Thinking about putting up a personal profile on one of the many online dating sites? Welcome to the club! You are, or possibly soon will be, in the company of millions of people who’ve done just that. With the explosion of online personals and dating sites, men and women from all walks of life have found the ultimate vehicle to meet others with common interest. Internet dating is an amazingly fun and exciting way for singles to make connections they couldn’t have made otherwise.

However, with the fun and excitement of meeting others online comes great personal responsibility. Unfortunately, as the many news stories attest, not everyone understands that responsibility and post more than necessary information about themselves. Information such as their names, emails, addresses, phone numbers and more on their public profiles, evidently clueless that they may be putting themselves in harms way.

As always, your own personal safety should be top priority when posting information about yourself on the Internet. Never assume that others who view your profile online will have the best intentions. So always be careful of how much you reveal about yourself in a public profile.

Just in case you didn’t know, most online dating sites do not pre-screen their new member sign-ups . This means that they cannot ensure that the people on their dating sites have honorable intentions or are safe to deal with. So, this makes you responsible to carefully screen the people who contact you.

With that said, never post your real email address on your profile, nor in the first few emails you exchange with other members. In fact, any information that identifies you in your profile or in emails may open yourself up to become the latest victim on the nightly news. Don’t think it can’t happen to you, in the world we live in today, you absolutely must be careful.

But before you think it’s all bad, let me assure you that it’s not. In fact, just as in the off-line world, their are still decent people who can be trusted and whose intentions truly are honorable. You just have to exercise caution.

When you meet someone online and you feel in your gut that they are not being honest with you, there’s a good chance that you are right. Use your head, don’t rush to intimacy with someone you’ve just met online . Online intimacy with someone you honestly don’t know can be very dangerous. Don’t indulge yourself on a whim. Thinking things through can save you a lot of unnecessary troubles.

If you do meet someone who truly sparks your interest, take your time. Exchange phone numbers and get to know the person as much as possible before saying yes to meeting face to face. But, once again, as always, use caution when passing your phone number to someone. If you realize after a phone conversation or two that the person is not trustworthy, you don’t want that person to be able to look up your street address with the number you supplied him or her. If possible use an unlisted number or a payphone.

Don’t ever feel obligated to meet someone face to face. If they seem like they are trying to push you into meeting with them, back off. If they seem desperate to meet with you, then they most likely have a problem, and should be avoided. No matter what, you still have the last say on whether you are ready to meet the person or not. If something doesn’t feel right, you are free to change your mind.

If you do decide to meet with someone you’ve met online, if at all possible, take a friend. If you do go alone, tell someone reliable where you will be going and what time you’ll return. Leave information about the person with your friend. Information such as name, phone number, a copy of the photo your date sent you or that was included on their profile should be enough. Be sure and take your cell phone. Don’t let your date pick you up at your home residence. Use your own transportation and meet in a public area. Also, don’t ever leave a beverage you may be drinking unattended. With the date-rape drugs floating around out there, you just can’t take a chance.

Don’t ever rush yourself or allow anyone to push you into doing anything. Take your time and get to know anyone you’ve met online . It’s always better to be safe at home, without a date, than to wind up with a psycho in a very bad situation.

So, if you are patient about finding the right person and take these precautions, then you will have a much safer and enjoyable online dating experience. And who knows, you just might find that special someone.

David Keeling is the webmaster of a free online dating service where singles can meet in a fun, safe and anonymous enviroment. Members can easily upload their own photos and videos, contact one another using IM, and much more. All without ever being charged a fee. All services are absolutely free! You can learn more and sign up now by clicking on the following link: www.myfreedatefinder.com

Many don’t realize that our basic utility bills provide the perfect money saving opportunity for practically every household!

Especially with today’s energy crisis so prevalent throughout many of the states, you’ve probably heard this term - conservation.

Guess what, conservation really means “using less”. Using less energy, means you are spending less money. Inevitably, conservation goes hand in hand with saving money.

