lone ranger http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for lone ranger Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:49:14 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/lone+ranger Park Ranger And The Many Hats Of The Park Ranger In The Criminal Justice Field http://www.artwoo.com/article/park-ranger-and-the-many-hats-of-the-park-ranger-in-the-criminal-justice-field http://www.artwoo.com/article/park-ranger-and-the-many-hats-of-the-park-ranger-in-the-criminal-justice-field#comments Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:15:01 +0000 cigarette buttalcohol consumptionfire parkwide open spacepark rangersfire forestpark visitors http://www.artwoo.com/article/park-ranger-and-the-many-hats-of-the-park-ranger-in-the-criminal-justice-field Park rangers are nature lovers by nature. They enjoy being and working outside. Perhaps it is the fresh air that they enjoy so much. Or, it is the . It could also be the interaction with the or all of the above.

Whatever it is that drives someone to the park ranger profession, one thing is for sure, they must also enjoy wearing many hats. This is because park rangers get involved in so many things in the course of doing their job. In this article, I will discuss the many hats a park ranger could wear in discharging his or her duties.

In no particular order of importance, they are:

1. The park ranger could be called to wear the hat of a law enforcement officer. This will mean ticketing or arresting a park visitor.

You see, just as in anywhere else in life, the law can be broken in the park. For example, a park visitor can indulge in too much in the cause of enjoying what the park has to offer. And we know what too much alcohol consumption can lead to. This person can become unruly or abusive to other park visitors.

In this case, it is the job of the park ranger to arrest or evict the person from the park. The failure of the park ranger to do this, could lead to dangerous situations. One of them could be somebody getting killed or seriously injured.

2. The park ranger could be called upon to control forest fire. Forest fire can be devastating. Families have lost their homes and valuables because of forest fire. Add to this the loss of wildlife. Then, you begin to understand why it is important to control forest fire.

Park rangers are one of the government agencies entrusted with controlling forest fire. They must watch park visitors to make sure they don't start fires that can rage out of hand. Something as simple as throwing a out can start a forest fire. While ordinary park visitors may not know this, park rangers know this too well. So they must educate and watch park visitors to keep this from happening.

3. The park ranger could be called to wear the hat of a search and rescue person. It is quite easy for park visitors to wander too far from other people. This is especially so for children. They can easily stray too far from their family and not be able to find their way back. In this case, the park ranger must help locate them before something harmful happens to them.

Another thing that also easily gets lost in the park is animals. Dogs and cats are perfect examples. One minute they could be with their owners, the next minute they could run too far into the woods. Here again, the ranger must come to the rescue.

The park ranger does indeed wear many hats. I have only scratched the surface. If you are interested in the park ranger career, I encourage you to do more research on what you will be doing on the job. This way, you will have no surprises after you get into the profession. You can do so by visiting websites which cover the park ranger career in more detail.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links. Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer for http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com. Get free scholarship report and learn to become a Park Ranger at http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com/park-ranger.html just for visiting. See Also: http://www.extra-income-ideas.com ]]> Awesome Halloween Superhero Costumes http://www.artwoo.com/article/awesome-halloween-superhero-costumes http://www.artwoo.com/article/awesome-halloween-superhero-costumes#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:22:26 +0000 halloween maskspopularity levelfilm franchisesdc heroesbatman costumeincredible hulketernal struggle http://www.artwoo.com/article/awesome-halloween-superhero-costumes eternal struggle of good versus evil. Also, superheroes embody a number of traits that many find admirable. Then, there are those who have fond memories of heroes from their childhood. This perpetually stimulates their interest in these heroes. For some, it's just the fact that superheroes are downright cool that makes them appealing. So, it is no surprise that superhero movies are popular and should be even less surprising that superhero are perennial favorites. And, yes, there are a huge number of superhero masks and costumes to choose from.

The main producers of comic characters are Marvel and DC. Needless to say, they have spawned some excellent Halloween masks and costumes...

Without a doubt, Marvel Comics significantly change the face of comic books and superheroes with a radical approach to changing superhero clichés. Marvel created some of the most memorable original characters in history including Spiderman, the , and the Fantastic Four. How great were these characters? Well, not only do their books still sell tremendously to this day they have also been featured in some the most successful in history. So, if you show up to a party dressed up as a top Marvel character such as Captain America, you can't help but look great. These classic Marvel characters are greatly loved and that's why they make fantastic Halloween masks and costumes.

DC Comics have been around since the 1930's and have spawned three of the most popular heroes in all of pop culture: Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. While many of DC's characters are no longer at the current of Marvel's characters, certain still remain iconic. So, you really can't go wrong wearing a or Halloween masks of one of his enemies such as The Joker. Then again, you can even wear the costume of one of DC's cool "B Grade" heroes such as Green Arrow or Green Lantern. They look quite stunning as well.

While comic books are definitely the source of a number of unique and original super heroes, many amazing heroes experience their origin in another medium. In the days before television, radio was the primary entertainment medium. During the golden age of radio, a number of amazing heroes were born. Two of the most popular were the Green Hornet and the Lone Ranger. (Lone Ranger Halloween masks never go out of style) To this day, both of these heroes remain incredibly popular as Halloween costume choices. Then, there are other classic heroes whose popularity is owed to the film industry. Flash Gordon may have started as a weekly newspaper strip, but it was his appearance in old movie serials which cemented his popularity forever.

Really, there are no limits to the number of popular superhero costumes. As such, they always make a safe and fun choice for Halloween masks.Nikki is co-owner along with her business partner Phillip Lloydof a number of highly recognisable UK based online brands includingHalloween Costumes UK. http://halloweencostumesuk.co.ukIf you would like to learn more about Halloween Masks then visit: Halloween Costumes UK]]> Getting Things Done With Unreasonable Requests http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-things-done-with-unreasonable-requests http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-things-done-with-unreasonable-requests#comments Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:35:00 +0000 joint venture partnerswhole lot betterask and it shall be givenexpectationsrelationshipslone rangerwimpy http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-things-done-with-unreasonable-requests
If your vision is important enough you most likely can't do it all yourself. That's why you build an organization in the first place. If you're more of a you have contractors, or outsource , or . Problem is, once you have these relationships, these people must be in action or you get nothing.

Key question: Does anyone do anything meaningful without someone asking him or her to, and without them promising to it in return?

I call this a request, and making requests is the thing that causes people to get things done. Want something done? Just ask. Little requests are easy. People say yes.

But big requests carry their own little problem.

Most of us, even leaders, hate rejection. So we only ask for small things, easy-to-do things, things. It's rare that we ask for what we really want.

We cut back our . Our scaled-down requests make it easy for others to say yes, but those requests get us results far below what we really want. After a while, we just accept the fact that we can't ask too much from people, and our expectations drop without our realizing it.

Here's a little secret that can make things easier for you:

A request is not a demand or an order. When you are "asking" (that's what makes it a request) people can say "No." Or they can counter-propose something different. They can renegotiate.

In each case, you'll get something, and that something is always better than nothing. Often it's a .

So go ahead, and be unreasonable.

