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Posts Tagged ‘knowledge’

Merchant Accounts For Online Motorsports Retailers

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Just as the sporting goods retail industry has been taken hostage by wholesale prices from internet vendors, motorsports retailers are feeling the pinch. At the same time, online merchants like the streamlined nature of a uni-dimensional sales atmosphere. Just as sporting goods stores will never be ran out of business by their online competitors, there is and will always be a need for corner retailers for the everyday needs of the motorsports enthusiast.

Since their inception, dealers were their own parts source; their parts counter personnel were the authority on filters, tires, gear and oil. The great thing was/is that these are the guys you see at the tracks, some customers race with on the weekend and have good knowledge of local conditions and vendor support. The downside of the parts and apparel business is that dealers aren’t consignment shops and owners and management are faced with forecasting the next year’s business based on a mix of last year’s hot products, cleaning out the mispurchased inventory and what’s hot for the next year. To make matters worse, it’s always difficult for a dealer to stock parts for make of machinery that they don’t represent. When manufacturers have problems, or one particular product line is down, well, then showroom traffic and subsequently the parts take the biggest hit.

Enter online parts warehouses. We all know how it works; few online parts superstores actually stock parts, however some do and the ones that do, can offer an awesome buying experience for the consumer. Basically, most sites will negotiate a wholesale purchasing contract with a distributer that has several warehouses for parts distribution, then upload their entire available inventory onto their website. These types of businesses can and usually are ran out of someone’s home office, living room or garage. Not as glamorous as the flashy website, but usually they get the job done. The upsides to buying your parts this way is that you can research exactly what you want, shop price without having to haggle or negotiate and not have to leave your house. We all know this. The next step to this evolution is international ordering. The US sets the standard for commercial research and development for the motorsports industry’ from motorcycle and ATV to auto and the snowmobile industry.

When it comes to the development of parts, testing and proving and marketing and promotion no other nation brings products and hop up services to the world like we do. The reality now is that online vendor’s customer bases are worldwide. The demand for suspension services, motor rebuilds, trick parts and manufacturer/retailer only parts and apparel is high overseas. Unfortunately, internet based businesses are being gouged by banks and processors for high discount rates, because this type of activity is looked upon as high risk. In fact, internet only parts and apparel sites are high risk, so the increased risk and rate hikes might drive up the prices of the low cost products and services everyone loves. Traditional banking today is under the same revamping process that the motorsports parts industry has just undergone. With international orders becoming more conventional international banking is taking the edge off many frustrated yet savvy internet based merchants.

International, offshore merchant accounts offer multicurrency processing, third party fraud scrubbing and virtual terminals for these businesses to keep their businesses that operate on somewhat of a tight budget a needed break to continue to offer the same quality for the price. Merchant service providers are in a unique position to source banks that work well in certain regions that may be more popular for a particular business; as well, certain merchant service providers specialize in specific types of industries. It’s just as important to use a processor or merchant service provider with a portfolio that resembles your industry. This can be helpful because they’ll be in tune with your sales cycles, busy times of the year and types of chargebacks that you may get, what is causing them and how to handle them.

Jennifer Loganathan is the President and CEO of Stradafee Limited. Stradafee is an electronic payments company as well as an eCommerce and Internet merchant account provider. Merchant accounts make it possible for businesses to provide online credit card processing For more information on credit card processing visit http://www.stradafee.com

Visualization Problems? Get Physical!

Monday, December 1st, 2008

If you doubt the effect of language on perception, consider the problems that some people have with visualization or imagination. When they close their eyes to visualize, they only see darkness…or some swirly afterimage of their optic nerves. These folks complain that they can’t visualize. That’s because they are confusing what the word says with what it means–a common problem with English.

When we speak of imagination, IMAGE activity, it sounds like we are talking about seeing pictures. In fact, imagination includes all the senses as well as the sensation of moving through space. In a very real sense (pun intended), all our “knowledge” of the world is our imagination, our interpretation of sensory data that we get from our bodies, our eyes, ears, hands and other organs, even our gut and backbone.

Different people use different sorting methods to create mental representations of their world. Some people use pictures, visual imagery. Others prefer sounds, tunes, rhythms, or speech to recreate their environment, auditory imagery. And a third group uses the sensations of their muscles moving through space, kinesthetic imagery.

To facilitate your creative processes, think about an apple. Do you see the redness and the shape? Do you smell its tart sweetness? Do you feel the solid heaviness and smooth peel of it in your hand? Do you taste the juice or hear the crunch as you bite it? Do you reach up to pick it from the tree? Do you cut it in half to see the star made by the seeds at the core?

If you work at tuning in to all your senses, you can get a handle on each of these channels of information about the non-existent apple. Even visually oriented imagineers benefit from “walking around” in their imaginary place, reaching out physically with their hands to pretend to touch the objects there. Auditory people may start with the sounds that they would hear, or they might even want to talk about what they would want, as hearing the words in their own ears makes the sensations easier to smell, taste, touch and see.

