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Friday, October 28, 2005

Retail Store U-Scan Machines: Self-Serve or Voluntary Part Time Job?. The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship.

Do many of us realize that we are working an unpaid part time job for the grocery stores and some home appliance stores? We are ringing up our own goods, are not getting any price discount for doing so and are saving these retailers money.

Each self-serve lane contains two to three self-serve scanners. Retailers have an average of two to four self-serve lanes. Retailers are saving each store an average of four to eight cashiers' salaries per store. One attendant is assigned to these self-service machines. Hypothetically, if stores are paying full time cashiers $7 per hour, they are now saving $14,000 annually in wage expenses for each cashier that they do not have to hire. Multiplied by four to eight cashiers, each store saves $56,000 to $112,000 per year on wage expenses. This simple calculation does not even count other benefits that companies pay to their cashiers, such as healthcare, vacation pay, sick pay, 401(k), pension benefits and tuition assistance.

Are these savings passed on to the consumer? Nope!

Why should we work an unpaid part time job for the grocery industry?

1. Self-serve scanning machines are not always user-friendly

When grocery bags get filled up and you have nowhere else to put your groceries, the machine will say something like "Please place your item back in bag" and not even let you know what the problem is. The machine treats you like you're an imbecile. The machine is wasting your time while an attendant has to correct the problem.

2. Self-serve scanning machines do not always scan every bar code.

Some of the machines do not scan deposit bottle return slips, which requires an attendant to manually scan the deposit slips. If there is other merchandise that the machine will not scan, an attendant also has to manually override the system, which is consuming more time for the customer.

3. Self-serve scanners cannot correct price variations.

If an item should scan at a certain price, but the store's system scans the item at a different price, an attendant has to manually override the scanner to give the consumer the correct price.

4. Risks of alienating senior citizens

If self-scanners are challenging for younger people, imagine how intimidating the machines must be for seniors. Sometimes, perception and not reality can dictate a retailer's success. If seniors perceive that cashier-scanning is going to be phased out by self-scanning, seniors may take their business where the human touch is still being utilized.

5. Gas stations offer a price break for self-serve

Although full-serve gas stations are becoming more rare, those stations that still offer full-service and self-service combinations offer price breaks to those customers who pump their own gasoline. If gas stations can offer a price break to customers who pump their own gasoline, why can't grocery stores offer a price break to customers who ring up their own goods?

6. Impersonal aspect could dissuade customers

Many customers go to the same store, restaurant or tavern because people who work at the establishment remember them. Remember "Norm" from Cheers? They want to go "where everybody knows their name..." A U-Scan Machine is not going to know you from Adam.

7. Self-scanning is currently not set up to handle large amounts of goods.

Currently, U-Scan machines are set up to handle about fifteen items or less, which is fine with the light shopper. What happens with customers who are purchasing over fifteen items? Are the larger-quantity purchasers being rewarded by not having to scan their own goods? Why do shoppers with fifteen items or less have the opportunity to do voluntary part time work for retailers? Is it a case of if customers purchase enough groceries, they don't have to work for the store today?

Should this concept be called self-scan or self-scam? Fortunately, ringing up one's own goods is still optional. Yes, it is still optional to do part time unpaid work for a retailer in which you are patronizing. Customers are doing the retailers a favor by purchasing goods at their stores. Is this how the customers are being rewarded? What will be next? Will customers go into a restaurant, order their food, be expected to prepare the food and pay the same price as if someone else had prepared the meal?

North Notes is a writing and researching company, which primarily helps writers gain focus, motivation, remove mental blocks that help to unblock the writing process. EVERYONE who writes has been stuck at some point in his or her career. You do not have to accept these mind-boggling roadblocks!

http://www.northnotes.com

(586) 216-7516

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of the Princess fleet. Her innovative design takes the Princess "Personal Choice Cruising" theme to a new level.

With nearly 900 staterooms having balconies, the Caribbean Princess offers more than any other ship cruising the Caribbean year round. Accommodating 3,100 passengers, this incredible ship has an entire deck of mini-suites! At 113,000 gross tons, the 952 foot long Caribbean Princess carries Bermudan registration.

Dining Caribbean Princess Style!

The amenities aboard Caribbean Princess are astonishing and dining options are no exception. There are no less than twelve eating options plus room service! The traditional dining option is in the Island Dining Room. For anytime dining check out the Coral Dining room or the Palm Dining Room. Specialty restaurants include Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and the Sterling Steakhouse. For casual eating and snacking, there are the Horizon Court 24-hour dining, Caf�½' Caribe, Wine and Caviar Bar, Patisserie, Prego Pizzeria, Trident Hamburger Grill, and the Ice Cream Bar.

Caribbean Princess Entertainment!

For entertainment, the Caribbean Princess offers two theatres - the Princess Theatre and Club Fusion. Check out movies on deck and under the stars at the Movies Under the Stars outdoor theatre. The Skywalker's Nightclub offers entertainment 16 decks above the sea!

The Explorer's Lounge offers nightclub-style performances. And the Grand Casino offers Caribbean Princess cruisers added action and excitement. The Joker's lounge, Crooner's Bar and Churchill's lounge provide Caribbean Princess passenger's room to meet and greet fellow cruisers or an intimate spot for two to get re-acquainted.

Pools Caribbean Princess style!

This Princess ship has five fabulous pool options! Both the Calypso Reef and Pool and the Neptune's Reef and pool offer two spas along with the pools. The Terrace Pool and the Lotus Pool have lots of lounging space as do all of the pools. The Pirate's View Spa and Splash Pool round out the Caribbean Princess pools.

Caribbean Princes Sports!

A ship as fabulous as this would be expected to offer great sports facilities, and this ship will not let you down. The renowned Lotus Spa, gym and fitness area has what you need to stay fit, feel great, and wind down. There is a swim-against-the-current lap pool on board. A nine-hole putting course and two virtual golf simulators will keep your links skills highly tuned. The Caribbean Princess also provides the "mandatory" paddle tennis and jogging track facilities.

