Recently in an online think tank the issue of wind powered cars came up? Yes I know what you are saying sounds like a lot of hot air right? Well sure, but in this online think tank anything goes and the members are serious about innovation and making it all work. One think tank member suggested specially designed cars with a radical new aerodynamic design and roads, which were giant tubes. Yet the reality of the situation is that we really cannot do that so another think tanker stated;
“I love the idea of a wind powered car, however the “Tube road” idea is not very cost effective unfortunately”
Indeed it is not practical to re-invent all the roads; although we could change some parts of them to help a little for instance;
http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=6059abfaee0df7ed77c2cb3f0d1a8984&showtopic=1201
http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=1146
But you are right it is highly impractical to build tube tunnels for our roads at this late stage in the game; it seems however that building a car, which drives on wind is not going to be so easy. Unless you thicken the air, increase the wind and/or modify the flow somehow? I guess the question is “How” and as you state indeed it would be the greatest gift to our civilization any innovator could deliver. I do recall a couple of Tri-bred concepts, which used solar, batteries and fuel cell or Solar, alternative fuel and batteries.
http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=3186eaf25c226fa8aec790b8eb0dd270&showtopic=191
http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=5818ba06b4638508d9cfbe2e7ad3e958&showtopic=1617
Why not a Quad-Bred Car? Have a few little weather wind speed windmills on top with the little ice-cream scoop style ends on them, which would constantly charge the battery. Also the top of the car could be solar cells to constantly charge. Then the batteries would be the latest from MIT and the solar cells the latest and greatest from Germany or Arizona State University Solar Research Centers? Could it actually be possible? Well what do you think now? Consider all this in 2006.
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
On the market there are millions of toys now. So picking the Top Toy for 2005 would be quite daunting. And I would say a disappointment as everybody has their own favorites. This year the Toy Industry Association (TIA) Top Toy was something that very few industry insiders actually picked.
Here it is: the **Vsmile TV Learning System**. This electronic toy ended up with Toy Of The Year and Best Educational Toy Awards for 2005. Just plug it into your TV and away you go. It seems to be a cross between a video game and educational game. And it should keep the kids happy for hours on end, or that is what they say.
I’m not really into anything that involves the TV, as I try to keep kids away from the TV. I prefer games where the kids are sitting around doing something as opposed to watching the box. So to be honest, my kids or I have not tried it so I can’t comment on it.
The Vsmile TV Learning System was mentioned in last year 2004 Family Fun’s Toy List for the year, but not in the top ten.
I was hoping Playmobil’s **Knights Empire Castle** a bit expensive at 179 dollars, would have made it to the top. That is what I call a game. Hours of fun scattered all over the living room floor.
**Knights Empire Castle** popped a few awards throughout the year. It was the **Toy Wishes All Star** and **The Family Fun Toy Of The Year** but it didn’t rank on the TIA Top Ten.
The TIA Top Toy For Boys was a similar pick with **LEGO’s Knights Kingdom**. Another good do-it-yourself game. It seems knights are making a come back, even though there are no new programs on TV to do with **King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table**.
For the girls the top was **Bella Dancerella Home Ballet Studio** from Spin Master Ltd. A good toy to keep the girls active and fit and hopefully knock a few pounds off. Teaches ballerina dancing steps but the dreaded TV is on in the background showing the **How To Dance** video.
I preferred another toy from the Top Ten, again Playmobil with, **My Take Along Dollhouse** for around 30 dollars. This is a portable fold-up dollhouse complete with cute little kittens, dolls, furniture plus many more accessories.
Another toy that took my fancy was the **EZ2 Quikcochet Kit** for about 12 dollars. The old fashioned crochet kit, complete with hundreds of glass beads, metal crochet hook and crocheting spool has returned along with 30 yards of metallic elastic string. This should keep the girls happy while they design and make a dozen or more beaded necklaces, bracelets, and ponytail holders.
