Volunteer Vacations: A Great Way to Contribute to a Favorite Cause

Imagine working with a group of new friends, like-minded individuals from every region of the world, on a project close to your own heart. Helping Katrina victims clean up their devastated homes in New Orleans, clearing hundreds of miles of trails for the Appalachian Mountain Club, building houses for Habitat for Humanity in Africa--all are possible activities available to vacationers willing to volunteer their time.

If you already belong to an organization, whether it is a hiking club, an environmental organization, or a group that provides affordable sustainable housing, becoming involved in their volunteer activities is a great way to start. Many organizations, especially those with a national or international membership, offer structured volunteer opportunities all over the country and around the world.

If you'd like to plan a volunteer vacation but don't know where to start, check out Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others. Written by Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins, and Anne Geissinger with a foreword by actor Ed Asner, this book gives you an overview of the experiences possible and the costs associated with various trips, and information on the many organizations offering such experiences.

These vacations aren't free; you're generally expected to pick up some or all of your living expenses as well as your travel expenses. Some organizations with local chapters have been known to hold fundraisers for chapter members who volunteer abroad to defray some of the expenses.

Even if you can't spare the time or money for a week-long volunteer vacation to a distant location, you can probably find opportunities closer to home. Each chapter of the AMC, for instance, has weekend volunteer activities. You spend your whole weekend outdoors clearing trails and getting to know your fellow chapter members.

Making new friends. experiencing different cultures. devoting your time and energy to a cause close to your heart-what's better than that?

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com.Constancy Blog90474
Debra Blog89816

Do You Know About These Fees Involved in Car Leasing?

To lease a car, you have two options: either lease through a dealers finance source or through an independent car lease company. Whatever you select, you should know that there are fees involved.

Mention auto-leasing and the majority of people will automatically assume a low-monthly payment. There is actually more than what meets the eye, and a number of fees are involved at various stages of the lease process.

At the beginning of the lease, you have to pay a refundable security deposit, typically equivalent to one monthly payment, to safeguard against non-payment and any incidental damage done to the car at the end of the lease.

You are also required to pay an administrative charge, called acquisition fee. Other fees include licenses, registration, title and any state or local taxes.

During your lease, you are expected to honor your monthly payment obligations. Any failure to do so will result in late-payment charges.

You have to pay any traffic tickets, emission and safety inspections and ongoing maintenance costs. Ending your lease early will result in substantial early termination charges.

At the end of the lease, expect to pay any excess mileage costs, charged at 10 to 20 p a mile. Any incidental damage done to the car, and deemed to be above normal, will result in excess tear-and-wear charges.

Finally, if you choose not to purchase the vehicle, then you have to pay a disposition fee.

Alex FirCynthy Blog26055
Celinda Blog34776

Telecommuting Safely for Better Business

Imagine lounging in your most comfortable outfit, sipping on home-made chicken soup and enjoying the sounds of your favorite CD... all while managing national accounts, answering inquiries from curious clients and preparing to send out a detailed report for your upcoming company meeting. When email in your employees' home offices is secured, telecommuting can be a valuable resource for your business without the risk of compromising crucial information.

Millions of Americans are already taking advantage of the benefits that come with telecommuting and the trend is only expected to grow in the coming years. High-speed internet connections, laptop computers and email make working outside of the conventional office setting convenient; productivity can be improved while reducing travel time and the ever-increasing cost of transportation. The telecommuting population is predicted to reach 9.9 million by 2009! (1)

Many benefits can come from allowing your employees to telecommute, but let's not forget about making it safe for all parties involved. You can take every precaution to make certain that sensitive data regarding your company and clients is secured when it's kept at company headquarters, but these defenses become much harder to implement at a worker's home office. Loss of intellectual property can do much to damage the potential for revenue, as well as brand reputation, for any size company.

Employees who work from home may use their company machines to do non-work tasks like:

- download and store non job-related files on their work machines
- allow their children to use their workstation to do homework or web research
- let their significant other check personal email

Company email and work assets are susceptible to being accessed and inadvertently misused or misdirected by others in the household. Every time a telecommuter's workstation is used for non-work tasks it creates a risky environment for your company's files, such as client account sheets, prospect lists or an important business partners marketing plan.

What can your business do to offset the risk of unintended email redistribution, while allowing employees to telecommute? Solutions must be easy to install, intuitive and effective in protecting sensitive data from being copied, edited or forwarded. For those employees working in a non-technical field, it is likely that they lack adequate knowledge on how data theft is possible or legitimate ways to prevent redistribution, so user-friendly software is best.

Since you can't invade your employee's home and rummage through his/her PC, your best bet is to research software that will secure their incoming and outgoing email. A solution that is user-friendly will be utilized to its full extent by the employee and in turn will provide the highest level of protection for sensitive communication.

Email anti-theft software that integrates with Microsoft Outlook or another existing application that your employee is already familiar with is a simple and cost effective option. A security solution that works with a program your staff is comfortable with eliminates anxiety that comes with using unfamiliar high-tech programs. When email anti-theft controls are available at the click of a button, workers are more likely to take the time to protect their messages.

Today, telecommuters include employees of such organizations as The Defense Information Systems Agency, Kettering Medical Center Network as well as many small businesses in your region. (1) Email anti-theft software allows telecommuting to be a safe and effective alternative to working in a conventional office setting. The option to work from home makes for content employees, satisfied customers and a more profitable business. So secure your data and take advantage of all that telecommuting can do for your company!

Mila Levkovsky is part of the marketing team at Essential Security Software (ESS), the leading provider of email anti-theft software for small business. ESS has developed a premier, easy-to-use, peer-to-peer content protection and user rights management solution that enables small business owners and individuals to securely distribute sensitive email messages and documents.Coralie Blog50294
Ddene Blog69324

Internet Paid Surveys How To Really Make Money With Paid Surveys

Internet paid surveys or rather making money from them can be elusive for the income opportunity seekers. You may have come across many commercial advertisements online or even websites through search engines like Yahoo, MSN, Google that talks about internet paid surveys. One question you probably may have is whether do such paid surveys exist and do they really pay that well. Truth is you must take what you see and read with a pinch of salt. It is definitely untrue that anyone have grown rich out of taking online surveys. No one has and no one will. But people are quietly stashing away good cash to supplement their main income with surveys. So let us study their moves and copy them to really make money with internet paid surveys.

Never re-invent the wheel. Since others have tread the path and paved the way. Follow them and it is safe. Same goes for making money with internet paid surveys. There are some positive thinking and good habits survey takers keep to ensure that they have a constant stream of online paid surveys to do and earn a decent monthly income. One of them is to be realistic and focused on your income goals. Knowing that taking surveys cannot make you rich, you need to set targets like making $500 a month or even making $2000. With proper goal setting, work backwards to calculate the number of internet surveys you need to do in order to achieve your goals. On average, you can earn $5 - $15 out of a simple 15 minute survey. So it should give you a gauge on how much time you should set aside and how many internet paid surveys to take weekly.

Once the goal is set, it is time to duplicate what others are doing to get the internet paid surveys coming consistently. Taking surveys is a numbers game. Top survey income earners are members of hundreds to thousands of survey sites. Not every survey site has a survey for you to do everyday so you need to be signed up with that many market survey companies in order to have a fresh influx of internet paid surveys every single day. Use a free email account to do so because it can be overwhelming when the surveys start flooding your inbox.

Professional survey takers watch their email inboxes like hawks. Your quick response to notification emails is very important. It determines if you are accepted into the survey taking since they only need that many survey takers for their internet paid surveys. So the moral of the story is be fast in responding. After a while, you would get a hang of it and become familiar with the different timings the notification emails are sent out so that you can be right on time. It is a good habit to cultivate.

There are many other tips to make real money out of internet paid surveys. Read up my survey blog for more useful tips and find out how people find good paying survey companies to increase their income.

Davion Wong is a successful webmaster and author. Discover where to find the highest paying free internet paid surveys at his popular blog http://Free-Internet-PaidSurvey.blogspot.com and start earning some extra cash today.Debbie Blog113
Deborah Blog25787

Hybrid Cars

A regular car uses an internal combustion engine with a fuel-air mixture powering it. A hybrid car on the other hand powers itself not only using the conventional means but it also uses a variety of alternate means like fuel-cells and solar-energy to turn the wheels. That makes it more environment friendly and increases its mileage.

Some people think that hybrid cars are the cars of the future. They say it is what we will be driving in a ten years time. It is true that hybrid cars have many advantages. But we must not forget the shortcomings of the hybrid car.

