Articles from varghese


About varghese

I am a go getter girl, who enjoy watching a nice movie, and love my family very much

Skip Navigation Links.


Latest Articles by varghese





Sunday September 30, 2001

Internet Marketing and E-Commerce for the Helping Professions

Online marketing, products and ecommerce offer great potential for passive and active income for small businesses and sole-practitioners. Unfortunately, many people in the helping professions, such as psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and coaches, do not know how to capitalize on the new opportunities in internet sales and marketing.
In the last several years, many internet technologies have evolved so that non-technical people can use them to create websites, blogs and digital products. This can help you make substantial amounts of money and grow your practice online. But where to start?
There seem to be two primary questions that health practitioners ask about internet marketing
1) What is internet marketing and how can it help in my practice?
2) What's the best way to find people online so that they attend my classes, come in for sessions, and buy my products?
To answer the first question, what internet marketing "is" depends on what you want to do. What do you need from your practice and what you are willing to do to get it? Let's go over several illustrative examples to get an idea of what the possibilities are.
Using the internet to build your practice and fill your workshop
For one of my clients, the internet provides a way to keep her classes and workshops full all-year-round. She does not spend money on traditional marketing, such as yellow page or newspaper advertising. Nor does she spend money on brochures or direct marketing. What does she do instead?
She has built a large "permission based" email list from her websites and classes. People give her their email addresses and she mails to them every 4-6 weeks. In every email she gives away a no-cost bonus, such as worksheet or handout that can be put to immediate use. She will often write about useful research findings and news related to her field.
She loves to communicate via email and she enjoys connecting with her clients. The end-result? People look forward to reading her emails. Her seminars and workshops fill-up months in advance! Can you imagine using the same process to fill your practice?
The key here is relationship. Be helpful and always be aware of your potential clients' needs. Help them whenever you can. They will reward you by trusting you and - eventually - giving you their busines
Passive Income
Many practitioners in the helping professions reach the point where they want to not only work less but also keep their current income.
Let's be honest about why. Our professions are deeply satisfying but sometimes draining. And as we grow both personally and professionally our needs change. Perhaps you want time off to write a book or create a new product? You want to give yourself a sabbatical and travel the world? You can do it.
The problem for most practitioners is that they are in the business of trading their time and skill for money. If they don't work, they don't get paid! I ask them (and you) a question Have you considered learning how to keep making income without having to work everyday? This is where the idea of "passive income" comes in.
What is passive income?
Passive income is money that comes to you automatically without you having to work to get it. You do some initial set-up of your income streams and then you let it take care of itself.
Downloadable audio, video and ebooks are a few examples of passive income opportunities. You can sell them as training and educational materials to your clients and have the system set-up so that the sales, delivery and support are done automatically. In other words, when someone buys a product from you, you don't have to burn a CD, address an envelope, go to the post office or even process a credit card number. The whole process is automated on the internet. There are dozens of companies set up to help you do thi
Does Internet marketing sound complicated or expensive to you?
Internet marketing for health professionals can be complicated and it can be expensive. But it doesn't have to be. Several years ago you would have needed a web programmer, graphic designer, marketing consultant and more. Now, all that you need is the right strategy and the ability to use web browsers (like Firefox or Internet Explorer) and email.
Blogs and basic websites to sell your ideas and products can be created for no-cost and don't require any programming skills. There are ecommerce systems to sell products and services that can be set-up in less than 5 minutes. Many allow you to upload and sell products online for $5.00 per month. You can collect credit card payments without needing a merchant account.
Forms to create your "opt-in" email lists are pre-programmed in many web-based customer contact services (called auto-responders). And if you still feel that you want a website designer or some other help, you can hire one in India for $5 - $10 per hour. Several independent companies will let you post your projects and have people bid on them.
Interested in taking the next step?
Take a deep, relaxing breath and begin to explore. Use google and yahoo searches to find the web-based businesses of people in your field. See what they are doing. When ready, join some marketing email lists or forums that interest you. Some marketing email lists will send you a useful message every month and give you no-cost resources for learning how to make money online. And if you don't like the information, you can always cancel and join another. Remember You are in control.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Saturday September 29, 2001

Cash Tips On Your Travel

When traveling, perhaps the most essential thing that you should not be without is cash. Like what the famous phrase says, "Money makes the world go round", and this is especially true when you are traveling and dealing with strangers in different places and regions. Some locals may not understand a word that you are saying but they more frequently understand the concept of money. Here are a few cash traveling tips that may be helpful to you while you are on your vacation.
Before you go, make sure that your wallet is keeping an ample stack of bills and currency. Take a trip to the bank and make a sufficient withdrawal that could support your traveling needs. While you may be thinking that cash is dispensable as you can always use your credit cards in payment, think again. A lot of tourist establishments may not accept your credit cards so how would you pay for your meals if ever you are flat broke out of cash? You go to your next best plastic bet, the ATM card. While your ATM card may reliable work for you every time at home, it may not be compatible with the automatic teller machines near your vacation location, or worst there may be no existing automated teller machines there, again leaving you pockets empty handed. These cards can also be demagnetized at any instance or may be stolen.
It is advisable that you bring cash in small bills. This will make it convenient for you especially in doing some stop-over shopping, tipping or more than ever when you are commuting. Also, do not keep all of your cash in one place. As the saying goes, do not put all your eggs in one basket. You may want to distribute them evenly in your wallet, place some in your pockets, in your traveling bag or perhaps in the hotel safe. In this case, if you should lose money on one spot, you still grab a few bucks from your other hiding place.
As soon as the plane lands when traveling abroad, a number of excited tourists go straight and convert all their money to the local currency at the airport. This is not such a good idea. The rates offered by the airport exchange center are usually high. Better yet, just exchange enough cash that would be sufficient for your cab fare and a meal or two. Then you can go around town and look for better rates at the foreign exchange booths. Hotel exchange centers are also a big no-no if you want the most value for your money. They are unfortunately known to have exaggerated high rates. The deal with foreign exchange booths is that they may change a higher commission if you are converting only small amounts of money. So if you are traveling with your family or friends, pool your cash together before you go to that booth. You will be able to save more if you exchange the accumulated pot in one transaction.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Friday September 28, 2001

Youth Football Follows N F L Guiding Principles

There are football-training programs for youth in progress throughout the year, and since they follow the principles outlined by the National Football League, many parents are willing participants in these programs because they are assured that their child will have a marvelous experience while training. The NFL considered feedback from many sources when they developed these programs and they have earn high marks by all in the community that use them regularly.
Some of these football-training programs are designed to start after children are out of school in the afternoons. Parents do not have to worry about their children being influenced by the wrong people because they are in a secure place that will nurture them and provide them with a source of entertainment for several hours. Children have the chance to burn off excess energy and develop teambuilding skills too.
There are plenty of training opportunities for children in all ages to participate in youth football programs. The NFL Flag Football program is designed specifically for children that are in age groups that range from five to seventeen. These athletic programs operate on a specific outline and give youngsters the opportunity to have fun while engaging in a sport that has no physical contact.
These flag football programs are still very challenging and give parents the chance to have their child's playing abilities to be tested under safe conditions. Children really enjoy meeting their opponent face to face on the playing field and knowing that they only have to try and steal a flag from an opponent's flag football uniform with no threat of suffering any injurie
Coaches and physical education teachers are not excluded from participating in football training either. They can attend the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick program to learn the intricacies of these football tasks before they pass these tasks on to the students that they teach at schools across America. All of the fundamentals of football will be learned and all educators for sports programs can feel that they have an upper hand on teaching football from that point forward.
There are many positions on a football team that require football players to tackle opponents in possession of the ball. At the junior high school level, many schools have had to cut back on the football training curriculums because of the shortage of funds. For children ages twelve to fourteen, this is an important phase of football training that would be skipped if the junior player development programs for NFL football were not in place. This program prepares children to play rough and tumble styled football at the high school level.
Through participation in the NFL High School Player Development programs, it is possible for children to find a path to attend the college of their choice one day. There are many guides that parents can use to help their child develop their bodies and keep their minds focused on higher learning. Many parents are thrilled to learn that there are methods in place that allow children to achieve all of their dreams just by playing football, and some day, the child can follow the dream and become a professional football player.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Thursday September 27, 2001

My Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Was A Huge Success!

My wife wouldn't let me in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day! Even though the aroma emanating from the oven was making me giddy, Except for the food I cook on the barbeque grill, I'm not allowed even close to the kitchen!
The turkey I smoked this year was the best I have ever cooked, bar none. It's not bragging if it's the truth. Guests for Thanksgiving must have thought so too, for we had no turkey left over except a few scraps for the cat.
I did something different this year. I decided to bring the bird. For years I had heard that this would somehow make the turkey taste better. I thought it would only make it taste salty. Was I wrong! The taste was wonderful!
Brining the bird flavors and seals in the juices, making extra seasoning unnecessary. Smaller turkeys are easier to smoke than large ones and they're more likely to fit in the brine bucket. It also allows it to cook more evenly, for when I lifted the lid to take it off the grill, the turkey fell apart it was so tender.
My reason for not having brined the bird before now was simple. I'm lazy and I thought brining would be a complicated affair. It wasn't. First I poured 2 1/2 gallons of water into a clean plastic bucket. Then I added 1 cup of kosher salt, 1/2 cup of sea salt, 1 rounded cup of brown sugar, 4 shredded sage leaves, 3 tablespoons of fresh thyme and two tablespoons of restaurant grade black pepper. After mixing this up I stuffed the turkey into the bucket, completely submerged in the brine. The bucket rested in the refrigerator about 20 hours.
For smoking turkeys in the fall or winter, I prefer an electric smoker because it holds a constant temperature. After I rinsed all the salt off the bird, I simply placed it on the grill and closed the lid. I threw a few small hickory chunks on the floor of the smoker as the bird cooked. The turkey began cooking at 1030 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve and I took it off at 730 the next morning. I never lifted the lid of the smoker until it was time to remove the bird.
While I admired the smoke that casually drifted from the top of the smoker, I reflected that life has been good and that this year I had a few more things for which to thank the good Lord for than I usually do.

