen in several stages of increasing complexity, but the first place is the air filter, where air enters your engine. If your filter is dirty, that reduces fuel economy -- up to 10% in the worst cases. However, there's a conflicting problem. Conventional filters should NOT be replaced before the OEM's recommended interval or they will increase your engine wear rate: they rely on the "dust cake" buildup to achieve effective filtration, which unfortunately causes a pressure drop that reduces fuel economy.

Easy Improvement: Replace your air filter with nanofiber filters born from military/aerospace technology. (Just released in 2005 with worldwide patents, and reasonably priced.) You get pressure drop nearly as low as an oiled gauze filter while filtering out 100% of wear particles down to 3 microns (for real). Clean with an annual tap/shake/vacuum. No warranty problems.

Intermediate: The next thing to look at is the air-filter box design. Many OEM's have a restrictive flow-path going into the air-box (to reduce engine air-intake noise, or to reduce water intake if you drive through a foot or two of water), including lots of internal stiffener ribs. Sure, the improved strength from ribs may enable you to stand or kneel on the air-box, but they often cause pressure-drop and turbulence.
There are two improvement routes: an aftermarket air-induction system, or DIY modifications.

The best route is to look at replacing the entire air-intake box and filter with an aftermarket "air induction" or "air intake" kit.
Caution: oiled gauze filters won't keep out many wear particles, so they produce high engine wear-rates. Plus, excess "tack oil" can cause reduced fuel economy and trouble with warranty coverage at many dealers. Choose wisely -- go for the OEM certified nanofiber solution if one is available for your vehicle, because nanofiber air filters are the best technical and economical compromise between no filter at all and a restrictive stock filter. The minimum intake choice should include a two-stage dual-density oiled-foam filter: far better than oiled-gauze. If you can't get at least that in an aftermarket air induction system, then we recommend skipping it: upgrade to a nanofiber air filter, and consider modifying the stock air-box as we outline on our website.
Advanced: see our site for these details.
Our easy, intermediate-level and advanced airflow improvement suggestions can realistically net you from 2% up to a maximum 8% improvement in fuel economy.

Improve airflow out of the engine: Install an aftermarket exhaust system. These have larger diameter pipes and larger, less restrictive mufflers. My point isn't to get louder, but to reduce "backpressure" losses which cut down on horsepower, torque and fuel-economy. Since increased noise is typical, and some systems are intentionally designed to be loud, you may want to shop for the exhaust sounds you do or don't want.

Upgrade to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Careful. Companies and sales people want to make money on your vehicle switch, so watch out for your best interests. First, price matters. You have to save a lot of fuel to pay for a big difference in vehicle price. Paying hybrid premiums to get more fuel economy probably won't begin to pay you back before you sell the vehicle. Second, real-world driving shows many hybrids don't live up to their mpg hype. (See our surprising comparison in the online detailed version of this, between hybrids and turbo-diesel vehicles.)

Finally, be cautious in your search for improved fuel economy: don't waste money on fake fuel-economy improvements. Many products are total fakes or hugely exaggerated. Most companies tiptoe around those realities, but I don't. So here's the truth:
- Most "oil additive" or engine "metal treatment" products are or will be embroiled in lawsuits in a number of states. If an oil additive claims a fuel economy improvement over 1%, forget it. Lubrication Engineers explain that oil is a highly engineered chemical package, and that if you want better performance you must buy better oil. Base your choice on published, standardized ASTM test results. That's the best and cheapest way to get better lubrication performance.
- Fuel treatments/additives and catalysts? 2-15% gains are available, with the biggest improvements for vehicles with a long diet of cheap LAC (Lowest Additive Concentration) fuel. Question the cost vs value. The answer is Yes to some good ones, No to some poor ones, and "why bother" to a lot of them. Question who to trust, and research what you buy.
- A mechanical or electronic aftermarket product? Fundamentally, if it isn't actually improving airflow through the engine/exhaust, it's probably NOT going to boost fuel economy. Our site has specific "improvement" examples that WON'T save fuel.
Brian Dobben holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMT), from LeTourneau University. He has served in manufacturing and automotive industries since 1988 in Mechanical and Welding Engineering, with a specialty in welding automation. He has done research in lubrication and filtration, is certified as a lubrication specialist, and is currently the Welding Manufacturing Manager for an OEM automotive supplier who leads the world in quality in their market, growing over 20% a year. His professional passion is improving profits and quality.
Brian created Ultimate-Synthetic-Oil.com as a service to the public: dedicated to lubrication and filtration education, exposing hype & deception, and helping people identify and buy superior lubricant and filter products at wholesale pricing.

You've just read a "bare" version of this guide. The latest full, unabridged version is located at Ultimate Fuel Economy Guide.

SKI DAZZLE; THE CHICAGO SKI SHOW & SNOWBOARD EXPO CELEBRATES ITS 45TH YEAR THIS FALL IN CHICAGO.

2009-11-26T21:09:00.001-08:00
Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles

September, 2003 -- Ski Dazzleยฎ The Chicago Ski Show and Snowboard Expโข is celebrating its 45th year as the Mid-West's largest annual ski and snowboard consumer show. This high profile and exciting fourโ"day โlifestyle eventโ attracts more than 38,000 active and enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders to the Rosemont Convention Complex & The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

From professional singles and families, through high school and college students, this show is positioned to be THE annual kick-off of the winter ski & snowboard season in the Chicagoland area.

Ski Dazzleยฎ features over 250 exhibit booth spaces showcasing the core companies of skiing and snowboarding, including reps from over 100 local, national and international winter resorts. There will be ski & snowboard retailers offering โshow specialsโ, seminars and clinics and a $1,000,000.00 Ski & Snowboard Sale with holiday shopping bargains for all ages.

In addition, multiple entertainment areas and daily events include continuous free ski lessons on the giant Learn to Ski ramp; an Xtreme Film Theater featuring the hottest young ski & snowboard movie producers, a floor to ceiling Climbing Wall presented by the Daily Herald, Search & Rescue Dog Demonstrations, a Free Cross Country Course and equipment to try, plus a Seminar and Celebrity Stage where valuable free prizes, lift tickets and trips can be won, and a personal appearance by legendary filmmaker Warren Miller who will be at the show all four days.

WHERE TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD, HOW TO GET THERE, AND BACK

Over 250 exhibitors from the โWorld of Skiing & Snowboardingโ await visitors to Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003. Topping the list, resort and travel experts offer money-saving packages and travel bargains for singles and families including reps from over 100 of the top ski and snowboard resorts, properties and services in the U.S.A., Canada and Europe.

Travel & Resorts exhibitors include: Adventures on Skis, Lynx Ski & Golf, Afton Alps, Alpine Valley, Aspen, Snowmass, BC Ski Country- Canada, Big Mountain Resort, Big Sky Lodging, Big Sky Resort, Big Snow Country, Camp Sagawau Nordic, Cascade Mountain, Chestnut Mountain Resort, Christmas Mountain, Colorado Ski Country USA, Crested Butte, Crystal Mountain, Devil's Head Resort, Four Lakes Ski & Snowboard Park, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Hole Mt. Resort, Mount Bohemia, JacksonHoleVacation.net, Keweenaw Tourism Council, Killington Ski Resort, Mont Ripley Ski Area and Mont Ste. Anne.

Ski and Snowboard resort experts from Mt. Rose โ" Lake Tahoe, Norway Mountain, Pine Mountain, Premier Destinations, Quebec Tourism, Red Mountain Resort BC, Resort Quest, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Shanty Creek, Ski Alaska, Ski Banff-Lake Louise, Ski Brule, Ski Lake Tahoe, Ski New Mexico, Ski Salt Lake, Ski The UP, Ski Utah, Smugglers Notch Resort, Steamboat, Stowe Mountain, Sundown Mountain, Sunshine Village, Swiss Valley Ski Area, Telluride Ski & Golf Co, The Canyons, Tyrol Basin, Vail Resorts, Valdoro Mountain Lodge, Vermont Ski Association, Villa Olivia Ski Area, Welch Village Ski Area, Whistler & Blackcomb Mountain Resort, Wilmot Mountain, Winter Park Resort, Grand Geneva and the Wisconsin Department of Tourismโฆat last count!

Ski Dazzleยฎ offers visitors their only chance this season to speak directly to so many experts from top ski and snowboard resorts and all under one roof.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD SALE - $1,000,000.00 OF HOLIDAY BARGAINS!

Visit the Million-Dollar Ski and Snowboard Sale and Swap, for outstanding pre-Christmas values on all kinds of ski and snowboard equipment and clothing for adults and children. You'll find top quality new and used equipment, fashions and accessories from Midwest specialty ski and snowboard shops. In addition, you'll find super bargains on everything else for sale ... all priced to move and just in time for Holiday shopping! This is a great place to outfit an individual or an entire family at great savings on name brands.

Plus, Chicagoland residents are even invited to bring their good condition used ski and snowboard equipment and place it in the โUsed Equipment Areaโ in the Sale. Public Registration of used equipment is located just inside the Rosemont Convention Complex at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center entrance. There will be a 15% charge ONLY if your item is actually sold at the Million-Dollar Ski and Snowboard Sale and Swap. Complete registration details will be posted online through a special link on The โStuff To Buyโ page at www.skidazzle.com/chicago

ONE-STOP SHOPPING

In addition specialty ski and snowboard retailers bring a selection of current season equipment and clothing, plus the greatest advice to help you make your equipment selection for the safest and most enjoyable winter, ever!

It's all under one roof at Ski Dazzleยฎ, so come meet the experts from, Viking Ski Shop, RQ Board Shop, Shred Shack and Zumiez to name a few. They are here to give you expert advice and one-stop shopping convenience for new season merchandise and holiday โShow Specialsโ.

DAILY HERALD'S FREE ROCK CLIMBING WALL

Visitors to the show have a FREE chance to try their hand (and feet!) on the Daily Herald's 20 foot high rock climbing wall right on the show floor! Offered as another pre-season fitness and conditioning discipline that is also great fun, professionally trained instructors from 3N1 Productions will be on hand to make the climb safe and easy for children, as well as, adults. This is a great โphoto opโ so bring your friends, your family and your cameras

XTREME FILM THEATERโข HOSTED BY SKI PRESS MAGAZINE

XTREME FILM THEATERโข will be hosted by Ski Press Magazine. They will be presenting White Knuckle Extreme Action Sports Videos featuring some of the hottest ski and snowboarding, last minute weekend breaks, films and previews available. Non-stop action from producers like Warren Miller, Matchstick, Poor Boyz, Exodus, Standard, Jib Tech and more!

Ski Press Magazine will give away DVD's, Videos and Prizes to lucky winners every two hours. If you have to take some of this wild action home, full-length movies and DVDs on Skiing, Snowboarding and Extreme Sports of all kinds will be available for purchase from White Knuckle Extreme - Sports Videos.

FIRESIDE CHATโขSEMINARS - PRIZES & MONEY SAVING SEMINARS WITH CELEBRITIES & EXPERTS

The Ski Dazzleยฎ Fireside Chatโข seminar series will be hosted by Ski Dazzleยฎ Co-Producer, Judy Gray and will feature visiting celebrities and experts. These informal seminars offer tips on winter travel bargains, new technology in skiing and snowboarding equipment, backcountry helicopter & adventure tours and even winter photography.

Special guest, award winning filmmaker Warren Miller, will join us for a series of Fireside Chats. Don't miss this chance to meet an incredible legend of skiing who will share humorous stories of his 50 plus years of entertaining skiers and snowboarders around the world.

Ski Press Magazine will be sending two members of their 2003-2004 Ski Equipment Test & Editorial Staff to help answer questions about the latest evaluations of equipment. Marc-Andre Nadeau โ" Director of the Test Program, and Former Canadian Demo Team Member and 7-year member of the Test Team, Isabelle Sauvauge will share their extensive knowledge at daily seminars.

You can count on ski & snowboard Factory Reps and surprise celebrity guests to stop by the show for a visit. The Fireside Chatโข has featured World & Olympic Champions, Entertainment, Political, and Sports Celebrities.

This is also where we give away thousands of dollars of prizes, including lift tickets, accessories, brand new skis and snowboards, just for audience participation! The Fireside Chatโข is a great chance for attendees to get straight answers about their sport in a relaxed and informal setting at the showโฆAND win incredible prizes!

Schedules and content will be different every day, so check at the show for program updates or log on to the โEventsโ page at www.skidazzle.com/Chicago for up-to-the-minute guest and topic line-up information.

AWARD WINNING FILMMAKER - WARREN MILLER

Warren Miller is an expert surfer, sailor of catamarans, ski instructor, author, columnist, humorist, entertainer and all-around nice guy. Warren Miller is famous for bringing the sport of skiing to the big screen. He writes with wit and keen insight about skiing, filmmaking and traveling. โWarren Miller is a combination of Jean-Claude Killy, Robert Redford, Ingmar Bergman, and Woody Allenโ says the Los Angeles Times.

He purchased his first still camera at the age of nine, for thirty-five cents, which started a career that will continue well into the next century. In junior high school wood shop, in 1938, he built his first surfboard and that same year he purchased a pair of pine skis with toe straps in a garage sale in Hollywood for two dollars. His roller skates, bicycle, surfboard, and skis allowed him a freedom that has fueled his life-long search and filming of exciting activities, sharing with the world his vision of freedom.

Though he went on to make films on numerous subjects, his name eventually became synonymous with extreme skiing, snow boarding, and windsurfing. The films were chiefly distinguished by their feats of athleticism, their creative camera shots, and of course, the famed Miller humor. For a half-century, the Miller films have introduced audiences to every new aspect of every winter and nearly every summer sport played without a court and without a score -- activities people do on weekends.

Looking back on his long career, Miller remains true to character. "I'm a 14 year-old kid", he reflects, "trapped in a 73 year-old body, and I still don't know what I'm going to do when I grow up."

Warren will be available for photos and autographs of his posters, books and movies at the Warren Miller booth and will also be a featured guest at the Fireside Chat Seminars during Ski Dazzleยฎ.

THE GOOD DOGS ALWAYS WEAR WHITE

Our Ski Dazzleยฎ Snow Dog mascot is a remarkable nine-year old, pure white male German Shepherd, named "Sequoia". He โcarries a badgeโ and is looking to rescue any skier or snowboarder in distress. This amazing animal is a K9 member of the California Rescue Dogs Association and Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dogs Association and has been trained to locate lost or missing people in challenging terrain and conditions.

In his job, Sequoia rides the chairlifts and is often air-lifted to remote areas by helicopter. He is then lowered and raised by harness in and out of dangerous areas to search for lost hikers, snowboarders and skiers. In his โoff hoursโ Sequoia enjoys racing down the ski runs in California following his owner, playing with the kids and adults during Ski School breaks and as a member of the Ski Patrol, joyriding in helicopters and snowcats.

Rick Strasser, who is Sequoia's owner and handler, is a Firefighter and Paramedic for the Barstow Fire Department in Southern California and has been a member of various emergency and rescue services for over twenty years. Strasser, and Sequoia have been instrumental in the safe rescue of hundreds of careless or unlucky hikers, winter sport enthusiasts, lost childrenโฆ and adults.

Sequoia and Rick will be on hand at Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003 to personally meet attendees and together they will demonstrate how these canine โwonder dogsโ safeguard our lives and quickly capture our hearts. Come meet these local heroes during their personal appearances and daily demonstrations at our Fireside Chatโข Seminar Stage exclusively at Ski Dazzleยฎ โ" The Chicago Ski Show and Snowboard Expoโข.

FREE SKI LESSONS AND XC DEMOS

Ski Dazzle will be giving free ski lessons on a Giant indoor ski school ramp right at the show! Bring a beginner to the show and professional instructors will give them their first lesson on โthe hillโ! This is a great way to put a friend or family member on the road to skiing. These free ski ramp lessons include all the necessary equipment and professional instruction.

In addition, Camp Sagawau Nordic will have a custom XC course set up and will provide all equipment, giving FREE XC lessons to all ages and abilities, right at the show. They will also be awarding prizes of 2 for 1 lift passes and use of equipment.

PRIZES, CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS OFFER OVER $15,000 OF PRIZES

$15,000.00 of prizes have been donated from Snow Industry Equipment Reps, Ski Dazzleยฎ Exhibitors and Resorts. These will be awarded in hourly event drawings for free lift tickets, free skis, free snowboards, trips and accessories offering lots of ways to win and will add to the fun throughout the four days of Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003.

