Monday, June 16, 2008

How Well Do You Know Your Partner?

By Tim Connor In many relationships two complete strangers share the same bed. They know little about their significant other. There is dialog that is often superficial, self-centered, critical and judgmental. Few couples really know each other. What are some of the things you do or dont know about your partner? -Their fears. -Their hopes. -Their dreams. -Their fantasies. -Their frustrations. -Their secret longings. -Their needs. -Their true feelings. -Their wants. Why not spend some time tonight sharing some of these with your partner. If you cant be honest then I will bet their may be trouble in paradise. True honesty without the fear of criticism or judgment is what I refer to as a safe relationship. Many people in relationships are more honest with friends and even strangers than the people they will spend a lifetime with. Who do you confide in? Who really knows you? Many of us build walls around ourselves (I too am guilty of this more often than I care to admit) to protect ourselves form the pain that others might inflict on us. It is safer to keep stuff to ourselves than risk rejection, invalidation, criticism or ridicule. If your partner knew that you were more honest with someone else than with them how do you think they would react? How would you react? Gradually each of us attempts to peal away the layers that protect us from a critical and often cynical world. If we are successful we will emerge real but vulnerable. If we are not, our hidden beauty will remain a mystery to those souls that cross our path. Some of us need more help, love and patience than others, as we tentatively bare ourselves to those around us. Some of us however never really try. We are too afraid to be exposed. Two of my favorite books are by John Powell, Will The Real me Please Stand up and Fully Human, Fully Alive. Find them and devour them. I guarantee you wont be disappointed. Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. Since 1981 he has given over 3500 presentations in 21 countries on a variety of sales, management, leadership and relationship topics. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; Soft Sell, Thats Life, Peace Of Mind, 91 Challenges Managers Face Today and Your First Year In Sales. He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Connor http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Well-Do-You-Know-Your-Partner?&id=358272 wachovia unsecured loans unsecured loans with poor credit payday loan legal n short term loans debt consaladation
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

This Is How You Grow Sprouts

By Travis Waack Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. Sprouts can grow from the seeds of vegetables, from grains such as buckwheat, and from beans. While Mung beans are perhaps the most common source of sprouts, you can also obtain good results from lentils, soybeans and chickpeas just to name a few. Sprouts can be grown almost anywhere and the best part is you only need a few basic supplies to get started. By following a few simple steps, you can receive a continual supply of nutritious sprouts. While there are several commercial products available to cultivate sprouts, here are three of the easiest methods to help you get started. – Growing Sprouts in Flower Pots – 1. Start with a clean clay or plastic flower pot. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. Then place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin in the bottom of the pot over the hole so that the seeds/beans cannot fall out. 2. Next, soak the seeds or beans overnight and then put them in the pot. Remove any that are broken or damaged. Cover the plant pot with a dish. 3. Once a day, hold the pot under running water for a few minutes. This is to soak the seeds/beans thoroughly. 4. Once the sprouts begin to show, remove the dish and cover the pot with a piece of clear plastic wrap to let in the light. Place the sprouting pot near a window that allows daylight but is not in direct sunlight. – Growing the Sprouts in Trays – 1. Soak the seeds or beans overnight. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. 2. Select a low, flat dish (like a pie plate) or tray. You can purchase growing trays wherever planting supplies are sold. 3. Next, spread out a 2-inch layer of soil and then sprinkle the soaked seeds or beans on top of the soil. 4. Cover the seeds/beans with four layers of damp newspaper. 5. Cover the top of the tray with clear plastic wrap. 6. When the sprouts start to lift the plastic cover, (usually about three days) remove the newspaper. 7. Place the tray in a window so that the light can turn the sprouts green. You will need a space to place the sprouting tray that receives daylight but is not in direct sunlight. 8. Because the thin layer of soil dries out quickly, water twice each day. 9. After about 8-10 days, you will have sprouts tall enough to harvest. – Growing Sprouts in a Jar – 1. Soak the seeds, grains, or beans in lukewarm water overnight in a wide-mouth glass jar. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. (Sprouting increases the seed volume. 4- tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart size container.) 2. In the morning, pour off the water in the jar and rinse the seeds/beans thoroughly. 3. Place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over the mouth of the jar. Use a rubber band to hold the material securely in place. This makes rinsing easier. 4. To keep the sprouts constantly damp, repeat the rinsing 2-3 times a day. Remember to drain any excess water because the sprouts should not stand in water. 