Recreational Vehicle: Redefining Luxury

Author : Suzanne Macguire

"There's nothing like home!" We dont even have an iota of doubt that most of us always want to experience home-like comfort wherever we go. As such, the very thought of undertaking a journey is often irksome because of the arrangements one has to make while traveling. As children, we had often dreamt of our homes being mobile; journeying through lush-green meadows, dense woods and flower-bedecked valleys. Those childhood dreams of our so-called 'mobile homes' now seem to have materialized into the modern recreational vehicles or RVs. Recreational vehicles have redefined the way of travel in recent times. Comprising of beds, tables, food preparation and storage areas, bathrooms, refrigerators, living areas, master bedrooms and endless necessary equipments, recreational vehicles are nothing short of a "luxury house on wheels." These vehicles come in different models ranging from the basic to the super-luxurious ones. A basic recreational vehicle comprises of beds, tables, kitchen and storage areas. The top quality RVs leave no stone unturned to provide every means of entertainment and luxury. Access to the Internet and satellite TV with slide-out sections and awnings lend the ambience of an ideal luxury. Ranging from as less as 10,000$ to more, RV companies have attracted a huge clientele in recent times. Comfort and hassle-free journey top the priority list of anyone who plans a vacation or an outing. The mood that one carries during one's journey to a destination often makes or mars the trip. With people preferring RVs, comfort would be the last thing one can complain about. Setting your mood right, RVs allow you to sit cozily in the lap of luxury and enjoy your ride along. RVs can be the best gift that you can present to your family. It is a sure way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. What can be better than seeing your pretty little children move about gaily in your newly owned RV! The glitter of enthusiasm in their eyes will surely make you feel proud to be the owner of such a prestigious and luxurious vehicle. A recent consumer study has revealed that an estimated 7.9 million American households now own a RV. RVs come in different classes like A, B and C that carries different features and run either on diesel or gas. Besides, these classes of RVs are designed to suit the affordability rates of the consumers. Hence the degree of luxurious facilities provided varies to a certain extent. Nevertheless, even the minimal priced RV cannot but help you feel the urge to buy one! RVs have thus revolutionized the style of traveling. It's like a "home away from home." So if you aren't still the owner of a RV and motorhomes, go ahead and make your proud purchase. With its plush interiors, warm and cozy ambience, it can hardly allow anyone to escape its magnetic attraction. Suzanne is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries.RV Motorhome Dealers

Category : General Automotive: Recreational Vehicle

Divorce Hurts Everyone, So Do the Couple's Wishes Come First?

Author : Shirley Ann Parker
When a married couple breaks up, it is not just their own future that has changed. It is not even "just" their children's future that has been irrevocably altered. Both sets of parents, if living, can be wounded. The brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews are hurt. The future grandchildren's lives will unroll down different paths than what was expected. In fact, the reality is that the grandparents will probably not even see them for years at a time.The shock of the divorce to the couple's friends can be emotionally intense, with a social network now creaking on one hinge, like a broken gate. Even plans for retirement activities together are now crushed. It's highly likely that one or both partners in the divorce were in such pain themselves that they gave little thought to what the impact would be on everyone around them. They probably gave no thought at all to the fact that friends would now be caught in the middle of a no-win situation.It is hoped that the couple did consider younger children. Too many times, it becomes obvious that even that did not happen. However, the parents should have agreed ahead of time not to use the innocent as weapons in their ongoing war with each other.That said, when the divorce is initiated by one spouse to escape the abuse that has been inflicted on him or her by the other, it does not matter what other people think!! While inflicting more pain was not planned, it does not matter whose feelings are hurt, or how many lectures are delivered by so-called counselors. No one should have to endure a relationship that is tearing them apart, or destroying who they are. Even so, circumstances sometimes leave no choice for the foreseeable future.Those who marry and divorce multiple times do so for a multitude of complex reasons, few of which really have much to do with love. Instead, they remarry due to money problems, loneliness, or lust, the same reasons our greatgrandparents got married again, after the death of a spouse. Likewise, those who stay in a first bad marriage for decades do so for emotional and practical considerations. Eventually, someone burns out. For some, getting divorced or separating is an abrupt decision, triggered by one last straw.None of us know when we might find ourselves in that very situation.© 2006 Shirley Ann ParkerShirley Ann Parker is a full-time technical writer and the author of Discoveries: A Journey Through Life, available through http://www.bbotw.com, as well as Amazon. Shirley prefers to write about the positive side of life and the small miracles in the worlds that dart all around us. However, she is no stranger to the worlds of divorce and non-divorce, or the unending ripple effects of both in everyone's lives. Those ripples of unhappiness are undermining our nation and our world, and we need to fight the forces that are tearing society apart. Visit her website at http://www.shirleyannparker.com or her blog at http://shirleyscornerdesk.shirleyannparker.com to learn more about her world of writing.
Category : News-and-Society:Divorce

Sharing Simple Moments this summer, Homewood Suites by Hilton gives guests a chance to win big

Author : PR Sending

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Simple Moments contest will promote the core essence of its brand, its valued guests and their families, in front of millions of people in New York Citys famous tourist attraction, Times Square. From the middle of April through mid July, Homewood Suites guests and non-guests may upload a photo depicting their favorite Simple Moments from their family vacation to a photo gallery on the Homewood Suites website.A panel of judges will pick three winning photos from the photo gallery that best represents a Homewood Suites Simple Moment and then will be incorporated in three different advertisements promoting the hotel brand in prominent display on up to twelve Times Square billboards. The billboards will be seen by approx. 1.7 million people each day, making the winners a familiar face in the hustle and bustle of Times Square.The winning photos will be an integral part of the Homewood Suites advertising campaign, representing the brand in front of millions of people on a daily basis. Photos will be judged on originality, creativity, quality and the expression of the Simple Moments concept. Focusing on guests, Homewood Suites new Simple Moment campaign allows those most important to the hospitality industry the opportunity to be front-and-center. The contest allows ordinary, everyday people to publicize their simple moments in a prominent, well-traveled area in New York City. Its an opportunity to directly participate in a high-profile advertising campaign!The growing number of social community and video sharing Web sites, blogs and reality television shows indicate that real people like being in the spotlight. The Simple Moments contest allows our real families to be in the ultimate spotlight up in Times Square and provide a fresh look to our advertising campaign, said Bill Duncan, vice president, marketing and sales, Homewood Suites by Hilton .The three winning photos will be displayed within a Homewood Suites advertisement, on an electronic rotating billboard in Times Square during the month of September. Homewood Suites will invite the three winners and their families to see their photo live and in person during an all-expenses paid weekend trip to New York City**. About Homewood Suites:Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has 197 hotels open with another 120 in the pipeline. Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) a leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,900 hotels and 500,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, including 105,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Scandic and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection.Hilton Hotels Corporations sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team will extend through the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, and includes the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team(s) and the 2007 U.S. Pan-Am Team.# # #*Statistic received from Times Square StudioHHonors, Double Dip and Double Dipping are trademarks owned by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.** No Purchase Necessary, Simple Moments Contest sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton. From April 16 through July 15. Eligibility open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) and the 50 United States. Void where prohibited. Homewood Suites PR Contact:Julie CunninghamDirector Brand MarketingHomewood Suites by HiltonHilton Hotels Corporation 755 Crossover LaneMemphisTN 38117tel (901) 374-5789email julie_cunningham@hilton.com

Category : General Lifestyle: Travel & Tourism

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring -

Author : Marcus Peterson

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood floors. It offers similar and perhaps superior qualities of strength, hardness, and appearance. Using bamboo (which is actually a grass, not a tree), and modern processing, beautiful hardwood floors can be made that offer the added bonus of saving many of the exotic trees and forests that are cut down for standard hardwood floors. Typical bamboo flooring can cost around $6.25 per square foot, plus installation and preparation charges. The range is usually between $4 and $8 per square foot but there are wholesale bamboo flooring companies offering it as low as $2 or less per square foot.

