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Understanding Fats…

While cooking oils are pure fat, they are not created equal. All cooking oils are a combination of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. It is the concentration of hydrogen that determines how they are categorized. Without getting too technical, the following information will hopefully provide a basic understanding of fats.

Saturated Fats:

Saturated fats are found in animal products and are converted into cholesterol by the liver. Butter, margarine, meats and dairy products are especially high in saturated fat. Saturated fat will elevate blood cholesterol levels and is associated with increased rates of heart disease and stroke. It is solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats:

There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats do not raise blood cholesterol levels. Canola and olive oils contain the highest proportion of monounsaturated fat when compared with other cooking oils. Safflower and corn oil are the highest in polyunsaturated fats.

Trans Fats:

Trans fats are man-made or processed fats, which are made from a liquid oil. When hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oil and pressure is added, the result is a stiffer fat, like the fat found in a can of Crisco. Trans fats are also called hydrogenated fats and are found in margarine and trans fat partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Trans fats pose a greater risk of heart disease than saturated fats (which were once believed to be the worst kind of fats). While it is true that saturated fats (found in butter, cheese, beef, coconut and palm oil) raise total cholesterol levels, trans fats not only raise total cholesterol levels, they also deplete good cholesterol (HDL), which helps protect against heart disease.

Partially Hydrogenated Fats:

If you have health concerns, read food labels to see if they list “partially hydrogenated oil” as an ingredient. Partially hydrogenated oils are present in all commercially made donuts, crackers, cookies, pastries, deep-fat fried foods (including those from all major fast-food chains), potato and corn chips, imitation cheeses, and confectionery fats found in frosting and candies. All of these products contain unsaturated fats which can be damaged at high temperatures and converted to a trans fat.

Understanding the Difference between Refined and Unrefined Cooking Oils…

Refined Oils:

Refined oils are extracted by solvent extraction for further refining in order to produce clear oil that is free from rancidity and foreign matter. These oils are used as medium cooking oils (225°F to 350°F), high cooking oils (350°F to 450°F) and deep frying oils (greater than 450°F). Refined oils are bland and pale. They have negligible flavor and aroma which makes them ideal for preparing delicately flavored dishes. Use for baking, sauteing, stir-fry and wok cooking, baking, searing, browning, deep-frying and pan-frying.

Unrefined Oils:

Unrefined oils are processed by cold-pressed and expeller-pressed methods. They carry the true flavor of the plant from which the oil is made. The strong flavor of unrefined oils may overwhelm the dish or baked good that is prepared with them; however, strong flavor is not always undesirable and some unrefined oils are used as flavoring agents. (Generally, when there is a strong natural flavor and aroma, there is a higher amount of nutritional value.) These oils are typically called salad oils and are used for salad dressings, marinades, sauces and as light cooking oils for light sautes and low heat baking. As a general rule, they should not be cooked at high temperatures. (The one exception is unrefined safflower oil which is capable of reaching a temperature necessary for deep-frying.) Unrefined oils should not be used at temperatures above 320°F.

Various Cooking Oils and Recommended Use…

Some oils have low smoke points, which means that they will burn at low temperatures. These oils, typically called salad oils, are best used for salad dressings, marinades, sauces and as light cooking oils for light sautes and low heat baking. Other cooking oils have a high smoke point, which means that they can reach higher temperatures without smoking. These particular oils are ideal for deep-frying, pan-frying and sauteing. The information below will discuss various types of cooking oils and their recommended use.

Janice Faulk Duplantis, author and publisher, currently maintains a web site that focuses on both Easy Gourmet and French/Cajun Cuisine. Visit http://www.bedrockpress.com to see all that Bedrock Press has to offer. Janice also publishes 4 free monthly ezines: Gourmet Bytes, Lagniappe Recipe, Your Favorite Recipes and Cooking 101. Visit http://www.bedrockpress.com/subscribe.html to subscribe.

Perhaps dining out is something you and your family really enjoy doing. After all, it’s a great way to spend quality time together and engage in conversation, and you don’t have to be the one to cook the meal or clean up the mess. But can you really enjoy dining out together and still maintain a healthy lifestyle? The answer may surprise you.

When done in moderation, dining out can still fit in with a healthy family lifestyle. So long as you make wise food choices and keep nutritional value in mind, you can enjoy your dining experiences without the guilt. The following are five steps to guilt-free dining:

Step 1.) Skip the appetizers.

Most restaurant appetizers are high in fat and calories. Rich chip dips, mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and Buffalo wings are tempting, but they should be avoided if you wish to feel good about your food selections afterwards. Keep in mind that at many restaurants, the main course will automatically come with bread, salad, soup, or in the case of a Mexican restaurant, chips and salsa. If you simply must order an appetizer, limit it to one to share with everyone at the table.

Step 2.) Choose your entree carefully.

When it comes to your main dish, pay attention to the listed ingredients. Avoid items with cream sauces or high-fat meats. Pass on fried side items like French fries and onion rings as frying adds additional fat. Consider steamed vegetables or rice as a side dish, or ask for the side items to be left off completely.

Step 3.) Control your portions.

I cannot stress this enough. Whether dining out or eating at home, portion control is perhaps the most important factor to consider when trying to maintain healthy eating habits. When you can, order from the lunch menu since the portions are generally smaller. Also consider asking for a to-go box when placing your order so you can split your meal immediately and avoid the temptation of over indulging. This also gives you a second meal later. Another option would be to split an entrée with your spouse or child.

Step 4.) Avoid alcoholic beverages.

A mixed beverage or beer with your meal may be tempting, but try to limit alcoholic beverages to special occasions. Alcohol is very high in empty calories.

Step 5.) Say no to desserts.

Desserts may be hard to resist, but you’ll thank yourself for doing so. Not only are they very high in calories; they’re generally just as high in fat. If you’re really craving a dessert, make it a point to split one dessert with someone else. That way you’ll only take in half the fat and calories. Of course, on special occasions, it’s alright to cheat a little. Just don’t make it a habit.

Susan is a contributing editor for an online Baton Rouge, Louisiana guide providing information on Baton Rouge restaurants.

There are many different types of dining experiences that one can experience in an area. These range from casual dining, formal dining, and cultural dining. Dining plays an important role in any society that there are hundreds if not thousands of dining options available for a person to experience. While out on a vacation there are many opportunities that are available to allow a person to experience the area they are visiting.

Casual dining is what the majority of the people experience. There are chain restaurants, mom and pop locations, and restaurants that are locally owned and operated. These are a great way to get to know a specific location especially if one is traveling or visiting for a short period. Menus at these locations can vary depending on the type of restaurant but every region has a twist or local favorite and is usually displayed in the menu options. Casual dining is the cheapest dining option of these dining options.

Formal dining is an experience that doesn’t come along every day. These usually require a suit and tie, and can be fairly elaborate with the style of food that is being presented. If one is dining at a formal dining restaurant the menu does not always reflect the area that one is visiting. Instead it will reflect that type of restaurant and the style of food that the chef specializes in. Many times people travel far and wide to experience a chef’s cooking technique and get a taste of the food. As this is a rare opportunity and highly anticipated by many travelers the price range of these meals are fairly expensive. However a formal dining experience is a great way to top off a special evening as it is a unique experience and something that one will remember for a while.

Cultural dining can be experienced in both formal and casual dining setting. It is a great opportunity to experience another culture. While many times a person can gravitate towards eating at a familiar setting it is an experience to actually experience the food from a different culture. Many times there are different spices, meats, and vegetables used. There are also many different cooking techniques that are applied that one might not have come across before. It is a way to step out of the box and give something new a try.

There are many different types of experiences one can experience while dining out on a vacation or different area. Dining out allows a person to experience a culture or region the way it was meant to be experienced.

For guide to dining out, visit JP Pepperdine now.

Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.

In spite of the world wide recession the retail sector of automotive is thriving day by day. One can make a lucrative business in this sector, provided he needs to have the technical knowledge, the know how of what to do and hands on practical experience of working with vehicles. There are many schools all around the world which offers different automotive courses readily. The available colleges and schools offer all the courses that one needs to learn in order to handle the various demands of the retail market. Now, many courses that are not available on campus are available online and through this one can get knowledge without going to school or college. These automotive courses become a part of the distance study programs offered by the universities.

Automotive courses offered by many schools are designed to match different segment of people. Some schools offer courses which are as short as one week. These short courses are mainly structured for people who are already in automotive business and they feel that it is necessary to enhance their existing skills and knowledge by learning about the new technology and practices. Short automotive courses are perfect for people who are hard pressed for time and can only spend few hours in a day at school to learn new innovative methods. These courses are created for convenience to suit each individual’s requirement.

Most courses are full time, which include class room study, hands on experience in work shops and practical experience in managing and operating an automotive facility. The course aims in equipping their students with technical knowledge, practical skill and managerial quality to help them to start their own automotive unit or get an employment in top auto firm in the country. When the students graduate they would have had hands on experience of working on different parts of the vehicles.

Several colleges around the world offer automotive courses like automotive technology, automotive service technicians, automotive management, automotive mechanical technology, automotive vehicle body and many more.

A course based on car maintenance will educate the students to learn the basic working of a car and what is required to maintain the car in good condition. One is educated about the various parts of the car, their functioning and what to look for when there is a trouble.

Another popular automotive course which has become rapidly popular with car fanatics is the “collision refinishing” which educates on restoring a car. It guides on the metal working, painting and detailing. This course is usually divided into two segments which involve repairing and refinishing. This guides on the finer aspects of finishing the car to look cool. Other related automotive courses are trim and upholstery, applied service management, motor sports chassis fabrication, street rod and custom fabrication.

Automotive study is versatile segment where there is no end to ones learning. With each year there is an improvement in technology and man pushes the machines to a higher level. Hence these automotive courses are ever evolving with new addition to the curriculum. Automotive course are beneficial and can set the path to a lucrative career where one can take technology to new levels.

