conundrum http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for conundrum Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:04:11 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/conundrum Seo - Why Linking To Other People's Images Is A Bad Idea http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-why-linking-to-other-peoples-images-is-a-bad-idea http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-why-linking-to-other-peoples-images-is-a-bad-idea#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2007 04:27:09 +0000 host imagesbandwidth usagedomain hostswebsite marketerchristopher angusvisualsimage uploading http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-why-linking-to-other-peoples-images-is-a-bad-idea
Some sites are okay with this and others take great exception, sometimes changing the image from their side to read, "This person is stealing my bandwidth." This happens when others click on it and can help destroy your good reputation. This also means that they are being charged by their host for allowing you to display your image.

Usually this type of link is not noticed until your website traffic starts to grow and the on the other site increases. The solution to avoiding an ugly dispute and possibly lots of technical hassles is to on your own server. Of course to host images in this way you need to own your own domain and host the blog from there. The problem with many online free blogs is they do not allow you to host images on their servers and will set up their system so that someone else always hosts the images. This can make you a lot of enemies.

The solution is to own your own blog and host the images yourself. This practice can also help you avoid your pages from loading slowly which easily turns off a reader who may be a potential customer! Most supply you with enough bandwidth so that you can sustain the publishing of your own .

Of course to eliminate this type of conundrum the best thing to do is to stay away from visuals unless they can be linked to something on one of your own sites. Linking to an image that belongs to someone else is very problematic in general. is a SEO and . He can be contacted at: Sales (at) Brilliantseo.com http://www.crcwritingservices.com http://www.mobility-direct.co.uk http://www.seocompanyuk.com ]]> Seo - Submitting Pages With Links Is Good Seo http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-submitting-pages-with-links-is-good-seo http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-submitting-pages-with-links-is-good-seo#comments Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:27:02 +0000 search enginessearch enginegooglewebsite promoterchris angusreciprocal linkcredibility http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-submitting-pages-with-links-is-good-seo s are now ranking web pages that contain a lot of links to other sites higher than those that contain fewer links. This is why it is such a good idea to submit your pages to the search engines with as many links to other sites contained in them as possible. However, don't make the mistake of thinking that you can just submit any old pages mistakes. You must make sure these links are related to the content of your pages or you could even end up blacklisted by the search engines.

Whenever you find a web site that has content similar to yours, email the webmaster and ask for a link, pointing out why it would be appropriate. If he has content on his site useful to your visitors, link to him without even offering to trade links. Link to him, then email him and ask for a link back. Make sure that you include a big description in your letter of why a will be of great benefit to his or her traffic. If you can't offer traffic (the most common conundrum of newbies to SEO) then offer great and expert material. If the big site says yes then the search engine will add the credibility of that link to your own and boost your ranking in the search engine pages.

The search engine that values link popularity the most is , For many people, the true value of the $299 a year cost of a Yahoo listing isn't the benefit of receiving click through from Yahoo, but the boost a Yahoo listing provides for their rankings on Google.

Open Directory doesn't cost anything, but getting a listing in this respected index can be time consuming, as everything is hand edited by humans on the other end. is a SEO and , he can be contacted at sales(at)brilliantseo.com http://www.chooseinsurance.co.uk http://www.mobility-direct.co.uk http://www.illustratemyname.com ]]> A Review of Christian MLM Network Marketing and Training Website http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-review-of-christian-mlm-network-marketing-and-training-website http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-review-of-christian-mlm-network-marketing-and-training-website#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:29:20 +0000 mlm marketingmany different thingsinspirational worksky onechristian faithmany different aspectswholeness http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-review-of-christian-mlm-network-marketing-and-training-website MLM Marketing and Training opportunities that you can find might be just what you need when it comes to good material and .

While some people feel that their work and their faith should remain separate, many other people believe just the opposite, and this is just what Christian MLM Marketing and Training is trying to believe. With a strong eye towards what is appropriate and inappropriate in terms of the , this site is looking to help people understand that their lives are a whole unit, rather than one that is spread between several different fields. This provides a certain unity and that might have been lacking before.

If you are interested in Christian MLM Marketing and Training, there are a few things that you should be aware of. The first is that there are to this program and you will be able to choose which one most suits you. Not only are the approaches that are taught in this work relevant to your faith, they will also be relevant in the way that you work with your customers and with your co-workers and employees. As you can see, there are that you can gain from this program.

When you are considering the Christian MLM Marketing and Training, one of the things you will realize is that this opportunity is essentially custom-made for the marketer who is looking on working in a faith-centered environment. This often appears as a conundrum for many Christians, but with this opportunity in place, you'll be able to have some more luck when it comes to making sure that your faith is evidenced in every aspect of your life.

If you are a Christian who runs into issues like this on a fairly regular basis, it might be time to see what Christian MLM Marketing and Training has to offer you. No matter what your denomination, or how you choose to express your faith, you will soon find that this site has some interesting answers for you to think about.

If you are in a place where you can think about your faith as something that grows and changes, then take a look at what Christian MLM Marketing and Training might have to offer you! There are ery few opportunities that are perfect for you as a businessperson and as a person of faith, so you owe it to yourself to look at the possibilities.Learn more about Brian Garvin and Jeff West at Internet Marketing Review Kings and MLM Review Kings today. Use this article freely but please leave Resource Box intact.]]> Don't Throw Your Life Away http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-throw-your-life-away http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-throw-your-life-away#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:19:56 +0000 personality and intelligencetalentsselfish peoplecollateral damagedetrimentgifts godcopy god http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-throw-your-life-away
Why, then, do we so casually give our lives away?

How do we do that? We give our life away by living it according to somebody else's plan. Perhaps a parent. Friend. Teacher. It could be just about anybody.

Rather than maximizing our unique set of , , we allow the opinions of others to tell us who and what we are. Usually to our since somebody else's view of life fits them, not us.

The user's manual, the Bible, explains the deal. We're each custom-created by God with the talents, personality and intelligence to do what God put us on earth to do. Our job is to determine what gave us and then use them to achieve our purpose.

So, let's think about this. If we're each custom-made, then we're each unique. Some are uniquer than others, you may have noticed, but nobody's supposed to be a clone. Or even a copy. God's about the custom-made, not clones or second-best copies.

If God intends for us to be unique, then trying to make us look, think or act like somebody else is wrong. Sure, we may look a lot like Mom, have characteristics inherited from Dad and even share some opinions with others, but put all those pieces together, and they spell "unique."

Those who try to try to direct us down the wrong path may have innocent intentions. They may even think their efforts are admirable. Perhaps it's their misguided effort to help. Or it may simply be an unthinking attempt to relive their lives through us.

Or their intentions can be callous. They spot advantage in manipulating us to fit their purposes. don't give a hoot about any we suffer.

We all know how it goes. Parents insist their children, however unsuited or unwilling, follow in their footsteps. "Friends" prefer we serve their desires and plans rather than move toward our own "If you were really a friend, you would . . . " or "if you really loved me, you would . . . "

This is not unfamiliar territory.

Here's what we can take to the bank: If the plans of others contradict what God put in us, they are the wrong size and wrong style. They may be right for somebody else, but they don't fit us. It's the old square-peg-in-a-round-hole conundrum. If we go along, we'll end up regretting that we didn't live life differently.

So, what to do? The simple-to-say, hard-to-do answer is to quit marching to the beat of somebody else's drummer.

