Saturday 12 October 2013

Advertising in Yellow Pages




Some people believe that yellow pages do not receive response like other advertising methods do and this is true to some extent but not in totality. When talking about traditional yellow pages, there sure is a decline in number of people opting for advertising in it. According to a recent report, even the most attractive advertisement in a particular section is not getting the response from callers like they used to get before. On the contrary, the prices of placing ads in directories are on a rise, which speaks a different, story altogether.





In reality different categories are witnessing different rates of decline. Like the lawyers category is seeing the maximum decline, where as emergency service provider’s section has the same call rate. And sections like mobile phones, real estate and furniture are seeing a rise due to the increasing customer demand. Altering the size of the advertisement or changing the look cannot do wonders any more.





Experts suggest that relying on yellow pages to get customers isn’t enough. Other options should be considered as well along with it. With the Internet reaching every home, nearly half of the Internet users use the net everyday. They prefer to buy stuff online, from the comfort of their homes. Research should be done on the Internet to get reviews about the product. People, who don’t usually shop online, also are also opting to shop online as information is provided at the click of a mouse. It is easier for people to trust as customers who used the product give their feedback about the product after using it.





A relatively newer concept is the yellow pages going online. The good thing about them is that they are updated frequently unlike the printed directories and can be viewed from any part of the world. According to researches conducted, the response increased by twenty five percent every year. So those who are interested to invest in yellow pages advertising can think of going online. Directories are submitted to search engines, which on typing a keyword or phrase bring the results. Small and local businesses, too, can land on the pages brought by the result. The cost of creating a website can be saved if all the relevant information about the company is included in the online yellow pages. Look out for the date to renew the directory listing, and if there is a need to change the advertisement, it is not a big problem on online yellow pages. Some starter websites offer to place advertisement in their yellow pages for free. Search out for such websites on the Internet.





Larger businesses can start their own websites and place links in the online yellow pages. Articles can be framed about the business and can be submitted to Ezines and websites related to the area of business. Some websites also allow posting articles for free. The purpose of the yellow pages is basically to get potential customers but that doesn’t mean that existing customers should be neglected. Steps should be taken to strengthen the relationship with them and to retain their trust by maintaining the standard of the products supplied to them. Once they are completely satisfied, the price-rise won’t bother them and they will talk about the company to people they know, which will fetch new customers.





The objective is to work smartly and select the right method of advertising. If a business isn’t using any other method for advertising apart from using yellow pages, it can cause problems and the products may not sell. Analyze how much money is spent on placing ads in directories and estimate whether the amount of customers the business gets is desirable. Whenever a call is received from a potential customer, ask them how they got to know about the enterprise. This will help to analyze which advertising method is ideal for the business. It is never late to correct the mistake and go for the right method.

Arizona real estate


Arizona real estate: The buying motivation





Arizona real estate market is really hot. The centre of a lot of action in Arizona is Phoenix metropolitan area. However, when it comes to real estate investing, every area is hot. Based on whether you are looking for Arizona real estate just as an investment avenue or whether you are looking for Arizona real estate to actually live in, your preferences would change a bit. However, one thing which you would always want is a low price. And that is something that would require some effort.



If you are looking to get a piece of Arizona real estate for yourself and your family, then you need to consider a lot of different things which will also influence your perception of the lowest (or the best price) for that Arizona real estate piece. Note that the best price for the same Arizona real estate piece might be different for different people (because their level of motivation to buy a particular Arizona real estate piece might vary). So, if you have a lot of friends living in a particular area in Arizona, then Arizona real estate in that area might become your preference and hence increase your motivation level. Similarly your buying motivation will be higher if you are planning to move into the place on account of a new job that you are taking up in that place or if you have been transferred to that place in your current job itself. If you have children, you would have to look around for Arizona real estate which has good schools around it. Again, you would like to evaluate your lifestyle and see if there is place that is in particular suited to your lifestyle.



So, there are a lot of factors that could lead to increased motivation levels. Generally, more the motivation of either side (buyer-seller), lesser is their negotiation power. So even if you are much motivated to buy a particular Arizona real estate piece, do not show it in front of the seller. Though hiding your motivation will be a bit difficult, nonetheless give it a good try. If you are looking for Arizona real estate just for investment purposes then you would probably have a lot more time on hand to evaluate various properties before you actually go ahead with one. So your buying motivation will not (and should not) be too high. Remember that if you have time on hand, you can always get better deals (and there are lot of Arizona real estate deals out there, if you were to look properly).

DO'S AND DON'TS WHEN WRTING CLASSIFIED ADS




DO WRITE OUT ALL DETAILS in your ad offer. Read it, edit it,



and re-write it for a shorter, money saving effective ad.



"Think small".





DO FOLLOW ALL THE RULES when writing your classified ad. Use



these ideas.





Attention Interest Desire Action





DO USE A NAME with each classified ad including your envelopes.





DO NOT CHARGE for sales letters or circulars.





DO BE HONEST with all your classified ad claims.





DO IDENTIFY your product.





DO WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD simple, clear and direct.





DO USE WORDS EVERYONE KNOWS and everyone will understand what



your are saying.





DO USE A WORD that will benefit a reader.





DO NOT OVERPRICE your product.





DO ADVERTISE FREQUENTLY. Constant exposure creates a familiar



offer with better response.





DO OFFER A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE in your classified ad,



salesletter or circular if possible. An excellent sales



technique!





DO TEST YOUR AD in 2 or 3 smaller, low cost publications.



Record results. Code each ad.





DO READ PUBLICATIONS that relate to your product. Write for ad



rates, paid circulation, discounts and closing dates. Keep



records.





DO HAVE ALL YOUR LITERATURE AND PRODUCTS ready for mailing when



your ad appears in the publication of your choice. Do not delay



in responding.





DO USE THE COPYCAT METHOD. Do what other successful advertisers



are doing. Only with a slight twist, idea or offer.





DO RUN SEVERAL ADS worded differently. Keep records of results.





DON'T OVER ADVERTISE. It can be expensive. If you want to, do



it gradually.





DON'T PRETEND YOU KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS. Because you don't.



Take time to find out what you need to know.





DON'T TRUST YOUR MEMORY. A thought will leave you as quickly as



it came. Always write down a good idea. NOW!





DON'T PLACE YOUR AD in the wrong classification.





DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY on ad words to amuse or entertain, but



use words to persuade, inform and sell your product.





DO USE A SHORT BUSINESS NAME. Make it easy to pronounce and



remember.





DON'T FORGET THE M.E.D.I.C.S. Motivation. Enthusiasm. Desire.



Image. Creativity. Success!





DON'T GIVE UP. If your ad doesn't pull after a fair exposure,



try re-writing it. One or two different words may do the trick.





DON'T SPEND THE PROFITS. Re-invest the money in more continuous



advertising.





DON'T FORGET, an ad that offers "FREE DETAILS" means writing a



sales letter or circular.







AVOID HIGH TYPESETTING COSTS AND MISTAKES







Getting your price lists, brochures, catalogs or newsletters



typeset does not necessarily have to be a costly procedure.



