A metaphor for change - the egg

There is nothing more certain in the world and in this life than CHANGE. No matter what people might think or what they might try to believe, everything is changing all the time, as we breathe in and out, as we eat and sleep and grow and go through our own spirals of unfoldment.

So here is a simple metaphor for change. It is called “The Egg” and I hope you enjoy it.

I often have this feeling of stress and desperation because I am quite convinced nothing has changed.

I look around myself and all I see is what I always see.

Same house, same furniture, same pile of bills, same everything.

I work so hard and NOTHING is changing.

I thought that again about something the other day, and this large, beautiful golden egg came to my mind.

There it is, and it just sits there in its nest of straw.

It doesn't DO anything.

It doesn't change shape, it doesn't change colour.

It doesn't pulsate. It doesn't roll around.

You could look at it for DAYS AND DAYS and you'd come away thinking that it was just that and there was NOTHING GOING ON.

And yet, and if one was to extend one's feelers in a different way, one might become aware of the RIOT OF CHANGE that is taking place INSIDE the egg, a storm of re-organisation, feeding and growth, of total unfoldment as a bunch of random cells become a fish thing, which in turn becomes ever more defined and more complex, more organised in every way, more mature, more fantastic with every heartbeat, every breath that passes.

One day, and we know not when, the egg that lay so motionless for so very long and seemed to be nothing but an inert shape will begin to rock, and then it will crack, and the newly born dragonet will emerge, spread its wings for the first time and take its first small steps.

Yes, there was change.

Even if we thought there wasn't.

How green is your home

A home that is green is a home built and run with the environment in mind. With the threat of global warming becoming more urgent everyday, the average family needs to do their part to make as little impact as possible. Going green is a way to do this and the first place to start is with your home. You can find a lot of home supplies from bathtubs to faucets at fuzing. com. Whether you are constructing your toilet or your kitchen, it will help you in the long run if you build it from an environment friendly perspective. The greener your home will be; the healthier environment it will have. You can use environment friendly things from paints to drapes and other objects that will add to the overall décor of your home.

Possible Building Materials You Can Use

If you are looking to build a new home, think with the environment in mind. You can use renewable resources such as lightweight concrete, manufactured, stone, straw, wood or earth. Each one of these materials has its own merits and disadvantages, but they all have the environment in mind.

* Earth is an abundant resource. What can be more environment friendly than the very dirt beneath your feet? You can choose from earthen materials kind to the environment such as cob, adobe and rammed earth.

* Lightweight concrete has been used for building for the last 50 years in the United States. Its strength is not as great as the usual concrete used for construction, but you can rest assured that it will weather the elements just as well. Advantages to using this building material is that can be used for insulation, it has great fire resistant properties, it will require a smaller foundation and there isn’t as great a need for reinforcement of structural steel. This impacts the environment in a positive way.

* Manufactured building materials appeal to those who have concern for the environment but don’t want to live in a home made of dirt, tree parts, straw, etc. Usually a home made with this type of material once built will make an excellent home that is energy efficient with thought to the environment.

* Wood is one of the most versatile materials for building. It used to be considered a sustainable material for construction, but with the over harvesting of forests worldwide, the world’s greed has outpaced the capabilities of forests to regenerate. You can build a green home with an eye to the environment by using stick framed, timber framed and log wood if wood is what you must have.

Styles of Green Homes You Can Choose

There are quite a few styles of green homes available. Styles can range from conventional, to rounded, earth-sheltered and organic. Each style has many plans you can choose from to make your home unique, comfortable and concerned with the environment.

* A conventional styled home typically means that it will fit the normal concept of a home according to the opinions of the Western world. Homes that are considered conventional usually have vertical walls and a rectilinear floor plan. Styles that are considered conventional can include traditional, contemporary, bungalow, Victorian or southwestern to name just a few.

* A home that is rounded or curved in appearance is considered rounded styling. This means that the plan for the house has a significant part that is curved or rounded. It is said that when you use natural materials and this style of home you will feel in touch with nature to the extent that your home feels like you are part of the environment itself. This style of home is very environment friendly.

* Earth sheltered styles of green homes can be situated either partially or entirely into the earth. There are many advantages to you and to the environment when you choose this style of home. When you go about six feet below the surface, you will notice that the temperature only fluctuates a few degrees all year round. The benefits to this are that it will require much less energy to heat and to cool your home, saving the environment from the depletion of natural resources.

Building green can mean a lot to the environment. The environment and its natural resources is something that needs to be passed on to our children. If we don’t start thinking towards the future there will be nothing left of the environment to pass on.

Article highlights: Building materials that can be used to construct a green home. The different styles of green homes you can choose when you decide to build a green home.

Interesting Fact: A recent report states that with all the huge costs associated with the building of a new home, there is no significant difference in the price of building green.

How to influence people

No matter how one looks at it, success and respect come in the form of other people, perhaps even complete strangers. Rare is it in today's world that success will happen in total isolation. No surprise that some of the most successful and respected individuals know a thing or two about how to deal with others. The ability to communicate and influence others' way of thinking, and to actually transform their opinions, is an invaluable life skill.

The obstacle of attaining this life skill is one that everyone faces. Anger, selfishness, and pride all work against our better judgment. The idea is to become proactive, to work toward a resolution rather than toward your own base desires; which will come under fire the more it conflicts with other desires; and so on, until it comes full circle. Disagreements add more fuel to the fire, until neither party is able to influence the other. To be proactive means to step back from the situation, and to examine it from a different angle. Chances are you want your way simply because, well, it's your way. Consider the fact that the other person thinks the same. So be proactive and negotiate yourself out of a one-way street that'll lead to zero resolutions; because while you may get the other person to agree, have you really influenced their opinion?

Look at it this way: "right" is "wrong."

How can that be? The way to peoples' hearts, the way to influence their opinions, is not to impose your will onto theirs'. They first need to see the light before they alter their mode of thought. Approach your opinion as though it were a scientific method, without the pride of being right. It is that very possessive nature that creates disapproval in people. And unless you're in a scientific or highly technical environment, approach the discussion as if it had multiple resolutions. Step outside of yourself and join the team.

The idea is to influence others, rather than simply imposing your will. Become impersonal if you have to; all the better to swim through a sea of ideas and opinions, without the risk of being offended. Assess the problem, and not who said it. A proactive person is more concerned with a resolution than with retribution. The point remains to be said that other variables are at stake, and that "your" viewpoint is not the only path. This does not mean that you cannot disagree. Disagreements are inevitable; but there is a sharp contrast between a personal disagreement and a holistic disagreement. Chances are that a holistic disagreement is a lot more convincing, and more respectable, than a personal one. Because when holistic matters become too personally charged, it becomes detached from a holistic resolution.

The ability to communicate with others is not as vague as it sounds. The abilities to influence and to disagree are the two principle components of a born leader. Because being "right" is only as good as getting the person to agree.

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs a comparison

Several mobility aids are widely available for physically handicapped individuals. These may vary from conventional canes and walkers to much sophisticated electric powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The latter two can bring greater freedom and independence to disabled persons. Hence, this article will be comparing the mentioned mobility aids to help those concerned individuals to decide which of the two they will purchase for themselves, or for their loved ones who need it.

Both mobility aids utilize the same types of rechargeable batteries. They can also run as far as 15 miles or more before requiring battery recharging. Also, both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can accommodate a weight of 500 pounds, or greater. Lastly, the controls for speed and acceleration are similar for both mobility vehicles.

In terms of cost, electric wheelchairs are considered as the most expensive among all mobility vehicles. The advanced power, speed, and features of such wheelchairs can cost as much as, or even exceed, the price of average automobiles. The price of electric wheelchairs can be as much as $15,000. On the other hand, mobility scooters are more cost-effective. The deluxe types of such vehicles can only cost a small fraction of an electric wheelchair’s price, that is, from $1,000 up to $5,000.

For storage purposes, mobility scooters are more convenient than electric wheelchairs. Mobility scooters may be folded or dismantled and can be expediently kept in a closet or be transported in a car’s trunk. On the contrary, electric wheelchairs are very heavy and are not foldable primarily because of the sturdy materials that they are made of. Such properties make these types of wheelchairs hard to keep or transport.

To achieve optimum comfort, the adjustability of some features on both mobility aids is of major importance. The seats, armrests, and footrests of electric wheelchairs can be accordingly angled and adjusted for comfort. The seats and handlebars of mobility scooters can also be adjusted for the same purpose.

An electric mobility scooter can be steered using handlebars like that with a bicycle while an electric wheelchair makes use of a joystick.

