<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864</id><updated>2011-04-21T15:50:51.776-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Kitsch</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>40</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2714961765769287147</id><published>2008-06-02T05:52:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-06-02T05:52:26.554-07:00</updated><title type='text'>French Toast for Christmas Morning </title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Ingredients:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1/2 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices &lt;br&gt;4 eggs &lt;br&gt;1 cup milk &lt;br&gt;3/4 cup half-and-half cream &lt;br&gt;1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter &lt;br&gt;2/3 cup brown sugar &lt;br&gt;1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon &lt;br&gt;1 teaspoon vanilla extract &lt;br&gt;1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Directions:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/injury-lawyers.php&gt;injury lawyers for you&lt;/a&gt; slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The following morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Christmas is a time for family and friends. The traditions you create or pass down to your children now will create lasting memories for years to come. This recipe for French Toast can become one of your family traditions everyone looks forward to year after year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here are a few &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Medical/ortho-evra.php&gt;contraceptives&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Buproprion-Wellbutrin-Zyban.php&gt;zyban&lt;/a&gt; traditions for your family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Attend Church - Many churches hold special services on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ. Bring your family to &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Gourmet-Food/chinese-sauces.php&gt;Chinese food&lt;/a&gt; to the special Christmas Eve service. Take this time to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas or go on Christmas morning to really feel the true meaning of the holiday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Festive Home - Is your home in the Christmas spirit? Light cinnamon- or cookie-scented candles throughout your home. Decorate with ribbons and bows. Make simple swags and table centerpieces with baskets of cinnamon-scented, wax-dipped pinecones. Add &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Medical/Mesothelioma/mesothelioma.php&gt;mesothelioma help&lt;/a&gt; strands of clear bulb lights to your mantle. Simple touches create a warm, holiday environment for your family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Family - If you have family to visit, plan your trips for Christmas Eve. Bring your gifts to deliver to friends along the way. Many families travel during the holiday season, so remember to drive with caution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Christmas Cooking - Get your family involved in the Christmas cooking. Make candy and cookies with your children. Have them roll the dough, or cut out the cookies, even young children can help. Christmas cooking is always a fun thing to do on Christmas Eve.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Christmas Walk  Bundle everyone up and go for a walk or drive around the neighborhood to look at the lights. Children love looking at Christmas lights and this will really set the festive mood for the holiday and dont forget the hot chocolate when you get back home!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tell a Story  Set the mood for Christmas on Christmas Eve, gather everyone around your cozy living room, light the tree, serve some hot chocolate or eggnog with a few Christmas treats and tell a special Christmas story. You can tell the story of the meaning of Christmas or a story about Santa for younger children. You can even sit around and talk about the meaning of Christmas, the upcoming year or everything you have to be thankful for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enjoy this special time with your family and remember that youre creating life-long memories for your children make it special.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit   Christmas-Holiday-Traditionshttp://Christmas-Holiday-Traditions for more crafts and family traditions for the holidays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2714961765769287147?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2714961765769287147/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2714961765769287147' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2714961765769287147'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2714961765769287147'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/06/french-toast-for-christmas-morning.html' title='French Toast for Christmas Morning '/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-3197947638178549835</id><published>2008-06-01T07:46:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-06-01T07:46:49.277-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tips To Stop Those Cooking Disasters</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Fixing problems in the kitchen when thing's look desperate can &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/viagra-FAQ.php&gt;Viagra&lt;/a&gt; taken care of with some quick thinking and some try and true methods. I've used these to take me from desperation to success in the kitchen and you can to. Cooking as everyone knows &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;consolidation student loan&lt;/a&gt; just one step away from disaster if you let it happen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are many times &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=5048&amp;aid=6855&gt;Anabolic Fusion - 90-900mg capsules&lt;/a&gt; you will create something while you're cooking that actually turns out to be great. The key to keeping it that way is writing it down. Try and remember how you got there and put it to paper so you can do it again. Many great dishes have been lost because people don't write things down. Now if you have some mistakes which we all do these tips will help solve some of those problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How many times have you &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;consolidating student loan&lt;/a&gt; runny fudge that just didn't turn out right? One quick fix is to pour some over a bowl of ice cream and serve it to your party. You will be surprised how much they enjoy it. You have turned a disaster into a success and the only one who will know it is you. The way it should be. Have you, had that lumpy or very thick gravy? It seems that sometime during your cooking career you will encounter this. The perfect solution is a strainer, as it will take the lumps out and many times will come out perfect. No one will be any wiser except you of course.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vegetables are another dish that sometimes can cause you a small disaster, but there are also fixes for that too. Vegetables in a dish sometimes look just plain. Add a little lemon flavoring to them and watch how quickly they disappear from the table. Mushy vegetables are another item that vast number of cooks has had to deal with. Cream soup is the perfect solution to this problem. Break them up and mix them in the soup and serve. It's just another way to take a disaster and make it a success. Never fret just because things don't work out every time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Salty soup is something I must admit I had to fix up a number of times. One quick method is to put a sliced raw potato in the soup. Once the potato becomes translucent you can take it out and the salty taste will disappear. Entrees too spicy, add a little milk or cream to give it the perfect flavor. As you can see, it's really not hard to salvage different things in your kitchen. In fact once you find something that works well for you write it down. Keeping t items in your pantry such as salt, pepper, potatoes is a very good idea just in case these disasters happen to popup again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cooks understand been &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Meridia-Sibutramine.php&gt;purchase meridia&lt;/a&gt; anyone that when you are cooking mistakes will be made. The good cooks learn from the mistakes and find ways to correct them. These tips should help you with any cooking issues you may have had before and your food taste great.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises at   Jam727http://Jam727 offers information articles on a wide variety of subjects including cooking at   jam727/cooking/cooking_articles.htmhttp://jam727/cooking/cooking_articles.htm&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-3197947638178549835?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/3197947638178549835/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=3197947638178549835' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3197947638178549835'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3197947638178549835'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/06/tips-to-stop-those-cooking-disasters.html' title='Tips To Stop Those Cooking Disasters'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2892770082300178154</id><published>2008-05-31T07:19:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-31T07:19:53.171-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Proven Monavie Training Methods Will Help You Explode Your Monavie Business</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Chances are that if you are reading this article you are either struggling to sign &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/remortgage.php&gt;Home owner secured loan&lt;/a&gt; up into your Monavie business or you have a &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/home-refinancing.php&gt;refinance mortgage calculator&lt;/a&gt; to increase your current enrollment numbers. You would be more than thrilled to find some proven &lt;b&gt;Monavie Training &lt;/b&gt;on how to make more money in less time. Are tired of seeing the same people get up on stage telling you how much MORE money they have made while putting &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/van-insurance.php&gt;commercial van insurance&lt;/a&gt; the same efforts as you? You have probably also come to realize that your Monavie Training is not giving you the results you need, despite the fact that you believe in the opportunity. After all, you have bills to pay and collection agencies do not take your hope as payment. If this is you, then KEEP READING! You are worth more money than what you are making and there are people out there who have turned their businesses around simply by implementing these 5 Simple Monavie Training Tips.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Monavie Training Tip #1: IF SOMETHING HAS NOT WORKED FOR YOU IN THE PAST - STOP DOING IT!&lt;/b&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Repeating something that has not worked for you in the past is the sign of insanity. Do not waste your valuable time and hard earned money on Monavie Training methods trying to force something to work. Stop listening to everyone trying to tell you about those traditional methods that got them to the top twenty years ago. They may have worked for people in the past but not in the market. TODAY! Network Marketing has changed more in the last 5 years than it has in the past 50 years. I have seen many colleagues put themselves right out of business following plans that were not working for them simply because they were told by their upline to just "hang in there and never quit." Doing the same Monavie Training Methods that are not working for you over and over again will always get you the same results, ALWAYS!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let me save you dollars, energy and time by saying - STOP! Do not take it personally if something does not work out that you tried and failed. Failure is a part of success. Repeated failure from using the same Monavie Training methods and doing the same thing over and over leads to NEVER succeeding. Be creative and try new Monavie Training methods. Start thinking outside of the box instead of holding on to something that just is not there. If everyone else is doing it, SO WHAT! They probably are not getting results either and they do not want to admit it. You deserve to set much higher targets than that for yourself and for your Monavie business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Monavie Training Tip #2: TREAT YOUR MONAVIE BUSINESS AS YOUR OWN BUSINESS, NOT PART OF YOUR UPLINES BUSINESS&lt;/b&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of us enroll into a company only to ultimately become a gopher for our upline. The average network marketer enrolls only 2.5 people into their business before they give up and quit because they were not trained as a marketer. They used systems and Monavie Training methods that were not designed to make money in this business. They are designed to make your company succeed instead of you, the small guy. Companies know that even if you drop out, you will bring them a few people and about 16.2% will stick around and consume their product faithfully. They do not do this intentionally to rip you off. For them, it is strictly a numbers game. If thousands of people out there are doing the same thing as you, the company will still make money in the long run even with the high drop out rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Start treating your Monavie business like you are the CEO and PRESIDENT of that enterprise. The truth is. - YOU ARE! You have complete control over what happens in your business and YOU are responsible. You do not need to follow a Monavie Training system which costs you additional money that your upline has designed for you with no guarantee of success. You can grow your Monavie business to levels of incomprehension simply by using the proven Monavie Training methods and knowing how to market your product to the right people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Monavie Training Tip #3: POSITION YOURSELF AS AN EXPERT IN YOUR INDUSTRY!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Establishing yourself as an expert by using proven Monavie Training methods is crucial to your success. No matter what you are &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Ritalin-Methylphenidate.php&gt;buy Ritalin online&lt;/a&gt; learning positioning tactics will ultimately have prospects begging to join you in business. Forget about 3-way calling. That is making your upline the expert. And talking to your friends and family, or people who you meet in public, will not work either. These Monavie Training methods are not designed for your personal success, they work well for the success of the company as a whole. If you have always wondered about the people on stage who receive the big checks year after year, they get them through positioning - NOT because they continue to talk to their grocery store checker every day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The only thing that is stopping you is the proven Monavie Training Methods of how to position yourself as a leader. Marketing is marketing and it does not matter what you are selling.. You cannot have a massive amount of prospects without mastering the art of positioning by using the proven Monavie Training methods...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Monavie Training Tip #4: STOP LEADING WITH YOUR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lead with your product or service not your business opportunity. Proven Monavie Training methods will teach you why people who join you just for the business opportunity will drop out at a rate of 95% or more. It is impossible to grow a successful business when all you are promoting is a business opportunity that is currently making you little or no money. But the people who join you because of your wonderful products and services will stick around and many of them will become your very best business builders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just say you are marketing an anti-aging skin care product line. Does it make sense to sponsor your Uncle Pete when his skin care usually consists of a bar of soap and maybe an extra splash of Old Spice when he is feeling frisky? The answer to that question is - No Way! Uncle Pete may do you a favor and join the business and buy some product, but when Uncle Pete does not make that big money, guess what happens? He quits the business and stops using them because his involvement was NEVER about the APPRECIATION or USE of your great products. This is probably one of the most important Monavie Training Tips most distributors learn too late and end up quitting the business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Monavie Training Tip #5: STOP FOLLOWING INTERNET SYSTEMS THAT OFFER EXPENSIVE LEADS&lt;/b&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are following a Monavie Training "system" that offers expensive leads without any guarantee that they will work for you, STOP! Quit the system and cut your losses. For the most part, these systems are put together by top distributors and designed mostly to supplement their already incredible incomes while you, the struggling distributor, get stuck with the bill. I bet you did not know that you can get the same quality leads by yourself for a fraction of what you have been paying. IT'S TRUE! If you are spending more than 25 cents per lead, who do you think is making the money - the lead company, the coop or you. It is definitely not you. Most of the leads stink whether they cost 25 cents or $25.00. The best leads are the ones you generate yourself by using proven Monavie Training methods..&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The market is over-saturated with disgruntled people who dropped out after having spent their life savings following their dreams the wrong way. The good news though, is that you do not need to give up. You just need to change your way of thinking and learn how to be a marketer by using the proper &lt;b&gt;Monavie Training &lt;/b&gt;methods. Marketing is marketing, no matter what the product. As long as you have a desire and a belief to share your product, there is still hope to change your business around for the better.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;William Winch is a &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Homeowners-Insurance/homeowners-insurance.php&gt;home owners insurance&lt;/a&gt; Growth Specialist whose mission is teaching other struggling entrepreneurs how to expand and explode their home-based businesses without breaking the bank. A former High School and College Business Educator and Counselor, he mentors from his home office in Rochester, NY. If you would like to receive his FREE 20 page Power Report on how to explode and expand your home-based business via EMail, click   thefreemlmpowerreportGET REPORT or by calling him directly at (585) 234-5283 for a free business consultation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2892770082300178154?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2892770082300178154/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2892770082300178154' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2892770082300178154'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2892770082300178154'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/proven-monavie-training-methods-will.html' title='Proven Monavie Training Methods Will Help You Explode Your Monavie Business'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-9130644369251708173</id><published>2008-05-30T06:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-30T06:07:27.702-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Issue Oriented Use of Promotional Products In Political Campaigns</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Linda was a 33 year-old business-owner running &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;csr insurance&lt;/a&gt; City Council. She was an underdog and was bound to be outspent. She had to work smarter, not harder. She found an issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The community had suffered a number of child/car accidents that year. Through personal visits to baseball and soccer fields and playgrounds she learned that parents were concerned for their children's safety. She researched national and local statistics for child car accidents., noting a common thread  in many cases the children simply werent seen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Linda purchased a quantity of imprinted orange safety flashers and carefully prepared a press release highlighting the statistics and her resolve to work closely with law enforcement, code compliance and neighborhood associations to find ways to reduce child/vehicle accidents. She came up with a theme, "Children Should Be Seen, Not Hurt." She then enlisted the help of several area businesses who agreed to help distribute the safety flashers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Linda launched her plan with a press conference (attended by 50 supporters) two weeks prior to Halloween. Press coverage leading up to Halloween was supported by some well-worded letters to the editor. She garnered earned media, her &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/south_dakota.html&gt;South Dakota Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; ID was boosted but more importantly, she tapped into the emotion of parents in a way that gave her credibility. Timed right, this is a powerful tactic to blind-side an opponent at the last minute.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These types of tactics take planning. May 2nd, is National Child Safety Day, May 7th Nat'l Fingerprint Your Kid Day and May 25th is Nat'l Missing Children's Day. Any of these events can be an opportunity for a campaign to stand out &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Life-Insurance/life-insurance.php&gt;life insurance cover&lt;/a&gt; an issue and incorporate the right promotional product such as fingerprint kits or flashers. National Night Out is the first Tuesday of &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/home-refinancing.php&gt;refinance mortgage calculator&lt;/a&gt; where people sit out on their front porch with the light on as a show of force against the criminal element. With time to find sponsors, a campaign could hand out inexpensive imprinted cardboard binoculars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While campaigns may have the main "Party" issues, campaigns need to seek out what I call "Ingrain" issues ranging from domestic violence and conservation to public safety and senior issues. These are the topical, localized issues that can help you become ingrained within a community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In summary, promotional products can be used effectively in a Political campaign when they are issue oriented. Planning is key. If done properly the campaign will "own" an issue, gain earned media and have the campaign name floating around town on a relevant item.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Michael Merrick Crooks, veteran political advertising copywriter and promotional marketer, owns GopLogo offering &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Credit-Card/credit-cards.php&gt;send me the card&lt;/a&gt; Gifts and Republican campaign support services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit   GopLogohttp://GopLogo and sign up for the free GopLogo Republican Campaign Marketing newsletter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;GopLogo is also where you find Republican Merry Christmas Gift Wrap and Republican Waterless Tattoos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-9130644369251708173?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/9130644369251708173/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=9130644369251708173' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9130644369251708173'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9130644369251708173'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/issue-oriented-use-of-promotional.html' title='Issue Oriented Use of Promotional Products In Political Campaigns'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7267096454543249718</id><published>2008-05-29T05:29:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-29T05:29:34.336-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Create An Original Melody From Scratch</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are 2 ways to create an original melody. The first has to do with improvisation. Here you simply "come up" with material &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=250&amp;aid=6855&gt;Cialis - 10 pills @ 20mg each HERE&lt;/a&gt; either transfer it directly to sheet music or record it so it can &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;student loan consolidation interest rates&lt;/a&gt; remembered later on.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second way and &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=5048&amp;aid=6855&gt;Anabolic Fusion - 90-900mg capsules&lt;/a&gt; one I'm &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;car insurance cover&lt;/a&gt; to show you how to do is actually composing a melody from scratch. Some think this method (as opposed to free improvisation) is more difficult. Not if you use rhythmic patterns!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What are rhythmic patterns? They are simply note values, i.e. half &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/remortgage.php&gt;home refinancing information&lt;/a&gt; quarter notes, eight notes... etc.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Let me show you exactly what I mean...&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's say you're walking around and a melody comes to you. Now most people do not have perfect pitch (myself included) and can't jot down the note qualities, i.e, a d note or a f# note. However, when you work with rhythmic patterns, you don't have to know the quality or name of the note, You just have to be able to jot down the pattern.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's how I do it. First, I only jot down the first 2-bars of the pattern. Why? Because this allows you to capture an idea without having to compose the whole &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/home-equity-loan.php&gt;compare home equity loans&lt;/a&gt; on the spot. It's like a quick sketch visual artists might do. They capture the mood or feeling of a scene and later flesh out a full composition when they get home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, you can draw out 2-bars anywhere. You don't need sheet music to do this and I never use sheet music. Any piece of paper will do. Then you simply notate the musical idea. For example, it might be something in 4/4 time. The first measure may be a half note and 2 quarter notes and the second measure could just be 4 quarter notes. With this idea, you can really remember your initial idea.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember Beethoven's Fifth Symphony? Of course you don't remember the whole thing - but the first few notes you do da da da duh da da da duh&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is the foundation for the entire symphony! That one rhythmic pattern. Of course it took the musical genius of Beethoven to create an entire movement out of it but you get the idea.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the lesson "Distant Shores," I show you how I do this step by step.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Edward Weiss&lt;/b&gt; is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's   quiescencemusiconline piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit   quiescencemusichttp://quiescencemusic now and get a FREE piano lesson!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7267096454543249718?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7267096454543249718/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7267096454543249718' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7267096454543249718'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7267096454543249718'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-create-original-melody-from.html' title='How To Create An Original Melody From Scratch'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-6482173994184201207</id><published>2008-05-28T06:29:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-28T06:29:51.617-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Steps And Procedures To Start An Online Business</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In todays society everything from grocery shopping to ordering pizza can be done online? Lets face it, everyone wants convenience. Todays society is fast paced. It is no surprise &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;free auto insurance quote&lt;/a&gt; most business owners have taken their products &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/remortgage.php&gt;Home refinancing calculator&lt;/a&gt; services &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;selling structured settlements&lt;/a&gt; placed it online. In the present day and age it is almost impossible to have a successful business unassociated with the Internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Internet opens new opportunities for any sort of business. Such as: low overheads, convenience for customers and clients, and presents various methods to display important and relevant information about &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;selling structured settlement&lt;/a&gt; business to your clients and so that they remain up to date and well informed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a new business owner, starting an online business may be your first alternative. The question that arises is how to go about starting an online business? You may have heard of many who have tried and failed or may have succeeded but are not as successful. This may be due to lack of tools and research.