Choosing wedding flowers

Choosing wedding flowers is such an important part of the wedding. There are some things to be aware of when you are ready to decide on your wedding flowers.

Since your flowers are an essential part of the wedding you should begin by preparing a budget. When you have a budget in place you will have a very good idea what the flowers are going to cost. If you don’t have a budget you could easily end up spending far more money than you had planned.

If you haven’t already decided on a florist you may want to ask the advice of family and friends. Pay close attention to the recommendations of those who have recently been married. The newly married will be able to offer you good advice. You can also talk to the people who are in charge of the ceremony and reception sites. These folks often have great ideas for the best florists.

You may want to make a few visits to the florists that you are considering. When you are actually in the business you will see how the customers are treated and if the shop is clean and organized. Take a good look at the flower bouquets and arrangements and notice the design and freshness of the flowers.

Figure out how many arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages that you will need. Take this information with you any time you talk to a florist about the wedding flowers.

Before you decide on your wedding flowers, talk to more than one florist. You might want to bring pictures of bouquets and arrangements that you like. Also bring pictures of your dress and the bridesmaid’s dresses. All these things will be instrumental in assuring the most beautiful wedding flowers possible.

Make sure you have samples of the colors you plan to use in the wedding. This will be very helpful in choosing the colors of the flowers.

You might want to ask the florist for some photos of wedding flowers they have designed. Many florists keep a book of wedding flower photos exactly for this purpose.

Talk to your florist about using flowers that match the style of your wedding. If you are having a casual wedding you may want to use different flowers than if you are planning a traditional wedding.

You also might want to consider using wedding flowers that are specific to your region and to the season in which you are getting married. This will not only keep the cost down but you will not have to worry about the flowers being available.

Choose your wedding flowers carefully and they will be a wonderful part of your wedding.

Responsibilities of a home based business opportunity seeker

If you want to have a home business, and you are looking for one, then you are a home based business opportunity seeker and there are some things that you should know about.

First of all, as a home based business opportunity seeker you have many responsibilities so that you can make sure you get the best deal for yourself and so that you can make sure that you are going to be successful in the long run when it comes to your home business.

If you are a home based business opportunity seeker you should know your responsibilities include finding something to do with your time that is related to whatever you are good at. You have to find something to do that you can make money with that ends up being in your field, especially if you spent a lot of time in school to be trained in something. So, you, as a home based business opportunity seeker should look for something that can take up your time that relates to what you currently do.

You also have the responsibility as a home based business opportunity seeker to make sure that you are finding opportunities that fit your needs when it comes to money. Yes, there are going to be start up costs, and you aren’t going to make a lot of money right away no matter what you do, but as a home based business opportunity seeker you have to be sure that whatever you are finding is eventually going to allow you to make the kind of money that you need to make in order to live a good life.

The other thing that a home based business opportunity seeker has to be aware of is whether or not you can clearly get all of the work done by yourself. You have to look for jobs that allow you to have enough time to actually be at home, even if you are working from home, and jobs that are going to pay you based on the amount of time that it takes to do the job.

Another thing that you as a home based business opportunity seeker have to keep in mind is that there are a lot of scammers out there who want to take advantage of you and who want to take your money. You have to be sure that you are finding jobs that aren’t going to do this, and jobs that are actually legit. A good home based business opportunity seeker will keep all of these things in mind and is going to end up with lots of great job opportunities that fit your needs, where you can work form home and have the kind of life that you have always wanted to have.

A country within a country travel to barcelona

The distinctive regional culture of Barcelona is largely due to geography and a plentitude of national pride and elitism. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain's 17 semi-autonomous states. The regional language is Catalan, along with the national language of Castilian Spanish. There has long been pressure from the Catalonian government and nationalists to earn complete autonomy from Spain. Consequently, the exclusive culture can be difficult to adjust to and there is significant animosity towards foreigners around the main tourist street of Las Ramblas. To thoroughly enjoy the sweet life and gentle hospitality of Barcelona, leave this busy area and explore the many diverse districts, endless with possibility.

Cafй Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl

Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10 p. m. It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day's work is finished and time for friends and family has commenced. Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants, state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach. Most nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a. m. and club-goers typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.

A Modernista Mecca

The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably the most stunning of Gaudi's work is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Each of the church's facades are meticulously designed with different themes and styles combining nature with religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to Barcelona's artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier on the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily tours are offered in addition to the regularly held musical performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting passages of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.

Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit

It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed hours. August can also be uncomfortably hot.

Barcelona should be traveled with care and patience. The only disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of the city's landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of time.

You can save money on car expenses

Gas prices remain at historically high levels and the long term trend is indicating that they will stay high. If you own one or more cars, you understand that saving cash somewhere, somehow is important to helping you preserve your budget. The following are some important tips to help you manage your car expenses.

Look over your insurance. If your car is between two and three thousand dollars, consider canceling your collision coverage. The money you save could then be set aside by you toward a down payment on your next vehicle.

Keep your tires suitably inflated. Your gas mileage will fall if your tires are under inflated. Keep your tires at the suggested pressure amounts and your gas mileage should stay stable.

Do not change your oil too often. Unless you drive entirely in the city you do not need to change your oil every 3000 miles. Most cars can last up to 7500 miles between changes. You will, however, still need to change your oil twice yearly even if you drive infrequently.

Do some minor maintenance yourself. You can change your wipers, the air filter, battery, and replace a tire yourself. If you rely on others, your costs will climb considerably.

Use regular gas. If your car requires regular gas, do not indulge in premium. Your car probably will not run any better and you will have paid as much as 25 cents extra per gallon extra.

Don't purchase an comprehensive warranty. The amount of money you pay for an extended warranty is usually more than what the warranty is worth. If you feel that a particular car model requires an extended warranty, perhaps you should consider shopping for a vehicle that is much more dependable.

You can save plenty of money by washing and waxing your car yourself. Treat yourself to the services of a car wash no more than 2-3 times per year.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The manufacturer of your vehicle will know how long parts should last. Change your timing belt before it becomes a problem, your fuel filter as required, and keep an eye on your brakes, tires, and shocks. Most cars built today do not need a complete tune up for as long as one hundred thousand miles, so do not put down the $250 for a tune up before one becomes a necessity.

Use a private garage. No, you do not have to take your Chevy to the Chevrolet dealership for service. If you have a decent, local garage that knows your make and model you can typically save money by using them instead.

We aren’t likely to see gas prices below $2 per gallon again, while $3 per gallon may soon be the rule. Supply and demand cannot be controlled, but you can take the above steps to make certain that your car does not cost you more than it should.

Colorado camping the perfect destination year round

The diversity of Colorado promises plenty of outdoor fun and relaxation whether it’s cold and snowy or in the heat of summer. From snowmobiling and skiing to hiking and horseback riding, Colorado promises year round fun for any nature lover. Camping in Colorado is just as diverse. There are 41 Colorado state parks, 15 national parks and recreation areas within the state, and more than 100 other public campgrounds managed by the USDA Forest Service, as well as hundreds of private campgrounds throughout the state.

Colorado Springs Camping

Colorado Springs is a terrific vacation destination, whether you’re wanting to enjoy the city nightlife and fine dining, explore the area zoos and museums with the kids, or get adventurous with some of the nation’s best whitewater and hiking. There are a variety of campgrounds near Colorado Springs so you can take your time enjoying the beauty of the area.

The Colorado Springs KOA offers fully equipped campsites for RVs and tents, as well as one and two room and deluxe cabin rentals. The campground features many amenities, including a pool, hot tub, and wireless internet access. Colorado’s newest state park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, has recently opened in Colorado Springs. This park provides 20 miles of hiking and bicycling trails through fragile, protected ecosystems with great views of area wildlife. Many of the trails are still under construction, but the campground and other facilities are scheduled to open late in 2007. There are also several nationally managed campgrounds near Colorado Springs that offer basic campsites, as well as group camping, with access to a variety of activities.

Northern Colorado Camping

Northern Colorado offers a tremendous amount of variety for vacationers. Water lovers can pack up the Coleman towables and enjoy a weekend camping at one of the many northern Colorado lakes. North Sterling State Park has 3,000 acres of water for boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and even sailboarding. There are 3 campgrounds within the state park, providing 141 campsites total. Inlet Grove and Elks campgrounds offer developed sites with electrical hookups and Chimney View does not provide hookups.

If cold weather adventures are more your style, State Forest State Park in northern Colorado has 5 campgrounds available for winter camping and a variety of activities to keep you entertained in any season. Bring your snowmobile and race across over 50 miles of maintained trails or venture into the Routt National Forest for more trails. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and tubing within the park. Many snow lovers visit State Forest State Park for the terrific ice fishing and the full moon skiing and snowshoeing events held each February and March.