Many people make a visualization board or collage to help them to see the desire that they wish to manifest. If you do so, try making an entire environment. Include textures that you might touch, a recording of sounds or music, things that have a smell that triggers the feeling you want–a spice or leaves or tree bark or even a drop of perfume on a piece of paper. Turn on the music, touch your textures and look at the pictures while you are up dancing your dream. You can close the living room curtains if you feel more comfortable.

Try drawing for the movement of your hand and arm in that space, rather than the representation of the result. Talk aloud to yourself, as if you were telling someone else about the things you would like to experience. Hold your cell phone to your ear if you are in public, and no one will even notice you talking to yourself.

Most importantly, notice what activities are easiest for you to bring into your mind, so that you can take some actions to find reminders of those things more difficult for you to represent mentally. While it is more effort to create a total sensory environment than it is to close your eyes, that effort pays off as you are able to devote more emotional energy to “being there. “

And when you feel good about “Being there,” you will be there.

Want to be your own fairy godmother? Read Wishes Can Come True by Charlotte Babb for stories and tips on how you can leave the old stories behind and manifest what you want in your life.

Step by Step Female Orgasm Techniques

Friday, November 28th, 2008

Shocking fact: 70% of females never have an orgasm during sexual intercourse.

Yep, it’s true.

Furthermore, about a third of all females anywhere have never had an orgasm, EVER.

Again, that’s 100% FACT.

There are multiple reasons why this may be the case, and every female has a different set of circumstances for why they have never had an orgasm. Some of them are quite severe and require counselling or medical intervention, such as a history of sexual abuse, or the extremely rare cases of women who cannot orgasm based on medical problems.

However, for most women, the reason they have never orgasmed is very simple – they just haven’t met a man who can help them reach the “big O”.

The reality is that women love sex. Way more than any guy ever could. Think about it. If you had ten THOUSAND times the amount of touch receptors in your skin, as well as the ability to have multiple orgasms all night long, don’t you think sex would be better for you too?

However, women usually need a man who can lead them to orgasm. They’ve been told all their life that it’s “dirty” or “slutty” or “wrong” to be forward at all in the areas of romance and sex. It’s always the guy who has to go over and talk to her, the guy who has to get her number, the guy who has to initiate the sex. In the same way, it’s the guy who has to help them reach orgasm.

So how does this relate to you?

It’s simple. You need to take control of her sexual pleasure. That’s not to say that she should just lay there and do nothing – in fact, that’s a really quick recipe for disaster – but rather that you have to take the initiative during your sexual activiites.

Whilst whole ebooks can be (and have been) written on the subject of pleasing a woman during sex, I’ve written one myself in fact, which you can check out by clicking on the link in my author bio.

Having said that, in the space of this article, I will at least try to give you some really cool step by step female orgasm techniques, so here we go:

1. Build Sexual Tension/Attraction

You need to build attraction and sexual tension before you even start getting down to things. Women are very perceptive creatures and often know a lot more about us than we like. The way you think about yourself, the way you dress, the aftershave you are wearing, and so on all contribute to how this woman feels about you. And to be really, really good at making her feel really, really good, you need to build a strong attraction SEXUALLY. This is important because many women don’t think about sex in the same way we do – they will sleep with someone because they “like” him, but because they’re “attracted” to him sexually, probably largely because most women haven’t gotten in touch with that really sexual part of themselves yet.

Exactly HOW to go about creating that sexual attraction is a subject all in its own, and it can be very hard to describe on paper. The best advice I can give you in such a short space is to believe you are desirable and sexy. That will project to her through thousands of subconscious signals and she will pick up on it. If you try and walk the walk without having the mental attitude to back it up, you’ll just be putting the cart before the horse – and she’ll see right through you.

2. Get Her To Relax

One of the biggest factors in women not being able to orgasm is that they’re not relaxed. During sex they’re worried that their hair is bad, they are ugly, the lighting makes them look bad, their stomach looks big from that angle… whatever. It may be hard for us to understand, but it does happen.

The best way to combat this is to get her to relax and to feel comfortable around you. Try joking around with her, putting her at ease, all that sort of stuff. In addition, if you find she’s tense, just focus on doing something that makes her feel good that isn’t necessarily sexual – massages are fantastic for this purpose, but there’s a lot of other things that can work really well too – like just talking to her.

3. Be In The Driver’s Seat

As we have discussed, most women won’t advance things out of fear of seeming too “forward”. So that means its up to you to take things to their natural conclusion. During each stage of the sexual process, from building tension, to light foreplay, to heavy foreplay, to the actual sex, you will need to guide her through each of these stages. Be firm but gentle, and if she says “no”, then listen to her and stop. If she doesn’t, however, take that as a green light to keep going.

