As A Man Thinketh by james Allen, Book Review, Free Download

Why Every Franchise Should Use Electronic UFOC Distribution

 

Why Every Franchise Should Use Electronic UFOC Distribution

Word Count:
831

Summary:
Franchisers no longer have a choice whether to use electronic signatures and electronic UFOC distribution, it is a requirement.  Electronic UFOC distribution will keep your franchise competitive, as well as save time and money.

Keywords:
Electronic signatures, digital signatures, UFOC, IFA, e-ufoc, eufoc, electronic ufoc, ftc ufoc electronic, privasign, international franchise association, federal trade commission

Article Body:
In today's world time is very important, if not everything.   Time to prepare, time to market, time to close, time to roll out, and many other time related events can determine in great part whether a franchise venture is successful or yesterdays news.  Franchises have been burdened, or perhaps mandated is a better choice of words, to comply with Uniform Franchise Offering Circular ("UFOC") law for 25+ years.  During this 25+ year period the UFOC has changed dramatically, and the legal bodies controlling its function and purpose have also changed, but one thing has remained constant over these years, and that is UFOC's are expensive.

They are very expensive to create, super expensive to produce and distribute, and unbelievably costly to store and audit.  UFOC's are one of the single greatest expenses new franchises face, and for the first time there is a cheaper and more effective way to do business.  It is legal, it is safe, it is secure, it is encouraged and it will make an existing franchise more efficient and lower the barrier to entry for new franchisers.  This revolutionary technology has only been around for 135 years, so it is about time the legislators let franchisers take advantage of the savings.  What is this new technology you ask?  It is electronic signature capturing, and New Hampshire was the first court system to rule on the validity of electronic signatures in 1869, it was in relation to the telegraph and signing for invoices for goods shipped by railway cars, but it was and is legal, so why not use it in other forms of business?

In the 1980's businesses and courts started to ask this same question, and voilà there was the fax machine.  The fax machine got the proverbial electronic signature ball rolling again in business, but the Internet will take it to its rightful level of use in business.  Practically everyone has access to the Internet now.  Public libraries, schools, businesses and 100's of millions of homes have Internet connectivity available to them on demand.  The fax machine was certainly prevalent, but it could never have the wide spread use and functionality that the Internet offers, and therefore the Internet is the best logical way to spread the use of electronic signatures.

Franchises may send their UFOC electronically to potential franchisees.  They may do this by building internal delivery systems, or they may use external delivery services.  The delivery method will depend on the size and nature of the franchise, but the purpose will be the same, cut costs and reduce time to close business.  Any franchise that is not actively looking for an electronic UFOC delivery service is going to be left behind.  Electronic delivery will shorten sales cycles by allowing franchises to start the 10 day waiting period immediately, and open up additional markets by reducing the cost of entry. 

Franchisers that embrace electronic UFOC delivery will save money and time in multiple ways.  Take a look at the following chart.

Costs Associated with a 150 Page Paper UFOC's

(1) 150 + Ink + Paper + Wear and Tear on printer = $3
(2) Binding = $1
(3) Outbound Overnight Shipping = $20
(4) Inbound Overnight Shipping = $20
(5) 150 Pages 1 Year Storage Using Government Estimate = $19
(6) Labor @ 2 Hours for Total Process – Sending and Receiving = $40
(7) 2 Days Opportunity Time for Best Delivery Option = $Unknown

Total Cost of Using Paper = ($103.00)

Costs Associated With Paperless UFOC Using Electronic Signatures
 
Labor @ 15 Minutes for Total Process = $5
Sending File Electronically = $5
Delivery Is Immediate = No Lost Opportunity Costs

Total Cost of a Paperless Transaction = ($10)

Total Savings Using Electronic Signatures vs. Paper = $93.00 per UFOC
 

How To Write Keyword Articles

 

How To Write Keyword Articles

Word Count:
456

Summary:
A great way to draw search engine traffic to your site is to write and add keyword articles. Keyword articles are articles that you write on a particular topic and then optimize for a word or phrase that visitors frequently search for.

For example, if you have a site that sells baby gifts, you may want to write an article about choosing the perfect baby shower gift. You may optimize that article for the keyword "baby shower gift". Here is an overview on how you can write ...

Keywords:

 

Article Body:
A great way to draw search engine traffic to your site is to write and add keyword articles. Keyword articles are articles that you write on a particular topic and then optimize for a word or phrase that visitors frequently search for.

For example, if you have a site that sells baby gifts, you may want to write an article about choosing the perfect baby shower gift. You may optimize that article for the keyword "baby shower gift". Here is an overview on how you can write keyword articles.

Pick a Specific Keyword Phrase

Do some research on what keywords visitors are typing into search engines to find information on what you have to offer. Use tools like WordTracker or the Overture Keyword Selector Tool. Don't go for the highly competitive keywords and phrases, instead pick a phrase that is searched for less often but that may be of particular interest to your customers. The more targeted your phrase the better luck you will have attracting people who are very interested in what you're talking about.

