Sunday, February 24, 2008

The History of Weddings

By Sarah Freeland The exact date of the first wedding has never been discovered. However, it was certainly a turning point in todays society. The necessity of grouping together in order to protect one another began in the nomadic ages. These group weddings began the first union process in history. In todays times, the influence of ones family in the planning process of a wedding is tradition. Most often, the complete look of a bride is influenced by her female relatives. Wedding dresses were once made of white wool and were decorated in a simple fashion. The only decoration involved was a knot that was tied in the sash holding it up to test the grooms patience for his wedding night. However, in todays times a large variety of wedding dress styles is available for todays brides. Historical brides had their hair tied into six locks, three on each side of her head. The veil was the most important wedding accessories because it signified dedication to her husband until death. Todays times, tiaras and more varied types of veils allow a bride to define a moment of her own on her wedding day. Grooms did not distinct wedding attire; they just had to be respectful of the occasion. With style a necessity in todays world, there is a variety of trendy tuxedos for todays groom. It's your big day and we at http://www.ibridal.net want to make sure it is as perfect as possible. We want every detail to be just as you've dreamed. That's why we are dedicated to providing you with all the best facts, trends, reviews and information on bridal accessories such as bridal lingerie, hair accessories, shoes & bridal flip flops as well as jewelry. We have the knowledge and the resources to give you the information you need before you buy so you can be sure you will be satisfied with your purchase. For more on bridal accessories visit http://www.ibridal.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland http://EzineArticles.com/?The-History-of-Weddings&id=325420 lowest priced ambien
medical articles ambien long term use for insomnia
canine medications anxiety ativan
how to overdose from ambien

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Want a Koi Pond? Get a Clue

By Douglas Hoover Liner ponds leak, concrete ponds leach. Fish get diseases if they are not eaten first. Algae are a constant problem. And what about mosquitoes and West or East Nile Virus? Ponds are high maintenance, so do I get a pressurized bead bio-filter? Do I get an up-flow filter or down-flow filter? Or a side-flow? How about a waterfall? Bio-falls? Pondless falls? Liner fall? Concrete fall? I had a pond once, and you could not see the fish for the algae. Someone said to use algaecide, and somebody else said to get a U.V. Someone said to get more plants, and someone else said I had too many fish for the size of my pond. No problem...a crane ate half of them and last month a raccoon ate the rest. Someone said I need a scarecrow sprinkler or a pond net. I asked, What for? I dont have any fish, only lots of mosquitoes. So someone else said, buy some mosquito fish, you can get them free from the Department of Fish and Game. I got the mosquito fish, and my sump pump that the liner guy installed in my liner pond ate all my mosquito fish. My pump was plugged with mosquito larvae and dead mosquito fish. Someone said I could scrape them off the pump screen with a kitchen knife. That worked well, but I accidentally stabbed the liner. I Googled leaky liner and found someone who calls himself The Fall Guy. He said I should get rid of my sump pump and liner and install a concrete and rebar pond with bottom drains and a high-performance, low-energy centrifugal pump, a pressurized back-flushable filter, a U.V. light, and an electronic auto-fill system. He said that, unlike liners that have no warranty against acts of nature, concrete and rebar ponds which are built and sealed properly will last for decades. Plus, with the proper design and equipment, they will be next to maintenance-free. I said, okay! It cost me 20 percent more to do all this than what the original liner pond cost me to be installed. Its been 5 years, I have a wooden deck built around my pond 14 inches above the pond surface. The pond is 3 feet deep in the shallow end, and 5 feet in the deep end. Raccoons hang onto the deck, lean over, and swipe at the surface of the water. Cranes stand at the edge wishing the pond was shallower or that they could bend down that far so they can scarf up a scaly snack. Their eyes are pathetic. I almost find myself sprinting to the kitchen to find them a snack. NOT! Once a week I turn the handle on my bio-filter and back-flush the brown, nitrogen-laden waste water into several 5-gallon buckets from an attached flexible pool filter hose. Then I water my trees and plants with it. Talk about miracle grow! After 1 to 2 minutes of back flushing, I pull the wiper plunger on my U.V. a few times to clean off the internal quartz lens housing the U.V. bulb. The film (pond scum) is instantly removed from the lens, giving the U.V. bulb 6 months of extra life. The U.V. light kills pathogens that cause illness to my fish and other bacteria that cause the pond to stink. It also kills what is known as planktonic algae that turn the pond green. Twice a year I throw in some rock salt to keep the salt level at a specific gravity of 1.0. The fish have a healthy skin coat, my plants are happy, and string algae are virtually nonexistent. My water is crystal clear, and an electronic aquafill maintains the level of the water automatically. Look before you leap and research before you weep. Happy koi, peace and joy. Douglas C. Hoover; CEO of Aquamedia Corp, master Waterfall Builder, freelance writer and author designer, architect, inventor, engineer, writer, author and builder of over 1,900 waterfall and ponds in California or the past 26 years. Inventor and manufacturer of the "AquaFill" T.M., electronic float control system for ponds, pools, fountains and hot tubs. http://www.homepage.mac.com/doughoover http://www.askdoughoover.com/blog
http://www.AskDougHoover.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Hoover http://EzineArticles.com/?Want-a-Koi-Pond?-Get-a-Clue&id=409143 cheap phentermine 30mg
buy phentermine online saturday delivery
where can i buy phentermine online
purchase phentermine online