Individuals with problems on mobility of the upper portion of their bodies may find electric wheelchairs easier to manipulate compared to mobility scooters. For those with impaired postures, electric wheelchairs may include motorized reclined, tilt, and stand options for support. Also, wheelchairs are more comfortable for those who require spending most of their time in their mobility aids.

So, which of the two aforementioned mobility assistance vehicles is best for you? We have compared the electric wheelchair and mobility scooters. This is surely a great help for affected individuals to make a wise and informed decision on which one to purchase. Either of them will tremendously aid a mobility impaired individual to become more self-reliant and to move around better. But in the end, your decision whether to buy an electric wheelchair or an electric mobility scooter will greatly depend on your personal needs, preferences and budget. If you can comfortably mount a scooter then go for it, otherwise if balance is an issue, it will be safer to ride the wheelchair type.

How model airplanes fly

After the successful flight of the man-carrying vehicle made by the Wright brothers, interest in aviation spread rapidly and many models were made. Model airplane enthusiasts are already existing in the early 1900s'. Most of the models are rubber powered, twining type with double stick fuselages that are common in Europe. But even in the early days of model flying, small petrol and compressed air engines are already being used. The materials used in model constructions are birch strips, veneer, spruce, piano wire or bamboo and oiled silk covering.

Then balsa structure and tissue covering appeared in the United States in the late 1920s'. So much for the history of model aircraft. So you see, even today, the airplane structure and how it fly is no

different from the one we are flying today. The wings, fuselage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, propellers, engines, landing gears are the same. The airplane, to fly and have control during flight uses them. The wings are obviously responsible why the airplane can

stay in the air for a long time. With proper design of the airplane, dimensions, weight considerations and aerodynamic design characteristics it will fly successfully. The aerodynamic principles behind it is what really makes it fly. But even though it has a good design, weight and balance plays a major role. There was a saying that “a feather flies better than a brick” which is true because a very heavy airplane won’t fly if it cannot be sustained by its power plant (engine, propeller, and fuel tank). And with regards to balancing, a well-balanced airplane is controllable during flight. Usually the fulcrum or center of gravity is located ј of the wing chord. Balancing it is by placing your fingers on both sides of the wing, then relocating the receiver, batteries and servos until the airplane is balanced.

You may ask why the center of gravity is located ј of the wing chord? It has something to do with aerodynamic center, neutral point that can be explained in detail with some illustrations by following the link on the bottom.

When you look at the cross section of the wing, the shape is called an airfoil. Basically the airfoil consist of upper and lower camber, leading and trailing edge. When the airplane is flying, there are aerodynamic forces that interact with the wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers because the airplane is going against the air or commonly called “relative wind”. Then it creates a variance of pressure on the upper versus the lower camber of the airfoil (or the wing itself) which generates lift. The air that passed the lower camber should have a higher pressure against the upper camber to sustain flight. This has something to do with law of continuity. The air molecules that separates from the leading edge, going to the upper and lower camber, should meet at the trailing edge at the same time. Since the upper camber has a greater curve than the lower camber, the distance on the upper camber is longer and therefore requires more velocity to meet the air on the lower camber. This creates a lower pressure on the upper camber based on the Bernoulli's theorem, "as the velocity of air increases, pressure decreases"

Hope my brief explanation is understandable. If you want to know the details with visual aids about the model airplane theory of flight, I suggest going to my site: rcaeronautics4dodos. filipinovegetarianrecipe. com

Linking strategy in the post-jagger period

“Please take down my link.” I never thought I would live to see the day that I would get an email like this, but the latest Google update has caused some people to panic. This particular person thought that his site would be penalized if he had a link coming from a site in an unrelated field. Well, following the Jagger update how should we approach linking? Should we “nuke” our reciprocal links directories altogether? Or is there a sensible way to continue linking?

Google doesn’t explain the details of their updates and algorithm changes. It is widely thought they made moves to crack down on spamming and techniques designed to fool their indexing efforts. And possibly sites that added lots of irrelevant links in a short period were penalized. Google representatives have also stated publicly, in forums, that if you link to a “bad neighborhood” you could be penalized.

I can’t get inside the Google algorithm anymore than anyone else, but I strongly believe that linking should go on in a “natural” way, in a way that predates the linking craze which Google itself helped to create. Here are some elements of a natural linking strategy.

1. Link to the kinds of sites that will provide good resources for your web visitors.

This is actually the very idea behind Google’s system of Page Rank. Sites that are “cool”, that are informative and interesting will get “votes” or links from other sites on the basis of their value as a web resource. So, link to those sites that are worthy of being in your link directory.

2. Don’t link blindly just because someone is willing to give you a link in return.

Check out any site that is proposing a link exchange with you. Are they a possible spam site? A site that has no content and only ads, or a site in fields such as online gambling, pornography, or similar areas would be suspect. If the site has a page rank of 0 and also has none of its interior pages indexed by Google, then it may have been penalized. You can tell how many of its pages are indexed by making this search: site: suspectsite. com .

3. Link to those sites that cater to your target audience.

In the early days of the Internet, the main incentive to link was that it would provide you with some targeted traffic. This concept is still valid. If you have a site about yoga, then find sites whose visitors would likely be interested in yoga and propose a link exchange with them. You may or may not raise your page rank with this exchange, but you will get the kind of visitors that you are looking for.

4. Get One-Way Non Reciprocal Links

There are two primary ways to get these valuable one-way links. The first way is to make your site so informative, so useful, so authoritative, that people will mention it or list it without you having to do anything at all. This is of course not an easy task, but it should be a target. You should strive to be the best in your field and if you can approach this goal then you will be noticed and you will get links without even asking for them.

Another way to get one-way links is to write articles and get them published on other websites. You are probably an “expert” in the field covered by your website. Share your expertise with others in the form of 600-800 word articles. You can distribute your articles in the article distribution groups of Yahoo! Go to groups. yahoo. com and make a search for article publishing or free reprint articles and you will find a number of places where you can place your article. Remember to include a link back to your site in the resource box at the end of the article.

So, don’t press the panic button. Keep your link and resource directories but build them up in a way that adds value to your site and helps you to get an extra flow of targeted traffic. If you have the skill to get non-reciprocal links, then by all means get them.

Moving from the us to toronto

My brothers wife is Canadian. They met in college and have never apart since. All of us went to college in New York, which has to be in the top for places to meet people from other countries.

The only place more international for students might be London, I do not know. It is funny how certain cities draw the different nationalities for studies.

Anyway, her parents are still in Toronto and have just retired. They sold the family home and are moving down to Florida to a condo that they bought years ago and now it is paid for. I think that is such a smart way to plan for retirement. Have a place to go that is paid for and then sell the house that has appreciated all these years and invest the proceeds so you have money to live on comfortably the rest of your life.

My brother and his wife are on their way to Toronto this week to help them pack up the house and get ready to move. Since they have lived in the same house for over 50 years, there is an awful lot of stuff to sort through and they will have to get rid of a lot of it.

That would be the most stressful part for me making the decisions to give away or throughout so many of the things that you have had around you for years. They have two weeks to get it all done, because they hired a moving company to come the second week of April and load up all their belongings.

That is another very stressful time, watching people walk around with boxes of your stuff and trampling through your home, dismantling everything that you have collected and crafted over the years. It can be a really sad time, but I hope they are looking at this as a great opportunity and the next big chapter of their lives starting to unfold.

My brother helped find the Toronto Movers by calling different companies and getting estimates from them. He used the internet to search for keywords like Moving Toronto and Moving Service Toronto and came up with a list of about a dozen companies. Imagine how much harder this would have been without the internet!

I do not know how you would get a list of all the moving companies in another country in the first place and then you have to make all those long distance calls to get information. Instead, it was all just a few clicks and a lot of emails, and then a few conversations using toll free numbers.

What a difference technology can make! He decided on a company called Miracle Movers. He said he liked their website and he even liked their company name, plus their estimate was reasonable. He did not want to take the cheapest quote and felt comfortable with the representative who talked him through the process. They charge hourly for loading and unloading the truck and you can save money for being well prepared, having everything packed and disassembled and ready for them when they get there.

Hugs and kudos to my brother and his wife for stepping up and helping her folks with this huge life changing task.

Hawaii tours you will want to examine

Would you like to take a vacation in the near future? If you would and if you have yet to choose a vacation destination, you will want to take the time to examine Hawaii. Hawaii is known as a popular vacation destination. One of the many reasons for that is because all that you can do and see while on a Hawaii trip. Although you do have a number of different options, you will want to take a close look at Hawaii tours.

Before focusing on a few of the many Hawaii tours that you can take on your next Hawaii trip it is first important to focus on your overnight accommodations. As important as it is to plan out what you want to do and see while in Hawaii, it is extremely important that you first make your travel plans. These plans should include your airline reservations, overnight accommodation reservations, and possibly car rental reservations.