Keep in mind that the main cost in typesetting is the time



involved in setting type. By minimizing the time needed to



create a typeset piece you can effectively keep your cost down.



The following suggestions can help reduce your typesetting



expense.





Know what you want the FIRST time around. Have a picture in



your mind. Trial and error can be costly. Don't have a



typesetter set it one way, then decide a different format would



look better.





Reduce and eliminate author's corrections by thorough proofing



and re-proofing.





Avoid minimum charges by combining small jobs and having them



set at the same time.





Try to use one family of type to save time and money by avoiding



font changes. The consistent look is better.





Give explicit instructions on marking up copy: type styles,



column widths/margins.





With a large job, such as a brochure or annual report, request a



style setting proof sheet to get approvals before the entire job



is done.





Avoid super rush jobs, especially if you don't really need them.





Avoid lengthy corrections on the phone. You might end up paying



for corrections later that could have been avoided if you had



done your editing on proof sheets.





Get the layout finished and approved before having type set...



the same goes for copy, of course.





Avoid the use of "run-arounds" (reducing the width of the copy



to make room for a photo in the column, for example). If you do



use them, use simple shapes, boxes, squares.





Avoid the use of curved or angular type. Type reading left to



right on a page (for example, this report) is faster and less



expensive to set than copy that is set in a curve or running



sideways on the page.





The use of unjustified text and captions is less expensive than



justified because it sets quicker, costing less time.





Don't depend on the typesetter to read your mind. Be specific.

Birth Control Pill as a Cure for Acne and Ideal to Gain Weight




Birth control pill as a cure for acne has been gaining popularity. But what most women who have been subjected to such treatment will also attest how birth control pills can affect one's body in gaining weight.





Side Effect



This is only one of the many known side effects of using oral contraceptives. Although most women would not like the idea of adding up on their pounds, they cannot help it. That is understandable because they take the meds to avoid getting pregnant.





For the latter, there are still many options a woman and her partner can take to achieve such. But taking the pills is one of the most effective. One must learn to do something to limit the weight that they can gain.





When on pills, you can take note of your exercise and eating habits. This will be good for your overall health. This will also help you ease the burden of putting added weight.





Acne Remedy



Ask your doctors about this. Although this will not be effective for all women, most of them will benefit from such. Most medical practitioners suggest three brands for this purpose. They are Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and YAZ.





Doctors will only prescribe birth control pills to act as a treatment for acne when the rest of the previous meds have failed their purpose. This is actually the last resort. And doctors recommend this to women who would be taking oral contraceptives anyway for the obvious purpose of not being able to conceive.





With such effectiveness, FDA has approved a bunch of list of birth control pills to act as treatment to acne. It is also recommended that to achieve greater results, the pill must be used in combination with other real meds intended solely for acne. This includes benzoyl peroxide. You can also use topical retinoids for this need.





Because estrogen and progestin make up the pills used for birth control, this medicine will change the common reproductive cycle and patterns of hormones of a female. This suppresses testosterone release within a woman's body. And as an effect, it reduces the oil being produced by the glands called the sebaceous. As a result, acne comes out minimal. And it also lessens the pore blockage.





But do not use oral contraceptives to cure acne if you haven't told your doctors about it. They must test you first for possible side effects. The pill must match your body type. And also, other factors must be taken into account.





If proper check-up will be bypassed, the result can be grave. Other oral contraceptives can worsen your acne problems, especially if it doesn't suit some of your characteristics. So be careful and vigilant. It is your body so it is your responsibility to care for it.





While sometimes, the recommended pill will worsen the acne breakout at first. This is a common happening. Acne is known to accumulate before dwindling down. So it really helps to have a doctor by your side to explain such factors.





You will be hearing a lot about birth control as a cure for acne as years go by. This is part of the boom in the medical field that is being developed through time. But before plunging in and using the pill, consider the effect that it has on one's body. If you are sure that you are ready for some added pounds, then you are also ready to take it.

Beach Holidays for Fun in the Sun




Everyone loves beach holidays! The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves. The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax. The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood. The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative. Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well. Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.





In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it's always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage. Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids. Don't forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat. Get an oil change if it's getting close. Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns. And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.





Travelling with kids is always a challenge. They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays. Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch. Try a simple car game to make the time pass. Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs. If several people get involved it can be quite fun.





With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety. Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel. The towel you choose can make a difference too. Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand. You may find you like thin towels at the beach. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.





With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free. When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going. It won't belong until the kids will be shouting, "When can we go on beach holidays again?"

Boating Accessories






When you are looking for boating accessories, you may become overwhelmed at the amount of products that are available. Are you wondering just what kinds of boating accessories you really need? The truth is that answer is really up to you.





To begin with, you need to make sure that your boating accessories include all of the required equipment as outlined by the United States Coast Guard. Those boating accessories include:





* Fire extinguishers



* Life jackets for each person on board



* A sound device like a foghorn, a whistle, or a bell



* Adequate lighting for night boating





You will also want to have some type of two-way radio for communication with those on shore in the event that you become stranded. While this is not a mandatory boating accessory, you really won’t want to be without this while in the middle of the water.





As far as other accessories for boating, the rest is your decision. How will you be using your boat? If you will be participating in water sports, look into a pair of water skis and a slalom ski as well as a strong tow rope. Inner tubing just requires a reliable tube with handles and that same tow rope.





Some people think that an essential boating accessory is an on-board stereo. If you will be entertaining on your boat, this can be a great addition. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a boat stereo, but you may find that the extra investment is well worth your enjoyment!





Recreational boating accessories can run the gamut from fishing gear to nice sunglasses. If you think you will want to park in one of the proverbial “party coves” that exist on many bodies of water, you will want to have an anchor lest you drift away from the party!





If you will be traveling on large bodies of water, a boating accessory you may really need is a navigation system. Today, many GPS systems can be found relatively inexpensively and they can save your life should you become lost or mixed up while on the water.





If your boat has separate below-deck living quarters, you will want to outfit that with some cool boating accessories. Well, they’re not necessarily boating accessories specifically. What we’re talking about here is a coffee pot, a microwave, and maybe even a television with a DVD player. If you will be bringing your kids along, these devices could be life savers!





Boating accessories can be found in many places. Your best deals will be found online. Shop around and outfit your boat so it reflects you and how you want to use your boat. Then enjoy!

Body Building Photos






If you are serious about body building, you will want to have photos that document your progress down the road towards having a beautifully sculpted body. When you are able to have a progression of photos that will show your body building journey, you could possibly motivate others to go down the same path you have taken.





You may want to start out by looking at photos of body building phenomenon who are already where you want to be. You can find some great photos of body specimens at a variety of websites. Look at some of the following recommended websites for some great body building photos:





* www.bodybuilding.com



* www.getbig.com



* www.trulyhuge.com



* www.female-bodybuilding.org





When you take the time to look for some great body building photos, you might be amazed at what you find. You will be able to have ideals to aspire to, bodies that you want to look like, and people you want to emulate. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make yourself look like a person who has the body you want to have!





