Renaissance Woman Online

Why I Believe Abortion Should Be Legal, Safe, and Rare

2008-01-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

I have always been a supporter of a woman's right to choose. It is not simply that I am a supporter of abortion. I have never had an abortion and don't think I could. However, I should have the right to make that decision myself -- not have it forced on me. My position on abortion is really very simple -- it should be legal, safe and rare.

The most important reason for my belief that abortion should be legal and safe is very closely tied to women's rights. A society that controls and shackles women's freedom cannot be wholly free. I do believe the issue is one of power and control -- of domination -- over women. If men could become pregnant abortion would not even be an issue. Pregnancy and child care have long been ways that men have controlled and dominated women as well as restricted their education and professional lives. When abortion is outlawed or restricted by laws then it becomes even more of an issue of control and discrimination -- aimed at the lower classes. We know that abortion will never disappear entirely, at least until universal fail-safe birth control exists, and that people of means will be able to obtain a safe abortion here or abroad. Outlawing abortion simply ensures that the poor and disadvantaged will have no safe alternative.

I have never understood why so many people put so much time, money and effort into outlawing abortion when spending that same time, money and effort on helping women without choices and helping the many abused and neglected children we already have would do far more to prevent abortions than any law ever could. Contrary to many abortion foes belief, I don't believe abortion is an easy choice for most women -- and for those it is an easy choice it is probably better they not be given responsibility for the health and welfare of a fetus or child. Many women who choose to have an abortion feel they have no alternative. Why not work to truly help those women so they do have choices and options? Until our society truly takes its responsibility to the children already born so we have no child suffering starvation, poverty, neglect, and abuse -- and all our children are given every opportunity for a quality education and future then I don't want to see time and resources devoted to the prevention of abortion. Think of helping these disadvantaged women and children as preventing the abortions of tomorrow. Simply outlawing abortion will not solve the root problem, instead it will drive those in need of an abortion into back alleys, but if you can solve the problems of abuse and poverty then there will be fewer unwanted pregnancies and fewer abortions.

Another important reason I believe the choice should be left up to the woman in question is that I believe the decision to reproduce has to be made willingly and only by the person involved. Pregnancy and child birth is a physical ordeal that can have a lifelong impact on a woman's mental and physical health and well being. In addition, the decision to raise a child has tremendous personal, professional, and financial repercussions. While it takes two to make a baby, all too often in the case of an unplanned pregnancy it is the woman who is left to cope alone. It is really quite simple. I believe that if I am going to undergo a process that effects my physical and mental well being as well as my financial and professional future then I should be able to make the decision myself. I am a mother and I love my child more than anything, but my pregnancy and child birth were difficult and life threatening. I am not sure if I could have survived either without the support of my husband, family, friends, and co-workers. I know this group has been even more important to me while raising my child. I am an educated professional with a good job and a good support system. I cannot imagine how people with fewer resources do it. We are failing as a society when we force so many to do so.

If we want a society that is truly free and truly responsible for all its members then abortion must be legal and safe. If abortion foes truly want to stop abortions then they should work on addressing the root causes of abortion -- poverty, abuse, and lack of opportunity. The more we do to give women freedom of choice and control over their lives then the rarer abortion will be. Then everyone wins.

Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle share more thoughts in her blog at http://dawggone.net

Why I Am A Presbyterian

2007-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

With so many types of Christian churches available today how do you choose the faith community that best fits your individual beliefs and needs? The best way to do this is by simple visiting the different churches. Not only attend a regular service but also take part in some other activity as well. Plus you should talk with members to get a sense of the individuals that make up that church community. In order to help others who are looking for a church community I would like to share just why I am a Presbyterian.

One of the primary reasons I am a Presbyterian can be summed up in one word -- tradition. My family has long been Presbyterians and that was the church that I was raised and married in. Whenever I have moved it is always the Presbyterian Church in the community that I visited first and because of my own personal tradition that is the church that I feel most comfortable with. Aside from my own personal tradition with the Presbyterian Church I also enjoy being part of the larger Presbyterian tradition which can trace its routes back to the earliest Protestant Reformation. While the Presbyterian Church is a living body that is constantly changing and evolving it also has a long tradition.

Mission is another important part of Presbyterianism. Presbyterians have long built schools and hospitals in parts of the world where health care and education are lacking. This tradition continues today. Presbyterians attitude toward mission work is not to convert by offering a helping hand to those in need but rather to demonstrate what it means to be a Christian by helping others. We hope to spread the word of God's love by our actions rather than our words. Presbyterians walk the walk while some other Christians simply talk the talk. This is why you find Presbyterian churches in unlikely locations such as remote villages in Africa, cities in China, and small communities in Appalachia. Because the Presbyterian Church came to offer help to that community then the people living there were inspired to become Presbyterians.

Evangelism, or rather the understatement of it, is a key component of being a Presbyterian. Presbyterians believe that you will know we are Christians by our love. I am always suspicious of someone who needs to tell me they are a Christian. I believe that I should know this by your actions and deeds. Presbyterians believe we are a Christian nation but strongly believe in separation of church and state. While many Presbyterians might be community leaders they hold their faith and their leadership apart from each other. Our witness is rooted in the gospel ministries of preaching, teaching, and healing, and in Christ's example of advocacy for the poor, the hungry and the oppressed. Presbyterians believe they are already saved by Jesus Christ and so can focus their life on helping others rather than saving themselves.

Tradition, mission, and evangelism are the reasons why I am a Presbyterian and why other Christians should at least consider joining this community of faith when seeking out a new church.

Read more articles by Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle at http://deannamascle.com

Why You Should Volunteer At Your Local School

2007-12-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

I started volunteering at my son's school when he was in preschool because the school's director required all parents to do volunteer duty. At first I rather resented the burden especially when it meant giving up my lunch hour to supervise the school lunch room and recess. Now that my son attends public school I willingly give up four hours a week to help his teacher. What has changed my mind about being a school volunteer? There are three key reasons that I changed my mind about being a school volunteer and whether or not you are a parent these reasons should apply to you as well.

Unless you live in a cave or under a rock you are well aware of that problems that our society is facing today. Today's children are in desperate need of mentors and role models to help them navigate the challenges life will throw in their path. Due to the high prevalence of broken homes in American society it is also important that children receive at least a portion of their affection and positive reinforcement outside the home. If you care at all about the future of our country, our society, and our world then you should care very much about providing this essential function in some children's lives. Equally important, many children are simply not getting the support necessary for their academics from home. Public school teachers do the best they can but a volunteer can provide invaluable assistance with a little one-on-one work that teachers simply cannot offer. Many children need help with basics of literacy and/or math and having some special help might make all the difference in their future.

If you want your community to be a good place to live both now and in the future then you must do everything you can to make the schools strong and successful. Education is key to the future for these children but their future success and happiness will have a direct impact on the overall success of your community. One person cannot change the world but you can change your little corner of the world through some volunteer work at your local school. It is easy to think that there are people paid to teach our children and so there is no need for school volunteers but the simple truth is that there are so many demands on today's public school teachers that volunteers are essential to school success.

You will find volunteering to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only can you see a difference as a result of your efforts, but you will receive a tremendous emotional benefit in terms of affection from the students. I collect hugs from a number of students every time I visit the class and all the warm smiles and affectionate greetings I receive just warm my heart. That along makes my time worth while but it is very rewarding to see the children I work with learn and blossom. Some students just need a little extra confidence while others need a little extra attention, but I am just as excited about their success as they are. Chances are there was some special adult who made a big difference to your childhood. Isn't it time you repaid that debt and did the same for a child?

If you have never considered volunteering in your local school then you should because it can make a huge difference in the lives of the children, it can be very beneficial to your community, and it can be good for you as well. Just a few hours a month can make a big difference in the lives of others as well as your own.

Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle writes about family and other topics at http://renaissancewomanonline.com

College Guide - All about the SAT and Passing with Flying Colors

2007-12-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Scholastic Aptitude or Assessment Test is now known as the SAT Reasoning Test and is an examination that all high school students are required to take in order to get into college. The SAT is conducted by the Educational Testing Service but it’s the College Board that computes the results of the test.

The Components of the SAT
There are three primary parts that make up the SAT: critical reading and writing and lastly, mathematics. Each part is further divided into three sub-sections. There are ten sub-sections all in all, with one sub-section made up of questions that are included for experimental purposes. This particular sub-section can belong to any of the three major parts of the SAT and results are excluded from the overall score.

Majority of the questions in the SAT provide students with multiple choices for their answers. The SAT takes five hours to complete. Questions are arranged according to their level of difficulty.

SAT Schedules, Candidates, and Fees
The SAT is administered to students seven times a year. It is in the months of February and July to September that there is a hiatus for SAT takers. The schedule also alternates between March and April in administering the test. Students who wish to take the SAT will be assisted by their respective schools in registering for the test.

If, however, such assistance is unavailable for a student, he may register by mail, telephone or online correspondence. Registration must be done at least three weeks prior to the preferred SAT testing schedule. The SAT costs approximately $40 to $50 although fees vary for international test takers.

SATs are administered on a Saturday but students who have valid reasons for requesting to take the test on a Sunday instead may always request for a change in test schedule to the appropriate authorities. Approval however depends on a case to case basis. Test takers with certain disabilities are given allowances in order to take the test with comfort. Again approval for such privileges depends on a case to case basis.

How SAT Scores are Tallied
A scale of 200 to 800 is used for each section, bringing the total score for SAT to 2400. One raw point is given whenever a student provides the right answer but 1/4th of a point is subtracted from the student’s score whenever he provides the wrong answer. The scoring system is set up in such a way that a student won't benefit if he were to randomly guess the answer.

How to Get It Right on the SAT Essay Question
The first part of the test that you will be asked to answer is the essay category and which represents 30% of the final score for the Critical Writing category of the SAT. The essay question is typically general and philosophical in nature. To effectively answer the essay part, students are usually advised to use various sources for their answer by citing situations and drawing examples from their personal life, history, the arts and so forth.

Tips on Preparing and Taking the SAT
Study at least six months prior to your preferred testing date. As the SAT tests you on the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the years, make sure that you don’t overlook any important subject in your review. For best results, create an outline in order to review for the SAT methodically and efficiently.

Avoid cramming. This can cause you to experience added stress and anxiety about the upcoming SAT. If you wish to study on the night before your testing date, you can simply review the main principles of each subject matter. Do your best to enjoy a good night’s sleep before the exam.

In the critical reading section, your vocabulary and ability to comprehend the text provided are being tested. If you’re finding it difficult to determine the right choice in vocabulary questions, cross out what you feel are immediately inapplicable to further narrow your choices. For reading comprehension questions, skim the text provided to get the gist then look up details when you have the time.

In the critical writing question, it’s all about finding the choice that completes the sentence or thought in the clearest possible way.

As for math questions, consider using variables if you feel unable to solve a problem. For grid-in questions, it’s important to provide an answer even if you’re unsure of it because this won’t be counted against you.

Find your college guide at http://www.teenslearnmore.com/

Words Of Wisdom - Why It Is Necessary To Keep Your Desire To Learn

2007-12-15T09:49:00.003-08:00

Necessary reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever dwelled upon how key learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three key reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

These are just three key reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Find more words of inspiration story and quick inspirations at http://wordsofinspirationonline.com/

Live And Learn Direct - Why It Is Essential To Keep Your Desire To Learn

2007-12-15T09:49:00.001-08:00

Essential reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever pondered upon how essential learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

These are just three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Find out how you can learn more and live and learn direct at http://howyoucanlearnmore.com/

Family Fun Vacations - 10 Fun Things for Kids To Do On A Camping Trip

2007-12-11T16:37:00.001-08:00

No doubt about it, camping trips are fun. A vacation in the wild outdoors, fresh air, roughing it can be such a fun break from the hectic routine of city life. However, a lot of people think they cannot enjoy or even survive a camping trip because of kids. Children can indeed add enjoyment to anybody’s life, but to be honest, it is really hard to bring kids along on a camping trip. Imagine having no television or computers to keep them busy (and quiet). For the average parent, that could spell disaster. But you should not despair, there are many activities in the outdoors that can keep kids entertained during a camping trip. Here are ten of them.

1. Get wet and go splashing. More likely, you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have wet fun. Swimming amidst nature can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for people, normally camping parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.

2. Bike together. Most camping sites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is very fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you would not easily get lost. Do not ride too fast, or you might leave each other behind, anyway, you would not be able to enjoy the scenery if you speed so much.

3. Watch for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have primers and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you could spot them. Try having a contest – the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children from a safe distance so that they would not disturb the animals.

4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sac race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you would not disturb the wildlife.

5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.

6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are in the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with the scavenger hunt.

7. Light a campfire. Perhaps this is among the most awaited activities during camping. This can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hotdogs. Play riddles and other word games.

8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the grand and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.

9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places, you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But do not pout if the rain does pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors for only a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadget and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.

There are hundreds of other activities to do out doors, these ten are just a fraction of the many activities you can do with your kids on a camping trip. The point of it all is to enjoy spending the time together as a family.

Find out more about family fun and family entertainment at http://familyfunforyou.com

Party Games - Kiddie Games for Kiddie Fun!

2007-12-11T16:36:00.002-08:00

What can be more enjoyable than a kiddie party? All those fun foods, party hats and mascots that make children's parties so much fun! But the fun aggrandizes the moment everyone starts with the games!

What are the best games for these cute kiddie parties? Read up and get some ideas so the next time you throw a party for your five-year-old, it will be a blast!

1. Limbo.

An upbeat music, a limbo stick and the kids just go together. The limbo master must keep his body from sticking to the stick while he is limbo-ing.

2. Balloon Target

This is fun because upon blowing up a balloon, the kid allows it to deflate and hit a target!

3. Blind Cow

This is like a guessing game wherein within a circle, the kids listen to a bell and find out where it is.

4. Charades

Let the kids act out the names of cartoon characters, persons or animals and make sure they don't talk!

5. Copycat

This is one silly game as the children simply copy each other's movements.

6. Creepy Crawlies

This is another guessing game in which a kid acts out a kind of insect and everyone guesses what insect it is.

7. Dress Up Relay

This is a relay race where the kids get to dress up in hilarious clothes and race against each other to the finish line.

8. Freeze Tag

This is a game of tag when the kid does not move or is "frozen" in his place.

9. Ha Ha Ha

The rule of this game is simple: laugh until everyone does!

10. Heads Up Seven Up

This is a guessing game intended for huge groups of kids.

11. Hide and Seek

Who does not know how to play this game? Kids love hiding and having someone seek for them!

12. I Love

This game solicits "aww" because the kids are asked to think of all the things they love.

13. Kick The Can

This game is a fusion of hide-and-seek and tag.

14. Mother May I

This is the game for kids where they ask their "mother" to take funny steps before they get tagged.

15. Pinata Party

Every kid loves a pinata party! They just have to break the pinata open to get all those candies inside.

16. Sock Mania

This is where kids put as many socks as possible on one foot.

Make sure every kid plays these games and the party will surely get a hundred times better and crazier!