BUY ADVANCE TICKETS ON-LINE

You can save time and avoid lines at the show. Buy your Regular Admission tickets or Children's tickets on-line at www.skidazzle.com/Chicago and print them right from your own computer with our secure on-line ordering software.

SKI DAZZLEยฎ - A PARTY WITH A PURPOSEโข

Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003, at the Rosemont Convention Center Complex is the most important ski or snowboard trip you will make this season. It's all under one roof, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and features the latest winter travel bargains plus expert advice you can't get anywhere else.

There will be ski and snowboard experts from equipment to resorts; ski and snowboard celebrities; money-saving tips; loads of family entertainment; plus holiday bargains galore from the $1,000,000.00 Ski and Snowboard Saleโฆit's no wonder Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003 - The Chicago Ski Show and Snowboard Expoโข is called, โA Party with A Purposeโขโ by both exhibitors and attendees alike.

SKI DAZZLEยฎ WEBSITE

Updates and details, including a new โon-line ticketing optionโ, show hours, Ski Dazzleยฎ exhibitor list and hot links, features, seminar schedules, celebrities, driving directions and entertainment schedules, are available on the Internet at www.skidazzle.com/Chicago.

-End-

Copyright 2003 โ" Ski Dazzle LLC

Ski Dazzleยฎ and The Chicago Ski Show & Snowboard Expoโข are registered trademarks of Ski Dazzle LLC

All schedules, appearances, times and events are subject to change but were confirmed

at the time of printing this news release.

FACT SHEET

WHAT:
Ski Dazzleยฎ 2003 โข The Chicago Ski Show & Snowboard Expoโข

45th Anniversary of The Mid-West's Largest Consumer Ski & Snowboard Show

WHERE:
Rosemont Convention Complex

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N. River Road

(Near Junction of the I-294 & I-190)

RIVER ROAD EXIT Off The I-190.

Adjacent to O'Hare International Airport.

Rosemont, Illinois 60018

(847) 692-2222 Info Line

WHEN:
4 DAYS ONLY! November 06 - 09, 2003

HOURS:
Thursday
Nov. 06
4:00 pm
- 10:00 pm

Friday
Nov. 07
4:00 pm
- 10:00 pm

Saturday
Nov. 08
11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sunday
Nov. 09
11:00 am - 5:00 pm

PRICE:
$ 8.00

REGULAR ADMISSION

$ 6.00
DISCOUNT ADMISSION

Discount Coupons available from participating Ski & Snowboard Shops while supplies last.

$ 3.00

Children 6 โ" 12 years

FREE

Children 5 and Under

ON LINE TICKETING:

FULL PRICE - REGULAR ADMISSION & CHILDREN'S TICKETS

AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

www.skidazzle.com/Chicago

Secure Server with On-Line Ticketing & Printing right from your computer

WEB SITE:
www.skidazzle.com/Chicago

For updates on Ski Dazzleยฎ events, driving directions and exhibitor hot links.

Wedding Invitations Online Stationer Considerations

2009-11-25T16:00:00.001-08:00
Author: Grace W Chen

Source: isnare.com

The internet has made it convenient for people to shop at all hours of the night, as well as on weekends and holidays. Unlike their competitors, online stationers work around the clock to provide their customers with quality, professional items that fit their needs. In addition, with their lowered overhead costs, many online stationers can pass on their savings to you. From the biggest project to the tiniest detail, these businesses take pride in knowing that they are often a person’s first choice for wedding invitations.

Advantages of Purchasing Stationery Online

There are definite advantages to purchasing stationery online. First, there is a wider variety of wedding invitations from which you can choose. Retailers from all around the world offer their goods and services to you with the click of the mouse. Small town men and women needn’t feel isolated and restricted when selecting the perfect wedding invitations for their special event. By surfing the net, they can find stationers in hundreds of cities other than their own.

Next, prices are usually very affordable with an online stationer. Couples don’t have to break the bank to find precisely the kind of wedding invitations that they need for their milestone event. Coupon codes offer a certain percentage off, and some stationers even offer free shipping as a way to reward their customers.

How to Tell If an Online Stationer Is Reliable and Experienced

A good online stationer is more than just a salesperson. In addition to providing beautiful wedding invitations at a reasonable price, they also offer advice, tips and tricks, and links to other websites that contain information about personalizing special events.

A truly remarkable company works hard to earn your business. They provide informative articles and tutorials which will help you purchase the right kind of cards for you and your wedding theme. Experience speaks volumes. Websites full of information often give the bride and groom-to-be peace of mind because they prove their stationer expertise and commitment. Rather than try to find information on their own, the happy couple can save time by consulting articles through the stationer’s website.

In addition, quality stationers will allow you to order small samples, ensuring that you are happy with the quality and appearance of your potential wedding invitations. Reputable online stationers want to demonstrate their high quality, and thus, would never prevent you from touching and feeling the perfect stationery for your special day.

Stationers who guarantee their work are ideal. If the invitations aren’t up to, last minute weekend breaks, the couple’s standards, they have the option of returning or exchanging the unused portion of the cards. If you need more wedding invitations at the last minute, a quality stationer will work closely with you to send you the stationery– exactly when you need them!

Choosing the right online stationer will make all the difference in planning an ideal wedding. Catering to every need a couple may have, the hardworking staff knows just how much is riding on the pre-party preparations.

Plan the perfect wedding my visiting MyExpression, a leading wedding invitation stationer who proudly shares in-depth resources on choosing the right wedding stationery.

The Diverse and Spectacular Puerto Rico

2009-11-24T05:03:00.001-08:00
Author: Jessica Nielson

Source: isnare.com

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States that is manifested by colorful, diverse and bizarre culture. An island full of rare and wild treasures flocked by tourist during holidays and breaks. Puerto Rico offers travellers tropical beaches, dazzling nightlife and the fun January breeze in the 70's and 80's. Visiting Puerto Rica is a very good remedy for recession holidays because of its very affordable packages. In fact, you don't even need tour operators to bring the pack since passport is not required. This place is a perfect and cheaper alternative to other Caribbean destinations.

Puerto Rico is rich with many spectacular natural attractions and great sites for sightseeing and tour. The island is full of captivating tourist spots on its every corner. Its diversity and range of attraction became the favorite in the Carribean. As a result, no other island can compare to a Puerto Rican holiday. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation Puerto Rico has it; romance, adventure, relaxation, history, beauty, magical places, last minute weekend breaks, and friendly locals that will make you feel right at home. Tourists stay in the island for a whole month to literally visit all the wonder it has. Puerto Rico also exhibits family friendly attractions where time seems to stand still so you can build memories to last a lifetime.

The un-crowded beaches of Cabo Rojo is a seductive place for people finding romance, peaceful and secluded holiday or for those who would like to savor the best sea foods in the island. There you will also find rose-tinted tropical sunsets and the lighthouse where you can enjoy stunning vistas.

You can also start your holiday by exploring the mountains with an hour and a half drive from San Juan to Utuado via expressway 22 and the very scenic route 10. Make sure to take in the impressive lime stone cliffs (mogotes) on the way down route 10. Stop at Lago Dos Bocas and take a free ferry ride around the lake, if it’s the weekend you can take the ferry to one of the several restaurants on the lake and have lunch. Return to route 10 and when you reach route 111, take a left for a 20-minute detour into the town center for a look at the Old Catholic parish, built in 1872 and included in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Back on 111 head up towards Caguana and Lares, stop around Km 5 and take in the breath-taking view of the valley. Stop at the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park for a walk through the Bateyes (Indian Courts). Follow route 111 through the beautiful Karst region into Lares and have ice cream at Heladeria Lares, famous for their unique and outrageous flavors like ajo (garlic), arroz con gandules (rice and beans) and maiz (corn). Then you can return to San Juan from Lares via route 129 through Hatillo and Arecibo and back to expressway 22. If you want to stay the night and visit other great places like Rio Abajo Forest Reserve, Arecibo Light House, the Indian Cave in Arecibo you can stay at Lago Dos Bocas at either Casa Grande Mountain Retreat or Hotel El Lago.

Puerto Rico attracts visitors not only because it is a solid choice for a holiday but because of its budget friendly packages that is very hard to resist.

Know how to enjoy holidays while paying lesser than usual at Cheap Holidays 24 Visit us and read our latest article, Tips For Finding Cheap Holidays for more excellent tips.

Educating Your Child's Teachers When He Has Sensory Integration Disorder

2009-11-22T21:05:00.000-08:00
Author: Mary Gardner

Source: articleage.com

My 5 year old child Jeremy was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder this year. Learning to deal with a child with SID has been a challenge. Even more challenging has been teaching his teachers how to work with Jeremy and getting us both to the point where we were bound and determined to help this child who was clearly different. It has been somewhat of a struggle at times, but over the months we've developed into a team. One who works with Jeremy during the day, and me, the mom who parents him in the afternoons, evenings and on the weekends. Now, we share our discoveries with each other. But it wasn't always that way.
We discovered that he might have this disorder one night last summer while going out with some friends to dinner. The lady we dined with is a children's occupational therapist and listened to me and my husband discuss our child and how challenging he is.
She listened intently and didn't make a diagnosis but encouraged us to buy the book "The Out of Sync Child". Even though my husband was clearly skeptical, he went home that night and bought the book on line.
Our lives have been different ever since.
We started reading about SID and realized that we weren't alone. There are literally thousands of other parents who were also suffering without the knowledge or the support like we were. We knew we had a child who was challenging. We just didn't know that it wasn't a personality problem. What we learned, was that it was a difference in the way his brain operated.
There was about a 6 week gap in between the time where we self diagnosed Jeremy because of the book and getting the real evaluation. I would have had him diagnosed the next day but there are so few resources and we had to wait until an opening occurred and we could get into see the Occupational Therapists. During that time, Jeremy was getting in trouble at school every day and I was receiving bad notes home regarding Jeremy.
The notes mostly were about his lack of attention, focus and his constant talking. He was punished daily because he couldn't finish his work on time and was forced to sit out for 10 minutes during the 15-20 minute recess. Many days he was taken out of recess for the whole time and forced to sit on the sidelines while the other kids played or had to sit at a table to finish his work.
Other punishments have been that they took away his crayons for months on end because he broke 2 crayons. He's been sent to the principal's office several times for acting up and many days Jeremy was physically restrained when he had complete melt downs when either Mommy or Daddy left him behind.
Over the past several months we've gotten the diagnosis and have entered occupational therapy once a week. We've noticed remarkable changes in our son, but still know we have a long way to go. One of the hardest things is to know whether the problems are because of discipline, or SID. After reading, speaking with other parents and trying different therapies, I've gotten better at solving the problems.
When dealing with the teachers, I have never taken a "me versus you" approach. I have written notes to the teacher several times a week explaining what I do at home to correct a problem. I threw a complete and nasty fit I must admit when I discovered quite by accident that Jeremy was taken out of recess every day for bad behavior. Activity, running and jumping is the ONE thing that should NEVER be taken away from a kid with SIDS. It's a complete set up for failure. I marched right to the principals office and got a meeting.
Since then, we've scheduled regular meetings to discuss Jeremy and his progress. Our principal saw how completely frustrated, fried and upset I was over the whole thing. She had great wisdom when she told me, "Mary, don't do anything rash. It's going to take some time but lets keep working on it.". Somehow, I got off my personal high horse and listened to her encouraging words. I also opened up and started telling everyone who would listen that my kid had SID. The mothers were sympathetic and started introducing me to OTHER moms who had kids with the same problem.
The frustrating thing is that the other mom's kids didn't have the exact same issues as my kid, yet they were all diagnosed with the same problem. That is when educating yourself is so important. There are so many different characteristics of SID and it's helpful to know that your child's brain is different. And it's helpful for you to help remind the teacher of that as well.
Because I've been open about our struggles, our teacher has been so willing to learn about it too. She is now working with the counselor to arrange some different things in the classroom that will help all of the kids, not just Jeremy. Our counselor has grabbed the bull by the horns and is pushing the teachers to embrace these differences and she's becoming a resource for other counselors at other schools. She's recommending on line resources to parents and has just been a God send to so many of the parents who suffer daily with this issue.
I'd love to say that our issues with the teachers are completely resolved. But, as issues arise, we have to look patiently for a solution to the problem. As recently as 2 weeks ago I went to the principal and showed her Jeremy's journal that they work on every day. He used to be clearly one of the most gifted artists in the class and now is only allowed to work with pencils and is scribbling in frustration. One look at those journals by the counselor and she had him using crayons the next week. I had mentioned this to the teacher in writing a few times via my notes and still she didn't change her mind. It did take me going to the counselor to get a change. Yet, we maintained our solidly good relationship. I know she understands that I'm trying to do, last minute weekend breaks, the best for my child.
The relationship between the teacher and the parent can absolutely make it or break it for the child. If the teacher hates the parent, then how effective will he really be in dealing with the kid if the child is a complete challenge to everyone? I wish there was a program in every school to help the parents know how to deal with the counselors. It does take patience and wisdom and the knowledge that it's going to be bad for a while, until everyone gets educated and finds a way to work together.
Supporting each other is the first step. I'm now hearing from other mom's who are out there struggling all alone. I encourage them to speak up in their communities and support the other moms, to get educated, to educate their families and to educate their teachers.
One day, Sensory Integration Disorder won't be such a mystery. Every class will have the ability to integrate these challenging children and will be set up with quiet corners, have balls for the kids to sit on, bean bags to lay on during reading time, heavy weights to sit on their laps, gum will be allowed to be chewed for the kids who need something to help them keep quiet, and the other children will understand and accept the differences. Once we educate our own kids how to manage their brains, their bodies and teach them all how they can learn best, then we'll be at a much better place in education.
We have to dream before it can happen. Then, we can get to work together to make it happen!
Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an executive communications consultant and coach. She's appeared on many national TV shows and travels the country as a trend reporter on local TV stations around the country. Mary is married and has a son with Sensory Integration Disorder and she welcomes other parents to write to her about their children. Her website is http://www.marygardner.com

Rudi Johnson, RB, # 32 of the Cincinnati Bengals to analyze NFL playoff games, live on FOXSports radio every Saturday, commencing January 10, 2004

2009-11-21T15:00:00.001-08:00
Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles

Virginia Beach, VA January 9 2004--Rudi Johnson, RB, and #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals will analyze NFL playoff games live on the FOXSports Radio network on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 1:05pm ET and 12:05 CT, check your local listings for airtime.

Rudi did an excellent job of analyzing and breaking down the NFL playoff games for FOXSports RADIO last weekend. He was very thorough and accurate, so much so that FOXSports RADIO asked him to join them again โliveโ to analyze the NFL playoffs for the this upcoming weekend.

Rudi Johnson, RB, # 32 is the face of the new Cincinnati Bengals. โHumble,โ โdown to earth,โ โlaid back,โ โwilling to take risksโ are just a few of the phrases used to describe this talented, athletic, and exceptional player. Johnson, who until recently was a back up to Bengals Running Back Corey Dillon, emerged to become one of the more exciting players to watch in the NFL. This year, Johnson had three150 yard rushing games in a single seasonโ"no other player in Bengal history had done that. Johnson became the featured back as the Bengals played their way into contention for the playoffs, and finished with 957, last minute weekend breaks, yards for the season.

Rudi Johnson, #32 has become one of the more valuable free-agent pickups in the NFL. While on his way to rushing for nearly 1,000 yards, he made a name for himself. No longer viewed as a back up, number 32 is definitely on his way to becoming one of the top running backs in the NFL. And when the fans chanted the name โRu-di, Ru-diโฆโ the Paul Brown Stadium rockedโฆthe crowd was definitely behind him. This โyoungโ man created a buzz every time he stepped on the field. I say โyoung,โ because he is only 24; but he is wise well beyond his years. Spend ten minutes with him and you'll know. He's a man of few words; he lets his actions do the talking. Yet, you won't find a nicer easygoing guy than Rudi Johnson. He never has anything negative to say about any one or anything. He just loves the game of football. He didn't get caught up in all of the hype and hoopla surrounding his accomplishments.

