Shop Online And Save Money

With our days having fewer hours than we need, online shopping

has become a way of life and a time saver. Now you can stay at

home, sit in front of the fire, poolside or near your favorite

window, enjoying a good cup of coffee or your favorite

beverage, and shop till you drop. You can take as much time and

compare prices and quality without having tired legs and sore

feet.

 

As gas prices escalate you can use your gas savings money for

selecting an extra item or two that capture your fancy. Online

shopping will save you time in your busy day. You don't have to

rush to the store for that gift you forgot about, hassle with

the kids that want to be in the toy department and certainly

not with you in the clothes, jewelry and other departments.

 

We know a woman whose husband thinks it is Christmas all year

round! She shops online and gets packages delivered to her door

about four times a week. He comes home from work and has a ball

opening the packages. For him, it's like Christmas 52 weeks a

year!

 

Not only can you shop online, but you can fine printable

grocery coupons that are not available anywhere else but

online. Another positive to online shopping is online coupons

which the companies display on many shopping sites. These

coupons are discounts given to you for shopping at their online

stores.

 

These are just some of the benefits of online shopping. You can

read information and tips about online shopping published by the

US Federal Trade Commission at

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/cybrsmrt.htm and the

Better Business Bureau at

http://www.bbbonline.org/OnlineShopTips/ . Enjoy online

Shopping!

Eric Madsen is the webmaster at
http://www.glamorousshopper.com

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Making "First Contact" with a Client

Making "First Contact" with a Client
The day has arrived! You've started your business and you're about
to discuss a project (or order) with your first client.
So.what do you say?
Forget the fact that you really want or need this client. Forget
that you'd do just about anything to get the job. Remember that you
are now a business. Remember that you are in business to make money
(and, hopefully, a profit).
Don't Be Too Personal
You should definitely be friendly and personable, but don't be too
personal. Your client doesn't need to know your life's story. Keep
all conversations on track by sticking to business. Answer questions
with truthful answers---don't promise the moon, because you'll be
expected to deliver it.
Congratulations! It Looks Like You Are Going to Get the Job!
Communication with the prospective client is going very well, and
you are confident that you are going to get the job. Now is the time
to have the "How am I going to get paid?" conversation.
Always keep in mind that you are a business. You want to be paid.
You have an expectation as to how and when the client is going to
pay you. Don't be bashful about beginning the discussion:
"I'm looking forward to this opportunity to work with you. I do want
to talk about how I'm going to be paid. My expectation is that
you'll pay me immediately after I deliver the finished job. I
normally send an invoice along with the job, and ask that you pay me
upon receipt of the invoice. Is there any reason why you won't be
able to make immediate payment?"

If the job is going to be on-going for several weeks, you might like
to broach the subject of being made on an interim basis:
"For jobs like this that are going to last more than 3 weeks, I ask
to be paid for work done to-date at the end of each week [or "for
each segment of the job as it is finished"]." Is there any reason
why I would not be able to be paid weekly [or "after I send each
segment"]?"
The objective here is that you cannot shy away from having this
conversation. Again, remember that you are a business and you are in
business to make money. That means you expect to be paid. Don't make
the mistake of working for a client who is unwilling to talk about
making payment. You can be flexible and understand that sometimes
companies have a set procedure for paying invoices, but the bottom
line is to have a clear understanding of how and when you are going
to be paid before you take the job.
Should You Take a Job that You Don't Think You Can Handle
Regardless of how "hungry" you are for the work (or how desperate
the feeling that you really need to get the job), you do have to be
mindful of your limitations. If the client is asking for the
impossible, and you have some immediate doubts that you can deliver,
then be realistic enough about yourself and your capabilities to
turn down the work.
It is also possible that you could do the job, but the client wants
it sooner than you know you can finish it, or wants to pay far less
than you are asking. Once again, don't be afraid to say that you
can't take the job with the time or money restrictions imposed by
the client.
Know How to Negotiate
Try to maintain a positive attitude, while you are turning down the
work:
"I understand that you need it by Thursday, but I cannot have it
done by then. I can get it to you by Friday afternoon. Will this
work for you?


"I appreciate the fact that you are working within a tight budget,
and I'd like to accommodate you, but I'll need at least $XXX to be
able to the whole job. Perhaps there is a specific section that you
definitely need to have done, and we can work out a deal for that."

As you can see, the idea is not to actually turn down the work. Try
to negotiate for a different deadline or a different portion of the
job that you can do. This indicates to the prospective client that
you have some flexibility and that you are making a good effort to
accommodate the need for your service.
Should You Take a Job that You Really Don't Want to Do?
There's no bigger mistake that you can make. If your brain starts to
raise warning flags about the job before you get to the end of the
conversation with the client, then you should pay attention to them.
For whatever reason, if you don't feel immediately comfortable about
taking the job, you should walk away from it.
Don't feel as though you need to justify your decision to the
client. If you just would rather not take the job (too challenging,
too much work, not enough pay, you get a feeling that you might not
get paid, etc.), then simply state that you are unable to take on
the job:

"Now that I understand the entire scope of the job, I find that I
just won't be able to do it for you. I do appreciate the opportunity
to talk with you about this project."

If you don't think there is a middle road, then don't even attempt
to negotiate for a different deadline or to tackle just a portion of
the job. Your first impression is almost always your best
impression.
Be An Instant Success!
Follow through on your promises and meet your deadlines, be
confident about yourself, and be reasonable about your abilities.
Don't be shy about being business-like when dealing with prospective
clients. Take the jobs that you feel comfortable taking, walk away
from jobs that give you a bad feeling. You'll establish yourself as
being reliable and as the "go-to" person who can get the job done! Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit
http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's
proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free
resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for
free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.


Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquarium

So, you bought your very first fish tank. And you probably already
decided where to place it. But keep in mind that a fish tank filled
with water is much heavier than it seems. So please, place it on
something strong and stable.

