Good Times (DVD) Review

Nominated for three Golden Globes, Good Times premiered in mid-season 1974 to widespread critical acclaim and audience popularity. A spin-off of the Bea Arthur (of Golden Girls fame) sitcom Maude (1972), Good Times became the fourth of five highly successful sitcoms brought into being during the 1970's decade by Norman Lear. In addition to Maude, those sitcoms were All In The Family (1971), Sanford & Son (1972), and The Jeffersons (1975). The second of three to focus exclusively on African-American family life, Good Times became a source for groundbreaking social commentary in compliment to its penchant for hilarious family comedy…

Good Times centers around the lives of James (John Amos) and Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), an African-American couple raising their three children in a Chicago housing development. Eldest son J.J. (Jimmie Walker) is a skinny, wisecracking ladies man with an affinity for painting. Middle child Thelma (BernNadette Stanis) plays the role of moderating influence on the passions of her two brothers, while youngest son Michael (Ralph Carter) is always involved in a cause to help others or end an injustice. The family is often visited by Florida's best friend from high school, Willona (Ja'net DuBois), who also lives in the project. In later seasons, she's accompanied by adopted daughter Penny (Janet Jackson). With additional comic relief provided by overweight super Nathan Bookman (Johnny Brown), Good Times is a family-oriented TV series laden with great one-liners and plenty of laugh-tracks…

The Good Times DVD (Season 1) features a number of hilarious episodes including the series premiere "Too Old Blues" in which James is exciting at the prospect of being hired for a high-paying job. But while at the interview, James learns that the training program for the job only accepts qualified applicants aged 18-35. At 42, he's too old for the job. Meanwhile, Florida and the kids have put together a surprise party unaware that James was rejected… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Getting Up the Rent" in which the Evans family is faced with an eviction notice, prompting each member to devise a scheme for coming up with the necessary cash, and "The Visitor" in which Michael's letter-to-the-editor about the housing conditions at the Evans' project merits a visit from a housing commission official who experiences the squalor firsthand…




Below is a list of episodes included on the Good Times (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Too Old Blues) Air Date: 02-08-1974
Episode 2 (Black Jesus) Air Date: 02-15-1974
Episode 3 (Getting Up the Rent) Air Date: 02-22-1974
Episode 4 (God's Business is Good Business) Air Date: 03-01-1974
Episode 5 (Michael Gets Suspended) Air Date: 03-08-1974
Episode 6 (Sex and the Evans Family) Air Date: 03-15-1974
Episode 7 (Junior Gets a Patron) Air Date: 03-22-1974
Episode 8 (Junior the Senior) Air Date: 03-29-1974
Episode 9 (The Visitor) Air Date: 04-05-1974
Episode 10 (Springtime in the Ghetto) Air Date: 04-19-1974
Episode 11 (The TV Commercial) Air Date: 04-26-1974
Episode 12 (The Check Up) Air Date: 05-03-1974
Episode 13 (My Son the Lover) Air Date: 05-10-1974

Harvard Drug Research Fraud and Cover-up: How Off-Label Profiteering Works

Harvard Drug Research Fraud and Cover-up: How Off-Label Profiteering Works

Drug company money influences and corrupts research. That is a given.

What is less understood is why drug manufacturers spend billions for research on off-label uses for their products - uses that were never cleared with the FDA when the drug was submitted for approval.

Off-label use allows drug companies to get "through the back door" what they could never, and I mean never, get away with by going directly to the FDA for approval for a new use of a product - what is known today as an off-label use.

You would hope that researchers wouldn't corrupt the commercial experimentation of a new, or off-label, use of a drug to treat children by covering up their consulting fees from Big Pharma. But that's what happened.

More important than what happened is why it happened and at the bottom of all this is a terrible mistake the U.S. has made in allowing the exploitation of off-label use.

The devil is in the details, so here is the story as it has unfolded.

Leading Harvard professors studying off-label uses, the gold mine of the drug industry, have violated National Institute of Health reporting requirements when more than $10,000 has been received from a subject company, according to the New York Times, "Researchers Fail to Reveal Drug Pay" June 8, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/us/08conflict.html?em&ex=1213070400&en=9971013dfd33290a&ei=508720say20are%20sorry&st=cse isn't enough.

If Harvard doesn't fire them, it will be complicit in the cover-up.

Throw them off campus. Ring the bell loud and clear that no matter how renown or stellar, if you don't play by the rules, you can't play at all. And the NIH should forever ban them from receiving grants.

Don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Once appropriate punishment has been served, give these researchers a chance to polish their tarnished reputations. Allow them to conduct research under the supervision of a responsible administrator who knows that "veritas," means truth, accuracy, honesty, and uprightness and that it's more than just a motto.

Consider Using A Dating Service

There are many people in the world that are looking for that special someone to share their life with. In fact, as a counselor, I meet with countless people everyday who are looking for love and are just not sure where to find it. I have learned that people are somewhat desperate to find true love and that they will often go to extreme measures to find someone special. One method that I often suggest to my clients is using a dating service.

If you asked me ten years ago if I would ever suggest that people use a dating service, I would have definitely said no. I would have said that people need to find their special someone on their own and that a dating service is just a phony way that people are using to try to make money. But I have seen multiple clients try a dating service and find great success. They met amazing people and are all settled and married with children.

If you are thinking about using a dating service, then do so with caution. While there are many great dating services out there, there are also a lot of poor services that only seek to get your money and keep you hooked on the hope of finding true love with people that don't really exist in their dating service. So be careful that you take time and do research to find a great dating service.<




Ask your friends or people you know that have used a dating service with success for their suggestions. Proceed with caution in this process and realize that no dating relationship will ever fulfill you until you are fulfilled within yourself. That is one of the biggest misunderstandings people have of relationships is that they will find satisfaction and completeness in a relationship. I always work to teach my clients about taking the time to learn themselves and to learn the things that they are passionate about.

A dating service can be a great way for solid people to meet one another and to begin exploring romantic relationships. Call and research dating services in your area and also do online searches to learn more. Proceed with caution and be sure of your expectations before you begin any experiences with a dating services.

If you are unfulfilled with your current life, than try out a dating service or two and see what can become of your life and your relationships. You have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain, so check out a dating service today.

Top 10 Companies That Offer Baby Freebies!

By the time you find out you're pregnant (pregnancy test $15) to the time junior blows out the candles on his first birthday cake (cake $20), parents can expect to spend upwards of $18,000. And that's on baby's first year alone. By the time junior reaches 18, the average middle-income family will spend $160,140, according to recent government calculations. That doesn't even touch college tuition. Ouch!

Children are priceless, but raising them is probably the most expensive thing a parent will ever do.

But there's good news. One of the few times companies are eager to hand out free things is when someone is having a baby!

When author, Sue Hannah found out that she was expecting twins, she couldn't wait for their arrival. But feeling the financial strain that goes along with being a new parent (times two), she was definitely a little nervous.

Desperate to find extra help for her expanding family, she contacted almost every company that manufactured baby items. She scoured through parenting magazines, searched the Internet and made phone calls until her husband thought she was suffering a pregnancy-induced craze. He claimed she couldn't get something for nothing. Boy, was he wrong!

She was surprised to find out that many companies offered free stuff to new and expecting parents--and with no obligation to buy anything! She received hundreds of dollars worth of fabulous freebies for herself and her babies, including free diapers, baby wipes, baby food, baby bibs, bottles, free gift packs, parenting starter kits, free parenting videos and software, coupons, parenting books and magazines, and tons of free samples in the mail, all from well-known companies like Huggies, Gerber, Heinz, Nestlé Carnation, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.

"It was really exciting to receive free stuff in the mail", says Hannah. "These companies were eager to respond to my requests for free samples and promotional items and within a couple of weeks of contacting them, my mailbox was flooded with valuable free stuff--and with no obligation to buy anything! I could hardly wait to see what my mailman brought me in the mail each day! I filled up three large storage bins with free stuff for my twins, and saved a ton of money!"

After receiving a flood of free stuff in the mail, Hannah decided to compile her contacts and listings into an awesome book, Free Stuff For Baby!, consisting of toll-free numbers that parents could call to request free stuff, company addresses where parents could write to request free stuff, as well as Internet websites where parents could register online to request free stuff for themselves and their baby. And what a success that book has been! Hannah has recently appeared on several television programs promoting her new book, including, "Northwest Afternoon" (KomoTV/Seattle), "Your Morning" (Comcast), "Canada AM", "Breakfast Television", to name a few. Her articles have appeared in tons of parenting magazines, including "Fit Pregnancy", "Today's Parent", "Work & Family", and many more!

For those "new or expecting" parents who are reading this article today, Hannah has offered to give you a sneak preview of her new book, "Free Stuff For Baby!", in the form of an awesome, 101-page e-book called "The Best of Baby Freebies", that contains hundreds of listings of companies that offer free stuff to new and expecting parents in the U.S. and Canada....FREE!! Details are available at the website. www.Free-Baby-Samples.com

Hannah's final words of advice: "Join as many mailing lists as you can to take advantage of what these companies have to offer. Enjoy your baby. Cherish every moment!"