Other Caribbean Princess Activities!

The Caribbean Princess has a collection of world class art with gallery and auctions. The Princess Internet Caf�½ allows passengers to keep in touch or to surf the high-tech web.

Princess offers a ScholarShip@Sea program for cruisers. The Library and Writing Room offer a quiet place to enjoy and reflect while on board Caribbean Princess as does the Hearts and Minds Wedding Chapel. Of course, there is always duty-free shopping. Princess looks after kids and teens with The Fun Zone, Off Limits and the Splash Pool.

This fantastic ship has something to offer for anyone planning a Caribbean vacation. This is a five star floating resort hotel with options at various ports of call throughout the Caribbean. What more could your fun-in-the-sun vacation require?

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount cruises. This site is your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and deals! For more interesting articles about cruise ships, cruise lines, great cruise deals and other cruise related topics check out http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com/articles to reach our article map. Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com where you can book your fabulous discount cruise on-line. Then all you need to do is get excited!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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5:19 AM |

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Quick Reference Guide for Tarot Card Meanings. Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed.

Obviously,

if you really want to learn about the meanings of the tarot cards and use them well, you'll spend time studying them and understanding the nuances of each card's interpretation. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a cool party game and want to impress your friends, this "cheat sheet" should provide you enough of a clue about each card's meaning that you can fake your way through a reading. And who knows -- once you loosen up and relax, you may surprise yourself!

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana consists of cards that have an individual name (such as "The Fool") as opposed to simply a suit designation (such as "3 of Cups"). Most tarot decks number the Major Arcana as well as name them, although some give only the name. 
  Card    Card              Card Number  Name              Meaning ------  ----------------  ------------- 0       Fool              Faith 1       Magician          Action 2       High Priestess    Potential 3       Empress           Abundance 4       Emperor           Authority  5       Hierophant        Conformity 6       Lovers            Relationship 7       Chariot           Will 8       Strength          Compassion 9       Hermit            Introspection 10      Wheel of Fortune  Destiny 11      Justice           Responsibility 12      Hanged Man        Release 13      Death             Transition 14      Temperance        Balance 15      Devil             Materialism 16      Tower             Downfall 17      Star              Hope 18      Moon              Illusion 19      Sun               Vitality 20      Judgment          Rebirth 21      World             Accomplishment

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana consists of cards that have a rank (such as "3" or "Queen") and a suit (such as "Cups"). Depending on your deck, the suits will have different names, but they have the same meanings. The first suit may be called wands, rods, staves, or sticks. The second suit is pretty universally called swords. The suit of cups is occassionally called chalices. And the final suit may be called coins, disks, or pentacles.

   
 Card   Wands        Swords      Cups         Coins -----  -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------- Ace    Creative     Mental      Emotional    Material ...     Force        Force       Force        Force 2      Personal     Stalemate   Connection   Flexibility ...     Power    3      Exploration  Betrayal    Delight      Planning 4      Celebration  Rest        Self-        Possessive- ...                              absorption   ness 5      Struggle     Dishonor    Loss         Suffering 6      Triumph      Depression  Good Will    Apprentice- ...                                           ship 7      Defiance     Deceit      Fantasizing  Assessment 8      Quick        Powerless-  Turning      Diligence ...     Action       ness        Away 9      Defense      Anguish     Satisfac-    Self-reliance ...                          tion 10     Burdens      Defeat      Joy          Affluence Page   Creative     Thoughtful  Emotional    Practical Knight Daring       Dashing     Sensitive    Thorough Queen  Energetic    Witty       Loving       Resourceful King   Inspiring    Just        Diplomatic   Supporting  
 Jennifer Dunne is the author of over a dozen novels and novellas of Hot, Heartwarming fiction, many featuring magic and psychic powers. A Tarot  
 reader since her childhood, she is frequently asked to do readings at local gatherings and celebrity events such as the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. Learn more about Jennifer at jenniferdunne.com. Learn more about tarot cards at Tarot Expressions. 
 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ 
 
   
 Teenagers are a fickle  
 bunch. At that stage of physical and psychological growth, they are constantly experimenting with things to improve their image and their look. Teen jewelry fashion plays a major part in the development of their identity and efforts to either blend in with the crowd or establish their own unique persona. Any parental endorsement of fashion accessories is akin to the kiss of death, and adolescents look to other influences when it comes to teen jewelry fashion. 
 The celebrities that teenagers see in music videos, television programs or movie screens are largely responsible for dictating trends in teen jewelry fashion. The oversized, ostentatious accoutrements favored by rap musicians have spawned the hip-hop jewelry trend, and teenagers have been patronizing lower-priced but accurate replicas of celebrity bling bling. Instead of the diamonds and other precious gems used in celebrity jewelry, cheaper zirconia and base metals are used for duplicates. Body jewelry (both the pierced and non-pierced types) that is unusually designed and made with inexpensive materials has also seen an increase in teenage patrons. 
 Beaded jewelry and woven friendship bracelets and rings are some of the other hot trends in teen jewelry fashion. Many teenagers make these dress accessories themselves and give them to friends as gifts. These are personalized with beads that have the letters of the recipient's name on them are incorporated into the woven fibers. Many teenagers also wear certain types of jewelry to identify them as part of a clique or group. These may take the form of uniquely designed pendants, rings or charms that have spiritual or mystical overtones. 
 Feminine teen jewelry fashion styles are also influenced largely by young celebrities today. Items worn by teen stars, such as Hilary Duff's slave bracelets, are copied by her non-celebrity counterparts. However, whimsical designs are still hugely popular among this set of young consumers. Gold- or silver-plated jewelry and jewelry that has gemstones has not lost its following among teenagers. 
 Some masculine teen jewelry fashion trends, on the other hand, tend to lean more toward beadwork, silverwork, leatherwork, and unusual stones. Teenage guys seem to think that sporty-looking accessories, such as so-called surfer-dude necklaces and arm bands made from bone, wood, or shell beads on a rubber or leather cord are cool. Stainless steel jewelry is popular with them, too. 
 Jewelry has been used by all people throughout history as marks of beauty or to denote social status. Adolescents are not immune to these patterns; in fact they are probably even more susceptible to them because of their need to simultaneously conform and stand out. Teenage jewelry fashion is part of their social arsenal and a tool in the development process. 
 Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com 
 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ 
 
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1:03 PM |

Monday, October 24, 2005

The Story of Big Jim. Marketing on the Cheap: Write? Right!!.