It is also advisable to keep your fish tank away from direct, or even
indirect, sunlight. Long hours of sunlight will induce algae,
something you do not want if you wish to keep your aquarium
beautiful.

Any gravel?

Skip this part if you plan to have a simple bare-bottom fish tank.
Personally, I feel that gravels make an aquarium looks so much nicer.
Having gravels also helps hide your fishes' wastes.

Before you start pouring your gravels into your fish tank, stop! Take
a pail, pour your gravels into it instead. Start washing them over and
over until the water is decently clear. This is important, as you
don't want your fishes to be swimming in chocolate milk.

Preparing your water

Water is the single most important element of an aquarium. It is
important to prepare your water before adding any fishes, as most tap
water contains chemicals like chlorine and chloramine, which are
harmful to fishes. So be sure to get a bottle of water conditioner
from your favourite pet shop that neutralizes both chlorine and
chloramine.

If you have gravels, be very gentle when pouring water into your tank,
so as not to stir up the gravels. A useful tip is to pour your water
onto a floating plate or saucer, so as to divert the force of the
falling water. Fill water to your preferred height, and add measured
amount of your anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.

Setting up your filter

Setup your filter according to your filter's manual. Make sure that it
is working properly as intended, as the filter is a very important
part of an aquarium. Your filter provides water circulation, and also
oxygenates the water, if your type of filter causes water surface
disturbance. If your aquarium is heavily loaded with fishes, and your
filter fails for even a few hours, it could be fatal.

What is cycling?

"Cycling" is the process where bacterias break down
ammonia(NH3) into
nitrite(NO2), and from nitrite to nitrate(NO3). Ammonia and nitrite
are both very toxic to fishes, and nitrate being the least toxic of
the three. Therefore this process is the most important for any
aquarium.

The nitrosomonas species of bacteria starts forming when ammonia is
present. They form all around our fish tank, the driftwoods, the
substrate, and especially inside our filter. Slowly, they will form
into a colony large enough to efficiently breakdown ammonia into
nitrite. When nitrite in the water has reached a certain level, the
Nitrobacter species of bacteria starts forming. Slowly, they will
breakdown the nitrite into nitrate. And finally, nitrate in the water
can be removed via the most common and cost-effective method, water
changes.

In a nutshell: Ammonia > Nitrite > Nitrate

Introduction of ammonia

These are the various ways of introducing ammonia:
"Seeding". Transfer some gravel or filter sponge/wool/etc
from an
established fish tank into the new one.
Fish wastes. Zebra danios are very hardy fishes that are commonly used
for cycling.
Market prawns. Yes, it will stink.
Commercial products.

Personally, I feel that the "seeding" method would be the most
reliable and yields the fastest results.

Fish method is slow, but adding more fishes does makes the process
faster. Just that the fishes might not survive the intense ammonia
poisoning. We don't want fishes to die in our new fish tank. It is
also not recommended to use feeder fishes for this task, as they often
carry diseases.

Prawn method is easy, throw them in and wait. But be prepared for the
smell.

Commercial products are not the most reliable. Most of us would wonder
how much shelf life do these products have. After all, we are talking
about live organisms here. But there are indeed cases where hobbyists
introduce fishes without cycling, relying on commercial products to do
its work. It all boils down to how much risk you are willing to take.
Personally, I have a bottle of Nutrafin Cycle, which I bought when I
upgraded my filter.

The wait

So you've introduced ammonia, turned on your filter, and is waiting
for your fish tank to cycle. I would recommend at least three days of
cycling before introducing your fishes. Longer, if the fishes you plan
to keep are sensitive. Or if you have not decided on what fishes to
keep, now is a good time to research on that.

Find on how big will the fishes grow up to. Most fishes are so tiny
when young, but can grow up to huge sizes. This is important, as
having no space to swim will stunt their growth, their colors will not
show, and they get sick easier. So get suitable fishes, unless you
have plans to upgrade to a larger fish tank.

Find out if the fishes are to be kept in brackish water or fresh
water. Do not mix the two types of fishes. Find out also their
aggressiveness, feeding habits, behaviors, and anything else you need
to know to keep your fishes healthy and happy.

Acclimatizing your new fishes

Finally, it's time for you to go out and buy your fishes. Get the pet
shop people to help you select healthy ones. While at the shop, make
sure you've already gotten everything you need. Things like food,
aquarium salt(if keeping brackish water fishes), net, water pump, and
a bottle of anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.

Once you reached home, float the packet of your new babies in your
tank water. This is to acclimatize your fishes to the new water
temperature. Float for about 15 minutes, then open up the packet, and
pour some of your tank water into it. This is to acclimatize your
fishes to the new water parameters. Wait for another 15 minutes, or
more, if your fishes are sensitive species. And finally, use a net to
catch your fishes into your fish tank!

Observing your fishes

If your fish tank has decorative objects, most likely your new fishes
will go into hiding. This is normal, and will last up to a few days.
When they do show themselves, observe them. Take note of how their
bodies look like, and how they behave, so you will know when something
odd happens.

Feed very sparingly during this beginning stage. As the filtration and
bacteria system is still new, do not want to pollute the water too
much. I suggest feeding small amounts once a day starting from the
second or third day. If your fishes refuse to eat, do not put in more
food. Try feeding again the next day. This is normal and you do not
need to worry, as the fishes most likely already eaten when in the pet
shop, and they can survive for as long as a week without food.

