Desiring, Knowing & Nurturing You

Schmoozing for Gigs

2009-09-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

If you want to get gigs, then you are going to have to do some schmoozing with club owners, bar owners and people of that nature. This means you are going to have to appear as professional and convincing as possible. You are going to have to come prepared with all the gear you need to successfully market yourself so you can book gigs and get paid.

First impressions are the most important thing in this biz. If you want to book gigs then you need to bring the following things with you to a meeting: a resume, a demo, a business card (with a link to your site), a poster or flyer, price and a confidant attitude. And most importantly, dress for success. You don't have to wear a tux, just look presentable. You might even want to bring your instruments in case they want a short live audition, you never know.

Hopefully you will get the gig and it will end right there but you may not get hired right away. If this is you then you need to have a little persistence. Stop in every week or so and see if they have anything for you. Ask them if anyone has canceled and if there is a spot that needs to be filled. But beware, there is a fine line between persistence and stalking so be careful you are not doing the latter. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

There are other places to play besides bars and clubs. Get creative! What about coffee shops, music stores, high school dances, book stores, restaurants, parks, festivals, fairs, or private parties? The same rules apply when meeting with the people that are related to these events and places. If you can't find gigs at these places, ask them to refer you to someplace you can book gigs. If you present yourself professionally then they will respect you, even if they don't have a spot for you.

One thing you can try to do is convince the owners or whoever you are meeting with that you can draw a crowd. Don't promise this if you can't make it happen. And if you promise this, then you need to make it happen. I am sure you have friends, family, acquaintances and co-workers that you can convince to come see you. It is even better if you have a solid group of fans going that will show up as well.

All of these tips will help you get gigs. Market yourself because no one else is going to do it. Remember, you can be your best asset or your worst enemy. Don't go to a meeting unprepared and don't stalk the people you have meeting with. If you want to get gigs then presenting yourself as a professional, top quality musician the eventually people will be knocking at your door for a change.

Author Bio
The former owner of an independent record label, current owner of Platinum Millennium publishing & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. He's also the author & creator of 40+ best-selling music business books, reports, courses, audio products & more "How to" resources, that helped 1000s of people like you to success. Go to www.GiggingforDollars.com for more info.

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Choosing an MP3 Player

2009-09-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

By: Christine Peppler

The market for MP3 Players can be a confusing one, just as it is for many home and portable electronics. Some of the most important things to consider when shopping for an MP3 player are how you personally wish to use the player, its weight/size, and storage capacity.

Image via Wikipedia

In addition, you will need to become somewhat knowledgeable about file formats and compatibility with your PC.

First, think about the type of device you really want.

Hard drive-based MP3 player:

These offer the most storage; from 10 GB and higher (up to 80GB) allowing you to put huge amounts of music on one device. They also have larger display screens and are easy to use. For these reasons, they are an excellent choice for use when commuting in your car. A hard drive-based MP3 player is larger and heavier however. They have movable parts which can be jarred during motion which makes them a poor choice for use during fitness activities. A hard drive-based MP3 player usually has rechargeable batteries which can be a cost saver but many are not removable and must be replaced after 4 or 5 years. There are also some "micro" hard drive-based players with a capacity that tops out around 12GB. Although smaller/lighter than a regular hard drive-based player their moving parts still make them a poor choice for activity.

Flash-based MP3 players:

A flash-based MP3 player is an excellent choice for use during exercise/activity. They have no moving parts, are extremely compact, and have a 32 MB-8GB capacity. Due to the lack of moving parts their batteries tend to last longer. With all of this convenience however they actually have a much higher per megabyte cost than the hard drive devices.

MP3 CD Players:

These devices can play standard CDs and can store up to 650 MB. They are the least expensive MP3 Player but they are large and can skip when moved thus are not a good choice for use during activity.

Once you have determined which type of MP3 player is best suited to you based on how you wish to use it and how much storage is desire, you will want to consider issues related to downloading music.

What format is used?

MP3 is the most common but some of the others include .aac, .wma, .wav, and atrac. These are all formats used to compress music files so that they can be downloaded quickly and take up less memory. WMA formats for instance, allow the user to store nearly twice as much per megabyte but are a less common file type that MP3. This is important to consider since any particular file type can not be used if your MP3 player does not support it.

Connecting to your computer and downloading:

If you want to download music from your PC a USB 2.0 standard interface is much faster than USB 1.0. A FireWire Port or FireWire PCI card is also fast but only supported on some computers.

Finally, be sure to check for other features such as the following:

The display:

Can you read it? This is important as it allows you to use the functions on the device and provides information you want such as the title, artist and other playlist information.

Other functions and features:

FM radio reception, a remote, a clip to attach to your bag or possibly an armband if you're active, the ability to record music live or from stereo components, voice recording, or advanced playback features. Some flash MP3 players offer a stopwatch function or other fitness related features. Newer MP3 players now offer color screens, photo viewing, and video playback for those who want all the bells and whistles.

There are a large number of MP3 player products on the market, finding the right one requires buyers to carefully consider which functions and features are most desirable for them. Using a simple buying guide can get a shopper thinking in the right direction and simplify the selection process.

Author Bio: The author, Christine Peppler, invites readers to visit homemedias.info for more information about using or buying an MP3 player.

Music and Art: Bringing Nations Together

2009-08-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Music and art are two methods of communicating that need no translation. Music can evoke the same emotions anywhere in the world, no matter what the language. It is, quite literally, a universal language. Art is, as well, an image can depict the same thing no matter which language you speak.The unique ability of these two creative outlets to cross borders and appeal to all walks of life, as well as cultures, means that it is ideal for uniting nations.

Music Bands: Bridging the Gap

There was a time when all music bands tended to stay in their home country, particularly those who were non-American. The impact of smaller, more alternative bands being able to present their music to the world has been huge! Suddenly, anyone can buy a cd of music from India, Russia, or Japan, without having to even travel to the country and spend much money.

When music bands first began to cross borders, they usually did so with countries similar to their own. A West German band might play in East Germany, for example, or a Canadian band would do a tour in the US or England and vice versa. While still sharing, it was limited. Then came the international tours, where one band would perform in dozens of countries around the world and the music created a link between them all.

Now, you`ll find that singers, musicians and entire music bands are able to perform in nearly any country, no matter their origin. It`s a huge leap forward for a world that was once so full of racism , sexual discrimination, and fear of other cultures. Now, cultures can share between themselves and are the richer for it. Cds, mp3s and other forms of music have spread this multicultural message around the world and people are discovering entirely new genres of music that they never even knew existed, yet hold a powerful message anyway.

Borders are inconsequential when it comes to music. The internet has basically created a potential link between every single country in the world, but with language barriers, there are still issues to be faced when sharing information. That`s why music and anything artistic is so important. Watching a video on YouTube that is set to music, rather than words, conveys the same message to anyone who watches it, no matter where they might live or what language is their mother tongue. Music and art can reach everyone.

Art: Combining with Music

Artistic endeavors such as drawing, painting, sculpting and animation have always been methods of communicating between two people who had no language in common. Museums have known this for a long time and frequently present foreign art in their shows, creating interesting attractions and exposing entire countries to new talent and cultures.

However, while art and music are wonderful on their own, there`s nothing as powerful as the two combined. We`ve seen it time and time again, where art is set to music to create something that is so much more than either of the two parts.

In many cases, the music is what inspired the visual art. Many sculptors listen to music as they work, allowing the creativity of the compositions flow through them and into their sculpture. The same goes for painters, who often have a favorite music band that they listen to when working on a painting. It`s a powerful medium to work with and just listening to it can help artists create more incredible works of art.

Then again, sometimes music and art simply flow together to tell a story, a tale that the world can enjoy without having to understand English, or French, or Russian, because music truly is a universal language and when combined with visual art, it provides a method of conveying your message, whatever it is, to the masses.

How We Use Music and Art

A huge number of people who use the internet use it to view videos. That means the potential for creating a video that is pure art and music and having it seen around the world is huge. People love the combination and when there is no language barrier, that means the video will often be sent to friends and family around the globe, turning it into a viral message that passes over borders without fail.

While the internet has made it very possible to share visual art and music with anyone, there are more mainstream methods, as well. Children`s choirs, for example, are one way that we have enjoyed musical art from other countries. It`s not uncommon for concerts and music videos from many countries to be played on one television channel. Even museums usually incorporate some form of background music into their cultural displays, making them that much more powerful. It`s impossible not to feel something as you gaze at Genghis Khan`s armor in a museum display and hear the same sort of music that he would have heard, or view a Hindu funeral pyre while listening to Indian music. It evokes an emotional response that makes what we are looking at that much more important and real to us.

This isn`t just true of things in a museum. You will find that emotional responses can be garnered even from more abstract images and music. It`s the combination that works to create a new feeling, to pass something from the creator of the piece to the listening viewer.

Whether mainstream or independent, music and visual art have spanned the globe and reached millions of people, bringing nations together under a love of all that is musical and artistic. It`s been a way to blend cultures and expose people to new ones and the combination of music and art has turned our world into a place that is much smaller and much friendlier than ever before in history.

Author: Anatoly Podkopov, Ylotana Project @ www.ylotana.com

Fun and Happiness Bring Good Fortune

2009-07-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” For many people, the words “fun” and “fortune” don’t go together naturally. It’s a shame the magical causal connection between play and prosperity is not fully appreciated. The truth is, having fun naturally leads to good fortune. Good fortune means happiness, health, abundance and opportunity. When we’re having fun—feeling good—we naturally attract other people to us. Call it charisma, personal power, or the Law of Attraction. It’s the physics of fun.

By the way, where did we get the idea that life is serious? Seriousness is highly overrated in the Western culture. We’re taught that you have to be serious to be heard, get things done right, and survive in this precarious, tough world. In fact, the opposite is true. The lighter we touch the limited world of mass consciousness, the more we’re able to create whatever we choose. The freer we are of our past, our restrictive programming, and our rigid patterns, the easier it is to thrive on this planet. And to enjoy the ride!

What do people want most in the world? What is the most sought-after goal? From the moment we awaken to the moment we close our eyes at night, what is it we seek every minute of the day? We want to feel good. Everyone wants the same thing—to be happy, to feel good. That’s why we go to parties, concerts and movies. That’s why we seek out friends and partnerships. The primary motivation behind every action we take is the desire to feel happy. Even when we’re focused on moving away from pain, we are, in effect, moving toward feeling good—physically, emotionally and spiritually. By awakening our good feelings, we attract the people, money and opportunities that help us get our heart’s desires—good fortune.

Contrary to the opinion of many folks, it’s OK to want to have fun in everything you do in life. It’s not selfish, insensitive or self-centered. Wanting life to be fun is natural, normal and healthy—and profitable! Studies show as business people know: the public buys from the salespeople they feel good around. Beyond price and benefits, people want to feel good. It’s not the product they want—it’s the good feeling they’re getting from the salesperson associated with the product or service. So, if you’re authentically feeling good, people want what you exude. They want to be around you, be associated with you, be helpful to you—and buy from you. When you feel good, you naturally begin to feel loving toward others and yourself. You naturally begin to take better care of your environment and your body. You’re more able and willing to help others feel good and get what they want in life. You win. The world wins.

Every aspect of life goes better with fun. Fun can lubricate even the most tedious chore. And fun can infuse even the most serious of situations with the lightness of delight. Of course life situations confront us daily where we need to be focused and strong. But enjoying each moment does not diminish our ability to be decisive and efficient. In fact, a flexible, light-hearted approach usually helps us be more resourceful and effective. A spirit of playfulness spawns creativity and success.
You have to have something in order to give something. You have to possess the qualities you value in order to share them with others. If you’re not willing to give yourself happiness, how can you help others find happiness? Create the attitude and conditions that make fun more likely to occur in your daily affairs. Invite surprise. Welcome serendipity. Cultivate spontaneity. Be open to unexpected sources of income, resources and support—especially those that don’t “make sense” to the intellect with its limited range of possibilities.

Notice how synchronicity playfully guides us to our goals. Know that the whole of your life—people and events—has been orchestrated behind-the-scenes by your soul to bring you the profound adventures you want to experience this lifetime. Approach life as if the whole of creation is conspiring to bring you goodness … because it is! Because the good feeling of happiness would, by definition, bring good fortune (happiness). And that merely owning property may or may not secure happiness.

Take an outrageous voyage through your own humanity—a journey to turn yourself inside out and explore the extent of your self-expressive power. Play, spontaneity and improvisation are integral aspects of being human, healthy and happy. Ancient and tribal peoples play, sing, chant, drum, dance and act out stories as basic ways to relate socially, to make individual and collective decisions, and to achieve goals in daily life. Play yourself into a new arena of personal creativity, resourcefulness and inspiration. Open to the spirit and magic of living life through the wonderment of childlike adventure, innocence, lightheartedness, humor and irreverence.

Certainly, some things are too important to be taken seriously.

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The Seven Awareness/Manifestation Principles

2009-06-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Self-awareness incorporates recognition of our individuality, our strong points and weak spots, our likes and dislikes. Developing self-awareness can help us to recognize when we are stressed or under pressure. It is also often a prerequisite for effective communication and interpersonal relations, as well as for developing empathy for others. Certain principles teach us how to align with divine elements and abilities to dominate moods, control environment as well as to manifest into life the desires of the heart. These are what we call Laws of Awareness or Manifestation Principles. Here are seven of them:

Mentalism - "The all is mind; the universe is mental". The universe is a creation of the mind. Everything that is thought becomes a reality within the mind of the all. All that which is within the mind of the all is what reality is made of. This is a mental universe.

Correspondence - "As above so below; as below, so above." Everything that occurs, does so in relation to the all. What happens within, happens without. What occur above, occurs below. When a thought is contemplated, it appears in reality; all realities in one form or another. Nothing escapes the law. Creator creates and it becomes.

Vibration - "Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." All of life is life within the all. Vibration is the means by which creation appears in higher or lower form. Frequency permeates through all things. Masters have used this principle to dominate control over elemenst (ie weather, events, circumstances). Science agrees that all is within motion. At the subatomic level, all that exists is energy in motion.

Polarity - "Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled." When a master Hermetist focuses on one pole and neutralizes the undesirable pole, he masters conscious manifestation. All it takes is desire, focus and determination.

Rhythm - "Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates." A master learns to rise above the pendulum swing, thereby allowing the desired to occur and the undesired to remain in the unconscious. The Hermetist uses the flow of rhythum and is not used by it.

Cause and Effect - "Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name or law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law." A master knows to become at greater cause by rising higher in vibration, to the higher plane of causation. A master is consciously aware of every cause creating each and every effect.

Gender - "Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes" Masculine and feminine refer to a giving and receiving exchange in every creation that which is manifested. Thought represents giving, and taking it in represents the receiving and allowing for an idea to manifest into reality.

