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Avoiding the Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009

2009-05-04T03:49:00.001-07:00

Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily by: Simon DodererThe guidelines state: INFORM / THE HIGHEST LEVEL / BASIC HYGIENE SOLUTIONS Swine Flu: The current issue of the swine flu, this is caused by an Influenza A type virus. This determines the characteristics, such as shape and make up of the virus. Byotrol from Northern Environmental kills this type of virus. It is the infections that are caused by the swine flu virus that are difficult to control/treat. Byocare Handmousse used on hard surfaces or hands kills the virus it does not treat the disease. Byotrol helps ‘prevent’ and protect – EN1500 with 30 minute and 16 hours control! This may not be as direct proof as we like but we can be very confident that Byotrol is effective against flu virus Below are some guidelines on our website – I have highlighted in red several of the many key features whereby simple, back to basic measures underpinned by the Byotrol Technology can help. Swine Flu - Byotrol Publishes Guide Lines To Help Businesses 27th Apr 2009 Pandemic Flu Policy & Contingency Plan 1. INTRODUCTION A Swine Flu ( influenza) pandemic has the potential to severely affect UK Business, employees and their families, and requires specific planning over and above that made for disasters It is recommended the planning focuses on: • Raising employees awareness of the threat of a pandemic and testing staff preparedness: • Maintaining health surveillance and hygiene measures: • Producing action plans that are specific to each of the business’s locations, taking into account local healthcare provision and regulatory systems governing drug licensing and stockpiling : and • Enhancing protection for high risk and vulnerable employees. 2 Background Pandemic influenza (flu) is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world. Unlike the “ordinary” flu that occurs every winter in the UK, pandemic flu can occur at any time of year. Pandemic flu is much more serious than “ordinary” flu. As much as a quarter of the population may be affected – possibly more. Pandemic flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ordinary flu but the symptoms may be more severe because nobody will have any immunity or protection against the particular virus. Swine influenza or “Swine Flu” is a contagious disease caused by mutation in influenza A viruses. Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily 3 Planning for a PANDEMIC 3.1 The CEO should be the business’s designated pandemic coordinator and a pandemic response team from across the business should be set up and trained in clearly defined rolls. 3.2 The functions of the pandemic response team includes • Maintaining the team’s own awareness of global developments in Swine Flu (including guidance on containment strategies and vaccines) • Developing training and awareness materials for the business • Briefing the Management Board • Ensuring links are maintained with external stakeholders in planning for a pandemic flu (e.g. suppliers, customers and where relevant the Public) PANDEMIC RESPONSE Working practices and social distancing • Employees who are fit to return to work following an absence due to pandemic flu (and who have therefore developed immunity to the disease) might be considered for high-risk, essential roles. • The company should establish flexible working policies, enabling line managers to agree home working, different shift patterns, or relocation to a site more local to the employee’s home where appropriate. • Employees will be required to work at least one metre away from colleagues to ensure social distancing and managers will reconfigure work-site layouts to enable this to take place • Other social distancing responses are likely to include: o Absolutely no shared use of Telephones and mobiles o Advising employees to avoid face-to-face meetings and to use telephone and internet services instead, where possible o If this is not possible, meeting only in a large room and maintaining a distance of at least one metre between participants o Advising employees to avoid crowded places (lifts) or heavily populated gatherings (e.g. sporting events) o Advising employees to avoid travelling at busy periods on public transport • Essential workers who are totally reliant on public transport may be offered dedicated transport to and from work Infection Control • During a pandemic the business should seek to reduce the overall and specific risks to members of staff by taking appropriate infection control actions (e.g. strengthening guidance on hand washing, unnecessary contact such as hand shaking and isolataion of any member of staff with symptoms such as coughing) • Basic health protection advice including the following guidance: o Avoid close contact o Staying at home when sick or sickening o Covering completely with disposable tissues mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing sanitising hands afterwards o Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth • Additional protection measures will be taken to ensure that influenza does not spread through contaminated objects and surfaces, such as handles, railings and counters. Surfaces touched by hands will be cleaned at least daily using Byotrol products. • Staff with flu-like symptoms will be required to stay at home until the symptoms disappear and will be allowed in the workplace only in extreme circumstances • Staff developing symptoms at work will be accommodated in a designated isolation room while arrangements are made to transport them home. Precautions will be introduced for all those entering and leaving this room. • Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily Staff at risk of developing influenza-related complications (e.g. pregnant workers and those with compromised immune systems) will be reassigned from high-risk work sites and locations in the event of a pandemic. Business and personal travel • Only essential business travel should be considered during a pandemic and procedures for approving travel need to be tightened, requiring authorisation from a senior manager • The pandemic response team should monitor travel plans and new procedures for notifying employees’ location during periods of business travel will be introduced in the event of a pandemic • Staff required to visit pandemic-affected areas on business will be provided with appropriate health advice and personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, Byotrol based handwipes) and employees will have the right to refuse to travel to such areas • Staff visiting affected areas for non-business purposes during a pandemic may need to be required to stay away from work for a period of quarantine on unpaid leave. 3.3 Goods services and functions of the business that are essential to its operations and survival will be defined and the Business will: • Carry out devolution planning: i.e. plan which services can be carried out by other sites: • Develop an order of succession: i.e. plan which services can be carried out by personnel other than those who normally given the task and train non-essential back-up staff to perform essential tasks • Stockpile small quantities of essential supplies, materials and equipment • Ensure that maintenance plans are up to date to guarantee that all equipment essential to the business’s operation is capable of sustained operation in the event of a pandemic • Prepare time lines for how long it will be possible for the Business to carry out its essential functions without critical supplies, personnel and equipment • Produce forecasts of employee sickness absence during a pandemic flu • Put in place policies to enable flexible working (e.g. home- working ) in the event of a pandemic flu: • Put in place a pandemic response team that will take steps to heighten awareness of the Business infection control procedures, particularly provisions covering hand hygiene: • Provide specific training for all employees and students on personal, workplace and family protection and actions to take as a pandemic develops; • Prepare employee support services, including grief counselling and psychiatric care ; • Ensure that adequate supplies of infection control materials (Byotrol mousse for hand hygiene, surface sprays, wipes, gloves and masks) are held in preparedness for a pandemic. The Byotrol hand hygiene programme is just one element of our ‘Hygiene Revolution’ whereby we can challenge and manage the Critical Control Points within food processing / preparation / service: Floors / Food Contact surfaces / Hands Product offering: Hand Hygiene / Skin care Unit Pack End user unit price Byocare Mousse 50ml 30 x 50ml £2.99 Byocare Mousse 600ml 12 x 600ml £8.50 Byocare Mousse 5L - re-fill 4 x 5L £16.00 Swine Flu - How To Protect Yourself Quickly & Easily FOOD MANUFACTURING For Food-processing, food-preparation and food-service there are complex hygiene issues such as:  Food preparation: deli, bakery, on site food prep: sandwiches etc Floors: HD Food Safe Degreaser/ food contact surface Byosan, Cleaner Sanitiser + (Ready for use), Byowipe (Byosan liquid inside)  Food storage, display and check out – floors, shelving, check-out conveyors Broad spectrum usage: Byowipe – kills and protects / multi surface usage People ‘hands’: one of the major contributing factor for food spoilage and pathogens – some statistics claim upto 80% can be attributed to poor hand hygiene (General public: circa 40% of men and 20% of women do not wash their hands after using the toilet) (Catering workers: circa 50% do not wash their hands prior to preparing food) Byocare – hand hygiene programme: soap, sanitiser, dispensers, training programme Prepared by Simon Doderer – http://www.nenviro.com with content from Byotrol PLC. Call 0800 808 7887 or email Info@nenviro.comAbout The AuthorSimon Doderer is managing Director and founder of http://www.nenviro.com. Dedicated to commercial solutions for the Environment.Visit the author's web site at:http://www.nenviro.com

Current News Stories of Note

2008-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

Israel began dropping bombs on Gaza this weekend claimingthat Hamas was not honoring the cease fire. Several hundredpeople have been killed thus far.

Knoxville, TN
A flood of coal ash and sludge carrying one billion gallonsdestroyed Kingston, Tennessee like Santa dropping coal on a whole town. TVA promises cleanup but did not comment on thelevy or why it failed. The sludge is heading for the TennesseeRiver, which is the main water supply for many southeasterncities and towns.

BLAGOJEVICH, ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, REFUSES TO RESIGN AFTER BEING ARRESTED.
TV anchors were dropping like flies as they attempted topronounce Blogio-evicth, Bloganana, Blutosavitch, Blagoyardee..Also, it turns out that no one knows Blagojevitch. Manypoliticians in Illinois were questioned about their relationshipwith Blagojevitch, but no even knew who he is. The only personwho would admit to knowing him was a homeless man whom statedthat Blago was "a lizardman from outer space, which expains everything.". So, there you go.

SHOE-ICIDE - BUSHWACKED IN IRAQ BY A PAIR OF SHOES.BUSH DUCKED AS SHOE TOSSED AT HIS HEAD, THEN A SECOND ONE.The reporter who threw his shoes as a "kiss goodbye.." hasa following of supporters in Iraq marching about with signsshowing their support and favorite pair of shoes of theirown.

FLORIDA TOT MOM MAY BECOME TATER TOT IF FOUND GUILTY..
More on these stories at http://www.nytimes.com/ and http://www.reuters.com

Also, check out this great place to compare products: consumersearch.com - product review search site

GPS Buyers Guide

2008-12-19T07:39:00.001-08:00

GPS Buyers Guide, 6 things you must know! by: Jason Wolf

Yes there are six things you need to know before you buy a GPS for your car or truck. What do most people use a car GPS for? The most popular use is to get turn-by-turn directions while driving from point A to point B. Some popular car navigational units are the Magellan Roadmates, the Tomtom, the Garmin Nuvi units, and the new Navigon gps units. 1 - Screen Size and sound are important. Especially while driving. The screen should be readable and bright, Also Make sure the buttons are big enough for your fingers, so that you aren't pressing multiple buttons at the same time. Vehicles are noisier than you may think. Driving noise can make it difficult to hear weak audio. Be sure to check out the sound quality to make sure you can understand what is being said. It should be clear and loud so that you can hear it in your vehicle. 2 - Downloadable Maps and memory. Most gps units come with maps built in. A lot of them can download maps as well. It is a good idea to puchase one that has the ability to download maps, so that you map doesn't get outdated. Memory - the more memory the gps unit has, the more locations, waypoints, landmarks, and maps you can save. 3 - The time it takes a GPS to find and display information. This depends on the number of channels a GPS has. The more channels the unit has the better the reception. Take this into consideration. You don't want to have to pull over and wait for it to get map data if you make a wrong turn. 4 - Does the unit speak street names? This is very helpful. If it does not say the street names and it tells you to turn right. You may have to glance at the unit to check the street name. This can be dangerous. 5 - What type of batteries are used with the GPS? Are they normal rechargeable AA batteries or are they special manufacturer batteries? Also how long do they last. 6 - Bluetooth is great for those who need to use cell phones while driving, With Bluetooth the driver can make and receive hands-free calls through the unit's speaker and microphone, and view their telephone book and access caller ID on the screen. What an amazing feature. Of course blue-tooth enabled units are little more expensive. Those are the six things you need to know before you buy a GPS. Heres a quick note about mapping data: All Magellan Garmin and NAVIGON GPS units use NAVTEQ mapping data, while TomTom uses Tele Atlas. I've done research online and found that both NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas are both good and I would not base my decision on which mapping data the gps uses. Where to buy? A good place to check prices is at: www.gpsreviewvideos.com This website has video reviews of numerous gps units and links to compare prices. That way you can watch a video of the gps unit, compare prices from multiple sources online and get the best price.
About The Author
Jason Wolf http://www.gpsreviewvideos.com GPS Video Review Site See how gps units work before you buy.

Obama and Election 2008 News

2008-06-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

SCOGOSTOLOGY-POLITICALOGY: Jewish Support Crucial For Obama's Nomination And Victory In General Election by: Scogostology.com

OBAMANISM IS THE CURE FOR CLINTONITIS AND MIDDLE EAST STRIFE. Obamanism is the cure for Clintonitis that has devastated America and I hope Jews all over US rally around Obama and support him to win both the nomination and the Presidency because after he wins, he would help the Jews and Israel as well as settle the Middle East problems. However, if Jews betray Obama and he loses, Africans worldwide would consider it a betrayal to the whole African people and will never forgive world Jewry. In retaliation, (eye for eye, remember!) Africa would consider expelling all Jews from Africa who have been mining African Gold and Diamond and enriching themselves for many centuries. It was African gold and diamond that built international finance, trade and banking that the Jews (Rothschild, Warbug, Rockefeller and others) dominate. It was African gold and diamond that built Jewish banks and wealth worldwide. Thousands of years ago, when Jews were starving and nearly perished in Palestine, they took refuge in Egypt, Africa. If Egypt and Africa did not feed the Jews, perhaps there would be no Jews today. Jews also took all Egyptian and African science, technology and religious knowledge that have helped them to develop themselves and to get to where they are today: on top of most of the industries and corporations all over the world. Jews owe Africa and Africans everything they have today because if Africa did not shelter them when they were homeless and starving, they would not be here today. If Africa did not give them their religion, Judaism and science and technology of the ancient astronaut Anunnaki’s gods, they probably would have not prospered. If Jews betray Africans by betraying Obama, there would be grave consequences that would shake the foundation of Earth. Let Jews remember who their best friend is! Hundreds of years ago during the Inquisition in Europe, the Catholic Church slaughtered Jews in Spain and all over Europe and forced most of them to convert to Christianity to stay alive. Moreover, during World war 2, Hitler and his Nazi regime gassed and slaughtered them too. When they escaped to America, they met opposition and discrimination everywhere. They had to hustle to survive. Again, Africa helped them by allowing them to continue mining all their gold and diamond. African gold and diamond are the foundation of the wealth of world Jewry. Abraham Foxman, we hope you remember that! The only people who have been nice to Jews have been Africans. It is now payback time and Africans hope you would not bite the hands that fed you and made you rich and the envy of the world today. Billary is divisive, cannot beat senator McCain!!! During their 30 yrs in Politics, they never solved even one single problem despite all their experience and slick Willie’s ingenuity. The best things that they gave America were endless scandals and the destruction of American reputation all over the world. (Sex and drugs in the White House) This empowered terrorists to attack America because they felt America had become weak and an easy target. Does anyone still remember 9/11??? McCain is a nice man. Great man. War Hero! Very respectable and likable man. But he is too old. He has no juice or fire. He has no agenda to fix American problems. The only issue he is passionate about is Iraqi war and he plans to keep America in Iraq for 100 yrs, while American economy and Americans keep suffering and languishing, as India, China, Japan, Korea and Singapore keep progressing and are now manufacturing and exporting all the consumer goods needed in America. It is an outrage that America is now being forced to borrow money from Communist China to buy oil from Saudi Arabia. Almost all American banks are controlled by Saudi Arabian money invested there. If they pull their money out, American banking system and economy would collapse. And Hugo Chavez would party all day and night. America is slowly becoming a nation of consumers and sliding into a third world status. Osama Bin Laden is still free roaming the world. They have not arrested him. Why? But they feel fine squandering trillions of dollars in Iraq while Iran works hard daily to acquire nuclear weapon that they plan to use to wipe Israel out. Something is very wrong and dreadful with the priorities of American foreign policy. Billary is part of the problem, not the solution and her presidency will be a continuation of her husband’s presidency that was scandal ridden. She is just a well informed candidate who is capable of crying to get sympathy and votes. If America puts her in White House, whenever there is a crisis, she would be crying instead of using her brain to figure out the solution. Can America afford a President who melts down and cry like a 16 yrs old girl, when she is faced with a challenge? Being the President of America is the most challenging job in the world!!! To support Billary to become the next President would make America to lose complete respect and it would amount to an open invitation to terrorists all over the world to come back and hit America more. Has Americans not learned any lessons? Has America not suffered enough? Does America need more terrorist attacks because their enemies perceive them as weak by putting a crying President in the White House? She will not have any nerve or ability to solve one problem in America because she is part of the problem, part of Washington gridlock, with a lot of obligations to special interests and PAC. Billary have been in politics for 30 yrs. They should retire because their brains are old and dried up and devoid of any new and fresh ideas. The only things they are very good in doing are lying, playing dirty politics and causing scandals! If they could not help America for 30 yrs that they were in office, they will never do it now that they are older and getting senile. Enough is enough. America has suffered enough of Clintonitis. Americans have spoken loud and clear: they do not want political business as usual that Clintonitis represent. They want change and they want it fast. They have chosen and anointed Obama as the agent of change. He is the new political Messiah who shall continue where JFK stopped. Americans seem to be in slumber and in complete denial of the present dangerous and volatile world situation. This is where Jews can help. By supporting Obama to win, they would cure America of Clintonitis and thereby be able to find a permanent solution to the Arab-Jewish problem in the Middle East. Jews must support Obama or face grave consequences. You cannot afford not to. Africans have been nice and helped Jews for more than 2000 yrs. Now, I say to Jews all over the world, it is time to show your gratitude. Hope you have enjoyed this article about Barack Obama for USA President, Vote for Obama, Michelle Obama, Hope and change, White House, next American President, super delegates, election 2008 campaign, American politics, Hillary Rod-harm Clinton, Bill Clinton, Billary, Clintonitis, Senator John McCain, Middle East Problem, Iraqi War, Iran Nuclear Weapons, WMD, American veterans, American soldiers in Iraq, Ikey G-khan Galacticca, World Peace, WPPM (World Peace And Prosperity Mandate), Scogostology.com, SCOGOSTOLOGY-POLITICALOGY, Scogostologism, Scogos, SGS, Scogostologist, galahuman, Galahumanism, Christianity, Democrats, independent voters, republicans, American politics, US Congress, American economy, tax rebates checks, Jewish support for Obama, World Jewry, Israel, American TV stations, American media, Obama blogs. Copyright Info: Copyrights 2008 by SCOGOSTOLOGY-POLITICALOGY (http://www.secret33.com/scogostology/what-is-scogostology.htm) This article is copyrighted and you may publish this article at your website, in your e-zine (newsletter, blogs) or send it to a friend as long as you retain the author’s resource box, including the website address, and refrain from altering the content or using it in any re-direction manipulation scheme. If you do not agree to these conditions, please do not copy and use this article. Anyone who violates this condition will be subject to legal action and payment of damages for violation of our copyrights. Thank you. By SCOGOSTOLOGY-POLITICALOGY http://www.secret33.com/scogostology/what-is-scogostology.htmAbout The AuthorFor more info about SCOGOS, SGS, SCOGOSTOLOGY-POLITICALOGY, SCOGOSTOLOGISM, SCOGOSTOLOGIST, SCOGOSIAN, SCOGOSTOLOGICIAN, GALACTICCA HUMANA, GALAHUMAN, GALAHUMANISM, TMT POWER SECRETS FREE BOOKS, visit: http://www.secret33.com/scogostology/what-is-scogostology.htm

Paso Fino Horses

2007-12-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

Paso Fino Horses by: Shannon Margolis
The Paso Fino Horse is one of the world's most exciting breeds giving the smoothest ride in the world and attracting many riders. The gait of the Paso Fino Horses is unique and for those of us with bad backs, bad knees, and many other problems caused by years of riding, the Paso is the ideal choice. The movement actually eases stiffness in joints and promotes good circulation. There are many things you can do with the Paso Fino Horses. They are such good weight carriers and have superb stamina, so endurance is one of their talents. The questions that we are most often asked is why are the Paso Finos so special, and why do you love them so much? The Paso Finos are very versatile, and easy to train. The thing with the Paso Fino Horses is that they touch your heart and once they have done this there's no getting them out of your system. They are so loving and generous. They are small horses with big hearts and big personalities. In the years I have been around these horses I have never met one with any malicious tendencies. But you can never truly understand the magic of the Paso Fino Horse until you have ridden one. The Paso Fino Horse has an isochronal, 4-beat gait, which is totally natural. This is what makes these horses so amazing. As it is a natural gait, nothing of the movement is forced, making it a smoother ride. Not only do the Paso Finos gait, but they can also trot and canter, which shows the versatility of the breed. The Paso Fino Horse is very balanced in gait and can carry an amazing amount of weight. The three speeds of the Paso Fino Gait are: Slow - FINO - the movement of the legs is very fast, however the steps are short and rapid. Therefore there seems to be a great deal of energy and activity, but a very slow forward movement. Moderate - PASO CORTO - With the speed of a working trot, this gait covers the ground more as the steps are larger than the Fino movement. Fast - PASO LARGO - This is the speed of canter. It is the fastest speed of the gait. There is further extension of the steps, which means they can cover more ground. The Paso Fina Horse developed in Spain through the Barb, which produced the Spanish Jennet, and the Andulasian. Columbus transported the horses to what is now the Dominican Republic. Subsequent explorers took them to Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, Panama and Mexico. These stunning horses range in size from 13.2 hh to 15.2 hh and are in every colour. The Paso temperament is kind and gentle. Once experienced, these horses become seriously addictive. We were the first to introduce these horses to Britain and we are the foremost stud with an internationally approved breeding programme. We hope that after meeting them you'll love them as much as we do.
About The Author
Shannon Margolis IT Marketing Coordinator For additional information please visit www.horsegalore.com View their website at: http://www.horsegalore.com