The power went out. Again!

I looked out my second story office window and knew exactly why. I could hear the sounds throughout the morning. This crew of 4 men and 3 bucket trucks stringing power lines along the new poles they had been planting in the front and back yards of my neighborhood the past few weeks.

Often during this time, I would be working on my laptop on the front porch and watched this professional teamwork in total synchronicity, moving from pole to pole in planned sequence. First it was connecting the phone lines. Then, cable. Today, and finally, from the back alley, the electricity.

What was of extreme interest to me was the foreman of this well- oiled machine. A big, burly middle-aged fellow whose sheer stature and hard look would intimidate most. But, he always uttered his commands, some very loudly as his underlings were often thirty-five feet in the air, with warm authority.

You could tell his crew really liked and had great respect for him. Although this was far from your typical 'lean on your shovel' squad, they still joked while working at a well-managed pace. Bossman, whose job description no doubt mandated a no hands-on, no physical labor approach, was always doing something to speed things along, be it picking up refuse or spooling wire. In fact, while they were in the process of connecting my power, guess who was pruning the overgrown pine tree branches in my backyard to make it easier for his boys?

It was at this point that I brought my high-wire friends a sampling of my special blend coffee (I prepared this, just prior to 'lights out'), reserved usually for special company. Setting a tray down on the patio table, I engaged 'Jim' in conversation and remarked how much I enjoyed watching them work and how much it reminded me of my great production team when I owned a drycleaning business. Another well-oiled, and fun to run machine.

His sun-hardened face beamed with pride as he began telling me about what a great group of guys he had and how they were the most productive crew in this large company.

No wonder!

Our conversation was not a long one. Jim had to get his boys back to the matter at hand, and that was to get my power back. But it served to make me think that here was a man who loved what he does, made a positive impact on those around him and earned the sincere respect of those under, and, above him. I could only surmise that Jim also had a great family life.

Why do I tell this story? Simple. It's a simple story of real success! No, Jim is not famous. Probably never will be. Nor is he rich as I could tell, or any of those things that people usually associate with the term 'success.' If this man won the lottery today I'd bet the farm he'd be planting poles and stringing wire and having fun with his crew the very next week. He is, judging by my brief encounter with him, a simple man who possesses one of the true keys of success: He loves what he does!

Let me ask you this? Are you doing what you love? Are you having fun with your 'job'? Do you feel a real sense of purpose and genuine passion for what you are offering people, be it your labor, your customers or your employees? Do you bring those people around you the great value that they deserve and that you are capable of giving? Are you respected by those around you for what you do? Are you, well, happy?

Let me assure you, if you answered "no" to any of the above questions, it's far from too late to change everything in your life!

In my top-selling eBook, Success: A Spiritual Matter, I had the extreme honor of interviewing 14 very successful entrepreneurs. One of those, Paul Lemberg, offered this: "Make sure your work is personally meaningful. If it's not - change what you're doing!" He continues, "Figure out what your purpose is. Not a purpose for you to shellac to a piece of wood and put on the wall. Not a purpose like a check box for your business plan. But a purpose like "what are you here on earth for?" That kind of purpose."

One of the famous quotes of legendary Jim Rohn goes like this: "Turn your vocation into your vacation."

One of the highlights of putting Success:

A Spiritual Matter together was conducting a live interview with Jim Rohn. He made this amazing statement: "Beware of the thief on the street that's after your purse. But also be aware of the thief in your mind that's after your promise."

Don't let that thief steal your promise and keep from the world everything that you have to offer. You CAN do what you love. You CAN start right now.

Contemporary mythologist, Joseph Campbell, offers 3 words as the number one rule of life, which pervades all cultures and religions: "Follow Your Bliss".

Isn't it about time that you followed yours?

© Rick Beneteau

Rick is co-creator of the breakthrough Make Every Day A Great Day Program. Read the powerful, life-changing testimonials and discover how this revolutionary product can dramatically change Your Life too!: http://www.MakeEveryDayAGreatDay.com/yes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



We all know the value of writing articles for promoting your website or online store. However, writing articles to promote your old-fashioned, traditional brick and mortar business has been around forever.

Contact your local newspapers, and chances are, depending on what business you are in, they may be interested in giving you your own column. Most small or medium-sized media markets will have at least one daily serving the communities and probably at least one weekly newspaper. Offer to supply a weekly or even a monthly column for free. They are always looking for editorial content and "free" is always attractive. Be careful about a daily commitment, this can get overly demanding in a hurry.

It may be a little more difficult to approach the Los Angeles Times or the New York Times, but in major media markets there are any number of regional weeklies that can be approached.

Other considerations may be regional or even national trade publications, Chamber of Commerce newsletter or other professional associations and organizations you may belong to.

If you can't get the column for free, don't be afraid to pay for it. But make sure the layout is designed to look as much as possible like a regular story or editorial content. The paper will probably require that you put some sort of disclaimer on your column like the word "advertising", but this is not a big deal.

Have a professional photo taken and include it in you articles whenever possible. Don't use your high school photo or one that is touched up to make you look totally different than you actually do. You are trying to build recognition and credibility. After your column has run for some time, you will be surprised how many people will easily recognize you. People like to do business with people they know.