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Fashion is Communicating Life in All Its Splendor : The Donna Karan Biography

2009-06-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

" Designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the complications, feelings and emotions," says Donna Karan, chief designer of the international company that bears her name. "Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul."

Indeed, Karan acclaims her feminine instincts to the success of the company she founded in 1984 with her late husband Stephan Weiss, which went on to become a publicly-traded enterprise in 1996, and then five years later, was acquired by its present owner, the French luxury conglomerate, LVMH, Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Says Karan, "That I'm a woman makes me want to nurture others, fulfill needs and solve problems. At the same time, the artist within me strives for beauty, both sensually and visually. So design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxury, the practical with the desirable.

Meeting the challenge began to run from the simplicity of a bodysuit to the artisan glamour of a limited edition hand-painted devore dress. Whatever form the design takes, Karan will tell you it begins and ends with the body - its sensual expression, sense of security, and freedom of movement.

A contemporary system of dressing, Karan's concept is based on seven easy pieces, where a handful of interchangeable items work together to create an entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening, weekday to weekend, season to season. "I'm designing for an international man and woman. A creative person who never knows where a day is going to take them," says Karan. "That's why New York is on the label. It sets the pace, the attitude."

Speaking in a multi-cultural language of fashion, Karan is inspired by life and the innate style of the artist. Quintessential hallmarks include black cashmere, leather, jersey stretch and molded fabrics, as well as silhouettes that wrap and sculpt the body.

It's never been just about clothes. It's about a lifestyle. She sees the entire picture from head-to-toe, from function to aesthetic. "How do I dress the leg?" inspired Donna Karan Hosiery. "The right bra, T-shirts and sleepwear?" Donna Karan Intimates. "The perfect glasses?" Donna Karan Eyewear. The list goes on to include shoes, belts, accessories and, as Karan puts it, "Everything you need to pull yourself together."

Karan's quest for the perfect jeans, as well as her desire to dress her daughter Gabby, resulted in the 1989 birth of DKNY. Fast fashion with an urban mind-set, DKNY is what Karan calls "the pizza to Collection's caviar." DKNY grew so popular and diverse that other brands and labels spun from it, including DKNY Jeans, pure, DKNY Active, DKNY Underwear, DKNY Juniors, DKNY Kids, and DKNY Baby (Not surprisingly, Karan's grandkids and friends' kids had much to do with the latter brands). Like Collection, DKNY has myriad accessory lines to underscore its New York City street-smart look.

Karan saw that the many men in her life, starting with her husband, also needed a sophisticated system of dressing. Considering Karan's father was a custom tailor, a menswear collection was inevitable, and it was founded in 1992. Since men cannot live by doubleface cashmere suits alone, DKNY Men emerged a year later in answer to his casual, sport side. Both menswear lines beget other collections, from tailored suits to dress furnishings and shoes.

Determined to seduce all the senses, Karan took on the world of beauty in 1992 under the business and creative leadership of her husband, who designed the bottles and jars for the signature fragrances and their ancillary products. The beauty division went on to introduce an award-winning skincare line and best-selling fragrances that include Cashmere Mist and DKNY scents for men and women. Completing the lifestyle approach to design, in 2001 Karan introduced a Donna Karan New York Home collection "all about touch and feel," which includes everything from luxe bedding and candles to cashmere throws, and DKNY Life, which accents the contemporary city home with fashion-forward bedding and accessories.

Donna Karan International has seventy company-owned and licensed freestanding Donna Karan collection and DKNY stores worldwide. The first flagships opened in London, DKNY in 1997, and Collection a year later. 1999 marked the opening of the uptown New York City DKNY flagship store, located at 60th Street and Madison Avenue, and two years later, came the downtown DKNY flagship on West Broadway in SoHo. Bringing it back to where it all began, in 2001 Karan opened the Donna Karan New York flagship store, the premiere Collection showcase, at 819 Madison Avenue. Designed as "a serene escape from the city's chaos," a dramatic indoor/outdoor river rock garden runs through the townhouse's ground floor.

For Karan, it literally and creatively began in New York. She was born into fashion on Long Island. Not only was her father Gabby Faske (who died when Karan was three) a tailor, her mother Helen was a showroom model and fashion sales rep. Even Karan's stepfather Harold Flaxman was in the fashion business. So it was only natural that Karan, while still in high school, designed her first collection and staged her first show.

Following her second year at Parson's School of Design, Karan was hired by Anne Klein for a summer job. It was an association that would shape the rest of Karan's life. After three years as associate designer, Karan was named successor following Klein's death in 1974. Louis Dell'Olio, a Parson's friend, joined her a year later, together they designed the Anne Klein Collection. In a foreshadow of DKNY, Karan created Anne Klein II in 1982, originating the concept of bridge and lifestyle dressing in fashion.

Ten years after Klein died, Karan was ready to go out on her own with the support of Weiss and partner Takiyho, Inc. the owner of Anne Klein & Co. Fall 1985 saw the first Donna Karan New York Collection and the reaction from the press and retailers proved once again that Karan made fashion history.

Throughout her long career, Karan's peers have acknowledged her achievements with numerous accolades. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has saluted her an unprecedented six times. Because the industry has been so generous and supportive, Karan feels it crucial to give back, which is why she spends as much time as possible at her alma mater Parson's lecturing and critiquing students' work.

Using her company's visibility and resources for social causes is a heartfelt priority. A member of CFDA's board of directors, Karan conceived as well as spearheaded its Seventh on Sale benefits to raise funds for AIDS awareness and education. Karan co-chairs the annual New York "Kids for Kids" events for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, as she has since its 1993 inception, as well as the yearly "Super Saturday," a flea market/barbecue founded with the late Liz Tilberis in 1998 to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. She is an active supporter of New York City's Dia Center for the Arts, one of the most prestigious contemporary art institutes in the country and has chaired its last two Fall Galas. To facilitate her many on-going philanthropic involvements, in 1999, Karan and Weiss established the Karan Weiss Foundation to benefit children's causes, medical research and the arts.

Maintaining an open dialogue with her customer means everything to Karan. Through her company, Karan regularly publishes style-related books, sponsors art exhibits, charity events and book parties at the stores, and produces a bi-annual magazine called Woman to Woman, where Karan speaks directly to her Collection customer.

"I created this company for women like me and my friends," says Karan. "We're passionate and creative, striving to make a difference in whatever way we can. For us, communication is the ultimate essential of all."

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2008-04-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

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Ultrasound Technician Career

2008-04-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

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Power Payday Loan

2008-04-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

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How to Make a Warhammer 40k Building

2008-03-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

“One day I can make a cool piece of warhammer terrain” thats is always come to ones mind when looking on the beautiful terrain maid by other people. Stop wishing and prepare your materials caused today you will create your own terrain. Creating a flocked hills and rocky formations for warhammer is not just complicated compared in making buildings and towers. Although constructing buildings is more commendable and needs more creativity but as long as you are willing and have the heart to let it all out in creating a warhammer terrain you can make anything. Almost anything you can make such as towers, houses, churches, castles, bunkers, factories and and pretty much anything part of warhammer gaming. That all for the introduction and its time to gather all the materials needed for its time to stop the talking and start working.

Materials list

• 20?x30? foam board
• pencil
• ruler
• utility knife
• paint brush (medium sized one will do)
• white glue
• black paint
• gray paint
• white paint
• Popsicle sticks

And one karma from Astronomican (it’s like food for the soul)

Step 1 Outline and cut your windows and entrance ways

Use a space marine cadet to size up the doors on your foam board they should fit through the doors. They're actually able to fit through the windows too but that's not entirely necessary if you choose to make the windows a different size. Lets not include what is the measurement of the foam board that we will be using for the height and length of the walls for we have our own design and size of the building to be made. Just buy a sheet of foam board with a size of 20 inches x 30 inches will serve for a good sized miniature building.

So, we draw and trace the desired design the cut out the doors and windows. To save some of your time you can cut out a template and trace the template for future use.

Next, creating the side wall of the building. To assume the wreckage you can roughed the side walls.

Step 2 Installing Popsicle sticks for added support

This next step is the crucial and important because you are going to add extra support to your structure so that it will not easily be break down. But this step will not give you a hard time, first begin by slicing out Popsicle length strips in each level or storey of the front side of the building. Next is glue the Popsicle sticks in the slots you have just created.

(Note: slicing too deep in the foam board will cause you to deface the front side of your wall.)

Step 3 Cut and glue down your floors and walls together

This step is the craftiest and needs an extra patience because it takes a little concentration and hands that are not shaky. Line up your three wall together to measure the size of your floors. You will then see what will fit in as a floor for each level or storey. You can choose to roughed also the edges of the floor to indicate wreckage same as what you've done for the side walls. to give some give some variety and design on the floors you can add up some wooden sub-flooring made from Popsicle sticks.

Step 4 Scuff and add rebar

This will be the most unique part of creating a terrain for you will destroy some part of the building you made in order emphasized the damaged parts of the building. It's the best part actually. Don't be afraid and hesitate go ahead and try and you will see the result. But don't destroy all, randomly create explosion holes and bullet hole marks throughout the front sides.

And going in for a closeup to see some added rebar which is glued in place .

Step 5 Prime building

Acrylic black paint is what to be use in priming the whole building. You can add some fine sand to texture your paint this will add a rough concrete like texture to the structure and will give a different look and result when its time to dry brush later.

Step 6 Paint building

Next step is paint the building with gray paint. Make sure not to put a lot of paint on the brush. Creating a dry brushed look with the gray paint exposing about 5 percent of the black is best. Otherwise priming it in black would be meaningless. After painting it with gray dry brush it with white paint but this time make sure it's a very light dry brushing. And finally add a light green to accent the building. Otherwise it would be gray only and dull. Also add variety on the floors by painting it with yellow and brown colors.

Alas, there you have it! A simple multilevel building wrecked and blown up to give it character and unique look. We hope this inspires some nice terrain ideas. Feel free to tell us what you think of this project. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

How to Make Warhammer Stepped Hills

2008-03-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

A stepped hill for a warhammer! In able to create a warhammer stepped hill you should have focused and set your imagination with warhammer games in mind. So that you come up with a very nice and unique warhammer terrain. By the doing this you should remember all the war movies you have watched and try to imitate the hills that you have seen in the movie. Therefore the top of the hill will be a same as the size of an envelope 3 5/8 x 6 ½ inches in size. On the bottom level it will be wider than on the top of the hill and there should be enough space and room to place a line of at least ten space marines.

Materials:
Polystyrene (Styrofoam insulation)
Envelope 3 5/8 inches x 6 ½ inches
Masonite
brown paint

Step 1. Cutting the top level

Get the polystyrene (Styrofoam insulation) with at least 1 inch thick and then draw the outline of the envelope into it. Next step is to draw an oval shaped guideline 1 – 2 inches around the polystyrene. This will create a gradual slope on the outer edge of the top level. Cut out the top level.

Step 2. Designing the sides

Once the top level has already been cut, begin shaping the gradually sloped sides by slicing away thin shavings of polystyrene it is recommended that use a wire cutter. Give all your best to be able to create a rounded, 45 degree angle without cutting into the envelope outline. Just do all your best and repeat again if it not correct. Be sure to incline the sides with a 45 degree angle so that it will look like a real hill.

Step 3. Making the Bottom level

Then you make the bottom level by tracing the outline of the top level into another 1 inch thick piece of polystyrene. Next draw the outline of the bottom level by tracing around the line of space marines. Continue by rounding off the edges like the top level.

Step 4. Gluing the sides

The Masonite is marked by tracing around the bottom level. Use a beveled edge when cutting out the edge. The only difficult part of this is here, try your very best to make the angle fit with the curve of the bottom level. Glue the three pieces together using hot glue or white glue. You can also reinforce the hill by putting in two toothpicks in between the levels. To speed up the drying process and save some time you can use a hairdryer.

Step 5

Apply a filler to merge the gaps between the steps(Spackle will work fine). Glue clusters of sand and gravel on the hill to give your hill the effect of stony ground. Next is to paint the whole model using any brown paint.

Step 6

By painting the whole model with brown paint it seals the polystyrene. Dry brushing other brown paint can actually be done it is not necessary needed seeing as it will be covered with flock. To finish all of, apply a thin layer of white glue over the hill do not include the rocky areas. And sprinkle with Warhammer modeling flock

Do You Need A New Hobby? Start Collecting Rare Coins.

2008-03-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Rare coins are one of the remaining investments which can be accumulated with privacy and transported easily. Coins are classic appreciating assets with a history of long-term price increases. Old and rare coins are worth far more than face value (the value on their surface) - and more than just their metal composition - as collectibles. Rare coins are a hobby, as are they a good investment. Rare coins are the most liquid of all collecting hobbies.

Silver and gold coins are fast becoming a new American icon because they give investors economic stability, profit potential AND privacy. You may shop 24/7 for rare coins, gold coins, silver coins, 2007 bullion gold coins, gold coins and more at http://www.coinsale.org among other places. If at any time our paper money is threatened, rare coins can protect wealth much like an investment in gold bullion. You can buy with confidence from several coin dealers. The heaviest coin to be minted is the 1000Mohur, a gold coin weighed almost 12 kilograms.

Buying rare coins for own profit has been a good choice for investors for many years. Buying rare gold coins can be done from coin dealers, special auctions such as http://www.coinsale.org (http://www.coinsale.org). By the year 2015, experts believe that there will be some 140,000,000 coin collectors/investors, an increase of over 3 times that of today's buyers. Some collectors have made a lot of money buying and selling rare coins, others have lost fortunes. For instance, there are no reporting requirements for the buying or selling coins, so your own privacy can be easily protected.

Rare coins stand out as a great investment compared to other collectible items, especially for someone looking to diversify their investment portfolios into the world of collectibles for the first time. As for other collectible items, nothing performs as well as rare coins when it comes to pure investing: coins are virtually indestructible, they are easy to store, easy to insure, and rare coins are portable commodities that can be easily converted into liquid assets. Unlike paintings, sports memorabilia, or other forms of collectible items, the old coin market is characterized by well-established standards for deciding the quality of any given coin and a stock market like infrastructure for ensuring the liquidity of the investment.

Rare coins are totally immune from bankruptcy and virtually immune from dilution. Coins are not only good investments, they can be fun too. Rare Coins are trading at half of their market highs of the late eighties. Rare coins are very interesting because their rarity makes them both precious and fascinating. Thousands of rare coins are regularly bought and sold sight-unseen on an electronic numismatic exchange and auctions, like http://www.coinsale.org.