Jennifer Anniston Wedding

2007-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

A Fall Wedding For Jennifer Anniston And Vince Vaughn? by: Wesley Berry, AAF
After more than a year of neither publicly affirming nor denying their romantic relationship, Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn are finally engaged. On June 27th Vaughn proposed to Anniston miles above the earth in a plane flight home from their nine-day vacation in Mexico. Although we florists recommend a proposal complete with a beautiful bouquet of roses, happily the outcome was a good one for Vaughn, even without roses-Anniston said yes. The question now is whether or not the couple will draw out their engagement without details leaking to the press, or will they move quickly and throw a fall wedding? Summer is still the most common season for weddings, but the number of fall and winter weddings is on the rise. As reported by the Society of American Florists, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, June is still the most common month for weddings, followed by July, August, and September. However, October is running very closely behind September as a popular wedding month. September's statistics show 8.9 weddings per 1000 people while October is at a very close 8.5 weddings. If Vaughn and Anniston should decide to get married in the fall, they'll have lots of gorgeous flowers and floral accessories to choose from. The fall color palate includes rich reds, robust oranges, warm golds, and deep burgundies, wines, and hunter greens. Such gorgeous colors are the perfect compliment to the colorful show nature puts on in the fall. Flowers and accents that are often used in fall weddings are orange gerberas, hydrangeas in rust or burgundy, apricot-colored lilies, vines, and hypericum berries. Of course, traditional roses are also an excellent option, but those within the fall color palate are preferable for an autumn wedding. Some good fall-colored rose choices include: * Leonidas: A dark, bi-colored chocolaty brown rose. * Black Magic: The darkest of the burgundy roses. * Terra Cotta: The rich orange color of a flowerpot. * Hocus Pocus: Small burgundy roses with playful yellow spots. * Star 2000: A dark coral-orange rose. * Red Berlin: A bright, tomato red rose. * Konfetti: A yellow rose with a reddish-orange tint on the edges. * Sari: A rose with a golden-orange color. * Mambo: A bright tangerine colored rose. Regardless of the season Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn choose to be married in, there's no doubt that with the help of a professional and skilled florist, their wedding flowers will be as beautiful as the bride.
About The Author
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers (http://www.wesleyberryflowers.com/), a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. He also works with http://www.funeral-homes.net/ to provide useful information about funeral homes across the nation. He has been recognized by florists nationwide (http://www.flowers-nationwide.com/) as a leader in the flower business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at: http://www.800wesleys.com/

Learn Spanish Online

2007-12-10T08:06:00.001-08:00

A Few Steps in Learning Spanish Online by: Soli Katir
Learning Spanish Online - Step 1: Make a plan if you really want to learn to speak Spanish you need to have a master plan which tells you exactly how you will do it. So if you’re learning at home or online, here are seven top tips to get you learning Spanish faster than you may ever have thought possible: Try to learn a little, often. Well, thanks to the Internet and all the possibilities it brings, these people can now use one of the many programs that make Spanish learning online relatively easy. If you want Spanish learning materials, new furniture for the den, out-of-print books, all you have to do is look online. To make learning the language even easier, some web sites that offer Spanish lessons online have real audio. Expert language tutors administer all the courses online so you can be sure that you are learning correct Spanish. You just have to trust your source though, with the tight competition online, there are already many website willing enough to give away learning Spanish techniques. Save time - While learning to speak Spanish online you save a lot of time. The Internet truly makes the learning of Spanish online a pleasure. Another advantage to Spanish learning online is that there are tremendous resources available on the Internet and many of these programs use these resources, including video, audio, and chat, that can be beneficial to improving your language skills. Learning to speak Spanish online is very easy. Learning to speak Spanish online can be to your advantage if you are planning a trip to Mexico, Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. While you might find some free initial lessons online, you must take note of the fact that learning how to speak Spanish is a prized and sought-after skill, and therefore you cannot expect to find a free resource that will really give you everything you need to know in order to learn Spanish. Many people are afraid of making mistakes when learning Spanish online. Because of the interactive nature of the Internet, learning Spanish online offers many of the best parts of other choices for learning Spanish.
About The Author
Soli Katir http://www.solikatir.com/Learn-Spanish-Free-Intro-Course.html A free introduction course on learning Spanish: Be able to speak Spanish fluently in less than 3 months!

Defensive Driving May Save Your Life

2007-12-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

Defensive Driving Techniques – It's About Space! by: Ray Hogan
There are a lot of different aspects to defensive driving techniques, but a key feature is to create and maintain space around your vehicle. After all, it's difficult to come into contact with another vehicle, or some other object, if you constantly maintain adequate space around your vehicle. USE THE "TWO-SECOND-PLUS RULE" Use defensive driving techniques to create space around your vehicle. Never allow yourself to get "boxed in" by other vehicles. Adequate space creates enough reaction and braking time to help you avoid a collision. One of the key aspects of creating space is to follow the vehicle in front of you at a distance of at LEAST two seconds. You achieve this by watching as the vehicle ahead passes some object such as a sign on the side of the road, or a mark on the road surface—then count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If you pass your chosen spot before reaching "two," you're too close and should slow down slightly, repeat the count and get the space you need! Avoid being tailgated, or having other vehicles encroach on your space. Employ your defensive driving techniques by changing lanes, or adjusting your speed to enable tailgaters to pass. Even following at two seconds distance, you must be alert to respond quickly, but you should have enough margin under normal circumstances. Sometimes two seconds' space may not be sufficient. Leave more space when you can when following a vehicle different to yours, such as a motorcycle or truck. Motorcycles can usually stop faster than you can in a car, and large trucks impede your vision, which can cause you not to see hazards until too late. You need to monitor this aspect of your defensive driving technique to take into account the characteristics of the vehicles near you. If in doubt, it's better to allow a bit more space than normal. Allow extra space when travelling on a loose, or slippery road surface as your stopping distance may be longer than normal. Be aware of the vehicles next to your vehicle in other lanes and try to adjust your speed to keep your vehicle "in the open", with no vehicles on either side. Be very wary if you become surrounded by vehicles in a moving “pack”. Use your defensive driving techniques to negotiate yourself into a space between packs, so you have clear lanes on both sides. (This is absolutely vital for motorcyclists!) Even when you are stationary, such as at a red light, you need to leave adeqaute space between you and the vehicle in front. Leave enough room so you can escape if the car in front of you doesn't move, or if you need to move away from danger approaching from behind. Make sure you can see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you where they touch the road. This will give you sufficient room to negotiate around when necessary. When driving remember to use your defensive driving techniques to give yourself some space and avoid unwanted contact with other vehicles.
About The Author
Ray Hogan is co-owner of http://www.defensivedriversense.com/ which provides quality resources on defensive driving techniques, advanced driving and traffic safety programs.

How to Puppy Proof Your Home..

2007-11-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

Fido's Fortress: Puppy Proofing Your Home by: Jennifer Jordan
It’s safe to say, my dog has me well trained. My “best friend” since she was six weeks old, my precious pup is now a fourteen year old peke-a-poo, missing teeth, missing vision, and missing manners. She growls at me whenever she wants MY dinner, she awakes me at three a.m. so I can give her a drink from my glass and free her from having to walk the ten steps to her water bowl, and she bites me whenever I accidentally touch her as she sleeps in our bed (90 percent of the bed, she has decided, belongs to her ten pound frame). Yes, it’s fair to say, when it comes to my dog, I am nothing if not obedient. I’d like to say it hasn’t always been like this; I’d like to claim that I once had the upper hand and behaved like, well, the superior species. But, the truth is, I never did. Even before I brought her home, I found myself running around and getting things ready for her arrival. I bought her everything she needed, stopping just short of getting her a diamond studded collar from Tiffany’s, and I puppy proofed my house; I puppy proofed my house like a maniac: there was no way my dog was going to get hurt in my, oh I’m sorry, her, home. This brings me to the topic of puppy proofing. As essential as it is, it’s not that hard to overlook; new dog owners might find themselves forgetting to make a safe environment as they become so wrapped up simply in loving their puppy. Still, puppy proofing your house helps you assure that you will have a puppy to love. So, before you bring home your new bundle of joy, try to engage in the following: Secure your cords: Like moths to flames, puppies have been known to flock towards electrical cords, placing them in their mouths, and chewing away. Not only does this ruin your cord, but it can give your puppy quite a shock. To avoid this, keep cords out of the area where your puppy will be. If it’s impossible to keep cords out completely – if your puppy is in the TV room, it might be hard to not have a cord for your plasma television – place them out of your puppy’s reach: hang them from something high, tape them to the wall, or purchase a wire cover. Guard your Balcony: All puppies have some Christopher Columbus in them: they like to explore. While this is often harmless, when a puppy starts to explore high areas, such as a deck or upstairs balcony, they run the risk of falling. Since you probably won’t be able to keep an eye on your puppy twenty four hours a day, buying a balcony guard is your best bet. A balcony guard allows your puppy to explore higher areas all while assuring that he or she won’t suddenly be thrown off course. Latch Your Cabinets: If there’s one thing puppies know how to do, it’s get into things they shouldn’t. Cabinets, particularly ones that house kitchen or bathroom trash, are prime goals for puppy pursuing. If successful in their venture, puppies can find things in cabinets that could harm them: household cleaners, chicken bones, mouse traps, bleach. Simply putting latches on your cabinets can assure your puppy won’t be able to open the door on this danger. Hang Your Plants: I remember my dog, as a puppy, had an affinity for getting into plants. Sometimes she would dig them up, sometimes she would pee on them, and sometimes – mistaking them for a salad bar – she would eat them. This, turns out, wasn't a good idea: some plants are edible, but others can be poisonous. Your veterinarian can provide you with a list of plants that are harmful to pets, including Aloe Vera, tomato plants, rhododendron, English Ivy, and mistletoe. Instead of leaving these, or any plants, on ground level, hang them from the ceiling. Chances are your puppy won’t figure out how to use a ladder. Puppy proofing your home can take time and money. But, it’s worth it all in the end. It helps us keep our best friend safe, which speaks to those of us who know that there is no such thing as “just a dog.”
About The Author
Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor for http://www.etodoors.com . Someone who changes her mind every five minutes, her house is in a perpetual state of home improvement.

Turkey Recipe

2007-11-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

How to Cook a Bird This Thanksgiving
How to Prepare and Cook the Perfect Chicken and Turkey by: Kevin McCarthyPeople want to eat healthy foods today, and a good way to accomplish that is through poultry. There are some chicken cooking tips that can help you in the kitchen and protect your family as well. Here are a few of the best chicken cooking tips available. • You must take care to always wash your hands, knife, and cutting board in hot soapy water after preparing raw poultry. • You should never use the same utensils and cutting board for other ingredients without thoroughly washing them first and after use. This prevents cross contamination. • You should always marinate poultry in the refrigerator. Never leave it out in the open. • Do not use the poultry marinade for basting. • If the marinade is to be used for the basis of a sauce, bring it to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. • Never put cooked poultry on the same plate that was used to transport raw poultry. Again, this prevents cross contamination. Here are some chicken cooking tips for storing your poultry: • Fresh poultry is a very perishable food. You should not leave it out in the open air. Instead, wrap it in plastic as soon as you get it home from the store and always store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. You should use it within two days; if this is not possible, place it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. You should always freeze giblets and livers separately from the whole bird. • Cooked poultry dishes can be frozen. However, you should not freeze poultry dishes that contain mayonnaise or hard-boiled eggs. • Allow small poultry dishes to cool completely before wrapping and freezing them. Allow larger items to cool in the refrigerator and then wrap airtight and freeze. • You should never freeze stuffed poultry. Some of the most important chicken cooking tips involve proper thawing of the bird. It is especially important that the poultry be properly thawed before cooking. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator while it is in the original wrapper. You can place it on a tray to catch any drips that may fall as it thaws. When thawing in the refrigerator is not possible because there is not enough time, there are two other alternatives. For rapid thawing, you can put the bird in watertight wrapping and then submerge in cold water. You should change the water frequently as this will help quicken the process. Smaller birds require about one to two hours. The other alternative is to leave the bird in its wrapper and put it into a heavy paper grocery bag. Close up the bag and put it into a cool room. You will need to check it frequently, and once the bird is thawed, you must cook it immediately. Now for the Turkey! Turkey is a long time favorite of many families and now there are some great cooking tips tricks that anyone can learn and use to better prepare these wonderful birds. Selecting the proper size: You should plan on about 3/4 pound per person for generous servings. You should understand that this will not leave much in leftovers. If you like to have more leftovers, plan on 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person. Hens or Toms: It may surprise you but the only real difference between a hen and tom is the size. Hens are classified under 16 pounds and toms are over 16 lbs. A somewhat secret cooking tips tricks is that both will be a young turkey, just a few weeks old at the time of processing. They will be equally tender and moist. Roasting your bird: Remove the neck and giblets from the neck and body cavities. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. If you want to stuff the bird, you should loosely stuff the body and neck cavities and then fasten the leg clamp back onto the legs. Cooking tips tricks: Place the turkey in a roasting pan with the plastic timer unobstructed. Cover with a lid, or fashion your own cover with a loose tent of foil. Remember to remove the cover for the last hour for browning. Cooking tips tricks for Roasting Times: Roast in a preheated, 325 degree Fahrenheit oven. Roasting will take about 15 minutes per pound if the turkey is not stuffed. Stuffed turkeys require an additional 1/2 to 1 hour cooking time. However, it is always best to follow the instructions that come with the stuffing and the turkey. You oven temperature may vary as well which will require you to adjust your time, either upward or downward. Cooking tips tricks for Basting: One of the most useful tools you can have is a suction basting tube. These inexpensive tools can make basting your turkey a snap and they can also help decrease the time that the oven door is open, which leads to losing oven heat. Baste your bird about every hour or so. This will help make it brown and tender.About The AuthorKevin McCarthy If you enjoyed this article then have a look at =>http://www.heavencooking.com/ for more cooking articles, information, tips & tricks. There’s even a free report on Master Chef insider tips for saving money on your cooking utensils and equipment.

Trading in Your Car

2007-09-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

What Is A Car's Real Trade-in Value? by: Joshua Rose
We all have the same goal when it comes to buying a car and making sure we get the most possible for our trade-in. At the least, we want to make sure that we're not being taken advantage of. So, with the advent of the internet and the myriad of car information now available to us, we point ourselves over to Kelley Blue Book to find this all-important value. Later, when we're actually negotiating with a Dealer, we find it's not quite this easy. The Dealer's trade-in figure is lower than the one we got from the internet. So, we whip it out and ask for an explanation, and rightfully so. The truth of the matter is that a vehicle's "trade-in value" is not a number that is simply black and white. It's quite "gray" actually. You see, it's not unlike valuing your own home. What is your home worth? Well, you can get a ballpark idea ... maybe a general price range. But a precise and fair figure? Nope. Why? Because there are a number of other factors that determine "value". What have similar homes (or cars) sold for recently? How long did it take them to sell? Is demand currently strong? Weak? Somewhere in between? What's the premium currently being paid for extra features such as a pool or a shed (sunroof or leather)? A Dealer tries to access such issues, and of necessity, "opinion" and "subjectiveness" are going to play a significant role. And much the same way as having your house appraised for a loan, you'll get different answers from different "experts". Another factor is very fluid. The Dealer will certainly check what similar vehicles have sold for at the wholesale, Dealer-Only car auctions. Have there been a lot of them? Did the bidding of other Dealers indicate local Dealer demand? What could he buy this same car for at the auction? If he's unable to sell it, what price would he likely get for it at the auction? Does he have other similar vehicles in stock that have been difficult to sell? And then, whatever figure the Dealer comes up with, he's going to reduce it a bit further to reduce the risk he's taking in investing in your car. He doesn't want to lose the profit he's making on your new car when selling or disposing of your trade-in. So what's a consumer left to do? Well, unfortunately, it's negotiate, negotiate, negotiate ... as unpleasant as it is. The best alternative, however, is to sell the car on your own. Although this takes additional time and effort, it is often well worthwhile. One way to do this is actually very simple: just put a "For Sale" sign in your back window. We've seen this for years, but now that virtually everyone has a cell phone, it often works quite quickly. Another alternative is to list your vehicle online since people shop for cars on the internet now far more now than reading newspaper classified ads. High traffic sites such as AutoTrader or Cars.com charge in the $40 to $70 range and usually the ad runs until the vehicle is sold.
About The Author
Joshua Rose is an Auto Broker who goes to Florida Car Auctions (http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/Used_Car_Aucti.html) on behalf of car buyers. You can learn about going to wholesale auctions in your own area at http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/car-auction.html.

Wii Workout

2007-09-07T04:08:00.001-07:00

Nintendo Wii Brings The Gym To You With Wii Fit by: Karen Bennett
Nintendo has announced a new fitness game Wii Fit which is a full on exercise product set to give you more of a workout than Wii Sports, while still retaining all the fun of gaming. Wii Fit will help to keep you physically fit via a dedicated peripheral, a wireless balance board which comes with the game. There are over 40 different activities, including hula hooping, ski jumping and heading soccer balls. The hula hooping consists of, as you’d expect, gyrating your hips with a virtual hoop onscreen and then as the game progresses, characters will throw more hoops for you to catch and rotate as many times as you can until the time runs out. The skiing game gives you two chances to make the longest jump you can whilst keeping your balance when landing. Players can increase speed by leaning forward, the more you lean the faster you’ll go, and upon reaching the jump, you stand up straight ensuring your weight is evenly balanced for a good landing. For the football game, you will need to balance on the board moving from side to side whilst balls are fired at you to hit back on to the field and avoiding other objects that are thrown at you at the same time. Training falls into 4 categories: Aerobics, muscle conditioning, yoga and balance games. Players can assign their height to a profile to measure body mass index and Wii fitness age as well as monitor progress and record performance statistics. The calorie busting fun could appeal to couch potato kids as well a non gamers, perhaps using the Nintendo Wii as a slimming tool which would be a move into the lifestyle category rather than gaming, covering the market from another angle. Nintendo hasn't given a release date yet for Wii Fit, although its thought to hit the highstreet in early 2008.
About The Author
Karen Bennett For more news and information on the Nintendo Wii Console and to find the cheapest prices, visit my website http://www.compareconsoleprices.co.uk/nintendo_wii.html

Miami Dolphins

2007-08-25T06:01:00.001-07:00

Top Five Reasons to be a Miami Dolphins Fan by: Jennifer Jordan
Being a Miami Dolphins fan comes with its fair share of heartache, with the team inconsistent these past few years. But, the same can be said about being a fan of any team (right, teams coached by Marty Schottenheimer?). Some years you win, some years you lose, and some years you relocate so you can root for a different organization. Nonetheless, being a Dolphins fan is still fun (and let’s face it, TD is kind of cute). The following is the Top Five Reasons to be a Miami Dolphins Fan, even when you can’t believe that you are. 5. The Hope: The Miami Dolphins might not be a team you put all of your money on at the beginning of the year, but they constantly have something other teams lack: potential. This isn’t to say that some teams in the league are guaranteed to be victorious while others are sure to be horrible, but oftentimes this pattern does happen (sorry, Oakland). Miami, however, is never in either category: the Dolphins always have a chance at a successful season and thus, you Dolphins’ fans always have one of the most important things of all: hope. 4. The Bragging: Sure, it was over thirty years ago, but the Miami Dolphins are still the only team in the history of the NFL to have an undefeated season. No one can ever take that away from you….well, not until the record is broken. For the time being, the 1972 Dolphins hold the honor of greatest team to have ever played. Tell others to stick that fact in their blow hole. 3. The Weather: The balmy Florida weather, without a need for bowls of chili or knitted winter hats and scarves, might not exactly scream "autumn sports," but as someone who once got frostbite on her foot during a six degree Denver Bronco game and eventually lost a toenail, the weather during Miami Dolphins' football can save you from pain, even if it doesn’t save you from spending money on toenail polish. Watching a game in 80 degree weather is much more fun than watching one in pouring rain, blowing snow, or a combination of both. 2. The Owner: Filled with ambition, Wayne Huizenga was ranked number 153 on Forbes list of richest Americans in 2006. You don’t get ranked on anything Forbes without being a brilliant businessman. But, as good of a businessman as he is, he's even a better owner: in 2006 he was ranked by Sports Illustrated's Mike Silver as the 4th best owner; in 2007, he was ranked 8th. The reasons are simple: he's smart, he's hard working, and he's not afraid to spend money. He’s also said to be something a lot of people in sports are not: a gentleman. As long as he holds the reigns of the Miami Dolphins, fans are in good fins. 1. The Town: Miami is all about atmosphere. From culture to music, from food to drinks, this is one place that rivals New York for the title of city that never sleeps…or at least shouldn’t sleep. For these reasons, there are few better places to go after a game than a Miami club. There are few places better to watch a game (if you couldn’t get tickets) than a Miami sports bar. And, there are few things better to eat after the final score than Miami cuisine. The bright lights of Miami are enough to make you feel good, even when the Dolphins don’t.
About The Author
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.milleniumlimo.com. An avid sports fan, she likes the Miami Dolphins but her heart belongs to the Denver Broncos.

