Is the American Way of Life Getting in the Way of Life?. Birdie Body Language.

Windsurfing Bible Home Page

Whether angry American workers who go on killing rampages in the workplace have gone "ballistic" or "postal", isn't it terrorism by any other name? While we fear the idea of someone poisoning our water or using lethal chemicals in our public places has anyone been on a college campus lately? There our youth are blending academic pursuits with the kind of alcohol abuse that would make all the combined pubs of Ireland and brew houses of Germany glow with a blush.

A good number of these students have lost their lives to their binges, why doesn't this qualify as a chemical attack on our youth? Or should we think of this as only just another facet of our &way of life?' Is successfully keeping prayer out of our schools while miserably failing to keep guns and drugs out of them, our &way of life'? If the answer to any of these questions is no, shouldn't we be looking for some definition for the phrase that might give it some vindication?

Although it is just a personal observation, I would challenge other Americans to make note of the fact that most people can't be faulted for asking the wrong questions, but rather they are not asking any questions at all. When is the last time you heard people asking serious questions about life in a roaring party? If the adage that "Americans play as hard as they work" is true then consider this. No one has time at work to ask life's serious questions and no one at a party has an inclination too ask.

I live in one of America's premiere party cities, New Orleans. The hub for most of the partying in New Orleans is the French Quarter and within that space is another hub called, Bourbon Street. Anyone who has lived in this city and more specifically in the Quarter has learned one thing. Eventually if you expect to accomplish anything at all or even think about accomplishing something you must move away from the hub. There is an obvious analogy here for all of America.

Perhaps the single best source to find a definition for "the American Way of Life" would come from the mouths of those who are putting their lives on the line to preserve that way of life, American soldiers. They would all gladly give you a clear definition if asked, even though they may not be aware they were doing just that. If you were to ask any soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan what he or she planned to do when they returned home again you would have your definition. Yes, the first thing they would say would be something like; I'm going to have the biggest party of my life. No one would question that; in fact most of us would lend a hand to get that party going. But no soldier would say that was all he wanted to do. As Paul Harvey would say, "and now here is the rest of the story". Depending on each individual soldier you may hear, I'm going home to marry my sweetheart and start a family, or I'm going to start my own business or finish school. Some might say they were going back to help their families or become builders, preachers, scientists, or politicians. The list is endless but it is this list that defines what we know as "the American way of Life".

The mindless pursuit of power, fame or fortune are all thought to be at the top of the list under the heading of "The American Way of Life" But let's take another look based on the answers of our own fighting men and a stern warning from the pages of the Bible. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end therof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25 KJV

Rev Bresciani has written many articles over the past thirty years in such periodicals as Guideposts and Catholic Digest. He is the author of two books available on Amazon.com, Alibris, Barnes and Noble and many other places. Rev Bresciani wrote "Hook Line and Sinker or what has Your Church Been Teaching You," publisher, PublishAmerica of Baltimore MD. He also wrote a book published by Xulon Press entitled "An American Prophet and His Message, Questions and Answers on the Second Coming of Christ." Rev Bresciani's website is, http://americanprophet.org

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Talky Parrot Training System

Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic body language out companions use to communicate with us. But it's usually the more negative ones! However, our buddies use a multitude of moves to express lots of emotions, both positive and negative. So, let's look at a few:

EXCITEMENT/AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS
Although most of these activities are associated with aggressive/defensive attitudes in our birds, they can also simply signify any excitement, good or bad - so you have to know your bird, and observe closely to differentiate between aggressive postures that mean "Stay away!" and those that simply mean "I'm over-excited!" even in a good way. (Of course, even with those you need to be careful, as an over-stimulated bird can still act out by biting.)

Eye pinning: The pupils dilate and constrict rapidly, back and forth, indicating excitement and interest. Definitely means you need to pay attention and look out.

Feather Puffing: The bird fluffs his feathers out all over, but especially the head and neck, and with Cockatoos, the crest is erect. In the wild, birds use this to appear larger, and thus be more intimidating to foes.

Tail Fanning: Especially in Amazons, the bird fans his whole tail out (like a mini-horizontal peacock), again, to appear large and "scary."

Blushing: Bare-faced birds like Macaws, allow you to visually observe the facial redness that accompanies excitement. (Actually, ALL parrots so this - we just can't see it through the feathers! Some birds blush a light pink, others (Like my Amber), go a deep red. I find babies blush more than adults, as they experience new things in the world.

Head Bowing: The bird, while puffed up, eye-pinning, tail fanning, and blushing, also lowers his head, stretching out his neck. Often accompanied by a "growling" sort of sound, or with African Greys and Cockatiels, it's more of a "hissing" sound.

Stretching/Wing Spreading: The bird raises up on tip toes, feathers and crest erect, neck stretched, wings eagle - spread -again, he's trying to look large and threatening. Often, a highly agitated bird will sway back and forth. "Flash" colors (Bright color accents under wings, crest or tail) are highly visible during this type of posturing - it's hard to miss, as this type of display is QUITE obvious!

Although aggression behaviors and excitement behaviors are similar, the good observer with a trained eye can readily tell the difference. Work on developing your observation skills, so you'll know how to best proceed. Of course, a bird coming at you, head-lowered, with an open beak, is hard for ANYONE to misinterpret!

SOLICITOUS BEHAVIORS
These include all the more passive ways a parrot asks for attention. If we ignore these, they can lead to more outright demands, such as screaming, or neurotic behaviors that become obsessive, almost ritualistic, habits such as constant flipping or circling in the cage, or toe-tapping, beak wiping, and odd looking head movements. The basic solicitous behaviors include the following:

Food Begging: Recently weaned babies often cry and "baby bob" repeatedly. They sit low on the perch, heads turned up, slightly quivering their wings, with heads bobbing rapidly. This needs to be addressed! Often, newly weaned babies revert after moving to their new home. It's a good idea to continue regular body weight checks, as anything over a 10% loss is cause for concern. I don't believe in time-table weaning, and do not feel it is inappropriate to continue, or re-start, hand feeding of young birds. Ask for guidance on how to best handle it.

Wing Quivering: The bird sits low with wings gently quivering, head out, and stretched and softly chirps to you. Some may "bob," even as adults. This is more common in females. It simply means "Pick me up! Love me!" I find it quite endearing and nothing to be alarmed about.

Leaning Forward/Looking up at you with Big Eyes: This is also a very sweet way birdies ask for some loving. They simply lean toward you and give you big, soft, goo-goo eyes! Pretty fool-proof for most birds!

Feather Puffing: Nothing like the feather puffing of aggression/over-excitement, which is stiff and rigid, this is a "soft" raising of the feathers, again, especially on the head and neck and means "Please scratch me and preen my pin feathers!" They need out help to reach those difficult spots, and it's a glorious way to strengthen your bond by preening his "pins" for him!

HAPPINESS BEHAVIORS
These are my favorites! They are also the most subtle and most often missed signals that our parrots give us. Learn to recognize them and you'll enjoy a whole new level of richness in your communications.

Tail Wagging: Often in one on one interactions, you'll see your bird give his tail a quick "fan" and a vigorous side-to-side shake. This means "I'm content, I'm enjoying myself and feeling quite relaxed!" It's always a happy sight!

