If constant practice and sheer dedication aren't enough to improve your game, then you might as well consider acquiring some effective basketball training aids.
Shooting
Oversized Basketball – is usually 3 inches larger in diameter than your regular basketball. This is designed to improve your accuracy in shooting.
Board-Less Hoop – is designed to improve your shooting accuracy by making shoots without depending on the board.
Rebounding Device – helps you to practice your shooting without rebounding the ball after every shot.
Shooting straps – is attached to your shooting hand to assist you in maintaining the right form while taking a shot, make the right follow through, and improve your one-handed release.
Dribbling
Dribbling Aid – is designed to help you use your fingertips in dribbling (and not your palm). It also helps improving your passing and shooting skills.
Basketball Goggles – are designed to keep your head up while dribbling your ball. The goggles block your lower vision so that you practice on not looking at the ball.
Speed
Speed Parachute – uses the principle of a parachute that provides resistance during sprint. This is used when you are running which helps you improve your speed as you are being held back by the parachute. Speed parachutes are also used by sprinters and football players.
Agility Ladders – helps you develop eye-foot coordination, foot quickness, and versatility. You can use your regular ladder to achieve the same result.
Vertical Jump
Jump Boxes – help you improve your jumping ability and overall strength. These boxes vary in height which you can use to strengthen your leg muscles.
Weight Belt – increases your strength, at the same time, improves your vertical jump - helpful during rebounding and taking perimeter shots. Also available are weights worn on the ankles.
Jump Soles – are training aids that are attached to your own shoes during practice and training which helps you improve your leg strength and jumping ability.
Stamina
Jump Ropes – are the most basic and probably the cheapest basketball training aids you can have. And they are effective too. Jump ropes improve your heart. Jump ropes also improve your calf and leg muscles. For better workout results, try weighted jump ropes.
Note: These are only aids to improve your game. They aren't designed to automatically make you a better player. Use them correctly combined with your dedication, hard work, and love for the game to get the best results.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
*Basketball Tips To Make You Play Well
Many people may tell you that basketball is the coolest game they’ve ever known. This may be the reason as to why several teenagers and young people start out brandishing themselves with the basics of basketball. In turn, this could also be the same cause as to why many people prefer watching the game either on the court or on television.
Are you also a basketball enthusiast? Do you know of some vital basketball tips that will ultimately guide you to play well? Then read on because you will find the most necessary insights in connection with basketball tips in this article.
A Crash Course To Basketball Tips
Practice shooting, start shooting, and take more shots with the ball. You’ve got to perfect your shooting skills. Why? It is because points are garnered through the shots aimed by the player. If you are lacking in this aspect, you can expect to run home with tears in your eyes. Players are on the basketball team primarily because of their shooting expertise. So why should you allow yourself to drift away from the standards?
Maintain a stable physical condition. Playing basketball will require a lot of endurance. It is important that your physical condition is perfect for you to become an effective player. There are programs that will test your physical capability and with utmost care, you’ve got to pass the tests.
Practice makes you a perfect player. Theories alone won't mold you into a good player. Putting them to practice will certainly make sense.
Learn your footwork by heart. It is necessary that you know how to pivot, keep your balance, and push off your weight to jump or run.
Do your dribbling. Handling the ball determines your success as a player. Being good at dribbling the ball means becoming well-informed with dribbling between the legs, behind the back, and cross over.
Push your luck to the basket. The very common mistake of a basketball player is executing a lot of awesome moves but end up a failure when it comes to finishing the task towards the basket. Basketball isn't all about show-offs. What matters most is bringing the ball to its basket and gaining points!
Get the right attitude. It is most essential that you bring with you the best mentality as often as possible. If you are settled with your goals, then you will surely bring home the trophy at the end of the game.
Extend your boundaries and learn as much as you can. Basketball is fun and being really good at it adds more to the fun. You can always do better if you put all of your heart and mind into the basketball tips that you need to know.
Are you also a basketball enthusiast? Do you know of some vital basketball tips that will ultimately guide you to play well? Then read on because you will find the most necessary insights in connection with basketball tips in this article.
A Crash Course To Basketball Tips
Practice shooting, start shooting, and take more shots with the ball. You’ve got to perfect your shooting skills. Why? It is because points are garnered through the shots aimed by the player. If you are lacking in this aspect, you can expect to run home with tears in your eyes. Players are on the basketball team primarily because of their shooting expertise. So why should you allow yourself to drift away from the standards?
Maintain a stable physical condition. Playing basketball will require a lot of endurance. It is important that your physical condition is perfect for you to become an effective player. There are programs that will test your physical capability and with utmost care, you’ve got to pass the tests.
Practice makes you a perfect player. Theories alone won't mold you into a good player. Putting them to practice will certainly make sense.
Learn your footwork by heart. It is necessary that you know how to pivot, keep your balance, and push off your weight to jump or run.
Do your dribbling. Handling the ball determines your success as a player. Being good at dribbling the ball means becoming well-informed with dribbling between the legs, behind the back, and cross over.
Push your luck to the basket. The very common mistake of a basketball player is executing a lot of awesome moves but end up a failure when it comes to finishing the task towards the basket. Basketball isn't all about show-offs. What matters most is bringing the ball to its basket and gaining points!
Get the right attitude. It is most essential that you bring with you the best mentality as often as possible. If you are settled with your goals, then you will surely bring home the trophy at the end of the game.
Extend your boundaries and learn as much as you can. Basketball is fun and being really good at it adds more to the fun. You can always do better if you put all of your heart and mind into the basketball tips that you need to know.
*Tips For Playing Basketball Defense
They usually say that basketball wins are owed to the proper playing of the defenses. Honestly, when the best defense is projected at every single level of the basketball game, everything will turn out well for the team.
The best coaches know for a fact that basketball defense should be made the topmost priority. After all, basketball defense determines the after-effect of the players’ efforts on the courts. But are you sure that your team knows how to play basketball defense the right way? Will their knowledge on basketball defense satiate the requirements for bringing home the bacon?
Being cultured with the proper basketball defensive knowledge is hard to deal with especially with the lack of effort and time spent both by the player and the coach. Getting into the core of basketball defense is all about desiring to improve the rest of the fields of the game. Basketball isn't only about passing, dribbling, or shooting. Furthermore, it is all about learning basketball defenses so these aspects will be perfected. Most dedicated coaches can attest to how vital basketball defense is especially when a team’s heart is into winning.
Here are the valuable tips that need to be kept in mind as one learns the ropes of basketball defense:
You’ve got to quicken your hands and feet.
Know how to repeatedly and swiftly jump.
Practice your instincts and reflexes so you can immediately jump into action.
Be with a coach who prioritizes commitment and focuses not only on the individual members of the team but basketball defense as well.
Learn the different basketball defenses such as half-court trap, man-to-man defense, full-court press, and many others.
Be quick in your transitions from that of the offensive floor end to the defensive positions.
Comprehend the overall grasp of the game alongside its strategies and concepts.
Be an expert in handling not only the strong side basketball defense but also the weak side.
Constantly practice the necessary positioning, defensive bearings, and footwork.
The fans usually roar as they spot their favorite players handle the basketball defenses the flawless way. In reality, basketball defense is actually all in the mind and being in the right attitude. If one truly desires to win, his heart extends to being willing to handle basketball defensive learning.
Remember that playing basketball isn't only a matter of shooting the ball and scoring. Executing the best defenses should likewise be vitally played.
The best coaches know for a fact that basketball defense should be made the topmost priority. After all, basketball defense determines the after-effect of the players’ efforts on the courts. But are you sure that your team knows how to play basketball defense the right way? Will their knowledge on basketball defense satiate the requirements for bringing home the bacon?
Being cultured with the proper basketball defensive knowledge is hard to deal with especially with the lack of effort and time spent both by the player and the coach. Getting into the core of basketball defense is all about desiring to improve the rest of the fields of the game. Basketball isn't only about passing, dribbling, or shooting. Furthermore, it is all about learning basketball defenses so these aspects will be perfected. Most dedicated coaches can attest to how vital basketball defense is especially when a team’s heart is into winning.
Here are the valuable tips that need to be kept in mind as one learns the ropes of basketball defense:
You’ve got to quicken your hands and feet.
Know how to repeatedly and swiftly jump.
Practice your instincts and reflexes so you can immediately jump into action.
Be with a coach who prioritizes commitment and focuses not only on the individual members of the team but basketball defense as well.
Learn the different basketball defenses such as half-court trap, man-to-man defense, full-court press, and many others.
Be quick in your transitions from that of the offensive floor end to the defensive positions.
Comprehend the overall grasp of the game alongside its strategies and concepts.
Be an expert in handling not only the strong side basketball defense but also the weak side.
Constantly practice the necessary positioning, defensive bearings, and footwork.
The fans usually roar as they spot their favorite players handle the basketball defenses the flawless way. In reality, basketball defense is actually all in the mind and being in the right attitude. If one truly desires to win, his heart extends to being willing to handle basketball defensive learning.
Remember that playing basketball isn't only a matter of shooting the ball and scoring. Executing the best defenses should likewise be vitally played.
*Basketball: The Object Of The Game
Basketball is a fast paced game played on a 94-by-50 foot court (NBA) with 1 basket on opposite sides. The game starts when the official tosses the ball between two players, one from each team, in the middle of the court. This is also referred to as the tip off. The other 8 players stand at specific places outside the mid-circle. The jumpers will try to tip the ball to any of their team members to gain the first possession.
The goal is to score more points than their opponents.
In the professional setting, the game is divided into 2 halfs or 4 quarters. Each quarter is 12 minutes long.
During each possession, the offensive team has a time limit to shoot the ball in the basket. This is called the shot clock. The NBA rule allows 24 seconds for each possession. In college basketball, the shot clock is set for 35 seconds.
There are basically 2 ways to shoot and score in a basketball game: shooting when the ball is in play and from the free throw line.