In addition to having a number of different options, in terms of Hawaii activities and attractions, Hawaii is also popular among tourists as there are so many places for you to stay. When vacationing in Hawaii, your overnight accommodation options include hotels, vacation resorts, Hawaii vacation homes, vacation condos, vacation villas, and vacation apartment rentals. When choosing a Hawaii vacation home or another Hawaii vacation rental to book a stay at, you may want to take a look at your wants. For example, if you are interested in enjoying the beautiful Hawaii beaches, a beachfront Hawaii vacation home or a rental with an ocean view may be your best option.

Once you have made all of your Hawaii travel arrangements, including your Hawaii vacation rental reservations, you will then want to start focusing on what you want to do and see while on vacation. That is what is nice about Hawaii tours. They not only allow you to participate in fun activities, but they also give you the opportunity to explore a number of popular Hawaii attractions. For example, if you choose to rent a Hawaii vacation home on Big Island, you can enjoy a nice hiking adventure, while exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the same time!

Speaking of hiking, hiking is one type of Hawaii tour that you will want to examine. What is nice about hiking is that it is activity that many already enjoy and find peaceful. Depending on which Hawaiian Island you choose to visit, you may find a wide array of landscape and scenery. As previously stated, Big Island is famous for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Additional views that you may enjoy on foot include scenic gardens and waterfalls.

All Hawaii tourists are encouraged to take a Hawaii helicopter tour. Hawaii helicopter tours come highly rated and recommended. Although you are able to explore many parts of the Hawaiian Islands by car, foot, bike, or even ATV, some of the most beautiful areas are only accessible by air. Whether your next trip to Hawaii is intended to be a family vacation, a fun adventure with friends, or a romantic getaway, a Hawaii helicopter tour should be on your list of things to do in Hawaii.

Hawaii boat tours are another Hawaii activity that you will want to examine. Many Hawaii boat tours are offered as one day chartered voyages or you can even take a dinner cruise off the coast! If you are interested in enjoying a fishing adventure or if you would like to sightsee in the waters, a charter boat tour may be your best option. When it comes to boating on the Hawaiian Islands, you will find that your options are virtually unlimited.

The above mentioned Hawaii tours are just a few of the many that you will find available. Additional tours that may be of interest to you and your traveling party include Hawaii ATV tours, Hawaii bus tours, Hawaii submarine tours, and Hawaii horseback riding tours. As a reminder, if you have already booked a stay at a Hawaii vacation home or another Hawaiian vacation rental, be sure to examine Hawaii tours that are located near your Hawaii vacation rental, like your Hawaii vacation home. Doing so may be able to save you both time and money.

Is a computer internet franchise opportunity for you

Before you ask yourself this question, you should ask yourself whether any franchise opportunity would be right for you. Are you the sort of entrepreneur who would succeed in a franchise setting? There are many reasons you might say “yes” to this and many reasons to explore franchise opportunities, but here are the top ten according to about. com:

1. Franchising significantly decreases the amount of time it will take your business to turn a profit.

2. Franchise opportunities have a much lower failure rate than new, independent businesses.

3. Starting a franchise business does not require nearly as much time and effort as starting an independent business. This affords franchisees more time to spend with their families and more time to do the things they enjoy.

4. Franchising is federally regulated. There is a great deal of information that franchisors are required to provide to potential franchisees, so they can make an informed investment decision.

5. Franchise opportunities provide fast, easy access to financing. Some of the larger franchises even provide in-house financing.

6. Franchise opportunities include amazing training and support from the franchisor to ensure franchisees’ success.

7. There is tremendous potential for growth and expansion within the franchise system.

8. The wealth of franchise opportunities means there are many available investment levels. Some franchises only require initial investments of a few thousand dollars. This includes many franchises that offer an Internet-based business or home-based business plan.

9. The resources available to the franchisor translate into professional development opportunities for the franchisees.

10. Added benefits—such as investment incentives and a royalty-free period—are often available through a start-up franchise. Although slightly riskier than buying into an established franchise, new franchise opportunities offer franchisees the chance to help grow the business with their own creativity and innovation.

I Am Interested in Franchise Opportunities, Now What? Now, you can ask yourself that first question again: Is a computer franchise or Internet franchise for me?

If you are interested in an Internet-based business or home-based business, the answer to this question is probably, “yes.”

A home-based business offers many unique advantages. For one thing, working from home through an Internet franchise will provide you with an average of 348 hours of extra time. This is the amount of time the average American spends commuting to and from work each year. That’s a lot of time you could spend growing your business, interacting with your family or engaging in your favorite leisure activities.

An Internet-based business that you operate from home lets you establish your own earning potential. Simply put: the harder you work, the more money you will make.

An Internet franchise requires a much smaller initial investment than a traditional franchise, and this equates to a smaller risk.

There are numerous tax advantages associated with a home-based business. For example, a percentage of your mortgage and many other household maintenance expenses can be deducted as business expenses.

Autonomy is a major selling point for starting your own Internet-based business. Of course, an Internet franchise will have guidelines for its franchisees, but essentially you’re your own boss. And since you’ll be running your business from home, feel free to show up for work in your pajamas.

Franchise Opportunities

There are so many great options available to entrepreneurs interested in an Internet franchise or other home-based business: The Advertising Consultants franchise allows you to start a home-based advertising business with an initial investment of just $25,000. American Billing Systems’ initial investment is under $15,000, but it still provides franchisees the opportunity to earn six-figure incomes operating a home-based business.

WSI is an Internet franchise that has been ranked first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine for the past six years. They also rank 36th on Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchises list, ahead of well-known companies like Hilton Hotels, Snap-On Tools, Ben & Jerry’s and Gold’s Gym.

WSI has 1500+ franchisees worldwide who provide Internet consulting services for small and medium businesses using their patent-pending Lifecycle System. WSI specializes in creating exciting websites on a small-business owner’s budget. WSI franchisees evaluate the needs of their clients and provide them with Internet marketing tools to decrease costs and maximize profitability.

They are able to provide great quality work at lower costs because they pool resources and distribute costs across their network of Internet consultants. Since low-cost, great service is almost a guarantee of repeat business, WSI franchisees are able to create an ongoing source of income by forging successful client relationships.

WSI—or any Internet-based business like it—would be a great fit for any entrepreneur who is skilled at business-to-business networking and developing promotional strategies. Clients who purchase the services of this type of Internet-based business will be business owners themselves, so professionalism and expertise are essential. An entrepreneur who is enthusiastic about Internet marketing and has the spirit of a true capitalist will do quite well with an Internet, home-based business.

Mattress and back support

Mattresses are one of the most important factors to avoid back pain as most people spend at least 7 hours on them each day. Sleeping on a bad mattress can cause back pain as they usually lack back support and can effect the alignment of the back.

It is definitely worth taking the time to select the best mattress for your body that supports your back whilst you sleep and one that is comfortable to sleep on.

The type of mattress you choose must be comfortable and have the necessary back support to reduce back pain and give you a good night sleep.

A good mattress usually is around 7 to 18 inches deep with a good number of spring coils for support allowing the body to be supported and at the same time allowing for the natural curves and alignment of the spine.

A good mattress can be bought by go to a showroom that has lots of brands and varieties, and start by lying on the firmest mattresses the store has to offer. Then lie on the softest ones. That gives two good comparison points. Find a mattress that is between the two end points, but closer to the firmest ones than the softest. Get on the mattress in your normal sleep position and evaluate the mattress for the level of comfort and support that feels right for you also discuss their mattress purchase with their doctors.

The majority of back stiffness occurs while sleeping, to reduce this from occurring you can:

• Make sure that your pillow can support your neck, but too many pillows can cause neck strain. Sleep on a contoured pillow to avoid neck strain - you want to keep your neck and spine in-line while you sleep.

• Try putting a small pillow between your knees when you sleep. This will help keep your hips in-line, avoiding lower back stiffness.

• Ensure your mattress is big enough for you and your partner. If you are sharing a small mattress, you may sleep in awkward positions because you are being crowded out.

• A saggy mattress contributes to muscle stiffness and chronic back pain, this can be avoid by purchasing a orthopedic mattress that contains more support than a regular mattress.

• If you have trouble sleeping, try lying on your back with a pillow under your knees, or sleeping on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your knees.

• Your bed should be a height that makes it easy to get into and out of. When getting in, sit on the edge, lower your body on to one elbow and shoulder, and draw up your knees and then feet. Reverse the procedure to get out.

