The Offering of Online Degrees

This article will give you information concerning online degrees and what types of online degrees are being offered.

On the World Wide Net, assorted degrees are presented at thousands of universities online. These days, it seems everybody is getting in the cracks to unlock doors to new universities while presenting degrees online.

Sometimes, you come across online schools that take you for a ride, but a small amount of online universities and schools are out to see to your education. Education is one of the most significant parts of our life. In my view, I do not feel anything as well could exceed education.

A tiny number of online colleges and schools are costly. The programs are equivalent with standard universities; though, the universities may not help students with government or federal grants. The grants could help you and your family while going to school, particularly if you have low income. For that basis, taking into importance of online degrees, pricing is important.

Still, other facts must be thought about. The kinds of online degrees are just as significant as the money you pay out for the degrees. If you are uncertain of the kind of degree you desire to acquire, it is smart to do a little investigation to see what is presented to you. When thinking about online degrees outline all facts offered at the university and think about the outlook of the degree. If the degree presents you, a satisfying future and a profession that makes it worth your while, then determining the degree could prove advantageous.

You will also want to think about you, when choosing online degrees. What kind of person are you? What do you desire to acquire in life? What are your aspirations? What do you like achieving the most? What attracts you in one area over other areas? This is simply a tiny list of analyzing questions you can pose when thinking about online degrees.

A number of people go to college without identifying the direction they are heading. When they spend working toward further education, they regularly discover in the middle of courses that the fascination is not there. Money spent, time wasted. As you can see, having a general idea of you is significant when earning a degree.

Hopefully the information that you have read so far has got you thinking more about the online degrees and whether it is what you are desire.

General problems inside the educational system are students attending classes that produce frustration. I dont have time for this. This is a misuse of time. Why am I doing this? If you are feeling like this in a classroom then clearly you dont have your priorities together and you are earning a degree that means nothing to you.

Degrees are worthy tools in which we can use to advance our future goals, and produce results from the degree once earned. If you dont have goals, motive, direction, intentions, will, and honesty to advance your education, probably you will pay thousands of dollars for degrees that will get you nowhere. Thus, knowing you first is vital before choosing degrees on or offline.

If you dont like computers then that is another problem. If you feel computers are maddening then obtaining courses offline might work best for you. Some people simply despise computers and feel the computers are nothing but trouble.

Then again, perhaps you are infatuated with computers and like hours upon hours in a chat room, or surfing the Net. This could head to trouble if you are taking courses online. Distractions have no room in top education.

As you can see degrees, priorities, directions, pricing and other facts play a big part in earning online degrees.

Determining degrees is hard since hundreds of degrees are on hand at your disposal. The universities and schools online present degrees in law, business, podiatry, arts, forensics, executive, animal care, healthcare, administration, accounting, bookkeeping, biochemistry, and the roll continues. While the information is short, it can present you an overview of what the online colleges and schools could recommend you.

As children, we all have dreams. When I grow up, I want to be a fireman. When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian. These are short-term dreams that often turn into, I want to be a programmer, or I want to be a doctor. If you are thinking about online degrees put on your thinking cap and debate.

There are more articles concerning online degrees if you are still debating whether it is right for you. Never do something that you are unsure about. Get more information so you make the right decision.

Keith Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is an excellent source of online university degree information and much more key financial information. Visit us at http://www.quickcash2u.com/onlinedegree.htmlAinslee Blog64960
Annelise Blog34760

Website Marketing is the Pillar for your online business

Are you planning to design a website? Marketing is one of the most important concerns to announce your launch. It is the pillar on which your empire of website is standing. Website marketing is the best marketing device to attract numerous customers. Moreover, the future of an online website depends on the way it is being marketed. If the website is not well placed in a search engine and it is not carrying the relevant content or contact information, Website marketing may fail.

In website marketing, a website cannot catch attention if its design is not appealing. The design and color combination of the site should be soothing to the eyes, so that the visitor falls in love with the site instantly. Website marketing has become very important and its popularity is growing with the passing of time. You also have to take care that the codes of the websites. This is not the end of the road. You also have to take care about the value of your site created in the specific programs.

Content is also the major concern for proper website marketing. It is because if the content is not attractive, the visitors will not visit your site to find the information that they are looking for. The content in your website should be informative and lay greater emphasis on the keyword used. Another thing to be noticed in the concern of website marketing is that content on the landing page should be very powerful and compel the customer to do business with you. Also see that your website is fully functional at all times of the day.

Website marketing involves the proper placement of your website on all major search engines. The search engines are the optimal place for a website to attract different types of visitors. In order to market your website on the popular search engines, registration with some of them may be necessary. Apart from this, website marketing also includes the tracking of the response to your website. This will help you in estimating the exact position of your website in the market. The main aim of the website marketing is to take your website to the top position in all the major search engine rankings.

There are various website marketing firms that offer affordable search engine position packages that can take a website to the top position in the search engines. As a part of the website marketing, these search engine position packages also helps you in getting the deserving traffic. Website marketing firms work with trust and loyalty towards maintaining a superior position for your website in the web market.

The concept of website marketing is highly advanced and popular technique that ensures proper positioning of a website in the search engines. Basically, the concept is concerned with applying online marketing methods that help you to get the desired traffic. Your contact information is also an important part of website marketing, as it will enable the visitor to have an obstacle-free access to your site.

Analyzing the website is also necessary in website marketing. It is because the analyzation of website will enable you to understand the proper work system required to draw customers. Website marketing has gained a wide acclaim. Every online business company has to undertake website marketing to achieve success in the web market.

Steve Waganer has specialization in Web Marketing. He is expert in Search engine optimization, Affiliated Marketing,search engine marketing and Website Marketing.To get his expert advice for your website to get high rank and top position in major search engines visit http://www.cometsearchenginemarketing.com.Celina Blog22967
Alie Blog17127

Oil Change Franchising - Is it the Opportunity for You?

Lets take a look at why oil change franchising makes a whole lot of sense and what to look for in a company that's offering oil change franchising opportunities.

Start Up Expenses

Every franchise requires some out of pocket money from you and oil change franchising is no exception. In addition, getting any kind of business up and running takes a fair amount of work in the beginning, but none of this should stop you from getting into what many think is a great long-term investment.

More and more oil change franchising companies offer start up assistance to people who want to own a franchise. This help comes in the forms of financial assistance, site selection and special training so that your business has the best opportunity to succeed. Finding a company thatll help you with these can make all of the difference between success and failure.

You'll also want to be on the lookout for an oil change franchising company willing to help you with marketing and advertising so that the public is aware of what you offer, when you offer it and any specials that happen to be running.

Demand for Oil Change Franchises

A good barometer for the success of any business is customer demand. Is your product or service something that people are going to need or is it something that theyll likely buy on a whim? People are busier than ever before and don't have the time to maintain their vehicles like they used to.

It doesnt matter if theyre men or women, theyre not going to be satisfied with making an appointment, taking the car to the local garage and leaving it for a few hours just to get an oil change. They want to be able to stop in before they pick the kids up from school, or while theyre out running errands, and have the work done in 10 or fifteen minutes so they can be on their way.

This is one of the reasons that oil change franchising makes so much sense for a business owner. And getting your oil changed isnt something thats seasonal like other business opportunities. Its something that people need to do all year round regardless of the weather outside.

Ease of Set Up

Franchise businesses vary as much in what they offer as they do in how easy they are to get started. Some require minimal know-how and a relatively small amount of space while others demand intense training, a large staff and huge inventories.

Oil change franchising falls somewhere in between. Most facilities take up very little real estate and don't require much in the way of building costs. Some oil change franchising companies even go so far as to offer modular buildings that go up quickly at a relatively low expense to the investor.

And while the actual business of changing oil is pretty straightforward, there will be some training needed when it comes to computer systems, hiring and staffing, and disposal of waste material.

A good oil change franchiser will provide you with the right help with these things in the beginning so that you get off on your best foot.

The Bottom Line

So is an oil change franchise the right business for you? Well, only you can say for sure. But there are plenty of benefits that make it a very attractive opportunity and a good long-term investment.

And when looking for a oil change franchiser, make sure they're going to be with you every step of the way. It's surprising, but there are a lot of companies out that throw their franchise owners to the wolves, which makes no sense for the company or the oil change franchise owner.

A good oil change franchise company will treat you like part of a team and still let you run your business.

Tim LaGanke, Jr. is president of QuickChange Oil, a 10 minute oil change center, with locations across Cleveland, Ohio. QuickChange is currently seeking applicants interested in the oil change franchising business. Please contact LaGanke at gank@quickchangeoil.com for more information. http://www.quickchangeoil.comBeitris Blog70988
Aline Blog40052

Universal Design: A Remodeling Solution For All

Universal design, which requires accessible surroundings for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, is making its way to America's collective remodeling wish list.