I gave thanks for the successful major surgery of my daughter's cancer. Even though the chemotherapy and radiation is taking a terrible toll on her physically, the doctor's assure us that when it's all finished, she'll be cancer free.
I'm also grateful that God has given her a terrific sense of humor and a positive attitude about the whole thing. Even though she no doubt gets that trait from her old man, I'm not sure I could handle a similar situation with the faith and class that she's exhibited.
I'm especially thankful that in spite of my doctor's best efforts to kill me with various assortments of blood pressure pills he has finally concocted a potion that's keeping my blood pressure at a constant level for the first time in years. For the last couple of months the pressure has gone from 200/100 down to 80/40 at midday, then back up to 180/100 at bed time. I don't need roller coaster rides like that!
I thank Him each night for our service men and women who put their lives on the line in different parts of the world, so that I have the freedom to roast a turkey on the grill any time I like, without having to worry about someone firing rockets at my smoker, mistakenly thinking it's a threat to someone.
I thanked God for my family, kids and grandkids all each one with their own individual hopes and dreams, successes and failures.
There are more blessings than any of us have time to recall or even appreciate. We'll had our annual Thanksgiving feast, with the table sagging with turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green peas and other delicious foods, leaving enough scraps that would feed many families for a week. We indeed have a lot to be thankful for not only on Thanksgiving Day!

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Wednesday September 26, 2001

Don't be Tricked by Slot Machines!

The "One-armed Bandit," as the modern slot machine is now known, is without a doubt the most brazen, flagrant device ever produced to swindle the general public. From its very concept, this contrivance was geared to one purpose, that of acquiring the customer's money and at the same time providing ironclad protection for the owner.
The Modern Machine
The One-armed Bandit today has three wheels bearing the symbols long familiar to the deluded American public Cherries, Oranges, Plums, Bells, Bars - and last but not least - Lemon
Contrary to a somewhat common error, Lemons do not appear on all three wheels. It is impossible to hit three Lemons. The same applies to Cherries. Both these fruits are found on two wheels only Cherries on the first and second Lemons on the first and third. It is also possible to win even when a Lemon shows, a piece of information which may surprise some reader
Here's what happens when the player drops his nickel and shakes hands with the One-armed Bandit
A pull of the lever, the wheels spin and finally come to a jolty stop in one, two, three fashion, showing any of a great variety of combinations - three symbols in a row. The payoff combinations are as follows
Two Cherries with Bar, Orange or Plum .. 3 coins
Two Cherries with Bell or Lemon 5 coins
Three Oranges 10 coins
Three Plums 14 coins
Three Bells 18 coins
Three Bars Jackpot plus 20 coins
These payoffs vary, some machines giving 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 instead of the figures named. Such machines presumably yield more "hits" to compensate for the smaller "payoffs." But nothing should be presumed where these machines are concerned and the only persons actually compensated in the long run are the operator
The coins land in a return slot at the bottom of the machine and this pocket is also large enough to receive the Jackpot when the Bars are hit.
The Jackpot
The Jackpot is visible through non-breakable glass at the front of the machine and, when filled, it contains about 80 coins, though this, too, can vary with different makes. For round figures, you may hit as high as $5 on a nickel machine, $10 on a dime machine, $25 on a quarter machine, $50 on a half dollar machine and $100 on a silver dollar machine. These totals, of course, include the 20 coins that the Bars deliver as their own hit.
Jackpots were added to the original Bar payoff and they are "fed" by coins put in by the players. This was a bad feature, originally, because players ignored the machine after a Jackpot was hit, as they could see that it had been emptied. This produced the quandary Who would fill the Jackpot if the players wouldn't?
The answer was solved by dividing the Jackpot into two compartments, the Jackpot and the Reserve Jackpot. After a Jackpot is hit, the next coin played automatically causes the Reserve to dump into the Jackpot.
A beginner who has never hit a Jackpot often thinks it includes the Reserve, as a bar of metal on the front of the machine hides the division between the two compartments. But when he sees he gets only the lower half when three Bars hit, he is soon initiated into that phase of the thing.
Naturally, the dropping of the Reserve gives the next Jackpot a good start and while some players are leery, thinking they haven't much chance of another Jackpot hitting soon, others are glad to see a machine that has hit at all and therefore are happy to play it.
Play Until You Lose
The habitual slot machine player has only one system. That is, to pour his coins into the machine until they are all gone. The lure of the Jackpot simply adds to the futile, incessant craving in which the player goes wild every time he hits for ten or more but never counts the cash that he feeds into the machine.
Players beware - there are very few ways these machines can be beaten.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Tuesday September 25, 2001

Review of "Meeting God - Elements of Hindu Devotion"

As one of the oldest magickal religions that never wavered from its traditional way of thinking, Hinduism has survived onslaughts from the rest of the world without swaying from its course over the millenniums of its existence and stands as a bright, shining beacon to the magickal people all over the world.
Stephen Huyler, a photographer and cultural anthropologist who has spent more than three decades traveling in India and documenting the contemporary spells and rituals of worship in Hinduism. The 260 plus pages in the book have fascinating pictures that allow the reader to imagine life as it was 4000 years ago because nothing much has changed in India with regards to the deep awareness of the sacred, spiritual component of all human activity, their daily rituals and their ways of meeting the Divine. I quote
"Early in the morning, before the sun's first rays peek above the sandy horizon, some of the followers take three steps into waters of the Ganges, and pray to Goddess Ganga, while they visualize her magnificence, her nurturing presence as the purifier and Mother of All Existence. As the sun's rays appear, they begin chanting to the Sun God, Surya, the Source of All Energy, the Great Provider. In acknowledging the two (Water and Sun energy), they also acknowledge the One, for in Hinduism, the supreme deity is the absolute component of opposites, of feminine and masculine, of dark and light, of wrong and right, of good and evil. By beginning each day in this way, they attune themselves with the Universe and validate their place in it. They are essential part of a greater whole."
Although Hindus believe in worshipping many Gods and Goddesses, its important for anyone new to Hinduism to know that all Hindus believe in the Unity of One great God the Absolute, often knows as Brahman. (Do not mistake the Brahman for "Brahmin", which is only a caste in India.)
The Brahman, also known as the One is believed to be a cosmic Force. The universe is relative, ever changing, whereas its source, the Absolute, is the only permanent thing that never changes but manifests itself through the deitie
Stephen takes the reader through many fascinating pictures of people in the process of Darshan (seeing God). The mantras (spells) and poojas (rituals) are described vividly along with the descriptions of Karma, Dharma and Vedic rituals that originated 4000 or more years ago.
Dharma is the supreme law of righteousness, while Karma is the law of cause and effect based on the fundamental belief that every action creates an equal reaction. It is also called the doctrine of absolute responsibility everything we do or even think has its repercussions. This belief is also linked to reincarnation, which states that the soul is eternal, reborn continuously.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Monday September 24, 2001

Sales vs. Marketing

Sales, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, is "The exchange of goods or services for an amount of money or its equivalent the act of selling."
Although this is a good definition of a sales transaction, the process leading up to the sale, whereby a prospect is converted into a client, usually involves a lot more. Longer sales cycles and higher prices demand even more time to build client trust and requires more effort for them to stick with your product or service offering. Marketing, defined in offline terms, is what you do when you are not in front of the customer to persuade them to buy what you are selling. The act of sales is what you do or say on the phone or in person. By dissecting the definition between sales and marketing, we start to take a very different view of how we "sell" offline vs. online.
The promise of ecommerce was to give the consumer the lowest possible price. By cutting out brick and mortar retail centers, overhead costs are reduced and products were delivered more conveniently to a customer's home or businesses. Price and convenience have now become commoditized in many ecommerce verticals, causing companies to look more closely at their online marketing activities to attract prospects, increase sales and retain clients. In the online world, one could argue that there is no such thing as sales. There is no face time with the customer to persuade them or interact and appeal to their emotions. However, companies have learned to ask prospects what they want and then use technology to tailor their sales message to better connect with the problem or need. Also, companies like Amazon have pioneered predictive buying and can bolster sales by offering products related to items already purchased. These two examples best emulate offline selling by creating an artificial intelligence at the point of sale.
Online marketing can be best described by what the prospect experiences before and after the sale. The pre-sale activities are Identifying prospects, sifting and sorting them into buying groups, raising the demand for a product and then lowering the barrier to a sale. After the sale, promotions, education, webinars and email drip letters can all be effective stick strategies. The key to successful marketing is the online message must be persuasive enough to get a prospect or client to act. Without action there can be no sale. So the area between marketing and sales become even more blurred when the entire process is strung together.
For business owners this gray area is not critical operationally and it's dangerous to get hung-up on the terminology. The important thing is to generate more sales. To best analyze a businesses current process, break the sales cycle into 5 parts
1. Prospecting (identifying, sifting and sorting)
2. Conversion (raising demand and lowering barrier)
3. Creating a unique buying experience (what happens at the point of sale)
4. Saying thank you
5. Keeping in touch (retention)
Sounds simple right? You'd be amazed at how many companies drop the ball during most of these steps. By breaking your own sales cycle into these 5 steps and brainstorming with your team how each can be improved, you'll see large increases in revenues and profits.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Sunday September 23, 2001