5. Keep the jar away from the light for the first few days. 6. When the seeds/beans begin to sprout, (usually about the forth day) move the jar into the light to activate the chlorophyll and turn the sprouts green. – Harvesting and Storing the Sprouts – Newly germinated grain, seed, and sprouts, increase in food value in the very first period of growth. Grains should be harvested and eaten from when they are six days old until they are 4-5 inches tall. To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut what you need. Sprouts from beans, peas, etc., are ready earlier and can be eaten when they are 3-6 days old, depending on the type of sprout. For spouts grown in no soil or in seed trays, you can harvest the green “grass” when it starts to grow. Sprouts, from grain sown in jars, are ready sooner and are edible even before they turn green. Seeds sown in soil take a little longer. If necessary, wash the sprouts thoroughly to remove the seed coat. Sprouts need to be stored in the refrigerator once they are ready to eat. Put the sprouts in tight sealing bags, and they will remain flavorful and crisp for one to two weeks. Rinsing the sprouts daily under cold water can extend their life. Sprouts may be frozen by blanching them over steam for three minutes and then cooling them in ice water. Drain them and pack into freezer containers. – Some of the Kinds of Seeds/Beans You Can Sprout – The following list gives some of the popularly sprouted seeds/beans. It is not all inclusive as you can sprout almost any kind of seed. Remember that seeds soak up 2-3 times their dry volume in water and sprouts need at least six times the volume occupied by the seeds. So be sure that your container is large enough, and start with a minimal amount of seed in a container like a jar, until you determine the correct quantity that will grow to the sprout size you like, without being difficult to remove. Your local garden shop or health food store will carry a line of seeds for sprouting. When purchasing seeds for sprouting, be certain that the seeds are intended for food and not for planting. This precaution is necessary because some seeds meant for planting have been treated with fungicides or insecticides to protect the young seedlings when planted in a field or garden. Alfalfa – should be soaked for 6-12 hours. The seeds can be planted in the pots or jars and also in the flats with soil. 1-part seed gives 10-parts sprouts in approximately 5-6 days. Sprouts can be eaten after 3 days. When the root is 1-2 inches long, it will begin to develop tiny green leaves. At this stage, it needs to be eaten immediately so the plant will not switch to photosynthesis that exhausts the stored food in the seed. Peas – when soaked in a glass jar, will grow sprouts in about 3 days. When the roots are 2-inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part peas gives 2-parts sprouts. Lentils – can be grown in either a glass jar or a plant pot and need to be soaked for 12-hours. The sprouts are ready in 3-4 days. Lentil sprouts are ready to be eaten when the root is 1-inch long. 1-part lentils gives 6-parts sprouts. Barley, Oats, and Rye – should be soaked for 12-hours and then can either be grown as “grass” to harvest, or sprouts ready to eat after 3-4 days. The ideal length for eating is about 1/2-inch. 1-part seed gives 2-parts sprouts. Soybeans – can be grown in a glass jar or a pot. They need to be soaked for 12-hours and sprouts are usually ready after 3-5 days. They are ready to eat when the root is 2-inches long. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts. Mung Beans – after soaking for 12-hours, these beans can be grown by any method. Mung beans are the most commonly grown sprouts and are usually ready to eat after 3-5 days. When the bright, white root grows from 1-2 inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts. By growing your own sprouts, you will save yourself money because it is less expensive to buy sprout seeds and grow and harvest the sprouts yourself, than it is to buy the sprouts from a market. Sprouting at home takes only a few minutes a day, and can produce a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and the freshness is wonderful. Travis Waack is an author and webmaster. You may view a collection of alternative health resources at http://alternative-health-info.com/nutrition.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Waack http://EzineArticles.com/?This-Is-How-You-Grow-Sprouts&id=128465 five star payday christmas instant no fax payday loan instant approval cash advance wilmington uk personal car loan
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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Water Therapy- A Source To Good Health

By Kevin Pederson Do you ever forget to breathe? Because, if we did, we might be six feet under. So how come we forget to drink water? There are many people who do forget to drink water, amazing? Just like how oxygen is vital for surviving, simply put, water plays an enormous part in our lives. There must have been many times during the day when we feel tired, low, exhausted or need that burst of energy in our body, and we reach out for food to satisfy our cravings, wherein we might actually be needing water to quench our thirst and get our energy levels up. Health benefits of drinking water: Your daily intake Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. The more water we drink, the healthier we become. Water increases the quality and the length of our lives. By developing good hydration habits, we, i.e. our body functions well. As we age, we become less sensitive to loss of water in our body, which leads to body wrinkles. Drinking plenty of water is good idea to keep body lines, wrinkles, dehydration, etc at bay. Studies say that we should aim for oz of water per pound of body weight. We lose water through sweat, urine or bowel movements. It is preferable to sip water throughout the day rather than to gulp it because it will give your body more time to absorb it. Drinking at least 8 – 10 glasses of water a day is beneficial to us – for our skin, for our weight, for general good health. 