Conclusion

Soon, your fishes will get used to their environment. They will start
becoming more active. Their vibrant colors will start showing. And
they may even recognize you whenever you come close to feed them. That
is the reward of fish-keeping! But of course, you have to be a
responsible owner. Performing the regular water changes, medicating
them when they get sick, and feeding them quality food everyday. And I
officially welcome you to the hobby! For more fishy articles, visit Leon Huang's http://www.fishfriend.com

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Jan K., The Proofer's Recommended Book List

There are several "must have" reference books for both
aspiring and
established proofreaders and copyeditors. I have these books and
some of them are well thumbed and often used. A few have come in
handy, and the rest I refer to when I am working for clients who are
following specific writing formats (these books are specific to
collegiate papers and dissertations).
I encourage you to add these to your reference bookshelf! For your
convenience, I've included click-through links to an online
bookstore that carries the book listed (as applicable) and the
approximate current price. Don't forget to check out the
possibility
of purchasing used books (Barnes & Noble offers many of these books
in "used" condition). If you prefer to shop at a
brick-and-mortar
store, you should jot down the exact title as I have it here in
order to locate and/or order the book.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, eleventh edition
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
approx. $25.00
The publishing industry, overall, uses spellings and word usages
that follow Webster's. This edition, or the most recent, contains
many computer- and Internet-related terms and terminologies, slang,
and high-tech words. It is not a "doorstop"-sized book, but
rather
the size of a college textbook. Personally, I find it easier to use
a real book than any online dictionary.
Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus
Barnes & Noble
approx. $15.00
I don't really have a specific preference for a thesaurus---just
GET
ONE! The thesaurus that is included in your word processing software
is adequate, but there are times when you need just that one certain
word. I often find that I look up a word to find another word to
look up, and then I hunt until I find the perfect word for the
situation. I frequently offer suggested rewrites to my clients, and
I find that I am often able to impress them by having found just
that one perfect word. Your computer's thesaurus just doesn't
cut it.
The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2004
Hardback approx. $25.00
Paperback approx. $15.00
If you've never thought of it as a reference source, then think
again! The Almanac is filled with information about the United
States and the world. Interesting tidbits like state flowers,
mottos, etc., along with a comprehensive listing of cities,
counties, and the like. Maps galore and all sorts of oddities.
I've
reached for my Almanac on more occasions than I can count, to verify
spellings, dates, what other countries call their currency, and the
list goes on.
The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition
approx. $50.00
The publishing industry (in general) looks to Chicago for standard
formatting of texts and other printed materials. Chicago establishes
rules for grammar, punctuation, text layout formats, tables, word-
form variations (plurals, capitalization, terms and terminologies),
and styles of within-text citations and references. A comprehensive,
end-of-text indexing section makes it easy to navigate through the
book. Most major publishing houses follow Chicago and if you are
planning on embarking on a career as a copyeditor/proofreader, then
it is a must have.
A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
Kate L. Turabian
approx. $15.00
Similar to The Chicago Manual of Style, Kate Turabian's book is
one
of two guides for all academic papers. Turabian's Manual is
indexed
similarly to Chicago and it is easy to use the index to direct you
to the section of the book that provides styles for text
presentation. If you will be working in the academia arena, then you
need to be familiar with the standard styles as set forth by
Turabian.
Mastering APA Style, Student's Workbook and Training Guide
approx. $20.00
APA (American Psychological Association) is the other guide for
academic paper style and formats. This workbook guides you through
its style guides with examples and exercises designed to help you
become familiar with the APA style. Although it does not have an end-
of-text index, the Table of Contents is complete enough to help you
find the style/format rules you need.
Webster's New World Pocket Style Guide
approx. $10.00
This slim, pocket-sized guide gives you "concise and definitive
rules of grammar and punctuation" and "clear advice on
writing style
and word usage." I like the book for the extensive glossaries of
often misused words, word usages (when to use affect vs. effect, for
example), and the easy-to-understand grammar rules. Although I do
not suggest that you depend solely on this guidebook for all your
grammar needs, it is a good supplement. It is reasonably priced and
should be added to your library of reference materials.
Cliff's Quick Review, Writing: Grammar, Usage, and Style
approx. $15.00
If you remember "Cliff Notes" from your high school and
academic
years, Cliff's Quick Review is a good supplement to your grammar
stylebooks. Along with grammar rules, Cliff's also includes
guidelines for writing texts of any sort. I find that by having more
than one grammar primer, I can always find a precise, direct answer
for my grammar question. As another reasonably priced resource book,
you should consider adding it to your other reference books.
The Princeton Review, Grammar Smart A Guide to Perfect Usage
approx. $15.00
This is my personal favorite grammar primer. Written in a light-
hearted manner, this book uses humorous example texts to help you
through the muddle of the English language. At the end of each
section, there is a "Quick Quiz" for you to practice the
grammar
rules just reviewed. Grammar Smart's low cost makes it another
appealing resource for your grammar needs.
Powerful Proofreading Skills
$10.00-$15.00
For the novice proofreader, or if you are considering becoming a
proofreader, this slim guidebook will give you a good foundation in
proofreading. It helps you along with what to look for and then how
to mark found errors with standard proofreading marks. This book
also includes short exercises that run you through the topic of that
particular section.
Grammatically Correct, by Anne Stillman
This pocket-sized book contains quite a bit of detail, and I found
it too hard to read. However, I have found a few explanations for
quirky grammar situations that were helpful
Merriam-Webster's Guide to Punctuation and Style, 2nd edition
This book has a very good section on copyediting and proofreading,
although it is oriented toward hardcopy editing/proofing. There is a
three-page section on "Electronic Editing" that you might find
helpful if you are new to editing/proofreading directly to a Word
document. This resource book is also nicely indexed to help you find
the answers you need.
Copyediting, A Practical Guide, 3rd edition
This text is essentially focused on copyediting for major publishing
houses, is hardcopy-oriented, and pays lip service to electronic
copyediting/proofreading. However, it does contain an excellent
review of what is expected at the copyediting level. This text also
contains specialized tips for copyediting/proofreading medical,
math, and science texts. Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit
http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's
proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free
resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for
free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.


Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Can I Write and Print My Own Business Brochures and Business Cards?