Guide To Choosing The Best Acupuncture Schools Will Save You Money

To begin with, if you're a prospective student you'll want to learn how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture, where the best acupuncture schools are and what it's like to work in the field of acupuncture. Besides licensing you may also want to be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. With this certification you can use the title Diplomate of Acupuncture. The professional abbreviation is Dipl.Ac. An acupuncture practice can be a career you can enjoy for a lifetime.
Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include other segments of traditional medicine, such as anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy, and various sciences. It's important to get a total picture of all the treatments offered by the acupuncture schools so you acquire the necessary skills to be well-rounded and well-versed for your patients. First of all you'll want to find out what school and program options are in your area.
For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs see the established List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. States such as California have quite a few acupuncture schools to choose from, while Wisconsin has only one school and some states have none at all. The ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) is the national accrediting agency and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine professions, so make sure the school you're considering has this accreditation.
Acupuncture schools usually offer the science and philosophy of acupuncture too. You can call each school you're considering and ask to speak to a recruiting counselor to find out what is the student-to-teacher ratio is. Try to get smaller classes. Check to see if your home state is on the national list of about 50 acupuncture schools that have accredited programs.
Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools are expensive and usually require three years or so of course work. Some of the programs can be up to five years. One good textbook to review in advance of your decision is "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine" a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists by Maciocia. In order to qualify for federal assistance be sure to enroll in a school that's accredited by the ACAOM.
And if you're visiting an acupuncture clinic as a patient to learn more about acupuncture, make sure to ask about any drawbacks that might go along with an acupuncture career. Acupuncture is particularly effective at relieving or treating chronic muscle pain, stress, and PMS just to name a few symptoms. Before you commit to learning about any alternative medical technique, be aware that some of them may not have been scientifically evaluated.
Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you might want to purchase "Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture" by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This text book is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture programs and will give you an idea if you want to pursue a career in acupuncture. Note that each state and each discipline has its own strict rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed.
The economic burden can be lessened with financial aid in a variety of forms. If you need financial aid try contacting some of your local philanthropic organizations and health organizations to see if they know of any scholarships that are still available. Sometimes these organizations have some scholarship money that was unused and will accept an application for it. Talk to the financial aid officers at the school you have in mind and see what suggestions they have for grants, scholarships and federal aid.
There is always federal money available for education. There is money set aside for online degree programs also. Check and see if your school has any of its classes available online and if so then apply for these funds. There are also education loans and student loans available if you're unable to get any full or partial scholarships or grant
Our advanced medicine has proven the effectiveness of many treatments that have been practiced in other countries for centuries and as a result, more and more insurance companies are covering alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Make sure to learn about your state's licensing requirements for acupuncturists before you do anything. After graduation from an acupuncture school or program and as a licensed acupuncturist you could choose to have a cosmetic acupuncture or facial acupuncture practice or even run a veterinary acupuncture clinic.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Saturday September 22, 2001

When It Comes To Your Choice of Digital Photography Printing

Printing your shots into paper is the next important thing in digital photography. And the best photo shot will not be given justice if you have not used the proper printing equipments for it. To be able to do justice to the photos that you took digitally, a good printer will really make the prints come to life.
The existence of various types of digital camera paved the way for different types of printers to be developed. Manufacturers know that printing photos is way different from printing plain prints. That is why they are always coming up with printing abilities that would suit digital photo prints well.
Nowadays, there are a lot of ways to have digital photography printed. Each printing methods and techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is best to know what these things so that you will know what to have and what to avoid when having your photos printed.
The old style of bringing your film to a photo store for developing is still practiced today. The only difference is that films are not anymore used. You just need to bring with you your digital camera and the photo shop will print your photos for you.
An advantage in using photo stores is that they are complete with highly advanced machines you might not have at home. In addition, they know a lot of tips and tricks to make your photos appear its best. Plus, the photo store has the capability to edit your photos if you feel that it does not suit your taste. You only have to give the specific instructions and they will do the rest.
The disadvantage with using photo stores is the waiting period. Even if it does not take as long as it does with films, you still need to wait sometime before your photos are printed. Another disadvantage is that the printing machine they are using may not be the type that you want your photos printed on. So it is better to be very clear about the printing equipment that you want them to use so that this problem will be prevented.
The home printer is fast becoming one of the most popular methods of printing digital photos. More and more people are getting their own printers installed at home so that they can print their photos anytime they feel like it.
This way, you can edit your own photos and compile them in your own private collection before you start printing them out. You only have to make sure that you have the proper printer for your digital photos if you want them to turn out the way you expect them to be.
With home printers, you do not have to wait in line for your photos to be printed. All that is needed is for your camera to be plugged in directly to your computer. From there, you can print the photos in no time.
The only drawback in home printers is that you have no other choice of printing process to use. The printed copies will depend on the kind of printing that you use.
With digital photography printing, you definitely have a choice. Just choose the one that you think will give you the perfect photo with minimal hassles and headaches.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Friday September 21, 2001

Christmas Wii Availability - How To Find One This Christmas

One of the biggest concerns shoppers have this season is Christmas Wii availability. This hot new gaming system has really taken the country by storm, and many parents are flocking to the stores to purchase their kids this gaming system for Christmas. Most are leaving the stores empty handed because the demand for this unit this Christmas outweighs the supply.
There is good news though about this unit. You can actually purchase one this Christmas, but you may end up paying a little more than the in store asking price of $249. One of the best sources for finding this system online for a decent price is Ebay. I have seen brand new game systems sold for $290 and upwards to around $400. Another strategy is to purchase a this unit in good condition, as you can get a pretty good price on this.
If you compare the higher prices to the other video game systems on the market such as the Xbox 360 or the PS3 which are over $400 each, paying that much for this unit is not a bad deal. Check out Ebay for a great listing of auctions, but as always be careful not to get scammed. When demand is short scammers tend to really be on the prowl. Here is a list of 3 things to be aware of when shopping on Ebay for this system.
1. Buy only from sellers with some buyer feedback. You can easily check on a buyer's feedback by the star next to the sellers name. If they have no feedback, or little feedback be very cautiou
2. Pay for the item with Paypal. If the transaction turns out to be a fraud they are really good about working with you to get your money back. I have been scammed before, but thanks to Paypal I got my money back easily. Don't pay with money order or Western Union, or anything offsite.
3. Ask as many questions as possible. Make sure you feel comfortable, and most of the time a fraudster will not respond to e-mails. Make sure you are dealing with a live person.
This system can also be found in smaller towns at large retail stores sometimes. Just make sure you call before driving too far to see if they have any in stock. Typically around this time of year the unit will be coming in stock every week to two weeks, so make sure to call your store often to see if they have any in stock, and ask the manager when they think it will be in stock. They usually will tell you that because they want your business.
Also look at Craigs List or other online classified websites to see if someone locally is selling a new or used system. Just deal cautiously, and don't get yourself in any dangerous situations.
Keep looking hard, and you will find a Wii unit, but if you don't it is not the end of the world as the stocks will come back, and make sure you always remember the real importance of the Christmas season.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Thursday September 20, 2001

The Basics of Skiing

There are various techniques important in learning to ski. Below are some of the essential ones you will need to know.
Traversing uphill
Making your way up a long slope you will find the least tiring way is it "tack", just like a sailing-ship.
Both skis parallel, at right angles to the line of the slope.
Weight on the right ski and the left ski raised and pointing in the new direction. Left pole thrust into the ground close to the left foot.
The right ski is lifted up and brought parallel to the left, with the right pole thrust into the ground by the right foot. By placing the weight on the poles you will prevent any tendency to slide back.
Your "tack" is now complete, and you can continue to ski uphill, with knees well flexed.
"Snow plowing" downhill
You've reached the top of the hill, and you're now going to ski down for the first time. Your first problem is to determine your speed, and to have your skis under complete control as you ski downhill. For this purpose the "snow-plow" position is the correct method of braking.
The full "snow plow" position is flat skis, knees bent forwards, and not inwards. Assume a wide "snow plow" position, with the weight on the heels. Sit well back, with the knees flexed forward. The body from the waist up should be leaning slightly forward. All muscles should be relaxed, and the hands should be held close to the knees. In this position you will be able to brake, edging your skis as required.
Half "snow-plow" position
Running obliquely down a slope a less pronounced "snow plow" position of the skis will, as a rule, suffice to brake, and control the ski
When you come to learning your first turns, you will find this position, and the practice it gives in the distribution of the weight, of great importance.
Place the weight on the outer (lower) ski by bending the corresponding knee. This ski should be edged a certain amount, while the upper ski should be flat on the snow, with comparatively little weight on it.
With this distribution of the weight you will be able to carry out your first turns. Changes of direction are determined by torsion, or rotation, of the body.
"Snow plow" turns
Learning to "snow-plow" will teach you the correct position of skis and body required for executing turns to the right and to the left. Transference of weight from one ski to another, combined with body torsion, will enable you to change direction at will. Every movement must be carried out rhythmically, and your skis should retain the full "snow-plow" position while the turn is being carried out.
Ski straight down hill, with your skis in the full "snow-plow" position. Place the weight on the left ski, and at the same time thrusting the left hip forward. You will find that you are turning to the right. Transfer the weight to the right ski, thrust the right hip forward, and you will turn to the left. Continue to ski downhill, turning alternately to left and right.
Perfect these techniques and your skiing will become a lot more enjoyable.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Wednesday September 19, 2001

Brits Look To Finish Christmas Shopping 'Early'

Consumers are increasingly looking to complete their festive shopping early, new research show
According to a study conducted by American Express, men are challenging the stereotype of constantly frantically searching for gifts at the very last minute on Christmas Eve. Findings from the financial services provider revealed that more than three-quarters (82 per cent) of males, including those who may have taken out a loan to help fund their purchase, plan to have the majority of their shopping completed by December 14th - leaving them some 11 shopping days spare in which to pick up any extra items. Meanwhile, 16 per cent of men are due to delay hitting the high street to the week leading up to Christmas Day. Conversely, just one per cent will start shopping on Christmas Eve.
Overall, the typical Briton is set to spend some 511 pounds over the course of this Christmas - a rise of 50 pounds from last year, with a low-rate loan one possible to fund such spending. Meanwhile, about half (49 per cent) of consumers plan to get something for themselves. Women are looking to splash out 70 pounds, while men are on track to double such self-expenditure at 133 pound
However, women still appear to be more organised in terms of shopping for the festive season. More than half (58 per cent) of females state the majority of their gifts will be purchased by the end of November, as just four per cent report that they are to put off shopping until Christmas week. Further research by American Express indicated that 56 per cent of Britons will visit the high street to get the majority of their gifts, as just over a third of respondents are to conduct most of their shopping via the internet.
Commenting on the findings, Tom Allder, vice-president of UK lending for American Express, said "Our research shows that 90 per cent of people are planning to do some of their Christmas shopping online this year, although store shopping still dominates overall. This could explain why most men are getting their yuletide shopping in the bag so early, so that they can be sure their online gifts arrive in time."
The most-wanted presents for men are books, DVDs and CDs. Clothes and cash complete the top five sought-after gifts for this demographic. Meanwhile, clothes are the most desired item for women, followed by books and cosmetics. Females were also reported to want jewellery and CDs for this festive period.
Those consumers who are concerned that at present they will be unable to fund the Christmas of their dreams this year may wish to consider applying for a low-rate loan to help meet the costs of buying gifts and festive food. However, research conducted by moneysupermarket earlier this month advised those looking to take out a loan to act sooner rather than later as the comparison website suggests that a number of financial providers are increasing the interest rates attached to their borrowing products and becoming stricter with lending criteria. Tim Moss, head of loans, reported that as a result of the credit crunch more people may find their finances under greater pressure in the coming months, making now potentially an ideal time to apply for a loan.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Tuesday September 18, 2001