Warhammer 40k Bell Tower Project:WIP Part 1

2008-03-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

In our article for today is all about building a bell tower. So lets just set aside some of our worries and focus our mind in creating something wickedly awesome a Warhammer 40K Bell Tower. The most important component in building a bell tower is a brass bell which can be purchased on a dollar store which is abundant during Christmas season. Now that we had already the brass bell we can already ready to construct. So pull up your socks, demist your glasses and repeat after me,”Warhammer is my life”. Did I say that out loud? Anyway, let’s build some terrain.

Materials list:

• 20?x30? foam board
• utility knife
• pencil
• ruler
• popsicle sticks
• white glue
• an Ipod playing Zeppelin and a little patience while cutting the foam board.(you’ll see what I mean)

Step 1 Marking the Windows

I tried making a Gothic/Imperial guard/city of death look to it. This is the part where your artistic instinct license comes in. Feel free to design and let your mind and basic instinct come to play in choosing your desired design of the windows. Draw your chosen design of the window on the foam board. It would be better to create a lot of windows on your tower. It creates a more clear feeling while looking through the building.

Step 2 Cut out your Windows

Cut out your windows according to what you have drawn, it should be pretty strait forward. This will test your patience sometimes cause you have drawn more windows so expect to cut more windows too. Although this is where you'll need to bite the bullet for a good while and just cut till you are so occupied in your work that when somebody come sup to bother you and call up your name three times, that only the time you begin to respond cause you do not want to be disturbed when cutting out the windows. After cutting out all the drawn windows its better to sand the insides to have a smooth sides.

Step 3 Cut out base

After cutting out the windows you're going to cut a base out so that the walls have something to stick in to. You can made it just large enough to fit two space marines along the outside of the building once in place.

Step 4 Glue popsicle sticks

Start this by slicing popsicle sticks width channels in each level. Next glue popsicles sticks according to its place. These will give enough support to the structure when everything is glued together and in order. Once finished gluing all the popsicle sticks let it sit to dry for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5 Glue structure together

This is where we make busted up flooring. Make it so it’s able to rest on both walls for stronger support. Hold the walls up perpendicular to each other and glue down the floors until it dries up. This will enable the building to stand by itself. Be sure that the wall can stand up all by itself. Next glue supports to the base. Use the windows that were cut from the walls.

How to Make a Warhammer Gaming Terrain Board

2008-03-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

The first thing to consider in continuing a Warhammer gaming hobby is to construct a terrain board that will fit all your models. This will give you a fun and exciting place to put all you Warhammer games on which is much better place to play on rather than on the kitchen table or on the floor.

It will also provide you more options on your terrain pieces and create more terrain pieces that will fit on the your table, creating a gaming environment that appears and feels impressive and realistic. It will also enhance your gaming experience and allows you to play more with its wide space area depending on the size you will be doing.

This article is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own gaming boards. There are many options in creating your own gaming boards, it includes the materials to be use, but this is the one which is the easiest and the cheapest as i have found out so far.

What size board should you create?

There are a few options to choose from. They include:

-2' x 2'

-4' x 4'

-4' x 6'

-4' x 8'

(’ denotes feet - one foot = 30 cm)

The 2' x 2' boards are very flexible and allow you to create terrain that you can move around and form into various pieces, especially if you build in hills or rivers.

However, our favorite size to choose is 4' x 4' boards, as it is a very good standard board size and it is very good for battles as high as a few thousands points on each side. It is also easy to add two of these boards together to form a 4' x 8' playing area for especially large battles, whereas with the 2' x 2' boards this is a little more clumsy and creates a playing area with a lot of gaps and unsightly lines.

But in the end it is always you that will choose on what board that will best fit your gaming mood.

Materials and Tools Needed

Here is a list of materials that you will need:

-1/2 sheet of plywood (4' x 4')

-16' of 2?x1? (pine is what we use, but it doesn’t matter)

-16 x 1 1/4? screws

-power drill

-small drill bit (3/16? should work)

-measuring tape

-pencil

-saw

-sandpaper

(WARNING: You should ALWAYS have adult supervision when using any tools or power tools.)

Step 1 - Cut 2?x1? to size

Our first step that will be doing is to divide the 2?x1? into four pieces, two 4 feet long and the other two is 46 inches long.

Step 2 - Create foundation

Drill holes first on the wood before putting in any screws. This will prevent the wood from splitting. After you have drilled holes on the wood you can then screw in the screws using either your power drill if you have or simply by hand. Be sure to screw it tightly to gain enough strength on your foundation.

Step 3 - Attach Top

Attach the plywood on the top of your frame. Once again drill holes wherever you will be putting in screws to prevent splitting. Three to four screws on each sides should be fairly enough. Once you are finish in screwing down the plywood on your frame, use the sandpaper to polish all corners to get rid of any silvered wood. This will give you a smooth edge on your table for better look.

That's it after polishing all the edges and the sides be sure to check all the screws if it screwed tightly you have now your gaming board with a strong foundation. The next step is to finish the top but will be discuss in another article.

How to Make Warhammer Modeling Flock

2008-03-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Spending almost $200 of your budget for a modeling flock is too big just to produce a 4' x 4' grassland gaming board. Is always be a problem you will face in making a gaming terrain but this will not be a hindrance for you to experiment on what decision to undertake. Because you want to work on a small budget this is something you had get over.

Doing research on Yahoo or Google on how to create a modeling flock or by just simply asking a friend who knows how to create one. That can lower the $200 to a $10 or less. But be sure to watch and read on the instructions for they will cause you problems in the results of your modeling flock. You should admit that making your first modeling flock will not be that easy for it will not produce similar to the modeling flock that cost $200. You should not be afraid to try every thing every possible way to have your modeling flock be the flock you want.

Without further delay the content of this article is the detailed instruction on how to make a modeling flock.

Step 1 - Get Your Materials Ready

Here is what you’ll be needing:

-a container to mix it in (we use a gallon sized ice cream container)

-a cookie sheet to dry the modeling flock on (don’t use new ones, your mother / wife won’t be happy)

-a tube of green paint (in the picture it shows a tube of blue paint and a tube of yellow paint, but we found it easier to just get a tube of green paint)

-water

-a stirring stick

-sawdust (that’s right, modeling flock is just dyed sawdust!)

-a fine strainer

The tubes of paint that we use are 4 U.S. fl oz, or 118 mL. We buy them at the dollar store for $1.

You can get the sawdust from any lumber mill that near your place. They should be more than happy to hand over a garbage bag full free of charge. If not, then just find someone you know who is a carpenter.

Take note that the sawdust should have been made from sanding, not from cutting wood.

Step 2 - Dilute The Paint

First you will need to dilute the paint that you are going to use to dye the saw dust. The amount of paint that you water down will determine how much flock you will make.

You will discharge the entire 118 mL tube of green paint into the container and then fill the container 3cm (about 1 1/4 inches) full of water.

WARNING: If you water down the paint too much your flock will be brown.

This is the common mistake which will end up with ugly stuff and waste. Even though it started out a nice green it will end up an ugly brown, which was useful only to be used as dirt and not grass. But we are going to create a grassland so better careful.

Mix the water and paint with a stirring stick. You can use any typical stirring sticks that you get from the paint stores, but you can really use anything that you don’t care getting stained with green paint.

(Important Note: The colour of your flock will be slightly browner than the green paint that you mix, so choose a colour paint that is slightly brighter than your desired modeling flock colour.)

Step 3 - Add the Sawdust

The next procedure is to add the sawdust on the paint. First add a small amount just to turn the watered down paint mixture into a compact sludge. Then continue adding more and more sawdust until it is mixed in well with the paint.

The easiest way to tell when to stop adding sawdust is when you add a bit more and it is very hard to mix in (i.e. it is hard to get rid of the brown sawdust). This is the point where you should stop.

Warning: If you stop sooner your flock will not be fine enough.

However, don’t expect your flock to be as fine as the Games Workshop version at this point for they already perfected the mixing of the paint and the sawdust. That will come sooner or later.

Once you have finished mixing the flock you are ready to move to next step.

Step 4 - Spread Out Your Modeling Flock to Dry

You will now need to spread out the modeling flock to dry. You can use two cookie sheets to dry out the amount of flock made with your desired proportions.

In spreading out the damp modeling flock it should be evenly as possible, then put it in a cool dry place and not be hit by strong winds for 24-48 hours. Make sure it is completely dry before proceeding to the next step, or else you will not get the same quality results as what Games Workshop produces.

Step 5 - Screen the Modeling Flock To Make It Finer

A fine strainer with a small openings you will have in doing the last step and that is to screen the modeling flock through it. There may be bunches that are just too hard deal with. You should really work if this happen until you cannot screen a dust from it. This will not be garbage cause it can be use as a mossy rock on another models.

As A Northern Game, Cornhole Is Very Popular

2008-03-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

There are games and traditions that are more popular in some parts of the country than they are in others. One of these games is cornhole. It is much more popular in the Northern part of the country than it is in the South. There are pockets of interest in many states, and there are some people in the South who do play the cornhole game. However, a person will not find the kind of following there that is seen in the Northern-most states. This is especially true of Illinois and Ohio � two places where the cornhole game is exceedingly popular. There are arguments between the two of them, however, as to where the game actually got its start and what it was or should be called. In Chicago, Illinois, they often call it the beanbag toss, and they claim it got its start there. The same claim is made by Cleveland, Ohio, but it is called the cornhole game there.

One other difference is the size of the board � three feet by four feet for cornhole, and two feet by four feet for the beanbag toss. There are, however, other areas of the country where the games are synonymous with one another and the boards are the same size. Everyone seems to have their own opinion of what the game should be called and where it originated. Who is right is one of those things that people will always argue about. Despite this, however, they are united in their love of the game. Much of this likely comes from the idea that the game is very easy to play and very enjoyable. Almost everyone can learn the rules, and almost everyone can play the game, regardless of age or skill level. A lot of families and friends play it at birthday parties, backyard barbecues, and tailgate parties. In addition, there are tournaments in the Northern part of the country for individuals who are more serious about the game. Prizes and trophies can be won at these tournament!
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Those who live and work in the Northern part of the country and play cornhole frequently hope that it will catch on to the point that the tournaments are picked up by major television networks, much the same way that bowling, billiards, and cup stacking have done. So far there is no indication that this will be the case, but it is still possible that it will take place. For those who play in the tournaments, however, they will continue to participate in them regardless of whether they have any kind of television, radio, or newspaper coverage. The key for these people is not recognition, but the simple enjoyment of playing the game and working toward getting even better at it. They also like to teach others how to play the game, since basically anyone can follow the directions and play the game without any undue stress or strain. This is much of what makes the cornhole game so popular in the North.

As A Northern Game, Cornhole Is Very Popular

2008-03-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Party: Another Great Excuse For Cornhole

2008-03-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

For many people, a birthday is a great time for celebration with family and friends. Individuals who are celebrating a loved one�s birthday have surprise parties, take people out to eat, have barbecues, plan games, and do all sorts of enjoyable things. One of the things that many people do, especially in areas of the country where it is deemed more popular, is to play the cornhole game. Not everyone knows it by that name, of course. Some people call it the beanbag toss. There are actually a few variations, but it is essentially the same game. Most people played it in their school physical education class, but a lot of them have not played it since that time. For individuals who still enjoy playing the cornhole game, however, a birthday party can be a great place to play it.

In order to play cornhole at a birthday party, there has to be enough room. The cornhole game itself does not take up that much space. However, room is needed to make sure that the player can stand far enough away from the board to comply with the rules. In addition, nice weather is needed. No one wants to stand outside and play the cornhole game in the rain, or in extremely high or very low temperatures. The game can cease to be fun that way. For people who have large, enclosed porches or homes that are big and open enough, it is possible to play the cornhole game indoors. Of course, the risk of something breaking or getting damaged rises when a person does this, but careful planning can allow for it in many cases. One of the best things about the cornhole game is that anyone of any age can play it.

The rules are not difficult and the game is not physically strenuous. The cornhole bags are lightweight, and they are tossed gently. Everyone from a very young child up through people in their eighties and nineties can enjoy the cornhole game and not worry about being injured or leaving people out. This is one of the reasons that the cornhole game has remained popular for such a long period of time. It is also why support for it as an actual sport is growing, and there are many tournaments that are held each year in various states for those who wish to play the cornhole game competitively. For people who just like to play cornhole at a birthday party or other event, however, there are ways to make it even more fun. People can pair girls against boys, older people against youngsters, or any combination that is agreed upon. In addition, small prizes and treats can be given out to the winner, so that there is some incentive to succeed.

For very young children, though, it may be best to have a �prize� for everyone who participates, to help build self esteem and confidence. When planning the next birthday party, why not try the cornhole game. Sets can be purchased easily and inexpensively online.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners Have Many Merits

2008-03-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Not all vacuum cleaners are created equal, and this is especially true of the canister and upright models of vacuum cleaners. Most people think that canister vacuums are a thing of the past, and that uprights have taken their place. That is not entirely true, however. The canister vacuum cleaner is generally used today by individuals with hard flooring and area rugs in their homes, as well as draperies and upholstery which needs to be cleaned. These kinds of vacuum cleaners are the best choice for these surfaces. The upright vacuum cleaner, however, is the more popular style, especially for those people who have wall to wall carpet, as many people do.

Not all homes have this carpet, of course, but most homes have carpeting in at least some of their rooms. Quite often, carpeting is found in the bedrooms, and frequently in the living room or den, as well. For people who have wall to wall carpeting or several carpeted areas, an upright vacuum cleaner is the right choice. First, upright vacuum cleaners have more suction power than do canister vacuum cleaners. Their motors are stronger, their cleaning paths are wider, and they are basically more durable. They are not made for delicate work, and they are designed to perform in the face of pet hair, dirt, grime, debris, and all kinds of vacuuming conditions.

They cannot withstand wet surfaces, but they are the best choice for carpet, regardless of the length of the pile or the overall condition. The upright vacuum is the one chosen by most people, and it is also the one most commonly sold in retail chain stores. There are also some companies which make upright vacuum cleaners which are very expensive, and these brands are sold door to door or through specialized shops. A person cannot walk into a standard retail store and purchase one. In addition to its durability and suction power, the upright vacuum cleaner also offers choices and attachments. There are many different colors, models, brands, and styles. A person can also get different motor sizes and cleaning paths. In addition, what type of filtration is offered and the kind of containment system � bagged or bagless � are other considerations for those who are going to buy an upright vacuum cleaner.

People who purchase an upright vacuum cleaner are also often interested in the attachments that the vacuum cleaner offers. Most have a longer wand that can be used between couch cushions and in small areas that are difficult to reach. They also have a brush attachment to better pick up hair and lint, and they often contain other attachments that can be used on curtains and furniture. For very delicate fabrics, though, the upright vacuum cleaner is not recommended, because it can damage them with its powerful suction. Overall, however, the upright vacuum cleaner is a very good choice for most homeowners. For those people who are worried about the weight of an upright vacuum cleaner, self-propelled models and lighter weight models are also readily available, and the warranties are usually very good.