Note: When contacting these companies, ask to be put on their mailing list to receive free promotional items for new and expecting parents. If you are expecting multiples, be sure to mention that in your correspondence with them.

Check out Sue Hannah's website at www.Free-Baby-Samples.com, where you can sign up for these and many other free baby offers online. Simple, Fast....and FREE!!


1. Pampers (Procter & Gamble)
In the United States or Canada, call 800-543-0480, 800-726-7377
U.S. Website: http://www.us.pampers.com/en_US/home.do (click on "JoinPampers.com")
Canadian Website: www.pampers.ca (click on "coupons and special offers")
Call the above-listed number to be put on the company mailing list to receive sample products and disposable diaper coupons. Call again after the baby is born to receive further offers. Pampers will also send out occasional mailings and coupons at the different stages of your baby's development. When you register online at Pampers.com, you will receive a free newsletter, a $10.00 New Registration Coupon Book, private product previews and samples from Pampers, as well as special offers from other Procter & Gamble brands.

2. Huggies (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
In the United States or Canada, call 800-544-1847
www.Huggies.com
Call, or sign up online to join Huggies' mailing list for new and expecting parents where you will receive coupons for Huggies diapers, wipes, and other promotional items and free samples that they are offering at the time.

3. Johnson & Johnson
In the United States, call 800-526-3967
In Canada, call 800-361-8068
U.S. Website: www.johnsonsbaby.com
www.babycenter.com
Canadian Website: www.jnjCanada.com
Parents can call the above-listed number to receive a free Baby Care Basics brochure with valuable coupons, as well as to receive occasional mailings from time to time with further offers from Johnson & Johnson. You can also attend at the Johnson's Baby Website to sign up for their free personalized newsletter, as well as special offers. When you sign up, you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a diaper bag filled with $50 worth of Johnson's Baby products. There is one winner each month. Good luck! Residents of Canada can call Johnson & Johnson to receive a "New Parent's Pack" with free samples, coupons, and literature.




4. Bright Beginnings
www.brightbeginnings.com
Bright Beginnings, the fastest-growing baby formula in the United States, is offering a free sample of Bright Beginnings baby formula, coupons & more. Residents of the U.S. can sign up online at the Bright Beginnings website.

5. Nestlé Infant Nutrition
In the United States, call 800-242-5200
In Canada, call 800-387-5536
U.S. Website: www.verybestbaby.com
Canadian Website: www.nestle.ca (click on "Good Start Magazine")
Call to join Very Best Baby to receive a free 6-month subscription to The Very Best Baby magazine, as well as to receive free money-saving checks for Nestle Infant Nutrition products. You can also register online to join the Very Best Baby at the above-listed Website. When you register online, you can choose to receive an assortment of free benefits.
Residents of Canada can call the above-listed number to receive a FREE subscription to the Nestlé Baby Magazine for expecting and new moms. Along with your free magazine subscription, you will receive valuable coupons, free samples of infant formula and baby cereal (if you choose), plus information and savings on special products for new parents. You can also subscribe online to the Nestle Baby Magazine by visiting the website listed above.

6. Similac Welcome Addition Club
In the United States, call 800-BABYLINE (press #1)
In Canada, call 800-518-CLUB
U.S. Website: www.welcomeaddition.com
Canadian Website: www.welcomeaddition.com (click on "Join the Club")
Call the above-listed toll-free number, or attend at the Website listed above to join "The Similac Welcome Addition Club". Member benefits include money-saving discounts, free samples of Similac Infant Formulas, periodic newsletters containing expert pregnancy and parenting advice, or other gifts. Residents of Canada can call the toll-free number, or write to the address listed above to join the "Welcome Addition Club" to receive coupons, free samples, and a free gift for your baby.

7. Enfamil Family Beginnings (Mead Johnson Nutritionals)
In the United States, call: 800-BABY-123 (press #6)
In Canada, call 800-361-6323
U.S. Website:www.enfamil.com
Canadian Website: www.enfamil.ca
The "Enfamil Family Beginnings" program is a free program that is brought to you by Mead Johnson. Call the above-listed toll-free number to take part in the program and receive valuable retail checks and special offers. You can also register online at the above-listed Website to join the "Enfamil Family Beginnings" program.
Attend at http://www.enfamil.com/enfamil8.html/ to print out a page to pack in your suitcase and give to your nurse at the hospital when your baby arrives to receive a free diaper bag and other free samples.(Offer available at participating hospitals.)
Residents of Canada can call to receive discounts on baby formula, and to join the "Enfamil First Connections" program. When you join "Enfamil First Connections", you'll receive a keepsake box with a free product sample and coupons, informational brochures, & more. You can also register online at the above-listed Website to join "Enfamil First Connections".

8. Gerber Products Company
In the United States & Canada, call 800-4GERBER
U.S. Website: www.gerber.com/mygerber/register.asp
Canadian Website: www.gerbercanada.com
Call to receive coupons for baby food, a free informational booklet, and a free baby spoon. Check out Gerber's Website to receive up to $50 in valuable coupons for Gerber products, special offers, free samples and more when you join "Growing Up Gerber".

9. H.J. Heinz Company
In the United States, call 800-USA-BABY (press #2)
In Canada, call 800-565-2100
www.heinzbaby.com
Call the above-listed number to receive a free feeding booklet with discount coupons, as well as other free promotional offers from Heinz. Residents of Canada can call the above-noted number to participate in the "Children's Miracle Network" program, a label-saving program where you can collect and send in the labels/box tops from any Heinz baby product. Through the Children's Miracle Network, Heinz will make a donation of 6 cents for each label collected to a local participating children's hospital.

10. American Baby Magazine
U.S. Website: www.freebiesquest.com(click on "baby & toddler")
Get a FREE subscription to American Baby magazine! Are you a new or expecting parent? Do you know someone who is expecting a baby or who has a baby under 1 year of age? Check out Hannah's website at www.freestuff4baby.com for tons of baby freebies and parenting resources!

_____________________________________________________


***For more baby freebies, don't forget to check out Sue Hannah's website at www.Free-Baby-Samples.com where parents can sign up for these and other terrific baby freebies. SIMPLE, FAST.....AND FREE!!!

Combining Subscribe Button With A Help Button

Most sites, especially blogs have feeds associated with them, but Internet users do not know what a feed is or how to use it. You've probably seen the little orange button with white writing (XML,RSS, Feeds, Syndicate This Site) on a web page or blog post. If you are a non-techie, you must have wondered what this little button is for. To ensure that Internet users know what a feed is, Dave Winer, RSS creator, advocates the use of one simple and universal button Subscribe, which leads to feeds rather than using XML, RSS, Feeds, etc. Some web developers even combines the Subcribe button with a Help button that will lead web users to an explanatory page about subscribing and RSS.

About RSS, XML, Syndicate This Site Link

A button or a link that says Syndicate This Site, RSS, XML simply means that the article title, a link and a brief description for each new page or post are available for you to use on your site or to access through a newsfeed reader program.

RSS is a text-based format specified in XML (Extensible Markup Language). XML is useful in describing, sharing and transmitting data across the Internet. XML defines data and HTML displays that data. The RSS abbreviation is used to refer to the following standards – Really Simple Syndication, Rich Site Summary, RDF (Resource Description Framework) Site Summary.

RSS feeds provide a list of items. Usually each item contains a title, summary, a link to the full version of the content and a link to a URL of the site. For the internet user, the ability to subscribe to content using RSS means that he gets content without having to browse from site to site and also of not having to worry about spam. The content goes to a newsfeed reader. He can choose whatever content he wants to subscribe to. For the content providers, RSS can help drive traffic to their sites by making it easy for users to be updated with new pages or blog posts.

A lot of sites include any one of the RSS, Syndicate This Site buttons. Clicking one of these buttons will take you to a broken page full of codes. Just copy the URL that appears in the address bar of the page or blog and use that URL to subscribe to the site in your newsfeed reader. The newsfeed reader will inform you when there is new content from a site you subscribed to.

When a site has an RSS feed, it is said to be syndicated. Syndication is a method through which web publishers and bloggers make their content available in a format that software can read. A newsfeed reader or news aggregator is software designed to subscribe to sites through syndication. A newsfeed reader automatically compiles latest contents of your sites that are RSS enabled. You can now view the sites' updates in your newsfeed reader.

For example, you have several favorite travel websites. Rather than logging on to each one of these travel sites for fresh updates, you can just subscribe to their new contents (feeds) in your newsfeed reader software. A click of the RSS button will display a list of the headlines of all new entries from all the travel sites you subscribe to. Clicking the headline link will show a brief description for the entry and a link to the full version. You get to only read the entries that interest you




You can install a newsfeed reader on your computer and have easy access to it on your desktop. You can also use an online newsfeed reader. Some of the more popular ones are FeedDemon for Windows, NetNewsWire for Mac OS X and Bloglines (web-based, free).