We sometimes lose sight of the fact that the water, gas and electricity we use in our homes, always comes back to us in the form of a lovely bill. Use the tips below and you may be surprised to find yourself saving $1000 or more every year.

ELECTRIC
~~~~~~~~~

* Fans can really cool a house in warmer months if set up properly. Ideally, you want to set up fans to draw in cool air (shady side of house) and circulate into the warmer areas.

* Get in the habit of turning off ALL lights and appliances that are not being used. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the energy savings will add up.

* TURN THE TV OFF! Did you know that leaving the television on is the number one electricity waster in the world? When everyone is finished watching television, especially before going to sleep, turn it off.

* Replace all “non-reading” lights with lower wattage light bulbs or possibly the new “energy plus” bulbs for even more savings over time.

* Get in the habit of hanging your clothes to dry, possibly on a clothesline in a bathroom.

* Insulate! Insulate! Insulate! our number one money saving tip! Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. Caulk or foam insulate any place where outside air has a chance to get in. Don’t forget to insulate your attic floor with either “roll” or “loose-fill” insulation.

* Long Term - Install ceiling fans throughout the house. You can then start decrease A/C usage and during winter months, the fans will help circulate warm air throughout the house.

* Long Term - Plant tall shrubs and brushes. Not only will this beautify your property, but also shade your home causing less need for the A/C in summer months and help block out harsh winds in colder months.

WATER
~~~~~~~

* Check to make sure none of the faucets & spigots in your household are leaking/dripping. A slow dripping faucet can accumulate over two gallons per hour.

* When watering the garden, set a schedule and try to water in the early morning hours to help minimize evaporation (between 6am-8am)

* Avoid taking baths and long showers.

* Leave the faucet OFF when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Only turn it on when needed.

* If you must wash your car at home, only turn on the hose when you’re rinsing.

GAS
~~~~

* During winter months, light a fire for warmth instead of using the central heating unit. Wood is still cheaper than gas. * check and make sure fireplace is working properly

* Wear seasonal appropriate clothing around the house. Get used to wearing sweaters and pants during winter months. You’ll find that you won’t need to turn the heat up as high.

* Lower the temperature on your gas water heater. You really don’t need water heated up to 180 degrees. Lower it a bit and save.

* Turn off stove and oven a few minutes before time is up. Residual heat will finish the job perfectly.

PHONE
~~~~~~~

* Compare the prices of various long distance providers and ask the representative which plan provides you the greatest savings based on your calling history. With all the long distance companies on the market, don’t be afraid to change to one that’s more appropriate for you.

* Get used to email and the Internet! It costs little to nothing to use, and now with instant chatting services like Yahoo Messenger, here’s the perfect money saving opportunity.

* Find a good reason to have people call you. You can even come up with a good excuse for them to “call you back”.

HAVE A FAMILY? MAKE A GAME
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you have a family, turn this utility saving exercise into a GAME! Make some type of ‘agreement’ with all the family members where the savings accumulated each month will be put into a ’savings jar’. Then after six months or a years time, a nice vacation can be arranged.

Sit down with everyone when the bills come and compare the savings from month to month. Not only can this be an educational experience for your children, but it’s the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved working towards a goal.

Gregory Thomas, editor of http://www.SavingSecrets.com - has written hundreds of effective money-saving tips, strategies, and articles over the past 6 years. Visit their website and you’ll find FREE money-saving articles, a monthly newsletter, and even a FREE Ebook download just for stopping by!

Comments Off

A recent probe proves: rakish undergarments are undoubtedly the swanky wish objects known to induce members of the fair sex young and mature, to feel good-looking. Positioned at the top end of the deluxe women’s nightclothes sector, Myla is a London situated highly respected establishment subscribed to enabling members of the fair sex young and mature, to feel seductive and dynamic in rakish ladies’ sleepwear. Their list of products includes flirtatious pantyhoses, suspender belts and, too, brassires, winsome sleeping outfits including, naturally, very flirty bed room silk satin bow tassels.