Gas and oil are non renewable sources of energy. They also cause much damage to the environment. There is a danger they might soon also be depleted from the earth. On the other hand, hybrid cars are environment friendly. They source of energy they use is renewable and therefore they pose much less threat to the world. Hybrid cars are efficient and save money on fueling.

Performance wise, hybrid cars are rubbish. At the stage they currently are, they are more than likely to break down after traveling every few miles. If you buy a hybrid car, leave for office an hour earlier than you used to before, because hybrid cars are much slower than normal cars. Because they have very less energy to run with, they are made with as light bodies as possible. We want to protect the environment to protect our children. But if you're planning to buy them a hybrid car to do so, the chances of them being flattened by some bigger car are far more. So if you want to keep your children safe, why not buy them a Land Rover instead? And then there's the matter of power again. With the amount of power a hybrid can provide, imagine the trouble and time it would take for you to reach a high altitude point with a fairly steep road, that is, if you would ever manage to get up there on that car.

Whether hybrid cars will be the future of the car industry, one cannot say for sure. But one thing is certain, where it stands today is quite for from a point where it will replace the petrol or gas powered cars.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://worldofautomotives.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://supershoppingtips.com/ and http://sportsoftheworld.net/Clemmy Blog26324
Cynthy Blog26055

Benefits Of Using Portable Evaporative Coolers

The portable evaporative coolers are economic, light weight and easy to use. They cool your room naturally and work best in hot and dry regions. If properly maintained, they can serve both your budget and need with equal ease for years to come. Their noiseless cooling system provides your room with constant supply of fresh and cool air.

The portable evaporative coolers are the best option to beat the heat if you are residing in a hot and dry climatic region and looking out for some cost effective cooling system. They work by using either the direct or the indirect evaporative cooling techniques. What makes the portable evaporative coolers all the more attractive and useful is the fact that you do not require to install it permanently at any place. These evaporative coolers can be carried easily from place to place depending on the area that needs cooling.

Requirements For Portable Evaporative Coolers

Before opting for a portable cooler, it is essential to know how well it can satisfy your requirements. The portable units are suitable for rooms that are small in size. For better results, you need to position them near doors and open windows. The opposite side of the room needs to have an opening for proper air circulation. Water has to be poured at regular intervals as the water consumption rate can go up to 3-4 liters per hour. It is best to search for models having variable fan speed and water level gauge.

Workings Of Evaporative Coolers

The evaporative coolers provide a natural way of cooling the room temperature by supplying a constant flow of fresh and cool air to keep you comfortable during summer. Placed next to an open window or door, they draw outside air and make it pass through moisture rich pads. This process cools and filters the warm air which is then circulated in the room. The fresh cool air entering the room flushes out the stale hot air through the open doors and windows.

Due to their portable nature, you can not control the water level by connecting them to water mains. The water level needs to be regulated manually by adding water at regular intervals.

Maintaining Your Portable Cooler

Extreme humid conditions decrease the cooling capacity of evaporative coolers. Moreover, humidity can speed up corrosion of the cooling unit and shorten its lifespan. Make sure that your portable swamp cooler has regular supply of water to moisten the pads. Use water softeners to decrease mineral content in water to ensure that no mineral sediment is accumulated on the wet pads. Proper filtering system must be installed to restrict pollens and odors from entering your room. The water line requires protection against freeze bursting during winters. With their low initial cost and equally low cost of operation, the portable evaporative coolers come as a blessing for those with restricted budget.

Matthew Anderson adds regularly reviews on air conditioners to http://www.evaporative-air-coolers.com . An online magazine about the basics on how evaporative air coolers work, where you can read more about portable evaporative models at http://www.evaporative-air-coolers.com/portable-machines.htmlDeerdre Blog15544
Claudine Blog84461

What Every Man Needs To Know About Prostatitis - Inflammation Of The Prostate

Prostatitis simply means an inflammation of the prostate gland. The symptoms are uncomfortable at best; more often they are extremely painful and can also be dangerous. Symptoms may include pain and swelling in the area of the prostate, fever, chills, pain in the lower back, burning or painful urination, a need to urinate frequently and get up in the night, dribbling, fatigue and body aches, and pain with ejaculation. Prostatitis can severely affect the quality of life. Rigorous activity, sports, exercise-even sitting for any length of time in an office, theater or at a sporting event may become too painful to tolerate. And as for sex - it's simply not an option.

The statistics are alarming. It's estimated that over 50% of all men will suffer from prostatitis some time in their lives. And what's worse is prostatitis is no respecter of age. It can strike any adult male - and with painful consequences.

According to the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, 25% of all office visits by young and middle-aged men for genital and urinary problems are the result of prostatitis. It hits men in the prime of life and also is considered to be the most common of all diseases among middle-aged men.

Adding to the problem is the fact that contemporary medicine really doesn't know much about prostatitis. The Prostate Foundation has termed it "the bastard child" of urology. Though it is the most widespread disease of the prostate, it's also the least understood and the least researched. As a consequence, it is frequently misdiagnosed.

Physicians sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between the symptoms of prostatitis and benign prostate enlargement (BPH). A Harvard University study showed that urologists seeing patients with the same symptoms diagnosed them with prostatitis if they were under 50 and with BPH if they were over 50. In addition, there are four types of prostatitis, the most common of which is unfortunately the one that is the most baffling.

Prostatitis can be either acute or chronic. That is to say that it can have a sudden onset and be relatively short-lived, or be an ongoing and aggravating problem.

Acute prostatitis is likely to occur intermittently. It can cause fever, bladder discomfort, frequent and burning urination, and blood or pus in the urine. It can also result in infertility.

Chronic prostatitis is ongoing and usually increases with time. Its symptoms may include frequent urination, blood in the urine, a burning sensation, discomfort in the prostate area and lower back, painful ejaculation and even impotence.

Nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common form of the disease, but because it is also the least understood, it's the most difficult to treat. Nonbacterial prostatitis is frequently a chronic, painful condition found in men of any age. Symptoms may disappear and then return suddenly. Though no evidence of bacteria is found, semen and other prostate fluids contain cells that the body produces to fight infection.

Doctors often treat nonbacterial prostatitis with antibiotics and drugs that relax the muscles of the prostate gland, but these treatments have not been proven to be effective. In fact, they often do not work at all and can have unpleasant side effects as well.

The good news is, there are several herbal remedies that have been shown in clinical studies to help fight and in many cases - conquer prostate problems, including prostatitis. These herbs include pygeum africanum, saw palmetto and nettle root extract.

To learn more about treating prostatitis and other prostate health conditions, please visit our web site at http://www.prostatehealthtips.com

James Witman is an expert in nutrition and prostate health. He has written many articles related to http://www.prostatehealthtips.com/prostatitis.html and other health conditions that affect men. To learn more, please visit his website http://www.prostatehealthtips.com.Corabel Blog49942
Charyl Blog85325

Getting A Great Deal On Prepaid Cell Phones

If you are looking to purchase a prepaid cell phone, make sure that you consider all of the options that will make you a happy consumer. Of course you are going to want the most updated technology that is available, and affordable, for you. These will include some of the special features that other prepaid handsets may not offer. Everyone wants a really nice cell phone that will offer them the best service and all the added amenities. Remember, not only can you save money on your plan you can save money on the handset. Here are some tips to help you purchase the cell phone you really want, and spend less.

o Make sure to check out your options for purchasing your prepaid cell phone handset. You can oftentimes find cheaper phones than are offered by carriers at department stores, and especially on the web. This is a great way to find some great deals!

o Minute cost matters! Not every carrier provides that same service and price per minute so it is important to shop around. Make sure that their service is worth their price. Make sure you know the per-minute charge because that is the easiest way to compare options.

o Bulk is better. Carriers often offer deals so that if you buy more minutes you end up saving more money. So, if you buy 350 minutes instead of 50 minute increments you can save some extra dough!

o Nights and weekend minutes are available with some providers, and if you purchase minutes to use during this time then you may end up paying an even lower rater per minute.

o By signing up for auto-pay you can usually save money, but it depends on the carrier. If you allow the carrier to charge you a certain amount of minutes each month, usually $20-$30 worth, then you will get a discounted rate.

Finding ways to save money using prepaid cell phones is getting easier and easier. Always remember to search around, and compare prices on both handsets and minutes. By doing this you will more than likely save a vast amount of money.

Shelly Walther has written several articles on prepaid cell phones. She has researched many different options and understands how prepaid can benefit users. You can see more of her work, including more articles on prepaid cell phones, at http://www.ResourceHog.com and http://www.ForosWireless.com.Daron Blog61728
Cheslie Blog62259

Search Engine Keywords Selection

Search engines are the first factor to drive potential customers to your websites. But in order for searchers to reach your website, you need to provide them with specific and effective signs that will direct them right to your site. Selecting search engine keywords help you to achieve your goal.