IQMS – Founded in 1990, we offer professional consultancy services, management systems training and auditor training courses throughout the UK. Visit http://www.IQMS.co.uk/ now!

Barbie doll clothes are an important part of the fun of playing with

the Barbie doll. When Barbie first came out, the clothes were

fashion model outfits. Since then, however, outfits can be worn for

almost any occasion or situation. The only limit is the imagination.

Children love to play with the exquisite little Barbie clothes and the

fun accessories that came with each outfit.

Close attention was paid to the design and creation of these tiny

clothes. Barbie Doll clothes have hems, zippers, minute buttons

and even linings. &nbspThe quality finish of these dolls clothes was

achieved by hand finishing.

The fasteners used on the Barbie doll clothes were minuscule.

Mattel had these custom made in Japan. A company called YKK was

founded and managed by Yoshida Kogig. This was dedicated to

manufacturing fasteners and other miniature accessories which

accompanied each set of Barbie clothing. For example, the “Nighty-

Negligee Set” #965 1959-1964 contained a baby-doll set of a night

gown with a matching robe in the traditional pink. The accessories

included pom-pom slippers, a toy stuffed dog, an alarm clock, diary,

and an apple for a midnight snack.

There are certainly plenty of Barbie clothes to choose from to dress

your Barbie doll.

Where can you find Barbie doll clothes?

Obviously you will easily be able to find Barbie doll clothes at retail

stores. These stores will certainly have the latest clothes available.

However this isn’t the only place to find &nbspdoll outfits for

Barbie.

A great source to pick up bargains of doll clothes for Barbie is on

eBay. Usually the approximate age of the clothes is indicated. You

can find vintage or modern Barbie clothes, and they are auctioned

in different quantities as well.

Another place to look for Barbie doll clothes is in local garage and

yard sales and also thrift stores. You can often find some great

bargains, as people’s children have out grown them, and will sell

them very reasonably priced.

Barbie doll clothes are an important part of the fun of playing with the Barbie doll. When Barbie first came out, the clothes were fashion model outfits. Since then, however, outfits can be worn for almost any occasion or situation. The only limit is the imagination.

Children love to play with the exquisite little Barbie clothes and the fun accessories that came with each outfit.

Close attention was paid to the design and creation of these tiny clothes. Barbie Doll clothes have hems, zippers, minute buttons and even linings. &nbspThe quality finish of these dolls clothes was achieved by hand finishing.

The fasteners used on the Barbie doll clothes were minuscule. Mattel had these custom made in Japan. A company called YKK was founded and managed by Yoshida Kogig. This was dedicated to manufacturing fasteners and other miniature accessories which accompanied each set of Barbie clothing. For example, the “Nighty-Negligee Set” #965 1959-1964 contained a baby-doll set of a night gown with a matching robe in the traditional pink. The accessories included pom-pom slippers, a toy stuffed dog, an alarm clock, diary, and an apple for a midnight snack.

There are certainly plenty of Barbie clothes to choose from to dress your Barbie doll.

Where can you find Barbie doll clothes?

Obviously you will easily be able to find Barbie doll clothes at retail stores. These stores will certainly have the latest clothes available. However this isn’t the only place to find &nbspdoll outfits for Barbie.

A great source to pick up bargains of doll clothes for Barbie is on eBay. Usually the approximate age of the clothes is indicated. You can find vintage or modern Barbie clothes, and they are auctioned in different quantities as well.

Another place to look for Barbie doll clothes is in local garage and yard sales and also thrift stores. You can often find some great bargains, as people’s children have out grown them, and will sell them very reasonably priced.

Barbara enjoys writing about Barbie dolls and Barbie doll clothes [http://www.barbiworld.com/barbie_doll_clothes/barbie-doll-clothes.html] at Barbiworld.com Check out her Everything Barbie Blog [http://www.barbiworld.com/blog]

In order to make an informed choice between ethical and fair trade clothing, you must have a clear understanding of what the difference is between the two. The clothing industry is one that can be very volatile when it comes to fads, trends and clothing styles that can come and go with the blink of an eye. There are many extremes that come into the clothing industry and nearly just as quickly, their appeal is gone.

Some clothing styles go on to become legendary or what are known as classics that never lose their appeal even as the generations come and go. Over recent years, there has been a change in the clothing industry. So what exactly is ethical clothing and how does it differ from fair clothing? Let’s examine both types.

Ethical clothing addresses a broad range of concerns that have been around about as long as the clothing industry itself. Some of the major concerns with clothing that is not ethical is that the clothing is produced by workers in factories or sweat shops where wages are an amount so low that workers cannot make a reasonable living to support themselves. The unfortunate reality is that there are many designs on the racks in your local stores that have been made by these workers. Ethical clothing demands that workers be paid what their labor is worth. Ethical clothing also mandates that the workers be give benefits such as maternity leave and insurance options.

The momentum for ethical clothing has not picked up because many clothing manufacturers experience significant cost savings by outsourcing work to these countries where the condition of life is so poor that people are willing to work for minimum amounts of money in substandard work conditions to survive. Clothing in the United States aimed at creating a better environment and better working conditions for people. The Fair Trade Federation provides a means for clothing lines to join but the membership criteria is strict. Fortunately, fair trade is also branching out into jewelry, personal care, candles, bedding, toys, games and paper goods. The difference between ethical and fair trade clothing is that clothing made by the latter takes the earth into consideration and provides clothing that is made from natural products.

When it comes to fair trade clothing, however, none of the major retailer chains carry fair trade clothing. This should not be a deterrent if you wish to purchase it, just look online and you will find many sources from which you can order such clothing.

Choosing between ethical clothing and fair trade clothing does not have to be a real dilemma. Ethical clothing is manufactured with respect to ensuring that laborers are not overworked and underpaid. Fair trade clothing uses organic materials that are green friendly and don’t harm the earth’s ozone when discarded or made from recycled materials.

Although the types are similar, there are some differences described here that should help you make a choice about whether you want to wear ethical clothing or fair trade clothing.

This article was written by Lee Lazarus. He writes on behalf of Wombat Clothing, an organic clothing [http://www.wombatclothing.com] company. Wombat Clothing are a leading adventure clothing designer.

Bear markets have a nasty habit of showing up every four years or so.

Like unwanted relatives, they show up whether we want them to or not.

They also have the nasty habit of taking away the punch bowl. And just when everybody is ready for a nice sip of that wonderful nectar. It doesn’t seem fair and many folks wonder why.

But listen up…fairness has nothing to do with the market.

Bear markets have a very definite purpose. They clear up the excesses that have developed since the last bear market. It’s kind of like when we indulge ourselves over a period of months and, lo and behold, we wake up one morning 20 pounds overweight.

We have to go on a diet or buy a bunch of new clothes. Bear markets are the market’s way of putting us on a diet.

Most folks don’t like them but they are a fact of life.

So where do we stand now?

The market has been a little wobbly recently and you hear some people starting to use the b word…as in bear. It makes you wonder what the market is telling us. Is the current weakness a normal correction or is the market telling us something else?

Let’s look at the evidence and see what we can make of it.

Bear markets are definitely an ongoing reality and occur with some regularity. In fact, during the last 100 years there have been 19 bear markets. And, for our purposes, I am defining a bear market as a decline of 20% or more in the Dow Jones Industrials.

Reviewing these 19 bear markets reveals some interesting facts…

• The average time from the end of one bear market to the beginning of the next is 45.3 months.
• The average length of a bear market is 18.5 months.
• The average bear market results in a decline of 36%.

While this is valuable information, keep in mind that these are only averages. The individual bear markets varied widely in length of time and severity of decline.

For instance, the longest bear markets lasted about three years. Specifically, they lasted 31, 34, and 37 months for the bear markets ending in 1942, 1932, and 1949 respectively.

The shortest bear market lasted two months. This was the crash in 1987 when the Dow Jones Industrials plunged 36%.

If you’re wondering about the most severe bear market, you probably know the answer. Yep…it’s the one associated with the start of the great depression…it ended in 1932. But this was only after it had sheared 89% off the value of the Dow.

And the mildest bear market? The 3 month affair that ended in October, 1990 which took 21% off the Dow.

Now…these are all interesting facts…but the question is…are they useful in analyzing the current market?

And the answer is yes. But they are only part of the process.

They’re useful in that they gives us some parameters to consider. But they’re only that…parameters. An actual determination of a bear market may take several months.

However, with that in mind, here’s what the averages tell us…

• 45 months from the end of the last bear market in October, 2002 is July, 2006.
• If the market high of 11,670 on May 10 was a market high, an average decline of 36% will take the market down to around 7,470.
• If the market high was May, 2006, the average bear market length of 18 months will end in November, 2007.

Am I saying a bear market is here and ready to unfold according to these averages? Of course not. I’m not even saying the market top is in.

This is only to point out certain facts related to bear markets in what seems to be turbulent economic times. That, plus the fact, that, historically speaking, this current bull market may be getting long in the tooth.

However, one fact is perfectly clear. History tells us that a bear market will occur again.

And, unfortunately, when they do occur, they strike fear into the hearts of investors. People who buy and hold are never ready for bear markets. Because of their buy and hold mentality, many investors try to ride them out.

It’s often not a pretty picture to sustain losses of 20%, 30%, or more in one’s portfolio.

Traders, however, are different. They don’t fear bear markets. They view them as another opportunity to make money.

In fact, money is often made quicker in bear markets. Markets generally go down faster than they go up. Yeah…traders don’t fear bear markets…they enjoy making money faster. And they trade them like any market…with their trading system and money/risk management.

So, is a bear market at hand? Nobody knows.