Once you've installed a newsfeed reader, you can then subscribe to feeds. Feeds are names given to sources of information utilized by newsfeed readers to obtain new contents and updates they display. Feeds are technically similar to web pages. However, web pages are written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language, standard language with which all web pages are built) readable by humans. Conversely, feeds are intended to be read or processed by software. Feeds are based on XML technology. Newsfeed readers allow you to subscribe to feeds in different methods. Most web pages or blog posts have a little orange button that says XML,RSS, Syndicate This Site.

Feeds are very useful. They notify Internet users of updates from favorite sites without visiting them one by one. Feeds also allow users to read fresh contents from one convenient location.

Subscribe Button with Help Button – User Friendly

If you have RSS feeds, you definitely would like visitors to your site to subscribe to them. This way your site doesn't get buried in oblivion. You also want to make it easy for them to subscribe to your feeds. A Subscribe button together with a Help button will be very beneficial and at the same time user friendly to your visitors.

Instead of the terms XML, RSS, Syndicate This Site, you can just use Subscribe. It is a very simple word that visitors understand compared to XML, RSS, etc. The Subscribe button is a universal RSS subscription button that lets your visitors add your RSS feeds to the newsfeed reader easily. Visitors will just click the Subscribe button on your site and they are given the go signal to select the newsfeed reader where they want to add your RSS feed. A Subscribe button makes subscription to RSS feeds easy. You can also monitor how many visitors subscribe to your feeds. Visitors will have a satisfactory online experience and thus increase visitor loyalty. However, some visitors may not understand what the Subscribe button means. This is where the Help button comes in handy.

Vis a vis the Subscribe button, clicking the Help button will display links to pages with in-depth information about feeds and subscribing. The pages include basic information on feeds, newsfeed readers, links to further readings and tutorials.

Make it a point that the Subscribe and Help Button are displayed prominently on your site to draw visitors' attention to your RSS feeds and give them convenient access to websites and blogs (the media sources).

The great Giro d'Italia

Inspired by the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia is a bicycle race frequently hosted at the Passo dello Stelvio, which is a mountain pass. The race takes 3 weeks to be completed.

The first Giro d'Italia race took place in 1909 in Milan, it was composed by 8 stages and a total of 2448km in length, and the winner was Luigi Ganna from Italy. Since then, only 3 competitors have won the cycling race more than one time, these are: Alfredo Binda, Fausto Coppi both from Italy and Eddy Merckx from Belgium.

A curious fact about Alfredo Binda is that due to his potential and incredible scores, many people thought it was better for him to be out of the competition, but in 1933 he won again.

The Giro d'Italia is considered one of the three Grand Tours and it became very popular because of the scenery where it is held. The Passo delle Stelvio is the highest pass in Italy situated in the Alps Retiche and it is part of the European history.

For 2006 the Giro d'Italia will have a total of 3.526,2 km in length and a total of 21 stages. The race will take place from May 6th to May 28th. The first stage will be held at the Belgium lands during the first days. Also, the competition has some kilometers that will be run in Austria and Switzerland.

Cycling fever is running on the streets and many fans are just waiting the next Giro d'Italia, one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the world.

Internet - On-Line Dating - What If It Really Was For Free?

A great deal has been said about the pros and cons of Dating Sites on the Internet. There is no doubt that those who use dating sites either due to social constraints in their real life or because of a desire to increase their circle of friends should be aware of not only the positive side of on-line dating but the negative aspects as well. One things remains clear. Internet on-line dating sites are clearly getting more and more members. So what if it really was for free?

A few months ago, after doing an exhaustive study of some internet dating sites as well as trying to map out some of the various general trends beginning to be visible in regard to internet sites in general, I realized that almost all of the on-line dating sites have a few things in common. None of the below is to imply that these sites are not legitimate. Indeed almost all of them are very legitimate and run by major companies.

1. Reliance Upon User-Memberships For Income - Obviously if people don't frequent their site or refuse to pay membership for it, then they can no longer afford to keep it open. Thus it becomes imperative to convince the "visitor" to take out their credit card and become a member.

2. In order to allow visitors to get acquainted most dating sites will allow a "free search" or allow you to contact a specific number of members for free. Others will allow you to receive email from members (after you have filled in your profile) but to either read or answer those emails (flirts etc.) you must pay. This is "waving the candy in front of the baby" routine. "See, we have people who want to contact you - it is worth the $xx.xx to pay us".

3. Almost all of the sites have an automatic recurring fee after your first membership expires. If you do not remember to physically go and cancel your membership your credit card will be charged. (This by the way is one of the most lucrative incomes for dating sites.)

4. There are other things they do to convince you of their status and how large their membership is, but we will leave this for the technoligical article on building these sites.

As to the possible member, and those either new or experienced to the dating game on-line there is one big frustration. Once you pay for one site you search around for other sites. Usually and before you know it, you have become a paying member at 3-4 sites, which can easily lead to payments of $100+ every three months. This is not a small amount considering what you really get for your membership.

Having been in the position myself, and coming from high-tech while my expertise was in databases and viral technology, I could not but begin to wonder if there was not a better way to do this. In research I discovered a few trends on the internet today:

1. Services are being offered for free. Just look no farther than ezinearticles.com for proof of that. However, it is obvious that no one does this out of the goodness of their heart. Obviously even when services are offered for free, there is a sound and viable financial plan behind the web site.




2. Internet sites that offer their services for free swiftly garner the LOYALTY of their users. This loyalty in many ways transfers into monetary gain for the site. If a user feels loyal to a site, because the site indeed offers what it says it will to the user, and the user gains from those offers, then the user will be that much more inclined to:

a. tell their friends about the site

b. shop on the site (if it is an affiliate site)

c. click on Google adverts etc. if they appeal to them

3. The most popular internet sites on the net, are those which do offer these things for free and do meet their promises to their users.

As in all other service industries, if one wants to offer a specific service for free, and as in our case a dating site, the following guidelines should be in place:

1. Enough financial capital to offer these services for free at startup and to advertise them within the normative internet advertising framework. (Make no mistake - this is a huge investment and not for the weak of pocket or will or heart!)

2. The dating site MUST contain all the bells and whistles of the leaders in the market and then some.

3. It could not be a "canned" solution where you buy the software from a third party and put it up on your url. (This requires a marriage in possibilities between the software publisher and yourself which often does not allow for more "creative" solutions.)

4. EVERYTHING offered which the member wanted to make use of, e.g. profiles, email, photo uploads, etc. etc. had to be for free. Period. NO tricks. NO scam. NO come-ons. Beginning to end - FREE.

Obviously, no on-line dating site can do a background check on their members or in any way refuse membership just based upon their name or inclinations. This is up to the "couple" to discover and to check out. But what it can do is to offer a way for the members to feel secure, implementing security to the highest level possible, and not allowing spam or unsolicited emails to get through.

In conclusion, it is up to you to be an "educated consumer". You can choose to pay for something which is offered for free elsewhere under the wrong assumption that "you get what you pay for". Today on the internet, and now especially with internet dating sites this is simply NOT true. You get what the site offers. And if it offers the best and top quality, and to boot it is free to use, there is no longer any reason to go elsewhere. And that is, as the cliché goes, "the bottom line".

Improving Self-Esteem With A Little TLC

It is so important to take time to do nice things for ourselves. Especially for those of us who spend much of our time helping and caring for others, it is too easy to neglect ourselves and become worn out, stressed out and run down.

Self-pampering is not about being selfish. It's about taking proper care of yourself and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others. We spend so much time and effort caring for our spouses, children, pets, friends, family members, employers and employees. Add to that numerous volunteer activities, errands, housework, family functions, meetings, etc. - and there isn't much time left for caring for ourselves.

We need to make caring for ourselves a priority, otherwise we will continue to put it off. Set an appointment with yourself every day, or at least once a week. Block the time out in your calendar and do not let anything interfere. As much as you do for others, you deserve this time for yourself. It doesn't have to be a huge amount of time, even an hour or two will do.

You might have a hard time with this in the beginning. You might feel guilty or selfish. You might say you can't fit it into your schedule. You might say you have too many other obligations. If your schedule is that full every day, then it is even more crucial to carve out some time for yourself. You may need to sacrifice something else to fit this time in. You may need to rearrange some things in your schedule. Aren't you worth the effort of trying to fit this in? It's a matter of believing that you deserve to be cared for just as much as everyone else in your life does. It might take some practice for you to fully believe that, and act on it.

In order to make time for yourself, you may need to say "no" to various extra obligations in your life. So many of us take on responsibilities that aren't even ours. We have various reasons for doing this, such as wanting to be liked, not wanting to let others down, wanting to help lighten the load for someone else, or simply because we don't know how to say "NO". However, this "pleaser" mentality can get us into big trouble as we take on more and more responsibility, and end up with less and less time for ourselves.