Ask for the moon.

Ask for whatever it is you need and want -- no matter what.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; . . . knock, and it shall be opened unto you," says the Bible. If you are going to knock, don't be meek about it.

Knock on the big doors. Knock loudly.

Someone might just answer. Paul Lemberg is the CEO of Axcelus Advisors (http://www.axcelus.com) , the world's only systematic approach to strategic business growth and business acceleration. His newest book is Be Unreasonable, from McGraw Hill. ]]> Bowhunting Equipment - Tree Stands Are Essential to Every Archer http://www.artwoo.com/article/bowhunting-equipment-tree-stands-are-essential-to-every-archer http://www.artwoo.com/article/bowhunting-equipment-tree-stands-are-essential-to-every-archer#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:16:00 +0000 backpack strapsnotch piecerapid climblone wolfcast aluminumfoam seatcopperhead http://www.artwoo.com/article/bowhunting-equipment-tree-stands-are-essential-to-every-archer
Summit 2005 Bullet Back Packer Climbing Tree Stan

The first tree stand we will look at is the Summit 2005 Bullet Back Packer Climbing Tree Stand. These tree stands are high quality bowhunting equipment. This stand folds flat, making it easy to move to any place you need it. A padded seat and Ergo Arms make this stand comfortable enough for hours of use. When climbing, stirrup bars actually secure the platform to your boots.

Summit Hang On Tree Stand

Another top- of bowhunting equipment from Summit is the Copperhead Hang On Tree Stand. It is compact, light and easy to move around with included. This stand has a quiet strap and receiver and folds flat for easy transport. Next is the Summit Deer Deck Hang On Tree Stand. The platform measures 29 inches long by 24 inches long, which helps when you're about 20 feet high in a tree. To keep you safe and secure, the stand has two high strength ratchet straps and a two post backbone. To make sure you can stay in the stand for a longer amount of time, it has a 18 by 12 inch padded seat.

Alpha 16 Ladder Tree Stand

Here are some more makers of quality bowhunting equipment. First is the Lone Wolf Alpha 16 Ladder Tree Stand. Able to go up to 16 feet high, a platform measuring 30x19.5 and legs that are individually adjustable to conform better to ground that is not even. Now let's look at the Lone Wolf Elite Hang On Portable Tree Stand. This has a cushion, a very large one piece platform of and a big sized cast seat. Lightweight and maneuverable, you can backpack with it anywhere.

Lone Wolf Assault Hang On Portable Tree Stand

Another great example of quality bowhunting equipment is the Lone Wolf Assault Hang On Portable Tree Stand. Some hunters do believe that less is more. For them, the Assault is a top choice in tree stands. It has a smaller platform to fit into tight spaces, it only weighs 10 pounds and it has a one piece aluminum platform. Finally, we will look at the Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber Combo Stand. This stand features non-slip footing, aluminum platform, a lightweight frame and the brush pockets and bow holder are actually molded right into the frame. All this is great bowhunting equipment from Lone Wolf.

Weather you need a tripod stand, a loc-on stand or a ladder stand to fit your needs, you will find that and a whole lot more at www.eaglearchery.com. They have all the high quality, top name tree stands available.At Eagle Archery we are dedicated to providing you with the largest selection of Bowhunting Equimpent on the Internet. We stock over 10,000 products, and are adding more all the time, including but not limited to a great selection of Bowhunting equipment.]]> What Your Child Can Learn From The Power Rangers (And You Can Too) http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-your-child-can-learn-from-the-power-rangers-and-you-can-too http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-your-child-can-learn-from-the-power-rangers-and-you-can-too#comments Sun, 20 Aug 2006 12:27:06 +0000 power rangerspower rangerdissuadepaleontologistheroesoccasionallyexemplify http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-your-child-can-learn-from-the-power-rangers-and-you-can-too occasionally watches television. This means that we are now members of the Cult. I admit when I was first exposed to these multi-colored I was more than a little disdainful. I did much to my son from his attachment, but it was pretty difficult to counteract the spell of the warrior-teens, their leader, and dinosaur helpers. As time went on, new generations of came into being and I learned more about the long history of Power Rangers. I came to see that they are actually a good influence on my son's life -- and mine as well. Here are ten ways that the Power Rangers have provided positive role models for both my son and me.

First, the Power Rangers teach their young audience how to be a good person. The shows consistently demonstrate the teens helping others. They are heroes so they fight a range of villains and evil forces while in full Power Ranger mode. However the youths also help out children, the homeless, and other needy folks while not powered up in ranger form.

Power Rangers are also all about respect. Sometimes they learn the hard way to be more respectful but by and large they are respectful of their elders, each other, and other humans, life forms, and places. In a world where so many people seem to have lost the habit of respect it is always refreshing to see it exemplified by a popular media form.

Fans can also learn a lot about friendship from the Power Rangers. Many story lines deal with the problems and challenges faced by friends. These stories teach children that friendship and love can cross any boundary from gender to race to age.

Loyalty is another important value that the Power Rangers . The heroes are loyal to each other as well as their values. Many story lines emphasize lessons based on this important trait.

Perseverance can also be learned from the Power Rangers as they face many struggles and challenges to master their skills and powers as well as overcome their foes. Many times they face seeming insurmountable obstacles but Power Rangers don't give up.

They also demonstrate that determination and hard word are keys to success. Despite having super powers (or magic) and some pretty nifty tools, gadgets and assistants, nothing ever comes easy to the Power Rangers. They always win in the end but sometimes have to pay a pretty steep price for success.

Flexibility is another Power Ranger trait. Effective Rangers are flexible and adapt to changing circumstances, challenges, abilities, and allies. The ability to adapt and change is also key to success in real life so this is a good lesson that can benefit us all.

Learning is also a priority for the Power Rangers. They place great value on their education and training, not only as Rangers, but also as people. They recognize the knowledge is power and can be one of the greatest weapons anyone possesses.

Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is also an important Ranger lesson. The rangers recognize they are more powerful and more effective if they are in top form both physically and emotionally.

And last, but certainly not least, the Power Rangers teach us all how to be a hero. They regularly give of themselves for the greater good and I can only hope that as more and more children are influenced by the Power Rangers that we will then have more and more heroes among us.

While I don't advocate buying into the vast franchise system powered by the rangers, although I must admit we have everything from jockey shorts and costumes to toys and DVDs in our home, you might want to check out a few shows and judge for yourself. There is a lot that children, and adults, can learn from the Power Rangers. Deanna Mascle shares more inspiration, motivational and thought-inspiring articles with her blog at http://JustFolks.net ]]> Choosing The Right Helicopter http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-helicopter http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-helicopter#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2006 04:27:15 +0000 robinson r22 helicopterturbine helicoptersbell jet rangerschweizer 300squirrelsikorsky s76mcdonnell douglas http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-helicopter
Helicopters are measured in terms of passenger capacity, comfort, versatility, speed, and of course cost.

Choosing the right one for you depends on these criteria. For example, if you want a cost effective helicopter strictly for personal use, you can take the or the Robinson R22 (helicopter for 2). It has basic comfort and few features.

