Articles411.com Article Directory Featured Articles of Today!
A special feature to compliment our article directory site at http://articles411.comWednesday, November 30, 2005
How Google Indexes Content From Your Web Directory
How Google Indexes Content From Your Web Directory
by Martin Lemieux
In a fluke, I was able to notice something about the way Google indexes content from web directories. Excluding your template, the most important line of code is the first title you add to your main body.
Search through Google and see for yourself!
Try searching for "something" in "yourcity","province/state" and look for a web business directory that you recognize. Once you find a directory, take a good look at the description of that particular listing (not the title). It may be a good idea to write it down. Once complete, click on the "cache" of that page within Google to highlight the content and view the web directory page.
9 out of 10 times the description of your website listing within Google is partly taken from the first line of code you have within your main body of content (excluding your header, footer, & sidebar). You will notice that this only applies for a web directory. Any personal or business related website gets indexed differently. If you take a look at the Google directory, we find the same thing: Take a look here: http://www.google.com/dirhp?hl=en
Browse to any sub-category and look at the first line of text. You will find that the title within the main body of content before anything else, is within an H1 tag.
H1 tags & H2 tags are nothing new to the development community but, there may still be many directories online that can increase their search engine rankings by changing a few things.
Here's an example we see very often online; (I am also guilty of this)
You have just developed an impressive web directory and you are very proud of your creation. In the process of organizing your massive directory you were faced with a problem on how to allow people to browse your website and how to let search engines browse through your categories with ease. So with that in mind, you create the "alphabetical solution".
THE ALPHABETICAL SOLUTION IS THIS:
Search Categories By Alphabetical Order:
A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z
The problem with this alphabetical solution (I am also guilty as charged) is that we tend to add this development solution to the top of our page so that our visitors and possibly search engines can find these extra categories easily. << This is probably hurting your results in many ways.
1) Your alphabetical solution is probably necessary but instead, you should add it a little lower below some more important page specific content.
2) No matter where you add your ABC's, search engines will find them anyway.
3) You don't want 10,000 pages to be indexed with a description that goes... abcdefg...
The Solution:
If you own a directory and you are faced with this problem, let's get our development hats on and switch a couple of things around. Try adding the main "topic" description to the top of your main body of content and create this description within one of these tags: H1,H2,H3,H4, etc.
2nd: Once you have your main title description, try adding more related content to that specific page within "bold tags" BEFORE you add your alphabetical solution. At least this way, when search engines browse through your massive web directory, they do not leave thinking that you like singing the alphabets.
One Last Thing:
If you are seriously targeting specific local markets on the web, try adding the city, province/state, & country! Being in Canada, we are faced with many brick walls when it comes to promoting certain cities.
Perfect example of this is my home town of "Hamilton, Ontario, Canada". If you don't promote this city properly, you might actually be targeting people from "Hamilton, Ontario, California" ! ! ! Did you say ouch??? As you can see, this can be easily mistaken by many visitors coming to your web directory and probably won't help your conversion rate whatsoever.
Making sure that you target the right industries and the right locations could be crucial for the success of your web directory.
I hope this article helps you out!
About The Author:
Martin Lemieux is the president of the Smartads Advertising Network. Smartads is here to help small to large companies grow online and offline. Visit the Smartads Network today!
International: http://www.smartads.info
Business Directory: http://www.smartads.info/submit/
NEW* RSS/XML Directory: http://news-feeds.smartads.ca/
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Martin Lemieux
In a fluke, I was able to notice something about the way Google indexes content from web directories. Excluding your template, the most important line of code is the first title you add to your main body.
Search through Google and see for yourself!
Try searching for "something" in "yourcity","province/state" and look for a web business directory that you recognize. Once you find a directory, take a good look at the description of that particular listing (not the title). It may be a good idea to write it down. Once complete, click on the "cache" of that page within Google to highlight the content and view the web directory page.
9 out of 10 times the description of your website listing within Google is partly taken from the first line of code you have within your main body of content (excluding your header, footer, & sidebar). You will notice that this only applies for a web directory. Any personal or business related website gets indexed differently. If you take a look at the Google directory, we find the same thing: Take a look here: http://www.google.com/dirhp?hl=en
Browse to any sub-category and look at the first line of text. You will find that the title within the main body of content before anything else, is within an H1 tag.
H1 tags & H2 tags are nothing new to the development community but, there may still be many directories online that can increase their search engine rankings by changing a few things.
Here's an example we see very often online; (I am also guilty of this)
You have just developed an impressive web directory and you are very proud of your creation. In the process of organizing your massive directory you were faced with a problem on how to allow people to browse your website and how to let search engines browse through your categories with ease. So with that in mind, you create the "alphabetical solution".
THE ALPHABETICAL SOLUTION IS THIS:
Search Categories By Alphabetical Order:
A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z
The problem with this alphabetical solution (I am also guilty as charged) is that we tend to add this development solution to the top of our page so that our visitors and possibly search engines can find these extra categories easily. << This is probably hurting your results in many ways.
1) Your alphabetical solution is probably necessary but instead, you should add it a little lower below some more important page specific content.
2) No matter where you add your ABC's, search engines will find them anyway.
3) You don't want 10,000 pages to be indexed with a description that goes... abcdefg...
The Solution:
If you own a directory and you are faced with this problem, let's get our development hats on and switch a couple of things around. Try adding the main "topic" description to the top of your main body of content and create this description within one of these tags: H1,H2,H3,H4, etc.
2nd: Once you have your main title description, try adding more related content to that specific page within "bold tags" BEFORE you add your alphabetical solution. At least this way, when search engines browse through your massive web directory, they do not leave thinking that you like singing the alphabets.
One Last Thing:
If you are seriously targeting specific local markets on the web, try adding the city, province/state, & country! Being in Canada, we are faced with many brick walls when it comes to promoting certain cities.
Perfect example of this is my home town of "Hamilton, Ontario, Canada". If you don't promote this city properly, you might actually be targeting people from "Hamilton, Ontario, California" ! ! ! Did you say ouch??? As you can see, this can be easily mistaken by many visitors coming to your web directory and probably won't help your conversion rate whatsoever.
Making sure that you target the right industries and the right locations could be crucial for the success of your web directory.
I hope this article helps you out!
About The Author:
Martin Lemieux is the president of the Smartads Advertising Network. Smartads is here to help small to large companies grow online and offline. Visit the Smartads Network today!
International: http://www.smartads.info
Business Directory: http://www.smartads.info/submit/
NEW* RSS/XML Directory: http://news-feeds.smartads.ca/
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Friday, November 18, 2005
Debt Management Plans – A Way To Survive The Debt And Come On Top
Debt Management Plans – A Way To Survive The Debt And Come On Top
by Vishy Dadsetan
Debt Management Plans (DMP) is placed one step beyond credit counseling and a stone's throw short of bankruptcy. If you are too deep into debt and unable to pay them, a credit counseling agency may recommend Debt Management Plans. This is a serious step that should be considered carefully along with better money management skills and budgeting disciplines.
Similar to prescription medication that you would only take after consulting a licensed physician, Debt Management Plans should start only after you have talked it over with a certified credit counselor. Your certified credit counselor spends the time to review your financial situation, consider alternatives, and help you learn to handle money better. You want to stay out of debt after you get out of it.
What is Debt Management Plans?
In simple terms, your credit counseling organization begins to manage your debts on your behalf through direct interaction with your creditors. They come between you and most of your unsecured creditors, negotiate lower interest rates, eliminate certain fees, arrange payment amounts and prioritize which creditors gets paid first. In short, almost everything that could be done to get you out of debt fast. These plans cover most unsecured debts, like credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills. But secured debts such as real estate loans fall outside of these plans.
Before signing up with a credit counseling organization for a DMP, verify any concessions your particular creditors offer to that organization. All these concessions from your creditors amount to one thing: Lower your monthly payment and still get out of debt faster. In some cases, you will be able to pay you debts, years earlier. Ask your credit counselor how much earlier you will get out of debt if you stayed on course.
When DMP starts, you agree to send one monthly payment to the credit counseling organization and they in turn make all the payments to your creditors for you. In the meantime, you may have to agree not to use or apply for credit while you are participating in the plan.
Is a Debt Management Plan Right For You?
Cover the following with your credit counselor before you decide to participate in a Debt Management Plan.
Find out if there are other options besides the DMP available to you. Is your DMP handled by the same organization that also provides you assistance with money and budget management during and after DMP? If a Debt Management Plan is handled by one organization and another handles your ongoing credit counseling, how will you coordinate the two? Remember you want to stay out debt later.
Find out how enrolling in a Debt Management Plan impacts your credit and your credit score. Negative and accurate information on your credit record is not easy to remove despite any promises made.
Confirm what your monthly payment amount is and if you can afford it. Do not commit to something you cannot follow through.
Credit counseling organization promises concessions they can get from your creditors, such as lowering or eliminating interest charges and late fees. Confirm these with your creditors and see if there is a waiting period before these concessions kick in or do they start as soon as you enroll in a DMP.
Verify that your creditors are paid within the correct billing cycles and before their required payment due date.
Clarify the steps involved in getting status reports on your account from your credit counseling organization. How often? How detailed? Is it accessible by phone? Any hesitancy on behalf of the credit counseling organization to let you verify your account status is a big red flag that means you need to find another organization to help you.
Find out if your creditors are willing to reset the clock on your past-due accounts, wiping out the record of missed and late payments if you sign up with a Debt Management Plan. This process is called re-aging your account. How many payments should you make before your creditors are willing to do this?
What to do after Debt Management Plan starts?
Once you sign up with a Debt Management Plan continue to be active with the process, even though emotionally, you may want to wash your hands away and stay away. DMP does not relieve you of your responsibilities; it only helps you manage it better.
Keep in touch with your creditors and pay your bills until the DMP goes into effect. If you haven’t had any negative entries in your credit report by now, any late payments, late and penalties can still be entered into your credit report.
Contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed Debt Management Plan before you send any payments to the credit counseling organization for your DMP.
Call each of your creditors on the first of every month to make sure the agency has paid them on time and verify this by checking your monthly statements. Your monthly statement should also reflect any changes in your interest rates, waiving of the late fees and any other concessions you were expecting.
May you be granted freedom from debts both physical and Spiritually.
How Much Traffic Can A Good Article Bring Your Business? Vishy Dadsetan writes easy to read, keyword rich, search engine optimized articles that make sense. Articles just like this one.WebSite: http://www.freecreditreport.ws/creditcounseling.html
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
by Vishy Dadsetan
Debt Management Plans (DMP) is placed one step beyond credit counseling and a stone's throw short of bankruptcy. If you are too deep into debt and unable to pay them, a credit counseling agency may recommend Debt Management Plans. This is a serious step that should be considered carefully along with better money management skills and budgeting disciplines.
Similar to prescription medication that you would only take after consulting a licensed physician, Debt Management Plans should start only after you have talked it over with a certified credit counselor. Your certified credit counselor spends the time to review your financial situation, consider alternatives, and help you learn to handle money better. You want to stay out of debt after you get out of it.
What is Debt Management Plans?