If you would like to plan a Colorado camping vacation that is filled with outdoor fun as well as educational explorations, Dinosaur National Monument in northern Colorado and Utah, offers plenty of fun and 6 developed campgrounds. Dinosaur bones from long ago can be seen fossilized in the rock and a museum features a number of enthralling exhibits about these extinct beings from yesteryear. Enjoy a variety of scenic hiking trails or cool off with a guided rafting trip through the winding Colorado rivers.

Whenever and wherever you decide to camp in Colorado, you are guaranteed a vacation that creates memories for everyone. From history and nature exploration to rugged outdoor activities, Colorado offers something for everyone!

Can t we discuss stereotypes

Stereotypes. As soon as this word is uttered or seen in print or the idea is implied, almost 100% of the politically correct crowd’s hackles go up and they are ready for a fight. This word is not just overused but also massively misunderstood. Anything that smacks of stereotypes, or even an allegation of a stereotype, is met with harsh criticism, and in some circles, vicious name-calling.

“Stereotypes are ideas held about members of particular groups, based solely on membership in that group. They are often used in a negative or prejudicial sense and are frequently used to justify certain discriminatory behaviors. More benignly, they may express sometimes-accurate folk wisdom about social reality.” (en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Stereotype)

I may be wrong but this simplified definition seems to indicate that stereotyping might not be an entirely negative thing. It is when it is used prejudicially to judge the whole based on a few that you begin to get into trouble. When one bases acts of discrimination upon a belief that might or might not be true, then one ventures into the mucky waters of bigotry.

I have a friend who is in his late 60’s and is not particularly educated. He lives in Texas and holds some of the most bizzare ideas about Mexicans. Yet, I have seen him go out of his way to aid and assist Mexicans in his Texas town. I’ve also witnessed him going to a small town in Mexico and working with a mission group to build schools for Mexican children in villages that could not afford to do so. He holds these strange and sometimes disgusting stereotypes, but he will not allow them to push him into acts of discrimination against Mexicans.

This friend, in my view, has the greatest chance of having his views about Mexicans changed because of his altruistic involvement with this group.

Therefore, it is not the discussion, the believing, or the appropriate verbalizations of a specifically-held stereotype that is wrong. I mean, just how will someone deal with a negative stereotype of a group of people, like Mexicans, for example, if there is not an appropriate forum in which to discuss the issues?

It is wrong when you engage and justify acts of bigotry toward a group or an individual because of a falsely-held belief about that group, is it not?

Then, there are the benignly-held stereotypes that may actually express something accurate about a group of people. As the definition I quoted says, “More benignly, they may express sometimes-accurate folk wisdom about social reality.”

Something I’ve discovered, and which may be considered a stereotype of sorts, is that in both the American gringo population in the Mexican town in which I live, Guanajuato, and the Mexican population I encounter online, both resent, most vehemently, any sort of discussion of anything that remotely resembles stereotyping either group.

The American gringos, who (and here goes a stereotype) hole up in residential enclaves, who have only bilingual Mexican friends because of their lack of linguistic skills, and who really cannot interact with the local Mexican community, resent any discussion of anything that might be negative about the Mexican town in which they are living.

An example is the series of articles in my column with The American Chronicle in which I point out issues like getting shoved off of sidewalks, getting shoved out of the way at meat counters, being told we should walk on the outside of sidewalks because we are gringos. These are all events that have happened to us as well as to others we know. These gringos take offense when we mention these events.

Nonsensically, these are gringos who drive everywhere, walk nowhere, shop at the large American-style supermarkets where they reach into a refrigerated bin to get their wrapped meats. Just how would they know about the events I write about? They do not interact with the local Mexicans in the local community, so just how do they know whether I am reporting accurately or not?

The truth is that in Guanajuato, there are things within the culture that could be expressed as on-going daily behaviors that characterize a social reality about the citizens of Guanajuato as a whole.

If one has an intermediate to high fluency in Spanish, all one has to do is ask a Guanajuato Mexican, “Why do women shove you out of the way at the carcineria (meat market) and shout their orders over yours when the butcher was obviously waiting on you first?”

Here is the point of all those columns I’ve been writing: No one, and I mean not a soul, who writes expatriation guides about Mexico mentions anything remotely close to these cultural affectations. And I want to know, just why not? These are issues that will throw the American gringo into a culture shock tailspin faster than anything I can imagine.

Is this negative stereotyping? Or is it is the reporting of issues within the culture that could be said to characterize the culture as a whole, a social reality? Most of the issues about which I’ve written have been Guanajuato-specific stereotypes.

Rather than report my assumptions of what I’ve witnessed, rather than make an interpretation through my gringo filters, I have asked Mexicans about these things which have thrown me for a loop before I wrote about them. The issues which I’ve reported in my writing, those things to which the gringos in my town have taken umbrage, I did not write until I got confirmation from other Mexicans living in Guanajuato.

Here’s the thing about getting shoved off the sidewalk. They do this to one another. I’ve talked with Mexicans who have been shoved off the sidewalks, too. We’ve caught and prevented old Mexican ladies from falling who have been shoved off the sidewalks and had been at risk of receiving horrid injuries.

We’ve talked to Guanajuatenses and Mexicans from other regions of the country who now live here about this issue. There are those who have an explanation for this horrible behavior and there are those Mexican who dismiss the citizens of Guanajuato as “antisocial.”

There was a time, I believe, when political correctness did not possess the minds of Americans like a demon needing exorcising. There was a time when a writer could write without the fear of having to make disclaimers concerning his subject matter.

An example of this is when Princess Diana died. Most every television news commentator which I watched said something along the line, “All of London has shown up on the streets of the funeral procession to bid farewell to the Princess.”

Now, let me ask you: Did these television commentators mean literally that “every person without exception was on the London streets to say good-bye to Princess Diana?” What about the old and infirm, the babies just born, the mentally ill or retarded—what about those? Did the commentators mean they were there, too? Or, was the use of a hyperbolic device employed in the commentary to convey an idea?

The statement, if one examined it critically and with a modicum of logic, meant that “a great deal of people, maybe even the majority, of the good people of London, lined the streets in a show of respect toward their beloved Princess Diana.”

There was a time when this would have been understood. But, it would seem, Americans have lost the ability to think. Is that a stereotype? Maybe. But if the fan mail I receive is any indication of how the American gringo population in Mexico thinks in my town of Guanajuato, and the town of San Miguel de Allende, then there is something seriously wrong.

If in my rhetoric I said, “I think every Mexican, without exception, in Guanajuato is such-and-such…” then I would be guilty of false stereotyping.

I’ve not done that.

Those readers who write with their vitriolic and childish schoolyard name-calling ways should have been able to figure out that I do not mean “everyone without exception is _______.” They should be able to discern, without the use of disclaimers, that I mean, “A great deal of the Guanajuatenses I see doing ______.”

They should be able to figure that out.

What s the difference between ordinances and commandments

There seems to be a lot of confusion among Christians about the need to follow the Ten Commandment law of God. Many have been unable to differentiate between the ceremonial law, also called the Ordinances, that were done away with at the cross, and the Ten Commandments, which are eternal. This misunderstanding has led some to conclude that all Ten of the Commandments have been abolished and that we are now “Under Grace not the Law”.

What actually did change at the cross? Were all of the commandments and ordinances abolished? Can we now commit any actions we desire and have them not called sin? The Bible, after all, defines sin as transgressing of the law. As ludicrous as this sounds, many are today preaching that we no longer have to keep the Ten Commandments. This implies that murdering, stealing, committing adultery etc are all okay. They may say in response to such an argument that we should only keep the laws of the land – a view that would explain why over 50% of Christian marriages are today ending in divorce and sex before marriage and adultery are almost as common among Christians, as they are in the secular world.

We need to be able to distinguish between the ceremonial law that was given to the Jews to follow until the coming of the Messiah, and the Ten Commandment law, which God wrote in stone, as an eternal covenant between Himself and man.

All of the ordinances (ceremonial law) were written in Moses’ handwriting and were placed in a pocket at the side of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ten Commandments were written in stone and placed inside the Ark. The Ceremonial law included many special feasts and Holy days, which were all a representation of the work that Christ would do.

The Ceremonial Law, with its sacrificial system, pointed the people to the coming of the Messiah. Every time an animal was sacrificed and it’s blood was shed in the old Jewish temple, it was a reminder to the onlookers that someday a Saviour would come and die for their sins. Hence, John the Baptist pointed to our Lord Jesus Christ and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God”.

When Jesus died on Calvary’s cross, the veil of the great temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the entire ceremonial and sacrificial system was forever finished. No longer did the priests have any need to offer up sacrifices. The One great and perfect Sacrifice was offered that day, when the true Passover Lamb bowed His head and died. When He cried out, “It is finished”, the old Ceremonial Law, that pointed the people to His sacrificial death, was nailed to the cross.