Professional remodelers are increasingly aware of universal design standards since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and as the boomer generation ages, remodelers anticipate a surge in consumer demand.

"Universal design isn't the highest on our list of requests by homeowners," said Joan Stephens, CR, of Stronghold Construction in Boise, Idaho, and President-Elect of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), "but it's on the rise."

Many homeowners don't realize that remodelers can make these accessible home modifications. "The trend began in new home building, particularly with upscale retirement housing, and it's picking up pace in the remodeling industry," Stephens said. The complexity of this market is due partially to an unwillingness to submit to the label of elderly or disabled. However, universal design paints a much broader stroke than design specifically for the disabled or elderly. It is a remodeling solution beneficial to everyone, from clumsy toddlers to beefy football players.

With an increased desire to make their homes more user-friendly, homeowners, especially those of the boomer-senior generation, may seek the addition of a few universal design elements, or opt for a complete overhaul. NARI offers these tips for homeowners planning a remodel with universal design elements in mind:

Kitchen:

Access to storage, closet and counter space should be easy and unencumbered. A lazy susan or corner swing out shelf, a plan drawer or roll-outs are all simple solutions for hard-to-reach cabinet items. A light surface color for cabinets, as well as floors and countertops, will be easy on aging eyes. Consider lower cabinets for less reaching, but a raised dishwasher to minimize bending. Oven controls may be placed in front to prevent reaching over hot surfaces.

Bathroom:

There are many simple options in making a shower easier to use, such as a wide shower entry with no steps, an adjustable height showerhead, a mobile, hand-held showerhead unit, and a shower seat. Grab bars, which come in various colors and styles, are also a useful addition to the shower or bathroom.

Front-mounted faucets can prevent stretching to check water temperature. The ADA recommends offset controls for bathtubs, showers and other fixtures, which entails moving the controls closer to the outside of the fixture for increased accessibility. Removing vanity cabinets from beneath the sink and adding supports are useful ways to increase knee space.

An adjustable, wall mounted mirror angles forward for wheelchair users, and a slightly raised toilet seat may lessen the strain of transferring from a wheelchair or sitting down.

Exterior:

Steps at door and garage entrances can prove difficult or dangerous. Consider entrances level with the ground to make mobility smooth and worry-free. Ramps are another option but require careful thought and planning. Before installing ramps, consider security, other household members, maintenance, appearance, and property market value.

Controls:

Household controls, including thermostats, outlets, switches and window hardware, are crucial to an effective universal design layout. These items should be placed within a reasonable range of reach, and require a minimal amount of dexterity. Rocker switches or switches that can be pushed on and off may prove a helpful alternative to conventional toggle switches.

Appliances with small switches can pose a problem remedied by plugging the unit into an outlet controlled by a wall switch. Awning windows, or top-hinged windows, are most user-friendly due to the placement of locks and cranks on the sill, rather than on hard to reach window sides or crossbars.

Lower placement of windows will help children or wheelchair users see outside with less strain.

As with any remodeling project, however, individualized needs may supersede any recommended adjustments. While there are many suggestions for creating a universally sound environment, it is crucial to address personalized requirements when undertaking such a project. Even a remodeler experienced with universal design will need to tailor the project specifications to suit the needs of the client.

Homeowners should bear in mind these seven basic principles when planning a remodel that incorporates universal design:

1. Equitable Use: The design accommodates any type of user.

2. Flexibility in Use: The design may be used by persons of a wide range of abilities.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Design is easy to understand and "figure out".

4. Perceptible Information: The design itself communicates efficiently to the user.

5. Tolerance for Error: The design is safe and minimizes consequences of accidents.

6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used without strenuous exertion.

7. Appropriate Size and Space for Approach and Use.

For more article log onto: http://www.sabuilding-remodeling.com/articles.html

Rudy Nino, CGR is resident of Texas, he is the CEO of a successful residential and commercial remodeling and consulting company specializing on remodeling. Well known as SA Building & Remodeling, Co. Benedikta Blog89376
Brinn Blog30379

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Emilia-Romagna Region

Emilia-Romagna stretches from the Ligurian border in northeastern Italy to the Adriatic Sea. As the name indicates, historically it was composed of two regions, Emilia and Romagna. It may be the only region of Italy named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. It is one of the most prosperous regions of Italy with strong agricultural, industrial, and tourist economic activity. Its total population is about 3.9 million.

Emilia-Romagna produces a very wide variety of pasta, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese, and fresh and cured meats. Two of its biggest stars are a cheese, Parmigiano Regianno, and a ham, Prosciutto di Parma. Parmesan cheese as its known in English, was mentioned by the famous Italian author of the Fourteenth Century, Giovanni Boccaccio. We review it below. Parma ham, as its known in English, is an uncooked ham that is dry cured for at least ten months. Usually it is served in very thin slices, often as appetizer with melon.

Bologna whose population is about 375,000 is the administrative center of Emilia-Romagna. It is the home of the first university in the Western World, founded in the 11th Century. Bologna is also considered the capital of Italian gastronomy, in spite of its unfortunate association with a low-quality sandwich meat. Another city of interest is Rimini, a resort center on the Adriatic Sea with a population of 135 thousand.

Emilia-Romagna devotes about 178,000 acres to grapevines, it ranks 5th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 125 million gallons, giving it a 4th place. About 57% of the wine production is red, leaving 43% for white. The region produces 18 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 1 DOCG white wine, Albana di Romagna. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. In fact, while this wine was the first white wine to be accorded the DOCG designation in Italy (1987), many feel that Albana di Romagna does not deserve such an award. (I have never tasted this wine, and from the reviews that Ive read, Im in no hurry to taste it.) About 21% of Emilia-Romagna wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Emilia-Romagna is home to more than four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, a few more red than white.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Malvasia and Trebbiano. The best known strictly Italian white varieties are Albana (source of the DOCG wine) and Pignoletto.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the only widely grown international red grape variety. The best known strictly Italian red variety is Bonarda. The Italian red varieties Barbera and Sangiovese are found elsewhere, including California.

Before we reviewing the Emilia-Romagna wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.

Start with Gelato di Parmigiano, Parmigiano Ice Cream, which includes heavy cream and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, suggested as an appetizer.

A more traditional dish is Scaloppine di Vitello alla Bolognese, Veal Scaloppine all Bolognese, which also includes Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, as well as other local specialties Prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar.

For dessert (as if the ice cream wasnt a dessert) try Torta Bonissima, a Honey and Nut Pie.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed

Donini Lamberti Trebbiano-Chardonnay IGT 2005 12% alcohol about $8 (liter)

Everybody has prejudices. I approached this bottle with several of them. It seems to me that a liter of wine is usually too big, accentuating quantity at the expense of quality. Given the economics of the wine industry, I am usually reticent to purchase a bottle for $8, which would be $6 for a regular-sized bottle. And finally while Emilia-Romagna is often known for its red wines, it is not particularly known for its white wines, with an unfortunate exception, the DOCG wine Albana di Romagna, discussed above. And now to the actual wine.

The first time that I drank this wine I found that its taste was one of green apples, dominating everything else but still light on flavor if not unpleasant. It didnt really accompany the food, a breaded chicken cutlet in sweet and sour sauce with potatoes cooked in chicken fat. As the wine aged a bit, (it takes a long time to finish a liter if you dont care to drink very much at a time) it got better instead of worse. I have read that 3.5 million bottles of this type wine are produced yearly. I understand that it is popular in fish restaurants along the Adriatic Sea. Id love to find out for sure. Final verdict, not bad for the price.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a cooked, unpressed semi-fat hard cheese made from raw cows milk. It is encased in a thin, yellow rind. This cheese is finely grained and very flaky. Its taste is delicate and fragrant, and frankly wasted with a wine of this quality.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is http://www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.Alissa Blog11583
Ambur Blog79710

Car Detailing: Should You Pay Professionals?

Perhaps your car is just getting dirty from wear and tear. Perhaps you take your car in for an oil change, and your dealer asks if you want to get your car detailed. Is it worth your money to get professionally done?

The secret to car detailing is in the name: its all about the details. When professionals detail your car, they know all the professional secrets that you might not.

Professional car detailers have all of the equipment ready. They have the detergents and the vacuums. If you dont mind getting together the materials that you will need to detail your car, then consider detailing it at home. You will have to pay more initially to get all the materials, but you certainly wont use up each of your cleansers every time. After the initial outlay, it becomes much cheaper to detail your car at home.

If you want to detail at home, find out what extras the professionals do to give your car the added boost. Often, they do large tasks such as taking out the seats in cars with removable seats to get all of the added grit. If you feel uncomfortable or unable to do such tasks, consider getting a professional to detail your car. You might even not feel up to the basic tasks of cleaning if you are physically limited. This is where professional help is the best solution.

