Our Good Blog

Types of Building Foundations - Fallbrook Home Construction

2009-10-05T09:09:00.001-07:00

When deciding on which type of foundation (basement, crawl space, or a slab) for your new home, there are many different factors to consider. In some parts of the country full basements will be the norm (most common in the north), while others will have slab foundations (most common in the south) and still others will have crawl spaces (most common in the central regions). Many people, because of local soil and groundwater conditions, often have only one or two options when it comes to house foundations. In certain places, constructing a full basement means blasting through solid rock. In other places, the ground water table may be lurking just a few feet below the surface limiting these folks to a simple slab on grade.

Keep in mind, that if you are planning a crawl space, and all of your neighbors have basements, your house may be more difficult to sell unless you are prepared to lower the price. This is simply a value/price perception issue since many people feel that having a full basement gives them more room even if it is used only for storage purposes. And of course, the potential is always there for someone to finish the basement and add extra living space at some time in the future.

The concrete slab choice is attractive to builders because of its relatively low cost. Excavation is kept to a minimum and the construction schedule can often be accelerated. The day after the slab is poured, wall framing can often begin. But slabs come with some negatives. Typically, plumbing drainage and water supply lines are buried beneath the slab. If something goes wrong or a leak develops, repairs can be costly. Heating or cooling ductwork buried underneath the slab (not recommended) can sometimes fill with water during wet seasons. Should this happen, fungus can form and spores might be blasted into the home each time the HVAC starts up. Thermal conduction issues are always present. Slabs poured in colder climates can conduct cold back into the house unless special precautions are taken when built. Homes built on slabs often offer little protection during tornadoes or hurricanes, unless a special masonry or concrete safe room is built within the house. These safe rooms can be designed as a large walk-in closet.

A crawl space foundation is a step or two above a slab foundation. Generally speaking, a footing needs to be poured and short foundation walls are built to support the home. Crawl space foundations allow you to install plumbing and HVAC systems so that they are accessible. The floor system over and the foundation walls inside of the crawl space almost always need to be insulated. A vapor barrier must be placed over the soil in the crawl space to control moisture, preferably one that is sealed at its seams & to the foundation walls. If this vapor barrier is missing, water vapor will readily travel up into the wood floor system and then into the house. This water vapor can cause severe mold problems. Homes built over crawl spaces offer minimal protection in severe weather unless you can install a floor access door in a closet that allows quick entry into the crawl space, assuming there is sufficient clearance.

As for basements, ask any homeowner who has a dry full height foundation and they will often tell you they would never be without one. The cost per square foot for this bonus space is often a fraction of what you pay for the living space stacked above it. If you do an actual cost analysis of a full height foundation versus a crawl space, you will find it costs very little to upgrade to the full foundation. Typically, full basements make a house more attractive to potential buyers.

A full foundation offers superb protection in the event of severe weather. It is not difficult to keep basements dry, even in extreme wet weather. The builder simply needs to install a proper drainage system around the perimeter and to apply a real waterproofing material such as synthetic rubber or liquid asphalt that has rubber additives. These materials can bridge small hairline cracks that might otherwise leak water. If you intend to finish off the basement space at a later date, be sure to install a true waterproofing material not the traditional hot asphalt damp-proofing spray.

If you can afford the extra cost, ask your builder to consider extra height foundation walls that allow you to have a clear ceiling height of eight feet or more beneath any and all beams that support floor joists, so that finishing the space at a later time will be easier and provide proper ceiling height.

Mac has remodeled many old homes, been employed in several different construction trades & is a major do-it-yourselfer. He currently owns a home inspection company and has been inspecting homes for many years which is where my experience is most relevant to the proper way to build a home. To learn more about building your dream home, visit my website, http://www.house-building-tips.net

Generate Homemade Electricity Yourself

2009-10-04T23:42:00.001-07:00

An alternative way to create electricity had always remained a big issue for every scientist and common man. The best possible way to produce alternate electricity is by wind power. Now the question arises is "how you can actually do it?" Thinking? You don't have to. I am suggesting a very good and effective method to do it. All you need is to make a wind turbine or a windmill (same thing).

Here goes the method to make it. It's very simple and anyone can make it by his own and using his home spare things.

Blades of wind turbine are turned by wind and the shaft spins, which is connected to the generator and electricity is produced.

Main parts of a wind turbine are:-

1) A generator
2) Blades
3) A mounting
4) A tower
5) Batteries
6) Electronic control system

A 30volt motor is needed. Now hub and blades are to be connected. For blades, take one 24 inch long pipe (may be pvc) and then cut it into 3 pieces by its circumference. For bolting blades into hub, a toothed pulley of 5 inches can be used, where the motor shaft can fit into. Now assemble blades with hub, by drilling holes.

Mounting of the turbine can be done by strapping the motor into a 2 X 4 wood piece. Heavy aluminum sheet can be used to make tail, which will keep turning into wind. 3 feet diameter plywood cutout can be used for tower base. A U-shaped assembly having a 1.5inch Tee in the middle has to be built. Batteries with blocking diode connected to batteries (for power prevention) are needed to spin motor/generator. Charge controller should be connected for running everything. The Controller is connected to wind turbine. Battery supply all load and needs to be charged. Well, you are done!

I know it's probably very difficult for you to understand all this, if you have never done anything similar before, that's why if you want to make your own windmill, I highly recommend you to use professional instructions, when assembling everything. Click here to find out to get them.

Forklift Inspection

2009-10-04T14:03:00.001-07:00

Having been in the equipment sales business for nearly 30 years, I get asked a few questions on a consistent basis.

Most frequently I'm asked, "How do I know if I'm getting a quality piece of equipment?

Or "What should I be looking for when I buy that used iron?"

Well of course that depends on what you are looking for. There are different inspections that need to be done for different categories of equipment. And because there are so many types of equipment being manufactured today there isn't enough time to cover every one of them, at least not in one article.

What I will do though is address a different piece every month and hopefully that will answer the majority of your questions as we go through-out the rest of the year.

Of course if you have a specific question you can always call or e-mail me and if I don't know the answer, I can find the answer for you in short order.

This month let's start with Forklifts;

The most common type is the Industrial straight mast forklift. For the sake of space we'll concentrate on a 5,000 lbs capacity machine. But this really could apply to any standard straight mast machine.

Let's go right to the heart of any piece of equipment, the engine.

Check the oil level, and when you have the dip stick out of the engine, run the oil over your fingers, see if you feel any dirt or grit in the oil itself. Check the color. If it has a milky or watery look to it, you may have cooling system problems. How is the thickness of the oil? Is it fresh or has it lost its viscosity? Then finally smell it. Does it smell burnt or just smell like oil? This isn't as through as having an oil sample run, but as a quick inspection, it can tell you if the machine has been serviced lately.

Next let's take a look at the machines physical structure.

Inspect the mast. Look inside the channel where the different stages ride up and down.

Are there any shiny or worn spots? Any metal shavings present? Start the machine up. Does the mast move up and down smoothly or does it bind up? Does it chatter on the way down? Binding could mean a structural problem possibly even a bent mast or carriage assembly. Check out the hoses. Is there any excessive wear, cracked covering or leaks? Then inspect the lift cylinders and tilt cylinders. Look for pitting, scrapes or missing chrome on the rods themselves. This will eventually cause leaks. And of course check for obvious leaks. If the machine is equipped with a side shift operate that and check for all of the above on that cylinder as well.

Check the area where the mast connects to the forklift. Is it free of cracks and look well lubricated. Check out any pins and or bushings. Same thing, free of cracks and well lubricated? Check the carriage out itself. Is it bent? Does it have a back rest? And are the fasteners tight. Inspect the areas where the forks are attached. Does it look in good condition? Finally check the forks themselves. Are they straight? If they have holes cut in them, (for a trailer ball hitch) remember that may have changed the temper of the metal on the forks and cause them to be weaker.

Continue on with the structure inspecting the machines ROPs (roll over protection) to make sure it hasn't had something dropped on it or been flipped over on its side. Any damage here could cause you liability down the road if someone were to be injured due to a damaged ROPs.

Look at the back end of the machine to see if you can check the condition of the steer axle and steer cylinder. Check for leaks and any major play in the steering assembly, ball joints and axles.

Now it's time to operate the lift. Make sure the seat belt is in good condition and USE IT.

Start the machine again and check for the transmission operation. Forward and reverse. The machine should move smoothly without major delays or transmission slippage. Does it have an inching pedal? And does it operate correctly. Check the brakes. Also check the steering. Is it smooth without excessive play? There shouldn't be any offensive noises coming from the machine during these tests.

Operate all functions again on the forks, Lift up down, tilt forward and back and side shift side to side (if equipped). Some hydraulic sounds will be heard but it shouldn't be a growl or a scream.

There is nothing better than checking out a machine first hand to tell you if it's a good unit or if it's one that should be avoided at any price.

Remember:

You always get what you expect, when you take the time to inspect.

If these terms I've used are foreign to you, it might help to have your mechanic go with you to look at the machine. Or as always, you can call me if you need help with a machine.

Todd R. Moir is the owner and principal broker of equipwholesale and has been in the equipment industry since 1975. Working in the equipment rental industry gave Todd a solid background in how to buy and sell construction equipment. Contact him at todd@equipwholesale.com or at http://www.equipwholesale.com

Basic Christian Marriage Advice

2009-10-04T04:39:00.001-07:00

Does your Christian marriage need help? If so, take a few minutes to step back and consider this basic Christian marriage advice - straight from the Bible.

1. Give Your Marriage to God

Most "Christian marriages" are Christian in name only. One or both spouses claim to be Christians, and they assume then that their marriage is likewise "Christian." It doesn't work that way. To be a Christian is to be not only a believer in, but also a follower of Jesus Christ. Does your marriage truly believe in Christ? Does your family follow Christ?

The first thing you must do is dedicate (or re-dedicate) your marriage and family to God. Put your marriage on the altar. Give it to God. Don't try to "control" your marriage or your spouse. Give it all to God. From this day forward, your marriage must be God's marriage.

2. Re-commit Yourself to God

Before you re-commit your marriage to God, you may need to do that with your own life. In fact, we should put ourselves on the altar each day (Romans 12:1-3). Are you living for yourself? Are you trying to make yourself happy and/or expecting your spouse to make you happy?

As bestselling author and pastor Rick Warren puts it: "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense." Give God back the keys to your life. Give Him control.

3. Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is not so much about petitioning God and asking Him for things. It's about spending time with God and bringing yourself into a deeper relationship with Him. Truly effective prayer is not possible until you have done the preceding step, which is to give yourself to God. Once you've done that, pray without ceasing.

Pray. Pray. Pray. Never stop praying. Pray in the morning, during the day, and at night. Pray while you're driving. Pray in the good times and in the bad times. And, right now, if you're trying to put your marriage back together, then pour yourself out to God every day (as David does in the Psalms). Give all your burdens, cares, and stresses to the Lord.

4. Love Your Spouse Unconditionally

This is the tough part. You must love your husband or wife unconditionally. (Side note: If you are in an abusive relationship, especially one that is putting you in danger, get out of the house and seek help! You should still love your spouse, but you don't need to put yourself in any more danger). Assuming that you are not in any physical danger, you must commit to loving your spouse unconditionally - and expressing that love in consistent, practical ways.

If you want to know about unconditional love, consider the example of Jesus. You should also read I Corinthians 13. By putting these four principles into practice, you will see positive results in your Christian marriage.

Learn "Five Simple Ways to Improve Your Marriage" by clicking here Take action - and start improving your marriage today!

Rev. Brian Tubbs is the author and course manager for ChristianMarriageHelper.com and the Feature Columnist-Editor for Protestantism at Suite101.com. He is also a pastor who lives with his wife and children in southwestern Ohio.

Pick Up That Hammer - Contractor Advice

2009-10-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

I often encounter people who believe that carpenters were born carpenters and plumbers were born plumbers. Regardless of my encouragement, there are many folks who don't think they have the ability to build their own home.

I always give them all the same talk. We as human beings have the ability to learn new things and expand our horizons. If this weren't true, none of us would be able to walk, talk, drive a car, or even tie our shoes.

As a parent, I have helped my children through some of the most repetitious acts of learning. As a teacher and a mentor, I have taught people how to ride horses, program computers, speak Spanish, build houses, peak satellites, hold a newborn baby, raise a garden, the list goes on and on.

My point is that I have watched every type of person learn in different ways. I have noticed that we all have different levels of intellect. Some people are sharp as a tack and others are really quite thick. The truth that I have learned about most things in life is that a person with average intelligence has everything he or she needs to get by and even succeed with flying colors. Even those with fairly low intelligence have adequate learning abilities to do just fine.

So when people tell me that they aren't smart enough to build their own house, I just have to remind them that they are probably smart enough to do much more than just build houses. Some of the most intimidating projects in building a new house can be figured out with a little concentration. Electricity and Plumbing scare some homeowners into hiring the work done, when in truth, anybody can do those things.

I see all around me, examples of able-bodied people that choose to hire contractors to do work for them. This is just fine if the people have more money than time. If however, they have more time than money, they could really benefit from doing their own labor and saving thousands of dollars. In most cases the money saved by doing ones own labor translates into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

That's worth learning how to do something new. Anything in this world that will save us so much money and time over the long run is definitely something valuable to know.

Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners don't see it that way at all. To them it's acceptable to pay someone else to do all the work even if it means they will end up working almost a decade of their work life to make nothing but mortgage interest payments.

To me it's simple, work for three hours a day after work for one year to build my own house, or work for eight hours a day at a job for ten years to pay the interest on hired labor. If more of us could see the reality of hired labor, we would be more likely to make better choices.

I strongly believe that we are intelligent beings made in the likeness of fully intelligent beings. We have power to learn and overcome so that we can find happiness. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that.

Larry Angell is the author of Sweat Equity, building a house at half cost. He runs an instructional website about how to build homes that are strong financial tools, not financial burdens. He counsels low-income families how to obtain affordable housing and reach goals of home ownership.

http://www.make-my-own-house.com

Visit to Peni-el

2009-10-03T08:57:00.001-07:00

The Face of God. Why, that must be an exciting place to visit! Peni-el! Jacob went there. Once. Most people do not request a second go 'round.

Peni-el is a place of struggle. Paul would call it "fightings within, fears without." Pharaoh behind you, Red Sea in front. In Jacob's case, back to a forbidden land of challenge with Laban, or into the possibly violent hands of his own brother Esau. No place to go. So you are left alone. And God meets you in your extremity, but you don't recognize Him. So you fight or you die. Or a little of both. That's Peni-el.

It's also a place of losing. Oh I know, Jacob prevailed. In the way a fighter prevails in the ring by staying standing after 15 bloody rounds. Jacob would not go down. Jacob would not be denied. But Jacob limped away from that encounter and my sense is that he limped the rest of his life. It's costly fighting with God. You better know what you want, and be willing to lose it. Then be ready to know what He wants, because He is going to win the battle even if you get the blessing you crave. That's Peni-el. You see His face and you limp away forever changed.

It's a place of transition. You come in certain of your past, unsure of your future. You go out loathing your past, but with clear direction. You come to Peni-el full of your own self-importance, demanding your needs be met, and now. You leave not able ever to trust yourself again, filled with the Importance of Heaven.

Been there? Peni-el? You've lived to talk about it, but do you want to? You suffered a nasty blow as you looked in His Face and were transformed. It's not what you thought it would be, looking at Him. You expected sweet rest and angelic countenance, but saw a man, and a fighter at that. But you prevailed? And He did too? That's Peni-el.

And I promise, none of the above makes any sense, 'til you've been there.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Full Moon And How It Affects Human Consciousness

2009-10-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

It has been known for centuries that the full moon can affect people's consciousness and behaviour. Many people may feel wakeful at night with energy streaming through their body for the three days before full moon.

It is only recently that I have discovered why this may be happening. NASA-supported scientists have realized that something does happen every month when the Moon passes through Earth's magnetic tail.

"Earth's magnetotail extends well beyond the orbit of the Moon and, once a month, the Moon orbits through it," says Tim Stubbs, a University of Maryland scientist working at the Goddard Space Flight Center. "This can have consequences ranging from lunar 'dust storms' to electrostatic discharges."

Anyone can tell when the Moon is inside the magnetotail. Just look: "If the Moon is full, it is inside the magnetotail," says Stubbs. "The Moon enters the magnetotail three days before it is full and takes about six days to cross and exit on the other side."

Human consciousness too is made up of electrical activity - which can be measured with an electro encephalograph - and a magnetic aura, or field of energy. A lot of people can feel this field of energy; for example, when you smile you can feel the field of buoyant, glowing energy extending into your aura like the energy field of a magnet.

I have often wondered why I am affected so much by the moon from three days before full moon to a few days after. The magnetotail provided me with the perfect explanation; as the moon charges up when within the tail and becomes much more electrical and magnetic, it is only normal that this increase in power should be felt on Earth.

We all know from astrology that each of the planets, and the sun and moon, have an influence on our feelings, emotions and consciousness. The moon affects our emotions because the moon influences water; just as the moon causes the tides, it exerts a pull on the watery components of our body, and we feel this as emotions. The body is made up of 70 to 80% of water.

Human consciousness is also affected by sun spots and the mass ejections from the sun's corona; these are what cause the solar winds of magnetic energy which affect the Earth's upper atmosphere and give rise to the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

I feel it is beneficial if we extend our awareness to take in all these influences of the celestial bodies, as they all communicate with, and have an influence on, each other by the transfer of electrical and magnetic energy - which could also be called consciousness.

Our body has a field of energy - the aura - which is the same as the aurora or magnetic and gravitational field of the planet. We are all One, a part of the Universal Life Force; and it is natural to be aware of the greater cosmic system, which is as much a part of our consciousness as our brain is.

As human consciousness evolves and moves from the individual awareness to an awareness of greater integration within the whole cosmic system, we also expand our understanding of the unity of life and develop a love of all things, in the realization that We Are All One.

By George E. Lockett SSHA, IIHHT -- HealerGeorge(C) Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved. Tel: +44 (0)1286 882701 Visit HealerGeorge's web site: http://www.healergeorge.com to experience the power of Distant Healing or listen to HealerGeorge Radio giving Questions and Answer advice mixed with Spiritual Music. You can also enjoy many free benefits on HealerGeorge, like listening to Free Guided Meditations. Why not order HealerGeorge's Latest book entitled "A Journey into The Self - The Multi-dimensional Nature of Being Human" By George E Lockett. It is all available off the web site. Description: What is this book going to do for YOU? For those who are seeking a complete energetic makeover, as you read it you will feel a stirring and awakening in the depths of your heart. For those who have questions about Shifts in Consciousness, Energy Balancing, and Healing within the body, you will find clear answers.

Happy Children - Create a Happy Child with a Tantrum of Thankfulness

2009-10-02T14:14:00.001-07:00

In my research on potty training for our potty training course, I have learned that children respond to the emotions of their parents and care takers. In further research, I have learned that in all relationships, the most important step you can take in creating a successful relationship is to be happy yourself.

All people are attracted to happiness. This trait is most easily observed in children who have not yet learned to suppress their emotions.

The most important gift that you can give your child is your own happiness. When you are happy yourself, you will naturally be more patient, kind and loving toward your child. You dont have to work at it, the love just flows naturally when you are happy.

Too many parents think that once they have children, pursuing their own happiness is selfish and something to feel guilty about. Neglecting your children while pursing your happiness may be something to feel guilty about; however, there are many ways to create your own happiness and provide care for your children at the same time.

Children need love and happiness as part of their nutritional requirements. They cannot grow and develop to their full potential unless they receive adequate love and attention.

Parents who are filled with happiness and who think happy thoughts the majority of the time are in a much better position to provide the nurturing environment that children need to grow and develop. Finding your own happiness is the first step in creating a happy child.

Dr Wayne Dyer suggests in his books that you can choose your emotions. You simply choose to feel angry or choose to feel happy. While I love his writings, I have had trouble practicing that suggestion. What works better for me is to choose thoughts that allow the happy emotions to flow naturally.

For example, when my dog was injured, there was no way I could feel happy about his injury. However, after a great deal of prayer and meditation, I was able to slowly begin to find things about the episode that I could feel better about. By slowly changing my thoughts from sadness and anger to thankfulness and expectation, I was eventually able to feel happy again about my dog.

And just like a child, my dog has responded to my thoughts and emotions. While I was sad, he moped around and looked awful. As my mood improved, he began to get more active and is now again the feisty puppy that I enjoy spending time with.

Because children respond so visibly to your emotions, it is your duty as a parent to be as happy as you can be. Seeking your own happiness is not selfish, but the act of a loving and responsible parent.

Over the years, I have observed many child behavior issues that we very obviously linked to the unhappiness of the parents. Well, it was obvious to everyone except the parents of these children. They kept looking for someone else to blame for their childrens problems. They continued to create more unhappiness for their children and everyone involved.

So, if you notice undesirable behavior in your own children, take a moment to look inside yourself before you start looking for someone else to blame. Are you happy? If not, take steps to address your own emotions before you start to work with your childrens behavior problems.

As an engineer, I was very good at the identify a problem, find a cause, remove the cause, theres your solution kind of problem solving method. But in my work with children, I have found that this method is ineffective.

A better method is to simply identify and express the desired behavior and then encourage it. I call this the creative intention method of problem solving.

We can leave the cause finding to the research scientists. As parents, we just want happy well behaved children.

And the first step in creating happy children is to find happiness ourselves. Creative intention works especially well in finding ways to create more happy thoughts in your life and in the life of your children.

In every situation, there is always something good to be thankful for. Those of us who are accustomed to finding problems that need a solution will need to practice a bit before we can easily and quickly see the good in every situation. You may want to find someone who is naturally optimistic to mentor you.

But with practice we all can learn to think thoughts that will create happy feelings.

One quick exercise that can help is throwing a Tantrum of Thankfulness. We all know that two year olds can express a lot of emotion is a short period of time so let us use that example to create more of what we want and less of what we dont want.

Set a timer for three minutes. During that time think of as many things as you can to be thankful for. Write them down, speak them aloud or just think about them. I like to do opposites: I am thankful for sunshine, I am thankful for rain. Get as animated as possible while doing this exercise. Jump around, sing, yell, do whatever you can to experience the emotion of passionate thankfulness.

Get your children involved in the game. Really listen to what they are thankful for. If they dont understand the concept of thankful just ask what makes them happy. Dont make any judgments, just go with what they say.

I prefer to do this exercise with my dog as my children are older and think I am crazy. My dog just enjoys the company.

Whenever you find unhappy thoughts creeping in, just throw a tantrum of thankfulness. If it is not appropriate to throw a tantrum right there like waiting in line at the post office - just remember the last tantrum you threw. Experience the happiness in your mind and smile.

The greatest gift you can ever give to anyone is that of your own happiness. Guard it with all your might and seek new ways to create happiness everyday.

Teach your children how to be happy. Create a happy world for all of us one happy child at a time.

Mike Strawbridge is the owner of Straw Solutions Performance Improvement Consulting and is dedicated to creating happy business owners and happy employees.

http://www.mikestrawbridge.com

Mike is also a contributing writer for the Potty Training Site http://www.pottytrainingsite.com

How Hot is Your Kitchen

2009-10-02T04:57:00.001-07:00

The kitchen is a feisty place, a place of sizzling, burning, searing, and grilling, with the whistle of steam and the crackle of oil all combining to create a symphony that's so good you can taste it.

But how hot is your kitchen in actuality? I'm not talking about temperature I am referring to excitement, to inspiration, to passion. Are the walls coated in bare and lonely wall paper, screaming for an accent? Or do they have style, and character, born from a thousand tiny details each expressing the inner you?

The energy in your kitchen may come from the cook, but the cook's energy has to come from inspiration. A kitchen devoid of character will not ignite new ideas, and it won't excite the imagination.

On the other hand however, it is quite possible to get too hot. You don't want to be sweating in the salsa. Over stimulation can lead to mistakes, and mistakes usually taste terrible.

So the kitchen ends up being a compromise. You balance hot against cold, energy against calculation, to form the perfect space for creation. And you judge this balance with the best scale available, your own body.

Everyone has an internal temperature, and a psychological temperament. Some people are always excited, always energetic, while others are calmer, and more calculating.

When you are the cook, it is your job to mold the kitchen to suit the emotional needs of your personality. This can be done by balancing your own heat, and energy, against the stimulus in the room. In this way you can invigorate your calm serenity with some exciting colors, or cool off a fiery temperament with some soothing art pieces.

Conclusion: How hot do you want your kitchen to be? Cool as a cucumber or hot as a tamale? The answer is simple, balance the space against your own personal flame.

Looking to add a unique flavor to your kitchen or bar ware set? Each and every stone beverage coaster offered by PebbleArt is made one of a kind by the natural properties which occur within its surface. These features give each piece its own distinct personality and character.

Walk With Norse God Odin - Become a Rune Wizard

2009-10-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

Rune - Wizard - Odin

As an aspiring Rune Wizard, it is important that you connect with the energies of Odin, the All-Father. He is the master Norse Sorcerer, Wizard, Shaman, and Magician.

When I say connect, I mean you must build resonant frequencies within your own Aura to Odin. What energies we carry in our Aura attracts people, places and events into our lives.

We don't want to use out dated Asatru and Viking Rituals that bring us back into the time of Odin and the Vikings. We want to bring Odin into the 21st Century so he can walk with us and guide us into the NOW.

Speaking of the 21st Century, we are now in the galactic space called the Age of Aquarius. Our whole Solar System has rotated around the Galactic Sun. We need a new paradigm for contacting and attracting the wisdom and energies of the Runes and Norse Gods/Goddesses.

The Age of Aquarius has given us the Laws of Quantum Physics. The Laws of Quantum Physics have given us the language we can use to build our new paradigm.

Simply stated: the Laws of Quantum Physics tell us that there exists an infinite ocean of thinking, intelligent energy called the Quantum Ocean. It is for all intents and purposes the Mind of God.

Everything that ever was, is or will be exists in the Quantum Ocean. There is no time, no past, present nor future. There is only the NOW. There is no space only the HERE. That is a good definition for the Creator God, an infinite point called the HERE-NOW.

The runes and Gods/Goddesses of the North all exist in the Quantum Ocean in the Here-Now. As a Rune Wizard, you will want to contact and connect with the energies of the Runes and Odin in the HERE-NOW OF TODAY. You don't want to go backwards. You want to bring the energies of Odin and the Runes to you, in the now.

How do you get the energies within your Aura so that you can use and communicate with Odin and the Runes?

The Laws of Quantum Physics tell us that what you think upon you will attract. Thoughts and symbols are all tools that you can use to connect with Odin and the Runes.

Therefore, on a daily basis, have thoughts of Odin, meditate on his image, inhale his Runes into your Aura.

You can simply start by holding the print of Odin in your hands and looking at it. Do this in your favorite chair every morning, before leaving the house to go to work.

Now, mentally inhale and intone, "I am now making contact with Odin and I am bringing him and his wisdom out of the Quantum Ocean and into my Aura where I can talk with him and use his energies.

Do this three times. Talk to Odin in your mind. Visualize him sitting in the room with you. When you leave your home bring him with you in your car and take him to work with you.

Befriend him. Talk to him. Feel him. Soon you will know him and you will feel him in your every day life. Ask him Rune Wizard questions. Keep a notebook with you at all times and record your impressions, thoughts and intuitions.

You want Odin and his wisdom in your life? Build resonant linkages. I did and I met him on a snowy evening in the mountains of Pennsylvania. I wrote about it in my book "Conversations with Odin."

Ellis Peterson AKA Ragnar Storyteller is a retired math professor and electronics engineer. He has been studying astrology, runes, radionics, metaphysics and alternate healing treatments for over 30 years. He is 70+, in very good health and lives in the boonies of the Pocono mountains with his wife Lory. His writings are unique and refreshing. To see more of his writings visit his websites.

http://www.olevikingshop.com/

and

http://www.runes-for-health-wealth-love-now.com/

Or go to goggle and type in his pen name RAGNAR STORYTELLER for his listings. He is also a ghost writer and will write and article for you. Email Ragnar for his FREE 10 PART MINI-COURSE, "How-To use Quantum Physics in Your Every Day Life to Attract More Wealth, Health and Love, Now." You can contact him by email.

epete@ptd.net

Amazing Power of Spoken Focus

2009-10-01T10:09:00.001-07:00

Wealth creation works according to a law first found in the book of Genesis. "He said" and the result was Light. In this practice is contained the Amazing Power of Spoken Focus. You have the authority to use it. Choose. Use - and you will be news. You will be the next wealth creation success story.

