5 Hot Hair Style Trends For 2005 By Michelle Schill

2005-07-13T16:56:00.000+10:00

Folks are so diverse in 2005, which means that there's never just one hair style trend that's hot at any given time. All of history is fair game for re-invention. Truly, there's not much that hasn't been done before. Yet somehow, each incarnation takes on a fresh spin, and emerges fabulous.
The latest hair style trends sweep the globe slowly, which means that the life cycle is actually a few years from the birth of a new trend to the eventual fizzle. And then there are those we can't ever seem to eradicate completely (terrible 80's bangs), but that's another article, another time.
Today's hair trends can be broken down into five general categories. Here's a rundown of each...
Old Hollywood Glamour - The vintage Hollywood glamour look is characterized by smooth, voluptuous waves, and deep side parts. The best techniques to get the look are pin curling and finger waving. Top it off with a beautiful vintage accessory on one side or at the back. Look for items with rhinestones or feathers, especially ostrich feathers...we'll be seeing alot of those.
80's Inspired - A return to the 80's means an influence from that time...texture and movement, shorter layers throughout the top, lots of waves and tousled curls. It does not mean that if you're still sporting a tired old eighties mullet, you're suddenly back en vogue.
The New Mod - Think "super-fly Beatle". The re-born version of the classic 50's-60's mod style has shorter lengths and texture in the crown, which become heavy, almost blunt bangs that skim the eyelashes. Annoying, I know, but hey...what's a little discomfort in the name of fashion? The back and sides of the new mod style can range from short to medium with either lots of texture or distinct bluntness around the hairline.
Disconnected and Asymmetric Cuts - Extreme angles create a sculptural feel with this hair trend. Blunt edges cut in unexpected places. No blendy-blend here. This trend is very edgy, but can be tamed down by going with an asymmetric cut (one side longer than the other). The angle of the cut can range from a gentle slope to a plummet, with one side very short, graduating to chin-length as it comes around the head.
Very short haired folks can also take advantage of this trend. Carve fun patterns into the sides of the hair. Or go more extreme with a version like I recently saw Ed Robertson from the Barenaked Ladies sporting. Part shaved, part everyday guys short haircut. It looked to me like he had to bolt from the barber's chair halfway through his buzz, but it's all in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.
Mohawks and Faux-Hawks - A hot trend for both guys and gals, the mohawk will be settlin' in for a good spell. This look is immensely versatile, possible to mimic on any hair length. If your hair is short, use a wax or gel and simply direct it forward and up in the center. For a temporary mohawk on longer lengths, back comb a rectangular section from your front hairline to your crown. Slick the sides down close to your head, either behind the ears or secure these sections straight back and underneath the back sections. Instant faux-hawk...hair today...gone tomorrow!
A tad more commitment is required to achieve an authentic mohawk look. You'll need to have your stylist trim up the sides and back/sides, leaving a "peak" of length down the center of the head (obviously), otherwise, it'll be difficult to create the classic mohawk shape.
Make a trend your own by incorporating elements from one or two of the above influences. Keep your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle in mind when choosing a new hair style. Just because a mohawk is in style doesn't mean you're an automatic candidate to sport one. If you have a long or diamond shaped face, a full-on mohawk would be a disaster. (Unless you're going for the "pointy head" look, which is doubtful.)
If you like to experiment, stick with the trends that don't require alot of commitment with the haircut. The Hollywood Glamour look, the faux-hawk, and the new mod are good options for this because they can easily be changed the next day.
Hair style trends are forever shifting, morphing into new versions of themselves, then dying out entirely...well, at least for the next few decades, 'til they emerge once again and sweep the planet. Now that you're feeling inspired, let me leave you with this...Have fun with your hair! After all, you'll be dealing with it on a daily basis for the rest of your life...What better reason to spice it up a little?!
Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of Style Hair Magazine -- Professional hair styling and coloring techniques in simple terms. The must-know's for using hair products and tools and staying up to date on the latest trends in hair fashion.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Women and Small Business By Mirjana Radovic,Ph.D

2005-07-13T16:54:00.001+10:00

A number of years ago I worked for one of the UK’s top IT companies -- a global player. We were meeting to discuss a major bid, and the room was filled with people who didn’t meet often -- the most senior managers from a number of divisions. There were very few middle tier managers in the room, almost exclusively senior managers who were accustomed to being ‘top dog’. The atmosphere in that room was almost tangible. I wanted to bottle the air and analyse it later -- I had never experienced such naked power, and it dawned on me in that moment that we are almost blind to the status signals we transmit.
That meeting was an epiphany, and led to me becoming a hypnotherapist with a particular interest in researching confidence and self esteem. Because what I discovered in that company, and in many companies I have assisted subsequently, was the startling fact that an individual’s self-esteem is a reliable indicator of how far they will progress in the organisation. Some technical geniuses can buck the trend, but they are very rare. For most of us, our ability to influence decision-making is precisely limited by our self esteem.
Why does this matter? It matters because the person with the greatest self esteem is not necessarily the right person to be making the key decisions. We have all suffered foolish bosses. Perhaps we have all wondered how on earth they reached such positions of seniority, given their obvious shortcomings. If you will excuse the bluntness: that incompetent boss is there because you haven’t yet been sufficiently convincing. Your performance is perhaps the least important aspect on which you will be judged; what matters is your status in the group.
Status is a fascinating topic. We communicate our status constantly, primarily through body language and voice tone. This communication is unconscious; it is felt rather than known or consciously controlled. The way in which you behave reflects your self perception of status. This is either accepted or challenged by the people around you. A dominant person (relative to you) will cause you to back off from a challenge. A submissive person (again, relative to your own status) will make it easy for you to project your will. For a fuller discussion of this topic, please visit http://www.confidenceclub.net/content/statusconfidence.php.
And so we come to the nub. We should all seek to develop our self esteem, not because of the personal benefits which will flow from this personal growth -- career enhancement, improved love life etc -- but because we have a duty to ourselves and our communities. Until and unless we step up to the plate, our communities will remain vulnerable to an almost random process of leader selection. So ask yourself: ‘Am I allowing less talented people to make decisions on my behalf?’ If the answer is ‘yes’, then perhaps you should consider stepping up to the plate yourself. The first step in this process is building up your own self confidence and self esteem. Don’t be bashful; there’s nothing selfish about developing your own qualities. A community with a rich selection of potential leaders is, in my view, a secure community.
Jim Sullivan is a hypnotherapist specialising in confidence development and stress management. He may be contacted via his Confidence Club website http://www.confidenceclub.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Do You Need a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit? by: Jakob Jelling

2005-07-13T16:54:00.000+10:00

A home equity line of credit is very closely related to a home equity loan but the subtle differences can mean a lot. Determining which option is the best for you relies upon you knowing your current situation and having a clear plan for what you wish to accomplish with the money.
A home equity loan is a lot like a mortgage. With a home equity loan you are able to borrow the amount of your homes value that you have already paid off. The benefits of this type of loan is that it is almost always guaranteed since it is based upon the amount of your home that you already own, the terms are almost identical to a mortgage and you receive the entire amount of the loan up front after closing.
While a home equity loan is also based upon the amount of your home that you currently own, the terms of the loan are very different. A home equity loan is basically a credit card where the limit is the amount of equity that you have in our home. Instead of receiving one large lump sum of cash, you will receive an overdraft type of service on your account that will allow you to withdraw as much or as little of the equity that you wish to use.
Which choice is better for you? The answer depends upon what you need the money for. With a home equity loan the monthly repayment schedule is known and the interest on your loan will be lower than most other types of loans. However, with a home equity line of credit, you have instant access to cash and the payments will vary depending but the interest will vary. With this in mind the question really becomes do you need access to a varying amount of money or one known lump sum of cash?
A lump sum of cash with a set repayment schedule is great for specific things such as debt consolidation or the funding of specific projects with a predetermined cost. If you are considering debt consolidation for credit cards or any other high interest loans a home equity loan is most likely a very good idea. You will be able to repay all of your debt and will only have to make one monthly payment at a lower rate of interest that you are currently paying on your cards and other unsecured loans.
Home equity loans also make perfect sense if you know the exact amount that you need to borrow. While it is always nice to have cash on hand it is often better to have more credit available to you. The more of your credit limit that you use up the higher the interest rates will be for you and the tougher it will be to borrow more money in the event of an emergency. It is definitely to your advantage to only be in debt for a specific amount to complete one project.
A line of credit option may be better depending upon what you wish to do with your money. While you will still use up a portion of your credit limit, the payments and impacts on your available credit may be lower. With a line of credit you always have the same amount of money available to you. As you pay off the amount of credit used, you can reuse that portion if needed without having to apply for another loan. Also your payments may be considerably lower since you are only paying on the amount of money that you have actually used, not the total amount borrowed.
As you can see there are some big differences between a home equity loan and line of credit. If you are looking at a single project, such as a new car or adding a pool to your home, a home equity loan is the better choice for you. However, if you are looking at starting up a new business, wish to travel or can not settle on predetermined amount money, then a line of credit is the better option for you. With a line of credit you can use as much of your credit as you wish whenever you wish and, much like a credit card, you can reuse the amount of the line of credit that you have repaid with out having to re-apply for a loan.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.cashbazar.com. Visit his website for the latest on personal finance, debt elimination, budgeting, credit cards and real estate

Houston Divorce Lawyer Answers Common Questions About Mediation by: Marilyn Gale Vilyus

2005-07-13T16:53:00.000+10:00

If you are reading this, then you are probably either thinking of filing for divorce -- or have a feeling that your spouse may be filing for divorce -- whether you want to separate or not.
One of the common questions that an individual going through the divorce process asks is "What is a Divorce Mediation?"
Mediation is a process which allows both you and your spouse to maintain control over your destiny and the terms of your divorce settlement. Both parties and attorneys attend either a four-hour or eight-hour mediation, depending on the complexity of your case.
Is the Mediator a Lawyer?
Although some mediators are social workers, most commonly the mediator is a lawyer who acts as a neutral person to help you settle your case.
How is the Mediator Chosen?
The mediator is chosen and agreed upon by the attorneys. Every Family Law attorney has a "short list" of competent mediators who specialize in family law with whom we are familiar, whose style we are comfortable with, and who we have found to be effective, particularly considering the individual aspects of your specific case.
What is the Role of the Mediator?
The role of the mediator is to facilitate an agreement between the parties to prevent the necessity for a trial.
Can What I Say Be Used Against Me Later?
Everything said during mediation is confidential. The mediator cannot be made to testify in court if a settlement is not reached. The mediator will only report one of two things: "settlement": or "no settlement".
Further, you and your attorney will advise the mediator what you do or do not want shared with your spouse and your spouse’s attorney!
How Does This Work Exactly?
Procedurally, you and your attorney will remain in one room, while your spouse and his or her attorney stays in a separate room. The mediator travels from room to room conveying each side’s offer and/or counteroffer.
Sometimes, the parties mediate by all being in the same room together. This is common if your mediation is taking place at a county dispute resolution center.
About The Author
Law Office of Marilyn Gale Vilyus Attorney/ Mediator 16151 Cairnway Drive Ste. 210 Houston, TX 77084 281-550-6650 http://www.westhoustonattorney.com
Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
This article is designed for general information only. This information is not intended to be legal advice. Consult an attorney for before making any legal decisions based on your individual circumstances.

