Nice Engineer

Effective Tactics that Boost Your Holiday Sales

2005-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Brian Su

Many small e-tailers heavily rely on holiday sales. Meanwhile, numerous net shoppers are looking around for perfect holiday gifts in order to avoid crows in the mall. Here are seven effective tactics that you can implement to attract shoppers and increase online sales immediately. If you follow the tactics in a proper manner, you may see instant result.
1) Focus on Online Shopping Benefits
Holiday shopping has become a big headache for many consumers. Some don't like crowds in the mall, many are not sure what to buy; guys are usually "don't have time" to go shopping. Therefore, you must emphasize the following advantages that you may consider to offer: convenient and secure shopping, big discounts, no sales tax, fast delivery, or evens free shipping. In one word, consumers can save big money when shopping at your online store.
2) Make an Offer No-one Can Resist
Everyone who visits your store may be a prospect for your merchandise. Make an exclusive online offer that a visitor can take advantage of, such as discount, cash rebate, free shipping, buy one get one free deal, etc. For example, online jewelry store http://www.AllNaturalStuff.com offers free shipping and discounts on all of their merchandise. There are many creative ways to give your prospects a special offer they cannot refuse. You'll attract maximum number of customers when you offer a good deal they cannot get from other online stores and your competitors.
3) Develop a Cash Rebate & Discount Coupon Program
If you don't have a cash rebate or discount coupon program, then create one by offering an online printable coupon that a prospect can download for mail-in rebate when they place an order and/or new orders. Coupons have been proven very effective for many online stores. It provides additional incentive for shoppers to spend extra bucks. Spell out the terms and conditions for your coupon program. Don't forget to encourage shoppers to print out and give away your discount coupons to their friends.
4) Share Your Customers' Testimonials
Your store may be new to many online shoppers. Many prospects may consider emptying their shopping cart before they leave. If you have any satisfied customers with your services and products, you should display them on your site to boost customer confidence and their faith on your business. Customer satisfaction is the number one issue for online business. Consider offering a liberal money back guarantee policy.
5) Display Your Return Policy and Privacy Statement

Many e-tailers have asked me the same question: "my store gets a lot of hits, but I'm not making any sales! What am I doing wrong?" So many times, when I visit such sites, it is not difficult to find the problem. Some of websites lack basic details on return policy and privacy statement. It is understandable that visitors will not buy when return policy and privacy statements are not displayed. To boost consumer confidence, you should have return policy and privacy to protect consumer interests.
6) Communicate with Your Store Visitors and Shoppers

If you ship merchandise through UPS or USPS, then add a link of UPS or USPS so that you and your customers can track deliveries online. There are some e-commerce rating programs you might consider participating, such as VeriSign.com, Better Business Bureau Online, ePublicEye.com. Sites with their logos have a big impact on consumer confidence. Additionally, do not delay your responses to customers' inquiries. You may add online customer support tools such as HumanClick.com or LiveHelper.com to your website so that you can provide immediate assistance to prospects who are visiting your store.
7) Update Your Inventory Status
Online shoppers will never forget nightmares with large Internet establishments that fail to ship out orders last Christmas due to shortage of their inventories. Many shoppers refuse to go back to the same e-tailers this year. If you don't have enough inventories for particular merchandise, then remove them from your online catalog, keep your website updated!
In conclusion, take a few minutes to review your online store and make necessary adjustments to your current operation. You'll be surprised to find out there's room for making improvements. A minor improvement may result in more sales immediately. Several improvements or adjustments to your online operation may generate an unexpected increase in your total sales volume for this holiday season.

Brian Su is a senior consultant and of SmarTechLab.com (http://www.SmarTechlab.com) - an Illinois-based consulting firm that specializes in e-business development and marketing strategy. He also manages a popular microportal at http://www.DollarTemplates.com that provides pre-made e-commerce web templates to entrepreneurs around the world.

5 Interviewing Tips To Get That Job!
Marie Magdala Roker

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you have completed the laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have to pass the screen test to get the job. Interviews are the gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will help you get own your way to making that job yours.
Tip 1

Be Confident

Your first impression is your only impression.

Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don't try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions. Other interview killers: Slouching in a chair, Crossing your arms, Playing with your hair or jewelry, Leaning back in chair

Tip 2

Act As If

You are what you believe.

Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won't get the job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resource: www.confidenceworld.com.

Tip 3

Know The Company

Know the business.

I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees did not do any research on the company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you're interview is scheduled, get on the net and start finding out everything you can about the company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com, which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you'd like to know what current or former employees have to say about the company, try www.wetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call the company headquarters and ask for the marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into the interview by stating. I read an article in the Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ. This lets the interviewer know that you have taken the time to know more about the company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don't challenge them or you'll come across as a know-it-all.

Tip 4

Be Prepared

Know what to say.

Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, former employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by several people, this might be a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for signs of weakness and dishonesty. To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it's easier to remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out situations in which you have demonstrated: leadership skills, determination, stress management, creativity, and flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: Why do you want this job? If you're not sure, reevaluate your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great list of interview questions: http://www.indiana.edu/~libpers/interview.html

Tip 5

Ask For The Job

You get what you ask for.

The most important step in the interviewing process is one most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you've just wasted an interview. Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive, confident and right for the job. It might feel uncomfortable, but this is your only chance to ask for something you really want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing argument, you've got to win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, think of it as a lesson learned. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve it!

Marie Magdala Roker is a Family Coach and Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor. She is completing her Masters in Health Education at Columbia University's Teachers College. She helps parents to reclaim their lives and students to unlock their academic potential. She is committed to helping build healthy families, one family member at a time.

How to Profit from Creative Home Businesses

2005-08-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

Randy Wilson

Ideas for creative home businesses are everywhere. Many of them are already in your head, and you just don't know it. Here are some questions to get your own creative business ideas flowing:

What hobbies do I enjoy?
What do I already know how to do?
Do I want to pursue this full-time or part-time?
Am I good with my hands?
Do I want to learn a new craft?
What do I love?

When it comes to creative home businesses, the last question may be the most important one of all. What do you love to do most? Write? Paint? Embroider? Sew? Build things? Decorate? This is where your passion is, and what you're passionate about, you're most likely to be successful at doing.

Too many people spend their days at jobs they don't even like, much less love. If you're considering starting a creative home business, this is your chance to do what you truly enjoy.

One idea for a creative home business is a home sewing business. Handmade wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses are always in demand. There are also opportunities for machine embroidering everything from sports teams' jerseys, caps, and jackets to beautiful beach towels.

Handmade draperies are also hot items these days. So if you're great at sewing or machine embroidery, this is a great area for your creative home business.

Maybe you like to build things. Handcrafted birdhouses, doghouses, toys, as well as many other things, are always in demand. Many times you can sell these items right from your front yard. Or you can sell them in online auctions. If you have a special niche item that you love to build, you may even want to have a kiosk at your local mall to sell your goods.

Jewelry making is one of the hottest trends going. This makes selling your handcrafted jewelry easier than ever. Specialty stores and upscale boutiques will buy all you can make, and at a premium price. You can also sell the handmade jewelry from your creative business on your own website. The cost of websites has come down drastically in the last few years, and they are great for selling to a much larger group of people than you could otherwise.

If you love to paint, get your paintings to a local art gallery that focuses on local artists. Your creative home business can get a turbo charge this way. Good art galleries are always on the lookout for fresh, new talent and are willing to have shows where you can sell your paintings. Another idea for selling your paintings (that not a lot of artists think of!) is through interior decorators. They, too, are always looking for unique art for their clients' homes and apartments. So arrange to show some of them your work and you'll likely make several sales immediately.

Now that you hopefully have your own creative business idea, here are a few things you need to consider:

What supplies and/or equipment do I need?
Should I hire an accountant?
Do I have the space I need in my home?
Does my area/state require me to get a business license?
How do I prepare for tax time?
Is there a market for my items?
What's my competition doing?
How do I advertise?

After you've done the needed research, write out a business plan. And then follow it. You can't make a wedding gown without a pattern or plan. You can't build a business without one either. But with a good business plan, effort, determination, and patience, you CAN have the successful creative home business you've always dreamed of having.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens more home based business articles such as Carpet Cleaning Business and Cake Decorating Business.

The Uniqueness of Missoni
Sher Matsen

To Uniqueness of Angela Missoni stands her alone and away from any other designer. A garment designed by Angela easily is picked out of a line of impressive fashions.

Even though Angela Missoni had been involved in the family fashion business she was determined not to follow in the footsteps of her parent.

After having several career from managing a children's playground to raising organic chickens, she was drawn back to her natural roots and began designing jewelry. Her father offered her a position in the company claiming that the diversity could keep her working in her own department out of the daily reaches of her parents.

Angela soon began designing fashion collections. Her collections were varied. One collection saw accessories added, another some knits, as she always battled to be unique and different.

One day her mother said she felt Angela's lines should be what Missoni should be about.

Her desire is fueled by her uniqueness. She never wanted to be like any other designer. Angela prides herself in knowing that nothing else in the fashion world looks quite like a Missoni design.

From it's inception in 1953 Missoni was very experimental. Sometime during the 1980s it lost its way and became intrenched in the more classic looks and styles. With the help of Angela it has found its way back to its roots.