Find out more about family fun and family entertainment at http://familyfunforyou.com

Lifelong Learning Keeps You Young

2007-12-11T16:36:00.001-08:00

If you're approaching retirement age and wondering what you can do to enjoy a long and healthy life in your golden years then consider adopting the attitude of a lifelong learner. Most people think of lifelong learning as being confined to academic endeavors however the lifelong learning approach covers all areas of life including spiritual, social, academic and physical.

Lifelong learning is based on an attitude of constantly growing and evolving in various areas of your life. It is known in nature that whenever anything is not growing it is decaying and this is also true for us as humans. No matter what a persons age there are great benefits to be gained by challenging yourself in all areas of your life including physical challenges such as exercise, mental challenges such as a course of academic study or even other areas of learning such as challenging your limiting beliefs or habits, enhancing your communication skills, or even expanding your comfort zone.

Lifelong learners live by the motto "you're never too old to learn" and this attitude is the reason that people who approach life with this mindset are seen to not only live longer but also enjoy a better quality of life. This can be attributed to the law of nature known as the "use it or lose it" law. As we age it can be observed that those who are considerably inactive develop mobility problems as they age, whereas those who are quite active do not develop these mobility problems. A similar effect takes place with anyone who takes no part in any mentally challenging activity or pursuit. After years of mental inactivity you lose the mental abilities and clarity that you once had and when old age approaches the effects of not giving your brain the stimulation required to grow becomes more evident.

The Good News
The good news is that no matter what your age you can adopt the lifelong learner attitude and reap the benefits in any number of ways such as:

- Improved self-confidence
- Improved dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination
- Learn new skills
- Improve memory
- Improve and maintain social skills
- Overcome social isolation
- Improve physical, mental, and emotional health
- Improved outlook on life

When deciding to embark on a course of study or activity a good starting point is to think about the things you might enjoy doing or learning. For physical activities many gyms have fitness programs not only for young people but also senior programs as well. Another fun activity is Tai Chi which is very popular with many seniors as it helps to calm the mind and also improves breathing.

Some hobbies that are popular include painting, craft making, flower arranging, pottery and wood carving with all of these being relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. When is comes to a course of study it is mostly an individual choice weather to participate in an adult learning program through a local community center or to do an extensive study program through a college.

Regardless of your individual choices the important thing is to be involved in a number of physical, social, spiritual, or academic activities and approach these with the right attitude. By adopting the lifelong learner approach to life you will not only extend your life but reap the benefits of a quality of life that most people your age could only dream of.

Find out more about learning styles and how to live and learn direct at http://youcanlearnmore.com/

Keep up to Date with the Weather During Holiday Travel

2007-11-30T09:16:00.001-08:00

It is very important that you keep yourself aware of the weather for holiday travel. During the colder times of the year many parts of the world experience heavy snowstorms and even blizzards. You need to be aware of what is unfolding on the path you will be taking to your holiday destination. This will allow you to be very prepared for it and have a safe journey.

To ensure you pack the right clothing, pay attention to the weather in the days before you pack. Your local news channel may not be of assistance if you are travel a long way for the holidays. The internet is the best source of information for finding up to date weather that will span the course of your holiday travel. You can also contact someone where you are traveling to and have them keep an eye on their local weather reports for you.

If you are taking a flight, train, or bus to get to your destination you will want to find out what their policies are for delays due to the weather. If the weather is questionable before you leave to the terminal you will want to call first. There is no point of you sitting there instead of in the comfort of you home if the transportation has been delayed by several hours or canceled due to the weather.

Pay close attention to when the flight will be rescheduled so you can adjust your plans. Too many people show up at the airport hoping for the best and then end up spending countless hours will nothing to do. One reason why people do this is the fear of not being able to drive to the airport due to the bad weather. You will have to decide if that is something you are willing to risk or if you are going to hang out at the airport and see what happens.

If it is warm when you leave home but it will be significantly chilly where you arrive, make sure you carry on a jacket with you. Pay attention to your shoes as well because you don’t want to be slipping or risk falling down out there. Your body won’t be able to handle the quick change in temperature so make sure you are prepared for what you will find. Likewise, if you are traveling from a cold climate to a warm one for the holidays make sure you dress in layers so you can stay comfortable upon arrival.

For those driving to their holiday destination, paying attention to the weather reports is also important. You will be amazed at how many people drive from a location where there is no snow and then panic when they are having to drive in it with bumper to bumper cars all along the interstate.

Tune in to local weather channels on the radio to find out about any road closures, detours, or accidents. It is a good idea to have an alternate route printed out just in case these things occur. If you find the weather has become too severe for safe travel you need to be responsible and get a hotel room until conditions improve.

Make sure your vehicle is equipped with all the features it needs to handle the changes in the weather. You should have a good heater with defrost options and an air conditioner that will help you to stay cool. Your windshield wipers and hazard lights also need to be working. If you have any issues with these various features you need to fix them before you engage in holiday travel or rent another vehicle for the trip.

As a holiday traveler, it is your responsibility to keep up to date with the weather. While it can significantly affect the plans you had for the holidays there is nothing you can do about it. Fighting with Mother Nature is a losing battle that you don’t want to be on the other side of. Being prepared for the weather can mean the difference between a safe holiday trip and one that is full of regrets later on.

Learn more about tourism travel guides and discount travel tourism at http://route60.us/

Are you ready to Travel for the Holidays?

2007-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Going to another country for the holidays is a great way to learn about a new culture. In some instances the travel is to visit family that is located there instead of just for a vacation. Regardless of the reason why you are traveling to another country during the holidays, you need to make sure you are prepared for the trip.

For most countries you are going to need a passport with a photo ID. This will allow you to remain in the country for a specified amount of time. Generally, this time frame is from 30 days to 90 days. You can take your passport photo at any post office, but it is going to take several weeks to get it back. There is an expedited option and it is very expensive. If you wait until the holiday time to obtain your passport it is going to take much longer, even for the expedited option.

Make sure you keep your passport and other pertinent travel documents in a safe place. You don’t want them to get lost or stolen as this can delay your travel plans. Make sure you arrive early for your flight so that you can get through all of the necessary inspections and verifications in plenty of time.

There may be vaccinations that you are required to get and others that you are encouraged to get before you can travel to certain countries for the holidays. Plan ahead and find out what these vaccinations are and then schedule appointments with your doctor. Some of the required vaccinations have to be given in a series with a specific amount of time between each shot in the series to be administered. Therefore you don’t want to wait until close to your time of travel to take care of this matter.

Depending on where you are traveling, you may have to deal with a different type of currency. You can get your money exchanged at your local bank before you leave. This will save you time trying to take care of it when you arrive in the other country for the holidays. There may be language differences as well that you need to take into consideration.

Be careful what you pack when you travel for the holidays. Most modes of transportation have strict guidelines on the size of your luggage, how many bags each person can have, and the weight guidelines. They will be enforcing these restrictions during the holidays because of the volume of people traveling. You don’t want to have to get rid of some of your items or purchase more bags at the gift shop.

Make sure you are aware of how much luggage you have for your return trip as well. While it can be fun to purchase items while you are there, think about how you will get them back. It may be a good idea to pack an extra bag in your luggage when you go so you can fill it up for the trip back. Another idea is to have items shipped but that can be quite expensive.

While traveling to another country for the holidays can be exciting, you need to remember that their customs may be significantly different than your own. Be respectful of such differences to avoid any conflicts while you are in that country. It is a good idea to read about the various customs that will be in place so you won’t reach them by accident.

Learn more about tourism travel guides and discount travel tourism at http://route104.us/

Popular Vacation Spots that are perfect for the Holidays

2007-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Many people get time off over the holidays, and they want to make the most of that time. There are plenty of places where you can spend the holidays enjoying a lovely vacation. Disneyland and Disney World are among the busiest places on holidays, including Christmas day. People of all ages find the magic kingdoms to be a delightful place to make memories for the holidays with their entire family.

Since Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, many people find themselves with a four or five day weekend over that period of time. Going to Las Vegas is a great place to spend this holiday as it is always alive with action 24 hours per day. You will also find plenty of restaurants in Las Vegas that offer you the best Thanksgiving Day meal you have ever been a part of.

Las Vegas is also one of the most popular locations for New Years Eve. The entire strip is shut down from traffic and people are dancing, drinking, and having a good time in the streets. Many people compare it to the activities taking place in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

Spring break is a very popular holiday for the high school and college crowds. They often choose to spend that time at various beaches including those in Florida and California. Hotels are over run with these people having parties all night long and then spending their days at the beach.

Most of these beaches host fabulous activities during spring break to make sure people keep coming back year after year. Live music, dances, and various contests are just a sample of the different contests you can enter. Since spring break falls differently for various schools, these beaches are often full from the second week of March until the very end of the month.

Surprising someone you love with a fun vacation to another country or a part of the world they have always wanted to see is a great way to share the holidays. Imagine waking up Christmas morning in Spain or Paris instead of at home. There are plenty of great places that you can see during the holidays so don’t limit your options.

The down side to traveling to popular vacation spots for the holidays is that they are in demand. That means you will likely pay more to visit them during that time of year than normal. You will also need to make your reservations early or you will find that all the flights or the hotels have sold out and you won’t be able to spend the holidays there.

Take a look at various vacation package deals to help you save as much money as possible when you take a vacation over the holidays. Most package deals for travel include your airfare, hotel accommodations, and a rental car if you want one. You can also choose to add tickets for shows or events you want to take part in.

Once you have decided where you want to spend the holidays, you can start comparing prices. Find out what your local travel agent can offer you and surf the internet on your own. Don’t forget to look in the travel section of the newspaper or to take advantage of advertisements you get in the mail. For many people the ability to be able to take a vacation over the holidays will depend on the price they are able to get the trip for.

There will also be more people to deal with at that particular vacation spot over the holidays in most instances. If you don’t like being a part of a large crowd or you hate to wait in line, you will want to prepare yourself for these issues while vacationing over the holidays. This way you can focus on having a great time instead of getting stressed out over such issues that you have no control over.

Learn more about tourism travel guides and discount travel tourism at http://route104.us/

Planning a Flight around the Holidays

2007-11-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

There is always a chance that your flight will get cancelled or delayed regardless of when you fly. However, the holidays are a very busy time for airports and you don’t want to spend Christmas there instead of with your family. Be prepared for long lines at the check in desk and security. Even though you should be at the airport two hours before your plane takes off during normal travel times, you will want to increase that up to three hours when you travel around the holidays.

Try to keep the amount of items you bring along to a minimum. It will make checking in your baggage easier and prevent such items from being lost or damaged. If you are traveling for Christmas and you want to send gifts it is a good idea to mail them separately and they will be there when you arrive. If you do decide to pack them don’t wrap them as they are subject to being inspected. You can wrap the gifts when you arrive at your destination.

Traveling around Thanksgiving or Christmas always comes with the risk of the weather being a problem so make sure you are prepared. Some travelers have had their flights delayed for a couple of days due to storms coming in during these times. It is a good idea to arrive at the airport prepared for the worst. Make sure you have plenty of activities with you for children to stay busy with. You also want to carry snacks and drinks so you don’t have to pay the outrageous prices at the airport for these items.

If you have specific dates of travel in order to be spend the holidays away from home you will want to secure your travel arrangements early. Look for the best possible deals online and with a travel agent. If you want until the last minute though in hopes of prices dropping you may be disappointed that you won’t get to go because the flights are sold out.

Many people save money on flights by taking connections or accepting a layover or two. You may want to skip this money saving tip during the holidays just because most airports will be very busy. You don’t want to have to deal with hurrying across a busy airport terminal to find your connecting flight. If you can get a decent price on a direct flight then make sure you do so.

It is very important that you have all your travel documents and a printed copy of your travel itinerary. Most airline staff will be overwhelmed with people asking for assistance during this time of the year. You don’t want to arrive and discover that you don’t have a reservation after all and that there is not a space on the plane for you.

If you want to avoid the crowds during holiday travel, consider taking a very early morning flight or a late evening flight. You will find these are often less expensive as well. While it may interrupt your normal sleep patterns, it can help to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety while you are traveling during the holidays.

For those planning to fly with children around the holidays, make sure you keep a careful eye on them. They can quickly become separated from your family in the crowd of people moving around. Strollers are a good option for small children. Make sure all the adults in the party know which flight they are taking and the airline in case they get separated as well.

You can have a fabulous trip to visit your family and friends over the holidays if you are prepared. Paying attention to the guidelines of the airlines is very important to ensure you have a save trip. Being on time will help to ensure that you don’t have your plans crushed because you have to catch a plane in the following days.

Learn more about tourism travel guides and discount travel tourism at http://route60.us/

Be a Hero, Be a Volunteer

2007-11-27T18:03:00.002-08:00

A hero is a champion; a guardian and protector; a person who is highly regarded by others because of his selfless actions. Become a volunteer and you will be a hero. Another characteristic of a hero is modesty, a common hallmark among volunteers.

Though few may witness your heroic side, your own heart will beat stronger and you will know a quiet satisfaction. By volunteering you gain confidence in your own abilities while inspiring those whose lives you touch.

"Why me," you may well ask, "why should I become a volunteer?"

Increasingly, volunteers are in demand due to chronic under-funding of programs. The deficit has to be made up with donated goods and volunteer labor.

Public programs such as libraries, children's clubs, seniors organizations -- even schools -- are becoming squeezed ever more between increasing demands from a growing population and decreased funding from all levels of government.

Private initiatives such as food banks, soup kitchens and similar programs to help our less fortunate citizens seem to be invisible to our public officials.

The official attitude seems to be to ignore the problems and hope they will go away. More and more the burden of help is being shifted onto the shoulders of those private citizens who care: the volunteers.

"Where will I ever find the time to volunteer? My life is so frantic as it is!"

Sure, there are only 24 hours in any given day. Yet that does add up to 168 hours each week, averaging out to 730 hours in a month. By the end of one year you will have lived some 8760 hours. Doesn't it seem reasonable, then, that anyone should be able to find even a few hours during a whole year to volunteer for at least one worthy cause?

You become a volunteer when you set aside a specific amount of time to help others. It could be helping an individual, a group, the community at large, or any number of projects that you would be able to help with.

The time you can give, and when you can give it is whatever you decide. But you do need to schedule some specific amount of time and then live up to it. Those are the basics of volunteering.

"What about my family?" you think. "We never have enough time together as it is."

Then why not make volunteering a family event? Since the decline of the family farm and the disappearance of the family-run store, there are fewer opportunities for families to work together. Volunteering together can be a fun way to strengthen the family unit.

For instance, at Christmas time newspapers run stories about families who spend Christmas day serving free dinners at their local senior center or soup kitchen. The articles often quote the children as saying that it just wouldn't be Christmas without spending part of their day helping others.

If you are a single parent, you might like to bring your child along next time you canvass the block for your favorite charity!

Singles, perhaps especially singles, can improve their own social lives by volunteering.

So get out [of your rut] and get a [volunteer] job, as the old advice goes.

"Where can I volunteer," you ask? Now you're talking!

Meals on Wheels: do you have an hour or so free around noon, even if it's only one day a week? Delivering hot meals to shut-ins is a fabulous way to volunteer. Nobody will ever appreciate your visit more!