Find the exactly right words or phrases can have a huge impact to your website traffic. But if your keywords are too general or too over-used, the possibility of searchers actually making it all the way to your site - or of seeing any real profits from the searchers that do arrive - decreases dramatically.

Your keywords serve as the foundation of your marketing strategy. If they are not chosen with great precision, no matter how aggressive your marketing campaign may be, the right people may never get the chance to find out about it. So your first step in plotting your strategy is to gather and evaluate keywords and phrases.

You probably think you already know closely the right words for your search phrases. Unluckily, if you haven't tracked certain specific steps, you are probably mistaken. It's hard to be objective when you are right in the center of your business network, which is the reason that you may not be able to choose the most efficient keywords from the inside. You need to be able to think like your customers. And since you are a business owner and not the consumer, your best bet is to go directly to the source.

Instead of plunging in and scribbling down a list of potential search words and phrases yourself; ask for words from as many potential customers as you can. You will most likely find out that your understanding of your business and your customers' understanding is significantly different.

The consumer is an invaluable resource. You will find the words you accumulate from them are words and phrases you probably never would have considered from bottomless inside the channel of your business.

Only after you have collected as many words and phrases from outside resources should you add your own keyword to the list. Once you have this list in hand, you are ready for the next step: evaluation.

The aim of evaluation is to fine your list to a small number of words and phrases that will direct the highest number of quality searchers to your website. In evaluating the effectiveness of keywords, pay attention to three basics elements: popularity, specificity, and motivation.

1- Popularity:

Popularity is the easiest in the search engine keyword selection process to estimate because it is an objective quality. The more popular your keyword is, the more probable the chances are that it will be typed into a search engine which will then bring up your URL.

You can now purchase software or paid a monthly fee to third party that will rate the popularity of keywords and phrases by giving words a number rating based on real search engine activity. Web based Software such as keyword discovery suggest variations of your words and phrases. The higher the number this software assigns to a given keyword, the more traffic you can logically expect to be directed to your site. The only misleading notion with this concept is the more popular the keyword is, the greater the search engine position you will need to obtain. If you are down at the bottom of the search results, the consumer will probably never scroll down to find you.

2 Specificity:

Popularity isn't enough to declare a keyword a good choice. You must move on to the next criteria, which is specificity. The more specific your keyword is, the greater he likelihood that the consumer who is ready to purchase your goods or services will find you.

Let's look at a hypothetical example. Imagine that you have obtained popularity rankings for the keyword "automobile companies." However, you company specializes in bodywork only. The keyword "automobile body shops" would rank lower on the popularity scale than "automobile companies," but it would nevertheless serve you much better. Instead of getting a slew of people interested in everything from buying a car to changing their oil filters, you will get only those consumers with trashed front ends or crumpled fenders being directed to your site. In other words, consumers ready to buy your services are the ones who will immediately find you. Not only that, but the greater the specificity of your keyword is, the less competition you will face.

Consumer Motivation:

The third factor is consumer motivation. Once again, this Requires putting yourself inside the mind of the customer Rather than the seller to figure out what motivation Prompts a person looking for a service or product to type In a particular word or phrase. You want to find people who are ready to act or make a purchase, and this requires subtle tinkering of your keywords until your find the most specific and directly targeted phrases to bring the most motivated traffic to you site.

Once you have chosen your keywords, your work is not done. You must continually evaluate performance across a variety of search engines, bearing in mind that times and trends change, as does popular lingo. You cannot rely on your log traffic analysis alone because it will not tell you how many of your visitors actually made a purchase.

Luckily, some new tools have been invented to help you judge the effectiveness of your keywords in individual search engines. There is now software available that analyzes consumer behavior in relation to consumer traffic. This allows you to discern which keywords are bringing you the most valuable customers.

In conclusion:

This is an essential concept: numbers alone do not make a good keyword; profits per visitor do. You need to find keywords that direct consumers to your site who actually buy your product, fill out your forms, or download your product. This is the most important factor in evaluating the efficacy of a keyword or phrase, and should be the sword you wield when discarding and replacing ineffective or inefficient keywords with keywords that bring in better profits.

Ongoing analysis of tested keywords is the formula for search engine success. This may sound like a lot of work - and it is! But the amount of informed effort you put into your keyword campaign is what will ultimately generate your business' rewards.

Lassaad Gasmi - affiliate marketer and the owner of http://www.future-affiliate-marketing.com that help affiliate to succees in their internet marketing.Dannye Blog92037
Cristy Blog58404

Pros And Cons Of Buying Used Harley-Davidson

Owning a Harley-Davidson entitles you to a great pride. It is like owning a luxury car or owning a private jet. This is why, even if what you are buying is a used Harley, the excitement is still the same. But before closing the deal, here are the pros and cons of buying used Harley-Davidson:

Pros

Used Harley Davidsons are cheaper.

Well, resale value of some Harley models can be as high as its original price. But, there are several models that can buy for less. There are several sites online where you can find cheap but high-quality Harley Davidson models.

Rare Harleys are Used Harleys

Over a hundred years of motorcycle production has produced hundreds of models, some of them are hard to find while most of them are out of the production line. If you are looking for a particular model of a particular year, you can search for used Harley-Davidson for sale.

Used Harley-Davidsons are well-maintained

Since owning a Harley-Davidson is like owning a luxury car, outmost care is being practiced by most of its owner. Thus, you rarely see an ill-maintained Harley-Davidson on the road. You also cannot see any ill-maintained Harley-Davidson on an auction site or selling site. This is another reason why some models have prices even if they are old.

Used Harley-Davidson are customized

If you prefer a unique Harley-Davidson, then a used one can come in handy. There are several used Harley-Davidsons that maintain their original look but most owners prefer to modify some parts according to their personality.

Cons

Used Harley-Davidson are customized

This may be an advantage for some but it does not mean that it is not a disadvantage. Since, most owners would want to infuse a little of their personality to their Harley-Davidson, the next owner will inherit what has been changed on the motorcycle. Unless you want to buy used Harley-Davidson regardless of the modifications that have been made, you may have difficulty to give it some of your personal touch. And sometimes, you are paying for the accessories that you really dont need.

Some used Harley-Davidsons motorcycles are expensive

Cheap Harley-Davidson can be hard to find. Unlike used cars, some used Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expensive. In fact, rare models are more expensive than other newer models. But dont be discouraged; there are several models that are less expensive than others.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Harley-Davidson & other useful information, please visit http://harley-davidson.articlekeep.com.Chrissie Blog50664
Desdemona Blog82284

Paris Hilton's Mom and Other Article Marketing Ideas

You want to write about the Paris Hilton scandal? That's a hot topic. How about the show her mother put on in the courtroom? Or better still, you're sick of Paris Hilton and the media's celebrity obsession. Write an article on how you wish they would all go away.

As you can see a celebrity jailbird offers a boatload of article marketing ideas. Nothing illustrates this better than the supermarket tabloids. They are covering this story from every nauseating angle they can think of because it's a story people are interested in. Whether it's the shopping habits of pop singers or drunken termites from outer space, tabloids have mastered the art of grabbing attention and providing a constant stream of unique content.

Getting someone's attention and holding it goes double for writing articles on the internet. Access to unlimited information online makes people very impatient, so it is crucial to keep coming up with fresh article ideas. Many would-be writers seem to have trouble in this area. As a result they don't write anything at all.

The good news is there are resources available right now to keep your creative juices flowing.

1. Television

Listen to people at your job, on the elevator or anyplace else people gather. What are they talking about? Odds are it's something they saw on TV. Yes it's been called everything from the idiot box to a vast wasteland but the power of television to connect people and get them talking cannot be overstated.

For instance the Soprano finale (lame) still has people buzzing. There is plenty of mileage you can get out of that subject. This doesn't mean you have to sit in front of the TV hours on end but you should find a way to add it to your article generating toolbox.

2. The Magazine Newsstand

There is a lot of talk that the internet will eventually replace books magazines and newspapers. I don't see it that way, especially since much of what you read online is regurgitated from the offline world.

Even if it does, the newsstands as of this writing are a huge reservoir of article ideas. Start checking them out on a regular basis. Newsstands are also great places to find topics with built in target audiences. You can tap into these markets and learn how to adapt it to your online article writing.

3. Discussion Forum

Chat rooms, message boards and forums are the water coolers of cyberspace. People are talking, asking questions, trading information and sometimes insults. A large and lively online forum is a great place to get article ideas.

