Archive for April, 2008

The Power of Kindness in Relationships

Monday, April 28th, 2008

By Margaret Paul, Ph.D. There is one choice you can make that will heal many of your relationship problems. This is the choice of kindness to both yourself and to others. This may sound simple, yet for many people, there is one choice far more important to them than kindness. This is the choice to attempt to control others feeling and behavior, outcomes, and their own painful feelings. Kindness to yourself and to others comes from a desire to support your own highest good and the highest good of others. When your highest priority is to support the highest good of all, you are naturally kind. You dont even have to think about it. It flows easily when your deepest desire is to be a loving, caring person. But when your deepest desire is to protect yourself from getting hurt, then your automatic choice, particularly in conflict, is likely to attempt to control with anger, withdrawal, blame, judgment, compliance, or resistance. Jack claimed to love his wife Jenny. Yet as soon as Jenny didnt do what he wanted or expected, he would immediately become angry, blaming and judgmental. Jenny, frightened of his anger and of losing his love, would immediately defend and then comply with Jacks wishes, hoping to have control over his feelings and behavior toward her. Jenny was afraid to do what she wanted to do. She constantly monitored her behavior, telling herself, Jack will get mad if I do that. With all this anger, defensiveness and compliance, the fun, joy and passion that had been so wonderful at the beginning of their relationship was often non-existent. Jack and Jenny sought my help because their marriage was in trouble and they wanted to save it. They both loved their two small children and didnt want to break up the family. As Jack and Jenny worked through the control issues that each had learned in their families, they started to have fewer conflict. Yet when a conflict did arise, each would automatically revert to their old behavior. I am going to give both of you an assignment, I told them in our phone session. It is a simple assignment, although not at all easy. This week, I want both of you to focus on being kind to yourselves and to each other. You will not be able to be kind to the other if you are not being kind to yourself. Jack, if you do not take loving care of yourself, you will end up feeling angry with Jenny. Jenny, if you are not taking loving care of yourself, you will end up trying to control Jack with your defensiveness and compliance. I know both of you try very hard to be kind to your children. I want both of you to practice treating yourselves and each other with the same kindness with which you treat your children. Both Jack and Jenny agreed to practice this assignment. The next week, in their phone session, both of them claimed that the first four days of last week had been the best days in years. But then we slipped back into our old patterns, said Jack. I forgot about kindness. Why is it so hard to remember? Jack, both you and Jenny have been practicing your controlling behaviors for your whole lives. These patterns are not easy to change. Your automatic unconscious response to fear is to control in some way. It takes a lot of practice for these patterns to change. You need to practice and practice making a conscious choice to be kind rather than slipping into the unconscious choice to control. Today, Jack and Jennys relationship is much improved. While they still occasionally revert to their controlling behavior, they are able to be kind much more of the time. As a result they are having more fun with each other, and their sexual relationship has greatly improved. Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including “Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?” and Healing Your Aloneness. She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Paul,_Ph.D. http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Power-of-Kindness-in-Relationships&id=384522 how to dispute an item on you credit report bad credit short term loan lenders free credit report on line bad credit credit cards

Mobile Auto Detailers and Newspaper Companies as Clientele

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

By Lance Winslow If you are a mobile auto detailer or mobile car wash company you might wish to think of attaining the local newspaper as a strategic client for your services. Usually newspapers have large staffs, especially daily newspapers. They do everything in house to save costs. They obviously have lots of cars to clean and this means plenty of customers. In fact as a mobile auto detailer or car washer this could be a half a days stop on your route or even a full day depending on the size or the paper. Think of the employees of a newspaper? Newsroom/Editorial Staff Artwork/Layout/Graphic Department Circulation Department Classified Department Printing Department Accounting Department If you are fortunate enough to have a daily newspaper in your area, you probably already know their benefit. They make a great weekly stop and have lots of fleet vehicles to wash. And if you dont have the fleet contract but do wash cars for the staff/personnel, you will eventually pick up the fleet work. Its inevitable. If you know the staff and all the reporters, its easy to get press releases printed. But press releases arent all a newspaper has to offer. There are many other uses to explore such as: Inserts Advertising Calendar Of Events Letters To The Editor Feature Stories Weekly Stops Fleet Washing Classified Ads To Find Labor Press releases As a matter of fact, almost everything you need to know about your community is there. Free publicity has always been the advantage of such small businesses as mobile auto service companies. Mobile detailing is an ultra-high visibility small business and the more visibility you have the more money you will make. As long as you are trying to find good companies to put on your business cleaning route, may as well kill two-birds with one stone and sign up the newspaper; makes dollars and sense. Think about it. “Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?Mobile-Auto-Detailers-and-Newspaper-Companies-as-Clientele&id=37678 credit report service buying a house with no money and bad credit bad credit refinance loans payday loans cash advances bad credit accepted

