Monday, February 29, 2016

Home web business made easy

Everyone wants to start their own business and become their own boss, but many are not sure how to do it. There are several types of home businesses. Service businesses, selling products, and web based home businesses, just to name a few.


In this article I am going to guide you through the process of starting your own web-based home business. I will try to take some of the mystery out of the process. By following this guideline, you will be up and running in very little time without having made a huge investment.


First, you need to know what your business is going to do. Will it provide a service? Are you planning to sell products? Those are the two general types of web-based home businesses I will be discussing in this article.


If you plan to provide a service, what type of service will you be providing? Will it be provided to people who own websites? Will it be a service that anyone can use or will it be confined to your local area?


Ask similar questions of yourself if you plan to sell a product. Will it be a product you sell and deliver locally, nationwide, or internationally? If you choose worldwide, do you know anything about shipping your product overseas? The same applies to nationwide delivery. Do you know the costs associated with delivering your product everywhere in the nation you live in?


Once you have answered those questions, you will have more of an idea about how your home web business will eventually be shaped.


Next, you will need a domain name. Most people think their company name is the best way to go for a domain name, however, a generic domain name with keywords that are associated to your product or service will serve you much better. You can also register your company name as a domain name and point it to your website, but it is not necessary.


The generic domain name can help you with search engine traffic and can be more memorable. It is only one factor of many that will help you with search engine optimization, but it is a step you should take when getting started. Example: cars. com is a better domain name than ford. com, even though ford spent millions to advertise and brand their name. Even cheapusedcars. com is better because people will search for that.


You need to find a good domain name registrar, not a cheap domain name registrar. Cheap means cheap in the area of domain names. Your domain name is important. Spending $25 per year to registrar that provide more services and quality VS spending $10 or less at a cheap registrar is what we are talking about here. If that extra $15 per year is going to make or break your home business, then maybe you should not start one.


Next, you will need a web hosting service. Again, cheaper is not better. There are good hosting services for $100 per year or even a little less. Anyone that is offering you hosting for less than that should raise a red flag. Choose and pay for your hosting for at least a year, just like you registered your domain name for. If you are going with a monthly plan, you probably aren’t fully committed to your new home business.


Now, you have your domain name and the hosting for your new website, but where is the website and how do I get that? You have several options. You can learn html and build your own. You can use a WYSIWYG editor like FrontPage to build your own website. You can hire someone to build your website for you.


First, we will talk about learning html to build your own website for your home business. There is a learning curve here. This is the best option of the three I mentioned above, but it takes time to learn. You will probably not be up and running in just a few days with this option. In the long run, it will save you a lot of money to learn html and build your own websites. The more websites you have in your portfolio, the more likely you will have at least one that is a big winner. Writing your own code means you can build a new website as often as you want.


Next, building your own home business website with a WYSIWYG editor. (What You See Is What You Get). These editors are similar to making a document. Everything is visual and you do not need to know html. The learning curve for these editors is much less than that of learning to actually code your own website.


However, these websites do have limitations. Since the code for the website is auto-generated, it tends to have mistakes. In addition to that, you have to make sure your hosting has the proper extensions to host your website. FrontPage Extensions is the example if you use the FrontPage WSYIWYG.


This option will get you up and running faster, but you need to hire someone at some point to fix the code for you so the page will always load correctly and optimally. How your website is viewed in different browsers, how fast your website loads, and how your website looks are all design factors that make a difference to your customers, so weigh each option carefully.


Next, hiring a web designer to build your home business website is another option. A professional web designer knows how to give your website the look and feel you want it to have. However, be careful when choosing a web designer. I’ll add some things you need to be aware of here;


1. If they say they will register the domain name for you, say no. Registering a domain name is not technically difficult. Do this yourself. Many web designers register the domain name at the cheapest place they can find then charge you $100 or more per year for the domain name. Then many of them register it in their own name! This will cause you huge problems if you ever decide not to use their services anymore. The domain name should be in your name always.


2. Ask them what program they use to build your website in. If they are going to use FrontPage or Dreamweaver or other WYSIWYG editor, you may as well build your own home business website. If they do not write html from scratch, then they shouldn’t be in the web design business.


3. If they wish to charge you monthly to run your website for you, be careful. Do not sign yearly contracts. Their job is to build you a home business website. Let them stick to just that. Most designers are just designers. They are not search engine gurus, business managers, or anything else. Hire a designer to design and others to do what they are good at.


4. Do not let them talk you into features you do not need. Just like used car salesmen, they will try to get you to add on a lot of bells and whistles you don’t need.


5. A brochure website is one that is basically designed to just let people know what products or services you provide and to contact you to get more information. Usually, that is a main page, an about page, and a contact page. That shouldn’t cost you more than $500.


6. If you are going to add the ability to buy your product or service by paying for it through your home business website, then it becomes an e-commerce website. Again, watch out for the bells and whistles that the used website salesman tries to sell you. PayPal is a good option when you are first starting out. You can get a PayPal account easily. You can create your own buy buttons and insert them into your website with the code they provide without being an html guru. You can even configure shipping costs and everything else through PayPal for free. They charge small percentages per sale, but the services they provide are worth it. Besides, they have no setup fee or monthly fee like other e-commerce solutions. When your sales volume reaches into thousands of dollars per month, you can look for a better solution, but until then, use PayPal.


7. An old saying among those who make money on the web is “You build the first one for show and the rest for dough”. What that means is this; You will likely be very concerned about the look of your website in the beginning, however design is the LEAST important aspect of your home web business. Many will disagree, but who cares. Let me repeat, design is the LEAST important aspect of your home web based business. A beautiful website with no traffic gets uglier by the day. An ugly website with traffic that makes money gets more beautiful by the dollar. Create a total budget for your home web based business. Spend no more than 30% of that budget on design. Spend the rest on promoting your website, advertising, and other actions that bring you customers. Don’t let some designer talk you into thinking his design is more important than your home business’s success.


Now that you have your domain name, hosting, and website up and running, you now need customers. Where do you get them? I have my website, won’t they just find me now? NO, they won’t.


There are several things you can do to get traffic. Do not fall for all the scams out there that tell you they can send millions of hits to your website for just a small fee. There are a lot of traffic scams. The traffic is usually auto or bot generated traffic and will do you no good in selling your product or service.


You can buy Adwords from Google, MSN (coming soon), or Yahoo. That sends you traffic from people who search for specific keywords. Be careful about bidding on these and set your spending limits low until you see which keywords are paying off for you.


You can purchase links on popular websites that are related to your product or service. Again, start with a small text link and a small budget until you find which of those links are actually sending you traffic that is converting to sales. If one is producing sales, expand on that one. If one is producing nothing, drop it. It’s like running an ad in the newspaper, on TV, or on radio. If it isn’t bringing you business, you get rid of the ad.


You can write articles on topics related to your products or services like the one you are reading now. Your links go into the box below, just like mine here. You submit your articles to article submission websites. They provide it to other webmasters that want to use your article as free content for their website. Each one that picks up your article becomes another link to your website. This is the best method of marketing in my honest opinion.


Posting in related forums and blogs with your home business link in your signature can produce more targeted traffic for your website. More traffic does not mean better. Targeted traffic means much more and converts to sales more often than traffic you might get from unrelated websites, so stay focused on blogs and forums that relate to your topics.


I hope this article has helped you realize what it takes to start your own home business on the web!


Sunday, February 28, 2016

Halloween family fun

Halloween is a great family holiday. There are plenty of activities that the kids of all ages in your family can participate in, so why not get out of the house and join in the fun? Most cities will have plenty of options for Halloween fun in the month of October.


Trick-or-Treat


One of the most popular Halloween activities is trick-or-treating. If you are concerned about your kids heading out on their own on Halloween night, why not tag along? Don a costume yourself, and take the time to enjoy the scenery and everyone else's costumes. You might even get some candy of your own.


Deck the yard


And the halls, and yourself. If you choose to stay at home on Halloween night, why not make it fun for everyone who comes to visit you? Decorate your yard, entranceway, and yourself and get ready to enjoy the trick-or-treaters that come to call.


Costume parties


If you enjoy costumes, why not attend a costume party or host your own? This can be a great way for adults to have a more mature Halloween celebration, or just a fun way to allow the kids to enjoy their costumes for a little longer.


Haunted Houses


If you really want to get creeped out on Halloween, consider taking a tour through your local haunted houses. Most are designed to be gory and scary, so keep that in mind if there are little ones in your group. These attractions are usually quite popular, and are often open the entire month of October, so if you don't want to wait in line consider visiting them earlier in the month.


Boo at the zoo


If there is a zoo in your city, it might be worth checking to see if yours offers any special events in the month of October. Usually taking place on the weekends, Boo at the zoo usually allows your kids to dress up in costumes, receive treats, visit their favorite animals, and participate in fun activities.


Movie night


For movie buffs, some theaters will set up all-night horror film festivals. They often feature select cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as others. This can be great entertainment for those who plan on staying up all night. Alternatively, if you want to stay home, consider having your own movie night at home with your personal Halloween favorites.


Haunted hayrides


For another traditional Halloween activity, consider taking a haunted hayride. Often hosted by local farms (quite possibly the one you pick your pumpkin from) these after dark activities include a spooky hayride, bonfire, and snacks and are usually appropriate for all age groups.


Research your ghostly neighbors


Nearly every town has an area or building that is “haunted” by some local ghost. Visit your local library or historical center to find out where these places are, and take your own local tour. In some areas, paranormal investigation teams will take tours out on Halloween to do some ghost hunting of your own.


Read a book


If curling up at home alone with the leftover candy is more your speed, consider reading a suspense/horror book. Your local library can surely recommend some good ones depending on your tastes.


Halloween always offers plenty to do if you take time to do it.


5 big internet business lies

You have heard from people saying Internet Business is a waste of time, you will not make any money, there is no real money to be made online, it will never work and so many others negative words coming from people who don’t really understand in this Internet Business industry.