Isn't it a little late to change? Well, it's either now, later or never. Later will be harder. Never is unthinkable.

As the saying goes, seize the day. Whatever our age, we can change. Yes, younger is easier, but as long as we're breathing, there's hope.

Most days we'll only change a little, but if we persevere, the changes will become apparent=96and finally, astonishing.

And we won't have to reach 80 still worried about "fitting in."

=A9 Copyright 2007 by Bette Dowdell. All rights reserved. Bette Dowdell worked in the computer industry for years and also studied and taught the Bible, including teaching high-level theology to grade-school kids, not a job for sissies. Read about Bette and her book How to be a Christian Without Being Annoying at http://www.ConfidentFaith.com. ]]> Don't Put All Your Eggs In The Internet Basket http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-put-all-your-eggs-in-the-internet-basket http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-put-all-your-eggs-in-the-internet-basket#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:20:00 +0000 direct mail promotionsmarketing channelsmarketing methodsaffiliate marketermarketing strategymatter of coursepromotional gifts http://www.artwoo.com/article/dont-put-all-your-eggs-in-the-internet-basket
Although the value of the internet as part of any serious cannot seriously be denied, it is not the whole answer to any marketing conundrum. The mantra goes that if you don't use the internet you are losing money. But how true is this? Well, there is an element of truth there. Every business should have a website, but not at the expense of offline advertising.

Until extremely recently there was no such thing as the internet and yet business people made millions through other , from trade fairs to billboards, business cards to . I mention these because they are still extremely popular and productive . I guess I'm trying to say that there is more to marketing than the internet, and never forget it. Don't rely on it solely: make it an important part of the mix but don't put all your eggs in the internet basket.

In this article I intend to bring your attention back to offline marketing. By that I mean non-internet marketing. Why should you do this? I say it is because it's cost-effective and highly profitable to do so. Even if you are an online, consider offline strategies to promote your website and products. Go back to basics. Use the time honored ways and means of marketing, such as word-of-mouth, joint ventures, direct mail, promotions and sponsorships. Hey, you can publicize your URL on the back of all these campaigns.

Pay attention to your business cards. Hand them out as a to absolutely everyone you meet. Yes, they can have your website address on them. In fact, they should. But no visit to a website can compare with meeting the business owner, looking him in the eye and being handed his business card. Hand them to the people you meet in school, mall, restaurant and even people at the bus station. All of them are potential customers.

Send out news releases. This is the way to make news spread like wildfire through radio, TV and the print media. This strategy may take time but it definitely delivers customers. And stickers! Place them everywhere that's legal and fun. Place them on your bumper and the bumpers of friends and customers. Put your website URL on stickers out there. You will get more visits, more business and ultimately more revenue.

Become an expert and a specialist speaker. Speak at local events and get asked to speak as an expert in your field. Believe me, once you are perceived as being an expert customers won't even bother to look at your website. They will come straight to you to do business. So you see there is not reason to confine your marketing efforts to the internet. There are hundreds of ways to market offline. You are limited only by your imagination. James Copper is a writer for http://www.unitymarketing.com ]]> Disasters Change Lives Forever http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 22:27:12 +0000 disaster mitigationnatural disastersdisaster survivalmanmade disasterssurvival suppliesnatural hazardlink in the chain http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever natural disasters killed over 25,000 people and caused $57.7 billion in damage worldwide. Besides the obvious, direct impact of natural disasters (such as a tornado destroying a house), there are usually many indirect effects. Although these effects may be less obvious, they are often times more costly and can add years on to the recovery time from a disaster. As people who live in communities that have been devastated by a will often say, "there is no such thing as a complete recovery, disasters change people's lives forever".

is the first of . Mitigation is the process of reducing the severity of the impact of natural hazards through planning. Each hazard requires a specific type of mitigation. In some cases, we can use engineering solutions. Earthquake-resistant construction and devices to hold objects in place such as earthquake straps could at least reduce the impact of a natural hazard. In other cases, the only form of mitigation that is guaranteed to be successful is to limit or not allow human activities where the hazard occurs, such as floodplains, volcanoes and high fire risk areas.

But unfortunately, in some cases such as Hurricane Katrina and the Asian Tsunami, the fact that there was little or no planning or mitigation took its toll on human life. These types of disasters have a profound impact on us all. Prediction of natural disasters has improved greatly but more work needs to be done. Protection against must continue in a logical, controlled and decisive manner.

The second link in the chain of disaster survival is personal preparation. Making plans for evacuation, having the correct such as water and food that has a five-year shelf life, a flashlight that doesn't need batteries and a radio to stay connected to the outside world, is essential to us all. It is suggested that each person have at least 72 hours of supplies. Statistically, the citizens of the United States are not prepared. Less then 40% of the population has a plan and even less have supplies. The list of items is overwhelming to some people and just knowing where to start can be a conundrum.

Disasters do come in all forms and change our lives. We have seen it first hand in recent years. Mitigation, preparation and prediction will decrease loss of life and property. Every one of us must participate in disaster preparation. Some people say "expect the unexpected" but in reality we must anticipate the expected and prepare. For more information about emergency disaster preparedness or to see a comprehensive list of survival kits to help you get prepared in the event of disaster, visit: http://www.survivalkitsonline.com ]]> Painless Web Hosting Provider Transfer http://www.artwoo.com/article/painless-web-hosting-provider-transfer http://www.artwoo.com/article/painless-web-hosting-provider-transfer#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:30:02 +0000 server log filescomputer backupsweb hosting companyrenovation projectweb hosting companiesscript databaseweb hosting provider http://www.artwoo.com/article/painless-web-hosting-provider-transfer web hosting company can keep up with or maybe your chosen site just isn't up to par with your sites' needs.

In any case, the best solution to this conundrum is to switch . Before you dive blindly into what can be a sea of confusion, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the transition from one site provider to another is seamless and worry-free.

As with any type of , embarking on a web hosting company change will go much easier if you develop a plan and then stick to it.

In order to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer from one web hosting company to another, you should allow yourself enough time to complete each step and then run tests for accuracy and accessibility.

Generally this type of transition requires at least three to four weeks from the initial planning stage to the date your new site is up and running.

Once you have completed your research and determined which site you will do business with (bear in mind there are hundreds of thousands of sites you can form an alliance with, so this can sometimes be a daunting and often frustrating task.

However, doing your homework at this stage can eliminate a lot of aggravation later.), you can have your new site activated usually within 24-48 hours.

The first, and most important, step at this stage is to ensure you do a secure and complete backup of all the files on your current (old) 's site regardless of whether or not you have the files stored on a local computer.

Backups are like insurance, you never appreciate having them until a catastrophe strikes, so even though it may be tempting to eliminate this step, you may live to regret it should the proverbial "Murphy, what can go wrong will go wrong " be lurking in cyberspace to sabotage your efforts.

Besides backing up the customary HTML files, it is a good idea to have copies of script, database and . Creating a directory structure that mirrors the one on your web server makes downloading files easier and the transition a lot more efficient.

Following confirmation from your new web hosting company that your account has been activated and your file transfer protocol procedures are operational, you are ready to upload your files to the new server.

Since you have already saved your files in a familiar directory structure, uploading your information to the new site should progress without a hitch.

Following completion of the above steps, you can now run some tests on the new web site in order to verify that all modules are working perfectly.