These are the types of toys I like, something that has nothing to do with the TV. And can keep kids doing something for hours on end. At the end of it they can say “Look Daddy! Look what I just finished.” Instead of you saying “Switch off the TV Son, NOW”
Toy Wishes also seems to like toys that gets the kids to do something instead of sitting in front of a screen.
Their picks included **Black Belts Karate Home Studio** and **Dora’s Talking Kitchen**. They didn’t even mention **VSmile TV Learning System**, but they did like the **V.SMILE Pocket**, which is a hand-held version of the **VSmile TV Learning System**.
Family Fun’s top this year was, as mentioned, Playmobil’s **Knights Empire Castle**.
Another playmobil to come in was their **Grand Mansion** along with Lego’s **Wild Hunters** and of course **Roboraptor**. We had to have a robot toy and the **Roboraptor** is pretty good.
These are just a small sample of what was hot in 2005 in the US. The UK awards come out in the end of January, so we’ll let you know what happened across the Atlantic next time.
Actually there was nothing predominately animal, dinosaur or bug except for **Roboraptor**, while **Wild Hunters** is more to do with futuristic predators.
Until then, all the best and keep on playing and having fun.
Article by © Peter Legrove 2006, at http://www.animalsdinosaursandbugs.com
**You have permission to reprint this article. Use it on your website, in your ezine or newsletter. The only requirement is to include the footnote at the base of the article**
Thank you Peter Legrove
The company that makes this dildo, Spartan are considered the best recognised and loved companies concerned with the production and distribution of sex aids. They are distributors for a number of alternative well established vibrators for instance the Flexi Dong and the Blush 7 Inch. Spartan are the most price competitive, so you can buy confident in the knowledge that you wont find a a lower cost deal from another manufacturer.
The has remained a really good seller for Spartan over the last four years. The popularity of the is based on it’s competitive price and versatility. The is ideal for stimulation of either of the female erogenous areas. The dildo is also a hit with men both straight and gay. This sex aid would also be a brilliant first dildo for someone who does not already possess a sex aid. This marital aid is the great compliment to any dildo enthusiasts collection. The perfect toy for those lonely nights at home.
The soft material of the makes penetration possible at angles that are almost impossible during normal sex, meaning you can dabble in new found sensations and hither to un discovered regions of your body. The has the added benefit of an additional vibration pack, this really is a sex aid of the highest quality. In addition to being fun, the is produced with non-harmful plastic, making sure that it is perfectly harmless to have fun with. The has been designed with ticklers at the base, which could raise your nighttime adventures to another league. The is produced in lots of lengths, widths and colours.
Look at South Africa - ‘Celebrate the Beloved Country’, but now
time to show some firm leadership onArticle Title: Look at South Africa - ‘Celebrate the Beloved Country’ …but now time to show some firm leadership on Zimbabwe, PRESIDENT MBEKI (and the WORLD) Author Name: Craig Lock Line Space: 65 characters Category (key words): “Inspiration, Spiritual”, South Africa, Inspirational Writings. Web Site: http://kompuwiz.com/kompustore Other Articles: http://www.soulful-writer.com and http://www.bridgeniche.com
Publishing Guidelines: This article may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If you do not want to receive my articles as a member of an article list, you will have to unsubscribe from them, as I do not have your email address. If a lot of you do that, I’ll take the hint and rather not send out my articles! Thanks. All my articles (and quotations) may be freely published. If they help at all, or make a difference in people’s lives by bringing some joy, then I’m very happy.