The other option is to go for a adjustable beds they are different than standard flat beds because they allow users to change the incline angle of the head of the bed and, in many cases, at the foot of the bed as well. A slight incline of the head (no more than 45є), coupled with additional support under the knees, can help reduce pain, particularly leg and back pain from herniated discs and/or spinal stenosis. It also helps a patient to get out of bed without having to roll and sit up as much as if one who was rising from a flat position.

Four critical tips for cleaning up after a flood strikes

The value of knowing how to respond to an emergency has never been so clear, with one of the worst hurricane seasons ever behind us. Educating yourself on what to do in a flood, therefore, is one of the key disaster preparedness issues. Here are some valuable tips homeowners should be aware of when cleaning up damage left behind by a flood.

Don’t Go Near the Water: Floodwaters can be some of the most contaminated water you will ever come in contact with. Seek medical attention right away if you or a family member has been exposed to flood waters for any length of time. Topical floodwater contact could lead to serious infections. If you believe you or anyone else has drunk floodwater, seek medical care at your local hospital or clinic as soon as possible, as the dangers of infection are even worse.

Tread Lightly: Stay out of any buildings or structures that still have floodwaters encircling them. Don’t underestimate structural damage floodwaters can cause. A structure's foundation can be significantly weakened by floodwaters in relatively short periods of time, especially in older structures. Foundations can sink and become unstable, causing cracks and gaps in the flooring, even a house’ total collapse without warning. An apparently sound structure may also have suffered gas leaks, electrical damage, or water line damage, so you should steer clear of such buildings until local officials have declared them safe .

Wait Until the All-Clear: Just because the rain has stopped and the floodwater seems to be withdrawing, doesn’t mean its safe to go home and start cleaning up. Of course you’ll be anxious to find out what damage if any has been done to your property, but sometimes, floodwater damage creates many a hazard that requires professional clean up before the area is cleared as safe to local area residents. Keep watching for information on the weather if you have access to local radio or television stations, which will inform you of any threat from incoming storms, or other floodwater-related dangers in your area.

Handle with Care: You should inspect flood-damaged buildings cautiously once local officials have judged the area safe. Start with examining your house carefully. Tread carefully; flood damage can weaken structures. Do not smoke inside the building. (gas leak hazard) Bring battery-operated flashlights or lanterns as electricity may be cut off. Study the floors, walls, doors, staircases, and windows closely to make sure the house is not in danger of collapsing, using the flashlight to look at the foundation for cracks or other signs of damage.

After you've examined the structural integrity of the building, check for damage to the utility systems. Find and note down damage to the building's gas, electrical, and sewage system. Check for gas leaks by listening for a small hissing noise and smelling the gas in the air. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main valve immediately and contact the gas company.

Scrutinize the building's electrical system. Any broken, frayed, or loose wires are spots for worry. If you see any sparks or smell any burning, immediately turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

You will also need to check out your home’s sewage system. Avoid using the toilet and call a plumber if you believe the sewage lines have been damaged. If fresh water pipes have also been damaged, call your water company and don’t drink water from the tap.

Urinary incontinence in men - cause

Urinary incontinence occurs when the muscle (sphincter) that holds your bladder's outlet closed is not strong enough to hold back the urine. This may happen if the sphincter is too weak, if the bladder muscles contract too strongly, or if the bladder is overfull.

Stress incontinence occurs when the muscle (sphincter) surrounding the urethra opens at an inappropriate time. This can happen when you laugh, sneeze, cough, lift something, or change posture. Stress incontinence can be caused by surgery to treat an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer, or removal of the prostate. For more information, see the topics Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Prostate Cancer.

Urge incontinence is caused by bladder contractions that are too strong to be stopped by the sphincter. Often the urge is a response to something that makes you anticipate urination, such as waiting to use a toilet, unlocking the door when returning home, or even turning on a faucet. The bladder contractions can be caused by many conditions, including:

Urinary tract infection.

Bowel problems, such as constipation.

Prostatitis, a painful infection of the prostate gland.

Certain neurological conditions that affect nerve signals from the brain, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.

Kidney or bladder stones.

Blockage due to prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Overactive bladder is a kind of urge incontinence. But not everyone with overactive bladder leaks urine. For more information, see the topic Overactive Bladder.

Overflow incontinence usually is caused by obstruction of the urethra from BPH or prostate cancer or when the bladder muscles contract weakly or don't contract when they should. Other causes include:

Narrowing of the urethra (stricture).

Medicines, such as antihistamines, and decongestants.

Nerve conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

Functional incontinence is a rare form of incontinence caused by physical or mental limitations that restrict a man's ability to reach the toilet in time.

Long term motivation can be difficult but why

Motivation is defined as, why people do what they do. Long-term motivation can be difficult when you do not make yourself stick to your goals. Most people make goals, but those who are successful have the discipline and drive to achieve their goals and dreams.

Different things motivate people. Some are driven by internal or intrinsic motivation. Others need extrinsic motivation, or outside forces, to help them stay on track. One easy way to help you achieve your goals is to make a contract with yourself and work hard to stick to it. Sign it, date it and keep track of it.

The first step in making a contract with your self to stay motivated is to make an outline. When you make an outline in your contract, you will list long-term goals, short-term goals, payoffs and benefits, rewards and a detailed action plan. By having everything you need to know about achieving your goals, you will stay motivated.

Before making this outline, take some time and think about what exactly you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to reorganize your home, or maybe you want to try out a new fitness plan.

Perhaps you want to go back to school and finish a degree. Whatever it is, you will need to do some research and understand each step you will need to accomplish.

When you list your long-term goals, you will make a list of the things you want to achieve within one to three years. Try to be very specific so you will know exactly what you are working towards.

If you want to lose thirty pounds, your long-term goals will be to lose the weight through diet and exercise. Your long-term goals will be your final end result that you are working towards. This works for almost any goal and will help you in staying focused and motivated to reach your goals.

Short-term goals will be things that you want to accomplish within weeks or months. If you are working on going back to school, your short-term goals may be to request school applications and catalogs or to talk to a financial aid office about your payment options.

Your short-term goals should be specific and should be something that you can accomplish in a short amount of time. Short-term goals are also important because once you finish one goal; you will feel motivated by knowing you are one step closer in reaching that long-term goal.

Your next step in making a contract with yourself is to list payoffs and benefits of your goals and achievements. While losing weight is a benefit, you will want to list the reason why you want to lose weight.

Maybe the payoff is fitting into a certain size jeans again or looking great for an upcoming reunion. Maybe it is because you want to better your health by losing weight. Again, you should be specific when you set these benefits in your contract because it will help you stay motivated.

Now you can think about rewards. Rewards are important when you are setting goals for yourself. When you think about rewards, think about the fun things that you will accomplish by reaching your goals.

Lose that weight and buy a new dress. Reorganize you house and get a new couch. Whatever you think it the best part about reaching your goals, use that as a reward to help stay motivated.

The last part in setting a contract with your self is to have a specific action plan. An action plan will tell you what steps you need to take to reach your final goal.

It is here that you will list what you need to change, do, or accomplish in a day, a week, a month or a year. This action plan will help keep you motivated to reach your end goal. List your action plan and keep it in mind everyday you are working towards your goal.

When you take the time to make an official contract with yourself, you will stay motivated and ready to reach your goals. It will be easier when you can see your long and short-term goals in writing and know what rewards and benefits are waiting for you along the way.

Your action plan will help you stay on track when you are working hard to accomplish your goals and dreams.

Creating your future

The questions of life may call to you. You may wonder about your purpose. You may feel out of place, disconnected, just a bit out of sync. You may want to find clarity; to find the stillness in your mind. That elusive quality where time loses all meaning. You may not even know what it is that you seek but you sit there in your skin and you know something is making you uncomfortable.

Well, I'm here to tell you that it's okay. It's not unusual or abnormal. The bigger questions of life and the role you want to play in that are great questions! Important questions! To not ask them and seek your own answers would resign you to an existence of numbness and one day, possibly regret. But it doesn't have to be that way. It's never too late and there is no deadline.

The journey itself can be a tremendous reward. And don't be fooled! The pursuit of worthy goals and self-discovery is not easy. There will be plenty of tough times, inner soul searching, periods of enormous movement and change, periods of stagnation and possibly even despair. There will be times when you think you have found that groove you've always been looking for and then there will be times when you feel as though you haven't a hope in the world of finding your place. This is normal.

Everyone who experiences life will encounter variations of questions pertaining to their values that will challenge them at crossroads in life. Sometimes we heed these inner callings but often times, external forces to our sense of security in the world will push these inner callings deep into the mud. Instead we are fearful of change or to focused on the negatives or "what if" scenarios. So we play it safe and ignore our inner callings.