If you choose to detail your car at home, there are a few basics to consider. For a thorough detail, you will want to wash your car, polish or wax your car, clean the interior, and get those windows clean. Car enthusiasts will also clean the parts of the engine that you can see. Remember not to skip your tires or your trunk!

Here are some hints for do-it-yourself car detailers. Use a wet-vacuum. A water-powered vacuum will be able to get the stains out of your upholstery better. If you have a leather car interior, consult an expert (or even call your dealer) before vacuuming. You might be best to simply wipe your car down if you have a leather car interior. When you use a wet-vacuum, always use slightly warmed water to clean your car. This brings out the best possible results.

Another tip to keep in mind if you are detailing your car is to never spray cleaning agents directly on to any surface of your car. Spray it onto a soft cloth or chamois to apply. Dont use anything hard or scratchy on or in your car. You dont want to chip the paint, polish, or finish. Use carpet cleaners for upholstered seats. Take out floor mats and clean them separately.

At a dealership or professional detailer, always ask what is included in the price of the detailing. Sometimes car detailing includes fixing marks to the paint or finish of a car. Other times it is only interior detailing. If you want added extras, sometimes you can get them just by asking. Only for large jobs will you need to pay more money.

Some services that you might enquire about at a professional dealer, or that you might consider performing yourself are things that you might not think of every day. Coating your antenna with graphite helps if your antenna is retractable. Use a q-tip to clean the inside of your vents. Use leather cleaners for leather surfaces (but remember that not all surfaces in a leather interior are actually leather; some are just faux leather).

You might realize that you dont need to have car that is spotless. If this is the case, then cleaning your car at home is an obvious choice. Every once in a while, however, it is nice to do a thorough detailing job. You cant always drive away in a new car, but you can sometimes drive away in a car that feels like new.

In the end, choosing to get your car detailed is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer. If you have enough money, and you dont have the time, then having a professional detailer is the obvious solution. If you dont have the money, consider detailing at home.

Andrew Dillan is an editor at http://www.theguideto-carloans.com/budgeting_for_a_car/. For all the information you need on cars and money, visit The Guide to Car Loans. Find out how to own your dream car today!Bobbi Blog92763
Celeste Blog2114

Leather Storage Ottoman - A Great Way To Dress Up Your Room

Ottomans have come a long way since they first came out as square, tasselled pieces of furniture made just for tired feet. Today, ottomans come in many shapes, sizes, and they can serve a number of different functions. Perhaps the most stylish of these is the leather storage ottoman.

The leather storage ottoman is a small part of living room furniture, but it can be a big part of what sets off the style and dcor in the rest of the living room pieces. A living room is a place for relaxation, a place to spend time with the family, entertain friends, or to simply sit and watch a good movie.

These eye-catching ottomans can come in different shapes such as, the typical square, oval, round, rectangular and even different heights and widths. Some come with more than one storage compartment, giving people even more use for them. The ottomans can also come with different sizes of storage. For example, some ottomans come with the whole of the inside made as a storage compartment, and some have been crafted with only a part of the inside as storage.

There are furniture sets that are available for purchase that come with leather storage ottomans. The buyer will not have a choice of which kind of ottoman he or she would like. For this reason, many buyers like to purchase a furniture set that comes without an ottoman and then they shop for the ottoman of their choice. Because ottomans are not an essential part of the living room furniture set, the buyer has a nice number to choose from. Also, since leather storage ottomans come in so many different styles, the buyer again, is presented with quite a few options.

Whether or not your living room is decorated with a modern touch or in country tones, the leather ottoman can and will work with both of these styles. Besides being a lovely addition to your dcor, this leather piece gives what everyone is always looking for: more storage! An ottoman can store a number of things inside of its comfortable outer-casing. Also, because these ottomans are not see-through, like a lot of other typical living room storage furniture, you do not need to worry about what you out into the ottoman, and how it is arranged inside.

The leather storage ottoman is a great supplement in any living room. It can, however, be used in other areas of a home. For example, if you have a home office, this ottoman can make a very stylish addition to your office dcor. It can also mix well in a spare bedroom, or even a large bathroom. The leather storage ottoman is a versatile and stylish piece of furniture that will make a great room look even better. These leather storage ottomans would make the perfect place for lounging as you can use them for so many different things.

Jesse Akre, owner of many indoor and outdoor home decorating sites, shares product information and comments on storage ottomans, indoor storage benches, and outdoor storage benches. Learn tips and ideas to decorate your home with class and elegance. Shop today - Click: http://www.simplybenches.com/Callie Blog20836
Bertha Blog39159

10 Tips to Help Position Yourself in the Speaking Industry

Becoming a professional full time speaker isnt easyeveryone knows that, it takes a lot of dedication, determination and most important you have to have the passion, if the passion isnt there then my suggestion would be, dont even attempt it! I could spend days teaching you how to package yourself as a professional speaker and how to gain more exposure, but the following article as been bundled to give you just a few quick tips and ideas so you can start implementing them into your business.

1. Niche Yourself

Yes, I know you have heard this many times and it couldnt be truer! One of the biggest mistakes a speaker can make is having too general of a topic. You want to narrow your expert niche as much as possible. Become the Speaker of Choice, research your topic industry so you know whats hot and whats not. Take that research and develop a niche around it, be sure it is something you have experience with and will be able to present it as a professional expert speaker in that field.

Dont waste your time, energy and money on developing a niche that just isnt going to get any recognition because it isnt something that planners will be looking for! Do your research and I do put emphasis on this tip! Once you have discovered your niche, you must continue to practice your speaking skills and update your material and presentations to keep-up with the trends and changing issues.

2. Build your credibility

There are many ways to build your credibility and become known as an expert, but this tip is about building your credibility by knowing your audience.

Your job as a presenter is to take the context you will present and put it into a form that your audience will understand and can relate to. You want them to really understand what youre saying. Always remember your presentation is not about you, its about the audience, what they want to know, and what they want to know is whats in it for me? How will you help their business grow?...How will you help them save timesave money...How will you make them feel!

Vision yourself sitting in the audience you will be presenting to and ask yourself, What do I want to get out of this?, What do I want to learn?, Whats in it for me? Once you can perceive yourself as a participant of the audience than you can start putting the pieces together in building a top notch presentation that your audience will remember and one that will have members coming to you and asking you to get your schedule out because they want to book you.

The more you relate to your audience, the more you know your audience, the better your chance of building your credibilityyou have an audience that is happy, engaged and drawn to you and one that is sayingHey, this speaker knows his stuffhe knows us!

3. Develop an eye-catching media kit

Planners get hundreds if not thousands of proposals and media kits every year. You have to wow them immediately to grab their attention, before they set it down and go to the next one!

Make sure that your media kit is up to date, precise and professionally put together. Nothing else turns away a meeting planner or organization more than an unattractive, boring, and unorganized media kit. They wont even bother with it nor have the time of day to look over the remaining contents if they don't like what they see at first glance and many times the hours, days and money you have spent in putting it together are now wasted as it sits on the planners shelf gathering dust. I know this seems a bit harsh, but being on the inside I know this to be true, as I have seen it many times, so just spend some time on your kit when putting it together or possibly re-do the one you already have, remember you want to catch the eye of the reader to draw them into reading more.

4. Have an online presence

Develop a website with information on your experience, topics you cover, promotional material available and testimonials from previous clients. You dont need a big, fancy, or expensive website to attract visitors and the attention of meeting planners, just make sure you are catering to the planners needs and have the information easily accessible and downloadable. If youre an article writer make sure you add your articles to your own site.

If your budget doesnt allow for your own web site, join speakers organizations and add your name to their online listings - The more exposure you get, the better your chances of being found by people seeking speakers.

5. Work with meeting planners

Very important: be willing to work with them. Dont be so stubborn that you talked yourself right out of one of the most important speaking engagements of your career. Most planners are eager to work with the speaker, but you also have to be willing to give a little to get a lot. Remember you want to be a magnet to planners and the hiring company, not an itch under their skin. So be pleasant and be negotiable and give them the best performance possible and in return they will continue to book you and recommend you!

You want to position yourself within the meeting planner realm as being enjoyable to work with, fun, and easy-going! Trust me on this one, there is nothing worse then working with a stubborn, un-pleasant speaker who is unwilling to budge or negotiate, it doesnt matter if they are well-known or have years of experience, planners dont have the time for this nor want to deal with it. I also want to mention, dont be too quick to pass on a free speaking engagement as this can bring you more opportunities (Many great enterprises were built from small opportunities)

6. Introduce yourself as a contingency speaker

This is one way to get your foot in the door. One of the biggest fears of a meeting planner is a no-show or cancellation of the scheduled speaker. You can send out a letter via e-mail or regular mail to event planners, program managers, etc.