When buying discount, you need to make sure that you are not getting a product of inferior quality. This is true of everything including discount bamboo flooring. Though not always the case, some discount bamboo flooring is sold cheaply because it has a defect in the finish or the moisture content is high. Here are some things to look for in quality bamboo flooring:

Raw Material
Bamboo flooring mills may try to cut costs by buying immature bamboo stalks and do not take the time to dry them properly. This results in moldy, high-moisture bamboo that will not last.

Drying
Many bamboo mills will not dry the bamboo sufficiently, which will cause problems in dry climates or places with seasonal humidity fluctuations. Properly dried bamboo should have a moisture content of less than 10%.

Adhesives
Adhesives made in many discount bamboo flooring mills are of inferior quality and will off-gas in the home.

Finish
It is important that the finish be of high quality so that scratches wont be a problem. Inferior finishing is one of the most common problems in discount bamboo flooring.

Shopping online for discount bamboo flooring is a good idea; online dealers can sell at a lower price because they have little overhead. Make sure to read the fine print, however, and be sure your new flooring is guaranteed for at least a year. In general, businesses want referrals and repeat business, so they will want to make you happy no matter what they are selling. There are always a few bad apples though. A good gauge is to check how long the business has been around. Businesses that make their customers happy have staying power. If you find a great deal online, check the shipping costs. Some dealers will try to deceive consumers by posting cheap deals and then charging almost double the required shipping costs, therefore canceling out any discount.


About the author:

Bamboo Flooring Info provides detailed information about bamboo laminate flooring, discount bamboo flooring, installation, suppliers, and more. Bamboo Flooring Info is the sister site of Hardwood Floors Web.

Category : Home Improvement

Prime Impressions

Author : Sue Currie
Is Your Image Working for You?Ten seconds is all it takes to make a first impression – whether it's your personal presentation or the first contact a potential client or customer has with your company. When you walk through their door – or they walk through yours – your image is imprinted in the first moment. Make sure you know what it is.Research has proven that 67% of first impressions are accurate. Your image tells the world who you are and where you are going. Your company image says the same. Every email, voicemail, and phone call you make creates the first impressions that build your self-brand. In person how you shake hands, make eye contact, conduct yourself in social situations and the clothes you choose to wear continues to build your self-brand.Your image is like the weather. People notice when it's extremely good or extremely bad. First impressions, often based on appearances alone, can indicate to a potential employer or client, one's sense of taste, ambition and self-esteem. The moment another person looks at us, sight-identification is in effect.There is no doubt that personal presentation plays a big part in succeeding in your career and business operations.Personality ProfileAnother measure of your success in dealing with people is due to personality. The dictionary defines personality as, "the quality which distinguishes one human being from another, individuality, distinctive personal characteristics".In the corporate world the professional must discover his or her personality type. Self-analysis, discovery of plus and minus personality traits is important before an adequate self-satisfying self-image can be developed. Aggravating speech habits, lack of good manners, sloppy dress and grooming are your worst enemies.Your personal manner speaks loudly to other people. Your voice, way of talking, eye contact, body language and the way you develop relationships at work all count towards giving you a 'manner'. We've all at times been horrified or surprised at hearing second or third hand what impression we've made on someone.The best approach is to be yourself – but keep in mind an awareness of how you may strike other people and recognition that you can't just let your manner work itself out because it's the little things that can make the crucial difference.Punctuality, your tone of voice, these are the things about you that speak loud and clear to others. Make sure that they're working for you. I'm sure you've all experienced the front office receptionist who looks the part, very corporate and presentable but when she opens her mouth it's another thing all together. Or the savvy salesman who is very convincing and authoritative on the telephone but when you meet him in person his sloppy dress and manner let him down.We invest a lot of time, effort and money into learning or upgrading our skills for the job or setting up our own businesses – why not invest some time and effort into ourselves – making the most of what our natural image is. Learn how to develop your professional image and present yourself in a way that is unique to your person.* Brand all letterhead, newsletters, email messages for a professional image* Personal branding – establish a strong visual image – be aware of grooming and professional dress sense, walk tall* Self image – get rid of bad habits, develop self-confidence and charm – smile!Sue Currie is a professional speaker and the director of Shine Communications Consultancy an executive development company. Sue's strategies help boost your public profile and increase profits by enhancing your professional image and building brand visibility.Through her training and speaking programs on personal branding, image and media, she helps you to grow your company's major asset – You! Sue enjoys helping others to bring out their personal best and Shine. To find out more visit http://www.shinecomms.com.au
Category : Business:Branding

No More Cold-Calling? Well, Almost...

Author : Jacques Werth
We do not advocate cold calling in High Probability Selling.
However, cold calling is necessary at times.You do need prospective clients and customers: If you don't have
a customer list from which to solicit referrals, and you also lack an advertising/marketing budget, cold-calling to a highly targeted list is the fastest route to finding High Probability Prospects.A High Probability Prospect is one who wants, needs, can afford,
and is ready to buy your product or service- now. Those who only
want, need, and can afford- but are not ready to buy now- are
prospects that you'll continue to contact in the future.How does Cold Calling fit into High Probability Prospecting?When you start to call your list, initial contacts will be cold calls: Only first-time calls are cold calls in High Probability Prospecting. A truly effective prospecting campaign requires that you call the same list every 3 to 4 weeks, so after a short period of time, most of your calls will be warm calls. A higher percentage of the people on your list will say "Yes" to your prospecting offer with each successive call.5 Simple rules for maximum effectiveness and maximum efficiency:

Don't repeat the same prospecting offer more frequently than every third call.
Your offer must be no longer than 45 words, describing your
product/service and mentioning two if its features.
Your prospecting offer must clearly request a "Yes" or "No"
answer.
When prospects say "No," you say, "Okay, good-bye."
When prospects say "Yes," you say, "Why?"With practice, you should be able to make at least 50 dials per hour. You'll find an increasing number of High Probability Prospects with each pass through your list. You'll be on your way to making appointments with people who are ready to buy what you're selling- right now.High Probability Prospecting won't eliminate cold-calling entirely. You will, however, be making relatively fewer Cold Calls. You'll also eliminate most of the Rejection associate with cold-calling.High Probability® Selling
©All Rights ReservedJacques Werth is co-author of "High Probability Selling" and President of High Probability Selling, a Sales Training and Consulting firm. More articles, as well as the first four chapters of the book are available at http://www.highprobsell.com.
Category : Business:Sales-Teleselling

What About Cheap Breast Pumps for the Breast-Feeding Mother?