People will take advantage of us if we let them. They may not realize they are taking advantage, and they may not mean to take advantage. They might not even realize that we don't want to do what they ask of us. After all, if we've never said "no", how would they know? It took me years to learn how to say "no". Finally I realized that it's as simple as saying, "I'm sorry, I'd love to help you out but I just can't right now." That simple. The first few times I did this, I expected the Heavens to crash down upon me. Instead, the other person said, "okay, no problem" and they asked someone else. Who knew it could be that easy?




Now, if you have people in your life that have become fully dependent on you doing everything for them, you might face a bit more opposition than that. You may have a fight on your hands in order to make time for yourself. In the end, you may need to decide which is more important: 1) pleasing everyone else in your life, or 2) putting caring for yourself as your highest priority. You will need to decide if you are worth the fight, or not. I believe you are.

Be kind and gentle with yourself. If you don't make the time to care for yourself, who else is going to? Look within your heart and see the bright, shining light of God there. That light needs to be nurtured and cared for, or it will begin to dim . . . and eventually die out altogether. And what a shame that would be.

Here are some self-pampering ideas to get you started:

Take a bubble bath by candle light. Spend time in Nature. Get a manicure or pedicure. Have a massage. Listen to soothing music or nature sounds. Send yourself flowers. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at a nice restaurant. Go window shopping. Relax with a cup of calming chamomile tea. Write your hopes, dreams and wishes in a journal. Watch a comedy or read something funny. Go for a quiet stroll in the evening, or early morning. Buy yourself something new. Get a new hairdo. Visit a spa and have a facial. See a new movie. Dance. Take a nap. Go to an outdoor cafe and watch the world go by as you sip a latte, cappuccino, espresso or flavored coffee. Curl up with a good book. Write a love letter to yourself and mail it. Take dance lessons. Learn a new language. Take pottery classes, or quilting classes, or learn how to make yourself some beautiful jewelry. Say this to yourself every morning and every evening: "I am a beautiful person and I deserve to be treated kindly. I am loved, and I love myself."

Add, Subtract, Change : A Problem Solving Technique

How do you like to solve your problems? Do you prefer to use the more creative problem solving techniques, or the systematic ones? You'll get the best of both with the add-subtract-change method.

Add, Subtract, Change

I am sitting here looking at my bicycle as I write this. To come up with new ideas in bicycle design, all we have to do is look at the elements that are there and ask three things. What can we add, what can we subtract, and what can we change?

Would pet owners like a built-in dog or cat carrier? Are 18 gears necessary? There are still six gears and one less thing to break if a shifter is removed. What if the wheels were larger or the frame made of a flexible material? What would the advantages be?

Personal Problems Too

The add-subtract-change technique is well suited to developing new products, but what if your having trouble sticking to an exercise plan? Will this kind of problem solving method work for personal issues? You won't know until you try it. Hmm...

Add: A better machine, motivation techniques, caffeine. Subtract: Distractions, unrealistic goals, uncomfortable clothing. Change: Location, time of day, type of exercise.

The key is to look at as many aspects of the current situation as you can identify, and to let your mind answer the three questions for each one. Taking notes is a good idea too, but write down everything. Don't stifle your mind - the time to pick out the useable ideas is later.

There are dozens of good creative problem solving techniques you can use. Some will work better for you, some worse, but one way to solve problems effectively is to use more than one technique. Why not add this one to your arsenal?

Why is it that a baby handprint picture might be right for you?

Since you're reading this article I guess that you have already done some initial thinking about creating a baby keepsake in the form of a baby handprint and maybe you have already created a few.

If you're still uncertain of what baby keepsake to create or even how to do it, I strongly recommend that you spend some time reading the articles and information at my site as there are a lot of things that you'll need to consider before getting started.

It might save you some time and agony and make sure that you do it right the first time around.
The first time you think of creating a baby keepsake it might seem overwhelming to you. I agree that there are a lot of things that you need to consider but once you have structured the process it isn't a big task. It is pure fun most of the time in fact.

If you have already created the baby handprint in clay, mold, bronze or maybe a baby ink handprint on paper, then you're ready for the next step.

A baby handprint created in clay or any other material is a great way to keep a memory of your baby, but it is difficult to share with friends and family if then don't come around often.

Creating a baby ink handprint however, will have you ship the keepsake just as easily as if you had taken a picture of the baby handprint in e.g. clay.<




One thing that you will have to make sure though, is that the ink you use has to be the right one and that the paper you put the baby handprint on is of the right quality. Otherwise you'll risk loosing the keepsake in a matter of a few years and thereby loosing the special memory.

The best way to create an easy to ship baby keepsake that'll last for a long time is to take a picture of it. When you have created the handprint in either material you can easily do a baby handprint picture.

It doesn't matter whether you use a normal camera or a digital camera to take the picture. If you have both to choose from then I would recommend that you use the digital one as you're then able to edit the picture.

Taking great pictures of objects are not an easy task and therefore it might cost you a little time and a lot of photos to get it just right. Be sure to have enough light at the keepsake so that the baby handprint picture will show all the little details that makes it so special.

Slaying Your Time-Vampires

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."
- Carl Sandburg

Time is precious. Time can easily pass us by. The problem is, time, if not managed can cause stress and anxiety. If you spend a greater percentage of your life harassed rather that being cool and collected, you're the one who's always gonna lose out. When there are projects to be done and deadlines can be so numerous and overwhelming --- tension is always just a step behind.

The key is to apply the principles of time management so that we can get rid of things that suck the life out of you. To get rid of stress and anxiety, try following these tips to slay your time vampires:

l Plan Your Day - One of the quickest way to waste the whole day is by waking up in the morning and you don't even have any kind of plan at all. You simply don't know what your priorities are. Many of us are sidelined by an unimportant emails, phone and mobile calls, telemarketers, noneducational T.V shows or endless searches in the Internet or abusing your chat program to people you don't know. Set aside some time to work out what's really important and stopped procrastinating. Use one planner to keep track of all your appointments. Write a to-do-list everyday. Based on the priorities you've identified, start with the most difficult jobs first. Start with those items or projects that really needs to be completed, label it as urgent or it can wait a little. Don't fill your day full of activities. Plan your time for family, recreation, spiritual and social activities.

l Simplify - Streamline your to-do-list. For do some multi-tasking jobs to squeeze more time for example, paying your bills using a online banking facility in your computer. Stop being a slave to communication tools like your home phone, fax machine, cellular phone, e-mail and instant messaging software. Cut back on your television time. Start getting rid of your clutter. You'll be amaze how time you can save by throwing junk mail and canceling "cable" subscription---face it...there are T.V channels you rarely watch anyway. <




l Use Tools - Take advantage of your calendar, Filofax, PDA that will aid you in tracking your phone numbers, important reminders, and appointments. You'll save space in your bag by having all your data in one place or one gadget. File your documents in a expandable folder. Create file folders like Personal files,invoices to pay. Keep your business cards in a card holder.

l Use online websites to save you more time.
A List of Time Wasters

You keep playing the latest PC games or using the new chat program and before you know it---time is gone. So what are the things that eat up your time? Check the following time wasters and know what your weaknesses are...

1. Instant Messenger
2. Forwarding jokes and what-have-you to your friends and family
3. Joining too many social networking sites, egroups and chatrooms
4. Gossiping during coffee break
5. Too much paperwork
6. Not saying the word "no"
7. Computer games/online games
8. Crossword puzzles
9. Excessive T.V viewing
10. Spending a long time talking over the phone

It just takes a little discipline. Time is a commodity and once it is gone, you can never have it back. Don't put-off important tasks for the last minute, and you'll feel more in control of your life. Don't delay, set deadlines for yourself and best of all maintain also a high standard of getting things done on time.

Travel in Egypt - Free guide of Luxor for families

Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt and the capital of the Al Uqsur governorate.

Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online, this issue: Travel in Luxor city of Egypt.

As the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor has frequently been characterised as the "world's greatest open air museum", the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor standing within the modern city.

Flashbooking is a growing cheap hostel Luxor and hotels directory specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, backpackers, families and all the ones that travel on a pocket.

Immediately opposite, across the Nile River, lie the monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online.

Thousands of international tourists arrive each year to visit these monuments, their presence forming a large part of the economic basis for the modern city.

In particular Flashbooking provides a large selection of budget or low cost accommodation offers in Luxor where there are plenty of low cost solutions for backpackers in cheap youth hostels, bed and breakfast Luxor, family run guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.




In general, Flashbooking guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor. For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.

As a result, Luxor represents an excellent base for touring Upper Egypt, and is a popular holiday destination, both in its own right and as a starting or finishing point for Nile cruises.

See Flashbooking database of selected accommodations worldwide and help us enlarging the hostel offer by reporting the contacts of some accommodations, lodgings, BandB, youth hostels and budget small hotels where you personally stayed. In fact, Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.

Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.

So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!  

