Monday, June 16, 2008

There�s More To Marketing Than Just Getting Your Name Out There!

By Kym Moore Surprisingly, so many business owners think that marketing is the process of simply getting your name out there. However, once your name is out there, what are you going to do next? Lets examine the fabric of a basketball game for a moment. You have the face-to-face competition of two opposing teams trying to win the game they are playing. They came with one goal in mind and that is to win! Now, they have to do the following things better, in order to defeat their opponent: 1. Strategize (A doable plan on how to defeat their competition by studying their strong and weak areas) 2. Practice (Diligently working on their strategy to defeat their competition, capitalizing on their weak areas) 3. Execute (Implement the plan that theyve religiously practiced to ultimately defeat their competition) These are simple things to do, but it takes observation, dedication, tenacity and implementation to be better than your opponent. The ball (your business) is in your court to make it happen! I remember our high school cheerleaders shouting this particular cheer to pump up our basketball team during their games: ACTION, ACTION, we want ACTION! A-C-T (clap, clap, clap) I-O-N! They would repeat this chorus several times when the offense had the ball. Why? Because the fans wanted the team to score and to pull out all of the stops to win! We expected the unexpected! You MUST take action! A marketing plan doesnt have to be complicated or sophisticated. At any point it can be changed as needed. It should be functional and flexible. A functional marketing plan should address your goal, product/service, targeted market/audience, how to reach your potential clients, what strategy will successfully retain repeat customers and attract new clients. Flexibility takes place when unexpected changes in the marketing program are needed. Dont assume that your customers will know what it is you have to offer, simply from seeing or hearing your business name. So often, its easy to blame others for our failures. But how long do you sit there and play the blame game? When do you finally realize that its time to rise above the ashes and take charge of making things happen for you? Your decision now, will ultimately affect the lives of those around you later. Never forget that you can easily fall into one or more of these categories if you dont heed the warning signs: people who watch what happen people who wait for things to happen people who wonder what happened Its okay to watch (you have to be observant). Its even okay to wait (you have to be mindful of your timing). It doesnt hurt to wonder from time to time. But, dont become complacent or get stuck into one of these categories. It will be harder to get out! Be that business owner to MAKE things happen. You have to raise the bar of your business expectations, beyond the idea of just getting your name out there! Nobody can make you successful, without your help. The ball is in your court! Are you just going to stand there and dribble all day? Or are you going to take a chance by shooting the ball and make the winning shot for the championship? Kym Gordon Moore is the author of the eBook, Alphabet Soup: 5 Main Ingredients for Turning Words into a Bowl of Hot Topics! She is a creative marketing strategist for Moore 2 It Productions and coordinates cost effective, creative marketing packages for budget conscious new authors and new small business owners. http://www.moore2itproductions.com Many of her articles, essays, short stories and poems appeared in a variety of magazines, newspapers, ezines and anthologies. http://www.kymgmoore.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kym_Moore http://EzineArticles.com/?Theres-More-To-Marketing-Than-Just-Getting-Your-Name-Out-There!&id=383033 saving account payday loan saudi arabia tightens personal loan regulations sonoma sba loans payday lening inarkansas
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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Sew Bouquets of Cabbage Roses

By Marian Lewis Cabbage Roses Are Blooming Everywhere! Sew Some Up Fast And Easy! Have you noticed all the fabric flowers adorning garments these days? Take a look around the department stores. They are everywhere on everything on people and in homes. Fabric flowers can be very expensive to buy. But, you can sew your own with just some scraps of fabric and a little time. Here is a simple technique for sewing cabbage roses in minutes. I like two sizes of roses. The smaller one requires bias cut fabric 3″ wide x 15″ long. The larger rose is 5″ wide x 27″ long. Try a sample of each to see what you like. Of course, you can make them any width or length. Experiment. Remember that the weight of the fabric makes a difference. Just know that the length and width of the piece of true bias fabric needed depends on the size that you want the rose to be when finished. Fold the width in half with the right sides out and wrong sides together. Do not press. Make tiny slits along the raw edges of the double bias fabric. This will prevent the bias from curling when you stitch and wrap it into a rose. A side note: This is a good trick to know to keep bias from twisting in other areas of your sewing. Either machine or hand baste 1/4″ from the raw edges matching slits on the edges as you sew. Pull the baste stitching to gather up the fabric slightly. Tuck in one of the raw edge ends. That will be the center of the rose. Now, roll or wrap the gathered fabric around itself loosely. When it is all wrapped, pull the other end down under the rose to hide it and tuck it in. Pin in place. Thread a needle with a single thread run through beeswax to strengthen the thread and keep it from tangling. I also like to run the thread under the iron to melt the wax into the thread. This is another great tip to remember for all your hand sewing. Then take hand stitches back and forth across the bottom of the rose to hold all the layers together nicely and secure the loose end. On the outside, turn the folded edges back a little to look like a flower. NOTE: The more you gather the thread, the flatter the flower. Looser gathers make the flower stand up more. You have to experiment with the gathers to get the look you want. Remember, no pressing required. Now you want to make your rose look finished on the back. Press some fusible interfacing to a scrap of matching rose fabric. Draw a circle about the size of the bottom of the base of your flower. Cut out the circle. The interfacing will keep it from fraying. Hand stitch the circle to the bottom of your rose to cover all the raw edges. You can attach a pin back to the bottom or sew the rose directly to your garment. I prefer a pin back so I can easily remove the rose and use it for other garments, hats, scarves, etc. I’ve seen these roses embellishing a wedding gown that was absolutely stunning. Use some unique fabrics to make your roses. Try prints, stripes, plaids, etc. Have some fun! You might even try making some roses from men’s old neckties. Necktie fabric is already cut bias. Extra tip: Save the interfacing from the ties to make new ties. To keep your roses looking fresh and to keep from being crushed, put small roses in Leggs hosiery plastic eggs. For larger roses, make a ring out of cardboard from an old file folder or cereal box. Place it around the rose and tape it to the right size for the rose. Use your roses on your lapel, in your hair, to hold a scarf, decorate a hat, embellish any garment or on a special gift instead of a bow. How about some cabbage roses on decorative pillows or your evening bags or put them on your curtain tie-backs. I’ve even seen them on a ribbon wrapped around some towels in the bathroom! Really gorgeous! Make your own floral arrangement to match your decor. It just makes sense to do it yourself! Use your imagination! You are the designer! They are quick to make as gifts. Sew bouquets of fun! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 2005 Marian Lewis All Rights Reserved – 1st Step To Sewing Success Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks. In her ebook, “Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants”, find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern. For more information, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, “Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids” where she teaches basic sewing techniques while you have fun doing it! To learn more, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marian_Lewis http://EzineArticles.com/?Sew-Bouquets-of-Cabbage-Roses&id=90776 new york payday loan payday loan chicago loop olg payday no fax bad credit loans
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Dental Teeth Whitening: Should You Consider It?