Happy-Wing Tai Chi: You walk in the room, or up to your parrot, he spreads out one wing, in a big stretch, often accompanied by a full extension to the back of the leg on the same side (very graceful, martial-arts-looking). I love this one! Often, they do it at the most inopportune time, like when you're in a big hurry to put him up and get out for the day. But, this is the parrot equivalent of a big hug! It means "I'm so happy to see you! How 'ya doing?!" Don't ever rush him when he's being sooo courteous and pleasant!

"Happy Beak": It's late, he's eaten, he's played, he's cuddled, he's almost ready for bed - and you hear a funny grinding rasping sound coming from your bird. This is a total contentment, relaxed, happy behavior. I actually met someone once who professed to "hate" that sound! To me, it's music to my ears - it means my kids have had a great day and are ready to go night-night for sweet dreams!

Regurgitation: You're loving on your buddy when all of a sudden, he starts to bob, then deposits a warm gob of partially digested food onto you! Well, you've just been paid the highest compliment your parrot can pay you!! This is how parrots say "I love you madly, for ever and ever - you're mine!!" Please, don't act grossed out, or make faces, or laugh, or run away. Simply say "I love you, too!" and give him a rub!

There's lots more behaviors an postures our companion birds use to express their moods, needs, and feelings to us. When you start to pay attention to your friend'

Discover Your Personality Type Now

s many ways in which he communicates with you, you'll surely discover some special and unique ones that will go a log way in enabling the two of you to get along better, strengthen your bond, and provide insight into his own unique personality!

-----------------------------------------
Your Parrot Place
Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free eBook!
140 pages! A compilation of parrot articles from 2000-2004.
http://www.yourparrotplace.com/ebooks/ypp2004ebook.htm

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Seven Compelling Reasons to Get Your Name on a Book Cover. Music & Intelligence: Will Listening to Music Make You Smarter?.

Seven Compelling

Police career, law enforcement, Cops, book. Critically acclaimed book leads aspiring police officers...

Reasons to Get Your Name on a Book Cover

Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, maybe you've already established firmly in mind your exact purpose for becoming an author. Your reasons may match one or more of those below. Or perhaps you could add yours to the list. Nevertheless, with some 65,000 books being published in the United States yearly, there is overwhelming attraction to joining the ranks of authors.

Reason 1: Renown- Did you know that Martha Stewart ("Entertaining"), Harvey McKay ("Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive"), and Tom Peters ("In Search of Excellence"), were virtually unknown until they became authors? It's no wonder. Authoring a book heightens your credibility, elevates your prestige and dubs you an expert. It could open the door to television, radio, and newspaper interviews. (You will, however, have to get out there and stimulate media attention). Having a book with your name on it may also attract public speaking engagements and other business opportunities. It affords you a chance to bask in the spotlight!

Reason 2: Wealth- Certainly not every book brings its author riches, but some do. In his book, "Damn! Why Didn't I Write That?" Marc McCutcheon lists 71 titles that sold 1 million or more copies, some many more, not to mention the multitude of books that sold tens and hundreds of thousands of copies. Yours could be added to the list. Of course

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it's going to take a hot topic, an attention-grabbing title, a well-written book and some strategic marketing, but the effort is going to be worth it.

Reason 3: Legacy- Depending on how good your book is, it may be read by generations to come. Your descendants, whom you may never see, may come to know you by your work. Family photographs are fine. They show the person. A book, however, shows what's inside the person: their knowledge, findings, experiences, and beliefs. Let your book be their heritage - and a legacy for readers everywhere.

Reason 4:

A Wealth Of Information for Life Subconscious Wealth Health Mind Soul Emotion

Heroism- As a result of having read a book, people have saved their marriages, improved their health, fixed their finances, boosted their self-esteem, beautified their homes, gotten their souls redeemed, lost weight, roared with laughter, become better lovers, developed their computer skills. Books have improved businesses, inspired dreams, polished parenting abilities, brought history to life, and incited million dollar ideas. The list goes on and on. Your book is undoubtedly going to make a contribution too and it's no telling the impact it is going to have.

Reason 5: Personal Fulfillment- God put each of us here on earth for a purpose. That is, we each have unique gifts and abilities for which we cannot truly feel complete until we have used them. In setting out to have a book written, you have almost certainly developed a passion about whatever it is that you want to communicate. Good. Your passions reveal something about what your talents are. But until you actually get those words out, you may continually have that nudging. You are a unique being with something that only you can say. Have a book written and you will be well on the way to fulfilling your life purpose.

Reason 6: Adventure- Even if you, as a collaborator, are only casually involved in producing your book, the experience is an exploration into uncharted territory. It's quite likely that you and your ghost may come across amazing facts about your chosen topic that you were previously unaware of. You may unexpectedly meet people who could be valuable to your research or to the sales of your book. Even in the process of marketing a book, your tour may lead to exotic places. Being an author could very well be -- in a nutshell -- fun.

Reason 7: Economic Boost- Because a horde of people will be involved in the writing, publishing, sales and distribution of your book, you can take pride in the fact that your book is contributing to the wealth of the nation. That's especially significant in times of mass layoffs, rising taxes, and poverty. I applaud you!

There you have it - seven surefire reasons to become an author, a worthy investment in your business, your career, your life and the lives of your readers.

About The Author

E-books, software, e-mail courses and workshops for writers, authors and online marketers

Michelle McGee-Jones is a freelance business writer, marketing consultant and workshop conductor. She is the author of "The Art of Hiring Someone to Write Your Book: A Step by Step Guide to Successfully Collaborating." The book is available for $9.95 plus shipping by calling toll free 1-800-673-5771 or by ordering online at Amazon.com. Copyright © 2004 Michelle McGee-Jones. All rights reserved. This article may be freely reprinted provided this entire byline is included.

mmcgee@cseop.org

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Will listening to music make you smarter? Will learning to play a musical instrument make your brain grow larger than normal?

Questions like these ones have been popping up all over the place in the past few years, and not just in scientific journals either.

In recent times the media has been fascinated by the research surrounding brain development and music, eagerly reporting on the latest studies to the delight of the music-loving parents of young children.

But all this information - and some misinformation too - has led to generalized confusion about the role of music and music training in the development of the human brain. The bottom line is this: if you're confused by all you read about music study and brain development, you're certainly not alone.

In part, this is due to the manner in which the phrase "the Mozart Effect" has been popularized by the media and bandied about to describe any situation in which music has a positive effect on cognition or behavior.

In fact the Mozart Effect refers specifically to a 1993 research finding by Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw and Katherine Ky and published in the prestigious journal Nature. The scientists found that 36 college students who listened to 10 minutes of a Mozart sonata performed higher on a subsequent spatial-temporal task than after they listened to relaxation instructions or silence.

An enchanted media reported this interesting research as "Mozart makes you smarter" - a huge over-simplification of the original results.

As Rauscher explains in a later paper, the Mozart Effect was studied only in adults, lasted only for a few minutes and was found only for spatial temporal reasoning. Nevertheless, the finding has since launched an industry that includes books, CDs and websites claiming that listening to classical music can make children more intelligent.