4. Take Your Time

Nothing is more of a deal-breaker for a girl’s orgasm than a guy who just wants to get naked and play “hide the sausage”. You need to be more concerned with every single thing you are doing making her feel really, really good. Every part of a girl’s body is very sensitive and receptive to any touch you might want to bestow upon it, so have fun. Nibble on her earlobes. Run your hands all over her body. Talk dirty to her (but not too dirty, keep it tame at first). run your tongue over all the parts of her body that you are willing to. All these things help gradually build her into a sexually receptive mindset, which is when you can begin to really make her feel good.

5. Foreplay is Important

Once she’s really starting to get horny – for example, she’s breathing heavy, moaning a bit, you’re both naked, and her vagina is wet and probably a little red and swollen – it’s time to start making her feel good. Begin with some more “heavy” foreplay. Try fingering her or, if you and her are comfortable with it, going down on her. Don’t stop until she’s either had an orgasm (preferably more than one) or she just can’t take it anymore and has to jump you.

You will find, at this point, that giving her orgasms is probably very easy, provided you pay attention to what she likes and what she doesn’t and adequately use the clit and her G-Spot. These issues are, obviously, far too detailed ot be written about in this article, but my e-book does include a thorough analysis of how to make her feel really good using these two areas (and everything else, for that matter).

As you might have noticed, an orgasm is the end result of a long result of effort applied in the right way. It takes work and preparation, but with the correct knowledge, you can easily give any woman an orgasm any time she wants one, in any position. The frequency and power of those orgasms will certainly increase with your skills improving, however, and that’s why I recommend you seek out ways to further improve your knowledge – and then put it to the test. I’m sure she won’t mind.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Daniel Scott is the author of Incredible In Bed – the web’s best guide on how you can give women the most incredible sexual pleasure they’ve ever felt, again and again and again. Visit http://www.IncredibleInBed.com/article003.php to learn how you can learn to be the best she’s ever had by subscribing to our 100% free email newsletter.

Husband – Reconcile With Your Wife to Save Your Marriage

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

What should you do if your wife wants out of your marriage? When a woman first seriously considers divorce she doesn’t arrive at this state of desperation by a process of calm deduction. She is simply reacting to the feeling that she “can’t take it anymore.” Sometimes your wife’s decision to leave you may be her way of trying to make you change, but more often it is a desperate effort to survive. She cannot endure anymore heartache, so she has reached out for the separation (or divorce) like a drowning man reaching out for a life jacket. How did this come about? Often it is due to the husband’s negligence in hurting their wives.

How Husbands Injure Their Wives

How may you as a husband inadvertently hurt your wife? Obviously it is when you do not love her as you should. This is shown in the following ways:

1. Not appreciating or acknowledging her.

2. Comparing her with other women

3. Taking her for granted (“Oh, never mind…she will understand” or “…I’m sure she won’t mind”)

4. Having to be right all the time

5. Making her feel vulnerable, alone or isolated, for example by not helping out at home or not standing up for her.

6. Destroying her self-esteem through harsh or rude words and actions that demean her.

7. Not paying enough attention to her, for example by giving more time and focus on someone or something else other than her.

8. Having intimate friendships with a member(s) of the opposite sex (it may or may not involve having an affair).

9. Being too demanding on her, for example by insisting that she be almost totally subservient to your every wish

10. Not taking the trouble to understand her.

Your wife’s main source of security or comfort is you, her husband. When you do any of the above things (or other similar ones), her sense of security and self-worth are severely threatened. The problem is most wives feel that they have communicated their hurt to their husbands but most husbands have not realized it. She felt like she was trying to get you to understand but you thought she was just being emotional or overreacting. My experience is that most women leave their husbands because they expected to feel loved, protected and cherished but their husbands unwittingly have sent the message that they are not. If this happens repeatedly over a long period of time, your wife will very likely walk out on you. In such a situation, how can we bring about reconciliation?

The Path to Reconciliation

Firstly, do not make excuses for your actions or words that have hurt her. It’s pointless to try to make her understand you. Simply acknowledge them and ask for her forgiveness. I know that it takes two to tango, meaning that she also probably contributed in some way to how you acted. But now is not the time to blame her. You have to ignore her faults for now. Be a man and take responsibility for your own mistakes, own up to it and humble yourself by sincerely apologizing. This will go a long way in softening her hardened heart.

Secondly, listen to her without correcting her. She doesn’t have to be proved right or shown to be wrong. Do not try to talk her out of her feelings or belittle her emotions and behavior. This will only make her more hurt and angry.

Thirdly, understand her hurt condition. Do so by empathizing with her. She just wants you to understand her feelings. Relay her feelings back to her. Comfort her and let her know you understand how she feels.

Fourthly, assure her of your commitment to her. Change whatever is wrong with your attitudes, actions or words. As her husband you have the responsibility to restore her sense of self-esteem, security, confidence and trust in you.

Lastly, put into action your commitments to her. What you have said you will do, make sure you actually do it.