Upon leaving Auburn University, Johnson was drafted by the Bengals, where he had been waiting patiently for the opportunity to display his ability and God-given talent. โEverything happens for a reason, and God has a plan for everyoneโฆI just leave everything in His hands and go out there and give a 110 percent every time I have the opportunity to do so. I don't know any other way to play.โ, said Johnson.

For more information or interviews contact Carla Welborn at 301-847-0155 or CarlaWelborn@AOL.com.

Burned On The Barbee

2009-11-19T15:03:00.001-08:00
Author: Bob Alexander

Source: isnare.com

When winter's chill is gone in most parts of this country, it's time to get the old bar-b-que grill dusted off after a long stay in the garage or barn; where ever you have had it stored since last summer's cook out. If you left it outside in the weather all winter, like many of us have done, you just have to sweep off the spider webs and old leaves, throw out the old charcoal from last year and you're ready to start cooking. Well almost!

Think that is all there is to getting ready to throw a slab of meat on glowing coals? Think again! Every "master griller" knows there are 12 steps that anyone attempting the perfect cookout has to follow in order to have the results expected of a grilling superstar!

You gotta have a plan! Nothing great has ever been accomplished without some kind of a plan! I like to have everything in order before I start, getting all my ducks in a row as it were. Outdoor grilling can be an awesome experience but you have to get it right the first time, because you only get one chance to become a backyard legend, known far and wide as "the master griller"

The beginnings of any wonderful weekend grill fest starts with a quick look at The Weather Channel. You have to know what the weather will be for the weekend. It's best to consult weather experts on such an important matter a couple of days before the big event. It wouldn't do to put in the time on strategic planning, then assembling the ingredients of a perfect cookout, only to be forced inside at the last minute by a steady rain. Us, who have survived many battles fighting the rain on Saturday afternoons, think of such things as this! The more you read this article and become familiar with the rules of the road us "master grillers" live by, then you too can become a "master griller"!

Next you have to decide just who will be invited and how many there will be at your cook out. This is a critical part of the planning exercise. The number of people attending dictates whether you will have steaks, pork chops or chicken! It would cost a small fortune to provide enough steaks for twenty people. Odds are there would be someone in the crowd that you didn't really like, anyway, so why would you feed this person a sizzling, delicious and scrumptious steak? Bar-b-qued chicken is the answer. Chicken is cheap!

Hamburger meat is cheap also! Either chicken or a lot of burgers will satisfy a lot of people. There is no need to spend a lot of money on meat for someone you don't really like. Either one of these meat ideas will satisfy a crowd without breaking the budget.

Basically what it comes down to is this: Do you like the people in your party enough to buy at least twenty choice rib eye steaks or would it be better to have a lot of hamburger meat, a box chicken quarters or a few pork chops to throw on the coals. Whatever you decide, this is one of the first steps in planning for the backyard cookout.

After the difficult decision of deciding on the meat that the occasion deserves, you can then decide how much to buy at the market. Not many people now-a- days have enough meat in their freezer to supply a cook out without having to go to the market.

IMPORTANT! Before you get too far along in the planning, it's wise to decide on the appropriate time to serve beverages. Adult beverages should be left in the cooler until after the flames have died. Bar-b-cuing to us folks in the south is held in high regard, whether you're cooking for a crowd of twenty or for just a few friends over on a Saturday evening. The festivities should never be interrupted by the sound of fire engines. I've heard that sound before at one of my cook outs and it's not pretty!

You've selected the meat and now you have to determine how much you're going to buy. This is not really an easy thing to do. If you buy too little, your guests will think you're a cheap skate. If you buy too much and have a lot left over, they will think you're throwing money away and you're just showing off.

Remember when you're a "master griller" the old rule of one steak or one pork chop per person goes right out the window. The food you prepare is so good that it would almost be criminal to restrict each person to just one pork chop or one piece of steak!

Of course the amount of meat you buy depends on the number of people invited to your cook out. A rule of thumb I use is to multiply the number of people times one and a half if it's chicken. If it's pork chops or steaks, I multiply the number of people time one and a third. Sometimes there are leftovers. If such a thing actually happens, that's great. Almost anything off the grill tastes great the next day, unless it's smoked sea urchin, but then no one in their right mind would serve smoked sea urchin in the first place. Yeech!

Getting back to the basics of a good cookout, you have to start with perfect sauces, rubs or marinates, depending, last minute weekend breaks, on the meat you're going to grill.

While there are many kinds of grills to choose from, I prefer to use the old fashioned charcoal type. I get a sense of history every time I smell the smoke emanating from burning charcoal. Maybe this was how they did it back in the old west when cowboys huddled around the campfire after a hard day on the range punching cows. The cook, who had cool nicknames like "cookie" or "biscuit" would divvy out steaks, biscuits and scalding black coffee to the cowhands. Those were the good old days.

Hamburgers: I like to keep my burgers simple. I usually sprinkle a little salt, pepper and finely ground garlic on the meat about an hour before I start cooking. Although that's exotic enough for me, some folks like to stuff them with all kinds of things such as onions, peppers and even cheese. I'm old fashioned. I think cheese should remain on the top of the burgers where they belong. Burgers can be cooked to all degrees of readiness, however, I like mine cooked well with just a hint of pink in the middle.

Pepper and salt to taste. (Try using garlic salt on the burgers instead of regular salt. It adds a little character to the meat.)

The rest is equally simple. If you want to get fancy, just cut little chunks or slices of whatever you want to stuff in the middle of the burger and stuff it! Just remember that whatever you choose, it has to be something that cooks in a hurry. Because it doesn't take long to cook burgers, you want to be sure that whatever you have crammed in that burger is also cooked. If it's not cooked well on the inside, you can get some funny looks from your guests, not to mention the threat of a law suit due to food poisoning. Cook each side 5-7 minutes over a medium high heat.

Chicken: For me, a good hot marinade on the chicken I cook on the grill is a must. Some folks however like it mild, so I always have some of both sauces ready to use after the cooking is พ done. You can make your own sauce or buy it at the store. The hotter marinades you usually have to make yourself. I know you can't please everyone but your friends will continue to come over for a free meal if you don't sear their esophagus with a fiery chicken leg hot off the grill! Give them a choice!

Cooking chicken over a charcoal grill is not difficult. The fire can't be extra hot because flames from the fat dropping onto the coals will burn your chicken to a crisp. Better to keep the fire at medium heat and add charcoal as you go along to maintain the proper temperature.

When a meat thermometer is stuck between the joints of a leg quarter reads 160 degrees, it's time to take the chicken off the grill. When the leg pulls easily away from the thigh, I say it's done. That's the lazy way of doing things.

Pork Chops: You can do many things with pork chops. Lemon pepper, Cajun spices or just plain salt and pepper or some of the marinades you can use to season pork chops. With red souses or great to use if you wait until the meat is almost done. If you don't mop the sauce onto the meat at the proper time, the chops will burn charcoal black because of the sugar in those sauces.

You can stuff them! You can grill them! You can smoke them! Anyway you cook a pork chop on the grill is good! Simply cook them on each side for about 6 minutes each until they are done. Larger chops should be cooked a little longer.

Steaks: It's easy to mess up a good steak by cooking it too much. Don't do that! A good sprinkle of garlic salt, a little pepper and you're off to the races. Throw the steaks on the grill and cook them one side for about two minutes them flip them, sealing in the juices, making the meat more tender and delicious. Depending on how thick the steaks are, cook them five to six minutes on one side. Leave them on longer if you want them well done.

Every cookout can be an adventure, but when you become a "master griller" every day you spend outdoors with your grill or smoker is a vacation day!

50 Things to do to your Boss that are Fun for you, but not f

2009-11-18T02:02:00.001-08:00
Author: Dawnell Harrison

Source: articleage.com

1. You're eavesdropping and you hear your boss has reservations at his favorite restaurant. You know, the one you can't afford. Call them back and cancel his reservations - say you're his wife.

2. Have a friend of yours make an anonymous call to your boss saying that they know what he has been up to, possess incriminating pictures, and hang up. It will scare the bejesus out of him.

3. Put chocolate ex-lax in your manager's chocolate licorice. Not only will you feel better, it may wipe that constipated look off of his face too.

4. Call the local Mormon or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints church and ask that they visit your house soon, only give them your manager's home address.

5. Every time your boss asks you a question, just look at him and say "interesting" and go back to what you were working on.

6. Take your eyeliner and smears it in his chair when he's not looking. His wife will feel needed when she has to heartily scrub and wash his pants.

7. Turn the pictures on his desk upside down and act overly sweet and innocent when he asks if you know why they are like that.

8. When your boss goes to the bathroom, turn his computer off. When he asks you if you know what happened, say that you don't and it must have just crashed or something. Smile like the Cheshire cat.

9. Enlist a friend to deliver papers appearing to be legal documents that insinuate he is being sued for 4 million dollars. Put word "joke" on the last page of the 20-page document. It will be fun to watch beads of sweat form on his brow.

10. Remove all toilet paper from the men's bathroom and put it in the women's. Shake your head in disapproval of the janitorial help in your office when your boss complains about it.

11. Put your boss on all of the mailing lists of his most detested organizations and clubs. When he asks you to call and have them remove him from the lists, say of course, and never do it.

12. Replace the vodka in the liquor cabinet with water. You're doing him a favor, really you are. When he comments that his vodka tastes like water, respond smartly by saying that it appears that just about everyone is cutting corners these days.

13. When he comments that the coffee is too weak or too strong, ask, in a serious tone, if he is sure that his taste buds haven't changed.

14. When your boss mentions a particular food that he does not like, purchase that item repeatedly and eat it in front of him. Put your garbage from that food into his garbage can, so that the smell will linger in his office.

15. When you arrive late, move all clocks back. When you want to leave early, move all clocks forward. Pretend that all the batteries need to be replaced.

16. When your boss inquires about your weekend, say you went sky diving and to Italy. He will hopefully get your sarcasm and not ask again.

17. When your manager inquires as to what your favorite TV show is, reply that it is a child's show like Sesame Street. Say it like you mean it.

18. Out of the blue, say you have an emergency appointment with your astrologer and it is important that you leave now because your charts are waiting!

19. For your manager's birthday, hire a palm reader to read your manager's palm. Pay them an extra $50 to say "Oh My" in the middle of the reading and not be able to continue.

20. Grind up leaves from your backyard that look like pot, put into a baggie, and send it to your boss. Stand there while he opens it and gasp when the contents are revealed. Say "it is none of my business" and walk out of the room.

21. Call the fire department and pretend you are in the office next door to yours and exclaim there is a massive inferno in the building next to yours. It is guaranteed to raise your manager's blood pressure a few points or more when the firemen arrive.

22. Time your manager when he goes out to run personal errands and comment that he took an exceptionally long break when he returns.

23. Run into the office exclaiming to your manager that his car has a huge dent in the side! Walk outside with him when he goes out to examine it. After he looks it over thoroughly and asks you what you saw because he can't see it, apologize that it must have just been the way the light was reflecting on it that made it appear that way.

24. Exclaim how sorry you are that your manager's grandmother died over the weekend and that you read about it in the obituaries. Declare that it must have been somebody with the same name when he says he has no idea what you are talking about and begins frantically dialing his grandmother.

25. Superglue two middle pages of your manager's favorite book and return to the shelf. He will find it after the glue has permanently set.

26. When you are simply not in the mood to get out of your chair, proclaim that the copier is broken when your boss asks for copies to be made. If your manager attempts to make copies on his own and exclaims it works just fine, jam a paper clip in the innards of the copy machine when nobody is looking.

27. When your boss asks you what you would like for secretaries' day, first of all, reply that you are not a secretary. Request that he answers the phone on that day as well as having all of your whims fulfilled that are of inconceivable proportions.

28. Using desktop publishing, relabel a can of bug spray as vanilla air freshener and place in men's bathroom.

29. Call in sick and leave a message on the company's voice mail. State that you are ill due to the overwhelming imbalance of wealth and power within the company's structure and your illness should subside once you are paid what you are worth.

30. When your boss asks for a donation to his son's little league fund, ask what the minimum amount is that you can donate in order to keep your job.

31. When your boss invites you to the company Christmas party,, last minute weekend breaks, matter-of-factly state that you'd prefer to spend it with rabid dogs and wild monkeys, but proclaim your sincere thanks just the same.

32. Stockpile in your office your manager's favorite type of pen so that he is constantly bewildered as to where they are disappearing and continues to order new boxes of pens repeatedly.

33. During your yearly review, exclaim that you would just like to discuss your raise and not your manager's suggestions or comments. Also, add that you do have a list of improvements for him that you'd like to share.

34. Find boss's buttons and push them. If it is his weight, ask if he has gained weight or do those clothes just make him look fat?

35. Announce at the next company birthday (cake eating in the lunchroom) that the boss is giving everyone a 10% raise. When your manager pulls you into his office to discuss this, say that he sure is losing his sense of humor in his old age.

36. Stack all incoming unwanted sales related faxes and printed e-mails on your manager's desk and connect all sales related calls to him, especially the stock brokers. When your manager comments that he would like you to screen all sales related material and calls, comment that you thought he was open to new ideas and new people and didn't realize he was so introverted.

37. After next company announcement of a marriage or pregnancy, proclaim that you are getting married and having a child, but not necessarily in that order.

38. When company phone bill gets passed around asking you to highlight your personal calls, always state that you would never do that and never highlight anything. Say your family and friends all reside in Tasmania.

39. As soon as your boss returns from a vacation, ask where he went and always state that you vacationed there a few years ago and how fantastic it was.

40. Five minutes into the weekly company meeting, excuse yourself to go to the restroom and return twenty minutes later when it is wrapping up.

41. When the boss is out of town, forward the phones to your house and take a nap. Run back to the office if something needs to be done.

42. Position a cup of coffee on your manager's desk so that when he sits down, you can pretend to fumble for papers on his desk and easily knock it onto his lap. State that you hope it isn't hot and that no third degree burns are inflicted.

43. If you are single, place your grandmother's antique diamond ring on your married finger on the left hand. When boss asks you if anything new has happened to you recently after he clearly notices your ring, state nonchalantly "no, not really." If you are married, remove your wedding ring and state the same answer when asked the same question.

44. On casual dress day, wear a bathing suit top and the shortest shorts that you own. When you are called into your boss's office to discuss this, ask for a list that defines the parameters of the casual dress day code.

45. Circulate an anonymous memo that this coming Friday is fetish day so dress appropriately. Add that a $100 prize will be awarded to the freakiest costume.

46. After your boss gives you an overwhelmingly long list of items for you to complete, ask if he'd like for you to wipe his ass as well.

47. Take items out of your manager's sack lunch. When he comments on this phenomenon, reply that society is degenerating at an unbelievable rate.

48. When you manager asks you how your day is going, be honest. Say, well, if people that worked for this company weren't so dysfunctional and psychotic, it might be a marginally average place of employment.

49. When your boss says "good morning", quickly reply, "Oh is it?"

50. Once a week, send an anonymous email to your boss that is spiteful in nature. To kick it off, the first one should simply read, "you are pond scum."

Graduate University of Washington, owner spiritwhole.com, published poet, and animal lover/activist.

How To Achieve Success With Your Own Money Making Newsletter

2009-11-16T21:08:00.001-08:00
Author: Julia Tang

Source: articleage.com

Writing and publishing a successful newsletter is perhaps the most competitive of all the different areas of mail order and direct marketing. You can still publish newsletter through regular mail. With Internet's help, you can publish your newsletter online. You can reach hundreds of subcribers without costing any postage - it is called eZine publishing.

Five years ago, there were 1500 different newsletters in this country. Today there are well over 10,000 with new ones being started every day. It's also interesting to note that for every new one that's started, some disappear just as quickly as they are started...lack of operating capital and marketing know how being the principal causes of failure.

To be successful with newsletter, you have to specialize. Your best bet will be with new information on a subject not already covered by an established newsletter.

Regardless of the frustrations involved in launching your own newsletter, never forget this truth; There are people from all walks of life, in all parts of this country, many of them with no writing ability what so ever, who are making incredible profits with simple two-four- and six page newsletters.

Your first step should be to subscribe to as many different newsletters and mail order publications as you can afford. Analyze and study how the others are doing it. Attend as many workshops and seminars on your subject as possible. Learn from the pros. Learn how the successful newsletter publishers are doing it, and why they are making money. Adapt their success methods to your own newsletter, but determine to recognize where they are weak, and make yours better in every way.