Use Your Keyword in the Title of Your Article

Once you have decided on a keyword, use it in your title. Make sure your title is interesting and makes sense. Don't try to work your keyword in multiple times. Your title will sound odd. An example of a bad title would be "New Baby Gifts and Affordable Baby Gifts for a Baby Shower".

Don't Overstuff Your Article with Keywords

Obviously you are going to use your keyword a few times in your article. Just don't force them in. This is also referred to as overstuffing with keywords. Your main focus should be on writing an article that flows well and provides useful information to your reader. After all it won't do you any good to get visitors to the page with the article, if you can't get them to read it.

Don't Submit Your Keyword Optimized Article to the Article Directories

Submitting articles to the article directories is a great way to gain more traffic and incoming links. You want to avoid creating extra competition for the keyword phrase you picked for your article, so before you submit it, take some time to come up with a different title that doesn't include your keyword, and maybe even rewrite some sentences within your article to do the same.

Start writing a few articles for different keywords and add them to your site. Within a few weeks you will notice free traffic from the search engine coming in. Make it a habit to come up with a few of these articles each month to continually drive more visitors and potential customers to your site.

 

America: A Struggle for The Soul of a Nation

America: A Struggle for The Soul of a Nation

Word Count:
388

Summary:
As the only super power, America and its concept of freedom were challenged on one international front after another. Sept. 11, 2001, and its aftermath in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought to focus America's idea of freedom and led to national soul searching concerning U.S. military activity in other lands.

Keywords:
America: A Struggle for The Soul of a Nation

Article Body:
When the iron curtain came down in 1989, America's role as the great proponent of freedom dramatically changed.

As the only super power, America and its concept of freedom were challenged on one international front after another. Sept. 11, 2001, and its aftermath in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought to focus America's idea of freedom and led to national soul searching concerning U.S. military activity in other lands.

Now, within America's borders, an escalating struggle is under way for the very soul of the nation, and the outcome of that struggle will determine whether America is still the land of hope and promise it was in its early days.

Many Americans believe that freedom means the right to make their own rules. Others feel threatened because they see the very fabric of the American society endangered by this self-centered concept of freedom.

The two foundational principles upon which this nation was founded are freedom and truth. Our forefathers envisioned a nation free from the restraints of the English Parliament and the Anglican Church. They established America as a land of freedom based upon Judeo-Christian principles. The settlers risked everything, even their lives, in order to carry out their vision of a nation founded upon a national covenant with their God, each other and their government.

In defining freedom, some choose to ignore the foundation of truth that was crucial to our founding fathers. But freedom without underlying truth is like a ship without a rudder and will lead to disastrous consequences.

America is at a crossroads, struggling to define freedom within its boundaries and throughout the world. The issues that America now faces are the same issues our forefathers addressed when they established this nation.

What are the limits of a central government? What are the rights of individuals? What are the standards that must guide our conduct? How may our leaders impose these standards on our citizens and other nations of the world?

These questions can never be answered unless we view them in a moral and spiritual context, and unless we revisit the rich heritage of our past. How we, as a nation, answer these questions will define the soul of this nation.

William Hunter is the author of "God's Covenant With America" (Brown Books, $18.95), which revisits America's history through the 19th century and addresses these intriguing issues.

 

Add Years To Your Life With Whole Grains

Add Years To Your Life With Whole Grains

Word Count:
335

Summary:
Recent studies conclude that whole grains can boost weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes and cancer, and increase overall heart health. A new book offers declious ways to get your daily grains.

Keywords:
Add Years To Your Life With Whole Grains

Article Body:
Recent studies conclude that whole grains can boost weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes and cancer, and increase overall heart health. In addition, over 600 new products containing whole grains were introduced by food companies in 2005-a sure sign that the whole grain revolution is upon us.

Yet a recent study from the Whole Grains Council found that 68 percent of Americans are unaware that they should be eating three daily servings of whole grains. Forty-seven percent said they were looking for practical ways to incorporate whole grains into their everyday diets.

A new book called "The Whole Grain Diet Miracle" (DK Publishing, $24.95) may help. Written by Dr. Lisa Hark and Dr. Darwin Deen, it explains whole grains-and how to easily add them to your diet-in an understandable way. The book provides scientific facts, easy-to-understand overviews of the "16 miracle grains," a two-week jump-start menu, four-week whole grain diet and 50 delicious recipes.

The book advocates what its authors refer to as a sensible eating plan that promotes better health without deprivation. Instead of telling readers to stop eating a whole category of foods, Drs. Hark and Deen encourage them to eat more whole grains by providing a number of whole grain food options. For instance, readers are encouraged to experiment with the more exotic (but still readily available) grains such as amaranth, quinoa, and millet, while basic cooking instructions and simple recipes help even the most skittish cook take the whole grain plunge.