4 Keys To Lasting Weight Loss - Your Keys To Results

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

By Kurt Schmitt If lasting weight loss is your goal, you’re not alone. Its estimated that about one in three American adults is trying to lose weight at any given time. Unfortunately, most are not all that successful. Lasting weight loss is a goal many pursue but few achieve. There are many reasons for this, but I’ve outlined 4 major key steps that are critical to your weight loss success. Maintaining your motivation to lose weight is difficult, but if you’re inspired to get in shape, you can make it happen just as I did. After losing about 25 percent of my body weight without surgery, and without sacrificing myself to the weight loss gods, I know a little bit about losing weight. I’ve managed to keep the excess weight off for over 3 years, and also get in better shape than I have been in years. I didn’t join a gym, or go to a weight loss clinic, or pay any organization to assist me. I did it on my own and you can too. There are a number of factors that need to come together, however, in order for you to have successful and sustainable fat loss. I’ve boiled them down to the 4 major key areas for you here. Motivation - Motivation is born out of inspiration, so be sure you know what it is that inspires you to lose the weight. Take advantage of inspirational and motivational tools. Beyond that, there are several things that you need to be motivated to do. You have to be motivated enough to be ready; ready to prepare, ready to plan, ready to commit, ready to be disciplined, ready to follow through, ready to be critical of yourself, and perhaps most of all, ready to accept the new you. Are you motivated to do all of these things? Great! Planning - Beyond motivation, you need a plan. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll never get started. Your plan must include not only choosing your diet and exercise routine, but a number of other steps as well. You have to re-plan your life, not totally, but enough so that you create a supportive environment for weight loss. Get rid of both the habits and the things that don’t support weight loss; out with the bad, and in with the good. Your plan needs to include others, so tell your friends and family what you’re doing. You need to restructure your days to make it easy to meet your weight loss goals. Remember, all things being equal, the simpler the plan, the better. Execution - All the planning in the world means nothing without execution. You have to carry out your plan. Execution also means keeping your commitment, and facing challenges and setbacks with an open mind and positive attitude. Execution may involve adjustments to your original plan, so be prepared for that. Tracking - During execution, you’ll need to monitor your progress and analyze the results. When you do, give an honest evaluation. Ask yourself some hard questions. Am I really sticking to the plan, or am I cheating? What could I do more of or less of? Is the plan I chose right for me? Do I need to up my exercise level? Do I need a stricter diet? Should I change diets all together? Most of us have experienced setbacks on the road to weight loss, and sometimes this derails our efforts. Don’t let that happen. Instead, if needed, adjust your plan, re-commit, and let your motivation take you through that tough time. So gather your thoughts and your things and get inspired to lose weight again. With some motivation, good planning, proper execution, and honest tracking of your progress, you can take the weight off. If you continue tracking, although not as vigorously, you’ll keep the weight off long after your so called diet period has ended. Lasting weight loss can and will be yours, it’s all up to you. After successfully losing over 60 pounds, Kurt Schmitt decided to share his 10 Secrets for Weight Loss Motivation Besides his other interests, he continues to publish an inspirational web site devoted to helping ordinary people become extraordinary through taking action. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Schmitt http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Keys-To-Lasting-Weight-Loss—Your-Keys-To-Results&id=473926 no credit or bad credit drive now in chilliwack bc credit repair company how to repair bad credit bad credit car loan woodland