This had also been foretold in Bible prophecy by the prophet Daniel, over six hundred years before the birth of Christ. He wrote Dan 9:27 “And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (seven literal years, according to prophetic terms): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…”.

In relation to the Ten Commandment law, Jesus Himself said Mat 5:18 “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”.

All Bible references are from the King James Version.

What is medium density fiberboard and what is it good for

Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is type of wood that is similar to particleboard. It is made out of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. Medium density fiberboard can be used for a variety of projects because of its characteristic it is smooth and uniform consistency. It also will not warp which makes it an ideal choice for cabinetry and molding projects. The MDF is often used in place of plank wood, particleboard or high density fiberboard because when sawed it produces a fine even edge. Because of how smooth the surface is, it takes well to painting and only needs a primer and two coats of paint to have an attractive finish unlike some other wood products that may require more sanding and additional coats of paint. Because it does not warp, it is also used quite a bit in bathrooms for cabinets or in other high humidity applications.

Home builders, cabinet makers and carpenters use medium density fiberboard for furniture, shelving, flooring, molding and doors. The wood is very versatile and can be used for a number of applications. It is used often for doors because it insulates sound and heat very well. Taken in conjunction with its smooth surface and ability to take paint well, it is an ideal material for doors. The wood is also very flexible in the type of treatments that it can take such as nailing, gluing, screwing or stapling. The only drawback to medium density fiberboard is the resin that is used to strengthen the wood. This resin contains formaldehyde so care should be taken when cutting it to reduce the amount of dust that is airborne. Try to reduce exposure to MDF whenever possible.

When medium density fiberboard is used for cabinets and other wood working projects, it is very often covered in a veneer or laminate of real wood to disguise the MDF, especially along edges that may be visible. MDF is also a great wood to use for those who are environmentally conscious. Because it is made from scraps and other waste products it is friendlier to the environment. Instead of these items going to a land fill they are recycled.

Can kids cruise too

What is the best way to travel with your kids to exotic or unusual destinations without dealing with multiple plane rides and dragging luggage day after day? Go on a cruise! Kids can definitely cruise, especially these days. Kids are big business and cruise lines, more and more, are catering to the younger crowd.

Research the various cruise lines. Ask your local travel agent for ideas. Many cruise ships allow children, but may not necessarily cater to their needs and interests. The great thing about cruises is that families can hang out, spend some quality time together and do a ton of activities all in one spot. It’s a relatively stress-free time because the kids can’t wander off … you know they are somewhere on the ship.

When traveling with the family, you are always conscious of your budget. One reason cruises are becoming more popular is because of the cost. For one price, you get food, transportation, accommodations, great entertainment, many ship activities and special programs just for kids. Also, there are often cruising specials where kids can cruise for free.

Cruise ships offer a secure place for kids to have fun and play while the parents partake of the ship’s many adult activities. Child care is taken care of and many times the cruise ship will offer beepers for kids and parents to keep track of each other. Youth counselors (sort of like the counselors you get at a summer camp) are on board to keep children active with many activities like crafts, sports, movies and more.

If you are unsure what the cruise line offers for children, there are a few basic questions you can ask your local travel agent. First of all, are there age restrictions? As with other businesses that offer discounts for smaller children, does yours meet the criteria for any price breaks? Do the ship destinations have activities suited for kids? Are there any special activities for kids?

If you have small children, be sure to ask if there are cribs or beds available for youngsters. How big are the cabins? This is a deciding factor on if you should try and book two cabins that have adjoining doors. Are there menus designed specifically for kids? Sometimes, ships may have several dining times. Ask if there is a certain dining hour that is best for families with children.

Availability of children’s activities could be a deciding factor on booking a cruise. What kind of activities are there for kids? Will there be lifeguards specifically for the children? Do kids have their own pool to swim in? Check into babysitting services and any extra fees. Parents may want to take a break from the kids and have a dinner date alone or go dancing.

Before making a decision, do your homework on what the best cruise is for your family. Keep the timing of your family vacation in mind as well. Spring breaks and other holidays from school are busy periods for a cruise line. If you want to set sail during one of these times, you may have to book up to a year in advance. Once you get on that ship however, be prepared to leave your worries behind and have fun with your kids.

3 secrets to increasing traffic in the new year

Now that 2006 has arrived, it is the habit of many people to make a resolution for the New Year. While many people focus on self-improvement, some opt to make resolutions about their business. Usually this involves a resolution to increase their revenue for their online business.

But did you know that it is actually quite easy to increase your online revenue?

The trick is to drive more traffic to your Internet business(es). As you know by now, more traffic generally means more money.

No matter what type of site you have, your success hinges on getting as much traffic as possible. But like many online business owners, you have probably exhausted many sources for increasing traffic.

Recently I have found three incredible ways to drive more traffic to your site. The good news is that all these methods are not being done by many webmasters.

So if you want to increase traffic for 2006, be sure to use each of the following three traffic-building mechanisms:

1- Data Feeds

Do you like the idea of creating hundreds, even thousand of pages of legitimate content?

With a data feed, this is possible.

Many online businesses utilize data feeds as a way to help their affiliates. If you are not familiar with this concept, a data feed is file that contains a list of products, descriptions and prices for individual items that are sold by a company.

With a data feed, you can create a specific content page for each product. So if an affiliate program has thousands of products, then you can create thousands of pages of quality content. As you probably know, the more content usually leads to more traffic.

Data feeds are great for getting natural search engine traffic because they list specific products that people are looking

for. If you can find a data feed that is related to your specific website, then you can easily generate more natural traffic for your online business.

2- Viral eBooks

Another tool that can dramatically increase your website traffic is a viral ebook or report. Most of the time, a viral ebook is a PDF that people send to their contacts, which contains your marketing message. It is called viral because every person that receives the ebook is given a reason to pass along your material.

Before starting a viral marketing campaign, it is important to create a reason why people will want to pass along your marketing message. Some of the best reasons can include simple greed or a desire to provide entertaining information to their friends. If you can develop a hook that will take advantage of either of these, then it will be easy to create a successful viral marketing campaign.

What I usually do is create a special 5 to 10 page report on a specific topic. Then I find an affiliate program that is related to the topic. Then I create a mechanism where people can easily brand this ebook with their own affiliate link.

This type of viral ebook is valuable because you can place a mini advertisement or sponsorship on every copy. In addition,

you can let the reader know that he or she can make money by offering this viral ebook. As a result, there is a chance that every person that reads the book will click over to your site.

3-Blogs

By now, you have probably heard about the power of blogs. If you haven’t created one, then you should use the New Year to take advantage of this traffic pulling tool

With blogs, you are providing your audience with fresh new content about your topic. People love to read them, because most

blogs contain new information in an entertaining and easy-to-read format.

The best part about blogs is how much they are valued by search engines. The majority of search engines consider any information on a blog to be important current news, so they pay special attention to articles listed there. As a result, you can use blogs to drive a larger portion of traffic to your Internet business.

For 2006 you should make a resolution to get more traffic to your site. By implementing these three tools into your marketing mix, you will discover that your web traffic (and income) will dramatically increase.

Seven steps to de-clutter your home for sale

Your home may be in good condition and well built, yet simple clutter will create a perception of chaos, confusion, and disorder. The purchase decision is an emotional and intellectual response, based on a level of trust in your home. When buyers see clutter, they assume that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This perception undermines your home's market value.

De-cluttering is an essential part of your preparation, and is virtually cost free. This activity is goes hand in hand with moving. Before you put your home on the market, have a garage sale, throw some things out, and box stuff up. Your move will be easier, and you will create an open, spacious, simplified look that buyers love. If you need support, a local home staging service can work with your furniture and create a whole new look. When it comes to selling your home, less is truly more.

1) Front Yard

De-cluttering starts with your front yard. Make sure the yard is mowed and edged, and remove toys, junk piles, empty flower pots, etc.

An evenly cut yard is pleasing to the eye. Fertilize the grass a month or two ahead.

Overgrown, woody shrubs give an old, tired look. Trim or remove them.

Do not allow shrubs to cover windows. They block light on the interior, and give an appearance of crowding on the exterior.

Coil hoses and place any tools inside the garage.

Find a place to store extra cars or boats - other than the front of your house.

De-clutter flower beds. Mulch is inexpensive (about $2.00 per bag), and does wonders to simplify garden beds, especially in winter when plants are thin. Add flowers on the porch or in beds if weather permits.

Too many flowerpots are distracting - use a few large pots with healthy plants.

Never have empty pots or dead plants sitting around.

Dried wreaths may be used on doors in winter, for a simple focal point.

2) Entry

The buyers' first impression is critical, and shapes their attitude throughout the showing.