The Critical Difference Between A Fighter And A Killer

Lately, here in Las Vegas, I've had the pleasure of meeting a number of Mixed Martial Arts competitors from the various "No Holds Barred" events like the UFC and Pride. For the most part these fighters were amazing physical specimens and tremendous competitors. Their skills in the arena are impressive and fun to watch. The other factor across the board is the fighters I met are very good natured guy
At one of the events I was introduced by an MMA friend of mine to one of the top competitors and this fighter asked through his translator if I was a MMA competitor. Before I could answer, my friend (who had a couple of beers in him since he was not on this fight card) smiled and said, "Nah, this guy's a killer, he just likes to teach you how to stab people to death or beat their brains out with a tire iron. You'd like his course!"(Always great to have friends give this kinda PR "help")
Then the fighter asked if I taught how to "defend" against knives and guns. My friend once again "answered" for me saying "Oh yeah and more than one attacker, I mean, its prison riot training" (Again very "helpful" I'm sure the translator loved me!) Then the fighter told of his cousin being assaulted and stabbed by 2 men in his home country. He said he felt bad because he truly couldn't give his cousin (who survived the attack) any "tips" on how to "fight" people with knives.
He then said "Quite frankly for all my skills in the ring I doubt I could have done much better. I know how to kick someone's ass on the mat but on the street it's so different."He then had to leave and get ready for his match (which he easily won that night, absolutely wrecking his opponent). We exchanged info and he got the dates when I'd be in Europe this year.
This meeting got me thinking about the difference between a fighter and a killer The fighter competes to better an opponent the killer is solely focused on ending the other person. The fighter seeks to score points or get someone to submit the killer seeks to shut down the other's brain. The fighter is good at kicking someone's ass the killer knows how to irreparably injure vulnerable areas of the human body, permanently wrecking the function of that area.
The fighter relies on superior strength, speed and skill the killer uses stealth and violence of action to get his results.The fighter's skills deteriorate after his competitive years are over the killer's skills can last a lifetime.The fighter's skills work best in the controlled environment of the ring the killer's skills work in any act of violence.
I could go on but you get the point. Now some of you may be pursuing competitive MMA careers and I wish you the best. After you hang up your gi or MMA trunks you may find the skills of a killer more useful.For the rest of you please ask yourself where do you see yourself applying your martial arts or combat sport training?
If it is in the chaotic world of real violence then you are hamstringing yourself with rules and skills that are only good for the young, fast, and strong. Not to mention whether or no the other guy plays by your rules most murderers tend not to abide by any competition standard
At least explore the world of the killer and see how despite the name, the skills are easily learned and last a lifetime. Also the byproduct of learning these skills is you get to live a far more relaxed and peaceful life. Strange but true. Remember there is a big difference between being a killer and a murderer. And if you face a murderer then only the skills of a killer will properly prepare you for that situation.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Monday September 17, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: An Imaginary Spread Scenario

We are going to put together an imaginary spread scenario and set it in real life events. Consider that, in October, you begin to hear about IJK stock. It looks interesting, so you use a variety of sources to learn about it. (News, charts, outside analysts, Internet research, etc.) From your investigations, you decide that this stock is poised for a strong upward move and you would like to take advantage of it. Each share is $50.00 and you question whether you want to put out the capital for enough shares to make the trade worthwhile.
Now is the time to investigate IJK spreads. Since you are bullish on the stock, you look into the bullish plays of the call spreads and the put spreads. You check the pricing of both since you know that implied volatility and time decay affect your purchase and selling price if you decide to sell out the spread before expiration.
Imagine that you set the spread's maximum potential gain at $10.00 using our formula. Then you decide that you want to buy a call spread, so you buy 10 IJK Nov. 50 calls and sell 10 IJK Nov 60 calls. This is the Nov. 50-60 spread. The spread's cost is $3.50, which means you pay $3,500 for the trade. This is inexpensive when you consider that 1,000 shares of IJK stock would have cost you $50,000! You will now wait and follow the stock price of IJK. If you hold the position to expiration, you face the following losses or gains.
If the stock does not move up as you expected and stays at $50 or decreases in value, your spread is worthless and you will lose the $3,500 that you paid for the spread. If the stock begins to move up, you will recoup your investment and move into profits. When the stock has moves up to $3.50, you are at the breakeven point. Every money advance after that represents profit.
At any time until expiration, you can sell out of the spread, but what you receive for the price are influenced by implied volatility and time decay. That will change your profit or loss. If you hold the spread until expiration and your bullish lean proves true, your maximum profit on your $3,500 investment is $6,500.
You paid $3,500 for the spread and received $10,000 at expiration with the stock at $60.00. That represents a $6,500 profit, which is a 186% return. If you had invested $50,000 for 1,000 shares of IJK and at expiration sold the stock for $60,000, your profit is $10,000 for a 20% return.
For many investors the reward/risk scenario of the spread is attractive because investors can limit the capital at risk and the time of risk/reward exposure. The spread also offers protection if your lean is bullish or bearish. Finally, the spread has the potential of a large percentage return on investment.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Sunday September 16, 2001

How to Invest in Quality "Virtual" Real Estate

The most powerful integration marketing tactics take advantage of all the possibilities and places available to advertise your products. So work with your JV partners to find quality real estate for both your front end and back end products. The more places you integrate your marketing, the more money you'll both make. Here are some ideas to get you started
1. Co-registration this brings you a steady stream of targeted leads. When these prospects you gain through your partner's recommendation become customers, you pay the partner who gave you the lead a commission on each sale.
2. Exit Pops for those who leave your site without taking any action, insert an exit pop with an enticing offer. Think of it like the candy placed near the cash registers in grocery stores. Maybe a shopper didn't find what they wanted when they walked in to the store, but the candy caught their attention on the way out. So they bought something even though they intended to leave empty-handed.
3. Thank You Pages thank subscribers to your newsletter by redirecting them to an irresistible one time offer immediately after they subscribe. And show the same offer to subscribers of your JV partner's newsletter
4. Success Pages after a prospect has successfully completed an action like downloading a report or signing up for a teleconference, redirect them to a page that has a complementary offer.
5. Order Pages as previously mentioned, utilize upsells and downsells to reach as many people at their current level of responsiveness. If they are desperate for your information and have money to spend, they'll want the upsell. If they are desperate but don't have as much money to spend, they'll be grateful for the downsell opportunity.
6. Websites the possibilities for finding places to advertise on other people's websites is unlimited. Every page of their website (i.e., "Contact" pages) are chances to insert your marketing message.
7. Autoresponders you can manufacture as much real as you desire by inserting marketing messages into your autoresponder and those of your JV partners. The best part is that it's a "set and forget" method that runs on autopilot.
8. Member's Area this is prime real estate almost no one uses to market other people's products. Inserting your "exclusive offers" to members of other people's programs means high conversion rates for you and an increased level of perceived value for your partner.
9. Logout Pages rather than send people to a page that just lets them log back in, give them an opportunity to buy something from you.
First capitalize on all the real estate you can create within your customer path. Then every time you gain a JV partner and consequently acquire more "land," you'll better be able to recognize the gaps in their unused territory. Once you fill those gaps with your marketing messages, you gain steady traffic and consistent cash flow.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Saturday September 15, 2001

Special Reports For Affiliates

There are many methods affiliates use to promote their products online. Some might choose to promote through weekly or monthly newsletters. Others run email campaigns. Some do both. Some affiliates maintain websites which provide product reviews, informative or entertaining content. Others recommend and discuss products through their blogs. Obviously the amount of time and money you spend on your advertising, whatever form it might take, affects sales, as does how good your website or blog is and how believable your claims are in the eyes of the potential customer.
One thing guaranteed to work, no matter how promoted online, is the special report. Special reports can be written on any subject then given away online to promote products and services. A lot of affiliate managers write these reports then let their affiliates brand them and give them to members of their mailing lists or site visitors to get sales. It often works very well because they are distributed electronically, which costs nothing, and the customer can read these reports at their leisure and are not rushed into making any decision about whether or not to buy.
What Should My Report Be About?
You can write a special report about anything closely related to your product or service. It might present a problem that your product can solve. If you are selling something quite a common, the special report could explain new ways of using it or how to get the most from it.
It is also vital to provide information that your potential customers will enjoy reading and they can use. If your report is just an advertisement in disguise, your readers will see through it and that will put them off buying anything or reading anything further that comes from you. Give them something useful and they will be more inclined to read the report and hopefully buy your product at the end.
What If I Don't Write Well?
You don't need any qualifications to write a special report. You need a conversational writing style and the ablility to spell and use grammar correctly. If you're worried about spelling and grammar, you can use a proofreader or spellchecker.
If you don't want to write the report yourself, you can hire somebody else to do it. There are many freelance writers out there who are good at writing reports. They might even come up with a topic or some good ideas for the report.
If you want to have a go, remember to use short sentences, short paragraphs and don't be unnecessarily wordy. Keep the report brief and to the point and you can use humor if you want.
What is Branding?
Branding is when you add the individual affiliate's links to the special report so they will get the commission for sales resulting from its distribution. You can use a program to create the report. There are free software programs you can use to add affiliate links. Use these to brand the reports for each affiliate or offer the reports to the affiliates so they can be in charge of branding their own.
Branded special reports are extremely valuable to affiliates. By distributing the reports, sales can be increased, which is beneficial to everybody involved.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Friday September 14, 2001