Listening to Far-Flung Customers

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

By John Coldwell Businesses that succeed in totally satisfying their customers are ahead of the game in terms of customer retention and are likely to be far more profitable than those businesses that dont focus on customer satisfaction. Recent trends, however, clearly show that traditional survey methods are suffering from falling responses. And when exporters have customers scattered around the globe there is an obvious problem in how do they find out how their customers are feeling? One of Britains more unusual companies working overseas is TRL Limited (the Transport Research Laboratory), based on a purpose-built site at Crowthorne, Berkshire. TRL, an internationally recognised centre of excellence in all issues relating to land transport, is the UKs leading provider of innovative transport solutions. Well known for its work relating to road safety, the European New Car Assessment programme (NCAP), pedestrian safety and child restraint systems, TRL has built a global reputation second to none for its knowledge, technical application and professional integrity. Working with consultants, contractors and product suppliers worldwide, TRL provides appropriate and effective solutions to problems of road infrastructure and management, road safety, public transport, undertaking transportation studies and economic analysis, environ-mental assessments and institutional strengthening. TRL has worked in over 100 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, with a dedicated team working exclusively on international projects. In order to maintain its standard of excellence, TRL decided to survey the opinion of their clients to their business processes. To do this, they engaged the services of InfoQuest Customer Relationship Management Limited InfoQuest uses a unique methodology, which is neither paper, web nor interview-based. Instead it relies on a game-like box and a deck of cards. Between 40 and 60 questions and statements appear on the cards, chosen from an extensive library, which are replaced into particular segments within the box depending on how the customer wishes to respond. This game-like procedure, which has been applied in more than 50,000 surveys, works in any language in any part of the world. TRL, whose customers include the World Bank, chose to ask questions about their business processes; management interactions; the quality of their research; their bidding and tendering processes; communication; and flexibility. InfoQuests special boxes were packed with the question cards and then sent out to key customers as far away as The Philippines and Tanzania. Within a few weeks 83% of the boxes had been returned. The high response rate that InfoQuest normally achieves means that those who use this research method can confidently target whom they want to survey. In a business to consumer (b2c) environment most organisations have plenty of customers to choose from if they want to conduct a survey. I have maintained for many years that the best way of listening to the (b2c) customer is for the Chief Executive and their team to regularly spend time at the point of sale and do literally that. Listen to the customer. However, in a business to business (b2b) environment many firms have far fewer customers and the relationship is not built on a point of sale contact more likely it will be a complex matrix, with a number of people on each side of the customer/supplier divide having an input to the smooth running (or not) nature of an ongoing relationship. Traditional methods for collecting survey data fall into two camps: - paper-based and interview-led surveys. Paper-based surveys typically have a response rate of between 5% and 15%, which means that the vast majority of the people who are asked their opinion dont join in. There are two types of interview-led surveys: - face-to-face or using the telephone. Employing an agency to undertake face-to-face surveys in a b2b context is a very expensive undertaking, in that the agency will be doing exceedingly well if it can arrange to see more than one decision-maker at different customer locations in one single day. Telephone-based surveys have two serious inherent problems. The first is that the interview can be led, albeit unwittingly, by the interviewers tone of voice and flirtatiousness (or gravitas). The second problem is that the integrity of the responses tends to drop dramatically after the fourth or fifth question. This means that a sound telephone-based survey should ask no more than five questions and the most important question should be asked first. TRLs questions were chosen carefully to reflect what the business was trying to achieve and to ensure that the results were actionable. Too many surveys fail because of poorly designed questions. In a b2b environment the management team are often passionate about the product. Normally this is no bad thing. But as most b2b companies now have some form of quality assurance programme and are not operating in a monopoly situation, a more holistic view is needed when conducting a customer satisfaction survey. The review needs to consider people and processes, the drivers, rather than the quality of the product itself. These drivers are, after all, where businesses succeed or fail. Since 1990 InfoQuest has included four overall questions and statements in every one of its 50,000 surveys. On an overall basis, how satisfied are you with our company? is the last card in the deck. The available responses to this question are Totally Satisfied; Somewhat Satisfied; Insufficient Information to Evaluate; Somewhat Dissatisfied; and Totally Dissatisfied. The best Totally Satisfied score ever seen was 90% and the worst was just 2%. InfoQuests own extensive research revealed, A Totally Satisfied customer contributes 2.6 times as much revenue to a company as a Somewhat Satisfied customer. Put another way, the Totally Satisfied customer will be fiercely loyal, will recognise the value of the relationship over and above the cost of the product, and will not be tempted by the overtures of your competitors. The three other standard questions are: - How satisfied are you with the ease of doing business with our company? (highest score 93%, lowest ever score 3%). I would purchase products or services from your company again and I would recommend your company to an associate. The last two statements are a counter balance. It is possible to have a score that reflects the sentiment I am happy that we have a good working relationship but Im not sure whether I should risk my own personal reputation by recommending you to a friend. The results of TRLs survey were compared with InfoQuests database of world-class benchmarks and then delivered to TRLs executive team, headed by Chief Executive Dr Susan Sharland. Another exporter of excellence, Airedale International Air Conditioning Ltd., with offices in the UK, Germany, France, North America and South Africa, was keen to find out what its international customers really thought about their business processes. Established in 1974, Airedale is still run by the two founders, and has won both the Queens Award for Export Achievement and the CBI Award for Manufacturing Excellence. Airedale manufactures a wide range of air conditioning products. It also provides service, maintenance and training to its customers. The company exports to more than seventy countries and regularly supplies air conditioning systems to some of the worlds most prestigious high-technology manufacturers. A recent project involved the installation of air conditioning systems at the VESTAS wind turbine factory in Denmark, where Airedale equipment now maintains comfortable conditions in the areas that produce and assemble the massive turbine blades. As part of a continuing strategy for growth through excellence, Airedale needed to determine the opinions of its international customers in countries as diverse as China, Hong Kong, Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland and Russia. One very important consideration was the language to be used in the survey. Traditionally most communications between Airedale and its customers have been in English, but the etiquette and public relations aspects of this customer satisfaction survey demanded that, on this occasion, local languages should be used. Using local languages might not be as straightforward as it first appears, as the following example clearly illustrates. If an English-speaking supplier corresponded with a Malaysian customer in the Malay language, it could cause offence; the customer may well think that the supplier believes him incapable of fully comprehending an English survey. InfoQuest issued the Airedales customers with special boxes in the appropriate local language, used native language speakers to validate the surveys and translate the written responses to open questions back into English. Again the world-class benchmarks were used as comparators to help Airedale to not only maintain, but also improve, its high standard of excellence. In this instance 75% of the surveys were returned. Customer satisfaction surveys are playing an ever-increasing role in quality-based companies. The revised international standard ISO 9000 version 2000 now promotes this practice, and the EFQM (the European Federation of Quality Management)s Excellence Model, which is separated into nine business process, promotes Customer Results as the most important single element, giving it a rating of 20%. As a final thought, Alan Duttine, Joint Managing Director of Airedale, states, At the end of the day, the report itself is not important. What is important is that, as a company, we do something about it. It is this sort of driving force that makes the difference between a good company and an excellent one. JOHN COLDWELLManaging DirectorInfoQuest Customer Relationship Management Ltd.The Old ChapelChapel Hill, Clayton WestHuddersfieldHD8 9NHUKTel.: +44(0) 1484 868390Fax: +44(0) 1484 868391E-mail: jc@infoquestcrm.comWeb: http://www.infoquestcrm.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Coldwell http://EzineArticles.com/?Listening-to-Far-Flung-Customers&id=156714 personal loans unsecured bad credit bad credit car loan kelso credit card with no credit or bad credit bad credit lease