Removing Red Eye On Your Digital Photographs

You've seen the dreaded demon-eye effect that occurs when the camera flash bounces off the eye of a person or pet. An otherwise wonderful picture can be ruined by this.

Technically, this is called red-eye and is caused when the pupil of your subject's eye is wide open and the light from the camera's flash reflects off the subjects retina. In people, the color ends up red; in pets, the color is often green.

Many photo editing programs include a red-eye correction filter, but this may not allow your photograph subject to appear "normal. These filters also do not work on the green effect produced in a pet's eyes. Photo stores sell pens that are used to clear up red-eye, but again they are not always natural-looking and do not work on the green. The best thing is to prevent the demon-eye effect from the start.

It is rare to find a digital camera that does not come with a red-eye reduction feature. This feature can be turned off or on. It is best left on in all circumstances other than direct sunlight. The red-eye reduction feature works by flashing a short burst of light at your subject before you snap the picture. This burst of light causes the subject's pupil to close and makes it less likely for the camera's flash to reflect off the retina. This in turn reduces the chance of red-eye.

It also helps to direct the flash of your camera so it does not directly hit your subject's eyes. Bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or other object will soften its effect and reduce the chances of this unwanted malady. Between bouncing the flash and using your digital camera's red-eye reduction feature, your little angel, whether human or animal, will have eyes that don't glow.

Planning to Buy Your Dream

Lots of people are dreaming about that little cottage with the white picket fence or that modern apartment with a killer view or that fixer-upper in the country or…

The dreams are endless, but the idea is all the same – owning your own home is a major milestone in life. Many people fell like they can't ever reach the day they move into their own home, but it is possible for anyone. All it takes is a lot of hard work.

Owning your own home is more than just the dream. There is a reality too it also. You have to consider the many responsibilities that come with it. Don't jump into buying a home before you are ready. Make sure that all of your bases are covered first.

Here are five things you must do before you buy a home.

Create good credit

This doesn't just prepare you for buying a home, but also for all of your life. You should start really concentrating on your credit long before you ever plan to purchase a house. Often, you may need at least a year to get to where you need to be. It could be longer if you have bad credit.

The main things that will help your credit score is paying your bills on time and using your credit wisely. This often means using it very sparingly. A poor credit rating will result in you being turned down or having to accept less beneficial terms – higher interest and less money.

Save, save, save

The biggest advantage you can give yourself is as much of a down payment as possible. This shows lenders that you are putting a serious investment into your home. <




You should also recognize that you will have additional expenses in owning a home. A savings plan can help you to handle any hidden costs or unexpected expenses.

Make a budget

If you don't already have a budget, you need one. Look at all of your expenses and decide how much you can afford for your new house. Don't just include your mortgage payment, think about your insurance and taxes also. If you are moving further from work, include the difference in commuting expenses. You want a realistic budget. It will tell you how much you can afford.

Don't forget that you will have utility costs and hookup fees, some maintenance, closing costs and moving costs. These are extra expenses that are easy to overlook.

Get help

Ask family members or friends what it is like to buy a home. They can be a great source of information. Everyone has a good story about what can go wrong. You can also ask for recommendations for lenders and realtors.

Become emotionally prepared

Finances aren't the only thing that will stress you out. Emotions run high when buying a home. Be prepared and plan ahead. This is the best way to make the experience positive. Don't set your expectations too high. If you are well prepared and ready to adapt to any possible changes, you will be able to buy a home and enjoy the process.

Four Questions About Leadership

I hear four questions asked about leadership often. This article gives a short answer to each of these important questions.

Why Does Leadership Matter?

Parents universally hope that their children develop leadership qualities. They know that leaders are people who are effective in what they do, are respected by others, and typically rewarded for those skills in a variety of ways. It is in these formative years that, through our parents, we first see leadership as desirable and important.

As young people we look up to people around us that motivate and listen to us; people that seem like "real-life" heroes. We consider these people leaders.

As we grow we begin to relate leaders to their jobs – ministers, teachers, police officers. And later Mayors, Presidents, and CEO's . . .

As adults all of these thoughts and experiences define why we think leaders have desirable traits and play roles we admire (and why we desire these things for our children).

All of these experiences and thoughts help us define why leadership matters – it matters because leaders make a difference and can shape the future. It matters because leaders are valued and valuable. In everyone's mind leadership, especially when it is good, matters.

What is a Leader?

A leader is a person who sees something that needs to be done, knows that they can help make it happen, and gets started.

A leader sees opportunity and captures it.

A leader sees a future that can be different and better, and helps others see that picture too.

A leader knows they can't do it alone.

A leader is a coach.

A leader is an encourager.

A leader views change as their ally.

A leader is willing to take risks today for something better tomorrow.

A leader is a learner.

A leader is a communicator.

A leader is a coordinator.

A leader is a listener.

A leader takes a long view – letting their vision keep their daily steps on track.

A leader is passionate.

A leader motivates and inspires.

A leader values results.

A leader cares about more than results though; she cares about those who are following her lead.

A leader makes a difference in the lives of others.

A leader is all of these things and much more.

Are People Born Leaders?

Sure they are – I mean everyone is born, right?

You might say that riddle-like answer misses the point. You say the real answer is that some people are truly born to lead




And I would reply that your common statement implies that others aren't born to be leaders.

So let's examine that difference of opinion...

When people describe someone as a "born leader" they typically mean that the person is motivating, a good communicator and charismatic. And it is true; some people are blessed at birth with more natural ability in these ways.

But leaders can be great with different innate characteristics as well.

And there is no single small skill set that defines the perfect leader or guarantees success.

Everyone is born with a unique set of natural abilities. And all of us can develop skills and styles to complement those natural abilities.

Who is a Leader?

This question on the surface is the easiest question I've asked so far. After all, I've already given some examples.

People in certain roles are leaders, whether they've studied for the role, like a doctor, lawyer, teacher or minister… got elected to the role, like a county councilman, mayor, Senator or President... or worked up the through the organization like a supervisor, manager, Vice President or CEO.

You can ask most anyone the question "Who is a leader?" and those are the kinds of answers they will give you.

They are right, of course. But they are only partially right.

Leaders aren't leaders because of a job title.

Leaders are leaders because they lead.

Which takes me back to my previous question – "Are people born leaders?" Yes they are. But it isn't just a few that have been hand picked by our Creator or random genetics.

We have all been picked – genetics has selected us all.

We were all born to lead, in our own way.

We may not be the Chairman of the Board. We may not be the person on the stage.

We may not lead with oratory or flair.

We may lead by compassion.

We may lead by example.

We all can lead.

We all have the ability to be remarkable leaders.

Leadership isn't about position.

Leadership isn't about power.

Leadership is about potential – your potential.

You are a leader. Claim and believe this to be true, for it is. Stake your claim and make a difference in the world around you.

Your opportunities for leadership are endless. The rewards are boundless.

My answers to four questions lead to a question for you…

Where will you lead?

HILLARY! HILLARY! HILLARY!

Where should any self respecting Blog or article whether by remote computer repair, remote helpdesk, outsourced pc repair, online computer repair, or computer man start?

Hillary is soooo far outside traditional American Statesmen like the 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr., democrat, and the 35th President of The United States of America, John F. Kennedy, democrat, and America's contemporary needs she is laughable if she (Hillary) were not so serious...soooo dangerous!

Computer Man's brother, who shall remain nameless, is a dyed in the wool democrat and homosexual. Da computerman? I used to be republican until the republicans became democrats and the democrats became socialists.

These days Computer Man is independent, more like Joe Lieberman. Anyway, the last time brother/sister/what-ever was seen he/she adamantly and proudly proclaimed "I am a mean, vindictive bitch just like Hillary...don't believe me?...cross me and find out".

Well the time is at hand when we start to think about a new leader for the free world...a President of the U.S...a Commander-N-Chief of the military. Neither the race nor the gender matters to Tennessee Mountain Man, but to get the nation (the world even) caught in the Clinton crosshairs again? I think not and I believe Kathleen Wiley, the secret service, and the military would agree.

Consider these:

Female Leaders Extraordinaire:

Golda Meir:

"Golda Meir (Hebrew: גולדה מאיר‎, Arabic: جولدا مائير, born Golda Mabovitz, May 3, 1898 - December 8, 1978, known as Golda Meyerson from 1917-1956) was one of the founders of the State of Israel.

Meir served as the Minister of Labour, Foreign Minister, and then as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel from March 17, 1969 to June 3, 1974.

As the BBC put it, Golda Meir was the "Iron Lady" of Israeli politics years before the epithet was coined for Margaret Thatcher. David Ben-Gurion, the nation's first Prime Minister, once described her as "the only man in the Cabinet." She was Israel's first (and, to date, only) female Prime Minister, and was the third female Prime Minister in the world"

Margaret Thatcher:

Champion of free minds and markets, she helped topple the welfare state and make the world safer for capitalism

Benazir Bhutto:

"Bhutto went into self-imposed exile in Dubai in 1998, where she remained until she returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007, after reaching an understanding with General Musharraf by which she was granted amnesty and all corruption charges were withdrawn."




