Sunday School in the 21st Century

By Julia Shipley

What does the future hold for Sunday School? It’s a question that Christian educators working at all levels must ask. Why do we see some Sunday Schools that are exciting and growing?
Whilst others are dead, dying or somewhere in between just holding their own, with the same programmes and attendance.

England has a rich history of beginnings and steady growth. Plat owing through the latter half of the last century. Today most Sunday Schools fall into the last category - just holding their own.
A closer look at the first group, the schools that are showing steady growth that is sustained.
That have exciting and dynamic programmes could be the answer we seek. How a higher level of Christian education and commitment can be achieved and promote growth. If we are willing to make changes to our programmes and learn to listen.

Taking time and studying the information about these Sunday Schools the following was noted as common themes. It is not intended as a complete list by any means. The hope is that you will be able to think about how you could make changes to the programmes you run in order to promote more growth.

First these Sunday Schools were large (200 members or more). This gave them the advantage of a larger pool of teachers/leaders to choose from. The encouraging aspect to this is that most started small. You may have a small school now but you can grow!

Secondly most if not all employed a full-time Youth Paster/Director of Christian Education. This was thought to be necessary taking into account the amount of time it takes to co-ordinate and run the various programmes. If a paid person was not an option then they had very active volunteers (individuals or a committee) who gave considerable time to the planning and promoting of the Sunday School.

All were evangelical. All had a definite sense of reaching and meeting the needs of the un-churched and “un-Sunday-Schooled” in their area/community. Regular planned programmes included invitation and visitation. Classes were offered covering evangelism and outreach. Of vital importance was that all these schools made sure visitors and new members were made welcome and made to feel part of the Sunday School family. Some offered special classes for the spiritually “young” members.

There seems to be an abandoning of traditional Sunday School lessons in favour of writing their own curriculum. Whilst others used denominational or independent publishing they made major changes to adapt the material to the needs of the children.

Another interesting aspect was that most had moved away from the single teacher approach to that of team teaching. Two or three people teach a particular class for a year (no more). They agree to study, pray and plan for the coming lessons. The advantage of this is that one person can teach the class whilst the other/s prepare for the next part. The one year commitment also ensures that “burn-out” is not reached as the historical problem of using and exhausting teacher/leaders is avoided.

Today’s children and young people are used to having lessons in small segments of information, each related to the same lesson or theme, presented in rapid succession. The class may start with a story and move into music, drama, guest speaker, crafts etc.

Another way of teaching is to make use of the activity/learning centre approach. This entails children moving from one station to another within the classroom. They learn at their own pace so this method relies on the child’s self-motivation. Activities range from listening centres to week-long activities with parents/carers.

In conclusion it all paints a bright and optimistic future for Sunday Schools. The question remains what will you do to build a Christian education programme? One that will reach into your community and touch the un-churched at the same time building and encouraging members to a deeper commitment to God, His word and His work. It won’t be easy but if you are to have an active, growing Sunday School, do you have a choice?

Julia Shipley is a committed Christian and loves to teach young people the word of God. For more information visit http://www.quick-christian-resources.com

Music Downloads-Downloads and Site Reviews

By Jeffrey Stratton

There are millions of online music lovers out there. An estimated 60 million people who love downloading their favorite music are searching right now for ways to get free unlimited MP3 music downloads for not only their computers but their MP3 players as well.

Many sites out there can charge up to $1.00 per music download. Obviously, this can become very expensive. I recommend you find a site that offers a one-time membership fee. In most cases, these sites often times have unlimited downloads for life with a premium membership.
While there are many sites out there to choose from; my most recommended music downloads site(s) have been listed on my music downloads review site.

With over 15 billion MP3’s online to choose from and the highest quality MP3 music formats; you are going to love this 100% iPod/MP3 player compatible software as much as I do! I could not wait to look over the huge selection of free tools and utilities available; including a media player, antivirus software, firewall and more; many of which are from some very reputable manufacturers. This alone puts this site a step ahead of most of the competition!

One of the coolest things that our highly recommended site provides after the lifetime membership fee is unlimited music downloads with no additional download fees. You can also download full albums with just a simple click and the CD covers to boot! This is a great value folks!

I found that they provide friendly customer/technical support and easy registration which took me no more then two minutes! They also provide you with easy to read user manuals and quick start guides and an idiot proof guide on finding, downloading, playing and burning your favorite music AND getting the most from your membership.

A word of advice; if you are into movies, then you may want to consider taking advantage of the movie download package upgrade! I personally recommend the upgrade. You will be able to download, play and burn your favorite DVD quality movies all for less than the cost of a single DVD!

As you embark on your MP3 music download adventure and venture into the movie realm, I hope you enjoy all the features my recommendations provide. Remember to make the most it! As new features develop, I will continue to keep you in the loop so you are always kept up-to-date on the latest and greatest in the music download industry!

For more information please go to Music Downloads

Guitar Basics - Tuning and Playing a Guitar

By Kirk Downing

What do you think playing guitar is all about? Is it just learning the basic chords and the various techniques of hitting the strings? Or is there more to the whole exercise? To be a good guitar player, you not only have to have the willingness to learn, but a natural flair for the instrument as well does not hurt. As it happens so often, only a few of us are blessed with such talent, and hence we have only a few who are recognized as phenomenal players worldwide. However, do not lose heart; you can still learn about playing guitar for your personal enjoyment.

Regardless of whether you are thinking of playing guitar professionally or as a hobby, it is best to undergo the complete learning experience - not just about the different chords and grips. Let us take a look at a critical aspect of playing the guitar - tuning it.

Tuning and Playing Guitar
A very important aspect of learning how to play the guitar is to know how to tune it. A guitar usually goes out of tune ever so often, owing to a number of external factors - the quality of the guitar, the weather, etc. An out of tune guitar will never produce the exact sound required.
Visualize this: Your friends have gathered at your home for the evening. They know you are learning the guitar, and want you to give a small demo of some of the stuff you have learned. You are eager to show off your knowledge and newly acquired skill to your friends. You pick up the guitar and sure enough, it is totally out of tune. You have no clue how to tune it. What do you tell your friends?

Did you know? A variety of different tuning methods are used today. The most common by far is known as "Standard Tuning" (EADGBE)

Things to Know About Tuning Before You Start Playing Guitar

Playing guitar so you produce the right sound depends, to a large extent, on how well you tune your guitar. There are several different ways to accomplish this task. Universally, tuning the guitar involves using another source of sound at the same pitch as the reference pitch. The sound you reference your guitar to is usually the E note. The E note of your guitar should sound exactly the same as the in-tune reference sound source.

Initially, playing guitar can seem a much easier task than tuning it; the best option available would be to get a hold of a friend who plays the guitar to tune it for you. If this option is not viable, an even easier option for tuning is to use a reference source that produces a fixed sound for each note, and does not go out of tune. You could use a pitch pipe or, even better, an electronic tuner or a synthesizer/piano, both of which are sources that produce fixed sounds for each note that do not go out of tune.

You will find more about guitar tuning in any of the numerous tutorials available on the Internet. Once you know how to tune your guitar you can get on with the actual process of learning how to begin playing guitar.

Kirk Downing is the creator of the popular portal for guitar enthusiasts called JamDojo. Total beginners can find a wealth of information in the form of articles and blog posts. If you're trying to learn how to play guitar, JamDojo.com is the answer.

Successful Relationship tips to stop Defensive Arguments

By Jennine E. Estes, M.A.

Defensive behavior is one of the leading causes of on-going painful conflicts within a relationship, the type which can lead to long term damage. Defensive behavior sends the message to your partner that their experiences and ideas are wrong, and that you are in the right. However, as you may have seen, in these situations, a well meaning defense can quickly turn into a battle where each side is unwilling to give in.

The Communication Battle Attack:History is full of those moments when a true defense was necessary. In romantic medieval times, when a person was attacked, they defended themselves.
They pulled out their armor, a shield and sword, and prepared to do battle. This response was due their desire to protect their own safety. Thinking back to the previous situation, when during an interchange if your partner is in a defensive position, it is generally because they don’t feel safe and possibly feel attacked. This leads them to put on their armor for their own protection, and then pick up their own sword and attack. This situation is what I call a “Communication Battle.” Situations such as these break down the family unit and place the combatants on opposing sides, fighting against each other in a vicious pattern, one that creates little positive communication.

Defensive behaviors can also be a sign of deeper communication issues. Sometimes, no matter how carefully someone addresses an issue with you, you automatically go into defense mode.
This common response is often learned at a young age; when tough situations arise, each of us naturally reacts in a certain way. This reaction becomes a crutch to help us through situations where we need help coping with our own insecurities. However, we often become dependant on our crutches, and choose to keep them around far longer than they are actually needed. If this sounds like you, it will take more of an effort to remove the crutch and change this behavior.

Defensive Behaviors, like many common communication issues often become exacerbated by poor communication skills. In relationships, it is often easier to point out how your partner needs to change than to work as a team to confront the issue together. The most important thing to remember in this situation is that people change when they want to, not when we want them to.