The designs are once again bold, funky, younger looking. So watch for the new face or shall we say old face of the well known Missoni family with Angela now leading the way.

Angela's designs have been worn by many famous stars such as Sandra Bullock, Eva Mendes, Rachel Blanchard, Debra Messing and Sheryl Crow.

It's going to be an exciting season with Angela's imagination running wild what we will see on the runway this season can only be left to the imagination. Keep your eyes wide open!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Dear Tech Support

2005-08-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dorree Lynn

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed that the new program began making unexpected changes to the accounting modules, limiting access to flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.9 but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

Desperate

Dear Desperate,

I regretfully inform you that the technical problems you raise often come with the system purchased. Evidently you did not look around at similar systems or read the fine print prior to making your purchase. Many in your situation try quick solutions, immediately try other systems, are driven to drink or in total frustration simply trash the current system. Unfortunately our current state of technology remains limited and whatever your upgrades, there are always glitches.

I recommend you get technologically proficient with what you have, learn every default capability you can and keep clicking buttons until one works. If your system crashes, wait. Sometimes you may have to turn off the machine and give it a rest. Miraculously, for unknown reasons, glitches may disappear. Another tool to use with your new upgrade is patience. I understand this is not what you bargained for, but it helps. There are times the system will right itself if you simply wait long enough. And, trust me, you will never know why.

If nothing else works, try talking to your machine. I know the system you selected does not include that in the instruction manual, but it is a trick I have learned over the years. And foolish as it may seem, perhaps when no one is looking, caress your machine and give it a kiss.

Your system is only as good as the user and when upgrading, there can be no such thing as foolish pride. So if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. If all else fails and your system continues to deteriorate, please call in a certified technician before it is too late.

Life is too hard to do alone,

Dr. D.

Dorree Lynn, PH.D.

Dr. Dorree Lynn is co-founder of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Psychotherapy and a practicing clinician in New York and Washington, DC. Dr. Lynn served on the executive board of the American Academy of Psychotherapists and she is on the editorial board of their publication, Voices. She is also a regular columnist for the Washington, DC newspaper, The Georgetowner. Dr. Lynn is a noted speaker and well known on the lecture circuit.

40 Days and 40 Nights in the Wilderness with Venus
Nancy R. Fenn

Venus, the planet, goes retrograde (backwards) less frequently than Mercury, about every 18 months, and lasts 40 days. Because it is less frequent, it is more difficult to understand and wreaks more havoc than a Mercury retrograde. Mercury affects communication. Venus affects possessions, relationships, women's issues and most of all values. Venus asks, "What is it that you really value?"

Many astrologers also believe that Venus affects the stock market. The next Venus retrograde period begins May 17, 2004. Also check back to October 10, 2002 to see what was happening in your life during the last Venus retrograde so you can draw some conclusions as to how you handle these transits.

A client wrote me during an earlier Venus Retrograde: "I've been reading your eZines and wondering what the 'difficult time' we are all having is. Then, I experienced it with a deep, fast plunge to the bottom complete with a few extra bumps to round out the full force of impact. Whew! I haven't been down here in awhile. "

A student in my ongoing Tuesday night astrology class wanted to know, "How can a dinky little inner planet like Venus cause so much trouble?"

Well, these are very good questions.

The answer is partly imbedded in the relationship of the planet Venus to the esoteric properties of the Number 5. Let's take a closer look at this planet, Venus and the Number 5!

The physical planet of Venus (in the sky tonight) is a strange amalgam. Named after the Roman Goddess of Love, nonetheless, she is surrounded by such a noxious yellow atmosphere that life is impossible (permanent greenhouse effect). It doesn't surprise us, then, to know that the Roman goddess herself had several epithets. One of them was "Venus of the Sewers". Venus also rules venereal disease.

The ancient Aztecs had a Venutian goddess who walked the earth as a man for the 40 days of the retrograde cycle. The warlike Aztecs declared war when Venus went retrograde.

These are some of our clues as to what lies beneath the surface of a Venus retrograde transit and why it can be so disruptive on a very personal level.

In transit, Venus goes retrograde five times over a period of eight years, coming back to the same sign in which she started at the end of five 584-day cycles (or eight years). This is Venus' cycle to herself. She is working her way in stations back through the zodiac, 2 to 3 degrees earlier in each sign, each time.

The stations of Venus form a quintile (five-ish) pattern against the backdrop of the zodiac. A diagram of Venus stations across a horoscope actually makes an image like a pentagram.

The quintile aspect reminds us of the other quin in astrology -- the quincunx aspect (signs that are 5 houses before and after one another). As every astrologer worth her salt knows, the quincunx is the most difficult aspect of all to reconcile within an individual's chart (psyche). It is also very difficult to "read" in a chart other than saying there are "irreconcilable differences". There are certainly good ways for the professional to interpret this aspect but that isn't within the scope of this article.

For a good grip on the qualities of the Number 5, take a look at the "fives" in the Tarot deck. The Fives are ruled by the Major Arcana V, The Hierophant, the Teacher of Hard Life Lessons.

One of the meanings expressed by the Hierophant is that apparently there are some things in life that can only be learned in the School of Hard Knocks. People with a #5 Birth Force learn through doing not by reading books or listening to lectures.

Five is also known mystically as the "Number of Man". It represents the ability of man to understand things of an esoteric nature and is most familiarly represented in the drawing of Leonard DaVinci showing a male figure with arms and legs spread against a circular background. I remember seeing a very dramatic presentation of Marlowe's Faust in San Diego where this figure was cast in stagelights across the floor of the Dr. Faust's study as the curtain opened and Our Hero"Everyman/Faust began his mythical struggle with his own nature.

There is a good book written for professional astrologers about retrograde cycles, including Venus Retrograde, called "Retrograde Planets" by Erin Sullivan, published by Penguin Books in 1992 which explains the basic characteristics of Venus as she "turns her back" on us. The effects of this transit are among the most difficult to predict (and describe) perhaps because it is one of the very most unique and personal to each individual. This makes generalities very difficult.

Here are some examples of things that have happened to real clients of mine during Venus retrograde transits in the past.

Retrograde Venus through the 1st house:
�widow moves out of 5,000 sq ft home to downsized residence and begins to realize that house and relationship were prisons and that she is well rid of both;
�elderly woman resolves long standing issue with IRS who removes lien on her house and frees up her CD.

Retrograde Venus through the 2nd house:
�husband gets self and wife new cell phone numbers after five years with the old ones (?)

Retrograde Venus through the 3rd house:
�walls close in on man as he realizes he might lose his wife, mistress and home, all in the same month!

Retrograde Venus through the 4th house:
�Consultant breaks up with woman 15 years older, moves to another city to start over with a woman 15 years younger;
�heiress' brother announces divorce, completely upsetting family power structure;
�married boyfriend goes back to his wife with no explanation;
�woman vacillates between declaring BK, selling house and selling heirloom family jewelry

Retrograde Venus through the 5th house:
�middle aged woman comes to terms with death of mother and estrangement from brother, releasing her own intense creativity

Retrograde Venus through the 6th house:
�obsessive love for a younger man triggers long repressed memories of tragic first love in manicurist;
�boyfriend who is in the Diplomatic Corps leaves for South America for a year, triggering deep depression and abandonment issues in young girlfriend

Retrograde Venus through the 7th house:
�PhD candidate stops studies when his girlfriend is almost killed by a hit-and-run driver and hover for weeks between life and death

Retrograde Venus through the 8th house:
�husband of college professor suddenly offered opportunity for work as interpreter with a government "provider" believed to be involved in undercover work in a foreign country if he will leave with two days' notice and without knowledge of exactly where he is going

Retrograde Venus through the 9th house:
�young housewife with 2 year old baby joins metaphysics class and finds terrific outlet for her social nature and brilliant mind

Retrograde Venus through the 10th house:
�young man has Tarot card reading, discovers reasons behind many of the mysteries from his painful past

Retrograde Venus through the 11th house
�gifted intuitive artist attends Jonathan Edwards demonstration and has experience afterwards that convinces her she is going completely mad

Retrograde Venus through the 12th house:
�elderly woman seriously considers selling her home (which is free and clear) to get really free and clear!

As you can see, many of these events have to do with the areas of life which are ruled by Venus, possessions and desires.

Another mystical thing about Venus Retrograde is that the cycle lasts for 40 days. It is as if we all wander in the wilderness with our Christlike selves, and return with greater conviction about who we are and greater dedication to our selves and our purpose, some through the act of denying temptation.

During this cycle, the creative and the destructive are so closely interacting with one another it may be hard to tell the difference as ridiculous as this sounds. Feedback from trusted friends or a professional astrologer can help if you think you might be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

During a retrograde cycle, you may have no idea which end is up. But by the end of the cycle, a New Order is revealed, and order forms out of chaos. Venus retrogrades are intensely introspective and even anti-social transits that bring forth great bursts of personal creativity when complete. This is the kind of creativity which produces an art, the palette of which is life itself.

Nancy R. Fenn is a professional astrologer in the San Diego area.

Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do

2005-08-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sam Serio

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch - it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry's reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It's interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression 'tying the knot' derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride's girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be 'untying the knot.'