Specific Uses For The Canister Vacuum CleanerSpecific Uses For The Canister Vacuum Cleaner

2008-03-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

When people think of a vacuum cleaner, they usually think of the upright style. It is the common kind of vacuum cleaner that most people have in their homes. Some people, when they have a multi-story home or a very large home, will have a central vacuum system. For the others, however, there is the canister vacuum cleaner. This is designed to be used in homes where there is a lot of hardwood or tile. Primarily, the canister vacuum cleaner is used on rugs. It can, however, also be used on draperies and upholstery. Homes with expensive furnishings often have a canister vacuum cleaner, as well as homes that are much older and therefore generally have hardwood floors instead of wall to wall carpet. The canister vacuum cleaner is not designed to be used on carpeted floors because the suction that it has is not strong enough.

The canister vacuum cleaner, however, has a lot of good points and it can be a very good choice for the consumer who does not have a carpeted home. Even though a canister vacuum cleaner does not produce the suction needed for the wall to wall carpet found in many homes, it does provide good cleaning for hard floors and area rugs. These rugs can be hard to clean, and using an upright vacuum on them is not a good choice. The strength of the suction can damage delicate and older rugs. Some of these have small tassels and other intricate pieces which can be destroyed quite easily. By making sure that the rug is treated well and carefully with a canister vacuum cleaner, the individuals who clean the rug will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

Another reason that a canister vacuum cleaner is so important for some households is that it is often used on fine draperies and upholstery. The newer curtains and furniture that can be purchased in the retail chain stores generally do not need to be cleaned in this way. However, the more expensive furniture and draperies, as well as the older furniture and draperies that have been in families for many years, are generally cleaned with a canister vacuum cleaner. They work well for removing hair and dirt, but their suction is not so strong as to damage any of the fibers or fabrics that they come into contact with. Because of this, they are often used by those who have fine and expensive things and know that they must work to take care of them.

The canister vacuum cleaner also has a long life span. It is generally not used as extensively as an upright vacuum cleaner, so it often remains strong and works well for many years. Upright vacuum cleaners wear out quite quickly unless they are very expensive brands. The cheaper brands have a warranty, but most people do not bother to have them repaired. Instead, they simply throw them away and get a new one. With a canister vacuum cleaner, however, there is a good chance that the person will repair it and continue to use it.

Deciding On Plastic Or Wooden Boards For Cornhole

2008-03-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

When it comes to cornhole boards, there are two basic options for construction. The boards can be made of wood, or the boards can be made of plastic. The plastic cornhole boards are generally designed and sold in stores and on the Internet. The wooden cornhole boards are also created and sold this way. However, in addition to the commercial wooden cornhole boards, these kinds of cornhole boards can be made by an individual with basic skills and basic tools. There are plans that can be found all over the Internet, and these plans will help a person determine whether he or she wants to build a cornhole board on his or her own, or whether he or she would prefer to purchase one instead.

For those who have little to no woodworking skills, or for those who feel extremely uncomfortable working with their hands for fear of damaging the work, themselves, or both, there are cornhole boards which can be purchased. The wooden cornhole boards can be bought separately, or they can be purchased as part of a set. Either way, though, they are a big business and they are very popular in many parts of the country. These boards are made from good quality wood, and they are prepared with no sharp edges, splinters, or other issues that could cause a person a problem. This keeps people from getting hurt when they play cornhole, which is very important, especially in a game that many young children like to play. Parents who want to protect their children would certainly not want them to play with a wooden board that might cause them injury.

The plastic boards are thought to be better in some ways. Most of this comes from the fact that they have fewer issues with being left out in the weather. They cannot warp from rain or develop splinters, and they do not break, crack, chip, or get otherwise damaged as easily as the wooden boards do. They are also often a bit less expensive to purchase because they are also less expensive to make. The creation of plastic boards is relatively easy. However, there are some die-hard fans of the cornhole game who feel that these plastic boards are not the right ones to be used. They are concerned that they are too different from the way that the game was originally played. As such the game will be changed and the people who learn on a cornhole set with a plastic board will not have the same style and skill level as a person who learns to play the game on a cornhole set with a wooden board.

It would appear that the cornhole sets with the wooden boards are generally the only ones allowed in tournaments, but some individuals who organize cornhole tournaments change the rules or decide to do things differently, and plastic boards may gain more accepted use in the future. Regardless of whether they are used in tournaments, the plastic cornhole boards and the wooden cornhole boards are both very popular with people all over the country who like to play the cornhole game.

Playing Cornhole At A Tailgate Party

2008-03-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Cornhole is a very popular game in some areas of the country, and not so popular in others. For the areas of the country where the game has a following, however, it is often played at tailgate parties and other gatherings. One of the reasons that cornhole does so well at a tailgate party is because it is so easy to transport. The board that is traditionally used in the cornhole game is four feet by two feet, which fits in the bed of a truck, and it will also go in the trunk of a larger car. In addition, there are some smaller versions of the board made. These are three feet by two feet, and they are often called by the name of beanbag toss, instead of cornhole.

Because of this, the cornhole game is popular at many different gatherings, and the game is very often played at tailgating parties in the Northern part of the country. While the game does not seem to be as popular in the South, there are pockets of interest in it. In these areas, the individuals who like to play the cornhole game will bring their cornhole game boards and the bags to tailgate parties and other gatherings so that everyone has a chance to play. They organize tournaments, play the game at backyard barbecues, and predict that the game will one day be big enough to be televised like bowling and other activities that some people believe is a sport and others do not.

One of the best things about the cornhole game, however, is the ease with which it can be played. This is a great thing for any kind of party, because virtually anyone can play it without worrying about how to understand the rules. The game is not difficult, and the rules are not complex, making the game something that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old, at any skill level. People can also make their own cornhole boards and cornhole sets. There are plans available on the Internet for almost everyone to use. The cornhole board can be made quite easily with a few simple tools by someone with only a moderate level of skill.

Even a beginner can make a cornhole board by following the instructions carefully. Most cornhole boards � either homemade or factory made � are made of wood. Some of them, however, are made of plastic, but they are often not as popular. For those who make their own boards for tailgate parties, however, there are also cornhole bags that need to be made. The older ones were made of a heavy cloth such as denim or burlap and stuffed with corn. Today�s cornhole bags are usually made of a somewhat softer cloth, and they are either stuffed with beans or with plastic pellets. Either way, however, they are easy to make and can last a long time when made correctly. They need to be sewn very tightly and they have to be the correct size and weight. By either buying or building a cornhole board the next tailgate party can be a huge success.

Web-Programming: An Alternative To Unproductive Advertising

2008-03-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

As of this writing the television writers in Hollywood are on strike. The significance of this strike will be felt far beyond the current television season and impact what and where people will get their entertainment in the future. People are now not only embracing the Web for their information needs but are also increasingly turning to it for their entertainment needs as well.

The Web will soon be 'the place' that fills the programming vacuum that network broadcasters have been unwilling and/or unable to fulfill. People were prepared to tolerate constant reruns, dreadful programming, and incessant repetitive ads as long as there was no alternative, but that is no loner the case. Viewers now have an option to bad television and it's the Web, but why should you care and more importantly how can you take advantage of the opportunity it creates?

Why Should You Care?

Information and entertainment have melded in recent years creating what has been dubbed 'infotainment.' It can be argued that the evening news has become more entertainment than hard news and let's not even get into venues like the History Channel where fact and fiction seem to be presented in equal and indistinguishable doses. So what does all this have to do with you and how you deliver your marketing message?

The time is coming, if it is not here already, that companies will not be able to get away with merely uploading online brochures and catalogues, or even extensive screeds singing the praises of every feature and benefit associated with their offering. People demand more, they insist your website be interesting, informative, and entertaining; and it is this aspect of entertainment that potentially makes your marketing presentation memorable.

What Is Web-Programming?

Web-programming takes the creative Web-video campaign concept and pushes it one step further up the evolutionary marketing scale by integrating the message into a programming environment.

This concept is not an entirely new idea, in fact one of the most noted television commercial campaigns of 1991 was the Taster's Choice soap opera-like series of spots that wove the marketing message into a courtship relationship between two apartment neighbors. In an environment where information and entertainment blur, it seems like an ideal solution to capturing an audience's attention and interest, and creating a viral buzz that few products or services can generate by presenting a bulleted list of features.

Build Brand Relationships

James E. Aisner, in his article 'More Than A Name: The Role of Brands in People's Lives' (HBS Working Knowledge For Business Leaders) references the research of Harvard Business School Professor, Susan M. Fournier, "Fournier has created a typology of fifteen different types of relationships between consumers and their brands." These brand relationships include the secret affair, the best friend, kinship, the fling, courtship, the marriage-of-convenience, casual friendship, childhood friendship, mother and child, and master-slave.

What kind of relationship does your brand have with your audience? Is it a short-term fling that starts with a lot of heat and passion and then quickly cools-off, or is it a long-term marriage that will last a lifetime? Finding, and promoting the most appropriate and beneficial brand relationship is the marketing goal of your Web-programming marketing initiative.

Part of the problem many smaller organizations have in developing successful marketing campaigns is that they think in terms of products and services rather than brands; features and benefits rather than relationships. Almost every product or service on the market can be replaced with a competitive substitute, but brands are much harder to replace; brands create a competitive barrier through the development of relationships based on prototypical psychological and emotional factors, the same kinds of factors that govern your personal relationships.

Generate Trust, Confidence, Loyalty and Passion

In his article, "A Brand New You," (Psychology Today), W. Eric Martin tells us that brands came into vogue in the post Civil War era as a response to an increasing mobile population that began to lose touch with local merchants and shopkeepers. Brands became a substitute for the personal relationships that people had with their suppliers. This seemingly minor historic fact helps us understand the significance of brands in today's Web-centric marketplace.

Today's consumer-client, whether retail or business-to-business is more remote, more isolated from the supplier than ever before. The Web allows us to market our products and services anywhere in the world, but in order to actually make a sale, we must establish a relationship that generates a sufficient level of trust, confidence, loyalty and passion. Sneer if you will at the passion and loyalty most Macintosh users have for their computers, but what other computer company can claim such brand allegiance?

Relationships Are Based On Psychological Needs

At the heart of any relationship is the emotional or psychological need that that relationship fulfills. If you haven't found that connection in what you do then you are at a definite competitive disadvantage; and you are competing on the most fickle and transient of factors: price and features. In business, there will always be someone who is prepared to sell a substitute product or service for less, or with more bells and whistles. So why would you ever want to compete on that basis?

It really doesn't matter what business you're in, there is always some emotional or psychological component to what you do. The iPod is the market leader in its category despite numerous competitors; it holds that position not because it's the cheapest, which it definitely isn't, or the product with the most features, which it probably is, but because it's an iPod - not a tool but a status symbol, a badge of intelligence and taste, a brand relationship akin to being a member of the coolest club in town.

Web-programming Development

In short, Web-programming is a marketing campaign based on a series of episodic Web-videos tied together by plotline and character development; an ongoing initiative that weaves into its storyline the marketing pitch. The integration of the marketing pitch can be done subtly using product placement techniques or overtly making the pitch part of the story arc.

This marketing technique is not for everyone; it is certainly not for the unsophisticated or for the marketer who is afraid to experiment or to take a chance.

If you are looking for an instant direct financial return like a big sale sign in your storefront window then you are not looking for marketing, you're looking for promotions. Marketing is all about building a brand relationship with your audience. The more time and effort you invest in marketing, the more solid your brand relationship will be, and the more appropriate the clients you'll attract and keep.

Web-programming - Where To Begin

There are four minimal requirements needed to create an episodic Web-video marketing campaign: need identification, point-of-view, attitude, and transformation. These are the same elements defined by Syd Field, the well-respected author, producer, screenwriter, and lecturer, in his book, "The Screenwriter's Workbook;" and they are the same elements that all top-notch salesmen use to build client-relationships - ask yourself - have you ever met a top salesman who wasn't a great storyteller?

Need Identification

Like all episodic series yours will need a hero or protagonist; this is the person your audience will identify with and who will act as their surrogate.

Your protagonist must be searching for something that relates to the emotional or psychological need fulfilled by your product or service. Anyone who has ever had to deal with an insurance company certainly understands the Geico caveman's need for respect. His frustration is the perfect foil for the company's marketing message, 'it's so easy a caveman can do it.' We are all cavemen at heart, seeking respect from big business bureaucracies that make us jump through hoops just to place an order.

Point-of-View

You must present your material from a particular point-of-view. Is your presentation told from the protagonist's point-of-view or is it told from an objective observer's, perhaps through voice-over. It can even be counter-intuitive and be told from an antagonist's point-of-view.

If your scenario is more procedural based, you can even present it from different points-of-view each delivering alternative perspectives, each highlighting different aspects of the emotional fulfillment.

Attitude

Attitude is especially important for Web-based presentations, but it is also one of the scariest aspects of marketing for the faint-of-heart. All too often businesses shy away from bold statements, or extreme displays for fear of alienating some segment of the audience, but it's attitude that grabs people's attention, makes the presentation memorable, and qualifies leads and inquiries.

Transformation

One of the hardest things a commercial-based episodic series has to deal with is story arc. What change takes place over the life of the series and is the campaign concept strong enough to sustain itself? What transformation takes place? Does your protagonist find fulfillment or does he fail to find the emotional or psychological answer he's looking for. If you're not sure what deep-seated need your product or service satisfies, find the conflict.

All stories are based on conflict, frustration, and desire, whether it's the search for 'whiter whites' or better insurance. If your concept is without conflict, you are not illustrating the need for your solution.

You can show successful transformation based on the adoption of your solution or you can show failure whichever works best for what you're marketing and the audience you are trying to attract.

Conclusion

The Web has from its infancy provided business with enormous marketing opportunities. As the Web's capabilities increase over time, these opportunities increase as well. As much as other media tries to adapt to the competitive pressures created by the Web, old methods and attitudes die-hard; the writer's strike being just one example of a group trying to maintain dominance in an environment they cannot control. The opportunities are there to make your marketing mark if you have the courage to act.

Sex Crimes and Their Defense in MinnesotaSex Crimes and Their Defense in Minnesota

2008-03-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Under Minnesota law, criminal sexual conduct or sex crimes may include: rape, statutory rape, unwanted sexual contact, criminal sexual assault, child pornography, child solicitation or child enticement, solicitation of mentally impaired persons, sodomy, incest, fornication, pimping, and prostitution. Some prohibitions, like those against sodomy and fornication, are technically still on the books, but rarely enforced.

