THE CAT’S MEOW
FOR WRITERS & READERS
Issue 05, Vol. 05
©
April 10, 2005
“THE
CAT’S MEOW FOR WRITERS & READERS”
Published by Rosanne Catalano, (a/k/a R.C.Kayla)
Writer/Author and Ezine/Newsletter Chief Editor
For Her Official Author Website – http://www.rosannecatalano.net
Editor and Proofreader: Nancy Peckford,
Writer/Web designer and Assistant, residing
in
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S
CORNER:
by Rosanne Catalano – www.rosannecatalano.net
Hello dear readers…... even though Spring has sprung into bloom, it is still cold outside…. here in New York and I’m sure all over the world where it is cold, people are getting “cabin fever” due to all this snow and cold weather that “old man winter” is showing us is still around… 49 degrees is not warm enough; Please Lord, give us 60 degrees! And that is why I would love to introduce two (2) “Featured Authors” this month to warm up my wonderful readers’ hearts…
Eveline (“Evie”) Maedel and Lea Schizas! Eveline is a published author/writer and poet, who has given her wholehearted permission to publish two wonderful poems she penned, “Thief of Hearts” and “Treasure,” and a heartwarming short story, “Cat’s Eye View” for all you cat lovers out there… Also, her book, “Hearts Desire,” which is a collection of poetry, stories and devotionals, is now available to order online. Evie Maedel is also a contributing writer for “Sisters In The Lord” magazine. Please do enjoy her poems and short story, and Lea Schizas’ short story, “NO MORE” as much as I have…. Like Eveline Maedel, Lea Schizas is also a published author/writer, but does double-duty as the Editor-In-Chief/Co-Founder of “Apollo’s Lyre,” an ezine for writers which provides marketing resources to beginner and established writers, and she is a publicist for “StarPublish.com,” and a Literary Agent for authors. She, too, gave her wholehearted permission to republish her riveting story, “NO MORE” for all my readers….
SPECIAL MENTION: Also, please do check out my assistant, Nancy Peckford’s, author site at – http://webwriterworx.tripod.com. As you may or may not know from last month’s ezine, Nancy is now officially a certified technical writer, as of February 21, 2005; in case you or someone you know is in need of a writer to write technical articles or manuals… BUT please don’t take up too much of her time, I need her here, at least part-time (lol)!
There are several other authors who submitted their articles to help inform my dear readers about information you may or may not know or have…. These wonderful author’s names and article titles are listed below. Please do will enjoy reading all the helpful, fun and moving articles, poems and short stories supplied by my wonderful contributing authors and writers in this month’s issue… and do have a joyful Spring everyone; see you all next month!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHOR TITLE
OF ARTICLE
Elizabeth Brown -- “About Taxes”
Denise Hoptons -- “How to Survive and Manage ADHD”
Carl Traidden -- “Deductible RV loan
interest, How to Qualify”
Signasys Fina -- “Safe Long Term
Investments”
Pauleen Mazzio -- “What does Grandma want for Mother’s Day?”
Margaret Moore -- “Computer Wallpaper”
Betty White -- “Choosing a Suitable Pet”
Tina Spriggs -- “What Dog Owners Need to Know About Dog Crate
Training”
Rey Prestito -- “How to Get a Loan for College”
Charlie Cook -- “5 Breakthrough Marketing Ideas”
Nadya Petronas -- “History of Ballet: The Divine Dance”
Jaimein Shun -- “Acquainting Yourself with Forex”
Giotante Enza -- “Poker Games”
In last month’s issue I had an article about autism, written by Melinda Printon of “Full Info on Autism,” and this month we would like to bring to your attention that April is National Autism Awareness Month… Imagine having a child and/or adult in your family who...
On top of all that, imagine having to provide your child and/or adult-child with round-the-clock care, endless trips to doctors and therapists, and special education programs. If you can imagine living like this, then you have an idea of what life is like for the parents and loved ones of a child and/or adult with autism.
If you can, won’t you be kind enough to
support the “Autism Society of
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© 2005 Rosanne Catalano
(a/k/a R.C.Kayla)
Writer/author and Ezine/newsletter editor
http://www.rosannecatalano.net
“The Cat’s Meow for Writer’s & Readers” Ezine
COFFEE HOUSE 4 POETS & WRITERS:
(Every Month Highlighting Artistic Talent)
· FEATURED AUTHOR & POET: EVELINE (“EVIE”) MAEDEL
“THIEF OF HEARTS”
©
2004 written by Eveline Maedel – www.inscribe.org/MemberBooks.htm
and www.lulu.com/EvelineMaedel
No common man,
who came to steal,
our hearts away.
And then,
redeem our souls.
Stretched upon a
wooden cross,
bloodsoaked, battered.
Head tilted, anguished,
a cry rings out.
“It is finished.”
© 2004 Eveline Maedel
“TREASURE”
©
2004 written by Eveline Maedel
A heart of clay.
Shattered into shards,
Soaked with the fragrance
Of Your Spirit,
Awaits the Master’s Touch.
Lord, what is this treasure?
Molded, then shaped,
Dazed on the wheel,
Glazed by Your Word,
Branded by the Master’s Fire.
Lord, where is this treasure?
A heart of light,
Restored and made new,
Glows in Your Radiance,
Reflecting the Master’s Love.
Lord, You are the treasure.
© 2003 Eveline Maedel
“CAT’S EYE VIEW”
a short story
©
2004 written by Eveline Maedel – www.inscribe.org/MemberBooks.htm
She’s hit the snooze button for the third time this morning.
Time for me to crawl up on her chest and stare into her face until she wakes up. Aaah, there one blue eye is opening, now the other. Maybe if I kiss her lightly, tickling her face with my whiskers, she’ll stir. Once she’s up, the Boy will soon wake up and feed me.