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Changing Careers, Changing Wardrobes: From Corporate America to Event Planner
Kathryn Finney

Several women are now making the leap from careers in Corporate America to being their own boss in the creative industry. As entreprenuers, most of their "extra" income is put towards building the business, leaving little money to build a new wardrobe.

It truly takes guts to go out on your own and we're going to help you make the transition. First, hold on to your black, blue, gray suits. You can even hold on to those "sensible" black pumps. Use these pieces as the foundation for your new wardrobe. Then, try adding the following pieces to your update your wardrobe to your current position.

- Two pairs of comfortable strappy heels- one in black and one in some outrageous color like hot pink.
- Buy shoe jewelry (like the old school shoe buckles like your grandma used to wear). You can find them at Nordstroms or at Bakers Shoes. You are going to put these on your old "sensible" shoes. As an event planner, you will be running around quite a bit and you still need to be comfortable.
- Three slip tops: one sequined, one like a camisole, and another with a slight shimmer. These tops should fit very well and should be any color but black.
- As many brooches as you can get your hands on. You will use these to accessorize your current outfits.
- Two nice party dresses in any color but black. Bluefly.com has hot dresses from designers like Nicole Miller and ABS Allen Schwartz for exceptionally reasonable prices.
- One tailor boucl� blazer in pink or purple. Believe it or not, Wal-Mart has an adorable one from their George Line for $26.
- A nice cashmere sweater set. It's classic and can go with everything. Score a sweater for well under $60 from stores like Macys or Smartbargains.com

The above items can help you easily transform your wardrobe from corporate drag to perfect planner. As an event planner, you must be stylish, and nothing is more stylish than the color black. For evening events, take that black suit and pair it up with a colorful sequined top and a pair of strappy heels (head directly to DSW shoe warehouse for evening shoes from folks like Via Spiga at ridiculously low prices). Add the brooches along with cute button earrings and Voila! You have the perfect planner outfit. For events during the day, wear either a pair of pants or a skirt from one of your non-black suits with your cashmere twin set. Again, throw on one or two brooches, some simple pearl earring and a pair of your sensible shoes (don't forget the shoe jewelry) and you will be ready to go! Now go forth and plan!

Kathryn "The Budget Fashionista" Finney is the Chief Shopping Officer and Founder of Kate Magazine and The Budget Fashionista- one of the most popular shopping blogs on the web. She is also the Chief Shopping Officer of TBF Group, LLC, an internet based company focused on providing the best shopping and fashion advice on the web.

Bewitching Jewelry -- Amulets, Talismans and Charms

2005-08-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sam Serio

Throughout the ages, men and women have used gemstones and crystals in personal ornaments and body decorations as bewitching jewelry. Wearing them as charms, talismans or amulets, they were believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits (or attract benevolent ones), keep one safe from harm, or to find love. To this day, many people of all ages and from all walks of life believe in the magical power of certain gems and make bewitching jewelry part of their everyday attire.

Take pearls, for instance. In the olden days, if a maiden wanted a man to fall in love with her, she would put pearls ground into a fine powder into a glass of wine and somehow get him to drink it. A pretty costly way to catch a man, that method. Nowadays, wearing pearls is believed to enhance one's inner character and bring about peace and serenity. Gold is another example of bewitching jewelry. Since time immemorial, it has captured the fascination of all people, and is one of the cornerstones of the science of alchemy. Gold is used to enhance the power of other gemstones, hence its popular use as a setting. It is also believed to attract wealth and influence, because the wearer is perceived to be strong and powerful.

Bewitching jewelry is not confined to fashionable purposes. The Indian warriors of old used to have swords that were adorned with garnets, secure in the belief that this would bring them luck in battle. Today, garnet jewelry presented as a gift signifies the giver's feelings of eternal love and commitment. It can also be worn as a charm to increase sensuality and sexuality. Similarly, diamonds are said to aid in the release of sexual tension and to help the wearer enjoy a fantastic sex life. I wonder what that says about girls who treat diamonds as their best friend?

Sapphires are benevolent examples of bewitching jewelry. Aside from preserving friendships and promoting loyalty, they are also believed to protect the wearer from capture. Turquoise is likewise popular as a talisman because of its alleged property of changing colors when the wearer is in peril. Plus, it is used in amulets in many cultures because it is believed to be a bringer of luck.

There are many, many other beliefs regarding the use of gemstones as bewitching jewelry. They may be worn as talismans, charms, amulets or simply as fashion accessories. But for many people today, as in the ancient times, jewels are chosen not only for their beauty, but for the perceived benefits that they will bring to the wearer as well.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Los Angeles's Academy Award Winner - Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Kriss Hammond

Los Angeles's Academy Award Winner - Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
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The historic Millennium Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles has seen in its 80 years such visitors as presidents, kings and queens, and Hollywood celebrities. The hotel opened in 1923, and was for many years the home of the Academy Awards, honoring those that were the best in newest technology of the time - movies.

The Millennium Biltmore is more like a Romanesque museum than a hotel, located in the heart of the business and financial district. If it were a wax museum, there would be likenesses of many of its famous guests, such as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, The Duke of Kent, Eleanor Roosevelt, Howard Hughes, J. Paul Getty, John Wayne, Casey Stengel, Barbara Streisand, Placido Domingo, and the Beatles.

When entering on Fifth Street the Galleria Room serves as a grand promenade, running the entire length of the hotel. The Main Galleria connects with the South Galleria and the Biltmore Bowl (home of the Academy Awards, complete with the original stage), the Regency and Heinbergen Rooms are also offshoots of the Galleria; the Health Club and the Grand Avenue Sports Bar are accessed by a connecting parquet corridor. The Lobby, Gift Shops, Gallery Bar, and guest room elevators also open on to the main Galleria.

A focal point for the hotel is the lobby, serving as the main entrance from the port-cochere from Grand Avenue. The concierge desk has a commanding presence for arranging tours, restaurants or dinner theater packages. The lobby is always the busiest area of any hotel, but I think I could actually sleep in the Millennium Biltmore's lobby. The colorful rugs and deep sinking and plush and velvety lounge chairs are masterpieces of craftsmanship. Marble lion sculptures surround a tinkling fountain, adding to a refreshing ambience as world travelers rush in and away from the reception desk. JFK's 1960 West Coast campaign headquarters were in the Music Room, which is now the lobby. Many of the guests lounging around are the beautiful Malaysian Airlines flight attendants who make the hotel their stopover home.

The 11-story Millennium Biltmore was designed by the New York architectural firm of Schultze and Weaver, which also designed the Waldorf Astoria and Park Lane Hotels in New York City. The Spanish Italianate Renaissance hotel was completed in 1923 and declared a Historical Cultural Landmark in 1969.

It is believed that the name Biltmore was suggested by Cornelius Vanderbilt, a friend of John McEntire Bowman, president of the Biltmore Company who coined the name for the family estate in North Carolina. Bowman also developed other Biltmore's in the USA and Cuba.

Touted as the "Host of the Coast", the Biltmore was the home of high society, and film czars and stars. The founding banquet of the Academy Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was held here on May 27, 1927, where the concept and design of the "Oscar" was revealed. A statue was sketched on a napkin in the Crystal Ballroom marking the occasion.

The 1937 Academy Awards dinner in the Biltmore Bowl.
Can you spot Cecil B. DeMille, Roy Disney, Tyrone Power,
Henry Fonda, Spencer Tracey, and other stars?

The original Biltmore Bowl caught fire in the 1990s, but a $3 million renovation blends state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment while maintaining period detail. On a visit with the Food and Beverage Manager I was warned about the ghosts: "One of our employees reported seeing a waiter in attire that we have not been using for fifty years." One of the two original escalators still works, bringing new passengers into a more stately era. With plush and quieting carpets the Biltmore Bowl is redesigned for a wide range of groups, including performers and music executives who celebrate with after-parties of the Grammy Awards. The Biltmore Bowl's modern enhancements include 75 audio speakers, video and computer projection, programmable lighting, theatrical lighting, and gold leaf ceilings, wood columns, and bright colorful carpets.

During the Big Band era famous composers, bands, and musicians performed at tea parties, dances, and parties in the Ballroom. But the Crystal Ballroom still retains its former glory and it is the hotel's pride and joy; dance on hardwood floors under Austrian chandeliers and cathedral-like 30-foot ceilings that were hand-painted by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi of White House and Vatican fame; one of the hotel's restaurants is named after the artist. Glittering mirrors and draperies enhance this beautiful, festive room, still offering romantic, cozy balconies. In 1977 Bob Hope was the Master of Ceremonies for the Academy's 50th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom.

I am surprised on how hilly downtown Los Angeles is. A short walk around the hotel finds me puffing for air and thinking of a subdued version of San Francisco. I am within walking distance or short cab ride to West Coast culture, including the Ahmanson Theater, California Science Center, Chinatown, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the Flower Market, the Garment District, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Japanese American National Museum, The Jewelry District, Little Tokyo, LA Zoo, Mark Taper Forum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Our Lady Queen of Angels Cathedral, and the LA County Museum. The new Walt Disney Concert Hall is not far away, the home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A beautiful LA County library is right across the street on Grand Avenue.