* Look at South Africa - ‘Celebrate the Beloved Country’ …but now time to show some firm leadership on Zimbabwe, PRESIDENT MBEKI (and the WORLD)
Introduction: As a South African writer living in tranquil far-off New Zealand, I am enclosing a “letter” about my thoughts and impressions following on from a visit, together with some personal views on the current dire problems in Zimbabwe, which may be of interest. Just sharing a few thoughts and remembrances after a recent visit to my former homeland, this incredible, vibrant and diverse country at the tip of the vast (”dark”) continent of Africa, which may be of interest. This piece that I wrote is based upon an inspiring address by former Archbishop, Desmond Tutu. It is ten years since the first democratic elections, so we can celebrate a decade of the birth of a new country, where in spite of an endemic crime rate most people accept each other and work together as common citizens of the “beloved country”. Well, I’m always looking at some positive aspects and this is my reason for sharing this piece about my former (yet always in my heart) country! * In the light of current world events and global uncertainty, I say: “Look at South Africa”… Thousands of people died over the years of South Africa’s turbulent, history (and under the “nightmare” called apartheid - forgotten already ???)…which has ended relatively peacefully. Out of a violent and bloody past, South Africa’s extraordinary relatively peaceful transition to democracy was a minor “miracle”… and I believe, South Africans have accomplished something unprecented, unparalleled in the last decade. Perhaps there is a message in South Africa’s violent and tortuous path to democracy somewhere to the “trouble spots of the world”… perhaps there was a reason for the misery and tragedy of apartheid (as well as many centuries of colonialism around the globe), after all… A possible role-model? In spite of the corruption, crime and “cheapness of life there, South Africa may be the “trail-blazer”, the beacon of magnanimity, hope and reconciliation to the world. With strong leadership, a spirit of goodwill, tolerance, acceptance …and most importantly, attempts to understand other peoples and cultures, who are different to us (yet we humans have far more in common than our differences)…and especially with the SPIRIT of peace, your nightmare too will end. An end to the evil of terrorism, man’s inhumanity to man and the “impossibility” of world peace CAN one day be achieved. Let the world celebrate the quite magnificent achievement South Africans of ALL races and creeds, “The Rainbow People of God” have accomplished in the past decade. With your “torch of light” you may yet illuminate the path to a world one day at peace with itself. CELEBRATE THE “BELOVED COUNTRY” - a land of such contrasts, a “happy, sad” land of great wealth and great poverty, yet the beauty and richness of the land …and most importantly its most valuable resource, the spirit of its 45 million diverse peoples always seems to shine through in conquering adversity. “How apartheid was finally buried, without requiem; but in joyous celebration, will remain forever in the hearts and minds of a nation reborn. When tears came, and there was dampness in the eyes of even the most stern, it was for putting the past in the past and hoping for hope in the future.”
“South Africa’s ability to overcome deep divisions, to negotiate a common future and to commit itself to reconciliation and reconstruction offers new hope - not only to South Africa, but across the globe.
“God does work in amazing and miraculous ways…and every person and country has a unique purpose in “God’s Divine Plan”. * “South Africa is blessed in resources beyond many. It dare not live just for itself. It must work and labour to bless Africa and the world…but especially Africa. If only for Africa’s sake we dare not fail; because as South Africa goes, so will the rest of Africa.”
and as Zimbabwe goes, so perhaps may eventually even the economic power-house of it’s Southern neighbour, South Africa. Doesn’t the world need a leader like Nelson Mandela today? “Cometh the hour, cometh the man.” The problems of the world today cannot be solved by thinking at the same level that created them. Jesus Christ challenged the conventional thinking of the day over 2000 years ago. PPS: Why can’t the world and especially South Africa now try a radically different approach to South Africa’s “largely forgotten” neighbour, Zimbabwe in “darkest Africa”. Even though it’s not a strategic country, like Iraq!
Like South Africa in the past decade, let the INTERNATIONAL (including African) COMMUNITY NOW show in a spirit of “unity” how the immense problems under a brutal and repressive government can also be solved PEACEFULLY through “constructive engagement and negotiation in a show of peaceful unity with FIRM LEADERSHIP”. Time to show some strong effective leadership and to act decisively on Zimbabwe now, President Thabo Mbeki (though you were allies in bringing freedom to your constituents, you can immediately make the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans far better by firmly condemning the brutal repression of its citizens by Zanu-PF and through South Africa’s economic might bring pressure on your neighbour by giving some ultimatums to Robert Mugabe!