Good, she’s moving now, slowly making her way to the bathroom. I’ll follow along and sit by the furnace vent until the Boy gets up. I like to watch her get ready in the morning. It’s her quiet time, as she stares into the mirror, slathering and gooping, pondering what the day ahead will bring. The Boy is up! Time for breakfast.
I’ll journey back upstairs when I’m done. She’ll dry her hair, roll out the exercise mat and stretch. I’ve tried to show her how to properly do “Downward Facing Dog” but she’s just not as flexible as me. Small Boy is up now. He needs a hug and cuddle from me to get going in the morning.
She rushes through the morning, up and down the stairs a hundred times. I follow her around as she makes breakfast, throws in the laundry, pulls something out for supper, makes sure the Small Boy eats something, empties the dishwasher, grabs something to eat and runs out the door to work. She’s always late these days and always rushing. She should learn how to stretch and take long cat naps in the sun. The door slams, the house is quiet. Just me and the Slobbering One left in the house.
Small Boy will be the first to get home at lunch. Slobbering One gets all excited when they return, I’m much more nonchalant. I’ll watch her rush around to eat something while throwing something in the oven for later. She talks to Small Boy about his morning and I climb up on his lap until he heads back to school. She finishes her lunch and all too soon the house is quiet again.
They come home one by one, later in the day. Small Boy first, then the Boy, and finally her. After supper, she’s usually on the computer working on some writing project or surfing the web avoiding the writing. Sometimes I crawl up into her lap and she pets me for a while with short, absent-minded strokes.
Night time and the house is quiet. The Man is away right now. I know she can’t sleep well without him beside her. The bed seems big and empty, and the night sounds are loud and startling. I’ll curl up just a little closer to her, so she’ll feel my warmth. She’ll lie awake for a while, praying in the dark, giving all those anxieties to God. He reaches through the night air to wrap her in His arms. Sleep comes, and then another day.
She’s hit the snooze button for the third time this morning.
© 2004 Eveline Maedel
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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eveline (“Evie”) Maedel , The Joy of the Lord is My Strength, is a published author/writer and poet whose book, “Heart’s Desire” – a collection of poetry, stories and devotions - is now available to order at http://www.inscribe.org/MemberBooks.htm
NEW! Also please visit her Blog - Spiritual Journeys
NEW! E-book: http://www.lulu.com/EvelineMaedel
Print copy: http://www.inscribe.org/MemberBooks.htm
“NO MORE” a short story
© 2005 written by Lea Schizas – www.apolloslyre.com
“As I stepped into my office, a stranger was sitting at my desk” is what Linda experienced every day since her liberation. A stranger, living a simple secretary’s life where once only a thought, a wish, to escape the torment she endured with him.
Glancing about her office, a flash of her past life came forth. Patrick had labeled her his property. Tagged and branded her with his fist marks every day for three years.
‘Till death do us part.’ Well, no more.
Waking up one night to find herself soaked in what she had first thought of as a ‘pee accident,’ only to discover blood surrounding her thighs, was a rude awakening to say the least. His icy blue eyes were looking down at her, his fist opening and closing like a broken down hinged door, yelling that she woke him with her sobbing. That stabbing sensation she experienced in her abdomen was not part of her dream, but his brutal thrusting jabs into her previously bruised stomach.
“I’m bleeding.” Her words related more a statement than horror.
“Shut up! I have to get up in two hours for work and you wake me up with your crying. I’ve told you, stay on your side of the bed and don’t move!”
“I’m bleeding.”
“Then get off your rear and go to the bathroom before you ruin the mattress, Linda!”
Looking out her office window, Linda spotted a young couple walking, hand-in-hand. The young lady staggered at one point and her man gently swooped her in his arms, held her close to him, kissing her on the lips. This triggered her memory once more to that fateful night.
As she stood up from the bed, the room became a carousel, spinning faster and faster all around her. Several times she had staggered holding on to any piece of furniture nearby.
“You’re getting blood everywhere!” He approached her angrily – digging his nails into her shoulder – shoving her against the wall. Bouncing off, she narrowly missed hitting her head against the corner of the night table.
‘I hate you!’ she had yelled silently.
“I’m okay,” she whispered to herself.
“What?”
“I’m okay.” Linda remembered saying those words, more to herself, as a building block for a strength that would follow.
Inside the bathroom, Linda had removed her blood-soaked nightgown, stepped into the bathtub and began washing herself. The pain was excruciating. She discovered the blood was coming from the belt marks left by his beating two nights ago.
“So? You are still bleeding?” He asked, as he eyed her up and down, like a john checking out a whore. “If so… I’m awake now…”
What transpired next had come out during her trial, jolting her suppressed memory. Patrick had begun to fondle her, kissing her breasts while guiding her hand to a place she did not want to travel to anymore. When he grabbed her by the hair and said, “Now give daddy an apologetic kiss and make it all better,” is when Linda remembered anger soar through her veins, energizing a strength that was dormant and needed to be released.
With one shove, Patrick flew out of the bathtub, knocking his head against the toilet bowl, killing him instantly, and leaving Linda alone for hours yelling “No more, no more!” until the police were called by neighbors.
Self-defense, not guilty, was the verdict two years ago today.
Linda’s memories are rehashed less and less with each passing day as her confidence in herself grows. Yet, she continues to think, “As I step into my office who is this stranger that sits in my chair. Certainly not someone I knew a long time ago…”
© 2005 by Lea
Schizas
_
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lea Schizas is a published author/writer and Editor-in-Chief/Co-founder of the award-winning ezine, “Apollo’s Lyre,” (http://www.apolloslyre.com) ), Author of the soon-to-be-released Young Adult fantasy book, “The Rock of Realm,” by Star Publish (http://pages.ivillage.com/rockofrealm), Founder of the online critique club, “The MuseItUp Club” for writers (http://pages.ivillage.com/rockofrealm/museitup), Publicist of “StarPublish.com” on the web (http://starpublish.com),
and Literary Agent for L.S. Literary Agency (http://l.s.literaryagency.tripod.com).