According to a recent survey done by Digital Future Project, 43% of internet users who belong to some type of forum identify with their community online just as strongly as they do with their community offline. That's pretty powerful and it's only going to grow. Find a good forum and become an active participant. This will provide you with a constant source of article ideas.

There are of course other techniques you can use including creating surveys, checking out product advertisements or just asking questions. Whatever methods you prefer start using them now. Not only will you create for yourself a pool of article marketing ideas that never runs dry, but you will also make Paris Hilton's mom really happy.

You could live without that last part right? I understand.

Daryl Campbell is your internet marketing guide for more tips, tools, resources, free video coaching and up to the minute information. Make the business of growing your business easy and fun at http://winthemarket.comCharisse Blog89319
Cristabel Blog11629

The Iron Chef

Do you remember that old television series about cooking called Iron Chef which ran from 1993 to 2002? Since over 300 episodes of that show have been aired (and are still actually in syndication today), Im pretty sure that anyone remotely interested in the culinary arts will remember that show. So, who was your favorite chef on that landmark cooking program? Chances are, you will select Chen Kenichi, better known as Iron Chef Chinese. Kenichi was the only Iron Chef to be on the show from start to finish. In addition, Chen won the Iron Chef competition 67 times and is now widely regarded as one of the great chefs of the world.

Born on January 5, 1956, Chen is actually the son of another great chef, Chen Kenmin, who is known in Japan as the father of Sichuan cuisine.

You can tell his fathers influence on Chen by his choice of his special dish, Prawns in Chili Sauce, which was inspired by a similar dish introduced by his father in Japan. Naturally, where several generations of excellence are involved in the same area of endeavor, comparisons between father and son are inevitable. The same applied to the Chen father-and-son combo as well. But the spectacular success of the younger Chen on the Iron Chef series has established in many minds that he is the superior chef between the two.

Since leaving the show, Chen has continued to be a successful chef. He currently runs the restaurant chain Shisen Hanten in Japan, which is a huge commercial success, with outlets in Akasaka, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, Tokushima, Kure (Hiroshima Prefecture), Matsuyama and Hakata

Ironically, it was the success of Chens restaurant chain that almost prompted him to leave the show. Ironically, and this is a little known story, it was Chens rival on the show, the so-called Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai, who prevailed up Chen to stay, smartly pointing out that the show would not be the same without Chen aboard, which was probably true. The two rivals shook hands and agreed as gentlemen that if either one of them left the show, so would the other. Both great chefs honored the gentlemans agreement until the very last episode of the shows decade-long run.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://homeimprovementstation.com/ and http://theoutdoorslifestyle.com/.Clarisse Blog12178
Colleen Blog44884

TV Shows to Watch in Syndication

These days, it seems that shows really never go off the air: they live forever in syndication. Its not exactly the same, with every show labeled a rerun and being one you have likely seen (or maybe have memorized), but syndicated shows allow our favorite series to exist in places other than our hearts. Still, syndication isnt for every show, or at least it shouldnt be. The following is our list of the Best TV Shows to Watch in Syndication, shows that are constantly just as funny and just as endearing as they ever were.

Seinfeld: George. Kramer. Elaine. Jerry. A show about nothing was nothing but spectacular. From the Soup Nazi to Georges mother, from Uncle Leo to Elaines penchant for deciding if dates were sponge worthy, from Puddy to Peterman, Seinfeld touched on the absurdities of life in the most sensible manner. This show only gets better with age, unlike the marble rye bread Jerry stole from a helpless old lady.

The Simpsons: If Seinfeld were a cartoon, it would rival The Simpsons. Filled with a jumble of original characters (Heidily-ho, neighbor), The Simpsons continually remains animated in every sense of the word. Brilliantly written, it is filled with episodes you sometimes have to watch four or five times just to get every joke. This is one series that (when it does go off the air) will never get old.....much like the characters themselves.

Full House: Uh, just kidding. I know: how rude.

The Wonder Years: Generally thought of as a comedy, this show was filled with dramatic coming of age moments. Set in the late sixties and early seventies, it follows Kevin Arnold as he struggles with the trials of growing up. His family a hippy sister, a bullying brother, a stern father, and a stay at home mom his allergic to everything best friend, and his childhood crush all have importance in his life. A show that was heartfelt and honest, The Wonder Years is a series people can relate to at any age.

Saturday Night Live: Saturday Night Live has certainly had its ups and downs, with some episodes making us laugh till we cry and others making us long for a Golden Girls marathon to watch instead. But, the thing about SNL is when its good, its great. The series that brought us Nick the Lounge Singer, Waynes World, The Church Lady, Buckwheat, Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey, Matt Foley, Pat, the Spartan Cheerleaders, and Stuart Smalley, Saturday Night Live reruns are good enough, theyre smart enough, and doggone it, people like them.

Northern Exposure: One of those shows that just didnt get enough respect when it was on the air, syndication gives us a chance to right a wrong. A series that follows a New York doctor as he tries to make a life in a small Alaskan town, Northern Exposure was often bizarre, usually eccentric, but always original. It also had a unique way of being completely out there and totally real at the same time. The way it depicted the clash of people from different upbringings was right on the money. This is one show people will always be glad to expose themselves to, time and time again.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.turbocellcharge.com. Possessing an infatuation with pop culture and a gift for stalking she keeps up on the latest news of the musical world. Delphine Blog49696
Chelsie Blog42233

Cold Calling For Jobs

When hunting for a job, after the first few weeks of sending out resumes and posting on job boards, people often feel like there is more they should be doing. Getting an interview in todays tight job market is difficult and you may need to pull out some old-time methods to help you get a good job.

You might ask what else can I do to get a job and the answer would be to do anything and everything possible to help yourself get a job. One method of job searching that has fallen by the wayside in light of the Internet age is cold calling companies to see if they are hiring.

As most of us know, companies who want to fill positions will initially try to fill in-house (even though they will post the job publicly). Secondly, they will try to fill positions through referrals from employees. Finally, they may or may not post jobs on one of the larger job boards.

Some companies today still do not post the majority of their open positions on job boards and will instead try to fill it in-house, through referrals or by posting on the companys web site.

In light of this, it is up to you and I to try any method possible to get a foot in the door. When you start considering cold calling companies for open positions, you first should prepare yourself for rejection. I suggest calling smaller companies within a 30 mile radius of home in the hopes that they do not have the hiring and advertising budgets that some of the bigger companies do and will be glad to look at your resume or even talk to you.

I spoke with a friend who was laid off after the 9/11 tragedy and was out of work for almost six months until he started calling the smaller software companies in the area to see if they needed help. Out of the blue, he called a local company that turned out to be owned by someone he went to Jr. High School with and he was able to secure a job with that company.

So, while not necessarily the best way to find a job, cold calling for open positions can sometimes lead you to discover relationships with companies that you never imagined possible. So, if your job search did not score you that big job in the first few weeks, dont be afraid to pick up the phone and start making some calls. You never know, it might pay off.

Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook (http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com). As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively. To download your own free copy of the Job Search Handbook, visit http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com.Dahlia Blog66084
Deeyn Blog78978

Engine Cooling Fans

The Engine cooling fans are mechanical devices that move the hot air and other gases, which can be harmful with regards to the safety of the engine unit of a vehicle. These gases and hot air can be discomforting for the people sitting inside the vehicle. Since this articles needs to discuss the Engine cooling fans, these fans can be categorized in three ways. Fans deliver large amounts of air or gas at low pressure, blowers have high rates of delivery at medium pressure, and compressors deliver at high pressure. These Electric cooling fans have an attached motor that moves blades of the fans which drives away the hot air around the radiator. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature.

Almost all the front-wheel driven cars and vehicles have the electric cooling fans installed in them as their engine is usually mounted transversely, meaning the output of the engine points toward the side of the car. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. However, these types of automatic engine cooling fans are used in vehicles that are more sophisticated.

Cars that are rear wheel driven have engines that are usually longitudinally placed and have these engine-driven cooling fans. These fans have a switch that is controlled with the surrounding temperature and is called as a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch. This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator. This special viscous clutch is much like the viscous coupling sometimes found in all-wheel drive cars. These types of latest engine cooling fans can be retrieved by placing special orders.

In some perfectly designed engine cooling fans, the designers have applied a semi-analytic and semi empirical formula which is specifically developed for predicting noise radiation from engine cooling fan assemblies. These engine cooling fans significantly reduce the noise that is caused by the engine.