The exact opposite are the McDonnell-Douglas 500, Enstrom Shark, and the Agusta 109A. They are fast and more convenient to fly.

In between these 2 extremes are Eurocopter and the . These are single turbine-engined helicopter that are more commonly used for filming work and charter flying. The Eurocopter Squirrel and the Bell Jet Ranger are agile, fast, and comfortable, but are constrained to fly on a fair weather.

This is not the case with the and The Eurocopter Dauphin 2 which can fly at 200mph and can accommodate up to 14 people safely and comfortably.

With these, we can narrow down your selection into 3:

Light Piston-engined Types -- If you want a cheap personal helicopter that could sit for two, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 would be your choice. They can fly at the speed of 80-110 mph. With a seating capacity and small size, these helicopters are light, easy to fly, and easy to maneuver. Surprisingly, the light piston-engined helicopters use a more expensive fuel than that of the kerosene based turbine engines but they consume less fuel. However, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 is less buyable for charter and corporate use. They are more popular, however, on training and personal use.

Light -- 500E, Eurocopter Squirrel and the (Agusta-) Bell Jet Ranger are widely used around the world for its practicality and mid-range amenities, comfort, size, speed, versatility and price. Private owner often prefer light turbine helicopters among other types for these given reasons. The look is sporty and performance is almost perfect (if not perfect).

Twin Engined Helicopters -- Stronger, safer, faster and more versatile helicopters are the likes of the Dauphin, Sikorsky S-76, Agusta 109, and Eurocopter Twin Squirrel. These are powered by 2 engines and can go places that other smaller helicopters can't go. These are far better choice for high-end market with high price bracket.

Now you have this information, you can choose what's yours. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on RC Helicopter and other useful information, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com ]]> Comparison Of Warranties On Pickup Trucks http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparison-of-warranties-on-pickup-trucks http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparison-of-warranties-on-pickup-trucks#comments Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:20:01 +0000 isuzurustdodge dakotawarrantiespowertrain coveragedrivetraincovers http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparison-of-warranties-on-pickup-trucks warranties on competing models. Truck warranties cover four aspects of the vehicle: Basic Warranty (which pretty much everything on the truck in its early life), (the internal components that are often high-ticket items to replace), (exterior of the car only), and Roadside (which means someone will head out to help you if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere or you run out of gas). We compared four popular trucks with regards to each of these warranty components: , Toyota Tacoma, i-370, and the Ford Ranger. Here's what we found out:

Basic Warranty. Three years of coverage or up to 36,000 miles is the industry standard and covers the average lease, making all four candidates dependable with the Dakota, Ranger, and Tacoma coming in on par. The Isuzu i-370, however, comes out ahead in this category, with the Isuzu Basic Warranty covering three years or up to 50,000 miles. This is important if you do a considerable amount of driving or hauling and plan to put on more than 12,000 miles a year.

Drivetrain. This is the biggie because engine components are expensive to replace and quite frankly, you can't continue to drive the truck if they aren't functional like you could with most exterior component failures. Isuzu proves superiority in this category as well with 7-year, 75,000 mile . The Tacoma and Ranger lag significantly with their 5-year, 60,000 mile warranties, and Dodge brings up the rear with its considerably inferior 3-year, 36,000 mile coverage.

Rust. Now this may not mean a whole lot unless you live in an area of the country where the seasons can be less than friendly on your car, or if you tend to do a lot of city driving on salted streets in winter. If either of those situations apply, rust prevention should be a priority. In this arena, all four vehicles run neck and neck with Isuzu's corrosion limited warranty slightly more impressive than the others. Dodge offers a 5-year, 100,000 miles warranty for the Dakota while Isuzu gives car owners an extra year with 6-years or 100,000 miles rust-free. Toyota and Ford won't cover as long as Isuzu will. They offer five years only, with unlimited mileage (which doesn't account for a whole lot since corrosion is associated with time and not the number of miles the truck drives).

Roadside Assistance. The winner, again, Isuzu with a 7-year, 75,000 mile roadside assistance package. A full four years longer than the Dakota's 3-year and 36,000 mile guarantee. Ford provides assistance for the Ranger for five years or 60,000 miles. And we had trouble finding the Tacoma's roadside assistance package on Toyota's website, so we aren't even sure one is offered.

All in all, Isuzu seems to stand behind its i-370 (and i-290) by extending its warranties beyond those of its competitor=97always a good sign when trying to determine if a vehicle will withstand the additional wear and tear pickups tend to endure. If you're not going to push the truck to its limit, the Ford and Toyota's warranty packages will probably prove to be sufficient. The biggest red flag, in our opinion, is Dodge Dakota's extremely limited drivetrain warranty which could very easily equate to big expenses down the line. Check out the all new http://www.isuzu.com isuzu trucks line for 2008. Isuzu now has a http://www.isuzu.com/i370.jsp crew cab truck with great gas milage. Build your dream truck right now. ]]> Home Business Withers For Lack Of Support http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-business-withers-for-lack-of-support http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-business-withers-for-lack-of-support#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:25:01 +0000 savvy entrepreneurinternal revenue servicenew investorloving supportgreat tvlone rangerbusiness venture http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-business-withers-for-lack-of-support Lone Ranger and the Dirty Harry may have made for some , they did not have to sell a good, woo a customer, win a client, or impress an investor. This kind of personality is perhaps the least conducive for home business purposes, yet some entrepreneurs have found that they slipped into the mindset of its being them against the rest of the world.

Embarking on their , they have forgotten to get one of the most important things in place: a support network. A home business withers for lack of support and any entrepreneur who has ever had to face a grim day, an audit notice from the , a malfunctioning computer, a childcare problem, or just a water main break on the day of the big presentation to a knows that without the of friends and family, there is precious little that they can accomplish.

Thus, it is highly surprising that so many opt to plan, think about, dream about, and then seek to implement their dreams all by themselves =96 even as they are surrounded by scores of people! It is the who will ensure that a solid support network is in place before she or he will ever even consider starting out in business!

Start with your spouse. It is vital that your spouse supports your decision to become an entrepreneur, and since you will be working from home, it is important that the other person is on board with your converting part of their residence into a business or office space. This is especially crucial if you will have clients or customers coming to your home and your spouse may need to either "disappear" or ensure that the home is presentable.

Follow up with the kids. If you have children, they need to understand what the plan is and the part they will play in it. Even the very young can understand that while you have a client visit, they are not to bang on the door or play loudly just outside. Instead, they should know that they will need to remain in their rooms and play quietly and wait with any questions until you are finished with your business meeting.

Friends will need to be enlisted for emotional support =96 after all, who can cheer you up better than a friend who knows just when to stop by and take you out for a latte =96 and also to roll up their sleeves and help out. There may be times when you need help with childcare or perhaps a mass mailing needs to be stuffed into envelopes and has stamps affixed to it. Whatever the case may be, without having your friends in your corner, you will find that starting and running a home business is an uphill battle.