However, there are signs to look for…

• The market declines below its 200 day moving average.
• If it’s not a steep decline initially, the market may trade around the 200 day moving average for a while.
• Declines are larger and last longer than previous corrections.
• Sharp rallies occur but they fail to make new highs.
• Look for a long term Elliott Wave count…5 waves up to the recent high.
• The market starts making new lows.

These are some of the things you will likely see once the market tops out and begins rolling over into a bear market.

However, it may take a while before you know for sure. It’s like everything else associated with the market. There are no certainties…only probabilities.

But we know one thing is a near certainty. There will be another bear market. We just don’t know when.

However, it never hurts to look ahead. When a bear market starts, a lot of quick profits will be there for the taking.

Thomas McNatt trades full time. His website, http://www.trading-stocks-profits.com is a valuable source of information and resources for traders.

Next to rent or mortgage payments, childcare often ranks as the second-highest expenditure in a household budget. Working couples can pay a whopping 10-20% of their incomes on childcare while their children are small. Seeing the high cost needed to be expensed for their children childcare, some couples decided to take a better financial sense for one parent to take a few years off to stay home with the baby.

But a little inventive planning can save you money without compromising the quality of care and the government does offer several tax breaks to families with children. This article will outline helpful hints for parent’s references:

Pay with pre-tax dollars

You can significantly cut the cost of childcare by paying with pre-tax dollars. Many employers offer flexible spending accounts. Check with your employer to see if this is available. Flexible spending account allows you to set aside pretax dollars to pay for licensed dependent care services.

Take the childcare credit on your tax return

The government offers a tax credit that you can subtract from your tax bill at the end of the year. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to use both the childcare tax break and the child tax credit.

Enroll into childcare subsidies program

See if you qualify for childcare subsidies and programs at local, state, and federal government levels. Depending on your income, you may be eligible.

Share the childcare cost with other parents

Consider sharing childcare with a close friend, neighbor, relative or coworker. You can save money by sharing the costs of a babysitter or nanny. Be sure to plan well and meet with everyone before the first day of childcare to make sure instructions and expectations are clear.

You can organize a babysitting co-op or playgroup with other parents whose children are close in age to your child. Swapping childcare is one of the most cost-effective ways to free up time for yourself while your youngster can enjoy playtime with friends.

Work out flexible scheduling with your employer

Ask your employer about the possibility of flexible working scheduling. If you get the approval of flexible working schedule, you could share responsibilities with your spouse or partner; this will alleviate the need for expensive daycare cost.

Reducing Your Children’s Spending The best way to reduce the cost of the things that children want is simply not to buy them. By trying to instill healthy money habits and attitudes from the time children are very young, you will be able to save a great deal of money in the long run.

The more time you spend teaching young children good money habits and discouraging them from wanting needless things, the lower the financial impact their teen years will have on your family budget.

Summary

Childcare cost is an expensive expenditure of household budget, it worth to put your effort in working a good financial planning to down the childcare cost without compromising the quality of care. Cost effective childcare may mean a happier solution for you, your child and your piggy bank.

Cornie Herring is the Author from http://www.StudyKiosk.com. “StudyKiosk-Credit Basics” is an informational website on credit basics, mortgage and personal finance.

As a pet owner, do you need to have a pet trust or will in your estate plan? Well, maybe so, given the fact that in the American society of today one fundamental sociological reality has now become absolutely indisputable and well-established, namely, that America’s house pets (generally defined nowadays to include dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, and other small animals) are increasingly considered a member of the family or a child, and not just “animals” any more.

The evidence? The results of many credible surveys and studies, for example, which show, as in the case of an October 1999 report by the USA Today newspaper, for example, that more than 66% of American pet owners consider their pets as “a member of the family,” or as in the case of a more recent survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, which show that a whopping 84% of them thought of their animal companions as being their kids. As well as the evidence from the physical attitude, treatment and relationship of pet owners towards their companion animals. Unfortunately, however, that’s not the case! Not at all. In deed, quite the opposite is the case with most pet owners. Yes, it’s true that among pet lovers a strong impulse and wish often exists to make such a provision for the care of their pets in the event of the incapacity or death of the pet owner. But, typically, the vast majority of the American pet owners generally fail to follow through, however, to actually translate that professed desire into reality for the pets’ future. In point of fact, the most modern and effective way to “plan” for the pet’s future protection and care in case of a serious contingency, is through setting up an estate planning instrument called a “pet trust” for the pets. With a valid pet trust (and a few other simple estate planning vehicles related to it), you can make specific provisions for the care of your pets in the event of your disability or death, and provide for a reliable caretaker and funding arrangement for the pet which will be legally enforceable by the courts.

Nevertheless, most pet owners fail to set up such a device for their pets. Most pet owners, in deed even the estate plan professionals and lawyers in the field, are not too well informed about it. Pet owners pathetically fail, in overwhelming numbers, either to make any estate planning at all in their own affairs, or to include their pets in such plans, and frequently wind up leaving their pets with no protections and subject to undue sufferings, agony, even euthanasia after their owners are incapacitated or dead.

David Congalton, co-author of “When Your Pet Outlives You,” puts it this way: “How many of us have already gone the extra step to make sure our animal companions are safe if something unexpected happens to us? The Answer is NOT many.”

One 2000 study, for example, by pet law expert and pioneer, Prof. Gerry W. Beyer, reports that only between 12 percent and 27 percent of pet owners have provisions in their wills relating to their companion animals. JUST 27 percent – AT THE MOST!

NO WAY TO TREAT YOUR REAL MINOR CHILDREN. Pets, Our “Children”? Our “family members”?

Many studies have been conducted which show that many dogs, cats and other pets found in shelters end up there only because their owners became unexpectedly ill or incapacitated, or were for some reason unable to care for them, or died without leaving any plans for their pets’ next home or care.

A survey conducted between 1994 and 1997 by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, for example, found “that 64 percent of all pets that entered the participating shelters for any reasons, were euthanized.” And David Congalton & Charlottte Alexander, co-authors of When Your Pet Outlives You, confirm that “More than 15 million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters across the nation annually…[shelters] currently handle less than 1 percent of the nationwide abandoned parrot population.”

Can you possibly imagine our treating our HUMAN minor children with such gross neglect or carelessness, even indifference and callousness? We would all almost surely be hauled to jail en mass for the crime of abandonment and neglect of our helpless, innocent, loving minor children, wouldn’t we? Can you possibly imagine us leaving our minor or infant HUMAN children completely to fend for themselves when we’re not there, and without the normal protections and safeguards as would assure that they’ll have some substitute home and a caretaker, if we were not able or around, as are largely accorded them today? Or, possibly imagine us leaving our real minor human children behind with virtually one certain realistic fate for them – euthanasia and death?

Clearly, the main reason why these animals wind up wandering the streets or get euthanized, after their owners are incapacitated or dead, is because they simply can’t find homes. Their owners had made no thorough plan or arrangement – an estate plan – that would have put together such an arrangement for a next home, a suitable caretaker, and the funding plan, to assure that objective for the pets. Not a particularly comforting scenario especially for those of us who think of our pets as being like our kids! We have all heard the “horror stories” about pets being left behind in homes and apartments after the September 11th tragedy and the Katrina disaster. Such stories were, of course, more “visible.” And are seemingly more horrifying because of that visibility factor. The central problem of the kind of frightening fate that pets face when they’re left behind with no good estate plan arrangement, however, is not by any means uncommon or limited. It is general and widespread. And, it is real for most pets – long, long before September 11th and Katrina, and thereafter to this date.

THE MESSAGE? Take advantage of the recent advancements in the pet laws of the nation and simply create a good estate plan, including a valid “pet trust,” making specific provisionsfor the care of your pets in the event of your disability or death, and provide for a reliable caretaker and funding arrangement for the pet that will be legally enforceable by the courts. A good estate plan for the pet, to be complete, should also include a host of other special instruments, ranging from a suitable durable power of attorney, animal cards and animal identification and information documents, to Inter Vivos or Testamentary trust, etc. With such a plan in place, you’ll pretty much assure that in the event of any serious emergency in your life, your pets will not likely wind up in the pound or shelter somewhere awaiting euthanasia, but will be taken into a safe home and will be properly cared for by a responsible, caring caretaker

WHAT A WAY TO DEMONSTRATE OUR OWN UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR OUR PETS! We talk all the time about the unconditional love of our pets for us – unfailingly. Now, what about our own UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for them? Clearly, the ultimate, most genuine expression of ‘LOVE’ that we can bestow as a pet owner upon a beloved animal companion, is to assure a legally valid estate plan by which that pet animal would be protected and properly cared for in the event of our incapacitation or death.

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The thought of writing a resume intimidates almost anyone. It’s difficult to know where to start or what to include. It can seem like an insurmountable task. Here are 15 tips to help you not only tackle the task, but also write a winning resume.

1. Determine your job search objective prior to writing the resume. Once you have determined your objective, you can structure the content of your resume around that objective. Think of your objective as the bull’s-eye to focus your resume on hitting. If you write your resume without having a clear objective in mind, it will likely come across as unfocused to those that read it. Take the time before you start your resume to form a clear objective.

2. Think of your resume as a marketing tool. Think of yourself as a product, potential employers as your customers, and your resume as a brochure about you. Market yourself through your resume. What are your features and benefits? What makes you unique? Make sure to convey this information in your resume.

3. Use your resume to obtain an interview, not a job. You don’t need to go into detail about every accomplishment. Strive to be clear and concise. The purpose of your resume is to generate enough interest in you to have an employer contact you for an interview. Use the interview to provide a more detailed explanation of your accomplishments and to land a job offer.

4. Use bulleted sentences. In the body of your resume, use bullets with short sentences rather than lengthy paragraphs. Resumes are read quickly. This bulleted sentence format makes it easier for someone to quickly scan your resume and still absorb it.