Macro Digital Photography And Some Concerns Associated With It

We have always found that looking at objects from another perspective is fascinating. This is because of the fact that we often discover new things just by looking at a familiar object from a different angle or focus. This might be the reason for people's fascination with digital macro photography.
Digital macro photography is an art. There's no question about that. It takes the genius of an artist to take something so ordinary and something so dismissible and turn it into something that just captures an aspect of life. For that is what art is. No art ever claimed to contain all the truths of life. Art is a reflection of the world through the eyes of the artist. By looking at a piece of art such as digital macro photography, we get to share the perspective of other people and that can be a very powerful connection.
Another thing about digital macro photography you should know is that it is not easy. You need to consider a lot of factors in order to produce great photographs. What are these factors?
Do you actually have the skills necessary for digital macro photography? Do you have the eye for beauty that would be appreciated by people who view your photographs? That's not all you need. You also need to have a steady hand. While taking digital macro photographs, even barely noticeable movements of the hand can ruin your picture.
You need to have the skills to use a camera properly. You need to be able to adjust the camera in order to take the picture that you truly want to appear. Sure, you can actually edit a digital macro photograph using the computer, but why should you give yourself more work than necessary?
Some people have the necessary skills naturally. However, it is still important to hone these skills by taking classes or attending workshops. Remember that digital macro photography is all about showing things in different ways. Because of this, you need to accept the fact that other people may see your work differently from the way you see it. A fresh eye never hurt
You also need the proper tools in order to express your talent. The proper tools can help you a lot if you want to achieve the effect that you want. Remember that although there are tools today that claim to be usable for any type of photography, you should try to find equipment that's specially made for digital macro photography. This is because such equipment can definitely bring out the best in your skill
The right equipment is essential because digital macro photography needs a lot of work in order to be perfect. If you have the right tools for digital macro photography, you will be able to achieve your goals and show your pictures the way that you want them to be seen.
Everything is interesting when viewed in different ways. However, some subjects are more interesting than others. Some objects, when you choose them as subjects of digital macro photography, manage to amaze you with the amount of things you do not know about them. Great subjects of digital macro photography reveal worlds beyond what you can see with the naked eye. So choose your subjects wisely.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Thursday September 13, 2001

Basic Yoga Exercises to Brighten Your Day

There is a yoga routine you should adopt the moment you have opened your eyes in the morning and are ready to get up.
First of all, learn to wake up properly. Do some stretching. Stretch your arms, yawn several times, stretch your legs, and stretch your whole body. While you are still in bed, do the following stretching exercise
Keeping your feet together, toe to toe, start to push out the right leg, without raising it off the mattress, as if wanting to lengthen it. The pull will be felt from the hip down and the leg will be momentarily lengthened by an inch or more. Hold your leg in this position while you count to sixty, then relax, allowing the right foot to become even again with the left one. Repeat with the left leg.
This exercise stretches the spinal column and tones up the sympathetic nerves. It has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body. As this is a very potent nerve exercise, you must be careful not to overdo it. Sixty seconds for each leg is the maximum. You may, however, repeat the exercise again in the evening, if you wish. If your mattress is too soft, don't do this in bed, but wait until you are ready to do the other exercises on the floor and simply begin with this one.
Except when in danger or emergency, animals never jump up, but keep yawning and stretching for quite a while after coming awake then they slowly get up on their feet. Imitate them. When you finally get out of bed, drink a glass of water, but water that is at room temperature, not iced. Drink it after brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue with a special tongue scraper or with a wash cloth.
Deep Breathing
Yoga emphasizes our relationship to the universe and therefore teaches breathing different from the usual breathing, a breathing that reflects our inner attitude while we are performing it. This attitude is one of devotion toward the communion with the All, and should be maintained all the time.
Now as you sit down on your exercise mat, get ready to start your first real lesson in deep breathing. If for some reason you are unable to sit on the floor, you may sit on a chair or else stand up. Deep breathing can also be done lying down, provided the spine is kept straight. But normally we should do it while sitting cross-legged. If you cannot assume the Lotus Pose as yet, cross your legs in any way easiest for you.
First check your posture. The spine should be straight, the head erect, hands on knees, eyes closed. Now concentrate on the pharyngeal space at the back wall of your mouth and, slightly contracting its muscles, begin to draw in the air through that space as if you were using a suction pump. Do it slowly and steadily, letting the pumping sound be clearly heard. Don't use the nostrils remember that they remain inactive during the entire respiration process.
When inhaling let your ribs expand sideways like an accordion - beginning with the lower ones, of course. The chest and shoulders should remain motionless. The entire inhalation should be done gently and effortlessly. When it has been completed pause for a second or two, holding the breath. Then slowly begin breathing out. The exhalation is usually not as passive as the inhalation. You use a slight, a very slight, pressure to push the air out - although it feels as though you pressed it against the throat like a hydraulic press.
The upper ribs are now contracted first, the nostrils remain inactive and the chest and shoulders motionless. At the end of the exhalation, pull in the stomach a little so as to push out all the air. You have just taken your first deep breath.
You are now ready to face the day.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Wednesday September 12, 2001

Great Tips for Investing in Bonds

Is it so nominated in the bond? - Shakespeare
A corporation is a peculiar thing. A corporation, at least in the eyes of the law, is actually a legal entity, having been born by virtue of its charter it has certain rights and privileges which are conferred upon it by the state which issued its charter, which specifies the total capitalization and the amount of stock and/or bonds which may be issued should any further amounts be required, then the charter must be amended.
Such rights include the right to issue a portion or all of the total authorized stock and/or bonds specified in the charter, the power to incur obligations (debts) and to issue bonds to cover such debts, the right to own property, the right of recourse to law for suit or to be sued in turn.
Bonds
A bond is basically a contract whereby a corporation may borrow money and, in turn, promises to pay interest at a stipulated rate for a fixed period of time. While the stockholder is a part owner in the business, the bondholder is simply a creditor and as such has a prior claim upon the assets of the corporation.
In the event of failure of the issuer of the bond to carry out the provisions of the contract (commonly known as the indenture), the bondholder is protected by law and may take the necessary steps to recover the principal amount which he has lent in practice this is done by the appointment of a trustee to act for all bondholders as a group in the event of any legal action.
In case of bankruptcy, the claims of any bondholders are prior to all other claims and must be satisfied before stockholders of any class receive anything. Should more than one bond issue be involved, they are usually satisfied in the order of their rank or issue.
As a guide to the purchase of bonds, there are available what are known as "bond ratings." These are obtainable from such organizations as Moody and Standard & Poor in order to obtain a reasonable appraisal of the merits of a certain bond, one need only refer to the rating assigned to it by these or some other reliable organization. A portion of the ratings of the above two, as applied to better-grade bonds, is shown below
Moody S & P Remarks
Aaa Al + Highest grade
Aa Al High grade
A A Upper medium grade
Baa Bl + Medium grade
Lower ratings are available, but the investor of modest means will be well advised to confine himself to the better issues. Bonds of good quality are regarded as having very high investment characteristics, especially with regard to safety of principal.
A bond represents a contract whereby the issuing agency borrows money and stands behind such a loan by a pledge of property, so that each bond commonly represents a portion of a mortgage. One might be tempted to think that all bonds are backed by mortgages and are therefore necessarily the best form of investment. This does not follow, because the general reputation of the company, coupled with its over-all financial standing, is of the utmost importance.
Bond selection is best made with the aid of the rating, as given by one of the investment services, and with the assistance of a broker or investment counsel. Some of the matters which should be borne in mind are (a) type of business (railroad, manufacturing, public utility) (b) bond type (mortgage or debenture) (c) term, rate of return, special features (callable, convertible, etc.) (d) financial status of issuing company (e) coverage of interest charges, which should be ample (f) relationship to other bond issue
While bonds are quoted on a day-to-day price basis, they do not characteristically fluctuate as widely as common stocks - at least the high-grade bonds do not the medium- and lower-grade bonds are subject to rather sharp fluctuations, and for this reason are perhaps even inferior to higher grade preferred stocks for the investor of modest mean
Once you have a small nest egg, it may be time to invest in some bonds.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Tuesday September 11, 2001

All About the Austin Texas Symphony

Now in its 97th year, the Austin Symphony is the pinnacle of cultural events in the Austin, TX area and the beginning of the live music scene that dominates the modern entertainment culture of this vibrant Texas city. Showcasing classical music that spans continents, genres and generations, the Austin Symphony brings together almost 100 musicians who work together to create memorable music.
Even if you've never attended a symphony before, you can appreciate the Austin Symphony. With a quick introduction to the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion and a little insight into the pieces that will be played, you can enjoy just about any presentation. Simply let your mind follow the highs and lows of the piece and feel the music as it wraps around your emotions and feelings.
The Austin Symphony presents a wide variety of music from many different composers. In one season, you might have the choice between Beethoven, Strauss and Handel as well as a "Simply Sinatra" concert, a string quartet or a guitar quartet. The diversity means that everyone will be able to find some kind of music that appeals to them. Tickets are easy to purchase online or at the ticket office for the Austin Symphony.
It's easy to find out what's in store as far as concerts from the Austin Symphony - their easy to use website shows the season calendars and the events and featured artists that are coming up. Generally, the Austin Symphony performs eight classical concerts, four pops concerts and two family concerts. Elsewhere in the community, the Austin Symphony performs at such exiting venues such as during the city's Fourth of July events and the free concerts in the park during the summers. The symphony also performs holiday concerts for the residents of Austin, Texas to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
The Austin Symphony even holds concerts that are appropriate for children, presenting some of the more classic works in a friendly and shortened concert. There is also a chance for children to learn more about the different instruments, meet the conductor and learn more about the composers of whose work is being played. The Children's Day Art Park is a fine place to see the musicians up close and listen to new music from the Austin Symphony.
Several award-winning education programs are organized through the Austin Symphony. These programs allow for musicians to visit classrooms in the Austin, TX area, provide study guides for music teachers, bring students for field trips to the concert hall and allow young musicians the chance to play with a real orchestra. Designed to enhance art appreciation in youngsters, the Austin Symphony has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Monday September 10, 2001