We're all looking for "that career" that will reward us in the way we need to be rewarded. For some it may be money. For others it may be prestige, recognition and yet someone else it is just the fact they get to "do what they love doing." Everyone will have a unique journey to reach their discovery. The journey will be made intentionally or unintentionally. It will be confused and painful or it can be enlightened by your own self-awareness. Don't get so focused on the goal that you don't get the full experience of the journey. The journey is so critical.

During the journey your experiences will offer you with so many valuable clues about yourself. Who you are. What makes you thrive. What puts you to sleep. The kind of people you like to work with. The environments you prefer. All of these experiences and many many more specific pieces relevant to you, your profession, passion, skills, and personality. All of them can be incorporated into your goal.

You, your life, your values, and beliefs, and many other things, will change. So keep dreaming, keep looking at the goal. But do so with the knowledge and understanding of your journey. Implement adjustments to your navigation system towards your goal if it changes. The experiences of your life and the decisions and their consequences will teach you so much. Allow yourself to take that journey, without knowing when it will end nor where it will take you. Get comfortable with not knowing. Keep seeking. Don't be afraid to take that next step. This is the very thing I too have to challenge myself on every day.

African dating - pride and ambition

It is no secret that African culture is known for its pride. Most Africans do not have a problem standing up for their beliefs and causes, and are often ambitious when it comes to obtaining specific goals. That being the case, if you are of African descent and are seeking a relationship with someone of your ethnic background, you probably already have an idea of the type of man or woman you are looking for.

When it comes to finding the African man or woman of your dreams, there are many options awaiting you if you hook up with the right community. You can find the ideal connection you are aspiring for, by getting to know others who share your same ambitions and dreams.

Of course, like seeking any relationship, there are certain character qualities you will want to avoid such as:

Money Suckers avoid a relationship with someone who is only interested in how much money you make. Dramatics someone who takes things to the extreme could really put your patience to the test. Desperation If your date is clingy, this is a good sign that he or she could have self-esteem issues or are desperate for reasons you may not want to know. Shady If for any reason you suspect that your date has something to hide, or has been caught telling you a half-truth or a lie, it's time to move on. Once a liar, always a liar.

Control Freak It's true that relationships are about giving... but if you have to give up all of your free time or interests to appease your date, it's time to take back control and walk away.

Now that you have an idea of what to avoid when dating, here are some of the things to look for:

Beauty is Only Skin Deep - Of course appearance is an important part of dating, but remember that it isn't the only aspect that should attract you. Look for someone who's intelligent; someone with personality.

Common Sense This is an attribute that goes a long way, and is a good indication that your date is knowledgeable, and can think on their own two feet.

Self-Respect Any date that has self-respect, will take pride in their own ambitions, and should also respect yours.

There is no reason why you should feel pressured into perusing a relationship with someone who does not interest you, or who is looking for different goals. You need to think about what you want, and give it all you've got. And you can be sure, if it is meant to be, love will find a way to reach your heart.

Network marketing. how to find the right company for you first time

If you are looking to get involved in Network Marketing, or if you want to change networking companies, here are some tips on how to get it right 1st time!

I got lucky. Very lucky as it turns out. 12 years ago I met a couple who told me about the International networking business they were building as they travelled around the world. I got involved without doing any research other than attending a national training day. I knew nothing whatsoever about the Industry, very little about the couple and nothing much about this particular company, other than what I learnt that day. (Ignorance is bliss). It is only with hindsight, having met many people over the years since who have been in 2, 3, 5 networks or more that I realise how unusual it is to join a good company on day one in network marketing.

What I did realise straight away however is that when a network marketing company gets it right (more on that shortly) then you have the most amazing concept for creating a pension-style income in 3-5 years, and for freeing up your time to enjoy your life. It certainly beats working 9-5 for 40 years with no guaranteed pension at the end of it (for most people that is the case these days). And people from any background can build a successful business with the right company and the right attitude.

From my 12 years experience in networking, and working with many people who have been in other mlm companies, these are some of the key points I feel you should be able to tick when considering which company to join. It is so important to do your research because, unless you have excellent intuition, you could spend the next 2-5 years (or more) building your network, only to have the company go bust, leaving you with absolutely nothing, and probably putting you off the industry for life. And yes, I know people this has happened to.

Here are the key points: (in no particular order).

Do they have a proven track record of success? (Again, you need the stability if you still want to get paid 5-10 years down the line.) A new company could be here today, gone in a year.

Do they have consumable products? (Who wants to put all their time and effort into continually finding new customers, which is the case if your company’s products are not consumable. Don’t you want your time freed up to build your network if you want a big business? So consumable products are essential for that to happen.)

The Marketing Plan. When you reach a position in the company’s plan, what do you have to do to maintain that position? Can you slide back down the plan if you don’t maintain volume? (Who wants to get penalised for taking time-out?) What is the top bonus payment percentage? ie are the company rewarding you fairly? (I get up to 68% including the extra incentives)

Is the plan generous to people at all levels, or just those who were in at the beginning? How easy is it to move up the plan quickly?

Is the Company ethical? Do they have a stable Management team? Do your research! Spend some time now getting it right, so you don’t waste your time for years to come on the wrong company. There are a lot of good Network Marketing Companies out there - and some may not be so good...Are the distributors ‘happy?’ Don’t just take your sponsors word for it, talk to others outside your sponsors group who have been with the company a while.

Do they have a good training program in all areas of the country or are you left to ‘get on with it’ once you sign up? (You may be very self-motivated and have previous experience of networking, but what if the people you recruit need training - and what if they live at a long distance?)

I hope you find these tips guide you in the right direction and Good Luck with your networking career.

Keyword research is critical to your website s success

So you have developed your idea for a niche website and you’re raring to go, but before you go ahead and start writing content there is another vital step you should take. It seems so obvious and yet many people make the error of failing to take it. What is this critical next move? Keyword research.

The importance of keyword research

The effective use of keyword research can mean the difference between a website that climbs the search engine listings, has thousands of visitors each day and generates an excellent revenue and a website that goes unnoticed. Using niche keywords can improve your sales and boost your profits. Keywords or keyword phrases are the terms that a searcher types into a search engine to find whatever they’re looking for on the internet. Keyword research is the process of selecting the most appropriate keywords on order to optimize your search engine rankings and help lead visitors to your site.

How to research keywords

You don’t have to be a marketing expert to do your own keyword expert; there are already tools out there to help you. Two good examples are Instant Keyword Research and Keyword Elite. Both are simple tool to use and will save you a lot of time and leg work. The advantages of such a tool are obvious:

You can find more specifically targeted keywords

You can improve your search engine ranking

You can save time

You can increase your profits

You can generate large keyword lists

You can uncover negative keywords to avoid

Keyword analysis

Another advantage of using a keyword research tool is that it will give you an estimate on daily clicks per keyword and pay-per-click bid values. Why is this important? If you want to optimize your profits you need a heads up on the competition. These figures will allow you to analyze how many pages are competing for the top rankings and to focus your keywords.

How to use your keywords

Once you have completed your research and generated a list of targeted keywords you need to know where to place them on your website. Strategic placement will greatly improve your search engine ranking. It’s important not to fall into the trap of overusing them otherwise the search engines may interpret them as spam.

Optimal use of keywords is 3-7 times on each page

The title tag should contain your most important keywords, usually 5-6

Headings tags should contain your most important keywords or keyword phrases

Use keywords in hypertext links

Keyword content should be placed in the upper third portion of the text

Most Internet marketing experts will tell you that keyword research and proper usage means more to your website’s success than almost any other aspect. So take your time, do the research and create your content the right way.

Piggotts provide support for the tsunami

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Piggotts Provide Support for the Tsunami

Piggotts, the Crown Group’s marquee and furniture hire supplier provided two large hospitality marquees for a recent Tsunami Memorial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

This prestigious event was hosted by The Department of Culture, Media and Sport, headed by the Secretary of State M. P. Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, in remembrance of the U. K. victims of the Indian Ocean tragedy last Boxing Day. In attendance was H. M. Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and 1250 survivors and their families together with the families of many victims. The occasion was broadcast live on TV and Radio and aired all around the world.

Once the service had concluded at St Paul’s, the congregation and guests retired to the hospitality marquees for refreshments. Says Bryan Ribbans, Sales Manager of Piggotts,” This was just the job that Piggott’s specialises in. It had all the elements that make marquee build’s ‘interesting. The largest marquee was 20m wide x 40m long and sited (actually ‘shoe-horned’ – it was a tight fit!) into Paternoster Square 100 yards from the Cathedral. The other, 12m wide x 50m long, was positioned right outside the Cathedral entrance.” He continues, “Once again, Piggotts is proud to be selected to carry out such a demanding build demonstrating that the small close-knit team based at Ongar are capable of building first-class structures when the eyes of the world are upon them, and against the clock.”