The thing is, it does work. Why some people make a fortune and some don’t even make money at all? Simply because the people who make thousands or millions of cash knew all the lies in this business and they will not trust these lies.


So what is this big internet lies? Below here are the 10 big internet lies that you should know:


1. Starting And Running A Business On The Internet Is Expensive


Do you know that you can start your business with zero cost? You can actually earn your income by joining a very high quality affiliate program. Usually, as an affiliate marketer, your job is concentrating on marketing only. All the follow up, delivery of the product, answering questions from customers and so on are done by the owner of the program.


Usually the ‘expensive’ statement often comes from people who are living in non-U. S. countries, especially if the country’s local currency is smaller than that of the U. S. Dollar. If it is not a currency issue, it is a vision issue. See and think small to get small. See and think big and your results will have a tendency to match your thoughts.


2. You Can Make Easy Money From The Internet


Most people believe you can make money overnight and by not doing anything at all. If it is what you have in mind right now, this myth is what sets the realistic apart from the unrealistic. You have probably heard of stories of how people make 5 to 6 figure incomes in the shortest period of time imaginable.


These stories might be true but did you know most of them have failed so miserably several times before they can really make money? They have learned from their mistakes and move on. It may seem as if some gurus are overnight successes with the wild numbers some people have brought in during a day or a week selling information or products online.


Some interesting facts about overnight success – it normally takes months if not years to realize. In other words, they prepare, they create a joint ventures, they get ready and then build up anticipation for a launch – then BOOM it explodes!


3. You Must Know HTML, Programming And Graphic Designing In Order To Start Your Business


You don’t need to know all of these at all. Period. In fact, one of the biggest shockers was the discovery that most of the biggest on the gurus today do not have the first clue as to how to build a web page.


These gurus earned more money because they knew how to reach people. They either outsource for professional help or establish Joint Ventures with other individuals who can compensate their lack of knowledge in any one of these areas.


As a matter of fact, most successful people are true successes because they only focus their time on what brings them successes.


If you want to create your web pages without having to learn programming, HTML and designing skills, just find someone else that can do it for you. There are many professional web designer you can find on the Internet which you can hire them to design your web pages exactly like you wanted.


4. On The Internet, There Is No Need To Know How To Sell


This statement has make people who hate selling are attracted to ads that read “no selling required”. Think for a moment, is there any logic at all you can make money without doing anything at all? Usually these programs are usually unworkable and some are run by fly-by-night operators.


In this business, don’t try to sell to other people. Instead, you inform your potential customers. Show people what their lives would be like with what you offer and you will have a sale without selling anything at all!


5. You Don’t Have To Build A Mailing List At All


Laughing out loud – that is like saying, “I don’t want to be in business”. Put this in your head, your mailing list is as important to you as the “Yellow Pages” is to a conventional B2B business.


“The money is in the list”. You probably heard this from most gurus out there. But you should also have this word in your mind, “The money is in the relationship”. The idea of networking with people is unattractive to most who hate to sell.


Remember though, you are not selling anything. You are just showing people their life and how it can easily be enhanced by what you have to offer.


All the above are just some of the big Internet lies. Actually there are a lot more Internet lies you should stay away from. You have to be smart in order to really achieve success that you could possibly imagine. Success is like enlightenment. It is a path and not a destination.


8 reasons to fall in love with marrakech travel

Just beneath the high mountain range of the African Atlas is the red city of Morocco known as Marrakech. With a culture that has grown to be so vibrant, free, and pure, who would have known that this imperial city only started as another pit stop for medieval caravans? However, regardless of its humble beginnings, you'll still be bound by its magic spell with the warmth of its people, inspiring history, and colorful tradition. Standing in the middle of the red city walls, you'll know for sure that you're in for a timeless escape with Marrakech travel. But to make the most out of your journey to this spellbinding exotic destination, here are the top eight things you shouldn't dare miss on your Marrakech travel:


1. Relive the memories of the old city.


The 13th century walls that surround the medina is reminiscent of ancient struggles and battles that took place in Morocco. A tour around the age-old fortresses, gates, and tanneries in your Marrakech travel is a good photo opportunity for tourists. Not only that, you'll also enjoy the inviting spirit of the modern city amidst the well-preserved relics, natural wonders, and architectural pieces of the past. With friendly people and bustling activities around the corner, you'll enjoy every minute of this experience.


2. Get lost with the crowd at Djemaa el Fna.


This large square that lies at heart of the old city is teeming with too many spectacles and surprises. From bargain shopping to snake charming, you'll never have a dull moment in your Marrakech travel. Open your eyes to a lot of things, which include juggling acts, musical performances, as well as belly dancing. You don't even have to worry about losing your way back to your hotel. As overwhelmingly large as it can be, the square offers a winding escape to interesting sites around the city.


3. Take a spiritual retreat.


They say that paying a visit to popular trails of mosques, churches, and other places of worship is a wonderful Marrakech travel experience that can be life-altering. However, for those who only wish to satisfy their curiosities, time is well-spent in admiring some of the most exquisite architectural designs in the world. You'll be stunned how Marrakech was able to preserve the intricate details and premedieval style of these structures but much more, how it preserved its solemnity. The famous pilgrimage for the "seven saints" is also found in this city, while the Saadian tombs is highly recommended by most tourist guides.


4. Shop and explore its very best.


Popular market stands also known as "souks" offer the best treat for bargain shopping. The bazaar is usually filled with exotic finds such as metal works, wood pieces, baskets, and leather sets-- some of which, you'll only find in Morocco. You'll also be advised not to end your Marrakech travel without a belt, jewelry, carpet, or any form of clothing that are found in the souk.


5. Take a journey to the past.


Marrakech is one of the best places to find age-old ceramics, paintings, mosaic, jewelries, and fabrics. Its museums house prestigious artifacts that date back to more than a thousand years. Manuscripts, contemporary arts, and traditional clothing are among the well-preserved collection. You may also take note in your Marrakech travel experience that museums here are not just brick-and-mortar structures but are also adorned with verdant gardens.


6. Stay in luxurious Riads in Marrakech.


Your Marrakech travel experience will not be complete without staying in the city's famous Riads. These are residential facilities that top any 5-star hotel in modern cities. With luxurious rooms, overlooking views of the fountain, roof top terraces, and exquisite decorations, Riads are one of the best reasons to stay in Marrakech.


7. Experience the colorful tradition of Morocco.


Embrace the Moroccan culture through entertainment activities and festivals in Marrakech. The Popular Arts Festival is a good way to add more life to your Marrakech travel adventures. Have a great time with fortune-tellers, fire swallowers, and acting troupes in the culmination of this festivity. Apart from carnival spectacles, you'll also witness the horse-riding parade known as Fantasia.


8. Treat yourself to fun-filled activities.


Popular streams of casinos, discos, and bars are found in the city. But remember, alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Chances are, you'll have to stay sober all night. Apart from enjoying Western hits and Moroccan pop music, your Marrakech travel adventure can never be complete without experiencing a taste of its gourmet paradise. Most cafes and restaurants in Marrakech offer a fusion of flavors from home grown recipes to international dishes.


How do you benefit from a registry cleaner

Before you select a registry cleaner for your windows based PC, find out how beneficial it is for your system’s performance.


These days, more and more computer users are using registry cleaner software to keep the registry clean and to keep their computers in good health. Computers are the information highway of the 21st century, and most households in the United States use computers for various reasons. The more you use your computer, more information gets stored in its registry. The benefit of a registry cleaner is that it helps ‘slim’ down the registry by removing the unnecessary data thereby making your computer run faster. The registry of your computer is the section where all applications create entries for temporary data, and these entries are never deleted by on their own. The more data your computer processes, the more bloated your registry gets, often slowing down your computer.


It is necessary that you use a window registry cleaner, periodically, to remove all the unnecessary data in the registry. Over time the invalid entries, resulting from uninstalling or incorrectly removing of the software accumulate in the registry. A registry cleaner simply deletes these entries from the registry and helps your system to function at its optimum level.


The Benefits of Cleaning The Registry


This is normally what most computer users do:


• Frequently install or uninstall programs


• Delete software that was never really fully "uninstalled"


Alternately, your computer may have an embedded Spyware, or you may have unused but undeleted drivers in your system. All such accumulated problems can lead to stalls in the system, or reduced operating speeds. This is where a registry cleaner comes in handy. Before the problems rise to such levels, cleaning your registry periodically gets rid of all these extra entries; trimming your registry down and making your computer run at a faster speed.


With improvements in technology, newer window registry cleaners are coming in the market with new improved features:


• A registry cleaner with a scan and repair feature scans the entire registry records, and does not eliminate valid records. It leaves your computer with a ‘trimmed’ registry and a better computer performance.


• There is a feature that is similar to de-fragmentation of the files. It removes the empty spaces and fragments, making the computer run faster.


• Certain registry cleaners come with special features that detect and clean the embedded keys that are generally undetectable. These embedded keys have malicious codes that are used by malware (malicious software).


• Most registry cleaning software have a ‘schedule and forget’ feature, which allows you to set a schedule for a registry scan, fix, backup, and eliminate the routine unnecessary entries in the registry.


When you first install a new system, you will most probably, never notice a registry problem. As your usage increases, the frivolous entries in your registry become larger and larger, especially with the installation and removal of software, drivers, and other components. This slows down your complete system.


This is where you benefit the most from using a registry cleaner that deletes these unnecessary entries and increases the operating speed of your system.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Pei as a place to live

Not being an Islander from birth I often get asked 'what ever possessed you to move here?". Most think that I have family or friends here that enticed me to relocate...no. Then the conclusion becomes I must of been here before on holidays or business and decided this is were I wanted to be...no. Then what was it? Curiosity! I had travelled Canada from coast to coast but had missed PEI in my journey, so it was a land yet to be discovered for me. One night listening to the nightly news I saw a report on PEI that sparked my interest and it was centered around lifestyle.