How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer by: Carla Ballatan

2005-07-13T16:52:00.000+10:00

Are you unhappy with your relationship? Are you thinking about divorce? Well then, choosing the right lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you make when considering a divorce. According to the article “How to Select a Divorce Lawyer” by Scott Morgan which was posted at www.legalclips.com, selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your family law case is a very important decision. There are a few important criteria to help in finding the right divorce lawyer including focus and experience, past client testimonials, accessibility, fees and comfortability. And here are a few tips on how to get the best divorce lawyer around for your case.
First, set an appointment and prepare your questions beforehand. Ask about everything that is related to your case. Through this, you’ll be able to assess if you have come to the right person and realize if he can handle the case for you. Also, ask about whether you‘ll be copied in on all documents. I believe that it’s very important for a lawyer to return phone calls within a day and to copy a client in on all correspondence including legal letters and documentations. It is your right to be kept fully updated on all the developments of your case.
More so, never think twice to inquire whether you will be charged for phone calls and for the initial consultation. Always keep in mind that a lawyer cannot be able to truthfully determine a legal fee without some preliminary research and investigation. Of course, fees will vary based on the complexity of the case, the time commitment involved, the skill and experience of the lawyer, etc. The payment of the fees, whether partial or full, is being done at the beginning of the case in some cases. In other cases, the lawyer might offer a payment plan.
Indeed, resolving such complicated issue is being made more difficult because of the emotional factors involved and the fact that during the divorce, neither of the parents is really happy. With this, regular communication between you and your attorney is very important. However, bear in mind that your lawyer's job is to give you correct information to help you make difficult decisions, not to tell you what you want to hear. The divorce lawyer will only help you to at least lessen the burden that you experience by winning your divorce case.
After all, the stress that these battles bring to parents can be truly remarkable. Perhaps, no other phase of life such as this one presents so much psychological pain yet so much opportunity for growth for the persons involved.
About The Author
Lala B. is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.
Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.
Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.
For additional legal information and inquiries about the article log on to http://www.attorneyservicesetc.com
carmelo@attorneyservicesetc.com

Useful Tips on Avoiding Credit Card and Charge Card Fraud by: John Mussi

2005-07-13T16:51:00.001+10:00

Credit card fraud and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in other ways. For example, someone may use your card number without your knowledge.
It's not always possible to prevent credit card or charge card fraud from happening. But there are a few steps you can take to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers and minimize the possibility of credit fraud..
Do:
Sign your credit cards and charge cards as soon as they arrive.
Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
Void incorrect receipts.
Destroy carbons.
Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
Report any questionable charges promptly to the card issuer.
Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.
Don't:
Lend your card(s) to anyone.
Leave cards or receipts lying around.
Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
Give out your account number over the phone unless you're making the call to a company you know is reputable.
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You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website

Secured Personal Loans - What You Need To Know About by: Tom O'Donnell

2005-07-13T16:51:00.000+10:00

Loans that are secured against property are called secured personal loans. They are suitable for when you are having difficulties getting an unsecured personal loan, are trying to raise a large amount, or you just have a bad/poor credit history. Usually, lenders are more flexible when it comes to secured personal loans, which makes them worth taking into consideration if you want to buy a new car, make home improvements, or take the luxury holiday of your life.
Here is a list of benefits of a secured personal loan:
You have lower monthly repayments than an unsecured personal loan
You can borrow more money
Repayments can be spread over a longer period of time
Because a secured personal loan is a type of loan available to people with securable assets (usually homes), they are often referred to as 'homeowner loans' or just 'home loans'.
To be eligible for secured personal loans you don't even have to own your own home outright. You can put the proportion of the home that you own up as a security, if you have a mortgage.
Because secured personal loans are secured on property, many of the lenders will approve your loan 'ignoring' the fact that you have a history of adverse credit such as arrears or even county court judgements. This makes them the perfect choice for people who can't qualify for a loan from their local bank.
You can borrow a very large amount of money and repay it over a period that usually range from 5 to 25 years. You just have to select a monthly payment that fits your financial situation. Generally, a secured personal loan tends to be cheaper than any other forms of borrowing.
For a secured personal loan, the interest rate depends on factors such as the amount of money borrowed, the period of time you choose to repay them in and your personal details. Payments can also be insured so that you don't have to worry about losing your job or being unable to work due to accident or sickness.
It usually takes from 14 to 28 days for a secured personal loan to be completed. During this time you will be made a no obligation offer (once your application has been processed and accepted).
About The Author
Tom O'Donnell owns a site that offers personal loans, advice, an ebook and a loan calculator for the UK. Visit him at http://www.tigertom.com/personal-loans-uk.shtml
tigertomcouk@yahoo.com

Mesothelioma Articles

2005-07-13T16:50:00.000+10:00

International Symposium Will Focus on Curing Mesothelioma
Posted: October 6, 2004
Source: Yahoo.com/PR Newswire
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A lethal, but long- overlooked cancer will take a major step out of the shadows next week, as The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation convenes the First International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-related cancer. Research efforts were overlooked for decades, and effective treatment lags far behind other cancers. At the same time, incidence in the U.S. and globally is increasing to what some experts term epidemic proportions. The widely reported asbestos exposures resulting from 9/11 have increased the urgency of developing treatments for mesothelioma, in the view of many experts. The Symposium, to be held at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel October 14-16, 2004, is the first ever meeting designed to unite the entire mesothelioma-concerned community to focus on the research needed to cure the disease.
The importance of this effort is gaining national attention. Today, the Honorable Harry Reid, Nevada Senator and Democratic Whip, confirmed that he will attend to deliver the Symposium's keynote speech. Jordan Zevon -- son of critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who died from mesothelioma one year ago -- will also appear. Washington Senator Patty Murray will receive an award in the name of Congressman Bruce Vento, who died from mesothelioma in 2000.
The Symposium combines a scientific and medical conference with workshops designed specifically for patients, family members, industry representatives and others interested in the disease. Scientific Co-Chairs Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, Director of the Nevada Cancer Institute, and Harvey Pass, MD, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at Wayne State University's Karmanos Cancer Center, have assembled presentations by the world's leading mesothelioma surgeons, oncologists, and geneticists. Collectively, they will advance scientific understanding of the disease, while educating front-line physicians, as well as patients, families and all who help them, on recent advances, current treatment options, and emerging potential therapies for mesothelioma.
Additional presentations will address how both America's public and private sectors can allocate resources toward medical research to improve mesothelioma treatment. Representatives from government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and law firms and corporations who might typically be found on opposite sides in asbestos litigation are all expected to participate.
"Bringing together these diverse members of the mesothelioma-concerned community is the key step needed right now in the effort to solve the problem," said MARF executive director Chris Hahn. "This is also an important opportunity for us to build community among patients, family members, volunteers and patient advocates and provide them with knowledge, encouragement and hope as they observe first-hand the dedication and brilliance of those who are working so passionately to unlock the secrets of this disease."
Hahn continued by thanking the co-chairs, Dr. Vogelzang and Dr. Pass, for their efforts and expertise in assembling the Symposium, and the financial sponsors who are helping to make it possible: SimmonsCooper, Brayton Purcell, Waters & Kraus, Stanley, Mandel & Iola, Wise & Julian, Bergman & Frockt, The David Law Firm, and Alfacell Corporation.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is the national nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-ending disease. For more information, contact The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (http://www.marf.org) Executive Director, Christopher E. Hahn, 805-560-8942, c-hahn@marf.org.

Online Gambling by: S Baker

2005-07-13T15:15:00.001+10:00

Online gambling is hot. In fact there are websites popping up everywhere with new gambling options. Living near a gambling casino is no longer important if for individuals who wish to gamble a lot of money or just a little. You can feel safe in most of these places as well. And, with all of this comes the convenience of being at home or at your office. No need to fly to a remote destination in order to play a couple of games of blackjack. Online gambling is everywhere. Online gambling is fast becoming a hot commodity as well.
Some of the best websites for online gambling are right at your fingertips. One such site, http://www.vegaslightscasino.com is a great place to start. There, you will find that the site was voted best online gambling site in 2002. You can download games, get information and preview games. You can play online gambling games such as roulette, black jack, slots, war, and more. This is only one site of many available at your fingertips. You can also find a great e-book at this website called, “Secrets to online casinos: how you can even the odds and beat the casinos”!
Another site that you may want to visit when looking for online gambling is http://www.casinodowntown.com where you can find as much fun and play as the last. Any and all of these sites can provide a great outlet to relieve stress and frustration. Of course, you can win big money as well! Why not take the time to visit either or both of these online gambling sites and see what they have to offer? Online gambling is a fun way to spend your time and increase your chances of winning big right from your home!
SBaker is staff article writer at http://www.vegaslightscasino.com
Online poker can be found all over the net. Here are a couple of great sites to get you started. One website is: http://www.vegaslightscasino.com and another is: http://www.casinodowntown.com. On both of these online gambling sites, you will find online poker. You can find out how to play or, if you are an advanced player, you can play right away. You can even win big your first time out! Online poker is all about the odds and the know how. Anyone can win. Online poker is safe. The sites are insured and have some of the best security for transferring money out there.
Online poker is one of the many online gambling games available on the Internet. It is just one of many ways to enjoy some free time, spend a little cash, meet some friends, and of course, win some money! In fact, you can increase your odds by downloading the free e book available at: http://www.vegaslightscasino.com titled, “Secrets to online casinos: How you can even the odds and beat the casinos”!
Now, isn’t that worth the trip to the website itself? Enjoy your online poker game!
About The Author
S Baker is staff writer at http://www.vegaslightscasino.com.
SBaker@vegaslightscasino.com

Virtual Casino Online by: Chen Ching-feng

2005-07-13T15:15:00.000+10:00

What is a “virtual casino online”? This is a term used to describe a website using software that enables you to gamble with real money online, in real-time.
The virtual casino online enables you to purchase tokens or credits via credit card, check, bank transfer or one many other internet payment methods, for example NETeller or Firepay.
The tokens are then credited to your virtual casino account and you can to use these tokens to wager on any of the available casino games.
Though it's called a virtual casino online, everything about the experience you get is real. You can enjoy the excitement online - from anywhere in the world!
That means you get to play your favourite virtual casino online game anytime, anywhere without having to deal with crowds of people.
What virtual casino online games are available?
Just like a real casino you can play the full array of casino games online. These games include: slots, progressive slots, poker, video poker, baccarat, blackjack, keno, roulette, Sic-bo with many varieties and themes.
The games available in a virtual casino online are often a carbon copy of those available in real casinos.
The virtual casino online games run on powerful computers called “servers” that allow anyone in the world to play their games via an internet browser.
Just like in real casinos, virtual slot machines are powered by microprocessors and random number genarators...
About The Author
Chen Ching-feng is a successful writer and online gambling expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in gambling and online gambling strategies. His numerous articles found on virtual casino web, provide useful and factual gambling information and insight.
virtual-casino-web.com

Worried about Debts? by: John Mussi

2005-07-12T22:45:00.000+10:00

Do you worry about debts? Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
You're not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. Your financial situation doesn't have to go from bad to worse.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water consider the options below. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Developing a Budget:
The first step toward taking control of your financial situation, is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you earn and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your "fixed" expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education. Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your cheque book, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
Contacting Your Creditors:
Contact your creditors immediately if you're having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it's difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don't wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Managing Your Auto and Home Loans:
Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services.
Debt Consolidation:
If your objective is to reduce interest rates and lower your monthly payments, avoid bankruptcy, consolidate your bills and have one monthly payment, or simply get out of debt the fastest way possible, then a debt consolidation loan could provide the answer.
Are you paying out too much every month for your credit cards, store cards and loans? Then why not replace them all with one, lower, convenient repayment through a consolidation loan?
Consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest.
Secured on your UK home, low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment – one calculated to be well within your means.
With a Debt Consolidation Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 and up to 125% of your property value in some cases.
A UK Debt Consolidation Loan is a low cost loan secured on your UK home. It frees up the spare capital (or equity) in your home to repay your store card and other debts.
It can reduce BOTH your interest costs AND your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of your life.
Debt Consolidation Loan rates are variable, depending on status
Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.
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You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