5. Use action words. Action words cause your resume to pop. To add life to your resume, use bulleted sentences that begin with action words like prepared, developed, monitored, and presented.

6. Use #’s, $’s and %’s. Numbers, dollars, and percentages stand out in the body of a resume. Use them. Here are two examples:

• Managed a department of 10 with a budget of $1,000,000.
• Increased sales by 25% in a 15-state territory.

7. Lead with your strengths. Since resumes are typically reviewed in 30 seconds, take the time to determine which bullets most strongly support your job search objective. Put those strong points first where they are more apt to be read.

8. Play Match Game. Review want ads for positions that interest you. Use the key words listed in these ads to match them to bullets in your resume. If you have missed any key words, add them to your resume.

9. Use buzzwords. If there are terms that show your competence in a particular field, use them in your resume. For marketing people, use “competitive analysis.” For accounting types, use “reconciled accounts.”

10. Accent the positive. Leave off negatives and irrelevant points. If you feel your date of graduation will subject you to age discrimination, leave the date off your resume. If you do some duties in your current job that don’t support your job search objective, leave them off your resume. Focus on the duties that do support your objective. Leave off irrelevant personal information like your height and weight.

11. Show what you know. Rather than going into depth in one area, use your resume to highlight your breadth of knowledge. Use an interview to provide more detail.

12. Show who you know. If you have reported to someone important such as a vice president or department manager, say so in your resume. Having reported to someone important causes the reader to infer that you are important.

13. Construct your resume to read easily. Leave white space. Use a font size no smaller than 10 point. Limit the length of your resume to 1-2 pages. Remember, resumes are reviewed quickly. Help the reader to scan your resume efficiently and effectively.

14. Have someone else review your resume. Since you are so close to your situation, it can be difficult for you to hit all your high points and clearly convey all your accomplishments. Have someone review your job search objective, your resume, and listings of positions that interest you. Encourage them to ask questions. Their questions can help you to discover items you inadvertently left off your resume. Revise your resume to include these items. Their questions can also point to items on your resume that are confusing to the reader. Clarify your resume based on this input.

15. Submit your resume to potential employers. Have the courage to submit your resume. Think of it as a game where your odds of winning increase with every resume you submit. You really do increase your odds with every resume you submit. Use a three-tiered approach. Apply for some jobs that appear to be beneath you. Perhaps they will turn out to be more than they appeared to be once you interview for them. Or perhaps once you have your foot in the door you can learn of other opportunities. Apply for jobs that seem to be just at your level. You will get interviews for some of those jobs. See how each job stacks up. Try for some jobs that seem like a stretch. That’s how you grow — by taking risks. Don’t rule yourself out. Trust the process. Good luck in your job search!

Copyright 1999 – 2004 Quest Career Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Ann Hackett is the President and founder of Quest Career Services, LLC (http://www.QuestCareer.com), an online resume writing and outplacement services company. Ann can be reached at ahackett@QuestCareer.com or 952-929-4197.

As teachers and counselors, you know that the elementary school years are important. During the elementary school years, your students build visions of what they desire to do in their lives as they contribute to the workforce. With your help, your students remain open to new career ideas and possibilities. As you work with your students, your students do not make premature career choices or career preparations. For your students, elementary school is a time to build awareness.

As elementary school teachers and counselors, you use career education to promote self-worth, skill development, and decision making strategies. Your activities are designed to build self, family, school, community, and career awareness. You use age-appropriate materials that match your students’ developmental levels. These activities expose your students to a variety of different jobs, career information sources, and the reasons why people work.

When you prepare to develop age-appropriate materials products, tests and tools, you use career models like the National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG). The National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG) have domains, goals, and indicators. Each domain represents a developmental area. Under each domain, there are goals or competencies. For each goal, indicators highlight the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the goal. The National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG) prepares you to make materials that are suitable for your students.

As a elementary school counselors and teachers, you create individual career plans and portfolios. Individual career plans (ICP) -

• Develop self-awareness
• Identify initial career goals and educational plans
• Increase employability and decision making skills

Individual career portfolios summarize career awareness activities and experiences that occur during the school year. In addition to individual career plans and portfolios, you use a variety of resources -

Career days
• Career fairs
• Community speakers
• Field trips
• Information interviewing
• Literary works
• Mentors
• Collages, murals
• Educational games
• Job shadowing
• Dramatic presentations

All of the career activities and tools combine academic work with career pathways. Career activities serve as foundations for future skills. As teachers and counselors, you help students build connections between academics and real life situations. You use career education activities to stress the importance of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.

You show students that Language Arts have many uses in the work force:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening skills

You provide examples that show how people solve problems when they use Mathematics. Different types of Mathematics include:

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division

In Social Studies, your students learn how skills that are necessary to be successful in the global marketplace. In Social Studies, your students learn about -

• Countries
• Languages
• Cultures

Your students learn the importance of Science gaining skills to solve problems. You show your students how applications of Science are used in different industries, such as -

• Food
• Media
• Agriculture
• Automotive industry

The connections between academics and real life situations reinforce, develop, and expand previously learned skills. In summary, as a elementary school teachers and counselors, you help students:

• Know and value self
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Learn and apply the academic material
• Identify interests and build relationships between the school environment and the work force
• Build academic, communication, problem solving, and social skills
• Increase awareness of the need for future jobs skills
• See the connections between learning in school, academic skills, job related skills, and careers
• See career possibilities
• See themselves as a future contributor to the job force
• Receive empowerment
• Build self-determination

As counselors and teachers, you build self-awareness, family awareness, school awareness, community awareness, career/ work awareness, attitude development, skill development, decision making strategies, and self-worth. You use age-appropriate materials that match the developmental levels of the students. Examples of activities include individual career plans (ICP), individual career portfolios, career days, career fairs, field trips, information interviewing, and library book reports.

After completing career education activities, your students are prone to get higher grades, academic achievement, school involvement, and interpersonal skills. In addition, your students are more adept to complete more complex courses and have higher graduation rates from high school. As your students get older, they will achieve their career visions and goals.

References

1. American Counseling Association, Office of Public Policy and Legislation. (2007). Effectiveness of School Counseling. Alexandria, VA: Author.

2. Angel, N. Faye; Mooney, Marianne. (1996, December). Work-in-Progress: Career and Work Education for Elementary Students. (ED404516). Cincinnati, OH: Paper presented at the American Vocational Association Convention.

3. Benning, Cathleen; Bergt, Richard; Sausaman, Pamela. (2003, May). Improving Student Awareness of Careers through a Variety of Strategies. Thesis: Action Research Project. (ED481018). Chicago, Illinois: Saint Xavier University.

4. Career Tec. (2000). K-12 Career Awareness & Development Sequence [with Appendices, Executive and Implementation Guide]. (ED450219) .Springfield, Il: Author.

5. Carey, John. (2003, January). What are the Expected Benefits Associated with Implementing a Comprehensive Guidance Program. School counseling Research Brief 1.1. Amherst, MA: Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research.

6. Dare, Donna E.; Maddy-Bernstein, Carolyn. (1999, September). Career Guidance Resource Guide for Elementary and Middle/Junior High School Educators. (ED434216). Berkeley, CA: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

7. DuVall, Patricia. (1995).Let’s Get Serious about Career Education for Elementary Students. AACE Bonus Briefs. (ED386603). Hermosa Beach, CA: AACE Bonus Briefs.

8. Ediger, Marlow. (2000, July). Vocational Education in the Elementary School. (ED442979) Opinion Papers

9. Gerver, Miriam, Shanley, Judy, O Cummings, Mindee. (2/14/02). Answering the Question EMSTAC Extra Elementary and Middle Schools. Washington, DC: Technical Assistance Center, (EMSTAC).

10. Hurley, Dan, Ed.; Thorp, Jim, Ed. (2002, May). Decisions without Direction: Career Guidance and Decision-Making among American Youth. (ED465895). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Ferris State University Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development.

11. Maddy-Bernstein, Carolyn; Dare, Donna E. (1997,December).Career Guidance for Elementary and Middle School Students. Office of Student Services Brief, v9 n1. (ED415353). Berkeley, CA: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

12. Ohio Department of Education, Division of Vocational and Career Education, Ohio Career Development Blueprint, Individual Career Plan, K to 5 (ED449322). Columbus, Ohio, 2000

13. Splete, Howard; Stewart, Amy. (1990). Competency-Based Career Development Strategies and the National Career Development Guidelines. Information Series No. 345. (ED327739). Columbus, Ohio: ERIC Clearinghouse on Education and Training for Employment & Ohio State University

14. U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education. (1994, 2004). National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG). Washington, DC: Author.

15. Williams, Jean A., Ed. (1999, January). Elementary Career Awareness Guide: A Resource for Elementary School Counselors and Teachers. (ED445293). Raleigh, NC: NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Job Ready.

16. Woal, S. Theodore. (1995). Career Education–The Early Years. AACE Bonus Briefs. (ED386603). Hermosa Beach, CA: AACE Bonus Briefs.

Dr Mary Askew specializes in career tests, websites, and books for students. Get information about Holland Code Resources at http://www.hollandcodes.com Contact Dr. Askew at learning4life@qwest.net

Stress is the common problem these days for many people due to the changes in life style and the aggressive career goals. Many of us forget the stress built within us while chasing our dream of earning money to have a better life. To get peace of mind while we fight with this aggressive life style, many of us choose various relaxation methods. Playing games is considered as the best option since it relaxes the mind in a very enjoyable way. Tennis is one of the favorite games for many people which gives a complete body workout and helps in maintaining the body health as well. The game not only relaxes the mind, but also gives a stretching relief for the body.

Tennis being one of the most popular games around the world, individuals begins playing the game pretty early. As a result, more and more people line for playing. However, with the lack of space, most have to go through long queues and endless waits before they get a change to hit the tennis ball around the court. Public tennis courts are a few in number and so if you too are tired of waiting or never seem to find an empty court, you could consider building a backyard tennis court.