Now my Ontario friends like to think of us 'Islanders" as being somewhat behind the times...actually 30 years is often the number given and I guess there is some truth to that. We still find time to value family and friends. Our churches are still well attended. Crime rates are very low. People still enjoy talking with their neighbours. Most Islanders enjoy the wondrous natural beauty that surrounds them and share a great enthusiasm for preserving it.


But there are some misconceptions about Islanders that permeate the general Canadian culture. Most of us aren't spending our lives on unemployment insurance. Actually some of the hardest working most dedicated souls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing live right here on this little spec of land in the Atlantic Ocean. I find most value work not so much for the necessary income to survive but more as an opportunity to be creative, productive and for the social aspect that work brings. Work is not our lives but it is integral to a healthy and happy individual.


Another humorous misconception pertains to the size of our Island. Walking the length of the Island is not for the weak. It is greater in length to the distance between Ottawa and Montreal and roughly the width of Ottawa to Kingston, so please bring a vehicle!


In this day and age, Islanders are exposed to all aspects of modern culture via the medias. We have kids walking around with the crotch of their pants hanging down to their knees. We view the same news, movies and have access to the internet and music like every other place on the globe. And yes this is having an impact on our lifestyles but resistance is not futile. The Islander is an adept at integrating modern life with values from the past. Thus making PEI a most unique environment to live and work.


How to create irresistible curiosity with rapport hooks using hypnosis

As you know by now rapport is a key skill that you will need to master to be a successful hypnotist. Without rapport your subject will not be open to your hypnotic suggestions and communications.


A brief review of rapport is the harmonious relationship that you share with people. In this relationship you understand and relate to people’s feelings, ideas as well as communicate them well with one another. Everyone does this everyday with the different relationships they share with family, friends and co-workers.


In order to build a strong and wide rapport you will need to practice and perfect certain skills. Rapport in normal circumstances can often come easily. Think of how easily you share your life with a spouse or your best friend. The rapport here is focused and good, it comes easily and casually.


However hypnosis is not a normal or casual relationship. A deep amount of comfort, trust and familiarity must be established before you can reach your goals with a hypnotic subject. Remember they are going to let you into their mind this is not a place you open to just a perfect stranger.


As you are learning hypnosis you will want to focus on advanced strategies for building rapport. Creating and building on ‘rapport hooks’ is a great skill that will get other people to build rapport with you. Rapport hooks are going to do the work of drawing your subject into you as you get acquainted.


Rapport hooks are developed in a way that will keep people coming back to you to build on the relationship. It causes people to work hard and value the relationships they are building. If a person feels that they are working hard to build something they will also continue to work to maintain the past success they have had.


When you put rapport hooks into action, they will keep the person coming back for more information. The hooks will get your subject to keep asking questions, and coming back to fill in the informational gaps in you are purposefully leaving in your stories.


One way to get a person to keep coming back for that information is to give them small pieces of information that may not be complete. Leave questions in their mind as you tell stories. Give a casual tone, but leave what, why and how open for your subject to dig with.


The key here is to avoid forcing information on to them. Get your subject interested but leave your topics open by adding suspense and unfinished information.


For example, if you are telling a story about a place you visited, use the name of the country but give no specifics about where you went. Tell them the scenery is beautiful but let them ask about the region or sites you saw. Let them probe for these answers. You can do this with almost any topic.


While you are talking remember to use a casual tone and present the information in a way that inclines them to ask for more. If your subject’s curiosity is peaked they will be inclined to want to know more to the point of asking you.


In this manner you are elegantly giving them a good story and drawing them in as well. The more curiosity and interest the person has the more questions they will ask. Asking you questions is subconsciously earning them the right to the information and they begin to feel it is more important.


When you use rapport hooks it will also help you with fractionate rapport. Fractionate rapport happens when you giving rapport then consciously taking it away.


Give your subject your full attention for a while, then, distract yourself. Getting casually distracted by looking around or engaging your attention elsewhere will cause the subject to re-engage you. If the person does re-engage you then you are on board with the beginnings of a foundation for an advanced rapport.


Again this is causing the person to work for your attention. You give it, and then take your attention away. They then have to work to get it back. This makes the relationship more valued yet again because it is not being forced upon them. They are asking for it and earning it.


When using these advanced rapport building skills you will successfully push your rapport further, faster than normal. The more push and pull you involve in your conversations the quicker and deeper your rapport will go.


These skills will take your relationship to higher levels of comfort and trust quickly so a good and wide enough rapport is set to continue. Once this is founded and put into place you will be able to begin to put your subject into trance and begin the real work of hypnosis.


A pill-a-day approach to weight loss

Being slim or thin does not make one healthy. But of course, being overweight or obese is not healthy either. For those who have trouble losing the excess pounds, the use of weight loss pills is the preferred and convenient option. The said pills are supposed to help a person lose weight by reducing the appetite and preventing the absorption of fat into the body. Weight loss pills are very helpful since not all people have the time and interest to got to the gym regularly.


There are two basic types of weight loss pills available in the market today, prescription pills and the non-prescription pills. Prescription pills are those diet pills that are closely regulated and required by the FDA. These pills have been proven effective through several clinical tests. Such prescription pills include the popular Xenical (Orlistat) and Meridia (Sibutramine). These drugs must be prescribed by a doctor before a weight watcher can actually purchase and use them. On the other hand, non-prescription weight loss pills can be purchased over the counter even without doctor's approval. Examples of these non-prescription include products from Herbalife and Metabolife which are classified as fat burners, stackers, herbal weight loss pills, and diet supplements.


Not all people benefit from taking these weight loss pills. These prescription weight loss pills are naturally designed to mainly treat obesity, unlike “cosmetic” weight loss, or those who just want to lose a few pounds. In fact, weight loss pills can be effective under certain circumstances. Our body tends to adjust rather quickly to the effects of these weight loss pills so there is also a possibility that the benefits might decrease as time passes.


Taking such diet pills can be complicated since the person has to check if this particular diet pill would be effective, or if it is even FDA-approved. It is important to know the dosage and safety precautions for each brand of diet pill. It is important to ask your physician for a thorough explanation on the pills' possible side effects and health risks.


It would be better and safer to lose pounds by having a regular routine exercise, together with the consumption of a healthy diet. There are several different weight loss diet programs that have become very popular. Some of the more well-known diet programs are Atkin's diet, Sonoma diet, South Beach diet, and the Mediterranean diet.


In summary, a serious weight watcher must see to it that the use of weight loss pills is complemented by regular exercise and consumption of healthy food. It is not right to expect dramatic weight loss by just using pills. Stored fat in the body can only be eliminated through exercise. The other alternative – liposuction --- is not only expensive and painful, it may also entail serious health risks since it is an invasive medical procedure. Through exercise, the body literally sweats away and burns excess fat. The body also adjusts and metabolism rates increase. With increased metabolism, the body works faster and harder in burning excess fat. Aside from the fat-burning effects of exercise, regular workouts also make a person feel good and confident. Of course, proper eating habits should be observed because the fat that is lost through exercise must not be regained because of excessive eating.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

How to blog news stories

Blogging news stories as they unfold is one of the most exciting and controversial applications of technology that bloggers have discovered. One thing that makes the blogosphere so active is the fact that it is possible to update a blog instantaneously, so the news on blogs tends to be more current than the news in the paper, or on television.


Unlike news delivered by these other media, news that appears on blogs does not have to travel through a series of editors and administrators before it reaches the public eye. This has some advantages, and some distinct disadvantages.


One of the most notable cases of news hitting a blog before appearing in other media took place in July 2005 when terrorism struck London. As passengers were evacuated from a subway car near an explosion, one man took several photographs of the scene with his cellular phone, and within an hour these images were posted online.


First-person accounts of the catastrophe began appearing on blogs soon after these photos appeared, and people all over the world learned about the events in London by reading the words and seeing the photos posted by bloggers.


The fact that these stories and images were being spread directly by individuals operating without the added filter of a reporter helped to make the crisis feel very immediate to people across the globe. When it comes to blogging, news often appears in a very personal context. This has the potential to be the beginning of an exciting new era of reporting, one that takes "New Journalism" to it's logical next step by putting the power to shape how the news is written and read directly into the hands of the public. What are the percentage of people earning on Adsense Blogs? And how much do they earn? Get your special $97 report on Adsense Tips and Tricks!


Many bloggers and cultural commentators who are champions of the weblog movement feel that this growing trend of individuals who getting their news from blogs is a good thing, because it makes the flow of information more democratic.


By decentralizing the control of news, blogs allow more voices to enter the field of debate about important current events. However, many people are adamantly opposed to the use of blogs as news outlets, and there are plenty of good arguments on this side of the debate. Unlike newspapers or television stations, few blogs have fact - checkers, and there is little attention paid to journalistic accountability on many blogs. How can you find high paying keywords for your Blog? Free $97 Secret Adsense Book at honestreview. info/adsense/index. html


This can lead to the rapid spread of misinformation, and more than one falsehood has taken the blogosphere by storm. The questions about whether blogging news as it happens is ethical or not are very complicated, but no matter where you stand on the topic of current events blogs you are almost sure to agree that this movement has the potential to revolutionize how modern people get their news.


Maremma tuscany vacation

Maremma is considered amongst the wonderful getaways to the world that is flooded with the emotions of romance and fun. The region has a blend of different features that can never be found in a single place. The region has glimpses of ancient civilization, wonderful natural landscape, culinary masterpieces and vineyards.


Maremma has a population that comprises of a closely knitted group of individuals that gives the tourists the environment, which they might feel at home only. If you are going for a Maremma Tuscany Holiday, you should not miss visiting the towns of Saturnia, Pitigliano, Argentario and Capalbio.