How To Rebuild Your Credit with A Prepaid Debit Card by: R. Sharp

2005-07-12T22:44:00.000+10:00

Consumers today are up to their eyeballs in debt. And many people don't realize it until their good credit has been devastated.
As a result, many credit repair agencies are popping up all over the internet, on television and in the newspapers making sweeping guarantees that they can erase your bad credit and remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit history - forever!
Consumers are flocking to these credit repair clinics in droves. However, estimates show that credit repair companies have defrauded consumers in the United States alone out of more than fifty million dollars.
The truth of the matter is that depending of the extent of the damage to your credit history, the best strategy could be a self help strategy - not giving away hundreds or even thousands of dollars in up-front fees to an agency that in the end may do nothing to restore or improve your credit.
After researching the topic quite extensively, I found one great method that works well for some people is a method I call “beating the credit reporting bureaus at their own game”.
I report about it in more detail on my Prepaid Debit Card Site (www.debit-card-guide.com), however, in brief, this strategy involves taking advantage of signing up for prepaid debit cards which offer a built-in credit reporting feature.
A prepaid debit card is a great solution for a lot of people because the money you spend is your own and in most cases you cannot spend over the amount you have in your account.
This is a good solution for people who may have had difficulties with debt or bankruptcy in the past because a prepaid debit card is a great tool for developing invaluable financial management and budgeting skills.
A major bonus of some prepaid debit cards today is that during the sign-up process you are offered an additional service that will help you rebuild a bad credit history by having your monthly payments reported to one or more of the major credit reporting agencies.
Subsequently, each month your card's issuer credit reporting partner will process your payment record and verify that your payment is properly posted to the credit bureaus' records.
There is a small additional fee for this service each month, however, the fees are minimal by comparison to the sometimes outrageous fees and interest payment some credit card companies charge people with bad credit.
This fee is usually billed to you through your prepaid card each month and enables you to show a continuous history of activity within the credit system.
These prepaid debit cards help you rebuild your credit so you can get on with your life and is just one of the many self-help strategies that I recommend.
To learn more about rebuilding your credit through the use of a prepaid debit card simply do a search in one of your favorite search engines or visit www.debit-card-guide.com for more specific card information.
About The Author
To read more of Ms. Sharp's articles about Prepaid Debit Cards, check out THE definitive guide to debit cards of all kinds including: prepaid mastercards, prepaid debit cards, debit gift cards, mastercards, and debit mastercard at: http://www.debit-card-guide.com.
webmaster@debit-card-guide.com

Ningaloo Reef - Diving in Western Australia by: Jakob Jelling

2005-07-12T22:43:00.001+10:00

Ningaloo Reef is located at the western coast of Australia in an area which starts at Cape Range and ends at Shark Bay. It is widely known due to the fact that it has a large reef close to the shore which is unique and can not be found at other diving sites. This characteristic is what attracts most divers who come to the reef although there are several other characteristics which turn the area into a very interesting and attractive one not only for divers but also for visitors in general.
The main and most popular diving activities which visitors would be able to meet at Ningaloo are concentrated at the area of Coral Bay and Exmouth. Coral Bay and Exmouth are two Ningaloo towns which are separated by a distance of about 100 kilometers and in which visitors could choose from a wide variety of accommodation facilities.
The ideal season for visitors in general and specially divers to go to Ningaloo is between May to February, although it is recommendable for divers to learn more about each season and find out which time of the year is most suitable for them. Although this area is beautiful year around, there might be a few variations in the underwater environment which a diver could enjoy at one season than the one he could enjoy at another, and therefore each visitor should choose the season which best suits his preferences.
Ningaloo's waters contain over 460 different reef fish species, an amount hard to find at other diving destinations. Besides this variety of fish, divers would also be able to enjoy a wide variety of vegetation and sea creatures as well as several different coral species, some of them very colorful and interesting to observe.
One great destination which divers who go to the Ningaloo area shouldn't miss is the Kangaroo Island. This Island is ideal for those divers who like cold water diving and who wish to meet unique underwater creatures. Kangaroo Island waters contain sea dragons as well as beautiful reefs full of beautiful vegetation.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.divepilot.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of diving!

Exam Guides One - 5 Great Tips To Improve Your Strategy by: Michael Smoke

2005-07-12T22:43:00.000+10:00

In order to do well on a exam, you must first have a good knowledge of the information that is being examined. But, aside that, you must have a good strategy for taking the exam. This allows you to show what you know. This exam guide gives you some tips that will help you make a good strategy:
Directions
Test direction are very important, so read them carefully. Ask your teacher to explain any test direction that you do not understand. A good score on the exam is achieved only by following directions. If you don't follow directions, you won't be able to demonstrate what you know.
Examine
Examine the entire test in order to see how much you have to do, because, only by knowing it all you can break it down into parts more manageable for you.
Time
Once you are done with the test examination, it's time for you to decide how much time you will spend on each item. If an item has different points, plan to spend the most time on items that count for the most points. A good planning of your time is especially important for essay test where you have to avoid spending too much time on one item and leave little time for other test items.
Easiest First
Remember to answer the items you find easiest first, because if you get stuck on a more difficult item that comes up early in the test, you may not have enough time to answer items you know.
Review
If you plan you time correctly, you will have time to review your answers and make sure they are as complete and accurate as possible. Also make sure you review the test directions to be certain you have answered all items required.
Using this exam guide will deffinately help you do better on exams, no matter the field they cover, and get better grades.
About The Author
Michael Smoke
From networking to database administration to programming, http://www.ExamGuru.net offers a wide variety of IT training guides to help you achieve your certification and career goals.
michaelssmoke@yahoo.com

Don't You Quit! by: A.Z. Alfred

2005-07-12T22:42:00.001+10:00

“A man who has nothing to die for is not fit to live.” —Martin Luther
You sat in that secret corner of your room. You felt the bubbles of excitement in your pumping machine (your heart) because an idea that will change the course of your life is replaying itself every three seconds between your ears. So full of life, you took a pen and a notebook, putting down your great idea in black and white. You set a target for yourself, a deadline and a date. You were so excited because of your dreams. And out you go with made plans and a determination to succeed.
After so many attempts, you seem to realize that things are not what you think they are. You realize that just like there are two sides to a coin, same with life. Simply because life has tossed challenges, which you call failures, your way, you chose to join the crew that believes every set plan is nothing but some alphabets and figures written on blank pages. More to say, you accepted the wrong notion that all doors leading to your success are shut, that the world won’t see your dreams. And you decided to quit, abandoning your quest. You actually conceded to the word “defeat.” You said to your despairing heart “ I am a failure.”
Of course you are right to have felt that way but before you tumble into a world of nightmares, before you cease to breathe life into your ideas, before you start seeing your-burnt-out-self depending on the monthly pay for the unemployed from Uncle Sam, lets go over a couple of ifs.
If Abraham Lincoln gave up so soon, he would not have been elected president of United States.
If Arnold Swazzenegger despaired after his first workout in the gym, he would not be the master of body builders. And he would not have been anywhere close to being the Governor of California State.
If Tim Berners Lee, the man who developed the World Wide Web, ended his career so soon because of disappointments, you would not now be surfing on the Internet. You would not be reading this either. Probably, electronics messaging would still remain in the horizon of the future.
If all great men, since the dawn of time, had given up so soon, where do you think civilization would be, back in the thirties or forties? Do you think you would have some weird country music, R and B and rap music on your disc man while on the train or bus? No! Everything would be back to the very beginning, millions of years before the birth of Ishmael and Isaac. One thing I know for sure, we would all be living comfortably –or uncomfortably, a negative word I rarely say—in caves, sharing authority with Simba, the Lion King. Our Mark and Spencer suits and fur coats would be replaced by some smelly animal skin dried in the sun. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? If you dare life that way, you can click your mouse and this page will vanish from your screen, never to be seen again. But if you don’t, then read on.
If you have chosen to read on, this is what I have to say.
Hold on to your dreams! Refuse to quit. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Take your time. Take a long walk. If you live in the city like me, take your long walk through city blocks. If you are in the countryside, you have a better advantage. Take the long walk through that vast field, befriending nature on the way.
Don’t just walk tucking your hands in your jacket pocket like a detective. No! Go over those plans of yours again and again as you walk. Rewrite if need be, there is great power in writing down. Don’t tell me you have a retentive memory. Write them down. You already have so much in your head, so write your dreams and plans down, paste it where you can see it everyday. Over the washing sink: beside that mirror, your restroom door. Paste it on your computer so you could see it as you chat with friends.
Then set out to bring it to past, ignoring those mountains, for mountains (which are your challenges) most times are made out of molehills and storms in teacups.
Tell yourself, “ I won’t quit until I get what I want. There is a YES behind every no and a solution to every pressing problem confronting me. I will find it.” Close your eyes, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “I have crossed the rubicon, and there’s no going back. I will either get a big hit with my plans or I will have to hang on longer than Abraham Lincoln.”
Say to yourself, “ I have gone too far from where I started from and I’m not giving up. Never!”
And as you seek your dreams with hands and feet unwearied by labors, remember that the dawn is not far in coming.
About The Author
A.Z. Alfred is a writer and a motivational speaker whose greatest pleasure is observing the world through a window while listening to inspirational songs. Coming soon, “Haiku with love” An inspiring poetry collection by A.Z. Alfred. To be published by Author House, USA www.writesight.com/blackzeal101
blackzeal101@yahoo.com