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Research is very vital to the success of any business. Once you have decided what type of online business you would like to develop, then research the topic. The first step is to research your competitors. Research the products or services they offer. Find out as much information as you can. What makes their business successful? Who are their target audience? Where do they advertise? What products or services sell most?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now that you have educated yourself and you feel comfortable with the knowledge you have gained it is time to research and develop your business plan and expense report. It is always recommended to prepare these documents especially, if you are planning to apply for a business loan or working with investors. Once these steps are taken care of it is time to focus on other key objectives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The main focus of an online business is the website. Your website will act as the middle-man when it comes to selling and buying. The domain name you select is very important and should be chosen wisely. You may have already chosen your business name; but is it catchy enough to be used for your domain name? Your domain name should be catchy, easy to remember and unique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After deciding an appropriate domain name, it is &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Meridia-Sibutramine.php&gt;discount meridia&lt;/a&gt; to select a good web hosting company. When searching for a web hosting company there are some basic points you need to consider:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Reliability:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is very important to find a web hosting company that is reliable and have a low percentage of downtime. As a new online business owner, your business needs to be up and operating at all times. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Research the web hosting company of your choice and it may be a good idea to find a web hosting company that offers a money back guarantee.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Server Hard Drive Space:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep in mind that most web pages average 10-50 kilobytes in size. It is important to cover all of your web pages. It is recommended that you select a package which offers web space more than your requirements to be on the safe side.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Customer Care or Technical Support:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We have all been in a situation as a customer where you order something online and have question but there are no answers. In most cases, technical support is offered in the Web Hosting package. However, double check before purchasing. See how quickly the technical support center responds to your questions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Secure Server:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ordering products or service from an online business can have its consequences. Especially identify any theft and possible security issues. It is important to your customers that their information is protected and safe. Most online businesses offer this protection by having secure servers. It may be an additional cost; but it is one that is worth it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. POP Accounts:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Allows you access to emails sent through your website. Each account is password protected. In most cases, you will receive 5, 10, 100 or more POP Accounts. You can assign an account to all your employees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Other Tools Such as FTP and Website Wizards:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are like most online business owners, you do not have the skill to create a website from scratch nor do you have the money to pay some expensive web site designer. In this case, a web host company that offers a web site design wizard and other tools will be of great convenience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. Price:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is not impossible to find a web hosting company that offers you quality and quantity at a great price. Make sure to bargain with the company you are purchasing from as most hosting companies are willing to offer further discounts to acquire new customers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now it is time to create your website. Here are a few tips:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The content on your web site should be informative, interesting and well written. It should catch the attention of the reader and keep them interested. Each page should sell your product or service. Include a mailing list and maybe a referral program. Newsletters are great as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Building a web site is usually fun and inventive. However, marketing your website will prove to be a little more difficult. Nevertheless, some web hosting companies offer great information and additional marketing tools for an added fee.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This information should assist you in starting an online business and help you towards developing a new website for your company.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;William King is the director of   wholesalepages.co.uk UK Wholesale Suppliers Directory,   dailytraderWholesale Trade Supplies, Dropshipping Directory, and   zameen Pakistan Property Portal . He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;auto insruance&lt;/a&gt; and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-6482173994184201207?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/6482173994184201207/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=6482173994184201207' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6482173994184201207'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6482173994184201207'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/steps-and-procedures-to-start-online.html' title='Steps And Procedures To Start An Online Business'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5668939416604745367</id><published>2008-05-27T06:26:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-27T06:26:10.256-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Fishing For Trout - With Bait</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When it comes to fishing for trout, in my humble opinion, there is no better method than using bait. When I refer to &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Fine-Wine/store-and-care-for-wine.php&gt;Wine&lt;/a&gt; word 'bait', I'm referring specifically to live bait. There are many types of &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/washington.html&gt;Washington Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; bait, including synthetic versions that come in jars, but for my money there are no trout baits as good as live bait. Especially when you're talking about fishing in the flowing water of a &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;safe auto insurance&lt;/a&gt; river or stream.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using live bait for trout in small rivers and streams isn't only extremely effective; it's also a ton of fun. For me, there's something about standing up to my waist in flowing water, attempting to catch trout, that makes me feel &lt;i&gt;complete&lt;/i&gt;. And there's no better way to get a trout to bite than with bait.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As far as trout bait is concerned, I believe there are few baits that are effective as the good old live worm. Live worms are extremely effective as trout bait, and if you have a few tools, such as a bait bag and gang hooks, fishing for trout with bait becomes extremely efficient and effective. What does it matter how efficient you are, you may be asking yourself? Being efficient is extremely &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Conference-Call/web-conferencing.php&gt;audio conference call&lt;/a&gt; when trout fishing because the more efficient you are, the more time you spend with your line &lt;i&gt;in the water&lt;/i&gt; (where the trout are), rather than out of the water while you do things like look for your bait and actually bait up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is where having a tool such as a bait bag comes into play. You see, a bait bag is simply &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jrwfishing.com/bait_pouch.asp"&gt;a small pouch that carries your live worms&lt;/a&gt; while you fish. This &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/home-equity-loan.php&gt;equity line of credit loans&lt;/a&gt; that you always have your worms &lt;i&gt;at your fingertips&lt;/i&gt; waiting to be rigged up, rather than in your vest, tackle box, or on the ground. A bait bag saves a ton of time, and makes you a much more efficient and effective trout angler.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When trout fishing with bait (such as live worms) another great tip is to always use gang hooks to rig your worms up. You see, &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp"&gt;a set of pre-tied gang hooks&lt;/a&gt; is the most natural way to present a live worm as bait. With gang hooks live worms can be presented outstretched, the way God intended, rather than all "balled up" like some sort of &lt;i&gt;worm ball&lt;/i&gt;. Your bait appearing natural underwater results in many more bites from fish such as trout.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to catch more trout, especially when using bait, these tips will go a long way to, making you more successful. How am I so sure of this? Because I've been using, and use to this day, every tip mentioned in this article and &lt;i&gt;know&lt;/i&gt; how effective they are. Give them a shot and find out for yourself. You'll begin catching more trout almost immediately.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country... Montana!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get Fishing Tips &amp; Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html"&gt;http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5668939416604745367?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5668939416604745367/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5668939416604745367' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5668939416604745367'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5668939416604745367'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/fishing-for-trout-with-bait.html' title='Fishing For Trout - With Bait'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-4553370498736105475</id><published>2008-05-26T07:09:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-26T07:09:38.740-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Make Cappuccino In 3 Simple Steps!</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Consider that &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Gourmet-Coffee/gourmet-coffees.php&gt;Gourmet Coffees&lt;/a&gt; basic in &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/accident-at-work-claim.php&gt;accident at work compensation claim&lt;/a&gt; how to make cappuccino series. that article would highlight &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Life-Insurance/life-insurance.php&gt;life insurance quotation&lt;/a&gt; steps to make cappuccino like the baristas you see in &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Web-Hosting/web-hosting.php&gt;exchange server hosting&lt;/a&gt; and most coffee shops...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before moving on to the 3 simple steps to make the cappuccino, do you know what is cappuccino? The key to understanding that, would be invaluable to learn how to make it. Knowing the components of a cappuccino enables you to visualize the procedures later.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cappuccino is actually an espresso filled with 2 types of heated milk, i.e the steamed milk and the frothed milk. And, it is the frothed milk that gives cappuccino that classic look and it is also the "so difficult " frothing that lead world coffee bodies in using the froth to evaluate the skills of baristas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The proportion of cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 heated milk and 1/3 frothed milk. We would not touch on espresso in that article, as it warrants one entire article on how to get a good espresso, here we would highlight the other 2 components, the steamed and frothed milk, to better your learning in how to make cappuccino.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You would get steamed milk when the heat &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;consolidate student loans&lt;/a&gt; (usually the steam wand) is injected into the milk, slightly below boiling point. As the injection of hot air is controlled to a minimal, there would not be any change in the milk volume except for a small amount of micro bubbles or froth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To get more bubbles, i.e. to get frothed milk, place the steam wand at the surface of the milk, and that would creates more of the micro bubbles, remove the steam wand, when the froth has the look and feel of whipped cream.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, let's learn how to make cappuccino in 3 simple steps:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt; i. &lt;/b&gt;when using an espresso machine, while waiting for the espresso to brew, steam and froth the milk in a frothing pitcher. Once done, set it aside for approximately 30 seconds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that is to allow the milk densities to separate. To speed up the process, you can try what Starbucks or most coffee shops' baristas are doing -by knocking the frothing pitcher on the table, that would separate the steam from the froth milk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt; ii.&lt;/b&gt; Then, take a large spoon to keep the milk foam as you pour out the steam milk. As you pour the steam milk into a mug, do it slowly to prevent breaking the froth, and stop when you reaches 1/3 of the mug.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With the 1/3 steam milk done, spooned up the froth milk and put it on top of the steamed milk, that foamed milk should take up another 1/3 of the mug.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt; iii. &lt;/b&gt;For the last 1/3 of the mug, pour in the espresso down the middle of that foamy sculpture. And there you have it, a foamy cappuccino!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not that complicated right? No need to ask how to make cappuccino like that Starbucks baristas anymore right? You can do it with 3 simple steps!:)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ebenezer Heng, the owner of On Coffee makers does the research for on any machines related to coffee. As long as you are looking for a machines to better your coffee experience, chances are you can find it at www.oncoffeemakers.comwww.oncoffeemakers.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Know something more about how to make cappuccino at www.oncoffeemakers.com/how-to-make-cappuccino.htmlwww.oncoffeemakers.com/how-to-make-cappuccino.html or tell us what you want to know about coffee makers at &lt;a href="mailto:oncoffee@oncoffeemakers.comoncoffee@oncoffeemakers.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-4553370498736105475?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/4553370498736105475/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=4553370498736105475' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/4553370498736105475'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/4553370498736105475'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-make-cappuccino-in-3-simple.html' title='How To Make Cappuccino In 3 Simple Steps!'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-985314816561073694</id><published>2008-05-25T06:13:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-25T06:13:22.783-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Multicultural Marketing - 3 Easy Steps To Attract International Business Through Your Website</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Your online business can &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;cash for structured settlement&lt;/a&gt; global visibility. But is &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;free quotes for car insurance&lt;/a&gt; message getting across to different cultures as you expect it? Are you able to adapt quickly to global market opportunities you see pop up? Or would you like to know how to quickly target different international audiences, with little investment on your part?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With a little thought and some careful preparation you can have an effective international presence through your current local business. Sure, language skills can assist you open doors. But careful consideration to different cultures can give you a great advantage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Get more business from non-native English speakers&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today there are more non-native English speakers in the global web market than there are native English speakers. And the e-businesses in many foreign language countries is expanding rapidly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today you need to know if your Marketing message is getting through to everyone, everywhere they have a market. You need to nurture communication with every specific cultural market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A lot of foreigners do speak English. But most don't. And the persons who do speak English as a second language, do not have the same level of understanding as native English speakers do. The problem is your international readers have different levels of English language skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Language is only &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Clozapine-Clozaril.php&gt;Clozapine&lt;/a&gt; of the complexity in multicultural communication. There are also the whole set of cultural differences in mindset, in habits, and in other aspects of communication as a whole. Miscommunication in some form or other happens very easily. Sometimes without either parties realizing they are not of the same understanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Written English also has its pitfalls in cross-cultural communication. Of course persons have more time to comprehend when reading. But the &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;buyer structured settlement&lt;/a&gt; creating can't tell the effect his creating is having on the reader. Is the reader understanding what the creator intended in the first place? Is he even interested?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 1 - Internationalize Your English&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Avoiding miscommunication requires constant awareness at all stages of communication. The process is fairly simple:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Acknowledge constant risk of miscommunication&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Be prepared to be patient and forgiving.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Clear communication&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Use plain English; avoid slang and local or national expressions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Give clear explanations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Always go through processes slowly, methodically, logically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Give full explanations; don't assume everyone does things like you do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Speak slightly above your &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;auto insurance companies&lt;/a&gt; level of English.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Stay calm - Question your own communication first.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- If your gut reaction is to respond aggressively, keep that in check and respond slowly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Do not jump to conclusions quickly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Listen actively to everything.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Adjust your communication accordingly&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most difficult part is in the beginning, in training yourself to keep that open mindset constantly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Practice brings you enriching experiences. The more practice you have in becoming familiar with communicating with other cultures, the better you become at establishing and maintaining effective communication cross-culturally.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first two steps of that process can be applied directly to your written communication. Don't forget to be even more patient and to communicate clearly when you do get feedback from your readers. And listen attentively to what your readers must say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By paying close attention and adjusting your written communication to your readers' responses you will get your message across better. Your communication with your international clients and prospects will evolve and you will become more familiar with how your business is perceived abroad. You will be in a better position to take advantage of global business opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 2 - Create Localized Websites In English&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Developing an international business can be made in steps.Once you get to know your different international markets, you can &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/bad-credit-remortgage.php&gt;home mortgages with bad credit&lt;/a&gt; localized websites for individual countries. Cultural differences in non-native English speaking countries are often strong enough to merit adapting your English language website to every country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that would also give you the time to get to know your particular marketing strengths in every country before investing in full blown multilingual Marketing and marketing efforts...and making mistakes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An English language website targeted for the specific needs of every different culture will bring you better results than one main website in your home territory serving the world. What is considered polite in one country can be offensive in another. What is considered normal Marketing practices in one culture can come across as a very aggressive intrusion by another culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best way to quickly grasp what makes your international clients tick, is to be interested in them. Have a look at some of their local websites. Don't worry about not understanding them. Just notice how different they look in general. How do the graphics affect you? If there is any audio online, what is the general sound? Try to identify different tastes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Be interested in reading about anything from that particular culture. Ask questions. Keep an open mind. Show your interest. And then listen to any feedback you have from your clients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before long you will see recurring questions. You may even be able to identify misunderstandings as they arise. Return to your website and try to answer these questions simply and clearly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adapt every localized English language website for your message to be understood as best as possible by your native readers. that will limit the risk of cultural misinterpretation as much as possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your Marketing message may not be as strong as if it were in the reader's native language. But it is often easier and quicker to adapt your English language website to the cultural specificities of your local target market. Your adapted, localized English language website will also convey a stronger message than a bad translation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that process will also give you credibility within every different cultural group. persons often do web search first in their own country search engines. persons are not stupid. It will be hard to hide the fact you are a foreign business. But they will recognize your willingness to make an effort in understanding them and appreciate you for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 3 - Multilingual Websites&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course, with a little bit of effort you will develop your market in every individual country. You will begin to comprehend any differences in buying habits, tastes, difficulties. At that stage you will ask yourself if you could get more business with a website in your readers' native language.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Going through the first two processes of making your website Non Native English Speaker friendly and localized will save you a lot of time when it comes to the creating of your website into different materials. You will probably comprehend how the differences in your markets will require material specifically written for every market. You will be able to evaluate whether you can get away with simple translations of your current website and Marketing materials or not.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Part English - Part Multilingual&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Depending on your particular market you may decide to translate parts of your website, all of it, or only translate parts of specific local marketing campaigns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are various tactics companies use. The choice really depends on your market. Two of the options are:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Keep your main localized website in English and have a direct Marketing page online in the local language, with email campaigns in local languages&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- A specific area of your localized website in local languages to provide key information to your international clients in their own language.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thought should be given to strengthen you cross-cultural communication at its weakest points.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Fully Multilingual Presence&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Localized websites in solely in native languages are ideal for international business. They are the longest program to implement, and carry the highest risk of making your business look bad. The reason is because translations do not do the job. Full cultural customization comes with an intimate understanding of the local market for your products and services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The creating of a website for a different culture and in a different language needs to be written by anyone with all three of the following criteria:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Intimate local market knowledge, to be able to write to the target audience&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Understanding for both cultures, to comprehend the differences in messages to be delivered and change them when appropriate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Native speaker&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Having your website written by anyone who meets all three of these qualifications will give you a good website. The trouble is it will take you time to find the right person for the job. And you need to find a different person to write your website for every different language.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To give all of your readers a great multilingual experience and ensure your business's superior international presence, you also need anyone to coordinate the creating of all websites. that person will cover branding issues, and consistency. Simple things such as specific industry vocabulary need to be coordinated throughout all languages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A fully integrated multicultural strategy is a great benefit to international business. It will also keep you from cultural blunders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Global Market Communication Takes Time And Practice &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't let your own lack of language skills stop you. It is more about building relationships.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Show your willingness to do business internationally. Listen attentively to any feedback you get. Your product or service may have a brand new market in a different cultural environment. You may need to adapt your services or your product.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With increased multicultural marketing experience you will develop new opportunities in unthought-of places.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get a free special report that gives you the 8 Steps To Develop Your International Business easily from where your business is now. that valuable report is yours when you sign up for the Get International Clients free weekly newsletter, with simple to implement tips and case studies to assist you develop your international mindset and get you more international clients today. Get yours now at cindyking.biz/get-international-clients/cindyking.biz/get-international-clients/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-985314816561073694?