There are several ways to score during play. You can either take a perimeter shot or drive toward the basket. You can score 3 points if you shoot the ball beyond the arc. There are also variations for jump shots including from the baseline, the key, fade away, hook shot, and more. Variations of shots made inside the paint include dunk, layup, and tip-in.
Free throws are earned when the opposing team committs a technical foul or a personal foul. Two free throw shots are awarded when the opposing team committs a technical foul or a personal foul in the act of shooting or within the team penalty. One free throw shot is given to the player who made a shot and receives a foul in the process.
Each player is allowed to commit 5 personal fouls for each game to continue playing. The 6th foul will automatically force the player to retire for the rest of the game. Each player is automatically out of the game if he receives 2 technical fouls. The team is allowed to commits 5 fouls for each quarter before entering the penalty. Every foul made inside the penalty will put their opposing team to shoot free throws.
In the event where the scores are tied at the end of the fourth quarter (or at the end of the regulation period), a 5-minute overtime period is played. If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, a second overtime will be played, and so on… until a team wins a game.
Note: other basketball leagues and basketball associations such as FIBA follow their own sets of rules.
The goal is to score more points than their opponents.
In the professional setting, the game is divided into 2 halfs or 4 quarters. Each quarter is 12 minutes long.
During each possession, the offensive team has a time limit to shoot the ball in the basket. This is called the shot clock. The NBA rule allows 24 seconds for each possession. In college basketball, the shot clock is set for 35 seconds.
There are basically 2 ways to shoot and score in a basketball game: shooting when the ball is in play and from the free throw line.
There are several ways to score during play. You can either take a perimeter shot or drive toward the basket. You can score 3 points if you shoot the ball beyond the arc. There are also variations for jump shots including from the baseline, the key, fade away, hook shot, and more. Variations of shots made inside the paint include dunk, layup, and tip-in.
Free throws are earned when the opposing team committs a technical foul or a personal foul. Two free throw shots are awarded when the opposing team committs a technical foul or a personal foul in the act of shooting or within the team penalty. One free throw shot is given to the player who made a shot and receives a foul in the process.
Each player is allowed to commit 5 personal fouls for each game to continue playing. The 6th foul will automatically force the player to retire for the rest of the game. Each player is automatically out of the game if he receives 2 technical fouls. The team is allowed to commits 5 fouls for each quarter before entering the penalty. Every foul made inside the penalty will put their opposing team to shoot free throws.
In the event where the scores are tied at the end of the fourth quarter (or at the end of the regulation period), a 5-minute overtime period is played. If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, a second overtime will be played, and so on… until a team wins a game.
Note: other basketball leagues and basketball associations such as FIBA follow their own sets of rules.
*Elements Of The Game - Learning The Basics
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world; this has been a staple sport in America where the best of the best battle it out in the NBA (national basketball association). The elements of the game have varied from the origin but haven't changed til modern times.
In the rules of the game or rather elements of the game, there are limits in time, these constraints often change during tournaments but the international and NBA rules are the most widely used. The most basic elements of the game is outscoring opponents by shooting the ball through the opposing court while constantly preventing the oppositions actions’ from doing so. Attempting to score a basket is called a shot. A normal shot is worth 2 points, and a 3 point score for a successful shot outside the three-point arc alongside the shooting court.
The basic rules according to NBA standards is that there are only 4 quarters (10 internationally) which spans 12 minutes. There is a 15 minute halftime break and 2 minutes for all other breaks. There are five players on each team and seven substitutes along with a coach. Substitution is allowed only during breaks.
With the uniforms on a usual basketball match, players wear jerseys with visible numbers imprinted on them, and a logo of the team. The game is officially controlled by a referee, and other tables’ officials such as statistics, timekeeping and other things on a match.
The game is played with a ball, a court and a basket at opposite ends, the violations of the game are strict, you must not stop dribbling the ball while running, and also the ball must stay in the court, there are limits of time remaining to shoot the ball inside the basket and other rules such as fouls, they are usually an attempt for an unfair disadvantage of the opponents using force and other violations.
There are also positions of players on the elements of a basketball game, namely; point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and the center player. They are likely to be flexible and can be maximized with the help of the coach to promote strategies and power plays.
These are the usual elements of the game. One of the most popular people that played basketball is Michael Jordan; one of the greatest basketball players of all time. As with the sport being one of the best ways to exercise, the sport seems to have been favored also as one of the best sports of all time.
In the rules of the game or rather elements of the game, there are limits in time, these constraints often change during tournaments but the international and NBA rules are the most widely used. The most basic elements of the game is outscoring opponents by shooting the ball through the opposing court while constantly preventing the oppositions actions’ from doing so. Attempting to score a basket is called a shot. A normal shot is worth 2 points, and a 3 point score for a successful shot outside the three-point arc alongside the shooting court.
The basic rules according to NBA standards is that there are only 4 quarters (10 internationally) which spans 12 minutes. There is a 15 minute halftime break and 2 minutes for all other breaks. There are five players on each team and seven substitutes along with a coach. Substitution is allowed only during breaks.
With the uniforms on a usual basketball match, players wear jerseys with visible numbers imprinted on them, and a logo of the team. The game is officially controlled by a referee, and other tables’ officials such as statistics, timekeeping and other things on a match.
The game is played with a ball, a court and a basket at opposite ends, the violations of the game are strict, you must not stop dribbling the ball while running, and also the ball must stay in the court, there are limits of time remaining to shoot the ball inside the basket and other rules such as fouls, they are usually an attempt for an unfair disadvantage of the opponents using force and other violations.
There are also positions of players on the elements of a basketball game, namely; point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and the center player. They are likely to be flexible and can be maximized with the help of the coach to promote strategies and power plays.
These are the usual elements of the game. One of the most popular people that played basketball is Michael Jordan; one of the greatest basketball players of all time. As with the sport being one of the best ways to exercise, the sport seems to have been favored also as one of the best sports of all time.
*Basketball Skills You Should Learn
Learning how to play basketball is learning its fundamentals. Here they are:
1. Dribbling – is important to penetrate to the hoop, move the ball across the court, get away from the defense, and find a good passing lane. There are different types of dribbles:
- change-of-pace,
- crossover dribble,
- behind the back,
- pull back dribble,
- low dribble,
- basic dribble,
- between the legs dribble
2. Passing – A good offensive attack requires good passing from players. This helps find an open man, to find a good shooter or to get away from a defender. There are several types of passes you need to learn:
- Overhead Pass
- Chest Pass
- Push Pass
- Baseball Pass
- Off-the-Dribble Pass
- Bounce Pass
3. Shooting – The object of the game is to win by scoring the most points. Therefore, improving the team's shooting is important to win a game. There are several ways to score in the game:
- Jump Shot
- Dunk
- Alley Oop
- Free Throw
- Layup
- Three-Point Shot
- Hook Shot
4. Rebounding – is essential to gain or regain possession after the shot. Usually, the team who has the most number of rebounds after the game has more shot attempts and chances to score.
5. Offense – is the only chance that the team has a shot at the basket and scoring. Playing a good offense requires coordination among players and individual skill to execute well plays.
6. Defense – To be able to get a chance to score and gain possession, the team should play good defense and try to stop their opponent from scoring. As said, "A good defense is a good offense."
7. Moves – There are different kinds of basketball moves that are important in executing both a good offense and a good defense. Moves are helpful in finding an open man, make a good shot or create an amazing play.
8. Violations – Knowing the kinds of basketball violations improves your game.
9. Assist – is given to a teammate to help him score easily. Thus is it important to find an open man on the court.
10. Foul – is often an accidental contact made by the defender to his opponent or an aggressive move by the ball-handler towards his defender. However, a foul is also used as a strategy to stop the clock or to keep the shooting player from scoring easily. Learning how to use your fouls well is important in the game.
1. Dribbling – is important to penetrate to the hoop, move the ball across the court, get away from the defense, and find a good passing lane. There are different types of dribbles:
- change-of-pace,
- crossover dribble,
- behind the back,
- pull back dribble,
- low dribble,
- basic dribble,
- between the legs dribble
2. Passing – A good offensive attack requires good passing from players. This helps find an open man, to find a good shooter or to get away from a defender. There are several types of passes you need to learn:
- Overhead Pass
- Chest Pass
- Push Pass
- Baseball Pass
- Off-the-Dribble Pass
- Bounce Pass
3. Shooting – The object of the game is to win by scoring the most points. Therefore, improving the team's shooting is important to win a game. There are several ways to score in the game:
- Jump Shot
- Dunk
- Alley Oop
- Free Throw
- Layup
- Three-Point Shot
- Hook Shot
4. Rebounding – is essential to gain or regain possession after the shot. Usually, the team who has the most number of rebounds after the game has more shot attempts and chances to score.
5. Offense – is the only chance that the team has a shot at the basket and scoring. Playing a good offense requires coordination among players and individual skill to execute well plays.
6. Defense – To be able to get a chance to score and gain possession, the team should play good defense and try to stop their opponent from scoring. As said, "A good defense is a good offense."
7. Moves – There are different kinds of basketball moves that are important in executing both a good offense and a good defense. Moves are helpful in finding an open man, make a good shot or create an amazing play.
8. Violations – Knowing the kinds of basketball violations improves your game.
9. Assist – is given to a teammate to help him score easily. Thus is it important to find an open man on the court.
10. Foul – is often an accidental contact made by the defender to his opponent or an aggressive move by the ball-handler towards his defender. However, a foul is also used as a strategy to stop the clock or to keep the shooting player from scoring easily. Learning how to use your fouls well is important in the game.
*Seven Areas In Improving Your Basketball Game
Becoming a better basketball player doesn't happen over night. It involves serious work, discipline, dedication, and the love of the game to become the player you want to be. So to help you out on your way to become a better basketball player in the future, here are 7 areas you need to improve:
Speed And Agility –
There are many exercises you can do to improve your speed and agility. One of the most effective is the "suicide". Start at the base line and sprint towards the free throw line, touch the floor and go back. Sprint and touch the mid-court line and back. Sprint and touch to the farthest free throw line and back. Sprint and touch the opposite base line and back. Do this several times and will definitely improve your speed. You can also use other sprint training techniques.