By Jared Winston Dental teeth whitening is not just a recent trend for the modern multitude, but rather a virtual necessity for every person seeking to gain the self-confidence and that much envied dream SMILE! And cosmetic dentistry has helped individuals gain just that. A smile is what can win the heart of the person or command the attention of a crowd, yet sadly all too many people try to hide their smile for fear of displaying yellowed or stained teeth. With modern dental teeth whitening options, such public fears are no longer necessary. First let’s take a brief look at the common causes for the discoloring of human teeth. Despite the fact that healthy teeth are very hard, the enamel consists of microscopic pores that lose their color over time it’s a natural result of aging. There are other common causes of discolored teeth too, such as smoking, chewing tobacco or even from consumables that we eat and drink. What bleaching does (the most popular form of dental teeth whitening) is remove these stains from the enamel of a person’s teeth, thus bringing forth the gleaming white again. There is some great (and possibly unexpected) news for people seeking dental teeth whitening: cosmetic dentistry is not always as expensive as people think, and sometimes they are even covered by insurance! So with that said, let’s take a more detailed look at the various teeth whitening procedures available to you. One of the most convenient techniques of dental teeth whitening involves the at-home tray teeth whitening. This tray-based tooth bleaching technique utilizes a plastic tray filled with a bleaching gel that is spread over a person’s teeth. It is required to wear the tray for a substantial amount of time each day for a few weeks while the gradual effects of the tooth whitening process takes place. Another technique for teeth whitening is that of the teeth whitening strips. These teeth whitening strip products offer an up-to-the-minute and pioneering way to perform teeth bleaching treatments. This type of over-the-counter whitening system offers similar results as tray-based bleaching without the need to use those sometimes annoying whitening trays. Strips offer a portable way to obtain teeth whitening without much fuss and can be performed even by individuals caught up in busy and chaotic schedules. The more elaborate and effective techniques of dental teeth whitening are generally carried out by a professional dentist at their office. While more expensive, whitening via a professional dentist is much more quick and potent, thus leading to a significantly faster and brighter smile. So although professional whitening is significantly more expensive, it may be ideal for individuals requiring urgent teeth whitening results. Appointment times of a dentist usually range from two to three hours, consisting of fully professional attention and bleaching compound coupled with a laser treatment. This method is so effective that you’ll see spectacular results the same day as the bleaching treatment, and the results are very prominent within the full course of the treatment. Copyright Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about tooth whitening and which teeth whitening systems may best serve your needs at Lustrous Teeth.com. http://www.lustrousteeth.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jared_Winston http://EzineArticles.com/?Dental-Teeth-Whitening:–Should-You-Consider-It?&id=135374 card not debited for cash advance auto title personal loans best interst rates for a personal loan quick cash installment loan
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Seven Crucial Steps for Long Term Weight Loss

By John Tiniakos 1. Food Intake How much do you need? First of all, you need to understand that in order to begin losing weight you must consume fewer calories than your body burns in a period of a day. The bottom line is, regardless of the confusion brought on by the media and industry, calories still count! Your body weight is largely a product of total daily caloric intake minus total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). So, to lose weight, your daily food consumption measured in calories must be less than TDEE. In other words a deficit in calories must be created to trigger a reduction in body weight. Although this is a simple concept, its not easily accomplished. And statistics prove it: approximately 50% of Americans are obese and two thirds of Americans are borderline obese. It doesnt have to be that way, however. People need to be educated with respect to health, nutrition and weight loss maintenance. Knowledge is what we need. Knowledge is power, and with power comes change. One simple guideline for losing weight is to adjust your daily caloric intake to equal ten times your weight in pounds. For example if you weigh 180 lbs. your total daily food intake should equal 1800 calories. This would create a sufficient deficit in calories for gradual weight loss. This method will not work, however, for people who are extremely obese. Another efficient method of losing weight at a reasonably comfortable pace (for any person) is to reduce your total daily food intake by 500 calories. One pound equals 3500 calories and at the rate of 500 calories per day, it translates to 1 pound of weight loss per week. This is a sensible, realistic weight loss pace and more likely to succeed in the long term. On the other hand, diet programs based on more extreme calorie restriction are very stressful physically and mentally, which is why they result in quick but temporary weight reduction. Not to mention the high cost of many weight loss plans that include pre packaged food, unnecessary meal replacements, supplements and so on. A more accurate method to figure out how many calories you actually need (to maintain your weight) is to take your body weight and multiply it by 11. Say you weigh 160 pounds and you are completely sedentary. 160 x 11 = 1760 (calories). So you would need 1760 calories if you sat around all day with very minimal movement to remain at 160 pounds. Now to go a step further, we have to determine your metabolic factor. There are 3 main categories for metabolism. Slow metabolism is when you have a very difficult time losing weight. Medium metabolism means you dont have difficulty losing weight – if you really try. And Fast metabolism is when it seems no matter how much you eat you cant gain weight. Dont I wish I had that problem. See the table below. Slow Metabolism (%) Under 30 Years of Age – 30% Between 30-40 Years of Age – 25% Over 40 Years of Age – 20% Medium Metabolism (%) Under 30 Years of Age – 40% Between 30-40 Years of Age – 35% Over 40 Years of Age – 30% Fast Metabolism (%) Under 30 Years of Age – 50% Between 30-40 Years of Age 45% Over 40 Years of Age – 40% Lets continue with the above example (1760 cal.) and lets say youre 35 years old and have a slow metabolism. The corresponding metabolic rate factor would be 25%. 