The result, according to the authors, is a "pain-free" way to improve overall health, lose weight and stave off disease.

In addition, the book answers some basic but common whole grain questions including: What are they? Where are they found? What will they do to my body? How much do I need to eat to get the health benefits? Are whole grains "good carbs"?

Dr. Hark says with the book's help, readers will find it easy to fit in the three servings of whole grains recommended by the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

 

A Voice in the Night

A Voice in the Night

Word Count:
293

Summary:
Seventy-five pages of poetic thought on everyday life, including the author's frustrations with shopping and solicitors, greet the readers of A Voice in the Night, by GeorgeAnne Smith...

Keywords:
poetry, book review, non-fiction

Article Body:
Seventy-five pages of poetic thought on everyday life, including the author's frustrations with shopping and solicitors, greet the readers of A Voice in the Night, by GeorgeAnne Smith. She also includes a touching homage to the men and women who protect and serve us all. An interesting poem speaks from the view of a person who is shocked to find out someone was molested, when they had no idea it had happened.

GoergeAnne's insightful life skills in Within You struck a chord in my mind that rang for days. I felt a sort of kin-ship with the author through Last Words of a Beauty Queen, a poem full of love for nature - something that is dear to my heart. In The Flow shows that poets are not striving for riches or recognition, but are fueled by the faint hope that their words may ease the journey for another human being and break the chains of their despair by making them feel less alone. With Eyes Open is a poem that refers to the purging effect that writing can have for the writer. I thought thatSeeds of Content has an interesting feel to it, reminiscent of chanting.

Glimpses of an older style of writing words slightly reversed, such as "searching we are, a golden life" and "on target, we all are" is something that I particularly picked up on.

To leave you with a little sample of A Voice in the Night, I have chosen this wonderfully written excerpt from the poem Awaken This Lifetime:
"Life may seem, but a merry chase,
Quite overwhelming, a dreary fate
Don't get discouraged by a hurried pace,
Seek to awaken, for its never too late"

ISBN#: 1-4137-9489-0
Author: GeorgeAnne Smith
Publisher: Publish America
Published: Sept. 15, 2005

 

8 Money Myths

8 Money Myths

Word Count:
1623

Summary:
8 Myths about money that harm our financial lives.

Keywords:
Personal Finance

Article Body:
8 Myths About Money
I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. My family had always worked hard for their money, and as a result, I always equated working hard with making money, with no idea that my beliefs could not have been further from truth. As I educated myself on human behavior and financial strategies, I learned that it's actually the people who make their money work hard for them, rather than the people who work hard for their money, who end up with more of it. Since creating my millionaire-making program, I've learned that I was not alone. There are many people who shared this same myth.

Much like our views about many things -- people, relationships, food, and health to name a few -- our beliefs came from our parents, our teachers, and other adults in our lives. And it goes back even further, beyond them, back to the circumstances through which they lived, or what they learned from their parents, what their parents learned from their parents, and so on. These beliefs are ingrained, and because they're usually subconscious, the cycles are continuous -- until someone breaks them. You can break the cycle. Beliefs about money are many and varied, but in my research, I've discovered that there are a few that predominate.

Money is scarce. Several of us have parents or grandparents who lived through the Great Depression, an era that rooted an entire generation in a scarcity mindset. These people passed onto their children the idea that money was in short supply and that when it did surface, spending had to be limited and saving was imperative. If any of the following ever crossed your mind—"A penny saved is a penny earned," "Don't dip into savings," or "We can't afford it" -- then you have this perspective and rainy days loom ominously. Money doesn't grow on trees. These threats create a fearful relationship with money.

Money is evil, dirty, or bad. Several of us have parents or grandparents who believe that the road to bad places is lined with green. They've only ever seen the drawbacks of the rat race, the downside of the money chase, and the audacity and indulgence of those with too much money. Some even believe that wealthy people are bad people. Novels and films often highlight the idea that it's the crooked ones who make the money. The meek shall inherit the earth. Such prophecies create a hands-off relationship with money.

Money comes monthly. The most common way to make a living is to be employed, either with a company or as a skilled professional, with a weekly wage or an annual salary. Historically, this provided the safe, sure thing required by heads of households. Yet, that level of risk was usually balanced with an equal level of reward -- low and low. For most, even those who do very well, working for a company or as a skilled professional is a constrained opportunity. Except for the outrageous exceptions, the average CEO of the average company making six figures a year will still experience only a small increase in salary during his or her lifetime. Slow and steady wins the race. Such fables create a cautious relationship to money.