Author : matiasneedlearts@mindspring.com

Walk into any Wal-Mart, Target or Babies R Us in the United States and you will see cheap breast pumps. Seeing them everywhere lends certain credence. Many of the companies that market these cheap breast pumps have long-standing reputations in the manufacturing of toys, car seats, strollers, baby bottles, and solid baby foods. Stores must be selling a large number of them. Why would anyone spend $200 or more on a Medela, Avent, or Ameda breast pump, when you can buy one of these cheap ones?Actual users of cheap breast pumps have said the pumps were painful, caused nipple injuries and were unable to express their milk. For women who were able to express breast milk, the pumps were messy, with milk getting in the tubing and other places impossible to fully clean. The electric breast pumps had motors that were noisy and died after short term use. A typical comment was dont waste your money.In a letter written to the maker of a cheap breast pump, one woman said, the pump is very painful, and I cant stress this fact enough. I even called your company to see if maybe something was wrong with the pump. Nothing was. . . . I stopped breast-feeding and pumping altogether and switched to formula. It was so painful for the next two and a half weeks that I went nowhere because I could not stand to have clothing or even breast pads touch my nipples.Another mother who was unsuccessful at expressing any milk with one of these cheap breast pumps wrote, "I am very disappointed with my experiences with this pump. It destroyed my confidence in my body and caused me to give up expressing milk. She began supplementing with formula. On her second baby she used a well-reviewed breast pump and had no problems at all. Many women falsely conclude it is their own incompetence or their own lack of breast milk supply when a breast pump is ineffective. These false ideas will start a mother on the slippery slope of less nursing, less pumping, supplementing with formula, and in no time at all, the baby is weaned. The purchase of a cheap breast pump is a risk. If you are committed to breast feeding your baby or expressing breast milk for your baby you should stay away from these pumps. Better to buy your babys clothes and other gear at garage sales, consignment sales and on eBay, and put your saved money towards a well-reviewed breast pump. Also, if you are trying to decide between breast pumping and using formula, look carefully at the cost of formula. Take into account the increased intake of formula as your baby grows. Consider also the immunity your baby receives from your breast milk as well as at least one hundred other benefits. It may well be that buying a cheap breast pump is just not worth it. Sources: Product reviews by Amazon, Target and EpinionsSummary of Breast Pump Adverse Events Reported to the FDACheap Breast Pumps by Name-BrandEBay Breast Pump Watch PageMatia Bryson is the mother of seven previously breastfed children and reviews breast pumps at the Baby Loves Your Milk website.

Category : Baby

From Pain To Power: Turning Sh*t Into D*amonds, Part Three; The Fruit of Usefulness

Author : Russ Reina
Through working with myself and many, many others, I have come to find a theory that helps me to better come to terms with how pain shapes our lives.Developmentally, in broad strokes, the first ten or so years of our lives are spent trying to "size up," get a sense of what the world is that we have been born in to. Not only are we trying out our "earth suits," which, if you've ever watched an infant getting used to being in the confines of skin, you'll understand, but we are coming to terms with the nature of the world around us. What is this world, and who are we in it?They say that the "power of reason" takes root some time around our tenth year, when we begin to fully realize that we are a separate entity and that the actions we take have consequences. We appear to not know this very well intellectually before this time. Whatever impressions we get of the consequences of our actions (translated as being completely ourselves) get imbedded more viscerally, either physically or energetically.It is at this point of burgeoning self-awareness and consciousness that we make a few decisions, and those decisions are, "This is what the world is. This is what my life is. This is how things go." This filter, or mode of interpretation, persists throughout our lives.For children who grow up in a largely safe and supportive environment, the most important understanding that expresses itself throughout the rest of their lives is that the world is, at least, something flexible upon which they can have an effect. They are more akin to growing up with the tree's innate awareness that bending with, rather than fighting against, assures longevity.For those of us who have been more traumatized, however, that understanding is considerably different. Years of self-help related work has shown me that the biggest stumbling blocks of my life fall into the category of my having embraced the view that the world I knew as a six year old--a world full of fear, self-protection, solitude, distrust, and chaos--is the world. Period.Today, as I work with others--and continue to work with myself--I see the biggest challenge is in working with what is, rather than reacting in the moment to what was.The reason for this being such a difficult thing to shake is that, at the time, our very survival depended upon our working with that world as we knew it. There was no other world. If you took the chance to gamble on there being a different type of world, chances are, at the age of six or so, you would be violently thrust right back into the world as you thought it was.A continuous cycle of reinforcement ensues. Once the outward circumstances change, as in getting old enough to move out of the abusive situation, there is a tendency to seek out that which you know so well. The impression of that world got in largely non-verbally and viscerally, and the rate of recovery is proportional to the amount of time that we spend in that other, more safe and supportive world.The glitch here is the innate desire to duplicate the familiar. There is not a one of us who has not been able to find a shred of security within the context of the traumatic worlds that we have been born into. Even what others would describe as horrors are often interpreted as sources of love. In my case, for example, for years I pursued relationships most adamantly where I sensed I would not get my touch needs met. The energy of my mother, as painful as it was, was what I understood as love. There was no other. There is no other, until I learn, by repeated exposure, that there is. And that takes time.Oddly enough, this is of great comfort to me. Now, I know what I'm working with--both in myself and in others.Russ Reina shares over 35 years of experience in the healing arts through his web site http://mauihealingartist.com

It is a potent resource for those wishing to deepen their abilities in connection and develop their powers as healers. For a powerful free tool to explore your inner world, please check out his adjunct site http://thestoryofthis.net(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)
Category : Self-Improvement:Grief-Loss

Myspace - making the most of birthdays

Author : Andy Nuttall

Heres some tips for birthdays on the networking site

www.myspace.com. That time of year when you can shower people with greetings, cards, and pressies to wish them all the bestand hopefully receive the same when it's your big day! It's difficult remembering all these though, particularly those who aren't your closest friends or family and even if you do remember, it's trying to get around to actually sending regards. Soa few tips on finding people's birthdays on myspace:1. Go through you friends list and see if they've registered their date of birth and the orange birthday symbol is showing as their birthday coming up soon. This is shown just below their photo.2. Ask them! Send a quick bulletin asking for people's birthdays, promising to remember and send a fantastic greeting on that day. You could then note in your diary or on your myspace calendar so you don't forget.3. What about people off myspace? Send a quick normal email along the same lines maybe promising that if they join myspace then you'll be able to send them an unusual greeting on the big day. You can of course add your personal URL link to this email so they can click and see your profile on myspace.4. People you don't yet know on myspace. If you want to get chatting to people you don't know you could send a quick mail with their birthday as a conversation starter particularly good for friends of friends. Unfortunately you can't search for people just on their birthday, but as you flick through profiles you should be able to see chat about their birthday coming up or the orange symbol if they've set it to show.And of course, don't forget your own birthday! A little publicity will help jog people's memories - here's some tips on how to remind people:1. Make sure your date of birth is entered on your profile, and the orange symbol is showing when it's coming near. Go to account settings on your profile, then privacy settings then tick show my birthday to my friends option.2. Mark your myspace calendar with your birthday through manage calendar on your profile you can set this to show up on your profile to just your friends or with everyone on myspace (go to the options part of manage calendar), but be careful because your whole calendar will be on view!!3. Send a bulletin letting your friends know when your big day is and what you're planning4. Set up an Event for your birthday and invite your friends to it. This could be just meeting up with mates for a drink, but you can really jazz-up your event sheet to make impressive and invite people to be a guest. You can also invite people off myspace to this, offering a link to your profile and event.5. Add some funky or special birthday HTML code to your profile on your birthday searching the myspace layout sites will come up with something cracking. A bit daring, but maybe put on some old photos of yourself?!6. For bands, a great opportunity for some publicity. As well as band members birthdays, there could be the official birthday of the band formation that you can let people know about. A final thought on sending regards on people's birthdays. You could make an effort with sending a comment or mail with some good HTML code. If you want to really go to town, you could set up a new myspace profile or event just for them individually and put a link from your mail/comments to this site you're got a whole fresh site to get wishing happy birthday on!If you want to actually buy a gift but you're too far apart or its last minute, then you could buy a gift token online and send the details by email. A popular site like amazon can do gift vouchers for their site you can add a personal message, and have it ready within seconds.For more myspace tips visit www.learn-myspace.com Happy myspacing! Andy Nuttall is the author of the website www.learn-myspace.com which has free monthly emails on myspace and an ebook 101 Red-Hot Tips For making The Most Of Myspace!.