The key to creating change in unhealthy communication patterns is to create a supportive environment, where both partners are working to communicate effectively. This places responsibility on both partners, allowing each to have a stake in the outcome.

Relationships are like a baby mobile, if you tug on one side, everything changes. If you shift your behavior, your partner will automatically have to shift their behavior in response. Make sure you move in the right direction, allowing you partner’s behavior to move in the same way. All this change is often overwhelming, placing us in situations where we once again start to rely on our safe, comfortable, old crutches. However, no movement can happen if we continually rely on our crutches for support. It may be time to remember how to walk on your own again, leaving the crutches behind. Leaving the crutches behind is not easy, but do not fear, it can be done.
Learning to walk unaided again takes a lot of willingness and self exploration, topics which a therapist can assist you with. In my practice, I foster a collaborative exploration in which I ask directing questions; questions which require you to look deep inside, and determine what your crutches are.

Quick Tips to Deal with Defensive Behaviors:

• Keep track of how often you get defensive, use a notebook so an accurate record is kept. What did you say? How was your tone of voice? What was your body language saying? Keeping track helps you become more aware of your own behaviors. Awareness is Key in creating change in life.

• Next time you begin feeling attacked, don’t surrender, withdraw, or attack back. Instead of becoming defensive try to understand where your partner is coming from. Ask meaningful questions about how they feel, and express how you feel.

• Start Individual or couples counseling. You can gain insight and a larger understanding of where this and other negative behaviors come from, why they happen, and how to decrease them.

• Experiment with trying something different. Next time you notice yourself becoming defensive, try doing something different. Notice how your partner reacts. Does he/she react differently? Where they less or more reactive? Look for the smallest change, because changes start small. Remember the mobile, and remember that each change will bring about more changes.

• Of course, no one can be completely rid of their own defensive behaviors; however, we can always decrease our reactivity to create a safe and caring environment for our partner. The safer (emotionally) it is for your partner, the safer your partner will make it for you. They will follow by example.

If you are in San Diego, California and you would like to improve your communication within your relationship, visit http://www.EstesTherapy.com for more information.

Jennine Estes, M.A., Marriage and Family Therapist Intern IMF#47211 Supervised by Mark Kaupp, MFC#33213

Jewelry Manufacturing Terms - Explained

By I. Maher

If you have ever shopped for jewelry, you have likely encountered numerous seemingly foreign terms which describe the way particular pieces of jewelry are crafted. You have probably heard jewelry industry terms such as handmade, electroplate and gold filled, and wondered what these terms are actually supposed to be telling you. By understanding commonly used terms which describe the way jewelry is made, you will be a more educated jewelry consumer and able to make informed decisions when purchasing fine jewelry such as necklaces or eternity rings.
Below are explanations of some common terms that will give you insight into the construction of particular pieces of jewelry:

-Cast: Cast jewelry makes up a majority of the jewelry you will see for sale in stores and online. Casting is a widely used jewelry manufacturing process in which metal is poured or forced into a mold, called a die, making it assume the shape of the cavities of the mold. The metal then cools and hardens in the desired shape, at which point it is called casting.

-Die Struck: Denser and thus more resilient than cast jewelry, die struck jewelry is formed by compressing precious metals into shape by striking or stamping them using harder metal dies.
Requiring specialized equipment and more production time, die struck jewelry is more costly than cast jewelry.

-Handmade: Just as it sounds, jewelry marked “handmade” has been constructed entirely by hand without the aid of mechanical devices. All major components of handmade jewelry have been individually crafted by hand, and no machine manufactured parts may be incorporated into jewelry designated as “handmade.” Handmade jewelry can be relatively costly but is highly sought after due to its uniqueness.

-Gold electroplate: Jewelry carrying this description is composed of a non gold base metal coated with a layer of at least ten carat gold. In order to be classified as gold electroplate, the layer of gold must be applied to the base metal through an electrolytic process and measure at least 0.175 microns (about seven millionths of an inch) in thickness.

-Gold filled: Gold filled jewelry is also comprised of a base metal coated with at least ten carat gold, though the gold coating of gold filled jewelry is bonded to the base metal mechanically through the application of heat and pressure. Gold must comprise at least 5% (or 1/20th) of the weight of a piece in order to be classified as gold filled. You may also see gold filled jewelry referred to as “gold overlay” or “rolled gold plate.”

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings, diamond rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit http://www.Maliere.com

Setting Styles for Diamond Rings

By I. Maher

The manner in which a diamond is affixed to a ring is referred to as its setting, and several different setting styles are used for diamond rings. Below we examine some of the major setting styles for diamonds and other precious gemstones in rings:

Channel Setting: In a ring with a channel setting, one or more diamonds are inset into a channel and held in place by a small lip on either edge. Multiple stones in a channel setting are not surrounded by individual prongs, but are situated snugly next to one another within the same recessed channel. Excellent examples of channel settings are those in eternity rings. Eternity rings usually contain a row of diamonds inset in a channel, which stretches either halfway or all the way around the ring. Channel settings may secure all of the stones in a ring such as an eternity ring, or can be situated on either side of one larger center stone with a different setting style, a popular option for engagement rings.

Prong Setting: Also called a “claw setting,” a prong setting consists of a set of usually four or six metal prongs which protrude from the base of a ring and wrap slightly around the top edge of the diamond to hold it in place. Prong settings are popular for rings with one main diamond as the dominant feature, as is the case with most engagement rings. Prong settings are cost effective, and many people prefer them because of the belief that light can pass through a diamond in a prong setting from the bottom as well as the top, contributing to its brilliance.

Bezel setting: In a bezel setting, also referred to as a “rub-over” setting, the diamond is completely encircled by a band of metal which affixes it securely to the ring. A rub-over setting incorporates an elevated collar of metal around the edges of the diamond, which protects and secures the stone better than other elevated setting styles such as the prong setting. A variation of the rub-over setting is a flush setting, in which a diamond is set into an opening and secured at the bottom, with the top of the diamond extending beyond the base.

Tension Setting: A tension setting is a unique diamond setting style in which the metal of the ring itself holds a diamond securely in place within an opening in the metal. The diamond appears to float, since no metal from the ring extends beneath it. You may imagine the metal of the ring acting as a very strong spring which holds the diamond in place. Rings utilizing tension settings must undergo specialized strengthening treatments since the diamond relies on pressure from either side of the opening to hold it in place. A tension setting allows light to enter the diamond from all angles, giving it extra luminosity.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings, diamond rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit http://www.Maliere.com

The Princess with the "Touch"

By Else Cederborg

The Princess Märtha-Louise is the eldest child of the Norwegian royal couple, King Harald and Queen Sonja. She is number four in the succession and should she suceed to the throne - which is unlikely as the Crown Prince Haakon has children - she would make a very unusual queen indeed. Perhaps Prince Charles of England with his interest for ecology and alternative methods is the one she resembles the most. Well, after all they are second cousins or so.

As to Märta-Louise then she is 35 years old, married to a commoner, a well-known writer by the name of Ari Behn, the mother of two young children and she has renounced all claims to a royal appanage. Also she is a trained physiotherapeut, a writer of children's books, and now also a horse whisperer, starting a school for the alternative healing methods as well as how to connect to angels. This school, Astarte Education, is to teach Norwegians the art of healing, meditation, etc. and this controversial angel contact method.

Had she not been who she is nobody would have raised an eyebrow at her. However, now she has enraged Norsk Luthersk Missionsforbund ("Norwegian Lutheran Missionary Society") to such a degree that they have suggested that she leaves the established church. Both she and her entire family have always been very close to the church so I doubt she is going to do as suggested, but I see the problem with someone of her position making these statements as to her own powers and methods.

How can the church come to terms with someone who claims this special gift? Up till now they have only raged and called her names. Nex step will either be to denounce her as some sort of "witch" or simply let the scandal die out. If they are wise they chose the latter as so many, also in Norway, have alternative inclinations. They have never been asked to leave the church, so why should she? Besides, as the Bible speaks of people who make contact with or are being contacted by angels it's not a valid cause for expulsion of the Princess.

It's cases like this one that turns the search light on the established religion as such. If no one is expected to be able to do what the Bible professes as possible then faith itself suffers. I know that what Märta-Louise is teaching is not all in accordance with the Christian belief as it's New Age, but still, part of it is and I can't see why she should be a heretic for healing and the like. She is only somewhat presumptuous as to talents and methods, but that doesn't make her either a fraud or a "witch".

Personalized Engraved Memorial Wind Chimes

By Lydia Mossi
Want to give a truly unique gift? Want to bring joy to a family member or friend? Let those you love know how you feel. Give a gift that will ring though out the years. Give a wind chime inscribed with your feelings, love, and blessings.

Memorial Wind Chimes celebrate the life and love of family, friends, and pets. Personalized wind chimes are keepsakes that warm your heart and bring joy and happiness as you think of a lifetime of treasured memories. With each gentle breeze, a wind chime can bring comfort to ones left behind.