Jumping –
Improving the strength and power of your legs will improve your vertical jump. Do squats, step ups, and lunges. Jumping and hopping drills are effective as well.
Strength –
Weight lifting is an effective tool to become strong and increase muscle mass. If you play the position of forward and center, you definitely need to improve in this area.
Stamina –
Stamina training such as road running is effective to build up the heart to go to distance during the game.
Dribbling –
This skill can be improved by using different dribbling techniques and drills. There are 3 dibbling techniques: natural dribble or relaxed dribble, control dribble or dribbling low to maintain possession under a defensive pressure, and speed dribble or dribbling at a maximum speed. Different drills include up the ladder, squeeze the banana, ball slap, rhythm drill, drop step, pass and catch, hot potato, sit dribbling, spider, dribble 8, figure 8, one leg, ball drop, and around the world. These drills aren't only applicable to ball-handlers. They apply to all positions to increase ball handling capability.
Shooting –
Improving your shooting skills involves correct jump, body form and power. This can be improved by constant practice. Shooting the ball for several times using one form increases the chances of making the shot. Bottom line is, if you want to improve your shooting you should practice, practice, and practice some more.
Defense –
Improving your defense is as important as improving your shooting and dribbling ability. There are different ways to do this: cone drills, stadium stairs, defensive slides, and jumping rope.
Speed And Agility –
There are many exercises you can do to improve your speed and agility. One of the most effective is the "suicide". Start at the base line and sprint towards the free throw line, touch the floor and go back. Sprint and touch the mid-court line and back. Sprint and touch to the farthest free throw line and back. Sprint and touch the opposite base line and back. Do this several times and will definitely improve your speed. You can also use other sprint training techniques.
Jumping –
Improving the strength and power of your legs will improve your vertical jump. Do squats, step ups, and lunges. Jumping and hopping drills are effective as well.
Strength –
Weight lifting is an effective tool to become strong and increase muscle mass. If you play the position of forward and center, you definitely need to improve in this area.
Stamina –
Stamina training such as road running is effective to build up the heart to go to distance during the game.
Dribbling –
This skill can be improved by using different dribbling techniques and drills. There are 3 dibbling techniques: natural dribble or relaxed dribble, control dribble or dribbling low to maintain possession under a defensive pressure, and speed dribble or dribbling at a maximum speed. Different drills include up the ladder, squeeze the banana, ball slap, rhythm drill, drop step, pass and catch, hot potato, sit dribbling, spider, dribble 8, figure 8, one leg, ball drop, and around the world. These drills aren't only applicable to ball-handlers. They apply to all positions to increase ball handling capability.
Shooting –
Improving your shooting skills involves correct jump, body form and power. This can be improved by constant practice. Shooting the ball for several times using one form increases the chances of making the shot. Bottom line is, if you want to improve your shooting you should practice, practice, and practice some more.
Defense –
Improving your defense is as important as improving your shooting and dribbling ability. There are different ways to do this: cone drills, stadium stairs, defensive slides, and jumping rope.
Friday, June 20, 2008
*How To Start An Ad Agency With No Money Down
You can also make money by operating your own ad agency from home. Offer businesses advertising space in YOUR publication. You will run a little publication that contains adverts and if you like, a sprinkling of articles.
You take payment from advertisers first before they place their adverts with you. You use part of this money for printing and distribution costs. The balance of the money is your own profits to keep. You now arrange distribution of your publication. In this way, you can start and operate a highly profitable advertising business without spending a single cent. You use the finances of other people (the advertisers) to float your start up expenses and reap for you a sizable profit on a daily basis.
Publication Size
Firstly, give a name to your publication. This makes it easily identifiable and it looks professional too. Now decide on how your publication is going to look and how many pages it will consist of. It is good to start with three A4 pages. Place these three A4 pages together and fold horizontally to make an A5 sized publication that has A5 sides. The name of your publication and your telephone number goes on the top first page. Decide on the area you will distribute these publications. Put the name of this area next to or immediately below the name of your publication. At a later stage, you may run same named publications but in different areas.
Decide on the number of copies of your publication you wish to distribute in a specific area. The more you plan to distribute, the happier your advertisers will feel about advertising with you. This is because the more copies you distribute, the greater amount of people will read the adverts and hence more exposure and business is possible for your advertiser. Try and visit at least three printers and get printing quotes on printing your publication.
Distribution
You can use various methods to distribute your publications like handing them out at street corners to passing pedestrians and motorists, at busy malls, at community centers and door to door in neighborhoods.
Work out the cost to distribute each copy of your publication. You may need to employ school kids or part-time workers to do the distribution for you. Decide on what to pay them. Three cents per publication correctly delivered is a very fair price. Do random checks to ensure that these are delivered to your requirements. This method is the most effective method from a cost point of view and it works the best. The amount per copy you decide to pay is your distribution costs.
Charging Advertisers
In order to calculate a fair price to charge advertisers, ensuring you have a sizable profit for your time and trouble, you’ll have to work backwards.
The costs you have so far are printing costs and distribution costs (including fuel costs and sundries if applicable). Adding these two together will give you a total of all costs you will ever get. This represents the total operating costs to you. Calculate ? (one third) of the total operating costs. This figure that you get represents your profit that you keep for yourself. Add this profit figure to your total operating costs figure. The amount you get represents the total amount of money you need to get from total advertisers’ fees that you have to charge. Divide this amount by the number of page sides (twelve A5 sides if you choose the size mentioned earlier).This figure will give you the cost of advertising space for one A5 side of your publication. Divide this figure by four and the new figure that you get will give you the cost of ¼ (one quarter) page of advertising fee in your publication. You will base your advertising fees on this figure per quarter page of advertising space. As an incentive for advertisers to book more space in your publication, you can give discounts on larger spots taken.
Remember advertisers pay you first, then their advert appears. This money received from advertisers is pooled together and used to finance operating costs and your very own profit. You can therefore start and operate this business with no capital whatsoever.
How To Get Advertisers
Get hold of newspapers on a regular basis. Jot down details of small businesses or individuals advertising in the classifieds. Check this newspaper on different days and cross check with the list you have already drawn up. Once you find adverts appearing more than once, tick these off on your list. Contact these people and offer your advertising services.
Collect Adverts And Prepare
The last stage is to collect adverts from advertisers, collect payments and hand over adverts to your printers. Explain the setting up of your publication to your printer, who’ll do the layout and typesetting for you. Once the entire publication is typeset, check for any errors and if happy commence with printing. Some customers may have fancy logos which can easily be scanned onto your publication.
You may find that you will have to assist some advertisers with the drafting and preparation of their adverts. Do this for them as part of the service. It is important to create a deadline for taking in adverts. If you find you have some space left, allow a few extra days making sure you don’t run behind schedule.
Notify advertisers when publications will be ready and when, how and where they will be distributed. Give the advertiser a publication for his own records.
Once publications are ready, commence with distribution as planned.
Conclusion
The first time you do this may seem a bit taxing but the second time round will be a breeze as more advertisers gain confidence in you, your business and your abilities. As we found in our second time, we had so many advertisers that space was booked in two days! We had to put off the rest till the following week.
You take payment from advertisers first before they place their adverts with you. You use part of this money for printing and distribution costs. The balance of the money is your own profits to keep. You now arrange distribution of your publication. In this way, you can start and operate a highly profitable advertising business without spending a single cent. You use the finances of other people (the advertisers) to float your start up expenses and reap for you a sizable profit on a daily basis.
Publication Size
Firstly, give a name to your publication. This makes it easily identifiable and it looks professional too. Now decide on how your publication is going to look and how many pages it will consist of. It is good to start with three A4 pages. Place these three A4 pages together and fold horizontally to make an A5 sized publication that has A5 sides. The name of your publication and your telephone number goes on the top first page. Decide on the area you will distribute these publications. Put the name of this area next to or immediately below the name of your publication. At a later stage, you may run same named publications but in different areas.
Decide on the number of copies of your publication you wish to distribute in a specific area. The more you plan to distribute, the happier your advertisers will feel about advertising with you. This is because the more copies you distribute, the greater amount of people will read the adverts and hence more exposure and business is possible for your advertiser. Try and visit at least three printers and get printing quotes on printing your publication.
Distribution
You can use various methods to distribute your publications like handing them out at street corners to passing pedestrians and motorists, at busy malls, at community centers and door to door in neighborhoods.
Work out the cost to distribute each copy of your publication. You may need to employ school kids or part-time workers to do the distribution for you. Decide on what to pay them. Three cents per publication correctly delivered is a very fair price. Do random checks to ensure that these are delivered to your requirements. This method is the most effective method from a cost point of view and it works the best. The amount per copy you decide to pay is your distribution costs.
Charging Advertisers
In order to calculate a fair price to charge advertisers, ensuring you have a sizable profit for your time and trouble, you’ll have to work backwards.
The costs you have so far are printing costs and distribution costs (including fuel costs and sundries if applicable). Adding these two together will give you a total of all costs you will ever get. This represents the total operating costs to you. Calculate ? (one third) of the total operating costs. This figure that you get represents your profit that you keep for yourself. Add this profit figure to your total operating costs figure. The amount you get represents the total amount of money you need to get from total advertisers’ fees that you have to charge. Divide this amount by the number of page sides (twelve A5 sides if you choose the size mentioned earlier).This figure will give you the cost of advertising space for one A5 side of your publication. Divide this figure by four and the new figure that you get will give you the cost of ¼ (one quarter) page of advertising fee in your publication. You will base your advertising fees on this figure per quarter page of advertising space. As an incentive for advertisers to book more space in your publication, you can give discounts on larger spots taken.