A backyard tennis court is a great solution for every tennis buff. And converting the backyard into a tennis court is a really cool idea as well! Whether you go for a grass court or a concrete court, you will have plenty to choose from and your dreams of having a backyard court could become a reality in no time. It is always great to have a play area at home, where you can spend considerable time of your day in the game and get the stress relief as well.

If you are lucky to have a backyard that’s big enough to house a court, you should immediately begin looking at data as to how to build a backyard tennis court. It is no secret that some of the most fames tennis stars of recent times had always enjoyed the services of a backyard court while growing up. From Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and the great Andre Agassi, everyone grew up playing tennis at the backyard tennis court. So if you too want to give support to your children who show immense talent in the sport, consider building a backyard court.

Planning For Backyard Tennis Court

For a grass backyard tennis court, what you need is a flat surface. If your backyard is big enough to hold a 78 by 36 feet tennis court, nothing like it! However, if you have a smaller backyard, go for a court that’s 27 feet wide. That would serve as a good singles court. Once you have the space,

• Get rid of all the obstructions huge stones, pebbles, bushes, debris, junk, etc.

• Reverse the soil with the help of a spade or shovel. This will help expose the fresh soil from underneath and will also help trim out all the extra, dead and dry grass.

• Rent a roller and take it around the playing surface. This will help harden the playing surface and make it level as well. You can hire a roller from the local hardware shop.

• Once you have leveled the ground, sprinkle grass seeds and with proper watering, you will see fresh, new grass appearing in no time, just the perfect beginning for your very own backyard tennis court.

• After the grass grows to a height of 19 mm, which is the height required for playing, you could start marking the area with the help of spray paints.

• The next step would be to a buy the net and install it. Take care while installing the net. Fix two poles on the adjacent sides to which the net will be tied. The net needs to be absolutely straight and uptight. Once equipped with the net, you will have successfully transformed your regular backyard into a sprawling court.

Construction Of The Tennis Court

While a grass backyard court is simple to set up and maintain, for areas where grass does not grow easily, concrete backyard tennis courts are the preferred choice. Concrete tennis courts are also heavy-duty, can be looked after easily, and are anti fracture. However unlike a grass backyard tennis court, constructing a concrete backyard tennis court is not very simple and therefore it is recommended that you consult an expert for it. There are a lot of construction firms that specialize in backyard tennis courts and it will do you good to seek their services. Before consulting the experts for the construction, you will need to collect a lot of information like the area space details, any other affecting factors like water, electricity etc… and most importantly your budget. Based on your inputs for the construction of the court, the construction companies give the plan and the estimation for making the backyard tennis court. It is suggested to consult with more than one consultation firm to make the your dream backyard tennis court.

For Tennis Career People

If you want your child to grow up and take tennis up as a profession, it is highly recommended that you get a backyard court. If you have the space and the resources, definitely go for it. A lot of the top tennis coaches of the country have always suggested that for a player to flourish later on, it is important that training begins early. And what better place to train than at home! Setting up a well planned tennis court at home will give flexibility for you and your children to practice the game anytime in the day. You can find a lot of tennis coaches available for training the players at home and give great tips to excel in the game. Having a backyard tennis court is always an added advantage to get an effective training from a home training tennis coaches.

Factors To Consider

While building a backyard tennis court, you should, however, be cautious about a few things. The neighborhood you live in could play a very vital role. If you have nice, friendly and supportive neighbors, then well and good! But if your neighbors are troublesome and like picking arguments, you may have to face a lot of problems. A lot of complaints are heard from neighbors of people who have backyard courts and how the light and the sound from the backyard tennis disturb them. Sometimes, if you play at night, you may have to use floodlights, and that often causes a lot of problems for the neighbors. Also, the constant, monotonous noise that a tennis ball machine makes can be very annoying for the people around you. So before you install a backyard court, make sure you have the neighbors on your side and thereby prevent any future misunderstandings and obstacles.

Budget And Time For The Construction

Building a backyard tennis court may seem simple, but before you embark upon the project, you need to sort out important issues like your budget, the time you are willing to devote, and so on. Budget is a very important consideration and the overall look, design and sturdiness of the backyard court will depend on the amount of money you will spend on it. So sit down and chart out a budget carefully. See how much money you can spend and where you want to spend it. Also, building a backyard tennis court will take up a lot of your time. Be sure that you will be able to devote that much time to the project; else the project will get completed with numerous flaws. You will need to check with the construction firm for the construction methods they follow and how they deploy the planned project. You can check their previous experience in making such projects, find their delivery time and can estimate how well and faster your dream court can be made.

So build a backyard tennis court that will not only give you the opportunity to play tennis and remain fit, it will also be a great place where you can have complete family activities at anytime of the year! Having our own tennis court at home gives lots benefits in having a joyful time with the family together at the play area, enjoy the game and have a wonderful time together!

Swati is a freelancer, a work from home mom, who loves to write. She is a postgraduate in English and an MBA. She has written on practically every niche on the web. She writes articles, blogs, web pages, reports, press releases, product descriptions, eBooks, sales letters and newsletters. Visit Swati’s blog at http://swatibanerjee.wordpress.com now if you need content for your business or personal needs.

What would your score be if you could bowl, all the time, with that same feeling? Pretty good? What would you say if we promised you that high score? Unbelievable? Incredible as it may seem, that is exactly what we promise.

If you are willing to keep an open mind for a new concept while you read this article, we can point a way to help you improve your bowling score immeasurably as well as your enjoyment of the game.

Have you ever rolled a gutter ball while concentrating on the theories of the proper stance, delivery, slide, release and follow through? You know all there is to know about the mechanics of the bowling delivery and can recite the theories forwards and backwards.

The only thing you don’t seem to understand is your score. It seems the more you know and the harder you try, the worse you get.

If it is true that you know the fundamental movements of the bowling delivery and yet fail to bowl well, your failure must be in your mental play.

Here is a promise for better Bowling. Our new bowling book is dedicated to the mental side of bowling or, more specifically, to the use of self-belief for control of the mechanical action of the bowling delivery. The use of self-belief is a new concept and one that will help the bowler with all phases of His or Her game. The reader will learn about the simplest, most effective technique ever devised to help him bowl consistently high scores.

What will they think of next. Your first reaction to the use of self-belief for improving your bowling game will probably be a big smile followed by the comment, what rubbish, its all been tried before, ahh, but not the way we’ll teach you! The way we instruct is by self-hypnosis. Let us examine some interesting facts. Bookstores and libraries have racks filled with volumes on the physical side of bowling.

Autobiographies by professional bowlers reveal, with the frankness of confession story writers, how they “feel” during every moment. Endless “tips” appear in newspapers and magazines aimed at improving the game of the average player. Yet, why are there so many players seriously seeking improvement when the bowling delivery has been completely revealed, charted and plotted with the thoroughness of a geographical map?

The average player knows the fundamental movements of the bowling delivery, yet fails to play well. It must follow that his failure is in his mental play. Through hypnosis, the way to obtain a mental effect may be explained, understood and put to use. It reveals the mental side of bowling with the clarity that high speed cameras disclose the physical movements of the delivery. Here’s the Secret. Self-hypnosis helps the bowler to attain “the subconscious feel” which is imperative to good bowling. The subconscious feel has been described as the rhythm you have during a practice delivery, or that “sweet feeling” when a ball is thrown correctly. Any conscious effort usually produces muscle tension. This is what is meant when you are told “you are trying too hard.” Your conscious mind is so concerned with the mechanical movements and your desire to spill the pins that it repeatedly produces muscle tension.

Use Your Practice Game In League Play. Keeping that important feeling is what you are going to learn from using self-hypnosis. It is the secret of the champions and high average bowlers who have discovered the means of taking their practice games into tournament and league play.

It is known as “the subconscious feel’. Once you have learned how to activate this subconscious feeling and to bowl with the timing, relaxation and coordination possible in practice while under the tension of competition, most of your problems will be solved and you’ll be well on the way to the high average you are capable of carrying.

The Experts Agree. Take it from Hank Marino, world champion, named bowler of the Half-Century and a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. Hank said, “it isn’t until a bowler enters a tournament of competition, no matter how small it may be, that the mental side of the game asserts itself.

“The one thing that is impressive is the incredible change of temperature. This change of mental attitude almost makes a bowler a stranger to himself”. The great bowling master, Joe Falcaro, explained it as, being “The kegler who feels he has a 300 game in the offing after two or three successive strikes will discover that every delivery gets tougher.

His relaxation turns into tension and his muscles tighten. The ball seems to get heavier and more difficult to release. That’s the mental side of bowling. Every star writing on bowling or lecturing at clinics stresses that form is a highly individual matter. The only thing that really counts is being able to relax tension for a smooth delivery.

Carmen Salvino, who started bowling at 12, was in a classic league at 17 and at 19 was the youngest American Bowling Congress (ABC) titlist, states: “I practice until the game becomes automatic. I don’t have to think about what I intend to do with the ball, so I can be completely relaxed and natural when I am in competition”.

Here’s more Proof From The experts. You could go right through the Bowling Hall Of Fame and get identical advice from each of the greats. Ed Lubanski, Bowler of the year in 1959, said, “Think what you are going to do as you take your stance. Then don’t think about anything in particular and just learn to spill the pins”.

Only the phrasing changes as each of the champions gives advice. Buzz Fazio states it as, ‘timing can make or break a bowler. The path to the fowl line is short but is strewn with pitfalls if your timing is off. Avoid stiffening. Be calm, relaxed and don’t hurry your delivery”.