Once everything is working flawlessly, you are ready to change your old Domain Name Server (DNS) to the new one which would have been provided by the new web hosting company.

All that's left now is for you to sit back and wait for the hits to begin. http://Alojate.com is the premier web hosting company in Mexico, offering a range or services for all business needs. http://www.alojate.com http://www.expomascotas.com.mx http://www.pedregalescapes.com ]]> Craigslist, Yellow Pages, And Web Directory Lists As Information Providers http://www.artwoo.com/article/craigslist-yellow-pages-and-web-directory-lists-as-information-providers http://www.artwoo.com/article/craigslist-yellow-pages-and-web-directory-lists-as-information-providers#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:34:56 +0000 yellow pagesstrength training programtoilet paper rollphone bookphone booksheaven forbidpreferred destination http://www.artwoo.com/article/craigslist-yellow-pages-and-web-directory-lists-as-information-providers phone books have lost out on popularity. Of course, let me not count the occasion when my husband left the on the floor, directly beneath the waiting empty roll, for the 72nd time in a row. But for its actual use of providing information to me, I cannot remember when I last used it. In this day and age my computer is always so much closer than the phone book, although I must admit, it is much harder to throw across a room when frustrated. But yet I keep the thing around, try to camouflage the ugly machine with my decor or what have you. I have to keep it out and in plain sight for the whole world to agree that yes; I have a phonebook available for your information pleasure. I lose another useless monstrosity. Right, because something that is 6 inches thick and could be injurious when thrown appropriately could be lost easily. But seriously, do you think I know where it is? No, because I never use it. Just about anything that I need from it can be found on the Internet. The people that want to be found will be in the phone book, but I can look for them online as well. And if they don't want to be found, well, I am not going to find them in either place. But every year, Bell without fail drops one off at the end of my driveway, and within minutes, it ends up - somewhere - just in case I have an immediate phone number emergency where 911 does not apply (I have that one memorized, anyway).

Gone are the days of letting our fingers do the walking through the . In fact, the ubiquitous Yellow Pages are on the Internet as well. The Yellow Pages can't be knocked; they still remain one of the most useful information services out there. When looking for local information on businesses or services, it is my most . But I don't intensify my by flipping through hard copy information. I log on. In fact, it is faster for me to find out about my pizza place on the Internet than to find the phone number in the book. Also, with the advent of sites like Craigslist or web directory sites, I have many more options available to me within seconds if I need information. Craigslist and web directories operate very similarly to the Yellow Pages, with a few extras. Craigslist is primarily a classified ad site, but it can give a whole lot of useful information. Not only can I find local business information, but can also look for housing (which will come in handy for my husband if he attempts the toilet roll conundrum one more time), look for work, social activities, or whatever other community classifieds information you might want. What makes it even better is that I will be free from the attack of the ads while I am doing so, as I am in so many other places on the Internet.

In fact, Craigslist is so easy to use, and now, very much in demand, having over 15 million users a month, that even my online Yellow Pages are becoming archaic. The information on Craigslist is also current information, which does not always hold true for the Yellow Pages, online or otherwise. And now, with eBay controlling some of its shares, it is doing very well even in the presence of big players like Google and Yahoo. may already have become things of the past, but we have already found substitutes. If you liked this article, also visit: Craigslist at http://craigslistinfo.info Web Directory List at http://www.webdirectorylist.com and Yellow Pages at http://www.ppotter.com ]]> Use A Good Lotion To Keep Your Skin Moist http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-a-good-lotion-to-keep-your-skin-moist http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-a-good-lotion-to-keep-your-skin-moist#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:35:01 +0000 natural skincare productssilky smooth skinbody lotionsfruits and vegetablesfresh herbsskin glowproper diet http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-a-good-lotion-to-keep-your-skin-moist skin glow healthily, and feel silky smooth. Skin should always be constantly hydrated to maintain its beauty and health.

Another way to keep skin healthy and hydrated is through the of , and regular exercise. If dry skin is prominent, it is best to constantly moisturize and keep the skin hydrated, otherwise it will be damaged and might become increasingly rough.

A large number of reputable moisturizing contain exotic oils and as ingredients that can help keep the skin healthy. One of the greatest benefits of a good moisturizing body lotion is its ability to protect the skin from both warm and cold weather.

How To Use The Moisturizing Body Lotion

The proper way to use a moisturizing lotion is to apply it on when the skin is a little moist, the lotion is usually applied right after a shower or bath. To make sure that the products do their magic, it is always best to never wipe of the skincare product when it is already applied on the skin.

Before buying a large batch of moisturizing skincare products, it is always best to first consult your regular dermatologist. This will allow you to confer with your doctor about your skin type, and get tips in finding the kind of products best for you to use. The doctors can also give helpful guides about skincare in general. For example, oil based creams and lotions are best for people who have dry skin.

The Best Moisturizing Skincare Products

To avoid suspicious moisturizing products that may have unwanted side effects, you can choose to buy . Natural skincare products should always be chosen over popular commercial skincare products as much as possible. Some heavily artificial products can cause more harm than good, some have caused negative side effects such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Natural skincare products however, do not contain any harmful chemicals and may be a good match for any skin type. The best deep moisturizing products have shea butter and aloe vera included in their ingredients. It is important to note that moisturizing is great regimen for both men and women. It is especially useful for men after they shave.

However, people can still moisturize their skin and keep it healthy without having to buy expensive skincare products, they can simply choose to have regular diet of fruit and vegetables. They can also do regular exercise, which will help eliminate unwanted toxins from the body. Water is also a very helpful substance, it can help flush out toxins and keep the body generally healthy and hydrated.

One is the best tips in skincare is to follow these three important routines: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. These important steps will help keep you skin healthy, smooth, and constantly glowing. It will also help protect skin against the constant fluctuations of the weather. Using a good moisturizing body lotion is essential in having the wonderful skin you want. If you are looking for more information on moisturizing body lotion, visit http://www.skincarebodylotionguide.com/category/moisturizing-body-lotion/ ]]> Profit From Your Event - Define Your Payment http://www.artwoo.com/article/profit-from-your-event-define-your-payment http://www.artwoo.com/article/profit-from-your-event-define-your-payment#comments Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:27:09 +0000 unfortunatelydelegateticket moneynegligiblebusiness management consultantcoincideregistration fees http://www.artwoo.com/article/profit-from-your-event-define-your-payment Business Management Consultant who specializes in Service Level Agreements. Last month he ran four seminars in major Australian cities but he's finding that the does not cover his costs.

In these days of instant payment you would believe that the problem of unpaid is a issue. the days of instant payment do not with the days of red-tape-free purchase ledger accounting. Companies have their own internal rules about raising requisitions for payment and some may take in excess of 90 days to clear all of the hurdles. Although this is probably one of the best reasons for delivering invitations to corporate s more than three months prior to the event, it still leaves you with the conundrum of what to do about non-paying delegates.

The answer, as with all financial issues, is to have a clear set of contracted rules that are sent out with the invoice paperwork, the confirmation of registration, the joining instructions and any other communication that you may exchange with your delegates. There is nothing complicated about the wording; all you must state is "If payment is not received 21 days prior to the event then a place will not be reserved for the delegate". Choose your time period to be realistic otherwise you may alienate potential attendees who know that their accounts department cannot meet the criteria.