Pitigliano


Pitigliano can be characterized through volcanic magma and tuff stone along with crystal-clear water and exceptional beaches. If you have a curiosity to know the history of Pitigliano, there are numerous attractions and history depicting it. Orsini Castle, a magnificent structure, is situated near the entrance of the town. Around the town edge, you can find a medieval gate that is known as the Porta di Sovana. When you pass through the gate, you will find the Etruscan City Wall remains. You can also find ancient path across the Pitigliano regions along with walls that are over 10 meters in height. Etruscans dug these paths in the rock.


Capalbio


Capalbio is a village that is recognized for being a part of most Italian (gossip) newspapers for it has been often visited by numerous famous people from around the globe. Although Capalbio is now an excellent tourist destination, it has not lost the beauty and charm of the ancient period. Capalbio has numerous historical sites that you can visit. It has a magnificent walled village that hails from medieval era. The path around the village is magnificent for taking bike rides. Landscapes around the region are beautifully dotted by flower fields and olive groves.


Saturnia


Saturnia is mostly recognized for Terme di Saturnia. It is a spa boasting the healing effect of sulfur spring waters. It has been set up in the walls around the town and provides you with a relaxing experience. The view of the surrounding areas from the spring is breathtaking. The town also gives you scope to have fun and dance along with Italian cuisines, the taste of which you can never forget. Saturnia is also one of those places in Maremma having nice people in the locality. Henceforth, it is a fantastic place for visitors to enjoy the ancient culture and the natural springs making their vacation a memorable one.


Argentario


Etruscans were the first ones to inhabit Argentario. The town initially belonged to the family of Domitii Aenobarbi. The family then permitted the Etruscans for inhabiting their property. It was done to give the tribe some place for living. Amongst the popular activities in the town of Argentario, sailing and fishing in the harbor is the most loved one. Locals and tourists do the fishing for both fun and money.


Maremma Tuscany Holiday is the one where you can both learn and have fun simultaneously. If you decide for a trip to Maremma, you will have so many memorable times that you will be able to cherish for a lifetime.


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

What is the flow and how does it apply to seo

Internet traffic flow is simply the paths taken by people to navigate between web pages. Some of these paths are eight lane freeways with thousands of people passing through each minute. Others might seem more like a city street with a four way stop every other block. Then there are the back trails in the woods, rarely traveled and known only to a few.


Think back on your daily internet activities and you will realize that you have traveled a few paths, some more traveled than others. When you logged on you probably checked your email. I might be going out on a limb here but this is probably a fairly narrow yet beaten trail. You are probably the only person to travel this path and I would guess you navigate through it often.


Then you may have traveled to your favorite blog to see what PtrWigg thinks about international business today. You read his latest blog and find he has a link to a related business site to illustrate his point. You decide to swing by that site to get more background information. While there you find a link to another interesting site on globalization. The process of traveling though the blog, through the business site and into the globalization site is in itself a path.


Alright, that is all pretty basic. I’m sure you already understood this much even if you have never thought of the internet in this way. While this concept is very simple in nature I don’t think webmasters always take it into consideration when developing a website and SEOs seem to rarely consider it while optimizing for one.


So how does a webmaster develop a site with the “Flow” in mind? I believe the first step is in realizing that each page not only contains a path within itself but more importantly is a step within a path. Lets say you have created a page with an article on how to give a business presentation. You may have superbly supplied a facet of information but all information by itself is useless.


Does it really matter if you know how to give a business presentation if you can’t dress yourself, tie your shoes, comb your hair, eat breakfast, drive to work, operate a projector and speak in public? Obviously we are going to assume that your users are capable of doing everything up until the operate a projector step. Information is only useful when it is collaborated with other bits of information.


So ask yourself what path your average user is most likely on and if possible provide for him or her to continue on that path. All it takes is a little forethought and a few links to appropriate resources.


I think for the most part webmasters are pretty good about developing their sites with traffic flow in mind. While professional SEO experts may take the internet traffic flow model into account when promoting a website through link building this does not appear to be a common practice among webmasters.


Today the primary objective in link building seems simply to get ranked by the top search engines. The two most common link building techniques completely ignore internet traffic flow. Webmasters like to get links from directories and exchanging reciprocal links. The problem is the average user does not spend very much time viewing average directories and even less time viewing link exchange pages.


Doesn’t this seem a little backwards? Webmasters are trying to gain exposure for their sites by spending time listing their sites in places that other people generally don’t visit. If we were to apply this to offline marketing it would be like if I purchased a billboard in the middle of the desert promoting bottled water. People in the middle of nowhere may want bottled water but doesn’t it seem like a better idea promoting where there may actually be people to see it?


I’m not saying webmasters should not submit their sites to directories but I absolutely believe that their marketing mix should not consist of only directory submission and reciprocal link exchanging. I believe it is very important to focus on link building within the flow.


The concept isn’t difficult. Figure out where your site naturally fits within the flow. Then try to contextually exchange links or purchase links on pages within paths your target user is most likely on. This will help you tap into long term sources of targeted traffic regardless of your search engine rankings. This method will require considerably more time to build the same number of backlinks but the search engines will reward you for the superb quality of links.


Sunday, February 21, 2016

Traveling around egypt and back

Egypt is one of the most thrilling places, mainly because of its Pyramids. Egypt is also one of the vacationing spots for the people living in the west and also people living in other parts of the world. This is the perfect trip for a family who wants to add an educational value to their vacation. Unlike most vacation spots, parents drop their children of at an amusement park for hours at a time. A trip to Egypt is a trip that the entire family can enjoy


A grand tour for Egypt starts from Cairo (Ancient Egypt), which includes religious and Islamic sight seeing. Cairo is also one of the major airports in Egypt. Normal tour for Cairo will start from Giza pyramids (Great pyramids), Saqquara (Step pyramid) and even the Egyptian Antiquities museum. This is like a first day tour.


Then the tour usually moves on to Luxor and Aswan, these places are visited either by train or flight. Tours also include visiting some places like Citadel and Khan el-Khalili market in Islamic Cairo, also visiting the churches and Coptic museum in Cairo.


Egypt is a place for Religious tours, Adventure and Specialty tours, golfing tours, fishing expeditions, Birding tours, Nature tours, Simple Holidays, Beach vacations, Scuba diving vacations, Western or Eastern Desert, The Sinai, Jordan, Kenya and the Israel.


Shopping is unlimited in Egypt being a historical and a religious place, one can find many exciting and inventive things to buy.


Food is delicious in Egypt, some of the famous delicacies of Egypt are, Egyptian bean salad, Egyptian stuffed egg plant with rice, meat and okra stew, Egyptian stuffed pigeon, Egyptian green soup, Egyptian salty rice, stuffed grape leaves, fig cakes, um ali (famous dessert of Egypt), Egyptian spiced drink etc… All the dishes of Egypt are made in a unique way; there are recipe books available for people who become lover of the food in Egypt.


Arabic is a common language that is spoken in Egypt. It is not very hard to learn basic Arabic so communication is made between people who do not understand English.


There are various transports that are available in Egypt, getting to places isn’t difficult because of the arrangement of buses, trains, water transport and flights. It is quiet reasonable to travel in Egypt.


Proper planning is recommended so that one would not get confused if going to Egypt the first time. Maps are available so detailed study of Egypt will help in the entire trip.


Friday, February 19, 2016

Why - title tag optimization

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What is the Title Tag

The Title Tag is not a Meta Tag. The Title Tag is an HTML code that shows the words that appear at the top title bar of your browser. The Title Tag is not displayed anywhere else on the page.
It is these words or phrase that appears as the title of your page in the hyperlink listings on the search engine results. The users' in-turn click on this hyperlink to go to your website from Search Engine Results Page (SERP).



Therefore, the significance of the Title Tag is evident as all search engines use the Title Tag to gather information about your site.

Syntax for the Title Tag is:

Head Tag
"TITLE Tag" Here you write the Title of your Page "Closed Title Tag"
Closed Head Tag

Useful Tips for Writing the Title Tag

The Title Tag plays a vital role in determining your site's search engine rankings. One needs to pay attention to the words that appear in your Title Tag and the order in which they appear.

Title Tag announces the summary of the content appearing on the page. So In the Title Tag describing the content of the page.

You could put the product or service you are offering, in the Title Tag, instead of your firm or company's name.

Most users search for specific products and services, not company names. If you do wish to include the site name, then you can add it at the end of the Title Tag. Having your most important keyword phrases towards the beginning of the Title Tag helps display your title in bold in the SERP (search engines results page).

Title Tags are also the text that gets captured when users bookmark your page.

Goggle usually reads about 90 characters of your Title Tag. So, leverage this length to cover prominent keywords relevant to the page. A common mistake webmasters make is to have the same Title Tag throughout the site. You must leverage different Title Tags for each page and customizing it depending on the content theme of each page.
Visit us:
halfvalue. com/top-articles/seo-resources. html

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Mindset of successful and wealthy people

If you want to be wealthy and successful, then just model after the successful and wealthy people and the way they think and behave. As any success coach will tell you, the successful and wealthy people get where they are because of certain fundamental believes. Some people call this system "The millionaire mindset". The followings are some of the fundamental points of their belief system.


There is no such thing as failure. The outcome of everything is only results. Most people have been programmed to fear failure. Because of this fear of failure, many people impose limitations on themselves by thinking certain things can't be done or is beyond them thus not doing anything to be successful.


On the other hand, the wealthy and successful people don't see failure as failure. Successful people know that if they try something and it does not give them what they want, they have had a learning experience, not failure. With the earlier experience, they then take new actions and get new results until they are successful.


There must be a commitment to succeed. The wealthy and the successful believe in the power of commitment. They believe that there will be no great success without commitment. If there is no commitment in whatever one does, then how one be able to work on it until it is successful?