Your initial contact with the event planner should be on eliminating one of their largest fears. If you have a properly written letter and have done your research, you will more than likely make an immediate friend. This is where the business relationship begins and in most cases, the event planner or hiring authority will book you in because you have approached them this way.

7. Marketing yourself

Add this to your weekly business tasks, this is of course a must, if you dont market you all know they wont find you! You have to go to themlet them know you are unique, you are knowledgeable, you are the best and that you can knock the socks off their audience. Dont be afraid to approach meeting planners, you want to keep your name fresh in their mind! Be PERSISTENT!

Standing out from the crowd is a major challenge for today's professional speaker. Marketing yourself and your company, should be one of your major priorities, which requires to be done on a regular basis. Unless you have ample time on your hands and the expertise it takes to market yourself effectively, one of the best suggestions we can make is hire a professional marketing specialist or consultant/public relations company. Find someone that will work side by side with you in developing a marketing campaign that will benefit you and your speaking career.

If your budget does not have room for the expense of a professional PR agent then there are many ways you can gain exposure and become known as an expert in your field by doing some simple marketing techniques that are sure fire ways to get you the attention you need. Remember to be unique!

8. Interact with potential clients

It is very important to mingle and network! Get yourself noticed. Hand out business cards every where you go. Talk to everyone you meet. Go to seminars and meetings that are the same as your expertise. Watch and pay attention. Who are the attendees, what is their reaction to the speaker on the platform? Most importantly, be very personable and agreeable with every meeting planner you meet. You want to leave the impression that you are easy going and willing to make adjustments at the last minute. Meeting planners don't like to work with difficult and irritating speakers, it doesnt matter how well known you are in the speaking industry. They look for someone with humor, an abundance of energy, flexibility, and great content!

9. Write a book/ info products

This is a BIG credibility builder.

I know its not as easy as it sounds, but if you are an expert in your field and you have information you want to share, I would suggest writing a book or some informational products. This is an excellent marketing tool and an addition to your income. We know you have the speaking ability and you know what you want to say, but some speakers just dont know how or have the time to put it in book/product form. You do have the option of outsourcing that task. There are many companies who specialize in that field and can assist you with your project.

10. Article writing

Almost everyone knows about article marketing and submitting them online, but I just want to mention it again. I would have to say I bring up article marketing at least 5 times a day in many different conversations because that is how important I feel article marketing is. You are a speakeryou are an expertso you shouldnt have any trouble writing a simple article. Add article writing and submitting them online to your marketing plan and do it on a regular basis. This is one of the best and FREE ways of promoting yourself and your business, and also gaining more visitors to your website!

Many times I see an excellent article that was written with just the authors name, no contact informationnothing! Well, if youre like me you dont have the time to try and do a search on this author to find their site and learn more, you want instant contact information by just clicking your mouse so you can be taken directly to where you want to go. So, dont forget to add an eye-catching bio at the end of your article so readers can find you and learn more. Be sure and include your contact information including website and email address.

Wendi McNeill is the owner of Charli Jane Speaker Management and while working closely with speakers for many years, she assists them in growing their business and shares her expertise, knowledge and passion that are needed to grow your speaking business. She knows what planners are looking for and how to make a good impression by using simple techniques that can cut off months of research, save you money, time, and energy by mentoring and guiding you in the right direction. You can also learn more about speaking leads available at http://www.CharliJaneSpeakers.com and visit her at http://www.CharliJane.com to learn more about her services. She can be reached via email at wendi@CharliJane.com or by phone at 877-570-0615Alejandra Blog82786
Berti Blog52315

Five Key Leadership Lessons I Learned from Serving on Non-Profit Boards

Like many of you, I serve on several non-profit boards in various capacities including chair. And, like many of you, I have had great experiences and frustrating experiences. Here are some of the key leadership lessons I have learned along the way that are critical for success. These lessons can serve you well in both a non-profit and for-profit environment.

1. Have a vision. This should be clear and well articulated so that everyone understands where the organization is going. People want to be part of something important if not big. Your job is to show them how their work is going to make a difference and then inspire them to want to do whatever it takes to deliver that vision.

2. Plan the work, work the plan. Develop a strategic plan with deliverables, deadlines and key responsibilities. Then, your job is to motivate and coach team members to success. You should also expect to be called upon to secure resources, remove roadblocks and hold people accountable. Sound obvious? Maybe, but you'd be surprised at how many boards I've served on where there wasn't a plan in place. Poor board performance and lack of results were the outcome. Remember, most boards and teams want to be part of a group that makes things happen.

3. Get the right people on board. Create job descriptions, identify key competencies, and benchmark positions to ensure that you put the right team in place. There are a number of assessment tools that can help you do this cost effectively and efficiently. And, don't be pennywise and pound foolish. If you lack critical skills in-house, then be willing to outsource to obtain those skills. I've never worked with an organization where budget wasn't a key consideration; however, completing a simple cost benefit analysis can go a long way in helping to make the business case for obtaining critical skills, particularly if they are required to achieve key outcomes.

4. Fire poor performers. That's right. You're not doing anyone a favor by allowing someone that doesn't fulfill the minimum requirements of their position to continue in a particular role whether they are volunteers or paid employees. At best, it damages your credibility as a leader. At worst, it damages the performance of the entire team. It will be much harder for you to overcome a lack of credibility or worse, the resentment of your team, than it will be for you to muster up the courage to fire someone from your team. Of course you will want to follow your organizations policy for handling this type of situation.

5. Make course corrections along the way. Leaders make decisions based on the information currently at hand. As new information becomes available, you've got to be willing to use that information to implement changes along the way, and if necessary, to cancel projects and initiatives that no longer make sense altogether. Ignoring reality, unwillingness or inability to make key decisions, and inability to manage change, will only serve to undermine your effectiveness and the performance of those you are leading.

If you are currently leading or plan to lead a corporate or non-profit team, heed these lessons and you will find yourself and your team on the fast track for success.

Copyright 2006 Red Ladder, Inc.

Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker who helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop and retain women leaders. Sign up for her FREE Ezine, Developing People...Inspiring Success at http://www.RedLadder.com.Cassandra Blog76912
Amara Blog25866

How to Use the TaskTaker and Conquer Time

In todays world, the growing increase of higher levels of information and communications technology steadily parallels the impetus for man to maximize and live to its fullest worth of every minute and second of one day. But with only twenty four hours at his disposal, it almost seems that so much has to be done with so limited time. This is why every minute matters. Every aspect of modern living and every human concern have to squeeze into mans but limited time. Family life, business matters, social connections, community concernsall need a fraction of ones attention and ones quality time.

Living every minute to its fullest worth is maximizing time and spending it way beyond its limit. While it may seem almost impossible for the modern workingman, but there is a one concrete way to live life the way it should be: effective time management. Effective time management makes one value well his time. Looking at time in this perspective, one can see the myriad of ways with which one can be more effective. By knowing what to prioritize and when, one no longer needs to undervalue certain aspects of his life or to give up either family, business or social life and put a healthy and happy life at a stake.

Many times has it been said that one only needs to properly manage his time. It has been said that one only has to divide time equitably and prioritize ones responsibilities. But think about it, are not these things those which one practically does in order to maximize ones time. The sad truth is despite how one would practically squeeze ones daily tasks, the limitations of every hour that passes through everyday would continue to tower over it. There are simply too many things to be done with so little time. In the end, one simply races through ones daily tasks, but still end up mediocre, ineffective and basically unhappy.

But life can not be lived through like a wild goose chase with ones schedules and tasks. There has to be an end into compromising ones own happiness and fulfillment. TaskTaker offers the solution that would make a dramatic difference with every hour that one spends and yet, with the results of ones work, the stress one experiences and the quality of life that one enjoys.

Think about it. Time is not something one cannot stretch beyond limits. But TaskTaker stretches what one can do way beyond what time can limit. TaskTaker multiplies what one can do at a time: track and manage ones days tasks and activities, assign tasks through email to colleagues and subordinates, set reminders and access ones activities from any computer all at the same time. With TaskTaker, one can practically maximize the time available and increase significantly ones productivity. Since TaskTaker is web-based, it works on any desktop, notebook or computer as long as it is connected to the Internet.

Time is gold and if one doesnt plan out on how to spend his time well and live his life to its fullest worth, one will never be happy. TaskTaker helps one focus on what is most important like family, business and friends yet make one feel like he is finally in control of his time. Conquering time is the first step on the happiness track. Let's start by visiting http://www.tasktaker.com

KB Tan is a writer for TaskTaker and a few more websites that provide free services to both individuals and businesses.Almira Blog68567
Caitlin Blog19590

Golf And Arthritis

Good news! If you're an arthritis sufferer, you don't have to give up your golf game! In fact, playing golf can add strength and mobility to your body overall and improve your range of motion.