Can I Write and Print My Own Business Brochures and Business Cards?
If you have a computer and a printer, preferably one that can print
in color, then you can make your own brochures and business cards
that are very professional-looking! Be sure to use good quality
paper (that is available at any office supplies store like Office
Depot or Staples) for anything that you are going to hand out or
send to potential customers and clients.
Writing Text for Your Brochure and Business Card
The very best thing to do is to get a few examples of business
brochures and business cards, preferably from the same type of
business as the business you are starting. If you can't find any,
then think about the type of customer or client you are trying to
attract.
If you are starting a professional service as your at-home business
(such as accounting, bookkeeping, proofreading, etc.), then the text
and graphics used in your brochure and business card should be
minimal, crisp, easy to read, and contain only the most vital pieces
of information. "Clutter" is not very professional. Pick paper
colors that are monotone (one color) or that have a nice edging in a
complementary color. State what services you have to offer, describe
your business in professional-style precise terms, and make sure
that your contact information (name, phone/fax/cell number, and
email address) is easy to locate.
If you are going to start up something like a children's birthday
party service or another "fun" type of business, then you definitely
want to think about bright colors and graphics that grab people's
attention! Remember though, don't "clutter" your brochure or
business card with too much information! Make sure your prospective
customers can find your name, phone number, and email address easily-
--make them want to contact you right away!
Creating Brochures
Most brochures are either bi-fold (one fold, four printable sides
or "areas") or tri-fold (two folds, with six printable areas). You
need to decide on which format you want to use, and then shop for
good-quality paper that comes pre-scored (or "creased") so that it
folds with a sharp edge. Brochure paper is heavier than printer
paper (called "stock" or "card stock").
Your computer probably has a few built-in templates for creating
simple brochures. Many "print shop" type software programs offer a
variety of templates that you can use to create more professional-
looking brochures. Regardless of which you use, it should require
very little effort to create your first business brochure! (I was
able to use a template provided in my Hallmark Greetings! software
to create a brochure that was professional-looking and had a little
bit of "personality" to it!)
Follow the instructions for the template you are going to use, and
write the text for your brochure as described above. If you are
going to insert pictures or graphics, make sure that you are not
violating any copyrights (if you are taking graphics from another
source). Using the guidelines given above, make your text simple and
clear and be sure that your contact information is easy to locate on
the brochure.
Business Cards
Just as for the brochures, your computer will either have a few easy
templates to use, or you can use any print-shop-type software that
has templates for business forms. Using the guidelines as given
above, write the text for your business card.
I do suggest that you buy business cards that are "laser-perforated"
so that when you separate the business cards after you print them,
you will get nice sharp edges.
Flyers
If you have the type of business that you can promote by tacking up
flyers, then you need nothing more than your word processing
software. Flyers are generally printer paper sized, and you can be
as creative as you like!
You might want to invest in card-stock-weight paper for your flyers.
This paper is a little heavier and will be a little more durable
than printer paper.
Things to Remember When Printing Your Business Brochures and
Business Cards
Keep the text simple!
Buy good quality paper!
Set your printer preferences for "Better" or "Best" print quality
Print a "test" page first, using just plain printer paper (fold as
necessary for a brochure or cut to size for a business card and make
sure it "looks" good)
Be sure to save your brochure and business card templates so that
you can easily print more or change information as needed, as your
business grows Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit
http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's
proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free
resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for
free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.


Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Do I Need a Resume to Find An At-Home Job?

Depending on the type of at-home job you want to find, you might
still need to have a resume, especially if you are going to be
providing a business-profession-type service. For at-home businesses
that involve providing other non-professional services, you probably
need only a business brochure or other printed information materials.
Professional At-Home Business
If your at-home business venture means that you will be providing
any type of professional service (book- or recordkeeping, tax
accounting, proofreading, graphics design, etc.), then you will
probably be applying for freelance, outsource, or telenetworked
(online) positions. In this case, you will probably need a resume
(or a business précis, which is summary of important facts about
your qualifications) that can be mailed, faxed, or attached to an
email. You can either write your own or hire a professional resume
writer to write one for you.
If you are comfortable with and confident that you can create the
right type of resume or précis needed for the level of service you
wish to offer, then you can use any template that is available in
your computer word-processing system, or look for software that is
designed to do resumes.
For resumes that you are going to mail, use good quality, monotone
(one color) paper. For resumes that are going to be faxed, be sure
the resume you print is printed as "Best Quality" and never fax a
copy, always fax an original! For resumes that are going to be
emailed, use as little formatting as possible and always test it by
emailing your resume to several friends. Ask them to download and
open your resume to verify that they have no problems with it. For
resumes that are going to be pasted into the body of an email, you
definitely need to test it with several friends, preferably who all
have different Internet Service Providers. Ask each friend what the
resume actually looks like when the email open is opened. Fix any
weird spacing and formatting to the extent possible and test it
again.
Service-Type At-Home Businesses
If your at-home business involves providing some sort of personal
service (like giving birthday parties, doing dog grooming, making
balloon bouquets, etc.), then you will need to think more along the
lines of brochures and flyers that you can distribute. It is
unlikely that you are going to have to "apply" for a job such that
you will need a formal resume. For more information about brochures
and flyers, please see "Can I Write and Print My Own Business
Brochures and Business Cards."
However, it would be a good idea to have a "Business Fact Sheet"
that includes more specific information than you would normally
include in a flyer or brochure. When a prospective customer or
client begins to ask questions, you can offer your Business Fact
Sheet (and then, of course, make sure all the customer's questions
do get answered!).
You can create an initial Business Fact Sheet just be keeping track
of all the information that you are not including in your brochure.
Also, as you begin to talk to prospective clients, make note of the
typical questions that they ask. Keep updating your Business Fact
Sheet until you have covered most of the questions that are asked or
information that is requested.
Be sure to print your business information materials on good-quality
paper and set your printer preferences to "Better" or "Best" quality
printing.
Things to Remember about Your Resume or Your Business Information
Materials
· If you don't think you can write a resume that will get you
the job, then hire a professional resume writer to do it for you
· If you write your own resume, use clear, easy-to-read text,
one page in length
· Set your printer to "Better" or "Best" quality printing
· Print on good-quality paper
· Test email attachment or text that you paste into an email
by sending it to several friends, preferably who have different ISPs
· Fax only an original, never a copy
· Have a Business Fact Sheet available to give to prospective
customers:
Print your free Business Fact Sheet template
http://work-at-home.janktheproofer.com/Printable-Blank-Business-Fact-
Sheet.doc
(Opens in New Window) Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit
http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's
proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free
resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for
free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.


Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Arming Yourself Against Spyware

While clicking from site to site on the internet you are likely to land yourself on a website that downloads spyware onto your computer system. Even while using familiar or unlikely and secure web site you run the risk of being infected with unwanted spyware. Most commonly, spyware detects and records your internet and computer usage information so advertisers can bombard you with pop ups and email ads they feel are appropriate to your interests. More malicious spyware applications can identify, record and send to intruders your credit card, bank account and social security information to intruders who use it for identity theft.

Computers users often leave themselves vulnerable to spyware infection because they assume their anti-virus software will protect against spyware. Spyware is a computer parasite separate from computer viruses. A virus seeks out computers to destroy their functions while spyware is designed to work along side the computer, all the while recording your private information and sending it out to intruding individuals or sold to companies. Spyware can and does build up on your computer, causing crashes among other malfunctions.

Spyware is capable of overtaking your web browser and forcing your to access unwanted sites. The best way to avoid this situation is by using one or more of the many spyware scan and removal tools. Spybot Search and Destroy has become one of the most used free spyware programs. It works first by scanning your computer for current spyware infections and then safely removing them. Their latest version can protect against spyware while you surf the internet by blocking the sites from downloading unauthorized spyware onto your computer.

For additional information and advice on finding and using an anti-spyware program it may be helpful to visit one of the many message boards or online forums where you can get input from people dealing with similar spyware problems. Alicia Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/ , a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htm as well as spyware doctor, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_list365.htm


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Sleep Apnea - 7 Tips To Improve Your Sleep

Sleep Apnea - 7 Tips To Improve Your Sleep

- By Donald Saunders

(c) Donald Saunders All Rights Reserved
======================================================

Do you keep your partner awake at night with your snoring?
Are you often tired during the day? Do you sometimes find
yourself suffering from morning headaches, being a bit
forgetful, unable to concentrate and irritable? If so, you
may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a very common and often undiagnosed sleep
disorder that, according to some estimates, affects five
percent of the adult population. Characterized in
particular by loud snoring and daytime tiredness, sleep
apnea occurs because you stop breathing during sleep. This
can occur literally hundreds of times each night and your
breathing can be interrupted by up to a minute or more on
each occasion.

Your breathing is interrupted either by a physical blockage
to your airway (for example, loose skin in the back of your
throat, or perhaps your tongue, blocking your airway), in
which case you are said to suffer from obstructive sleep
apnea, or by a failure on the part of your brain to send out
the necessary signals to the muscles of your body that
control breathing, in which event your condition is
described as central sleep apnea.

It is also possible to suffer from mixed sleep apnea which,
as the name suggests, is a combination of both obstructive
sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Both men and women suffer from sleep apnea, although the
condition is more commonly seen in men and, in particular,
men who are over 40 and overweight.

The main consequence of sleep apnea is that, because your
sleep is very light, fragmented and of poor quality, you
also suffer from insomnia, or excessive daytime tiredness.
Your partner would probably disagree and say that the main
problem is your snoring, but that's a different story!

There are a range of treatments available for sleep apnea
(including surgery in particularly severe cases), but in the
vast majority of cases your quality of life can be improved
considerably with a few simple lifestyle changes and natural
remedies. Indeed, in mild cases, this is often all that is
needed.

Here are 7 simple tips to offset the effects of sleep apnea
related insomnia and restore some of that lost daytime `get
up and go'.

Tip 1. Look at your weight.

If you're overweight then this is undoubtedly contributing
to your problem. Losing just a few pounds can make a
significant difference.

Tip 2. Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles and this makes it much
easier for these muscles to `collapse' during sleep and
block your airway. There's no need to cut out alcohol
altogether, but you should restrict your intake and
certainly cut out alcohol in the three or four hours before
going to bed.

Tip 3. Avoid sleeping pills.

Sleeping pills can also relax your throat muscles and cause
similar problems to those seen for alcohol. Sleeping pills,
however, can also cause a variety of other problems as well
and there use is not recommended in cases of sleep apnea.

Tip 4. Avoid tobacco.

Smoking inflames your nasal tissues causing them to swell
and restrict your nasal airway. Ideally, you should give up
smoking altogether but, if this is too high a fence to jump,
then try to cut down and, in particular, reduce your smoking
during the evening.

Tip 5. Sleep on your side.

If you're typical of the majority of sleep apnea sufferers
you sleep on your back, making it far easier for the tissues
in your throat, and for your tongue, to block your airway.
Even if you go to sleep on your side, you probably roll onto
your back shortly after falling asleep.

Try propping yourself up with pillows or cushions so that
you sleep on your side. If this doesn't work then sew
something like a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas.
You'll find that rolling onto the tennis ball will be quite
uncomfortable and it will soon condition you to sleep on
your side.

If you can't sew, find a shirt or tee-shirt with a breast
pocket. Pop the tennis ball into the pocket and then wear
the shirt back-to-front.

Tip 6. Improve your nasal breathing.