1760 x 25% = 440 calories which means you would need an additional 440 calories. Your total daily calories would therefore equal 2200 (1760 + 440). In other words, you would require 2200 calories per day to maintain your present weight. Now to lose weight at a comfortable pace (as mentioned above), subtract 500 calories from this total. That would equal 1700 calories (2200 500). Consequently, in order to lose one pound per week you would require 1700 daily calories from food. The next step would be to keep track of all your calories. To do that you will need to know the calorie content of the foods you eat. A calorie counter or calculator is where you enter the type of food product, the amount (in grams or ounces) and it calculates the calorie content for you. You can find them at many websites online for free. One that I found to work fairly well, which also contains a huge selection of foods including items from fast food restaurant chains, is at http://www.caloriesperhour.com/ To increase your rate of weight loss even further you can raise your exercise level. One way to accomplish this is by participating in a program of regular physical activity or if you already are, simply increase the exercise intensity level. See tip number 6 and 7 in this article for more information on physical activity and weight loss. 2. Diet Composition Your diet must consist of foods from all food groups (e.g. meat, dairy, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts/seeds, legumes). If youre a vegetarian, you can still get sufficient amounts of protein from legumes, soy bean products and whole grains. In a French study, evidence suggested that diet variety was one of the reasons French people were less obese and had fewer occurrences of heart disease than Americans. Another important factor was the diversity in their diet. Overall, the French diet contained more foods from all food groups and consisted of more types of food and food products compared to the American diet. (1) Furthermore, the French seemed to enjoy their food more. Their meals were like special gatherings, celebrations, meant to be enjoyed by all. They typically didnt eat very fast. They seemed to enjoy their food more; its as if time stood still during their meals. This method of eating accomplishes several things. For one, eating slower and being more relaxed during meals increases chewing time. In addition, by slowing down the pace of a meal and chewing more, you are more likely to get a feeling of fullness while eating less quantities of food. In contrast, North Americans, very often eat on the run. The other benefit of the French eating style is that it aids the digestive process by reducing workload and improving the efficiency of nutrient distribution throughout the body. An increase in food variety and diversity decreases the percentage of bad foods (saturated/trans fats, unrefined carbohydrates) present in your digestive system. Moreover, increased fiber content from fresh foods (fruits vegetables and whole grains) also sweeps up and pushes out bad foods quicker, leaving them less time to be absorbed by the intestines and therefore becoming less harmful. As a result risks of developing chronic diseases, such as various forms of cancer and heart related diseases are also reduced. (2) 3. Quantity and Frequency of Meals Does the size and quantity of your meals really matter? Youve probably heard many times over that its best to have smaller more frequent meals throughout the day. In other words snacking is preferable to gorging. Is this fact or fiction? Well, the fact of the matter is that scientific research with respect to this area of study has been largely contradicting. There really is no overwhelming evidence to support the idea that increased frequency and decreased portion size of meals is associated with weight loss efficiency. This eating method, however, has been shown to benefit athletic performance in trained athletes. (3) A study with ice skaters suggested that meals taken throughout the day to correspond with periods of physical demand associated with training, help to maximize performance. Keep in mind that improving athletic performance in athletes is one thing, but increasing the rate of weight loss is something quite different. Although, when taken to extremes, it is probably better to eat 8-10 smaller meals per day than 1 large one for example. As it turns out, the customary three meals a day method is just fine. There just hasnt been enough convincing evidence to prove that it has a negative effect on weight loss. Eating 5-6 meals a day is also fine. Changing to a more frequent eating style, however, may cause you to over eat, if youre not careful, especially at the beginning. This is because, subconsciously, youre used to having larger food portions at meal time. So, its important to keep track of the food quantity of every meal, until you get accustomed to the new way of eating. 4. Dont Skip Meals Ever heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well its true. The one meal you should never skip is breakfast. It is the meal that sets the tone for your metabolism. When you miss breakfast your metabolism responds by slowing down. Your body receives signals of famine from the brain and switches to energy conservation mode. This means rather than burning calories the body gets stingier with them. The other thing that happens, when missing breakfast is, by the time lunch time comes around you feel starved and you almost always end up overeating. And as a result of this added pressure on your digestive system, most of your energy gets used up as your body works hard to digest and absorb all that food. Needles to say, you wont feel very productive when you return to work, a feeling which may last for the next few hours. Another important benefit of not skipping meals is that your blood sugar level is more stable, which keeps insulin in check reducing unnecessary fat storage and ensuring that you have adequate energy levels required to perform your daily tasks with less physical and psychological stress. 5. Water It was thought that drinking plenty of water throughout the day was a crucial part of a good weight loss strategy; the theory was that an adequate amount of water 8 eight-ounce glasses per day gives you a feeling of fullness which reduces periods of hunger; and the less you feel hungry the less you are going to snack which translates to fewer calories. Recent studies have suggested, however, that choosing foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables and blending water into meals like soup has a greater effect on satiety, than simply just drinking water. And that it may result in a reduction of total daily calories. In other words, including water rich foods like watermelon and other fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, and soups in your diet, is more effective with respect to satiety than relying on just drinking water. As a result, you wouldnt need to drink 8 glasses of water a day, if you were getting an adequate supply from your diet. In fact, drinking 8 glasses of water per day is a misconception. This number was originally reported by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States Food and Nutrition Board. They also mentioned, however, in the same report, that the majority of water people need comes from food. (4) The recommendation for a healthy individual is to drink one cup of water or juice with every meal. (ibid) Its also important to keep in mind that the human body is made up of 60-70% water. All our organs consist of a lot of water. Blood is mainly composed of water. So it makes sense to ensure that youre always getting an adequate supply. Here are some functions of water: – regulates your body temperature – transports nutrients to your organs – transports vital oxygen to your cells – removes waste from your body – protects all your organs and joints 6. Exercise As you know, exercise participation is an important factor in weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In addition to weight reduction here are 20 important health benefits of physical activity. 