Category : General Consumer: Web sites / Internet

Why are Ebooks an effective viral marketing tool

Author : Naoki Shimizu

th, 2007

PDA Mobile Phones, An Important Accessory?

Author : Darren Allsop

Pda mobile phone component, for the most important accessoryThanks for visiting and finding my article. What follows is information that I have pulled together from many different sources. I hope you find it both interesting and helpful.As everyone knows Mobile phones have become one of the most important fashionable day gadgets. It has evolved from being a swank toy for the youthful competent into a requirement for the multi dimensional existence of these junior professionals. Regardless, mobile phones possess diverse use for diverse people. Now, minors enjoy a mobile phone as a functioning display, they consider it piece of their wardrobe and show off having this modern day gadget in there whole get up. Anyway, this is not the purpose of mobile phone to the business world. They are necessities and not for dressing up. Next we are going to discuss the diverse usefulness of mobile phones and the increasing need and want for easy communication, manufacturers are quick to take advantage of this booming industry. mobile phones and mobile phone accessories now flood the marketplace with different designs and different functionalities. Various mobile phone models and accessories including Pda mobile phone accessory comes in beautiful and functional designs.A good rule of thumb Pda mobile phones and Pda mobile phone component can be such functional and comes with models that are slight and of gorgeous designs. Pda mobile phone accessory such as premium power cord is a versatile power cord comes with mobile phone conditioning capacity. Pda mobile phone accessory also include a hip clip holder that can be functional even when your mobile phone is not Pda . In addition, Pda mobile phone accessory such as headsets and ear glove produce a hands-free mobile phone function that will help you keep your hands on the wheels. This will avoid accidents due to one hand driving and decreased attention on the road. Additionally, the over ear portable hands-free kit from the wide array of Pda mobile phone accessory line also functions to provide hands free telephony and had a built in feature that reduces background noise. You will hear clearly the person on the other line, even while driving or doing other stuff. There is also that Jabra model of Pda mobile phone accessory, which is a headset that provides hands-free telephoning. Jabra is small, lighter that other headsets and stylish; it also functions as a speakerphone and thus is a more functional gadget for your mobile phone.A winning combinationAll these prove that Pda mobile phone and Pda mobile phone accessory line are functional and technologically advance. Pda mobile phone accessory is a multi-functional accessory, it can function well with Pda mobile phone but it can also perform its functionality with other mobile phone brands.There is also that Pda mobile phone accessory like the multi-functional antennae, this is attached to your car while you travel, and it functions well when you talk to another person on the other line while the car is in motion. There are other antennas that limits their functions when you are mobile, not the antennae from the Pda mobile phone accessory line. This Pda mobile phone accessory design of antennae is very useful for travelers and corporate executives. If you are looking for functionality in your mobile phone, try to find an Pda mobile phone and the matching Pda mobile earphone accessory for your communication requirements. They are very good for young professional who endeavor doing many things are the same time. Your Pda mobile phone and Pda mobile phone accessory line can compliment your highly active lifestyle. If you would like more information on mobile phones please visit www.mobile-phones4u.net

Category : General Telecom

Best Plastic Surgeons

Author :

&lt;b&gt;Best Plastic Surgeons&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;by: &lt;b&gt;Hugo Gallegos&lt;/b&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best Plastic Surgeons&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Doctors are salespeople too. With many plastic surgeons riding the bandwagon in the booming plastic surgery industry offering-an array of different surgical procedures-its up to patients to find the best plastic surgeon to assist them with their medical needs.&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Who can I trust to find me a best plastic surgeon?&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yourself! knowledge is power only when you use it. The more information you know about your surgeon and surgery, the more likely your chances of having a successful operation. If a company claims to have the best plastic surgeons database, find out everything you can about the company. Does the company specialize in researching only the best doctors? Remember, there are many web sites: anyone can have a doctor database. The question is, do doctors pay to be listed in their database? Do they actually research every single doctor? Is the company a credible source?&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where are the best plastic surgeons located?&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nowadays, you find them in the smallest to the biggest cities. The five most popular states where plastic surgeons practice are Florida, New York, California, Texas, and Illinois. &lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What should I look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tips on what to look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Always make sure the surgeon is an MD who is a board-certified plastic surgeon.&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Find out if the surgeon is fellowship trained in plastic surgery or in a field relevant to their current specialty.&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Spas and Salons are spreading like wild fireuse caution and research your plastic surgeon thoroughly. &lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Go to Google and type the plastic surgeons name. Search for surgeons that pioneered a surgical procedure, wrote publications, taught Med students, etc. Often times, this information is displayed online. &lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;How many years of practice does the plastic surgeon have under their belt?&lt;p&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do I select the best plastic surgeon for me?&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many services and even magazines often times list the best doctors according to surveys conducted. Their surveys are usually based on doctors who are voted by their peers. Though its a good starting point, its only one component in finding the best plastic surgeons. Heres why:&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Surgeons are extremely busy and rarely participate in these types of surveys, so results are limited.&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Surgeons can nominate their buddies and ask them to return the favor, to attract new clientele.&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Some surgeons are asked to nominate one of their peers in a certain area only.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What are the 4 Critical Components in finding the best plastic surgeons?&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Education They earned a degree from an accredited medical school.&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Experience How many cosmetic surgeries have they performed?&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Recognition Are they well recognized among their peers, patients, and medical societies, and/or involved in their communities?&lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;li&gt;Training Does their residency and/or if fellowship focus on plastic surgery?&lt;p&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bottom line:&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When having plastic surgery you will be looking at your surgeons work for the rest of your life. Doing a little homework could be a wisely investment.&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;table width=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor=#dddddd&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;About The Author&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hugo Gallegos is an expert in researching &amp; recognizing the top medical doctors in America. He is the founder &amp; president of MDNationwide Inc.&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mdnationwide.org" target=new&gt;http://www.mdnationwide.org</a><p><p><p><p><p></td></tr><p></table>