When taking your own body building photos, keep in mind three simple rules:





* The right light



* The right location



* Flexing your muscles





That might seem like amazingly simple advice, but it can make a difference in taking great body building photos versus taking just alright body building photos. Be sure you have the right lighting, set your location, and work your muscles the way you should so that you can showcase what you’ve tried to make tight and toned.





If you are serious about your body building goals as well as showing off the body you have worked so hard to build, you should seek out the services of a professional photographer to take your photos. Yes, they will cost a little bit more money, but the end result will be well up to your expectations.





Be sure that you are in your best form when you are having your body building photos taken. Concentrate on showing off your muscles. Flex them so that they look the best that they can. Be sure you are projecting the best image possible when having your photos taken. You never know who will see them!





Body building photos can be wonderful motivational tools, but they can also be great ways to showcase the body you’ve worked so hard to make hard and toned. You never know – perhaps you will serve as motivation for someone else!

An Enjoyable Adventure Vacation in Panama City




Being a local tourist destination located in U.S. Highway 98 within Bay County, Florida, the Panama Beach in Panama City is considered as one of the most sought after adventure vacation destinations today. One of the reasons behind this is the brand of Spring Break that the Panama Beach offers. Here, a tempting combination - the cheapness of an American resort paired with the lavish attractiveness of the top beaches in the world.





Also known and dubbed quite aptly as the Gulf of Mexico’s “Miracle Mile,” and the silky-smooth sand next to the radiant blue water is truthfully a celestial sight to regard. Lay your uncertainties behind and let the water and the sun do all the work. It is the biggest city sandwiched between Pensacola, Florida and Tallahassee, Florida. It is the greater in terms of population than two major cities of the Panama City-Lynn Haven. It is the county seat of Bay CountyGR6 and is situated just east of the hottest adventure vacation destinations, the Panama City Beach.





Why take an adventure vacation in Panama City





In the recent years, the Panama City Beach, became the number 1 Spring Break spots in the United States. Not only does it have one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, but people can also enjoy parties almost anywhere on the beach.





What makes Panama Beach a truly enjoyable adventure vacation destination is the thought of joining over 250,000 Spring Breakers yearly. In fact, the place is preferred by more and more people as their definitive good-time destination because it offers all the things that beach worshippers look for. Panama City is situated in what they dub as Florida’s panhandle, the whole 27 miles of sugary white sand that cozy up to the Gulf of Mexico, exuding warm breezes off the water's edge and breath-taking surf for the hardcore water sports enthusiasts.





The action is just as crazy on the beach as it is off it, with local clubs cranking up the groove all day and all night long. The northwestern wing of Florida that extends along the Gulf Coast is aptly dubbed as the "Panhandle of Florida". The type of weather is a bit colder than the southern parts of Florida still it offers milder winters, sizzling summers and pleasantly enjoyable spring and fall weather. Its beaches are superb with temperate shallow waters and excellent white sand.





The most excellent instance to stopover Panama City Florida is between May and October. All through the winter months, it turns a bit nippy for swimming and sunbathing, but is all right for golfers, tennis players, bikers and other outdoors people and their activities. From the middle of March all the way through mid April, more than a few hundred thousands of college students from all around the USA go down on Panama City Beach for their Spring Break activities.





This is a grand occasion to stay in the locale if you are looking for feral parties and a young throng. On the other hand, if you are in search of a serene retreat, you may fancy keeping away from Panama City Beach at that time.





Other reasons that make the adventure vacation enjoyable are the key attractions including the wonderful ashen sand beaches with their temperate lucid waters where people can sunbathe, swim, go on boating, scuba diving, snorkeling or even fishing. Other land activities include golf, shell assembly, hiking, biking and walking.

"A Piece of Blarney Stone" 10 ways to empower your communication




The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It's not like I'm saying that Santa Claus doesn't exist (OOPS!).





There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it's your mouth that's doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effective communication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself.





1. What you know.



Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you've learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters' meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn't mean we can't learn to keep up and share what we know.





2. Listening.



It's just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction.





3. Humility



We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don't be afraid to ask if you're saying the right word properly and if they're unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it'll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well.





4. Eye Contact



There's a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It's important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous.





5. Kidding around



A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you'll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they'll feel that you're just as approachable, and as human to those who listen.





6. Be like the rest of them



Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You'll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are.





7. Me, Myself, and I



Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you're at it you can spruce up as well.





8. With a smile



A smile says it all much like eye contact. There's no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it's a wake. You can better express what you're saying when you smile.





9. A Role Model



There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they're at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can help you once you take center stage.





10. Preparation



Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.





And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I've learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational.

Don’t Drive When You’re Drunk, Neither When You Don’t Have an Automotive Burglar Alarm System






How does the importance of automotive burglar alarm system abreast with the cliché not to drive the car when drunk? Because being unsecured and being drunk can both cost life and money.





When you purchase an automotive, you certainly can’t just drive it without your other electronic gadgets such as the stereo. This means that aside from the net cost of the car, you spend some more dollars to adorn it. Well, though you may but you don’t actually fear losing your car. The equipment that you install in it are more vulnerable and appealing to burglars because they can easily be sold compared to the automobile.





And sad to say, it has already become a profession for some. You never know who among the people are burglars, and you cannot also change the fact that they live through this means. And they are just waiting for the right moment to attack. Their precious moment is when you least expect them, when you are most occupied and your car is sitting helpless.





The least thing that you can do is securing your automobile and lowering the chances of your car being a target. But unlike the yard sign that you post in your house to deceive burglars, it may not quite work with your car. And the best thing that you can do is to actually install an automotive alarm system.





Another expenditure? Yes. But will you compromise your valuables and even your own safety just for a little amount? Consider this, at times, you will be rushing to work and it will not be impossible to accidentally leave your handy gadgets in the car. It’s when the day is already over that you realize what you’ve left. If the car is not secured, your mind will neither be.





But if you have installed a security system, you will have less to worry about. There will surely be authorities to take care of your automobile’s intruders when they set off alarm of your automobile. There will be a security system that will take charge when it is impossible for you to do so.





Comparable to automobile tires, the alarm system is as well a necessity. It is not a mere luxury as some people find it. And subsequently, they change their perception regarding its importance when they have been burglarized. It is when they lost their valuable belongings and no one could point out who the perpetrator is. Other than these, there could be limitless possibilities of unfortunate events that you can encounter when unsecured.





When installing a security system, ask the company agent first on how the structure functions. This way, you can maximize the purpose of the burglar alarm. It is important that you are oriented of the details of its system. The automobile has comparatively less openings than a house, so it is less complex to mount the sensors in its windows and doors. The magnetic contacts mounted on these openings sets of the alarm when any of the doors and windows is forcedly unlocked. With the remote control in your pocket, it is easy for you to activate and deactivate the system.





For automobile owners, the automobile burglar alarm system is a primary consideration. Although the system may cost some amount, your safety is something you cannot put a price into.

Breast Feeding Adopted Babies




Not only is breast feeding an adopted baby easy,



the chances are that you will produce a large



amount of milk. It isn't complicated to do,



although it is different than breast feeding a



baby you have been pregnant with for 9 months.





Breast feeding and milk



There are two objectives that are involved in



breast feeding an adopted baby. The first is



getting your baby to breast feed, and the other



is producing enough breast milk.