Conclusion

I have always maintained that it is the husband who should primarily be responsible for ensuring a successful marriage relationship. Therefore if anything is wrong with your marriage, you as the husband must be pro-active in setting things right. Only by doing so will you be able to save your marriage.

Discover the steps anyone can take to save your marriage in TWO FREE reports, “Practical Tips on Improving Your Marriage” and “Above Life’s Turmoil”. Visit http://www.savemarriagestoday.com These reports contain time-tested and proven ways to enhance your relationship with your partner.

Why You Should Get a Maternity Health Insurance Coverage

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

Most women’s initial excitement that follows the knowledge that they are now pregnant is soon shattered by the realization of the medical financial burden about to confront them. It has been found that maternity insurance coverage for women who fall pregnant is about 87%; other 13% isn’t covered.

The women are faced with having to look to their own resources to meet the costs and may have insufficient funds to get appropriate pre-natal care. If the pregnancy brings about complications the burden will be increased.

Maternity health care is not necessarily covered even where a health insurance plan is paid for. An expensive add-on may need to be included. Some insurers avoid providing maternity plans or treat it as a condition pre-existing. Federal law does not permit this, but there are loopholes.

You may have COBRA (coverage extending from your previous employer). You need to check if maternity health is covered. The cost may be high, but it is certainly worth it.

There are several group plans that provide maternity health coverage to their members. Some may have from 3 months to one year waiting period before access to the benefit is possible. What happens then if one falls pregnant during this gap?

Like Medi-cal in California made states do have programs pregnant women. Other programs, federally sponsored, like Medicaid are mainly for the benefit of low income groups.

The Maternity Card is another option now available. This program designed to provide assistance to pregnant women and is doing quite well. The program covers many aspects maternity medical needs and costs less than standard insurance packages. Generally, maternity coverage is available immediately.

There are other plans though they have exclusion periods, some as long as 30 days. Scrutinize each package offered to ensure that you know all options and restriction before choosing one.

The best advice for women is that they should ensure that they get maternity health insurance at the earliest opportunity, for the whole of their child-bearing years.

For more information about Maternity Health Insurance Coverage please go to Low cost health insurance guide.

Contemporary Art – Buying For Pleasure, Buying For Profit

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

With the internet making it easier than ever to source artworks, it’s relatively simple these days to build up a great-looking collection.

While prices for unique works are increasingly beyond the reach of many, limited editions of, say, 150 plus are financially and widely accessible, making it possible to acquire pieces by major artists for reasonable prices.

There can be a downside, however. While little beats the pleasure a signed work can bring, generally speaking, the larger an edition, the less likely it is to appreciate in value quickly – or even substantially.

Nevertheless, the contemporary art market is full of contradictions, and with growing demand at all levels, recent trends have often seen this assumption overturned.

As an obvious example, Damien Hirst’s early prints for Eyestorm consistently fetch $10000-$16000 at re-sale, a very substantial profit on their original price. More recently, prints by Banksy and other urban artists have proved equally lucrative.

In other words, it’s becoming increasingly possible – although by no means a certainty – to make profits quickly with relatively little outlay; although the trick, as always, is knowing what to buy and when to sell.

Buying for fast profit

The art world has a curious attitude to speculation. Buying and selling purely for profit is still regarded as just a little unsavory, even though the entire art market is dedicated to this pursuit. Perhaps it’s because art has such a curiously dual nature, combining aesthetic and cultural worth with a commercial value that can reach very high sums indeed.

Whatever the case, it would be difficult to consistently make money from art without some genuine appreciation and an insight into what will stand the test of time. And many dealers are themselves collectors, at least partly funding their own acquisitions through trading.

Yet it’s certainly true that, with contemporary art consistently showing remarkable returns on investment, it’s also become an attractive proposition to a very wide range of buyers.

In general, non-specialist speculators often trade in the work of artists whose frequent media coverage makes them well known to the public. And as shown by the two examples mentioned above – Hirst and Banksy – this can certainly reap substantial rewards.

But it’s also important to remember that, in an increasingly novelty-driven world, the next big thing is usually just around the corner. ‘Celebrity’ artists often take on the nature of a trend, and fads can become outdated with dramatic speed. Knowing when to sell such work is vitally important.

Ups and downs in the market aren’t just related to artists with familiar public profiles, of course. The art world itself frequently generates its own, ‘flavor of the month’ buzz. A few years ago, Martin Kippenberger’s prices rose dramatically, then leveled just as quickly. Chinese and now Indian contemporary art have been subject to the same kind of intensely fashion-led markets.

Clearly, money can be made through quickly identifying and speculating on trends, but you’ll need to have your finger firmly on the pulse. Knowing what’s considered exciting is essential, but you’ll also have to determine how long this excitement is actually going to last.

Long-term investment – knowing your artists

When it comes to collecting art, you’ll often read the following: the safest way to build a collection is simply to buy work you really like.