Take responsibilities. This is a great attribute the wealthy and successful people have in common. They operate from the belief that they are the ones who create their own world and their own destinies. They know that no one owes them a living. They will say, I am responsible for myself and whatever I do. So they do not shirk responsibilities.


Wealthy and successful people believe that no matter what happened, they have created that outcome. If you do not believe you are creating your own world, then you are at the mercy of circumstances. You are then living your life based on chance and it will always be a roller coaster ride, usually downwards.


Everything happens for a reason and a purpose and it serves us. Successful and wealthy people are able to focus on what is possible in any situation and what possible positive results that can arise from that situation. No matter how grave the situations are they only think of positive possibilities. They think that everything happens for a reason and it serves them. They believe that every adversity contains an equivalent or even greater benefit.


People are their greatest resource. They have a tremendous sense of respect and appreciation for people. They have a sense of common purpose and unity and thus relish in teamwork. They believe that there is no long lasting success without cooperation and team bonding with a similar purpose. Their success reflects the amazing things that can be achieved when we respect each other rather than manipulating one another.


Are you ready for a new credit scoring system

Janet just ordered her free annual credit report and was excited about what she saw on her report. She decided to order her FICO score, and low and behold, her score increased over eighty points from the last credit report she ordered over a year ago. She had worked hard to pay off her credit cards throughout the year and was pleased at the positive results on her credit report. Janet was so excited that she finally figured out how to improve her credit report and FICO score. Unfortunately, as soon as she found out about her great credit report and FICO score, she ran across some information about a new credit scoring system that was going to be effective soon! She said to herself, I can’’t believe it! I worked so hard on improving my score and now they come up with this!


Just when you thought you knew how to understand and obtain your FICO score, the whole credit scoring system is about to change! The three credit bureaus have decided to flip the script on us and have worked together to create a new credit scoring system. It’’s called the VantageScore.


Why have the three credit reporting bureaus; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion decided to create a new credit scoring system? They claim the new scoring system will reduce discrepancies between your scores and the three bureaus. These bureaus indicate that the VantageScore, returns more accurate scores on consumers which may have a credit history which is limited.


Are the credit score ranges the same for VantageScore and my FICO score? No. The VantageScore will have a range from 501-990. For instance, a score of 901-990 is an A; 801-900 is a B; and 501-600 is considered an F.


The FICO credit scoring system has a range from 300-850. It appears that the VantageScore system may be tougher than the current FICO score. For example, if you have a FICO score of 720 you could get a 9% interest rate on a credit card you may have applied for. With the VantageScore, your interest rate for this same credit card may be as high as 20%!


The VantageScore became effective for commercial use on March 14, 2006. Time will tell, how effective this system will be for creditors and consumers. It appears that the new scoring system may be more advantageous to the creditors rather than the consumer, since the VantageScore ranges are much higher to qualify for a good interest rate. This would appear to allow creditors the ability to charge consumers more for products and services purchased.


As a consumer, make sure you become informed about the new VantageScore system and how it will affect you! Although the FICO scoring system can be still used by your creditor, they have an opportunity to choose which system they will review for your credit. Now there are two systems currently. How long the FICO scoring system will be around is anyone’’s best guess!


What you need to know about a university of phoenix online degree

The University of Phoenix Online offers degree programs in several disciplines. Depending on your professional pursuits and interests, you can opt for an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Doctorate course in business management, business administration, nursing and health care management, social and behavioral sciences, and education. It is important that you carefully select the program that is most suitable to you from the numerous online programs offered by the University.


To enroll, you need to ensure that you have the basic configuration set on your computer, a reliable Internet service provider, and a phone connection. The entire process is online, from registration to the completion of the degree program. This places an added responsibility on you because, unlike a classroom situation where the learning process is set, in an online situation you have to decide the pace at which you want to complete the program.


All the study material is in the form of text only, and it is important that you save the material for review later. The advantage of the online medium, however, is that you do not miss any part of the learning process. All your interactions will be in the form of email messages, and most of them will be with your instructor directly. The instructor is a member of a highly qualified faculty at the University, and is a practitioner in that particular field. Since the only channel of communication is through the internet, you will not have any face-to-face interaction as you would expect in a classroom situation. Therefore, you need to make the most of the email exchanges with your instructor as well as other professionals in course of the online discussion forums and question-answer sessions.


Each course has duration of 5-6 weeks, and you can opt to take breaks within this duration. However, you must avoid a situation where the breaks prove to be detrimental to the progress of the course. To a considerable extent, the success of an online degree at the University of Phoenix depends on your skills to think creatively and communicate effectively with the faculty and other professionals online.


Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Look out for detroit ottawa in stanley cup playoffs

History is on the side of the Red Wings, about 4-1 in a consensus of several sportsbooks odds-makers. Of 21 trips to the finals, the team has carried home the cup 10 times. The Senators, 5-1, have captured the cup only once: 1926-27.


Detroit posted the NHL’s best record, 58-16, successfully blending an aging core of players and a stellar group of youngsters. But the Red Wings must dispose of early round foes quickly so they can survive a possible grueling seven-game war in the finals.


Leader Steve Yzerman is playing like he did when the team won back-to-back cups starting in 1996-97.


His 1,300th career point in the playoffs boosted him to second all-time on the team. Experiencing his first championship, the center was third in overall playoff points. The following year, the longtime Red Wings captain, 40, led playoff scoring with 24 points.


Nicklas Lidstrom, maybe the top NHL defenseman, dominates with quick puck movement and a dangerous point shot. At 35, he anchors the miserly defense while contributing offensively with 16 goals and 80 points.


Ottawa’s strength is a balanced lineup of skaters. Forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza began the season on fire and kept on going while defensemen Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara were masterful.


However, the Senators could be vulnerable if goalie Dominik Hasek doesn’t return from an injury that has plagued him the last several years.


The 41-year-old hasn’t played since Feb. 15, when he strained a muscle in his left groin during the Czech Republic’s 4-1 victory over Germany at the Winter Olympics.


The nagging groin injury, which required surgery, forced him to miss two seasons before being traded from Detroit to the Senators in the summer of 2004.


There are several other clubs that have a chance to take the cup, first presented in 1893, the oldest and only sports trophy passed from player to player during the summer after their team wins it.


New Jersey, 6-1, and San Jose, 10-1, have the momentum. The Devils won their final 11 games of the season to take the Atlanta Division of the Eastern Conference. The Sharks finished strong, led by center Joe Thornton, 26, and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo, 25, ending up second, behind Dallas, in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.


The Stars are a surprising 30-1 despite being ranked no lower than fifth in several power rankings since March.


The offensive attack, powered by veterans such as center Jason Arnott, who scored the game winner when New Jersey won its second cup in 2000 defeating the Stars, established the franchise record for victories set during the 1999 season – 53.


Other contenders:


Buffalo Sabres, 8-1, sporting NHL’s third-best power play success rate. While no rookie goaltender has been on a cup-winning team since Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, Ryan Miller isn’t the only inexperienced goalie in the playoffs.


Calgary Flames, 10-1, winning their first Northwest Division in 11 years. But the excellent defense can’t carry the offensive load.


Anaheim Mighty Ducks, 10-1, third in the Pacific. Only a handful of players from the 2003 team that fell one win short of a championship.


NHL Hockey Playoffs @ WagerWeb. com Sportsbook


Monday, February 15, 2016

5 financial tips for college students

If you are a college student, you are probably concentrating on your studies and trying to get an education that will benefit you in the future. One thing that you may not be thinking about is how to handle your money, and failing to do so can leave you in a pretty big financial mess by the time you are out of college. It is important that you take control of your finances now if you want your financial future to be bright. The following are some tips that can help you with your finances to avoid any college financial disasters.


Tip #1 - Only Use Credit Cards in Emergencies - Once you get a credit card it can be all to easy to start racking up the credit card debt. This is a bad way to start out and you will probably end up with bad credit if you are using credit cards all of the time. Remember, the money you spend on credit cards will need to be repaid. It is best if you save your credit card for emergencies instead of buying that new pair of shoes or paying for an evening out.


Tip #2 - Pay Off the Balance Every Month - It is also important that you pay off your balance each month if you have a credit card. Leaving a balance on the card can result in you paying extra money on interest, so you will save money if you pay off the balance every month. This will also keep you from getting in credit card debt over your head as well.


Tip #3 - Pay Bills on Time - Now is the time to start building your credit history, and you can do this by always paying your bills on time. If you fail to pay your bills on time, it can get quite expensive. Many companies will charge late fees if you do not pay on time and your interest rates may go up as well, costing you even more money for being late.


Tip #4 - Start Saving Now - Many college students do not realize how important saving really is, but if you can start saving while you are in college, you can reap from great benefits when you are older. Saving now will get you in the habit of saving, you will earn money from the money you save, and you will have extra money set aside in case of any emergencies as well.


Tip #5 - Look for the Best Checking Account - You can actually save a great deal of money if you look around and find the best checking account. Look for an account that has no fee for starting an account and no minimum balance. You may also want to check into any debit card fees, and fees for deposits of withdrawals. Some banks will actually offer totally free checking for college students, so take advantage of this and you can save a great deal of money every year.


Don t wait for hurricane season to find the true meaning of life

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As the hurricane season looms and I think about the tragedy and devastation of the 2005 hurricane season, I can’t help but realize how much we take for granted.

It’s easy to appreciate life when things are going great. And as the distance of time separates me from the last hurricane season, I realize how easy it is to stop appreciating the simple and most important things in life – a drink of water, my husband’s smile.

Why is it that we lose sight of these things until a crisis brings them into sharp focus? My mom’s untimely death from breast cancer made me face my own mortality. At age 35 I scheduled my first breast biopsy. When I learned that everything was fine I was grateful for every breath I took.