1. It improves your energy, tones muscles you mental and physical performance and helps in weight loss. 2. It flushes out wastes, toxins, transports nutrients and regulates body temperature and allows for proper digestion. 3. Keeps skin healthy and glowing, as the skin feels moist with increase in energy levels. 4. It also alleviates migraine headaches, high blood cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis pain, asthma allergies, and high blood pressure. By hydrating your body you can minimize your back pain. 5. Increased water consumption often helps to regulate our appetite because we often mistake our thirst for hunger and eat food when in fact our body is craving for fluid. No alternatives for water There is no substitute for this wonderful drink. Most people think that by consuming other liquids, they have had their share of water. But it is not so, sodas, beverages; coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, etc. cannot be substitutes for water in any way. If you consume too much of beverages, coffee, etc. you rob your body of important vitamins, minerals, stimulate your pancreas, increase insulin level and takes the body out of its natural fat burning state. Water and Weight If you’re trying to lose weight, water intake is important, as its good for digestion and prevents overeating. If you are not getting plenty of water, you will eat more to satisfy your body’s craving for water. Water mobilizes and reduces the amount of fat deposit. A natural appetite suppressant, developing a good water drinking habit can be a long-term aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Need for Water Factors that influence water needs are exercises, environment, illness or health conditions and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Water is especially important for pregnant women and nursing mothers. For athletes and workout fanatics, drinking water reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. In addition, since water reduces body temperature, it makes the whole exercise process safer and more effective. Water is also an important “healing tool” for people with a history of kidney stones. Drinking water is also valuable in preventing urinary tract infections in both men and for women, flushing impurities out of the system. Drinking large amount of water eases the digestion process of solid foods. Adequate intake of water gives muscles a better contraction and tone. Prevents skin sagging, and finally maintains clear, healthy skin. Water intake An easy way is to start the day with the intake of a fresh cup or two of water. These first glasses are so critical because you are reversing any mild dehydration that may have occurred overnight, especially if you cut off your water consumption a couple of hours before bedtime in order to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom. If you are in the habit of showering and dressing before you go to the kitchen in the morning, you could leave a bottle of water to drink while getting ready. It is best to drink water on an empty stomach in order to avoid unnecessary dilution of digestive juices, have a glass or two of water, a half hour before and after meals. Try to get into the habit of bringing a water bottle with you when you go out, whether to shop, walk or to an activity. When it is something as simple and inexpensive as drinking water, make the most of it dont wait till you are thirsty. Drink water constantly throughout the day. Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and benefits to some of the most common things in our life like water and its benefits. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Pederson http://EzineArticles.com/?Water-Therapy–A-Source-To-Good-Health&id=113000 hard money home loans san antonio bad credit new car loan sallie mae personal loans i need a personal loan for debt
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Medical Schools Offer Various Career Paths

By Michael Bustamante Medical schools prepare students for careers in all fields of medicine: nurses, doctors, therapists, technicians, and administrators. The various accredited medical schools offer curriculums that can vary a great deal, which allows students to choose schools that are more likely to meet personal goals and expectations. Medical schools offer many options for medical degrees. Students can choose to study public health, primary care doctoring, nursing, psychiatry, biochemistry, physical therapy, research, academics, biomedical engineering, and much more. Before enrolling in a particular college, you should consider the type of medical school and medical program that will complement your style of learning and your long-term objectives and personal interests. Courses to be anticipated in early years of health care education will be anatomy, physiology, biology, pathology, pharmacology, and other basic sciences. Second year studies will be altered to include your chosen specialization. Courses could include theory of practice and clinical experience in hospital or clinical settings. The third year in internal medicine will include anatomical study in dissecting laboratories, learning detailed anatomy and functions of organs and tissue. Students may move into clinical work and begin residency programs, making clinical and surgical rounds. Schools associated with children’s hospitals, cardiovascular hospitals, or oncology treatment centers will be most advantageous choices for the student who is interested in preparing for the teaching profession. Exposure to state-of-the-art academics in these institutions and their experimental approach to medicine and treatment will prepare you for an innovative and progressive career outlook. Whatever your interest in medical school education, you should have a good concept of your goals and capacity for study and application. There are a lot of choices to be made, beginning with early preparation in volunteer experience, work experience, and education, but extensive research and careful decisions can set you on the right career path. If you would like to learn more about Medical Schools and Online Medical Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website. DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com. Copyright 2006 – All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active. Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Schools-Offer-Various-Career-Paths&id=378445 keywords payday loans capital one cash advance limit payday loans houston tx no credit check car dealers in idaho