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Top 10 Ways to Create and Manage Opportunity

By Philip E. Humbert Most of us are used to the concepts of risk management or time management. Many of the same principles can be applied to creating and responding to opportunities. Instead of thinking of opportunities as just "coming along", you can actually increase the number of opportunities available to you, and there are specific principles you can use to assess whether a "possibility" has real "probability" and "profitability" for you. In times of rapid change, increasing the number of options you have available, and a system for prioritizing and responding to possibilities are critical business functions. 1. Enlarge your circle of friends. To increase the number of opportunities available, you need to go beyond traditional networking to generate friendships and trust with people who "aren't like me". Use any system you prefer, but be certain that your friendships include various ethnic, economic and social backgrounds, people who "think differently" - artists, engineers, teachers, "kids" and "old timers". Don't just "think outside the box"; network outside your circle! 2. Always be open to possibility. Years ago one of my mentors told me, "Everything I have is for sale, except my wife." That may be rather crude and politically incorrect today, but his point was that any business opportunity, any creative idea or investment suggestion was worth at least a few seconds of his time. Look for the unlikely, consider the unthinkable and ponder the improbable. Life's biggest opportunities are often disguised. 3. Practice creativity. Intentionally think of a way to turn every crack-pot, bad idea into something useful. This is not about finding a way to invest in every scheme that comes your way, it's about practicing creativity, turning ideas on their heads, finding the kernel of wisdom or value, and throwing the rest away. 4. Avoid being overly tied to your goals. Goals, and plans for achieving them, can be extremely useful. They can keep us on track, focus our efforts, and motivate us when we're tired. But they can also blind us to new possibilities. Work toward your goals; don't let them run your life. New ideas and alternative possibilities will come along. Don't drive right past them in your hurry to finish last year's project! 5. "He who hesitates is a damned fool!" This quote from Mae West is a classic call to action. Being "light on your feet", or in Muhammad Ali's old phrase, being able to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" is useful business advice. There are times when opportunity knocks, but only stays at the door for a moment. Be prepared to respond quickly. 6. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Being able to respond quickly is not the same as being foolish. About 95% of the opportunities, ideas and invitations that come your way will not be worth pursuing. If it's a good idea today, it will likely still be a good idea after a night's sleep and consultation with your trusted advisors. Balance, thoughtfulness and a healthy skepticism are also critical. 7. Assess the probability of success. Just as risk management compares the odds of being struck by lightening (extremely unlikely) to the chances of a critical shipment being lost (more likely), and assigns different values to each, so opportunities have differing probabilities of success. Just because an opportunity could work out, doesn't mean it will. 8. Assess the potential payoffs. Again, borrowing from risk management, it's essential to asses the potential for "winning big". The guy who invented the Frisbee had a strange idea with a low probability of catching on, but the rewards have been enormous! The same goes for turning a coffee bar into Starbucks or sneakers into Nike. What were the probabilities that a couple of college students could turn some computer code into an operating system and end up with Microsoft? Low probability of success, but huge payoffs! 9. Actively invite opportunities. Let friends, co-workers, colleagues, competitors and customers know that you are receptive to new ideas. They are much more likely to share a possibility with you if they know you are always "looking for ideas", having fun with possibilities and trying to understand the "next big thing". Let them know you aren't necessarily hoping to change careers, just open and interested in new opportunities. And don't ridicule anything! Every idea is someone's baby and, amazingly, most of them have some value hidden in there somewhere! 10. Assess opportunities in terms of your values. You know your strengths, your interests and your core values. There will be opportunities that will ask you to become someone you aren't. You could make a fortune in stocks, real estate, software, or a thousand other industries, but you have to live with yourself. First, maintain your integrity. Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_E._Humbert http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Ways-to-Create-and-Manage-Opportunity&id=8029 buy phentermine cod no prescription
phentermine without prescription overnight
pharmacy for phentermine
buy phentermine online no rx