There is nothing like an impending crisis to make you realize how much you take for granted. During the evacuation prior to Hurricane Rita, I closed my company and, like many of my friends, collected those belongings essential to my life (it’s amazing how few really are essential) and packed them into our car. My husband Tom and I took what may have been one last look at our home and drove away from almost all of our material items.

As we drove to a safer haven away from Houston, then returned just 32 hours later, I realized how much I take for granted. Things that were in short supply before we evacuated were now almost impossible to find after we returned: canned soup, canned meats, bottled water – even fresh fruit. Almost all the gas stations, restaurants and movie theaters were closed. I realized how grateful I am for all these things. Something as simple as electricity to run my fridge and air conditioner is now on my appreciation list. How fantastic it was to be able to sleep in my bed upon my return to my intact home and how comfortable it seems now. My office, my staff and my friends here in Houston are also high on my appreciation list.

Now almost a year later, with everything back to normal, I know that mindful awareness and appreciation of every delicious morsel of life is harder. Nevertheless, last year’s hurricane season did teach me one important lesson – it’s not good enough to celebrate and appreciate only the best things in life. Now I remind myself to find joy and power in the mundane, simple and routine things.

In honor of all of those people affected one way or another by hurricane seasons, join me in making all of your life your best every day.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Why many prefer online dating over traditional one

Gone are the days when dating means courting your future spouse you met at school or in your neighborhood. Romance could blossom now with a click of a mouse.


The Internet has become the ultimate haven for singles – without the drunks, the noise, and the exorbitant cost you pay to be in the bars desperately hoping to be noticed. Thanks to online dating sites, you don’t have to ask your mother or friend to help you hook up with someone they think is perfect for you – which in most cases, isn’t.


Some might still believe in the good ol’ traditional dating. Good luck to them. But not you. You are wise and savvy. You know that online dating is a better and quicker way of connecting with other people and getting to know them. You know you can’t meet all the people in the world that might just be your perfect match. The Internet expands your probabilities, widening your choices to meet a mate.


What are the additional reasons for checking out online sites?


1. The ability to easily access profiles from the easy access to a wide variety of profiles. Online sites make you see hundreds of profiles for a possible match. Clicking on someone that you have an interest on is so easy with just a click of the mouse. Vice-versa, others who would also like to talk to you (and hopefully, just more than that) can also message you.


In traditional dating, you are limited to the social circle that you have. Your choice then becomes limited. Unlike in online dating, where choices can be limitless, and is not limited in your immediate circle of friends and acquaintances.


2. Most reputable dating sites are safe. They are very particular on this area, enforcing among others, a Code of Ethics among members, Certification that a member is single, and background check on criminal record. Check whether the site has safety nets.


Both traditional and online dating have their dangers, although dating traditionally, admittedly, has lesser safety risks. But you can never be too sure.


3. You have the decision to meet or not to meet somebody. If you do not feel meeting somebody up, then it is your decision.


Compared with online dating, you feel a sense of pressure when someone wants you to meet this or that. If your best friend nags you to meet his or her cousin, how can you say no? In online dating, the decision to say yes or no is very easy.


4. The accuracy in finding you a good mate increases since the site has personal profiles for you to look at, personality tests, and image uploads. Some sites can even have audio and video capabilities in their personal ads.


Do not ignore these opportunities in improving your personal ads. Other singles and prospective matches will take a look at your ads longer if you have video or audio clips in your ad Personals ads with images of you have a response of 80 percent, but ads with a video clip or audio clip (or both) have a 97% response.


Unlike in traditional dating, you get to “know” various kinds of people in just a few minutes. You could sense someone’s personality without the hassle of actually meeting that person first.


5. It is relatively affordable and fast. Online dating sites are cheaper and quicker than arranging a date with somebody referred to you by a friend. In just a few minutes, your perfect match could be available.


Of course, internet dating won’t guarantee you an easy head start in dating and romance. After all, like any forms of dating, online dating takes practice and patience. Online dating has its downfalls too. Being online does not mean everyone would be buzzing around you.


That is why when you are using online dating services, you must take responsibility for your actions, and consider safety risks as well. After all you are spending money too – money not just for connecting to the Internet, but also for the minimal fees you pay for being a member in those sites. Internet dating sites cost primarily because of two reasons: First, to discourage fly-by-night creeps who just lurk and are curious in cyberspace. Second, running a good online dating service costs a lot, which also includes ensuring that members are safe.


There are vast differences between traditional and online dating, and it would not hurt you trying dating online.


Visit buena park california

:
Buena Park, California, just under seven (7) miles down the freeway from Disneyland in Anaheim, is a city of 80,000 plus people and is a tourist attraction city that is overlooked by many tourists. This city is home to Knotts Berry Farm, "With over 165 wild rides, shows and unique attractions just steps from Knott's Resort Hotel, Knott's Theme Park is the place to go for family fun and thrill seeking adventure!", Knotts Soak City, "Knott's Soak City Water Parks are acres of waterlogged fun for everyone.", Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, "A place where knights battle for their kingdom's honor while an exceptional feast is served in a magnificent setting.", Movieland Wax Museum, "Movieland Wax Museum is the most unique House of Wax and one of the world's largest wax museums." and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, "The museum houses hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, some which are unavailable anywhere else in the world.". All of these attractions are within walking distance of each other.


The city hosts a fair variety of inexpensive but good hotels including, Courtyard By Marriott, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Red Roof Inn and more and a good selection of restaurants including, Claim Jumper, Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Hometown Buffet, Outbacks Steakhouse, Pat & Oscars, Ventanas and more.


Do you want something else to do, then try sportfishing, sailing, harbor cruises or whale watching in nearby Newport Beach, try shopping at the Fashion Island in Newport Beach or the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, visit the Aquarium Of The Pacific (one of the largest aquariums in the United States.) in close by Long Beach, spend a day at the beach in beautiful Laguna Beach or take a twenty two (22) mile drive up the freeway to Los Angeles.


For more information about the city of Buena Park, California see buenapark. usacitydirectories. com, a directory of links to city of Buena Park, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, attorneys, realtors, things to do and places to go.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Why pensacola is great for people on manual wheelchairs

Pensacola Taxicabs


Almost all taxicabs in Pensacola can accommodate a maximum of six passengers, including a rider in a wheelchair and the cab driver.


Pensacola Yellow Cab is glad to provide cab service to easy and convenient mobility spoiled community. The women and men drivers of these manual wheelchair-accommodating vans are sole contractors. The drivers of these vans are ought to join the Passenger Support Orientation Program. This is to provide better service suitable for the needs and comfort of their customers who can grab the chance to take on such service.


Pensacola’s amenable manual wheelchair-accessible taxis are mostly Ford Windsars. These taxicabs have many features, it includes a complete lower floor variation and its back entrance has a universal manual wheelchair tie-down mode. These taxicabs also feature split temperature controls as well as windows, electric power locks and an air conditioning system.


These wheelchair-accessible taxicabs are always ready to assist you. You can just call the cab dispatch lines any time you want to in any day.


Around Pensacola, people using the manual wheelchairs and those who are still physically able to use curb-to-curb taxi ride are having a great time with the homely pleasure of going to any place that they want to go.


Studies in Pensacola suggest that there is a great demand for curb-to-curb taxicab service due to considerable population size of mobility incapable people. They will not anymore need the much involved as well as the much costly para transit service which are greatly needed by those suffering grave health problems and mobility challenges.


In some cities, people with these inabilities are not entitled of the kind of service that they deserve. And for these people to meet their transportation necessities, manual wheelchair-accessible taxicabs advance their options for them. They will not be bothered for extra service payments that they do not require. Any passenger will certainly appreciate and acknowledge the cab’s convenience and attractive look. Nonetheless, these manual wheelchair-accessible vehicles have special function capabilities as well. There are standards being met by these vehicles and can even accommodate scooter and manual or electric wheelchairs with a width reaching up to 31 inches.


A request of contribution from nearby local organizations and institutions has been made by the Pensacola’s Yellow Cab to work together with mobility restricted community.


The demand for advanced transportation providers intended to people with more mobility problems and health issues, however, it is a delightful service for people who have the chance to take on the service.


Choosing a credit card for the inexperienced

Before applying for a specific credit card there are several things you should take into consideration before making your final decision.


Credit History - Before you apply for a card you should get a free credit report so you will know what types of cards you are eligible for. (By law you can can get a free credit report once annually). If you have a limited or damaged credit history you will have to limit your potential choices to cards that cater to your particular situation. For example, cards such as the Aspire Gold Visa, Orchard Bank Gold Mastercard and the Orchard Bank Platinum MasterCard (to name a few) are cards geared toward consumers wishing to establish or rebuild their credit. These cards usually have higher aprs and come with annual fees. So you will have to shop around checking different offers -- maybe even make some phone calls in order to find the best credit card for your financial situation. By using one of these cards responsibly for a certain period of time, you will eventually be able to upgrade to a better card with better rates thus improving your credit rating.


Keep in mind that if you apply for a card that requires a better credit score than you currently have -- you WILL be rejected. Consequently this rejection will be placed on your credit report and will adversely affect your chances for getting approved for other credit cards as well. So unless you are pre-approved make sure you know where you stand with your credit rating before applying.


On the other end of the spectrum if you have good to excellent credit you will have a much wider array of choices with much better rates, terms and conditions. Experienced credit cardholders usually base their decisions on the following criteria:


Introductory APR - This is usually the most alluring component of any credit card offer. Many credit card companies will offer 0% apr for certain periods of time. For instance these intro rates can last anywhere from 6 to 15 months. In these cases you should always check to see what the regular apr is once the intro period is over. Also be advised that if you are late with just one payment (default) all aprs associated with your card will automatically increase to an exorbitant rate -- some are over 30.00%...pay your bills on time.


Annual Percentage Rate - Is the apr that represents (part) of the cost of credit on a yearly basis (after the intro period expires) and is usually applied to new purchases, balance transfers or both. You will need to check the cards terms and conditions for particulars -- The lower the better.