For more information about the marquee services Piggotts could provide for your event please visit their website at:

Flags and Marquees

Natural remedies

The body is a wondrous machine and is designed to take massive abuse before it fails.

Unfortunately, it doesn't always give clear signs of abuse until it's too late. So many people believe heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity are just part of the natural aging process. However, it’s our lack of exercise and terrible diet, which accelerates our aging and causes us to fall ill before our time.

Despite progress we always have those among us who believe the "old fashioned" ways or products are better. It has to be said that in some instances they are correct. Sadly, with each passing generation, some of this old fashioned wisdom disappears.

Progress is so contemporary and so closely a part of our daily lives that we sometimes fail to recognize that we, ourselves, may fail to keep up with what is happening. Things that we would have considered very modern because we witnessed their creation only a few years ago may already be "old fashioned" to high school students.

In the medical world, treatment that might have been popular for a disease in 1986 may be completely outmoded in 2006. Even medical discoveries of the 1990's may be old fashioned today.

However, over the years, and for generation after generation, a great number of home remedies for many illnesses have managed to stay alive. They have been passed down from elders to youngsters in each country throughout the world. Many of them are strikingly similar although they may have originated on separate continents among completely alien peoples.

This area of medicine is commonly called "folk medicine." Few people will have failed to have come into contact with this term at one time or another. Usually folk medicines are the "old fashioned remedies, the cure that "Grandma used"; the wisdom of the oldster who remembers when "My old friend Betty would have died if they hadn't used that old remedy! Yes

sir, even the doctor had to admit it worked."

Periodically there seems to be a revival in folk medicine. We appear to be now experiencing such a time as more people are becoming concerned, not only about the high cost of medicine, but also the increasing discoveries of side effects. Nature has given us many natural remedies, with little or no side effects.

Basically most folk medicine is closely associated with herbs, food, oils, minerals and components found in any household. Techniques and methodology of folk medicine are especially adaptable to home use.

It is not difficult to understand how many of these medicines and treatments originated and why they were popular. Among pioneers and peoples where doctors were few and far between, or nonexistent, medical aids were the products of experience and necessity. People used what they had at hand. Sometimes what they "had at hand" are still used by our most modern medical experts.

Many people accept herbal medications as safe because they are ‘natural’, but this is not necessarily so. Many plants are poisonous, or may have serious side effects or give allergic reactions when taken by susceptible individuals. One such case is bee pollen. Just as you can be allergic to bee stings without knowing it (if you’ve never been stung) so an allergy to bee pollen may also be present. While many herbal concoctions can be useful,

We suggest finding a Homeopathic Doctor that balances the need for medication with a change in lifestyle and diet as a part of your overall game plan to get back on the road to better health.

To get more information on revolutionary whole food based therapeutic supplements to nutritionally support the body, get our FREE BOOK... "Curing Illness" - Backed By Over 500 Scientific Studies

Who s on first when it comes to business practices

Remember the old “who’s on first, who’s on second” joke? Well when it comes to business it’s certainly no laughing matter. Do you know who’s on first when it comes to your business practices?

These days in our highly competitive technological world you can find yourself slipping to third base in no time at all. And anyone that’s being honest about today’s business world will admit that the only place to be is first base.

So who’s on first and who’s on second in your industry? Implementing a Customer Relationship Management solution will give you the best chance of being on first base in your industry. CRM solutions empower your company and impress your customers.

Most of us know about the pass the buck scenario that happens in workplaces and no matter what management does to deal with this type of mentality it still runs rampant. That means everyone knows what needs to be done and anybody is capable of doing it but nobody is willing to step up to the plate and take responsibility.

Once you implement CRM solutions there is no hiding behind the base for any of the workplace players. Not on will everyone know what needs to be done nobody will be able to avoid stepping up to the plate and taking care of what anybody should have been doing before.

Great so now you’ve got your players in the right places on the field but you’ve also got the crowd cheering your company on for you see customer service in the past 10 years has almost disappeared. And today’s customer is demanding more. They are tired of sitting on hold forever and then talking to a rep that doesn’t know anything about what you are talking about.

Your CRM solutions will track your customer from the beginning on. So now when your customer calls you’ve got information right at your fingertips. You know what they bought, when they bought it and with all that up to date information right at your fingertips you can resolve most any problem and you also have the power to upsell your customer more products.

Your Customer Relationship Management solutions also give you marketing power like you’ve never had before. Suddenly at your fingertips are all the stats you’ll ever need. You know what products are in hot demand, what services sell, you can tell whether extended warranties are popular, what age your customers are, their demographics, and the list goes on and on.

In case you still aren’t getting the big picture CRM is a powerful business tool. That said not all CRM software is created alike but the Microsoft Dynamics CRM solutions are definitely one to have a look at.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM solutions can keep hitting home runs over and over again. Not only is it affordable it is flexible so that as your company grows, morphs, and changes with the market it will continue to meet your needs over and over again.

So who’s going to be on first when it comes to your business?

Home prep needed for great sales

If you are considering putting your home on the market, realize that it will take some preparation to get your home up to show quality. Experience is proving that when a home is staged, it can bring in up to many thousands of dollars more than the asking price. Also, staging helps in all types of markets. When there are a glut of homes for sale in an area, what they call a buyer's market, the home that's staged is more noticable to buyers, and the price for it can't be low-balled the same as a house that doesn't look as good. Alternatively, in what they call a seller's market, when there are few homes for sale and real estate is in high demand, staged homes again stand out, often attracting numerous offers. In this way, the price can get driven up as buyers compete with each other for the home. Either way, the homeowner who took the time to stage comes out the winner.

Home staging can mean different things. Everything from just de-cluttering a home, or a rearrangement of furnature, up to making minor repairs, or even completely emptying the house and renting new furnature, are all considered efforts to stage a home. It appears that the more effort, and money, one puts into staging the home, the more they are repayed for their efforts when the home sells. Not only that, staged homes tend to sell much more quickly than as-is homes.

While many people these days are choosing to hire a professional home stager, and whether or not you can afford that is up to you. Professionals certainly have good ideas, and the experience to know what works and what doesn't. However, there's no reason you can't do the prep work yourself, with a bit of research and applied effort.

There area few key elements to home staging that tend to be universal. First and foremost, getting rid of excess furniture and knick knacks seems to be key. A cluttered house becomes invisable to a viewer, blanketed under the acoutrements of someone elses life. If necessary, rent storage for all your extra stuff. If you have a storage room, empty it, or set it up to look like an office or wieght room, to highlight features you don't use, but someone else might love. Sometimes all that's needed is an objective rearranging of your things to create more space and order.

Another key area is repairs. Don't launch into major renovations, but do fix up really obvious minor flaws, especially around the front door. First impressions are key. Keep in mind that people viewing your home will likely open cupboards and closets. Repair squeeks and sticks so they don't notice a problem. Since doorways have a tendencey to get worn, consider new paint.

If you're planning to sell your home, you might want to do a little research online to help with your staging ideas, or even look into hiring a professional in your area. No doubt you'll be glad you did.

Opening the door on hardware purchasing

Nowadays we sometimes hear people saying that they need to change door hardware. What does that really mean and why should you do this? Door hardware refers to any part (hardware) that can be added, change, modified in order to obtain some benefits. Any door (when purchased) comes with a special set of door hardware. It should be used to mount the door and is not necessarily esthetic. Because of this more and more people are turning towards different parts to modify or add to their door.

Most people will decorate and use door hardware for the main door of the house. Why do that? There are two big answers to the question. The first one refers to security. You might want to add door hardware in order to make your lock better and your door harder to break. The second one is purely aimed towards design. Some small door hardware parts can do wonders and can create a special appearance. It is not uncommon to add to the door. What is different is taking from it. Some people like the door to look as old as possible. This means that either the individual does not care or he/she just likes simple doors, without add-ons.

If you want to modify a door using door hardware there are some steps that need to be taken. First of all you will have to see what type of door you have. This is because not all models are the same. For instance, sliding door hardware is 100% different than pocket door hardware. Start measuring the door! You will need to write down how tall the door is and what type it is (normal, sliding etc.), the measurement of the knob and how wide it is. Armed with these details you will be able to purchase the perfect door hardware.

Some accessories might, at any time, turn into really good offers. What needs to be understood from the previous statement is that sales are always available. Be on the look out and spot your favorite door hardware. When it goes on sale you can purchase it and you will have saved money. Door hardware is very common and the ease of installation makes it possible for some people to do the jobs of professionals. On the other hand, if you do not know what you are doing, you might just end up breaking the door instead of making it more appealing or simply better.