The Playstation 3, Xbox 360, And Nintendo WII

2006-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

Comparing The Playstation 3, Xbox 360, And Nintendo WII by: Gary Ruplinger
Finally, they’re all here. The Xbox 360 has had the next generation gaming market to itself for a year. Now its two competitors, the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii, are here. No more speculating about speed. No more guessing about memory. Now we can take a look and see exactly how they stack up compared to each other. Let the console wars begin again. Price The PS3 has two configurations much like the Xbox 360. The PS3 comes in a $499 version that comes with a 20 GB hard drive and a $599 version that comes with a 60 GB hard drive; Wi-Fi; and memory stick, SD, and Compact Flash slots. The Xbox 360 has two configurations. It comes in a $299 core version and a $399 version that comes with a 20GB hard drive. The Nintendo Wii is the cheapest of the bunch with just one configuration that costs $250. Processing Power The Playstation 3 comes with its Cell processor. It’s a PowerPC based core that runs at 3.2 GHz that also have seven DSPs that run at 3.2 GHz. This configuration can do about 2 Teraflops. The Xbox 360 has a Custom IBM PowerPC processor. This processor also runs at 3.2 GHz. However, Xbox went with a true 3 core processor compared to the one general processor of the Cell and seven additional DSPs. This configuration can do about 1 Teraflop. The Nintendo Wii includes its Broadway processor, a PowerPC based processor running at 729 MHz. Disc Media Part of the reason the PS3 is so much more expensive than the Xbox 360 is because the Sony decided to include a Blu-ray drive on the system. The drive can play both Blu-ray movies and regular DVDs. The Xbox 360 comes with a DVD player and an HD-DVD add-on is planned. The Nintendo Wii uses a DVD drive; however, the system will not work for playback of movies, just Nintendo games. Backwards Compatibility The Playstation 3 is just like the PS2 was. You’ll be able to play both PS2 and PSone games on the PS3. Nintendo is taking things a bit further. Their system will be compatible with the Gamecube games and also the Gamecube controllers since the two systems use very different controllers. Not only that, but the Wii will also have the ability to download games from the original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and the Nintendo 64. Sweet Features If you want high definition gaming, then the PS3 is the way to go. It comes with a Blu-ray drive built in and can output in 1080p. Although the PS3 controller may look familiar, it’s had some updates. The controller is now motion sensing so in some games you’ll be able to move your character or fly a plane just by moving the controller. The Xbox 360 was built to work with Windows XP media center. If you have a computer that already has media center on it, you’ll be able to view pictures, videos, and even recorded TV by using your Xbox. You won’t need to put your PC in your living room to take advantage of having a Media Center PC. The Nintendo Wii decided to completely change the way gaming controllers are built. In the past, one controller was always held with both hands. The Wii’s controller looks more like a TV remote control than a game controller. It has a built in motion sensor so, for example, to swing a sword, you simply move you hand just like you were really swinging a sword. Hopefully this review has helped you compare the three next generation gaming systems. Each has its pluses and minuses, and feature that are unique to it. Ultimately, your decision will likely come down to which system has the games that most appeal to you. And that is a decision that only you can make when deciding on a system to buy.
About The Author
Gary Ruplinger is the editor of http://www.ps3asap.com, a resource for getting the in demand PS3 system. He also is a writer for http://www.gamesystemreviews.com where you can learn about all of the next generation systems.

Online Shopping Bargain Hunting

2006-11-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

Six Secrets Of Successful Online Shoppers by: Diana Ratliff
Buying online is so new to most of us that we haven’t learned the skills and strategies we need to make wise purchase decisions. After all, it’s not like going to the mall. You wouldn’t set off for a shopping trip without bringing your credit card or checkbook. You wouldn’t try to get all the back-to-school shopping done for three kids in an hour on a Saturday afternoon in August. And you wouldn’t head to the grocery store with a big family dinner coming up without bringing a shopping list. Those time, money, and hassle-saving strategies are second nature to you because they’re familiar. You’re probably not accustomed to buying online, so you need to learn a new set of skills and strategies that are more appropriate for Internet shopping. They’re not hard to learn, and they make sense – they’re just different. So what are some of the characteristics of a successful online shopper? 1.A “Successful Online Shopper” is patient and persistent. He or she knows that persistence and patience are critical, at least when substantial money savings are the goal. Visiting a dozen online stores to comparison shop for luggage takes time – although substantially less time than visiting a dozen physical stores! And, unfortunately, some online retailers make the order process unnecessarily complicated. (After all, online shopping as an industry is fairly new – many online retailers still have a lot to learn.) Many would-be Internet buyers give up when just a few more minutes spent in figuring out a particular website’s system would do the trick. 2.A “Successful Online Shopper” thinks long-term. Yes, the Internet is a wonderful resource for in-a-hurry, buy-it-today purchases. But for the greatest discounts, a savvy online shopper buys year-round to take advantage of end-of-season sales and is able to make a quick buying decision when that gadget they’ve always wanted is 90% off for one day only. Also, many online savings strategies are cumulative. The longer you employ them, the more money you’ll save. 3.A “Successful Online Shopper” always, always, factors in shipping costs and time. When you shop online, you simply will not get what you’ve paid for right away – and you usually have to pay to have it sent to you. A successful online shopper adds shipping costs into the total cost when comparing Toaster A to Toaster B. He or she also factors shipping time into buying decisions and tries to minimize shipping costs however possible. 4.A “Successful Online Shopper” does his or her research... … into the reliability and security of the online merchant, the specifications of the product desired, and the shipping, refund and return policies of the Internet retailer. Successful online shoppers allow time to read the fine print… and double-check everything before hitting the “Order” button! 5.A “Successful Online Shopper” takes advantage of site tools and gets help as needed. Successful online shoppers visit deal forums, use website search tools, and subscribe to newsletters from favorite manufacturers. All offer ways to find discounts and evaluate online retailers. 6.Finally, a “Successful Online Shopper” learns how online security precautions differ from offline security. Again, it’s a matter of what you’re used to. You know, because you’ve learned over time, that you should lock your car door, not flash wads of cash in front of strangers, and never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart. Similarly, successful online shoppers learn how to verify that a transaction is secure, how to protect personal and credit card information, and how to avoid Internet crooks and thieves.
About The Author
Diana Ratliff reveals more than 86 ways to save time, money and hassle when shopping online in her latest book, available at her website, http://www.InsidersGuideToShoppingOnline.com. Free newsletter for limited time.

Huntsville, Al School Bus Crash

2006-11-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

A fourth person has died from the Huntsville, Alabama school bus crash. The accident on Huntsville's I-565 involving a school bus and an orange Toyota has brought on many questions and much speculation. So, I am going to speculate too. Having driven that portion of I-565, I know from experience that it is somewhat dangerous due to poor design. The ramp offers two lanes leading to the overpass, but the right land ends too soon forcing drivers to cut sharply left and resulting and lots of near misses, angry drivers, and at least one birdie finger that I am aware of(ok..responsible for). The other possibility is that the Toyota may have had a bad strut or flat tire(s). From the news footage, it was visible that the right rear tire was gone, and the right front appeared flat as well. If the right side went flat on either tire, in conjuction with worn out struts, then the car would go to the left rather abruptly. I also used to ride the bus to tech school, the same tech school this kids were headed to, I feel for them and their friends. Tech school is greatly under rated by many parents, but I found it to be a great experience and full of very hard working and honest kids. A fund has been started to help these kids at Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville.

Tickle Me Elmo

2006-10-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Barbie and Tickle Me Elmo are now the two most popular items for kids this year! Other cool stuff for this year includes robots and robotic kits, wireless cars and trucks, cellphones and games for XBox, and as always, stuffed animals. Ho Ho Ho.. a spending we will go.

Softball Bats

2006-03-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Softball Bat: What Is The Right Bat For You? by: Robert Thatcher
You can see them all around the Softball park, swinging their bats, hitting at imaginary targets and sometimes practicing at objects, improving their strength all the time. The force behind the swing of the batters can be tremendous. The truth is, it is not the strength behind the swing that only matters. It is also the kind of bat one uses.
How to pick the right bat?
The Length
To pick the correct bat length, the bat should be long enough to reach your wrist when you are standing straight with arms on your size. With the tip of the bat touching the ground to your wrist will very most likely the most comfortable bat length that you can pick.
The Weight
Every softball player has his own individual requirement especially when it comes to carrying out weights. The rule of the thumb when picking the correct bat weight is to try out the bat first. See if the player can swing the bat comfortably and control the swing with both hands without strain. The bat has to be the heaviest that the player can swing without loss of speed. If the bat does not fall into these categories, look for another one. It does not matter if the bat chosen is the most expensive and the most beautifully crafted with the most advanced material. If the player will be sacrificing these, the player will only be having a good top of the line, technically crafted bat. You can not say that for his swings.
Whatever the case, always take a bat that is light. Lighter bats can be swung faster and the resulting distance could be farther.
Having said that, here are ways to pick legal bats.
Advancement in technology has created bats where the softball bats can fit and be comfortably swung by players of all ages and built. Even the less technically proficient can today, swing the softball bat and hit the ball at speeds that can pose a serious problem with the pitcher and the infielders. Technically advanced bats can also ruin the game, as players would rely more and more on the more expensive multiple alloys instead of having fun and developing the skill. For these reasons, many softball organizations started banning specific bats and having guidelines for softball bat specifications. Some of these standards are:
The BTF or the Bat Performance Factor has to be 1.20 certified.
The Ball to Exit Ratio has to have a 97-MPH BESR on a normally thrown pitch.
The bats must have a smooth safety grip not just tapes.
The ideal softball bat in the hands of a good player translates to the game Americans love. To prepare for a good batting positions here are a few suggestions:
Loosen up. Twist back and forth, bend up and down, do a stationary jog, do anything to loosen up the muscles. If you have a good bat speed, fluidity in movement will give you the power.
Use a carbon based softball bat. Carbons perform better than aluminum.
When you are batting, distribute your weight on both feet. When the ball is in the level between your shoulders and your chest, hit it. Hitting the ball in that position is just giving it another direction. The power that you smash it with will give it the distance.
About The Author
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides softball bat resources on http://www.your-softball-bat.info.

A Baby in the Road?

2006-03-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

One night years ago, while me and my friend Jeff were out driving around (drinking etc.) and listening to music, even singing along a little (badly, of course). As we came over a hill on the 4 lane divided highway, an object appeared. It was, a baby? Before we could respond, BAMM! Crunch! Eww! "We hit it..!" I said. "It looked like a baby, what would a baby be doing in the road at 11:00pm?". We went silent and any buzz we thought we had was long gone now. I said, "Maybe it was a pig..? This is out in the county..I mean, what would a baby be doing in the road?" Meanwhile, both of us stunned by the incident, we where just coasting up the road trying to grasp what had just happened. "We have to go back..", I said, "Maybe it was just a pig.". So we turned the car around and went back. The mile or so return trip to the scene of horror seemed to last forever. Finally, we reached the point of impact and turned the car around to look at what we had done. There it was bright red, smashed and destroyed, to never be the same again. It was a watermelon!

Cleaning Jewelry

2006-03-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

How To Clean Jewelry by: Lavinia Snider
Caring for and cleaning jewelry doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is important that you do so carefully to prevent damage and possibly help to ensure a longer life. Well cared for jewelry will stand the test of time and have a much nicer appearance than jewelry that is generally left to collect dust and grime without being cleaned. The exact technique you use to clean and care for your jewelry will depend on the item itself.
Regardless of the type of jewelry you should obviously try to prevent it from being scratched, knocked or banged. Even if damage doesn’t appear visible immediately, knocking jewelry can often lead to unseen damage. Over time this damage will build up or progressively worsen until your jewelry becomes irreparable.
Should your jewelry suffer any damage you should have it seen to as soon as possible. Take it your local jewelers and ask their opinion. In most cases they will either be able to fix it themselves or send it away to be repaired properly. Super gluing any piece of jewelry yourself is a bad idea.
Many chemicals can damage jewelry and you should stay away from chemicals in general. In particular, cleaning fluids, chlorine and bromine can have a detrimental effect on some jewelry. Take off any rings or other items and leave them somewhere safe until you’re finished. Direct sunlight and extreme hot or cold conditions can also weaken the metal or jewel.
Use a jewelry cleaning cloth on metal jewelry and clean regularly using soapy water but ensure that you rinse it off thoroughly when you’ve finished cleaning. Use a very mild cloth to dab it dry and don’t rub it too vigorously. You should also take care when storing jewelry. If you don’t intend to wear it or show it for some time then place it in an airtight bag away from heating or particularly cold areas. These simple maintenance tips should ensure the integrity of your jewelry for many years.
About The Author
Lavinia Snider is the editor Jewelry Palazzo. Get detailed information on jewerly. Learn how to care for it and the best and cheapest places to buy jewerly online. http://www.jewelrypalazzo.com.

Golf

2006-03-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

A Feel for Your Golf Game by: Craig Sigl
Let's get down and dirty about the word "feel" and how I apply it to golf the "Without Practice" way so you can shave some strokes effortlessly this weekend. You know deep down if not at the top of your head, that when you feel good, you will perform or act your best in anything right? Most of us struggle with our feelings because we just let them occur based on whatever is happening in our lives at the time.
For instance, if you just get news that you got a raise at work, you are going to have a great feeling for some time after correct? This is a great time to get out on the course as your bio-computer (brain) is now in the optimum conditon for performance. Nobody denies this and yet we go out on the course and choose to say and do things that destroy our optimum performance potential.
I am becoming more and more convinced the longer I play this game that how we "feel" during our round determines the variation from our average score more than anything else. What I mean by feel is our STATE.
STATE is physiology plus internal representation. It's short for "state of being." So what if we can do things to affect our state just the same as receiving the news that we got a raise at work? We can!
Recently, I shot my best round of my life at 1 under par. As I teach people to really dig into how they "felt" when they played a great round, I took notes and after the round really went over the things I was thinking, how my body was responding, what did I eat, what were my eyes seeing, etc.
You need this information to help build your optimal state in the future!
Once built, you can rebuild it any time since you now have the blueprint or instructions. WE NEED to pay far more attention to when we play well than when we don't!
Many golfers completely dissect their rounds afterward replaying their bad shots over and over in their minds trying to figure out what went wrong. This only serves to implant suggestions in our subconscious mind that that is how we play.
Not good for future rounds.
Remember: "as a man thinketh, so shall he become" and other quotes like that? It all stems from the concept of the duality of our mind; the subconscious and the conscious functions. Once we get this, we can do a lot toward the mental side of our game to reach our scoring potential.
I used to take advice from the magazines that say you have to keep track of your Greens in regulation, how many putts you had, how many sand saves etc. and then "identify" my weaknesses.
Forgettaboutit!
Again, this is not good since putting the focus on the negatives only gives them power and the repetition of thinking about them starts to solidify in your subconscious.
Your subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between a positive or negative thought, it just accepts that which it is most convinced of by repetitive thought or action.
And besides, I don't need a scorecard to remind me of my weaknesses on a given round. I know what they are after every round and I can usually pin it down to something I did or didn't do prior to hitting the ball.
What you need to start doing right now, next round, is really zero in on the things that go well. Make little celebrations in your mind (be humble with your partners) when you hit a great shot. Turn on the positive emotions and show a big smile when you sink that long putt! Take mental, if not paper and pen, notes on anything worth remembering when you do anything that puts you into that "feel good" state.
Create an anchor that you do every time you hit a shot exactly the way you planned it just like the ringing buzzer that Pavlov's dogs were trained to salivate to.
When you have bad shots, immediately analyze it afterward, see what you can learn from it and then FORGET IT! It will do you no good whatsoever to hold onto it. You know that your swing is different from day to day as all the pros also complain about. So what benefit can be gained from going over bad shots that could be gone the next day without even trying?
Save the analyzing for the range if you do have time to practice. If not, then just keep pounding your subconscious with images of you accomplishing the little things you had trouble with until your next round. If you don't have time to practice your swing, then "practice" getting yourself into that state or feeling of power and confidence instead of daydreaming during boring or mundance tasks you work on through your day.
That is the "Without Practice" way.
Greens and fairways!
About The Author
Craig Sigl teaches how you can score lower Without Practice and The Legends of Golf teach fundamentals. For details and to claim a free digitized paperback book: "How You Can Play Better Golf Using Self-hypnosis" visit: http://www.break80golf.com/
craig@break80golf.com

Crazy

2006-02-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

The fact the Crazy is a relative term seems rather ironic..