Remember advertisers pay you first, then their advert appears. This money received from advertisers is pooled together and used to finance operating costs and your very own profit. You can therefore start and operate this business with no capital whatsoever.
How To Get Advertisers
Get hold of newspapers on a regular basis. Jot down details of small businesses or individuals advertising in the classifieds. Check this newspaper on different days and cross check with the list you have already drawn up. Once you find adverts appearing more than once, tick these off on your list. Contact these people and offer your advertising services.
Collect Adverts And Prepare
The last stage is to collect adverts from advertisers, collect payments and hand over adverts to your printers. Explain the setting up of your publication to your printer, who’ll do the layout and typesetting for you. Once the entire publication is typeset, check for any errors and if happy commence with printing. Some customers may have fancy logos which can easily be scanned onto your publication.
You may find that you will have to assist some advertisers with the drafting and preparation of their adverts. Do this for them as part of the service. It is important to create a deadline for taking in adverts. If you find you have some space left, allow a few extra days making sure you don’t run behind schedule.
Notify advertisers when publications will be ready and when, how and where they will be distributed. Give the advertiser a publication for his own records.
Once publications are ready, commence with distribution as planned.
Conclusion
The first time you do this may seem a bit taxing but the second time round will be a breeze as more advertisers gain confidence in you, your business and your abilities. As we found in our second time, we had so many advertisers that space was booked in two days! We had to put off the rest till the following week.
*The Best Vitamins For Skin
In this article we will look at the best vitamins for skin. Getting older takes a toll on your skin. Many years in the sun and the elements can make you look older than you really are. For women after menopause, the estrogen that is responsible for youthful skin is gone. You start to notice more and more wrinkles staring back at you in the mirror. So what can you do to get that youthful appearance back?
One of the most important vitamins for your skin is vitamin A. It strengthens the protective tissue of the skin. It is also essential for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. In addition, vitamin A is an antioxidant. It helps fight off free radicals that can damage your body systems.
The complex B vitamins are a group of vitamins that are very effective in maintaining a healthy skin tone. This powerful group of vitamins are like a whole army of soldiers dedicated to fight off the damaging effects that pollution, stress and the environment can do to your skin and to your whole body. They work perfectly in conjuction with each other and with the other major vitamin groups to keep your body at it's peak performance and to keep your skin looking good.
Vitamin C is another vitamin that is getting more and more good reviews every day. It is a powerful antioxidant and can help boost your body's immune system. Vitamin C is a major factor in tissue repair, growth and healing.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It can prevent cell damage by prohibiting the negative effects that free radicals can have on your body.
Taking good care of your skin is not just about vitamins. Eat a healthy, balanced, diet and get plenty of exercise. Try to devote at least eight hours to sleep a night. Always wear a sunscreen when you are out in the sun. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
There is one more thing that you can take for younger looking skin. One teaspoon of cod liver oil a day has been called the fountain of youth. Many people say that after taking just one teaspoon per day, in a year's time they look like they have had a face lift! Cod liver oil helps to moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles. In addition, the vitamin D that it contains helps to build strong bones and reduce your risk for osteoporosis. It also contains fatty acids that aid in the development of brain function and the development of the nervous system.
Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Take good care of it. Protect it from harmful UV rays and nourish it daily with the right vitamins and supplements. You don't have to look your age, now that you know the right vitamin for skin
One of the most important vitamins for your skin is vitamin A. It strengthens the protective tissue of the skin. It is also essential for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. In addition, vitamin A is an antioxidant. It helps fight off free radicals that can damage your body systems.
The complex B vitamins are a group of vitamins that are very effective in maintaining a healthy skin tone. This powerful group of vitamins are like a whole army of soldiers dedicated to fight off the damaging effects that pollution, stress and the environment can do to your skin and to your whole body. They work perfectly in conjuction with each other and with the other major vitamin groups to keep your body at it's peak performance and to keep your skin looking good.
Vitamin C is another vitamin that is getting more and more good reviews every day. It is a powerful antioxidant and can help boost your body's immune system. Vitamin C is a major factor in tissue repair, growth and healing.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It can prevent cell damage by prohibiting the negative effects that free radicals can have on your body.
Taking good care of your skin is not just about vitamins. Eat a healthy, balanced, diet and get plenty of exercise. Try to devote at least eight hours to sleep a night. Always wear a sunscreen when you are out in the sun. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
There is one more thing that you can take for younger looking skin. One teaspoon of cod liver oil a day has been called the fountain of youth. Many people say that after taking just one teaspoon per day, in a year's time they look like they have had a face lift! Cod liver oil helps to moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles. In addition, the vitamin D that it contains helps to build strong bones and reduce your risk for osteoporosis. It also contains fatty acids that aid in the development of brain function and the development of the nervous system.
Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Take good care of it. Protect it from harmful UV rays and nourish it daily with the right vitamins and supplements. You don't have to look your age, now that you know the right vitamin for skin
*Numbers and Vibrations
Numbers and Vibrations have fascinated Man for a very long time. Thousands of people have changed or tuned their Birth Names hoping to benefit from it. Whatever the Numerology Method - whether it's Kabbalah or Pythagorean or Chaldean, does Numerology really work? If No, Why? If Yes, then How ? Read on for some real life, practical FAQs.The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers) listed below are the most important and the most practical ones that are being asked around, more than anything else.
If you wish to tune your Birth Name Vibrations, you should read them, to get guidance and clear your doubts. If you have already undergone Name Energy Correction or Numerological Correction, then you too must read them, to understand why it has not worked out to your expections.
QUESTION 1:Everybody told me about numbers and their Vibrations. I had the spelling in my name changed by an Expert Numerologist. But nothing much seems to have changed. Why ?ANSWER :(1) You are right about the numbers: they do have vibrations. But have all the vibration inputs been taken into account? Not all Numerologists consider all the right factors. The parameters to be considered are: Birth Name; Date, Month & Year of Birth; Day of Birth & the Time of Birth. All of them are equally important. Even if one of these parameters are not included, the input system itself will be incomplete. If any of these factors (say, the time of birth) is not available, there are Clairvoyant methods to see through this.
(2) There is an even important contributing input that eventually influences the name: the person's Karma. Without accessing the Karmic Vibrations nothing can be decided. This is another reason why the Numerologist should also be an Advanced Level Clairvoyant.
(3) Assuming you have changed your name into right vibrations (after rightly analysing all the correct inputs) how much will the changed vibrations bring you what you desire?Let us look at this logically. When YOU pronounce your name (with the corrected spelling), your name vibrations are activated and REACH OUT to the person/persons you are talking to. I agree.
(1) But what about other people you are linked with?
(2) Can you talk with every other person about your changed name?
(3) What about people whom you knew in the past but are not in speaking terms now?
(4) What about people whom you have no knowledge of, but are going to get involved with you in your future? How will your altered personal vibrations reach them?The conclusion is that you need an Energy Tool (which has been exclusively programmed for you) to keep transmitting your changed personal name vibrations 24/7 to all those who are currently involved with you, involved with you in your past and going to be involved with you in future. Then and only then you can reap the benefits of the corrected name vibrations.That is exactly what I do for you when I implement my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology.
After diagonising the full range of inputs and scanning your karmic vibrations, I arrive at the primary objectives to be achieved and the negativites to be shed. These steps are then Programmed into a Crystal (after selecting the size, shape and colour of the Crystal most suitable for you) and then Energised. Now this Crystal will be broadcasting 24/7 the customised vibrations that will reach all the persons you need to deal with, to your terms. It could be an estranged business partner, a dear friend who had misunderstood you, a good old customer who had disappeared, a relative who hates you or a person who had felt blocks in reaching out to you.
In the NewAge Kabbalah Numerology, the word Kabbalah is spelt in many ways: kabala, kabbalah, kabbala, kabalah, qabala, qabalah, qabbalah, cabala, cabbala, cabbalah, cabalah.
QUESTION 2:I had my birth name tuned with a popular Numerologist. When I complained to him after an year that there had been no positive results, he advised me to write and rewrite my tuned name 48 times a day, for atleast the next 10 years - for empowerment, he said. I find it labourious and it also eats into my precious time. Is it worth it ?
ANSWER:It simply is not worth it. The concept that the name vibrations should be empowered is very correct. I agree. But how do you do it ? Definitely not by writing and rewriting it daily. I mean, how can you empower vibrations by just repeatedly rewriting it? It is merely wasting the time and energy and nothing else.There are dedicated tools and methods for creating, empowering, amplifying and broadcasting the name vibrations, to bring about sustained results. The best way of doing this is to dedicate the ideal crystal for this job, program it for solving the problem or meeting the purpose and activate it. These energy techniques are of very advanced level and have no similarities with energy healing methods like Reiki.
QUESTION 3:I have changed my name as per Numerology. Accordingly, I have changed my signature too. Shall I have to change my name in government documents, share certificates, gazette, etc.?
ANSWER:Yes, because you are forced to announce the name change and it will have it's own definite legal implications. You have to go through all the red tape and spend time and money in these procedures.But not in my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology. Because the converted vibrations reach and attract all those who have to be reached and informed - in your personal life and professional life, permanently.In fact, what is nice about this whole system is that you need not announce the name change itself to anybodyelse. Whether you announce or not, you fully get to have all the benefits of the newly tuned name.Which means there is no necessity whatsoever to change your signature or go through tedius red tape procedures with governmental agencies, etc. and waste both your time and money. Fantastic, isn't it?
QUESTION 4:I had my Company's name changed as per Numerology, after a heavy slump in it's fortunes. Now I am forced to readvertise massively the newly tuned name and my advertising bills are becoming very heavy. Not only that, I have lost a lot of good will and reputation that was identified with the previous name. My Numerologist says you can't eat the cake and have it too. Is there a way out?