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/985314816561073694/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=985314816561073694' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/985314816561073694'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/985314816561073694'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/multicultural-marketing-3-easy-steps-to.html' title='Multicultural Marketing - 3 Easy Steps To Attract International Business Through Your Website'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5479943063341575630</id><published>2008-05-24T08:29:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-24T08:29:58.041-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Best SAP Jobs for sale</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Homeowners-Insurance/homeowners-insurance.php&gt;home owners insurance&lt;/a&gt; job market in the United Kingdom and Europe is growing along with the general economy. The Purpose for that parallel growth is that SAP investment solutions are intimately connected with the rise of smaller investmentes into industry leaders. Companies looking &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/accident-claim.php&gt;accident claim&lt;/a&gt; compete in their market sector have begun to invest in SAP software and professionals who are well versed in its capabilities. In essence, SAP software and the persons who utilize it are crucial investments in corporate success. The necessity for investment solutions in the form of SAP plans means that there is a strong SAP jobs market for the right professionals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Professionals interested in growing with a business should look &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Buproprion-Wellbutrin-Zyban.php&gt;effexor&lt;/a&gt; smaller accounting and financial firms that use SAP software. SAP jobs with companies just getting off of the ground may not be as lucrative in the short term, the right professional with the specific SAP knowledge needed to improve a business can be responsible for the growth of a business. As such, investing time and energy into these types of positions can lead to great rewards down the road for SAP professionals. However, the consolation prize for SAP professionals who work with smaller companies that dont make it is an invaluable experience usable in the next job hunt.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Graduates and young professionals well versed in SAP and with a little industrial experience can make for good SAP trainers. SAP professionals can teach university students and professionals already in the workforce how to use SAP and updated information on SAP software. Training positions are great for professionals who like to speak with diverse groups, like a little variety, and want to use their SAP knowledge to assist others. Training jobs are available with recruiting agencies, software companies, and larger corporations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SAP professionals can often find their way through larger &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;sell structured settlement payments&lt;/a&gt; as trainees. National and &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Credit-Card/credit-cards.php&gt;send me the card&lt;/a&gt; accounting firms, banks, and financial planners often utilize training plans to assist graduates adjust to the corporate world. Training sessions assist integrate knowledge about SAP software and other IT issues into real world settings, which is invaluable to professional success. These opportunities are obviously limited, as companies often only need a few SAP professionals at any one time. As well, like any other IT positions, hundreds of applications from the UK and around the world flood human resources departments for these corporations. SAP professionals often do well to find temporary positions or freelance consulting before applying for training plans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steve Bishop is the Managing Partner of Damia Group. The business specialise in   www.damiagroup.com/information technology jobs and   www.damiagroup.com/uk-recruitment.htmlUK recruitment solutions as well as   www.damiagroup.com/IT jobs in Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5479943063341575630?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5479943063341575630/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5479943063341575630' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5479943063341575630'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5479943063341575630'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/best-sap-jobs-for-sale.html' title='The Best SAP Jobs for sale'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5963249814925439645</id><published>2008-05-23T05:04:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-23T05:04:39.971-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Green Side Of White R&amp;B</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;What's the deal with so many white music artists singing black music? Why do white artists who sing black music get better promotion than black artists? Why is R&amp;B music now synonymous with Hip-Hop?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are some of the hot topics &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/IRS-Tax-Attorney/irs-tax.php&gt;IRS tax attorney&lt;/a&gt; often come up in private conversations with my industry associates and colleagues. I will try to shed some much needed light on these delicate, sensitive and somewhat controversial issues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To really comprehend the phenomenon of white music artists singing R&amp;B, you should begin with an examination of the motivation and purpose behind the establishment of black music divisions at record companies in the 60s. While the success of Motown as a black owned operation has been well-documented and highly publicized, many of the competing record labels of that time lacked the personnel to adequately exploit the abundance of musically talented black teens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;White owned record companies shrewdly appointed black music executives who were more in tune and in touch with black music (and the black artists that created and performed it), to assist interface with them. that was, after all, a time when race relations were tentative and strained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many record companies and radio stations took note of the increasing popularity of R&amp;B music among white teenagers and tryed to preserve racial barriers by denying them access to it. Their denial constituted a potential economic problem since the music industry (like most industries) thrives on supply and demand. Their solution: provide their darling teenaged kids with a "white" alternative; anyone who "sounded" black and performed "black" music, a la Elvis Presley, whose popularity was soaring. It wasn't uncommon for records in that era often to have two different versions - a white version and a black version - which was serviced to the appropriate audience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the 70's, the push toward equality and peace gave birth to a more gregarious and unified music industry. Top bands like Sly &amp; The Family Stone, Tower of Power, Earth Wind &amp; Fire, and The Commodores emerged and enjoyed success throughout the 70s, but many lacked crossover appeal and forced black music executives to search for other viable options in order to save their jobs. One option was Disco - the hot novelty genre.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Disco was more than a new genre; it was a cultural release from the lingering social anxieties and racial tensions of the 60s and emerged as the dominant format because of its mass market appeal and universal acceptance. The music industry eventually sobered up from the lecherous activities and rampant drug abuse of the disco era in 1979, just in time to endure the worst financial year of its existence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With slumping record Marketing and a gluttony of music acts that were signed to perform disco tunes, the R&amp;B music community returned to its soulful roots and searched desperately for an answer to rectify the problems that plagued it. The answer wasn't written on the wall, but it was found in the album "Off The Wall" by Michael Jackson, which helped to transition successful R&amp;B music back into a more "Pop-friendly" format that was comparable to R&amp;B in its last heyday of the Motown era.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Michael captured the hearts and imaginations of white America with his unhuman dance moves, there were plenty of black music pioneers upholding the funky values and virtues of black music as we we marched into the techno era of the 80's. R&amp;B music seemed to undergo a much needed resurgence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The R&amp;B bands of the 70s started to downsize in personnel as more emphasis was being placed on solo acts (a la Michael Jackson) and vocal groups. For the R&amp;B music artist, the advent of technology superseded the need to be backed up by a band, ushering in the producer era which R&amp;B music is heavily predicated on today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was also at that time that many record companies began merging and restructuring, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs for black music executives who were worked in the black music divisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shortly thereafter, we witnessed the birth of "blue-eyed soul" as white music artists who were performing R&amp;B music begun to receive heavy and steady financial backing by their record labels. Hall &amp; Oates enjoyed unprecedented success in the early and mid-80s and proved to be a litmus test for the acceptance of white artists performing R&amp;B under the guise of Pop music.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Hall &amp; Oates may have raised a few eyebrows in the R&amp;B music community, eyes were opened widely when George Michael, a former member of Pop teen group Wham!, won a Grammy for the best "black" album in 1989. It was the first time in history that a white solo music artist topped the R&amp;B charts. The R&amp;B music community was outraged as veteran black music artists Freddie Jackson and Gladys Knight denounced the political voting practices of the Academy that renders the nominations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the award was well-deserved in terms of record Marketing and radio airplay, the color lines of who qualified as a "black" music artist had been re-defined. When the smoke cleared, the music industry in general, and R&amp;B music community in particular, would both be changed forever.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As we stood on the doorsteps of the 90s, more black music executives lost their jobs as record companies continued the trend of merging, restructuring and downsizing in an effort to diversify their business interests and increase their profits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rap music was (finally) being fully embraced as a commercially viable genre and record companies moved quickly to cash in on it. The appeal of low investments, and (potentially) high returns, constituted a major shift in business practices at record companies, and black music artists found themselves jockeying for position on the revamped priority lists of their now predominantly white music executives. After all, Rap was already achieving a high level of "underground" Marketing with DJs and word-of-mouth serving as its primary means of promotion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All the record companies needed to do was to bring it to the surface and supply their distribution and marketing resources. Since much of the music was already recorded, they could also circumvent many of the recording costs as well. While the music industry made an overt and deliberate try to position itself to supply what appeared to be an insatiable demand for Rap music, it lost sight of the distinction between R&amp;B and Rap.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;R&amp;B music lovers helplessly watched as orders came down from white music executives to incorporate elements of Rap music into R&amp;B tunes to make them more competitive with Rap, since Rap music artists posed a clear and tangible threat to the record Marketing of R&amp;B music artists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, Mariah Carey and Color Me Badd were enjoying newfound stardom that came (once again) as a result of white music executives pushing a novelty agenda of white music artists performing R&amp;B music. Both of the aforementioned acts were initially viewed (by black audiences) as alternatives to their black competitors (Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men respectively), but with such strong marketing and promotional support, both Mariah Carey and Color Me Badd were able to establish their own &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/mortgage-loans.php&gt;mortgage loan rate comparison&lt;/a&gt; at a faster rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, the trend continues with white music executives diligently marketing and promoting white music artists such as Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Anastacia, etc. singing R&amp;B. Some insiders say that the music industry continues to deliberately and intentionally find alternatives to black music artists to service to white audiences. Industry insiders say that Britney Spears is essentially a white clone of Janet Jackson; emulating her Pop/R&amp;B format, choreographed dance moves, and calculated sex appeal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's suspect when newcomers like American Idol's Elliot Yamin are quickly embraced and heralded as "great" R&amp;B singers when juxtaposed against longtime R&amp;B survivors like Brian McKnight, Joe, and Anthony Hamilton.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While some will argue that it's not a simple matter of black versus white since since some of the artists mentioned in that article are not "white," but are of different ethnicities or even part black. The fact is that the widely held opinion in the black community is that if you don't look black (possessing obvious African American features), then you are not. You are something else other than black; and "white" becomes a reference to, or a description of, an undetermined racial category.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The new business model of the music industry has created new opportunities for black entrepreneurs, but many of them lack the financial resources to take advantage of them. As a result they are often forced to participate in the production of Rap music, or R&amp;B music with Rap production as they try to manufacture or supply product and artists that will enable them to embark upon partnerships and joint ventures with the same record companies that dissolved their black music divisions in the first place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;History and research show that the music industry has continued to systematically reduce the role of the black music executive, as they are fired and laid off with greater frequency (and less justification) than their white counterparts. Many of those who remain are often relegated to the now dispensable role of liaison, gatekeeper and hand-holder for troubled Rap acts in that new Hip-Hop era. A far cry from a time when they were once responsible for finding, developing and supporting premier black music artists who created some of the greatest music that we now view as the soundtrack to the that country's history.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those tunes are still the choice of middle-aged Americans who tune into oldie radio stations across the country that have adopted "Classic Soul" as a new format. Where does that leave R&amp;B music artists of today? They are left to compete or join forces with Rap artists since they have been lumped into the same "Urban" or "Hip-Hop" music category.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The formulaic use of R&amp;B to inject a commercial element into Rap music has contributed significantly to the fusion, and confusion regarding the distinction of both genres. that can be traced back to the 80s when R&amp;B acts such as Lakeside, Confunksion, and Teena Marie had huge hits with tunes that &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/cialis-faq.php&gt;vardenafil&lt;/a&gt; Rap ("Fantastic Voyage," "Electric Lady," and "Square Biz"), R&amp;B music embarked upon a trial marriage that turned out to be a permanent one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;R&amp;B is now used to bolster the talent level perception, black audience appeal, and record Marketing of white music artists in every genre. Even Country (a genre that is guarded by a closed-knit circle of protective white executives), borrows heavily from R&amp;B.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Country is a genre that is ripe for infiltration by conventional R&amp;B artists, but unlike R&amp;B music - which has &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Data-Recovery/data-recovery.php&gt;raid data recovery ntfs&lt;/a&gt; a community genre with no one race retaining the inherent rights to perform it - the likelihood of that occurring is slim because of the unquestioned and unchallenged exclusion of other races.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The significant issue in white R&amp;B music artists versus black R&amp;B music artists can be narrowed down to one question: who gets the greater commitment and promotion from their record companies to service a larger audience of consumers?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When one considers the commitment level, dedicated resources, and promotional opportunities which are more abundant for white R&amp;B music artists, and that blacks only account for 15 percent of the population, and that white music artists inherit a larger audience to begin with, understanding the green side of white R&amp;B becomes much easier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Gian Fiero is a seasoned educator, speaker and consultant with a focus on business development and music/entertainment industry operations. He currently teaches at San Francisco State University where he conducts courses on Music Industry Career Planning and Publicity/Public Relations. His affiliations include National Association Of Record Industry Professionals (associate director); CLA (speaker); &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;car insurance quotation&lt;/a&gt; Coast Songwriters (consultant); The Muse's Muse (producer of the Muse's Muse Awards); and SBA (business advisor).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5963249814925439645?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5963249814925439645/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5963249814925439645' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5963249814925439645'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5963249814925439645'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/green-side-of-white-r.html' title='The Green Side Of White R&amp;B'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-317432424862920421</id><published>2008-05-22T05:38:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-22T05:38:18.629-07:00</updated><title type='text'>purchase-To-Let Mortgages</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;purchase-to-let mortgages are now growing as a popular business proposition in the &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/alaska.html&gt;Alaska Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; More and more persons are interested in the business and are borrowing money to set up their own purchase-to-let business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In essence, such mortgages allow a lender to provide mortgage to a borrower so that he or she can purchase a residential property and let &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Fine-Wine/wine-tasting.php&gt;Wine Tasting&lt;/a&gt; out to a tenant. The concept of purchase-to-let mortgages has gained popularity over the years because of the rising costs of residential properties.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;purchase-to-let mortgages are ideal for persons who plan to own a second property. The second property can be let out so that it earns more income. Along with the growth of the residential area in which the property is located, the appreciation of the property will also increase. that in turn will fetch more rent for the landlord in future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 1996, The Association of Residential Letting Agents &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;consoliation student loans&lt;/a&gt; made efforts in developing the form of purchase-to-let mortgages. Today they are &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Fine-Wine/wine-tasting.php&gt;Wine Tasting&lt;/a&gt; to motivate the growth of the private rented sector by encouraging private investors. The purchase-to-let business is supposed to sustain reasonable &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/remortgage.php&gt;remorgaging&lt;/a&gt; growth over the coming years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The mortgage requires borrowers to pay higher deposit, most in the range of 15 to 25 percent of the value of the residential property. Before the mortgage is provided, the lender will also decide a monthly repayment plan. The landlord can let out the property to a tenant and use the rent to pay back the mortgage. Any extra rent will accrue as savings for the landlord.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, the success of the business is dependent on the demand for houses. The fact that interest for purchase-to-let mortgages is higher also aggravates the risk of such mortgages. Similarly, rent from a property in a posh location may not cover the actual cost of the property. In addition, the upkeep of a property that is &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Conference-Call/web-conferencing.php&gt;conference call numbers&lt;/a&gt; for rent is also costly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you would like to get a www.mortgagequotes.me.ukmortgage quote on www.mortgages-uk.eu/buy_to_let/buy_to_let_mortgage.htmlbuy-to-let mortgages, please visit our website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-317432424862920421?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/317432424862920421/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=317432424862920421' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/317432424862920421'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/317432424862920421'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/purchase-to-let-mortgages.html' title='purchase-To-Let Mortgages'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2090584287881193058</id><published>2008-05-21T04:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-21T04:48:26.191-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Review of the Goo Goo Dolls CD Superstar Car Wash</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Richly talented Goo Goo Dolls have released their latest album titled Superstar Car Wash and Wow! Its really &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Medical/Mesothelioma/mesothelioma.php&gt;mesothelioma clinical trial&lt;/a&gt; good one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Superstar Car Wash launches with a great track, Fallin Down, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/bad-credit-remortgage.php&gt;bad credit equity loans&lt;/a&gt; It really is a very nice track.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Superstar Car Wash is a nicely varied, mix &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;car insurance com&lt;/a&gt; 14 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed tunes by these clearly gifted musicians. Most of the tunes display a lot of the kind emotion that &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;automobile insurance quotes&lt;/a&gt; for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If youre a Goo Goo Dolls fan that is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, that is one of those CDs that you dont even must be a fan of lname, or even Rock to know is good. that is just good music. Period.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While that entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 - Cuz Youre Gone, track 9 - Another Second Time Around, and track 14 - So Far Away&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Fallin Down. What a nice track!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Superstar Car Wash Release Notes:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Goo Goo Dolls originally released Superstar Car Wash on February 23, 1993 on the Metal Blade label.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CD Track List Follows:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Fallin' Down&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Lucky Star&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Cuz You're Gone&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Don't Worry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Girl Right Next To Me&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Domino&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. We Are The Normal&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. String Of Lies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Another Second Time Around&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. Stop The World&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11. Already There&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12. On The Lie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13. Close Your Eyes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;14. So Far Away&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Goo Goo Dolls: Johnny (guitar); Robby (bass); George (drums). Recorded at Metalworks Recording Studios, Mississuaga, Ontario, Canada; Trackmaster Recording Studios, Buffalo, New York; and Master Control Studios, Burbank, California between August and October, 1992.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;www.qualityhotelwinnipeg.com/cheap hotel in winnipeg&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2090584287881193058?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2090584287881193058/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2090584287881193058' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2090584287881193058'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2090584287881193058'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/review-of-goo-goo-dolls-cd-superstar.html' title='Review of the Goo Goo Dolls CD Superstar Car Wash'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-1270016962678067632</id><published>2008-05-20T05:24:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-20T05:24:02.953-07:00</updated><title type='text'>International Pen - Its Creation And Development To Bring The World's Culture Under One Umbrella</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The founding &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;cheap car insurances&lt;/a&gt; International PEN in London in 1921 by Mrs. A. Dawson Scott, a Cornish novelist, and John Galsworthy, a well-known literary figure who eventually became the first International PEN President was borne out of Dawson Scott's belief that if the writers of the world could learn to stretch out their hands to every other, the nations of the world could learn in time to do the same. The idea came at the most appropriate time, when bitter hatred between nations following the First World War threatened world peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;International P.E.N got further extended with the founding of the American Center in 1922. After having established a small circle of well-known creator- members and holding their first P.E.N. meeting in October 1921 in London, Galsworthy and Dawson Scott set about contacting American writers such as Kate Douglass Wiggin and Joseph Anthony to begin a center in New York. Both Anthony and Wiggin gathered their friends, and by March of 1922 they had formed the Organizing Committee. .&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although that Committee lacked a strong central figure like Galsworthy who could attract noteworthy writers through his personal friendship and influence, writers warmed up to the idea and joined and in a fairly short time the list of members had grown to include Frances Hodgson Burnett, Marc Connelly, Robert Frost, Ellen Glasgow, Eugene O'Neill, Edwin Arlington Robinson, and Elinor Wylie with membership representing all literary sets or styles. On Wednesday, April 19, 1922, a dinner held in the Coffee House Club with about forty persons gathered marked the start of the American Center's formal existence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;International PEN aims to promote intellectual co-operation and understanding among writers; thus creating a world community of writers, the only one of its kind, ever that emphasises the central role of literature in the development of world culture; and defending it against the many threats to its survival. The organisation has therefore been acting as a powerful voice in opposing political censorship and speaking for writers harassed, imprisoned, and sometimes murdered for the expression of their views.