Bargains Online

2006-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Bargains Online: How To Shop And Save Money From Home by: Francisco Alba
Bargains Online: How to shop from home and save money !
Do you want to shop and save money from home ?
Do you want to experience the convenience of shopping online ?
Do you want to buy from the best stores ?
Do you want great customer service, a money back guarantee and fast service?
Do you know about the best online shopping center ?
Well, the online shopping center Clubshoponline can help !
Clubshoponline is an online shopping center directory and web search engine. Clubshoponline offers the best online stores.Shop and save money from home !
Visit http://clubshoponline.com
The online shopping center was created in the city of New York , NY 10036. It was created to offer Internet users the best online stores and a pleasant shop from home experience !
Don't waste time driving to the shopping center.Don't drive in bad weather .
Save your time and some gas! There is no more need to wait in line to buy anything you want. There is no more need to walk a lot in the shopping center. Now you can relax and shop from home! Also, there is no more need for out stock merchandise surprises.
Don't you have time to go shopping? no problem , shop from home ! Turn on your computer, and use the Internet to visit Clubshoponline. Shop 24 hrs a day , shop from home. Shopping from home is safe. In addition, the online stores offer low prices, a money back guarantee and many payment methods.
Clubshoponline offers the best online stores. For example; Clubshoponline EBay Store, Amazon, The Entrepreneur Magazine , Jewelry Television, Collectibles Today, EBay, Wonderful Buys, The Hot Outlet , Star Club Rewards, Freeman of London, Kaleidoscope store, and many more fantastic stores!
Find bargains online. Buy anything you want , computers, cars , apparel, books , electronics, jewelry, toys, auto parts, automobiles, shoes, Cd's, DVDs, music, musical instruments, video games, mp3 players, television sets, collectibles .
In addition, Clubshoponline is a web search engine. Research anything online.
Look for information for school homework. Search for information for work.
Moreover, study real estate courses and more! Read the news online. Also, when you visit Clubshoponline you can get a free credit card report.
"Shop and safe money form home, shop online. Shop from the best online stores.
Prepare for a shopping trip. Make a shopping list.Find great bargains online! Shop at Clubshoponline" . Visit Clubshoponline at http://clubshoponline.com.
About The Author
My name is Francisco Alba. I am the creator of Clubshoponline, an internet shopping center and web search engine. I designed this website to offer internet users the best online stores, a web search directory and a pleasant shop from home experience.
albahagar@yahoo.com

Keeping those Valentines Flowers Alive Longer

2006-02-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Caring for Flower Gifts by: Clinton Porter
If you’ve been given Flowers as a gift, it’s useful to know how to look after the bouquet or arrangement to help make the present last as long as possible. There are a number of things you can do in order to ensure you get the most out of any gift of Flowers.
Flower Bouquets:
• Cut off of least 3 cms from the bottom of soft stemmed Flowers, e.g. chrysanthemums, before placing them in water.
• Try to cut Flower stems at a sharp angle of 45 degrees based on the fact that cutting stems at such an angle helps stem cells take in water because of increases gained in the stem cell surface area.
• For all Flowers, remove any leaves which will sit below water level – this prevents them rotting and encouraging algae to grow in the vase water.
• Be careful not to damage Flower stems as this will damage cell structure and impair the Flower’s ability to absorb water – it will also destroy some of the structural strength in the Flowers and prevent them from last as long as they otherwise might.
• Use the Flower Food supplied with your gift.
• Avoid putting the Flowers in direct sunlight.
• Cut stems every 3 days to avoid bacteria blocks in the stem and ensure you change Flower water regularly.
Flower Arrangements:
• Make sure those arrangements which sit in wet Floral Foam are fed water on a daily basis.
• Spray the arrangement daily with a light water mist and take off any ageing flowers.
• Avoid putting Flowers in direct sunlight, draughty spots or near heat.
• Do not place Flowers close to ripening fruit as it can release ethylene gas emissions which will prematurely age certain Flowers.
• Strive for temperatures of 21°C for the day and 10° to 13°C for the night.
About The Author
Clinton Porter is a search engine optimisation consultant with Nvisage (http://www.nvisage.co.uk/whatwedo/search_engine_optimisation.asp) for Flowers4 Online flower shops and florists (http://www.flowers4.co.uk/) specialists in Wedding and bridal flowers, Funeral and sympathy flowers. Order and send fresh flowers online for same day and next day delivery.

Valentines List of Gift Ideas

2006-02-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

8 Valentine's Ideas and Gifts by: George Tee
Are you having trouble thinking of the right Valentine's gift for your signifcant other?
Have you planned what to do and where to go for the romantic evening on Valentine's day?
Well, if you already have something in mind, good for you but I guess plenty of the guys out there are having a hard time. Me too, having a hard cracking my brain for more ideas and thinking what to give for my significant other. I am sure that for most of us, we have been giving little gifts here and there and all the romantic ideas and gifts seems to run out. Here are some of my ideas to help you to create a romantic and memorable Valentine's Day.
Number 8
Personalized Photo Locket
A very sweet and personalized gift for your loved ones. You can engrave your photo on the metal itself. A precious gift your loved ones will keep it close to them and a memorable gift that will last a long time.
Number 7
Lingerie
Buy a sexy, beautiful, exotic lingerie that she always fantacizes for. If you watch desperate housewifes, there are lots of ideas you can draw from.
Number 6 - a crazy idea
Yourself
Putting yourself in a huge, gift box that you can fit into and hiring a group of friends to deliver yourself to a place where you will meet her. But first wear something out of the ordinary so when she opened the box, she'll be surprised and laughing at the same time.
Number 5 - My fantasy idea
Words in the sky
Perhaps you have seen this in the movies, the air planes smoke the sky with the words "I love you, (their name)". Of course it's not going to be cheap nor environmental friendly but I'm sure she is going to remember this for life.
Number 4
Candle Light Dinner
You may think this is too tradition but if you are not a good chef, this is going to be tough for you. Because you are going to learn to make the dish within this few days. It's the effort and sweat that you put in and show that counts! Do not just spend some money and go to restaurant, start to learn now!
Number 3
Rose Petals pathway
Lay rose petals all the way from your door steps to the bedroom to form a grand welcome while you lie in the bed waiting for their arrivals. Prepare a champagne beside the bed to enjoy.
Number 2
A warm fragrant spa
Enjoy a romantic spa with your loved ones.
Number 1
What's the Number 1 thing that your loved ones love and dreamt of in a relationship? It's up to you to find out without letting them know. It's not about the money nor how creative the idea. It's about the effort, the time, that you put in to love your significant other, that I think will truly give more juice and happiness to the relationship.
About The Author
George Tee is the creator of www.1-learning.com, a site for dating tips, romance, and love. Visit www.1-learning.com for more latest tips and news on relationships.
drunkenangel321@yahoo.com

Spring Fashion

2006-02-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

Early Spring 2006 Trend Forecast*
Oat CoutureServing as the backdrop to this season’s pretty pastels, Spring’s neutral palette ranges from warm cloves to blushing nudes. Go au naturel in Kiyonna's classic Matte Jersey Wrap Dress in taupe. Another option is Kiyonna’s Crinkled Voile Lurex Prairie Skirt – available in Spring’s answer to Fall’s brown – glazed ginger.
The New NavySpring has returned to the classic, nautical navy – but has taken a detour through the Mediterranean. The new navy has a deep ultramarine quality that makes it more interesting than the typical navy blue. Kiyonna’s Favorite Tank comes in a longer silhouette, and can be seen in a vibrant new navy.Easter Egg ColorsThis season, we reveled in light lavender, pretty pinks, fresh greens and serene sky blues. Kiyonna’s 2-Tone Ruched Tee couples Spring's favorite hues together while the classic It’s a Wrap Tee comes in all of the season’s prettiest pastels.
Put Your Pencils AwayVenture on a path that’s anything but on the straight and narrow. Skirt the issue in a gossamer weight cotton voile. Kiyonna’s boho chic Crinkled Voile Lurex Prairie Skirt has just a hint of Midas’s golden touch. If your inner coquette beckons, then Kiyonna’s Flirty Godet Skirt is trimmed with pretty satin ribbons and bows that will surely satiate your girlish style.
Reveling in RufflesThis Spring, designers threw minimalism out the window and reveled in ruffles galore. Tiers and tiers of frothy ruffles were seen strutting down the runways. Kiyonna has taken the trend and translated it for the everyday modern woman. The flirty Starlet Mesh Top couples tiny ruffles along the sleeves and neckline in the season’s best colors. While the classic Ruffle Button Down Shirt has just enough ruffles down the front placket and cuffs, making it very appropriate for your Spring work wardrobe.
No Longer Just for the CowboysCombining the femininity of a skirt and the comfort and ease of pants, gauchos are a favorite style to dress up or down. With a wide waistband, stretch fabric and tailored fit, Kiyonna’s Tab-Front Stretch Bengaline Gauchos are a must have for Spring. Skip the dainty heels. Opt for wedges, knee high boots or pumps to balance out the width of the hem.*Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears: "Reprinted with permission from 'Kiyonna's Early Spring 2006 Trend Forecast.' (Copyright, 2006, Kiyonna Clothing, Inc.)
Catalog
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Johnny Carson

2006-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight show legend Johnny Carson died one year ago this date on Sunday Jan 23, 2005 of emphysema. Born in 1925, Johnny was
drawn to perform and entertain. He started out in Theatre and as a Magician.
Johnny had taken over the Jack Parr Show in New York City, NBC studio 6B before later moving to
California. Before the takeover, Johnny was talking to Ed McMahon backstage and told him, "When we take
over the Tonight Show, I'm taking you with me.." said Ed McMahon in an interview with Larry King in
December 2003.
Johnny and Ed always clicked when together. One night on the Tonight Show, Ed was doing an Alpo
commercial and the dog could have cared less about the Alpo. Ed was just getting that awkward look when
Johnny came out and played the dog while mimicking actually eating the Alpo. On another occasion, during
the taping of the show, it became obvious that the material was not going well, Ed set fire the the paper
that Johnny was reading. Without flinching, Johnny placed a trash can from behind his desk on top and held
the paper above it, at the same time Doc in the band began playing 'Taps'. Just another example of the
great combination of players on the Tonight Show working as a masterful comic team.
The show was actually taped even though all the clocks you saw would indicate 11:00pm. Ed would start
the show by warming up the audience. Ed needed a catch phrase so as not to become like woodwork on the
show. He thought all weekend before coming up with "Here's Johnny". This caught on like wildfire, everyone
was saying for about 6 months.
One of my favorite scenes from the show was when an elderly woman had brought her rather unusual
chip collection. Johnny had hidden a bowl of chips behind his desk and when she was looking away and
talking to Ed, Johnny went CRUNCH!. The look on the woman's face was priceless!
Johnny met Ed McMahon shortly after Ed came home from Korea. Ed had moved into an apartment building which
only happened to house Dick Clark as well. Dick had invited Ed to a party and asked him to tell some jokes and
generally entertain. Impressed with McMahon, NBC executives asked him to an interview. McMahon said he thought
he had blown the interview, but the executives were pleased with his talents. After taking work on the Jack Parr Tonight
Show, Ed met and clicked with Johnny.
Many entertainers made their careers on Carson's Tonight Show. Steve Martin, previously a writer, did a famous bit
where he asked if he could use Johnny's phone and just check his messages. The first message is from a woman who
tells Steve "don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone, you're still a man to me..", then a second message,
"don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone, you're still a man to me..", finally the third message sends Johnny
almost out of his chair laughing. A man leaves this message, "don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone,
you're still a man to me..".
Politicians also made their mark on the world with an appearance on Johnny Carson. Bill Clinton was the butt of a
long joke when Carson spend over three minutes introducing him, flipping pages like it would never end. Clinton got
the joke, he had just given a speech at the Democratic convention that lasted 45 minutes. When Clinton said,
"in closing.." the applause was almost overwhelming.
We will miss Johnny, he will never be outdone.

Debt Settlements and Taxes

2006-01-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Debt Settlement & Income Taxes -- What You Need to Know by: Charles J. Phelan
Debt settlement has become a popular approach to resolving problem debts without having to file bankruptcy. With this approach, creditors agree to accept a portion of what you owe (usually around 50% or less) to settle the account, and the remaining balance is forgiven. This technique will certainly continue to grow in popularity now that the new bankruptcy law makes it tougher to fully discharge debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
As with anything, there is no free lunch, and creditors are required to report canceled debts to the IRS on Form 1099 (when the canceled balance is $600 or greater). Therefore, the possibility exists that you may owe taxes on the forgiven portion of the debt. For this reason, many financial writers and debt counselors are strongly critical of debt settlement, to the point where they actually recommend against it just because you might end up owing taxes. But the tax consequences of settling your debts are greatly over-emphasized, and this is a really just a minor issue at best.
First, even if you end up owing taxes on the canceled balances, that's because you saved a bunch of money off your original debts. The total of what you paid the creditor, plus the taxes, will still be much less than what you owed to begin with. There is still a net savings. So it's hard to understand why this is viewed as a problem in the first place!
Second, the great majority of people who settle their debts are not required to pay taxes on the forgiven part of the balance. That's because of the "insolvency" rule, described in IRS Publication 908, "Bankruptcy Tax Guide." Don't let the title fool you. You don't need to have filed a formal declaration of bankruptcy to take advantage of the insolvency rule.
Basically, "insolvent" means that you have a negative net worth -- that is, you "owe" more than you "own." As a consequence, most debtors do not have a tax liability on the canceled debts, simply because most debtors are insolvent! It usually comes down to home equity. If you have enough equity in a home (or other property) to outweigh the total of your liabilities (debts), then you have a positive net worth, and will likely have to pay taxes on the forgiven debt amounts. However, the majority of people in serious debt trouble have a negative net worth, and are therefore insolvent. The way it works is that you can offset the canceled debt up to the amount by which you were insolvent at the time you did the settlement.
Come tax time, be sure to get professional tax advice specific to your situation. Also, be sure to read the section in IRS Publication 908 on "reduction of tax attributes," which requires people using the insolvency rule to reduce their basis in such things as rental property, loss carryovers, etc. Most of that probably won't apply to you, but again, get specific advice before winging it.
So, the message is, relax about paying taxes on canceled debt balances. That should be the least of your concerns if you're upside down financially. Don't let the misguided criticisms of financial writers (who haven't done their homework) discourage you from looking into one of the most popular and flexible options for achieving debt freedom.

About The Author
Charles J. Phelan has been helping consumers become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former senior executive with one of the nation's largest debt settlement firms, he is the author of the Debt Elimination Success Seminar™, a five-hour audio-CD course that teaches consumers how to choose between debt program options based on their financial situation. The course focuses on comprehensive instruction in do-it-yourself debt negotiation & settlement designed to save $1,000s. Personal coaching and follow-up support is included. Achieves the same results as professional firms for a tiny fraction of the cost. Website: http://www.zipdebt.com.
ArticleCity.com - Debt Settlement & Income Taxes -- What You Need to Know

Giving Your Cat a Pill

2006-01-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Cats And Pills - Tablets by: Colin Visser
Nearly everything alive becomes ill at some stage in its life, and pets are no exception. I have been very fortunate in that my two cats have been very healthy for most of their lives. Recently the oldest cat become ill and had to go to the vet. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The treatment options were pills or radiation 'therapy'. The radiation therapy was very expensive so that left the pills. Pills are fine for humans, but if you have ever tried to administer pills to your cat then you would know some of the problems I have had.
I usually feed my cats on a dry 'all in one' biscuit diet. This diet and a supplement of fresh food has kept them very healthy for over 14years. But now I need to add pills to her diet every twelve hours. So what do I feed her that will hide the pill well enough for her to eat it without complaining? Well after some experimentation I came to the conclusion that hiding a whole pill was not the answer. Not the answer at all. Whole pills are located and removed from the food with amazing accuracy. The simple answer is to crush the pills before adding them to the food.
( Note : The pill should be added to a small quantity of food - half a normal serve or less, and that small quantity should be given to your pet BEFORE the rest of the meal. This helps to ensure your cat is hungry enough to eat the entire pill. Once the pill food is eaten you can give them the rest of the meal.)
Pills are usually quite easy to crush into powder, I use two spoons, one small teaspoon as the crusher, and a larger desert spoon to hold the pill. Place the pill into the larger spoon and using the edge of the small spoon as a blunt knife, carefully break the pill into smaller chunks. Now use the small teaspoon to gently crush the chunks into powder. In less than two minutes you should be ready to sprinkle the powdered pill onto a small serve of food. Crushing the pill gets much easier once you have done two or three.
This is how I prepare chicken or fish for my cat at pill time :
Chicken : Cooked (cold)
Cooked chicken is a favorite food of my cats so it is a good pill food for them. To make the most reliable pill hiding food from cold chicken is really quite easy. First of all you need to prepare the pill by crushing it into a powder as described above. Then you need a small serve of chicken that you can breakup into smallish pieces - use your fingers, it gives the best results. Once you have broken up the chicken add a small quantity of water to the serving plate and roll the chicken in the water until it is wet all over. Now drain the excess water from the plate - too much water will leave the pill on the plate and not on the food where it needs to be. The next step is optional, but it makes a big difference for my pets. The next step is to place the food in a microwave oven. All you want to do is VERY GENTLY warm up the food, I use about 6 SECONDS on high. What you are looking for is to remove the coldness of the food - which activates the SMELL of the food. Do not make !
the food hot! ( The heat could damage the pill that you are trying to feed them, and not many cats will eat hot food anyway.) Now that you have a very gently warmed serve of food it is time to add the pill. Just sprinkle the crushed pill over the wet, warm chicken and serve it up!
Note : Always add the Pill LAST!
Fish : Raw
If you want to use raw fish as a pill serving food then it pays to make sure that the cat in question likes the fish that you are going to use. ( Cats are fussy!) I have two cats, one eats fish at every opportunity, and the other will walk right past it and ask for something else..
So get a small piece of fish to test the cat with, and assuming that the fish is accepted it is easy to prepare. I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut the fish into small pieces. A sharp knife is ok but the skin on fish is very tough, so for safety and ease of preparation I use scissors. Once you have the fish cut up all you need to do is sprinkle the powdered pill over the fish and serve it up. Raw fish is usually wet and quite smelly, so it doesn't require water to be added or the microwave to warm it up.
Fish : Cooked (cold)
To prepare a cooked cold fish you basically follow the steps outlined for cooked chicken. Prepare the pill, get a small bit of cooked fish and cut or break it up into small pieces. Make it wet, drain off the excess water and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds - do not make the food hot! Add the crushed pill to the warm wet fish and serve it up.
Note : Always add the Pill LAST!
The purpose of warming up the food is to make it smellier. Most food has a much stronger scent or smell when it is at room temperature than it does straight from the fridge.
If you need a small quantity of fresh raw fish it can usually be purchased from your local take away food shop. If you want to use cooked fish from a take away shop bear in mind that the batter or bread crumbs should be removed before it is served to the cat. (Well, it should be removed if your cat won't eat the fish with it still on there..) Also remember to cool the fish down to about room temperature before you add the pill - otherwise the heat may damage the pill.
Never microwave any pill - it could damage the active ingredients or even make them toxic to your pet.
For those that are interested, my cats name is "Eff-Gee" ( "F"+"G" ) and she can tell the time as well if not better than I can. Every 12 hours (+ or - 30mins) she is asking me for her pill food :-)
My other cat - that doesn't like fish, is called "Sox". He doesn't really like chicken either. Actually he prefers the biscuits over most other foods - unless it is meat with chili on it. He is a nice cat :-)
About The Author
Colin Visser is the owner of http://webdziner.gotdns.com and offers web site design & english proof reading services. Proof reading for web sites, software, help files, email and news-letters. Free quotes. Web Site Templates in PSD, Html, and Flash are available from http://webdziner.biz free web design software.

More Pets at VirtualeDirectory Click Here!

As Seen on a Bumper Sticker..