ANSWER:Yes, there is. I can custom build a Crystal Energy Field for your re-tuned Company name which will be transmitting positive vibrations 24/7, so that your original purpose is fully solved.No need to relaunch expensive media campaigns in the new name/brand. You can continue to display your old and trusted Company name but still enjoy all the new benefits ! Yes, you can eat the cake and have it too!In fact, in my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology, there is absolutely no need to announce the name change at all. That way, you get to save a lot of good money wasted on re-advertising.
QUESTION 5:Is it possible to do Name Energy Correction for my whole family through a single Crystal Energy Field ?
ANSWER:Yes, it is possible to undertake the Name Energy Correction of a whole family in a single Crystal Energy Field through the Advanced Versions of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology. For example, in Advanced Version II, it is possible to accomodate 8 members of the same family whereas in Advanced Version III, as many as 12 members can be counted in. In fact in these Advanced Versions, what is being done is much more than Name Correction, it is Personal Energy Correction itself.So now, does Numerology really work ?Yes, but only if properly Custom Programmed Energy Tools (like Crystal Energy Fields) are used to transmit the Name Vibrations.This is copyrighted work. Permission is granted to republish (both in electronic media as well as print media) the article in it's entirety only, including the full bio of the author and his links. All links should be "clickable" hyperlinks. An acknowledgement mail from Republishers will be appreciated.
If you wish to tune your Birth Name Vibrations, you should read them, to get guidance and clear your doubts. If you have already undergone Name Energy Correction or Numerological Correction, then you too must read them, to understand why it has not worked out to your expections.
QUESTION 1:Everybody told me about numbers and their Vibrations. I had the spelling in my name changed by an Expert Numerologist. But nothing much seems to have changed. Why ?ANSWER :(1) You are right about the numbers: they do have vibrations. But have all the vibration inputs been taken into account? Not all Numerologists consider all the right factors. The parameters to be considered are: Birth Name; Date, Month & Year of Birth; Day of Birth & the Time of Birth. All of them are equally important. Even if one of these parameters are not included, the input system itself will be incomplete. If any of these factors (say, the time of birth) is not available, there are Clairvoyant methods to see through this.
(2) There is an even important contributing input that eventually influences the name: the person's Karma. Without accessing the Karmic Vibrations nothing can be decided. This is another reason why the Numerologist should also be an Advanced Level Clairvoyant.
(3) Assuming you have changed your name into right vibrations (after rightly analysing all the correct inputs) how much will the changed vibrations bring you what you desire?Let us look at this logically. When YOU pronounce your name (with the corrected spelling), your name vibrations are activated and REACH OUT to the person/persons you are talking to. I agree.
(1) But what about other people you are linked with?
(2) Can you talk with every other person about your changed name?
(3) What about people whom you knew in the past but are not in speaking terms now?
(4) What about people whom you have no knowledge of, but are going to get involved with you in your future? How will your altered personal vibrations reach them?The conclusion is that you need an Energy Tool (which has been exclusively programmed for you) to keep transmitting your changed personal name vibrations 24/7 to all those who are currently involved with you, involved with you in your past and going to be involved with you in future. Then and only then you can reap the benefits of the corrected name vibrations.That is exactly what I do for you when I implement my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology.
After diagonising the full range of inputs and scanning your karmic vibrations, I arrive at the primary objectives to be achieved and the negativites to be shed. These steps are then Programmed into a Crystal (after selecting the size, shape and colour of the Crystal most suitable for you) and then Energised. Now this Crystal will be broadcasting 24/7 the customised vibrations that will reach all the persons you need to deal with, to your terms. It could be an estranged business partner, a dear friend who had misunderstood you, a good old customer who had disappeared, a relative who hates you or a person who had felt blocks in reaching out to you.
In the NewAge Kabbalah Numerology, the word Kabbalah is spelt in many ways: kabala, kabbalah, kabbala, kabalah, qabala, qabalah, qabbalah, cabala, cabbala, cabbalah, cabalah.
QUESTION 2:I had my birth name tuned with a popular Numerologist. When I complained to him after an year that there had been no positive results, he advised me to write and rewrite my tuned name 48 times a day, for atleast the next 10 years - for empowerment, he said. I find it labourious and it also eats into my precious time. Is it worth it ?
ANSWER:It simply is not worth it. The concept that the name vibrations should be empowered is very correct. I agree. But how do you do it ? Definitely not by writing and rewriting it daily. I mean, how can you empower vibrations by just repeatedly rewriting it? It is merely wasting the time and energy and nothing else.There are dedicated tools and methods for creating, empowering, amplifying and broadcasting the name vibrations, to bring about sustained results. The best way of doing this is to dedicate the ideal crystal for this job, program it for solving the problem or meeting the purpose and activate it. These energy techniques are of very advanced level and have no similarities with energy healing methods like Reiki.
QUESTION 3:I have changed my name as per Numerology. Accordingly, I have changed my signature too. Shall I have to change my name in government documents, share certificates, gazette, etc.?
ANSWER:Yes, because you are forced to announce the name change and it will have it's own definite legal implications. You have to go through all the red tape and spend time and money in these procedures.But not in my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology. Because the converted vibrations reach and attract all those who have to be reached and informed - in your personal life and professional life, permanently.In fact, what is nice about this whole system is that you need not announce the name change itself to anybodyelse. Whether you announce or not, you fully get to have all the benefits of the newly tuned name.Which means there is no necessity whatsoever to change your signature or go through tedius red tape procedures with governmental agencies, etc. and waste both your time and money. Fantastic, isn't it?
QUESTION 4:I had my Company's name changed as per Numerology, after a heavy slump in it's fortunes. Now I am forced to readvertise massively the newly tuned name and my advertising bills are becoming very heavy. Not only that, I have lost a lot of good will and reputation that was identified with the previous name. My Numerologist says you can't eat the cake and have it too. Is there a way out?
ANSWER:Yes, there is. I can custom build a Crystal Energy Field for your re-tuned Company name which will be transmitting positive vibrations 24/7, so that your original purpose is fully solved.No need to relaunch expensive media campaigns in the new name/brand. You can continue to display your old and trusted Company name but still enjoy all the new benefits ! Yes, you can eat the cake and have it too!In fact, in my method of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology, there is absolutely no need to announce the name change at all. That way, you get to save a lot of good money wasted on re-advertising.
QUESTION 5:Is it possible to do Name Energy Correction for my whole family through a single Crystal Energy Field ?
ANSWER:Yes, it is possible to undertake the Name Energy Correction of a whole family in a single Crystal Energy Field through the Advanced Versions of NewAge Kabbalah Numerology. For example, in Advanced Version II, it is possible to accomodate 8 members of the same family whereas in Advanced Version III, as many as 12 members can be counted in. In fact in these Advanced Versions, what is being done is much more than Name Correction, it is Personal Energy Correction itself.So now, does Numerology really work ?Yes, but only if properly Custom Programmed Energy Tools (like Crystal Energy Fields) are used to transmit the Name Vibrations.This is copyrighted work. Permission is granted to republish (both in electronic media as well as print media) the article in it's entirety only, including the full bio of the author and his links. All links should be "clickable" hyperlinks. An acknowledgement mail from Republishers will be appreciated.
*The Most Important Key To Prosperity
There is a single key to prosperity, that will give you everything you ever wanted in life. This one key to prosperity will give you riches beyond your imagination, love without end, and perfect health well past the average age of mankind.
This key is not a secret, as just about every motivational speaker and business coach has presented the concept over and over again to a deaf audience. In fact, you yourself have probably been given this key many times in your life.
But have you listened? Have you taken the information to heart and made it an ongoing part of your life? Have you improved your skill to the point where 'excellence' is an apt description?
For that is the key secret to which all great people owe their greatness. To be excellent in something, whatever it is, is to be the one that is most sought after in that area.
Artists are a dime a dozen, but a great artist can command a premium for his/her artwork. A single work of great art can be sold for millions whereas a work of 'average' art is lucky to fetch $100.
In my field of photography, this is also the case. An average photographer who sells wedding photography can earn about $500 from an average wedding. A great photographer doing the same job can earn over $10,000, doing almost no additional work.
Musicians are the same in this regard. An average musician is lucky to be able to earn a living from live performances. Great musicians can earn $100,000 a night performing to sell-out crowds.
In business, the same key applies. An average accountant will earn $30,000 per year whereas a great accountant can earn over $300,000.
An average website may earn only $1000 per month, but a great website can earn over $10,000 per month.
An average car sells for about $15,000, but a great car sells for over $250,000.
The lesson here is that the better you are at what you do, the more you can sell it for. But this key works in other areas besides financial.
A person who have 'average' relationship skills will obtain a certain amount of happiness in a relationship. Someone with 'excellect' relationship skills will obtain much more happienss from the same relationship.
An average cook will enjoy the results of their efforts a certain amount. A great cook will obtain much more enjoyment from the foods they prepare.
Someone who has average skills in obtaining peace of mind will find that peace eluding them often. With skills that could be considered 'excellent', peace of mind would be a much more common experience.
Becoming excellent in what you do will reward you far beyond money, but will also reward you with love, happiness, peace of mind, and anything else you can imagine.
How to become excellent? That is the inevitable question that comes up next. That too is no secret, but is something that very few people want to acknowledge.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
But before you can practice, you have to know what excellence is. You have to know what you are practicing to obtain. To know the goal is the first step in reaching it.
For this, you usually want to seek out those who are considered excellent in the area that you wish to develop your own excellence.
A writer will want to consult with excellent writers.
A musician will want to rehearse with excellent musicians.
A teacher will want to learn from excellent teachers.
A salesperson will want to learn from excellent salespeople.
Someone wanting a cleaner house will want to learn from someone who is an excellent housekeeper.
Someone wanting more peace of mind will want to learn from someone who has an abundance of it.
Someone wanting a better relationship will want to learn from others who have great relationships.
And once you find an example to learn from, try to do what they do. In the process, you will learn what leads to excellence and eventually you will learn how to be excellent yourself, even in situations where your examples were never studied.