Do You Love Life?

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

By Mark E. Baker 1 Peter 3:10 For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; Guile is another way of saying treachery or deceit. In other words our spoken words are not full of truth but deceit. I would say this; any words that are not uplifting, any words that are not edifying to the hearer, any words that are contrary to Gods words are deceitful. I would also say that days that are full of grief and sorrow, sickness and disease, broken relationships and destroyed families are not good days are they? Do you want to see good days? Do you love life? Jesus said in John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. I would like to ask this question, if our words are not speaking life then what are they speaking? The opposite of life is always death. They never co-mingle. Life and death have nothing in common! Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Is this just an inconsequential saying that we can ignore, or is there really death and life in our words as the Scripture is saying? Peter said that in order to see good days we had to keep our tongue under control and not speak deceit. I usually concentrate on the positive side of our words however there is a negative side as well that the Word of God talks about, so it needs to be addressed. It is easy when everything is going good to give God praise and say the right things, however when the trials of life come our way it is also just as easy to start complaining or speaking negative. I have learned to give God praise in the rough times as well as the good times. Recently this message was quickened in my spirit. A gentle reminder to keep my tongue. These gentle reminders from the Holy Spirit will save us much grief if we will just pay attention to them. How often do we just say what ever is on our mind? You might say well, Im really not hurting any one. Really, you could be hurting yourself, your family, and loved ones with the very words you speak. Words have power to hurt as well as heal. I dont know who originally said sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, but I know they did not know the horrible hurt that can be inflicted by them. Please consider this and start to take stock of your words, and realize that you are sowing seeds that most assuredly will germinate and grow. This is a very sobering thing to consider. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. I have seen so many Christians who are unconcerned about their words and never consider the real importance of idle talk or negative words. Gods Word has much to say about this and God has put a premium on words so we should learn to do so as well. Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; It goes on to say in vs. 5 that this person shall never be moved. I believe people are so careless about their words that they can not really have faith in their own words. I have seen this over and over and have even been there myself. How can you speak the word of God with Boldness and expect it to come to pass if you can not even honor your own words that you speak? The answer to that is that you can’t. How can you have faith in God who you have never seen if you are full of lying and deceit, you wont and can’t. People often blame God for their failures and get frustrated and will not admit that it could be them and not God who is to blame. We can not grow up if we will not acknowledge the truth, and if we dont acknowledge the truth we can never be truly free in Christ. There can never be good from evil speaking, none! I think every ones mother probably said this at one time or another, if you cant say something good about someone dont say anything at all. Maybe our mothers didnt know it, but this is a Scriptural principle in Gods Word. Refrain your tongue from evil. They were saying nearly the same thing that James was saying, even if they didnt realize it. James said this James 3:2-10 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. He goes on to say; Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh. What is he really saying here? He is saying that what you speak is what is coming up out of you, and what is coming up out of you is either salty or fresh. Whose fault is that? Jesus said a very similar thing Matthew 12:34 “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. We need to check up on what is in our heart. We after all, we are the ones who program these earthly computers. Speaking correct words is one of the first lessons the Lord taught me as a young Christian.It has also been a recurring theme in my teaching. This is something the Lord has reminded me of at several important times in my life. Many Christians mess up the plan and purpose of God for their lives and the lives of their families as well with their negative attitude and words. Gods plan for us can be thwarted if we will not side with Him and begin to speak the things He has already told us to speak in His Word. I have been in this situation myself and received a wake up call from the Lord concerning my children some years ago. Being a parent is not always the easiest thing in the world, however we are given instructions on how to raise them. We have a responsibility in this. I was saying things to my children that was preventing God from acting in their lives. The things I was saying were said as a concerned parent trying to help, yet they were not the things God wanted me to say. I would say things like you are messing up your life with this kind of behavior, and if you dont stop this you will never amount to anything. Although in the natural these things were true, it was not what God wanted from me. One day during a time of study the Lord spoke to me and told me to hush the things I was saying. The truth was I knew better, yet even if we know better it is easy sometimes especially with something that is as close and as personal as your own children to forget the things you know. After this I repented before the Lord and began to see and speak the correct things by faith. I know by experience how hard this can be, but I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt how faithful God is. He gives us the grace to succeed. God is faithful and always honors His Word. Not sometimes, ALWAYS. I can say as a testimony to all that will listen. He is no respecter of persons. What He did for me he will do for you. Glory to His Name.Here are a few Scriptures to consider. There are many more through out the Word of God. Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; 22. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; I would like to ask this question. Are you speaking death filled words or life filled words? God has given us this choice and even told us what to choose. Choose life. This not only affects us, but the future of our families as well. Im so glad I chose life, and want to encourage you to do the same. It is our decision to make, choose life. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to be a joint heir with Christ?If so, I urge you to earnestly pray the following prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn.6:37), So I know You wont cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Ro. 10:13). I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. (Ro.10:9,10). I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, with the heart one believes to righteousness and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21), And I am saved! Thank You, Lord!I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God! Glory to God!!!! Amen. I was raised Catholic, and was born again at the age of 17. I received God’s call into ministry at the age of 19 and began to prepare for ministry. I graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1979, The Lord has called me to teach. I want to help other come to a knowledge of the truth and have started a web site for the purpose of teaching and discipleship called The Olive Branch; Mark E. Bakerhttp://www.olivebranchministries.us Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_E._Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Love-Life?&id=157933 personal debt consolidation loan what is credit report top 3 credit reports somerset county business who pull credit reports