How to Overcome Fears Concerning Love and Marriage

If your problem has to do with love you will find much help in these several points
1. You are not alone, not unloved. God had need of you or you would not be here. Fulfill that need and love will come and fear will go.
2. What we call evil is a wrong use of our good, God given power. God our Creator continues to create through us his offspring. We create at a low general level, every time we think. We create at a higher level when we picture what we desire. We create at the highest level when we picture with a purpose and speak the word for it. It is because we do have this power that we need have no fear of anything outside of ourselve
The next step in overcoming fear is set a purpose in life.
Be sure to set one that is of tremendous importance to you. Let it mean almost as much as life itself. Work under love at that purpose and no fear can touch you.
Also remember to keep up with the world picture of love at work. World fear goes as worldwide love comes in. A recent scientific discovery sets the date of man on earth at 1,750,000 years. We can be pretty certain that fear of one human being for another is also that old. We will stop our wars, murders, hatreds and suspicions when enough people understand themselves and their neighbors and God.
Only then can they conduct their affairs of life within the golden rule so that we can have worldwide, permanent peace, plenty, happiness and freedom from fear. Thousands of efforts are being made on this front. For example
1. The exchange student program is now so well established that it probably will continue for generations until the peoples of one country know a great deal about those of another. As walls of ignorance are broken down, fear and suspicion go and love comes in.
2. We now have 200,000,000 Christians in the world. The number is growing rapidly. This is most hopeful for a world free of fear. For "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 317 R.S.V.)
3. Dr. Ernest M. Ligon, Director of Character Research Projects of Union College, recently said "If even a quarter of the money spent during the last decade on luxurious church school buildings had been invested in research, the dividends in terms of the fruits of faith, would have been a hundredfold greater. The awakening urge for research in religious education, which is being seen on every hand, must be nourished and made to grow into the force it can become."
Everywhere we look, intelligent men and women are at work to help people to understand people. For when understanding comes, fear goes. But we must always come back to ourselves and see that we overcome our own fears. Until we do the fearless world around us will not help us much.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Sunday September 09, 2001

Wiccan Supplies - What They Are and Where to Get Them

Wiccans believe in the unified spiritual essence of the universe from which the Goddess and God emerged. Wicca is the way of life where there is a deep appreciation of nature, whether is a sunrise or sunset, the full moon or a waning moon, the tides, the ocean, the breezes, herbs and natural remedie
We use our mind and channel our energies to become one with nature. Meditation on the love that surrounds us, our breath that sustains our life and the "chakras" or energy centers of our body are usually points of focus during our commune with nature. The five elements of nature which comprises of earth, air, fire, water and wood will essentially fulfill your demands for "wiccan supplies" in the highest sense.
Sometimes, however, in our busy lives, it becomes difficult to concentrate or visualize on a particular goal because of all the disturbances around us. In such cases, we can use several things to help us achieve that focal intensity that we desire.
The following items are written in no particular order. You can choose the ones that you feel an attraction to, or those that "jump out at you" in order to fulfill your spiritual need
Or you may procure them on an as needed basi
1. The Altar - This will be your personal space where you can keep your ritual tools as well as maintain a point of focus for your meditation and rituals. The left half of the altar is usually dedicated to the Goddess. The Cup, the Pentacle, Bell, Crystal, Cauldron and a bowl of water are kept there. An image of the Goddess or a white candle may be substituted.
2. Blank Book of Shadows - This is the most sacred and special tool of Witches. It records their personal journey to their newfound faith. It is a journal of their experiences, mediations, ritual, spells and initiation.
3. Broom - Although some may think of the broom as a relic of the past, it is a tool of importance to Wiccans. Ceremonies are performed in spiritually clean areas. This cleansing can be done using a broom. Also, the broom is used in certain rituals as part of the proces
4. Pentacle - Usually a flat disk made of metal or wood that has the pentagram inscribed on it. This can be used as a powerful tool for consecrating ritual objects and to ground stray energy in the surrounding area. Sometimes it is used as a protective device, hung over doors and windows to ward off negative energy.
5. Candles - Each candle is assumed to have various properties depending on its color, materials used to make it, as well as the shape it has. Sometimes, candles are anointed with sacred oil and used in spells and rituals. They are associated with fire and air. For some spells, an anointed candle is burnt through for the spell to take effect.
6. Anointing oils - These are usually herb based oils that have captivating aroma that mesmerizes and relaxes us while strengthening our focus on the ceremonies. Also, the anointing usually passes on our energy and the energy of the surroundings to a candle or other object by charging it.
7. Herbs - Herbs are used as incense during rituals and spells. Since each ritual or spell mentions specific herbs, its better to buy only when you are sure of what you need and how much you need. Also, herbs are used as part of natural remedies to safely cure ailment
8. Incense burner - This is an essential item (along with charcoal) if you wish to use incense for your rituals and spells.
9. Robes - This way of life encourages people to be sky clad (nude), but on other occasions, it may be more practical to use robes. A comfortable, washable cotton robe, with the minimum of knots is recommended. Colors may be chosen according to personal preference.
10. Stones and Crystals - We believe that the colors of the crystals or gems as well as the vibrations they have are conducive to the accumulation of magickal energy. Each stone has its properties depending on the material and color as well as shape.Remember, stones have to be cleansed periodically according to their inherent propertie
11. Cauldron - This represents water and is usually made of black cast iron. This is considered a symbol of the Goddess, the manifested essence of fertility and femininity. It also represents the cycle of life.
12. Chalice - This is a cup that may hold sacred water or oil or may be used empty for certain ritual
13. Athame - This is a ritual knife with a black hilt that may have carvings on the blade. This can be used to carve candles or sacred herbs. It is recommended that you buy this knife new rather than from thrift stores. Cleanse and consecrate it before use.
14. Bells - Sounds cause vibrations and bells are believed to help us to focus on the ceremonies and rituals. This is used to invoke the Goddess and also to ward off evil spirits.
15. Sword - This is a tool of command. Find one that is your choice of style and length as well as one that will easily fit in your hand and gives you positive energy when you hold it.
16. Wand or Staff - These preferably should be made of wood and also by the person who will be using them. You can use tree branches or dowels ornamented with stones, wooden beads, etc. Again, create ones what feels comfortable to you (no longer than your forearm) and from which you can receive positive energies by using it.
Tips on buying some of these tools
Check out some of the thrift stores for most items that you can cleanse thoroughly before using. This includes most of the above except the Athame, the Sword and the Wand. For all others, check out the magick stores near your home or the online stores such as
ttp//ww.wiccanway.com/
ttp//ww.spellspot.com/
ttp//store.stormsong.org/
ttp//store.sacredmists.com/whatsnew.html
ttp//ww.13moons.com/
ttp//ww.cybermoonemporium.com/
ttp//ww.ladyhawkstreasures.com/
ttp//ww.wiccanglade.com/
ttp//ww.enchantedworks.com/

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Saturday September 08, 2001

Quick Guide To Laser Engraving

Lasers can engrave on just about any material. The most popular materials in the engraving fields are coated metals, wood, acrylic, glass, leather, marble, plastic, and host of synthetic materials made specifically for lasers. You can think of a laser as a light source similar to a light bulb - a light bulb will emit energy out all around it.
Laser marking is also referred to as laser etching. Unlike conventional etching, laser etching needs no masks or chemicals. Some people just call it laser etching and others call it laser engraving but basically the technique uses a computer-controlled laser beam to mark a surface. It didn't take long for the engraving industry to notice the new lasers and soon lasers were being used for a wide variety of industrial applications including welding, heat-treating, etching and engraving.
And almost all materials can be laser engraved/laser marked. The light source name - LASER, is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
You can also cut metal with lasers. The laser metal cutting option can be added to some models of the laser cutting machines. The ability to laser cut complex profiles can eliminate the need for additional operations, making laser cutting very economical. Lasers work well for cutting acrylic (Plexiglas), PETG, thin polycarbonates (Mylar), styrene expanded PVC (Sintra), wood, paper and fabric.
Laser etching can be done on many other materials including slate, granite, stainless steel, leather, arborite, glass, mirrors, and premium hard woods. And laser cutting offers a superior cut-edge quality with parallel sides and no burr
Industries that use laser marking include the promotional, engineering and medical industries. It's a process in which material is indelibly marked at some very fast speeds (milliseconds per character). Some of the items that C02 lasers and C02 laser systems can be used for in terms of marking and etching glass or quartz are float glass plants, manufacturing of glass doors and windows, permanent serial numbering, ANSI safety information, customer logos, decorative or specialty glass manufacturing, manufacturing data related to plant, the production date and line, and/or part number
Laser marking of glass by C02 lasers on the fly or while moving can be an excellent addition for many industrial environments and the applications for glass marking. Because no inks are used in the marking, the services are both permanent and the process is kind to the environment. You can mark easily in batches from 1 to 10,000.
There are no consumables involved so the operating costs are minimal, and the laser system, if properly exhausted, runs very clean, so that costly cleanup or by-product disposal is not needed. Some of the many laser engraving products include wedding giveaways, nametags, table nameplates, trophy engraving and laser wood engraving.
Today laser engraving can be used for most of the jobs currently being carried out by the conventional industrial engravers. It's a viable and versatile technology that is being used by many engravers to improve productivity, add more services for their customers and increase their profits. Many companies can be found online that make laser engraving machines, laser marking systems and laser etching equipment.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Friday September 07, 2001