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Meditation for Weight Loss

By Kelly Howell Meditation is a process, a journey, rather than a goal or a destination. It basically consists of paying attention to your breathing and letting go of distracting thoughts. It sounds simple but sometimes it takes years and years of practice to accomplish this quieting of the mind. The process does have many benefits. It allows your mind to become calm and your mind and body to become deeply relaxed, resulting in a reduction of stress, a clearer mind, increased concentration, sharper focus and enhanced memory. “So, how can this help me lose weight?” You ask. For starters, it reduces stress and, therefore, reduces cortisol, a chemical byproduct of stress that tends to help the body produce blood sugar from proteins and use the excess glucose for fat production. Cortisol is also believed to increase the desire for and consumption of high-fat foods which you will want to avoid. Meditation also allows you to reach a level of relaxation that allows your subconscious mind to retain and act upon suggestions about staying in control of food and eating, to increase metabolism, to love exercise and to shed those excess pounds. And meditation sets up a mindset of relaxation and a feeling of well-being for the day which makes it easier to stay on the program you have chosen to help you create that slender, healthy body you desire. How do you start meditating? Ten meditation techniques are listed below to help you get started. Meditation Technique #1 Be Consistent Choose one time of day that you can easily work into your schedule. The benefit of meditating at the same time each day is that your biorhythms will naturally adjust to it as a habit, like waking, eating and falling asleep. Your nervous system will grow accustomed to meditating at a particular time allowing you to enter deep meditative states more easily. Make sure your phone is turned off. If you have children, set aside a time when they’re at school or asleep. Meditation Technique #2 Create Your Space Create a boundary between you and the outside world even if you’re only meditating for ten minutes. Meditation Technique #3 Where to Meditate? Reserve a special place in your home to meditate. It can be as simple as setting aside a comfortable chair or pillow, or an entire room if you have the space. Place a candle, flowers, or any special items that have spiritual meaning for you on a table as an altar. Creating a place that is reserved for meditation helps because Spiritual Energies gather in the place where you meditate; making it easier each time you sit in the same spot. Like going to a temple, church, or place of worship, with regular practice all you will need to do is sit in that place to feel settled, calm, and relaxed. It can take many months of meditation to attain theta levels consistently during your meditation practice. Sacred Ground helps you to achieve those levels sooner, so that you can begin to experience the life-changing benefits. Whether you’re a new meditator, or are experienced, let Sacred Ground take you to your inner world. Meditation Technique #4 Create a Reverent Atmosphere Invent your own soothing ritual before you meditate. Maybe it’s at night after a bath, or at dawn before the rest of the world is awake. Light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and dedicate your meditation to the unfoldment of your highest potential. Say a prayer, chant or burn some incense if you wish. A tranquil and reverent atmosphere helps to induce a meditative state. Some people find Meditation Music helpful. Meditation Technique #5 Position Yourself for Meditation Sit with your spine straight. Use pillows behind your back for support if needed. It’s important to have your spine straight so energy can travel freely up and down your spine. You may sit cross-legged or on a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor. You can also lie down, placing a pillow under your knees. If you tend to fall asleep when meditating, it’s best to sit up so you can stay awake. Tip: Theta is the frequency of meditation. Because theta is right on the edge of delta, associated with sleep, it’s common for beginning meditators to drift into a nap instead of meditation. If you fall asleep easily when meditating try using Brain Power. It harmonically layers theta waves with very high beta frequencies to keep you awake and alert. Meditation Technique #6 How Long Should I Meditate? How long you meditate each day depends on you. A good beginning is 10 to 15 minutes per day. You might find that you naturally expand your meditation time by adding five minutes here and there. Another way to expand the time you meditate is to set a goal of adding five minutes each week until you adopt a natural rhythm of twenty to thirty minutes. One of the pitfalls of beginning meditators is to be too ambitious. Trust your intuition and start off with an amount of time that feels comfortable for you. Advanced meditators usually spend an hour per day in meditation. If you can gradually work up to forty or sixty minutes the better your progress will be. Consistency brings remarkable long-term benefits. The key is to do it every day. The effects of meditation are cumulative. Richard Davidson, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin says, “Modern neuroscience is showing that our minds are as plastic as our bodies. Meditation can help you train your mind in the same way exercise can train your body.” Therefore, each and every minute you meditate you’re enhancing the biochemistry of your brain, building muscles that increase your mental, emotional and spiritual potential. Meditation Technique #6 Sit, Breathe and Relax When you meditate, take long slow deep breaths. Send the breath deep into your abdomen and then breathe out. Each time you breathe in imagine cleansing energy infusing your body. When you breathe out, ask your body to let go of tension and stress. Tip: To quiet a busy mind count each exhalation, starting with one going up until ten, then begin the cycle all over again. If you forget where you are, go back to one and begin again. Do this for ten minutes to slow down mental activity. In the beginning many thoughts will come and go. When you notice you are thinking, bring your attention back to your breath. Linger on the peaceful space that lies between your thoughts. In time the space will expand. Meditation Technique #7 Relax with a Body Scan A body scan calms your nervous system, releases tension and helps you feel embodied – sometimes we spend so much time in our heads that we forget we have a body. Practicing this exercise for five or ten minutes is a meditation in itself. It’s also a wonderful way to settle down before you meditate. To begin, direct your consciousness to explore your left foot. Feel the physical sensations inside and around your foot. Then move your consciousness up your left leg, to your knee, thigh and into your left hip. Imagine traveling through the arteries, tissues and bones. You might come across energy blocks or areas of numbness. You might feel tingling vibrations, as the cells come alive from your conscious attention. Observe the sensations. Experiment with how you can tell muscles to relax and let go simply by directing your will. Do the same with the right foot and leg up into your right hip. Direct your awareness to the root chakra area – abdomen and buttocks. Next explore your stomach, heart and chest, traveling up to your throat. Then move down to your left hand, feel the sensations in each of your fingers, and travel up your arm to your left shoulder. Repeat with the right side. Explore your neck and throat; notice how you can relax and expand your throat. Travel into your brain, let your face and jaw relax. Allow the muscles around your scalp, temples and forehead to soften and relax. Tip: EEG (electroencephalogram) research has revealed that when the forehead, temples and scalp are relaxed, theta activity moves more easily into the frontal cortex. When those muscles relax you are able to go deeper into a meditative state. Meditation Technique #8 How to Deal with the Mind Gain the benefits of meditation even if you’re a new meditator. Balance your Chakras, become positive and reduce anxiety; strengthen your immune system, and develop your creativity, just by listening to Deep Meditation. The first goal of meditation is to notice and quiet random thoughts. In his book, Learn to Meditate, David Fontana, Ph.D. says, “By watching your thoughts and learning to identify them as distractions you have begun the path of meditation.” As you practice meditation you’ll become aware of how your mind runs around in circles with many different thoughts and memories. At first your mind will be like a chatterbox, shifting from one concern to another, this is natural. You might catch yourself thinking about work or solving problems. You might worry about something that hasn’t happened yet or remember things you forgot, like paying your credit card bill. Meditation Technique #9 Label Your Thoughts Observe the quality of your thoughts and then label them. “These are busy, work thoughts,” “These thoughts are negative and limiting,” or “Here we go again with my To Do list.” Then gently return your attention to your breath and expand into the space between your thoughts. Each time you identify the quality of your thoughts, you are making enormous strides in meditation that will inevitably unfold in your life. In time you will become a keen observer of your inner world. You’ll notice when you’ve fallen into negative thinking and you’ll learn to redirect your attention to thoughts that expand and enhance your sense of self. The highest level of thought is positive. Positive thoughts soothe your nervous system and encourage states of wholeness and well being. If negative emotions arise, such as anger, regret, fear or sorrow, label them and then gently shift your attention to something positive. Meditation Technique #9 Meditate Upon Your Divine Self A powerful practice is to meditate upon your divine self, the self who holds vast potential and gifts. Use your imagination to discover the magnificent being within. Drink from the well of knowledge that will multiply your joy and fulfillment in life. Exploring and contacting your divine nature is what meditation is all about. Guided Meditations that will help you create nurturing states of being and contact your higher self: Guided Meditation, Retrieve Your Destiny, Fulfill Your Heart’s Desire, Living Prayer. Meditation Technique #10 Finish with Feeling At the end of your meditation session, just sit for a moment, feeling the energies moving in your body. This pause before you leap back into the world allows you to integrate the meditation session into your daily life. To get started meditating check out the Center for Meditation & Transformation http://www.brainsync.com/medctr_main.asp experience a free online guided meditation, visit the reading room and learn more about meditation. Kelly Howell, founder of Brain Sync is internationally acclaimed for her pioneering work in healing and mind expansion. Her clinically proven, Brain Wave Audio Technology is used in hospitals, biofeedback clinics and by physicians and psychologists throughout the world. For more see http://www.brainsync.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Howell http://EzineArticles.com/?Meditation-for-Weight-Loss&id=337369 personal loans for bad credit no credit check living in birmingham alabama obsessive compulsive disorder and payday loans florida pay day loan