There is more to breast feeding than just milk,



which is why many mothers are happy to feed



without expecting to produce milk in the way



the baby needs. It's the closeness and the



bond breast feeding provides that many mothers



look for.





Taking the breast



Even though many feel the early introduction of



bottles may interfere with breast feeding, the



early introduction of artificial nipples can



interfere a great deal. The sooner you can get



the baby to the breast after birth, the better



things will be.





Babies will however, require the flow from the



breast in order to stay attached and continue



to suck, especially if they are used to getting



flow from a bottle or other method of feeding.





Producing breast milk



As soon as you have an adopted baby in sight,



contact a lactation clinic and start getting



your milk supply ready. Keep in mind, you



may never produce a full milk supply for your



baby, although it may happen. You should



never feel discouraged by what you may be



pumping before the baby, as a pump is never



quite as good at extracting milk as a baby



who is well latched and sucking.

A Pirate of a Birthday Party




Pirates have for a very long time been a source of great fascination for children. This is why a pirate themed birthday party can be one of the most interesting and entertaining party ideas on the planet if you are willing to pay careful time and attention to the planning process. There are things you will need, of course, in order to pull the pirate's party off without a hitch and the most important is a lot of patience and the ability to organize well, plan for contingencies, and be flexible when the big event finally arrives. If you can do all these things with style and grace then a pirate's life really may be for ye.





Set the stage with the invitations. A great idea to use for the invites is a pirate's map. Let "X" mark the spot, give the date and time and remind everyone to dress in their pirate's best (make a costume contest a part of the festivities). This lets everyone know the theme ahead of time as well as the fact that they should show up dressed for the occasion. I suggest making a cute rhyme in a pirate's voice to go along with the invitation. Something like





Ho ho hum and a bottle of rum



Our good lad "name" turns nine



So come ye to the Weatherly's



And have a mighty fine time.





For decorations you will want to make the party room or the exterior of the house, wherever you are actually having the party look as much like a pirate's ship as possible. It really is best if this sort of party can be had outdoors in order to provide great places for burying treasure and hiding stuff. If that isn't possible however, you'll just have to get creative inside the home.





Party games for a good pirate party are almost limitless. You can begin by handing a clue and explaining that there is a treasure map that has been divided into four pieces. The first clue will take you to the first piece, which will then have another clue that will lead you to the next piece until you find all four pieces. This buys a little time for getting things ready for snacks, cake, ice cream or other adventures that may occur later and gives the kids an objective. Once they have all the pieces you can tell the story of the lost treasure and then allow the kids to go on a massive hunt for the treasure. You could of course have teams with two different treasure chests if you want to make it a competition or race though both teams will win their treasure in the end. You could also, for younger kids, have a nice rousing game of pin the peg - leg on the pirate or a game of walking the plank if you have a swimming pool and are certain everyone can swim (though swim trunks are highly encouraged for this rather than pirate's costumes) and there is an adult waiting at the bottom just in case.





Whether or not it's a pirate's life for you, chances are quite good that throwing an excellent pirate themed birthday bash will make you the mom of your little one's dreams - at least for a day and will give the neighborhood and, of course, all your guests something to talk about until the next great event takes place.

A Primer on Medical Acupuncture




Have you ever had an uncontrollable urge to be pierced by a dozen needles? This is the image most people get when someone mentions the word “acupuncture”. It comes as no surprise that most view this technique with suspicion, even downright horror. The fact is, however, that this relatively painless ancient Chinese technique has helped relieve the symptoms of millions of people. Properly used, it can help in the management of many medical conditions including chronic pain and fatigue.





How does needle puncture work?





Practitioners of Chinese traditional medicine believe in energy flows. This energy, called Qi, circulates around the body using pathways called meridians. Meridians run very close to the surface of the skin in certain areas and can be accessed by needles. Much like plumbing, these pipes can get blocked or go the wrong way, causing health problems. The insertion of needles at these points is aimed to help loosen blocks and normalize flow.





It sounds like a made-up explanation with no basis in reality, but there are numerous scientific studies which support the effects of acupuncture. Although the exact scientific basis is still unknown, recent theories seem to suggest involvement of complicated neurochemical effects in the brain, nerve to spinal cord impulse modulation, and microscopic connective tissue changes.





What risks and side effects are of concern?





The use of things not completely understood for the treatment of medical conditions is nothing new. Penicillin and aspirin were used for decades solely on the basis of their beneficial effects, without doctors knowing exactly how they worked. Results are what are truly important. However, it is equally important is to ensure that the technique is used safely.





Like other strategies used in treating health conditions, acupuncture may have some side effects. Medications have side effects and allergic reactions, surgeries have risk of infection and complications. For needle puncture, there is a risk of injury, rare infections, minor bleeding, small bruises, and some dizziness.





You can minimize the possible side effects by choosing a licensed acupuncturist. Most countries either have government licensing in place or have professional organizations with very strict rules and regulations.





How do treatments go?





An acupuncturist will do an initial evaluation of your medical history and your body’s current state. Multiple pressure points are palpated, and a regimen of treatment is formulated. Most courses involve a series of 10 to 20 treatment sessions, each lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Needles will be carefully placed at the required points and kept in place for some time. Most patients report a feeling of mild sensation at the site of the puncture, but no real pain.





Right after each acupuncture session, you will feel a bit tired and may need to rest. Some people feel an increase in their energy levels. The response to acupuncture is very individual. In some cases there is immediate relief of symptoms. For some patients, the beneficial effects may only be noticed after undergoing a few sessions. Do not be alarmed and keep your acupuncturist updated on what you are feeling to ensure everything is going as expected.





You need never fear the thought of needles ever again. Acupuncture is a beneficial treatment with a long history of effectiveness. It is used to complement current medical therapy and should not replace currently existing medications or treatments.





The safe application of this once exclusively Chinese therapy can now be experienced by chronic disease sufferers worldwide.

Friday 11 October 2013

Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare




Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick.





Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening.





The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles.





Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.





Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 months worth of sessions.





In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.





Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia.





In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anesthesia.





Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!





This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.





Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient.





Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.





Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body.





These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.





So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

HOW TO GET BIG DOLLARS IN YOUR MAILBOX-EVERY DAY!




No other business venture seems so inviting, or attracts so many



people than that of selling via mail order. On the surface, it



appears to be an easier and faster way to become rich than almost



any other method of doing business. All the people in the world



are your potential customers; you work from the privacy and



comfort of your own home; you set your own working hours; and you



answer to no one but yourself.





Ideally, you should have a product of your own--something you can



produce at very low cost, and sell at top price. If you are



buying something, advertising and reselling it, in order to



realize a profit, you have to mark it up at least 500%. This is



not an unreasonable mark-up for mail order sales.





Your product has to have mass appeal, and it has to be something



not readily available to your prospective customers except



through you. The product should be such that you "carry an



inventory" without worry of spoilage, aging or other damage. It



should be something you can send through the mail--deliver to



your customer--for next to nothing in relation to your selling



price.