If you suffer from a `stuffed up' nose, then try using a
nasal spray to help open up your nasal airway. Nasal sprays
should not however be used regularly or for prolonged
periods, as they can cause damage to the tissues of the
nose.

As an alternative, pop along to the drug store or chemist
and buy yourself one of many very cheap devices that are
available today to help keep your nose open while you sleep.
Your pharmacist or chemist will be happy to show you what's
on offer and to help you to make the right choice.

Tip 7. Avoid sleep deprivation.

Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and that you're
following a regular bedtime routine. Also make sure that
your bedroom conditions are set for sleep (the right
temperature, quiet, dark etc.) and that you've dealt with
the worries of the day and are relaxed and ready for sleep
each night.

One of the major consequences of both obstructive sleep
apnea and central sleep apnea is insomnia, and curing the
insomnia associated with sleep apnea is a major step in the
management of the condition.

These are just a few simple tips but you'll be amazed at
just what a difference they can make. Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related
publications including: "How To Get A Good Night's Sleep -
Simple Solutions To Help You Rest"
Pick up your free copy today at
http://help-me-to-sleep.com/sleep-apnea/


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Simple Tricks to Maximize the Reach of Your Marketing Message

Jim was working hard to grow his business. Long hours networking his rolodex, producing high quality products, and delivering exceptional service to his customers, but he was always just a little short at the end of the month. He needed more customers, and he needed them quickly.

Are you in this situation? Would you like more customers? Here are some very simple things you can do to get your message out to a larger number of potential customers.

Write A Message That Works
Stop trying to get customers one at a time - start getting them ten at a time. Reach a larger number of your potential customers by talking to them about topics they like, in a language they understand. No, I'm not suggesting you take up Spanish or Swahili, I mean that your marketing must use terminology that makes sense to the average, uninformed customer. Don't fill your marketing messages with buzzwords that only industry insiders can understand.

Become An Article Marketer
Write a few short (500-1000 word) articles on topics that capture the interest of your potential customers. Provide relevant and meaningful advice. Fill your article with substance, not advertising. Read it over and make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Don't fill it with hype and hyperbole. Pretend your article is going to be in Time Magazine or the business section of a major metropolitan newspaper.

Once you have your interesting and helpful article written, start submitting it around the web. Newsletter editors and publishers are always looking for content to fill their pages. As an article marketer, you can provide that content. In exchange, you get high-quality links to your site and a resource box to make an offer to the readers.

Stop begging webmasters for link exchanges. Quit submitting your URL to FFA sites. If you want better Google search positioning and Page Rank, start writing short, interesting articles.

But there's a trick.
Many publishers won't accept articles filled with HTML tags. On the other hand, *every* publisher will accept text-based articles, so submit your articles without HTML tags and you instantly extend your reach.

There's a Google trick too.
Everyone knows that Google loves content. Articles are spidered very quickly and can be found on Google in just a few days. Your article (with your link) on a popular page can drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website. Submitting your article to many publishers can create dozens (even hundreds) of links to your page - all counted by Google as good, quality links.

What many authors fail to consider is the fact that Google penalizes identical, keyword rich "anchor text" links. Their rationale is that "natural" links put up on sites will not be worded identically from site to site. With link manipulation comes Google penalties. Authors have complained that their links disappear from Google after a few weeks, even though the articles are still posted everywhere. This is something you want to avoid and there's an easy way around it.

Google DOES NOT penalize identical hyperlinks when that hyperlink text is a URL. They do not consider it link manipulation, because it's the web standard reference to an actual page.

So combine these two simple tricks and watch as your links are published on multiple websites and not punished by Google.

Increase the Number of Sites You Reach
Article submission is a tedious task. Finding the sites that want your article, creating a user account, logging in, copying and pasting your article according to each publisher's guidelines - it can take between 3-5 minutes per site. If you want your article to go out to 50 sites, be prepared to spend several long and boring hours in front of your computer.

But there's an easier way. Article submission can be automated. There is software you can buy and there are services to do the work for you. In my opinion, a service is the way to go.

With software, you have to manage the submission work based on a list in the product, which may or may not be updated occasionally. Article submission services such as www.articlemarketer.com are constantly interacting with publishers and editors online, and the list is constantly kept up to date.

The Article Marketer service also allows you to post your articles for distribution over time. You can post several articles at once and direct them to be distributed over the next several days or weeks. With software you have to physically sit at your computer and submit your articles on the day you want them distributed.

Software is expensive. Article Marketer offers free distribution, as well as a subscription that allows you to submit as many articles as you like for a very low price. For the price of some software, you can get many years worth of completely automated article distribution.

To recap:
Start talking to your prospects in their language.
Create interesting informative articles.
Use text based articles and URL hyperlinks to increase your Google exposure.
Sign up with an article distribution service to automate the tedious drudgework.
Get more customers - make more money. Chris Ellington gives effective and easy to implement marketing strategies to small business owners and home business entrepreneurs. His Simplified Selling program has been a hit with business owners and salespeople around the world. Get your free marketing tips at www.SimplifiedSelling.com


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Make Money With Your Online Business

Have you had a business website online for many years and you
haven't yet discovered how to make money from it? Are you tired
of shelling out hundreds of dollars in advertising only to see
almost nothing in return for your sales?



You will never believe how many people start up an online
business and then within a year quit. In fact, I've done that
myself with a few projects. I believe a lot of people have the
wrong idea about making money online with a business and what
it really entails.



Getting The Right Picture of an Online Business That Makes
Money



Take a step back for a moment to discover why some online
businesses do not work. There could be several reasons for a
business to not make any money online.



Time and time again, I see home businesses that do not have
proper sales pages set up. A good online business has a niche
set of products to work with and a sales page with a good solid
description, clear pictures and a way to purchase online. If you
don't have these things, you might as well stop thinking about
selling and concentrate on your website.