The application of hypnosis to your bowling game was explained by Joseph Whitney in his popular King Features syndicated newspaper column, “Mirror of the Mind”. He wrote: Properly performed, hypnosis is capable of changing mental attitudes at the conscious level. If faulty mental attitudes are responsible for an athlete’s inadequate performance, a change wrought by hypnosis could improve his skill”.

You can Use Your Subconscious Mind For Better Bowling. Should the term hypnosis connotate mystery, black magic, stage trickery or fear, disregard it. Upon closer examination, you will find you are not only familiar with it, but you have been using it while thinking of it in other terms such as self-discipline, positive thinking, automatic response, muscle memory, suggestion or unconscious desire.

Hypnosis is not a new phenomenon. Its recorded history goes much further back in time than that of the ancient and honorable game of bowling. The only new thing about hypnosis is when you, yourself, become aware of it. Then, it’s great power to influence the mind becomes known to you. You will learn to use it effectively, because you will understand how to channel it’s forces to tap the hidden resources of your subconscious mind.

With the proper application of self-hypnosis, you will be able to bowl the best game you are physically capable of playing. The method of accomplishing this will be as normal as the automatic response while walking.

We know you may be hesitant about tying this new approach and because of this we make the following statement: See for yourself the unbelievable results. If you don’t score higher, bowl consistently better and derive greater satisfaction from your bowling game – simply click on my picture at the top of this page and receive FREE one to one coaching, to help you score higher! Fair Enough?

The sound, authoritative instructions for using self-hypnosis to improve your bowling are presented in clear, logical sequence and packed with new bowling aids.

You have absolutely nothing to lose! Act Today! From The Sports Hypnosis Coach.

These Total Success Mind – Science “Mastery of Life” Strategies and Techniques Give You The Power To Succeed!

Unlock Your Power Force. Hidden in the deep recesses of your mind is an awesome source of power that can quickly transform your life and bring you everything you want. This amazing Force is within all, but only a few are consciously aware of it and know how to use it. Your new mastery of life coach clearly explains what it is, how it works and how you can use it.

You will discover and master simple, yet extremely effective Mind Science methods to improve you life. Mind Science will allow you to control and direct your goals and make your life a rich, and rewarding experience. This incredible success program can and will positively change your life forever.

Erase The Fears That Control And Bind You. This amazing mind – science techniques will allow you to control your life, and everything in it. This is vital knowledge for any person who wants to “get high on life, and live the life that is free, rich, whole, healthy and happy. Now you do not have to settle for less. You can have it all! The Mind – Science success principles will erase fear, doubt and the subconscious negative programming that has restricted you.

Nothing Is Impossible. How to achieve total success is truly a miracle – multiplying coaching course, you can’t miss if you will work with this system. Tools that will make you successful:- Goal achieving made easy; the dynamics of Scientific Affirmations that will deliver the results you desire. Act Today! From The Sports Hypnosis Coach.

Trevor Dalley has been helping many people with their Sports Health and Fitness over the last 30 years and would like to help you. More information on The Ultimate Bowling Guide and regaining the desire for a fit and outgoing life can be found at The Mental Side Of Bowling See our website packed with wonderful and proven remedies for surviving modern life.

Online Automotive Training Schools offer instruction on the basic concepts and functions of automotive engines through instruction modules. Online Automotive Training begins with instruction on the fundamentals of electrical circuitry, fuels, batteries, motor functions, etc., presented in written, diagram, and sometimes animated forms.

Automotive Training curriculums must continually be updated to keep apace of rapidly changing technology in the automotive industry. Today electronic systems and complex computers run automobiles while measuring performance on the road. Automotive technicians have become high-tech diagnosticians, using electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based reference materials. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately can be the most challenging and most rewarding skill for a good Automotive Training student.

Students can expect to learn the essentials of maintenance and auto repair procedures from tires and suspension to computerized functions through Online Automotive Training modules. Courses will emphasize the development of a solid understanding of functions that will be necessary to effectively diagnose and analyze automotive problems.

Course studies in Online Automotive Training may include good communication skills and techniques in relation to customer service. Other skills that will serve an Automotive Technician are sound reasoning capabilities and a thorough knowledge of the complex components and interactions of auto bodies and motors.

Fulfillment of examinations for the basics of automobile functions can be completed online. Passing the Online Automotive Training examinations will allow students to enter the laboratory phase of their automotive education with hands-on experience in a shop.

Online Automotive Training programs may take up to a year. Completing an Automotive Technician Associate Degree, which includes laboratory studies, can take up to two years. Certified Automotive Technicians can expect to be subjected to regular review and recertification requisites.

Find an Online Automotive Training program at http://www.schoolsgalore.com and begin your training for a career in automotive maintenance and repair.

Copyright 2006 – All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Automotive Training Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

There is a great deal of history behind movie posters and movie poster collecting. Jules Cheret, who created 2 movie posters in the 1890′s, was the artist given credit for creating the first movie posters. By the end of the first decade of the 1900′s, movies had become a great source of public entertainment. In this time period, the movie poster would become a standard size known as the one sheet measuring 27″ x 41″.

In the early days, the names of actors did not appear on the posters, which the movie studios liked, because it meant paying actors less money. It was in this early period in movie history, however, that movie studios realized movie stars were as much of an attraction to the moviegoer as the movie itself. Thus, the movie star was born, and movie posters began showcasing actors’ names along with the title of the movie.

By the 1920′s, the golden age of silent movies, movie posters became more artistic and spectacular, with accomplished artists being hired by movie studios to paint portraits of the stars for posters. By the late 1920′s, movie poster images became sharper due to a new printing process developed by the Morgan Litho Company.

In the 1930′s, also known in the movie industry as “The Golden Age of Movies”, another style of movie poster was created, the half sheet. Major movies would sometimes get more than the two styles. However, due to the depression, many movie materials were being created more cheaply, causing a loss of quality in movie posters.

The dawn of World War II in 1941 saw many of the movie stars heading off to war and war was the major theme of movies at that time. The movie industry cut advertising costs and used cheaper paper for posters due to the paper shortage of wartime.

By the 1970′s, movie posters used photography, occasionally using drawing and painting styles. Movie posters at this time were being printed on a clay-coated paper, which gave them a glossy finish. Star Wars and Star Trek posters were the most popular posters of the time and are still collected by many today.

In the 1980′s, the age of the special effects blockbuster, the mini sheet was invented, and video stores became popular, thus the video store poster was created. Today, reprints of movie posters are mass-produced and sold in many stores or are just a click away on the Internet.There are several types of movie posters. Because of their rarity, the avid movie poster collector has concentrated on movie poster or theater art. These are the posters that are delivered and displayed by the movie theaters and then intended to be thrown away. Another type of movie poster is the commercial poster, which is mass-produced for direct sale to the public. Video posters are distributed to video rental stores for advertising material. Cable and TV posters are use as promotional material for TV stations for their programming. Like theater art, video posters and cable and TV posters are not produced for the public. Although not as valuable as theater art, these types of posters are still popular among collectors. Special promotion posters promote a movie along with a product. Finally, there are anniversary issues, limited editions, and special releases that are released in limited quantities and are gaining favor with the theatre art collector. Other types of movie posters include advance posters that promote a movie well ahead of the movie’s release. The award poster, which indicates that a movie has won an Academy award. The combo poster, advertising two movies instead of just one. The popular double-sided poster that has art on both sides, with the artwork reversed on one side of the poster. There are featurette posters highlighting short films or cartoons, review posters for when a movie gets a good review, serial posters for movie serials, and special distribution posters.

With the popularity of movie posters has come the necessity to create various sizes of posters. The first and most widely used poster is the one sheet, which is usually 27″ x 41″. The subway, also known as the two sheet, is larger but not exactly two times the size of the one sheet. The 3 sheet is three times the size of the one sheet measuring at 41″ x 81″. The 6 sheet is six times the size of the one sheet measuring of 81″ x 81″. There is also a 12 sheet approximately twelve times the size of a one sheet, and the colossal sized 24 sheet measuring 246″ x by 108″. Other sizes include the mini sheet, which is usually much smaller than the one sheet and comes in a variety of sizes, and the stock sheet issued for cartoons or other shorts.

As with all collectibles, condition is a great factor when placing a value on posters. A movie poster’s value is determined by demand, rarity, and condition. Poster collectors use the same grade system used by comic book collectors: mint (perfect), near mint, very good, good, fair, and poor.

For those who want to be serious movie poster collectors, you will need to know some things about taking care of your movie poster art.

Tips to retain the total collectable value of movie posters

Never alter the appearance of a poster. Do not fold, bend, tear, or punch holes in it even to hang it on your wall.

Never place a movie poster in direct sunlight. UV lights can also be harmful.

Don’t write on your poster, even on the back. Marks on the back can sometimes be seen from the other side, taking away from the poster’s value.

Never put tape on the front of a poster even to repair tears. If you do use tape, use acid free tape available from an art supply shop, and place the tape on the back. For expensive movie art take it to a professional to be restored. Posters can be restored the same way rare comic books are professionally restored.

When shipping posters use thick poster tubes or bubble envelopes.

For long time storage, frame, or place the poster in a plastic bag or tube, and keep it in a cool dry climate.

When framing a poster do not dry mount it, and use an acid free backing board.

Now that you know a little more about movie posters and movie poster collecting, go ahead, start collecting!

Posterlovers.com – Search through the world’s largest available collection of posters, fine art prints and photos. Liven up your walls with wall posters and art prints.

Imagine a 5-day guided hiking trip through one of the most biologically diverse mountain ranges in the United States. This multi-day trail hike through the Rogue River-Siskiyou mountain range is so unique that it is scheduled just once in May of 2008. While on the 40-mile trail trek, hikers will literally “walk through” incredibly diverse ecosystems, significant historic sites, and view myriad wildlife.