Before you can use the Amazing Power of Spoken Focus you need to be absolutely clear on the steps you are going to take to put your wealth creation program in place.

Clear and committed thinking is the key to ongoing success. If your wealth building program centers on the development of a real estate empire then visualize your first property deal. Actually picture your first house.Do a house inspection in your imagination and note details about the flooring, the appliances in the kitchen. Even the view from the front of the house.

You will now be able to engage the Amazing Power of Spoken Focus as you describe to others the first goal in your wealth creation program.

In my city there was once a young missionary who came - with nothing but a vision and Spoken Focus - and declared over a run down waterside hotel that one day he would build a world class hotel on that site. Today on that site stands a marvelous addition to the Marriott Hotel chain.

It all started with spoken focus.

You can start using this powerful tool today.

Kenneth Little is a writer, teacher, public speaker and the publisher of a re-released classic - in a revealing ebook- that will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. Find more on this at: http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com

True success will be yours no matter what your age. Amazing "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed strength to your body, hope to your mind and increased prosperity to your lifestyle. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to: http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Could Christian Pride Get You in Trouble?

2009-09-30T07:41:00.001-07:00

There's a good chance that most of us know at least one person who seems to be very prideful. These people are often hard to deal with and can easily get their feelings hurt. When someone who has a lot of pride, gets trapped in a corner, they often come out swinging in full attack mode.

When a Christian has a lot of pride, and is faced with a problem about their religion, the opposition had better be prepared, especially if this person is large and intimidating. I'm not referring to every Christian here, I'm not even referring to every Christian with a lot of pride either, I'm referring to Christians who mix their prideful beliefs with factual evidence.

These people can often become stubborn and the more that you push or pull, the deeper they dig their heels in, until they can't even be moved in either direction. It's almost like they're feet are buried in a large concrete slab of cement.

Yes pride can get you into trouble, they key is, knowing how to get yourself out of trouble. When someone approaches you with a question about your beliefs that you don't have the answer to, simply respond with," I will have to do some research and get back with you."

Don't let your pride get in the way and create an enemy out of someone that could provide you with some useful information about other beliefs or even your own religion. Think about it, your pride can often dig holes that you might not be able to get out of.

Eliminate Bible Propaganda

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click here if you're Interested in Christianity.

Does Anyone Have a Direct Line to God?

2009-09-30T02:42:00.001-07:00

I have heard Catholics tell me that the pope has a direct line to God. I don't really know if that's true, but if he does, or anyone else does, I would like to ask them to do me a favor.

I would like them to ask God a few questions, these questions aren't going to be difficult, and we could even make them in yes or no formats, but these answers need to be asked and only God can provide us with the answers.

The first question that I would like to ask God, would be about starvation, why are there so many starving people all over the world? Are we or are we not supposed to be fruitful and multiply? Is overpopulation creating more problems in the world today, than it might have 2000 years ago?

These questions above, could be a little difficult to answer, but they shouldn't be too difficult for someone like God. I believe that God can handle a few tough questions and if the Pope or anyone else has direct communication with God, I would like to suggest something to them, quit wasting your time on frivolous things and start asking God the serious questions, that every one is really interested in.

It doesn't make a lot of sense, to pray and worship to somebody who realistically won't answer or deliver the things that we are requiring. I realize that most religious people are told, that God only answers some prayers or that God isn't ready to answer your prayers yet.

Anyway, if gods not going to answer all of our prayers, couldn't he at least answer some of our questions.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:
Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended authors, Don Miguel Ruiz

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Where Did God Come From?

2009-09-29T21:30:00.001-07:00

If you believe in certain religions, like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and even Buddhism, there's a good chance that you believe in some sort of God like being or cosmic force, especially the one that created our world that we live in today.

Where did God come from? What are we doing here? And where are we going, after we die. Some of these questions, are hard to answer and scientifically difficult to prove. There is very little evidence to prove, where God actually came from, what are we suppose to be doing here and where we are going to go, after we die.

If nobody knows where God came from, why are there so many religions, that believe in a God? Think about it for a moment, the Christian God, was the creator of the universe, and the creator of everything. Where's the proof? Why do people continue to study the Bible, and believe in a God, that they can't really even put their hands on?

If God is truly real, why wouldn't we have ever seen him? It doesn't make a lot of sense, to believe in imaginary beings, or invisible entities and pray to a God that we might not ever see or touch. It might not make a lot of sense, but if you ask serious religious followers, of these religions a question like, can you prove that there actually is a God, there's a good chance that these religious believers will reply, with a simple yes.

They have no proof, no evidence, and almost base their entire beliefs on faith, instead of facts. Rarely do they seek any evidence or even read their religious text, with a goal to understand what they're reading. Most of these people take everything that they learn, lock it away in their head, and never ask any serious questions about their religious beliefs, like these.

If there is a God, why wouldn't he show himself? If there is a God, why wouldn't he prove that he does exist, so that others wouldn't have to doubt his existence? Something to think about, on the days that you're not going to your place of worship.

Who's God Is More Powerful

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His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible.

Jesus' Missing Years in the Bible

2009-09-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

It looks like there is a big problem in the Gospels. There are more years in Jesus' life that are missing than years of his life that were ever recorded. Why weren't these years listed in the Bible?

All the Gospels talked about the death of Jesus, the birth of Jesus and a few years in between, but all of the Gospels are missing some very important years from his life. When raising a child, some of the most important years of their lives, will be those when they were teenagers and often those of their young adulthood.

The Gospels talk about Jesus at the temple at around the age of 12 or 13. After that, there is very little known until he reaches the final years of his life. Was there someone or a group of people or even a community who influenced his life? Could Jesus have learned something from a spiritual master Guru that changed the world forever?

There is more speculation on Jesus' missing years than you could ever imagine. Some say that Jesus went to Egypt to study with their masters or priests. Egypt obviously wasn't that far from where Jesus was raised, but like most of the stuff in the Bible, there is very little evidence to support any of these speculative stories.

Could Jesus have went to India and studied with the Buddhist masters or even a Hindu scholars? Did Jesus study with advanced Jewish scholars? This is only a little bit of the historical speculation, but if the truth was ever to be known, it could help Christianity solve a lot of problems.

Most Christians rarely even question these missing years. There are quite a few Christians that don't even know that there are any missing years in Jesus' life. I wrote this article to get people thinking and hopefully to start educating themselves about early Christianity. Good luck and God bless.

Great Christian Books And Articles

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Religious Education And Fear

Manipulating Bible Verses - Thou Shall Not Murder

2009-09-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

If you're a Christian, you've probably heard of this Bible verse. Thou shall not murder. If you've heard of it, you probably know that it's one of the 10 Commandments or one of the original laws from Moses. However, most people don't know about its application to Christianity.

If I was to tell my children, not to lie and always tell the truth but I was a liar, would this be considered a good example for my children? If my children seen me lying and then I told them not to lie, would they consider that a lie? Does this example make sense to you?

As the parent, I'm the example. As the children, they are my disciples or followers. By lying to my children, I am showing them that it is okay to lie or stretch the truth or even manipulate the English language for my personal benefit.

How much different is this example from the example of the way some Christians use the Holy Bible? "Thou shall not murder," to me translates into," you should not kill." That's pretty simple and easy to understand, wouldn't you agree.

I could easily manipulate this Bible verse into, thou shall not murder, only applying it, to killing someone without a reason or you can kill someone in the name of God. You can change the meaning of anything if you really want to.

The point I would like to make here, is that the truth always comes out in the end, once the lying and the manipulation becomes visible. Do you have the ability to tell who's lying and twisting the Bible scriptures for their benefit or personal gain?

Bible verses that are clearly written, shouldn't have any hidden messages. "Thou shall not murder," is easy to interpret, once you understand what all four of these words mean and this task can easily be accomplished with a dictionary.

Thou - refers to you, the person being addressed or written to.

Shall - it will happen in the future or is intended to happen.

Not - is often used to express refusal, denial or the negation of the statement, just made.

Murder - the crime of killing another person deliberately and not in self-defense.

With the definition of these four words sitting right in front of us, you could still interpret this Bible verse in the few different ways. I'm going to take a stab at it and interpret it as I see it.

"You should not kill another person deliberately or outside of self-defense."

This means that I am not allowed to kill anyone, in the name of God, during war, or for any other reason except for defending myself.

When it says," Thou shall not murder," how does this apply to animals or anyone who is involved in a death sentence. Judges, lawyers, prison guards and other individuals who are directly involved in the murder of someone else.

How many other Bible verses have been manipulated for the benefit of Christianity?

God Said What

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How Long Does God Really Want Me to Try?

2009-09-29T06:05:00.001-07:00

The Holy Spirit has been working through me for many years and I really want to know how long, God really want me to try? How long does he want me to try to get Christians to think and understand Christianity? I'm doing the best that I can and as long as God is working through me, I will try to do better.

God put me here for a reason and my reason is to teach other Christians about Christianity. As long as the Holy Spirit will keep me alive, I will continue to do the best that I can and teach other Christians, how to study the Bible and where their religion actually came from.

If you're reading this article, your probably interested in Christianity and the Bible, if you do read the Bible, do you actually understand what it's saying. If you study the Bible, are you exposing yourself to others who also study the Bible, or are you only studying the Bible with people you know and are familiar with.

How long are you going to try, before you actually quit? Have you quit before and started again and maybe you've done this a few times, but you haven't quite yet. I know where you're coming from, I've been there myself and continue to motor ahead.

I would like to give you a word of advice, don't ever quit and don't ever give up. Keep searching and you will find the answers, keep knocking and doors will be opened. I have been knocking and will continue to keep knocking.

I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey towards the ultimate answers that we're all hoping to find.

Do Christians Believe Everything

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a Christian self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Imagine Jesus' Children Reporting Directly to God

2009-09-29T01:35:00.001-07:00

Now what if, Jesus actually had a son, and his son followed the Old Testament rule of being fruitful and multiply. Each one of Jesus' kids had at least 10 kids and by now there's thousands of his descendants all over the world and these guys are watching everything that's going on around them and reporting everything directly to God.

Imagine this, every one of his kids have down syndrome, are handicapped, blind, deaf, homeless, homosexuals and the worst of all, atheists. They have been strategically positioned all over the world to gather information on how, Christians actually treat other people.

Every time that a homeless person has asked you for spare change and you haven't given them anything, this would count as one black mark against you, on the great chalkboard at Judgment Day.

Every sign you held up, rejecting gay marriage or abortion, would count as five black marks. Each one of these people or any other person, who you had intentionally hurt their feelings, would be 15 black marks.

Every time that you lied to another Christian, this would be 50 black marks. If a Christian lied to a nonbeliever, especially when trying to convince them that the Bible is the written Word of God, this would be 150 black marks.

Jesus' children would be reporting directly to him on a daily basis, through the use of the Internet, God's Internet that is. Every Christian who thought they were doing the Lord's work, could actually be in grave danger.

You only get a thousand black marks and if you're 150 black mark short of entering heaven, you will have plenty of time, as you burn in eternal lake of fire, forever. Think about it, the next time that you lie to someone, refuse generosity, or try to convince someone that the Bible is actually the written word of God.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Living the Ultimate Lie - Religious Fundamentalism

2009-09-28T20:19:00.001-07:00

I've been doing research on Christianity and other religions throughout the world for quite some time and find it hard to believe that most of these religious followers, won't even listen to facts that I and others have found regarding their religion.

I find most of these people to be living the ultimate lie and when it comes to Christian fundamentalism or someone who I would consider to be a super Christian, these people adamantly hold both hands over their ears, while stomping their feet, trying to scare me into submission.

No matter how you slice it, no matter how you want it delivered to you, the truth is always going to be the truth. If you won't listen to the truth, you will live trapped living in a world of lies. It doesn't matter whether you're a Christian who believes in Jesus or an Islamic follower of believes in Allah, the truth, for most people, can only be found outside of your religion.

Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about. How many religions talk about how the world was created, most of their followers, choose to believe their religious leaders and their religious text, without ever questioning, but often doubting what they were taught.

Science teaches us one way, religion teaches us another, however, neither one of them have any scientific evidence to back up their theories.

The minute that you state either one of these beliefs as a truth, you're living in a world of lies. If a scientist or religious leader, can convince you that their way is right, they have simply took a belief, without any evidence and made it into a fact. This illusion, is simply a belief that you have personally made into a truth and as long as you continue to believe this, without doing any of your own research, you will continue to spread lies and rumors throughout the world.

Problems With Noah's Ark Story

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Greg is currently working on a religous article library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Mysteries of the Bible - Advanced Bible Study Techniques

2009-09-28T15:09:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wanted to really know what the mysteries of the Bible really are? Was Jesus more important than God? Why were the Jewish people considered to be the chosen ones, even though they don't get to go to heaven, because they don't believe that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior? I would like to help you solve some of the mysteries of the Bible.

Whether you're a Jewish or believe in Christianity, each if you share an interest in the Holy Scripture. Jewish people obviously don't believe that Jesus was the Messiah and are still waiting for their Messiah to come and free them. Christians obviously believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah and fulfilled all the prophecies.

One of the mysteries of the Bible that I would like to share with you, is that your actually going to need to read the Bible to find them. The biggest mystery of the Bible is actually reading it. You don't need to read the entire Bible, to figure out, what it's actually saying.

Start reading certain sections that interest you. Two of the most read books in the Bible are the books of Genesis, which is the first book in the Old Testament and the book of revelations, which is the last book in the New Testament. Both of these books are extremely popular reads.

The book of Genesis is about the beginning and the book of revelations is about the end of times and this seems to be the biggest interest for Christians. In other words, you're not going to be able to find the mysteries, within the Bible if you don't at least start to read some of it.

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If You're a Christian Woman, You Had Better Watch This Video on Problems With Women Speaking in church. Are women really allowed to speak inside the church, you won't believe what you're about to see.

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Religious Mind Control Or Generational Sin

2009-09-28T10:11:00.001-07:00

If you were raised with certain beliefs and belong to a certain religion, there is a very good chance that your parents followed your religion and share the same beliefs. If you are a Muslim, there's a very good chance that your parents were Muslims. If you live in the United States, there is a really, really good chance that you're a Christian, especially if you live in Texas or Utah.

Is this religious mind control and generational sin or is this truly the way life is meant to live. Your parents and ancestors formed strong beliefs and pass them on to their children. What's wrong with that? Is it a generational sin to pass on what you truly believe? With that question asked, is a generational sin our mind control to teach our children how to fit into society, is it our obligation as stewards.

We often send our children to school, give them a good religious upbringing and then assimilate them into the workplace, almost like robots on an assembly line. We seem to never even question where these beliefs originated, we have no idea where they are going to take us and above all, we have no idea that they are truly beneficial to society, let alone ourselves.

Teaching our children what we have been taught, isn't always going to be right. If you look back in history, at all the beliefs, rituals and facts that have been disproven and are no longer followed by modern man, you can get a pretty good idea what I'm talking about. These people often taught their children, what they were taught. In centuries to come, these truths died out and were replaced by new ones.

Religious mind control can be cured by opening your mind and reading articles like this. You might be talking to someone who you have been taught to fear or even hate your whole life, only to find out that they think like you. They care about their families, feel sorry for others who are less fortunate and usually eat and sleep just like you do. If your mind is open enough, you could realize that you have been lied to and now it's time to start thinking seriously about what you were taught and what you're going to believe in the future.

Religious mind control can be cured through reading books, watching television, visiting other countries and educating yourself about other cultures and religions. The change you make today could affect future generations in your family.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg is currently working on a religious help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Does Anyone Have a Direct Line to God?

2009-09-18T19:58:00.001-07:00

I have heard Catholics tell me that the pope has a direct line to God. I don't really know if that's true, but if he does, or anyone else does, I would like to ask them to do me a favor.

Anyway, if gods not going to answer all of our prayers, couldn't he at least answer some of our questions.

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When Do We Get to Meet God's Parents?

2009-09-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

If God is the creator of the universe, who is the creator of God? When I was born, I had a mother and a father and supposedly the two of them together had created me. One could not have created me without the other and therefore I am a product of my parents. I know who my parents are and I even know who their parents are but who is God's parents and were we made in the images of our parents or creators.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth but before that, we know very little about God. Did he have brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents and even God parents. If he did have brothers and sisters, did they create worlds like he did or she did, we don't know whether God is a man or a woman, transvestite, homosexual or a combination of all of these. We really don't know what God is, even though Michelangelo painted him on the Sistine Chapel.

In the book of revelations it mentions, Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." God says that he is the first and the last, does this mean that there was no one or no entity before him. It goes back to the chicken and the egg, what was first the chicken or the egg, no one knows. Well god knows doesn't he. I don't know why I keep referring to God as a he but bear with me on this one.

I wonder if God was disciplined as a child or even if he was a child. Maybe God was born a full grown person or even a mysterious entity in the form of a smoky cloud. That couldn't be, because God made us in his image and I'm sure that his mother and father look like us. Well, hopefully they look better than us, maybe someone like Brad Pitt or Jennifer Aniston. I hope that he wasn't an ugly person or entity. That would be discouraging.

I guess that's enough of the humor, I rarely hear anyone talk about, who created God. If God formed out of nothingness, why couldn't our earth have formed from nothingness, without God. If God did have parents, brothers and sisters, have they created other universes and what is the purpose of their creations. Are we just one big experiment, part of a big science project?

Anyone interested in using this article to make a movie, feel free to use this information at no charge, I would love to see the movie, when it's done.

Good Christian News

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If you're really seeking the kingdom of heaven, the glory of God and the true vision that Jesus had, check out some great Christian articles. These articles are designed to teach and educate Christians.

Financial Burdens From Church Leaders

2009-09-18T16:38:00.001-07:00

I really can't believe how many people that don't have enough money and could be living below poverty levels, often he as much as they can to their religious organizations. It saddens me to see those who don't have enough to eat, giving money to their church, even though they needed more than God does.

I realize that the Bible tells its followers to give at least 10% of their earnings to their church or temple. The problem is, that the Bible doesn't provide any information for people that constantly give money to the church, even though they can't afford to. They need this money for food and to educate their children.

I guess it's okay, to form a dependency on your church, even though you could provide for yourself, if you didn't give away all of your money. There are plenty of churches that will provide their patrons with close, food and some of them will even provide shelter for the poor or homeless.

The financial burdens that are produced by some church leaders, make me sick. They make those who can't afford to give, feel guilty and this guilt eats away at them like a cancerous disease, working its way through your vital and important body parts.

I'm going to suggest something to the church leaders. Quit making people feel guilty, simply because you need more money to accomplish the things that you are planning to do. It doesn't really matter, if the stuff that you are doing is great for wonderful, if you're doing it at the expense of others.

I would also like to give some advice to those people who can't afford to give away their money. Quit giving it away. Save your money, feed your family, by your own clothes, and save up for your children's education.

Some of, the money that you are giving to your religious organization, might be squandered away on your church leaders programs. These programs might have nothing to do with God's desire for a better world.

Click Here For A Fascinating Journey Into Christianity - Great Book About The Bible

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If your interested in a different point of view READ THESE ARTICLES - Great Articles For Christians

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

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The Importance of Women's Spirituality

2009-09-08T06:16:00.001-07:00

A friend recently asked me why I felt it was so important to focus specifically on spirituality for women. Isn't the point of spirituality, she asked, to move to an understanding that transcends distinctions like gender? Does it really serve the process, she wondered, to imply there is a separate spirituality for men and for women?

As part of my response, I referred her to a recently published book called Taking Back God: American Women Rising Up for Religious Equality. The author, Leora Tanenbaum, explores the role of women within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The author interweaves religious history with interviews of contemporary women who care deeply about their religions, and derive great knowledge and sustenance from them, but are unhappy with the restricted roles of women within them. Many of these interviews are very moving, because these women have really struggled with this issue.

One of the biggest problems for these women is the restrictions placed on their access to teachings and official roles. Many of their religions restrict women's rights or abilities to read certain scriptures, or to teach or preach. Since scriptures are often considered the word of God, or a conduit to enlightenment (in the East), this sends the message that women are 'further' from God or enlightenment, and that they don't have the right to communicate directly, or to learn, teach, or preach on their own. They have to get everything secondhand. Contemporary American women don't accept this in the office, and are increasingly uncomfortable with it in their houses of worship.

While Taking Back God focuses on the official role of women in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, things aren't altogether different in the New Age or self-help communities, or in many Buddhist or Yoga centers. Although there are more women spiritual teachers, authors, and religious leaders in America than elsewhere in the world, they are still vastly outnumbered by men (just check out the Amazon bestsellers list). This despite the fact that according to book marketing surveys, women outnumber men as the purchasers of spiritual and religious books by as much as 4 to 1. In other words, women would appear to be more interested in spirituality in general, but the majority of books, teachers, organizations and resources out there are male-dominated. What is the message sent by this?

So, my answer to my friend, the reason focusing on women's spirituality is important to me, even though I am wary of over-identifying with gender issues, is that I think it really matters how many women religious leaders and spiritual teachers there are out there. And I think full access to scriptures, and leadership roles, and teaching positions - within every tradition - is imperative. Women's access to spirituality, their relationship with God/Tao/Nirvana/Brahma (or whatever you believe in), can't be secondhand. In a way, changing this is the most essential form of change that can occur, because our spiritual and religious beliefs define our organizational view of the world. If we see women as 'lower down' the totem pole, even subconsciously, we are denying ourselves our full power.

Lisa Erickson is a mom, meditation teacher, and writer. Visit her blog http://www.MommyMystic.wordpress.com for spiritual book reviews and information on meditation and spirituality.

The Keys to Successful Caulk and Chinking Joint Design For Log Homes and Cabins

2009-09-08T03:37:00.001-07:00

Introduction

With its thick walls of solid wood, a log home is one of the best-insulated buildings in which you could choose to live. But the nature of a log home's construction also presents a unique challenge: the opportunity for air to pass through the gaps between the logs.

Fortunately, air infiltration is a challenge that's easily met, thanks to caulking, the general term for the seals that are introduced between logs. With the right caulking method, or "caulk joint" as it is generally termed, a log home can achieve thermal efficiencies to rival those of any building method.

Two key elements are essential to effective caulking. First, the caulk used must form a "wet" seal, one that adheres to the wood surfaces rather than just filling the gaps between them. And second, it needs to be elastic (a quality sometimes referred to as "memory"), either stretching or compressing as the shapes of the logs themselves subtly move through natural expansion or contraction.

Another way of thinking about a caulk's effectiveness is in terms of "adhesion" and "cohesion." Good adhesion means that the caulk sticks to the log well. Good adhesion means that it holds together well under stress. Obviously, a balance of both properties is necessary for a caulk to work properly.

With those elements met, four principles govern the most efficient caulk joint design: caulk depth, points of adhesion, a caulk "well," and the conditions under which the caulk is applied. Each principle is fairly simple to grasp, and understanding them all will help anyone buying, building, or restoring a log home make the right energy-efficient decisions.

Principle 1: Apply the Right Caulk Depth

In general, the depth of caulk in a joint is more important than the width of the caulk's application. Why? Put as simply as possible, the most critical factor is that the caulk have enough mass at any given point to absorb any movement in the logs. As a rule, whatever its width, the depth of a caulk joint does not need to be any more than 1/2 inch or any less than 1/4 inch. Also, a deeper joint is preferable to one that is too thin.

Principle 2: Provide Two Caulk Adhesion Points

Caulk works best when it adheres only to two elements, namely the two logs between which it is applied, so that the seal will hold if and when any movement occurs in the logs. Adhesion to three or more points, by contrast, would cause the caulk to be pulled in multiple directions, thus increasing the likelihood that the seal will break away from one or more of the points of adhesion. Placing a backing rod inside the well With this principle in mind, any backing materials included in a caulk joint should provide a surface to which the caulk does not adhere. Doing so allows the caulk to remain at its most elastic.

Principle 3: Create a Caulk Well

Superior caulks have enough elasticity to absorb 25 to 50 percent of the total movement in the joint they fill. To allow for that movement, caulk joints require "wells," spaces that allow the joint to absorb that movement. For a reliable seal, the caulk well should be two to four times larger than the movement that is anticipated for that joint, thus reflecting the 25 to 50 percent absorption properties of the caulk being used. Obviously, the greater the movement expected in a particular joint, the larger its caulk well should be. Log homeowners can also take comfort from the fact that high-quality caulks currently being sold are capable of absorbing far greater movement than that for which they are rated.

Principle 4: Apply Caulk Under Optimum Conditions

Because logs expand or contract in response to temperature and humidity, the climate conditions at the time caulk joints are applied will affect the seal formed. On a very hot, humid day, for example, a joint will be at its smallest, since wood expands under such conditions; so caulk applied at such a time will later be subject to the maximum stretching. By contrast, a joint will be at its largest on the coldest, driest of days; so caulk applied then will later be subject to the maximum compression. With this principle in mind, it is wise to select a caulk with properties that best suit the range of local climate conditions, and to apply it at the most stable, least extreme point in the climate cycle. But smart log home builders will also apply caulk at optimum times; for example, sealing caulk joints on the cooler side of a home will work most effectively on a warmer day, while those on the side of a home that gets more direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight would best be sealed on a cooler day.

Conclusion

By aiming to apply all four principles described above, you'll maximize the effectiveness of your caulk joint seal. That may require you and your builder or contractor to implement sealing techniques that go beyond the most obvious and simple solutions. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you'll thus enjoy the maximum benefits of log homes' superior insulation and energy-saving capabilities.

Clyde Cremer holds a Master degree in Forestry from the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in New Haven, CT. He has over 35 years of experience in the forestry industry is currently the president of American Log Homes Inc. in Pueblo, Colorado.

For answers to all things related to wood and trees contact Clyde at http://www.Westernloghomesupply.com or give him a call at 719-547-2135.

Article Writing: 7 Universal Laws for Article Writing Success

2009-09-08T02:15:00.001-07:00

The Law of Start

When it comes to writing articles, the following statment is quite true:

"You do not have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great."

Don't wait because you are not Hemingway material. Just start where you are.

The Law of You

I say this every day to my article writing mentees - You can do this. I know this because I did it, and if I can do it, you can do it. I'm the guy who never finished his dissertation for my Ph.D. because I was sure I could not write. Yet here I am in a situation where writing is part of all that I do professionally and I teach others to write as well.

The Law of Not You

At the same time, article writing is not about you. Article writing is about the reader. Write for the benefit of the reader, and to lead them through your article.

The Law of Expertise

An article is simply your expertise in print or on the computer. When you write articles, you are seen as the expert.

The Law of "Articles are Articles"

I've had those I mentor say to me "But I don't write about relationships and pareting like you do."

So what? Write about what you know. Articles are articles are articles, no matter your area of expertise. Write and market your articles well and you will get results.

The Law of Traffic

If you follow the simple formulas that EzineArticles. com teaches and the formula and techniques I teach, you cannot help but increase the traffice back to your website.

In fact, at this point in the adventure, I could not stop the traffic coming to my web sites as a direct result of articles if I wanted to. And I don't.

The Law of Taste

Write and post several articles. Get a taste for it. I bet once you get a taste for it, you will be on your way.

Visit The Internet Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Rusting Heaters

Aluminium, Fibreglass, UPVC Skin Composite Doors

2009-09-08T01:00:00.001-07:00

Composite Doors are made up of different materials. The term 'Composite Door' is used to cover a wide range of products with different materials (Aluminium, uPVC, Fibreglass) used to make it strong, solid, attractive and long lasting it is very durable and maintenance free.

Due to best of materials used to make them they are made up of Aluminium, UPVC and fibreglass, as these materials are strong and long lasting so it makes the structure of the door durable. The visible face of the door from both sides is normally a few millimeters thick and is coated with attractive colors to make it brighter and look attractive.