In addition, you should have some sort of quality content that
will give customers something to do while they are at your
website. A message board and chat room are not for most home
businesses, so why do you have one on your website? Message
boards and chat rooms are specifically for places where someone
gets a lot of visitors, if you are not getting tons of visitors,
don't bother with this yet.



Instead, concentrate on articles. How to use your products are
good articles to work with. For more ideas, ask a freelance
writer about writing articles that fit into your website.



The Next Step to Make Money With an Online Business



Your home business may need a few additional steps in order to
help you make money online. If you haven't yet concentrated
your efforts into making pages search engine friendly, then
that's what you need to do as well. In addition, you need
quality content outside your website. Why and how does that
work?



These days, people don't want to swap links anymore. They would
rather have articles for content on their website.



So to get some good links in, share a few articles with content
websites. They will be working hard to make that page your
article is on as search engine friendly and they will promote
that page, thus promoting your business too. So why aren't you
writing articles or sharing content?



Getting Visitors to Make You Money With Your Online Business



Once you have steady flow of free visitors from search engines,
you can concentrate on what works for your website. Where do
visitors go when they come to your website? Do the look but
don't buy? Do they get lost on the content pages and leave? Do
they head strait to the links section and leave?



You need to capture your visitors the moment they come to your
website. Present your best offer on your front page. You can
link pages that have similar products together. Introduce them
to your newsletter. (You have a sales newsletter, right?)



Whatever you do, don't just expect your visitors to know what
to do. Tell them what to do next. Sign up for the newsletter.
Visit this page. Click this button to buy now and get it in
three days. Easy to forget but this is always important.Joel Teo is the owner of the Money Making
Directory which boasts of money making tips, recommendations
and resources to help ordinary people make money online.
Signup for his free newsletter today at
http://www.MakeThousandsToday.info and receive his
complimentary "7 Insider Secrets to making money online"
Course.

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Introduction Games Teaching Tips

What? Already?! Teachers are busy preparing for the new school year. One way to set a positive tone in the classroom is to make sure all the children know one another. Here are a few introduction games. (NOTE: Any group of people who need to make introductions can play these games.) Have fun!



1. While students are sitting on desktops or standing in a circle, the teacher tosses a ball to a student who then introduces himself and tells his favorite game or activity. He then tosses the ball to another student who repeats the procedure. Make sure each child has a
turn to introduce himself. Try playing a few minutes each day so children can also name their favorite food, place to visit, musical group, TV show...whatever you want.



2. While children are sitting in a circle in a darkened classroom, the player in the middle spins a flashlight on the floor. (If children are standing in a circle, the player in the middle spins around while holding the flashlight facing outwards.) The child who is "in the spotlight" when the flashlight stops must introduce himself and tell something else about himself. That person then becomes the next spinner. Give children ideas of what to tell about themselves...favorite movie, best quality, favorite famous person, favorite school subject, and so on.



3. Have children fold a piece of paper into a certain number of squares. They must then go get signatures from their new classmates, who must introduce themselves as well. Each signature should be clearly written in order to count. The first child to fill his sheet is the winner. If you want to add a little physical activity, have children who are finished walk
around the room several times and then take their seats.



4. For this game, use several hoops or large, circular pieces of butcher paper. This is an innovation of "Musical Chairs" so have a music source available! When the music stops, children who wind up in the same hoop introduce themselves. Instead of walking while the music plays, perhaps your children could hop, jump, skip, etc. As hoops are removed in each round, have the children in that hoop tell something about themselves.



5. Let your children form groups of five to ten. At the beginning, each child announces his name, clearly, to the group. Then let the group decide how a ball will be passed...rolled, bounced, tossed, rolled around back and then tossed, etc. A player is to say his own name, as well as his new classmate's name, when he releases the ball. For instance, "My name is Bill and yours is Anna." A variation is to have the entire group call out the name of the person who catches the ball. Add details when the names have been learned...favorite
pet, birthday, etc.



I hope these ideas have been useful and have inspired your own creativity. Have a wonderful, rewarding year!



And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading. Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!

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Luxury Baby Bedding - What To Look For Before You Buy

When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what
style and fabric you like best. When you decide what luxury
baby bedding you want, mix and match colors and patterns on
your babys bed. Different flower fabrics mix well with solid or
stripe materials, for example, but keep them all in the same
color family.



Be sure and consider which fiber is best for your baby bedding.
You should be able to find and choose from the following
materials when shopping for bedding:



. Cotton - percale, sateen, flannel or organdy. Cotton is a
natural fiber that breathes well, and it tends to be durable,
easy to machine wash and to dry.



. Linen - linen, damask or venise. Dry-clean this natural fiber
to avoid excessive shrinkage. It is a wonderful fabric to use
during the summer as it stays cool in warm weather.



. Silk - brocade, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, doupioni or silk
satin. This material gives a very luxurious look and feel to
your bedroom. Silk is a natural protein fiber that is very
smooth to the touch. When washing your silk bedding, be sure
and follow the instructions of the manufacturer's label.



. Wool - flannel, felt, jersey, tweed, merino or gabardine. It
is another natural fiber, durable and soft to the touch. This
type of bedding is usually very warm, and it should be
dry-cleaned unless the manufacturer's label says otherwise.



. Synthetic fiber - acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester.



Thread count in luxury baby bedding is important. Thread count
is defined as the number of horizontal and vertical threads
that exist in one square inch of fabric. Thread count in sheets
can range from 80 to 700 - most are in the range of 180 to 320.
Higher thread count in luxury baby bedding does not mean that
the fabric will last longer. What it does mean is that you will
enjoy a better quality of fabric that also has a softer feel.