The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor has the following statistics on sexual conduct and sexual assault crimes:

The number of reported sex offenses in Minnesota increased almost threefold between 1971 and 1984, but has remained relatively constant since then.

The number of sex offenses (sexual assault, rape, sexual conduct) reported to the police increased from 2,303 offenses in 1971 to 6,589 offenses in 1984. In 1993, 6,439 sex offenses were reported, of which 49 percent resulted in an arrest.

Between 1981 and 1992, adult convictions for sex offenses involving force remained at the level of 145 to 190 each year, but convictions for child sexual abuse nearly tripled, rising from 160 to 461, and convictions for interfamilial sex abuse increasing from 3 to 154.

Reflecting these trends, about 90 percent of the victims of convicted sex offenders were children or adolescents. Nearly all of the victims of adjudicated juvenile offenders were under 18 years old, as were 84 percent of the victims of adult offenders (with 46 percent under age 13). Nearly all convicted sex offenders (97 percent) were male and most of their victims were female, although 18 percent of the victims of juvenile offenders and 13 percent of the victims of adult offenders were male.

Criminal sexual conduct is divided into four degrees depending upon the age of the victim, age of the accused, whether force is used, and the existence of any special relationship between the parties, such as parent-child or physician-patient. In Minnesota, judges are required to double the punishment imposed on a pattern sex offender, which is someone who repeats or is likely to repeat a sex crime, or someone who plans the crime. Moreover, if convicted of a sex crime, offenders must register with police departments across the state.

FIRST DEGREE. First Degree sexual conduct/assault requires sexual penetration with another person. Remember - A mistake regarding the complainant's age or consent by the underage person is not a defense to a sexual conduct crime.

Age Difference. The complainant is under 13 years of age and the actor is more than 36 months older than the complainant; or the complainant is at least 13 years of age but less than 16 years of age and the actor is more than 48 months older than the complainant and in a position of authority.

Fear of Great Harm. Circumstances existing at the time of the act cause the complainant to have a reasonable fear of imminent great bodily harm to the complainant or another;

Armed with Weapon. The actor is armed with a dangerous weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the complainant to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon and uses or threatens to use the weapon or article to cause the complainant to submit;

Personal Injury. The actor causes personal injury to the complainant, and either of the following circumstances exist:

The actor uses force or coercion to accomplish sexual penetration; or

The actor knows or has reason to know that the complainant is mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless;

The actor is aided or abetted by one or more accomplices and force or coercion is used or the accomplice is armed with a dangerous weapon.

Significant Relationship. A significant relationship generally means that the parties live together. It is a crime if the actor has a significant relationship to the complainant and the complainant was under 16 years of age at the time of the sexual penetration.

Penalty. Not more than 30 years and a fine of not more than $40,000. There is a presumptive executed sentence of 144 months.

SECOND DEGREE. Second degree criminal sexual conduct/assault does not require penetration. Instead, it involves "sexual contact." Sexual contact has been defined by case law to mean touching of the genital area, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks with a sexual intent. The sexual touching may occur on the flesh or through the clothing.

Age Difference. The complainant is under 13 years of age and the actor is more than 36 months older than the complainant; or the complainant is at least 13 years of age but less than 16 years of age and the actor is more than 48 months older than the complainant and in a position of authority.

Fear of Great Harm. Circumstances existing at the time of the act cause the complainant to have a reasonable fear of imminent great bodily harm to the complainant or another;

Armed with Weapon. The actor is armed with a dangerous weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the complainant to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon and uses or threatens to use the weapon or article to cause the complainant to submit;

Personal Injury. The actor causes personal injury to the complainant, and either of the following circumstances exist:

The actor uses force or coercion to accomplish sexual penetration; or

The actor knows or has reason to know that the complainant is mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless;

The actor is aided or abetted by one or more accomplices and force or coercion is used or the accomplice is armed with a dangerous weapon.

Significant Relationship. A significant relationship generally means that the parties live together. It is a crime if the actor has a significant relationship to the complainant and the complainant was under 16 years of age at the time of the sexual penetration.

Penalty. Not more than 25 years and payment of a fine of not more than $35,000.

THIRD DEGREE. Third degree criminal sexual conduct is similar to first degree in that it requires sexual penetration. Penetration is liberally construed to included penetration of the anal or genital openings and specifically includes digital and oral penetration. Third degree sexual conduct is generally charged for behavior that is not as extreme as first degree sexual assault.

Age Difference. The complainant is under 13 years of age and the actor is more than 36 months older than the complainant; or the complainant is at least 13 but less than 16 years of age and the actor is more than 24 months older than the complainant. In any such case it shall be an affirmative defense, which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, that the actor believes the complainant to be 16 years of age or older. Consent by the complainant is not a defense.

Force or Coercion. the actor uses force or coercion to accomplish the penetration

Mental & Physical Infirmity of Victim. The actor knows or has reason to know that the complainant is mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.

Position of Authority. The complainant is at least 16 but less than 18 years of age and the actor is more than 48 months older than the complainant and in a position of authority over the complainant. Neither mistake as to the complainant's age nor consent to the act by the complainant is a defense.

Penalty. If the actor in such a case is no more than 48 months but more than 24 months older than the complainant, the actor may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years. Otherwise a person convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years and a payment of not more than $30,000.

FOURTH DEGREE. A person who engages in sexual contact with another person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree if any of the following circumstances exists:

Age Difference. The complainant is under 13 years of age and the actor is no more than 36 months older than the complainant. Neither mistake as to the complainant's age or consent to the act by the complainant is a defense. In a prosecution under this clause, the state is not required to prove that the sexual contact was coerced. Additionally, if the complainant is at least 13 but less than 16 years of age and the actor is more than 48 months older than the complainant or in a position of authority over the complainant fourth degree sexual conduct may be charged. Consent by the complainant to the act is not a defense. In any such case, it shall be an affirmative defense which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence that the actor believes the complainant to be 16 years of age or older.

Force or Coercion. The actor uses force or coercion to accomplish the sexual contact.

Mental & Physical Infirmity of Victim. The actor knows or has reason to know that the complainant is mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.

Position of Authority. The complainant is at least 16 but less than 18 years of age and the actor is more than 48 months older than the complainant and in a position of authority over the complainant. Neither mistake as to the complainant's age nor consent to the act by the complainant is a defense.

Significant Relationship. The actor has a significant relationship to the complainant and the complainant was at least 16 but under 18 years of age at the time of the sexual contact.

Penalty. A person convicted may be sentenced to not more than ten years and a payment of a fine of not more than $20,000.

FIFTH DEGREE. A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree:

(1) if the person engages in nonconsensual sexual contact; or

(2) the person engages in masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals in the presence of a minor under the age of 16, knowing or having reason to know the minor is present.

"Sexual contact" does not include the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of the buttocks. Sexual contact does includes the intentional removal or attempted removal of clothing covering the complainant's intimate parts or undergarments, and the nonconsensual touching by the complainant of the actor's intimate parts, effected by the actor, if the action is performed with sexual or aggressive intent.

. Penalty. A person convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year and payment of a fine of not more than $3,000. The charge may be increased to a felony with imprisonment for not more than five years and payment of $10,000, if the person has prior violations.

AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE

In today's world much hysteria and controversy swirls around sexual abuse. A person accused may find that even if acquitted they are looked upon with suspicion and fear. The allegation itself can carry with significant stigma and social repercussions. Too often, prosecutors charge out criminal sexual conduct cases based solely on an allegation. There is often little physical evidence. Though it may seem the case is weak, an aggressive and proactive defense is necessary. That may include hiring experts to review witness interviews for suggestive language and improper techniques.

If you are accused take these steps:

Do not give any statements to law enforcement and do not discuss the case with any other people until you have retained legal counsel;

Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer;

Write down the names of potential helpful witnesses;

Only after retaining a lawyer should you make written notes regarding the allegations. these should be provided to your lawyer.

Getting The Right Vacuum Cleaner For Your Home

2008-03-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Buying a vacuum cleaner might seem easy, but there are important issues to consider. These include price, features, and what type and size of house a person has. A large house needs a stronger vacuum if the house is carpeted. In addition, pets or children can affect how often a home is vacuumed and how hard a vacuum cleaner will need to work to ensure cleanliness. People with hardwood floors may also want vacuum cleaners, but they will likely be more interested in a canister vacuum as opposed to an upright. A canister vacuum is better designed to handle rugs and draperies, as well as upholstery. These kinds of vacuums do not do well, however, for individuals with wall to wall carpet, because their cleaning power is not the same.

The price of a vacuum cleaner is very important, but not to everyone. Some people have more money than others, and those who are rich simply buy what they want. For the majority of individuals, however, how much a vacuum cleaner costs affects whether a person buys it or not. In addition, many people look at the price of a vacuum cleaner based on several factors, such as the width of the cleaning path, the size of the motor, and what kinds of attachments come along with it. A vacuum with a stronger motor and more attachments should generally cost more. However, there are some discrepancies in price in almost any category of vacuum cleaner, and taking one’s time to find the best deal is often worth it.

The brand of vacuum cleaner that is purchased can also affect price and be very significant for many people. There are some people who swear by a particular brand and will not purchase anything else, just as there are some people who do not care what brand they buy, as long as it works well and is priced right. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. They have certain brands that they like, but they will pick from among those brands based on price and other factors. In addition, they might consider going outside of that group of brands if they find something that seems to be a particularly good deal, or if something else has been recommended to them from someone who they trust.

There are some vacuum choices that a lot of people do not consider, but which are still good options for many people. For those who have multi-story homes, having a vacuum cleaner on each floor is generally a good option, to avoid carrying a vacuum cleaner up and down stairs. Some of these individuals will opt to have a central vacuum cleaner installed in a home so that there is only a very lightweight hose to carry around when vacuuming. In addition, some people use a robotic vacuum if they have a small area of hard floor which they want to clean very easily. These are not designed for large areas, however, or for carpeted areas. There are so many choices for a vacuum cleaner today that people can generally find whatever it is that they are looking for, making their cleaning easier.

How to Make Warhammer Modeling Flock

2008-03-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

About Essential Fatty Acids and Fish Oil

2008-03-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

By now, most of us have heard of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their potential health benefits. They’re said to sustain cognitive function and memory, benefit the heart and immune system, aid in cell reproduction and repair, and even help balance hormones. Fish oil, duly noted by the medical community as having similar benefits, contains high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, thus establishing the link between a daily regimen of fish oil and good health. Fish oil is sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and comes in both liquid and capsule form.

What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats typically found in the oils of vegetables, certain nuts and seeds and some fish. They’re said to benefit health more than the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products and may even have a positive impact on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Essential fatty acids are referred to as "essential" because they must be obtained through diet and are essential to the normal growth and function of muscles, nerves, cells and organs in humans. There are two families of essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids – the fatty acids found in fish oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat present in many coldwater fish including trout, salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, tuna and cod. The two most potent forms of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), both known as "good fats" – unlike saturated fats, which when consumed in excess can lead to cardiovascular problems, neural and brain disorders.

EPA helps to produce the prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) which help control blood-clotting and arterial functions. EPAs may also help to lower serum triglyceride levels.

DHA is a major component of human brain and retinal tissue and aids the transmission of nerve impulses.

The term "omega-3 essential fatty acid" has become synonymous with "fish oil" in modern American marketing literature.

Sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids other than fish oil include, but are not limited to:

• Avocadoes (whole or oil)
• Brazil nuts
• Flaxseed
• Flaxseed oil
• Fortified milk products
• Hempseeds
• Hempseed oil
• Omega-3 eggs
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sesame seed
• Soybean oil
• Walnuts
• Wheat germ oil

Omega-6 fatty acids – not found in fish oil

Omega-6 EFAs are found in animal products such as dairy and meat and are common in cooking oils such as safflower, olive, sunflower, hemp, soybean, pumpkin, sesame, walnut and flaxseed oils. Too many omega-6 EFAs, say nutritionists, can throw off the balance of prostaglandins and lead to health problems. Experts recommend a ratio of three parts omega-3 essential fatty acids to every one part omega-6 fatty acid in the diet. Research indicates that Americans consume far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 as a result of overindulging in fried foods, red meat and cheese.

Omega-6 fatty acids are dependent on interactions with omega-3 essential fatty acids in order to benefit good health, which is why a balance of the two is crucial in the diet. The American Heart Association cautions against a high dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids as it can lead to the development of gallstones and promote tumors.

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins encompass a number of hormone-like substances found in every cell in the body. They’re critical to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the contraction and relaxation of muscles, the regulation of blood pressure and the modulation of inflammation. Prostaglandins are needed for overall good health and maintenance and must be replenished constantly. It’s easy to understand why having a good balance of prostaglandins in the body is essential to well-being.

Where does fish oil come from?

Most fish oil is extracted from the fatty flesh of the fish, unless a product specifically states otherwise, as is the case with cod liver oil or shark liver oil – extracted from fish liver. Nutritious fish oil is usually derived from deep, coldwater fish and those swimming in the wild (wild fish eat other fish and marine animals and vegetation to survive, whereas farm-raised fish are typically fed some type of less nutritious, less expensive, commercial-grade pellet). Some experts say the best fish comes from the deep Atlantic of Norway and other Scandinavian countries: the deeper and colder the water, say experts, the less chance of toxins such as mercury, lead, dioxins, furans and PCBs occurring in the fish oil. Fish from eastern Pacific waters is known to contain elevated levels of mercury.

Fish oil supplements – good ones / bad ones

"Product disclosure" is the operable phrase when seeking out nutritious fish oil supplements. From what kind of fish is the oil extracted and from where is it extracted naturally through pressing or with a centrifuge; or are petrochemical solvents such as hexane used to extract the oil from the source? How is the fish oil refined? Is it molecularly distilled, which to date is the most reliable form of fish oil purification, or does the label read something like "extra-distilled" or "super-distilled?" Such terms have no bearing on quality or safety. Because the hundreds of thousands of fish oil supplements on the market remain unregulated by the FDA, the safety, consistency, efficacy and strength of these products varies immensely among brands.

When reading fish oil supplement labels:

• Make sure the type of fish from which the fish oil is extracted is listed.
• Look for terms "coldwater," "deep water" and "wild" as opposed to "farm-raised."
• In what ocean or hemisphere was the fish caught? North Atlantic, deep, coldwater is said to be the most nutritious.
• Make sure the fish oil is molecularly distilled, which better ensures the absence of PCBs, heavy metals and other contaminants.
• What parts of the fish were used? Fish oils extracted from fish liver may be higher in heavy metals and contaminants.
• What fish oil extraction method was used? Cold or modified expeller pressing means that the oil was produced without damaging temperatures or unnecessary pressure.