In a time of grieving, memorial inscriptions for people may be difficult to write. Here are a few examples, "In Memory of ", "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you, and whispered "Come to me" With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay", or "In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still, In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill".

Pet memorial inscription examples, "In Memory of", "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again", or "Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you... I loved you so - 'twas Heaven here with you." Isla Paschal Richardson. Or you may choose to engrave your wind chime with the Rainbow Bridge Poem -

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....:"

Engraved personalized wind chimes make the perfect gift to lift someones spirits.

Lydia Mossi, owner and creator of Chimes Of Your Life Personalized Wind Chimes. A mother of three, an avid supporter of animal rescue, and lover of life.

Seven Simple Exercises to Invite the Extraordinary Life

By Guy Finley

I can think of no greater encouragement than the self-evident Truth that there dwells in each of us the opportunity to explore and know the Extraordinary Life. The meaning of Extraordinary I wish to convey points to the immutable and inexhaustible source that is the secret center of each of us: a timeless resource open and available to anyone who would seek this Life that sits behind life as we know it. Will we spend our lives in mere dreams of winning a limitless life, or will we do the inner- work of awakening from this dream? Choosing the Extraordinary Life begins with our conscious work to realize it, which the following special practices help to ensure.

1. Let Nagging Questions Go Unanswered: In stressful moments, listen to what life is trying to tell you about you instead of searching anxiously for familiar answers to make life feel "right" again. All fearful, doubt-filled moments are secret reflections of what we have yet to understand about life and ourselves, not life's rejection of us or our wish for happiness. Choose to go consciously quiet whenever there is a riot in you. Refuse to take part in the search to repair what you fear may be coming undone. Let go and watch what happens when you consciously sacrifice the fear-filled self. This new action allows the Extraordinary Life to enter into you where its presence alone proves that all is well.

2. Don't Make the Rescue Call: In times of anxiety and fear, we almost always call upon someone or something to help us get through our stress. This dependency on others for strength not only weakens our soul, but also steals from it the possibility of being educated by the Extraordinary Life, which means we miss two major lessons. First, the crucial lesson that all our fears are based upon false evidence that appears real. With this revelation comes our second realization that the same frightened self that seeks rescue secretly confirms its imagined condition as being real each time it cries out for help. Refusing to rescue ourselves from inner states that scare us invites the Extraordinary Life that shows us that no such scared self exists that needs saving.

3. Take the Hard Way: Rut and routine are two sides of the same sad street. Repetitive patterns are the well-worn pavement that our spiritually asleep self loves to tread while it talks us to death with its empty promises of extraordinary times "just ahead." We can learn to do much better let ourselves be betrayed in this way, but it takes inner work! Instead of caving into the demands of those slipshod parts of ourselves always looking for the easy way out, we must choose in favor of what our false nature wants us to see as being the "hard" way. But it's not. In fact, once we learn that the only real way out of what we would rather avoid is to go through it, we discover another self-liberating truth: the only thing that's hard on us is when we allow our unenlightened nature to convince us that getting around something is the same as rising above it.

4. Do the Thing You Fear Doing: There is a correct time and place for thinking through practical plans in the ordinary scheme of life's events. But nothing that is founded in thought can serve to reveal the unthinkable plans that the Extraordinary holds in store for anyone willing to leap into the moment without a parachute. Never mind those old fears of falling. Just jump! Being willing to risk failing is a prerequisite for fearless living. If you will take the leap into what you are afraid of doing, the Extraordinary Life will prove to you that Its unshakable ground is everywhere beneath you at all times. Nothing compares with this discovery because, once realized, there's nowhere to go but up! A note of caution: taking a spiritual leap is far different from taking a reckless physical risk. Never risk the well being of your physical body for the sake of a passing thrill: for what is possible to attain with a body, cannot be without one. The temporary rush of adrenalin has nothing in common with one's awakening to the reality of a timeless, fearless life.

5. Take Time Out from Yourself Every Day: Unseen by the self that walks upon it, thought is a treadmill powered by the movement of our yesterdays as they produce our tomorrows. This is the real meaning of "doing time." The domain of the Extraordinary Life is Timeless. To share Its life, we must enter into Its world. Here is a good way to begin this Work: Every day, as often as can be remembered, chose to break out of that gilded, but self-confining cage called "thinking about yourself." We live under the power of these unconscious ponderings, for when they turn dark and stormy, it is we who are left out in the cold. Even if we can only collect ourselves to meditate, pray or contemplate a Higher Idea for a few minutes at a time, we must do it anyway. These small windows -- opened by our work to remember the Extraordinary Life -- grant us passage into its timeless domain.

6. Open Yourself to Life: Dare to see and experience yourself as you are without giving names to all the varied emotional sensations that present themselves before your watchful inner eyes. Allow the meaning of whatever states you see coming up in you to reveal their actual nature to you. Resist the temptation to interrupt their upwelling by explaining to yourself what you are experiencing. Have no intention toward these thoughts and feelings other than to be open to them and, in doing so, to permit them their uninterrupted passage through you. Why open up to life in this way? For one thing, this gives negative states the back door they need to depart. For another, the Extraordinary Life is very possessive. It will not enter any zone marked "occupied."

7. Make No Campsites: The Extraordinary Life visits individuals, not groups or organizations. It strengthens the soul willing to be alone for its sake. Keep your distance from people who insist that you believe as they do, who hope to convince you that the reality they have satisfied themselves with should satisfy you as well. These deceivers want only to keep you in their unreal camp. Never mind who is walking with you and who isn't. Be wary of any campsite -- inner or outer -- with its bright "welcome weary traveler" sign. Most of these campers desire your company so that they can forget they are going nowhere. Walk on! Your persistence is an open invitation to the Extraordinary Life to show you the Way back home.

-----

Guy Finley is the acclaimed author of more than 30 books and audio programs on the subject of self-realization, several of which have become international best sellers. His popular works, published in 16 languages, are widely endorsed by doctors, professionals, and religious leaders of all denominations. Among many others, his popular titles include: The Secret of Letting Go, Design Your Destiny, The Lost Secrets of Prayer, Apprentice of the Heart, and Let Go and Live in the Now.

To learn more about the work of Guy Finley and his non-profit Life of Learning Foundation, visit http://www.guyfinley.org for a wealth of free helpful information, free audio and video downloads, and to request your FREE Self-Improvement Starter Kit.

Personal Loans - Make Your Desires Come True

By Steve C Clark

In the contemporary times every body wants to grow and move ahead of other in terms of living standard. But this can’t be done with one’s salary alone. If this is the case then personal loans are best alternatives. Personal loans can be availed to meet any and every of your needs. Personal loans provide you finance at easy terms and conditions.

Types of personal loans
Secured personal loans: If you are looking forward to avail large amount of money at low interest rate then secured personal loans are best for you. To avail secured personal loans you will have to place one of your properties as collateral with the lender. This helps you to avail personal loan at very low interest rate and with flexible repayment options. With secured personal loans you can easily avail an amount ranging from £5000-£75000. With a repayment duration that ranges from 5-25 years

Unsecured personal loans: - Unsecured personal loans are ideal for people who are in need of small amount of money for short term usage. The interest rate is a bit higher compared to secured personal loans but you don’t have to risk your property in order to avail unsecured personal loans. The loan amount that can be availed with unsecured personal loans ranges from £1000-£25000. This amount depends upon the monthly income and repayment ability of the borrower. The repayment duration of unsecured personal loan ranges from 1-10 years. Lenders charge slightly higher interest rate with unsecured personal loans because of the risk factor involved. Borrowers don’t need to go through credit checks in order to avail personal loans. A person suffering from bad credit status due to arrears, defaults, CCJ, IVA, bankruptcy etc can easily avail personal loans. Bad credit borrowers can increase their chances by placing collateral with the lender.

PERSONAL LOANS: USAGE
You can use personal loans for any purpose like paying bills, going for vacation, weeding, paying previous debts, buying new car and so on.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR PERSONAL LOANS
You can easily avail personal loans either by applying to physical lender or through online market. To apply you just need to fill up an online application for mentioning certain details like the type of loan, amount you want to avail and period to mention you want to avail the loan. Also you will have to mention your contact details like phone number, current address, e-mail address etc. Personal loan are the best way to avail good amount of money at competitive interest rate.

Steve Clark can tell you how to look better, live better and breathe better by giving you tips to improve your finances.He writes on loans. His ideas can help you rejuvenate your money.To know more visit http://www.ezpersonalloansuk.co.uk

Network Marketing Facts In Just 15 Minutes?

By Brian Connors

Are you one that would love to hear the benefits of joining up with a successful network marketing company but just can't give the time to attend one of those meetings intended to get people like yourself signed up? Would you much rather like to put aside 15 minutes at your leisure to get the facts about how a certain company is gaining serious momentum within the world of Network Marketing?