Blue and white bedding are classic colors that can be combined
with any decor. If you decide to select floral fabrics for
bedding, they can go with a traditional or contemporary room
decor. Rich and bold colors like blue, red, yellow or perhaps
black tend to be used in childrens rooms and teenagers rooms.
These are stimulating colors associated with energy, and they
will bring drama to any room. Pastels can be mixed with
different colors and patterns, and they will give you a
relaxing and beautiful room. These colors like pink, blues,
light yellow and lilacs are frequently used in luxury baby
bedding, nurseries and babys rooms.



Do not be surprised when buying luxury baby bedding that it has
a mild crisp feel to it. This crispiness is normal, because
manufacturers use starches or stiffening products on the
bedding to help it stay wrinkle-free and looking new. When you
purchase machine-washable luxury baby bedding or any other type
of bedding, be sure you wash it before using it. A great benefit
of washing quality luxury baby bedding is that it will become
softer and even more comfortable over time.



Make sure to read the bedding labels to be certain the baby
bedding materials are flame resistant. And if choosing a baby
bedding theme is important, look for nursery bedding
collections that come with coordinated accessories. You can
save considerably if you can find luxury baby bedding on
clearance, even though there will be few or no coordinated
accessories. You can use the savings from the baby bedding to
create your own baby nursery theme.



Enjoy the process. Later, the child will have their own
opinions, but have fun for now! Decorating the babys room can
give everyone the chance to add their touch to this special
room for this very special person.



Copyright 2005 InfoSearch PublishingRead more about finding quality nursery
bedding at
http://www.yourdreamloghome.com/quilted-nursery-bedding.html
plus tips on decorating kids rooms, playroom storage ideas and
more. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and
webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - a website
devoted to your having the very best home possible.


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How to Make Pizza Healthy for You

How to Make Pizza Healthy for You
Copyright 2005 Ryan Cote



This article may come as a surprise to you...



Pizza. It's the weakness of many, many people including me.
I love pizza- always have. I eat it in moderation, but it's
still one of my favorite foods.



There's now good news for pizza lovers.



According to Men's Health magazine, research concludes that
pizza can be good for you. We're talking about, however,
real pizza- not the kind you get from Pizza Hut, Dominoes
or the frozen food section of your supermarket. By real, I
mean pizza made with real tomato sauce and olive oil.



According to Men's Health, scientists writing in the
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating
pizza can reduce your risk of a heart attack. In a 4-year
study of nearly 1,000 Italians, those who ate pizza at
least once a week were 30 percent less likely to experience
a heart attack than the folks who didn't partake of the pie.



This is contributed to pizza's cardio protective
ingredients, including olive oil and tomato sauce. Here's
the secret: top the pizza with vegetables, part-skim cheese
and thin crust and you've got a meal that is actually good
for you.



Can you get this kind of a pizza in a pizzeria? Most likely
not. Instead you'll have to buy the ingredients at your
local grocery store and make the pizza yourself. Speaking
from experience, however, this can be a fun thing!



Enjoy the experience of making your own pizza and savoring
a nutritious meal. After all, feeding your body with
nutritious meals is the number one thing you can do for
better health.Ryan Cote is the author of
http://www.4DaysToBetterHealth.com, a free healthy living
e-course that includes more detailed nutrition advice.

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Online Learning Authoring System for Creating E-Courses

Online Learning Authoring System for Creating E-Courses

Copyright © 2005 Kathy Sparks

Your Virtual Resource

http://www.yourvirtualresource.com/











I'll go back about a year and a half when I began researching an

online learning system for two of my clients. What keywords to

use -- online learning. Well no, that brings up all sorts of

colleges, universities, technical schools, software certification

schools with hundreds of listings of classes. Okay, how about

"writing courses online." No again, these words simply tell me

where to go to find about writing courses online.





The subject is really rather obscure. This might be because

authoring systems are generally for large companies who can

afford to purchase customized software specifically written for

their company. Okay, let's try "online authoring course." Good, a

little closer, but now I'm coming up with software packages to

purchase. And they are not inexpensive. What I was looking for

was a tool on line where I could have my own account and do the

following at an affordable price:





- Log in to my personal account





- Create courses that have

-- Reading material

-- Self check quizzes

-- Final test

-- The ability to print

-- The ability to use PDF files with the course

-- Learners can start a class, leave class and come back to

work on their class with their own personal log in.

-- Do a final quiz

-- Have the quiz graded and if successful, receive a

certificate of successful completion





- Track the results of Learners

- Edit the course content on demand

- Have several different courses within one account

- Not have to worry about downloading software and publishing

programs to my web site and creating login screens








And I needed a Pay as You Go price for a small start up online

course business where I can increase the service as I increase

business.





When I didn't find this solution a year and a half ago, I created

my courses as E-books and sent them out to Learners who ordered

them and wanted the ability to do their classes from the

convenience of their homes. Although easier than printing and

mailing booklets, it did cause new problems, like "I couldn't get

my course to download," I didn't receive the email," I can't find

the Enrollment Code," but at least they weren't telling me "the

dog ate my course." However, those Internet gremlins do show up

occasionally.





At last I stumbled upon my perfect solution and a free 30 day

trail! This is a 100% web based e-Learning toolset. I've created

my first course. It really is quite easy. You don't need

programming skills - simply copy and paste your material. If you

are a coach, consultant, tutor or teacher and have courses to

share, you should really try this tool. It's easy to get started.





Visit E-Course Management at http://www.ecoursemanagement.com

to learn more about the system and to learn about the basics of

writing online courses. Take a tour and then sign up for a free

30-day trial to try it out. Customer service has been terrific.

It's a "virtual" blessing.Kathy Sparks began building her successful Virtual Assistant

practice after being certified with AssistU in 1998. She has

partnered with clients worldwide in a multitude of professions

and is editor and contributor for "The Virtual Advantage," an

online newsletter for VAs and their clients. Web site: Your

Virtual Resource at http://www.yourvirtualresource.com "I

feel so good - it's like having a "busy bee" working behind

the scenes to help me. I'm loving it." ~ a client

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