Camping Air Bed Brings Comforts Of Home To Campgrounds

Something about the outdoor life grabs people and calls them to come out to the wild to enjoy the wondrous beauty of nature that simply cannot be discovered unless you get far outside the cities and towns. There are many couples who love to share their passion for the out of doors.
However, more of these couples might get out and "away from it all" more often, if they could enjoy a restful night of sleep too. This is where the camping air bed can come in to save the day.
This kind of camping bed is a significant upgrade in comfort for the campsite. When a couple is out hiking or camping they no longer have to end each day sleeping on a separate camping air mattress, but can now enjoy the luxury of a king size or queen size product that is especially designed for the outdoor-minded couple. This helps to bring an additional element of togetherness and comfort while under the stars and most couples report sleeping much better in their king or queen size air bed than they ever experienced on their twin air mattress.
Sometimes, it is the wife of the outdoor minded man, who will be less than enthusiastic about planning another outdoor excursion. Clearly the ladies prefer having more of the comforts of home and are not fans roughing-it, no matter how much they love getting out into nature. However, with the assurance of a comfortable night's sleep, snuggled securing with their husband, they tend to be more willing to pitch a tent at the campground or lakeside retreat.
A great benefit of the camping air bed is that most of them are much higher off of the ground than the traditional camping air mattress. For the people who might have aching backs and knees and who would rather not attempt getting up from a mattress at ground level, they will be happy to know that the camping queen air mattress is much easier to maneuver. In fact, it is very much like getting up out of a standard bed.
For those who are not all that excited about getting into sleeping bags that have seen too many seasons outside or stuffed in the corner of the garage, most of these camping air beds also can be used with standard bedding, making you feel even more like you are at home.
Sometimes children have some fears about staying out in the woods, or being very close to the ground, or both. In this case, a camp bed that is off the ground, like the beds they are used to at home, can make it easier for them to get used to their outback surroundings and sleep better. And, everyone knows that the better rested the kids are on during an adventure, the better things will go overall.
There is truly a wide variety of camping air bed models that are now available from which to choose. There are king, full and queen size air bed models and even a style that will convert into a couch during the day. With some time to scope out your options and some planning, your next venture into the wild might have you feeling right at home and more comfortable than ever.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Thursday September 06, 2001

Tips on Finding Reliable Bait-Casting Tackle

Bait casting is the most widely recognized method of taking game fish on artificial lures in the United States, although the spinning-gear user (including the push-button fisherman) is closing in on the plugger's - as bait-casters are called - long-time lead. All but a few die-hard spin-fishermen, however, would argue that husky muskies, big bass, and giant northern pike are best fished for with bait-casting tackle.
The basic functions of bait-casting tackle, as with any fishing gear, are to put a big meal before a big fish, to hook him solidly when he strikes, and then to control his frantic struggle to escape. The meal used in bait casting can be an artificial lure, or such natural bait as a minnow, a worm, or a grasshopper weighted, if necessary, to carry it properly to the fish.
I always recommend that the beginner purchase a moderately priced outfit. The difference between inexpensive tackle and medium-priced outfits is only a few dollars, but the difference in enjoyment and in ease of learning is great.
When you have learned to fish and feel that you are ready to move up into the expert class, you can purchase expensive gear. For the average fisherman, however, a moderately priced outfit will give many years of service and pleasure.
When purchasing fishing equipment, be sure that you buy the products of a nationally known manufacturer. Your local tackle dealer carries them and will be glad to show them to you. This advice holds true for all fishing equipment.
Let us take a look now at the rod that should be used in bait casting.
Rods
Today the average rods made for bait casting have a pleasant degree of lightness and flexibility. The vast majority are tubular glass fiber. The weight of the lure is one of the most important factors in choosing a bait-casting rod. In catalogues rods are generally classified extra-light (XL), light (L), medium (M), or heavy (H) action. (Action means the spring of the rod, the whip that shoots the bait out over the water during the cast.)
These four terms refer not to the type of action, but to the average weight of the lure that the rod will handle efficiently. As a general rule, an extra-light rod is adapted to lures of 1/2 ounce in weight or below a light action rod handles 3/8- to 1/2-ounce lures a medium is best for s-ounce lures and a heavy, those above w ounce.
The weight of the standard lures for various kinds of fish will be plainly marked on the lure itself or on the box that holds it. The beginner who doesn't know in advance what the routine lures weigh should browse through the ones displayed by his tackle dealer to decide what weights he'll use most. Most rod manufacturers today have adopted the use of the XL, L, M, and H marking I mentioned earlier.
Remember that the biggest fresh-water game fish that ever swam probably could be landed on an extra-light rod, but if you intend to cast 3/4-ounce lures, you need a fairly stiff and powerful rod. On the other hand, it would be difficult to cast 3/4-ounce lures successfully with such a rod they call for one that is lighter and more flexible.
The lengths of modern glass fiber bait-casting rods usually range from about 5 feet, 2 inches to 6 feet. Again, the kind of fishing and the weight of the lure will determine the length best suited to you. For casting lures weighing less than 1/2 ounce, an adequate rod should have light action, should measure approximately 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet long.
For lures in the 1/2- to 3/4-ounce class, a 5-foot, 8-inch rod with medium action should be about right. For lures ranging from 3/4 ounce and up, a good bet is a heavy action rod about 5 feet, 2 inches long. While some bait-casting rods are two-piece, the majority are one-piece with a detachable handle.
Choose your rod carefully and you will greatly enhance your chances of catching fish.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Wednesday September 05, 2001

The Difficulties of Being A Quarterback

Throughout my long passing career, there has been at least one group of opponents for whom I have held the utmost respect. They are the defensive halfbacks, the quarterback's arch-enemies. Without good defensive halfbacks, no team can succeed. In fact, if a team is deficient in the secondary, the chances are it will languish in the cellar, no matter how brilliant the rest of its array.
Interceptions
The bane of a passer's existence is, of course, the interception. It's like the double play in baseball. It can cut your throat and crush the most promising rally. It can also have a psychological effect on both team
What causes interceptions? Well, the most common cause is releasing the ball before you have to that is, being panicked by the rush, or actually having to throw too soon because of the effectiveness of the rush.
Second, interceptions occur when a good defensive back is playing against an end or a halfback who runs his patterns poorly.
Third, the quarterback has himself to blame for larceny by the defender when he hangs the ball in the air instead of zipping it. It is a common fault of most passers and I've been guilty of hanging the ball myself on several occasions. Even when a passer throws a long ball, he should try not to hang it, but, instead, zip it at a higher trajectory.
While I am on the subject of interceptions and the running of poor pass patterns, I think I should mention one of the crying needs in professional football. What the league needs, and that goes for colleges, too, is a supply of good end coaches. Right now, I could count the number of good end coaches in the professional ranks on the fingers of my right hand.
Why are there not many good end coaches? The major reason, I think, is that there aren't many good ends. And good ends, unfortunately, do not always make good teachers. I have known any number of college ends who came into this league only to be dropped because there was no coach on the premises to teach them how to run pass pattern
College ends are getting harder to find and harder to teach. The reason, naturally, is the prevalence of the Split T and other formations that neglect an all-around passing attack. A lot of lads are taught how to run only one or two pass patterns. When they come to the big league, they are as green as grass and there is nobody around to mow the lawn. Let's find some good end coaches!
The Running Quarterback
Ha! I'm just the boy to touch on this topic. As I have said time and again when questioned about my deficiency, "I never run, except from sheer fright."
Actually, quarterbacks don't run as much as some people think they do. The people just notice it more when the passer takes off instead of passing.
Bobby Layne, for instance, runs almost exclusively within the 20-yard line, and the Pittsburgh passer's runs are mostly predetermined. His favorite is the quarterback draw.
Inasmuch as I am a nonrunner - a spectator, you might say - I think I am eminently qualified to advise young quarterbacks who must run, on how they should run. Go straight, young man, go straight. Too many quarterbacks take to the outside, probably on the assumption (their own) that they can turn an end as speedily as the Browns' Bobby Mitchell. Maybe Georgie Shaw can, but the rest of them surely can't.
I am reminded of the instructions I received from my college coach, Jim Aiken, when he indoctrinated me in the T after long service in the single wing. "Don't get out of that pocket," Aiken warned. "The guys in front of you are hired to keep people out of there, and if they don't, we'll get others who can. And those guys behind you, they're hired to run. Your job is to throw."
Remember practice, practice, practice will make your team successful.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Tuesday September 04, 2001

Top 5 Changes Meditation Practice Demands From You

There is no substitute for meditation - if someone was to offer me one billion dollars, yes with all those zeros, and said that all I would have to do is give up meditation and the treasures of spiritual practice, not even 1 cell in my body would think, yeah maybe. All 10 trillion cells would be laughing at the offer. There is no material equivalent for the rewards of meditation, none. The difference is so enormous that I can't even come up with a suitable example, and believe me I tried.
If life can be said to have any purpose, it is to discover the Truth and at the heart of this mission lies meditation. But, as you move ahead with your meditation practice and the rewards start to flow, you will notice an interesting phenomenon taking place You Are Being Held to Live at a Higher Standard.
There is really not much choice in this matter. If you give yourself seriously to mastering the Art of Meditation, you will no longer be able to live the way you had been in the past. The practice demands its own discipline, not one artificially imposed, but, a discipline that gracefully emerges as you move deeper into this profound science. Here is what I have found to be the top 5 changes that tend to take place in the lives of passionate aspirants who are being true to their meditation practice. These same changes generally also apply to those who practice other spiritual disciplines such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki, Qigong, etc.
1. More Simple & Wholesome Life As your progress matures you will notice that you are more and more gravitating towards a simpler, more natural life. You find yourself buying less and less into commercialism and materialism. Its not that you are becoming an ascetic and "renouncing the world", its just that material possessions are loosing their grip on you. If you have them you enjoy them, if you don't have them no problem at all. In this way your life starts to incorporate more of what is natural and moves in a direction that is uncomplicated, but, deep.
2. Waste Less Energy Meditation, Yoga and spiritual practices will make you realize that everything is energy. Energy is the name of the game. You are nothing but Energy and the Universe is nothing but energy. These fields all interconnect and intermingle. At an Energetic level, demarcations loose their definition and everything merges into each other. In addition to this, you start to realize one more important fact regarding meditation. It requires tremendous energy.
The energy required for real meditation is available to a human being, but, is not harnessed corrected. It is dissipated in contradiction and meaningless activity. This will have to stop if your practice is to penetrate deep into the mysteries and wonders of Reality. You will start to become more integrated as a person. You will start to stop wasting precious energy in endless gossip, immature pursuits and conflicting desires. You will start be become an charged being, capable of summoning intense energy of the highest vibration when required to penetrate the veil of illusion.
3. Better Diet & Fitness Along the lines of number 2 above, you will start to shift to a healthy lifestyle. You will realize the profound opportunity life and each moment offers and simply would like to make the most of this blessing of human life. Getting sick, being injured, lacking energy will not be acceptable and you will do what is necessary to have a fit, vibrant body. In addition, certain food groups will not suit you as they will make you lethargic and insensitive, so you will likely start to move to a lighter, more lean diet.
4. Ending Dependencies and Addictions For those on the spiritual path, freedom is valued above all. Things that make you dependent and bind you down will come under heavy scrutiny and in time be set aside. This goes for all things that make you dependent. Those far on the spiritual path realize their one to one relationship with life and Divinity and eventually embrace complete independence. This independence then allows for love to flow, as now, without dependency, there is no shadow of fear.
5. Becoming a Rebel It is inevitable. You will become a bit (or in same cases much happy :) of a rebel. Especially with regard to tradition and the so called values of society. Society creates the need for so much artificiality and hypocrisy, which simply cannot be sustained under the heat of meditative awareness. In addition, the values that society holds in high esteem are seen for what they are, silly, so that is the end of that.
Summary
So there you have the top 5 changes that will be required of you as you move ahead with your spiritual growth. Some of these changes will happen on their own, below the radar of consciousness, while others will be conscious decisions you will have to make, as required by the demands of the meditation and spiritual practice.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Monday September 03, 2001