Research shows that one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis is exercise. It can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness.

Usually, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it occurs at the hands, hips, knees, or spine.

Right. All those areas used in playing the game of golf.

No worries, though. Golf actually helps increase your range of motion and your balance as well. And the walking, if you can do it, will benefit your health in numerous ways. In short, golf is one of the perfect exercises for someone with osteoarthritis!

Now here's the key - you are probably going to need some special products to make golf a little easier on your joints.

At http://arthritis.org, the Arthritis Foundation shares some tips for golfers to help you keep enjoying this wonderful sport and suggests some products that might help you.

For instance, it's a good idea to wear wrist braces and gloves when you play. This will help stabilize the joints in your wrists and hands. Both these items are inexpensive.

Try using a lower compression ball.

Golf shoes without spikes will likely be more comfortable for you.

Ask your local golf store specialist about the latest helps for making golfing easier on your joints. New products are coming out all the time.

Always warm up before you play. Do some basic stretches, take some practice swings. Start out swinging about half strength. Never try to hit the ball too hard. This one goes for everyone - not just folks with arthritis. It's accuracy that counts!

Using tees will help.

Drink water while you're playing. (again, a tip for everyone)

If you feel tired, listen to your body and rest a bit. It's not a mortal sin to play less than 18 holes. The key is to enjoy the game.

Now, if youre feeling sore after play, here are some things to try.

Take a warm shower.
Do some gentle stretching exercises.
Use an ice pack on the sore area.
Rest the sore joint.
Try magnetic therapy.
Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt

If playing golf causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, its too much. Work with your physical therapist or doctor to adjust your game when you notice any of the following signs of too much exercise:

Unusual or persistent fatigue
Increased weakness
Decreased range of motion
Increased joint swelling

Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)

Really, when it comes right down to it, playing golf (along with warming up for your game with range of motion exercises) may be just what the doctor orders for arthritis help!

Burt CottonCamila Blog16346
Beatrix Blog25795

IT Sales: What is Your Unique Offering?

Every company has some unique facet that makes them different from the rest of their competition. In order to effectively reach your clientele, you need to figure out what your unique offering is. For example, if you're within walking distance of many businesses, then your proximity is your best benefit - you can do things faster and cheaper than anyone else.

Back Up Your Benefits

When you give benefits you want to back them up with examples and guarantees. For instance, given the above example, you might guarantee to arrive within 60 minutes of a server down emergency during regular business hours. You could offer $100 off their monthly bill if you're even a minute late - now, that's a guarantee! And, you'll probably never lose money on it because you're right there.

Survey Your Customers

You also want to survey these local companies to see which ones are interested in IT services and what areas they need help in. In order to get the survey back, you may want to offer a free gift like a gift card for a dozen bagels from the coffee shop across the street or a free needs analysis if they return it.

Your survey should ask basic questions like the following:

How many PCs do you have?

How many employees do you have?

How do you get your IT support today?

What do you like and dislike about it?

What's your number one business challenge today?

What's your number one IT challenge?

Network

Using people like the UPS or FedEx guy or the pizza delivery guy even, you can effectively network into a community. You can learn about the other companies and they can learn about you through these familiar faces. They can often give you great advice about who may need help.

Copyright MMI-MMVII, Computer Consulting Blog. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg can help you get more steady, high-paying computer consulting clients. Sign-up now for Joshua's free audio training on proven computer consulting secrets from the Computer Consulting Blog now at http://www.ComputerConsultingBlog.comAndra Blog57167
Allix Blog492

Find Yourself With Your Cell Phone

A few years ago, the FCC mandated that cell phones have GPS capacity or some form of location mechanism so that the phone and its operator could be located in the case of a 911 call. The law took effect at the beginning of 2005. Today, over one hundred million cell phones in this country have a chip that provides GPS capacity and increasingly, software services are emerging that put them to use.

GPS stands for Global Positioning Software and it simply means that an equipped device can be located by the satellites overhead in geosynchronous orbit that are built to pick up GPS signals. While the cell phone companies initially were reluctant to participate, they have begun to develop subscription services that provide software to help you use the tracking system.

The GPS technology without bells and whistles simply pinpoints the location of your cell phone. A techie named Chuck Fletcher developed a freeware program called Mologogo that allows one Mologogo equipped phone to locate other, similarly equipped phones. It's become a method for a few thousand cell owners to keep track of each other, but hasn't moved much beyond that.

Verizon and Sprint have developed subscription services that will allow your phone to pinpoint your location, complete with overhead map. It's a mobile driving assistance tool that should enjoy some degree of popularity. The cell phone companies have been reticent to provide general access to the GPS feature in their phones, because it can be a sensitive privacy issue - especially if you're somewhere you're not supposed to be.

More to the point, however, is the fact that the cell operators see the GPS technology as a potential profit center. One way to get driving directions with a GPS cell phone is to subscribe to a GPS navigation service. Nextel offers two: Televigation's TeleNav and Motorola's ViaMoto. Using the GPS and Nextel's network, TeleNav and ViaMoto can send driving directions to a Nextel phone. If you make a wrong turn or miss a street, the service detects that you're off the route and new route is calculated to put you back on track.

Aside from the basic mapping and location support, if you're a Sprint-Nextel customer you can subscribe to a service called Smarter Agent. This GPS supported technology is tied to a real estate database and can provide you with information on home sales in the neighborhood where you and your cell phone happen to be located. It will identify which homes have sold in the neighborhood in the last few years, and for what price.

Verizon has a service called getGOING. You can download applications such as AtlasBook Places. With AtlasBook Places you can get maps and directions and navigate to nearby places. An option is a web-based planning tool. These functions are available on selected Verizon phones.

There's an inherent privacy issue here that is a challenge for the major cell providers. Sprint-Nextel is the only company that has always allowed access to the GPS chips in its handsets. They have a strict privacy agreement with any third party service providers such as Smart Agent. If you download software that is not provided through Nextel, however, you have no such guarantee of privacy. This issue, aside from dollar signs, is what has kept GPS functionality largely an in-house development of the cell phone companies.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.Ameline Blog98653
Alexa Blog76209

Look Your Best with a Good Night's Sleep

Today, our lives have become so busy there seems to be hardly any time for us to devote to sleep. Given that many of you are driven, goal-oriented, and over-achievers, spending a third of your lifetime sleeping can seem like a waste of time.

But sleep remains an indispensable part of human life and function. Sleep is the body's miracle of restoration and its importance to your well-being shouldn't be discounted.

Simply stated: you need a good night's sleep for both overall health and beauty. Lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems, a weaker immune system, and mental stress.

You could also experience related problems like memory impairment and a lack of quality sleep makes you look tired, less attractive and rundown.

You may have filled your daily routines with so many activities that both your body and mind are unable to cope with such high pressure. Ultimately, without quality sleep to recharge your body and mind, you may begin to show signs of stress.

Sleep deprivation seems to be a common problem. Sadly, over scheduled and stressed out adults are passing their lack of priorities for a good night's sleep down to their children.

A recent report by The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing sleep problems and disorders and to researching and educating the public on the importance of sleep concluded: "The 2006 NSF Sleep in America poll of 1,602 households across the U.S. indicates that 11-17-year-olds have lengthy to-do lists, and sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of those lists, putting teens at risk for health and mood problems and difficulties in school. In fact, many teen respondents said they often arrive late for school, fall asleep in class or are too tired to exercise. To top it off, parents may be in the dark about the sleep debt their children are accruing."

Sleep is Essential

Sleep, like food and water, is an essential requirement in our lives. If you deprive yourself of a good night's sleep, then you may be inviting trouble.

There are some importance advantages to getting a good nights sleep:

* Sleep goes a long way in determining how you look and feel.

* It enables you to be more alert and energetic.

* It helps you to concentrate more on your work at home, the office, or school.

* When you sleep well, both your body and your mind are refreshed; sleep removes most signs of tiredness and helps to keep you lively and full of energy.

There are also some significant disadvantageous to missing out on your sleep:

* When you build a sleep debt, your body becomes tired in the daytime and forces you to take naps.

* While twenty- or thirty-minute power-naps may be beneficial, relying on those naps can become a bad habit. Most employers arent too happy to find you asleep at the computer. Sleeping on the job almost always leads to a reprimand or dismissal.

* Lack of sleep makes you more irritated and prone to depression, mood swings and forgetfulness.

The Beauty of a Good Night's Sleep

You can enhance your health and overall appearance by getting a good night's sleep. Researchers are working rigorously to establish the precise connection between sleep and beauty, but there is already strong evidence that:

* Lack of sufficient sleep creates eye problems like dark circles under your eyes.