Air Purifiers And Air Filters Can Help The Health Of Allergy And Asthma Sufferers

Saturday, April 19th, 2008

By S.A. Smith Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particulate matter can be a real irritant for suffers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. In addition to removal of all direct irritant sources and minimizing the irritant containment materials in your house, you should also consider the indoor ventilation and filtration system of home. Environmental control is the key to reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Keeping a clean house free of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and effect on family members with respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners, filters and hepa filters can play a role in helping to control or reduce the exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Several health authorities have recognized that certain types of air filtration systems can be beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates in a room. The American lung association recommends using a hepa air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma suffers.The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. Ionic filters and hepa filters have been endorsed or recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval. Selecting the wrong type of filtration system could exacerbate the problem by agitating and circulating the existing particulate matter throughout your house, so it is important to do your research thoroughly. Ionic air filters do not create high airflow patterns to clean the air and simply rely on negative ion attraction to collect the airborne particulate matter. They have demonstrates to have decent capture rate of airborne allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, tobacco smoke and dust and can help improve the quality of your indoor air environment. You can read more the ionic air filtration process at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com/ionic-air-cleaner.htm. Air filtration systems should not be considered as a solution for any respiratory condition, nor as a reason to ignore sound medical advice and guidance about the removal of irritant sources and allergen habitats from your household. They are also not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of your household environment. Selecting the right air purifier system can help complement and enhance your efforts to reducing airborne particulate matters, as well as maintain a healthier indoor breathing environment. S.A. Smith is a freelance editor, writer, and contributor to the Air Purifiers Review resource site, and can be reached at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S.A._Smith http://EzineArticles.com/?Air-Purifiers-And-Air-Filters-Can-Help-The-Health-Of-Allergy-And-Asthma-Sufferers&id=14382 order phentermine online without a prescription buy phentermine blue prescription phentermine 37.5 cheap phentermine no prescription required