Category : Health Organizations

Unlocking Sales Among Untapped Prospects

Author : Sarah CR Harrington

Most companies, including those with sterling marketing reputations, operate without a comprehensive view of their market. These companies often market and sell to approximately one third of their available potential. If you are in this situation, and it is likely you are, this limited view is resulting in a number of undesirable consequences. First, you are over-communicating to the one third of the market that you are seeing, wasting marketing effort and funds. Second, you are effectively giving up two thirds of your opportunity, and a major chunk of revenue, to the competition without a fight.Winning marketing sales operations can overcome these issues by engineering their processes to ensure better market visibility. Then, they make this improved visibility pay off by aggressively targeting viable new prospects, instead of overworking tired, old ones.Massini Group has measured the results of Engineered Processes among our clients. Quantitative outcomes include: ? 40% or more increase in quarter-over-quarter sales in a down market. ? 36-fold increase in net new opportunities produced. ? 600% improvements in ROI by tapping into unrealized market opportunities.WHAT ARE "UNTAPPED PROSPECTS?Untapped prospects are a) accounts and sites with the same characteristics as your best customers, but are not in your marketing database, and are therefore invisible to you, and b) unidentified key player contacts within accounts and sites you are already targeting who are in the decision-making group for your product or service. These contacts are especially significant, because they represent a segment of your market you may now believe is visible to you but in fact, is not.HOW THE STAUTS QUO CREATES BLIND SPOTS Many marketing and sales techniques in use today practically assure that your company is overlooking major parts of your available market, missing viable prospects in the part of the market you are actively targeting. DATABASE BUILDING BY DRIVE-BYSales people, including those that work for channel companies, generally build market knowledge through referrals and drive-bys. A ?drive-by? is a situation in which a sales person is on their way to an appointment and notices a large building with an impressive logo and thinks, ?They must buy what I sell somewhere in there.? The sales person adds the company name to a list of cold-call accounts. When business is slow, they might pull out that list of cold call accounts. Sales management works diligently to keep sales people from spending any time on untested accounts, and that is an absolutely correct posture for them to assume. Ideally, it is a salesperson?s job to close deals, not find and cultivate new opportunities. RELYING ON LISTSRented lists are one of the most common ways that marketing tries to build market knowledge and generate leads on behalf of sales. Have you ever taken the time to look at those lists? Massini Group has, and what we see is not encouraging. We?ve found that even list sources with relatively strict selection criteria can be 50% or more off target from how they were described. If you doubt this, look at the list of respondents to your latest email or direct mail using rented lists. In one particular case, an enterprise software company found 53% to 76% of its respondents were ?off target?. In another, a storage systems company found that eight in nine of the respondents was ?off target? even though selection criteria were very strict and the source deemed credible. Worse yet, you have absolutely no leverage to push list owners to develop contacts at accounts that are not presently in their list.Another appealing source of information to tackle the problem of gaps in market visibility is a commercially compiled list or database. However, like rented data, in and of themselves they are not comprehensive.A computer hardware company that uses a major provider of IT-installed base data recently estimated that the source had detailed information for just one third of its market.COMMERCIAL DATA SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOUR COMPETITION TOOAlso remember that your competition has access to the same commercially available sources. And so does every other company that is marketing and selling any product even remotely similar to yours. This translates to a massive amount of competition for mindshare among the unfortunate individuals whose names appear in those databases."AUTOMATING THE PROBLEM" WITH CRM AND SFAA growing number of companies are investing in CRM or SFA solutions with the expectation that they will improve marketing and sales operations. Unfortunately, these tools generally only increase the velocity of the status quo. If no specific effort is made to change the culture, improve the methodology or advance the science of market penetration, then a system to automate the processes will not help?it will only automate and accelerate a flawed and ineffective process.In our experience, these tools take significant time to implement and are initially focused on late-stage pipeline accounts and customers, thereby providing no assistance at all to individuals trying to grow their business, generate leads, or meet aggressive sales targets beyond the installed base. SHEER NUMBERS ARE NOT ENOUGHNo single source of market information can assure you comprehensive market visibility, coverage and penetration. But even a variety of sources of accounts, profiles, attributes and contacts do not necessarily solve the problem. If all of the sources that you acquire essentially offer overlapping views of the market, you have not gained a thing, except maybe a false sense of security. For instance, having 100 contacts at one account and none at 99 other accounts is not helpful. In another scenario, having detailed knowledge of 10% of the installed base of a complementary product is necessary, but not sufficient.The key is to develop a single data set built from multiple sources, and then develop metrics that illuminate the gaps, both in terms of overall scope and of depth of knowledge. This is an on-going process, and additional sources should be reviewed and added as they become available. The biggest returns are realized as gaps are filled and marketing and sales efforts are directed at the newly discovered accounts and untapped prospects. FINDING BETTER POINTS OF ENTRYTired of fighting to get past gatekeepers? Wouldn?t it be better for you to locate a different individual within the same target company that is not constantly subjected to such a barrage? The response rates that most email, direct mail and telemarketing generate might suggest so. Massini Group definitely believes so. This is not to say such sources of information are not useful. Use them to clarify your vision of the available market, but seek a more fruitful path of entry into the target company.Most sales process training available today makes it a point to differentiate between the individual within your target company that can make the decision and those that prepare the decision maker to do so. Called the point of entry, or point of receptivity, this individual lives every day with the pain that you seek to remedy.Depending on the industry, this individual is probably not someone whose name appears in SEC filings. But they are the key to your ability to get your foot in the door. They can identify all of the players in the process and provide your sales people with the internal intelligence needed to advance the process. Your challenge is to find them. This is where alternative sources and data gathering techniques should be used to fill in the gaps left by commercially available sources of information. For example, by first seeking the individual with operational responsibility for the solution they were offering, a data warehousing company increased its appointment-setting rate five times over, making it possible to utilize a face-to-face, scheduled meeting to get past the CIO?s phalanx of gatekeepers.INCREASING MARKET VISABILITY: THE MASTER TARGET SITE LISTThe key to successful market penetration lies in exposing untapped prospects by improving the quality of the data upon which you base your programs. This is not accomplished simply by ?buying a better list.? It is done by qualifying existing data, verifying it, identifying and filling in the gaps, and engineering an improved system that allows you to continually improve and augment the data throughout the sales cycle?all while furnishing your sales force with higher-quality, on target leads. The result is greater market visibility in the form of a Master Target Site List that accurately represents your full potential market.Creating a Master Target Site List is a process, not an event. If your current marketing practices are based on sales-force or third-party data sources, the steps are straightforward:? Build a comprehensive list of members (sites) in each market segment.? Assign a value to each member that is shared by sales and marketing. ? Identify and quantify additional information gaps (e.g., incomplete data in title field). ? Methodically gather data to fill the gaps.? Maximize the value of new visibility to untapped prospects by aggressively communicating to those companies and individuals.Once developed, the Master Target Site List provides the following critical benefits:? Guarantees the list contains only those companies your sales force agrees are valuable. Therefore, any time or money spent to develop a lead or sale will be on target in terms of company/site.? Guarantees you are seeing the entire list of companies or sites within a given geography that correspond to your target market criteria. Thus your untapped prospects are minimized, and you are calling on a much greater percentage of the overall market. Each lead will be truly incremental to the current sales force funnel.? By knowing your entire universe through your Master Target Site List, you are taking a critical step toward being able to market efficiently and effectively, and in alignment with the needs and expectations of your sales force.? Sales force resources are not wasted qualifying leads; the sales force can concentrate on converting quality leads into sales.The payoff potential is enormous in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing operations, alignment between marketing and sales, and the ability to rapidly sequence actions based on an objective understanding of the gaps in your knowledge base.PROOF: MASTER TARGET SITE LIST = BETTER RESULTSExample #1: Fortune 1000 Storage CompanyASSIGNMENT: This company was seeking to substantially increase penetration of their storage products among the 4,000 largest hospitals in the U.S.MEASURE: Gain initial responses from qualified targets in order to initiate a marketing dialogue.KEY STRATEGY: Compare traditional direct marketing with the Master Target Site List approach while gaining initial responses. The incumbent approach involved use of direct mail targeted using rented lists. The rented lists had exactly the selection criteria they wanted and were generally known to be the best sources available. The direct mail seemingly produced good results, generating a 4.5% response in a market generally known to produce only 0.5% response. However, of the 450 responses, only 100 actually hit the target list of 4,000. The remaining responses were from a) hospitals that were too small, or b) allied industries (companies selling products to hospitals). Of the 100 in the target list, 50 were from hospitals with previous sales processes underway and thus did not present new sales leads. This left only 50 new hospitals that would be considered ?good? prospects for the sales force. Thus, the ?successful? direct mail program really only generated that same anemic 0.5% response the market ?expects.?ENGINEERED PROCESSES: Using the Master Target Site List approach to achieve the same objective, the company purchased an unlimited-use list of contact names and cross-indexed them with the target 4,000 hospitals. There were 2,500 of the contact names that connected to the target hospitals. The remaining names, those not on the target list, were discarded for a lack of fit (prior to any further investment by marketing or sales). A telemarketing effort was directed at the 2,500 names, and 900 offers were accepted, representing 600 of the target 4,000 hospitals. All 600 sites were in the Master Target Site List of 4,000 hospitals and none of them had a prior sales force relationship (both of those factors were confirmed prior to the telemarketing effort).RESULTS: The Master Target Site List approach resulted in 12 times the number of accepted offers by qualified prospects, compared to the previous direct marketing approach.To further emphasize the value of the Master Target Site List approach, the cost of the rented list approach was three times the cost of the Master Target Site List of 4,000; therefore, the overall benefit of the target universe base approach in terms of cost-per-outcome was 36 times better than the standard approach.The tremendous improvement experienced by this company exemplifies the rationale for using the Master Target Site List approach. If you allocate some of your marketing funds to developing and maintaining the complete target universe, your marketing programs will perform better in terms of achieving sales goals, and will easily pay for themselves.Further Proof: Fortune 500 Computer CompanyASSIGNMENT: A leading direct-sales computer manufacturer had been given aggressive new objectives for the expansion of PC and server sales in several markets: K-12; higher education; state, local and federal government; and healthcare. This directive came on the heels of this business unit having achieved only 91% of their revenue objective in the previous fiscal year. Massini Group helped their marketing team discover untapped prospects?the set of prospective customers who were currently not being engaged by their direct sales force. The challenge was to first identify these customers, then form viable relationships with them, and bring them all the way through the sales process?into the company?s online store to purchase products. MEASURE: To meet or exceed sales goals by growing the revenue from the small/midsize segments in excess of targeted levels.KEY STRATEGY: Rapidly increasing visibility to untapped prospects through the use of Master Target Site Lists focused on each key market segment. ENGINEERED PROCESSES: Overall, the company needed to gain control of their complex sales process, and Massini Group teams worked with them to accomplish this goal. A four-phase, end-to-end marketing and sales funnel program was implemented, based on the Massini Group?s Dialogue Strategy. 1. Created Master Target Site Lists (master list of target sites), starting with an extensive analysis of the business unit?s existing sales database. This process confirmed 69% of their target sites were untapped opportunities?target sites and contacts with which they had not established a measurable relationship.2. Identified key decision-makers at a much higher percentage of the Target Sites, using telemarketing assets (the idea is not to use inside sales resources to create your Master Target Site List, but to use them later to exploit it).3. Secured email opt-ins among known decision-makers, by using a combination of telemarketing, direct mail and email, supported by a Web-based resource center.4. Followed-up the opt-ins with aggressive e-marketing, to either cause interested prospects to visit the online store, or motivate the prospect to establish a relationship with an account manager for near-term sales. RESULTS: Since the Dialogue Strategy methodology was implemented in mid-2001, our client has increased their coverage of targeted sites to 100%, and their contact coverage (identification of at least one decision-maker at a target site) from 31% to 88%. Additionally, they converted high percentages of their untapped prospects into partially and fully engaged relationships* with target accounts over the six measured quarters. A significant percentage of those relationships converted into business, and their all-important revenue performance ballooned to over 130% of target.CONCLUSIONMany companies are experiencing underwhelming sales figures because their database marketing programs only effectively target and sell to one third of their market potential. The remaining untapped prospects must be identified, targeted and cultivated to produce the sales figures necessary to keep companies competitive.Developing a Master Target Site List, which includes previously unidentified accounts and sites, and previously unidentified key players, is the key to:? Increasing market visibility.? Developing programs that yield a greater number of higher quality leads than traditional marketing and sales-funnel strategies. This is true whether companies depend on ad hoc sales, drive-bys, rented lists, internally developed marketing lists, or automated sales-funnel systems. Combined with the Massini Group Dialogue Strategy, the Master Target Site List methodology enables strong ROI, and sales growth superior?by orders of magnitude?to other industry practices.The net result of this engineered approach is greater market visibility, increased operational efficiency, improved alignment and relations between marketing and sales, and clear action directed by concrete gap analysis. Massini Group is a full-service Business-to-Business database and relationship marketing firm specializing in complex marketing and sales processes. The company enables clients to gain control of complex marketing processes through the development and improvement of key marketing methods. ?Engineered processes? developed by Massini Group can dramatically improve the results of database marketing initiatives, in both implementation time and execution. Massini Group has a proven track record of significantly improving sales results for its clients.To learn more about how Massini Group helps companies engineer marketing and sales processes for maximum results, visit massini-group.com, or contact Sarah Harrington (503-274-7335) to schedule an introductory meeting with a Massini Group partner.