On a side note, remember that getting family and friends on board is also the antidote to having friends and others stop by uninvited and seek to enlist you for personal favors since you are home during the day. In the same vein, friends and family understand that just because you are at home, you are still working and thus need to be treated with the same consideration as someone who is putting in a full day at the office.

Copyright =A9 Jim Sperlich To find the best legitimate home based business opportunities and ideas so you can work at home visit: http://www.HomeBusinessMoneyWizard.com ]]> 3 Tips For Every Woman Starting A Home Based Business - Challenges To Expect, Keys To Succeed http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-tips-for-every-woman-starting-a-home-based-business-challenges-to-expect-keys-to-succeed http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-tips-for-every-woman-starting-a-home-based-business-challenges-to-expect-keys-to-succeed#comments Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:27:17 +0000 email campaignmaillesley spencerworking momscontactconsciouspersevere http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-tips-for-every-woman-starting-a-home-based-business-challenges-to-expect-keys-to-succeed Lesley Spencer, founder and president of Home Based (http://HBWM.com), suggests three steps to help ensure success:

1. Consider Your Options

The first obstacle in starting a business is figuring out which one's right for you. Before making any decisions, find out what's available to you. Almost anything you can do--whether it's graphic design, sales and marketing, or administration--you can do from the comfort of your home. Before determining a direction, look at all factors involved:

• Your skills and interests. You're much more likely to and succeed if you enjoy what you're doing.

• Your personality. If you're extremely shy, hosting home parties might not be right for you--even if you really like the product you're selling. Many women fail because they jump into the first thing they see, and it doesn't work with their disposition.

• Your needs. How many and what hours can you work? How much money do you have to make? How much flexibility do you need in your schedule?

Once you've researched your opportunities and analyzed your skill set, you can make an informed, intelligent decision about which career move is right for you.

2. Make a Effort to Develop Your Customer Base

Many women are good at what they do, but don't know how to market themselves to reach customers. Spencer advises, "Make a conscious decision to do something to market your business daily, or at least weekly, whether it's a -out, an , or offering a special."

Word-of-mouth referrals mean more business, so focus on doing a good job for the clients you have. Always do follow-up--you want to stay in and remind people you're there. Having a website, an online presence, is another tool you can use to attract new customers.

3. Don't Be a Lone Ranger--Find a Support Network

You don't have to feel alone or try to handle everything yourself--there are many online communities that can provide you with support and advice. http://HBWM.com and many online groups offer what's called a Listserve that lets you post questions all the members of that site can see and respond to. Says Spencer, "[It] can save you hours of research just asking someone with that experience." Whatever business you're in, there's a forum for it. Seek out people that have already succeeded--find a mentor. Chris Malta and Robin Cowie of WorldwideBrands.com are the Writers and Hosts of The Entrepreneur Magazine EBiz and Product Sourcing Radio Shows. http://www.worldwidebrands.com/EMRinfo for more FREE eBiz info from Entrepreneur Magazine Radio! ]]> Focus On That Vital 15% Of Employees For Profit And Real Growth http://www.artwoo.com/article/focus-on-that-vital-15-of-employees-for-profit-and-real-growth http://www.artwoo.com/article/focus-on-that-vital-15-of-employees-for-profit-and-real-growth#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2007 04:27:05 +0000 interpersonal conflictlone wolvesplacateproductive employeesmanagement effortswrong directionhealth wealth http://www.artwoo.com/article/focus-on-that-vital-15-of-employees-for-profit-and-real-growth
Without realizing it you may be well be focusing your vital management and human resource talents, resources and energy in the . By simply focusing on the wrong path you may well be limiting your organizations health, wealth, profit and real growth.

We live in a culture of "democracy". In addition we as a culture view "conflict "and " "as a bad thing. Perhaps this is not so. Perhaps we should look the glass in another manner and viewpoint.

85 % of the results of most endeavors come from 15 % of the efforts. For example in real estate usually 85 % of the sales come from only 15 % of the salespeople. Fully 85 % of employees you hire and pay are just dead weight. These are the "crowd" so to speak who the management is focusing their energy on to whereas and energy should be on focusing towards keeping the productive 15 % happy and fruitful.

The exceptionally productive 15 % are what is keeping the organization productive , in the black and indeed are subsidizing the others who probably are doing very little but telling tales at the water cooler of their plans of valor and pointing out who won the latest lottery.

Why single these out to reprimand them as "troublemakers" or "" who are not part of "team'. Instead one should identify these employees to further reward them and support them in their efforts.

Identify and measure the productivity of the specific employees. Are they a major production or profit center? Is there a way to make their efforts easier and even more productive It may not be likely that promoting this person to a level of management or supervisor may make any sense or profit as they are probably at their level of greatest competence. Promoting them as a "reward" may indeed by counterproductive. Knowing their "job" well may cause them to get frustrated with others who "cannot get the job done". Best to leave this person at their station and find ways to specifically reward them in a manner that they and not necessarily you regard as a good reward.

Perhaps all this person needs is recognition of their good efforts and attempts to elicit a discussion on the merits of their efforts and a slight redirection for better purpose. Perhaps specific training can be of help. For example a communications improvement program such as toastmasters or a Dale Carnegie course.

If the above turns out to be of little use and are indeed hopeless perhaps it is best to recognize the "lone wolf" tendencies and inherent productivity or this valued employee. Not all people like to be "team players". Perhaps they should be left alone to prosper you on the job. Perhaps they can be promoted or moved to a job where they are unsupervised and work alone -- to the better avail of the organization.

In the end it may well be said that one bad apple may spoil the barrel. However that apple may be your best apple. Shaun Z. Stevens Winnipeg Job Shark http://www.winnipegjobshark.com http://www.aceemploymentservices.net http://www.ace-training.net ]]> Business Blogging Writers Block http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-blogging-writers-block http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-blogging-writers-block#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:57:23 +0000 dry spellsmicro recorderfrontal lobelone rangerwhitenesszippowriters block http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-blogging-writers-block
Then it happens. You never saw it coming. Your flow and passion have driven you and you've never had a problem coming up with something to write about.

Until today.

. It happens to everyone. You can be super passionate about your business. Super schooled in all facets of that business and know enough to fill volumes. But for some reason, today it just won't come to you.

Don't feel like the here. It happens to everyone. It happens to me. I have been working online for over 13 years now. I have picked up a few things along the way and I absolutely love talking about all things 'internet'.... So why is it that some days I just sit and look at that awful empty that is my text editor and groan?

Here is where I have to say, I don't know. If I walk away from the computer and happen to start a discussion with my wife or someone else that has to do with work, I can roll on about a topic for hours. But at the moment I'm trying to come up with something pertinent to write about on one of my blogs, . Zilcho. Zero.

No worries. There are answers for writing , and I have learned a few things about writing. One of them is that this kind of thing happens. So the best way for me to counter those dry days is to have some ammunition waiting in the storage shed. Yup, I sometimes stash an idea or two.

In my car I carry a . Many times when I'm driving through town something will tickle my and I'll think it's a good subject to write about. It might not be, but I grab my little recorder and babble off the idea. Then I forget about it usually. If it's a really great idea and it sticks with me, usually it gets posted within a day or two. But sometimes I forget about something that really was a good idea and a good topic to cover.