Okay, so now you have own column; make good use of it. Give it value. Do not make it a blatant advertisement and/or sales pitch. In fact, except in extremely rare occasions you probably don't want to sell anything directly in your column at all. You want to write real content, stories that are either of real value or entertaining. I had a friend once that owned a restaurant. He paid to have his own column in our local newspaper. He never once wrote a story about his own restaurant. Instead he wrote about his world travels, famous chefs, and the wonderful restaurants he had enjoyed.

Another approach you may want to consider is a "How To" column. I once supplied a weekly column for an art gallery/picture-framing studio. We wrote a series of how to buy and frame your own artwork.

Check you local newspaper and you will no doubt see examples. If you are writing the column for the newspaper and not paying for it, make sure you retain editorial control and copyright to the work. If you are paying for insertion, ask your ad representative or ad agency for samples. As you travel around, pick up the local newspapers in the area you are visiting and see what others are doing.

If you don't have the time or the feel you are not capable of writhing your own column, check with an ad agency. You should be able to find one that provides this service. If you belong to a professional association, check with them and see if they supply "ghost" stories. I have worked with accountants, stockbrokers, lawyers and others using ghost stories.

I will suggest that if you are not writing the story yourself, you may want avoid the by line that says "by" and use "furnished by" or "supplied by" or something of that nature. The last thing you want to do is get caught taking credit for writing something someone else wrote. If you pay a copywriter for original copy, this is not as likely to happen. But if you use ghost stories from an association, you are more then likely not going to have exclusivity. Someone in another publication may be running the same story.

When you start this project, think long term. It takes a commitment. It will take some time to build readership. You are establishing yourself as an expert in your field to people that don't know you. This will not happen overnight.

I mentioned retaining editorial control and copyright. After you have created a number of columns and/or stories, you may want to consider putting them all together in a book. Keep this in mind in the early stages. If you are working with a ghostwriter or ad agency, make sure they understand your intentions so proper preparations can be made and taken into consideration from the very beginning. If your traditional non-web based business does have a web site, and it should have, make sure you prepare your writings for distribution on the net as well.

Once you start writing you can use the materials in any number of different ways.

So...go write something!

To learn more about writing to promote your business visit http://sbmag.org/writing

No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links included. We do request that we be informed of where it is posted so reciprocal links can be considered. Email floyd@sbmag.org.

Floyd Snyder is the founder and former owner of Executive Advertising, Camera Ready Art and Strictly Business Magazine. Currently he is the owner of Strictly Business Magazine at http://www.sbmag.org, http://www.FrameHouseGallery.com, http://www.EducationResourcesNetwork.com/ and http://www.TraderAide.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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7:02 PM |

Sunday, October 23, 2005

X-37 UAV Has Potential. The Christian Community Tries To Take Back What Belongs To Them!.

X-37 Moves Forward, Now What? Well, here are a few ideas of taking this craft to a whole new level and plateau in American Ingenuity and Innovation. NASA has learned a lot from the X-37 tests and will now turn it over to DARPA, which makes a lot of sense indeed.

http://www.spacetoday.net/Summary/2554

http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/History/HistoricA...ges/X-37_lg.jpg

Should we also look at a device mounted on this craft to ionize the air or atmosphere upon entry? If the craft were be launched from a large Blimp, super blimp it could be dropped

and once clearing the blimp point skyward and turn on the thrusters and ionizers to rid the craft of any friction, which would occur in the atmosphere. Very little energy would be needed and getting it to an asteroid, the moon or around the planet for re-entry would be extremely efficient. If the X-37 were unmanned it could also serve as a deterrent carrying an explosive payload and be used like a smart munitions all the way to the target ionizing the air along the way through re-entry, in fact there would actually be no re-entry, only an artificial extension of a space tube which it could fly through to it's target as a single mission detonation ICBM. It could be launched from a balloon near over the equator from a Blimp land base in the Hawaiian islands fly half way around the world and drop in un-invited on a declared enemy of peace and freedom, glide effortlessly to it's destination at a very high rate of speed, virtually undetected and accurate to a square foot. Something of that ability would certainly serve the political will of the free world very nicely, wouldn't it? The costs per unit would be quite small once designed and built in large numbers.

The X-37 could also make a nice re-entry vehicle which could ionize the air on it's re-entry by using a high beam of energy and then slowly decreasing the energy for a fast to slow decent using the force of friction of increased molecules of the atmosphere to gradually slow the craft at a pre-designed rate. Less wear and tear on the craft would occur and stability and control could come from parts of the craft not fully in the slip-stream tube of the created extension of space from the ionizing atmosphere device which would be located forward the CG and facing towards the intended direction of flight. Flight control guidance airfoils could extend into an area out side the tube of created space to prevent the craft from spinning within the tube and yawing or losing control. Special landing areas could be also created for such a method of flight so that ionization against the relative wind within the crafts flight path could slow the aircraft to a near stop, thus allow it to hover in artificial space for landing. No need to flair or to worry about a rough landing. The air cushion of non-ionized air would slow it down and the space and waves generated by the ionization would put the craft into a simulated antigravity state for the time it took to land the craft. All this could be done in an automated fashion.

Such a system would allow more payload, eliminate the need for landing gear systems, save space on the craft or commercialized larger versions for space tourism later on. Less weight means more payload, more systems. Such a craft could have on board tele-robotic units to fix the International Space Station or Hubble Telescope, to Mine Asteroids or drill below the surface of the moon for samples. Such a unit could be used to intercept incoming Asteroids on collision course with Earth carrying enough payload for gravity manipulation devices, laser cutters, explosives or attach itself and use it's self propulsion to move the small body off it's current trajectory.

NASA was smart to allow DARPA to have this technology for needs to secure our nation and become part of the missile defense system, strategic surgical strikes against adversaries and defending Mother Earth from catastrophic demise of a large Asteroid direct hit which would certainly cause death and destruction and climatic change which would render the current global warming shift totally insignificant.