2006-01-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Bumper Stickers Make a Statement by: Chris Robertson
If you've ever found yourself inching up on the car in front of you to read their bumper stickers, you're not alone. Bumper stickers are a means of proclaiming your views on life, politics, sports, your religious affiliation, and virtually any other arena. Whether you want the world to know you support your local school, your hometown sports team, or a certain politician, bumperstickers can be the means to do so.
Bumper stickers can be funny, crazy, thought provoking, silly, intelligent, or rather stupid. They can bring a smile to the reader's face or make the person in the car behind you angry. By wearing your thoughts on your bumper, you can proclaim your personality or your priorities to the world. There's no doubt that, based upon the bumperstickers adorning a vehicle, others make assumptions about the car's driver.
Some of the most amusing bumper stickers I've encountered are:
Social Security Has Me Feeling Unsocial and Insecure
My Best Friend Says I'm Insane, But Who Listens to Dogs Anyway?
If Opportunity Knocked on My Door, I Must Have Been in the Shower
Work is a Four-Letter Word
Rash Decisions Make Me Itch
Yes, This is My Van. No, I Won't Help You Move
A Waist is a Terrible Thing to Mind
I've Forgotten More Than I've Ever Learned
Bumper stickers can also make great marketing tools, whether for a cause or an organization. Custom-made bumper stickers are relatively inexpensive, yet can help spread the message you're trying to convey. If you have a message to promote, you can order custom-made bumper stickers and pass them out at your next meeting or event.
Bumper stickers can also help to raise money. Having a variety of bumper stickers, along with pins and T-shirts, which are funny or thought provoking can do double duty for merchandising and marketing. The only caveats are that they should be in good taste (in the eyes of your prospective customers), that they are clever, and that they relate to the mission of the group or organization.
Overall, bumper stickers can be a delightful form of self-expression and serve to entertain other drivers while you're on the road. The entertainment value of bumper stickers can go one step further, especially if you have one or more children in the car on a long day of errands. You can encourage the kids to play the "Alphabet Game" using bumper stickers. The rules are that, starting with the letter "A," they must find each letter of the alphabet on a bumper sticker. This game can keep them engaged for quite awhile, particularly when they get stuck on the letters "Q" and "Z"!
About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
To learn more about subjects like bumper stickers please visit the web site at: http://www.crazybumperstickers.com
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Novelties directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/Novelties

Football Coaching Tips

2005-12-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Score At Least 5 More Points Per Game By Coaching Football Kicking Properly by: Matt Zavadil
I'll bet you're frustrated that your team's football kicking skills are leaving at least five points on the field every game you coach. Think about it, how often have you been in a fourth and three situation on the opposition's fifteen yard line with no confidence in hitting the field goal?
You go for it instead of trying the kick and don't make it. Instead of a three point lead, your opponent takes over and drives down for a touchdown . If you could improve your team's kicking skills to the point of making just one field goal and two extra points per game, what would those five points do for your football coaching record?
Let's discuss five simple tips for football kicking to help your kicker eliminate bad technique and have more success.
1) Instill in your football kicker the need to invest consistent practice time on developing his kicking skills. This may sound obvious, but too many youth football teams spend so little time working on their kicking game, it's no wonder they can't get the football through the uprights.
2) Here's another obvious one, but worth mentioning. Teach your kicker to kick with the side of the foot ("soccer style") as opposed to the "straight on" method. Your kicker will automatically become more accurate using this style of kicking.
3) The plant foot is critical. Teach your kicker to place his plant foot alongside the ball, not behind it and not ahead of it. As contact is made with the ball, the bottom of the shoe should be about parallel to the field.
4) Pay close attention to the follow-through. Your kicker's head should stay down and remain focused on seeing his foot make contact with the bottom third of the football. Help your kicker avoid a common football kicking mistake by teaching him to keep his head down as long as possible on the follow-through. Make sure the follow-through is aimed straight toward the target.
5) Lastly, many young football kickers have a tendancy to alter their approach mechanics on longer field goal tries. Help them be aware of this and teach them to keep their approach consistent no matter the length of the attempted kick.
By applying these five simple tips to your team's football kicking skills, you can add at least five points to each game's total. Many football coaches seem willing to avoid working on the kicking aspect and leave these points on the field.
If you work on this aspect of your game and invest the time to study other finer points of successful football coaching, you'll quickly and easily begin to overtake those other coaches.
About The Author
Matt Zavadil
Matt and Dave run http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/kick and have written the free coaching report, "5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You". Pick up your free copy along with one additional free report by sending a blank email to footballtips@aweber.com.
We give full permission for you to use this kicking tip article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.

Shopping Online

2005-12-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Shop Safely - How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online by: Clive Chansa
Online shopping offers many benefits that you won’t find shopping in a brick and mortar store or by mail. The Internet is always open seven days a week and 24 hours a day. Internet-only deals and bargains can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.
1. While Online Order Only On A Secure Server.
Use a secure browser and shop only at websites that offer encryption protection. A protected website will have one or more of these three features:
a) The small lock or key symbol at the bottom of your browser window;
b) An address that starts with https ("s" for "secure") instead of just http; and
c) A security warning box that pops up at the point of purchase.
Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction.
2. Pay The Safest Way.
Use a credit card or Debit Card with a safe online shopping guarantee. Look for a card with specific guarantees, like 100% coverage for any losses due to fraud when shopping on the Internet. Many companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.
3. Protect Your Privacy.
Look for and read a website's privacy and security policy. Stay clear of a website that either doesn't have one or does not guarantee your personal information will not be sold. This policy should disclose what information is being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used.
4. Know Who You're Dealing With.
Research your merchant. Look at the ratings consumers give them and stay clear of websites that either aren't listed or receive poor marks. Shop with companies you know. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalogue or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Also, determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web site.
5. Keep A Record.
Print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records. Reputable merchants will usually send you an email confirming your order. However a hard copy is always good to have in case your order is lost, deleted or not delivered as promised.
6. Guard Your Online Password.
Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a password, and never share your website passwords with anyone. Write them down and store them in a safe place. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Do not use the same username and password at every website. Should your personal information be compromised, a thief won't get very far if you use different passwords and usernames on different websites.
7. Track Your Purchases.
Use only one credit card to shop with online. This helps keep track of your online purchases during the holidays, and will make it easier to spot purchases that are fraudulent. Look for a card that allows you to review transactions online as well -- you'll be more likely to notice a problem early on.
8. Keep Personal Information Private.
Don't enter more information at a merchant website than is absolutely necessary. There is usually no reason why you should have to supply information such as birth dates or Social Security numbers when making a purchase. Fill in only the bare essentials necessary to make your purchase. If you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal – or family – information online.
About The Author
Clive Chansa writes for the Home Shopping Catalogues website at http://www.home-shopping-catalogues.org.uk/ and he's also a regular contributor to the Gift Ideas websites at: http://www.gift-ideas-uk.org.uk/.

Nascar

2005-12-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Loyalty And Faith Of Nascar Fans by: David Maillie
NASCAR fans are known for their loyalty to the sport, their favorite drivers and each other. When the race comes to town, the streets are lined with vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise sporting the image of drivers and their cars. Something else has been seen at races in recent years, Christian groups reaching out and spreading the Word.
At many races, Christian fans hold early morning prayer services at roadside stands and in camp grounds. Some offer refreshments and religious literature to fellow fans. Some read the Bible in small groups and others listen to sermons. They are looking to spread the word and gather new members. The fellowship of the race environment offers a good place to do just that.
Many of today’s NASCAR fans come from typical Christian backgrounds. Many are from the south, which is known for its Evangelical Christian population. Preachers have been seen praying for and even with drivers prior to a race. This approach makes sense as fans are known for their loyalty to each other and their favorite drivers. They may be more willing to accept literature from a fellow fan than from a stranger.
Corporations have figured this out long ago. This is why they invest a huge amount of money in sponsoring fees. The advertising is very effective and the company is sure to get a good return on the investment. Fans will shop at Lowe’s or Home Depot and drink Coke or Pepsi based on their favorite drivers and racing teams.
In cities across the country, people travel long distances to attend these races. Some will choose to eat in restaurants where their favorite driver has been seen eating in the past. People pour into stores when they hear that a driver is in there. Others book rooms a year in advance to stay in hotels known to be used by the drivers.
The drivers are getting into the act too. Several drivers including Jeff Gordon, Darrel Waltrip, Jimmie Johnson and Terry LaBonte own car dealerships. The names of the drivers are proudly displayed on the building and in advertising. In each of these dealerships, sales rose dramatically after the driver became affiliated with the dealership.
This loyalty doesn’t stop at merchandise, hotels, food, or even car dealerships. Die hard fans also purchase products that drivers use on their cars. If it’s used by a driver, they want it too. This includes paint colors on cars and products used to wash and wax the vehicles.
There is even a popular headlight restoration product that is used by many NASCAR drivers. New Lite Headlight Cleaner and Restorer works quickly to restore cloudy headlights to like new condition. New headlights are a costly expense. You can save literally hundreds by restoring your headlights, rather than purchasing new ones.
Clean, new looking headlights make your car look newer. The look isn’t the only consideration. Restoring cloudy headlights is an important safety concern, especially for night driving long distances to your favorite race. Clear headlights allow you to be easily seen by other drivers and give you a better look at the road ahead.
About The Author
David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com.

Finding Craft Supplies Online

2005-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

3 Little Known Tips for Shopping for Craft Supplies Online by: Amy Metz
Let me ask you a question. Did you ever think that the internet would become so powerful and pervasive, that even craft supplies would turn into big business online? Neither did I. But it's true. You can actually find just about any type of craft supplies that you are looking for if you look hard enough through the different search engines (or your local retail store). However, there are a few big sites that you might want to peruse the next time you are considering buying craft supplies.
1) Amazon. Amazon has recently (during the last few years) expanded their reach into the far corners of the internet. By this, I, of course, am referring to the fact that a lot of online merchants sell through Amazon.com's website. If you are searching for 'leather craft supplies,' Amazon might not have what you are looking for in stock. However, Amazon might have a partner retailer who sells their leather craft supplies and lists their goods on Amazon. Consider Amazon like a giant retail search engine that lists items from all sorts of different companies besides themselves.
2) Ebay. Ebay is a great place to find close out merchadise. By this, I mean that companies go bankrupt and have fire sales. A lot of these sales have moved online and therefore you might be able to get a really good deal on some merchandise that is being auctioned off on the world's biggest auction site.
3) Retailers' own websites. Many of the well known craft sites like Michael's have their own websites. These sites often have great bargains on merchandise that's also found in their retail stores. However, even these retailers need to occasionally close out some big lots of merchandise. The web is a perfect place to do exactly that. With no real overhead costs (besides the website's operation), many of these big retailers will use the web to move a large amount of product really quick. Of course, the retailer needs a mail order, or store pickup, set up to do this, but most do. Check your local retailer's website, you might be surprise.
There is a lot more to craft supplies' shopping than first meets the eye. Learn all about how to shop for crafts, there is an entire world waiting for you online.
About The Author
Amy Metz is author of “The Craft Supplies Insider's Guide.” Pick up your copy at http://www.onlycraftsupplies.com.

Your Online Shopping Centre for art, books, collectibles, music, gifts, groceries and crafts at Virtual Directory.

Christmas Shopping and You

2005-12-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

What Does the Way You Shop for Christmas Presents Say About You? by: Michael Hayles
What would you do in this situation?
It’s approaching 1.50pm, you’ve been in a queue for the past twenty minutes, clutching that prized gift, which has been the devil’s own job to track down. If the two people still ahead of you each take no longer than a minute or so to get served, you may just squeak back into the office by the 2pm deadline - and, as you’re painfully aware, there’s an important meeting scheduled for 2.15.
The first of the two customers ahead of you is an elderly lady who is having great difficulty remembering her pin number and having keyed in the wrong number three times has become very flustered and upset as she searches for some alternative way to pay.
The store manager is called for on the internal phone and as the queue behind you starts to lengthen, you realise that getting back by the 2pm deadline is already beyond hope.
Frantically, you start to calculate the maximum amount of time you dare hold out for, if you are to avoid being late for that vital meeting.
You consider asking the assistant if she can put the gift by for you, but all her attention is focused on consoling the distraught woman, whose card has been refused. You even consider offering to pay for her goods yourself, but since you have just enough to cover your own purchase that wouldn’t work either.
As the manager arrives and takes the old lady aside, the assistant turns her attention to the customer directly in front of you. You try to catch her eye, but she has already scanned the first of several items he has been patiently holding.
A quick glance at the time tells you that unless you leave in the next few seconds, you won’t make the meeting.
Now, what do you do?
OK, I know this is an extreme example of the kind of horrors that can befall us, as we struggle through the annual ritual of Christmas shopping, but, as I’m sure many of you reading this know only too well, it is not that rare an occurrence.
The fact is, few of us plan out the best way to tackle this seasonal assault course and it’s not until we find ourselves in the thick of it, that we realise how much easier a pre-prepared plan of action would make the task.
We may have very ordered minds for work related matters, domestic essentials and important relationship issues, but somehow when it comes to Christmas shopping, reason flies out of the window and it all becomes one mad scramble to get everything done before time and everything else runs out.
It’s as if there’s some unwritten law that says Christmas shopping is meant to be spontaneous and chaotic. If you enter into it by any other means, you are considered a killjoy with no festive spirit. But why?
What is wrong with taking a sober, reasoned approach to this often highly expensive pursuit? There are plenty of people, who have given up buying Christmas presents altogether and when you look at the pandemonium that frequently takes root in our shopping centres at this time of year, who can blame them?
Take a quick look at your emotional barometer the next time you’re out in the gift jungle and ask yourself it all this hassle is really worth it. Half the time, you end up getting the wrong thing, or duplicate something someone else has bought and what about the cost of it all?
Are you someone who sets a strict budget for each person you are buying for, or do you go at it with such reckless abandon that you max out all your credit by Christmas Eve?
If neither of these identifies you, where do you fit in to the Christmas shopping picture and is there anything you can do to improve the experience?
One of the big secrets is shopping early enough to avoid all this. Buying gifts online can also work wonders provided you do it before all the high demand items get sold out. Either way, it isn’t going to do you much good if you’re reading this now while the rush is already in full swing.
My solution is to find something that is generally available all year round, but still makes a great gift. Jewellery and watches are perfect for this as you can seek out what would suit the person you are buying for and then adjust your options to fit the price range you’re comfortable with. Avoid fads and the very latest styles, too many others will be after those.
And once your shopping is complete, you at least have the satisfaction of knowing you have chosen something a bit special that is unlikely to be duplicated without putting your personal finances under too much pressure. And for that you are fully entitled to feel pleased with yourself.
By the way, if you need any help selecting a watch, click the link below to get a handy free report on how best to choose the perfect watch for someone else (or yourself for than matter). It just might make your Christmas a whole lot happier.
Copyright 2005 Michael Hayles
About The Author
Michael Hayles is a playwright and song lyricist with a passion for horse racing. A self-confessed spendaholic when 'in the money', he is considered something of a fanatic where watches are concerned.
http://greenflameworks.com/theperfectwatch.html

I was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes.

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way
Christmas shop at my stores
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Shop Shop Shop Shop Shopping all the way
Catalogs and Directory two thousand stores today
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shopping all the way!

Dog Tracking Systems

2005-12-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Tips On Choosing The Best Dog Tracking System by: Jack Russell
Dogs are man’s best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting.
There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dog’s company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion.
Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities.
It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system.
Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten its prey.
So, for people who are not aware of how dog tracking system works or why they are so important for some people, here’s a list of some facts regarding this marvelous device.
1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs that are out on the field.
2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain.
3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars.
4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity.
5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar.
In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey.
Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost.
With dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.
About The Author
Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/.

Football vs. Baseball

2005-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Watching the NFL versus the MLB by: Jason OConnor
Imagine placing two flat screen plasma TV’s side by side in your living room smack dab in front of your couch. You’ve got beer, snacks a-plenty and fresh batteries in your clicker.
One TV has an NFL game on and the other has a Major League Baseball game and they both start at the same time.
Besides this being many sports fans’ idea of hog heaven and even better than clicking back and forth between games with only one TV, it’s fun to watch the differences between these two pro sports. Watching the NFL on TV is a weekly ritual; baseball is on every night of the week, but watching the two combined is almost as rewarding as joining a Cowboy cheerleader snuggle-fest.
And that’s exactly what I did recently (not the snuggle-fest, but the two TV’s thing). Here’s what happened:
The football game started with a massive kick to the opposing team, and a line of 250-pound plus men with murder in their eyes started charging after the poor slob who caught the ball. After a few seconds he was crushed by his pursuers, becoming the bottom man in a very scary adult male pig-pile. MLB players tend to be a little mellower and less physical, but all pro players in any sport need to be strong. Football players take steroids, baseball players get caught.
Meanwhile, the MLB game started off a little less exciting. My heart rate and pulse began to slow down as I watched the catcher and pitcher play catch as the batter just stood there spitting and adjusting his crotch. I got quickly bored and turned back to the NFL game.
In a matter of a three minute span two men had been injured, with one having his ankle relocated to his armpit. A touchdown was scored, the ball changed hands twice, and a whole lot of tackling, smashing, crunching and finger-breaking happened.
Football is more of an immediate gratification, ADD-friendly game to watch.
I glanced back at the MLB game for a couple of minutes. Two strikeouts and four fly outs came and went and we were already in the second inning, with little action to show for it. A baseball game is more of a wise-old-man kind of sport, where patience and number-crunching are paramount. It reveres serenity.
Football reveres mayhem. Watching football gets me angry and all charged up. Watching baseball makes me sleepy. In fact, I usually like to watch the first two or three innings, fall asleep, and then wake up to catch the last few innings. Watching football players hit each other full force and light each other up is exciting, and dozing is out of the question. Watching one grown man with ball in glove chase another grown man to tag him in a pickle is kind of funny.
As 10,000 commercials played on the football TV, I had a few minutes to catch up on my MLB game. Finally, in the bottom of the third, a man hit the ball and dropped it in the right field gap for a single. All the baseball players, including the guy running up to first base, seemed quite pleasant. Why not be? They were playing in a nice park, on a nice warm and sunny day and no one had even broken a sweat yet. The batter reached first base and started chatting with the opposing team’s first baseman. They started smiling and having a great time with each other. My lip-reading skills are not what they used to be but I think I saw one say to the other, “Hi Johnny! How’s the wife doing? It’s been a while since we saw her. We’ve got to get together sometime soon.”
Growing restless, I turned back to the NFL game just in time to see one man standing over a writhing and groaning man on the turf. I think I saw his lips yelling, “Hey Bruno, while we were having breakfast together this morning, your wife told me to tackle you into next Tuesday, did I do a good job?”
In the very next play a running back was nailed in a bone-splitting tackle. Indeed, his bone did split, and then protruded right out of his bloody skin causing a wave of nausea to spread over the crowd.
Fascinated but horrified, I quickly turned to the baseball game and witnessed a wild pitch hit the batter on the finger. The batter yelped and had to sit the rest of the game out, his pinky was smarting.
To replace the bone-sticking-out-of-his-leg guy in the NFL game, a bulky player with flowing dreadlocks sticking out of his helmet started lumbering onto the field. He had a huge cast on his arm that looked like a big club. With the hand totally encased, forming a big bulbous weapon, he shook it as his opponents in defiance while possibly struggling to stick one particular finger up, and then reluctantly joined the huddle.
It was nearing the halftime and so many timeouts had been called that they seemed to have run out of commercials to play. So the cameras started scanning the crowd. It was a lot colder where this game was being held, and I could see people’s breath. I also saw a guy in shorts and no shirt who had painted his skin from head to toe in his NFL team’s colors. His head was shaved and also painted, and he was wearing a big pig’s nose on his face.
As I briefly scanned the crowd on the other TV, I saw lots of people in button down, short sleeve shirts, baseball caps and gloves on, waiting expectantly for that ever-elusive foul ball.
The first half started to wind down in the NFL game, and I actively awaited gratuitous shots of hot cheerleaders. I was rewarded with lots of silly pompom waving and cleavage. I then happily turned back to the MLB game but only saw three heavy-set women shoving sausage dogs and peanuts in their mouths.
At halftime I got a chance to go to the bathroom and grab another cold beer and more snacks. There is never a big break in baseball, and every time I go to the bathroom while watching baseball I always miss the big play, which of course happened this time too.
My MLB game continued to plod along when I got back, inducing the unique ball-strike-out hypnotic state that only baseball can cause. I was about to doze off when I was jarred out of my trance by the flashy touchdown dance I saw on my other TV. The guy who just scored was moonwalking across the uprights while flapping his arms like wings. He then proceeded to do a magnificent swan dive which turned into a double summersault with a twist and finally landed perfectly on the field.
I then quickly caught the replay of the big baseball play I had just missed. Someone hit a grand slam, rounded the bases and was greeted by a big, warm, bouncing-in-unison group hug.
After a while, both games ended and I had experienced a full range of emotions. Both games are great to watch and if you can get past the roller coaster ride of stimulation, watching football and baseball simultaneously is a blast. I decided to keep both plasma TV’s in front of the couch permanently
Finally, no football vs. baseball article could be complete without mentioning one of the masters of comedy and this subject, George Carlin. Here’s a quote from Carlin’s famous monologue that inspired this article:
“And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:
In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line. In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll be safe at home! “
Copyright: 2005
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About The Author
Jason OConnor owns and operates http://www.bestshowticketslasvegas.com - a place to buy cheap tickets to NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and NCAA games. Find theater and concert tickets too.

Pet Supplies on Sale!