Aluminium Skin Composite Door:

These doors are made up of aluminium, they're generally manufactured with a smooth surface so it looks attractive and you can use any color to male it look attractive they are mostly used as garage doors & shop doors. These doors made up of Aluminium as frame and glass in the center can be used as main entrance door for all types of offices, hotels and for much other purpose as they are very attractive. These Doors are not so expansive as compared to the traditional wooden doors. Aluminium composite doors are available in three layers.

Different type of Aluminium doors

Single Layer : Use single aluminium sheet
Double Layer : durable and sound proof
First layer is of Aluminium and second layer is of polyurethane foam
Triple layer Aluminium doors: (durable, sound proof, stronger & solid)

First layer is of galvanized Aluminium then second layer is of polyurethane foam and the third layer is of galvanized Aluminium.

So in all if you are looking for change of doors for your garage or thinking of making your office look more attractive aluminium doors is best option for you.

uPVC Skin Composite Doors

There are lot of options when you think of choosing front door then wooden doors are available but being very costly & not so durable they are not the right choice as up doors are available which are with all the modern designs, colors and are not as costly as wooden doors and also they need less maintenance. To get its original beauty back all you need to do is wash and wipe.

For exterior doors, uPVC composite door have many advantages. These Doors are better weather resistant compared to wooden doors will lose their shine over the period of time but this door will have no impact on its attractiveness for years. It will look as it was when installed it.

If you are using this door you would be additionally benefited by savings as uPVC doors allow light to come inside your house, also you can have glass panels with frosted glass panel's option on either side of the door which would lead to more light and decreasing your energy costs.

You can decide right front uPVC composite doors according to the best colors suiting your house and front uPVC doors are also available in wooden colors to choose from. And as you want use this door as front door then it would be also available with knocker, letter box and solid and highly secured lock to keep you home safe and secured.

The best benefit of using composite uPVC door is they are less in price then the traditional wooden doors & since they are made out of machines so they can be designed and molded the way you need according to the required size.

Fibreglass Skin Composite Doors

Fibreglass composite doors are made by using fibreglass and resin. The skin is molded from resin which starts in a liquid form & chemically sets during the manufacturing process. This allows for a much finer grain definition. This process also means that, once set the fibreglass skin is very dimensionally stable under variations of heat and cold. Drastically reduces any stress on the bond between the skin and the core. Because there is only a nominal expansion and contraction, there is very little stress throughout the skin. This also means that darker colors, which reach higher temperatures, do not cause problems.

These doors can be used in many purposes it can be used as your main entrance door, it can also be used as patio doors, you get attractive fiberglass doors for your bathrooms as it is water resistant, you can even use if for kitchen cabinets. There are various other usages of fiberglass doors.

The best advantage (benefits) of using Fibreglass composite door is they are less in price then the customary wooden doors & since they are made out of machines so they can be designed and molded the way you need according to the required size. and if your are looking your entrance door to be made of Fibreglass then additional benefit for you is choosing right color according to your needs with attractive letter boxes, Knockers, and highly secured locking system.

Author shares about Imperial Doors is UK leading manufacturer and suppliers of home doors, residential doors, industrial doors like composite, bifolding, stable, GRP, uPVC, fibreglass, French, folding, sliding, bifold, double, folding sliding, PVC, PVCu, entry, front, back, entrance doors. Do not hesitate to contact us. http://www.compositedoors.com

Learn Something About Time Management From the American Indians

2009-09-07T22:26:00.001-07:00

I don't consider myself an expert on the American Indians but I would like to share a thought about their lifestyle. I was listening to an audio book on the American Indians eating habits, when it got me thinking about something the author said. This might not be a topic of interest for most people but I found it fascinating.

While listening to the audio book, the author made a statement about the American Indians I will never forget. He said "American Indians spend about four hours each day working, gathering and preparing food." If you think about it, that's not too bad of a lifestyle.

I would imagine that we have a better selection and larger variety of food to choose from than they had. This of course would be a benefit to living in our society instead of theirs.

American Indians often spent a lot of time outdoors and for some reason, spending time in nature seems to be a good thing. I know a lot of people that would rather be outdoors than indoors, walking, jogging, hiking, camping and even gardening. It almost seems more natural for us to be outdoors than indoors.

Now with the Indians working about four hours each day, this is a little bit different then our standard workday. Most people spend at least 9 to 12 hours each day driving to and from work and actually working. I would imagine our standard workday would actually be easier than that of the American Indian. I can't imagine some of my friends or family members chasing after a Buffalo with a spear.

Does this mean the American Indians had it right, just because they worked four hours each day and spent more time in nature were doing what they truly wanted to. Know I can't truly say that they had it right, but I can say that they seem to do just fine living with nature.

Some of these civilizations lasted for centuries.

Something to think about, on your daily travels to and from work as you desire to be at the beach or hiking in the mountains. The philosophies we often associate with a good life, could actually be better instead of progressively adding unneeded stress and frustration to it.

Merry Christmas: Now Start Writing!

2009-09-07T19:56:00.001-07:00

The holiday season is coming quickly and the time to write your seasonal articles is now. Personally, I am against making Christmas something that I do not believe it should be: a blatant commercial sell. For me, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Yes, I know others celebrate Christmas differently or not at all and some celebrate the sell and not the Savior. Ultimately, the Christmas season is a terrific time to create holiday themed articles that get noticed, so here are some suggestions on how you can get started:

Family Time: Starting with Thanksgiving and lasting all the way through New Years Day is a time of the year that we call The Holiday Season. This nearly 40 day period is an enjoyable time for some, but a disaster for others. Much of how one perceives the season depends on how strong of a relationship a person has with his or her family. For some, Christmas evokes warm memories, while for others it can be a very painful time. Article suggestions: Home for the Holidays; Gift Giving Ideas; Family Holiday Traditions; My Secret Santa; Traveling Over the Holidays; Alone, But Not Lonely at Christmas; etc. In addition, articles centered on Thanksgiving or the New Year can also be birthed out of this theme. For example, Thanksgiving Dinner Meal Planning and Resolutions I Will Never Keep are two ideas.

Faith Time: Writing to an audience that celebrates Christmas primarily as the advent of Jesus Christ can be a great way to generate many topics of interest. Article suggestions: All About Advent; The Christmas Miracle; Christmas All Around The World; Favorite Christmas Hymns; Ministering to the Lonely at Christmas; The Mass of Christ; Christmas Caroling Adventures; A Very Dickens Christmas; etc. In addition, some topics can successfully blend the secular and faith aspects of the holiday which is how many people celebrate Christmas.

Work Time: Like it or not, the dreaded holiday party comes up for plenty of employees in December. You can have some fun with this theme too. Article suggestions: 7 Excuses That Work: How to Skip Your Office Party; Coping at Your Office Christmas Party; 12 Christmas Grab Bag Suggestions; Christmas Bonuses: Myth or Reality?; Working on Christmas Day [great for nurses and all those who must work on a major holiday]; The Dreaded Business Christmas Card; Office Christmas Trees: Paper or Plastic?; etc. One thought: a little humor can go a long way!

There are numerous Christmas and/or Holiday themed web sites on the internet that are content rich and always looking for fresh material. Write your articles now so that webmasters can plan accordingly on how they want their sites to look in the coming weeks.

If I havent inspired you yet, pop in your favorite holiday themed video to get in the mood immediately. Nostalgia is a big pull and it tugs no harder than at Christmas time.

Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community and the Aviation Employment Board. Please visit The Article Writer to review selections from his portfolio.

Ceramic Tile Shower Pan Damage

Tips For Dryer Maintenance

2009-09-07T19:36:00.001-07:00

The MOST important maintenance for any dryer is a clear exhaust. The shorter the venting run with the least amount of 90 degree turns, the better the performance of the dryer will be. Improperly maintained dryer vent systems can cause premature failure of some of the inner components of the dryer as well as pose a fire safety risk.

For the best drying results, clean the lint filter before beginning each load. If you use dryer sheets, periodically take a soft bristle brush and gently clean the screen with hot soapy water. Over time the sheets leave a waxy film that clogs the screen and prevents good air flow. You may not be able to see this residue well but you can test this by simply running water over the screen to see if it flows through or beads on top.

If you decide to run a cycle with just a few items inside of the drum, toss in a few other items of varying size to promote good tumbling. Dryers with an Auto-Dry cycle will not dry properly with a very small load because of the difficulty of the clothing items making consistent contact with the wetness sensors.

Never use the white plastic exhaust duct on any dryer. This is the inexpensive venting that can be found at many hardware stores. They are not recommended because they create a fire hazard from the plastic materials propensity to attract lint. Over time this lint buildup will clog the vent and force lint to accumulate in the interior of the dryer near the burner tunnel. Try to only use the flexible metal duct or rigid duct that can be purchased from a home improvement or appliance store.

Improper venting or a clogged vent will give the following results:

1. Long dry times
2. Clothes still hot and damp after cycle ends
3. Premature failure of the safety thermostat (often when this thermostat fails, the dryer will not turn on at all)

Venting dryers indoors is strongly discouraged because of the combination of moisture and heat that can produce mold resulting in chronic illness and respiratory problems. Also, the drying time will be extended as the dryer pulls this warm moist air back inside instead of dry air.

Stay tuned for more appliance repair and maintenance tips from St Paul Appliance Rescue.

Andrew Mandel is the owner of an appliance repair company in St Paul, Minnesota

http://St Paul Appliance Rescue.com/home

Two Keys to Overcoming Shyness Immediately

2009-09-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been in this situation?
You're surrounded by strangers. Interesting looking strangers; a cool guy, a happening girl. You want to spark up a conversation...but...somehow...you just can't!

Words fail, your mind goes blank. You might even break into a nervous sweat, your hands begin visibly trembling. Instead of opening up the door to an interesting conversation, or possible even a lasting friendship or meaningful relationship, you clam up. And it kills you! You're dying to speak, to mention something that just happened right in front of both of you, to ask for the time, to say anything just to break the ice and end your self-imposed vow of silence. You try with all your might, but your mind is a blank slate and now it's too late. The moment has passed, they've moved on. You've now got plenty to say but nobody to say it to.

What is the key? What's the big secret? What does everybody else seem to know but you?

There is no secret!
There are two things I can tell you right now that will save you a lot of heartache. (There are a lot more tips, more to follow.) Your first mistake was blowing the moment completely out of proportion. You took an ordinary situation and built it up in your head until there was no way out. By the end of the above scenario, if the person actually turned to you and spoke you probably would've blushed and blurted out something like this:

Seemingly Interesting Stranger: Hey, did you just see that three legged dog driving a giant cigar? What was that about?
You: Oh, um, yellow. He? I mean Hi. Geez, is that the time?

This is followed by the sound of you, running for the hills.

What made you react this way? What could you have lost by opening your mouth in the first place? Nothing! You were afraid, and your fear was completely unjustified and self-imposed. That fear came from inside of you and nowhere else; this means you have the power to control it. The first thing you need to realize is that there is nothing to fear! Well, if the person you want to speak to is holding a hunting knife and staring at you with dilated pupils that might be a different story. If this happens to be the case, stick to your original plan of running for the hills.

Even just being able to identify this as an obstacle is a lightening of the load. Overcoming this fear is really a very simple task now that you know it exists. You have nothing to fear, ever. It's that simple. It doesn't matter who's standing beside you that you'd like to talk to. Is it the morning weatherman from your local news channel? It's just a person! A man in a leather jacket? Also just a person! A cute girl? Person! A knife wielding maniac? ...I digress. Some of these people are nice and open to conversation, some are complete assholes, but they're all just people. Imagine if the situation was reversed and you were standing on the corner, looking seemingly interesting, and hearing their thoughts. There would be humming and hawing rolling through that head, and fear! They're afraid to speak to you! Honestly, if you heard this you'd think they were crazy. Fear is the first key. It might sound easier said than done, but it isn't.

The second key is just as simple; have something to say. Preferably something to say that's interesting, not lame small talk about the weather. Humor is your friend here. We're not talking dumb one-liners, real spur of the moment humor. A lot of people consider small talk stupid, dull, moronic and redundant...and they're usually right. How many times have you had to listen to meaningless blather like this:

Uninteresting Stranger: Sure it hot today, huh?

You: Sure is."

Uninteresting Stranger: Gonna be hot again tomorrow too.

You: Oh really?

Uninteresting Stranger: Yup. Real hot.

You: Hmmm.

Uninteresting Stranger: That's right. At least as hot as today.

You: *unintelligible grunt*

Uninteresting Stranger: Always hot in the summer though, you can count on that.

You: Geez, is that the time?

Uninteresting Stranger: Yup, some time as yesterday, when it was just about as hot as this.

This is followed by the sound of you, running for the hills.

There, in a nutshell, are two important keys to overcoming shyness.

John Donland, aka Dr.Talk. is the author of http://how-to-be.com

The Essential Guide to Hallways

2009-09-07T14:09:00.001-07:00

The essential guide to entrance halls

From the lighting to the flooring to the where to put your shoes, here's our comprehensive guide for achieving a smooth-working, stylish-looking hallway

As everyone knows, first impressions count, and one place where making an entrance is essential is your front hall. 'Your hallway is like your handshake - it sets people up for the rest of their visit,' says feng shui expert Gary Hawkes, who counts Donna Karan and Madonna as past clients. 'So if it's light, warm and welcoming, then visitors will instantly feel relaxed and at home.' And yet, despite the fact it sees more traffic than anywhere else in the house, the hallway is often left as an afterthought - a dumping ground for brollies, wellies and ancient anoraks.

During the festive period in particular, there's more than the average footfall over the threshold, so before you begin to think about decking your hall, it's essential to ensure it really is holly worthy. While some homes may be blessed with grand dimensions and an abundance of architectural features, others may need a more studied approach to maximising space, optimising storage and letting the light in. We've consulted the experts for all their tips and tricks, so you can stun the carol singers, amaze the in-laws and impress first footers with a bright, well-thought-out space that really wows as it welcomes.

Hallway storage

'Keep your hallway as clutter-free as possible,' advises Gary Hawkes. 'Avoid sharp edges, intrusive plants or anything that interferes with its flow.' Carefully planned storage is a must, particularly in period homes, where space is often at a premium.

HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR SPACE

If you have an understairs cupboard, be ruthless. Chuck out those broken bits and bobs that you'll never get round to mending, and don't let it become a dumping ground for homeless items.
If yours is a footwear-free house, make sure there's plenty of storage next to the front door. A sturdy trunk is a great place to stash shoes and boots, and can provide a place to perch for easy boot removal. A bench with built-in storage is also a clever idea.
Create a wealth of storage without sacrificing too much floor space with a bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards. A bespoke design means you can plan for everything from sports stuff to pet paraphernalia.
A piece of furniture, such as a bureau or console, will make a hall feel 'inhabited', and a room in its own right. It also means that there is a proper home for keys, phone chargers etc so they don't go astray.

Hallway decoration and display

'I strongly believe you only have one chance to make a good impression, so it pays to be bold,' says interior designer Tara Bernerd. 'It's essential, even in a hallway, to create some sort of focal point.'

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Even if space is an issue, you can add the wow factor with a bold piece of art. Alternatively, create your own gallery with several smaller pieces or photos.
'A dark hall won't be made brighter simply by painting it a light colour,' says interior designer and BIDA member Mary Leslie. 'Much better to have dark red, teal, pewter or bronze.' Choosing a darker shade will give the illusion that the rooms beyond are brighter and airier.
Painting woodwork the same colour as the rest of the walls will visually blur edges and give the impression of more space. And you can make a narrow space appear squarer by painting one of the shorter walls in a darker shade.
Think about how the hall connects to the next area. If space allows, double or sliding doors can create a dramatic flow through to the rest of the house.
Why not go wild with an opulent wallpaper? If you have a picture rail or dado, paper underneath only, as this will stop the design feeling oppressive.
Add a mirror. Not only will it enable you to check your hair before you leave the house, it can help a small space seem bigger and bounce light around.

Hallway flooring

Hall floors must stand up to a vast amount of wear and tear, but durable doesn't have to mean dull. 'The hall is often a smaller area to cover,' observes Tara Bernerd, 'so you can consider bolder or more dynamic flooring.'

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURFACE

Introduce colour with a stylish runner. For stairs, buy an extra metre, which can be tucked under and the runner moved up periodically to even out wear.
If sealed correctly, wood flooring, whether solid or engineered, is a hardwearing option. Go traditional with warm oaks, or choose paler or extra-wide boards for a more modern feel. Reclaimed boards or parquet add real character. Visit salvo.co.uk for a dealer.
Moroccan tiles will add a splash of colour and pattern. Try Dar Interiors for a good selection.
From slate to limestone to travertine, stone is an elegant choice. When laying new tiles, consult a structural engineer to check the floor is strong enough to take the weight, as it may need extra joists.
A decent-sized doormat is a must. 'If possible, sink your mat into a shallow well,' suggests Mark Dyson. 'This prevents it slipping and catches any extra dirt.

Hallway lighting

'The perfect lighting will create the illusion of a bright and voluminous area, even if it lacks natural daylight,' says Rebecca Weir, design director at Light IQ. It's a delicate balance, however, as too much illumination can make the space feel stark, whereas too little may make for a rather gloomy greeting.

HOW TO GET THE LIGHT RIGHT

Flexible lighting is key, so fit dimmers, as they allow for low-level lighting in the evenings, and brighter task lighting on busy mornings. Put lights on switches at both ends of the space so you're never in the dark.
Layers of light work well in a hallway. Downlighters can help widen a narrow space, uplighters are great for highlighting interesting architectural features and low-level lights will cast a warm glow across the floor.
'Fluorescent light sources are a good option as they can be hidden from view but provide a wonderful volume of light,' says Rebecca. 'They're energy efficient and come in lots of different "temperatures" of white, from warm to cool and bright.'
Decorative fittings, such as a statement chandelier, can create impact as well as adding sparkle. Team with table lamps for a welcoming glow.
Maximise natural light by adding glazing to the front door or a skylight to the stairwell. 'Many Victorian houses have a rear window at their half landing,' says architect Mark Dyson, 'and it's possible to enlarge this to full height without planning permission.'

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at Livingetc

Writing Meaningful Articles Fast

2009-09-07T13:37:00.001-07:00

I received an email today from one of my subscribers asking how to write meaningful articles fast. After spending time in an Internet marketing forum and reading some of the questions posted in various places across the Internet I see that this is a common question.

The key element for writing fast is to have a knowledge base about the topic. When you are writing based on something that you know about you can write much faster.

This does not mean that you cannot write about new topics or subjects that you are not familiar with, it simply means that you will have to do research first. It is important that your articles provide useful information and if you are starting at ground zero you really will not have a lot of helpful information to share.

With each new niche that you get involved in you will need to gain knowledge about the topic and sub-topics. It is wise to spend some time working on research before you begin writing. As you do the research be sure to note important points and phrases. I also suggest that you keep your research data in an organized fashion so that you can refer back to it if needed.

After you have the information needed to start writing the only hold back will be your typing speed. You see, your goal is not to write a masterpiece, your goal is to get traffic and make sales by providing useful information to your readers.

One of the easiest ways to write a meaningful article is simply to start writing. All you are doing is putting your thoughts on paper. Write as if you are talking to someone.

Begin with an introduction that tells the reader what you are going to tell him. This is usually about 100 words in length. The introduction should spark the reader's curiosity. You identify the problem and let him know that there is a solution. Next you will move on to the heart of the article.

You may want to break the content out into particular points with each paragraph being dedicated to a particular point. Keep your articles at a relatively short length. People are in a hurry and they do not want to spend a lot of time reading one article.

Make your article flow. One sentence should lead right into the next and each paragraph should leave the reader wanting to continue. End with a summary or brief recap of the article. And whatever you do don't forget about the resource box. The article is for the reader but the resource box is for you the writer. Use it wisely!

Do you want to learn how to write effective articles? Get an informative free report at: http://article-marketing-plus.blogspot.com/

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Debbie Allen is the author and creator of Article Marketing Plus...

Upside Down Room Vent

The Importance of Becoming Emotionally Self Aware

2009-09-07T11:26:00.001-07:00

Emotional self-awareness is the foundational competency of the Emotional Intelligence (EI) model I have worked with for over a decade. This competency provides a solid base upon which to build and enhance Emotional Intelligence competencies including emotional self-management, emotional self-motivation, empathy and nurturing relationships. Yet many of us go through our day unaware and very accepting of the emotional roller coaster daily events evoke. And without recognizing where we are expending our emotional energy, it becomes difficult to progress to developing other EI competencies.

As we all deal with stress on a daily basis, we become accustomed to the pressures and hardly notice when the heat is turned up. Our stress levels rise when we experience negative emotions and are unable to cope with the challenges of our environment. We've all heard of the damaging effects of stress, but what's surprising is that many people don't realize they are experiencing negative emotions. If you don't know what emotion you're feeling, you don't have the information you need to decide whether to stay in that emotion or change or transform it.

Jane's Story:

One of my EI workshop participants, Jane (not her real name) worked in a technical field. It seemed far-fetched to Jane that emotions and emotional intelligence could be important to performance. The concept that emotions played no role in her work was reinforced by both the company culture and the extremely objective, rational nature of her profession. This impression also carried over into her personal life. When we had our goal-setting interview before the workshop, Jane told me that she didn't notice emotions and emotions played no role in her work. She also told me that her colleagues were difficult to work with. Disconnected from her emotions, Jane didn't see the emotional impact she had on others. Additionally, her boss perceived Jane as causing all her problems. He felt the difficulties Jane was having were due to her distant behavior and lack of emotional self-awareness and insensitivity to others.

During and after our first training session, Jane started practicing techniques to help her become more aware of her emotions. At our first coaching session, Jane, with tears in her eyes, revealed that she finally recognized that she did have emotions and those emotions, the negative ones, were hampering her work and home relationships. She realized that distancing herself made her peers feel that she was inapproachable. Jane confided in her boss about her revelation. Before this discussion, Jane's boss had no idea that she was clueless about her behavior and its impact on others. This understanding shed a new light on what was going on and, with this different perspective, the boss became more willing to listen to Jane and support her.

Jane's story is not uncommon. Many of us lack an awareness of our feelings and how those feelings may be affecting our work and our relationships. Disregarding emotions and focusing on getting the work done, especially in technical roles, seems to be a cultural predisposition. What we don't realize is that disregarding emotion is detrimental to effectiveness and productivity.

Without the awareness of the importance of emotions, we do not have insight into how our responses to negative feelings are affecting us and those around us. On a personal level, negative emotions spark a cascade of 1400 biochemical events, some of which result in physiological changes such as increased adrenaline, heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone). This negatively affects your physical energy, mental clarity, and personal effectiveness. Experiencing these negative emotions, can cause us to become defensive, short with people and sometimes angry. And when others observe this response, we can loose their valuable suggestions, insight and help as they start avoiding us.

Even with the awareness of how important emotions are, people may experience a personal anxiety or hesitancy to openly advocate for developing EI skills. Some of my workshop participants have reported significant benefits from using the EI techniques I teach, yet, particularly in a technical field such as Engineering, are hesitant to promote an EI program for others. While there certainly is a bell-shaped curve of those who do or don't make a choice to benefit from the development of EI skills, not providing the opportunity is an opportunity lost for everybody.

What Can You Do?

Start by identifying typical situations at work or at home in which you feel negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, anger, fear, or sadness. For example, you may feel frustrated when people who have important information don't show up for a meeting. Or you may feel angry when you see a certain person because he always wastes your time. Or you may feel anxiety when your boss approaches you about a particular project. Or you may feel depressed on Sunday night when you think about all the work facing you the coming week. Identifying these situations helps you realize those events that trigger negative emotions.

Next, pay attention to and name the emotions the identified triggers evoke. Also recognize and name the positive emotions you experience during fun times such as playing with a puppy, sharing dinner with friends, or just sitting in the sunshine. Start developing an emotional vocabulary and expand upon it as the occasion permits.

Create a baseline of where you are expending your emotional energy now. Draw a four-box grid, labeling the two right boxes as positive emotions and the two left as negative emotions. Label the upper two boxes as high-energy emotions and the lower two low-energy emotions. Recall the day's activities, interactions and events. For each, identify your emotion and write the emotion in the appropriate box on the grid, noting how long you were in the emotion. For example, hesitant would lie in the lower left box while anger would lie in the upper left box. Peaceful would lie in the lower right box and excited in the upper right box. Annoyed, depending on your level of annoyance, would lie somewhere in the left two boxes.

When you finish you will have an emotional map of your day. You were in the zone of peak performance if the frequency and duration of your emotions lie on the right side of the grid. If they lie on the left side, you are in a stress zone. As you develop your EI skills, periodically recreate this map. Over time you will want to see yourself more frequently in the two right quadrants by choosing to transform negative emotions into positive, productive emotions.

Byron Stock guides individuals and organizations toward excellence by helping them develop their Emotional Intelligence skills as a powerful tool to achieve strategic objectives, lead change and create resilient, high-performing organizational cultures. Learn about Byron's quick, easy, proven techniques to harness the power of your Emotional Intelligence at http://www.ByronStock.com .

Improve Your Life This Year

2009-09-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

We have a tendency to put off improving ourselves. We know there are things that we can improve in our life and even things that we should improve, yet many people procrastinate. Next year will be the year that they make the changes that they need to. Next year will be the year that they make their life better. Why not make next year this year instead?

When we put things off it can be because of many different things. The two most common ones are fear and the feeling that we do not know how to change. But the truth is that we can whenever we want. There are countless resources that you can use to help you to improve your life. You can further your education so that you make many improvements along the way.

When we are afraid, we are powerless. Take the power back and put it where it belongs. With you! You don't have to wait for anything to come along for you to decide to make your life what you want it to be. The better equipped you are and the more resources that you use to improve your life, the better off you will be.

Learn what you can do and what steps that you can take to make the life that you are living right now everything that you want it to be. Make this year a year of action and stop putting things off. Attract what you want and make sure that you do indeed get it!

Learn how to attract love, money, or happiness or all three in YOUR LIFE NOW! Go to http://www.successfulfather.com and SIGN up for the FREE newsletter and BOOKMARK the site and return as often as you can!

You can attract the life that you truly desire! All you have to do is learn HOW!

Bryan Appleton is an investor/entrepreneur who has dedicated himself to teaching others how to achieve their dream life. He is also a proud single father with one son.

You can publish this article as long as you leave it intact and in full as well as keeping the URL link clickable.

Article Writing Tips - Fitting in Those Tough Long Tail Keywords

2009-09-07T07:20:00.001-07:00

If you're an article writer and you're trying to fit in those tough keywords (you know the ones I'm talking about) this article may just give you some help in this area. It's not the easiest thing to do, but with a little practice and some out of the box thinking, you can fit those keywords in and make them sound as natural as the day is long. It just takes some thought.

Okay, the keywords I'm talking about are not your everyday run of the mill ones. You know the ones I mean, such as acne cure, dog training, potty training and so on. These are very easy to fit into your articles in the natural flow of the conversation, as one sided as it may be. The tough ones are those long tail keywords that sometimes don't make any sense. I'm talking about when people look up something like "your dog how to train quickly." That is about the worst English I've ever seen in my life. But hey, some people look up things in strange ways. So, how do you get a keyword like this into your article and have it make any sense at all?

Well, this where the out of the box thinking comes in. The best way to illustrate this is with an example. If I was writing an article on dog training trying to target this keyword phrase, this is how I would do it.

"As somebody who has been training dogs for a very long time, I get a lot of questions asked of me. Sometimes, I'll even hit the search engines to see what people are looking for. Well, just the other day, I found a search phrase that was really odd. It was "your dog how to train quickly." Now, you have to admit, this is rather poor grammar. Fortunately, I do understand what this person wants. He wants to learn how to train his dog quickly. Well, to my grammar challenged friend, I think I have the answer for you."

And there you have it. It's that simple.

So now that you know the secret, go out there and write your articles using those very badly worded keywords.