1. Increases thermogenesis (increase in body temperature to burn calories). 2. Raises basal metabolic rate increasing calorie expenditure even during periods of rest or sleep. 3. Releases natural stimulants in the body helping to improve overall psychological condition. In other words it may alter your mood to a more positive state. (5) 4. Relieves stress and reduces the risk of stress related chronic diseases. (ibid) 5. Improves sex function 6. Lowers High Blood pressure levels. 7. May increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) 8. Lowers elevated blood cholesterol levels. 9. Improves blood circulation. 10. Increases the level of oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and improves endurance. Vo2 max varies directly with the level of physical fitness. 11. Increases lean body mass (muscle) while reducing body fat – improving body composition and therefore improving physical appearance. 12. Improves self esteem. 13. Causes a natural tendency to be more conscious about eating healthier and therefore may improve a persons diet. 14. Strengthens the musculoskeletal system protecting the body from unexpected physical shock. 15. Strengthens the bodys immune system and therefore slows down the aging process. 16. Strengthens bones and fights against osteoporosis – especially important for post menopausal women. (6) 17. Strengthens the bodys immune system and therefore slows down the aging process. 18. Helps to fight against chronic diseases including many forms of cancers and heart disease. (7) (8) 19. When combined with stretching it may help to reduce lower back pain. 20. Improves physical condition in pregnant women making it easier to cope with the trials of childbirth: It increases energy levels; helps to reduce back pain; improves circulation and reduces swelling and development of varicose veins; tones muscles making it easier for the body to return to pre-pregnancy condition. You should check with your doctor, however, before you begin exercising during pregnancy. (9) How Much exercise is Necessary for Weight Loss? It depends on your goals and your body condition. Here are some questions you should ask yourself: – How much weight do you want to lose? – Whats Your Age – How much do you weigh? – What is your physical condition? – What is your daily caloric intake? – Will you combine exercise with caloric restriction? If youre overweight, by more than 20 pounds, you need to participate in a program that includes diet restriction (reduce total daily calories by 500 cal.) and regular exercise (6-7 days a week). You should exercise for at least 30 continuous minutes for best results increase the duration (up to 60 minutes). Your target intensity should be between 65-75% of your maximum heart rate in other words, a comfortably vigorous level of intensity. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that a good weight loss program should consist of daily caloric expenditure of 300-500 calories from exercise. (10) How do you calculate your heart rate? An easy formula for figuring out your maximum heart rate works by simply subtracting your age from 220. If youre 40 years old, for example, your maximum heart rate is 180 beats per minute (220-40). To train at 70% of your maximum heart rate, simply multiply 180 by 70 and divide by 100, which equals 126 beats per minute. Therefore in order to train at an intensity level of 70% of maximum heart rate your training heart rate should be 126 beats per minute. How do you calculate your heart rate during exercise? Simply take your pulse by counting the number of beats over a 10 second period. Multiply that figure by 6 and you have the number of beats for a 1 minute period thats your training heart rate. Before you begin exercising, however, get clearance from your doctor, especially if youre a beginner. 7. Exercise for Weight Loss Maintenance Once you reach a desirable body weight, you can switch your exercise routine to weight loss maintenance mode. That means you can reduce the frequency of your workouts to 3-4 times a week. The duration and the intensity should remain the same – 60 minutes at a comfortably vigorous level. You will notice as you reach higher levels of fitness, exercise intensity must be turned up a notch to keep the workout challenging and also to burn more calories. What types of activities should you participate in? There are many forms of exercise that are efficient in producing adequate weight loss and fitness. Some of them include aerobics, step or boxing aerobics, cycling, spinning, step-climbing, training on elliptical machines, cross country skiing (real or machine version), in line skating, ice skating, swimming, jogging, skate boarding, and sports like basketball, hockey, and soccer. There are many more. The important thing is to choose one that youll really enjoy. This way, your chances of sticking with it in the long run will be much higher. Have fun, get in shape, lose those extra pounds and keep them off! References: 1. http://www.sciencedaily.com, Healthy diets need fat, according to new study, retrieved 22 June 2005 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/04/980424031929.htm 2. http://www.ajcn.org, Cereals, legumes, and chronic disease risk reduction: evidence from epidemiologic studies, retrieved 15 August 2005 from http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/3/451S 3. http://www.jacn.org, “Contribution of Meals and Snacks to Nutrient Intake of Male and Female Elite Figure Skaters During Peak Competitive Season”, retrieved 19 May 2004 from http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/21/2/114 4. http://www.drmirkin.com, HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED?, retrieved 30 August 2005 from http://www.drmirkin.com/nutrition/9942.html 5. http://www.issponline.org/documents/physactstatement.pdf, Physical Activity and Psychological Benefits an ISSP Position Stand, retrieved 22 August 2005 from http://www.issponline.org/documents/physactstatement.pdf 6. http://www.osteoporosis.ca, Physical Activity: An Important Factor in Preventing Osteoporosis, retrieved 22 August 2005 from