In simple terms, your credit counseling organization begins to manage your debts on your behalf through direct interaction with your creditors. They come between you and most of your unsecured creditors, negotiate lower interest rates, eliminate certain fees, arrange payment amounts and prioritize which creditors gets paid first. In short, almost everything that could be done to get you out of debt fast. These plans cover most unsecured debts, like credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills. But secured debts such as real estate loans fall outside of these plans.
Before signing up with a credit counseling organization for a DMP, verify any concessions your particular creditors offer to that organization. All these concessions from your creditors amount to one thing: Lower your monthly payment and still get out of debt faster. In some cases, you will be able to pay you debts, years earlier. Ask your credit counselor how much earlier you will get out of debt if you stayed on course.
When DMP starts, you agree to send one monthly payment to the credit counseling organization and they in turn make all the payments to your creditors for you. In the meantime, you may have to agree not to use or apply for credit while you are participating in the plan.
Is a Debt Management Plan Right For You?
Cover the following with your credit counselor before you decide to participate in a Debt Management Plan.
Find out if there are other options besides the DMP available to you. Is your DMP handled by the same organization that also provides you assistance with money and budget management during and after DMP? If a Debt Management Plan is handled by one organization and another handles your ongoing credit counseling, how will you coordinate the two? Remember you want to stay out debt later.
Find out how enrolling in a Debt Management Plan impacts your credit and your credit score. Negative and accurate information on your credit record is not easy to remove despite any promises made.
Confirm what your monthly payment amount is and if you can afford it. Do not commit to something you cannot follow through.
Credit counseling organization promises concessions they can get from your creditors, such as lowering or eliminating interest charges and late fees. Confirm these with your creditors and see if there is a waiting period before these concessions kick in or do they start as soon as you enroll in a DMP.
Verify that your creditors are paid within the correct billing cycles and before their required payment due date.
Clarify the steps involved in getting status reports on your account from your credit counseling organization. How often? How detailed? Is it accessible by phone? Any hesitancy on behalf of the credit counseling organization to let you verify your account status is a big red flag that means you need to find another organization to help you.
Find out if your creditors are willing to reset the clock on your past-due accounts, wiping out the record of missed and late payments if you sign up with a Debt Management Plan. This process is called re-aging your account. How many payments should you make before your creditors are willing to do this?
What to do after Debt Management Plan starts?
Once you sign up with a Debt Management Plan continue to be active with the process, even though emotionally, you may want to wash your hands away and stay away. DMP does not relieve you of your responsibilities; it only helps you manage it better.
Keep in touch with your creditors and pay your bills until the DMP goes into effect. If you haven’t had any negative entries in your credit report by now, any late payments, late and penalties can still be entered into your credit report.
Contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed Debt Management Plan before you send any payments to the credit counseling organization for your DMP.
Call each of your creditors on the first of every month to make sure the agency has paid them on time and verify this by checking your monthly statements. Your monthly statement should also reflect any changes in your interest rates, waiving of the late fees and any other concessions you were expecting.
May you be granted freedom from debts both physical and Spiritually.
How Much Traffic Can A Good Article Bring Your Business? Vishy Dadsetan writes easy to read, keyword rich, search engine optimized articles that make sense. Articles just like this one.WebSite: http://www.freecreditreport.ws/creditcounseling.html
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Admin message to my regular readers.
My computer time is limited because of computer problems I am having at home. I am limited to one hour a day, (at the library) which barely covers the time it takes me to renew new articles.
This will limit how many articles can be featured and posted unless I get this problem fixed before the first of December.
If you would like to help in this goal, and have enjoyed my blogs and websites, here is a link to make a donation. Any amount is greatly apprciated.
Also anyone donating will automatically get freebies from my future ebooks and services.
Kindest regards,
God Bless you all,
Laurie
This will limit how many articles can be featured and posted unless I get this problem fixed before the first of December.
If you would like to help in this goal, and have enjoyed my blogs and websites, here is a link to make a donation. Any amount is greatly apprciated.
Also anyone donating will automatically get freebies from my future ebooks and services.
Kindest regards,
God Bless you all,
Laurie
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Finding Keywords
Finding Keywords
by Matt Garrett
Are you a new webmaster? And looking for a niche place in the cyber world? Or simply looking for a great rating among the search results of major search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN? In any case, you must indulge in finding keywords. Yes, by finding keywords, that are apt and according to your niche market, you will certainly be able to improvise on your search engine ranking.
The purpose of searching keywords is to find out the exact phrases that are requested by people in the searches carried in the major search engines. If your website has the relevant information about the most searched terms and keywords, your website would be rated higher by the major search engines. The entire process of improving search engine ranking for a website is a wide process and is called search engine optimization. Finding keywords is one of the most important parts of search engine optimization.
To start the keyword search for your website, make a list of the keywords related to your website. You can easily find the keywords by using online keyword services. One popular keyword service provider on the web is word tracker. Using word tracker tools and services, all you have to do is to type a keyword and wait for the list to appear on the computer screen. And you will you have a direct access to hundreds of keywords related to the keyword you have typed in the box.
For instance: your website is a website that markets and promotes skin products. Type the word “skin” and you will have all the top keywords related to skin. The keywords will be something like: skin care, oily skin, skin diseases, skin products, animal skin and so on.
Now you have to select the relevant keywords for your website. You cannot choose animal skin for your site which caters specifically to the human skin cosmetics and skin care. Yes you can include the keywords like skin care, skin cream, dry skin, oily skin and many others.
You have a number of keyword services and tools that can help you find the most searched keywords for your website. While you select the keyword with the help of these tools, you will also come to know how many number of times the keyword has been searched on the internet.
Let us go back to skin example: suppose you select dry skin, you can also track the exact number of times “dry skin” has been searched on the internet. The number can be some thousand times. Incase you choose “dry skin type”, the number of searches can be less. So, you are suggested to select the keyword with a higher search count first.
Another tricky method of finding keywords is to keep an eye on your competitors. Look at the meta-tags of your competitors’ website. The meta-tags are a good source of significant keywords. You can also seek help from your customers regarding the keywords they use in their search.
Having a weblog page in your website is also helpful in tracking the keywords. Each weblog page has a link which shows the keywords being used to search your page. Once you have the right keywords in hand, you can hit the market with the most relevant and desired information on your website.
Matt Garrett, http://www.keyword-services.org
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Matt Garrett
Are you a new webmaster? And looking for a niche place in the cyber world? Or simply looking for a great rating among the search results of major search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN? In any case, you must indulge in finding keywords. Yes, by finding keywords, that are apt and according to your niche market, you will certainly be able to improvise on your search engine ranking.
The purpose of searching keywords is to find out the exact phrases that are requested by people in the searches carried in the major search engines. If your website has the relevant information about the most searched terms and keywords, your website would be rated higher by the major search engines. The entire process of improving search engine ranking for a website is a wide process and is called search engine optimization. Finding keywords is one of the most important parts of search engine optimization.
To start the keyword search for your website, make a list of the keywords related to your website. You can easily find the keywords by using online keyword services. One popular keyword service provider on the web is word tracker. Using word tracker tools and services, all you have to do is to type a keyword and wait for the list to appear on the computer screen. And you will you have a direct access to hundreds of keywords related to the keyword you have typed in the box.
For instance: your website is a website that markets and promotes skin products. Type the word “skin” and you will have all the top keywords related to skin. The keywords will be something like: skin care, oily skin, skin diseases, skin products, animal skin and so on.
Now you have to select the relevant keywords for your website. You cannot choose animal skin for your site which caters specifically to the human skin cosmetics and skin care. Yes you can include the keywords like skin care, skin cream, dry skin, oily skin and many others.
You have a number of keyword services and tools that can help you find the most searched keywords for your website. While you select the keyword with the help of these tools, you will also come to know how many number of times the keyword has been searched on the internet.
Let us go back to skin example: suppose you select dry skin, you can also track the exact number of times “dry skin” has been searched on the internet. The number can be some thousand times. Incase you choose “dry skin type”, the number of searches can be less. So, you are suggested to select the keyword with a higher search count first.
Another tricky method of finding keywords is to keep an eye on your competitors. Look at the meta-tags of your competitors’ website. The meta-tags are a good source of significant keywords. You can also seek help from your customers regarding the keywords they use in their search.
Having a weblog page in your website is also helpful in tracking the keywords. Each weblog page has a link which shows the keywords being used to search your page. Once you have the right keywords in hand, you can hit the market with the most relevant and desired information on your website.
Matt Garrett, http://www.keyword-services.org
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Top 5 RC Car Accessories
Top 5 RC Car Accessories
by Greg Root
RC cars are one of the hottest hobbies going but to keep your vehicle in top condition you need to have a stock of standard equipment to maintain your car. There are also great RC car accessories that can add to the experience and get you up and running more easily.
You don’t want to be left on the sidelines because you can’t get your vehicle started or perform a quick maintenance on the spot. Here are the top five accessories every RC enthusiast should check out…
Starter Boxes
Need help starting your engines? Starter boxes can give you the boost needed to break in your new RC vehicle or just make the starting process easier.
The starter box will eliminate the need to pull-start your RC nitro car. Some car models are more difficult than others to pull start and having a starter box removes the problem and gets your vehicle going in no time.
RC Tools
Specialized tools help you keep your vehicle in top form. Some of the recommended additions to your standard tool box are:
Magnetic Balancer: reduce wear and tear on your RC vehicle by ensuring that rotating parts are properly balanced. Ideal for balancing new tires before hitting the road.
Gear Puller: avoid stripping the set screws by using a gear puller.
Temperature Gauge: test the temperature while tuning your engine without risking a burn.
Tool Pouch: keep all your tools handy and organized to make pit stops and tuning an easier task.
Glow Plug Wrench: makes the necessary task of changing glow plugs easier and quicker.
Glow Plugs
You will definitely need spare glow plugs on hand otherwise you may have to cut your driving time short if your glow plugs fail. Even new plugs can be faulty so having a small kit that includes a glow plug igniter, charger, spare glow plugs and a glow plug wrench is a good idea so that you can make a change on the course instead of ending the fun.
Fuel
If you’re going to drive a nitro car you’re going to need fuel. The fuel used for RC nitro cars is specially designed for optimum performance. Using the fuel recommended in your owner’s manual will provide your vehicle with exactly the right combination of synthetic and castor oils.
To make fueling easier you can select a fuel filler bottle that fits your needs. Several sizes are available and they are equipped with long, angled tips to speed up the refueling process and prevent spills.
Always keep your fuel tightly capped since moisture will quickly be absorbed from the air and ruin the fuel. You might also consider including a fuel cleaner and rags in your stash to clean up any spills and drips.
Air Filter Oil
Treating your nitro car’s air filter with special air filter oil will improve the ability of the filter to keep out dust and dirt while also extending the life of your car’s engine. Over or under oiling the filter will affect the performance and possibly damage the engine. Only use the oil specified for your type of filter since using the wrong oil can disintegrate the filter.
Be sure to let your oiled air filter dry for up to half an hour before installing it to avoid the excess oil from choking the system. Carry pre-oiled filters for changes rather than using a recently oiled filter or dry filter.