The scientific controversy - not to mention the popular confusion - surrounding the Mozart Effect, has given rise to a corresponding perplexity for parents. They wonder: "Should my kids even bother with music education?"

In fact the answer to this question is still a resounding yes, since numerous research studies do prove that studying music contributes unequivocally to the positive development of the human brain. Other researchers have since replicated the original 1993 finding that listening to Mozart improves spatial reasoning. And further research by Rauscher

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and her colleagues in 1994 showed that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers demonstrated a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ, a skill important for certain types of mathematical reasoning.

In particular, it is early music training that appears to most strengthen the connections between brain neurons and perhaps even leads to the establishment of new pathways. But research shows music training has more than a casual relationship to the long-term development of specific parts of the brain too.

In 1994 Discover magazine published an article which discussed research by Gottfried Schlaug, Herman Steinmetz and their colleagues at the University of Dusseldorf. The group compared magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brains of 27 classically trained right-handed male piano or string players, with those of 27 right-handed male non-musicians.

Where musicians, bands \%5C\%2526 dj

Intriguingly, they found that in the musicians' planum temporale - a brain structure associated with auditory processing - was bigger in the left hemisphere and smaller in the right than in the non-musicians. The musicians also had a thicker nerve-fiber tract between the hemisphere. The differences were especially striking among musicians who began training before the age of seven.

According to Shlaug, music study also promotes growth of the corpus callosum, a sort of bridge between the two hemispheres of the brain. He found that among musicians who started their training before the age of seven, the corpus callosum is 10-15% thicker than in non-musicians.

At the time, Schlaug and other researchers speculated that a larger corpus callosum might improve motor control by speeding up communication between the hemispheres.

Since then, a study by Dartmouth music psychologist Petr Janata published by Science in 2002, has confirmed that music prompts greater connectivity between the brains left and right hemisphere and between the areas responsible for emotion and memory, than does almost any other stimulus.

Janata led a team of scientists who reported some areas of the brain are 5% larger in expert musicians than they are in people with little or no musical training, and that the auditory cortex in professional musicians is 130% denser than in non-musicians. In fact, among musicians who began their musical studies in early childhood, the corpus callosum, a four-inch bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right sides of the brain, can be up to 15% larger.

While it is now clear from research studies that brain region connectivity and some types of spatial reasoning functionality is improved by music training, there is growing evidence that detailed and skilled motor movements are also enhanced.

Apparently the corpus callosum in musicians is essential for tasks such as finger coordination. Like a weight-lifter's biceps, this portion of the brain enlarges to accommodate the increased labour assigned to it.

In a study conducted by Dr. Timo Krings and reported in Neuroscience Letters in 2000, pianists and non-musicians of the same age and sex were required to perform complex sequences of finger movements. The non-musicians were able to make the movements as correctly as the pianists, but less activity was detected in the pianists' brains. The scientists concluded that compared to non-musicians, the brains of pianists are more efficient at making skilled movements.

The study of music definitely affects the human brain and its development, in a staggering number of ways. But what to make of all the research, especially in terms of deciding the best course of music study or appreciation for yourself or your offspring?

A 2000 article by N M Weinberger in MuSICA Research Notes makes the following excellent point: Although the Mozart Effect may not list up to the unjustified hopes of the public, it has brought widespread interest in music research to the public. And listening to ten minutes of Mozart could get someone interested in listening to more unfamiliar music, opening up new vistas.

Irregardless of the hype surrounding the Mozart Effect, the overall academic evidence for music study as a tool to aid brain development, is compelling.

At the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco, Dr. Frank Wilson says

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his research shows instrumental practice enhances coordination, concentration and memory and also brings about the improvement of eyesight and hearing. His studies have shown that involvement in music connects and develops the motor systems of the brain, refining the entire neurological system in ways that cannot be done by any other activity. Dr. Wilson goes so far as to say he believes music instruction is actually 'necessary' for the total development of the brain.

So the bottom line is this: Music study and practice probably does aid in the development of the brain in various important ways. And after all, if you enjoy music, there is nothing to lose by trying, and everything to gain!

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. He holds an advanced degree from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He can be reached at http://www.pianolessonsbyvideo.com. He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled "Amazing Secrets Of Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions" with over 55,000 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free subscription by going to http://www.playpiano.com/

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US Research and Funding of Basic Research. 5 Tips To Choosing Your Products Carefully!.

Most

Embedded Components brings your technology to the marketplace

scientists and researchers realize that we are getting behind in our studies on future technologies and sciences. In fact the problem is so well known that the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao made mention of it at a huge meeting of the minds; with businessmen and interests in India. China and India, which have huge populations over a billion people each, now know they are the future Super Powers of the World as the Western World pisses away their current leadership position. They know that the United States and other nations no longer to have the will to fund basic research.

The United States is coasting on their dominate position, which is to their folly. This short sided attitude and budget deficits of spending on crap is costing them more than they know. Everyone knows those nations and corporations, which re-invest in technology and research will win in the future. Look at Microsoft's strategy or the United States in previous decades; the proof is evident. Yet we are not following our own best advice.

If we want to continue to be the leading super power in the world we will need to upgrade our budget expenditures for DARPA and allow for non-military technological off shoots to be transferred into industry. To do this we must up the current research spending at DARPA ten-fold and then ten-fold again in five years. It should be one of our largest expenditures. By doing so we will invest in biotech and find cures for cancer, find ways to better use energy and clean our air, water and land. If we do not we will be buying these technologies from other nations like China and India and will continue to have more outflows than inflows as our trade deficits expand.

We are at a cross roads in the United States when it comes to technology, whether we care to address it or not. If we fail to recognize this truth that does not mean our free market components and competing nations have failed to observe it. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

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The greatest collection of excellent resellable products on the Internet

You have to be the expert before you even start your business. You have to know your products or service inside out. You may love a business for the product lines, but will your customers love the products too?

When problems arise with a product, or when a customer asks technical questions, are you knowledgeable enough to resolve these problems and answer their questions competently and confidently?

One way to increase your product knowledge is to contact the manufacturers or local distributor. Find out the following:

* How long have these products been on the market?

* Are they seasonal, and when do most sell?

* How ofen are these products upgraded or changed?

* Could you be caught unexpectedly with obsolete inventory?

* What do the manufacturers' warranties cover?

* Are replacement parts readily available?

* Are the products competitively priced?

If you have decided to take the plunge and be a stay at home mom/dad with an internet business, here are 5 tips that can help you become more successful. These tips have certainly helped me:

1. Choose your product carefully:

Don't just choose to sale a product because you think it can make you rich. Choose to sale a product or service because it is your passion. Choose something that you feel will make you happy in the process.

2. Make sure your product is of high value:

You need to sale quality based products or your customers will know the difference. Your goal is customer satisfaction, always!

3. Provide excellent service to your customers:

Go that extra mile for your customers. A happy customer is a healthy business. Answer emails, and/or phone calls promptly.

4. Don't Stress:

Take care of you. If you need to take time out, then do it. Come back refreshed and ready to tackle your daily activities. Success will prevail!

5. The Competition:

Competition is an ugly word, but competitors are a fact of life. If your business can't compete with other stores or services, don't start this business. You have to have some sort of an edge.