Money is not for me. Some people feel that they don't deserve to be wealthy or that there is only so much of the millionaire pie to go around. Creating wealth and financial freedom is available to everyone. It is our right to be wealthy, and my hope is that people take their space and know they deserve it. By making money, you are not taking it from someone else; this isn't Bonnie and Clyde Go to the Bank. By making money, you create a greater capacity to contribute, and it's your duty to do this. Better them than me. Such adages create a defeated relationship to money.

Money is a man thing. There was a time that men made and managed the household money. That time was not so long ago, and some of you may have grown up with such conditioning. Though there are gender tendencies, for example, men tend to carry more money in their pocket than women and are more likely to invest than women, the reasons behind this are not genetic; they are realities falsely fabricated from years of conditioning. Women and men need to understand that money knows no gender. One of my programs that really resonates with up and coming wealth builders is "Wealth Diva: A Man Is Not a Plan." This is a must-do seminar for every man and woman, and the daughters and sons they love. Let him bring home the bacon. Such perceptions create an apathetic relationship to money.

Money is good medicine. For some people, retail therapy goes a long way; there's no difficulty a new blouse can't cure. At the moment, we live in a culture of consumerism, and many of us use money to fill the unsatisfying holes in our lives. Some people grew up with a sense of entitlement about money, assuming their parents or a trust fund would always pay for everything, and in the process, they became careless about what they had. This is a vicious and unproductive cycle. The new car gets old, the closet fills up with clothes, and the toys pile up in the playroom. This is notto say there aren't wonderful things to buy and spend our money on; after all, money should be fun. But as with overeating, too much spending on the wrong things can get any of us feeling sluggish and sad. Shop till you drop. Such bombarding messages create a disrespectful or nonchalant relationship to money.

Money is always a menace. For too many of us, money was always a problem. Bills were a hassle, keeping up with the Joneses was exhausting, entrepreneurs were considered nuts, and one's station in life was, well, stationary. And getting rich would be worse. Money can be such a burden, not to mention all that paperwork and responsibility. These views of money create a perspective that money is actually a problem, not a solution. It's hard enough just to survive, let alone thrive. Such pessimism creates a negative relationship to money.

Money talk is taboo. Many of us have been brought up to believe that conversations about money are in bad taste. Money and financial success, and failures, are considered personal subjects that shouldn't be discussed and certainly shouldn't be taught. Few of us asked our parents how much money they made, and even now, there are people who don't know their spouse's salaries. The results have unintended consequences and have created a world where very few people are having real conversations about money and finances, the very conversations they need to learn and succeed. These things are not discussed in polite society, dear. Such a scolding creates an ignorant relationship to money.

In each of these examples, it's clear that unless your parents made a conscious choice to think and act differently, they conditioned you to have the same mindset as them. If you make a decision to break this cycle, you will have the opportunity to teach your children to have more productive beliefs about, and a more profitable relationship to,money. As you come to understand the beliefs you hold, you will work to change them. Through the action steps in this process, and with the help of mentors and respected friends, you will change your behavior. By sharing your desire for new beliefs and asking your mentors and respected friends to help you spot the subconscious limitations you may be putting on yourself, you will teach your brain to follow your behavior. Begin now by restating your beliefs. For example, if you've discovered that you hold any of the above examples as beliefs, you will

1. Change "money is scarce" to "money is abundant" and support a courageous relationship to money.

2. Change "money is evil, dirty, or bad" to "money is good and acceptable" and create a hands-on relationship to money.

3. Change "money comes monthly" to "money comes from a range of sources" and create an opportunistic relationship to money.

4. Change "money is not for me" to "who better than me for money to come to" and create an empowered relationship to money.

5. Change "money is a man thing" to "I can and will know about and understand money," and create a thoughtful relationship to money.

6. Change "money is good medicine" to "money is a tool to help make my life better" and create a respectful and concerned relationship to money.

7. Change "money is a menace" to "money is a solution" and create a positive relationship to money.

8. Change "money talk is taboo" to "money talk is vital" and create a knowledgeable relationship to money.

You can see how much better it is to be courageous, hands-on, opportunistic, empowered, thoughtful, respectful and concerned, positive, and knowledgeable than to be fearful, hands-off, cautious, defeated, apathetic, disrespectful and nonchalant, negative, and ignorant. The choice is yours and it looks like you're well on your way. You've already taken a huge step by deciding to actually take the first step. By making the decision to start right now, you have created the opportunity to raise your financial consciousness and change your life.

 

Spiritual Journey Sparked By Katrina's Wake

Spiritual Journey Sparked By Katrina's Wake

Word Count:
316

Summary:
A pilot and reporter who has risked her life on the battlefield has taken on a new target--the human suffering experienced during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Keywords:
A Spiritual Journey Sparked By Katrina's Wake

Article Body:
A pilot and reporter who has risked her life on the battlefield has taken on a new target-the human suffering experienced during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Author Cholene Espinoza's response to what she saw on a trip to Mississippi after the storm-and what she learned about herself-forms the basis for a book dedicated to rebuilding what Katrina washed away.