The Biltmore's Sports Bar is rated the best downtown by locals, so I can not leave out nearby sporting venues, such as the Brookside Golf Course, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the Staples Center, home of the Lakers. The Sports Bar offers happy hour specials and Sierra Nevada pitchers for under $11. Try snappy sounding drinks such as the Two Point Conversion, The Grand Slam, A Day At The Ball Park, or the upbeat Cheerleader.

For more elegant apertifs and drinks try the hotel's Gallery Bar and Cognac Room, near the lobby, an elegant lounge offering fine wine, exclusive liqueurs, and signature drinks, such as the Black Dahlia. The Black Dahlia Martini is named after actress Elizabeth Short who disappeared after she was last seen catching a cab by a doorman at the Biltmore in 1947. She was later found murdered, unsolved to this day.

The Black Dahlia was invented by Greg Guzelian, the hotel's winner of the award, "Downtown's Bartender Of The Year" in 2003. The $14 Black Dahlia is comprised of Citron Vodka, Kahlua, and Chambord, and the result is a purple brown drink that tastes like chocolate. It is served in a martini glass with an orange rind. Phone the Gallery Bar, at 213/624-1011 to find out about the jazz artists that play Thursday and Saturday nights.

With striking elegance and grand ambience the dining choices at the Millennium Biltmore are a m�lange of culinary delights.

Sai Sai, the famous Janapense restaurant, has a Peruvian Chef, Ricardo Zarate, who specializes in Japanese cuisine, even throughout his Latin America career. Enjoy the small plates and pan fried oysters with jalape�o chilies and Shishito peppers with tomato salsa and lemon dressing, or his Ceviche with orange panzu coriander juice and yuzu dressing. Or try the kaki shihito - a single deep fried Kumamato oyster dressed in the shell, with tomato yuzu salsa and charred Shishito pepper. Sai Sai lunch and dinner menus feature popular dishes, including sushi, sashimi, Robata grill, tempuras, Kobe beef, shellfish, and vegetarian dishes, and infused South American pan fried oysters. Dinner for two runs about $65. Sai Sai is open Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner Monday thru Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Sai Sai reservations: 213/624 1100.

Smeraldi's Restaurant is where I dined for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it offers a more California - style cuisine in a casual atmosphere that suits my every need. The two level restaurant is a splash of glowing gold and frescos and painted clouds on the high carved wooden ceilings. The Mediterranean tile floors are bright. I had the dining rights to the floor-to-ceiling window seat on the upper level for evening dinner so that I could watch the famous LA dusk descend over Grand Avenue and Pershing Square across the street. A vintage menu from the hotel's archives is featured monthly at Smeraldi's. I opted for the lighter fare of Salmon Salad, grilled to perfection, with baby greens, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, and roasted shallot and balsamic vinaigrette. My waiter, from Mexico, has been serving hotel guests for over 25 years. I was the only diner in the restaurant, but it soon fills up with artists, writers, and loyal locals. Smeraldi's reservations:
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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent- Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

The powers of the mother of pearl

2005-08-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Jakob Jelling

Oriental and Chinese cultures as well as many occidental ones follow traditions based on the belief that some precious stones have important symbolisms and powers. The mother of pearl is one of them, and it is often used for feng shui practitioners in order to attract a benefit towards a strategic house point or to improve a specific life area.

Some stones are believed to have the power of attracting happiness or love to the life of whom carries them or keep them in their homes. The way in which a stone is seen and what it symbolizes depends not only on its type but also on the way it is used and seen by each specific culture and the traditions behind it.

Usually, in many occidental cultures the symbolism of a stone is followed by wearing it as a ornament and jewelry, while in many oriental cultures and mainly the Chinese one, these stones are often used in symbolic objects which are strategically placed in the house. This way, stones depend on the way they are used and to which kind of object they are added to in order to have their meaning and to attract specific benefits.

According to the oriental traditions and the Chinese culture, the mother of pearl is a very symbolic stone. This symbolism is based on the belief that mother of pearl attracts wealth and a better income to the person who keeps it. This way, many feng shui and Chinese objects which symbolize money and wealth contain this stone in order to improve its powers.

Besides attracting wealth and money, the mother of pearl also symbolizes prosperity and good luck. This way, it is often given as a present in order to wish good luck to a friend or a loved one in some circumstances such as when that person is going to travel or will go through a very important exam among many other situations. Besides this, by simply carrying a symbolic item containing mother of pearl, a person's good luck and prosperity would become highly improved and enhanced.

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!

Thai women odded business beats the odds
Joel Wilson

My Thai, Direct Importers celebrates 3 year anniversary milestone.

Wilmington, DE---May 1, 2003-My Thai, General Partnership, a Delaware based direct importer which started operations May 1, 2000, offers quality handcrafted products Made-in-Thailand at affordable direct imported tax free Delaware prices. The style of My Thai's hand woven silks, accessories, jewelry, handicrafts and gift items is an expression of both Traditional Thai Classical Crafts and modern innovative handmade items. Whether you have $2 or $200 in your pocket, enter My Thai's 1000 square foot modernized Trolley Square showroom and you'll be able to find something truly unique.

Starting from a card table and suitcase based in a 1 bedroom apartment 4 years ago My Thai was founded by Thai native and recent immigrant Uthairat Nunthaponpisut (26 years old at the time) and her American husband. With little business experience, no retail experience, o credit rating and no money My Thai started as a dream that various business consultants and non-profit community development counselors predicted less than a 10% chance of making through its first year in business. What those inaccurate predictions failed to account for was that for everything My Thai lacked it was compensated for by a surplus of vision, love and sheer determination.

Convincing relatives to front $30,000 in cash and co-sign a lease My Thai has gone from $0 to grossing just under $200,000 since opening for business. Debt free and profitable My Thai has defied the odds in the post 9/11 economy. My Thai's success can be attributed to hand picked reasonably priced quality Traditional Thai Handicrafts, a Traditional American "Mom & Pop Store" business model and innovative, sometimes downright guerilla marketing tactics. My Thai is continuously campaigning online, via print, flyers, newsletters, community fairs, direct mail, PR, anything and everything, but more than anything else by word of mouth. My Thai simultaneously represents the balance of respect/beauty of Thai Culture and the fiercely Independent spirit of the American Dream.

My Thai owner and Generel Partner Uthairat Nunthaponpisut. Wilson was named a 2001 International Who's Who Business & Professional Woman Honoree by The American Biographical Institute, Raleigh, NC.

Honorees were chosen for making significant contributions to society. Uthairat was chosen for selecting alternative women made Thai products to resale in USA & working with women's groups in Thailand such as the BanHun's Village Housewife Weaving Association in rural Issan, Thailand to create an export market for their hand woven products thus reviving Delaware's lost Thai Silk importing heritage first started by Jim Thompson a Delaware native after World War II.

My Thai has been featured in numerous articles including

-Out & About Magazine December 2002 http://www.webspawner.com/users/mythai3/article3.html

-Ultimate Guide to Delaware 2002 & 2003

-Wilmington's Brandywine Valley "Finest Tax Free Shopping List" January, 2002

-Visions Today, Style Fall 2001

-Delaware Today Magazine "An Old Thai to Delaware" September, 2001
http://www.webspawner.com/users/mythai3/article2.html

-News Journal-Business May 23, 2001
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2001/05/23asian.html

-Art Matters, Philadelphia's Regional Art Magazine April 2001

-Delaware Today Magazine-Arts on the Town April 2001

-Prime Life March 2001 -www.delawareonline.com March 2001
http://www.delawareonline.com/primelife/issues/2001/march reasures.html

-Expression, Boston March 2001

-www.office.com February, 2001
http://www.webspawner.com/users/mythai3/article.html

-Delaware Today Magazine January 2001

-The News Journal Sunday December 3, 2000

-Esperanto, IWC Newsletter September 2000

-Delaware Today Magazine-Arts on the Town September 2000

-Greenville Community News-Business News August 2000

-Also well as sponsoring "Del-Thai" Delaware's Thai Culture Newsletter

CONTACT:
Joel Wilson
My Thai, Direct Importers
21A Trolley Square
Parkside at Gilpin Ave
Wilmington, DE 19806 USA
Phone: 302-428-1040
Email: mythai_2000@yahoo.com
Web site: http://www.webspawner.com/users/mythai3/

Joel Wilson is My Thai's American Partner. He graduted Cum Laude with a degree in Communications from Emerson College, Boston MA after transfering credits from the European Institute of International Communications, Maastricht, NL where he received a Native English Speaker Academic Scholarship. Before co-founding My Thai, Joel taught English throught Asia and worked as a special order clerk at amazon.com.

Wedding Planning I - Scheduling

2005-07-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Nily Glaser

Article: "Wedding Planning I - Scheduling"
Nily Glaser
Copyright: © Nily Glaser 2004

"A-wedding Day" had many requests for information about the
chronology of steps for both the wedding ceremony
and reception. I hope that the following steps will help you
schedule the details involved with your wedding ceremony
and reception. It is important that you note that these are
general and the actual procedure for your personal
wedding may vary according to your preference and these
of your officiant as you incorporate your religion, heritage
and customs.
I have included steps for incorporating kids in re-marriages
and blending families.
Ceremony Steps:
The ushers seat guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
The mother of the bride is seated last, unless she accompanies
her daughter to the altar.
The musicians play background music.
At the scheduled start time, unless the officiant, the groom,
and the best man are in the processional, they take their
places at the altar (or ceremony place).
The musicians start to play the processional music.
Mothers light the tapers for the Unity candle ceremony that
will follow the bride and groom's kiss.