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In its early years International PEN had centres only in Europe. But in time writers of other nations joined enthusiastically so that by 1926 members from fifteen nations were able to meet in Berlin. Notable writers including from Britain Joseph Conrad, George Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells and from across Europe Anatole France, Paul Valery, Thomas Mann, Croce and Karel Copek were always in its ranks .&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The prospect of PEN in every capital city generated a wide appeal, and the writers of other nations joined enthusiastically: though not all the centres formed were to London's taste. The French members were thought to be too young and too left wing, the Americans too exclusive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was one of Galsworthy's ideas from the beginning that there should be an International Congress every year, to which all the Centers would send delegates. The first of these Congresses was held in London in 1923. By that time there was an impressive number of centers, and representatives came from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The following year the American Center hosted an International Congress, in May 1924, consisting of three days of festivities and discussions, and the highlight was a gala banquet held at the Hotel Pennsylvania with a carefully planned menu of: international dishes honoring the delegates from their respective countries, such as Spain, Mexico, and Denmark.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 1926, when the yearly international meeting assumed the dignity of a congress, writers from fifteen nations met in Berlin. Gradually the idea that a centre could represent a language and, or, a literature took root.: Basque and Catalan, Irish and Scottish centres appeared. Belgium was permitted two. Yugoslavia four&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was at the Congress in Brussels in June of 1927, that serious &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Conference-Call/web-conferencing.php&gt;conference call rates&lt;/a&gt; were taken to establish translation as a working entity of P.E.N. After many discussions and suggestions about promoting translation, Henry Seidel Canby formally presented a suggestion of setting up preferably in Paris, an international clearing house of literary information to simplify, clarify, speed and make more efficient to everyone concerned~author, publisher, and public~the flow of literary expression across language frontiers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Congress gave its hearty approval and set up a sub-committee consisting of Canby, Galsworthy, Mrs. Dawson Scott, and the International Secretary , Herman Ould. Confident of success, Canby talked with the directors of the League of International Cooperation in Geneva and was promised the use of part of the Palais Royal in Paris to be the headquarters for the translation bureau. Financial support came from various publishers, who would pay an annual fee for the use of the facilities of the clearing house. Eventually, support was coming from six London publishers, fourteen in Germany, and several in America. Although the American Center, in the spring of 1928, had managed to raise $6,500, it was a long way from the three thousand pounds that Galsworthy felt was necessary to make the project truly successful. Unfortunately, it was evident that P.E.N. was too new and loosely organized to make such an ambitious undertaking take off. Canby said, "The P.E.N. Club as a whole had not a sufficient central organization to guarantee the proper support and control."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By 1931, at the Congress in Amsterdam, P.E.N. had grown to truly justify its identity as a worldwide organization. Delegates came not only from most of the European countries but from Australia, Canada, China, and South America.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In January of 1933, a year after the Budapest Congress, John Galsworthy died, leaving his Nobel Prize money in a trust fund for P.E.N. It was the last gift and contribution to an organization he loved and nurtured, watching it grow and take shape. His successor in the office of International President was H. G. Wells.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today the PEN network consists of over 147 centres in over a hundred countries established in all four continents, including Africa where it is now concentrating its work. As a signal of that its 73rd International Congress was held in Dakar, Senegal. PEN Senegal which organized the 2007 congress is surrounded by a rich literary history dating back to 1956 when its writers &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;student loan consolidation interest rates&lt;/a&gt; participating in promoting creating and writers internationally. So when the 1st Congress of Black Writers and Artists was held in Paris in 1956 an informal core of Senegalese writers had formed around the Presence Africaine journal under the auspices of the African Society for Culture. Then in 1959, Dr Ousmane Soce Diop and others led the creation of PEN CLUB SENEGAL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;PEN work revolves around five principal committees:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Writers in Prison committee works on behalf of persecuted writers worldwide monitoring cases of those who have been imprisoned, tortured, threatened, attacked and killed for the peaceful practice of their profession. It campaigns to end these attacks and opposes suppression of freedom of expression wherever it occurs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee has from 1978 been working to promote the world's linguistic and cultural differences, the translation of contemporary literature and the promotion of the Universal Declaration of Linguistics Rights. Last year its multilingual E-Collection of poetry, fiction and essays expanded to include a total of 20 authors from 14 countries across the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The writers for Peace Committee founded in 1984 at the height of the Cold War is still dedicated to promoting the cause of peace and celebrates Writers for Peace Day every year on 3rd &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/erectile-dysfunction.php&gt;male impotence&lt;/a&gt; Its annual meeting in Bled last year featured papers and contributions discussing the themes of Globalisation of the World- Marginalisation of Literature-The Role of PEN in the Contemporary World, and Freedom of Expression as a Means Against Terrorism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From 1991 the Women Writers Committee has been working to promote women's creating and publishing and to encourage women to know, translate and popularize one another's work&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Writers in Exile Network formed in 1999 establishes placement opportunities for exiled, immigrant and refugee writers at universities, colleges and learning centres around the world in collaboration with other organizations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nobel Prize for literature winners and other eminent writers from all over the world are usually enlisted amongst PEN members. These include Heinrich Boll, Arthur Miller, Mario Vargas Llosa, Per Wastberg and Gyorgy Konrad all of whom have served as Presidents. The Vice Presidency has been reserved traditionally as an honorary position for accomplished writers like J.M Coetzee, Nadine Gordimer, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, Sook-Hee Chim, Alexandre Blokh and Joanne Leidom - Ackerman..&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Related Article:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;www.sierraleonepen.org/www.sierraleonepen.org/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Arthur Edgar E. Smith was born, grew up and was schooled in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He has taught English since 1977 at Prince of Wales School and, Milton Margai College of Education. He is now a Senior Lecturer at Fourah Bay College where he has been lecturing English, Literature, as well as Creative Writing for the past seven years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr Smith is widely published with his writings appearing in local newspapers as well as in West Africa Magazine, Index on Censorship, Focus on Library and Information Work amongst others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He was one of 17 international visitors who participated in a seminar on contemporary American Literature sponsored by the U.S.State Department in 2006. His growing thoughts and reflections on that trip which took him to various US sights and sounds could be read at lisnews.org.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His other publications include: Folktales from Freetown, Langston Hughes: Life and Works Celebrating Black Dignity, and 'The Struggle of the Book'&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-1270016962678067632?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/1270016962678067632/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=1270016962678067632' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1270016962678067632'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1270016962678067632'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/international-pen-its-creation-and.html' title='International Pen - Its Creation And Development To Bring The World&apos;s Culture Under One Umbrella'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-6064214974190062213</id><published>2008-05-19T04:37:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-19T04:38:00.811-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Gift of a Life: Religion and Organ Donation</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Organ donation is an act of individual will, but donors often ask the question - "Does my religion approve?" Different religions often have different moral &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/injury-at-work.php&gt;injury compensation claim&lt;/a&gt; practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with their beliefs. When it comes to organ donation, the majority of religions actually encourage organ donation. From Amish to Catholicism, they &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/debt-consolidation.php&gt;debt consolidation loans&lt;/a&gt; that it is a generous act of charity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the largest religions that welcomes organ donation is the United Methodists. that church is aware of the meaning behind donating &lt;a href=http://www.food.pop-cult.com/pez.html&gt;Pez&lt;/a&gt; organs. By allowing doctors to use your body parts if something were to happen to you, you could assist a victim that is relying on organ transplant to give them hope for a better future. Tthe good deed is not only accepted but also encouraged by the church; thus they frequently encourage members to sign up for donation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Other religions including Catholicism also feel that organ donation is an act of &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/auto-insurance.php&gt;safeauto&lt;/a&gt; You are going out of your way to change anyones entire life, even if that means giving up part of your self. &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Mortgage-Refinance-HomeEquity/home-refinancing.php&gt;Refinancing home&lt;/a&gt; their eyes, it is a graceful and beautiful exchange, which only the giving will agree to. Although it is a personal choice, they do feel that it is one of the best deeds you can do for anyone else.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand, there are religions that feel organ donations should only go so far. If you are helping out another person for their well being, donating your organs is wonderful. However, some persons feel that if you are donating your body to science, that is an entirely different ball game. By donating your body for experiments, you are not helping anyone elses life or saving a heart or a liver. In their opinion, it is certainly a fine line between what is right and what is wrong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Donating your body to science may be controversial, but still a great amount of religions believe that it is all based on personal choice. If you are fine with body donation, you could end up saving lives in the long run. By allowing doctors to use your body as an experiment for potential cures, medicines, and so forth, you could be saving the entire world from a hazardous disease. The advance in medicines and medical research depend on the deep understanding of our body. If organ donation for transplant saves one life, whole body donation for science and medical research may save thousands in long run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Natalie Aranda writes on home and family. www.sciencecare.comOrgan donation is an act of individual will, but donors often ask the question - "Does my religion approve?" Different religions often have different moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with their beliefs. When it comes to organ donation, the majority of religions actually encourage organ donation. From Amish to Catholicism, they feel that it is a generous act of charity. www.sciencecare.com/news/donate_body_to_science.htmDonating body to science may be controversial, but still a great amount of religions believe that it is all based on personal choice. If you are fine with body donation, you could end up saving lives in the long run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-6064214974190062213?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/6064214974190062213/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=6064214974190062213' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6064214974190062213'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6064214974190062213'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/gift-of-life-religion-and-organ.html' title='The Gift of a Life: Religion and Organ Donation'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2263190213820855896</id><published>2008-05-18T08:15:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-18T08:15:51.242-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Great Hotels Cater to Families in Las Vegas</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are many fine hotels in Las Vegas to choose from, but parents traveling with the children are looking for a different kind &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Paxil-Paroxetine.php&gt;depression treatment&lt;/a&gt; experience than the seasoned gambler. Luckily, there are several fine hotels in Las Vegas that cater to the younger crowd, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Circus, Circus is a great choice for a family vacation in Las Vegas. The facility is comprised of three towers with a connecting sky shuttle, viewed by most children as the first attraction. The Adventuredome inside the complex is the worlds largest indoor theme park, and a perfect destination for some fun with the children. Circus themed shows and wandering performers abound, and everyone will enjoy the miniature golf, bungee jumping and choice of over 200 carnival games. Of course, parents will enjoy the 100,000 square foot casino and great restaurants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another family oriented property in Las Vegas is the Excalibur. Designed to &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/item.php?id=3152&amp;aid=6855&gt;Buy Cialis Jelly&lt;/a&gt; King Arthurs Camelot home, Excalibur &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/cialis-faq.php&gt;vardenafil&lt;/a&gt; children and experience similar to walking into a fairy tale. Families walk across the moat to &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Structured-Settlement/structured-settlement.php&gt;buyer structured settlement&lt;/a&gt; the property, and every detail is charming. The first floor of the hotel is designed especially for kids, full of carnival games and arcades and themed entertainment. The large pool areas feature a waterfall and several waterslides, and a popular dinner attraction is the Tournament of &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Finance/Student-Loan-Consolidation/student-loan-consolidation.php&gt;online student loan consolidation&lt;/a&gt; a show with dragons, jousting, wizards and great food. The large, themed casino is a treat for parents, as are the other great restaurants on property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another exciting family hotel is the Luxor, an Egyptian Pyramid set down in Las Vegas. that great hotel is actually larger than the pyramids in Egypt and is guarded by an authentically styled Sphinx. The kids will enjoy the two story video arcade and IMAX theater. All of the rooms have sloped walls, inviting a geometry lesson, and furniture decorated with Egyptian symbols. Kids love exploring a recreation of King Tuts Tomb and the accompanying museum, said to be quite authentic. There are five pools on site and a motion simulator ride with an Egyptian theme. Of course, a spacious casino and several spas join world class restaurants for the parents to enjoy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If youre traveling with younger children and need a little alone time, consider the Orleans Hotel. Theyve created a parents dream with Kids Tyme, an onsite daycare facility with an impressively large jungle gym, arts and crafts activities and films. The center is open 7 days a week and serves children from 2  years to 12 years old. Also on site is a huge bowling center with 70 lanes, an 18 theater movie complex and Tyme Out video arcade. The property also has a pool, spa and fitness center and a great showroom. Of course, the adjoining casino offers plenty of opportunity for the adults to enjoy themselves as well. Consider these fine hotels and make your next trip to Las Vegas a family affair. Everyone can have a great time in Vegas!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jay Moncliff is the founder of www.portal-hoteles.comwww.portal-hoteles.com a website specialized on www.portal-hoteles.comHoteles, resources, and articles. that site provides updated information on Hoteles. For more info visit his site: www.portal-hoteles.comHoteles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2263190213820855896?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2263190213820855896/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2263190213820855896' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2263190213820855896'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2263190213820855896'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/great-hotels-cater-to-families-in-las.html' title='Great Hotels Cater to Families in Las Vegas'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7527871037039493447</id><published>2008-05-16T06:46:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-16T06:46:10.056-07:00</updated><title type='text'>10 Reasons To Buy Ugg Boots For Christmas</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;It's almost that time of the year again when malls, houses, trees, and even people, get decorated in red, green and white, and the shoppers of the world go to buyer's heaven for twelve days.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However joyous and festive the season, one of the most difficult things about Christmas is choosing the right presents. that year I've made it simple for you - buy everyone you know a pair of ugg boots. Trust me on that one, they will be thanking you well past even next Christmas. It's a real no-brainer. However, if you really need some convincing, here are the top ten reasons why ugg &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=2010&amp;aid=6855&gt;Acomplia - 30 pills @ 20mg each!&lt;/a&gt; are the best gifts you can buy that Christmas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Santa wears ugg &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/california.html&gt;California Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; (although his are admittedly a special edition red), so you know he'll have some in stock for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Ugg boots are better than socks for Christmas (admittedly most things are, but believe me, uggs will go down far better).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Ugg boots are fashionable on the beach, at the mall, on the street, at home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Ugg boots keep your feet warm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Ugg boots are durable. They will outlast most other Christmas presents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Ugg boots are worn by numerous celebrities, &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Gourmet-Food/chinese-sauces.php&gt;Chinese food&lt;/a&gt; worth millions of dollars. One would think they choose only the best.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. Ugg boots are made from Australian sheepskin. Santas's reindeers won't feel threatened.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. The thick sheepskin wool interior of your ugg boots mold to take the unique shape of your &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Computer/Conference-Call/web-conferencing.php&gt;flat rate conference calls&lt;/a&gt; Your pair will fit you perfectly, and they will always feel like they were made just for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Once you've &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;car insurance cover&lt;/a&gt; on your ugg boots, you'll never want to take them off. Ugg boots are most popular around the house as extremely comfortable foot warmers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. Santa's elves have been wearing ugg boots even longer than the Australians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They're tried and tested and guaranteed to be comfortable in all weather conditions, no matter where you live in the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There you have it. Go out and buy a pair of ugg boots for yourself, your entire family, and all your friends. Santa's favourite sheepskin boots will soon be your favourite footwear too...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;David Malan is the owner of RealmSurfer Consulting, a Perth www.realmsurfer.com.auweb design&lt;/a&gt; business.&lt;br&gt; He also writes articles for UGGYS, Australian online www.uggys.comugg boots&lt;/a&gt; retailers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7527871037039493447?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7527871037039493447/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7527871037039493447' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7527871037039493447'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7527871037039493447'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/10-reasons-to-buy-ugg-boots-for.html' title='10 Reasons To Buy Ugg Boots For Christmas'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-6347708731658188723</id><published>2008-05-15T05:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-15T05:58:34.112-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Speaking Bubble Technique: A Creative Way To Get A Face-To-Face Sales Appointment</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There is a section on my internet that lists over 40 quotes related to cold calling. One of these quotes is the &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/&gt;buy Viagra&lt;/a&gt; of that article and reads: "Do what others are not doing and &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=2010&amp;aid=6855&gt;Acomplia - 30 pills @ 20mg each!&lt;/a&gt; will STANDOUT! that is so true and that quote is also an introduction to my "Speaking Bubble Technique." What is it? How does it work?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that technique incorporates certain aspects of one of my most famous &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/injury-lawyers.php&gt;injury lawyers for you&lt;/a&gt; called "The Moviestar Technique." that Hollywood-esque technique allows &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Mirtazapine-Remeron.php&gt;Mirtazapine&lt;/a&gt; to instantly warm up your cold calls by contacting prospects that are either quoted or pictured in a medium such as a newspaper or magazine. When you finally reach your prospect you then open the telephone call saying that they are a "Moviestar" and that you saw them in such and such publication. Then you introduce yourself, company and offer a benefit statement as to why they may want to continue speaking with you!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are looking for a clever way to set up a face-to-face sales appointment then keep reading. First look thru targeted newspapers or magazines to find a prospect that you want to reach. Find one? Ok, now grab a piece of white paper and draw a picture of a bubble. Like how? Yes, draw an image of a bubble that you could put next to your prospects mouth. Are you done however? Now get a scissors, cut out the bubble, glue it next to your prospects mouth and write: "Hi (First name of prospect), thanks for letting me know I was in (Name of publication), sure go ahead and schedule a visit to my office next (List day, date and time)--Best Regards, (Your full name)." Does that sound crazy so far?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What do you do next? Take your artistic project, put it to the side, call your prospect up and say, "Is that (First name of prospect) the moviestar? Your prospect will most likely laugh, ask who is calling and you then respond by saying your name, company and mention the publication that featured a story about them. I would then offer to send that article to them as a courtesy on behalf of (Your company name). I would also mention that you would like to call them in a week or so to discuss (List your what you sell and how you might be able to help them.) Thank them for their time and send your little creative creation to their office (remember to attach your investment card with some information about your company) then follow up with a phone call to set up a face-to-face appointment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Typically I like to get the appointment on the first call and that technique may seem like a lot of work, but no one said things are simple in life, right? If you are looking for a sure-fire way to "get noticed" then I would highly suggest using that idea for your next hard to reach type of prospect. And once once more, remember that quote: "Do what others are not doing and you will STANDOUT!"&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;trademark 2006 MR. 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Then sign-up for his free weekly cold calling tips at   www.mrcoldcall.comwww.mrcoldcall.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-6347708731658188723?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/6347708731658188723/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=6347708731658188723' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6347708731658188723'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6347708731658188723'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/speaking-bubble-technique-creative-way.html' title='The Speaking Bubble Technique: A Creative Way To Get A Face-To-Face Sales Appointment'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-186986639093171432</id><published>2008-05-14T06:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-14T06:02:06.060-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Asparagus Crepes</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Crepes are a wonderfully versatile food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dinner and even appetizer. Here is &lt;a href=http://johnjohn.blogono.com/&gt;Johnjohn&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Gourmet-Coffee/espresso-machine-history.php&gt;Espresso Machine&lt;/a&gt; crepes recipe that can be served &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Insurance/Car-Insurance/car-insurance.php&gt;car insurance quotes online&lt;/a&gt; either an appetizer or coupled with soup for a light lunch.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Asparagus Crepes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;18 Small Crepes, about 2 inches in diameter (recipe below) &lt;br&gt; 1 Bundle of tender &lt;a href=http://richnerd.blizzone.com/&gt;Richnerd&lt;/a&gt; asparagus spears, or a package of frozen asparagus spears&lt;br&gt; 5 oz Creamy cheese with herbs, such as brie with herbs&lt;br&gt; 1 Tbs Butter&lt;br&gt; 1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Break the ends off asparagus so the tips are about 3 inches long. Cook the asparagus tips in a skillet with the butter and olive oil until tender crisp.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Spread the softened room temperature cheese on each crepe. Place one asparagus spear on each crepe. Roll the crepes. Serve at room temperature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To make the crepes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1 Cup Flour&lt;br&gt;  Cup Water&lt;br&gt;  Cup Milk, whole or 2% &lt;br&gt; 3 Eggs&lt;br&gt; 2 Tbs Butter, melted and cooled&lt;br&gt;  tsp Salt&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whisk the eggs until foamy then add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth. Cool in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remove from the refrigerator and stir. The batter should be the consistency of heavy cream. If the batter is too thick stir in 1 tsp of water at a time. If the batter is too thin whisk in 1 Tbs of flour at a time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cook the crepes like pancakes in a small skillet or crepe pan. You may need to tilt the pan from side to side in order to spread the batter into a thin crepe. When the first side of the crepe has browned flip the crepe for just a couple seconds. Use the first crepe as a test; they are simple to make just practice a bit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two tips when cooking crepes do not allow the skillet get too hot and separate the cooked crepes with a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper so they do not stick to one another.