These are a few of the recommend RC car accessories you should be sure to keep with you when racing or just playing around with your RC vehicle. You will find many more products that are designed to help you fix or add on to your vehicle by shopping online or at your local hobby shop.
Greg Root owns and maintains http://www.rccarssite.com/. A website that provides basic tips on how to buy, build and race electric and nitro RC cars.
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
by Greg Root
RC cars are one of the hottest hobbies going but to keep your vehicle in top condition you need to have a stock of standard equipment to maintain your car. There are also great RC car accessories that can add to the experience and get you up and running more easily.
You don’t want to be left on the sidelines because you can’t get your vehicle started or perform a quick maintenance on the spot. Here are the top five accessories every RC enthusiast should check out…
Starter Boxes
Need help starting your engines? Starter boxes can give you the boost needed to break in your new RC vehicle or just make the starting process easier.
The starter box will eliminate the need to pull-start your RC nitro car. Some car models are more difficult than others to pull start and having a starter box removes the problem and gets your vehicle going in no time.
RC Tools
Specialized tools help you keep your vehicle in top form. Some of the recommended additions to your standard tool box are:
Magnetic Balancer: reduce wear and tear on your RC vehicle by ensuring that rotating parts are properly balanced. Ideal for balancing new tires before hitting the road.
Gear Puller: avoid stripping the set screws by using a gear puller.
Temperature Gauge: test the temperature while tuning your engine without risking a burn.
Tool Pouch: keep all your tools handy and organized to make pit stops and tuning an easier task.
Glow Plug Wrench: makes the necessary task of changing glow plugs easier and quicker.
Glow Plugs
You will definitely need spare glow plugs on hand otherwise you may have to cut your driving time short if your glow plugs fail. Even new plugs can be faulty so having a small kit that includes a glow plug igniter, charger, spare glow plugs and a glow plug wrench is a good idea so that you can make a change on the course instead of ending the fun.
Fuel
If you’re going to drive a nitro car you’re going to need fuel. The fuel used for RC nitro cars is specially designed for optimum performance. Using the fuel recommended in your owner’s manual will provide your vehicle with exactly the right combination of synthetic and castor oils.
To make fueling easier you can select a fuel filler bottle that fits your needs. Several sizes are available and they are equipped with long, angled tips to speed up the refueling process and prevent spills.
Always keep your fuel tightly capped since moisture will quickly be absorbed from the air and ruin the fuel. You might also consider including a fuel cleaner and rags in your stash to clean up any spills and drips.
Air Filter Oil
Treating your nitro car’s air filter with special air filter oil will improve the ability of the filter to keep out dust and dirt while also extending the life of your car’s engine. Over or under oiling the filter will affect the performance and possibly damage the engine. Only use the oil specified for your type of filter since using the wrong oil can disintegrate the filter.
Be sure to let your oiled air filter dry for up to half an hour before installing it to avoid the excess oil from choking the system. Carry pre-oiled filters for changes rather than using a recently oiled filter or dry filter.
These are a few of the recommend RC car accessories you should be sure to keep with you when racing or just playing around with your RC vehicle. You will find many more products that are designed to help you fix or add on to your vehicle by shopping online or at your local hobby shop.
Greg Root owns and maintains http://www.rccarssite.com/. A website that provides basic tips on how to buy, build and race electric and nitro RC cars.
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Easy Tips To Improve Your Gas Mileage
Easy Tips To Improve Your Gas Mileage
by Mike
With gas prices seemingly out of control it’s more important than ever to learn how to improve gas mileage in your vehicles.
There are many simple steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many people fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their car is giving them.
Here are some quick tips that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single tip will make that big of a difference in increasing your gas mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better gas mileage and helping the environment in the process.
Simple Mileage Improvement Tips:
Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.
Park your car in the shade when it's sunny and warm to keep your car’s interior cooler.
Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your car and go inside and order your food as many times it’s a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as I’m eating while I watch people sitting in their cars still waiting for their food. Just think of how much gas is wasted in those lines!
Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
Don't ride the brake. Not only will this save gas but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.
Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid “flooring it” when the stoplight turns green.
Maintain the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.
If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI - Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.
If you can’t find a place to buy cheap gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.
Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card from a major oil company. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your gas at their stations.
For more great gas saving tips and tricks please visit us at: http://www.gas-mileage-experts.com
www.gas-mileage-experts.com We specialize in information about different types of fuel/'>http://www.gas-mileage-experts.com">fuel that are sure to save you money
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Mike
With gas prices seemingly out of control it’s more important than ever to learn how to improve gas mileage in your vehicles.
There are many simple steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many people fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their car is giving them.
Here are some quick tips that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single tip will make that big of a difference in increasing your gas mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better gas mileage and helping the environment in the process.
Simple Mileage Improvement Tips:
Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.
Park your car in the shade when it's sunny and warm to keep your car’s interior cooler.
Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your car and go inside and order your food as many times it’s a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as I’m eating while I watch people sitting in their cars still waiting for their food. Just think of how much gas is wasted in those lines!
Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
Don't ride the brake. Not only will this save gas but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.
Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid “flooring it” when the stoplight turns green.
Maintain the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.
If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI - Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.
If you can’t find a place to buy cheap gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.
Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card from a major oil company. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your gas at their stations.
For more great gas saving tips and tricks please visit us at: http://www.gas-mileage-experts.com
www.gas-mileage-experts.com We specialize in information about different types of fuel/'>http://www.gas-mileage-experts.com">fuel that are sure to save you money
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Friday, November 11, 2005
Clueless About What You Can Buy On Ebay?
Clueless About What You Can Buy On Ebay?
by David Riewe
Being clueless on what items to buy on E-bay is a phase.
In fact, it's the very first step to online shopping. With every new day, online shoppers conquer more E-bay buying techniques, and slowly lift off the novice's launch pad.
From then on, online shoppers realize there's more they can buy on E-bay than meets the eye.
Generally, E-bay is comprised of almost all the things a buyer would want and need under the sun. In fact, it seems that E-bay's selling almost everything.
Because of its diversity in items being sold, E-bay categorized each item for easier search. Though, each listing varies from one country to another.
Generally, online shoppers may choose to buy things under the category of antiques. These may include old-fashioned decors; house wares; vintage cars, clothing, and accessories; historic collector's item; and old postcards.
Buyers may also deliberate on buying items classified under the automotive category. These may range from cars to accessories to almost insignificant extras like car stickers, car perfumes, and collectibles.
Those who are looking for computer gadgets, electronic bolts, or printers may look at the Electronics and Computers category of E-bay.
E-bay listings also have the basic necessities like clothes, shoes, and accessories. It also includes different kinds of jewelries like trinkets, charms, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, watches, and ornaments.
Those who are looking for stamps and other collectables like postcards, old papers, even different kinds of minerals, rocks, and fossils will find E-bay a very lucrative place to do online shopping.
E-bay also caters to people who are into sports. Buyers can find different sorts of sports gadgets, sports get-ups, and tools. Those who are hobbyists may also find practical tools for their respective hobbies like gardening tools, cross-stitching paraphernalia, cooking and baking utensils, or scrapbooks.
Best of all, E-bay offers a great line of entertainment appliances and high-tech gadgets like mobile phones, mp3 players, pc tablets, PDAs, memory cards, flash cards, video cameras, digital cameras, audio recorders, sensors, and camcorders.
Aside from these common items that reflect fads and fashions in today's contemporary society, e-bay has also that special section that consists of "everything else." These are the things that do not fall under the basic categories. These are ephemera, costumes, children's themed gift sets, party packages, mobile sim card, and mobile load, even a Google account.
With these things, buyers can be assured of a wide array of things and gadgets that would serve them best provided that it does not fall under E-bay's prohibited list.
David Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his eBay Blog to Discover 101 Ebay Auction Tips in this FREE ebook http://www.push-button-online-income.com/ebayblog
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by David Riewe
Being clueless on what items to buy on E-bay is a phase.
In fact, it's the very first step to online shopping. With every new day, online shoppers conquer more E-bay buying techniques, and slowly lift off the novice's launch pad.
From then on, online shoppers realize there's more they can buy on E-bay than meets the eye.
Generally, E-bay is comprised of almost all the things a buyer would want and need under the sun. In fact, it seems that E-bay's selling almost everything.
Because of its diversity in items being sold, E-bay categorized each item for easier search. Though, each listing varies from one country to another.
Generally, online shoppers may choose to buy things under the category of antiques. These may include old-fashioned decors; house wares; vintage cars, clothing, and accessories; historic collector's item; and old postcards.
Buyers may also deliberate on buying items classified under the automotive category. These may range from cars to accessories to almost insignificant extras like car stickers, car perfumes, and collectibles.
Those who are looking for computer gadgets, electronic bolts, or printers may look at the Electronics and Computers category of E-bay.
E-bay listings also have the basic necessities like clothes, shoes, and accessories. It also includes different kinds of jewelries like trinkets, charms, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, watches, and ornaments.
Those who are looking for stamps and other collectables like postcards, old papers, even different kinds of minerals, rocks, and fossils will find E-bay a very lucrative place to do online shopping.
E-bay also caters to people who are into sports. Buyers can find different sorts of sports gadgets, sports get-ups, and tools. Those who are hobbyists may also find practical tools for their respective hobbies like gardening tools, cross-stitching paraphernalia, cooking and baking utensils, or scrapbooks.
Best of all, E-bay offers a great line of entertainment appliances and high-tech gadgets like mobile phones, mp3 players, pc tablets, PDAs, memory cards, flash cards, video cameras, digital cameras, audio recorders, sensors, and camcorders.
Aside from these common items that reflect fads and fashions in today's contemporary society, e-bay has also that special section that consists of "everything else." These are the things that do not fall under the basic categories. These are ephemera, costumes, children's themed gift sets, party packages, mobile sim card, and mobile load, even a Google account.
With these things, buyers can be assured of a wide array of things and gadgets that would serve them best provided that it does not fall under E-bay's prohibited list.
David Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his eBay Blog to Discover 101 Ebay Auction Tips in this FREE ebook http://www.push-button-online-income.com/ebayblog
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Loans Are Not Just For Christmas. Surviving The Holiday Debt Hangover.
Loans Are Not Just For Christmas. Surviving The Holiday Debt Hangover.
by R.Green
Christmas is coming - A time for decorations, songs, over-eating, gift giving, visiting the family, consumer spending and the increasing of personal debts. Bah humbug.
While most people see Christmas as a joyful period there are many who see it as a time of financial worry as they cannot afford to buy presents for everyone. For these people it is often the doorstep lenders who will be getting fatter rather than them and their family. The temptation is to simply put the expenses on the credit card or take out a loan to be paid back on the never-never. Unfortunately this can lead to disastrous results in the long-term, as the recent increase in the number of repossession order applications are testimony.
There are a few simple rules can help to prevent a post festive period financial hangover though.
Firstly, don’t ignore the problem. The longer you leave a debt problem, the worse it will become.
If things seem desperate then contacting a free organisation such as National Debtline (0808 808 4000) can help by giving debt advice over the phone, or by providing booklets and fact sheets, as well as helping to set up personalised debt management plans.