Annual Fees - Many Credit Card companies will charge annual fees which can range anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars depending on the type of card. These fees are usually associated with rewards based credit cards. On the other hand there are many card offers which have no annual fee - Shop around


Transaction Fees - Unless otherwise stated, credit card companies usually charge a fee for exceeding your credit limit, making a late payment, getting a cash advance and on balance transfers. Make sure you know these fees before applying.


Grace Period - Accept for a limited or poor credit history, most credit cards offer some sort of grace period which can be 15 to 25 days. This is a free period in which you will not have to pay finance charges if you pay your balance in full by the due date. This doesn't mean you have 15 to 25 days after the due date to make the minimum payment.


When trying to decide on a credit card the bottom line is to understand what you want from the card, your spending habits, your credit score, what the card has to offer, the terms, conditions (fine print) and all the expenses the card has associated with it so you can make a more informed decision and avoid any unexpected expenses or marks against your credit score.


Friday, February 12, 2016

Casino amigo pourquoi organiser une soiree casino entre amis a domicile

Le week-end arrive, envie de voir du monde tout en restant dans votre cocon ou idйe pour passer un excellent anniversaire? Alors pourquoi ne pas utilisez vos jeux de casino a domicile? Rien de tel pour passez des heures de fous rires et renouer des liens avec vos plus vieux camarades.


Contacter tout le monde pour vous fixer rendez-vous... chez vous.


Installez dans un coin de votre salon votre table de roulette et une table de craps a l'autre bout. Dans une autre piиce que vous aurez rйamйnagйe pour l'occasion, installez vos tables de Blackjack dans votre chambre par exemple et de poker dans une autre.


Votre cuisine, faites en donc un bar а volontй que vous pourrez toujours redйcorer, sans coыts excessifs, faзon Casino Enghien ou autre, selon vos goыts.


L'avantage de ces jeux?? Faire rйgner une ambiance incomparable.


Pourquoi la roulette et le craps dans le salon? Parce que vous constaterez par vous mкme que le jeu de du craps attire toujours plus de monde autour de la table et que la roulette inspire les йclats de voix. On ne peut clairement expliquer d'ou vient cette fascination pour les jeux de des et de bille tournant dans un cylindre, mais ce qui est sur, mкme au sein d'un casino rйel, c'est que ces purs jeux de hasard laissent les gens toujours aussi dubitatifs devant les stratйgies de mises et les pronostics йmis a voix haute aussi bien par les joueurs eux-mкmes que ceux les assistants.


Rien de mieux pour mettre de l'ambiance, et le salon est la piиce idйale puisque piиce d'accueil de toute la communautй, situйe en gйnйral prиs de l'entrйe.


Si votre chambre le permet, installer y les jeux de poker et / ou de blackjack. En effet, ces jeux, tout aussi attrayants que la roulette et le craps, demande cependant plus de concentration et un endroit plus confine serait le bien venu. De plus, cela donnerait la sensation aux invites de pouvoir se balader d'une table a une autre en toute libertй, comme en salle de casino vйritable.


Family vacation on a budget

A family vacation is an exciting event that can help you release the stress of the entire year. You can spend time relaxing as well as spend quality time with your family. Your children will love the adventure and will have memories that they will never forget. A family vacation can be expensive however. Instead of skipping out on a family vacation altogether because of the price, you might want to just consider using these tips to make the trip affordable.


The first thing you will want to do is pre-plan. The best trips are those that you know won’t cost you more than you bring. Look for hotel discounts when you book early. Try traveling right before or right after the peak seasons. The weather will still be great and the prices will be much lower than in the peak seasons.


Another thing you can consider is your food costs. Many family hotels will offer plans that allow your children to eat free. If you have quite a large family, this can save you a bundle. Choose a hotel with several restaurants to choose from and you will always stay full and within your budget.


If you can’t find the room in your budget for a hotel room, consider taking the kids camping for a week. This can be a wonderful way to spend time in nature and with each other. Camping can be a blast for children. Teens don’t usually like it as much, but you and your family will build memories for a lifetime.


As you can see, a family vacation can fall within your budget if you plan ahead. It is when you jump in the car without a plan that things tend to get expensive. Planning will save you thousands of dollars and allow you to have the best time possible on your budget.


Write down your goals on paper

Every person should write down his or her goals. Business goals, personal goals, income goals, and what ever you want to achieve in your life. If you want to achieve something in your life, don't just think about it. Get a nice piece of paper and write down the goal.


Having a goal sitting in your head may not help that much. Every book says that you need to write down your goals. First thinking about the goal is a good way to start but again, you need to write it down as soon as you think about it.


What is it that you want to accomplish?


Think about this in your mind and come up with the exact goal that you want to get. For example, let's look at a person who wants to earn $1000 in the next 30 days online. Here is what he or she needs to do.


first step is to write down the goal of earning $1000 in the next 30 days. So that's done. Good.


Next what you will want to do is to write how you are going to achieve this goal. You should figure out by now that you will want to find someone who has already done this before. Having a burning desire will also help you get to your goal.


Write down why you want to achieve this goal. For some, it is just having that extra income to help them pay for a car payment. For others, it may be that they want to save money. What ever your goals are, write down why you want to achieve them.


Another point to consider is to have complete faith in yourself and your desired goals. You need to have faith because if you don't, you may not achieve your goals at all. You may have written them down, but it means nothing if you kick out your belief of achieving this goal from your "belief" system that is sitting there somewhere in your head. You need to have faith that you can reach any goal that you set.


After you achieve a particular goal, don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself some sort of a reward. Once you achieve your first goal, you can accomplish any of your future goals in life. It should give you some sort of motivation to write more and more goals down.


Now, what would happen if you don't reach your goal? This can happen to anyone who sets goals. The best thing that you will need to do is to learn from this situation and think what you can do next time to achieve that goal.


If you fail once, try again. If you fail the second time, then try again until you reach your desired goal. But don't take the same action. Learn what you did wrong in the first trial and try something different.


Thursday, February 11, 2016

Ccj loans uk

CCJ loans are just like any other bad credit loan. Even if a person does not own a home or can not use their home to secure the loan, there are still CCJ loan options.


Removing a County Court Judgment (CCJ)


Please note a County Court Judgement will not hinder your chances of getting a CCJ Loan. It’s no longer difficult to get yourself a 100% instant bad debt ccj loan unsecured with minimum hassle and in the shortest time. Removing a CCJ is difficult but possible although it is a lengthy process filled with red tape.


Loans Available


Loans are only available to applicants who are 18 years or over, in full time employment (minimum of 16 hours per week) and a bank account holder. Even if you have bad or poor credit, CCJ's or mortgage arrears you can still qualify for a secured loan through the many different brokers and institutions on the hig street and internet. Overall the best low rate secured loans are going to be for smaller amounts over a short term and the borrower is going to have good credit. A person can take out a small CCJ loan and pay it back according to the terms, which will then reflect good on their credit. A debt consolidation loan may be just the help you need to reduce your monthly bills and begin working toward total and permanent debt elimination. If that is not possible a person can still find lending sources willing to extend a CCJ loan. People with poor credit ratings will find a secured loan more easily accessible to them than say an unsecured loan because the lender is taking a lot less risk themselves. The positive outcome of this is that secured homeowner loans are laden with advantages. When choosing a loan, always check out what the early settlement penalty will be as you may find a lender who does not charge one.


In sumary CCJ's don't need to be a problem when you are trying to get finance, it just takes a little more time and effort.


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

How to overcome a stammer

My name is Stephen Hill, I have overcome a stammer which had been a major thorn in my side for eighteen years. My aim in life is to try and help as many other people to achieve fluency as I can.


When I had a stammer, I would attend speech therapy, at which I would be told to slow down or to take a deep breath before talking.


This did not seem to help me very much and after attending these speech therapy lessons for eighteen years decided it probably never would.


I firmly believed that my own stammer was very much a physcological as well as a physical problem as at times I could talk very well, like for example when I was talking to my girlfriend or when I was talking when I was drunk.


I decided to read a lot of books about positive thinking for example and at the same time started to study how good fluent talkers were speaking compared to me. I was basically trying to re-learn how to speak.


It was hard for me to truly believe I would ever be able to achieve fluency as everyone had always told me that you can not overcome a stammer.


After about a year though I managed to overcome the stammer and then started to help other people to achieve fluency.


Stephen Hill runs The How To Stop Stammering Centre in Birmingham.


Monday, February 8, 2016

Diet for smokers and ex-smokers

:
As a dietitian, the three most common questions which smokers ask me about diet and smoking, are: (1) Can a diet compensate for health damage caused by smoking? (2) What should I eat if I smoke? (3) If I quit, what type of diet is best to prevent weight gain?


(1) CAN A DIET COMPENSATE FOR SMOKING?


No diet or eating-plan, no matter how nutritious, can neutralise the health damage caused by the 850+ chemicals in tobacco smoke - many of which are carcinogenic. On average, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you double your risk of a heart-attack and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than a non-smoker. At 40 cigarettes a day, you are five times more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac death. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.


Thus before we even start to examine an appropriate type of diet for smokers, my overriding advice is: quit smoking today!


(2) WHAT SHOULD I EAT IF I SMOKE?


For anyone who smokes, daily diet nutrition is critical. The damage doneto the body's cardiovascular and respiratory functions requires a constant need for extra nutrients. Even if you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, you have increased nutritional needs due to your increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema and numerous cancers. As stated, a healthy diet will not prevent these health conditions, but it may delay their development.


INCREASED NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS


Tobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - cancer-causing agents - in the body and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (which works best in combination with the mineral selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are also rich in antioxidants.


HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE


Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.


- Eat 3-5 daily servings of deep green, dark red, orange of yellow vegetables.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of red, yellow, orange or green fruits.

- Switch from coffee to tea, ideally green tea.