Invest in a brand new welcome mat.

Stains, scratches and dirty spots create distractions to the eye, and are a form of clutter. Clean, paint, and eliminate as many of these as possible.

Pay close attention to your front door. Is it dirty, darkened by mildew, or in need of re-finishing?

Fresh paint or stain will make a huge difference.

Consider having your whole house power washed to remove stains, spider webs and other clutter.

The foyer should be clear of shoes, coats, or excess items on the walls.

Create a single focal point in the entry with an attractive table or painting.

3) Living Areas

Rooms should be sparsely furnished to appear larger and lighter.

The garage or an off-site storage room can be used to hold extra pieces of furniture.

Move large pieces of equipment - drums, telescopes, exercise equipment, etc. - to the garage or off-site.

Do not allow furniture to block windows, doorways, or traffic patterns through rooms.

Do not allow wires to cross traffic patterns.

Choose one or two elements as the main points of interest in a room - wood floors, a view, a table or piece of furniture, a nicely made bed, etc.

Too many personal collections and photographs are distracting for buyers.

Buyers must be able to imagine their own family in the home.

A few decorative items or photographs on tables are fine, but reduce these to just a few nice pieces.

Remove hunting trophies. They can be overwhelming in a small room, and may bother some buyers.

Large plants often take up too much space. Allow only a few healthy plants in the house.

Bookshelves add a warm touch to a room, but be sure that they are not overloaded.

Place books so that the backs are even. Lay some books horizontally, and leave open space for art

objects.

Open window blinds and leave on a few lamps for pleasant lighting.

4) Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and plays an important part in attracting the heart of a buyer. This is an active area that usually needs special attention.

Clean, evenly finished cabinetry is a must. Add new paint or stain, if necessary.

Benjamin Moore Paints has a product called "Howard's Restore-a-finish" that works wonders on scratched or worn cabinets.

New cabinet pulls are an inexpensive item that can help tie the room together in terms of colors and finishes.

Remove purely functional items - such as baking pans, small appliances, vitamins, phone books, plastic bags, etc.

Do not have notes or photos on the refrigerator.

Clear the counters completely, then add back a few decorator items.

Choose decorative pieces that contribute to a warm, elegant, organized look.

Some suggestions: Flowers, fruit, cookbooks, wine, bowls, antiques, new dish towels, small designer appliances, etc.

Often the area under the sink needs organizing and cleaning.

Never leave trash containers out in the kitchen.

5) Bathrooms

It is important to de-clutter bathrooms to give them a touch of elegance or romance.

Keep in mind that you will give up some privacy during the marketing period.

Start by removing everything from the counters.

Remove any toilet brushes or cleaners that are visible.

Put items that you use daily - toothbrushes, soaps, razors - in a container, and place the container inside in a cabinet.

Decorate with fresh soaps, flowers, bowls, photos, or designer bath items.

Invest in new towels and fold them carefully.

Never leave medicines, money, x rated magazines, jewelry, guns, or personal possessions of this type on display.

6) Bedrooms

Bedrooms should appear restful and serene. Sparsely furnished is best.

Use your best covers, or invest in new ones if yours are worn.

Clear off bedside tables, and add back just a few books or nice items.

Bedside lamps add a warm ambience for showings.

Remove excess paintings or photos from the walls.

In some cases, old curtains do more harm than good. Take them down and clean the windows for a fresh look.

Children's bedrooms usually need to be simplified. Take down posters and box up toys. Avoid an overcrowded look.

7) Closets

Organize your pantry with everything facing forward. Remove excess food and containers.

Relieve your closets if they are stuffed. Pack items that are not needed.

The laundry room often functions as a spill over room with junk on the shelves. Clear everything out, and have just a few soap boxes visible.

Often sellers have organized their homes to express themselves - their travels, collections, interests, favorite colors and unique tastes. However, when selling a home, the goal is just the opposite. It is to create a clean, simple background that many different buyers would like to move into. Excess items and clutter confuses and distracts buyers during showings. They should not be required to “look past” your possessions. They are there to see if your house fits them, and their emotional level response is a strong factor in their decision. Warm, clean, simple, spacious, well lighted, neutral - and uncluttered - these are the keys to getting the best price for your home.

Pressure washer concrete cleaning equipment

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Pressure Washer Concrete Cleaning Equipment
By Lance Winslow

Cleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way and a hard way. There is one thing you need to understand when you are pressure washer cleaning concrete; the concrete cannot always be made to look brand new again after it has been stained. You can always get stains lighter or bleached but completely removing it is very difficult, sometimes you get lucky, but if you are looking for perfection, chances are you will be underwhelmed. So when talking to customers let them know up front and explain this to them otherwise they will be asking for a job that just can't be done unless the entire concrete slab is ripped up and re-poured.

Let’s talk about equipment that is needed for this type of work. Remember safety is always important when working with a pressure washer. Some times there are chemicals involved in cleaning some stains. Thus, you should always use some type of eye protection. Also, when you are using chemicals you need to wear jeans to protect your legs. Chemicals made for concrete are very strong and should not be toyed with. Would a person rather work with dry feet or wet? It is recommended that you get rubber waders or some type of rubber boot. They will keep your feet from getting wet and keep them from getting burned by the 250 degree water.

Orange cones are also important to have for this job. These help make people visually aware that you are there if you are in a high traffic area or where there are a lot of contract workers at say a newly constructed house that needs the concrete cleaned. This makes everyone around you safe and you are helping prevent accidents. Of course you are going to need a Hydro-Twister for this job. You can technically do the job with a wand but it will take a lot more time and water, not to mention you can cause streaking if you are not using even strokes across the slab of concrete. Most of the new hot water pressure washers have an option of a hydro twister type unit but if you don't have one and or you need a second unit we recommend that you go to buy one. When buying a hydro twister buy the larger of the two. There my be only a 5 inch difference in surface coverage but it is well worth it when you are trying to save time without cutting corners. Especially if you are cleaning concrete at a construction site or a large retail type box store, there is a lot of concrete and the faster you clean it the more money you will make. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; WorldThinkTank. net/wttbbs

Article Source: EzineArticles. com/

Philippine property agent says the brits are coming

Beth Collingz, Overseas Sales Director, PLC International Marketing Networks, whom are the lead marketing partners for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, said the number of people buying abroad rises by as much as 30 per cent in the autumn months.

We have this trend of seasonal activity in the overseas property market over the last few years especially from UK market. Statistics from UK Estate Agents showed that from 2004 and 2006 the number of British people who owned a second home abroad soared from 550,000 to 800,000. With a further 5.5 million Brits estimated to be wanting to live abroad, UK buyers are increasingly being tempted by the different cultures, lifestyles and often improved standard of living that other countries, including the Philippines, can offer said Collingz

Collingz said historical sales figures show that the number of people buying property in the Philippines has a significant peak in the early autumn as many people use their summer holidays to hunt for their ideal second home. Interest in buying abroad can quickly strengthen after a few weeks back in Europe as the days shorten and the weather takes a turn for the worse. PLC has been anticipating the arrival of the British overseas property buyer in the Philippines and sees the UK market, rather than the US, as the place to sell their Condotel units over the next 6 months. Our PLC Global property portal has already seen increased traffic for September from UK buyers and estate agents who want to buy or market our Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotel suites to a UK audience.

UK Tax Payers are also taking advantage of tax incentives and Investing their Self-Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] In Philippine Condotel Investment Real Estate for Rental Income and Retirement. Collingz explained that the Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] is a personal pension plan but with one very significant difference: administration is separate from investment content, giving the plan holder freedom to choose for himself and change the investments within it. The long-awaited rules on what savers can include in their personal pension plans were unveiled in April 2006 by HM Revenue & Customs. The Guidance Notes confirm that the Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] allows holders to invest in hotels such as the Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in the Philippines. The only stipulation is that SIPP holders may not stay in their rooms. With more nights available for paying guests, this not surprisingly increases the room owners' returns. It is estimated there are now more than 70,000 plans holding over Ј14bn.

A year or so ago, few people in the UK realized that they could manage their Pension Plan portfolios themselves, and even fewer knew that they could invest their SIPP retirement money in homes in the sun which now prove to be among the most popular potential investments to include in a SIPP

If you’re considering using your SIPP to invest in real estate, there are some excellent reasons that you should choose Philippine Condotel Investment real estate to drive your retirement portfolio into high profit margins. The Philippines is ideal for this type of investment because a SIPP can establish title to a property in a country whose legal framework recognizes trusts and a SIPP is simply another form of trust.