The Many Faces of Multiculturalism by: Stephen K. Ainsah-Mensah

2005-07-12T22:42:00.000+10:00

In this day and age, it is very common to see people from different cultural heritages living together in a single bounded territory. Since they live together, they happen to engage, collectively - either in a planned fashion or instinctively - in all kinds of activities in the social, economic, religious, educational, political, and economic domains. Principal cities in the world are more and more becoming multicultural, or most have already become. The plurality of cultures that portray multiculturalism is, indeed, great for the understanding of all shades of people. Go to any multicultural city, and you will see that the marked physiological differences among many a people, while they point to historically different cultural backgrounds, are also a mark of togetherness in many regions of life. Perhaps, the greatest advantage of multiculturalism is that it bridges the chasm of ignorance and arrogance. Let me further make clear this point.
I belong to culture y, and you belong to culture x. You are placed in an entirely different society from mine such that we do not have any direct or face-to-face interaction. I have read - and keep reading – that in your culture you eat with your hands, you have very minimal technology but much more contact with nature. Mine is directly opposite to yours because we eat with forks, spoons and knives. We are technologically advanced and use all sorts of electronic gadgets. I think apart from my belief that I am more physiologically refined, I also have a sophisticated lifestyle corroborated by the modern, imposing buildings that spread out in my society as well as state-of-the-art cars, information technology, and allied things. Since I have not met any of your kind before nor associated with any of you before, nor – most importantly – interacted with you before, I infer that my culture is superior compared to yours. I have closed my mind on this case, and I am not prepared to engage even in the least dialogue that could possibly reverse my opinions. Most people in my culture think in like manner about culture x, for the constant barrage of selective news that they view, listen to, or read within the environment of culture y have solidified their opinions. Above all, I have concluded that culture x is drenched in backwardness while mine is riding on the pinnacle of progress and splendid classiness.
But am I right in so thinking about culture x? Is not the close contact between the people of culture x and nature praiseworthy in so far as it leads to environmental sanity and green-ness so much prized by environmentalists? Is not the continuous exploitation of nature to satisfy the requirements of unrestrained technology in culture y confront nature in some kind of conflict that eventually destabilizes cosmic unity and promotes nature’s wrath? Have not the people of culture x shunned the dangers of pollution on human life by retaining the naturalness of the environment? Do I really have the foresight in grasping the ins and outs of the relationship between humans and nature?
These obvious weaknesses about culture y do not rule out the immense benefits that it has in the areas of science and technology; for the enlargement of population cannot be sustained without creating viable means to enhance life via, in particular, science and technology. I am saying that both x and y can learn some important things from each other that could make healthier their respective cultures. In any case, as a member of culture y, I have exposed my ignorance – and, of course, my arrogance too – about the beneficial outcomes in a diametrically opposed culture, that is culture x; and I have driven further away the possibility of seeking to learn from dissimilar cultures, which could enrich my knowledge and wisdom about human kinds. I have, in other words, erected an impenetrable curtain that prevents me from seeing the other side of the world full of other fruitful cultures and some high-quality values.
Suppose I see your kind, say a man from culture x, for the first time, then I’m likely to show my pomposity and think I am better than your kind. Nevertheless, it is not only my looking down upon culture x that is the issue. The ignorance that arises from my viewpoint and the viewpoint of most members of my culture also generates discrimination. Assume, further, that the physiological differences between members of my culture and members of culture x - as I have seen many a time in the media - are marked, then I am inclined to be a racist, either by choice or by the nature of circumstances. And these are some of the major difficulties that societies other than multicultural societies bestow on lives.
Having said the above, I am not, in any way, claiming that multicultural societies are not fraught with difficulties. What is good about multicultural societies is that the above-stated problems tend to dissipate or diminish with the progress of time in view of the collective activities and willpower of all shades of people. Even so, there are vital areas of life in multicultural societies that seem to contradict the advantages I have outlined.
The entire edifice of multiculturalism wobbles when one seeks to address important questions in the areas, for example, of the laws and mores that shape multiculturalism. Ask: whose laws are they? And whose mores are they? It is true to say that multiculturalism is a fairly recent phenomenon, and since this is the case, whatever constituted the society prior to multiculturalism lacked, by the anticipated logic, laws and mores with the multicultural tinge. The consistent and progressive replacement of the original culture with a multicultural culture, owing to the massive flow of immigrants, may lead to the revision of original laws and mores; they prompt high-level stakeholders - policy makers, so to speak - to reexamine the held laws and mores without uprooting, for better or for worse, the bedrock culture. A multicultural society has to deal with the troubling issue of compromising its bedrock culture with a new culture, and the compromise becomes extremely difficult the more multicultural groups press for the restructuring of the previous culture in order to drastically reshape – especially - the economic, political, and educational systems of the society.
Suppose policy makers agree to the demands of immigrant pressure groups - that because the society has changed to possess a multicultural face, everything else should change, everything from business to politics to laws to mores to education - then the question of which immigrant group or groups’ demands should be incorporated into new policy decisions becomes the emerging desideratum. Logically, it is almost not feasible to implement such demands, nor is it, at first impression, practically expedient; for concessions to one immigrant group or some will engender persistent demands from disgruntled groups, and policy makers will then have to address new problems that were previously unforeseeable, or, at the very least, trivial. Lovers of a revolution or reasonable anarchists may support the uprooting of the dominant culture. Whether, therefore, a multicultural society slots in other multicultural values or not into the dominate laws and mores, difficulties arise in addressing the concerns of all immigrant groups to ensure harmony in all the conceivable areas of life. To insist that members of subcultures have to fully adapt to the values of the dominant culture presupposes that plurality of cultures are irrelevant in the field of cultural truths. This is palpably wrong given that truths in culture are tied to values in culture; and values differ in any number of ways.
Perhaps, there has to be some kind of balance between the needs of all immigrant groups and the customary needs of the society prior to multiculturalism. Indeed, the more the restructuring of previous needs are made to reflect, as widely as possible, on all multicultural groups without endangering the stabilized identity of the society, the better. Yes, subcultures exhibit living experiences that cannot be relinquished in favour of the dominant legal and moral acts of their “new” society; but varied social values have some reconcilable traits that are capable of being reshaped or connected to generate a striking uniformity. This is the area of human experiences that need to be explored and utilized to streamline the wishy-washy edges of multiculturalism. And this does not presume objective truths in culture but human conformity.
Consider the issue of education. It is, perhaps, the most sensitive area of multiculturalism. If members of subcultures are formally educated in a way that marginalizes their respective principles of life, then this is likely to spawn some kind of inferiority among most of its members, and, of course, frustration. Patterns of belief are largely shaped by the dominant educational system in place. Parental education inculcates unique values in children. Children’s search for additional values is largely directed by acquired family values. But parental education does not proceed in isolation; it is wedded to the overall value system that shapes the entire society. Here, educational values play a major role. Am I, the son of an immigrant – hence belonging to a subculture - expected to abandon my fundamental values in place of the values of the dominant culture? Since I am a student in my new cultural environment, what role can the school education play in amplifying and solidifying my family values? Does the school system incorporate a study of the accomplishments of leaders from my subculture?
Often, the leaders that students are likely to study and idolize in the classroom come largely from the dominant culture. Is it any wonder, then, that sub-culture students feel inherently humiliated while dominant-culture students get elevated with regard to their respective egos? The question of appropriate assertiveness, confidence, effective body-language skills, among others, that are essential job needs stem largely from this educational panorama. Put differently, dominant-culture students experience a continuous reinforcement of self-esteem unlike sub-culture students. However, exceptions are granted.
School people or analysts who tend to explicate any outstanding dissimilarity between subculture students and their counterparts in terms of levels of structured intelligence will do well to take account of the historical foundations of school curricula and their impact on academic performance. Intelligence, in whichever form this very broad term is viewed, is not culture neutral but tailored to meet the fashioned requirements of the dominant culture. The dominant curricula in school replicate the dominant culture, not subcultures. Subculture students who follow such curricula are trapped in helpless contradictions unless they choose to be fully integrated into the dominant culture. Their thinking and dispositional attitudes proceed as a constant battle, explicit or implied, between the value system of the dominant culture and those of subcultures.
Besides these complex problems, the population of the dominant culture vis-à-vis the subculture tends to diminish in size. Naturally, authorities at high places (from the dominant culture) may use every means necessary to protect their numbers. A common technique may be to clandestinely reserve top-notch jobs for members of its class. What this does is to retain the power dynamics, prevent the subculture population from overshadowing the dominant culture, and, of course, make room to use power as a tool to suppress the agitations of members of the subculture. Employment discrimination, subtle racism, among others, may crop up from this state of affairs. Thus, while many areas of human nature are similar, other areas resist logic in line with humans’ need to crave for power whenever the object is to promote security in life.
If multiculturalism is unable to undo a dominant culture and give equal credibility to all subcultures, it shows how the principles of multiculturalism stand in need of outright revision in order to cater for the varied forms of social consciousness and value systems.
Multiculturalism is a welcome addition to human dignity. It fosters a better understanding of human kinds. It disintegrates ignorance and distrust between or among human kinds. It builds the edifice of culture on a new ground full of vitality. It supplants the rather dry uniformity of non-multicultural societies. It warns or forbids ignoramuses from being openly discriminatory or racists. It advances the principle that race consciousness may be irrelevant, especially in the light of a global village. It, above all, helps to build international relations in a pleasing direction.
Maybe, a bold social experiment that uproots the dominant culture in favour of the principle: “let us build everything afresh!” could engender an encouraging synthesis of laws, mores, education, business, and the rest. This unusual experiment, this untested undeavour, this revolutionary activity, may be far more a blessing than a curse. Maybe, it is time to undertake such an experiment.
About The Author
Mr. Stephen Ainsah-Mensah is a Canadian Educator, Race Relations Consultant, Writer, and Community Projects Coordinator. He has worked in various capacities as an instructor at the post-secondary level in Business courses and Life Skills. Currently, he is the principal of Handan-Lilac Education Group in China.
kamch22@yahoo.ca

The Easy Way to Make a Special Present by: Catherine Calder

2005-07-12T22:41:00.000+10:00

We all know someone who is difficult to buy a present for. Someone who has everything they need and would not appreciate ‘normal’ gifts. Often this will be your parent or an older relative or neighbor, and they can be a problem to buy something for.
Well, this is a simple way to make a unique gift that they will be happy to accept. When you take the time to produce something that relates only to them and their interests it will always be happily received.
The idea is to make a picture that includes something that they are especially interested in. This could be a hobby or any other interest they have.
This is a quick and easy technique. You simply choose your theme (their hobby or interest), paint a silhouette of it onto a colored background and frame it.
You could paint a colored background onto a canvas panel or use already colored paper. I noticed my local art store had colored card that had a range of colors merging into each other, this would be ideal for this technique.
The theme of your silhouette is really the creative part. The easiest thing would be to use their hobby as the theme.
Look through some copyright free clip art until you find an image that you could use for the outline of the silhouette.
If they like fishing it could be a fisherman/fish/fishing fly. For a golfer it could be a set of clubs/golf hole with flag. For someone who likes to cook it could be related to cooking. If they are keen church-goers a silhouette of their church may be appreciated.
A lot of people like to receive a silhouette of their home. For car enthusiast a silhouette of their car is a good idea. In which case you could use a digital camera and take a picture of their church, home or whatever you have decided to include in the picture.
You really can use your imagination for this. When using clip art you have a huge range of options (probably too many!) to choose from. You don’t have to be great at drawing!
Also, you can use a computer graphics package to blend together two or three images for your final silhouette shape. Be sure to adjust the size of the final image to make it the correct size for the painting surface you have chosen, and print it out. As this is a gift you can make it whatever size you choose.
Once you have painted or found a suitable background, then trace around the outside edge of the image for your silhouette shape. Use carbon paper for this.
The silhouette shape can be painted in using acrylic paints – don’t make the paint too thin though! Another alternative is to use a permanent marker, not a normal marker as it will fade over time, and that would be disappointing for the person receiving the gift.
Silhouettes look very effective and traditional in black. However you could use a darker shade of one of the colors in the background for an alternative look. For example if the background was a pale green the silhouette could be in a dark green. This all adds to the uniqueness of your gift.
If you are using a colored card it will be better to use a permanent marker as the water in the paint may cause the card surface to buckle.
Fill in the silhouette shape and leave to dry. Then frame the silhouette picture.
**A distinctive gift for a special person.**
This type of personalized gift is always appreciated and shows that you have put some thought, time and effort into the present.
Another major benefit is that no one else will be giving exactly the same gift!
This is an excellent technique if you can’t find a suitable card. You can make your own special card. It is most effective if you choose a very simple shape for the silhouette when using this method in card making. Cards are generally a lot smaller and look best when you use less detailed shapes.
Use this system and say goodbye to gift buying problems for that hard to please someone.
About The Author
Catherine Calder is the author of the Acrylic Painting Course. This step-by-step course teaches you how to paint using acrylic paints. All stages of each of the 12 painting are illustrated. Sign up for the free report on ‘How to Paint Abstract Pictures for Pleasure and Profit’.
http://www.AcrylicPaintingCourse.info