You may have an excellent product, but if everyone else is elling a similar commodity, just how much of the market can you expect to capture? You will have to get to know everything there is to know about your competition and keep up to date with their marketing strategies.

Be unique in your own style. Always come up with new ideas to present your product and improve your business. Access your competitor's strengths and weaknesses and see how you can provide new ideas for promoting your business. Best of all have fun and it will show in your business.

Sonia Colon is owner of a successful online specialty giftstore "Jimson Products".

Visit: http://www.jimsonproducts.com for a wonderful display.

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Put Your Kids Before Your Men... Always. 10 Things To Do This Summer.

What

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is your definition of a "Good Mother?" Is it someone who makes up for affection by purchasing every toy in the store for your child? Or is it a simple gesture like giving your child a hug every once in a while and saying I Love You?

Children don't require much to feel loved. They only want someone who will pay attention. If you are the type of mother that's always so desperate to meet a man, and when you finally do, your child comes second in the equation, you have serious issues. The child didn't ask to come into this world. You bought them into it. Your responsibility is to keep that child safe and that does include their emotions.

You can't ignore your child when your man is around and expect them to obey you when your man is gone. It doesn't work that way. Did you respect your child when you were in your bedroom with your man, and he/she was crying because they were hungry? I don't think so. So don't expect your child to respect you when they are old enough to date and bring their boyfriends or girlfriends home into their bedrooms. What are you going to do or say? It's too late to try to raise them at this point.

Do you feel that your child owe you something in life because you carried them for nine months and went through hell with them? You really shouldn't feel that way. It's called being a parent. You are absolutely concerned with the wrong things and your thinking is backwards and distorted. Your child owes you nothing...They didn't ask to come here.

Respect yourself and your children and the rest will follow. After all, your children will be your children for the rest of your lives. That man may only be temporary.

To find out more about this author, please visit her website at http://www.monicamburns.vstore.ca or you mail email her at monicaburnsinc@yahoo.com.

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Looking for a summer project? How about working on who you are, and what kind of life you really want to live? Here's some ideas.

1. Focus on the "who", not the "what".

If you find that you've been stuck in a goal for a while, try restating it in "who" terms instead of what.

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For example, instead of saying "I want to lose 10 lbs.", say "I want to be someone who is at a healthier weight for my age." Instead of "I want to spend time with my kids", say "I want to be someone who is a devoted parent." Then ask yourself what actions would be fit with your desire to "be" instead of "get".

2. Control-ability.

Get clear on what you can really control and what is out of your control. You can't control world politics, but you can vote. You can't control terrorism, but you can be prepared in your own home. You can't control the construction crews on the freeway, but you can control how much time you allot for a trip. Knowing what you can control and exercising that, and letting go of what you can't, reduces stress related feelings immensely.

3. Be Generous.

You know you haven't worn that shirt in 2 years. Someone needs that shirt to keep warm on the streets this winter, don't let it just sit idle in your closet. Live from abundance, not lack. You'll have other shirts. Share. Feel good about yourself for helping others less fortunate.

4. Give it a home.

The biggest culprit for chronically lost items in the home or office -- keys, remote, phone, scissors, batteries -- are that they don't have a home. Just like teenagers, if you know where they are going to be, you don't have to waste time looking for them!

5. Establish routines.

While they sound boring and confining, routines are actually freeing. Instead of being worried and anxious on Monday morning wondering if your credit-card bill is late again, you'll feel calm knowing that you always pay bills on Wed. evening, so you have nothing to be concerned about. Routines take the stress out!

6. Analyze it.

Did you know that a full 80% of your problems come from 20% of your life? It's true! Determine what that 20% is that's affecting so much of your life, and start working to make it more efficient and orderly.

7. Consolidate.

Consolidate means to "merge, combine, unite, join". Look for something in your life that is scattered and consolidate -- group of small bills, hand lotions, hobby supplies. I'm using consolidate in this case to mean either to literally combine as all into one container, but also in collecting like items together. Instead of spreading your collectibles all over the house, combine them into one beautiful cabinet for impact. Consolidate toys or reading material/bills/papers by type. You'll be able to see the duplicates easily and free up some time and space.

8. Do the opposite.

If you find that you're constantly having to run to the next room to retrieve a pair of (for example) scissors, that's a clue that you need to *add* a pair where you need them. This is the opposite of consolidate. Just be careful with this one, and make sure that you really use the item enough to make it worthy of taking up the valuable real-estate in your home or office or closet.

9. Predictability

We can't know the future. No one can. But about everyday things, it's usually pretty easy to make a fairly accurate prediction of what consequences of your actions will be. A first &mistake' is simply a learning experience, finding out information that you didn't have originally. A second &mistake' is not exercising your skill of predicting. Practice predicting, and make informed choices to go in a direction you want to.

10. Assign Value.

A big mistake I see in my coaching clients is not assigning a true value to your time, to your energy, to your money, and to the "real estate" (space) of your home or office. Realize that for each thing you say Yes to -- from a pair of shoes to watching a movie -- you have said No to something else. Always ask yourself - is this *valuable* enough to me to bump something else from my closet, my schedule, my money?

Make Summer 2005 your best yet!

Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates specializes in helping people who are ready to create a simpler, less stressful, more joyful and meaningful lifestyle. Visit http://www.reallifecoach.com for information, products and services, and sign up for a free newsletter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Baseball and the Game of Life. Coaching Can Get The Boss In Shape.

Baseball and life have a lot of similarities. I know what you are thinking, yea right, it's simply a game involving a bat and a ball. What can that possibly teach us?

How to teach guitar,how to make money teaching guitar,teaching guitar

I am here to tell you what it can teach you. Not only baseball, but other sports as well.

Growing up I couldn't see the similarities with baseball and life. I simply knew that a game was on and lets go play! But as time has evolved and I have gone on to other things, only now can I reflect and look at what the game of baseball has taught me.

Baseball and life are similar. I think the first thing it taught me was personal interaction. How to deal with teammates and how to work together towards a common goal. We all wanted to win together, but we also experienced defeat together. We learned how to deal with defeat and how to rise above it. How to keep on trying every out, every game. We didn't know it at the time, but we were learning valuable skills that would carry over to other facets of our lives.

It also taught me how to deal with one-on-one situations. You against the pitcher in the batter's box with the game on the line. You strike out and the game is over. How did you handle this on a personal level? It taught you that you will overcome even in the eyes of defeat. It teaches you how to handle defeat amongst your peers and what you will do to be better next time. Baseball and life are similar, they are just on different stages.

How about your hitting? You fail seven out of ten times and you are a three hundred hitter and a hero. You fail eight out of ten times and you are only hitting two hundred. One extra hit per ten at bats can propel you from hero status to the goat status. How do you deal with defeat when you are only hitting two hundred? Do you throw in the towel or do you put your best effort forward, hold your head high, and carry on with great determination?

Baseball and life teaches us that everyone fails at some point. What matters is not giving up. What matters is getting up and you keep pounding the rock. And while you are pounding the rock, without even knowing it, you are gaining character, desire, determination, and that great spirit that will carry over into life skills.

When I reflect back and try to understand what I learned from this game, I can now see what it has taught me. I know I can handle any situation, because I know how to get back up and move forward. I can deal with personal one-on-one situations, because baseball taught me that.