Next, maximise incomings and minimise outgoing expenditures. Look out for anywhere costs can be reduced. Online retailers don’t have to pay for expensive premises, and so buying presents online rather than in the shops is often a great money saver. Be alert for shop sales and make the most of them.
If you already have debts, then you need to be wary of borrowing more money without some serious consideration and qualified professional independent financial advice.
Taking out a low rate secured loan to cover previously unsecured debt may seem like a sensible idea, however, should you fail to meet the payments you could lose your house. If you have unsecured loans, your home may not be safe either. Debt counselling charities have recently become increasingly alarmed regarding a growing trend by some of the high street lenders to issue “charging orders” on borrowers’ homes in order to recover bad debts. This means that by going through the courts, the lender can change an unsecured loan agreement converting the debt to be secured on the borrower’s house, whilst still charging unsecured interest rates. A consolidation loan may seem sensible; however this will mean borrowing more money, over a longer period this will mean more interest to pay in the long run.
If you decide to take out a loan, then you need to ensure that you are getting the best rate that is available. The big banks like Barclays ( www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index ) have online facilities showing their current rates , and other online finance companies such as Moneynet ( www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml ) provide free facilities to compare rates for hundreds of secured loans, unsecured loans and even adverse loans.Never use a doorstep lender no matter how desperate things seem. Radio 4's Money Box recently highlighted the plight of people in Southampton where the typical doorstep lender’s APR was a massive 177%. For people on low incomes trying to regain control of their finances, this will lead to further problems and cause existing debt to spiral out of all control.
Recent initiatives for people who have had problems getting affordable credit, known as Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), have started springing up around the country. These are funded by a collaboration of public and private money including some of the major banks, and specialise in providing personal adverse loans and small business loans to people who have previously been turned down by the banks. CDFIs usually charge an annual interest rate of up 24%, which is higher than many standard non-adverse high street loans due to the increased levels of risk and additional advice involved with this kind of lending but it is also much lower than the unregulated alternatives.
When you look at paying off existing debts, you need to decide which are the most important and deal with your priority debts first. Ensure mortgage and rent bills are covered first, next pay off essential utility bills and council tax, before trying to pay off any unsecured loans.
As well as reducing any monetary outgoings, it is also important to ensure that you are getting all the incoming money that you are due. Checking with the local Citizens Advice can be useful for help on debt, benefit, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration and consumer issues. They will be able to advise you on most areas of concern, including whether there are any government payments to which you could be entitled.
Debt problems can seem insurmountable at the best of times, but over the Christmas period it can become completely overwhelming. Start by maximising your incomings, minimising your outgoings, and careful budgeting and purchasing. Ensure you are getting the best loan rates through free online information comparison at sites like Moneynet, and speak to free independent advice services like National Debtline and Citizens Advice; it is possible to retake control of your finances and have a happy Christmas.
Disclaimer:All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.
You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.
Useful resources:Moneynet loan comparisons http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml Barclays loans http://www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index/
Richard lives in Edinburgh, occasionally writing for the personal finance blog Cashzilla http://cashzilla.blogspot.com/ , and listens to music no one else likes.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by R.Green
Christmas is coming - A time for decorations, songs, over-eating, gift giving, visiting the family, consumer spending and the increasing of personal debts. Bah humbug.
While most people see Christmas as a joyful period there are many who see it as a time of financial worry as they cannot afford to buy presents for everyone. For these people it is often the doorstep lenders who will be getting fatter rather than them and their family. The temptation is to simply put the expenses on the credit card or take out a loan to be paid back on the never-never. Unfortunately this can lead to disastrous results in the long-term, as the recent increase in the number of repossession order applications are testimony.
There are a few simple rules can help to prevent a post festive period financial hangover though.
Firstly, don’t ignore the problem. The longer you leave a debt problem, the worse it will become.
If things seem desperate then contacting a free organisation such as National Debtline (0808 808 4000) can help by giving debt advice over the phone, or by providing booklets and fact sheets, as well as helping to set up personalised debt management plans.
Next, maximise incomings and minimise outgoing expenditures. Look out for anywhere costs can be reduced. Online retailers don’t have to pay for expensive premises, and so buying presents online rather than in the shops is often a great money saver. Be alert for shop sales and make the most of them.
If you already have debts, then you need to be wary of borrowing more money without some serious consideration and qualified professional independent financial advice.
Taking out a low rate secured loan to cover previously unsecured debt may seem like a sensible idea, however, should you fail to meet the payments you could lose your house. If you have unsecured loans, your home may not be safe either. Debt counselling charities have recently become increasingly alarmed regarding a growing trend by some of the high street lenders to issue “charging orders” on borrowers’ homes in order to recover bad debts. This means that by going through the courts, the lender can change an unsecured loan agreement converting the debt to be secured on the borrower’s house, whilst still charging unsecured interest rates. A consolidation loan may seem sensible; however this will mean borrowing more money, over a longer period this will mean more interest to pay in the long run.
If you decide to take out a loan, then you need to ensure that you are getting the best rate that is available. The big banks like Barclays ( www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index ) have online facilities showing their current rates , and other online finance companies such as Moneynet ( www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml ) provide free facilities to compare rates for hundreds of secured loans, unsecured loans and even adverse loans.Never use a doorstep lender no matter how desperate things seem. Radio 4's Money Box recently highlighted the plight of people in Southampton where the typical doorstep lender’s APR was a massive 177%. For people on low incomes trying to regain control of their finances, this will lead to further problems and cause existing debt to spiral out of all control.
Recent initiatives for people who have had problems getting affordable credit, known as Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), have started springing up around the country. These are funded by a collaboration of public and private money including some of the major banks, and specialise in providing personal adverse loans and small business loans to people who have previously been turned down by the banks. CDFIs usually charge an annual interest rate of up 24%, which is higher than many standard non-adverse high street loans due to the increased levels of risk and additional advice involved with this kind of lending but it is also much lower than the unregulated alternatives.
When you look at paying off existing debts, you need to decide which are the most important and deal with your priority debts first. Ensure mortgage and rent bills are covered first, next pay off essential utility bills and council tax, before trying to pay off any unsecured loans.
As well as reducing any monetary outgoings, it is also important to ensure that you are getting all the incoming money that you are due. Checking with the local Citizens Advice can be useful for help on debt, benefit, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration and consumer issues. They will be able to advise you on most areas of concern, including whether there are any government payments to which you could be entitled.
Debt problems can seem insurmountable at the best of times, but over the Christmas period it can become completely overwhelming. Start by maximising your incomings, minimising your outgoings, and careful budgeting and purchasing. Ensure you are getting the best loan rates through free online information comparison at sites like Moneynet, and speak to free independent advice services like National Debtline and Citizens Advice; it is possible to retake control of your finances and have a happy Christmas.
Disclaimer:All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.
You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.
Useful resources:Moneynet loan comparisons http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml Barclays loans http://www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index/
Richard lives in Edinburgh, occasionally writing for the personal finance blog Cashzilla http://cashzilla.blogspot.com/ , and listens to music no one else likes.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Make Time for Your Real Life
Make Time for Your Real Life
by Royane Real
If you currently don’t have enough time for friends in your life, one reason may be that you have let yourself become too busy.
Nurturing and maintaining friendships requires effort and commitment. Many of us let our lives become so busy with work and other commitments that we don’t get around to scheduling time for pleasure and renewal with the friends, relatives and acquaintances we already have.
If you make an effort to call your friends more regularly, see them more often, and to accept more of the invitations you receive from others, can improve your social life in a hurry!
Are there any people you could call right now and be assured of a pleasant welcome? Are these people that you could count on to help you in a crisis? Can you have close talks with them? Do you have fun when you are together? Are you happy to have them in your life?
If you haven’t seen much of your friends lately, is it because you have become too busy? Have you grown apart? Was there an argument?
If the main reason you haven’t been getting together with the people you already know is because you have gotten too busy, take a good look at how you spend your time.
Think for a few moments about your real values and priorities in life. Is your hectic lifestyle really bringing you the quality of life that you want?
If you have become too busy for friends, why has this happened? Are you pursuing material toys in your life at the expense of relationships with other human beings?
Have you allowed your time to be over-committed because you never say “No” to anyone? Do you insist on doing things yourself that could be delegated to others? If so, why? Do you believe that everything depends on you?
Examine whether the way you are currently spending your time accurately reflects your deepest values and priorities. Make sure that you schedule adequate time for the things that are truly most important to you.
If you really want to keep friends in your life, make a space in your schedule, and a space in your heart for them.
This article is written by Royane Real, author of “How You Can Have All the Friends You Want – Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends:” If you want to improve your friendships, download it today to http://www.royanereal.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Royane Real
If you currently don’t have enough time for friends in your life, one reason may be that you have let yourself become too busy.
Nurturing and maintaining friendships requires effort and commitment. Many of us let our lives become so busy with work and other commitments that we don’t get around to scheduling time for pleasure and renewal with the friends, relatives and acquaintances we already have.
If you make an effort to call your friends more regularly, see them more often, and to accept more of the invitations you receive from others, can improve your social life in a hurry!
Are there any people you could call right now and be assured of a pleasant welcome? Are these people that you could count on to help you in a crisis? Can you have close talks with them? Do you have fun when you are together? Are you happy to have them in your life?
If you haven’t seen much of your friends lately, is it because you have become too busy? Have you grown apart? Was there an argument?
If the main reason you haven’t been getting together with the people you already know is because you have gotten too busy, take a good look at how you spend your time.
Think for a few moments about your real values and priorities in life. Is your hectic lifestyle really bringing you the quality of life that you want?
If you have become too busy for friends, why has this happened? Are you pursuing material toys in your life at the expense of relationships with other human beings?
Have you allowed your time to be over-committed because you never say “No” to anyone? Do you insist on doing things yourself that could be delegated to others? If so, why? Do you believe that everything depends on you?
Examine whether the way you are currently spending your time accurately reflects your deepest values and priorities. Make sure that you schedule adequate time for the things that are truly most important to you.
If you really want to keep friends in your life, make a space in your schedule, and a space in your heart for them.
This article is written by Royane Real, author of “How You Can Have All the Friends You Want – Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends:” If you want to improve your friendships, download it today to http://www.royanereal.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Monday, November 07, 2005
How To Lose 10 lbs. Or More Quickly And Safely
How To Lose 10 lbs. Or More Quickly And Safely
by Ken Black
As reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recently published "Calories Count - Report of the Working Group on Obesity", people who are overweight is a serious public health problem in the United States. Since the late 1980’s, adult obesity has steadily and substantially increased in the United States. Today, 64 percent of all Americans weigh too much and over 30 percent are obese; in 1988 through 1992, fewer than 56 percent were overweight and fewer than 23 percent of American adults were obese.
The trends for children are even more worrisome. Recent research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 15 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are overweight – double the rate of two decades ago. As Americans get heavier, their health suffers. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. According to some estimates, at least 400,000 deaths each year may be attributed to obesity.