Tax time is just around the corner – something we are all concerned with, so please do read Elizabeth Brown’s article, “About Taxes”…
“ABOUT TAXES”
by Elizabeth Brown – www.akgtax.com
Do you think about taxes when you wake up in the morning?
For most of us, we usually don’t think much about it day to day, however we are paying taxes all the time. If you go to the store to buy something you are paying a tax, if you are working you are paying a tax, if you drive on a toll road you are paying a tax, if you own a house you are paying a tax. It is all around us. And at the end of the year we get to file to see if we have paid enough tax for the year- or if we need to pay still more.
Most people are unaware of how much they actually pay in taxes. And maybe it is better that way. You would go crazy trying to add up all the different ways you are taxed. There are sin taxes, road taxes, property taxes and even phone taxes to name but a few. States vary in how and what they tax, but you really do not have a choice as to whether or not you want to pay. Taxes will automatically be added to your purchases or deducted from your paycheck.
When you mention taxes the first thing that pops into mind for most of us is the annual frustration of figuring out our taxes and getting them in the mail by April 15th. Nobody looks forward to the experience. Most people find the whole thing tiresome, confusing, tedious and generally unpleasant. For these reasons many people seek professional help. Instead of tackling their own tax preparation, many of us pack it all up and head immediately to a tax preparing company like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. Others seek help from local tax accountants with whom they have an ongoing relationship.
Finding a good accountant is a lot like finding a good doctor. You need to be comfortable talking with them about your finances and trust that they will prepare your taxes appropriately. The last thing you want is for the IRS to audit you because your taxes were not correct. Not only will it take a lot of time to sort out, but you may also be liable for penalty fees. A good tax accountant can help prevent this from happening. A good way to find an accountant is to ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations or check your local yellow pages. A trustworthy tax accountant will make your life easier.
© 2005 Elizabeth Brown
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MORE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Brown is the owner and operator of AKG Tax, which is a premier resource for http://www.akgtax.com tax information. For more information, go to: http://www.akgtax.com.
Many of my dear readers will be involved, either professionally or personally, in dealing with children or adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. The next article, by Denise Hoptons, gives a nice summary of how to manage and survive it, what ADHD is, and how do you manage it… please read on for this very informative article
“HOW TO SURVIVE AND MANAGE ADHD”
by Denise Hoptons – www.fiadhd.com
What
is ADHD and How do You Manage it?
There are some children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The symptoms exhibited by these children are:
1) Poor concentration and attention span
2) Poor memory
3) Impulsiveness – the trait of doing things without thinking first
4) Easily frustrated – because of poor concentration and memory when they cannot remember things, they get frustrated. This causes behavioral patterns like temper tantrums and outbursts
The above traits are even shown by people who are not suffering from ADHD. Because of ADHD children suffer in various fields and activities in and out of school. They have to face defeat and failure in various areas like:
a) Participating in activities at school such as getting work done, paying attention, maintaining focus, being attentive in class, etc.
b) at home (are not able to finish chores, are clumsy, get into fights with siblings and more)
c) in society (Often bossy and overbearing, show aggression, get frustrated easily and then have temper outbursts, and more)
It would not be appropriate to include ADHD as an injury or a disease as its onset is not dependent on a germ or any specific physical malfunction. This comes into effect only as a result of some part of the brain not working at peak efficiency and not contributing totally.
ADHD can be called a hereditary condition, where parents and children show similar symptoms. The symptoms and the ADHD condition does not go away in a short span of time and takes a long time to get under control. Sometimes children suffer from ADHD through their teens into their adulthood also.
How
do You Manage ADHD?
What bothers children suffering from ADHD is the danger and fear of long term implications and complications. For example:
a) Their fear of failure at school owing to poor concentration, leading to school drop out
b) Their fear of being thrown out from school and landing into trouble with the police only because of their impulsive attitude
c) Their fear of taking recourse to anti-depressants such as drinks, drugs, crime, etc. to avoid getting anxious and depressed.
These fears are what bothers these children as these factors could influence their attitude and performance in adult life too.
What you cannot beat has to be managed, and the goal of good management is to avoid complications. Since the process of management is a long term commitment, the only people who can effectively ensure its being put into place are the parents. The parents who live with the child, understand his needs and requirements and are the foremost people who are concerned with the well being of the child are the ones who need to take a proactive part in managing this difficulty. Unless parents themselves take the lead, all efforts of others shall go to naught.
It is only when parents take an active part that the efforts of others shall bear fruit too. Some of the components of effective management of ADHD are:
COMMITTED PARENTS – These are parents who work wholeheartedly towards the betterment of the child. There is more than adequate information available in the form of books and videos to guide parents on how to assist their ADHD afflicted child. They just need to buy or borrow these to read them and be better informed about this so as to be effective. It is good to discuss what you read with a professional or a local support group as there is a lot of mis-information on this subject. This is especially from self professed guru’s who profess magic-cures for your child.
GOOD COMMUNICATION – Is very essential between parents, support groups and the school teachers. If all three groups care to communicate and solve particular problems it will be beneficial for the child.
ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT – Children with ADHD do best in a quiet, calm, structured, low-stimulation environment (e.g. one to one) and poorly in chaotic situations (e.g. busy classrooms, noisy, busy homes). As a family you may want to find ways to reorganize life so that it is less stressful for all of you. At school the teachers will be doing the same, and it is best if the two can be co-ordinated.
CLEAR STRATEGY FOR BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT – Children afflicted with ADHD are great responders to award and punishment scenarios. They come out best when they are informed of the awards they shall receive when they behave in a particular manner. Obviously, the awards have to be far more frequent than the punishment. Those who are not clear on what is involved need to consult a professional.
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS.