At least one person will know what you're talking about.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Want to write articles that will turn you into a killer article marketer? Get my book on article writing and marketing located at http://www.honestincomeprogram.com/tcawamg.html

Water Wall Paint Damage

Tips For Hanging a Picture on Drywall

2009-09-07T06:09:00.001-07:00

Hanging a picture or mirror might seem like something that's easy but there is some work involved to ensure there is no damage to your wall and the picture is accurately placed. You've probably haphazardly hammered in a nail and hung a small picture before but there is more to it than that. Here are some tips to hanging a picture.

First, you must determine the approximate weight of the object you'll be hanging and the material you'll be hanging it on. You'll need to purchase the right materials for the job. If you're picture is light and you'll be hanging it on traditional drywall then a nail or screw is sufficient. If you have plaster or cement walls then you'll need special screws; nails can chip and damage these types of materials.

If your object is heavier than a few pounds and you won't be nailing it into a stud then you'll probably need a special anchor such as a molly-bolt. If you don't, you'll run the risk of the picture falling and taking a piece of the wall with it. When purchasing anchors, the packaging will clearly state the weight restrictions. You will generally need a drill into the drywall panel to install anchors. Don't let the extra work cause you to take shortcuts.

After choosing the right fastener for the job you'll need to determine where you want to put your picture, mirror or other hanging object. Height can be subjective but generally people tend to hang pictures too high as if they're in a museum. Pictures and mirrors should hang so their center is at eye level.

Measure out the picture and determine the highest point on the wire from which the object will hang. You won't be hanging it from the very top of the frame but from the top of the wire that suspends the picture. If you want your picture in the center of the wall then you'll need to determine where that is using a measuring tape. If you'll be hanging multiple pictures then you can lay them out on the floor to determine the composition and then measure out their total dimension. You can then figure out how much space is required between each of them.

Never use anything but a pencil on your wall and even then make small marks that can easily be removed. Once you have determined where to nail, be sure that the hook, not the nail, will line up with the picture's wire. Carefully hang your object and adjust it using the wire. Don't make more holes to adjust the height since it will make it look messy and unprofessional.

Take your time when you hang something. It will pay off in the long run.

The scriptwriter Johnathan Bakers is particularly interested in things associated to how to use a drywall lift. You might come across his articles on drywall lifts and drywall panel lift over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Pick a Good Air-Conditioning Repair Company

2009-09-07T03:35:00.001-07:00

If your home has an air conditioning unit, you need to stay prepared if it breaks down someday. It is never a pleasant feeling when your air conditioning unit breaks down on a hot and humid afternoon. Therefore it is important for you to know who to call in case it breaks down.

Usually when the air conditioning unit breaks down, you will most likely call up the first air conditioning repair company in the listing of your local directory. However, picking a good air conditioning repair company is very important. Even if your air conditioning unit is repaired temporarily, there is no guarantee that it will not break down again. In this article, let me highlight some of the things to consider when picking someone to repair your air conditioning unit.

The company that you choose to service your air conditioning unit must have fast response time. The company should be able to respond to your need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will never know when your unit will break down; therefore this is a very important criteria when choosing a service company. Usually, such a company has their own customer service officers and will send a technician to your home after you have enquired about their service.

Next, you need to find a competent service company to repair your air conditioning unit. You will want a professional technician to show up and repair the unit. Therefore, make sure that the service company has all the necessary professional certifications to show for. This is very important because you do not want a person with no technical know-how to meddle with your air conditioning unit.

You also need to be comfortable letting the technician into your home. The technician should arrive ready for work, with all the necessary equipments ready. Before you let him or her into your house, be sure to check his identification. Some service company only service commercial units, so be sure to check with the company whether they provide servicing to residential units.

Last but not least, the service company should offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for the work done.

So spend some time on research to pick the right air conditioning service company for your home. You should shortlist a few companies and compare their prices, credentials and competency. There is no hard and fast rule on choosing the best company for the job. If a company suits the criteria that you are looking for and you have a good feeling about them, go ahead and appoint them for the job.

To seek professional aircon services, visit EricoolAircon.com now.

Cheow Yu Yuan is the co-founder of OOm, an online marketing agency that provides professional SEO Services.

Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.

Article Writing - How Watching TV Can Help You Write More Articles

2009-09-07T00:58:00.001-07:00

Did you know that watching television can help you write more articles? Read on to discover strategies for turning your tube time into article time.

I know it sounds like a contradiction - how can wasting your time watching TV help you to be more productive?

What is your favorite TV show?

What is your favorite show or shows? Do you watch Lost, Grey's Anatomy, CSI, 24, Survivor or even SpongeBob SquarePants? You can use any one of these shows and draw tips and points for your niche from the show. Yes, even SpongeBob SquarePants.

All you have to do is draw some tips for your niche from your favorite show. It might take a little creativity, but when you try you can tie your topic to your favorite TV show.

My favorite all time TV show is M*A*S*H. I've written several articles on "Life Lessons I've Learned While Watching M*A*S*H."

Here's another example - how about "Relationship Tips I Learned While Watching Friends." Draw lessons and tips for relationships from watching "Friends."

Here's the formula - Your topic + your favorite TV show = What I learned about (your topic) while watching (your favorite show).

Here is a chance to get your creative juices flowing and connect two topics (your favorite show + your niche) and write great articles. You might even pick up some traffic from the search engines as people search for their your favorite show.

So turn on your TV and get writing more articles!

Would you like free access to two of my Article Writing Templates? You can download them by going to http://www.TheArticleGuy.com/bonustemplates.htm

Would you like to get in on our free weekly Article Guy TeleSeminars? Visit http://www.TheArticleGuyTeleSeminars.com to get started today!

From Jeff Herring - The Article Guy

Water Damaged Wood Floor

Major Causes of Home Damage - Home Tips

2009-09-07T00:54:00.001-07:00

You were very proud when you first got your house. After several years of renting, you finally own a house. Thanks to the online ad of homes for sale. Do you think you will still have the same kind of emotion after five years?

Most family find themselves living at a cluttered home with busted doors or windows. Aside from the portions of their house, their furniture does not look too good as well, drawers will not close and cabinets have broken mirrors. How did the house get to such a bad shape? It is difficult to believe that their dream house once became so chaotic.

To help you prevent this from happening from your house, let us identify the major cause of the damages at home. Here are five reasons why there are damaged houses:

1. Natural calamity is one major cause of damages in the house. The damage it gives depends on its intensity. It can be as minor as your paint fading and as disastrous as wiping out your entire house. Make sure that you apply for property insurance. This will protect your property from other risks like burglary and fire.

2. Another cause of serious damage at home are the not repaired minor damages. When they accumulate, the homeowner will find it impossible to repair. If you spot small damages in the house, repair it immediately, if not you will find yourself incurring more cost because you have to hire a professional to do it especially when the damage has grown.

3. Clutter can also cause deterioration in parts of your house. There are many houses bombarded with stuff that the owners do not even use. Clutter also invites pests like termites and cockroaches. Spilled liquid products can cause stain on the appliances, floors, furniture, and wall.

4. The people living in it are other factors of home deterioration. An example is letting the kids scribble on the wall. Another is the scratches on the floor due to dragging of the furniture. If the people living in the house are careless, the home will surely end up a disaster. Like any object you own, your house needs to be cared for. It is the responsibility of the people living in it to look after the items in the house.

5. The misuse of some parts and furniture of the house is another reason. Instead of using a chair, some would sit on the table. The cause of damage is usually because of improper use. Be an example to your kids and stop putting your feet on the coffee table. Teach your children to use the items in the house accordingly.

Finding out the major reasons why damages in the house occur will help you avoid it. As much as possible, you would want to make sure that you preserve the quality of the house you got time ago. To avoid damages due to calamity, assess the location of the house you are going to buy. On the other hand, you can avoid the other reasons for home damage through responsiveness to the needs of your house.

Chris Turley is an expert and professional real estate agent that will help you to find the perfect home that better fits your needs. For more information on Gilbert homes for sale, please go to http://www.ourbestrealestate.com

Vinyl Log Siding

2009-09-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

My sister lives in Tennessee and for years has been suggesting I move there and have a log cabin built. But I've always been put off by the possible complications involved in building a log cabin. I also worried that it would require a lot of exterior maintenance and might not be warm enough in the winter.

However, on a recent trip I spoke with a Tennessee builder who showed me log cabins which are actually made with vinyl log siding instead of wood logs. The cabins looked so real that at first I didn't realize they weren't wood.

I learned that construction of vinyl log siding cabins can actually be easier than building a conventional cabin. For one thing, the siding comes in lengths from 10 feet to 16 feet, making it easy to customize a home. There are also several siding styles to choose from, including Pine, Peeled Pine and Cedar Embossed. There is also a choice of saddle-notch, round, or square corners.

The exterior of a cabin built with vinyl log siding is maintenance free. The finished cabin is sealed with several coats of sealer and is well protected. And, unlike wood logs, vinyl log siding is not susceptible to insect or rot damage. Since the siding is filled with foam backing, it is dent free, and there is no need for the typical twice-a-year cleaning recommended for traditional wood cabins.

The builder also explained that the siding, which should be expertly installed, will provide several structural advantages. For one thing, the R-value of vinyl log siding, which determines the level of thermal resistance, is four times higher than real logs. Vinyl log siding can also help filter noise and pollution as well as allow moisture to escape so that the walls can "breath". This helps prevent mildew and rot problems.

The fact that the cabin's interior walls can be any style can save time and money during construction since it makes plumbing and electrical installation easier.

After weighing all of the advantages, I finally committed to a cabin when the builder offered a 75 year limited transferable lifetime warranty.

The cabin I chose has charm, beauty, and is virtually maintenance free.

Learn About Vinyl Log Siding by visiting http://www.vinylsidingworld.com

How to Adapt a House and Bathroom For an Elderly or Disabled Person

2009-09-06T19:31:00.001-07:00

You may find that as someone gets into their most senior years and/or has a disability that you are now in a position where you need to make some alternations around the home to accommodate them. There are some common alterations that will need to be done around the home in general which we will address first. Then we will look at how to adapt a bathroom for a disabled person or a less-able person; and lastly we will look at who might be able to give you some help and support in the way of planning and financial support.

General & Common Alternations

In order to make the home more suitable and manageable for someone with a disability or someone who is less able, such as an older person, then there are a few general alterations you can make to their home as addressed below:

1. The first thing you need to consider if the person is in a wheelchair is that the corridors and doorways are wide enough to let a wheelchair pass through with ease.
2. All facilities should be at a reachable height. This will include door handles, telephones and most importantly light switches.
3. If the disabled or elderly person can walk a little to reach certain amenities, then a support or grab rail will need to be put in place.
4. If you are living in a two-story building, then there is the stair issue. You may need to consider installing a stair lift. If you can, put the bedroom and bathroom downstairs for easy access, but this is not always feasible.
5. Ramps and general access to and from the home. This could be in the form of ramps and side handles into doorways.

Adapting Bathroom Facilities

1. As mentioned above, if you can, have a bathroom on the ground floor
2. You definitely need grab rails in the bathroom especially beside the toilet and bath-tub / shower area.
3. Basin at a reachable level with taps that are easy to turn on and off.
4. Would a walk-in bath tub or shower unit be the best solution for you? This is the important factor in a bathroom suited to a disabled or less-able person.
5. Think about having a higher than normal toilet
6. A back-rest against the toilet cistern
7. Light switches and all facilities at a reachable level so no distress is necessary

As you can see from the above that adapting a home for a disabled or less-able elderly person is no minor conquest.

It might be better suited if you could find a home that already has all these modifications in place. If not, then this will give you an idea of what might have to be done.

I know what you are thinking now - you are thinking how much will all of this cost?

Yes, it will cost a few thousand $/ but don't despair as there is help at hand.

Help And Assistance

You can get advice and financial help from:

Occupational Therapist
Community Care
Local GP
Public Health
Local Government for Planning Permission and Grants
Care For The Elderly
Mobility Aids and Grants

I sincerely hope you found the above of some use to you. I had a close Aunt who became wheelchair bound through to illness, and these are most the of the alternations that my family had to accommodate for her illness.

If you want further advice on adapting bathrooms and specialty bath-tubs, then visit Walk-In Bath Tubs and Showers at http://www.guideitcom.com/bathtubs

Ways to Your Make Article Writing Fun As Well As Successful

2009-09-06T18:41:00.001-07:00

Article marketing is an important method of selling the idea of your site to millions of viewers on the web. But, before you can market your articles, you're going to have to write them. If you're like many others, the idea of writing an article puts the same kind of fear in you that you had back in high school when you were required to do a book report. The difference now is that you're writing about something that interests you.

The key to successful writing is to transfer this interest to your readers. Even if you feel you could never write an article, you'll be surprised at how quickly the words will begin to flow once you start talking about your website or products you're trying to sell. If you're new at this, pretend you're describing this to your best friend and just type as you speak. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll have an article completed.

Even if you're trying to sell a product that's exactly like a hundred other products, make your article sound like it's an entirely new product on the market-a product they cannot do without. Make your article fresh and new so once they start reading it they won't stop until they're finished. When you're done read it over and over so you can change sentence structure or just as a way of proofreading. Good grammar and spelling really is as important as we've always been told as it says a lot about us. Bullet points also work great for catching their attention. You may find that other webmasters in your niche like your article so much they'll want to use it on their website, which can mean more sales for you.

Are you really interested in driving massive traffic to your website? Here's the answer:

Secret Article Weapon - Download your free ebook now.

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Mark Abrahams is a full time internet marketer who has helped others to earn a living online.

Water Damage Repairs

Daily Discipline - Self Help Tips

2009-09-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

The best part of Super Bowl Sunday has nothing to do with football. The dozens of incredible stories of overcoming every obstacle to reach the top are the most exciting part of the day. No matter if you are a football fan or not it is a real lesson.

Kurt Warner was bagging groceries when he got a call back to the NFL. Everyone thought his career was over. Not only did he take his team all the way to the Super Bowl, 10 years later he is still playing at the top of his game. He is not the biggest, fastest or even strongest quarterback in the league. His greatness comes from the intangible qualities he brings to the game; indomitable will, competitive spirit, drive, dedication, and excellence just to name a few.

You have the chance to write your own story of overcoming all odds. Just about anything you want to accomplish in your life is possible with the right mind set, and dedication. If someone else has done a thing, why not you?

The larger the goal you want to accomplish the more important your daily discipline. Ask yourself, what did you do today to advance your #1 goal? How about yesterday and the day before?

What are you going to do tomorrow? Have you already planned what you will do? If not take a few minutes tonight before you go to bed and plan it out. Visualize what you need to do to move yourself forward to the next step. Don't wait another minute. Take action now.

The number one excuse I hear from people for why they didn't take an action toward accomplishing a goal today is that they didn't have time. If you don't have time to work on what you claim is your most important goal then one of two things are at work; either it is not your real number one goal and therefore a priority or you need to rethink your schedule and task orientation.

How many times do you think Michael Phelps missed swim practice in the 3 years before winning 8 gold medals at the Olympics last year? None.

The daily grind of just getting through the day can easily stretch through the entire day. You can spend hours staying busy answering emails, fiddling with your PDA, checking updates to Facebook, etc. 10 minutes an hour at the coffee machine can eat up 80 minutes a day. If you can find just an hour a day to dedicate toward an important goal and you can repeat that hour every single day for a year, that is 365 hours. If you wrote just 500 words a day during your hour you could write 182,500 words, the equivalent of two full length epic novels or three medium sized books.

Don't wait and get started NOW!

And as always, I am here to help you release your Inner Genius.

http://www.anthonylbutler.com/inner_genius.html

http://www.anthonylbutler.com

No Fee Work at Home Jobs and the Easy Way to Find Them

2009-09-06T14:06:00.001-07:00

I am always surprised that work at home websites can make good money by demanding job seekers pay up front money for no fee work at home job leads. We live in a free economy so, I understand why some sites do it. The fact of the matter is that a lot of effort is needed to go through thousands of job boards and web sites to find no fee work from home jobs.

You probably already know this but the big job sites such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder are not specialized in no fee work from home jobs. The at home jobs listed there are usually mixed in with regular jobs and the thousands of home based business opportunities which tend to require a fee.

It can take two life times just to filter through all the junk to locate just one free work at home job lead. And it will take just as much time to find the next lead. I know what you are thinking he must be a mind reader. As a result, you have found my article.

Trust me I feel your pain and have been to hell and back with that process But I do have a solution for you. When searching big non work at home specialized websites, the first thing you need to know is what keywords to use in the search box.

So let's break down the keywords to avoid. Do not type in the following keywords:

Work At Home

Work From Home

Work At Home Jobs

Work From Home Jobs

Work At Home Job

Work From Home Job

Work At Home Opportunity

Work from Home Opportunity

Work At Home Opportunities

Work From Opportunities

Do you see the pattern here? I know it does not make sense. But the problem is many of the shady people as well as legitimate home based business opportunity providers use these keywords. Obviously you want to avoid the scam artist, there isn't an explanation that needs to be provided for that. Legitimate home based business opportunities are fine but in my experience some of you prefer to be employees rather than owning a business where you could make significantly more money. I'm not knocking you, but the fact of the matter is you are more likely to earn way more money with your own home based business. But I digress. Here are the key words you want to use for your search in the major job sites:

telecommuting

telecommute

telecommuter

telework

teleworking

virtual

virtual employee

virtual company

virtual office

working virtually

remote work

remote contractor

outsourcing opportunity

freelance

freelance jobs

independent contractor

off-site

These keywords should filter through the "junk" results. You may want to search using quotation marks around the keywords to refine down the list even further.

Well that's all folks, a simple way to find no fee work at home job at the big job sites. It's a start but personally you may be better off letting other work at home websites do the dirty work for you.

Work At Home No Scams.com already compiles a list of no fee work at home jobs. Be sure to save yourself the headaches and find your work at home jobs now.

Article Writing For Profit - 3 Signs That Demonstrate Your Articles Are Effective

2009-09-06T12:21:00.001-07:00

When you first begin article writing, it can take a while before you see any signs that your articles are working, that your articles are effective. But whatever the case, you should continue with your article writing and keep an eye out for the following signs that demonstrate that your articles are effective. If you are looking for speedy signals to your article writing, then you might need to become more aggressive with your writing. By that, I mean you may need to increase the quantity of articles that you create on a weekly basis.

So some of the signs to look out for that indicate and demonstrate that your articles are effective are as follows:

1. Your list is increasing in size. Has your list increased in size since two to three days ago? It is important that your list increases in size on a daily basis. If your list is getting bigger, then that would demonstrate that your articles are indeed very effective.

2. Can you identify the individuals who are signing up to your list? By that I mean can you see the individual names and e-mail addresses? This will prove to be very important in the future because you will need to create a relationship with most of the people on your list. Nevertheless, if you can identify individuals, then this demonstrates, again, that your articles are effective.

3. Can you manipulate your conversion rates? By that I mean can you identify the number of people who not only click to read your article but then also click to sign up as a subscriber? If you can monitor your conversion rates, then you have the ability to dramatically improve and increase all of your numbers, i.e. the numbers of people that read your articles, the numbers that sign up as subscribers and the numbers that then go on to make purchases from your website.

If you are just beginning with article writing, then having proof that your articles are being effective can be very important to you. The above three signs should indicate to you that your article writing is proven to be effective. By manipulating your numbers, you can dramatically increase your sales.

Do you want to learn more about article writing to build your list?

Download my free ebook here: Article Writing for Profit

Janet B Cole is a powerful coach and online mentor. She has over 400 articles in print and has published several ebooks.

Carpet Damage From Cat

Design Your Own Dream House

2009-09-06T11:37:00.001-07:00

In the past, designing your own dream house meant grabbing a pen and pad of paper and spending hours meticulously drawing plans only to scrap them once you made a mistake. It was frustrating work. But, times have changed. Today, there are several house design software programs that can do the same work. Even better, it takes less time and allows for easy adjustments for mistakes along the way. Once a frustrating task, planning your dream house can be exciting again.

Using Software To Visualize Your Dream House

One of the most common problems people have when planning their dream home is trying to visualize how everything looks. House design software resolves this issue. It can provide a 3D interface through which you to view floor plans, walking areas, structural placements and more. But, some software programs are better than others.

Use a house design program that comes with preset floor plans and templates to get you started. Often, even if you have an idea of how your dream house should ultimately look, preset floor plans can get the creative juices flowing. The software you use should also be robust enough to allow you to modify the templates in any way you wish as you're designing the home.

Also, the software should allow you to plan the plumbing within your home as well as the electrical system. Some programs will even let you plan custom trims for your windows throughout your home. The more robust your software, the more flexibility you'll enjoy in designing your dream home to your preferences.

Designing Your Dream Home

If you're planning to design your dream house, using house design software can save time and make the process fun. Software shouldn't replace the skills and advice of a trained architect, but will allow you to create your home without the limitations of pen and paper. If you make a measurement error, adjusting your plans is easy and fast. When you're using software to design your home, the scope of your plans are limited only be your creativity (and physics).

Source: http://www.homedesignsoftwareinc.com

Get our free house design software guide for information about kitchen & bathroom remodeling, deck and garden design, floor plan drawing software.

Use This Checklist To Be Certain You Are Getting a Quality Replacement Window Installation

2009-09-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

The day your replacement windows are installed is a very exciting day. You have shopped for the right window, you have selected the best window installer, and you have waited for your new replacement windows to arrive. Do not get too comfortable though, you still need to insure that the installation is done properly so you realize the full potential of your replacement windows. Use the checklist below to make sure your windows are installed cleanly and correctly.

1. Window is installed level - Reading a level is pretty simple. Have the installer place the level on the sill of the window. In the middle of the level is a small clear tube with two lines drawn around it. Inside the tube is a bubble moving back and forth. If the window is level the bubble will sit in between the two lines on the tube.

2. Window is installed square - To determine if a window is square in the opening you will measure the distance from corner to corner across the diagonals of the window frame. The measurements for each diagonal should be the same.

3. Window is installed plumb - When a window is plumb that means that it is installed in the opening straight up and down, not leaning in or out. Checking a window for plumb is similar to checking if it is level. Place the level on the side jamb of the window so that the level is on the interior side of the window frame. The level should be running up and down on the frame of the window. Instead of reading the center bubble, this time you will look for the bubble that will be located at one end of the level. It is designed to work when the level is straight up and down. Just like checking for level, the bubble should sit in between the two lines on the tube.

4. Sealant is evenly applied on the exterior - Sealant around a replacement window is the barrier that keeps the water out. Verify that there is plenty of sealant applied around all sides of the window. Check to see that there are no holes in the caulk. The sealant should be evenly applied around all sides. Areas with less sealant could dry and crack over time creating a water infiltration problem.

5. Broken glass is removed from exterior - Sometimes when the old window is being removed, the glass breaks. Most installers will make sure to pick up the large shards of glass, but sometimes the tiny pieces get left behind. Check the outside of each window and make sure the small pieces have been vacuumed up. This will insure a person or your pet doesn't get a small piece of glass in their foot.

6. Windows operate properly - Open and close every window to be sure the operating mechanisms are working properly. Practice closing and locking the window to insure it closes easily and that you are able to operate the locks. If the windows have a tilt wash feature for cleaning you should open and tilt every window to make sure they work. If there are any other moving parts on the windows make sure you test their operation prior to the installers leaving.

7. Interior cavity around window is insulated properly - Depending upon how your windows are installed, you may have a gap between the new replacement window frame and the existing wall. To insure proper insulation around the window, this gap should be filled before the trim is applied. This can be done with a low expansion insulating foam or backer rod (a foam strip that can be pushed into the cavity to fill the space) being put into the opening. This will prevent air from coming in around the window and lowering the efficiency of your home.

8. Interior trim is even and corners are tight - One of the last things to be installed on a replacement window is the interior trim. This will surround the window to cover any gaps between the wall and the window and will provide a neat, finished look to the window. You should make sure that all of the trim is evenly applied around the window, making sure it is not waving or has gaps along the trim. Also check to make sure all of the corners are tight miters with no gaps at the corners.

9. Walls around windows show no damage - Make sure there is no cracking on the exterior facade (stucco, brick stone etc.). The interior sheet rock should also be free from any visible cracks or pieces missing. Check every window and point out any damage that you find to give the installer a chance to fix them before they leave the job site. If it can not be repaired by the installer, get a guarantee in writing that the installer will make arrangements to have the damage repaired.

10. All project debris is picked up and removed from job site - This may seem like a no brainer, but you should walk around your house when the job is complete and be certain that all the old window frames, glass, and other debris has been picked up and removed. If it is not in the replacement window contract to remove the garbage, have the installation crew consolidate the trash by your driveway to make hauling it away easier.

Justin M. Howe

Window Replacement Experts

Complete information on the entire window replacement process

http://www.window-replacement-experts.com

Change Our Thoughts to Change Our Lives

2009-09-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

We learned in science that objects and our bodies are comprised of atoms which are in constant motion. Matter vibrates. If the motion increases, the state of the object changes. Ice is heated to water. Water is heated to steam. Light, heat, and electricity vibrate. Colors form a spectrum from red to violet. As the pulsation increases, the colors shift from red to orange to yellow to green to blue to violet. All energies move and shift. We energy; we are vibrations.

What is true of our physical bodies is also true of our mental states. Just as physical objects modify their state, such as water to steam and lights from red to orange, our thoughts adjust. Thoughts are vibrations. We can stimulate our ideas and move them to a higher state, or we can lower them and become caught in negative emotions. We change. How we do that is our choice.

A practical spirituality teaches us that we can't cling to old ideas or patterns that are no longer useful or positive. We can think better thoughts. We can think higher thoughts. Our emotions are influenced by people around us. While we may not sense, observe or describe the differences as vibrations, we are aware that some people are more uplifting. Others bring us down.

We choose those who surround us. We choose which thoughts and emotions dominate our lives. Each mental or emotional state has its own rate of vibration. We can transform that rate at will and maintain a mental calm, unaffected by the opinions around us. Negative beliefs do not have to alter our positive state. We manage our thoughts. We do not have to get caught in the up and down drama of family, friends and associates.

Our challenge is to rise above the normal, material thoughts and be more positive, more evolved, and more spiritual.

Cheryl A. Chatfield, Ph.D. is a writer, teacher and inspirational speaker. This article is an excerpt from her recent Do It Yourself Guide To Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps . Visit http://NottInstitute.org to download and read this 40-page booklet, or to receive a free monthly Practical Spirituality Newsletter. The Nottingham Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes material for an everyday, practical spirituality for people who don't find answers in traditional religions.

Article Writing Tips - Where Do You Get the Courage to Write Everyday?

2009-09-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

Article marketing is a long term strategy. You need to do it and keep at it to get consistent results. It may be frustrating when you are just starting out because the results may not be what you expect. How could you motivate yourself to write articles everyday?

Based on my experience, finding the first courage to write everyday is the hardest part. When I had no result from article yet, it seemed far more difficult to involve myself in writing and submitting. There were other ideas and tasks to do, all competing for my attention at the same time.

It really needed a lot of motivation to decide which strategy should I focus on.

After I got into the habit of writing everyday, the challenge is different though. Staying motivated until each and everyday still is a problem I have to overcome regularly.

If I am in the flow of writing, I could write an article quickly. I often end up with 10 articles or more per day in a few hours. I just can't stop.

However, for days when I wasn't in the mood of writing, I just will myself to do it anyway. Keeping the results of article marketing in mind helps me motivated, but at these times writing can be slow. It is important that if you are in this situation, you keep writing.

Make article writing as part of your daily schedule that must be done. Accept no reason and excuse. At days, you can write only a few but when you are in the "mood", you should write a lot more just to keep up with the other days.

Article marketing allows you to get your message out and promote your business. If that is important, put the writing as a high priority task too.

Do you think the newspaper cartoonist has the motivation to draw everyday? They are also human, but they keep getting their work done because they have to.

Do you want to learn the secrets about article writing? I drive 5,238 unique visitors to my site each month, and I'll show you how to do it.