* While creams, lotions, masks, and other cosmetics can help alleviate unsightly eye problems, remember to also alter your lifestyle and get more sleep.

* "Your eyes are the windows to your soul." They reflect your inner health and highlight it to the outside world.

In other words, getting enough sleep helps make you feel better both inside and out.

By now you shouldn't be surprised to learn that many of your eye problems are caused by a poor sleeping habits. This article illustrates how getting a good night's sleep can sometimes help you avoid unsightly and distracting facial features like dark circles under your eyes.

If, however, after obtaining a good night's sleep, you still experience dark circles around your eyes, there are some treatments that offer help. These over the counter treatments will help in the fight for clearer skin under your eyes. For example, I have read good things about Eyederma(tm). Eyederma(tm) was formulated to be a powerful ally in diminishing dark patches and circles under your eyes. When a good night's sleep and a professional evaluation don't clear up the dark patches under your eyes, consider checking out Eyederma(tm). You can obtain Eyederma(tm) which is now available from reputable eTailers like Amazon.com and www.bodestore.com.

Written by the V-Team courtesy Kamau Austin Publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about reducing dark cycle around the eyes with Eyedermaat http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm.Alejandrina Blog29834
Ceil Blog3283

A Review of Law Enforcement Training

My son is a senior student in High school now. We had filled some financial assistance forms because we want to make sure he will be able to have secondary education. Though, my son has not decided yet what collage he wanted to attend or what subject to choose. Thus, I got really surprised one day when my son came from school and declared he wanted to start law enforcement training. His best friend's father was a police officer and my son has been secretly interested in this job for years.

Unfortunately I didn't know anything about law enforcement training so I needed to get more information about it. This is why I invited my son's friend and his parents for dinner. That way we could talk with the police officer and find out where is the best place to get law enforcement training. It was interesting to learn there are so many specialty areas to look into. The father of my sons best friend had started with an eighteen month course of law enforcement training in a college. After his course the only job he could get with that qualification was as a patrol officer.

From the law enforcement training he completed he had learnt the basic techniques of being a police officer including weapons training. However, to become a detective a more advanced training was required - a four year college degree. He took a part time job as a patrol officer and started a four year criminal justice program at the university which would enable him to get better jobs once he graduated. He also added that in the past police officers could go with the eighteen month course of law enforcement training but as nowadays the crimes are more complex it is recommended that all officers have a four year degree in addition to the law enforcement training.

My son was listening to his best friend's father very carefully and remembered the information he gave us. My son also conducted further research. First of all, he needed to decide if he would start the law enforcement training immediately and then take the college courses, or the opposite - first college then the law enforcement training. He set up a meeting with he local sheriff to discuss this.

The sheriff advised him to take the basic law enforcement training first because with it he could work part time while being at college. He could have flexible shifts as police officers are needed 24 hours a day seven days a week, so he wouldn't need to cut classes because of work. Another reason why it is better to start with the law enforcement training is because after you complete it and start working and studying same time you will have work experience which will help you decide what area you want to concentrate on.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning law. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.lawinformationonline.com/legal-information/legal-issues/a-review-of-law-enforcement-training.htmlBeryle Blog45590
Alisa Blog22877

Millionaire World Working From Home

Who wants to be a millionaire? A better question is who doesn't want to be a millionaire? Here's another one: who wants to be a millionaire that doesn't have to go to an office with a cranky boss and overworked co-workers? Nearly everyone in this world would like to change his or her financial situation in one way or another. However, desire alone does not get a person where he wants to be. Instead, the typical home business owner has the best potential to become a millionaire by simply practicing millionaire techniques. Home business owners turned millionaires learned quickly that they become those they study. So they study millionaires and their practices and even find a couple to hang out with and to learn from. So exactly what qualifies as a millionaire technique?

First and foremost, genuine millionaires do not live off borrowed money. They literally own what they use. We're not talking about trust fund babies. Did you know that the vast majority of multi-millionaires in our world are not trust fund babies. In fact, they worked up to where they are today. They are first generation millionaires that did not borrow money but learned early on in life to pay cash for what they needed and to invest the rest. They built their wealth by working hard, living off little, and investing whatever extra they made after paying their expenses in full.

Secondly, millionaires are students. They study those who they want to become. They read about the rags-to-riches millionaires like Andrew Carnigie and learn how he turned a few pennies into an empire. They study both financial practices and character, because they understand that character is closely related financial practices. It largely dictates how a person manages his money because our choices about how to spend and collect largely depend on our personal belief systems. These millionaires also read whatever they can get their hands on regarding personal finance. They are open to learning, and they understand that they can always learn more.

Finally, the home-business-owner wannabe millionaire does not just work hard, but he works smartly. He understands the value of things like a college education and knows that proper training will help him earn more money in less time. He also understands he value of networking, that spending time with someone who may not become a client matters, because that person will recommend the home business owner's business to his friends who very well may become clients.

Millionaires do not just fall into millions of dollars. Did you know that the vast majority of lottery winners file bankruptcy within a decade of hitting it big? They simply do not manage their money. They do not live like a millionaire. Sure, they try to own the same things and try to have the same lifestyle, but they do not manage their money like a millionaire does. If you want to both own a home business and earn millions of dollars, live like a millionaire.

Jim Biscardi is owner of Dynamic Wealth Systems, LLC and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Jim recommends you visit: http://www.DynamicWealthSystems.comAli Blog27935
Celia Blog44648

Union Trade Apprenticeships for Philadelphia Schools Students

The Philadelphia schools, along with other schools across the nation, are concerned with students who do not enter college upon graduation. Many are left with low-paying, dead-end jobs with little prospects for future improvements keeping many of those students from impoverished homes in the low-income lifestyle.

This has been of concern also for James Nevels, chairman of the state-appointed School Reform Commission that is responsible for overseeing city schools within the state, including the Philadelphia schools. Nevels believes students have been historically underrepresented in the local trade unions, and believes it is time to change that status quo.

Both Nevels and the Philadelphia schools believe that the city benefits, when graduated students are gainfully employed and productively adding to the community in a positive manner. When these students are from low-income families and are allowed to raise themselves out of the poverty level, the community benefits exponentially. Trades offer non-college bound students just the opportunity for such future growth and lifestyle improvement.

In June 2006, a four-year deal was announced between the Philadelphia schools and the Building and Construction Council (AFL-CIO). Politicians, business leaders, and educators alike are calling the deal significantly historical for the city and its future.

As part of a $1.7 billion construction and maintenance contract with the Philadelphia schools, the Council through its local trade unions will provide a minimum of 250 apprenticeship opportunities for Philadelphia schools students, who meet the requirements. Potentially, 425 apprenticeships for graduates could be offered over the four-year period. It is estimated that the majority of the students to qualify will be minorities from low-income families, a truly remarkable shot in the arm for the families, as well as the city. It also means the Philadelphia schools can offer these students more opportunities to learn skills that could potentially lift them out of the poverty level.

The Council will be working with the Philadelphia schools to develop the curriculum. They will host seminars for students to pique their interest and motivate them to apply for the apprenticeship programs. The Council also will monitor the results of the apprenticeships for co-review with the Philadelphia schools.

With nearly 200,000 students currently enrolled in the Philadelphia schools and about 12,000 graduating each year, this program was desperately needed for both the students and the community. Its expected that a minimum of 62 students will enter the apprenticeship program each of the four years, though there are potentially more apprenticeships available.

This four-year deal between the Philadelphia schools and the Building and Construction Council is truly groundbreaking for the city of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia schools can offer more to their students. The students get an opportunity that may not have been otherwise available to them. The trade unions can build their memberships with young, vibrant workers, as well as build their diversity. The city gets more productive community members. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, Which provides free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Patricia has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues.Ariel Blog69415
Alla Blog84388

Get Your College Degree Online

Does an online degree meet the requirements of your employer? Are the educational standards needed for acceptance by your state department of education met by any and all of the online learning institutions? Getting your online degree is not by any means to be equated with getting your drivers license from that famous catalog.

The quality of your education depends upon the specific provider and the amount of work you put into the program you choose. It will cost money, time, and effort; in the best-case scenario, it will only cost you time and effort; in the worst, it could be all of the above and perhaps a relationship or two. Some folks lurking in your constellation of friends and acquaintances may not take your online degree seriously; they may even make a disparaging remark out of their own lack of knowledge or understanding. That is when you can feed back some of that research and newly gained insight that you just acquired during your Web browsing.