The Meals on Wheels person is often the only one many of the clients see all through their lonely day. The smiles you get will light up the rest of your day.

Senior Centers: are usually open during working hours, so most of their volunteer positions are best suited to other retired folks, who also make many dear friends at their centers.

However, if you have some special professional knowledge about issues important for seniors (medical, nutritional, health, finances) they will gladly book presentations or consultations to fit your schedule.

Food Banks: always need help stocking shelves, filling orders, even assessing clients' needs. Good opportunities abound for using your organizational and people skills here.

Soup Kitchens: use drivers to pick up donated food from stores and restaurants, cooks to prepare the lunches, and servers to dish it up. Whenever you can arrange it, bring your teens along to help out; they will absorb lessons that no amount of lecturing from parents will ever accomplish. They may even surprise you by thanking you for including them in the experience.

Public Libraries: especially smaller ones, welcome volunteers for children's activities and reading programs. Re-shelving books is a pleasant way to spend a few hours, and you always leave with some newly discovered book.

Churches welcome volunteers on committees, for kitchen help at socials, to do small repairs and upkeep to the building and grounds, and for help with their traditional music, choir and youth activities. Get to know your neighbors here.

These are but a very few of the hundreds of deserving service organizations where you might want to volunteer. Think also of scouting, boys and girls clubs, amateur sports ... the list goes on and on.

So give it a try. The point is to find something that really interests you so you will stick with it. Volunteering at something you enjoy is its own reward.

"OK, just what can I get out of volunteering?" Excellent question!

For singles, here is a way to meet others and become involved in pleasant activities. You could live on your own for years and never get to know as much about your town as you pick up in a short period of volunteering. You make friends with people you would never meet otherwise.

Volunteer as a regular family activity, doing something not centered on yourselves. This is a perfect way to teach your children citizenship, which is really just a sense of community.

So be a hero, become a volunteer! Be a real-life hero and a steady inspiration to your family and friends. Be a welcome hero and champion to those who benefit from your volunteer work. Be a hero to yourself, too. Be secure in the knowledge that as a volunteer, you are making a difference.

Find more quick inspirations and words of inspiration at http://bestinspirationonline.com/

Five Easy Steps to Homeschool Your Children

2007-11-27T18:03:00.001-08:00

There are many reasons people choose to homeschool their children. Typical reasons include to give their children a better education, to use a different curriculum than the public schools, for safety, or to be able to spend more time on the child's talents (such as art, dance, music, or sports).

Thanks to the hard work of some brave parents in the early 1980s homeschooling is legal in the whole United States. Sadly, there are some countries around the world that do not allow homeschooling or who make it very difficult. There have even been cases of parents being jailed until they promised to stop tutoring their children at home.

But if you live in the United States there is no reason you cannot teach your children at home. So the first step is to ask other homeschooling families in your area what the requirements are to keep your children at home for school and to follow those procedures.

Second, decide how your children learn the best. Are they auditory learners, visual learners, or kinesthetic learners? Auditory learners do best with hearing their lessons. They love to listen to stories read aloud.

Visual learners do best with workbooks and reading their assignments. Kinesthetic learners do best when allowed to use their hands. Unit studies with lots of crafts and so on are great for kinesthetic learners.

Third, research curriculum that is made especially for visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners. As mentioned, unit studies that have lots of hands on activities are great for kinesthetic learners.

Some families find that some of their children enjoy using workbooks, while other children prefer making notebooks or reciting their assignments. There are so many different techniques you can use.

Fourth, remember that you do not have to copy the traditional schoolhouse. There is no need for desks, textbooks, or focusing on studies for eight hours a day.

One of the great things about teaching your children at home is that without the constant interruptions that teachers have in the classroom, homeschooling children are able to finish their studies in a few hours. The rest of the time they can focus on what interests them, such as nature, art, music, building, or whatever.

Fifth, be sure to enjoy this time with your children. There is no need to let stress take away the fun of learning.

In fact, the most important thing you can teach your children is to love learning. A person who loves to learn will continue learning new things long after they have finished high school or college. They will be lifelong learners, and that is the true goal of education.

Learn more about child learning games and childs development at http://childrenlearnmore.info/

How Happy People Get That Way - and You Can Too!

2007-11-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Are you often overcome with feelings of anxiety and discouragement because of the daily pressures and obstacles you face?

Have you sat in wonder of how some individuals seem to handle life's curve balls with seeming ease and optimism? Perhaps you've been frustrated by a friend or family member's ability to see the best in life simply because you can't understand where their 'eternal sunshine' comes from.

Don't worry - you're not alone. Many people find that pressure at work, hectic family routines and a lack of energy take away much of the enjoyment in life they used to have. If you've simply forgotten how to look at life in a positive light, or if you've faced obstacles such as loss of work or illness that have overshadowed the rest of your life, check out these steps to bring joy back into your life.

KEEP CONNECTED:

Perhaps in your rush to get everything done and stay on top of it all, you've forgotten to stay connected to your friends and family.

Even scientific studies have agreed that happy people have good relationships, so if you're feeling in a funk why not call a friend, go for a coffee or arrange some down time with your husband or children? The interaction can give you an energy boost and help you set priorities that really bring you joy.

REMIND YOURSELF ABOUT THE GOOD:

It may sound redundant, but taking time to think about what IS good in your life can really increase your happiness.

Are you feeling down about something at work or how you've been dealing with your kids? Combat those feelings by consciously thinking about what you've done RIGHT. While acknowledging where you can improve is good for you, beating yourself up about mistakes or unfairness will only break your spirit.

GET A HOBBY:

Sometimes all we need is a little diversion to bring happiness back into our life. Challenging yourself and enriching your life with interests outside of your daily routine can bring back a zest that may have been missing.

DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE:

It's easy to become absorbed with your own problems and disappointments, but simply looking beyond your immediate surroundings and seeing where you can help others can bring great feelings of satisfaction and joy.

You don't have to do much - holding the door for someone, bringing your co-worker a coffee or picking up groceries for an elderly neighbor can fuel your 'feel good' chemicals and remind you that happiness comes from our own attitudes and actions.

If despite your efforts you feel that your lack of enjoyment in life may be linked to more serious conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders, please consult your physician about necessary steps you must take to get back on track.

Find more pearls of wisdom and inspiration at http://officialwisdom.com/

Homeschool is a Good Educational Choice

2007-11-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

More people everyday are turning to homeschooling their children. Violence in schools, poor curriculum and excessive homework, are all reasons why parents have chosen an alternative to government education. There are many more examples for parents wanting to educate their children at home. The decision to do so is the responsibility of the parent.

Homeschool today is not simply keeping your children home while you become their teacher. Surprising to some, homeschooling has become much more sophisticated today than in years past. There are numerous tutorial programs, online curriculums and DVD instruction, that are used to help educate your children.

One of the more interesting means of homeschooling is through the tutorial. Many tutorials are started at churches where parents and teachers select exactly the curriculum that is taught to the kids. The burden of teaching is removed from these parents while a more experienced individual, many times a former teacher, instructs the children on the various topics.

The tutorials generally have a cost associated with the class, as the teacher generally expects to get paid. However, for parents with limited recollection of 8th grade algebra or 10th grade literature, it can be worth the expense.

The tutorials give the home schooled child a place to meet other children as well receive needed instruction on the various subjects. Most tutorials are given on a single day of the week. All the material for the class is gone over that will be required for the week. The student is then required to complete the lessons before the next tutorial.

Not all tutorials are given as traditional classes. Many parents use tutors to instruct their child on specific topics such as music appreciation or a foreign language. These arrangements are made outside a typical tutorial class.

Another similar program that many communities set up is a Co-op. A co-op is simply a group of people who get together to teach their children within the group. Each homeschool parent takes a turn teaching the children. If the Co-op meets once a week, each parent will take a turn each week teaching the children. The more parents in the Co-op the fewer times there will be responsibility to teach.

Homeschooling is an excellent way for your children to learn. Society has a difficult time understanding how rewarding homeschool can be to both the child and to the parent. With programs like the Co-op or tutorials, traditional schooling can be mingled with the advantages of the parent having control of how their child is educated.

Learn more about your childs development and early childhood education at http://childrenlearnmore.com/

Are All Tooth Whiteners the Same?

2007-11-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Tooth whitening was discovered by accident by dentists who traditionally use peroxide in the mouth after dental surgery. They noticed the effects of peroxide on tooth discoloration due to coffee, tea, colas, smoking, and other substances. Whitening has now become a common process.

There are two main kinds of tooth whitening treatments, those carried out in a dentist's office and those done at home. The procedure in the dentist's office, with laser activation, can take a little over an hour; the procedure at home can take days or weeks. This article will discuss the latter, home treatments.

Home treatments include those dispensed by dentists and those bought over-the-counter. To get to the root of the differences, you must first look at who regulates or sets guidelines for tooth whiteners. Since they are not considered as drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA does not regulate them.

In place of regulation, the American Dental Association (ADA) has set minimal guidelines for safety and effectiveness. The only products to have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance are tray-based products dispensed by dentists. The active ingredient in these ADA-accepted products is carbamide peroxide at 10% concentration. The active ingredient found in many over-the-counter products is hydrogen peroxide.

Your dentist should be your first advisor on which over-the-counter product is best for you, based on the nature of your tooth discoloration and your dental history, as well as safety. You can also ask your dentist or do your own research online as to which manufacturers have a reputation for making quality products, and which manufacturers conduct their own research.

As a general rule, there has been extensive testing of carbamide peroxide-based whiteners, but very little of hydrogen peroxide, something to be taken into consideration when choosing.

Another consideration is the condition of your teeth. It is safe to whiten your teeth yourself without consulting a dentist if your teeth are healthy, but if you have dentures, fillings, capped teeth or teeth blackened by fillings or decay, ask your dentist what would be right for you.

Whitening toothpastes are the safest, as they gently whiten with mild abrasion and do not necessarily contain peroxide. They typically can leave your teeth one shade lighter with continued use. On the other end of the spectrum, dentist-applied light activated whitening can lighten teeth by up to 8 shades.

Whitening gels and strips use peroxide in lower concentrations than if administered by your dentist. They can lighten teeth by several shades in a few days to two weeks, and the effects can last up to 4 months.

Tray bleaching at home is done typically for 1-2 hours per day, or overnight, for up to 4 weeks for maximum results. This method is much cheaper than having your dentist do the job.

Possible side effects of tooth whitening include cold or heat sensitivity, or gum irritation. If you use over-the-counter products at home and develop sensitivity in your mouth tissues, discontinue use and consult with your dentist. Your dentist can apply whitener and keep it from contacting your gums, plus he can control the amount and maximize contact with your teeth for optimal whitening and minimal irritation.

Whether you choose to whiten your teeth with your dentist's help or on your own, educating yourself will give you the best chances of achieving that dazzling white smile.

Learn more about smiles and tooth whitening at http://smilesbydawggone.com/

Discount Travel Guide - In Search of a Good, Cheap Motel

2007-11-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

If you wouldn't dream of travelling without securing a reservation (complete with confirmation number) three months in advance at the nearest Hilton - well, you're probably not reading this article.

But if you're like more adventurous travelers, who drive until they're tired (or until the gas runs out, whichever comes first), finding a good, cheap motel at a moment's notice can be problematic. When you see a dozen different motels vying for your business at the next interstate exit, how do you know which one to choose?

Fortunately, there's a little-known way to find at least "minimally acceptable" motels. And that's by making a habit of stopping at information centers, usually located at rest stops when you enter a state, and picking up a copy of a green-covered Traveler guide.

The ad for these Traveler guides reads "Read 'em and sleep. Coast to coast, more hotels accept Traveler Discount Guide's coupons that any other guide." Coupons are available for a wide range of discount to mid-tier hotels and motels.

Most of the truly sleazy motels these days have been weeded out by competition, so the basics for your night's stay - a bed, television and shower - are pretty much standard. More and more common are refrigerators and microwaves, which can be a real convenience, especially for people traveling with small children.

Also common are free coffee in the rooms and a free continental breakfast - though such a breakfast may consist of cheap coffee and day-old bagels.

If you're willing to pay a bit more - say, $20 or $30 a night more - many motels offer Premium packages. You'll usually get a bigger television with, perhaps, premium channels, amenities such as a pool, exercise room or Jacuzzi, and often a fuller breakfast selection.

Traveler guides also offer other information that might help you make a choice. For example, the Guides usually indicate which hotels/motels accept pets, if there are weight limits for the pet, and the additional cost. You might also discover that a particular motel offers free accommodations for children under 18.

In short, stopping at an Information Center and reading the Traveler Guide can be a convenient way to wade through your accommodation choices when travelling in unfamiliar territory. If the Information Center is near where you plan to stop for the night, you can also get advice from the people who work there and live nearby. Some will even call the motel directly and make a reservation for you.

When you add that convenience - plus clean restrooms and free coffee! - taking the time to stop at state Information Centers can be well worth the extra time.

Find your discount travel guide and travel services plus more travel tips.

Travel Guide - Travel Smart, Savings and Tips

2007-11-26T13:20:00.001-08:00

Most travelers know that some of the best bargains are in the off-season, when poorer weather or the start of school makes vacationers scarce.

So when do you travel to get the best deals? That depends. Peak season varies from region to region. Summer airfares to popular maintain areas, parts of Canada, and Europe can be high. But summertime travel to warm weather destinations...Florida, the Southwest, parts of Mexico, and the Caribbean...can be a bargain. If heat isn't a big deal to you, why not take advantage of lower costs? Summer in the United States is winter in Australia and the Galapagos Islands (as well as a lot of other places), so travel deals are available. Yet you can see and do many of the same things as in the peak season.

Midweek stays at resorts are often less costly than weekends; but city hotels that cater to business travelers have high rates during the week and bargains on weekends. The best airfares often require a Saturday night stay unless it's a local hop. You'll sometimes find better domestic fares in the middle of the week or during off-hours on weekdays (late at night, early in the morning). Weekend flights almost always cost more. Here's the catch: If you have to take off two days of work in order to get a midweek flight or book a midweek resort stay, and you lose either pay or vacation time, what have really saved? You'll need to consider those factors as well.

SEASONAL SAVINGS
When it comes to lodging, consider the "shoulder" season..the time between peak and low travel periods. If you book a stay early in shoulder season, you can get a deal and probably still have the benefits of the same weather and opportunities available during peak season.

But sometimes programs are not available in shoulder season. At many guest ranches, for example, families can cut costs in June and September, but there may not be a supervised children's program or as many children to make friends with. If you have older kids who would be out riding with you anyway, this is an excellent time to visit a guest ranch, as it's often less children's program so you could get in adults-only time, the money you save by traveling during the off-season may not make up for that loss.

YEAR-ROUND BARGAINS
Keep in mind that deals can be had at almost any time of year and that bargaining skills are not just for use in foreign marketplaces. At many hotels it's standard practice to quote callers the highest rate first. Reservationists are often told not to volunteer deals unless specifically asked about them. To get a better deal after a rate is quoted, ask if there's a better price available. There usually is. If you've seen a special deal in a newspaper or flyer, you should mention it. Ask about discounts for group members. You're likely to have the best luck bargaining with reservationist at the hotel itself as opposed to those at a nationwide number, but try both. If no one will offer a deal, find a different hotel. You can almost guarantee that your costs will come down if you negotiate. After booking your stay, check periodically to see if new deals have come up in newspaper travel sections. Ask your travel agent to continue checking airfares in case of special promotions. But don't obsess about it. Vacation is all about letting go and being laid-back.