Becoming excellent takes time. It takes work. But the rewards are so out of proportion to the effort involved that you'd think that you found the gold mine.
This key is not a secret, as just about every motivational speaker and business coach has presented the concept over and over again to a deaf audience. In fact, you yourself have probably been given this key many times in your life.
But have you listened? Have you taken the information to heart and made it an ongoing part of your life? Have you improved your skill to the point where 'excellence' is an apt description?
For that is the key secret to which all great people owe their greatness. To be excellent in something, whatever it is, is to be the one that is most sought after in that area.
Artists are a dime a dozen, but a great artist can command a premium for his/her artwork. A single work of great art can be sold for millions whereas a work of 'average' art is lucky to fetch $100.
In my field of photography, this is also the case. An average photographer who sells wedding photography can earn about $500 from an average wedding. A great photographer doing the same job can earn over $10,000, doing almost no additional work.
Musicians are the same in this regard. An average musician is lucky to be able to earn a living from live performances. Great musicians can earn $100,000 a night performing to sell-out crowds.
In business, the same key applies. An average accountant will earn $30,000 per year whereas a great accountant can earn over $300,000.
An average website may earn only $1000 per month, but a great website can earn over $10,000 per month.
An average car sells for about $15,000, but a great car sells for over $250,000.
The lesson here is that the better you are at what you do, the more you can sell it for. But this key works in other areas besides financial.
A person who have 'average' relationship skills will obtain a certain amount of happiness in a relationship. Someone with 'excellect' relationship skills will obtain much more happienss from the same relationship.
An average cook will enjoy the results of their efforts a certain amount. A great cook will obtain much more enjoyment from the foods they prepare.
Someone who has average skills in obtaining peace of mind will find that peace eluding them often. With skills that could be considered 'excellent', peace of mind would be a much more common experience.
Becoming excellent in what you do will reward you far beyond money, but will also reward you with love, happiness, peace of mind, and anything else you can imagine.
How to become excellent? That is the inevitable question that comes up next. That too is no secret, but is something that very few people want to acknowledge.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
But before you can practice, you have to know what excellence is. You have to know what you are practicing to obtain. To know the goal is the first step in reaching it.
For this, you usually want to seek out those who are considered excellent in the area that you wish to develop your own excellence.
A writer will want to consult with excellent writers.
A musician will want to rehearse with excellent musicians.
A teacher will want to learn from excellent teachers.
A salesperson will want to learn from excellent salespeople.
Someone wanting a cleaner house will want to learn from someone who is an excellent housekeeper.
Someone wanting more peace of mind will want to learn from someone who has an abundance of it.
Someone wanting a better relationship will want to learn from others who have great relationships.
And once you find an example to learn from, try to do what they do. In the process, you will learn what leads to excellence and eventually you will learn how to be excellent yourself, even in situations where your examples were never studied.
Becoming excellent takes time. It takes work. But the rewards are so out of proportion to the effort involved that you'd think that you found the gold mine.
*History Of The Rose
To appreciate the significance of roses as garden plants, it helps to know a little of their extensive history. The early Romans were true lovers of roses. They carpeted their floors and showered their guests with rose petals, bathed in rose oils, drank rose wine, decorated warriors with rose garlands and treated their sick with medications made from rose petals and hips. When the supply of roses was not sufficient to meet demands, they built heated greenhouses so they could have flowers 12 months a year.
Evidence of the devotion given to the rose by early Christians is seen in stained glass windows in hundreds of medieval churches throughout the world. This tradition continues in modern churches today. Even the word rosary, a series of prayers reliving the life of Christ, originally meant rose garden. Throughout history, from writings by Confucius several hundred years before the birth of Christ to England's War of the Roses in the 15th century, roses have been a part of world events.
However, the roses that held such fascination long ago did not look much like the modern hybrid teas and grandifloras most of us grow today. The rose garden of Josephine, first wife of Napoleon, at Malmaison, their home in France, is still in existence. This garden contained almost 250 different roses, mostly rose species and natural hybrids. Quite a number of these roses are still in existence today, although they are not widely distributed through commercial outlets.
The large collection of roses gathered by Josephine at Malmaison was an important step in the development of today's modern roses. For the first time, horticulturists could observe in one location the tremendous diversity of the rose family. From the Orient came ever-blooming China roses such as 'Parson's Pink China'. From Reunion, an island country in the Indian Ocean, came the semi- double, pink Bourbon roses, which were also ever-blooming. These were stunning in contrast to Europe's Gallica roses, which, although extremely fragrant, bloomed only in early summer.
Even though rose breeding had been going on for centuries, many of the roses displayed at Malmaison were natural hybrids and species found in nature. Consequently, the true lineage of many roses is uncertain and often confusing. Even still, horticulturists found the possibilities at Malmaison exciting. They began creating their own crosses, changing rose gardening forever. Hybrids between ever-blooming China roses and Rosa moschata led to the Noisette roses. At the same time, the Hybrid Perpetual was developed from mixed parentage. These were crossed with Tea roses from China, resulting in the first hybrid tea rose. Soon, the era of modern roses was in full swing.
In North America, roses were also making an impact. There are about 35 species of roses that are native to the United States. As far back as the early 1600s, American Indians in the Northeast were planting roses to add flower color to their villages. Many native American roses, including Rosa californica, Rosa setigera and Rosa palustris, are rugged plants that are supremely adapted to the climates of their origins. In this current age of conservation when plants are required to thrive and look attractive with a minimum of care, as well as reduced amounts of water and fertilizer, these native American roses are ideal subjects.
In addition to native species, early settlers in North America also introduced many roses originating from other parts of the world. In the late 16th century, William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, brought 18 rose plants from England to the new world. He later wrote a book for pioneers about the value of roses as medicinal plants.
Today, roses are big business. The rose is the world's most popular flower, and the national flower of the United States. Each year commercial rose growers produce millions of plants that are sold throughout the world. To meet the demand for new varieties, rose hybridizing and variety testing continue as important parts of the rose-growing process.
Evidence of the devotion given to the rose by early Christians is seen in stained glass windows in hundreds of medieval churches throughout the world. This tradition continues in modern churches today. Even the word rosary, a series of prayers reliving the life of Christ, originally meant rose garden. Throughout history, from writings by Confucius several hundred years before the birth of Christ to England's War of the Roses in the 15th century, roses have been a part of world events.
However, the roses that held such fascination long ago did not look much like the modern hybrid teas and grandifloras most of us grow today. The rose garden of Josephine, first wife of Napoleon, at Malmaison, their home in France, is still in existence. This garden contained almost 250 different roses, mostly rose species and natural hybrids. Quite a number of these roses are still in existence today, although they are not widely distributed through commercial outlets.
The large collection of roses gathered by Josephine at Malmaison was an important step in the development of today's modern roses. For the first time, horticulturists could observe in one location the tremendous diversity of the rose family. From the Orient came ever-blooming China roses such as 'Parson's Pink China'. From Reunion, an island country in the Indian Ocean, came the semi- double, pink Bourbon roses, which were also ever-blooming. These were stunning in contrast to Europe's Gallica roses, which, although extremely fragrant, bloomed only in early summer.
Even though rose breeding had been going on for centuries, many of the roses displayed at Malmaison were natural hybrids and species found in nature. Consequently, the true lineage of many roses is uncertain and often confusing. Even still, horticulturists found the possibilities at Malmaison exciting. They began creating their own crosses, changing rose gardening forever. Hybrids between ever-blooming China roses and Rosa moschata led to the Noisette roses. At the same time, the Hybrid Perpetual was developed from mixed parentage. These were crossed with Tea roses from China, resulting in the first hybrid tea rose. Soon, the era of modern roses was in full swing.
In North America, roses were also making an impact. There are about 35 species of roses that are native to the United States. As far back as the early 1600s, American Indians in the Northeast were planting roses to add flower color to their villages. Many native American roses, including Rosa californica, Rosa setigera and Rosa palustris, are rugged plants that are supremely adapted to the climates of their origins. In this current age of conservation when plants are required to thrive and look attractive with a minimum of care, as well as reduced amounts of water and fertilizer, these native American roses are ideal subjects.
In addition to native species, early settlers in North America also introduced many roses originating from other parts of the world. In the late 16th century, William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, brought 18 rose plants from England to the new world. He later wrote a book for pioneers about the value of roses as medicinal plants.
Today, roses are big business. The rose is the world's most popular flower, and the national flower of the United States. Each year commercial rose growers produce millions of plants that are sold throughout the world. To meet the demand for new varieties, rose hybridizing and variety testing continue as important parts of the rose-growing process.
*Stress Relief: 3 Tips To Reduce Work-Related Stress
Are you feeling tired and burned out? Has financial worries or work stress caused you to loose that day-to-day enthusiasm that gives you “bounce” and high feelings of energy?
Sometimes in life burnout is irreversible and the original feelings of joy and enthusiasm for a pursuit will never be regained. But of course that does not mean that you will not feel excitement and enthusiasm for new pursuits in life. It is your duty to learn from your experiences and use that knowledge and take care to attend to your own needs in the future.
Below are 3 tips that can greatly reduce your levels of stress from work and tension within your working atmosphere:
1. Learn to use time-management techniques at work and be sure to include time for rest and relaxation every day. There is nothing wrong with taking many little breaks throughout the day to gather you thoughts, breath, and relieve that stress.
If you cannot get up from your desk at work every 30-60 minutes or are so embedded with a home business project that you do not want to take that many breaks, then try simply try putting your head back, stretch, close your eyes, and just breath for a minute or two before you get back to work. Sometimes that is all it takes!
2. Recognize that in order to do a good job and meet the challenges of work, you must put equal time and care into your body and spiritual needs. Without energy there is little taste in life. Without a spiritual “peace of mind” you cannot enjoy what you are working for each and every day.