Download your free article marketing strategy plus 2 free article templates (you can use this to write articles in 20 minutes or less) and other goodies in the "Net Marketing Start-Up Kit" from http://successloop.com/templates.html

Carpet Damaged At Threshold

Copper Chimney Caps Are an Aesthetically Pleasing Addition to Chimneys

2009-09-06T03:18:00.001-07:00

Not only is a copper top a useful feature for homes and buildings in any climate, it is also a distinctive and beautiful adornment for any roofline. The beauty of copper is obvious regardless of how it is taken care of and care and look are actually based on the personal preference of the property owner or resident. Some homeowners and property owners love the look that a shiny copper chimney cap has to offer. On the other hand some people prefer the natural look of copper as an aesthetically pleasing addition to their roof and chimney.

Natural copper chimney caps do not require any maintenance to maintain their appearance. On the other hand, shiny copper, unlike natural, requires a great deal of maintenance. It needs frequently cleaning and shining to retain its glory, otherwise the copper patina into a green color that some people may not enjoy.

There are several benefits to copper chimney tops. Some of these benefits include keeping unwanted items and creatures out of a chimney, preventing water damage and lessening a chimney draft. In fact, a copper cap is often the least expensive way to fix and prevent problems in a chimney.

A copper cap has many uses because a chimney itself is a multi-functional item. One of the most popular reasons that chimneys are used in a home or building is as an accessory for a heating device, like a fireplace, a palette stove or a wood stove. The smoke from these heat sources escapes out of the chimney and keeps the house or commercial building clean and smoke free.

A copper chimney top works well when installed by a professional. While these caps are best when installed by a professional; they can be installed by a homeowner with the right precautions, especially if the homeowner is experienced or knowledgeable in the area of roofs and chimney care.

There are a few things that should happen prior to purchasing a copper chimney cap it is imperative that a chimney is measured properly and the flues are accurately counted. These measurements and counts are essential in obtaining the correct chimney cap for a specific chimney. The wrong measurements can result in the inappropriate size of a chimney cap. The wrong size will result in a poor functioning cap or top.

The measuring and description process require a trip up to the roof to examine the chimney closely. This trip requires the proper safety precautions for walking on the roof. Roofs can be steep and therefore are easy to fall off of. If a homeowner is unenthusiastic about traipsing around the roof and chimney, a chimney sweep or other chimney professional should be called out to take accurate measurements for copper chimney caps.

There are many sizes for copper chimney caps. Different sizes fit different types of chimneys and is important for them to fit properly. Proper fit ensures the right functions and uses for the chimney caps.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, biking, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes running, yoga, and tattoos. For more of her useful information on chimney tops visit Copper Chimney Caps.

Happiness & Personal Growth

2009-09-06T00:39:00.001-07:00

You are a woman on a path of self-reflection, self-awareness and expansion. One of the things that can be really frustrating is knowing that you have a lot of personal work to do, but you are not sure where to start.

Just like trying to choose the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and budget, trying to find just the right guide for your personal growth journey can be overwhelming.

There are TOO MANY choices. You spend way too much time standing in front of the shelves. Time you could be spending doing something personal and expansive.

Here are 4 essential insights to keep in mind as you walk your personal inner journey.

1. Keep it Simple

* How many self-help books do you own?
* Have you read them all?
* Do you feel pressured to buy each new 'best-seller'?

The most basic tenet speaks for itself. Keep it Simple. You don't need to own every self-improvement book on the market. Choose one that really resonates with you and allow yourself the luxury of giving it your full attention.

2. Keep it about you

Instead of rushing out to buy the next best seller, tell yourself that you already have enough. You have all the wisdom you need today; it is waiting for you when you turn your focus within.

Clean out your bookshelf. Let go of the pressure all those unread volumes quietly exert. Give them as gifts to your friends and let them go or just acknowledge that they look great on the shelf, but you don't need to read them all.

Get your journal out. Spend your time focusing on you. Reflect on what is going on inside for you. Get to know who you are at your center.

*What is your reading other people's stuff to writing your own stuff ratio?

3. Keep it Positive

This statement doesn't mean that you can't work through your issues, pain, and unresolved places. It does mean to do so with a mind and heart-set of growth, resolution, healing and possibility.

Wallowing around in your emotional muck just for the sake of it, is counterproductive your growth.

Decide that from this day forward, your inner work will focus on your strengths, hopes, growth, possibilities and potentiality. Decide that nothing is more important than feeling good. Your personal energy will lighten.

* Look back at your old journals.
* What was the overall tone?
* Are the pages full of self-criticism or were you kind and loving to yourself?

4. Progress not perfection

There are no rules on this journey. You will never get it finished and you will never get it perfect, so let go of all that. Just keep moving forward. Do something each and every day that take you to a deeper and more loving understanding of the beautiful woman you are.

The path to enlightenment does not require a lot of external resources. You might be surprised to learn how well equipped you are to travel simply and lightly. This personal adventure will reward you with gifts and surprises aplenty.

Wishing you Peace & Abundance... Joyce Lee "Your Life Empowerment Coach"

2008 joyceleelifecoach.com

Are you ready for more opportunities to explore and reflect? Go to http://joyceleelifecoach.com/prompts.html for your special gift of "20 Profound and Provocative Journal Prompts" designed to help you focus on your life with a spirit of peace.

Joyce Lee is a certified Life Empowerment Coach, Personal Growth Facilitator and Law of Attraction Practitioner, specializes in helping women understand the Law of Attraction and deliberately creating the life they really want.

Secrets of Article Writing - How to Create Great Backlinks Using Testimonials

2009-09-05T23:43:00.001-07:00

I spend a lot of my time writing articles in order to generate traffic and to create backlinks to my website. When you create backlinks to your website, you increase the search engine ranking to your site. And as you are probably aware the higher your search engine ranking the more likely your site will generate traffic as surfers will happen upon your website address if it appears on the first page of any search engine rankings.

The more traffic you create the better it is for your reputation and your sales to. You should always aim for a top ten search result and what's even better is a top three.

So how do you go about creating backlinks using testimonials.

A simple and very powerful method is to ask other website masters in your niche to allow you to review and comment on one of their products.

Go to your browser and type in one of your keywords. You will be presented with a list of results and you can choose any one of the websites on the first page as a candidate.

You will need to send the chosen website master an email offering to review their product. Imagine how many testimonials you can clock up if your carry this exercise out regularly. And best of all it is almost cost free. And there are only so many methods that you can find that is cost-free and easy to do.

Here is a typical email message that you can create to send to your list of website masters:

Subject line: Would you like a testimonial?

Dear (first name),

Just like you, I run a website (your URL), and I know how valuable it is to receive testimonials. It appears we have related demographics, and I wondered if you could make use of another testimonial for your sales page. It is a well known fact that the more testimonials you acquire, the better it is for your credibility. Are you agreeable? If so, drop me a line.

With thanks,

(Your Name)

It's a bit too early to request a review copy of their product. You can ask for that later if it's not sent with the reply. If you send 10 or 15 e-mails of this nature, you should get a favorable response from about six of them. If you times this by a hundred, then imagine the number of inbound testimonial links you can create by carrying out this exercise once each week.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing to build your list:

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Writing

Want to learn how to increase your online income by effortlessly creating high priced products that your customers need and desire? Find out more here: Create High Ticket Products Fast

Janet Cole is a powerful coach and online mentor. She has over 510 articles in print and has published 10 ebooks.

Checking The Level Floor Framing

Could We Be Wrong

2009-09-05T21:53:00.001-07:00

Greek mythology is taught in most schools during some time of your education, if you grew up in the United States. I remember looking back at the Greeks and thinking, "I can't believe these people were that stupid, who believes that there is a God of the ocean or one for love." I couldn't believe as a young elementary school student, that these people got caught up in these beliefs.

I mean come on, I was a Christian at that time and there was only one God, how stupid can these people be or misinformed about the way things really and truly are. It's kind of sad, but all the people in the past that did not accept Jesus Christ as the one true God are all living in hell. Well, that's how I thought when I was a child.

Some of the mythological stories are about pain, love, happiness, plotting, scheming and power. Now we're talking about something that most people can understand. These gods were just like regular people, except some of them had extraordinary powers and if they used them poorly, they would have to answer to the gods god, Zeus.

At the time in history, that the Greeks believed and their gods, they were one of the most civilized groups of people on Earth. They had some of the best and brightest scholars around. The Roman Empire and some of the United States government was based on information provided by Greek scholars.

Have you ever thought about your religion as being wrong? If we now know that the Greek gods and goddesses do not exist, do you think our modern day beliefs can also be wrong. If we could go into the future 1000 years, could children be studying about Christianity, Islam or Buddhism, like modern day children study about Greek mythology and other beliefs that we view today as unbelievable or impossible.

The Greek gods and goddesses made sense to the citizens of Greece in the past. Do you think in the future that our modern day religions will be viewed in the same way as we now view Greek mythology.

Looking back at the past, often inspires me for a better future.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion

How Garage Remodeling Will Fix Your Storage Problems

2009-09-05T19:22:00.001-07:00

Garage remodeling is probably the quickest way to add much needed space to your home. If youre considering any sort of home repair this may just be the one that should be first on your list. If youre not using your garage for an area to park your car, then expanding the living space of your home can be quite easily achieved by making this change. As well, youll feel like your home and life are much more organized when you stop storing everything in this area.

If youre thinking of adding a studio, a home office, or a workshop to your home, then of course you need to look no further than the garage. You can even use this area as a home gym, or as an extra living room designated for special events or entertainment purposes. But, dont think that this means that you cannot still store things in this area, or even that you have to sacrifice your parking area. It all really depends on how you go about with your remodeling plans and what your household wants and needs might be.

Since a lot of garages are attached to the house, they can benefit from the exact comfort as the home, which include heating and cooling, phone wiring, as well as plumbing. Youll just need a little imagination, a set budget and a plan.

If you worry that by remodeling your garage, youre losing too much precious storage area, have no fear because you can always build a small storage space behind your garage which can be used to house your tools, sporting equipment, and other items.

Furthermore, when you remodel your garage you should think about adding an addition above your garage. You can add a room for work space and even for living space above the existing garage, which will give you more space as well as increase the your homes value without making major changes to your floor plan.

Do you feel the need to remodel your garage but dont know exactly what you need or want? Then you should consider the following ideas.

How about transforming your garage into a laundry room if youve been performing your laundry duties in the basement. By building a laundry in your garage youll do away with the need to go trounce up and down the stairs a million times a day.

Are you a musician, or just want to be one? A music studio can be a superb choice for your remodeling plans if you or your kids show some talent in this direction. After all, where do you think all of those garage bands got their start? Youll want to consider soundproofing your garage walls so as to avoid your neighbors complaints.

Heres an idea! Change it into a gym. If youve got equipment but you dont have enough space to use it in the house, simply move it into the garage where youll have plenty of space for your daily workouts and. An added benefit is that you wont be bothered by anyone. However you choose to use your new space, hopefully youll enjoy it.

The columnist Leroy Calstard is very excited about issues related to woodworking workbench. His observations on garage workbench can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com in addition to other websites.

How I Became An EzineArticles.com Platinum Member in One-Hour Flat & How You Can Too

2009-09-05T17:26:00.001-07:00

[Disclosure: I went into EzineArticles.com very innocently. I knew that I had 10 free submissions, and my personal time was very limited. Therefore, my goal was to submit as many articles as possible at one time. When I had nine articles, I knew it was time to logon. I really didn't think about being judged" by these nine articles.]

Now that I know what an honor it is to be a Platinum member with unlimited submissions, priority publishing, specialized client services, etc., I do not want any aspiring website, blog, or ezine publisher to take their submissions to ezinearticles.com lightly. Please note that I may have experienced some luck, as Chris and I were working at the same exact time. I also have a prolific freelance writing career for over 10 years. Therefore, I do not guarantee similar results. Ultimately, it is your content that will sell.]

Okay, so here it goes: How I Became An EzineArticles.com Platinum Member in One-Hour Flat & How You Can Too.

Research where you want to be.
I looked at other Platinum members and noticed that their articles ranged between 600-800 words. Phew...all of mine where right in that range.
While you're allowed to submit articles between 200-4000 words, I may push the limits now, but for my first 10--no way.

Give credit where it's due.
In the submission form you're asked who referred you. So, don't leave it blank. My answer was EzineQueen.

Read The Editorial Guideline carefully, and edit accordingly.
Your article's format is like your clothes, it's the first thing Chris will see. Impress him.
Use white space, and keep your words clean, tight and neat. [ See ]

Make your 10 free submission your best articles.
Quality content means: Originality, timeliness, resourcefulness, inspirational, fun, punchy, snappy, personable, and with your own "Sabra Spunk". Personality counts.
For example, I sent my timely Vioxx article, original The Meaning of Ponn" article, resourceful Leads, Referrals & Recommendations article, and inspirational I Don't Believe in Failures. Catch my drift?
Read the "Articles Should/Should Not" lists. Don't upset or offend the busy guy (I've been an editor before, and with the number of articles Chris gets I don't know how he does it. I'd delete a submission if these basic rules were violated).

Find a happy medium.
In your resource box you get 1-5 lines. I notice some authors with nothing (dum-dums...lost opportunities) and others stuff their 5 sentences (show-offs...who cares!?)
I picked a happy 3. Here's mine:
Who am I?
Ponn M. Sabra, MPH is the Author of "Empowering Women to Power Network" (with active link)
Call to Action. What the reader should do?
To learn more about her book and sign-up for FREE tips, articles and resources, visit her at http://www.EmpowerWomenNow.com (with active link)
Why me? Nothing too flashy or long-winded.
Ponn is profiled in Marquis' Who's Who of America and Who's Who of American Women.

Submit articles in a specific order.
I started with the most general "business" and "self-improvement/success" articles. Then, I submitted my niche articles: "business/entrepreneurs", and "women's interest". By the time I submitted #6, all my articles went live and my status changed to Platinum.
It worked for me. I don't know if Chris noticed, but I sure did. So, give it a try.
[Interestingly, My Article Report shows that my niche articles are getting the most hits.
WooHoo...this means people need me and my content ;-) ][Stick to your keywords and phrases.]

Keep your copyrights. List it on the bottom.
Whenever I see (C) I say, "Hey, this chick is watching her back". Even though there are reprint guidelines for each online article submission portal like ezinearticles.com, putting it directly in your article guarantees that the copyright stays with you--always.
I can't speak for Chris if this was a consideration or not; but for me, (C) signifies a more professional writer/author.

Maintenance. Now, I have to stay here.
Here's my plan:
Active submissions,
Active recommendations to EzineArticles.com and
Actively reading his ezine and autoresponders so I apply his fabulous tips.

He gave a great tip in a Post Script, and he knows I caught it. Pay attention, and apply what works.

Oh, and please read his Highlighted: Article Marketing Tips. These are all tips to help you get more articles published and generate more traffic. So, give the guy a break and don't make these silly time-consuming mistakes. I've made a couple so far, but you can bet your bottom I'm not going to do it again. I want to stay right where I am.

All of these steps took me a few minutes to complete, and the remainder of my time was dedicated to actually submitting the articles.

No doubt, that was the single-best hour I spent in my online business career. I hope its yours as well!

[Note to ezinearticles.com readers: If I helped you in anyway through this article, please let our readers (and Chris) know by ranking this article below. Much thanks. To your success, Ponn]

Ponn M. Sabra, MPH is the Author of "Empowering Women to Power Network". To learn more about her book and sign-up for FREE tips, articles and resources, visit her at http://www.empowerwomennow.com Ponn is profiled in Marquis' Who's Who of America and Who's Who of American Women.

Wet Insulation Paper

House Preservation and Renovation - - Home Repair Tips

2009-09-05T16:40:00.001-07:00

Owning your own home comes with several advantages. Aside from having the wonderful feeling of living in your own property, there's no rent to worry about and you're free to do as you please with it. Homeowners have their share of headaches of course- property taxes, insurance, the normal problems of aging of building materials and everyday wear and tear.

Maintaining one's home in order to keep its original looks and value takes dedication and a bit of money. A lot of folks get caught up in the daily grind and overlook the responsibility of home maintenance. A lot of beautiful homes have been lost after incurring irreparable damage due to neglect.

The more common forms of time-related problems are issues with the roof, plumbing and cracks in the walls. Missing or damaged shingles should be checked every six months along with possible leaks in gutters and downspouts. Holes in the roof should be patched up right away to prevent them from getting bigger and avoid water damage to your furniture and appliances.

Walls, bricks and woodwork should also be checked for deterioration. Cracks in walls are pretty normal due to earthquakes or settling in old homes. To ensure historical integrity, the materials used in repairing old homes should be the same as the original. Plaster is usually used for walling in homes with some age. Aside from settling, plaster gets cracked because of deterioration due to poor quality and water damage also.

The first step in repairing cracks in walls of plaster is clearing them up and making sure dust and loose chunks of plaster are cleaned out. This can be done easily with a carpenter's 5-way scraping tool specially designed for this task. There are two steps to applying new plaster to cracks in old walls. Applying the base coat plaster to bind and fill-up the cracks, and the top coat finish for a smooth finish. In preparing the new plaster, make sure to follow instructions by the manufacturer to prevent back-jobs which can cause significant waste of time and money.

Another common and usually recurring problem in homes is the toilet bowl. Since these have a fair amount of moving parts, the necessity to do minor troubleshooting is quite expected. When the handle for the flush becomes tight or sticky, it's just a matter of cleaning the mounting nut (after accessing it by removing the tank cover, of course). A handle that is loose or one that doesn't flush means the chain is either too slack or has been broken. Remedy this by adjusting the chain, using different hole or replacing it in case of breakage.

When the toilet becomes clogged and a plunger won't help, it's time to call in the big guns. A "snake" otherwise known as an auger can reach inside the drainage deeper and unclog whatever is blocking the water and waste from being flushed.

A leaking toilet if left unchecked will inevitably flood your floor and cause expensive damage to your subfloor and woodwork. It could just be a problem with the bolts or couplings around and inside the tank. If after checking you can't find any problem with those, most likely the sealant around the base has to be replaced or worse, there's crack somewhere and you'd have to replace the whole thing.

If you encounter problems or remodeling issues that you think is way beyond anything you've experienced or read in those DIY manuals and videos, it might be a good move to look around for a good contractor. House and building contractors although more costly, can save you loads of time and effort as well as take care of issues with permits and such.

Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, recognized and accepted house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need home insurance repairs because of storm, flood, fire, malevolent or accidental damage or any other reasons or if you have house and commercial buildings upgrading needs then you should check out EBL Group.

Change, Happiness, Success And Our Core Values

2009-09-05T13:54:00.001-07:00

The saying that "change is the only constant thing in this world" holds profound meaning in every sense of the word. Backed by this universal truth is also the dictum that there is no such thing as 'forever'. However, amidst all these acclaimed universal truths, there are things in this world that stay eternal: One of them our set of core values the fundamentals that enable us to find happiness and success in our lives.

In his # 1 National Bestseller book that sold over 10 million copies, author Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1990 ed.) illustrates his own personal experience on change. As a parent, he claims that to change a situation, we first have to change ourselves, and to change ourselves effectively, we first have to change our perceptions. However, Dr. Phil argues that it's more complicated than that. Illustrated in his book Life Strategies - Stop Making Excuses! Do What Works, Do What Matters (1999 ed.), he firmly wants to instill in our minds the glaring truth about change that we can not change what we do not acknowledge. In similar fashion, I totally agree on his argument. It's like saying that the hardest thing to open in this world is a closed mind - therefore making change difficult to occur.

There are some people who have a mindset to make some changes in their lives and choose to be happy. Even the great Chinese philosopher Confucius would agree in his belief that "man must be wise and unafraid to live a happy life" - a philosophy similarly shared by his contemporary, Mencius where he enumerates three mature virtues of his 'great man' as wisdom, compassion and courage deliberated in Lin Yutang's book, The Importance of Living (1962 ed.) a must-to-read book for daily living.

Likewise, Stephen R. Covey focuses the "Character Ethic" as the foundation of success things like integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty and the Golden Rule.

In his book, he presented Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as the epitome of these values "a man's effort to integrate certain principles and habits deep within his nature", he explained. The Character Ethic, according to Covey teaches us that there are basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they learn and integrate these principles into their basic character.

In addition, Anthony Scire's dynamic and contemporary book The Power of 2 (2003 ed.) promotes building solid relationships over the long term and encouraging us to be "nice, kind and good" to everyone we know and meet. This highlights Henry James's core value of kindness:"Three things in human life are important", he said. "The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind." In the same book, then eminent Bishop Fulton J. Sheen admonished us to also take control of our emotions so that we may live a successful and happy life. He said: "Each of us makes his own weather determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits."

Change therefore is inevitable in our lives. If - and when it comes, our core values should help us adapt to the consequences of change. Hence, as exemplified by great and wise men of past and present generations, our happiness and success depend upon our core values and attitudes.

Letty R. Vendramini
http://www.7PowerWords.com/

Your Voyage To Happiness Begins Here. Learn how you can find real happiness in your life and how to live it to the full. Abandon unhappiness and achieve true lasting happiness. Discover the "real you" and unleash the joy within.

Visit http://www.BestSecretsToHappiness.com/ and receive Your FREE Happiness Report Worth $47 On How You Can Find True Lasting Happiness In Your Life. Click now to download. Alternatively Letty regularly writes articles on How To Sustain True, Lasting Happiness available to view at http://www.BestSecretsToHappiness.com/blog/

Letty R. Stevens Vendramini acquired two degrees in Bachelor of Philosophy (Ph.B) Minor in English and Bachelor of Social Work (BSocWk). Letty teaches subjects in Philosophy, Psychology, Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, English Grammar and Composition, Research and Thesis Writing and Business Ethics. Letty is a part-time Private Practitioner in Social Work-Counseling. She is also a writer, a newspaper columnist/correspondent and an editor.

Writing Articles - Should I Employ Keyword Optimization?

2009-09-05T11:04:00.003-07:00

Competition over the Internet in any niche is becoming more and more fierce. Most websites want to achieve a number one ranking, and if not, at least a position between one and 10, but not everyone will achieve this.

Only those that adopt search engine optimization and other factors can ever hope to achieve a top 10 position. So, why is everyone chasing these positions?

Well, the higher the ranking of your website, the more likely you will achieve high numbers of hits and traffic to your site. And at the end of the day, we all are in business to generate income. So the more articles we generate, the better it is for us.

Now, how do you employ keyword optimization? Well, there are certain factors you should adopt, but before I begin, it is unlikely you will fail with your articles if you do not use keyword optimization. What I'm trying to say is you can succeed, but you will find it easier if you adopt these techniques.

Some marketers state that you should attain at least between 3 and 10% keyword density in your articles. I totally disagree. What I believe you should do is adopt certain keywords, include them in your article and title, and then forget them. There is no point in trying to get as many of your keywords in your article as possible, as you will find that your article becomes clumsy to read.

And at the end of the day, you are writing an article so that your reader, a human being, will read to the end and enjoy the content of your article. So forget about keyword density.

It must also be stated that if your article is littered with keywords, then you might find that the article directory will not approve of your article. This is a new phenomenon that has only taken place in the last three to six months. So how can you employ keyword optimization?

1 - Write your article around a tight niche. When you draft the title, ensure that your title is keyword optimized.

2 - Avoid using your keyword repeatedly within your article. Do not use your keyword more than once in any particular sentence.

3 - It is important that your chosen keyword is relevant to your website and its content. There is absolutely no point in drafting a title that states that your article is about cats and dogs and then go on to write about birds. The content of your article must be relevant to your headline, and try to ensure that the use of your keyword is placed in the top half of your article. Many search engine spiders do not go beyond the first half of your article.

4 - Include variations of spellings of your keyword and also include plurals so that you can use the keyword several times without overdoing it.

When you use keyword optimizations in your articles, you will find that your website will rank higher, which, in turn, will increase the number of hits and traffic you achieve to your site.

To download my new free ebook click here: Up & Running In 14 Days

Wood Post And Beam Connection

Setting Goals That You Can Achieve!

2009-09-05T11:04:00.001-07:00

We often hear the old saying that Failing to Plan is planning to Fail. Planning is indeed critical if we are to achieve what we truly want in our lives. For me there are a number of stages to creating a Plan:

The Vision

What I quite often refer to as the "Mountain Top View." Imagine that you are stood on top of a mountain and as you look around you everything you want in your life, in say five years time, is in place. Five years is probably as far as you should go and more often people feel more comfortable thinking about three years in the future. So as you look around you what do you see? Now don't go putting barriers in the way because remember you have achieved what you wanted to achieve, you have climbed the mountain! Everything from where you are stood now is what you wanted to be able to see.

Now for me in five years time we will have stopped working in someone else's box/business. We will instead be working in our own business, which will be based online, but have lots of real contact with people. We will be earning sufficient to maintain our lifestyle living in a wing of a large old Country House (of which there is a picture sat beside my computer monitor.) We will also be earning sufficient to keep us in the style we want to live long into the future when we move to live in Italy.

When I have worked with others in the past and when you are doing this part for yourself you should be able to say what colour Front Door your house or apartment will have etc in other words really paint the picture that you can see from the top of the mountain.

Boulder Avoidance.

This is where you look back down the mountain and try to spot the boulders you have overcome on your way to the top of the mountain. What were they? Were there some big boulders and some little ones? Make sure that you have a clear view of the things that tried to stop you getting to the top of the mountain so that when you sit down and work out your objectives over the medium and short term you know what you have got to overcome.

Now to give you an example probably the biggest boulder in our way at the moment is generating the income from our online activities and knowing which of the activities will generate what we need and which will not contribute to what we want to achieve. So here we are starting to think about where we need to focus our activities and are asking questions. Are there online activities which are taking up a large percentage of our time but contributing little to what we want to achieve?

It may be that there are some that you want to continue to take up a large amount of time without them contributing. However, you need to consciously be aware of that rather than bemoaning the fact that you are not achieving what you say you want to. If you are serious about running an online business and want to move full time online your mindset needs to change from "hobby" to "business".

Now I will turn to the specifics of creating your Plan. The two elements I have mentioned so far are the parts which people normally miss out. However, they are critical if the detailed part of your planning is to have a context and an aim.

Detailed Planning

In terms of the detail of the Plan you create it needs to have a focus on the Vision and be constructed in the Long Term (9 months plus), Medium Term (1 to 3 months) and the Short Term ( the next month).
You need to have a very clear focus on what you want to achieve in those time frames. In order to do that I work with SMART Objectives:

Specific - what exactly do I want to achieve?

Measurable - what numbers or other measurable element do I want?

Achievable - is what I am proposing achievable? Relevant - is what I am proposing to do relevant to enabling me to achieve my Vision?

Time bound - so I will achieve by xx/xx/06

SMART has always worked for me and if you combine it with PDR (Plan, Do and then Review) it's a surefire way of focusing you on what you need to achieve.

I will finish by simply saying that you should always keep asking yourself "have I done today what I planned to do and has it contributed to achieving my Vision?"

Paul Duxbury is a successful online entrepreneur with many successful websites. Some of the latest to launch include http://www.ecoach4u.com and http://www.sort-your-finances.com

Log Home Preservation Methods - Borate Wood Preservatives

2009-09-05T08:35:00.001-07:00

Log Home BorateTreatments - the options and how and when to use!

One of the most important ways to protect your investment, your home, is to use a wood preservative on your logs. There are only two times that you can effectively use these products on your logs. When the home is built, before it is stained, or after cob blasting a finish off of your logs, before you re-stain. The wood preservative must be applied to raw wood, so it can soak in and dry underneath the stain.

All wood faces the possibility of rot and insect infestation, even in dry climates. Fungi and insects actually consume the cells of dead wood, often causing severe structural damage that often requires log replacement-a costly repair. We use Penetreat to help protect your home from costly damage of rot and insect infestation. Penetreat is a borate based wood preservative. Borates are well known across the world for their protective qualities. Penetreat provides a protective "shell" coating which helps defend your home against dry, wet, and brown rot, as well as termites, house borers, powder post beetles, and carpenter ants, (to name a few).

Borate is not toxic to people and animals. It will not harm you or your pets. Borates do not affect the natural color or strength of wood. They are completely odorless, and are not corrosive to metal fasteners, nails or screws. When a "Penetreat" home is properly sealed against moisture, the borates can provide many years of effective protective.