The Benefits Of Craft Fairs

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

By Samantha Davis Craft fairs provide some of the cheapest, and most fun, entertainment every Saturday in parks across America, as well as precursors to various holidays, especially the Christmas shopping season. Craft fairs provide an opportunity for sellers as well as shoppers, and is a place to see the season’s best in decorating trends, new products and inexpensive and unique gifts to purchase for yourself, your home or for presenting to others for birthdays, parties and holidays. In many towns across America, fairs are huge events, with hundreds of booths set up for people to display their crafts and creations. Many times, fairs also offer foods, drinks and bake sales as well, a great time to enjoy tasting and filling up on confections that tempt the senses. Craft fairs are an American tradition that serves to bring crafters and buyers together under the open sky or a gymnasium roof, though location doesn’t really matter when it comes to one of these events. Kids, and adults of all ages flock to them even if they’re not intending to buy anything in particular. It’s an event that brings smiles and excitement to everyone and allows the sharing of ideas and creativity. You can find a myriad of things at craft fairs, and the bulk of items offered are homemade. You can find everything from quilts to dolls to homemade soaps and candles as well as candy, wall decor and clothing to wood and metal sculptures and designs. Such a fair also displays items knitted, crocheted, pieced or woven, and the sky is the limit to the number of unique and thoroughly delightful products that proud men and women fondly display at each individual craft booth. Craft fairs aren’t only for women, and more and more men are not only attending these events, but also creating products for sale at national fairs. If you want to sell your own items, make sure you know the rules and obtain an application that can oftentimes be found at the local city Chamber of Commerce, the sponsor of the craft fair or local craft stores. Craft fairs can be a profit-enhancing endeavor for many, but be aware that fees for setting up booths can also take a big chunk out of your profits. Make sure that you have enough items to make your booth worth the effort. Don’t try to sell your crafts at a flea market or swap meet, as you’ll more than likely lose money. Stay away from festivals as well, as your products will be an afterthought and not the main attraction. Be aware that booth fees may range from single digit prices to hundreds, even thousands of dollars, depending on location, sponsor and type of craft show that is being advertised. Always read the fine print if you’re considering paying for booth space and if possible, ask around for advice from veteran craft fair participants. Whether your selling or buying or just window-shopping, craft fairs provide plenty of entertainment and opportunities for both. For more information on crafts, try visiting http://www.craftguidance.com - a website that specializes in providing craft related tips, advice and resources to include information on craft fairs. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Davis http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-Of-Craft-Fairs&id=537774 buy phentermine with master card buy phentermine online cod order phentermine by cod phentermine online no doctor