Dr. Condoleezza Rice:

"Dr. Condoleezza Rice became the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor, on January 22, 2001.

In June 1999, she completed a six year tenure as Stanford University 's Provost, during which she was the institution's chief budget and academic officer. As Provost she was responsible for a $1.5 billion annual budget and the academic program involving 1,400 faculty members and 14,000 students.

As professor of political science, Dr. Rice has been on the Stanford faculty since 1981 and has won two of the highest teaching honors -- the 1984 Walter J. Gores Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 1993 School of Humanities and Sciences Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching."

Hillary Rodham Clinton?!

Now, honestly, tell me Hillary Rodham Clinton, the purveyor of lost documents and friend of her security advisor Sandy Burger, belongs in that distinguished company!?

"KATHLEEN Willey, who claimed Bill Clinton groped her in the Oval Office in 1993, says he and his senator wife, Hillary, are up to more dirty tricks. Willey tells World Net Daily she was recently the target of a burglar who broke into her house and swiped a manuscript of her new book, which contains revelations that could supposedly damage Hillary's presidential bid.

"Here we go again," Willey told WND. "It scared me to death. It's an awful feeling to know you're sound asleep upstairs and someone is downstairs." "Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton" will hit stores in November. A rep for the Clintons had no comment."

Are you kidding? Hillary Clinton should not even be mentioned in the same breath as Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, or Condoleezza Rice or Kathleen Willey for that matter !!!!!!!

Hillary just does not measure up to Female World Leaders who were and are Presidents, Heads of State, or Premier Ministers. Compare for yourself on the Worldwide Guide To Women In Leadership website at URL http://www.guide2womenleaders.com

People are soooo tired of the Bush Dynasty at the close of 2007! Can you imagine the degradation of America in a Clinton (2 for the price of one) Dynasty?!

//s// computer man

Choosing A Florist For Angelina Jolie's Wedding Flowers

Rumors of an impending wedding for famous Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are rampant. The glamorous couple have almost certainly begun discussing wedding details and making decisions about the where's, when's, and how's. They may have even gone so far as to book a location, plan wedding attire, and choose a cake flavor. But have they chosen a florist yet?

Choosing a florist for your wedding is certainly one of the most important decisions you can make for the event. Because your wedding guests are likely to see the setting for the event before they see you, the flowers you choose can set the tone for the entire day. For example, if your wedding is a very formal affair, traditional flower arrangements in muted tones and elegant styles will convey this to your guests. However, if you're having a relatively informal beach wedding, you'll probably want looser, more brightly colored designs. It is your florist's job to help you make decisions about your wedding flowers and develop designs that will reflect your personal style and the feeling you want for your special day.

Finding the right florist can be a confusing task if you've never had occasion to work with a florist before. Your florist should be someone you're comfortable talking to, whose opinions you trust, and who you'd consider continuing to turn to for your floral needs even after the wedding. The Society of American Florists recommends you look for the following in your florist:

• Find a florist that offers a good mix of products, a high level of service, and the types of designs you find most appealing. To do this, you'll want to ask your florist to show you pictures of flowers they've designed for other weddings and special events. If you don't like what you see, keep looking.<




• Great customer service is key to a good floral experience. Your florist should be willing to spend time with you and get to know what you like and dislike. They should ask plenty of questions and really listen to your answers. They should also offer helpful advice. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, this won't be the right florist for you.

• Look for a florist with fresh, good quality flowers. Your florist should carry only the best flowers and floral products. They should offer flower food with all arrangement purchases and be full of advice on floral care.

• Work only with florists who are part of a professional affiliation, such as FTD, Teleflora, or the Society of American Florists.

Choosing the perfect florist may take some time and require a lot of footwork, but proper selection of the florist who best meets your style and needs will make selecting the wedding flowers themselves infinitely easier. The time you spend in searching for a florist will be made up for in the beauty and quality of the flowers for your special day. Just remember, your florist should be friendly and willing to help regardless of whether or not you're a big star like Angelina Jolie.

A Price-Value Matrix - A Cool Tool for Finding Your Just Right Pricing Strategy

While developing your pricing strategy, it is important to remember that there is an implicit relationship between price and value. We expect to pay more for gourmet food than for fast food and for a luxury car than for an economy model. At the same time, value is a matter of opinion, not fact. I prefer a new Subaru to a '95 Cadillac; my husband prefers the opposite. His wardrobe is built around Dickies; my taste runs to rather more eclectic (and non-synthetic) clothing. Given that there is a relationship between price and value and that value is a matter of opinion, I had always priced my products and services by triangulating three factors: what I wanted or needed to earn, my costs, and what the market would bear. That's what I had taught countless other people to do, and it worked fine. All else being equal, quality, price, and market generally reached a dynamic balance where prosperity and service overlapped.

But, once came the day when something felt out of synch in the way I used that marketing strategy, and I felt some gritchiness around the prices of products I recommended. I kept examining my assumptions, and everything seemed right. Still, the feeling that something wasn't quite right persisted.

Never one to ignore an itch, I kept scratching until this week I realized what the problem is. I had been using quite different "markets" to assess what the market would bear. That is, I'd been looking at markets that had different values from the values of many of the people I attract. I based my pricing strategy and marketing on the proven best practices of other respected "info product" gurus, but those practices were designed to address the values of people who didn't, and probably never would, be attracted to my e-zine.

Readers of my e-zine were a special case. From their emails and phone calls, I knew that they placed a high value on authenticity, intelligence, and creativity. I knew they had high standards for courtesy, honesty, and what I might call "finish." They were tolerant of mistakes (assuming they were acknowledged). They had a sense of humor, a hunger for spirit, and a fundamental commitment to growth. At the same time they tended to be a frugal lot, willing to pay for high quality, but unmoved by hype and positively turned off by pressure tactics.

The generic information marketing model is designed to address the needs of people for whom profit is an over-riding value. These folks -- many of them good souls indeed -- thrive in the hyper-stimulating atmosphere of the motivational circuit: loud, upbeat music, extravagant challenges to dare to be great and simple formulas for achieving success. The more costly the package, the more this customer tends to believe in its value. And I'm willing to suppose that for the right person, that value can be substantial.

But this model didn't fit me and it probably didn't fit my e-zine readers, either. More than likely, they were past believing in "7 Steps to Instant Gratification." They probably didn't believe in easy answers, however much they might sometimes long for them. (Me, too.)

The bottom line is that, in that case, so-called "best practices" just didn't apply. The sophistication, values, and life experience of this community constituted a different market, and we would just have to develop our own best practices.




What would those practices look like? My hunch was:

Transparency: No fake sales; any specials should be clearly linked to a business purpose, and the regular retail price should always be fair so if you miss a sale you can feel good about buying at another time for full price.

-- Clarity: Accurate, no-hype descriptions of products and services.

-- Simplicity: Prices expressed in whole dollar amounts. Forget the "95 cents" gimmicks. We can round up!

-- Trust: Simple returns and exchanges.

I evaluated the marketing and pricing strategy for my products and those of affiliates, keeping asking the questions that gave birth to "Authentic Promotion" in the first place: "What's bugging me about the way I do (or think I have to do) business? What am I assuming? What is the truth of this? What if the truth were not a problem?"

Goldilocks tried three chairs, three bowls of porridge, and three beds before finding the ones that were "just right." In much the same way, your working toward "just right" prices and marketing methods will definitely pay off, as it did for me. I believe this price-value matrix will help you to find your "just right" price!

For example, my client sells a course which is a comprehensive self-guided seminar that transforms fears and resistance to marketing into grounded advocacy for good work. It's a high value, if she does say so herself. Still, it has a medium price because she is still working on way to convey to potential purchasers the potency and efficacy of this course. One way she is doing that is to develop a series of follow up emails that remind buyers of key practices and principles, that ask powerful questions to help them move forward, and that suggest specific sections of the program that solve specific challenges. As she develops this support, she will be able to charge -- and receive -- a higher price.

PRICE-VALUE MATRIX

HIGH VALUE -- LOW PRICE

Underpriced: value undercut by price. "What's wrong with this picture" pricing strategy.

HIGH VALUE -- MEDIUM PRICE

Attractive pricing: ideal for market penetration. "More for your money" pricing strategy.

HIGH VALUE -- HIGH PRICE

Premium pricing: prestige, prominence. "Connoisseur" pricing strategy.

MEDIUM VALUE -- LOW PRICE

True bargain: may be a temporary special to raise revenue or to move discontinued items. "Inventory sale" strategy.

MEDIUM VALUE -- MEDIUM PRICE

Price and value are in balance, exclusive of other factors. "Square deal" pricing strategy.

MEDIUM VALUE -- HIGH PRICE

Overpriced: informed buyers will stay away; sales may be made to unsophisticated market. "Infomercial" pricing strategy.