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with simple to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She now has available the Recipe of the &lt;a href=http://movie-ticketsynbbved.blogspot.com&gt;Movie Ticketsynbbved&lt;/a&gt; Club. that is a way for you to give the gift of gourmet to all those people who love to cook. With the Recipe of the Month Club you can give 3, 6 or 12 months of new and exciting gourmet recipes as a gift for Christmas, Hanukah or birthdays to all the cook-aholics in your life. Find out more at www.cookbookaddict.comwww.cookbookaddict.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-186986639093171432?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/186986639093171432/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=186986639093171432' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/186986639093171432'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/186986639093171432'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/asparagus-crepes.html' title='Asparagus Crepes'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-9099562607319796602</id><published>2008-05-13T05:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-13T05:58:11.421-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Buy Down Comforters</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Down comforters are the height &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/accident-at-work-claim.php&gt;accident at work compensation claim&lt;/a&gt; luxury in the bedroom. Their soft, luxurious touch and thick, warm material make going &lt;a href=http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3007962-10494345&gt;Discover Business Card - 5% back on your office supplies!  Apply Now!&lt;/a&gt; bed a wonderful experience. Comforters made of plush down had been used for ages, and were once a symbol of royalty or extreme wealth. But today, high-quality down comforters are no longer the province of only the &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Ritalin-Methylphenidate.php&gt;Ritalin&lt;/a&gt; Of course, the comforters themselves can still be rather pricey; that's why it is a good idea to do your homework before purchasing, and learn to get the most down comforter for your money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you've been considering a down comforter for your bedroom, now could be the very best time to buy. And if you know where to look, you can even find discounts on the highest quality down available. In that article we will outline three important points to consider before purchasing your new down comforter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Price Range:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you take out your credit card and purchase a new down comforter, it's important to have a fair idea of how much money you intend to spend. There are many types of down comforters available these days, from polyester down, to pure goose down comforters. Those with allergies can even find hypo-allergenic goose down. Of course the prices on all of these types of down comforters vary significantly, so let's begin with the basics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First, understand that the &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/cialis-faq.php&gt;generic tadalifil&lt;/a&gt; the count of the down material, the better the comforter will &lt;a href=http://fashion-design.pop-cult.com/aluminum-christmas-trees.html&gt;Aluminum Christmas trees&lt;/a&gt; to be. Accordingly, higher count comforters will also tend to be the most expensive. that isn't to say that you cannot find discounts on occasion on the highest-quality, high-count down comforters, but you will need to look more carefully to find a real bargain. A good place to start is by searching online. Occasionally online down distributors will offer 30 or even 40% off sales on their merchandise, and by searching online it will be simple to compare prices and quality between different merchants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Comforter Size:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Down comforters tend to be slightly smaller than standard comforters. For that reason, you might opt to purchase a down comforter one size larger than that of your bed. For example, if you have a queen size bed, you might wish to purchase a king size down comforter. After all, part of the luxurious feeling of down is having plenty of it available. You certainly do not want your feet sticking out of the end of your new beautiful down comforter, do you?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Sleeping Habits:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you tend to get cold or hot while sleeping? In other words, are you one of these people who kicks the blankets off, or do you routinely use three or more blankets just to keep warm? Your answer to that question will determine what type of down fill is right for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you tend to be a "hot sleeper," and kick the covers off at night, you're going to want to look for a thinner down fill to ensure you don't heat to death in the middle of the night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand, if you're constantly piling on more blankets to stay warm, look for the thickest fill possible in your new down comforter to keep you cozy and warm through the night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on how to www.buycomforter.combuy a comforter&lt;/A&gt; and www.buycomforter.com/buy-down-comforter.htmlbuy down comforter&lt;/A&gt; at www.buycomforter.comwww.buycomforter.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-9099562607319796602?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/9099562607319796602/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=9099562607319796602' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9099562607319796602'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9099562607319796602'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-buy-down-comforters.html' title='How To Buy Down Comforters'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7790889770614975106</id><published>2008-05-12T05:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-12T05:35:22.890-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Weather Report I Sing The Body Electric Jazz Music CD Review</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I Sing The Body Electric is &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/pareidolia.php&gt;Pareidolia&lt;/a&gt; latest release from Weather Report, and is another winner from that talented group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Refreshingly, that was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I Sing The Body Electric is &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/personal-injury-attorneys.php&gt;personal injury attorneys Alaska&lt;/a&gt; pleasantly varied, mix of 7 tracks that are &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Gourmet-Food/gourmet-kitchen-accessories.php&gt;Gourmet Kitchen&lt;/a&gt; well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly talented musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/personal-injury-lawyers.php&gt;Los Angeles personal injury lawyers&lt;/a&gt; emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall I Sing The Body Electric is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Auto-Accident/truck-accident-lawyers.php&gt;Florida truck accident lawyers&lt;/a&gt; your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While that entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 4 - Second Sunday In August, track 5 - Medley, and track 7 - Directions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Unknown Soldier. Outstanding!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I Sing The Body Electric Release Notes:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Weather Report originally released I Sing The Body Electric on April 20, 1990 on the Legacy Recordings label.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CD Track List Follows:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Unknown Soldier 2. Moors, The 3. Crystal 4. Second Sunday In August 5. Medley: - (live): Vertical Invader / T.H. / Dr. Honoris Causa 6. Surucucu - (live) 7. Directions - (live)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I Sing The Body Electric Album Notes Weather Report: Wayne Shorter (reeds); Joe Zawinul (keyboards); Miroslav Vitous (bass instrument); Eric Gravatt (drums); Dom Um Romao (percussion).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Additional personnel: Josh Armstrong, Yolande Bavan, Chapman Roberts (vocals); Ralph Towner (12-string guitar); Hubert Laws (flute); Andrew White (English horn); Wilmer Wise (piccolo trumpet).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recording information: Columbia Recording Studios, New York, New York (11/1971 - 01/1972); Shibuya Kokaido Hall, Tokyo, Japan (01/13/1972).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;www.free-resume-example.net/article-map.htmlwww.free-resume-example.net/article-map.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7790889770614975106?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7790889770614975106/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7790889770614975106' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7790889770614975106'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7790889770614975106'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/weather-report-i-sing-body-electric.html' title='Weather Report I Sing The Body Electric Jazz Music CD Review'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7185658518128003322</id><published>2008-05-11T07:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-11T07:02:13.262-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Gourmet Bride's Dilemma - Choosing a Wedding Cake Design</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;As you prepare to choose your &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/wyoming.html&gt;Wyoming Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; cake, it is useful to collect pictures of wedding cakes that you like. It doesn't matter if the &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/accident-lawyers.php&gt;accident attorneys Miami&lt;/a&gt; in the picture is too big, too fancy, too expensive looking, too pink ... if there is something about it that catches your eye, save that picture. &lt;a href=http://milkyqevkv.blogspot.com&gt;Milkyqevkv&lt;/a&gt; time goes on you &lt;a href=http://www.music.pop-cult.com/abba.html&gt;Abba songs&lt;/a&gt; have sufficient pictures to start seeing trends in your choices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Perhaps you like very a traditional wedding cake design -- you find that pictures of three-tier white cakes, with little models of a bride and groom on top, are spread across your coffee table. Such classic taste makes your decision process very simple as you start looking for a wedding cake designer. All but the most avant-garde designers and bakeries will be thrilled to bake you a beautiful version of that timeless classic, so you simply need to arrange some tasting sessions to find the most scrumptious wedding cake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand, your growing collection of wedding cake pictures may reveal a taste for contemporary wedding cake design. Now your imagination can really take flight. Modern wedding cake designers can bake cakes in any shape or color that takes your fancy, from stacks of wedding presents to models of the Empire State Building complete with a marzipan King Kong. You wonder if white is wussy? Perhaps you prefer purple? Then sort through those clippings, choose the wildest wedding cake design pictures you can find, and hightail it to the trendiest bakery in town to set a &lt;a href=http://gunwctuxoctlx.blogspot.com&gt;Gunwctuxoctlx&lt;/a&gt; trend.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The likelihood is that you probably fall somewhere in the middle; you're looking for a traditional cake, with a contemporary twist. Fortunately, there are great resources available to you, so do a little research. Try searching for the terms "wedding cake" or "wedding cake design" in Google. Once you have the page of results, click the link at the &lt;a href=http://www.shop24-7-365.com/Legal/Personal-Injury/personal-injury-claim.php&gt;personal injury law Minneapolis&lt;/a&gt; that says "Images" and you'll be greeted with dozens of pictures that you can use to narrow down your choices. Currently, asymetrical shapes and the use of fresh flowers are popular trends in wedding cake design; pictures of these kinds of cakes are widely available.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you meet with your wedding cake designer, take these pictures with you and discuss them with the designer. If you've already made choices about your gown, bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and other visual elements of your wedding, try and take swatches and pictures of these with you too. All of these design clues will enable your wedding cake designer to come up with a cake that will complement the other aspects of your wedding, however will still make a statement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tuppy Glossop writes extensively about wedding cakes and related topics. For more information about www.wedding-cake-designs.com/Choosing-the-Perfect-Wedding-Cake.shtmlpictures of wedding cake designs&lt;/a&gt; please visit &lt;strong&gt;Wedding-Cake-Designs.com&lt;/strong&gt; where you can also read many other articles about www.wedding-cake-designs.com/wedding cakes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7185658518128003322?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7185658518128003322/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7185658518128003322' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7185658518128003322'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7185658518128003322'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/gourmet-brides-dilemma-choosing-wedding.html' title='The Gourmet Bride&apos;s Dilemma - Choosing a Wedding Cake Design'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-666503485795446399</id><published>2008-05-10T07:03:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-10T07:03:46.508-07:00</updated><title type='text'>A Lightbulb Moment on Moving to Mexico</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I've made a discovery. It's taken a while to arrive at &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/alchemy.php&gt;Alchemy&lt;/a&gt; point where I think I am beginning to understand something. Call me dense. I get called every other imaginable pejorative by readers, so why not add dense, thickheaded, numbskull, dunderhead? I &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Risperidone-Risperdol.php&gt;Risperdol&lt;/a&gt; to all of those names and even others that are too wickedly vile to repeat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I think I finally have had a "light bulb" moment where the light of day dawns on a very dark corner of my mind and makes me utter a shrieking, "Eureka!"&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When my wife and I moved to Mexico in 2003, we came with a radically different philosophy of expatriation than the one many of our fellow expatriates hold. We believed that expatriation should look something like that:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt; Expatriation is the process by which an intense integration occurs whereby the individual of another culture is eventually absorbed into the new culture. that includes absorption into the new culture's language, celebration of holidays, observation of local events, and politics, if allowed by law, in the new country. Also, it would include the development of intense interpersonal relationships with neighbors in the new country.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, what we found instead were hordes of Gringos, mostly of the American breed, closely gathered into enclaves known as "Gringolandias." A different philosophy of expatriation motivates the formation and perpetuation of Gringolandias and Gringolandians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In these American colonies, named Gringolandias by locals, we did not find anything remotely resembling a process of an intense integration occurring whereby the individual of another culture is eventually absorbed into the new culture. Nor did we find, as a whole, those members of the Gringolandias participating in any sort of activity whereby an absorption into the new culture's language, celebration of holidays, observation of local events, and politics, if allowed by law, in the new country, was taking place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the contrary, what we've seen in the past five years, with only a few exceptions, looks something like that:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt; "...the practice of promoting, distinguishing, separating, or artificially injecting the culture or language of one nation into another. It is usually the case that the former is a large, economically or militarily powerful nation and the latter is a smaller, less important one."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that is, by the way, the Wikipedia definition of CULTURAL IMPERIALISM.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt; Disclaimer Time&lt;/b&gt;: Not all American expats living in Mexico are Cultural Imperialists. However, most, if not 99%, are indeed guilty of beginning or participating in the perpetuation of "...the practice of promoting, distinguishing, separating, or artificially injecting the culture or language of one nation into another."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The way they do that is with their money. They are a more powerfully large and economically persuasive group that gets what they want because they have the money to buy it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What has absolutely befuddled me are the reviews of the books and hundreds of articles I've written about expatriation. Some would write book reviews that were somewhat favorable. One such review was by that of a former editor and chief of a major news organization in a prominent American city. Though I have no delusions that that reviewer regarded my books as "fine literature," he gave a decent review of the books.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Others go so far as to threaten to find me to do me bodily harm. I swear to God that is true: Some woman from New York threatened to fly to the city in Mexico where I live to slap me. She had the ganas to post that on Amazon.com where my book is featured. that is mild. We've gotten death threats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is an incredibly small minority of Americans who expatriate to Mexico to learn the portal to the culture, Spanish, and assimilate into the Mexican culture. You will find them NOT hanging out with the members of the Gringolandias nor will you find them living in these American compounds. They live in Mexican neighborhoods, &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/nebraska.html&gt;Nebraska Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; at the mom-and-pop stores, and generally are invisible. In our new book, Sustainable Expatriatism, we say that in the eighth principle of Sustainable Expatriatism:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Communities measure expatriatism success not by sheer numbers of expats, but by length of stay, money spent, and quality of experience. Another measure of success is how invisible the expats are in the local community. Success is measured in how well the foreigners blend into the local background and how little &lt;a href=http://www.bubblegum-cards.com/Hogans-Heroes/index.html&gt;Hogan's Heroes&lt;/a&gt; they attract because of their foreignness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In contrast, the Gringolandians are the most highly visible Extranjeros or Foreigners.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A revealing statement a tour guide made to us was when he pointed out the American Compounds in San Miguel de Allende (he actually showed us several) where their try to create bubbles, secluded enclaves, is one of the most visible things in the city to the locals. There is no blending in but a purposeful standing out and separation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The locals in San Miguel de Allende, as one example, plainly see the difference between real expats and fakepats:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt; "Their major concern is that the center of town, which is by far the heart of any Mexican community, will soon be a Mexican-free zone."&lt;/i&gt; - (The Gringa in San Miguel; livingethnography.blogspot.com/. Blog entry: Sunday, July 30, 2006)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Economically, Cultural Imperialism has taken place in that small Colonial Mexican town but with a general and massive disregard for language, which is the doorway or portal to the culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;"They Love Us Here": American Migrants in Mexico, by Sheila Croucher makes that observation:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt; "Few American residents of San Miguel speak Spanish, including those who have lived in the city for ten or more years."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are those in Guanajuato, the city where we live, who have lived in that town for more than thirty years and speak not a word of Spanish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;that is an insult to the locals for two reasons: The hypocrisy and the disrespect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The local are well informed what Americans back in the States think about immigrants and especially Hispanics. Americans cry from the rooftops that those who move to America, legally or not, should engage in the process by which an intense integration occurs whereby the individual of another culture is eventually absorbed into the new culture. that includes absorption into the new culture's language, celebration of holidays, observation of local events, and politics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;however, when the vast majority of Americans move to Mexico...&lt;i&gt;"Few American residents of San Miguel speak Spanish, including those who have lived in the city for ten or more years." &lt;/i&gt;(Croucher)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cab drivers are an extremely valuable source of information about that issue. Every taxi driver we've queried, without exception, has &lt;a href=http://www.saturdaymorning.pop-cult.com/banana-splits.html&gt;Banana Splits&lt;/a&gt; us they regard it a matter of respect for the Gringo who moves to Mexico to learn Spanish. If Americans don't do what they expect the Mexican who moves to America to do, then Mexicans regard that as an insult to their culture, their raza.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If it is true that the vast majority of Gringolandians move to Mexico based on a concept and not a reality, then why wouldn't they attack me relentlessly for exposing the fact that they move to Mexico to engage in forever altering the local language and culture by seeking to buy up every piece of real estate in sight?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Culture is not the issue for moving to Mexico for the majority, however money is indeed the reason. The Concept of Mexico that is painted for the one who does not hold to the philosophy of expatriatism I've expressed in that essay is that Mexico is just waiting with baited breath for them to arrive. They really believe, in my view, that you can buy up real estate for a song and dance, have your dollars stretch further than in America, and that all Mexicans who live or who ever have lived are just waiting like a Fantasy Island Welcoming Party to kiss your hands and feet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Guanajuato, the State, is seen as the Real Estate Investment Land of Milk and Honey. Right now in the city of Guanajuato, prices have skyrocketed in real estate and properties are being presented as "exclusive." One guy, I heard second hand, &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/new_mexico.html&gt;New Mexico Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; those interested in buying here that you won't have to "deal" with any Mexicans other than those who work for you. Nice, huh?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It finally occurred to me that those who attack me are from that group of fakepats who are interested in obtaining property for investment or for a second home. Language and Culture are not even a consideration. Their very monolingual presence is what forever changes the cultural landscape of the Mexican towns they infect. The locals are forced to adapt to the invaders or Cultural Imperialists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One man in the city of Guanajuato felt so threatened that what I was writing was endangering his vacation rental home business he became a sort of ringleader in an try to get rid of me. They would actually convene little sessions to discuss my demise. Can you begin to fathom that?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is those who are presented with the reality of Mexico, those who are shaken from their abidingly false concept, who vehemently attack me-Eureka!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Gringolandians live on a scripted stage of fakery and make believe. Driven by the Concept of Mexico that they can buy and sell real estate cheaply and get rich, they ignore culture. Because they won't (can't) leave the theatrical stage where they are told what to say in the script, their profession of a love for the culture is vain and empty. The ticket off the stage, stopping that scripted existence, will be the language-the portal to the culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The beginning step to earning the Mexicans' respect? Learn their language.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But, alas, "to hell with reality" is far too easy for most.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On that scripted stage of fakery and make-believe most will stay.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;www.mexican-living-guanajuato.comTHE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT LIVING IN MEXICO&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-666503485795446399?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/666503485795446399/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=666503485795446399' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/666503485795446399'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/666503485795446399'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/lightbulb-moment-on-moving-to-mexico.html' title='A Lightbulb Moment on Moving to Mexico'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7527363139930158199</id><published>2008-05-09T05:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-09T05:14:15.338-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Why Buy a Vacation Home in Brazil?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Brazil has suddenly become the number one holiday hotspot and THE place to buy a vacation &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/santa-baby.html&gt;Santa Baby&lt;/a&gt; if the press and media are to be believed!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In an article published &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/michigan.html&gt;Michigan Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; week in a popular British Sunday newspaper, the average Briton was seemingly being urged to consider investing in a second home in Brazil either for their own enjoyment or perhaps as a place that they can earn an income from by renting it out to friends and family&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So why has Brazils star started to rise and is it really a place where you can trust an investment into real estate  lets take a closer look?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The fact of the matter is that  since Brazil re-elected Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for a second term in office as president the country has been going from economic strength to political strength and that has resulted in the wider acceptance and promotion of Brazil as a reliable, robust economy in which to invest in, and as an &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=4730&amp;aid=6855&gt;Buy Viagra - 30 pills @ 20mg each HERE&lt;/a&gt; safe, increasingly accessible and very affordable place to vacation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The presidents policies are quite simply working - and that is why Brazils star is starting to rise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Economically Brazil is doing incredibly well, foreign direct investment is strong and the government is doing all it can to support and promote foreign investment. In turn that gives investors even more confidence to invest further  to the point that big name players like Donald Trump are now developing real estate empires in Brazil, and General Electric Real Estate is committing millions to long term direct investment into property in Brazil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Okay  so  the big players are gunning for Brazil and profiting from Brazil- but that doesnt explain why you should buy a vacation home in Brazil!