Must Read For Anyone Who Attracts Men-Women But Can’t Get Them To Stay

Monday, April 14th, 2008

By Christine Akiteng I’ve observed time and time again that many men and women - regardless of whether or not they are good looking - while they get a lot of first dates and even start a relationship seem to have a difficult time sustaining one beyond the beginning stages. What first attracts a man or woman is often quite different from what compels him or her to stick around. In the early stages of attraction we often feel very close to a person whom we hardly know. Undoubtedly, in time we learn a lot about that person, and what we know moves the attraction forward, slows it down or ends it. The transition from initial attraction to attraction that becomes a real relationship is what weve come to know in the dating circles as emotional connection”. And we all know that however strong the physical, mental or sexual attraction, when the emotional” component is missing (the words are something is missing”) trying to make things work is a constant struggle. Emotional connection isn’t merely a warm and squishy feeling but a behavioural and operational definition which includes three major categories: 1. Expression of real-time” emotions (and emotional processes) verbally and/or non-verbally (including touching, facial expression and body movement). 2. Expression of emotional needs, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, fantasies, strivings, difficulties, dreams, hopes or any information about the past that is relevant to understanding how one deals with the present. 3. Expression of conscious and sub-conscious intentions (depth and honesty). This goes far beyond the common practice in the West of sharing feelings” with the aim of savouring” or releasing” the emotions. When you are trying to connect with another person, emotions” are useless if they are just words spoken by one person to another and not something felt together for together. In indigenous African cultures such as the one I was raised in, this level of sharing of self” is a real-time emotion/feeling that can be called I-am-here.” This is the emotion that people cause us to feel merely by their presence. Apparently there is no specific word in English to describe the continuous flow of feelings one receives from the person who brings those emotions by their presence. Ive sometimes wondered if this one of the reasons why so many of us report feeling lonely in a crowd” or “alone” even when with another person. Could it be that we have not learned to feel and make others feel I-am-here”? The key to making the other person feel that “emotional connection” is not in how long you talk to each other or even what you know about each other but in the SHARING of your inner person and EXPERIENCING the other’s inner person. This level of self-disclose can be difficult initially because there is always a threat that the other person may not like what is revealed and then reject us. For minimal risk, each person selectively presents information about themselves that is packaged to create a certain desired impression. But as two people get more comfortable with each other, they let the other in on things that reveal more of the inner person that the other didnt know before. It is usually at this stage in the attraction that the emotional connection or bonding begins to take place. In a relationship where two people increasingly feel emotionally safe” with each other, self-disclosure occurs as part of ongoing conversation. Usually one person takes the risk of disclosing personal information and then “tests” whether the other reciprocates. If the other is willing, ready and capable of emotional self-disclosure, he or she self-discloses at the same level. The give and take of conversation provides important information about the emotions and feelings happening inside each person as well as the emotions and feelings that each person has about the relationship. In relationships where one or both parties do not feel emotionally safe”, one person may self-disclose more than the other person and this is usually the person who is more eager to move the relationship forward. But because the other person is not forthcoming, or reciprocating at the same level of self-disclosure, the person who is showing more of their inner person begins to feel vulnerable or emotionally naked”. Usually the person feels like he or she has emptied him or herself with nothing to fill the vacuum created and this can make him or her insecure, anxious and even angry. The important and crucial skill at this stage of dating; a skill every man and woman hoping to create a fulfilling relationship must have is the ability to help” the other person self-disclose at a relatively same level and long enough to form a deeper emotional bond that will compel him or her to stick around. As you may have noted from personal experience, most people are not equally transparent on all topics since their emotional comfort (and self-knowledge) is not the same on different topics. They may speak quite frankly on some subjectsthose that seem safestbut speak cautiously or deceitfully on other subjects. A good number of men and women avoid self-revelation because they fear closer contact with themselves, and some people would rather hide and deny than face the truth about themselves. Everyone except the emotional train wrecks who self-disclose too much, too soon - begins with disclosing little information at a time, all the while checking the receiver’s reactions and feedback. As a receiver intent on creating a strong emotional bond with the man or woman you are dating, your reactions should be supportive, helpful and non-threatening. Some characteristics of this supportive, helpful and non-threatening reactions and feedback include focusing on: 1. The other person (who they really are and what they are trying to tell us about who they really are) rather than focusing on finding out “what we have in common”. 2. What is being said and how its said rather than judging why it is said or how it should have been said better. 3. “Here and now” rather than what you can and will do with the information. 4. Making an effort to really understand the other persons thoughts, feelings, attitudes, fantasies, strivings, difficulties, dreams, hopes or past in their own internal scale and image rather thinking we understand or quickly jumping in to share our own. 5. Showing sensitivity and appreciation for the effort he or she is making to reveal his or her inner being rather than on giving advice or therapy”. 6. Showing respect for his or her desire to hold back on some topics until he or she feels emotionally safe to self-disclose. How well each party feels truly heard, truly understood, truly appreciated, truly supported and above all, truly “known” greatly influences the quality of the relationship. This is what makes or breaks a relationship! Finding this level of “connection” is very rare and most people don’t want to let go once they find a person they can emotionally “connect” with. About the Author: Christine Akiteng is an internationally renowned Sexual Confidence/Dating Coach and author of eBook: The Art Of Seducing Out Of Fullness. Her unique approach to dating has helped hundreds create positive, constructive, honest and fulfilling relationships. Christine’s websites: www.torontosnumber1datedoctor.com and www.theartofseducingoutoffullness.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Akiteng http://EzineArticles.com/?Must-Read-For-Anyone-Who-Attracts-Men-Women-But-Cant-Get-Them-To-Stay&id=566977 phentermine diet pills by cod mexican pharmacy phentermine phentermine 30mg without prescription phentermine online with mastercard

Some Important Factors To Think About Before Considering Gastric Bypass Surgery

Friday, April 11th, 2008

By Gregg Hall For obese patients the benefits of a gastric bypass are amazing. Some of these benefits include; weight loss and in some cases elimination of diabetes, back pains and other ailments. In most cases a patient will only experience minor problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and other gastric disorders. It is always important to discuss the side effects with your physician. You should be informed and educated on the more serious risks of gastric bypass. Obese patients are very complicated to operate on, even more so than normal weighted patients. Complications may arise at any time for any reason so a patient should be aware of this. In some cases a patient may suffer leakage from the operation site and or inflamed intestines. The operation also depends largely upon the experience of the surgeon and how well he or she knows the procedure. It is always a good idea to check out the surgeon before any operation. Patients may also suffer from anemia, osteoporosis, or metabolic bone disease. Obese patients may suffer from blood clots after the procedure, which can put them at a higher risk for heart attack and or stroke. There is a two percent chance that a patient will die during the operation. To prevent any chances of death a patient should discuss all medical problems with the doctor performing their operation. A doctor can then effectively discuss the plan of action and decide if the procedure is right for them. Being educated on the three types of gastric bypass is never a bad thing especially because every patient varies and may need a different procedure. The first procedure is “Roux En Y”, where the surgeon staples across the top of the stomach creating a small stomach pouch this is connected to the small intestine there for limiting the amount of food eaten and the calories absorbed. The second procedure is the Laparoscopic procedure in which small incisions are made in the abdomen so the doctor can see the insides of the patient thus for making his operation area easy to see. The doctor puts the small fiber optic scope inside the abdomen wall, the scope has a tiny camera at the very end of it making it easy to see into the inside of the operation area. The doctor then makes a small pouch from the stomach. The third and last procedure is using a small silicone band to make a small pouch using the upper stomach, which then helps to reduce the appetite without disturbing the normal digestive process. A patient can benefit from the gastric by pass but only if they are properly prepared for the procedure and only if they listen to the doctor’s advice and directions for after operation care. As always a patient must know the risks associated with the gastric bypass. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gastric Bypass Pills at http://www.gastricbypasspills.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Important-Factors-To-Think-About-Before-Considering-Gastric-Bypass-Surgery&id=294726 buy cheap phentermine online phentermine no prescription mastercard phentermine no doctor prescription buy phentermine ship cod