Marketing claims that have no defined meaning in relation to fish oil supplements, and which often mislead consumers, include:

• Ultra-pure
• Professional grade
• Pharmaceutical grade
• High-potency
• Super-distilled
• Natural
• Extra-distilled
• Best
• Finest
• Highest quality
• Pure
• Purest
• Purified

Essential fatty acid health benefits and risks

Few argue the benefits of fish oil and essential fatty acids in the diet. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the omega-3 fatty acids can benefit cardiovascular health and that "good unsaturated fats" derived from vegetables and fish are far more nutritious than "bad saturated fats" which come from red meat, animal products and dairy. The cardiovascular benefits to balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet include lowered serum cholesterol, decreased serum trigylcerides and reduced platelet aggregation. Although many fish oil supplement companies claim that fish oil supplementation may aid brain function and strengthen the immune system, a complete body of evidence has yet to be produced.

Along with the health benefits of fish oil come some risks, most associated with taking too high doses of fish oil or having dangerously high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the blood. Some of these risks can include:

• Thinning of the blood and reduced ability of the blood to clot.
• Increased risk of bleeding.
• Too large doses can increase glucose levels in persons with already elevated blood sugar levels.
• In excess, fish oil may suppress the immune system.
• Increase the occurrence of nosebleeds and easy bruising.
• Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and belching.
• Poisoning from heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and pesticides.

Experts and nutritionists are convinced that the health benefits of fish oil far outweigh the risks. However, many warn that fish oil shouldn’t be taken with blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin and shouldn’t be taken by anyone with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled hypertension. It is highly advisable to consult a physician before supplementing a diet with fish oil.

EPAs, DHAs, efficacy and the FDA

In September of 2004, the FDA announced they would allow a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease for conventional foods that contain EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as outlined in FDA’s "Interim Procedures for Qualified Health Claims in the Labeling of Conventional Human Food and Human Dietary Supplements." Notwithstanding inconclusive research at the time of release, the FDA said it would exercise its enforcement discretion with respect to the following qualified health claim:

"Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of [name of food] provides [x] grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. [See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol content.]"

In 2000, the FDA announced a similar qualified health claim for dietary supplements containing EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The FDA recommends that consumers not exceed more than a total of three grams per day of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with no more than two grams per day from a dietary supplement.

Be sure to shop at www.vitacost.com for all your essential fatty acid and fish oil needs!

References

1. Supplement from the sea: the fat from fish oil can benefit your heart, eyes, joints, and brain. Tom Weede. Natural Health. Oct 2007 v37 i9 p105 (2).

2. Omega medicine. Is fish oil good for what ails you? Bonnie Liebman. Nutrition Action Healthletter. Oct 2007 v34 i8 p1 (5).

3. The government’s big fish story: Pick the perfect fish oil supplement. Men's Health. July-August 2007 v22 i6 p158.

4. Fish oil and brain development. Alan R. Gaby. Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine. Oct 2007 i291 p49 (2).

5. Effects of fish oil supplementation on myocardial fatty acids in humans. R.G. Metcalf, M.J. James, R.A. Gibson. Alternative Medicine Review. Sept 2007 v12 i3 p307 (1).

6. Essential fatty acids. Douglas Dupler and Teresa G. Odle. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 4 vols. Updated July 1, 2006.

7. Mighty omegas (ways to score more essential fats). Nancy Duncan. Women's Health. Dec 2006 v3 i10 p47.

8. Essential fatty acids and eicosanoids: their role in preventing inflammation, cardiovascular disease and cancer. James Meschino. Dynamic Chiropractic. Dec 3, 2007 v25 i25 p28(3).

9. Fish oil. Mai Tran and Teresa Odle. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 4 vols. Updated July 1, 2006.

10. On call: Fish oil revisited. Staying Healthy from the Faculty of Harvard Medical School. August 21, 2006 pNA.

11. By the way, doctor: How much fish oil should I be taking? Staying Healthy from the Faculty of Harvard Medical School. August 21, 2006 pNA.

Viva La Vegan - Why it's not hard to be a vegan

2008-03-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

People are generally pretty shocked that I choose not to eat animal products of any kind. “Don’t you feel like you’re missing out?” they ask wide-eyed with their eyebrow raised. The answer is no. The only thing I feel I’m missing out on is contributing to the mass slaughter of farmed animals. Eating meat; fish and dairy causes environmental destruction, damages human health, contributes to global hunger and inflicts immense suffering on billions of animals across the world.

Sometimes they get the vegetarian thing. Most people have seen images of factory farming, which are pretty shocking. They push it to the back of their minds, but kind of understand vegetarians. Vegans on the other hand seem like freaks, after all what’s wrong with taking the cows excess milk right? Well the cow wouldn’t have had milk without a calf and what happens to the calf? They get ripped away from their mother within the first days, the males often going to veal crates, or being killed on the spot and the females enduring the same fate as their mother; Excessive milking, mastitis and slaughter when she gets worn out due to overwork.

Chickens bred for laying eggs are only useful if they are female. Thousands of male chicks (yes the cute yellow fluffy ones) are crushed alive or left to die in rubbish bags, suffocating and squashed by the other chicks. Therefore even free-range eggs raise ethical questions and as for battery cages, they are outdated and extremely cruel.

The hardest thing about being a vegan, isn’t resisting temptation to eat meat, but trying to avoid hidden animal products in everything from sweets and beer to bread and even soy products. The best thing to do is to get used to reading ingredients. If a product that you like contains an animal product that could be easily replaced, write the company a letter and explain why you won’t be using their product anymore and suggest a simple change they could make.

Playing Cornhole At A Tailgate Party

2008-03-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Common Mistakes In Business Plans

2008-03-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Your business plan is typically the first impression potential lenders of investors get about your business idea. Even with a great product, team, and customers, and you are unable to convey to properly convey your image, it could be the last impression if your plan has some of the following, common mistakes.

Lenders and investors review hundreds of business plan every year and with every plan, lenders and investors become more cynical because the same mistakes pop up with regular frequency. With so much competition for a limited amount of capital, it is imperative to not make these mistakes.

1. Financials

Unrealistic Financial Projections - Simply saying that you are going to do $100,000 in sales is not enough nor can you simply say there is no way of knowing. Everyone knows there is no way to accurately come up with financial projections over the next three years, especially in a start-up. But, what is required in your plan is that reasonable assumptions are made and supported with research. By incorporating a detailed list of assumptions and how you arrived at your numbers, the lender/investor can judge your analysis and decision making process. If you are projecting to generate high sales outside of industry norms, explaining how you arrived at this conclusion is a must. Lenders and investors have seen many, many plans that claim sales are going through the roof once funded and as a result are very jaded at statements like this. Financial data that is inconsistent with industry averages and overly aggressive sales figures will raise flags. Explain every number.

Confusing Cash with Profits - Revenues do not always equal cash. For example, suppose you make a sale this month for $100 that cost $50 to produce. Assuming your buyer doesn’t pay for 30-60 and even 90 days if dealing with state or federal sources (and assuming they all pay), the effect on your cash flow is significant. Suppliers and employees still have to be paid for their work while you are waiting on payment from the buyer.

While you may not have a significant portion of sales coming from receivables, the timing of cash flows is critical for developing a financial strategy as cash flow is much more important than profits. Profits are an accounting concept while cash is money in the bank. If you don’t believe me try paying your bills with profits.

No Adjustment for Seasonality - All businesses are seasonal to some extent, some more significant than others. Seasonality refers to the percentage of sales that are made in a month. For example, most retailers have huge November and December sales and lousy January and February sales. Did you make enough cash during the good months to cover the slow months to cover salaries, rents and lights?

If You Build It They Will Come - Be careful in assuming once your doors open people will be streaming in to buy. You have a new, relatively unheard of business. This is a time when your business is particularly vulnerable as most of new owner’s cash reserves have typically been used to open the store. If sales projections are off during the first couple of months and you don’t have enough working capital to keep the lights on, you may be quickly going out of business.

Insufficient financial projections - Basic financial projections consist of four elements: Income Statements, Profit & Loss, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements.

For most businesses a three-year projection is sufficient, but if yours is a capital intensive one and will take longer to show profitability then use five. Actual figures are a must if you can get them and any number in the projections needs to be in the business plan narrative. If you are purchasing an existing business use the historical financials to show support for your sales figures.

No Quotes - Any significant expenses should have a quote accompanied in the appendix, especially for construction or remodeling as this is an area where most entrepreneurs slip as they do it themselves and greatly underestimate the costs.

2. Marketing

Failing to relieve the customer’s pain - Businesses are rewarded to make consumer’s pain go away. Pain can include; my car stopped working, my doggie is sick or my tax returns are too hard to prepare.

If your business plan can’t show how you are relieving the customer’s pain, then the chances for success in the marketplace is extremely limited.

Remember pain equals market opportunity. The greater the pain, the greater number of customer’s with this pain and the better you can relieve the pain equals greater market potential.

One Billion Customers Served - Claiming everyone needs your product/service will send a strong message to the reviewer that you don’t know your market and remove any credibility to your plan. In the good old days the shotgun approach to marketing could work as there were limited channels for advertisement. Today with unlimited outlets and more narrowly defined markets, this approach does not fly.

While it’s true everyone eats, not everyone will eat at your restaurant, nor could you effectively advertise to everyone. By researching the segments that are most likely to use your product/service and showing how your message will get to them will ultimately make your endeavor more successful. Having clearly defined target markets will show you have done your homework and be the cornerstone of a marketing strategy that can succeed.

We have no competition - Use this statement if your want your plan rejected. Every business has competition. While there may not be a direct competitor, meaning one that offers the same or similar product, there is always an indirect competitor.

Saying there is no competition tells the reviewer that you have either not done any market research or there is not a market for your product.

3. Organization

Writing For The Wrong Audience - A plan for a lender should be written differently than one for an investor. Banks are interested in seeing the likelihood that debts be repaid and investors are interested in the upside profit potential. Be sure to write your plan to your audience. For both, keep to the facts, keep it clear and keep it simple. If you don’t feel you have the writing abilities to make your plan shine, then get help.

Poor spelling and grammar - Leaving spelling and grammatical errors in your plan only tells the reviewer that you are not paying attention to details and may not pay enough attention to the business. Use spelling and grammar checkers and let others review your plan to make sure there are no errors.

Too repetitive - Many times, plans will cover the same points over and over. A well-written plan should cover key points only twice: once in the executive summary then again in greater detail in the narrative of the plan.

Remove the Jargon - Using simple language is imperative to getting a technical business funded. Don’t think that by using complex terms that lenders/investors will be so impressed with your knowledge that they will whip open the checkbook. Businesses that can’t be understood don’t get funded. If you can’t explain your business to a sixth grader your chances of funding are in jeopardy.

Investors are really only interested in your technology if it solves a problem that people will pay for, is better than the competition, can be protected through patents and can reasonably go to market without spending a lot of money.

Keep the technical details out of the business plan and in the white papers.

Appearance matters - Make sure your plan looks professional. Use professional printing, binding, keeping fonts consistent and easy to read. The more money being requested means investing more time in making sure your plan will stand out from the crowd. Be careful that you don’t go overboard and give the impression that the plan is all style and no substance.

Length - A long business plan does not make a better business plan. All of the industry and marketing research won’t save a flawed plan. Too many plans have been immediately rejected because they are too long. Lenders and investors favor entrepreneurs who can efficiently demonstrate the ability to efficiently get to the point.

An executive summary should be no more than 1-3 pages. Ideally it should only be one page but some complex plans require more. An ideal business plan is 20-30 pages, including financials. Remember less is more!

Use operating plans, white papers and marketing plans for the in-depth details.

Fluffing - Using phrases like "unmatched in the industry;" "narrow window of opportunity;" or "ground floor" are empty phrases filled with hype. If anything, the cynical reviewer will be turned off by the hype and trash your plan. Stick with laying out the facts – what is the problem, how will you solve the problem, how big is the market, how will consumers buy it and what is your competitive advantage. If the opportunity is there the lender/investor will be able to make the decision for themselves.

Overvaluing the business idea - What gives a business value is not the idea but the execution of the idea. A great idea is a start, but almost everyone has had a great idea at some point in their lives. How you will execute this idea is what sets apart a real business from the dreamers.

4. Execution Mistakes

Waiting too long - Funding a business takes a long time. Expect three months at a minimum after finishing your business plan to get funding. Unless you have sufficient capital, other sources of income and can be funded in-house at a bank, this number may be reduced. Bank financing for business with less than two years of operating history are typically funded through an SBA guarantee, which requires additional time, patience and paperwork. Financing through investors is usually an even longer process as they have a lot of people competing for their money and they tend to do significant due diligence to secure their investment. Waiting until you need the money is a sure way to keep your business from launching.

Unreasonable time lines - Many business owners underestimate the timelines for completing milestones. Its human nature to think we can do things faster than is possible. When getting a business started there will be several tasks you could not have anticipated and the some tasks you think will be easy which will end up taking much longer. It is best to overestimate and finish early, rather than scramble and execute your opening poorly.

Failing to seek outside review - When preparing your plan, be sure that you have at least a few people review it before sending it out. Preferably look for people in your industry or who have a specialization in sales, distribution, etc that could lend a fresh set of eyes and find any flaws in the plan. Being so close to the action can keep you from being objective and this additional scrutiny may save you countless headaches and money down the road.

Perfecting - It can be easy to spend countless hours perfecting your plan and ultimately never launching. Remember, your plan will never be perfect and in practice should be continually updated as you learn more about the business, market and customers. Don’t make your plan an academic practice, finish it and get in front of investors and lenders. Use this feedback to see if your plan really needs the additional perfection.

10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle

2008-03-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.

A List of Reasons Why You Need to Start a Blog

2008-03-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Blogging is taking the world of journalism and marketing by storm and easily the most influential activity on the internet. A blog is allowing individuals and businesses to post the state of the world, upcoming business promotions and anything personal someone may feel is important.

Think of your blogs as an opinion piece on anything in particular that you may feel is important. Some people have blogs on specific topics or specific areas like a city or vacation spot. Some blogs are set up as a source for highly specialized topics in the news which are often ignored by the mainstream media. Blogs are also tools of internet marketers and business owners promoting a product or service.

It isn’t just computer savvy people either that are starting their own blogs. It’s people like you and me. If you're thinking of starting a blog for whatever reason you want, but aren't quite convinced, think about some of these following reasons why it is a great idea to start one.