I know if it doesn't go just right, there is always tomorrow and the prospect of better things. I can handle defeat because I know it is only an opportunity for success later. And an opportunity for me to learn along this road called life.

Yes, baseball has taught me how to be in life, how to handle the ups and the downs, how to be a better person, and how to go out and get what I want in life. It is a grand game in so many ways!

Baseball for me was a stepping stone to my career now. Yes, I accomplished a lot in baseball, but it is where I am now that matters to me and baseball helped me get here.

I am now a captain with the Tucson Fire Department and a paramedic. I have the opportunity to save lives and affect them in a positive way. I deal with tragedy, as well as the overwhelming emotion when saving a life. How do I handle these pressure situations when faced with real emergencies?

I can look back and know that baseball taught me life skills and the ability to handle success as well as defeat. I know that I put my best foot forward each day. Somedays will be enriched with reward, and some with tragedy, but I will keep the course and give it my all. Baseball taught me that. And I hope it can help you as well. Please email me with any thoughts or questions.

Bill Bathe- former major league baseball player who played in 1989 world series. Former instructors include Eddie Matthews, Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, and Dusty Baker to name a few. Just click on Baseball drills and baseball equipment to go to his website which provides drills, equipment, information and tips. Also, digital online video analysis, equipment, posters, and more. In addition, stories and pictures on the journey to the big leagues. Or email him at http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com/contact-us.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

#1 personal development plan : From Vision To Action

Who tells the boss that they can improve their management or leadership? How do they look at themselves objectively and identify what areas they can improve and the benefits of doing so?

These days many people have become more aware of the need to look after their bodies and their health. Not only do many join gyms or start participating in sports regularly - a number are using personal trainers. Why do they choose to do this? Consider top performers in the sports world, or areas such as drama and classical music. What do they have in common? The majority have the equivalent of the personal trainer (or more than one!). These are the people at the top of their field and yet they choose to do this. Why?

Some bosses have had formal management and leadership training, and many have not. Regardless, it does not mean that they have not got some areas which would improve with some conditioning, or reconditioning! Yet, as the quotation below says, how many will:

a) admit to these things, and
b) do something about them?

"People will go to a lot of trouble to learn French or Physics or Scuba diving. They have the patience to learn to operate a car, but they won't be bothered learning how to operate themselves" - Newman & Berkowitz

We all know the risks of not keeping ourselves in shape thanks to the media and countless reports and surveys. How aware are we of the risks to our organisations if we have too many bosses who are out of shape in terms of their own style or skills? The knock-on effect of them continuing to behave in the same "out of shape" way can bad for the people working around them and for the organisation's health.

Many bosses, whatever their roles or levels, do not like attending training programmes to develop themselves or their skills. Sometimes there are genuine reasons and often there are a range of frequently used excuses. (Too busy being a frequent cop-out - and is often a good symptom of the problems with their management style and capability.) Whether you are "a boss" who recognises this, or someone who is interested in ways to influence bosses to develop themselves, you might need to look at other options!

The last few years have seen a massive growth in "coaching", whether life-coaching, corporate coaching or executive coaching or other labels. This does tell us one thing, there is a market there for coaches! Also, that more people think that they can benefit from working with a coach. It is not only the likes of Tim Henman and Tiger Woods who think like this!

Within the corporate world, coaching is a very effective way of developing people. Although a significant amount of coaching occurs with board level executives, it is being used increasingly for other levels within the

organisation. There is a limited amount of data about the return on investment from coaching though it is growing. Early studies can demonstrate an ROI of 6 TIMES the investment - and that is in the measurable outcomes, not the intangible gains to the organisation! This is for coaching used in isolation. One organisation measured improvements after training courses and found that they got around 22% improvement in productivity. When this was supported by coaching the improvement was 88%!! Yes, coaching pays dividends!

So, what can a coach do to help the boss get in shape? We believe that there are three key steps to effective coaching interactions and they have some similarities with signing up to the gym and a personal trainer. (These form a process we refer to as "Coherent Coaching" shown in Fig.1.)

First things first - a diagnosis phase. This is critical to the overall success of the project. What is the reason for thinking that the boss needs to get in shape? (The fitness assessment?) The clearer you can be about the areas to be addressed, the existing situation and problems, the impact on others in the organisation, the easier it will be to generate specific aims. This stage can look at the boss in terms of the organisational context and why coaching is being considered, and their personal style and behaviours. Not that these have to be mutually exclusive!

Before dashing in to coaching sessions, review whether this is the best way forward. (Is going to the gym the only way to get in shape?) It could be that the boss will benefit from having a mentor rather than a coach, or having some formal training to learn some specific skills. Should coaching be the way ahead, the boss, the coach and any other stakeholders need to meet and agree the overall aims of the project and a number of other things to do with support and confidentiality. As part of this, the probable timescale can be discussed along with the actual method of working together.

The coaching phase will typically take place over several face to face sessions, probably supported by telephone and email. The key to this is to set really clear outcomes or objectives in the first session. These can be short-term (even for each session) and for the overall project. The boss is in control of this part in terms of setting their outcomes, although a good coach will push them.

The actual coaching sessions will keep the boss thinking about what they can do to move towards their outcomes and objectives. The coach will offer a combination of challenge and support to push the boss onwards. (Again, like the personal trainer will do!) They will provide encouragement and feedback where appropriate. One of the major pluses the coach brings, is that they can be direct and open with the boss when giving feedback. The boss generates ideas and chooses which ones they are committed to pursuing, with the coach helping if they get really stuck.

As with any plan to get in shape, we all like to know what progress we are making.

This is why we think the third part of the process can be started alongside the coaching sessions - the Personal Development Plan. Whatever the actual method is for writing up or keeping the plan, it can be developed throughout the project. As progress is noted, it gives added motivation for continuing and stretching still further.

The key for the sessions and the plan are for examples of improvement to be noticed and noted. They can be discussed and reviewed to explore why they have been achieved and what the payoffs are for the boss, the organisation and the others around them. Wherever possible, aim to quantify these - still more of an incentive!!

As the boss is getting into better shape, they need to know that others are observing it too! (Well, friends and family would tell you if the personal trainer and exercise was making a difference!) How can they get evidence? The coach should encourage them to look for it. As with any plan to get into shape, there may be some times when things seem to plateau or go into reverse. Accept that this might happen, and use the coach to help you breakthrough.

Part way through any project it is often a good idea to have a mid-point review with all concerned stakeholders. Even if this is just the boss and the coach - set up this session with no coaching activity on the agenda! Review what has been achieved, the benefits to all concerned, how does it feel for the boss, and agree if there is any need to change for the future sessions.

At the end of the overall project, there need to be some clearly identified deliverables. These should link back to the outcomes and objectives set at the beginning - with any new ones added! The on-going personal development plan will feed into this too. The deliverables can be both for the organisation and for the individual and their development. Once these are made clear, the trick is to find ways to measure their impact or contribution to the organisation.

Having got in shape, the trick is to keep there! Going to the gym or maintaining the exercise routine is how we do it in that context. How does the boss keep their new shape? Without working at it, there is a severe risk that they will slip back. Maybe they need to get some on-going support, with occasional contact from the coach. Possibly, as a result of the coaching, they have better self-awareness and will assess themselves and encourage others to give them feedback. Whatever they do, it is better for everyone's health if they stay in shape!!