Impel Rods are a highly concentrated solid form, water diffusible borate rod. They are ideal for both preventative treatments of high risk areas and remedial treatments in areas with existing decay. Because Impel Rods stop decay when properly used, there is no need to replace decay damaged, yet structurally sound logs! Decay prone and rot hot spot areas at greatest risk include: base logs, corner construction, exposed rafters or overhangs, and below windows, doors, and dormers.

Impel Rods depend on moisture to work. When moisture contents of wood reach levels suitable for decay attack, i.e. (around 25 percent) Impel Rods slowly dissolve and begin to diffuse throughout the moisture saturated wood. The preservative will migrate into the areas of highest moisture, which are at the highest risk from fungal decay. The diffused Impel Rod will adequately and effectively prevent the wood from rotting and decaying because it will not allow the fungus that causes rot to grow. When moisture levels drop below 25 percent, the preservative becomes dormant and provides a reserve, ready to reactivate should decay conducive conditions reoccur. We feel that Impel Rods are an essential part of the protection of your log home, and include them as part of our prevention and restoration system.

We hope this article has been helpful and look forward to giving you much more information in future articles to help you preserve your log home dream!

Jamie Fonder

Top-Coat Log Home Restoration LLC

http://topcoatloghomerestoration.com/

Observer and the Observed

2009-09-05T05:52:00.001-07:00

So quantum physics tells us that the observer causes the observed, or at the very least that the observer interferes with that which is being observed by the very process of observing it. Ive heard some people crying "heresy!" They do not like the idea that once the observer is not observing the observed, then the observed is not.

In my mind that misses a large, obvious point which makes the concept ludicrous. We are all one, god if you will, or at the very least energy, unseparated my anything other than atomic configuration which on a larger scale appears to create separation of bodies of mass. Since we know better, then theres a couple other points we cannot overlook.

Firstly, because we are all one energy field, for lack of a better term, there is no disappearance of anything when it is not being observed. Our human notion of not existing encapsulates anything not within the small frequency band our six physical senses can pick up. Perhaps the observer causes the observed to become a manifest, physical experience (to the observer), but the lack of observer in no way takes away the existence of that experience/being/energy.

Secondly, because all energy is the same, and we as apparently individual human beings are conscious, then its very difficult to imagine that any spec of the energy field of all-that-is could not be conscious. The type of consciousness may vary greatly, in an infinite number of ways, but is still basic consciousness nonetheless. For us to be conscious implies that everything is, that energy itself is consciousness. That ours is focused into a small amount of matter at the moment (exclusively, as far as what we deem our conscious mind is concerned) does not mean that every other piece of this energy shares that form of focalised consciousness.

If our rule of free will stands up, as it must, in that the law of attraction clearly states that we create our reality by what we think about, thereby allowing that to become part of our reality, then all forms of consciousness must inherit this same trait, although perhaps experentially very different. Therefore the observer cannot observe the observed unless the observed is also an observer that is observing the original observer.

With this understood, all observers are in fact by nature observed, as that which they are observing is also by nature observer. The process of observation therefore does not contain observed and observer, but both of those in both participants, or what I will now call observed(er).

I dont mean to shake rocky ground, but this places all new challenges on the understanding of the role of observer in the observed.

And having raised an issue without providing satisfactory resolution, I leave you now.

jonpeeoh (http://www.jonpeeoh.com) is a new web community devoted to raising consciousness, magick, and teaching others to take control of their powers as creators of their own reality.

Article Writing Tips - How to Avoid Burnout

2009-09-05T04:41:00.001-07:00

Okay, you're really into this article writing thing. I mean, who wouldn't be? It pays pretty well, especially once you've gotten yourself a good reputation. And if you're doing it for marketing purposes, nothing beats the Bum Marketing method for article writing. The problem is, in order to really make a lot of money writing articles, you have to write a lot of articles. This can lead to burnout very fast. Well, in this article, I'm going to give you a few tips to help you avoid burnout. I think you'll find these helpful.

Probably the best way to avoid burnout is to pace yourself. Now, I'm a strange animal. I love to work and I love to get all my work done as soon as possible. So if I have to write 10 articles in a day, I'll do them first thing in the morning, one right after the other. Takes me about 2.5 hours to write 10 articles. But some people would go nuts if they had to do that. So what I suggest is spreading those articles out over the course of your day. Do 3 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon and 4 at night, or however you want to work it. If you're more a morning person, do 4 in the morning. This will help avoid burnout.

Another great tip is to not write about the same topic for all your articles. I usually will only write one article a day on a particular topic. That way I don't get bored, which can also lead to burnout. I might write one article on copywriting, one on home business, one on article writing, one on Internet marketing, one on pay per click advertising and so on. That way, it keeps my day fresh. There is nothing worse than having to write 10 articles on one subject, no matter how much you love the subject.

Finally, if you want to avoid burnout, I suggest working in a calm and relaxed environment. The worst thing in the world is working where you're stressed. If you're home alone, this is no big deal. I hope you're relaxed in your own home. But what if you've got a bunch of little kids running around? That can be really stressful when you're trying to concentrate. In that case, I suggest making your own private office somewhere in the house where you won't be disturbed. This will work wonders.

If you follow these three simple tips, you should have no problem avoiding burnout from your article writing.

To YOUR Success,
Steven Wagenheim

Want to write articles that get people's attention and can earn you up to $200 per article written? Then check out my Complete Article Writing And Marketing Guide that you can find at http://www.honestincomeprogram.com/tcawamg.html - This is my own book that I wrote from over 30 years of writing experience.

Plant Attaches To Stucco

Why Roof Replacement is a Major Home Improvement Project

2009-09-05T03:20:00.001-07:00

Roof replacement is a noisy, dirty and very laborious kind of job. The people living in the house have to be prepared to undergo some amount of discomfort if they intend to stay within the house while the repair is being done. Roofing cement is the equivalent of duct tape for roofs. It will repair most leaks, cracked or torn shingles, patch flashing around vent pipes and chimneys. Obviously this is not a good option for the long term and you must take action and plan for the future as soon as possible to avoid interior damage.

Roofing material replacement is costly and quality installation is needed for the roof to last. When inquiring with roofing companies we recommended that you chose a company that will be here for the long run, just in case. Roof repair companies will most likely advise you to replace your roof and pay them to do so. It is wise to investigate alternative sources of information, specifically unbiased sources which are not seeking to sell anything. Roofing systems must also achieve a balance of durability, cost, weight, appearance, manufacturability and ease of installation when being considered for use. Regrettably, previous products have not made use of maturing technologies and advanced material applications now available from the Aerospace field.

Wind direction plays an important role, as well as roof pitch. A direct impact of hail on a shingle is more damaging than that of a glancing blow. Wind blow-off coverage ranges from winds of 60mph to 110 mph. Labor costs for replacing damaged shingles is for three to 10 years. Also, Windows and Doors are components that may need light scraping and painting to appear new and operational.

Roofs with shingling set directly on solid sheathing and where there is insulation packed tightly between the wooden rafters without adequate ventilation run the risk of condensation-related moisture damage to wooden roofing components. This is particularly true for air-conditioned structures. Roofs are subject to extremes of temperature, receiving the full exposure of the sun as well as suffering from the extremes of cold. No other part of the average home sees a wider cycle of temperatures.

Roof replacement is rarely a choice someone makes because they prefer a different color or some other cosmetic change. For most of the world, roof replacement is expensive and an investment that is made when there is no other choice. Roof replacement is a major home improvement project which can be costly. Homeowners want to ensure they use only the best roofing professionals, equipment and materials for their new roof. If a Roof replacement is then required make sure you select a color that you can live with for many years to come.

Roof framing should be designed at 20 pounds per SF, so there is no danger of collapse, however, snow and wind loads may cause deflection. Heavy weight shingles can be 50% heavier than standard or 20-year shingles.

As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

DiCicco Building Company has been doing Kitchen Remodeling Auburn Hills for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Bathroom Remodeling Auburn Hills along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

Notes on Building a Home on the Coast

2009-09-05T00:33:00.001-07:00

For many people, the ideal place to live is in a home within a short drive to the beach. Coastal living provides for panoramic views of sea and land, fabulous sunrises and sunsets, and usually, a laid back lifestyle. A home on or near the beach might be a primary residence, or weekend getaway, or even a seasonal residence.

Everyone who considers building a new home in a coastal community expects that this major investment will last a lifetime, and that it will stand up to the elements and the aging process for generations to come. Coastal living presents certain challenges not present in inland communities. If you are considering building a new home, be sure to hire a builder experienced and qualified in the intricacies of coastal construction. Here are a few points to consider.

* A qualified builder, experienced in coastal conditions, selects construction materials that resist damage caused by water, flooding, high winds, corrosion, humidity and decay. He will study the site to determine its susceptibility to these elements and design a sturdy home that will withstand storms, hurricanes, floods and insect damage.

* Your builder will choose concrete mixtures that are specially blended to be able to withstand water damage.

* Wherever necessary pressure treated lumber is used in coastal home construction, as well as naturally strong woods such as cedar and redwood which are considered to be highly durable and flood resistant. Chemically treated lumber also helps prevent termite damage.

* Your builder will consider wind resistance as a factor when installing shingles, vinyl siding, glazing and framing.

* Homes built in coastal zones must be able to resist corrosion and moisture damage. It is important that your new home's hardware be resistant to this type of damage and your builder can recommend stainless steel and epoxy coated metals.

* Protective wood finishes are important for moisture resistance. Furthermore your builder will use construction techniques that assure that the wood elements do not come in contact with standing water.

* Interior flooring materials must be strong and moisture proof and your builder can guide you in your choices. Most frequently tile, marble and other stone products are the materials of choice and will resist moisture absorption and warping from excess humidity.

Enjoy your coastal home!

If you want a great Myrtle Beach Home Builders come and visit us at ameribuilt-homes.com

How to Layout Recessed Lighting

2009-09-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

One of the most important principles to understand when designing a recessed lighting layout is beam angle. In recessed cans, the light is produced in the shape of a cone. You picture the light starting as a point at the light fixture and forming a circle on the floor. The beam angle is the angle of this light out of the bulb. For example a 60-degree beam angle will produce a circle of light about 9 feet across on the floor if the fixture is 8 feet off the floor. See a
Diagram.

That is just one part of the formula. That circle of light we now have on the floor is not all the same intensity. About five and a half feet of that circle is good intense light while the remainder is spill over and diminishes as it gets further from the center. This is very important to understand. With this information, you can overlap the spill over light so that you end up with a nice even light pattern over the entire area you are trying to illuminate. Something to remember when you are planning this out is something called the work plane. This is an area about 30" above the floor. It is an area where most tasks take place.

The work plane is important because as the distance between the light fixture and the surface to be lit decreases, so does that circle we spoke about. In a living room or den, designing the lighting plan so that we have even light on the floor is fine. In a kitchen though, this work plane becomes far more critical. This is why in a kitchen, keeping recessed lights about 4 feet apart, creates a pattern that is even on the work plane with the intense portion of the circle.

There are some other things besides the bulb and the can that shape the light pattern. The finish trim on recessed lights can vary the pattern of light. A wall washer creates a half cone that can be directed at a wall or fireplace. A pin spot trim can direct the light in a very narrow beam to light a small object.

This should give you a basic idea of what is involved when you undertake a recessed lighting layout. If you would like to learn more or have questions, please visit us at the links below.

Paul Forte has been in the lighting and electrical field for over 25 years. He has helped countless homeowners across the country with their lighting needs through his website. he will be appearing on an upcoming episode of "It Takes a Thief" on the discovery channel installing some security lighting. How to Layout Recessed Lighting Visit Our Home Page for more information

Stucco Damage At Sidewalk

Change Your Attitude - Self Help Tips

2009-09-04T21:49:00.001-07:00

We've been told that attitude is everything. Is it really? Is everything we do successfully or unsuccessfully based on our attitude? The famous psychologist William James said, "The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude."

Great advice. But the question is, how do we know if we need a change in attitude? If you are not living the kind of life that brings you satisfaction, joy, and abundance, then jump on the "Attitude Change Wagon" now.

Ponder this: When we change how we think about something, the thing we are thinking about changes. (Please read this sentence again.)

It's easy to say "Change your attitude and change your life" but how do you do that and how easy is it? You may not call it easy but it does not have to be difficult if you use a few proven strategies. If you desire to be happier, more joyful, have more abundance, have less stress, and want to really live your dreams, why not give these simple techniques a try?

Think of a person you know who has a great attitude. They are probably up-beat, they think in terms of possibilities, they are non-critical,
they laugh often, and they are great to be around.

Check your attitude with the 'mirror technique'. Observe the reactions of the people you live and.work with throughout the day If they are less than open, a little down, or grumpy, that could be a reflection of your attitude. Attitudes are contagious.

Think with the end in mind. See yourself as that joyful, upbeat, successful,
person you are on the way to becoming. Understand that everything you need in order to live your dreams is already here.
Stop taking yourself so seriously. Look for the humor in all situations.
Get busy giving someone else a helping hand.

Remember that things take time. In most cases you will get immediate results, but if you don't, DO NOT GIVE UP. It will come.

If you are not getting the results you want in any area of your life, do an attitude check on yourself. Even better, have a friend give you some feedback on how you come across to others. This kind of knowledge is power. You can now flip the attitude switch to 'on' and change how you look at things so the things that you look at will change. You will then have an endless supply of Green Lights before you.

'I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days, or great days.'
--Lance Armstrong

Allan and Barbara Kenyon are Personal and Business Coaches who help their clients live their dream life. Allan was a certified instructor for eighteen years with the Carnegie organization and he received coach training with Coach Training Institute. Barbara holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and is a Graduate of Coach U. The Kenyons work with success-minded men and women who want to achieve their personal or professional goals faster than if they were to go it alone. Their clientele include professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, sales people, and people in transition. Their coaching focuses on goals in the areas of career, money, retirement, health, relationships, getting organized, and life balance.

The Kenyons offer a 30 minute complimentary telephone coaching session so potential clients can decide if their coaching is for them. They can be reached at 402-423-6777 or by E-mail at KenyonCoaching@aol.com Their website is http://www.kenyoncoaching.com

Pick a Good Air-Conditioning Repair Company

2009-09-04T19:10:00.001-07:00

Last but not least, the service company should offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for the work done.

To seek professional aircon services, visit EricoolAircon.com now.

Cheow Yu Yuan is the co-founder of OOm, an online marketing agency that provides professional SEO Services.

Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.

In Jesus Christ We Rise

2009-09-04T16:39:00.001-07:00

Give glory and praise to Jesus Christ. Whom raised that temple up out of the grave. From death to life on the third day, just like he said.

The temple of God from which he stayed. While on this earth for many many days. Performing miracles and raising the dead. Forgiving and healing was his passionate way. Though the Roman soldiers and those who didn't know him. Saw him as a threat. When he was truly more, than we could ever hope for or expect to get. While hanging on the cross; he forgave them of that. And still he lives holding no regrets.

He paid a price. We could not pay. He chose to be the living sacrifice. So that we could have life. Leaving lessons, blessings and direction to heaven. Though we be blind. If we only believe and have faith the size of a mustard seed. We can say to the mountain. Be ye cast into the midst of the sea. We should be able to do just what he did.

And that much more. Because he lead the way. All we have to do is open the door. Following his lead to everlasting life. Cause we can do all things in Jesus Christ. Just as we live in this world, we shall surely die. Being born in sin is the reason why. We must confess and be born again. To be among the living. We can thank God for giving us Jesus Christ.

He made a way and provision for life. So lets keep that in mind. And when were laid in that grave. If we believe what he said. And have faith that he is. We also can have another chance to live. When he says rise my child. We can open our eyes. Because we know hes alive. But without faith. You'll lie in the darkness of death in a grave. With out ears to hear. In hell is where you will stay.

These short stories and poetry, express times in my life that were happy, joyful, funny, regretful and sometimes chaotic. I've been writing all my life and I can't imagine not doing it. I've always kept journals; wrote poems, lyrics etc. I'm a firm believer in the power of words. Therefore. I'm involved in several writing ventures. My husband and I have a Christian site, "Risen Word Ministry", where I write poetry. There's many topics with five children and eight grandchildren. Has encouraged me to write a series of stories from childhood all through the parental experience. Some here and, in "Tales from a multi-colored room". My main purpose in writing is to glorify God. Also to share some of my life experience with others in hopes of making a positive influence. Writing is something I plan on doing for the rest of my life, to go throughout generations as a family legacy.

Article Writing and Reading Advice Nobody Tells You

2009-09-04T16:21:00.001-07:00

Articles are everywhere as they are a vital part of your list building and traffic generating methods. The net is so filled with information that we can read a lot of junk and not get to the good pars. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you write or read articles.

Scan an article quickly and find out what is not in it. Is it giving you what you look for? If not close it and go look for a better article.

We all have at least one more article in us. This is advice when you get writers block. Forget about writing a good article. Write an article about something else. As if you want to tell somebody something. This will always trigger another ten articles. Open another name and throw these articles in there. Soon you will be back on track with your writing. Only one more article will do.

Always open a blank document once you start to write. This is an excellent way to quickly throw in an idea, or sentence you think up but can not use in your article you are busy with. This will sometimes open your thinking. If necessary continue and finish writing the second article. It saves time.

Pretend you know more than you do. In the world we live in you can ad things to your expertise which you do not actually know. This will give people confidence in you if you give them advice that makes sense. Do not put in jargon and leave the rest. It must be a balance.

Sometimes we should not put an article, eBook or a course or report lightly aside. They should be put aside with great force. You know that some things are just a lot of words. Even if you paid for it, delete it as using them will only harm your efforts. Viral marketing is here to stay but be selective in using it.

Another few things to keep in mind when walking the tight line in the online world. The more articles are out there the better traffic you will get.There is more to come.

If you liked this article go and get more proof here: http://monkcave.com/land5.htm

Leon Steyn - if you love a Challenge go see the Ozymandeus Challenge at: http://ozymandeus.com/landing.htm

Mold Growing In Grout

How to Choose the Right Remodeling Contractor

2009-09-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

Remodeling your home yourself is no easy task. Some of the duties involved with remodeling are best left to the professionals. While acquiring the right assistance in itself is no easy task, here are some tips on how to find the perfect remodeling contractor for your remodeling project.

Remodeling contractors can be located using yellow-book listings or listings on the internet. They can also be referred by word of mouth. Select about a handful of contractors who specialize in what you're looking for. Thinking of retiling your bathroom and replacing appliances? Surely there is a contractor who specializes in bathroom modifications. Installing crown molding in your den? There are plenty of remodeling contractors who specialize in various home transformations.

After you've made your selection it's time to make your phone calls. A good contractor is one that the client feels comfortable speaking with. The contractor should be knowledgeable and approachable. They should be able to understand your wants and needs and have the tools and confidence necessary to get the job done. Ask for pricing quotes and ask what all is included in the contract price. Negotiate if necessary and see what kind of deal the contractor can offer for the work you're requesting.

Ask for references and feedback from happy (and even unhappy) customers. Assess the contractor's strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to call these references, including older customers to assess how the remodeling work has been maintained over the years. Inquire to the customer service involved with the remodeling job, and the overall job itself. If you can see samples of finished products, request them.

After you've acquired all of your potential offers, assess the cost vs what you're actually getting. Never just go for the lowest bidder. The lower the price may equal a lower quality of work, and that in itself is a bad investment. Consider your needs and the difficulty of the job. High bids may equate to good workmanship, and you should definitely take that into account.

Now that you've reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a contractor and assessed your needs for your remodeling job, it's time to hire! Good luck in your search for the perfect remodeling contractor.

Sarah Reece writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Sarah Reece is an SEO Specialist with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Chesapeake Remodel

Major Causes of Home Damage - Home Tips

2009-09-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

To help you prevent this from happening from your house, let us identify the major cause of the damages at home. Here are five reasons why there are damaged houses:

Article Direct Marketing - Improve Website Traffic With Keywords

2009-09-04T10:05:00.001-07:00

Direct article marketing has changed. When you first started your article marketing maybe you were like me, and didn't know much about website optimization and promotion to increase web page traffic and key words for articles marketing. Article marketing rules change, so it's a lot of research to stay on top of which key words are best for each article. Since you don't want to make some of the mistakes I made early on, use my experience to update your article marketing now.

In the Beginning

Nine years ago, I learned about article marketing. I wrote business books and wanted to market them a natural way. I learned from a techie mentor how to submit them. And, my titles were good so they got my website in the first page of Google rankings. With "bookcoaching" I'm still number one. I submitted 20 articles to many sites, and within one month, was listed on 900 websites. As my articles grew to over 240, I was listed on 120,000 sites and more each two weeks. article marketing is viral marketing at its best.

Being Consistent Makes a Difference.

As long as I pumped good how to, educational articles out there, my Google status was great. When I took a year sabbatical from article marketing, my placement dropped accordingly. And today, I'm back at it full steam ahead. But since new rules and Web 2. 0 changes, Today, I'm editing most of my articles and all of my article writing and submitting books to help my clients get more webpage traffic.

Key Words for Article Optimization

I started using Google Trends and put at least 10 keywords into those first article submitted to HubPages. I turned into a key word junkie!. I wove those key words into the copy with ease. Talk about overkill and clouded judgment. I didn't realize my errors until my webmaster corrected me. We went back to optimize all the earlier titles so Google would love them.

Better Article Key Word Research

Then, using the free Google Keyword Tool. I learned how to comb through a general key word phrase, turn those into the long tailed low-competition specific key words people Google. We incorporate them into article titles and first lines of the article. With this method, you only use 3 keyword phrases in the whole article, after you do your key word research Now, my articles earn me a seat at the Big Boy's table--my website URL went to top positions in Google page ranking.

We tested the main key word phrases at Google Tools to see which phrase would get us the most action. We checked the monthly searches for each key word phrase and noticed higher is better such as 300+ and with # results on the web through putting the phrase in quotes and Googling it, that lower is better such as -3000. Thus, the higher ratio is better such as over .100+. The ratio is best at over .1.

Today, the Goal is Balance Between the Best Long tailed Keywords and the Title that Will Attract Readers.

If you please your readers and your article directory publishers with quality, useful articles, you'll do well. Remember to answer your readers' questions in your articles, even solve their challenges.

If you want to write quality, unique articles, produce the right resource box information, get the right amount of keywords, and know all the new changes in article marketing so your articles don't get rejected, attend a free teleclass on Jan 22 http://www.bookcoaching.com/article-marketing-seminar.php

For a report on article marketing mistakes go to http://www.bookcoaching.com/free-report-article-mistakes.php

Finishing And Installing W Heater

Searching For Your Dream Home

2009-09-04T08:32:00.001-07:00

First things first when looking for your dream home. Make a list of all the things you're looking for. With today's computers and search engines on the Internet it makes home shopping by keywords very simple.

Most real estate websites have boxes you can check off, if you're looking for a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms and a swimming pool. You simply check these items off, select the area you would like to search for homes and and you now have a list of homes to look at.

Some of these homes have virtual tours on the Internet, which allows you to go through most of the home before you actually visit the house. Modern technology has made searching for your dream home a virtual reality.

You can now look through the list and select the most appealing homes before you start driving around. Don't let the pictures of these homes deceive you on the Internet or MLS. Some of the descriptions of these homes can also be very deceptive.

When looking for your dream home, used every possible means available to you. This would include your real estate professionals, newspapers, magazines, search engines, internet websites, and don't forget about driving around your favorite neighborhoods. This is actually how we found one of the homes we bought.

Our real estate salesman gave us a list of homes to look at, while we were driving around, we spotted a home that caught our attention and we pulled in the driveway. To our amazement, the real estate saleswoman who listed the home lived a couple of houses down the street and was right there asking if we wanted to see the inside of the house.

Your family, friends, neighbors and people you work with, can also help you with your homebuying quest. You would be surprised at how helpful some of these people can be. I knew someone who found a home they really liked, knocked on the door and told the homeowners, they would be very interested if their home was ever put on the market. Within a few weeks, he was buying the home.

I'm not telling you to knock on everyone's door whose not selling their house, but you never know how or when you're going to run into the house of your dreams.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buying checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Don't buy a house without visiting, one of the best websites for home inspections. This website has thousands of pictures that deal with home inspection problems. If you're buying a house, check out this section on home inspection cover ups.

How to Choose the Correct Loft Hatch For Your Needs

2009-09-04T05:51:00.001-07:00

Standard Size or Custom Fit

The very first consideration you need to bare in mind is whether you'll need a custom fit loft hatch to fit your exact requirements or whether you can size your loft hatch based on a standard size measurement. Of course this very much depends on what you intend to use the loft for. If you plan to store large items in your loft it stands to reason that you'll need to install a loft hatch that can accommodate the largest item you plan to house in there. The type of ladder you use will also have an impact on the size of your loft hatch. If you favour a concertina fold-down loft ladder then you will obviously need a loft hatch that allows for the ladder to pass through at its longest and widest point. Loft ladders and loft hatches are often sold in packages which pairs loft ladders with the appropriate hatch.

Materials

Loft hatches are available in a variety of materials. The most popular material has always been wood because it's light, cheap and can be adjusted if it doesn't fit exactly. Wood is still the most popular choice of material for custom made loft hatches, for obvious reasons, with PVC the second most popular selection. Custom fit PVC loft hatches are catching up quick however, due to the quick lead times for delivery and their low prices. The situation in the standard size loft hatches market is very similar. Wood previously dominated but now metal loft hatches are catching up in the commercial arena due to their fire resistant qualities, and PVC is increasing in popularity in the domestic market. The benefit of wood, however, is that it can be refinished and repainted time and time again which makes it a much more flexible option. Your redecoration options could be limited with a PVC loft hatch because although they are available in a variety of colours, once you buy it that colour it has to stay that colour.

Location

The location of your loft entrance will have a big bearing on the type of loft hatch you need. If the entrance is located near a wall then you'll have to make sure that the loft door doesn't swing down and mark the wall. You'll also have to make sure that the presence of the wall doesn't interfere with the loft ladder, either by creating an awkward angle or by not allowing an internal ladder to extend out fully.

If your loft entrance is located above a stairwell this will have significant implications to the type of loft hatch you choose. In this situation there are limited ladder configurations available to you, so you'd be forced to choose from a small selection of loft hatches that suit this scenario.

For a loft hatch located in a very cramped space you may wish to consider a hatch that opens inwards rather than outwards. Inwards opening loft hatches are easier to open but more difficult to closer than outwards opening alternatives but they also pose fewer problems when trying to maneuver in a small area.

Loft Hatches
Loft Hatch

Article Writing Secrets - How to Brainstorm Your Way to Article Writing Success!

2009-09-04T03:47:00.001-07:00

The best way to share your expertise with your readers is by writing a few good articles. However, if you've barely managed to scrape through your senior English class, the thought of writing articles that are likely to be read by a global audience is sure to fill you with dread. Welcome to the wonderful world of article writing, where all you need are a few good article writing tips from the pros and soon you will find yourself writing like a seasoned pro yourself.

One of the most significant of all article writing tips you are likely to learn from the pros is the importance of brainstorming. Brainstorming is a creative process that helps you build a framework on which your article is going to be based. That being said, there are no fixed rules for brainstorming. Whereas some writers start find it more productive to start with the subject matter and then find a befitting title others find it easier to start with a title and write around the title.

When you are brainstorming ideas for your article, it may be best to start out with writing down a couple of points you think you could write around or write down a couple of relevant questions that you think you could provide informative answers to. Now that you have your skeleton in place, you can start elaborating on each of the points or answering each of the questions and slowly building up your article. Writing your articles keeping in mind a few core article marketing tips will help you broaden your target audience and maximize the potential of every article you write.

Fabian Tan is a well-known Internet Marketing expert and the author of the popular 59-page Report:

"Murder Your Job: How To Build Cash Sucking Autopilot Businesses In 30 Days Or Less!"

Head over to http://www.MurderYourJob.com to get your FREE copy now!