Door hardware is very common. It is currently sold on thousands of web sites and specialized stores across the USA and Europe. Purchasing something to make your house entrance look better is always a good investment (unless the price was not right or quality has flaws). Stay informed and be on the look out for the best and most beautiful parts out there. Do not say “Great, they have it, I’ll take it tomorrow”. Tomorrow you might need to do something else so this is a total waste of time and money.

How is your anxiety today

Anxiety Disorders Defined

There are several subgroups of Anxiety Disorders, with different causes and treatement. Anxiety disorders are a serious social and financial concern to American business, since they cost the country more than $42 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

More than $22.84 billion is spent on healthcare services, as those with anxiety disorders seek relief for emotional distress and physical symptoms. Sufferers are 300 to 500 percent more likely to go to the doctor and 600 percent more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than non-sufferers. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illness and affect both children and adults. They develop from an interaction of numerous risk factors, including personality, genetics, brain chemistry, and life stress. Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from them receive treatment.

The main feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive, unrealistic and uncontrollable worry about everyday events. This constant worry affects daily functioning and brings physical symptoms. GAD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or substance abuse. It can be misdiagnosed because it lacks some of the dramatic symptoms, such as unprovoked attacks of panic, that are seen with other anxiety disorders. For a diagnosis to be made, uncontrollable worrying occur more days than not for at least 6 months.

The focus of GAD is fluid, shifting unpredictably from job issues, finances, health of both self and family, and smaller issues such as chores, car repairs and being late for appointments. The intensity, duration and frequency of the worry are disproportionate to the issue and interferes with the sufferer's daily life. Physical symptoms can include muscle tension, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and/or nausea, cold and clammy palms, the feeling of having a "lump in the throat" and difficulty swallowing. Sufferers are irritable and complain about feeling on edge, tire easily tired and have trouble sleeping.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears; typical obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently. The obsessions may cause the individual to perform a rituals or routines to relieve the anxiety, such as excessive handwashing, checking appliances, repeating phrases or hoarding.

People with Panic Disorder suffer severe acute attacks of panic for no apparant reason, which may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack or cause them to feel they are losing their minds. Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, feeling of choking, fear of dying, fear of losing control, and feelings of unreality. Panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, in which people are afraid of having a panic attack in a public place, so they become afraid to leave the safety of their controlled home environment. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can follow a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, the unexpected death of a loved one, or natural disaster. There are three main symptoms associated with PTSD: "reliving" of the traumatic event (such as flashbacks and nightmares); avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places and other reminders related to the trauma) and emotional numbing (detachment from others); and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability or poor concentration.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by severe anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might bring ridicule or embarrassment. This intense anxiety may lead to extreme shyness and avoidance of social situations. Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include faintness, heart palpitations, blushing and profuse sweating.

Anxiety disorders also include Specific Phobias, an intense and unreasonable fear of specific objects or situations, such as spiders, dogs, or heights. The disproportionate level of fear is recognized by the sufferer as being irrational. It can lead to the avoidance of common, everyday situations. Patients often have more than one anxiety disorder, and sometimes other illness as well such as depression or substance abuse.

Treatment of anxiety disorders includes support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management and relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy. Drugs therapy used to treat anxiety disorders includes benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and beta-blockers. Often a combination of the two therapies is more useful than one exclusively. Up to 90 percent of patients will show improvement of their symptom from medical treatment.

The ultimate secrets to a flat stomach and six pack abs

With this article, I want to show you why you might be struggling to lose that stubborn stomach fat that is covering up your abs. These are the main reasons most people just can not seem to get those six pack abs that everyone desires. If you haven't already seen me around online somewhere, I'm the creator of one of the most popular abdominals and fat loss programs on the internet.

So in this article I want to highlight for you the main points and strategies that I use to make this program one of the most effective programs in existance for fully developing your abdominals as well as getting rid of that stubborn stomach fat that is covering them up.

Pay attention, because once you get this stuff right and start using these techniques regularly, you'll be showing off your ripped abs in no time flat, whether it's at the beach, at the pool, in the bedroom, wherever... Just think how great it's going to feel when people are complimenting you on your washboard stomach!

Alright, here's what make's The Truth about Six Pack Abs different:

1. The main focus of this program is NOT abs exercises... And, better yet, this program consistently get's BETTER results by NOT focusing on abs exercises!

I know that sounds counterintuitive, but the fact of the matter is that abs exercises are ok, and you do need to do a certain amount of them to develop the abdominals as best as possible. But to be honest, most people that are trying to get better looking abdominals waste WAY too much time training the abs directly. What you really need to focus on is burning off the extra fat that is covering them up.

Let's get this straight right now... Abs exercises do NOT burn fat away from your abs! This can only be accomplished through a much more effective full body training routine that maximizes both your metabolic response and your hormonal response to your workouts. This is the main focus of my Truth about Six Pack Abs Program.

Now don't get me wrong. It wouldn't be an abs program if I didn't show you the most effective exercises for developing your abdominals. I also give you detailed instructions and photos on how to do them right. But like I said, the main focus of this program is the secret method that I use to compile the full body training routines and maximize your fat burning effect.

This is the main reason that this program will be MUCH more effective for you than any other abs programs you've ever tried before. You've got my word on that.

2. This program uses none of your typical boring monotonous cardio routines.

In fact, you don't have to do any typical cardio if you don't want to! I actually recommend against it.

Seriously, almost every program out there tells you that you MUST do endless cardio exercise regularly to lose the body fat that is covering your abs. Most of them tell you to do 30-60 minutes of cardio exercise 3-4 days/week in addition to your strength training routines.

The truth is that this is not only unnecessary, but it can actually be counterproductive if you're really trying to get as lean as possible, as quick as possible. I go into this in much more detail in the book, but basically this all comes back to the aspects of your metabolic rate, how much lean muscle you have, the hormonal response in your body from the exercise, and the residual calorie burn in the hours and days following your workouts. And normal boring cardio routines are ALL WRONG when it comes to maximizing these effects!

Now you're probably thinking that since I'm against typical boring cardio routines, then that must simply mean I'm a proponent of interval training. Yes, as a matter of fact, I believe interval training is MUCH better than typical cardio.

However, I also use a special exercise combination and sequencing in my Truth about Six Pack Abs Program that gets even more powerful fat loss and muscle defining results than interval training. And that's saying something, because interval training kicks butt! You'll find out how this system works inside the program.

Want proof that you don't need typical long-duration steady-pace cardio?

Well, first of all, I actually took a course recently that was devoted to scientific research into why steady-pace cardio exercise is actually not that effective at strengthening the heart. The focus of the research basically boiled down to the fact that the heart needs to be trained in a wide variety of ranges to actually be truly strengthened and ready for all the various stresses that life throws at it. Not only that, but steady-pace cardio was also proven in the research studies to be far less effective in the long term at reducing body fat stores.

To give you a real life example... Personally, I haven't done what most people would label "cardio" in probably well over 5 years, and I'm actually leaner now and have a lower bodyfat % now than years ago when I did cardio regularly. Not only that, but my heart is in the best condition ever, as I now consistently have the resting heart rate of an elite athlete at about 50 bpm (remember that lower is better). My resting heart rate used to be in the mid to upper 60's years ago when I used to do typical cardio and strength training routines like most people do.

This improvement in both body fat % and reduced resting heart rate is the direct result of the unique training methods I used in developing the programs in The Truth about Six Pack Abs.

3. This program does NOT revolve around having to use supplements or "fat-loss" pills.

Trust me when I say that for the most part, about 95% of supplements are a complete waste of your hard earned money. I've been approached by supplement companies in the past looking for me to promote their products for them, and offering me a lot of money to do so. Well, you know what I do? I tell them to shove it! Seriously, I won't promote something to my readers that I don't honestly believe in.

The fact is, I've learned over the years through my own experience, as well as hundreds of my clients and friends experiences with supplements, that they are really just selling you the dream that their pill or powder will be some "magical" solution to your struggle with getting that lean ripped body that you've been wanting for years. In reality, most supplements do nothing at all to help you improve your body.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not totally bashing supplement companies, but like I said, about 95% of the products they promote are worthless, and won't create any noticeable changes in your body. I will admit that there can be a place for meal replacements for people that can't find the time to prepare or pack all of their real food meals. I also admit that I do think a high quality, fast digesting protein like whey protein can be useful to mix into your post-workout smoothies.

But the fact is that real food is always better for you than processed supplements (as long as you pick the right "real foods"). Anybody that tells you otherwise has either been brainwashed by all of the propaganda and super-hyped up ads that the supplement companies have spread throughout every magazine on the planet, or they have financial ties to selling supplements in some way themselves.

I have dedicated myself to not being lured into the lucrative world of selling supplements. Even though I could make a lot more money selling supplements than by selling my abs program, it's just plain against my morals to rip people off like that.