Feel your body and mind like you would your stomach with food. Read motivational material, exercise, and eat nutritionally dense foods. The quality of life enhancement that you will feel from these simple steps alone will help you work harder, relieve stress, and attract more good things into your life.
3. Learn to prioritize your tasks and start delegating or outsourcing the ones that can be done by other people whom possess the talents to do so. The problem with those of us that want to be successful, whether moving up the ladder of success in the corporate world, or focusing on building a home based business, is that we tend to want to do everything ourselves.
We get so swamped with all of the little jobs that make up the big projects. We want the quality to be the same as if we were doing the job. We want to do it all. This can only spell failure. Yes, do as much as you can, but learn to “let go” by outsourcing what you can. Your stress levels will decline and your well-being will thank you for it.
Sometimes in life burnout is irreversible and the original feelings of joy and enthusiasm for a pursuit will never be regained. But of course that does not mean that you will not feel excitement and enthusiasm for new pursuits in life. It is your duty to learn from your experiences and use that knowledge and take care to attend to your own needs in the future.
Below are 3 tips that can greatly reduce your levels of stress from work and tension within your working atmosphere:
1. Learn to use time-management techniques at work and be sure to include time for rest and relaxation every day. There is nothing wrong with taking many little breaks throughout the day to gather you thoughts, breath, and relieve that stress.
If you cannot get up from your desk at work every 30-60 minutes or are so embedded with a home business project that you do not want to take that many breaks, then try simply try putting your head back, stretch, close your eyes, and just breath for a minute or two before you get back to work. Sometimes that is all it takes!
2. Recognize that in order to do a good job and meet the challenges of work, you must put equal time and care into your body and spiritual needs. Without energy there is little taste in life. Without a spiritual “peace of mind” you cannot enjoy what you are working for each and every day.
Feel your body and mind like you would your stomach with food. Read motivational material, exercise, and eat nutritionally dense foods. The quality of life enhancement that you will feel from these simple steps alone will help you work harder, relieve stress, and attract more good things into your life.
3. Learn to prioritize your tasks and start delegating or outsourcing the ones that can be done by other people whom possess the talents to do so. The problem with those of us that want to be successful, whether moving up the ladder of success in the corporate world, or focusing on building a home based business, is that we tend to want to do everything ourselves.
We get so swamped with all of the little jobs that make up the big projects. We want the quality to be the same as if we were doing the job. We want to do it all. This can only spell failure. Yes, do as much as you can, but learn to “let go” by outsourcing what you can. Your stress levels will decline and your well-being will thank you for it.
*Understanding The Term Yoga
The term yoga is a common word in the Sanskrit language, which is the language in which most of the Yoga scriptures are written. It also happens to be one of the most versatile Sanskrit terms, having a whole range of meanings that extend from simple "union" to "team," "constellation," and "conjunction." It is derived from the verbal root yuj, meaning "to harness, yoke, prepare, equip, and fasten.
"The male practitioner of Yoga is referred to as a yogin or yogi and the female practitioner as a yogini. Common synonyms are yoga-vid meaning "knower of Yoga" and yukta meaning "yoked one". Sometimes the word yoga-yuj, meaning "one who is yoked in Yoga" is used. A master of Yoga may be referred to as a yoga raj ("king of Yoga") or yogendra (from yoga and indra, meaning "lord")
.In addition to yoga and yukta, the verbal root yuj also yields the old Sanskrit word yuga, denoting "yoke," which is the literal yoke placed on an ox and the yoke or burden of the years. It is probably in the latter, metaphoric sense that yuga is applied to the four great world cycles, which according to Hinduism, continuously revolve, thus creating history. At present we are believed to be in the final world age, the kali-yuga, in which spirituality and morality are at their lowest ebb. The kali-yuga is the Dark Age, which is destined to terminate in a convulsive cataclysm, accompanied by a major purging of humanity. Thereafter a new Golden Age will begin, starting the four-phase cycle all over again.
The term yoga is closely related to a number of words in various Indo-European languages, including the English yoke, the German Joch, and the Latin iugum, which all have the same meaning. In a spiritual context, the word yoga can have two primary meanings. It can stand for either "union" or "discipline." In most cases, both connotations are present when the term yoga is applied. Therefore, dhyana-yoga is the unitive discipline of meditation; samnyasa-yoga is the
unitive discipline of renunciation; karma-yoga is the unitive discipline of self-transcending action; kriya-yoga is the unitive discipline of ritual; bhakti-yoga is the unitive discipline of love and devotion to the Divine, and so on.
What does the term unitive mean? It describes Yoga's disciplined approach to simplifying one's consciousness and energy to the level where we no longer experience any inner conflict and are able to live in harmony with the universe. In addition, unitive specifically refers to the goal of many branches and schools of Yoga, which is to realize our essential nature, the Self (atman, purusha), by consciously uniting with it. This understanding of Yoga is characteristic of those teachings that subscribe to a nondualist metaphysics according to which the Self is the ultimate singular Reality underlying all events.
"The male practitioner of Yoga is referred to as a yogin or yogi and the female practitioner as a yogini. Common synonyms are yoga-vid meaning "knower of Yoga" and yukta meaning "yoked one". Sometimes the word yoga-yuj, meaning "one who is yoked in Yoga" is used. A master of Yoga may be referred to as a yoga raj ("king of Yoga") or yogendra (from yoga and indra, meaning "lord")
.In addition to yoga and yukta, the verbal root yuj also yields the old Sanskrit word yuga, denoting "yoke," which is the literal yoke placed on an ox and the yoke or burden of the years. It is probably in the latter, metaphoric sense that yuga is applied to the four great world cycles, which according to Hinduism, continuously revolve, thus creating history. At present we are believed to be in the final world age, the kali-yuga, in which spirituality and morality are at their lowest ebb. The kali-yuga is the Dark Age, which is destined to terminate in a convulsive cataclysm, accompanied by a major purging of humanity. Thereafter a new Golden Age will begin, starting the four-phase cycle all over again.
The term yoga is closely related to a number of words in various Indo-European languages, including the English yoke, the German Joch, and the Latin iugum, which all have the same meaning. In a spiritual context, the word yoga can have two primary meanings. It can stand for either "union" or "discipline." In most cases, both connotations are present when the term yoga is applied. Therefore, dhyana-yoga is the unitive discipline of meditation; samnyasa-yoga is the
unitive discipline of renunciation; karma-yoga is the unitive discipline of self-transcending action; kriya-yoga is the unitive discipline of ritual; bhakti-yoga is the unitive discipline of love and devotion to the Divine, and so on.
What does the term unitive mean? It describes Yoga's disciplined approach to simplifying one's consciousness and energy to the level where we no longer experience any inner conflict and are able to live in harmony with the universe. In addition, unitive specifically refers to the goal of many branches and schools of Yoga, which is to realize our essential nature, the Self (atman, purusha), by consciously uniting with it. This understanding of Yoga is characteristic of those teachings that subscribe to a nondualist metaphysics according to which the Self is the ultimate singular Reality underlying all events.
*The Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, which is sometimes called non-insulin dependent diabetes, is a condition that develops over time. Your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin resulting in increased blood sugar levels. Family history of diabetes and obesity are two of the biggest risks factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Normally, insulin levels fluctuate in relation to the amount of glucose in your body. The level will increase after eating and decrease if no food is being consumed. The main function of insulin is to move the glucose to various destinations throughout your body. If you have more glucose than your body needs, the excess will be stored in the liver, where it will be released as needed. It is a complex balance between the pancreas, liver, insulin and glucose.
In type 2 diabetes one of two things can occur. Your pancreas will stop producing the needed levels of insulin or your body will become resistant to insulin. In both cases, the result will be high blood sugar levels.
Your body has ways of telling you when something is wrong. It is important that you know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes because, the sooner treatment starts, the less damage will be done to your body. The following paragraphs will give you an idea of what to look for in type 2 diabetes.
Extreme fatigue is often an overlooked symptom of type 2 diabetes. This is probably due to the fact that it is such a general symptom and is associated with other factors such as busy lifestyle, not getting enough sleep or stress. However, if you always feel tired and sleepy, even after a good night's sleep, you should see your doctor.
A drastic change in weight is a good indicator of diabetes. You may eat more because you are feeling hungry all the time. This will result in weight gain. Excess fat in the tissues causes your body to become even more resistant to the effects of insulin. The opposite is true also. You may eat more than normal but start losing weight. This is due to the fact that your muscles don't get enough glucose to exert energy or grow.
Blurry vision is another sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels will pull fluid from tissues. This includes the lenses of the eye, making it very difficult to focus. Most vision problems will be resolved once the diabetes is treated. However, in a few cases, blindness can result from diabetes, especially if it is left untreated.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is frequent infections or slow healing infections and cuts. Diabetes interferes with the healing process. Increased incidences of yeast infections is a big indicator of type 2 diabetes.
If you notice that your gums are becoming red, swollen and inflamed you need to see your doctor. Diabetes will increase the risk of developing infections in your gums and in the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Your body is an amazing , complex machine. Listen to what it has to say. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, see your doctor right away. The sooner treatment begins for type 2 diabetes, the sooner your life can return to normal.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Normally, insulin levels fluctuate in relation to the amount of glucose in your body. The level will increase after eating and decrease if no food is being consumed. The main function of insulin is to move the glucose to various destinations throughout your body. If you have more glucose than your body needs, the excess will be stored in the liver, where it will be released as needed. It is a complex balance between the pancreas, liver, insulin and glucose.
In type 2 diabetes one of two things can occur. Your pancreas will stop producing the needed levels of insulin or your body will become resistant to insulin. In both cases, the result will be high blood sugar levels.
Your body has ways of telling you when something is wrong. It is important that you know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes because, the sooner treatment starts, the less damage will be done to your body. The following paragraphs will give you an idea of what to look for in type 2 diabetes.