Also, quickly download his FREE "Explosive Traffic System" report that shows you how to generate 10,000+ unique visitors per month at no cost! => http://www.ExplosiveTrafficSystem.com

Laminate Cabinet Door Damage

Maximize Study Time And Retention

2009-09-04T03:09:00.001-07:00

Learning, studying and storing information requires a great deal of memorization skills. Memorization doesnt come easy to those who have serious issues in doing the task at hand itself memorization. But for everybody else, its a task that comes naturally whenever necessary or needed. The thing about memorization is that not too many people have the knowledge to optimize the function of their brain and memorization abilities to the best it can offer. This what has been missing in man, the missing link in solving common setbacks and pitfalls in memorization.

What not too many people know back in the day when the advantageous technology called the Internet has not been born yet was the power or the natural ability of a persons mind to use its memorization skills to maximum. The mind receives information from a set of list and retains the first few items, the last ones and some parts in the middle of the list with no problems. This process is called primacy and recency but the problem isnt faced not until the task of recalling the entire items in the list is specified. This isnt the problem at all; in fact, its what the normal brain does.

The solution to the problem of optimum learning and memorization is to give the brain a rest. Its important to break down the total time for studying into 40-50 minutes because the times the brain rests is the same time when it actually absorbs all the information learned from the last 40-50 minutes work.

The idea is to give the brain more breaks, approximately 10 minutes each break time so when it starts to work again, the natural extremities of the brain (primacy and recency) starts to work to receive information from where it has last stopped. 10 minutes because the brains retention ability works about this long and then drops off again. This idea makes the brain work naturally and efficiently without putting any pressure to the student.

Shareen Aguilar is a writer for http://www.memory-improvement-techniques.com which has Memory Improvement Books and Memory Game Software.

Vinyl Log Siding

2009-09-04T00:27:00.001-07:00

The fact that the cabin's interior walls can be any style can save time and money during construction since it makes plumbing and electrical installation easier.

After weighing all of the advantages, I finally committed to a cabin when the builder offered a 75 year limited transferable lifetime warranty.

The cabin I chose has charm, beauty, and is virtually maintenance free.

Learn About Vinyl Log Siding by visiting http://www.vinylsidingworld.com

Bathroom Vanities - The Antique Look Without the Hassle

2009-09-03T21:50:00.001-07:00

Though many people enjoy the look of modern bathroom fixtures and all of the luxuries they contain, others prefer the older look of long ago, a gentler, romantic time.

With the demand of antique dcor for the home and especially the bathroom, a number of companies are starting to make more furniture and fixtures that have an antique look, but don't have the problems that occur with the real thing. If you are planning an antique look for your bathroom, consider taking a look at the new vanities that look old before heading out to second hand stores.

The old look for a bathroom vanity is awesome, true; however, have you even pondered the plumbing that goes with the fixture you are thinking of? The plumbing and the sturdiness of the antique vanity can create problems for you. After you have rethought this, you will probably see why the new vanity is the better choice.

New furnishings give you the look you want, the antique feeling, but not the worries of trying to integrate old furnishings into a newer home.

There have been huge advancements made since those old bathroom vanities were designed. Vanities made today function better and high quality choices are more durable than ever before. You will still have the look you are going for, but without all the problems that a real antique vanity will bring to you.

There are many drawbacks of buying an actual antique bathroom vanity. First, you will be paying a high price to purchase one that is still in good condition. Next, you will have to restore it. This takes time and money, and in the end, it would have been cheaper and less time consuming to buy the one that looks like an antique, but is without the worries of a used, old vanity.

When you think about the work and money involved, it could be more reasonable to go with the new version that has the older look you want. Although the older vanities are pretty and will look great, you don't want the problems that could go with them.

Before you spend too much money and time on an antique vanity, consider the options. You are the boss here, if you want to spend the money, go with the one you want, it is your bathroom. But, if you want a functional one that looks great, for half the worry and cost, take a look at purchasing a new vanity in the look and style that you want.

Visit us for more information on Discount Bathroom Vanity Tips, Remodel A Small Bathroom - And Keep Your Bathroom Vanity and Bedroom Vanity Design.

Ok, So, It's Time to Learn How to Write Articles, But Where Do You Start?

2009-09-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

I bought the books, the tapes, the CD's and seminars, got on the webinars, listened to conference calls and did all the social networking stuff trying to figure out what it was I was supposed to do to successfully market my business online.

Everyone you see out there just makes it all look so simple, like a Caveman Could Do It. Yea, I even saw an mlm marketing ad that said just that about their system but still, I couldn't find the answer.

If you've been around the network marketing industry, if you've been online on forums and social sites and testing out that web 2.0 stuff, and now they say they're coming up with web 3.0, if you have read anything, then you have heard more and more about Article Marketing and being one of the biggest methods that anyone who wants to successfully market on line needs to learn.

And then you also know that it's not that we're not listening, it's just that sometimes, we have to hear things several times before they make sense, before the light bulb goes off and yea, that was me!

For so long, I'd watch people talk about how they put out 2-5 articles a day and wonder how do they do that?!

But last night, on a webinar, I heard something and for what ever reason, something clicked. Funny part is, I know there were 2 parts to what was taught but only one stuck with me and that was "write articles, then write more articles".

And then the question was How do I write articles?

The answer....

Read something that triggers a thought in you, something that can help you start and/or have a conversation, and write about it. Just write what you're thinking!

Talk about a flat forehead moment!

So, here I am, writing an article, giving this a shot and getting the word out there, hoping my flat forehead moment might help someone else have one too real soon.

It's really not that hard when you think about it.......... But don't just think about it, write about it.

Karen is a rising star in Online Network Marketing. She has gained a reputation for her down-to-earth training approach. If you'd like to learn more about Karen and her MLM training, check out her site here http://www.ThePerfectIncome.com

Ceiling Repairs

Home Improvement Projects - Building a Deck

2009-09-03T19:13:00.001-07:00

Adding a deck to your home is a very useful way of gaining some extra space on the outside of your home, this can be used as extra living space. Decking is a really great place to use to entertain people, or simply to sit down and look at your beautiful garden. Home improvement deck projects are some of the best simple projects which you can do around the house, it's even possible to do these by yourself without having to hire professional assistance. Decks are becoming much more popular as people like to spend more time outside in the garden.

It's actually pretty easy to create your own deck project, you just need to plan carefully and consider every aspect. You will be able to find many of these decking plans on the internet or in their home improvement stores alongside the other supplies. If you haven't worked with decking before then you should spend time getting to know the materials so that you don't make a mistake. The cost that you end up paying for the decking will depend completely upon the material and type of wood that you use, and the size of deck you need. It is best to try and buy the best quality wood possible as this will be the most durable. If you get extreme weather then it is always worthwhile getting advice to find suitable materials.

It's possible to complete most of these decking products in a weekend. It might take some people longer of course, it all depends how many cups of coffee you plan on drinking! Carefully following the home improvement plans for decking which can be found on the internet you shouldn't have any problems. Make sure you read all of the instructions and be careful not to rush.

Not only does a deck provide your family with more living space, but it will also increase the value of your home. As decks are so important many people buying a home will look for one with a deck, or at least a nice garden. Your house will have both of these things. It is important to have somewhere where you can eat outside, it's all very popular at the moment. You will certainly benefit from installing a deck, and it's also a really good way of adding value onto your home. When you have completed your decking project you simply need to add a few pieces of garden furniture and you can start enjoying the space. This extra space is well suited to party's as it's much easier to clean than your carpet.

Decking projects may seem like a huge thing to do, however it is certainly worth the effort that it takes to do. If you look after it properly then this deck will last for many years to come.

Kurt Schefken usually creates long articles on things relating to hurricane window protection and hurricane protection. Sharing his passion in publications on hurricane window protection and interior storm windows the columnist affirmed his experience in the field.

Don't Buy Another Self-Help Book - They Don't Work!

2009-09-03T16:19:00.001-07:00

Life is always going to present challenges to us and, yes, it's how we handle these bumps in the road that create our future. Diet, exercise, weight control, creating a career path, dealing with relationships, divorce, parenting issues, retirement and lifestyle transitions are some of the things that will most likely test us along the way. Well, it's about time someone told you, most of the time, self-help books don't work! Truthfully, dealing with life is twofold: the knowledge of "how" is everywhere; the hard part is taking the steps to change. Here's some of the knowledge - you decide what to do next.

1.) you are great, you have a reason for being here and you have family and friends who love and care about you; stay connected with all of the people and activities that are positive for you, that give you purpose

2.) life is about setting goals and making decisions; it's not about the end result, it's about the journey; what are the things in your life that you would like to be different and what can you do about them

3.) what and who will help you stay focused

4.) acknowledge your successes, even if they are small steps; any positive move is worth celebrating

5.) regularly create memories and have lots of fun; balance with everything in your life is needed to achieve true success with your goals

6.) you will always have times in your life that are confusing, anxiety ridden, stressful - this is how you handle them:

Dealing with Life in a nutshell!

+ staying in the game - it's about trying whatever ideas and opportunities come your way; life is a lesson, there are no mistakes, most directions can be changed, beating yourself up about the past is self-defeating, being proactive for yourself is the quickest way to find solutions and success

+ taking care of yourself - take your vitamins & medication, eat healthy meals, drink water, get plenty of rest, and keep your environment orderly

+ have faith in something - find, explore and educate yourself about your faith; religious faith, faith in relationships, faith in the cosmos, whatever grounds you to the universe and keeps life in perspective - it's not just about you!!

Do something regularly that reminds you of your faith -reading the Bible, praying, talking to your children and continuing to read and think on a "global" level!

+ ask for help when you need it - you would want the people you care about to feel like they could come to you when they needed help, so you are doing a disservice to those who love and care about you to not allow them the opportunity to help you

+ giving to others - you will be rewarded two fold for staying regularly involved in giving to others; those in pain, those in need, those who are less fortunate than you, those who just need a friend or someone to listen to them; this will keep you connected to the world around you and keep you from thinking about yourself too much Now, think about the things in your life that you would like to change. Make a list, if that would help, start with one thing and do it. If you are having trouble, call a Coach!!

Carolyn Bates is an ICF Certified Personal Life Coach

Specializing in successful life transitions and retirement for people 50 and older

Visit her website at http://www.coachinglifedesign.com

Your first consultation is always complimentary 830-598-8961

Article Writing Tips - How to Write Better Article Titles That Work in Any Situation

2009-09-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

Many article writers, when they are just getting started, spend a lot of time crafting their articles but do not spend enough time on the title. Here's the truth: if your article is great but your title is boring, nobody is going to click on it and read it! So you have to write compelling article titles that get people eager to open up your articles and read them.

One super simple way to write titles is to start with 'how to'. This is a no-brainer and it has worked for as long as people started using them as titles for books or newspaper articles. This simple method works great for Internet articles as people are constantly searching specifically for this type of information, 'how to' information.

Another easy way to create interesting titles is to use a question. Use a question that incites fear or greed. Fear and greed are the most common emotions when it comes to making decisions to buy something. Fear is more powerful, and when used with a question, can get your page views rocketing upwards.

The third method is to imply that there are some 'hidden secrets' not yet revealed. This can be done by starting an article with 'Revealed' or 'Exposed' followed by your article title, which can even start with a 'how to'. People are compelled with secret information and if your title promises that they can get that, people will open up your article.

I hope this article has helped you come up with new ideas to spruce up the titles of your articles!

Fabian Tan is a well-known Internet Marketing expert and the author of the popular 59-page Report:

"Murder Your Job: How To Build Cash Sucking Autopilot Businesses In 30 Days Or Less!"

Head over to http://www.MurderYourJob.com to get your FREE copy now!

Also, quickly download his FREE "Explosive Traffic System" report that shows you how to generate 10,000+ unique visitors per month at no cost! => http://www.ExplosiveTrafficSystem.com

Stair Tread Carpet Stain

Framing Exterior House Walls - Home Building

2009-09-03T13:43:00.001-07:00

Framing the exterior walls with 2 x 6 studs instead of 2 x 4 can definitely add to the price of the home. In addition to the cost of the lumber, you also have an increase in the labor, insulation, window and door trimming.

The advantages for using 2 x 6 in the exterior walls would be the additional structural strength to the building and the ability to use thicker insulation in the walls.

One of the only reasons I can think of for using 2 x 6 on your exterior wall would be the installation of thicker insulation. 2 x 4 walls will insulate with R-13, which is about 4 inches thick and 2 x 6 will insulate with R-19, which is about 6 inches thick.

The additional 2 inches will be a 50% increase over the 2 x 4 wall. 50% is a lot, dealing with anything. Imagine if you got a 50% increase in your annual pay this year. This wouldn't be anything to complain about, would it.

2 x 6 also has advantages when you are drilling holes for plumbing pipes, electrical wires or heating ducts. Often plumbers and electricians drill large holes in 2 x 4 walls, taking a little bit more away from the structural strength of the home. Some plumbing pipes for example are 2 inches in diameter, drilling this whole through a 3 1/2 inch 2 x 4, only leaves you three quarters of an inch on each side if the whole is drilled exactly in the center.

Drilling a 2 inch hole in a 2 x 6 will leave you an inch and three quarters on each side. In other words if you subtract 2 inches from 5 - 1/2 inches, the thickness of a 2 x 6, you still have a 2 x 4 left over. 2 x 6 framing also gives you 50% more lumber and structural strength in the home. Again this might not sound like much but it is a lot.

If you live near a busy road or highway, you could use the 2 x 6 framing, only on the exterior walls that separate your living area from the noisy road. The thicker the wall, the tougher it is for the sound to travel through it.

The biggest problem with most home builders is the additional cost and this is coming right out of their profit. Most homebuilders, especially the larger ones, depend on every penny they can to survive in the long run. It's an extremely tough business to be in.

If you're building your own home, give some consideration to using 2 x 6 if you live in areas where the temperatures are extremely cold or hot. One of the only reasons to frame the exterior walls with 2 x 6 is the ability to use more insulation and this would cut down utility costs. If you live in a moderate climate, where utility bills aren't astronomical, it would not be cost effective, for you to use 2 x 6.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

The Spiritual Goals of Meditation

2009-09-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

The Spiritual Journey Through a Meditation Practice

The Buddhists and others say that all life is suffering. Others refer to our existence as composed of a pain body. Certainly as we look upon the human condition worldwide we see much of both, and we may wonder if there is a way out of this dilemma.We seem relentlessly programmed to make choices and decisions that lead us into further suffering.Circumstances that lead to pain seem beyond our control.

Our experience tells us that we seem to have many different parts to ourselves in conflict with each other.Sometimes we are afraid and sometimes we feel secure.Sometimes we are angry and sometimes we are calm.Sometimes we are discouraged and sometimes we are positively hopeful.You have probably heard that we have a higher self, a soul, a transcendent self, a lower self, a subconscious mind, a shadow self, a super-conscious mind, an unconscious mind, a chakra system, and even more.The apparent separation of each of these conflicting elements of us is actually a perception of separation, and that perception of separation is the actual cause of the suffering and pain.

Through meditation we are able to integrate all the illusions of separation, and merge our awareness into the unitive state where we realize the underlying infinite, conscious principle that is both the very essence of all of who we are and the absolute nature of all there is.

The Goals of the Meditation Process

There are several phases to be keep in mind as you develop your daily practice. This is not an intellectual process, but rather an experiential process of discovering first-hand what your True Self is.This discovery is not revealed by thinking about the subject or analyzing ideas about it, but rather allowing the truths to arise from the experience of direct expansions of awareness and realization.When the reality of the unity and interconnectedness of all things becomes your experience you will awaken to a new way of viewing yourself and all life.You will feel as though you have awakened from the dreams of a deep sleep.

Until you have this experience you think you are awake and directing your life through conscious decisions.When you awaken your awareness pierces through the images that your five senses tell you is reality, and you become aware of the truth that underlies all existence.You will sense that everything is created out of the same energy, and is therefore fundamentally the same fabric of existence. You will feel more connected with this fabric of creation and more awake and more in touch with everything. You will realize how absorbed in an illusion you were.You will feel reborn as you awaken into a fresh new view of everything.

The meditative practice was developed as a means of connecting with the field and consciousness of creation, and to listen to the still small voice which emanates from the infinite divine presence.Your sense of being connected with and one with the fullness of the divine will become naturaland automatic.

With each meditative experience you surrender into the greater awareness of who you are and when you return to your normal every day consciousness your awareness is changed, and with this new awareness your life changes. You know that you and the rest of manifest creation are not what you always assumed they were, and life doesn't work the way you assumed it did. The only way to know this is by direct experience. It is not known by reading, thinking, or any of the other normal ways you have come to know anything. It is by direct experience in consciousness only.

Introducing the Ego

The confusion comes from the fact that there are fundamentally two major components to who and what we are. The part of us that we think of as the conscious person is what has been developed since we were born and which we call the personality. The personality is formed from traits we have acquired from our parents genetically and energetically and our experiences in this life. Underlying the personality are many sub-identities with traits we have carried over from many lifetimes, and they are mostly composed of fundamental beliefs and emotional reactions.This collection of identities and reactions is what we call the ego.

The ego is the aspect of who we think we are that was developed over time living in a manifest existence of separation. Therefore, the ego is driven by many defenses to whatever it perceives as a threat to its comfort or existence.Most of the traits of what we think of as fundamental to be human are actually merely the defensive characteristics ofthe ego.This includes our emotional reactions, beliefs, and our judgments, criticism, and blame.Because the ego is a survival mechanism coping with the sense of separation from God, all human beings have similar reactions and defense mechanisms.Naturally, each person has developed a unique style and preference for particular defense mechanisms, but the underlying core similarities are closely similar for all people.For instance, one main core mechanism of the ego is fear.

The experience of perceiving separation from our divine source engenders a number of fears. Because the underlying reality of existence is love and light, the experience of separation isolates the ego in darkness and void to a degree hard to imagine, and the ego will do anything it can to prevent itself from feeling the terror of this pain.The ego is terrorized by anything that threatens its survival.So the ego is driven to cling to as many things as possible to give it assurance that it does not have to go into the deep void of separation or come to its end. So this powerful underlying fear drives people with many passions to accumulate, own, attach to, possess, grasp at, or control in an attempt to insulate themselves from the pain of separation and the fear of ceasing to exist.

There Is More to You than The Ego

Beneath the surface experiences of the ego is a deep and aware part of you that is aware of its connection to the divine source of love and light.It is present with you now at this very moment, but it normally operates below your level of conscious awareness.This is what we call the True Self.It is also called the Soul, Higher Self, Master Within, God Presence, Enlightened Consciousness, Awakened Self,I AM Presence, and other such names.

What defines our perception of our spiritual evolution is the gradual bringing to the surface of our awareness of the True Self.As it emerges more and more it gradually integrates its awareness into the perceptions of the ego and we experience a merging of our conscious awareness into the awareness of our Soul.I refer to this process as the soul merging, and it is a process that continues until the ego traits completely dissolve.

Whatever role the ego plays for us can be replaced and managed better by our True Self or Soul, and this is what makes enlightenment a process rather than a destination.It takes time to discover and get in touch with the many overt and subtle aspects of our ego identities, and therefore it generally takes many lifetimes to experience the complete dissolution of the ego and the full emergence of the True Self or Soul.Once a person becomes aware of these truths, the process proceeds at a much more rapid pace than he or she did prior.

Meditation enables us to disconnect from the realm of the five senses and realize our inner realities and connections in ways the five senses could never provide.There are many types of meditation and it is a good idea to try several until you find the ones that work best for you.Ihave written other articles on this subject.

Jonathan Parker is the founder and director of Quantum Quests International. For over 30 years he has been a counselor, workshop facilitator and author of one of the largest self-development libraries in the world. It is his voice you will hear on more than 1,000 CD programs he has produced. The are listed on his website and in his free print catalog.

Jonathan has university degrees in Education, Chemistry, Theology, Counseling Psychology, and Human Behavior & Development, but his life-long relentless quest for unraveling the many questions and mysteries of life also led him on a broad journey into comparative religion, quantum physics, clinical psychology, Huna, Theosophy, botany, astronomy, Sufism, nutrition, music, hypnosis, psychic phenomena, NLP, energy medicine, meditation, and metaphysics. His website is http://www.QuantumQuests.com.

His outstanding TV programs, "Mind Power," "Self-Empowerment" and "Winning at Weight Loss" have brought his results-oriented approach to millions. You can view some of his videos on his website.

His work has earned him a high standing with many companies, clinics, schools, universities, prisons, and health professionals who regularly use his programs. Olympic athletes, doctors, judges, and the clergy of many denominations and faiths have also used his programs. To date people in more than 75 countries around the world have benefited from his programs and workshops.

Jonathan Parker has been ahead of his time with many innovative applications of accelerated learning and personal transformation techniques. His wide spectrum of programs tap the deepest reservoir of human capabilities and inspire success in achieving the highest of human potentials. His programs have touched the lives of millions lifting them to achieve personal excellence and financial success, as well as realizing their dreams of vibrant health, winning performances, and reaching the heights of the human spirit!

Article Writing - How to Create a Continuous Flow of Visitors to Your Web Site

2009-09-03T08:55:00.001-07:00

Is your web site one of many millions on the Net receiving little or no visitors?

Are you going to leave it like that or do something about it?

One of the most effective methods for attracting visitors to you site is writing and submitting articles. A well written article can generate traffic for years to come. The more articles you produce the more traffic you receive.

How to write an article that attracts visitors

1. Provide a tip on your favorite subject

People love to receive tips. These are bite size chunks of information your customers can easily digest because they are quick to read and easy to act upon. Compare that to a long drawn out article containing tons of information you find hard to digest and take action upon.

2. Write how you talk

Write in a personal style as if you are sitting opposite the person. Don't use corporate language. Use "I" or "you" instead of "we" or "our". This enables the reader to relate to you on a more personal level.

3. Don't worry about grammar or spelling

Once you start writing ideas spring up in your mind that you should immediately incorporate in your content. Therefore don't stop this flow by correcting the grammar and spelling as you write. Just keep writing until you've run out of ideas. If you don't have time to write everything down, make short notes elsewhere. These will come in handy for future articles.

4. Keep it short

Keep your article to 500 words or less. People prefer reading shorter articles over longer ones because their time is limited. Longer articles can be created by combining several short articles.

5. Structure your article

A. Open the first paragraph by pointing out a problem. Expand on this problem in the next paragraph.

B. Offer your solution and expand on it in the next few paragraphs.

C. The last paragraph should summarize what you have already said. Don't copy what you've written but say it in a different way using different words.

D. Provide a call to action in the resource box at the end of your article. This is where you invite your reader to take action by visiting your web site. Make the call to action a smooth transition from your article content.

6. Proof read your article

Check your content for grammar and spelling mistakes. If you're not good at this give it to a friend who has these skills. Read it out aloud to yourself or get someone else to read it to you. What sounds strange to you will also sound strange to your visitors.

7. Submit your article

First submit it to the most popular article directory...EzineArticles. Then submit it to other article directories. A Google search will produce hundreds of them.

Tip

The key to successful article writing and marketing is to do it consistently whether it is once a week, three times a week or every day. As you increase the volume of articles written and submitted, the volume of traffic to your web site will also increase.

Learn how to attract a continuous stream of NEW visitors to your website without spending a dime on advertising by picking up a copy of "Article Marketing Strategies"

Herman Drost is the CEO of http://www.iSiteBuild.com
Affordable Web Site Design, Web Hosting and SEO.

Small Crack In Floor Slab

How to Repair the Washing Machine Drain Hose

2009-09-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

Having problems with your washing machine because the drain hose does not drain? This is one of the most common washing machine problems one can encounter whenever the washer breaks down. Many factors can cause this breakage and age is one of them.

If your washing machine continues to fill itself with water and you can hear the sound of the motor, then it indicates that the washer belt is still functioning properly.

Whenever a drain hose stopped working, there are only two reasons - either the drain hose is faulty or the pump in the washing machine has gone something wrong. In this article, we will share with you what you can do to fix this problem.

First Step

You need to inspect the washing machine lid to find out whether is broken. You can make use of a pencil or a long pointed object to poke against the lid button.

Second Step

Check whether the hose is attached to the pipe hole. If that is the case, unattached it.

Third Step

Choose a replacement hose. Two main types of hose are available. You can either choose the reinforced rubber or the sturdier and newer type - stainless-steel reinforced.

Fourth Step

Turn off the source of the water supply. Remember to unplug the electrical plug for safety reason. There are 3 hoses and you need to disconnect them to do the replacement. You need a monkey wrench tool, pipe wrench and a normal plier to help do the job here. Be careful of the water dripping from these hoses.

Final Step

After you have removed the hose from the washing machine, it's time to replace the old with the new hose. This is a much easier step. Apply a little grease on the faucet and connector and make sure the rubber fits in directly into the hose connector. Complete the job with the hose connector. Take note to not avoid twisting the hose when you setup for new hose. Try to leave some gap behind the washer and wall for the hose.

Visit http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com for more washing machine repair tips, Asko washing machine reviews and other washing machine related advice.

Protect Your Outdoor Floors - Homeowner Tips

2009-09-03T05:33:00.001-07:00

Outdoor mats have many uses, and one of the most important is keeping your home safe from water, dirt, mud, and other debris. They stop people with dirty shoes from wrecking your carpet and other flooring by removing the dirt and grime before it has a chance to come in contact with your floors. Keeping your home clean is not a task most people enjoy and the right mat will help to minimize the amount you have to clean and give you more time to relax and enjoy your home. You can find outdoor mats made from many different materials and in sizes to fit any area. They are also great for use outside around pools and fountains to keep people safe as they walk around these slippery areas.

One of the most popular materials used for outdoor entry mats is fiber--natural fibers like coconut husk and jute, or synthetic fiber such as plastic. Fiber mats are excellent at removing dirt and debris. These mats use rough vertical fibers that scrape off dirt from shoes before it has a chance to get in your house. You can also find rubber mats with raised textured patterns that work in the same way. You can also find plastic versions that use different textures to clean the dirt off the bottom of your shoes before you enter your home. These types of mats are easy to maintain and clean. All of these types of mats--natural fiber, plastic, and rubber--work well outside the door to trap dirt. They are very durable and can withstand the harshest elements to provide many years of use and a clean home.

Vinyl is a popular material because of its durability, varying design, and ease of cleaning. Vinyl is a great material for multipurpose mats and it can be used in many places such as in front of doors, on decks and patios, and even around swimming pools. Vinyl is a great material for all of these places, especially around swimming pools because they can be designed to be non-skid which creates a safe surface for wet swimmers to walk on. Vinyl can also be made to be mold and mildew resistant which is great for damp areas. Vinyl mats are also great for use around fountains, container ponds, and other damp areas.

Outdoor Mats are also commonly used in high traffic areas to protect deck, patio, and walkway surfaces. Rubber is a good material for floor mats that are meant to protect high traffic entryways and other areas that are exposed to a lot of foot traffic. Rubber mats withstand the elements such as temperature extremes, rain, harsh sun light, and snow. They protect expensive wood or stone walkways and patios and keep them looking new for years. Rubber floor mats are very durable and will help to protect your outdoor flooring for many years. They are available in different patterns and styles from simple to elegant that will fit into any type of dcor. If you have invested a lot in your deck, patio or walkway, outdoor mats will help to protect your investment.

http://www.outdoorlightsandfurniture.com Julia is a professional landscape designer and gardener practicing in and around Boston. Helping people enjoy living life outdoors is a full time passion.

All About Log Home Kits and Packages

2009-09-03T02:52:00.001-07:00

Building a log home may sound difficult, but by using a log home kit, you'll have a much easier time. Here are some of the basics of log home kits:

What's Included

What's included in a log home kit can differ from one company to another, but they generally include the logs, pre-cut to your order specifications, a building plan to follow with instructions and shipping to your lot with support. Some companies may also offer assembly and finishing.

Pros and Cons

Detailed instructions are included with most kits, and this makes it easy for people to assemble the home themselves, with just basic carpentry and construction tools. One disadvantage is that it requires quite a bit of labor and muscle to assemble the logs and materials provided. Unless your project is a small one, like a single room cabin, the labor can be quite extensive and this can mean that anyone not in the best of shape or older people may not be able to assemble the structure themselves. Due to this, a contractor may be required for assembly, and this can incur a great expense. Often, your log home kit manufacturer can either point you to a contractor that has experience in assembling their homes or they may have people on staff that specialize in helping people assemble the home. This is usually a better option than going with an outside contractor.