LOW VALUE -- LOW PRICE

Cheap stuff. Often sold with lots of "bonus" items or features. "Tourist trap" pricing strategy.

LOW VALUE -- MEDIUM PRICE

Turns sales into complaints. "Caveat emptor" pricing strategy. ("Let the buyer beware.")

LOW VALUE -- HIGH PRICE

Don't even think about it: the "Fleece 'em and run" pricing strategy.

Basic Guitar Chords And How To Play Them

One of the challenges for the novice guitarist is learning the basic chords. You will not only need to know where to put your fingers, but also how to change from one chord to another. The technique of smooth transition between chords is a learning process we are never really finished with. Every time we learn something new on the guitar, that's another sequence of small movements our body learns, and these sets of movements must be executed smoothly through relaxed, calm practice.

Holding chords with your left hand is a new skill. It uses groups of muscles we do not normally use, so it takes time to learn the chord shapes without experiencing discomfort. There is light at the end of the tunnel, although sometimes the tunnel seems very, very long.

Another physical adaptation that has to be made when you learn your basic guitar chords is the left-hand fingers need to be toughened up. Callouses form on the tips of the fingers after a few weeks playing, but until they do you need to put up with the pain.

Fortunately learning the notes on the guitar is a job that does come to an end. As you learn more songs, chords and scales you will feel your ease with musical theory and notation growing even if you didn't directly learn much theoretical stuff. If you learnt in your own way the knowledge gets into you by way of constant practice and the enjoyment you bring to your guitar playing.

So the task at hand is to learn a basic group of chords. This is your toolbox you begin your guitar playing with.



Each chord is identified by a letter. If the letter is followed by the word, minor, it's a minor chord. If it is just the letter alone, it's a major chord.

Major chords contain the Root note, a major third above the Root plus a fifth above the Root.
Minor chords, which have a more "sad" sound, are the same except that they contain a minor third instead of a major third.

A basic rule of thumb for understanding major and minor chords is for a
major chord play the (1) (3) and (5) of the major scale, and for a minor chord play the (1) (3) and (5) of the minor scale.

A handy thing to know once you start playing barre chords is that if you learn the major chord shape, you only need to lift one left-hand finger to play the minor chord.

The basic chords come from the keys of A G C and D. The chords themselves can be played at all positions on the fret board, but beginners start with open chords at the first position. This means that at least one note is played on an open string.

We group the basic keys into families:
The A family contains the chords A, D and E.
The D family contains the chords D, E minor, G and A.
The G family contains the chords G, A minor, C, D and E minor.
The C family contains the chords C, D minor, E minor, F and G.

Hybrid Engineering: A New Chance for Less Contaminating Cars

For a long time, there is a agitating demand for fuel-efficient automobiles that are gentle on the wallet and kind on our fast, harmful surroundings. The automobile industry answered to this need by setting in motion hybrid cars and these cars were soon proposed as cars of the future. There has been a lot of growth in hybrid car engineering but the dream of Hybrid Cars converting the automobile industry has not been accomplished yet. The big car mass-producing companies like Toyota, GM, Ford, and Honda are all reacting to the process and putting their best foot forth for better technology and market economy in hybrid cars.

Sales Run Comparable To Progress in Hybrid Automotive Engineering

Many cars are now equipped with electric power steering that brings .05% - 2% better gas mileage in cars like the Honda S2000 and Saturn Vue. As a consequence, there has been a boost in sales of these cars. In 2002, approximately 30,000 hybrid cars were sold in US. In 2003, there was a big jump with Toyota alone selling almost 100,000 Hybrid cars. Year 2004 saw a new energy from the customers for new generation hybrid cars. They were sold off nearly right away and got outstanding adoration.

Hybrid Cars and the Related Industries

The greater approval and operation of hybrid cars, and for that matter, any new technological creation is not conditional on the manufacturer by itself. The entire industry has to back the move and allow essential support for its success. The automobile industry is finally gearing up for a must support to the hybrid cars.




Fuel cells are not very familiar these days, as they are very costly and replenishing them is a big job. By 2010, GM anticipates a lot to advance on the fuel cell aspect, which will be a positive movement for the hybrid cars.

The oil change industry need not worry with the current trend of Hybrid cars. All hybrids have a DC motor and require oil to lube the motor and keep it cool. These motors become heated up fast.

Basic Structure to Move Hybrid cars

Because we will have many hybrid cars on the roads, we will be required to make completing plannings for them. GM is going over the setting and planning to construct Hydrogen fuel stations with Shell. The version of each gas station would cost about $400,000. There will be a bunch of opportunities, as these modifications will take place. The auto repair industry will have to prepare anew for the hybrid cars.

We still believe Hybrid cars to be a field test product and believe them to have high operating costs. Even today, Hybrid cars are not considered to be in as big numbers as they were anticipated when they were inaugurated. The rewards of hybrid cars far outnumber and outweigh the troubles and should not let us neglect its eco-friendly nature, its fuel-efficient and oil-conserving qualities and an anticipation for an uncontaminated Earth.

To Be Or Not To Be A Professional Or An Amateur Magician

An amateur magician is anyone who has a minimum amount of talent, skill and knowledge when it comes to performing magic tricks. He or she may be anyone who knows one magic trick or at least three magic tricks.

But basically, a more technical definition of an amateur magician is anyone who does not in any way practice magic as their trade, even if he or she knows four, five, six or more than a number of magic tricks. This is regardless of how good, better or excellent he or she may be in performing flourishes, sleight of hand or optical illusions.

However, there are those amateur magicians who try their very best to expand their current knowledge as well as repertoire and still practice magic as their primary source of income. People who do this are usually called hedge magicians. This is in order to differentiate them from authentic professional magicians who make practicing and performing magic as a trade and make an actual living doing so.

Meanwhile a professional magician is anyone who has a little bit more knowledge and talent compared to an amateur magician. These professional magicians know sufficient magic that makes it enough for them to use it as their primary source of trade and income, as well as not using magic to assist them in a trade other than magic.

So technically, even if a barber performs his job using magic and no matter how many tricks he or she knows and is capable of, that barber is still not considered as a professional magician because his primary trade is cutting hairs and not necessarily being a magician.
Another way to differentiate a professional magician from an amateur is by the way he or she does flourishes.

According to the Online Encylopedia of Magic, a flourish is any sleight that is performed for the purpose of entertaining an audience and does not in any way contain any moves that are hidden. Most sleights that are performed are done so in order to deceive a captive audience and to do something that can not be detected. Meanwhile, a flourish is any trick that is done to draw the audience's attention away from where an actual sleight is simultaneously being performed




There are some magicians who consider the performance of a flourish as simply a finger exercise and not really actual pieces of performance. But those magicians who do put in and include flourishes in their act are considered by some of their fellow magicians as a seriously skilled performer.

If a performance consists of a card trick wherein the cards are spread out on the table and when a performer does a pressure card fan, the image that that performer projects is one of professionalism and experience. But a performer of magic who simply holds the cards and then spreads them slightly, may then be considered more as an amateur. Although this may or may not be true or this may not be considered as a hard fact, this is the perception and the impression that a performing magician usually gives to an audience.

Flourishes are done not just as a form of show-off to the audience, a flourish is also done for the purpose of presenting just how a performer is truly dedicated to the magic act. It also shows the degree of professionalism one has for the performance.

When a flourish is done, it makes it easier to know the difference between a magic trick performed by an expert magician and your friendly neighborhood Jim who is doing a card trick.

A skilled performer comes off as a natural and will ultimately receive more credit for his or her performance as well as recognition, not to mention that good old respect for the skills he or she has.

When a spectator is looking at a magic trick where the occasional flourish is done, that performer is also seen as more than a magician but a person who is passionate at what he or she is doing. It is therefore so much easier to hire a magician who has more skills and experience than one who needs to practice his or her craft more.

Learn More About Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure consisting of the use of laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea. It is used to improve shortsightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism. The first information on laser eye surgery dates back from over twenty years ago, and the FDA approved excimer laser eye surgery in 1995.

During laser eye surgery, an excimer laser, controlled by a computer is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The aim of the procedure is to restore normal vision, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. Although laser surgery has risen in popularity in the past few years, only about 20% of ophthalmologists have been trained to use it.

In one type of laser eye surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, also called epithelium, is removed and an excimer laser is used to reshape underneath tissue. This procedure is called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

In a newer procedure, a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the corneal tissue, which is then lifted and an excimer laser is used to reshape underlying tissue. In the end, the flap is put back to its place. This type of laser eye surgery is called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Nowadays, it is more commonly used than PRK.

What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

The surgery should take less than 30 minutes. You will lie on your back, reclining in a chair, or on a table. You may be given a sedative before the procedure, to help you relax.