Simple as can be – If there ever was a better time to start a blog, then this is it. There are a plethora of free blog templates available which are extremely user friendly. The only work you need to do is register then follow a few simple instructions. Even if you have with little or no technical skills, you can still start a blog.
Make some money with your blog - Pay-per-click advertising programs like Adsense, and affiliate programs available with Amazon.com and Commission Junction can produce a nice chunk of change in your pocket. The only requirement is you need to have a website or blog.
Say something– Blogs are great way to state your point of view and possibly change someone point of view if you’re the kind of person who likes to talk about issues. It’s only a matter of time before you build up steady traffic, and more in-depth discussions among like-minded bloggers and blog readers will take place.
Keep in touch – A great and cheap way to stay in touch is to start a family blog. Publish family related newsletters and have everyone can keep in touch via the comments.
Make a difference – You have the ability to touch and reach people through your blog. While your traffic might be low at first, given a little bit of time and the right theme, your blog has the potential to reach thousands, even millions of people just like yourself. Blogs are quickly becoming a powerful medium.
Express your creativity to the world – You’ll have an outlet for others to see your work if you are an up and coming poet, artist, comedian, or author. You’ll reach more people easier through a blog than normal channels and methods.
You're the best – What are you good at? If you think you are the best at something such as model trains, darts, or marketing, don’t be afraid to show everyone. Start a blog for other experts like yourself or offer tips and advice to your readers.
Promote your business - Blogging leads to new clients and business opportunities as well as keeps existing customers updated on company news. Promote your latest breakthrough; update existing products changes; and alert customers to future promotions. It will also allow you to receive important feedback on products and services through its comment section.

Angels Or Devils by DISHWALLA

2008-03-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

this is the last time
that I'm ever gonna come here tonight
this is the last time - I will fall
into a place that fails us all - inside

I can see the pain in you
I can see the love in you
but fighting all the demons will take time
it will take time

the angels they burn inside for us
are we ever
are we ever gonna learn to fly
the devils they burn inside of us
are we ever gonna come back down
come around
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could make us cold

this is the last time
that I'm ever gonna give in tonight
are there angels or devils crawling here?
I just want to know what blurs and what is clear - to see

still I can see the pain in you
and I can see the love in you
and fighting all the demons will take time
it will take time

the angels they burn inside for us
are we ever
are we ever gonna learn to fly
the devils they burn inside of us
are we ever gonna come back down - come around
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could break us

if I was to give in - give it up
- and then
take a breath - make it deep
cause it might be the last one you get
be the last one
that could make us cold
you know that they could make us cold
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could make us cold

A big, big, big thanks to the following sponsors:

Mizuno | My Nike | My Adidas | My Skechers | My Puma | Calvein Klein | Moschino | Naturalizer | D K N Y | Coclico | Onex | Via Spiga | Weebok Kids | Yellow box | Emerica | Umi Kids | Miss Sixty | Ecco Golf | Olukai | Tommy Bahama | Converse Kids | Kayland | Jumping Jacks | Tatami | Daniel Green | Nine West | Fratelli | Dickies | Fly Flot | Gravati

Official Music Video of Broken - Seether and Amy Lee Duet

2008-03-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Seether and Evanesence Broken Lyrics

2008-03-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

Seether:
I wanted you to know that
I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away...
I keep your photograph and
I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Cause im broken when im lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

You gone away, you don't feel me here, anymore

Amy Lee:
The worst is over now
And we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn
And no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away...

Cause I'm Broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone...
You gone away, you don't feel me here anymore

Acknowledgment for the following donors:

Hinder - Lips Of An Angel Official Music Video

2008-03-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

Lips Of An Angel

2008-03-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

Honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now.
Honey why are you crying? Is everything okay?
I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud

Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And, yes, I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue

Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

Honey why you calling me so late?

Special thanks to the following sponsors:

Sports Life - 50 Tips

2008-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Fantasy Baseball Dugout are 50 tips that will help you win your Fantasy Baseball League this season. Follow these tips closely to enhance your chance to win your league championship game in 2008 and beyond.

1st Be prepared for the draft. The league is often won or lost at the draft. Try SEOContest2008 too

2nd Stay focused. It's a long season and a lot of players will drop out from sports. If you stay focused on the prize, you'll have a soccer shot.

3rd During the draft, the track positions of your opponents have picked. Knowing this will give you a leg up on strategic picks in later rounds of travel.

4th Go with established players over potential stars. Everybody likes golf to brag about picking up that rookie, but often the hype is bigger than the statistics.

5th In the early rounds, pick the best available running player, regardless of position.

6th Draft stolen bases. A player can be dominant in stolen bases and stolen bases are clearly over-weighted in fantasy baseball. Think Jose Reyes in cycling.

7th Draft closers. Make sure you have one more closer than your nearest competitor. Saves category is an easy to win and another over-weighted category in fantasy baseball.

8th If a player has been traded since last year, re-adjust his statistics based on the park he'll be playing games in his home. Pitchers sent to Colorado, Cincinnati, or Philadelphia, for example, are likely to have not as impressive statistics. Power statistics should go up, however, if a Hitter is traded to these teams. Alternatively, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, Minnesota and are pitchers' parks and basketball.

9th Some have minimal Leagues statistics to qualify at a particular position, sometimes as little as a single game. I recall Hank Aaron playing second base ounce. If that is your league's rule, you have to look for opportunities like this and you may get the power of walking an outfielder numbers at a position that traditionally rewards defensive prowess biking.

10th Generally, it's not a good idea to pick a catcher in an early round. They sit out too often and usually do not put up huge statistics anyway as tommy bahama said.

11st Do pick positions in early light that are or where some olukai players are head and shoulders above the pack. Chase Utley at second base comes to mind and ecco golf does.

12nd Check out the league's transactions every missy sixty day. This is the only way to stay in touch. Being on vacation is no excuse not checking in your team daily.

13rd Sign up for text message alerts from Google or Yahoo to keep up with fantasy baseball transactions and injuries. This will give you the information quicker than your umi kids competition.

14th Set your internet browser to come up with your emerica league. So, when you sign on to your computer, you'll have the daily summary there and you will not forget to check on your team.

15th If you are no longer interested in keeping a player on your roster, shop him to other teams before cutting him. Do not assume other teams are not interested. You may get some value for him that exceeds what they get in the free yellow box agent pool.

16th If you are a player shopping, however, remember that this is a negotiation. You can not let the other teams in the league know you are shopping this player. Try to cleverly put his name in package deals so that he maintains his value and your opponents will not know they can pick him up for a box of old baseballs and used chewing gum and weebok kids.

17th There are no favorite teams in fantasy baseball.

18th There are no favorite players in fantasy baseball. Take the human element out of it. A player is just a bundle of statistics.

19th Do not move up a guy in your analysis because he got hot in spring training.

20th Do watch the box scores the final two weeks of spring training. This is where jobs are won. You do not want to be a player who drafting the season starts in Pawtucket.

21st If a guy is unusually hot in spring training, try to trade him then. His via spaga value may never be higher.

22nd Every player that is on the major league roster needs to be onex ranked, even the sorry guys.

23rd Do not give away any categories. A championship fantasy coclico baseball team needs to be competitive in every category, especially in 5 x 5 leagues. You can not afford to give up a category and still win the d k n y.

24th Just like regular baseball, starting moschino pitchers can win it for you. Their stats count heavily in four of the five naturalizer pitching categories.

25th Have a few extra starting pitchers in your minor calvin klein league roster. If you play in a weekly league, bring up the guy who is getting two starts that week. Now, bring up my skechers and my puma guy who is facing two opponents that week week.

26th If your league allows unlimited pitching moves, use them. A starting pitcher is of no value to you on the major league lineup when he's not due to pitch for my nike.

27th Do the math on WHIP. I know its a pain, but it's a category that you need to score well in.

28th Go to as many as possible sources for draft. It's the single most important thing you can do to be prepared.

29th Remember that statistics are relative to position played. My Adidas All star statistics are often at catcher for ordinary outfielders or first basemen. The key is to get the best statistics each position.

30th A trade has to work for both teams. Do not make a ridiculous offer and hope you can bamboozle the other manager. He'll be more open to making trades later in the season if you are bringing legitimate offers to him, even if he does not take the first offer.

31st Watch Baseball Tonight! Cut to the wife on your winnings and she will not nag you when you watch it every night ... Maybe.

32nd Get the ESPN Extra Innings Baseball Package. Besides, if you live in the East, there's nothing like listening to Vin Scully on Dodgers local telecasts. He'll give you a lot of fantasy inside tips.

33rd Check not only the statistics, but lineup moves. Lineup moves can mean a lot to your player will only deliver, especially when it comes to RBI. My Mizuno will do the rest.

34th In a daily league move, check your lineup pitcher to see what your players are facing. Start against lefties right handed pitchers and vice versa. The righty-lefty analysis at the major league level is critical and is therefore critical in fantasy baseball success as well.

35th Keep up with injuries. An injured players does you no good in your lineup.

36th Be a contrarian during the draft. When everybody is making a run at relief pitchers, pick up a DH. There's more likely value there.

37th Play in a league where all managers have a history of staying involved. A league is no fun if you have actively participating managers who have given up

38th Play in league with a prize money for at least the top four finishers. This tends to keep players active.

39th In September, pick up on lead teams that are out of it. This is going to be their chance to show what they've got for next season.

40th If your league uses playoffs, remember the adage: there's no tomorrow. If you do not maintain players for next season, a drop pitcher after he's made his last start. He's no longer of value to you otherwise.

41st In traditional statistics Roto leagues, some statistics do not matter. For example, strikeouts be a Hitter do not mean jack. An out is an out so do not worry about picking Adam Dunn.

42nd Look for most sleeper picks beginning in the 16th round. A sleeper is not a sure thing.

43rd Be especially careful in knowing who is going to be a team's closer on the job where teams is up for grabs. You can obtain a significant amount of saves later rounds in this way by knowing who is going to be closing.

44th Starting pitchers are rarely first round material. Then there's Johan Santana and Jake Peavy. Prefer to load up on hitters in the first five rounds, then load up the majority of your starting pitching staff.

45th Avoid young pitchers in the very earliest rounds. They are simply too risky and prone to poor poorer.

46th Look at three year trends on players. Going back any further is useless.

47th Play in a league with old friends. It's a great way to stay in touch.

48th If there's an attractive single girl in your league, get to know her better. She's almost definitely a keeper.

49th Support advertisers on the sites like Fantasy Baseball Dugout. Sites like this one that offer free fantasy baseball advice only survive because of revenue earned from its advertising.

50th When you go to select a game, ever yell down to a player: "Hey Ryan, book on my fantasy baseball team!" Do you really think he gFantasy Baseball Dugout are 50 tips to help you gain your Fantasy Baseball League season. Follow these tips to improve your chances of winning close your championship in the league in 2008 and beyond.

1st Be prepared for the project. The League is often won or lost, as a project.

2nd Stay focused. It's a long season and many players leave. If you are focused on the prize, you have a shot.

3rd During the project, the positions of the opponents have recommenced. Knowledge that you a strategic advantage to start later in the round.

4th To draw more players with potential stars. Everyone loves to brag to gather recruits, but often the effect mode is greater than the statistics.

5th In the first round on the best player available, regardless of position.

6th Design of databases stolen. A player can dominate in the air and the theft of basic fundamentals are clearly weighted in the imagination of baseball. Think Jose Reyes.

7th Project completed. Make sure that you have a different, closer to the nearest competitor. Judgments to win, it is simply another category, and over-weighted in the category of fantasy baseball.

8th If a player has been replaced since last year refocusing its statistics based on the park, there are games to play, his house po Pitchers on the Colorado, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, for instance, are probably not so impressive statistics. Power statistics should increase, but when a rapper acted on these teams. Alternatively, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, and Minnesota are the mugs' Park.

9th Some leagues have a minimum of statistics on the qualifications for a particular position, sometimes even a single game. I remember Hank Aaron played for a second time. Is that your state of the league, must occasions like this, and you can change the numbers of the energy of a outfielder in a position that the award traditionally defensive capabilities.

10th Normally, it is not a good idea for a receiver in the first round. They are too often to sit and usually do not enormous statistics somehow.

11st Choose early in the light of the positions, or if some player's head and shoulders over the pack. Chase Utley at second base in mind.

12nd Check out the League of transactions daily. That is the only way to stay in contact. As in the holiday is no excuse not to check your team every day.

13rd Subscribe to the SMS notification from Google or Yahoo, to the action of the baseball fantasy and injuries. You will receive information faster than your competitors.

14th Configure your Internet browser to in your league for information. So, if you connect to your computer, you have the daily digest there and do not forget, in your team.

15th If you no longer have to keep a player on your list, shop with other teams before he cut. Do not that the other teams are not interested. You can use a certain value, for him, what you get in the free agent pool.

16th If you have a player with shopping, but do not forget that there is a negotiating position. You can not allow other teams in the league to know that the shopping that player. Try sent his name in arrangements, so that it retains its value and your opponents do not know that they can choose to give it a box baseballs and for the use of old chewing gum.

17th There is no favorite in the imagination of the baseball team.

18th There are no favorites in the fantasy baseball player. Take the "human factor". A player is just a series of statistics.

19th Move a guy in your analysis, because it was in the hot spring in training.

20th Visit the box scores, the last two weeks in the spring in training. That is where the jobs are obtained. They do not want to be the editors of a player who began the season in Pawtucket.

21st If a boy is unusually warm, in spring training, try trading. Its value may never be higher.

22nd Each player, focusing on the most important league file must be evaluated, including the guys sorry.

23rd Not give all categories. A fantastic championship baseball team needs to be competitive in every category, particularly in 5 x 5 leagues. We can not afford to refrain, a category and still win.

24th Like regularly by the jugs can win for you. The statistics count heavily in four of the five pitching categories.

25th Have a little more than mugs from your file in the Minor League. If the game in a weekly newspaper in the league, the boys climb, which this week two runs. Or, the creation of the guy who two weeks ago opponents in the week.

26th If your league allows an unlimited number of pitching moves, use it. A carrier rocket starting point is worthless for you in the range of leagues, if not at a height of about four days.

27th If the calculations on WHIP. I know that it is a pain, but this is a category that you need, highlight po

28th Go to as many sources as possible for the project. That is the most important thing you can do to be ready.

29th Remember that the statistics on the position of playing. All statistics to the receiver often usual star outfielders or first basemen. The key is to make the best position of figures.

30th A trade work for the two teams. Not a ridiculous offer, and I hope that you bamboozle the other managers. It will be open to her profession later in the season, when you bring the legitimate offers to him, even if it is not the first offer.

31st Baseball Watch Tonight! Cut the woman on your winnings, and they do not press hard when you watch it, every night ... Be.

32nd Get ESPN Baseball Extra Innings package. Incidentally, if you live in the East, hear nothing, as the wine Scully on local TV Dodgers. There are many recommendations in the imagination.

33rd Make sure not only the statistics, but moves lineup. Lineup movements can be of importance to the statistics of your players deliver, especially when it comes to the RBI.