So when the dry day comes, I run out to the car and grab my trusty little recorder and review what's there. Most of the time I have something that I really did want to write about. Most of the time I find myself nodding and saying, "yeah, I remember that". Giving me a good item to write about for today.

So instead of blowing off my writing for the day, I still keep the continuity going on my blog. My readers aren't wondering if I've fallen ill, and the search engine spiders are a little happier to find brand new content on my blog. Two good reasons to keep on blogging.

Now don't get me wrong, if you don't have a decent idea and can't come up with one, don't waste your time putting up a junk post. Your readers won't appreciate it, they probably won't buy whatever product or service you are offering, and your spammy post won't help you much in the search engines.

Follow the number one rule and you won't go wrong. Write quality posts about your quality product or your quality service. Your words represent you online and they are what your potential clients will judge you on. Whatever you put on your blog will ultimately be a major deciding factor for your users as to whether or not they do business with you.

But don't become a lost blogger just because of a lost post. Know that the day is going to come when you aren't quite sure what to blog about, and prepare for it.Chuck Crawford is an established e-biz expert. Founder and CEO of Crawford Business Development L.L.C., and helping countless people achieve online success spanning his 13 yr career. Clients include fortune 500 firms and personal startups. Let Us Manage your Business Blogs or Houston Texas SEO or call (559) 761-0910]]> Powerful Referral Networks - Build A Powerful Referral Network And They Will Come http://www.artwoo.com/article/powerful-referral-networks-build-a-powerful-referral-network-and-they-will-come http://www.artwoo.com/article/powerful-referral-networks-build-a-powerful-referral-network-and-they-will-come#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:30:01 +0000 referral networkreferral feequality prospectslone rangerslone rangersolo businesscompanies increase http://www.artwoo.com/article/powerful-referral-networks-build-a-powerful-referral-network-and-they-will-come solo business owners, we sometimes feel like "s" on our own, trying to figure out ways to bring in more clients. A business owner's survival and growth depends largely on bringing in new clients. Who wants to be alone on the range, single-handedly trying to figure out how to bring in clients and expand business? That takes tremendous energy, and hard work to produce average results.

Instead of operating on your own, there are ways to creating a sales force of people happy to refer business to you. Think about how big their sales. They have large sales forces out there selling their products. The sales people are educated about the product, calling on prospects, and are paid commissions based on the number of accounts they bring in. One of the differences between a big company and you is that YOU are the "one." You are your sales force, that is, if you operate as a "Lone Ranger."

An effective way of creating your sales force is through your . A referral network is a group of people who already know you, understand your business, and can refer people interested in buying your product or service. With a powerful referral network, an unlimited flow of start coming to you quickly and effortlessly. You never have to cold-call again! This is the easiest and most effective way to establish an ongoing stream of warm leads.

Building a referral network begins with educating people you already know, your clients, colleagues, friends, and people you meet. You want to clearly articulate what you do, who your ideal client is, how your product or service helps your clients, and what's unique about working with you. Once these people are educated about your product, they become your own "sales force." However, just like any sales force, it helps to motivate them to sell by giving them something special as a thank you.

Consider offering a or a special gift to those people who refer business to you. People will be motivated to refer business to you, if they're rewarded for it. I know, as a sales person, what motivated me the most to bring in those sales was the commission check I received at the end of the month. And, I still love receiving those checks. I've been referring business to a colleague and I'm delighted when I receive a thank you note and check from him. It's an incentive to think of other people who can benefit from his service.

By organizing a healthy referral network, you're going to be able to rely on other people out in the world, all educated about the merits of your product or service, willing to become your marketing machine.

Here are six steps to follow that will help you set up a powerful referral network.

1. Change Your Mindset: For some people, there's hesitancy when it comes to asking for referral business. We have thoughts like, "They won't want to help me," or "How do I even ask?" Before you project these fears, step back and consider. If a customer's satisfied with you, they're delighted to help you out. Also, people in your personal and professional circle who believe in you, want to help you grow.

2. Be Proactive: Rather than waiting for people to offer referrals, ask, because more than likely, they don't think to offer. Occasionally, they may say to you "I told my friend about you." It's really great when that happens, but don't rely on it.

3. Write What You Want to Say: To help you gain confidence, write the words you want to say. Then practice saying it aloud until you're comfortable with it. We all feel uncomfortable doing something new. It's just like going to the health club and working out. You have to use that muscle over and over again in order to build strength. It's the same thing with asking for referrals.

4. When to Ask a Client: The best time to ask a client for a referral is immediately after you've received a compliment, and/or once the sale is closed. Once your client utters the words, "I'm happy working with you. I really have enjoyed this." That's your cue to ask if there's anyone else they know who would benefit in the same way from your services.

5. Referrals Fees: Establish a referral program whereby people receive a referral fee or special gift for the people they refer to you. Let your referral network know in advance what they can expect in return for their referrals. Giving referrals works both ways. If people refer business to you, tell them you will do the same for them.

6. Keep Track: Once the steady flow of referrals starts coming in, it's time to start managing all these leads in an organized manner. There are several software programs designed to you help track your business and referrals. Outlook, ACT, and Goldmine are several software programs to check out.

ASSIGNMENT

* Write a clear and compelling message of what you do, who your ideal client is, how your product or service helps your clients, and what's unique about working with you.

* Practice saying it aloud and role play with a buddy until you are comfortable saying the words.

* Start calling the people in your personal and professional circle, educate them about what you do, and invite them to be part of your "Referral Network."

* Ask your buddy to role play being the client and practice "asking for a referral."

* Create a "referral fee or special gift" program you can start offering to your clients, colleagues, friends, and people you meet.

(c) All Rights Reserved. Rochelle Togo-Figa is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System(TM), a proven step-by-step sales process that helps you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com. ]]> Point of Purchase Marketing: Capturing Your Audience When it Counts http://www.artwoo.com/article/point-of-purchase-marketing-capturing-your-audience-when-it-counts http://www.artwoo.com/article/point-of-purchase-marketing-capturing-your-audience-when-it-counts#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:01:33 +0000 mass marketerspersonal elementradio listenershuman interactionmass marketinghypodermic needledistinct sound http://www.artwoo.com/article/point-of-purchase-marketing-capturing-your-audience-when-it-counts
Let's rewind a bit. In its hay day, the powerful concept and practice of was thought to take the out of marketing. This, however, is simply is not the case. While the was an excellent theory, it discounted the concept of , which took place at the point of purchase. Television viewers, , and newspaper readers ingested mass media and, as a consequence, were heavily influenced in regard to purchasing decisions. This influence, however, was not, in my opinion, the ultimate influence. The ultimate influence occurred at the point of sale.

Consider this example. A housewife and son hear a Cheerios commercial during The Lone Ranger. The very next day, the housewife decides to pick up a box of Cheerios while at the store purchasing ingredients for dinner. Her grocer of 10 years however tells her that her son will likely enjoy Rice Krispies more than Cheerios because of the Rice Krispies makes when milk is poured over top. As a result of the suggestion, the housewife puts the Cheerios back on the shelf and instead follows that advice of her trusted and long time grocer.