For the uttermost in sexy joy the Myla web shop presents you with the most daring undergarments exclusively fashioned from precious textile fibers including high gloss silk, sheer silk chiffon, Calais lace including, naturally, see-thru sheer. Designed for flirty women young and old you’ll see bras plus, even better, silk & lace french knickers, structured lace bras plus, even better, fitting silk thongs and garters and or winsome frolicsome babydoll negligees exclusively fashioned from sheer silk chiffon and Calais lace. This particular blue-ribbon selection presents you with structured basques, silk & lace french knickers, sheer long chemises including, naturally, long silk satin halter nightclothes. This, if you’re trying for untainted flirtatious enchantment, the aficionado will choose a venturous quarter cup underwired bra or padded plunge bra corresponding with silk & lace french knickers and a brace perfected by stockings. By way of suggestion the bedchamber, there’s a selection of high gloss satin and lace up bodices, silk & lace french knickers, mesh shorts, body laces and strops.

Should you want some very flirty bed room love making gear the aficionado will choose self-adhesive bras, lace stiletto shoes, stockings, garters and sensual fragrant flirt candles. Tease and inveigle with wooden handle mini feather ticklers, feather fluff & silk satin tie ups, chiffon edged silk satin blindfolds, arousing avocado massage oil, fab milk chocolate body paints or a frolicsome marabou, Guinea fowl and turkey feather paddle. For the uttermost very flirty silk satin bow tassels, the Myla web shop presents you with a huge assortment of risque toys specially crafted by a throng of cosmopolitan artists. The aficionado may choose from a top quality products list including Rachel Wingfield’s vibrating Sphere, the gold bow engraved stimulating vibrator by Jimmyjane or Australian born Marc Newson’s exclusive Mojo.

Myla - for excellence in designer luxury underwear…

Comments Off

The completion of the human genome sequencing project was the first step in allowing scientists to unravel the secrets contained in our DNA. Further over the past few years DNA testing has become affordable and easy to do. This has spawned the practice of performing DNA testing for Genealogical purposes which is called Genetic Genealogy.

One of the first genetic genealogy studies was conducted in the late 1980s by scientists with the Department of Biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. These scientists Rebecca L. Cann, Mark Stoneking and Allan C. Wilson studied a newly discovered kind of DNA. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is contained not in the nucleus of our cell, but in the mitochondria organelles of our cells. These scientists chose to study Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) because of its three unique properties which they explain as:

First, mtDNA gives a magnified view of the diversity present in the human gene pool, because mutations accumulate in this DNA several times faster than in the nucleus. Second, because mtDNA is inherited maternally and does not recombine, it is a tool for relating individuals to one another. Third, there are about 1016 mtDNA molecules within a typical human and they are usually identical to one another (Cann 31).

They extracted and compared mtDNA from “147 people, drawn from five geographic populations” (Cann 31). The researchers discovered that “All these mitochondrial DNAs stem from one woman who is postulated to have lived about 200,000 years ago, probably in Africa” (Cann 31). Their findings also agree with the archaeology record as Cann explains “Studies of mtDNA suggest a view of how, where and when modern humans arose that fits with one interpretation of evidence from ancient human bones and tools” (36).

Swedish researchers Max Ingman, Henrik Kaessmann, Svante Paabo and Ulf Gyllensten critical of these findings conducted their own study in 2000. They claimed that “almost all studies of human evolution based on mtDNA sequencing have been confined to the control region, which constitutes less than 7% of the mitochondrial genome” (Ingman 708). Further they argued that the prior methods of analysis where “providing data that are ill suited to estimations of mutation rate and therefore the timing of evolutionary events” (Ingman 708). So they decided to study the complete mtDNA sequence from 53 people of various races.