Graham Yemm a founding partner of Solutions 4 Training Ltd.During his years as a consultant he has worked with a variety of major companies in the U.K., Europe, USA, the Middle East and Russia in Sales, People and Management Skills. He has had many years of experience tailoring programmes to address organisational issues around sales, account management, negotiations, sales management and customer service - especially focusing on the communication and personal skills aspects.

Graham is a Master Practitioner of NLP and was involved with setting up and running "The Business Group", which promotes uses of NLP in organisations. He is an accredited trainer for the LAB profile programme - "Words that Change Minds". His personal enjoyment comes from helping individuals to take more responsibility for their own actions- freeing them to feel they can make more choices about their lives.

Contact http://solutions4training.com or +1483 480656

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Organising your Wedding Stationery. Destin Florida Triples In 3 Years.

Of

Wedding Planner The Simply Organized Bride Weddings By Deborah

all the things you need to do, buy and organize in preparation for your wedding, wedding stationery is something that must be planned ahead. After all, you need to let your guests know well in advance of your forthcoming big day. Your wedding invitation and accessories set the tone for your special day firmly establishing your style and taste. It is the first official message about your wedding that a guest will receive from you, so make it special. If wedding etiquette is important to you, then make a start with your wedding stationery.

The Use of the Internet

The Internet has opened up new avenues for anyone planning a wedding. All your research can literally be done online and this also applies to finding your stationery items. There are hundreds of online stationery and wedding related websites that display all types of wedding invitations and accessories for you to choose from. Today many brides do their wedding research online as you can become quickly informed of the latest trends and new products available. You can either buy your wedding stationery directly over the Internet, or collect ideas and samples and take these to your local stationery store to implement. Most online stores actually send you a sample in the post to let you look and feel the stationery items before you purchase them.

Custom Stationery

Every bride wants her wedding to be as unique as can be. A good place to start is with custom wedding stationery. The great advantage with custom stationery is that you can enter your own wording, select the typeface, text size and color. No matter what theme you have set for your wedding, you will surely be able to customize your stationery to compliment the tone. Wedding invitations and accessories can be bought in various styles such as classic, contemporary, floral, embossed, layered and religious.

On a Budget?

If you're on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home wedding invitations. Save money and impress your guests when you personalize and print your wedding invitations at home using free online services that are available from some major online stationery stores. You pay for the paper and envelopes and then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools, you'll be able to enter your text, tweak it, preview it, and print it. No mistakes, no hassles, no wasted cards - and its cheap!

Choose a Theme

The theme of your stationery should coincide with the overall theme of your wedding. For example, if you are having a garden wedding then you may choose to have a floral print on your stationery items. There are many accessory items available to help you tie your stationery in with the theme of your wedding. For example, ribbons, hearts, rings, white doves etc.. The same applies to the color of your invitations. This is normally decided upon by the color of your bridesmaids dresses.

Stationery Items

You would be surprised at how many wedding stationery items there are. While

► Wedding Planning Secrets Save Thousands On Your Wedding! - No Compromise Low Cost Budget...

your wedding invitation is the most prominent item of stationery, you can find complimentary stationery accessories to match your wedding invitations:-

• Wedding Invitations
• Wedding Programs
• Announcements
• Engagement Announcements & Invitations
• Save-the-Date Cards
• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
• Bridal Shower Invitations
• Wedding Accessories (menu cards, thank you notes etc..)

Plan Head

Your wedding invitation is the first official message about your wedding and your guests need to know about their invite in plenty of time. Here is a checklist to help you plan ahead and be organised:-

• Double-check that the wording in your invitation is correct. Ask a friend or family member to also look through the invitation for you;
• Order your invitations as soon as your date, time and place have been confirmed. Three to six months before the ceremony is what most expert planners suggest;
• To calculate the number of invitations to order remember to count one invitation per single guest, couple and family;
• After calculating the number of invitations add approximately 25 invitations to your order: 10-12 more for keepsakes, plus extras for the last-minute guests. Also, depending on how large your order is, add 25 to 50 additional envelopes in case of mistakes in addressing;
• Most established wedding planners agree that you should plan to mail your invitations six weeks before the wedding. This gives the quest plenty of time to respond;
• Make sure you have one completely assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine the correct postage.

Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding and tell your guests what type of style and theme you have chosen for your wedding.

Summary

Don't underestimate the important of your wedding stationery. It sets the tone and style of your wedding and portrays the image you want to set. Wedding stationery should tie in with the overall theme of your wedding. Invitations and announcements can be bought on a budget by using specialty software to print from your PC.

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a freelance write and owner of http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com where you will find further tips and advice on invitation cards ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html) and personalized stationery ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/personalized-stationery.html).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Real Estate Investing ebooks

Do you want to see something that is absolutely amazing? Let me show you what has happened in Destin, Florida over the last 3 years. Back in August of 2002, the median price of a home selling in Destin was $229,000. One year later, August 2003, the median price in Destin increased to $305,000, or a 33% price increase.

Roll the clock forward in July 2005, and we see that the average price is now $658,000 as you can see in the price charts below. Do you think there was a little money made in Destin over the last few years? Since I live in the area, I can attest to the HUGE role real estate has played in our local economy and large amount of wealth that has been produced.

For the Monday morning arm chair quarterbacks of the world, you can just hear them at a dinner party saying.... "Boy, I knew that real estate was going up around there and I came close to buying a piece of property back in .......". "If I WOULD OF have purchased that property, I COULD HAVE made a killing.... I guess I SHOULD HAVE bought it before prices went so high. This is what investors call the Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda syndrome.

The WORST thing an investor could do right now is to realize that they missed some gain potential in Destin and then assume that prices will just keep going to the moon. Rather than kicking themselves for actions taken in the past, what this investor should be doing is trying to understand what has happened in the past and then apply that knowledge to FUTURE investments. Let' rewind the clock and see what happened to see if it sheds any clues as to what we should be looking for in the future.

Twenty years ago, Destin was a sleepy little fishing village that calls itself the "Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village". In addition to sugar white beaches, the area has great fishing and emerald colored waters that actually rival some spots in the Caribbean for water clarity. But twenty years ago, very few people wanted to live in Destin and only a small number of tourists wanted to visit the area. Boy has that changed.

In 1993, there was a major event that, in many people's opinion, changed the course of Destin forever. This was the opening of a major bridge into Destin that now provided easy access to tourists. Today, only 12 years after that event, Destin is a huge international tourist destination with multi-million dollar beach condos, Lear jets depositing visitors for the weekend, and a wide array of dining and shopping that rivals many upscale areas. Not too bad for a bunch of people that were affectionately called "fishheads".

So looking back, how could the individual investor have made smart moves in Destin?. Suppose you put on your investor hat and you came down to visit in 1993 right after the mid-bay bridge was constructed. You would have seen:

* A great beach and fishing location;

* An expanding offering of hotels and condos;

* Have realized that it was very unlikely for this area to drop in price due to the ever increasing demand for waterfront and nice vacation spots.