Looking after children with ADHD can be very stressful for the parents. Bringing up these children can be very taxing. At times it may lead to depression and marital breakdown in parents. To help the parents to cope with the stress of bringing up an ADHD child, the parents should also consult the parent support groups and parents training groups, marital counseling, and family therapy, etc.
MEDICATION – Medication is not a cure, but can be an invaluable help. Getting it right is important and so you will need to work closely with your key worker and doctor. The goal of medication is to reduce the symptoms so as to give the child the opportunity to learn academic, social, and other life skills. By itself, however, it is unlikely to solve all the problems and so can not be used as an excuse to opt out of the above ingredients.
Most common type of medicines used for children with ADHD are the stimulants. One medicine that is available in the market to reduce the symptoms of ADHD is atomoxetine. This medicine has less side effects.
Health professionals can only help the parents solve particular problems of your child, but they cannot bring up your child for you. They will also help you clear your doubts on how to handle certain situations.
The person who has to cope with this is you and your family. Therefore, this is best addressed by you and the first step towards this is to learn as much as you can. Learning all you can results in better management and better results for all concerned.
© 2005 Denise Hoptons
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MORE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hoptons is the owner and operator of “Full Info on ADHD,” a fantastic resource for information about ADHD. For more articles on ADHD, why not visit her at http://www.fiadhd.com/articles!
To all the RV owners out there, I bet you did not know the helpful information supplied by my contributing author/writer, Carl Traidden, of “LowRVFinancing.com”… Well, he gives RV owners information below on how this can be done, and what is required, in his article. Please do read on for Carl Traidden’s helpful tips about RV tax deductions….
“DEDUCTIBLE RV LOAN INTEREST, HOW TO QUALIFY”
by Carl Traidden – www.lowrvfinancing.com
Did you know that most RV owners can take advantage of tax deductions through the IRS? It is not a rumor, though many people do not check into the deduction because they have taken it for a rumor. Everyone should be aware of each benefit that the RV lifestyle has to offer, including any RV loan tax deductions.
For numerous RV buyers, the interest on their motorhome loan is tax deductible through the IRS. Your motorhome may be considered as a second home mortgage, in which case, making your RV interest tax deductible. There are stipulations: there are certain essential amenities that your motorhome must be equipped with in order to qualify as a second home mortgage.
In order to have the interest on your RV loan tax deductible through the IRS, you must meet all qualifications. Due to the fact that the motorhome must be seen as a second home, it must be usable as an area in which one could be fully sustained, as in a regular home. First and foremost, the RV must be used as security for the loan. There are certain interior requirements proving that home-like accommodations are existing as well. These accommodations include a basic sleeping quarter, or sleeping area in the RV. The motorhome must also have a working toilet and certain cooking accommodations as well. Most RV’s come pre-equipped with each of these amenities. If they are not pre-equipped, they are more than likely upgradeable to the status of qualified by simply adding the necessary accommodations.
63 year old retired full RV enthusiast Wanda Perez has been traveling for about four years since she joined the full time lifestyle. After reaching the decision that she needed more space for her collectible trinkets, Wanda decided to upgrade. She chose a slightly larger RV. Wanda was informed, while trading in her old RV for the newly purchased one, that she should use her RV loan to get a tax deduction on the interest. “When the finance department mentioned that I could do that, I was really surprised, I had no idea you could do that!” comments Wanda.
“All types of RV’s have the potential to qualify as a second home mortgage,” adds Clint Ethington, Manager of PRC RV Financing. “There are certain types of folding trailers that qualify, as well as van campers, truck campers, travel trailers, and motorhomes. This is a nice little incentive for people that are contemplating an RV purchase,” comments Ethington. “It just adds to the list of RV benefits.”
© 2005 by Carl Traidden
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MORE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carl Traidden is an author who writes articles for PRC RV Financing. To find out more about this RV loan interest tax deduction, please visit: http://www.lowrvfinancing.com.
PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH THIS ARTICLE WAS GIVEN (2005).
A very helpful article that is a must-read for all my readers who are business owners is the one supplied by Signasys Fina below…Writer, Signasys Fina, informs you about safe long-term investments for businesses… Please do enjoy learning from the information Signasys Fina has to impart for my readers who are business owners….
“SAFE LONG TERM INVESTMENTS”
by Signasys Fina – www.financef.com
Long term investments are an important aspect of ensuring a companies growth. Smart investing will enhance the usual goals of profitability and survival. Specifically, businesses need capital to satisfy their current markets and attract potential ones. Their goals also include profits from sales, solid assets, an adequate capital reserve, acceptable levels of debt, and meeting those of your business plan.
The four projected financial states represent the main implement to embrace any element related to the long term financial management of an organization. The formal aspect of the long term planning implies preparing independent projects containing several excluding execution alternatives. The most common actions for alternatives’ evaluation are: the time to recover the investment, the internal rate of performance and the net present value of the alternatives’ cash flow. For these actions the basic financial state is the cash flow.
Once you have your financial statements in order, then you can incorporate your long term planning into your financial analyses. These studies include asset planning, market studies, including location, engineering, sales projections, and your alternative financing alternatives. Combine all the information you’ve gathered, then evaluate the information and make your investment decision.
In case you do not have those previously indicated inputs, it is time to start “ordering the house” or to hire some specialized consultants who can allow you to make advances in this direction. Remember that it will be difficult to know how much is left for us to arrive if we do not know from where we are starting.
Your biggest challenge is to implement your plans and make them work for you in the real world. It’s important to work closely with those who can advise you on growth and attaining the market segments you are targeting. Keeping a close watch on how your business is performing will put you in a good position for taking advantage of opportunities that come your way.
These days it’s more important than ever to keep your financial statements current. With a fast moving and changing global economy, you have to be aware of your position at all times. That way you will know where to apply for credit at the best rates, and be in a position to do so. Shoddy accounting practices will condemn you to short or middle term financing at high rates of interest.