Investing in foreign real estate is neither as risky nor as tricky as a lot of people would have you believe. While land and housing prices in the U. K. have soared astronomically in the past decade, the world real estate market is a far different story. It’s still possible to buy a preconstruction Condotel suite at Lancaster The Atrium located in Metro Manila, Philippines, for less than GBP Ј25,000.00

Lancaster - The Atrium is a "Full Service" Condominium Hotel offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, and will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes [at current purchase levels] of some 8-14% ROI per annum as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condotel Management. This makes Lancaster Suites one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines.

The beauty of holding property in the Philippines is the low cost of property taxes and maintenance. A GBP Ј25,000 Condotel suite may set you back GBP Ј100 in property taxes per year, and maintenance costs are similarly low. When you add in the tax-protected status of investments made in your IRA, and the 12-16% returns through rental income through the Condotel advantage, you have an incredible ROI on a purchase of Philippine Condotel investment real estate enthused Collingz.

What’s the downside about owning Philippine Condotel Investment real estate as an SIPP investment? You cannot reside at your investment property as long as the SIPP is titled as the owner of the property. The self directed pension plan rules about benefiting personally from your investments are strict - you are not allowed to make use of any property owned by your SIPP, or you risk losing its tax-protected status and worse yet you could face penalties from HM Customs & Excise. You can, however, rent out your SIPP investment for steady income - putting the profits and cash flow into your SIPP, or sell your Philippine Real Estate Investment for immediate profit, as long as those profits remain inside the SIPP.

If you’re looking for an unusual and high earning investment for your SIPP, then take a serious look at owning Philippine Condotel investment real estate. It can help kick your SIPP earnings into high gear. With an impending slowdown of the UK. housing market and failing pension plans, many investors are turning to using their SIPP’s to invest in overseas properties and earn tax-free or tax-deferred income. This creates an outstanding opportunity for by offering self-directed pension plan vehicle to invest in the Lancaster Suites Atrium Tower preconstruction units.

With preconstruction property appreciating at some 20-30% per annum not only does the Real Estate Appreciation look good but the rental income is in excess of what many Pension Plans offer for the same or similar investment.

Beth Collingz says that many new investors are looking to replace failed pension plans and other future saving schemes with a solid investment in Real Estate. Clients are looking for investments that will give them an income for retirement as an alternative to traditional private pension plans that have failed. Most company pension plans are insufficient as are Government Pensions. Bank rates for Savings accounts are at record lows. Savvy investors are now looking for a more solid investment with potential for monthly income. Condotels in the Philippines fit the bill.

This potential, high rates of rental returns from Condotel Investments, currently from 8% up to 14% per annum, opens up a huge market not traditionally looked at by Real Estate Agents and Brokers whom all so often run around looking for normal residential profile buyers without looking at the by far bigger picture of investments, investing and retirement. "We’re here to help our clients, educating our clients and advising them of emerging investment opportunities. Self-Invested Pension Plans and the Lancaster Suites Atrium Condotels, fit this bill exactly; adds Collingz.

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Lune de miel en mer

Il est loin du temps du Titanic, avec sa carapace majestueuse, sa luxure, son confort, ses services а bord! Dйtrompez vous, les paquebots de croisiиres existants de nos jours ne font que reprendre l'idйe du Titanic, avec des matiиres plus simples mais d'avantage confortables et fiables. De plus, l'idйe des jeux dйjа prйsente а bord du Titanic a йtй reprise а bord de la majoritй des bateaux avec la mise en place de salles de casinos et leur fameuses tables de craps pour des parties pleines d'йmotions et s'amuser lorsque le bateau reste en mer.

Nul bateau ne peut vous кtre recommandй plus qu'un autre du fait que cela dйpend entiиrement de vos goыts, de vos attentes et de votre objectif, culturel ou romantique. La destination dйpendant йnormйment de vous, le bateau amarrй pour cette croisiиre l'est donc йgalement. Pour cela, les listes ne seraient кtre complиtes.

Les navires les plus connus sont les suivants:

1) Voyager of the seas:

Destination les Antilles. Ce paquebot est le plus grand au monde, et nous faisons grand usage de l'espace disponible. Vous y trouverez plus d'activitйs et d'expйriences que vous ne pouvez imaginer. Un mur d'escalade vous attend pour pouvoir pratiquer votre souplesse et votre rйflexion et dйcouvrir l'ocйan sus un angle nouveau. Au dйpart de Miami, des escales sont prйvues а Nassau, Saint Thomas, San Juan, Labadie, et deux journйes en mer avant un retour au lieu de dйpart. Dйcouvrez йgalement la fameuse patinoire oщ vous pourrez boire un bon chocolat. La vie nocturne y est йgalement de mise: les boutiques, les cafйs et autres animations du s'ouvrent а vous. Danser jusqu'au bout de la nuit au Jesters, une boоte de nuit entraоnante rйpartie sur deux йtages.

2) Jewel of the Seas:

Mis en service en mai 2004, le Jewel of the Seas est caractйrisйs par l'allure innovante des super yachts. Il possиde un design avancй avec ses grandes surfaces vitrйes dans les espaces publics et des ascenseurs de verre donnant sur l'ocйan. Au choix, voyagez sur ce paquebot autour des Caraпbes ou dйcouvrez l'Europe Transatlantique. Le "must" des Caraпbes vous attend aux escales de Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Georgetown, et en mer. Pour les amoureux de l'Europe, des escales inattendues vous permettront de dйcouvrir Oslo Copenhague et Hambourg sous un jour nouveau, ou encore, toute la Scandinavie, ses fjords et la Russie grвce а des visites а Harwich, Oslo, Copenhague, Stockholm, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, et Tallinn.

3) Explorer of the Seas:

En route vers les Antilles. Ce paquebot, regroupant les caractйristiques du Voyager of The Seas, vous plongera dans un profond dйpaysement au choix, de la Floride au Bahamas, aux Caraпbes, au Mexique, ou encore au bermudes. Vous pourrez, le temps d'une escale, dйcouvrir aussi bien Fort Lauderdale, Labadie, Ocho Rios au Mexique, que Miami, Belize City, Costa Maya, Cozumel, et Georgetown pour dйcouvrir le charme des Caraпbes.

4) Monarch of the Seas:

De taille йquivalente а la Statue de la Libertй, ce paquebot vous offre la libertй de vous lever avec le soleil, la libertй de laisser les enfants en sйcuritй grвce au programme pour les enfants а bord. Ce paquebot vous laissera rкver au travers de ses croisiиres sensationnelles au Mexique. Dйcouvrez les villes de Los Angeles, San Diego, Ile Catalina, et Ensenada en cinq jours. Cinq jours de dйpaysement garantis.

Program puts students on path to success

Parents and teachers at Lexington Elementary School in Monroe, La., feared their school was slipping into mediocrity or worse. Attendance rates and standardized test scores were dipping. Suspensions were rising.

So school administrators implemented Lions Quest, a life-skills program. After taking part in workshops, teachers worked with students on relationship skills and responsible decision-making. They set high academic expectations and coordinated service learning projects in the community.

After five years, a remarkable turnabout took place. The test scores were the highest in the district, as were the attendance rates.

"We can see and feel the difference," said principal Lynn Hodge. "Our students are more responsible. They can listen and work together."

Teachers from across the nation report similarly positive results with Lions Quest. The program trains those teaching kindergarten through 12th grade to teach responsibility, conflict resolution, communication skills and the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Participating schools also receive books and materials.

Lions Quest is sponsored by Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization. To date, more than 11 million youths have taken part in a Lions Quest classroom and more than 333,000 educators and other adults have been trained by Lions Quest. Government agencies and educational groups have given Lions Quest high ratings.

Lions Quest students show improved achievement test scores; positive changes in attitudes toward substance abuse and violence; lower rates of disciplinary problems and dropping out; and decreased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, according to studies done over the last 20 years.

Two years ago, Westside High School in Memphis, Tenn., was stunned by the death of a 15-year-old student in a gang initiation fight in a school bathroom. Westside students involved in Lions Quest organized an assembly decrying the violence, set up peer support groups and performed community service activities.

Westside quickly rebounded.

"The students at Westside don't have a lot of choices in terms of student leadership," said teacher Nancy Byrd. "Lions Quest gave them the opportunity to step forward and participate."

The growing popularity of cellular phones

The creation of technological advances has made communication easier and more convenient on our part. People used to think that the telephone was the ultimate invention in terms of advance communication but then the information age has brought with it the internet and the mobile phone which makes us wonder of what would be coming next in the near future.

In today’s modern age, one cannot count the many ways that we could communicate with other people. Long gone were the days when we had to make our calls at home or at work through the use of the telephone. Even if you are on the street, on the bus, or on top of the Empire State Building you can literally call anybody or receive calls for that matter.

It has been observed that there has been a significant growth in the number of cellular phone users all over the world. Millions worldwide use this device as their main mode of communication to keep in touch with family, friends and people at work.