What people must know is that you can improve your health quickly with just a small amount of weight loss. "We know that physical activity along with reduced calorie consumption can lead to the 5 to 10 percent weight loss necessary to achieve remission of the obesity-associated complications," says William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Ken Black, founder of www.weight-loss-discovery.com, "losing one to two pounds a week is safe and recommended by most doctors for most people. This breaks down to 250 to 1,000 calories per day. You can achieve this easily if you follow some or all of the following guidelines" :
1. Use skim milk instead of whole milk or cream in your coffee.
2. Eat low fat yogurt instead of ice cream.
3. Eat more bright colored (green, yellow, orange, red) fruits and vegetables.
4. Eat more lean fish, chicken, or turkey, instead of red meats.
5. Eat whole wheat or multigrain bread, instead of white bread.
6. Use a sugar replacement instead of sugar (avoid Aspartame).
7. Drink water instead of soft drinks.
8. When you eat out, avoid fried foods.
9. Walk or do similar exercises (e.g. Golf, Tennis) at least 20 minutes a day.
If you do even just a couple of these every day for the next month, you’ll feel much better and you will lose weight (10 lbs. or more in 6-8 weeks).
And if you are concerned about getting hungry all the time, or losing your energy, try taking a safe appetite suppressant, like Herbal Phentermine. This supplement is not to be confused with the drug Phentermine, which has side effects like stomach upset, dry mouth and sleeplessness. The herbal variety is a non-prescription medication and has been tested for years to be safe for most people. It contains ingredients like green tea, acetyl L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, biotin and others, that control your appetite, yet increase your metabolism and energy.
However, do not take any herbal supplement without checking with your Doctor first, if you are on any prescription medications, due to possible interactions between the two, or if you have a special medical condition.
If you follow these simple steps, you will surely reach your weight loss goals and become a much happier, healthier, and oh yes, lighter person.
Ken Black is the Founder of http://www.weight-loss-discovery.com, a website dedicated to helping people lose weight.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Ken Black
As reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recently published "Calories Count - Report of the Working Group on Obesity", people who are overweight is a serious public health problem in the United States. Since the late 1980’s, adult obesity has steadily and substantially increased in the United States. Today, 64 percent of all Americans weigh too much and over 30 percent are obese; in 1988 through 1992, fewer than 56 percent were overweight and fewer than 23 percent of American adults were obese.
The trends for children are even more worrisome. Recent research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 15 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are overweight – double the rate of two decades ago. As Americans get heavier, their health suffers. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. According to some estimates, at least 400,000 deaths each year may be attributed to obesity.
What people must know is that you can improve your health quickly with just a small amount of weight loss. "We know that physical activity along with reduced calorie consumption can lead to the 5 to 10 percent weight loss necessary to achieve remission of the obesity-associated complications," says William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Ken Black, founder of www.weight-loss-discovery.com, "losing one to two pounds a week is safe and recommended by most doctors for most people. This breaks down to 250 to 1,000 calories per day. You can achieve this easily if you follow some or all of the following guidelines" :
1. Use skim milk instead of whole milk or cream in your coffee.
2. Eat low fat yogurt instead of ice cream.
3. Eat more bright colored (green, yellow, orange, red) fruits and vegetables.
4. Eat more lean fish, chicken, or turkey, instead of red meats.
5. Eat whole wheat or multigrain bread, instead of white bread.
6. Use a sugar replacement instead of sugar (avoid Aspartame).
7. Drink water instead of soft drinks.
8. When you eat out, avoid fried foods.
9. Walk or do similar exercises (e.g. Golf, Tennis) at least 20 minutes a day.
If you do even just a couple of these every day for the next month, you’ll feel much better and you will lose weight (10 lbs. or more in 6-8 weeks).
And if you are concerned about getting hungry all the time, or losing your energy, try taking a safe appetite suppressant, like Herbal Phentermine. This supplement is not to be confused with the drug Phentermine, which has side effects like stomach upset, dry mouth and sleeplessness. The herbal variety is a non-prescription medication and has been tested for years to be safe for most people. It contains ingredients like green tea, acetyl L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, biotin and others, that control your appetite, yet increase your metabolism and energy.
However, do not take any herbal supplement without checking with your Doctor first, if you are on any prescription medications, due to possible interactions between the two, or if you have a special medical condition.
If you follow these simple steps, you will surely reach your weight loss goals and become a much happier, healthier, and oh yes, lighter person.
Ken Black is the Founder of http://www.weight-loss-discovery.com, a website dedicated to helping people lose weight.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Sunday, November 06, 2005
10 Simple Steps to Self-Motivation and More Sales
10 Simple Steps to Self-Motivation and More Sales
by Alan Fairweather
Every day of your life you are selling yourself, nothinghappens until you're successful at doing that.
We're all in the selling business whether we like it or not.It doesn't matter whether you're a lawyer or an accountant,a manager or a politician, an engineer or a doctor.
We all spend a great deal of our time trying to persuadepeople to buy our product or service, accept our proposalsor merely accept what we say.
Before you get better at persuading or influencing otherpeople - you need to get better at self-motivation andselling yourself.
Here are 10 simple steps to self-motivation:
#1 - You must believe in the product
Selling yourself is pretty much like selling anything.Firstly, you need to believe in what you're selling. Thatmeans believing in "you." It's about lots of positive self-talk and the rightattitude.
The first thing people notice about you is your attitude.If you're like most people then you'll suffer from lack ofconfidence from time to time.
It really all comes down to how you talk to yourself. The majority of people are more likely to talk to themselvesnegatively than positively - this is what holds them back in life.
It isn't just about a positive attitude; it's about theright attitude - the quality of your thinking.
Successful people have a constructive and optimistic way oflooking at themselves and their work. They have an attitudeof calm, confident, positive self-expectation. They feelgood about themselves and believe that everything they dowill lead to their inevitable success.
If you're in a sales job or a business owner or a managerthen you need to continually work on your attitude. You needto listen to that little voice inside your head. Is itsaying you're on top, going for it and confident, or is itholding you back.
If you're hearing - "I can't do this or that" or "They won'twant to buy at the moment" or "We're too expensive" thenyou'd better change your self-talk or change your job.
Start to believe in yourself and don't let things that areout with your control effect your attitude.
Avoid criticising, condemning and complaining and startspreading a little happiness.
Remember the saying of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford MotorCompany - "If you believe you can do a thing, or if youbelieve you can't, in either case you're probably right."
#2 - The packaging must grab attention
Like any other product we buy, the way the product ispackaged and presented will influence the customer'sdecision to buy.
Everything about you needs to look good and you must dressappropriately for the occasion. And don't think that justbecause your customer dresses casually, that they expect youto dress the same way.
The style and colour of the clothes you wear, yourspectacles, shoes, briefcase, watch, the pen you use, allmake a statement about you.
#3 - Smile
No need to get carried away, you don't need a big cheesygrin, just a pleasant open face that doesn't frighten people away.
#4 - Use names
Use the customers name as soon as you can but don't over doit. Business is less formal nowadays however be careful ofusing first names initially. Make sure your customer knows yours and remembers it. You can do the old repeat trick -"My name is Bond, James Bond" or "My name is James, James Bond"
#5 - Watch the other person
What does their body language tell you? Are they comfortablewith you or are they a bit nervous? Are they listening toyou or are their eyes darting around the room. If they'renot comfortable and not listening then there's no pointtelling them something important about your business.
Far better to make some small talk and more importantly -get then to talk about themselves.
It's best to go on the assumption that in the first fewminutes of meeting someone new, they won't take in much ofwhat you say. They're too busy analysing all the visual datathey're taking in.
#6 - Listen and look like you're listening.
Many people, particularly men, listen but don't show thatthey're listening. The other person can only go on what theysee, not what's going on inside your head. If they see a blank expression then they'll assume you're"out to lunch."
The trick is to do all the active listening things such asnodding your head, the occasional "UH-HUH" and the occasional question.
#7 - Be interested.
If you want to be INTERESTING then be INTERESTED. Thisreally is the most important thing you can do to besuccessful at selling yourself.
The majority of people are very concerned about their self-image. If they sense that you value them, that you feel that they're important and worth listening to, then you effectively raise their self-image. If you can help people to like themselves then they'll LOVE you.
Don't fall into the trap of flattering the other person,because most people will see right through you and theywon't fall for it. Just show some genuine interest in thecustomer and their business and they'll be much more receptive to what you say.
#8 - Talk positively.
Don't say - "Isn't it a horrible day" or "Business is prettytough at present" or any thing else that pulls theconversation down. Say things like (and only the truth) - "I like the design ofthis office" or "I've heard some good reports about your new product."
#9 - Mirror the other person
This doesn't mean mimicking the other person, it just meansyou speaking and behaving in a manner that is similar to the customer.
For example, if your customer speaks slowly or quietly, thenyou speak slowly or quietly. Remember people like people who are like themselves.
#10 - Warm and friendly
If you look or sound stressed or aggressive then don't besurprised if the other person gets defensive and less thanwilling to co-operate.
If you look and sound warm and friendly, then you're morelikely to get a positive response.
This isn't about being all nicey-nicey. It's about apleasant open face or a warm tone over the telephone.
Before we can get down to the process of selling our product, our service or our ideas then we need to be as sureas we can be - that the customer has bought us and that wehave their full attention.
Alan Fairweather -"The Motivation Doctor" - is the author of"How to get More Sales Without Selling" To receive your freenewsletter and free e-books, visit: http://www.howtogetmoresales.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
by Alan Fairweather
Every day of your life you are selling yourself, nothinghappens until you're successful at doing that.
We're all in the selling business whether we like it or not.It doesn't matter whether you're a lawyer or an accountant,a manager or a politician, an engineer or a doctor.
We all spend a great deal of our time trying to persuadepeople to buy our product or service, accept our proposalsor merely accept what we say.
Before you get better at persuading or influencing otherpeople - you need to get better at self-motivation andselling yourself.
Here are 10 simple steps to self-motivation:
#1 - You must believe in the product
Selling yourself is pretty much like selling anything.Firstly, you need to believe in what you're selling. Thatmeans believing in "you." It's about lots of positive self-talk and the rightattitude.
The first thing people notice about you is your attitude.If you're like most people then you'll suffer from lack ofconfidence from time to time.
It really all comes down to how you talk to yourself. The majority of people are more likely to talk to themselvesnegatively than positively - this is what holds them back in life.
It isn't just about a positive attitude; it's about theright attitude - the quality of your thinking.
Successful people have a constructive and optimistic way oflooking at themselves and their work. They have an attitudeof calm, confident, positive self-expectation. They feelgood about themselves and believe that everything they dowill lead to their inevitable success.
If you're in a sales job or a business owner or a managerthen you need to continually work on your attitude. You needto listen to that little voice inside your head. Is itsaying you're on top, going for it and confident, or is itholding you back.
If you're hearing - "I can't do this or that" or "They won'twant to buy at the moment" or "We're too expensive" thenyou'd better change your self-talk or change your job.
Start to believe in yourself and don't let things that areout with your control effect your attitude.
Avoid criticising, condemning and complaining and startspreading a little happiness.
Remember the saying of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford MotorCompany - "If you believe you can do a thing, or if youbelieve you can't, in either case you're probably right."
#2 - The packaging must grab attention
Like any other product we buy, the way the product ispackaged and presented will influence the customer'sdecision to buy.