The best money-making product of all is a "How-TO" report such as



this one. You don't have to be a literary genius, or even an



experienced writer to write one of these reports. In fact, the



easiest way is to buy a set of these reports--read them each



over, set it aside and write a similar one with more elaboration



or from a different point of view. Give your report a



commercially appealing title, set a price for it, advertise it



widely in a number of nationally circulated mail order



publications, and you could have something that will continue to



bring in money for you for many years to come.





The absolute best money-maker of them all is a report you've



found a great need for, researched thoroughly, and written from



scratch. Discovering these needs is not that difficult a task.





If you don't have the time to write and market one of these



reports, or just cannot produce one for whatever reason, the next



thing is to purchase a set of these reports with reproduction



rights. Here, you can have a number, reprinted for as little as



one or two cents each, and sell them for one to five dollars



each. The only problem with that approach is that after a year,



nearly everyone in mail order will have a copy of these reports,



and will be trying just as hard as you are to sell them.





Now, if you have bought the reproduction rights to the reports,



you simply rewrite them, put new titles on them, make up a new



advertising circular, and send them out as new reports each year.



There are a number of mail order self-help reports that have been



making the rounds for the past 25 years in just this manner.





Just because you haven't got the time or the tools to write one



of these reports is no reason for not producing one. If you have



an idea or the background material, and the confidence that such



a report will sell--get in touch with someone who specializes in



this kind of writing.., and have them put the finished product



together for you. Generally, the fees will run to $100 per page.



But this is an "incidental fee" indeed, if you come up with



something that has the potential of bringing in several thousand



dollars per year for the next ten years or so. Remember, once you



have it together and written, you just continue making copies of



your original and filling prepaid cash orders for as long as you



wish to stay in business.





You should also have advertising circulars, a catalog or a



"follow-up" offer for every order you get. Many people make the



mistake of "sending their whole store" in response to every



inquiry. When you receive an inquiry to your advertising, you



should have a prepared sales letter describing the item you're



advertising, and perhaps a circular listing in catalog style some



of the other products that tie in with the product of your sales



letter. This is known as the "Featured Selection Plus Alternates"



approach.





When you receive an order for the product you've been advertising



or featuring in your direct mail efforts, include one of your



product catalogs in the package with the customer's order. The



most effective practice is to include an advertising circular or



brochure of a leader item or special-of-the-month, and your



catalog. The main thing NOT to do is include more than a couple



of separate "featured selection" circulars. Keep your eyes on how



the big mail order houses do it, and duplicate their operating



plan within your own means.





The important point to remember here is to be sure to include



something different--something new--something your customer has



not seen or been offered a chance to buy--with each contact you



make with him. Once you've broken the ice and got him spending



money with you, continue showing him products of a related nature



that should stimulate his appetite for greater success. For sure,



he'll never be more in mood to buy from you than when he receives



something he has ordered. So every time you fill and send out an



order to a buyer, include an opportunity for him to buy even more



from you.





You can make a very comfortable income, but you'll never get rich



so long as you're having your orders dropshipped for you. Having



a connection with a prime source that will dropship orders for



you is one of the surest and best ways to "learn" the business of



selling by mail--but if you really want to make it big, you'll



use dropshipping sources for learning, and to back up your



primary product with follow-up offers.





If you don't have a primary product of your own, the next best



thing is to buy in quantity lots at wholesale prices. A word of



caution here, though: do not buy a quantity supply of anything



until you've seen a sample of the product and thoroughly tested



the saleability of that product.





Too often, the beginner is sold a quantity of a certain product



at so-called wholesale prices, only to find that after he had



spent his capital he either doesn't want to put forth the effort



and time to sell that particular product, or that he can't "give



it away," let alone sell it. Suppliers who operate for you



orders, generally derive most of their income from the sale of



these initial "required" inventories. Always investigate and



check out the saleability before you buy anything more than just



a single sample.





Selling your reports depends on your advertising. You have to get



the word out that you have "money-making information" available



for sale. Start out small by using short classified type ads.



Look at how the established mail order report sellers are doing



it, and copy their methods. Do not copy their ads--instead, use



them as idea stimulators for your own original copy. Place an ad



in one of the largest circulation publications you can find, then



use the money that comes in from the first ad to place similar



ads in three or four other publications.





One of the insider secrets of the mail order business is in



multiplying your advertising exposure. This means simply that you



start with an ad in one publication, and from there, expand your



exposure by advertising in more publications. Be patient, and



wait for the returns from your current ads, then use that money



to increase the number of people who will have a chance to see



your ad. It's as simple as that, and it works every time. Try it



and see for yourself.





All of this means as you are getting started with a new mail



order business, you have to reinvest all your business income



back into the business. To do otherwise is a straight line to

Accounting Principals and Tulsa




Have you ever been to the city of Tulsa? Tulsa is a city that embraces challenges and it also values collaborative solutions. The top officials of the city are trying very hard to promote public safety, green initiatives, innovative educational opportunities, and diversity. If you want to free your entrepreneurial spirit, Tulsa is the best place for you.





You can also find Accounting Principals in the city of Tulsa. The company is considered a leader in terms of offering the best workforce solutions specifically in the financial and accounting services industries.





How can Accounting Principals do this? Well, the company makes use of a blend of temp-to-hire, temporary staffing, payroll services, contract services, direct placement, and a lot more. Accounting Principals can provide their clients with an accounting professional or even a team of CPAs when needed. The company is made up of nationwide representatives who have experienced accounting in the real world, and not just by the books.





With only one call, clients can talk with MBAs or CPAs. You see, Accounting Principals is not just a recruiter or a human resource professional, they’re more than that. Their representatives have more or less 5 years experience in recruitment and in the fields of finance and accounting.





The company covers the following job opportunities: accounting, administrative, bank operations, business operation manager, CFO, collector, controller, management consulting, merger/acquisitions, and mortgage banking.





The company offers 100% guaranteed career services because of their wide experience in accounting and finance. In a way, the company is exclusively qualified to understand what the clients want in their career. Their representatives can help clients in meeting their goals through personal interviews. They will also evaluate their clients’ unique skills and at the same time, offer them with matching opportunities from leading companies.





The clients can expect the representatives of Accounting Principals to listen to them and respect their needs. Representatives treat clients equally and honestly. They also maintain absolute confidentiality and keep their clients’ best interests.





Client services offered by Accounting Principals include a variety of workforce solutions in finance and accounting through the company’s branch network nationwide. Accounting Principals started out just like other companies so they know what these companies are going through. At present, Accounting Principals have a great number of client-companies all over the world.





The location of Accounting Principals is just perfect since Tulsa is city where the entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured. It’s no wonder that the company is enjoying success. Through hard work and dedicated representatives (CPAs and MBAs), Accounting Principals still has a long way to go. The company can expect better years to come.





Contact the company now. You can easily check out their online website. There you can find all the information you may need. The website is user-friendly and so you can easily maneuver in and out of the site. You can get all the important information like telephone numbers, email address, and a lot more. If you live in Tulsa, you can always visit the company’s office. It has branches all over the nation but if you can’t find one locally, you can just call them.





Don’t worry because your call will be confidential and the company will not just give out your information to others. Accounting Principals is a reputable name that you can trust. The company already have a lot of clients and so you can also trust them.