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the World Travel and Tourism Councils findings, the rate at which Brazils tourism industry is growing is far and away more impressive than the global average. In 2007 so far tourism has expanded by 7.2% which is almost 3% above the global average. Brazil is being developed and promoted as a golfing destination, it is about to witness the construction of the fifth largest airport in the world, it has beaches, mountains, rainforests, cities and much, much more to draw in the crowds and so far, construction of resort style and attractive real estate is not keeping up to the demand for places to stay, for apartments to buy, for &lt;a href=http://www.collinwood.info/Fine-Wine/wine-flavors.php&gt;Fine Wine&lt;/a&gt; to live inso there is money to be made from property in Brazil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Therefore, why not jump on the property investment bandwagon that is luring in thousands of potential buyers and investors every month and secure yourself a vacation home in Brazil? As a foreign buyer your rights are as protected as a local persons  thats a commitment from the Brazilian government  you can easily and affordably now &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/demons-a-z.php&gt;Demons&lt;/a&gt; Brazil and your property from North America, the UK and mainland Europe, you can rent out your vacation home to friends and family or even through an agencyand whats more, you can buy in to a real estate market that actually has some life left in it! Unlike the British, Irish, German or American markets for example!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rhiannon Williamson writes about property investment worldwide, to read more about investing in www.amberlamb.com/property abroad&lt;/a&gt; in 2007 and beyond visit her site www.amberlamb.comwww.amberlamb.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7527363139930158199?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7527363139930158199/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7527363139930158199' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7527363139930158199'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7527363139930158199'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/why-buy-vacation-home-in-brazil.html' title='Why Buy a Vacation Home in Brazil?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5699729679165189569</id><published>2008-05-08T06:21:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-08T06:21:13.192-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Understanding Classical Music - Is It Worth The Time?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Understanding classical &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/Mothman.php&gt;Mothman&lt;/a&gt; is something most people think is far too lofty a goal, one best left for music scholars and academics &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Prozac-Fluoxetine.php&gt;generic Prozac&lt;/a&gt; their ivory towers. It's &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/twilight-zone.html&gt;Twilight Zone&lt;/a&gt; epitome of stuffiness; black ties and diamond earrings must be worn at all times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;I&gt;that is not at all the case&lt;/i&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Classical music should be heard and appreciated by all people. Composers were and &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/DC/DCSu-Z/SwampThing/index.html&gt;Swamp Thing&lt;/a&gt; real people who struggle with the same problems we all do, including paying bills, satisfying their clients, and just existing from one day &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelF-J/IronMan/index.html&gt;ironman watch&lt;/a&gt; the next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's not necessary to understand composition techniques, orchestration principles, and the intricacies of arranging music to be awed by its beauty. Just let it wash over you and absorb the feelings!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The genius of Bach, the magnificence of Beethoven, the sheer beauty of Chopin, and the power of Prokofiev are all waiting to be discovered by you, no matter how much you know or don't know about music theory and history.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you turn away from a &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/nanny-and-the-professor.html&gt;Nanny and the Professor&lt;/a&gt; bemoaning that you don't understand light refraction and color prism?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course not!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you drive a car, do you understand fuel injection, and rack and pinion steering?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I think I've made my point.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, some knowledge of Western art music helps understanding classical music even more. Why did Beethoven write his symphonies, why did Bach love the fugue, did Mozart really hate the flute?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But if you don't have time to pursue a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music History, what can you do?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An easy and fun way to learn about anything is via an audio book.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Audio books are the educational tool for the 21st century.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;OL&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;You can listen anywhere you want to--in the car, in the doctor's waiting room, at a soccer game, lounging in bed--you name it. No more boring classrooms.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;You can use odd bits of time that would otherwise be wasted.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;You can listen to any part over again without having to raise your hand and ask a question in class.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Audio books are portable--no 10-ton text book to lug around, just a little MP3 player or Ipod.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Audio books are less expensive than a printed text. No trees have to die. &lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Audio books are private--just pop in an ear plug. &lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Audio books are entertaining. They come alive with fascinating narration, great music, and tantalizing sound effects.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/OL&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In short, what's not to like?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the audio book revolution and discover the finest art that humanity has ever created.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;===============================================================================&lt;BR&gt; &lt;br&gt;Understanding classical music is a cinch with that great audio book. Hear an excerpt here...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;www.cyberflute.com/understanding-classical-music.htmlwww.cyberflute.com/understanding-classical-music.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5699729679165189569?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5699729679165189569/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5699729679165189569' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5699729679165189569'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5699729679165189569'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/understanding-classical-music-is-it.html' title='Understanding Classical Music - Is It Worth The Time?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-4340358843197023241</id><published>2008-05-07T09:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-07T09:16:48.637-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Buy Your Own Aviation Model RC Plane</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;In the early years of aviation after the golden age of air ship, more precisely after Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, airplanes with radial engines ruled the skies. The 30s and 40s decade saw many classic flying machines built primarily for the military. Those days' pilots wore scarves, goggles, boots and leather helmets. Amelia Mary Earhart &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/DC/DCC-G/GreenLantern(SilverAge)/index.html&gt;Green Lantern&lt;/a&gt; history flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. Amelia Earhart disappeared into history in the year 1937 attempting to circumnavigate the globe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People &lt;a href=http://canadian-meds-shop.com/cart.php?add=4730&amp;aid=6855&gt;Buy Viagra - 30 pills @ 20mg each HERE&lt;/a&gt; still fascinated by the life, career and the airplanes of early aviators. The real nostalgia buffs still prefer to have RC models of classic airplanes of yesteryears. An RC model airplane is a miniature of the original airplane that once flew. They are built using the same principles of aerodynamics as the original planes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Classic RC model airplanes look exactly like their originals. They are colored just like the original and have the same logos and symbols as the original ones. These planes are either electric or gas powered. Electrically powered classic RC airplanes use high performance batteries which need frequent recharging.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The fuel powered or gas powered classic RC airplanes have a glow plug engine and the fuel &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/god-s.php&gt;God&lt;/a&gt; is gasoline, methanol, or nitromethane. They are also referred as nitro RC model airplanes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;RC model airplane enthusiasts who prefer the classic models can purchase kits that are widely available and build their own classic model. The kits are available as ARTF (almost ready to fly) or RTF (ready to fly). But the real hobbyists prefer to assemble their own classic RC airplanes. A little knowledge of aeronautics and airplanes will help but if you don't have it, you can buy scale RC airplane plans or RC airplane kits and assemble it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the early 1930s, model flying was very different from what it is today. In those days the planes were self propelled by rubber bands but as technology progressed it was possible to make small internal combustion engines for model airplanes. Today vintage RC airplanes have the same classic appearance but they sport the modern glow plug engine and an advanced radio gear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Traditional classic model RC airplanes were powered by diesel engines, there are still some manufacturers making them. You may buy a kit or build a classic RC airplane from scratch using plans. The classic RC airplanes are large scale models of original planes and &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/hobbit.html&gt;The Hobbit&lt;/a&gt; wood is used in their construction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These planes are large and hence fly slowly and gently. These planes will typically have a 4stroke glow plug engine and a 3 channel radio. Ben Buckle, a British company is a much respected manufacturer of classic RC airplanes. You may choose from a number of designs which are available such as 'Majestic Major', 'Buccaneer' or the &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelF-J/Godzilla/index.html&gt;Godzilla&lt;/a&gt; Quaker'.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you prefer the electric powered airplanes then the 'Aerobatic Classic Bi-Plane Electric RC Plane' is recommended. It's a ready to fly model and you can get started once you remove the model from the box. The Bi-Plane design is very stable, the plane performs awesome loops, rolls, upside down flights and many other stunts. It can take off from any smooth surface. The package includes charger, rechargeable batteries, and radio transmitter. This classic RC model airplane appeals to both the novice and veteran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model planes and model helicopters. You can find the best marketplace for model planes and model helicopters by visiting the best sites for &lt;a href="http://www.sellmodelplanes.com" target="_new"&gt;model planes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="http://www.sellmodelfighterplanes.com" target="_new"&gt;model fighter planes&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="http://www.sellmodelhelicopters.com" target="_new"&gt;model helicopters&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-4340358843197023241?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/4340358843197023241/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=4340358843197023241' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/4340358843197023241'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/4340358843197023241'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/buy-your-own-aviation-model-rc-plane.html' title='Buy Your Own Aviation Model RC Plane'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2460190618632231733</id><published>2008-05-06T06:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-06T06:07:21.326-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Precious Stones v.s. Semi-Precious Stones</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Stones have been worn by both women and men since prehistoric times. Just as &lt;a href=http://www.music.pop-cult.com/video/show-me-the-way.html&gt;Peter Frampton&lt;/a&gt; the jewelry of modern times, beautiful stones, rare and colorful, are most often the dominant &lt;a href=http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3007962-10431593&gt;Get Equifax Credit Watch Gold 3-in-1 Now!&lt;/a&gt; of a piece with a metallic setting for ornamentation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3007962-10506559&gt;Apply for the Discover Student Card today!&lt;/a&gt; used in the crafting of fine jewelry are generally divided into two classes- precious stones and semi-precious stones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These terms are used heavily in the commercial world of jewelry when considering variety and &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/south_carolina.html&gt;South Carolina Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; While artistic merits are only a matter of opinion, the value of a stone is what it will bring in the marketplace. It should also be mentioned that many people, collectors and general consumers alike, prefer the rare to the beautiful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These stones are simply rocks (minerals) taken &lt;a href=http://www.mad-monsters.com/Models/index.html&gt;monster models&lt;/a&gt; the earth, and after they have been enhanced by the artisans cutting and polishing, the finest and rarest of them are what we call gems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Precious Stones&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Semi-Precious Stones&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A large number of stones used in jewelry are known as semi-precious; the most important ones are as follow: amethyst, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot, opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl, alexandrite. Others of less importance although much used are: chrysoprase, jade, garnet, agate, azurite, malachite, bloodstone, coral, carnelian and many others. These stones while comparatively common and inexpensive are indispensable to the worker in jewelry. The variety of colors to be had in these stones make it possible to produce unusual designs of artistic merit and to adapt them to the personality and costume of the wearer. For more detailed information regarding gem stones the reader is referred to Gem Stones by G.F. Herbert Smith, also The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, by George Frederick Kunz.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit   www.morninglightjewelry.comwww.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at   www.morninglightjewelry.comwww.morninglightjewelry.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2460190618632231733?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2460190618632231733/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2460190618632231733' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2460190618632231733'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2460190618632231733'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/precious-stones-vs-semi-precious-stones.html' title='Precious Stones v.s. Semi-Precious Stones'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5085229775075004930</id><published>2008-05-05T06:15:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-05T06:15:22.268-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Sporting Rules of Negotiations</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you want &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Articles/candy-canes.html&gt;Candy Canes&lt;/a&gt; succeed at negotiations, you need to understand that negotiations &lt;a href=http://regmphwyi.blogspot.com&gt;Regmphwyi&lt;/a&gt; like a game. And, just like any game, &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/hill-betty-barney.php&gt;Betty and Barney Hill&lt;/a&gt; prizes go to the side that understands the rules and plays better. Here are 8 rules taken from the game of squash that can be applied to the game of negotiations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 1: Get Fit. &lt;/b&gt;Good negotiating is an art that is learned from experience. Like any game, the more matches you play, the fitter you get. Fortunately, you can practise negotiations in everyday situations, from booking a holiday to buying a car, to ordering a meal. And then you should let your experience be your teacher.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 2: Seek An Advantage. &lt;/b&gt;All games are defined as interplays in which one side seeks an advantage over the other. It's the same with negotiations. Every move you make should be aimed at securing an advantage over the other side.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 3: Follow the Ball. &lt;/b&gt;In squash, it is what happens to the ball that &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Articles/christmas-cards.html&gt;Christmas Cards&lt;/a&gt; not what happens to the player. In the same way, in negotiations, it is the issues that are important not the personalities. Your opponents may try to use every trick in the book to unsettle you. They may flatter you, charm you, cajole you, ridicule you, threaten you, reward you, belittle you, sweet-talk you. All of this is to get you to budge on the issues and concede to what they want. Keep your eye on the ball and don't give ground.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 4: Cover The Ground. &lt;/b&gt;The best squash players are the most versatile ones. They can serve, block, defend, attack, rally, wait their turn, go for a winner. The same is true of top negotiators. They have a repertoire of arguments, tactics, gambits and positions; they can move forwards, backwards and sideways at will; and they never find themselves trapped in a corner or short of a creative solution out of an impasse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 5: Think Ahead. &lt;/b&gt;The skilful in all sports are those who are able to think ahead and see possibilities. The same kind of anticipation is valuable in negotiations. Before you make a proposal to the other side, anticipate how they are likely to react and be &lt;a href=http://stuffbfmxlxgm.blogspot.com&gt;Stuffbfmxlxgm&lt;/a&gt; with your answer. When you think ahead, you give the impression of being on top.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 6: Don't Relax. &lt;/b&gt;There is just a brief moment after you play a good shot in squash when you become vulnerable. You allow yourself a congratulatory smile for being on top. This is when you can let down your guard. It's the same in negotiations. Don't relax; don't rest on your laurels; don't think you've won; don't feel pleased with yourself; don't look back. You have a job to finish, so toughen up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 7: Think It Through. &lt;/b&gt;Every shot you make in squash should be made mentally before you make it physically. Do the same in negotiations. Whenever you make a proposal or reply to one, think it through:&lt;br&gt; * don't dismiss a proposal from the other side out of hand or simply because you distrust them: think it through&lt;br&gt; * don't give instant or off-the-cuff responses: think it through&lt;br&gt; * don't talk on behalf of your colleagues, they may have ideas you hadn't thought about. Adjourn and think it through.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rule 8: Stay In Crouch. &lt;/b&gt;The "crouch" position is squash is the ready position. You should start in crouch and stay in crouch until the match is won. The equivalent position in negotiations is the "tough" position. The opposition will try to weaken your position by every trick: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Aim to stay tough.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Practise these rules until they are second nature to you, and you'll not only win at squash, you'll also be a top negotiator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(c) Eric Garner, ManageTrainLearn.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For instant solutions to all your management training needs, visit   www.managetrainlearn.com"&gt;ManageTrainLearn and download amazing FREE training software. And while you're there, make sure you try out our prize quiz, get your surprise bonus gift, and subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Go and get the ManageTrainLearn experience now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5085229775075004930?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5085229775075004930/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5085229775075004930' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5085229775075004930'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5085229775075004930'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/sporting-rules-of-negotiations.html' title='The Sporting Rules of Negotiations'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2764319189844515178</id><published>2008-05-04T05:05:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-04T05:05:41.059-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Rumour is Like the SARS Virus, It Can Spread by Mouth, by Phone</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Rumour &lt;a href=http://abxaaynce.blogspot.com&gt;Abxaaynce&lt;/a&gt; like the SARS virus, it can spread by mouth, by phone and sometimes pop up in the most unusual places.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Troubled companies are often plagued with negative unverified information, otherwise called rumour mongering. This is extremely unhealthy and can be deadly and infectious like the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus. Misinformation and rumour are very dangerous for companies. In this information era, rumours can spread at an amazing speed through modern communication facilities such as the mobile phone, telephone, fax, machines and satellites.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rumours of the &lt;a href=http://batnovtxuhzkaz.blogspot.com&gt;Batnovtxuhzkaz&lt;/a&gt; of SARS in China started in Heyuan, a small city in Guangdong Province in December 2002. The health authorities diagnosed the disease as Atypical Pneumonia but the medical diagnosis was not released to the public immediately and rumours on the outbreak of a terrible, unknown disease began to spread resulting in panic buying of drugs. The crisis and panic peaked after the Spring Festival holidays and the central government had to make a public announcement of a public health crisis. This was a tad as well late as the Chinese government was then criticised by its own people and the international community for not officially warning the public of the SARS hazard earlier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The only way to &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Articles/top-ten-christmas-movies.html&gt;Christmas Movies&lt;/a&gt; rumours is to let the staff or public know the truth. It is always useless to hide the facts or deny the truth as this creates the environment for rumours to flourish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Uncertainty of the future fate of the company also results in rumours. Rumours are dysfunctional sapping away the energy of the staff. As a result, rumours rob you of constructive thinking and action. They are very detrimental to staff morale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most effective way to stem rumours is communicate directly with the staff. Let them hear from the horses mouth. In some cases, as a turnaround manager, you may not be aware of the rumours that are circulating in the company. Furthermore, in the Asian culture, normally, staff do not openly let the management know the rumours in an open dialogue. In such cases, the use of a questionnaire survey may be useful in ferreting out the undercurrents and root causes of the rumours. Staff can feedback their suggestions for improvements, concerns, etc anonymously without fear of reprisal from their supervisors or managers. Corporations are increasingly supporting the whistle-blowing plans for staff to alert the board and management of any malpractices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In many ailing investmentes, where dissatisfaction and complaints abound, poison letters are also common. These are also a form of rumour. However, if the poison letter intending to &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Articles/top-ten-christmas-tv-specials.html&gt;Christmas TV Specials&lt;/a&gt; somebodys character has no signatory, it is difficult to investigate or pursue the matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The greatest harm from rumour if they are truthful or otherwise is the creation of negativism in the corporate environment. In troubled investmentes, the dilapidating disease afflicting executives is not alcoholism but negativism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Positive thoughts bring health, happiness and vitality, laughter and success and real life. On the contrary, negative thoughts brought about by rumour mongering create chemical reactions that result in depression, failure, sadness and even death.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep the &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/mandrake.php&gt;Mandrake root&lt;/a&gt; active. Introduce aggressive marketing strategies to direct the staffs attention away from negativism. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. Try to keep the staff mentally and constructively occupied.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Therefore, squash the rumours with proper communication and action.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;  target="_new"  www.corporateturnaroundexpert.com"&gt;www.corporateturnaroundexpert.com &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr Mike Teng (DBA, MBA, BEng, FIMechE, FIEE, CEng, PEng, FCMI, FCIM, SMCS) is the author of the best-selling investment book Corporate Turnaround: Nursing a sick company back to health, in 2002. In 2006, he authored another book entitled, Corporate Wellness: 101 Principles in Turnaround and Transformation. Dr Teng is widely recognized as a turnaround CEO in Asia by the news media. He has 27 years of experience in corporate responsibilities in the Asia Pacific region. Of these, he held Chief Executive Officers positions for 17 years in multi-national, local and publicly listed companies. He led in the successful turnaround of several troubled companies. He is currently the Managing Director of a investment advisory firm, Corporate Turnaround Centre Pte Ltd, which helps companies on a fast track to financial performance. Dr Teng was the President of the Marketing Institute of Singapore (2000  2004), the national body representing some 5000 individual and corporate marketing professionals in Singapore&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2764319189844515178?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2764319189844515178/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2764319189844515178' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2764319189844515178'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2764319189844515178'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/rumour-is-like-sars-virus-it-can-spread.html' title='Rumour is Like the SARS Virus, It Can Spread by Mouth, by Phone'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-1944292941433313737</id><published>2008-05-03T12:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-03T12:27:03.682-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Dating Advices - How to Play Hard To Get</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelF-J/IncredibleHulk/index.html&gt;Incredible Hulk&lt;/a&gt; lot of interests and discussions on how to play hard to get before &lt;a href=http://www.music.pop-cult.com/barrett-syd.html&gt;Syd Barrett&lt;/a&gt; relationship starts. Actually to play hard to get is not that hard. A woman can play hard to get by simply just not giving the other guy clear hints that she is interested in him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So let me just list out &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Fluvoxamine-Luvox.php&gt;Fluvoxamine&lt;/a&gt; few ways that a woman can play hard to get:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;1. Do not call him back immediately.&lt;/b&gt; This is one of the most common techniques that a woman will use on a man. When a guy just got a womans phone number, he will tend to &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer.html&gt;Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer&lt;/a&gt; and call her the very next day. But usually, this will only result in the woman returning his calls only after days, or NOT even returning at all!