2005-12-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

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New types of Makeup and Cosmetics

2005-12-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Learn About The Latest Trends In Cosmetics Now by: Bridget Allen
The days of bright blue eye shadow and slathered on blush are gone with the wind! If you are in desperate need of a make up freshen up, consider these hot trends in cosmetics. These latest colors, tips, and techniques are just what anyone needs to update a look or make the change into a new season. Remember that your cosmetics do have an expiration date, so keep this in mind when shopping for new make up. With each season, carefully look through your make up kit and discard any items that are outdated. This is critical, especially with eye make up that can expire and potentially cause painful infections. Also, remember not to share your make up with anyone else to prevent spread of germs and infection.
Today’s latest trends in cosmetics reflect the fashion trends—shimmer and shine! From super glossy lip gloss to candy like eye make up with glitter to make your eyes truly pop. This trend only applies to eyes, lips, and nails, however, since cream and matte finishes is hot for foundations, powders, and blush. In addition to shimmer and shine, the color of eye and lip make up is quite subtle. Gone are the vibrant colors and eye popping shades of eye shadow. Instead, pale browns, ivories, grays, tans, and other natural colors are all the rage. Lip shades are also a bit more subdued, with a nude lip or a sheer pink gloss being incredibly hot.
Lipstick is out today, with lip gloss taking over the first place in purses all over the country. These lip glosses are made in every color under the sun and many mimic the appearance of lipstick with a much smoother and glossier look. For individuals looking to care for their lips and enjoy that terrific nude lip look, consider using a simple hydrating stick. The all natural brand, Bert’s Bees, produces a phenomenal product that can be applied under a gloss or used by itself.
The days of pressed powder may be numbered; as today’s hot products include cream powders that go on thick but dries sheer and ultra light. This option is great for individuals who would like a bit more coverage than pressed powder offers, but do not want to deal with the mess and hassle of using foundation. Another popular trend along this line is the cream blush, which also goes on like a cream but dries a powder. Also, cream blushes prevent that unnatural coloring that appears on many women’s cheeks.
About The Author
Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion.
Get the free course "Fashionista Essentials" now at http://www.i-stylish.com/.

XBOX 360

2005-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

Xbox 360: Which Core Bundle is Right for You? by: Barry Games
If you've lived under a rock since May then you'd be surprised to learn that Microsoft has released their second Xbox titled XBOX 360. Upon your emergence it wouldn't take long for you to figure out that this is no regular system; the XBOX 360 will lead the next generation consoles by including some of the latest wireless and graphic technology to-date. What some of you may not know is the fact Microsoft will release TWO different systems. They were concerned about the price of all the gadgets so they made a second, cheaper system. What's the difference? This article will explain some of the must knows before buying the XBOX 360.
First off, what do the systems hold that are the same? Both hold a DVD-ROM so you can play DVD's, CD's, all XBOX 360 games. You can plug into one of the 3 USB ports to access iPOD's, video, cameras, MP3 players, etc. pretty much the generic gaming experience will be available on both systems. But now for the fun stuff. Should I shell out the extra $100 for the more expensive system?
You'll be surprised about the differences between the two bundled systems so consider these things before buying. In no particular order here are some CONS of buying the CHEAPER system. (Believe me, I wouldn't pump the more expensive system if it wasn't a big deal, I'm here to save gamers money.)
First off, remember backwards compatibility? Your ability to play 200 XBox games on the next generation XBOX 360? Well you NEED to download patches for most games and those patches stay on the hard drive. The cheaper system does NOT come equipped with the 20GB hard drive.
What's the difference in cables? The cheaper version comes complete with AV cables for your TV, the expensive version comes complete with cables for HD-TV hook up. BUT get this: the graphic difference of the Xbox to Xbox 360 will be marginal if you have an old TV. This is what we've been told, and if you experience otherwise post it in our Xbox forum. It seems that you need a new TV to really experience the bells and whistles of the new system.
If you want to save games then you NEED to buy a 64MB memory unit (for the cheaper system) which will cost 40 bucks. That bumps up the price of the original to $340 from $299. For an extra $60 bucks you can have EVERYTHING in the better system. (As an aside, the Canadian companies are going to make a bundle (well not a bundle since Microsoft will likely loose money to start off with.) But, the US price for the basic system is $299 while the Canadian counterpart is $399. The current exchange rate does not warrant a $100 increase to adjust. The price should be closer to $350. Just a thought.)
The one controller that comes with the new cheaper bundle is wired, whereas the more expensive bundle will come complete with a single WIRELESS controller. Enough said. You be the judge regarding its value.
Judging by looks, the Xbox 360 games will typically be sharper and crisper, but not an all out blow out. I'll say that Microsoft BETTER get some more games going than the initial 18 or risk losing market share and interest in a hurry. This article concludes that for the extra $60 bucks (you need the 64 MB card to save games so that's why it's $60,) you shold go out and place an order for the more expensive system. Why Xbox made two different ones when the prices would be so close is beyond me. Mind you, coupled with game packages, the price does climb up there. That's my take, now back to gaming.
About The Author
Barry Games
Visit DiscussVideoGames for online Xbox 360 video game forums that includes all gaming systems. Dedicated Halo 2 forum, Xbox 360, Xbox live, and Xbox cheat code forums for your enjoyment.
discussvideogames.com

Survivor

2005-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is the next to the last episode of this week's Survivor Guatemala. There are 6 Survivors left in the game.
This week the players' are allowed to buy food at a mock auction. Given $500, they can bid on items with
one catch, the auction can stop at anytime. Get what you can now. Beefy Jerky, milk and cookies,
Philly Steak etc., getting hungry? The surprise was that if you had plenty of cash after eating, you could
bid on a visit and overnight stay with a selected friend or relative that was brought to Guatemala just for you.
Judd wins the family visit with his wife. He can invite two others to see their family, leaving the other three
not in good humor with him of course. He picks Cindy and Stephanie.
Immunity Challenge: Human Chess, and Dani wins immunity.
At tribal council, Judd says that whoever gets voted out will just have to "get over it..". Judd is voted out..
He doesn't "get over it" right away. Judd says that he hopes that they all get bitten by crocodiles and
twice stated that he felt that they were all "scumbags..". At the exit interview, Judd states that he
is "pissed.." because they voted him out and repeated the claim that the remaining team members
were all "scumbags..". He also restates that he has never lied, except for the times that he did.
See the CBS Survivor 11 site Click Here

Candles and Gift Discounts

2005-12-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone!
I hope the holiday season is going smoothly for everyone! For the month of December we are offering the following specials:
Enter Voucher 212301225 (or the word Christmas) to receive 10% off a purchase. Expires 12/15/2005.
Purchase any 3 or more items and receive an additional 15% off the total purchase.

Also,
Giving is good, giving with discount is better!
The Holiday Shopping season is here! At Elegant-Living.com, we are happy to offer special discounts to our customers. From now on until December 31, 2005, we are offering a Triple-Header Special to make this an unforgetable holiday!

- Christmas Corner for specially selected discount items, with discount up to 35% OFF! No coupon required.
- FREE Shipping for purchases over $100. Coupon code: ELD10APXM05KJ
- Additional 10% OFF for purchases over $250. Coupon code: ELD10APXM05KJ

Hurry! Take advantage of our store-wide Christmas sale!

Positive Thinking

2005-12-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

In Favor of A Positive Attitude by: Amy Biddle
What's the big deal about a positive attitude?
You've heard of how-to articles, but this is a why-to article. Why is it so important to develop the ability to choose a positive attitude , no matter what?
We Westerners have a tendency to worship the brain. Note that I didn't say the mind, but the brain. We confuse the two. When I speak of the mind, I'm speaking of our own piece of the mind of God. The mind is the Observer within us that can watch our thoughts and choose which ones to entertain. The brain is something else: It is an organ, a survival tool that keeps our bodies going. The brain is a problem-solving machine, and it seeks problems to solve. When we treat the brain as a god, instead of as a tool, our emotional and mental life becomes saturated with problems.
Just as the ancients brought burnt sacrifices to feed their gods, some of us bring sacrifices in the form of problems to feed our brains. As in any other religion, we consider it moral and necessary to bring a steady stream of sacrifices to our "god." We develop a pious attitude and consider it more realistic and sophisticated to be cynical, focused on problems. Even those lucky people who aren't cynical by temperament feel obligated to suffer with others. We sacrifice our natural state of bliss.
But here's what I know today. Our outer experience follows our thoughts, and not the other way around. Our attitudes and beliefs have the power to alter our experiences. So the development of a positive attitude in any circumstance is a very sophisticated response to experiences that are unhappy in any way.
We create our experience of the world, but we don't do it alone. There are over six billion people on this planet, all with the gift and responsibility of free will. So we don't single-handedly control all the experiences that come our way, but we always have a choice about how we respond to them. Our response has the power to transform a "negative" into a positive.
An old story that illustrates this point is the one about Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was the 11th of 12 sons, the favorite of his father, and he had dreams of glory. In fact, he dreamed that his brothers would someday bow down to him. When they heard this, his jealous brothers became furious and sold Joseph into slavery. He ended up in Egypt, where he still paid attention to dreams. In fact, he interpreted Pharaoh's dream about a coming famine, so he was given a position of high honor and responsibility. Joseph prepared the land for famine and was able to provide for his family when the famine affected them. His brothers still lived in remorse for what they had done. When Joseph revealed himself to them, he said, "Do not be angry with yourselves. You may have meant it for evil, but God meant it for good." By focusing his thoughts positively, rather than reveling in resentment and bitterness, Joseph created good.
Taking a positive attitude is the most realistic way you can go. By using a positive attitude, you can real-ize, or make real, the good you want to bring to life. This is not a discipline for the timid. You have to be willing to give up the sophomoric pleasures of cynicism, resentment, and bitterness. Once you really "get it" that whatever you focus on grows, you use the power of your mind to cultivate a positive attitude.
About The Author
Amy Biddle has been a lifetime student and teacher of spiritual principles. Spiritual Healing Secrets is a fast-growing resource for anyone who wants to improve her or himself, or simply to learn practical spiritual principles. Let Amy help you improve your life! Discover the secrets at http://www.spiritual-healing-secrets.com.
This article may be reproduced in its entirety as long as the "About the Author" and links are included.

Jewelry Sale

2005-11-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

Jewelry SaleGet a FREE stylish brooch with any $50 purchase. Splurge a little and get something free in return!FREE US Domestic Shipping on all orders over $75Finale Sale - $20 and less! Charles Winston Collection On Sale - Save up to 50%$22 Off CZ Channel Set Hoop EarringsSave up to 25% with 3 Emitations.com pieces as featured in People's Holiday 2005 Style Watch Issue! Expires on 2005-12-08$10 off a special set of CZ Bow Necklace & Earrings Expires on 2005-12-15$20 off Maiulo's 2.5 CT Clear Solitaire Pendant (Featured in Cosmo Girl's January Issue) Expires on 2005-12-15$10 off Men's Celtic Movable Ring Expires on 2005-12-22Save $20 when you purchase Emitations best-selling 4TCW stud earrings and matching 2 CT pendant as a set! Expires on 2005-12-22Gold Leaf Enamel & Swarvoski Crystal Business Card Holder $49.99 only Yenta Necklace - "Gossipy Girl" 14.99 only! (Final Sale)______________________________________________________***Following Coupons : All expire on 2005-12-15***Free 3-5 Day shipping on all Domestic orders over $75($5.99 value) with coupon code: FF11FS $10 off $100 with Coupon Code: FF11-10$5 off $45 with Coupon Code: FF11545 5% off your entire order with coupon code: FF115

Candles for Christmas

2005-11-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy Candles - do You Know How to Use These 14 Key Essential Oils? by: Justine van Zyl
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, largely for medicinal purposes. Although the medical emphasis started to decline about 100 years ago, aromatherapists stayed focussed and have been studying the effect of essential oils on the body and brain for hundreds of years.
Although the cosmetic and perfume industries had become the major users of essential oils as mainstream medical interest declined, the pendulum started to swing back in 1928, when René-Maurice Cattefossé first used the term aromatherapy.
Other pioneers helped foster renewed focus on essential oils, and there is now greater interest than ever in their use for cosmetic, therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
Today's aromatherapists can call on at least 90 essential oils, which can be used either singly or combined. Naturally, in this modern age, they are cautious in their recommendations and claims - but they themselves are convinced believers.
Aromatherapy Fragranced Candles
Candle makers have recognised this renewed interest, and provide a wide range of products for those who want to combine a love of candles with an interest in aromatherapy.
Obviously, the candles do not give as intense an effect as the direct application of an essential oil, but instead provide a more subtle influence. As they burn the candles release a continuous stream of vaporized essential oils into the air, which you absorb as you breathe.
First they stimulate the olfactory nerves that lead from the nose to the brain, and then they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. So depending on what you want to achieve, there is probably an oil that will be just right.
The Abbreviated List A list of 90 different oils is a bit much for a non-expert to absorb, so here is an abbreviated guide to some of the more common oils, and their associated recommendations:
1. Bergamot - extracted from a citrus fruit. Used to fight depression, and reduce stress and fatigue.
2. Chamomile - calming, refreshing, antiseptic.
3. Eucalyptus - stimulant, antiseptic. Recommended for treating coughs and colds. Used as insecticide and germicide.
4. Geranium - good for the skin, recommended for depression. Found in window boxes (particularly in Europe), it is a good household insecticide.
5. Jasmine - anti-depressant, antiseptic. Used to overcome anxiety and depression.
6. Lavender - the world's most common essential oil, used since the Middle Ages. Relaxes, calms, antiseptic.
7. Neem - extracted from an Indian tree and is used primarily in health and beauty products. Said to be anti- almost everything - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antihistamine, among others. One of the major essential oils.
8. Neroli - derived from orange blossoms. Said to be calming and good for treating insomnia.
9. Orange - another product from the orange tree, this time pressed from the skin of the fruit. Relaxes and calms, and is often mixed with other oils.
10. Oregano - another of the majors, with just as many "antis" in its list of properties as Neem oil.
11. Rose - pricey, as all who encounter it in skincare products will know. Also an antiseptic and anti-depressant.
12. Rosemary - physical and mental stimulant, but also very relaxing at the end of a stressful day.
13. Tea Tree - derived from an Australian tree, it has a wide range of uses, and at one stage was even in military first-aid kits. Another of the major essential oils.
14. Ylang Ylang - very fragrant, relieves pain, eases anxiety, aphrodisiac.
Even Aromatherapy Soy Candles
These, and many others, are available in a wide range that includes aromatherapy soy candles.
Of course, sampling this list might lead to a storage area loaded with a large variety of candles.
But when it comes to aromatherapy candles, can you really have too much of a good thing?
About The Author
Justine van Zyl provides information for people who want to make better decisions about the candles they buy online. You can get more helpful information at her website, www.buybettercandlesonline.com.

To gear up for the holiday season, we are offering free shipping on orders over $75.00 from November 24th until December 15th.

Also, when you purchase 3 or more candles you will save an additional 15% off your order. This special is good from November 24th until December 1st.

Craft Shows

2005-11-27T15:44:00.000-08:00

Top Crafts People Pay Money For! by: Natalie Goyette
What crafter wouldn’t like to know the ‘secret’ to finding the crafts that sell? Especially the ones that sell most often, and for the highest dollar. It is a common question, and one that certainly cannot be answered easily. A number of factors will determine the success of your craft on the craft show circuit.
If you can imagine craft shows all across the country, you could probably imagine several different types of crafts at each show. This is just one reason why it is difficult to pinpoint the craft that will be successful in your area. But, if you want to sell crafts for a profit, then you are going to have to figure out which type of craft is already popular.
Go to craft shows and see what is selling Ask around at craft stores to find out what is really popular right now Find a niche for something that ISN’T offered at your local craft shows
The first point is probably the easiest to do, because if you already like crafts, then chances are you don’t mind going to the craft shows. Besides, it is always important to check out the competition before you even start your crafting business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the retailer when you are out there. They may or may not be willing to answer some – but if you phrase them out of interest rather than fact finding you may have better luck.
Once again, if you are a crafter, you likely head to the local craft store on a regular basis, and you can gather a lot of information here as well. Ask the people at the checkout counter what has been moving really quick, or casually notice what other people are carrying out of the store. Make regular visits and you will see for yourself what moves in the stores, as they rotate their goods and change their displays.
The third point is high-risk, high reward. If you find a niche at the local craft shows, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to have the next hot-selling craft. With new products it is often hit and miss – with miss being more often. But, niche crafts – especially if they take advantage of other hot trends – can be very profitable. As it is in any business, those who stay on top of their market usually end up making more money and are more successful in the end.
Here are a few tips for creating a profitable craft:
Find something functional. Most people would like to get some use (however limited it might be) out of a craft they see.
Create something that is unique to your area – something that people can only get if they come to your region. This appeals to tourists and others just passing through and going to the craft show.
Crafts that will make good gifts for others. Practical items are also excellent for this purpose as well.
Rarely is there a sure thing in crafts. But, you can take much of the guesswork out of finding the most profitable craft in your area with a little research.
Still, across the craft show world, some of the top craft show experts believe that the following craft areas are perennial best-sellers: In no particular order –
Personal items (soaps, body lotion bars)
Entertaining items (wine charms, coasters, place cards)
Practical crafts (bread baskets, candles, placemats, anything people can put to use!)
If you can find something in these areas, I would say that you stand a much greater chance of selling your craft – and for top dollar – at your local craft shows!
About The Author
Natalie Goyette is the best selling author of Craft Show Success. Her e-book shows you how you can finally make money at craft shows. www.craftshowsuccess.com.

See our Crafts at Virtual Directory.

Goodies for Gifts

2005-11-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

For the Friend Who Has Everything - A Consumable Gift by: Aldene Fredenburg
As the holiday seasons approach, most of us switch into gift-giving mode, and start looking for that perfect item for each of our friends and family members. And we all have one or two individuals on the list who are incredibly hard to shop for, not because they don't have interests, but because they already have absolutely everything they could want or need. The newest DVDs? Got 'em. A great cashmere sweater? Closets full of them. The best kitchen gadgets? The top golf or skiing accessories? Tickets to the latest shows? Got 'em, got 'em, got 'em!
So what do you do? You spy, and snoop, and search, until you find out their favorite guilty pleasures - food- and beverage-wise, that is. Maybe they have a yen for the best Swiss chocolates, or the wines of a particular province in France. Or perhaps their gastronomic tastes run to the nostalgic, and the candies and other favorites of their childhood - imported plum pudding, perhaps, or a selection of their favorite, hard to find, childhood candies or cookies.
One nifty thing about consumables is that when you give them as gifts, if you've done your homework properly, the recipients consume them - which means you get to buy the same gift next year.
Another approach is to invite a friend or family member to his or her favorite restaurant, an enjoyable outing during which you also give the gift of your love and attention. This event could actually become a yearly tradition, a ritual anticipated and cherished by you both.
Of course, consumables don't have to be food or beverages. There are many, many magazines and newspapers published in the world, on every possible topic. Imagine a European or Asian immigrant getting a subscription to a newspaper from his or her homeland, in the appropriate native language; or a quilting enthusiast receiving the most popular quilting magazine - from England. Even your loved ones "who have everything" are not likely to have combed the world for the more exotic periodicals.
A doting grandparent would welcome a box of photographs, taken throughout the previous year, of her or his grandkids, along with scrapbooking materials, and perhaps a few instant cameras and prepaid mailing envelopes so they can take even more pictures of the kids.
So for friends and family who have everything, start thinking in terms of consumables when you make out your holiday gift list. You may be amazed at the possibilities that come to mind.
About The Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.
articles@tipsandtopics.com

Your Online Shopping Centre for art, books, collectibles, music, gifts and gift baskets, Food Gifts and crafts at Virtual Directory.