At that stage, somebody with a little bit of foresight could have made a longer term investment and planned on holding for 10 years. This longer term approach might not be your style, however.

Fortunately, you really did not have to really be that smart. Supposed you decided that Destin was likely to be an EMERGING area but you just didn't know when. You would have seen both price and volume of sales start to shoot up in the middle of 2002. When this BUY signal occurred, you would have found that you could have purchased many types of properties that would easily rent out and cover your expenses; i.e., there was a safety net for you. At that point in time, it was absolutely obvious to EVERYONE here that Destin was a major tourist destination that was not going to go away anytime soon.

As time went on, you would have seen the price and volume of sales continue. Looking at the figure below, you would have seen the year-to-year % change in price and the year-to-year % change in volume continue skyward until around December, 2004. After this time, the prices kept going up but not as aggressively. Also, you can see that the rate of change of volume has been dropping over the last 6 months which is a sign that things are definitely cooling off in this local market.

To me, that chart speaks volumes. It says there was a great opportunity to get in and there has been plenty of time to get out. However, it also tells me that I probably don't want to invest in Destin right now even though in the longer term, I think Destin will do just fine. For my taste, I would rather find the next EMERGING market rather than one that has already EMERGED.

Dr. Chris Anderson is a co-founder of http://www.GetPreconstructionDeals.com and is referenced in many venues including the New York Times and USA Today. Download his free, 30+ page preconstruction investing ebook today at Get Preconstruction e-Book.

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Ah!! Monsoon Season.... Negotiating Skills: Ask For More Than You Expect To Get.

"As dark gray clouds gather in the sky, it reminds me of eternal gifts that our Mother Nature has presented to us."

Truly, nature has her own subtle way of expressing love and affection to us. During monsoon season, when tiny rain droplets fall to the ground, the sky gives an impression of an estranged mother who is shedding tears in joy on meeting her beloved children. Though, it seems like a philosophical illusion, yet portrays the kindness that nature has showered by creating monsoon season for us to enjoy.

If someone denies its desire to get wet in the rain, probably he/she is lying. A little kid in us who is lost in ages of maturity suddenly pops out when it sees tiny droplets falling on to the earth. The temptation to get wet and enjoy the raindrops falling on our body is irresistible.

In metros and cities, the joy of monsoon can be seen on everyone's face. Kids dancing on streets, elders enjoying rain in the balcony of their house and women preparing hot pakoras and coffee for everyone in the family are hallmark of first monsoon rain. And what else the romantic lovers want better than this rainy season to spend some intimate moments with each other. We can see them sharing a common umbrella on a local bus stand or going for a long drive to invoke those romantic moments that were kept in backseat thanks to scotching summer heat. In its own elusive way, it somehow justifies the renowned MasterCard advertisement that says "There are some things that money can't buy, for everything else use MasterCard." Truly, these moments of happiness and sense of togetherness are priceless and cannot be bought, rather felt and loved.

In rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of income, the season of rains bears a special significance. And why not so when two-third of our population is directly or indirectly related to agriculture for its livelihood and nearly a quarter of country's economy is dependent upon agriculture. For them, good monsoon not only brings the bumper harvest but consequently also improved standards of living.

Indian Culture has a long tradition of using festivals as medium to mark the beginning and conclusion of any season. Consequently, there are many festivals associated with the onset of monsoon too. In Rajasthan, Teej festival is held every year in July and August months to mark the advent of monsoon. During this festival, women pray to god for good production and buy new clothes and jewellery in anticipation of good monsoon this year. People in Meghalaya also organize a festival called "Behdienkhlam" to invoke the blessings of god for bumper harvest. This festival features religious ceremonies and dancing at a pool called "eit nar".

One of the prominent Hindu festivals that mark the beginning of rainy season is Naga Panchami. This popular Hindu festival is dedicated to Ananta, the serpent upon whose coils Vishnu (The Rain God) rested between universes. People offer milk and worship snake images in temples on this day to protect them from snakebites that are common in areas near to the riverbed. But, the biggest of all festivals is Sri Jagannath Yatra that is celebrated all over the country with much delight. During this festival, the chariot processions of Sri Jagannath are taken throughout the main streets. The biggest of the processions is held in Puri, Orissa where people from all over the world come to this small city to participate in the mega event.

The romance of the Indian monsoon, with its abundant rains and lush green landscape that has been rhapsodized down the ages in verse and song, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Monsoon in India are exquisite and to fillip the tourist activities during monsoon season, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has mooted the idea of providing tourists "a unique experience" in the form of "Special Tourism Packages". A CII study paper has recommended states like Kerela, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttranchal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh as monsoon tourism destinations by promoting several schemes to attract tourists to visit these states during Monsoon Season. These schemes will also help government earn precious foreign exchange that International tourists will spend during their stay in India

Monsoons in Kerala are the most enchanting in India. With green pastures at its best, it is the most sought after destination during rainy season. The state is promoting itself extensively in the field of health tourism especially Ayurveda. The equable climate during Monsoon and natural abundance of herbs and medicinal plants in its flora, Kerala is fast capturing the attention of International tourists as a prime destination to visit during the Monsoon Season. With its abundant water reservoir of waterfalls and natural lakes, Northeastern region is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination among local as well as International tourists.

The significance of Monsoon season is much more than giving us enjoyment. In India, rivers are the major life lines on which the country's population is heavily dependent The rainfall occurs during the Monsoon season fill these rivers and its tributaries with enough water to feed people all through the year. This rainwater is used primarily for drinking and other essential purposes and any shortage of it can create severe problems like drought for us.

Also, good monsoons are a big necessity in our country where farmers rely more on divine help rather than government authorities to bring water to their fields. Timely rains not only solve their water woes but also help them raising a good food production that is so essential to feed such a huge population like of us. With good monsoons, the level of groundwater also increases in urban areas and consequently solving water problems that occur during summer season. Though we are still very much ignorant about water management techniques. With strategic planning like proper canalization, creation of man made reservoirs and water management techniques,

Urban Planning Now!

we can utilize the natural rainwater in much more efficient manner to boost our agricultural growth as well as solving urban water problems.

The phrase "Expressions of love and happiness cannot be taught. They come to you naturally," says it all. Every living entity shows its love for the rains in its own magical way. Immediately, after the rain plants seem to be thrilled and grow much faster and greener with new branches shot up. We can also see peacock dancing in the rain or scurrying of partridge on green fields to show their happiness on arrival of monsoons. In true sense, rains symbolize the life itself. When dark clouds cover the sky and start showering raindrops on us, I heard everyone around me saying "Ah!! It's Monsoon Season."

Mayank Jhanji

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Weightloss-Fitness.com Negotiate Your Weight

It creates some negotiating room, and you might just get what you're asking for.

Whether playing the role of buyer or seller in a sales transaction, asking for more than you expect to get is a classic opening position in negotiations.

In the audio book, "Sound Advice on Negotiating Skills," author Roger Dawson says, "Henry Kissinger called this the key to success at the bargaining table." It's simple, notes Dawson, but there are many profound reasons for doing it.

"It creates some negotiating room that makes it easier to get what you really want," says Dawson. "It creates a climate where the other person can have a win with you." This climate can prevent negotiating deadlocks, especially when dealing with an egotistical negotiator, according to Dawson.