Standards of behaviour and repression that the international community will NOT tolerate! And the world MUST support you. Those leaders, who ignore the lessons of world history are doomed to repeat them.
Let’s not wait for ten years idly passing by (as in Iraq!). It is now time to “raise the bar” - what and what we will not accept in the global community, as ‘acceptable behaviour’ what the world expects now as acceptable (and decent) standards of behaviour in the community of nations. A radically different approach is needed with the problem of Zimbabwe to that imposed on Iraq; yet with the same “force and passion” as the US military have shown, yet without violence. Now it’s time for the world to stand up and be counted. To show the peaceful, yet FIRM way to resolving seemingly insurmountable problems and bring a more “democratic” form of government to that beleagured country. To at last show some effective leadership and shower the people of that beautiful, yet blighted land under Southern skies with humanitarian aid in the form of desperately needed food, health supplies and education. That is the “pressure”, which will raise the standards of what the citizens of Zimbabwe will and will not tolerate from their brutal dictator. Pressure from within AND without, as with Apartheid South Africa. A more educated, well-fed and healthy population will bring about change naturally and according to the will of the people….. so that eventually “the people will govern”. Let’s fight the “war for peace” with passion and with all of our energies. In the “WAR FOR PEACE” everyone then benefits (a “win/win” situation). I believe, that is the only true way to lasting world peace in living with and acceptance of each other… And so helps make a better world. Let us take courage. The years are passing. The time for decision by all of us to shine that ray of light (and hope) in an often dark world, President Mbeki and the world is NOW.
Craig Lock “The greatness of a nation consists not so much in the number of it’s people or the extent of it’s territory as in the extent and justice of it’s compassion.”
- Inscription at the Horse Memorial in Port Elizabeth, for horses killed in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
P.S: I am reminded of something Mahatma Gandhi’s said not long before he was assassinated: “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible; but in the end, they always fall. Think of it, ALWAYS.” “Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13
“When the world is filled with love, people are overflowing with hope.” - Craig Lock
Craig Lock’s second novel ‘The New Rainbow’ is a moving tale of the diverse peoples of South Africa, which is based on fact. Like Alan Paton, Craig Lock reaches to the heart of his troubled “beloved country”. In his new novel, Lock, perceptively and with an understanding of the historical elements, writes of the situation as it was, as it is, and as perhaps one day it will be, in the New South Africa. ‘The New Rainbow’ is available at: http://kompuwiz.com/kompustore (click on SoulfulBooks)
“Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through the power of words and thought energy. Change YOUR world and you change THE world.”
THESE WRITINGS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
Men and women serving in the military forces may be deployed overseas to a variety of training or reserve areas, or they may even be sent for active duty to a battle zone. The commanding officers will issue orders to provide these service personnel with all needed gear and supplies. A military medical kit is part of the official equipment that most soldiers receive, but individual soldiers may need to request specialized items or check to be sure that they have all the necessary things that may possibly be needed during a tour of duty.
Most kits are designed to carry basic supplies that will meet the usual known or anticipated medical needs, like blisters, cuts, sunburns, or muscle soreness. Other supplies help to prepare temporary emergency care for extreme wounds, critical exposures to toxins or environmental hazards, and side effects of ecosystem and climate adjustments. Since no portable kit could hold all the possible equipment and supplies that might be needed, it is up to the medical officer to design a generic list for most of the company’s needs based on prevailing conditions. Thus, space and weight are limited in a medical pack due to competing equipment needs that the soldier must carry, so it is important to review the kit periodically and discard expired items while adding new ones that are needed for changing health or duty needs.
Wound care is a primary consideration. Assorted bandages should include large and area-size adhesive strips, a gauze bandage approximately 2″ x 5 yards (or of similar proportions), square gauze pads, and adhesive tape, along with butterfly wound closure strips. Foot relief or blister pads, as well as eye wash and eye pads, should be included. A small tube of antibiotic ointment, another of burn cream, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol prep pads, and moist towelettes are useful for many situations, as well. Soap can be brought if room allows.