Such advice seems tailor-made to shield less knowledgeable collectors from potential disappointment, and perhaps even encourage sales of less desirable work. Buy a piece you love and if the value falls no harm has been done. If it gains in price, that’s a bonus.

I prefer to look at buying art a little differently.

Of course it’s important to purchase work you want to own and view.

But since contemporary art presents real investment opportunities, it makes sense to think carefully about what to add to your collection. After all, look at almost any online art site, and you’ll see that prices for fairly standard pieces are often equivalent to what you’d pay for work with far greater investment potential.

Although there’s obviously no way of predicting future value for sure, the key is to familiarize yourself as much as possible with the background of artists you’re drawn to.

How long have they been practicing? Is there a theme or thought process behind their work? Has this evolved coherently over the years?

Artists with at least some degree of complexity and persistent ‘vision’ are generally more likely to gain steadily in appreciation and price.

You’ll also want to know if the artist has achieved some kind of recognition. Is their work held by collections, galleries or museums? Has it been exhibited consistently?

Professional opinion is yet another important factor in trying to determine an artist’s long-term prospects. If a large number of critics and academics coincide in their high opinion of an artist, this is another good sign that they will retain or even gain value.

Mid-career artists can be judged much more easily in relation to their existing work; and after all, good art isn’t just about something that happens to look nice on a wall.

It’s about a certain kind of commitment and an obvious path of development. If all these factors are present, buying probably makes sense. Limited editions by Jeff Koons, for example, were relatively inexpensive 5 or 6 years ago, but with recent record-breaking prices for major works, have also shot up in value.

Even artists who disappear temporarily from the art market radar are much more likely to re-emerge at a later point if they show the ‘right’ kind of commitment and passion.

Emerging artists and the schlock of the new

New young artists are often fizzing with ideas, many of which can seem ground-breaking or even radical, but the problem is that they have yet to prove their long-term worth.

This said, you can certainly gain an insight into potential by applying the criteria above. It’s especially important to determine if they have something genuine to express or are simply employing methods that could, over time, increasingly be seen as just a gimmick.

Of course, if you’re looking to make a high return on investment, rapidly emerging artists can prove highly lucrative.

In such cases, it’s probably a good idea to invest in as substantial a piece as possible, although as we’ve seen, editions and multiples can also prove money-earners.

But keep a close eye on auction prices and signs of market fatigue. Such artists might be the talk of the town right now, but will they fulfill their early promise?

If, after a few years, their work appears stuck in a rut and prices seem to be leveling or even dropping, it’s time to think twice about their long-term appeal. On the other hand, if they do continue to create great work, any pieces bought for relatively low sums at the start of their careers should steadily rise in value.

Spreading your bets

If you’re lucky enough to have substantial sums of money to spend on art, newer artists, as we’ve just seen, can produce significant return on investment.

But perhaps the best way to offset the risks that they may never fulfill expectation is to ‘spread your bets’ across a selection of up and coming names.

Buying the work of several different artists might mean settling for less significant works, but with the right kind of knowledge – and luck – hitting a jackpot is still potentially viable.

If you’ve done your research, the chances are fairly good that at least one – and hopefully more – of your chosen artists will gain in recognition.

And given the phenomenal increase in prices for contemporary art, if that happens, eventual profits could far outweigh the costs of initial purchases, even if other works fail to make the grade.

It’s worth remembering that many well-known collectors buy huge amounts of work by new, ‘promising’ artists.

Charles Saatchi is a particularly good example, and although he is famous for the apparent strength of his collection, a sizable proportion consists of artists who have now faded into obscurity (you won’t see these listed on the website).

However, the phenomenal rise in value of those who became major names – Peter Doig, for example – have reaped him many millions of dollars in profit at auction.

And if those are the rewards, you can probably afford to make the odd mistake.

Mike writes for modernedition.com, a resource providing articles and news on contemporary art, as well as limited edition prints and multiples by leading contemporary artists.

5 Fashion Mistakes You Should Never Make

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Individual style should be applauded. It takes guts, personality and confidence to pull off certain looks, and anyone who expresses their individual style with gusto should be proud. But there are a few fashion no-no’s that should really be avoided at all costs, because, let’s face it, they just don’t look good on anyone. Be a fashion do by following these fashion don’ts.

1. Socks And Sandals
Just don’t do it, it really doesn’t look good. I understand wanting to be comfortable, but if socks are truly necessary, put on a pair of cute tennies or slip ons. Better yet, find a pair of sandals that are comfortable enough to wear without socks. Oh, and don’t even think about wearing black socks up to your knees with shorts and any type of shoes. I won’t even get into my opinion on Crocs at this point, but let’s just say that unless you’re gardening, I wouldn’t recommend those either.