Darren Dunners is an article writer currently writng for http://www.the-fan-man.com. Christine Blog59255
Cissiee Blog33647

Healthy Weight Loss Program: Your Personal Exercise Prescription

A fat burning exercise prescription is a MUST for the long term success of any healthy weight loss program. Guidelines for healthy weight loss related to exercise and physical activity have been steadily improving over the last 20 years.

Along with the 1996 Surgeon General's recommendations, the American College of Sports Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association have all issued statements on the importance of regular physical exercise in a healthy weight loss program.

The diet industry also endorses exercise as a beneficial component in any healthy weight loss plan.

In fact, look at the disclaimers of any fad diet, special weight loss pill, or fat reducing fruit nectar and you'll see where, in addition to the "unbelievable benefits" of their product, the practice of proper nutrition and consistent aerobic exercise are highly recommended to achieve optimal healthy weight loss results.

In other words, these companies are telling you that eating right and the incorporation of moderate aerobic exercise have more to do with the overall outcome of the healthy weight loss plan than does their "miracle pill".

Overview

1. Determine your age adjusted maximum heart rate (220 your age = maximum heart rate)

2. Determine your optimum fat burning exercise heart rate range (maximum heart rate x .6 = minimum heart rate; maximum exercise heart rate x .75 = maximum exercise heart rate

3. Exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, keeping your heart rat between 60% and 75% of your age adjusted maximum heart rate.

4. Perform the flexibility exercises listed below 2 3 times per week.

Exercise Prescription

Exercise, by definition, means purposeful movement. Although many kinds of exercise exist, certain exercises may not be necessarily therapeutic for you. Remember, an exercise prescription is just that; its a prescription. Very little benefit will be obtained with nonspecific, over the counter exercise programs. Your understanding of the purpose, principles, and adherence to each prescribed exercise technique will be essential to the development of a positive outcome.

The purposes of an exercise prescription are to:

1. Increase muscular flexibility
2. Normalize and balance muscle tone by increasing oxygen rich blood flow to the tissue
3. Integrate muscle activity
4. Restoration of functional movement
5. Restoration of functional muscle strength and endurance

The exercise principles listed below serve as a guideline for proper application. Study the principles carefully in order to maximize the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Exercises designed to improve flexibility should be performed several times per day. Each exercise should be held for 30-60 seconds to allow the tissue to elongate.

Exercise prescribed to improve strength, mobility, and endurance should be performed at a pace that would enable you to complete the prescribed number of repetitions in one minute. If multiple sets are prescribed for each exercise session, a 90 second rest interval should follow each set.

Never hold your breath during exercise. Your therapist will instruct you in the proper breathing technique that will facilitate a better exercise outcome.

You may experience a slight ache or discomfort following your first or second exercise session. This is a normal reaction referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and should go away in a day or so. This type of muscle soreness is not a cause for stopping your exercise program.

If the exercise reproduces a specific pain or makes an already existing pain become more widespread, stop the exercise and inform your physician immediately.

Allow yourself enough time to complete the exercise as prescribed. Exercise sessions that are rushed through with little attention paid to technique will be ineffective and will prolong your symptoms. If time becomes an issue, perform a few repetitions several times throughout the day.

Dont be in a hurry to advance to more strenuous exercise. Remember that tissue adaptation to new forms of stress takes time. In some cases it took years for your condition to develop. It is unrealistic to expect that the condition will be resolved after just a few exercise sessions. Compliance with your prescribed program and patience will result in the desired outcome.

In combination with a healthy diet and nutrition plan, a fat burning exercise prescription is a necessary component of any healthy weight loss program.

Before beginning any healthy weigh loss program, it is strongly advised that you consult with your physician.

Do you want to learn more about a fat burning exercise prescription as a part of a healthy weight loss program? I've just finished a new ebook on how you can get lasting weight loss results utilizing "The 10 Step Permanent Weight Loss Formula". Get it FREE by clicking the links below.

More healthy weight loss program advice can be found at http://www.squidoo.com/healthy_weight_loss_advice/

For the past 25 years Malton Schexneider has been a practicing physical therapist, a nationally known educator, a former university professor, a published author, a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, and personal success coach to thousands of people just like you who were seeking lifestyle transformation.Charis Blog25124
Denys Blog27770

How To Begin Earning Super Affiliate Income In 14 Days

The reason anyone becomes an affiliate of any affiliate program is to make money. You deserve all the money you make when you put a lot of effort into promoting an affiliate program. After years of successfully promoting different affiliate programs and advising others about affiliate programs, I have discovered that those who earn Super Affiliate income, continuously choose certain types of programs.

I shall briefly name and explain the characteristics of an affiliate program that will speedily produce Super Affiliate income for you. These are the kind of high income generating products or services the top Super Affiliates choose. The characteristics listed below are not listed in order of importance:

1. LARGE MARKET: Some so called Guru's will advice you to target small niche markets. This is all good, but how come they mostly target large markets themselves? Or do you really think such tiny niche markets give them their massive affiliate incomes? To earn Super income from your affiliate program, you need to target a large, and hungry market. This will shoot your sales through the roof.

2. NEW AND FRESH PROGRAM: Another thing Super Affiliates won't reveal to you is that they constantly look for new products with an uncrowded affiliate presence. This way they quickly dominate such programs before thousands start promoting the same product. Promote when the product is fresh.

3. HIGH PERCENTAGE PAYMENTS: The honest truth is that if a product is good, its owner should be able to offer Affiliates a large percentage of the profit from sales. The owner of such a product has nothing to lose, they will make lots of money from volume sales coming from several affiliates. A good high earning affiliate program should be able to offer its affiliates at least 50% or higher of the profit made from sales from its product. After all, the affiliate is spending a lot of time and money promoting such a product.

4. TRUSTED PAYMENT SYSTEM: A high income generating affiliate program will always make use of secure and trusted payment system. Trusted third party payment services such as Clickbank and Paypal are services to watch out for in good affiliate programs. Super Affiliates promote products using such payment systems.

5. A PRODUCT IN HIGH DEMAND: Now, this is one of the most important secrets the Super Affiliates won't reveal to you. They constantly watch out for new, products in high demand.

New Product + Huge demand + High demand = Tons of cash from sales for you.

This is a simple formula that works every time, for those who follow it. You too should be earning truck loads of cash from promoting affiliate products. A product in high demand is a product which fulfills a major need for a large group of people.

6. BRAND ABILITY: You can earn large affiliate income from any affiliate program which, encourages you to brand or customize promotional materials. A program that for example gives you the opportunity, to brand a promotional, Free copy of their marketing material is a good program with great potential. This could be an e-book you can brand with your affiliate link.

There you have it. These are the secrets those who earn top dollar from their affiliate programs know. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't be earning truck loads of cash from affiliate programs like the big Boys and Girls in affiliate marketing do. Wishing you success as you now seek out more information about the type of affiliate programs described above.

Nelson B. Babs is a Top Marketing Expert and Researcher. He is also a popular relationship adviser. Get his bestseller marketing book FREE at: http://www.keep-other-women-away-from-your-man.com/affiliates.htm.Corny Blog39988
Clarine Blog24395

Join The Information Highway To Success!

The thought of writing an ebook scares many people off. They think they are not smart enough, dont have any specialized information, arent good writers, etc. But when you stop and think about it, what makes the world go round and round? Information and creativity When you want information, where do you go? Information is one of the hottest things on the internet today

By sharing information we have become an advanced and educated society. What if noone wrote a book? What if we all kept our information we have learned over the years to ourselves? You are valuable. So is the information you know. You might be surprised at how much you can help people by sharing your knowledge with others.

Maybe you are a car buff, or have special information about purchasing houses. Maybe you have special knowledge about how to take care of children and have fun things to keep them occupied to help build their self esteem. You might enjoy cooking and have some great recipes, or gardening and have some valuable tips to share. Maybe you have overcome a sickness and found some great ways that helped you conquer it. We are all human and many of us go through the same things every day. Someone out there, maybe many, might really need the information you have and you could be the one that can greatly improve their lives.

How much does it cost to sit down at your computer and write? What does it cost to put a little book together and sell it on eBay? The opportunities are limitless. This is a great way to start working from home and generating an extra income for you, with very little investment. Dont be srurred, be heard You might find out how much fun it can be and increase your income at the same time Why not give it a try?

Cathy Barela lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves the mountains, music, sports, outdoors, writing and helping people accomplish their goals.Danyette Blog27985
Corrianne Blog90559

Why Copywriting Is The Secret To Your Online Success

Over the last decade, the number of companies selling their products and services on the Web or sharing information online with their target market has exploded.