Local anesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye. The actual time when the laser is used for reshaping the corneal tissue is generally less than a minute. An instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open. A ring is placed on your eye, and the cutting instrument is attached to the ring. A microkeratome, the cutting instrument, is used to cut a flap in your cornea. A laser is positioned over your eye, and you will be asked to stare at the light. This light is to help you keep your eye fixed in one spot when the laser comes on.<




Once your eye is in the correct position, the doctor will turn the laser on. Pulses of laser energy vaporize the corneal tissue, and then the flap is placed back into position

You will need to wear an eye shield for protection after the procedure. This will prevent you from rubbing your eyes, and protect your eye from being accidentally hit or poked until the flap has healed.

After laser eye surgery, you should expect some minor discomfort. However, you should be able to see, although not very clearly. You won't be able to drive on your own, so you need to have someone drive you home or take a cab. You should see your doctor within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and then at regular intervals for about six months. You will have to wait for up to two weeks before using make-up, creams or lotions, to prevent infection or irritation. You should also avoid swimming and hot tubs for about 6 weeks.

Although you should see well the day after surgery, your vision will continue to improve over the next several months. As the eye heals, your vision will continue to improve. It is important to keep all your follow-up appointments with your doctor, to make sure that everything is going according to plan.

A Guide To Duct Tape

Duct Tape is a fabric based, adhesive material mainly used for sealing joints in sheet metal ductwork. This cloth tape, an indispensable item in tool kits, has polyethylene resin coatings on one side and a rubber based sticking material on the other side. Duct tape is nickname 'the ultimate material' because of its high holding power and versatility.

Duct tape originated in 1942, during World War II. Permacel, a former division of Johnson and Johnson Company, invented the tape as a waterproof material to seal ammunition cases. The tape, initially made from cotton duck, was also used to repair various military equipment including guns, aircrafts, and jeeps. After the war, the color of the tape changed from its original olive green to silver and the material was found very useful in the housing industry. As a result, the demand of this adhesive material increased great deal and it was made available to the public under the name duct tape.

Before the final product is made available, duct tape undergoes a serious of processes, which include adhesive compounding, adhesive application, coating, respooling and slitting, and packaging. Once the manufacturing processes are over, the duct tape is checked for quality as per the directions of the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Duct tape is available in a variety of colors, of which the most common are silver and black. This malleable and soft material usually has a width of 1.88 inches. Duct tape comes in various grades, which differ in the tensile strengths. The application varies as the grade varies. Commercial grade tapes are classified into utility, general purpose, and premium grades. There are specialty grades, which include nuclear tape for reactors and a '200-mile-an-hour' tape for racecars.

What does it mean to be an expatriate? Part 2 - How to choose your paradise

As mentioned in Part 1, there are some countries that are very popular now amongst the expat community. They all have their own appeal and it can be quite confusing and stressful deciding as to where to start.

My proposed 10-step program is designed to help you decide on a country you would like to make your paradise.

Make a list of the world's top overseas havens.

Step 2: Write down a list of your personal preferences and priorities. Write them down in order of priority. The list may include things such as climate, cost of living, taxes, culture, language, healthcare, accessibility to your home country infrastructure and government incentives for foreign investors.

Step 3: Consider the pros and cons of each of these countries according to your priorities. Make a tally sheet for each country.

Step 4: With the information you have gathered, limit your choice down to 3 countries.

>Step 5: My next step and motto is always: "Try before you buy", so plan to spend time in each of the countries chosen.

Step 6: While you are in each of the countries use your time wisely and look into, living costs costs, employment or business possibilities, transport means, education standards, schools, personal safety issues, postal services and banking services, Internet availability etc.

Step 6: Meet with seasoned expatriates who are living and working in the country.<




Step 7: Look at as many properties for sale as you can.

Step 8: Set up meetings with experts on residency for all 3 countries.

Step 9: Look at all your facts and identify which country aligns most with your priorities and preferences as well as your values and the kind lifestyle you want to live.

Step 10: Make your choice, plan an extended stay if possible, don't look back and enjoy the process.

To summarize, I am not saying it is easy not to look back, but always keep in mind that you're not alone and not without a plan. Use the outline of the 10-step program, do your homework, speak to experts in the field and if you really want to live a different and better life, commit yourself to getting into action and maybe this is the year that it will make happen for you.

Next week, in part 3, I will post suggestions for what you need to do to when you are about to take up residency.

Quote of the week

"Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not to put the plan into action." Napoleon Hill

We would love to hear how your plans for expatriation are progressing? Which country are you moving to? What helped you make your decision? What difficulties have you encountered if any? Your share could help someone else in a similar situation.

Fujifilm FinePix A303 Digital Camera

Two years ago I purchased my first digital camera. At that time, prices for a 3.0 and higher mega pixel camera were around $350. Since then, as with all electronic gadgets, prices have dropped significantly while the mega pixels have gone up. I chose the Fujifilm's A303 digital camera, which has fared well for me, so permit me the opportunity to tell you why.

I desperately needed a digital camera when my web business took off. On many different occasions I found myself wanting to take a picture of a person, place or thing and having to rely on a 35mm camera. Trouble was I wasn't very good at taking pictures. Usually my subject came out blurry or the picture needed cropping. Yes, getting pictures developed on disk would have resolved the latter problem, but it was the former problem -- blurry pictures -- that was causing me the most grief. If only I could see "on the spot" how my picture turned out. If it turned out poorly, I could reshoot. Naturally, a digital camera presented to me something that no 35mm camera could offer; I made the purchase of a 3.2 mega pixel camera by Fujifilm after considerable shopping around and reading product reviews online.

Packed within a tough grey shell, the A303 is lightweight and can fit easily into your pant pockets. The camera's controls are simple to figure out and include a Menu/OK button, Back button, viewfinder, viewfinder lamp, a display buttion and LCD monitor to preview pictures without looking through the viewfinder or to review pictures already taken. A round dial in the back of the camera features a self timer mode where you can set the camera and ten seconds later have the picture go off. Great for when you want to get the entire family's picture and no one is around to take it. There are also close up modes, still image, playback and movie modes. The movie mode results in a fairly choppy and short film, but it is a neat feature to have nevertheless




The standard camera comes equipped with a 16mb picture card. Most people will find that inadequate, so I paid a little bit extra and bought the 64mb upgrade. I also purchased rechargeable AA batteries -- it takes two -- and a recharger. You will sap your batteries quickly if you take 30-40 or more pictures at a time, so the recharger makes sense. I purchased the accompanying Fujifilm carrying case to house my other supplies.

Pictures come out clear and in two years of picture taking I have not experienced a single problem with the camera. At 3.2 mega pixels the pictures are more than adequate as virtually everything I do gets posted to the internet. Supposedly you do not need more mega pixels when posting/viewing pictures online. With the included USB cable and HP software, you will be uploading pictures to the internet in no time.

If there are any drawbacks with the A303 there is just one and it is a glaring problem: the time between shots can seem endless! I suppose the elapsed time is only about ten seconds, but it seems like an eternity especially compared to 35mm cameras. Technological improvements have closed the gap considerably with newer models, but if you need this camera to take a group of shots quickly you will be disappointed.

All in all, the A303 is a very good camera. I give it a 4-star rating for ease of use, price, and dependability.

Loss of a parent | How to Deal With The Grief!

Grief is a great mental pain that occurs after the loss of someone dear to you. You will have to accept the fact that someone so close to you is lost. This pain is really tough to withstand and can't be brought under control. Losses of loved ones like parent, children and spouse have equal intensities of pain. When they are taken away from your life, you will that, you have lost everything in life.
The emotional attachment between children and parents are so high that, children depend on parents for anything and everything. They can't even imagine a situation where their parents are not with them to live the life. Even when children are grown up, they have a tendency to depend on their parents for everything.
Children and parents share everything in life. They live with such closeness that, children love to narrate each incident in their life to their parents. When they share their thoughts and dreams, they feel that they are not alone in the world. Hence the loss of a parent has serious after effects on the life of people.
There are several people who loss their parents in their childhood itself. This makes the child grow in a way that is not acceptable to the society. Children have none to take care of them and they grow in an irresponsible environment. The mental agony of the loss of parents can conquer their mental abilities.
Loss of parents can even happen in the adult hood days. Most parents die before their children. That is children in adult hood have to accept that, the loss of parents are natural phenomenon and they have to live with it. Children never like their parents loosing memory and fainting. Getting old can't be accepted by them. When they try to cherish the days with their parents, they will have to accept the realty that, it is no longer going to happen. Every child likes to spend as many days with their parents as possible. They love to discuss everything with them. But when they understand that, there are no more days with their parents, they cry out in vein.



Loss of a parent can cause great mental grief in people. They slowly changes to people with extreme grievances. Once things go out of control, there are no ways to bring back them in control. So they have to learn to accept the realities of life. They must understand that, life is full of uncertainties and this also is a part of that. It is better not to deny the pain. When you intentionally try to deal with pain, all the thoughts came up suddenly. So it is advisable to redirect your attitude and thoughts to positive aspects of life.
Loss of parents is something that is not under the control of human beings. It is a reality that all people have to accept and face. They can seek the help of experts who will assist them in coming out of the mental stress and pain.