The growing popularity of cellular phones is due to the fact that they are wireless, light weight and very practical. It allows people to make calls and be called from literally anywhere (within the network coverage area of course). Some phones can have batteries with standby time of up to a week and talk time of several hours even up to a day.

When the very first cellular phones were created, they use to be heavy, bulky and had a short battery time. But now, we can find lots of cellular phones that are handy, slim, and small. They even come with ultra hip features that may include a built in MP3 player, built-in camera of up to 3 mega pixels, wireless access to the internet and a whole lot of other great features. We can even find GPRS and 3G technologies being used by cellular phone networks.

Before, only the affluent could afford to have a cellular phone because aside from the unit itself being expensive, availing of the mobile operator’s services were quite costly. But now, with the onset of many companies venturing into this industry and the creation of cheap and affordable mobile phones, cellular phones have been made more affordable.

The means of communication available has truly adapted to the ways of the modern people who are more mobile, outgoing and always on the run.

Gourmet chocolates make a fantastic gift

A wonderful box of chocolates would make a fantastic gift for your sweetheart or good friend, but if want to make a massive impression on them try buying a assortment of chocolates that are made in many countries. This is great way to create a gift that is out of the ordinary, and is sure to impress.

Foreign chocolates are simple to buy these days.

Finding chocolates that are manufactured in different countries of the world is not really that difficult. There are a lot of good supermarkets and gourmet chocolate stores who have selections from all around the globe. In Chicago there is a store called Treasure Island which is a fantastic place to looking for international types of chocolates. The store is laid out in different sections, with each section selling a different countries products[c] its just amazing.

It can be said, the most famous manufacturers, other than Hershey's found in the market, will be Swiss chocolate, in particular Lindt chocolates. Swiss chocolate is so popular and prevalent, not only will it be sold in the supermarkets, but it'll probably be shelved in the general aisle with all the other chocolates (as opposed to the specialized sections). So finding gourmet chocolate and gourmet chocolate products is very simple.

Belgium, French and Polish chocolate is also relatively natural to come across when visiting the stores, but a great variety to search for is German, in particular Kinder chocolate. Fairly more daunting to find (though I've found some in local supermarkets), Kinder chocolate is very good, and the different varieties are particularly interesting most notably the Kinder eggs a hollow chocolate egg (like for Easter), with a small toy inside. The egg is a cute variation on the usual chocolate egg, and could be a fun gift for adults and children alike.

Also another cool place to look for chocolates from other parts of the world is to go the different areas in your city. Chinatown is an absolute treasure trove of amazing, colorful chocolates, very often wrapped and sold in cool designs including a adorable line of cookie koala bears filled with gorgeous chocolate. Mexican stores are also a great place to find unusual chocolates that may not be on sale at the local candy store.

One point to consider when buying your chocolates from your local gourmet chocolates store, is that not only do you have many choices of chocolates to choose from, you will be supporting the local economy as well.

Gourmet chocolates candy and much more.

Quality gourmet chocolates are most often created by master chocolate makers, so can you imagine the taste of their creations like chocolate truffles, butter creams, pralines and much more. Now stop imagining, and go out and buy yourself a real treat.

How your daily life can change the world

Today's world is reaching a crisis point, and while many of our social structures are still intact for this moment, there will come a time when major changes will need to occur in the way we are living our lives on a day to day basis. This bold statement is shared not to create alarm and fear, but rather to awaken a sense of responsibility within all of us. This awakening has already begun, and most people are now aware that our current way of life is causing harm to the precious Earth we live on. The question now for many of us is ... what can I do?

Our lives are already chock full of challenges. Just managing the day to day realities of life is for many of us a full time job. The growing complexities of life that have developed from the accelerated pace of change can at times feel overwhelming. We hear news reports of natural disasters, wars, poverty, disease, environmental pollution, and a seemingly endless number of new challenges ... the amount of overwhelm can cause us to numb ourselves, and shut ourselves off from the realities that are happening around us.

How then do we help our struggling world? What can we do? The answer to this question lies within our hearts, and is much bigger and more important than we may realize. There are certain obvious things that we can do on a daily basis to conserve energy, recycle, and be more environmentally conscious. Thankfully, more and more people are stepping up and creating change in their daily habits in this way. This helps a great deal towards beginning to reverse the cycle of abuse to the Earth and lack of respect for her resources. There is a larger change that needs to happen however, that is at the root of the world's problems. It is one that we all participate in unless we choose not to, and this has to do with our consciousness.

Consciousness? How can that affect the world situation? You may be wondering just how changing our awareness can affect things. Isn't that in the realm of the metaphysical, for people who wear robes and chant and do strange spiritual practices? Dearest ones, taking responsibility for our consciousness is not just for those with a spiritual awareness. Our consciousness affects the world we live in, whether we are aware of it or not. The thoughts and energy we put into the world have an impact, and our consciousness creates the actions and choices we make on a daily basis.

Just how did the world get into the state that it is in now? It all started with where our collective consciousness has been. Humanity has been involved in developing our individuality, and in experiencing the world of physical reality without much attention to the larger whole of which we are a part. This was a necessary step in our evolution, but now times have changed. We've gone as far as we can in developing our individuality and unique identities.

Unfortunately, as we've explored our individuality, we have made choices that do not take into account the affects that our actions have on the larger whole. We've chosen to use energy resources that are finite, and that cause pollution of the Earth. We've chosen farming practices that remove the essential ingredients from our food, in favor of mass production. The lack of nutrients from our food has increased our health problems, but our healing practices have attempted to fix the symptoms without addressing the root causes. We've chosen to pursue individual wealth that brings prosperity to us and our families, but leaves the majority of humankind suffering in poverty and starvation.

All of these challenges we now face started with a consciousness that had forgotten our essential connections to the larger whole of life. We are divine beings that entered into physical reality in order to learn, and now at this crucial time in the evolution of humanity, we are beginning to learn how to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the Earth. We are beginning to learn that our thoughts create our reality, and that what we think and feel matters as much as what we do.

One of the great spiritual truths shared with us by all spiritual teachers and religions is that we are all connected. We are a part of God, who lives within us. In the same way, all others in our world are equally a part of God, and are an essential part of the essential whole of life. Therefore, if we harm another, we ultimately harm ourselves. If we prevent others from receiving what they need, we limit ourselves because we are constricting the free flow of God's light and life force.

These concepts are not new, but they have been mostly in the background of human consciousness, which up until this point was focused on pursuing more individualized goals. Times have changed, and now the only solution that can be found to the problems of today's world is to work together, and to reconnect ourselves with our divine eternal nature as souls.

When we are no longer separated from the divine source of all light and love, our relationship with ourselves and with others changes. We are no longer alone, seeking to get our needs met, and competing with others who all are trying to get their needs met. Instead, we go within to connect with our hearts, to understand who we are, and what our purpose is for being on the Earth at this time. Each soul is present on the Earth for a reason, and when we discover and fulfill that purpose, our life makes a positive contribution to the world and in the process our own needs are met and fulfilled.

When we realize that our consciousness matters and has an impact on others, we take responsibility for our thoughts as well as our actions. Are you holding a grudge towards someone in your life? With an awakened consciousness, you realize that holding on to this grudge is creating a blockage in the free flow of light and love in your life, and you take steps to heal this pain you are carrying. You may not be able to let go of the pain right away, but your intention to let go, rather than to hold on, opens up the energy of healing. In the larger network of human consciousness, you've just created a small pocket of light and love, which enters the atmosphere of the Earth and strengthens the love and light present in the world. This small pocket is like a candle, which lights other candles that it comas into contact with.

On the other hand, if you choose to hold on to your anger, blame, judgment and so on, the emotions you are holding onto contribute to the cloud of negative energy that is present around the Earth during this time. You feel entitled to be angry, and refuse to budge. You may even act out your feelings and create disharmony or even harm to others. In this way your choice contributes to this very same energy pattern which is prevalent in so many of today's world conflicts and wars. Anger, blame, judgment, entitlement, and the unwillingness to compromise are all fed by the daily thoughts and feelings of others.

Do you see the choice you have each day, and at each moment? Your consciousness either adds to or detracts from the presence of love and light on the Earth. The love creates a feeling of harmony, and of possibilities and hope. The love opens up new possibilities and ideas, and can help us find creative solutions to the world problems.

You are a part of this love, and your daily choices can support and strengthen the many positive actions of change now happening in the world. In this way your daily life can change the world, and can help others to awaken, heal and contribute positively as well. You are blessed to be present at this monumental time in the Earth's history, with an unprecedented opportunity to grow, learn, heal, transform, and to participate in creating a New Earth.

New age spirituality morning has been all night coming part 46

“He always sermonizes like that to me, Marla,” I said as we slid into the back seat. The driver closed the door and we were off. On my right sat my old friend Gideon and on my left the enchanting Marla.