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Put Some “Fun” into “Functional”

By Lauren Hobson When you create marketing materials, web pages, letters, or any other type of company communications, there are certain elements that are purely functional. For example, you might pay a lot of attention to writing a killer headline or a great introduction, but how do you conclude the piece with an attention-getting call to action? On your web site, your conclusion might be a simple Buy Now button or Add to Cart. Not very original, huh? How about using something like Start Saving Money Today or Order Now and Receive a FREE Gift. Now that sounds much more exciting, doesn’t it? Paying attention to detail can really make a difference, especially in the most predictable areas of your companys published materials. Instead of using a formal Regards or Sincerely at the end of a sales letter, try something like Looking forward to meeting you. Not only is it unexpected, its memorable and lets your personality show through. The same can be true for the contact form on your web site. Instead of using the standard field descriptions such as First Name and Last Name, try adding First Name (what your parents call you) and Last Name (what your college buddies call you). This type of subtle humor can go a long way toward building a positive image for your business. Standard contact information can also be improved by using a little friendliness. For instance, you could consider ranking the contact methods you offer; such as Mailing Address (good), Email Address (better), Phone Number (best). Try anything you feel would give your information some added interest. Information overload is common today, and it can be difficult to differentiate your message from the countless other pieces of information bombarding customers each day. Adding some fun to the functional elements of your company communications can help you stand out and your message be remembered. Lauren Hobson is the Editor of Biz Talk Newsletter, a free monthly publication designed to provide small businesses and non-profits with tips and techniques to help them make the most of their web sites and marketing efforts without spending a lot of money. Biz Talk is published by Five Sparrows, LLC, and you can subscribe from the Five Sparrows web site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Hobson http://EzineArticles.com/?Put-Some-Fun-into-Functional&id=262081 greatland hard money lender personal loan companys seattle wash pay day loans with no tele check bad credit personal loan lenders
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Your Career is Your Business

By David Sandusky For professionals today, long gone are the days of gold watches and lifetime employment. The employment market will remain highly competitive and professionals will migrate between businesses at regular intervals. In such an environment, professionals have to be equipped to advance their broad personal goals by being proactive, adaptive and agile in their career management. They have to be equipped with career strategies that they can execute for success. Todays professional is in the services business providing services to many businesses over their career lifetime. Every successful business needs a business plan and an executable strategy. Your Career is Your Own Personal Business As baby boomers retire, clearly we have leaders leaving traditional leadership roles. Now that we are living longer, many of these executives are wondering what they are going to dothey still have something to give. This group is going to introduce options of hiring proven talent for less money and time without having to pay benefits. These trends are changing the landscape of traditional search firms and showing great popularity in companies that house consultants for client needs. Regardless of the professionals discipline, these folks have to learn how to sell themselves like never before. They need to practice personal business development and ride the rollercoaster of BD while producing for client(s). This, coupled with already fierce competition for good jobs, shows even more need for all employees to position themselves with a career strategy that separates from the competition! A strategy that communicates the value differentiator against a diverse pool of talent. Customer Service Sometimes it is hard to locate your value differentiators. Those traits and skills that make you different and stand out in the minds of others. It does not matter what you do for a living, customer service is always a way to get noticed. Sounds easy enough! But, perception of your customer service is more important than what you think is being provided. Your customer service and that of your business MUST be sincere. Do you really care about the experience of those around you? What about during challenges as apposed to when everything is great? The presence of customer service must be everywhere, all the time – part of your culture. Customer service goes beyond your customers and clients. How are you servicing your co-workers and partners? Customer service goes way further than smiling and acting pleasant – although that is super important too! Is it easy to do business with you? To communicate with you? How do you deal with problems – do you make it right? Do you do what you say you are going to do? Customer service goes further than listening well. Those practicing great customer service give more than expected. They know the environment and are proactive on your behalf. The service you provide extends past the final products or results. The process getting there is the feeling people remember and the story they tell. About David Sandusky: David built Your Brand, LLC. and programs to help you define yourself, understand your market trends and manage your personal brand with a Strategic Career Plan positioning you to achieve your greatest goals. For more information on Your Brand, LLC visit http://www.yourbrandplan.com and join the FREE business and career forum at http://www.yourbrandplan.com/forum Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sandusky http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Career-is-Your-Business&id=203884 texas car loan bad credit history unsecuresd personal loans bad credit medical loan best secured online loan