Isagenix is this company that offers a video tool online for anyone to watch and listen in order to understand the unique advantages of becoming an Associate or higher within their organization. It would be an intelligent home business seeking decision to review this video and get all of the facts. Once you sign-up this tool could also be a part of your marketing efforts to build your own business!

Would it be worth your precious time to view the film? One should think so considering the fact that Isagenix after just 5 years has surpassed $300 million in cumulative sales, created 14 millionaires, and has helped over 40 people lose 100 pounds or more. Thousands have improved their health with their Isagenix products and the company is expecting 2007 sales to top $225 million.

Isagenix now has about 150,000 Associates throughout USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and has recently expanded to Hong Kong. The company with its weight-loss, longevity, and skin care products is increasingly becoming a household name. Maybe it’s high time you invested 15 minutes of your time to possibly change your life for the better.

I won't take any more of your precious time. Just go to http://www.isamovies.com which explains it all at a time that may be much more convenient and private for you. You now have the keys that could make your ambitions become realistic and within reach. You can also be assured that the Mentor that you sign-up under as well as Isagenix marketing tools would be at your disposal during your quest to get the most out of life.

Watch http://www.isamovies.com and contact me if you have any questions or wish to give me your opinion. Get the stories on the video about people who have become millionaires through Isagenix and make a gut check within yourself to determine if you have the will to be just like them.

Brian is an Isagenix Independent Associate who wishes to share his ideas regarding a Network Marketing opportunity. Discover 4 ways to make money as well as watch a video about the dynamic Isagenix compensation plan by going to http://victory4u.isagenix.com/us/en/wealth.dhtml

New Stop Smoking Medication - Which One Is The Most Effective

By Peter Finch

Several therapies have entered the market to help smokers curb the smoking habit. No sooner is one treatment method entrenched in the market than another new stop smoking medication makes its debut on the shelves. This inundation of treatment methods has actually flummoxed the person who wants to give up smoking. If you are a smoker thinking to give up, then it is necessary to make a comparison of the various kinds of new stop smoking medication so that you know what will work the best for you.

Nicotine replacement methods are not that new actually - they have spent some years on the shelves. But still they are so popularly used nowadays that people think they are new entrants in the market. These come in various forms like patches, gums, lozenges, etc. All of them contain nicotine as the main ingredient. When a person uses a nicotine replacement product, then he or she is getting a fix of nicotine, which helps to keep away the urge for the real cigarette. This works because pure nicotine is not as harmful as the other ingredients in the cigarette, especially tar.

But even with nicotine replacement methods, depression is common. In fact, the depression could lead to the person becoming demoralized and return back to active smoking. For this reason, different antidepressants have been developed. In fact, popular new stop smoking medication is in the form of antidepressants such as varenicline (brand name Chantix) and buproprion (Wellbutrin). Both of these help the body's nervous system to cope with the depletion of active nicotine from the receptor cells, which controls the depression.

These drugs are also helpful to a great extent in cold turkey situations. Doctors prescribe both Chantix and Wellbutrin to a large extent, but suggest the quitting smokers to keep the medications supplemented with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

However, antidepressant drugs have one great failing - they cannot be used in all kinds of people. There are several contraindications for them, and people with serious disease conditions like diabetes mellitus and liver and kidney problems must strictly avoid their use. In some people - especially young teens - both varenicline and buproprion can stimulate suicidal tendencies.

That is the reason why the very new stop smoking medication - the herbal remedies - have become so hugely popular. These contain a very judicious blend of herbs that can work in several ways to heal a person from smoking addiction. Herbs like Saint John's Wort and chamomile have been used for their antidepressant properties for centuries, while herbs like lobelia and cinnamon can actually make the taste of nicotine unbearable to a smoker. For this reason, a proper formulation of these herbs can cure the smoking addiction like nothing else can.

Apart from acting as antidepressants, these herbal remedies can flush out the toxic buildup in the smoker's body. This is a very advantageous edge over other new stop smoking medications that are thronging the market.

Among the recent popular brands that have infiltrated the market, remedies like SmokeRX stand apart simply because they have the right blend of herbs and not just fillers. For this reason, these remedies work very effectively and also show quick results. In fact, their acting time is oftentimes so short that the person can completely quit smoking, without having to go through the excruciating cold turkey phase.

Also, it is slightly wrong to classify herbal remedies as new stop smoking medication, because they have been in use since thousands of years. It is only recently that products are being made by blending several of these effective herbs in the right proportion.

Are you serious about quitting smoking? If you are, then you must try the amazing all herbal stop smoking pill which actually helps you quit in just 7 days. Guaranteed. Yes, this time you can do it. SmokeRx is the ultimate in stop smoking aids and has helped numerous people to quit the habit. Stopping smoking has never been this easy or quick. Forget nicotine patches, gum and sprays. Why fill your body with nicotine when you want to get rid of it? All herbal SmokeRx works. We guarantee it.

Why Aren't You Using Distance Learning?

By Nic Haffner

Today most established persons have a thrilling schedule as well as an almost endless list of responsibilities and obligations. How can people living under such conditions ever be able to take any kind of education? The answer is: distance learning. More and more people are turning to this way of learning for increasing their education level.

There are lots of institutions that currently provide distance learning courses, and although quality may vary, advancing your education could never hurt. There are many diverse types of distance learning courses that both traditional and non-traditional students are using to fit education into their hectic lifestyle. In other words this is a form of education that has flexibility as it's main purpose by connecting instructors and students across a large distance. However, the format and scheduling used can have a considerable impact on the learning cognition.

E learning courses are nothing but distance learning courses conducted online or from the internet. One of the big benefits of e learning courses is that they are considered to be 'open study' courses. This means that the student is responsible for getting online and finding the information and readings he or she find necessary on their own time, instead of having to meet for class at a predetermined time or location.

Some of these distance learning courses even require students to commute to a classroom on a nearby campus where they will get instruction and lectures indirectly. The most common format is a classroom with a TV monitor that is either connected to a live feed where the teacher resides, or an already recorded lesson is played. Many towns and cities with mid to large colleges, will broadcast destinct classes over public access channels so that students can receive lectures and class information from the comfort of their own home. One benefit of broadcasting lessons over public access television is that with a VCR or Tivo, you can record the lesson and watch or rewatch it in your own pace. This is especially valuable when parts of the lesson is hard to grasp and you need time to understand a particular point. Having lessons recorded can be a valuable asset especially when studying for a test since you can watch the actual lecture again and again as long as you need to understand each point.

Although distance learning has caught on and is widely used by non-traditional students who have day jobs and a busy lifestyle, many high schools are taking advantage of this kind of learning as well. One reason for this is because the high schools can gain access to extremely skilled and knowledgeable teachers through distance learning courses thus does not have to hire one. It can even give high schools the opportunity to offer specialized classes and develop high caliber programs that can delve deeply into a particular field. This is especially useful for rural school districts that may have difficulty attracting and paying for the best teachers, but with distance learning classes, they can provide their students with instruction from the best available instructors.

The increasing availability of distance learning courses is allowing a lot of people to attain or finish a degree or become certified. Many people who would not have been able to do so without this option. As more and more people become used to the internet and the need for skilled workers increases, rest assured that distance learning will become even more dominant.

Nic Haffner likes to publish online degree in days info. You can go to the website online accredited degrees for more.

What Is Affiliate Marketing - The Basics Of Sales & Affiliate Marketing Explained

By Joe Stewart

Affiliate marketing is simply marketing products and services of online merchants in exchange for a commission from each sale or action. This is really not much different than actually being a commissioned sales person, however, rather than using a telephone or going door to door to sell your wares, you've got millions of people on the internet to market to. Many of which are already looking for what you have to offer.

There is a difference between marketing and selling though and you'll need to understand that before you begin working your affiliate marketing business. Selling is very direct and as a salesperson, you expect a reaction after you've given a presentation for a product. That reaction is generally either a sale or rejection. This is why sales people are constantly looking for good leads. They normally don't get too many chances with a prospect and their paycheck depends upon whether they make the sale or not. I've personally been in this position many times and, although I was able to put on a good "show" under pressure, it's not always a very pleasant way to work.

Marketing is simply getting the word out to people. There are many different ways of doing this and yes, sometimes selling does cross over into this category, but smart marketers are pro's at providing information to prospects in such a way that they come looking for you instead of you having to chase after them. This is called "positioning" yourself and it works like a charm.

Anyway, affiliate marketers use both tactics. They may sell a product by producing a well written sales letter or they may write a simple product review that shares their personal experience with a product and then send the prospect to the merchant where they can sell them.

This is just the basics of how affiliate marketing works. There is, of course, a lot more to it than this. This is just a brief answer to the question "What is affiliate marketing?"

Has Learning Affiliate Marketing Been Tough For You? Are you spending a lot of money and time only to have the same result? Grab my free report "Top 10 Affiliate Mistakes" and save yourself a lot of heartache. Visit MakeAffiliateCash.com Right Now. You'll learn what NOT to do and finally get yourself on the right track. What Is Affiliate Marketing. Joe Stewart is an Internet Marketer and Small Business owner that enjoys helping others.