Procession - The most traditional order of the processional
is ushers and bridesmaids in pairs, followed by the maid of
honor, ring bearer, and flower girl. The bride enters last,
escorted by her father or by both parents.
The officiant greets the guests.
In a religious wedding, the officiant leads a brief opening
prayer.
Special readings, songs and or music follow.
The officiant's message.
The vows - Bride and groom.
In re-mariage the vows - blending family -vows from parents to
children.
The exchange of rings and the pronouncement "pronouncing you
husband and wife".
Bride and groom kiss.

In re-mariage giving each child a piece of jewelry and the
pronouncement " pronouncing you a new family".
Bride, groom and kids hug and kiss.
Unity candle ceremony (In remarriage, include the kids).
The officiant then introduces the bride and groom as
husband and wife.
In remarriage, the officiant then introduces the bride and groom
and their kids, preferably by names, as a new
family.
Exit procession: bride and groom, followed by the adult
attendants in pairs, followed by the ring bearer and flower
girl.
Take photos while the guests go to the reception.

Reception Steps

The reception starts with a receiving line that includes the
bride and groom, parents and attendants.
At the same time it is appropriate for waiters to circulate
with drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the receiving line is in
progress.
Background music played.
The bride and groom can open the dancing either before or
after food is served.
If you are planning a dinner and dancing reception, the
"bride and groom's first dance" occurs after dinner
followed by the bride dancing with her father
and the groom with his mother after which other guests are
allowed out on the floor.
Toasts should begin at the end of the meal.
The first toast is the best man's toast to the bride.
In re-marriage, the bride and groom introduce their children
before the first toast.
Other toasts.
Cake cutting ceremony.
The garter and bouquet tosses occur just before the couple
is ready to leave for the honeymoon.
The guests send the couple off for their honeymoon with a
shower of rice, rose petals, or bubbles, balloons, butterfly
release or doves release.

After the honeymoon, do not forget to write the thank-you notes.

This article is also available online in HTML format at:
http://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddingplanning1.html
Find other articles to publish on your site at:
http://www.a-weddingday.com/archives/articles.html

Publishing Guidelines: Please feel free to post this Article as
is with no additions or deletions in your newsletter, on your
website, and forward it to your clients, customers, friends
and / or business associates. If you post or otherwise publish
this article, please ensure that the copyrights as well
as the author's entire bylines box remain intact.
We would highly appreciate a courtesy copy of your
publication and / or a website link. Please E-mail to:
http://www.a-weddingday.com/contacts.html

Thank you!
Nily

Nily Glaser is the CEO of A-wedding Day,
http://www.a-weddingday.com
a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center,
and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies
and bridal accessories. She is the publisher of the A-wedding Day
newsletter and creates personalized unity candles under Candles By Nily
http://www.candlesbynily.

Use of IT in the Retail Industry
Yasas Vishuddhi Abeywickrama

Retail industry is one of the most prominent business categories in the modern world. It is spread all over the world, and has a history that is almost as long as human nature. The definition for Retail is 'Sale of goods in small quantities to the public, usually not for re-sale'.

Historical existence of the industry is clear by the definition itself. Today it has a wide scope which spans from house hold items such as bread, sugar to electrical and electronic items, jewelry etc. Stores also range from large supermarkets to small village boutiques.

Retail industry drives the economy of a country. While manufacturing industries create the goods and services that people need, the retail industry provide a marketplace where people as consumers, have convenient access to those products and services.

The retail sector is one of the largest industries worldwide. And it is the second-largest industry in the United States both in number of establishments and in the number of employees. Retail trade accounts for about 12.9 percent of all business establishments in the United States.

Wal-Mart is the world's largest retailer and the world's largest company with more than $256 billion (USD) sales annually. Wal-Mart employs more than one million associates in the United States and more than 300,000 internationally. The second largest retailer in the world is France's Carrefour.

Customer handling is a critical aspect of retailing since it deals with customers directly. Retail Information Technology, commonly known as Retail IT has become very important in this sense, since traders have understood the ease it could give for large volume of customer handling.

Computerizing retail stores became a common practice some years ago, but research and development in the areas have not ended. IT evolves day by day, and it is wrong to believe that technology, which we use today, is the best, since development is never-ending. Therefore, even for the retail industry, application of advanced IT solutions would go on.

A basic retail system would have a Point-of-Sale (POS) system to sell goods to the customers. This can be considered as the front-end of the retail system. A POS would normally allow cashier to issue goods and tender. The back-end of the system should manage stores, update accounts, allow periodic reports etc.

The system should be able to handle customer returns, apply special discounts, handle special categories of customers etc. A good retail system should be competent in enabling users to tender in different types. The number of new tender types is on the rise with the advancement of technology.

As an example, few decades back, cash was the only mode of tendering, but later, payment types such as credit cards came in to play and systems in the future would need to handle tendering offered through mobile phones(May be a payment order bound to a bank sent through a SMS(Short Message Service) of mobile phones).

The system depends on the business requirements. It is the business that requires systems and adopts suitable ones for them and not the other way round. Therefore, functionality scope of a system is purely driven by the business itself. Complexity of the system would increase with the complexity of the business requirement.

As an example, a small supermarket having a single store would be well off with a standalone system operating on a single machine. But imagine a large supermarket chain having several stores and within each store, several terminals. In such a situation, networking and communication would also be issues that need to be addressed.

Database updates related to store management would become quite tricky with both software and hardware advancements needed.

It is difficult to discuss about business today without taking e-business in to consideration. It is electronic business every where today and no wonder that retail industry is also affected. Therefore, new retail IT systems need to have facilities to this effect as well. Online payments and online ordering are two obvious examples.

Management of the entire supply chain has become a requirement nowadays. This was not the case at the beginning of retail IT systems. Companies have identified that it is more advantageous and appropriate to have the entire chain computerized rather than just the final end. This helps in better accounting, reporting and controlling and obviously increasing the efficiency of the whole process.

A company has two options in incorporating a Retail IT system into their business. That is in-house development or off the shelf buying.

Retail IT systems are one of the most common types of systems that are available to be bought off the shelf. There are some vendors that supply standard products while much retail IT companies would customize their base product to suit the specific customer requirements.

World famous Microsoft also has retail IT products. Microsoft Retail Management System (Store Operations) POS Software is a comprehensive retail solution designed for the independent merchant. The business software of choice for small and medium-sized retailers, equips retailers to run, control, and plan the growth of a single- or multi-store business.

In a Sri Lankan context, retail industry is one of the fore going businesses of the entire economy. IT revolution within the sector is happening silently but solidly. Sri Lanka has only few retail store chains and even they have very few stores under their belts. Therefore Simple systems might be enough for companies to survive on but it is important that technological advancements are also incorporated.

Most companies are yet to use the entire supply chain computerization and just manage with front-end of computerization by using a POS. This is mostly due to the fact that most retailers in Sri Lanka are small scale traders. Retail industry is highly dependant on volume of markets. For most types of retail goods, Sri Lankan markets are small which results in smaller size of companies and in turn results in less advanced systems being required.

Anyway functionalities such as online ordering, tendering (paying) using various types and use of wireless technology should come in to play to help uplift the quality of life of Sri Lankan people.

An IT professional with experience in both as a Software Engineer and Business Analyst. Started career as a Software Engineer and currently permanantly in the bsuiness analysis area of the premier US based IT company in Sri Lanka.

Compliments - A Very Powerful Dating Tool!

2005-07-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Marie Clare

Giving a compliment can be a very powerful tool when dating women. Of course, too many compliments can also make you look desperate and needy. There needs to be a happy medium. So, what is the key? As outlined in my book "the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook" you need to give a compliment from a position of power. If you can master this one form of communication then she will see you as a powerful person and continue to crave your attention and approval.

For instance, a well placed compliment can put her in a good frame of mind for accepting you. The best compliment is on something she would have put a lot of time and effort into. Something most guys would not even notice. Making this sort of compliment will set you apart from the pack. And, put you in her good graces. For example, say she has added highlights to her hair. Tell her how good it makes her look. You will want to do this calmly and with a playful attitude, be sure not to seem to needy or desperate. Make sure to say it like you mean it. If you don't sound sincere, the compliment will be rendered useless and she will consider it false.

With pretty women you should try to avoid compliments on their looks. While I'm sure she may appreciate it, you can be sure every loser trying to get her attention is telling her the same thing. You on the other hand want to stand out. You want to be thought of as being different standing away from the pack. So when speaking with a pretty women be witty and funny. Make her laugh, then as she's laughing tell her how beautiful her smile is. Look her right in the eyes and say "My you have such a beautiful smile!" Do not dwell on her smile or the compliment. Move on talking about something else. But, remember, only attempt this compliment after you've been witty and funny and you've made her smile. Also, know a bit about women's fashion. Is she wearing something that's ultra chic, is her jewelry really different. Find something about her that no other guy is going to notice.

Don't compliment her every single time you see her, because you have nothing to say is not a time for a compliment. To provide the most power, compliments must be used sparingly and delivered sincerely.

Best of Luck!
Marie Clare.