African Witchcraft - The History, the Practices and the Controversies

African Witchcraft is a collective term used to describe the spiritual traditions (both past and present) of the various ethnic groups in Africa. From a historical point of view, Egyptian Witchcraft and Arabic Sihr traditionally formed a part of the mix. These two ceremonial forms of Witchcraft are nearly extinct, and have been replaced by the Islamic faith.
The witchcraft practiced in the rest of Africa is shamanistic in nature. Long before the East and the West converged on the continent, the shamanistic practices of Africans were remarkably similar in spite of the ethnic and tribal diversity that prevailed.
This is no longer the case, though. The influences of the Christian and the Islamic religions on African Witchcraft are noticeable. The colonization of Africa by the English, Dutch, French, Portuguese and Germans, brought its own set of cultural influences too. This accounts for the diversity now to be found in the practice of African witchcraft from ethnic grouping to ethnic grouping and from tribe to tribe.
This diversification should not be interpreted as dilution or intensification, though. It merely implies that African witchcraft in its purest form has been exchanged for African shamanism of an eclectic form.
The heinous practice of slave trading led to the export of African witchcraft to the Americas, where it now survives under the auspices of religions such as Voudun, Obeah, Santera, Quimbanda and Candombl.
What is African Witchcraft?
African witchcraft is a nature based religion, where one or more Deities, nature spirits and ancestral spirits are worshipped. The witchdoctor, with his or her ability to commune with Deity, nature spirits and ancestral spirits, is traditionally held in awe - an awe which is an odd mixture of respect and fear.
The reason for this fear is simple. Magic in the African sense may be used for both positive and negative purposes. It can be used to bless and to curse, to cure and cause disease, to bring peace and to initiate battle, to protect and to harm, to create and to destroy.
The witchdoctor can be either male or female. Although there is no gender equality in African culture, no distinction is generally made where spiritual practices are concerned. The witchdoctor is responsibile for divination, healing, presiding over rituals, conducting rites of passage, performing sacrifices, finding lost cattle, protecting warriors, casting and removing spells, and narrating the history and myths of old.
For harmony between the living and the dead, which is an essential component of leading a trouble-free life, ancestors are shown respect by means of daily offerings, prayers and songs, elaborate rituals and animal sacrifice.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Sunday September 02, 2001

Do Relationships Hinder Spiritual Growth?

There are those who hold the opinion that if you are on a spiritual path you should stay away from people of the opposite sex, as relationships can distract you from your path. I do not personally believe this.
One thing I have learned over the years is that relationships bring us our greatest lessons as well as our biggest challenges. People around us provide us with mirrors of our own beliefs and experiences about life and our role in it.
Many people who have been working on developing their spirituality become concerned when their romantic partner does not seem to share their enthusiasm for their interests and sometimes even laugh at or belittle them.
It is important to remember that like attracts like and when you originally met your spouse or friend they may have come at a time when you had one set of beliefs, now that you have expanded your conscious beliefs the match is not so comfortable.
If your partner has not been doing the same reading and growth work as you, they may feel that they do not recognise the person they first chose to share this part of their life with.
It is easier for them to just think this is a weird phase and hope that you will go back to your old self than to face the reality of the changes taking place and that the two of you may split.
As we grow and change we bring new people into our lives that reflect this and yes some of those we previously were involved with leave our lives if the connection was unhealthy or pertaining to a particular set of circumstances. This is more positive than it sounds.
Let me give you an example if you were a goldfish you would pick a goldfish to marry, if that goldfish suddenly turned into an eel you would feel cheated and then you would have to make the decision am I going to try to turn into an eel or would I rather find another goldfish?
As far as spiritual growth is concerned I believe that life is a rich experience and part of the joy and wonder of that experience is having relationships of all kinds.
We are not Monks or Nuns, if you want that experience then that is alright but otherwise you are avoiding the joy and the lessons such interactions provide. You can hold your own spiritual space and honour someone elses and love and support each other as you journey.
Having said that it is not necessary to have a relationship to experience joy and love and of course the most important relationship we have is with ourselve
So after all that, allow for the fact that your partner has a right to all their feelings and choices just as you do. Try not to feel hurt by their reaction to what you are doing, there is no need to convert them. If they see you happy and healthy then they are more likely to want to experience that too.
This is not a battle with one of you being right. This is your opportunity to practise unconditional love.
I have found in my own experience and those of people who attend my workshops and courses, that those who clear out their own emotional barriers, blocks and issues find an abundance of love in their life and an enormous amount of healing takes place in their relationships.
Quite often those who have been on a spiritual path previously alone suddenly find that they are joined by a new likeminded partner and this helps them to take big strides forward in their spiritual development.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments

Saturday September 01, 2001

Options Trading Mastery: Time Decay and Volatility Trading Opportunities

When vertical spreads are mentioned, they quite often come with monikers such as 'bull' and 'bear'. This lends most to think of vertical spreads as directional plays which is true. However, vertical spreads can be used to take advantage of two other potential trading opportunities - time decay and volatility movement.
If you are looking for a fully hedged way to take advantage of time decay, a vertical spread can be an excellent tool. Knowing a little about them now, you will recall that a vertical spread has a limited profit potential but also a limited loss scenario for both the buyer and the seller. So, how do we use this covered trade to take advantage of time decay.
At-the-money options have more extrinsic value than their similar month in-the-money or out-of-the-money options. Since it is an option's extrinsic value that decays away over time, you could set up a vertical spread by selling an at-the-money option and buying either the out-of-the-money option (creating a credit spread) or buying an in-the-money option (creating a debit spread). If the stock holds tight to the out-of-the-money option, the option's extrinsic value will decay away at a faster rate than either the in-the-money option or the out-of-the-money option due to the fact that the at-the-money option has more total extrinsic value to decay in the same amount of time as the other
Creating the vertical spread by selling an at-the-money option and buying an out-of-the-money or in-the-money option as a hedge looks like a good idea, but now there are a couple choices. Should you do the put spread or the call spread? Should you buy it or sell it? The decision of what to do from here should first be based on which way you think the stock will move. Although you are playing for time decay and you are assuming an overall lack of movement, you can't expect the stock not to move at all. So even though you are playing time decay, you still want to form an opinion about in which direction the stock is most likely to move. By doing this, you've now give yourself another way of making the trade profitable. You are playing for a lack of movement but now you can still win if you pick the right direction. This scenario presents you with two ways to win and only one to lose.
Now that you have picked which at-the-money strike you are going to sell and you've picked your anticipated stock position you still have a decision to make. Do you do the call vertical spread or the put vertical spread? Remember both the vertical call spread and a vertical put spread allow you to participate in either stock direction. For the bulls, you can buy a vertical call spread or sell a vertical if you think that the stock will go up. For the bears, you can buy a vertical put spread or sell a vertical call spread. For each direction there are two choices to decide from. One is a purchase, one is a sale. The best way to decide which to do, other than your own style or comfort ability is a simple risk/reward analysi
By selecting an at-the-money option to sell as part of a vertical spread, an investor can execute a time decay play with a hedged position.
Much in the same way that a vertical spread can be used as a time decay play, it can be used as a volatility play. We stated earlier that an at-the-money option has more extrinsic value than any other option in its expiration month. This is due to a number of contributing factors including time but it is in no small way due to volatility. Volatility is a huge component of an option's extrinsic value. An option's dollar sensitivity to movements in implied volatility is known as vega. Obviously, an at-the-money option will have a higher vega (volatility sensitivity) then will an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option in the same month.
As volatility increases, the at-the-money option will increase in price to a greater degree than will an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option in the same month. As volatility increases, the at-the-money option will increase in price to a greater degree then will an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option whose vega's will be less. Conversely, the at-the-money option will lose value at a greater rate than an in-the-money or out-of-the-money option should implied volatility decrease. The question now is how to use the vertical spread to take advantage of anticipated movements in implied volatility. Remember, the vertical spread affords you the luxury of being hedged on either side of the trade - both as a buyer and a seller of the spread.
So, if you think that implied volatility is likely to increase, you can set up a vertical spread by buying an at-the-money option and selling either the in-the-money or out-of-the-money option against it. Conversely, if you feel implied volatility will decrease you can set up a vertical spread by selling an at-the-money option and buy either an out-of-the-money or an in-the-money option against it.
As to how to set it up, you would follow the same guidelines as you would for setting up a vertical spread to take advantage of time decay. Decide which direction you feel the stock would most likely move. If you feel the stock would most likely rise, you will have to decide between buying a vertical call spread and selling a vertical put spread.
Either way, the spread will have to be constructed with the at-the-money option being long if you feel volatility will increase or short if you feel volatility will decrease. If you feel the stock would most likely fall, you will have to decide between buying a vertical put spread and selling a vertical call spread. Again, either way, the spread will have to be constructed with the short option being the at-the-money.
As you can see, the vertical spread does not have to be used only in directional scenarios. It is very versatile allowing the investor several choices among a diverse group of potential uses. It also affords limited risk, albeit limited profit potential, to both the buyer and the seller.

Posted by varghese at 12:01 PM
0 Comments