Nominate one of your admin team as a Credit Analyst to keep an eye on late payments and make it their job to make increasingly frequent calls to the delegate to enquire how payment is proceeding. This pressure alone will normally accelerate payment as the delegate won't want to lose their place at the event and they'll use your payment terms to coax the money from the accountants. What to do about late payment

In extreme cases delegates will plead their powerlessness against the moneymen and they will find themselves up against the wire with nowhere to turn. It's your opportunity to be magnanimous and allow the delegate to attend the event so long as they bring a check or even cash with them to hand over at the door.

Keep it in mind that bad debt in Australia can be measured in trillions of dollars each year and the major reason given is poor debt management, meaning that people are often not tenacious enough to chase down delinquent purchasers.

So, be tough and resolute; an event is an instant product, consumed as it is manufactured. If you get your payment late, how can you possibly pay all of the players who are providing goods and services to make the event a success? You can't ask for the product to be returned.

Be polite and understanding; offer the delegate a place on a later event or some one-on-one consultancy as an alternative. Be as flexible as you can but don't disrespect the prompt payers by relaxing your standards for an organization that can't get its act together. Published by My Booking Manager. A convenient, professional, time saving and cost effective way to accept registrations, bookings and payments for your next seminar, workshop, trade display or membership event Obtain your FREE report "20 Steps To Running Successful Seminars Roadshows Workshops And Events Report" at http://mybookingmanager.com ]]> Gemstones -- Girl's New Best Friend? http://www.artwoo.com/article/gemstones-girls-new-best-friend http://www.artwoo.com/article/gemstones-girls-new-best-friend#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:27:13 +0000 gemstonesgoshenitebirth stonesus geological surveyfashionable dressesbirthstonesalbeit http://www.artwoo.com/article/gemstones-girls-new-best-friend gemstones are just anybody's dream to have. Their natural colors more than match your very . Their sheer range could strike you spell bound. Gemstones are precious or semiprecious mineral stones which when cut and faceted can be used as jewels.

There is more to gemstones than just being jewelry items. They are regarded as lucky when worn specific to an individual's birth month. Before we deal with this aspect in detail lets see the classification of gemstones.

Classification and Characteristics of Gemstones There is a tri-level classification of gemstones namely, groups, species and varieties. Simply put, rubies which are red in color belong to conundrum species which in turn belong to hematite group. Others like emerald, aquamarine, , heliodor and morganite, all of them belong to that variety known as beryl. There are over 150 different species available.

Gemstones display all characteristics of crystals like dispersion, refractive indices, hardness, and specific gravity etc. They also possess characters like inclusions, fractures and cleavage which play upon their quality and values. However gemologists include all gems into the precious list.

Hardness is another important characteristic of gemstones. Simply put, hardness means resistance to scratch which is measured in Mohs, a system developed by an Austrian mineralogist F. Mohs. The scale of hardness reads from 1-10 with higher number indicating the hardest. If talc is at the bottom with just 1Moh, diamond has 10Mohs. Other popular gemstones like feldspar, topaz and sapphire having Mohs of 6, 8 and 9 respectively.

lists gemstones classified as birth stones. It is believed by most people that wearing brings luck to their lives. It is not surprising that all societies have this kind of faith with regards to gemstones, with differences here and there, looking at the romancing tryst every society had with these 'stones'. The list is in the order of calendar months with each month having at least one gemstone specific to that month. One can find a list of birth stones on official website of USGS.

Buying Gemstones USGS cautions buyers against unscrupulous sellers as more and more of them are trying to push through synthetic gemstones as genuine pieces to unsuspecting, inexperienced buyers. Gemstones are measured by size and carats. (1carat=1/5th of a gram.)

When buying gemstones, watch out for:

1.Heating alters the color sometimes improving clarity 2.Irradiation darkens colors 3.Impregnation with wax, resins etc fills cracks, flaws 4.Fractures filled by injecting plastic 5.Differential colors in center and surface indicates diffusion treatment

Always buy from reputed sellers who produce certificates by Gemological Institute of America to prevent a lucky stone turn unlucky. Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites, http://www.gemstones-foryou.info and http://www.diamondforyou.info ]]> 3 Great Work From Home Careers That You Should Definitely Consider http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-great-work-from-home-careers-that-you-should-definitely-consider http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-great-work-from-home-careers-that-you-should-definitely-consider#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:08:27 +0000 brick and mortar storebrick and mortarcredit card paymentsliterary landscapeall time highsbaking businesshome careers http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-great-work-from-home-careers-that-you-should-definitely-consider home careers seem to be elusive to the majority of the workforce. There are many advantages to working at home. Working at home can eliminate the need to commute. This saves you time and gas. By saving gas, you save money. Since gas prices have been reaching , there's never been a better time to start looking for work from home careers.

Unfortunately, the path to home careers is shrouded in a fog of mystery. The amount of information pertaining to work from home careers is miniscule. The relatively undeveloped of work from home books is an incredulous situation, considering the vast amount of opportunities the internet has brought.

Let's examine 3 great work from home careers you should consider.

Work From Home Careers Idea No. 1 Home Baker

If you live in a small but densely populated town, you can consider starting a . You can provide a menu of sweet treats for parties, functions and special occasions. The food business is extremely risky. Fortunately, bakers have the luxury of working out of their own kitchen.

By working from home, you do not have to maintain a storefront. A store is a large operating expense that should be avoided where possible. But the lack of a store creates another conundrum. Bakeries require product trials in order to become successful. So how do you encourage product trials without a store?

To solve this problem, you can form partnerships with other cafes or bakeries. You can try to sell a consignment of items for them to sell.

Work From Home Careers Idea No. 2 Online Retailer

Another great way to make money from home is by becoming an online retailer. Many entrepreneurs leveraged upon ebay and http://Amazon.com to become full time online retailers. Becoming an online retailer is simple, and there are many sales website that are accessible and easy to use.

There are also many payment services that will allow you to accept . These services charge a small commission for each transaction, but it is a convenient and fast way to accept your payments.

Work From Home Careers Idea No. 3 Becoming an Affiliate

There are many digital products available for sale on the internet. Software, music and e-books are some examples of digital products. By becoming an affiliate, you help to sell and promote these products. You do so by creating a website promoting these products. Every time you make a sale, you receive a commission for selling the product. Affiliate marketing is popular because of the high commission rates. Commissions can range from 30-75%. Good affiliates are able to support themselves entirely on the money they earn from affiliate marketing.

Work from home careers are now in abundance thanks to the internet. If you want to supplement your income, or if you want to work from home, consider entering the world of online sales. Leveraging upon the power of the internet will provide you with many opportunities to attain financial freedom. If you want to start working online, try to find a reliable guide that offers you many different alternatives.Kenneth Shorey is an expert providing valuable advice at http://ez-work-at-home.net . He has been teaching thousands how to work at home on the internet to earn a good income. Click Here to get FREE business tips on making money at home.]]> Sitting In Style With Brown Leather Bar Stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/sitting-in-style-with-brown-leather-bar-stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/sitting-in-style-with-brown-leather-bar-stools#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 22:29:57 +0000 bar stoolsincontrovertible factleather furnitureleather barbrown leatherfurniture leatherinimitable http://www.artwoo.com/article/sitting-in-style-with-brown-leather-bar-stools incontrovertible fact: humankind cannot live with an empty house alone. So, you buy truckloads of furniture - armoires, dining tables, couches, and yes, .