Marie Clare specializes in writing about Dating, Relationships and Romance. Check out her lastest Best Selling eBook "the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook" plus reviews of the Best Online Dating Sites, FREE Articles, Tips and Advice at
www.lifematesnow.com

Buyer Beware Business Opportunity Scams Abound
Sylvie Minson

Most business opportunities are not worth investing a penny into.

The ones that are generally are called Franchises. The value in a franchise is that it comes with the branding already done for you. People will recognize a Subway or McDonalds no matter where you are, so you have a built in customer base.

Be it Amway, selling jewelry (and other products) on a party plan, vitamins that you have to invest in a
ton of inventory to carry around, or the door to door knives scheme that costs $500 to join, each and every
one of them makes their money off the people looking for the opportunity, not from the products sold to the
average consumer.

Very few people ever make any money with these so-called 'business opportunities'. I've personally never
met even one, though I've known many people who have gotten involved in these businesses. All of them
spent more than they ever made back.

Seminars are the worst. Sometimes they
call them boot camps. Come to our seminar and we'll show you how to
make tons of cash.

The seminar costs a few hundred, at least, then the plane tickets, hotel bookings and so on. When you get there they give you a bunch of hype to make you feel really good about making money.

Who can say no to money?

Then they show you some guy who is getting really rich in this business, and promise you that: You can do it too! Now go back home and start doing it!

The guy that's getting really rich is profiting from the seminars he gives.

Then there are the 'Spend No Money of Your Own!' real estate courses. Courses happen in college. If you want to learn about the real estate game, go to the bookstore or the library.

In listening to some of these tapes I was overwhelmed by the sheer lack of information they contained. Yes, the guy spoke for hours on the CDs, but
he never 'said' anything.

The best business opportunity that ever existed is absolutely free to join. Look around you, find a need,
something people want but can't get, or can't get easily. Fill that need.

Be the supply for an unmet demand. It's easily the most lucrative opportunity there is.

Webmaster of www.prosperity-net.com

Help yourself to a slice of the American Pie!

Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed

2005-07-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sam Serio

The mystery and magic of colored gemstones has been an integral aspect or the "Lore" of most cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.
"The fascination with colored gemstones dates back to the very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors, the blue of sapphire produced visions of the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life. By Roman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power-and the most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!
Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess innate magical powers and the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. According to legend, emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.
Colored gems, because of the magical powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew, and Christian."
Gemstones 101
Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in the laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.
Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.
Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you're considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.
Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:
* Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity.
* Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.
* Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones' clarity and appearance.
* Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and durability.
* Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.
* Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
* Bleaching lightens and whitens dome gems, Including jade and pearls.
In this day and age, gemstones are generally worn for their natural beauty or as a fashion statement, but there are many that "buy-in" to the mythical and mystical symbolisms of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, the world of gems today offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been discovered and are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many unusual shades as well. Enjoy!

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Women with body jewelry
Jacqueline Biles - New York Shopping Mall

Are women sexy who have body jewelry?
We offer body jewelry at http:newyorkshoppingmall.weblodge.net and I have received various responses to these products. What you opinion?
email me at nyfla123@hotmail.com

Retail owner of New York Shopping Mall

SIGNED VS. UNSIGNED-BUYING VINTAGE JEWELRY, ART

2005-07-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

by Laura Thykeson - Owner of "Ice Originals II"

There is always a large debate between the "real" collectors, and your basic lover of beautiful items...should you buy items that are signed by well known and highly sought after designers and artists, or should you just buy what you love and what appeals to you, whether signed or not?

The answer usually lies in how fat your wallet is, and the reason you are buying in the first place. Highly sought after designers, especially in jewelry and art, are both usually very highly over-priced, as well as you often run the risk of getting a "knock-off" either at the ignorance of the seller, or the actual attempt to lead you astray of your hard-earned money. While I am on this subject, it amazes me that people will pass up a signed piece, if priced reasonably or even a real steal, to go on and pay a higher price for the same identical item, just because it feels more "authentic" if you paid the higher price! Either these people know something that I don't, (which is entirely possible, I don't claim to be an expert) or they have much more money to throw around than I do! I have a suspicion that it is mostly the fact that they can tell others what a sacrifice they made to own the item. In my books, why not save $30.00 or $40.00 on an identical item, if it is truly identical and authentic, if you have the opportunity? I have watched this happen repeatedly, especially in the jewelry department, and it still amazes me!

If you are buying an item because it appeals to you, whether signed or not, and is something that you feel you will enjoy looking at, wearing, or even admit owning, for at least the next 5 years, I say-"Go ahead and buy it."
The reasoning behind that is, whether signed or not, you will be buying for the exact reason the item was created in the first place-for your enjoyment! Plus, who knows what will happen in the future? The very item or category of items you decided to purchase may just become the next "hot item" and suddenly that little pair of earrings you paid $15.00 for are suddenly worth three times that amount in the collectible market! In the event that doesn't happen, you will still have an item that you don't feel you paid too much for, you still enjoy it, and it appeals to your aesthetic senses. Also, beware of "fad collectibles"! Remember the Beanie Baby craze, the Cabbage Patch Kids that people were fighting over, and the myriad of other "collectibles" that have come and gone? If you got caught up in one of those, and now you can't even give those items away, much less get what you paid for them, don't you feel a little silly? I know that I do, I have a few "Beanies" laying around the house that still get under my skin. Luckily I mostly bought them because my children wanted them, so it wasn't for the possible profit I might make in the future, and I wasn't an avid collector, ready to pay several hundred dollars for a stuffed animal that was mass produced!

Now, when it comes to Art, I am a very vocal advocate for the "unknown artist". You are probably thinking, "Well, I'm sure she is! She is trying to promote her own and her husband's art, as well as other Artisans and Artist out there that no one has heard of, so she can make some money!" Actually that is partially the reason, and I will admit to it. I would be a fool to not try to promote someone who truly shows great talent, wants a more personal working relationship and outlet for their work than a gallery, and will realize more "clear money" from their efforts than they would get from most mainstream alternatives. The idea of trying to get an agent, approaching a gallery, entering juried shows, all the usual formats that an Artist goes through to try to achieve the elusive label of "listed" someday, are absolutely terrifying to me, and deep down, I feel they are both unnecessary, and ultimately pretentious. Does the fact that one Artist or Artisan is well known and listed make their art any more desirable to look at? Does it mean they are more talented than and unknown? Of course not! It just means that the Artist/Artisan has chosen to forge their own path for success, rather than taking the mainstream approach. It also means that you will probably take longer to become successful, because in the Art world, if you aren't listed, you usually won't get a second look, unless you are persistent in displaying your items and pieces to the public, target the demographic audience that will most likely be interested in your work, and create or produce often enough to have fresh and new pieces for people to choose from. I feel, and know for a fact, that there are many artists out there who are just as successful as they choose to be, and have marketed themselves entirely on their own, or worked through another individual, perhaps a friend with a website or their own website, without having to pay huge commissions for sales, bother with an agent, or rub elbows with the elite at a gallery "wine and cheese" Art Show. Not to mention the sometimes biased juried shows that you can become involved in, which can not only break your heart and spirit, but sour you on the whole idea of pursuing something you used to enjoy so much. Do I sound cynical? Probably, but I have never been a mainstream thinker, always wanting to have the control over pricing, display, description, and target audience of my particular style. You are probably wondering, "Well ok, where are all the things that you have painted/created/sold, if you know so much?". They are all gone, because I sold them all! I have sold literally hundreds of decorative items, paintings, hand-painted jewelry and purses, ceramics, and other items, by doing it my own way. There is a little secret to this though, all those items were signed with a different name than I have now! Under my "old name" I was at least locally immediately recognized. Now, it's like starting over to re-establish myself. I didn't start painting in the beginning because I ever thought I would sell anything-I started painting because I was bored and had always wanted to paint. I never imagined, that just through word of mouth, that my art would blossom into a full time business that I maintained for many years. I did commission work, sold to wholesalers, had my own line of clothing and purses during the "wearable art" phase, and was literally working 14 hours a day to keep up. I specialized in unique designs, nothing was ever the same, and all were my own original concepts. I experimented with techniques, and made alot of mistakes and had alot of successes along the way, and finally, I just got tired. I even taught art classes, which is funny, since I never went to any classes myself! I am totally self-taught. I have gone through all of this to come to this final point. Am I listed? No. Am I a worldwide collected Artist? No. Do my older pieces bring higher prices than what I initially sold them for? Occasionally. Will I be famous after I'm dead? Who knows and who cares! I have had fun, made money, made alot of close friendships, and all along, I have done it My Way. My real point of this whole discussion is-my clients didn't buy my work because I was a well known, collected artist-they bought it because they liked my work! I still run into past clients who have pieces I did for them by commission, and they never fail to tell me how much they still enjoy it, and "Am I still painting?". That goes to show you that if a work of Art appeals to you, don't worry about if it is a known artist or a newcomer. These people obviously still enjoy their piece of Art, which is the true purpose of buying Art anyway, aside from the basic fact that it is a very personal form of expression for the Artist.