Driveway Gates - Guarding Your Home With A Driveway Gate

By Rob Hargreaves

A driveway can be defined as a private road. It is a private road for local access. It provides access to one building structure or a small group of structures. A driveway is often owned, managed and maintained by an individual or group or individuals.

Driveways can be decorated, like in ways that public roads which can not be. This is due to their lighter traffic. It is also due to the willingness of an owner to invest in their construction. Driveways are often not resurfaced or snow blown or kept up by any governmental body. These gates are often designed to conform to the often age old architecture of home or other building to which the driveway is connected home or other building.

The cars are often parked in longer driveways and that leaves the streets clear from the traffic. In the city of Pasadena, there is a certain time limit for parking. The cars cannot be parked from 2 am till 6 am. This results in deeper driveways having been built. Residential driveways are also frequently used by their owners for things such as a Garage Sale or an auction, auto washing, repair, recreation etc., most notably in North America for playing a game of basketball. Material used for building driveways includes concrete and cement, decorative bricks, in combination with grass or other ground cover plants.

Driveways, like all personal property, need to be protected. To aid you in protecting your driveway is available many driveway gates, which we often call, driveway entrance gates, driveway security gate etc.

Driveway gates are the first defense that your home has against unwanted elements. Driveway gates are very useful to keep intruders at bay. Driveway Gates, also known as driveway security gates are often the cause of many a foiled robbery plans. Driveway gates are often customized according to the wishes of a house owner. Driveway security gates are the best resource available to protect your property against unwanted elements and to keep them at bay.

Driveway gates are of many types. Some of them are Electromechanical while others are mechanical. You also have hydraulic driveway gates. Electromechanical Driveway Security Gates use power from the mains. This power is used to open the driveway gate to let in the person standing outside. Generally there are three types of electromechanical driveway gates i.e. Worm driven driveway gates which are also called Screw type driveway gates, articulated arm operated driveway gates and underground operated driveway gates. Electrical and automated driveway Gate openers are designed for both types of driveway gates i.e. the sliding gates and the swinging gates and also the fences. These gate openers can be programmed to open with a manual device. One can also use a wireless transmitter. These automatic driveway gate operators are also many a times fitted with solar panels. This ensures their smooth function during blackouts or during loss of electricity.

The second type of driveway gates is the hydraulic gates. Hydraulic driveway gate openers are used to open a hydraulic driveway gate. They have less moving parts as compared to the other driveway gates and are often more effective.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith working in Mr-Locks Inc - Locksmith company New York City. For any information and suggestion related to Driveway Gates please visit: www.mr-locks.com.

Tips On Planning Unforgettable Cruises

By Kurt A. Schefken

Over the years, cruises have become a more poplar way to travel. Because there are many different types of cruises, you will have to narrow down where you want to travel to first and then find a cruise line that is headed to that location. Some cruises make stops in more than one port along the way, which can give you a chance to see more areas than you would have if you were traveling by car or other mode of transportation. Many people take cruises because they don't have to worry about driving, navigating, or finding their way out of strange towns and cities when they become lost.

On a cruise, you will have to ability to set your own schedule. If you want to sleep in one day and get up early the next, you can do so. There are plenty of restaurants that serve food all day long on a cruise ship. As you get closer to your destination, you will begin to feel the excitement of visiting a new place. The people you meet on cruises are usually very friendly and want to explore a new place as much as you do. You will make many new friends while on a cruise.

Travelling by sea is a great way to relax while on vacation. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may be able to relax for an entire week or more. Many people take two or three week cruises when they want to relax. The longer the cruise, the more ports the ship will stop in. This will give you an opportunity to shop, try new foods, and take some great pictures. Being able to tell people what a great time you had through pictures is one way to not miss any details when describing your trip to places like Costa Blanca and Alicante.

Before you choose a cruise, you should find out if there will be added expenses for travel, accommodations, and travel insurance. If you are traveling with a group, you should nominate one person to handle the arrangements in order to avoid confusion. Once the arrangements have been made, you should pay close attention to the weather to see what you will need to pack. Since you will be on the water for a few days, you should pack a few long sleeve shirts and a light jacket. You may also need to pack formal wear if it is required during dinner time.

Cruises can be taken at any time during the year. Planning in advance is the best way to have a good time. This means making sure you have all of your reservations, seating arrangements, clothing, and other items in order before the cruise dates. During your vacation, make sure you take plenty of pictures, make new friends, and have a great time.

The technical writer Kurt Schefken is specifically passionate about information much like Benidorm. Through his reports, he proofed his experience on issues related to Costa Blanca and Benidorm.

Free Ring Tones For Cell Phones - The How To Guide!

By Marie Sanders

We are currently entering what is now known as the cell phone era, where everyone has a highly technological peace of machine that is intended to receive and make calls, but has a dozen of other features. Aside from the all the other perks a cell phone might have ringtones and getting these free ring tones for cell phones, has become a major industry. Since the technological advance of cell phones letting users customize download and interchange music through Bluetooth, getting free ringtones has boomed becoming a multimillion dollar industry. This article will explore the different aspects of ring tones from its history to how to obtain free ring tones for cell phones.

Now a day’s ringtones have become a commodity throughout the World Wide Web. However, this wasn’t always true; ring tones started out as simple monophonic tones that helped identify a cell phone and differentiate your phone from others. As the technology in cell phones advanced polyphonic tones become standard on cell phones until today where almost every cell phone has some sort of mp3 player. Because the wide availability of this technology more people are in need of songs and tones to identify their phones and the high demand for "free ring tones for cell phones" is born!

Nevertheless, there may be a demand for this, but the offer for free ring tones for cell phones, is not entirely present. Many cell phone providers such as Verizon and Cingular try to lure customers into paying on average 3 to 4 dollars per ringtones they download off their page.
However, luckily these are not the only WebPages that offer to download new exciting ringtones.
There are hundreds of WebPages that offer free ring tones for cell phones that do not make money of the actual process of downloading the ringtone. Instead they make money of the advertising that is placed on their websites. This is why these types of WebPages that offer free ring tones for cell phones without any further charge, are helping satisfy the large demand in the market.

As you may have seen as technology advances so do peoples crave for its appliances. This is just the beginning to what the ring tone industry has to offer. In the near future we will see phone companies try to take advantage of the developing technologies and allow users to download and pay for their ring tones right of their cell phones. And as always those who believe that downloading should not be charged, will provide their own free ring tones for cell phones on cell phones, where users will download their songs instantly onto their phones.

Marie Sanders loves ringtones, especially polyphonic ringtones. Her free ringtones webpage has been a popular choice for downloading ringtones to your cell phone. At www.your-freeringtone.com you can find ringtones as free as they can be, they way its meant to be. Go to her site and start downloading ringtones for free now!

A Guide to Global Warming

By Carl Ganser

Temperature change is a normal occurrence that is happening in the planet that we live in, but the varying temperature patterns seen lately has been linked to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, more simply known as Global Warming. Even though there were changes in the temperatures in the early ages of our planet, it was considered to be normal. But, the evolution of industries and factories in the early 1900’s has brought a wide change in the temperature patterns that are causing a lot of concern to the researches and scientists. The main factor attributing to global warming is the emission of polluting gases like carbon dioxide, methane etc into the atmosphere. By definition, Global warming is the increase in the average temperature that gradually warms the Earth’s atmosphere.

Global warming is a phenomenon that has been on the rise all these years. But, in the last century, the rise in the temperature levels has been alarming. The studies that have been conducted to find out the increase in the atmospheric temperature have been attributed to the greenhouse gas concentrations, volcanoes and solar variations. The increase in the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere will cause severe climatic changes and weather condition changes.

The main cause of global warming is the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is well known that every tree takes in carbon dioxide from the air during its growing process and it gives out carbon dioxide when it dies or the wood decays. In the last decade, many trees have been felled and woods burnt and these acts have further added to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The effects of global warming are even more alarming. If no action is taken to prevent or subsidies the effect of global warming, it will prove to be catastrophic. Already a few facts have come out regarding the ill effects of global warming on this planet. The Kilimanjaro glaciers have been melting so rapidly that the mountain lost a quarter of its ice from 2000 to 2006. There have been reports that the glaciers in the Andes Mountains are also melting rapidly. The massive melting of these glaciers is evidence that the world is getting too warm too fast.

The following are the facts about the effects of global warming on this planet - average surface temperature has increased by about 0.6 C over the past 100 years; sea level has risen by 10 to 20 cm over the past 100 years; increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide of about 75% annually due to the burning of fossils, while 25% is attributed to changes in the land use like deforestation, overgrazing and over cultivation; precipitation has increased in some land areas and deceased in other areas; increase in the droughts in areas like Asia and Africa; major flooding in different areas and more recently Tsunami that caused havoc to life and property in many parts of the world.