If you want to go the distance, dont stop with an associate degree or even a bachelors. Really ruffle their feathers and plan for the day you can wave your sheepskin in front of their noses; get a distance learning MBA. Choose a school accredited by your state board of education, take the classes, do your homework, and build a new rung on your ladder to academic and career success one subject at a time for the online degree. Remember, you own the ladder; make it the one that you want it to be with an online degree.

Simon Rand is the pen name for a professional writer on many topics. His work includes book authorship, TV producer and independent writer for many national magazines. http://student-loans.mustsee.infoArlen Blog59317
Alison Blog66072

Fake or Fir : A Christmas Dilemma

Every year families are confronted with the dilemma of whether to buy a live Christmas tree, or to invest in an artificial one. For some, the annual quest for Thee Perfect Tree is tradition, an important ritual to usher in the season, and to disregard this ceremony would be tantamount to boycotting Santa Claus. Others appreciate the convenience of a well-formed (albeit man-made) tree waiting in storage for them year to year. While it ultimately comes down to personal taste, there are some definite pros and cons one might want to consider before weighing in on the matter.

First, there is the question of cost. When they first came on the scene, artificial trees commanded staggering costs in comparison to live trees. However, consumers saw the price as an investment, since they would not be buying a tree again for several years. In that way, an artificial tree probably comes up less expensive in the end. Nowadays the cost of an artificial tree can vary from about the same youd pay in a live tree lot, to several hundred dollars. Materials and size also account for the asking price.

The same can be said for live trees. Depending on whether you choose to cut down your own tree or buy a live, ball and burlapped, or otherwise containerized tree that can be planted after the holidays, you may pay anywhere from a few bucks to a few hundred. The disadvantage here is that you must still buy a new tree year after yearunless, of course you choose to decorate an outdoor tree. Tree species and size will also make a difference to your pocketbook.

The next subject up for debate is which choice is the most environmentally sound. Again, it all depends on the way you look at it. While artificial trees are reusable for several years, they are ultimately a petroleum-based product, the manufacturing of which takes its toll on the environment. Once an artificial tree is discarded there is little if any use for it, and most find their ways into landfills.

Live trees benefit the environment from beginning to end. Most are raised on farms, where they are tended for five to sixteen years before they are harvested. During these years they absorb carbon dioxide and other gases from the air and supply oxygen. Every acre of trees planted meets the oxygen needs of eighteen people! Christmas tree farms usually occupy stretches of land that wont support other crops, and they provide scenic byways. Furthermore, these trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife. For every tree harvested, one to three saplings are planted. After the holidays are over live trees continue to benefit the environment when they are recycled into mulch or compost. Some creative individuals have also gathered Christmas trees and used them in various other ways benefiting their communities (see http://www.christmastree.org).

A third point up for consideration is the aesthetic. There can be no argument, artificial trees are manufactured to be balanced and beautifulthere is no need for trimming, nor for worrying about the tree dying before the big day arrives. Neither will you need to vacuum up fallen needles every other day, or change the water. Your hands won't get sappy from touching the branches either. There are a variety of sizes and styles, modeled after a variety of tree species to suit every taste. There are even trees equipped with lights, so that cords are not seen snaking through the branches!

In contrast, a live tree takes more work to look beautiful, but there is nothing that compares to the natural thick pine scent it gives your home! One whiff, and you feel good enough to bring out that vacuum for the twelfth time that day

A final word concerns safety and storage issues. Bringing a live tree into your home and outfitting it with electric lights can be a real safety hazard, especially if the tree is allowed to dry up. Artificial trees are generally made from flame-resistant materials that require little care. What they do require is a storage space to spend the bulk of the year. If you have a decent-sized basement, this may be no problem. Many people actually store their trees fully decorated to save time! But if you live in a tight space without storage, you may have no choice but to opt for the more disposable option of a real tree.

As you can see, when it comes to fake or fir, the choice is personal. Hopefully weve given you some things to think about to help you decide the best solution for this annual dilemma.

Emma Snow is a creator at for Ornament Shop http://www.ornament-shop.net and Craft Kits http://www.craft-kits.net leading portals for crafts and ornaments.Anica Blog95062
Cele Blog3180

Saving Money On Car Insurance With A Teenage Driver

Are you paying a fortune to insure your teenage driver? You really don't have to.

Some car insurance companies will charge you for your teenage driver when they turn sixteen. Some won't. Call your carrier ahead of time to find out what their policy is.

The most costly coverage on your auto insurance policy is the collision coverage. Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle when it is involved in an at-fault accident. I.e. you hit someone or something. New drivers, no matter what age, are rated higher and cost more due to their lack of driving experience.

To save on the cost of the collision coverage on a new driver, consider purchasing a used vehicle that cost between one thousand five hundred and three thousand five hundred dollars. Make sure that it is mechanically sound for your driving needs. If you want to cover this vehicle for theft and vandalism, you can purchase comprehensive coverage. Instead of purchasing collision coverage on this vehicle, purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage protects your vehicle for up to a limited amount if an uninsured motorist hits it and you can identify the driver and the vehicle. That way if anyone hits you, even if they have no insurance, your vehicle will be repaired or you will receive payment from your insurance company for the fair market value of the vehicle. Some insurance companies include a deductible with this coverage. Your savings could be anywhere from five hundred to two thousand dollars per year for your first three years of driving. How much does that add up to after three years?

When my daughter turned sixteen this year, I was faced with this dilemma. I own a 2002 Honda Accord and a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. My auto insurance carrier wanted to increase my premium by two thousand dollars every six months to add her onto the policy.

I bought her a 1970 Plymouth, in good mechanical condition, and found a different top insurance company that charged me $642.00 every six months for the Plymouth with her on the policy. This policy came with permissive driving as a standard feature. This means that any other car she drove, including my other cars, were covered by this policy.

After I purchased the policy on the Plymouth, I was then able to add her onto my current policy for my Honda and Mitsubishi as a not rated driver without any additional cost. If she causes an accident while driving my Honda or Mitsubishi, the policy on the Plymouth would come first with its' coverage's. Then my current policy would come second, if necessary.

My current carrier wanted $1,200.00 every six months if I added the 1970 Plymouth and my daughter onto the policy. So I ended up saving over $1,100.00 a year on my car insurance.

Barry Brenner is a licensed auto insurance agent with extensive experience selling car insurance. You can visit his popular website at: http://www.cheapcarinsurancequotetips.comAjay Blog18713
Beverlie Blog83065

Top 10 Colours For Your Wedding This Year

Wondering what colour to go for as part of your wedding theme? Take a look at our quick run-down of colours this years brides are choosing.

1. Ivory

The most popular colour so far this year is that firm favourite ivory. There was a time when only the bride would appear in this most beautiful of wedding colours but now the theme has extended to favours, flowers and bridesmaids.

2. Pink

Has featured as a prominent colour for bridesmaids for years its just the shade that keeps changing. Watch out for very soft pinks this year.

3. Black

Black has been bubbling under for a while. This is now a very popular colour with many brides choosing to dress their bridesmaids in sophisticated black evening dress. Cool, gorgeous and very wearable.

4. Orange

The surprise sensation this year, brides are looking for more vibrant colours to match their sunny wedding themes.

5. Blue

Ice blues are continuing to be a very popular choice for brides. Understated and fabulous for those brides who like to keep the more girly hues to a minimum.

6. Gold

Still a classic. Gold is so versatile and great for brides who are happy to keep colours neutral. Opulent and vibrant, its a great colour for such a great occasion.

7. Lilac

An old favourite that keeps on going. This gorgeous shade is restful and calming which should help the bride if she has any last minute nerves.

8. Green

So fresh and invigorating, green is another colour which is great for brides seeking a neutral colour palette. A green and ivory combination is fabulous for flowers and favours alike.

9. Silver

So appealing to many brides, it adds sparkle and glamour to any wedding party.

10. Red

Red is such a positive and romantic colour that it is not surprising that it continues to remain in the top 10. It can be used sparingly for splashes of passion or used in abundance for the most sumptuous of themes. Can be used in its most pure crimson form or as more subtle burgundy tone.

Whatever you decide try having a look at our range of Wedding Favours at www.goweddingfavours.co.uk

Louise Jarman is the proprietor of Go Wedding Favours and specialises in providing unique and unusual wedding favours, whatever your theme and colour scheme. Celesta Blog69587
Alice Blog83607

A Day At A Beach In Cabo San Lucas

If youre staying at a villa or a resort during your stay in Cabo San Lucas then a day at the beach will add some variety to your vacation. El Medano beach offers you so much in the way of entertainment, food and activities its quite easy to spend a day there. If you want something more relaxing you have the Playa Santa Maria.

El Medano Beach

You have so much going on at El Medano Beach that makes it the peoples choice of beach in Cabo San Lucas. You can swim here as well which helps bring in the tourists.