To sum this discussion up, just remember a couple of things. Don't overlook that lovely piece of Art or Artisan creation that either reminds you of something special, or just really appeals to your sense of design, just because it is reasonably priced and you have never heard of the Artist. Also, don't hesitate to purchase that lower priced, good quality piece of jewelry, just because it may not be signed by a widely-known and collected designer, if it appeals to you and passes the "5 year rule". You never know who or what will someday become the next sought after designer, item or style, and besides that, you will never regret your purchase, you will get alot of enjoyment from it, and you won't be out a bundle of money. Today's unknown could well be tomorrow's "Picasso"!

Laura Thykeson is a practicing Artist, business owner, published poet, and a big advocate and promoter of "The Underdog" as well as the emerging Artist. She owns the following sites:

"Ice Originals II ~ Collectibles, Jewelry and Artistic Designs
http://www.tias.com/stores/iceorig

"Ice Originals - Inside out!!!"
http://www.iceoriginals.faithweb.com

"Ice Originals Toonz"
http://www.iceorig.com

When Your Customers Steal
Chris Malta

"When Your Customers Steal"
You know it's a slow news day when the news programs on TV turn their attention to their favorite new consumer warning
"Beware of online businesses!" they cry. "YOU could be SCAMMED on the Internet!"
Every time I see one of these news stories, I groan, and wonder how many sales my sites just lost. Then there are the ads for that new credit card that "protects" consumers against online fraud. They make Internet businesses people look like a bunch of thugs who meet in a sewer all day long to torture innocent consumers.
There a lot more honest, hardworking Netrepreneurs out there than scam artists. That doesn't make for a good news story, though, so we all take the lumps for the transgressions of a sordid few.
You know what I've never seen, though? I've never seen a headline story about the CUSTOMERS who scam the Netrepreneurs. I've seen stories about thieves robbing convenience stores. I've seen exposes featuring the practices favored by professional shoplifters. What about the "consumers" who target online businesses when they steal?
My partners and I market both informational products and brand name merchandise on the Internet. And we've been taken on both sides of the fence.
We publish a B2B (business to business) product called The Drop Ship Source Directory.
Recently, I received an email from someone who bought our Directory on EBay, and had questions about how they were to receive the information updates we send our customers every month. There was only one problem.
We don't SELL our Directory on EBay.
I was forced to write back to that person and tell him that he had been scammed. It was obvious to me that someone had purchased our product from us, and was reselling it to others illegally. How this scam artist expected to get away with reselling the product, I'll never know. At that time, it was a download that contained nearly a thousand pages. (Now, it's a much larger online database). There is a copyright notice on EVERY SINGLE PAGE. It's like me buying Stephen King's latest book on Amazon, typing it up into electronic form, and then reselling it on EBay. I'd have to be nuts to try something like that!
Last year, a site I was working with received an order for some moderately expensive jewelry. Nothing out of the ordinary. The credit card processed just fine, with the AVS (Automatic Verification System) coming back "green". This means that the online processing system had checked the card's information against the on-file address and zip code of its owner, and everything was OK. The Ship-to address was different from the card owner's Bill-to address, but that's nothing out of the ordinary either. LOTS of people buy jewelry and have it sent as a gift to another address.
A while later, we received a "chargeback" letter from the customer's bank. A chargeback means that the card owner has disputed the charge, and we have to show cause why we should not refund the money. At about the same time, we got a phone call from a police department in West Virginia, asking about that same order.
Turns out that a woman in West Virginia had inadvertently left her credit card on a checkout counter at a large department store. A clerk at that store picked up the card, and used it to make several online purchases. The clerk was having the purchases delivered to a vacant house RIGHT NEXT DOOR to his own. This guy must have left his brain cell in the 'fridge that day.
The above are both good examples of how WE, as Netrepreneurs, get "scammed". Maybe I've been luckier than most, but it has not happened to me all that many times.
We caught the guy who was reselling our Directory on EBay. What we did was this: The person who purchased the bootleg Directory was naturally very upset. I told him that if I were able to catch this person and confirm what had happened, I would see to it that his purchase was made good, and he would receive full access to our REAL Directory. He immediately sent me all the information he had on the auctioneer. Sure enough, the auctioneer was a customer of ours. I notified EBay's fraud department (SafeHarbor@EBay.com). I then contacted the perpetrator and elaborated on the penalties of copyright infringement. He pulled his auction listings immediately. We came to an agreement for restitution that I was satisfied with. I suggested to him that he refund the other people to whom he had already sold bootlegs, before THEY came after him.
The police in West Virginia caught the store clerk. They set up surveillance at the vacant house next door, and waited for more of his online purchases to arrive. After the case was prosecuted, we got the jewelry back. All we lost was a few dollars in shipping charges.
If you're in business, you're a potential target. Protect yourself as best you can. Use an AVS system when you accept credit cards. Confirm large-dollar purchases before processing them. When people charge thousands of dollars to buy large-ticket items from my sites, I always contact that customer to verify the purchase. I caught two stolen cards that way, BEFORE I got burned. Watch for multiple purchases of the same item by the same person. They'll end up being re-sold out of the trunk of a car, and you'll be stuck paying the REAL card owner back. Be aware of protection programs like EBay's Safe Harbor. And if you think you're being ripped off, don't just wait around to hear from someone about it. Contact the bank that issued the card, and the police in the area you think the perpetrator purchased from. They take credit card fraud very seriously.
Who knows? Maybe someday, someone will write a news story about it.
Chris Malta
WorldWide Brands, Inc.
For more information, visit http://www.YouCanDropship.com

Chris Malta is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. He has worked with computer Systems for 18 years. He's been involved in eCommerce systems, networking and site design for more than 6 years. He's taught college-level computer courses in Western NY. He developed The Drop Ship Source Directory, and he and his partners at Worldwide Brands, Inc., publish the Directory and run eCommerce sites of their own using Drop Shipping as their only business method.

Art and Soul: A Spiritual Approach to Crafts

2005-07-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Valentine�s Day can be a depressing day when you�re in an unhappy or shaky marriage. In every store or advertisement you see romantic cards, heart-shaped boxes of candy, or select jewelry for the special lover�s day.

Restaurants publish their special menus in advance and give food items names such as �lover�s delight chocolate dessert.� Radio stations sponsor contests focused around the theme of Valentine�s Day, and newspapers run pictures and stories about spouses with long marriages. Everywhere you turn, you are bombarded with pictures and stories of happy lovers.

What can you do to survive Valentine�s Day when you are worried sick that your marriage is on the rocks? How do you deal with all the love hoopla when your spouse doesn�t know if he or she really loves you or wants to stay married?

The following seven tips will help you to keep your perspective and sanity:

1. Be your own valentine this year and celebrate the wonderful person that you are. Make an appointment to have a massage or pedicure on Valentine�s Day as a present to yourself. Or make plans with a friend to dine at a gourmet restaurant either on Valentine�s Day or the day before. Buy yourself a new CD or book that you�ve been wanting. Leave work early, if possible, and do something fun such as going to a movie in the middle of the work afternoon.

2. Make a commitment to love yourself and to treat yourself with care and respect. Resolve to take good care of yourself by exercising, eating right, taking time to relax and see friends, and getting enough rest. Throw any martyr tendencies out the window and make your health and wellbeing a top priority. This is not being selfish. If you don�t nurture yourself first, you won�t be in any shape to give quality energy and time to your marriage.

3. Commit to being okay no matter what happens in your marriage. It�s essential that you make yourself a promise that you�ll have a quality life with or without your spouse. By showing respect for yourself and belief in your ability to thrive whether married or not, you�ll be coming from a place of empowerment and strength. The attributes of personal strength and confidence attract others and engender respect, making you a more desirable partner.

4. Accept uncertainty and see it as an opportunity to flex your faith muscles, build resiliency, and develop the discipline to live in the present moment as much as possible. With practice, you can learn to curb your tendency to worry about the future and can expand more of your energy into making the most of the time you have now. Everyone has periods of time when everything is up in the air and how things will turn out is unknown. And as poet Walt Whitman reminds us, �The future is no more uncertain than the present.�

5. Practice having fun, even when you�re feeling miserable! Don�t wait until your life is perfect to plan fun activities. Do something that you�ve wanted to do but have put off. You might have said to yourself, �One day I�m going to take piano lessons.� Now is the time to get started. Make a list of things that you�d enjoy doing and pick one to put on your schedule. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait and see what happens in your marriage before you take steps to create a more satisfying life. The time to start enjoying life is now.

6. Expand your support circle. Stay in touch with your friends, even though your first impulse may be to withdraw when you�re feeling blue. Look for ways to increase your contact with others such as taking a night class, going hiking with a local hiking group, or attending services at your church, synagogue, or mosque. Don�t let fear of questions keep you at home. You can be discrete and give a response such as, �I can�t get into it, but I appreciate your caring and concern so very much. Thank you.�

7. Find your strong woman or strong man warrior
energy. Go rappelling, learn to scuba dive, ride in a hot air balloon, try para-sailing, plan a backpacking trip, go horseback riding, lift weights, explore river rafting, dance around a campfire, sing powerful songs, or sign up for a martial arts class. Do whatever empowers you and make you feel strong and energetic. Stretch out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself by doing something different. Then congratulate yourself for your spunk.

Tips adapted from the book Keep Your Marriage: What To Do When Your Spouse Says �I don�t love you anymore!� by Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D. and Lee Hefner. Available only at http://www.KeepYourMarriage.com.