If we look at the X-37 as a mini scale of 1/24 the size of a full version ship, you can see the benefits of having such a craft to carry people to the moon in the future for visits, scientific expeditions, visits to Mars, orbiting of Venus, Tourists to the Lunar Surface or sight seeing trip. By adding the benefits of ionization of the atmosphere we reduce the problems of heat friction which caused the last Space Shuttle break up, reduce surface wear and tear and have a truly safe and economical space craft.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



"See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Is. 43:19

Until now, plagued by scandals, and unscrupulous business practices, the Network marketing industry was being frowned upon by the Christian community. Many Christians, who once believe that involvement in this industry is an illegitimate way to earn a living, now see it as an alternative to help alleviate financial and funding pressure. For those who have become weary of the ever-increasing benefit cutbacks and lay-offs in corporate America, network marketing and affiliate programs has become the alternative for their survival.

Before the dawn of the Internet, very few people really understood network marketing, and many got taken advantage of, due to ignorance. There are still many more, who continue to struggle to accept its legitimacy because they do not understand the complex nature of the industry. Network marketing is nothing short of word-of-mouth advertising. Word-of-mouth is the most cost effective form of advertising, and many companies would rather pass their advertising savings to individuals willing to promote their goods or services. The industry is being closely monitored and regulated to protect the consumer.

Because of this tightened security, the Christian community has now step up to the plate, using this once dreaded medium, to alleviate the constant funding pressure, on Christian families, churches and ministries.

One such company is Spread The Word Ministries. Based in Arizona, this Christian-oriented company has become the largest online Christian bookseller, with over 150,000 Christian related products, surpassing the giant online bookseller, Amazon.com, with approximately 60,000. Of the 5 billion dollars generated by the Christian booksellers industry, only 12% goes back to support ministry. That's almost a 50% loss to Walmart, who generated 20% in Christian retail sales last year. So the concept of Spread The Word is simple - redirecting Christian spending back to the Christian community. The vision and mission of Spread The Word is clear -"Keeping Christian Dollars In Christ's Kingdom."

By providing this funding mechanism, thousands of families, churches and ministries are now benefiting from the program. With their no monthly fee, no annual fee and no quotas to meet, many Christians who have been praying for an honest, legitimate way to earn income, while pursuing their ministerial calling, see Spread The Word as an answer to prayer. 
  Information contact: Regina Sawyer (800) 318-9787 ext 0852 joyfullenterprises@msn.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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8:57 AM |

Friday, October 21, 2005

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. 5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer.

Jog along on a hilarious,

reckless ride through Old London." 1975 Complete Guide to Walt Disney World

"Mr. Who?" asks the wide-eyed child about to enter The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction, dragging his exhausted parents on for the third time today. Sorry, my friend, he isn't the "lost" Power Ranger, he's not "Experiement 213" from Lilo & Stitch, nor will you likely see him in the "House of Mouse" or "That's So Raven" on the Disney Channel. No, Mr. Toad was born in 1908, a little but before your time, in a popular tale called the "Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. In 1949, he and his oddly-named friends like Moley, Mac Badger, Ratty and Winky were adapted by the folks at Disney into the feature film, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

The film was actually two movies in one - it was comprised of two �½ hour tales (although both films were later re-released individually). The first, the "Wind in the Willows" was narrated by Basil Rathbone, while the second was the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (The movies were linked solely because their main characters were prone to disaster). The Wind in the Willows centered on the wacky adventures of one J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq. Mr. Toad (as we will get to know him as), is quite well-to-do, and has an unquenchable thirst for adventure, and a bad habit of financial mismanagement. Recently, his attention has turned to the automobile, which further leads to Toad's peril. He eventually is caught stealing a car, jailed, escapes with the help of his friend, Cyril Proudbottom. You'll have to buy the DVD to find out what happens to our little friend.

OK, enough of the background... how does this little amphibian end up with some prime real estate in Fantasyland, and where is he now?

Well, this unique fable first made its way into Disneyland in 1955, just a few years after the film's release. Its success at the box office made it a perfect candidate to draw in adults and children alike to Walt's new family destination. In fact, it had everything Imagineers could ask for - adventure, wackiness, and low cost of production. A dark ride through Mr. Toad's adventures in London was a perfect fit. Oddly enough, though, although the attraction was (and continues

to be) a hit in Disneyland, characters from the film and attraction do not appear elsewhere in the park, whether it be character meet and greets, or even cameos in other attractions or shows.

When Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971, Mr. Toad had secured himself a place among other Disney greats in Fantasyland. Surrounded by such classic characters as Snow White, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio, Toad was clearly among Disney royalty.

In fact, Toad not only earned himself a full-blown attraction in Walt's second, grander theme park, but he had a unique distinction. He may not have appeared in the Mickey Mouse Revue with other classic Disney characters, but one thing that Toad DID have, though, was two attractions in one. Well.... sort of. Like other attractions such as Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion (with its two stretching rooms), and others, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has two different lines (or queues). However, unlike the aforementioned rides, each line for Toad gives you a different adventure altogether. While one side took you through a Trophy Room, Kitchen, Gypsy Camp, Pub, Keg Room (who said there was no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom?)

and "Rain Room", the other (Track B) flung you along in your car through a Library, Barnyard and Barn, Town Square, Jail, Prison and Shireland. So much for heading "Nowhere in Particular" as the attraction's theme song (also known as "The Merrily Song") proclaimed! Both tracks led Toad to a similar fate, though. While he was able to narrowly escape the police, gypsies, and Judge, he couldn't avoid the oncoming train in the blackened tunnel.