Addressing a Bullying Victim - Tips for Teachers




Bullying is all too common in schools today. It is also a problem that should not be taken lightly; bullying can have serious consequences. Children bully for many reasons and sometimes it resolves itself and other times permanent damage can be done to bullying victims. Because of the possibility of physical and emotional injury, all cases of bullying must be taken seriously.





Teachers are often the first adults to realize that bullying is occurring because they can observe children interacting. Helping a bullying victim can be a sensitive matter, but both bullies and bullying victims must be dealt with to ensure that the bullying stops. If you are a teacher or caregiver, there are some tips you can use to help a bullying victim.





You should let the bullying victim know that you care about them and are concerned about what is happening. At the same time, being overly sympathetic especially in front of others can be counter productive. Do not try to discuss the problem with a bullying victim until you are alone or not in the presence of any other children. Ask that the bullying victim tell you exactly what is happening and reassure them that their feelings are normal and that it is not their fault. Let the bullying victim know that talking about their problem to your and their parents will only help the situation and is the right thing to do. Give the bullying victim tools and information to cope with and prevent further bullying issues.





Talking to the parents of the bullying victim is also important. Parents and teachers working together is the best way to stop bullying and help a bullying victim. You should also speak with the parents of the bully so that they can address the problem at the cause. Explain what is happening in a non-confrontational manner and dispel any misunderstandings about bullying that parents may have. Many parents think that bullying is normal and is no big deal, but once they know how serious it can be they will be more concerned.





You should give parents tools and information to help them address bullying issues with their child. Teachers play an important role in preventing and solving bullying problems. Both the bullying victim and the bully should be counseled on ways to deal with their problems to prevent bullying in the future.





Bullying is a very common problem that children face, and eventually you will have to deal with it head on. Remember that it is a touchy subject with most children and they may be reluctant to talk about it. Because bullying can turn into a serious problem, it should not be ignored. Do your best to reassure the bullying victim and make the bully aware that their actions are not acceptable and can have serious consequences. Parental involvement is also important and can go a long way to solve the problem. Addressing both the bullying victim and the bully in a timely fashion is the best way to curtail bullying in your school.

Maid Service




Vital Information



_______________________________________________________________________________





Start-up Investment





Low - $150 (liability insurance, ads or flyers)





High _ $1000 (putting together a employee team)



_______________________________________________________________________________





Break - even time - One week to three months



_______________________________________________________________________________





Estimate of Annual Revenue and Profit





Revenue $15,000 - $500,00 (solo at low end, with twenty full-time employees at high end)





Profit (Pre-tax) - $13,000 - $200,000



_______________________________________________________________________________







Not Just for the Rich Anymore





The number of women working outside the home has now exceeded the 45 million mark and continue to grow. Is it any wonder that more and more women are finding it impossible to keep up with the responsibilities of a career and home? An off shoot of this phenomenon is an upsurge in the demand for good maid services.





Starting a business in this industry requires very low initial expenses and, other that good organizational ability and not hating housework, not a great deal of experience. It is also an industry where you can work alone actually doing hands-on work or you can spend time managing a group of employees and rounding up jobs. There are really only three areas of overhead expenses you'll need to worry about: advertising, supplies and insurance.







Cleaning Up





Of course the service you'll be providing is house cleaning, and you probably know hoe to clean a house. But that doesn't mean you know how to run a house cleaning business. Even if you are running a solo enterprise, it will be necessary for you to advertise your service and set up your schedule to ensure that each client receives the services he or she is paying for. You will need to have liability insurance in case of breakage and have a good idea of who will furnish the equipment and supplies (you or your client).





If you are intending to hire employees to do the cleaning, it is even more imperative to hone your organizational skills and keep on top of scheduling, marketing, purchasing of supplies, and all the work that goes along with hiring employees, i.e., advertising, interviewing, and checking references.





You will want to formulate a plan for the way you want your employees to do the work at hand. You may want to design a training course or write a manual detailing the methods you would prefer your employees to use. Go over this information with your employees before you send them out on a job and it is probably a good idea to go with your new employees on their first assignment in order to teach them your methods by example, and to see if their techniques and standards meet with your own.





Some Maid Services provide a checklist for the employee to take with them on each job so that you have a record of the time spent on the job and any extras such as laundry, oven cleaning and/or window washing for which you need to add additional charges.





Many services use a team system, sending a group of maids (2 to 4) to visit the same houses each week. This allows them to become familiar wit the customer's needs to rotate chores to reduce the monotony.





Some services don't like the team system cause clients may prefer to have their own personal housekeeper who will be in the house for a set period of time each week. Also, a team will probably not develop a loyal following that an individual maid might if he/she gives exemplary service.





You may wish to furnish all your own supplies and equipment thereby ensuring that you will have quality tools of the trade to use and/or supply to your employees. Or you may wish to have the supplies and equipment with you, or having an employee riding the bus carrying a mop.





Making a Name





There are a number of advertising methods available which won't cost you an arm and leg. You can hand out or mail flyers via bulk mail. Most supermarkets have bulletin boards where you can put you name and number. In most areas, there are a number of neighborhood or pennysaver newspapers who charge very reasonable rates for advertising. And if your employees are driving to and from assignments, you can have magnetic signs made to attach to the car doors for mobile advertising.





Spend some time thinking about the most lucrative geographic area at which to target your advertising. Maids are no longer an exclusive luxury for the very rich, but low income households can't afford their services either. Target professional neighborhoods where the average income in $40,000 or more and both spouse are working. Families with children probably have the greatest need for your services.





The majority of your business will probably come from residential homes, but don't limit yourself. Be creative! Perhaps you could offer gift certificates for your clients to give to friends for pre-holiday clean-up or new mothers. You may not be looking for one-time cleaning jobs, but if a person wants you to clean their home for the holidays, and you do a bang-up job, you could turn them from one-timers into steady clients, or get good-as-gold referrals from them to their friends.





There are plenty of real estate agents out there who might have apartment houses that need cleaning or could recommend you to their buyers to clean houses for sale. Newly built homes also need cleaning before or after a sale, so try contacting building/construction entrepreneurs who could use your services.





Targeting offices may not be the best use of your advertising dollars. They frequently require a complicated bidding process and more heavy janitorial work than you are prepared to do. They can be lucrative but perhaps not fit within your parameters.





How and What to Charge





When you have been contacted by a potential client, it is a good idea to make a home visit (probably in the evening or on weekends to accommodate working people) in order to make a fair and equitable estimate of the charge for services. You can make an estimate over the phone, but if you haven't seen a client's home you won't know about extras and the scope of the work necessary to do the job.





There are a number off actors to keep in mind when pricing a job. Of course the basic rate will be determined by the hourly fee you will be paying your employees and how long it will take to clean the house. But households with children, large collections of knick-knacks, or pets will require more time. If the family is always at home, it will take more time if you are dealing with a single person who is regularly out of town on business. You may need to charge a higher first-time-clean rate to put a house in order to be kept clean on a weekly basis or higher rate to those who wish only monthly or bi-weekly services. A house that has been thoroughly scrubbed the previous week will certainly not take as much time as one that is cleaned on a monthly basis.