Surprisingly their attempt to discredit the previous research failed as they also came to roughly the same conclusions. They conceded to the likely hood of a common ancestor shared by all the subjects despite being “geographically unrelated” (Ingman 712). They estimated “The age of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) for mtDNA, on the basis of the maximum distance between two humans…to be 171,500″ (Ingman 712) instead of the earlier estimate of 200,000 years ago. But they refused to align their findings with archeologists by stating “Whether the ancestors of these six extant lineages originally came from a specific geographic region is not possible to determine” (Ingman 712). Lastly they agreed on the potential of genetic genealogy by summarizing:

Our results indicate that the field of mitochondrial population genomics will provide a rich source of genetic information for evolutionary studies. Nevertheless, mtDNA is only one locus and only reflects the genetic history of females. For a balanced view, a combination of genetic systems is required. With the human genome project reaching fruition, the ease by which such data may be generated will increase, providing us with an evermore detailed understanding of our genetic history (Ingman 712).

Their call for a more balanced view was shortly answered because in 2000 a team of researchers from the Department of Genetics at Stanford University lead by Peter A. Underhill published their results of studying Y-chromosome DNA. Only males have the Y-chromosome which has unique properties as explained by Underhill:

Binary polymorphisms associated with the non-recombining region of the human Y chromosome (NRY) preserve the paternal genetic legacy of our species that has persisted to the present, permitting inference of human evolution, population affinity and demographic history (358).

Their report was based upon “the analysis of 1062 globally representative individuals” (Underhill 358). They concluded that the subjects “represent the descendants of the most ancestral patrilineages of anatomically modern humans that left Africa between 35,000 and 89,000 years ago” (Underhill 358).

So far genetic genealogy research has focused on these two kinds of DNA. As mentioned previously mtDNA is passed along the maternal line and Y-Chromosome DNA is passed along the paternal line. These two kinds of DNA effectively encompass all of our ancestors. Yet they provide no information about our ancestors inside the encompassed area. For example our maternal grandfather (mother’s father) couldn’t contribute any mtDNA or Y-Chromosome DNA to our mother. Yet he did contribute a third type of DNA called autosomal DNA. This type of DNA has yet to be studied for Genetic Genealogy purposes because of its inherent difficulties.

The main reason autosomal DNA is just now being studied is because scientists aren’t sure how to determine which autosomal DNA came from mom and which came from dad without testing one or both of our parents. This situation is illustrated by the mathematical equation X = Xm/2 + Xd/2 where our autosomal DNA (X) is half of our mom’s (Xm/2) and half of our dad’s (Xd/2). By testing ourselves we identify our autosomal DNA but can’t determine which part came from mom or dad. Additionally testing one of our parents is necessary to determine exactly which parent contributed which part of our autosomal DNA. This type of testing is currently used for Paternity and near relationship testing. But quickly becomes impractical after a few generations because of the difficulty of obtaining DNA samples from probably deceased ancestors.

Conclusion

Genetic Genealogy is the science of analyzing DNA for genealogical purposes. Studies have shown that we all stem from a common female and male ancestor. Because this emerging science is so new, benefits of this research are still being identified. Currently I believe Genetic Genealogy offers three categories of benefits.

First is entertainment value. Finding out you’re related to famous people like George Washington, Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan is just plain fun. Imagine the bragging rights and small-talk fodder this provides at social gatherings.

Second is scientific value. Current studies have corroborated other scientific findings such as the human archaeological record. Medical sciences will benefit from correlating DNA studies with family genealogies to isolate hereditary diseases.

Third is relatedness value. Finding out you’re related to a wealthy individual like Bill Gates may entail a financial windfall. Most importantly of all is the ability to reunite families. Millions of displaced war torn families and adopted children can now turn to Genetic Genealogy to find their relatives.