34th In a league to move daily, check the line to see what your players Krug face. For lefties against right-mugs, and vice versa. The lefty-righty analysis at the level of the league's most critically, and it is therefore important to fantasy baseball success.

35th Stay in touch with the wounds. An injured player must nothing good in your statement.

36th A project being over. If everyone has a race to save the jugs, collect a DH. It is likely that more value.

37th Playing in the Champions League, where the operators have a story to remain involved. A league is not funny if you are not active participants managers who have renounced.

38th Playing in a league with prices in silver for at least the first four paver. It allows the players to keep active.

39th In September collect the prospects of the teams who are outside of it. This is their chance to show what they are for the next season.

40th If your league playoffs, remember the adage: There is no future. If you do not have a player for next season, after the collapse of a pitcher that he is his last trip. It is no longer of interest to you differently.

41st In traditional statistics Roto leagues, certain statistics are not important. For example, strikeouts are a rapper not mean Jack. An out is in fact a kind of do not have to worry about collecting Adam Dunn.

42nd Search more pics sleeper beginning in the 16th Round. A sleep is not secure.

43rd Be particularly careful of who his team closer to the teams, where the body is, the Congress offered. You can use a large quantity of rounds later, in this sense, to know, will be closed.

44th From mugs are rare first round. Then, it is Johan Santana and Jake Peavy. Préfèrent load the luggage on the Rappers in the first five rounds, then load up the majority of departure pitching staff.

45th Avoid the young people in the mugs in the first round. They are simply too risky, and topics in arm trouble.

46th Consider three years on the development of the players. D'further back is not necessary.

47th Playing in a league with old friends. It is an excellent way to stay in touch.

48th If it is a pretty unique girls in your league, get to know better. It is almost certainly a keeper.

49th Support for customers to sites such as Fantasy Baseball Dugout. The areas like these, the free fantasy baseball recommendations only to survive because the revenue from advertising.

50th When you play a game without screaming, a player: "Hey Ryan, you are my fantasy baseball team!" Do you really think that because fout? Ives a hoot?

USEFUL LINKS:

Mizuno | My Nike | My Adidas | My Skechers | My Puma | Calvein Klein | Moschino | Naturalizer | D K N Y | Coclico | Onex | Via Spiga | Weebok Kids | Yellow box | Emerica | Umi Kids | Miss Sixty | Ecco Golf | Olukai | Tommy Bahama | Converse Kids | Kayland | Jumping Jacks | Tatami | Daniel Green | Nine West | Fratelli | Dickies | Fly Flot | Gravati

An Article About the Internet - A Must Read One

2008-03-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

There is an adage that says: “If it is not broke, do not fix it”. But when it is broken, and we do not know why or how, how can fix it anyway? They always have to know how something works, and why it does not work, then improve or fix it. The same is true with SEO education.

Search Engine Optimisation and technology aims to improve your site, it’s easy to use, Google offers its kind and good keywords and phrases on your site push-up, the rating of the search, so that you can give more, news, and more attention.

Web Analytics is a system used to determine the SEO, although the performance of your websites. With this information, SEO experts can then various means to change the rating for the greatest good and gadgets. While analysis can be a complex business, it is not an exact science.

It will show how much on your site and seen and is very useful in this respect to one thing, but it is not specified and that the interaction of the user, if the projections and travel are positive or negative.

To avoid this problem, a new product is now on the market for SEO. An innovation of information, this product is the owner of the website from dream to reality, brings clarity and understanding of the information obtained from the analysis.

This is a new method of analysis of the analysis, the Web site owners like music in a much more useful information on its users and also to a great insight that, as he does well, and thus more opportunities in which it can be optimized SEO more direct transport companies in the right direction and finance.

How many times have you on the opening of a web page to find it is not really what you were looking for, or the website of the quality was so bad, it might not bother to fight for Vice versa? Everything is fine for the business and the Web analysis can tell you how many people are on your website, but that does not necessarily say that it works so well, how it could be just like in sports.

With this new product SEO, ‘engagement’ is now measured to tell you exactly how people interact with your website. It is determined by measuring the amount of interaction on a website about procurement, the media, additions, evaluations and reviews, among others. Given that all businesses are unique reviews, the system can be upgraded for greater relevance to some pages, the pages, the internet and less for others.

Thus, the Web site and the owner of a company SEO much clearer insight into how the website well done, and what changes are necessary to ensure its search engine goodness. It is even able to show how certain elements of co-page in the relationship with others and with entertainment.

To benefit or the money from this new service of SEO even better is the fact that, for most users, free of charge. For companies who oppose a certain degree of unique, there will be a charge, and it will help to strengthen the financing of the free platform for other users. Even if payment for this service, it is still registering website owners of thousands of books, which will be issued prior to the analysis.

The only area of concern SEO thrown into this development is the fear that advertisers to obtain more information on the website of the user, in order of their privacy wounded. Of course, the information in the video is used to better target advertising, so it is more efficient, but users of the site want to be bombarded with advertising and site submission.

Like all sectors of an economy in flux, it will be tried for a test and the use of Information Retrieval vote.

JR SEOContest2008 is as support site for the official entry in the UK's SEOContest2008.

2008-02-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

Five Quick Tips For Getting Your Blog On The First Page Of Google

2008-02-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to make money with a blog. Whether the purpose of your blog is to get traffic to your sales page or to sell affiliate products or to get Adsense clicks, getting your blog onto the first page of Google can be done quickly and easily.

Using the following quick tips you could get listed on the first page of Google for some keywords within a month or two, depending on how competitive your niche is. A video game site that followed these tips got on the first page of Google, in the fifth spot, for a popular search term when the site was less than one month old.

Here are the five quick tips for getting to the first page of Google:

1. Put some original content on your blog. Post at least once a day but not more than every two to three hours. It doesn't look good if you are posting every few minutes. Continue adding new content regularly. Some of the content can be duplicate content (from an article directory or private label rights articles) but the more original content the better.

2. When you have at least five posts with original content then submit your blog to Google's sitemap. It's not hard, and it only takes a few minutes. As long as you have a blog that looks authentic and is not filled with scraped content, this is a good start to getting noticed by Google.

3. Write some original articles and submit them to article directories such as EzineArticles, GoArticles, ArticleAlley, and SearchWarp. Do not submit more than one a day since it is better to not inundate the article directories or they might think you are spamming them. It is very important to have a good resource box with links back to your site.

4. Submit your RSS feed to at least fifty sites. This can be done in less than a couple of minutes using RSS Submit (RSSFeedsSubmit), a great piece of software that automatically submits your feed to more than fifty sites. The price is very reasonable (less than $50) but if you don't want to spend any money and would rather do it by hand, Robin Good sells a list of 55 RSS submission sites for a very small fee.

5. Get your URL link listed in as many places as possible. Submit your site to directories like DMOZ. Answer questions at answers.yahoo and include your URL with your signature. Leave comments on blogs that are in a related niche to yours, again including your URL in the signature. Do a search with the phrase "keyword add url" and add your URL at sites that allow you to do it for free. "Keyword" would be replaced by one of your keywords for your niche. Submit your blog to Technorati. Submit your original posts to social bookmarking sites like Digg, Netscape, Redit, Plugim, and so on. Be sure to tell friends to vote for your submissions at the social bookmarking sites.

These five quick tips will give your blog a powerful boost and get your blog on the first page of Google in a very short time. Within days you should be getting traffic from Google as you rise in the search engines. And you did it with spending little or no money.

USEFUL LINKS:

Mizunoz | Nikez | Adidaz | Skecherz | Pumaz | Calvein Kleinz | Moschinoz | Naturalizerz | D K N Y Z | Coclicoz | Onexz | Via Spigaz | Weebok Kidsz | Yellow boxz | Emericaz | Umi Kidsz | Miss Sixtyz | Ecco Golfz | Olukaiz | Tommy Bahamaz | Converse Kidsz | Kaylandz | Jumping Jacksz | Tatamiz | Daniel Greenz | Nine Westz | Fratelliz | Dickiesz | Fly Flotz | Gravatiz

Earning Money With A Blog

2008-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

The way to earn serious cash or top dollar from any Adsense blog is to have plenty of useful content spread out over numerous pages.

Content is what will attract and maintain high traffic figures at your blog. The problem with many blogs that aspire to reach the top ranks is that they do not have enough content. It is very important that the content is original if the content is not original it and duplicated it will go into the supplemental search results. . Different blog publishers have different types of content and objectives, just like e-zine publishers do. Once you have a blog, you want to expose it to the right audience. A good way to do this is by making comments on other people's blogs whose content is related to your content.

Here is one blog secret that can make a huge difference, no matter how low the current traffic to your blog site is. Everyone is talking about content to attract search engine robots and human internet users, but just having content is not enough you need relevant unique content that can possibly help or inform a internet user, by doing this internet users will recommend the site to others.

Tags are actually another name for keywords. Nearly all Internet users understand that keywords are the words that the surfers type into search engines to find what they're searching for on the Internet. The way the Adsense program is, certain keywords will attract better paying per click rates than others. Secondly using popular keywords will also attract lots of traffic to your blog via search engines. Creating back links with your researched keywords can result in much higher search engine rankings.

Make sure that all links are working properly; visitors tend to look and click on links to get more information on a subject. Because blogs are generally updated more frequently than a website, it can help you to build a relationship with your customers and visitors. Visitors will come to your blog of their free will to read your newest content of choice, giving you a higher ratio of targeted visits. Another simpler and less expensive way to do and the way that I recommend is to write the content yourself. One of the best way to promote and market your blog is to get others to link to it.

Using keywords and keyword phrases on you blogs helps increase your earnings by targeting the adsense ads to those specific keywords, so it doesn't matter if there is low traffic or high traffic if you don't have each page optimized it the ads will not generate the kind of money you are looking for. Another way to capitalize on your blog traffic is to offer the readers more than just advertising-offer them solutions.

The secret to earning good money is displaying high paying keywords on your site which will in return lead to high payouts per click on your site. The bots will read the the theme of your pages and serve you with ads that match the contents of your page.

USEFUL LINKS:

Mizunoz | Nikez | Adidaz | Skecherz | Pumaz | Calvein Kleinz | Moschinoz | Naturalizerz | D K N Y Z | Coclicoz | Onexz | Via Spigaz | Weebok Kidsz | Yellow boxz | Emericaz | Umi Kidsz | Miss Sixtyz | Ecco Golfz | Olukaiz | Tommy Bahamaz | Converse Kidsz | Kaylandz | Jumping Jacksz | Tatamiz | Daniel Greenz | Nine Westz | Fratelliz | Dickiesz | Fly Flotz | Gravatiz

Engine Optimization Professional Search Services

2008-02-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

Michigan Seo Company:
Well life is really about moving from one problem to another. The Dollars and Cents of SEO: Perhaps the most compelling reason not to exclude SEO from your online marketing strategy comes down to dollars and cents. In an attempt to quantify the business case for SEO I have gone back and done some analysis on three recent SEO engagements and the results they achieved. I chose ecommerce clients that we had optimized and reviewed their average sales before and after SEO was implemented. In two of the situations the only change made was the optimization of the site. In another the optimization occurred at the same time we implemented a PPC campaign. In the first two cases the store sales rose 64% and 75% after the SEO was implemented. In the third case the store revenue actually went up a staggering 169%, but if you back out the sales that were a result of the PPC campaign, the store revenue that could be attributed to SEO improved by 49%. In other words, the average improvement in store revenue that was apparently due to SEO was 62%. There are many techniques hereby starting a home based internet business can become a pleasure to conduct

As Web Site Design And Search Engine Optimization:
So how to go about it? Are there any softwares available to do the SEO? Yes! there are several SEO softwares available in the market. If you have great content and decent SEO techniques, you're webs site should do pretty well in the search engines. If you have SEO stuffed pages full of garbage keyword phrases, sooner or later, you're gonna pay the price. There are too many billions of dollars at stake for cheap tricks to raise search engine rankings for long. Combine great content with great SEO instincts and bang... you're website traffic will skyrocket. Here are some common tips, you may have heard, but are worth repeating. Website Design - SEO Strategy So while planning for search engine copywriting you need to take care of the density of keyword usage in contents. promotion software search engine strategy seo

Web Site Promotion Search Engine Optimization:
Add to that the fact that even Google can take up to 8 weeks to locate any particular link means that a properly conducted SEO campaign should be expected to take place over a six-month period to ensure proper results. Links are important and maintaining good incoming links with your keywords will get you good rankings. seo search engine submission service web site optimization There are many theories of how search engines and search engine optimization (SEO) initially began

Web Design Search Engine Optimization
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PRIDE and HONOR on the SEOContest2008

2008-02-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

It is nearly 3:00 in the morning and my eye lids slowly close down little by little but I am still trying to fight it just to make my blog a competitive like the other blogs which were also registered in the UK’s recently launched Search Engine Optimization Contest or more popularly known as SEOContest2008.

Well, honestly, this is my first time to join the contest. I have been observing my friends, Gio and Philip joining different contest in the country and also watch them receive their awards winning home as champions. I am also aiming for that and I am still optimistic that I will be learning something in this SEOContest2008.

But, perhaps some may ask what will be the prize when someone wins the competition. For me, the best answer I could give is that, in this SEOContest2008, it is not actually the money which is important. What matter most is the experience and learning you will get upon participating on the aforementioned activity. This will give us (we the contestants), a chance to broaden our ideas and widen our imaginations by trying to figure out on how to optimize our website using the keyword given. At the same time, PRIDE and HONOR is priceless. That would probably be the main goal of every participants like me to have.

I know that there are tough competitors who already have their experiences but I will still stick on my belief, that nothing is impossible as long as you believe that you can do it. Anyway, to us believers and achievers, impossible is not part in our dictionary list.

So, to my fellow participants, I wish you all good luck and see you around. Make your best on the SEOContest2008.

SEOContest2008 Unfinished Post for JR SEOContest2008 Blog

2008-02-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

It was a tiring day for me yesterday. I spent all day and all night long writing articles for my websites and it took my time and still not able to finish all my pending jobs. My eyes almost blurted due to the 18 hours exposure from the computer screen. It was really a productive and strenuous day yesterday.

I was supposed to write a post in my JRSEOContest2008 blog which I used as my entry in the UK’s SEOContest2008. I was not able to do that anymore because I could hardly open my eyes last night, which was about 3:45 in the morning. This is my first time to join a contest like this but I find it challenging and interesting.

This morning, I check the rankings in Google if my blog is already listed in the pages if I type in the keyword SEOContest2008. I am very glad to see that after a day, I am already part of the list. Yes, it is really good to see beating up other participants just after few hours of preparation. This SEOContest2008 is really giving me a bump and I am really challenge on how will do about my skills in terms of search engine optimization.

Again, good luck to each of the participants on the SEOContest2008.