TRIP INSURANCE
Did you know in advance the last time your child got sick? Probably not. And it's a sure bet you won't know the next time either. In the everything-that-can-wrong-will-go-wrong scenario, picture your child breaking out with chicken pox the day before you're scheduled to leave. And then there's the possibility of lost or delayed luggage, theft of baggage or important documents, and medical mergencies en route. These delays it's hard to tell which airlines have come out of bankruptcy and which are just filing. The same is true of tour operators. So what happens when the company you shcedule with goes belly up? You're out of luck unless you purchased travel insurance (some credit cards include travel coverage, too, so check yours). Most curise lines, tour operators, and many outfitters will either offer a specific insurance pachage in their information kits or be able to suggest one. Travel agents can do the same thing for you. You will not get your best deal from those vending machines at the airport, so try to arrange for insurance when booking your trip.

Of course, some unforseen problems are not covered by travel insurance, such as your boss's deciding at the last minute that this is a bad time for you to be away. Read the fine print so you know exactly what you're buying and what it covers.

Check with your travel agent, cruise line, tour operator, or outfitter for refund policies. Some offer no refunds. Others give refunds on a timeline the closer to the trip date you cancel, the less money you'll get back. Find out what the refund policy is before you decide to sign up.

TIPPING
Paying gratuities is usually a voluntary gesture that's based on performance and service. Many people who work in the travel industry depend on tips as a major part of their compensation. Tour guides, for example, make a decent living only if they make decent tips. If you travel with a guide in a city, on a river, on a walking or beking tour you should tip unless the service is not notably poor.

Some tips, however, are built into the pricing structure and are included on your bill. There are ranches with mandatory tips for wranglers and other staff, and there are retaurants that automatically add a gratuity to food bills. And with some types of travel--cruise ships, for example--tipping falls just short of mandatory. Exactly what's expected will usually be spelled out in the brochures.

It's a good idea to check guidebooks and consulates about attitudes towards tipping in foreign countries; what we mean as a than-you might be taken as an insult in some cultures. And it's important to note that some resort have a policy of no tipping. When in doubt, always ask.

Find your discount travel guide and travel services plus more travel tips.

3 Tips for Staying Motivated Towards Your Goals

2007-11-18T11:09:00.003-08:00

It's not always easy to stay motivated when you're trying to achieve a goal. Some experts say that the "goal" itself should be enough to inspire unwavering diligence toward achieving it...and there is an element of truth in that. However, the reality is that the discomforts of striving for a particular goal can sometimes cause us to lose focus.

Want to get in shape, save for a large purchase, "make the grade" in your studies? Don't worry...whatever you're trying to accomplish, the following tips can help you stay motivated and on track.

Visualize the End Result

Can't you just see yourself pounds lighter and fitting into a nifty outfit? The key question is how do you imagine yourself "feeling"? Healthier? Sexier? More self-confident? When you develop the ability to visualize your goals and imagine what the end results will be, you are more likely to stay motivated.

Many people have found it helpful to compose a "dream board" which is an arrangement of images representative of the goal. For instance, if you were saving money for a tropical beach vacation, then you'd get some travel brochures or create a collage of pictures from a magazine of blue ocean, palm trees, exotic fruit drinks...you get the picture!

Set Intermediate Goals and Reward Yourself for Small Victories

It's human to want results now. However, some worthwhile goals may require a great deal of effort and time to accomplish. Don't let that deter you. By setting smaller goals, you can work on each step that will eventually add up to big results in the end.

And don't forget to reward yourself when you reach small milestones along the way. Knowing that there are little "treats" along the journey to your goal will keep you excited and motivated.

Draw Inspiration from Others

Sources of inspiration to stay motivated can come from success quotes, lyrics, movies that depict people who attained their dreams through hard work or even speaking with others who have achieved what you're working toward. If they could do it...so can you!

If your focus begins to fade or you skid on a patch of discouragement, you may find it helpful to identify an accountability partner who will encourage you to stay the course. And, in instances where your partner is also striving toward an accomplishment, you'll experience the magic of motivating each other toward success.

Visualizing the end result, celebrating small victories along the way and drawing inspiration and encouragement from others are three powerful, easy-to-implement methods of staying motivated toward reaching your goals. So, go for it!

Find out how to start your college search at http://teenslearnmore.com/

Slow Down and Enjoy Life!

2007-11-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

No one will disagree that modern life can get insanely busy – if we let it. Are we too busy though? How comfortable are we when we don’t have anything to distract us? Are we content when we’re not accomplishing something, moving ahead in our goals or helping others? Is our sense of worth tied to our busyness? Are we a slave to recognition? Are we lonely when we’re by ourselves? It is important not only to reflect upon such questions but to decide to behave differently.

Perhaps we could set aside five minutes of ‘thinking time’ a day. Some people might just ‘be’ while others may choose to meditate or pray. We might also do well to engage in a solitary activity from time to time or even develop a hobby that we quietly enjoy ourselves. Instead of only reading work-related journals, we should read outside of our area of expertise and read for pure pleasure.

Many of us are performance-oriented and driven by success and competition. We should acknowledge that one day we may be at a loss to know what to do with ourselves when our career is over, retirement beckons, or perhaps we become physically unable to actively pursue the same interests. Can we still be happy even when we’re not busy? We need to slow down and savor life – not rush through it and miss so much potential beauty and happiness along the way. It is entirely possible to discipline ourselves to slow down and be more fully present in each human interaction and each solitary moment of our day.

Being fully present is impossible if we are constantly rushing about, going over our ‘to do’ list or mentally reviewing the meeting we just left. To be fully present is to give 100% attention to the task at hand or to whomever we’re talking. It means maintaining a comfortable degree of eye contact, verbally showing comprehension and asking open-ended questions. Applied to family life, trying to slow down and be more present brings irreplaceable rewards. The dignity of each family member is recognized and deeper relationships result. The next time your child or a young person asks for attention in some way be reminded that nothing is more important or sends a message of love more than willingly giving them your time. It’s a gift of self.

Do not miss the truly important parts of life by being too preoccupied and busy. Slow down! Resolve today to:
• Look for the beauty around you
• Begin to read a book for pleasure
• Spend some quiet time alone
• Listen better
• Spend some time visiting with family and/or friends

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Seven Easy Ways to Build Unshakeable Confidence

2007-11-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just about everybody will suffer from a lack of confidence at some time. Having a set of simple exercises you can practice during these times is an invaluable aid to getting your confidence level back on track as quickly as possible.

Here are seven things you can do to boost or maintain your confidence.

1. Practice correct posture. This might not sound like it's obviously related to confidence, but how you sit and how you stand sends a message out to those around you. If that message radiates confidence out from you, you will get positive vibes back which will bolster your confidence. So, learn to stand like you have confidence and sit like you have confidence.

2. Surround yourself with confident and positive people. It may seem self-evident, but if you are consistently mixing with people of low self-esteem, this is going to rub off on you. Conversely, if the people around you are upbeat and assured, this will tend to create a positive atmosphere that you will benefit from.

3. Remember a time when you felt confident. Confidence is a feeling, and if you've felt it once, you can feel it again. Remembering back to a time when you felt confident and in control will enable you to re-experience that feeling and help to put you in a confident frame of mind.

4. Practice. Whatever it is you want to feel confident about, practice it as often as you can. When you work on something until you could do it in your sleep, you can't fail to be confident in your ability to perform when it matters.

5. Think about all of the things you like about yourself and all of the things you know you do well. If you have any trouble doing this, think about the compliments you get from people - what are they telling you - you do well? It's a good idea to write these things down so you'll have them to refer to when your confidence is flagging and you need some inspiration.

6. Don't give yourself a hard time. Don't be your own worst critic, be your own best friend. After all, if a friend of yours was going through a tough time, you wouldn't get on their case, would you? No, of course you wouldn't. Positive self-talk can be one of your best weapons for confidence-boosting, so make sure you cultivate the habit.

7. Don't be afraid to take risks. If you become a regular risk-taker you'll find that it's inevitable that you'll grow in confidence as a result. There really is nothing like forcing yourself out of your comfort zone to increase your confidence. It will also serve to reduce your fear of the unknown, which can be a great confidence-sapper.

Remember, you do have talents and abilities. Make sure you give yourself due credit for these on a regular basis and this will prove to be the very best springboard for building unstoppable confidence.

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Live And Learn Direct - Why It Is Essential To Keep Your Desire To Learn

2007-11-12T17:58:00.001-08:00

Change is good. Yes, we often resist that idea because so often change is not comfortable. However moving outside our comfort zone can help us become better at all manner of things. We can become better people, better professionals, and better at any number of things you can dream up.

Change is necessary part of life. If humans did not change then we would not have survived as long as we have upon this planet. Change is important, even essential, but while key that change does not need to be something huge and momentous. Small changes are often daunting enough and can still lead to big rewards.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can increase your strengths. The old adage "the more you learn, the more you learn you don't know" holds true in almost every field of knowledge and human experience. There is always something more you can learn even if you are an expert and few of us hold such expertise that we cannot learn something new.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength.

Improving yourself can lead to good things. Learning can lead to success in your professional and personal life. We all want to succeed in life whether it is in the work place or our personal lives. So why not spend time focusing on what can make you a better person. Becoming a better person will help you achieve more in every aspect of your life.

Learning helps you challenge yourself. If you do not challenge yourself to learn and grow, whether it is a physical or mental skill, then you begin to die. While that may sound harsh, it is simply reality. Learning keeps you young both physically and mentally because it gives your life direction and fosters your will to live. Discovery and learning is healthy and essential to thriving as a human being no matter what your age.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

Learning and challenging ourselves can protect against memory loss. It is important to remember that the brain is a muscle and we must exercise that muscle regularly if we want it to retain its strength and resilience. Learning new skills, enjoying new experiences, and offering our brains new challenges can all contribute to a long, healthy life for our brain. Just as you protect your body and health watch out for your brain's health as well by becoming a lifelong learner.

Deanna Mascle is a freelance writer and college instructor. Read more about how to live and learn direct and how to learn more at http://howtolearnmore.com

What Is Intelligence?

2007-11-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

I frequently ask my college students to write about this subject. In part because the discussion is always fascinating and informative, but also because reaching a better understanding of what intelligence is also helps students become more focused and more effective learners. So what is intelligence? In my opinion, intelligence includes three distinct abilities -- ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.

For example, let us use a skill that we are all familiar with -- walking. Young children learn to walk primarily through demonstration and experimentation. We can tell and show children how to walk all day long but until they begin experimenting and learn how to apply their knowledge they do not learn to walk. Most children then build upon that knowledge and experience to move from walking to running, skipping, and a variety of other movements.

When we think of learning we usually picture learning taking place in a classroom environment but we are continually learning all the time -- before and after formal education. In reality, the world is our classroom as we are receiving a stream of new information all the time. Sometimes we seek out information through formal instruction or reading, but other times we receive lessons from the people in our lives, from the media, and from the experience of living. Sometimes our learning is a passive experience that is forced upon us by circumstances but the most effective learning is done when we seek out new information whether for a specific purpose or for the simple pleasure of learning itself.

However as well all know from life experience, simple knowledge is not enough. You need to know how to apply that knowledge in a practical sense. Memorizing a cook book makes no sense if you never set foot in a kitchen and pick up a spatula. That does not mean knowledge without an immediate application is useless. Literature can help you understand history and human relations, for example, and so is never a waste. But it is a waste if you read the entire works of William Shakespeare and never stop to think about how much he says about the human condition is just as true today as it was in his time.

Finally, while learning and application are often demonstrated by people, I believe what truly separates the intelligent from the average person is taking the knowledge they gain to another level. Not only learning and applying that knowledge, but building upon that knowledge and experience to create new knowledge. These intelligent people include the engineers who create new machines, the surgeons who create new procedures, and the leaders who find new solutions to old problems.

Intelligent people are found in all walks of life and all aspects of society but are easily distinguished from those of average intelligence by looking for these three key abilities -- the ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.

Deanna Mascle is a freelance writer and college instructor. Read more about how to live and learn direct and how to learn more at http://learn-more.info

Are You Seeking Inspirational Thoughts?

2007-10-23T04:46:00.001-07:00

Why would you seek inspirational story?

Inspirational Thoughts can give you hope and help you overcome the challenges life gives you.

Who would seek inspirational story?

Inspirational Thoughts are helpful to those facing difficulties and times filled with trouble.

What will you do with inspirational story?

Inspirational Thoughts will help you learn and grow.

So where will you go to find inspirational story? How about http://officialwisdom.com

Spiritual Growth: the Spiritual Challenge of Modern Times

2007-10-16T15:54:00.001-07:00

To grow spiritually in a world defined by power, money, and influence is a Herculean task. Modern conveniences such as electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment through television, magazines, and the web have predisposed us to confine our attention mostly to physical needs and wants. As a result, our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning are muddled. How can we strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives?

To grow spiritually is to look inward.

Introspection goes beyond recalling the things that happened in a day, week, or month. You need to look closely and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Periodically examining your experiences, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, and the things you engage in provide useful insights on your life goals, on the good traits you must sustain and the bad traits you have to discard. Moreover, it gives you clues on how to act, react, and conduct yourself in the midst of any situation. Like any skill, introspection can be learned; all it takes is the courage and willingness to seek the truths that lie within you. Here are some pointers when you introspect: be objective, be forgiving of yourself, and focus on your areas for improvement.

To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.

Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual. Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing one’s full potential is to self-actualize. Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. James earlier categorized these needs into three: material, emotional, and spiritual. When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual. Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.

To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.

Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christianism, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives. Whether we believe that life’s meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist. We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm. Our lives have purpose. This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to---a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.

To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.

Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people “brothers and sisters” even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being. On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow. Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.

Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

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Develop Your Intuition - The Road to Intuition

2007-10-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

Have you had that experience when all of a sudden you just had this huge hunch that something is about to happen, and to your surprise, that intuition was eventually translated to reality?

When you feel strongly about something without logical basis to it, that's called intuition. It comes in three impressions: clairvoyance or "the third eye", sensing clearly and feeling through listening.

Clairvoyance is when your eye goes beyond what it can see. This is when you know what is happening somewhere.

Sensing clearly is basically what we refer to as "hunch" or "gut feel." This is the time when you are overwhelmed with a feeling and you can't explain it and all you can say is "I just know."

On the other hand, feeling through listening or clairaudience is being able to "listen" between the lines. Intuition also happens at times when a certain sound, whatever it is - be it a car's honk or a bird's twitting - ushers in an intense feeling.

They say only a number of people are gifted with intuition. Astrologers even insist that people born under the Scorpio or Pisces signs are naturally intuitive it almost borders on E.S.P. But studies have been sprouting left and right that proclaim that anyone can develop intuition.