Plan your newsletter before launching it. Know the basic premise for its being, your editorial position, the layout, art work, type style, subscription price, distribution methods, and every other detail necessary to make it look, sound and feel like the end result you have envisioned.

Lay out your start up needs; detail the length of time it's going to take to become established, and what will be involved in becoming established. Set a date as a milestone of accomplishment for each phase of your development; A date for breaking even, a date attaining a certain paid subscription figure, and a monetary goal for each of your first five years in business. And all this must be done before publishing your first issue.

Most newsletter publishers do all the work themselves, and are impatient to get the first issue into print. As a result, they neglect to devote the proper amount of time to the market research and distribution. Don't start your newsletter without first having accomplished this task!

Market research is simply determining who the people are who will be interested in buying and reading your newsletter, and the kind of information these people want to see in your newsletter as a reason for continuing to buy it. You have to determine what it is they want form your newsletter.

Your market research must give you unbiased answers about your newsletter's capabilities of fulfilling your prospective buyer's need for information; how much he's willing to pay for it, and an overall profile of his status in life. The questions of why he needs your information, and how he'll use it should be answered. Make sure you have the answers to these questions, publish you newsletter as a vehicle of fulfilment to these needs, and you're on your way!

You're going to be in trouble unless your newsletter has a real point of difference that can easily be perceived by your prospective buyer. The design and graphics of your newsletter, plus what you say and how you say it, will help in giving your newsletter this vital difference.

Be sure your newsletter works with the personality you're trying to build for it. Make sure it reflects the wants of your subscribers. Include your advertising promise within the heading, on the title page, and in the same words your advertising uses. And above all else, don't skimp on design or graphics!

The name of your newsletter should also help to set it apart form similar newsletters, and spell out its advertising promise. A good name reinforces your advertising. Choose a name that defines the direction and scope of your newsletter.

Opportunity Knocking, Money Making Magic, Extra Income Tip Sheet, and Mail Order Up Date are prime examples of this type of philosophy...as opposed to the Johnson Report, The Association Newsletter, or Clubhouse Confidential.

Try to make your newsletter's name memorable...one that flows automatically. Don't pick a name that's so vague it could apply to almost anything. The name should identify your newsletter and its subject quickly and positively.

Pricing your newsletter should be consistent with the image you're trying to build. If you're starting a "Me-too" newsletter, never price it above the competition. In most instances, the consumer associates higher prices with quality, so if you give your readers better quality information in an expensive looking package, don't hesitate to ask for a premium price. However, if your information is gathered from most of the other newsletters on the subject, you will do well to keep your prices in line with theirs.

One of the best selling points of a newsletter is in the degree of audience involvement instance, how much it talks about, and uses the names of its readers.

People like to see things written about themselves. They resort to all kinds of things to get their names in print, and they pay big money to read what's been written about them. You should understand this fact of human nature, and decide if and how you want to capitalize upon it-- then plan your newsletter accordingly.

Almost as important as names in your newsletter are pictures. The readers will generally accept a newsletter faster if the publisher's picture is presented or included as part of the newsletter. Whether you use pictures of the people, events, locations or products you write about is a policy decision; but the use of pictures will set your publication apart from the others and give it an individual image, which is precisely what you want.

The decision as to whether to carry paid advertising, and if so, how much, is another policy decision that should be made while your newsletter is still in the planning stages. Some purists feel that advertising corrupts the image of the newsletter and may influence editorial policy. Most people accept advertising as a part of everyday life, and don't care one way or the other.

Many newsletter publishers,faced with rising production costs, and viewing advertising as a means of offsetting those costs, welcome paid advertising. Generally the advertisers see the newsletter as a vehicle to captive audience, and well worth the costs.

The only problem with accepting advertising in your newsletter would appear to be that as your circulation grows, so will the number of advertisers, until you'll have to increase the size of your newsletter to accommodate the advertisers. At this point, the basic premise or philosophy of the newsletter often changes from news and practical information to one of an advertiser's showcase.

Promoting your newsletter, finding prospective buyers and converting these prospects into loyal subscribers, will be the most difficult task of your entire undertaking. It takes detailed planning, persistence and patience.

You'll need a sales letter. Check the sales letter you receive in the mail; analyze how these are written and pattern yours along the same lines. You'll find all of them---all those worthy of being called sales letters---following the same formula: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action on the part of the reader---AIDA.

Jump right in at beginning and tell the reader how he's going to benefit from your newsletter, and keep emphasizing right on thru your "PS", the many and different benefits he'll gain from subscribing to your newsletter. Elaborate on your listing of benefits with examples of what you have, or you intend to include, in your newsletter.

Follow these examples with endorsements or testimonials from reviewers and satisfied subscribers. Make the recipient of your sales letter feel that you're offering him the answer to all his problems on the subject of your newsletter.

You have to make your prospect feel that "this is the insider's secret" to the success he wants. Present it to him as his own personal key to success, and then tell him how far behind his contemporaries he is going to be if he doesn't act upon your offer immediately.

Always include a "PS' in your sales letter. This should quickly restate to the reader that he can start enjoying the benefits of your newsletter by acting immediately, and very subtly suggesting that he may not get another chance to get the kind of "success help" you're offering him with this sales letter.

Don't worry about the length of your sales letter---most are four pages or more; however, it must flow logically and smoothly. Use short sentences, short paragraphs, indented paragraphs, and lots of sub-heads for the people who will be "scanning thru" your sales letter.

In addition to the sales letter, your promotion package should include a return reply order card or coupon. This can be either a self addresses business reply postcard, or a separate coupon, in which case you'll have to include a self-addressed return reply envelope. In every mailing piece you send out, always include one or the other; either a self-addressed business reply postcard or a self-addressed return reply envelope for the recipient to use to send your order form and his remittance back to you.

Your best response will come from a business reply postcard on which you allow your prospect to charge the subscription to his credit card, request that you bill him, or send his payment with the subscription start order.

For makeup of this subscription order card or coupon, simply start saving all the order cards and coupons you receive during the next month or so. Choose the one you like best, modify according to your needs, and have it typeset, pasted up and border fit.

Next, you'll need a Subscription Order Acknowledgment card or letter. This is simply a short note thanking your new subscriber for his order, and promising to keep him up to date with everything relating to the subject of your newsletter.

An acknowledgment letter, in an envelope, will cost more postage to mail than an simple postcard; however when you send the letter you have the opportunity to enclose additional material. A circular listing items available through you will produce additional orders.

Thus far, you've prepared the layout and copy for your newsletter. Go ahead and have a hundred copies printed, undated. You've written a sales letter and prepared a return reply subscription order card or coupon; go ahead and have a hundred of these printed, also undated, of course. You'll need letterhead mailing envelopes, and don't forget the return reply envelopes if you choose to use the coupons instead of the business reply postcard. Go ahead and have a thousand mailing envelopes printed. You also need subscription order acknowledgement cards or notes; have a hundred of these printed, and of course don't forget the imprinted reply envelopes if you're going along with the idea of using a note instead of a postcard. This will be a basic supply for "testing" your material so far.

Now you're ready for the big move... The Advertising Campaign.

Start by placing a small classified ad in one of your local newspaper. You should place your ad in an weekend or Sunday paper that will reach as many people as possible, and of course, do everything you can to keep your costs as low as possible. However, do not skimp on your advertising budget. To be successful--- to make as much money as is possible with your idea--- you'll have to reach as many people as you can afford, and as often as you can.

Over the years we have launched several hundred advertising campaigns. We always ran new ads for a minimum of three issues and kept close tabs on the returns. So long as the returns kept coming in, we continued running that ad in that publication, while adding a new publication to test for results. To our way of thinking, this is the best way to go, regardless of the product, to successfully multiply your customer list.

Move slowly. Start with a local, far-reaching and widely read paper, and with the profits or returns from that ad, go to the regional magazines, or one of the smaller national magazines, and continue plowing your returns into, last minute weekend breaks, more advertising in different publications. By taking your time, and building your acceptance in this manner, you won't lose too much if one of your ads should prove to be a dud. Stay with the advertising. Do not abandon it in favor of direct mail. We would not recommend direct mail until you are well established, and your national classified advertising program is bringing in a healthy profit for you.

Do not become overly ambitious and go out on a limb with expensive full page advertising until you're very well established. When you do buy full page advertising, start with the smaller publications, and build from those results. Have patience keep close tabs on your costs per subscriber, and build from the profits of your advertising. Always test the advertising medium you want to use with a classified ad, and if it pulls well for you, go on to a larger display type ad.

Classified advertising is the least expensive way to go, so long as you use the "inquiry method". You can easily and quickly build your subscriber list with this type of advertisement.

We would not recommend any attempts to sell subscriptions, or any product from classified ads, or even from small display ads. There just isn't enough space to describe the product adequately, and seeing the cost of your item, many possible subscribers will not bother to inquire for the full story.

When you do expand your efforts into direct mail, go straight to a national list broker. You can find their names and addresses in the yellow pages section of your local telephone directory. Show the list broker your product and your mailing piece, and explain what type people you want to reach, and allow them to help you.

Once you've decided on a list to use, go slowly. Start with a sampling of 5,00 names. If the returns are favorable, go to 10,000 names, and then 15,000 and so on through the entire list.

Never rent the entire list based upon the returns from your first couple of samplings. The variables are just too many, and too complicated, and too conductive to your losing your shirt when you "roll out an entire list" based upon returns from a controlled sampling.

There are a number of other methods for finding new subscribers, which we'll explore for you here, detailing the good and the bad as we have researched them.

One method is that of contracting with what is known as a "cash field" agency. These are soliciting agencies who hire people to sell door-to-door and via the phone, almost always using a high pressure sales approach. The publishers usually makes only about 5% from each subscription sold by one of these agencies. That speaks for itself.

Then, there are several major catalog sales companies that sell subscriptions to school libraries, government agencies and large corporations. These people usually buy through these catalog sales companies rather than direct form the publisher. The publisher makes about 10% on each subscription sold for him by one of these agencies.

Co-Op Mailings are generally piggy-back mailings of your subscription offer along with numerous other business offers in the same envelope. Smaller mail order entrepreneurs do this under the name of Big Mail Offers. Coming into vogue now are the Postcard Mailers. You submit your offer on a business reply postcard; the packager then prints and mails your postcard in a package with 40 or 50 similar postcards via third class mail to a mailing list that could number 100,00 or more. You pay a premium price for this type of mailing---usually $1000 To $1500 per mailing, but the returns are very good and you keep all the incoming money.

Another form of co-op mailing is that where you supply a charge card company or department store with your subscription offer as a "statement mailing stuffer". Your offer goes out with the monthly statements; new subscriptions are returned to the mailer and billed to the customer's charge card. The publisher usually makes about 50% on each subscription. This is one of the most lucrative, but expensive methods of bringing in new customers.

Direct mail agencies such as Publishers Clearing House can be a very lucrative source of new subscriptions, in that they mail out more than 60 million pieces of mail each year, all of which are built around an opportunity for the recipient to win a gigantic cash sweepstakes. The only problem with this type of subscription agency is the very low percentage of the total subscription price the publisher receives from these subscriptions, plus the fact that the publishers are required to charge a lower subscription rate than they normally charge.

There are also several agencies that offer Introductory, Sample Copy and Trail Subscription offers, such as Select Information Exchange and Publishers Exchange. With this kind of agency, details about your publication are listed along with similar publications, in full page ads inviting the readers to send $10 or $20 for trail subscriptions to those of his choice. The publishers receive no money from these inquires list of names of people interested in receiving trail subscription. How the publisher follows up and is able to convert these into full term, and paying subscribers is entirely dependent upon his own efforts.

Most major newspapers will carry small, lightweight brochures or oversized reply cards as inserts in their Sunday papers. The publisher supplies the total number of inserts, pays the newspaper $20 per thousand for the number of newspapers he wants his order form carried in, and then retains all the money generated. But the high costs of printing the inserts, plus the $20 per thousand for distribution, make this an extremely costly method of obtaining new subscribers.

Schools, civic groups and other fun raising organizations work in about the same manner as the cash-field agencies. They supply the solicitor and the publisher gets 25% or less for each new subscription sold.

Attempting to sell subscriptions via radio or TV is very expensive and works better in generating sales at the news stands than new subscriptions. PI (Per Inquiry) sales is a very popular way of getting radio or TV exposure and advertising for your newsletter or other publication, but again, the number of sales brought in by the broadcast media is very small when compared with the number of times the "invitation commercial" has to be "aired" to elicit a response.

A new idea beginning to surface on the cable TV scene is "Product Shows". This is the kind of show where the originator of the product or his representative appears on TV and gives a complete sales presentation lasting from five minutes to fifteen minutes. Overall, these programs generally run between midnight and 2 AM, with the whole program a series of sales presentations for different products. They operate on the basis of the product owner paying a fee to appear and show his product, and also from an arrangement where the product owner pays a certain percentage from each sale generated from this exposure.

Newsletter publishers often run exchange publicity endorsements with non-competing publishers. Generally, these endorsements invite the reader of newsletter "A" to send for a sample copy of newsletter "B" for a look at what somebody else is doing that might be of especial help etc. This can be very good source of new subscriptions, and certainly the least expensive.

Last, but not least, is the enlistment of your own subscribers to send you names of people they think might be interested in receiving a sample copy of your publication. Some publishers ask their readers to pass along these names out of loyalty, while others offer a monetary incentive or a special bonus for names of people sent in who become subscribers.

By studying and understanding the information in this report, you should encounter fewer serious problems in launching your own successful specialized newsletter that will be the source of on going monetary rewards for you. However, there is an important point to remember about doing business by mail---particularly within the confines of selling information by mail---that is, Mail Order is ONLY another way of doing business. You have to learn all there is to know about this way of doing business, and then keep on learning, changing, observing and adapting to stay on top.

The best way of learning about and keeping up with this field of endeavor is by buying and reading books by the people who have succeeded in making money via the mails; by subscribing to several of the better periodic journals and aids to people in mail order, and by joining some of the mail order trade associations for a free exchange od ideas, advice and help.