© 2005 by Signasys Fina
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MORE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Signasys Fina, of Fiance F, Inc. is a frequent contributor. You can read more at http://www.financef.com.
PERMISSION
TO REPUBLISH THIS ARTICLE WAS GIVEN (2005).
Now, dear readers, the below article is definitely very helpful information on what to get for the ‘senior’ in your life… Pauleen Mazzio supplies great ‘gift ideas for seniors’ to all those searching for the perfect gift for their parents, grandparents or even a friend who is a senior… Please do read on for gift ideas Pauleen Mazzio wants to share with my wonderful readers….
“WHAT DOES GRANDMA WANT FOR MOTHER’S DAY?”
by Pauleen Mazzio – www.yygift.com
Every holiday and birthday you may face the same question: “What do I get for my parent or grandparent?!?” The elderly are sometimes hard to * buy for * because they often have it all and have seen it all. Less mobile or well seniors may not have the energy or inclination to participate in the activities of their youth. When considering a gift for someone in this category, try to consider what would be most meaningful or bring joy to their day.
A photo album that begins with pictures of past homes or gardens, or far-away friends becomes even more appreciated when you add to it every holiday or gift occasion. Sneak into the big box of prints stuck in the back of the closet and grab pictures you can put in the album. Go through your own photo collection for pictures of you, your kids, Grandpa’s old hound dog, or any other thing you know will light up his eyes! If your folks have moved out of your childhood home to a condo, a collection of photos recalling the noise and fun of family life in “the old house” may even bring a tear or two.
There are so many different ways to present a photo that you’ll never run out of ideas. A greater variety of frames is available these days, especially in large discount stores and home decorating shops. The possibilities are endless if you choose to make or decorate your own frame. Craft supply stores carry all kinds of notions, decorations, and ribbons you can use for decoration.
If your folks or grandparents have a computer, give them a CD or DVD with an organized collection of photos. Many photo editing programs let you add virtual frames or even put two people in the same photo who haven’t been in one place together since high school! If you have a movie making application, turn still photos into a documentary, complete with music and voice-overs! Applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Premier, and several that come with digital still and video cameras gives you all of the tools to make your own DVD.
If framed photos don’t appeal to you, give photos on coffee mugs, t-shirts, key chains, or even on the top of a cake! A unique calendar is easy to create on your computer or to order through an online photo service. If you only have prints, print and copy shops can create calendars, mouse pads, and a variety of other items using your photos. You can also buy a quality photo album and fill it with pictures your granny has been meaning to organize for years! A photo album with just a few photos can be expanded at every gift occasion with new photographs; this is truly a gift that keeps on giving!
If you don’t have a picture that grandma or grandpa would like, how about art print? Framing stores, bookstores, and museum stores carry wonderful prints that reproduce famous paintings, as well as posters of past events. Find something that evokes pleasant remembrances – a home town, a favorite vacation spot – and add a frame suitable for display in the living room or den. Each time they look at it, they will also think of you!
© 2005 by Pauleen Mazzio
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pauleen Mazzio is the proprietor of YY Gift – a valuable resource for information on gifts and gift ideas on the internet. For comments or questions related to this article, please visit her at http://www.yygift.com
Margaret Moore, the author of my next article, would like all my dear readers to know about computer wallpaper, what it is and how it can be used on your computer, with the below new article that she has just had published… Please do read the helpful information Margaret Moore would like all computer-users to know….
“COMPUTER WALLPAPER”
by Margaret Moore – www.wallpaperhut.com
Most people think of the patterned wall covering used in our homes when you mention the word – wallpaper -. True enough, you can use the traditional wallpaper to hide unsightly marks and cracks or just to change the style of a room but it is a nightmare to put up and I won’t even begin to talk about how difficult it can be to match up intricate patterns seamlessly. Quite frankly, I would rather just paint my walls than use wallpaper on them.
There is another type of wallpaper that I use all the time and sometimes change a number of times a day. I am referring to the wallpaper that I have as my computer screen’s background. I can make an otherwise dull and uninspiring screen come to life with different pictures. Nowadays this technology has also become familiar on cell phone screens and other similar gadgets to enable us to customize them.
COMPUTER WALLPAPER
When thinking of wallpaper as computer backgrounds, you will still have many options. You will see that your computer comes with several background options for you to choose from. You can change this very easily by going into your display settings. You can also make your own wallpaper from a favorite picture. This is really easy to do on most computers. You just go to the picture you want to use and then right-click like you would if you were saving it. You will see an option that says “set as background.” This will make that photo your wallpaper.
It isn’t just your own pictures that can be used as wallpaper. You can also download hundreds of free or cheap pictures from the internet to use as your wallpaper too. These can be found on sites that specialize in pictures or are becoming a popular download from movie websites, singer fan sites, favorite landscapes or even a more controversial picture from an adult-only website. The only advice I would offer is that you are able to change your wallpaper settings in record time if you don’t want certain pictures to be seen by your boss or partner.
Remember that you can change your wallpaper as often as you want. You can always keep something that you like. You can use backgrounds that your computer offers automatically, you can look up new and unique backgrounds on the internet, or you can use your own. Have a picture of your children smiling at you from your office computer, or a family photo on your laptop while you are away for business. Whatever you want, you can have it. It is a little feature on PCs that allow you to personalize it a little more and really feel a connection to your computer.
© 2005 by Margaret Moore
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Margaret Moore is the owner and operator of http://www.wallpaperhut.com Wallpaper Hut, Inc., which is a premier resource for wallpaper information. For questions or comments about this article, please visit her at http://www.wallpaperhut.com.
Betty
White, the author of the article below, has informative
help for all my readers on choosing just the right pet for you or your
children. This article is a must-read
for parents ‘thinking’ of buying or adopting a pet for their children… Betty White tells all what to ‘consider’
before we bring a pet into our homes… Please do read Betty White’s very informative article which I feel is a must-read for everyone because a pet is
a lifelong commitment, and obtaining a loving pet is not to be taken lightly!