The major cause for this global warming to occur on this Earth is considered to be man made and its effects can only be drastically reduced or erased from this planet, if each and every one of us drives ourselves to this common cause. Global warming in this planet can be significantly reduced if we reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and other polluting gases into the atmosphere, stopping deforestation and starting re-forestation, minimal use of non renewable energy and using renewable energy sources in your homes and offices.

Global Warming is very real, and its here. Many of us still are ignorant of the crashing effects of climate change and global warming, visit the Global Warming Pages for more info at http://globalwarmingpages.com

Making A Difference In Your Business - Ten Steps To Get You Going

By Martin Haworth

People skills, you either have them or you do not. True - up to a point. Some managers are great at getting from their people exactly what is vital and important in others, well, let's say, less so.

Still, for all there is hope to make progress, by focusing on some key points to build your business quickly and effectively, just by knowing better how to handle your people.
Here are the ten key areas you want to look at - in yourself...

Listen Well
It will come as no surprise, but the way you consciously, deeply listen to what others have to say to you is vital. Ask secondary questions.

Recognize and Take Opportunities
Any and every interaction is an opportunity for this. Make the most of every chance you have to make a positive difference to someone - try once a day to start with!

Build Positive Relationships
Whatever the stresses and strains you are under, take a deep breath when you are going to talk with someone. Your personal state makes a difference - and they notice. 'Respond' rather than 'react' - there's a difference.

Appreciate Others Efforts
People try hard to do their best. Start with that premise and you will be making a difference wherever you go. It's often not the girl-on-the-end-of-the-phone's fault - she's probably having a tough day herself. It's not the harassed shop assistant's fault. Seek to understand.

Say 'Thank You' Often and Easily
WOW!! This is one winning strategy. There is a website somewhere that says the biggest difference you can make to anyone, anytime, is to say 'Thank You'. (By-the-way, it makes you feel great too!)

See Positives In Everyone
There are positives in everyone. It is not about them, it is about you. The most aggressive and challenging person has energy! There are true positives in everyone. The best leaders find it and leverage it - for everyone's benefit.

Be Gentle To Your People
Courtesy, kindness, understanding - all words hardly befitting leading edge, tough & mean business managers. Ah, but that's where you might be wrong. Business focus can be as sharp as you like, but that still means you treat people well. By supporting them when they need support, they will support you.

Be Generous With Others
In life there are little opportunities to give. Of time; of money; to things that need your support. Rarely will you be so short on resources that you cannot afford to support, in some small way, someone else.

Accept Gratitude Back
Treat inbound thanks and gratitude well! By taking these 'gifts' in a gracious, appreciative way, you build relationships. People feel good around you too.

Recognize Yourself And Your Needs Too
Do not forget you. Making a difference is about being accepting of yourself in all of the above. Take time to appreciate you and what you do - you are a truly great person. So accept it with good grace!

Ten easy steps to move your business along. People focused, busy where you need to be. It takes time, courage and honesty to get these right. If you do, you will inevitably be successful
(c) 2007 Coaching Businesses To Success. Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, http://www.Coaching-Businesses-To-Success.com

Halloween Recipes Are Great For Creating Ghoulish Halloween Food And Candy Treats

By Daryl Plaza

Halloween is meant to be the most frightening and scary night of the year. The guests at your Halloween themed party are certainly going to want to see you using some Halloween recipes to create fantastic Halloween treats for the table. Of course, the more ominous looking, and shockingly scrumptious the Halloween food is at your Halloween themed party, the more fun it will be. You can find a lot of different Halloween recipes that will bring out the devil in you, and provide you with inspiration to create ghoulish Halloween treats from almost any type of food that you can imagine.

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Recipes
One of the most well known and enjoyable types of Halloween decorations is a Jack O'Lantern, carved from a pumpkin. Of course, once you have carved a handful of pumpkins into scary masterpieces that you can display around your home, you are left with a lot of pumpkin flesh - this means it is time to get cooking some pumpkin Halloween treats. Some of the best Halloween recipes that are a great way to use this leftover pumpkin are for pies, soups, cookies and muffins.

Apples are another popular Halloween food item, because they are in season then too. Toffee apples are wonderful Halloween treats, and bobbing for apples makes a great game at your Halloween themed party that all the kids will love. Cookies are always a favorite treat, and you can create some creepy cookies for your Halloween party. The type of cookie mixture doesn't need to be anything fancy, the fun comes from using Halloween themed cookie cutters, such as bats, ghosts or Jack O'Lanterns, or just letting your imagination run wild and creating your own free hand designs. Food coloring adds a truly frightening finishing touch to the icing on these Halloween treats.

Halloween Tricks - or Treats?

It doesn't matter whether you are choosing which types of Halloween treats and drinks you want to serve at your Halloween party, or are trying to decide what sort of treats you are going to dish out to the miniature monsters and small spooks that turn up at your door, there are a lot of fun Halloween recipes that you can wrap up and give away as Halloween party favors, or rewards for not having any tricks played on you.

For example, a great idea for treats for your Halloween themed party is to make popcorn ghosts. Just use your favorite popcorn ball recipe, and shape them into ghostly shapes. Add a Popsicle stick for a handle, and jellybeans for eyes, and you have the perfect Halloween treat. You can adapt all of your kids' favorite foods into terrifying treats. There is no need to spend a lot of money on Halloween treats, and it can be easy to create some monstrous munchies with a little imagination. You can add your own hint of Halloween to almost anything to create devilish drinks and gruesome goodies.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to Spookynite.com a Halloween informational website on creative ideas for planning a Halloween parts with decorations, music, costumes, food and candy treats.

Article Marketing - How to Build Your Pre-Qualified, Super Responsive List With Article Marketing

By Jeff Herring

Article marketing and I have been friends for a long time. I've used article marketing since 1994 to build my businesses. For 20 years, beginning in 1986, I was a marriage and family therapist in private practice. For 12 of those years I used article marketing as my main way of driving new clients to my practice. In a city glutted with therapists, most of whom relied on the Yellow Pages in the phone book for new clients, I became the most well known and most referred to therapist by writing a weekly column for the local newspaper.

This led to not only a full practice for me, but a full practice for others as well, as I had to do something with the overflow of clients.

The weekly article was quickly picked up by other papers both offline and online. I ended up doing relationship coaching on the phone before coaching was cool.

All this led to prospects reading my articles, liking what I had to say, and calling me ready to spend whatever I charged for relationship coaching.

Enter the Internet and Article Directories

I've given you this brief bit of history to demonstrate that article marketing works! What's really exciting is that article marketing works even more powerfully on the internet.
Which would you rather have coming to your web site -

1. A prospect who found you in the search engines or through Google Adwords (roughly the online equivalent of the phone book Yellow Pages) who is skeptical and guarded about being sold something.

or

2. A prospect who has read your article online, has begun to know, like and trust you, and can't wait to get to your site to find out more.

Which one would you want on your list?

That's the power of list building with article marketing.

With your permission, I'd like to offer you free access to two of my Article Writing Templates to help you write your articles and build your list. 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 and GreatArticleMarketing.com

Be A New Improved You With Hypnosis

By Jon Rhodes

Hypnosis can be used to improve ALMOST EVERYTHING about yourself that you can think of.

It can make you MORE SUCCESSFUL by improving your confidence, memory, mood, imagination. Hypnosis is often used to help people pass exams, present dynamic presentations, excel in job interviews, and stay focussed on goals.

It can help COMBAT MEDICAL PROBLEMS such as skin complaints, stress, insomnia, asthma, IBS.

Hypnosis can also be used to CONTROL HABITS such as smoking, drinking, drugs, overeating, nail biting.

Or it can be used as a general relaxation aid to help us in our stressful lives. The list goes on…
WHY ISN’T EVERYONE USING IT? Probably for a variety of reasons. First of all many people are scared of using it. They hear stories of people thinking they are chickens, or just generally ‘under’ some kind of spell. Stage hypnotists have long since created the wrong impression of hypnosis. They simply pick volunteers who are extroverts and want an excuse to act daft. A person in a trance does not sing and dance like Elvis!

Also a person is not actually ‘under’ a trance. A good hypnotist GUIDES someone into a trance. It is just as much the skill of the patient as it is the hypnotist.

A trance is actually an everyday phenomena for most of us. It occurs when you are engrossed in a book or film, or during meditation. You must allow yourself to go into trance, no-one can make you. Also you can snap out of it any time you please. If you could control others against their will, there would probably be a lot of wealthy unscrupulous hypnotists who regularly visit their bank managers!

Many people may not use hypnosis because of the cost and the difficulty finding good practitioners. A lot of people are put off paying high prices for a technique they are not sure will work.

It seems folk would rather pay for a good than a service. People seem to feel less cheated if they pay for something like nicotine patches, rather than a hypnosis session for smoking for example. It’s probably down to our materialistic notions that ‘we have something to show for it’. However the end result is all that matters. Hypnosis is known to have a far greater success rate for smokers than nicotine patches.