It's no longer frowned upon to conduct your business on the Web, and huge numbers of people are making a healthy living doing just that. Others, however, are not. For every great website out there that grabs its customer's attention and holds it, there are hundreds more bad ones that don't. Despite their best efforts, many businesses are losing money daily due to the poor performance of their company website.

Contrary to popular myth, what constitutes a great website is not just fantastic design, but also the quality of the online copy that accompanies it. If you pay equal attention to both sides of this equation, you'll end up with an amazing site that drives traffic where you need it most, bringing excellent sales or driving great interest as a result. But if you ignore the necessity of simple, effective and clear-cut Web copy, evidence has shown your site will suffer as a consequence.

In a 2002 Stanford University "Web Credibility" survey of over 4,500 Web users in Europe and the US, findings are unequivocal. Whilst recognising the benefits of good design, the report also states:

"Our data suggests that integrity of content has considerable impact on how people evaluate the credibility of a website. Study participants gave some of their lowest scores on credibility to sites that fail to separate advertising from editorial content, run too many ads on a page, or display ads through pop-up windows. At the same time, users gave strong marks to site content that identified its sources and provided its authors' credentials." (1). Along with effective design and navigation, the report concludes that: "As for writing style, (websites should) be clear, direct, and sincere."(2)

So you have to ask yourself, is the writing on your website clear, direct and sincere'? If not, then you could be losing sales. Nobody wants a lame duck website that leaves its visitors confused or disinterested, or worse still, a site that makes inflated and unrealistic claims.

What people want to find on your site is a credible and well thought out approach to their requirements, they want answers to the questions that drew them to your website in the first place because it's then that they are more likely to make a purchase. Hitting just the right tone to do this is the job of a really good copywriter, and the time and money you take to get this right with a professional writer will ultimately be reflected in increased business for you and your company.

Sources

1&2. Stanford-Makovsky Web Credibility Study, 2002

An English graduate from the University of Birmingham and professionally trained journalist at postgraduate level, Laurence James has been copywriting for over ten years. A Member of The Institute of Direct Marketing, he is also founder of The Copy Box - http://www.thecopybox.comCrissy Blog8582
Chantal Blog73242

Tips For Wedding Favors

History of Favors

Favors have been around for hundreds of years and it was believed that the first favor was a sugar cube and was given as a way to express the couples gratitude to the guests for being a part of such a memorable time.

Today wedding favors have definitely evolved into very beautiful, unique and personalized keepsakes. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Wedding favors are the most popular and mainstream way to tell your guests thanks.

Should I make my own?

If you decide to make your own favors and have a huge guest list then realize how tedious this task will be. You will have to wrap, write and deliver. This is why many shops have taken advantage of this niche. These businesses will provide you with all sorts of wedding favors for almost any theme available. If you are choosing a local favor supplier than often they will handle everything for you. You just pick the favors you would like and they will set them up at your reception. If you are doing a search for wedding favors on Google then you can just type in whatever favor you are looking for and in a week or less you will have your favors.

How do I choose?

With so many different wedding favors around it is definitely hard to choose. First, think about your budget. If you are having 200 guests then the price will add up really quick. Second, have a good idea of how many guests and couples are coming to the wedding. If you choose to go with a more expensive favor then one favor per couple will do. Third, think of the theme of your wedding. If your having a Las vegas style wedding then you would want to choose a favor that is related. Personalize your favors they make your guests feel more special and it makes it a great keepsake for your wedding. Remember favors will often reflect your personality and your gratitude so choose them wisely.

Yolanda Nash is the owner of http://www.yolandasweddingfavors.com and wedding planner. She enjoys seeing all the different table decorations, flowers and wedding party favors on the wedding day.Christabel Blog77392
Clarette Blog77659

Plan Ahead For A Fun Filled Family Camping Experience

Plan Ahead for a Fun-filled Family Camping Experience

Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is backpacking into the mountains and sleeping in the open elements with nothing over your head but the stars. It could even mean foraging for your food (hopefully you'll come across a good trout stream!). My definition of camping falls on the more comfortable side of the two, loving the camping experience, but needing to have some basic comforts also.This article will give you a few tips that you can use no matter what kind of camping you enjoy!

Starting With A Plan

A great camping trip starts with a great plan! Planning out your camping trip will help you be prepared and build excitement way before time to head to the hills (or the beach!). Make sure that you include the whole family and let everyone have a part in deciding what you'll need to bring to make this a great adventure and a pleasurable experience. Camping with your family is a great way to build a closer relationship between parents and kids. Good quality time spent without the distraction of the TV, computer and video games can make for some great memories and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. You'll experience quality time for everyone involved.

Deciding Where To Camp

One of the first things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. Do you prefer "roughing it"? This means no electrical hookups, no camp host or camp store, and bathroom facilities means "the woods"! For most campers, I would recommend an established campground. State Parks provide some of the best campgrounds available and they are usually very well maintained and reasonably priced. You will have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained and as safe as possible. In choosing the campground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity. I would recommend you pick up a good campground directory such as Woodalls campground guide and directory to help you decide where to camp.

Selecting Your Gear

Once you've found the perfect location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. Will you be camping in a tent, "pop-up" type trailer or possibly an RV? Shop around; see what is offered and what will work the best for you and your family. Be sure you include everyone in this decision. It makes for some great excitement and will have everyone looking forward to the first time you try out that new tent or camper. Also, if everyone has a part in this decision it limits the number of complaints that you may hear about later on! Do you plan on using a sleeping bag? Remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all! If you will be tent camping, another thing to consider is having a mattresses or foam padding under the sleeping bags. Foam padding usually folds up to a compact size and is much easier on the back than sleeping right on the floor of the tent. It just might be worth the extra trouble to pack it along to insure a good nights sleep! I would also recommend a large battery operated lamp for your tent. Another great idea is for everyone to have their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family during trips to and from the bathroom facilities (or woods!).

Use A Camping Checklist

A camping check list makes every trip much more enjoyable in several ways. First, the whole family gets involved together in creating your camping check list. Making out your check list long before the trip is kind of like starting your vacation early. It builds up the excitement and anticipation when everyone begins to think of items they want and need to bring. Second, check lists help you organize and pack your camping gear. The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. Third, check lists help you remember to take everything with you. No one likes to get to camp and find out they forgot some important item (even though you will probably will forget something!). Fourth, check lists help you remember what NOT to bring next time. This is important, because each trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn't and what you wish you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better.

Planning Out Your Meals

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean waiting your turn? Don't forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. Don't forget cooking and eating utensils. Remember, you don't have to wash paper plates and plastic cups! If you decide to use these type items be sure you dispose of them properly and don't leave your trash for someone else to pick up! Meals that can be cooked at home ahead of time, and travel well in a cooler, will save a lot of time especially on the first night of your trip. Precooked meats will last longer in the cooler than raw meats, especially if you use block ice in your cooler. It will last much longer than cubes. If you're an ice cream lover, nothing is better than home made ice cream on a camping trip. Depending on where you'll be camping, you can bring along your electric ice cream maker or your "old fashioned" hand crank ice cream churn. Of course you'll want to make sure you have access to a local store that has ice! If you're in an area inhabited by bears, special precautions must be taken with both your food and garbage. if you're in an established campground, place your food in the special bear-proof receptacles at night. If you leave food in your vehicle, a hungry bear will find a way to get inside it, and he doesn't care what kind of damage he does to your vehicle! It's always a good idea to talk with the local Park Ranger about wildlife in your campground area.

What About Your Drinking Water?

The water around organized campgrounds is probably safe. Their water is usually privately treated or it is supplied by a near by city treatment plant. The water from lakes, springs, rivers and streams however, is untreated and can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness. Water that runs rapidly over gravel, rocks, and plant life appears clean and limpid, but this is no guarantee it is safe for you. Your best bet to ensure you and your family's safety is to always treat any water obtained from unfamiliar sources, such as all the sources mentioned above. It is not that hard to do and it takes so little time. There are many different ways to treat water, but boiling water is probably the most common method used. It is best to boil it for more than 10 minutes at a steady boil. If you are camping in a wilderness type area where treated water is not available, then be sure to bring your own. Don't forget to add that to your checklist!

Clothing Considerations

Bring extra clothing along. If the weather is different than you had planned on, then you'll be glad you did. Don't forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well. And finally, one last important item.....a camera to capture those memories!

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

The Author loves spending time camping in the Florida panhandle and the North Georgia Mountains. Trout fishing and photography rate very high on this authors list. Please visit my website: http://www.mycampstore.comCorabella Blog57351
Cornela Blog29232

How And When To Teach Your Kids About Money

As a child, money seems to somehow grow on trees as mum and dad always appear to have money to buy things.