Inexpensive Christmas Shopping

2005-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts by: Rick Chapo
The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to buy gifts. If you’re a little light on funds, following are ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts.
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts
If you’re low on funds heading into the holidays, stress becomes a problem. Don’t sweat it. Here are some inexpensive Christmas gifts that will be hits with everyone.
1. Shower Microphone – If you’ve got shower singers among your friends and family, the shower microphone will get some chuckles…and use. In truth, it is actually a sponge, but will serve the purpose for budding rock stars. Best of all, you can pick up the shower microphone sponge for a whopping $9. Just do a search online for it.
2. Cold Heat Soldering Tool – For the man in your life, you can’t go wrong with tools of any type. Whether you’re buying for a husband, son, dad or boyfriend, the cold heat soldering tool is a great inexpensive Christmas gift. The tool lets them solder away to weld items together, but does so with cold technology instead of hot. This lets you avoid expensive trips to the hospital and you only have to pay roughly $20.00.
3. Japanese Paper Soap – Perhaps one of the greatest accessories ever made. For any traveler, bars of soap are a disaster. They never stay in their cases or wrapping resulting in soap suds and gunk everywhere. Japanese paper soap solves this problem nicely. The paper is, well, paper, but has built in soap. You simply get your hands wet and rub a piece of the paper between them. Instant suds! When done, toss the paper out. Pretty cool, eh? This incredible invention will set you back a whopping $10 for 50 sheets. Great inexpensive Christmas gifts for mom, girlfriends and, yes, sisters.
4. Nomad Writing Journals – If you’re buying for a person that loves the outdoors or to travel, Nomad Writing Journals make great gifts. These journals are tailored to activities such as travel, fly fishing, bird watching, backpacking, camping, rock climbing and so on. They come with or without a case and provide writing space as well as cues for writing down important information. A great keepsake for family members to preserve their travel and outdoor experiences. The journals cost as low as $9 without waterproof case and $25 with case.
When you’re low on funds during the holidays, the secret is to buy unique things for people. Hopefully, the above list will give you a head start on finding inexpensive Christmas gifts this year.
About The Author
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for travel and outdoor activities. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her.

I was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes

Easy Divinity Recipe

2005-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

As Featured on ArticleCity.com

Grandma's Divinity Recipe by: David Jones

My wife's grandmother made many incredible dishes in her kitchen over the years. Sometimes, if in the right mood, she would offer to write them down. We always said YES! Here is one of the finest deserts you will ever try, and it's easy to make:

Divinity
2 egg whites
3 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1 cup pecans

Cook sugar, corn syrup and water on high heat for the first 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, lower the burner a notch (from medium high to medium etc) and cook until a drop of mixture forms a hard ball when dropped into cold water. Another way to test this is to stir mixture and allow it to form a long thin string when dropped from your stirring utensil. When it is thin and elastic enough to spin a web, it is ready. Our heating time came to 15 minutes on medium heat.Gradually pour this mixture into the unbeaten egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer until firm. Add vanilla and pecans.Beat until chalky. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper. Place pecan halves or other topping before completely dry.Hardens quickly, spoon quickly or find an assistant for this.NOTE: Humidity must be >50% for this recipe to come out properly.About The AuthorDavid JonesMore recipes are available free at http://www.virtualemedia.com/. Also, check out http://www.virtualecatalog.com/, http://www.geminimalls.com/ and http://www.virtualedirectory.com/ for your shopping convenience.

Fashion

2005-11-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Fashion is a tricky business unless you stay current. We have several good deals on fashion mags for you:

Magazine Sale Nov 17 to Dec 31 2005;

Coupon code: MFL2010% OFF all orders of $20 or more
Coupon code: MFL50$5 OFF all orders of $50 or more

Survivor

2005-11-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

This week’s CBS Survivor starts out with Jamie arguing with everyone claiming that Gary had lied about something.
Challenge - obstace course. They divide into two teams. The reward is a shower, clothes and to spend the night
somewhere nice, away from camp. Coffee in the morning too! Dani, Steph, Gary and Judd win the reward challenge.
Back at camp: Jamie tries to get Rafe to from an alliance with him. Rafe is unsure and hesitates.
Away at the reward: Gary tries to form an alliance with Steph, Dani and Judd. A man enters the room with a
package and says it is a gift. They open it and it is video tapes from home. They watch the tapes, cry etc.
Back to camp and a nice surprise of coffee for all is brought back.
Immunity Challenge: Obstacle course, Steph, Rafe, Jamie, Cindy move on. Rafe wins immunity.
At tribal council Jamie is OUT OF THERE! Jamie is pissed! “NICE!” He exclaims, “That’s how you vote somebody out..”
Exit Interview with Jamie: “Good people go bad..” Jamie doesn’t know if he can ever forgive Lydia for voting
him out since he feels that he carried her this far.

A was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes.

Christmas Shopping

2005-11-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hot New Designers You Have To Know About by: Bridget Allen
The fashion world is a constantly changing place that serves as a revolving door for the hottest fashion designers. Fashionistas strive to stay on top of the fashion world by keep an eye on the up and coming designers that are producing the top trends on the market today. One great way to stay aware of the newest designers is to regularly look at the fashion magazines. Most magazines have a special section devoted to the designers who are working to make a name for themselves in the world of fashion. Also, check out the cable channels that specialize in fashion and style to see interviews and tips from these top designers.
It seems the hottest trend in fashion today is clothing collections designed by actors. This was made the most popular by the Sean Jean fashion label designed by rap mogul Sean, “Diddy” Combs. More recently, the “Jenny from the block” songstress, Jennifer Lopez has begun her own labels of clothing known as “Sweetface” and “JLo.” These urban wear companies feature many items made from authentic fur, causing quite a stir between Lopez and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Another singer who has experience a great success in the fashion industry is Gwen Stefani with her label, “L.A.M.B.” The former No Doubt lead singer entered the fashion world and has received tremendous acclaim for her revolutionary “Love Angel Music Baby” line of clothing.
Urban clothing labels are especially popular these days, with Kimora Lee Simmons experiencing a great deal of success with her “Baby Phat” clothing line. The Baby Phat line is extremely sought after and has pieces at a variety of price levels so individuals of every budget can proudly bring home pieces with the familiar cat logo.
As always, classic fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Vuitton are always favorites with the fashion community as new designers are welcomed into the house and given the chance to create a lovely addition to the season. The best time to see what the fashion designers have unveiled for the upcoming season’s collection is undoubtedly New York Fashion Week. Everyone from fashion royalty to Hollywood starlets are seen sitting front row at these legendary fashion shows, licking their chops at the tasty fashion offerings displayed. Most fashion magazines have excellent coverage of both the shows and the collections available at these shows, so check it out to stay on top of the fashion game.
About The Author
Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion.
Get the free course " Fashionista Essentials" now at http://www.i-stylish.com

I like to shop online to save time and money. Why should I go to the mall when there
are thousands of online malls.

Man From Nantucket

2005-11-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

There once was a man from Nantucket
who was supposed to go shopping at the mall
but said, wait..I could go online and find
clothes, electronics, books, music, christmas gifts,
software, jewelry, shoes
and basically say tucket to the crowded malls!

Clothes

2005-11-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

From the Boardroom to Reality: RFID in the Fashion Apparel / Textile Industry by: Phil Blasco
Many Fashion Apparel / Textile companies - particularly those with a large network of stores - are well underway in terms of streamlining their supply chain and optimizing sales forecasts and distribution. They are now looking for ways to enhance revenues and market share by adopting modern ways of managing stores and inventory. RFID has now become a centrepiece in their strategic thinking. Some companies are also stepping up the process into actual implementation.
A new business model for Fashion Apparel and Textile chains
Leading Fashion Apparel / Textile companies have significantly modified their business model.
Shifting away from manufacturing, Fashion Apparel & Textile companies have built competitive advantage, based on new ways of delivering value to their consumers.
A new business model has developed and stabilized based on a centralized approach to design and logistics. A typical business model now includes central design, hundreds of external suppliers, (most often in Asia), and one or two central warehouses that serve as a logistical hub for stocking a large networks of retail outlets.
The new frontier is in the retail store
The cost cutting side of supply chain management is to a large extent behind us. It has already yielded most of its benefits.
The time is coming for additional revenue generation. Today, most large network Fashion Apparel & Textile companies focus on improving the "store side" of their supply chain and distribution operations.
Active Fashion Apparel & Textile chains are absolutely confident that the first benefits of RFID implementation will come from store-level applications such as real and/or near real time inventory linked to stock management systems and store re-stocking processes.
Typically, industries go through 5 steps in implementing a store-level RFID initiative:
Market Observation: Talking to business specialists, they gather information on technology accuracy and reliability, costs, and future trends.
Business Case: Metrics are designed and implemented on core store-level and DC-level processes. Consumer behavior is assessed.
The upper line of the business case is built upon additional sales related issues, improved inventory, stock management, and store re-stocking refinements.
Costs savings include staff time allocations, counting / checking, shrink reduction.
Costs include hardware and software technology (tags, readers, software & middleware), integration, training, roll-out and systems operation.
Technology Test / Adaptation: Companies implement a simulated store environment and test accuracy and reliability in boxes, on shelves, and on hangers. This step lasts for a period of a few months.
Real-size test: Companies implement a live test in one or several stores to prove the business case and check applicability of store-level processes in a live environment. Assessment metrics are those of the business case (additional sales and cost reduction). This step lasts about six months.
Deployment / Rollout: Rolling out to the network. It is envisioned that rollout should be as fast as possible in order to realize a quicker Return on Investment. A critical preoccupation is also to avoid the coexistence of several processes and to drop legacy processes as soon as possible.
Building the business case: Network size is the multiplier
A quasi consensus emerges in the Fashion Apparel & Textile Industry: With tag prices at about 10 cents per unit, and reading accuracy at 98-99%, RFID applications in the store offer a compelling business case.
Better inventory management and better re-stocking generates additional revenues, reduced % of missed sales, and lower shrinkage.
Cost savings are mainly generated in the Warehouses / Distribution Centers.
Initiative related costs include: Investment in hardware facilities, middleware, integration, RFID tags, and roll out costs (training, implementation, etc)
Obviously, the larger the network the higher the return. Proactive companies are considering rolling out to their whole network as quickly as possible.
Other potential benefits not covered in the analysis are: Better staff time allocation in the stores, reduction of transportation costs, and specific processes automation at the DC level (such as increased automatic picking).
Taking the RFID issue from the boardroom to reality
Moving from market observation to development of a business case is typically a Management Team initiative.
Typically, the role of the CEO is to initiate the business case, to assess the results with the Management Team in terms of competitive advantage and created value, and to decide whether or not to launch a pilot.
Senior Executives involved are most often the Chief Operating Officer, the Logistics Manager, the CTO or IT Manager, and the CFO. In the case where a Network Manager is in the organizational matrix (the person who manages the stores network) this individual is also involved.
Most often, Fashion Apparel and Textile industries have built lean organizations, based on an intimate knowledge and control of their processes and metrics. They therefore tend to develop their business cases internally, with limited or no help from external parties such as consultants.
Conclusions: RFID at the turning point
The Fashion Apparel / Textile Industry is at a crossroad in terms of RFID applications.
Obviously, in the short term, store-level applications are seen as the most promising ones mainly because of their direct impact on customer satisfaction and revenues.
RFID represents a new opportunity for delivering value to both customers and shareholders. They try to maximize value by adopting an end-to-end approach to RFID adoption.
About The Author
Phil Blasco
TAGSYS (http://www.tagsysrfid.com) is the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure. TAGSYS provides RFID systems and tags for end-to-end item-level tracking that automates labor-intensive processes, authenticates and safeguards goods, and enables real-time inventory and asset visibility. The company is headquartered in France's Smart Valley with offices in the USA (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) and Asia (Hong Kong). More information on TAGSYS can be found at http://www.tagsysrfid.com.

Clothing for Christmas can be found here.

Trains

2005-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Taking photographs of trains is relatively simple if you follow just a few rules.The type of camera used is up to the photographer, I have used cameras ranging from $20to $900 and many of the same rules apply to all. The main thing is to make sure that the sunis shining on the train from the same side as you are photographing. If the sunis on the opposite side, you will get a blacked out train with no readable logosand basically a wasted shot. Getting used to the horn and noises while you shoot picturesis just a mind of matter thing. Be extra careful in railyards and around crossings wherecars pass through. Most of the cars don’t even notice the train, so don’t expect themto watch out for you, that is your job. To get a larger than life looking shot, justsquat down and let the front of the train fill the viewer from one end to the other.Night shots can be done with lower f stops or shutter speeds. On the old cameras youcan use a tripod and the B setting as you count to 1, 2, or 3 full seconds. The B settingor a low shutter speed will either give a full nightime view of a stopped train orthe moving streak effect on a moving train. You could also get nothing, but it’s fun to try.
The final rule is patience, the minute you leave the tracks and give up on the arrivalof a train is one minute too soon.

Apple Pie

2005-11-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Grandma's Apple Pie by: David Jones
One Year my parents gave my wife and I several bags of apples from a local orchard. Most of them were Golden Delicious and we were instructed not to cook with these,"..they are for eating only.". When we arrived home my wife's Grandmother stopped by and spotted the bags of apples. She said "Would you like me to make a pie with those?". We instantly responded YES! The pie was incredible! So, here it is:
APPLE PIE RECIPE
5 or 6 apples
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
1/2 stick of butter or margarine (optional)
2 TBSP flour (optional)
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 frozen pie crust
Peel and cut up apples into small pieces. Put apples in a bowl of water and lemon juice to keep from
turning brown and to keep fresh. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon
and nutmeg. Add about half of the sugar mixture to the apples. Add softened margarine (optional).
Stir all together. Pour apples into frozen 9 inch pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately
1 1/4 hours. After the pie starts cooking for about 20 minutes add the rest of the sugar mixture and baste apples every 20 minutes.
About The Author
David Jones
More recipes are available free at http://www.VirtualeMedia.com. Also check out http://www.GeminiMalls.com for your Christmas shopping convenience.

As Seen at ArticleCity.com

Lingerie and Underwear Deals

2005-11-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Lingerie
FREE Shipping for the whole month of November on all orders!
and $9.99 (and less) Closeout Sale going on now-Hurry & Save!

Plus Sizes Lingerie Holiday Specials

Undies and Things Free Shipping on orders over $40 starts immediately

Also, Electronics and Media:
Well, it's that time of year again. Akimbo is offering an awesome Holiday Special Promotion- Akimbo Player Only $69.99 (regular price $199.99).

Survivor

2005-11-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Nov 10, 2005 Survivor SummaryLast episode, Brandon was voted out. This weeks' reward challenge was to throw an arrow towards a target using a weird slide thing to launch the arrow. Everyone will win food in this challenge, but the quality of the meal is directly associated with how well they do in the contest. Top prize: Steak and Lobster and a clue to the hidden immunity idol. Last prize: a school lunch..actually , it was nuts and river water..mmm good, what?, no stagnant water available. Judd wins. Other prizes included a hamburger, a slice of pizza, baked potato, fish and ham and cheese. Later, Judd throws up in the shelter, helter shelter (with free steak and lobster inside!).Judd tells everyone that the idol is on the ground somewhere..according the the clue he was given. Later he is seen by Gary looking towards the treetops as he looks for the idol, unaware that he is being watched. Meanwhile, Jamie tells his group that Gary told him that he was going to vote him(Jamie) out. Gary really said that he would vote WITH Jamie.The final immunity challenge is an obstacle course. Near the end of the challenge Jamie and Rafe are the last two left. Suddenly, Rafe looses balance and tips over, but realizes he isn't down. Just as he tries to pull up, he gets a carnival style head dunk as he spins upside down and into the water. Rafe and everyone laughs..Jamie wins.At tribal council, Gary pulls out the idol that he found in the woods and is granted immunity. Bobby Jon is voted off of the island.

Coupons and Deals

2005-11-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Another Emitations.com Jewelry Sale!
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Save up to 25% with 3 Emitations.com pieces as featured in People's Holiday 2005 Style Watch Issue!
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Apple Crunch

2005-11-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Apple Crunch Desert Recipe
Apple CrunchA great way to kill off those extra apples this year is to make apple crunch and add vanilla ice cream:
5 or 6 apples
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
1/2 stick of butter or margarine (optional)
2 TBSP flour (optional)
1 TBSP lemon juice
1/4 cup pecan pieces

Peel and cut up apples into small pieces. Put apples in a bowl of water and lemon juice to keep fromturning brown and to keep fresh. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, and pecans.and nutmeg. Add about half of the sugar mixture to the apples. Add softened margarine (optional).Stir all together. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately50 minutes. After the apples start cooking for about 20 minutes add the rest of the sugar mixture and baste apples every 15 minutes.

Wood Stove Winter Prep

2005-11-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Check the chimney for debris or bird nests. Most fires occur at first lighting of a wood stove in the fall. Looking up the chimney, you should see the cap or sky depending on your chimney type. Check and clear the flu, then pull out the ash pan shoveling or sweeping any ash build up. Next, of course, clean out the stove where the wood rack goes. Finally, check the exit pipe from the stove to the wall, remove any ash or wood debris. If you have children, look for toys and stuffed animals, ahh..there's that watch, some kid named Iduneo is always taking my stuff.

Jewelry Sale

2005-11-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Emitations.com Jewelry Sale!
$1 SHIPPING OFFER UNTIL 11/10/05
also,
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Stock Market Rally

2005-11-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

A follow through rally today brought 2 billion shares traded and a 2:1 Advancers vs. Decliners. Baby still needs those shoes!

Rates raised

2005-11-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Fed raised rates by 25 basis points today for the 12th time.

Shopping News

2005-11-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

New Shops!
EssentialApparel.com - Great apparel, great prices.
and,
Elegant-Living.com: Gifts to brighten up your days!
From now on until November 24th, 2005, we are offering a 10% OFF Site-wide Sale on Elegant-Living.com. This discount even applies to items already on sale!
Also,
New Coupons!
AcmeHardware.com
AcmeHardware is now until the end of the year we are offering $10 off on all orders of $80 or more. Simply type in DIYnow2005 in our checkout after you enter your credit card info.

Win Free Perfume

2005-10-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

PerfumeNStuff has a new perfume to give away for the Month of November 2005: Win a Full Size Bottle of CURVE For Women By LIZ CLAIBORNE! LIZ CLAIBORNE designed CURVE in 1996. Its fragrant nature explores essences of citrus, freesia and lily. Blended with notes of sandalwood, moss and vetiver, CURVE is a casual type of fragrance. We only require you to enter your email address, NOTHING else!
Enter to Win Perfume N Stuff!
Jewelry
Fabulous Gifting Ideas at Emitations Holiday Gift Center.

Ghosts?

2005-10-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Ghosts of The Tower of London Pt2 by: Stuart Bazga
In this final instalment of The Ghosts of the Tower of London, you will learn about fate of Catherine Howard and discover the treachery behind the death of Lady Jane Grey who was Queen of England for only nine days.
The most grisly execution and thus haunting is that of the 70 year old Countess of Salisbury, the last of the Plantagenets. King Henry VIII had her executed for political reasons. The feisty Countess refused to put her head on the block like a common traitor. When her executioner came after her she ran, but was pursued by him, with his axe in hand hacking at her until he had hewn the Countess to death.
Her ghost has been seen reliving this truly gruesome act. Also the shadow of a great axe has been seen falling across the scene of her murder.
At one time the Tower of London was home to the Royal Menagerie. Lions, leopards, bears, birds, monkeys and an elephant, that was a gift from the King of France, were kept on exhibit. On the stroke of midnight in January of 1815 a sentry saw a bear from this menagerie emerge from a doorway. He lunged at it with his bayonet, it passed right through the apparition. The Sentry was later found unconscious, it is said he died of fright within two months of this encounter.
Something unseen and very frightening is in the Salt Tower. This is one of the most haunted areas of the Tower of London complex. This is a very old section, dogs will not enter this ancient building, and ever since one of the Yeoman Warders was nearly throttled by a force unseen, they will not go in the area after nightfall.
In 1864, a soldier whose post was to guard the Queen’s House at the Tower of London, saw a apparition so real, that after ignoring the soldiers three challenges, he charged with all his might at the intruder with his bayonet, only to go straight through the figure.
He was found unconscious at his post and was court-martialled for neglecting his duty. Luckily there were two witnesses who corroborated his story. The soldier was eventually acquitted.
Lady Jane Grey is another tragic story of a young life cut short at the Tower, due to the actions of others the most despicable of who was her own father.
She was the granddaughter of Mary (Henry VIII younger sister) and Louis XII of France. The Duke of Northumberland would lose everything if Henry VIII’s son was to die and Mary, who was Catholic, would become queen.
He and her father arranged her marriage to his son and persuaded her cousin Edward VI to name her his successor in case of his death instead of his two half-sisters. When Edward VI died she was crowned Queen of England, but the supporters of Mary overthrew her.
Her own father got scared and in hopes to save his own skin, left the Tower of London and went to Tower Hill to proclaim Mary I, as the Queen of England, Lady Jane never left the tower; she and her husband were immediately imprisoned and sentenced to death. Queen Mary carried out the execution of Lady Jane’s father-in-law but set both Jane and her husband free.
Her father was involved in a rebellion against Mary I, Lady Jane and her husband were again placed in the tower. Lady Jane watched as her husband was taken to Tower Hill where he was beheaded. She saw his body being carried back to the chapel, after which she was taken to Tower Green where she was beheaded. She was only 17 years old.
Lady Jane Grey’s ghost was last seen by two Guardsmen on February 12, 1957, the 403rd anniversary of her execution. She was described as a "white shape forming itself on the battlements". Her husband, Guildford Dudley, has been seen in Beauchamp Tower weeping.
Catherine Howard escaped from her room in the Tower of London. "She ran down the hallway screaming for help and mercy. She was caught and returned to her room." The next day she was beheaded. Her ghost has been seen sill running down the hallway screaming for help.
Other strange sightings at the Tower of London have been "Phantom funeral carriages" and “A lovely veiled lady that, upon closer look proves to have a black void where her face should be."
This concludes the brief insight to the Ghosts of The Tower of London. I hope this has fired your imagination enough so that you want to learn more about the Towers most GRUESOME PAST.
If you want to read about more haunting tales then visit my Haunted Castles page, where you can find out about the strange happenings at Windsor Castle and read about the Heroic tale of the two Pomeroy Brothers.
Best Wishes and Have a Great Day
Stuart Bazgawww.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com

About The Author
Stuart Bazga
A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.
© 2005 http://www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com - All rights reserved.
You may copy or redistribute this article in its entirety including all links.
stuart@guide-to-castles-of-europe.com

Ghosts in the Tower!