http://www.osteoporosis.ca/english/About%20Osteoporosis/Physical%20Activity/default.asp?s=1 7. http://www.americanheart.org, Physical Activity, retrieved 25 August 2005 from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4563 8. http://www.cancer.gov, Questions and Answers: Physical Activity and Cancer, retrieved 25 August 2005 from http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/PhysicalActivity 9. http://health.discovery.com, The Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise, retrieved 26 August 2005 from http://health.discovery.com/centers/pregnancy/americanbaby/exercisebenefits.html 10. http://www.findarticles.com, Exercise, the cornerstone to weight loss – Tech Brief, retrieved 27 August 2005 from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_5_20/ai_92840206#continue John Tiniakos helps make weight loss easier through proven weight loss methods using information and analysis from the worlds leading scientists. To subscribe to his free monthly newsletter that includes valuable, up to date tips on diet, weight loss and health visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com. For more information on his latest ebook Nulife Natural Weight Loss Program visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Tiniakos http://EzineArticles.com/?Seven-Crucial-Steps-for-Long-Term-Weight-Loss&id=97159 smart choice payday loans where to get an unsecured personal loan with bad credit unsecured personal loan poor credit debt consolidation loan online
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Personal Loan for all your Financial Desires

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Carry]John Carry Personal loan is a multi-purpose loan. You can use personal loan for many reasons like debt consolidation, home improvement, for buying a new or used car, childrens higher education, wedding, for purchasing exotic holiday package, etc. A personal loan can either be secured or unsecured. Are you planning to purchase a new car? If money is the main constraint then, you can look for personal loan. For homeowners, secured personal loan could be the best option. It has many benefits like low interest rate, flexible repayment period, easy monthly instalments, etc. However, if you do not repay the loan on time, lenders may repossess your property. Unsecured personal loan does not require collateral. But, these loans offered by the lenders have high rate of interest as compared to secured personal loans. The repayment period is shorter and you can borrow a limited amount of money only. But, loan approval and processing for unsecured personal loan is fast and there is no risk of repossession of the property by the lenders. Before availing the loan, it is very necessary to get an idea of the financial market, present interest rates, terms and conditions, etc. For gathering all the information, you need not to contact the lenders in person. Internet is the best option as you can surf financial websites. Gather all the information and then apply for the loan. Online application form is easy and quick. Just fill in the application form and submit it. You will get quick response from a number of lenders. Choose the best one as per your financial requirement and avail personal loan now. The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Shakespeare Finance as a finance specialist. For more information visit us http://www.ask4loan.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Carry http://EzineArticles.com/?Personal-Loan-for-all-your-Financial-Desires&id=220603 quick auto loan credit cash loan personal loans from loan sharks tampa bad credit bankruptcy car loan
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Packaged For Success – Parenting Expert Weighs In On Student Stress & Mental Health

By Maria Pascucci Campus Calm had the opportunity to talk with Carleton Kendrick, Ed.M., LCSW, about why students are increasingly becoming more packaged for success and the price they’re paying in the process. Kendrick, author of “Take Out Your Nose Ring, Honey, We’re Going to Grandma’s” (Unlimited Publishing LLC), is a licensed psychotherapist, noted national speaker, social commentator and author. Campus Calm: Our first question stems from your article, “High Achievers: What Price Are They Paying? A Harvard Interviewer’s Honest Assessment” that was published on FamilyEducation.com. Why do you think high school and college students today are increasingly becoming more packaged for success? Kendrick: Because there are many parents who are frightened, guilt-ridden and anxious about whether or not they can guarantee that their kids will get into the “best” colleges and have “a wonderful life.” I think that much of the hyper-parenting that produces this pressure cooker on children is more due to guilt than anything. It’s a result of parents feeling they are not spending enough time with their children and not really being “good enough” parents. So if you can’t have fully realized, loving intimate relationships with your children you may be able to compensate by treating them, well-intentionally, but never-the-less like a commodity, which will eventually be “bought” by a college. You can do that by micromanaging their life from preschool on. That includes telling them what courses to take, compelling them to excel in one sport, perhaps even in one position. Some kids are sent to summer camps at very young ages to specifically learn skills that have to do with one specific position for a sport, as opposed to kids playing. There’s no time to play now because you have to go about the business of assembling your success portfolio. Some parents are obsessed with this. Campus Calm: Is this spread out across all social classes? Kendrick: In my research and in my professional experience, this is an obsession that is certainly more dominant in the “moneyed” classes, although the contagion does spread up and down all the classes. Scholarships withstanding, it’s typically only the moneyed that can pay for the elite schools and camps. Money is a factor and buying into the notion that the right college will confer a great life. Of course, that totally delusional belief is sometimes as embraced by folks who are not moneyed and not in a higher educational status. Campus Calm: What’s the harm in packaging kids for success? Kendrick: Well, I think when you are handled like a detergent, being created, packaged and sold by an ad company, it’s dehumanizing at the core. It is an orchestrated attempt to author who someone naturally is. It communicates to children, “You’re not OK as you present. You need something or someone to guss you up.” I think it’s unnatural and ultimately dehumanizing to take children and basically tell them that they’re not good enough as they stand. Campus Calm: If some parents have hovered over their children for years and they now realize that it was a mistake, how could they go about changing their relationship with their teens? When their kids are used to having their lives scheduled and mapped out, can they just easily switch over to being