To learn more about how to publish newsletter and get valuable contents free, you can visit http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchanged

What Women Want From Men; Dating and Relationships

2009-11-15T06:01:00.001-08:00
Author: Toni Coleman

Source: articleage.com

Dear Dating Coach - I have been dating a woman for almost three months. Lately, I have been confused about her behavior and need help to understand what is going on with us and what I can (should) do about it. Our relationship has gone from her calling me "sweetie" and asking for more intimacy; to telling me that I am pressuring her and need to stop pushing so hard. I have no problem going at whatever pace she is comfortable with, and I have told her this. In the past few weeks she has cancelled plans on several occasions, saying that she needs time to think because she feels afraid and uncertain about things. When I ask her to share her feelings with me, she becomes defensive and asks me to leave her alone. I have told her to do what she needs to and I will be here when she is ready. After several days of no contact she did call and ask me about my weekend plans. This is becoming very confusing. Do you have any ideas about what I could do to break this cycle and/or what she may be afraid or concerned about?
When I received this email, my first thought was that the problem seemed obvious- at least to me. Her feelings had changed. The reasons were unclear, and somehow they didn't seem to be as important as the simple truth that it was over. But perhaps they really were. After all, if he could gain some understanding of what went wrong it could help him to make the right decisions now and avoid repeating this pattern in future relationships. Therefore, my advice to him included a recommendation that he ask her for honest feedback regarding her feelings about him and the relationship. Armed with a carefully scripted and thought out approach to the subject, he was increasing his chances of opening up a useful dialogue with her that at the very least, could offer him the insight and closure he needed.
After careful preparation, he arranged for a talk about "them". Things got off to an ok start, however she soon began to act defensively and then shut down, essentially refusing to discuss her feelings or answer his questions directly and/or with candor. This left him with a decision. Should he step back from pursing this discussion with her, just maintaining the status quo; or should he take action based on what he believed was the problem and what would be in his best interest over time. He struggled with making this choice because he was able to rationalize her behavior and make up plausible excuses for what was happening. This left him with (false) hope and a feeling of powerlessness.
As a dating coach, I receive (and answer) many emails from men like the one above. My advice is based on the knowledge and expertise gained from years of experience in working with the complex dynamics that occur between people. However, as the world of meeting and dating continues to evolve; I have found it useful to talk to the people who are out there living it, and gather their insights and observations. I asked a group of 20-30 something, professional, single women to share their thoughts and reactions to the above email. Our discussion also covered their likes/dislikes, turn-ons and offs and the qualities they look for in a potential partner. I wanted candid, unedited comments that I could share with, last minute weekend breaks, this writer and with all the guys out there who are confused by the behavior of the women they are meeting and dating.
Their feedback on the email question was fairly consistent. His girlfriend's feelings had changed. They believed she wanted to break things off but didn't know how to or was uncomfortable being the bad guy. One woman shared that in at least one of her past relationships, she had behaved very badly towards him, hoping HE would end it. Another woman stated, "There are women out there who act very lovingly in order to get a guy, then become who they really are once they have him." All agreed that he should end it and give himself the chance to meet someone who is ready for a relationship and truly wants one with him.
On the subject of men who turn them on, the women came up with similar attributes and ranked them in order of importance. Sense of humor and intelligence topped the list. We discussed these as critical components in friendship and compatibility. Attributes such as stable, mature, positive, loving and good father material all weighed in equally as close seconds with the 30 somethings. The younger women stated that they have not given much thought to the importance of those things yet. All of the woman said that their ideal guy had to be the right type, even though the two groups differed somewhat in their preferred type. Adjectives like clean cut, polished, conservative, not too conservative, very confident and with a certain style of dress- were used to describe Mr. Right. All of the women said that it was important to them that their man be assertive, ambitious and able to earn a good living. They felt this was important in order to have a family someday and/or have more lifestyle options available to them. When one of the women shared her need for a good listener, who "doesn't try to fix the problem", all of the women said, "yes" in a strong chorus.
When I asked for their list(s) of turn-off's and pet peeves; the conversation turned to physical attraction, which had little mention in the first part of our discussion. All stressed the importance of good sexual (and overall) chemistry. They cited attributes such as "too frail", "crooked teeth" and "overly muscled" as deal breakers for them. The younger group of women placed a greater emphasis on looks and a need for excitement in their relationships. All agreed that they would not choose a partner who was lacking in ambition and/or who was egotistical and (most likely) unable to be the other half of a giving and supportive union.
The subject of dating brought up the greatest difference in views between the two age groups. The younger women had a less defined view of what a date is. Meeting at a bar, a last minute get together and sharing the tab were all seen dating, when out with a non-platonic friend. However, the 30 somethings felt a date should be arranged ahead of time with one person (formally) asking the other one out. All felt that the woman should at least offer to split the tab, but that the man should always pick up the check. All agreed that "hooking-up" and "booty calls" are not dates.
The women all said that when they really like a guy their feelings are expressed in the way they treat him. One woman stated that words are not the way women usually express their interest- especially early in a relationship. Everyone agreed that a man can know how a woman feels by the nice things she does for him. If she shows a lot of interest in him, cares about what he has to say, and wants to know what is going on in his life- she really likes him.
Lastly, we discussed the telltale signs of a woman's lack- or loss- of interest. They will not answer (or return) calls, say they are busy/unavailable or use some indirect way to communicate their disinterest. The key point they all agreed on is that women "are taught to be nice, not mean." This is probably why you guys out there are so confused when a woman says one thing and does another.
The differences between men and woman have been talked about in books, portrayed in film and used in some of the best punch lines. This us/them emphasis seems to have contributed to the misinterpretations and poor communication that so many singles lament. This dating coach thinks that dating and relationship communication will be improved when men and women learn to listen to, and really hear, what each other are saying (verbally and non-verbally). Deep listening without an assumption that interpretation and translation is required should help to bring clarity, openness and candor. Imagine a dating game where everyone speaks the same language and there are rules for fair play. I'm already imagining an inbox that is not constantly overflowing.
Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship coach and founder of http://www.consum-mate.com As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune, The Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Indianapolis Star and Newsweek newspapers and Family Circle, Woman's Day, Cosmo Style, Tango, Men's Health, Star (regularly quoted body language expert), and Nirvana magazines. She has been featured on abcnews.com; discovery.health.com; aolnews.com; MSN.com, Match.com and planetearthradio.com. Toni offers dating help and relationship advice as the weekly love and dating coach on the KTRS Radio Morning Show (St. Louis, MO) and through her syndicated column, "Dear Dating Coach." Her newsletter, The Art Of Intimacy, helps over fifty-five hundred subscribers with its dating and relationship advice. Toni is a member of The International Coach Federation, The International Association Of Coaches and The National Association of Social Workers.

But Momma, I Don't Wanna

2009-11-13T10:06:00.001-08:00
Author: Joey Dorriety

Source: download

How to really get your goals without all that needless stress!!!
During high school I remember that I would consistently yell this at my mom when she said that you have to set goals and reach for them to do anything in life. My mom was always very concerned with my future because she wanted the best for my siblings and myself. She wanted us to be able to live a good life and not have to struggle so hard like she has had to. I didn't understand it at the time, but it was one of the best things she could have done for us, but I just didn't care to put any effort into anything; especially something that I couldn't see instant results from and could hold my A.D.D. at bay for more than a few minutes.
Well one day I got cornered and was "asked" (that's code for being about 10 seconds away from getting drop kicked) to decide what I wanted to do for my life and how I planned on getting there. I wondered slowly to my bedroom and got a pen and paper out and wrote down my only goal and how I was going to get it. I was so focused on this one goal that I made myself believe it. I then took the paper to my mother and presented it like the key to the universe was in her hands at that moment.
My goal: get rich
How to achieve this goal: marry rich
After about ten minutes of laughter at my well thought of plan, my mom looked at me with all the intensity that I had for this plan and said, "I will need you to have a back up plan just in case this one doesn't work out. Good job on the being focused though!"
I was crushed. I don't want a back up plan, I want that one to work out. I decided just to humor my mom, I would come up with an ingenious plan that would have me retired before I graduated high school and living a movie star's life by the time I was 19 so that I could date all of the girls from the movies. I got excited at the, last minute weekend breaks, thought of all this cool stuff coming to me right now. I went to work on my master plan that would make me a trillionaire in about a year.
I think that somewhere during my planning period that I lost my mind because I put some things on that list that later turned out to be well outside the realm of reality even for a trillionaire. So after a few hours of careful plotting and planning, I returned to my mom and gave it to her to go over that night and the next morning because I was going to sleep - too much mental work for one day.
So after my normal weekend festivities, I came home the next night with a copy of my goal list on the fridge with one sentence written on it with red ink. It caught me off guard because of what it said. My mom wrote in bright red ink in huge letters, "GREATPUT IT INTO ACTION!"
The next morning, I began my rocket launch style rise to fame and fortune with my super detailed plan and how I was going to do it. After about 15 minutes, I decided that my first step would take more than one day to do; it was a big first step, so I would start on it next weekend. I stayed excited all week long and was itching for the weekend to get here.
Finally the weekend arrived and I began my full frontal assault on life. I worked and did the thing that was my first step, but it did not turn out like I thought it should have. I was quickly becoming frustrated and didn't understand why my plan wasn't working. All the work I put in and the first step just would be finished in my "time schedule for my goals." When you put all of your effort and time into one step and it doesn't happen or get completed for one reason or another, you get extremely frustrated especially if you believe in that plan.
I decided it was best to take a video game break and come back to it later. Well that lasted about a week. The next weekend I still couldn't get that first step fully completed. I had some small things related get done, but not the step. I figured that I would just keep plugging along and it would happen. Well no, that didn't happen. I began to start believing like everyone else I knew thought. To the average person, goal setting is something that those "rich" people do because they have all the time in the world to do that kind of stuff or maybe it is that most people think that they have absolutely no control over what happens in their life and just try not to be taken under by all of the bad things that can happen. I couldn't get it to work no matter what I did. When frustration gets to a certain point, you give up. That is exactly what I did then.
Time passed and my mom watched and waited until the time limit on the goal was over to even mention the project. She wanted to make sure that I would be receptive to any advice she had for me. After I was fully broken in with frustration and negativity, my mom asked where my new car was. The venting began! I told her how it all was crap and didn't work and I am going back to the first plan. After about two hours of this and her calming me down, she asked me if I would like for her to show me exactly what I had done wrong and how to make it right.
My mom with her wisdom and experience looked at my plan again. She asked how many steps have I gotten done. With a little shame I said I was still on number one. I told her all that I had done and yet not gotten the first step done. Without missing a step, she said that the reason I hadn't finished step one of the plan was because instead of setting up one goal with steps, I had set many goals that would lead up to one giant goal.
I didn't understand exactly. I asked what she meant and then understood all of my problems after that answer was given. My mother explained that my first step needed to be broken down into many smaller mini-steps that would lead to the larger first step being completed. The first step was so big that it would instantly overwhelm you and cause all kinds of negative feelings about the whole process. That easily leads to procrastination and never even finishing the first step.
I then divided the first step into many little steps that would get it done after a little time. I still didn't feel great about all of the steps. Some still seemed a little overwhelming and I would just procrastinate on that step for a while.
The secret to getting over any step in any goal that is giving you problems is to divide it into even smaller steps until you don't have any negative feelings about getting that step done. If you aren't worried about getting to that step, you will go through it with ease, but if it instills any fear or frustration, you need to divide it more.
It is always better to be taking small steps toward your goals than to be putting off taking a larger step to it. Always be moving toward your goals-NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE STEP!! It might take a little longer than you originally planned, but it will happen.
So as time went by and with a little advice along the way, I completed that goal and many more with less struggle and frustration than most people get driving to work everyday.
Take this advice to heart and go out there and get everything you want out of this life.
Best Wishes,
Joey Dorriety
Joey Dorriety is an expert on mental tactics and techniques to dramatically enhance both your bank account and your well-being. For a extreme leap in both your finances and your success, visit his site www.nuclearsuccesssystem.com for the latest information in the field.

Getting High Scores

2009-11-11T15:29:00.001-08:00
Author: Sharon White

Source: download

The a lot of accepted plan for abstraction includes 5 activities: goals setting, time scheduling, alive hours management, self-control/management and abstraction affidavit comprehension.
Goals ambience is bigger to be planned as the aboriginal action because it would access the time bare for abstraction and determines self-management activities. Goals ambience action is based on present problems and questions analysis. Therefore it should not be planned in a hurry. Try to plan to absorb all your weekend for a few abutting weeks goals setting. Alpha with the abutting exams and appellation affidavit to be anesthetized ad analyze your strengths and weaknesses. For example, you ability accept apprehend all the advice but cannot yet appreciate a brace of questions. Set the aboriginal ambition to acquisition answers to these questions and adjudge which accomplishments you should yield to acquisition them. (find added information, ask added students/friends, ask teacher/tutor, re-read what you accept already apprehend etc). So ambition ambience should accommodate two columns: the ambition and how to accomplish it.
Now add addition cavalcade and name it 'time scheduling'. Adjudge how abounding days/hours you are able to absorb for your goals achievement. Then ascertain which day you are a lot of acceptable to accomplish the planned ambition accomplishment actions. Fill in the cavalcade with the exact date and time.
These three columns in your alive time-table will advice you to accomplish the endure a lot of important activities: hours management, self-management and affidavit comprehension.
Hours administration is bare to accomplish your abstraction action easier and added effective. Break the time anchored for goals accomplishment into periods of 30 account anniversary (45 account maximum), access 5-10 account break amid anniversary 30-minutes studies. Even if you are abashed you would not appreciate so abundant actual bare to apprentice you should not aberrate from this time-table. Otherwise, you will get annoyed and not appreciate annihilation at all!
Self-management and abstemiousness are bare to not aberrate from your planned alive schedule. One of the easiest means to bethink the things to be advised according to your time-table is a simple exercise which you can anniversary time you go to bed. While you are falling comatose accumulate the aforementioned byword in apperception and echo it until you are asleep. This byword accept to be exact and accommodated your set goals. For example: 'I get A account in maths'; do bethink the byword accept to be in present close and this will advice you to accept in yourself and bethink what you are accomplishing all these things for. The affidavit apperception is the primary affair for abstraction success as it is the affair which as affected you access the university and alpha acquirements what you accept called to learn. Imagine what you are traveling to do and area you are traveling to be in a approaching and actualize at atomic 5 affidavit of why you wish to be there and do those things. Be bright with your dreams even if you are not assured they are right.
The commodity was produced by the biographer of masterpapers.com. Sharon White is a 5-years accomplished freelance biographer and a chief administrator, last minute weekend breaks, of apriorism angle autograph casework abutment team. Contact her to get custom appellation cardboard tips and buy dissertations.

11 Things You MUST Know Before Hiring a Copywriter

2009-11-10T06:34:00.001-08:00
Author: Alexandria Brown

Source: articleage.com

So you're considering hiring copywriting help for your next
brochure, Web site, or marketing project. Congratulations! You should
get great results if you hire a pro to do it right.

Many business owners and marketing professionals have valid concerns
about letting an outsider develop their content. After all it's
your business, you know it best, and your image is critical. However,
you're wrapped up in your business every day. A good copywriter
can see your business in a new light, draw out the key benefits of
your products and services, and communicate that excitement to your
clients and prospects.

Working with a writer isn't a complicated ordeal, however it will
benefit you tremendously to become familiar with how the relationship
typically works and ways to help the process move along smoothly. So,
here are my top 11 tips on how to choose and work with a copywriter:

1. Understand your mission beforehand.

A crucial factor in streamlining the writing process is determining
the principal points you need to communicate before you bring in a
writer. Who is your target audience? What is your message? What is
unique about your company? In what type of tone do you want to speak
to your reader? What type of response do you ideally want the reader
to make? Having this information agreed upon before you get a writer
involved will save you unnecessary copy revisions and keep your costs
down.

2. Develop a realistic schedule.

Yes, you've heard this all your life, but haste makes waste. Avoid
hastily hiring a copywriter and dumping a rush job on her. Not only
will you not have time to thoroughly check her experience and
references, but, no matter how wonderfully talented she is, her first
drafts will not be "fully cooked." This is because copywriters need
time to let words and ideas simmer.

Most writers will request a few weeks to develop your copy, so set a
realistic schedule to give the creative process ample time. Count on
going through one or two revisions as your writer refines the piece's
angle and conveys the key benefits of what you're promoting.

3. Make sure the writer you hire has written for the medium you want.

Let's say you need someone to re-energize the copy on your Web site.
A freelancer who has only written magazine articles won't likely
have the skills to create content for a dynamic Web site. She's
probably not proficient at breaking-up copy into easily digestible
bits, integrating hyperlinks that entice your users to take action,
and keeping your end-user in mind to plan a friendly, easily-
navigable site. She may be able to learn how, but you'll be paying
for her slow ramp-up speed. Take time instead, last minute weekend breaks, to find the right
person it will save you many headaches down the road.

4. Experience within your industry isn't always necessary.

"So you've never written for a _______ company before?" I'veheard
many prospects say. Don't worry. A writer's ability to write well for
the medium is more important than her having prior experience in your
industry.

Many writers are true generalists and write just as well for an edgy
new media start-up as they do for a giant hospital network. They're
very proficient at diving into your business, learning it inside and
out, and churning out great prose to entice your target market. Now
of course, if you're producing a technically oriented business-to-
business Web site or marketing piece, you may want to hire a writer
with experience in both your project's medium and your industry. If
you find a good one, hold on tight. You've struck gold!

5. Ask for references, and contact them.

All writers can show you samples of well-written material, but how do
you know if they'll work to understand your communication needs, meet
deadlines, and act professionally in front of clients? Any great
copywriter should have an ample list of references that she can share
with you. Be sure to contact at least two of them, and ask them about
the writer's weaknesses as well as her strengths.

6. You get what you pay for.

It amazes me how businesspeople will drop thousands of dollars on Web
or print design and hesitate to spend half as much on great copy.
Pictures and design enhance your message, but jeez folks the writing
IS your message!

Good copywriting does not come cheaply you'll find writers
who charge anywhere from $50 - $150 per hour and up. You'll pay more
for an experienced writer, one with a particular specialty, or one
who's also a proficient editor. (Many writers are also great editors,
but not all writers are editors, and vice versa.) Some writers will
even arrange for your piece to get a final review by a professional
proofreader. (A very good idea, since there are almost always a few
errors that no one catches until the last minute.)