Wife Smarter Than Husband? by: Jonathan Tan

2005-07-12T22:40:00.001+10:00

Is it safe for a wife to be smarter than her husband?
Of course! Men who cannot afford social ornaments sometimes want inferior wives. Why? Often because they harbor a great sense of inferiority.
Therefore at all economic levels there are some men who want apparently weak and docile women whom they can dominate completely, who will not put up any arguments, and who will do as they are told without any "ifs," "ands," or "buts."
Likewise there are women who either want to be dominated, or who are so eager to marry that they will do so under such circumstances.
What about the "ordinary man" who has no serious feelings of inadequacy, and who cannot afford, and does not desire a social ornament? Does he demand that his wife not have too many brains?
Certainly he wants her to be intelligent enough to do her job well. He does not want to feel ashamed of her because of her stupidity. Actually, too, the marriage will turn out more successfully if the wife is smart enough to be interesting, and to help develop satisfying personal relationships.
Still, the man usually does not want to feel inferior to his wife. But feeling inferior is not the same as being inferior. Some men have a quiet pride in a wife who is smarter, provided that she is smart enough not to make him appear and feel inferior, especially in front of his friends.
Some men, like some women, want others to run things for them. This desire may result from an unwillingness to assume responsibilities. It may come from a deep-seated desire to be dominated. Whatever its basis, there are men who want to be dominated by their wives. In such cases, both of them should know it in advance.
The problem is not limited to what men in general, or this man in particular, may want. There is also social demand. The boy and the girl who plan marriage should have a clear understanding of what the entire situation actually is, including its contradictions which they must somehow resolve.
Our culture expects the husband to be intellectually superior to his wife. Yet actually, he is not and in many cases cannot be. By the law of chances, there will be almost as many wives who are superior to their husbands, as husbands who are superior to their wives. So what to do?
In real life the situation does not work out too badly. Vocationally, the wife usually becomes side-tracked while she is bearing and rearing the children. With a twenty-year advantage, even a relatively inferior husband can usually manage to keep ahead. And as a result of the differences in what society expects, the wife usually runs with the throttle only partly open.
While the husband is advancing himself vocationally, or rising in his company, the wife busies herself getting up church suppers and organizing flower shows which consume her time and energy, but do not show up in either the pay check or her vocational standing.
Yet such advantages are not always enough to keep the husband ahead. If the difference in ability is marked, it speedily becomes known.
Such a situation may be concealed by a polite little conspiracy to maintain the fiction of male superiority, but everyone knows to whom to go, to get things done. In our day this fiction is becoming more difficult to maintain.
More and more wives are going back to work as soon as their children are old enough to be left by themselves, and are getting real money and recognition.
In some instances, the wife will outstrip her husband. The problem often becomes a real issue at the time when her income exceeds his.
My feeling is that the soundest marriages are those in which husband and wife are on about the same level of intelligence. We may think that the problem will be serious, only if the girl is markedly superior, but this is by no means necessarily true. The girl who marries a man who is intellectually far superior may face problems quite as serious. She will be safer if she chooses a man more nearly on her own level, so that through the years the relationship can most easily be maintained.
There is just as much chance that the wife will be superior to the husband, as the other way around. All who marry should face this fact. Actually there is no more justification for a man feeling embarrassed because his wife is superior, than there is for a wife to feel embarrassed because her husband excels her.
In any case, character and personality are far more important, provided each of the couple is intelligent enough to do a good job.
About The Author
This article was written by Jonathan Tan of Christian Dating Guide and may be reproduced on any christian or dating related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site.
christian-dating-guide.com

Dating Tip: Don't Work Too Hard by: Terry Hernon MacDonald

2005-07-12T22:40:00.000+10:00

Remember Jerry Hall, the model who married Mick Jagger? Jerry was famous for making this statement:
"My mother said it was simple to keep a man. You must be a maid in the living room, a cook in the kitchen, and a whore in the bedroom."
I don't know about you, but if keeping a man meant all that work, I'd have stayed single.
In addition to that pearl of wisdom, Ms. Hall offered this one: "Even if you have only two seconds, drop everything and give him (oral sex). That way he won't really want sex with anyone else."
Poor Jerry. Too bad her mother didn't tell her that if a man tends to want sex with "anyone else," he's not great husband material.
Sadly, despite all her hard work, Mick Jagger continued to have sex with other people and fathered a child with another model during his marriage to Hall. They are now divorced. So much for keeping a man!
The point? No guy is worth running yourself ragged for. Instead of appreciating your efforts, he will likely take you for granted and come to resent you. Think about it: Do you fall for guys who are at your beck and call all the time? They're great for helping you move, but you probably wouldn't marry one.
All right. Let's say you decide to move in with a guy. Before you run out to Bed Bath & Beyond, it's absolutely imperative that you talk to your boyfriend about sharing household chores. It's not romantic, but you'll save yourself much misery in the end. And whatever you do, don't get off on the wrong foot by cooking dinner every night and doing his laundry.
Resist any and all impulses to "wife and mother" the guy. Otherwise, he'll take you for granted, or even worse, marry you and expect you to be his servant for the rest of your life. And that's definitely not romantic!
Allow a man to cook for you for a change. Let him do your laundry every now and then. There's no reason to expect him to be your maid in the living room, cook in the kitchen, or whore in the bedroom, but every once in a while it wouldn't hurt.
Remember: You have a lot to offer (if you don't believe me, take out a pen and paper and write down a list of the qualities that make you special; emphasize things like your sense of humor, leave off your ability to fold a fitted sheet).
Don't let a guy do you any favors. Keep this in mind: You're a great girl, and he'd be lucky to have you.
About The Author
(c) Terry Hernon MacDonald. Feel free to use this article as long as you include author's bio and a live link to her website.
Terry Hernon MacDonald is the author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Visit her website at http://www.marrysmart.com.
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can you be on the OPRAH SHOW ???

2005-07-12T22:39:00.000+10:00

Do you dream of being on Oprah Winfrey's television show? Lots of people do. An appearance on Oprah is considered by many to be the pinnacle of success. Authors dream of having bestselling books as a result of an Oprah appearance. Even David Letterman staged a long-running bit on his show where he openly campaigned to be invited on Oprah's show.
Before pitching your story to Oprah, become familiar with how the show is structured. Oprah changes the show’s focus from year to year. Watch at least a full week of shows to learn the type of stories the show features and how regular segments fit into the show. As you watch, imagine how your story might be told on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Don’t send your pitch to Oprah Winfrey. Watch the credits to get the names of producers who work on the show. If you have a media kit, send it to the appropriate producer. Tell them why you think your story is right for the show, and how you see your story fitting into the format of the show. Include a copy of your book, a product sample, a short video, or other items that help make your case. You can get the current mailing address at the Oprah web site: http://www.Oprah.com/.
The Oprah.com web site is a great resource to help you land a spot on the show. The web site includes a list of topics they're working on for upcoming shows, and tells you how to contact the show to tell your story. There are links for getting your story into O, Oprah's magazine, too.
You can also use the web site to research regular show features and the topics of past shows. That knowledge can help you target your pitch to the show.
Remember that Oprah and her staff watch television, read newspapers and magazines, and listen to the radio. They are always on the lookout for great stories. Get your story in other media and they may find you. Doing lots of other interviews will also be great practice for when you actually make it to the Oprah set. The Oprah Winfrey Show is based in Chicago, so you might want to make a special effort to get publicity in Chicago media.
Know the show. Visit Oprah.com frequently to see what guests they are looking for. Follow up and contact the show when you can make a connection with an upcoming topic. And have a nice time in Chicago!
Copyright Cathy Stucker. Learn more about how you can attract customers and make yourself famous with free publicity at http://www.IdeaLady.com/pr.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

5 Steps to Stress-Guard Your Family by: Dr. Tony Fiore

2005-07-12T22:38:00.001+10:00

Part 1: Recognize the importance of family stress management
Joe and Emily live in Southern California with their three young children. Both work and must commute 2 hours daily on busy freeways, often not getting home until 7:30 PM, exhausted and depleted.
Stressed, they have little patience for the antics of their young children. This results in frequent shouting matches, defiance on the part of the children, and escalating family tension.
As the above illustrates, stress is often an underlying cause of anger in family members. Sometimes the stress is caused by events outside of the family which family members bring into the home. In other cases, the behavior of family members creates stress and tension in the home. In either case, it becomes a problem when parents find themselves constantly yelling at their children or disagreeing with each other on parenting strategies.
In the meantime their children continue to do what they please—or continue bickering and fighting with each other. When not addressed, stress becomes a major factor in marital unhappiness and, ultimately, divorce.
Stress and family members Joe and Emily both suffered individual stress symptoms. These included fatigue, irritability, angry outbursts, headaches and a discontent with their lives. They began feeling increasingly distant from each other.
Their children were also stressed-out; tired, irritable, cranky, and demanding of attention. They often fought with each other and deliberately did things to get each other in trouble with their parents.
Symptoms of family stress
Just as individuals can become overloaded and stressed-out, so can families. To understand how this can happen, we must remember that families such as Joe and Emily’s are the basic building block of our society (like most societies).
Part 2: How empathy reduces family anger
Families consist of two or more people with shared goals and values and with a long term commitment to each other. Families are supposed to help children learn how to become responsible, successful, happy, and well-adjusted adults. When this no longer happens due to stress, the family unit becomes dysfunctional —as the family no longer serves its purpose fully, easily or consistently.
Individual isolation
We can recognize the dysfunctional family by noting that parents and children no longer turn to each other for support, encouragement, guidance, or even love. Such family members may continue to live in the same house—but not feel emotionally attached to each other. They fail to view their family as a warm place to retreat to from the stresses and demands of the outside world.
Stress-Guard your family
Tip #1- Teach your children “resiliency” —the ability to handle stress and respond more positively to difficult events. Help your children practice “bouncing back” by emphasizing the importance of having friends and being a friend; setting new goals and plans to reach them, and believing in themselves.
Tip #2– Commit to stable family rituals.
Have a way to leave each other in the morning, and to re-connect in the evening; have a Sunday morning ritual or a Friday night family pizza ritual. Rituals create a sense of security and predictability —both excellent stress buffers.
Tip #3- Model and teach your children conflict resolution skills.
Children learn how to handle conflict by watching their parents. All couples have conflicts; better parents model good conflict resolution skills for their children. These skills include compromise, calm discussion, and focus on problem-solving. Encourage your children to find a way to resolve their own conflicts rather than jumping in and punishing one or the other child whom you think (perhaps, wrongly) is the troublemaker.
Tip #4– Introduce a family “better health” plan.
This includes proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep each night. The family may also want to look at time management—and explore how how better time management might reduce both personal and family stress.
Tip #5- Minimize criticism and take time to support each other each day.
Excessive criticism is extremely harmful to both children and parents. Emotional support by family members is an extremely important buffer to family stress.
About The Author
Dr. Tony Fiore is a So. California licensed psychologist, and anger management trainer. His company, The Anger Coach, provides anger and stress management programs, training and products to individuals, couples, and the workplace. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter "Taming The Anger Bee" at www.angercoach.com and receive two bonus reports.