Everything about you needs to look good and you must dressappropriately for the occasion. And don't think that justbecause your customer dresses casually, that they expect youto dress the same way.
The style and colour of the clothes you wear, yourspectacles, shoes, briefcase, watch, the pen you use, allmake a statement about you.
#3 - Smile
No need to get carried away, you don't need a big cheesygrin, just a pleasant open face that doesn't frighten people away.
#4 - Use names
Use the customers name as soon as you can but don't over doit. Business is less formal nowadays however be careful ofusing first names initially. Make sure your customer knows yours and remembers it. You can do the old repeat trick -"My name is Bond, James Bond" or "My name is James, James Bond"
#5 - Watch the other person
What does their body language tell you? Are they comfortablewith you or are they a bit nervous? Are they listening toyou or are their eyes darting around the room. If they'renot comfortable and not listening then there's no pointtelling them something important about your business.
Far better to make some small talk and more importantly -get then to talk about themselves.
It's best to go on the assumption that in the first fewminutes of meeting someone new, they won't take in much ofwhat you say. They're too busy analysing all the visual datathey're taking in.
#6 - Listen and look like you're listening.
Many people, particularly men, listen but don't show thatthey're listening. The other person can only go on what theysee, not what's going on inside your head. If they see a blank expression then they'll assume you're"out to lunch."
The trick is to do all the active listening things such asnodding your head, the occasional "UH-HUH" and the occasional question.
#7 - Be interested.
If you want to be INTERESTING then be INTERESTED. Thisreally is the most important thing you can do to besuccessful at selling yourself.
The majority of people are very concerned about their self-image. If they sense that you value them, that you feel that they're important and worth listening to, then you effectively raise their self-image. If you can help people to like themselves then they'll LOVE you.
Don't fall into the trap of flattering the other person,because most people will see right through you and theywon't fall for it. Just show some genuine interest in thecustomer and their business and they'll be much more receptive to what you say.
#8 - Talk positively.
Don't say - "Isn't it a horrible day" or "Business is prettytough at present" or any thing else that pulls theconversation down. Say things like (and only the truth) - "I like the design ofthis office" or "I've heard some good reports about your new product."
#9 - Mirror the other person
This doesn't mean mimicking the other person, it just meansyou speaking and behaving in a manner that is similar to the customer.
For example, if your customer speaks slowly or quietly, thenyou speak slowly or quietly. Remember people like people who are like themselves.
#10 - Warm and friendly
If you look or sound stressed or aggressive then don't besurprised if the other person gets defensive and less thanwilling to co-operate.
If you look and sound warm and friendly, then you're morelikely to get a positive response.
This isn't about being all nicey-nicey. It's about apleasant open face or a warm tone over the telephone.
Before we can get down to the process of selling our product, our service or our ideas then we need to be as sureas we can be - that the customer has bought us and that wehave their full attention.
Alan Fairweather -"The Motivation Doctor" - is the author of"How to get More Sales Without Selling" To receive your freenewsletter and free e-books, visit: http://www.howtogetmoresales.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com/
Saturday, November 05, 2005
6 Great Online Christmas Shopping Tips
6 Great Online Christmas Shopping Tips
by Rosie Fletcher
Christmas shopping is no longer confined to the local mall or an annual catalog that happens to find it‘s way into your mailbox. Thanks to advanced technology, there is literally a whole world of shopping at your fingertips. The internet has revolutionized the way people shop and, besides, what better way to do your Christmas shopping than from the comfort of your own home. No longer must we suit up and weather the harsh winter days in the hopes of checking a few names off of our Christmas list. The store aisles, as we know them, are crowded and hectic.
But now, many store aisles are becoming virtual, a shopping cart is something you fill with images of a product and a checkout is something that you click on to confirm your order. Things have changed a lot in the past years and I wonder how many of us couldn’t even imagine what life would be like without the convenience of shopping on the internet. There are several tips for online Christmas shopping, which can make the experience a smooth and pleasant one.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Be prepared
It’s a good idea to start your shopping with a complete list. This will save you both time and money with having to go back and place a separate order later on. With most online stores, you pay a flat shipping fee. In some cases, if you spend a certain amount of money on your order, the shipping and handling fee is waived. It’s always best to get everything you want, all at once, to save on shipping. Before you commit to buying from one store, shop around and compare prices on both the product and shipping.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #2: The early bird gets the gift
If you want to get the best selection, begin your holiday shopping early. Internet stores generally carry large quantities of every item, but even they can sell out. As Christmas draws near, it becomes more difficult to find the exact item that you’re looking for. There’s nothing like finding the perfect item and seeing the words, ‘Sold Out’ written under the price.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #3: Shop Safe
When ordering anything online, check product reviews if available. Always shop secured websites because you will be entering your credit card, or banking information, for payment. You don’t want your financial information accessed by anyone else, which is why all secured websites let you know how they protect your data.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #4: Wrap it up
If you’re like most, there’s not a lot of extra time around the holidays. If you need to save some time on wrapping, most online stores offer a gift wrapping service for a small fee. At some point during the ordering process, you may be asked if you would like to add gift wrap or a name tag. It’s as easy as the click of a button, which is much easier than trying to tie the perfect bow.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #5: Check Delivery Dates
When placing your order, check to make sure that the item is in stock or will be delivered in time for Christmas. Many times, especially near the holidays, items will go on a backorder status. It’s not uncommon for an advanced order item to have a delivery date of January, so be sure to check the status of the items in your shopping cart, along with their expected delivery dates. Not only that, but it’s also a good idea to check on the company’s shipping policy and delivery time for in-stock items.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #6: Christmas Cards?
With all the stuff going on in December it's easy to forget to send out Christmas cards to family and friends. But if you forget to send traditional Christmas cards in time all is not lost. In fact, there are some great sites and services online that will send your christmas cards out for you (saving you precious time). You can find services that are both free and paid, and services that send both digital and tradition paper Christmas cards.
For some great Christmas card related resources check out http://cards.christmashub.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Rosie Fletcher
Christmas shopping is no longer confined to the local mall or an annual catalog that happens to find it‘s way into your mailbox. Thanks to advanced technology, there is literally a whole world of shopping at your fingertips. The internet has revolutionized the way people shop and, besides, what better way to do your Christmas shopping than from the comfort of your own home. No longer must we suit up and weather the harsh winter days in the hopes of checking a few names off of our Christmas list. The store aisles, as we know them, are crowded and hectic.
But now, many store aisles are becoming virtual, a shopping cart is something you fill with images of a product and a checkout is something that you click on to confirm your order. Things have changed a lot in the past years and I wonder how many of us couldn’t even imagine what life would be like without the convenience of shopping on the internet. There are several tips for online Christmas shopping, which can make the experience a smooth and pleasant one.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Be prepared
It’s a good idea to start your shopping with a complete list. This will save you both time and money with having to go back and place a separate order later on. With most online stores, you pay a flat shipping fee. In some cases, if you spend a certain amount of money on your order, the shipping and handling fee is waived. It’s always best to get everything you want, all at once, to save on shipping. Before you commit to buying from one store, shop around and compare prices on both the product and shipping.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #2: The early bird gets the gift
If you want to get the best selection, begin your holiday shopping early. Internet stores generally carry large quantities of every item, but even they can sell out. As Christmas draws near, it becomes more difficult to find the exact item that you’re looking for. There’s nothing like finding the perfect item and seeing the words, ‘Sold Out’ written under the price.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #3: Shop Safe
When ordering anything online, check product reviews if available. Always shop secured websites because you will be entering your credit card, or banking information, for payment. You don’t want your financial information accessed by anyone else, which is why all secured websites let you know how they protect your data.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #4: Wrap it up
If you’re like most, there’s not a lot of extra time around the holidays. If you need to save some time on wrapping, most online stores offer a gift wrapping service for a small fee. At some point during the ordering process, you may be asked if you would like to add gift wrap or a name tag. It’s as easy as the click of a button, which is much easier than trying to tie the perfect bow.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #5: Check Delivery Dates
When placing your order, check to make sure that the item is in stock or will be delivered in time for Christmas. Many times, especially near the holidays, items will go on a backorder status. It’s not uncommon for an advanced order item to have a delivery date of January, so be sure to check the status of the items in your shopping cart, along with their expected delivery dates. Not only that, but it’s also a good idea to check on the company’s shipping policy and delivery time for in-stock items.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #6: Christmas Cards?
With all the stuff going on in December it's easy to forget to send out Christmas cards to family and friends. But if you forget to send traditional Christmas cards in time all is not lost. In fact, there are some great sites and services online that will send your christmas cards out for you (saving you precious time). You can find services that are both free and paid, and services that send both digital and tradition paper Christmas cards.
For some great Christmas card related resources check out http://cards.christmashub.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Friday, November 04, 2005
Seven Ways To Connect Your Writing And Your Life
Seven Ways To Connect Your Writing And Your Life
by Steven Barnes
An important question for any artist is: How can I built a career and simultaneously be true to myself? It’s an important question, and during the twenty years I’ve taught writing, hundreds of students have expressed the belief that success and personal integrity are mutually exclusive.
The Lifewriting™ approach to fiction suggests that not only do these two qualities overlap, but that the safest, surest, most satisfying path to discovering your true voice, your deepest creative flow, and ultimately crafting the most satisfying career, is to be true to yourself. It suggests that Aristotle’s famous debate concerning the relative merits of plot and character is a trick: Plot and character are actually two sides of the same coin. Character is best revealed through action. And plot is merely what happens when a given character engages with a specific situation. It is not only possible, but advisable, to shift back and forth between those perspectives, seeking to create a seamless whole.
How do you, personally, define character? You MUST have some theory or feeling for the human condition, or you’ll have nothing to write about. The best and simplest way to learn characterization is to study psychology. And the best psychological study is yourself. Why? Because you have more information about what makes you you than you will ever have about what makes anyone else tick.
What this path demands is the honesty and courage to look deeply into your own life, and some model to organize the different aspects of your personality and emotional history. Then you need some mechanism to help you apply your discoveries to your writing.
The very finest model of the human condition is the 6,000 year old model from India, the “chakras” of yoga. Supposedly seven energy centers within and around the human body, they mirror Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. Both yogis and psychologists suggest that until the “lower” more basic needs are met, one cannot move to the next level of life.
The Chakras represent survival, sexuality, power, emotion, communication, intellect, and spirit. Let’s take a peek into the way each of these “levels” can be used to connect your inner emotional world, and your writing.
1) Survival. What are your deepest fears? Remember that fear underlies most anger, and fear turned inside-out inspires most comedy. What comic or horrific use can you make of your own most secret fears? Create characters with the same concern and needs. I promise you: plenty of your readers will have the same problems. Die Hard and a hundred other movies a year punch this button. We fear dying, disfigurement, abandonment, old age, and disease—all survival values. All superb story sources.
2) Sexuality. What turns you on? Sexuality can be an important aspect of your character’s lives . What was you r first experience? Best? Worst/ Most recent? Least ethical? At what point do you feel you began to have mature sexual relationships? When do you think that sexuality is appropriate or inappropriate? What people in your experience have been uplifted, healed, damaged or debased in their sexual interactions? Every one of them is a character, and an opportunity for you to express your opinions and philosophies. The movie A History of Violence used sex brilliantly to help us understand the powerful bond between the leads.