Scientists have described the Rogue River-Siskiyou wilderness range as one of the most plant diverse eco-systems in the United States-rivaled only by the Great Smokey Mountains. The old and complex geology, the global position and transverse orientation of the Siskiyou Mountain Range, which connects the Northwest’s Cascade and Coast Ranges, are responsible for creating this incredible eco-system.

Guided by enthusiastic hiker and Siskiyou trail historian, Jim Jackson, the 5-day, inn-to-inn hiking trip is a unique blend of exercise, biology, history, and, yes, comfort. Hikers leave heavy backpacks with the support rafts that shadow them on the Rogue River below. No tents necessary on this trip. Each night, with the exception of the first hiking night, hikers are welcomed into rustic lodges that provide private cabins, hot showers, and soft beds with fresh linens. Basically, all a hiker on this trail adventure needs is a daypack to carry a water bottle, camera, and perhaps an extra pair of comfy socks.

Jackson was the primary trail guide and organizer for the Sierra Club’s Rogue River-Siskiyou wilderness hiking trips for over 10 years. He worked in tandem with Whitewater Warehouse, an outfitter on the Rogue River to stage these incredible hikes. It was through this decade-long experience of running the hiking trips that Jackson’s desire to organize his “dream hiking trip” took shape. Planned for early May of 2008, the 5-day lodge-to-lodge hiking adventure meanders through the ecologically rich Rogue River-Siskiyou wilderness.

“This hiking experience is like no other…and I have hiked all over the world,” says Jackson. “You walk through all the glories of nature on the Siskiyou trail. The diverse eco-systems are just incredible. Over the 40+ miles, hikers see rocky, dry areas, rainforests that are home to some of the most sensitive plants in the world, eye-popping fields of wildflowers and fragrant wild azaleas lining the riverbanks.

“History is everywhere on this hike. Hikers have a chance to look in on author Zane Grey’s Rogue River cabin, view a gold mine near Tyee rapids on the Rogue River where 300 Chinese workers once took one million dollars in gold dust, and discover the where battles for “the territory” were fought between the white man and the Rogue River Indians.”

Jackson begins his dream hike with a first evening’s stay at Morrison’s Lodge. “I think it is a must to stay at Morrison’s Lodge the night before the actual trip begins. Gives all the hikers a chance to get to know one another and ask questions about the upcoming hike. The Lodge at Morrison’s is not far from the trailhead. The meals are marvelous and served outside on a deck with an expansive view of the river. A serene and relaxing experience to start this incredible adventure.”

The actual five-day hike begins at the trailhead of the wild and scenic section of southern Oregon’s Rogue River known as Graves Creek. Named after the grave of Martha Leland Crowley, the daughter of a pioneer couple, Martha was buried under an oak tree near the creek in 1846. The first five miles of the trail are somewhat rocky so hikers need to have sturdy hiking shoes/boots. The rocky layers are part of the Rogue-Siskiyou formation. They are a result of lava flows and rocks formed by ancient volcanoes, which were active 140 million years ago. High temperatures and pressure have altered and folded these rocks into nearly a vertical position. Signs of this folding can be seen on the steep canyon walls carved out by the powerful forces of the Rogue River over a period of nearly a million years.

Day one takes hikers 11 miles down the trail. The trail is in very good condition in this first section-three or four feet wide-so hikers feel at ease even though the trail proceeds right along a ledge carved out of the cliff. Views of the river here are excellent. On this section of the trail there are very few trees so it can get extremely hot in July and August-which is why May is such a great time to hike the trail. Whiskey Creek with its historic cabin is the perfect place to take a lunch break. Hikers leisurely stroll across the crystal-clear creek by way of a footbridge and explore the historic cabin while a spectacular riverside lunch is being prepared.

The trail gets narrower in the afternoon and with more afternoon heat. Hikers are happy to be greeted by Whitewater Warehouse’s upscale camping accommodations (Black Bar Lodge is closed many evenings in May). An incredible riverside dinner of bourbon-basted Oregon salmon, country biscuits, homemade raspberry jam, and organic green salads await hikers. Cots, sleeping bags, pads, tents are provided. Wine and beer, in moderation, are served with dinner.

The next morning hikers arise to a country breakfast served overlooking the famous Rogue River Horseshoe Bend rapids. The hike to Marial Lodge is a beautiful 13-mile hike. The trail in this section is in fine condition, again in sparse forest, and has fewer up and down sections than the previous stretch. The scenes are as beautiful as the day before, with even more wild flowers, including many “hen and chickens” succulents and gold/brown wild iris. Lunch is near Zane Gray’s cabin giving hikers an opportunity to experience history firsthand. The Rogue River Ranch museum is also located on this stretch of the hike-living history is everywhere. Upon arrival at the first riverside lodge, Marial, the friendly caretakers, Pat and Lori Cameron, greet hikers. Private cabins with bathrooms/showers and comfy twin beds await hikers. The Rogue River lodges date back to an era when fly-fishing on the Rogue was en vogue. So the atmosphere is rustic but clean and the food is outstanding.

On morning three, hikers enjoy a leisurely breakfast and head out about 1 p.m. for Paradise Lodge. This is a shortest hiking day-just 5 miles. Once at Paradise, the afternoon can be filled with short hikes around the area (led by Jackson) or spent relaxing at the Lodge. Again, a wonderful dinner and breakfast await hikers with private lodging accommodations. Paradise Lodge has no road access so all supplies are brought in by boat. Even guests must arrive by boat, hike in, or land their airplane there. Paradise has its own grassy field used as an airport, complete with runway markers and a windsock.

Since yesterday was a short hike day, hikers don’t tend to be so hungry for breakfast on this morning. Still, it is hard to resist the homemade bread, ham and egg country breakfast buffet. Moving down the trail on the fourth day hikers end up at Clayhill Lodge…a hike day of about 7 miles. This day, below the hiking trail, hikers have bird’s eye views of Huggins Canyon and Brushy Bar rapids on the famous Rogue River. Private cabins, snacks, dinner and breakfast are offered at Clayhill. Clayhill Lodge was featured in 2006 on Public Broadcast System (PBS) as an “Adventure Lodge of North America.” The series still runs periodically on PBS.

Day five begins as hikers linger over an excellent breakfast and lots of coffee. This section of the trail can have rock slides and downed winter trees. Wear long pants because poison oak can be prevalent here. The canyon is not so narrow here and hikers are quite often away from a view of the river; separated from it by a marshy area. The trail eventually joins a road, paved this time, and it is an approximate 7 miles hike to the take-out. Hikers arrive around 1:30 p.m. and eat a fabulous riverside lunch served by WWW guides. Vans take weary but happy hikers back over the mountain to waiting vehicles parked at Morrison’s Lodge.

Joy Henkle has spent two decades as an outdoor writer for magazines, newsletters, websites, and more recently, blogs. Over much of the last decade, her travel expertise has been focused on Oregon’s unique and diverse Rogue River region. Visit her at Whitewater Rafting Blog or Whitewater Warehouse

In today’s college admission landscape it is essential that families remain knowledgeable on up to date trends in higher education. Many families begin the college admissions process early in high school so that they obtain as much information as possible about colleges while providing maximum opportunity for their children. The college admissions process is complex and detailed and in order for students and families to navigate this process correctly, qualified private college consultants are becoming more popular.

It is sensible to hire a qualified independent educator to ensure that the choice for higher education is correct, as the cost to obtain an undergraduate degree at many private colleges is near $200,000. Independent college consultants can also make an otherwise stressful process into a successful and enjoyable experience. The recognition and growth of private consulting is logical based on the demands of the colleges on students and the competitive nature of college admissions.

There are thousands of colleges in the United States and learning about how they vary is a difficult process without appropriate guidance. Qualified private college consultants help students avoid costly mistakes by finding the college that is the best fit for them. Without the proper direction, many students and families ultimately choose colleges without necessary information on what would be the best matches for them. Numerous families have specific requests with regard to academics, athletics and special learning needs. College consultants do lengthy and specific research to assure students that they apply to the most appropriate colleges. Expert college consultants attend conferences, visit campuses regularly and have a wide array of professional resources available. The experience and knowledge of a qualified independent college consultant is invaluable while navigating through high school planning and the admissions process.

The ratio of counselor to student in many high schools is extremely high (500 to 1 in many cases) and the school counselors do not have time to individualize the process for their students. Even the most skilled high school college counselors may have too many students to provide the individualized attention students need and deserve. College counselors in high schools are bound by the rules, requirements and job description of their schools. Often times they are also required to do additional jobs at their high schools with regard to guidance counseling, scheduling and record keeping. Many high school counselors do not attend conferences, tour colleges or develop relationships with admission representatives. As a result, they are not always current on recent college admission news and evolving admissions requirements.

Reputable educational consultants visit hundreds of colleges, whereas a college counselor in a high school spends the majority of his/her time at their specific school. In addition, an independent consultant researches and prepares college lists, assists with college essays, works on activity resumes, advises on campus visits, letters of recommendations, interviews, summer programs, internships and has a better understanding of what the colleges admissions personnel at specific colleges want in their candidates.

Most high school college counselors are grateful for additional insight and assistance with their students from independent consultants. High school counselors know that many families seek outside resources for academic tutors, test preparation and college counseling. There are various options available, however professional educational consultants affiliated with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) are held in high esteem and an integral part of assisting students in their college process. The additional insight private consultants offer can be a valued asset to hard working high school counselors who must write hundreds of recommendation letters. The relationship families maintain with a private consultant can remain confidential and release of any information is dependent on the family’s decision.