This is where things got weird. Really weird considering you were in Walt Disney World. Not just WDW, but the Magic Kingdom. And Fantasyland, for goodness sake! So where were you after kissing the front of a train at incredible speeds? Why, Hell, of course. Yes, in clearly what can be called a radical departure from the cute and cuddly Disney holds so dear, you and your car-mates ended up surrounded by Satan and his demonic minions in the bowels of a "Disney-fied" Hell (which some have described as it's a small world for the 5 th time in a row. Yes, pitchforks and all, these long-nosed devils and their leader (complete with requisite horns and pointy moustache) showed you what happens to bad toads that get hit by trains. Of course, in typical Toad fashion, he (and you) found a way to escape this three minute attraction which brought you face-to-face with Hades himself to the peaceful sights and sounds of the nearest gift shop.

In the October 22, 1997 edition of the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World sources revealed plans to close Toad in favor of a rumored Pooh and friends attraction. On October 23, 1997, the fan-based "Toad-Ins" began. Lead by John Lefante through a grass-roots internet website (savetoad.com), more than 1150 letters were sent to Disney, and green-shirted "toad-ins" began to appear in front of the attraction. With shirts that read things like: "Ask me why Mickey is killing Mr. Toad", the fan outrage was demonstrated with actual protests. Even today, fans voting on an "If You Could Bring Back One Attraction" poll favor Toad as their selection. (http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158)

Sadly, and much to the dismay of Toad fans, the former "C-Ticket" (remember the old A-E ticket books?) attraction closed on Labor Day, September 7, 1998, with no more than a week's notice to "Toadies" - many of whom never got to take their last, ceremonial ride. Fans complained that Disney "lied" by not disclosing when the attraction would actually close and their plans to actually close the ride. Although the attractions still (surprisingly?) remains in Disneyland, the unique Walt Disney World version is no more, as it has since been replaced by "The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh", which opened June 5, 1999.

So, why was this ride closed in Walt Disney World at all? Well, if you were to ask me (and I guess you are), I have to say that it boiled down to the dollar. What I mean is that Disney knew they could sell a heck of a lot more Pooh merchandise than they ever could of our little green friend. (No, not Kermit -Toad! Pay attention, please!). And I guess one might wonder how the whole "Hell" scene sat with a company that became so aware of "political correctness" that they changed the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride to stop pirates from chasing women. Of course, the flat, two-dimensional figures and scenes in the attraction were clearly not very "high-tech", or even 3D as in other dark rides like Peter Pan and Snow White's Scary Adventures. Just add that as another strike against poor Toad.

So Mr. Toad, Toady, Ratty, Moley, Mac Badger, Cyril, Winky and Weasel (the names of the ride cars) were just snuffed out of existence, you say? Not quite. I believe that the fans weren't the only ones who were sad to see Toad go. In fact, there is more than one "hidden" tribute to him in the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride! In addition to the oft-cited mural showing Pooh handing over the "deed" to the building to Owl (near the beginning of the ride, look at the left wall of the scene in Owl's house), there is also a picture of Mole tipping his hat to Pooh later on in the attraction. In fact, one of the Cast Member break rooms in the Magic Kingdom was christened the "J. Thaddeus Toad Memorial Room."

If you still want to see Mr. Toad, be sure to head on over to Disneyland, as one never knows when he may follow his Orlando counterpart. Take me along, too, if you can... I really would like to see the little green guy again.

Louis Mongello has been fascinated by Walt Disney

World throughout his more than 40 visits, and in the process learned everything he could about the history, secrets and inner workings of the resort. He is also the author of the Walt Disney World Trivia Book: Secrets, History and Fun Facts Behind the Magic

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are 5 basic factors to consider:

1. SIZE

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain.

On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

2. HARD DRIVE

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more.

If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive.

But even this isn't absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big.

3. MEMORY

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

5. PRICE

If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000.

What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment.

--

You may republish this article, but must keep the resource box and copyright at the end.

About The Author

The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has created the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer. It's an easy read and explains everything you need to know. Check out ==> http://howtobuyalaptop.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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4:59 PM |

Thursday, October 20, 2005

How to Put the Sizzle Back in Your Relationship with These Seven Goal Setting Tools. How to Make a Tantalizing White Lightening Chili.

Goal Setting and Relationships?

That is not as weird as it may sound. Consider the following definition of a goal: "A goal is a future incidence or event that is consciously worked towards."

With this in mind, it is perfectly normal to make it your goal to improve your relationship, and these seven goal setting tools can help you.

A great relationship is one of the finest things life can offer. When you choose your partner and start on a full-time relationship, you look forward to a future of love, support, encouragement, communication and intimacy. We enter into relationships for many different reasons and with many different expectations. Often, due to circumstances outside your control, a relationship can become a little tarnished.

You recognize that all people are different and that even the most compatible couple will have individual needs that differ at times. Using just the seven goal setting tools discussed in this article takes a give and take approach. Partners in a relationship who adopt this give and take attitude often feel a sense of pride in modifying a need "downward" when they know it will satisfy and stabilize their partner and the relationship itself. Mutual giving flourishes in an atmosphere of cooperation.

Seven Goal Setting Tools

Listening: Communication is the key to a lasting relationship and listening is the key to communicating. Being a good listener takes more than being attentive to your partner when he or she talks with you.

Good listening is a characteristic of a healthy relationship. Give your mate full attention when he or she is talking. Listening without interrupting the other shows respect and also builds trust. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is just to listen - with your heart. So listening helps to improve relationship in great way.

Small things: The small things are what constitute our existence. Once the excitement your partner brings to your world becomes familiar, it's the small things that thrill you both and that will keep you connected and turned-on for the long run. Do the small things you did when you first fell in love with your mate. Remember the small things you did to show your love to your mate? But as time went by, you probably began to get weighed down with simply living life and forgot the small things that made the difference in the beginning. Small things like a phone call in the middle of the day just to talk or say, "I love you", a handwritten appreciative note, flowers, gifts, and opening doors. Re-charge your relationship by consciously going back and doing the small things that you did when your love first began to grow.