more independent? Kendrick: These parents have usually greatly disabled their kids, encouraging an unhealthy dependence and reliance on them for directing most aspects of their kids’ lives. That said, many, if not most of my teen patients, as well as teens I talk to in my seminars, would welcome their parents backing off of micromanaging their lives. I would recommend that parents have a series of discussions with their teens in which they acknowledge their mistakes as hovering, micromanaging, anxious parents and the harm this suffocating parenting has caused their kids. I would then have parents tell kids that their role will be supportive, encouraging and directed at cultivating their teens resourcefulness, independence and resilience. Parents will go through some forms of emotional withdrawal from their former roles as hovering managers of their kids’ lives and teens need to understand that this transition will probably be more difficult for their parents than it will be for them. Campus Calm: How can students begin to look at an education as an end in itself and not simply a means to get a high paying job with all the status and presumed happiness that goes along with it? Kendrick: It’s very hard for students when so many people are telling them, “This is the road to success.” You go to this school or a school like this. Then you may be told you need to go to grad school. You also need to do summer work that shows the schools that you’re applying to that you are very serious, whether you are or not. This is the equation; this is the formula. You just plug yourself into this and you are guaranteed that your life will be rosy. Somewhere along the line, we miss teaching kids that it’s in the process; it’s in the challenge and the hard work to learn something. The best experience my daughter had in school was working so hard to get a B- in Physics when she got A’s in basically everything else. She was more proud of that B- because Physics was something she didn’t take to that easily. The other things came easy to her, meaning she wasn’t necessarily challenged by them intellectually. Now somebody may have looked at her report card and said, “Hey, what happened here with that B-?” Campus Calm: Each student excels in one area and struggles in another. How can parents & educators encourage them to define and enhance their unique skills while never labeling them “lazy” or “dumb” in the areas that they may struggle with? Kendrick: There has to be a paradigm shift here and the paradigm shift has to be early on with parents and educators – and anyone who encounters the child. I have seen enough kids to know that children show you who they are very early and if you’re not paying attention to who they really are – meaning their curiosities and the natural rhythms of their life – and instead you have your blueprint for them and you basically ignore the natural life of the mind of the child, then you’re trying to pull the hardwiring out of your child. The paradigm shift must be on the emphasis on further encouraging and emphasizing the child’s natural abilities and interests and skills set that they show you early on. That is not to say you neglect what they might have trouble with. You recognize their “deficits” but you don’t make them the focus. Nobody does well at everything. Campus Calm: A teacher recently wrote to tell me that she sees students more stressed out about grades than ever before. A few of her students started crying when they received a “B” on a test because they were afraid to go home and face their parents. How has this happened and what can we do about it? Kendrick: We need to change how we raise our kids to view the word success. Most people would argue that Mother Theresa was successful. Now if you check out Mother Theresa’s academic background you will not see Mother Theresa blowing any academic institutions off the charts. Would we consider that she gave a lot to the world? Would we consider that musicians and artists that we revere who never made it out of high school gave a lot to the world? “Wait,” say many adults, “don’t encourage children to think that they don’t have to go to school.” That’s not the point. It is that we all have some inherent abilities and encouraging them and perhaps showing children how they can manifest those abilities and marry them with some sense of purpose and mission that’s gratifying to them, not their parents and larger society. Campus Calm: The only way to reach success in life is to make mistakes and learn to deal with the occasional failure. Do you think our education system encourages students to learn how to handle this notion? If not, how can schools work to help kids take chances and appreciate mistakes as part of the process? Kendrick: We need to let children know that challenges do not always equate with an honors grade. It takes bravery and courage and being vulnerable. We need to teach kids to be open to “failure.” If you’re only applauded for your honors grades, or for the school’s you get into or for the money you make doesn’t that put an awful lot of pressure on what happens when you don’t? Campus Calm: I want to change topics for a moment and talk about perfectionism and how it contributes to both male and female students developing unhealthy body images. Campus Calm believes that self-love is a driving force behind success in life. How can young people develop healthy relationships with their bodies and their selves despite our culture’s preoccupation with outward perfection? Kendrick: How does a young person who’s seeking to be appreciated, liked and wanted – how do you tell them not to buy into the magazine covers and the music videos and that culture of perfection? It’s pointing out again that there’s something wrong with you. You’re average academically and now you’re not thin enough or your breasts aren’t large enough or your hair isn’t straight enough. Or to a young boy, because I’ve seen so many young boys take steroids: “You’re not tough and strong enough.” I don’t have any magic answers on how kids cannot be seduced to hate and detest and loathe their bodies. All I can say is when you can make friends and make relationships that have nothing to do with how popular you are perceived socially, how much of a hero you are athletically, or how much of an academic star you are, hold them close because they are then appreciating you. Whether you put on 30 pounds, whether you get your teeth capped or not, whether your dad drives the newest car. Especially in the area of adolescence, it’s our friends more than anybody who helps determine our sense of self. If you can find in your travels someone who really appreciates you for who you are and for what you actually want to be known as, know that this is the essence of meaningful relationships despite the seduction of perfection. Look for those relationships with friends, as they will help you define yourself around those things you don’t have to fine tune. Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm (http://www.campuscalm.com). She helps high school & college students find balance, reduce stress, increase self-confidence and get out of overwhelm. Free reports for students, parents and educators are available with free subscription to Campus Calm Connections. Maria lives in Buffalo, New York with her graphic designer husband, Shaun, who shares the homepage of their personal writing/design website (http://www.creativetypeco.com). Contact her at maria@campuscalm.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Pascucci http://EzineArticles.com/?Packaged-For-Success—Parenting-Expert-Weighs-In-On-Student-Stress-and-Mental-Health&id=516151 auto title personal loans personal unsecured loans bad credit lender mortgage pay day cash up to 600 uk