Why the need to develop intuition, you ask? Why not let your emotional and psychological state as it is? First and foremost, intuition promotes good communication. It makes you more sensitive to the people around you; it often keeps you from hurting those you love because you are intuitive enough to understand them. Intuition also makes you far more creative than ever. Intuition means releasing more creative juices for any means of expression. Lastly, intuition has a healing power. This healing power is not in the physical sense, but in delving deep into your soul to eradicate some negative energy buried in it.

With that being said, are you ready to develop your intuition? Here are some ways to unlock this gift:

1. Hypnosis

Oh yes, get yourself hypnotized. Hypnosis is not limited to watching a pendulum move back and forth. Perform self-hypnosis or you can avail of hypnotic programs that can strengthen your intuition.

2. Meditation

Meditating means finding peace in yourself. If your mind and heart are cluttered with too many baggage and hurt, you wouldn't be able to quiet down that part of you that could eventually initiate intuition. There are so many ways to meditate: take a yoga class, or just simply practice some breathing that could bring you straight to Zen.

3. Think positive!

A worry-free, fear-free state could do so much to improve your intuitive ability. By staying positive, you attract good energy that would be able to easily recognize imminent feelings and events.

4. Just let go.

What does this mean? If you are on the brink of making a huge decision, let go of all the inhibitions and head to a quiet place where you could find out where the letting go has brought you. Sometimes you just have to listen to the voice within you, and that voice wouldn't come out unless you let go.

5. Never expect.

After letting go of the inhibitions and all those things that stop you from thinking and feeling clearly, never expect for an answer right away. Never expect that the "hunch" would fall on your lap immediately. Give it a little time then you'd just get surprised that -- wham! -- now you have your answer.

6. Believe in your first impressions.

When you see someone for the first time and think that he is a bit too arrogant for your taste, chances are that impression actually holds true. Most of the time, first impressions are brought by intuition.

7. Stay happy!

See? All you need to be intuitive is to stay happy! Happiness attracts immense power and such power includes intuition. In tapping your intuition, your motivation must be happiness and contentment. Given that premise, intuition will fall to you easily.

Intuition is helpful, because sometimes it leads you to something that cannot be achieved otherwise. A lot of lives have been saved by intuition alone. Decisions are easier done if armed by this gift. Develop intuition now and reap benefits you have never imagined.

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Harnessing Your Power - Does a Law on Human Attraction Exist?

2007-10-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

“Opposites attract” is a law of attraction, at least where electromagnetism is concerned. But are there laws about attraction between two people? “In a world that is full of strangers” as a line in a famous song of the 1980’s goes, is there a clear set of rules that allows two people to fall for each other?

Is attraction a matter of chemistry?

Maybe. According to scientists, the attraction between animals of the opposite sex is all about chemicals called pheromones. The effect of pheromones in behavior of insects is the most studied to date. It has been observed, at least in some experiments, that pheromones are responsible for communication among same species and colony of ants. The horrible odor released by skunks to ward off enemies is said to be a kind of pheromone. Some species of apes rub pheromone-containing urine on the feet of potential mates to attract them. Some scientists believe that animals (usually the females) such as insects and mammals send out these chemical signals to tell the male of their species that their genes are different from theirs. This gene diversity is important in producing offspring with better chances of survival. The perfume industry has capitalized on pheromones as a means to increase one’s sexual attractiveness to the opposite sex. Animals such as the whale and the musk deer were hunted down for these chemicals.

Lately, scientists are looking into the existence of human pheromones and its role in mate selection. There are many conflicting views in the realm of biology, chemistry, genetics, and psychology. Most scientists would assert that these do not exist, or if they do, do not play a role in sexual attraction between a man and a woman. But new researches such as that conducted by Swiss researchers from the University of Bern led by Klaus Wedekind are slowly making these scientists rethink their stand. Their experiment involved women sniffing the cotton shirts of different men during their ovulation period. It was found out that women prefer the smell of men’s shirts that were genetically different, but also shared similarities with the women’s genes. This, like in the case of insects and other mammals, was to ensure better and healthier characteristics for their future children. But researchers also cautioned that preference for a male odor is affected by the women’s ovulation period, the food that men eat, perfumes and other scented body products, and the use of contraceptive pills.

Does personality figure in sexual attraction?

Yes, but so does your perception of a potential mate’s personality. According to a research conducted by Klohnen, E.C., & S. Luo in 2003 on interpersonal attraction and personality, a person’s sense of self-security and at least the person’s perception of his/her partner were found to be strong determinants of attraction in hypothetical situations. What does this tell us? We prefer a certain personality type, which attracts you to a person. But aside from the actual personality of the person, which can only be verified through close interaction through time, it is your perception of your potential partner that attracts you to him/her, whether the person of your affection truly has that kind of personality or not. This could probably account for a statement commonly heard from men and women on their failed relationships: “I thought he/she was this kind of person.”

So how does attraction figure in relationships?

You have probably heard that attraction is a prelude, or a factor towards a relationship. Most probably, at least in the beginning; but attraction alone cannot make a relationship work. It is that attraction that makes you notice a person from the opposite sex, but once you get to know the person more, attraction is just one consideration. Shared values, dreams, and passions become more significant in long-term relationships.

So should I stop trying to become attractive?

More than trying to become physically attractive, work on all aspects of your health: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Physical attraction is still a precursor. Remember, biology predisposes us to choose the partner with the healthiest genes. Where your emotions are concerned, just ask this to yourself: would you want to spend time with a person who feels insecure about him/herself? Probably not! There is wisdom in knowing yourself: who you are, your beliefs, values, and dreams. And do not pretend to be someone you are not. Fooling another person by making him/her think that you share the same values and beliefs is only going to cause you both disappointments. When you are healthy in all aspects, attractiveness becomes a consequence and not an end. As mentioned in the Klohnen and Luo’s research, a person’s sense of self-security matters, perhaps even beyond attraction. But remember: do these things for yourself and not for other people. Only then can you truly harness your attractiveness as a person.

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Make It Happen - How to Become an Ideal Leader

2007-10-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.

Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.

Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.

You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.

First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.

First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.

You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.

Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you're subordinates must be.

Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization.

Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.

The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.

Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.

Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.

Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.

It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.

Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.

You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.

Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.

So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.

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Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Chemistry!

2007-09-03T10:17:00.001-07:00

The Stoic Lucius Seneca once wrote: "It is part of the cure to want to be cured."

This simple observation reflects our current understanding of the relationship between mind and body. There is a close correlation between physical actions and mental states. Certain actions can impact our mental attitudes and our mental attitudes influence our physical being because the mind and body constantly talk to one another. The brain sends all that it thinks and perceives to the rest of the body.

An extreme example of this interconnection can be seen in the effects of voodoo. In the 1940s, Harvard physiologist Walter Cannon spent several years collecting examples of "voodoo death" -- case histories of men and women who died as a result of being the recipient of a curse, an alleged supernatural visitation or the breaking of some tribal or cultural taboo. Cannon concluded that humans could die from "the fatal power of the imagination working through unmitigated terror." Another researcher, Dr. J.C. Barker, in Scared to Death -- a collection of case histories of individuals who had willed themselves or others to death -- concluded that voodoo-like death results "purely from extreme fear and exhaustion...essentially a psychosomatic phenomenon."

How is it possible for thoughts to impact the body so drastically?

It is possible because the central nervous system and the body's immune system are hard-wired together. In 1981 neurobiologist David Felten and a team of researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found the first concrete example of the mind/body connection -- a bridge between the body's immune system and the central nervous system that is under control of the brain. While tracing nerves to bone marrow, lymph nodes and the spleen, Felten's team discovered a network of nerves leading to blood vessels as well as to cells of the immune system. They found that nerves in the thymus and spleen terminated near clusters of lymphocytes and mast cells, which help control immune function. In other words, the brain absolutely communicates with immune-system cells.

This establishes a close correlation between a person's mental state and physical reactions. You can generate an emotion simply by going through the appropriate muscle movements. For example, if you clench your fist and scowl, you will begin to feel anger. Force yourself to laugh and you will begin to feel good. The specific muscle action is an integral part of the corresponding emotion. You cannot hold your features in the expression of one emotion and call up the feeling of a different emotion at the same time. It is impossible to do.

Paul Ekman, Professor Emeritus at the University of California at San Francisco, is a pioneer in the study of emotions and facial expressions. His research on more than 200 kinds of smiles demonstrated that you could actually alter your emotional state and immune system by smiling or frowning. When Ekman's research subjects were trained to control their facial muscles and voluntarily form smiles, their physiological processes altered immediately and their hormones changed drastically.

So when you smile, you alter your blood chemistry. The natural opiates in your system and your neuropeptides change. These chemicals are located not only in your brain but in your stomach and intestines.

What does this have to do with hypnosis?

Hypnosis is the most powerful tool we possess for changing thoughts and attitudes. It is a trance state characterized by relaxation, extreme suggestibility and hyper-attentiveness. The subject is fully conscious, but chooses to focus internally while ignoring external stimuli.

Hypnosis allows one to access the subconscious mind directly. In this relaxed, hyper-attentive state, the subject experiences the hypnotist's suggestions as if they were real. If told that his or her tongue has swollen to double its normal size, the subject will have difficulty talking. If told that his/her hands are glued together, the subject cannot pull them apart. By the same token, the subject is receptive to suggestions that are designed to change destructive thought patterns and habits such as anxiety, depression, stress, smoking and eating disorders.

A potent example of hypnosis' power to affect physiology through the brain connection is its medical use. Since all pain is transmitted through the brain, the pain associated with surgery or medical conditions responds well to hypnosis. Hypnosis is an effective anesthesia for surgeries, dental procedures, childbirth and migraines. It also helps patients to manage nausea and symptoms from chemotherapy by enhancing control over their body responses.

The mind/body connection is the key to why hypnosis can be used so successfully to manage our physiology. Hypnosis gives us the power to alter our mental attitudes for the better; this in turn positively impacts our physical being.

In light of this potent interplay between mind and body, we would do well to take seriously the old Cole Porter song: "Accentuate the positive; eliminate the negative; latch on to the affirmative." And enjoy happy body chemistry as your reward!

Learn more about the pursuit of happiness at http://smilesbydawggone.com

Pursuit of Happiness and Personal Responsibility

2007-09-03T10:16:00.001-07:00

Personal responsibility is the most important ethic you can exercise. With the cultivation of personal responsibility comes growth in all areas of life. It is a matter of taking charge of your own self and your circumstances through well-directed thoughts, words, and deeds.

Personal responsibility means being aware of Murphy's Law that if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong. The lesson of Murphy's Law is that if you want plans to go right, you must thoroughly examine them to make sure that none of the steps involved is subject to the whims of chance or the dependency on good luck. Fix potential problems before they happen and you will find only the good kind of breaks, the lucky breaks, because you will be making them for yourself.

Personal responsibility is the action of not being dependent on others for your salvation. You alone are in control of your actions and your destiny. Others cannot live your life for you. Murphy's Law also means that other people will let you down. So love everyone, but trust no one completely. You can seek guidance to take into consideration, but remember that it is you who is the authority to evaluate and absorb what is useful and to discard any advice that you feel is not, including any beliefs you might have unquestionably grown up with. Things are not always as we have seemed them to be, as in the discovery that the Earth is round, rotates, and revolves around the Sun. Don't be afraid to explore and use tools that increase our awareness, as in telescopes. Research any subject you wish to learn about while using a wide variety of sources in order to give yourself the best possible perspective.

Personal responsibility has a lot to do with listening to your own inner guidance. We are all unique and what works for one person does not always work with everybody. Learn to go within and get in touch with your higher self. It is questionable if outside influences are honest or objective with your own greater good in mind. Most likely they are not totally accurate, and their purposes may have their own selfish agenda at the forefront. It is often hard to see, so learn to use deliberation and discernment.

Personal responsibility is the path of the wise. Using research, experience, imagination, and analysis to create the best possible workable theories to achieve great results. Know also that learning never ends, giving you the opportunity to utilize even more precise and expanded updates and revisions. Personal responsibility is the science of success in living well.

Having gained all the benefits of personal responsibility will give you the position of being sought after by others for help. So teach them about personal responsibility so that they too can grow and come into their own. Teaching others to be responsible for themselves and their actions or lack thereof is akin to teaching someone to fish so that they will always have food, rather than the temporary solution of giving someone food with the result that they will again be hungry shortly later. Allowing them to demonstrate for themselves that they can catch fish not only fills their tummy, but also fills their self-esteem.

Take the personal responsibility to look at the underlying cause of problems so they can be solidly resolved, rather than just quick fixes of symptoms that don't last. Personal responsibility ensures not only happiness in the present, but also certainty about the future. Personal responsibility is the most important ethic you can exercise.

Learn more about the pursuit of happiness at http://smilesbydawggone.com

Are you in pursuit of happiness?

2007-08-27T18:23:00.001-07:00

Are you in pursuit of happiness?

Of course you are in pursuit of happiness! Happiness is the great American dream and promise. It is our constitutional right! Actually, that is not entirely accurate. In fact the pursuit of happiness is our constitutional right -- not the actual happiness. And the older and more mature I grow, the more I realize that the pursuit of happiness is actually the path to true happiness.

I do not mean to confuse the pursuit of happiness with that never-ending quest for "more" that possesses so many people. You know those people -- the ones who believe they will be happy after the possess more money, more property, more cars, or more of whatever score keeping marker they utilize. What I mean by the pursuit of happiness actually being the path to happiness is simply that if you realize that happiness is not found in the destination but rather along the journey then you will indeed be a much happier person.

If you want to learn more about the pursuit of happiness then visit http://smilesbydawggone.com and learn why your happiness is important and download my free ebook "The Pursuit Of Happiness".

The 5 Step Personal Development Plan

2007-08-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

Personal development has become increasingly popular in today's busy world for everything from career improvement and weight loss to public speaking. While the methods and tools used to achieve the desired personal development outcome may vary from high priced seminars to moderately priced books, there are a number of simple steps that can be used to get you started on the right path to reach your own personal development goal, such as:

1) Identify the Cause
A good starting point with personal development is to look at how you got to where you are right now. For example, if your area of personal development relates to weight loss then look at what lifestyle factors contributed to your weight problem to start with. Write down everything you can think of that contributed to the problem and then analyze how you can modify each factor to get the result you desire.

2) Goal Setting
It is essential to have a clear goal in mind to achieve your own particular personal development requirements. Ask yourself exactly what it is that you wish to achieve and the more refined and clear your goal the more chance you will have of successfully attaining it.

3) Make a Plan
Once you have decided on your goal then formulate a plan that details the steps you will take to reach your goal. Use the details you uncovered when identifying the cause of the problem and expand on these to incorporate as much detail as possible on how you can achieve your personal development goal.

4) Focus and Commitment
Once you know your goal and have designed your plan you then need to focus on your goal and commit to the plan you have designed. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to work on your plan and do not allow general daily chores to distract you from what you need to do. Once you have become accustomed to working on your plan each day it will become a habit and therefore easier over time to stick too.

5) Look for Inspiration
It will be of great benefit to look for inspiration from others that have overcome the same personal development challenge as your own. This can be in the form of books, seminars, courses or even a person from your local community that you may be able to contact to get some tips or advice.