The book, "Through The Eye Of The Storm" (Chelsea Green, $14.00), is described as a rallying cry for working Americans who survived the storm and an indictment of the public and commercial sources of assistance that failed them.

Espinoza details what she calls the seemingly insurmountable red tape and what she describes as barriers to assistance for people "who have no means to complain or demand better." She sees her book as a story of loss and recovery, of the ravages of disaster and the healing power of community.

Noted journalist Helen Thomas describes the book as "the inspiring spiritual journey of a courageous woman who is dedicated to great human causes."

Said Thomas, "We can all learn from Cholene Espinoza."

Proceeds from the book will help to build and support a community/education center that will serve the Katrina survivors of Harrison County on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. It will provide young adults with GED, computer and other job training that will provide them with the skill to participate in the recovery of their community. Is will also serve the community as an after-school facility. It's hoped the center will eventually provide health care services.

Currently a United Airlines pilot, Espinoza graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1987. In 1992 she became the second woman selected to fly the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and was awarded the Air Medal for combat missions over Iraq and the former Yugoslavia. She is also a military correspondent for Talk Radio News Service and lives in New York City.

 

A Song Of Ice And Fire: A Game Of Thrones

A Song Of Ice And Fire: A Game Of Thrones

Word Count:
420

Summary:
Advantages: Complex characters, plot told from different viewpoints, realistic morality
Disadvantages: Depressing

The first book of the Song of Ice and Fire series is my first foray into George R.R. Martin's world. Before I was introduced to his work, I was mainly a Robert Jordan fan. Upon reading A Game of Thrones, I realized that I was missing a huge part of the high fantasy genre.

From beginning to end, I was not sure whether or not I really liked the book. The plot...

Keywords:
ipod, technology, new trends, computers, accessories

Article Body:
Advantages: Complex characters, plot told from different viewpoints, realistic morality
Disadvantages: Depressing

The first book of the Song of Ice and Fire series is my first foray into George R.R. Martin's world. Before I was introduced to his work, I was mainly a Robert Jordan fan. Upon reading A Game of Thrones, I realized that I was missing a huge part of the high fantasy genre.

From beginning to end, I was not sure whether or not I really liked the book. The plot was interesting enough. If it's worth anything, I spent a couple of sleep-deprived nights reading A Game of Thrones! Now that I think back, I would say that the complexity of the characters and the plot as a whole is what made me hold back. Other fantasy novels usually define the line between good and evil very clearly. We have the good characters on one side and the evil powers on the other. George R.R. Martin manages to reflect reality by emphasizing the moral gray areas. Characters are not boxed into single moral categories. There is no clear protagonist. A "good" character is not totally likeable. An "evil" character seems to be a nice person on the inside. Good and bad is so maddeningly intertwined you can't help but see a reflection of the real world.

This book is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for light reading, free of violence and sex, you might not want to read A Game of Thrones. There were times when I thought Martin was overdoing it a bit. I decided I would just chalk it up to artistic freedom.

Another frustrating aspect of the book is that as the story progresses, it seems that the "good" guys are getting killed off one by one. If that isn't enough to make you depressed I don't know what is. Of course this is only the first book in a yet uncompleted series -the story is yet to unfold.

The storyline is gripping. It leaves you craving for more. One good thing about discovering this series at this late date is that you wouldn't have to wait for the next few books to be written. A Feast for Crows, the fourth and latest book of the series, has been out since last year. Once you start with A Game of Thrones, you might want to pace yourself so as not to have to wait too long for the fifth book.

 

A New Year. A New You.

A New Year. A New You.

Word Count:
200

Summary:
If you're trying to take off some extra pounds in the new year, two new books may help.

Keywords:
A New Year. A New You.

Article Body:
If you're trying to take off some extra pounds in the new year, two new books may help. Tips and recipes, as well as proven weight-loss strategies, may help you reach your goal weight quickly.

The lo-carb trend is over and people are realizing that what the experts have been saying all along is true: The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to cut calories and get exercise. "Low-Calorie Dieting For Dummies" (Wiley, $21.99) by nutrition expert Susan McQuillan is a no-nonsense guide that shows readers how to consume fewer calories than they burn and provides a delicious and safe low-calorie plan that's easy enough to follow for life. The book includes tools to improve eating and exercise habits, cope with stress and boredom, assess progress and live a healthier, happier life.

For 5,000 years, yoga exercises have been used to get in shape. Adding weights offers another dimension that's explored in "Yoga With Weights For Dummies" (Wiley, $21.99). All the physical benefits of traditional yoga-muscle toning, balance and flexibility-come faster because yoga with weights is more intense and dramatic than regular yoga. The book divides exercises into several different workouts and offers expert tips to help you succeed.