Frankly, it amazes me that most people are more willing to spend $30, $40, even $50 or more on a bottle of pills or powder than to spend $30 on a comprehensive training and nutrition guide like this Truth about Six Pack Abs program, which will set them up for life on training programs and dietary secrets that will keep them lean and ripped for life. The only thing that bottle of pills or powder is going to do is give you expensive urine! You make the choice.

4. This program does not revolve around using any fancy "ab machines" or "ab gadgets".

In case you were suckered into buying any of these worthless ab belts, loungers, rockers, or any other worthless ab gadget or machine, I have bad news... You were ripped off!

The truth is that most of these machines and gadgets are not the best way to develop the abdominal muscles. Sure, some of them may help a tiny bit with strengthening the abdominals, but they are far less effective than some of the best floor, hanging, and standing abs exercises.

Also, more importantly, virtually all of these abs machines, belts, and gadgets do absolutely NOTHING to burn fat off of the abdominal area!

Again, losing the fat that's covering up your abs can only be accomplished with a smart nutritional program, and a well designed progressional training program that increases your metabolism and stimulates your fat-burning hormones in your body. Achieving this is simple once you understand the secrets I reveal in the Truth about Six Pack Abs program.

5. This program does not include some sort of fad diet or gimmicky diet trend.

None of that here. I promise you won't be given any more crap about needing to eat "low-carb" or "low-fat", or low or high anything, for that matter. The nutritional secrets I reveal in this program go against all of the authors and companies out there that are trying to lure you in with another one of their gimmicks.

The fact is that they need to come up with some sort of different "angle", so that their diet program appears unique and gives the media something to talk about. That's why there's always some gimmick, like low-fat, or low-carb, or high protein, or the "colors diet", the "low glycemic index diet", the fasting diet, the cabbage diet, and so on.

Instead, I wanted to give you the TRUTH about what it really takes to eat a nutritious diet that not only will have you burning off that stubborn belly fat, but will also have you feeling full of energy every single day. If you don't already feel energetic and alive every single day, then you are missing out, because it is an awesome feeling!

The great thing is that once you start eating balanced and healthy all the time, you virtually eliminate cravings altogether. Personally, I used to crave sweets constantly before I adopted the nutritious diet that I currently eat. Now, I can honestly say I can't remember the last craving I had. It had to be more than 5 years ago... no joke!

Not only that, but I actually enjoy everything I eat way more than I used to years ago when I ate a lot of junk. Does that mean that I never eat burgers, or pizza, or beer? Of course not... We all have a social life. In fact, there are actually very healthy ways and variations to preparing healthier burgers and healthier pizza that I occasionally use.

I hope this article has given you some insight as to where you may be going wrong with your exercise and nutrition plans in striving for those elusive abs. See below for more info on losing stubborn stomach fat and developing ripped six pack abs.

Jamaica celebrity combo

Just mention the word Jamaica and the mind is filled with images of beach party, reggae and rum. The most populous English speaking island simply exudes with relaxed and laidback life on the beach. It is home to a lot of celebrities while still more rich and famous flock to the party island day in and day out.

The island nation is called Xaymaca by its native inhabitants, which in Arawakan means either “Land of Springs” or “Land of Wood and Water”. A compelling tourist attraction by itself, Jamaica actually owes its enormous and vibrant tourism industry to two persons namely, Bob Marley and Errol Flynn.

Bob Marley

Internationally revered as the King of Reggae music, Bob Marley is a homegrown talent that brought Jamaica to the world’s center stage. His phenomenal influence in the world’s music landscape is best demonstrated by the number of countries that have their own annual Bob Marley Day celebrations, which includes Germany, Belgium, Finland, Italy and Denmark to name a few. But of course, every fervent fan would always argue that the commemoration of the life and achievements of the person that introduced reggae to the world would never be as meaningful and significant as the one being celebrated in Bob Marley’s own homeland Jamaica. Each year, the country honors Bob Marley through a weeklong music festival dubbed as the Reggae Sunsplash Festival held every February, his birthday month. A music lover’s Jamaican escapade is never complete without a pilgrimage to various pit stops dedicated to the Reggae King, namely, Bob Marley Museum and Bob Marley Mausoleum to name a few.

Errol Flynn

If Bob Marley brought Jamaica to the world, Errol Flynn brought the world to Jamaica. The latter discovered and fell in love with the pristine beauty of the island when his yacht ran aground along the foreshores of San Antonio sometime in the 1940s. From yachting, he started one of the island’s greatest attractions today which is river rafting. The Hollywood superstar came to Jamaica and never left. He bought a hotel and later a vast estate in Navy Island where he kept himself busy in his 3,000 acres of ranch and coconut plantation, one of the biggest in the island. Ever since he settled in his Caribbean hideaway, Errol Flynn was never out of guests to entertain, most of whom were Hollywood celebrities that marked the start of tourist exodus to the islands.

A dictionary of horse racing terms - g

GELDING

After being castrated a male or colt horse is said to have been “gelded”. There are a variety of reasons behind this seemingly rather harsh practice.

By taking a horses mind off sex it becomes more amenable, and calm. A horse becomes less temperamental due to the shift in hormonal balance, which occurs with all neutered animals, including humans.

After gelding, horses are generally regarded as being easier to train and concentrate more readily on their racing.

Even more practical for National Hunt, gelding can prevent the extreme discomfort experienced by “entire” horses when jumping over hard fences, historically made from birch.

Irish horses intended for chasing are gelded automatically at an early age.

Most chasers are in fact geldings.

For a long time, many big flat races were not open to geldings, but this has now changed with most of the classics now being opened up to them.

One obvious financial argument against gelding is that after winning a major, a colt is instantly worth millions to big stables or stud syndicates.

Whereas “The Arkle” who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1964, 65, and 66, was valued at the same price the day after the races as he was the day before.

National Hunt racing would not work without geldings, who are much admired by racegoers, regardless of stud decisions made by prejudiced breeders.

GOING

Advance forecasts in newspapers and the formbook advertise the state of the ground for a race meeting.

• Hard

• Firm

• Good to Firm

• Good to Soft

• Soft

• Heavy

“Soft with heavy patches” in the formbook indicates muddy patches.

Sometimes differences are noted on different parts of the course I. e. Going: Round course, soft. Straight course, good to soft.

The outcome of a race is significantly dependent on the state of the going. It is arguably THE most important factor in determining a race day favourite.

Comments including “likes some cut on the ground” or “likes some give underfoot” should be carefully noted.

Other horses prefer to race when the mud is flying and the formbook will note such horses as being a “confirmed mudlark”.

Still other horses don’t like soft conditions at all and need good going, the formbook will state “needs the top of the ground”, while some prefer really firm going eliciting descriptive comments such as “likes to hear his hooves rattle”.

Assessing the state of the going falls to the Clerks of the Course, who are open to severe criticism when their assessment is questionable.

Recent advances in science have allowed the art of poking the ground with a stick to become far more scientific with the introduction of a dubiously titled device known as the “penetrometer”.

One should always examine the weather forecast for a meeting as an essential adjunct to basic form study, and one should know a horse’s preference for a particular type of going.

For example at the time a newspaper or formbook is printed the going for any given race may indeed be good, but by the time of the race, heavy rainfall may have changed it to soft or heavy.

In many cases where the going has changed dramatically at the last minute, then a horse with a differing preference to the current going may be withdrawn.

However, it may be seen that vice versa, a late change of going can transform certain losers into possible winners.

The “going” is therefore uniformly accepted as essential by trainers, and their running intentions for their horses.

Timeform, the Racing Post, and the newspapers publish plenty of good information about the going. Comments such as “we will only run if we get that”, or “he will only run if its soft” and “he’s only good on good ground” are all well worth noting.

Finally it’s important to note that some courses hold rainwater better or worse than others.

For example at Newmarket the ground rarely reaches worse than soft. Good ground or good to soft are almost always the state of the going irrespective of rainfall on the Rowley mile in spring through to autumn.

GOOD WALKER

If you have access to the pre-race paddock inspection you should try to note whether the back or “hind” hoof coincides or overlaps with the point where the front hoof has been.

This feature is a sign that a horse will gallop well, and the horse is referred to as a “Good walker”

GREYS

A remarkable front running Grey, Desert Orchid, was an outstanding public hero between 1983 and 1991, dominating the jumps arena with 34 wins from 70 starts.

Greys account for only 3% of the entire horse racing population, but this ratio gives no indication of their overall popularity, particularly in the National Hunt theatre.

Foaled in 1704 and brought to England via Constantinople by Sir Robert Sutton, all thoroughbred “grey” horses can be traced back to the original “Alcock Arabian”.