In recent years, brown stools have experienced a surge in popularity. Not only are they great space-savers, they are also highly moveable and trendy. With brown leather bar stools instead of a chunky couch or divan, you can change your living room's look any time you want.

The best thing about brown leather bar stools is the material its made of. Where look and style are concerned, is royalty. It makes you room appear elegant and classy simply because it's there.

Leather Factory

Leather comes from all over the world, but , in particular, is brought to our homes from the tanneries in South American, Germany, and Italy. Those brown leather bar stools hogging the limelight in your kitchen went through a four-step process. To make the transition from rawhide to finished ready-to-upholster leather, your brown leather bar stools went through processes known as splitting, tanning, coloring, and finishing.

From Hide to Home

Finish is a very important step in the creation of brown leather bar stools. From hide to upholstery, every tanned hide has to be "finished." Finishing is responsible for giving leather its appearance and texture. In general, brown leather bar stools, and any leather furniture for that matter, have the following finish:

Pigment: This is the most durable, stain-resistant furniture finish. It is cool to the touch, and has a protective opaque color, which covers the grain with consistency.

Aniline: This is less stain-resistant than pigment. However, it leaves the hide more pliable and warmer to the touch. Moreover, you can see the natural surface grain and markings on your leather.

Semi-aniline: This is a hybrid of aniline and pigment. The result is a finish that has uniformity of color, is resistant to stain, and is soft to touch.

Color Conundrum

Many homeowners agonize over their choice of leather color. Here's the rule of thumb when it comes to leather pigments. The heavier the pigment and the more corrected the grain, the easier it is to care for your leather. Brown leather bar stools are a perfect example of furniture with heavy pigment. They can hide dirt, stains, and aging far better than white leather, for example.

Questioning Quality

Good leather is no different from its owner. It bears the tell-tale signs of a life well lived. In other furniture, nicks and wrinkles are a no-no. In leather, however, natural marks such as veining, wrinkling, grain differences, and healed scars, are highly valued because they prove the leather is genuine and has survived for a long time. So, don't be horrified by the natural marks on your brown leather bar stools. Each wrinkle increases the leather's value.

There is no doubt furniture will always be a part of human existence. It's everywhere, from parks to rest rooms. Brown leather bar stools, in particular, let us sit in comfort and high style. Looking for bar stools in the UK ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/ )? Sit in style with brown leather bar stools ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/leather-bar-stools-c-13.html ), swivel bar stools ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/gas-lift-pod-white-bar-stool-p-480.html ), or any other bar stool of your choice when you visit http://SimplyBarStools.co.uk today. ]]> Drinking In Comfort With Gas Lift Bar Stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/drinking-in-comfort-with-gas-lift-bar-stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/drinking-in-comfort-with-gas-lift-bar-stools#comments Sat, 26 May 2007 20:15:00 +0000 bar stoolsbar stooloxymoronergonomicsconundrumergonomic valuemantra http://www.artwoo.com/article/drinking-in-comfort-with-gas-lift-bar-stools bar stool.

Gas Lift Bar Stool: An The term gas lift stool is something of a . Why is it called a gas lift bar stool? For one, there is no gasoline involved in the operation of the stool. For another, a gas lift bar stool cannot be lifted; only its seat can be. A gas lift bar stool is one that allows its users to change its height in relation to how tall a bar or desk may be. A gas lift bar stool's seat can be lifted and lowered at the whim of its user.

The Gas in Gas Lift In 1972, inventor Drabert Soehne from Minden, Germany obtained the patent to produce a gas spring that helps in the adjusting of chairs. This is the "gas" in gas lift bar stools. Whether he realized it or not, Soehen's invention not only made stools more comfortable, it also improved their .

Ergonomic Bar Stools is an applied science that relates to the design and arrangement of the objects that people use. Its purpose is to help people and objects interact in the safest and most efficient manner possible. Biotechnology is another term for ergonomics. One of the foundations of ergonomics is the that "one size does not fit all." Choosing a bar stool that is comfortable and adjustable is a concern that falls under this mantra. There is more to ergonomics, however. In a bar, an ergonomical system would also include the beer and plate of buffalo wings set on the table. Similarly, the gas lift bar stools you can sit on, the bar in front of you, the television raised behind the bar, and even the bar itself form part of the ergonomical system

Vikings, Wishbones and Squares A variety of gas lift bar stools with different styles, features and names, are in the market today.

Three Gas Lift Bar Stool: As its name suggests, the Three stool has squares on it. There is a square for the steel base, another one for the imitation leather seat, and a third for the back. The sturdy base prevents the stool from tipping when you are tipsy, and the footrest and backrest give you some additional support.



Tokyo Gas Lift Bar Stool: What makes the Tokyo gas lift bar stool special is the combination of its metal-plated base, footrest, and stem. Additionally, it has an attractive wooden seat top. It combines Asian artistry with Western pragmatism.

Viking Gas Lift Bar Stool: The Viking gas lift bar stool was named in honor of ancient pirate Scandinavians. It resembles the traditional horned Viking helmets that you see in world history textbooks and in operas. Even more interesting, its two footrests even look like the battle axes of Vikings!

Wishbone Gas Lift Bar Stool: The Wishbone swivel stool boasts of a solid steel base plated with metal, a footrest, an imitation-leather seat with turning action, and metal armrests. The stool's name comes from its wishbone-shaped arms. Breaking the stool won't bring you good luck.

Gas lift bar stools give you the comfort you expect and deserve. In a world where comfort is king, gas lift bar stools are a fine addition to any place. They lift you while you lift your mug. Discover just how comfortable and chic gas lift bar stools ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/roma-gas-lift-bar-stool-p-568.html ) can be when you visit http://SimplyBarStools.co.uk today. From breakfast stools ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/ ) to bistro tables ( http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/tables-c-11.html ), the site offers a diverse selection of furniture. ]]> MLM Is It A Scam Or Not? http://www.artwoo.com/article/mlm-is-it-a-scam-or-not http://www.artwoo.com/article/mlm-is-it-a-scam-or-not#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:27:03 +0000 mlm business opportunitiesmlm supportmlm industrymulti level marketingpyramid schemesivy league schoolsuniversity of illinois at chicago http://www.artwoo.com/article/mlm-is-it-a-scam-or-not multi level marketing (MLM), has become one of the major controversies in the business world. Both advocates and detractors have used strong arguments defending their view.

The detractors have condemned MLM as a scam because the system falsely claims instant riches with less effort based on a "pyramid" marketing scheme that expands a business improperly by promoting too much hype and misleading facts.

They also note that 95% of the fail, with supporting evidence. There are huge profits involved only for the top performers and not for the vast majority of the distributors.

The proponents of multi level marketing insist that it is one of the best business models to create wealth without investing large capital and on a short term basis. On the other hand, they also note that it requires a lot of effort and it is not a "get rich quick scheme", pointing out that this approach to marketing has been taught as a mainstream course in universities.

Although it is not common, if ever, to find this type of course officially given in , a similar course at the does exist (http://www.uic.edu/depts/oee/networkmarketing/index.html ).

The proponents of their arguments by claiming that there are many cases of people who succeeded in the with a small amount of start-up capital and only by following a specific plan put forth by the original company. They also differentiate the MLM from "" because the first contains a product or service with a legitimate company which supports it.