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Natural Home Remedy

By Ruth Tan You do not know of any home remedy? Impossible! If you take a few moments to think about what you have in our kitchen cabinets and refrigerators, you could easily make a list of super foods that can become ready ingredients of folk remedies for combating common ailments — headaches, cuts and bruises, burns, acne and pimples, heartburn, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, weight gain, dry skin, sleeplessness, dullness, anxiety, indigestion, sore throat. These foods usually dont burn a big hole in your pocket, neither do they taste too awful like some chemical drugs from the medical store. In fact these DIY folk remedies that you can easily prepare and mix yourself at home are some of the most effective medicines! As more people become wary of the adverse effects of chemically produced drugs and health products from the store, natural home remedies also become more popular. Though these natural alternative medicines are never intended as a substitute for professional medical care, their powerful healing attributes have long been used thousands of years ago since biblical times and proven to safely cure diseases and correct health disorders for generations after generations. For instance, honey products are a natural home remedy in many ways: 1) Honeycomb, chewing on a honeycomb can help calm a severe hay fever attack. 2) Lotion made of bee propolis extract has proven to be effective in getting rid of acne. 3) Add lemon juice and some natural sweetener honey to a glass of hot water to help sooth a sore throat. 4) Take bee pollen before the hay fever season, you will help to build a natural immunity. Other common traditional natural home remedies include cayenne pepper, sea salt, garlic, coconut oil, ginger root, and apple cider vinegar. And in a multi-racial country where I live, many cultures including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasians meet and form a rich melting pot. Here, very interestingly, you can even find very traditional herbs such as the Chinese ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) and Malay tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) immersed in jars of honey and used as a health tonic and home remedy. I believe that as more and more cultures cross and people from different places around the world come together to share their wisdom on what is effective for self-healing using natural foods, the list of folk remedies will continue to grow. Source: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/ginseng-honey.html R. Tan is the owner of the website http://www.benefits-of-honey.com which is a rich honey resource community specially built for all the honey lovers and fans in this world. She has packed this website with a wide range of quality contents on honey based on her knowledge and experience with honey, so as to promote its invaluable benefits which she believes could bring many positive spin-offs in everyone’s daily life. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Tan http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Home-Remedy&id=455640 lyrics the last pay day no fax payday loans asp 6-8 weeks payday loans cash advance pleasant valley road raleigh
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Affairs: Sliding Down the Slippery Slope to an Extramarital Affair

By Shuford Davis Affairs always have warning signs. Do you know the warning signs that you are on a slippery slope to an extramarital affair? Read on to discover the warning signs and what to do about them. Most affairs are slipped into over time. A person talks to someone and begins to form an inappropriate emotional intimacy separate from their spouse. It is a process beginning with fantasy, dwelling on the possibility, elaborating the fantasy, formulating a plan, rehearsing the conversations and plan, rationalizing the rightness of the affair, and finally acting on all the above. Here are some clear signs you are on the slippery slope to an affair Talking to the other person more than your spouse about personal intimate issues. Complaining about your spouse especially deficiencies in attention, affection, or sexually. Sharing ever fight or disagreement between you and your spouse with the other person. Deeper emotional sharing usually develops an emotional affair. Feelings of closeness, being understood, respected, not judged, accepted for who I am, a euphoric sense of unconditional love are believed to flow from the other person. Often a comparison to the spouse evolves and gradually an idealized belief develops that the other person loves me more than my spouse does. Since humans tend to want to make love when they feel love, sexual fantasy often parallels the emotional affair. The slope becomes more slippery and steeper. Sharing sexual fantasies, dreams or thoughts is especially dangerous when shared about the other person. Buying sexually suggestive cards or gifts for the other person. Crossing the physical line with a kiss or sexual touch heightens extreme vulnerability to an affair. Verbalizing the possibility of an affair to the other person. Planning the first meeting. Rehearsing, over and over, what to say, what it will be like. The sexual fantasies are often accompanied by the freedom fantasy. The freedom fantasy is obsessional thinking about being single, or that your spouse suddenly wants a divorce, or your spouse is killed in an accident or just disappears leaving you free to pursue the affair. No one sets out with the intention of getting into an affair. The slope is slippery on the way down. It’s best to stay off or to get off if you find yourself on a slippery slope to an affair. Visit http://www.advancedrelationshipskills.com for more tips and tools for avoiding and recovering from extramarital affairs. You can also visit our Relationship Skills Buidling Blog at http://www.advancedrelationshipskills.com/blog.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shuford_Davis http://EzineArticles.com/?Affairs:-Sliding-Down-the-Slippery-Slope-to-an-Extramarital-Affair&id=362167 cash advance payday loans for the military fast cash online earn fast cash i need a personal loan quick but i have bad credit
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Friday, May 2, 2008

Navigating the College Maze: Find Your Passion!