Fast forward to present day. With the introduction of big box stores, franchises, and extended hours, that point of sale connection and influence has all but disappeared. This may have been considered a good thing for but the power of mass media has dwindled as well. Despite our best and most creative efforts, the power of mass media has yet to be duplicated. This means that, as marketers, we are missing out on the mass media, no brainer initial point of contact.

Fortunately, while the era of mass marketing has dissipated and we have been forced to look elsewhere for results, a gem of an opportunity has presented itself. Thanks to the Internet, digital media, and new technologies, we marketers have many alternate avenues to explore, test, and utilize to the fullest.

And explore, test, and utilize we have, especially at that elusive point of sale period. Thanks to digital signage systems, electronic message boards, and most recently, narrowcasting, we have finally mastered the point of purchase.

Now we possess this power to capture a captive audience, right at the time of purchase. This is especially significant when considering that nearly two thirds of all purchasing decisions are based on impulse decisions. We marketers are a resourceful and adaptive bunch. We have dealt with the loss of mass marketing power by focusing, not only on new technologies and resources, but also by focusing on other points along the purchasing decision timeline.For more information about a narrowcasting or electronic message boards, contact a digital media expert at www.ek3.com]]> I Had To Sell My Jeep When I Headed For The Big Smoke http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-had-to-sell-my-jeep-when-i-headed-for-the-big-smoke http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-had-to-sell-my-jeep-when-i-headed-for-the-big-smoke#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:29:24 +0000 land rover defendersdual carriagewayvantage pointstudent budgetfuel consumptionvan driverstractor driver http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-had-to-sell-my-jeep-when-i-headed-for-the-big-smoke Land Rover Defenders, my Wrangler was a bit of an oddity, but they don't really look so different when they're liberally covered in mud.

It took me another two years to figure out that I really wanted to go back to university to study zoology, at which point I knew I had to sell my Jeep. It had been indispensable in my job as a ranger, which took me all over the moors, not to mention the challenges of negotiating some of the muddy and badly-maintained tracks around my parents' home. Unfortunately, everything that made it perfect for Dartmoor also made it a bad choice for the city. I didn't want to be just another 'Chelsea Tractor' driver in Exeter, so I put an advert in the local paper in the hope of finding a Jeep buyer before I left. If I could sell my Jeep before my new course started, I would be able to buy a new car for the regular journey -- rather than begin the search when time was tight after I started. I also didn't relish the thought of being stuck with it in the city. It's not made for efficient and I knew I'd spend a fortune filling it up -- not good now that I was heading back to a . I'd also had a few interesting experiences at speed and on twisty roads, when I found out that the handling wasn't quite what I'd expected. Not to mention the fact that I felt kind of self-conscious driving down the looking down from my on all the other cars (barring , of course, and they seldom offered me much solidarity). Although there are urban areas of the country where four-by-fours are popular, the SUV craze hasn't quite caught on in England like it has in America.

Selling my Jeep didn't take long. I had bought it second-hand and cheaply to begin with, and given it a real hammering on the rough tracks and hills ever since. I wasn't asking much for it and it wasn't long before one of my old school mates saw the advert and got in touch. He was willing to buy my Jeep for slightly below the asking price, and I agreed because I knew what a state it was in! He was in a similar position to the one I was in two years earlier, so I was glad to sell my Jeep for a good cause. The money I got for it went towards a nice, conventional little hatchback -- far more suited to my regular commute into the crowded city than the Jeep would be.David Barber wrote the Article 'I Had to Sell my Jeep when I Headed for the Big Smoke' and recommends you visit http://www.iainmutch.co.uk/sell-your-car/jeep.php if you've ever asked yourself "Where can I sell my Jeep?"]]> The Wide Appeal Of Equestrian Home Decor http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wide-appeal-of-equestrian-home-decor http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wide-appeal-of-equestrian-home-decor#comments Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:29:57 +0000 my friend flickahorses runninghome decorreminiscentroy rogersmischievoushome decorating http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wide-appeal-of-equestrian-home-decor home decor gives horse lovers a chance to show their love and appreciation for their four-legged friends. There are all kinds of home furnishings, accessories, and accents that feature a horse of some sort. It might be a table lamp with a horse sculpture on the base, a comforter that depicts across a meadow, or a piece of wall art with a horse theme.

There are many reasons for the wide appeal of equestrian home decor. First, many people simply admire the form and beauty of the animal. Also, a horse might be of time spent on a grandparent's farm or a summer camp where you learned to ride.

You might have seen examples of equestrian home decor in all sorts of homes, but the horse-themed decor that we're most fond of is found in homes with one of the casual styles of , such as western, rustic, southwestern, or country. Some people might be surprised to know that an increasingly large percentage of horse-themed decor is in homes of people that do not own horses.

Take a moment to think about your favorite horses from books, movies, or television. A few that come to mind for us are Trigger (the horse of ), Silver and Scout (the horses of the Lone Ranger and his sidekick Tonto), Black Beauty, , and the Mr. Ed. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, many children in grade school had a lunch box that featured one of these horses.

Okay, let's take a little trip down memory lane. How many of us had a rocking horse when we were kids? How about a blanket with cowboys and/or cowgirls and horses? Anything else with a horse on it? Yes, there's a chance that you had some sort of equestrian home decor back then and did not even realize it.

There are horse-themed figurines, statuettes, and pottery dating back centuries from different cultures that created the pieces to honor the horse. The pieces that still exist are often a real treasure for a collector.

Whether you want to decorate an entire room with equestrian home decor or just add a few pieces here and there, you can find a wide variety of items to accent your home, such as a horse-themed fireplace screen, wall art, bedding, rugs, throw pillows, and so much more.

Adding equestrian home decor in your bedroom can be accomplished with a few simple horse-themed items such as a well-placed picture or two, a comfy floor rug, and a lamp and/or lampshade. Let's not forget the bedding and comforter. With their large surface area, they can show one or more horses in a pastoral setting or running free across a hillside.

Equestrian home decor is great for kids' rooms as well. Here, you can brighten a child's room with images of colts and fillies playing in a field. The kids will love a wooden rocking horse. Children's bedding has many designs with horses to choose from. You can also take the room decor one step further with an age-appropriate lamp that has horses depicted on the base or the shade. The finishing touch would be a decorative, yet playful horse design on a wall border.

Whatever your reason for being attracted to equestrian home decor, you can be assured that you will have plenty of decorative items to choose from. AnnaRae Mills and Gordon Bellows love informal home decor. The western, southwestern, rustic, lodge, and country styles are their favorites. They have lots of decorating tips, plus over 375 pictures to show why casual home decor is more popular than ever. Go to http://www.Western-Home-Decor.net ]]> How To Choose The Best Bass Fishing Boat And Lures http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-bass-fishing-boat-and-lures http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-bass-fishing-boat-and-lures#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 05:35:00 +0000 bass fishing luresbass fishing boatscrank baitsbass boatsbest boatspopperstop water http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-bass-fishing-boat-and-lures Bass Fishing Boats and Lures

Bass fishing is extremely popular, and for good reason. Bass are a combination of intelligence and figh. They require the fisherman (or woman) to use cunning and skill before ending up in a frying pan.