"When you're selling, it raises the perceived value of your product or service," says Dawson. However, some salespeople are so eager to reach agreement that they soften their opening negotiating position. "They hope that by doing this the client will appreciate how generous they've been," says Dawson. "The danger in this is that the client may instead think, &If they've given us this much, we can get a lot more; let's be tough negotiators.'"

The solution,

Money Making Secrets of Mind Power Masters

says Dawson - a renowned speaker and author of the book, "Secrets of Power Negotiating for Salespeople" - is to "ask for more than you expect to get, but imply some flexibility so that you can encourage them to negotiate with you."

Roger Dawson offers negotiating skills advice each week in the free audio newsletter from What's Working in Biz, http://www.whatsworking.biz/full_story.asp?ArtID=92

About The Author

Richard Cunningham is a principal of What's Working in Biz, http://www.whatsworking.biz, a publisher of business audiobooks and online audio programs on marketing, sales, and small business strategies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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The Sweet Ripening of the Woman. Mancos Real Estate.

Dianna Huff's e-book on emarketing, ezine, enewsletter list, tips, email, zine

As this spring brings buds and blossoms galore, it's clear that those trees, plants, and flowers want to burst onto the stage with all their beautiful glory. It is also quite evident that a new and exciting social change is springing forth for women as well.

Issues of gender equality come in so many forms; professional, relational, spiritual, intellectual, and yes, even sexual. Traditional Western thought demands that women scorn their sexuality, one of the most vital and enjoyable parts of life.

If you asked a woman in 1905, just one hundred years ago, if she was as sexually satisfied as her partner, there would have no doubt been a variety of possible responses. If she was taught that such talk was not "ladylike," she may have shied from an answer or stormed off in a pious huff. However, if you could coax an honest reply, it would have probably entailed the required deference to the needs of her husband.

However, there is a new season springing to life in America. With women now in powerful positions in the media, new programs and commercials have a distinctively feminine flare - the kind that can only be attributed to a strong woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it.

One example of this phenomenon is a recent McDonald's commercial with a woman who says that when she is eating her McGriddle and drinking some McDonald's coffee, she feels anything is possible and dreams of hiring a pool boy - though she has no pool. How wonderfully scandalous! This commercial brilliantly hits home with every woman because yes, we think about those types of things too.

I consider this commercial pioneering material. To have a man say such things is traditionally acceptable, after all men do enjoy sex. But to have a woman say such things breaks

Russian woman having sex- Russian bride

all social decorum, yet opens the doors of flagrant sexuality on one of the last places to accept the woman in her real beauty - commercial marketing.

Commercial marketing has always portrayed the woman as either a sex object for men or a Betty Crocker type, prompting several generations of women to constantly reach for unachievable perfection projected by one delusional image or the other. This medium has been slow to recognize the woman for her true self. I applaud McDonald's for this bold move. In my opinion, this single commercial has shattered the 50s prototype and the sex object image into tiny fragments. My hope is this commercial will set the precedence for future marketing.

One more very popular example of the changes taking place in the media concerning women is the new hit show Desperate Housewives. This show is about reality. When I watch this show I think to myself, "This is how real women are." Sure, it goes to extremes at times, as any television drama does. But it also portrays women who are strong and intelligent.

One of the latest episodes for Desperate Housewives has a scene where Terri Hatcher's character wants to give certain man another chance but decides she can't bring herself to trust him enough to work things out. I didn't expect that ending at all. I was shocked that she didn't go running back to those strong male arms, as is oft the ending in most romantic dramas in America. But no, she was strong, she was brave and she was intelligent. She was not needy, insecure or "desperate." It made me proud to be a woman.

Like this television character, women no longer wait to be told how they should feel or what they should want. They are finally free to find out for themselves. For these women, fulfillment comes in a variety of ways - be it through sexual, intellectual, religious, political, or social pursuits. Today's woman has many dimensions and I applaud the media for finally catching up to those of us who have embraced our many sides to find completion through exploring all that life has to offer.

It is high time the media targeted the women who are comfortable in our own skins. Maybe this change is because they finally realize we are too intelligent to buy into the absurd notion that we need to be recreated into some 18-year-old anorexic to be beautiful. More likely, women are the ones calling the shots behind that camera. Either way, a new season has definitely started and it promises the sweet ripening of the woman.

About the Author:

Stella Ramsaroop is a western world traveler, a life-long student, a wanna-be stargazer, and an Aquarius in all its forms (if you know what that means). Her articles emphasize the importance of the continued development and protection of gender equality in all aspects of a woman's life.

Visit Stella's Website at http://www.newsparade.com to read her current articles and to contribute your thoughts on women's issues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Real estate: availability and cost

In 2000, the median home value for a single-family residence in Mancos was estimated at $94,200 as compared to the U.S. median of $119,200. Before you jump into the fray and search for a house in this small town of 1100, be ready with a list of things you want in your new home. Tell Realtors specifically what you are looking for and have them present you with a list of options - your research should be mostly into your own wants. Realtors have a better knowledge of the neighborhoods, schools, and home prices in the area than you do, so content yourself with narrowing down the selection with which an agent presents you.

Three-bedroom single family residences are selling from $150,000 to $6 million (with lots of acreage). Condos and town homes are very difficult to find on your own, and it would be wise to use a real estate agent who specializes in condominium or town home sales if you are interested in this sort of property. If you want to start from scratch, land is available from $35,000 for a single acre to $2.15 million for 320 acres. Mancos real estate is diverse in price and style, so you'll surely find something to suit your needs and wants.

Mancos, Colo.

If you're looking for small-town charm with big-town accessibility, Mancos might be the right place for you. If you're looking for countless outdoor activities, year-round beautiful weather and a wealth of amazing history, Mancos provides it. Located

Mexican and South Western Recepies: <meta name="description" content="Ebook Cookbo...

between the La Plata Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, Mancos has over 300 days of sunshine every year and many ways to spend time outdoors. Famous as the home of ranchers and avid horse-back riders, Mancos originally was the home for the Anasazi people, ancestors of the Pueblo Indians.

Such an incredible history provides a rich cultural background for this small town as well as countless historical sites you can visit when you look for houses. Some of the more notable sites include Anasazi Heritage Center, the Mesa Verde National Park and Hovenweep National Monument. You could spend time horseback riding and exploring the trails, camping underneath a pristine and star-studded sky, or maneuvering through white water rapids of the Mancos area.

Mancos has been spared the isolation many small towns face by being in the path of the San Juan Skyway, a scenic freeway often celebrated as "America's Most Beautiful Drive." Countless tourists come through Mancos every year on the Skyway, providing a steady source of revenue for Mancos residents. Living in a small town can be perfect for those who work from home, but commuters often find themselves cut off and irritated by the distance. In Mancos, you don't have to worry about it because of the Skyway. The city also has a very low unemployment rate - well below the Colorado state average - which should make you feel at ease with the local economy.

Inside Real Estate in a network entirely devoted to real estate information. Our staff of nationwide writers has provided a library of over 25,000 real estate articles. Inside Real Estate covers several topics from the basic "how to's" of real estate to city specific real estate information.

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