Mango Deck is a restaurant on the beach, and they have so much entertainment you can easily plot up, and stay there the whole day. You will be witness to various competitions that include a sexy dancing competition. This could be the funniest of them all. Some of the contestants have a little too much to drink, and provide you with lots of entertainment.

If you dont fancy being entertained all day you can find some activities to entertain yourself with. You can rent a jet ski for an hour. This takes no time at all to learn how to ride, and is an adrenaline fuelled hour of fun. Your safety basically is watch other traffic on the sea, and dont go around the Archway onto the Pacific Ocean.

You can go parasailing as well from El Medano Beach. This is an activity though that you need to book in advance. Its a great way to get a birds eye view of the beach, and the Archway. The freedom you get from being towed around the sea, while up in the air is unbelievable.

Lovers Beach

You can have a tour to Lovers Beach to have a relaxing few hours during the day. This is another beach where you can swim, and usually people go snorkelling here. You can get dropped off during your cruise, and have the driver pick you up later. There are rock formations you can have a go at climbing if you feel up to it as well.

On the Pacific side of Lovers Beach you have Divorce Beach. This is a great place to sun bath, and breath in the ocean air. Being on the Pacific side this part of the beach you cannot swim in. The strong Pacific undercurrents can take you out, and drown you.

Playa Santa Maria

Another relaxing beach is the Playa Santa Maria. Its an excellent beach to go snorkelling as there are a lot of colorful fish in this part of the sea. This is a destination point for Cabo San Lucas cruises because of the marine life. The Playa Santa Maria is 12 km away from downtown Cabo which is the main reason it doesnt get many tourists. The beach has this lovely pink sand, and the beach will give you a day to remember.

For more information on Cabo San Lucas beaches visit - http://www.vacations-to-cabo-san-lucas.com/cabo-san-lucas-beaches.html

Jason KIng is the web master at http://www.vacations-to-cabo-san-lucas.com.Cal Blog81676
Camile Blog97815

Employee Benefits Right Or Privilege

Over the years, one of the most important factors candidates cited in searching for employment was benefits. Surprisingly this was second to salary. Considering the high cost of healthcare and prescriptions, benefits have played a vital role in the way people look for jobs. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen a decline in the benefits being offered. Companies are finding it difficult to keep pace with the rising costs of insurance and other employee benefits, forcing them to either reduce or eliminate their offering.

Many believe that employees are entitled to benefits, feeling it is the companys responsibility to offer some level of support. Others believe that employee benefits are a privilege not a right. For this group, they believe that any offering is better than nothing at all. Adding further fuel to this hotbed issue the number one reason that people file for bankruptcy is medical bills. So, what is the truth about employee benefits is it a right or a privilege?

Lets begin by addressing the many inaccuracies and misconceptions relating to employee benefits. Myth: For Only large companies are required by law to provide benefits. Truth: The truth is that while some benefits are mandated, the majority are not. Standard benefits such as healthcare, holiday pay, and vacation are routinely offered by companies of all sizes as part of a benefits package. While most companies do offer some or many of these benefits, from a legal standpoint, these benefits are not actually governed by the law.

In a competitive marketplace, employee benefits can be the deciding factor for many candidates. Organizations offer these benefits in order to attract and retain high quality employees. Business owners know that providing perks to employees is a worthwhile investment to attract a higher caliber of employee. Therefore, while the company has to spend significant money to provide this type of coverage, they do so as an investment to growing business, and attracting and retaining a talented workforce not because they are required to do so. Todays world is highly competitive. Individuals who have graduated with a BA or even MBA usually only work for top companies. This means that for small to medium size organizations to compete they have to find creative ways to make the opportunities more appealing.

Another misconception is that people are entitled to time off for vacation. Again, this is something offered, not mandated by law, as most people believe. Now, when it comes to receiving vacation time, if it is provided by the employer, it must be treated in the same way as wages, being earned daily, which is law. The other factors protecting the employee from accrued vacation is that once it is earned, the company cannot renege by taking it back and if the employee leaves the company, regardless of termination or voluntary leave, he or she must be paid earned income.

The examples listed below will provide you with an idea of what is the employees right versus privilege:

Any company with a minimum of one employee is required to provide unemployment insurance, which is covered 100%, meaning the employee pays nothing.

Workmens Compensation This too must be provided for any company with one employee to include disability income, medical benefits, and time off, paid for by the company at 100%.

Pregnancy Disability Leave For companies with a minimum of five employees, reasonable accommodation must be provided, typically between four and eight weeks.

Vacation This benefit is not required under current law although any vacation must be accrued and paid out to the employee upon separation from the company.

Sick Pay Again, by law, this is not required. However, under the Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees under certain circumstances would be provided time off (up to 12 work weeks within a 12 month period) without pay while the current job is protected. FMLA would cover issues pertaining to death in the family, medical leave, adoption and serious health issues of immediate family members.

Holiday Pay This too is at the discretion of the company and not mandated.

Pension and Retirement While this would not be mandatory, any coverage provided would need to follow strict ERISA regulations and tax laws.

Healthcare Insurance Finally, health insurance is not required by law. However, when coverage is offered, it would fall under the direction of COBRA, Cal-COBRA, and HIPPA regulations.

As you can see, most employee benefits are in fact a privilege and not a right. While job seekers and employees might deem it unfair or even immoral, it is what the law currently states. Having an understanding of the law, enables you to tailor and market your employee benefits package appropriately highlighting the perks that your company can offer.

Richard A. Hall is founder and President/CEO of LexTech, Inc., a legal information consulting company. Mr. Hall has a unique breadth of experience which has enabled him to meld technology and sophisticated statistical analysis to produce a technology driven analytical model of the practice of law. As a busy civil trial attorney, he was responsible for the design and implementation of a LAN based litigation database and fully automated document production system for a mid-sized civil defense firm. He developed a task based billing model built on extensive statistical analysis of hundreds of litigated civil matters. In 1994, Mr. Hall invented linguistic modeling software which automatically reads, applies budget codes, budget codes and analyzes legal bill content. He also served as California Director and lecturer for a nationwide bar review. Mr. Hall continues to practice law and perform pro bono services for several Northern California judicial districts.Adrea Blog59043
Alisha Blog97492

Human Holon Communications within a High-Mix, Low-Volume Holonic Manufacturing System

Organizational communication is fundamental to high-mix manufacturing success. At the human holon level, communications are typically of the form: request, reply and inform. To have dialog amongst collaborative holons, human-system interfaces are required. Interface applications within a cooperative holonic domain are relatively simple, and decision support criteria will look like it comes from a single application.

Cooperative domains are highly distributed, autonomous and cooperative. An example of a strong heterarchy is real-time Internet chat amongst engineers. Heterarchical control is most effectively initiated by a triggering mechanism, e.g., machine breakdown, stockout, etc. for a manufacturing production environment. All users see the same state real time. Triggering is initiated after a disturbance or disruption occurs and the response strategy is communication to the entity(ies) capable of mitigating the problem quickly. Decision support would be provided to the holon responding. Decision support is comprised of heuristics to aid in the decision-taking process a pseudo expert system. The critical importance of mobilizing heterarchy cannot be overstated. To ensure efficiency is maintained, heterarchy increasingly trumps hierarchy as complexity and rate of change increase.

The power of heterarchy can be analogized to the behaviors of the ant kingdom. Simple creatures following simple rules, each one acting on local information. This heterarchical behavior forms the foundation of what is called swarm intelligence, i.e., decentralized self-organizing systems. No centralized control structure dictates how individual holons should behave. The collective behaviors of holons interacting locally cause coherent global benefits to emerge. The triggers and response tactics incorporated act to preserve advice given globally; for example, a production plan.

Consider a situation where a disturbance occurs at a process step. This trigger will cause the local holon experiencing the disruption to inform the production manager holon. The production manager holon will ask for a time estimate to recover from the disruption. If production was suspended, the local holon would have triggered the engineering holon as well as the production manager holon that production was suspended. If the due date cannot be met, the production manager holon will contact customer order service and customer order service may relax the due date or contact the customer directly. The production manager holon may minimally modify the current schedule to minimize the disturbances impact on orders in queue yet to be produced.

The rules-of-the-game are embedded in canons which are comprised of heuristics. Canons contain expert advice that facilitates some of the following characteristics for the holons with which they are associated; self organization, system optimization, cooperation, intelligence, forecasting and even considerateness.

Although there is a plethora of information available about automation exhibiting holonic behavior and test cases abound, this is is not a necessary requirement.

R. Michael Mahoney

R. Michael Mahoney is a leading thinker on high-mix strategy, and the author of the college text High-Mix, Low-Volume Manufacturing, published through Hewlett-Packard Press by Prentice-Hall © 1997. He can be found at http://www.Holonyx.comCalypso Blog234
Brandie Blog88745