Sources

Cann, Rebecca L. et al. “Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.” Nature 325 (1987): 31-36

Carmichael, Terrence and Alexander Kuklin. How to DNA Test our Family Relationships? California: AceN Press, 2000

Cavalli-Sforza, L. Luca et al. The History and Geography of Human Genes. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1994

Ingman, Max et al. “Mitochondrial genome variation and the origin of modern humans.” Nature 408 (2000): 708-713

Tooker, Elisabeth. An Ethnography of the Huron Indians, 1615-1649. New York: Syracuse University Press, 1991

Underhill, Peter A. et al. “Y chromosome sequence variation and the history of human populations.” Nature Genetics 26 (2000): 358-361

Walsh, Bruce. “Estimating the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor for the Y chromosome or Mitochondrial DNA for a Pair of Individuals.” Genetics 158 (2001): 897-912

Zimmer, Carl. “After You, Eve.” Natural History 3 (2001): 32-35

Visit Relative Genetics for more information on genetic genealogy, or contact us Toll Free at (800)956-9362.

Comments Off

Higher education news can be a great source for finding information pertaining to the world of teaching and learning. Those looking for information on colleges and the many aspects that go with it will have a knowledgeable resource at their disposal. Education news can sometimes be part of a larger publication but there are also many independent websites that provide the latest news and happenings as well. One will be able to find all the current and past information that makes the world of education go round. Different types of higher learning, college campuses and faculty are common features in higher education news.

Those wanting to know the current climate in the world of education can look to higher education news for reliable and most up to date information. It will be more than easy to find plenty of articles written about politics, athletics and even research as they pertain to education. It is also a handy place for finding such things as salary surveys and forums to discuss various educational topics. A higher education news source can also be a good place to look for financial aid options and job placement services. One can also learn about new trends and developments on the horizon.

Comments Off

Hampton Court Palace is placed to the south west of London City, on the banks of the River Thames, bounded by plants & incredible gardens. Hampton Court Palace, Henry 8th’s wonderful waterside residence is located in well over 600 acres of parkland and private gardens.

Bringing back the tone of over four hundred and fifty years of tradition, fancy dressed entertainers can be observed throughout Henry 8th’s and King William 3’s fabulous private accommodations. The views, sounds & odours of the great Tudor kitchens where royal dinners were setup for Henry?s dinning room of well over 600 folks can also be viewed.

Hampton Court Palace has been separated into six different routes or expeditions. The Maze at Hampton Court Palace which is positioned on the Thames to the west of the Capital is said to be the most eminent hedge maze in the world.

Hampton Court palace has a scandalous tradition & is reputedly possessed by many phantoms, including 2 of Henry 8ths past wives & a nursemaid to his kids. Hampton Court Palace wardens and hostesses will be readily available to assist guests to their designated state accommodation for a champagne and canap?s welcome. Uniformed staff will declare the evening meal & visitors will be requested to go to their seats for a superb 2 course meal with top-quality fine white wines.

Hampton Court Palace has sixty acres of ceremonial gardens as well as the six-hundred acres of royal land. The royal grounds go back to the sixteenth Century, when the first Privy Garden was installed between fifteen-thirty and fifteen thirty eight for King Henry the 8th. Hampton Court Palace tours available daily from Enjoy England.

Comments Off

In Part 1, we summarized that you may have the best service in the world and the best widget in its category. But if you can’t physically get in front of your targeted business prospects on a routine basis you won’t meet your revenue objectives.

And we discussed these (3) realities:

• If you double your new appointments you will double your revenue… regardless of your closing ratio
• Not setting enough new business appointments leads to Sales employee turnover, sub-par revenue results and longer Ramp-to-Quota for new hires
• The communication act of asking for a Business appointment should be internally declared a KEY sales competency and trained to individually

So logically, sales organizations should be willing to develop and provide ‘Best Practice’ support systems to their sales teams for ‘Measurable’ performance results in line with effectively setting sales appointments.