Category : Direct Response Marketing

Thoughts from Deik and Kim's Wedding, for You and Your Marriage

Author : Douglas Cowan, Psy.D.
Deik and Kim, remember that marriage is a COVENANT relationship. It is not merely a contract of convenience, nor a promise to live together as long as each still feels good about the other. It is a COVENANT to love and care for each other until parted by death, or until the coming of our Lord.
Throughout history, covenants have been made between Nations, between Kings and their subjects, between individuals (as in marriage), and even between God and Man. When such a covenant was established, there were rights and duties on both sides, and the covenants were sealed by gifts, by a kiss, by a handshake, or by the sharing of a common meal.
Today, as DEIK and KIM make their COVENANT of marriage to each other, you will see and enjoy these elements: · they will hold each other's hands, · they will give each other their gifts of rings, · they will kiss to seal the covenant, · and they will invite you to share a meal together with them at the reception.
All because their Marriage is a covenant relationship of love and faith.
To put this in context, back in Genesis, after the Fall of Mankind, when God was declaring His judgments, and passing out the consequences for the deception and the sin, He pointed out that one of the consequences of a fallen human nature would be that husbands and wives would have conflict in their marriage relationships, as wife would seek to take over the husband's leadership position, and the husband would respond to the challenge forcefully.
God pointed out to Eve, with Adam right there listening, that, "Your desire will be for your husband, but he will rule over you."
Now our first thought might be that God is telling Eve that she will have a pure love and desire for her husband, but that he will be some cave man and just want to be the boss, ruling over his wife. But that is not the sense of what God is saying. God uses the exact same phrase, the same words, when he is speaking to Cain in Genesis Chapter Four and warns him that, "Sin is crouching at your door, and seeks to devour you, but you must master it."
What God is saying to Eve is that she will seek to conquer her husband, but that he will respond by mastering, or ruling over her. As a consequence for their sin, they will not have the loving marriage relationship that God had originally intended for them to enjoy.
Now, fast forward several thousand years, and God gives us the remedy for this problem in marriage. In Ephesians chapters Four and Five, St. Paul gives us great instruction on how we should live in society as Christians, what our attitudes and behaviors should be, how we should treat each other.
He begins this section with these words, "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling that you have received. Be 100% humble, and gentle. Be patient with each other and make allowances for each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace."
He continues with other powerful, life-changing instructions. And then comes to the place of addressing this specific problem with marriages that we just talked about. God's remedy for the problem caused by Eve's self-centeredness, that the wife would "desire to conquer" her husband, is this…
Paul writes…
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."
Submission is God's remedy for a heart that seeks to be in charge and be in control. Then, Paul addresses the husband's response of wanting to forcefully rule over his wife. God's remedy for this is…
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and willingly suffered and died for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. His summary is…
"… each one of you husbands must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Paul is telling husbands that they are not to rule over their wives, but rather that a husband is to love his bride in the same way that Christ loves His Bride, the Church. And that each husband is to be preparing his bride for eternity in Heaven.
So Kim, I challenge you to not allow your "inner Eve" to try to conquer Deik, but instead willingly submit to him, in the same way that Christ submitted to the Father, and work with him as the partner and lover that God always intended a bride to be for her husband.
And Deik, I challenge you to love Kim with the same intensity of self-sacrificing love that Christ has for his bride, the Church - never seeking to dominate her, but rather always working to prepare Kim for eternity.
And I challenge you both as a couple, to use your marriage to bless others, and to proclaim to others that "God is Love."Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Category : Internet Marketing

Is Good Neighborliness Good Business?