7. Work on more than a handshake.

True writing pros will give you an agreement they've drawn up for
you. However, you'll occasionally find yourself having to draft
an agreement for the project. This doesn't have to be complex a
simple letter of agreement that you both sign should do fine. Be sure
to include the project size, number of revisions included (if
applicable), timetable, and agreed fee (this can be a flat fee or
hourly rate).

And don't forget to ask about what's NOT included. For example,many
writers charge extra for in-person meetings, research time, and
weekend or rush work. You should also expect to pay an upfront
retainer. Serious writers charge one-third to one-half of the total
project fee upfront, and many won't begin your project until they
have the signed agreement and check in hand. And if you have
sensitive or proprietary information, don't hesitate to have your
writer sign a non-disclosure agreement.

8. Give your writer background info at the start.

I've often heard the story of a writer being hired for a large
project, and the first thing she's asked to do is come in and
interview several principals of the company. After several days of
interviews, the writer is then handed the company's annual report,
previous brochures, and marketing plan.

If this background info had been given up front, the client could
have saved hours of time and money! At the beginning of your project,
pass on any and all previous brochures or sales kits, direct mail,
Web site URLs, annual reports, research results, or business or
marketing plans.

9. Appoint one person as your "project captain."

Appoint one person at your company as project captain. If you allow
too many people in your organization to work with the writer
directly, each of them will likely have a different opinion of the
copy and request different edits from your writer. She may be forced
to make many unnecessary revisions, adding time and cost to your
project.

If you need to involve multiple reviewers in the process, have your
project captain handle the internal reviews and edits and decide
which ones supercede others. Then give your writer one master copy
that includes all edits to be made. Also, be sure to involve your
final decision maker early on, be it your CEO or board of directors.
This gives your writer clear direction and avoids costly revisions
down the road.

10. Give constructive criticism.

Although copywriters have egos of steel and are accustomed to
criticism, make yours constructive for best results. "This paragraph
just doesn't work" isn't nearly as effective as "What we need to do
here is stress the benefits of the non-skid surface." Also, tell her
what parts you do like so she can emulate them elsewhere. And of
course, everyone loves to know when they've done a good job. If you
like her work, be sure to share that with her.

11. Don't discount "chemistry."

You need to feel comfortable with your writer in order to work
effectively together. Take the time to find a great copywriter whom
you truly like and develop a good working relationship together.
You'll get top-quality work that will help your business thrive. And
you'll have a skilled and knowledgeable copywriter on call for your
next communications effort.

Would You Like Fries With That?

2009-11-08T19:34:00.001-08:00
Author: Todd Durkin

Source: ezinearticles.com

The other day I was talking with a young woman who was distressed about her life. She complained that everything was tough, "I have no time to exercise, I have two kids, I work ten to twelve hours a day, my husband was just laid off, the economy is stressing me out and I am running around like a chicken without a head." I listened to her vent for two minutes and finally said, "WHAT are you going to do about it, and WHEN are you going to do it?"

EVERYONE is busy - stress is everywhere. We are craving control, but don't know how to regain it. We are seeking inner peace, but struggle to remember when we last had it. So, if you want to learn what it takes to renew your energy, revitalize your spirit, and recapture balance in your life, I have a few techniques that can help you. First, I have to ask, "Would you like fries with that?"

How many times have you ordered lunch or dinner and been asked, "Would you like fries with that?" It's more than just a question about a side dish - it's an event that symbolizes how we make decisions and categorize our days as good or bad. So much of feeling out of control hinges on a bad choice and the simultaneous decision to give up on a day, to postpone until tomorrow the self-discipline required to stay in control and keep life's chaos at bay. The purpose of this article is to share with you five of my top techniques to regain control and start enjoying life. Control, like greatness, doesn't happen overnight. It's one decision at a time. Life serves up "fries" all day long. Each time they're offered is a chance to make the right choice, recapture balance and regain control. Read on...

• Get up 20 minutes earlier. That's right - get your tail up and out of bed to begin your day with a workout! Get your heart rate up for at least 10 minutes out of a 20-minute routine. You can do body weight squats, lunges, push ups, sit ups, jump rope, bench dips, burpees, etc. Add some 30-60 second jog/run intervals and you are well on your way to a great day. Sure, 30+ minutes would be even better, but 20 minutes will help you to FEEL GOOD TODAY. Get your tail up and out of bed and enjoy the peace and serenity of a magical morning.

• Deliberately pursue pleasure. Award-winning author, Christiane Northrup, M.D., speaks and writes about choosing activities EVERYDAY that create pleasure. This could mean walking on the beach, reading a good book, taking a hot bath, sitting in a Jacuzzi, taking dance breaks, getting a massage or connecting with a friend. Northrup explains how Nitric Oxide, the "chi" or life-force of the body that we all so desperately need, is released when you are doing things you enjoy. Most of us don't have enough fun; we need to seek out, prioritize and deliberately pursue daily activities that we enjoy. Whether you do them spontaneously or put them in your calendar, make sure you do them. They don't have to take a ton of time and they don't have to cost a lot of money. Pick things that put a smile on your face and give you that euphoric feeling like you are actually "LIVING." One of my favorites is the indulgence of a short nap on the weekends, where I awake feeling refreshed and renewed. Take a page from Dr. Northrup's "playbook" and take a nap, spend time with your children, call a friend who makes you laugh or blast a great aria while you do the dishes - TODAY.

• Choose your time wisely. Your time is extremely valuable and how you spend it ultimately affects your energy, your mood and your state of mind. Say "NO" to time wasters (i.e., surfing the Internet, running to the mall, staring at the TV, etc.), and say, "YES" to the things you DO want (more family time, exercise, healthful eating, relaxation, pleasure, etc.). I always ask myself, "What is the best use of my time right NOW?" Answer the question honestly and honor the answer. You'll begin to feel the FREEDOM of choice and deliberate action, in other words - CONTROL.

• Get a Dog. Yes, that's right, I said get a dog. Why is it that when you have a dog, you make the time to go out for two walks a day? For years this continues, and then the day comes when you no longer have a dog, and you suddenly have "no time" to go outside for a walk. What does this say about your priorities? Does your dog's happiness come before your health? I love my dog, but I love my health more. We live in a society with high rates of heart disease, stroke and Type II Diabetes. Get outside and take a walk! Start treating your body like you do Rover's and watch how much better you feel.

• Find even more accountability. You may need additional strategies (beyond a dog) to help you with the most important ingredient to improved lifestyle - EXERCISE. Increased accountability for your exercise regime could come from a friend, a personal trainer, a life-coach, a group-exercise class or your partners in small-group personal training. As a personal trainer who works with many clients in a class setting and other small group sessions, I have seen how peers play an important role in creating accountability. They expect you to be present and they cheer you on when you work hard. They also inquire about your absences and expect a darn good reason why you didn't make it when they did! Continue to try new classes, get outside your comfort zone, and discover what works for you. When you find a friend, coach, or trainer who keeps you on track with your physical conditioning, including your nutrition, supplementation, and rest/recovery, your mindset and overall quality of life dramatically improve.

So let's get back to this stuff about how busy you are... I know you're busy. That's OK. Take Control of Your Life - starting today! Just as stated above, change will not be overnight. "Would you like fries with that?" is a way of saying that each decision is an opportunity to make the right choice. Don't declare an entire day a failure just because you wake up late or eat a donut at a meeting. When the server asks the question about fries, choose and move on. The tips above put you on the right path to make the right choice. Each good choice lessens your stress and puts you in control. It may not be easy, but it is simple. Choose wisely throughout the day. Start getting up earlier, deliberately pursue pleasure, improve your time management, get a dog and find even more accountability for your continued health and well being. As you become a better steward of your choices, all aspects of LIFE are enhanced.

Peace and love,

Todd

P.S. Those who know me well know that I get a lot of pleasure from food. Just the other day, I threatened to drive all the way to Sedona, Arizona, for a meal from my favorite Italian restaurant. Occasionally, I will say "yes" to fries in a good restaurant and I've been known to eat a beignet when visiting New Orleans. I count these moments, last minute weekend breaks, as special pleasures - rare and wonderful - not drive-thru.

Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is a personal trainer and massage therapist who motivates, educates, and inspires people world-wide. He is the owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, where his wonderful team focuses on personal training, massage therapy, Pilates, yoga, sports performance training, and nutrition to help transform people's bodies, minds, and spirits. Todd trains dozens of NFL & MLB baseball athletes and provides motivational talks and programs to companies and conferences world-wide. Additionally, Todd is the Head of the Under Armour Performance Training Council. He has appeared in 60 Minutes, on ESPN, the NFL Network, and been featured in Sports Illustrated, Business Week, Prevention, ESPN the Magazine, Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Men's Journal, Stack Magazine, Self, Shape, Fitness, and the NY Times and Washington Post. Todd is the author of 27 DVD's on strength & conditioning, functional fitness, massage/bodywork, and business/personal growth. You can sign up for his FREE award-winning Ezine newsletter, the "TD TIMES", at http://www.FitnessQuest10.com or http://www.ToddDurkin.com
If you would like to use this article in a publication, please contact Todd Durkin at durkin@fitnessquest10.com.

The Ultimate New Year's Resolution: Doing Nothing

2009-11-07T06:03:00.001-08:00
Author: Pat Brill

Source: articledashboard.com

As the New Year approaches, you may already have a short list of habits you would like to break, goals you would like to reach, and other changes you would like to see in your life. You may even have your resolutions written down and posted on the fridge next to your jam-packed calendar, grocery lists and to do lists.

New Year's resolutions serve a useful purpose: they help us to reflect on our lives and make commitments to create positive changes. But they can also be overwhelming for busy moms who barely have any time to handle the everyday tasks of life.

Sometimes, the inspired resolutions we make at the end of one year and the beginning of another, become just another list we have to get done. We lose sight of the meaning behind the resolution, and focus more on whether or not we accomplished our goals.

This year, why not give yourself a big break, and set only one resolution? Your goal this year: Make time to do absolutely nothing.

Take a Break From Multi-Tasking

If you're like most moms, you probably can't remember the last time you took a break from life (no, the five minute flip through a magazine in the bathroom doesn't count!). Restoring your energy gets put on the backburner in favor of the demands of work and family.

Modern-day moms are masters at multi-tasking, and accomplish more in one day than most CEOs. But all of that moving about has a price. You may be a bit frayed around the edges, and less able to resist snapping at loved ones. You're probably so tired, you're used to being tired, and you may feel overwhelmed and underappreciated. In short, you are less you.

Everyone, especially moms, needs ample, regularly scheduled time to chill out and relax. You need time to putter around the house, wander aimlessly through antique shops, or even watch your favorite television shows. Basically, there need to be blocks of time when nothing is scheduled and nothing is needed from you, so that you can do what piques your interest in the moment.

Put "Do Nothing" Time On the Schedule

You may agree with the concept of doing nothing, but in order to integrate it into your life, you need to dedicate time for it. First, get out your calendar and take a look at the week ahead. Is there anything on the schedule that you could skip out of? For example, do you have to sit on the benches for every soccer practice, or could you miss one from time to time?

One strategy for finding time in your schedule is to negotiate with your husband for it. Perhaps he would be willing to make dinner two nights a week, or take the kids to the dentist instead of you, so you can get a little "do nothing" time. If you aren't married, ask a friend, sibling, or parent if they would be willing to help out once a week or even every other week.

Get Enough "Do Nothing" Time

"Do nothing" time is only effective if you have enough time to enjoy it. Your magic number - the amount of time you need to get the most out of your "do nothing" time - may be different than that of your husband, best friend, or kids. Start by aiming high, rather than shorting yourself. Pick one whole day to do nothing. At the end of the day, make note of how long it took you to feel relaxed, satisfied, and restored. Now you know how much time to put on your schedule.

Make it a Family Resolution

Doing nothing is also of great benefit to kids and your entire family. Children are often overscheduled and need time to just "hang out." Why not schedule one weekend day and one weeknight as "do nothing" time? Use that time to play games as a family, watch a, last minute weekend breaks, movie, or take a spontaneous road trip. Or, just spend the day doing absolutely nothing at all. The point is: you have permission to do whatever you please, and if it is liberating to you, imagine what it could mean to your family.

Doing nothing can help you get back some of yourself faster than many of the self-improvement programs. You may be surprised how many of your original resolutions actually get accomplished inadvertently. Not because you had to, but because you felt like it that day. Committing to a block of "do nothing" time allows you to get back to your natural rhythms, which ultimately, get back to you.