Even though this is clearly not the case, its unfortunately the perception of children who live in a very consumer oriented world.

Rather than letting your child grow up thinking that money comes easily, you need to institute some form of education that teaches them how to understand and use money wisely.

Teach them young and they will carry forward that knowledge and live a better financial life. Heres a few tips how :

From ages 3 - 7

1. Show them the value of money by explaining what $2 can and can't buy. It may be an idea to do this whilst walking down the super market aisle or toy aisle (if you are game!).

2. Let them watch you pay for things. You may even start by letting them hand over the cash or pressing the OK button on the ATM.

3. Do not give them notes. Pay their pocket money in coins as your children need to understand how to allocate their money.

4. Show them how to visualise their goals. Get them to draw what they want to save up for. Keep the goals realistic otherwise they will very quickly lose interest.

What they learn -

Different things have different values.
Money simply doesn't grow on trees and that you have to work for your money.
You have to allocate your money for different things

From ages 7 - 12

1. Encourage them to participate in the school banking programme. This will give them a sense of regular commitment to savings.

2. Get them interested in looking at their bank statements and following how much money they are saving. This will get them used to scanning banking paperwork.

3. Get them to start thinking of a long term saving goal and work out how long it will take them to reach that goal.

4. Give them a combination of notes and coins for their pocket money. This will really strengthen their allocation abilities and efficient usage of spare change.

5. Start showing them the family bills and explain positively that the bills have to be paid to keep the family going.

What they will learn
Saving is a planned activity and something that needs a bit of thought rather that just putting away what's left over.
The value of small change
It takes a fair bit of money and good money management skills to keep a roof over their head.

For Teenagers

1. Encourage them to set up their own bank account and use internet banking.

2. Direct debit their pocket money into their account. This will get them used to dealing with intangible payments, and that electronic money is not just a set of numbers.

3. Make them responsible for their own bills such as mobiles. This is a very quick way to teach them how to spend wisely.

4. Try not to lend money to them for purchases that are of an extravagant nature. If they really want it, encourage them to get a part time job to save up enough. If you do loan money to them, do so only on the grounds that you will reduce the amount of their pocket money until the loan is paid.

5. Charge them board if they have a part time job - this will start getting them into the habit of paying their way for things they take for granted - like food and shelter!!

6. Introduce them to the concept of return on investment. Show them the value of putting some of their money into high interest savings accounts or even into managed investments.

7. Highlight the fact that if they start now they will be so much better off down the track.

What they learn

Not only will they learn more modern and more efficient banking techniques they will also learn how to curb their wants, or find ways to earn rather than going into debt for something that is not totally necessary.

It takes money to create money.

Greg R Smith is money expert from Australia who is recognized for his gift to translate the often complex money world into simple over the kitchen table language. He is a qualified financial planner with over 20 years experience and is also a best selling an author, TV presenter, columnist, public speaker and radio presenter. He is also the inventor of a revolutionary money box that will change the way children learn about money forever - visit http://www.moneyedbox.com for more.Coralyn Blog54900
Debbie Blog9675

A Career as a Jeweler

A career as a Jeweler requires a special person with lots of patience and ability to do tedious work for long periods of time. The jeweler must have educational courses in the trade and love for jewelry and the work he does. The jeweler is free to explore other facets of the business such as sales, design, and jewelry store ownership.

Education Requirements: A jeweler will be a high school graduate. He will have included chemistry, physics, art and mechanical drawing among his classes. Classes in sculpturing and metalworking would also be helpful.

There are educational and training programs available for the jeweler as well as trade schools and community colleges. They offer classes in jewelry-making skills, techniques, use and care of tools, as well as stone setting, casting, polishing and gem identification. He will learn the intricate repair work of jewelry. The training may take up to 36 months.

Job Abilities: The jeweler works with his hands and eyes mostly sitting at his bench for long hours. The job is very intense and requires hand and finger dexterity as well as hand and eye coordination. He can use a variety of hand tools such as drills, saws, files and a jewelers lathe. Sometimes he will wear a jewelers loupe and use a special magnifying glass.

Other Possibilities: The Jeweler may also become a designer if he has artistic ability along with the other requirements of the job. He may use his own designs as well as the designs of others. He may make his own molds, pour the molten metals and produce his own creations. He may create rings, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry out of gold, silver or platinum. As well, a jeweler may repair clocks and watches. The jeweler works with precious metals and very valuable stones.

Job Opportunities: The jeweler may find work in a variety of areas. He may be self-employed and work from his home, his own store, a small studio or trade shop. He could have a station in a jewelry store. He could also work for others in a manufacturing plant, a department store or a jewelry store. Jewelry stores are usually quiet, pleasant places to work compared with the shift and assembly line work and noisy machinery of a manufacturing plant.

The Future: A variety of jobs as a jeweler are available for those who look for them. The sale of jewelry continues to increase. The number of jewelry stores is growing as well as internet sales, TV sales, department stores sales and other outlets. A jeweler will always be able to find employment.

When shopping for gold and diamonds, the name to remember is http://www.normasfinejewelry.com. Normas has many beautiful jewelry items at 40% to 60% less than the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price every day. If you are shopping for white gold earrings or gold hoop earrings, gold necklaces or white gold necklaces, gold bracelets or white gold bracelets, diamonds rings or childrens jewelry, be sure to see the 100s of choices at Normas. There is no need to wait for a sale or fight the Mall traffic. Norma welcomes you and every order will receive her personal attention

Norma is writer and Senior Administrator for Norma's Fine Jewelry. You may see her beautiful collection by visiting http://www.normasfinejewelry.com.Dasie Blog89356
Deb Blog96784

Payday Loans: Financial Crack

I am sure that many of you remember what a scourge crack has been to our community. It has destroyed many lives and family. One of the things that made it so dangerous is that it was cheap, easy to get and highly addictive. Are payday loans the financial equivalent?

I dont believe they are. They are easy to get and highly addictive, but they are certainly not cheap. Many have Annual Percentage rates of over 5000%.

The Payday loan business has seen explosive growth. They are popping up all over the country. It some states they are actually illegal because of the high interest rate. Why in the world would someone pay this outrageous amount?

Many times individual have unexpected emergencies. Unexpected medical bill, car repairs and large bills can just be some of the nasty surprises that may occur. Many people just need a little help until they can get to their next payday. As long as the person can make the payment by then, it is not a bad deal.

The problem happens when people use these loans for non-emergencies. These could include sales, vacations and other things that dont require immediate attention.

It is then compounded when people then are not able to the full balance due on their loan. When this happens they are offered the ability to extend their loan. Now for the bit of grace they will pay a huge penalty. And with most loans the penalty does not even count toward the principal of the loan.

The way the lender secures the loan is by holding one or more of your personal checks. You do have to have a checking account and a job to qualify for a loan. So not just everyone qualifies.

The problem that most people run into is that most people do not just use it once. They keep extending the loan. Then they go from one place to another. Many people have loans out with more than 5 companies.

The solution is to only use these loans for emergencies and as a last resort. If you do have to use them, make sure to pay them off as quickly as possible. The longer you renew the loan the bigger the hole you will dig yourself

Shawn E. Hill has spent over 15 years in the business and finance industry. Make sure to check out http://www.gotcreditpower.com to get more information about improving your finances!Cory Blog33188
Cynthy Blog26055

Before You Hire A Decorative Artists, Ask The Right Questions

Hiring a decorative artist to work in your home is a personal experience. From the beginning planning stage to the actual process of painting, a homeowner and artist will spend many hours together. Below are five tips to aid the creative process, and insure you hire the most qualified studio that fits your projects needs.

Finding the Artist. Home Shows, interior designers, and local home magazines are ideal places to find professional artists. Check out the walls of established hair salons or restaurants. Try the local phone book-- many times artists are included in the paint contractors category.

A quick search on the web, using key words such as Des Moines Faux Finish may lead to immediate local results when looking for a specific area. Make sure to go through the first three pages of your search. You may also try www.FauxDirectory.com, a national database.

Questions For The Artist and You. When contacting the artist be prepared with questions. First, make sure the artist is an actual business entity, rather than a hobby painter. For example, decorative artists work is considered to be part of the construction industry in Iowa. Artists working on walls and interiors of homes are required to be a registered contractor with the state. To see if the artist your considering to hire check here http://www2.iwd.state.ia.us/contractor.nsf. Second, ask if the artist is covered by insurance. It is extremely important to ask if they are covered not only by liability insurance, but that all helpers on the jobsite are covered by workers compensation insurance. Decorative artists work on ladders and scaffolding on most jobs; safety must come first.