On the other hand "pyramid schemes" contain no products or services, or they include "pseudo products" in order to justify the existence of the "opportunity"

Another argument against MLM is the bogus claim of duplication. Nothing can be duplicated since every individual is unique and, under no circumstances, are we all capable of becoming top salesmen or developers of down-line, i.e. MLM marketers recruited as salesman, referred to as "independent business owners". Actually, a charismatic salesman in the network in this scenario rises in the ranks of the pyramid by earning money from these new recruit's hard work.

The MLM advocates that duplication is possible only when the marketing plan and the tools have been advanced by the mother company in order to be duplicable for the majority of the distributors. This implies that whenever the mother MLM company is in a position to provide such a tool, then ordinary people with little to none marketing background can copy the marketing techniques and tools and promote their MLM opportunity successfully.

Another downside of MLM is the exploitation of our relatives urging them to join our MLM opportunity which oftentimes stresses family relationships unnecessarily and is considered by many to be a dubious marketing tactic.

Some proponents may counter that there is no need to beg your relatives for sales; instead, what you need is qualified prospects who are interested in your offer. That can be accomplished by purchased targeted leads or specific advertising methods.

The list could go on. Maybe not even an exhaustive book would be enough to note all the arguments both sides deploy. Maybe the problem is the conundrum itself, in which we have to choose between demonizing or canonizing the MLM industry. Since nothing can be duplicated, everything boils down to how the individual marketer presents his material to his prospects. Therefore, one can conclude the MLM system is good for some and not for others, so there is no need to disparage it or support it in the first place as a third party observer.

In that way of thinking we will not find answers. Only detailed consideration of each and every MLM company would lead to more accurate conclusions and that means thorough examination of the products or services, the marketing and compensation plan, the marketing tools , and of course the company's support and background. Christos Varsamis is the creator of http://fastprofitbiz.com. He's been involved in the Network marketing industry since 1998 and a consultant for many companies.Get Free access to latest info about and MLM business opportunities, residual income business, products and services. http://www.fastprofit.biz ]]> Blue Collar Comedy Tour (DVD) Review http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-collar-comedy-tour-dvd-review http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-collar-comedy-tour-dvd-review#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:50:04 +0000 blue collar comedyblue collar comedy tourron whitelarry the cable guyredneck dialectwater purifierbarrel of laughs http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-collar-comedy-tour-dvd-review Blue Collar Comedy Tour ranks number one in the "must see" category. Few comedians can find an audience among a broad range of demographic groups, and with varying tastes among individuals, it's quite difficult to find universally entertaining people. But showcases four stand-up comics of such ability. The stand-up routines are filmed in Phoenix with intermittent features on the exploits of each of the men as they travel the country on their popular comedy tour. Opening up with all four men fishing in a lake, amazingly even the conversations between these men are hilarious and entertaining. What then could we expect when they take the stage? Only the best of modern redneck, working man comedy...

One of the rising stars of stand-up, brandishes his liquor and tobacco drenched persona along with a loveable sarcasm to produce one of the better comic routines of the decade. White chronicles his 9-minute plane ride to Phoenix which almost ended in tragedy when the plane was forced to turn around in mid-flight due to equipment trouble. But the event didn't phase the alcohol-induced outlook of White who advises the passenger next to him (a man who has something to live for, unlike White) that if one engine goes out, the other will take them right to the scene of the crash. And to top it off, they'll beat the paramedics by thirty minutes...

White's act is well followed by , a redneck's redneck who lives by the catchphrase "Get 'r done!" Speaking in a that borders on another language, Larry The Cable Guy is a for any American who loves apple pie. Providing unique insight into the world at large, his audience is presented with the great conundrum of the dog dish (among other things). Why should he buy a water purifier for an animal that eats its own crap? If you're unfamiliar with this guy's routine, you need to pick up a copy of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD just for him alone (or for that matter - any of these comics merit a full-length DVD by themselves).

Beginning the second half of the movie is Bill Engvall, a comic who takes a more well-spoken, family man approach to his routine. I first saw Bill on The Tonight Show when I was ten years old. He delivered the best stand-up routine I've ever seen, and I still remember much of it word-for-word to this day... Central to the routine was his trademark tagline "Here's your sign" (referring to a "stupid sign" handed out to people who make dumb remarks). Just like his colleague Jeff Foxworthy, Engvall has managed to keep that tagline not only going, but while inventing a hilarious treasure trove of new material. This guy is just plain funny...

Rounding out the final one-man routine is Jeff Foxworthy, perhaps the most famous of the crowd due to his widely promoted "you might be a redneck if..." jokes. Foxworthy starts off with a standard routine that's really funny (this part of his career has been widely overlooked), but then he naturally moves into the part of the routine that people love to hear - the redneck jokes. My favorite of the whole Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is his line "If a beaver bites off your nipple, you might be a redneck". Based on a true story, you simply have to watch Blue Collar Comedy Tour in order to understand just how hilarious that one is...

But the funniest part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is when all the comics are finished with their individual routines and they gather together on stage to tell personal stories to the audience. Each story keeps the belly laughs rolling, and each comic has his moments, but Ron White steals this part of the show with his "tater salad" story. Recounting the story of his recent drunk in public arrest (he was actually drunk in the bar - they threw him into public), White tells the tale of his rise from a small town in Texas to a life replete with criminal aliases such "tater salad" and his fathering of a child named "tater tot". You just have to it to really enjoy it!

With a host of talented funnymen, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is grade-A entertainment. Certain to be an enduring classic for years to come, this is one comedy film you don't want to miss... Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report (http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com), a blog where you can find more reviews like this one. ]]> Credit Repair and Self Empowerment http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-repair-and-self-empowerment http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-repair-and-self-empowerment#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:50:28 +0000 financial wellbeingbad applesshocking factsrepair expertessential servicerepair businesswhite knight http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-repair-and-self-empowerment Credit Repair Revelation

Wake up! The credit reporting industry is flawed and you may be paying the price. But you are not helpless. A credit reveals that may spur you to action today.

Credit Repair and the FTC Smoke Screen

The FTC did not set out to do you wrong. Without a doubt, they are well intentioned and have your well being at heart. Unfortunately, the heavy-handed FTC campaign against the in the credit has tainted the rest of the barrel and has unintentionally imposed a terrible cost on consumers.

The Credit Repair Conundrum

Credit repair is in a similar class with taxes and healthcare. All of these are of great importance and are somewhat shrouded in mystery. The more important an issue is, the more likely it is to evoke fear. There are few things as important to your as your credit, and few things as complex. Millions of people ought to be seeking credit repair help, but when they encounter the FTC warnings at the outset of their efforts it is often enough to stop them in their tracks. The social cost of this delusion is enormous.

Credit Repair Good Guys

It is true that there are bad guys in the credit repair business. The last time I looked this was true of every industry without exception. As of the time of this writing the bad guys in the credit repair business are fewer than ever, and a significant number of credit repair good guys have emerged. These companies deliver essential and valuable services in a professional manner to the great benefit of their customers.

The Prevalence of Errors

There are several reasons credit repair is an in today's world. The product produced by the credit bureaus is enormously influential. You might not think of credit reports as products, but that is exactly what they are, no different really from automobiles or computers. They are assembled, passed through a quality control process, and sold. Unfortunately, like many other products there are flaws.

The Crazy Cost of Errors

The flaws in the credit reporting system can be as dangerous as a manufacturing flaw in an automobile. Your life can depend on the quality of the product you buy and your credit report is no exception. About seventy percent of all credit reports contain errors. Credit report errors can lead to higher interest rates and loan denial; these are life-changing consequences.