Copyright (c) 2006 Pat Brill

My Guardian Angel

2009-11-05T11:02:00.001-08:00
Author: Michael Schofield

Source: download

For a long time I have had what are commonly referred to in the latest "New Age Thinking" as Out Of Body Experiences (OBEs) where I could leave my physical body and wonder around in my astral body.
These experiences first started when I found myself in Pinderfields hospital after I was severely burnt after an accident on my motorcycle in July 1990 and my first experience was covered in my diary under the title "Life After Death".
During my stay in hospital I had many such experiences similar to this one and I remember during an operation for skin grafts I floated above my body and noticed on top of the operating theatre light was written "You are now having a Near Death Experience OP1" which afterwards I explained to a nurse what I had seen and she replied that I was only the second patient they had ever had who could confirm this, she had said to me that these experiences were unexplained but she had her own personal beliefs in this matter.
Following this I became a bit of a celebrity in the ward and I came to believe that many of the nurses who had first hand experiences of people who were on the borderline between the veil of life and what lies in the great beyond had encountered many strange phenomena during there work and hence they had put the sign above the operating theatre light just recently to confirm their suspicions.
After I finally left hospital after some 11 weeks in there I found I could still have these experiences and they no longer had to be sparked off by any sort of trauma, they started to occur on their own volition when I was near to sleep and my mind and body completely relaxed.
At first they happened maybe once or twice per month but then I began to control them - at least I tried to control them.
I would lie in bed alone and concentrate on a point on the ceiling and will my mind to venture to that point however nothing transpired in those first clumsy attempts either because I wasn't relaxed enough or I was trying too hard.
I learned that OBE's are not something that can be controlled entirely at will.
The first really big milestone was when I was at Huddersfield University completing a day release course for a HNC in computer programming whilst employed by Sellers Engineers in Huddersfield.
It was daytime and the sun was shining gloriously through the window maybe the sun was enhancing my drowsy feeling certainly nothing physical had jolted me, no trauma and certainly no accident.
One moment I was sitting in front of my 386 computer (remember them well this was back in 94) trying to write a program in Pascal to sort a list of names into alphabetical order; the next, I felt a kind of shifting in me as if I was gently hovering out of my skin and the next second I was floating above my own head.
I distinctly remember thinking that my nose looked huge and I didn't know I looked like this from the back of my head, but, I decided on this occasion I was going to examine the experience rather than just live it like I had on previous occasions.
Other than the initial surprise their was no apprehensive shock, no alarm and no concern that I might not be able to re-enter my body or any panicky thoughts that I was about to die.
I could see myself with exquisite clarity, my figure and everything finely defined, I noticed the tip of my finger was poised about one centimetre above the letter "S" on the keyboard as if frozen there.
Other people in the computer room were moving; the girl student next to me called Gillian was typing away and occasionally glancing at the screen looking perplexed.
While on another table a friend of mine was trying to find out what was wrong with his program which appeared to be showing a long list of errors, meanwhile our tutor, a tall dandified Canadian chap with a huge head and slicked back hair was turning the pages of a book opened before him on the desktop and unconsciously tucking into an Ice Cream.
A round clock with a large wood frame ticked away on the wall.
Someone Sneezed. Someone else said "Bless You"
A plastic ruler fell off a table with a clatter and a student bent to retrieve it.
All was normal, no one was taking any notice of me, I wasn't scared - I guess I was more curious, I just felt cool about the whole situation and because of this was able to examine my situation calmly.
I decided to see if I could move about and instantly I could.
Just by willing myself I floated to the other side of the computer room observing the heads and the hunched shoulders of my fellow students hard at work as I did so.
I half expected some of them to look up as I passed over, perhaps disturbed by the breeze I must be creating skimming along like that.
I thought my tutor would bark "You there, Schofield, will you please come down from the ceiling immediately and return to your place, but, he continued to study his book while at the same time sucking the ice cream from the base of his cornet through a hole he had bitten at the bottom.
I could see myself - I had stretched out my hands in front of me like some ethereal superman and they were plainly visible - so why couldn't the other students see me? (At that time of course I hadn't yet come to understand that it was my mind filling in what it expected to see).
Hovering over a bright window, I turned back to the class. The notion of passing through the window glass had occurred to me, but, while remaining perfectly level headed I was a little anxious about wondering too far from my natural body - I really did not want to lose sight of it, I think that was quite reasonable, what if I got lost outside? What if there was a point where the spirit (or whatever it was up there hovering inches away from the ceiling) became too separated from the physical body and some invisible connection snapped making re-entry impossible.
Anyway, during that time in the computer room I was as mentioned pretty cool about the situation, even if I was reluctant to let my material self out of sight.
I looked around, took notice of things, considered how I felt about my condition then only after several minutes, became eager to get back in my body (It was like resisting one last beer after having too many).
And at that moment I felt that I was back - I don't recall anything of the journey across the room or dipping myself back into my natural form.
I was just in an instant there looking at the world once again through my physical eyes. Only then did I feel some panic but, it was mild - I think I was too stunned to experience overwhelming anxiety.
Soon I was plain curious as well as elated - I had gone through something rare.
As time went on my abilities to induce OBE's became more proficient and at this time I was working at Sellers Engineers distributing items for processing around the works which would become on assembly carpet finishing machines and other bespoke machines to one off designs.
I would lock myself in a cubicle in the toilets and relax my mind until I could feel the sensation of leaving my body; I could then go on all sorts of adventures, I would frequent the board meetings becoming a "fly on the wall" and find out all sorts of interesting gossip which I would capture in words and distribute in a very popular newsletter which started life as a report for our Crown Green Bowling Team.
I would find out what people really thought of me by eavesdropping on conversations, I would find myself frequently visiting the women's toilets where I would lose track of time and only the sound of the tanoy requesting my presence in physical form would bring me back to my body.
The problem is when you develop a gift like this your natural tendency is to abuse it and it was to be direct intervention by the spirit world that would bring me back down to earth.
It was one late September evening when I was pedalling home from Sellers along the Ramsden Canal which connects Huddersfield to the Calder & Hebble Navigation and also provided a route for me to get back to my home in Bradley.
In the distance at the other side of the canal I saw a figure beneath an old oak tree whose thick leafless branches still managed to cast him in a shadow.
As I approached closer I noticed his eyes were watching me intently and to my surprise I became aware of the fact that his lower legs and and feet were invisible indicating to me this was some form of disembodied spirit (which I had become familiar with since my first traumatic adventures into this realm in 1990)
Out of curiosity and also due to me approaching the bench I regularly took a break on my way home I dismounted my aging wreck of a mountain bike and sat down on my the old bench that was by coincidence approximately adjacent to this figure across the canal and opened a can of beer.
After a short period of time the figure approached me by floating across the canal, with the sun behind him, his white hair and a halo round his head it was difficult to make out his features.
"Hello Michael" he said in a pleasantly gruff but quiet voice. "I am your guardian angel - Dripping Tap - can I sit with you for a while"
His skin looked bronze and his face weathered but kind, I had felt Dripping Taps presence countless times before in my life and seen him in vivid dreams but it was the first encounter in broad daylight.
He had existed as a Native American during the Fifteenth Century and, last minute weekend breaks, lived a life I could only envy, so simple with strong beliefs in the afterlife far away from the modern chaos we all experience today, he very often had communicated to me in the past that modern man had lost touch with his natural origins.
I shifted my butt towards one arm of the bench making enough room for him to which he sat next to me looking as real to me as any other physical person.
"You are abusing the power we have given you" said Dripping Tap simply not wasting his words
"What do you think others think of you boasting about your abilities to sneak around invisibly and using your abilities to go on wild excursions" He continued looking me in the eye, his image faded and immediately reappeared like the flickering of lights in a thunderstorm
I pondered the question then replied honestly "Everybody thinks I am totally crazy anyway - people up to an extent make you what you are by how they treat you"
I had been given the label of "Mad Mick" by most of the occupants of Bradley where I had lived all my life and almost unanimously by my workmates at Sellers however some times especially just lately I did see in there eyes a look of fear - even in the so called hard cases.
Dripping Tap looked down at his buffalo skinned jacket as if reading my very thoughts he the said "Michael, how do you think people feel when you claim you can spy on them - that you could be watching them in their most private moments and a lot of the letters you have written contain information that you could not possibly have known - people do not trust you, I mean everyone needs their privacy, their own space that's what makes them civilised"
Dripping Tap went on to explain that very soon my life was about to change once more, he seemed to be able to see the future and told me that very soon I would be made redundant from Sellers and that I should never again use OBEs to pry on people but only to gain knowledge and for ultimate good.
"Your departure will be sudden but It will finally give you chance to use your brain which you sadly put to sleep following graduating in 1990 - in the meantime you have the opportunity to use your gift to learn more about the world"
"Lucky me" I replied somewhat sarcastically
"Everything happens for a reason, you may not know the bigger picture" he said wisely
"Accept the bad things in life?" I enquired
He nodded "Go back, be impartial and learn" with this the spirit flickered then disappeared and I was left alone.
It was November 2000 when I was made redundant from Sellers I was called into the Finance Directors office and he said that they were giving me chance to use my brain upon which I was given my P45 and left to walk home - even with my guardian angels warnings it hit me very hard.
I lost everything, my entire social life evaporated, only my son, Luke and a close friend The Gangster stood by me through these difficult times I felt that at Sellers I had become part of something for the first time in my life.
I did feel a higher source was guiding me and with my unusual abilities I was been given the chance to learn about myself and about the very fundamentals of life.
I suspect many other souls get given the same chance when they die but of course the living wouldn't know it.
My physical self spent a lot of time sat alone in my isolated flat with occasional visits from my 5 year old son at weekends and I would occasionally visit my parents or my close friend the Gangster but other than this I spent most of my time in my incorporeal form, my astral state, without flesh and blood and all the hang-ups that go with it.
My physical body became more and more neglected sat frozen in a scruffy council flat suffering malnutrition and the life force slowly ebbing away
In my astral form though I began to understand and appreciate a lot more about life on this planet
I won't bother you with "love is all clich้" although it plays a big part in understanding and an even bigger part in our next stop.
I am assured by my mentor Dripping Tap that its going to be something wonderful but he wouldn't elaborate further.
We are here on this earth to learn acceptance, yes, that's right acceptance
Acceptance of everything life throws at you - all the good all the bad.
Doesn't mean you don't work - or fight - to defeat it or make bad things good, but sometimes we have no control at all over it.
That's when you have to accept you have no other choice.
My spirit guide during these times told me acceptance leads to forgiveness which is vital for progression, but I don't believe its quite that simple for us anyway.
During these desolate times I visited in my nebulous state famous old buildings and some spectacular new ones, museums too gaining insight into other times and other civilisations
I went to the palace to see the queen again, she wasn't in the first time and I feel the royal way of life in these modern times is very tedious - not the kind of life you or I would like.
I have sat in parliament and believe me most MPs are just as lazy and self important as we think they are.
One dark and beautiful night I tried to reach the stars, but, I never got even as far as an helicopter might fly. Something pulled me back and I knew it wasn't gravity, it was as if I had reached the limits of my own will and it would not take me further.
Graduating with a physics degree in 1990 gave me a scientists view of the world comprising of some 92 naturally occurring atoms each combined in a huge variety of combinations giving us all the multitude of materials including ourselves that we encounter.
These atoms are further composed of a nucleus of protons and neutrons the number of which defines the type of atom surrounded by a cloud of electrons which are bound by electricity.
All very well but it seems to me that a scientist by breaking down matter to the fundamentals to study it loses track of the synchronousity in nature, the synergetic way all things inter exist.
If there was a single electron in the whole universe it would be meaningless, it would cease to exist - it is only all the other matter which makes it all become real.
Physics it seems is a bit like Chinese whispers, each teacher tells his students how to simulate reality with equations and models and this in turn is taught by the student when he becomes a graduate to more students, but in all of this the process loses sight of its objective.
My spirit guide was showing me what was beyond the veil of the material world into the huge coliseum of energy but also in the end he brought me back to my physical self a much wiser but more patient person.
My physical body had for months been neglected started to come back to life and what's more it started enjoying being alive.
I began to take my son Luke and my niece, Squeaky on long adventures when there child like minds were receptive to everything I told them, their eyes once again sparkled with life.
I think in retrospect you must beware of OBE's they can consume you and most important of all never journey too far!
Eventually some 3 months after leaving Sellers I felt able to make my first tentative steps back into the real world of interactions with my fellow men, I enrolled on a government backed training scheme in Huddersfield called S & S Training.
Initially starting from being a shaking wreck I managed to pass my European Computer Driving Licence which gave me knowledge of the latest PCs and Software, I also applied for numerous jobs and upon only my second interview I managed to obtain a job at Hogwarts at Howley Park.
Here a new adventure in my life started, initially shacked up in a tiny office with the computer Cowboy I went on to work along side a whole multitude of diverse characters

Holiday Eating: Party Hearty Without Putting on the Pounds!

2009-11-04T02:00:00.001-08:00
Author: Marsha J. Hudnall, MS, RD, CD

Source: articleage.com

The holidays are definitely a special time of year. These days,
however, many women wonder whether "special" means happy -- or
stressful. Do you know anyone who doesn't feel more stress
during the holiday season? One thing is for sure: Stress is a
six-letter word that can spell added trouble for many women who
struggle with food, eating and weight.

A national survey of women conducted earlier this year revealed
that women see stress and lack of energy as two of their top
health issues. But here's where it gets interesting: Women were
twice as likely as men to snack as a way of dealing with stress!

So how do you enjoy the famous holiday party time that seems to
start with coffee breaks at work or weekend brunches and last
through dessert parties late in the evening without overdoing on
all those wonderful foods? Here's a list of ideas to consider
that can help reduce holiday stress, boost energy and maximize
your ability to make smart choices to support you in your
efforts to feel well and stay healthy.

Keep It Simple

The absolute first "must" for enjoying your holidays is to keep
it simple. Be realistic in what you want to accomplishand what
you expect others to accomplish, too. Discuss holiday plans with
family and friends. Consider paring down your "to do" list, and
get a commitment from others to share in the extra holiday tasks
that create extra fun for everyone.

Feed Yourself Well

A party later in the evening doesn't mean skimping on food
during the day. All that will do is set you up for overeating
because you get too hungry. Instead, eat regular, balanced meals
and snacks that include grains/starchy vegetables, protein foods
and fruits and/or vegetables every 3-5 hours when you are
hungry, and stopping when you are satisfied.

Likewise, if you overdo it at one meal or party (and who doesn't
on occasion?), don't try to "make up" for it at your next meals.
Go back to your regular eating plan as described above.

Dance the Night Away!

Physical activity may provide the biggest boost to your ability
to cope during the holidays. Not only is it a natural outlet for
tension (and consequently another way to cope), physical
activity boosts our energy level and our motivation to keep
going.

Be creative! Break out of your mold by adding the opportunities
of the holiday season, such as dancing, skating, sledding,
skiing, snowshoeing, caroling (all that walking)even trimming
the tree (there's a lot of stretching there). Make fun physical
activity the primary focus of your parties, instead of depending
on the food to make or break it.

Realistically, many people find that physical activity early in
the day is the best way to make it happen. A walk after
breakfast is one of the best strategies for boosting energy and
helping you feel well the rest of the day. Don't forget those
walks around the shopping mall or the long brisk walk in from
the parking lot count for something, too! (See FitBriefing
Moving for Life).

Put on Parties that Work for You

This is where stress can send you straight for the Christmas
cookies or Hanukkah chocolate. First, plan parties where you get
help. How about just being responsible for the "centerpiece"
dish, such as a main dish, beautiful salad or dessert, and let
the supermarket, bakery, and/or deli do the rest. Or if you
don't already have a pot luck tradition for family gatherings,
now is the time to start!

What will be on the menu? A simple, healthy meal with some added
festive touches will not only impress your guests, but it will
truly be enjoyed by all - especially you! Many holiday menus
start with roast turkey. Roasting a turkey or turkey breast is
relatively simple, but most grocery and/or meat markets will
roast it for you. Serve it with Brown Rice Pilaf or Wild Rice
Pilaf (both recipes from the new edition of Green Mountain's
cookbook Recipes for Living). Add dried cherries, last minute weekend breaks, or cranberries,
chopped toasted pecans and chopped fresh parsley for a festive
touch. A colorful tossed green salad could be as simple as a bag
of mixed field greens with orange segments and red onion rings.
Garnish with a slice of herbed chevre (goat cheese). Serve with
Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette (another Green Mountain favorite).
Take advantage of the sweets and other treats of the season that
your local bakery will surely be making; order a tray of
assorted cookies, for example. Serve with a scoop of raspberry,
lemon or tropical fruit sorbet in holiday dishes. Or if you want
a real "wow" but simple dessert, try Marinated Strawberries in
Phyllo cups.

Make Yourself a Priority

This is the bottom line for holidays that you really enjoy.
Remember, if you take care of yourself first, then you're much
better equipped to take care of everyone else. But women just
don't tend to do that. A survey last month of 1000 women
revealed that while almost all women would enjoy doing something
for themselves like taking a walk or an aromatic bath, most
spend less than 30 minutes a day nurturing themselvesand almost
10 hours a day caring for others! Clearly, we're out of balance
here. Now there's a great gift - the gift of more time for you!

No More New Year's Resolutions to Lose Weight!

The staff at Green Mountain at Fox Run wishes you the happiest,
healthiest holiday season ever. Our other wish for you is that
you approach the New Year not with another resolution to take
off pounds gained during the holiday season. Instead, we wish
that you enjoy the season without thinking about body size,
instead caring for yourself in a way that allows you to go
through the season feeling vibrant and well. The truth is that
most of us may put on a pound or two during the holidays when
wonderful foods abound. But if we're tuned in to feeling well,
and supporting our bodies with sensible enjoyable eating,
regular physical activity, stress management and positive
thinking, those extra pounds won't be permanent. With this
lifestyle in place, we'll find our weight returns to its
natural, healthy place once the abundance of the holidays
subsides.

Hot Flashes of a Freelancer

2009-11-02T06:09:00.001-08:00
Author: Cheryl Paquin

Source: articleage.com

Am badly ailing of spending freezing weekends in bedimmed newsroom earning
$12.36 per hour as annual editor. Too abundant time spent abroad from apron and
children, and it's bare 20 F. if I accomplishment work. Wish to abandon from job
and freelance, and acquire lots of money while ensconced in the amore of my
home, with two daughters arena blithely abreast feet. Wish a job that will
allow me to biking to appointment ancestors in Australia at atomic already a year
preferably during Minnesotan winter.

Have ordered Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Accomplish $85,000 a Year by
Robert W. Bly from Amazon.com. I accept I can reside on this anniversary income
and abutment my biking habit.

March 2000:

Devour Bly's book and accept all he says. Abandon from job with spousal
approval, with abundant money to awning bills for a brace of months.

Enthusiastically architecture and book all my own business cards, letterheads and
stationary. Buy bags of stamps from column appointment for bags of query
letters. Accept noticed, however, that the minute I sit down to address a query
letter, something urgent, like alteration baby's diaper, needs utmost
attention. Organize myself by stacking anew printed anchored tidily into
filing cabinet. Spent time charwoman desk, and affairs pens and paperclips.
Also buy bags of women's magazines official bazaar research.

April 2000:

Decide I accept to get austere about autograph career with no assets acquired in
March. Enthusiastically accompany hundreds of online autograph lists. Become scared
with professionalism of some groups so absorb hours and canicule in added social
groups. Feel abashed at abbreviating coffer antithesis and conjugal concern
at abridgement of autograph work. Treble efforts patroling online job markets.

May 2000:

Hurrah! Success - acknowledge to online job for writers and editors, pass
editing analysis and accept assignments: $ 700 per commodity and $30 per hour as
editor.

June 2000:

Hurrah! Defy affair guidelines listed in Writer's Bazaar for regional
magazine such as querying by snail mail and cat-and-mouse six weeks for response.
Send e-mail affair to editor allurement if she wants to see biking piece. Editor
replies anon via e-mail. Advertise commodity for for $400 aboriginal rights,
payment on acceptance.