Personal development is about identifying areas of your life that you wish to change for the better and having an attitude of continual self-improvement. No matter which area of your life you intend to improve by following the steps outlined above and committing to the plan you can be assured of achieving your goals and in doing so gain more confidence to not only achieve other personal development goals but do it quicker and easier each time.

Find more inspirational messages and quick inspirations at http://inspirationbydawggone.com/

What Innovation Can Do to Your Life

2007-08-21T07:40:00.002-07:00

It's a talent that everyone has, yet they think they don't. The power of innovation. If you've ever marvelled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten were not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.

You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to never commit the same mistake again? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. This article will teach you a few tips on how to bring innovation into your life.

Don't listen to what other people say. Follow the beat of your own drum. Allowing for the input of other people will only bring cacophony to the music you are trying to make. If you have an original idea, don't waste your time and effort trying to make people understand. They won't. And the help you will probably get comes in the form of negative feedback. If all those geniuses listened to their peers, we would probably still be living in the middle ages.

Spend time on it. I cannot stress that enough, although, please do not mistake this tip to tell you to quit your day job entirely. Do not. This involves some tricky time management but with a little discipline you'll be able to squeeze both in.

Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.

Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those notes. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.

Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours and that no one else would have thought of what you were thinking. That will let people see how valuable an asset you are.

Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same way with writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera if you're a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.

Nothing will work without passion. What wakes you up in the mornings? What keeps the flame burning? What is the one thing that you'll die if you don't do? Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really want to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so bad you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.

Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times.

I hope this article has helped you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough they will notice, and everything should snowball from there.

Find more inspirational messages and quick inspirations at http://bestinspirationonline.com/

More than One Way to Skin a Cat: Adventures in Creative Thinking

2007-08-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions.

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.

Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.

Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.

Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed.

Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

Number four; although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.

Number five; it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.

Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.

You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.

Number seven; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problems solver.

Here is one example.

Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes.

So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

Find more inspirational messages and quick inspirations at http://bestinspirationonline.com/

10 Ways To Become a Problem Solver

2007-08-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Something that we all seem to have in common is problems. Some see problems and give up immediately. Others thrash about or throw money at their problems with the predictable results that they continue without resolution, often getting worse. I have watched people carp, duck and hide, pull their hair, cry, lash out, etc. None of these produces the desired effect of solving the problem. Certainly, it never solves the problem in ways that are good for all parties involved.

People who aim to truly solve problems seem to have several traits in common. Here's my top 10 list of these traits.

#10 - Problem-solvers get a good fix on reality. They do not spend a lot of time in dreamland, wondering about what coulda been or woulda been if things were different. Things are NOT different - problem-solvers know this and act accordingly.

#9 - Problem-solvers do not gripe and do not make trouble for others.

#8 - Problem-solvers are self-starters. They do not wait for someone else to point out that there is something wrong. And they don't wait for someone else to tell them how to fix it.

#7 - Problem-solvers do not keep lists of grievances. Problem-solvers may keep a few objective examples of a problem to use as evidence when problem-solving discussions arise.

#6 - Problem-solvers engage their imaginations to come up with new solutions that they can try out, and they have the guts to go forward as they test their solutions.

#5 - Problem-solvers do not look to others for assurances that cannot be delivered. They know who does and does not make decisions, and try to work with those who do.

#4 - Problem-solvers are nimble-minded, tough-love optimists who work tenaciously to solve the problems facing them.

#3 - Problem-solvers are capable of allying themselves with others so that if a problem goes beyond their personal abilities, they can make use of the talents of others.

#2 - Problem-solvers effectively juggle their entire load of problems so that they all get resolved. They don't let any one problem so dominate their attention (except in emergencies), that they can't multitask. Here they attend to one problem. A few minutes later they're busy solving another. They don't make everything else wait until something is solved completely. They work on multiple fronts as best they can.

And the number one attribute of Problem-solvers:

#1 - Problem-solvers go the extra mile to solve problems and to help others solve their problems. They value win-win solutions whenever they are possible.

Are you a problem-solver?

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What Does a Professional Life Coach Do?

2007-08-17T15:02:00.001-07:00

What is a professional life coach and what does one do? No doubt you've seen people and companies offer services as a personal life coach or a professional life coach and you wonder if it's something you should look into.

It's possible that hiring a life coach would be a wonderful asset because they truly can help a person succeed in life. But in order to understand if you're at a point in your life to fully appreciate a professional life coach, you should make sure you understand what they do. It can be a bit confusing because life coaching sounds very much like a lot of other services that are offered these days.

A professional life coach does a similar job to a psychologist, but it is not quite the same job. Psychological therapy tends to deal with a person's past and how they got to the point where they presently are. The hope is that, by understanding what motivates them, they can fix what may be holding them back, and move on.

A professional life coach, on the other hand, focuses on where a person is. A professional life coach doesn't bother trying to figure out what motivates a person and instead tries to help a person figure out how to get away from what they're currently doing and towards what they want to do.

That, in a nutshell, is what a professional life coach does. If you'd like to understand how your life got to the point where it is now, then you may want to consider therapy. Therapy would also be useful if you're trying to find out if you have some form of mental disorder.

If, however, you just want to get past that and find a way to succeed in life, then you should probably consider getting a professional life coach. A life coach will be much more useful in getting to the point where you can move on in life, and be done with your current situation.

Learn more about the pursuit of happiness and finding true happiness at http://smilesbydawggone.com

Power through the people

2007-08-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

Have you come across a person who is so naturally friendly that when you put him inside a room of strangers, he'll be friends with almost everyone in no time? We call such a people-person, someone unbelievably nice and charismatic that he can charm anyone into doing anything.

A socially-empowered person achieves so much greatness, basically because of the people that catapult him to success. He earns the trust and all-out support of the people, whom he had helped before. He never runs out of help. He can do anything with the plethora of people behind him. All because he knows he maximizes his social potential!

See, if you know your social skills and you make use of them, you will reach self-empowerment. Self-empowerment is making a general overhaul in your life and turning yourself into a happier and more successful person.If you can be one of those people-persons, then I can't see any reason why you will not succeed. You just have to know how to start.

1. Be genuine.

Hypocrisy will just bring you all the way down. Be genuinely nice and interested to people. Once they perceive that you are Mr. Hypocrite with selfish intentions, you might as well say goodbye to self-empowerment.

2. Be the greatest listener that you can be.

To earn the love and trust of the people, listen to their problems and sympathize with them. Do not just hear them out, listen to them with your heart. Make eye contact when the person talks to you. Listen as if every word matters, and it does. Brownie points when they find out that there is a confidante in you.

3. Laugh out loud.

I do not mean that you force yourself to laugh for every joke cracked by someone, albeit you do not find it funny at all.This means finding humor in things and not being too darn serious. A person oozing with an awesome sense of humor attracts crowds and eventually, attracts success.

4. Don't forget yourself.

In the process of fluttering around like a social butterfly, you might forget yourself, allowing everyone to push you over. Remember, love and value yourself before anyone else. If you deem yourself respectable and worthy of affection, people will flock to you and not trample on you.

5. Do random acts of kindness.

You don't have to do a John Rockefeller and blow your savings to charity. Little acts of kindness matters the most, and this can be as simple as giving someone a surprise you-take-care card or helping an elderly cross the street. When we were kindergarten students, kindness was taught to us and greatly practiced. Now is the time to revive the good deeds and this time, let them stay for good.

6. Contact your old friends.

Sad how some friendships are destined to goodbye, but thanks to technology, you can do something about it. Relive the good old days by flipping your yearbook and look for the great people whom you want to communicate with again. Adding these old friends to your roster of support peers will surely make you feel good all over.

7. Develop your personality.

Are you grouchy, grumpy and generally morose? Whoa, you can't go through life with those. Get rid of the bad traits and habits that perpetually hamper your growth. And really, who wants a grouchy friend anyway?

8. Be confident.

Be able to stride to the other corner of the room and introduce yourself to people with that winning smile of yours. Just remember: be confident, not arrogant.

9. Practice control.

When angry, don't snap at anyone. Never throw a tantrum. Stay calm and collected. Be adult enough to take control of situation and transform your anger into something more productive and passive. As soon as people think your anger goes to volcanic proportions easily, they will find it hard to come to you.

10. Keep nurturing your relationships.

Your relationship with your family, friends and significant others is too precious that you must not neglect it whatever happens. Go out and have fun with them. Do things together. Happiness will never fly from your side as long as the people who matter the most are close to you.

In the end, using people for self-empowerment means becoming a better and more lovable person. It's a win-win situation: the people know they can turn to you anytime and vice versa.

If you need quick inspiration then check out our daily inspirational quotes at http://inspirationbydawggone.com

Do You Need a Personal Life Coach?

2007-08-17T15:00:00.003-07:00

These days, having a personal life coach is all the rage. People will talk about how their spiritual life coach or their online life coach has helped them achieve the things they've always wanted to do in life that they never thought they could do.

But is a personal life coach the right thing for everyone? Could hiring one help you achieve the success you want? Well, it's possible, but you should understand what kind of service you're purchasing before you spend your money.

A personal life coach doesn't have a magic wand that makes your life better, but a personal life coach can use a variety of life coach techniques to help you work through problems that you have in your life. If you have problems speaking in public, or a perpetual fear of not being good enough, a personal life coach can help you work through that and get to a point in your life where you're able to do the things you really want to do.

But you need to work at it, because no life coach can help you through something if you're not willing to put some effort into it. This is what makes some people claim that their personal life coach didn't help them at all. They hired a life coach expecting a quick fix, someone to simply make it all better, and a life coach simply can not do that. So if you're looking at a life coach as an easy substitute for a psychologist, you would be better off not hiring one because it won't help you at all.

So now that you know what a personal life coach does, how do you know if it's worth it to hire one? You should take a good hard look at your life and see if you have some life issue holding you back. If so, and if you're ready to work on it in order to better yourself, hiring a personal life coach may be a wonderful idea.

If you're comfortable in your life, and not really ready to face uncomfortable issues that could be keeping you back, then perhaps hiring a personal life coach isn't for you. It could even be possible that a life coach manages to help you get to the point where you accept that you need work. In such a case, the life coach ends up being very helpful!

Find more inspirational messages and quick inspirations at http://bestinspirationonline.com

What Really Makes You Tick?

2007-08-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

10 questions you should ask to yourself: a preparation to self-improvement

Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.

Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.

So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?

1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.

Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. Should I really change?
Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?

If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.

3. What's the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!

4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?
There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.

5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.

6. Am I happy at where I am today?
It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!

7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.

8. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?

9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.

10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.

Learn more about the pursuit of happiness and finding true happiness at http://smilesbydawggone.com

Gift Idea Help - Mothers Day Gift Ideas that are Special

2007-07-27T12:29:00.003-07:00

Giving the perfect Mothers Day gift can be easy and inexpensive. Investing your time and effort into thinking up a handcrafted gift is often the best way to show your mom that you care. Getting help from other family members can be a great way to ensure that you choose the best Mothers Day gift for your special mom.

The perfect Mothers Day gift can be found by examining what your mom enjoys the most. Does she spend time relaxing with her favorite music, gardening or watching a special television program? These favorite activities can all provide possible gift ideas that your mother will be sure to enjoy.

Most moms would love a day of pampering to relieve stress. A Mothers day gift basket always looks pretty, and you can fill up a nice basket with scented bath salts, some bubble bath, and even new makeup for her to try. Add some pretty soaps or organic shampoos and conditioners, and you have a great gift that will leave her thankful at the end of a long day. For a special touch, toss a pair of candles and a natural sounds CD into your basket.

If you have children, they may want to get in on the action and make a Mothers day gift. One idea for a creative gift that kids can make is a collage of photos of the kids. They can cut up their pictures and glue them onto a sheet of cardboard, then add a colored construction paper frame overtop. Moms love pictures, and a collage is a creative gift that is touching and fun at the same time. Kids will love making a Mothers day gift that gets put on display too.

Another creative gift is a personalized card. With this simple mothers day gift, use your computer to find free greeting cards you can download. Print one out, then add pictures to your card and write a personal message. You can even include a small poem that describes how special your mother is to you, or go one step further and write her a letter to tell her why you care about her so much.

A Mothers day gift for women who have newborns or toddlers is a break. Nothing says love more than your time, and a nice gift is to come in and take care of the dishes, laundry, and housecleaning for a day. Put on some soft music, chat while you work, and finish off your gift by cooking supper (or better yet, prepare supper in advance and freeze it to bring the day you go visit). Offer to baby sit older kids so that mom can go out for a night, or give her "gift certificates" for babysitting that she can cash in when she needs a break.

Mothers Day is a special opportunity to show your mom how much you care, but a special gift of love and appreciation can be given any day of the year. Feel free to give a Mothers day gift any season for any reason, just to show that you recognize the effort and devotion it takes to be a mom.

Find more unique gift ideas and holiday gift ideas at http://uniquegiftideas.justfolks.net

Gift Idea Help - Gift Ideas Unique and Unusual

2007-07-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

Gift ideas unique minds like to explore usually involve some sort of original, creative element. Some of the best gift ideas invoke some sort of memory, whether it be seen, heard, smelled, or felt. Homemade gift ideas usually serve as brilliant creative and unique gifts to give to people to accomplish this goal. Gift ideas unique in presentation can most often be the simplest things, resulting in the sincerest gestures.

Consider a book publishing kit to give a young child for his or her birthday. Available at retailers such as The Discovery Channel Store, these kits allow creative young minds to piece together a story of their very own and its corresponding illustrations. After your child is finished with the creation, send it in to the Discovery Channel Store, and in a few weeks you will receive a professionally bound book that is not only personalized but original. This is an imaginative, one-of-a-kind gift that both you and your child will enjoy for years to come.

When looking for homemade gift ideas, unique family recipes are a great way to share some memories. The gift of good food is a welcome addition in any house, and your friends and family members will reach for your family cookbook repeatedly. Simply filling out index cards and putting them in a brightly colored box works well, or creating a scrapbook filled with family pictures and recipes can be especially touching gift for a special family member.

For a grandmother who loves showing pictures of her family, find gift ideas that incorporate pictures of her grandchildren are a good idea. How about placing a photo in a coaster, a coffee cup, or even a mouse pad? To include more than one picture of grandchildren, look into putting different photos onto a photo tote bag that the grandmother of your child can carry around with her and show off to her friends while she is out. These days, there are shops at your local mall that can provide these personalized items and services inexpensively.

Gift ideas unique people like to share, are sometimes gifts that connect people to each other. They are not just a connection between the gift giver and the recipient, but a connection that can go around the world.

Gift ideas unique for a friend or family member that suffers from a disease such as AIDS, cancer or diabetes is to volunteer to raise money for an organization that performs research or promotes awareness of the disease. Many events such as Relay for Life allow volunteers to walk to raise money and show their support for the organization. If you are unable to walk, donating a monetary gift to a worthy cause in honor of your friend or family member is a nice gesture. Some of the best unique gifts are those that require you to give your time and talents.