Ancient Secret So Powerful It Is Even Mentioned In The Bible! by: Kieran Whittemore

2005-07-12T22:38:00.000+10:00

For thousands of years, herbs have played an important role in man’s life. The ancients used them for improved health and wellbeing, and today, even with the miracles of modern medicine, herbs continue to play a significant role in keeping us strong, safe and robust.
No matter what your problem or need, there is likely to be an herb that’s just right for you!
Did you know that most people refer to herbs as weed!?
With so many applications and so many different types and functions, it’s no wonder that our modern culture is experiencing such a strong interest in just what herbs can do for us. Although herbs have been around since the beginning of human history, those of us in Western societies may only just now be realizing the great power of these seemingly innocuous plants.
And what power they possess! Herbs have been shown to heal stomach ailments, improve mood, lose weight, stave off the common cold, and even to help us quit smoking. They even have the power to help regulate blood pressure, cure chronic conditions, and alleviate PMS symptoms. As flavorful additions to our food, they can boost our immune system and contribute to better overall health. It’s no wonder that over a quarter of prescriptions drugs on the market today contain some sort of plant derivative—and while modern society is often quick to use the latest technology to cure our ills, herbal remedies are all natural, without dangerous side effects.
Did you know that more than 10 specific herbs are mentioned in the Bible?
Have you heard the saying, “Everything old is new again”? Well, it’s true that herbs are enjoying a popular resurgence, but it’s not necessarily your grandmother’s version of herbs that we’re talking about here! Today’s herbs come in a diversity of forms, from herb-infused dipping oils that are served with bread for a snack to herb-scented bath oils to fancy pre-packaged teas. We’ve come a long way from the days of simply boiling rosemary twigs in water!
It’s true that we still revere the purity of fresh herbs, but we’ve also learned to embrace the more sophisticated herbal products and more expensive herbal remedies. Celebrities shell out big bucks for herbal cosmetics and skin care products, and herb-scented candles can cost upwards of $50 or even $100 dollars! Fancy herbal potpourris are sold expensively at upscale boutiques, and dishes featuring trendy herbs are offered at the hottest, most exclusive restaurants.
About The Author
Kieran Whittemore
If you’re interested in herbs and how they can revitalize your life, learn how to harness their power, and how to grow then in your own garden, check out my website http://www.amazing-secrets-of-herbs.com for more information.
Feel free to use this article, in any way you see fit, as long as it is kept intact.
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How to Ask For a Salary Increase and Get Your Raise

2005-07-12T22:37:00.000+10:00

Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you’re starting to feel like you deserve a raise, here are eight DO’s and DON’Ts to build your confidence and tact (and what to avoid!) in asking for the salary you feel you deserve.
DO
1. Devise a “Plan of Action”. First and foremost, get a strategy together. Make a note of the specific projects you’ve undertaken and the results you’ve accomplished. List all of your job skills and the features that make you an asset to this company. Find out what a typical raise is for someone with your experience in your area of occupation. Know the facts and be realistic in your request.
2. Ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one you would be happy with. If you would be happy with a 5% raise, ask for one a couple of points above it. That way, if your boss starts to negotiate, you won’t feel as if your worth has been diluted any by getting less than what you feel you deserve.
3. Remember, your boss shouldn’t be the only one negotiating. If your company is going through a slow period or the economy is down, try to be flexible and know how to respond if your boss suggests a lower amount than what you may have been expecting. Consider other ways of getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time, employee perks or more time off. All of these can be just as good (if not better!) than an actual amount of money.
4. Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor about your raise request. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday when bosses are at their busiest. Studies have actually shown that people are more receptive on a Tuesday or Wednesday after lunch. That way, they’re not thinking about the weekend or their stomachs while you’re getting up the nerve to ask about a raise! If you’re afraid of being interrupted during your request, ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after hours.
DON’T
1. Raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your raise at first. Remember, he or she is paying you to do a certain job, and you’re asking for more money to do the same job. Be professional and polite at all times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if your supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they might hint at what could else could be done to earn it. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what steps would be necessary to “prove yourself”.
2. Threaten with quitting if you don’t get the raise or telling your boss you have another job offer unless you actually do. He may just call your bluff and let you go!
3. Stumble or beat around the bush with your request. Be straightforward and confident. You are a valuable member of a team and the supervisor hired you because they obviously thought you were the best qualified. If you have “Thank You” notes from customers or letters from the company praising you for a job well done, bring those to your meeting as well, as they’ll help to cement your request and remind your supervisor of your role within the company and its progress.
4. Compare yourself to, or talk negatively about your coworkers or others in a position higher than you. You may think that this will put you in a positive light when it comes to a promotion or a raise, but to your boss, it shows that if you have a poor attitude toward your colleagues, you’ll keep the same poor attitude if you are promoted.
Remember, be confident, professional and tactful. If the boss says “no” or wants to “think about it”, open his mind to further consideration by volunteering to do more at the office. Stay an extra hour or help another team on a critical project. This demonstrates that you’re willing to “tow the mark” rather than giving your boss the impression of “gimme the money first and THEN I’ll work”. Good luck!
Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes and Career Information Resources who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Coffee …Most Popular Beverage Of All Time by: Mary Chambers

2005-07-12T22:36:00.000+10:00

Long ago it is said that a lone shepherd and his flock came across a strange and mysterious plant growing upon a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he could stop them some of his herd had began to gnaw away at this unusual berry. After about fifteen minutes or so the herder started to notice that his sheep were behaving in an odd manner. Not only were they unusually alert but they also appeared to be extremely hyperactive. Now being a little weary and extremely tired the shepherd decided to try the berries and see if the end results would be the same for him as they had been for his flock. To his pleasant surprise the shepherd began to feel wide awake and he too became very alert. After a few hours had passed along came a wandering monk who, after being informed of the plants amazing qualities proceeded to scold the poor shepherd and lecture him on his foolish indulgence. After he had finished telling the shepherd just what a sinner he had been the monk set upon his journey but not before he had added a little something to his backpack and supplies.
Back at the monastery the monks decided to try this new and exciting substance. Soon the endless hours of praying were endured with the greatest of ease. Coffee, the drink had been revealed to the world. Its widespread use then took a grip in the Ethiopian lands before then migrating on to the Arabian outlands. Here it was to be held for many years as a sacred substance but was eventually to be unlawfully exported by a merchant called Baba Budan. Word of its qualities were soon to spread and within a few years coffee was to emerge as one of the most valued commodities of all time. Now would you believe that each year we drink an amazing four billion cups and there are those among us who would cry at the thought of starting their day without it.
Although coffee is mainly known as a sleep suppressant there are those who consider coffee to have many health benefits. It is thought that people who suffer from asthma and partake of the beverage have at least 25% less symptoms which may be due to a substance in coffee called theophylline. This is known as a bronchodilator and quite simply it is thought to help those who suffer with the disease to breath with a little more ease. Drinking coffee on a daily basis is also thought to help lower your chances of developing colon cancer by a figure also in the region of about 25%. This may be due to the fact that coffee helps to keep you regular. Coffee can do more than just help you get through your day!
Aside from the benefits that have been mentioned above, it has to be said that simply enjoying coffee as a beverage is a delight that will never be easily surpassed. The unbelievable thing is that most people have no idea of the different tastes and delights that this monarch of all drinks has to offer. One of the fastest growing trends of the past few years has to be the rising popularity of obtaining coffee via the internet. Never before has it been so easy to sample such a huge variety of blends, tastes and aromas, and all at the click of a mouse. I order coffee frequently through the internet and I always make a point to record the country, blend and from whom I purchased.
Well now that you know the tale of the mystical beans I hope that if in the future you are considering visiting your local coffee shop you recall the story of the lowly shepherd and think about just what you might be drinking were he not to have wandered onto that bleak and lonely hillside. Why not take advantage of the internet and try the many different varieties and blends available. Not only will you impress your tastebuds, your friends will be grateful as well.
Cappuccino or latte?
About The Author
Mary Chambers is a regular contributor to the Fuzzy Coffee Directory
http://www.fuzzycoffee.com
majestic12@onetel.com

Ain’t No Cookin’ Like Mama’s Cookin’ by: Samantha Olea

2005-07-12T22:18:00.001+10:00

“Ain’t no cookin’ like Mama’s cookin’!”-Amen!
Recently, an idea struck me. I cook…okay, I cook a lot. A lot of the meals that I create are either of my own creation, or they are a variation of another recipe that I have learned. For instance, my husband’s favorite meal is Steak Chicana-a lovely steak and potato stir fry of sorts. Well, I learned this family recipe from his sister, Gloria. She painstakingly showed me step by step how to create this dish from my husband’s childhood, and he was SO happy to have me learn it.
Well, I didn’t write anything down-I figured, ‘why?’ there were only a few basic ingredients, and some cooking common sense so it didn’t really warrant being recorded on paper-and I’m sure many of you have felt that way about a recipe you have learned, or heard about, right? Now, fast forward 6 years and place the exact same ingredients in front of my sister in law and myself, give us the same amount of time, and you know what you get? Two very different dishes! I can not tell you how many times my sweet husband has looked at me and said, “That’s really good…but its not steak chicana!”
I’m a big girl, so it doesn’t hurt my feelings-I have simply accepted that I make Steak Olea. I understand the importance of passing down heirloom recipes and essentially a little piece of yourself, especially because my mother and I have never had much of a relationship, so I didn’t have anyone to hand down recipes and traditions. Believe me when I say, when I first was married, my husband ate raw fried chicken for dinner on more than one occasion! I simply didn’t know what I was doing, or any technique for doing it. I want my children to be able to move out of my house and cook themselves a nice warm bowl of home, so I am writing all of my precious recipes down and assembling my very own top secret cookbook.
I’ll admit, at first, the idea of writing down each one of my regular and specialty recipes sounded like a huge undertaking-but then I developed a system. All you really need is a notebook and a pen. I keep mine beside my oven as I cook, and as I add an ingredient, I jot it down and how much of it I used. This is a huge help for those of us who mostly cook from the heart and really don’t know how much of this we put into that. Once you have all of the ingredients jotted down, you go back later that night or later in the week and go through the recipe mentally, writing down the steps, and bam! You’ve written your own recipe. The next time you are cooking that dish, try cooking it according to your recipe to make sure that it’s accurate. I did, and it worked, much to my amazement-but what really amazed me was how having it all spelled out in front of me made it even easier for me to make my own dishes.
Try to pick out recipes that are traditional, those that are regulars in your household, and those that your children particularly love. This way, when they are going off to college, to be married or even after they begin having children of their own, they will have a little piece of you with them coaching them, teaching them, and comforting them no matter where you are.
About The Author
Samantha Olea is not only a wife and mother; she is the founder of http://thebestmoms.com, a great online resource for moms on topics from health to business and everything in between. She is also the owner of http://paintedplatesandbowls.com and the design firm http://getwrappedup.com. She is considered an expert in many fields, but keeps parenting and family the closest to her heart.
Sam@thebestmoms.com

A Wish List From Mom To Dad by: Tammy Pinarbasi

2005-07-12T22:18:00.000+10:00

Here is just a little wish list I put together for you. First, I feel I should tell you that I greatly appreciate all that you do for me and our family. Feel free to grant any or all of my wishes time permitting. They can be fulfilled in any order. I will gladly accept them on any given day. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday to grant any of the following:
A thorough house cleaning preferably when the house is dirty. I will gladly show you where the cleaning supplies are kept and will provide a detailed list for you if needed.
A night out. Just about any activity will do. This would include everything from a simple picnic to a night on the town. Oh, I almost forgot, no kids. So you will need to arrange for a sitter.
A few diaper changes. For the baby of course, I'm past that stage. If you really want to impress me, you can change a few of the pooh pooh ones. That would be great!
An occasional morning to catch up on my beauty sleep. So I can remain the beautiful woman you adore. This can be arranged around your days off of work.
A night free of dinner duty and clean up. I trust you, so anything you decide to prepare will do just fine. I know you wouldn't even consider serving me a TV dinner. And don't worry about getting dish pan hands from the clean up. I use a wonderful dish soap that will moisturize your hands while doing dishes.
A couple of late night feedings would be nice. Not for me, I'm watching my weight. But, the baby is known to wake up a time or two hungry for a late night snack.
A bedtime round up. This would consist of rounding up all the munchkins and getting them tucked in their beds. Really its good exercise. All the repeated trips to the restroom and the kitchen for last minute drinks.
A thank-you for a job well done. It really boosts my self esteem and shows me how much you appreciate all that I do.
Now this was just a small list. Feel free to add anything to it or repeat any of my wishes. I will accept most graciously.
Love,
Me
About The Author
This article was written by Tammy Pinarbasi, Owner of the Parent Super Site, http://www.parentsupersite.com. You are welcome to reprint this article or use it on your website, however, a link back to this site is appreciated....
admin@parentsupersite.com