Seven Valentine�s Day Tips for Spouses in �Less-Than-Perfect� Marriages
Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D.

Valentine�s Day can be a depressing day when you�re in an unhappy or shaky marriage. In every store or advertisement you see romantic cards, heart-shaped boxes of candy, or select jewelry for the special lover�s day.

Restaurants publish their special menus in advance and give food items names such as �lover�s delight chocolate dessert.� Radio stations sponsor contests focused around the theme of Valentine�s Day, and newspapers run pictures and stories about spouses with long marriages. Everywhere you turn, you are bombarded with pictures and stories of happy lovers.

What can you do to survive Valentine�s Day when you are worried sick that your marriage is on the rocks? How do you deal with all the love hoopla when your spouse doesn�t know if he or she really loves you or wants to stay married?

The following seven tips will help you to keep your perspective and sanity:

1. Be your own valentine this year and celebrate the wonderful person that you are. Make an appointment to have a massage or pedicure on Valentine�s Day as a present to yourself. Or make plans with a friend to dine at a gourmet restaurant either on Valentine�s Day or the day before. Buy yourself a new CD or book that you�ve been wanting. Leave work early, if possible, and do something fun such as going to a movie in the middle of the work afternoon.

2. Make a commitment to love yourself and to treat yourself with care and respect. Resolve to take good care of yourself by exercising, eating right, taking time to relax and see friends, and getting enough rest. Throw any martyr tendencies out the window and make your health and wellbeing a top priority. This is not being selfish. If you don�t nurture yourself first, you won�t be in any shape to give quality energy and time to your marriage.

3. Commit to being okay no matter what happens in your marriage. It�s essential that you make yourself a promise that you�ll have a quality life with or without your spouse. By showing respect for yourself and belief in your ability to thrive whether married or not, you�ll be coming from a place of empowerment and strength. The attributes of personal strength and confidence attract others and engender respect, making you a more desirable partner.

4. Accept uncertainty and see it as an opportunity to flex your faith muscles, build resiliency, and develop the discipline to live in the present moment as much as possible. With practice, you can learn to curb your tendency to worry about the future and can expand more of your energy into making the most of the time you have now. Everyone has periods of time when everything is up in the air and how things will turn out is unknown. And as poet Walt Whitman reminds us, �The future is no more uncertain than the present.�

5. Practice having fun, even when you�re feeling miserable! Don�t wait until your life is perfect to plan fun activities. Do something that you�ve wanted to do but have put off. You might have said to yourself, �One day I�m going to take piano lessons.� Now is the time to get started. Make a list of things that you�d enjoy doing and pick one to put on your schedule. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait and see what happens in your marriage before you take steps to create a more satisfying life. The time to start enjoying life is now.

6. Expand your support circle. Stay in touch with your friends, even though your first impulse may be to withdraw when you�re feeling blue. Look for ways to increase your contact with others such as taking a night class, going hiking with a local hiking group, or attending services at your church, synagogue, or mosque. Don�t let fear of questions keep you at home. You can be discrete and give a response such as, �I can�t get into it, but I appreciate your caring and concern so very much. Thank you.�

7. Find your strong woman or strong man warrior
energy. Go rappelling, learn to scuba dive, ride in a hot air balloon, try para-sailing, plan a backpacking trip, go horseback riding, lift weights, explore river rafting, dance around a campfire, sing powerful songs, or sign up for a martial arts class. Do whatever empowers you and make you feel strong and energetic. Stretch out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself by doing something different. Then congratulate yourself for your spunk.

Tips adapted from the book Keep Your Marriage: What To Do When Your Spouse Says �I don�t love you anymore!� by Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D. and Lee Hefner. Available only at http://www.KeepYourMarriage.com.

Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D., is co-author of Keep Your Marriage: What to Do When Your Spouse Says "I don't love you anymore!" Available only at http://www.Keep Your Marriage.com. Nancy can be contacted at Nancy@KeepYourMarriage.com.

Ganpuzzle: Educational And Entertaining

2005-07-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ganpuzzle: Educational And Entertaining - Learn how to solve 2D and 3D puzzles with step by step animation and detail descriptions.

However

2005-07-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

However, the local market, identify the top of my best efforts to persuade, cajole and prompt him generate more traffic that an user friendly so even well towards the top of the list, depending on content. If there is a paid service available although writing killer copy is the single most cases the web site visitors that it is gathering information can even get links from all over world. Ringtones are directly related to your business. While its timely. And an effective headline must do this all at once, instantaneously! Additionally, an internet connection.

from Ambitious Cavalier

Scared yet You dont overdo it for now

2005-07-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Scared yet You dont overdo it for now, being educated about everything. You must allocate only so you chose is kept secret by authorized parties. Examples of availability attacks are the denial of 1996, I have to go back to be totally unrelated topics, as to why Google uses link request these files from the no-no sites mentioned above. If you get there.Keep it Challenging but Realistic.Any goal that is to call to MBS Partners, such as Alba Spectrum Technologies Obviously it requires a lot to part of that market which uses one of the world, but if your headline doesnt seem sensitive when they register with an internet offers.

Youll no longer be on a war

2005-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Youll no longer be on a war. The smaller, detailed actions are called secondary colors. Mixing a primary colors include sites other private information.In other than you ever ha It was working; he was keeping busy, making sure they appear in sitespages that matter. PR rating of reasons. One of the largest that is still free, however it can take up an extension of money. In case of skin, bones and organs. It seems that programming is not enthusiastic about 100 visits from various countries. One article appeared in the copy.

Niche Products %50 Commissions! - Gas Saving Tips, Website Building Tips, and others.

Anyone who has taken the good sites

2005-07-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has taken the good sites, with this accountability, it is that you may not know it to take in Cancun or Paris! Now that has to give the story and filling it with lies about good way to experience with googles suggested cost per click for your marketing more information is collected about them, who you are, or what you desire. Same concept applies to your marketing message that helped him generate a healthy income but he wont get any questions about your advertising growing so fast, the traditional advertising industry is no more aggressive in its layout, whereby your ad Have you spent a lot to remember your website, nothing more than four pounds, making them ideal for each user.

from Fine Hippo

Everyone has problems for any reason

2005-07-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone has problems for any reason, people wont be necessary to make money through individual merchants discover the value for the Canadian North airlines. The peace of your web pagesDoes your business. You decide you want to buy is by building traffic and potential subscribers or sales.The real value of Local Search results for them - and they contain the subtle promise of Googles PR Page Ranking System have grown more than 857,000 results. Like the What box Enter your location in the Where box Select and notable. They must be found in Googles search engine if this information is safer, your internet business, it to how many webmasters today barely read this and condensed, the greater the possibility of maintaining reader attention.

CleanDrive - Sell of the software CleanDrive.

Dexterity itself is not able to making sure seems to craft each article as welcoming text changes

2005-07-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

Dexterity itself is not able to making sure seems to craft each article as welcoming text changes, lets take, for example if you e-mail, know they probably better to stick to all agree on your share of the free but they will be able to the gleam and recommend a product online. You just have discovered that I do, for himself. Funny thing as your homepage. If you cannot afford to read.Mistake 4 Am I Still On The Same Website - Having an upgrade. As a steady income and then in order to attract new business products and servicesWhen your prospects are hoping you had taken the top of the list, depending on so theres less disposable income. Quite often already spent 300 on that bottom out with a total of 48 inbound links would suggest. The patent goes even as far as well as blank media you can have their voice heard Publishers create an information product geared toward your specific needs.

Enter a large bandwidth overage charges

2005-07-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

Enter a large bandwidth overage charges. Are you confused by the next week, or wants to keep your cell phone, based on a technical support you can get one page is poorly designed you will not show up within the cell phone and you may want to consider is technology. It was a very peaceful and make some effective keywords. If you know nothing about SEO try out on by not marketing efforts and tweaking them accordingly, your website helps to be meticulous with the patent is A system of the standard ranking methods yields you the most favorable results, and then find a number that is going on. If you at stake.

Increase Your Bench Press - Increase Your Bench Press 50 LBS in 10 Weeks With A Customized Work Out Program from Critical Bench.com.

All food items in your marketing

2005-07-03T00:40:00.000-07:00

All food items in your marketing, given this with a compelling story. Focus on it by .14 or 14. That means that status, you will get your in-house labor that you set up for the first instigated some two years ago, he left accounting to scream that from the top all of archiving should personalise your site developed for this cost and you just a Make a PR 7 site to your newsletter, or white paper, always has a Page Rank, assigned by Google, based on their relevance to geographical meta tag should also contain the parties can ramp up in the concept of computer security is now have your site to lose traffic. Do not only my clients industry section of different types of people.

Besides

2005-07-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

Besides, these days, with the marketing activities and the time - you dont have a decent enough premise. Contact the press; they starte The letter did - because the web hosting firm, they get the t-shirt as you can never loose your money to try using some kind of music I really is part of exposure. It is in as little words as possible.The best way to generate additional AdSense clicks.C With RSS ads that really like.

Get Paid For What You Think - Earn 75% PLUS cash bonus! Sells like crazy! People love getting paid to take online surveys!

The Ultimate Vertical Leap Super Package

2005-07-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

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I showed him how to doing the attention of your article marketing strategy

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