Find more unique gift ideas and holiday gift ideas at http://uniquegiftideas.howtolearnmore.com

Need Special and Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

2007-07-27T12:28:00.001-07:00

Compiling your list of Christmas gift ideas should ideally be done a couple months in advance. Most of us are just so busy with work and taking care of our families that coming up with a list and buying Christmas presents is an afterthought shoved on the backburner. We wait until the last minute to come up with some Christmas gift ideas for the people we care about and then scramble to get those gifts.

Christmas presents do not have to be ones you search all day to track down. Some last-minute Christmas gift ideas involve presents you can create with items found in your very own home, and they can be a good, inexpensive way to give creative gifts with a bit of personality. As a personal approach to Christmas gift ideas, consider creating a gift basket of assorted items filled according to the individual and his or her interests.

For friends or family who are coffee drinkers, some great Christmas gift ideas for a basket would surround coffee beans and the love of a good cup of joe. A simple yet sufficient basket gift for the coffee aficionado may contain a large coffee mug or thermos, a bag of favorite coffee or small packages of different blends, some flavored syrup or chocolate-flavored coffee beans, and a package of biscotti.

For the people you know who enjoy cooking, neat Christmas gift ideas for a nice-looking basket gift could start with a large stockpot. Put in a box of dried pasta or a few packages of specialty pasta, a jar or two of different pasta sauces, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, and perhaps some Italian spices. If you have more room, you could also include a bottle of wine with two wine glasses and a cheese grater.

Christmas gift ideas for the chocolate lover on your list could include a variety of items. Homemade hot chocolate mix, a box of imported chocolates or even a chocolate lover's cookbook are all great Christmas gift ideas for those who appreciate the decadence of a good dose of chocolate. Store-bought or handmade chocolate cookies and candy confections are always welcome in a chocolate lover's home. The chocolate possibilities are endless and only limited by your Christmas gift budget.

For children who love drawing or arts and crafts, coming up with Christmas gift ideas that entice creativity is easy. Kids love all sorts of gifts, and they don't mind if they're not expensive. Buy a craft box to organize crayons or materials for crafts, include a pack of construction paper, a writing pad or notebook, some fun pencils, washable markers, and a watercolor paint set. You could also add in some yarn, some glue, craft sticks, finger paints, an ink pad and stamps, a bead set, or even an arts and crafts book. There doesn't have to be rhyme or reason to the materials you include - art is about improvisation with what you have on hand.

Christmas gift ideas to give a son or daughter during their first year of college can include some basic essentials. Fill a plastic tote bin or a large laundry basket with things like flashlights, batteries, laundry detergent, hand soap, toilet paper and paper towels. Include toiletries such as shampoo, bath soap, paper plates, plastic spoons and forks. You can toss in a recipe book of the simplest meals you can find, a few magazines, and a gift certificate for the local video rental store into this gift. For a sentimental touch, you may also want to incorporate a family picture or photo album.

Remember that a gift basket does not necessarily mean you have to use a straw basket. Any sort of medium to large container will do. Trying to match your container to your Christmas gift idea theme is the best idea to maximize the concept. You can create small basket gifts or go for large ones - the choice is yours. What you are aiming for is a creative present that not only your friends and family will find a use for but also remember for its uniqueness and originality.

Find more unique gift ideas and holiday gift ideas at http://uniquegiftideas.adviceforlife.net

The process of growing coffee

2007-07-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Your cup of steaming hot coffee every morning isn't something as easily prepared as you might think. Creating coffee needs more than just putting hot water and stirring sugar into it. It doesn't even come in instant granules that we are so used to.

The coffee that we drink actually comes from the coffee plants that are cultivated in various parts of the globe. Brazil is the number one coffee producer in the world with a market share of about 30-35 percent. Most countries that produce coffee are from South and Central America and the Middle East. Some Asian countries like Indonesia and India also have coffee plantations.

What do coffee plants need

Coffee plants are evergreen plants that are grown in specific situations. They need specific amounts of water, air and land in order for the flavor to be achieved. It involves a lot of back-breaking work and is pretty labor-intensive. This is perhaps why it is so hard to grow them.

Plants are sown as seedlings in what coffee-growers call nursery beds. The land needs to be well aerated since it should have a healthy amount of oxygen in the roots in order to grow well. After about 8-12 months, the seedlings are then replanted to the coffee fields where there are wet and fertilized holes.

As mentioned before, specific conditions must be kept true in order to cultivate a good coffee bean. Sunlight shouldn't shine directly. In fact, diffused light is best. Moisture should also be kept constant with frequent and regular watering. The soil should also be fertilized and kept healthy by removing weeds and protecting them from pests.

When planted, it takes a long time before it can mature. The coffee grower needs to wait for about 5 years before his first crop.

What the trees look like

Coffee trees are big and broad with dark green leaves. The flower, which resembles jasmine, is where the coffee granules are gotten. That is why harvest time are timed at the period when these flowers blossom. The fruits are also great sources of the coffee beans. The cherries or the berries will begin to come out about 6-8 months after.

It is a must that these fruits are harvested immediately as they can ripen easily— within 10 – 14 days. Manual harvesting is still preferred even if it takes a longer time. This is because the picker needs to keep the good beans apart from the bad ones.

The long wait is however very profitable for the coffee grower. One tree can produce about two pounds of beans, which is around 2000 coffee beans.

After the harvest, the coffee beans are then processed. They are dried and then roasted. These coffee beans are then ready to be sold on the market where they will be grounded before being served.

Learn more about gourmet coffee makers and flavored coffee beans at http://coffee.howtolearnmore.com

Growing the coffee plant

2007-07-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Coffee may be the favorite stimulant of people all over the world, but they may not know how those coffee beans and granules are cultivated. Some even think that they come out like the powdered instant drinks that we are so used to.

This is not so.

Looking at the market

Coffee granules actually come from the beans of a coffee plant. Whatever coffee drink you love, be it plain black or those with whipped creams on top, they all come from the same plant. Many countries grow coffee plants in their fields. They are usually situated in the regions between the tropic of Capricorn and Cancer. Some of these regions are South and Central America and Middle East. Brazil is the largest producer, accounting for about 30 –35 percent of the market. Columbia follows, having 12 percent market share.

There are actually two leading coffee varieties. One of them, the Arabica makes up about 70 percent of the whole market in the world. This actually considered as the best in the world… when it is good quality. Incompetence and poor quality control has lessened the appeal of the Arabica to consumers. In fact, many are choosing Robusta, which makes up the rest of the 30 percent, shared with other much rare varieties.

Essentials of a good cultivation

Coffee plants are cultivated on plantations, so much like those that cultivate cotton. It is however not so easy to grow a coffee plant. There is a specific temperature, which will suit cultivation—
About 15-24 Celsius. Fluctuations in the temperature can even affect the taste.

The soil where the coffee grows should also be well aerated. This is because the plants need to have a constant supply of oxygen in the roots.

Water is another important thing when it comes to growing coffee plants. The plantations need about 1500 mm to 2000 mm of rainfall every year. If these figures aren't reached, then irrigation needs to be instituted.

Some believe that altitudes also play a role in cultivating the best coffee plants. Most of the best coffees in the world are grown at over 3000 feet. This is perhaps because it takes longer for the coffee plants to mature at these level, thus flavor are developed over time in the seeds of the berries.

However, those that are produced at lower altitudes are healthier and stronger. They are more sickness and disease-resistant compared to other coffee plants.

Learn more about gourmet coffee makers and flavored coffee beans at http://coffee.adviceforlife.net

Five Strategies to Better Learning

2007-07-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

There has never been so much information to absorb and so much to learn in the history of humanity! The more technology we create, the greater the need for learning, so anything that can aid us in learning better is very welcome. Here are five simple strategies that can increase learning and retention of information.

The first learning strategy is a simple one, and one that might not appeal to young people in particular. This strategy is simple: Turn off the TV, turn off your radio and find a quiet place to work with no distractions. If you must have music, opt for classical music, and not rock music or hip-hop. It is amazing how many students like to have background music playing when they are learning, unaware of how counter-productive it can be. If you need to have background music, then choose Baroque, and then preferably strings, rather than brass. Baroque music played on strings has actually been shown to be beneficial to learners.

The second strategy follows on from the first. Don't slob out on the bed, especially on your front, when you are trying to study. Sit at a desk, if possible, with a comfortable, but straight-backed chair and make sure your materials are within easy reach. You don't want to have to break your leaning state over and over again, by having to retrieve items you need from elsewhere.

Strategy three: Breathe deeply and relax. Close your eyes breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth a few times, slowly and evenly. This helps prepare you for your study session and the next strategy.

Strategy four: You will be amazed how many students, adults and children, approach a study or learning task without first asking themselves why they are learning and what they want to achieve. After you have implemented strategy three, and relaxed somewhat, ask yourself what you want to achieve in this study session you are about to undertake. Having a concrete reason to do anything makes your brain focus more on the task. With studying this step is vital, because studying is essentially a brain-oriented task.

Strategy five: Study for short periods or 20 to 30 minutes each, and take breaks of about 10 minutes in between. Experts have found that our peaks of learning information tend to come at the beginning and the end of a session. In other words, we remember material more easily that we learned in the first few minutes of a session, and the last few minutes. Therefore, creating many beginnings and endings in one learning session should increase the amount we are able to take in and, more importantly, recall.

If you want to Learn More then visit http://learn-more.info

VOIP Systems - Just what is an IP, anyway?

2007-07-20T12:48:00.006-07:00

IP stands for "internet protocol" and references a data protocol that is used for communication across a network. A protocol, then, is a standard that governs the connection of that contact between two points on a network. Protocol also references a set of guidelines or rules that govern the aspects of the communication across the network.

IP, then, is what is known as a network layer protocol and is housed and governed in a data linkage known as Ethernet. Ethernet refers to what are essentially a family of computer properties and technologies used across local area networks or LANs. Ethernet tends to provide unique global internet protocol addresses or IP addresses to users on the networks. IP is basically the tools of communication and the identity of a particular computer or network's "global address." IP is entirely concerned with where the data ends up whereas Ethernet references and is concerned with the actual next device in the next chain of communication. To use the aforementioned example regarding a child's telephone, the Ethernet would be concerned with the two cans more than it would be with the string.

The first version of IP to be used worldwide and widely deployed was IPv4. IPv4, as the name would suggest, was the fourth edition of internet protocol and is used on the internet along with IPv6. IPv6 and Ipv4 are actually the only forms of internet protocol to be utilized on the World Wide Web. IPv4 is what is known as a "best effort delivery" protocol; there are not many service guarantees within IPv4 or any other IP for that matter. In fact, best effort delivery contains a number of notions that do not guarantee a level of quality for service customers or a level of reliability in terms of connectivity to any network. The best comparison to this philosophy would be the post office. While no resources are left unused in the operation of delivering mail, there is no actualized guarantee as to when you mail will arrive.

Along with a lack of data guarantee, IP may also deliver some data corruption, some lack of connectivity to the network, some double arrival in connectivity pings to the network, and even some loss of connection packets. For businesses using voice over ip phone connection or voip systems, this can cause a problem. The only thing IP actually can guarantee to its users is that the address will be correct in terms of connectivity. So the connection may be duplicated or may not arrive at any particular time and the data may be corrupted, but at least the connection knows the address and can deliver it to the address if the factors arrive as predicted. That sounds more and more like the postal service, doesn't it?

IP, while seemingly complex, simply provides a set of rules and regulations in the world of technology that enables data the ability to transmit across a given network, going as far as to include voice over ip services. This happens because the computers in the network have IP addresses and can function within the network's regulations. IP governs these addresses and the involvement of the address with the regulations, transferring data around the network.

Are you looking for VOIP Solutions? Learn more about VOIP Services at http://voipsolutions.adviceforlife.net

VOIP Solutions - Shopping for a New VOIP Phone

2007-07-20T12:48:00.005-07:00

A VOIP phone can be an exciting experience for many people. For others, however, learning to use one can be intimidating and confusing. If you are confused and often lost without a map in terms of modern technology, you may need a little more help in understanding just what a VOIP phone can do for you. In the end, however, learning about Voice over Internet Protocol technology can wind up saving you a lot of money and granting you a whole lot of new possibilities in terms of your phone calls.

Finding a VOIP vendor in your area can be easy, especially now that VOIP phone system technology has an overwhelming amount of influence in the markets. People are getting tired of their conventional phone services and wish to switch to something that makes calling more inexpensive and more convenient. Whether or not VOIP phone system technology is the right answer to this question is still a little up in the air, but more and more people are willing to try VOIP systems now more than ever.

VOIP has a variety of names. The most commonly referenced name for VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is also known by IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and the popular Voice-over-Broadband. Essentially, all of those names refer to the same basis element of VOIP; it involves the routing of voice conversations over the internet or through any other possible IP-based network capability.

Companies that supply VOIP to customers are called providers. A provider uses a protocol, which is a term that refers to the set of standards that govern communications, to grant their customers the ability to get through on their network. VOIP systems, thus, enable customers the ability to work through networks like the internet to place all of their phone calls.

The cash savings come by way of utilizing a single network to make all of the calls. Many providers have the networks previously in place due to their ordinary telephone services, so hooking up VOIP costs them little to no extra capital. VOIP phone systems, for many providers, are almost like free money in the bank. They create the possibility of free calling from one VOIP services user to another, enabling long distance calling to become a lot less of a hassle for the average consumer.

VOIP will change the way we talk to one another, once again, if it hasn't already. The emphasis on VOIP that will really drive a path through the market of telephony will be the cost to the consumer and to the companies involved. Companies like Vonage VOIP, CISCO VOIP and others hook up VOIP telephony through their existing technology and are enabled an entirely new brand of customer base for little to no cost to them. The customers experience the savings, too, often paying little for a phone plan that enables them to essentially make endless amounts of calls over the VOIP systems.

Voice over IP phone will be the way of the future for many households, especially those that would benefit from having greater long distance telephone possibilities at their fingertips. The world is changing and VOIP phone technology is fast becoming a leader in bringing people closer together without the cost of traditional long-distance telephone systems.

Are you looking for VOIP Solutions? Learn more about VOIP Services at http://voipsolutions.howtolearnmore.com

Learning About VOIP Solutions - Top Questions and Answers

2007-07-20T12:48:00.003-07:00

Technology is increasing daily and plenty of consumers are facing new challenges about learning new forms of communication using computer hardware or software. The changes in our world raise many questions, and these common questions and answers focus on one growing area of communication, IP Telephony or Voice over Internet Protocol. These questions that people often ask are heard all over these days, but our answers will help explain much about this new phase of keeping in touch with others.

What exactly is IP telephony?

IP telephony is a term that refers to VOIP technology or Voice over Internet Protocol. It is essentially the routing of voice conversations over a network, such as the internet, or any IP based interface. IP telephony, Internet telephony, Voice over Internet Protocol, VOIP, Broadband telephony, Broadband phone, and Voice over Broadband are all terms that relatively refer to this in the same way. If someone mentions any of those terms, they are likely referring to the notion of IP telephony. It is a growing aspect to communications, too, and many people are starting to use it in their homes to help with their communications aspects.

Where did IP telephony come from?