Uses

A log home structure can have many uses, including myriad uses for camping cabins, vacation cabins, a hunting cabin, bathhouse, bunkhouse, all the way up to full size homes with multiple bedrooms, full kitchen and bathrooms and large living rooms. A log cabin home is also ideal for use as a second home, vacation home, ski lodge or your dream "cabin in the woods" for weekend getaways.

Customization

Many log home kit manufacturers carry a wide variety of home plans for you to choose from, however, many also offer completely custom home plan options, as well as customizations to their existing plans.

Types Available

One of the main variances in types of log home kits is the type of log used. Typical logs used may be rustic peeled, specially shaped, clapboard exterior and cottage style.

Costs

Log cabin kits can range from thousands of dollars for a very small cabin to tens of thousands of dollars for a larger cabin to six figures for a larger home with multiple rooms and modern features.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants the rustic, natural look of a log home would be an ideal candidate for a log home kit.

Log Home Exchange is your source for log homes for sale and log cabins for sale in the US and Canada. Visit us at: http://www.loghomeexchange.com/

Discover 3 Must-Have Secrets to Accelerate Your Article Writing

2009-09-03T02:44:00.001-07:00

Positioning yourself as an expert on your chosen niche is one crucial factor that can help you succeed in the online arena. When people know that you are really good on what you do, they are most likely to trust you and they will eventually consider buying your products and services.

You can easily earn your expert status online through article writing. This tool will allow you to share a slice of your knowledge to your potential clients by simply distributing your articles online. In return, you'll get those important inbound links that can help your website secure a higher page ranking online.

Here's how you can accelerate your article writing:

1. Know your audience. You can be a more effective writer and you can easily make your articles more targeted to the needs and demands of your potential clients if you have a clear idea about the people you are serving. That is why, it is highly recommended that you spend some time knowing these people on a deeper level by simply socializing with them on relevant forums or on your blog. The more information you gather about these people, the easier it will get for you to choose information to include in your content and handpick the writing style that will compliment the profile of your readers.

2. Your articles must be interesting to read. The last thing that you would like to do is bore your readers. When these people are not happy with your content, they are most unlikely to click on your resource box. So, aside from filling up your content with useful and valuable information, it would help if you can make your content interesting to read and engaging. You can do this by inserting relevant trivia or quotes or by using conversational tone all throughout.

3. Help your readers. Most people go online to either look for answers to their burning questions or get solutions to their pressing issues. You can make your articles more valuable to the eyes of these people if you can offer them exactly what they are looking for. Share a slice of your knowledge and help your readers resolve their problems or offer them with information that can answer their most frequent questions. Remember, when you are able to help these people, it is more likely that they will become loyal to you.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing success, 'Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide'

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Writing

Do you want to learn how to build a big online subscriber list fast? Click here: Secrets of List Building

Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 9034 articles in print and 14 published ebooks.

Bathtub Skirt Wall Damage

Contractor In Southern California

2009-09-03T00:13:00.001-07:00

So you want to make big money making a living as a contractor in the state of California. Well now I bet you have seen contractors on TV or maybe you know someone who is a contractor. You see these men and women playing the part as Mr. or Mrs. Money bags. If you have the slightest thought that becoming a contractor will provide you with a life of riches think again.

Most contractors that I know and have worked with over the years don't think of there jobs as easy. They have to work everyday and a lot into the night doing estimates or meeting with potential clients because they are to busy during the day. The life of most contractors in the beginning will be difficult to say the least. But if successful you will make a great living for yourself and your family.

Now that we got the false illusion of the contractor answering his cell phone all day at some nice golf course having lunch talking about the money that he just made selling his oil stocks. We can start on reality. If being a contractor was that easy everyone would be a contractor. Right..... Well maybe not everyone.

I have been a contractor for over 22 years and in construction for 30 year. I have seen a lot of changes over the years. I remember when a few contractors that I worked for made a lot of money during the late 1970's. These guys had Ferraris and money to burn with one exception they had no idea how to save any of it. These guys went on vacations and bought extravagant toys for them selves. Out of most of the big framing contractors I worked for about 10 percent are still in business or actually saved their money during the good times so that they could make it through the bad times.

These contractors never thought it was going to end. Life on easy street that is. But it did and most went by the way side. I guess that is the nature of business. Especially the current economic business cycles that we seem to go through over the years. If you don't have the money to advertise or carry a payroll. Your business is going to suffer during the bad times. Sure there is credit and bank loans but you still have to pay that money back. IF you can't save your money stash some away for advertising.

Some of the best advice I can give a contractor anywhere especially in the state of California is " Don't Think The Great Times Of Easy Money Will Last Forever". Save some of the money you make just in case you need to get through the bad times. You will thank me for this latter, Some time down the road. Take this advice and put it into action starting right now.

Greg Vanden Berge has over 30 years of experience in residential home building and remodeling. This provides you with the comfort of knowing that you have a professional with the knowledge and skills to complete your construction projects in a timely manner.

Our low overhead along with our new online estimating system will provide you with the most competitive construction pricing in the area. We continue to educate ourselves about the new home improvement books and building systems in the construction industry. If we have any doubt that something might not work we don't use it. We have found some of these products to be the root of some major home building problems.

Click on the Home Remodeling Ideas to get more information and a possible online estimate for your home improvement project.

Do-It-Yourself Earthbag Building - Yes You Can!

2009-09-02T21:21:00.001-07:00

The two largest obstacles to home ownership are expensive building materials and overly complex construction methods that require specialized skills and equipment. The problem is so acute that over 70 percent of Americans are unable to afford contractor-built homes. With the current downturn in the economy and the loss of millions of jobs, the housing situation in the U.S. is definitely taking a turn for the worse.

Everyone needs a place to live - shelter is a basic need. But since the current system is bypassing the vast majority of the population, it's time to investigate simpler, more affordable building methods.

The answer may be right under our feet (earth). That's right; building with earth is a timeless building tradition with some structures lasting many hundreds of years. Over a third of the buildings in the world are earth structures. Earth is probably the least expensive building material (literally dirt-cheap), and therefore holds enormous potential for solving our housing crisis. Some may assume earth buildings are just mud huts. Far from it! If your background isn't in architecture, you may not be aware of the amazing diversity of earth structures. Look up "earth architecture" on the Internet if you're not already informed.

There are many earth building methods - adobe, rammed earth, CEB and so on. This article explores the growing popularity of earthbag building (also called sandbag building) and how it can be used to provide affordable housing that's simple enough for do-it-yourselfers to build their own home. By using dirt-cheap building materials (earth, sand, gravel, recycled materials, etc.) and eliminating expensive contractors and specialized equipment, the cost of construction can be slashed to a fraction of conventional housing costs.

Earthbag building has it's origin in military sandbag building. For about 100 years, the military have been building durable, blast and bullet proof structures out of sandbags. Also, sandbags have been used for many years to hold back floodwater. Today, builders are using the same basic process of filling, stacking and tamping bags to build a wide variety of structures the world over - beautiful homes, offices, shops, schools and more.

Besides affordability and durability, the other main advantage is simplicity of construction. What could be simpler than filling and stacking bags of earth? The main skills can be learned in a few minutes simply by being shown or watching a video. Almost everything you need to know is available free on the Internet. And most people already have the basic tools around the house - shovels, buckets, garden hose, ladder. The other few tools required can be made quickly and easily or purchased inexpensively.

Here are just a few ways of saving money by building with earthbags:

Recycled bags are readily available in most places. Polypropylene or burlap bags are ubiquitous, being used for all types of grain, fertilizer and animal feed, and sometimes for concrete, plaster and other products. Talk to local farmers and feed supply outlets.
Misprinted bags are often available direct from manufacturers at greatly reduced prices. Between misprinted bags and recycled bags (in good condition) you can cut the main expense of earthbag building to almost nil.
No special mix is required. Most soils, including those on or near most building sites, are adequate or can be adjusted with sand or clay to create an appropriate mix. This makes the other primary material for earthbag building basically free or close to it.
You can order special mixes of earth from sand and gravel producers, such as road base and reject fines, at very low prices. The main expense is delivery, but this has to be weighed against your time and effort to dig it from the ground. Spending $200-$300 for delivery of an excellent mixture free of large rocks and roots can save hundreds of hours of hard labor. And, they'll dump it in piles around the building site to speed construction and save even more work.
No need for a typical concrete foundation. Earthbags filled with gravel make an excellent foundation. This step alone can save you thousands of dollars.
Build an insulated earth floor and save thousands more. Sealed earth floors can last hundreds of years. Think of all the wood, plywood, linoleum, etc. that can be saved.
Use earth plaster and save thousands more. With wide roof overhangs of 36" or so, earth plaster will hold up very well in most climates, requiring only minor maintenance.
Use recycled materials whenever possible. Door and window forms, for instance, can be made from scrap wood from pallets, discarded barrels or tires. Sinks, tubs, doors, hardware, shelving, tile and many other components can be salvaged for very low cost.

Owen Geiger, Director of the Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building at http://www.GRISB.org has co-authored http://www.EarthbagBuilding.com to better focus and keep track of the rapid growth of this novel building method.

Easy Steps to Proofread Content Articles and Speed Up Writing

2009-09-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

Writing for content sites, article directories, blogs, or even your own websites, means churning out a lot of writing quickly. Proofing and editing that content is often the most time-consuming part of the process!

When a content writer spends more time proofreading content than writing, it's time to speed up the process. Since most online content has the same process -- research, write, edit, submit/upload/publish -- this article will help to speed up the entire process, paying particular attention to the proofreading/editing phase of the process, in easy to remember and implement steps.

Learn to Write Better

Taking a few minutes every day to read about writing, learn a new grammar rule, or read something about writing in a style guide will eventually speed up your writing. The few minutes spent to learn something new about writing can cause you to write better, find fewer things to correct after writing, and make proofing articles much faster!

Wait a Day, or Two

After writing an article, wait a day or two before submitting for publication or submission. Monday, write, and write and write, and save the articles on the computer desktop. Ignore them until Tuesday. On Tuesday, open the first article from the day before and proof it, correct errors, and then resave the file and move on to the next article.

More will be caught on the second day then immediately after writing. Plus, proofreading and editing are different mind skills than writing. When the brain switches between the two, the process of both things is slowed. The brain works best and fastest when it can 'repeat' patterns.

Try 'processing' articles in 'batches' -- 'write-write, 'proof-proof', 'submit-submit' -- and it's likely more articles will be processed over the same amount of time then 'write-proof-submit', lather, rinse, repeat.

Print it out and read it.

Print the article on paper and read with something covering everything except one line at a time. If you feed your brain only one line at a time, it is more likely to find the errors and missing words.

If you cannot afford to print it out or don't have a printer, move the text on the word processor down (enter enter enter) until you can only see the first line, then scroll up one line at a time while reading.

Read out loud.

We read different when we must speak what we're reading than when we speak it inside our heads. When we speak it out loud, we have to read each word.

Read backward.

Sounds silly, but what I mean is to read it one sentence at a time, starting at the bottom and working up. This way, you're not getting 'context' but just sentence structure. It helps to keep you from filling in what your brain knows you meant, but your reader can't fill in since the one thing the internet still can't do is read minds.

Have someone else proofread content.

If you can afford it, hire a professional proofer who will proof the content, or even hire a virtual/personal assistant who can proof the work, upload or submit it, and handle that aspect of it.

If you can't afford this, if there are teens in the home, a spouse, a friend or colleague, let them read your work. If you have a business, check with high school and college internships and get free help from students who need proofing and editing experience or volunteer experience for a resume to read your content and check for errors and upload/submit it for you on your accounts.

Use spelling and grammar check programs.

Most word processors come with some sort of spell check and grammar check software. While writers shouldn't rely on this to be infallible, a quick spelling and grammar software check can alert to obvious errors or suggest potential errors so you can verify. If you don't have your grammar check turned on in MS Word, do so, and set it to the professional/business 'style', and check both grammar and style.

Let go of the need for perfection.

People on the internet can be brutal, but fortunately, they have short attention spans and even shorter memories when it comes to forgiving typos and little mistakes. Make your copy the best it can be, of course, but let go of the expectation of perfection.

Internet readers are usually looking for information, the answer to a specific question, or guidance on where to go to find what they need. It doesn't require perfect copy to provide these things. As long as the copy is authoritative and gives the information the reader needs, the copy delivers on the promise the title of the article made, the reader will forgive an occasional misspelled word or typo. Chance are, the average internet user won't even know if you misplaced or forgot a comma.

Michelle L Devon is a professional writer and freelance editor, providing editing and writing services through her company, Accentuate Services Please visit her editing blog at http://edit-proofread-hints-tips.blogspot.com for more information and additional free advice, hints and tips about writing and grammar.

Concrete Stained Sheathing

Residential Elevators Equipped With Safety Features

2009-09-02T18:40:00.001-07:00

Life has become much more convenient to a number of customers in the United States because of the availability of residential elevators equipped with safety features. These accessibility systems offer convenient access to all levels of your home.

Exceptional Safety Features

Residential elevators are equipped with open platforms or fully enclosed cabins with safety gates. To avoid opening in between the floors, the doors and gates have a safety interlink. The area of the platforms and height of the cab are the two factors that limit its size. Most of the home elevators come with safety features such as:

Under-platform sensors
Backup power facility
A manual system in case of a power outage or mechanical malfunction
Handrails on platforms
An emergency telephone or communication system
Emergency stop buttons
Emergency lighting
Locked power cabinets
Alarms
Automatic controls

For a Comfortable Floor-to-Floor Transportation

Owing to the advanced safety features, the residential elevators are ideal and safe solutions for the users. These provide a quiet, comfortable and safe ride from floor to floor. Besides this, you can transport heavy items such as groceries, laundries or anything else between the floors. Besides adding convenience to your lifestyle, you can increase the value of your home. The elevators with the ability to climb steep angles and round corners make you free from various mobility barriers at your residence. Depending on the structure, the maximum traveling and load carrying capacity may vary.

Wide Range of Elevator Models

A variety of residential elevator models with standard and optional features are available in the market to suit your budget, taste and needs. From the roped hydraulic, electric winding drum and vacuum elevators, you can avail of the best quality models ranging from standard to custom designs. Most of the sleek and compactly designed elevators are perfect to fit in your spacious multistory or two-floor buildings.

Residential elevators equipped with excellent safety features are less complex and less expensive than commercial ones.

DAY Elevator & Lift offers high quality residential elevators with all safety features. We are a premier provider of residential accessibility solutions in the Tri-State area offering a wide selection of products and services, including stairlifts, wheelchairs lifts, and home modifications.

Four Reasons Why We Procrastinate

2009-09-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

The biggest obstacle to success and fulfillment for most people seems to be procrastination. Likewise, a major component of effective time management is avoiding procrastination.

Avoiding procrastination is also crucial if we hope to realize our dreams. This must be a conscious effort, because procrastination is so easy to engage in, yet so difficult to overcome. We must keep our goals in mind and maintain our desire to reach those goals, so that the temptation to put off our responsibilities until later does not eclipse our desire to succeed.

There are many reasons why we procrastinate - and we all do it. Procrastination, though, means sure death to reaching your goals.

1. Fear of Failure.
Many people put off doing things because they are afraid of failing. If they only speak of their hopes and dreams, but make no firm effort towards achieving their goal, they cannot fail. If, however, people take action towards reaching their goals yet fail to realize them, they fear they will be seen by others as failures.

Even if a goal is not reached, the act of trying is reward in itself. Great learning is derived from experience, which can only be attained through action. Also, most people recognize a valiant effort and applaud it regardless of the outcome. The act of trying is an act of bravery. The act of avoidance is paramount to cowardice. Do not fall into the trap of using fear as a reason to procrastinate.

2. Feeling Overwhelmed.
Many times we look at a goal and feel that there is too much that needs to be done in order to accomplish it. The sense of being overwhelmed paralyzes us, preventing us from taking even the first step towards achieving our goal.

For every goal you have in life, break it down into individual parts. Determine what actions each individual part needs in order to be successful. If looking at the big picture makes you feel overwhelmed, look at the tiny steps along the way instead. Tackle them one by one, without worrying about the next one. Forge ahead with each individual victory, and before you know it you will have found success.

3. Human Nature.
We naturally tend to avoid that which causes us hardship or pain, and gravitate towards that which is easy or gives us pleasure. In order to avoid procrastination due to the unappealing or difficult nature of a task, commit to complete the most unpleasant jobs first. Dive in with a can-do attitude, and realize that the sooner you start and the harder you work, the sooner it will be over. Tackling the most difficult responsibilities first paves the way for smoother sailing down the road.

4. Perspective.
If we view a task as being difficult, then that is exactly what it will be for us. Rather than dreading a given assignment, view it as an opportunity to excel. If you are being asked to complete a research assignment, view it as the chance to gain new knowledge and expand your mental boundaries. By diving into a project with enthusiasm, deriving it wherever it can be found, you can turn a chore into pleasure. Try changing your perspective and see if it helps fan the flames of enthusiasm.

There has been much talk throughout history about the destructive nature of procrastination. One of the best ways to view it is that we do not know what fate tomorrow will bring us, so we are best off experiencing everything we can today.

Another irony of procrastination is that so many of us complain about not having enough time, yet spend so much time sitting idly, dreading the work that awaits us. If we just dug our hands in and got started, there likely would be more time found in the day, and we would accomplish a great deal more.

If you find you are having difficulty achieving your goals, take a look at the steps you must take to achieve success and ask yourself if you have fallen into the dark pit of procrastination. Examine what your own reasons for procrastinating are, then vow to yourself that you will not let it kill off your hopes and dreams.

Lifestyle Mentor, Personal Coach, Author, Educator, and Entrepreneur, David B. Bohl is the creator of Slow Down FAST. To learn more about this step-by-step strategy for Living YOUR Life YOUR way, and to sign up for his 9 FREE Tips for Finding Happiness in a Fast-Paced World, free teleseminars, free Special Report, free bi-monthly ezine and more, go to: http://www.SlowDownFAST.com

Article Writing Mistakes - 7 To Avoid

2009-09-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

Making your articles available for reprints by other ezine publishers and webmasters is the cornerstone strategy in building an avalanche of pre-qualified visitors to your website.

If you want your articles to be picked up and massively distributed by others, here are 7 common mistakes to avoid:

Article Mistake #1 Too many grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

In addition to having your article proofed by others, you may also want to be sure that you have clearly defined paragraphs. Nothing is worse than a big blob of text with 20 run-on sentences.

Readers no longer read articles in depth and often only 'scan' your article. They want small bites of information that can be easily digested also known as "info-snacking."

Keep your "voice" in the same person throughout the entire article. If you are using the first person voice (I, me) or the second person (you, we, us) or the third person (they, them, he, she)be consistent by staying in one voice for the entire article.

Article Mistake #2 Too much hype, bragging and self-promotion.

If you are as good as you know you are, there is no reason to fill the body of the article with hype, gratuitous links to your site or blatant self-promotion. Readers are smart and will see right through your "hype-veil."

Better to only sell or pitch your company in the RESOURCE BOX below the body of the article. Research I've done indicates that the resource box often gets a 3% CTR (Click Through Rate). Be sure you take advantage of that by not selling hard in the body of the article.

Article Mistake #3 Content based on what you need to learn, not what your reader needs.

Put yourself in your reader's shoes and ask yourself, "What does this article offer me?" Research what your reader wants to read by doing survey's with your own audience or do keyword search engine research to find what people are looking for.

Article Mistake #4 Making your article broad or superficial in content.

It's better to go in-depth on a narrow topic. Define it. Explain it. Relate to it. Use bullet points or numbered lists. Offer a secret or expertise that you have around the topic. Be original in covering your topic as narrowly as possible in a way that has not been done by others. Brevity is golden.

Article Mistake #5 Headline and article summary does not grab readers' attention.

The headline is often ~95% of the initial reason why someone might read your article or pass it over for another article. Don't bore your audience out of the gate with a dull headline or worse, a boring introduction to the article.

If you have to use two sentences to make your headline, you're thinking too hard. Keep it simple and make it brief. Use keyword research tools to optimize your article title.

Article Mistake #6 Plagiarizing or 'buying articles'...

It's ok to research the Internet for article ideas, but it's not ok to copy word-for-word of any article. Paraphrasing can also be classified as plagiarism. Be original. Let the words flow from your mind into your article. You will sleep better at night and your articles will have a higher value in the marketplace.

Buying articles is not a great ideaespecially if you do not get an exclusive license to use them. What good is the same article if thousands of people call it their own? If you do outsource your article writing to ghost writers, make sure you have an exclusive right or license to the works.

Article Mistake #7 Don't burn out the RESOURCE BOX by overloading it.

The RESOURCE BOX is your pay-off for giving your article up for free reprints, but don't abuse the welcome mat by including a dozen website addresses. Stick with one website URL or two at the most and you'll find your article may find a higher distribution rate.

If you want to be really tacky, include an affiliate link in the RESOURCE BOX. A better strategy is to have a domain name registered for every affiliate program that you pitch and include the domain name that rewrites or refreshes to your affiliate link. This is much less tacky and looks more professional.

About The Author:

Christopher M. Knight invites you to submit your best quality original articles for massive exposure to the high-traffic http://EzineArticles.com/ expert author community. When you submit your articles to EzineArticles.com, your articles will be picked up by ezine publishers who will reprint your articles with your content and links intact giving you traffic surges to help you increase your sales. To submit your article, setup a membership account today: http://EzineArticles.com/submit/

Foundation Wall Repair Problem

Moisture Against Gravity - Destroying Walls

2009-09-02T13:15:00.001-07:00

Well I'm going to start this article with a little information on a job I did once.

I had been repairing a rental house for one particular homeowner for about three years when all of a sudden I got a phone call from him telling me the rental house was destroyed and he had never seen nothing like this. He sounded so upset over the phone I told him I would meet with him immediately.

On my way to the house I was trying to get an idea in my head what the house was going to actually look like. Since I have been repairing rental properties for over 20 years at this point of my career, nothing really shocked me. I had pretty much seen everything that could possibly be done to rental property by the tenants that lived there. There is a lot to be said about taking care of it as if it were your own.

He was waiting for me at the front door and he looked thoroughly disgusted. As I approached him he was shaking his head and yelling at the same time can you believe these people, can you believe what they did to my house. I was expecting to see the front door ripped off and all the windows broken out of the house but this wasn't the case.

As he led me through the home and I could see the usual clothing on the floor, broken cabinets, a few holes in the walls and of course that awful smell of mold and mildew. All of this stuff was nothing new to me because I'm the guy they call to fix it when a renter moves out of the property.

As I entered one of the bedrooms I got my first glimpse of something I had never seen before but heard stories about and could not believe my eyes. Looking at the walls in the bedroom about 3 feet from the floor all the way around the room, the plaster was soft. It actually looks like someone shoved popcorn into the wall somehow.

The homeowner wasn't even looking at this because of the rest of the damage in the home. I started to explain to him I'd never seen nothing like this but I could guess it was water damage somehow since the plaster was soft. I could actually stick my finger into the wall, that's how soft the plaster was.

My first thought was to examine the carpeting a little closer to see if it was wet. Well it was damp but it wasn't as wet as I would've expected it to be with the amount of water in the walls. With a little more home inspecting I had found the culprit, it was a broken water bed. The water bed was now in the backyard looking innocent.

I couldn't believe a broken water bed could do this much damage so I looked around for broken or leaking water pipes and could not find any. The other bad news I had to inform the homeowner was that the water had damage the bathroom and closet walls also. These walls of course were on the other side of the bathroom walls that were damaged.

Well the point of this story is that water will actually wick its way up or worked its way up into a wall. I had to remove 4 feet of drywall all the way around the room. The plaster or drywall actually acts like a sponge pulling the water into the walls. Hard to imagine that gravity in this case seems to reverse. I would've never thought that water would've traveled so far up the walls creating that much damage.

To repair the rental property I had to remove the damaged drywall, remove the carpeting, dry the wood framing out and put the whole thing back together.

I'm still amazed and will remember that project for as long as I live.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on House Water Damage

How Are You Coping With the Volatile Changes in Our World?

2009-09-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Since we have seen the biggest turmoil in the financial markets for a number of decades it seems timely to look at the nature of ever ongoing change and how we can adjust to these volatile shifts.

It may have gone undetected by many that the recent turmoil was around the corner for quite some time, but we had hoped that we could cling to our old world and so called securities. The realities of life tell a very different story at present and it really feels for many of us that we are hanging on with clenched teeth trying to rescue all we can. For the most part of course we tend to use our logic and conscious awareness to evaluate our world. What we see in front of our eyes unfolding is all we can get intellectually, but it is a rather superficial view based on the three dimensional thinking we are comfortable with.

It is becoming more and more blatantly obvious that new skills are needed if we want to make sense of our world, let alone succeed in it. Getting on with life as you used to in the past is not sufficient any more. In fact, if you insist on doing things the way you always have done them you will get seriously unstuck sooner rather than later.

If you have done some personal development work you will know that key to navigating through life's trials and tribulations is the ability to see beyond your self imposed limits, literally and develop a more multidimensional approach. Expanding your conscious awareness beyond that which you see and believe your reality to be is of paramount importance if you want to understand more about yourself, your life and successfully resolve the countless issues you deal with on a daily basis.

Just think about how little you see of your world when you just engage your logical, intellectual mind. At any given moment you are only consciously aware of two percent of your environment, that is if you are lucky. This figure reduces even further whenever you experience stress and anxiety. The other 4 million or so pieces of information you take in vanish in the bowels of your subconscious mind.

So, if you are operating purely on what you see and what you can logically comprehend you are missing out on a vast pool of information. Information, provided you could consciously access it, would help you assess situations quicker, identify danger earlier and anticipate change.

It hardly needs spelling out how your life could be improved if you had access to and used your deeper levels of awareness in your daily life. So, how does all this relate to how you are dealing with change?

Change of course is an ongoing thing. The world never stands still and these periods of limbo we so detest are only the precursors for big changes to come. Limbo periods, however never are limbo. What we experience is simply one energy leaving making room for a new energy to come in. You cannot breathe in and out at the same time. At the point where you have exhaled completely and are about to inhale, there is a pause, or a gap. It is this gap which you experience as these frustrating limbo periods. Nothing is happening, yet when you tune into the stillness you will also feel the change that is about to take place.

Just to make things more interesting the longer the previous energy, or inhale the stronger will be the subsequent exhale. It is one of nature's basic laws and it is playing out in the real world right now. Yes, I am afraid I cannot say to you that all is going to be well in the world tomorrow. What I can say though is this, if you change with your world you will have a much better chance of surviving and growing.

We grow by expanding our awareness and adding tools to our mental toolbox. This happens in layers and provided you work at it, new multidimensional experiences can be yours which are truly enriching and can help you put your life on fast forward. However, if you rely solely on your logic and intellect you will find that you are being short changed. Because deep down in the vaults of your subconscious mind all the niggly self sabotaging behaviours and beliefs will carry on unimpeded. True, facing and letting go of the sham that goes on behind the scenes can be uncomfortable at times.

Think of it in terms of short term pain for long term gain. I know this concept does not sit well with many of you. Particularly since there are so many new age web sites out there that promise you the holy grail just by doing nothing but develop a little positive thinking.

True, trusting in a positive outcome can go a long way. Trusting without any foundation though is delusory piffle. So, what is the nature of the sound foundation we are seeking here? The foundation is your ability to go beyond your present horizons, develop expanded awareness and consciousness.

Opening up and expanding your conscious awareness is the key to a more successful and happier future. There are techniques to get you in a focused alpha state that let you access levels of awareness which are normally blocked when your mind is in beta, its normal operating mode for most of us.

Learning to become comfortable with the concept of ongoing change and the knowledge that ultimately we do not know were we are going in the future is key to good decision making and success. If you can be comfortable in the face of the unknown you will build not only peace of mind but your stress levels will reduce dramatically and your general confidence will increase.

Mercedes Oestermann van Essen is a coach, author and energy therapist. Her recent book Cure Your Money Problems For Good teaches principles for prosperity and potent manifestation techniques.