To make the most of your bass fishing experience there are some things that will greatly help, such as a good rod and reel, a good boat and good lures. Here we are going to talk about a bass fishing boat and the right lures.

Some of the include those made by the Ranger, Triton, and Skeeter. You can find any of these boats by searching online.

The boats made by each of these companies includes everything the experienced fisherman desires. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the produced by Ranger, Triton and Skeeter are top of the line.

But it takes more than a great boat to catch bass. Having the right lures can help. If you have already investigated you will probably have found that there are an enormous number of different types.

There are many different bass fishing lures available but the most popular are the following four:

=96 These are used as either or sinking lures. Their main purpose is to look like an injured or weak fish. They get their name from the cranking noise which is designed to attract bass. Since these lures are supposed to imitate weak or injured fish, if you use them be sure to reel them slowly so their cover isn't blown.

=96 These are similar to crank baits except that poppers are exclusively top water lures. Another difference is that instead of making a cranking noise they make a popping sound as they move across the water.

Poppers are designed to be used during hot summer months when the bass are attracted to the top water by the stimulation provided by the poppers. Just like crank baits, poppers should be reeled in slowly.

Spinner Baits =96 These are strange looking lures. The strange appearance is caused by an oversized metal spinning attachment connected to them. The purpose of the spinner bait is to attract a fish through antagonism as opposed to hunger. They can be used all year with good results, but are especially useful during the spawning season when the bass tend to lose their appetite.

Rubber Worms =96 This lure should be very popular for those people who do not like dealing with live, wriggling worms. Since rubber worms do just as well as real worms, why bother with the mess of using real worms? The rubber version utilizes a lead head to add weight for casting. Usually the bass will go after the rubber worm as it descends to the lake bottom. If the worm hits the bottom of the lake, reel it in towards the surface and let it drop all over again..

Again, as already stated there are many more bass fishing lures available than the four described here. So when shopping for bass fishing lures keep this in mind: These four are the most popular because they work. Discover more fishing tips at http://www.outdoorpasttimes.com where you can find information on fishing and many other outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping and survival. ]]> Singles Dating For Real http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2006 12:27:07 +0000 dating sitesonline datingdating singlesdating toolsdating websitesinternet datingfriendship romance http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real online dating is the answer for you.

When singles go out into the dating world without a clear vision of what you want, it is all too easy to settle on the first person that acts like they like you, whether the relationship is a good fit or not. For singles, the problem comes up when we decide that a strong attraction to someone means it is a good fit, or even worse, "meant to be. At the same time, when asked, most singles say that one of theri top life goals is to find someone to be with in a long term committed relationship.

With sophisticated technology in place, they can easily provide quality services for with the same interests, and allow them to effortlessly communicate with a variety of members at one time. Whatever your goals are to achieve a relationship online, you will easily find that provide quality services, and offer the right for you to find friendship, romance, and possible love for marriage. Whatever your goals are in finding love, keep in mind that the Internet is here to stay, and will always be a great affordable source for dating women and men, and finding a fun way to meet new and interesting people to develop friendship, romance, and possible marriage.

Back in the 1990s when the internet really began to grow in popularity dating sites sprung up as people began to realize that the web presented an excellent way for total strangers to meet and date. Tens of thousands of people worldwide enter sites everyday of the year, some are serious, some are not. There are lots of Christian singles being introduced on the Internet today.

Online dating is one of the most reliable ways of meeting other singles either within your area or in other parts of the world. Singles online dating is now a popular means of connecting to other singles within your area or even across the world. In order to take advantage of different singles online dating services, first, you have to be a member of a dating and singles website.

Christian singles dating is starting to gain more popularity although there are some who still do not find this to be a reliable means of meeting their future partners. Online dating for senior singles is a lot less complicated than you probably think. The last great singles dating idea is listening...really listening.

One great singles dating idea is to seek the highest point in your city, go up the elevator and gaze at the city. In my experience working with singles and couples, it's a good idea to know a person for at least four seasons - winter, spring, summer, fall - before you decide this is the one. • You may have had a bad previous dating experience, but don't write a soliloquy on how it ruined your outlook - this will have the effect of making your prospective match look elsewhere.

What this leads to is isolation from others, the false perception of the scarcity of potential partners (another dating trap, by the way), and risk of settling for less than what you really want because you don't want to be alone. In the dating world we call this The Lone Ranger Trap, the commitment to doing it yourself and going it alone. 8 minute dating is one of the new ways to date for people who seem to have no time for going out every night or weekend.

To see them visit the sexy dating website. Couples dating and singles in Houston, Texas have a lot of options when it comes to online social networking sites. Singles online dating is indeed a good way to meet other singles, and it is very convenient since you can do it from home. Fabricio Cruz will show you how to attract the world's most beautiful women, regardless of age, looks or income! Check out his Spanish book at http://www.atraemujeres.com right now! ]]> Singles Dating For Real http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:14:59 +0000 dating sitesonline datingdating singlesdating toolsdating websitesinternet datingfriendship romance http://www.artwoo.com/article/singles-dating-for-real online dating is the answer for you.

When singles go out into the dating world without a clear vision of what you want, it is all too easy to settle on the first person that acts like they like you, whether the relationship is a good fit or not. For singles, the problem comes up when we decide that a strong attraction to someone means it is a good fit, or even worse, "meant to be. At the same time, when asked, most singles say that one of theri top life goals is to find someone to be with in a long term committed relationship.

With sophisticated technology in place, they can easily provide quality services for with the same interests, and allow them to effortlessly communicate with a variety of members at one time. Whatever your goals are to achieve a relationship online, you will easily find that provide quality services, and offer the right for you to find friendship, romance, and possible love for marriage. Whatever your goals are in finding love, keep in mind that the Internet is here to stay, and will always be a great affordable source for dating women and men, and finding a fun way to meet new and interesting people to develop friendship, romance, and possible marriage.

Back in the 1990s when the internet really began to grow in popularity dating sites sprung up as people began to realize that the web presented an excellent way for total strangers to meet and date. Tens of thousands of people worldwide enter sites everyday of the year, some are serious, some are not. There are lots of Christian singles being introduced on the Internet today.

Online dating is one of the most reliable ways of meeting other singles either within your area or in other parts of the world. Singles online dating is now a popular means of connecting to other singles within your area or even across the world. In order to take advantage of different singles online dating services, first, you have to be a member of a dating and singles website.

Christian singles dating is starting to gain more popularity although there are some who still do not find this to be a reliable means of meeting their future partners. Online dating for senior singles is a lot less complicated than you probably think. The last great singles dating idea is listening=85really listening.