2. Your Underwear Peeking Out Of Your Pants
Ok, So Brittany Spears did it, and so did various other teen stars and it was cool for a while. Let me give you a hint: unless you actually look like Brittany Spears, you probably can’t pull it off. Even if you can pull it off, there’s a difference between letting your thong hang out on stage in front of thousands of fans an paparazzi, and showing it off at the grocery store or in line at the movie theater. Trust me, no one wants to see it, and people are probably making fun of you as soon as you’re out of earshot.

3. Wearing The Baggiest Clothes You Can Find
No matter what size you are, you are going to look better in clothes that actually fit you, rather than big, baggy clothes meant to hide your figure. Beauty is not size dependent, and most people will tell you that a person of any size who looks fashionable and put together always looks better than someone in baggy clothes that looks like they are wearing a tent. Find a style that works for your body type, and that you like and be proud of it. The more confident you are in your own body and style, the more people will be drawn to you and appreciate you for who you are and your individual style. Sit on a bench at the mall for a couple of hours watching people go by. Who looks great, and who looks like a slob? Find a role model and try to emulate them. If all else fails, watch a few dozen episodes of What Not To Wear, and see resistant fashion disasters morph into beautiful, put together people.

4. Over-accessorizing, or Not Accessorizing at All
Even the best outfit can benefit from a few well placed accessories. A great handbag, and nice necklace and some simple earrings can easily take an outfit from ok to fabulous. They don’t have to match, they just have to be in the same or a complimentary color family. But a word of warning: don’t overdo it. Great big dangly earrings, 4 necklaces, 3 inches of arm bangles and a huge, sparkly handbag is going just a bit overboard. Keep it simple, but interesting, and make sure that your accessories compliment your outfit, not overpower it.

5. Being Self Conscious About Your Style
Above all, find a style that you love (and of course that follows all of the above mentioned rules). Wear colors that make you happy, and styles that make you feel beautiful. The absolute worst thing you can do is wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable, or that you don’t love. Clothes and accessories are meant to be fun, that’s why there are so many choices. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale, all of those meaningless purchases could be traded for one fantastic piece that you adore, and will last a long time. Buy pieces that are classic, as well as a few trendier items that can be mixed and matched. You will never regret spending a little more on a great pair of black pants that will last for years, and you can update them every season with a new top or some jewelry.

Find your inner diva, and express your style for the world to admire by following these simple rules. A Little fashion knowledge can go a long way in allowing you to express yourself to the world in a positive, confident way.

Visit http://www.missy-j.com for fashionable, affordable accessories, and http:http://www.missyjblog.blogspot.com for more fashion advice and ideas.

Sun Yat-sen, Father of China

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Sun Yat-sen

Leader of the Chinese revolution

Father of the Chinese mainland

The first provisional President

When the Republic of China was founded

Developing a political philosophy

Upon which the government was grounded

The Three Principles of the People

Nationalism, democracy, and livelihood

Sun Yat-sen loved his people

And dared to do good

Because he did deeply care

He sought their betterment and welfare

His legacy still influences China today

The Republic growing stronger economically by day

Sun’s foundation did certainly pave the way.

Sun studied English at the Anglican Diocesan Home

Where he learned a new song

Sun was taught also by the orphanage in Hong Kong

About the struggle of other kids

And the necessity to fight to win.

To apply yourself regardless

With or without the approval of your kin.

In April 1884, Sun was transferred to Queen’s College.

Sun was happily baptized by an American missionary

Wholeheartedly embraced Christ and Christianity,

Which led to the making of this great revolutionary.

Sun pictured a revolution as similar to salvation

The mission and mandate of Jesus Christ

And for China’s salvation he gave his devotion and life.

Sun’s conversion to Christianity led to the development

Of his revolutionary ideals and push for advancement.

The Spirit of Christ brought Sun life enhancement.

As a result, his baptismal name, Rixin was given,

“Daily renewal” is its literal meaning.

Greatly troubled by a backward China

That demanded exorbitant taxes

Levies from its people

Though they be obedient and humble

Honorable, harmonious, and not apt to quarrel.

The people were conservative and compliant

Hence they needed a spokesperson a bit defiant

Upon whom they could be reliant

The Chinese ancient methodology

Left no room for expression or creativity.

Freedom of thought and opinion was nonexistent

So Sun Yat-sen did cosmetics encourage, and make a place for it.

From the influence of Christian missionaries in Hawaii,

Sun learned to question things and ask “Why?”

Sun developed a disdain for traditional Chinese religious beliefs.

Which he knew experientially to be fruitless and weak.

One day, Sun and his childhood friend Lu Hao-tung

Thought to challenge the people and do something fun

Challenge the false gods and prove them to be powerless

Passing by Beijidian, a temple in Cuiheng Village,

He beheld dead religion which was nothing more than pillage

They saw many villagers sincerely and ignorantly worshipping

The Beiji (literally North Pole) emperor-god in the temple.