“Where are we going, Gideon?” I asked.

“To the Restaurant at the Edge of Eternity,” he answered. “The what at the edge of where?” I blurted out, with surprise.

Marla added, “We figured it would be fun taking a break from your everyday work, John. That’s precisely why Gideon and I chose this restaurant. It really isn’t at the edge of eternity. Eternity, of course, has no edge — no endings, no beginnings. It just is. And the restaurant? It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a total entertainment system. Many of our friends visit it on their return from special assignments. You’ll love it, J. H.”

“And just where is this restaurant, Marla? Or shouldn’t I ask?”

This time Gideon replied, “You’ve traveled with us before, John, so you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s not a regular restaurant. Very shortly we’ll experience what is called a ‘trans-dimensional skip’ and, before you can blink an eye, we’ll be there. No problem, we have reservations, you know.”

“I have some reservations, too,” I said, inferring quite a different intent.

There are those times when it’s useless trying to obtain more information from Gideon. This was one of them. I had a feeling of expectancy and a strange sense of adventure. Gideon, Marla and I had indeed traveled to many places in different time periods, but that was a long time ago, and I had already forgotten most of them. Yet, here we were again on one of our extra-terrestrial or interdimensional jaunts. Somehow, my initial uneasiness had begun to dissipate.

To read the rest of the story visit spiritual-simplicity. com

Solving common dsl internet slowdowns

The speed and accessibility of the Internet has greatly increased due in no small part to DSL technology. Only cable can claim faster speeds in the consumer market, and not in all circumstances. User can now access the Internet at incredible speeds at affordable prices that in the recent past would have simply been impossible.

As is often the case, the more advanced a technology becomes, the more easily it breaks down. Although a great Internet service, DSL is subject to this problem as well. It doesn't take a great deal to cause a serious DSL slowdown, and they can be difficult to fix.

When dial up Internet access was the only Internet service available, slowdowns were less obvious. Since everything was equally slow it would usually take a dropped connection before a dial-up users perceived a problem. Now customers are used to a higher level of service, and slowdowns can be painfully obvious. The most common areas where DSL Internet access slowdowns occur are the phone line and the computer.

Phone Line Slowdowns:

Distance from the local phone company exchange is a factor in how fast a DSL connection can get. The further away a user is, the lower the transfer rate. Although there are signal amplifiers and filters that can mitigate this problem, it has not completely gone away. It is possible to be so far away from the exchange that service is impossible.

It seems now that the direct line that feeds a users house is more often a DSL Internet issue in an area where access is available. Load coils, resistive crosses, and line taps can all create line noise. Line noise will slow a DSL connection, if not prevent a connection all together. The consumer can do little to correct most line noise, and it should e recommended that the user's phone company be notified and request a line test. FCC regulations require a certain level of line quality, and is that is not met it is the phone company's responsibility to fix this problem.

External devices can also cause line noise. Phones, televisions, fax machines and other devices can cause disruptions in DSL service. Although these devices create only a small amount of noise, it is cumulative. If one of these devices is defective or old the noise can get bad fast. If you are having trouble with a DSL connection and believe it might be noise from external devices, unplug everything from the phone lines except the DSL modem and try your download speeds. Be sure to use the line filters that came with the DSL modem, as these are designed to help decrease line noise.

Computer Issues

The computer itself is the most likely problem area of any DSL connection. Hardware and software configurations are limitless, and among them are set ups that simply wont work. Add the possibility of spyware, viruses and worms and you have a multitude of possible issues.

It is likely that very old computers cannot process information at the speeds DSL connections can serve it up. This can really slowdown a fast download, and cause a severe bottleneck. This can be identified by the severe slowing down of all computer processes when downloading files.

Worms, viruses, and spyware cab all slow down a DSL Internet connection. This problem can be easily fixed with a good anti-virus product like Norton or McAfee. Both of these packages have Auto-Protect features that scan anything stored on the computer. Although Auto-Protect can cause slight slowdowns, it is well worth it.

The benefit of using tracking tools

When it comes to marketing on the internet you have to have some way to track your efforts. There are many tracking programs you can use to track your advertising. These tracking tools are invaluable and something you must have in order to be successful in internet business.

Internet marketing is difficult because of the shear size of the internet. With so many websites and so many places people can go, it can be hard to find customers. Part of your marketing efforts should be spent trying new places where your customers may be found.

When trying out new advertising locations, you have to have some way to track how successful they are. Tracking programs will help you monitor your advertising and will provide you with the information you need so you can decide if an ad campaign is working or not.

Tracking programs work by cataloging traffic as it comes to your website. The tracking program can tell where the visitor came from and many times they can tell if the visitor is a first time or a repeat customer. The program then keeps a log for you.

When you look at the log you can tell what ads are bringing in the most business. It is a simple way for you to see what ads you should keep up and which ones should be pulled. You may also be able to decide which types of ads work better or what types of websites are the best on which to advertise.

A tracking program is so useful when you are marketing. The information it will provide is something you could not get otherwise. You would be aimlessly trying out advertising but never really knowing what results it was producing. By using tracking programs you can ensure you know just how well your marketing is going at all time.

Treating depression with aromatherapy

A fantastic and mysterious relationship is continuously unfolding between plants and their surroundings. These organic green machines are ceaselessly performing a glorious alchemy with water, soil, air and sunlight. The nearly infinite possible combinations of plant genetics and environmental conditions on the face of the earth have allowed for an almost immeasurable diversity of alchemal floral expression, resulting in a vast array of natural botanical materials. These range from simple staple foodstuffs to gourmet fruits and vegetables, from rich exotic spices to effective medicinal herbs, and from enchanting natural perfumes to complex therapeutic essential oils. Mankind is reaching ever further into the jungles and rainforests, knowing that nature is the true master of creation in these fields.

The line between food-plants and medicinal herbs is a fuzzy one. Science regularly reports newfound medicinal effects in plants once taken for granted; many fruits once thought quite plain contain some of the world's most potent anti-cancer agents. The same goes for teas - green tea is one of the most potent anti-oxidants known - and spices - cinnamon may prevent the onset of debilitating diabetes - and this list continues to grow. This same lack of distinction exists between natural fragrances and therapeutic essential oils. The oil of a rose, laden with Citronellol, does triple duty as a perfume, an effective agent against the herpes simplex virus, and an uplifting aromatic that can help one open emotionally after a traumatizing experience.

The use of so-called 'alternative' therapies is on the rise; more individuals are turning to the wisdom of nature for assistance for all types of ailments, both physical and psychological. Interestingly, the source of most ills, from a naturopathic point of view, is being out-of-balance with nature. Eating unnatural things, following unnatural cycles, and living in unnatural environments. Lack of balance with the earth, from which we are made and upon which we live, leads to 'dis-ease' in our bodies and minds. As plants have created their wondrous botanical materials in a process guided by the rhythms of the heavens and earth, we may look to 'plant wisdom' to lead our way back into balance.

A depressed emotional state is a common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies today. A wide range of psychological, physical, and energetic issues can lead to feelings of depression and a pervasive outlook of negativity. Moreover, once in a state of depression, patterns can arise that make relief all the more difficult to find. The use of essential oils for uplifting the psyche and spirit is becoming more widespread because of the oils' broad and dramatic effects. While the oils themselves may not directly affect the underlying cause of depression, they may help individuals break free from depressive cycles - they may provide the impetus to 'get off the couch', so to speak, and begin creating long lasting change. Many natural healers believe depression to be a result of, like many other ills, of being out of balance; being unable to 'synch up' with the natural state of harmony that permeates the universe. For relieving this is-harmony, aromatherapy can be a very powerful means to infuse one's body and mind with the most concentrated, sublime botanicals nature has to offer.

In humans, the olfactory (sense of smell) region is an area of about 2 and a half square centimeters, and is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eyes. Containing approximately fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this region is highly intricate, being 10,000 times more perceptive than the sense of taste. When compared to sight, we find that olfaction is more complex - it is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of element compounds at very low concentrations. In order to perceive the visible spectrum, humans use only three types of photoreceptors; in contrast, the sense of smell relies on several hundred distinct classes of receptors.

Modern research has shown natural plant oils stimulate multiple regions in the brain, including those controlling endocrine, immune, and limbic (emotional center) functions. Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through inhalation, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence. Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, volatile plant oils enter the brain, producing direct and powerful systemic effects - the most immediate being on the emotions. Our emotions and our sense of smell have very strong ties - perhaps more than with any other of the other four senses.

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine (The Science of Life), essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana (essential life force), enhance and nourish ojas (sustaining energy and immunological essence), and brighten tejas (clarity and mental luminosity). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart and guides and governs consciousness. Used consciously, essential oils powerfully enhance positive mental and emotional states.