One great singles dating idea is to seek the highest point in your city, go up the elevator and gaze at the city. In my experience working with singles and couples, it's a good idea to know a person for at least four seasons - winter, spring, summer, fall - before you decide this is the one. =95 You may have had a bad previous dating experience, but don't write a soliloquy on how it ruined your outlook - this will have the effect of making your prospective match look elsewhere.

What this leads to is isolation from others, the false perception of the scarcity of potential partners (another dating trap, by the way), and risk of settling for less than what you really want because you don't want to be alone. In the dating world we call this The Lone Ranger Trap, the commitment to doing it yourself and going it alone. 8 minute dating is one of the new ways to date for people who seem to have no time for going out every night or weekend.

To see them visit the sexy dating website. Couples dating and singles in Houston, Texas have a lot of options when it comes to online social networking sites. Singles online dating is indeed a good way to meet other singles, and it is very convenient since you can do it from home. Fabricio Cruz will show you how to attract the world's most beautiful women, regardless of age, looks or income! Check out his Spanish book at http://www.atraemujeres.com right now! ]]> Bird Watching - Is It A Group Activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/bird-watching-is-it-a-group-activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/bird-watching-is-it-a-group-activity#comments Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:35:01 +0000 bird recognitionsilence and solitudelone birdmindless chatterpersonal preferencerefreshing experienceshare books http://www.artwoo.com/article/bird-watching-is-it-a-group-activity personal preference. All three have pros and cons.

Bird Watching Alone

If you enjoy and become easily irritated by , you had better go bird watching alone. However, if you're a beginner, even if you have a detailed field guide, you may well fail to recognise some of the birds that you see. Nonetheless, bird watching alone can be a and an opportunity to indulge in uninterrupted thought.

watching definitely isn't for the gregarious types who want to compare notes with like-minded souls and make the outing something of a social occasion.

Bird Watching with Another Person

Going bird watching with one other person, preferably someone you know well, can be very rewarding. You have the advantage of another pair of eyes and another range of experience when it comes to but if you choose your companion wisely, they will be just that - companionable, without being intrusive or noisy. Choose someone to go with you who has been bird watching for a good long time and who will already have learnt the tips and tricks to telling some birds apart.

Bird Watching with a Group

Group outings can be fun and a sociable experience but make sure that the members are serious bird watchers and not just chatterers. Much of bird watching involves waiting and searching, so the more people looking the better. Someone may spot a rare species and will be able to point out to everyone where it is. If the birds are in hiding, then you'll have a variety of people to chat to about their bird watching experiences or with.

In addition, if you plan on going quite far afield, then you can save on transport costs by car sharing or even hiring a minibus between you.

If you don't already have a friend or friends who are interested in bird watching and want to find someone to go with, here are a few tips on how to go about it.

Join a local bird watching club or if you don't want to take the plunge straight away, ask if you can join one of their trips so that you can get a feel for the type of people who belong to the club and the range of their expertise on the subject.

If you are in education or work in an office, check the notice board for clubs or societies. You could even post your own notice asking for fellow bird watchers to contact you.

Search the internet for bird watching websites that are based in your area. If there is a forum, join and you'll soon learn what's going on in the bird watching world.

Magazines and newsletters can be useful sources of information about bird watching events in your vicinity, so subscribe to a couple and see what turns up.

Whether a lone or group activity, bird watching will always be a fascinating hobby to pursue.

Liz Canham

For more information and articles on bird watching, visit Worldwide Bird Watching. Liz Canham For more information and articles on bird watching, visit http://www.lizebiz.com/trk.php?c=17921andu=isnare - Worldwide Bird Watching. ]]> Unconventional Job? You Need An Unconventional Loan! http://www.artwoo.com/article/unconventional-job-you-need-an-unconventional-loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/unconventional-job-you-need-an-unconventional-loan#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:27:15 +0000 special occasion cakesproblem bankscredit scoreshelpemployabilityjobcredit score http://www.artwoo.com/article/unconventional-job-you-need-an-unconventional-loan s, an amazing nine million people were turned down for a loan last year.

Supposing you've found a you love, but it works on a contract basis, or you've become your own boss. The face is that it can be hard for them to assess your and long term income prospects using traditional criteria. So they may be wary of giving you a traditional loan.

So what can you do? Well, it can if you can prove a history of renewed contracts with the same employer, especially if it goes back a year or even two.

In the case of a new position, the lender will examine your circumstances on an individual basis. It can be hard to get approved if this is your first job; you may even be unsuccessful altogether. But don't be downhearted. What a loan company is looking for is evidence of long-term employability, so you may have to play a waiting game. For the self-employed, it can help if you can demonstrate a history in your chosen field. For example, if your new business is in , don't omit your experience working in the catering sector.

To get a head start, consider going through a broker. A broker can research loans for you, and match you with companies willing to lend for your type of work. They may also be able to find specialised deals, even discounts. They can also be useful in another way: many companies use a central database to determine your credit score. Every time a company conducts a credit search on you, this fact will be recorded there. It might be that if you are not accepted for a loan by one company, others will follow suit. A broker can help you to avoid this trap.

It's not all bad news for those looking to buy a home with a history of poor credit, or working for their own company. According to market analyst Datamonitor, homebuyer loans are now easier to find. Increased competition has driven banks to relax some of their requirements in the hope of capturing a share of the niche market. So what will you need to qualify?

If you're self-employed, you will probably need to be able to show your last three years' worth of earnings, or a letter from your accountant. If you've just started your own business, then your previous employment history will be useful, especially if you can prove that you have experience working in your chosen field. If you've taken the plunge into a completely new area, then you will probably find it hard to get a loan, at least until a reliable forecast of your earnings can be produced.

So, without a crystal ball, what can you do?

There is another option: the self-certification loan. These are offered by many high street banks and building societies. You need to provide details of the amount of income you earn, but you do not need to prove it with paperwork. Of course, such a loan comes at a higher interest rate, and the amount you can borrow is often lower. Be careful you don't fall into a common trap here. Your accountant may have been doing an excellent job -- quite legally -- of minimising your profits for tax, but this will also affect the amount you can borrow.

Another option you might like to explore is the flexible mortgage. This allows you to take a "payment holiday" if you encounter temporary cash flow problems, or re-arrange your payment schedule. They also allow you to overpay at no cost in better times, building up a reservoir of credit on which to draw in leaner days. Because you're not tied in to set payments, you can work to get rid if your loan more quickly.

All is not rosy however. Bad debt is on the rise, and several high street lenders warn that an increasing number of people are having problems meeting their repayments.

Despite this, loans to the self-employed or those with a weak credit score are set to reach even higher levels. Datamonitor predict that the number of credit cards issued to these categories of lender will reach 13 million by 2009, from a current level of 9.5 million.

So while it may not be as hard as it used to be for the self-employed, or people with a poor credit history to find a loan, you do need to remain aware of the risks. There are fears that creditors are lending borrowers money that they simply cannot pay back. Don't be one of these -- always get good advice, and make sure that at the end of the day, you get a loan you can afford. Loan Ranger for great UK based loans articles http://www.loan-ranger.me.uk ]]>