3) Power. What is your physical condition? What does it say about your actions, values, and priorities? Craft characters with distinct physical attributes, and allow their life history to express itself in their movement and appearance. Rocky or Million Dollar Baby utilize dynamic training and fight scenes to express depths of passion and desperation. While physical power is the most basic form, this evolves into financial and political power—any form of control over self, family, or others. Explore your own attitudes toward these kinds of power, and begin to craft characters who breathe.
4) Love. What is love? Mature affection as opposed to immature “puppy love”? Love for one’s children and family. Love for country? For all mankind? What is the difference between love and sexual attraction? What is the price you see people paying for their heart space connections? What are the greatest advantages and disadvantages of human contact? Forrest Gump is about a man with a beautiful loving heart…and the mind of a child. His life is better than almost anyone he ever meets, despite their advantages.
5) Communication. What is your belief about education and perception? What is our obligation to communicate with clarity and honesty? What kind of mischief is caused by miscommunication? Is verbal communication better, more immediate and more honest than nonverbal? In Billy Budd, an inarticulate character strikes a man dead, largely due to frustrated communication.
6) Intellect. What are your intellectual strengths? Weaknesses? When have you had to modify your world view because reality didn’t match your theories and beliefs? Creator with Peter O’Toole tells of a brilliant scientist locked in an intellectual prison, unable to deal with the death of his beautiful wife. ago. He must either change his map of the world, or his heart will die.
7) Spirit. What are your spiritual beliefs? Are you an atheist? Agnostic? Buddhist? Christian? What do you see as the spiritual and philosophical differences? If you didn’t use the specific labels, could you create characters of each type, and demonstrate the differences? If so, why? If not, why not? Have you ever had a crisis in faith? Ever felt a prayer was answered? Did it happen in a way you expected, or otherwise? Ghandi dealt with a man of great spiritual commitment who found the strength to loosen the grip of the greatest empire the world has ever seen.
Once you have thought through each of these levels as they apply to your own life, you are now able to create characters of uncommon complexity and depth. And you have taken a huge step toward releasing your true writing potential…whether your intent is artistic, commercial, or, most wisely, both.
N.Y. Times bestselling writer Steven Barnes has written for The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, and Stargate among many others. Why not have the career of your dreams? Don’t just write…Lifewrite ™. Sign up for your FREE daily Lifewriting tip at: http://www.lifewriting.biz Learn more at: http://www.lifewrite.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Steven Barnes
An important question for any artist is: How can I built a career and simultaneously be true to myself? It’s an important question, and during the twenty years I’ve taught writing, hundreds of students have expressed the belief that success and personal integrity are mutually exclusive.
The Lifewriting™ approach to fiction suggests that not only do these two qualities overlap, but that the safest, surest, most satisfying path to discovering your true voice, your deepest creative flow, and ultimately crafting the most satisfying career, is to be true to yourself. It suggests that Aristotle’s famous debate concerning the relative merits of plot and character is a trick: Plot and character are actually two sides of the same coin. Character is best revealed through action. And plot is merely what happens when a given character engages with a specific situation. It is not only possible, but advisable, to shift back and forth between those perspectives, seeking to create a seamless whole.
How do you, personally, define character? You MUST have some theory or feeling for the human condition, or you’ll have nothing to write about. The best and simplest way to learn characterization is to study psychology. And the best psychological study is yourself. Why? Because you have more information about what makes you you than you will ever have about what makes anyone else tick.
What this path demands is the honesty and courage to look deeply into your own life, and some model to organize the different aspects of your personality and emotional history. Then you need some mechanism to help you apply your discoveries to your writing.
The very finest model of the human condition is the 6,000 year old model from India, the “chakras” of yoga. Supposedly seven energy centers within and around the human body, they mirror Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. Both yogis and psychologists suggest that until the “lower” more basic needs are met, one cannot move to the next level of life.
The Chakras represent survival, sexuality, power, emotion, communication, intellect, and spirit. Let’s take a peek into the way each of these “levels” can be used to connect your inner emotional world, and your writing.
1) Survival. What are your deepest fears? Remember that fear underlies most anger, and fear turned inside-out inspires most comedy. What comic or horrific use can you make of your own most secret fears? Create characters with the same concern and needs. I promise you: plenty of your readers will have the same problems. Die Hard and a hundred other movies a year punch this button. We fear dying, disfigurement, abandonment, old age, and disease—all survival values. All superb story sources.
2) Sexuality. What turns you on? Sexuality can be an important aspect of your character’s lives . What was you r first experience? Best? Worst/ Most recent? Least ethical? At what point do you feel you began to have mature sexual relationships? When do you think that sexuality is appropriate or inappropriate? What people in your experience have been uplifted, healed, damaged or debased in their sexual interactions? Every one of them is a character, and an opportunity for you to express your opinions and philosophies. The movie A History of Violence used sex brilliantly to help us understand the powerful bond between the leads.
3) Power. What is your physical condition? What does it say about your actions, values, and priorities? Craft characters with distinct physical attributes, and allow their life history to express itself in their movement and appearance. Rocky or Million Dollar Baby utilize dynamic training and fight scenes to express depths of passion and desperation. While physical power is the most basic form, this evolves into financial and political power—any form of control over self, family, or others. Explore your own attitudes toward these kinds of power, and begin to craft characters who breathe.
4) Love. What is love? Mature affection as opposed to immature “puppy love”? Love for one’s children and family. Love for country? For all mankind? What is the difference between love and sexual attraction? What is the price you see people paying for their heart space connections? What are the greatest advantages and disadvantages of human contact? Forrest Gump is about a man with a beautiful loving heart…and the mind of a child. His life is better than almost anyone he ever meets, despite their advantages.
5) Communication. What is your belief about education and perception? What is our obligation to communicate with clarity and honesty? What kind of mischief is caused by miscommunication? Is verbal communication better, more immediate and more honest than nonverbal? In Billy Budd, an inarticulate character strikes a man dead, largely due to frustrated communication.
6) Intellect. What are your intellectual strengths? Weaknesses? When have you had to modify your world view because reality didn’t match your theories and beliefs? Creator with Peter O’Toole tells of a brilliant scientist locked in an intellectual prison, unable to deal with the death of his beautiful wife. ago. He must either change his map of the world, or his heart will die.
7) Spirit. What are your spiritual beliefs? Are you an atheist? Agnostic? Buddhist? Christian? What do you see as the spiritual and philosophical differences? If you didn’t use the specific labels, could you create characters of each type, and demonstrate the differences? If so, why? If not, why not? Have you ever had a crisis in faith? Ever felt a prayer was answered? Did it happen in a way you expected, or otherwise? Ghandi dealt with a man of great spiritual commitment who found the strength to loosen the grip of the greatest empire the world has ever seen.
Once you have thought through each of these levels as they apply to your own life, you are now able to create characters of uncommon complexity and depth. And you have taken a huge step toward releasing your true writing potential…whether your intent is artistic, commercial, or, most wisely, both.
N.Y. Times bestselling writer Steven Barnes has written for The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, and Stargate among many others. Why not have the career of your dreams? Don’t just write…Lifewrite ™. Sign up for your FREE daily Lifewriting tip at: http://www.lifewriting.biz Learn more at: http://www.lifewrite.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Thursday, November 03, 2005
10 ways to advertise online (and where to get started)
10 ways to advertise online (and where to get started)
by Deanna Mascle
Most business owners fully understand that not advertising is the surest way to kill your business.
However they are also bombarded by so much information and so many choices they quickly lose track of what options are available to them.
There are a number of cheap and easy online advertising options available to you.
1. Ezine Advertising
Ezine advertising is one of the best ways to reach your future customers because it is often inexpensive and flexible as well as offering you the option to match the ezine audience with your product and ad. It also often offers a double benefit--your initial ad plus longevity in the ezine archives.
2. Text Links
This simple tool is often overlooked by many. It is simply one of the least expensive and yet most powerful advertising option available. You can often buy text links for under $10 and the link will not only promote the specific site or page you choose but also connect it with the specific key words that will benefit you the most.
Text links also provide a double bonus. You can attract immediate traffic from the host site as well as achieve better search engine ranking which will further increase traffic.
3. Pay per click advertising
Just like it sounds pay per click advertising is simply paying for specifically targeted traffic. You can monitor and control these advertising programs very closely and tweak your ad copy and the key words that you are sponsoring. This can be a very expensive option but doesn't have to be if you plan carefully and watch closely.
4. Email marketing
Despite ever-increasing vigilant attempts to stop spam, we all know that email marketing is still alive and well. While it is foolish in the extreme to risk your business, web host, or internet connection, by sending out spam you can still use email marketing as a way to reach out and touch your customers and your future customers.
You just need to make sure that no one receives mail except the people who ask for it. People are still willing to sign up for mailing lists--especially if you have something to offer them in return for sharing their email address. Sponsor a contest; give away an article, ebook, or tutorial; or offer a discount and you will have people sign up willingly.
Then if you don't abuse the mailing list you will have the opportunity to reach them again and again!
5. Banner Ads
Banner ads have a bad reputation. In part because of the proliferation of banner farms that killed all the banner swap programs (or at least made them completely ineffectual). Also we all have memories of those hideous banners flashing across the top of so many web sites.
Banners have come along way since then and a cleverly designed banner can be a real asset to any advertising campaign. Also don't forget that you don't have to use one of those big giant banners that span the width of the screen. You can use smaller simple ads that can fit easily into the sidebar or special box on a web site so they can suit the design and work more effectively.
It is also important that you pay close attention to what sites you will choose for displaying your banner. IE. A site about web development for your web hosting service ad or a site about parenting for your ad promoting your potty training book.
Many text link and pay per click advertising vendors also offer the option of banner ads. Similarly many ezine and newsletter publishers sell space on their sites.
~~ Sell Your Knowledge ~~
These next five advertising methods are all free or relatively inexpensive because you are trading something of value -- your knowledge and expertise -- in return for advertising.
6. Publish a Newsletter
Creating your own regular newsletter or ezine offers you all the advantages of ezine advertising and email marketing offered above.
7. Publish a Blog and RSS Feed
While publishing a newsletter or ezine isn't that difficult it is much easier to create a blog and make its content available via RSS feed. This can offer you the benefits of regularly updated material for your web site which will be attractive to visitors and search engines alike. It will also help establish you as an expert in your field.
I personally like using WordPress on your own site but many web hosts now offer blogging services and there are many free blogging sites around where you can create a blog on their site.
8. Write Articles
Take some of the material you have generated for your newsletter and/or blog and share it with others. Make it available in one of the many free content directories available on the web. This not only helps to establish your credibility but the contact info you provide in your resource box (which will run every time someone else publishes your material) will bring in both direct traffic as well as search engine attention.
9. Create an Ebook
Once you have enough material generated from your newsletter and blog then you can package it into a convenient Ebook and give it away. Make sure to collect names and email addresses and offer a coupon or discount to bring people back to your site!