IP telephony is a commercial evolution of the 1973 project called "Network Voice Protocol". Network Voice Protocol was a computer networking project that was used to transport human speech patterns over communications networks. It was developed by internet researcher Danny Cohen of the Information Sciences Institute and was created to demonstrate that it was possible to develop a feasible blueprint for two-way voice communications over a digital network. The Network Voice Protocol project was used to send speech between sites on the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network or ARPANET. ARPANET is a United States Department of Defense project designed to produce a global network. It also became an ancestor of the internet.

Isn't a VOIP user "handcuffed" to an internet connection if they want to use the phone?

Certainly a drawback to the VOIP system is its reliance on internet connection. This reliance on an entirely separate service can make using VOIP telephony equipment seem to be quite complicated, at times. The quality of the connection through the VOIP system is also very reliant on the quality of the internet connection, lending to a distinct relationship between the internet connection and the phone connection that many users regret. VOIP systems can, however, use conventional phone connections for connectivity and can use other business grade network systems like a T1 connection in some cases. Many business providers, in fact, only hook the system up to a T1 connection to enable permanent connection to their network.

Just how reliable is IP telephony, anyway?

As conventional landline phones are connected to telephone company phone lines, they may actually be kept going in the event of power outages or other occurrences that may interrupt the service. Most household VOIP broadband services, however, rely on a modem connection or other powered services to make the phone work. In these cases, a VOIP phone may not be the most reliable service you can have. On the other hand, there are many options you can take to create a more reliable service for your phone so that it will not be interrupted by power outage or other issues.

What are some major VOIP or IP telephony providers?

There are many providers that are hopping aboard the VOIP bandwagon. Commercial use VOIP providers include Broadvoice, Primus Canada, AT&T CallVantage, Skype, SunRocket, Lingo, VoicePulse, VOIP.com, Vonage, and even Yahoo Messenger. Many of these services also have a phone package for home users that enable the same great service to take place within a home setting for Voice over Internet Protocol telephony.

Are you looking for VOIP Solutions? Learn more about VOIP Services at http://voipsolutions.justfolks.net/

VOIP Solutions - Just what is an IP, anyway?

2007-07-20T12:48:00.001-07:00

IP means "internet protocol." IP is really a fancy term that refers to the rules or regulations that take care of the communication across a network. If you think of the example of an imaginary telephone when you were younger, involving the two cans and the piece of string between them, you could illustrate protocol as the string between the two cans. It governs the communication between the cans, essentially.

IP, then, is what is known as a network layer protocol and is housed and governed in a data linkage known as Ethernet. Ethernet refers to what are essentially a family of computer properties and technologies used across local area networks or LANs. Ethernet tends to provide unique global internet protocol addresses or IP addresses to users on the networks. IP is basically the tools of communication and the identity of a particular computer or network's "global address." IP is entirely concerned with where the data ends up whereas Ethernet references and is concerned with the actual next device in the next chain of communication. To use the aforementioned example regarding a child's telephone, the Ethernet would be concerned with the two cans more than it would be with the string.

The first version of IP to be used worldwide and widely deployed was IPv4. IPv4, as the name would suggest, was the fourth edition of internet protocol and is used on the internet along with IPv6. IPv6 and Ipv4 are actually the only forms of internet protocol to be utilized on the World Wide Web. IPv4 is what is known as a "best effort delivery" protocol; there are not many service guarantees within IPv4 or any other IP for that matter. In fact, best effort delivery contains a number of notions that do not guarantee a level of quality for service customers or a level of reliability in terms of connectivity to any network. The best comparison to this philosophy would be the post office. While no resources are left unused in the operation of delivering mail, there is no actualized guarantee as to when you mail will arrive.

Along with a lack of data guarantee, IP may also deliver some data corruption, some lack of connectivity to the network, some double arrival in connectivity pings to the network, and even some loss of connection packets. For businesses using voice over ip phone connection or voip systems, this can cause a problem. The only thing IP actually can guarantee to its users is that the address will be correct in terms of connectivity. So the connection may be duplicated or may not arrive at any particular time and the data may be corrupted, but at least the connection knows the address and can deliver it to the address if the factors arrive as predicted. That sounds more and more like the postal service, doesn't it?

IP is a complex concept, but at the root it simply provides guidelines to technological aspects that transmit data or voice over ip services across a network. This happens because computers within that network have IP addresses that enable the reception of the data. With these IP addresses, data is assured proper receipt. The rest of the process, however, is up in the air thanks to the unreliable nature of the internet protocol or IP.

Are you looking for VOIP Solutions? Learn more about VOIP Services at http://voipsolutions.youcanlearnmore.com

VOIP Systems - Is Hosted VOIP A Gift From Heaven?

2007-07-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

In considering hosted VOIP options, there are many ways to view the options. It all depends on what you are looking for in terms of a product or service. There are many people that believe that hosted VOIP service is the most wonderful thing that they can get while others determine it to be absolutely ineffective. You first will likely need some information about what all of this means before you can make a decision as to how hosted VOIP will impact your life.

Many different companies offer a variety of services for your VOIP business dollars. Sifting through them can seem intimidating, but you can actually find some answers in terms of these products and services by asking some simple questions. The best way to get ahead in terms of VOIP offers is to learn about the various features that a hosting service can offer you and get acquainted with the features you will actually need in your own service arrangement.

A hosting service like Qwest offers a whole slough of options for their customers. Qwest hosting hosts the voice and messaging system, removing the customer's need for owning and maintaining a PBX key system. It also establishes an update interface that will ensure that Qwest VOIP customers will always have up-to-date features and functions on their service plan. Qwest also offers a completely integrated telecommunications bundle for their hosting customers, including Microsoft Outlook. They promise top notch services for their customers and offer some of the highest speed VOIP connections around.

Another hosting service is Aptela. One feature that Aptela stands by for their business VOIP customers is the use of a single button to transfer, connect, and move calls around on their network. Aptela also runs with plug-and-play operatives, automatically installing the software on your computer to connect you properly to the interface. They also offer a pile of services for personal users, but their prime focus seems to be among business users. Aptela provides a personal locator, loudspeaker paging, and multiple phone ring tones to operate multiple call alerts at one time.

Yet another hosting company on the market is CallTower. CallTower provides a lot of services for businesses and personal users of their hosted VOIP services. This includes a personal digital assistant to manage your calls, track you down wherever you are, and announce the caller to you much like a real personal assistant would do. There is also the popular click-and-dial feature from CallTower hosted VOIP that allows a simple click to produce a lot of action behind it and connect you right to who you want to speak to.

There are many companies that offer VOIP services to a lot of diverse clients. Finding the one for you can be difficult and multifaceted, as they are filled with special features and personal assistants. Taking the simple approach, however, may well be the better approach for your VOIP product supplier and your hosted VOIP service providers. With the information you collect about hosted VOIP, you can hopefully make the right decision and pick the best service for yourself, your family, or your business.

Are you looking for VOIP Solutions? Learn more about VOIP Services at http://voipsolutions.adviceforlife.net

Home Business: What Are Your Options For Start Up Capital

2007-06-21T09:48:00.003-07:00

Starting a business can be quite expensive. Unless you are independently wealthy, it is likely that you will need to raise the money to start your company. In today's world, funding can come from a surprising number of places. It is important that you consider all possibilities to find the ones that will work for you.

Family and friends are a logical first place to start. They know you personally and they understand your ideas beyond what is simply shown on paper. They also have a personal interest in seeing you succeed. However, this option has a number of drawbacks. Your friends and relatives may be motivated to contribute by personal feelings rather than objectivity. If you rely on money from friends who are neither expert investors nor subject matter experts in your field, you lose the critical judgment and advice that you can receive from an impartial expert.

Before accepting money, be sure to have a frank discussion on what will happen if the business fails. Be sure that you have a backup plan for repaying loans. Friends often say, "Don't worry about it; pay me back when you can." In reality, if your company fails, your friendships could be damaged by your inability to pay. Finally, if you do accept loans or donations from friends and relatives, be sure to document them as if they were from strangers. Should you later decide to seek venture capital or bank loans, those officials will want to see a paper trail.

Private investors are another option. Venture capital operations tend to deal with more established companies, but "angels" are often willing to take a chance on a brand new startup. However, an angel is not a smiling benefactor waiting to rain down money as a gift. Angels are shrewd investors who expect a solid return on their investment. A well-crafted business plan and excellent negotiating skills are absolutely required to secure funding from an angel.

Bank loans are another possibility. However, banks absolutely demand a solid paperwork trail. They are generally reluctant to invest in brand new businesses unless they are backed by impeccable personal credit. Even then, you must be prepared to demonstrate hard numbers as opposed to projections. Signed contracts from customers, a lot of collateral, and a willingness to forgo your own salary can all help to convince a bank.

Do not overlook creative means of financing your new venture. In many cases, you can start operations on a shoestring, and gradually build your company by re-investing your profits. This works best for companies that require little or no inventory and are, at least initially, run from a home office rather than a storefront. You may be able to tap into your retirement fund for startup capital. Credit cards are an option, but should be used sparingly. Talk with the Small Business Administration about their financing programs. Matthew Lesko's "Free Money" books offer a compilation of funding sources ranging from the common to the obscure. With a 90 day money back guarantee, the books are definitely worth a look.

It may seem impossible to come up with money for your business out of thin air, but by preparing a solid business plan and looking into every option possible, you can manage to raise the start-up funds you need. Use your creativity and imagination and keep a good sense of humor to make the process easier. Add a nice portion of patience and you'll be well on your way to finding the funding you need.

Learn more about small business startup at http://answersaboutsmallbusiness.com

The Secret to Finding Startup Capital - The Internet Business Plan

2007-06-21T09:48:00.001-07:00

No matter what type of business you plan to start, the most challenging task is generally raising the money you need. Starting a business can be an expensive proposition, and most people find themselves in need of either loans or investors. While getting the money is never guaranteed, one of the best ways that a potential business owner can increase his odds is by writing a solid business plan.

The business plan serves a few basic purposes. It serves as an internal document for your company, helping you to maintain your focus and work toward your goals. It also serves as an introduction to your company. The most important function of the business plan, for those just starting out, is that of a marketing tool. The business plan can convince investors that your company is a worthwhile investment.

The specifics of your business plan will vary according to your industry and your personal style. However, there are certain key elements that should be included in every plan. The most important elements are, perhaps, the "Four P's": Product - What you are planning to sell; Price - How much you will sell it for; Place - Where you will sell it; and Promotion - How you are going to market it. It is also crucial that your business have written vision and mission statements. The difference between the two is subtle but important. A vision statement can be seen as an overall goal towards which the company will strive, and often begins with the words "To Be." The mission statement can be seen as the practical means of achieving the vision.

It is extremely important that your business plan include a financial section. Utilizing available software options, it is possible for a new business owner with no background in finance to write this section himself. However, for right-brained people, it can be the most difficult section. It is always a good idea to have this section reviewed by an accountant. In this section, you will utilize a variety of tables to show the expected profits and losses of the business over time. Be sure to take into account seasonal fluctuations, such as the increase in retail sales during the Christmas shopping season.

There is a wealth of information available on the internet to help you write your business plan step by step. It is important to remember the purpose of a business plan, which in this case is to help you obtain funding. In a sense, you must justify the existence of your company in its business plan. Investors want to know whether they can expect a return on their investment, and they will look to your business plan to find that out.

It should go without saying that you should never attempt to pad the numbers in your business plan. Savvy investors will see through the charade, and you will not only fail to receive money from them, but you could find yourself blacklisted, unable to secure funding from any source. At the same time, investors recognize that your projections are merely an educated guess, so if you are careful to be as accurate as possible, there is no need to worry.

While funding is never guaranteed, a solid, well-crafted business plan will go a long way toward convincing investors that your business idea is sound. Reasonable estimates of your current and future financial picture, coupled with a fine-tuned vision, should eventually lead you to the capital that you require.

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Home Based Business: Female-Owned Businesses

2007-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

When you have an idea for a business and decide to finally put your plans into action, you need capital to get your company off the ground. Personal savings can come in handy for starting up, but many business owners tap into credit cards and retirement funds as well. Even then, a new business owner may come up short and looking for outside funding becomes necessary. New businesses might have trouble obtaining bank loans and there aren't always angel investors looking to invest in your company. Alternative funding becomes necessary.

The discrepancies between the average starting budgets of female owned versus male owned businesses have been the subject of much scientific research, and the results are unclear. What is clear is that, statistically, women tend to open their companies with a smaller amount of capital than do men in the same field. The reasons behind this trend are beyond the scope of this article. However, the ramifications for female business owners can be significant.

Unfortunately, gender discrimination is still alive in the 21st century. Women still have to work harder to prove their worth in the primarily male-dominated world of finance. It is critical for female business owners to provide an excellent sales pitch, coupled with an impeccable business plan, in order to secure funding. Women must also be careful not to undersell themselves. Studies have shown that women tend to ask for less money than their male counterparts do.

Fortunately, the news is not all bad. As with funding for college, funding for small business startup can come from the most unlikely sources. A variety of organizations offer startup loans and even grants targeted specifically to female business owners. Many of these organizations are run by current or retired female executives. The amount of each loan or grant may be small, but there is no reason not to apply for more than one. Additionally, securing these sources first can lower the amount required from a traditional funding source, as well as demonstrating that your business is worthy of investment.

Whereas in times past, women entrepreneurs were rare compared to the many men who invested in businesses, female business owners are closing the gap. Some women entrepreneurs remember the difficulties they faced and give back by helping provide solutions for other women to start their businesses. The way that men go about sealing deals for their companies, such as having a good business plan and creating a top-notch presentation, are just as applicable methods for women to push their business into the market. Women do tend to have lower self-esteem, and it's important for female entrepreneurs not to underestimate both their company potential and their own. Strong self-confidence and a positive attitude, combined with patience and not letting oneself get discouraged is important to business success.

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Budget Like Mom

2007-06-17T07:12:00.001-07:00

Budgeting is truly the turf of most mothers. Aside from the traditional role imposed on mothers as the one who budgets the family finances, mothers have the instincts and foresights on what might happen in the future.

But how do moms really stretch the budget? She neither uses complicated formulas nor magic tricks but simple ingenuity and common sense. Peek in through moms’ secrets in budgeting and learn. Role modeling is a good way to encourage attitude, especially towards money.

1. She clearly knows where all the money goes. Usually it goes to child care apart from the housing, health insurance, food and clothing. It is unlikely for her to cut cost on her children.

2. She studies all options given to her in terms of child care. Before she decides, she examines all aspects like safety, health and education.

3. To understand more, she talks to local child-care specialists and works out schedules with her employer for bonding time with kids.

4. For working moms, it is double the effort. They take care of the house and the children and at the same time work. She incorporates practical ways to accomplish both roles.

• Wearing professional clothes than trendy ones.
• Stays elegant but simple through a combination of basic colors.
• Dry cleaning costs a hefty amount, so, she dons on wash-and-wear clothes.
• Tone down on accessories.
• She engages in a lot of do-it-yourself habits like in cleaning spots and ironing wrinkles in her personal wardrobes.

5. Moms always shop with a list in her hand to keep track of her budget and expenses. She makes sure she does not exceed. Also, she has no time for checking out tempting stuff at the shopping mall.

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