Extreme fatigue is often an overlooked symptom of type 2 diabetes. This is probably due to the fact that it is such a general symptom and is associated with other factors such as busy lifestyle, not getting enough sleep or stress. However, if you always feel tired and sleepy, even after a good night's sleep, you should see your doctor.
A drastic change in weight is a good indicator of diabetes. You may eat more because you are feeling hungry all the time. This will result in weight gain. Excess fat in the tissues causes your body to become even more resistant to the effects of insulin. The opposite is true also. You may eat more than normal but start losing weight. This is due to the fact that your muscles don't get enough glucose to exert energy or grow.
Blurry vision is another sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels will pull fluid from tissues. This includes the lenses of the eye, making it very difficult to focus. Most vision problems will be resolved once the diabetes is treated. However, in a few cases, blindness can result from diabetes, especially if it is left untreated.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is frequent infections or slow healing infections and cuts. Diabetes interferes with the healing process. Increased incidences of yeast infections is a big indicator of type 2 diabetes.
If you notice that your gums are becoming red, swollen and inflamed you need to see your doctor. Diabetes will increase the risk of developing infections in your gums and in the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Your body is an amazing , complex machine. Listen to what it has to say. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, see your doctor right away. The sooner treatment begins for type 2 diabetes, the sooner your life can return to normal.
*Scented Garden Plants
There is a huge variety of scented garden plants, so in many ways there can be no problem in achieving some sort of perfumed garden. However, the real trick is in succession planting - the choosing of garden plants which can contribute a pleasant scent throughout the year.
Spring can be a difficult time of year for scent, as many of the large scented garden plants like climbers and shrubs flower in mid to late summer. Good choices for spring garden plants with perfume are bulbs, the mainstay of the spring garden. Hyacinths and the Jonquil type Narcissus are lovely scented garden plants.
Muscari, the Grape Hyacinth, is a beautiful plant with (usually) blue poker-like flowers. They naturalize well but be careful of the more common Muscari Armeniacum which can sometimes be over-vigorous in some situations.Shrubs such as Osmanthus Delavayi have powerfully and beautifully scented white flowers in mid to late spring. Some spring-flowering Viburnums and the exquisitely perfumed Daphnes should also take pride of place in the list of scented garden plants.
Taking over in summer are the more "seriously" scented garden plants- the famous climber Jasmine Officinale, which can clothe a large wall with white scented blooms, although it needs a south-facing sheltered site. Some people find the smell of Jasmine too powerful and cloying. The shrub Philadelphus or Mock Orange has white flowers too, and emits a strong scent of orange blossom in early summer. The summer season is in many ways the easiest for scented garden plants. A walled garden is ideal for these climbers, shrubs, annuals and perennials as scented garden plants often require heat to emit their scent. A courtyard garden creates a wind-free microclimate in which perfume can really fill the air.
In autumn scented garden plants become more difficult to find; a lot of the more colorful late-bloomers like cannas, dahlias and rudbeckias tend to lack scent. However, climbers such as Clematis Rehderiana with its nodding cream-colored bell-like flowers come to the rescue, along with the shrub Eleagnus x ebbingei, which is deliciously and powerfully scented, fast-growing and tolerates shade (although it may flower more freely in sun). It is interesting to note that many scented garden plants have small, white and sometimes insignificant looking flowers. They attract their pollinators by scent, so they do not need to be as visually stunning as garden plants which rely on bright colors and showy stamens to attract pollinators. This is especially true of autumn scented garden plants.
As we tend not to sit out in the garden in the winter, for many of us, scented garden plants become less important. This year I have so much enjoyed the scent of a Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Mollis, which is sited near to my back door as I go out to feed the birds. It is cheerful and prolifically bears yellow frilly flowers on bare stems throughout the winter months. Similarly I have fallen rather in love with Scarcococca, or Christmas Box, a small evergreen shrub with small white flowers through January and February powerfully scented with honey. They prefer a shady spot so do not need to be planted in a spot which competes with your sun-loving summer scented garden plants.
It is possible with forward planning to achieve a beautiful and heady succession of scented garden plants, so that as one fades, another takes over. I hope you enjoy experimenting with scent in the garden in the coming year
Spring can be a difficult time of year for scent, as many of the large scented garden plants like climbers and shrubs flower in mid to late summer. Good choices for spring garden plants with perfume are bulbs, the mainstay of the spring garden. Hyacinths and the Jonquil type Narcissus are lovely scented garden plants.
Muscari, the Grape Hyacinth, is a beautiful plant with (usually) blue poker-like flowers. They naturalize well but be careful of the more common Muscari Armeniacum which can sometimes be over-vigorous in some situations.Shrubs such as Osmanthus Delavayi have powerfully and beautifully scented white flowers in mid to late spring. Some spring-flowering Viburnums and the exquisitely perfumed Daphnes should also take pride of place in the list of scented garden plants.
Taking over in summer are the more "seriously" scented garden plants- the famous climber Jasmine Officinale, which can clothe a large wall with white scented blooms, although it needs a south-facing sheltered site. Some people find the smell of Jasmine too powerful and cloying. The shrub Philadelphus or Mock Orange has white flowers too, and emits a strong scent of orange blossom in early summer. The summer season is in many ways the easiest for scented garden plants. A walled garden is ideal for these climbers, shrubs, annuals and perennials as scented garden plants often require heat to emit their scent. A courtyard garden creates a wind-free microclimate in which perfume can really fill the air.
In autumn scented garden plants become more difficult to find; a lot of the more colorful late-bloomers like cannas, dahlias and rudbeckias tend to lack scent. However, climbers such as Clematis Rehderiana with its nodding cream-colored bell-like flowers come to the rescue, along with the shrub Eleagnus x ebbingei, which is deliciously and powerfully scented, fast-growing and tolerates shade (although it may flower more freely in sun). It is interesting to note that many scented garden plants have small, white and sometimes insignificant looking flowers. They attract their pollinators by scent, so they do not need to be as visually stunning as garden plants which rely on bright colors and showy stamens to attract pollinators. This is especially true of autumn scented garden plants.
As we tend not to sit out in the garden in the winter, for many of us, scented garden plants become less important. This year I have so much enjoyed the scent of a Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Mollis, which is sited near to my back door as I go out to feed the birds. It is cheerful and prolifically bears yellow frilly flowers on bare stems throughout the winter months. Similarly I have fallen rather in love with Scarcococca, or Christmas Box, a small evergreen shrub with small white flowers through January and February powerfully scented with honey. They prefer a shady spot so do not need to be planted in a spot which competes with your sun-loving summer scented garden plants.
It is possible with forward planning to achieve a beautiful and heady succession of scented garden plants, so that as one fades, another takes over. I hope you enjoy experimenting with scent in the garden in the coming year
*Notebook Computers in the Age of the Internet
Everyone knows that our world cannot exist without computers. Ever tried to make a purchase at a convenience store when their computers are down, ever waited for someone to make change when their register computer is down, or have you ever tried to find a book in a library when the system is down? If you have ever experienced one of these inconveniences, you know that our world hinges on whether or not our computers are working.
Remember when you told your teacher that the dog ate your homework? Did she believe you? Probably not. Now the excuse is my computer crashed, my printer wouldn't print, or we were out of ink. Even kids rely on computers to do their schoolwork. The days of pen and pencils are almost over. In fact most students know more about computers than their teachers or parents. They don't even remember a time without computers.
As computers become more and more intuitive and powerful, we must proceed with them. If you are still among the population that resents the encroachment of the computer, think about this scenario. If Eve in the Garden of Eden had access to the Internet, she could have looked up information about snakes. She would have found out that they have forked tongues and an evil reputation. Instead of listening to the snake's lies, she would have thrashed him with a tree branch. Think how much better our world would be now.
The best present any graduate can get this June is a desktop computer or a laptop. In my day, girls were given matching luggage to take their clothes to school. Yes, I know I am dating myself, but I do have a point. Today buy your child a computer and let them take their clothes is a paper sack. They don't care; an old gym bag will do. I know; schools have computer labs, but they are always full. Wouldn't you rather your son or particularly your daughter not be out of the dorm or apartment working on projects or papers? Also, when your newly graduated senior has moved away to school, e-mail will become your best friend. Even if you hate computers, you will learn to love them because they will become your link to your child. The nest will never be empty as long as you have e-mail.
Computers are links to the outside world. The world has never been more accessible or smaller. You have to keep up or you will be left behind and who wants to be the last straggler on the planet? Not me!
Remember when you told your teacher that the dog ate your homework? Did she believe you? Probably not. Now the excuse is my computer crashed, my printer wouldn't print, or we were out of ink. Even kids rely on computers to do their schoolwork. The days of pen and pencils are almost over. In fact most students know more about computers than their teachers or parents. They don't even remember a time without computers.
As computers become more and more intuitive and powerful, we must proceed with them. If you are still among the population that resents the encroachment of the computer, think about this scenario. If Eve in the Garden of Eden had access to the Internet, she could have looked up information about snakes. She would have found out that they have forked tongues and an evil reputation. Instead of listening to the snake's lies, she would have thrashed him with a tree branch. Think how much better our world would be now.
The best present any graduate can get this June is a desktop computer or a laptop. In my day, girls were given matching luggage to take their clothes to school. Yes, I know I am dating myself, but I do have a point. Today buy your child a computer and let them take their clothes is a paper sack. They don't care; an old gym bag will do. I know; schools have computer labs, but they are always full. Wouldn't you rather your son or particularly your daughter not be out of the dorm or apartment working on projects or papers? Also, when your newly graduated senior has moved away to school, e-mail will become your best friend. Even if you hate computers, you will learn to love them because they will become your link to your child. The nest will never be empty as long as you have e-mail.
Computers are links to the outside world. The world has never been more accessible or smaller. You have to keep up or you will be left behind and who wants to be the last straggler on the planet? Not me!
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World Famous Jog Falls, Karnataka
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World Famous Jog Falls, Karnataka
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Jog Falls, Karnataka