So they boldly broke off the hand of the statue,

As expected nothing in retaliation did the god to them do

The wrath of fellow villagers however did they incur

Nevertheless for truth they considered the persecution

Inevitable and were willing to endure

To open unto their people a divine door

Through Christ of whom they were sure

The joys of heaven and freedom, their hearts it did lure.

As for the Beiji god, it never defended itself

Being unable and lacking in divine power

This defining moment was therefore the hour

In which Sun Yat-sen broke free from religious ignorance

And endeavored to launch a new move with brilliance

Liberating and uplifting his people would be glorious

Set on a course to accomplish national transformation

Sun, who had grown increasingly troubled

By the conservative Qing government

And its refusal to adopt knowledge

Quit his medical practice in order to devote his time

To transform his beloved China.

In 1894, Sun wrote a long letter to Li Hongzhang,

The governor-general of Zhili and a reformer in the court,

With suggestions on how to strengthen China,

But Sun was rebuffed and of him they made sport.

Since Sun had never been trained in the classics,

The gentry did not accept Sun into their circles.

From then on, Sun began to fervently call

For the abolition of the monarchy and its fall

The monarchy’s blind eyes that could not see

Sun worked for the establishment of a republic in liberty.

In October 1894, Sun went to Hawaii

Believing for national renewal and a political strategy

Sun founded the Revive China Society

He became China’s revivalist that touched eternity

To unveil the goal of a prospering China

His ideas formed a platform for revolutionary activity

People of lower classes who were disenfranchised came

Upheld the ideals and virtues of his name

Laboring for China’s liberation just the same

Fellow Cantonese expatriates joined the cause

Birthing breakthrough for a civilization today we awe

1.2 billion citizens of splendid China

A pleasant people scattered across the planet

Their delicious culinary delights, we do taste it

The stronghold of imperialism, Sun you did break it

Transcending the wall of China and those who made it

A magnificent cultural phenomena

Today Caucasians say, “Nee how ma?”

As this world power is known economically

It is also exquisite culturally

Mighty and to be feared militarily

Increasingly being awakened spiritually

By Chinese revivalists preaching throughout China

Today saying, “Yay-soo eye nee!”

Renewal is sweeping the land triumphantly!

Sun Yat-sen, father of China,

Your efforts and acts done diligently

Have surely brought your homeland victory

Sun Yat-sen, for China, we thank and salute thee!

Paul Davis is a FL real estate professional, life coach (relational & professional), worldwide minister, and change master.

Paul is the author of several books including Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

Paul’s compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul has served in many war-torn, impoverished and tsunami stricken regions of the earth. His Dream-Maker Inc. is building dreams, breaking limitations & reviving nations.

Paul’s Breakthrough Seminars inspire, revive, awaken, impregnate with purpose, impart the fire of desire, catapult people into a new level of self-awareness, facilitate destiny discovery and dream fulfillment.

Contact Paul to minister, speak at your event or for life coaching: RevivingNations@yahoo.com, 407-284-1705.

For additional info: DreamMakerMinistries.com CreativeCommunications.TV

Leading Ladies of Fashion

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

One such leading lady is Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), named President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006, and well-known fashion designer. DVF began her legacy in 1970 with a thirty thousand dollar investment, and by 1973 was known for her revolutionary design of the “wrap dress,” which is on display in the Costume Institute section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After several decades of successful businesses, to include a cosmetic line, publishing house, design and marketing studio and home-shopping venture – DVF has created a line of women’s high-end apparel, and was also The International Center in New York’s Award of Excellence recipient. With such a long and distinguished career DVF is truly a leading lady in the fashion industry.

Wielding the command to make or break designers is an awesome responsibility in the fashion industry, and there are those who are of the opinion that the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has just such powers. Despite Vogue’s status as the top publication in prestige and circulation among fashion magazines, Wintour has chosen to use her powers for the positive and has brought the magazine to a broader audience by giving marriage tips and mentoring struggling designers. “I have always believed that it is important to understand Vogue’s mission in broad and socially responsible terms,” says Wintour, who has spearheaded several functions creating jobs and benefiting charities. To wield such power for the benefit of others is why she has been chosen as one of our leading ladies.

Another leading lady of fashion magazines is Linda Wells, Editor-in-Chief of Allure. While most fashion magazines highlight trend setting runway designs and beauty tips, this powerhouse editor, from Greenwich deals with the hard hitting issues that women face in this day and time. “We were the first women’s magazine ever to write about the dangers of breast implants,” Wells states. “We did the first story on models who were addicted to heroin.” This revolutionary approach for a women’s fashion magazine has sky rocketed Allure’s circulation to award winning status from the advertising and publishing community. With an impressive career legacy which include (just to name a few) editorial assistant at Vogue, beauty editor for The New York Times Magazine, guest appearances on Oprah and “Entertainment Tonight” – her leading lady status is not at all surprising.