 

Simple Ways To Lower Your Monthly Bills – And Save Lots Of Money!

Simple Ways To Lower Your Monthly Bills – And Save Lots Of Money!

Word Count:
430

Summary:
Here you're going to learn several ways to save money every month by lowering your monthly bills.

There are lots of ways to save money, no matter how much of it you have - or don't have!

Having struggled for many years paying my own bills, I learned many ways to save money. From simple things like food, gas, and clothing, to bigger expenses, like insurance and your mortgage.

All you need to know is where to look to find the savings.

Several Ways To Save Money
...

Keywords:
save money, get out of debt, monthly bills

Article Body:
Here you're going to learn several ways to save money every month by lowering your monthly bills.

There are lots of ways to save money, no matter how much of it you have - or don't have!

Having struggled for many years paying my own bills, I learned many ways to save money. From simple things like food, gas, and clothing, to bigger expenses, like insurance and your mortgage.

All you need to know is where to look to find the savings.

Several Ways To Save Money

The first thing you need to do is eliminate ALL of your unnecessary expenses:

• eating out on the weekends
• buying lunch at work every day
• magazine and newspaper subscriptions (especially those you can get online and at the local library)
• cable TV (you'd be amazed at how many other ways you'll find to spend your time once you get rid of cable TV)
• groceries (you can save lots of money with coupons and specials.)

It's OK to reward yourself once in a while, but if you are really looking to get out of debt faster, you owe it to yourself to save every single penny you can!

To find other ways to reduce your expenses, take a close look at your checkbook and credit card statements. You should also call your credit card companies to see if they will lower your interest rates, even if it is only for a short time.

You'll be amazed at how many ways you can save money, especially once you start looking carefully at how you spend your money every month.

Shop Around For The Lowest Prices

For those expenses you can't eliminate, it's time to start shopping around for the best prices.

Once I realized you can shop around for just about ANYTHING you spend money on every month, I learned how to save myself SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS each and every month!

In fact, by shopping around I ended up saving myself more than $750 a year on car insurance alone!

The same is true of many of your monthly expenses - like long distance telephone service, internet service, all types of insurance, mortgages, and in some places even your utility bills.

It DOESN'T take any special skills. All it takes is a few clicks and you can save yourself a bunch of money in no time at all!

So, if you'd like to save yourself lots of money every month - and who doesn't - start shopping around and looking for ways to lower your monthly bills right away!

 

A Journey To Happiness And Balance

A Journey To Happiness And Balance

Word Count:
402

Summary:
Why go though all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person? That is the question noted author and leadership expert David Fischman asks of readers in his new book "The Secret of the Seven Seeds."

Keywords:
A Journey To Happiness And Balance

Article Body:
Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person? That is the question noted author and leadership expert David Fischman asks of readers in his new book "The Secret of the Seven Seeds" (Jossey-Bass, $22.95).

First published in Latin America, this engaging book tells of the successful entrepreneur and writer's personal struggle for happiness in his out-of-control life.

In it, Fischman reveals his personal story through the fictional character Ignacio Rodriguez, who, like many businesspeople from New York to New Delhi, is desperately trying to keep up with the speed of life.

The 40-something stressed-out entrepreneur is utterly overwhelmed, at risk for a heart attack, losing money at his business and has no time or energy for his family. His doctor recommends that he try meditation to regain balance in his demanding life.

A Spiritual Guide

Instead, Ignacio's journey leads him to a spiritual guide, who helps him heal by finding his path in the secret of the seven seeds, which represent self-knowledge, meditation, egolessness, service to others, goodness, balance and freedom.

"'The Secret of the Seven Seeds' begs the question: Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person?" said Fischman about writing a book mostly based on his life. "The old cliché says that money can't buy you love, but research is proving that it can't buy you happiness either." Being happy, he asserts, should be one of our primary goals in life and this book will take readers on a path to get there through seven simple steps. True happiness comes from learning to be, getting in contact with your inner self, helping others and living a balanced life. Ignacio was caught in the classic ego trap, but gradually becomes liberated and ultimately sated.

How To Define Happiness

The book redefines success, proposing that it is measured in happiness and not in assets. "I am certain," he states, "that when a person takes their last breath he/she will never repent how many cars they did not buy. They probably will regret not having been close enough to their family or not having helped other people."

But far from suggesting quick-fix prescriptions, this book, based on ancient Oriental wisdom and written as an easy-to-read novel, uses ancestral stories, anecdotes, analogies and humor. It is now available in bookstores.

 

A Crack in the Teacup - Book Review

A Crack in the Teacup - Book Review

Word Count:
263

Summary:
The Crack in the Teacup, by C.M. Albrecht, is a mystery fiction novel with a slight seasoning of romance and suspense...