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;2. Treat him randomly.&lt;/b&gt; There are cases where a man manages to get in a very close term with a woman for a while, but after sometimes, she turns a cold shoulder on him. This will make him wonder why, is &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Donepezil-Aricept.php&gt;Donepezil&lt;/a&gt; if you are not interested in him anymore, or you are just simply playing hard to get with him?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;3. Do not give him a clear Yes or No.&lt;/b&gt; After some times chasing a woman, a guy will pop the question, if he sees that everything goes well. But if you want to play hard to get with him, you can drop some hints to him. Do not give him the definite answer. One typical example is asking him to wait X number of days, before you tell him the answer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Playing hard to get is definitely a fun way to kick-start a relationship. But be sure not to overdo it, because you may be giving out the wrong hints to the guys, and we guys will not wait for you forever.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Crid Lee is the webmaster of WhyWomenPlayHardToGet.com You can visit it at   www.WhyWomenPlayHardToGet.comwww.WhyWomenPlayHardToGet.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Crid Lee is also the webmaster of TheKamaSutraOnline.com Download your FREE report: The 15 Best Techniques In KamaSutra at   www.TheKamaSutraOnline.comwww.TheKamaSutraOnline.com now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Please feel free to republish this article on your website, or distribute it to your friends or clients, as long as you leave the resource box intact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-1944292941433313737?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/1944292941433313737/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=1944292941433313737' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1944292941433313737'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1944292941433313737'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/dating-advices-how-to-play-hard-to-get.html' title='Dating Advices - How to Play Hard To Get'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-3207910772595684012</id><published>2008-05-03T09:42:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-03T09:42:00.248-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Is Duplication a Myth?</title><content type='html'>&lt;P&gt;trademark  2003  www.PriyaShah.comPriya Shah&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Duplication is one of the most important concepts in Network Marketing.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;It is the network marketer's ultimate dream to develop a system that can be replicated by anyone with average intelligence, just by following the exact methods passed on from one generation to another.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;But the fact is that we're all very unique individuals with very different qualities and talents.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;So should we really force ourselves and our downline to become clones, all mouthing the &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/rockin-around-the-christmas-tree.html&gt;Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree&lt;/a&gt; scripts, if we mean it or not? I don't think so.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;In fact I believe its one of the main reasons that so many people drop out of this investment - because the methods used by their &lt;a href=http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Boy-Toys/johnny-west.php&gt;Johnny West&lt;/a&gt; do not complement their unique personality and character traits.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I truly believe that everyone can be a winner - but not by blindly following in the footsteps of our "mentors." You will never be successful if you are not comfortable with doing what it takes.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Here are a few tips that might help to overcome this problem.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1. Learn the Basic Skills&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;We all need to go to school to learn the basic skills necessary to find our rightful place in society.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;So if you intend to do investment online, you WILL need to acquire a few basic skills in internet marketing - using the software you need, writing ads, designing a simple website, writing articles, publishing a newsletter.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;These are the A-B-Cs of marketing that you MUST learn if you want to survive online.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;As a network marketer, you will also need to develop a winning attitude and to believe in your own ability to succeed.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;But HOW you apply these new-found skills or attitudes may be completely different from the way your mentor or upline applies them. And that's the way it should be.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2. Celebrate Your Uniqueness&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Your personality is a combination of your own life experiences, education and outlook on life. These are things that can never be duplicated from person to person.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Instead of being ashamed of your past lifestyle or failures, share them with your prospects and clients. Get personal and let them know where you're coming from.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Frank &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/addams-family.html&gt;Addams Family&lt;/a&gt; who makes over $130,000 a year, revels in being known as a 'former New Jersey truck driver.' Tom 'Big Al' Schreiter's revelations on his attempts to lose weight get more reader responses than any other section of his newsletter.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Sharing that bit of their personality helped them create empathy, an image of them in the minds of others, and made thousands of people trust them enough to join their investment.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3. Be Yourself&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Because marketing is all about building relationships, you should let your personality come through in your communications, so you can build trust and network with like-minded people.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;If you force yourself to become a clone of someone else, no matter how successful they are, you will always sound insincere and that will put people off.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;People are more likely to do investment with someone they know and trust. Or with someone who forges an emotional bond with them.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Be sincere, let them know something about you that they can empathize with and you're on your way to building a relationship. &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;So throw away those scripts. Or read the best ones and make them your own. Rewrite them to complement the way you would &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/addams-family.html&gt;Addams Family&lt;/a&gt; speak or interact with people.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;You can always try to duplicate a system, a script, or even success. But the only thing that can ever really be duplicated is "Uniqueness."&lt;/P&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;P&gt; &lt;HR&gt; &lt;BR&gt;Priya Shah is the editor of the newsletters   ebizwhiz-publishing.comBe a Whiz at eBiz!&lt;/A&gt; and  www.glutathione-report.comThe Glutathione Report&lt;/A&gt;. She shows you how to truly build multiple sources of income online with the   www.brilliant-team.comBrilliant Team Home investment &lt;a href=http://www.saturdaymorning.pop-cult.com/dynomutt-dog-wonder.html&gt;Dynomutt&lt;/a&gt; &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-3207910772595684012?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/3207910772595684012/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=3207910772595684012' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3207910772595684012'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3207910772595684012'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/is-duplication-myth.html' title='Is Duplication a Myth?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-9092799394243808889</id><published>2008-05-02T08:37:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-02T08:37:00.503-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Dukes of Hazzard</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;LUKAS &amp; BEAUREGARD&lt;br&gt; LOST SHEEP&lt;br&gt; THE ORANGE WHIP&lt;br&gt; LEE VS. KITT  SMACKDOWN&lt;br&gt; CHASE SCENE&lt;br&gt; CAR 229&lt;br&gt; WHISTLING DIXIE&lt;br&gt; BOARS NEST&lt;br&gt; HAZZARD COUNTY&lt;br&gt; RUNAWAY&lt;br&gt; THAT 70s SHOW&lt;br&gt; DUDE WHERES MY CAR?&lt;br&gt; THE GENERALS SORTED PAST&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;LUKAS &amp; BEAUREGARD&lt;br&gt; Five Generations of Dukes had lived on &lt;a href=http://www.saturdaymorning.pop-cult.com/lidsville.html&gt;Lidsville&lt;/a&gt; farm where Uncle Jesse raised cousins  Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke. Bo and Luke were out propelling the family trade of running moonshine when they were snagged by The Man. Uncle Jesse cut a deal so they could stay out of jail if they agreed to never bootleg again. In exchange, the boys could never cross the state line or use firearms again. Uncle Jesse had his shotgun, but the Duke boys had to resort to bows and arrows if they needed some firepower. With help from their friend Cooter Davenport, the boys built a car for racing, the fastest car in Hazzard County, The General Lee. Of course, that car would get them into a whole new heap of trouble.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;LOST SHEEP&lt;br&gt; Lukes CB handle was Lost Sheep #1, Bos was Lost Sheep #2, Daisys was Bopeep and Uncle Jesses naturally was Shepard. Even though he was only a Duke at heart, Cooter had a handle too, he was Crazy C.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;THE ORANGE WHIP&lt;br&gt; The Dukes of Hazzard without the General Lee is like Star Trek without the Enterprise, it just wont fly. However there was one single episode called, Mary Kayes Baby where the Duke boys didnt jump hills in their orange Charger and instead tooled around in a car they borrowed from Cooter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;LEE VS. KITT - SMACKDOWN&lt;br&gt; The show ran from 1979 to 1985 and was constantly ranked in the top 10 of the Neilson &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/family-ties.html&gt;Family Ties&lt;/a&gt; The General Lee was the biggest star of the show and it was only natural that when the show, Knight Rider was introduced, they did a promo at the Bonneville salt flats showing the Knight Rider super car, K.I.T.T. outracing the country-built Rebel rouser.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CHASE SCENE&lt;br&gt; Officially the General Lee is a 1969 Dodge Charger. But they crashed a lot of cars on that show, replacing the police cruisers were fairly easy, however replacing the old Dodge Chargers, which were no longer in production was another story all together. It got to the point where producers would spot a Charger on the street and offer to buy it from the owner on the spot.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CAR 229&lt;br&gt; All in all, there were 229 General Lees created and mostly destroyed for the show. Consequently, some of those cars had to be 1968 and 1970 Chargers. About 20 of the cars are still in existence in various states of disrepair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;WHISTLING DIXIE&lt;br&gt; The General's famous Dixie horn wasn't originally in the script for the show. When the producers were driving through Georgia to do the first few episodes, they heard a car pass with a "Dixie" horn and chased the driver down and convinced the owner to sell them the horn on the spot. They later realized that it was a simple novelty horn, which can be purchased at any auto parts store for about &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas.html&gt;We Wish You a Merry Christmas&lt;/a&gt; times less than what they ponied up for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;BOARS NEST&lt;br&gt; As far as the horn investment goes, it was only actually used during the first five episodes. Those were shot on location in Georgia, when the production moved to southern California, they opted to edit the horn sound in during post production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;HAZZARD COUNTY&lt;br&gt; The first five episodes of the series were filmed in Conyers, Convington and Oxford, Georgia. From episode six and beyond, the filming was permanently moved to southern California where they shot the show at the Warner Bros. set in Burbank as well as The Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall and the Paramount Ranch in Agoura, California.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;RUNAWAY&lt;br&gt; Daisy Duke originally drove a yellow 1973 Plymouth Roadrunner, but Bo and Luke drove it off a cliff during a 2nd season episode when the brakes failed. The Duke boys made a daring escape and Daisy got her famous white Jeep, nicknamed 'Dixie'.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;THAT 70s SHOW&lt;br&gt; Turning B-Level TV Shows into Megahit movies is all the rage these days. Charlies Angels, Mission: Impossible, The Addams Family, Dragnet, The Brady Bunch and Scooby Doo have done it, why not more? Jim Carrey is slated to be the Six Million Dollar Man and Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have suited up as Starsky &amp; Hutch.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;DUDE WHERES MY CAR?&lt;br&gt; So what is up with a big screen version of everybodys favorite hot-rodding rednecks? It looks like a go with That 70s Show stars, Paul Walker and Ashton Kutcher portraying Bo and Luke Duke. Anthony Anderson from Scary Movie 3 could be playing Boss Hogg, but more interestingly are the rumors that Britney Spears will be donning the Daisy Dukes to play Daisy Duke. The biggest question might be - are they going to paint Rebel Flag on the car?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;THE GENERALS SORTED PAST&lt;br&gt; The Duke boys got the car from an impound yard. It had been used in a robbery and was banged up &lt;a href=http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Games/toss-across.php&gt;Toss Across&lt;/a&gt; bad, but they fixed it and put in the engine they built. They painted it orange "because' it was the only color Cooter had on hand. Further customizing, they painted a rebel flag on the roof, stuck in a dixie horn, and uncle Jesse came up with the name General Lee. The General could beat or catch anything on the road given half a chance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To read more articles by Chad, visit the American &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/fall-guy.html&gt;The Fall Guy&lt;/a&gt; Culture Encyclopedia at:   target="_new"  www.americanpopcultureencyclopedia.com"&gt;American Pop Culture Encyclopedia .&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; If you would like to read this article, or others like it, on American Pop Culture Encyclopedia, please visit:   target="_new"  www.americanpopcultureencyclopedia.com/dukes%20of%20hazzard.htm"&gt;Dukes of Hazzard &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-9092799394243808889?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/9092799394243808889/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=9092799394243808889' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9092799394243808889'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/9092799394243808889'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/dukes-of-hazzard.html' title='Dukes of Hazzard'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-2670054874725883781</id><published>2008-05-01T09:49:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-01T06:48:05.390-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Fabber - Real World 3D And Rapid Prototyping For The Hobbyist And Home User</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Solid Freeform Fabrication or Rapid Prototyping has been around for quite &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/viagra-consumer-information.php&gt;Viagra Information&lt;/a&gt; long time now. Many commercial companies offer various type of machines that can manufacture high precision parts out of both plastic or metal to exating tolerances. The downside, they cost anywhere between $15,000 and upwards of $90,000. Some machines can even run up to $500,000.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Fabber &lt;a href=http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Games/aggravation.php&gt;Aggravation&lt;/a&gt; a joint project started in the Computational Synthesis Lab at Cornell by Dr. Hod Lipson. He initially visualized the Fabber as a tool to reproduce lost Lego pieces. It is a low cost reasonable detail sold freeform modelling or fabrication tool with a build volume of about 512 cubic inches. or an 8" cube.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What the Fabber really represents is a grass-roots approach to what has been a niche product for more than 20 years. As they explain, they are comparing the Fabber to the Altair 8000, one of the first micromachines and one of the things that triggered the home machine boom back in the mid 1970's. The Fabber even costs about the same with inflation, at about $2300 for parts, whereas the old Altair would have cost about $2000 in today's dollars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What the Fabber is specifically, is a Solid Free Form Fabrication tool. It uses a lifting table combined with a XY axis stepper motor that guides a print head or engine that contains a number of syringes. Each syringe can hold a different fluid material, and depending on the size of the nozzle, you can potentially use the Fabber to build very &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelK-Mar/MarvelSuper-Heroes/index.html&gt;Marvel Super Heroes&lt;/a&gt; and detailed objects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The real beauty of the tool is that it is all made from off-the-shelf components. For a little over $2,000 you can buy the complete kit and put it together, or buy a fully assembled unit from a company called Koba Industries, which has partnered with Fab @ Home to build and sell the product at only a little bit above assembly prices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Fabber will take a standard STL file format used by any of the 3D design applications and produce an actual model based on that file. They have used the Fabber to produce a watch with embedded electronics, a working flashlight with circuitry injected, as well as some other really cool things.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a brand new technology and certainly not as refined as the high end production machines that can be bought for multi-thousands of dollars. But as a concept, it's something that can be developed and evolved. All it takes is ingenuity and a desire to see how far you can go.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For details on &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Dell-GoldKey/Mod-Squad/index.html&gt;Mod Squad&lt;/a&gt; exciting new hobby tool go to   www.fabathome.orgFab @ home.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tim Morrison is a founding member of   www.morristreet.comMorristreet.com&lt;/a&gt;, a technology company developed to bridge the gap between virtual and real worlds in the realm of 3d. Our goal is to be able to produce a 3d image on the machine and then produce it as a physical object - no &lt;a href=http://saporro.bravehost.com/index.html&gt;Index&lt;/a&gt; what the complexity or detail involved. In this vein, we keep track of anything in relation to 3D imagery that can bring our goals closer, be it gaming consoles that can do more than play games, hardware imaging solutions, or software that can make our lives easier.   www.morristreet.comReal World 3D&lt;/a&gt; is coming, Morristreet is in the lead!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-2670054874725883781?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/2670054874725883781/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=2670054874725883781' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2670054874725883781'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/2670054874725883781'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/05/fabber-real-world-3d-and-rapid.html' title='The Fabber - Real World 3D And Rapid Prototyping For The Hobbyist And Home User'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-7126259251990691251</id><published>2008-04-30T08:34:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-30T05:33:54.262-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Is There a Bias in Media or is it Just an Urban Legend?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Have you ever wondered who ultimately has control of the media? This is &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/Area-51.php&gt;Area 51&lt;/a&gt; subject of concern to many. The question really isn't so much about the &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/mandrake.php&gt;Mandrake root&lt;/a&gt; of a news organization as it is about the prevailing belief system of those who gather and report the news.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The primary impetus in journalism is to seek to answer a few key questions, for example questions like who, what when, where, why and how. This should satisfy the primary objective of journalism, however many assert this is only a starting point with a fixed agenda at the other end of the report.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this debate the one thing both sides seem to be able to agree on is that the other side does not present news fairly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many contend that the bias of most media is liberal in worldview. This is attributed to radio, television and newsprint. The feeling is that news organizations most often side with liberal issues and will provide more news &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/washington.html&gt;Washington Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; to these issues than those who espouse a more conservative point of view. Some have even attempted to chronicle the instances of a liberal bias in the news and those reports seem to indicate that there may be either a liberal bias or at the very least a &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/mandrake.php&gt;Mandrake root&lt;/a&gt; to keep the conflicting points of view out of balance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The lost of offenses seem long and unrelenting, but this issue is not one sided. If it were there would be no debate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are those who contend there are similar offenses on networks that purport to provide coverage that is more fairly balanced. In these cases those who espouse a more liberal worldview believe that the news coverage on these networks are tantamount to propaganda and misinformation. It is further suggested that these news organizations are the lapdog of the conservative right. As with our previous example there are those that will point out instances where coverage had a decidedly conservative bias with little coverage of any opposing point of view.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A growing contingent of online new distributors has taken the idea of news gathering and &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Gabapentin-Neurontin.php&gt;Neurontin&lt;/a&gt; sharing to a place of personal interest. Many individuals and smaller companies are providing news coverage online because they do not trust some of the better-known news gathering organizations. However, it could be argued that even these smaller organizations have a bias that is showing through.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I'd like to contend that there is always going to be a strong tendency to bias in news gathering and reporting. It is possible that a more liberal leaning newscaster will accentuate negative information about a conservative issue while the same would be true about a conservative reporter pointing out flaws in a story about a liberal issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is the contention of some that this may not even be an issue of ill intent. The negative jabs at the opposing perspective may come from an unconscious bias that is not consciously recognized by the writer or reporter. However, this scenario is often recognized quickly by those who have a different perspective on the issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Is there a bias in media reporting? If so does that bias lean on one direction more than another? If so, who is responsible?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discuss all of life's most   www.controversialforums.comControversial Issues&lt;/a&gt; at ControversialForums. Have   www.controversialforums.comDebates&lt;/a&gt; in our   www.controversialforums.comDebate Forums&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-7126259251990691251?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/7126259251990691251/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=7126259251990691251' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7126259251990691251'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/7126259251990691251'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/is-there-bias-in-media-or-is-it-just.html' title='Is There a Bias in Media or is it Just an Urban Legend?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-5782017296881863107</id><published>2008-04-29T08:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-29T05:58:56.210-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Monavie Scam - What Is The Truth?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the recent increase &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas.html&gt;Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas&lt;/a&gt; baby boomers interests in wellness products, this has brought about a great deal of timely marketing ideas bursting into the economy. You should be seeing hundreds of 'health' juice drinks around the globe. The latest phenomenon &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/father-ted.html&gt;Father Ted&lt;/a&gt; the MonaVie scam.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We will discover the truth behind the MonaVie scam. With the help of some known facts you will also be able to take an insider look. Instead of boring you with some 'fatty' information we will dive straight into the heart of the matter and surface the 'meat' of the MonaVie scam.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Founding MonaVie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have not done your homework about the MonaVie scam yet it is fine. Here is how MovaVie actually started. MonaVie was founded by a gentleman named Daillin Larsen. Daillin had &lt;a href=http://www.lemonlaws.shop24-7-365.com/indiana.html&gt;Indiana Lemon Laws&lt;/a&gt; from a 17 year experience &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html&gt;We Three Kings of Orient Are&lt;/a&gt; direct selling and wanted to share the aai berry's health benefits with people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Instead of just creating a product with the aai berry, Daillin has his team of scientists identify 19 fruits to be included in the MonaVie product drink. That is your great summary to the well known MonaVie drink. Since then, it has evolved into the MonaVie Active formula drink.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before The MonaVie Scam And The System&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just don't judge the MonaVie scam to be valid too quickly because it was not this way in the beginning. You should do some good research on more about the company before drawing your own conclusion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Like all typical multi level marketing systems your guess is a correct about it's selling propositions. You are normally encouraged to become Independent Distributors if you purchase MonaVie's products. You profit by bringing in more distributors and get a percentage of every sale made by your down line.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is correct to say that you will be working in a network marketing based system where "leveraging on others" is the common motto. Generally, you bring in a network of people to sell MonaVie juices, they sell to their friends, and their friends sell to their friends. Let us get down to more details about the MonaVie scam now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Sad Truth&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unfortunately, your &lt;a href=http://www.bubblegum-cards.com/Weird-Wheels/index.html&gt;Weird Wheels&lt;/a&gt; friends of the public do not agree with MonaVie and most it's claims. We shall go over &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/in-excelsis-gloria.html&gt;In Excelsis Gloria&lt;/a&gt; point briefly to validate this. Firstly, it would be nice for you to know that the price you pay for each bottle of the drink costs $45. A one month supply is about $180.