Further, the medicinal properties of essential oils, through their ability to support physiological healing, can also be of great benefit to the heart and mind. A Korean study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oils significantly decreased both the pain AND mental depression levels.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for up-lifting Shen, enhancing prana, nourishing ojas, and brightening tejas - combinations that may have marked effects on symptoms of depression. These oils can be used alone or in combination in a nebulizing diffuser (producing a fine mist of oils for inhalation), or in aromatherapy massage, thereby inhaled and absorbed through the skin concurrently.

Bergamot (pressed from the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to gently uplift. In terms of Chinese medicine, this is a direct result of its smoothing the flow of Liver-Qi ('Chi' or Life Force), the liver being thought of as the seat of the eternal soul. Bergamot combines the ability to both relax the nerves and refresh the Spirit; it is suitable for many types of depressive states.

Neroli (from the flower of bitter oranges), like Bergamot, regulates the Qi - and like Jasmine flower oil, comforts the mind and heart. Neroli is called for at a core level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Neroli uplifts the mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and unify. Neroli assists in retrieving and releasing repressed emotions, with potential to nourish and unify a fragmented psyche. Neroli is specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

The Chamomiles (German and Roman) are wonderful oils to use when the depression manifests in a moody, irritable, dissatisfied outward expression associated with stagnant Liver-Qi. These flower oils are earthy, rich, and grounding with subtle uplifting qualities.

When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often involves an imbalance of joy and love - the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of Shen's (spiritual essence's) innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. The depression that afflicts the heart and Shen involves a loss of one's natural sense of joy. There is often an accompanied lack of enthusiasm and interest as well as an inability to become inspired. Rose otto - steam distilled rose essential oil - or Rose Absolute may have a profound effect on this state. Rose is thought the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring balance.

What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Often, the single essential oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best. Experiment, explore, and have fun with these fantastic gifts of nature. These blends may be used in a diffuser or candle lamp, unless where a carrier oil is indicated - blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage (self-massage is very effective, as well as a simple massage from a friend or loved one).

For releasing and opening the heart: 1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot;

3 parts Jasmine 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Sandalwood

Brightening, refreshing and uplifting: 3 parts Bergamot 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Grapefruit;

2 parts Bergamot 2 parts Clary Sage 1 part Frankincense;

3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange 2 parts Clary Sage;

2 parts Frankincense 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli

Nourishing: 1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts Carrier oil of choice

Floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit): 1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange 1 part Sandalwood;

1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum

Single oils can also be used, and should be investigated so one can learn the different energies of each plant. For depression associated with negativity: Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, or Sweet Orange. For a profound lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang. For overthinking and worry, try Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver. For pessimism, regret and remorse, try Clary Sage, Cypress, Hyssop, or Pine needle. For doubt of one's capacity to cope with overwhelming situations, try Juniper Berry.

For cases of moderate to severe depression, professional help should always be sought. It is important to consider if you one requires professional help if the depression is overwhelming - while aromatherapy can provide support in a significant number of situations, it may not be for everyone. Essential oils can safely be used in conjunction with other treatments - consult your care giver to ensure there are no conflicts if medications have been prescribed.

Shrink wrap machinery l-sealers

The purpose of this article is to allow the reader to understand the principles that relate to the use of an L-sealer in creating a pack enclosed within shrink film.

Shrink wrap requires a pack to be enclosed in shrink film before the pack and film are introduced to a heat source which activates the film’s memory to produce the desired effect.

There are two ways in which pack may be wrapped – the pack may be either wholly enclosed or partially enclosed using a sleeve.

The sleeve is not the concern of this article. Sleeve wrapping generally involves polyethylene material and collations of packs where the medium provides the lowest packaging costs for moving products in bulk.

The total enclosure of a pack allows it to be offered principally for display in a thin material that enhances its appeal.

The issue is then to be able to create a bag around a product.

This is achieved either by an L-sealer or by an automatic machine using one or two rolls of flat film where a variety of alternative sealing methods leads to the same objective – the pack is wholly enclosed.

It is impossible to achieve an appropriate shrink result unless the film is adequately secured around the product.

Hence, flat sheet film will not produce a shrink result.

There has been some work to offer shrink bags for the market.

These can be available in polyethylene but they are not available in either polyolefin or PVC.

It is not possible to open bags to allow them to be used efficiently.

The consequence of these demands is that where production runs through either manual or semi-automatic equipment, an L-sealer is used.

The machine requires, then, that material is used that is centrefolded and presented, on the reel.

Material is available in a variety of thicknesses and a variety of widths but the common theme is that the material is presented to the sealer such that the reel is unwound from the right to the left with the fold of the film at its rear.

The use of the expression L-sealer is marginally inaccurate since sealing takes place using an inverted L.

The L-seal takes place such that the foot of the letter L is rotated through 180 degrees – the vertical axis of the L is unaltered but the base of the L is rotated so that the foot points to the left and not the right.

The film is loaded onto the sealer and split in half using a splitter plate. This allows one half of the film to pass underneath the plate and one half over the top of the plate.

The adjustment of the width of the film together with the adjustment of the splitter plate is made to accommodate the dimensions of the pack.

Before the first pack is introduced, the film is sealed for the first time.

The sealer works so as to cut the film and seal both sides of the cut.

The first cycle creates the left hand seal – and it is noted again that the film is already effectively sealed at the rear by virtue of the film being folded in half.

Having been inserted on the splitter plate, the pack and film are then moved into the sealing area of the sealer.

The base of the sealer will also need to be adjusted for the height of the pack.

The pack is appropriately positioned and the film is also positioned to ensure a minimum of creases and a lack of tension.

The sealing cycle creates the front seal – and scrap - together with the right hand seal and as already mentioned the left hand seal for the next pack.

As a consequence, the sealer may be continuously cycled to produce sealed packs.

The rate of scrap produced at the front of the pack requires to be optimised.

If there is too much, it is just uneconomic.

If there is too little, it is likely to cause slow production speeds together with inadequate seal strength as the film is put under tension to ensure that it meets on the seal beds at the front of the machine.

Although height adjustment is preferable, to allow seals to reside on the sides of any pack, the true purpose is to minimise the film width.

It is essential that half the film covers the bottom of the pack and half its height dimension and equally, half the film covers the top of the pack and half its height dimension.

The fundamental principle remains the need to create two dimensional bags around three dimensional objects.

L-sealing is most certainly also used on fully automatic equipment where the same principles as above hold.

There are some variations with regard to accommodating the third dimension being height.

At the simplest level, this is ignored.

At the more sophisticated level, the position of the seal head and beds is altered to ensure that these components – rather than the pack – move to accommodate the pack height.

It is worth highlighting the need to appreciate that plan sealing dimensions for any L-sealer must be adjusted to account for pack height.

At their maximum, the length and width of any sealer must be reduced by half the height of the pack to be wrapped.

Although an L-sealer can cope with an amount of film pleating, this will inhibit a good quality seal.

As a consequence, film does require to be both flat as well as not under tension on the seal beds.

The key to successful L-sealing is the use of adequate temperature and pressure with the complete absence of tension.

For automatic applications, films require to have excellent machineability, particularly with regard to tear resistance so that the film scrap may be continuously removed from the sealer.

The selection of the correct material with the correct thickness and width is crucial to successful L-sealing.

Running office from the home - home office organizing tips

Some companies encourage people to work from the house which works very well for mothers who don’t have anyone to take care of the kids. This can only work if the work done can be as equally productive or even better than doing it in the office. By making some changes in how the place looks, one will be able to create the right working environment.

A person should reorganize the surroundings if one feels that the person is distracted from what is happening around them and believes this will help in making the person finish everything more productively and efficiently. Here are some tips one do to make the right working environment at home.

1. Most people have a personal computer at home. By positioning it in the front of the person, the children in the house will know that the parents are busy and will only approach when the job is finished.

2. If one’s office is in the study which is a closed space, one can put the table in front of the door so one will easily see if someone is coming. This can’t work if the person is working in an open area like the kitchen or the dining room.

3. The work area is just for that individual. If there are other things in the area that could disrupt ones work, it is best to remove it.

4. All the papers and other essential things that a person needs must be within reach. One can get a corkboard to pin important dates on to remember, a small drawer to hold the stapler, pens and other documents. If the person needs to make or receive calls, the phone should also be placed nearby or beside the computer so if it rings, the individual can easily answer it. Other people prefer a whiteboard rather than a corkboard to jot down notes or reminders. That choice depends on the person.

5. Some papers or files are used more often than others. A person can buy some boxes to store these documents in and make a system either alphabetically or by colors which will help the person easily find them when these are needed.

6. If the person receives documents via fax or email, one should mark all the important details whenever it is received. This is part of making the working area systematic and enable the person to keep on track all the assignments that have not yet been completed.