Author : Larry Winebrenner
[Note: This story is not a criticism of Buddhism. It is a story of neighborly love.]Introduction He was the least likely of neighbors to do this thing, a Buddhist turned Roman Catholic, patriarch of a California wine-growing clan.I was a Southern Baptist youth, only recently learned how to shave, and served in the new “Korean War” as a sailor.You know the rashness of youth. I wondered aloud, “How is it that you, a Japanese Buddhist, came to be sending your son to Mary Knoll Seminary to become a Catholic priest?”The lesson he taught me about the important business of being a good neighbor has not been lost for more than fifty years. Here’s his story in his own words.The Patriarch’s StoryAt the beginning of World War II, I was struggling whether to enlist in military service. My struggle was not because I was Nisei. It was because I had a wife. I had three small children. How might I best serve my country, care for my young family, and manage my new vineyards? Even at home, I was struggling to maintain them. What would happen if I left to join the service?I might well not have worried.At 10:00 a.m. one morning three Military Police arrived at my home in a covered truck. They pounded on my door. They entered my house without permission.“Pack one overnight bag for your family,” the leader told me. “Be quick about it!”By 10:15 a.m. my family and I were in the back of the truck. We were on our way to what was called a “relocation center.” It was far from my own neighborhood. I never had time to call a neighbor, Nor was I allowed to contact anyone to tell them what was happening.By evening we were in a fenced enclosure. It was to be our home until the end of the war.He sipped his wine. I was a teetotaler, but because I was a guest in his house, and didn’t want to make a fuss, I had accepted a glass. I tentatively sipped a swallow and set the glass down.“The wine is not good?” he had asked.“Too good,” I had answered. “If I get started, I might not be able to stop.”He smiled and nodded knowingly. He continued his story.When we returned after the warâ€"all Nisei returned to the areaâ€"we found our homes gone. Our businesses gone. Sold for taxes to our neighbors. The first year we were gone.I couldn’t believe it. All the vines I had labored so arduously to plant, to nurture. All the contracts I had so carefully negotiated with the distillery. The home my wife and I had so lovingly remodeled. Evenings when it was too dark to work the vineyards. Gone!We could lay claim to no part of our former possessionsâ€"property, furniture, jewelry. Nothing.I walked the city streets in disbelief. I wondered how I could ever start over again. We were still despised as “Japs.” By both the local population and former neighbors. Finding even the most menial work was unlikely,I was in tears. What would I tell my wife?But she knew. Surely she already knew. Something of this magnitude could not be hidden.Perhaps in another part of the country I could get a job as a gardener.“You know, lots of rich folks love to have a Japanese gardener,” he said bitterly.I looked around. Invaluable appointments. Lovely brocaded furniture. Priceless wall hangings. Luxurious carpets. What did he mean by “rich folks.”He sighed at the memory of his misery. He took another sip of wine. He continued.As I stood there, tears in my eyes, someone called my name. I turned to face the voice. It was my old neighbor. He was a vineyard owner on the land next to mineâ€"next to the land that used to be mine.I had helped him irrigate his vines by hand one year when the drought threatened our crops. He had helped me choose the best stock to plant when I had first started. I thought we had been good neighbors.When I returned to the area, I found that it was he who had bought my property. For taxes. My own neighbor! I tried to hide my bitterness.“I didn’t know you were back,” my former neighbor told me. “Where’s your family?”I told him. I explained there had been an addition since I left. He grinned and led me to his sedan.“Hop in,” he said.I couldn’t believe that this backstabbing neighbor could have the gall to act so friendly. I don’t know why, but I climbed in. He babbled happily, as if to a long-lost friend, as he drove to where my family was.“Go get ‘em. Get ‘em all. I want to see the young’ns. And I have something I want to show you.”We picked up my family and left. I recognized the route.Two of my boys were in the front seat with me. The oldest, the seminarian from Mary Knoll, suddenly cried out.“Father! This is the road to our house!”I thought the grin on my old neighbor’s face was especially wicked. Why are you doing this? I wondered. Why are you torturing us this way?We drove up to our old home. It looked well kept. Even lovingly cared for. Who lives here now? I wondered.He jumped out and opened the car doors. He led us into the house and into this room where we are now sitting.Everything was as we had left it. My wife lovingly ran her hand over the back of that teakwood table. The dust of years had not settled in. The carpets had been faithfully vacuumed. The windows regularly washed. The furniture carefully polished. Whoever lived here now must love the house as much as we did.Seeing how carefully everything had been maintained, I couldn’t be too angry with my neighbor. After all, purchase of my property had been a business deal for him. I’m sure it wasn’t anything personal.The old man took another sip of wine. He pointed at an elaborately carved, small desk with a drop down front that stood against a wall. He went on with his story.My neighbor took me to that desk and opened a drawer. He took out a handful of papers and handed them to me. They were the deeds and ownership documents for my house and business.I glanced at them, wondering how any one human being could be so heartless as to gloat before a family that had fallen to the depths I had reached.“Look at them, read them,” he said when he noticed I simply stood there, stupidly holding them in my hand.When I did, my heart stopped. My name was on the first paper I looked at. With trembling hand I looked at another. My name. And another. And another. On every document. My name. Just my name. Not his, not even as co-owner.He unlocked the drop down front and opened a drawer inside. He took out a bankbook and handed it to me. I scanned it. I could not believe my eyes. The balance had increased significantly each year while I was gone.“Business was good during the war,” he told me. “My only problem was finding labor to do the work. But I managed.”“But- - -but these are your profits,” I told him. I shoved the bank book toward him. “Here. Take it. It’s your money.”He laughed. “Naw. Your farm helped me. When we added our properties together, I got more ration coupons for gas. Negotiated better contracts with the distillery. Generally did better business. You won’t believe this. When I broke down the tax bill, even that was less. Naw. I got my pay. This is all yours.”I couldn’t believe my ears. I wept openly. My wife and I hugged each other and cried. Finally, I looked at my old friend.The old patriarch looked at me and said, "You want to know why I'm sending my son to seminary to become a Christian priest? Well, here's why. I asked my neighbor, 'Why did you do all this for me? After all, we were only neighbors'.That’s where you’re wrong,” he told me. “You see, in my faith we are all God’s children. We are brothers, you and me.Dr. Larry Winebrenner is a well-known, well-received public speaker. He has extensive background in business practices seminars, genealogical research, producing training materials, marketing consulting, nutrition studies, and religious studies.
This article is located at

http://www.home-bible-study.com/

Other sites maintained are located at

http://www.cookin-good.com.
Category : Satellite TV

Academic Contradiction

Author : Lance Winslow
The liberal based bias in academia is totally laughable as these folks attempt to convince us that they are smarter than us and the common sense is a relative term and based in perception? Oh really now?Have you ever considered the basis for this argument of theirs in their liberal skewed Utopian view of the world? Utter nonsense indeed, actually a 12 th century popper could make a better argument than that my dear sir. The liberal land of academia tells us that we must never tell others what to do and that we should see everything from their perspective, as well as our own.Then they put forth absolute horsesheet and tell us to dump our own thoughts and see it from their perspective. Then they try to pull rank saying that they have this degree in such a subject or a PhD in another, which means they are smarter to judge such things? Yet all a PhD is proof you have surrendered your views and your beliefs to that which was taught, tested and discussed in order to get that piece of paper proving you know what you are talking about.Yet in reality you now know what they are talking about and have ditched your own thoughts in the matter. And in doing so are so utterly brain washed and convinced you are right you will not see the common sense perspective? Gee whiz folks this is hypocrisy at its finest, reminds me of some of the largest world religious organizations. Consider this in 2006.Lance Winslow
Category : Arts-and-Entertainment:Philosophy

Money Making - Money Saving Tips for College Students

Author : Linda Correli

Money Making - Money Saving Tips for College Students by Linda Correli

Money is something that is difficult to get, but easy to get rid of. However, if you are smart about handling your money, you can get through college or university paying less and making more.