Give attention: When each person has decided to give of themselves to the other, you form a reciprocating relationship of love, concern, and devotion. Consider your mate's interests more important than your own. Give attention to your mate's interests. All healthy relationships require consistent, ongoing, conscious attention to survive and thrive. It is a simple fact that whenever we give attention to something, we are choosing to create more of it.

Say 'thank you': One of the most useful phrases in improving your relationship is to say "thank you". These two magic words will make others feel closer to you and create loyal relationships. This attitude of appreciation nourishes the heart of both participants and assures that each person's needs are attended to. Things like saying "thank you", re-charge your relationship. You know to say "thank you" when someone gives you a gift or does something special for you. However,

if you're seriously interested in improving your relationship, you need to let your mate know how much you appreciate things that are not special, the things that we just take for granted because people are supposed to do them anyway. Tell your partner what is right with them, what you appreciate, value and cherish. Thank them repeatedly and often. Appreciation makes your partner feel valued. It also builds trust and a feeling of acceptance. These powerful attributes act like a magnet to attract your partner to you.

Personalized gifts: Personalized gifts are great not only for life's special occasions. Personalized gifts bring important moments to life and keep the memory alive forever. Express your feelings and show how much you care with personalized gifts. It shows your partner how much you value your relationship. Personalized gifts are always a winner because they are made exclusively for your beloved, with care and attention. Choose gifts that reflect your partner's interests. Evening wrapping your gift can be personalized. A little handwritten note expressing your gratitude can mean as much to your partner as the gift itself. Also be sure to give the gift in person. Personalized gift giving is a great way to spread goodwill and cheer amongst each other.

Feel special: Sometimes your partner likes to get noticed once in a while. We like to feel appreciated for our actions, feelings and aspirations and want to be noticed and acknowledged. Become a person who notices these things in your partner and give a compliment often. It will make your partner feel special and know how that you care. The only way our partner knows what makes us feel special is if we speak up. The gestures that make us feel special are different for each one of us. Learning how to make each other feel special takes time and an awareness. Taking this journey of self-discovery together is one of the joys of a relationship. A key to a happy relationship is a commitment to learn. It is an attitude of curiosity, discovery, and delight in each other. Learn this essential relationship wisdom, and you will make each other feel special every day.

Unconditional love: Love is the primary energy in the universe. Giving unconditional love will deliver the greatest joy possible. The term '

unconditional love' means to love without terms and conditions, which means giving of yourself. Unconditional love is accepting another for exactly who they are, not forcing the person to change to meet your expectations of how they should be. It is about giving the person the freedom to be exactly who they want to be by allowing, supporting and enabling them in every way you can. Unconditional Love is true neutrality; it does not judge or evaluate. It does not like or dislike. It does not blame, so it does not need to forgive. It does not have choices or preferences, opinions or positions. Unconditional Love does not dictate, is not authoritative. It has no expectations other than what is.

Put the Sizzle back

Learning how to establish and maintain a loving, supportive relationship is no different to setting any other goal. It takes information, planning, thought, skill, time, and most of all, attention. You learn your skills and styles from your parents, close friends and relatives. You watch them from the time you are little. They teach you both your roles in a relationship, and how to play them, through their example. This happens in every family and much of the teaching is unintentional and unconscious. You can learn to be assertive (not aggressive) and to collaborate with your partner. You can learn to listen with your mind and heart. You can learn to fight fair and resolve conflicts equitably and sanely. You can learn to value and acknowledge both yourself and your partner. You can learn to speak from your heart and be safe. You can learn to ask for what you need and want.

Use these seven goal setting tools, and put the sizzle back in you relationship. This is just one of the areas that is covered in the eaziGOAL system.

About the Author
Colin Dunbar's eaziGOAL is the ultimate goal setting program created especially for working moms and dads. "There is no reason we working moms and dads cannot reach our dream." Full details available at http://www.eaziGOAL.com FREE newsletter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



Chili cooks always want to discover that award-winning chili recipe that will be tantalizing for their family and friends and maybe even impress a few chili contest judges. Wouldn't it be exciting to UNLEASH your chili and rock your family and friends' worlds, save money and have a great time preparing it?

In my interviews with outstanding chili cooks,

I have developed some tantalizing chili recipes that are easy, time and money saving and make your body tingle from the first taste right down to your toes.

The secret ingredient is the key to this tantalizing recipe. This secret ingredient sets this chili apart from the rest. Actually, it is so sensational that it makes this easy and timesaving chili unbelievably flavorful.

Finding a recipe that uses your local grocery store ingredients is another time and money saving benefit of this chili. There are no fancy ingredients that you have to go to a specialty shop to buy. So, you can get the ingredients during one of your weekly food shopping trips.

This recipe produces a sultry chili that your family and friends will think came from a high-class restaurant.

Try this recipe and send us your comments and suggestions.

Ingredients

3 lbs. of pork, chicken or turkey

2-4 cloves of garlic to taste

1 large chopped onion

1-2 tablespoons of cumin

1 large bell pepper - green, yellow or red

4-6 16 oz. cans of your favorite white bean

1-3 finely chopped jalapeno peppers

If using pork, use a pork shoulder and cook about 2 �½ - 3 hours until you can pull it. With chicken or turkey, cook it for about 1�½ hours in an inch of water at 350 degrees in a large covered roasting pan with a good lid to hold in the steam.

Use chicken or turkey breasts with the skin and bone for the extra flavor. Not necessary to use boneless breasts because more flavor is available with the skin and bone and it is more economical too.

If the chicken does not pull apart at 1�½ hours, cook an additional 15 minutes until it does pull apart. With chicken or turkey, before you add the following ingredients, pull out the bones and unwanted gristle, etc. Only the meat is used in the chili.

The last half hour of the cooking process, add the following ingredients.

Cook chili mixture an additional �½ hour. Add 4-6 16 oz. cans of your favorite white bean.

Stir in the beans and leave it in the oven until the beans are warm and let it cool for 20-30 minutes. Reheat to serve.