Why is a Conversation-to-Appointment Ratio a core sales competency?

Because it’s a sales skill set that is measurable around an essential task; sales prospecting and setting business appointments. It has a purpose and is directly tied to the end results; good or bad.
In this case, it is to introduce and education the value of your product or service to a specific individual or group. It initiates your selling process. It doesn’t matter if you are having this conversation by telephone, cold-calling in person, on elevators, or just yelling from one rooftop to another; it is a communication skill set that is essential to your sales success. It’s what you say and how you say it.

Here are a few prerequisites of whether or not something should be declared a core competency:

#1
Is it an essential component to the sales mission or is it just an ingredient in the recipe?

Think of a sports person. What are a golfer’s essential competencies from tee-off to last putt? Are the ball and club core competencies? Or are the core competencies the golf swing and putting stroke?
How about a basketball player with the essential competencies of passing, dribbling, and shooting?

Hint: Don’t relate an Indy car pit crew putting gas in the fuel tank as a competency.

#2
You must be able to be measure it routinely and accurately. Ask yourself if you could measure it with a napkin, pencil, and calculator?

That way you’ll be able to know if you’re performing this business activity better than your competitors.
It’s sort of like knowing if your team is “Blocking and Tackling” better than your opponent’s team in a football game.
Because at the end of the day, it’s the individual (Or the team) with the best overall stats that wins.

#3
You should be able to apply “Timely Training” and “Powerful Routines” around each core competency.

We all know what sales training is. But do we understand why sales training fails?

And to understand this…it becomes important to understand what I mean when I use the term…”Timely Training.”

Timely Training means you have in place appropriate structures for learning and application. You have to be able to define useful short-term goals, long term objectives and performance benchmarks, but also measure each participant’s progress. Have participants work closely with qualified trainers for proper follow-up and support.
But most importantly…”Timely Training” should be focused on only one key sales competency at a time.

That means you never move on to your next training objective (In-line sales competency) until your intended ‘benchmark’ performance metric is realized.

“Powerful Routines” are Best Practices internal to each Core Competency that result in the highest ratio of success. It’s a technique or communication process that through experience has proven to get the best result parallel to a particular sales scenario.

As an example, when a prospect says “Just send me some information” we identify that communication as an objection. 95% of the time it’s a polite way of getting rid of us. Deep down inside we know what happens to the information. It goes in the ‘circular file’. Bottom line, it keeps both the Post Office and the office Janitor busy. One delivers these ‘information requests’ and the other one throws them out.

What’s your current ‘Powerful Routine’ to effectively communicate to a third solution, because none of us want to be in the ‘Postal’ Business.

Key Learning Point:
There are only so many scenarios in any sales process. If you isolate them, train to each one of them with Powerful Routines and then measure the outcome, you are on your way to success.

Take for example setting ‘Top-down’ business appointments. We’ve already decided it would be a benefit to our sales success if we could reduce the time it took to achieve the necessary number of ‘Top-down’ appointments.
In building an effective learning system to improve your Conversation-to-appointment ratio from the national average of 4-18%, you must first understand why that competency ratio is only 4-18%.

With that in mind, here’s what I know to be true:

1. We don’t seek to first (Before we pick up the telephone) understand the Prospect’s internal business objectives parallel to our solutions offering, then model our appointment approach around it
2. We settle for a business level of contact that has no direct fiscal authority
3. We sell our ‘product/service’ instead of selling the diagnostic steps in our ‘Evaluation’ Process
4. We fail to develop an effective Call to Action; strategic words and phrases that create a positive ‘visual’ reference to the Prospect of what happens during the initial appointment and how long it takes
5. We don’t support our ‘Call to Action’ with 3rd party valuators parallel to the Prospects business objectives; valuators like business statistics, appointment performance ratios, ROI figures and relevant success stories
6. We fail to visually ‘take the risk out’ in case they find that we are wasting their time once we’re in the door

These (6) ‘Here’s What I Know to be True’ factors are where you should begin your sales prospecting and sales performance improvement journey, because the definition of insanity is doing the same old thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

In Part 3 of ‘How to Double Your Sales Appointments in Half the Time’, we will take an in depth look at these 6 failure factors and flip them 180% into individual powerful routines to effectively set more ‘Top-down’ business appointments in less time.