Most of the large maid service firms bond their employees to cover theft in additional to liability insurance but smaller firms can probably get along with blanket liability insurance. Thorough pre-screening of employees can eliminate the chances for theft so be careful. You are putting good name on the line every time you send a client into someone's home and one bad apple could spoil your business.





It's Hard to Get Good Help These Days





Finding and keeping good employees may well be the hardest and most frustrating aspect of this business. Employee turnover is extremely high in this industry and you will have to constantly be refilling your ranks. You will probably have to expend as much effort advertising for employees as you do for new clients. You may want to offer your employees some monetary incentive to recommend their friends or relatives who might want jobs. State employment agencies may also be a good source for employees.





Be prepared! Getting an employee in this industry to stay committed is even tougher than finding employees. More often than you'll like, employees will simply not show up for the job. You may need to go in yourself and do the work, or have someback-up folks willing to take last minute assignments. Turn-over is a hard could fact in the Maid Services Industry, but there are ways to curtail the turn-over as much as possible.





First of all, let them know they are important and doing a good job. You may want to issue uniforms to the employees in order to give them a sense of belonging and being part of a "team".





Next, you Don't make money if you Can't get anyone to work for you, so pay your employees well. They know they do the lion's share of the work, and they deserve to get their fair share. Set up your unskilled labor jobs are offering. Remember the longer an employee stays with you, the more efficient they will become.





Be flexible. Your employees will often have families and want to work part-time. If you need help at inconvenient times, pay bonuses. Make it attractive for them to work for you and to stay with you.





An alternative to the type of Maid Service we've described above is to become more of a placement agency than a service agency. You may wish to continue recruiting employees but match them directly with the homeowner. The maid will actually be an employee of the homeowner instead of your employee and you can charge a fee for the placement service.. You could continue recruit and train the maids but wouldn't have to worry about the high turnover rate, supplies and equipment, or insurance.





No matter which direction you choose to go in, you've picked and industry with infinite possibilities. Houses never stay clean and fewer and fewer professionals have the time to do their own homemaking. If you can keep good people and provide a dependable and satisfactory service, the possibilities are endless.





Resources





Cleaning Management Institute, 1550-D Rockfield Blvd.,Irvine, CA 92718 (714) 770-5008.





National Maintenance Management Association, P.O. Box 3916, Texas City, TX 77592 (703) 871-8236





For additional information helpful in setting up your new business, information about licenses, permits, the legal structure of your new business, taxes, insurance and much more refer to the Business Start-Up Fact Finder Manual

A Look At Cat Breeds




Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.





These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.





There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.





The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.





Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.





The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.





Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

43 What's the difference between private and public company reporting




A public corporation is a business whose securities are traded on the public stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. A private company is held solely by its owners and is not traded publicly. When the shareholders of a private business receive the periodical financial reports, they are entitled to assume that the company's financial statements and footnotes are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Otherwise the president of chief officer of the business should clearly warn the shareholders that GAAP have not been followed in one or more respects. The content of a private business's annual financial report is often minimal. It includes the three primary financial statements - the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows. There's generally no letter from the chief executive, no photographs, no charts.





In contrast, the annual report of a publicly traded company has more bells and whistles to it. There are also more requirements for reporting. These include the management discussion and analysis (MD&A) section that presents the top managers' interpretation and analysis of the business's profit performance and other important financial developments over the year.





Another section required for public companies is the earnings per share (EPS). This is the only ratio that a public business is required to report, although most public companies report a few others as well. A three-year comparative income statement is also required.





Many publicly owned businesses make their required filings with the SEC, but they present very different annual financial reports to their stockholders. A large number of public companies include only condensed financial information rather than comprehensive financial statements. They will generally refer the reader to a more detailed SEC financial report for more specifics.

A BACKYARD FISH POND




Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,



frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These



ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4



feet in diameter. These may be built in patio



containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your



backyard may be done by adding water gardens and



ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and



interest but also a natural and relaxing environment



as well.





A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal



point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up



with this tips and techniques.





Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond





Place your fish pond in a place where you can best



view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make



it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not



place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle



it in a shaded place but not under the trees.





Landscaping





It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding



the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.



Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that



it draws the water away from your house.





Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will



provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs



that need water and land. Make sure that electricity



is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a



water re-circulating device.





Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen



leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide



less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to



sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow



well in full sun and others do not.





Using Pond Liners





Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into



the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even



if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners



come in different shapes and sizes. They even include



built in waterfalls or any design based on your



preferences. They are durable and convenient.





Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in



building larger ponds. In determining the size of the



PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and



depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum



depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the



length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down



the pond edges.





Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The



thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to



punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool



liner. However, it requires more expertise to install



and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond



liner.





However, considering that many ponds are quite small,



other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many



may break down easily once prolonged exposure to



ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may



prove to be toxic to fish.





Pond Installation





Time your pond building when the ground is not overly



wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right



depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then



landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from



the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.



Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants



and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week



before placing the fish.





Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

42 What is price/earnings ratio




The price/earning (P/E) ratio is another measurement that's of particular interest to investors in public businesses. The P/E ratio gives you an idea of how much you're paying in the current price for stock shares for each dollar of earning. Earnings prop up the market value of stock shares, not the book value of the stock shares that's reported in the balance sheet.





The P/E ratio is a reality check on just how high the current market price is in relation to the underlying profit that the business is earning. Extraordinarily high P/E ratios are justified only when investors think that the company's earnings per share (EPS) has a lot of upside potential in the future.





The P/E ratio is calculated dividing the current market price of the stock by the most recent trailing 12 months diluted EPS. Stock share prices bounce around day to day and are subject to big changes on short notice. The current P/E ratio should be compared with the average stock market P/E to gauge whether the business selling above or below the market average.





P/E ratios are currently running high, despite a four-year slump in the stock market. P/E ratios vary from industry to industry and from year to year. One dollar of EPS may command only a $10 market value for a mature business in a no-growth industry, while a dollar of EPS in a dynamic business in a growth industry may have a $30 market value per dollar of earnings, or net income.





To sum up, the price/earnings ratio, or P/E ratio is the current market price of a capital stock divided by its trailing 12 months' diluted earnings per share (EPS) or its basic earnings per share if the business does not report diluted EPS. A low P/E may signal an underbalued stock or a pessimistic forecast by investors. A high P/E may reveal an overvalued stock or might be based on an optimistic forecast by investors.

Kicking Some Boardbutt on Video




411 is a DVD video magazine publication dedicated to boarding - whether it be skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing. With three distinct magazines dedicated to each area, it's biggest fan following comes from subscribers to it's skateboarding section.





411's monthly features pack the most exciting articles, like interviews with both pro and up-and-coming skateboarders and video coverage of most major skateboarding events. The directorial style of each video article makes good use of camera angles to give skateboarders the best experience possible watching them.





For most major competitions, they also make a point of higlighting the turning points within each event that led to the winner's victory - as well as showing those occasional splashes made by fan favorites to show how flukes and errors cost them the matches.