To discover the "Secret Ingredient" that makes this chili tantalizing plus 5 SECRET TIPS for "unleashing" your chili, email pmccoach@mchsi.com

© 2003 permission granted to reprint this article in print or on your website so long as the paragraph above is included and the contact information is included to pmccoach@mchsi.com

About The Author

Coach and Paula McCoach are the owners of Coach's Coffee Company, Inc. They have created special blends of coffee for coffee connoisseurs who like a caffeine kick. Coach's Coffee started by serving America's Civil War reenactors in 1997. Cups of their coffee are made by using Open-Pot Brewin,'�½ a coffee brewing technique created by Coach and Paula to get the best brew from their high-altitude beans. Paula McCoach is now publishing her gourmet recipes, which are another of her culinary creations. For more information on Open-Pot Brewin,' send an email to pmccoach@mchsi.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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3:57 PM |

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What You Should Look For When Investing In Watercraft. The Art of Keeping a Journal.

Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What You Should Look For When Investing In Watercraft

I discovered sailing many years ago and found it to be a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family as well as a way to get away from the office and become totally entranced and absorbed with a world that I did not know existed. I love to sail, so much that I became a certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor.

It has been 30 years now that I've sailed the Chesapeake Bay, East Coast U.S.A. and the Caribbean Islands and I've been fortunate to have owned a number sailing vessels, currently two Beneteau sail boats.

I'm often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them.

  1. First carefully examine where you expect to use your boat, long term. Will it be on the Ocean, trans-Ocean, near the shore, in a Bay, on the Caribbean or all of the above. If you plan to sail Ocean or trans-Ocean then be sure that the construction is class "A" or rated for extended off shore passage making.
  2. Beware of the buying philosophy "I'll buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If you're buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years.
  3. Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly? In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit?
  4. What is your likely cruising range? If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage.
  5. Boats that are heavy displacement, say 28,000 lbs for say a 42 ft. boat rather than say 17,800 lbs for a medium displacement, 42 footer will need 10- 15 knots of wind to develop any kind of "feel" at the helm and in many locations such as the Chesapeake Bay with winds typically 5 - 15 knots in the summer you may have purchased a very nice well equipped power boat. However these heavy displacement cruisers are excellent for extended off shore passage making and live-aboard sailing either in the Caribbean or the U.S.A..
  6. One of the best tips, If you are a first time sailor and want to buy a boat in the 25 to 50 ft range, is to sail with someone who knows how to sail, take a sailing class and then charter a boat in the length range that interests you. Picking a boat with out sailing a boat of similar size is risky although many have done it successfully. Keep in mind that many of the modern designs of the last 10 years are designed specifically for two people to sail easily whether in the Bay or in the ocean.
  7. Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurer's surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to:
    1. Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck.
    2. Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings.
    3. If the engine that has stood idle for more than 6 months diesel may be contaminated with bacterial sludges, have pistons seized, injectors blocked and electrical system contaminated with water. Insist on at least a 2-4 hour run in the water at cruising speed. Check for undue vibration, overheating, proper charging of the batteries and that the engine can come up to its cruising rpm.
    4. If the boat is more than 6 years old have the surveyor check that the engine mounts are OK and particularly that all mounting bolts are intact. Two can be broken without any obvious signs or effects. When #3 breaks the engine is loose! This is a common problem on older boats that encounter rough waters while under power and can easily be overlooked by the surveyor.
    5. Obviously you will need an out of the water inspection. Check for blisters, gellcoat cracks, soft spots, shaft play in the cutlass bearing and loose rudder bearings, hull integrity around through hulls and the gap between the hull and the top of the keel which should be filled with sealant else corrosion of the keel may have caused the keel to separate from the hull.
    6. Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe I'll see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, I'll either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III.

About The Author

Keith Binnersley is owner of Upper Bay Sailing School, Inc. http://www.upperbaysailing.com. He is a Certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor and holds a 50 ton Masters USCG License. You can contact him at majjikll@msn.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



Journal keeping is basically without rules. It is an uncensored invitation to cut & paste, sketch & chart, and to visualize and unravel every great and small thought. At its most basic it is a decision that your life has value.

Just listing your experiences and endeavors can reveal incredible things and encourage you to work for the nearly impossible, the rigorous, and the unseen. Recently, during a course on INQUIRY, I was asked to make a list of one hundred things I didn't know. Here a simple list became a prospect for the unknown and an introduction to something new. As Henry Miller states, "Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery."

I have also discovered that journal keeping is a great way to zero in. For instance, if you were preparing to run a marathon and wanted to improve your performance as a runner. You might put together a journal with notes that included:

�½ Diet & nutrition

�½ Speed & strength

�½ Warm up & cool down

�½ Visualization & meditation

�½ Cross training

�½ Profiles of great athletes

�½ And perhaps a section reserved for ideas and challenges yet to come.

It has been noted that elite athletes keep meticulous journals on their training and competition, not only to advance and validate their hard work and progress, but to mentally prepare them for athletic mastery.

Journals are great for tracking and brainstorming projects or developing a theme such as business creativity or spiritual practice. It can be used as a restorative retreat or a creative landscape, a playground of sorts for your professional goals or a keepsake for travel, weddings and birthdays.

�½Try personalizing your own journal by creating an arrangement that is both practical and natural.

�½Ask questions and dialogue with the world.

�½Use it with regularity and see if this kindles some sort of journey.

Above all enjoy the adventure! WRITE UPSIDE DOWN, USE DIFFERENT COLORS OF PENS, collect conversations, favorite song lyrics & meaningful quotes --or start on the last page and see where it takes you!

The basic nutrition for a journal differs. Yet the more you nourish it, the more confident and the more willing your imagination & intelligence will be.

Janice Hoffmann is CEO and Founder of Success Is Sweetest http://www.successissweetest.com -A NewYork City based Career and lifestyle Coaching boutique.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/



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