Monday, February 18, 2008

Resume Tune Up

By Murray Gray Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over your ability to actually do what you claim you can do in your resume and cover letter. Combine this with the fact that EVERY candidate looks good on paper, no-one leaves their previous job because they were paid too much, the work was too interesting and all the people were fantastic, and you can see the challenge you're facing. (I'm yet to see a resume or cover letter that says the candidate is just average...)
Specifically, here's what they fear about YOU: They fear: * Your resume is too good to be true and you won't be able to do the job.
* You won't stick around.
* You don't play well with others. So with all that in mind, over the next week or so we thought we'd share some thoughts, ideas and tips that help remove some of the FUD factor surrounding YOU (and our business too). -------------------------------- How to make an employer WANT to read your application -------------------------------- Employers don't really care about YOU, they only care about what you can do for THEM. I've lost count of the cases I've seen where applicants with the best education, training or experience lose the job to someone with less education, skills and experience. The reason for this is that the applicant with the better skills or experience simply didn't sell themselves to the employer as well as the less skilled applicant. This leads us to a really important question: how do you know if your application is selling you as well as it could be? Well for starters, cover letters are valuable in helping sell you to an employer because they're like mini-ads for your resume. Interest them with a brief summary, and you'll get your resume read and not thrown into the trash. Secondly, you need to make sure that your cover letter doesn't say the same things as everyone else's! The problem is that we all learned to write our job applications the same way. Following the rules you were taught is the best way to ensure that not only will you not get noticed, but you'll stay unemployed for a long time. Almost every application uses phrases like: "here is my resume for your position", "I have been seeking an opportunity such as this", "I can contribute to your company." It's the same as a business saying they have good quality and after-sales service. Every business says it, and these days it's just not a good enough reason to want to do business with them. Apply this logic to your application letter. If it only talks about YOU, how good YOU are and how many years experience YOU'VE had, then you're missing the point! The real purpose of your application should be to show the employer how your skills and experiences will benefit THEM. If your application doesn't do this, you're making it too hard for them to give you the job. Here's an actual before and after example from my files: "Senior NT and UNIX Systems Administrator position utilizing web development, network support and multimedia experience." Notice how it says nothing of the company being applied to or what the applicant is intending to do for THEM. Off the top of my head, I suggested to the applicant that they could turn it around quite easily like this: "To break all records for network stability in your company, thereby creating a productive and skilled workforce that can generate even MORE customers, support them better and make more money for you." It's just a very quick example of turning your skills into results that an employer would be interested in. This may look relatively simple, but it can be tricky to get right. But I assure you, once you master the trick of powerfully restating your skills and experience in a way that will mean something to an employer, then you'll never be out of work again!
The one simple mistake you may be making which immediately kills your chances Here's the one thing that immediately stops most people from getting the jobs they're applying for: they keep sending the SAME application letter (that doesn't produce results) to every job they apply for. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that if you keep doing something that doesn't work while expecting a different result you really must be a masochist! The problem with sending the same "loser" application to employers is that it raises doubts about your employability. This example below will show you what I mean. Let me introduce David the Masochist... David has been applying for positions with us for over a year. He was also applying to other companies using the same cover letter. How do we know this? 1. He never used our name in his application letter, and
2. We asked him. Also - because he keeps applying to us we can assume he hasn't been offered a job from anyone else. This also raises serious doubts in our mind as to David's employability. If he was any good he should have a job by now. Can you relate to David's situation? If so, then let me show you the simple strategy that turned David's life around. I rang him and asked him why he kept sending the same unsuccessful application to us and everyone else when it obviously wasn't doing the job. He was dumbfounded. It never occurred to him that his APPLICATION was a failure. He was taking it personally - he thought HE was a failure. He had been on unemployment for a whole year simply because his application letter and resume wasn't performing. I suggested he try a new application to see whether I was right. He invested in a new resume and cover letter from us, and the result: he had three interviews within the first week of trying the new approach. In summary: If you are sending the same sort of application letter to each job and you're not getting interviewed then CHANGE YOUR APPLICATION!!! It's not YOU that an employer rejects, it's simply your application that's being rejected. You know you can do the job, you wouldn't be applying if you couldn't do it. So don't take this rejection personally. We see hundreds of applications and resumes each week and I can tell you now, more than 90% of them are letting the applicant down. Most of those that make it to interview will make the same simple yet easily avoidable mistakes and miss out on a job that should be theirs. Hi - I'm a marketing junkie who gets off on helping job seekers find their talent at my site http://www.job-secrets-revealed.com. I'm also a paraglider pilot to which people suggest I have a death wish but to me it's more of a life wish. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murray_Gray http://EzineArticles.com/?Resume-Tune-Up&id=43537 websites to buy phentermine
phentermine online us
phentermine union pharmacy
buy adipex phentermine