Keywords:
mystery, fiction, suspense, romance, book

Article Body:
The Crack in the Teacup, by C.M. Albrecht, is a mystery fiction novel with a slight seasoning of romance and suspense to spice things up. The story line is centered in a small Californian town where an 11-year-old boy, Jerry Beakey, goes missing on his way to a music lesson. Author C.M. Albrecht skillfully walks the reader through every aspect of the case and what happens in police departments, support centers and within the family of the missing person.

There are two main characters in The Crack in the Teacup. Detective Steve Music and his co-workers butt-heads with the FBI while working on the case. Lovely, and sympathetic, Shelly Lambert guards an awful secret and harbors a guilt that drives her to volunteer at the Missing and Exploited Children Coalition whenever she could get away from her job as a Notary.

Whenever Detective Music and Shelly meet during the investigation, something deeper between them happens. Neither of them seems to know what to do about it. Steve discovers Shelly's secret when he looks into her past and creates a huge rift between them that could destroy their romance.

A classic who-dun-it written in the Agatha Christi style with a very unusual motive for child kidnapping. I suspected nearly everyone involved at some point in the book and I liked that the characters represented true society, with people of different races, ideals and backgrounds. The Crack in the Teacup has very little violence, but a lot of mystery and a happy ending.
 
ISBN#: 1-59466-037-9
Author: C. M. Albrecht
Publisher: Port Town Publishing

 

A Brief History of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

A Brief History of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

Word Count:
559

Summary:
Thomas the Tank Engine gained the hearts of many children since the Railway Series of books first came out back in 1945, which isn't surprising considering Thomas the Tank Engine books have sold about eighty million copies all around the globe. As a celebration of the series' 60th anniversary, here is some history about Thomas the Tank Engine.

Keywords:
thomas the train, thomas the tank engine, friends

Article Body:
Thomas the Tank Engine gained the hearts of many children since the Railway Series of books first came out back in 1945, which isn't surprising considering Thomas the Tank Engine books have sold about eighty million copies all around the globe. As a celebration of the series' 60th anniversary, here is some history about Thomas the Tank Engine.

Back in 1943, little Christopher Awdry, a three years-old son of an Anglican clergyman named Wilbert Awdry, was suffering from scarlet fever. Due to the nature of the disease he was forced to remain in isolation. As a way to keep him entertained, his father started telling him several stories about a group of trains living out adventures and having fun together, and thus, Thomas the Tank engine was born.

As is to be expected with any child, he demanded his father to tell him the stories over again and again, and of course corrected him each and every time an inconsistency took place. To "protect" himself from his son's corrections, Reverend Awdry started writing down the stories onto pieces of paper to remember every detail.

To add to the storytelling, the Reverend made small sketches and drawings of cute small steam locomotives on the paper, along with the train stories. He drew a set of steam locomotives in an engine shed and added a human face to each of them, thus showing a "human" expression for each one.

One night, while his father was telling him one of the stories, little Christopher noticed a sketch of a small train with a sad face on the paper from which the Reverend was reading. Naturally, he asked his dad why that little train was so unhappy, and inquired what his name was. The Reverend then said the first name that came to his mind: Edward. That was when the first tale came to life. Since then, about a hundred small moral Thomas the Tank Engine tales came out.

The Reverend's wife thought that those stories were good enough to be published, so they started looking for an editor. Soon, Mr. Edmund Ward (a retired businessman) showed his interest in those stories, and since then there has been a Thomas the Tank Engine book released almost every year.

Surprisingly, Thomas the Tank Engine himself did not appear in the Railway Series until the second book came out in 1946!

The books came with colorful designs that were attractive to children. With a size appropriate to fit a little kid's hand, the books contained three stories and the stories were written on the left page, while an illustration of a certain part of the narrated events was on the right page. The first illustrator for the first dozen of Thomas the Tank Engine books was a man named C. Reginald Dalby, who established the appearance of all the characters based on the Reverend Awdry's sketches and the aspect of real steam locomotives.

Many of the stories are based on real happenings and people. For instance, one of Reverend's Awdry colleagues was a steam collector and is known to have inspired the character of the Vicar who saves "Trevor the Traction Engine" from the scrap heap. Being the most famous train of all times, Thomas the Tank Engine continues bringing healthy entertainment and marvelous, timeless magic stories to children around the world.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006.  All Rights Reserved.

 

115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety – Book Review

115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety – Book Review

Word Count:
352

Summary:
Mike Marcoe writes from first hand experience in his book 115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety, providing advice from the view of one who has traveled the road of anxiety for a long time, undergoing therapies and combing through mountains of research. His experience has resulted in this self-help guide to people looking for ways to manage their condition in a proactive and healthy manor...

Keywords:
self-help, non-fiction, education, health, anxiety, guide

Article Body:
Mike Marcoe writes from first hand experience in his book 115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety, providing advice from the view of one who has traveled the road of anxiety for a long time, undergoing therapies and combing through mountains of research. His experience has resulted in this self-help guide to people looking for ways to manage their condition in a proactive and healthy manor.