“CHOOSING A SUITABLE PET”
by Betty White – www.feednpet.com
Animals can have a variety of jobs, including that of friend to their owner. We have all heard of working dogs and seen horses pulling carts but more of us are keeping animals as pets and the variety of types of creatures that we are prepared to share our home with is growing too. Dogs and cats are still the most popular of pets in average homes but they are rapidly being caught up by birds, rabbits, fish and even spiders. There are as many different pets as there are possible owners so everyone can find their perfect companion.
When choosing a pet there are a lot of things to consider. Let’s start with for example how much time you have to spend with your pet. Some animals require more attention than others. Your age and health plays a role in your choice, for instance are you able to walk that dog around the block, or would fish that doesn’t demand as much attention be more appropriate for you? Or maybe you would prefer to just sit back, listen to, and enjoy a couple of lovebirds.
Children are often one of the main reasons why you may be thinking about getting a pet. They can also be one of the main deciding factors in which type of animal you choose. Obviously you are going to be less inclined to have a potentially dangerous animal as a pet when you have young kids around. You also need to be aware of how the animal reacts to children; those little angels may terrify the new puppy. Allergies are now far more commonplace and it is worth making sure that you and the kids are not going to spend all day sneezing with the furry cat you have just bought.
Location is also a big factor in choosing that perfect pet. Live out in the country in a house with a fenced in yard, or an apartment building with sidewalks for your backyard. You have to make sure you chose the right pet for your environment. You wouldn’t want your pet to be in any danger. If you are renting instead of owning your own home you also have to consider if you are allowed to own a pet at that property and if so what type of pet is allowed.
Some animals are both pets and working animals. Seeing-eye dogs and rescue dogs are two such examples. Either way the animals are more than just companions and perform essential tasks.
Whichever choice of pet you make, you will be rewarded with the companionship only a pet can give you. They will always be there, just waiting for your attention and love.
© 2005 Betty White
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Betty White is the owner of Feed –n– Pets, which is a premier resource for pet information. For more information please go to http://www.feednpet.com.
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Tina Spriggs, the author of the below article and owner of “Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers,” has information for all my dog lover readers out there about the newest training method available to dog owners that really does work… please do read what she has to say about the “dog crate training” method, and why it works!
“WHAT DOG OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT DOG CRATE
TRAINING”
by Tina Spriggs – www.doggiftsandtoysfordoglovers.com
Why should you use the dog crate training method?
Is the dog crate training method humane?
You may look at a dog crate and find it doesn’t inspire much confidence. Don’t be too quick to judge, the dog training method is highly effective.
You may find that the dog crate, one that consists of a rectangular shaped enclosure with a top, a floor, 3 sides, and a door, could just possibly be the best contraption for your dog. The dog crate training method is especially effective for puppies, although senior dogs can be trained.
What do you need to implement the dog crate training method? Buy a sturdy dog crate. These crates are usually constructed of wire, wood, metal, molded plastic or a combination of these materials. You can get a ready-made crate or have it customized, for a puppy that belongs to a larger breed.
The dog crate training method recognizes the fact that all dogs whether domesticated or untamed, share a common characteristic, they need their own confined space – what we call a den. A dog crate then is the equivalent of the domesticated dog’s den.
When you use the dog crate training method, here are some of the beneficial results your dog and you will gain from this training:
· As a result of the dog crate training, you and your family can enjoy time away from your dog, knowing your dog is comfortably ensconced in its’ den. Your furniture or possessions are not in danger of being soiled, or damaged or torn apart by your dog.
· By nature, dogs not to do their business in the space they sleep in, and the crate dog training method reinforces this natural instinct.
· With the dog crate training, your dog will be les disruptive and more pliable when you need to confine his or her own crate. Some of these occasions when your dog needs to be out of the way, is when preparations for dinner is underway or there is a big crowd of guests for dinner.
· Because of the dog crate training method, your dog won’t whine or bark incessantly when you put her or him in his or her own carry-all crate, when you travel. So the dog isn’t underfoot.
· Another safety benefit is when the driver abruptly hits the brake; the dog won’t be thrown out.
In order for your dog crate training to be a success, you must set rules.
Everyone in the family must remember that the crate is for the dog’s sleeping comfort, put an old t-shirt and soft padding for the dog. But no one should ever put food or water in the dog’s bedroom/crate.
Another way to make the dog crate training method effective is to establish a “crate routine” for your dog. Put the dog in his or her crate during certain hours in a day, a good time would be his or her nap time.
At night, place your dog’s crate in a place where you can safely leave the door open so that the puppy can relieve his or herself outside of the crate. Once this routine has been firmly established, you can stop using the dog crate.
Effective dog crate training will prevent your dog from developing serious behavioral problems, which is a huge headache for plenty of dog owners.
As the dog owner, your part is to practice patience and consistency in carrying out the dog crate training method, so your puppy becomes one disciplined dog. Just like children, dogs are comforted by structure and consistency. Help them to achieve this with crate training and you’ll have a very happy, healthy dog!
© 2004 by Tina Spriggs.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them, visit her site at http://www.DogGiftsandToysforDogLovers.com
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
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Rey Prestito, the author of my next article, “How to Get a Loan for College” has urgent, important information about college loans to impart on my college-bound readers and their parents…
“HOW TO GET A
by Rey Prestito – www.QwikLoans.com
If you plan on going to college, then you probably know already how important getting a loan can be. The loan that you get for your college will affect the rest of your life. It will affect how you live while you are still in school and it will also affect what you do with your life after you are out of school. You do not want student loans that carry on with you for the rest of your life. The best way to deal with this is to start preparing before the time comes. You can save up as much as possible for college so that you have less to borrow. You should also try to get any and all scholarships that you can so that the amount you need a loan for is smaller.