Saturday, February 16, 2008

The Joys Of Indoor Gardening

By Susan Jan Indoor gardening, or gardening that is done indoors as in offices and residences, has become a popular hobby. Other than its aesthetic appeal, it also provides health benefits such as purification of air. Generally houseplants are grown in indoor gardening. The more popular methods of indoor gardening include organic gardening and container gardening where the use of chemicals is avoided. Thousands of houseplants are grown in indoor gardening. Typical houseplants include ferns, cactus, bonsai plants, daffodils, hyacinths, rose plants, rubber, Chinese evergreen, money plant, weeping fig, zebra plant, prayer plant, philodendrons, orchids, jade plant, African violets, English ivy, begonias etc. Indoor gardening requires patience and continuous care to yield good results. The important factors in successful indoor gardening are light, watering, soil, plant pots, fertilisers and pesticides. Light: Light is very important for indoor plants as plants prepare food by photosynthesis. Two factors of light are intensity and duration. Different plants need different intensities. Duration of 8 to10 hours of sunlight is more than sufficient for the plants. Watering: Improper watering is the leading cause of death of plants in indoor gardening. Watering once a week is sufficient. Feel for dampness about an inch under the soil; if the soil is damp do not water. Soil:Water drainage through soil is very important. Usually coir and peat are added in soil to improve drainage. Plants like cactus need very high drainage. Humidity: Plants roughly need a humidity of 80% RH. This can be achieved by placing a tray filled with pebbles and the water level just below the pebbles, adjacent to the plant. Fertilisers: Fertilisers contain phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Changing the soil is better than adding feriliser. Pesticides: If the houseplants become affected by pests, use a garlic and chilly juice to spray on the plants, rather than using chemical pesticides. Pots: Pots of clay are preferred as they help in water drainage and aeration of soil better than glazed or plastic pots. Use correct sized pots as plants in pots that are too large are prone to root disease due to moisture retention. A small pot restricts the growth of plants. The pots need to be changed around once in two years. Tools: Investing in good tools is better in the long run, as the tools are used for tough jobs. Clean the tools thoroughly after use. Indoor gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. It gives great satisfaction to see the plants growing, as well as improving the aesthic appeal and atmosphere of the interior. For more on Gardening visit gardening-club.info. Susan also enjoys writing at Education and Reference. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Jan http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Joys-Of-Indoor-Gardening&id=291526 cheap phentermine online consultation
buy phentermine online mastercard
buy phentermine online without a prescription
online pharmacy for phentermine

Friday, February 15, 2008

How Often do you Think About What you are Going to Say?

By Karlynn Baker How often do you think about what you are going to say prior to actually saying it? As a counselor, I have been trained to understand that working with Native Americans, there may be a quite a long pause before my client makes a response to something we are discussing. Native American children are taught through folklore, that they need to think carefully about the words they are going to use. The reason for this is that they believe that once statements are made, the words used will circle the globe for ever and ever, influencing the world. Perhaps all cultures should embrace this concept. If you feel you are ready to give a "knee jerk" response", you need to take some time and reflect on what it is you want to say and how to convey your message without negativity. Count in your head to ten. This can help delay any inappropriate response you were thinking about. You may also decide to leave the room in order to calm down. No change happens overnight, but with practice and a commitment to change it happens. If more of us would take time to reflect on our words, there might be fewer heated arguments and more harmony among all of us. Karlynn Baker is originally from Los Angeles, but moved to Arizona to receive her Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialty in addictions. Karlynn owns The Employee Assistance Program, of Tucson, Inc.
Mental health services are offered to companies under contract and the sessions for their employees are confidential and free. Karlynn shares a positive message every morning on KSAZ 580 AM, entitled "A Thoughtful Moment." She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She enjoys life with her husband, David, her three daughters, and two adorable grandsons. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karlynn_Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Often-do-you-Think-About--What-you-are-Going-to-Say?&id=10499 can i buy phentermine online
buy phentermine online by cod
cheap phentermine
where can i buy phentermine online

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Can Stress Be A Result Of Over Eating?