In case of bleeding injuries or superficial surgery needs, other types of tools and supplies can be added to the medical pack. Sterilized tweezers and scissors, EMT shears, a blood stopper kit, ammonia inhalants, disposable gloves, a syringe with needle, latex tubing, stethoscope, flashlight, an oral thermometer, and cotton swabs make useful additions. Don’t forget a small medical manual that pertains specifically to the type of conditions the soldier is likely to encounter. One that is enclosed in plastic to protect it from the elements is especially useful.
Pain management supplies are a routine component of any soldier’s medical pack. Pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen are important to include, along with an antihistamine product. Those who may have special medication needs should arrange to bring along any prescription products they may likewise need.
If there is a reasonable chance of bodily injury, an arm splint and cast plaster may be dispensed, along with a sling or binder, if space permits. In some units, the medic is responsible for managing these and other supplies that may be more randomly needed, so the soldier will not have to take these items along.
Depending on other equipment needs and packaging, a medical kit might contain water purification supplies, an emetic, a blood pressure cuff, and earplugs. A gas mask could be part of the medical kit or fit with field supplies, based on its design and how the other things are packed, allowing for space and accessibility in the event the mask is needed. Kits can be rearranged occasionally to help soldiers keep handy the items they are most likely to need for a particular assignment. If a solder is unsure about whether to take along certain supplies, he or she should check with the medical officer.
Each medical supply bag will be standardized to that base of operations, and then perhaps tailored somewhat to individual soldiers’ needs. In some cases, weight or space may prohibit the inclusion of everything mentioned above, so adjustments will need to be made. The ultimate goal is to provide triage and emergency care to protect the soldier until he or she can return to base for more thorough evaluation and treatment.
Jason Beck is president of Diamondback Tactical, an organization committed to selling American made products. www.diamondbacktactical.com should be linked to and credited for any use of this article
So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 4 percent. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.
Different lenders charge different fees. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 9 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 4 percent offered by competitors will change.
While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 6 percent. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses.
Translated in Dutch it means: Woon je in Cromstrijen of Lingewaard en heb je BKR codering’ Lenen met een BKR notering is nog nooit zo eenvoudig geweest. Haal snel een andere caravan met geld lenen zonder bkr toetsing, 180652 euro is gewoon mogelijk om te financieren. Van Winschoten tot Leidschendam-Voorburg, financieren met BKR gaat hier altijd.
Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.
Although most mortgage experts say that rates 3 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 7 percentage. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.
In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. See which lenders are charging fees 9 percent and for how much. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 8 percent. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 4 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly.
Well to start with, if you are already an established webmaster, then you need not heed my words. Because, you would then know what works on a site and what does not. This article is meant for newbie webmasters and bloggers who are in the dual search of gaining traffic to their websites and making money from their pages.
I presume that you have already zeroed in on the concept of your site or a blog. The next thing you would think on is what are the subcategories(you know them as Links) that you can sum up on the main page, and also what else you are going to present on the main page so that the visitor understands what this site is for.
Now comes the question, To Adsense or not to Adsense…(If you do not know what Adsense is, they are Google Sponsored context-targetted ads that you can place on your sites which can earn you money when someone clicks on them).
I will take two similar examples and bring out the subtle difference between them to let you know which site will make profit from Adsense. Let us consider two hypothetical sites A and B.
Let us say that site A brings out reviews of all science-fiction books in the market. The homepage gives a brief idea about the site and this is linked to all the reviews, one review per page.
And now take site B which also deals with science fiction books, but focussses on the writing aspect. In short site B teaches people how to write such a book.
Now, guess which will make more Adsense money? Lets take it on a case-on-case basis. Site A, no matter brings out the review on every possible Science fiction book in market. But Adsense ads are context targetted. That is, Google scans through the page and provides ads based on the words it sees on a page. That means the first book could deal with Michael on his time machine and second book could deal with Rob on his rocket. Do you think the ads would be very relevant to the visitor. The ads would then pertain to rocket science books and stuff which the visitor is not likely to click.