Jeff Hardesty is President of JDH Group, Inc. and the Developer of the X2 Sales System®, a blended training system that teaches sales professionals the competency of setting C-level business appointments. Jeff can be reached at jeff@convertmoresales.com.
Calculate your sales team’s ‘Sales Performance Competencies’ here:
convertmoresales.com/marketing_blitz.php.

Submit your numbers for a complimentary 30-minute performance consultation with Jeff Hardesty:
convertmoresales.com/roi_survey.php.

Comments Off

When my older son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, my first reaction was relief - I finally knew the reason for his behavior. However, I was also overwhelmed with sadness, fear and anger. I felt sorry for my son and for myself. Like many others in similar circumstances, my question to God was “Why me?”

Through the grace of God, I am now able to focus on my gratitude. I believe God chose me to raise my son because He knew that I would give him the best I have. He will teach me to love and understand him for who he is. I am grateful that I have my son, and grateful that God chose me to be his mother.

There is power and healing in gratitude.

How can gratitude help us in our everyday lives as moms? Think about the difference you can make in your family’s life just by noticing and being thankful for all the great things they do. When you express gratitude, you show your love and appreciation. Everyone needs to feel these things every day. Sometimes as moms we feel that no one appreciates us - and it is true that moms are usually last on the list to be thanked. One way you can teach gratitude is by example. Even on the days when it seems your children or husband are doing everything wrong, find a reason to thank them. Take the time and energy to look for the good. Think about the things that your family does that deserve a thank you. You might say to your husband, “Thank you for working so hard for our family,” or, to your child, “I really appreciate your sense of humor - it feels good to laugh.” Expressing your gratitude helps family members to understand how it feels to be appreciated. And if they still don’t catch on, let them know when you feel unappreciated. You can also tell them how great it makes you feel when they do express gratitude.

Gratitude is a wonderful motivator when you need cooperation. When enlisting the help of my two year old, I praise him often and with enthusiasm. I let him know that he is a great helper. I know I am teaching him appreciation because he expresses it to me. The other day I brought a bunch of multi-colored roses home. For five days, at least once or twice a day, my son thanked me for the flowers.

Sometimes we get so busy and caught up in daily life that we forget to be grateful. We expect everyone to do their share without being asked. The only time anyone hears anything is when a chore has not been completed. This attitude, over the long haul, will develop very resentful and uncooperative family members.

When life is good, gratitude is easy. It becomes more challenging to be grateful when we are experiencing hard times. Financial hardship, long-term illness, the death of a loved one and marital strife can all be trying and difficult. It is hard to find anything to be grateful for. But while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. We have a choice in how we view our circumstances. We can turn our hearts to God and trust that he has a plan for us. We can be thankful for the lessons we learn and the opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Look at all the people in this world who share the gifts they received during especially difficult times of their life. It is the painful times of my life that have made me stronger, wiser, and more loving today.

I recently attended a powerful seminar on the various levels of energy that a human being emanates. The presenter identified seven different levels of energy. The first level of energy is defined by feelings of apathy and thoughts of victimization. A person at a level two energy has feelings of anger and thoughts of conflict. As a person moves up the energy scale, their feelings and thoughts are more positive. At level seven, one would experience unconditional love and no judgmental thoughts. Only God radiates at level seven. The average person emits energy at a level of 2.5. To experience peace and joy, an individual must raise his energy level to 5 or 6.