By Andrew Gee The following article is one of a series of articles which focus on Self Improvement, Motivation and Empowerment. It is based on research done over twenty years as a personal and business coach. This self improvement article was written in response to questions which have been asked on losing weight and long term weight loss as well as address common challenges that people have with this subject. I sincerely hope that you find the following
information of value. Can Stress Be A Result Of Over Eating? We've long known that middle-aged men are much more likely than women to have high blood pressure--about 36 percent of men versus 23 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 54. And, since high blood pressure can lead to stroke, it's not surprising that many more men die over from these "brain attacks". The explanation for this difference between the sexes has been lifestyle. Men are more likely to smoke, be overweight, drink alcohol, and avoid exercise--all risk factors for high blood pressure. Undoubtedly, poor health habits account for much of the difference. Traffic Jam Anxiety In this day and age, the average person spends a significantly large amount of time in his car. And with the ever-increasing number of cars on the road, we spend an even larger amount of time stuck in traffic jams. However, you can follow these tips to spend less time stressing out while stranded in the middle of a highway. By getting up 15 minutes earlier in the morning every day, you can reduce the pressure by avoiding the morning rush hour. Another tip is to stick to the right lane on the freeway. The minute or two gained by aggressive driving isn't worth the stress. Work Place Worries Now that you have arrived at work early and in a relaxed mood, take the time to review long-term plans because stress lies in the moment-by-moment pressures. If you feel the stress piling up during your workday, breathe in and out four times very slowly to clear your mind. During lunchtime, it is important to get away from the office and exercise. Make it a goal to walk around during your break or even follow a simple and short workout routine. Exercise release endorphins into your blood stream, which are pleasure inducing chemicals that are also discharged during sex. ========SIDEBAR========
When it comes to the subject of self improvement, I fully understand (through my own experiences) that it is a lot easier said than done. However, you are here, right now, because you have a desire to improve your self or you are at least interested in this subject. Perhaps you are reading this to help a friend or colleague - great. If this article helps you or you help a friend, paying it forward is what lif'e all about so we all win.
======END SIDEBAR====== Be Positive Stress is also related to the past. Keep in mind that mistakes happen, and the only thing that you can change about the past is your attitude towards it. Another thing that can keep your stress level low is to keep smiling. Even a superficial smile is a great start towards a happy day according to research. Having regular sex is also helpful in keeping happy. It is also important to set some time aside to indulge yourself. Whether it be taking a nap, or allowing yourself an occasional piece of cake, spending time on yourself can make you feel great and happy. However, it is crucial not to eat for relief all the time. Eating is a relief for stress, and stress can be a result of over-eating. So, be very careful not to start this vicious cycle. While taking the time out for yourself can be beneficial, doing things for others can also improve your life. Volunteering for others pushes your own troubles away, and can give you a greater perspective on life. Finally, and most importantly, setting time aside for your friends and family can be a great way to feel great. There is no better thing than being with loved ones and enjoying activities with them. Also, keep all the things in your life in perspective. Try to follow all these tips for better mental and physical health. This is a great guide for a happier, healthier, and longer life. NOW is the time! O.K. you have read the article. Now is the time for action. Without action, this article adds no value whatsoever to your self improvement. But remember, without action, you cannot blame this self improvement article or any article for that matter. So, take action NOW. Even if only one piece of advice, one piece of information, one tip makes a difference, then the whole article has been worth it for all of us. NOW is the time! Be the person you want to be, you deserve it! You'll never be on your own with our free and dedicated customer support and our online health, fitness and weight loss program. Even If You've Been Overweight For Years, Andrew Gee has done extensive research into weight loss and what works. Find out valuable information now to become the person you truly wish to be. Visit us at Long Term Weight Loss Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Gee http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Stress-Be-A-Result-Of-Over-Eating?&id=468108 phentermine without prescription cod
phentermine online no doctor
phentermine 37.5 without prescription
phentermine mexico pharmacy