But take Site B. Here every page is likely to deal with how to write such a book. And when Adsense scans through such a page, it provides ads about sites that also provide writing skills and techniques; very relevant to the context of the site. That means the visitor is more likely to click on the ads.
And what about the owner of Site A? Will he make money? Why not, since the site deals with book reviews, the visitor is more likely to proceed to purchase the book. So provide Amazon links to the books which is likely to get you commissions in tens of dollars rather in cents in case of Adsense ads.
So, it should always be a wise decision to choose the kind of ads that you serve on a site, because too many ads on a site is likely to make the visitor tired of your site and you might end not seeing him again.
Anand Srinivasan is a Software Engineer by profession and a part-time webmaster. Look for other articles by him at Nice-Ideas.BlogSpot.com or visit his message boards at XooXonline.info
Anyone who is serious about making a long term business on line will need to consider just where they are going to get their content since anyone and his Uncle knows that content is King or perhaps Queen!
Before we proceed any further with this exhortation let’s get the following out of the way. Despite what you may have been led to believe, buying a whole truck load of so called Private Label Articles and loading them into an article crunching machine that magically rewrites them and spits them out as though they were your own is not the way to go if you plan on creating a reputation! These attempts at passing yourself off as the number one Guru in your niche will be obvious to most web site visitors as the work of someone who is a baguette short of a picnic!
Article altering software may be an innovative idea but by the time this has run its course and probably long before then, the pathetic excuses for so called expert articles that they spew out will be circulating a zillion times over around the Internet as newbies and other marketers who are either too lazy or unable to write themselves, think that they are on to a Winner. A few altered lines in the header and footer of an article are not going to do anything for your reputation. So what to do? Especially if you didn’t go to College, failed English in High school and can’t spell worth a cent! That’s a tough cookie!
Even if all the above is an accurate description of you, there is still hope for you yet because if you recognise that you have shortcomings then you sure as hell can do plenty about it! In fact you are already half way to the finishing post!
Here is my” Ten Sure Fire Ways to Get Started on your Writing Career”. Notice the very obvious absence of the words” Make a Million from your Articles in only ten days while you are asleep and on a beach the other side of the Planet” Now I know that successful Internet entrepreneurs are frequently writing these sentiments in their sales copy and I am equally sure that for many of them it is true but it certainly didn’t happen for them overnight. No Sir. we don’t do Overnight! Six months to a year may be but definitely not overnight!
It’s as well to tell yourself this several times before you reach for the credit card and buy your 37th e-book this month that promises that you will hold the key to untold wealth once you hold it in your sticky hands. Actually it will be on your sticky hard drive which is probably filling up very rapidly at this stage.
1. Before you can get over Writers Block you gotta start by getting over Readers Block! Plenty of reading and then some! Everything that you can lay your hands on in your own special niche and everything on writing and copywriting.
2. Subscribe to a few (very few) newsletters from Top Copy writers and Successful Marketers. Writers just love to share their ideas and often give freebies such as E-Books or Mini- Courses on writing for the web and creating content.
3. Subscribe to Google Alerts but be careful here in your selection of keywords since you will be flooded with stuff to read very quickly. It is a wonderful resource which will keep you totally up to date with happenings and give you more ideas for your articles than you thought possible!
4. Keep a folder of your sent e mails especially if they are business related. You will have a treasure trove of ideas here to trawl through whenever you get stuck.
5. Attending Seminars is an excellent way of not only brushing up your skills in many disciplines but also a trove of possible article and book ideas that you can put to good use. (gotta have a blue notebook with you though…see next sentence that’s Jim’s trick)) Yes seminars are expensive but you don’t have to spend $5000 and travel half way round the World to attend one. Jim Edwards hosted his first U.K Workshop recently at a sumptuous Hotel and it was just $1000 dollars and a wonderful experience for a whole weekend.
6. Set up a blog or two or three (in different niches) and make it a must-do first thing in the morning to put up a post or two. Until you have done it, it seems daunting but set the alarm 20 minutes earlier and you will be amazed at what you can achieve in a few weeks.