Mike has a passion for non-fiction educational and self-help genres. He has attained a BA in English and has been in the writing industry for a number of years performing as an author, copy editor, proof-reader, a database guardian and has also worked for a newspaper.

115 Ways to Prevent Anxiety will provide readers with wise nutritional advice, herbal remedies that may ease anxiety symptoms and plenty of positive, proactive attitude enhancement skills. The author provides excellent tools for getting peace from anxiety disorders.

News to me was how dehydration plays a part in nervous disorders – something I will be much more aware of in the future. I am completely curious about how philosophy can play a part and I intend to investigate this possibility when I have more time. Also, I am encouraged by having it confirmed that taking up a variety of activities - drumming, living an active life, regularly doing meditative and breath enhancing yoga, walking the dog and gardening – has been a good step in the right direction for me. I truly feel like I am on the right track to taking the power into my own hands to live a life free of anxiety.

There are no wasted words here. At only 88 pages, the text can be considered short and sweet. The author's intent for his book is to entice readers to delve deep inside and discover what triggers their anxiety, why this happens and learn how to prevent reoccurrence.

Individuals can reap rewards from this self-help, non-fiction guide – however, educators would certainly benefit in using this as a workbook in anxiety support groups. This book is also available in print and electronic formats to fit a variety of needs.

ISBN#: 1-59113-872-8
Author: Mike Marcoe
Publisher:

 

52 Homes In 52 Weeks

52 Homes In 52 Weeks

Word Count:
204

Summary:
The door is open for anyone interested in acquiring a real estate fortune, thanks to a new book that shows how.

Keywords:
52 Homes In 52 Weeks

Article Body:
The door is open for anyone interested in acquiring a real estate fortune, thanks to a new book that shows how.

To counter the suggestion that great deals are the exception and not the rule, best-selling author Dolf de Roos and Gene Burns challenged themselves to buy one home every week for an entire year. They acquired these properties using a variety of financing and acquisition techniques, which they document in "The Insider's Guide to 52 Homes in 52 Weeks" (Wiley, $16.95, paper).

The book doesn't just chronicle what they did and how they did it. It also shows readers how they can take these techniques and apply them to their own acquisition program, whether they want to buy one house a week or just one a year.

In the beginning, the authors looked for pre-foreclosure homes and then feverishly tried to find tenants for them. Towards the end, they signed up tenants and then found houses for them to move into.

Topics in the book include how to determine your strategy and getting started; learning to ask for help; finding the right location; lease options; owner financing; pre-foreclosure and many more.

Dr. de Roos, PhD is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author.

'Shape-Shifting': The Bane of Women Everywhere

'Shape-Shifting': The Bane of Women Everywhere

Word Count:
354

Summary:
"Shape-shifting" is something most women know about all too well. As the years pile on, so do unwanted pounds that--even among those who remain relatively slim--can literally change the body's contours.

Keywords:
'Shape-Shifting': The Bane of Women Everywhere

Article Body:
"Shape-shifting" is something most women know about all too well. As the years pile on, so do unwanted pounds that-even among those who remain relatively slim-can literally change the body's contours.

"One may go from an hourglass to more of a shot glass," says Dr. Pamela Peeke, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, best-selling author and creator of the "Body For Life For Women Workout" DVD (rodale store.com). "Aging gracefully is all a matter of girth control."

Not to mention understanding women's hormones.

It's Peeke's assertion that recognizing what she calls "women's unique hormonal hard-wiring" is key to achieving and maintaining a peak body for life. There are four hormonal milestones involved:

; Teens and Twenties. This is when estrogen production rises. Women who were skinny teens may suddenly find weight going to their breasts, hips and thighs. This is the time to build a strong fitness foundation that can last the rest of your life. It's also a good time to build muscle tone and minimize body fat changes.

; The Reproductive Years. Science shows that if you enter pregnancy healthy and fit, you'll have a healthier nine months and a healthier baby. Whether you have children or not, this is the time when your metabolism begins to slow down. During this period, you should add resistance training-weights-to keep your metabolism as hot as you can.

 The Forties. This is a time of shape-shifting. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels lead to a three- to five-pound potbelly, or menopot, for many women-on top of which toxic stress levels boost your food cravings. You need to regroup, ramp up your physical activity, examine your lifestyle and put things into balance.

 Menopause. Once you've reached this milestone, it's important to exercise the mind and body so that you stay sharp and keep fit. Keep learning. Make the effort to add resistance training and cardio-revving walks every day. Your goal is to live a long and indepen-dent life by taking good care of yourself.

Whether you're 20 or 50, Dr. Peeke's new DVD, "Body For Life For Women Workout," can help you.