Other questions to ask include:

* Do you have a website?
* What is your lead time?
* How much is your consultation fee?
* Will you make a sample of any proposed ideas?
* Where have you been trained?
* Do you use professional, durable products?

While on the phone be prepared to explain to the artist what your vision and goals are for the proposed project area. Discuss ideas such as interior design style, or if you would like to add texture to the wall. Specific problems you are trying to solve, such as incorporating color into an open floor plan are crucial. Be ready to talk about budgetwhat is the amount of money you feel comfortable spending on a project.

During The Consultation. Most artists will meet potential clients in their homes. An average consultation takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. If more than one room is to be discussed, prepare the artist before hand so plenty of time is scheduled. For large projects, a consultation can run considerably longer. Ideally, all decision makers are present. The artist will bring a portfolio of work. The portfolio can include a number of items such as large samples boards, photographs of completed homes, idea books, and color decks. Make sure to judge the portfolio on the quality of items, and not the sheer number. However, an artist who has many years experience will have a much larger portfolio than an artist starting out. Let the artist know what your budget is. If you do not feel comfortable, speak in broad terms such as Between $1300-1800. By telling the artist an approximate price range, the best finishes can be chosen that fall into the budget. The artist will also measure out the wall or ceiling area, and take your contact information to return your estimate.

Compare Estimates. When comparing estimates from several different decorative studios, make sure you are comparing the same finishes. An eight layer finish can range in the $8-12 s.f. category, while a 3 layer finish may price at $4 s.f. Glazed walls will be significantly less than textured finishes. The below example gives different price comparisons:

A small powder room is to mimic an old rustic and aged leather that finisher A. refers to as a colorwash. The finisher prices this at $1300. Finisher B doesnt recommend the color red for the bathroom, but suggest a light tan leather look, also referred to as a colorwash on their estimate. The price is $650. Though it may seem as finisher A is double the price, the finishes are greatly different. The red leather finish will need a grey primer basecoat, as well as 2 coats of red paint. Red paint is often priced slightly higher than other colors, due to the red colorants added. The brown leather finish may not require a basecoatthe homeowner has leftover wall paint, and the painter has agreed this will work great for the basecoat by showing the homeowner a sample. The painter then will have to glaze the walls.

Ask the artist for an approximate time frame. An artist working alone may need several weeks to complete a home with multiple finishes. A studio with several trained artists on staff will complete the project in a shorter period of time. Examine each estimate. If a painters price is considerably lower than other estimates the standard of craftmanship may not be up to par with more qualified contractors. Weigh all factors-price quote, references, and professionalism before making a decision.

Hiring an artist is an exciting experience for any homeowner. Customizing your home, and inviting an artist to create an environment just for you is exciting and very personal. From asking and answering questions, to interviewing and reviewing estimates the process can be overwhelming. However, taking one step at a time, and focusing on your goals and vision will make the results tremendously rewarding.

Lead artist of Hampton Wall Designs, Julie Hampton has worked one on one with a variety of clients including interior designers, architects, and private home owners. A skilled artisan, Julie guides her clientele in selecting high quality finishes and surface designs.Dana Blog76385
Clarisse Blog12178

Dating Tips: How To Get More Physical With A Woman

How do you get from a personal conversation with a women to be physical?

The first thing to note is that interacting and flirting with a women takes a series of stages. The first stage is to have fun with the women and have laughs and fun. You ask things about her and show you are a good listener. Teasing and being a little cocky and funny are a great way to indicate that you are not needy and wussy.

If she stuffs up in some way like dropping something , I like to say 'Gee you have just stuffed up your chance of a relationship with me'. This indicates that you are selecting her and you are fussy and not needy. It always creates a laugh too.

Another way of indicating that you are a man is not to answer all of her questions. Make a funny reply. This indicates that you are in control and not playing to her game. Women tend to test men all the time. Most of the time this is unconscious. It is good to be aware of this and not fall for it. Sometimes I say 'you are just testing me with that question' and the women always smiles.

Relationships can move forward or back and it is important for the man to lead. A man needs to learn to move the relationship to be more sexual.

A women's big complaint about many men is that most men cannot move the relationship to a more intimate and a sexual area. Most women hate men that are wussy and do not take a risk. They want a sexually aware man that knows that most women love sex.

I am fortunate being a qualified sexologist in that when a women asks what I do for a living I just say 'I am a sexologist'. We then usually talk about how most men come in only 7 minutes and have a conversation about different sorts orgasms.

If you are not a sexologist or a tantra expert maybe train to be one!

What is a simple way you can create sexual interest. One easy way is to look to see what is special in the women and compliment on this by saying 'I think its sexy the way....' It is good not to use her body to find compliments. Find something unique and special about her. It is something about her femininity, her soul, her uniqueness. Be careful not to be heavy in your compliments but light and fun.

Using the word sexy is a great way to indicate sexual interest. I find it sexy that ..... Just fill in the blank. Learn to look for what is special in a woman apart from her body.

Women do not want to waste their time with a man that can't be flirty and sexually aware. They do now want to waste their time with a man that is scared of them in some way. The fear of rejection is a big barriers for a lot of men.

I hope you have fun talking to women and escalating the conversation to a more sexual area.

Maurice Tate is a qualified sexologist trained at the Advanced Institute of Sexology. He works with individuals and couples. To improve your orgasms go to http://www.bodyecstatic.com/orgasmsforall.htmChery Blog89003
Daphne Blog87406

Are You Spending Too Much Time on Your Online Business?

This is especially true if you are new to the cut-throat world of Internet marketing. You will be overloaded with too much information and bogus ebooks, so much so that you are not sure where you are heading.

My friend, the keyword here is automation. You would want your online business to run totally on auto-pilot, constantly raking in the profits 24/7, and with minimal effort on your part. So how do you achieve that? Here are some things about Internet marketing which you would need to know.

1. Your own digital salesman

What is this digital sales man I am talking about? It is your sales page, and this is the heart of your automated online business. It will do all the selling for you, and take all the orders online via an order button. All you need to do is just to monitor your sales. Your next Internet marketing strategy is to drive lots of traffic to your sales page.

2. Plant the seeds of success now, and reap the rewards later

You will never achieve anything without any initial effort on your part. You would need to plant the seeds of success now, so that your online business will truly run on auto-pilot in future. You can concentrate on some Internet marketing strategies that will last for a long time, and one of them is article marketing. This strategy involves submitting articles to articles directories. Your articles will contain your biography where you showcase your products and services, and they will give you back links that stay in the directories for a long, long time.

Another way is to market in forums, where you can promote your services at the end of your posts via your signature box, giving you back links that will stay on the Internet for many years to come.

3. Set up your own affiliate program

This Internet marketing strategy will take a bit of work. You would need some special software and get some decent web hosting to host your affiliate program. A more easier way is to join other popular affiliate programs like Clickbank and Commission Junction. All you need to do is just sign-up, get your affiliate URL, and the affiliate network will do everything for you, including the sales and processing of the checks. All you need to do is just to promote the affiliate link.

4. Instant delivery of your product

This is essential if you are selling digital downloads. Instant delivery can be executed via a Thank You page after your new customers have ordered your product through the payment processor's page. Your download link to your product will be located on your Thank You page, where you would also express your thanks and appreciation for the business that your new customers have given you.

5. Build your own mailing list

This is just like building your own network of clients who will be more than willing to listen to all of your offers. The difficult part is to maintain the trust with your paying customers in your mailing list. After all, they have paid good money for your services, and the least you can do is to reward them with some after-sales customer service. Building and maintaining your own mailing list is absolutely vital if you are to truly put your online business on auto-pilot.

There you have it. The complete Internet marketing system that will guarantee that your online business will virtually run on automation. You would have your own digital salesman that will do all the selling for you 24/7, your own payment processor page, your Thank You page that will do all the product deliveries, and of course your mailing list system that will capture contact details of prospects who are not ready to buy your products at first, so that you can follow-up on them for your future offers.

And the best part of this system is that, in time to come, it will ultimately run everything by itself. All you need to do is just spend a couple of hours a day monitoring your sales, and watch the checks roll in. But please understand that nothing in this world happens by magic, so you would need to give this system some time to develop.

You would need to have lots of patience, as there are going to be lots of adjustments and testing for you to do to make sure that each and every aspect of the system can achieve optimal results for your online business.

Wyatt Lee is an expert author specializing on the subject of Internet marketing. Please visit his Internet marketing strategy blog at http://internetmarketing-strategy.blogspot.com for all the best tips and latest news on the world of Internet marketing.Clair Blog69899
Charmion Blog92446