7. Here is where it gets interesting…you must put your blog posts into a separate folder so that you can refer back to them on a regular basis. If you are rather verbose you will be surprised to find that with very little tweaking you can create an article out of a blog post or string several posts together to make a presentable article in double quick time.
8. If you are passionate about your subject or niche then you could end up easily spending ten or twelve hours at your keyboard over a weekend and while this is not to be recommended on a regular basis especially if you have family considerations(or pet tortoises that need exercising) you would be surprised at how much content you will have created. Getting into the flow and a regular writing routine is the trick here and after a few months it will seem as though you have been doing it all your life.
9. How will you keep your enthusiasm going? Well you have to take on the onerous task of submitting to Article Directories which will give you very quickly some surprising search engine placements. When you see that what you are writing is actually appearing in print on the Web and joy of joys, actually being republished by other web Site owners who are scrambling for fresh content, you won’t need any more encouragement!( believe me this is a hot one!)
10. Getting started is the key …whinging and whining about your inability to write won’t get you anywhere but if you will only start I promise you that the momentum will gather strength quite rapidly. It doesn’t matter that your first attempts are not Booker Prize winning standard. To fine tune and improve, you have got to actually have something to begin with. A blog is great since not that many people will see it to begin with so you don’t need to be embarrassed and it doesn’t have to cost you anything. Later on you can spend time learning the mechanics of blogging and further improving your web site. First things first.
Could you see yourself in 12 months with a published article per week under your belt?…You bet …you have just read the fiftieth article by this Author and today is the first Anniversary of Article number one! So to use a familiar cliche…if this author can do it anyone can.(well he did have electrocution lessons for two months !)
Sorry got to go and get back to the keyboard…happy hunting.
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Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. He is also learning the delicate art of persuasion through his newly refurbed web site which will be found in a few days at http://www.astraldrivingschool.com Here you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car.In the meantime check out the free Mini-Course that will help you to pass the Driving Test First Time at http://www.astralmotoring.ie |
You have invested a lot of time and energy on writing a business plan just to get a loan or to attract an investor. What do you do when you get the money or, worse, should you be turned down?
Do you just file it away? That’s like investing in a boat that remains parked in your driveway after its inaugural voyage.
Instead of filing it away or leaving it on a shelf to gather dust, why not capture more return on your investment? To gain a clearer perspective, convert your investment of time and energy into a dollar amount. Then, you’ll think twice before filing your business plan away.
Ways to capitalize on your investment
- Expand the marketing section for an ongoing planning document, or for periodic reviews, or for revising marketing strategies. The historical data, projections, competition surveys and analyses are valuable bases for updating the data into a working framework. The material is a convenient reference for when you are asked to make an oral presentation, to write an article, to provide background data for ad copy or for other promotional activities.
- Save the various sections as templates for any number of purposes. Some of these can be used for decision-making, for analyzing proposals and new ventures, or for dispensing with those time-consuming ‘dream/someday’ projects.
- Use some excerpts for such Human Resource Management activities as: orienting and training a new associate, or as a preparation for a staff promotion.
- All your grueling work on the financial data can form the foundation for financial controls and reviews, budget-actual sheets and as background for trend projections. Your original documents serve as benchmarks and as reminders of your progress for your bankers.
- You will not have to start out from scratch should you have a similar need to re-apply for funds, tender an invitation to a partner, or supply data for the experts should you consider ‘going public.’ The evidence of before-and-after progress is helpful as a contribution to a ‘for sale’ proposal, or for a sudden and urgent offer to buy. Plans for expansion, mergers, spin-offs, or cooperative alliances can start with your collected data.
- Your business plan, with its appendices, is a convenient repository for company data and records, equipment details, floor plans, measurements, maps, contact details for legal and accounting consultants, general historical information, industry descriptions including your historical SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the past, current and future at the time of its writing.