Teenagers Taking Risks by: Carol Shepley

2005-07-12T22:17:00.000+10:00

It can be hard being a parent with a teen going through what I term the 'I'm Invincible' phase. This is the phase when teens start doing scary and dangerous things (according to us parents) as a way of testing out their physical limits.
This is not surprising given that, at adolescence, teenagers are effectively given a new body, one which has many improved features from that of their childhood body. It's no good as parents thinking we can tell them about the limits of this body; just as a toddler needs to work out for themselves how to balance to walk so a teen needs to work out for themselves how to use their changed body.
Pushing themselves that little bit further each time is necessary for the teen to find out what happens. They need to make mistakes so that they can self-adjust. They need to know just how fast, agile and strong their body is so they can use it appropriately in the future. Not knowing their own limits is potentially much more dangerous.
However some teens also use this phase to prove themselves. In today's competitive society, teens have been brought up to want to be better than someone else at something. For some teens this will be in the classroom, others on the sports field or through the performing arts but for some teens none of these avenues are available.
The only way they can prove themselves to be better is through some daredevil type of physical activity, where they can show they are braver, can bear more pain or can think up some more elaborate plan. This is where these teens get their feelings of success, their sense of achievement, their sense of self-worth.
The 'I'm Invincible' phase is a crucial learning phase; it's all about taking risks and making judgements about risk. As parents, it's hard for us to let our teens take risks, we naturally want to protect them, but in attempting to protect them we are in reality often holding them back.
Taking risks is a necessary part of adult life; leaving one job for another, starting a business, asking someone out on a date all require a certain amount of risk. Although the risks in the 'I'm Invincible' phase are primarily based in the physical, they give a good foundation for taking risks in the emotional and cognitive realms in the future.
How to Handle the 'I'm Invincible' Phase
1. If at all possible, enrol your teen in a class or organisation where they can test their limits in a relatively safe environment eg sports, dance, scouts/guides, army/navy/air cadets.
2. For those that need to prove themselves, give them chores that allow them to show off their new found physical strengths; re-think the chores they do to see if there are some more suited to their abilities. Receiving success, achievement and a sense of self-worth at home reduces the need to look for it elsewhere.
3. Use the language associated with 'I'm Invincible' to acknowledge your teen in day-to-day life. Words such as courage, brave, strong, determined, overcome, etc, can also be used to motivate your teen.
4. Examine your own fears; are your fears based on objective, rational information, or have they been exacerbated by other peoples' stories or news reports. Get the facts not the media hype.
5. Explain your fears to your teen by expressing concern over what others might do. If you express doubt in their abilities you will just make them more determined to prove you wrong. Eg "I don't want you riding your bike late at night because drivers are more likely to have accidents then" is much more readily received than "I don't want you riding your bike late at night because you might have an accident".
6. Do not use evidence of their mistakes to do 'I told you so'. Recognise mistakes as valuable learning, and then acknowledge the learning as you would any other type of learning.
About The Author
Carol Shepley has been involved with teenagers for over 10 years and, as the parent of a teen herself, fully understands the pressures placed on parents and teens today. She now shares this knowledge and experience through her website http://www.growingupmatters.com so that parents can help their teens become resilient, resourceful and responsible adults.

Where Diets Go Wrong

2005-07-12T22:16:00.000+10:00

When we discover that we are heavier than we want to be, we have a natural invlination to eat less food. We may skip lunch or eat only a tiny amount of our dinner in the hope that if we eat less our body will burn off some of its fat. But that is not necessarily true. Eating less actually makes it more difficult to lose weight.
Keep in mind that the human body took shape millions of years ago, and at that time there were diets. The only low-calorie event in people's lives was starvation. Those who could cope with a temporary lack of food were the ones who survived. Our bodies, therefore, ahve developed this built-in mechanism to help us survive in the face of low food intake.
When researchers compare overweight and thin people, they find that they ear roughly the same number of calories. What makes overweight people different is the amount of fat that they eat. Thin people tend to eat less fat and more complex carbohydrates.
Losing weight is not something one can do overnight. A carefully planned weight loss program requires common sense and certain guidelines. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformantion floating around and lots of desperate people are easily duped and ripped off.
Every day one can open a magazine or newspaper and see advertisements touting some new product, pill or patch that will take excess weight off quickly. Everyone seems to be looking for that "magic" weight loss pill. Millions of Americans are trying to lose weight, spending billions of dollars every year on diet programs and products. Often they do lose some weight. But, if you check with the same people five years later, you will find that nearly all have regained whatever weight they lost.
A survey was done recently to try and determine if any commercial diet program could prove long-term success. Not a single program could do so. So rampant has the so-called diet industry become with new products and false claims that the FDA has now stepped in and started clamping down.
Being seriously overweight and particularly obesity can develop into a number of diseases and serious health problems, and it is now a known fact that when caloric intake is excessive, some of the excess frequently is saturated fat.
The myth is that people get heavy by eating too many calories. Calories are a consideration it's true, but overall they are not the cause of obesity in America today. Americans actually take in fewer calories each day than they did at the beginning of the century. If calories alone were the reason we become overweight, we should all be thin. But we are not. Collectively, we are heavier than ever. Partly, it is because we are more sedentary now. But equally, as important is the fact that the fat content of the American diet has changed dramatically.
People who diet without exercising often get fatter with time. Although your weight may initially drop while dieting, such weight loss consists mostly of water and muscle. When the weight returns, it comes back as fat. To avoid getting fatter over time, increase your metabolism by exercising regularly.
Select an exercise routine that you are comfortable with and remember that walking is one of the best and easiest exercises for strengthening your bones, controlling your weight and toning your muscles.
Article by Jay Harris of IMI Concepts. Visit his website http://www.home-job-alert.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Ultimate Weight Loss Attitude

2005-07-12T22:14:00.000+10:00

Wein the diet and exercise industry have our own opinions on what diets work and which ones are just sales gimmicks. This can be very discouraging to you the consumer. Unfortunately, a lot of people want to get on the band wagon of wellness and tap into millions of Americans desperate need to feel better, lose weight and get in better shape.
Over my twenty year tender in the weight loss business I have seen every single program and have heard thousands of success and failure stories. The facts are that any dietary plan on the market has some portion of it that works, but the basic principle of any good eating program, no matter how sugarcoated, centers around calories IN— calories OUT.
The eating “only one type of food diets” will not be effective, and such a restricted diet defeats you mentally. Most diets are just too unrealistic for a person’s lifestyle. Plus they don’t supply enough basic nutritional needs for people to stay with them. Balance is the key! Attitude is the key to keeping balance!!
For what ever its worth, I would like to purpose this mental approach to you using four of the best plans out there. I want to point out the messege, so do not shoot the messenger.
Principle #1: CHANGE YOUR UNWANTED BEHAVIORS: For what ever you think about Dr. Phil he still has the best approach to weight loss when it comes to dealing with the beliefs behind the behaviors.
Goal #1: Figure out your illusions behind your behaviors. Change them and you will change your life.
Principle 2: HAVE AN ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM. When Weight Watchers decided to put responsibility back into the consumers hands by connecting points and weigh-ins to your eating habits their business tripled. You need accountability.
Goal #2: Incorporate a support and accountability system into your wellness plan.
Principle #3: SUGAR IS KILLING YOU INSIDE OUT. Instant gratification is killing you. Sugar busters teaches us to watch our sugar filled foods.
Goal #4: Lose the sugar, lose the weight. That simple!
Principle #4: AMERICA HAS A PROTEIN DEFIENCY. The South Beach Diet has been successful because it does two things; increases the amount of protein in your diet and cuts done on the meats filled with so many preservatives.
Goal #4: Start eating more protein in your diet and less complex carbohydrates.
After working with thousands of people – those who had this four principles in there diet plans were more successful. I call this the Changing from the INSIDE OUT mindset.
FREE MINI COURSE click here http://www.resolutions.bz LOSE WEIGHT IMMEDIATELY! Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting that the doctor’s DON’T want you to know. Greg Ryan is a best selling author, former employee of Kathy Smith, and high profile fitness expert.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

$27,817 Monthly With Affiliate Programs by: John McLaren

2005-07-12T22:12:00.000+10:00

I still remember thinking that promoting Affiliate Programs was a waste of time. Until I started making a small fortune.
At the end of 2004, I started some time exploring the concept of promoting affiliate programs through pay-per-click search engines. I knew of some Internet Marketing gurus who were claiming you could make thousands of dollars every month. But I was skeptical. I remember thinking, “I know what these guys are about. They just want to sell more books.”
But I decided that at least it was worth a look. The concept is quite simple. Choose a product – and one that has an affiliate program, of course. Set up an advertising campaign at a PPC search engine like Google and choose how much you want to pay per click. Write a three line advertisement and add your affiliate link. Whenever anyone clicks through your ad and buys the product, you earn a commission.
So I looked. And thought about it. And looked some more. I was still very uncertain about the whole concept, but I finally decided to test for myself whether it could really work. And since I knew I’d be spending quite a bit of money on advertising clicks, I felt it was well worth investing in a book so I could learn from more experienced marketers how to maximize the profitability of my campaigns.
As my business grew over several weeks I purchased and read several ebooks. By far the best I read was Chris Carpenter’s Google Cash ( http://tinyurl.com/6gdaq ). His approach is genuine, down-to-earth, and he explains very clearly how to build your own affiliate marketing business. And importantly, he makes a fortune doing what he explains in the book.
I started by testing 20-30 campaigns on various products. Most of them were unsuccessful, but I expected that from what I had been reading. I would test a product, and if it didn’t work, I would drop it quickly. The key with this business is identifying the affiliate products and campaigns that are successful. Once you find one that works, the money starts rolling in.
By February of 2005 I had identified several campaigns that were turning a profit. With one of these I was spending $0.08 per click to promote an affiliate product that pays me $18 commission on each sale. Approximately 1 visitor in 100 buys the product, so I make around $10 profit for every 100 visitors that I send.
What a formula! For every 1,000 visitors, that’s $180 in commissions. That might not seem like all that much, but remember once you have a successful campaign it keeps going all day, every day. If you send just 1,000 visitors to a program like this every day, then by the end of the month you will have earned $5,400 in commissions, of which $3,000 is profit.
Does it seem too simple? Well, if it was so easy everyone from your Aunt Mabel to the mailman would be doing it. In fact, while the concept is simple, getting your campaigns to run profitably does take some work. Since I can't possibly teach you all you need to know in one article, I'll give you a few tips here and recommend Google Cash for a detailed explanation:
Choose Your Product Wisely. The program should pay a commission of $15 or more, otherwise it won’t be worth paying for your clicks. And if the commission is very high, be careful. Some products like web hosting and satellite dish installations may pay commissions of $100, but you face intense competition from other affiliates, so the price you need to pay to get ad exposure and clicks will probably also be very high. Sometimes it is better to identify a niche product with less competition from other affiliates.
Track Your Campaigns Carefully. If you’re paying around 7 or 8 cents per click for a program that pays close to $20 commission, you need to make at least one sale for every 250 visitors. If you send 300 to 400 visitors with no sale, consider dropping it.
Days Of The Week Do Matter. When testing campaigns keep in mind the day of the week and even the time of day. Some products sell better on Mondays through Fridays, during business hours. Others, like entertainment products, sell better in the evenings and on weekends.
Getting back to my own experience, after identifying several campaigns that ‘worked’, I spent some time fine-tuning them using techniques I read about in Google Cash. By the end of February I had earned $27,817 in commissions for the month, all on products I had never even heard of at the end of 2004. My profit was a neat $10,795.
It’s incredible really. I made this money without a web site. From home. Working an average of just an hour or two a day.
I’m finally making the amount of money online that I dreamed about.
How about you? Would you also like to build an affiliate marketing business? Could you use some additional income? I encourage you to proceed, but be smart about it. There are risks involved and you should be aware of them. You should read Chris Carpenter’s book. That way you’ll be on a fast track to more profitable campaigns. And his book will save you hundreds of dollars, easily, as you avoid some common mistakes and pitfalls.
Good Marketing!
About The Author
John McLaren has worked for many years selling IT consulting services. Now he works from home, just a few hours each day, building his highly successful affiliate marketing business. For more professional advice, he recommends the book, Google Cash, available at: http://tinyurl.com/6gdaq.