So You Want A Promotion - What Do You Need To Do To Get the Champagne Corks Popping?

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

By Gina Gardiner The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.You have a well paid job you love its really interesting. You are using your talents to the full and your boss really values your contribution! If you recognise yourself in the statement above congratulations! If you want it to be true how can you make it happen? Many people are stuck in dead end jobs, resentful that they are passed over for promotion. They know they are capable of more but something is holding them back. You want to succeed What should you do? The first thing to understand is that if you do nothing differently then nothing will change. In order for anything to be possible you have to take action. Secondly you have to start by looking at yourself rather than blaming your position on others. Be honest with yourself. Close your eyes, see yourself at work as others see you. Over the next few days at work listen to yourself and consider how you act. Do you behave like promotion material? Sit down quietly and write your own reference based on how you actually perform now. Include a comment on your work habits, time keeping, reliability, ability to get the job done, attention to detail, accuracy, how you manage under pressure. Think about your ability to work as part of a team, how you get on with colleagues and customers or clients, your communication skills. Are you a problem finder or a solution provider? Do you moan about things or deal with them in a constructive and helpful way. Do you do just enough to get by or take a pride in a job well done? Are you enthusiastic, loyal and committed? What skills have you to offer? The third step is to think about the job you would like to do. What sort of person does it need? Think about the personal skills and characteristics you would look for if you were on the appointment panel. Make a list under the following headings:Personal Characteristics, skills, knowledge and experience. Compare your reference with the job specification you have created. Think carefully, would you honestly recommend yourself without reservation for promotion?Are there any areas you need to improve or develop? Have you got enough experience? Where are the gaps? What do you need to do to ensure you have what it takes? Fourthly, identify your goals and when you want to achieve them by. Make your goals realistic but challenging. Work out a daily programme to achieve your goals. Talk about them to others, make them real and make them happen. Remember to celebrate your achievements. If things go wrong remember that it happens to successful people too. They dont give up but use each failure as an opportunity to learn and develop. Make sure you model promotion worthy behaviours. It may help you if you think about those people you know who are good role models, or about what makes the ideal boss? Think about what makes them good. Make a list of their attributes In house promotion or a job elsewhere either way you will need a reference so the opinion of those you currently work for will count. The fifth step is to make an appointment to see your boss. Make it at a time convenient to them, when they can concentrate on your agenda. Prepare what you want to say. I am really keen to develop my career. What do you think I need to do to be ready for promotion? Listen to the feedback with an open mind. Ask for support and training in the areas where development is needed. Show them your action plan and involve them in the process. Be honest in your dealings with yourself and others. Know your strengths and face your weaknesses. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. Take charge of your own destiny and the possibilities are endless. Independent Consultant, writer and life-coach Gina Gardiner loves working with others supporting them to make the best of their potential. Described by Ofsted as an inspirational leader and by Investors in People as an impressive coach and exceptional mentor. who has developed an innovative and exemplary training scheme for the development of emergent, middle and senior managers. Gina has a huge interest in leadership, she has led a wide range of training and facilitation activities with individuals, schools and other organisations, In her work as coach/mentor she supports people at individual or organisational level to develop confidence, leadership and people skills and effective delegation; empowering them to see themselves as part of the solution. If you would like to know more email: gina.gardiner@ntlworld.com Gina Gardiner is also the author of “Live Well Eat Well With Celiac Disease” in this book she writes from first hand experience of being a celiac. For more information or to sign up to our free monthly ezine go to http://www.celiacliving.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gina_Gardiner http://EzineArticles.com/?So-You-Want-A-Promotion—What-Do-You-Need-To-Do-To-Get-the-Champagne-Corks-Popping?&id=65235 cheap phentermine with no prescription phentermine online prescriptions buy phentermine master card phentermine no prescription necessary