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Get a Job! Tips for Organizing Your Resume

By Stacey Agin Murray Whether you’re a Vice President of Marketing or a recent college grad, your resume is the ‘key’ to opening the doors of employment. It is an employer’s first impression of you and believe it or not, many hiring officials spend less than thirty seconds reviewing it. With only fleeting moments to make a first impression, it is imperative that your resume be organized. Polish your shoes, practice your handshake, and take note of some tips for creating an organized resume that will catch the eye of even the most weary of HR associates: Start by sitting down with your old resume and a timer. Give yourself fifteen seconds to read it. How far did you get? Were you able to read the whole page? Besides ‘getting your foot in the door,’ your goal is to create a resume that can be scanned top to bottom in less than 30 seconds. It must be organized to punctuate your strengths and highlight your employment-related achievements. Next, give yourself another fifteen seconds but this time skim your resume as if you were the person doing the hiring. What parts stood out? Was it a bold or italic phrase? Was it a tabbed column of words or a dollar sign? Think about what words or sections jumped out at you, circle them in red, and use them within the body of your new resume. For another opinion, take a fresh copy and ask a friend or family member to do the same. On scrap paper, create a chart and write all of your past jobs across the top of the page. Below each job title list at least 2-4 duties/accomplishments relating to the position. Analyze each of those and ask yourself: Does this achievement have any relevance to the job I’m now pursuing? Will the reader of my resume be impressed by the money I’ve saved the company/the body of work I created/the skills I’ve acquired? If your answer is yes, the next step is to prioritize those duties and/or accomplishments. For example, let’s say you are an administrative assistant listing relevant duties and achievements from your last job. This is your newly-brainstormed, non-prioritized list: answered phone calls created and color-coded filing system to support VP of Sales coordinated supervisor’s travel arrangements saved Sales department $12,000 by researching companies and switching office supply vendors Now, take a moment to prioritize your list. Which description should be listed first? Which of the four will quickly catch the reader’s eye? Depending upon the type of job you’re applying for, if you saved your former company any money or increased their productivity in any way, that fact should be listed first. Now read the list: saved Sales department $12,000 by researching companies and switching office supply vendors created and color-coded filing system to support VP of Sales coordinated supervisor’s travel arrangements answered phone calls Always position your strongest achievement first. Either they’ll be impressed and move on or think ‘Wow!’ and continue reading directly below. An eye-catching first statement will positively affect every statement listed beneath it so choose wisely. Use Bulleted Lists. As opposed to a sea of text, a bulleted list focuses the eye to a specific area on the page. They are often used to highlight your accomplishments instead of hiding them within bulky paragraphs. Example: Saved Sales department $12,000 by researching companies and switching office supply vendors. Created and color-coded filing system to support VP of Sales. Coordinated supervisor’s travel arrangements. Answered phone calls vs. saved Sales department $12,000 by researching companies and switching office supply vendors created and color-coded filing system to support VP of Sales coordinated supervisor’s travel arrangements answered phone calls Remember, one of your goals is to make reading your resume as easy as possible. The reader’s eye will dart straight to the bullet and focus on what is written to it’s immediate right. If you want to hold the reader’s attention, use ‘action words’ (verbs) next to a bullet (see example above). Employing strong action words will assist the reader in visualizing you carrying out those tasks for their company. To an HR official, an organized resume can be interpreted as the sign of an organized person. An organized person has the potential to have an organized desktop, organized file cabinets and organized work habits. These are skills and qualities that employers desire in an employee. If you can present a company/organization with an organized resume it will put you one step ahead of your less organized competition. BONUS TIP: Do not make 100 copies of your resume until at least one other person has reviewed it for errors and inconsistencies. Five minutes of ‘editorial prevention’ can mean the difference between getting an interview or getting a rejection letter. About The Author Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms ‘mess’ into ‘masterpiece’ with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For more articles and to get your FREE e-list of ‘Top Ten Tips for Organized Living’ visit http://www.organizedartistry.com; stacey@organizedartistry.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacey_Agin_Murray http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-a-Job!-Tips-for-Organizing-Your-Resume&id=15473 how much taxes are deducted from a paycheck boston massachusetts help to eliminate pay day loan debt search homes with no credit check required cash advance usa