Before you get a loan for college, you need to understand how this loan is going to affect the rest of your life. Your college education is very important. But you also need to understand that you will have to pay back any loans and you do not want to live your first few years of life with a degree in debt because of those college loans. You should start working out a plan for paying it back in your senior year of school. If you get a loan for college, you will be living on a budget and it is never too soon to start planning that budget. There are many new expenses with starting college aside from just tuition. You may also have to pay for books, a computer, clothes, school supplies and more. So all the money you can save now will only make that transition easier.
Another step that you need to take in preparing for college and preparing for college loans is to talk to your parents or guardians and see if they had arranged any college expenses for you. Do they have a college fund? Will they be helping with your tuition or supplemental income while you are in college? You need to know this ahead of time so you can have a realistic decision of what you will owe.
Thirdly, getting a loan means being organized. When it comes to college, getting a loan is all about timing. You must know the deadlines for all your applications and ask a counselor or parent how to best keep track of all the information. Not getting a loan due to an error with deadlines is awful and easy to avoid. Make sure you have all the information you will need for the loan applications way before the process really gets under way.
Lastly, don’t feel that a college is not affordable for you. There are a lot of financial aid, loans and scholarships out there just waiting for you to apply. Any college is within your grasp- you just have to try your hardest to get in. So, give it your all and don’t be intimidated. You just might find that certain college is way more attainable than you first thought.
© 2005 by Rey Prestito.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rey Prestito can be reached for comment on this article at QwikLoans, a company specializing in personal loans and refinancing. For more info, visit: http://www.QwikLoansInc.com.
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It is possible to create a breakthrough in your marketing and your business and all it takes is a few minor adjustments. Please read Charlie Cook’s next article to learn how to create a breakthrough for your business…
“5 BREAKTHROUGH MARKETING IDEAS”
by Charlie Cook – www.marketingforsuccess.com
Do you ever get frustrated with your marketing? Are you putting in a lot of effort but not getting the results you want? Don’t you wish you could just hit a switch and get a better response from your mailings, sales calls and web site?
You hear a lot about breakthroughs; is it all hype, or can you really create a breakthrough in your marketing and sales? I know that you can.
I spent last weekend skiing in
You too can experience a breakthrough in your skiing, golf swing or in your marketing. If you are like most business owners, you advertise, send out mailings, make sales calls and have a web site. This is what you do to market your business; the way you do these things will make the difference between success and failure.
What would constitute a breakthrough in your business? Like Sonia, you may be inadvertently working harder than you need to be to get the results you want. With a few changes to your marketing strategy and techniques you could be getting a lot more attention, generating more qualified leads and converting more prospects to clients and having more fun.
Here are five ideas to get your marketing headed for a breakthrough:
- When people are at the point of purchase, prompt them to buy additional products and you can double your revenue.
- Call people who have bought your products after a couple of weeks to get feedback. There is a good chance they’ll be interested in buying additional products or services.
Whether you want to become an expert at marketing, skiing or cooking, the key is to let go of methods that are not working for you, and learn and apply the techniques used by the experts. Nine times out of ten, the problem is in getting the basics right. You can achieve a breakthrough in sales when you understand and apply these proven marketing principles and techniques.
© 2005 by
Charlie Cook.
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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The author, Charlie Cook, helps service professionals and small business owners attract more clients and be more successful. Sign up for the Free Marketing Plan eBook, “7 Steps to Get More Clients and Grow Your Business” at http://www.marketingforsuccess.com.
For additional details on republishing, visit http://www.marketingforsuccess.com/marketing-ideas/republishing.html;
Photo Available at http://www.marketingforsuccess.com/images/headws-ns.jpg.
PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH THIS ARTICLE WAS GIVEN (2005).
Ever wonder how Ballet got started? How has
it evolved from it’s origins… which, believe it or not, started in
“HISTORY OF BALLET – THE DIVINE DANCE”
by Nadya Petronas – www.balletat.com
Ballet as a captivating dance form has enthralled discerning audiences for many years. It is a form of dance that combines beauty and grace to tell a story in a dance form. Generally performed in theatres, ballet has always been a favored dream of many little girls. While ballet dancers need to work very hard for many years to perform in a professional ballet company – this does not deter the aspirants.
Many people think that ballet originated in
As the years passed the beautiful dances began to be performed in gorgeous and complicated costumes, and intricate sets and props were introduced. Royalty fell in love with the ballet as it became more popular. The costumes became more elaborate and within a few hundred years dancing on toes began. Since there were no block toe shoes yet, the dancers could only hold a pose for a few seconds at a time.
In the 19th century, romantic ballet came along. This was partly due to the ballet La Sylphide. It brought many changes to ballet and toe dancing was more in evidence. Most of us are familiar with tutus, and if you were wondering where it came from, it is attributed to the ballet Giselle. In this dance there were ghostly spirits and they were costumed in tutus.
Women were the feature of the romantic
ballet, and ballerinas were even coming out of the
As the 20th century advanced, ballet definitely became more representative of how humans actually move. This was due in part to the popularity of other dance forms. These changes continue today, as ballet often includes other dance styles when it’s performed.
Some ballets today have even gone so far as to combine another style of dance into the ballet. In 1944 a ballet was introduced called Fancy Free that used jazz dance with the ballet steps to create a revolutionary ballet, and it was well received.
With time, ballet has evolved and changed in many forms. While connoisseurs of the traditional ballet have remained steadfast, the new avatars have also. A well executed ballet by professionals continues to enthrall audiences despite the fact that most of us cannot even dream of performing most of the steps and moves of a ballet dancer.
© 2005 by Nadya Petronas
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nadya Petronas is the webmaster for Ballet @, a fantastic resource for information about Ballet. For more articles on Ballet, why not visit http://www.balletat.com/articles.