What on earth are Home Equity Loans? by: Mike Yeager

2005-07-12T22:11:00.000+10:00

Home equity loans are one of the most common types of financing for doing improvements on your house. These loans are not necessary used for home improvements but can also be used to simply obtain extra cash. It is essentially a standard loan, based on the equity you have in your house. This is as opposed to mortgage loans which are the loans used to purchase a home. Equity is the value that you have paid on your mortgage loan.
If you are planning on building a house, it may be advisable to obtain a construction loan. These loans are available at most banks or lenders online. Home loans in general are available online. If you are looking for more information on loans that are available, try checking online.
By doing a simple search using any search engine, like Yahoo or Google, you will undoubtedly receive hundreds of pages of websites that offer information or loans themselves. These companies, while there are many, may not all offer the same things. On value in doing this type of research is the ability to compare and contrast the different types of loans and different lenders available. You can save a lot of money by doing some basic research. Countrywide Home Loans, is one such lender that uses the Internet as a tool in providing potential customers with updated information.
Things to consider when looking at different loans include interest rates and terms of the loans. The interest rate, while dependent on the rate on the current market, may differ between lenders. Terms and conditions can be dependent on length of loan, flexibility of interest rate and credit standing. You may be able to find online lenders that will pre-approve you online within minutes of sending them your information.
All in all, there are many different financing options depending on if you are buying, building, or in need of extra cash. Home equity loans and home mortgage loans can be found through lenders at your local bank or online. Doing the proper amount of research will afford you the best deal out there.
About The Author
Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com

Mesothelioma Cancer by: P. Mehta

2005-07-12T22:10:00.000+10:00

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of body organs usually lungs or abdominal. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos. However, there are 30-50% of patients without any history of asbestos exposure. People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of mesothelioma cancer. Even people who wash clothes of asbestos exposed people are at risk. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure.
People in the occupations such as construction jobs in shipyards, insulators, boilermakers, etc. are at the risk of contracting asbestos disease.
The 2 common types of mesothelioma are:
Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs). The survival time for a patient with diffuse malignant mesothelioma is from 4 to 24 months from the observance of the symptoms. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose.
The chance of recovery for a patient with mesothelioma depends on size and location of the cancer, age of the patient and his response to the treatment. Presently, the treatment options for mesotheliomas are:
Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery and Photodynamic therapy. There is some evidence that provitamin A or beta-carotene may decrease the risk of mesothelioma.
Copyright 2004, P. Mehta http://www.FatFreeKitchen.com
[Please note that this article is not a subsitute for medical advise. You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info. ]
About The Author
P. Mehta
For more information visit http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/warning-signs/mesothelioma-cancer.html

How To Increase Your Website Traffic With Zero Cost by: Nas Romli

2005-07-12T22:07:00.000+10:00

How to increase your website traffic with zero cost'. It's a bold statement don't you think. But, believe me it's true. You can increase your traffic by 1000% with no cost involved if you do it the right way. Continue reading if you want to know how.
I've outlined 5 ways to reach your target. But, please keep in mind that these are not the only ways that you can do to increase your traffic. There are hundreds of techniques to increase traffic. But these one are the proven one. I've used it personally. More importantly, these techniques can get you FREE traffic. You're money is saved in your pocket. Let's go to the first one.
Technique #1: Linking strategy
Linking strategy is the easiest way to get free traffic. When I say "the easiest way" it does not mean that you can ask everybody to link to your site and do nothing after that. Compared to other techniques that you'll discover, this one will take less time to do.
Here's how to do it. First select the site in your niche market. Be selective. Choose one that has a high traffic. Usually a high traffic site is pretty stingy to put link to your site. So, the key here is to be persistent. Ask them how many visitors do they received per month and if they could link to your site. If they don't answer your request, email them the second time.
Be persistent. If they don't want to link to your site, ask them to trade link instead (reciprocal link). This is the last resort you want to have.
Word of warning: Don't crowd your site with too many links. Only accept link trading if it's really worth it.
Technique #2: Offer Free eBooks or articles
You'll fall in love with this technique if you see what it can do to your site. This technique can create an excellent'Viral marketing' effect. It can multiply the no of visitors to your site in a matter of days.
This most important thing about this technique is that to offer something that is really useful to your visitor. So useful that they can only get that information from you!
You need to the 'wants' in your need market. What problems do they encounter? Solve these problems and you have a killer articles or e-book that you can give away for free. Remember, don't sell it. Give it away for free. If you feel really reluctant to give your article or e-book for free, you can give your visitors a partial of it. But, make sure it's really useful. Don't forget to put your name and your contact information in this article or e-book. Usually, if you write an article, you need to include your resource box at the very bottom of your article.
The most important task in this technique is to offer a reprint right to your visitors. What this mean is that your visitors can publish your articles or e-book to anyone in any medium; email, Ezine, website or anything. But please state your condition: Include your contact information or resource box. This will create viral effect to your visitors.
Before I forgot, there is one particular e-book compiler that is good in doing this kind of task. The name of this e-book compiler is 'E-book Edit Pro'. With this compiler, you can offer your visitors a customizable e-book. This is a great incentive for them to distribute your article or e-book since they can put their name and information in it. If you like to know more about the excellent compiler, please visit: http://www.ebookedit.com/
Technique #3: Classified Ad
This is the most time consuming technique compared to all 5. While it is time consuming, it is really worth it.
Tips - This technique should be used together with the above technique. Let me explain:
First, you need to write an e-book or article that you can give it away for free. Then, you need have an autoresponder. If you don't have an autoresponder (your hosting company should provide this service for free), you can get one for free. Just type 'free autoresponder' in your search engine and you'll get hundred of sites that provided free autoresponder. If you're searching for excellent autoresponder, I'd like to suggest these autoresponder:
http://www.getresponse.com/ - Most online marketers used this service. You pay monthly to them for providing service. The most important feature is that you can personalize your autoresponder with your visitor’s name. They also provide a free service. The only catch is that there will be an ad in your email.
http://www.aweber.com/ - One of the first companies to provide autoresponder service. Try to visit their site if you want to learn more. Basically, it offers the same kind of service as getresponse.com.
http://www.autoresponseplus.com/ - You only need to pay one-time fees for this service since the software will be installed on your server. It's great in you don't want to pay high monthly fees. The only drawback for Autoresponseplus is that you need to have a little bit skill on how to install cgi (Common Gateway Interface) on your server.
Enough talking. Let's continue.
After you have your own autoresponder, place your free article in this autoresponder. Now, you need to advertise your autoresponder address in the classified ad website. Don't put your email address but your autoresponder address. The best part with this technique is that you can capture you visitor’s email. You can contact them again and again if you have any offer in the future.
Technique #4: Deliver informational pack Ezine/newsletter
People surf the net to look for information. Out of 100, only 3 people surf the net to buy something. But others are doing some research or try to find something informational.
With this keep in mind, you can attract people to come to your site if you can deliver them timely information. By producing timely information, you glued these visitors to your site preventing them from going elsewhere. This can be done by giving them free newsletter or Ezine.
This is not an easy task because there is abundance of free information on the net. You need to give them something different from these 'free' stuff. Try to provide something unique in your Ezine. For example, if you're publishing music Ezine, try to make a deal with music label so that you can give special price to your subscriber. Make sure your subscriber cannot get this of kind if deal in other place. If you can create this unique proposition, you're already on top of the world. Your Ezine will spread like fire. More people will come to your site to subscribe your unique newsletter.
Technique #5: Offer affiliate program
This is the greatest FREE traffic generator technique out there. With this technique both parties win; you and your affiliate program participant. You get more traffic and sales, they get more money from referral commission.
This topic is really a large topic. I can write a whole e-book about how to create a successful affiliate program. But, I'll discuss the basic thing about affiliate program in here.
Basically, to create an effective affiliate program, you need to create an interest for your visitor's to join your affiliate program. You can do this by giving them high referral fees and marketing tools for them to use. Above all, you need to make them easy to promote your product or service. Don't make them do all the hard work. It is your job.
The next thing you need to do is to motivate them to spread the word about you. Contact them in a timely manner. Don't forget them after they've joined your program. Make them feel special. In fact, they are special since they are the one who will do the promotion and advertising.
A well designed affiliate program can increase your website traffic and sales by unimaginable amount. But again, you need to devote all you effort in this technique if you want to have a successful affiliate program. Don't do it half way. Even if you've to work 18 hours a day to create your own affiliate program, it's really worth it in the future. The payoff is going to be thousand times your initial effort.
All of these techniques are free. You don't have to spend a dime on them. Try it on your site. I've tried all these techniques. And they work!
About The Author
Nas Romli runs a site that help people to start their own home based business within 24 hours.Many have benefited from this service.Drop by at his site for more information about this amazing service: http://www.cashflowsecret.net/
nas@cashflowsecret.net

Google Adsense works??

2005-07-07T22:17:00.000+10:00

So recently, I've done a lot of thinking about Google ADSENSE, for both work and non-work reasons. I have thought of begining a blog that would help me out get ideas and make money.
Its simple and easy, get its only KACHING then on.
I did a lot of research on the net about making money online (who would not?) and boy !there are loads of them out there, MAKE MONEY FAST websites(MMF) thats what its called out there. People brag of making 300,000 $$$ to 600,000 $$$ per month, hmmm that "seems" a pretty good pay packet, Duh! ofcourse and why would i not a share of this mighty fortune?
SO how do people do it?

Adsense is what made sense to me , open your website ,get a little traffic and sign up with google on AD-SENSE , seems very people . Just add a small java script line to your HTML and voila you gonna find a few ads on your website which if visitors click you get paid( course thats only after google approve of your site). They say each click can fetch you something from 5 cents to 15 dollars. It is called the Pay Per Click system (PPC). I aim to make the mosty of this cleanand free oppurtunity and make some cash out of it. Of course first i would want to set up a website, I ahev thought of lots of topics tourism,relationship isues, teenage stuff, common forum. Dont know anything might work. I also aim to make at the least 200-600 $per month in the forst2 months. Get me some ideas on my website .We dont haev to work much for the pay now. hahahah

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