Our next leading lady of fashion has a reputation for being unique and groundbreaking in her knowledge of fashion, and her approach as editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. The notable Glenda Bailey, who also served as the editor of Marie Claire’s U.S. edition in 1996, after serving as the founding editor for eight years for the British Marie Claire in 1988, brought the magazine to such heights as to be awarded the status of Adweek’s Top 10 Hottest Magazines four years in a row. Along with three Magazine Editor of the Year Awards, five time winner of Magazine of the Year, and Amnesty International Awards winner twice, Bailey earned a fashion design degree from Kingston University in England. Awards of this magnitude are indicative of the formidable influence that this leading lady of fashion exhibits.

The last, legacy perfume certainly in no way least of our leading ladies of fashion is Fern Mallis, Senior VP of New York’s IMG Fashion, one of the leading fashion event planners. She has earned this position due to her reputation by serving as Executive Director in 1993 on the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and as the organizational genius behind the first “Fashion Week” which was known as 7th on Sixth at that time. With her ability to coordinate eighty temperamental top designers with her pleasant and calm personality along with her ability to handle the paparazzi; such multi-million dollar events such as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is in the capable hands of this high-powered fashion trend setter. Fashion Week in New York is a defining event in the fashion world, making this multi-million dollar extravaganza a feather in the cap of our phenomenal leading lady Fern Mallis.

Skyler Nelson
Fashion Questions and Answers
http://www.fashionqanda.com
877-STYL-411

Learn, Teach, Market, and Sell Business Owners

Sunday, December 2nd, 2007

Maybe it’s true that in order to coach business owners, you designers need to know how to run a business yourself.

Maybe it’s true that you don’t have to understand balance sheets, turnover ratios, or acceptable ROI in their industry to coach business owners in you target market.

It’s possible that you don’t have to know how the dozens of management tools they use regularly work, what they represent, and how they identify problems and opportunities.

But to be credible, so they’ll hire you in the first place, and pay you for your services, you sure do.

A little bit of knowledge will give you the confidence it takes to call on successful business owners – so you can speak with them as a peer.

Business terminology is how they frame their conversations. You will need to be able to “talk the talk” or you’ll probably lose out to fashion probably without your skill and sensitivity, who can.

In 2001 we surveyed our newsletter readers, over 20,000 business owners, senior level managers of privately owned companies and the trade association executives who support them.

They told us unequivocally that what they are looking for in a business coach is someone who understands the world in which they do business.

They don’t expect them to understand enough to be able to run the business, but they do want to be able to have an intelligent conversation with them about how things work.

And they don’t want to have to pay them while they learn.

By 2002 I had interviewed dozens of business coaches. I wrote an article interviewing Dave Buck president of Coachville asking business coaches around the world what the believed business were looking for in a coach.

Their answers proved to be quite illuminating. Those successful coaches who said that “you don’t need to know anything about business to coach business owners” were people who already did know about business.

They could not pretend they did not have the skills and knowledge they already have.

So, if a you do not know much about business – how can you learn enough to survive long enough to be accepted by a niche market?

Entrepreneurs know intuitively that business reality means to consistently bring in more than goes out. If you can’t help them do that, what possible value are you to them?

But if you can help them with that, you will be a hero and have as many clients as you can handle. It is that simple.

Not only must you have value proposition that offers understandable specific bankable results.

I had an idea. How about if we create an interactive text with strategies and tools and a process for discussing them among the members of the business?

This would be a tool to help you learn what makes business owners tick. Or one you could use to teach them what they don’t know, before it’s too late.

Earlier this year it occurred to me that if I was going to reach 500,000 business owners and the professionals who serve them we could just give it away. Simple as that.

I would convert it to HTML, put it on our web site and let the search engines and word of mouth do the rest.

And so I did. It is available in the nav bar of our web site.

The fact is, at least as far as coaches are concerned, that it won’t make any difference. You will probably fall very short of realizing your potential anyway.

You may think I am wrong, that you don’t have to know anything about business to coach business owners. Or you may think that there must be a catch, so you won’t even check it out. Or you are too lazy or not really committed to being financially successful in the first place.

I learned a long time ago that all I can do is the best I can. I published it and am giving it away. Whatever you or anyone else does or doesn’t do with it is not my concern.

If you are serious about doing good, helping others AND making money serving business owners you can, between now and your next client meeting, become well acquainted with business tactics and strategies, at least well enough to convince them of your commitment to learn what’s important to them.

The more familiar you become with the range of materials the more prepared you are to manage your own business, discuss business issues with prospects and clients.

And the more likely you will be to spot opportunities where your services will add value to your clients.

Wayne Messick is sharing the secrets of his success, well over two decades helping business owners position themselves for the future. No longer working with individual business owners, he is leaving you his legacy of transferable ideas and strategies at http://www.ibizresources.com/effectiveness_resources.html Doing It Right, cutting edge strategies for coaching business owners is available at no cost. http://www.ibizresources.com/doright.htm

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