Some people may not trust enough to use the services of a hypnotist. They may not like talking to a relative stranger about their problems, or just might not like meeting new people. However there are now other ways of receiving hypnosis through recorded media, or even down the phone. Recorded sessions are cheaper, and can be used many times for greater effect. Most of us cannot afford the services of a good hypnotist several times per week.

However there is a wide scope of self improvement with hypnosis that literally billions of people are missing out on. Don’t be one of them!

Still cynical? Then try my site www.freehypnosistreatment.com. It contains free online hypnosis sessions. You can then see for yourself if hypnosis is for you without parting with a penny.
All I ask is that if you like the site, recommend it to friends and family. This will allow us to fund the expansion of our site through our sponsorship. We believe that everyone should be aware of the helpful power of hypnosis, and should have the opportunity to use it.

Hope to see you soon. Jon Rhodes

Jon Rhodes is a qualified clinical hypnotist, and owner of the free-hypnosis site http://www.freehypnosistreatment.com He strongly believes in the provision of therapies for all. Jon also works with people suffering mental health problems, and teaches life skills at colleges around the UK.

Body Shaping - How To Build A Nice Butt

By Scott Abbett

The late Vince Gironda, a legend in bodybuilding circles, had some eccentric opinions. It's said that his gym in Studio City, California was devoid of free weight squat racks because he believed squatting exercises only created "turnip thighs" and a big butt. Well, what on earth is wrong with thighs that are big near the top (as long as it's muscular size) and a booty that has a protruding contour? These are muscles as deserving of respect and attention as any other. And in the case of the gluteus maximus; it possesses the potential to carry more power and size than any other muscle in the body.

Sometimes it appeared that Mr. Gironda's assertion was that only men shouldn't build their butts. This seems like a sexist opinion. Given that surveys of women have repeatedly revealed that they look at the male posterior as much as vice versa, it'd be natural to assume that inspiring a woman to improve her rear contour might be best accomplished by her male counterpart improving his. Yet I think most women are aware of their derrières and want to make them more appealing. For this reason, the motivation through inspiration might need to go in the other direction. Regardless, building a better butt is best done with the same process (whether you're male or female), despite what some would have you believe with their recommendations.

The number one body shaping principle to keep in mind for improving your butt is to realize that "shaping" or "firming" the area actually requires some muscle building. Adopting the widespread notion that you can noticeably change your glutes without adding some muscle to them will likely lead to unsatisfying results and disillusionment. Muscles don't really improve in shape or become harder without adding new muscle tissue. If you lose three pounds of fat from this region and don't simultaneously gain three pounds of muscle, you'll have a net loss in glute size and it's unlikely that you'll have a nicer butt. This seems especially likely given the fact that muscle weighs more than fat, thereby resulting in less visual mass created by three pounds of muscle than three pounds of fat. Of course, the muscle will likely be more visually appealing than even a third of that fat, but that's venturing in to subjective opinion.

What we want are some objectively reliable methods for steadily building the glutes. The two most effective exercises I know of for accomplishing this are deep squats and stiff-legged dead-lifts. These two movements will build size and shape in your glutes faster and more impressively than doing endless lunges across a gym floor. Yet the performance of lunges is ubiquitous among women while squat racks and stiff-legged dead-lift platforms often appear abandoned by the same. Actually, they seem abandoned by men also. This could be due to the fact that working the glutes within a lower body workout can be an arduous endeavor.

One incredibly effective machine for performing glute-bulging, deep squats while easily maintaining safety is the squat machine by BodyMaster. It has a forty-five degree angled platform to stand on while supporting the weight with arched shoulder pads. When facing inward (toward the weight) on this machine, you can perform what people refer to as a "power squat". With your feet placed as far back on the platform as they safely can be and shoulder width apart, squat downward until your butt touches the back of your heels. This will require that you stick your butt outward as you descend to the deepest part of the squat in order that you don't strain your lower back. It's this hip-protruding posture from the deepest squatting position to the halfway point on your way back up where the gluteus muscles get their best workout.

Stiff-legged dead-lifts might seem counter-intuitive. Society tells us to bend at the knees when we pick up something heavy. But that instruction assumes that our only alternative is to lift from the lower back – which is NOT where you should lift from while doing this exercise.
Bodybuilders know that there is also the option of lifting primarily from the hamstring and glute muscles when picking something up without the use of the quadriceps. Moreover, if you keep your mind focused on your gluteus muscles while lifting the weight, you'll be performing an exercise that is second-to-none for building a strong and incredibly shapely butt.

When performing stiff-legged dead-lifts, it's best be on a platform specifically designed for the exercise. This platform provides a rack for the weight bar at about hip level. It's also narrower than the width of the bar so as to allow the plates on the bar to drop lower than the platform you're standing on when you're at the bottom of the movement. Make sure you keep your feet just slightly wider than shoulder width (for better glute involvement), and bend very slightly at the knees. Holding the bar with your hands at shoulder width, lower the weight by bending at the hips until the bar touches the top of your feet near your lower shins. Then, keeping the back stiff and slightly arched, bring your body back up to nearly upright while pulling from your glute muscles. Be sure to keep the bar up against your body throughout the movement to help prevent using your back.

NEVER attempt these exercises if you have a back injury and always consult your physician before beginning a routine involving these exercises or any other training regimen for that matter.

That said, here is the best four-exercise routine I'd recommend for building the butt:

1. Deep Squats (BodyMaster machine): (4-7 sets of 6 reps)

2. Stiff-legged dead-lifts: (4-7 sets of 6 reps)

3. Leg curls (4-7 sets of 6 reps)

4. Lunges (4 sets of 6 reps)

Yes, I recommend lunges too. However, I suggest doing them at the end of the routine when the glutes have been pre-exhausted by the previous exercises. Also, I recommend that you do them one leg at a time rather than alternating between legs by walking them across the gym floor.

Perform this routine no more than once per week and less often as you progress in development. These exercises, in this sequence, are the surest way I know of for creating an eye-catching… uh… derrière.

Scott Abbett is the author of HardBody Success: 28 Principles to Create Your Ultimate Body and Shape Your Mind for Incredible Success. To see his personal transformation, visit www.hardbodysuccess.com

What You Need to Know When Using Credit Cards

By Bobbie McKee

Credit cards are used as forms of payments now more than ever. Being a widely used at restaurants, hotels, mail order, on-line shopping, gasoline stations, grocery stores, dental and medical care, church bazaars, as well as telephone and television advertised products. They are truly convenient and help a lot in regular transactions. They are also ideal for making a payment online due to the protection provided by.

Credit
Credit cards act as a short-term loan if you find something you would like to purchase eliminating the need to carry large sums of cash. It’s a sweet deal if it’s properly used and today it can be even sweeter if you use cash back or a rewards card.

Most are issued by banks, stores and other businesses to allow people to buy things on borrowed money. They allow you to pay all or only a tiny portion of what you borrowed each month and can help you build a payment history.

These cards can let you choose how much you borrow and how quickly or slowly you pay back the loan. There is even credit counselors and credit repair clinics that can help customers who have gotten in over their heads.

Rewards
Rewards credit cards are constantly improving because it is how these companies compete with one another to gain new customers and to keep the ones they have. Most shoppers are comparing the points earned on various rewards cards, or the gift cards you receive.

Rewards cards don’t reward if you carry a balance from month to month. These cards are designed to “reward” consumers for their loyalty by giving something back to the cardholder; various rewards programs exist including points, cash back, frequent flyer miles or merchandise. While all cards sound great at first glance, it’s important to do a little in depth research on each before you select one. What you miss in the fine print might cause your card to reward the credit card lender instead of your wallet.

If you are carrying a balance from month to month instead of paying it off at the end of each month, you’re not likely to earn anything from the rewards after you pay out the interest.

Apr
Card deals are constantly evolving, so credit consumers who plan on signing up for a specific 0% offer they've had their eye on for a while shouldn't drag their heels. It is important to be careful with these cards, since most of them contain very high APR’s and you should be able to pay them off in full at the end of each month.

APR’s change with the economy, but lower is always better. When you are at the point where you are ready to apply for a card, you have likely seen lots of information about APR's and now are absolutely confused and perplexed by all the seemingly amazing credit offers out there. Trying the lowest APR on a card application IS confusing because there are different rates for different scenarios.

Let's clear up some of the confusion about credit card APR's. Most 0% Intro APR cards charge a transaction fee for transferring balances, but "no fee" zero percent intro APR balance transfer offers still exist, are they are now the most sought-after cards. The Citi® Platinum Select offers a 0% fixed introductory APR for 12 months from account opening on balance transfers. Also consider the Simmons Rewards Card, which offers a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and a low 8.

Offers
If you never fly you probably wouldn’t want a card that offers frequent flyer miles as rewards, but if you are a frequent flyer, this type of card may be your best bet. There are different cards that come with certain special offers and it is really a good idea to check out the various offers before grabbing a card.