Credit Repair Reality

Congress spent years debating the fearful impact of the credit bureaus on our lives. The legislation they hammered out is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). In a way this is a consumer protection law, but it is equally intended to protect the three national credit reporting agencies we refer to as the credit bureaus. It is true that congress was heavily lobbied by the credit reporting industry during the creation of the FCRA, but I can't cry conspiracy. There are economic realities involved with running any big business and these must be respected.

Look Out For Yourself

Congress had little choice but to attempt to balance the need for credit-reporting accuracy with the economic restrains of quality control. The end result is simple. Credit reports are as accurate as they are going to get, and consumers' better look out for themselves. The creation of AnnualCreditReport.com, the site where you can get your credit reports once a year for free, is a stipulation of the FCRA and an attempt by congress to provide us with an opportunity to manage our own credit repair efforts.

Overcoming Inertia

You just need to get off your butt. Inertia is natural when we are faced with any confusing task, but like jumping into the water it's not so bad once you get into it. Get your credit reports. Start your credit repair project. There are numerous ways to do this. Not withstanding the deceptive advertising of dozens of websites that offer so-called free credit reports, AnnualCreditReport.com is the only site you can get your reports for free.

On the Other Hand

This is not to say that it is the best site to get your reports for free. On the contrary, in spite of my approval of the creation of the site, it's really pretty difficult to maneuver. Personally, I'd spend a few bucks and get a simple tri-merged report. If you look carefully through the TrueCredit.com site (A TransUnion site) you can get a great tri-merged report without joining their monthly program, for $14.95.

Hire a Credit Repair Pro

Many people find the prospect of digging into the credit repair project just too much to handle. If you are busy and have enough going on in your life without taking the time to figure all of this out, just get on line and find one of the credit repair good guys. There is plenty of credit repair help available if you need it. Either way, it's your credit, so please take care of it!

Copyright © 2008 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.Jim Kemish, a nationally recognized credit repair and restoration expert, is the president of Sky Blue Credit, a leading credit repair service since 1989. Jim is also the president of Power Mortgage, a Florida mortgage company.]]> Startup Costs For Homebased Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/startup-costs-for-homebased-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/startup-costs-for-homebased-business#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:25:00 +0000 ebay amazonteddy bearsmarketing objectivecontacthow to make money on the internethomebased businesswork at home mom http://www.artwoo.com/article/startup-costs-for-homebased-business homebased business or work from home moms and dads, look to the Internet as a fast and easy way to generate income.

Traditionally, the first thing you think you need is a web site. But if you look at sites such as Ebay, Amazon and Yahoo!, you realize that a person doesn't need a website to make money on the Web! Savvy sellers take advantage of auction and direct sales sites to sell their wares with little to no cost. These smart marketers have the right idea! Marketing is first.

For others, and what to do first is a mystery. So they follow the pack and search for a web designer. Unfortunately, some are left with little funds to attract buyers to their shiny new website. And so goes the tale of a million sites on the Internet that don't work, don't pay for themselves, and certainly don't generate the income a hopes for.

One of the biggest obstacles is the copy on a web site page. Both search engine optimization and persuasive sales copy require additional funding in addition to web design and development. Nearly all novice web owners who we come in with don't realize that they have to provide the content for their web pages. It's usually an unpleasant surprise to find out that web designers don't write copy although someone on the company staff may provide this service. It calls for an extra fee.

Our solution to this conundrum is to start with your and then develop the pieces that deliver the objective. For example, when you want to sell , look for a domain name that includes teddy bears in the URL. Next, discover who wants your teddy bears and how you're going to let these buyers know about your bears. Then, make a list of why your buyer would want to own your teddy bear more than your competitor's teddy that looks a lot like yours. Once you have this basic information, consider all the parts you need to invest in to bring your offers to market on the Internet.

Here are some rough numbers: Your domain name from Network Solutions is $35 per year. If you're well funded, you might want to start with a web plan, about $1500. Copywriting is next and for a 12-page web site, you are looking at $2-300 per page, that's an average of $3060. A quality 12-page business HTML web site, including web design and development runs about $1500. All this expense and you have not sold your first teddy bear yet. Opt for a good web host, not those cheapy hosting services. In fact, it is a good idea to go with the hosting service your web designer prefers. Not all servers work the same, and you reduce the development and maintenance time and avoid paying your developer for more time when she is intimately familiar with the server tools. A reliable web hosting service costs $20-30 a month depending on the server space your site needs and the bandwidth used from all your web traffic.

If you are like most new web owners, you had no clue that all this was needed. There are still a few more steps to consider. One is the number of pages associated with your website. Twelve pages is a healthy number for most small business people to start with, but that can hardly support all the keywords you have to generate free web traffic. Plan on adding more keyword web pages as time goes on. Consider a competitor site with 100 search engine optimized web pages all devoted to selling teddy bears. Your site will struggle getting a top ranking against this big guy.

Two, is the big enchilada. Internet marketing. And this is where most of your funds go, and it's where most new web owners fall down. Even cutting all the corners, there is usually little left for marketing. And a lot of the time, new web owners are shocked and dismayed with the outpouring of money up to this point and dig their heals in at spending any more, especially when Internet marketing is a mystery for many.

Internet marketing involves several options. The most widely recognized is search engine marketing. You have probably heard the term. Another common marketing practice is CPC or PPC. Cost Per Click or Pay Per Click can be tricky and can drain your credit card quickly. It looks easy, but trust me on this, there is nothing easy about direct response copywriting and that's what placing ad copy on a search engine such as Google or Yahoo! requires. There is a method to determining how much to invest in a CPC bid. So don't rush in, write a few ads, and wait for visitors without knowing what you are doing.

It's a wonder so many people jump on the Web without finding out about all these costs, but they do. I guess it looks easy, but if you have invested hundreds, even thousands, and have yet to recover your investment, you know it is not easy. You don't know why. You only know, you keep trying different things, and you continue to wait for the big return. All you have to do is the smart thing upfront to save a lot of money and get good results in a decent amount of time. Hire a good Internet marketing company who can help you get the outcome you want. You will save a lot of time, frustration and money overall. Alexandria Marx has 20 yrs direct marketing copywriting, web design and Internet marketing. She's published two books on sales and marketing, and offers marketing tips for small business in addition to the Hungry Man Marketing plan for the homebased business. http://www.dm-creative.com ]]> Sarkozy's "Astonishing" Olympic Announcement http://www.artwoo.com/article/sarkozys-astonishing-olympic-announcement http://www.artwoo.com/article/sarkozys-astonishing-olympic-announcement#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:01:22 +0000 chinese president hu jintaofrench president nicolas sarkozyrama yadepresident hu jintaopresident nicolas sarkozyfrench president nicolashu jintao http://www.artwoo.com/article/sarkozys-astonishing-olympic-announcement
After a "productive" 30-minute meeting with the Chinese president, , Sarkozy's office officially released the news on Wednesday that it had already leaked to the French media last Friday.

To many in France, the news will have come as much of a surprise as suddenly discovering that the Pope is Catholic.

Basically it was always on the cards right back in March when Sarkozy first started digging himself into something of a diplomatic hole by saying he was shocked by China's security clampdown in Tibet and urging Beijing to re-open discussions with the exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

That of course opened a Pandora's box of speculation and thus began for the next month a huge domestic debate in the media as to "whether he would/should" or "whether he wouldn't/shouldn't" attend the opening ceremony.