- Each day, take 2 tsp of wheatgerm oil (rich in vitamin E) and 6 Brazil nuts (selenium).


[Note: a serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped]


SPECIAL NEED FOR INCREASED VITAMIN C


One cigarette is estimated to rob the body of 25mg of vitamin C. Thus all smokers have a greatly increased need for this antioxidant-rich vitamin simply to maintain minimum levels. In practice, this need can only be met by taking supplements. As a general guide, I suggest you take 1 gram of vitamin C supplements per day. Choose a "timed-release" brand that includes a minimum of 100mg bioflavonoids.


BEST DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN C


Fruits, such as: blackcurrants, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, elderberries, kiwi fruit, mango, oranges, strawberries.


Fruit Juices, such as: cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, orange.


Vegetables, such as: red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes.


PROTECTIVE CAROTENOIDS


Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, the most common example being beta-carotene. It is found in green plants (eg. spinach), as well as orange and yellow plants, such as carrots, sweet potato and melons. Clinical trials indicate that when consumed in foods - not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms.


[Warning: for reasons which are still unclear, beta-carotene supplements actually increase the risk of disease (eg. lung cancer). Thus your intake of beta-carotene should come exclusively from food.]


HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CAROTENOIDS


Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 4 daily servings of deep green, yellow or red vegetables, including: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.

Eat 4oz tomatoes daily, either in sauce or chopped.

Eat 3 daily servings of colored fruit, including: melon, oranges, strawberries, mango, cherries.


PROTECTIVE BRASSICAS


According to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers (eg. breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach). As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots.


Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress.


GARLIC AND ONIONS


Garlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic.


MORE DIETARY TIPS FOR SMOKERS


Reduce the total fat in your diet. At the same time, minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. Eat regular servings of omega-3-rich oily fish (eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines).

Eat healthy carbohydrates. Avoid refined white flour carbs, choose only whole grains such as, oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta. In addition, choose foods rich in soluble fiber (eg. apples, oat bran).

Eat healthy low-fat protein such as fish, lean chicken/turkey, or egg-whites. Include small amounts of lean red meat in your diet, along with regular servings of soy foods (eg. soybeans) and other vegetable protein.

Reduce sodium in your daily diet. Check food labels and choose low-sodium or sodium-free foods. Also avoid adding salt when cooking or eating. As a dietitian, the three most common questions which smokers ask me about diet and smoking, are: (1) Can a diet compensate for health damage caused by smoking? (2) What should I eat if I smoke? (3) If I quit, what type of diet is best to prevent weight gain?


(1) CAN A DIET COMPENSATE FOR SMOKING?


No diet or eating-plan, no matter how nutritious, can neutralise the health damage caused by the 850+ chemicals in tobacco smoke - many of which are carcinogenic. On average, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you double your risk of a heart-attack and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than a non-smoker. At 40 cigarettes a day, you are five times more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac death. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.


Thus before we even start to examine an appropriate type of diet for smokers, my overriding advice is: quit smoking today!


(2) WHAT SHOULD I EAT IF I SMOKE?


For anyone who smokes, daily diet nutrition is critical. The damage doneto the body's cardiovascular and respiratory functions requires a constant need for extra nutrients. Even if you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, you have increased nutritional needs due to your increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema and numerous cancers. As stated, a healthy diet will not prevent these health conditions, but it may delay their development.


INCREASED NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS


Tobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - cancer-causing agents - in the body and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (which works best in combination with the mineral selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are also rich in antioxidants.


HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE


Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.


- Eat 3-5 daily servings of deep green, dark red, orange of yellow vegetables.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of red, yellow, orange or green fruits.

- Switch from coffee to tea, ideally green tea.

- Each day, take 2 tsp of wheatgerm oil (rich in vitamin E) and 6 Brazil nuts (selenium).


[Note: a serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped]


SPECIAL NEED FOR INCREASED VITAMIN C


One cigarette is estimated to rob the body of 25mg of vitamin C. Thus all smokers have a greatly increased need for this antioxidant-rich vitamin simply to maintain minimum levels. In practice, this need can only be met by taking supplements. As a general guide, I suggest you take 1 gram of vitamin C supplements per day. Choose a "timed-release" brand that includes a minimum of 100mg bioflavonoids.


BEST DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN C


Fruits, such as: blackcurrants, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, elderberries, kiwi fruit, mango, oranges, strawberries.


Fruit Juices, such as: cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, orange.


Vegetables, such as: red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes.


PROTECTIVE CAROTENOIDS


Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, the most common example being beta-carotene. It is found in green plants (eg. spinach), as well as orange and yellow plants, such as carrots, sweet potato and melons. Clinical trials indicate that when consumed in foods - not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms.


[Warning: for reasons which are still unclear, beta-carotene supplements actually increase the risk of disease (eg. lung cancer). Thus your intake of beta-carotene should come exclusively from food.]


HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CAROTENOIDS


Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 4 daily servings of deep green, yellow or red vegetables, including: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.

Eat 4oz tomatoes daily, either in sauce or chopped.

Eat 3 daily servings of colored fruit, including: melon, oranges, strawberries, mango, cherries.


PROTECTIVE BRASSICAS


According to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers (eg. breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach). As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots.


Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress.


GARLIC AND ONIONS


Garlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic.


MORE DIETARY TIPS FOR SMOKERS


Reduce the total fat in your diet. At the same time, minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. Eat regular servings of omega-3-rich oily fish (eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines).

Eat healthy carbohydrates. Avoid refined white flour carbs, choose only whole grains such as, oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta. In addition, choose foods rich in soluble fiber (eg. apples, oat bran).

Eat healthy low-fat protein such as fish, lean chicken/turkey, or egg-whites. Include small amounts of lean red meat in your diet, along with regular servings of soy foods (eg. soybeans) and other vegetable protein.

Reduce sodium in your daily diet. Check food labels and choose low-sodium or sodium-free foods. Also avoid adding salt when cooking or eating.

TAKE REGULAR CARDIO-AEROBIC EXERCISE


No cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Working within your fitness capacity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to about 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports.


(3) CAN YOU PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN AFTER YOU QUIT?


Yes, if you take proper physical exercise and eat a healthy calorie-controlled diet, you are unlikely to gain weight. However, in my experience, some weight gain seems to be inevitable.


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN?


Most smokers gain weight immediately after they quit. Current evidence suggests that the average weight gain for both men and women who quit smoking is about 6-8 pounds. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of weight gain when you quit. This weight gain is due to the decrease in metabolic rate and an increase in appetite experienced when you quit smoking. This weight increase is perfectly normal, and need only be a short term event.


SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?


There is no single diet which will prevent weight gain once you quit smoking. Your best option is to focus on healthy eating combined with regular vigorous exercise (within your fitness capacity) and let Nature do the rest. As a general guide, follow these suggestions.


First, cut down on caffeine. Nicotine withdrawal makes us jittery and nervous. So it's important to avoid coffee and caffeine-rich soft drinks which may increase this nervous tension.


Second, increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies show that an increased intake of fruit and vegetables can help to minimize weight gain after you quit smoking. Eat them for snacks, add them to meals, eat them as starters and/or desserts. Eat them on car journeys instead of sweets or candy.


Third, eat little and often. Avoid the temptation to linger over your meals. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals at more regular intervals. Aim to eat something, no matter how small, every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain a regular rate of calorie-burning.


Fourth, take steps to learn more about nutrition and choose nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. (See above for information about antioxidants, and healthy fats, carbs and protein.)


WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?


Make physical exercise a top priority in your daily schedule. Ideally join a gym or fitness center and get into shape. Research evidence demonstrates a clear link between exercise and weight control after you quit smoking. Choose both cardio-aerobic and strength-training exercises, as both play an important role in raising metabolic rate.


Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Research evidence shows that lack of sleep may lead to weight gain, as well as an increased craving for cigarettes and food.


TAKE REGULAR CARDIO-AEROBIC EXERCISE


No cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Working within your fitness capacity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to about 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports.


(3) CAN YOU PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN AFTER YOU QUIT?


Yes, if you take proper physical exercise and eat a healthy calorie-controlled diet, you are unlikely to gain weight. However, in my experience, some weight gain seems to be inevitable.


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN?


Most smokers gain weight immediately after they quit. Current evidence suggests that the average weight gain for both men and women who quit smoking is about 6-8 pounds. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of weight gain when you quit. This weight gain is due to the decrease in metabolic rate and an increase in appetite experienced when you quit smoking. This weight increase is perfectly normal, and need only be a short term event.


SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?


There is no single diet which will prevent weight gain once you quit smoking. Your best option is to focus on healthy eating combined with regular vigorous exercise (within your fitness capacity) and let Nature do the rest. As a general guide, follow these suggestions.


First, cut down on caffeine. Nicotine withdrawal makes us jittery and nervous. So it's important to avoid coffee and caffeine-rich soft drinks which may increase this nervous tension.


Second, increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies show that an increased intake of fruit and vegetables can help to minimize weight gain after you quit smoking. Eat them for snacks, add them to meals, eat them as starters and/or desserts. Eat them on car journeys instead of sweets or candy.


Third, eat little and often. Avoid the temptation to linger over your meals. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals at more regular intervals. Aim to eat something, no matter how small, every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain a regular rate of calorie-burning.


Fourth, take steps to learn more about nutrition and choose nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. (See above for information about antioxidants, and healthy fats, carbs and protein.)


WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?


Make physical exercise a top priority in your daily schedule. Ideally join a gym or fitness center and get into shape. Research evidence demonstrates a clear link between exercise and weight control after you quit smoking. Choose both cardio-aerobic and strength-training exercises, as both play an important role in raising metabolic rate.


Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Research evidence shows that lack of sleep may lead to weight gain, as well as an increased craving for cigarettes and food.