So how can we raise our energy level and open our heart to joy? One powerful way is to develop an attitude of gratitude. Look at everyone with grateful eyes. Listen to your heart and the heart of your loved ones. Speak words of affirmation every day of your life. Be grateful for your life with all its lessons and blessings. The more grateful thoughts and feelings you experience and express the more instrumental you will be in healing the world. And your outlook on life will improve in the process.

Lori Radun, certified life coach for moms. Get her FREE monthly ezine for moms who want healthier and happier lives at http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com

© 2005 True to You Life Coaching, LLC

Comments Off

Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to their ease of planting and relatively low cost, flower bulbs are a popular choice for flower gardens. Not only are flower bulbs beautiful, but planting them is a very simple undertaking.

Planting flower bulbs is so easy, in fact, that it’s almost foolproof. The most important consideration is timing. Flower bulbs need to be planted when the ground is coolnot too hot and not too cold. It’s best to plant them about six weeks before the ground freezes.

The next consideration is location. You’ll want to choose a place where the soil drains wellbulbs do not grow well in areas with standing water. Bulbs also need a location that is well lit and sunny.

Make sure that the soil is loose. It does not require any fertilization or special treatment. However, you might want to add compost or peat moss if you’re working in a new flowerbed.

The next consideration in planting flower bulbs is purely cosmetic. You’ll want to consider the placement of the various flowers. Generally, bulbs should be densely plantedthey do not look as nice planted alone or in thin lines. Taller flowers should be planted behind short ones. Consider the finished product as you are planning your flower beds. Think about which color combinations work best together, as well as which varieties of flowers best complement each other.

Once you have determined placement, you are ready to plant. Dig your holes about six to eight inches deep (follow package directions). Place the bulb in the ground with the pointed end facing up. Cover the hole and pack it firmly to release any air holes. Water the ground thoroughly.

As you can see, planting flower bulbs is a fun and easy project. With a little patience and creativity, you can have a beautiful and enjoyable flower bed.

Flower Bulbs Info provides detailed information on wholesale, discount, spring, summer, and fall flower bulbs for sale, flower bulb catalog and company information, and advice on planting flower bulbs. Flower Bulbs Info is the sister site of Flower Delivery Web.

Comments Off

Crickets are insects that belong to the order Orthoptera. Crickets are an important part of the ecosystem since they help in the breakdown of plant material. There are many species of crickets: house crickets, field crickets, ground crickets, cave crickets, mole crickets, camel crickets, snowy tree cricket and the northern mole crickets. Crickets live outdoors in wide open spaces like meadows, pastures and roads. In winter, they go under the rocks or logs to escape the cold. They are nocturnal and are very active during the nights. Crickets are omnivores and feed on almost anything- usually organic materials, plant decay, grass, fruits, seedling plants, fungi and even meat.

Camel crickets, also known as cave crickets or stone crickets, are generally found in caves and other cool damp places like house basements. They have very large hind legs, long slender antennae, head bent backward and drumstick-shaped femurs. They do not have wings. They are about one inch in length and brownish in color. They appear to be humpbacked because of their arched backs. They are also nocturnal but are not attracted to light unlike other crickets. They also do not chirp like house crickets.

Camel crickets usually reside in wells, hollow tress, under damp leaves/stones/logs/boards. They generally wander into houses by mistake and are basically harmless. Camel crickets can be controlled by cleaning out any damp and moist sites in and around the house. This includes dirty piles of stones, bricks or leaves. Sprinkle cricket baits available in the market; sticky traps can be used to trap crickets, which can then be flushed down the toilet or destroyed; call a good pest control company if the problem persists. Acephate (Orthene), carbaryl (Sevin), chlorpyrifos (Dursban), diazinon (Diazinon, Spectracide), Malathion, or propoxur (Baygon) are some commonly used insecticides for controlling camel crickets.

Crickets provides detailed information about crickets, live crickets, mole crickets, cave crickets and more. Crickets is the sister site of Gatlinburg Cabins Web.

Comments Off