One of the more attractive monthly features done by 411 involves chaos exhibition skateboarding, where several famous pro skateboarders are invited to just rip and show their best stunts off. These are pure adrenaline-fests with loads of eye candy that generally leave the audience wondering how the skaters pulled those stunts off, as well as giving inspiration to aspiring skateboarders.





Their interviews with pro skateboarders tends as much to the informative as to the personal. They focus not only on the backgrounds and lifestyles of the people they interview, but also ask for tips and demonstrations from these professionals to help their viewers improve their own skating styles. Not always, though. Sometimes these interviews are purely demonstrative, where the pro is asked to do just one thing - strut his stuff and show off how he kicks butt on a board. Like the chaos exhibition matches, these video clips are focused purely on viewer entertainment.





Perhaps one of the most in-demand interview articles from 411 involve a feature on 14 year old Bam Margera, a young icon in skateboarding. This video is a good example of the quality of 411's articles, showing Bam at home, on tour, being drowned in a bathtub, and strutting his stuff on a skateboard at his favorite practice arenas. Some of his skating teammates also make cameo appearances in segments of the article.





Occasionally, 411 also features documentary-style video articles whenever there are new advances in skateboarding technology that they feel will make a huge impact on the skateboarding world. For these feature articles, they go straight to the developers of the new technology to make sure that their viewers get the most accurate information.





Aside from the quality of the information they provide, however, the other half of the formula for 411's key to success is the wackiness of their video articles. They're definitely entertaining to watch - a bit abnormal sometimes, but hey, normal's boring right? The video clips are all done with a sense of humor bordering on the warped that keeps viewers laughing half the time, when they aren't busy oooh-ing and aaah-ing over the stunts of their favorite skateboarders.





Currently, 411's fans have even taken to posting some of their favorite video articles on free video streaming sites like ifilm and youtube. These videos, submitted and sponsored by fans of 411, show just how much people have been enjoying their offerings. The overall mix of exciting video presentation, combined with an emphasis on facts and information tempered with a wacky sense of humor, all conspire to make 411 one of the best choices to get in skateboarding video magazines.

Blood Pressure Control = Health Control




Do you realize by taking control of your blood pressure you can also take control of your health? Who doesn't want to have a healthy and long life? Taking care of your body can help ensure you get to endure that long healthy lifestyle you want.





You should be receiving regular blood pressure checks at your regular doctor visits. If you want to check it more often than you go to the doctor, you can purchase a home device that lets you monitor your blood pressure. There are different kinds to choose from.





Two of those are the aneroid and digital monitor. There are ups and downs to both monitors so you want to choose which one is best for you. The aneroid monitor uses a pointer to let you read your blood pressure. The digital monitor displays your reading on a screen which makes it easier to read.





The aneroid monitor is cheaper than the digital but requires more work from you. Check them out and even discuss with your doctor which one might be better for you. Once you purchase it, have your doctor show you how to effectively use it.





Among taking your own blood pressure readings, you can double check your lifestyle habits. Are you on a healthy diet? Eating healthy will help keep your blood pressure low and normal. Cut back on salt and sodium if you can't get rid of it altogether. Opt for seasonings instead.





Introduce more vegetables and fresh fruits into your diet. Once you become used to eating certain foods, it will be easier to do it every day. Before you know it you will be in the habit of eating healthy foods and won't think twice before doing so.





If you use tobacco or drink excessive amounts of alcohol try to cut back or refrain completely. These will raise your blood pressure putting you at more risk for a stroke or heart disease.





If you cannot quit these on your own there are plenty of resources and medications to help you. Talk with your doctor about the best way to go about quitting.





Would you consider yourself at a healthy weight or overweight? Overweight people are more prone to developing high blood pressure and if this is your case, try to lose at least ten pounds. You should see results in your blood pressure as well as the way you feel.





If you are not already regularly physically active, try to do at least thirty minutes of physical activity or exercise every day. This will help lower your blood pressure as well as make you feel a whole lot better.





If you find yourself lacking motivation to do some of these things, talk with a friend or relative that could buddy up with you. Having someone to exercise with or take on a challenge such as quitting smoking or drinking can help drastically.





Having high blood pressure puts your health at risk and that alone should be motivation but to some it isn't. Do not be discouraged, there are many ways to help lower your blood pressure.





If these lifestyle changes do not help, consider medication. There are many different kinds of blood pressure medications and sometimes they need to be combined with a healthy lifestyle to work more effectively.





If you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure talk with your doctor. Let them know what you want and they can help find the way that is best for you to control or maintain your blood pressure letting you control your health as well.

Bird Watching in Rome, Georgia




Another place where you can do some bird watching is in Rome, Georgia. With a total land area of 59,000 square miles, you will get to encounter one of perhaps 300 plus bird species that have made this place their home.





Just to give you an idea of this state, Georgia is divided into 6 natural regions namely the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge province, the Ridge and Valley province, and the Appalachian Plateaus. Given that each is different from the other, it is no wonder that it can house a varied number of species.





Of the more than 300 species, 160 of them are permanent residents of this vast land. The others migrate here and these can often be seen during the winter.





Along the coast, you will to see the Anhinga, Black Crowned Night Herons, Clapper Rails, Egrets, Least Bitterns and Wood Storks. Along the shore, you will see Dunlins, Common Snipes, Spotted Sandpipers, Sanderlings and Semipalmated Sandpipers.





In other parts of Georgia, you will encounter Black Vultures, Catbirds, Mourning Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, Northern Bobwhites and Turkey Vultures.





The state bird of Georgia is the Brown Thrasher. You won’t miss it because this usually sings while you might see Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in the garden as they enjoy being around flowers and feeders.





Other birds that you can see here are the Acadian Flycatchers, Barred Owls, Belted Kingfishers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, Horned Larks and Sedge Wrens. Don’t forget that there are numerous species of vireos, sparrows and warblers that have been reported as well as American Robins, Blue Jays, Eastern Meadowlarks, Fish Crows and Northern Cardinals.





Founded as a non-profit nature preserve and education center in 1986, Birdsong is dedicated to preserving and maintaining its lands in a manner that is most beneficial to wildlife, and to fostering in the public a greater understanding and appreciation of nature.





Not far from Rome, Georgia is the 565 acre center called the Birdsong Nature Center that is also host to a lot of bird species. This is mid way between Thomasville, GA and Tallahassee, Fl so don’t confine yourself to just one area and go out and explore the nearby areas.





If you go to greater Atlanta, you can visit the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee River. There are over 60 species of birds here especially during the spring and fall migration.





Those who want to go hiking can travel to the Kennesaw Mountains. There are over 20 species of birds up there mostly warblers. While you are there, you can go the visitor’s center and get a bird checklist as well as ask if there have been any rare bird sightings.





Along Georgia’s southern coastal region is the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. There are over 300 species of birds that have been seen here so it is really a treat to see so many all in one place.





You can also call Georgia’s Ornithological Society to be informed of rare birds. This is updated on a weekly basis given that Georgia is host to many migratory species.





Hobbyists will surely have a lot of fun doing some bird watching in Rome, Georgia. Try to spend two days or more here so you don’t have to rush seeing the various sites.