2005-10-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Ghosts of The Tower of London Part 1 by: Stuart Bazga
Over the coming week, I hope to lead you on a journey of discovery and adventure. Briefly taking a glimpse into a past so horrid. Of haunting tales and ghastly ends that awaited so many of her most famous occupants. Firing your imagination, so that you will delve deeper into her history for yourselves.
During her long and illustrious 900 years, The Tower of London has developed into one of the most haunted places in Britain. She has been home to beheadings and murders, torture and hangings, as well as being a prison to Queens and Nobles alike.
Thomas A. Becket is "the first reported sighting of a ghost at the Tower of London."
During the construction on the Inner Curtain Wall in the 13th century, Thomas appeared apparently unhappy about the construction, and it is said he reduced the wall to rubble with a strike of his cross. Henry III’s grandfather was responsible for the death of Thomas Becket, so Henry III wasted no time building a chapel in the Tower of London, naming it for the archbishop.
This must have pleased Thomas’ ghost because there were no further interruptions during the construction of the wall.
The Bloody Tower was the scene of the infamous disappearance of the two princes; Edward V (12) and Richard Duke of York (10), who are thought to have been murdered in 1483 on the probable command of the Duke of Gloucestershire, who was to be crowned Richard the III.
According to one story, guards in the late 15th century, who were passing the Bloody Tower, spotted the shadows of two small figures gliding down the stairs still wearing the white night shirts they had on the night they disappeared.
They stood silently, hand in hand, before fading back into the stones of the Bloody Tower.
These figures were identified as the ghosts of the two princes. In 1674 workmen found a chest that contained the skeletons of two young children, they were thought to be the remains of the princess, and were given a royal burial not long afterwards.
The story of the little princes is still to this day a heartbreaking story. They are "among the most poignant ghosts" in the Tower of London.
The most persistent ghost in The Tower of London is the ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn.
The King, Henry VIII, after learning the baby she carried for nine months was a boy and still born, accused by her of infidelity.
She was taken to TOWER GREEN and was beheaded on May 19, 1536.
Queen Anne appears near the Queen’s House, close to the site where her execution was carried out. She can be seen leading a ghostly procession of Lords and Ladies down the aisle of the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.
She floats down the aisle to her final resting place. Queen Anne is buried under the Chapel’s altar. Her headless body has also been seen walking the corridors of the Tower.
Sir Walter Raleigh lived quite comfortable compared to others who were imprisoned within the walls of the Bloody Tower.
His "rooms" are still furnished as they were in the 16th century, and can be seen when visiting the Tower today.
He was executed by James I, and has been seen looking exactly as he does in his portrait hanging in the Bloody Tower.
I hope you have enjoyed Pt1 to The Ghosts of The Tower of London. In Pt2 we discover what happend to Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey as well as the Horrific end to the Countess of Salisbury.
If these tales have brought your imagination back to life and you want to discover more ghostly and gruesome stories of times past. Then pay a visit to my Haunted Castles page where you can find out about the grisly goings on at Windsor Castle or read about the Heroic tale of the Two Brothers of Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon.
Best wishes and have a great day!
Stuart Bazga
About The Author
Stuart Bazga
A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.
© 2005 by guide-to-castles-of-europe.com - All rights reserved.
You may copy or redistribute this article in its entirety including all links.
stuart@guide-to-castles-of-europe.com

The Three Stooges

2005-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Moe, Larry And Curly by: Kenneth McCormick
Moe, Larry and Curly, do the names ring a bell? If you ever watched Saturday morning television, you probably know who I am talking about. I owe these guys big time. If it wasn't for them, I never would have had such a good time when I went to those cheap movies in Brooklyn as a kid. They always featured 3 movies and 21 cartoons, including the Three Stooges, every Saturday. You can imagine how long we spent in the theatre on that day. We would be there for about six hours. But the highlight of the day was always those three zany guys. The theatre would show old movies so the price of admission was cheap There was usually one cowboy movie, one mystery movie and then a random type movie. Somehow they always managed to show movies that kids would like.
They weren't always The Three Stooges and there wasn't always the same three people. When they first broke into vaudeville, their act was called Ted Healy and his Stooges. Moe was Harry Moses Howard but he had formerly been named Horwitz. He started out with his brother Shemp, I'm sure you all remember him, his name was Samuel Howard. As the act progressed another person joined. He was Larry Fine. Remember the guy with the bushy hair that Moe kept pulling out? Larry Fine was really Louis Feinberg. Shemp got his name because his mother had a thick accent and that was the best she could do while trying to pronounce Samuel.
The act didn't stay together this way for too long because Shemp decided he wanted to leave and pursue a career in the movies. Shemp was replaced by his brother Curly Howard. Sometimes you will see it spelled Curley. Curly's name was Jerome Howard. People called him Babe. The Stooges were not happy. They didn't like the way Ted Healy treated them. They got lucky and signed with Colombia Pictures and were paid the salary of a few hundred dollars per week. Little did they know at the time that they would be starring in the incredible amount of over 190 movies. No wonder there are so many Three Stooges movies on tv.
Things were going pretty well for them until 1945 when Curly suffered a stroke. Because of his stroke, Curly appears in only 97 of the movies. Most of these movies were shorts, but we used to look forward to seeing them more than the features. When a Three Stooges movie would come on, everyone would clap, it was something to see. Shemp returned and he appeared in a total of 73 movies. But Shemp didn't stay and in 1956 Joe Besser replaced him. I have nothing against Joe Besser, its just that I thought he wasn't funny. I felt he sort of lowered the fun factor of the films. Joe had to leave when his wife became ill and he was replaced by another unfunny guy named Joe DeRita, who tried to imitate the original Curly, without success.
In 1970 Larry Fine suffered a stroke while filming Kook's Tour which was never finished. He died in 1975. Emil Sitka was to replace Larry but then Moe died and that was the end of the Three Stooges as an act.
The Stooges were very popular and in 1959 the entire Stooge's library of films were syndicated by Columbia for television. Now a new generation of people would get to enjoy the antics of those three crazy guys. Many people have criticized the violence in the Three Stooges Movies, but it is so bizarre that even little children know it isn't real. It is sort of a form of cartoon violence but with real actors. Fifty nine percent of all Americans who are at least 30 years old can name the Three Stooges but hardly anyone can name all the Justices of the Supreme Court.
Interestingly, there are four of the Stooges' movies in the public domain. They are:
Disorder in the Court (1936)Malice in the Palace (1949)Sing A Song of Six Pants (1947)Brideless Groom (1947)
It is amazing how a professional film company can let some movies fall into this category. It is sad that The Three Stooges never made it in tv. They had made a pilot for a show called Jerks Of All Trades in 1949. You would have thought with all the Milton Berle type humor at the time that they would have been a shoo-in.
I don't want to leave you with the impression that the Stooges made only film shorts, they also made 19 full length films, the first one was Soup To Nuts in 1930 and the last was The Outlaws Is Coming in 1965. The Three Stooges were loved by many people, including me. They are gone now, but the memory of them lives on in their films. Maybe some day, even a hundred years from now or longer, children will still be laughing as Moe keeps hitting his thumb with a hammer and turning and slapping Larry every time.

About The Author
Kenneth McCormick is the webmaster of About Facts Net, an interesting, free Internet Magazine. The magazine is suitable for the entire family and many of the articles are accompanied by photographs, video and/or audio.
Http://aboutfacts.net
Copyright © 2005 by About Facts Net and its licensors. All rights reserved.
This article may be republished without any changes and with all the links left intact.

White Sox

2005-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Chicago White Sox are now World Series Champions. For Jerseys, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, collectibles, clocks, pins, signs, flags, blankets, mouse pads, shot glasses, mugs, keychains, watches, clocks, and more Click Here

Jewelry Coupons

2005-10-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

New Coupons:
Free Holiday Shipping at Emitations.com. Click here for more details.

Also,
Emitations 6th Anniversary - 15% Off the ENTIRE Store! Coupon Code: Happy6th*** Offer is good until Oct 31***

Emitations Holiday Gift Center (Gift Ideas, Wishlist, Hold & Ship and 60 Day Returns).

World Series Football Stuff

2005-10-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Football :
Schedule of events World Series We will have World Series championship gear available immediately after the game.
NCAA
10/22 Texas Tech vs Texas
10/22 Georgia Tech vs Miami
10/22 Tennessee vs Alabama
10/22 Purdue vs Wisconsin
10/27 Boston College vs Virginia Tech
10/29 Georgia vs Florida
10/29 Ohio St. vs Minnesota NFL
10/23 Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati
10/23 San Diego vs Philadelphia
10/23 Dallas vs Seattle
10/23 Denver vs NY Giants
10/30 Jacksonville vs St. Louis
10/30 Kansas City vs San Diego
10/30 Philadelphia vs Denver
Hot NFL Teams
Buccaneers, Steelers, Jaguars, Cowboys, Dolphins, Patriots Hot NCAA Teams Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Texas, USC, Georgia, Ohio State Hot Departments Sweatshirts & Fleece, Game day & Tailgate, Kids, Jerseys, T-Shirts, Beanies & Hats

New Fed Chairman

2005-10-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

President Bush has chosen Ben Bernanke as the new Fed Chairman. There will be a speech at 1:00pm where Bush will explain his choice.

Coupons!

2005-10-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

New iSellSurplus Coupons:
FREE Power DVD Software With Any Purchase Use Coupon Code: POWERDVD Expires 10/26/2005
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Avoiding Auto Fires

2005-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Most new cars are equipped with an electric fuel pump. What this means in the case of a crash is that, the pump can remain on, even in the event a fuel line rupture. Many unnecessary injuries and even death occur simply because most people are not aware that turning off your ignition switch after any crash, now matter how minor, is crucial. Fuel can be pumped out directly onto the exhaust system, which is usually hot enough to start smoking at first, at some point it will likely ignite and continue to burn until the tank is empty or the pump itself burns up. The main problem is the continuous pumping of fuel. Never forget, in a crash, turn it OFF.

Leaky Toilet?

2005-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Fixing Leaky Toilet
Leaky toilets are usually caused by one of two things: One, a leaky seal at the base. A leaky seal at the base will usually make itself known when you flush, the water will surround the base of the toilet immediately. Two, a leaky flapper valve in the toilet tank. Lift the cover and note the water level, or mark it with tape or a marker, if the water level varies without anyone flushing the toilet, then it is the flapper. In the case of the flapper leaking, you will likely hear the toilet hissing and filling every few minutes or so, check your water bill for evidence as well.

Dinner Tonight

2005-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Chicken and Dumplings
1 Large Fryer
1 Large Can Flaky Biscuits
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Cup Flour

Cook chicken until it slips off the bone easily. Place chicken broth, boned chicken and soup in a pan.
Bring to boil. Peel biscuits off in layers and roll in flour. Cut biscuit pieces into strips and place in boiling
broth. Cook at fast boil for ~10 minutes. Turn heat to low and let cook for 30 to 40 minutes.

More great recipes CLICK HERE!

Your Resume

2005-10-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

I added three new articles to virtualejobs resumes:Would You Lie On Your Resume? by: Ann Baehr Click HereI'm Changing Careers - How Do I Format My Resume? by: Ann Baehr Click HereHow Hr Works To Get The Job Done by: Ann Baehr Click HereI think you will find these useful, and the third article gives some insight as to what goes on with your resume in the human resources department.

Sports Stuff

2005-10-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

If you're into NFL, Golf or just fitness in general, you should read these articles:Golf Swing Problem And How To Fix It by: Mike Pedersen, CPT Click HereFitness: A State of Being by: Frederic Madore Click HerePro Football’s NFL – The Largest American Pro Football League Has Significant Rivalries by: Larry Woods Click Here

Your New Job

2005-10-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Freelancing is a great way to start your business or corporation. You can also use it to extend your skills or expand an existing business. If you are looking for a temporary employee, hiring a freelancer saves you both time and money.Gaining Experience is difficult these days. There is no longer any excuse for not working when you can just start working from a freelance site. Just like Ebay, projects are offered and you place your offer. You gain income and experience whether or not you have experience or degree. If you are a hard worker and you want new experience or just experience in anything from data entry to advance skills in programming, writing, translation. If it is done on a computer, you can do it here. :)

Concert Now

2005-10-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 10:00 Cental, APT presents Jack Johnson/Rilo Kiley on Austin City Limits. Check your PBS schedule for local listings.

Travel Report

2005-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a great place to go, St. Augustine, Florida is a great place to winter. This is the first established city in this country. The Spanish founded it in the 1500's and built a nice little town. There is a real medieval style fort, old streets with shops and a no car zone. The cobblestones were unfortunately removed and replaced with smooth sidewalk because some dipwad tripped over his own two feet and called a lawyer. But the rest remains unscathed. This is a quiet, none spring break crowd, restuarants, inns, historic everything!

Jewelry Sale!

2005-10-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Sale at Emitations:

Start: 10.15.2005
End: 11.15.2005
Free 3-5 Day shipping on all Domestic orders over $75 with Coupon Code: CC10FS and
5% off all orders with Coupon Code: CC105 and
$5 off $45 with Coupon Code: CC10425 and
$10 off $100 with Coupon Code: CC1010
Check it out if you are looking for great deals on jewelry.

Great Deals!

2005-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Check out these great deals I found at iSellSurplus.com:FREE Nero 6.6 Software Use Coupon Code: FREENERO Expires 10/19/2005 $4.99 Ground Shipping on All Orders - Use Coupon Code: 499SHIP - Expires 10/19/2005 10% off ALL Instock Motherboards - Use Coupon Code: MOBO10 Expires 10/19/2005

Your Website

2005-10-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

I found several articles on websites that are interesting. One article on webpages gives tips on what to do and what not to do. Another article about sitemaps was interesting and useful to me also, and finally, an explaination of keyword usage useful to any webmaster. Any tips from you are welcome, there is no registration to this site needed. I also found a great deal on webhosting at Midphase Services, Inc. , you get a free domain and it is only $7.50 per month for your website(s). Check it out!

What's On TV

2005-10-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Survivor Marquesas episode 1 starts right now, 6:00pm Central on OLN network. Episode two immediately following at 7:00pm Central.

Major Earthquake in South Asia

2005-10-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

A major earthquake has killed at least 2000 in India, Kashmir, and Pakistan. The quakes' centre was located about 60 miles from Islamabad. At least 250 school children were killed when their building collapsed on top of them. Apartment towers made of reinforced concrete and steel are said to have collapsed in this violent earthquake. Already, twice the number of people killed in Katrina, these people will need your help. Please give to charities in order to help the unfortunate victims of this terrible disaster.

Three interesting articles

2005-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

I found three interesting articles that I thought you might like. The first article is on positive thinking and its effects on you. The second article is on meditation for the beginner, basically a relaxation technique. Finally, the third article is on avoiding depression, sort of a pre-emptive strike discussion.

Wrath of God - Katrina ???

2005-09-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

Alabama Senator Hank Erwin says that Katrina is the "..judgement of God." And that the people of New Orleans brought this upon themselves. Perhaps you would like to share your feelings with the Senator at his website. More on this story Here .

Taking the A Train

2005-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

A new part of the ATrain satellite system, Calipso and ClouldSat will add new capabilities in the studies of our atmosphere. This system of satellites will give us a look inside the clouds much like a catscan will your own body. A better understanding of the atmosphere and air quality related issues will result from the information gathered by the Atmospheric Services Data Center. We can look for concentration levels of various substances like water in clouds, dust and suspected pollution related materials. For more see nasa.gov.

Good Book

2005-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

I saw an interesting Author on Book TV last weekend. Author Harm De Blij wrote "Why Geography Matters" describes the possible upcoming glacierization of the world due to regular cycles of heating and cooling of the earth. Don't let it scare you, it probably won't happen until you are old. Hint: Find a nice house in Central America if you don't like cold weather..or glaciers.

Porky Pig Replaced

2005-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lasting only about 24 hours, Porky Pig, who replaced Michael Brown Thursday, was replaced by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thad Allen on Friday. A White House press release today said "It just doesn't make sense to go with a cartoon character, even if he is more experienced than Brown..". Brown was transferred to the CYA/cleanest desk department. His duties will include cleaning off his desk ~3 times a day.

FEMA director Replaced

2005-09-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

The government has announced that FEMA director Michael Brown will be replaced by Porky Pig. Mr. Pig, 76, has extensive experience in cartoons and had this to say: "Bdee.. Bdee.. Thanks Mr. Bush, I will do the B-Ba B-ba the B-ba, a good job."

Heard on Book TV

2005-09-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

An Egyptian Joke
A Christian riding his bike in Cairo is stopped late one night by a Muslim policemen who hates Christians. The cop asks for his license and begins to look it over for any error or violation but doesn't
find any. He then looks over the bike checking the mirrors and such but finds nothing. In frustration he
demands "Why are you out riding alone so late anyway? ". The Christian responds as he waves his hands
in the form of a cross across his chest "I am not alone, I have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost with
me..". The cop says "Three people on a bike..Come with me"

Please Help

2005-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina if you can. If you have no money, like me, please cut and paste my charity links to your website or blog. Also, give a link to my site as well if you can. Thank you and may God Bless all.

Charities

2005-09-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Charity Links
____________________________________________________
GUIDESTAR - Charities research site
____________________________________________________
PROJECT HOPE
____________________________________________________
SAVE THE CHILDREN
____________________________________________________
THE RED CROSS
____________________________________________________
DIRECT RELIEF
____________________________________________________
CARE
____________________________________________________
AHH-USA
____________________________________________________
MERCY CORPS
____________________________________________________
The people at GeminiSoftwareSystems wish to express their sympathy for all the victims
of Hurricane Katrina. Guidestar will help you with your research as
you look for the appropriate charity for you.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you would like to give to the Red Cross or other charities for the hurricane Katrina relief effort, just follow this link: Charities .

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Katrina, category 5 hurricane, is expected to hit in or near New Orleans Monday around 7:00am. The storm has been clocked at speeds as high as 184 miles per hour. It has beenrecommended that anyone in this area should leave or prepare for the worst. Most storminjures resulting in death are head injures (spelling?). If you can't leave, wear a helmet, motorcycle helmets or even football helmets can help protect your cranium from getting smashed by flying debri.

Gas Thief Who Ran Over Attendant, Turns Self In!

2005-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Arrested and charged with killing the owner of a Texaco station in Ft Payne, Alabama, Alvin Dwight Benefield, 42, has turned himself in to the Ft. Payne Police Dept.

Bo Bice Gets Surgery

2005-08-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Bo Bice will not be able to continue the American Idol Tour due to his having to get surgery for an intestinal blockage (according to cnn) yesterday. His mother said she could not give any more details at this time..just wish him well:-)