Sarkozy didn't really help matters that much by staying silent and letting the rumours rumble along.

He remained tight-lipped in early April when his junior minister for human rights, , said in a newspaper interview that Sarkozy had set three indispensable "conditions" for Chinese authorities to meet before he would confirm his attendance.

Yade later backtracked, maintaining she had been misquoted. That led to (even more) speculation from some quarters that Sarkozy was playing a clever game of testing the political waters without actually getting his feet wet himself.

And then of course a few days later there was the disrupted passage of the Olympic flame through the streets of Paris, when demonstrators forced its journey to be cut short - right there in the glare of the world's media. Not a peep was heard from Sarkozy's office at the Elysée palace.

It wasn't until forced by circumstances that later the same week Sarkozy finally broke his silence and officially linked his presence at the opening ceremony with the resumption of talks between Chinese authorities and the representatives of the Dalai Lama.

He had moved on from March's "all options are open" approach to something resembling more of an ultimatum.

"France will do everything to encourage such talks," he said. " There are still several months to go (before the opening of the games) and there's no time to lose.'

"It'll be in light of the resumption of such a dialogue that I'll decide what will be the conditions for our participation."

That re-opening of a dialogue has been promised, so Sarkozy is - as far as he's concerned - off the hook.

Part of the problem in all of Sarkozy's manoeuvrings of course has been not so much what's at stake politically or diplomatically, but most importantly economically.

And that has brought with it into question the far wider issue of what constitutes French foreign policy and whether it's based on principles or pragmatism.

Sarkozy came to office assuring the former, but so far has shown himself only credible in delivering on the latter.

His election promise was to make respect for human rights the focal point of this country's foreign policy. But instead there has been a string of billion Euro deals done with trading partners no matter how questionable their human rights records might be; countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and of course the biggest one of all......China.

On a visit there last November Sarkozy clinched contracts worth €20 billion to French industry and he doesn't want to do anything to endanger those deals.

It also leaves his foreign minister - yes there is one in the shape of the much respected humanitarian and hugely popular Bernard Kouchner (who incidentally has found himself rather at odds with his track record as a man who has always been a firm supporter of Tibetan rights and counts himself as a friend of the Dalai Lama) in rather a weak and unenviable position.

French foreign policy has long been established as the domain of the president. And (for once) Sarkozy has stuck with tradition, proving himself to be the country's greatest salesman along the way.

Of course the story is far from being finished. There's still the thorny issue over whether Sarkozy will meet the Dalai Lama who is due to visit France between August 12 and 23.

What might have been all right for US president, George W. Bush - who will be at the opening ceremony, or for Germany's Angela Merkel - who won't, might just prove unacceptable as far as China is concerned, should Sarkozy decide to follow both leaders' example and greet the Dalai Lama officially.

There have already been less than veiled warnings of "serious consequences" from the Chinese embassy in Paris, which will doubtless require some interesting diplomatic tip-toeing à la française over the next couple of weeks to get around that particular conundrum.

For the moment though, Sarkozy is all set to take his place in Beijing among the invited dignitaries on August 8 wearing both his French presidential hat and that as the representative of the 27- nation European Union, of which France currently holds the six-month rotating presidency.

Whoever said that sport and politics don't mix? They seem a perfect combination almost made for each other.Johnny Summerton is a Paris-based broadcaster, writer and journalist specialising in politics, sport and travel. For more on what's making the headlines here in France, log on to his site at http://www.persiflagefrance.com]]> Kitchen Conundrum: How Safe Are Your Food Service Employees? http://www.artwoo.com/article/kitchen-conundrum-how-safe-are-your-food-service-employees http://www.artwoo.com/article/kitchen-conundrum-how-safe-are-your-food-service-employees#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:01:26 +0000 wet floor signsfoodservice safetysprains strainshead traumasbureau of labor statisticsgood housekeepingcompany reputation http://www.artwoo.com/article/kitchen-conundrum-how-safe-are-your-food-service-employees foodservice safety is a bottom line to any successful business. Regardless of the restaurant's reputation or customer satisfaction, a focus lacking in foodservice safety can lead to serious employee injuries as well as food safety.

A company that has an active safety program not only realizes a reduction in workers' compensation costs but also an increase in employee productivity. Customers benefit from consistent food quality, timely service, and improved .

To fully realize these goals, a thorough hazard assessment should be conducted. The assessment will identify and analyze all injury-producing conditions and instruments in the workplace. The assessment also includes determining where new controls or work practices will benefit the goal of injury prevention and workplace safety.

Slips, trips and falls

According to the , sprains, strains and tears were the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in 2005. Of the more than 500,000 injuries, many resulted in fractures, back injuries, , and other injuries. When translated into dollars, the average cost of a sprain/strain injury was $15,757 reflecting medical and indemnity. It goes without saying, preventing slips, trips and falls boils down to . Employers should purchase "Caution: Wet Floor" signs, grease-resistant and slip-resistant mats and slip-resistant shoes. The easier it is for an employee to clean up a spill, the more likely they will do it.

Burn Injuries

Even the smallest of burns can make performing every day kitchen functions painful and even impossible. Annually, thousands of burns can be linked to the foodservice. Employers should identify tasks which expose employees to steam, hot oil and high temperatures. Heat-resistant aprons, and oven mitts provide the best defense for employees.

Burns most often occur when:

Management has not properly trained or informed employees on safety rules
Employees ignore the safety rules or take shortcuts
Employees become laxed in their job and take unnecessary risks
Illness, tiredness, or addiction affect an ability to concentrate

Proper Lifting

Training employees to properly lift and move heavy loads also greatly reduce the risk or injury. It will also save employers from costly lawsuits or medical fees. In addition to training employees on the correct way to lift heavy objects, employees should also use dollies or carts to do the lifting work for them, ask a buddy to assist him or her, and clear the path of obstacles.

Preventing Cuts and Lacerations

On a typical busy night, a local foodservice kitchen may resemble a juggling knife act. Necessary for any foodservice establishment, knives are one of the major causes for work-related injuries. In an effort to reduce the hazard of knife injuries, consider the following:

Evaluate different knives that could be used in the workplace
Involve employees and seek feedback
Test knife options appropriate for the task
Specify which task is completed with which knife, when sharpening is needed and where knives should be stored

Employee training is key regarding work practices with knives. Brief small group training sessions could focus on the proper use of one type of knife or knife safety in general. Most foodservice establishments also utilize equipment such as meat slicers, cutters and grinders. Companies should be aware of state and federal laws which prohibit those under 18 years of age from setting up, operating, cleaning or repairing such equipment.

Also important is the training of employees on the correct use of utility knife box cutters when opening supply boxes and food shipments. Product damage as a result of careless box cutting accounts for millions of dollars in loss for businesses each year. Razor blades or broken pieces from box cutter blades can also contaminate products, resulting in potential hazards for consumers. Recently, a customer of a Bradenton, Florida, McDonald's restaurant reportedly found a razor blade in her breakfast sandwich. Reports did not indicate how the razor blade got there, but one TV report mentioned that box cutters were used to open cartons of food supplies.Safecutters Inc., provides an online store of utility knife box cutters for opening shipping boxes and shipping packages, as well as safety knives to open moving boxes and packages. For more information about Klever Kutter and other Safecutters products contact us!]]>