While studying, the main source of income for you is your scholarship and some sum of money from your parents for your minor expenses. However, we all know that this is not enough to survive. The most realistic and easy way to earn some extra money is to get a grant or find a part time job.

Your college or university can you grants based on your academic performance. To get good grades is an easy way to get tidy sum of money at the end of the semester. However, to earn money in such a way takes time, persistence and a lot of efforts. Grants range from $1,200 for an A+ to 300 for a C-. Not bad really.

Besides, this way of getting money has a lot of pros. You not only get money, but heaps of knowledge in addition. Bear in mind rather hackneyed saying "Knowledge is power". Knowledge will never be a heavy burden to you and probably some day you"ll take lots of benefits from it.

Another efficient, commonly utilized way of earning money is finding a part-time job. Many students took an advantage of earning money this way. Really, it has a lot of merits.

- You gain financial independence, so you can command your finances in the way you like and relieve your parents from the financial burdens.

- It helps you apply your knowledge in practice, realize yourself and feel more confident and mature.

- It is a great experience for your future job. It helps you understand the real value of money and gives you the insight into what the work is about.

- You penetrate into the adults" world and foster a sense of competition.

- It makes your life more colorful and is good for your personal development.

- You get acquainted with new interesting people and study from them.

- You get a roll of hard-earned money and can be proud of yourself.

Be prepared that you won"t find a job immediately. The employers aren"t waiting specially for you with arms wide open. Remember that the market is full of people searching for a job. And one more point is that you shouldn"t expect to get high salary at once. Though it is just a temporary place to work where you get some extra money.

For a start, the below listed jobs is the thing you might start with, as you don"t have to possess any special skills and they can become a good beginning for your upcoming job.

- Wash car

- Pet sitting

- Recycle soft drink cans

- Baby sitting

- Mow lawn

- Weed garden

- Garage sale

Here is the list of more sophisticated jobs which can be of interest to you:

- Barista

- Bartender

- Cafeteria Worker

- Tutor

- Personal Trainer

Treat your job seriously, but don"t let it absorb all your time and strengths, as your studying is prior to your job at the moment. Make it well that in future you won"t get worthy, high-paid job without profound higher education.

The tip I can give you is to estimate realistically your strengths and time. If it comes out that something is odd, quit your job easily and don"t regret about it. However, if you are already working and making your living, not just pocket money, here are some useful tips and hints to help you save your hard-earned bucks:

Always look for sales and shop only at discount stores. Discipline yourself to buy everything, even small drib - drabs there. Remember to clip coupons and shop on double - coupon days.

Get rid of the habit to eat out too often. It will not only save you money, but also your health, as snack bars mainly serve junk food. So, cook for yourself as much as possible.

Go to matinees instead of evening shows and patronize movie theaters that offer students discounts.

Share an apartment or a house with your friends. After all it is just more fun to share your flat with someone else. The "cheapest" decision is to choose living in the dorm.

Try to live without a car if you can. Start leading the healthy way of life. Ride a bike. Anyway it is an excellent way to get your body exercised.

Buy monthly passes for whatever public transit you ride.

Join a credit union. Credit unions frequently offer low - interest loans.

When you want to buy something expensive, always ask yourself: "DO I REALLY NEED IT"?

Learn a saving experience from other people.

Repeat to yourself every morning: "I love money". Maybe they"ll hear it and come to your hands. Be careful with it. Don"t be too zealous. Beware of mass attacks :-)

Hope that these tips will help you make and save some money while you are in college. Good luck!

About the author:

About author: Linda Correli is a staff writer of www.CustomResearchPapers.usShe students write college research papers, term books, admission essays, book report and many other types of writing assignments: from personal statements to professional case studies. For more information and help, please, go to: http://www.customresearchpapers.us

Category : Kids & Teen

Five Easy Ways To Bring Family Time Into Your Day; Balancing Work And Family Stresses

Author : BZ Riger-Hull
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More and more time is spent rushing from job to after school activities or evening meetings. It's easy to get over whelmed and to loose a sense of family and relaxation in our homes. Here are a few ideas to help strengthen your family and to keep some of life's pressures and stresses out of the home.~ Be involved but learn how to say No, once in a while. You want to be an involved informed parent but you need to keep your schedule sane. So don't volunteer for everything and don't sign your kids up for every after school sport or activity. Set limits on these activities, car pool whenever possible, and limit the activities you volunteer for and your children participate in to two for each half of the school year.~ Week long family vacations are great but sometimes you need a family break more often. Plan mini retreats that give you a break from your routine and allow down time where you can just hang out. See if a local hotel with a swimming pool has off-season rates. Then get together with one or two other families whose company you enjoy and book a night in the hotel. Bring swimsuits for the kids and a good book for yourself. You can also turn off the TV, telephone, computer, and CD player for the night, cook an easy meal or order take out and tell stories or play cards or a board game. Teenagers may think its hokey at first but they really do appreciate the change of pace and the time with their family.~ Eat dinner at the table not in front of the TV or standing in the kitchen grabbing a quick bite just before rushing out to the next activity. Consciously eating your meals not only improves digestion but also allows you thirty minutes to slow down and reconnect; sharing things that happened during the day. Make it mandatory and after a few weeks you will see how everyone really looks forward to this short peace of family time each night.~ Develop family traditions with your immediate and extended family members. Come up with a special night once or twice a year that isn't tied to a holiday. Have everyone who comes make something to eat, even the littlest ones. Share what you have been doing since the last get together and come up with some fun game everyone can get involved in. Horse shoes, softball, badminton, the game isn't important it's the time you spend together just goofing around without judgment and the pressures of the regular schedule of life.~ Keep expectations of achievement in school at a reasonable level; encourage your children to strive for things and work at a level that always gives them a bit of a challenge, but don't push them into situations that are too different or may regularly affect their self esteem.About The Author©BZ Riger-Hull - www.in-spiros.comFor valuable free articles, assessments, & practical success toolsmailto:A1@smartautoresponder.com Certified as a Success Coach, "Four Agreements" Facilitator, & Tele-Course leader We help you communicate powerfully, reduce stress, Strategically Attract success, & increase your financial well-being.bz@in-spiros.com
Category : Self-Improvement:Stress-Management

Is a Web Resume for YOU?

Author : Stefanie Spikell
Having your resume on a web site can be a real advantage. For some,
it is just the right tool to say "Hey, I'm up to speed on
technology." So if you are in the computer field or
telecommunications, it's really a must.I also recommend it for those of you who are heavy into
networking. If you pass out your card at lots of business
functions, put your web resume address right on your card -
you'd be surprised at how intriguing a web address can be.
People just love to travel to a wide variety of sites.
You'll be surprised at how many will travel to your web
resume to review your background - and this can lead to many
new contacts.For executives, the web resume is a wonderful tool. These
folks usually make a lot of phone call contacts when seeking
to change assignments. What better way to start the
conversation that to say, "You know my background, Joe, but
just bring up my web resume for a quick review while we're
having our chat......you can find it at www.xxxxxxx.xxx."There are no limits on WHO can use a web resume. A lot of it
is up to you. But it certainly is an extra that might just make you stand out from the crowd of competitors vying for that job you want.Stefanie Spikell, owns Expert Resumes and Clear Communications Business Consulting, and is a noted business/careers coach, management consultant and resume writer. In her 20-year career, she has managed marketing communications for major engineering firms, taught at the university level, published hundreds of business-related articles, and written thousands of winning resumes. © 2005 All Rights Reserved. http://www.ExpertResumeWriter.com
Category : Business:Resumes-Cover-Letters