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Commercial Playground Equipment

By Richard Romando Playgrounds provide not only recreation and a place for kids to get a fun workout, they also stimulate their imagination, promote agility, dexterity, balance and concentration. But playgrounds need proper equipment to enable children to get the most out of play time. Commercial playground equipment is installed in schools, public playgrounds, day care centers and other places where many children gather. There are several things to be considered when selecting commercial playground equipment: the kind of material used, the durability and strength of the material, the number of attachments in the equipment, the safety aspects, the type of activities to be included in the equipment; provision of side amenities like benches, tables, bike racks or litter bins. A unique feature of commercial playground equipment is that it is made for children of all ages, so it has to be strong and made of durable materials. Commercial playground equipment can also be custom designed to suit specific requirements like adjustable height, attractive colors to choose from, and budgets. There are questions to ask before installing commercial playground equipment such as: can it accommodate many children at a time? It is durable against rough weather? Is there enough room for the equipment? Is the surface under the equipment safe and resilient? Is there enough space between the pieces of the equipment? Is the equipment suitable for the child? Does it seem risky or unsafe in any way? Are there any objects that are protruding out or those that may cause strangulation or cause the child to trip or fall? Is it easy to maintain? Is it environment friendly? Is there provision for children with special disabilities? Manufacturers are also designing environment friendly equipment to make it more durable as well as ecologically safe. Also to be considered are the price, shipping details, assembly instructions and post-sales service. The Internet is a very good source for finding comprehensive information about playground equipment. There are several sites of manufacturers that would help you to locate the best equipment and compare prices. Playground Equipment provides detailed information about playground equipment, commercial playground equipment, school playground equipment, residential playground equipment and more. Playground Equipment is the sister site of Boat Ladders. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Romando http://EzineArticles.com/?Commercial-Playground-Equipment&id=183020 florida hard money lenders cash advance with no faxing canadian pay day loan association online car loan calculator
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Swimsuits and Protecting Your Skin

By Robert Ferrero The summer approaches and you feel its time to get a great tan this time. You put on your swimsuit and off to the swimming pool or favorite beach. But beware that suntan if done improperly can cause you lots of skin problems. How to solve the skin problems and those hazardous ultra violet rays? The answer seems to be simple use sunscreens. Remember not all sunscreens are created equal. If you go for the price you may unknowingly compromise the quality. Always read the SPF i.e. the sun protection factor before you buy the sunscreen. The SPF number simply tells people how much longer they can last out in the sun without being burned. The higher the SPF number, the longer your skin is protected against the sun. Let me give you an example. Lets say you use a sunscreen of SPF 15 it simply means that you can be in the sun for 15 minutes linger than normal before being burnt out. For fair skin individuals a SPF between 20 and 30 is recommended. For dark skin individuals An SPF of 2-4 is recommended. After choosing an appropriate sunscreen, apply it before going out into the sun. Be sure and apply it generously over all skin that will be exposed. Another important factor is the swimsuits you use. They can cut the exposure from 1 fifth of the suns total (approx. SPF 5) less than 1 50th (SPF 50+) by simply changing their swimwear. We recommend the sunsmart company for this. By utilizing the exclusive protective technology utilized by Sunsmart, that is exactly what can be accomplished. In short, Sunsmart represents the single most advanced and effective protection that one can provide for infants and young children against the hazardous effects of Ultra-violet light. Imagine having the ability to cut the amount of harmful and potentially dangerous UV light your child is exposed to from 1 fifth of the suns total (approx. SPF 5) less than 1 50th (SPF 50+) by simply changing their swimwear. But most people are ignorant about these facts. At the end of summer we want a great tanned skin and not a badly burnt out body. Always make sure you apply the recommended sunscreen properly. Taking good care of your skin will add years to your look and remember your skin is the only barrier between you and this hostile environment. For more information visit our site http://www.swimsuitscorner.com Also visit our sister sites http://www.bathingsuitsonline.com and http://www.weddingdresses101.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Ferrero http://EzineArticles.com/?Swimsuits-and-Protecting-Your-Skin&id=73267 wachovia bank online loan payments free money to pay off nursing school loans best personal loan rates rhs-guaranteed loan pre forclosure short sale
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