About the author: Bobbie McKee specializing in providing a comprehensive list of the latest credit card offers. You can search for Credit Cards For First Timecredit Card Holders or you can choose from over 130 credit card offers Full permission to reprint this article is given provided this box is kept unchanged.

Is it a Watch or a Two Way Radio?

By Dennis Jaylon

The simple walkie talkie that one sees army men and policemen use in movies has become such an important and technology savvy device that it is almost unbelievable to think that it is the two way radios that we are talking about. They are now available in so many sleek models and features that it is really difficult for the consumer to choose the best available model. The sleek and slim built of these gadgets are at par with most of the state of the art mobile phone models available in the market. The latest offering from the two way radio stable is the walkie talkie shaped like a watch.

This latest model of the two way radio serves the dual purpose of the radio instrument as well as a watch. It can be worn around the wrist like a watch. The best aspect is that the model is ergonomic, i.e., it is extremely user friendly and is designed bearing in mind the user's comfort and the gadget's utility. Many people may think that in order to communicate, the gadget requires to be placed near the mouth of the wearer. This means that everytime the user needs to communicate, he has to bring his hand up to his mouth and talk. This is where technology has played a major role in simplifying gadgets. This special two way radio is equipped with a special voice activation feature that enables the wearer to use the device while keeping his hands free.

This model of the two way radios is not at all bulky and is devoid of peripherals like the antennae. The user can talk on the radio and simultaneously work on some other task. This design of the radio is extremely beneficial in a corporate environment where it ensures smooth flow of communication without interrupting the work.

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos...the Two way radios

Having Fun at a Baby Shower

By C. Dunn

Planning to have baby shower? Try out these baby shower games!

How Big is Your Belly?
Have guests slice off a piece of string to the length they think the pregnant woman's belly is in circumference. The mom-to-be then wraps every string around her belly, one at a time, to see which piece is the closest. Whichever guest has the closest measurement is given a prize.

Guess the Baby
Have guests bring baby pictures of themselves in advance. Every guest must match the baby picture with the other guests. Whoever guesses the most right, receives a prize.

'My Water Broke!'
Buy some plastic babies and freeze them in ice cube trays. Place one in all of the guests' drinks. The first person whose baby breaks out of the ice and floats to the top, receives a prize. The winner has to yell, 'My water broke!'

Do not Say 'Cute'
Attach numerous small safety pins to one large safety pin. Ask the guests to attach the large safety pin to their shirt and tell them the forbidden word, i.e. 'cute' or 'baby' or anything else you might like. When a guest hears another guest say the prohibited word, they get to take one of that guest's safety pins. Whoever has the most safety pins by the end of the shower wins a prize.
Cute is a good forbidden word if the mom-to-be will be opening presents at the shower.

Messy Diapers
Get a few candy bars and melt each one into a disposable diaper. Use a variety of candy bars that are less common to jazz it up. Label each diaper with a number and ask the guests to guess which candy bar is in the diaper. They can use their senses to guess the kind of candy- possibly even taste. Whoever gets the most diapers correct, wins a prize. Don't forget a camera!

Footprint and Handprint Advice
Cut out footprints and have guests write down advice or helpful hints on them. Place them in a scrapbook for the mother-to-be.

Stork Bingo
Take blank bingo cards and hand them out to each guest. Guests will fill in the bingo card by guessing what the mother-to-be is going to receive as a gift. While she opens her gifts, guests scratch off the item from their card. Whoever gets a bingo first, wins.
Word Scramble

Scramble up a list of baby related words. The guest who unscrambles all the words, receives a prize. .

Nursery Rhyme Lines
Write down one line from a nursery rhyme. Ask all the guests to guess which nursery rhyme the line is from. The person who gets the most right wins a prize.

Baby Food Mix-Up
Remove the labels from a bunch of different jars of baby food and re-label the jars. Ask the guests to guess the type of baby food by looking at the jar without opening it. A prize is given to the guest who guesses the most correctly.

Note: Use of this article requires links to be intact.

As a father of eight, Chris Dunn enjoys writing articles for the Baby Shower Games section of his childbirth website.

A Luxury Las Vegas Vacation at the Bellagio Hotel

By Peter Shannon

The Bellagio Hotel is home to the fabulous and famous Cirque du Soleil show “O”. And this is just the start of your Las Vegas vacation fun as the Bellagio Hotel has so much more to offer.

The style of this luxury hotel is taken from the theme of a Roman extravaganza. It sits at the edge of a 10-acre man-made lake which provides you with a host of activities. There are also some 20 restaurants and cafes on site, a 65,000 square foot spa and salon and a numerous other attractions.

Just outside the hotel is the Beautiful Bellagio Fountains. Here you can see an incredible water ballet created by a thousand choreographed sprays that burst into the air and blossom like flowers. The display is accompanied by classical music that matches the beat of the water jets.
They are so mesmerizing that it is not uncommon for Las Vegas visitors to spend an hour or more gazing at the water show, especially at night.

The Bellagio Hotel lobby alone is a show in itself. Over 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers, each perfectly each hand-crafted, cover the ceiling. In addition multi-colored works of art, called The Fiori di Como, add to the atmosphere

Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are also a part of this amazing city within a city. Here you will find exotic plants from all over the world. It’s a botanical display that rivals the gardens you might find in London or New York City.

At the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art there is a small but quite impressive display of dozens of works by masters such as Picasso, Monet, van Gogh and others. You tour is aided by an audio presentation. Art lovers will certainly find this to be a must visit spot on their Las Vegas vacation.

A large casino is a central part of the Bellagio Hotel site so guests must be over 18 years of age. If fact the casino is so large that you will pass through it while on your way to most of the other attractions on site. In the casino there is plenty of action ranging from $1 slots to poker tables where you can wager $5,000 per hand.

Because the Bellagio Hotel is a luxury hotel, the rates are not for the budget conscious Las Vegas visitor. But even so, discounts are often available for off-periods. Regardless, they will so to it that you get your money’s worth here. This is a place for elegance and pampering with luxurious Italian provincial-decorated rooms and a high-end spa. At the spa the general ambiance is enhance by the music and the unusual architectural features such as the walls made of water.
It’s all designed to completely melt your stress away.

There are over 3,400 rooms at the Bellagio but the staff ensures that every visitor is catered to promptly and in the style expected of a luxury Las Vegas vacation destination. Come visit the Bellagio. You will find out for yourself.

The author of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the popular http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com - Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.

Stop Smoking Tip - Give Up Smoking Carefully Or Else

By Peter Finch

There is a very common belief that giving up smoking causes the person's weight to increase. This is not very far from the truth. At the same time, it is also true that there are ways to stop smoking that ensure no weight gain will occur. How to avoid weight gain when you kick the habit is in fact the best stop smoking tip anyone can give you.

It is a fact that smoking is a calorie-burning activity. It is proved that a chain smoker who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day will burn at least 200 calories in a day. That is the reason why a person who indiscriminately gives up thinking will actually gain weight as soon as he or she gives up the habit. This weight gain will not be apparent in mild smokers, but if the person is a heavy smoker, then indeed the augmentation in weight will be clearly visible.

There is a very justifiable reason why stopping smoking can make you gain weight. In most old techniques of smoking cessation - which are being practiced even today - smokers were actually exhorted to eat or drink something whenever they had the smoking urge. Eating and drinking does help to curb the urge to smoke. But the plan would always cause its repercussions. Firstly, smokers would eat things like potato chips and other snacks that would be calorie-building, or they would drink colas or coffees.

Needless to say, they would dramatically gain weight, though they would succeed to quit smoking. And, in some cases, the people would not be able to stop smoking but also get hooked on high-calorie foods, thus making it a double problem.

Thus, the most valuable stop smoking tip will be to give up smoking with a safe, tried and tested method, or else you will risk becoming obese and give an invitation to a host of diseases.
Stopping smoking by indulging yourself in eating is not the solution. Many people are understanding this supplementary problem that might come up, and so they are leaning more and more on herbal remedies. Herbal stop smoking methods do something very important - they act as natural antidepressants and help the smoker to fight against the excessive cravings that may come on. As a result, the smoker is able to give up the habit without getting addicted to anything else.

The herbal solution for smoke cessation, SmokeRX, is one such effective stop smoking technique. It works completely and in itself, i.e. it does not stop the smoking habit by creating another. This is the way in which most herbal remedies are formulated nowadays.

Remember this stop smoking tip: use a naturally safe and logical method for your smoke cessation. There are hundreds of them out there, but you need to play safe so that you do not succumb to another addiction just when you have given up one.

Are you serious about quitting smoking? If you are, then you must try the amazing all herbal stop smoking pill which actually helps you quit in just 7 days. Guaranteed. Yes, this time you can do it. SmokeRx is the ultimate in stop smoking aids and has helped numerous people to quit the habit. Stopping smoking has never been this easy or quick. Forget nicotine patches, gum and sprays. Why fill your body with nicotine when you want to get rid of it? All herbal SmokeRx works. We guarantee it.