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A brief summary of some sad facts of the MonaVie scam:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1) MonaVie is not purchasing their Aai berries from Sambazon (source of the best berries)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2) The drink is not made up of 100% freeze dried Aai. They use a blend of Aai puree and freeze dried Aai&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3) Independent distributors can abuse the system and try to recruit endless representatives&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most people get burned by point 3 because in reality it isn't that easy to recruit people who can work the same system to your liking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is still some light at the end of the tunnel. If you really want to profit easily but with some element of direct marketing involved, doing an instant commission sale is the trend for today. You would not even bother about the MonaVie scam topics once you discover this.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About The Author:&lt;br&gt; Vern How has been earning online back in June 2006. He has tried and tested thousands of dollars worth of programs since then. Today, he is a successful affiliate marketer who believes in giving back by helping others. To find out how Vern can help you work from home go to...   www.simple-riches.comSimple Riches&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on a fool-proof strategy to profiting massively on the Internet, just check out the   www.simple-riches.comMonaVie Scam Solution&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-5782017296881863107?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/5782017296881863107/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=5782017296881863107' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5782017296881863107'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/5782017296881863107'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/monavie-scam-what-is-truth.html' title='Monavie Scam - What Is The Truth?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-3616333419341657864</id><published>2008-04-28T08:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-28T05:58:43.648-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Is Good client Service Going to the Dogs?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I had an experience &lt;a href=http://captkirkhbvgdoq.blogspot.com&gt;Captkirkhbvgdoq&lt;/a&gt; other day that has made me think about how too many client service experiences unfold in the investment world today, and about the difference that really good service can make.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have two dogs. Earlier this week, it was time for them to get their summer haircuts so that they will be able to comfortably cope with the Houston heat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The newest addition to the house is Jason, &lt;a href=http://www.comics.pop-cult.com/S-Z/shadow.html&gt;The Shadow&lt;/a&gt; miniature &lt;a href=http://bookspycojpkbtz.blogspot.com&gt;Bookspycojpkbtz&lt;/a&gt; who had been the prized pet &lt;a href=http://supermanecodowrv.blogspot.com&gt;Supermanecodowrv&lt;/a&gt; an old lady who had to give him up for adoption when she moved to a nursing home. She had chosen to keep him fully furred, not trimmed in the traditional schnauzer cut, so that he had a really nice wire haired coat to go with his bushy eyebrows and stubby tail. The other dog is Lucky, a schnauzer-poodle mixpoodle ears and body, schnauzer muzzle and curly tailhe gets the traditional cut.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, I took the two little guys to the groomers the other morning. I was the first client of the day, and the salon was nice and quiet. I explained what I wanted to the person who would be doing the jobtraditional schnauzer cut on Lucky, &lt;em&gt;but not on Jason&lt;/em&gt;. Just a trim for him. This is important, I told her, because I dont want his coat shaved offonce that wire hair is gone it never grows back. Did she understand, I asked?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yes, she answered. But did I want Jasons skirt trimmed?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Skirt? I stared blankly and finally figured out that she was talking about the feathery bits on his chest and belly. Yes, fine, I said. Trim that area but just dont shave him. She nodded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I went back a few hours later to pick up the boys. At that point the salon was buzzing with dogs, clients, and groomers. The fur was literally flying. First came Lucky, looking very dapper and neat. A few seconds later, out came Jason, and my mouth dropped open.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;He had been completely shaved!!!&lt;/strong&gt; The groomer had given him a standard schnauzer cutand that lovely wire coat was gone forever.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I couldnt believe it. I was angry and sad at the same time. What had happened? How could the conversation we had had in the morning have been so completely lost?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After discussing the situation with the salon owner, she reluctantly refunded my money, which was very small consolation for the snafu. It should be no surprise that I will not be going back to that salon when the boys fur has grown out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This whole thing left me thinking about how this kind of client service happens in other investmentes. There were several points about the experience that translate:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Are we really listening to our clients? Do we ask the questions we need to ask to make sure that we understand what they want from us? Do we make accurate notes so that we retain instructions and deliver what was asked for? I got plenty of nods from the groomer during our talk, but my instructions obviously got lost somewhere between her ears and her shears. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Are we communicating clearly back to them, or do we use industry jargon that they may or may not understand? When the groomer asked me about trimming Jasons skirt, I had to stop and think. It was MY responsibility to &lt;a href=http://www.music.pop-cult.com/humble-pie.html&gt;Humble Pie&lt;/a&gt; out what she was talking about. Not a great way to do investment. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Finally, and very very important, when mistakes do get made on our side of the transaction, how do we make amends? Even the worst error doesnt have to mean the loss of the client. Respond to the mistake with restitution that matches its seriousness. In my case, given the extent of the mistake with Jason, and the permanence of the result, the salon owner fell far short in restitution and in terms of keeping my investment. I had to struggle to simply get a refund, which was insufficient compared to the permanent impact this error has. I wont be back to that salon.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;These three points--listening to the client, communicating back in ways that they will easily understand, and making appropriate amends when mistakes get made on our endare the core of excellent service and the key to keeping loyal and happy clients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(As a post script, I should note that Jason still looks darn cute, even without his fur. And Im sure he doesnt care one way or the other about all that wire hair!)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trish Lambert (  www.trishlambert.comhttp://www.trishlambert.com&lt;/a&gt;), principal of 4-R Marketing LLC, is an experienced marketing consultant and creator of the 4-R Marketing Model for service investmentes. Very much a "non-conformist" in the marketing world, Trish produces measurable results with marketing that drives revenues for her clients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-3616333419341657864?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/3616333419341657864/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=3616333419341657864' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3616333419341657864'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3616333419341657864'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/is-good-client-service-going-to-dogs.html' title='Is Good client Service Going to the Dogs?'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-3335842371707196642</id><published>2008-04-27T11:45:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-27T08:44:16.690-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Is Winning Big Brother A True Measure Of Success</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Success means different things &lt;a href=http://www.mad-monsters.com/Movie-Photos/Mummy/index.html&gt; The Mummy&lt;/a&gt; different people. To some it means great monetary wealth but some people have no desire to &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelF-J/GhostRider(1973)/index.html&gt;Ghost Rider&lt;/a&gt; millionaires, some only dream of having their writings published, others to stop as many children in third world countries from dying of hunger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I'm sure my father's idea of success was working his way up &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/DC/DCA-B/BlackMagic/index.html&gt;Black Magic&lt;/a&gt; ladder at the manufacturing company he worked at for over 40 years, to give us the best standard of living he could &lt;a href=http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/Akashic-records.php&gt;Akashic records&lt;/a&gt; have enough in his pension to enjoy his retirement. To him that was what he classed as a successful life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever your idea of success is you will find that great success never comes all at once, great success is made up of a number of small successes, putting these smaller successes together makes the big success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We find overnight success like the so called overnight success of celebrities, pop idols or the people from shows like Big Brother and the like, don't seem to last long.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other hand we can see a celebrity or star become what would appear to be an overnight success turn into a big success, but if we look &lt;a href=http://www.movies.pop-cult.com/black-sabbath.html&gt;Black Sabbath&lt;/a&gt; we would find they are not an instant success, they without a doubt, have been working at their craft for a long time, out of the spotlight, notching up small success after small success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you look at very rich and successful people and go back far enough you will find somebody somewhere started from nothing and started building on small success after small success&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will find these successful men and women were, and are, people that are prepared to go that extra mile, have clear defined goals and a clear plan of action and have one thing in common, they never give up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If we look back through history we find that inventors, like John Harrison the horologist, who worked a lifetime to design and make a clock accurate enough to be able to assist mariners who, from the heaving deck of a ship could calculate longitude and find their true position at sea, had many setbacks but he never gave up and finally achieved his goal and received recognition and monetary rewards he so rightfully deserved. (20,000 from the government which in the later end of the seventeen hundreds was a fortune)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Scientists like Thomas Edison after thousands of attempts and setbacks finely invented the light bulb, he never gave up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When we look to the past if it be investment people or explorers the successful were the ones that were to go that little bit further and not give up. When asked in an interview what advice he would give anyone wanting to reach success Elton John said "find what you like doing and keep doing it".&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Commonsense really if you think about it. If you find something you like doing and keep doing it you will become good at it, if you become good at anything you will make money at it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Barry Share is the Founder and editorial director of "The New Lifestyle Programme" Where you can get your copy of the amazing..."Design for your Success" a 7 step plan to achieving wealth health and happiness =&gt;  target=_"new" newlifestylepro.com/dfs-s.htmlhttp://newlifestylepro.com/dfs-s.html&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-3335842371707196642?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/3335842371707196642/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=3335842371707196642' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3335842371707196642'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3335842371707196642'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/is-winning-big-brother-true-measure-of.html' title='Is Winning Big Brother A True Measure Of Success'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-6010595404202718412</id><published>2008-04-26T08:18:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-26T05:17:30.499-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Write A Resource Box That Delivers Massive Traffic To Your Website</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Your resource box &lt;a href=http://music-lyricssvnrhzqbf.blogspot.com&gt;Music Lyricssvnrhzqbf&lt;/a&gt; the heart and soul of what makes &lt;a href=http://blogmeout.com/clydedidit/&gt;Clydedidit&lt;/a&gt; marketing stand out as the most efficient, most effective way to drive traffic to your website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The concept is simple, write a few dozen, short articles that average 300 to 900 words in length, on a topic that is useful to the people you &lt;a href=http://www.viaggra.org/viagra-FAQ.php&gt;Viagra&lt;/a&gt; to do business with, publish these articles online at any of the hundreds of "article submission sites" or "article banks."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under the terms of service of these article banks, you permit other webmasters or newsletter publishers to reprint your articles under certain conditions. These conditions include the requirement that they reprint your article with no changes and give you proper attribution as the author of the article. This includes your resource box at the end of your article.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your resource box is the only place you may sell in your article. The body of the article should have a low key, helpful flavor to it so that readers will feel that they are receiving valuable information on a topic of interest to them. But the resource box, is where you can tell about your self, about the services you offer and contains a link to your site that they may click in order to visit your website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But how do you motivate readers to click on your link and go to your website? Here are a few ideas to include in your resource box that will greatly increase the number of visitors you get from every article you write:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Offer to solve a problem. This should be easy since anyone reading your article is probably interested in solving a certain type of problem. In your resource box, you just spell out the solution more specifically and promise that they will find the solution when they visit your website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Make a promise. All benefits are promises. Promises to get something in exchange for &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelA-B/AmazingSpider-Man/index.html&gt;Spider-Man&lt;/a&gt; your link. Think through what you do and come up with some very clear and specific promises you can make. These are not always promises your services can deliver on, but promises they will get just for visiting your site.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;What changes do your readers want to realize? Benefits are simply solutions or changes. Make a list of all the changes you can offer someone and choose the most concise, most emotional change you can think of to put into your resource box.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Use words like "find out" or "learn how" to get people to visit your website. People who read your online articles are looking for more information. "How to" type articles dominate article banks for the simple reason that people are looking for ways to solve problems and create changes, as we've already learned in the examples above.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Use the words "you can." People may want to solve problems or create changes, but they also have doubts that they can bring these things to pass. "You can" phrases are strongly motivating and help readers picture themselves enjoying the solutions and changes your article promises.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Put yourself in the minds of your potential visitors and make a list of &lt;a href=http://www.tv.pop-cult.com/video/dark-shadows-1-01.html&gt;Dark Shadows video&lt;/a&gt; wants" form their point of view. For example, if you are a lawyer, put yourself in the mindset of your potential clients. The I wants" you come up with may be: "I want to be compensated fairly for my pain and suffering," "I want to erase an unfair criminal conviction from my record, "I want to be paid for my lost wages from an employer who unjustly terminated my employment and then spread untrue rumors about me in the workplace."&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Writing an outstanding resource box takes a lot of work. Often it is more work to write the resource box than it is to write the article itself. But remember you aren't selling yourself in the article, you are in the resource box. Make it shine and you will be rewarded by increased traffic and increased clients who want to do business with you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Charles Brown is a copywriter and internet marketer who teaches entrepreneurs how to create superior marketing campaigns, write compelling web content, capture more leads, build huge email lists and use autoresponders to turn casual website visitors into buyers. His popular newsletter, http://www.trafficwave.net/lcp/chbrown/tightwad"&gt;Tightwad Marketing Ideas&lt;/a&gt; is a must for any entrepreneur wanting to successfully market any business without spending a fortune.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-6010595404202718412?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/6010595404202718412/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=6010595404202718412' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6010595404202718412'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/6010595404202718412'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-write-resource-box-that-delivers.html' title='How To Write A Resource Box That Delivers Massive Traffic To Your Website'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-1281684546728413568</id><published>2008-04-25T09:26:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-25T06:25:06.515-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The History of Bathrobes</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Have you ever wondered the origin of bathrobes? The bathrobe essentially began with the robe. Robes have taken large roles throughout the course of history, and there are numerous robes in addition to bathrobes. Robes are worn in religious ceremonies, as clothing for judges and lawyers, and are also used as part of academic graduations. As time has progressed, these various robes have transformed into the bathrobes of today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From Robes to Bathrobes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To understand the history of bathrobes, one must start with the robe. Defined as &lt;a href=http://www.christmas-almanac.com/Christmas-Carols/over-the-river-and-thru-the-woods.html&gt;Over the River and Through the Woods&lt;/a&gt; loose-fitting outer garment, the English word robe was taken from the French word meaning "a woman's dress." The robe was differentiated from &lt;a href=http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Boy-Toys/stretch-armstrong.php&gt;Stretch Armstrong&lt;/a&gt; similar garments, such as capes or cloaks, because of its sleeves. One of the most noted robes in history is the seamless robe worn by Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion. This actual seamless robe is currently kept at an altar by the Roman Catholic Church, and was last publicly viewed in the year 1996.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Chinese are well known for their use of   target="_new"  www.plushrobes.com/page28.html"&gt;robes . Chinese robes &lt;a href=http://www.saturdaymorning.pop-cult.com/alvin-show.html&gt;Alvin and the Chipmunks&lt;/a&gt; made from fine fabrics such as silk, and worn as outer garments. These robes were also adorned with intricate embroidery. These robes were worn as far back as the 1800s, throughout a large part of the Chinese dynasties.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A style of robe that is an inspiration to the design of bath robes, is the Japanese kimono style robe. These styles of robes also date back to the early 1800s. The kimono style robes were considered pieces of art by the Japanese. These garments were usually created from silk fabric, or even gold foil, and also had elaborate embroidery. The Chinese and Japanese robes of ancient times are still currently used as &lt;a href=http://www.toys.pop-cult.com/first-video-games.html&gt;early video games&lt;/a&gt; apparel in these countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bathrobe Transformation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As history has progressed, the robe has gradually transformed into the bathrobe. Bathrobes can be defined as robes worn after bathing, or similar activities such as swimming. In European countries, baths were commonly taken in bath houses where several other people would be bathing. Bath robes were commonly used in these countries to cover the body for warmth, as well as, providing privacy. Bath robes of modern times are used for in this very way, and for similar purposes. Both men's and   target="_new"  www.plushrobes.com/chenille-robes.html"&gt;women's bathrobes  of today are inspired by the robes of the past, and are available in a wide array of fabrics, colors, and styles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connie Hunter is a fashion writer and frequent contributor to Plush Robes, the Internet's premier site for high quality   target=_"new"  www.plushrobes.com/index.html"&gt;women's bathrobes  including a great selection of terry robes and hooded robes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-1281684546728413568?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/1281684546728413568/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=1281684546728413568' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1281684546728413568'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/1281684546728413568'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/history-of-bathrobes.html' title='The History of Bathrobes'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238875346936354864.post-3730264646964682286</id><published>2008-04-24T08:56:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-24T05:57:06.985-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Fame - It's the New Black</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Every couple of years, scientists unveil a new disorder that strikes terror in our hearts. No one is immune from the dysfunction &lt;a href=http://www.comic-covers.com/Marvel/MarvelA-B/Beware/index.html&gt;Beware&lt;/a&gt; currently in vogue; in fact, you might have it right now and not even know it. Indeed, researchers estimate that one-third of us are afflicted with it to some degree. The disorder I'm referring to is CWS, or celebrity worship syndrome. It's defined as an unhealthy interest in the lives of the rich and famous.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Americans have long been fascinated with celebrities. The explosion of celebrity tabloids such as Us Weekly, &lt;a href=http://mid-century-modernozxaubsq.blogspot.com&gt;Mid Century Modernozxaubsq&lt;/a&gt; Touch and Life &amp; Style, along with the rabid popularity of entertainment tv shows such as Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight indicates that our obsession is only intensifying.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Escapist Mechanism&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While this phenomenon might appear silly, some sociologists say our celebrity-watching is a coping mechanism. People focus on the seemingly glamorous lives of the rich and famous in order to distract themselves from the harsh realities of life, such as the war in Iraq, uncertain global economic conditions and sobering news about tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;"These magazines are proliferating for the same reason prescriptions of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs are," media critic Simon Dumenco wrote. "They dull our emotional pain." Indeed, a similar &lt;a href=http://www.pharmacy.shop24-7-365.com/Celexa-Citalopram.php&gt;Celexa&lt;/a&gt; was observed during the Great Depression, when film stars like Clark Gable and Jean Harlow captured the public's attention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Religious Experience?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Celebrity worship is so common that researchers at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine created a "celebrity attitude scale." The levels range from casual stargazing to borderline pathological. While the negative extreme can lead to anti-social behavior such as stalking, researchers say a certain amount of stargazing is normal and that we need aspirational role models. "Celebrities can inspire people of all ages to be better than they are," psychologist James Houran, who led the study, has said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's natural to look up to individuals who get attention because they have succeeded in a society, scientists say. It's understandable to want to emulate their fame and fortune. &lt;a href=http://fashion-design.pop-cult.com/mod.html&gt;Mod&lt;/a&gt; Tyler Cowen views celebrity worship in largely economic terms. In his book What Price &lt;a href=http://findmusicatmiwjaqkug.blogspot.com&gt;Findmusicatmiwjaqkug&lt;/a&gt; he writes: "Fame has become the ideological and intellectual fabric of modern capitalism. Ours is an economy of fame. Our culture is about the commodification of the individual and the individual image."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But as with anything, too much is unhealthy. Some sociologists say our obsession with celebrity is dangerous. "Celebrity worship is akin to a national religion in the United States. It's one of the country's most invasive and dubiously valuable exports to the world, and it is the fast-burning fuel for a relentless, corrosive media machine that infects most every part of our culture," author Jon Katz wrote.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What's destructive about obsessing over the details of a celebrity's life is that you live vicariously through someone else, with some fans seeking "immortality through association," psychologists say. And by elevating movie actors and pop singers on pedestals, we're losing our ability to recognize true human greatness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Getting Their 15 Minutes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today's fame fever is aptly underscored by the proliferation of hit reality tv shows like Survivor, The Apprentice and American Idol. In fact, record numbers turned out for recent auditions for each of these shows. In a survey of British adolescents, more than 80% said they wanted to be a celebrity (e.g., a movie star, pop singer, sports hero or celebrity chef).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;"The urge to acquire celebrity status is the ethic on which everything in our world now depends. Nothing moves in our universe without the imprint of celebrity. There is no boundary that celebrity has not transcended. The ethos of the zoo has become the new world order," wrote author Ziauddin Sardar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What's odd is that is that you don't need to accomplish anything to become famous today. Just about any talentless hack can get their 15 minutes (think Monica Lewinsky). And that's perhaps the real tragedy of it all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Samantha Chang is the executive editor of The Improper, a lifestyle magazine in NYC. A business and lifestyle journalist for 12 years. Samantha writes about personal finance, fashion and health/fitness. Visit her out at   target="_new"  www.theimproper.com"&gt;www.theimproper.com &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6238875346936354864-3730264646964682286?l=rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/feeds/3730264646964682286/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6238875346936354864&amp;postID=3730264646964682286' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3730264646964682286'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6238875346936354864/posts/default/3730264646964682286'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://rijwzjzvq.blogspot.com/2008/04/fame-its-new-black.html' title='Fame - It&apos;s the New Black'/><author><name>peggyhen</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02391552616689208026</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