- Create in-house displays of your mission statement, the organizational chart or the photographs and biographical sketches of your benefactors and supporters.
Don’t have a business plan in your files? Begin preparing portions today as an investment for that day when you will need one. It’s quite probable that when that need arises you will be too pre-occupied to devote the required time and energy on an appropriate plan.
Now, you have a greater incentive to do a more thorough business plan today, knowing it is going to serve several useful purposes in the future.
About The Author
Gerry McRae added practical wisdom to his college and univeristy courses by owning and operating small businesses. That wisdom is now online at http://www.UncleMaxSays.com.
If you’re a pet owner and are planning to move to a new home, remember that moving can be even more stressful for your animals than it is for you. But there are several things you can do to make it easier on your dog or cat.
Start your packing well ahead of time; it’s not only easier on you, but on your pets as well. During the time leading up to your move, try to keep your pets’ eating and exercise schedules as normal as possible. Give them the same amount of attention and affection as you always do.
Things to do before your move:
• Get copies of certificates, medical, and immunization records from your veterinarian.
• Purchase identification tags with your new address.
• If you’re planning to travel by air, schedule your flights early and try to book a direct flight - this will be much easier on your pet. You need to find out what the airline’s regulations are for transporting your pet. You will also need to find out what kind of crate will be necessary to contain your dog or cat.
• If you’re driving and the trip will take more than one day, be sure and check ahead and reserve motels that will accept pets.
• Contact the state to which you’re moving and find out the regulations regarding animals. Some states require an entry permit for pets.
• If your new home is nearby it’s a good idea to take your pets for a visit and let them become familiar with the neighborhood and the new sights and smells. This is especially true of dogs. Of course, keep the dog on a leash and the cat in a carrier.
When Moving Day Finally Arrives . . .
All the confusion is certain to upset your pet so the best solution is to have a friend or family member keep Fido or Fluffy while the loading is being done. If that isn’t an option, keep your pet in a small room, perhaps a bathroom, along with sufficient food, water (litter box for Fluffy) and some favorite toys. Attach a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door so the pet is secure and won’t be accidentally set free.
You’re on Your Way . . .
The packing and loading are all done and now it’s time to head for your new home. There are things you’ll want to make sure are packed for your pet. These include:
• The new identification tags.
• Medications and veterinarian records.
• Recent pictures of your pet in case it becomes lost.
• Litter box or scoop and plastic bags.
• Paper towels in case there are accidents.
• Leashes.
• Toys and treats.
• Food and water bowls.
• Can opener and cans that can be resealed.
• Regular food and water from the old house (enough for several days). Different water can upset an animal’s digestive tract so it’s a good idea to provide water from the old house for the first few days after moving. This would not be a good time to try a new brand of food either!
Your New Home ~ At Last . . .
When you finally arrive at your new home, let your pet explore with your supervision. Then place Fido or Fluffy in a small room with a crate or bed (and, of course a litter box for Fluffy) while the unloading and unpacking are taking place. Make sure to put some favorite toys in there and perhaps an old sweatshirt, or something that smells familiar.
It’s very important that you not let your pet outside alone without a lead or tie for the first few days. Cats usually require about a week but dogs adapt quicker. You don’t want your pet to wander away and get lost.
Your pet may be insecure and more prone to misbehaving during the first few days in a new environment. Try to be patient and not punish the initial misbehavior, instead, try to find ways to reduce stress. Extra TLC can go a long way toward making pets more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to follow the usual feeding and exercise schedule.
In closing, there are just a couple of things you should be aware of to keep the moving experience as trouble-free as possible:
• If you intend to fly, be aware that puppies and kittens
less than 8 weeks old will not be transported.
• And finally, never move a sick animal ~ it could well make his condition worse and endanger his health.
Enjoy your new home!
About the Author:
Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the Internet since 1999 with Apartment and Relocation Websites:
The Apartment Rental Net
Nationwide Relocation Guide
Copyright 1999 - 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc. You have permission to publish this article, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included and none of the links or content are removed or changed.