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Have you ever heard the word FOREX before? Ever wonder what exactly it means, if you’re not familiar with it? Well, the author of the below article, Jaimein Shun, does tell all about FOREX, what it means and how it can relate to you, my dear readers… please do read this very important info. Jaimein Shun has to say
“ACQUAINTING YOURSELF WITH FOREX”
by Jaimein Shun – www.forexeye.com
Forex ~ commonly referred to as the Foreign Exchange Market, is responsible for the purchase and sale of currencies throughout the world. As such, it has established itself as the world’s largest financial arena, generating in excess of a trillion dollars each day in American dollars. Since the focus is on the exchange of currencies, it’s understood that each transaction involves two entities, e.g., trading U.S. dollars for Eurodollars or U.S. dollars for pesos, etc. While a large portion of these trades include U.S. dollars, those that don’t are referred to as ~cross currencies.~
Forex engulfs the whole world and joins
them together. Due to its global nature
it is always awake in some part of the world.
It starts off in
Since only about 5% of the daily monies are generated through purchases and sales by various governments and corporations, the bulk of trading is for speculation and/or profit. From the perspective of speculation, the best trading comes about as a result of - The Majors – the most actively traded currencies, such as the U.S. Dollar, Euro Dollar, British Pound, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar and the Canadian Dollar. All but approximately 15% of the transactions each day involve one or more of these currencies.
Forex, like the Stock Market, does not have any physical establishment to its name through which it maintains its existence all over the world, rather it is a medium which is dependent on telephone lines and the Internet. One can say it is a very lucrative well resourced ~over the counter~ market available for your use through telephone and internet banking. This also makes it vulnerable to any hiccups in the World Wide Web. Any major disruption of the internet arena could have drastic consequences for the Forex.
Learning and comprehending the quoting system within Forex may be a challenge to some, but it only requires a basic understanding of how things work – and in what order. For instance, when currencies are listed, the first one is considered the base currency, and that currency – whichever one it happens to be – is always considered to be #1. In this way, you’ll be able to monitor the rise and fall of that currency’s value as the trading progresses.
© 2005 by Jaimein Shun.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jaimein Shun is a Forex aficionado who runs Forex Eye, a complete resource directory at your fingertips on everything from charts and options to trading platforms. For his article archive, please do visit http://www.forexeye.com/newsletters.
PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH THIS ARTICLE WAS GIVEN (2005).
Giotante Enza, my last author for this issue, has a informative one to impart on my dear readers IF you love to play poker or card games, and have ever wondered how poker got started, who played it and still plays it, etc.… Poker has come into vogue nowadays, and you can find everyone from the senior citizen in the park to the young cashier (working her way through college) playing Poker in their free time… I enjoyed reading Giotante Enza’s article on Poker because, not only did I play it when younger, but my late grandmother wanted to play Poker with me before she died and I told her, “No, grandma because you’ll just win anyway!” She then laughed, and told me I was right, she would win! So, yes dear readers, my late dear grandmother loved playing card games but especially Poker before it came into vogue… Please do read Giotante Enza’s fun (and could be helpful) article on “Poker Games!”
“POKER GAMES”
by Giotante Enza – www.farogame.com
Games have always existed. A long time ago, they were very simple and there was not that many to choose from. People used to play hopscotch, cantillos, chess, king, and other games. Today, with the advance of technology, new games appeared, with all the complexity of important devices. Anyhow, among the thousands of games available today there is an old one that still survives: poker. It is unbelievable that in this modern era of high technology, this game still persists.
So, what are the origins of poker? There are many different theories about the
origin of the game, but one of the first references can be traced back in 1834
to Jonathan H. Green. He referred to the
game by name: the cheating game. It was the primary game played on
Poker rapidly changed in popularity over the years. Originally poker was a backroom game; nowadays it’s played in casinos all over the world. Casinos closely regulate the game, as do gambling laws. Poker is perhaps the most popular card game in the world. Poker has become extremely competitive, with tournaments and competitions around the world, many of them televised. An increase of Poker playing celebrities has also in part increased the game’s popularity. Some people are almost obsessed with the game and love to play it.
Luck is one of the most important elements of the game, but it’s not the most important. Luck can be beneficial in the short term poker game, but skill is required to play poker for a long time. Poker skills can be accomplished only through practice. Professional poker players spend their time studying the game and practicing to develop a level of mastery. One of the essential ingredients to a successful poker game is to stay calm and not make any wild plays. Poker requires concentration and careful thinking. There are always lots of tricks to learn in Poker, but it’s a fun game to learn and the tricks of the game can only be learned by lots of practice and play.
Poker is a game that will always be present and will keep evolving with the passing of time. Hopefully the same would happen with the other old games. In this modern era, it is good that new games appear but these new games should not make the other ones disappear. We should welcome new inventions, but not forget the old ones.
© 2005 by Giotante Enza.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Giotante Enza has put together a large gamer resource at FAROGAME, and if you would like to contribute articles, tips or tricks to Enza, please visit http://www.farogame.com.
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TO REPUBLISH THIS ARTICLE WAS GIVEN (2005).
EDITOR’S
CORNER:
by
Nancy Peckford – http://webwriterworx.tripod.com
In the ongoing hustle and bustle of everyday life we all encounter things that slow us down. It could be something as simple as a rose. You know the old saying, “stop and smell the roses”. Or it could be a commercial on the radio that strikes close to home. Whatever it is that stops you in your tracks, take a moment and savor it. The world will continue to rush by us but if we don’t stop and enjoy it every once in a while, one day we will wake up and realize that we never truly appreciated the results of all our hard work when we were part of that rushing world.
"The principles
you live by create the world you live in; if you change the principles you live
by, you will change your world." Blaine Lee
© 2005 Nancy Peckford
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-written and published by Rosanne
Catalano (a/k/a R.C.Kayla), writer/author and ezine chief editor; © April 10, 2005.
-editing and proofreading by Nancy Peckford, technical writer/web designer/ezine
editor and Rosanne's assistant. Nancy resides in Ontario, CANADA.
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