By RJ Braxton Most people have certain assumptions or expectations about the college experience. For many it is the first time away from home and family, a step into adulthood. For those furthering their education in a new country, the changes are vastly greater. In addition to being in a new situation calling for more self-sufficiency and autonomy, the international student must learn to cope with a different culture, unfamiliar attitudes and expectations, and possibly a new language. Even variations in food, clothing, and shelter can be intimidating to those already facing a new scholastic system, language barriers, and religious and racial concepts different from those they have always known. The typical student arrives on campus with a sense of hope and optimism to balance the fear of the unknown. No matter the size of the school or its surrounding community, there will be new people to meet and new activities to experience. Creating ones place in the new situation can be both rewarding and intimidating. Learning to fit into new circumstances will have both positive aspects to enjoy and pitfalls to avoid. It can be easy to lose sight of ones own beliefs and values when first coming into contact with such a variety of new people and new thoughts. Some people will enjoy learning about your background and cultural differences and teach you about theirs. They will treat you with respect and help you find your place among them. Unfortunately, there are others who will see your differences as an invitation to take advantage of you or even as a threat to themselves. This type of person can make it very difficult for you to settle into your new life in a positive way. They might use racial or ethnic slurs, disregard your input in class or a social gathering, or even attempt to lure you into activities that are contrary to your better judgment. Everyone likes to have a good time and fit into a group, but it is necessary to accept responsibility for your own actions and withdraw from a situation or group if you find yourself falling away from your main goal of getting the best education possible. People are made up of a variety of different feelings, thoughts and actions. Social status or position in a hierarchy does not change that. It is possible to find good friends in unexpected places. Even professors demonstrate these various characteristics. Some may be willing to help you, while others may expect you to help them and do their bidding without question. It is important, particularly in the United States with its emphasis on individuality, that you learn when and how to stand up for yourself as well as the fine art of disagreeing politely. Standing your ground, particularly in matters of your personal values, may be difficult at times but doing so will only make you a stronger and more trustworthy adult. Develop a Passion It takes a lot to survive in college. It takes passion, good academic decision-making, and the will to overcome stereotyping. You may have to contend with neglect or officiousness, discrimination, or politics from other students, faculty or staff. The most important thing you can take with you from the following brief yet effective strategies is a sense of control over your destiny. Having a passion for what you want is critical to success in college. Finding what makes you happy can assist you in both intellectual and personal development. People who engage in careers and studies that allow them to live by their values and integrity seem to be more satisfied in their chosen profession or vocation. Strategies: – Examine what makes you happy. On a piece of paper, write down the things, which bring you the most joy and satisfaction. – Rank order from highest to lowest. – Identify the key events, ideas or experiences that have brought you success and enjoyment. – Make an inventory of how these experiences affect your current academic and career choices. – If these experiences are not consistent with your course of study or career choice, take a moment to re-examine the choices you have made. – Ask yourself if you are making the best decision for your future. – Seek advice and make the decisions that will make you most happy. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RJ_Braxton http://EzineArticles.com/?Navigating-the-College-Maze:-Find-Your-Passion!&id=144767 libray credit score changes in 2008 bad credit secured loans arizona poor credit home mortgage lenders mortgage lending for poor credit history
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Sunday, April 27, 2008

How To Attract A Guy

By Cheryl Gardner Do you find yourself home on a Friday or Saturday night? Jealous that the television actor has a date and you don’t? Find out strategies on how to attract a guy that will get you off the couch, out the door and on your way to a new you with a new Mr. Right. Firstly, know what you are looking for. Ask yourself, what kind of a guy you want to attract? Be realistic in your criteria. If you find that you always attract the wrong kind of guy, identify what that is and make the change. If you want to attract a guy that has certain characteristics and attributes, stick to your guns. Remember if you want to attract that guy to your life forever, that’s a long time, it’s going to take time to attract the right guy. Sit down and right down the top 10 attributes that you desire in your mystery guy and read them often. This will open you up to the possibilities around you. Next, look your best no matter where you go. Attracting a guy could happen at the laundry mat or the grocery store. Don’t limit your sights to Friday or Saturday nights in a bar where it’s dark and alcohol affects any sort of judgment. Go ahead and wear some nice perfume, style your hair, wear your favorite outfit to the grocery store. I have had friends that were able to attract a guy in a traffic jam or the drive thru at Burger King. You’re making an impression wherever you go and remember the first one makes lasting one. A fragrance that someone will remember, looking good in a particular shirt or pants will leave the right guy remembering you. If you feel good inside and out it’s going to show in how you act. Putting in a little extra effort to look good will also keep you feeling great, and in the mood to attract a guy or even a Mr. Right. Be confident but not overbearing when attracting a guy. If you know yourself and know what you are looking for, guys will respect your honesty. This too will reflect on how you come across to others. If you’re shy and have no self-confidence or beat around the bush when talking to someone, they will think you’re not interested. Go on, get over your baggage! This is the new you we are talking to an you are ready to attract a guy. You may have been burned before (um, who hasn’t?), deal with it then leave it behind. No guy is going to want a competition with an ex or your past relationships. See the mistakes as lessons to learn and grow to become a more confident you. Also, don’t be something your not when attracting that perfect guy. Wear your fake lashes, your push up bras, your foundation applied maliciously and your favorite heels but keep one thing in mind… This guy might just see you in the morning, so be prepared for a transformation that won’t send him running out the door shrieking. Be proud of who you are, things to dress up with are fine but don’t try to completely change, he is interested in you not your collagen treatments. Would you really want to be with someone that didn’t appreciate the real you the next morning? Be yourself, relax and know that there is a relationship waiting out there for you. Remember you know what you’re looking and you will attract him to you. Never come across or enter a room with the intention of attracting a guy. You don’t want to appear as desperate or over confident. Be interested in the other person. Don’t constantly talk about your dog and all the tricks he can do or about the run in your stockings. Ask questions of this handsome guy, find things you two have in common and run with that. That is another lasting memory the other person will keep then go back to your friends and brag about the person you just met. There are many more ways to attract a guy, and I have only covered a few, but rest assured that the most timeless advice is always to know what you are looking for and to be yourself, while remaining open to the surprises that life offers at every step. —- For more free, easy to use articles, reviews and tips on attracting your next hot date, lover or relationship, visit http://www.Attract2Me.com/CGNewsletter Cheryl Gardner is an avid researcher and reviewer of online dating resources and products. In her popular newsletter she advises her readers based on her personal experiences of what to do and what NOT to do online, to find Mr. Right or Mr. Just For Tonight, the easy way. You can also benefit from her forthright and easy to use advice – sign up to her FREE newsletter at http://www.Attract2Me.com/CGNewsletter now. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Gardner http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Attract-A-Guy&id=445205 loans for bad credit get credit report bad creditok for cars 3 in 1 credit report and scores
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