Jeannie received her Masters Degree in Education and Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology/Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and is Founder and President of the Los Angeles based independent college counseling firm College Connections. She has an extensive educational background having served as counselor, school administrator, admissions director, teacher and curriculum supervisor for over twenty years in both the public and private sectors. Jeannie also mentored teachers through the UCLA teacher-training program for seven years, is state certified, and holds a teaching credential issued for life. Jeannie is a Julliard School of Music alumni and has first hand experience in selective admission auditions in top tier performing arts programs. Jeannie has over fifteen years admissions counseling experience and continues her work of the past ten years as an independent educational and college consultant. She is an independent specialist who works with and oversees every student. Jeannie participates in the UCLA College Admissions Counseling Certification Program and regularly attends professional conferences, networks with colleagues and visits colleges throughout the United States building contacts within the admissions staff. Jeannie has been awarded professional membership with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her affiliation with the National and Western Association of College Admissions Counselors as well as the Higher Educational Consultants Association keeps her on the forefront of innovative and current trends in college admissions and education.

Anyone with the slightest interest in cooking would ultimately wish to become a professional in the field. What better way to learn than from well-known professionals themselves? There was a time when ladies were required to attend expensive finishing schools to acquire skills in gourmet cooking. Today, they have been replaced by gourmet cooking magazines which can provide everything that one needs!

The trick here is to get hold of just the perfect gourmet cooking magazine for you, because all may not prove to be equally satisfying though each one does provide some great ideas to cook wonderful meals and also gives a peep into insider tips. In fact, some of them are more advertisement-based than content-based. The one that you require should go into the details of cooking and convey information that will prove very useful to you.

Basically, how would you find the gourmet cooking magazine useful for you?

(1) Information about supplies needed for gourmet cooking is provided here. There would be advertisements indicating where good supplies can be found. Maybe you could purchase them through the gourmet cooking magazine itself. Who knows, you may have never known about them otherwise, you being a novice to the art still!

(2) A professional cook would also find the gourmet cooking magazine useful since the latest cooking methodology along with new gadgets on the market are displayed in it. The prices are also given.

(3) Beginner or professional, there are directions provided on the usage of supplies and gadgets presented here, along with tips on how they can be used to enhance your cooking skills.

(4) Not only supplies, but a choice of recipes is presented in a gourmet cooking magazine. There are old recipes, as well as fresh and new ones, including preparation of sauces, jams, etc. Tips on getting that sauce or jam just perfect are also provided. Hence, you slowly get to increase your bundle of recipes. To be noted is the fact that the recipes presented in the magazine are those used by professional chefs.

(5) Whether you are a beginner or a professional, cooking is always a continuous learning process. Articles on “how to” cook in 100% gourmet style are presented. Sometimes, they come in a series, making it easy to acquire the necessary knowledge step-by-step. Yes, the process is not easy and takes time, but with practice and guidance, you will become perfect!

Now that you are aware of what is meant by a great gourmet cooking magazine, the next question is – where can I find such a magazine?

Just do some scouting on the Internet. There are many magazines offered. Go through their reviews, select the right one for yourself, and subscribe to it. Some of them are designed very attractively! An additional advantage is online tutorials for learning and forums for discussion that are offered with the magazine, along with good discounts on products.

Abhishek is really passionate about Cooking and he has got some great Cooking Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 88 Pages Ebook, “Cooking Mastery!” from his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com/770/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Thinking of starting your own business this year, but don’t want to launch a business completely from scratch? Then consider a business opportunity often referred to as a turnkey business. With a business opportunity package you are purchasing a system of doing business that often comes with an instructional manual or a video. There are no royalties to pay but there are often no support or follow-up opportunities.

Business opportunity packages are greatly distinguished from franchises. With a franchise, you are getting involved in a long term relationship with a franchisee. You are purchasing their signage, logos, uniforms, and systems of doing business. There is no originality that you can bring to the business. You must support the proven franchised system of doing business.

There are fundamental differences between a business opportunity and a franchise. A franchised business is based on a proven method of doing business. Most often, franchised businesses are “look-a-like” businesses, meaning that signage, outfits, offerings, menu, vans, logos, etc. are identical. When you pay the franchise fee, you are purchasing the rights to use these clearly identified logos and business symbols from that particular franchise corporation.

In order to run the franchise, you must follow the rules and regulations as set forward by the franchisor. They will want you to attend training classes, perhaps attend an annual convention, and will want to make sure you keep up with their standards. According to the International Franchise Association, you are in business for yourself, but not buy yourself.

Many entrepreneurs like the idea of purchasing this proven system of doing business. The franchisor will even help pick the site and will help design the store, the restaurant or office center.

You will be required to pay royalties every year to keep your franchise operation. The royalty fees go to a national advertising fund and also to a general fund to keep the franchsor operating at a profit.

The Business Opportunity

When you purchase a “business opportunity” package you needn’t answer to anyone. You are purchasing instructions or some materials to conduct this business, but you are not purchasing a set of rules and regulations that you must follow to the letter.

Often, business opportunity packages are called “turnkey operations.” The theory is that all you have to do is to launch the business opportunity is buy the package, read the material, study the manual or video, “turn the key” and open your business. Some of these start-up business opportunity packages cost $100 or less. Others cost thousands of dollars. But there is one common denominator: the opportunity should be investigated. Remember, let the buyer beware. There are several ways to investigate a business opportunity.

. 1. Call telephone information for the city in which the company is based and ask for the number of the local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Call the BBB and ask if they have a “reliability report” filed on the company. This report provides information on the company and will include whether or not complaints have been filed on the company. It will also let you know how the company handled those complaints. Also try calling the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060 and the Call for Action Hotline at 301-652-HELP.

. 2. Call the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the company is based. Just because the company might not be a member doesn’t mean they aren’t reputable. But ask the Chamber of Commerce if they know of any reason why someone shouldn’t do business with them. It doesn’t hurt to hear what the word of mouth is about a particular enterprise.

. 3. Call the Attorney General’s office in your state–often located in the State Capitol’s office. Also check with the Secretary of State’s office to see if there are any complaints filed on the company or if there are investigations pending.

. 4. Where did you hear about the business opportunity? At a local trade show? Through an ad? If it’s in an ad, call the magazine who carried the ad and ask to speak to the advertising department. Do they have information on the company? How long have they been in business? Do they pay their bills on time? Has the magazine or trade sponsor received any complaints about the company?

. 5. Use your judgment. As you study the ad, ask yourself, “can I figure out what the business opportunity is from this ad?” If not, then run in the other direction. They are trying to be evasive. If you can’t contact the company and get more information on what it is you are sending money to receive, then don’t send a dime. Remember the old line, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Not in every case, but in many.

. 6. Ask the company offering the business opportunity package if you can get a list of folks who invested in the package during the last two years. If they are legit, and if they are proud of what they are offering, they will be happy to put you in touch with their satisfied customers. If they won’t do this, there very likely is something shady going on with that particular business opportunity program.

. 7. Companies that have a legitimate business opportunity package for you to look over–and we feature many of them in this magazine–should not be scared or dismayed if you want to receive some free additional information about the company before you invest in the program. This is a perfectly acceptable request.

. 8. The Federal Trade Commission offers a free package of information about the FTC Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule. Write to: Public Reference Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 or call the FTC at 202-326-2222.

. 9. Use your instincts. If the opportunity doesn’t sound or seem just right to you, stay away. Do some more research before you get involved with the company and follow tips one through 8 to conduct your due diligence investigation about the business and the specific opportunity.

. 10. Don’t send money unless you completely understand what you are buying into, and even then, check it out before you send any money.

Steve Stanley is President of Tech Comp Associates, publisher of the Security Products Directory, visit: [http://www.securityproductsdirectory.com]

The Kubota tractor is currently manufactured in more than 130 countries although its headquarters is in Kubota Japan. The Kubota Corporation began in 1890 and is now an international brand leader of environmentally compatible equipment. Many of their equipment pieces are designed to improve the quality of life for those that use it and receive the benefits of it.

Kubota manufacturer’s tractors, mowers, utility vehicles and construction equipment however their tractors are what they are known best for in the United States. There is a wide selection of Kubota tractors to choose from. From landscaping to livestock and everything in between the Kubota Tractor Corporation has you covered.

These bright orange Kubota tractors will do any job needed whether it’s a big scale landscaping renovation or you’re using it out on the farm the Kubota tractor will take anything you can dish out. It’s made of construction grade or professional grade materials even for the homeowners who own the Kubota tractors for mowing the lawn it will withstand rough treatment and still keep on going.

The Kubota tractor is durable and dependable yet if anything goes wrong with your Kubota tractor there a replacement parts at any Kubota tractor dealership or online if you’d like to do it yourself.

There are many brands of tractors but it just is durable and dependable as the Kubota tractor, such as the Ford tractor, New Holland tractor, Cub Cadet tractor and the ever popular John Deere tractor. You can find all of these tractors at your local tractor dealer or online for reasonable prices.

Tractors are not only for mowing the lawn or tilling the garden, they are also for hauling, plowing, pulling, lifting, moving, digging and clearing brush just to name a few of the things they tractor can do around the house or farm. If you only have the house and don’t have a garden that a tractor would be good for mowing the lawn and most tractors have various heights for their blades so you know you can have a very short cut lawn or rather high lawn it’s totally up to you and your tractor.

If you only have a lawn mower tractor there are attachments you can purchase such as the hauling base in which you can haul around flowers and other garden tools when you’re working in the yard if you have a big yard to get from place to place. Or if you have a sizable garden you can raise the blades and drive through the garden with your pull along calling the vegetables at harvest time.

The Kubota tractor is manufactured all around the world and in the past several years has become the most eco-friendly tractor available today. From the gasoline that you put in to the admissions it puts out the Kubota tractor is the best earth friendly tractor around. And in today’s world, the world needs all the help it can get. And in being eco-friendly, the Kubota tractor has won many awards for its continued efforts to help save the planet.

Michael Floren is an expert in Kubota tractors, he has been actively involved in the farm machinery business for more than a decade. Visit his website at http://www.tractor-depot.com for more information about Kubota tractors