July 2000:

Wait for checks to access in the mail accepting becoming over $2,500 endure month.
Wait some added and put annual into overdraft, paying ample sums in
overdraft fees. Apprentice that banknote breeze is absolute important to apprentice small
business. Also apprentice that it is absolute important to accumulate querying instead of
resting on laurels, admiring achievements.

August 2000:

Checks activate to distill in slowly. Online autograph get arise online. Feel
inspired to accumulate going, about no work. Accouchement are home for the summer
and time is bound for writing. Head lice break out in house, efforts to
control bane that will not abdicate consumes added time. Finally overcome
problem, and advertise, last minute weekend breaks, commodity on assault Nix-resistant nits. Decide life's
little dramas are acceptable autograph fodder.

September 2000:

Children acknowledgment to school, hurrah. Address gets sold. No time to be a
freelance biographer as we backpack and try to acquisition about to live. Hurrah,
magazine with biking appears my aboriginal "glossy". Am badly captivated and
feel famous.

October 2000:

Settle into new address accouchement are lice-free; toddler is at childcare,
recommence freelance autograph career. Algid and flu division begins children
take turns at getting ill over three-week period. Just as they are well, I get
sick.

November 2000:

Hurrah! Annual editor that arise biking commodity calls and asks me to
write account online autograph alone baby section but feel like a absolute minor
celebrity, about a poor one.

December 2000:

No time for writing! Consumed with authoritative arty-crafty ability for arty-crafty
inlaws. Seriously counterbalance up if freelancing is applicable venture. Feeling very
homesick and abandoned as a work-at-home mother -- missing blithe activities
of plan life. Decide, however, that alive fulltime, and coordinating
offspring amid academy and childcare, would be too difficult. Decide to
get REALLY austere about autograph as anon as new year rolls around. Heartened
at anniversary to ascertain I fabricated a absolute baby accumulation from autograph endeavors.

January 2001:

Have lots and lots of account for queries and anxiously account them, research
them, but assume to accept no time to address absolute queries. Realize I absorb far
too abundant time cerebration about getting a biographer than in fact writing. Realize
that action is the alone way to accomplish autograph success. Realize at times
I am acutely lacking. However, do accept approved annual addition and
editing plan so at atomic feel like I'm accomplishing something.

February 2001:

Dot.com alteration gig folds in accepted bread-and-butter climate. Sigh! Back to the
resume, and canoeing online job sites, and bags of affair letters. Anxiously
checking mailbox anniversary day for checks attributable from above dot.com to
appear.

Realize I will accept to plan a lot harder if I wish to biking to Australia
this year. However, at atomic freezing algid nights are spent at home with
offspring cautiously ensconced at feet.

Decide to accomplish last-ditch attack at writing. Set accessible goals both
writing and financial, and boldness to acquisition a cure for dabbling self
discipline.

Need Help Filling Your Next Event? Try This

2009-10-30T05:29:00.001-07:00
Author: K Summerhawk

Source: ezinearticles.com

If you're planning a reside accident again it's acceptable that at some point above-mentioned to your big day, you'll acquire what I alarm the "crisis of faith" moment. That's the moment if it seems like your accident will never ample and you'll be adverse a about abandoned room, absent to compress to the admeasurement of a pea in embarrassment.

It may abruptness you to apperceive that even admitting anniversary of my reside contest has awash out, I've accomplished that aforementioned crisis of acceptance moment. And not just already but every time!

While abandoning IS an option, I debris to accord up so fast. It's a acceptable affair too, because anniversary time I was faced with authoritative that decision, it accepted to be an befalling to bound into a new akin of acceptance in the adeptness of business and soul. The results? I not alone awash out anniversary event, but I accomplished a abstruse advancement about-face in my "spiritual confidence."

Here are three tips to admonition you ample your next event. Whether you acquire that crisis of acceptance moment or not, these tips will admonition you breach through any affair you may acquire about adeptness and extinguish any abiding agnosticism as to your adeptness to achieve amazing assets accomplishing what you love.

Tip 1 Be Prepared For "The Gap"

The gap is that aeon of time if business any accident if admission sales arrest out, completely. Whether the gap lasts a few days, a anniversary or maybe even a few weeks, it can be a absolute analysis of faith.

For example, one of my Platinum admirers planned her aboriginal reside accident and anon had three spots filled. Again nothing. And nothing. Weeks went by, during which time she capital to accord up.

Undaunted, I mentored her not to accord up, to focus her acceptance on the amount of what she was alms and to KEEP marketing. She followed my admonition and with beneath than two weeks to go added than tripled her registrations. At the event, she awash out her aboriginal Platinum program, bringing in a air-conditioned $30,000 for the weekend.

Use the gap to reconnect to the allowances and amount humans will get from your event. Again acquaint that amount in your marketing.

Tip 2 It's Not Over Until...

If you've been constant with your business and your accident promises specific after-effects again I promise, humans will annals up to the endure minute. Show alive acceptance by press up your adapted amount of handouts or anchor and be accessible to book name tags endure minute.

At one of my accomplished contest I had a actor annals on Monday for the accident starting that Thursday. She flew all the way from the East coast, admired the event, again alive up as a Platinum client. Proves my approach that "you just never know!"

What acts of alive acceptance can you do to actualize the end aftereffect you want?

Tip 3 Be Wary Of "Spiritual Saboteurs"

One year, business for a big accident was bearing frustratingly apathetic results. If I hit that crisis of acceptance moment I angry to a coach for support. Unknowingly to me, she had a history of not bushing events. So if I angry to her for support, advance and some business admonition her alone admonition was "I, last minute weekend breaks, may acquire to acquire it will not fill."

Honestly, her agnosticism was a absoluteness attempt for me, but not in the way she expected. I anon retorted, "No I won't! I WILL advertise out this event!" and anon got my acceptance in alignment with my actions. I followed the aforementioned tips I've aggregate actuality with you and not alone awash out all spots but had a cat-and-mouse list!

Trust a coach who's succeeded at what you wish to accomplish. This way, you can draw on their acquaintance and acumen to abutment your success.

Live Contest Are Still The Most Powerful Way To Connect With And Increase Your Applicant Tribe

It takes affection and spirit to organize, bazaar and ample a reside event. But there is no greater joy in business than getting in foreground of a reside audience, accumulated to apprentice from you.

So even if your accident sales hit a lull, as continued as you adjudge there's no traveling aback you'll about-face your accident into a win, no amount what!

Would you like to learn more simple ways women entrepreneurs can get organized and quickly move away from "dollars-for-hours work" and create more money, time, and freedom in their businesses? Check out my web site, http://www.KendallSummerHawk.com for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "7 Quick and Simple Tips to Brand, Package and Price Your Services for More Money, Time and Freedom in Your Business.'
Award-winning small business expert Kendall SummerHawk is the "Horse Whisperer for Business."

Prevention of Sports Injuries

2009-10-27T17:30:00.001-07:00
Author: Richard Lane

Source: articleage.com

As added and added of us apprehend the allowances of exercise and activity, it is acute to participate and alternation safely. Although sports-related injuries are not absolutely preventable, demography accordant precautions can abate their acceptation and/or severity.

Sports injuries are frequently associated with abrupt breaking of bones, ripping of tendons or disturbing of anatomy but in non-contact sports a lot of injuries arise on gradually. An athlete's greatest backbone can generally be his greatest weakness. Their aggressive band that drives them to alternation badly is their affliction adversary if it comes to administration injuries. Abrasion abstention should be as top a antecedence as accretion strength, accepting cardiovascular exercise or convalescent flexibility. The afterward are some basal guidelines for abbreviation the anticipation of accepting afflicted and are as accordant to the weekend warrior as they are to able sportspeople.

Introduce New Activities Gradually
A cogent admeasurement of injuries action if an amateur commences a new action (or decidedly increases the intensity/duration at which they are assuming that activity). For example, a accepted advocacy for runners is to access their breadth at no added than 10% per week. In addition, a able training affairs targets both cardiovascular conditioning and sports-specific beef strengthening.

Never Alternation Harder If Stiff
If you are abscessed afterwards every conditioning again you're not giving your physique time to recover. If you try and alternation at a top acuteness if still annealed and sore, again movements are not co-ordinated and injuries are added likely. Allow at atomic 24-48 hours to balance from arduous activity. Properly delivered beating can abate accretion time appreciably.

Avoid Exercising If Extremely Tired or in Pain
In training or competition, you should not try to advance through affliction and abide if exhausted. Fatigue has been apparent to be a awful cogent accident agency with account to injuries.

Warming Up and Cooling Down
Warm anatomy amplitude bigger than algid muscles. Tendons, anatomy and ligaments are added acceptable to breach if the anatomy are algid and stiff. Warming-up aswell advice to alter claret breeze from non-essential areas to alive muscles.
Cooling down, which should endure for about 10-15 account afterwards arduous action helps the physique temperature acknowledgment to accustomed as the articles of fatigue are ablaze from muscles. Having a battery as anon afterwards the air-conditioned down as accessible reduces the amount of stiffening up (ideally a harder training affair should be followed by a beating for optimum recovery!).
However, a countdown afore training or an accident needs to be added than just stretching. Studies accept apparent that able addition above-mentioned to training has no aftereffect on the anticipation of an amateur accepting injured. Addition on it's own has no accurate allowances even if it does alleviate up calves, hamstrings, etc. Countdown needs to carbon the action admitting at a decidedly bargain acuteness level.

Wear the adapted shoes
As shock absorbers, your anxiety are subjected to huge pressures during arduous exercise. Able cossack is all-important to beanbag the endless and the cossack needs to be adapted for the activity. Wearing shoes that are too ablaze or are anyhow beat are actual accepted causes of injury.

Calcium absence (for Women)
Women charge to ensure that they are accepting acceptable calcium in their diet as accent fractures are 10 times added acceptable in women than in men. Aswell women who accept aberrant periods arise to be decidedly afflicted to accent fractures.

Interestingly abundant two factors are advised the best predictors of injury. These are:
(a) Above-mentioned history of abrasion - a lot of injuries are recurrences of antecedent problems.
(b) Amount of consecutives canicule of training you backpack out anniversary week. Abbreviation the amount of afterwards canicule of training can decidedly lower the accident of abrasion (even if the absolute account training time is the similar).

However careful, you may be, injuries appear (particularly in competition). The accepted arrangement of contest is
(1) You feel a little affliction afore or during training but avoid it.
(2) The affliction continues and may even be acquainted afterwards training although your training is not afflicted significantly.
(3) The affliction becomes so abundant that it begins to baffle with your accustomed training.
(4) Finally the affliction is so bad that your are clumsy to alternation (or compete).

The time to yield action is anon at date one - don't leave it to backward to acquaintance your bloom affliction practitioner and stop accomplishing the action that makes, last minute weekend breaks, the exacerbates the injury.
Richard A. Lane is a able alleviative and sports beating therapist, with a adaptable beating convenance in Sydney's Inner West (http://www.innerwestmassage.com.au or info@innerwestmassage.com.au).

Last Minute Holidaying?

2009-10-25T08:29:00.001-07:00
Author: John Campbell

Source: articledashboard.com

What can be added fun than packing up your accoutrements for a get set n go holiday? Endure minute holidays are absolute for the spur-of-the-moment breach and there is no acumen why endure minute holidays shouldn't be as agreeable as the a lot of anxiously planned summer break. It's a actual nice way of giving yourself a weekend alleviation or some adventitious vacation

Making up your endure minute trips accept been fabricated easier, acknowledgment to the amaranthine, last minute weekend breaks, no. of bales and some admirable deals accessible on the internet. Today, the web apple is over loaded with the best of bargains and simple modes of payments. Your endure minute holidays accept been fabricated added affordable and customized because of the antagonism that surrounds the biking companies. Moreover, the internet allows simple allegory of prices and has opened up an amazing bulk of advice acceptance abreast last-minute decisions.

You ability generally anticipate that planning up an burning cruise ability amount you a little added than the usual. But it's not consistently true. Even the a lot of ad-lib of affairs can be agitated out after getting too indulgent. In actuality some of the endure minute holidays can action amazingly arrangement deals.

For example, if you book your bout from London to Amsterdam for average of June, it will amount you alone ฃ200 (for a 2 night stay). If you plan a agnate cruise for July, you ability accept to absorb about ฃ 240! Similarly, booking a auberge allowance can amount about ฃ199 for a weekday and ฃ129 for weekends.

'Late booking discounts' has become a accepted byword today. Some of the bout operators today accept that discounted ante access the amount of cartage which consistently improves the accumulation acquaintance and the all-embracing superior of the trips. There are assertive abode and chance bout companies which are giving discounts upto 20% on their amalgamation tours.

The access of low amount airlines has opened up a all-inclusive ambit of endure minute anniversary destinations. There is just no end to area and if you can go. Just plan out a account and you accept hundreds of best deals cat-and-mouse for you. Log on to the internet and you access a galaxy of offers. Though backward bookings accept bound availability, if you act fast, and you are advantageous enough, you can get the best arrangement out of the rest.

Its acceptable to plan holidays but its appropriately important to be able-bodied acquainted with the rules of every deal. Several web portals action a abundant anniversary but they end up charging a little more. Others ability allegation you beneath but not cover taxes, airport transfers etc. Therefore, it would be astute to apprehend all the inclusions and altitude of the biking agency. From the approach of transaction to the hotels offered, accumulate an abstraction of every minute detail. Be acute and act fast if you absolutely ambition to yield advantages of this different trend of backward booking discounts.

So, if you accept advised the pros and cons of planning a endure minute trip, and you are accessible to accord it a try the next time you ambition to accord yourself a weekend break, just bethink the three bewitched words..wish, bang and go!

Modern Tuning Makes Maximizing Performance Much Faster

2009-10-24T06:40:00.001-07:00
Author: Steven Duvall

Source: articledashboard.com

Chances are you've seen the Saturday afternoon show geared toward squeezing every droplet of power out of a 50s or 60s classic. You knowthe one hosted by two middle-aged guys, one with a toupee that may as well have "this is a toupee" painted on it. They spend the entire half-hour show with a bunch of time-lapsed shots taken of them tearing the engine apart to put in highly-specialized, insanely expensive parts. Once the project's done, they fire-up the dyno and laud the 3hp gain they received for about 4 hours of total work. If you're like me, that's not exactly how you want to spend a weekend, all for 3hp that you may not even notice with your rear-o-meter.

Fortunately,, last minute weekend breaks, you're probably also driving a computer-controlled vehicle, like most of the ones sold for the last 25 years or so. That makes tuning much easier, because a set of programming determines the way your engine performs. Replace the programming with a set geared toward performance, and you have near-instant power gains. Don't get me wrongthere's a lot to be said for the virtues of a computer-free classic that you have full control over. But, when it comes to getting more power in just a few minutes time without ripping your hands to shreds or spending thousands on obscure parts, a computer-controlled vehicle has a distinct advantage.

How can you make these changes in minutes? With a power programmer or performance chip, like the ones made by Hypertech or Diablosport. These programmers are built to hold performance settings tested by experienced pros for your specific engine. All you have to do is plug it into the OBD-II port beneath your steering column. With simple yes or no commands, you can adjust how you want your engine to perform, upload the new programming, and you're ready to rock with 25hp or more extra. The maximum time this will take to complete: just 10 minutes.

Many drivers who want the extra power are leery of this tuning method. "How can so much power be had so fast, when the TV pros spend hours to get few gains?" they ask. The answer is that automakers down-tune their cars for the masses. Engines are setup to work the same for you, the budding performance enthusiast, as they are for the elderly, who like to travel half the speed limit or through the occasional farmer's market. You aren't the average driver, and performance programmers aren't average settings. It's a perfect match for you; it's not a perfect match for your mother.

Some drivers worry about warranty when they're considering a performance programmer. Not only to the companies that make programmers take safety into account with their settings, they often give you ways to return to stock settings for service visits at the dealership. And, as with all performance mods, you're protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law that basically states that your vehicle's warranty can't be voided by mods unless the mods can be proven as the source of trouble. In other words, there's no reason to waitthe true potential is waiting to be unlocked, and you can do it without breaking a sweat.