10. Post in Forums
If you have the time you should start your own forum but even if you only have a few minutes a week to spare for this effort then it can be well worth the effort. Don't offer blatant spam posts but find a forum where you have something to offer. Make sure that you include an appropriate url and description for your forum signature and you will attract the double benefit of traffic and search engine attention!
No successful advertising campaign embraces one single method of advertising and no single method of advertising works for everyone. Advertising cannot be treated as a one-size-fits all proposition. However you know what your business needs and can offer--mix and match methods and make sure to track your results--to optimize your choices.
You can learn more about online advertising and our recommended sources for ezine advertising at Establish Your Epresence.
http://www.establishyourepresence.com/blog
You can receive free ads as well as discounts by joining our http://advertise.ezinesbydawggone.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Deanna Mascle
Most business owners fully understand that not advertising is the surest way to kill your business.
However they are also bombarded by so much information and so many choices they quickly lose track of what options are available to them.
There are a number of cheap and easy online advertising options available to you.
1. Ezine Advertising
Ezine advertising is one of the best ways to reach your future customers because it is often inexpensive and flexible as well as offering you the option to match the ezine audience with your product and ad. It also often offers a double benefit--your initial ad plus longevity in the ezine archives.
2. Text Links
This simple tool is often overlooked by many. It is simply one of the least expensive and yet most powerful advertising option available. You can often buy text links for under $10 and the link will not only promote the specific site or page you choose but also connect it with the specific key words that will benefit you the most.
Text links also provide a double bonus. You can attract immediate traffic from the host site as well as achieve better search engine ranking which will further increase traffic.
3. Pay per click advertising
Just like it sounds pay per click advertising is simply paying for specifically targeted traffic. You can monitor and control these advertising programs very closely and tweak your ad copy and the key words that you are sponsoring. This can be a very expensive option but doesn't have to be if you plan carefully and watch closely.
4. Email marketing
Despite ever-increasing vigilant attempts to stop spam, we all know that email marketing is still alive and well. While it is foolish in the extreme to risk your business, web host, or internet connection, by sending out spam you can still use email marketing as a way to reach out and touch your customers and your future customers.
You just need to make sure that no one receives mail except the people who ask for it. People are still willing to sign up for mailing lists--especially if you have something to offer them in return for sharing their email address. Sponsor a contest; give away an article, ebook, or tutorial; or offer a discount and you will have people sign up willingly.
Then if you don't abuse the mailing list you will have the opportunity to reach them again and again!
5. Banner Ads
Banner ads have a bad reputation. In part because of the proliferation of banner farms that killed all the banner swap programs (or at least made them completely ineffectual). Also we all have memories of those hideous banners flashing across the top of so many web sites.
Banners have come along way since then and a cleverly designed banner can be a real asset to any advertising campaign. Also don't forget that you don't have to use one of those big giant banners that span the width of the screen. You can use smaller simple ads that can fit easily into the sidebar or special box on a web site so they can suit the design and work more effectively.
It is also important that you pay close attention to what sites you will choose for displaying your banner. IE. A site about web development for your web hosting service ad or a site about parenting for your ad promoting your potty training book.
Many text link and pay per click advertising vendors also offer the option of banner ads. Similarly many ezine and newsletter publishers sell space on their sites.
~~ Sell Your Knowledge ~~
These next five advertising methods are all free or relatively inexpensive because you are trading something of value -- your knowledge and expertise -- in return for advertising.
6. Publish a Newsletter
Creating your own regular newsletter or ezine offers you all the advantages of ezine advertising and email marketing offered above.
7. Publish a Blog and RSS Feed
While publishing a newsletter or ezine isn't that difficult it is much easier to create a blog and make its content available via RSS feed. This can offer you the benefits of regularly updated material for your web site which will be attractive to visitors and search engines alike. It will also help establish you as an expert in your field.
I personally like using WordPress on your own site but many web hosts now offer blogging services and there are many free blogging sites around where you can create a blog on their site.
8. Write Articles
Take some of the material you have generated for your newsletter and/or blog and share it with others. Make it available in one of the many free content directories available on the web. This not only helps to establish your credibility but the contact info you provide in your resource box (which will run every time someone else publishes your material) will bring in both direct traffic as well as search engine attention.
9. Create an Ebook
Once you have enough material generated from your newsletter and blog then you can package it into a convenient Ebook and give it away. Make sure to collect names and email addresses and offer a coupon or discount to bring people back to your site!
10. Post in Forums
If you have the time you should start your own forum but even if you only have a few minutes a week to spare for this effort then it can be well worth the effort. Don't offer blatant spam posts but find a forum where you have something to offer. Make sure that you include an appropriate url and description for your forum signature and you will attract the double benefit of traffic and search engine attention!
No successful advertising campaign embraces one single method of advertising and no single method of advertising works for everyone. Advertising cannot be treated as a one-size-fits all proposition. However you know what your business needs and can offer--mix and match methods and make sure to track your results--to optimize your choices.
You can learn more about online advertising and our recommended sources for ezine advertising at Establish Your Epresence.
http://www.establishyourepresence.com/blog
You can receive free ads as well as discounts by joining our http://advertise.ezinesbydawggone.com
Article Source: http://articles411.com
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Childhood Obesity—The Modern Health Dilemma
Childhood Obesity—The Modern Health Dilemma
by Steven Hall
You see it on the playgrounds, at roller rinks, at swimming pools, and in classrooms. Obesity is a modern health dilemma for today’s children, who are struggling with weight as never before. It is a difficult problem to combat, given the fact that you want to make sure that your children are receiving sufficient amounts of nutrients in their diets. While some children may outgrow obesity, others carry it with them into their adult lives.
Obesity in children can result in feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, and hopelessness. It can also place them at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. Just how widespread is the problem? The National Institutes of Health has determined that, over the last thirty years, the number of young people with weight problems has increased two fold. Interestingly enough, the problem is affecting children of all ages as well as children from all ethnic groups.
Children who are overweight may not develop socially as fast as their peers. They can become loners, finding it difficult to make friends. They may think that their weight is beyond their control and they may not know what to do in order to attempt to prevent weight gain. In essence, obese children can become our lost generation.
The parents of these children may not realize how detrimental obesity is to their children’s emotional health. They may consider the obesity just a passing phase and they may not understand the psychological devastation that obesity can cause. They may even dismiss the concerns of their children, hoping that the problem will simply go away. The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. However, there do appear to be a few identifiable triggers.
For instance, many families now eat on the run because of their many commitments. Parents may not think they have time to prepare nutritious meals for their children, so they rely on fast food and sugary snacks to fill in the gaps. As a result, children end up eating a diet that’s rich in fat and sugar but which offers little in the way of nutritional value. According to the American Obesity Association, one third of parents believe their children’s dietary habits are worse than theirs were during their own childhoods.
Another key problem is inactivity. Children watch more than a full day’s worth of television each week. That’s in addition to the hours they devote to their computers. As a result, they’re not playing outside as much as children of generations past. Also, many children may feel as if they cannot participate in sports because of their weight. Feeling defeated before they even start, they pass up opportunities to engage in physical activities.
It has been shown that children tend to be heavily influenced by advertising. Unfortunately, many commercials tout foods that can be best classified as unhealthy. Children crave what they see on TV and in movie theaters and they may not realize what these foods will do to their bodies.
Luckily, childhood obesity can be successfully conquered. Here are a few tips to help your child overcome a weight problem:
• Encourage your child to take part in sports or dance. If your son or daughter is self-conscious about being a part of a team, exercise with him or her. Take out a ball and shoot a few hoops or turn on the stereo and begin to dance. You may be surprised that, with just a little encouragement, your child will get up and start moving.
• Consider limiting TV time. Research clearly shows that TV time is unproductive time for children and teens. If your children spend less time watching TV, they may spend more time exercising.
• Ban junk food from your home. With a little push, children will become accustomed to eating healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables.
• Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if he or she can recommend some specific weight control strategies.
Childhood obesity is a problem, but it is not insurmountable. The greater the interest you show in your child’s diet and exercise regimen, the more influence you will have over your child. In time, your child can learn the strategies necessary for a healthy life.
Steve Hall is the owner of http://www.your-official-guide.com, your one-stop location for getting the information you are looking for on a wide ranging and ever-growing list of subjects.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
by Steven Hall
You see it on the playgrounds, at roller rinks, at swimming pools, and in classrooms. Obesity is a modern health dilemma for today’s children, who are struggling with weight as never before. It is a difficult problem to combat, given the fact that you want to make sure that your children are receiving sufficient amounts of nutrients in their diets. While some children may outgrow obesity, others carry it with them into their adult lives.
Obesity in children can result in feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, and hopelessness. It can also place them at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. Just how widespread is the problem? The National Institutes of Health has determined that, over the last thirty years, the number of young people with weight problems has increased two fold. Interestingly enough, the problem is affecting children of all ages as well as children from all ethnic groups.
Children who are overweight may not develop socially as fast as their peers. They can become loners, finding it difficult to make friends. They may think that their weight is beyond their control and they may not know what to do in order to attempt to prevent weight gain. In essence, obese children can become our lost generation.
The parents of these children may not realize how detrimental obesity is to their children’s emotional health. They may consider the obesity just a passing phase and they may not understand the psychological devastation that obesity can cause. They may even dismiss the concerns of their children, hoping that the problem will simply go away. The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. However, there do appear to be a few identifiable triggers.
For instance, many families now eat on the run because of their many commitments. Parents may not think they have time to prepare nutritious meals for their children, so they rely on fast food and sugary snacks to fill in the gaps. As a result, children end up eating a diet that’s rich in fat and sugar but which offers little in the way of nutritional value. According to the American Obesity Association, one third of parents believe their children’s dietary habits are worse than theirs were during their own childhoods.
Another key problem is inactivity. Children watch more than a full day’s worth of television each week. That’s in addition to the hours they devote to their computers. As a result, they’re not playing outside as much as children of generations past. Also, many children may feel as if they cannot participate in sports because of their weight. Feeling defeated before they even start, they pass up opportunities to engage in physical activities.
It has been shown that children tend to be heavily influenced by advertising. Unfortunately, many commercials tout foods that can be best classified as unhealthy. Children crave what they see on TV and in movie theaters and they may not realize what these foods will do to their bodies.
Luckily, childhood obesity can be successfully conquered. Here are a few tips to help your child overcome a weight problem:
• Encourage your child to take part in sports or dance. If your son or daughter is self-conscious about being a part of a team, exercise with him or her. Take out a ball and shoot a few hoops or turn on the stereo and begin to dance. You may be surprised that, with just a little encouragement, your child will get up and start moving.
• Consider limiting TV time. Research clearly shows that TV time is unproductive time for children and teens. If your children spend less time watching TV, they may spend more time exercising.
• Ban junk food from your home. With a little push, children will become accustomed to eating healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables.
• Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if he or she can recommend some specific weight control strategies.
Childhood obesity is a problem, but it is not insurmountable. The greater the interest you show in your child’s diet and exercise regimen, the more influence you will have over your child. In time, your child can learn the strategies necessary for a healthy life.
Steve Hall is the owner of http://www.your-official-guide.com, your one-stop location for getting the information you are looking for on a wide ranging and ever-growing list of subjects.
Article Source: http://articles411.com
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